Entire DC Network | Open Access Articles | Digital Commons Network™

Table Of Contents, Colorado Environmental Law Journal

Colorado Environmental Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Go to article

Table Of Contents, Colorado Journal Of International Enivornmental Law And Policy

Colorado Environmental Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Go to article

How Monitoring Food Is Protecting People, Grace Sugden

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

While the issue of food safety has always been a concern for humanity, what that looks like has changed drastically over time. Instead of trying to judge if a stream has safe drinking water, consumers are now faced with deciding which preservatives and pesticides they expose themselves to. With the multitude of United States agencies tasked with protecting the public, standards and quality control processes should be transparent and efficient. Since the creation of the Bureau of Chemistry, numerous acts have been passed that regulate ingredients, processing procedures, and minimize contamination risks. When a spoiled product enters the food web, …

Go to article

Journalistic Quality In The Digital Age Relating To Newsroom Diversity, Max Guerrera

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Traditionally, journalistic quality is determined by the integrity of a piece, along with its contribution to public knowledge. High quality, ethical journalism serves the purpose of holding those in power accountable and ensuring transparency in government actions through factual reporting. Objectivity is a highly emphasized element of American journalism because it allows the audience to form their own opinions and evaluate facts individually. However, as the distribution of media has changed with technological advancements, so have news writing trends. The theory of agenda setting, the concept that the media have the power to shift public opinions and perceptions of the …

Go to article

Voices From The Inside: Enhancing Co-Teaching Experiences Through Student Perspectives At 'Small University', Nina Cruz

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

For this Capstone Project, the researchers investigated how students in the credential program at ‘Small University’ on the coast of California viewed their co- teaching credential experience and what they think could be done to improve it. An evidence based argument is offered that co-teaching be improved to be more equitable for students. Considerations of the issue should include the perspectives of credential program students. Expected benefits included an opportunity for participants to reflect on the co-teaching credential program at “Small University” and provide concrete suggestions for improvement that may be translated into action. Three themes emerged from an analysis …

Go to article

Effects Of Parental Involvement In Elementary Students Acadmics, Jasmen Acosta

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Parental involvement, especially in elementary schools, is a good resource for students to achieve academic success. This research paper aims to educate and understand the effects of Parental involvement on elementary students' academic performance. There is a plethora of resources for parents and teachers of parental involvement in their child's academics. This senior capstone will examine the effects of parental involvement on elementary students' academics through literature reviews and parent and teacher surveys about the effects of their involvement in schools and whether they impact their children's educational achievement. The findings reveal that parent involvement is essential to their children's …

Go to article

Reimagining Inclusion: Shaping The Future Of Special Education Engagement, Selena Rodriguez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

For this Capstone Project, the researchers investigated how special education teachers, general education teachers, and a behavioral technician at Landscape Elementary view student engagement and what they think could be done to improve it. This is important because students with special needs deserve quality education that revolves around equity. It is argued that special education teachers require increased support that empowers them to effectively engage students and promote their learning. The primary stakeholder perspectives chosen were three general education teachers, two special education teachers, and one behavioral technician, because they all have experience in working with students with special needs. …

Go to article

Stronger Together: Uniting Parents, Educators, And Professionals For Enhanced Social-Emotional, Leslie Montiel

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This Capstone project addresses the crucial issue of inadequate social-emotional learning in elementary schools, focusing on improving access and quality for students. It is essential to tackle this issue because limited access hinders the development of students' social-emotional skills, potentially affecting their long-term success. It is argued that integrating higher-quality social-emotional learning into education is necessary to foster lifelong skills. Three key stakeholders—two parents and one principal—were interviewed to obtain their suggestions for improving social-emotional skills. Analysis of the data revealed three potential action options: hiring more professionals; providing additional professional development for educators; and enhancing parental involvement. Of these, …

Go to article

Will The Future Of Video Game Music Require Real Composers?, Nathan Barrett

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

In order to gain a better understanding of video game composition and whether or not real composers will be required, I will explore a variety of categories within the field of game composition and sound design. General categories of focus will cover, 1) Basics, Standards, and Tropes for Game Composition 2) How Games Compositions Have Evolved 3) Creative Uses of Music inside of Games 4) Innovative Techniques for Game Compositions, and 5) The Ethics of Procedural Music and it's use in games.

