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Home buyers consider a complex bundle of attributes and amenities when evaluating a property’s value. Academics have been developing the hedonic pricing method to understand this decision for over twenty years. However, few academics have compared their results to the inclinations of Real Estate professionals with years of direct experience with consumer preferences. This paper utilizes a survey of realtor opinion to color the results of a hedonic analysis of properties sold in Ashland, Oregon. The findings, despite some oddities, suggest neighborhood amenities have significant effect on property value although realtors do not agree on the quality of these amenities.
This paper offers a critique of “inclusion” practices in public, secondary science classrooms. The term inclusion refers to the practice of placing all students who qualify for special education into mainstream classrooms. The practice became nationwide policy after the 1994 IDEA law was passed, which, in part required that all students be taught in the “least restrictive environment.” This critique is based on one-on-one work with a 16 year old special education student placed in a mainstream, sophomore level Biology A classroom. The majority of the study focuses on the modifications and accommodations given to this student on a typical “cell model” assignment and the student’s success with the assignment. Overall, the assignment was successful; the student did well on the assessment and seemed interested in her work. In addition, a comparison with models turned in by mainstream students, shows that the essence of the assignment had not been lost in adaptation. It was also clear that providing this level of modification and accommodation on assignments for all qualified students would be unrealistic. In the final section of the paper, a set of suggestions on educating intellectually disabled students included in biology classrooms is given. The paper concludes that inclusion continues to be an uphill battle.
Despite widespread research indicating that human breast milk is the optimal human infant food and far superior to synthetic formula feeding, breastfeeding is not widely accepted, valued or supported in American culture. While public health campaigns have encouraged some increase in breastfeeding rates over the past four decades, they still lag far behind professionally recommended rates. What factors of American culture continue to discourage women from breastfeeding? This article analyzes four main aspects of American culture that impede the choice to breastfeed: the multibillion dollar formula industry, the sexualization of the female breast, mixed messaging in public health breastfeeding promotion campaigns, and the American values of freedom and independence. I then provide examples of how changes in public policy and shifts in cultural values can support breastfeeding, thus increasing the breastfeeding rates across our nation.
The Dolores River in Southwestern Colorado is a mountain stream in southwestern Colorado. The semi-arid environment downstream of McPhee Reservoir has a low annual precipitation and a high inter-annual variation. The impoundment of McPhee Dam along the Dolores River has affected the duration and magnitude of peak discharge events, which, in turn, has had downstream impacts. Few published studies have quantified groundwater dynamics in riparian aquifers and dam controlled streams, and this study furthers the knowledge in this field. Three study sites along the Dolores River, one upstream of McPhee Reservoir and two downstream, were analyzed in this study using a transect of three piezometers at each study site. Piezometers were installed 2-3 m below the surface, and were observed from May to October 2010.
All observed piezometer levels downstream of McPhee Reservoir resembled the dam release hydrograph. The duration and magnitude of high flow events were the key factors in effective recharge of the riparian aquifers. Longer duration dam releases created higher groundwater levels and more gradual drawdown times than shorter duration monsoon precipitation events of equal magnitude. In addition to these large scale recharge events, daily water level variations of 2-5 cm were observed in each well. These well variations are thought to be related to significant diurnal air temperature fluctuations and associated evapotranspiration. The measurements obtained from this study provide important information regarding the effects of dam management on groundwater levels in riparian aquifers. This information will become increasingly critical with anticipated climate change in the region.
