Digital Commons Network^™

Ethnic Group Affiliation And Perceptions Of Ethnic Russians In Lithuania, Morgan Lindsay Hassell

Theses and Dissertations

There are many factors that influence language acquisition and use, particularly in multilingual environments. The ethnic group affiliation (EGA) of speakers, or the degree to which a speaker identifies with their native language or culture, has been shown to have a significant impact on language use (Gatbonton, Trofimovich & Segalowitz 2009, Zabrodskaja 2015). EGA can also impact the judgments of and attitudes toward these speakers by others (e.g., Trofimovich & Turuševa 2020). Lithuania is a multilingual state with a complex political and linguistic history, particularly in relation to the Russian language and people. In this study, 150 native Lithuanians and …

Developing A New Liquefaction Ejecta Prediction Model Considering Soil Properties Of Non-Liquifiable Surface Layers Using New Large Database From The 2012 Emilia Romagna, Italy Earthquakes, Jonah Bradley Dundas

Theses and Dissertations

The presence of a non-liquefied crust overlying a liquefied layer has been found to have a significant effect on sand ejecta and surficial liquefaction damage, as observed by Ishihara (1985). Following the 2010-2011 Canterbury seismic sequence in New Zealand, almost no foundation deformation occurred in areas with liquefaction susceptible soils overlain by at least a 3 meter thick crust [1]. In contrast, the 2012 Emilia-Romagna earthquake in Italy provided surface evidence of liquefaction despite 6+ meter thick crusts. Several researchers have proposed liquefaction prediction models [e.g. LPI [2], Ishihara Curves [3], LSN [4], LPIISH [5] and the methods proposed by …

Relations Among Academic Program Elements And Students' Sense Of Belonging, Rosemary Ashby

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis studies specific elements of an academic program and their relationship with students’ sense of belonging. To gather data, participants responded to a questionnaire that contained items designed to understand their experience in their major. The quantitative portion asked about the program elements (independent variables) and used the General Belongingness Scale to measure their sense of belonging (dependent variable). This also included questions that had participants report their perception of how each element affected their sense of belonging. The final item was open-ended and asked for their general thoughts on belonging in their program. The findings suggest that the …

Music Is My Language: Analyzing Autism Acceptance Within Communities, Cielo Bake

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis explores the intersection of music and romanticism, drawing upon the emotional expressionism of Romantic era composers, inspired by Romantic literature, such as Frederic Chopin and Franz Liszt as a vehicle for communication. The ultimate goal was to determine a way to bridge the neurodivergent and neurotypical gaps in connection, enabling a stronger community that values every member of its locale and allows for a sense of belonging. The format for this research is through a performance, comprised of a piano recital of Romantic Era music by Frederic Chopin and Franz Liszt and improvised original music with a speech. …

Stress, Screens, And Social Skills: Parental Stress As A Longitudinal Predictor Of Preschool Social Behavior Mediated By Parental Technoference, Sarah Ashby

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the longitudinal relationship between parental stress, parental technoference, and preschool children's social behavior, including physical aggression, relational aggression, and prosocial behavior. Using data from Project M.E.D.I.A., the study explores how parental stress may be linked to disruptions in parent-child interactions through increased use of digital media, termed "technoference." It was predicted that an increase in parental stress would increase physical and relational aggression, and decrease prosocial behavior over time, as mediated by parental technoference. A sample of 460- parent-child dyads was analyzed across three time points using structural equation modeling. Despite expectations, results did not find significant …

Development Of Sensing Capabilities For Agricultural Robotics, Carter Noh

Theses and Dissertations

Agricultural robotics is a rapidly growing industry with the possibility to revolutionize food production. Agricultural robots often require custom sensing solutions to perform specific tasks. Developing the appropriate sensing capabilities for an application is therefore an important step in the automation process. In this thesis I present two case studies in developing sensing capabilities for agricultural robotics applications. First, I introduce a sensor that can provide simultaneous measurements of force and position. The sensor was developed to enable high-throughput measurement of maize stalk stiffness on a robot platform. It uses multiple sets of strain gauges on a cantilever beam to …

Extracting Speech Content From High-Amplitude Background Machine Noise, Curtis L. Garner

Theses and Dissertations

The research presented in this dissertation aims to address the need for improved communication between heavy machinery operators and external personnel, aiming to improve safety and efficiency by overcoming the communication barriers posed by equipment noise and cab insulation. The primary purpose of this research was to develop a hands-free communication system that allows the operator to hear speech from outside the cab without requiring any personal communication devices like radios or headsets. Key objectives included effective speech extraction from ambient noise and accurate estimation of the location of the speaker. Operating without active user control, the system emphasizes clarity …

