28653 research outputs found
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Indiana election administration training and assessment
No full textElection administrators are required to be proficient in a variety of complex processes including human resources, poll worker training, election and procedural law, budgets, physical space management, organizational communication, public relations, testing and certification of voting systems and associated election systems, information technology, and cybersecurity. With changes in laws and technology associated with elections in the United States after 2000 and the threat of internal and external entities to the voting process, a need has emerged to provide education in the areas of election processes and the technology at a state level. Despite the complexity of voting, little exists in terms of education and training for local and state frontline Indiana Election Administrators. In this research paper, I will provide findings from research efforts in 2023 to identify the areas of deficiency in election administrator training in the state of Indiana.M. P. A
Dolling up history: American Girl and representations of gender and the past
No full textThis study explores how the American Girl company’s line of historical character dolls and books convey history and conceptualize girlhood. I review the scholarly literature on American Girl, doll design and play, children’s literature, girlhood, and historic memory and preservation. Through a narrative analysis informed by feminist rhetorical criticism, I examine the first books of eight American Girl historical characters and the accompanying toys available for purchase on American Girl’s website. My analysis then determines how American Girl portrays history through its stories and objects, how American Girl defines girlhood, and how the historical girlhood presented in the books relates to contemporary girlhood. I conclude with a discussion of this study’s strengths, limitations, and directions for future research.M. A
Of obsidian and gold
No full textThis creative project contains the first three chapters of a fantasy novel, written from a third-person point-of-view. The project explores essential narratives such as the migrant experience, critical border theory, and the Chicana experience alongside indigenous mythology and lore native to Mexico. Drawing from the literary influences of Gloria Anzaldu a, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Octavio Paz and Isabel Allende, as well as the genre of magical realism, the overarching objective is to narrate a hero’s journey from the Mexican-American perspective. This project contributes to ongoing dialogue by highlighting indigenous narratives within the literary community. As such, the project is vital in its contribution to decolonizing hundreds of years of harm committed against the indigenous people of the Americas and in ensuring the discontinuation of postcolonial harm and trauma.M. A
Ocean basin freshening: case studies from the Quaternary and Eocene utilizing foraminifera and ichthyoliths paleo-proxies
No full textThe Eocene Epoch (56-33.9 Ma) represents an interval of reorganization of the Earth’s climate and ocean systems; from the prolonged greenhouse warmth in the Early Eocene to the beginning of the modern icehouse conditions with the first large Antarctic ice sheet. The understanding of paleo-ecological and paleoceanographical phenomena and environments in the Eocene benefits from detailed examination of the Quaternary (2.58 Ma-Present) geologic record and vice versa. This study focuses on freshwater influence (ocean freshening) in the Vøring Basin along the Norwegian Continental Margin during the Early Eocene and the late Quaternary of the Cariaco basin.
Late Quaternary (~ 340,000 kyr) Cariaco Basin productivity and its relation to freshwater runoff fluxes utilize δ13C stable isotope data from Orbulina universa as a paleoproxy for productivity (higher δ13C = increased local productivity). From these data a model for the geologic record of freshwater runoff fluctuations can be developed. This model aids the reconstruction of Early Eocene salinity, bottom-water circulation, and freshwater runoff fluxes for the Vøring Basin of the Norwegian Margin. In support, neodymium (Nd) and stable isotope data were obtained from ichthyoliths recovered from IODP Expedition 396. Nd values (-5.58 - 0.41) suggest bottom-water in these marginal marine settings was mixing with other sources, including continual runoff. Salinity reconstructions and δ13C values suggest there was an increase in productivity along with brackish waters within the Vøring Basin, all corroborating with each other.
The Eocene from IODP Expedition 396 does not have precise time or paleobathymetric control. Toward that end, planktonic and benthic foraminifera taxonomic data were collected as part of an on-going scientific collaboration. Zone E7 is suggested based on planktonic foraminifera while two proposed scenarios are suggested for the mixture of agglutinated and calcareous benthic foraminifera with bathymetry indicating depths ~ 200 – 2,000 m.Ph. D
The chemistry of college collaboration: a mixed methods analysis of group work in an organic chemistry class
No full textGroup work is a hallmark of many college classes, especially in the STEM fields.
Intellectual humility is an important trait that helps facilitate interpersonal agreement and can
help mitigate disagreements. These two concepts are being examined together in this study to see
if there are any positive outcomes of intellectual humility on pre-class group work facilitated in a
college organic chemistry class. Through observing group interactions in Zoom recordings of the
collaboration sessions, analyzing self-report data from students involved in the group work, and
interviewing one student who participated in the groups, we were able to connect these two
concepts together. The observations did not reveal many interesting patterns, except that one
student involved in the groups may have had a change in levels of intellectual humility over the
course of the semester. The survey data revealed a correlation between beliefs in science and
intellectual humility, which could have implications for future research. The student who was
interviewed revealed the challenges they faced in the group work scenario. Taken together, these
data provide avenues for future research and suggestions for how to implement successful group
work in STEM classes in the future.M. S
Showing up: advocating visibility of local journalistsf
No full textThis thesis argued that visibility is crucial to local journalists’ coverage of events within the communities they serve. A local journalist’s ability to engage connects further to news consumers' attitudes as stakeholders within a community. Whether audiences may feel positively or negatively about the stories they create and disseminate, the movements of local journalists are about them “showing up.” This analysis investigated two questions: 1) Does consistent coverage by local journalists instill confidence from news consumers in their reporting, and 2) does their “showing up” influence attitudes about local news outlets’ visibility in their covering communities. The research contributed to literature about localized coverage and discourse on what consumers may expect from local journalists. The implication became that local journalists who maintain this presence care about their communities' well-being. This thesis took a qualitative approach to journalists’ visibility, and it was found that this movement can solidify engagement in the first place. Civic leaders were interviewed about their views of one local news outlet’s trustworthiness and commitment to covering the area it serves, especially in terms of the visibility of its journalists.
