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Alternative Learning and Psychiatric Day Treatment: Examining the Intersection of Academics and Therapy
No full textWhen secondary school students display continued negative behaviors, school administrators often decide to assign out-of-school suspension or transfer the students to alternative placements, citing the school's inability to educate these students in the district's home setting. Out-of-district placements are not an option for all districts, pushing them to create their own alternative programs, relying on their own discipline policies. Zero-tolerance policies, which rely on out-of-school suspensions, often fail to change behaviors and can, in fact, contribute to increased negative behavior. Public educators, often concerned with declining graduation rates, have observed an increase in students with mental health disorders, who exhibit negative behaviors. In an attempt to ensure the safety and success of all students, districts have proposed alternative settings, which include psychiatric day-treatment components. This case study explored and sought to understand the intersection of psychiatric treatment with providing instruction in the state-required academics in two alternative learning programs. Additionally, this study explored the relationship between participation in the alternative-learning programs and a diminished suspension rate.Ed.D., Educational Leadership and Management -- Drexel University, 201
Anticipated Early Death and Offending Patterns: A Retrospective Self-Report Study
No full textAnticipated early death posits that some individuals engage in risky behaviors such as criminal offending because they believe that they will die or be killed prematurely, and thus they do not fear or otherwise minimize the potential lethal consequences of certain criminal behaviors. The aim of the present study was to provide preliminary information regarding anticipated early death utilizing a new sample and additional quantitative measures for this under-researched topic. Data was collected from three groups of targeted participants: (1) former community youth who spent no time in a detention center (n = 212); (2) former criminally involved, but not incarcerated youth, who spent less than 48 hours in a detention center (CINI; n = 203); and (3) former incarcerated youth, who spent more than 48 hours in a detention center (n = 202). Results supported both the presence and consequences of anticipating an early death. Those who anticipated an early death as a youth reported more extensive criminal histories than those who did not. Participants who anticipated an early death also reported more adverse experiences in their childhood than those who did not. Finally, those who anticipated an early death endorsed attitudes that reflected a romanticization or challenge toward death. These results support previous research and further suggest that anticipating an early death may place youth at a higher risk of engaging in criminogenic behaviors.M.S., Psychology -- Drexel University, 201
Evaluating the Impact of Economic Disadvantage on Specific Learning Disability Identification in Elementary School Students: A Grounded Theory Study
No full textWhen a student in a public school is suspected of having a Specific Learning Disability (SLD), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA; 2004) mandates teams to not consider a student to have a SLD if the student's learning is primarily the result of economic disadvantage. This mandate is of growing importance as more and more children living in poverty are disproportionately identified as eligible for special education services as students with SLDs. Literature reveals the impact of poverty on early brain development, which can have a profound effect on academic performance throughout a child's entire educational career. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to examine how school psychologists evaluate the impact of economic disadvantage when determining a student's eligibility for a SLD. This study consisted of conducting semi-structured interviews with school psychologists and collecting responses to the SLD economic disadvantage exclusionary clause on their written evaluation reports. Results found that school psychologists work in conditions that lack explicit policies or procedures for ascertaining the negative impact economic disadvantage may have on student learning. Accordingly, school psychologists typically rely upon their professional judgment as to the influence the student's poverty may or may not have on their learning, and ultimately, on their disability categorization as a student with SLD. This study highlights the need for improved SLD determination evaluation policies and procedures and intervening supports for students from economically disadvantaged households.Ed.D., Educational Leadership and Management -- Drexel University, 201
Expansions of Catalan Functions
No full textThe k-Schur functions are objects which have been studied extensively by many authors. This thesis discusses a new method of studying these functions through a larger class of symmetric functions, the Catalan Functions. We discuss general techniques for working with Catalan Functions, which classes of symmetric functions are contained in the Catalan Functions, and new results pertaining expansions of these classes.Ph.D., Mathematics -- Drexel University, 201
Analysis of Sleep Inspired Algorithms for Software Defined Networks
