ScholarsArchive Community: Undergraduate Theses

Toad Populations Decreasing in South Korea.

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Toad Populations Decreasing in South Korea.

Authors: Chung, Yun Soo

Abstract: Massive die-offs of Bufo bufo gargarizans were observed in May 2008 in MangwalGee, Korea. To find out the causes for this disaster several different elementswere examined: pH, total nitrogen, dissolved oxygen (DO), and dissolved heavymetal, suspension, introduced species, habitat change, disease, temperaturechanges, and precipitation and humidity. After checking pH, total nitrogen,dissolved oxygen, and heavy metal, the quality of water appeared to beacceptable for toads. No introduced species were found which could kill orcompete with toads. Even though there were environment changes surroundingMangwal Gee, thanks to government efforts the condition of the pond has notchanged for years. The pathogenic chytrid fungus, Batrachochytriumdendrobatidis responsible for amphibian population declines worldwide was notfound. The average temperature was little higher, and precipitation was lowercompared to last 30 years, however there was no evidence found to indicate asa cause of mass die-off.

Backpacking through the Canon

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:44:56 GMT

Title: Backpacking through the Canon

Authors: Sauter, Megan E.

Abstract: During summer and fall 2007, I traveled across Europe and studied in Spain. My experiences abroad shaped my reading of certain literary texts as I gained insight into the cultures and settings in which they were produced. In my thesis, I recount some of these experiences and show how my understanding of the novel, Don Quixote, changed due to my contact with Spanish culture. Through a series of rich images, my travel journal explores how wandering through Spain helped me identify with the characters in Don Quixote, as well as how being immersed in a foreign setting taught me to cope with fear and become a better traveler. Although the majority of the material for my thesis is drawn from the journal that I kept while in Europe, I also read travel literature to gain outside perspective about how traveling affects one’s worldview. For analyzing Don Quixote, I consulted the primary text and read literary criticism, which elaborated on the novel’s significance and complexity. Hopefully, my readers will be able to relate to and benefit from my experience in a foreign setting and realize how traveling and literature are connected.

Mechanics of Northern India's Healthcare and Resulting Socioeconomic Effects

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:53:06 GMT

Title: Mechanics of Northern India's Healthcare and Resulting Socioeconomic Effects

Authors: Korinsky, Clinton

Abstract: The healthcare system of India can be categorized into three different sectors. The public sector can be characterized by lower cost and is financed through tax subsidies. The private sector can be characterized by diversity of techniques and niches. Costs associated with the private sector are generally larger than public healthcare. An additional sector that contributes to the health of India can be considered goodwill nonprofit firms. These firms are characteristically targeting an underserved segment of the population.After studying in India with CFHI and doctors within the region of Dehradun, I observed characteristics of public, private and goodwill organizations. This thesis serves to determine whether the conventions of this healthcare system provide a mechanic to segregate populations. Does the Dehradun area healthcare system provide the care necessary to serve the population, or does it serve to perpetuate and exacerbate the socioeconomic differences among residents?Recounting experiences and supporting such experience with literature and studies can identify many failures and merits of each sector. Utilizing this process, I determine that while a single sector may fail in a single regard, this weakness is countered by a strength by another sector. Thus, India’s healthcare system works provide healthcare through specialization of sectors.

Perceiving Big Five Traits Accurately at True Zero Acquaintance

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:42:41 GMT

Title: Perceiving Big Five Traits Accurately at True Zero Acquaintance

Authors: Brown, Jill A.

Abstract: This research focused on the accuracy of trait judgments at zero acquaintance and after five minutes of interaction. Thirty-five undergraduates judged the neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness of four to six others whom they did not know. Participants then interacted in one-on-one conversations with each target for five minutes. It was hypothesized that extraversion and conscientiousness would be more accurately judged at zero acquaintance than neuroticism, openness, or agreeableness. It was also predicted that all traits would be more accurately judged after five minutes and that the NEO PI-R, a validated personality assessment, would be a more accurate measure of the criterion than a brief self report consisting of ten items. Contrary to expectations, significant accuracy was found at zero acquaintance for only the trait of neuroticism. Extraversion accuracy did not appear until after the five minute conversation.