Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Negative Publicity On The Performance Of Professional Baseball Athletes., Crystal M. Smallwood

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study researched the effects of negative publicity on the performance of professional baseball athletes. Four athletes’ performance statistics were evaluated before a scandal that produced negative publicity, during the height of the negative publicity and after the scrutiny tapered off. Chipper Jones, Wade Boggs, Alex Rodriguez and David Justice were the athletes chosen for the study, and all four athletes experienced a similar scandal and negative publicity about their personal and professional lives. The results showed an effect on performance, but it was not always negative and could not be definitively linked to the negative exposure in the media. …

Chancellor's Report 2011-12, John Pugh

Chancellor's Report

No abstract provided.

Ebullition-Driven Fluxes Of Methane From Shallow Hot Spots In The East Siberian Arctic Shelf, Natalia Shakhova, Igor Semiletov, Anatoly Salyuk, Chris Stubbs, Denis Kosmach

Research Posters

The maximum concentration of atmospheric methane (CH4) occurs over the Arctic: the value of CH4 over Greenland exceeds that over Antarctica by 8-10%; an absolute maximum is measured during wintertime (Steel et. al., 1987; Fung et. al., 1991). Geologic evidence provides insight into possible climate change effects from a warmer Arctic, suggesting that enhanced Arctic CH4 emissions during warm periods played a key role in past rapid climate change.

Using Local Knowledge, Hydrologic, And Climate Data To Develop A Driftwood Harvest Model In Interior Alaska, Chas Jones, Larry D. Hinzman, Knut Kielland

Research Posters

Rural Alaskan residents are concerned that the character of the summer discharge in the Yukon River is changing, which is affecting their ability to harvest driftwood. The Yukon River flows northwesterly through British Columbia and the Yukon Territory before flowing southwest through Alaska. In most summers, residents of Tanana, Alaska harvest driftwood from the Yukon River during two different periods. Typically, driftwood accompanies high flows on the Yukon River associated with spring break‐up. A few weeks later, a second series of driftwood appears, associated with the “2nd rise,” which is reported to occur during early June. This study examines the …

University Of Nebraska At Omaha, December Commencement 2011, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Commencement Programs

No abstract provided.

Hydrographic Controls And Seasonal Variability On The Carbonate System In The Northern Gulf Of Alaska, Kristen L. Shake

Marine Biology

The Northern Gulf of Alaska (GOA) supports a dynamic and economically viable marine ecosystem. One notable potential stressor to this ecosystem is ocean acidification (OA), a byproduct of the increased uptake of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO₂) by the ocean. Measurements of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total alkalinity (TA) were made along the continental shelf of the northern GOA and in Prince William Sound (PWS) and used to calculate seawater pH and the saturation state of aragonite Warp). Observations showed a high degree of seasonal variability in DIC concentrations in surface and bottom waters. TA was depleted relative to DIC …

Saturday Extra: Guerilla Civic Engagement On The Landscape, John M. Rudy

Interpreting the Civil War: Connecting the Civil War to the American Public

Over at Civil War Memory, Kevin Levin brought the community's attention to some installations placed on the fences surrounding a few of the statues along Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia. The signs are a redress of sorts to the Confederate narrative told through granite, marble and bronze on the massive monuments. They highlight black citizens of Virginia who challenged the racist establishment of the state throughout its history. [excerpt]

An Exploration Of Swallowing Stimulation In The Infant, Sarah Elizabeth Hegyi

Dissertations, 2014-2019

The purpose of this study was twofold: to determine the effects of two types of non-invasive, peripheral sensory stimulation on the frequency of infant swallowing and to explore the cortical activation patterns in response to stimulation in the somatosensory and motor regions of the brain during infancy, between 2-4 months and 7-9 months of age. The two different forms of mechanical stimulation investigated include pacifier stimulation to the lips and oral cavity and vibrotactile stimulation via the external throat area to the laryngeal tissues. The study represents a prospective, repeated experimental research design. Investigators utilized an accelerometer and an inductive …

