Digital Commons Network^™

Language And Literacy Supports In Early Childhood Classrooms: Comparing Ratings Of Teachers And Observers, Kayla Polk

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

A number of early literacy skills, including oral language skills, phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, and print knowledge, have been identified as precursor skills to later literacy skills and outcomes. Previous research has documented that many early childhood educators lack adequate knowledge and skills to implement practices necessary to foster emergent language and literacy development. This research was conducted to examine early childhood educators’ awareness of their classroom practices supporting language and literacy skills. A 48-item self-rating survey was created based upon dimensions measured by a widely used reliable and valid observation tool. The observation tool was used in 34 teachers’ …

2-D Cfd Design Of The Cross-Sectional Shape Of Arterial Stents, Kristen Karman

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

An approach for desigining arterial stents to maximize wall shear stress is presented. A cost equation to maximize wall shear stress is derived and then inverted into a minimization problem for the optimizer. A 2-D mixed-element finite-volume scheme for solving the compressible Navier-Stokes equations is implemented. A paramaterization of the cross- sectional shape of the stent wire using Hicks-Henne functions is described. The strategies used in the commercial optimization software, DAKOTA, to minimize the cost equation are described. The solver is validated using well known fluid flow test cases and is shown to match other published computed results for bloodflow …

The Wutc Threshold Test: A New Perspective In Olfactory Assessment, William A. Tewalt

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The WUTC Threshold Test is a new test of olfactory ability that focuses on the idea that deficits in olfactory ability are not necessarily generalizable to all odors. Though numerous diseases and disorders have been shown to lead to a loss of olfaction, tests of olfactory sensitivity have been limited to performance detecting a single odor. The WUTC is comprised of five odors that were selected based on differences in how they interact with the olfactory system and the chemical properties they possess. By utilizing a diverse odor profile, relationships between olfactory deficits to certain odors and specific diseases can …

Fake News, Real Hip: Rhetorical Dimensions Of Ironic Communication In Mass Media, Paige L. Broussard

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This paper explores the growing genre of fake news, a blend of information, entertainment, and satire, in main stream mass media, specifically examining the work of Stephen Colbert. First, this work examines classic definitions of satire and contemporary definitions and usages of irony in an effort to understand how they function in the fake news genre. Using a theory of postmodern knowledge, this work aims to illustrate how satiric news functions epistemologically using both logical and narrative paradigms. Specific artifacts are examined from Colbert’s speech in an effort to understand how rhetorical strategies function during his performances.

Acquisition Of Medication For Short-Term Medical Mission Trips, Christine R. Birnie

Pharmacy Faculty/Staff Publications

In lieu of an abstract, here is the article's first paragraph:

Each year, increasing numbers of pharmacists and pharmacy students participate in medical mission trips around the world. The Christian Pharmacist Fellowship International (CPFI) partners with Global Health Outreach (GHO) to ensure that one or two pharmacists are included on each of their multi-disciplinary medical trips. Over the past years, the number of pharmacists participating on these trips has increased from 20 pharmacists in 2002 to 78 pharmacists in 2012.¹ In recent years, pharmacy students have also become active team members, and several schools are now organizing medical mission …

All The Web's A Stage: The Dramaturgy Of Young Adult Social Media Use, Jaime R. Riccio

Theses - ALL

This study presents an in-depth, qualitative examination of dramaturgy in young adult interactions on the social networking sites, Facebook and Twitter. The dramaturgical perspective introduced by Erving Goffman in the study of sociology and symbolic interactionism is applied to a new media setting, wherein the interpersonal interactions of users are influenced by a mass media context. The author ventures into the field of dramaturgy as part of a broader sphere of hyperdramatic acculturation that millennials are growing up in, with constant access to one another through social media and the prevalence of dramatic and attention-seeking behaviors in entertainment media. A …

The Conceptions And Practices Of Motherhood Among Indo-Caribbean Immigrant Mothers In The United States: A Qualitative Study, Darshini T. Roopnarine

Dissertations - ALL

No abstract provided.

Silence Is Golden: Older Women's Voices And The Analysis Of Meaning Among Survivor's Of Domestic Violence, Virginia Lee Cronin

Dissertations - ALL

Current estimates indicate that upwards of 3,000,000 women a year are physically abused by an intimate partner, however, it is important to note that serious limitations associated with these estimates exist. Despite media campaigns, educational efforts, community outreach, and legislation, the majority of intimate partner violence that occurs in the United States continues to go unreported. While there is a vast literature on domestic violence, the focus has been on the experiences and outcomes of younger women. Very few studies have investigated the experiences of older women as survivors of domestic violence who came of age in an era of …

In Search Of A Single Voice: The Politics Of Form, Use And Belief In The Kernewek Language, Jesse Owen Harasta