No full textSleep plays an essential role for our brains, providing benefits to attention, memory and learning abilities. When sleeping, the brain can sort through the information received and consolidate memory. In this thesis, a similar approach to sleeping is proposed for Software Defined Networks, where information is aggregated in dedicated nodes in the network during busy periods and then processed during quiet periods. The the data is filtered and analysed for distinctive patterns and anomalies. Based on this data and the patterns observed, predictions can be made with respect to the network which will be used for traffic engineering and congestion avoidance techniques in order to improve the functionality of the network.M.S., Computer Engineering -- Drexel University, 201
Relationships between freshwater mussel abundance and physical and nutritional conditions in the tidal Delaware River
No full textFreshwater mussels (Order Unionoida) are one of the most imperiled taxonomic groups in North America. Recent attention on population restoration and augmentation in tidal areas of the Delaware Estuary with historic populations has proven challenging. Benthic conditions in urbanized areas may not provide readily suitable habitat to support larger mussel populations. Lower benthic shear stress and increased sediment stability may promote mussel retention and recruitment; however, few studies have examined how such physical factors govern habitat suitability in tidal freshwater systems. Various metrics associated with mussel population robustness and benthic physical conditions were correlated to explore feature of the benthic environment that might govern habitat suitability in the tidal Delaware River. Comparisons among several study sites suggest that sediments with lower percentages of silt, clay, and organic matter along with higher gravel content correlated with higher mussel density and biomass. The high mussel density site, at the Betsy Ross Bridge, demonstrated an average gravel content of 41%, sand 54.4%, and fine particles 4.6%. Particle transport rates over a 3 week period in May-June 2018 were higher at Betsy Ross, which could explain the site’s higher percent gravel and lower percent fine sediments. Alternatively, the low mussel density Frankford Arsenal site demonstrated low particle transport and a high percentage fines and lower percent gravel. The low-density Cooper River site, however, demonstrated high particle transport and a high fine particle content and low gravel content. An experiment was designed at the low-density Cooper site to manipulate habitat conditions in order to stabilize sediments, reduce benthic shear stress, and potentially enhance habitat conditions for mussels. In fall 2017, experimental structures comprised of salvaged logs and cobble were constructed along a shallow subtidal shoreline of the Delaware River where the preexisting mussel abundance was greatly reduced compared to a nearby reference site. The structures were oriented to stabilize sediments and reduce benthic shear stress while not interfering with seston delivery. Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tagged Utterbackiana implicata and Elliptio complanata were subsequently deployed into each structure and untreated controls. Changes in Plaster-of-Paris “Clod” sphere dissolution rates, sediment grain size, and organic content were monitored for a full year starting in Fall 2017. Dissolution rates of clods were significantly lower in experimental structures and mussel retention averaged 71.6% in structures compared to 67.4% in control plots after 1 year. This suggests that the structures may have served as refugia from high flow that typically mobilize the substrate. If confirmed with extended monitoring, these results should support design of living shoreline projects aimed at boosting populations of native unionids. Bivalve shellfish food conditions in the freshwater tidal Delaware River were monitored from April 2017 to April 2018. Previous studies in the tidal Delaware River characterized general seston and chemical conditions; however, the availability and quality of seston food for bivalve shellfish was less studied. The quantity of food was measured as total suspended solids (TSS) and particulate organic matter (POM) and quality was measured as the percentage organic content, protein content, and carbohydrate content. Seston quantity was found to vary by season, site, and tide, whereas the seston quality was found to vary seasonally and tidally. Compared to previous studies in Delaware Bay and other bivalve food studies, the availability in the freshwater tidal Delaware River did not appear to be limiting bivalve shellfish during this study. As demonstrated in this study, sites like Cooper do have the capacity to support the nutritional needs of more mussels. However, sediment stability and benthic shear stress should be addressed when attempting to augment this population. Future studies to further resolve the relationships and mechanisms between freshwater mussels and the physical habitat constraints in tidal areas will help inform restoration planning and design.M.S., Environmental Science -- Drexel University, 201
From Optical to Tactile-Extruding Photography
