Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Open Educational Resource Adoption On Measures Of Post-Secondary Student Success, Thomas J. Robinson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether the adoption of Open Educational Resources had a significant effect on student learning outcomes in seven courses taught at seven post-secondary institutions. The use of open educational resources (OER) is increasing in the United States. Initiatives focusing on expanding the use of OER as a replacement for traditional textbooks at the post-secondary level include OpenStax, Project Kaleidoscope, Open Course Library, and others. While researchers have begun to explore OER, few have sought to evaluate the quality of OER as a function of student academic success. In this dissertation, I examined measures …

Feature Identification And Reduction For Improved Generalization Accuracy In Secondary-Structure Prediction Using Temporal Context Inputs In Machine-Learning Models, Matthew Benjamin Seeley

Theses and Dissertations

A protein's properties are influenced by both its amino-acid sequence and its three-dimensional conformation. Ascertaining a protein's sequence is relatively easy using modern techniques, but determining its conformation requires much more expensive and time-consuming techniques. Consequently, it would be useful to identify a method that can accurately predict a protein's secondary-structure conformation using only the protein's sequence data. This problem is not trivial, however, because identical amino-acid subsequences in different contexts sometimes have disparate secondary structures, while highly dissimilar amino-acid subsequences sometimes have identical secondary structures. We propose (1) to develop a set of metrics that facilitates better comparisons between …

Burnout, No, And Flame Characterization From An Oxygen-Enriched Biomass Flame, Steven Andrew Owen

Theses and Dissertations

Concern for the environment and a need for more efficient energy generation have sparked a growing interest throughout the world in renewable fuels. In order to reduce emissions that negatively contribute to global warming, especially CO2, enormous efforts are being invested in technologies to reduce our impact on the environment. Biomass is an option that is considered CO2 friendly due to the consumption of CO2 upon growth. Co-firing biomass with coal offers economic advantages because of reduced capital costs as well as other positive impacts, such as NOx and SOx emission reductions. However, due to the large average particle size …

The Efficacy Of A Social Communication Intervention To Increase Syntactic Complexity In Narratives Of Children With Language Impairment, Alexandra Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Research has shown that children with Language Impairment (LI) struggle with social communication skills in addition to their characteristic syntactic difficulties. This pilot study analyzed the potential change in grammatical complexity in narratives of five children with LI when enrolled in a social communication intervention. The intervention itself focused on teaching emotion understanding by reading and reenacting children’s stories and journaling. Grammatical limitations were indirectly addressed by clinician modeling of complex forms during the intervention sessions. Each child’s productions were assessed and analyzed for grammatical complexity during retelling a book in the Mercer Mayer “a boy, a dog, and a …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Carbonized Poly (Divinylbenzene) Microspheres For Carbon/Nanodiamond/Polymer-Based Core-Shell Materials And Applications Of This Mixed-Mode Phase To High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, Chuan-Hsi Hung

Theses and Dissertations

This work focuses on improving the quality of carbon-based core-shell materials for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) via the characterization of the core materials, and also the development of chromatographic methods (separations) for them. In the early part of this work, I applied organic synthesis to make uniform, spherical poly(divinylbenzene) (PDVB) microspheres, and then carbonized them to prepare carbon core materials for core-shell particle synthesis. Here, I studied in detail the surface and material properties of these particles with multiple instruments, which allowed me to describe the physical and chemical changes that took place during each treatment. The uniform, spherical …

Tree Islands Of Fertility Structure Bacterial Community Assembly And Functional Genes Contributing To Ecosystem Processes, Tayte Paul Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

In arid and semi-arid ecosystems, dominant tree species create dramatic mosaics of plant islands of fertility and relatively barren plant interspaces that exert immense pressure on ecosystem processes and offers an ideal opportunity to explore the impact of bacterial communities. We evaluated potential links between soil respiration and N mineralization, and community co-occurrence networks and predicted gene function across three tree island microsites (i.e., beneath tree canopies, at the canopy edge, and in interspaces) in a replicated field experiment in thirty-eight woodlands sites in the Great Basin Desert in UT, USA. Additionally, we potentially intensified the effects of tree islands …

Variation In Marital Quality In A National Sample Of Divorced Women, Spencer L. James

Faculty Publications

Previous work has compared marital quality between stably married and divorced individuals. Less work has examined the possibility of variation among divorcés in trajectories of marital quality as divorce approaches. This study addressed that hole by first examining whether distinct trajectories of marital quality can be discerned among women whose marriages ended in divorce and, second, the profile of women who experienced each trajectory. Latent class growth analyses with longitudinal data from a nationally representative sample were used to “look backward” from the time of divorce. Although demographic and socioeconomic variables from this national sample did not predict the trajectories …

Context Matters: Exploring Methods Of Dissonance Reduction In Conflict Resolution, James L. Martherus

