Digital Commons Network^™

Fantasy Novels, Romance, And Book Boyfriends: Romantic Views And Expectations Of Young Adult Women, Kennedy Dawn Morris

Theses and Dissertations

Despite its drop in popularity, reading is a pastime that is enjoyed by many. As with other forms of media, there is the question of how consuming literature impacts individuals. This research study examines how reading fantasy novels impacts the romantic views and expectations of women in emerging adulthood. Social comparison theory and parasocial relationships were utilized in order to examine how young adult women compare their relationships and relationship ideals to those of fictional characters, as well as how young adult women decide which fictional relationships and/or characters are worth their admiration. The findings of this study suggest that …

An Implementation Study Of A Brief, Online Sexual Mindfulness Intervention At The Individual Partner Level: The Impact Of Prompting Practice On Implementation, Alexyss Lange

Theses and Dissertations

Prior research suggests frequent, scheduled, non-interactive text support enhances psychological outcomes and increases adherence to psychological interventions (Agyapong et al., 2020; Shalaby et al., 2022; Shim et al., 2017). Using a hybrid III implementation model, we recruited individuals in romantic relationships to test whether weekly reminders improved engagement with a sexual mindfulness intervention. We found no evidence that additional support increased intervention implementation. Although we aimed to assess acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, and feasibility as separate implementation outcomes, factor analysis indicated these variables cluster into two broader constructs: Readiness and motivation and discomfort and uncertainty. These factors did not differ between …

Low Surface Brightness Features Of Edge-On Galaxies In Deep Sky Surveys, Kyle R. Adams

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, we present a comprehensive visual analysis of low surface brightness (LSB) structures in edge-on galaxies using two statistically complete samples: 838 galaxies from the SDSS Stripe 82 region (ES82) and 5,745 galaxies from the Edge-on Galaxies in SDSS (EGIS) catalog, both containing galaxies with spectroscopic redshifts out to 𝑧 ∼ 0.2. Using deep imaging data from the SDSS, SDSS Stripe 82, DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys, and the HSC-SSP, we construct RGB and coadded images for comparison and to improve feature detection. Average limiting photometric depth for each survey in the 𝑟 band for the surveys analyzed in …

Enhancing Fault Tolerance In Tmr Soft Risc-V Fpga Socs Through Failure-Driven Mitigation Strategies, Andrew Elbert Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) leveraging soft processors, particularly those implementing the open-standard RISC-V Instruction Set Architecture (ISA), are increasingly important for space missions due to their adaptability and reconfigurability. However, their susceptibility to radiation-induced Single Event Upsets (SEUs) presents significant reliability challenges, necessitating robust fault-tolerant strategies such as Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR). This dissertation evaluates the effectiveness of TMR-based mitigation techniques for Linux-capable soft RISC-V System-on-Chip (SoC) implementations deployed on SRAM-based FPGAs operating in high-radiation environments. Using a combination of deterministic fault injection and neutron radiation testing, this work identifies critical residual single-point failure modes that persist in TMR-protected designs. …

Applying Ceragenins In Translational Medicine: Activating Mesenchymal Stem Cells And Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections, Aaron L. Zaugg

Theses and Dissertations

Healthcare-associated infections are a major global concern. Increased infections among vulnerable populations lead to millions of deaths, annually, complicated by the emergence of multi-drug resistant pathogens. These infections are often facilitated by medical devices serving as abiotic surfaces that facilitate the formation of biofilms. Notably, colonization of prostheses and other bone-associated medical devices can lead to corrective procedures, revisions and death. To address these issues, inspiration can be drawn from natural sources of bone health and defenses against infection. Cathelicidins are endogenous peptides involved in both bone maintenance and infection control. Ceragenins are small molecule mimics of cathelicidins with broad …

Linking Static And Dynamic Structures And Properties Of Materials With Computational And Mathematical Models, (Enoch) Sin Hang Ho

Theses and Dissertations

Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy is an effective technique to study and manipulate the structural dynamics of materials, due to its frequency range being very similar to the vibrational frequencies of collective atom motions in a host of materials. High-field and broadband THz radiation can be generated via optical rectification (OR) in nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals. The efficiency of OR response in an NLO crystal is determined by many factors, including molecular hyperpolarizability (β), 2nd order electric susceptibility (χ(2)), crystal structure, primary growth orientation, refractive index, absorption and phase matching condition. In this dissertation, I will focus on using computation methods and …

