Digital Commons Network^™

Population Demographics Of Channel Catfish In The Lower Wabash River, Valerie J. Thompson

Masters Theses

Inland fisheries are experiencing increasing demands due to anthropogenic stressors, especially within large river systems that support both recreational and commercial fisheries. Riverine species are sensitive to habitat degradation, species introductions, and exploitation, so continued monitoring and management of these communities are vital to maintain abundance and diversity within these systems. The North American catfish family, Ictaluridae, supports both recreational and commercial fisheries throughout the United States. Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus are heavily studied and managed compared to other sport catfishes in this family because of their economic and ecological significance. One important Channel Catfish fishery exists in the lower …

Replication Of Construct Validity Of The Behavior Assessment System For Children-Third Edition Teacher Rating Scales (Basc-3 Trs) And The Adjustment Scales For Children And Adolescents (Asca), Joel Katla

Masters Theses

Behavior rating scales, such as the Behavior Assessment Scale for Children-Third Edition Teacher Rating Scale Child form and the Adjustment Scales for Children and Adolescents (ASCA) are common tools to help school psychologists identify and assess problematic behaviors and youth psychopathology. However, the original BASC, the BASC-2, and the BASC-3 have little replication research available. The ASCA, while now having potentially outdated norms, has had replication research conducted and is considered empirically sound. Burback (2020) empirically compared the BASC-3 TRS-C with the ASCA to assess construct validity (convergent, discriminant, divergent) since there were no published studies replicating research presented in …

Student Perceptions Of Teacher Praise: Considering Diversity, Kealie S. Jenkins

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to expand the praise preference literature by considering student diversity. Specifically, students (grades 7-12) acceptability and preferences for praise and reprimand were assessed while considering the following: (a) White/ Non-White, (b) Rural/ Suburban, (c) Special Education/ General Education, and (d) Low SES/ Middle-High SES. Students’ acceptability and preferences for praise and reprimand were collected through the Adolescent Praise and Reprimand Preference Survey (APRPS). A total of 1125 students completed the APRPS. Regardless of diverse group comparisons (except Low SES and Middle/High SES) the top three preferences across (schoolwork and appropriate behavior) all groups included …

Acute And Chronic Impacts Of A Biofilm, Activated Sludge, And Ultraviolet Radiation Treatment On The Fathead Minnow, Pimephales Promelas, Julia Fitch

Masters Theses

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are a point source of pollution that have potentially damaging effects on downstream fish populations, including reduced growth and survival and reproductive complications. To examine these possible effects, fathead minnows were exposed to effluent of three wastewater treatment processes at the Charleston Wastewater Treatment Plant located in Charleston, Illinois. These three treatments included two secondary treatments, a biofilm treatment and an activated sludge treatment, and one tertiary U.V. treatment. Two trials took place during this project: an acute, two-week exposure trial, and a chronic 119 day exposure trial. Upon completion of each trial, fish were assessed …

The Role Of Study Abroad Directors In The Internationalization Of Higher Education, Alexandra Tserenova

Masters Theses

This study looks at the preparation and job description for those serving as directors of study abroad on the college campus. For this study three professionals who work in director positions were interviewed as well as their job descriptions were analyzed to determine what the expectations are for those in these positions. Study abroad professionals engage with students, faculty, external agencies, and other educational institutions worldwide. They are required to collaborate with many different constituents in the areas of program development, recruitment, risk management, program implementation, as well as pre- and post-departure orientations.

Effective Communication Strategy During Crisis: A Case Of The 2010 Toyota Recall Crisis, Masud Mensah

Masters Theses

Crisis communication is an integral part of public relations and organizational management at large involving the timely and strategic sharing of information during a crisis or emergency. Its primary purpose is to ensure that organizations effectively manage and minimize the negative impact of the crisis on their operations and stakeholders, which invariably helps to maintain trust, credibility and restore their reputation. Based on an interpretivist standpoint, the study utilizes qualitative approaches and takes the form of a case study. It offers a comprehensive account of the crisis, including key occurrences, media representation, and public responses, showcasing its international impact via …

Student Perceptions Of Inclusive And Culturally Responsive Teaching In The Elementary Classroom, Emma Larson

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research is to explore student perspectives, as it relates to inclusive and culturally responsive teaching practices. In order to uplift student voices in the elementary classroom, observations and interviews were conducted to collect data on student perceptions. This study found that students believe the teacher’s job is to help everyone, students want a sense of belonging, and students love when their teacher celebrates them. As this research followed students in a bilingual kindergarten classroom, further research is needed in order to grasp a deeper understanding of students, their view, and perception of inclusive and culturally responsive …

Centering Linguistic Justice In The First Year Writing Classroom: An Argument For The Incorporation Of Code-Meshing And Narrative In Academic Writing, Traci Salazar

