Digital Commons Network^™

A Mixed-Methods Investigation Of Factors And Scenarios Influencing College Students’ Decision To Complete Surveys At Five Mid-Western Universities, Kristin L. K. Koskey, Bryce Cain, Toni A. Sondergeld, Henrique G. Alvim, Emily M. Slager

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

Achieving respectable response rates to surveys on university campuses has become increasingly more difficult, which can increase non-response error and jeopardize the integrity of data. Prior research has focused on investigating the effect of a single or small set of factors on college students’ decision to complete surveys. We used a concurrent mixed-method design to examine (1) college students’ rationales for choosing to complete or not complete a survey presented to them and (2) their perceptions on the importance of multiple factors on their decision to complete or not complete surveys in a higher education setting. A total of 837 …

"Moocing" On Up? Experiences Of An Elusive Course Completer, Joel R. Malin

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

In this article, I apply autoethnography to recount and analyze my experiences as a recent enrollee and course completer of a massive open online course (MOOC). Research surrounding MOOCs heretofore has been predominantly quantitative in nature, whereas this research utilizes a qualitative approach and offers a student’s in-depth perspective. While participating in the course, and in its aftermath, I engaged in systematic observation and reflection. Generally, my experience was positive, prompting me to analyze consistencies and discrepancies between my vantage points and those stemming from emerging MOOC research and media discourse. Most significantly, my lived experience might provide a window …

High School Students' Perceptions Of The Relationship Between Music And Math, Jeff Cranmore, Jeanne Tunks

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

While there is little doubt that engaging in musical or mathematical activities stimulates brain activity at high levels and that increased student involvement fosters a greater learning environment, questions remain about whether musical ability and mathematics performance are related. This study took a qualitative approach that allowed 24 high school students to share their direct experiences with music and mathematics, as well as their perceptions of how the two fields are related. Participants were divided into four groups based on school music participation and level of mathematic achievement. Using a multiple intelligence lens, this study addressed the following question: How …

Tutoring Matters: Everything You Always Wanted To Know About How To Tutor, Romena M. G. Holbert

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

Book/Media Review

The Effects Of Rater Training On Inter-Rater Agreement, Lisa A. Pufpaff, Laura Clarke, Ruth E. Jones

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

This paper addresses the effects of rater training on the rubric-based scoring of three preservice teacher candidate performance assessments. This project sought to evaluate the consistency of ratings assigned to student learning outcome measures being used for program accreditation and to explore the need for rater training in order to increase rater agreement. There were three phases during this project: (1) authentic student work was rated by department faculty members in the absence of rubric training; (2) faculty were then trained to administer rubric scoring guides; and (3) additional student work was rated by faculty after training. Inter-rater agreement was …

The Time For Design-Based Research Is Right And Right Now, Jennifer K. Shah, David C. Ensminger, Kimberly Their

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

The science-to-service problem continues to taunt the field of education (Fixsen, Blasé, Naoom, & Wallace, 2009). As an academic discipline, the field requires knowledge generation that adds to or deepens theoretical understandings. As a profession, knowledge generation that solves local problems and supports continuous improvement is necessary. Using design-based research (DBR) provides a means of serving theoretical and practical needs in education, addressing the complexity of education by informing immediate practice while simultaneously contributing to theoretical understandings in the field of education. Using Stokes’ (1977) model of scientific research and knowledge generation, we situate DBR within Pasteur’s quadrant, describe how …

Q Methodology As A Tool For Program Assessment, Susan E. Ramlo

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

Program assessment is now commonplace at most colleges and universities and is required for accreditation of specific degree programs. Key aspects of program assessment include program improvement, improved student learning, and adequate student preparation for the workforce. Thus, program assessment is a key ingredient to program health. Although surveys are often used within program assessment in higher education, this study demonstrates the weaknesses of this method and, instead, introduces Q methodology as a means of program assessment especially in the area of needs assessment. In essence, Q offers an objective way to measure subjectivity about any topic. Unlike Likert-scale surveys, …

Reviewer Acknowledgments, Debra Miretzky, Sharon Stevens, Katrina Daytner, Sarah Schoper, Alisha White, Lora Wolff, Jessica Snowden

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

Reviewer Acknowledgments

Examining The Factors That Determine The Behavioural Intention Of E-Travel Sites In Egypt, Madiha Metawie, Reham Ibrahim Elseidi

Business Administration

The main purpose of this study is to explore external variables

that influence perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use and in

turn influence the behaviour intentions of e-travel sites in Egypt. The

study is based on the original TAM constructs and postulated

relationships. The study hypothesized that four external variablesrelevant

information content, information quality, functionality and

perceived risk of e-travel sites influence perceptions of usefulness and

ease of use, which in turn affect behavioural intention to use the site.

