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Exploring Tilt In Esports, Justin Falwell Jul 2023

Exploring Tilt In Esports, Justin Falwell

Theses and Dissertations

In esports communities, "tilt" is a commonly used term that tends to describe a phenomenon generally associated with intense frustration and a subsequent deterioration in performance. Despite its common usage, to date, there has been surprisingly little exploration into the phenomenon within esports. Through semi-structured, phenomenologically-based interviews with four collegiate esports athletes, the present study aimed to explore player perceptions of the fundamental experiences of tilt. The abridged IPA revealed several insights into various aspects of tilt including common triggers, manifestations of, and responses to the phenomenon. Findings from this study may be used as the groundwork for future studies …


Individualized Therapeutic Composition As A Method Of Improving Sleep Quality In College Students, Nicholas Lanz Jul 2023

Individualized Therapeutic Composition As A Method Of Improving Sleep Quality In College Students, Nicholas Lanz

Theses and Dissertations

The life of a college student is often bombarded with circumstances, emotions, and decisions that produce stress and anxiety, affecting sleep quality and daily function. Listening to music designed for relaxation has the potential to decrease stress and improve factors of healthy sleep quality. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of listening to music uniquely composed for each individual on stress relief and sleep quality in college students. The music therapy intervention utilized in this study was individual composition sessions. The researcher met with each participant individually to compose an instrumental piece of music that was …


Exploring The Heterogeneity Of Dopamine Signaling In The Rat Striatum, Rebecca Louise Chicosky Jul 2023

Exploring The Heterogeneity Of Dopamine Signaling In The Rat Striatum, Rebecca Louise Chicosky

Theses and Dissertations

Dopamine (DA) is a neurotransmitter critical for locomotion, motivation, and reward learning and has implications in the neuropathologies of Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, and substance use disorder. The rat striatum, which receives the densest DA innervation in the entire rat brain, shows distinct heterogeneity at different anatomical levels, e.g., dorsal and ventral subregions, patch and matrix compartments, and microdomains. The previous use of carbon-fiber microelectrodes (CFM), a single site microsensor coupled to fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV), has limited the ability to view and characterize this DA heterogeneity. Furthermore, studies examining the effects of amphetamine (AMPH), a psychostimulant with clinical efficacy and …


The Historical Evolution Of State Capacity And Its Effect On Democratization: A Case Study Of Egypt, Ashley Elizabeth Johnson Jul 2023

The Historical Evolution Of State Capacity And Its Effect On Democratization: A Case Study Of Egypt, Ashley Elizabeth Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Why are some states able to democratize while others are not? This thesis examines the connection between state capacity and democratization utilizing a case study of Egypt and a controlled comparison with Tunisia. Via process tracing, I determine that Egypt has a deeply institutionalized, strong coercive state capacity and a weak administrative capacity. These iterations of state capacity developed during Egyptian state formation from 1805-1840 and were further institutionalized at two critical junctures: early British occupation from 1883-1907, and Nasser’s presidency from 1952-1967. Path dependency makes successful democratization unlikely because of the significant legacy left in Egypt during these critical …


You Ca N’T Police Your Way Out Of These Problems: Disregarding The Structural Components Of Community Problems, Kian Spencer Gaines Jul 2023

You Ca N’T Police Your Way Out Of These Problems: Disregarding The Structural Components Of Community Problems, Kian Spencer Gaines

Theses and Dissertations

Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) emerged in response to longstanding criticisms revolving around police accountability and effectiveness. It emphasizes civilian participation in crime-prevention and problem-solving efforts to build trust between the police and minoritized communities with whom they have had an antagonistic relationship. Traditional policing is reactive in nature, with officers acting only after crime has been committed or a call for service has been made; it enforces the law; “legitimizes” use of violence; and emulates military structure and tactics. In this study I describe it as “enforcement” or “crime-fighting policing.” COPS programs are embedded within this structure. Unlike traditional policing, …


Can Video Comparison Facilitate Children's Stem Learning?, Alexis Rene Colwell Jul 2023

