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All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

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Solutions To The Kaluza-Klein Field Equations, Abel Eshete Jan 2024

Solutions To The Kaluza-Klein Field Equations, Abel Eshete

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This Alternate Paper Plan explores Kaluza-Klein theory, a multidimensional framework designed to unify Einstein’s gravitational field theory and Maxwell’s electromagnetic field theory. The objectives of this research can be summarized in two key areas: The first objective is to present a comprehensive introduction to the compactified Kaluza-Klein theory. The second aim involves the application of differential geometry, specifically E ́lie Cartan’s tetrad formalism, to derive exact solutions in two distinct scenarios: a. A Levi-Civita spacetime, b. A general spherical system. Furthermore, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalism are utilized to define stability conditions and describe gravitational lensing and Precession of Perihelion within …


Escape The Planet: Revolutionizing Game Design With Novel Oop Techniques, Qusai Kamal Fannoun Jan 2024

Escape The Planet: Revolutionizing Game Design With Novel Oop Techniques, Qusai Kamal Fannoun

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Mobile devices are continuously evolving and greater computing power and graphics capabilities are being introduced every year. As a result, there is an increasing demand for challenging and engaging mobile games that leverage these advanced features. This project explores best design practices using the development of Escape the Planet, which is an intricate maze game for mobile devices in which players navigate using a spaceship that is trapped in a hostile planet’s maze while avoiding obstacles and enemy attacks. The goal is to safely guide the spaceship out of the maze without colliding into walls or taking bullets from defensive …


How Marital Stress May Affect The Onset Of Dementia In Older Adults, Khunza Asma Jan 2024

How Marital Stress May Affect The Onset Of Dementia In Older Adults, Khunza Asma

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Marital stress has been identified as a significant factor influencing the cognitive health of older adults, with emerging evidence suggesting a potential link between marital discord and the risk of developing dementia. This study will review the existing literature on the relationship between chronic stress, depression, marital discord, and the development of cognitive impairment which can increase the risk of developing dementia in older adults. However, the purpose of studying how marital stress affects the onset of dementia is to deepen our understanding of the complex interplay between psychosocial factors and cognitive health in older adults, with the ultimate goal …


Addressing Aggressive Behaviors In Long Term Care Settings: How Do Caregivers Feel Supported?, Betty Kortey Jan 2024

Addressing Aggressive Behaviors In Long Term Care Settings: How Do Caregivers Feel Supported?, Betty Kortey

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Caregivers are faced with great challenges when it comes to handling aggressive behaviors among long term care residents and, therefore, need support in managing resident aggression. Qualitative in depth interviews will be cond ucted with a convenience sample of caregivers on the occurrence and management of aggressive behaviors in long term care settings. The findings of the research will show that caregivers have difficulties handling aggressive situations which sometimes leads to caregiver stress and high turnover. Long term care facilities give inadequate support in managing aggressive behaviors leading to challenges in staffing. Findings will help fill the gap in the …


A Preliminary Study On Intra-Departmental Abuse In A Central American Police Force, Emily Veroeven Jan 2024

A Preliminary Study On Intra-Departmental Abuse In A Central American Police Force, Emily Veroeven

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The aim of this study was to serve as a preliminary analysis to investigate the prevalence of sexual violence in the Belize defense and police force, the impact on victim’s lives, and the culture of military/police force. This mixed-methods study was conducted through a Qualtrics survey, and 34 participants were obtained. This survey contained a variety of dichotomous, multiple-response, and open-ended questions. This study found that 54.5% reported as a victim of sexual violence in the workplace. We also found that most victims did not report the crime, and many victims’ perceptions of their workplace has changed. A thematic content …


Evaluating The Impacts Of Microplastics On The Soil Biochemical Environment And Cherry Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum) Productivity, Kenny Famakinwa Jan 2024

Evaluating The Impacts Of Microplastics On The Soil Biochemical Environment And Cherry Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum) Productivity, Kenny Famakinwa

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Microplastics are a global contaminant with serious consequences for ecosystems and human health, yet their effects on terrestrial soil and plants are poorly understood. We conducted the systematic research to reveal the impact of polyethylene microplastics (PE MPs), polypropylene (PP) MPs and Mixture of PE + PP, size (0.1 – 1 vs 2 – 3.5 mm), concentration (1% vs 5%) on soil biochemical and physiochemical of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) health. The results showed that the addition of MPs resulted in elevated soil pH, particularly at 5% concentration and size 2 – 3.5mm. There was a remarkable 30.6 – 47% …


