Digital Commons Network^™

All Four Knot, A Cover Story, Sean Adrian Smith

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

No abstract provided.

Creating Safe Spaces: Bergson, Affirmation, And The Constitution Of Lgbtq Identity, Timothy Ross Johnston

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

The central claim of this dissertation is that the ability to feel comfortable, both in terms of your identity and in your fluid movement through the world, is the result of what I call affirmative feedback loops. When your environment affirms and reflects your identity back to you, you become comfortable with yourself and in that environment. This affirmation can be as direct as someone explicitly affirming you (for example, when you come out) or it can be as subtle and quotidian as being able to display photos of loved ones in your workspace. I argue that caring for other …

Assembly And Inhibition Of Toxic Aî² 42 Oligomers, Darryl Steven Aucoin

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

The misfolding of the 42-residue amyloid beta protein has been strongly linked to Alzheimer's Disease. Prior to forming the amyloid fibrils typically associated with Alzheimer's Disease, the amyloid beta proteins associate to form a mixture of hexameric and dodecameric oligomers. This work investigates the process by which these proteins associate into oligomers and the mechanism by which different small molecule inhibitors prevent this assembly. NMR spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and size exclusion chromatography were employed to determine the rate at which monomers assemble into hexamers, dodecamers and fibrils, and to correlate these changes in structure with changes in toxicity to …

Accessible Web Automation, Yury Puzis

Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions)

The Web is far less usable and accessible for people with visual impairments than it is for sighted people. There are only a handful of screen-reader applications that improve web browsing accessibility by reading aloud the content of web pages. However, accessibility does not imply usability; blind people end up spending minutes on browsing tasks that take sighted people seconds. This lack of productivity using the Web poses a significant barrier for people with visual impairments in education, employment, healthcare, etc. Web automation, a process of automating browsing actions on behalf of the user, has the potential to bridge the …

Measuring The Counter/Assumption Model's Effect On Argumentation Quality, Evan D G Ovadia

Master's Theses

This thesis presents a new platform called See the Reason, built upon a tree- structured argumentation model called the Counter/Assumption model. In the Counter/Assumption model, a topic is posted first, then under that topic, reasons for and against, and for each reason, counterarguments, and for any counterargu- ment, more counterarguments. The model enables us to systematically determine whether a claim is “tentatively true” or “tentatively false,” in an effort to motivate people to make their side’s claims tentatively true and the opposing side’s claims tentatively false, thus encouraging conflict. Research suggests that debates with more conflict are better, so this …

Csbs Kudos, December 2013, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Social And Behavioral Sciences.

CSBS Kudos

Contents:

-- Bye, Bye, Baker Hall
-- CSBS News: In Celebration of Creativity
-- Geography Welcomes Guest
-- Legacy Family
-- Faculty & Staff Kudos
-- Student Kudos
-- Alumni Kudos
-- The Semester in Pictures

The Money Or The Media? Lessons From Contrasting Developments In Us And Australian Whistleblowing Laws, Terry Morehead Dworkin, A.J. Brown

Seattle Journal for Social Justice

No abstract provided.

Stymieing Controversy Over Generic Top-Level Domains (Gtlds) And Other Internet Governance Decisions With Content Neutrality, Nafees Uddin

Seattle Journal for Social Justice

No abstract provided.

Faculty Senate Newsletter, December 2013, Louisiana State University And Agricultural & Mechanical College

LSU Faculty Senate Publications

Message from President: Discussion of higher education policy today takes place in the language or practicality: of productivity, of graduation targets, and of workforce development. Yet politics, even of the most pragmatic variety, is compounded as much of speculation and fantasy as of data, experience, or “reality.” Policy discussions quickly turn from what is to what should be. For decades—since the heyday of Margaret Thatcher—privatization has been heralded by “the silent majority” as the best way to increase efficiency. In academe, the twentieth-century dream of a lean, dynamic government has expressed itself in a faith in production line metrics such …

From Script To Screen To Syllabus: The Path To Curriculum Design For Undergraduate Film Production Programs, Peter J. Muir

Dissertations

Nothing has impacted western society more than media. Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dali Lama, wrote that “film and television, newspapers, books and radio together have an influence over individuals that was unimagined a hundred years ago.” The responsibility of creating these cultural artifacts, particularly within motion picture production, is a delicate balance between artistic vision and craft-oriented vocation; the contemplative mind skills of a wise citizen with the functional hand skills of a tradesperson. Undergraduate film production education provides the best avenue for development of this duality. However, within these programs, little is known regarding how curriculum is fashioned and …

Pathways To Cyber Bullying From Bystander To Participant: Secondary School Students’ Perspectives, Michele L. Siderman

Dissertations

The author conducted a qualitative analysis of student artifacts to explore the pathway and experiences of students who had never bullied in the traditional sense but had cyber bullied through the use of social networking sites. In addition, the author explored students’ understanding of the difference between traditional and cyber bullying and their perceptions of the victim receiving the online bullying messages. A transcendental phenomenological approach was employed. The student artifacts analyzed were assignments from a required ninth grade character education class, which included a self-reflective survey, journals, a six-paragraph paper, and an online photo story project.