Design And Synthesis Of Bimetallic Catalyst And Multifunctional Peptide Catalysis For Organic Synthesis And Synthesis Of Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (Protacs) For Sphk1 And Sphk2, Mariur Rodriguez Moreno

Theses and Dissertations

In the first part of this dissertation (chapters 1-4) we discuss the development of bimetallic and monometallic palladium complexes scaffolded on 2-phosphinoimidazole ligands and their application to cross-coupling reactions. Specifically, we discovered a bimetallic Pd(II) dimer that performs a tandem arylation/annulation reaction to produce naphthalene products from aryl iodides and ketones (Chapter 2). We then show that bimetallic Pd(II) and Pd (I) complexes have different activity in different transformations and that the starting oxidation state of our catalysts is important for reactivity (Chapter 3). For example, we demonstrate that our Pd(I) dimer is much more active in Buchwald- Hartwig amination …

Applications Of Phosphorus Geochemistry To Utah Lake, Jacob Barry Taggart

Theses and Dissertations

This compilation of studies provides an examination of phosphorus dynamics in the suspended solids, water column, and lakebed sediments of Utah Lake, a large, shallow, and phosphorus-rich water body. The first study introduces a novel phosphorus microfractionation (P-MF) method designed for small samples of suspended solids and sediments. This method reveals that suspended solids in Utah Lake can have a significantly higher phosphorus content across most fractions compared to lakebed sediments, highlighting the importance of considering suspended solids in nutrient management strategies. The second study analyzes historical phosphorus mass and concentrations, demonstrating that water column phosphorus levels have remained stable …

How Do Religious Women Cope With Marital Conflict And Hardship? Article 2, Elizabeth M. Lyman, Loren D. Marks, David C. Dollahite, Chelom E. Leavitt, Tamara M. Chamberlain, Christina N. Cooper

Faculty Publications

Frequent and unresolved conflict is a significant relationship risk factor for divorce, but it has also been shown that religion strengthens marriages, specifically in ways that give direction and motivation for couples in resolving marital conflict or other marital hardships. Thus, a study of how successful religious couples resolve conflict is pertinent in helping us better understand how to strengthen marriages and families. Our qualitative study of 113 highly religious women of diverse faiths and races found that women’s perceived relationship or connection with God reportedly impacted conflict resolution and coping with marital hardship. Results suggest greater reconciliation and unity …

The Learner's Experience Using Augmented Reality, Michael Lionel Atkinson

Theses and Dissertations

Augmented reality (AR) is a promising learning tool that has the potential to improve learning experiences in unique ways. While AR has been extensively studied in terms of learning outcomes, relatively little has been researched about the qualitative aspect of the learner experience and how that may inform better instruction. This multi-article, journal-ready dissertation addresses this gap. The first article is a review of the literature on what researchers have learned about AR in learning, systematically identifying six areas that appear salient yet underrepresented in the literature. The second article expands further upon this theme by conducting a qualitative study …

Drainage Area Limitations Of Single Watershed, Peak Flow Estimates From Nrcs Methods, Timothy Alexander Maughan

Theses and Dissertations

Most roadway design sections of state Departments of Transportation predict peak flow for culvert design using Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) TR-20 methodology. Even though the approach is more than 50 years old, there is no clear guideline for how large a single watershed drainage area may be while remaining appropriate for predicting peak discharge with this method. Our objective is to identify the drainage area where TR-20 peak flow predictions significantly deviate from flow frequency predictions. We aim to recommend to the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) a range of basin drainage areas appropriate for predicting peak flow using …

Traveling-Wave Vibration Control And Comparison Of Individuals With Insomnia And Good Sleepers Using Eeg Spectral Power And Sample Entropy, Joseph T. Lecheminant

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the intersection of whole-body vibration (WBV) and neurophysiological analysis to improve sleep quality and understanding of insomnia. The work is divided into two primary areas: the development of a novel traveling-wave vibration system for sleep enhancement and the analysis of electroencephalography (EEG) metrics in individuals with insomnia versus good sleepers. A vibrating sleep system capable of generating programmable traveling-wave patterns is designed and prototyped. Through iterative development and user trials, the system enables highly controlled mechanical stimulation in the form of traveling-wave vibration. Key advancements include independent amplitude and speed modulation and customizable wave patterns. Simple wave …

Raman Characterization Of Elastomeric Materials, Shane Michael Drake

Theses and Dissertations

Raman spectroscopy is often used for material identification but may be used for characterization. This document focuses on using Raman measurements to characterize polymers, specifically the curing and aging mechanism for hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB). HTPB is a well-known elastomer used in sealants, non-slip surfaces, rocket repellants and plastic explosives. Raman spectroscopy was used to monitor urethane linkages that form from curing HTPB with a cyanate curing agent to suggest a curing mechanism for HTPB. Since this polymer is highly susceptible to oxidation, the methods used to characterize curing were also used for the aging process to see if urethane breakages …

