Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Determining The Effect Of The Minimum Wage On Income Inequality, Benjamin S. Litwin

Student Publications

Many recent studies have shown a significant increase to income inequality since the 1980s. One of the proposed methods for fixing this trend is to increase the minimum wage, since this policy would help those at the low end of the income spectrum to see economic growth. To analyze the effectiveness of this policy, we studied data from countries that are part of the Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation. By forming an econometric model to account for many factors that affect income inequality in nations around the world, including the real value of the minimum wage, we can determine …

Language As The Foundation Of Identity Among Sherpa Youth In Nepal, Joshua H. Ginder

Student Publications

This paper explores how young Sherpas in Nepal use their language as a tool for identifying themselves as uniquely Sherpa in a mutlicultural Nepal. By analyzing the way Sherpas use their language in social settings and at a radio station, the author suggests the Sherpa language is perhaps the only truly unique quality that delineates Sherpas from other Nepalis.

A Critical Discourse Analysis Of The Past And Present Conflict For Scottish Independence, Avery N. Fox

Student Publications

A study of the language and word patterns used in the past and present conflict over Scottish Independence.

Broken Promises: The Case Of Mothers Of Srebrenica Vs. The State Of The Netherlands, Victoria E. Mohr

Student Publications

Critical discourse analysis of the legal proceedings of the Mothers of Srebrenica case brought against the UN and the Dutch government. This analysis explores the nature of culpability and blame-making among international actors.

Women's Social Rights: Untapped Economic Potential, Monae S. Evans

Student Publications

This paper analyzes whether women’s social rights play a role in fostering higher levels of economic development. Prior development initiatives and economic policies failed to account for the productive capacities of women by discriminating against their basic rights to things such as an equitable education, equal inheritance, and marital rights. Applying the CIRI (Cingranelli-Richards Human Rights) dataset for women’s social rights, I found that improvements in these areas of human rights leads to significant increases in real GDP per capita, which highlights the need for development analysts and economists to focus their attention on countries’ most viable productive resource, women.

The Association Between Preschool Type And Children's Concentration Abilities, Jessica Jarvis

Honors Projects

The author of the study compared concentration abilities in 4-5 year-olds attending Montessori and traditional preschools in Bowling Green, Ohio. Number of errors and processing times on the Marburg concentration test were used to measure children's concentration abilities. No significant differences in concentration abilities were found for preschoolers attending Montessori and traditional schools.

Library Director As Change Agent: Analysis Two, Implementing Change In Difficult Times, Femi Cadmus

Cornell Law Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Popular Financial Reports: Tools For Transparency, Accountability And Citizen Engagement, Juita-Elena Yusuf, Meagan M. Jordan

School of Public Service Faculty Publications

Most governments issue annual financial reports; in the US, state and local governments issue the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, or its equivalent. However, these reports have been found to be neither readily accessible nor particularly informative to non-financial experts such as the general public. In response, professional associations such as AGA, the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and the Government Financial Officers Association, have promoted the use of different types of popular financial reports as an alternative reporting mechanism. According to GASB, financial reporting plays a critical role as a tool for public accountability in a democratic society. Yet, various …

Double Dissociation Of The Anterior And Posterior Dorsomedial Caudate–Putamen In The Acquisition And Expression Of Associative Learning With The Nicotine Stimulus, Sergios Charntikov

Department of Psychology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide. This habit is not only debilitating to individual users but also to those around them (second-hand smoking). Nicotine is the main addictive component of tobacco products and is a moderate stimulant and a mild reinforcer. Importantly, besides its unconditional effects, nicotine also has conditioned stimulus effects that may contribute to the tenacity of the smoking habit. Because the neurobiological substrates underlying these processes are virtually unexplored, the present study investigated functional involvement of dorsomedial caudate putamen (dmCPu) in the conditioning processes with nicotine as a conditioned stimulus. Rats were trained …

