A surge of Irish nationalism in the late nineteenth century inspires W. B. Yeats to devote his life to contributing to the Irish Literary Renaissance. At the beginning of Yeats's playwriting career, he co-founds the National Irish Theatre and writes plays depicting common Irish people as heroic figures at odds with their uniquely Irish struggles. As the political atmosphere in the early twentieth century turns violent in Ireland, Yeats's plays begin reflecting his disapproval of violent nationalism. Yeats utilizes heroic archetypes in an attempt to transform the riotous Irish into what he considers to be the exemplary Irish being. Within these plays, he often utilizes Irish mythological figures to revitalize Ireland's knowledge of its distinctive myths and to instruct the enraged and resentful British colony. After Ireland declares itself a free state, civil conflict and opposition from Britain erupts with greater fervor. At this time, Yeats begins utilizing Christ as a failed heroic figure to demonstrate to the sectarian divisions throughout Ireland the hindrance of Christian divisions. / Thesis (M.A.)--Wichita State University, Fairmount College of Engineering, Dept. of English

This thesis is sequestered till May 2015. / Thesis (M.A.)--Wichita State University, College of Health Professions, Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Sarcopenia, loss of skeletal muscle in older adults, can lead to serious health consequences. Several non-pharmacological strategies have been suggested to prevent sarcopenia, one of which is increased protein consumption above the current RDA and/or reaching a certain threshold (approximately equal to 10 grams of essential amino acids) of quality protein at each meal. This study examined the association between the amount of skeletal muscle mass in older active adults with regard to their total protein intake and essential amino acid threshold frequency (EAATF) (number of meals per day that provided at least 10 grams of essential amino acids). Fifty-one healthy male (n=22) and female (n=29) active older adults participated in this cross-sectional study. Average daily total protein (grams) and EAATF were determined from a seven-day dietary record. Dietary records and subsequent amino acid profiling were analyzed using a computer software program. Daily food records were averaged across seven-days to give an average representation of total protein intake and EAATF. Total and appendicular lean mass (aLM) were determined by Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA). Relative lean mass (RLM, total lean mass/height2) and appendicular lean mass index (aLM/height2) were also calculated. Data were analyzed using Pearson Partial Correlation Coefficients controlling for body weight and physical activity level with an alpha level of 0.05. EAATF (1.1 + 0.6 times/day) was positively associated with RLM (r = 0.621, p < 0.001) as well as aLM index (r = 0.583, p < 0.001). Total protein intake (91.1 + 29.1) was also positively associated with RLM (r = 0.582, p < 0.001) and aLM index (r = 0.598, p < 0.001). Our data suggest that, not only total protein intake, but also consuming a certain threshold of quality protein with each meal throughout a day may be important for maintaining muscle mass during aging. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--Wichita State University, College of Education, Dept. of Human Performance Studies

Domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) is an insidious and hidden form of abuse (Smith, Vardamen, & Snow, 2009; Clawson, 2010, Countryman-Roswurm, 2012). In the US, approximately 100,000 children are sexually exploited each year (Estes & Weiner, 2001; Smith et al., 2009). The complexity and scope of this issue requires a multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach led by professionals trained to identify and intervene on behalf of victims (ASERCA, n.d; Clawson & Dutch, 2008; Smith et al., 2009; Countryman-Roswurm, 2012; Rafferty, 2013; Countryman-Roswurm & Patton, 2014). Therefore, it is important to assess and enhance the knowledge and perceptions of DMST across disciplines. A University setting provides access to a range of disciplines and is typically structured to facilitate collaboration (Lattuca, Voigt, & Fath, 2004). This project examined 52 multi-disciplinary students' knowledge and perceptions of DMST before and after completing a one credit hour course on the topic. The results indicate that perception and knowledge about DMST were increased through participation in the course. The benefits of enhancing college students' perceptions of human trafficking and increasing their knowledge about human trafficking are discussed. / Thesis (M.Sc.)--Wichita State University, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Social Work

This study presents the development of a nanocomposite using carbon black and Epoxy Resin 828 to improve the curing kinetics of nanocomposite. There is little to no data on curing kinetics of silanized carbon nanocomposite. In this study, carbon black was modified using silanization process to improve its dispersion in epoxy resin which resulted in a change of curing kinetics. Silanization is a surface modification technique to improve carbon black stability and decrease agglomeration of carbon black during the mixing process. Different methods such as stability in acetone, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) were used to confirm the silanization process of carbon black. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used to test the curing kinetics of carbon black nanocomposite. In order to find the curing kinetics of nanocomposite using DSC, finding a baseline was essential. Epoxy resin 828 and 12%wt curing agent were mixed and samples were tested in DSC at different temperatures to find the baseline. After finding the baseline, nanocomposite was prepared using unmodified and modified (silanized) carbon black at 2%, 4% and 8% weight percentage of carbon black. Curing kinetics of modified and unmodified carbon black nanocomposite revealed that curing temperature of 110 degrees F for modified CB nanocomposite had a higher Degree of Cure (DOC) than unmodified. Curing kinetics for 220 degrees F for unmodified and modified did not show significant differences, since curing occurred faster at a higher temperature. However, curing time was shorter for modified CB than unmodified. Acceleration in curing kinetics could have a positive effect on processing of nanocomposites by decreasing cure time at a lower temperature. This study may open up some new opportunities for curing kinetics of various nanoparticle nanocomposites used in many nanocomposite manufacturing industries. / Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering

This research evaluates the purpose, use, and public view of drinking establishments in Wichita and the surrounding area during one of the most iconic eras in American popular culture: the years following the Civil War in the West. There have been extensive depictions of the saloon in movies and the media, but the actual story was much more complicated. To fully understand the saloon in Wichita, this study first examines drinking establishments across the United States. These saloons show the diversity of drinking establishment across the West, each with its own unique path, from the relationship between the rowdy establishments across the river in Delano to the more respectable establishments built in Wichita. Contrary to what is often portrayed in Western movies and novels, saloons were diverse. Likewise, they were not all constantly violence prone. Instead, they were unique establishments that offered a variety of services and goods. Saloons in the early years of Wichita catered to clienteles that ranged from respectable to dens of vice. As the temperance movement gained momentum, the distinction between good saloons and bad saloons began to break down. By the twentieth century, many assumed that the rowdy saloon of Delano was typical of all saloons during Wichita's cowtown days. / Thesis (M.A.)--Wichita State University, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of History

Adolescent media use has been considered an important factor in shaping educational outcomes. In order to help adolescents succeed academically, it is important to understand how they utilize their time. The purpose of this study is to examine the culturally cultivated habits of adolescents in relation to academic outcomes. I argue that the relationship between media use and academics can be better understood when considering how adolescents develop their cultural habits. Using Pierre Bourdieu's theory of cultural capital to frame my analysis, I utilize secondary data from the Educational Longitudinal Study (ELS) for analysis. Overall, media use was associated with test scores, though the associations were not very strong. Visual media was negatively associated with test scores while leisurely reading was positively associated. Socioeconomic status, or SES, was shown to be the strongest predictor of math and reading scores; however, in my OLS models, the strength of SES declined when media use, student activities, and attitudes were accounted for. Moreover, the negative impact of consuming visual media is greater for higher SES students. Conversely, the positive impact of leisurely reading is larger for higher SES students. In conclusion, media is a cultural behavior and cultivated habits can affect educational outcomes. / Thesis (M.A.)--Wichita State University, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Sociology

This study attempted to examine complications related to the reintegration process of victims and survivors of trafficking in Nepal. In order to do so, three main goals were set. First, to understand the situation of trafficking survivors and the way they are treated by the society; second, to explore the provision of anti-trafficking laws in favor of the victims and survivors; and third, to analyze the disparity between what the laws professes and what happens in reality. The resources used for the study consists of in-depth interviews with six victims and survivors of trafficking and five key persons representing four different NGOs working against trafficking of women and girls, HIV/AIDS and other related issues. This study also includes national and I/NGO annual reports, journal articles and books as supporting resources. This study demonstrates that there are many challenges that victims and survivors of trafficking in Nepal experience during reintegration. Social stigmas, discrimination, negative attitude of families and communities, mental, verbal, physical and emotional abuse are some of the major challenges. There are several laws and policies available to protect the trafficked victims and survivors. However, lack of knowledge and trust toward law enforcement system among the general population has caused ignorance and hence, increased the number of trafficking victims in Nepal. This study also found that contributions made by NGOs toward the reintegration of victims and survivors of trafficking are commendable. The NGOs has improved their lives by providing skills, opportunities and motivation to live independently in the society. At the end, this study suggests that community should work together toward educating people about trafficking, advocating to raise voices against trafficking, forming strong surveillance system, and combating corruption in order to combat trafficking. / Thesis (M.A.)--Wichita State University, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Liberal Studies

This paper carries out empirical testing of the Uncovered Interest Parity for US-Mexico, US-Brazil and US-Japan using general OLS and GARCH from monthly data. Similar to numerous other studies UIP failed to hold empirically. I also test if deviations from UIP are in any way effected by business cycles but did not find any supporting evidence. In contrast to a number of other studies my slope coefficient was significantly different from unity. The coefficient also showed a negative sign for one of the economies. Additionally, there were presence of ARCH and GARCH effects in UIP deviations. Finally, no evidence was found for UIP to hold better for developed nations like Japan and not for emerging markets like Mexico and Brazil. / Thesis (M.A.)--Wichita State University, W. Frank Barton School of Business, Dept. of Economics

This research began as an investigation into Annie Dillard's An American Childhood with the intention of discovering if her memoir could be considered nature writing. Though I had intended to limit myself to her memoir, my research in nature writing and in ecocriticism continued to expand the breadth of Dillard's work that I included. The underlying theme that became a focal point for my research was that of the spiritual language in Dillard's writing, which I examined through Max Picard's definition of silence. After merging varied ways of seeing nature writing and spiritual writing in Dillard's work, it became apparent, even before reading the Afterword" in Pilgrim at Tinker Creek that Dillard's writing was pointing toward silence and darkness. The via negativa, a Christian aesthetic path toward unknowing, is what I traced through three of her books: Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, Holy the Firm, and An American Childhood. Not only does Dillard join a tradition of nature writing along with Henry David Thoreau and the Romantics, but her contributions remain shrouded because her words leave space for possibility: enchantment, bewilderment, or both, paradoxically. / Thesis (M.A.)--Wichita State University, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of English