Digital Commons Network^™

Juveniles, Transferred Juveniles, And The Impact Of A Criminal Record On Employment Prospects In Adulthood: An Experimental Study, Joanna Daou

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research shows that a criminal record reduces an individual’s employability. The impact of a juvenile record on employability as a young adult, however, has rarely been examined, and no previous studies have estimated the effect of a criminal record when a juvenile was waived to the adult court. The current study seeks to fill these gaps in the literature using an experimental correspondence approach. The results of this research indicate that the effects of a delinquency record on employability for juveniles and young adults are comparable to the effects of a criminal record for adults.

Using Item-Response Analysis To Evaluate The Task-Demands Of A Pictural-Response Based Test Of Word Reading, Michael Eason

Theses and Dissertations

While some children’s reading difficulties are a consequence of socio-economic factors and inadequate instruction, other children have extreme difficulties learning to read despite having adequate educational opportunity and adequate levels of intelligence. These children are classified under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as having a learning disability specific to reading (SLD-R). The identification of children with SLD-R is costly on time, personnel, and other school resources, and due to an insufficient number of resources generally available to schools, the methods implemented for identifying children are alarmingly inconsistent. The aim of the current study is to investigate the task …

Synthesis, Characterization And Evaluation Of Dilute Limit Alloy Bimetallic Catalysts For Bio-Oil Upgrading, Leandro Tagum De Castro

Theses and Dissertations

Well-defined single-atom catalytic sites with unique geometric and electronic properties are at the forefront of catalyst research. One type of SAC is a so-called dilute limit alloy (DLA), where single metal atom sites are supported on (or in) the surface of a second metal. This category of well-dispersed atoms alloyed on a metal surface has shown to be effective in reactions like selective hydrogenation of alkynes and dienes to alkenes, ethanol dehydrogenation, and the Ullmann reaction of aryl chlorides. In biomass conversion, this type of catalyst may find its way to address and improve conversion and yield that are crucial …

Exploring Genetic Counselors’ Experiences, Language, And Discussion Of Consanguinity In Clinical Practice: A Multinational Perspective, Romy Isabel Fawaz

Theses and Dissertations

Consanguinity, defined as the degree of relationship between closely related individuals, is a widespread historical practice that is not specific to any one religion, population, or region of the world. Genetic counselors regularly ask whether a reproductive couple is consanguineous as part of the review of family history and risk assessment. Couples who are in consanguineous relationship may be subject to negative attitudes and stigma, potentially due to cultural differences and norms at a population level and these attitudes may interplay with questions, answers, and discussions around consanguinity. We hypothesized that genetic counselors may experience some level of discomfort discussing …

Costume Design And Technology – A Process Of Growth During A Global Pandemic, Heather Gonzalez

Theses and Dissertations

In the best of circumstances, obtaining a Master of Fine Arts in Costume Design and Technology requires dedication and persistence. However, another layer of complication is added when the world shuts down due to a global pandemic. This thesis provides a look at three realized designs and delves into the way in which the pandemic affected my process for each of the designs. I also discuss my growth technologically as a costumer as I examine the class projects and shop work completed. Additionally, I review my growth artistically, and my professional experiences. My thesis provides a look at each facet …

“I Like A Fight”: Margaret Sanger And The First Birth Control Clinic In The United States, Rebecca Linnea Hall

Theses and Dissertations

It is nearly impossible to read the news in the United States today without hearing the name Planned Parenthood, but few Americans know about the origins of this organization. Margaret Sanger founded the Birth Control Clinical Research Bureau, the precursor to Planned Parenthood, in 1923, but this was not the first time she opened a clinic. In this paper, I assess Margaret Sanger’s 1916 opening of the Brownsville Clinic, the first birth control clinic in the United States, and the responses to this event from multiple historical perspectives. I use historical newspapers to demonstrate how popular media, legal experts, and …

Psychophysiological Biomarkers Of Concussion Recovery, Adam Todd Harrison

Theses and Dissertations

Each ach year a growing number of individuals report lingering deficits months-years following concussion. Persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) can negatively impact day-today activities and if left untreated may manifest in severe neurological sequelae resulting in long-term cognitive impairment or advanced neurological degeneration (i.e., CTE). Current clinical diagnostic and prognostic assessments (e.g., symptom reports and neurocognitive testing) lack the sensitivity to quantify neurological function. Accordingly, there is a critical need to identify objective biomarkers specific to PPCS to improve an individual’s quality of life and prevent severe long-term neurological dysfunction.

