Digital Commons Network^™

Comparative Morphology And Development Of The Trigeminally Innervated Infrared-Imaging System In Boas And Pythons, Helen Bond Plylar

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Boas and pythons use specialized sense organs called pit organs to detect radiant heat. Pit organs in these lineages occur in paired arrays along the upper and lower jaws and are served by the trigeminal nerve (the fifth cranial nerve and one of the largest). Information from the pit organs travels via branches of the trigeminal to the brain and ultimately is processed in the optic tectum, along with information from the visual system. That means these snakes effectively “see” heat. While studies of the pitviper infrared-imaging system are numerous, very few studies of this system in pythons or boas …

Effect Of Nutrient And Temperature Conditions On The Production Of Microcystins From Cyanobacteria In Pineview Reservoir, Brent G. Jacobson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Cyanobacteria, sometimes known as harmful algae, are an aquatic bacteria capable of producing toxic compounds. Cyanobacteria are found worldwide in both saltwater and freshwater environments. Depending on the environment, toxic cyanobacteria species can outcompete other aquatic species, grow in large numbers, and produce these toxic compounds. Further understanding of what environmental conditions promote the production of these harmful bacteria and toxins is needed to protect and inform the public.

In order to understand why cyanobacteria produce toxins in certain environments, samples containing cyanobacteria were taken from a Pineview Reservoir, Utah, and cultured at the Utah State Water Research Laboratory. Cyanobacteria …

Examining The Influence Of Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Job Satisfaction, And Professional Identity On The Turnover Intentions Of Traditionally Certified And Alternatively Certified School-Based Agricultural Education Teachers: A National Study, Matthew J. Wood

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Recruitment and retention of agriculture teachers has been an ongoing challenge within education, with schools struggling to attract and keep qualified teachers. Research has explored many factors—including job satisfaction, work-life balance, administrative support, and professional development opportunities—to uncover the complex roots of teacher turnover. Despite these efforts, the cycle of recruiting and sustaining passionate and competent agriculture teachers remains a significant hurdle. A clear and comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence teacher turnover intentions is needed. This research aimed to explore the factors that influence the turnover intentions of SBAE teachers by licensure type. The Four Capital Theory of …

The Influence Of Business Development Areas On Leadership Positions Within Landscape Architecture Professional Practice, Catherine E. Frost

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Landscape architecture is a discipline that connects natural, physical, and human sciences, and which operates as a professional design practice. While technical skills and design proficiency have historically been the focus of landscape architecture programs, the literature indicates a recognition of the indispensable role of entrepreneurial skills alongside design expertise (Marsh, 1928; Pray, 1911; Rice, 2017; Shepphard et al., 2018). However, there remains a scarcity of research specifically investigating business development skills within landscape architecture practice (Evans & Leccese, 1991; Gobster et al., 2010; Granet, 2021; Littlefield, 2015; Powers & Walker, 2009).

To bridge this gap, this study engaged in …

Thermal Management Of Roadway-Embedded Power Electronics For Electric Vehicle Dynamic Wireless Charging Systems, Conner R. Sabin

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity worldwide. However, concerns raised by the public about purchasing EVs include the limited availability of charging infrastructure, high costs, and the inconvenience of current charging methods. Dynamic wireless charging systems enable electric vehicles to charge while driving, thereby extending the range of EVs and reducing the necessity for large, expensive batteries. Moreover, these systems can initiate charging automatically without user interaction, enhancing charging convenience.