Preparing Students In Speech-Language Pathology Through A Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Lens, Jacy Hansen Jan 2024

Preparing Students In Speech-Language Pathology Through A Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Lens, Jacy Hansen

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: As the racial diversity of the United States population increases, diversity in the field of speech-language pathology remains homogenous. Efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) continue clinically and academically. Considerable action must be taken to create an equitable space for racially and ethnically diverse students and improve interactions with racially and ethnically diverse clients. PROCEDURE: The purpose of this study was to examine students’ perspectives of clinical instruction and coursework to prepare them to practice culturally responsivity in speech-language pathology. Also, this study aimed to explore students’ experiences of learning culturally responsive care and feelings …


Re-Evaluation Of Lethal Radiation Dose In Drosophila Melanogaster Using 350 Kev Electrons, Dariia Hozhenko Jan 2024

Re-Evaluation Of Lethal Radiation Dose In Drosophila Melanogaster Using 350 Kev Electrons, Dariia Hozhenko

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Radiation dosimetry from a 350 KeV electron beam and its impact on Drosophila melanogaster response serve as the focal points of this study. While previous research has established an LD50 (lethal radiation dose for 50 % of the population) exceeding 452 Gy across mainly all developmental stages, this investigation extends the understanding by examining dose-dependent differences throughout development, from the pupae stage into adulthood. Fruit flies, irradiated at their most sensitive stage, the egg phase, displayed a notable reduction in effective LD50, especially when accounting for long-term effects. Specifically, the LD50 values decreased to approximately 59 Gy for the maximum …


Comparative Analysis Of Data Augmentation On Sentiment Analysis In Three Distinct Languages, Hyesu Lee Jan 2024

Comparative Analysis Of Data Augmentation On Sentiment Analysis In Three Distinct Languages, Hyesu Lee

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Machine learning in natural language processing analyzes datasets to make future predictions for various filed in the real world. By training machine algorithms on the datasets of text, the model can learn patterns and structure of the text in many different languages. Then the model enables to perform the text classification, sentiment analysis, and other tasks. A large and balanced dataset is required to develop an accurate machine learning model. However, the collection of a reliable, large, and equally distributed dataset is a challenging and requires significant resources and time. As a solution to this challenge, a data augmentation technique …


Comparative Study Of Robotic And Manual Welding In A Low Volume-High Mix Manufacturing Environment: Case Study Of Lift Ring, Sai Sasank Pothamsetti Jan 2024

Comparative Study Of Robotic And Manual Welding In A Low Volume-High Mix Manufacturing Environment: Case Study Of Lift Ring, Sai Sasank Pothamsetti

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

A comparative study of robotic and manual welding in a low volume high mix manufacturing environment focusing on a truck body part named the lift ring to see if there is a benefit of incorporating robotic welding into the production line. By utilizing predetermined time studies such as Methods Time Measurement 1(MTM-1) and Maynard’s Operation Sequence Technique (MOST) in conjunction with normal time and motion study to see which method of time study can be used to extrapolate the times of production for higher number of parts. MTM-1 and MOST were used for a detailed time and motion analysis which …


Comparative Study Of Robotic And Manual Welding In A Low Volume-High Mix Manufacturing Environment: Case Study Of Tail Gate, Aditya Suggula Jan 2024

Comparative Study Of Robotic And Manual Welding In A Low Volume-High Mix Manufacturing Environment: Case Study Of Tail Gate, Aditya Suggula

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Our study rigorously compared the efficacy of Methods-Time Measurement (MTM 1) and Maynard Operation Sequence Technique (MOST) against actual production times to identify the most accurate and efficient time management frameworks for manufacturing processes. We aimed to discern which method better predicts job completion times in a real-world setting, using a case study that included both manual and robotic welding in the assembly of a truck body part, the tipper tailgate. We discovered notable discrepancies between the predetermined time systems and actual observations, particularly in manual welding tasks. These differences highlighted the complexity of manual tasks, which involve intricate movements …


Practices To Recruit And Retain Teachers Of Color In Rural Minnesota Schools, Eric Hudspith Jan 2024

Practices To Recruit And Retain Teachers Of Color In Rural Minnesota Schools, Eric Hudspith