The findings of this study contribute to enriching our understanding of

how tourists evaluate e-travel sites and the factors affecting …

The Effects Of Agomelatine And Melatonin On Ecog Activity Of Absenceepilepsy Model In Wag/Rij Rats, Hati̇ce Aygün, Duygu Aydin, Sema İnanir, Fati̇h Eki̇ci̇, Mustafa Ayyildiz, Erdal Ağar

Turkish Journal of Biology

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the melatonergic M1 and M2 receptor agonist and serotonergic 5-HT2C receptor antagonist agomelatine on the spike wave discharges (SWDs) seen in electrocorticographic (ECoG) recordings of WAG/Rij rats with absence epilepsy. Twenty-one WAG/Rij male rats were used in this study. Tripolar electrodes were placed on skulls and control ECoG activities were recorded. Experimental groups received normal saline (Group I: 1 mL, intraperitoneally (i.p)), agomelatine (Group II: 40 mg/kg, i.p), and melatonin (Group III: 40 mg/kg, i.p) injections for 7 days. Following this period, 2-h ECoG recordings were repeated. The number …

Effects Of Photoperiod Variations And Alpha-Lipoic Acid Treatment On Melatonin,Cortisol, And Oxidative Stress Levels In The Blood Of Rats, Cahi̇de Çevi̇k, Recep Aslan

Turkish Journal of Biology

This study aimed to investigate the effects of frequently changing photoperiods and alpha-lipoic acid treatment on melatonin, cortisol, oxidative markers, and some blood parameters. Eighty-four rats were randomly and equally divided into 7 groups: a control group, 3 prolonged light groups, and 3 prolonged dark groups. The study was completed in 2 stages, with 1- and 4-week periods, respectively. Blood samples were obtained at the end of the first and fourth weeks, and at the end of the dark period for the first and second stages. Serum aspartate aminotransferase and creatinine levels were significantly elevated in the prolonged dark olive …

Filming The Gay Normal: An Exploration Of The Gay Closet And Its Portrayal In Film, Joseph Albert Marquette

Master's Theses and Capstones

The purpose of this thesis is to flesh out an understanding of the lived experience of the homosexual closet and ultimately how it is portrayed in film. It uses film, however, as a snapshot of potential realities that reflect the gay individual in society.

It relies heavily on the social theories and work of Edward T. Hall, Erving Goffman, Albert E. Scheflen, Judith Butler, and Gerschen Kaufman, among others, to build a framework for understanding the closet on both a macro and micro scale. It does not attempt to isolate the homosexual but rather to situate him or her within …

The Benefits Of Recreational Fishing In Adolescence, Sarah Elaine Leonard

Master's Theses and Capstones

Little attention has been given to how different leisure activities affect adolescents. The purpose of this study therefore was to investigate how one specific leisure activity, recreational fishing, can provide potential benefits to adolescents. Youth attending a one week fishing camp at the 4-H Barry Conservation Camp in July of 2014 were surveyed on multiple dimensions of well-being. Results indicate significant improvements in resilience, optimism, and self-esteem following the fishing camp experience. Youth reported that while fishing they engaged in a number of skillful activities (patience, self-discipline, etc.), many of which are beneficial to the positive development of youth. The …

Making Homes In Limbo? A Conceptual Framework, Cathrine Brun, Anita Fábos

Sustainability and Social Justice

This article aims to conceptualize home and homemaking for people in protracted displacement.The article serves three purposes: To present an overview of the area of inquiry; to develop an analytical framework for understanding home and homemaking for forced migrants in protracted displacement; and to introduce the special issue.It explores how protracted displacement has been defined-from policy definitions to people's experiences of protractedness, including "waiting" and "the permanence of temporariness." The article identifies the ambivalence embedded in experiences and practices of homemaking in long-term displacement, demonstrating how static notions of home and displacement might be unsettled.It achieves this through examining relationships …

