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Abstracts

Author Department Professor Title ↑ Year
Nour Fakhoury Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology Kristine Ajrouch Academic Achievement and Attitudes of Arab American Immigrants
The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of the age at arrival, attitudes of students, reasons for migration, and the host country's reception on Arab American immigrant students and their academic achievement. Arab American students who arrived in the United States at age 10 or older will be recruited from two different high schools. Surveys will be administered to students in order to obtain information regarding these and other variables, and twenty Arab American immigrant students will discuss their experiences in depth during open-ended interviews. Official student academic records will be obtained to reveal how this group is performing academically. Findings from this study will shed light on how this specific immigrant group is faring in the United States.
2012
Vanessa A. Lancaster Teacher Education Alane Starko Academically Gifted Adolescents Transferring to an Independent Gifted School: Effects on Academic Identity
This qualitative study compares experiences of transferring to an independent gifted school on the academic identity of gifted adolescents from low-, middle-, and high-income school districts. Focus groups and interviews of gifted 6th-12th graders inform data demonstrating how changes in school SES context shape academic identity. Students discuss perceptions of academic success, how transferring schools has affected academic success, how prior school(s) prepared them academically for a gifted independent school and how that preparation affects overall experience at the independent school, and challenges they've overcome as transfer students. Suggestions are made for gifted schools to develop program plans that will best reach adolescent transfer students from various backgrounds. This study opens doors for future studies comparing academic identity of adolescent students in various school contexts. Additionally, future comparison studies can be made with students who attended a gifted school from primary through middle/high school.
2012
Peter A. Stern World Languages Wendy Wang Accent Recognition among Adult Chinese Listeners
This study addresses standard American English as a representative 'World English' and focuses on perceptions of accent as an important component in pronunciation learning. Twenty-five Chinese listeners and ten American controls were asked to listen to a short English passage read by four English-fluent speakers: two Chinese and two American. The subjects were instructed to choose whether each speaker was Chinese or American, and to indicate why they thought so. Results indicate that Chinese listeners have some difficulty in discerning between accents in their L2 and that they attribute their distinctions between accents to a wide variety of phonological phenomena: primarily, to pronunciation of vowels and to word stress or intonation. This is in keeping with previous research. Students wishing to adjust pronunciation need to be taught what to listen for in terms of both segmental and suprasegmental aspects of accent.
2011
Sam T. Constantine Geography and Geology Ted Ligibel Adaptive Reuse: A History of Electricity, Wine, and Business
This presentation will examine the re-purposing of a landmark in the community of Farmington, Michigan, which is referred to as the Power House/Winery. It has stood in situ since 1890 and is a primary example of the many benefits of adaptively reusing historic structures. It first provided power to a light rail system that ran from Detroit into the suburbs and subsequently brought electricity to community. However, it is most widely known for its first re-purposing when it was transformed into Michigan's largest winery during the 1950s. Today it is currently being used to house office space, which is carved out of the old wine vats and other storage areas. Unfortunately, this structure is not designated with in the State or National Register of Historic Places, which would allow the current owners to access tax incentives and could help with the maintenance of the massive 194,000 sq ft structure.
2011
Carly Francescut English Language and Literature Sheila Most Admiration and Fear _ Differing Reactions to the Tricksters Hermes and Loki
The archetypical figure of the Trickster appears in various mythologies across the world. Two Trickster figures in particular, Hermes of Greek mythology and Loki of Norse mythology, both exemplify many of the traits of the Trickster archetype; most notably, each character operates within and is able to challenge the boundaries that order their mythological canons. Despite these similarities, however, the way that each Trickster figure is received greatly differs due to their unique cultural context: one Trickster is admired, while the second is hated and feared. The reason for these vastly different reactions to each Trickster is due to the Trickster's ambiguous nature and his ability to challenge the boundaries of social conventions and the natural order of the world, and the level of cultural comfort present when facing these archetypical conventions.