The ground assembly of existing dynamic wireless charging systems consists of an electromagnetic assembly, power electronics for the transmitter pad, and power electronics for grid connection. Installation of these systems …

Advancing Thermal Property Measurements And Water Management For Controlled Environment Agriculture On Earth And Beyond, Chihiro Dixon

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Space exploration stands as one of humanity's most profound endeavors, and plant growth in space is essential for sustaining astronauts during long-duration missions. However, operating plant growth systems under reduced gravity conditions presents challenges, particularly in ensuring uniform water distribution in the root zone. Non-uniform water distribution such as excess water and/or insufficient water in the root zone can significantly impact plant yield, necessitating the need to accurately estimate water status in the root zone and understand the dynamics of water flow in plant growth media under reduced gravity conditions. The objectives of this research were to enhance the accuracy …

Exploring Complete Mental Health Screening Using Adolescent Self-Reports, Stephanie A. Vinal

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This study comprises two separate papers that ultimately aim to create and support the use of a new school screening tool to identify student risk for a variety of school-based problems as well as identify their individual strengths. Complete mental health screening refers to a process by which the entire student body of a school is administered a screening tool in order to cast a wide net and increase the likelihood of identifying any student at risk for behavioral, social, emotional, or academic difficulties. By identifying student strengths as well as their risk for problems, schools are better aimed at …

An Examination Of Traumatic Brain Injury And Genes For Neurotrophins And Apolipoprotein E In Predicting Cognitive Function In Older Adults: The Cache County Study, Mikaela A. Drewel

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Recovery from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is influenced by a wide array of factors including age at incidence, number, and severity as well as genetic factors, some of which exhibit sex-dependent effects. This study examines how TBI history influences rate of cognitive decline in older adults, exploring the characteristics of TBI (e.g., number, severity, and timing) as predictors and interactions of TBI history with genetic variants suspected to play a role in brain health and late-life cognitive functioning. These genes include the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) as well as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptors. This study analyzed …

Differences In Debt Holdings And Financial Satisfaction Across Age During Covid, Loryn Elaine Law

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Access to credit has allowed many individuals to reach their own version of the American dream as credit offers them resources to improve quality of life by buying homes, purchasing automobiles, funding higher education, and financing everyday needs. However, accumulating debt may have negative impacts on their financial satisfaction. Since the 2021 wave of the National Financial Capability Study (NFCS) was collected during the COVID-19 Pandemic, this study was able to look at how financial stressors (e.g., unexpected income drops, being laid-off, difficulty paying on-going bills), financial anxiety, and financial literacy variables (e.g., subjective financial knowledge, objective financial knowledge, perceived …

Contrasting Management Styles And Differing Outcomes Of Capping And Orphaning Of Utah Oil And Gas Wells By Conditions And Land Types, Maxwell C. Parson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The issue of public lands management and ownership in the West has long been contentious. This thesis takes a quantitative approach examining outcomes of the rates at which oil and gas wells in the state of Utah are orphaned and/or capped. Findings indicate that orphanings occur at a statistically significant higher rate on state owned land as opposed to federal and private, and wells on tribal land have no recorded orphaning. No other variables were significant in their relationship to orphaning. The proposed explanations for this disparity are two-fold: First the longer periods of inactivity permitted by the state simply …

Gpr171 Modulates Mood, Consummatory Behaviors, And Morphine Antinociception In A Sexually Dimorphic Pattern In Mice, Megan C. Raddatz

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Receptors in the brain influence everything from complex behaviors related to mood, all the way to simple physiological functions like the way a person moves. Receptors are activated or inactivated by chemicals or hormones that the body produces or that are created to mimic the body’s natural chemicals. Of the hundreds of receptors in the brain, GPR171 is particularly interesting because new drugs have been created to activate or block the receptor, and are being proposed for the treatment of different disorders, particularly disorders related to pain. GPR171 has been shown to affect pain behaviors, eating, and mood-related behaviors, but …

Managing Public Land Outdoor Recreation For Improved Visitor Experience And Resource Protection: Comparing Direct And Indirect Visitor Use Management Tools, Iree Wheeler