An analysis examined relationships between local journalists and sources and how local news outlets can build trust with news consumers. A series of semi-structured interviews gathered observations from local leaders about the Banner Graphic newspaper in Putnam County, Indiana. Finally, a discussion considered the analysis’ implications of local news outlets investing in their journalists’ visibility in communities, as well as noted limitations of the analysis’ scope which can be broadened with future research.M. A
A dissertation lecture recital of an exploration of Shi Fu's Xinjiang suites No. 1, 2, and 3
No full textThis dissertation lecture delves into Shi Fu’s Xinjiang Suites No. 1, 2, and 3, highlighting the
unique integration of musical traditions from the minority ethnic groups of the Xinjiang
province. The presentation begins with an introduction to the composer Shi Fu, followed by an
exploration of the cultural and historical context of Xinjiang and its diverse ethnic communities.
The discussion includes an examination of the use of traditional folk instruments, rhythm,
meter, melody, and modes, which distinguish these suites from traditional Chinese Han
pentatonic music. The lecture concludes by reflecting on how this study has inspired further
exploration of Xinjiang-inspired works by other composers and future research into the music
of other ethnic groups in the region.D. A
Stability Battle
No full textVeterans often face unique health challenges, including physical injuries, PTSD, and emotional stress. These impact their daily life and well-being, making dedicated support and resources crucial for recovery and management. This thesis explores how the design of a building can help improve veteran’s mental, physical, and emotional health through architectural elements and design.
The Veteran Wellness and Recovery Center is envisioned as a sanctuary for the mind, body, and spirit of those who have served. The design will merge functionality with serenity, providing a range of therapeutic and recreational spaces. While the chosen materials and colors enhance therapeutic qualities, the incorporation of natural light into internal spaces fosters a sense of openness and connectedness to the outdoors, all the while promoting a sense of feeling welcomed and calm. The center will feature adaptable community rooms, private counseling suites, employment help, and a future temporary housing building - all crafted with accessibility and comfort in mind. Each space is designed to offer privacy, while still feeling open and safe. The aim of this building is to create a harmonious environment that supports veterans in their journey towards healing and well-being.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Design for the mind
No full textAs the foundation of community betterment is fueled by education, the significance of effective learning opportunities within our public spaces is imperative for our cultural growth. The concept of peripheral participation can be applied to the design of public buildings to further and enhance effective everyday learning. To support collaboration, community interaction, and individual improvement, a multidisciplinary community campus located in Chicago, Illinois is proposed.
As the design objectives are to give the local community a space to relax, learn, and become a member of something new; the envisioned campus strives to support creative processes and uses experiential influences to further provide effective spaces for learning. Factors such as light, view connectivity's, acoustics, and air quality can be thoughtfully manipulated to enrich learning experiences for all user types and preferred ways of learning and practice. Through such a careful curation of space and experiential influences, thoughtful design can improve the way one feels about learning something new and can further uplift the communities around us.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Fear of commitment in college students: the role of perfectionism and student achievement
No full textThis study aims to examine the interplay between perfectionism and student achievement, and its contributory effect on fear of commitment. This work aims to find out whether perfectionism and student achievement play a role in individuals' fear of commitment that is expressed through indecision, indecisiveness, and lack of satisfaction after decision making. In addition, this study highlights connections between perfectionism, student achievement and fear of commitment to understand why students have trouble in making career decisions and committing to it.
The study was conducted with a Secondary data collected from 350 students who responded to the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale and Fear of Commitment Scale item on a 1-7 Likert-scale ranging from not at all true of me (1) and very true of me (7). Relationship and predictive effect between the variables were examined using regression analysis. Also, for this study student achievement was measured using the student GPA.
Concern over mistakes (COM) a dimension of perfectionism had a significant effect on fear of commitment. Student GPA alone did not predict difficulty in decision making however, there was an interaction effect between the dimension of perfection, Personal standard (PS) and GPA on fear of commitment experienced by students. This result will help improve our understanding of perfectionism and student achievement, their roles and contributory effects towards fear of
commitment. Educators, counselors, parents, and health professionals will gain helpful insights on how to identify and handle issues pertaining to career indecision and commitment. The result will also inform on coping strategies which will help individuals to better make career decisions and manage fear of commitment.M. S