Go to article

Sexual Wellness Across Abilities: Reimagining Education For Adults With Disabilities, Damiana Kelsey

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Many adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs) lack sexuality education and opportunities for personal expression. Because of this, a sexuality education curriculum was developed for Gateway’s program, Without Walls. This program is specifically for adults with Intellectual Disabilities. This curriculum was delivered to 15 students ages 25 to 56. The purpose of this project is to bridge information for this population and make it more accessible. Especially with this group, there is a need for further discussion and a space to ask questions about social-emotional and sexual health. Over the course of 11 classes, the students reported having a …

Go to article

Educating Hispanic Parents Through An Informative Video In Monterey County, Jonathan Hernandez Hernandez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The Local Oral Health Program is a program of the County of Monterey Health Department within the Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Division. The program implements workshops to educate parents and elementary school students in Kindergarten and first grade on the importance of oral health. In Monterey County, there are 59.4% of Hispanics. They are a vulnerable population when it comes to oral health problems, which studies have shown. The project's purpose is to educate Hispanic parents regarding dental sealants and the benefits they provide to their children. It is crucial to establish good oral health routines to protect their …

Go to article

Socio-Emotional Learning Interventions For Student Achievement, Alexis Campos

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Marina High School students face challenges including misbehavior, truancy, and academic struggles. In collaboration with a social worker, the school's counseling department focuses on supporting high-risk students. High-risk students can lead to dropouts, involvement in crime, and poverty. The focus is on addressing academic underachievement due to behavior issues and low grades. Targeting the roots of this issue is to tackle mental health, improve life skills, and build a positive environment. The capstone aims to develop educational interventions around mental health, skill development, and socio-emotional well-being. High-risk students were identified and placed in targeted interventions or groups to address their …

Go to article

Increasing Protective Factors For Non-Violence At A Continuation High School, Kiely Combs

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project focuses on protective factors for non-violence among adolescent students at a continuation high school. The circumstances that have led students to be at this particular continuation school include things such as being suspended or on the path to suspension, behavioral issues, GPA or credit deficiencies (not on track to graduate in a traditional high school setting), and referrals from parents, teachers, counselors, etc. This workshop was intended to address the growing problem of violence between students. Several students at the continuation high school are involved in opposing gangs, which causes strife on campus and leads to physical …

Go to article

Effects Of Americanization On The Immigrant Student Population, Jose Lopez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This senior capstone study aims to investigate the impact of Americanization on immigrant students whose first language is not English and the effects of Proposition 227. This law, which cut all state funding for bilingual programs, prompted significant changes in language education policies. Through surveys, this research seeks to determine whether Proposition 227 has influenced students' cultural identity or academic success. Additionally, this study examines California education standards to understand how they influence language education practices. Interviews with teachers will provide insights into their approaches to teaching immigrant students and fostering cultural inclusivity in the classroom. This capstone aims to …

Go to article

Increasing Emergent Literacy In Preschool-Aged Children, Yuliana Morales Santiago

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project focuses on teaching preschool-age children from low-income backgrounds about emergent literacy. Emergent literacy is the foundation of learning to read and write. Before children begin learning to read and write, they develop pre-literacy skills such as understanding that print carries meaning, exploring books independently, and letter knowledge. Many preschool children are not taught the fundamental steps of building literacy development at home because of a lack of resources or knowledge due to socioeconomic status. Carroll et al. (2018) found a link between home literacy environment and socioeconomic factors, such as caregivers' education and the type of employment …

Go to article

The Importance Of Nutrition Education In Early Childhood, Alexi Larios

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project aimed to highlight the importance of nutrition education in early childhood. I chose this topic because studies have shown a steady increase over the years in children’s diet-related illnesses (Baker & Bjerregaard, 2023). Many factors have contributed to this increase such as media and marketing. Companies use their marketing strategies to target the interests of children and persuade them to desire their unhealthy products (Taillie et al., 2019). This strategy leads to children purchasing and consuming processed foods, high in sugar and empty calories. Another important component in childhood nutrition is socioeconomic status. People from lower socioeconomic …