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This study delves into the relationships between strategic recruitment and retention practices implemented by rural Minnesota school districts and the recruitment and retention rates of teachers of color within these districts. The research assesses whether districts implementing strategic recruitment practices demonstrate a higher proportion of teacher candidates of color and subsequent hiring rates compared to their peer districts. The study also investigates the relationships between strategic retention practices and the actual retention data observed in districts. Participants included administrators representing districts identified as rural that have a significant percentage of students of color. were selected based on predetermined criteria encompassing …


Comparing The Effects Of Choice And Performance Feedback On The Writing Fluency Outcomes Of Elementary Students, Collin M. Seifert Jan 2024

Comparing The Effects Of Choice And Performance Feedback On The Writing Fluency Outcomes Of Elementary Students, Collin M. Seifert

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Performance feedback is an effective intervention that improves the writing outcomes of elementary students. Although choice has been referred to as a powerful tool in improving the writing of students, little empirical research has been conducted that investigates the effectiveness of choice when implemented in a class-wide setting. Therefore, the current study used a randomized controlled trial design to compare the effects of performance feedback and choice on the writing fluency outcomes of 40 fourth-grade elementary students in one elementary school. Participants were randomly assigned to either a performance feedback condition (n = 20) or a choice condition (n = …


“Look Good, Act Good”: Tipping, Emotional Labor And The Feminization Of Restaurant Work, Ashley Jaxel Jan 2024

“Look Good, Act Good”: Tipping, Emotional Labor And The Feminization Of Restaurant Work, Ashley Jaxel

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Restaurant work is a sector of the labor market that many Americans interact with, whether through being a patron or an employee. Service work accounts for a large portion of economic activity in the US. Restaurant work specifically has been feminized, on account of women being seen as a cheaper workforce starting in the 20th century. This research analyzes the intersections of gender and labor in regards to restaurant work. I investigate how emotional labor and feminization play a role in how women service workers understand they must perform to receive tips. How does feminization play into work performance (based …


Age-Related Microaggressions: A Semi-Replication, Stephanie Patt Jan 2024

Age-Related Microaggressions: A Semi-Replication, Stephanie Patt

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The aim of this study was to expand the literature on age-related microaggressions by replicating a previous study on this topic. Participants (n = 303) were asked for examples of daily interactions where they were treated differently because of their age. Participants described experiences of age-related microaggressions and were prompted through a series of questions via an online survey to determine the topography of the age-related microaggressions, emotional and behavioral reactions to being victimized, which aspects of the interaction were most bothersome, perpetrators and settings of the attacks, and perceived intent. A thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) was conducted …


Changing Careers, Changing Identities: The Role Of Strong And Weak Ties On Career Change Decisions, Christopher S. Lienemann Jan 2024

Changing Careers, Changing Identities: The Role Of Strong And Weak Ties On Career Change Decisions, Christopher S. Lienemann

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Career development theories and business management/human resources explanations for career change and employee turnover suggest that there are many potential influences on career change including a lack of congruence between an individual’s changing needs and their environment, the discovery of new career options previously ignored or overlooked, ineffective or harmful management practices, and organizational or life changes outside of the individual’s control. However, we do not have a comprehensive sociological understanding of how workers leverage and are influenced by their social networks when changing careers. Working from Granovetter’s theory that “weak” and “strong” network ties provide access to job leads …


Virtual Classes In The U.S. University: Exploring Zoom Fatigue Experience Based On English Competency And Course Engagement Among International Students, Esther Son Jan 2024

Virtual Classes In The U.S. University: Exploring Zoom Fatigue Experience Based On English Competency And Course Engagement Among International Students, Esther Son

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Online video conferencing platforms, such as Zoom, are widely used for virtual classes. Zoom platforms bring flexibility and convenience, but also contribute to fatigue which is called “Zoom fatigue”. The purpose of the study is to investigate Zoom fatigue among international students at the U.S. university, and its links to Zoom-mediated communication in the field of education. The study investigates 152 international students to examine how English competency affects Zoom fatigue, and how course engagement affects Zoom fatigue in virtual classes at the U.S. university. The results show that English competency and course engagement have a negative relationship with Zoom …


Leveraging Machine Learning & Deep Learning Methodologies To Detect Deepfakes, Aniruddha Tiwari Jan 2024

Leveraging Machine Learning & Deep Learning Methodologies To Detect Deepfakes, Aniruddha Tiwari

