Digital Commons Network^™

A Symbiotic View Of Life: We Have Never Been Individuals, Scott F. Gilbert, J. Sapp, A. I. Tauber

Biology Faculty Works

The notion of the "biological individual" is crucial to studies of genetics, immunology, evolution, development, anatomy, and physiology. Each of these biological subdisciplines has a specific conception of individuality, which has historically provided conceptual contexts for integrating newly acquired data. During the past decade, nucleic acid analysis, especially genomic sequencing and high-throughput RNA techniques, has challenged each of these disciplinary definitions by finding significant interactions of animals and plants with symbiotic microorganisms that disrupt the boundaries that heretofore had characterized the biological individual. Animals cannot be considered individuals by anatomical or physiological criteria because a diversity of symbionts are both …

Manager-In-Chief: Applying Public Management Theory To Examine White House Chief Of Staff Performance, David Cohen, Justin Vaughn, José Villalobos

Departmental Papers (PS)

In an effort to examine the causal determinants of performance dynamics for the administrative presidency, we apply empirical public management theory to White House administration to explain managerial performance. Utilizing original survey data that measures the perceptions of former officials from the Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Clinton administrations, we conduct quantitative analyses to determine the extent to which a chief of staff’s background, relationship with the president, and internal as well as external management approaches shape overall perceptions of White House administrative efforts. We find that managerial dimensions matter considerably when explaining the dynamics of White House organizational performance.

How Crucial Are Multi-Cultural Texts To Social Awareness And Acceptance In The Universal Pre-Kindergarten Setting?: A Study On Views On Family Structure, Elisabeth Addyman

Education Masters

This study examined the impact that multi-cultural picture books have on students’ views on different family structures in the Universal Pre-Kindergarten setting. Research was conducted in a Universal Pre-Kindergarten classroom in a whole and small group setting. Data was collected through informal observations, student work, and pre and post interviews. The findings showed that the students could benefit greatly from multi-cultural picture books when coupled with meaningful discussions and/or extending activities. In order to determine the full potential of using multi-cultural picture books within the classroom to impact students’ views on different family structures, more research needs to be conducted.

The Impact Of Student Interest And Instructor Effectiveness On Student Performance, Kate Sauer

Education Masters

This research project began by asking if and how student interest and instructor effectiveness impacted student performance. Research was conducted with two middle school students. The data was gathered by administering questionnaires, collecting student work, and recording observations. Findings revealed that students’ interest and their relationship with the instructor were contributing factors in successful academic performance. Therefore, the data implied that teachers need consider student interest and develop a relationship with them in order to foster student growth and success.

Using Technology As A Teacher Differentiation Tool To Increase Students' High Frequency Word Recognition, Shannon Mclaughlin

Education Masters

This research asked, “how does technology, as a teacher assistive differentiation tool, increase students high frequency word recognition?” Research was conducted in Greenville, New York with a group of nine first grade students all classified with a disability. Students were placed in either an iPad or flash card group. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected through questionnaires/interviews, student observations, and assessment. Findings revealed that both the groups increased their word recognition; however, the iPad group revealed a greater percentage increase when compared to the flash card group. The data implies there is a correlation among students with disabilities and using …

The Second Vatican Council Fifty Years Later: Achievements And Challenges, John Colacino

Verbum

In lieu of an abstract, below is the essay's first paragraph.

"I would like to begin this lecture with a personal perspective followed by some introductory comments concerning the ongoing “clash of interpretations” surrounding Vatican II and its documents, followed by a brief survey of each document noting some of its achievements and, in my opinion, ongoing challenges."

Full Issue, No Author

Verbum

This is the full issue of Volume 10, Issue 1 of Verbum, published in Fall 2012 by the REST Club at St. John Fisher College. Articles from this issue are available as separate PDFs at http://fisherpub.sjfc.edu/verbum/vol10/iss1/

The Home Literacy Environment Impact On A Struggling Reader And Emergent Reader's Readiness For A Pre-Kindergarten Program, Ashley Colarocco

Education Masters

The goal of this study was to examine the impact the home literacy environment has on a struggling reader and an emergent reader. It was determined that the home literacy environment has a greater impact on a struggling reader and an emergent reader. Data was collected through teacher field notes, questionnaires, and student test scores. The data showed the home literacy environment does have an impact on both a struggling reader and an emergent reader. The more involved a parent is in their child’s academics, the more successful the child will be. Children will be more prepared for school and …

