- HIV and AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa
- This presentation is part of the faculty lecture series UNT Speaks Out on HIV/AIDS. This presentation discusses HIV and AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc71784/
- [Review] Habits of the Heartland: Small-Town Life in Modern America
- This article reviews the book Habits of the Heartland: Small-Town Life in Modern America by Lyn C. MacGregor. Based on Lyn C. MacGregor's dissertation at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Habits of the Heartland is an ethnographic study of Viroqua, a small town approximately 4,000 residents in southwestern Wisconsin. MacGregor's two years living in Viroqua was time well spent: she collected a great deal of ethnographic and interview data, and her arguments regarding the town's social divisions are generally convincing and well supported as a result. MacGregor comes across as a trustworthy guide to Viroqua, and the book is well written and genuinely edifying. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc78295/
- Metaphoric Analysis of a Shipyard Union Dispute: Theory and Method in the Cultural Analysis of Collective Action
- This book chapter discusses the metaphoric analysis of a shipyard union dispute and the theory and method in the cultural analysis of collective action. Rather than treating grievances and political opportunities, given, and exogenous to organized movement groups, cultural analysts of social movements have recently focused on cognitive and linguistic processes by which factors relevant to collective behavior are themselves interpreted collectively. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc78308/
- Inter-organizational digital divide: Civic groups' media strategies in the Trinity River Corridor Project
- This article discusses a study on civic groups' media strategies in the Trinity River Corridor project. Abstract: This study investigates how leaders of civic groups make decisions about using new and social media versus older forms of media. Drawing from theory and empirical research on the social effects of new media, we focus on whether new media is used in a way that lowers barriers to ordinary citizens' participation in local politics, or else contributes to a "digital divide" between elite and non-elite civic groups. To explore these issues, we conducted interviews with leaders of eight civic groups involved in the Trinity River Corridor development project in Dallas, Texas. We also interviewed local journalists, and analyzed the eight civic groups' Web sites, social media sites, and blogs, as well as blogs that linked to the groups' sites. We find that new and social media were used mainly by organizations that were not directly involved in major political actions, and that for the two groups most directly involved in political actions, the wealthier and more powerful group was better connected to other organizations that did use new and social media. The findings reveal a sharp digital divide between networks of civic organizations. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc78305/
- Public Libraries and Democratization in Three Developing Countries: Exploring the Role of Social Capital
- This article explores the role of social capital. Investments in public libraries in developing countries have been made based on the idea that libraries contribute to societal democratization. Yet scholarly understanding of the relationships between public libraries and democratization is sharply limited. In this article the authors review historical studies of national public library systems that cast doubt on widely held assumptions that a positive relationship necessarily pertains between the establishment of public libraries and democracy. Based on this historical review and on sociological theories of social capital (e.g. Bourdieu 1986), the authors develop a theoretical framework intended to facilitate systematic investigation of the contributions public libraries may make to democracy. Using comparative historical and ethnographic methods, the authors analyze the relationship between public libraries and democratic systems of government in Namibia, Nepal, and Malawi, and find that in all three cases public libraries were established mainly during democratic regimes. However, they were not necessarily established by democratically elected governments directly, but rather because democratic regimes proved to be relatively open to the influence of diasporas and global civil society. The authors only find evidence of public libraries contributing to societal democratization, as the authors conceptualize the process, in Nepal and to a limited degree Namibia - countries that lack a long-established, empowered elite class. The authors discuss possible implications of our analysis for library scholarship and its relations to theories of development. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc81388/
- Malnutrition And Food Aid Programs: A Case Study From Guatemala
- This report is on a case study from Guatemala on malnutrition and food aid programs. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of food aid and/or food aid programs on the nutritional status of its recipients in two regions of Guatemala. From this investigation, empirically-based programmatic statements as to the role of food aid and its impact on human society will be presented. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc84342/
- The Cultural Abuse of African Women Exposed: A Work in Progress
- This poster discusses research on the cultural abuse of African women. In order to assess why African women are abused and overlooked, let's examine and compare some of the African cultures. It is important to know who African women are and the conditions from which they come. A convenience sample of African women who have been abused will be interviewed, with questioning focusing on how they view other African women as well as African American women, their views toward exile, and how their culture leads to abuse. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86130/
- Alzheimer's Disease: How to Treat it: A Work in Progress
- This poster discusses research on Alzheimer's disease and how to treat it. The author conducts a meta-analysis on data about available treatments to see which one is the most effective in alleviating or reversing the symptoms. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86143/
- Methods of Exoplanet Detection for Amateurs: A Work in Progress
