Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Impact Of Oil Price Surges On Economic Growth, Valeria Restrepo

HIM 1990-2015

The objective of this research concerns identifying whether or not there is a relationship between oil price increases in a given quarter and the likelihood of a recession in the subsequent quarter. The data used is gathered from the St. Louis Fed's Fred II, the National Bureau of Economic Research, and the Energy Information Administration to generate modified variables. These variables are tested using a qualitative dependent variable, recession, in a binary choice model. The findings validated the assumption that oil prices do have a correlation with recessions, and that the relationship is a direct one. Based on the model, …

An Exploration Of Chronic Pain Experience, Coping And The Neo Five Factors In High Functioning Adults, Juliana Stalter

HIM 1990-2015

Chronic pain affects nearly 48 million Americans (Haggard, Stowell, Bernstein, & Gatchel, 2008). Established guidelines for pain management encourage the use of personality assessment in chronic pain evaluation (Karlin, Creech, Grimes, Clark, Meagher, & Morey, 2005). In relation to the Big Five personality factors, low Openness relates negatively to treatment success, (Hopwood, Creech, Clark, Meagher, & Morey, 2008), and elevated Neuroticism scores also correlate with increased pain levels among individuals in hospital or rehab settings (Ashgari & Nicholas, 2006; Nitch & Boon, 2004). In contrast to these prior studies, this study identifies correlates in a relatively high-functioning population (college students) …

Spatial Ability And Experts Of Needlework Crafts An Exploratory Study, Shannon Kyle Tedder Bailey

HIM 1990-2015

In the Surface Development Test, self-perceived Sewing Expertise was significant in predicting participants' test scores. For the Paper Folding Test, Knitting and Crocheting Expertise were significant, suggesting expertise may mitigate age effects.; Spatial ability has been a topic of much research and debate over the past few decades. Yet, there are gaps in the current literature. Spatial ability refers to the aptitude of an individual to mentally rotate objects, visualize spaces, and recognize patterns (Linn & Petersen, 1985). A highly spatial task that is not addressed in research literature is crafting. Crafting may refer to knitting, crocheting, sewing, and other …

State Income Tax A Double-Edged Sword, Karla Burgos

HIM 1990-2015

States are facing tough economic times as a result of the housing market bubble exploding. States have been declaring budget deficits and major program cuts, since revenues have not kept up with expenditures and rainy day funds have been practically exhausted. State tax revenues have decreased, resulting from a decline in income tax revenues, one of the major sources of revenues for a large number of states (41 in total). A majority of these states have come to depend heavily on the revenue they collect from income taxes, which can represent as much as 40% of state tax revenue. This …

Using Gis To Determine The Influence Of Wetlands On Cayuga Iroquois Settlement Location Strategies, David J. Birnbaum

HIM 1990-2015

The archaeological record of the Iroquois supports that settlements were regularly relocated during the protohistoric period (1500-1650 A.D.). With the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) computer software, archaeologists may analyze variables potentially resulting in or influencing the movement of settlements. Through the use of spatial analysis, I argue that Cayuga Iroquois settlement locations were influenced by the environmental characteristics of their surrounding landscape. Specifically, wetlands are believed to have influenced settlement location choices in central New York state. This study examines the spatial relationships between wetland habitats and protohistoric period Cayuga Iroquois settlements where swidden maize agriculture comprised most …

The Role Of Rain In Postclassic Maya Religious Belief, Lillie U. Dao

HIM 1990-2015

The concept of religion and its practice within ancient societies across the world is a subject that has fascinated scientists for centuries. The pre-Columbian Maya codices, first-hand Postclassic hieroglyphic documents, have been examined by hundreds of anthropologists. Analysis of these books has led scientist to hypothesize that these manuscripts were vitally connected to the Maya Postclassic belief system. Understanding the central focus of a civilization's religion and how, why and under what circumstances the religion is practiced truly distinguishes them as a culture. The intent of this thesis is to examine the role of rain in Maya Postclassic religious belief. …

Yoga As A Treatment For Low Back Pain A Systematic Review Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Alison Diaz

HIM 1990-2015

Background: Low back pain is very common and has a tremendous economic impact. With the prevalence and incidence of low back pain on the rise, individuals are turning to alternative treatments. Yoga is the most widely used complementary and alternative medicine treatment for low back pain and it is not fully certain how effective this method is for resolving the symptoms. Objectives: The purpose of this manuscript is to systematically review the current literature for randomized controlled trials that assess the outcomes of yoga intervention in individuals with low back pain. Methods: An electronic database search was performed to analyze …