2011
Carly Francescut English Language and Literature Amanda Allen Adolescence and the Abject in Garth Nix's Sabriel
Roberta Seelinger Trites argues that one of the common features of adolescent literature is that the text focuses on the struggles of the teenaged protagonists to learn their place within the power structures that they are surrounded by, rather than on the central character's growth over the course of the novel. While Garth Nix's Sabriel does not entirely fit into the paradigm that Trites describes, much of the text focuses on Sabriel and Touchstone's realization of their own mortality through their battle against the Dead creature Kerrigor. Although Sabriel is primarily a work of high fantasy, Nix uses abjections and ideas of the abject to highlight Sabriel and Touchstone's growing awareness as Beings-towards-death while simultaneously complicating how the boundary between life and death functions within the novel.
2012
Bethany S. Gourley Psychology Alissa Huth-Bocks Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) Quality of Life (QoL) Assessment: Online or on Paper?
For AIS, a spinal deformity, QoL is an important aspect of treatment outcome. The SRS-22r, an AIS disease-specific QoL measure, is psychometrically sound in paper-and-pencil format. Our study examined its psychometrics when administered online. Via scoliosis websites, 311 AIS adults were recruited [mean age 40.3 + 13.5 years; 95.2% female; 89.7% white]. They completed the SRS-22r (assessing functioning, pain, self-image, mental health, and satisfaction with management), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (assessing physical disability, social restriction, and pain) and the SF-12 (assessing general physical and mental QoL). SRS-22r floor/ceiling effects were low (<6.4%) for all domains except satisfaction with management (<10%). Internal consistency was strong (__0.80) in all domains except pain (_=.38). Concurrent validity (_.73) was moderate-strong relative to similar SF-12 and ODI domains. Overall, online and paper administrations had comparable psychometrics, suggesting that administering SRS-22r online could aid in ongoing QoL assessment to track long-term AIS treatment outcomes.
2010
Charlene Jamula, Maria Clary, Denise Pijor, and Margaret Walsh Health Sciences Gretchen Dahl Reeves Adolescent Project on Self-Injury
This study is being conducted to examine sensory processing, body awareness, and self-concept among 13- to 17-year-old girls with major mood/affective disorders. Three groups are being compared, a control and two experimental groups. The control group is composed of typically developing adolescent girls. The two experimental groups include adolescent girls seeking outpatient psychiatric services for a major mood/affective disorder. The first experimental group consists of adolescents who self-mutilate, and the second consists of participants without a history of self-mutilating behavior. This research study is utilizing four assessments: the Sensory Profile, the Piers-Harris 2, the Body Investment Scale, and the Draw a Person: Screening Procedure for Emotional Disturbance. A physiological test is also performed to evaluate heart rate, temperature, and respiratory rate of participants after being presented with various sensory stimuli. The data collection for the physiological test is done using the I-330 Compact System.
2010
Kathleen Hlavaty Psychology Carol Freedman-Doan Affective Relationship and Mothers' Actual Knowledge of Adolescent Activities
Research has indicated that a mother's actual knowledge of her adolescent's activities has a greater effect on problem behavior when compared to the number of attempts to gain this knowledge and that a positive parent/adolescent affective relationship is key in a mother's ability to gain this knowledge. The current study attempts to understand how the affective relationship between 397 mothers and their adolescents affects a mother's actual knowledge. This study uses the Childhood and Beyond sample from the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research. For female adolescents, a positive affective relationship with their mothers across adolescence is related to an increase in mother's actual knowledge of their activities and a decrease in problem behavior.
2012
Amanda Bell Leadership and Counseling Eboni Zamani-Gallaher Affirming Acts: Exploring Rawl's Theory of Social Justice, Intersectionality, and Access for Persons with Disabilities
Individuals with disabilities are among a population of disenfranchised citizens who have limited access to educational opportunities. Policies such as Affirmative Action allowed colleges to take characteristics such as race, gender, and ability into consideration when admitting students, but this was a temporary solution, and even with the use of affirmative action as an admission criterion, the number of the white students in higher education was disproportionately higher than other minorities groups. The purpose of this presentation is to examine issues of educational access for minorities, specifically those who belong to numerous subjugated populations from the perspective of Rawl's Theory of Social Justice.