- This poster discusses research on methods of exoplanet detection for amateurs. The search for extrasolar planets is becoming one of the most exciting fields in astronomy. Technological advancement has improved the precision of detection methods, allowing for new exploration of the cosmos. Exoplanet detection is one of the only opportunities for amateurs and enthusiasts to participate in scientific research and collaborate with professionals. Interest in discovering Earth-like planets that would sustain life has opened up the possibility of more frequent and successful collaboration and contributions from those outside the profession. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86117/
- He...or She? Expressions and Acceptance of Non-Normative Gender - A Work in Progress
- This poster discusses research on expressions and acceptance of non-normative gender. Transgressions of traditional gender roles have become commonplace in our society. The media has come to praise androgyny, and our youth highly value it. Yet despite this increase in expressions of non-normative gender, many people still take androgyny as a reason to be suspicious of a person's trustworthiness, or see it as a phase that one can grow out of. The author is seeking to understand this increase in the popularity of gender-bending, as well as society's reactions to it. As the author continues this research, the author will most likely focus on the generational differences in perceptions of non-normative gender. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86153/
- Music Therapy and its Effects on Various Medical Patients: A Work in Progress
- This poster discusses research on music therapy and its effects on various medical patients. Music therapy is a special type of therapy that involves all of the human senses to help medical patients with their health. This type of therapy can be associated with many different fields of medicine, from helping stroke victims to helping those with extensive psychiatric disorders. Music is used in a therapeutic fashion in order to assist certain patients that are not affected by other types of therapy. The purpose of this project is to determine what types of patients are positively and successfully affected by music therapy and what fields of medicine are best associated with music therapy. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86109/
- Learning from Abroad -- A Comparison of Education in China and the United States: A Work in Progress
- This poster discusses research comparing the education in China and the United States. How children learn best has always been an issue up for debate around the world, mainly because countries differ in culture. Because of people like Friedrich Froebel, Lev Vygotsky, Maria Montessori, and Reggio Emilia, however, the world has come to see that we can learn from each other's successes and implement them into our own education programs. The main goal of this research is to discuss the differences in early education programs between China and the United States and assess the impact that these differences have on the children. The author is interested to see if the emphasis China puts on its children actually pays off and, if so, how we can adjust education programs in the United States to incorporate some of China's ideas. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86148/
- The Cultural Abuse of Southern African Women: A Work in Progress
- This poster discusses a research study examining some of the cultural practices in Southern Africa that may lead to intentional and/or unintentional abuses of African women. First, it looks at the richness of African cultures and examines the conditions under which women may be abused. The authors also highlight why it is important for people to know about issues of cultural abuse. In addition, the authors explain why these issues of abuse are not healthy for women and why it is important that the conditions be changed. By examining the factors that lead to cultural abuses and at times to exiles of women, positive policies may be enacted to better the lives of African women. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86752/
- Anti-Bullying Policies in North Texas School Districts and their Protection of GLBT Students
- This poster discusses research on anti-bullying policies in North Texas school districts and their protection of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transsexual/Transgendered (GLBT) students. The author's research aims to identify discrepancies in the anti-bullying policies of North Texas schools by surveying and interviewing students and faculty who have been affected by, or who have witnessed or participated in, homophobic bullying in their schools. This data will allow schools to have a knowledge base to use as they strive to create a comprehensive anti-bullying policy that will ensure the safety and well-being of both their GLBT and non-GLBT students. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86694/
- Classical Conditioning in Everyday Life
- This poster discusses research on classical conditioning in everyday life. The author's research pertains to the positive and negative effects of classical conditioning on a person's psyche. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86687/
- The effect of oil prices on local aviation and businesses
- This presentation discusses research on the effect of oil prices on local aviation and businesses. The author's study focuses specifically on the effects of high oil prices on local aviation (i.e. Denton Municipal Airport) and local businesses. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86766/
- Effect of Modern Medical Technology on Cost of Health Insurance Coverage
- This poster discusses research on the effect of modern medical technology on the cost of health insurance coverage. The author's research looks at what kinds of medical technologies are most likely to have a negative effect on the availability of health coverage for people in need in the DFW metroplex and whether these devices are viable options in terms of effectiveness and attainability. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86748/
- The Process of Harvesting Lightning as Electrical Energy
- This poster discusses research on the process of harvesting lightning as electrical energy. The findings of the author's literature review show that worldwide research is being conducted on how to harness the energy from lightning strikes. The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers recently presented a paper during the Power Electronics Conference 2010 which examines a Malaysian College where researchers have begun a small scale study of lightning energy, and have found a way to successfully absorb the electrical potential energy from the lightning. This group focuses on the problems with lightning that makes it difficult to absorb or gather the energy. Lightning is extremely dangerous and further investigation shows that our understanding of it is not 100% assured. This issue and the absorption issue that the Malaysian college researchers identified are major hurdles for research on the use of lightning as a source of electrical energy. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86688/