Can Video Comparison Facilitate Children's Stem Learning?, Alexis Rene Colwell

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of a video comparison activity in teaching 6- and 7-year-old children that a diagonal brace provides stability in structures, which is an important engineering principle. Children were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Comparison, Single Model, or No Training. The children in the Comparison group saw two metal towers in a training video where the researcher pushed on the towers to demonstrate that one was stable (diagonal brace tower), and one was unstable (horizontal crosspiece tower). Children in the Single Model group saw a video of the one …


Investigating The Antibiotic Potentiating Effects Of A Novel Reactive Oxidant Species-Generating Antimicrobial., Gracious Yoofi Boafo Donkor Jul 2023

Investigating The Antibiotic Potentiating Effects Of A Novel Reactive Oxidant Species-Generating Antimicrobial., Gracious Yoofi Boafo Donkor

Theses and Dissertations

Due to the rise in antimicrobic resistance and the decline in antibiotic discovery, drug development has expanded into alternative antimicrobial compounds, such as silver. Silver-containing compounds have emerged as a promising alternative due to their multi-specific effects on inhibiting bacterial growth. Our work focuses on the antimicrobial effects of AGXX, a novel antimicrobial which has been shown to exert its broad-spectrum effects through the production of highly cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although preliminary studies have demonstrated the potency of AGXX in gram-positive pathogens, its effects on gram-negative pathogens remain largely unknown. The goal of my thesis was to examine …


Assessing Peacebuilding Processes Through A Human Rights Lens: An Analysis Of Peacebuilding Efforts In Kosovo, Carolyn Lee Hannon Jul 2023

Assessing Peacebuilding Processes Through A Human Rights Lens: An Analysis Of Peacebuilding Efforts In Kosovo, Carolyn Lee Hannon

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis critically examines the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) to determine the extent to which it reflects the specific dimensions of a human rights-based approach (HRBA). An HRBA emphasizes the centrality of human rights principles in the design, implementation, and evaluation of development and governance initiatives. Through a comprehensive analysis of the UNMIK’s policies, practices, and outcomes, this research aims to assess whether the mission effectively incorporates the key elements of an HRBA. This study employs an illustrative case study. By doing so, this research aims to provide an in-depth analysis of UNMIK’s policies, practices, and …


Revisitng The Violence And Social Order Conceptual Framework: A Case Study Of China, Nur E Jannat Moon Jun 2023

Revisitng The Violence And Social Order Conceptual Framework: A Case Study Of China, Nur E Jannat Moon

Theses and Dissertations

The conceptual framework on violence and social order- by North, Wallis, and Weingast (2009)- categorizes societies into three groups based on how they foster competition, limit violence, and allow citizens access to political and economic organizations. This thesis critically examines this conceptual framework and highlights its drawbacks in explaining economic growth and development in the contemporary global context. This thesis identifies two specific areas of improvement in the conceptual framework of social order: first, by reconceptualizing violence, and second, by integrating the extent of personalism in political parties as critical determinants for categorizing social order. By demonstrating the intricate relationship …


Modelling Multivariate Dependence Among Cyber Risks, Oliveira Ann Gyamfua Darkwah Jun 2023

Modelling Multivariate Dependence Among Cyber Risks, Oliveira Ann Gyamfua Darkwah

Theses and Dissertations

Over the years, there have significant number of cyber attacks in various sectors causing losses to those sectors. We study the multivariate dependence of the cyber risks among these sectors by developing an iterative algorithm using copulas to estimate cyber risks in each sector by measuring the interdependencies and intradependencies among the sectors. The prediction performance of the proposed algorithm shows that the algorithm is superior to other methods.