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The rapid evolution of deep learning (DL) and machine learning (ML) techniques has facilitated the rise of highly convincing synthetic media, commonly referred to as deepfakes. These manipulative media artifacts, generated through advanced artificial intelligence algorithms, pose significant challenges in distinguishing them from authentic content. Given their potential to be disseminated widely across various online platforms, the imperative for robust detection methodologies becomes apparent. Accordingly, this study explores the efficacy of existing ML/DL-based approaches and aims to compare which type of methodology performs better in identifying deepfake content. In response to the escalating threat posed by deepfakes, previous research efforts …


The Influence Of Ecoregions And Land Use/Land Cover On Fish Assemblages In Southern Minnesota, Masaki Hara Jan 2024

The Influence Of Ecoregions And Land Use/Land Cover On Fish Assemblages In Southern Minnesota, Masaki Hara

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Level III ecoregions of the conterminous United States provide a framework for facilitating environmental understanding and aiding environmental management practices. In southern Minnesota near Mankato, there are two level III ecoregions: to the east is North Central Hardwood Forest (NCHF) and to the west are Western Corn Belt Plains (WCBP). They contained a combined 104 fish species in local lakes. However, little is known about how land use and land cover affect fish assemblages in these lakes, which are indicator fish species, and if any invasive fish species are adversely impacting native fish populations. This study addresses these issues through …


A Critical Phenomenological Study Of White Educators Who Engage In Antiracism, Maria-Renée D. Grigsby Jan 2024

A Critical Phenomenological Study Of White Educators Who Engage In Antiracism, Maria-Renée D. Grigsby

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Racism is reflected in political, economic, and educational institutions throughout the United States. These institutionalized systems were successfully designed to have a chilling effect on any progress toward antiracist change. It impacts the achievement level of K-12 students of color in the public school system who make up the majority population in public schools nationwide. Yet, their teachers remain largely white. This is especially important in Minnesota, which ranks fiftieth in the country for graduation rates of Black and Latinx students. The method used for this study is critical phenomenology which is important when looking at the influences of race, …


Enhancing College And Career Readiness Of Hmong Adolescents Through Group Work In High School, Xeev Vang Jan 2024

Enhancing College And Career Readiness Of Hmong Adolescents Through Group Work In High School, Xeev Vang

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Hmong adolescents face many challenges during high school, particularly college and career readiness. School counselors are trained professionals who can help. This transcendental phenomenology study explored the lived experiences of six Hmong adolescents and how they make sense of college and career lessons in a group work format over six weeks. Data was collected through participant journals and interviews. Each participant interview was recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Moustakas (1994) phenomenology method of data analysis. Five domains, sixteen themes, and three subthemes emerged. Family members are crucial influencers in college and career decision-making. Barriers include language, financial, family, culture, and …


Environment And Belief: Investigating The Dakota Archeological Record, Anna Kay Wiitanen-Eggen Jan 2024

Environment And Belief: Investigating The Dakota Archeological Record, Anna Kay Wiitanen-Eggen

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The oral traditions and histories of a people’s belief systems are one means by which the relationships between a people and their environment are embodied. Environmental aspects of a people’s belief system are reflected in their use of their habited space(s) because beliefs help structure actions. Ergo, an examination of a people’s oral traditions and histories has the potential to provide valuable insight to the archeological record of the places potentially occupied by their ancestors or close relatives. Investigation of this aspect of archeology is a relatively new pursuit and is almost completely unexplored in Minnesota. The relationship between the …


Identifying Barriers To Dental Care Among Hispanics In Southwest Minnesota, Lissette Garza Jan 2023

Identifying Barriers To Dental Care Among Hispanics In Southwest Minnesota, Lissette Garza

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to assess the different barriers for dental health care among the Hispanic population in a rural, southwestern community in Minnesota. To collect data, an adaptation of the survey written by Vazquez and Swan (2003) was distributed to Hispanic individuals at an agricultural facility, religious organization, and an early childhood organization. The findings for the research question are presented in the cross-sectional study utilizing descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies and percentages. The results of this study indicate that not having a dental provider of the same cultural background, having a language barrier, and …


Wonderland, Mai Tran Jan 2023

Wonderland, Mai Tran

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

“WONDERLAND” is a series of large-scale print and installation work created from 2021 to 2023. This body of work showcases dream-like landscapes, Vietnamese legends and customs blended with American culture to create unique visual narratives. Elements such as mythical animals, the Ly dynasty dragon and ceramics, and the Vietnamese Nom script speak to an almost forgotten culture. In contrast, the carno-lotus (cheeseburger) plant, Walleye, Bobcat, and winter scenery reference life in the Midwest. By combining elements from the two cultures, the artist builds parallel worlds where all living things can sustain and value each other’s differences — a place without …