Masters Theses

The author addresses several questions across three chapters in relation to linguistic identity and standard language ideology in academic writing, particularly as it pertains to the First Year Writing classroom. Firstly, what is standard language ideology, and what are the detriments of its effects on students in the writing classroom? This answer is considered with an emphasis on the implications for students whose home languages are not in close proximity to Standard English (SE) and boils down to a homogenous language that is deemed ideal and is imposed upon others by dominant institutions, such as academic institutions. Within a literature …

Fundamental Studies Of Optical Properties And Electrocatalytic Properties Of Low Dimensional Nanomaterials Carbon Nano Dots And 2d Transition Metal Dichalcogenides, Nadeesha Kothalawala

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

Low dimensional nanomaterials are widely used in a variety of applications such as opto-electronics, energy production and storage, and bio-medical applications due to their unique optical, catalytic, electronic, and mechanical properties. Most of the nanomaterials offer a plethora of modifications in their structure, composition, morphology, and dimensionality that can lead to the manipulation of their physiochemical properties. This dissertation presents insight into two types of compelling nanomaterials: carbon nanodots (CND) and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD), investigating their optical and electrocatalytic properties respectively.

Carbon nanodots (CND) are a promising class of photoluminescent nanomaterials that hold a significant potential in many optoelectronic …

Investigating The Behavior Of Redox–Active Organic Molecules In Electrochemical Energy Storage Through Experiment–Guided Computational Simulations, Anton Perera

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

The long–anticipated implementation of using renewable sources such as solar and wind to meet the world’s energy demand is still limited by not having appropriate grid–level energy storage systems on a global scale. When considering grid–scale energy storage solutions, environmental concerns, and techno–economic viability play a crucial role in the practical implementation of such technology. To address this, redox–active organic molecules (ROMs) have been explored for many uses including serving as redox–active molecules in redox flow batteries (RFBs) and providing overcharge protection in lithium–ion batteries (LIBs).

Nevertheless, in order to be a major player in electrochemical energy storage, further optimization …

Investigating Native And Nonnative English-Speaking Teachers’ Identities In Saudi Arabia, Stephanie Schmidt

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

A three-part interviewing approach was used to investigate the teacher identity of fourteen participants working in Saudi Arabian universities. Behaviorally, teachers exhibited many common traits, such as performing extra duties outside of expected job responsibilities and showing adaptability. Relationally, teachers were shown to feel more stress when they were micromanaged, but also responded negatively to absentee management. Psychologically, teachers sometimes built coherent narratives of teacher identity through being treated as professionals and through validation from their students, but also faced identity conflicts such as worrying about their professional qualifications and feeling imposter syndrome. These findings suggest there are methods to …

Does Gossip Predict Desire For Apologies?, Teddy Schupack

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Gossip and reputation contribute to the smooth functioning of society. Apologizing after a transgression is one way people can repair their relationships and reputations. The current research proposed that reputation concern would promote the desire to apologize after a transgression among those who would be the targets of gossip to an interdependent recipient. The results from the current study, however, did not support the hypothesis. There was no observed difference in the desire to apologize when people believed their behavior would be gossiped about to a related person versus an unrelated person.

The Glutamine-Asparagine Interplay: Exploring The Role Of Asparagine Synthetase In Hepatocellular Cancer Cells, Babatunde George Olawuni

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a liver cancer that accounts for a significant proportion of cancer-related deaths globally; likewise, as the primary metabolic regulatory center in the body, the liver undergoes profound metabolic shifts in carcinogenesis, with net glucose and glutamine consumption. Much attention has been focused on the myriad roles of glutamine in supporting cellular growth over the past several decades, but more recently, the relationship between glutamine and the other amide-bearing amino acid, asparagine, has garnered attention. Asparagine is synthesized from glutamine, aspartic acid, and ATP via the enzyme Asparagine Synthetase (ASNS). Extracellular asparagine reliance has been targeted in …

Stand-Up Leaders: Creation Of A Perceived Intentions-Based Taxonomy Of Humor, Morgan Gabrielle Tillery

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

As with any behavior, humor has the ability to shape the way that others perceive us. When leaders use humor, we can perceive them as more likeable or as escalating conflict. Going further into the cognitive evaluation of humor may assist us in exploring the cause of divergent outcomes. The current research proposes that an influential element of our perceptions of humor is our perceptions of the humor user’s intention. Two studies were conducted to explore the impact that this element has on workplace outcomes, specifically affective commitment and emotional labor. Study 1 utilized a qualitative approach to identify common …

Attitudes, Perceptions, And Quality Of Learning Experience Design In Head-Mounted Virtual Reality For Preservice Educators, Jonathan Steven Spike