A Descriptive And Comparative Case Study Of Undergraduate Psychology Students' Feedback Processes When Developing A Research Proposal Paper, Derek John Herrmann Meyers Jun 2023

A Descriptive And Comparative Case Study Of Undergraduate Psychology Students' Feedback Processes When Developing A Research Proposal Paper, Derek John Herrmann Meyers

Theses and Dissertations

The current study was conducted to examine undergraduate psychology students’ feedback processes associated with developing a research proposal paper. Previous research has investigated how feedback can be effective for student learning, but it has been limited by not considering the effectiveness of multiple, smaller assessments and the frequent feedback provided on them, from both instructors and peers, as students complete a single, larger assignment. It also has been limited by not considering the application of one model of feedback at the postsecondary education level. The case study research design was selected both to describe my students’ feedback processes when completing …


How Do Dispositional Mindfulness And Statistical Anxiety Affect Student Performance On An Exam?, Mario Diaz Jun 2023

How Do Dispositional Mindfulness And Statistical Anxiety Affect Student Performance On An Exam?, Mario Diaz

Theses and Dissertations

The current study investigated if a specific disposition, mindfulness, offers an advantage for undergraduate students’ success on statistical exams by decreasing the impact of an academic-related strain, anxiety. Prior research utilizing state mindfulness has found evidence of this performance advantage, but it has yet to be investigated if dispositional mindfulness offers similar results. The current study found that dispositional mindfulness does impact one’s anxiety, but that relation does not offer a performance advantage for those with higher levels of mindfulness in comparison to those with lower levels of the disposition. To improve student success, engaging in mindfulness practices appears more …


High-Risk Fertility Behaviors: Impact On Child And Risks Of Maternal Mortality In Kenya, Mercy Chepkosgei Kiprop Jun 2023

High-Risk Fertility Behaviors: Impact On Child And Risks Of Maternal Mortality In Kenya, Mercy Chepkosgei Kiprop

Theses and Dissertations

Rapid population increase in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) over the last several decades and limited healthcare interventions have exacerbated child and maternal mortality. The maternal mortality ratio (deaths per 100,000 live births) in Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for at least 50 percent of maternal deaths globally. In 2020 alone, 5 million children under 5 years died in Kenya. Research also points out that, tragically, many of the mothers and children died of preventable or treatable conditions. Previous research has focused on biological or socioeconomic determinants of child mortality rather than their joint influences. In this study, we investigate the premise that all …


Non-Zero Sum Sport: Pickleball And The Theory Of Coopetition, Max Arthur Manthou Jun 2023

Non-Zero Sum Sport: Pickleball And The Theory Of Coopetition, Max Arthur Manthou

Theses and Dissertations

An ethnography of the sport of pickleball was conducted over a span of 7 months in the United States. Findings are partly the result of the author’s journey from playing in the park to playing in the Pros—presented in autoethnographic terms—and partly the result of 11 semi-structured interviews with 13 avid pickleball players. The main contention of this study is that sport is non-zero sum, despite a tendency for sport to be considered in zero sum terms. The non-zero sum aspect of sport is argued to be the result of two main causes: one, sport is coopetive, in that it …


Identifying Handsaws From Cut Marks On Bone: A Microscopic Trait Analysis, Sarah Elizabeth Patterson Jun 2023

Identifying Handsaws From Cut Marks On Bone: A Microscopic Trait Analysis, Sarah Elizabeth Patterson

Theses and Dissertations

A naturalistic approach in applied forensic research is paramount to reliable expert testimony. Less controlled, or natural, methods in forensic toolmark research are meant to mimic the conditions under which criminal dismemberment would occur; ensuring that the outcomes of such research are applicable in criminal cases. In a monumental study, Steve Symes (1992, Morphology of Saw Marks in Human Bone: Identification of Class Characteristics, University of Tennessee) made experimental cuts into defleshed, degreased human bone with serrated blades and found that blade set width was indicative of kerf width, although kerf width alone could not indicate blade or set type. …


False Memories For Stereotypes: Effects Of Attention And Delay, Maria Corea Dubon Jun 2023

False Memories For Stereotypes: Effects Of Attention And Delay, Maria Corea Dubon