2012
Michell Reynolds Women's and Gender Studies Linda Pritchard African American Women and HIV/AIDS: Tracing an Epidemic
The analytical comparison of the incidence of HIV as a leading cause of death concerning race and gender was based on the question: 'What does the incidence of HIV as a leading cause of death look like over time for African American women in comparison to African American men, White men, and White women?' Using the Center for Disease Control and Prevention annual death charts from 1987 to 2005, the study graphed the raw numbers of HIV deaths and the ranking of HIV as a number one cause of death for these demographic groups ages 25-34 and 35-44. It appeared as though gender was the primary factor when looking at the raw numbers' graphs. However, the ranking of HIV deaths' graphs illustrated that race was the primary factor which revealed that African American women ages 25-34 have the highest incidence of HIV as the leading cause of death over time.
2010
Samantha Kies History and Philosophy Joseph Engwenyu African Matriarchy: The Women of Southeast Nigeria Prior to Colonization
This presentation looks at the matriarchal foundations of Southeast Nigeria prior to the onset of colonialism. Though labeled a patriarchal society by Europeans, Southeast Nigeria was a society where women flourished, a society full of social positions and customs that empowered women and gave them a voice. From religion, politics, and the economy to women's groups and women leaders, Southeast Nigeria cultivated a culture in which women were able to flourish and thrive and be an inherent part of their society. When we look at these customs, the damage that colonialism inflicted on these people and this society is more clearly shown and defined.
2012
Xiaoxia Lu Economics Mehmet E. Yaya An Empirical Study on Yuan and Balance of Trade in China
Chinese economy is a prime example of rapid growth among developing countries. With its dynamic population, China became one of the largest exporting countries in a couple of decades. The value of Chinese Yuan, which is artificially kept low by the Chinese government in the past, is considered to be the predominant factor for the recent Chinese trade surpluses. However, since July 21, 2005, China has started to loosen its exchange rate policy, and Chinese Yuan has been appreciating since then. This paper analyzes the relationship between the value of Chinese Yuan and China's balance of trade. The results suggest that there is a significant relationship between the value of Chinese Yuan and the balance of trade. Appreciation of Chinese Yuan is found to decrease the balance of trade surplus in China.
2010
Deidre T. Hardemon Health Promotion and Human Performance Donna Kay Woodiel and Megan Rickard An Epidemiological Review and Intervention Plan for Breast Cancer in African American Women
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and leads to many deaths per year. Data from the CDC from 1999 to 2007 show that while white women had the highest incidence rate of breast cancer, black women were more likely to die from it. Additional statistical data provided by The Breast Health Center reported that from 1999 to 2006, women aged 50-69 had the highest incidence rate of breast cancer, followed by women aged 42-49. From this data, an intervention entitled 'My Sister's Keeper' is proposed in an effort to decrease the mortality rate of breast cancer in African American women aged 40-69. The intervention utilizes Best Practice methods recommended by the Community Guide to Preventative Services. This presentation will review in detail the previous summarized epidemiological data as well as the proposed intervention of 'My Sister's Keeper.'
2012
Natalie R. Reynolds Technology Studies Subhas Ghosh An Essential Addition to Your Apparel: Essential Oils
This study focuses on the application and retention of aromatherapy essential oils onto a fabric surface for the purpose of improving the lifestyle of the consumer. The essential oils are applied to the fabric surface subsequent to a treatment of sol-gel. The sol-gel treatment creates small cavities wherein the essential oils can be held and released over a period of time. The effectiveness of the product will be tested analytically as well as by observation. This study will also incorporate a literature review of recent similar studies and give a strong foundation for other applications in addition to fragrance.