Psychophysiological measurements (e.g., EEG derived event-related potentials, heart rate variability, and …

Negotiating Nationalism: Camille Saint-Saëns, Neoclassicism, And The Early Music Renaissance In France, Joshua Arin Harton

Theses and Dissertations

The music of Camille Saint-Saëns hints at modernism. Musicologists have largely avoided describing Saint-Saëns as a neoclassical or modernist composer, since much of his musical output occurred during the Romantic era. However, Saint-Saëns appears to have already been engaging with the nationalist and revivalist concerns which drove later twentieth-century French composers toward neoclassicism and other forms of musical modernism. Revivals of la musique ancienne (‘ancient’ music) and la musique française (“French” music) were well underway when Saint-Saëns began composing, and they continued throughout his career. Scholars have largely pursued these two revivals separately, with early music revival in France following …

The Impact Of Content-Specific Virtual Mentoring On Job Satisfaction And Attrition: A Mixed Methods Study Of Delaware Arts Teachers, Rachel M. Hoke

Theses and Dissertations

Teacher attrition is most prevalent among novice teachers and occurs largely as a result of poor job satisfaction. Content-specific mentoring interventions demonstrate effectiveness in combating novice teacher attrition, but are inaccessible by visual and performing arts teachers due to their status as one-person departments within school buildings. This mixed methods action research implemented virtual delivery of content-specific mentoring for novice arts teachers to mitigate geographic isolation throughout the state of Delaware. Research questions assessed (1) the intervention’s impact on attrition intentions, (2) the intervention’s impact on job satisfaction, and (3) perceptions of mentoring by novice and experienced arts teacher participants. …

Catalytic Cracking Of Oxygenated Polymer Waste Via Zeolite Catalysts, Andrew Jaeschke

Theses and Dissertations

Plastic recycling has been a prevalent issue since the commercialization of plastics due to lack of adoption and insufficient technology. There are many different types of plastics used in modern day society; however, majority of recycling efforts are focused solely on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene plastics. Some of these overlooked plastics include polyols and polyurethanes, which can be found in a variety of applications including furniture stuffing, adhesives, and insulation foams. Recently, plastic research has turned to catalytic cracking units as a means of plastic recyclability. Catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons is a field dominated by zeolites catalysts, especially ZSM-5. …

Approaches To Teaching Music Counting To Piano Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sunghun Kim

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to interview five internationally and nationally recognized professionals currently teaching piano to students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and to explore their approaches to teaching music counting to students with ASD. The interview questionnaire contained 5 sections. Sections 1, 2, and 3 focused on teacher experience and training, studio demographics, and educational curriculum. Sections 4 and 5 of the questionnaire focused on pedagogical practices in teaching music counting to piano students with autism spectrum disorder, including questions regarding pedagogical approaches in teaching meter, rhythm, and steady pulse. Section 6 emphasized pedagogical practices to teach …

The Submission Of A Section 513(G) Request For Information, Morgan Ashley Lano

Theses and Dissertations

The Food and Drug Administration designates all medical devices into one of three general classes contingent on their intended use, indications for use, and potential risk to the user. This classification dictates the further path the device must take to be approved for the commercial market. Section 513(g) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360c(g)) is submitted in order to gain the agency’s unofficial classification and suggested regulatory requirements. The Coagulation Companion (MicroVide) is a device designed to fluorescently quantify a key enzyme involved in the coagulation cascade, plasmin, in pediatric patients. clot formation and degradation …