Go to article

Emotional Development Support For Kindergarteners, Miriam Elizabeth Abundis Hernandez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

My project is centered on supporting the emotional growth of kindergarten children. Understanding what emotions are, identifying one's own and other people's feelings, and creating useful coping mechanisms are all parts of emotional growth. It is problematic when kindergarteners are unable to communicate or comprehend their feelings because it makes it difficult for them to self-regulate and obtain the assistance they require. Conflicts with the kids and their peers as they get older could result from this in the future. Instruction on recognizing emotions and expressing them to others is necessary. The majority of kids are aware of the fundamentals …

Go to article

Teaching Future Educators How To Support Students With Adhd, Rachel Schweikhard

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The topic of my capstone project is teaching future educators how to support school-age students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders of children in the United States. According to the CDC (2023), an estimated 9.8% (6 million) of kids ages 3-17 are diagnosed with ADHD. Because of the difficulties that are symptomatic of ADHD, students with the disorder often fall behind and struggle in school. Many of the symptoms deal with difficulties in executive functions. Executive functioning is the cognitive processes related to skills such as planning, regulation, and memory. These …

Go to article

Helping Kindergarteners Understand Their Emotions And Their Peers, Marelin Guadalupe Cruz Garcia

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The social-emotional development is described in this study. This study examines children who lack pro-social-emotional abilities and find it difficult to build meaningful interactions with others. In my work, I discuss how research and the lessons I taught my participants can help children gain greater social-emotional abilities and an understanding of different emotions. I work with kindergarteners who are five to six years old because I want to support them in developing deep connections with their peers and in learning about their feelings. The issue I will be bringing up is that kids struggle to build positive relationships with their …

Go to article

Chemically Amplified, Dry-Develop Poly(Aldehyde) Photoresist, Jose Lopez Ninantay, Anthony Engler, Jared Schwartz, Paul A. Kohl

Faculty Publications

The catalytic decomposition of poly(phthalaldehyde) with a photoacid generator can be used as dry-develop photoresist, where the exposed film depolymerizes into small molecules to allow the development of features via controlled vaporization. Higher temperatures enabled shorter dry-development times, but also promoted faster photoacid diffusion that compromised pattern fidelity. Trihexylamine was used as a base quencher to counteract acid diffusion in a phthalaldehyde-propanal co-polymer photoresist. The propanal co-monomer in the polymer improves the vaporization rate because it has a higher vapor pressure than phthalaldehyde. Addition of the base quencher was found to improve the contrast, pattern fidelity, and ease-of-handling of the …

Go to article

Gamification Of Speech Therapy With Pronunciation Pal, Parker Zbylut

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This capstone report examines the theory and implementation behind applying game design principles to educational applications, and explores their implementation in an educational game through the Pronunciation Pal application. The gamification of learning tools aims to increase learners' engagement and attentiveness with a subject by restructuring content using game design principles of challenges, rewards and feedback. Feedback can be delivered via visuals and/or sounds, as well as regular indicators of player progress and accomplishment. In addition, a successful game implementation establishes challenges to facilitate a player's intrinsic desire to continue playing and improving at the skills presented by the game. …

Go to article

Anti-Thesis: When Your Worst Moments Become Your Best Work, Abigail Williamson

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

My honors capstone project expands the creative work of a major writing assignment in English 3170: Successful Freelance Magazine Writing, which was modeled after Susan Shapiro’s “Humiliation Essay.” Shapiro’s signature assignment encourages students to write about an embarrassing or upsetting moment with the aim to force sincerity and humility. She writes, “It encourages students to shed vanity and pretension and relive an embarrassing moment that makes them look silly, fearful, fragile or naked.” The humiliation essay, she claims, often leads to publication because the conflict of the assignment inspires writers, and the narrator’s self-insight that occurs during the process of …

Go to article

Reading Fluency Intervention: The Impact Of Integrating Differentiated Instructional Strategies Into Small Group Instruction, Amaya Brodine

