Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Flexibility Of Knowledge As A Function Of Practice And Explicit Instruction, Bill Sallas

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Two experiments used a dynamic control task (Berry & Broadbent, 1984) to examine the flexibility of experientially acquired knowledge. The results suggest that experientially acquired knowledge of this task is represented by a lookup table, not a set of tuned strategies. With practice, transfer to a new task was achieved through an extrapolation procedure. Experiment 2 demonstrated far superior task and transfer performance in participants trained with a combination of experiential practice and model-based knowledge. Transfer to new states was only possible when participants were provided with model-based knowledge through direct instruction. Also, providing model-based knowledge during practice resulted in …

Mapping Selective Logging In Mixed Deciduous Forest: A Comparison Of Machine Learning Algorithms, Christopher D. Lippitt, John Rogan, Zhe Li, J. Ronald Eastman, Trevor G. Jones

Geography

This study assesses the performance of five Machine Learning Algorithms (MLAS) in a chronically modified mixed deciduous forest in Massachusetts (USA) in terms of their ability to detect selective timber logging and to cope with deficient reference datasets. Multitemporal Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper-plus (ETM+) imagery is used to assess the performance of three Anificial Neural Networks - Multi-Layer Perceptron, ARTMAP, Self-Organizing Map, and two Classification Tree splitting algorithms: gini and entropy rules, MLA performance evaluations are based on susceptibility to reduced training set size, noise, and variations in the training set, as well as the operability/transparency of the classification process. …

Urban Corruption Policy Analysis, Michael Buttars, John Devaney, Jared Gerber, Kevin Sansom

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Corruption has been an issue in municipal government since the inception of government. The purpose of this research and paper is to explore the topic of urban corruption in the United States a sit pertains to city development. A review of the literature on this topic shows that this has been a neglected area of research in public administration. The literature review contained in this paper will look at both the research that has been done in the area of urban corruption and the way in which this type of research has been conducted over the years.

Response Of Carbon Fluxes To Water Relations In A Savanna Ecosystem In South Africa, W. L. Kutsch, N. Hanan, B. Scholes, I. Mchugh, W. Kubheka, H. Eckhardt, Christopher A. Williams

Geography

The principal mechanisms that connect carbon fluxes with water relations in savanna ecosystems were studied by using eddy covariance method in a savanna ecosystem at Kruger National Park, South Africa. Since the annual drought and rewetting cycle is a major factor influencing the function of savanna ecosystems, this work focused on the close inter-connection between water relations and carbon fluxes. Data from a nine-month measuring campaign lasting from the early wet season to the late dry season were used.

Total ecosystem respiration showed highest values at the onset of the growing season, a slightly lower plateau during the main part …

Does Marriage And Relationship Education Work? A Meta-Analytic Study, Alan J. Hawkins, Victoria L. Blanchard, Scott A. Baldwin, Elizabeth B. Fawcett

Faculty Publications

In this meta-analytic study, the authors examined the efficacy of marriage and relationship education (MRE) on 2 common outcomes: relationship quality and communication skills. A thorough search produced 86 codable reports that yielded 117 studies and more than 500 effect sizes. The effect sizes for relationship quality for experimental studies ranged from d = .30 to .36, while the communication skills effect sizes ranged from d = .43 to .45. Quasi-experimental studies generated smaller effect sizes, but these appeared to be due to pretest group differences. Moderate-dosage programs produced larger effect sizes than did lows-dosage programs. For communication skills, published …

Customer Satisfaction And Service Quality In High-Contact Service Firm, Emilina R. Sarreal

DLSU Business & Economics Review

By taking attribute-based measures of service quality, this study establishes clear linkages between customer satisfaction (students) and quality (perception of their experience in the practicum program of the university). The results of this study clearly indicate that student satisfaction is more directly related to functional quality or process of service delivery. The delivery of service through implementation of clear policies and procedures contributed significantly to student satisfaction. The study recommends appropriate internal measures of efficiency and employee compensation as a means to ensure quality and customer satisfaction, and, as a whole, recommends a service marketing system for a high-contact type …

Application Of Accrual And Cash Accounting: Implications For Small And Medium Enterprises In Metro Manila, Cynthia P. Cudia

DLSU Business & Economics Review

This study aims to determine which between the two methods of accounting, accrual or cash method, is more applicable to SMEs in Metro Manila. Accordingly, this study aims to determine the factors that influence SMEs in Metro Manila to apply the chosen accounting method. Some implications of using accrual and cash accounting are specified. This includes implications on qualitative characteristics of financial information, on income statements and balance sheet, on SMEs’ liquidity and profitability positions, and implications of using cash/modified-cash basis converted to accrual basis at year-end. The results of the study provide insights on the applicability of the Exposure …