Evaluating Changes In Patient Anxiety Regarding Classic Cancer Genetic Testing Versus Expanded Multiplex Cancer Genetic Testing, Andrew Todd Alfonso

Theses and Dissertations

Multiplex cancer genetic testing by next generation sequencing (NGS) offers genetic counselors and patients new options for testing multiple genes beyond BRCA1 and BRCA2, increasing both the yield of positive results and the number of variants of uncertain significance (VUS). This pilot study explored three psychosocial questions related to multiplex cancer genetic testing: 1). Do anxiety levels differ in patients with results of familiar single gene testing versus those with results of multiplex cancer genetic testing of unfamiliar genes? 2). Do different results (i.e., negative, positive, or VUS) affect patient anxiety levels in the post-results period? 3). Is patient anxiety …

Exploring How The Risk Of Sudden Cardiac Death Is Discussed In Families With A Diagnosis Of A Sads Condition, Kristin Anne Wiley

Theses and Dissertations

Sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS), where death is secondary to cardiac arrhythmia, is associated with several cardiac ion channelopathies, including long QT syndrome and Brugada syndrome, as well as cardiomyopathies such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy. Many of these conditions often present in childhood or adolescence. This study investigates how diagnoses of cardiac diseases associated with SADS are communicated within families. A questionnaire was distributed through cardiac disease-focused support groups and organizations. Data from 114 parents who have a child with a SADS condition were used for analysis. Based on the responses, parents explained the risk of SADS in …

Evaluating The “Family-Centered” Approach Of Pediatric Multidisciplinary Down Syndrome Clinics: A Parents’ Perspective, Devon A. Haynes

Theses and Dissertations

Down syndrome is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability. Individuals with Down syndrome usually display mild to moderate intellectual disability, developmental delay, characteristic facial features, and an increased risk for birth defects and various medical problems. Multidisciplinary clinics were established to address the multi-system health concerns for Down syndrome, increase adherence to medical management guidelines, and provide coordinated and comprehensive care for the patient. Research has examined the beneficial effect of a multidisciplinary approach to patient care and medical outcomes; however, no studies have been done which evaluate the psychosocial aspect of the care provided.

We hypothesized that …

Reproductive Justice, Public Policy, And Abortion On The Basis Of Fetal Impairment: Lessons From International Human Rights Law And The Potential Impact Of The Convention On The Rights Of Persons With Disabilities, Carole J. Petersen

Journal of Law and Health

This article argues that we should consider not only American constitutional law but also comparative law and emerging international human rights norms, in order to navigate the difficult issue of abortion on the basis of fetal impairment. The United States is a State Party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)13 and the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT). It is also a signatory (but not a full State Party) to several other relevant treaties, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the …

Involved, Empowered And Inspired: How Mediating Halakhic Prenuptial Agreements Honors Jewish And American Law And Builds Happy Families, Lara Traum

Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution

This Note discusses the pitfalls of existing halakhic prenuptial protocols and advances the use of mediation in the prenuptial drafting process. Section II of this Note provides a history of Jewish marital and divorce law, explaining the significance of halakhic legal documents and religious arbitration units. Section III examines the unresolved relationship between Jewish and American systems, discusses the advent of American prenuptial agreements, and highlights the shortcomings of existing prenuptial agreements in the Orthodox Jewish community. Section IV proposes that prenuptial mediation best honors halakha, American law, and individual interests.

Copyright Or Trade Dress? Toward Ip Protection Of Multisensory Effect Designs For Immersive Virtual Environments, Elii Cho

Cardozo Arts & Entertainment Law Journal

No abstract provided.

What Can I Do For You, My Damaged Angel: Ways To Better Protect Special Needs Children Adopted From China, Kaidi Yu

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The note argues that current legal frameworks governing intercountry adoptions, particularly between the U.S. and China, fail to adequately protect the welfare of special needs children. It highlights gaps in the Hague Convention, Chinese Adoption Law, and U.S. implementation of the Intercountry Adoption Act, emphasizing the need for uniform definitions of special needs, enhanced parental preparedness, and improved post-adoption support systems to address these shortcomings.