Predicting Single-Leg Eccentric Hamstrings Strength In Aging Athletes Using Diagnostic Ultrasound- And Survey-Derived Parameters, Lee J. Hinkle

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Eccentric hamstring strength declines with age and contributes to mobility limitations. Although Nordbord testing quantifies eccentric strength, few studies have examined it in older adults, and none have predicted strength performance on this test using ultrasound or survey- based measures. Methods: We recruited 122 senior athletes (60 female) at the 2024 Huntsman World Senior Games. Ultrasound-derived cross-sectional area (CSA), echogenicity, and subcutaneous fat thickness, along with demographic and activity data, were used to predict single-leg peak force using Bayesian regression. Models were sex-stratified, and predictors were selected using leave-one-out cross-validation (LOO IC). Results: In males, CSA, age, leg side, …

The Exaggerated Blood Pressure Response To Activities Of Daily Living And Exercise Is Dependent Upon The Fitness Of People With Hypertension, Joseph D. Larsen

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: Determine if the previously reported exaggerated systolic blood pressure response to daily activity and moderate exercise amongst hypertensive adults could be accounted for by differences in fitness. Methods: 30 normotensives adults (15 low fitness control (LFC) and 15 high fitness control (HFC)) and 15 unmedicated adults with ambulatory hypertension (HTN) participated in this study. Participants completed 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Lactate Threshold (LT) and estimated ����̇O2max were determined for each participant. A week later, blood pressure was measured while participants completed 5-minute bouts of treadmill exercise at fixed absolute intensities (2.5 mph 0% and 12% grade) and …

Computational Advances For Single-Cell Proteomics, Hannah Boekweg

Theses and Dissertations

The overarching goal of biologists is to characterize biological systems. When the workings of a system are understood, they can be fixed, broken, preserved, mimicked, and even replicated. The field of proteomics seeks to characterize systems through the lens of proteins. Proteins are referred to as the 'workhorse' of the cell to illustrate that they perform most functional tasks within the cell. These tasks are highly varied, including enzymatic activity, structural support, transport, storage, cell signaling, gene regulation, immune response, and more. Proteomics has been instrumental in new biological discoveries by characterizing the functional state of cells. A new area …

The Effects Of Caregiving For A Family Member With Alzheimer’S Disease, Megan Layton

Student Works

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive disease that leads people with AD to become dependent on a family member. As the disease worsens, caregivers face an increase in responsibility and burden. There is a rising number of AD cases which will result in an increase of caregivers. Twelve articles were examined using the EBSCO database by using keywords such as “Alzheimer’s disease,” “caregiver burden,” “coping,” “assisted living,” and “grief.” An analysis of these articles indicated the complexities of caregiving for a loved one with AD. These complexities such as stress, decision-making challenges, changes in family dynamics, the adjustment to placing …

The Cellular Mechanisms Of Alzheimer's Disease Protection By The Pilra G78r Variant, Wenhan Cheng

Theses and Dissertations

Microglial dysfunction is increasingly linked to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Immune receptors like TREM2 and CD33 play opposing roles in microglial activity. TREM2 activation triggers immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) signaling to promote microglial activities, including amyloid-β clearance, but variants in TREM2 such as R47H that impair its function increase AD risk. In contrast, CD33 is an inhibitory receptor that contains an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) which transmits signals that suppress microglial function. An AD-protective variant in CD33 alters CD33 activity, potentially enhancing TREM2 function. PILRA is another inhibitory immune receptor expressed by microglia that contains an ITIM. A naturally …

Growing Pains: Relations Between Racial Discrimination And Body Esteem With Ethnic-Racial Identity By Pubertal Timing For Female Adolescents Of Color, Emily J. Takamasa

Theses and Dissertations

Puberty is a near-universal experience among adolescents, and yet rarely have researchers considered the racialized contexts and salience it has, for girls of color. Using the phenomenological variant of ecological systems theory (PVEST), this study examines the relation between pubertal timing, body esteem, racial discrimination and ethnic racial identity (ERI) components (affirmation, exploration, resolution) among adolescent girls of color (n = 218, Mage = 15.7, U.S. sample). Results showed that higher body esteem predicted greater ERI exploration and resolution, particularly for girls with average or late pubertal timing. Additionally, racial discrimination was linked to higher ERI exploration and resolution only …