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Public land managers incorporate a variety of tools to manage visitors to Parks and Protected Areas (PPAs). The intention of these management actions is to mitigate visitor impacts on natural resources, and facilitate high quality visitor experiences by minimizing depreciative behavior or spreading out visitation to reduce congestion. Approaches such as interpretation and educational information which indirectly influence visitor behavior by encouraging people to participate in minimum impact behavior or to visit during a different time, are referred to as indirect management actions. Other approaches use enforcement or regulations to mandate changes in behavior, or direct management actions. While these …

Take A Seat: The Impact Of Three Classroom Seating Arrangements On Individual Student Performance, Mikayla Camacho

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This study tested three common classroom seating arrangements: rows and columns, groups, and semicircle. It tested various seating arrangements to determine which one works best for young students who struggle with staying on task and tend to be disruptive. Researchers also studied if students did their work correctly and finished on time and what both students and teachers thought about the seating arrangements. Four students were observed in the different seating arrangements, and 10 students and one teacher were asked to answer questions about the different types of seating arrangements. The students' focus and behavior improved with semicircle seating; whereas, …

An Evaluation Of Authenticity: A Content Analysis Of K-6 Mandarin Matrix Textbooks For Chinese Dual Language Immersion Programs, Hsiaomei Tsai

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Authentic texts are suggested for building practical language skills that go beyond the classroom, helping language learners to communicate with native speakers. This study used content analysis and a teacher survey to examine how the Utah Chinese Dual Language Immersion (DLI) literacy curriculum, featuring the Grades K-6 Mandarin Matrix textbooks, reflects realistic Chinese language and culture. Additionally, this study explored the pedagogical value of these textbooks in Utah’s Chinese DLI programs via a teacher survey. The results showed high linguistic authenticity in word usage, order, and situations, consistently above 99% across Grades K to 6 books. Cultural authenticity, particularly in …

Defining Engineering Leadership And Engineering Leadership Skills From The Perspectives Of Abet Leaders And Professional Engineers, Yemisi Victoria Oyewola

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Leadership within the engineering domain has gained significant recognition in recent years due to calls from the literature, industry, and engineering professional bodies to incorporate leadership training into the engineering curriculum. In response to these calls and despite various approaches that have been implemented by engineering institutions to teach engineering leadership, research indicates that there remains a lack of consensus on the definition of engineering leadership and the specific skills that should be emphasized in the teaching of engineering leadership. Also, there is evidence in the literature that there exists a debate regarding the nature of engineering leadership, with some …

Using Wasp Specimens In Taxonomic, Biogeographic, Evolution, And Informal Education Studies, Brenna Lynn Decker

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Entomology collections hold an untapped wealth of information, from insect morphology, genetics, locality and association data, and potential for use in education. Especially with insects that generate initial fears, such as wasps, seeing insect specimens provides a safe environment to learn about their behaviors. Wasps are insects in the order Hymenoptera, along with ants and bees. The public may hold fears against wasps, due to their negative portrayal in various media, but they serve as integral components of a functional ecosystem. Even with their importance, many groups of wasps are still highly understudies. This dissertation aims to tackle this fear …

Dynamic Site Characterization For Los Alamos National Laboratory: Topographic Amplification Array Studies And Deep Shear Wave Velocity Profiling Using Masw And Mam Surface Wave Methods, Kyle S. Cannon

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

An assessment of seismic hazard must be performed for any critical structures designed or built in seismically active regions, where critical structures are defined by ASCE as those that, if damaged excessively, could pose a threat to national security, the economy, or public health, safety, and welfare. This is done, in part, through a probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) and incorporated site response analysis (SRA). One of the many pieces of information needed to perform a PSHA and an incorporated SRA is the shear wave velocity structure of the site. Additionally, if there are significant topographic features at the site …

Cyclical Patterns Of Self-Regulated Learning In College Students, David N. Longhurst

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Zimmerman’s self-regulated learning (SRL) model is a cyclical approach to learning where learners use several processes to facilitate learning or to perform a skill within many domains. Zimmerman’s model describes three phases including forethought, performance, and self-reflection, which occur respectively before, during, and after a task. Theoretically, these phases interact in a cyclical feedback loop in which a person cognitively interacts with a task before, during, and after the activity and continuously do so independently. This model has been the basis for several school-based intervention programs. Those programs have been studied regarding academic outcomes and efficacy; however, less research has …