Student Works

One of the first steps in intergroup conflict resolution is to humanize the "enemy" or outgroup. Unfortunately, this humanization often fails. My goal in this paper is to answer the following question: Why does positive information about a group sometimes lead to negative responses? Specifically, this paper tests three hypotheses. First, I hypothesize that Individuals with high ingroup-centric beliefs will react differently to the treatments compared to individuals with low ingroup-centric beliefs. Second, I hypothesize that individuals who experience dissonance as a result of the treatments will react negatively to the treatments. Finally, I hypothesize that the framing of these …

The Effects Of Genes On The Stress Response, S. Andrew Aston

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) acts as one of the primary coordinators of the physiological, behavioral, and autonomic stress response. CRH secreted from the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus initiates the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis response by signaling the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary. ACTH then travels to the adrenal glands, leading to the release of cortisol Thus, CRH plays a key role in preparing an individual to adaptively respond to a stressful situation.

Mechanism Of Assembly Of The Bardet-Biedel Syndrome (Bbs) Complex, Barry M. Willardson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

1. Devon Blake. Devon was the most productive student I have had in my 18 years at BYU. The MEG award helped support his work from January 2013 through May 2014. During this time, Devon co-authored two papers on the effects of cell-type specific deletion of phosducinlike protein 1 (PhLP1) in rod and cone photoreceptor cells (Lai et al. (2013) J. Neurosci. 33, 7941-7951, selected by the Faculty of 1000 as a high-impact paper and Tracy et al. (2014) PLOS One in press). He reported this work in poster form at an international meeting of the Federation of American Society …

Molecular Phylogenetics Of Basal Insect Groups: A Team Mentored Experience, Michael F. Whiting

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Funding was received from the BYU ORCA mentorship program during 2012-2013 to support undergraduates performing research in my lab on insect evolution, under the mentorship of postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and myself. During 2013- 2014, this funding provided direct support for 6 undergraduates who are in various stages of completing research projects. The following report focuses on undergraduate achievements, but also provides summary data for graduate students and other lab participants.

Effect Of Caffeine On Skeletal Muscle Growth, David M. Thomson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this mentoring environment grant was to determine the role of LKB1 on the activation of p53 by exercise, muscle development, and pharmacological means. The primary research objectives and findings are listed below:

Alcohol And Nicotine Co-Dependence, Scott C. Steffensen, Sterling N. Sudweeks

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Alcoholism and nicotine (NIC) addiction are chronic relapsing disorders that have enormous impact on society. Alcohol and NIC are the most commonly abused drugs, and a large body of evidence indicates that there is a positive correlation between their consumption. Today, smoking NIC-containing tobacco products is recognized as one of the greatest risk factors in the development of alcoholism. A major goal of addiction research is to characterize the critical neural substrates that are most sensitive to these drugs, adapt in association with chronic consumption and drive subsequent drug-seeking behavior. The long-term objective of our research program is to advance …

Cultivating An Undergraduate Mentoring Research Environment By Characterizing The Population Genetics, Reproduction Biology, And Native Distribution Of A Putative Keystone Species, Agave Utahensis (Utah Agave), In The Mojave Desert And Colorado Plateau, J. Ryan Stewart

Journal of Undergraduate Research

• Evaluation of how well the academic objectives of the proposal were met
• Evaluation of the mentoring environment
• List of students who participated and what academic deliverables they have produced or it is anticipated they will produce
• Description of the results/findings of the project
• Description of how the budget was spent

Consequences Of Invasive Grass-Fire Cycles On Plant-Pollinator Relationships In Utah Deserts, Sam St. Clair

Journal of Undergraduate Research

We successfully completed the studies as outlined in the proposal and the data collected has been written up a in a successfully defended MS thesis with two chapters.

Magnetic Memory In Exchange Bias Films, Clarke Safsten, Karine Chenel

Journal of Undergraduate Research

My project for which I received an ORCA grant has advanced considerably. I work with Dr. Chesnel studying magnetic thin films. These films consist of layered ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic materials. In previous experiments, Dr. Chesnel has determined that these types of films exhibit a property called magnetic memory. My project is to determine if the magnetic memory persists, and to what degree, in various circumstances. My project is divided into three primary pieces: experiment, computation, and conclusion.

Microbial Pretreatment Of Waste For Anaerobic Digestion, Braden Myers, Jaron Hansen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

This project will demonstrate the technical feasibility of microbial pretreatment of lignocellulose for enhanced production of biogas when coupled with secondary anaerobic digestion as well as optimize the entire process.

Anatomy Academy, Dr. Gary Seastrand, Dr. Jon Wisco

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Specific Aim 1: Measure the impact of Anatomy Academy on 5th and 6th grade students’ knowledge of anatomy, health, and exercise, interest in pursuing postsecondary education in a science-related field, and ability to make the lifestyle choices necessary to reduce their risk for developing chronic diseases related to sedentary lifestyles and poor diet. Specific Aim 2: Measure the impact of Anatomy Academy on the academic and professional development of McKay students pursuing careers in teaching science and health at the elementary level.