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This capstone project will report the effectiveness of three instructional strategies and two assessment strategies integrated into a 11-week reading fluency unit. These strategies were implemented in a small group setting with the goal of improving students’ automaticity reading scores. This small intervention group met four times a week for eleven weeks where students practiced choral reading, buddy reading, and game-based learning strategies. Throughout this reading intervention unit student data was gathered through triannual growth assessment, weekly progress monitoring, formal assessment strategies, and a final project. This capstone will also provide an overview of the data collection methods utilized through …

Go to article

Development Of A Solution Concept Inventory For The High School Chemistry Classroom, Grace Tetschner

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Many high school chemistry students struggle to learn the chemistry of solutions because they hold alternate conceptions—beliefs that differ from scientifically accepted ideas—related to the topics covered in a traditional solution unit. For this reason, high school chemistry teachers would benefit from the development of a Solution Concept Inventory (SCI)—a multiple-choice assessment that could be used in the high school classroom to identify student alternate conceptions on the concept of solutions. In this study, common solution-related alternate conceptions were identified, items for an SCI were developed, an analysis was performed to determine the quality of the items, and validity evidence …

Go to article

Seeking Sanctuary: An Analysis Of U Visa Policies In Omaha, Nebraska And Their Impact On Immigrant Communities, Emma Ehmke

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Since 2000, immigrants have been eligible for U visa status if they are a victim of a particular crime and assist law enforcement in criminal investigations. However, challenges arise for numerous reasons with the I-918 Supplement B form, which must be signed by an agency certifier within law enforcement or an attorney’s office. This study examines the policies of six law enforcement agencies and attorney’s offices in the Omaha Metro Area through semi-structured interviews to understand their approach to U visas and the characteristics of successful applications. The study aims to uncover variations in agency procedures and understandings and the …

Go to article

Math Minds, Lauren Gearhart

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

During this capstone project, three instructional and three formative assessment strategies were integrated into a fourth-grade math unit involving multiplication of fractions. This math unit consisted of seven instructional days including a pre-test and post-test. The strategies focused on student engagement and progression throughout the unit. Following analysis of the data collected on the instructional strategies and the formative assessments, the student's performance increased. I collected data from the pre- and post-tests that evidenced the turn and talks, think aloud, small groups, exit tickets, student whiteboards, and observation were effective instructional and assessment strategies to enhance student achievement. This capstone …

Go to article

Optimization Of Tyrosine Hydroxylase Antibody For Immunohistochemistry Fluorescence Detection In Zebrafish (Danio Rerio), Madison Thurber

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter produced through the catecholamine synthesis pathway that affects brain activity. Unregulated dopamine levels can lead to various diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Optimization of an immunohistochemistry protocol will allow for the quantification of tyrosine hydroxylase antibody, which indirectly allows for dopamine quantification in dopaminergic regions within the brain. However, the antibody concentration to give the optimal signal-to-noise ratio in IHC varies across studies. Through this experiment, I determined the concentration of tyrosine hydroxylase (TyrH) antibody for immunohistochemistry that gave the best signal-to-background noise ratio within several known dopaminergic regions …

Go to article

Addressing Athletes Coexisting Conditions Of Autism And Depression: Participants Self-Report Decreased Feelings Of Depression Post Exercise, Joshua Sutton, Saundra Shillingstad, Jessica Baldwin

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

The goal of this study was to evaluate if exercise would decrease depressive symptoms of participants who reported having coexisting conditions of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and depression. Research has reported that autistic people have increased rates of depression, in comparison to general populations (Unruh et al., 2020). The purpose of this research was to evaluate if exercise would decrease depressive symptoms of the Unified Fitness athlete participants who self-identified as having depressive symptoms and ASD. This research was conducted during the Fall 2023 semester as an extension of the class Kinesiology Practicum, using the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) …

Go to article

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (Cvst): A Retrospective Study, Nia Acharya