Dissertations - ALL

This dissertation is based upon fieldwork performed between 2007 and 2011 in Cornwall, a region of Southwestern Britain notable for its ambiguous ethnic identity - caught between England and the Celtic nations - and its unique, revived Celtic language, Kernewek. During the course of the research, work focused upon the role of the language revival movement as a tool for ethnic identification: hardening boundaries, shoring up faltering communities and nationalist purification. However, the language movement is divided into three primary factions, which take differing approaches to the language, and to their corresponding language ideology based upon their relationship to Cornish …

The Gating Charge Should Not Be Estimated By Fitting A Two-State Model To A Q-V Curve, Francisco Bezanilla, Carlos A. Villalba-Galea

School of Pharmacy Faculty Articles

The voltage dependence of charges in voltage-sensitive proteins, typically displayed as charge versus voltage (Q-V) curves, is often quantified by fitting it to a simple two-state Boltzmann function. This procedure overlooks the fact that the fitted parameters, including the total charge, may be incorrect if the charge is moving in multiple steps. We present here the derivation of a general formulation for Q-V curves from multistate sequential models, including the case of infinite number of states. We demonstrate that the commonly used method to estimate the charge per molecule using a simple Boltzmann fit is not only inadequate, but in …

A Synthesis Of International School-Based Bullying Interventions, Jennifer Goodman, Jessica Medaris, Kimberley Verity, Brittany Hott

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

Bullying is a prevalent problem in school systems in the United States and abroad. This literature review focuses on elementary school-based bullying interventions for students published between 2005-2012. Ten studies reviewed included students from the first grade through the eighth grade from five countries. There were many common themes among successful bullying interventions including: (a) teacher training, (b) school-wide interventions, (c) social skills training in the classroom, (d) homework as a follow up to instruction, and (e) the incorporation of storybooks. Implications for practice and future research directions are shared.

The Effectiveness Of Computer-Assisted Instruction For Teaching Mathematics To Students With Specific Learning Disability, Sherry L. Stultz

The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship

Using computers to teach students is not a new idea. Computers have been utilized for educational purposes for over 80 years. However, the effectiveness of these programs for teaching mathematics to students with specific learning disability is unclear. This study was undertaken to determine if computer-assisted instruction was as effective as other methods of instruction that do not use computers for teaching mathematics to these students. A two-week experimental research study with 36 male and 22 female participants was conducted to determine if a difference existed in the learning of high school students with specific learning disability who were taught …

Installments, Special Issue, December 2013, Renee Montgomery

Libraries' Newsletters

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of 8 Weeks Of Low Dose Supplementation Of Creatine And Sodium Bicarbonate On Exercise Performance, Amanda Jessica Morris

Master's Theses

Short-term (3-7 days), high doses of creatine (20g/d) and/or sodium bicarbonate (0.5g/kg body weight) supplementation increase exercise performance during short term high intensity activities; however, it remains unclear whether long-term, low doses of these supplements have a positive impact on exercise performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of long-term (8 weeks), low dose creatine supplementation on exercise performance, and whether combining creatine and sodium bicarbonate supplementation has an additive effect. Sixty-three healthy, habitually active, adults (28 M, 35 W; 22+2 years; 23+ 3 BMI) were randomly assigned by sex to one of three supplement groups: …

Arkansas Animal Science Department Report 2013, David L. Kreider, Paul Beck

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

No abstract provided.

A Qualitative Study Of School Staff Perceptions Of Lasting Effects After Implementation Of Gear Up In Five Rural East Tennessee Counties, Flora R. Craig Mrs

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzed the perceptions of 13 school staff and their experiences with the implementation of GEAR UP TN. The primary purpose of this study was to examine how program activities and services are being sustained after funding for GEAR UP TN ceased.

Qualitative methodology guided this study. This approach allowed for the perspectives and lived experiences of the school staff to be voiced and heard. Data collected included their stories based on semistructured interviews and observations.

Findings are presented in 4 themes that pertain directly to the research questions regarding key elements that contributed to program continuation, procedures that …

Synthesis And Characterization Of 2,2-Cis-[Rh2(Nphcoch3)4]•Ncc6h4r Where R = H, 2-Ch3, 3-Ch3, 4-Ch3 And [Rh2(O2cch3)(Nphcocf3)3], Fredricka F. Quarshie

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Five novel compounds were synthesized and characterized. Crystal structures were determined using Rigaku Mercury 375/MCCD(XtaLAB mini) diffractometer with graphite monochromated MoKα radiation. The crystal structures of [Rh₂(NPhCOCH₃)₄•xNCC₆H₄R where x = 1 or 2 and R=H, 2-CH₃,3-CH₃ and 4-CH₃ were solved to an R₁ value of less than 5 (R₁= Σ||F_o| - |F_c|| / Σ |F_o|). In each of the nitrile complexes, the rhodium is five or six coordinate and possesses pseudo D_4h symmetry. The complexes were …