Income Statement Disclosures: An International Financial Reporting Standard Compliance Report Of Ten Selected Publicly Listed Corporations In The Manufacturing Industry, Rodiel C. Ferrer

DLSU Business & Economics Review

This study focuses on compliance audit of ten selected publicly listed corporations in the manufacturing industry. It seeks to ensure that the submitted financial statements of a business entity are in accordance with applicable laws and regulations set forth in the Philippine Accounting Standards. The review’s aim is to establish a recommendatory measure that may support the SEC and other bodies interested in promoting a more unified, synchronized financial report that may be easily understood; to facilitate evaluation; and to provide a uniform basis of financial reporting. As a supplement, it may be used as a tool to identify loopholes, …

Impairment Practices Of Selected Publicly-Listed Companies In The Philippine Mining Industry, Florenz C. Tugas

DLSU Business & Economics Review

As evidenced by new accounting standards, the advent of harmonization of accounting standards has caused a shift from historical basis accounting to fair value accounting. A bigger impact of this shift is manifested through revaluations and impairment. But recent events that concern complexities associated with the practical application of this standard have surfaced causing many companies to not full comply with its provisions. This study, therefore, attempts to investigate the compliance of ten selected companies belonging to the mining industry with provisions of PAS 36; and to determine existing impairment practices in the mining industry. Results reveal that selected companies …

Make Haste Or Waste: A Case Study On Predicting Bankruptcy Of Weyst Oyl Corporation Using Altman's Z-Score Model, Joy S. Rabo

DLSU Business & Economics Review

The motivation for research in corporate bankruptcy prediction is clear: the early detection of financial distress and the use of corrective measures are preferable to filing for protection under the bankruptcy law. This study analyzes if the application of Altman’s Z-score model will send a danger signal to the company management and contribute to the improvement of Weyst Oyl Corporation’s financial status. A used oil treating company established in 1978, Weyst Oyl Corporation, which has consistently been operating profitably for 17 years since its formation, decided in 1996 to acquire machinery which would increase plant capacity. It did so without …

The Myth And Reality Of Prom: A Qualitative Examination Of The American High School Prom Experience, Sarah C. Brandt

Honors Program Theses

This research compares social and cultural myths about the prom with the reality of the high school prom experience. Data include content analysis of prom-related popular media, and ten qualitative interviews with individuals aged 20-25 about their high school prom experiences. Perceptions of what prom is supposed to be like are influence heavily by the media; study participants' real prom experiences were quite different. Additionally, participants' prom experiences related less with popular media depictions and more with their actual social status in high school culture. Findings support that the media present a narrow, idealized depiction of the prom that rarely …

Birthrate And Population Density As Predictors Of Quality Of Life, Jessica M. Young

Honors Program Theses

It is thought that economies can benefit from developing their members by providing more opportunities. Thus, when populations grow quickly or are large, quality of life may decrease due to fewer opportunities. To test this hypothesis, two studies were used to investigate correlations between population and quality of life variables. The first study considered U.S. states, while the second study examined countries. Population measures included birthrate and population density, as well as population growth rate for countries. State quality of life measures were: graduation rates, GDP, unemployment, poverty, violent crime rate, and income. Country measures were: life expectancy, literacy, GDP …

Social Politics And Freedom: Incorporating Civil Society Into Arendt's Political Thought, Grant J. Rozeboom

Honors Program Theses

The possibility of human freedom has captivated philosophers throughout the ages, often leading them to conclude that freedom is a unique capacity of humanity, exemplifying our potential for politics, contemplation, and/or religious salvation. In the modern age, beginning with the political writings of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, freedom has been understood (at least within the early liberal tradition and common discourse) as unhindered and individuated economic movement, motivated by self-interest and actualized most fully in institutions such as the consumerist free market. Yet, we find that the more we devote our actions to fulfilling our individual interests and needs, …

Surface Temperature Mapping Of The University Of Northern Iowa Campus Using High Resolution Thermal Infrared Aerial Imageries, Alexander Savelyev, Ramanathan Sugumaran