Nonresponse Bias In Online Course Evaluations, Cassandra Jones

Dissertations, 2014-2019

Recently more universities have started administering course evaluations online. With the process no longer in the classroom, some students decide not to complete their course evaluations during their own time, resulting in concerns about online course evaluation results being biased because of lack of response. This study examined course evaluation results at a small diverse mid-Atlantic Catholic university. A cross-classified random effects model was used to capture student responses across all of their courses. Nonresponse bias was examined by determining predictors of online course evaluation ratings and participation. Variables predicting both participation and ratings were considered to be a potential …

Attachment And Resilience In Military Families Throughout The Deployment Cycle, Jason A. Kacmarski

Educational Specialist, 2009-2019

The number of military deployments in the United States of America has been on the rise since the United States attacked Iraq in 2003 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Ongoing combat operations over the last few years have meant a growing number of military families have experienced the deployment process. This research paper utilizes the concepts of attachment and resilience to explore the deployment process within the framework of the emotional cycle of deployment. Integrating current knowledge within the field of mental health related to attachment theory, resilience, and the deployment process, I explore the potential risks military …

Trust Betrayed: Counseling Girls Who Have Been Sexually Abused By Educators, Courtney Paige Boyd

Educational Specialist, 2009-2019

Educator sexual abuse is rarely discussed, although literature shows that it occurs at an alarming rate. This paper discusses the literature that does exist about educator sexual abuse, as well as the prevalence of this type of sexual abuse. Aspects of the trauma are discussed including grooming, blaming the victim, and the guilt and denial associated with the abuse. The paper concludes with recommendations for counselors who are working with girls who have experienced educator sexual abuse. Inner child work, guided imagery, and trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy are referenced.

Grief And Resilience In Children And Families: Resources For Counseling Professionals, Parents, And Children, Ashley Smith Hall

Educational Specialist, 2009-2019

Ninety percent of children in the United States will have experienced the loss of a significant loved one by the time they are 18 years old (McClure, 2007). Parents and other family members can provide a significant amount of support, provided that they are equipped with the necessary resources. The purpose of this project was to identify and develop tools that provide parents and other family members with the opportunity to learn ways to incorporate themselves as a support system for a grieving child in their family. Children express their feelings by showing rather than telling. Creativity allows bereaved children …

The Role Of The Nascent Polypeptide-Associated Complex In Caenorhabditis Elegans, Paul T. Arsenovic

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

The nascent polypeptide-associated complex (NAC) is a highly conserved protein complex known to play an important role in the development of metazoan organisms, but its molecular function is not well understood. Recent evidence from experiments using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as model supported the hypothesis that the NAC is either a chaperone or a component of the cytosolic chaperone network that interacts with nascent peptides emerging from the ribosome. We tested this model in C. elegans and found that the homologues of the NAC , icd-1 and icd-2, behave like chaperones in the worm. Lack of icd-1 or icd-2 altered the worms …

A Case Study In Wetlands Conservation: Identifying Best Management Practices For Landowner Stewardship, Allison M. Bredbenner

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

This research explores wetlands conservation techniques employed by private landowners owning 1,000 or more acres who were recipients of an Environmental Law Institute National Wetlands Award. Study of private landowner stewardship is timely and important because in the United States, 75 percent of all wetlands are under private ownership. Given that wetlands provide a suite of valuable ecosystem services such as water filtration, flood abatement, and carbon storage, their conservation is critical to a healthy environment and productive economy. To accomplish this research, landowner files were processed into a digital archive and sub-categorized for research purposes. Telephone interviews were conducted …

The Examination Of The Feasibility Of Implementing A Biosphere Reserve In The Maltese Islands : Applying A Conservation Value Evaluation Framework, Alexander Borg

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Biosphere reserves are protected areas which are internationally recognized within the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s Man and the Biosphere Programme for promoting and establishing a balanced relationship between people and nature. Biosphere reserve management is guided by principles of biodiversity conservation; sustainable development; local, national and international partnership and support; local capacity-building; research and monitoring and co-operative management that is multidisciplinary, multi-stakeholder and locally-based. The research evaluated the feasibility of implementing the biosphere reserve concept in the Maltese Islands. This was studied by applying a conservation framework which consisted of holistic conservation value appraisal criteria – incorporating …

Investigating Hydrogen Enhanced Combustion In A Sustainability Context, Glenn Zammit