Well–Defined Donor–Acceptor Materials, Gabrielle A. Leith

Theses and Dissertations

The modularity of multivariant scaffolds such as covalent–organic frameworks (COFs) provides an unprecedented level of control in the alignment of donor (D) and acceptor (A) units, a demand that is driven by the production of optoelectronic, photonic, and spintronic devices. The foray into novel motifs bearing D-A ensembles in frameworks has been applied towards material property modulation for device performance enhancement. This dissertation presents an emerging trend in the development of D-A interfaces by highlighting recent advances probing D-A interactions in porous crystalline matrices and co-crystals, with a focus on energy transfer (ET) and charge transfer (CT) processes in pre-designed …

Assessing Identification Of Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients For Referral To Genetic Counseling, Corinne Marie Locke

Theses and Dissertations

Since 1998, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines have specified clinical indications for genetic testing for breast cancer susceptibility genes, but retrospective studies have shown that, despite meeting the NCCN criteria, patients are not always advised of the option of genetic testing. Further compounding this issue, studies have shown that cancer family history intake and documented family history can be incomplete even when taken by oncology providers. At this study site and other cancer centers in the country, patients with a new diagnosis of breast cancer are referred for genetic counseling by their cancer care team if they are …

Fundamental Study Of Multiphase Solid/Molten Carbonate Membranes For Co2 Capture And Conversion, Xin Li

Theses and Dissertations

Due to the burning of fossil fuels and human activities, many greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere, which causes global warming and has a significant negative impact on the human living environment. Therefore, it is imperative to develop carbon capture technologies that can prevent carbon dioxide emission and reduce carbon dioxide concentration in the air. Further, if the captured carbon dioxide can be converted back to fossil fuels, the emission of carbon dioxide is delayed, and more time is gained to develop new and advanced carbon free and clean energy technologies. Motivated by this thought, …

The Existence And Quantum Approximation Of Optimal Pure State Ensembles, Ryan Thomas Mcgaha

Theses and Dissertations

In this manuscript we study entanglement measures defined via the convex roof construction. In the first chapter we build the notion of an entanglement measure from the ground up and discuss various issues that arise when trying to measure the amount of entanglement present in an arbitrary density operator. Through this introduction we will motivate the use of the convex roof construction. In the second chapter we will show that the infimum in the convex roof construction is achieved for a specific set of entanglement measures and provide canonical examples of such measures. We also describe LOCC operations via a …

Suas And Deep Learning For High-Resolution Monitoring Of Tidal Marshes In Coastal South Carolina, Grayson R. Morgan

Theses and Dissertations

Tidal marshes are dynamic environments, now more than ever threatened by both natural and anthropogenic forces. Best practices for monitoring tidal marshes, as well as the environmental factors that affect them, have been studied for more than 40 years. With recent technological advances in remote sensing, new capabilities for monitoring tidal marshes have emerged. One of these new opportunities and challenges is hyper-spatial resolution imagery (<10 >cm) that can be captured by small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS). Aside from enhanced visualization, structure-from-motion (SfM) technology can derive dense point clouds from overlapped sUAS images for high resolution digital elevation models (DEMs). …

Concurrent Identification, Characterization, And Reconstruction Of Protein Structure And Mixed-Mode Dynamics From Rdc Data Using Redcraft, Hanin Rafiq Omar

Theses and Dissertations

A complete understanding of the structure-function relationship of proteins requires an analysis of their dynamic behaviors and the static structure. However, all current approaches to studying dynamics in proteins have their shortcomings. A conceptually attractive and alternative approach simultaneously characterizes a protein's structure and its intrinsic dynamics⁠. Ideally, such an approach could solely rely on RDC data-carrying both structural and dynamical information. The major bottleneck in utilizing RDC data in recent years has been attributed to a lack of RDC analysis tools capable of extracting the pertinent information embedded within this complex data source.