Graduate Student Awareness Of Student Services, Shayla Schumacher Jan 2023

Graduate Student Awareness Of Student Services, Shayla Schumacher

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Studies have shown that student services aid in students’ success while attending college, however many students may not utilize these resources or even know they exist. Furthermore, there is limited research on graduate students’ awareness and usage of these services. Graduate students face different circumstances than other student populations yet may not access these beneficial resources. This study uses a mixed methods survey to examine graduate students’ awareness and usage of student services at a state school. This study shows attending the university as an undergraduate student first contributes to a student’s knowledge and usage of student services.


Creating The Role Of Richard Iii For Richard Iii, Travis Grey Robertson Jan 2023

Creating The Role Of Richard Iii For Richard Iii, Travis Grey Robertson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This document is a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting. It is a detailed account of author Grey Robertson’s artistic process in creating the role of Richard III in Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Fall 2022 production of Richard III. This thesis follows the actor’s process through pre-production analysis, an historical and critical perspective, journals detailing the rehearsal and performance process, a post-production analysis, and process development. Appendices and works cited follow the process development.


Determining The Quality Of The Evidence Base For Incremental Rehearsal, Emily K. Fischer Jan 2023

Determining The Quality Of The Evidence Base For Incremental Rehearsal, Emily K. Fischer

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this review is to examine the current literature on incremental rehearsal (IR) to investigate whether IR is be considered an evidence-based practice, based on the quality indicators set forth by the Council for Exceptional Children (Cook et al., 2014). Burns et al. (2012) completed a meta-analysis to investigate the effectiveness and efficiency of IR and to compare the effect sizes calculated from single-case and group designs. Results of that analysis showed that IR was effective with various student groups, including students in grades ranging from preschool to high school, and students with disabilities. The original review investigated …


An Exploration Of Differences In Perceptions Of Gerotranscendent Behaviors Between Younger And Older Adults, Gabrielle E. Anderson Jan 2023

An Exploration Of Differences In Perceptions Of Gerotranscendent Behaviors Between Younger And Older Adults, Gabrielle E. Anderson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The theory of gerotranscendence was developed as a means of addressing limitations in current developmental theories. It is defined as the natural developmental process in which people gradually change their fundamental views of themselves, the world, their relationships, and reality in general. Research has shown that gerotranscendent behaviors are viewed as pathological by younger adults. The purpose of this study was to further explore differences in perception of gerotranscendent behaviors between college students and older adults. An additional goal was to better understand how and why these behaviors are interpreted differently by younger and older adults. Perceptions of gerotranscendent behaviors …


The Philanthropic Process Of Private And Publicly Traded U.S. Companies, Carla Woodson Jan 2023

The Philanthropic Process Of Private And Publicly Traded U.S. Companies, Carla Woodson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The author looks at the essence of corporate philanthropy, analyzing the drivers of why corporations give and how these organizations assemble themselves within the face of crises. While there is significant research on the different types of corporate philanthropy and its drivers, there is very little known about the way decisions are reached by committee members and executives who oversee allocating these funds. Using a qualitative method approach with semi structured in-depth interviews of respondents who currently work in the field of corporate giving for a US based private or publicly based company. A case study of three companies reveals …


Combining The Word Box Intervention And Syllabication To Support The Acquisition Of Advanced Decoding Skills, Elizabeth Kinsey Hawley Jan 2023

Combining The Word Box Intervention And Syllabication To Support The Acquisition Of Advanced Decoding Skills, Elizabeth Kinsey Hawley

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Many students struggle to read multisyllable words (Burns et al., 2017). These students may benefit from additional support to move from the full-alphabetic phase to the consolidatedalphabetic phase of reading acquisition to proficiently read multisyllable words (Bhattacharya & Ehri, 2004). There is limited research on advanced phonics interventions such as syllable instruction which may benefit older struggling readers (Devault & Joseph, 2004). It was hypothesized that the merger two evidenced-based practices, graphosyllabic analysis of syllables with the word boxes intervention, would help students in the consolidated-alphabetic phase improve their multisyllable word reading by providing visual supports for segmenting longer words …