Faculty Work

The goal of this project was to map the surface temperature of the University of Northern Iowa campus using high-resolution thermal infrared aerial imageries. A thermal camera with a spectral bandwidth of 3.0-5.0 µm was flown at the average altitude of 600 m, achieving ground resolution of 29 cm. Ground control data was used to construct the pixelto-temperature conversion model, which was later used to produce temperature maps of the entire campus and also for validation of the model. The temperature map then was used to assess the building rooftop conditions and steam line faults in the study area. Assessment …

Shinarump Red Ware And Other Red Ware Pottery North And West Of The Colorado River, James R. Allison

Faculty Publications

In November 2007, the Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA) hosted a conference to discuss, clarify, and where necessary revise the standard typology used for prehistoric Puebloan pottery found in northwestern Arizona, southwestern Utah, and southeastern Nevada. The multi-state nature of the area covered makes precise geographical description awkward, but the conference was titled Prehistoric Puebloan Pottery North and West of the Colorado River. Margaret Lyneis and Kelley Hays-Gilpin organized the conference, and they have provided a general discussion of the conference and its conclusions in an earlier edition of Pottery Southwest (Lyneis and Hays-Gilpin 2008). Participants continue to work on …

The Case Of Social Responsibility: An Ideal Of Objectivity, Sara Van Hemert

Honors Program Theses

This thesis seeks to show that the current status of media is one of conflicting goals and pressures. It will prove that objectivity is a worthwhile attempt. Lastly, it will show how consumers can critically analyze material from the news media because the public understands that news media is not perfect.

An American's Guide To Cultural Brokering, Jessica Anna Sauer

Honors Program Theses

The United States is the world's largest refugee host, welcoming almost 3 million people in the last 30 years, according to the January 16th, 2007 edition of the San Francisco Chronicle. In addition to refugees, the United States accepted 1,266,264 immigrants in 2006, as stated in the Office of Immigration Statistics 2006 Yearbook of Statistics. Furthermore, the Kids Count Data Center reports that one out of every five children lives in an immigrant family. Clearly, these numbers show that immigrants compose a significant part of our communities.

While the US strives to welcome newcomers, many immigrants are left in the …

Biracial Filipino Americans In Society, Neal Andrew Molitor

Honors Program Theses

Since I grew up in a small and predominantly white Midwestern town, I was acutely aware of the common cultural aspects of my Caucasian side. I was able to familiarize myself with the Western cultural values, and I felt comfortable within them. My appearance may have differed from my peers' but I was able to assimilate myself with all the local customs. However, I still felt that I was neglecting a major part of my identity. I needed to know more about the other half of my cultural heritage, and I knew that college and this thesis project would provide …

Additional Studies In Rio Grande Valley History, Milo Kearney, Anthony K. Knopp, Antonio Zavaleta

Studies in Rio Grande Valley Regional History Series

Border birding, a poem / Chip Dameron -- The curse, a folktale / Peter Gawenda -- River boundaries of Texas : the Louisiana-Texas borderland and Lower Rio Grande Valley in comparative perspective 1700-1850 / Francis X. Galan -- Testamentos de Reynosa 1770-1820 / Pedro Antonio Campos Rodriguez -- La Guerra de 1847 y la inevitibilidad ‘retorica’ de la derrota / Arturo Zarate Ruiz -- The dead man’s bride, a folktale / Peter Gawenda -- Emmanuel Domenech in the Rio Grande Valley, 1851-1853 / Santiago Escobedo -- Don Juan Jose de Solis, Albert Champion, the border cattle raids, and the birth …

Psychological Detachment As A Moderator In Work-Family Conflict Relationships, Lauren Ann Murphy

Dissertations and Theses

Psychological detachment from work during off-job time has great significance in the field of Occupational Health Psychology because it affects the process of work recovery. Recovery from work helps people to achieve a work-life balance that leads to psychological health and general well-being.

List Composition Effects For Masked Semantic Primes: Evidence Inconsistent With Activation Accounts, Jennifer C. Major

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Priming is the benefit that an event receives when its processing has been preceded by the processing of a related or identical event. Context effects on priming are evident when priming changes as a function of some feature of experimental trials. The most commonly explored context effect is that of relatedness proportion (RP), where it has often been shown that the magnitude of priming (semantic or repetition) is directly related to the proportion of related trials: Increasing the related trials results in greater priming. Although previously thought to depend on strategic processing, recent evidence of context effects from designs using …

Confrontation Cinema In The Age Of Neoliberalism; Where Brazil And The United States Meet, Rachel F. Rosenfeld

CMC Senior Theses

Contents: Introduction; The Smell of Revolution and Popcorn; Filling the Gaps: Historical Context; Brazilian Cinema in the Age of Neoliberalism and Political Discourse of the New Brazilian Left; US Films and the Iraq War: This isn’t my America; Epilogue

Good Nietzsche, Bad Nietzsche: The Role Of Friedrich Nietzsche In Richard Rorty’S Political Thought., Paul A. Snell Jr.