Quantum-Chemical Modeling Of Mechanisms And Selectivity In Open-Shell Organometallic Reactions, Michael T. Davenport

Theses and Dissertations

Quantum mechanical calculations have emerged as a powerful approach for directly evaluating reaction mechanisms and selectivity in transition metal-ligand complexes involving organometallic intermediates. Density functional theory (DFT) quantum mechanical methods enable the generation of potential energy surfaces and structures that define reaction mechanisms and allow for the evaluation of selectivity through statistical transition state theory. However, in certain cases, it is necessary to go beyond statistical treatments and incorporate atomic motion through molecular dynamics simulations. Additionally, many transition metal-mediated reactions involve unpaired electrons and spin state crossings. This dissertation focuses on the application of DFT-derived potential energy surfaces and molecular …

The Clinical Characteristics, Correlation With Other Disorders, And Treatment Methods For Children And Adolescents With Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors, Paige Gunther

Student Works

Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) are repeated actions performed on oneself as acts of self-grooming that may result in self-harm. The most common BFRBs are nail biting, excoriation (skin picking disorder), and trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder). This literature review examines the clinical characteristics, correlation with other psychological and neurological disorders, and treatment options for various BFRBs. A search of APA PsycInfo and PubMed databases yielded 74 sources, 13 of which have been used in this review. Clinical characteristics of BFRBs include emergence during childhood and adolescence, influence of other psychological disorders, self-awareness, biological sex, internalizing and externalizing behaviors, high levels of …

Rapid Beamformer Weight Calibration Update Method For The Advanced L-Band Phased Array Camera For Astronomy (Alpaca), Kayla Lyman Ward

Theses and Dissertations

The Advanced L-Band Phased Array Camera for Astronomy (ALPACA) is a phased array feed instrument designed for the Green Bank Telescope. It is capable of producing 40 real-time beams on the sky, widening the telescope's field of view and significantly increasing survey speed. ALPACA employs an RF-over-fiber (RFoF) signal transport system from the phased array feed front end to the digital backend. This RFoF link is expected to introduce phase delays and changes in gain through out the course of an observation, invalidating the beamformer weights previously calculated. This work presents rapid beamformer weight calibration updates for ALPACA, a method …

A Missionary's Memoirs: Mongolia Revisited, Isaac Smith

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This is my story. It is a very personal story, but one that I want to share with others. Although it takes place predominantly in Mongolia, it is not merely a story about Mongolia, or even the Mongolian people. It is not really even a story about me. What is it then? It is a story about faith and love. It is an attempt to better understand how the gospel of Jesus Christ intricately fits into people’s lives all over the world—even in Mongolia. It is a compilation of essays, of memoirs, of my experiences. It is a story about …

Developmental Consequences Of Benevolent Sexism: How Awareness Can Change Women’S Lives, Bianca F. Brenes Rojas

Student Works

Benevolent forms of sexism become increasingly evident as society evolves, making everyday sexism more challenging to recognize and confront (Feigt et al., 2022; Watson et al., 2018). When unaware, benevolent forms of sexism can adversely affect women’s self-esteem, create feelings of inferiority, and may potentially increase women’s psychological stressors (Becker & Swim, 2011; Becker & Wright, 2011; Moradi & Subich, 2004). According to the ambivalent sexism theory, benevolent forms of sexism, while expressed in a positive tone, can potentially affect women due to the underlying belief that women are inferior to men (Glick & Fiske, 1996). Some women perceive benevolent …

Development And Miniaturization Of Pad-Printed Carbon Electrodes For Antibody-Type Biosensing, Elizabeth Danielle Clark

Theses and Dissertations

Miniaturized, pad-printed carbon electrodes (PPCEs) offer a promising platform for antibody-type biosensors, enabling rapid and cost-effective point-of-care diagnostics. This study investigates the development, fabrication, and electrochemical performance of large and miniaturized PPCEs functionalized for antibody-type detection, with the eventual goal of detecting pancreatic cancer specific biomarkers. The PPCEs were made of silver- and carbon- based inks that were formulated to be pad printable and conductive and printed on polycarbonate film so they can be easily disposed of after use. Each PPCE was thoroughly cleaned with ethanol several times to ensure a clean base on which to adsorb antibodies and antigens. …