A Realistic View Of Returning To The Classroom After Cancer Survival: A Double Entendré, Heidi Suzanne Zimmer

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Returning to work after cancer treatment provides its own set of challenges. The purpose of this research paper is to inform cancer survivors of the reality of returning to work after treatment. From personal experience and hearing others’ stories; I am convinced that getting back to a “normal” life is a large part of the recovery from cancer. Returning to work can be the conclusion to a very long battle and reassures survivors, that they truly have beaten the beast. The literature revealed that it takes time for the body to follow the head and heart when it comes to …

Zoomorphic Penannular Brooches In 6th And 7th Century Ireland, Esther G. Ward

School of Art, Art History, and Design: Theses and Student Creative Work

In this thesis the author examines the evolution, manufacture, and societal significance of zoomorphic penannular brooches, a type of metal dress fastener used in early medieval Ireland that is often decorated. The brooches examined are dated to the 6^th and 7^th centuries, during which the Irish underwent a process of religious conversion from Celtic paganism to Christianity, and social rank was paramount. It is in this social context that the brooches are examined. Despite the significance of this time of social change, brooches from this period tend to be overlooked by scholarship in favor of the more ornate …

Teacher Internship Report - Paramount Bard Academy, Erin M. Hanger

Agricultural Education: Graduate Internship Reports

This internship project includes required documents of validation in meeting quality criteria for secondary-level programs of instruction in agriculture. These documents are often used for the Agriculture Incentive Grant review process conducted by California Department of Education representatives. Currently, Paramount Bard Academy does not qualify for such funding. Since the Agricultural Incentive Grant is not available to Paramount Bard Academy, the internship project was directed at the development of a comprehensive program plan for Paramount Bard Academy. Paramount Bard Academy is a developing program, of less than four years, that has been benefited by this internship project.

Sir Walter Scott And Kenilworth Castle: Ruins Restored By Historical Imagination, Rumiko Handa

Architecture Program: Faculty Scholarly and Creative Activity

This is a study of how the architectural ruins of Kenilworth Castle contributed to the historical imagination of Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) and how he forged their literary restoration. The castle, located between Warwick and Coventry, was first constructed in the early twelfth century by Geoffrey de Clinton, the royal chamberlain to King Henry I (r. 1100-1135). Major additions were made by King Henry II (r. 1154-1189); King John (r. 1199-1216); John of Gaunt (1340-1399), son of King Edward III and Duke of Lancaster; and Robert Dudley (1532-1588), Earl of Leicester. The castle played a number of important roles throughout …

An Examination Of Acculturative Stress, Perceived Social Support And Depression Among Chinese International Students, Yue Zhang

Child and Family Studies - Theses

Cross-cultural living can be exciting but also challenging, as it may be accompanied by stress due to constant adaption to a series of continual changes. In addition to adjusting to a new physical environment, individuals must also make psychological adjustments. This study explored Chinese international students' acculturation processes through an examination of the association between acculturative stress, students' perceived social support and symptoms of depression. The study applied the modified conceptual framework from the acculturation model and the stress and coping theory to assess how students' acculturation experience affected their psychological well-being. Also, other contextual factors associated with this acculturation …

Coarticulation In American Sign Language Fingerspelling, Caitlin S. Channer

Linguistics ETDs

Fingerspelling is a category of American Sign Language (ASL) signs that are signed sequentially as an alphabetic representation. The present study proposes to examine the coarticulation and feature-spreading characteristics of fingerspelling. A preliminary study identified feature categories to be examined. In keeping with these results and feature categories, three hypotheses were constructed: (1) anticipatory effects are more common than perseverative effects, (2) coarticulation is most prevalent word medially, rather than word initially or word finally, and (3) larger articulators show spreading more often than smaller articulators and spread across multiple handshapes. To test these hypotheses, five fluent ASL fingerspellers were …

Pagkababae At Pagkalalake (Femininity And Masculinity): Developing A Filipino Gender Trait Inventory And Predicting Self-Esteem And Sexism, Vivienne Velez Valledor-Lukey