2010
Scott C. Roark Teacher Education Toni Stokes Jones An Evaluation of the Impact of Student Response Systems on Student Achievement
Student participation is a key component to a student's academic success by engaging the student in cognitive activities, peer interaction, and teacher mentoring. However, encouraging students to participate is a difficult task because of feelings of embarrassment or lack of motivation. Furthermore, teachers may find it difficult to incorporate participatory activities in lessons because of time constrains and ineffective measurements of student learning. Still, participation is an important pedagogy for student learning, and integrating multi-media technology can encourage students to be active learners. This evaluation study tests whether using a student response system fosters participation in an effort to increase learning and academic scores by allowing students to engage in activities anonymously and take part in peer instruction, as well as giving the teacher the opportunity to modify instruction when learning gaps are evident.
2010
Ashley A. Wiedemann Psychology Karen Saules An Examination of Post-Bariatric Patients who Develop Problematic Substance Use after Surgery: New Onset Users Compared to Controls
Our laboratory has documented that post-bariatric surgery patients are overrepresented in substance abuse treatment programs. Notably, about half of such patients first develop onset of heavy substance use after surgery. We refer to these patients as New Onset Users (NOU's); this report will examine how NOU's differ from non-bariatric substance abuse patients (Controls, N=42). Despite no differences in current age, NOU's first used alcohol (33.37?13.47 vs. 18.18?6.66, p <.001), drugs (32.25?13.24 vs. 19.03?9.77, p <.01), became concerned about their substance use (41.94?10.97 vs. 27.45?13.50, p <.001, and entered treatment (44.18?10.38 vs. 34.19?14.95, p <.05) at significantly later ages than controls. NOU's also experienced a shorter latency from age of concern to age of treatment (1.71?1.99 vs. 6.74?9.16, p <.05). Results yield unexpectedly high rates of new onset substance abuse among post-bariatric surgery patients. Bariatric patients who experience new onset post-surgical substance use may differ from 'typical' substance abuse patients and may have unique treatment needs.
2011
Andy Burghardt Health Promotion and Human Performance Chris Herman An Examination of the Mortality Rates of Professional Wrestlers
Over the past few years, much attention has been given to the occurrence of premature deaths in professional wrestling. The purpose of this study was to determine whether mortality rates for professional wrestlers were in fact inconsistent compared to the general population. A comprehensive review of age, BMI, cause of death (if applicable), and age at death (if applicable) of more than 650 male and female wrestlers who were active between 1984 and 2009 was completed. Using published mortality rates from the CDC, mortality rates of the general population were compared to the wrestlers by age, time period, and cause of death for both males and females.
2010
Aditi M. Sengupta, Allison Boone, Saroya Jamal, Catherine Lenaway Leadership and Counseling Marlena Bravender An Overview of the Higher Education System in India
With strong economic growth over the past two decades, dynamic development of its political system and the second largest population in the world, India has become increasingly important in the global marketplace. Much of the continued growth and potential competitiveness of India will hinge on the future of one significant element: education. A basic understanding of some important issues pertaining to higher education in India in comparison to the United States, in addition to recommendations for future tertiary education within the country, may lead to an understanding why India is becoming a fast emerging global hub for higher education and technical training for future generations.
2010
Tanima Banerjee Mathematics Tanweer Shapla Analysis of a Multivariate Set of Data Using a Logistic Regression Model
A logistic regression model is a widely used analytical tool that allows a person to determine the association between a dichotomous or polytomous response variable and a set of predictor variables. In this technique, the logit transformation of the outcomes is used. Model selection procedures will be used by identifying the small possible set of predictors of the model which will provide the 'good' prediction of the outcomes. For the logistic model, Akaike's information criteria, Schwarz Bayesian criterion, and stepwise model selection such as forward and backward with the decision rule based on the Wald statistic will be used. After comparing the effects of above selection models, we have developed a 'good' model of the response variable.
2011

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