Design, Manufacturing, And Engineering Design Validation Of A Fetal Activity Monitor, Hector Andres Pena Vega

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Fetal movement monitoring is an important indicator of fetal health, but

current methods often rely on subjective self-reporting or medical equipment that

may not be universally available. The research described in this thesis describes

the design, manufacture, and engineering validation of a wearable fetal activity

monitor based on nanocomposite wide-range strain gauge technology. Embedded

in a wearable maternity band garment, the technology is designed to discreetly

record fetal movements with the eventual goal of providing real-time information

that can assist pregnant women and medical professionals in monitoring patterns

of fetal activity.

The scope of the described research focuses on the …

Multi-Field Quantum Conference Key Agreement Using An Integrated Photonic Green Machine, Benjamin J. Fisher

Theses and Dissertations

Quantum Conference Key Agreement (QCKA) enables a group of users to generate a shared secret key, which reduces the latency and equipment overhead of establishing multiple Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) links. Conventional QCKA protocols send a multi-photon entangled state from one user to others and a key is generated only when all photons are detected, which is inefficient at high loss and opens side-channels at the receiver side. Here, we overcome this barrier through a multi-field QCKA protocol enabled by designing, fabricating, and testing an integrated photonic Green Machine that implements an eight-mode Hadamard unitary transformation through a beam-splitter network. …

Optimized Wireless Power Transmission For Low-Cost, Energy-Efficient Internet Of Things Devices In Residential Environments, Daniel Brook Hatch

Theses and Dissertations

Wireless power transmission (WPT) offers a promising solution for powering devices in locations where traditional electrical outlets are inaccessible, such as ceilings or outdoor environments. By utilizing electromagnetic waves, such as light, WPT enables power delivery without the need for physical connections. With line-of-sight (LoS) as its primary limitation, this technology offers significant flexibility and potential for a wide range of applications, making it a compelling focus for research and innovation. Despite the advancements in WPT technologies, their practical application for powering Internet of Things (IoT) devices in real-world scenarios remains underexplored. Many IoT devices are installed in locations where …

Acute Effects Of Blood Flow Restriction During Low-Load Exercise And Recovery On Blood Flow And Performance, Shay B. Richards

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: Use of blood flow restriction (BFR) during strength training with light loads has been used to induce similar muscular benefits as traditional strength training with heavy loads. Safe and effective recommendations for the use of BFR relies on an understanding of how different methods of BFR alter blood flow during rest and exercise. The purpose of this study was to compare blood flow during exercise and recovery between continuous BFR (CONT), intermittent BFR (INT), and no BFR (NBFR) as a control. Methods: 16 participants (8 male, 8 female) participated in this study on three different days, separated by at …

A Modular Simulation Environment And B-Spline Trajectory Generation Methods For Multi-Agent Uav Systems, Landon D. Shumway

Theses and Dissertations

Multi-agent UAV systems present a complex challenge requiring solutions to numerous subproblems. This research addresses two key issues: simulation testing and path planning. A modular simulation environment is developed, enabling users to run diverse mission scenarios with heterogeneous UAV teams and to implement custom dynamic models and guidance laws. Additionally, two novel B-spline trajectory generation methods are proposed. The first generates time-synchronized B-spline paths for UAVs with arbitrary initial and final states in 2D space, accommodating scenarios where agents must follow predetermined speed profiles. The second guidance method converts spline paths between MINVO, Bézier, and non-uniform B-spline representations, leveraging the …

Exploring Consequences Of The Double Empathy Problem Across The Autistic Trait Spectrum: First Person Accounts, Cammy C. Peck

Theses and Dissertations

Historically, individuals on the autism spectrum were believed to have deficits in empathy. However, recent research suggests that empathy-related issues occur on both sides of the communication dynamic. This concept known as the Double Empathy Problem (DEP), posits that the perceived lack of empathy is not exclusive to autistic individuals; rather, neurotypical (NT) individuals also experience difficulty empathizing with autistic individuals (Milton, 2012). Milton et al. (2022) describes this as a "breakdown in mutual understanding". Such mutual misunderstanding can have adverse consequences for both autistic and neurotypical individuals. To our knowledge, no studies have directly examined these consequences in relation …