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Since their invention, internal combustion engines have played a major role in the social and economic development of many countries by allowing people and goods to move from one place to another for longer distances and in shorter times. However, the negative environmental impacts of the widespread use of internal combustion engines in private and commercial vehicles have reached alarming values, with future prospects being much worse. In addition, fuel consumption and the dependency on oil imports of many countries have increased sharply in the past years as vehicle populations and use increased. The current trends are clearly unsustainable and …

Development Of A Methodology For Dormitory Energy Load Estimation And Analysis, John Michael Real

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

In recent years interest in reducing energy consumption at the building levels has been increasing, especially in the higher education sector. Many examples exist of higher education institutions reducing their environmental impact through energy consumption reductions, however the majority of these are anecdotal examples and it is difficult to replicate these initiatives at other institutions, either due to resource constraints, financial constraints, or a lack of reproducible methodology. This issue is further compounded by the fact that a generalized methodology does not exist for the purposes of estimating building energy loads, especially in dormitories in the absence of expensive and …

Interscholastic Sports Academic Performance And Attendance Of Middle School Student Athletes And Nonathletes., Kenneth Huey Samuelson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if student athletes were more successful in school than nonathletes at 2 middle schools located in the same school district in Western North Carolina. Each school serves students in grades 6-8; however, data were only gathered from students in grades 7 and 8 because students in grade 6 are prohibited from participating in athletics at the middle school level. The testing variables included number of days absent from school, percentile score on Math End-of-Grade tests, percentile score on Reading End-of-Grade tests, final grade in math courses, and final grade in reading courses. …

K-6 Classroom Teachers' Perceptions Of Effective Teacher Education Programs., Pauletta J. Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The demands placed upon stakeholders of the public education system have become more and more compelling with each passing year. With the success of schools and students at stake, it is imperative to examine multiple facets of the public education structure. One of the most important aspects of this process is the development of preservice teachers entering the classroom.

This study initially chronicled the history of teacher education and state licensure. Subsequently, standards enforced by the Tennessee Department of Education and National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education were also explored to gain information about the guidelines and criteria required …

Synthesis Of Resveratrol Esters And Aliphatic Acids., Stanley Mofor Jing

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Resveratrol (RV) is a naturally occurring phytoalexin of the stilbenoid family produced by some plant species, and present in grape skin, peanuts, and red wine. It has been found to exhibit anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-aging, cardio protective, and anti-oxidant properties. Bioavailability is a huge setback that limits the potentials of RV. As a result, efforts have been made to design and synthesize RV esters and aliphatic acids in an attempt to increase its bioavailability, solubility in water, and possibly improving its biological activities. Resveratrol esters, 3,5,4'-triacetyloxystilbene (2) and Methyl 1,1',1''- (3,4',5-stilbenyl)-1,6-hexanedioate (3) have been synthesized. Compound 3 is a new …

The Development And Fabrication Of A Modular Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor System For The Transportation Of Materials To And From A Mezzanine., Matthew Paul Crum

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this developmental project was to design and fabricate a vertical reciprocating conveyor in order to eliminate the process of manually carrying 27 pound containers of plastic resin up and down a flight of offset space saver stairs. This project took place and was built for Phoenix Closures Incorporated. The conveyor was designed and built in house because there are no commercially available vertical reciprocating conveyors available that meet the necessary requirements.

The capabilities of the proposed vertical reciprocating conveyor are not limited to the carrying of the containers but designed to carry vacuum cleaners, tool boxes, and …

Isolation Of A Rhodococcus Soil Bacterium That Produces A Strong Antibacterial Compound., Ralitsa Bogomilova Borisova

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Rhodococci are notable for their ability to degrade a variety of natural and xenobiotic compounds. Recently, interest in Rhodococcus has increased due to the discovery of a large number of genes for secondary metabolism. Only a few secondary metabolites have been characterized from the rhodococci (including 3 recently described antibiotics). Twenty-four new Rhodococcus strains were isolated from soils in East Tennessee using acetonitrile enrichment culturing and identified using 16S rRNA analysis. Forty-seven Rhodococcus strains were screened for antibiotic production using a growth inhibition assay. One strain, MTM3W5.2, had 90% similarity to the Rhodococcus opacus 16S rRNA gene sequence and produced …