- Relative Influences of Personal Psychological Factors on Conversational Interpretation and Behavior
- This poster discusses research on relative influences of personal psychological factors on conversational interpretation and behavior. The author aims to simulate real-world conversation in an experimental setting and measure the most likely types and levels of influences on individuals' interactive behaviors and perceptions, comparing various scores on well-established personality, mentality, and skill assessments to participants' simultaneous, computerized ratings, speculating about the influences and natures of their and their partner's behaviors. Because research supports Emotional Intelligence (EQ) as an indicator of social success, the author hypothesizes that it will emerge as the most influential factor affecting subjective and partner conversation satisfaction when prejudicial attitude or notable anxiety or mistrust influence are negligible. Because subjective experiences vary considerably, the author expects relative influence levels to follow, with the most important possible outcome of the experiment being the established measurability of which factors drive individuals to behave or perceive in certain ways. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86734/
- Revealing the Middlemen: An Inquiry Into the Market Structure of United States Agribusiness - A Work in Progress
- This poster discusses research on the market structure of United States Agribusiness. The term Agribusiness is applied to agriculture in the U.S. because firms in the food industry to be corporate and large, a feature unique to the U.S. This tendency has led to fewer firms in the market, especially over the last century (Allen & Abala, 2007). Around fifty years ago, issues regarding food began to gain momentum with a part of the population. The people involved had noticed issues with the American diet and their concerns have since expanded. The purpose of this inquiry is to establish the merits of the Food Movement's objections to the changes in U.S. Agriculture. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86743/
- Prevalence of Heart Disease in African-American Men: The Influence of Cultural Factors
- This poster discusses research on the prevalence of heart disease in African-American men. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. All races and ethnicities are affected, but African-Americans suffer staggeringly higher rates compared to White Americans. Many factors affect the development of heart disease, but the author will argue that psychosocial factors may be the root causes of the difference between the prevalence rates of heart disease among African American men compared to White men. Culturally, African Americans may have a lack of trust in health care, have unhealthy lifestyle habits that have been passed down from generation to generation, and have stressful social interactions within a community that contribute to their higher rates of heart disease. The author's methodology will consist of secondary analysis of a sample of African American men between the ages of 25 and 64 who were interviewed in the National Health Interview Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86747/
- STEM Education and America's Future
- This poster discusses research on STEM education and America's future. It would appear America's technological and educational ranking in the world has significantly decreased. It is highly acknowledged that our education system is badly in need of upgrades and that more young people need to be encouraged to pursue STEM careers. This raises a few questions. Why have significantly fewer students in America been pursuing careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)? What recent educational policies may have contributed to this reduction? Major findings in the literature review are that there are different standards of education across the country, teachers dislike No Child Left Behind, and instructional time used for STEM subjects has decreased. Some options for the author's methodology include finding the distribution of majors at the author's specific university, or in the nation as a whole. In the author's future research, the author could also speak to professors and students, and compare their experiences in public education with and without standardized testing. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86744/
- The Socioeconomic and Cultural Impact of the Homeless on the Denton, Texas Community
- This poster discusses research on the socioeconomic and cultural impact of the homeless on the Denton, Texas community. The government has painted a sordid picture of the condition of homelessness in the United States, and for the past fifty years the responsibility for taking care of the homeless has shifted back and forth from the citizens to the federal government. Nobody, it seems, wants to deal with such a vague, messy problem. Some groups advocate the building of many new homeless shelters and transitional housing for the people who live on the streets. Up until now, however, very few studies have been done where homeless individuals were asked for their stories and opinions. This study explores the viewpoint of homeless individuals and what they have to offer to the culture of the Denton, Texas community, as well as the socioeconomic impact they have. A meta-analysis will review data from previous research, and interviews will offer first-hand insight into the plight of the homeless. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86742/
- Do You Know How To Maintain Beautiful Skin? Analysis of Skin Care Among Different Age Groups
- This poster explores research on how skin care needs differ between different age groups, such as between teenage girls and middle aged women. The research questions are, what kind of skin care treatments are specifically needed for each group, and what kind of chemical ingredients are helpful to satisfy their needs. To answer these questions, the author would use a combination of a social survey and experimental methods. First, the author would use a survey including some questions related to skin care and their age and gender, including at least 50 women of different ages. From the data, the author would experimentally find out what kind of active ingredients are truly helpful to satisfy teenagers and middle aged women's needs. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86715/
- Does Honesty Pay Off in Politics?