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

As more and more students seek out online educational opportunities, emerging technology and platforms must provide the most effective experience for learners to expand their knowledge and skill sets. The research study aimed to investigate social presence, collaboration, and design opportunities in head-mounted, virtual reality as compared to the more common synchronous video communication. A convergent mixed methods study was conducted using participant quantitative questionnaires regarding social presence and collaboration in both head-mounted virtual reality and synchronous video communication, expert scores of learning experiences designed by groups in each group, as well as qualitative interviews of the head-mounted virtual reality …

Race-Based Stressors And Racial Trauma: The Moderating Role Of Parental Racial Socialization, Jessica S. Philip

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Experiences of race-based stressors are linked with worse psychological outcomes for racial/ethnic minority individuals (e.g., Ferdinand et al., 2015). The way in which parents talk to their children about race (i.e., racial/ethnic socialization; RES) may exacerbate or buffer against the strength of this link (e.g., Keum & Ahn, 2021). Therefore, the present study examined the links between race-based stressors, RES, and psychological outcomes (i.e., depression, anxiety, stress, racial trauma) across multiple racial/ethnic minority groups. The present study also explored the different RES messages as potential moderators for the link between race-based stressors and outcomes, as well as differences in these …

Exploring The Connection: Field Ecology Research And Student Wellbeing, Elizabeth Small

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Field work is essential in ecological research, offering the opportunity to gather firsthand data, observe natural processes, and deepen our understanding of ecosystems. In my study on small mammal trophic niche dynamics, I investigate how small mammals—critical players in grassland food webs—adapt their diets in response to environmental disturbances. By examining the drivers of variation in trophic niche among three common small mammal species, I aim to uncover how these animals coexist despite similar dietary requirements. Understanding these dynamics is critical for informing global conservation efforts, especially as we work to reverse the biodiversity crisis and restore damaged ecosystems.However, the …

Through The Lens Of Tiktok: A New Perspective To Improving Food And Nutrition Literacy In Adolescents, Devin Kathleen Ebeling-Hammond

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Understanding food, nutrition, and physical activity is essential for everyone, and is important to learn from a young age to foster healthy, lifelong habits. Research indicates that 50% of adolescents do not consume the right amount of fruit, vegetables, or protein, and often consume excessive amounts of fats and sugar. Coincidentally, type 2 diabetes and other non-communicable diseases are on the rise, which can be improved through modifiable health determinants. The purpose of this study is to provide insight into innovative ways to teach adolescents about food, nutrition, and the importance of physical activity. An exploratory pilot study was selected …

Examining Project Flex: A Sport-Based Prison Program For Incarcerated Youth, Gabrielle Bennett

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

There is a growing global body of literature examining the experiences of adolescents in sport-based youth development programs. Conversely, the advantages of such programming are often contingent on intention, design, population, and environment. One often overlooked setting that serves a vital population benefiting from the integration of sport-based youth development programs, is juvenile justice facilities. Beyond adolescents, much literature remains to be explored in penal settings, particularly, the inception of sport-based prison programs that utilize an evidence-based curriculum and explicit approach to foster life skill development. Often overlooked are staff, administrators, and youth perspectives of sport-based youth development programs in …

The Association Between Parent Ses, Child Externalizing And Internalizing Behaviors, And Home-School Communication, Brianna Isabel Banks

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Existing literature has evidenced that parent involvement (PI) in education has a significant and positive association with child outcomes, including social-emotional, behavioral, and academic achievement. Much of the research, however, examines the associations between home-based and school-based PI constructs and their associations with student academic achievement outcomes. The present study adds to the PI literature by examining the longitudinal associations between parent factors (i.e., mean income-to-needs ratio from age birth to age 9 and highest maternal educational attainment at age 5) and the home-school communication PI construct (i.e., quality and quantity reported by teachers and primary caregivers) at age 9. …

Provisioning Digital Tools And Systems For Government Use [“Govtech”], Nina-Simone Edwards

Library Scholarship

The project’s second concept paper recommends a series of changes to the current policy landscape for govtech provisioning. The suggestions include rethinking the traditional “make vs. buy” dichotomy in public procurement, mandating interoperability and transparency of govtech tools and systems, and reenvisioning accountability requirements to avoid the problem of “waterfall” development.