Attitude Change Regarding Animal Abuse In Adults The Effect Of Education And Visual Aids, Ashley Carter

HIM 1990-2015

Additionally, images of animals alone immediately increased attitudes regarding treatment of animals. This difference does not appear to increase further over time. Images of animals alone appear to aid in immediately altering individuals' sense of continuity with animals. The attitude that animals and humans share some commonalities and exist in relation to each other could assist in adoption campaigns by allowing the potential owners to place themselves with the animals they are adopting. However, over time information combined with images of humans and animals significantly increase this sense of commonality. The applications for the results depend on what type of …

Political Participation And E-Petitioning An Analysis Of The Policy-Making Impact Of The Scottish Parliament's E-Petition System, Ross D. Cotton

HIM 1990-2015

Worldwide, representative democracies have been experiencing declining levels of voter turnout, lower membership levels in political parties, and apathy towards their respective political systems and their ability to influence the political process. E-democracy, and specifically E-petitioning, have been touted as a possible solution to this problem by scholars of electoral systems. In 1999, the Scottish Parliament reconvened for the first time in nearly three hundred years, and quickly set out to change the way politics were handled in Scotland by launching the world's first online E-petition system. Analyzing the Scottish Parliament's E-petition system, and assessing the extent to which it …

Prosecutorial Discretion And Plea Bargaining: Is There A Jury Trial Penalty?, Gina Hall

HIM 1990-2015

As the most powerful position of the courtroom workgroup, the prosecutor plays an essential role in the criminal justice system. From the defendant's initial contact with the criminal court process when the prosecutor makes the charging decision, until sentencing when the prosecutor's recommendation guides judicial discretion, prosecutors hold the power to decide a defendant's fate. Despite the parameters that govern their ability to use discretion, the prosecutor still maintains a significant amount of power to influence crucial decisions with regard to the defendant. The current study addresses the issue of prosecutorial discretion and the ability to mishandle the powers bestowed …

What Is The Importance Of Age At Menarche On Adult Height Relative To Other Known Factors?, Pamela M. Kacerosky

HIM 1990-2015

Objectives: To analyze the association between age at menarche, as a measure of sexual maturation, and adult height from ten published studies. Methods: Compared published measurements of age at menarche, adult height, and within-sample relationships observed in ten studies, for women from several societies and socioeconomic backgrounds, living in the 20th century, Results: In these studies, early maturers were taller during pre-puberty, but had shorter adult height then later maturers. Late maturers experience a longer period of pre-pubertal growth and a delayed age of peak height velocity, leading to an extended overall time of growth, until adult stature was obtained. …

Effects Of Input Modality And Expertise On Workload And Video Game Performance, Travis M. Kent

HIM 1990-2015

A recent trend in consumer and military electronics has been to allow operators the option to control the system via novel control methods. The most prevalent and available form of these methods is that of vocal control. Vocal control allows for the control of a system by speaking commands rather than manually inputting them. This has not only implications for increased productivity but also optimizing safety, and assisting the disabled population. Past research has examined the potential costs and benefits to this novel control scheme with varying results. The purpose of this study was to further examine the relationship between …

A Hedonic Analysis Of The Effect Of Expert Wine Ratings On Price And Retailer Profits, Kaitlin D. Neill

HIM 1990-2015

During the last few decades, economists have become interested in the wine industry and several of them have focused on the determinants of price. One characteristic that has been identified as an important determinant is expert wine ratings. Much of the previous research on this topic has focused on relating expert grades to the retail price of wine. Using proprietary data, this paper will test whether these grades influence retail prices as well as retailer profits and wholesale pricing. By analyzing an individual wholesale firm in South Florida and their distribution network, this paper determines the effect expert ratings have …

Diaspora Bonds: A Viable Source Of External Financing For Nigeria?, Omolara O. Duke

Bullion

The paper examines the need for external funding, arises from the inadequacy of domestic sources of funds to meet supply gaps and balance of payments (BOP) challenges and the potentials of Nigeria sourcing external financing through the issuance of Diaspora bonds. Following this introduction, Section ll reviews conceptual and empirical literature as well as country experiences on Diaspora bonds issuance. Section lll, discusses the bond market in Nigeria. ln Section lV. the prospects and challenges of issuing Diaspora bonds in Nigeria were highlighted. Section V concludes the paper.