Cellular Air Quality Sensors With Lora Backchannel A Robust Sensor Suited For Remote Deployment In Harsh Environments, Joseph R. Miera

Theses and Dissertations

Air quality significantly impacts health and overall quality of life, making its measurement essential. However, most affordable air quality devices are designed only for use within WiFi range and cannot handle extreme temperatures, limiting their usefulness for people in remote or extreme environments, such as regions with harsh winter climates. This limitation is concerning, as winter often brings worse air quality due to temperature inversions that trap pollutants and increase fuel burning for heating. Inversion is a problem as close to home as Utah Valley, and as far away as Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Most low-cost air quality sensors are not built …

Modalities And Meaning: Instructor Adaptation And Student Spiritual Formation Across Higher Education Learning Environments, Stephanie D. Sorensen

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the dynamic instructor and student experiences inherent in the evolving modalities of higher education. The first article synthesizes qualitative research about the challenges and successes faced by instructors transitioning to online learning environments, especially in their interactions with content and learners. Emphasizing the importance of support for instructors and institutions, it sets the stage for understanding the nuanced experience of online teaching. The second article presents an exploratory case study of a religious education professor teaching across four modalities. His experience emphasized adaptive strategies and underscored the pivotal role of instructor preparation. Findings revealed the instructor's proactive …

University Department Chair Perceptions Of Open Access Journals And Open Textbooks, Rebecca Nicole Nissen

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the perceptions of university department chairs regarding open access journals and open textbooks. It was conducted as a qualitative single case study analysis using semistructured, in-person, one-on-one interviews. The six participants interviewed are department chairs from a large, private university in the western United States. Five levels of coding were used with thematic codes drawing from the TAM2 model. Findings revealed participant perceptions on (a) personal values, (b) university mission alignment, (c) predatory journals, and (d) promotion and tenure. The results obtained from this study can inform and influence institutional change and can also help inform future …

The Effect Of Applied Mental Health Courses On College Student Anxiety And Perfectionism, Nathan Thomas Rhees

Theses and Dissertations

University students face a variety of mental health challenges, including increasingly high rates of anxiety. As demand for college counseling services among student populations rises, universities have an increasing need for effective and resource-efficient methods of intervention that support student mental health on their campuses. One area in need of research is that of using university classes themselves as a form of preventive intervention. If effective, this kind of preventive measure might be a particularly attractive method of reducing incidence of mental illness on campus and decreasing demand on university therapy resources. This study involves students at a private university …

Securing Legacy Multivalue Pick Systems Modernized By Restful Web Service Apis, Jacob S. Lee

Theses and Dissertations

With more applications accessible on the Web, organizations with mission-critical legacy systems have had to find a way to stay relevant and competitive by modernizing with RESTful APIs. REST architecture, serving as a guideline rather than a strict protocol, offers significant advantages in terms of scalability, flexibility, and independence; however, its widespread adoption has also led to notable security vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Additionally, there is not one all-encompassing security testing methodology to follow when testing RESTful APIs. For this reason, a new security testing methodology was developed for legacy MultiValue Pick systems that implement the REST API component, MVConnect. The …

The Assessment Of Liquefaction Surface Ejecta Predictions On A New Large Dataset From The 2012 Emilia Romagna, Italy Earthquakes, Holten T. Flinders

Theses and Dissertations

The presence of a non-liquefied crust overlying a liquefied layer has been found to have a significant effect on sand ejecta and surficial liquefaction damage, as observed by Ishihara (1985). Following the 2010-2011 Canterbury seismic sequence in New Zealand, almost no foundation deformation occurred in areas with liquefaction susceptible soils overlain by at least a 3 m-thick crust [3]. In contrast, the 2012 Emilia-Romagna earthquake in Italy provided surface evidence of liquefaction despite 6- to 10 m-thick crusts. Several researchers have proposed liquefaction prediction models [e.g. LPI [6], Ishihara Curves [8], LSN [9], LPIISH [10] and the methods proposed by …

Full Issue

Studia Antiqua

No abstract provided.