No full textSince the invention of photography, the medium has gone through many stages; it originated as a highly technical scientific process with the practice limited to those with extensive expertise and access to expensive equipment and materials. As the technology progressed, the field rapidly expanded and the medium has spawned extensive research, experimentation and artistic exploration. This work investigates multi-sensory methods to expand the experiential potentials within the medium of photography. While 3D scanning and photogrammetry have been utilized in archeology, mapping and other practical applications, the new technology, while highly procedural, is aesthetically in its primitive form. Current technology outcomes include 3D printed replicas of artifacts, bones and small plastic sculptures made from full body scans. The work presented here explores this new technology and pushes the medium forward. Beginning with a process of extruding two-dimensional photographic imagery to three-dimensional bas relief, incorporating microprocessors with imagery and experimenting with different materials to bring aesthetic value, tactility and sound to the photographic image. Possible outcomes could be to enable the visually impaired to feel an image or for someone to experience an image through multiple senses.M.S., Design Research -- Drexel University, 201
Best Practices in Operating a Non-profit Marching Arts Organization
No full textThe marching arts are a niche activity that some people will dedicate their entire life to. Performance marching is a physically demanding and time-consuming activity. The rush experienced during performances, combined with the friendships that are built with your fellow corps members imprints the activity on your soul. In recent years there have been an alarming number of organizations experiencing scandal or ceasing operation. Information on these events are never publicly available, meaning other organizations cannot learn from the mistakes of others. This paper looks at the best practices of governance that ensure a non-profit marching arts organization like a drum and bugle corps or a winterguard should follow in order to remain relevant, financially stable, and free from scandal. Ten interviews were held with leaders of prominent marching arts organizations in order to gather information on four main themes: money, accountability, operations, and leadership. Each of these themes are vital to a marching arts organization functioning and being well-governed, which will result in a successful competitive season.M.S., Arts Administration -- Drexel University, 201
Visual Artist Studios in Philadelphia: A Case Study of Three Studio Facilities
No full textWhile studio space is essential to an artist’s practice, the quality and availability of this space varies. Inspired by difficulties in finding affordable and convenient space, I set out to better understand what it takes to rent and manage independent studio spaces. Through researching existing visual art studios in Philadelphia, I aimed to find out what makes a studio space successful and determined common needs and challenges of both tenants and management staff running these facilities. Focusing on three studio facilities in Philadelphia – Bok, Crane Arts, and MaKen Studios – I conducted a multiple case study to explore how these facilities are meeting visual artist tenants’ needs, and what a successful independent studio space may look like. Through interviews with management staff and visual artist tenants, as well as a tenant survey, I explored multiple perspectives to better understand common challenges and benefits of these spaces. Most tenants were generally satisfied with their studio situations. However, common tenant needs were identified. The most prominent was the desire for low and stable rent, as well as the need for both private workspace and a space to conduct additional business beyond art making. Most management staffs’ concerns related to the ability to meet tenants’ individual needs, including outfitting spaces and providing appropriate utilities. While some management is more involved than others, the relationships between the staff and tenants are generally positive. Additionally, some external environmental and economic factors affect both management and tenants. However, additional research on neighborhood changes in Philadelphia and the impact of artists on cities needs to be explored to further address this.M.S., Arts Administration -- Drexel University, 201
Supporting Interpersonal Interaction with Hospice Music Therapy
No full textThe purpose of this capstone thesis was to develop a method of music therapy to support interpersonal interactions within the hospice setting, particularly those involving patients and their loved ones. This was accomplished through both a review of the relevant literature and clinical observations of the here-and-now effects of music therapy experiences on the responses of patients and their family members and close friends. These experiences and responses are illustrated in a clinical vignette describing the work done over several months with a hospice patient and his family. The method developed is a strength-based and resource-orientated approach to hospice music therapy that seeks to nurture that which is healthiest in patients and families rather than focus upon symptoms of illness when considering ways of supporting interpersonal interaction. This method relies upon mindful focus upon changes in physical status and interpersonal behaviors that occur during music therapy sessions. Some major themes emerged within the development of this method: resource-orientation, use of electronic devices, song recreation and improvisation, group dynamics, and musical communication. These will be discussed as this thesis concludes with suggestions for future practice and development of this methodology to music therapists and researchers interested in this topic.M.A., Music Therapy and Counseling -- Drexel University, 201