- This poster discusses research on whether honesty pays off in politics. The research is on determining whether or not the attitude of voters is consistent with their actions regarding a preference for honest politicians. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86728/
- Exploring Concerns of Social Justice in the Education of Minority Language Students within Rural Communities
- This poster explores research concerning social justice in the education of minority language students within rural communities. The research focuses on whether minority language students are being deprived of equal access to education, whether educators are making every effort to involve and engage minority language students, and what societal factors minority language students grapple with while taking part in the education system. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86765/
- Factors That Affect Children's Literacy
- This poster discusses research on factors that affect children's literacy. Abstract: Reading is an essential skill for children to grow and develop as learners. Children's literacy is a topic that needs to be addressed in school systems as many children are at a disadvantage due to outside factors that affect their literacy, such as their parents' literacy. Illiterate parents can unintentionally create an environment where it is difficult for children to become literate. During this project, I have been researching factors that affect children's literacy. I have also been researching methods in which parents and educators can promote children's literacy. My research has consisted of studies and papers written by other researchers. In my research, I have discovered ways that teachers and illiterate parents can help to improve children's literacy. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86692/
- Forgiveness: Women Compared to Men
- In this poster, the author researches forgiveness, especially the difference between men and women, and how each one forgives things that have happened in their past. The author will investigate how women forgive something big like being beaten and something small like a friend talking behind their back compared to how men forgive. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86759/
- How Relative Age Effect Contributes to Becoming an Honors Student
- This poster discusses research on how relative age effect contributes to becoming an honors student. This study will calculate the percentage of students born in each month and then each month will be grouped by quarters. Honors students and non-Honors students will be compared to determine if the Relative Age Effect is observed. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86741/
- Influences of Historic Costume in the Salem Witchcraft Trials
- This poster discusses research on the influences of historic costume in the Salem Witchcraft Trials. The author's hypothesis is that a connection between historical costume and the Salem Witchcraft Trials exists, although to what extent has not been determined. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86713/
- Globalization: A Good Thing?
- This poster discusses research on the impact of globalization on Chile. Looking at three different case studies by Jessica Alexander, Warwick E. Murray, and Xavier Rambla, respectively, an idea of Chile's role in the global market is realized. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86749/
- The Importance of Superstition as Competition Increases
- This poster discusses research on the importance of superstition. The author believes that, subconsciously, more superstitions arise and become more important to the athlete as competition increases. Through a combination of interviews and observations, data will be collected to objectively determine the answer to this question. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86691/
- How do protein affect health? Insight on the benefits and consequences of protein dietary on health
- This poster discusses research on how protein affects health. The purpose of this project is to examine the geography of food-insecure households and estimate the health problems caused by food insecurity among children in Denton, Texas. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86722/
- Maternal Filicide
- This poster discusses research on maternal filicide. The author looks at environmental factors, socio-demographics, and psychological factors that may influence the frequency of committing filicide. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86763/
- A Comparative Study of Children and Their Attitudes Towards Violence
- In this poster, the author discusses research on a comparative study of groups from two populations, one likely a refugee or lower socioeconomic neighborhood or community with statistically high crime rates, and the other one with statistically lower crime rates and possibly a higher socioeconomic status. The author's research question is: Are children who have been exposed to violence more likely than others to exhibit strong positive or negative attitudes toward violence. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86829/
- An Analysis of Family Reaction When Their Children Come Out as Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual
- This poster discusses a research study that analyzes the way that families cope with the situation when their children come out of the closet as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86830/
- Preventing Cancer
- This poster discusses research on preventing cancer. In our society, it is rare to meet someone who has never known someone who died from cancer. It is surprising to me how common it is in our society, and yet no one has found a cure. There are several different ways to treat cancer but not to cure it. When the author came across the drug, TA-65, on the internet, it have the author a different look at cancer (Patton, 2007). Instead of curing cancer, why not find a way to prevent it? digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86828/
- What Is in our Drinking Water?