Stepping Into Motherhood: Pregnancy-Induced Changes To Foot Structure And Biomechanics, Lauren R. Williams

Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: Pregnant women have an elevated risk of developing lower limb musculoskeletal disorders, likely due to the rapid increase in body mass and joint laxity. While a few studies have evaluated changes in static foot posture due to pregnancy, it is unclear if body mass or joint laxity is the primary driver. Additionally, how pregnancy affects the mechanics of the foot during dynamic movements is still not understood. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the foot's response to pregnancy. First, we examined foot tissue characteristics across pregnancy, specifically plantar fascia (PF) stiffness, length, and thickness. Additionally, we …

Enhance K-12 Student Online Learning Engagement Through Parental Support And Parent-School Collaboration, Qi Guo

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the role of parental support in K-12 online learning through a three-part research agenda grounded in the Academic Communities of Engagement (ACE) framework. The first article presents a systematic review of 31 empirical articles, identifying five key themes for effective parent-school collaboration, including improved communication, shared expertise, increased involvement, role clarification, and researcher-practitioner partnerships. The second study used a survey collecting data from 567 parents across eight online programs to explore challenges parents face in supporting their students' affective, behavioral, and cognitive (ABC) engagement. Eight primary challenges are identified, ranging from student struggles with focusing and motivation …

The Efficacy Of Open Educational Resources On Achievement Outcomes In Different Higher Education Institutions, Angela Grace Findlay

Theses and Dissertations

Students suffer from achievement gaps in higher education. Achievement gaps refer to differences in graduation rates, retention rates, persistence rates, and student's grades. Achievement gaps may negatively affect students who are culturally or ethnically diverse and/or have a lower socioeconomic status. The use of open educational resources (OER) may mitigate achievement gaps as OER assists student success through higher academic performance and cost savings for students. Average quiz scores were obtained at different higher education institutions using an Introduction to Psychology OER. The scores from each course were analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling. Colleges were nested by demographics to evaluate …

Compliant Mechanisms For Scalable Systems And Precision Deployment, Jared Rodney Hunter

Theses and Dissertations

Compliant mechanisms offer advantages in precision applications where size, scaling, and environmental effects render traditional mechanisms inadequate or likely to fail. However, designing compliant mechanisms and integrating them into larger, more complex systems remains a challenging problem. This thesis presents work that addresses this issue with analytical models and experiments on flat springs, scalable compliant mechanisms, and origami arrays. Storing and releasing energy in tiny, flat compliant mechanisms opens the door for the design of innovative actuators and products in space-constrained situations. Scaling compliant mechanisms allows novel systems to be made that can operate across scales. By designing for scalability …

Structural Analysis Of The Aileu Metamorphic Complex And The Laclo Fault Of Timor Leste, Banda Arc-Continent Collision, Emma C. Morrison

Theses and Dissertations

This study presents a structural analysis of the brittle and ductile features within the Aileu Metamorphic Complex of Timor Leste, located in the active Banda Arc–Australian continental collision zone. The deformation history of the complex is interpreted from the Permian–Jurassic deposition of sediments and basalts into intra-arc basins of Gondwana, through to the present- day collision of the Australian continental margin. This collision led to the development of the Wetar Suture and subsequent back-thrusting of the Aileu metamorphic rocks northward over the Banda forearc. Field evidence confirms that the Laclo Fault is currently active, with the most recent movement exhibiting …

How Transitioning Autistic Adults Consciously Perform Neurotypical Communication, Makenna J. Allred

Theses and Dissertations

Using semi-structured interviews this research explored the experiences of transitioning autistic adults with online communication. Participants shared information about navigating online communication, highlighting specific challenges such as interpreting tone and sarcasm, managing unspoken social norms, like emoji use, and responding to ambiguous or unexpected interactions. Participants shared that misunderstandings do occur in their online communication and how they recognize those miscommunications and strategize around preventing and mitigating them. These findings reveal that while computer-mediated communication offers opportunities for connection, it also presents unique obstacles that can exacerbate feelings of frustration due to miscommunications or misunderstandings. To prevent these social frictions …