Fighting The Obesity Epidemic: Challenges And Ethics, Grace Brown

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

In recent decades, a double burden of disease has emerged that requires public health workers to fight both hunger and obesity. The obesity epidemic is unlike other epidemics in that it is largely man-made and dependent on social factors and industry influences, making it difficult to fight. The high global prevalence of obesity is partially a result of globalization, which has encouraged development and the liberalizing of economies all around the world, which in turn has increased the marketing and consumption of obesogenic products. Policy solutions have been proposed and implemented in some countries, but an international solution has yet …

Mediatization In The Arab World: A Cross-Cultural Comparison Of New Media Use, Julie B. Wiest, Nahed Eltantawy

Anthropology & Sociology Faculty Publications

New media (including online and cellular technologies) are being embraced around the world, and younger people have led the way in their adoption. These technologies have spread particularly quickly in the Middle East as a result of innovations in satellite, cellular, and Internet technology. In addition, the Arab Spring was a major milestone for new media adoption in the Middle East and helped define appropriate uses for these technologies. Although they have been used for activism and expression, evidence suggests that these are not (or perhaps are no longer) the primary uses of these technologies among young Arabs. Drawing on …

Medication-Assisted Treatment For Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review Of The Evidence And Implications For Social Work Practice, Amber M. Holbrook, Viba H. Nguyen

Social Work (Graduate) Faculty Publications

Evidence-based practice with pregnant clients who are opioiddependent can be especially challenging because pregnant women are rarely included in clinical trials. The paper synthesizes systematic reviews on the outcomes of medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependent pregnant women and compares the effectiveness of methadone and buprenorphine. We explore evidence on maternal and neonatal outcomes, the safety of breastfeeding, and discuss the implications for social work practice. Searches were conducted in 6 databases. Ten reviews met the inclusion criteria. Results suggest medication-assisted treatment with either methadone or buprenorphine are equally effective in reducing maternal substance use, although methadone may offer slightly higher …

Utopian Visions In Radical Communities: Burning Man, Anthony J. Colella Sir

Capstone Collection

This research paper is a collection of utopian visions gathered from the Radical Community of Burning Man. The goal of this research is to collect a sample of utopian visions from this community, organize them, and share them in a way that can be effectively used in a professional and/or activist environment. Research was done in the fall of 2013 at the Burning Man Festival, in 2014 at a Regional Burning Man Event: Lakes of Fire, and with the Burner Community around these times. The primary research question is: "What are utopian visions of the 'Burning Man' radical community?" The …

University Libraries - Spring 2015, University Libraries--University Of South Carolina

University Libraries Minizine

University Libraries is a magazine published biannually by the University of South Carolina Libraries.

Contents:

Around the libraries... p.4

World-class collections shine new light in the classroom... p. 7

Dedicated to digitizing, one page at a time... p.8

The Giving Gene... p. 10

By the Numbers... p.11

Investigating Sex Positivity: Does Education And Socialization Increase Sexual Satisfaction In Young Adults, Kendall Coffman

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate a proposed association between exposure to sexual education, positive information, and materials, and an individual’s level of comfort, sexual satisfaction, and willingness to discuss sexual topics. This study also looked at the influence of various other variables such as gender, sexual orientation, and relationship status. Undergraduates at a small, private Midwestern college were surveyed with questions regarding the context in which they were exposed to various sexual topics as well as their current levels of sexual satisfaction and willingness to discuss sexual material with a friend, family member, intimate partner, or a stranger. …

The Relationship Of Cell Phone Usage To Personality And Attention, Victoria L. Grajeda

Student Research Posters

Cell phones and texting are generally distracting and detrimental to attention (driving, school, work, etc.). Researchers have shown that cellphones affect attention (O’Connor, Whitehill, King, Kernic, Bresnahan & Ebel, 2013; Schwebel, Stavrinos, Byington, Davis, O'Neal, Jong, 2012; Thornton, Faires, Robbins, & Rollins, 2014). It is therefore important to examine all situations in which using cell phones are potentially harmful to one’s social or occupational life. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than nine people are killed and more than 1,153 people are injured in motor vehicle crashes per day (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). …