Child and Family Studies - Dissertations

This study focused on the construction of a gender trait inventory from a Filipino perspective, guided by social constructionist, symbolic interactionist, and feminist theories. Traits that were identified as being typical of Filipino men and women were grouped into positive (i.e., socially desirable) and negative (i.e., socially undesirable) subscales. Development and validity testing were conducted using data from 296 Filipino university students. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to develop the subscales of the instrument. The Filipino femininity subscale included positive traits such as being caring and supportive and negative traits such as being timid or keeping things to one's …

Pc-Based Automated Control System For Jordan Northern Grain Silo, Salem Al-Agtash

Computer Science and Engineering

This paper presents a PC-based automated control system operation of the Northern Grain Silo of Jordan. The system connects to a PLC (programmable logic controller) device, and combines operator interface, PLC programming and monitoring functions into one platform. The PLC portion handles direct operations control, while the PC portion handles interfacing and data intensive functions. A simulation package is developed. The package generates a graphical user interface for real-time graphic animations of the Grain Silo operation. We discuss anticipated benefits of such a system and phases of implementation.

Attachment Security Among Toddlers: The Impacts Of Supportive Coparenting And Father Engagement, Sangita Pudasainee-Kapri

Child and Family Studies - Theses

The present study examined the longitudinal associations among supportive coparenting and father engagement during infancy and mother-child attachment at age three within an at-risk sample (N= 1371), using secondary data from Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing (FFCW) study. Mothers reported on coparenting and father engagement during the one-year phone interview and mother-child attachment was assessed using the Toddler Attachment Sort-39 (TAS-39) at age three during the three-year in-home interview. Findings suggest that supportive coparenting was significantly associated with higher levels of father engagement and more secure mother-child attachment relationship across three racial/ethnic groups including white, African American, and Hispanic. Interestingly, …

Early Permian Seawater From The Delta18o Record Of Fossil Bivalves: Seasonality And A Latitudinal Gradient, James Andrew Beard

Earth & Environmental Sciences - Theses

The transition from a glaciated world to one that was ice-free makes the early Permian a time interval that in many ways mirrors the present, and hence there is great interest in constraining paleoclimate conditions over that transition. A common method for estimating ancient temperatures uses the oxygen isotope composition of marine carbonate, but this approach becomes significantly more complicated prior to the Cretaceous due to uncertainties about diagenesis and the isotopic composition of seawater, which has been hypothesized to be more depleted than during the Cenozoic. I use stable isotope compositions of sequentially microsampled accretionary calcite from fossil bivalves …

The Body Machinic: Technology, Labor, And Mechanized Bodies In Victorian Culture, Jessica Kuskey

English - Dissertations

While recent scholarship focuses on the fluidity or dissolution of the boundary between body and machine, "The Body Machinic" historicizes the emergence of the categories of "human" and "mechanical" labor. Beginning with nineteenth-century debates about the mechanized labor process, these categories became defined in opposition to each other, providing the ideological foundation for a dichotomy that continues to structure thinking about our relation to technology. These perspectives are polarized into technophobic fears of dehumanization and machines "taking over," or technological determinist celebrations of new technologies as improvements to human life, offering the tempting promise of maximizing human efficiency. "The Body …

Unlocking Students' Perspectives Of Leadership, Jonathan Damiani

Teaching and Leadership - Dissertations

The need for principals to have the time and tools to focus on instruction and student learning has continued to intensify. At the same time, the incongruence between what principals want to do instructionally and have time to do, creates dire consequences for school leaders and their work in making a difference in schools regarding staff and student improvement.

This study examines whether and how principals take their lead from students, and use student voice, to create more responsive schools, and more responsible models of leadership. In order to describe and explain whether and how principals have used students' perspectives …

Ecology Of Zoonoses: Natural And Unnatural Histories, William B. Karesh, Andy Dobson, James O. Lloyd-Smith, Juan Lubroth, Matthew A. Dixon, Malcolm Bennett, Stephen Aldrich, Todd Harrington, Pierre Formenty, Elizabeth H. Loh, Catherine C. Machalaba, Mathew Jason Thomas, David L. Heymann

United States Public Health Resources

More than 60% of human infectious diseases are caused by pathogens shared with wild or domestic animals. Zoonotic disease organisms include those that are endemic in human populations or enzootic in animal populations with frequent cross-species transmission to people. Some of these diseases have only emerged recently. Together, these organisms are responsible for a substantial burden of disease, with endemic and enzootic zoonoses causing about a billion cases of illness in people and millions of deaths every year. Emerging zoonoses are a growing threat to global health and have caused hundreds of billions of US dollars of economic damage in …

Volume 32, Number 4, December 2012 Olac Newsletter, Marcy A. Strong, Bruce Evans, Jan Mayo, T.J. Kao, Christina Hennessey, Jay Weitz

OLAC Newsletters

Digitized December 2012 issue of the OLAC Newsletter.