An Evaluation Of The Quality Assurance Plan At East Tennessee State University’S Dental Hygiene Program, Jennifer E. Fielden

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Quality assurance in healthcare is fundamental in ensuring the achievement of desired outcomes for patients. In 2011 a quality assurance plan was created at the East Tennessee State University (ETSU) dental hygiene program in order to meet accreditation standards. The purpose of this study was to evaluate this plan in order to determine its effectiveness in improving the quality of patient care indicators. One hundred fifty patient charts were selected and audited. Deficiencies were counted in the categories of assessment, treatment, documentation, referral, caries management, perio management, patient education, and follow-up. Research findings were varied; however, external variables with the …

Retention Strategies For Medical Technologists: Addressing The Shortages And Vacancies In The Clinical Laboratory, Kathy S. Small

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

It is important to have well-trained and qualified laboratory professionals. Seventy percent of patient care is based on decisions made from laboratory results, yet there is a growing shortage of medical technologists. Although some baby boomers are delaying retirement, worsening of the shortage crisis is inevitable. Retention of medical technologists has become more important than recruitment. The purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate innovative retention strategies used by clinical laboratory managers throughout the United States.

A significant finding of this study was the lack of qualified medical technologists entering the ranks of laboratory managers. This study identified …

Updated Methods For Traffic Impact Analysis, Including Evaluation Of Innovative Intersection Designs: Volume Ii—Applicant’S Guide, Gerald T. Bollinger, Jon D. Fricker

JTRP Technical Reports

The INDOT Applicant’s Guide to Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) is a product of SPR-3605 "Updated Methods for Traffic Impact Analysis". The purpose of this study was to review the Applicant’s and Reviewer’s Guides that were published in 1992 and make changes that would bring them in line with the methods and conditions that have emerged since then. This guide is intended to establish a standard framework for traffic impact analysis within Indiana, increasing consistency in study requests, preparation and review. A standardized procedure will enable the TIA study preparer to present the study findings and recommendations in a systematic manner …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Three New Tetrakis(N-Phenylacetamidato) Dirhodium(Ii) Nitrile Complexes, Nkongho Atem-Tambe

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Three new tetrakis [Rh₂(PhNCOCH₃)₄·xNCR] (R = {2-CH₃}C₆H₄ (x=2), R = {3-CH₃}C₆H₄ (x=1), R = (3-CN)C₆H_4∞ (x=1)) complexes have been synthesized and characterized. These complexes were characterized by IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopies and X-ray crystallography which solved with R₁<0.05.

[Rh₂(PhNCOCH₃)₄·2NC{2-CH₃}C₆H₄] was triclinic (a=9.79Å, b=14.79Å, c=16.36Å, α=103.84⁰, β=99.17⁰, γ=99.77⁰, P-1(#2), μCN=2227.78cm^-1, Rh-Rh=2.42Å, N-C=1.13Å, 1.14Å, Rh-N=2.34Å, 2.35Å, Rh-N-C=151.6⁰, 152.5⁰, Rh-Rh-N=173.0⁰, 174.6⁰).

[Rh₂(PhNCOCH₃)_{4 …}

Ebbing Winds: Life Rituals At Home And Abroad, Asya Fergiani

HIM 1990-2015

The intent of this thesis was to write a memoir of my five month trip to Libya that explores cultural differences through my experiences as an American with Western ideals. This memoir is focused on the cultural norms of marriage in the rural town of Msalata, in the central rural farming belt north of the ever expanding Sahara Desert of North Africa. My goal was to produce a work that is informational while showing the humanity of the local people through my perceptions as an outsider with different expectations. It was a time of discovery for me about the value …

Ownership Without Citizenship: The Creation Of Noncitizen Property Rights, Allison Brownell Tirres

Michigan Journal of Race and Law

At the nation’s founding, the common law of property defined ownership as an incident of citizenship. Noncitizens were unable lawfully to hold, devise, or inherit property. This doctrine eroded during the course of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, but few scholars have examined its demise or the concommittant rise of property rights for foreigners. This Article is the first sustained treatment of the creation of property rights for noncitizens in American law. It uncovers two key sources for the rights that emerged during the nineteenth century: federal territorial law, which allowed for alien property ownership and alien suffrage, and state …

The Court Loses Its Way With The Global Positioning System: United States V. Jones Retreats To The “Classic Trespassory Search”, George M. Dery Iii, Ryan Evaro

Michigan Journal of Race and Law

This Article analyzes United States v. Jones, in which the Supreme Court considered whether government placement of a global positioning system (GPS) device on a vehicle to follow a person’s movements constituted a Fourth Amendment “search.” The Jones Court ruled that two distinct definitions existed for a Fourth Amendment “search.” In addition to Katz v. United States’s reasonable-expectation-of-privacy standard, which the Court had used exclusively for over four decades, the Court recognized a second kind of search that it called a “classic trespassory search.” The second kind of search occurs when officials physically trespass or intrude upon a constitutionally protected …

An Examination Of Delay Discounting In Sex Offenders With Dual Diagnoses, Chad A. Poncinie

Theses

AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF CHAD A. PONCINIE. For the Master of Science degree in Behavior Analysis and Therapy, presented on 21 June 2013. TITLE: AN EXAMINATION OF DELAY DISCOUNTING IN SEX OFFENDERS WITH DUAL DIAGNOSES MAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. Mark R. Dixon Discounting of delayed rewards by sex offenders with dual diagnoses was compared to discounting of delayed rewards by matched control non-offenders with dual diagnoses. All participants completed a hypothetical choice task in which they made repeated choices between 10 dollars/servings after a delay and an equal or lesser amount available immediately. The delay to the large reward …

Effect Of Beam-Column Interaction On Axial Compressive Force In Post-Tensioned Continuous Concrete Beam, Kojo Amponsah Nkuako

Theses

This research seeks to investigate the instantaneous effect of beam - column interaction on the axial compressive force in post-tensioned continuous concrete beam. Hypothetically, if a prestressed beam is connected to columns, the axial compressive force in the concrete of the beam caused by the prestressed force will be reduced due to the interaction between the beam and the columns during post-tensioning. Finite Element Approach usually has been considered the most accurate approach for structural analysis. However, Load Balancing Approach has commonly been used by structural engineers to analyze prestressed concrete structures. Load Balancing Approach converts the post-tensioned force to …

Perfection: United Goal Or Divisive Myth? A Look Into The Concept Of Posthumanism And Its Theoretical Outcomes In Science Fiction, Rebecca Leah Mccarthy

Theses

As science races to keep up with science fiction, many scientists are beginning to believe that the next step in human evolution will be a combination of human and machine and look a lot like something out of Star Trek. The constant pursuit of perfection is a part of the human condition, but if we begin to stretch beyond the natural human form can we still consider ourselves human? Transhumanism and posthumanism are only theories for now, but they are theories that threaten to permanently displace the human race, possibly pushing it into extinction. This thesis will look at the …

Contesting The Mainstream? Citizen News Platforms, The Alternative Paradigm, And The Bp Oil Spill, Benjamin A. Lyons

Theses

With emerging content forums blurring the distinctions between journalistic paradigms, this study helps illuminate those which best promote alternative practice. A content analysis of Deepwater Horizon oil spill coverage compared three platforms for online citizen journalism: corporate (CNN iReport), alternative (Indymedia), and independent blogs. News stories were coded for sources, links, author-reader interaction, mobilizing information, tone for the liable parties' ability and intent in handling the disaster, and contestation of official information. Results show that Indymedia was the most alternative in inclusion of mobilizing information, critical tone, contestation of mainstream versions, ratio of alternative links to mainstream, and total usage …

Detection Of Anti-Helicopacter Pylori Igg Antibody, Anti-Gad Antibody, Anti-Beta Islets Cell In A Sample Of Serum With Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients, Dunya F. Salloom

Baghdad Science Journal

We have investigated twenty five patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus aged (35-60) years and fifteen healthy persons as control group to detect Anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody. All studied groups were carried out to measure fasting blood sugar, anti- Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), anti-β islets cells antibody by IFAT, Anti-H. pylori IgG antibody by ELISA technique. There was significant elevation in the concentration of fasting blood sugar than in control group (P< 0.05), the patients had negative results for anti-GAD antibody and anti- β islets cells antibody, there were significant differences (P < 0.05) of anti-H. pylori IgG antibody in 28 % of patients had type-2 diabetes than control group. This lead to suggestion that type -2 diabetes mellitus patients are more susceptible to H. pylori .

Thermodynamic Function Of Valineacid In N-N Dimethyl Formamide Mixtures From Conductance Measurement, Sanaa T. Sarhan

Baghdad Science Journal

Some physical properties enthalpy (ΔH), entropy (Δs), free energy (ΔG),capacities(Δcp°) and Pka values) for valine in dimethyl foramideover the temperature range 293.15-318.15K, were determined by direct conductance measurements. The acid dissociation at six temperature was examined at solvent composition x2) involving 0.141 of dimethyl foramide . As results, calculated values have been used to determine the dissociation constant and the associated thermodynamic function for the valine in the solvent mixture over temperatures in the range 293.15-318.15 k. The Pka1, and Pka2 were increased with increasing temperature.