Masculinities, Gendered Expression, And The Social, Emotional, And Academic Well-Being Of High School Boys, Cynthia Bazinet

Educational Studies Dissertations

There has been longstanding concern over the seemingly intractable problem of boys’ academic achievement. Despite extensive research, there is little consensus among researchers and educators regarding best practices and approaches in mitigating and remediating the problem. This mixed-methods study sought to illuminate the issue further by focusing on the meaningful lived experiences of six young men aged 18 to 24 who attended and graduated from a central Massachusetts public high school. The study asked participants to reflect through prompted writing upon the stresses and pressures as well as the factors and conditions that affected their abilities to manage their performativities …

Nemo News, Volume 11, Issue 3, Uno Library Science Education

NEMO Newsletter

This issue of NEMO News features: Karen Pietsch named ALA Emerging Leader; Did You Know?; Student Spotlight on Justine Carmer; Important Dates; Using Box for Cloud Storage and Backup: A Cheat Sheet; Upcoming Webinars; Presenting at ALA Midwinter by Angela Kroeger; Student Resources; Scholarships; Fall Courses; Employment Opportunities; and Contact Info.

Communo Magazine, Spring 2015, School Of Communication

CommUNO Magazine

CommUNO magazine is produced by Capstone Communication and published annually by the UNO School of Communication: 6001 Dodge Street, ASH 140, Omaha, NE 68182: Phone: 402.554.2600. Fax: 402.554.3836. For more information, follow us on Twitter@ CommUNO, join the “UNO School of Communication” page on Facebook, visit communication.unomaha.edu and watch our student-produced videos on YouTube at https://bit.ly/2SEFXGR.

Factors That Influence Male Millennials To Become Professional Librarians, Heidi Blackburn

Criss Library Faculty Publications

This case study investigates what prompts male Millennials to join the historically stereotyped feminized library profession. The study addresses social, cultural, economic, and/or political factors that influence male Millennials to become professional librarians; the influence of technology on male Millennials currently enrolled in library and information science (LIS) graduate programs decisions to become professional librarians; and professional stereotypes male Millennials currently enrolled in LIS graduate programs encounter. To gather data, surveys were conducted with 231 participants enrolled in 37 LIS graduate programs across the United States, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 volunteers who participated in the surveys. Findings …

Is Service-Learning The Answer? Preparing Teacher Candidates To Work With Ells Through Service-Learning Experiences, Sandra Rodriguez-Arroyo

Scholarship of Metropolitan Mission

In an effort to address the gaps in preparing teacher candidates (TCs) to work with English Language Learners (ELLs), service-learning experiences (SLE) were integrated into two courses within a teacher education program. This exploratory case study sought to explore the outcomes of teacher candidates (TCs) engaged in SLE with diverse students and families, particularly ELLs. Content analysis of students’ reflections provided insights of the impact of the SLE. Findings indicate that participating in service-learning with ELLs provides opportunities for TCs to engage in positive interactions that help to address misconceptions about students, families, and communities. TCs also began to confront …

I Wish A Whole New Work Was Used For It: Pro-Ed Blogging And Online Identity, Andrea Mm Weare

Communication Faculty Publications

Pro–eating disorder (ED) scholarship in the ield of new media studies largely consists of text, discourse, and theoretical analyses. far fewer studies involve audience work with women in eating disorder subcultures online to cross-reference scholarly analyses with the women’s own experiences. Using a foucauldian theoretical framework, this study provides data from in-depth interviews with 10 practicing-ED bloggers on how they felt silenced by the media deadlock of the thin ideal and sought vocal expression online. The indings call for an expansion of scholarly discourse beyond catch-all “pro-ED” terminology to better capture women’s experiences with online identity formation. Additionally, considering blogging’s …

Strengthening Democracy By Increasing Youth Political Knowledge And Engagement, Laura Langer