This study examined the effects of caffeine on mood and physiological responses to a speech task. We expected anxiety levels would be heightened with the sympathetic nervous system changes from caffeine consumption and that those would be moderated by caffeine-related expectations. Participants were students at a small rural liberal arts public university in Minnesota (male n = 18; female n = 26, Mage = 20.7 years, SD = 3.879 years, age range: 18-40) who each normally consumed at least 100mg of caffeine daily and were not caffeine-deprived on the day of the session. Each participant was randomly assigned to one of four conditions in a 2x2 balanced placebo design in which the presence of caffeine and the participant’s belief of whether or not their beverage contained caffeine were manipulated. Univariate analysis revealed a successful placebo effect and that the speech task was effective in producing an anxious mood response. However, no evidence was found for heightened anxiety levels as a result of differing levels of caffeine consumed during the study. Further analyses revealed an interrelationship among total caffeine consumption, diastolic blood pressure changes and mood responses. Findings suggest that the use of caffeine as a coping strategy may be maladaptive, contradicting one of the most common reasons for caffeine consumption.
From Albert Bierstadt’s canvasses to John Ford’s movies, the Western has used various art forms to convey an epic tale of civilizations interacting. The eternal tale of the west has forever been in a cycle of resurrection into new art forms. Interactive digital media, commonly known as video games, is the newest art form in this cycle. This paper creates the first comprehensive historiography for the newest art form in modern society. Creating this essay as a historiography helps to cement their legitimacy while also illuminating the drastic change these western video games have had from their pixilated origins. Video games are following a similar road that other mediums have used, starting with a romanticized version of the west inevitably moving towards revisionist tale.
James E. Portar states, “not infrequently books speak of books. Not infrequently, and perhaps ever always, texts refer to other texts and in fact rely on them for their meaning.” In my paper, I wish to explore intertextuality—how writers draw ceaselessly from the past, highlighting the transience and fragility in their own narrative and how the mere rendering in two stories of analogous setting, characters, and plot, can change meanings inexorably. Specifically, I will analyze Shakespeare’s The Tempest alongside its 21st century counterpart Eastwards by Kalyan Ray. In both texts, there are threads of similarity; in both, Prospero accuses Caliban of raping of his daughter; in both Prospero is white and Caliban is figured as “other”; in both Prospero is the oppressor, though in the first his actions are defended and in the latter they are denounced. Most importantly, both stories come from conflicting viewpoints—a 17th century perspective and a post-colonial perspective—showing the reader the flaws in these works and all works. Tales are told through appropriation: an author uses his or her cultural norms to mold meaning. For this reason I will use intertextuality to critique and analyze both texts. Can there be truth in writing, if words stem from a “single network” or “web of meaning”? Can there be originality? And what does it mean if authors of the present steal and change past author’s tales? Using methods from intertextual, postcolonial and deconstructionist approaches to literature, I will explore these questions and more.
This paper will investigate a problem related to Fermat’s Last Theorem (FLT). Now that FLT has been proven, we know that the Diophantine equation an + bn = cn + D cannot have a D value of 0 when n < 2. The question still remains of exactly how small |D| can get. By use of a computer program we have found that there are a large number of solutions to this problem that have |D| value of one. Some of these solutions inspired the creation of identities that can generate many more such solutions.
Phenanthrene, a tricyclic polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), is generated during the incomplete combustion of organic materials including oil, gas, garbage, and tobacco and with the weathering of crude oil. Although phenanthrene is listed on the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Toxic Substance Registry as well the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Priority Pollutant List, little is known about its toxicity to humans or wildlife. Our research lab is investigating the effects of common PAHs, like phenanthrene, on early development in the African clawed frog, a model organism for vertebrate cardiac development. Xenopus embryos were exposed to 5 ppm phenanthrene and heart function was assessed using an inverted dissecting microscope and Camtasia, a video recording and editing software program. Phenanthrene exposure caused bradycardia and arrhythmia, effects that were reversible upon depuration. Future studies will attempt 1) to determine the nature of the arrhythmia (e.g. the presence of an atrioventricular conduction blockade), 2) to assess for effects on circulation and erythrocytes, and 3) to determine if the toxic effects of phenanthrene are dependent on aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) activation.