Siwa's Influence On Alexander The Great's Self-Presentation, Luke Boardman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This thesis analyzes the changes in Alexander the Great’s public image and how his visit to the Oracle of Ammon was a catalyst for these alterations. Examining moments of Alexander in isolation, his adoption of ostentatious habits, and enrobing himself in foreign attire and culture reveals a connection to his time in the Egyptian desert where Alexander was promised eventual authority over all mankind. The post-Siwa Alexander used these tools to leave behind the Hellenistic leader and become the Lord of Asia.

Invasion Potential Of Nonnative Fishes Through A Large Western Dam Into A Prized And Vulnerable Ecosystem, Barrett T. Friesen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Native river fish face threats from habitat fragmentation, water overallocation, invasive species establishment, and powerful synergies amongst these factors. In the Colorado River Basin, USA, these threats coalesce at Glen Canyon Dam (GCD), which impounds the Colorado River to create Lake Powell, a reservoir inhabited by nonnative fish species. There is widespread concern low water level in Lake Powell may allow nonnative fish to escape through the dam, adversely affecting native fish species downstream in the Grand Canyon. In this study we characterized the seasonal distribution of nonnative fishes in the vicinity of GCD and identified environmental conditions that may …

Addressing The Great Salt Lake Desiccation: Exploring Support For Alternative Frameworks On Rights Of Nature And Multispecies Justice, Sadie Braddock

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Currently, there is a lack of social science research on the Great Salt Lake – a shrinking lake that faces potential ecological collapse as more water is taken upstream for human uses before it can get to the lake. The drying lake has received national attention, as it will lead to a loss of wildlife habitat, contribute to public health concerns, and impact Utah’s economy. In response to this issue, environmental scientists and activists have pressured policymakers to prioritize actions to conserve water for the lake. However, while polices have been implemented, water saved from these efforts are not guaranteed …

Quantifying Plot-Scale Evapotranspiration In Northeast Utah, W. Sheridan Stewart

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Evapotranspiration, the combined movement of water from the earth's surface and plants to the atmosphere, is a component of the energy balance of the land surface atmosphere continuum. Often, irrigation is used to replace water removed from the soil through evapotranspiration. Water management for irrigation is often done at the plot or field scale. Due to the smaller footprint size and the large upfront costs, evaluating evapotranspiration at such a small scale can be difficult to justify. The aim of the study was to quantify evapotranspiration at the plot scale. An energy balance model that evaluates energy from two sources, …

A Comprehensive And Interactive Visualization Tool To Support Equitable Adoption Of Electrified Transportation, Aashay Maheshwarkar

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

As urban areas continue to grow, the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure becomes crucial for sustainable development. This study is focused on the development of a data visualization tool that integrates diverse datasets, including traffic patterns, Points of Interest (POI), pollution levels, and socioeconomic indicators, to analyze the current state and potential expansion of EV charging stations. Our visualization tool highlights the significant impact of EV infrastructure on reducing urban pollution and improving socioeconomic outcomes. Areas with a higher density of charging stations show significantly lower levels of unemployment and pollution, emphasizing the dual benefits of EV adoption. …

Assessment Of Future Streamflow In The Colorado River Basin With Some Implications For Water Management, Homa Salehabadi

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Long-range water supply planning in many river basins, such as the Colorado, requires assessing plausible future streamflow scenarios. Given nature's randomness and climate change, it is important to evaluate water resources system behavior under a wide range of plausible conditions. The research described in this dissertation examined various future streamflow scenarios in the Colorado River Basin to provide essential inputs needed for planning in the uncertain future. First, the research examined historical severe droughts in the basin and created three sets, or ensembles, of plausible future streamflow time series by resampling these past droughts. These ensembles are thus consistent with …