2015-2016 Lindenwood University Graduate Course Catalog, Lindenwood University

Course Catalogs

Lindenwood University Graduate Course Catalog

2015-2016 Lindenwood University-Belleville Course Catalog, Lindenwood University

Course Catalogs

Lindenwood University-Belleville Course Catalog

A Conceptual Analysis Of Sundowning Syndrome, Hank Webb

Research Papers

Those diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's disease present with varying degrees of behavioral symptomatology as the state of cognitive impairment progresses. The most marked of these symptoms are agitation and confusion, which can occur at any time of the day. When some individuals display these symptoms late in the afternoon they are said to be "sundowning." Sundowning is a term that has been applied to the phenomena of various behaviors occurring during this time of day but it has never been considered an official diagnosis nor has it ever been formally defined. This paper examines the concept of sundowning and …

Beauty As A Transcendental In The Thought Of Joseph Ratzinger, John Jang

Theses

This thesis aims to explore the method and content of Joseph Ratzinger’s aesthetics from a philosophical perspective. Ratzinger takes up Plato’s description of man’s encounter with beauty as a wounding by the power of eros, and argues that the involvement of emotion in this experience does not render it irrational, but rather, stresses that the feeling of beauty is in accordance with logos, since the domain of logos reaches far beyond abstract processes of reasoning. Moreover, Ratzinger rejects the notion that beauty is simply a cover over what is fundamentally ugly. According to Ratzinger, beauty is the foundation …

Treatment Outcomes For Opiate Addicted Pregnant Women, Jennifer L. Roth Parr

DNP Projects

The problem of opiate addiction is complex enough but compounded when the patient is pregnant. Substance use during pregnancy produces harmful and costly effects to both the mother and the fetus (Veilleux, Colvin, Anderson, York & Hines, 2010). The rate of opiate addiction among pregnant women in the U.S. has been increasing in epidemic numbers since the beginning of the 21st century. This paper looks at research on the origin of the problem, the demographics of the average pregnant opiate addicted patient, the effects on the woman and her unborn child, and available treatment options.

Prenatal Anxiety And Cesarean Delivery In A Clinic Population, Carol A. Kirby

DNP Projects

Although there is an abundance of literature on the topics of prenatal anxiety, stress, depression, etc. during pregnancy, very little research has been conducted on the impact of prenatal anxiety on cesarean delivery and the studies which have been conducted have resulted in conflicting results. This study focused on prenatal anxiety in a clinical population, the characteristics of participants with reported high anxiety, and its association with cesarean deliveries. Prenatal anxiety was defined as Spielberger’s state anxiety and measured with the STAI. Data was collected over all three trimesters of pregnancy and post-delivery. The characteristics of participants who reported high …

Assessment Of Patient Barriers To And Facilitators Of Screening Colonoscopy: Utilizing Patient Perspectives To Formulate Recommendations To Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates, Heather N. Cox

DNP Projects

A pilot study was conducted that utilized focused patient interviews to determine patient barriers to and facilitators of screening colonoscopy. The interviews were transcribed and systematically analyzed to detect recurring patterns and themes related to screening colonoscopy completion or lack thereof. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize additional sample characteristics such as gender, education level, and income level. Among those who had received a screening colonoscopy (44%, 11 of 25), provider recommendation was the most influential factor for procedure completion, followed by the combination of provider plus family member recommendation. Additional findings revealed that due to medical necessity, several patients …

Improving Depression Care For Older Home Health Patients, Sarah R. Schirmer

DNP Projects

Rates of depression in older home healthcare (HH) patients are highly prevalent. Although depression in this population is associated with increased rates of re-hospitalization, falls, and suicides, it is frequently under diagnosed and under treated. This Capstone Report examined this problem through three interrelated manuscripts. The first manuscript explored the problem through a review of the literature. This review determined that while there are many barriers to adequate depression care, programs that train clinicians to screen for depression and connect patients to depression care encourage adequate evaluation and treatment and can result in clinically significant changes in depression scores. This …

Assessment Of Organizational Readiness: Parent Advisory Councils In A Children's Hospital Within A Hospital, Suzanne R. Springate

DNP Projects

Background: A children’s hospital within a hospital (CHWH) in the Midwest region of the United States established a strategic goal to become the preferred provider for children in the region. Outcomes in patient and family experience had fallen short of established organizational expectations. Recognizing that parent advisors are an essential component of patient and family centered care, the strategic plan called for integrating parents into formal, advisory roles.

Purpose: The purpose of this practice improvement project was to perform an assessment of organizational readiness to incorporate parents into formal advisory roles at this CHWH.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was …