Theses and Dissertations

The present study investigated the conditions in which stereotype-based beliefs elicit the creation of false memories for information consistent with racial-occupational expectations and the extent to which attentional depletion increases this likelihood. This was examined in the context of racial-occupational stereotypes for White and Latino individuals. Participants were presented with pictures of faces paired with stereotype-consistent and -inconsistent occupational information. One group of participants was exposed to these stimuli while also completing an additional task designed to divide their attention. Their memory for these pairings was tested in both an immediate and delayed recognition test. Due to the social reliance …


Adult Children Of Alcoholcs: An Exploration Of The Narratives They Share, Tristin Evans Jun 2023

Adult Children Of Alcoholcs: An Exploration Of The Narratives They Share, Tristin Evans

Theses and Dissertations

Framed by Communicated Narrative Sense-Making Theory, this thesis project explored the stories that adult children of alcoholics shared regarding their experiences with their alcoholic parents. More specifically, narration about being an adult child of an alcoholic was explored alongside measures of individual coping and resilience. Thematic narrative analysis of interviews (n = 9) illuminated two main story types: distance due to alcoholism (n = 5) and closeness despite (history with) alcoholism (n = 4).


Shifting From A System Of Grades To A Culture Of Learning: Moving Toward A More Equitable Culture Of Assessment, Jennifer Pamela Mccoy Jun 2023

Shifting From A System Of Grades To A Culture Of Learning: Moving Toward A More Equitable Culture Of Assessment, Jennifer Pamela Mccoy

Theses and Dissertations

Upon identifying a problem of practice centering on students and staff alike focusing on points and grades instead of learning, a small team of teachers were assembled to participate in a cycle of inquiry. The purpose of this cycle of inquiry was to research and test the effectiveness of an intervention related to assessment. The team selected a student self-assessment in the form of an exit slip. Qualitative methods were used to code teacher responses while they implemented the exit slip with students. The team ultimately found that they were able to use the exit slip feedback from the students …


Transport Of Suspended Sediments And Phosphorus In An Agricultural Watershed: A Case Study Of The Money Creek Watershed, Central Illinois., Oghenevwede Efobo Jun 2023

Transport Of Suspended Sediments And Phosphorus In An Agricultural Watershed: A Case Study Of The Money Creek Watershed, Central Illinois., Oghenevwede Efobo

Theses and Dissertations

Suspended sediment and phosphorus are among the major pollutants of stream ecosystems. Suspended sediment has been documented as vector for nutrient transport, specifically phosphorus, in streams. Sources of suspended sediments include agricultural fields, channel sediments, and streambanks. Suspended sediments within the stream channel could fill up reservoirs over time thus, reducing reservoir storage capacity. Suspended sediments can cover breeding and nesting areas of aquatic habitats, leading to their displacements. Sources of phosphorus include point sources such as wastewater treatment plants and industrial effluent, and nonpoint sources such as agricultural fields and urban runoff. Phosphorus is a limiting nutrient in freshwater …


Mutations In Lamin And How It Causes Multiple Tissue-Specific Disorders, Bismark Acquah Jun 2023

Mutations In Lamin And How It Causes Multiple Tissue-Specific Disorders, Bismark Acquah

Theses and Dissertations

Lamins are the major components of the nuclear lamina where they provide a platform for the binding of proteins to the chromatin and confer mechanical stability (Dittmer and Misteli.,2011). Mutations in the human LMNA gene result in at least 15 distinct disorders ranging from muscular dystrophies to neurological disorders to lipodystrophies (Vytopil et al.,2003). Interestingly, some mutant forms of lamin protein aggregate, which may be toxic to the cells. However, it is unknown how specific mutations in lamin give rise to tissue-specific disease. I hypothesize that certain tissues are susceptible to specific lamin mutations due to the inability of tissue-specific …


Characterizing The Role Of P38kb And Gars In Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, Piotr Stan Klos Jun 2023

Characterizing The Role Of P38kb And Gars In Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, Piotr Stan Klos