- This poster discusses research on what is in our drinking water. In recent years, water quality has become a growing concern for North Texans. The Environmental Protection Agency has routinely tested various water sources in the region. Do dangerous chemicals exist in the local drinking water? This research explores current data regarding chemicals in the local water supply and compares them with other cities to determine if the North Texas water is specifically more dangerous than other regions. Ever since the author was a child, the author has drunk water right from the tap and has never gotten sick from it. The author found that she cannot drink water from the tap everywhere, however. After moving to Denton, Texas, for college the author became ill after drinking the water. This phenomenon is what ultimately raised the question for the author: "What is in our drinking water and could the different chemical contents of water in different locations be harmful to our health?" digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86835/
- Epilepsy: Not A Disease But A Disorder
- This poster discusses research on epilepsy. The purpose of this project is to know more about epilepsy and its different aspects relating to the causes, psychological effect on adults, and treatment. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86837/
- The Issue of the Well-being of Illegal Immigrant Children
- In this poster, the author presents research on the problem that children of illegal immigrants have in the United States, especially those surrounding education and health care issues. For the authors' methodology, the author will use national longitudinal studies of adolescent health to analyze data on illegal immigrant children and make policy recommendations. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86827/
- Mosquito Hall: Ethnic Labels and Social Injustices Within the Public School System
- This presentation discusses research that explores two important issues relevant to understanding Latino identity and educational achievement: ethnic labels and educational injustices. The methodology used in an open-ended interview of a Latina graduate student. This interview was part of an ongoing oral history project for ANTH 3100: Latinos in the US. The interview provided insight into what Latinos experience in today's society. The results were enlightening and disturbingly revealing. Latinos face a great deal of trials and tribulations with the educational system. They have to juggle a double consciousness along with educational odds that make the attainment of a good education a great obstacle. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86895/
- The Issue of the Well-being of Illegal Immigrant Children
- This presentation discusses research on the wellbeing of illegal immigrant children. The author investigates the problem that children of illegal immigrants have in the United States, especially those surrounding education and health care issues. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc93271/
- Mosquito Hall: Ethnic Labels and Social Injustices Within the Public School System
- This paper discusses research exploring two important issues relevant to understanding Latino identity and educational achievement: ethnic labels and educational injustices. The methodology used was an open-ended interview of a Latina graduate student. This interview was part of an ongoing oral history project for ANTH 3100: Latinos in the US. The interview provided insight into what Latinos experience in today's society. The results were enlightening and disturbingly revealing. Latinos face a great deal of trials and tribulations with the educational system. They have to juggle a double consciousness along with educational odds that make the attainment of a good education a great obstacle. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc94286/
- The Adult Working-Age Population in the JPS Health Network in Tarrant County, Texas: A Report Submitted to the JPS Health Network Administration
- This report summarizes the results of a survey of adult, working-aged patients in a large, urban, tax-supported county healthcare system, consisting of an inpatient hospital facility and eight community health centers. The major objectives of this research project were to assess the patients' access to healthcare, factors affecting their access, and their health status. The system was the John Peter Smith (JPS) Health Network in Tarrant County, Texas. In the introductory section, the authors will first briefly describe the healthcare delivery system for the uninsured and/or indigent population in Texas in general, and in Tarrant County specifically. Next the authors will outline the methodology used in a telephone survey of the adult patients in the JPS system. In sections that follow in the appended material, the authors will summarize the highlights of the descriptive analysis of the data from this phase of this project in a narrative, followed by presentation of complete descriptive tables and graphs. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc103253/