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This retrospective study investigates the long-term management of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST) in 51 patients over a 3-month follow-up. The analysis covers demographics, risk factors, CVST presentation, associated diseases, thrombophilia, laboratory results, and antithrombotic treatments. CVST, a rare thrombosis of dural/cerebral sinuses, poses life-threatening risks with an annual incidence aligning with literature, notably affecting young individuals. Underlying causes range from rare disorders to common triggers, complicating diagnosis, especially during pregnancy. Imaging techniques aid diagnosis, with systemic anticoagulation preferred despite bleeding risks. Noteworthy findings include a higher incidence in women, predominantly presenting with headaches. Two cases of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic …

Go to article

Effects Various Distilled Water Brands Have On Chlorophytum Comosum., Brooke Bluhm

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

When first attempting home gardening, one of the challenges many home-renters are starting to face is being able to supply enough clean water to one’s plants. In order to overcome this challenge, many plant enthusiasts are utilizing prepackaged distilled water from price friendly brands available at most regional Walmart locations. With the number of choices available on the shelves of today’s grocery stores, and vague ingredient lists on packaging it can be challenging to determine which brand is actually best suited for one’s specific needs. In order to determine the best distilled water suited to grow Chlorophytum comosum, various gallons …

Go to article

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

Table Of Contents, Colorado Environmental Law Journal

Colorado Environmental Law Journal

Table Of Contents, Colorado Journal Of International Enivornmental Law And Policy

Colorado Environmental Law Journal

How Monitoring Food Is Protecting People, Grace Sugden

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Journalistic Quality In The Digital Age Relating To Newsroom Diversity, Max Guerrera

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Voices From The Inside: Enhancing Co-Teaching Experiences Through Student Perspectives At 'Small University', Nina Cruz

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Effects Of Parental Involvement In Elementary Students Acadmics, Jasmen Acosta

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Reimagining Inclusion: Shaping The Future Of Special Education Engagement, Selena Rodriguez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Stronger Together: Uniting Parents, Educators, And Professionals For Enhanced Social-Emotional, Leslie Montiel

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Will The Future Of Video Game Music Require Real Composers?, Nathan Barrett

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Sexual Wellness Across Abilities: Reimagining Education For Adults With Disabilities, Damiana Kelsey

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Educating Hispanic Parents Through An Informative Video In Monterey County, Jonathan Hernandez Hernandez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Socio-Emotional Learning Interventions For Student Achievement, Alexis Campos

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Increasing Protective Factors For Non-Violence At A Continuation High School, Kiely Combs

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Effects Of Americanization On The Immigrant Student Population, Jose Lopez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Increasing Emergent Literacy In Preschool-Aged Children, Yuliana Morales Santiago

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The Importance Of Nutrition Education In Early Childhood, Alexi Larios

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Emotional Development Support For Kindergarteners, Miriam Elizabeth Abundis Hernandez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Teaching Future Educators How To Support Students With Adhd, Rachel Schweikhard

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Helping Kindergarteners Understand Their Emotions And Their Peers, Marelin Guadalupe Cruz Garcia

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Chemically Amplified, Dry-Develop Poly(Aldehyde) Photoresist, Jose Lopez Ninantay, Anthony Engler, Jared Schwartz, Paul A. Kohl

Faculty Publications

Gamification Of Speech Therapy With Pronunciation Pal, Parker Zbylut

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Anti-Thesis: When Your Worst Moments Become Your Best Work, Abigail Williamson

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Reading Fluency Intervention: The Impact Of Integrating Differentiated Instructional Strategies Into Small Group Instruction, Amaya Brodine

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Development Of A Solution Concept Inventory For The High School Chemistry Classroom, Grace Tetschner

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Seeking Sanctuary: An Analysis Of U Visa Policies In Omaha, Nebraska And Their Impact On Immigrant Communities, Emma Ehmke

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Math Minds, Lauren Gearhart

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Optimization Of Tyrosine Hydroxylase Antibody For Immunohistochemistry Fluorescence Detection In Zebrafish (Danio Rerio), Madison Thurber

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Addressing Athletes Coexisting Conditions Of Autism And Depression: Participants Self-Report Decreased Feelings Of Depression Post Exercise, Joshua Sutton, Saundra Shillingstad, Jessica Baldwin

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (Cvst): A Retrospective Study, Nia Acharya

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Effects Various Distilled Water Brands Have On Chlorophytum Comosum., Brooke Bluhm

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects