Digital Commons Network^™

Is Infant Fear Related To An Increase In Maternal Stress?, Janairis F. Munoz-Perez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The impact of infant fear responses on mother stress throughout the first year of life was investigated in this study. Between six and fourteen months, thirty mother-infant pairs were examined at three different time intervals. Maternal responses from the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (IBQ-R) and behavioral observations made during standardized lab tasks were used to evaluate infant fear. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used to measure maternal stress at all time points, and behavioral stress was coded during the first session. The findings showed no overall significant correlation between the mother's subjective stress and the behavioral fear of her infant. …

Exploiting Undulating Fin Kinematics For Multi-Directional Swimming Control, Omar S. Odeh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Black Ghost Knifefish achieves remarkable swimming gait transition by leveraging the distinctive morphology and kinematics of a single, elongated undular fin. Alongside bi-directional swimming, complex maneuvers incorporating vertical movement and pitch control can also be attained. Inspired by the Knifefish, we explore a novel propulsive and directional control method for an undulating membrane affixed to a robotic vessel utilizing counter-propagating waveforms in tandem with a sigmoidal spatiotemporal pattern to control forward, backward, and turning of the vessel. The proposed actuation supplied the propulsion necessary for the robotic vessel to swim bi-directionally with heading control under varying flow speed conditions. …

Materia Non Medica: Reading Disability And Medical Narratives In The Daughter Of Doctor Moreau, Jessica Elizabeth Young

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents a close reading of The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, engaging Indigenous studies and disability studies to illuminate how the novel interrogates embodiment, medical authority, and human difference. By situating the text within historical frameworks of medicine and corporeality in Mexico, and alongside speculative modes that seek to recuperate non-Western epistemologies, the analysis reveals how Moreno-Garcia reimagines the body as mutable, relational, and politically charged. The narrative’s hybrid characters and transgressive identities offer a generative lens through which to explore bodily variance, not as deviation, but as a site of possibility. Ultimately, this thesis argues …

Phosphorus Removal Using Novel Carbon Adsorbents Derived From Waste Algae: An Industrial Ecology Approach To Mitigate Algal Blooms, Vithulan Suthakaran

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

High phosphate levels and warm temperatures in surface waters can stimulate the overgrowth of certain alga types, causing harmful algal blooms (HABs). HABs may adversely affect public health and have negative economic impacts due to associated healthcare costs, required clean-up activities, and tourism revenue loss. The overarching objective of this study was to utilize an industrial ecology approach and convert algal biomass into chemically modified activated carbon adsorbent materials for phosphate removal. Cyanobacterial biomass was collected from Lake Okeechobee in Florida and processed before activation using fast and energy-efficient microwave heating. To improve phosphate removal, the surface of the adsorbents …

#Tribe: A Study On Digital Tribalism In Saudi Arabia, Maha Alrehaili

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines digital tribalism in Saudi Arabia as a lens through which to explore the complex interplay between state, identity politics, and social media in an era of rapid transformation. Amidst ambitious modernization efforts under Vision 2030 and ongoing economic restructuring, the Saudi state has sought to establish a national identity by leveraging tribal heritage. This study investigates how the three major tribes, Harb, Qahtan, and Otaibah, are responding to rapid modernization through an examination of their digital presence on X (formerly Twitter).

Employing a comparative case study design and content analysis of three years of digital activity, this …

Effects Of Crevice Corrosion On Metal Adhesive Performance And Shear Strength In Marine Environments, Westin Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Corrosion is a leading challenge that engineers and researchers face when working in marine environments. Annually, corrosion costs an estimated $2.5 trillion globally and can lead to environmental damage and pose a threat to public safety. This thesis investigates the effects of crevice corrosion on the performance of different epoxy adhesives when mated with stainless steel to determine if using epoxy is a viable option for the development of systems operating in marine environments. To accomplish this, metal-to-metal lap shear samples were created using Araldite 2015-1, Plexus MA560-1, Plexus MA310, and Plexus MA8120 epoxies and different preparation methods. These samples …

Evaluation Of The Corrosion Of Metallic Fastener Joints In Composite Materials Immersed In Seawater, Chloe Derrico

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The corrosion behavior of metallic fasteners in contact with composite materials in marine environments remains a critical concern for structural integrity and long-term performance. This study evaluates the corrosion of marine fasteners of various materials in contact with glass fiber, carbon fiber, hybrid glass-carbon fiber, and G10/FR-4 Garolite composite plates. The research focuses on localized corrosion mechanisms, include crevice and pitting corrosion, as well as the influence of composite interactions. Samples were exposed to three environmental conditions: full immersion tanks, tidal tanks simulating the high and low tides, and deployment on a barge on Florida’s intracoastal waterway, with antifouling paint …

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Integration In Counselor Education: Theory, Development, Implementation, And Efficacy Of A Dbt-Informed Supervision Protocol For Counselor Trainees, Clara Bossie

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This multi-manuscript dissertation illustrates the progression from theoretical development to practical intervention research in counselor supervision, introducing innovative supervisory practices in counselor education that balance well-being with academic rigor, addressing counselor trainees' common challenges such as anxiety, burnout, and limited self-efficacy. Following a literature review, this dissertation bridges theory and practice by offering counselor educators and supervisors a comprehensive, evidence-informed approach to developing resilient, competent, and psychologically well counseling professionals. The research progresses through three interconnected phases using qualitative and quantitative methods. Constructivist grounded theory (CGT) explores counselor trainees' supervisory experiences, highlighting the significance of responsive supervisory relationships and validation. …

Does Exclusive Breastfeeding Duration And Quality Affect Maternal Sensitivity: Fear Vs. Normative Situations, Camila Herrera Zamora

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present study examined whether exclusive breastfeeding duration and perceived breastfeeding quality predict maternal sensitivity across emotionally challenging versus normative caregiving contexts in infancy. Twenty-four mother–infant dyads participated in three laboratory visits during which maternal sensitivity was assessed across interaction conditions. It was hypothesized that (1) longer breastfeeding duration would be associated with greater sensitivity during fear-inducing contexts, (2) breastfeeding duration and quality would interact to predict sensitivity, and (3) sensitivity would be higher during fear-inducing situations. Contrary to expectations, maternal sensitivity was highest in the normative/free-play condition and increased over time, peaking at 14 to 16 months. Exclusive breastfeeding …

Cultivating Mindsets Of Persistence: Experiences Of Undergraduate Women Students In Stem Programs At A Public Research University, Etina Qirjo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), women's representation is disproportionately low across high school, higher education, and professional sectors. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the factors influencing the persistence of undergraduate women STEM students at a public university by identifying available resources, uncovering obstacles and investigating their personal experiences. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with a sample of 12 female participants enrolled as undergraduates in STEM majors at a public university. The research design chosen for the study was qualitative, focusing on stories from women’s experiences that provide an understanding of what …

The Lived Experiences Of African American Women In Predominantly White Higher Education Institutions In Texas And Their Journey To Advancement To Tenure, Wanda Dyer, Wanda Yvonne Carter-Dyer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

African American women are underrepresented in predominantly White higher education institutions in Texas. Inconsistent treatment and policies have contributed to the disparate numbers of African American women in predominately White institutions. African American women are subjected to discrimination based on race, sex, and color. The problem investigated in this study was the barriers to African American tenure-seeking women in predominately White institutions. Barriers discussed in those interviews were discrimination, equity, inclusion, lack of support systems, organizational culture and relationships, and mentors. Six African American women in PWIs in Texas were interviewed to give a voice to the barriers experienced …

“Thank You For Hearing Me”: Listening To Stories Of Linguicism, Caroline Asher Webb

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the effects of linguicism on nonnative speakers of English who are currently studying in higher education in the United States or other English-dominant countries. Linguicism, also called linguistic discrimination, others and discriminates against people based on their oral or written language use. Rooted in master narratives of Standard English, monolingualism, and the native speaker, linguicism, unlike other forms of discrimination, such as gender or racial discrimination, is subtle and unmarked, thus permeating the consciousness of even the most well-intentioned of people.

Using a Critical Race Theory framework, the present study utilized a storytelling methodology to gather first-hand …

A Self-Sustaining Autonomous System For Long-Term Arctic Monitoring, Wenqiang Xu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The accelerated melting of Arctic sea ice poses critical challenges to global climate stability, marine ecosystems, and navigation safety. To address the need for continuous, high-resolution monitoring of the Arctic environment, this dissertation explores the development and feasibility of a Self-sustaining Autonomous System (SAS) for long-term Arctic observation. The proposed system is designed to overcome the limitations of traditional fixed or drifting buoys, as well as the range and endurance constraints of drones and Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)s, by utilizing a Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) as a core observation platform. The wind-powered SWATH harnesses …

Assessing Trophic Pathways In The Southern Indian River Lagoon Using Fatty Acid Markers, Joedeelee Rigdon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) comprises over 200 Km of the Florida’s east coast and is a bar-built estuary making up one of the most biodiverse estuarine environments in North America. Toxins produced by increasingly frequent harmful algae blooms in the IRL are found throughout the food web, from zooplankton to fish, to apex predators. The impact of species characterized as harmful algae can be traced using fatty acid markers, as phytoplankton and algae that make up HABs produce characteristic poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which have conservative ratios between trophic levels. This study measured the fatty acid composition of two …

Postpartum Depression And The Relation To Maternal Sensitivity In The Context Of Infant Fear, Ainsley Richards

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research was to examine if postpartum depression and maternal sensitivity are related, and how this relation manifests in mothers’ responses to their infants during unfamiliar mother-child interaction tasks compared to a routine interaction task. Participants included 55 mother-infant dyads. Dyads participated at one of three university sites across the United States. PPD data was collected from mothers when infants were 6 and 12 months old, while sensitivity data was taken when the infant was 12 months old. Results indicate that postpartum depression at 6 and 12 months is not predictive of maternal sensitivity within a non-clinical …

Investigating Treatment Planning Parameters For Proton Arc Technique In Pencil Beam Scanning (Pbs) Proton Therapy, Umesh Rana

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Proton arc pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton therapy is a novel approach to treating complex cancer in the field of radiation therapy. It provides conformal dose coverage to the CTV while reducing dose to healthy tissues. Unlike traditional proton therapy modalities, such as intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT), which primarily relies on static beam delivery, proton arc utilizes a rotational approach to irradiate the tumor from a multitude of angles, utilizing an arc of proton beams. The successful clinical implementation of proton arc PBS technology necessitates the development and validation of advanced treatment planning optimization algorithms and treatment planning techniques to …

Mineralization, Characterization And Selective Degradation Of Lignocellulosic Biocomposite Materials, Steven A. Soini

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Developing novel functional materials, chemicals and biofuels from renewable plant sources has become a main area of focus within material science. The biosphere contains naturally occurring polymers that can be harvested to this end. Lignocellulosic materials are an important class of plant biomass consisting of three main components, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Wood has an inherent 3D hierarchical structure ranging from the nano- to bulk levels of organization, thereby achieving excellent mechanical properties while maintaining high porosity and low specific density. It carries significant promise for the production of chemicals, refinement of biofuels, and the development of novel functional materials. …

Things Goin’ On: Hierarchical Order, Olivia Rachel Austin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Things Goin' On: Hierarchical Order is a series of mixed media works examining power dynamics and structured relationships within human life. This body of work explores social class, gender roles, and systemic power structures through a combination of found textiles, altered objects, and diverse rendering techniques. Each piece investigates how individuals are positioned within broader social and natural systems. The works collectively encourage reflection on the universal and historical role of power dynamics in shaping human experiences and interactions.

Conversion Of Orange Waste To Chemically Modified Activated Carbon Adsorbent Materials For Aqueous Phase Phosphate Removal, Sierra Mugan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Phosphorus pollution in surface waters drives harmful algal blooms, creating ecological, public health, and economic risks. This study examined citrus processing waste as a sustainable, low-cost precursor for producing chemically modified adsorbents for phosphorus removal. Orange waste was pyrolyzed, resulting in a carbon-rich material with low ash content, as confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis. The material was modified using lanthanum chloride, iron (III) chloride, and calcium chloride at varying mass ratios and screened under standard conditions (1 mg P/L, 1 g/L dosage, 24-hour contact time). Lanthanum- and iron-modified samples demonstrated the best removal efficiencies and underwent further evaluation. The lanthanum-modified sample …

Clinical Validation Of Delivery Analysis Software For Patient-Specific Quality Assurance Of Radixact (Tomotherapy) Treatment, Gagandeep Pama

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA) performance for various disease sites treated with the Radixact machine using Gamma (γ) passing rate analysis (%GP) as per AAPM TG-218.

This study analyzed 22 PSQA plans executed on a Radixact machine using ArcCheck phantom and delivery analysis (DA) software. The %GP was calculated using a 3% dose difference (DD), a 2 mm distance-to-agreement (DTA), and a 10% threshold. A passing criterion of ≥95% was applied for PSQA evaluation.

The %GP was analyzed for all sites. The %GP (2D) on the ArcCheck phantom mean γ passing …

Fictional Prophecies: How Kazuo Ishiguro’S Never Let Me Go And Olivia Wilde’S Don’T Worry Darling Foreshadow The Threats Of Biotech And Metaverse Realities, Taylor Pack

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis intends to embrace conversations about technological advancements and create space for examining the ways in which popular technologies of the 2020s are the beginning of a dangerous future for marginalized bodies if gone unchecked and under-regulated. This paper investigates the ways in which modern forms of technology are at risk of mimicking the novel Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro and the film Don’t Worry Darling, directed by Olivia Wilde dystopias and argues the need for more conscious consumerism of technology and media alike to acknowledge the ways in which the control of women’s bodies is a …

Examining Relationships Between Sediment Nutrients And Halodule Wrightii In The Southern Indian River Lagoon, Sarah Newton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), FL, seagrasses have declined 58% since 2009, largely due to eutrophication. Efforts to improve IRL water quality are ongoing, but there has been a lag in seagrass recovery, with Halodule wrightii being the focus of restoration efforts. Because seagrasses uptake nutrients through their rhizomes and blades, this lag may be associated with undocumented pore water nutrient pollution. Thus, deciphering relationships between sediment nutrients and H. wrightii is necessary. In this study, sampling at nine sites in the southern IRL (SIRL) was conducted in spring and summer 2024 during which H. wrightii tissue, sediment, and …

Exploring Emotional Awareness Through Interactive Design, Mona Gandomkar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research was inspired by my emotional journey after relocating to the United States. Navigating a new culture, language barriers, and unfamiliar routines brought a complex mix of emotions. These experiences led me to begin to better understand and manage my emotional responses. That process revealed the importance of emotional awareness and became the foundation for my exploration into how design can help individuals recognize and engage with their emotions more meaningfully.

Emotions are significant in human life, from social relationships to decision-making. However, many people fail to understand their emotions or how to control them. Individuals experience emotions differently, …

Predictive And Generative Modeling For Biomedical Data Analytics, Magdalyn E. Elkin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Biomedical data analytics is a broad interdisciplinary field that has seen vast amounts of data collected with recent technological advancements. Computational studies are required for time and cost-efficient methods to characterize, summarize, and interpret these datasets to advance public health. This thesis presents research studies done with predictive and generative models with regards to subdomains in clinical research, healthcare and bioinformatics. Our research with predictive modeling presents (1) extensive feature engineering methods, ensemble models and feature selection ranking in order to provide data-driven models to evaluate relevant evidence for clinical decision making; and (2) network analysis and unsupervised link prediction …

Maternal Stress And Infant Anxiety: Examining The Link Through Fear Temperament, Melissa Ayala

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the relationship between maternal stress and infant fear temperament. Infant temperament is important because it allows the caregiver to understand the individual variation in the emotional and social needs of the child. Due to previous research, it can be inferred that maternal stress can influence the development of infant fear temperament. The current study looks at the relationship between maternal stress and infant behavioral fear temperament. In this study there was no relationship between maternal stress and infant behavioral fear when collapsing the across conditions and emotions expressed during the Lab-TAB. However, infants varied in their fear …

Regulation Of The Bidirectional Transport Of Organelles During Synapse Formation, Maintenance, And Plasticity, Kerriann Kathleen Badal

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Neurons are specialized, polarized cells necessary for our function, cognition, and behavior. Moreover, neurons are non-mitotic cells and must be maintained for a lifetime. Within the neuron, organelles, such as mitochondria and lysosome-vesicles (LV), undergo bidirectional transport between the soma and synapses and contribute to neuronal health, energy demand, macromolecule clearance, intracellular signaling, and cell-to-cell communication. Decades of research have revealed the significance of mitochondria and LV during aging, neurological disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and recently, novel implications in neuropsychiatric disorders. While these studies highlight the role of mitochondria and LV during aging and neurological conditions, less is known about the …

Reassessing Pre-Ceramic Mortuary Practices In Florida, John S. Duggan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis synthesizes mortuary practices among Florida’s Paleoindian to Late Archaic populations, from the earliest documented burials to approximately 2,500 BP. While sites like Windover and Little Salt Spring are well-studied, broader burial traditions across the region remain underrepresented. To address this, data from fifteen key sites, chosen for geographic and temporal diversity, were compiled and analyzed. Using an exploratory research design, a descriptive methodological framework was developed to evaluate cemetery types, burial positions, artifact associations, demographic indicators, and spatial orientation. Methodological challenges such as poor preservation, site destruction, and inconsistent documentation are also considered. Findings are contextualized within wider …

“But The Trauma Did Not Fade Away” Childhood Sexual Abuse, Adolescent Pregnancy, And Rurality, Cynthia H. Mcniss

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and adolescent pregnancy are critical public health issues that intersect in complex ways, particularly in rural areas. Adolescents who have experienced CSA are at a significantly higher risk of becoming pregnant before the age of 19 compared to their peers without such a history (Madigan et al., 2014). Rurality is also associated with elevated rates of adolescent pregnancy due to various socio-economic and healthcare access challenges ("Rural Health Information Hub," 2024). This study employed a grounded theory approach to develop a comprehensive understanding of the social and psychosocial processes influencing the choices, actions, and decisions of …

Interactions Of The Sars-Cov-2 Viral Genome 3’-Untranslated Region With Viral And Host Rnas, Caleb Frye, Mihaela Rita Mihailescu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation focuses on the characterization of RNA-RNA interactions within the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genome and with host microRNAs. As the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), SARS-CoV-2 has evolved rapidly since its appearance. This has warranted prompt characterization of the virus particularly of its single stranded RNA (ssRNA) genome. By using a combination of bioinformatics, biophysics, and/or biological assays, we analyzed the SARS-CoV-2 viral genomic RNA and uncovered interactions of genomic RNA with host RNAs, highlighting an underutilized method of targeting RNA viruses. We showed here that the conserved elements in the viral genomic …

Excessive Before It Begins: A Critical Analysis Of Racialized Encounters Between Police And African American Men, Lucas Goodwin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the last decade, the racial violence that plagues relations between African Americans and the police has been brought to the attention of the American public by means of cell phone video footage of police use of excessive, and at times lethal, force in encounters with African American men. The images of police brutality that have emerged in this time have outraged millions of Americans, sparking nationwide protests, as well as various social and political movements. While perspectives may abound regarding the causes and significance of such brutality, the data is clear on one thing: Police violence disproportionately harms African …