Why Not Kinkade? An Evaluation Of The Conditions Effecting An Artists Exclusion From Academic Criticism., Kelly Drum Moran

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Though prevalent in non-academic debate, the subject of Thomas Kinkade and his artwork is discernibly absent from the realm of academic discourse. This paper is an investigation into that condition and the circumstances for its perpetuation. Central to the issue is Kinkade's art theory and practice, which establishes his coexistence in both the art and business domains, creating inherent contradictions. Further explication is revealed through an evaluation of the contemporary criticism of four posthumously canonized artists: William Blake, Phillip Otto Runge, Vincent van Gogh, and Henri Rousseau. Consistencies among them correlate to the treatment of Thomas Kinkade, suggesting a common …

The Influence Of Time Perspective On Physical Activity Intentions And Behaviors Among Adolescents Residing In Central Appalachia., Tauna Gulley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Obesity and inactivity are prevalent among central Appalachian adolescents. Appalachian residents have been labeled "fatalistic," a time perspective unsupportive of health-promoting behaviors such as regular participation in physical activity. The theory of planned behavior has been used extensively to explain the physical activity behaviors of adolescents. Constructs within the theory of planned behavior include attitudes toward the behavior, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention to perform the behavior. The purpose of this study was to determine the time perspective of central Appalachian adolescents and examine the relationship between time perspective and the constructs within the theory of planned behavior. …

Harry James Tremble Sr.

African American Funeral Programs

No abstract provided.

Determination Of Select Metal Ions In Commercially Available Conventional And Organic Baby Foods., Neva S. Winters

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study is to determine whether or not there is an appreciable difference between concentrations of various metal ions present in conventionally grown and processed and organically grown and processed baby foods. Two prominent, commercially available brands were chosen to undergo comparative studies between both their own conventional and organic varieties of second stage green beans and carrots. Samples were tested for cadmium, calcium, iron, lead, nickel, and zinc. Two containers of each variety of baby food were sampled in triplicate, with purchases of foods being made in separate areas to ensure that each set came from …

Free Clinics And The Uninsured: The Need For Remote Area Medical In Central Appalachia After Health Reform., James W. Watson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In 2008, the election of President Barack Obama brought health care to the forefront of national discussions and led to the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). The legislation changed the rules of health care delivery in the United States, but the ACA did not do one fundamental thing: It did not end the need for many of the nation's most needy patients to seek free medical care from groups such as Remote Area Medical (RAM).

A mobile clinic, RAM brings together volunteer dentists, physicians, nurses, and other professionals as well as support staff for multi-day …

Effective Leadership Practices In The Sustainability Of Professional Learning Communities In Two Elementary Schools., Debra Walls Wolford

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the leadership practices of principals who sustain professional learning communities. The study was conducted using semistructured interviews with 2 elementary school principals from a noted professional learning community district in Henderson, Kentucky. A Professional Learning Community Assessment Survey was completed by the teachers in both elementary schools. Photographs of each school and a review of school documents triangulated the research of these 2 professional learning communities.

In interviews the principals described their roles in: (1) defining a professional learning community or PLC, (2) supporting and sustaining a PLC, (3) supporting professional …

Common Characteristics Of School Administrators Who Are Perceived As Effective In Meeting The Needs Of Students With Disabilities., Carissa Gail Mitchell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study was conducted in 3 school systems in East Tennessee by interviewing special education directors, school principals, and teachers. The purpose of this study was to identify administrators who are successful in meeting the needs of special education students and determine characteristics they possess that facilitate success. The grounded theory study employed purposeful sampling and the snowball sampling method. It also included the use of a pilot study to refine the interview protocol. This study includes the characteristics of effective principals as perceived by the special education directors, principals, and teachers. Although some variety of conclusions existed within …

Student Outcomes And The Implementation Of A Ninth Grade Academy In A Western North Carolina High School., Monet Calloway Samuelson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

One purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of students who were part of a 9^th grade academy during their freshman year with outcomes of students who were not part of a 9^th grade academy during their freshman year. Student outcomes are defined for this study to include attendance, promotion rate to 10^th grade on time, in-school suspension assignments, Algebra I End-of-Course exam scores, and English I End-of-Course exam scores. The second purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of 10^th grade students who were part of a 9^th grade academy during their …