Joshua As A Hymn Of Glory: An Analysis And Comparison Of Ancient Near Eastern Texts, Richard D. Jarvis Iii

Studia Antiqua

A knowledgeable reader of the Hebrew Bible understands that there are two conflicting conquest narratives contained in the books of Joshua and Judges. This paper seeks to reframe Joshua 5–11 in a genre other than the traditional interpretation of a conquest narrative. These chapters of Joshua, as compared with Merneptah’s Victory Stele and the annals of Adad-Nārārī II, fit thematically into an entirely different genre from ancient Near Eastern literature: hymns of glory. Using four char- acteristics inspired by the work of Susan Hollis—propagandistic royal ideology, divine empowerment or call, utter destruction of enemies, and will of the deity accomplished—to …

"All Power Over Ouranos And Gaia": The Maiestas Domini Supra Caelum Motif In Matthew 28:18 And The Junius Bassus Sarcophagus, Calan Christensen

Studia Antiqua

The maiestas domini supra caelum motif, as depicted in the central vignette of the upper register of the Junius Bassus sarcophagus, is widely understood as epitomizing a Christian ideal or an eschatological adventus as opposed to a representation of any “historical” biblical narra- tive. Nevertheless, this paper addresses the compelling iconographical al- lusion between the Bassus enthronement scene over Caelus and the final chapter of Matthew, specifically highlighting Jesus’s declaration of divine power “ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς.”

Through an examination of the relevant contemporaneous theological and ritual literature produced during the period of Matthew’s authorship and the crafting of …

Case Study On A Shift To Open Educational Resources In An Academic Department, Karina May Jackson

Theses and Dissertations

Open educational resources (OER) have the potential to significantly impact the landscape of higher education. However, many users of OER find it difficult to adopt programmatically due to the barriers of awareness, quality assurance, institutional culture, and sustainability. This case study of the successful OER adoption in an education department serves as a look into the conditions and practices that allowed for the promotion, continued use, and production of open educational resources. The results indicate that the climate, technology, and opportunity costs surrounding tenure and promotion were key factors in the faculty's experience with acting on their inclinations toward openness.

Nonlinear Thomson Scattering In An Intense Tightly Focused Ultrashort Laser Pulse, Yance Sun

Theses and Dissertations

We investigate nonlinear Thomson scattering generated by intense laser pulses focused in noble gases. Electrons are ionized from low-density helium or argon early during the laser pulse and scatter light out the side of the focus. We measure fundamental, second, and third harmonic light focus over nearly the entire emission sphere. We investigate the influence of electron bunching, when individual atoms ionize multiple electrons sequentially as the laser field increases early during the laser pulse. Simulations suggest that correlation between electron positions for the ten electrons ionized from argon should distort the spatial pattern of nonlinear Thomson scattering relative to …

Cross-National Prevalence And Legality Of Consanguinity & Its Implications For State Security, Emma Dart

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis examines the impact of cousin marriage prevalence on state stability and the development and behaviors of terrorist organizations, with a special focus on the destabilization of states through the power of kinship networks. Cousin marriage, often intertwined with other social practices such as patrilocality and polygyny, creates an isolated power structure that reinforces the fraternal structure present in kinship networks. The kinship network then uses the power gained through the trust in the community to undermine the legitimate rule of law. This research emphasizes the importance of understanding cousin marriage and its contribution to state stability and finds …

Flying Under The Radar: Navigating Through Frustrations, Tears, And The Politics Of The Liberal Arts Curriculum, Sandra Houghton

Theses and Dissertations

The elements and principles of art continue to highly influence curriculum in the typical art foundations class. The reduction of art and artmaking to their formal properties constricts a student’s ability to engage in real-life artist processes, and many important contextual meanings are lost. Consequently, art foundations curriculum derived from the elements and principles of art narrows the lens through which we create, teach, and talk about art. In my own experience as an art teacher, I have found that this approach limits my teaching and makes it difficult to fully and authentically understand the works of other artists and …

Journal Of Response To Writing 10(2)

Journal of Response to Writing

No abstract provided.

Making Video Feedback For The First Time: A Case Study, Dan Martin

Journal of Response to Writing

This paper examines some of the labor three professors from three different disciplines needed to exert to produce effective VF on student writing for the first time. The research on VF demonstrates that students want more video comments but the labor to learn how to make VF has not been fully identified. I completed a case study with three professors to collect data. I interviewed the professors at the beginning, middle, and end of the study. After transcribing and coding the interviews, I identified where the professors exerted a significant amount of labor to make VF for the first time. …

Responding Through Listening: Promoting Listening Skills Through Lightning Talks And 2x2x2 Storytelling, Elizabeth L. Angeli

Journal of Response to Writing

Current scholarship in writing pedagogy and peer review focuses on how and what to write and say. What is often left unaddressed in these discussions are how we listen and how we teach our students to listen, making listening an often overlooked and understudied piece of the peer review and writing response process. Yet, the quality of the feedback we receive and offer is directly tied to how well we listen to what is said and written. To this fill this gap, this teaching article offers two activities, Lighting Talks and 2x2x2 Storytelling, that promote students’ listening skills so that …