Political Science Theses and Capstones

Even though the United States had historically high voter turnout in 2008 and 2012, there remains troubling patterns pertaining to political engagement and knowledge among its least educated youth. The literature and theory suggests that if the United States educational systems increase the amount of civic education courses, extracurricular activity, and youth volunteering opportunities in high schools, especially among the most disadvantaged youth, it will lead to an increase in political knowledge and engagement. I test this idea with data from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) post-2012 election youth survey. The CIRCLE data …

Global Hegemon: Chinese Foreign Policy Shifts And Elevated Unpko Involvement, Alex Berge

Political Science Theses and Capstones

A common question being asked in many circles is whether China will emerge as a potential rival to the U.S. as a global superpower? If the answer to this question is “yes” many ask how China will accomplish this. Research suggests that China will obtain superpower status through increased global presence and more cooperation in international organizations, specifically United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO). The literature examines Chinese policy changes that allow for more contributions and activity in UNPKOs and also what missions China can now participate in from which it would have formerly abstained. The preliminary results have shown massive …

Research: South Dakota State University, Spring 2015, Christie Delfanian

State of Discovery South Dakota State University's Research Magazine

CONTENTS:

Cyanide: Prototype detects cyanide poisoning in 70 seconds [Page] 2
Grapes: Plant scientists help improve cold-hardy grape varieties, develop local wine industry [Page] 3
Plant-derived compound may reduce cancer recurrence, spread [Page] 5
Imagining tool targets degenerative diseases [Page] 5
Nutrient-gene interaction research inspires Nelson Scholarship winner [Page] 6
Bridge girder: Improved bridge girder design can save taxpayers money [Page] 7
Microgrids help integrate renewables, maintain power flow [Page] 9
Tobacco: Nursing researchers document positive effects of tobacco-free policies [Page] 10
Rehab Counseling: rehabilitation counselors improve lives of disabled clients [Page] 11
Vocational rehab support puts asthmatic on university …

Georgia Library Spotlight - Carnegie Branch Library, Live Oak Public Libraries, Brenda Poku

Georgia Library Quarterly

No abstract provided.

News - Gwinnett County Public Library, Clifford Ibarrondo

Georgia Library Quarterly

No abstract provided.

Lawyered Up: Local Communities, Courts, And Urban Renewal, Madeline Spolin

Sociology Honors Projects

What is the role of the judicial system in solving issues of urban renewal? I propose that communities use courts as a redress to become part of the decision making process on urban renewal issues, because courts provide procedural issues that are easily open to challenge in federal statute. I analyze public statements made throughout the construction of the Green Line in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, a federally funded urban renewal project. In spite of built in public consultation processes, changes to transit design do not occur when concerns are raised at public consultation meetings; instead, they come from …

Barriers And Motivations In Mental Health Legislative Advocacy In Oregon, Bethany Webb

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Compared to other allied health fields, psychology continuously lags behind in representation on the state, national, and local level. The percentage of advocacy involvement by psychologists is very low compared with other professions. There is a great need for all psychologists to become advocates. Unfortunately, there has been limited research into the reasons why few psychologists actually engage in this process. The purpose of this study was to explore the differences in state psychological membership and primary place of practice among Oregon psychologists and students with regard to participation in mental health legislation and to identify barriers and motivations to …

Examination Of The Effects Of Mild Hearing Loss On Memory Using The Wide-Range Assessment Of Learning And Memory – Second Edition (Wraml2), Heather Paige-Deming

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

The current study examined whether young adults with mild hearing loss around 1000 Hz would differ from normal hearing participants in their performance on a standardized memory and learning instrument used in the field of psychology (i.e., WRAML2; Sheslow & Adams, 2003). Participants were 46 normal hearing individuals and 23 individuals with mild hearing loss. Hearing participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups (hearing control, 23 decibel loss, and 37 decibel loss). All 4 groups completed the WRAML2 under standardized conditions. Based on the effortful hypothesis, it was anticipated that individuals with hearing impairment would show deficits on …