Theses and Dissertations

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT) is a progressive neuropathology caused by the deterioration of neuronal function of the peripheral motor and sensory nervous systems. Motor symptoms include tripping, ankle twisting, and clumsiness, while sensory symptoms include sensations such as pins and needles and burning pain. Though mutations in a variety of genes can give rise to CMT, several of the genes are tRNA-synthetases. We have recently found that the p38 MAPK (p38Kb), a kinase involved in aging and age-dependent locomotor deficits, regulates the levels of several tRNA-synthetase proteins during aging. p38Kb interacts with the Chaperone-Assisted Selective Autophagy (CASA) complex to mediate the …


Experimental Evolution Under Varying Sex Ratio And Behavioral Plasticity In Response To Perceived Competitive Environment Independently Influence Male Cricket Calling Effort, Jack Thomas Mckermitt Jun 2023

Experimental Evolution Under Varying Sex Ratio And Behavioral Plasticity In Response To Perceived Competitive Environment Independently Influence Male Cricket Calling Effort, Jack Thomas Mckermitt

Theses and Dissertations

The operational sex ratio (OSR) is a key component influencing the magnitude of sexual selection driving the evolution of male sexual traits, but males often also retain the ability to plastically modulate trait expression depending on the current environment. Here we employed an experimental evolution approach to determine whether the OSR affects the evolution of male calling effort in decorated crickets, a costly sexual trait, and whether plasticity in calling effort is altered by the OSR under which males have evolved. Calling effort of males from two selection regimes maintained at different OSRs over 18-20 generations (male- versus female-biased) was …


This Too Shell Pass: Investigating The Function Of B Cells During An Immune Response In The Red-Eared Slider, Trachemys Scripta, Christen Renee Fairow Jun 2023

This Too Shell Pass: Investigating The Function Of B Cells During An Immune Response In The Red-Eared Slider, Trachemys Scripta, Christen Renee Fairow

Theses and Dissertations

B cells are crucial components of the immune system during an infection that produce antibodies. It is not known how B cells function or if different cell subsets exist in reptiles. Understanding how B cells function in reptiles can help protect endangered species by clarifying how their immune system may be different from other vertebrates but may also allow for the development of new human medicines. First, we aimed to identify turtle leukocytes based on their morphological characteristics. Blood smears were made and photos were taken on a light microscope equipped with a digital camera. Using this method, we were …


Investigation Of Intramolecular Oxidopyrylium-Based [ 5 +2 ] Cycloadditions, Kwabena Darko Jun 2023

Investigation Of Intramolecular Oxidopyrylium-Based [ 5 +2 ] Cycloadditions, Kwabena Darko

Theses and Dissertations

The cycloaddition reaction is an important transformation in the field of organic chemistry since it serves as an indispensable tool in organic synthesis. The oxidopyrylium-based [5+2] cycloaddition reaction has received enormous attention in chemical synthesis due to its usefulness in the formation of seven-membered heterocyclic ring systems present in bioactive natural products.1,2,3,4 In spite of the tremendous attention paid to this reaction, there still exist stereo and regioselectivity limitations. Further investigation is critical in light of these limitations. The intramolecular oxidopyrylium-based [5+2] cycloaddition is known to afford these ring systems with high stereo and regioselectivity since with the intramolecular type …


Investigating Eco-Evolutionary Interactions Between Hosts And Members Of Their Gut Microbiota, Logan A. Sauers Jun 2023

Investigating Eco-Evolutionary Interactions Between Hosts And Members Of Their Gut Microbiota, Logan A. Sauers

Theses and Dissertations

Evolutionary and ecological interactions between hosts and their associated microbial communities, their microbiota, and between members of these communities are vital to understand. Microbial communities are widespread across diverse host taxa and hosts receive a variety of well-documented benefits from their microbial communities. Despite the importance of understanding eco-evolutionary dynamics for colonization outcomes and the benefits these communities provide to their hosts, our current knowledge in this area remains incomplete. For example, we do not know the full extent of coevolution and specific relationships between hosts and microbes, and between the microbes themselves, across host taxa. Questions remain about how …