Results indicated that …

Homoeopathic Management Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomised Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial, Praveen Oberai, S Gopinadhan, Roja Varanasi, Alok Mishra, Vikram Singh, Chaturbhuja Nayak

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of individualised homoeopathic medicines in treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Design: Randomised placebo-controlled single-blind pilot trial. Setting: Central Research Institute (Homoeopathy), Kottayam, Kerala, India from June 2009 to November 2011. Participants: Children aged 6-15 years meeting the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of mental disorders (DSM-IV) criteria for ADHD. Interventions: A total of 61 patients (Homoeopathy = 30, placebo = 31) were randomised to receive either individualised homoeopathic medicine in fifty millesimal (LM) potency or placebo for a period of one year. Outcome measures: Conner′s Parent Rating Scale-Revised: Short (CPRS-R (S)), Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale …

Book Reviews, Usawc Press

The US Army War College Quarterly: Parameters

No abstract provided.

Molecular Dynamics Simulations Using Advanced Sampling And Polarizable Force Fields, Tugba Kucukkal

All Dissertations

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were carried out for aqueous dipeptides, water over self-assembled monolayer (SAM) surfaces, and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) ion channel. The main goal is to use advanced methods to increase the accuracy of molecular dynamics simulations while seeking solutions to problems relevant to chemistry, biophysics and materials science. In addition, activation energies of several cyclodimerization reactions were studied quantum mechanically. The simulations of the aqueous dipeptides and SAM surfaces involve modeling and detailed analysis of interfacial water, which is of interest to a range of fields from biology to materials science. For example, water has a …

A Characterization Of Gold Nanoparticle Uptake By Mammalian Cells, Thomas Garner

All Dissertations

Over the past decade, there has been an exponential growth in products and applications that utilize nanotechnology, as these materials present exciting opportunities for the development of new products, enhancement of existing products, and the evolution of innovative procedures. However, this recent growth has occurred in the absence of detailed knowledge concerning the interactions of nanoparticles with biological systems. Nanoparticles must usually be bioavailable in order to elicit a biological response, and to reach an active site they must usually cross a membrane. As a result, cell culture studies have proven to be beneficial and are generally one of the …

Building The Science Of Healthcare Public Reporting: Integrating Anecdotal Information To Enhance Sensemaking, Kapil Chalil Madathil

All Dissertations

Anecdotal information about a healthcare consumers' interaction with care providers and hospital facilities is becoming increasingly available to the public in the form of YouTube videos and as discussion posts on peer-support groups. This form of information can potentially jeopardize the utility of reports generated by Federal entities as it potentially diverts consumer attention from more reliable measures of quality. This dissertation investigates how a health consumer's choice of care is influenced by anecdotal information on the care process available on YouTube. This research then investigates the effect of information presentation methods such as narratives and active engagement with quality …

Libguides, Blog Posts, And Articles, Oh My!, Marie Stefanini Newman, Taryn L. Rucinski

Elisabeth Haub School of Law Faculty Publications

“Publish, publish, publish!” is a piece of advice commonly offered to students by career services departments in law schools across the country. Student publications typically take the form of law review or bar journal articles or perhaps competition submissions; however, with the advent of accessible Web 2.0 technologies, publishing has evolved to encompass all sorts of content, styles, lengths, and audiences.

The Pace Law Library approach has been mostly electronic in nature and incorporates into Pace’s advanced legal research courses portfolio pieces such as student-authored research guides, blog posts, and bar journal articles. Moreover, student notes that satisfy the school’s …

A Basic Qualitative Study Investigating The Implementation Of Constructivist Teaching Practices In A K-2 Art Classroom, Carly Schrader

Art Education Projects

Abstract

This basic qualitative research examined the question, “What aspects of constructivism can be found in a kindergarten through second grade art classroom?” Over an eight to ten week period, I investigated a kindergarten, first, and second grade class of an elementary art teacher who did not identify herself as a constructivist teacher, but claimed to incorporate as many constructivist aspects as possible. I interpreted the data collected through a constructivist lens in order to record the implementation of aspects of constructivist practices and explore the variety of verbal and visual responses of the teacher and students. Data collection methods …

A Case Study Investigating How Art Education Fosters Collaboration In An Urban Environment Through The Lens Of Public Pedagogy, Tracy Fox

Art Education Projects

This case study examines how one particular after-school arts program in an urban environment bridges the gap between a university campus and the community it serves, creating opportunities for collaboration via the arts. The study was conducted at a community center run by Buffalo State.