In this performance, Jonathan performs one of Prokofiev’s most famous works that is typically performed by narrator and orchestra. However, Nesbitt does something that has rarely been done by professional pianists, let alone undergraduate ones; namely, he takes on both roles (narrator and orchestra). Playing from Prokofiev’s original piano version that was subsequently rewritten for orchestra by the composer, Jonathan displays remarkable theatrical skills. The combination of musical and acting abilities displayed is rare in pianists. Only a handful of audio recordings exist where pianists attempt to perform both roles, and there are none available by undergraduate-level pianists. As such, this video submission highlights creative work that is unique internationally. The genre of “speaking pianist” is sometimes encountered within more recent music written for piano, but it is seldom attempted at the undergraduate level because of the holistic demands it places on the performer. Graduating from a liberal arts and sciences campus that encourages exploration and skills beyond one’s primary discipline, Nesbitt was cited by jury members grading this performance for his boldness and professionalism in bringing together two of the Fine Arts disciplines—that of drama and music.
It isn’t difficult to imagine yourself feeling down because of life stressors. However, it is harder to imagine other people experiencing these negative emotions. Research into human behavior explores this phenomenon and looks to explain the tendency to underestimate the extent to which others’ experience negative emotions. The current study examined this tendency, which was originally evidenced by a multi-sample study conducted by Jordan, Monin, Dweck, Lovett, John, and Gross (2011). In addition, the current study examined whether this tendency is correlated with any of the Big Five personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience). It was hypothesized that estimations of others positive emotions would be higher than estimations of negative emotions and that this effect would be especially pronounced in individuals high in neuroticism and extroversion. Participants included 56 undergraduate college students enrolled at a small liberal arts college in the Northeastern United States. Participants completed two questionnaires: an assessment of estimations of positive and negative emotional experience in peers, and a Big Five Personality Inventory. Results indicate support of hypothesis one but hypothesis two was not supported. These findings are discussed in relation to human emotional experience and its impact on overall well being.
When viewed from the societal level, evidence indicates that it is cheaper to house the homeless and to provide them with necessary resources than to merely manage the problem and let it persist. As the current handling of homeless issues is not economically rational, the existence of homelessness is an empirical mystery that begs for an explanation and a solution. An explanation of the wastefulness of homelessness can be derived by using Oliver E. Williamson's transaction cost economics model. This model examines transaction costs, which are the costs incurred when making an economic exchange. Through this lens, inefficient policies concerning homelessness can be seen as a "market failure" where transaction costs are excessive. In the absence of a solution, certain “functions of homelessness” emerge where various groups and institutions have a stake in the persistence of this social problem. Williamson argues that the solution to market failure is to build an organization which reduces transaction costs and resolves situational complexities and uncertainties by internalizing them. The supportive housing model, a solution to homelessness promoted nationally by the 100,000 Homes Campaign, represents a viable organizational solution to this particular market failure.
As the research concerning Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) expands, many public school districts remain uninformed of this disability. Schools are not adequately servicing these students to ensure that they can function independently after high school. Since these students are labeled as “special needs,” some schools deny the students access into “gifted programs,” erroneously believing that students cannot be both gifted and disabled. Yet ASD students are unique; they have incredible cognitive abilities but tend to suffer socially. Thus, schools should alter their special education programs and Individualized Education Plans (IEP) in order to properly aid these ASD individuals. This research paper examines three primary sources: the Diagnostic Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM), the 1978 Warnock Report, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004. The term “mental retardation” is scrutinized through all four versions of the DSM, and close examinations and critiques of the DSM suggest that it is more of a political than a scientific document. The Warnock Report is used to illustrate how the term “special needs” was coined, and IDEA is referenced when discussing the interventions in the school districts. Numerous articles concerning ASD and special needs are also examined, suggesting that school districts are not employing the proper interventions. Schools should focus more on the social aspect to prepare these individuals for the career world and to alleviate their social anxiety. Not every intervention works for all special needs students; thus, schools need to discuss their options and test several interventions to satisfy the students’ unique needs.