To support these policy changes, the paper first recommends improved support and coordination for five important govtech-related functions. Next, it proposes some corresponding changes to institutional structure and organization. Finally, it emphasizes the need to bolster technical capacity within government by developing a pipeline of specialized, govtech-related training programs, …

The Bulletin: Sidney Kimmel Medical College At Thomas Jefferson University, Volume 102, Issue 1, Winter 2024

The Bulletin (formerly the Jefferson Medical College Alumni Bulletin)

This issue includes:

• 6 - Dean’s Column
• 8 - Bicentennial Celebrations
• 10 - ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
• 12 - Cancer Moonshot Award
• 14 - SKMC Student Blends the Medical Field With the Sports Field: Azra Dees
• 16 - Leading Medicine’s Next Generation Into a New Century: Welcoming Said Ibrahim, MD, MBA, MPH
• 22 - Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety
• 26 - My First Mentee: Robert M. Stein, MD
• 28 - A Message From the SKMC Alumni Board President
• 30 - Alumni Weekend Recap
• 36 - A Message From a Class Agent
• 38 - Meet Cute, SKMC Graduates Find …

The Use Of Digital Technologies To Prepare Future Translators For The Modern Requirements Of The Linguistic Services Market, Iuliia Golovatska, Grygorii Tereshchuk

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

The importance of the topic is emphasized by the current educational environment, which demands that professionals possess adeptness in modern information technologies. This adaptability is crucial in an increasingly technologically advanced society. The main goal of study is to study the peculiarities of training future translators, as well as to prove the effectiveness of the use of digital technologies in the process of training future professionals. The analyses methods used were structural-functional, dialectical, synthesis, logical and comparative analysis, and generalization. As a result, it was established that a number of socio-economic changes caused the emergence of new standards of professional …

The Theoretical And Knowledge System Of Educational Technology Discipline In China, Long Li

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

“Educational Technology” is a complete and indivisible whole formed by the fusion two elements of education and technology. This expansive field encompasses research and practical applications aimed at addressing educational and instructional problems through technology. The conventional practice of relying on a singular definition to elucidate educational technology has resulted in confusion and operational challenges. This article introduces the concept of a definition group of educational technology, delves into the discipline’s research objects, research purpose and tasks, research domain and scope, disciplinary foundation, research methods, visual representation of the disciplinary structure, and the logical starting point and positioning, and establishes …

First Course Portfolio For Tmfd 213: Merchandising I: Textile And Apparel Industry, Na Young Jung

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

This portfolio presents a comprehensive overview of TMFD 213: Merchandising I, a foundational course in the Department of Textiles, Merchandising, and Fashion Design at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The course is designed to equip students with critical thinking, analytical skills, and industry-specific knowledge necessary for professional success in the textile and apparel industry. The portfolio outlines the course’s objectives, teaching methodologies, and the impact of instructional strategies on student learning outcomes. It includes detailed analyses of quantitative and qualitative data collected through pre- and post-test surveys, assignments, and reflections. Quantitative results demonstrate significant improvements in key areas such as familiarity …

A Reflexive Interrogation Of Teaching A Course On Administrative Theory To First-Semester Ma Students, Milad Mohebali

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

This portfolio captures the product of a year-long reflexive process on the teaching of a course on administrative theory in educational organizations (EDAD 830) to first year MA students. This class is offered Online and is delivered asynchronously, to students who are largely full-time professionals. Section one focuses on the use of backward design strategy for designing this course, while also highlighting the tensions and dilemmas for designing the course, particularly around theory and context, as well as the need to teach students how to engage in class. Section two highlights the pedagogical, instructional, and evaluative design of the course. …

Frequent Use Of Contingency Management And Opioid Treatment Programs That Provide Treatment For More Than Only Opioid Use Disorder, Orrin D. Ware, Matthew D. Novak, Forrest Toegel

Journal Articles

Contingency management is an effective behavioral intervention for treating substance use disorders that provides patients with incentives for objective verification of completed targeted recovery behaviors including abstinence from substances, attending treatment, and medication adherence. Accredited/licensed opioid treatment programs provide effective, medications for opioid use disorder. This study evaluated the prevalence of frequent contingency management use among a national sample of opioid treatment programs in the U.S. (N= 672). A binary logistic regression model examined factors associated with providing contingency management, including state-level fatal overdoses, number of pharmacotherapies, outpatient treatment, facility ownership, and residential treatment. Most evaluated facilities provided contingency management …

Nice Girls Like Us: Confronting White Liberalism In Teacher Education And Ourselves, Kristin L. White, Sophie Degener, Amy Tondreau, Wendy Gardiner, Tierney B. Hinman, Tess M. Dussling, Elizabeth Y. Stevens, Nance S. Wilson

Journal Articles

No abstract provided.

Employability Skills Examined: Focus On Data Literacy, Jamie-Marie Miller

Pedagogicon Conference Proceedings

Data surrounds us every day, both personally and professionally. However, many students lack critical skills to analyze it to make data-informed decisions. This piece examines how instructors, regardless of their discipline, can create classroom environments that foster quantitative reasoning of data and support data literacy in their students.

Table Of Contents, Russell Carpenter, Kevin Dvorak, Amanda W. Joyce, Shirley O'Brien, Randi Polk, Jamie Shaffer, Cassie Bradley

Pedagogicon Conference Proceedings

No abstract provided.