CMC Senior Theses

Richard Rorty found Friedrich Nietzsche’s critique of epistemology (perspectivism) to be a helpful tool in getting us to stop thinking of knowledge as something we find, and instead as something that we create. He also found perspectivism to be a helpful tool in that of the private sphere, of private self-creation. The Nietzsche that provides perspectivism is “The Good Nietzsche”. Rorty, however, conceived of Nietzsche’s ideas as being absolutely useless when it comes to politics, along with his ideas regarding morality, the Will to Power, and the Übermensch. These are the ideas of “The Bad Nietzsche”. Rorty’s actual usage of …

Japanese Vocabulary Acquisition By Learners In Three Contexts, Dan P. Dewey

Faculty Publications

This study is an investigation of the development of vocabulary knowledge during study abroad (SA), intensive domestic immersion (IM) and academic-year formal classroom (AY) learning. Its focus was the growth of vocabulary knowledge in Japanese--a language where little SA research has been conducted to date. Unlike most studies addressing vocabulary development, it was centered strictly on vocabulary acquisition. Following the example of one of the most insightful comparative studies of vocabulary learning abroad and at home to date (Laufer & Paribakht, 1998), it included multiple measures of vocabulary knowledge to assess possible subtle differences in vocabulary acquisition between the SA, …

Quantifying Twentieth Century Glacier Change In The Sierra Nevada, California, Hassan J. Basagic

Dissertations and Theses

Numerous small alpine glaciers occupy the high elevation regions of the central and southern Siena Nevada, California. These glaciers change size in response to variations in climate and are therefore important indicators of climate change. An inventory based on USGS topographic maps (l :24,000) revealed 1719 glaciers and perennial snow and ice features for a total area of 39.l5 ±7.52 km². The number of 'true' glaciers, versus non-moving ice, is estimated to be 118, covering 15.87 ± 1.69 Km². All glaciers were located on north to northeast aspects, at elevations >3000 m. Historical photographs, geologic evidence, …

Civil Society's Involvement In Post-Conflict Peacebuilding, Corinne Parver, Rebecca Wolf

Scholarly Articles in Law Reviews & Journals

War is a way of life – in some parts of the world it is an on-going struggle with no end in sight. Years of perpetual conflict have adversely affected the way in which political, socioeconomic, and cultural components of society have developed. Indeed, armed conflict negatively affects all aspects of society: not only does it destroy buildings and societies, but it also leaves surviving individuals and communities with deep wounds that can last a lifetime.

Many efforts have been employed around the world to build peace following a conflict. Some interventions have proven quite successful, while others have not. …

Resilience In Mothers Who Had Been Victims Of Physical Child Abuse: An Exploration Of The Mediating Effects Of Personality Characteristics, Coping Skills, Social Support, And Family Characteristics, Denise A. Traina

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Exploration Of Perceived Stressors Coping And Communication In Law-Enforcement Couples, Pamela J. Fackina

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Ecosystem Restoration In The Ouachita National Forest: Evaluating The Pragmatism Of Pre-European Settlement Benchmarks, John Lawrence Davenport

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

This paper looks at the intersections of nature and culture through a study of forest ecosystem restoration efforts in the Ouachita National Forest (Arkansas and Oklahoma). Ecosystem restoration goals are often informed by a pre-European settlement (PES) condition, with an implicit (and occasionally explicit) assertion that such conditions are both more natural than and preferable to the contemporary state. In many cases resuming pre-suppression fire regimes remains a key mechanism for achieving this restored condition. This study’s three main objectives include: (1) determining how PES benchmarks arose in restoration thought, (2) examining how the choice to use a PES benchmark …

Qualitative Analysis Of The Implementation Of An Autism Program Within A Public School District, Lucila F. Hernandez

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The study analyzed the development, implementation and success of an educational program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis within a public school structure. Records reviewed for a two year time period identified four phases to program development and implementation, as well as identifying themes and barriers for specific roles, administration, staff and parents. The success of the program is evidenced by growth in the children and by reported satisfaction of parents and staff. A program blue print offers an outline to program development and implementation. Necessary ASD program components, based on literature reviewed are summarized. This study highlights …