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The Broadsheet- Issue 10, Merrimack College

The Broadsheet

Merrimack College's English Department newsletter.

This issue features:

• Senior Seminar Reflection
• Alison Leonard Profile
• Maleficent Film Review
• Dracula Untold Film Review
• Guest Book Review of Let’s Take the Long Way Home
• English Fall Excursion 2014

Diffusion Of The Lnternet And Its Effect On Gender Attitudes: A Cross-National Approach, Robert Roznowski

Masters Theses

The rapid diffusion of the Internet worldwide generates discussion about the social implications of the Internet. To explore the effect of Internet diffusion worldwide, this study examines changes in reported gender attitudes since the introduction of the Internet. I propose that the diffusion of the Internet fosters egalitarian changes in gender attitudes. Using cross-national data from forty countries over a time span of nearly twenty years, I successfully implement an alternative analysis technique, the slope-slope model, to examine the relationship between rates of Internet diffusion and changes in gender attitudes in the economic, political, and education domains. Internet diffusion affects …

Beyond Gothic : Ye Si's Spectral Hong Kong And The Global Culture Crisis = 哥特之外 : 也斯的鬼怪香港與全球化危機, Andrea Riemenschnitter

Journal of Modern Literature in Chinese 現代中文文學學報

No abstract provided.

A Ghost Tour In Rouge = 遊魂《胭脂扣》, Ho Yin Fong

Journal of Modern Literature in Chinese 現代中文文學學報

This paper discusses how Fleur's association to some of the worldwide ghost tours insinuates the haunting quality of the past, time, and the cityscape; in other words, it discusses how the tragic love story between Fleur and Twelfth Master can also be allegorically read as a tragic cultural story of Hong Kong. This discussion allegorically reads Fleur, Twelfth Master and Yuen as figures hauled by modernity.

Effects Of Video Enhancement In A Stated-Choice Experiment On Medical Decision Making, Susanne Hoffmann, Joachim Winter, Francis G. Caro, Alison Gottlieb

Gerontology Institute Publications

Background. The internet can be useful in administering stated-choice experiments to understand medical decision making and refine the content of patient decision aids. In internet-based stated-choice experiments, video and audio files can be used to provide information to respondents. Quality of data may or may not be affected.

Objectives. In a methodological experiment concerned with administration of a stated-choice experiment on the internet concerned with knee-replacement surgery, we compared the data quality obtained with video-enhanced and conventional text formats.

Methods. Members of the RAND Corporation’s American Life Panel and 50 years of age or older (n=1616) were randomly assigned to …

Designing Acoustics For Linguistically Diverse Classrooms: Effects Of Background Noise, Reverberation And Talker Foreign Accent On Speech Comprehension By Native And Non-Native English-Speaking Listeners, Z. Ellen Peng

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The current classroom acoustics standard (ANSI S12.60-2010) recommends core learning spaces not to exceed background noise level (BNL) of 35 dBA and reverberation time (RT) of 0.6 second, based on speech intelligibility performance mainly by the native English-speaking population. Existing literature has not correlated these recommended values well with student learning outcomes. With a growing population of non-native English speakers in American classrooms, the special needs for perceiving degraded speech among non-native listeners, either due to realistic room acoustics or talker foreign accent, have not been addressed in the current standard. This research seeks to investigate the effects of BNL …

Delgado's Darkroom: Critical Reflections On Land Titles And Latino Legal Education, Richard Delgado

New Mexico Law Review

Comments from the U.S. Senator Dennis Chavez Endowed Lecturesheip/Symposium on Civil Rights hsoted by The University of New Mexico School of Law April 22, 2014

Evaluating The Impact Of Missouri Senate Bill 291 On Fifth And Ninth Grade State Physical Fitness Standards, Robert Scott Johnston

Dissertations

The current obesity rates of our nation’s youth continue to escalate at an alarming rate due to inactivity, poor nutrition, and lifestyle changes. The purpose of this research study was conducted to determine the effects of Missouri Senate Bill 291 on Missouri physical fitness scores as assessed by the Missouri Physical Fitness Assessment. The state of Missouri adopted new physical activity requirements starting in the 2010-2011 school year. This study evaluated the impact of Missouri Senate Bill 291 on fifth and ninth grade physical fitness assessments. Eleven years of statewide data, were examined to determine the impact of the physical …

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Against the Grain

No abstract provided.

Ecological Knowledge In Community Theater, Paul Brown

CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture

In his article "Ecological Knowledge in Community Theater" Paul Brown presents a practitioner's perspective on plays which celebrate and enhance community resilience while addressing complex environmental problems. Community plays can highlight environmental injustices and assist communities to find a voice. The article explores these functions by examining how nature moves center-stage in community plays, and the role of community arts, alongside scientific research, in developing and communicating shared understanding of environmental problems and their solutions. In his study Brown compares knowledge-making processes for science and community theater and explores the values expressed in eco-theater and the processes of producing and …

Exploring The Role Of Ospreys In Education, Rebecca Cushing, Brian E. Washburn

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Recent research in childhood education has demonstrated that experiences in nature are important in shaping early environmental consciousness (Hinds and Sparks 2008, Hussar and Horvath 2011, Cheng and Monroe 2012) and ultimately the expression of pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors during adulthood (Wells and Lekies 2006, Chawla and Cushing 2007, Collado et al. 2013). Increasingly, those experiences happen via written and electronic media (e.g., textbooks, computer screens) or in very anthropogenic environments (e.g., in parks and zoos) and less through direct contact with nature, a concept Louv (2005) referred to as ‘‘nature deficit disorder.’’ Even in schools where environmental education is …

Indigenous Taiwan As Location Of Native American And Indigenous Studies, Hsinya Huang

CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture

In her article "Indigenous Taiwan as Location of Native American and Indigenous Studies" Hsinya Huang uses Taiwan as a specific intellectual crossroads to examine, both pedagogically and theoretically, transnational/trans-Pacific flows, as well as transnational indigenous formations which take shape across national/international/local American Studies in this key moment of heightened U.S./Taiwan interaction in the Asia-Pacific security zone. Huang argues that Taiwanese scholarship has helped reorient understandings of environment and ecocriticism and that it has provided significant impulses, especially in the fields of Native American and comparative indigenous studies. Moreover, Taiwan has contributed both in its own positioning and in its academic …

From The Reference Desk: Reviews Of Reference Titles, Tom Gilson

Against the Grain

No abstract provided.

Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers' Knowledge Development And Belief Change Within A Technology-Enhanced Mathematics Course, Vecihi Zambak

All Dissertations

With the adoption of Common Core State Standards, mathematics teachers have been expected to emphasize conceptual understanding as much as procedural and computational fluency in their teaching. Development of a sound mathematical content knowledge during their teacher education could enable mathematics teachers to meet this expectation. The infusion of technology into the domain of mathematics education has also modified the nature of mathematical content knowledge. Regarding the expectations and changes in the nature of mathematical content knowledge, in this dissertation, I examined the influence of Geometer's Sketchpad (GSP) on pre-service middle grade mathematics teachers' Specialized Content Knowledge (SCK); how their …

Reducing Eating Disorder Risk Factors: A Controlled Investigation Of A Blended Task-Shifting/Train-The-Trainer Approach To Dissemination And Implementation, Lisa S. Kilpela, Kaitlin Hill, Mackenzie Kelly, Joanna Elmquist, Paige Ottoson, Thomas Hildebrandt, Carolyn Becker

Psychology Faculty Research

Recent advances in psychological intervention research have led to an increase in evidence-based interventions (EBIs), yet there remains a lag in dissemination and implementation of EBIs. Task-shifting and the train-the-trainer (TTT) model offer two potential strategies for enhancing reach of EBIs. The Body Project, an EBI found to prevent onset of eating disorders, served as the vehicle for this dissemination/implementation study. The primary aim of this study was to determine if training of peer-leaders for the Body Project could be task-shifted to undergraduate students using a hybrid task-shifting/TTT model. Our secondary aim was to determine if subgroups of participants evidenced …

Gender Differences In Response To Contingent Rewards: Evidence From A Natural Experiment Of Junior Tennis, Nejat Anbarci, K. Peren Arin, Jungmin Lee

All Works

© 2014 Elsevier Inc. We investigate gender differences in responding to contingent rewards by exploiting a natural experiment in junior tennis tournaments in Florida where the ranking point system was revised to induce more players to play doubles. The new point system increased the points earned from wins in singles matches significantly if the two thirds or more of players in their sex/age group chose to play doubles. We examine three types of potential responses to the new system: (1) a 'positive' response of playing doubles more by singles winners, (2) a 'subversive' response of playing doubles less by singles …

Internationalisation And Curriculum Development: Why And How?, Pj Magne

Plymouth Institute of Education

Today’s globally interconnected world offers a vast array of new opportunities, but has simultaneously created a need for greater intercultural understanding (Koehne, 2006). This article provides a rationale for the role that Higher Education must play in preparing students for the global market place. It outlines the scope of the ‘internationalisation’ agenda within Higher Education and goes on to explore the notion of what it means to ‘internationalise the curriculum’. The article offers an approach to curriculum development which uses a gap analysis tool (developed by the author) and discussion across disciplinary teams. A series of short case studies demonstrate …

Holding Hands And Drying Tears: Effectiveness Of Student Employees In Promoting A Successful Lms Implementation, Cary Ann Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Two-thirds of higher education institutions are either currently involved in the process of or will soon begin to review their learning management system strategy (Green, 2012). Transitioning from one LMS to another is an endeavor that utilizes the entire institution and requires a great deal of strategic planning and cooperation. The literature described the involvement of instructional designers and technology support as key players in this transition process over a period of parallel time. When BYU transitioned from Blackboard to Learning Suite, a team of student employees managed the majority of the change. While there was very little time when …

The Effectiveness Of Computer-Enhanced Shadowing And Tracking Pronunciation Exercises For Intermediate Level Foreign Language Learners, Veronique Willardson

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the effectiveness of on-line video-assisted pronunciation exercises in beginning level classes of foreign-language learning. A review of the current literature on pronunciation is presented, followed by a description of a study used to test the effectiveness of computer-based exercises in improving pronunciation. The participants were a group of high school students that were members of a fourth year French class. As part of their regular class time, the students participated in two types of exercises, in-class group work and computer-lab self-directed exercises, in which the students watched videos with subtitles while repeating what they heard. Satisfaction with …

Cost Effectiveness Of Treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder In Adolescence: A Comparison By Provider Type And Therapy Modality, Kathryn Evelyn Reynolds

Theses and Dissertations

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is frequently found in primary care settings and is highly prevalent among adolescents. The purpose of this study was to examine the cost effectiveness by provider type and therapy modality in treating adolescents (ages 13-17) with a GAD diagnosis (DSM-IV 300.02). A national insurance company in the United States provided outpatient and unidentifiable data for adolescent GAD cases (n = 2,932). These cases were used to analyze the cost effectiveness, total cost, treatment length, dropout, and readmission rates for the treatment of adolescents with GAD. Descriptive statistics signify that the mean cost of treatment for GAD …

A Competency Model For Catering And Event Professionals Using A Modified Delphi Technique, Donnell G. Bayot

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

As the market for face-to-face meetings and events has grown to one of the largest private sector industries, so has the market for catering, which is the largest budget line item for a meeting or event. Clients have become more demanding and at the same time more price-conscious. This has caused catering professionals and meeting and event planners' job responsibilities to change. Caterers and planners now have more crossover responsibilities and over more varied functional areas than ever before. In response, the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE), as the oldest and largest catering association in the world, formally …

Digital Behavior Intervention Plans: Effects On General Education Teacher Fidelity Of Implementation, Christopher G. Holcomb

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Students with disabilities often have behavior that interferes with classroom learning. Serious problem behaviors are identified as the most significant factor interfering with learning in the classroom. Unfortunately, chronic behaviors often lead to a student dropping out of school. Current research typically focuses on areas of intervention for these students with little attention towards teacher fidelity of implementation of these interventions. Because of this, student's behavior intervention plans may not show effectiveness (e.g., progress monitoring, data driven decisions). It is important that researchers begin to explore systematic improvements in fidelity of implementation of behavior intervention plan components for general education …

Who Or What Should I Be Like? The Self-Assessment Of Sexual Desire, Caroline Maykut

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The construct of sexual desire has been notoriously difficult to capture and measure, in part as a function of questionable methods of sexual desire assessment. Due to problems finding an accurate, objective marker of sexual desire, research has relied on self-report. One notable difficulty with self-reported desire assessment is the lack of information on the context in which these assessments are made. The only available data focuses on relative assessment of sexual desire within couples, and ignores broader social and cultural contexts. The present study investigated men and women's perception of sexual desire discrepancies between themselves and other people and …

The Presentation Of Childhood Parental Divorce In Adulthood: A Retrospective Phenomenological Study, Sheala Catherine Morrison

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

There has been a wealth of research aimed at developing an understanding of the way in which the experience of divorce impacts children. However, adult children of divorce have been widely underrepresented in this literature, much of which is outdated being at least ten years old. With shifting societal attitudes and the transformation of the family system since the 1990's it is crucial that the research is updated in order to stay up on the way children and families are impacted in today's society. The purpose of this study was to hear directly from adults who experienced their parents' divorce …

Effect Of Nedd4 Haploinsufficiency On Insulin Sensitivity, Adiposity And Neuronal Behaviors, Jingjing Li

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated gene 4 (NEDD4) is a HECT-type E3 ubiquitin ligase that has received broad attention in recent years. Many of its reported substrates are active players in metabolism, implying a potential role of NEDD4 itself in metabolic regulation. Since homozygous Nedd4 deletion leads to embryonic or perinatal lethality, we investigated the function of NEDD4 in metabolic regulation in vivo, using Nedd4- haploinsufficient mice in a high fat diet-induced obesity (HFDIO) model.

Our studies show that Nedd4-haploinsufficient mice fed a normal diet (ND) exhibited decreased body weight in both genders and proportionally reduced tissue mass …

An Examination Of Factors That Influence Health Behaviors Among Low Income African American Women With Type 2 Diabetes In Memphis, Tn: A Qualitative Inquiry Using Mixed Methods, Adole Muruako

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are increasing health concerns in the United States, particularly among women and minorities. Generally, research has highlighted the health disparities that exist among African American women, especially as these disparities relate to obesity and type 2 diabetes. In Memphis, TN, the ZIP codes of 38106 and 38109 have the highest rates of diabetes hospitalizations in the city. Further, African American women in Memphis, TN have been identified as being most vulnerable to experiencing a potentially avoidable hospitalization due to chronic disease. The purpose of study was to identify factors that may impact African American overweight/obese …

Examining The Relationship Between The Quantities Of Active Small Business Lending Institutions And The Quantities Of Active Small Businesses Per City In The State Of New York, Sue Ann Guy

Education Doctoral

Inadequate small business lending services within a city similarly produces low quantities of active small business owners (SBOs) within the city. Research pertaining to the relationship between quantities of active small business lenders per city within the State of New York and quantities of active SBOs per city within the State of New York is scarce and must be further examined. The purpose of the quantitative study is to examine the relationship between small business lenders per city and SBOs per city throughout the State of New York. In accordance with House’s (1971) path-goal theory, the performances of active small …

Development And Validation Of The Hookup Motives Questionnaire (Hmq), Shannon R. Kenney, Andrew Lac, Justin F. Hummer, Joseph W. Labrie

Heads Up!

Despite the high prevalence rates and growing research on hooking up among college students, no multidimensional inventory exists in the literature to assess motivations for hooking up. In the current study, we report on the development and validation of the Hookup Motives Questionnaire (HMQ), designed to assess the various reasons for hooking up. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted using 2 samples of college students (Campus 1, N = 401; Campus 2, N = 367). Exploratory factor analysis was undertaken to explore the psychometric properties of an initial set of 25 items, and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to …

Examining The Efficacy Of A Brief Group Protective Behavioral Strategies Skills Training Alcohol Intervention With College Women, Shannon R. Kenney, Lucy Napper, Joseph W. Labrie, Matthew P. Martens

Psychological Science Faculty Works

College students’ use of protective behavioral strategies (PBS; e.g., determining not to exceed a set number of drinks, avoiding drinking games) is related to lower levels of alcohol consumption and problems. The present study evaluated the efficacy of a novel brief, single-session group PBS skills training intervention aimed at increasing college students’ use of PBS and reducing risky drinking and consequences. Participants (N = 226) were heavy-drinking incoming first-year college women randomized to either a PBS skills training intervention or study skills control condition. Participants attended a 45-min group session and completed online surveys pre- and postintervention (1 month …

The Interplay Of Gender Role Orientation And Type-D Personality As Predictors Of Body Dissatisfaction In Undergraduate Women, Andrew Robbins

The Plymouth Student Scientist

The importance of body image and its effects on psychological functioning and health behaviours has received much interest in recent decades; however its precursors are still unclear. The purpose of the present research was to focus attention on the associations between gender role orientation (agency-communion), Type-D personality and body image. Undergraduate women aged between 18 and 47 from Plymouth University School of Psychology (N = 120, n = 64 for non Type-D group, n = 56 for Type-D group) completed measures of gender role orientation (PAQ), Type-D personality classification (DS-14) and attitudes towards body image (MBRSQ). Results indicate that Type-D …