Here we present a comprehensive strategy …

Graph Neural Network And Phylogenetic Tree Construction, Gaofeng Pan

Theses and Dissertations

Deep Learning had been widely used in computational biology research in past few years. A great amount of deep learning methods were proposed to solve bioinformatics problems, such as gene function prediction, protein interaction classification, drug effects analysis, and so on; most of these methods yield better solutions than traditional computing methods. However, few methods were proposed to solve problems encountered in evolutionary biology research. In this dissertation, two neural network learning methods are proposed to solve the problems of genome location prediction and median genome generation encountered in phylogenetic tree construction; the ability of neural network learning models on …

Evidence-Based Practices And Teacher Practice, Deanna Mozingo Parish

Theses and Dissertations

The use of evidence-based practices (EBPs) by special education teachers is still inconsistent. Additionally, special education teachers often have little knowledge of high-quality indicators of research that identify specific EBPs proven effective for designated populations of students with disabilities. Teacher preparation during college programs (i.e., pre-service) and training from districts (i.e., in-service) can certainly play an important role in introducing EBPs to special education teachers. In pre-service and in-service training, observation, feedback, and coaching experiences can help to ensure the acquisition of skills and implementation of EBPs into daily teaching. In this study, I investigated special education teachers’ experiences with …

The Role Of Force Dynamic Schemas In The Comprehension Of Causal Language, Dawson Petersen

Theses and Dissertations

The current study is an attempt to empirically test the predictions of Talmy’s (1988) force dynamics. Specifically, Talmy argues that causal sentences are understood by reference to basic image schemas, such as Starting and Stopping. While many of the predictions of other cognitive linguistic models, such as Lakoff and Johnson’s (1980) conceptual metaphor theory, have been tested empirically by psycholinguists (Fischer & Zwaan, 2008; Gibbs, 2006; Boroditsky & Ramscar, 2002), force dynamics has received very little empirical attention (I am only aware of Wolff & Song, 2003), in spite of its productivity in formal linguistics.

The current study aims to …

Moderating Effects Of Parental Feeding Practices And Emotional Eating On Dietary Intake Among Overweight African American Adolescents, Mary Quattlebaum

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effects of parental feeding practices and adolescent emotional eating (EE) on dietary outcomes among overweight African American adolescents. Based on Family Systems Theory, it was hypothesized that parental feeding practices, such as parental monitoring and responsibility, would buffer the effects of EE on poor dietary quality, whereas practices such as concern about a child’s weight, restriction, and pressure-to-eat would exacerbate this relationship. Adolescents (N = 127; Mage = 12.83 ۫.74; MBMI % = 96.61 ± 4.14) provided baseline data from the Families Improving Together (FIT) for a Weight Loss trial and an ancillary study. Dietary outcomes …

Automata-Theoretic Approaches To Planning In Robotics: Combinatorial Filter Minimization, Planning To Chronicle, Temporal Logic Planning With Soft Specifications, And Sensor Selection For Detecting Deviations From A Planned Itinerary, Hazhar Rahmani

Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation, we present a collection of new planning algorithms that enable robots to achieve complex goals, beyond simple point-to-point path planning, using automata-theoretic methods, and we consider the filter minimization (FM) problem and a variant of it, filter partitioning minimization (FPM) problem, which aims to minimize combinatorial filters, used for filtering and automata-theoretic planning in systems with discrete sensor data. We introduce a new variant of bisimulation, compatibility, and using this notion we identify several classes of filters for which FM or FPM is solvable in polynomial time, and propose several integer linear programming (ILP) formulations …

Dissecting Human Capital Resources: Unpacking The Structure And Activation Of Human Capital Resources Within Firms, Caitlin Ray

Theses and Dissertations

Human capital resources (HCR) are often identified by scholars and practitioners as a firm’s most crucial resource. However, the academic use of the HCR construct, which is relatively new addition to the research vernacular, is often described with vague and imprecise terms, challenging the ability for academics and practitioners to clearly understand HCR’s precise impact on firm outcomes. One of the challenges arises because much of the HCR research literature focuses on the processes surrounding HCR without clearly specifying the components that make-up the HCR. Such lack of specificity has resulted in theoretical and empirical work which is often too …

Creating Discursive Spaces To Promote Productive Discourse And Dissuading Sectarianism In Online Political Enclaves On Tiktok, Kenneth Root