Invasive plant species pose a serious threat to many ecosystems and habitats. Invasive plants frequently out-compete their native counterparts, leading to a decline in biodiversity. In addition, they often do not provide the same resources or habitats that native plants do. Given the severity of the problems posed by invasive plant species, it is important to monitor (and if necessary eliminate) their populations. In conjunction with monitoring conservation easements for the city of Keene, invasive plant species were located and mapped using Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software on two Keene, NH properties. Several maps were created to show the areas in which each species was found. A total of six (6) invasive plant species were located (Euonymus alatus, Berberis thunbergii, Rosa multiflora, Lythrum salicaria, Celastrus orbiculatus, and Lonicera canadensis). Results showed that the quantity, density, and ratio of invasive plants varied significantly between the two properties. Furthermore, invasive plant species which were clearly dominant on one property were nearly absent on another. These discrepancies are attributed to a number of factors including land disturbance history, land use, habitat, and the introduction of invasive plants as ornamentals for landscaping.
Given the present research that relate personality traits, prosocial behavior or tendencies, and elevation as a response to altruistic (prosocial) acts, it makes sense that the next logical step would be to examine whether certain personality traits are positively correlated with intensity of elevation after reading altruistic acts. This study examined the relationship between personality traits and intensity of elevation of individuals (n=55) after reading short stories from the website givesmehope.com, as well as inclination of participants to help in relation to elevation intensity. Significant correlations were found between Global Elevation score and Emotional Stability (r= -.411, p > .01), and between Global Elevation and Global Inclination to Help (r= .765, p > .01). Practical, as well as theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
The Mongol conquest of Eurasia resulted in the largest contiguous empire in human history. Yet, the people who were subdued by the Mongols have written most of what we know about their conquerors. This imbalance in perception has resulted in a bias against the Mongols who have been derided as simple barbarians overtime. The Mongols own historical record, The Secret History of the Mongols, is a relative obscure text. However, an analysis of, "The Secret History," reveals many important aspects of Mongolian society that have been ignored. Mongolian society possessed a highly competitive tribal dynamic. This compelled Mongolian leaders to continually conquer in order to maintain internal harmony. Fundamental misunderstandings of this cultural dynamic have created problems in deriving accurate assessments of Mongolian accomplishments. This thesis will rectify the lack of a Mongolian perspective by interjecting lessons gleaned from The Secret History into existing historiographies in the three major cultures that were conquered, China, Persia and Russia, in order to improve our understanding of the period. Research for the Thesis includes approximately forty sources. Notable primary sources that I have consulted include, The Secret History of the Mongols, The Russian Primary Chronicle, The chronicle of Ibn al-Athir. I have also used secondary sources to ascertain the opinion of historians in the modern period.
Throughout history media have been censored or obscured in different ways which seem to fit the dominant ideology or ruling regime. As William Powers (1995) from The Washington Post said: “the Nazis were censored, Big Brother was a censor, and nightmare regimes such as China have censors.” Americans, however, have worked hard to believe that they live in a free world where every voice is heard. Constantly reminded of the existence of censorship around the world and in history, Americans rarely expect or look for it within their own society because, as Powers writes, “None of that [censorship] for us. This is America” (para. 3). This paper challenges this assumption through an examination the emergence of WikiLeaks -- and the censorship exercised against this organization within the United States. By looking at how WikiLeaks has been portrayed in American mainstream media compared to alternative media sources and analyzing the differences in coverage, the research for this paper suggests that the freedom of speech so cherished by Americans may be more of an illusion than generally accepted: that there are institutions with greater power which may carry more weight than the truth in making decisions that affect that public interest. These institutions also directly and indirectly control mainstream media sources and therefore can also decide who the public will see in a positive light and or more negatively. This paper will also distinguish if there are any similarities between the censorship of WikiLeaks to the censorship of “the nightmare regime” China.