Over the course of the study, ten interviews were conducted with a variety of people connected to the Community Arts Center’s (CAC) arts programs, including partners in the public arts initiative. The data was collected and analyzed over the course of eight weeks through the lens of Henry Giroux’s public pedagogy, which focuses on educational …

Qualitative Action Research On The Benefits Of Adding Humor And Aspects Of Play In An Elementary Art Education Classroom With Sixth Graders, Kelly Macagnone

Art Education Projects

This qualitative action research study explored the benefits of using humor and aspects of play as teaching strategies in the art classroom. This study was conducted in a small Catholic elementary school located in Western New York. One sixth grade class, composed of nine students, participated in this study. Data was collected and analyzed a period of ten weeks. Conducted through the theory of constructivism, students were engaged and encouraged to construct deep understandings of important concepts in the art classroom through the tools of humor and play. My focus was how the students’ perceived humor and play in the …

A Basic Qualitative Study Investigating How Middle School Art Teachers In Urban And Suburban Settings Employ Aspects Of Multiculturalism, Teresa J. Burgio

Art Education Projects

Abstract

I began this qualitative study on multicultural education in the classroom because I wanted to find out how art teachers implement multiculturalism and also how students react. I also wanted to learn what resources are used and strategies for this type of teaching. I chose an urban middle school with a sixth grade art class and a suburban middle school with a seventh grade art class. I taught as a substitute at these schools and these teachers informed me they teach multiculturalism in the art room. Both teachers are experienced and have been teaching art for over 15 years. …

Developing Presence In Online Undergraduate Courses, Rae L. Casey

Faculty Publications - George Fox Digital

The purpose of this basic interpretive qualitative study (Merriam, 2009) was to understand the factors that excellent online faculty perceived as important to the development of presence in their online courses. Eight faculty members at two institutions in the northwest region of the United States participated in the study. Data were collected through interviews, syllabus reviews, and field notes. The data were coded and categorized, resulting in seven categories that described the findings. The seven categories were: Course Development, Course Facilitation, Assessment, Student Self Direction, Teachers as Learners, Learning Relationships, and Teacher Workload Management.

Ebook Lending Platforms, John Novak

Library Faculty Research

For the purposes of this article, the definition of an eBook lending platform is one that contains eBooks from multiple publishers that patrons may browse and checkout. Though these platforms have eBooks that allow for multiple and simultaneous users, in general they have a one-book, one-user model. Details about the major eBook lending platforms for academic libraries, eBook lending platform characteristics, why and how an academic library would license one, and finally what the future of this rapidly changing environment may hold are explained in this article.

Advancing Southern Nevada’S Regional Priorities: Overview Of The 77th Session Of The Nevada Legislature, David F. Damore

Brookings Mountain West Publications

On January 10, 2013 the elected leadership of Southern Nevada met to discuss the region’s governance, K--‐12, higher education, infrastructure, economic development, and health care needs. From that bipartisan discussion emerged policy priorities for the 77^th Session of the Nevada Legislature. This report examines the degree to which the region’s elected senators and assembly members advanced these priorities and represented the interests of Southern Nevada in state government.

The Impact Of The Great Recession On Nevada’S Latino Community, John P. Tuman, David F. Damore, Maria J.F. Agreda

Brookings Mountain West Publications

The emergence of the Great Recession of 2008 had a profound impact in Nevada. The economic downturn generated high unemployment levels and led to turbulence in many sectors, particularly residential home construction and the hospitality industry. In the wake of the crisis, median home prices in Nevada plunged, while the residential foreclosure rate increased and remains one of the highest rates in the country. By 2009, it was evident that a tightening of commercial bank lending for new mortgages, combined with the impact of rising joblessness and plunging housing values, was hampering recovery efforts in the housing sector and Nevada’s …

Pedagogical Development Of Zen Buddhism And Taoism For Taos Ed. Ventures, Kelsey Tyler

Social Sciences

Taos Ed. Ventures is an outdoor guiding company that will be offering backpacking trips in Taos, New Mexico to high school and college students, with ages ranging from 16 – 29, starting the summer of 2015. Along with backpacking skills, the philosophies of Zen Buddhism and Taoism will be taught while on the trail. To teach these philosophies, a pedagogy was created, combining aspects of Sentipensante and Contemplative pedagogies that seeks to teach the daily applications of Zen Buddhism and Taoism through experiential and innovative learning methods, such as journaling, meditation, and mindfulness practices. The benefits of these alternative learning …

Reese Witherspoon: A True Role Model, Vanessa Hemmen

Faculty Curated Undergraduate Works

A profile of Reese Witherspoon.

Examining Official Supporter Groups: A Case Study Of The Cal Poly Men's Soccer Program, Kevin Mould

Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration

Official supporter groups are a critical component of any athletic program. One sport in which this concept is particularly apparent is soccer, a large part of the athletic culture at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. In order for these supporter groups to function at their highest level, they must be continually evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the official supporter groups of the Cal Poly Men’s Soccer program. Data were collected online from websites and social media outlets associated with each of Cal Poly Soccer’s official supporter groups, the Green Army and the Manglers. The instrument used …

The Rise Of Viral Videos, Erika Clingerman

Graphic Communication

No abstract provided.

A Study On Rebranding Strategies, Megan Bryant

Graphic Communication

This project is a study on rebranding strategies. Companies go through a rebrand to change their strategy and direction. Many companies succeed by going through these processes, while many others fail.

In addition to extensive research on past company rebrands, a questionnaire was conducted on a sample of 25 individuals of various ages about their experiences with brands and rebranding in order to compare their responses with actual company decisions.

Participants provided insight on their own personal behaviors, decisions, and perceptions about brands and purchasing products. The study concluded that, on average, quality was more important than price in almost …