Transition Planning And The School To Prison Pipeline: A Phenomenological Study Investigating The Lived Experiences Of Alternatively Placed High School Black Males With High Incidence Disabilities, Brandon Garrett Thornton Jun 2023

Transition Planning And The School To Prison Pipeline: A Phenomenological Study Investigating The Lived Experiences Of Alternatively Placed High School Black Males With High Incidence Disabilities, Brandon Garrett Thornton

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to better inform researchers and practitioners on best practices to ensure that their transition planning practices are person-centered and culturally responsive. Using a phenomenological approach, purposeful sampling was used to conduct semi-structured interviews regarding the shared educational lived experiences of two alternatively placed Black high school males with high incidence disabilities with respect to their transition planning. Participants perceived their transition planning to be student-centered, and expected favorable employment outcomes. Additionally, the participants’ choice to be alternatively placed played a role in their perception of transition outcomes. School personnel also played a pivotal …


Transfer Of Learning In Perception With Haptic Sensory Substitution Devices, Tyler Joseph Duffrin May 2023

Transfer Of Learning In Perception With Haptic Sensory Substitution Devices, Tyler Joseph Duffrin

Theses and Dissertations

Studies have shown that perceiving a given property of a wielded object requires task-specific sensitivity to the patterns of mechanical stimulation that support perceiving that property. The same is true for perceiving properties of the environment by means of a wielded object. Recently, studies using the Enactive Torch—a novel vibrotactile sensory-substitution device—have shown that these mechanical stimulation patterns are invariant across medium (Favela et al., 2018; 2021). The current study used a transfer of recalibration paradigm to the invariant patterns of mechanical stimulation that support perceiving surface distance by means of a wooden rod and by means of the Enactive …


Dad Talk: Father-Child Communication When A Parent Has Cancer, Elizabeth A. Reed May 2023

Dad Talk: Father-Child Communication When A Parent Has Cancer, Elizabeth A. Reed

Theses and Dissertations

Most individuals are impacted by a cancer diagnosis, in fact 54% of Americans say they or someone in their immediate family has been diagnosed with cancer at some point (CBS Interactive, 2017). While most Americans have a family member with cancer, most research has been done to understand the mother-daughter relationship during such a time. Unfortunately, there is little research regarding father-child communication during a cancer diagnosis, and father-child communication is understudied. The father-child dyad is an important relationship that impacts a child throughout their lives (Fellers & Schrodt, 2021). To further understand these relationships and how cancer may impact …


Human Impacts On Erosion In Starved Rock State Park, Illinois, Usa, Savannah Leigh Thielbar May 2023

Human Impacts On Erosion In Starved Rock State Park, Illinois, Usa, Savannah Leigh Thielbar

Theses and Dissertations

State and National parks are some of the most visited wildlife areas within the United States, making local geologic features more susceptible to human-induced change. As more people visit these parks throughout the year, we see major impacts on the interactions between biological and geological processes. This study determines if human activity, through rock carvings, influence erosion within Starved Rock State Park and provides a new perspective on our compounding anthropogenic influence on Earth. Through natural stream and artificial human erosion, the base of the bedrock slope potentially changes at a much faster rate than the upper portion of the …


Chop Suey Habits: The State Of The American Chinese Restaurant During Covid Times, Rebecca Ma Apr 2023

Chop Suey Habits: The State Of The American Chinese Restaurant During Covid Times, Rebecca Ma

Theses and Dissertations

With the outbreak of COVID-19 in Spring 2020, the yellow peril has come back from its clandestine hiding spot with attention directed towards East and Southeast Asian citizens. In the ongoing debate of cleanliness and sanitization during a pandemic, the yellow peril scare has once again American Chinese restaurants. American Chinese restaurants found themselves to be the target of online abuse and loss of patronage in these uncertain times. While over half of American Chinese restaurants took the loss and shut down in March/April 2020, they still reopened to partial to full capacity sometime in 2020. American Chinese restaurant owners …