Theses and Dissertations

Over the last ten years social media has emerged as a major space for political discussion and the dissemination of information. On open platforms such Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram, algorithms personalize each user’s experience and tailor the posts they see to their specific interests and tastes. What this eventually leads to are echo chambers or discursive enclaves centered around anything from history to mental illness to extreme political ideologies. Within these enclaves, users almost exclusively see and interact with content that aligns with their group’s interest, and in the case of political enclaves this can and does lead to further …

Upper Regime Bedform Geometries And Types As A Function Of Sediment Supply And Grain Size, Sydney Sanders

Theses and Dissertations

Most research on fluvial bedforms focuses on the study of dunes (lower regime), and much less is known on upper regime bedforms. Studying upper regime bedforms, the conditions in which they form and how the geometry changes with flow and sediment properties is necessary for interpreting the stratigraphic record, estimate flow resistance and reconstruct flow characteristics from observed geometries. Here I present results of laboratory experiments designed to investigate the role of suspended bed material and sediment grain size on upper regime bedforms. Experiments were performed in open channel flow mode in a sediment-feed flume with a 0.19 m wide, …

From Gene Expression To Physiology: A Study Of Chronic Thermal Tolerance In The Mytilus Edulis Species Complex, Lindsey Cate Schwartz

Theses and Dissertations

Rising ocean temperatures are a severe and ever-present threat to marine life. With environmental temperature having such a large impact on organismal performance, understanding the mechanisms which contribute to the ability to survive at higher temperatures is a crucial research focus. Significant progress has been made in discovering these mechanisms on the cellular, biochemical, and physiological levels, but is it much less common for those to be examined together. Using the Mytilus edulisspecies complex as a model system, this dissertation takes a closer look at how prolonged exposure to sub-lethal high temperatures impacts marine organisms on multiple levels of …

The Variation Of Metaphor Processing Strategies And The Effects On Reading Skills In L2 English Learners, Shana Scucchi

Theses and Dissertations

Metaphor use and meaning is deeply tied to the culturally-determined conventional use of language. To date, most research regarding metaphor comprehension exists within the realm of first language (L1) acquisition, with little research that examines how learners interpret metaphor in their second language (L2). Thus, little is known about how learners process metaphor constructions in their L2, or how these processing strategies may affect other L2 skills, such as reading abilities.

Gentner (1988) investigated how metaphors are comprehended at various ages using the nominal metaphor X is Y, where Y is the base of the metaphor and X is the …

Modification Of Active Sites In Catalytic Materials For Gas-Phase Heterogeneous Catalysis, Deependra Man Shakya

Theses and Dissertations

Heterogeneous catalysis remains at the core of chemical manufacturing industries with 80-90 % of chemical processes relying on the use of catalysts. Unlike homogeneous catalyst that has extremely well-defined active sites, active sites in heterogeneous catalysis are complex and show dynamic behavior under reaction conditions, and change their structures, composition, particle size. The complexity associated with these systems has made the rational design of the catalyst a difficult problem. Highly crystalline metalorganic frameworks (MOFs) as heterogeneous catalysts present the unique opportunity to systematically modify the geometries, ensemble sizes, and compositions of highly dispersed active sites due to their tailorable, and …

Motivation In Online Course Design: Action Research Using A Self-Determination Theory-Based Mathematics Unit To Improve Students’ Autonomy, Competence, And Relatedness, Emily Rose Shank

Theses and Dissertations

Strong mathematics achievement is lacking in the United States, with motivation waning especially among mathematics and online students. Online mathematics students, in particular, struggle with self-regulation and self-efficacy (Kim, 2012; Sun & Rueda, 2012). Ryan and Deci (2017), in their well-established and empirical self-determination theory, contended that satisfying the psychological needs of autonomy (involving self-regulation), competence (involving self-efficacy), and relatedness (involving a sense of belonging) creates a suitable environment for integrated extrinsic and intrinsic motivation to thrive. The purpose of this action research was to create and implement a self-determination theory-based online unit on factoring polynomials for mathematics students at …