The Effect Of Global Financial Crisis On The Nigerian Capital Market: Lessons For Monetary Policy, Sunday Ogwuche Ameh

Bullion

The paper assesses the effect of the financial crisis on the Nigerian Capital market, and lessons for monetary policy with a view to providing valuable inputs that can be used to update policy decisions in Nigerian economy as well as examining the historical perspective of the recent global financial crisis.

Introduction To The Symposium On 'Financial Risks And Economic Stability In Emerging Market Economies', Lucjan Orlowski

WCBT Faculty Publications

Developing resilience to contagion effects from global financial crises and economic recessions has been an ongoing crucial task for policymakers in emerging market economies. The recent global financial crisis of 2007-2009 has underscored the importance of pursuing disciplined macroeconomic policies and of devising sound macroprudential regulations that would strengthen the immunity of emerging markets and their institutions to various types of risks, including credit, default, sovereign, liquidity and market risks. The studies included in this symposium are not intended to provide a comprehensive overview of financial vulnerabilities in a broad spectrum of emerging markets. Rather, they share a common aim …

Editor's Notebook, William C. Levin

Bridgewater Review

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Verbal Working Memory In New Word Learning In Toddlers 24 To 30 Months Old, France Weill

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Local Television Coverage Of A Mall Shooting: Separating Facts From Fiction In Breaking News, Jeremy Harris Lipschultz, Michael L. Hilt

Communication Faculty Publications

Local TV news emphasizes the earliest stage of crimes because ‘‘breaking news’’ is fresh, dramatic and visual. A qualitative analysis was conducted using a comprehensive set of recordings of the first three-and-a-half hours of local television news coverage in Omaha, Nebraska. This study identified a series of ongoing issues that have important implications for newsroom decision-makers. Local television news used charged and dramatic language, such as that shooting victims were ‘‘fighting for their lives.’’ Reporters and news managers find themselves in the middle of a struggle between two options: remaining a distant and objective observer of events, or connecting with …

Brief Assessment Of Schizotypy: Developing Short Forms Of The Wisconsin Schizotypy Scales, Beate P. Winterstein, Paul J. Silvia, Thomas R. Kwapil, James C. Kaufman, Roni Reiter-Palmon, Benjamin Wigert

Psychology Faculty Publications

The Wisconsin Schizotypy Scales—the Perceptual Aberration, Magical Ideation, Physical Anhedonia, and Revised Social Anhedonia Scales—have been used extensively since their development in the 1970s and 1980s. Based on psychometric analyses using item response theory, the present work presents 15-item short forms of each scale. In addition to being briefer, the short forms omit items with high differential item functioning. Based on data from a sample of young adults (n = 1144), the short forms have strong internal consistency, and they mirror effects found for the longer scales. They thus appear to be a good option for researchers interested in …

Review Of Public Administration In Perspective: Theory And Practice Through Multiple Lenses By David John Farmer, Gary S. Marshall

Public Administration Faculty Publications

David Farmer’s book Public Administration in Perspective: Theory and Practice Through Multiple Lenses maps the field of public administration in a new and comprehensive way. Farmer is, by far, one of the most knowledgeable writers in our field. His writing is creative, bold, and imaginative. Within public administration and political science, Farmer is a mentor to many and an inspiration to all who know him.

Selected Characteristics For Nebraska Legislative Districts From The 2006‐2010 American Community Survey, Center For Public Affairs Research (Cpar)

Past Publications

On December 8, 2011, the U.S. Census Bureau released five‐year American Community Survey (ACS) estimates for the combined years of 2006 through 2010, making available social, economic, housing and demographic statistics for every community in Nebraska and the nation. Also available are estimates for Nebraska’s Legislative Districts.

The data are based on a rolling national sample survey mailed to about 3 million addresses each year, resulting in nearly 2 million final interviews each year from 2006 through 2010. By pooling several years of survey responses, the ACS can generate detailed statistical portraits of smaller geographies such as legislative districts. The …

Extrapolating Strategies For The Scientific And Technological Development Of Underdeveloped Societies From The Examples Of South Korea, Slovenia And Serbia, Vuk Uskoković, Dragan Uskoković

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

The recent history of scientific excellence of a society could be used as an indicator of its economic, cultural and communal prosperity. In this work, two examples of countries that successfully arose from the remnants of comparative poverty and established themselves as scientifically thriving societies, South Korea and Slovenia, are compared with the case of Serbia, a country that is presumably on the doorsteps of a similarly explosive developmental path. Guidelines for social progress in the direction of greater scientific and social prominence are outlined in the course of the discourse. It is concluded that the ideal model of growth …

Library Education And Development Newsletter, Volume 5, Issue 2, Uno Library Science Education

Library Education and Development (L.E.A.D.)