Rapid Prediction Of Buoyancy-Driven Exchange Flows At The Great Salt Lake: Ml Models And A 1d Shallow Water Approach, Eric M. Larsen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The Great Salt Lake in Utah, USA, is a hypersaline terminal lake divided in to northern and southern arms by the Union Pacific Railroad causeway since the 1950's. This separation has caused a difference in density and water surface elevation between lake arms. These differences result in a buoyancy-driven exchange flow occurring through an engineered breach in the causeway. Traditionally, modeling the flow through the breach has been done by numerically solving the 1D steady shallow water equations, and using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The CFD models yield high accuracy results, but require substantial computing resources. This research proposes the …

A Framework To Unveil Design Decisions In Ecological Urbanism, Addison C. Martin

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Ecological urbanism offers a framework for landscape architecture to address the challenges posed by dynamic infrastructure projects in the face of changing climates and human impacts. As Nature-based Solutions (NbS) become more prevalent, the role of aesthetics in these solutions becomes increasingly important. However, there has been a lack of systematic approaches to assess the design aesthetics of landscape architecture in practice. This study aims to fill this gap by providing a rapid assessment framework tailored for landscape architecture practitioners. Drawing from the concepts of regenerative design and ecological urbanism, the framework comprises three sections: Ecological Function (EFx), Anthropocentric Function …

A Scoping Review On The Experiences Of Queer And Trans Students In Stem, Elliot P. Tingey

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Efforts to increase diversity in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) are ongoing, but within these efforts queer and trans individuals are often left out. While initial data does suggest that queer and trans individuals are significantly absent from the STEM workforce, research into the causes of such underrepresentation is scattered. Given the importance of educational experiences in the pursuit of a STEM career, it is likely that these early experiences may play a role. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the current research on the experiences of queer and trans students in STEM educational spaces, what …

Interactions Between Nano/Micro-Sized Particles And Microbes For Agricultural And Environmental Applications, Li-Ting Yen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Among the challenges posed by a growing global population, diminishing arable land and water resources affected by climate change are critical for enhancing crop yields, ensuring food security, and maintaining water quality and environmental health.

Iron (Fe), an essential micronutrient, is vital to plant growth. The partially oxidized form of vivianite, metavivianite (metaVT), is reported to be a promising alternative Fe fertilizer. Previous studies have shown the effectiveness of bulk metaVT on plants grown on calcareous soil for mitigating Fe efficiency and the extremely low solubility of bulk metaVT (Ksp=10^-36) in electrolyte solutions, such as CaCl₂. …

Desire As A Framework For Adaptation: Examining Aku No Hana As An Unconventional Adaptation Of Les Fleurs Du Mal, Zoe Dalley

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

In this project, I began by arguing that the 2009 to 2014 manga series Aku No Hana by author and artist Shūzō Oshimi should be considered an unconventional adaptation of the 19th century collection of poems Les Fleurs Du Mal by French poet Charles Baudelaire. I then turned my analysis to the practice of adaptation more broadly, using desire, a central theme to both of my chosen primary texts, as my lens through which I examined some of the central complexities and paradoxes inherent to adaptation, such as the simultaneous expectation of textual faith and a new authorial vision. I …

Acute Effects Of Multi-Joint Eccentric Exercise On Lower Extremity Muscle Activation Measured During Land And Water Walking, Brayden Worley

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Although prior literature has established the preliminary clinical benefits of aquatic exercise across various clinical populations, there is a need to explore the potential for including aquatic-based movement as a key component of a multi-modal approach toward improving mobility and reducing fall risk. Eccentric exercise may complement aquatic exercise given that movements performed in water immersion tend to be low impact. Eccentric exercise may also improve the passive stiffness of lower extremity extensors, which gives an additional rationale for the potential of eccentric exercise to reduce fall risk when combined with aquatic exercise. There may also be an acute response …