Stepfamily Experiences Project (Step), Kevin Shafer, Erin K. Holmes

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The Stepfamily Experience Project (STEP) is a data set made up of approximately 1,500 emerging adults (aged 18-29) that was collected in 2013. STEP was motivated by a research literature which argues that stepfamilies are worse off than two-biological parent families (sometimes called biologically-intact families). While, on average, this may be true, STEP researchers thought that this research ignored what makes a successful stepfamily. This is unfortunate, because stepfamilies are of immense worth which can positively impact men, women, and children. As a result, we collected data, with the support of BYU and generous donors, to find out exactly what …

Mitochondrial Membrane Lipids Regulator In B-Cll Leukemia Research, Brooke Keeton, Dr. John Prince

Journal of Undergraduate Research

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is the most common type of leukemia in adults.1 Over 75% of patients diagnosed with B-CLL are over the age of 50 years old, and have a median survival between 18 months and 3 years.2 B-CLL originates from a mutation in the DNA of white blood cells, the potent infection fighters of the body. This genetic mutation produces abnormal white blood cells, rendering them nonfunctional and resulting in a weak immune system. While this mutation originally occurs in the bone marrow, it slowly invades other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, liver, and …

Role Of Octn1 In Tobacco-¬‐Induced Copd, Paul Reynolds

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Funding available through this MEG award has provided an opportunity for me to meet many academic objectives I’ve determined to be important in the early stages of my faculty appointment at BYU. First of all, I have been able to move my on site research program forward and involve many undergraduates in the process. Specific to the current MEG award, involved students and I have been able to accomplish the proposed research. We have been successful in conducting pilot studies that reveal possible roles for OctN1 in mechanisms of lung inflammation induced by and cigarette smoke (CS). Despite improvement in …

Digital Outcrop Model And Paleoecology Of The Eight-Foot Rapid Algal Field (Middle Pennsylvanian Lower Ismay Sequence), Paradox Basin, Utah, Colton Goodrich, Scott Ritter

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Although phylloid algal mounds have been studied for 50 year, much remains to be determined concerning the ecology and sedimentology of these Late Paleozoic carbonate buildups. Herein we perform a digital outcrop study of the well-known Middle Pennsylvanian Lower Ismay mound interval in the Paradox Basin because 1) the concept of phylloid algae was established in this interval and 2) outcropping mounds along the San Juan River are cited as outcrop analogs of reservoir carbonates in the Paradox Basin oil province of Utah and adjacent states. The principal field area is the Eight Foot algal field located at river mile …

Tatu Vanhanen, Ethnic Conflicts: Their Biological Roots In Ethnic Nepotism, Mariana Tepfenhart

Comparative Civilizations Review

No abstract provided.

Front Matter, Comparative Civilizations Review

Comparative Civilizations Review

No abstract provided.

Collective Wisdom And Civilization: Revitalizing Ancient Wisdom Traditions, Thomas Keifer

Comparative Civilizations Review

No abstract provided.

Commentary Traditions And The Evolution Of Premodern Religious And Philosophical Systems: A Cross-Cultural Model, Steve Farmer, John B. Henderson, Peter Robinson

Comparative Civilizations Review

No abstract provided.

Full Issue, Comparative Civilizations Review

Comparative Civilizations Review

No abstract provided.

The Global Civil War: Will The West Survive?, Bertil Haggman

Comparative Civilizations Review

No abstract provided.

Evolution And Biogeography Of Mesoamerican Small Mammals: With Focus On The Genus Handleyomys And Related Taxa, Ana Villalba Almendra

Theses and Dissertations

Mesoamerica is considered a biodiversity hot spot with levels of endemism and species diversity likely underestimated. For mammals, the patterns of diversification of Mesoamerican taxa still are controversial. Reasons for this include the region's complex geologic history, and the relatively recent timing of such geological events. Previous studies, however, support the view that substantial migration between North (NA) and South America (SA) occurred prior or/and during the Great American Biotic Interchange (GABI) ~3.5 Ma. This was followed by repeated periods of isolation during Pleistocene climatic oscillations, which produced most of the diversification in the region. From a North American origin, …

A Compliant Mechanism-Based Variable-Stiffness Joint, Jacob Marc Robinson

Theses and Dissertations

A review of current variable-stiffness actuators reveals a need for more simple, cost effective, and lightweight designs that can be easily incorporated into a variety of human-interactive robot platforms. This thesis considers the potential use of compliant mechanisms to improve the performance of variable-stiffness actuators. The advantages and disadvantages of various concepts using compliant mechanisms are outlined, along with ideas for further exploration. A new variable-stiffness actuator that uses a compliant flexure as the elastic element has been modeled, built, and tested. This new design involves a variable stiffness joint that makes use of a novel variable transmission. A prototype …