This issue of the Library Education and Development Newsletter features Advice from the Frontlines from Nick Kaiser, a Student Spotlight of Kim Steinbrink, Announcements, Conferences and Professional Development, and Things to Consider: School Library Media Research: Research Articles for School Librarians.

Trafficking Of Women In Nepal: An Intersectional Analysis Of Organizational Narratives, Bhavana Mahat

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In Nepal, sex trafficking is usually associated with poverty, illiteracy and gender discrimination. To better understand the discursive dimensions of sex trafficking, this research examines the organizational narratives of the Nepalese anti-trafficking workers using the analytical framework of intersectionality. This study finds that the anti-trafficking workers' organizational narratives are influenced by both personal and institutional narratives. In their personal narratives, anti-trafficking workers recognize the multiple forms of discrimination shaping the victims' experiences, but the intersectional discriminations are rarely addressed in the anti-trafficking programs or services implemented by the non-profit organizations. After having identified sex-trafficking victims as experiencing discrimination based on …

The Impact Of Chinese Purchases Of U.S. Government Debt On The Treasury Yield Curve, Radhames A. Lizardo, Andre V. Mollick

Economics and Finance Faculty Publications

Examining monthly data from May of 1985 to May of 2008, we find that increases in Chinese purchases of U.S government debt lead to decreases in Treasury yields. The effect is stronger as the maturity increases: a one percent increase in purchases of U.S. Treasuries by Chinese investors lowers the two-year (ten-year) Treasury yield by 10 to 38 basis points (39 to 55 basis points) on average, ceteris paribus . Overall, the demand-side variable capturing Chinese purchases of U.S. Treasuries improves the cointegrating properties of U.S. interest rates. In-sample and out-of-sample forecasts reinforce that the model with Chinese purchases greatly …

Motivating Factors Influencing Spectator Attendance At Professional Soccer Events In Brazil, Rafael Andreis

Master's Theses

In Brazil, soccer is regarded so highly that Brazilians often refer to their country as o pais do futebol, or the country of football ("Natal Brazil", 2006). Brazil national soccer teams won five of the nineteen World Cup tournaments, a record that is so far unmatched by any other country. Brazil boasts 102 million soccer fans who attend games in the country's 300 soccer stadiums, which, combined, have more than five million seats (Helal et al., 2006; Fifa.com, 2010). However, while the importance of soccer in Brazil is unquestionable, the monetization of professional soccer in Brazil is currently far from …

Workplace Harassment: The Social Costs Of Bullying, Andra Gumbus, Bridget M. Lyons

WCBT Faculty Publications

Most research on workplace bullying uses survey results to understand working conditions, target and bully characteristics, and results of bullying situations. This study uses content analysis to determine themes emerging from a writing assignment that asks students to respond to questions about workplace bullying. The intent of the research is to enable bullying targets to better understand the situation, to help managers to learn how to mitigate possible bullying situations, and to assist witnesses to better react to workplace incidents.

The Effects Of Check In/Check Out On Levels Of Problem Behavior And Academic Engagement In Elementary School Students, Leila Mullooly Miller

Master's Theses

Previous studies have largely evaluated the effects of check in/ check out (CICO) using office discipline referrals (ODRs). However, ODRs are not always reliable measures of student behavior, and direct observation is known to be an accurate tool for behavioral measurement. Due to this, the current study used direct observations to evaluate the effects of CICO on levels of problem behavior and academic engagement for a group of elementary school students. One second, one fourth, and one sixth grade student served as participants. Results indicate CICO is effective in decreasing problem behavior and increasing academic engagement. Data from teacher ratings …

Managing Diversity And Inclusion In The Central Bank Of Nigeria: Prospects And Challenges, Job A. Olorunshola

Bullion

This paper discusses key issues in managing diversity and inclusion in the CBN for organizational effectiveness. It is organized into five sections. Section Two, following the introduction, provides some theoretical background while section Three x-rays evidence of diversity and inclusion the CBN. Section Four discusses the key challenges and the way-forward in diversity and inclusion management in the Bonk. The last section concludes the paper.