Supramolecular Sensor For Cancer-Associated Nitrosamines, Tsuyoshi Minami, Nina A. Esipenko, Ben Zhang, Maria E. Kozelkova, Lyle Isaacs, Ryuhei Nishiyabu, Yuji Kubo, Pavel Anzenbacher Jr.

Chemistry Faculty Publications

A supramolecular assay based on two fluorescent cucurbit[n]uril probes enables the recognition and quantification of nitrosamines, including cancer-associated nitrosamines, compounds that are difficult to recognize. The cross-reactive sensor leverages weak interactions and competition among the probe, metal, and guest, yielding high information density in the signal output (variance) and enabling the recognition of structurally similar guests.

Media Created Violence: A Social Determinant Of Mental Health., Shamshad Begum, Shaneela Sadruddin Khowaja, Gulnar Ali

School of Nursing & Midwifery

In today's high technological world, scientific discoveries contribute remarkable development to human life, but it could also have an adverse impact on mankind. Among all these advancements, media is one of the inventions which aims at capturing a countless group of viewers and transmit information via various mediums. Media violence is considered one of the hampering determinants which harms an individual psychologically. The primary goal of a health professional is to work for the maintenance of mental health. Therefore, it is imperative to create an understanding about the impact of media violence on mental health, particularly in the Pakistani context. …

Oil Development In Anwr: The Precautionary Principle Is Compatible With The Fish And Wildlife Service's Statutory Mandate, Trisna Tanus

Washington Journal of Environmental Law & Policy

The potential for oil production in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) coastal plain, otherwise known as the 1002 Area, is significant, with a current value of $770 billion. Yet, there are considerable knowledge gaps and disagreements over the environmental impacts of oil development in ANWR. The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) manages ANWR and is tasked with advancing the refuge’s mission of ecological conservation. Before it can approve oil development in ANWR, the FWS is statutorily required to ensure that oil development is compatible with ANWR’s mission. This Comment argues that the precautionary principle is embedded within the laws …

Value Of U.S. Higher Education For International Students In The Context Of Higher Education Internationalization, Ewa L. Urban

Dissertations

This study used a cross-sectional survey to examine the perceptions of undergraduate and graduate international students enrolled at a public university in the Midwest, regarding the personal and professional value they receive from their higher education experience. In addition, the study explored international students’ perceptions of the level of engagement they experience as cultural resources at their institution.

Results indicated that international students’ decisions to come to the U.S. were mostly driven by professional motivations, such as getting quality education, developing a better understanding of their fields of study, and gaining practical skills and experiences. Yet, international students’ professional outcomes …

Tennessee Forestry Commission Fy 2012 Annual Report, Tennessee. Department Of Agriculture.

Forestry Commission Annual Report

No abstract provided.

Four Words That Can Make Us Cringe, Christopher F. D'Elia, Gene E. Likens

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Note – The Right To Be Forgotten, Robert Kirk Walker

UC Law Journal

Information posted to the Internet is never truly forgotten. While permanently available data offers significant social benefits, it also carries substantial risks to a data subject if personal information is used out of context or in ways that are harmful to the subject’s reputation. The potential for harm is especially dire when personal information is disclosed without a subject’s consent. In response to these risks, European policymakers have proposed legislation recognizing a “right to be forgotten.” This right would provide persons in European Union countries with a legal mechanism to compel the removal of their personal data from online databases. …

United States Military Cohesion After The Repeal Of “Don’T Ask, Don’T Tell”, Stephanie E.V. Brown

Honors Projects

The repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was projected by politicians and military personnel alike to have a negative impact on unit cohesion. The findings of this study indicated that overall military cohesion was high, and that many military members found that the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” had no impact on task or social cohesion. However, using the Chi Square test, there were two noted significant associations when observing participant pay grade and perceptions of how the repeal of DADT has affected a unit’s ability to work together to complete tasks get the job done (χ^{2 …}