Think Outside The Music Video: A Fantasy Theme Analysis Of Music Videos That Break The Genre Convention, Kimberly Danielle Martinez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Typically, music videos fulfill an entertainment purpose, but this Master’s thesis is dedicated to a rhetorical analysis of two music videos that fulfill a greater purpose. I studied two music videos that break the music video genre mold because each one is centered on two societal issues that would be distressing to discuss in other contexts. The first artifact I studied is Eminem’s music video for “Stan,” which highlights the issue of idolization and fandom. The research question that guided this analysis is: How can a rhetor utilize music videos to illustrate the consequences of idolization and fandom? The second …

Tidal Creek And Substrate Effects On Oyster Reef Associated Fish And Decapod Condition And Density, Thomas S. Funk

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Oyster reefs are essential fish habitat and a worldwide loss of reefs has the potential to negatively affect reef-associated nekton populations. Along the 100 km Myrtle Beach, SC shoreline, oyster reefs ostensibly have disappeared within swash tidal creeks, which are anthropogenically altered estuarine systems that drain into the coastal ocean directly over shoreline beaches. To address oyster reef losses, a series of shell bag reefs were constructed within multiple swash tidal creeks. Reefs also were constructed in tidal creeks associated with estuaries directly connected to the ocean by an inlet. The purpose of this study was to compare nekton usage …

The Preservation Of The Colonial Spanish Horse And Robert E. Brislawn, Sr., Gretchen L. Patterson Ms.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Preservation of the Colonial Spanish Horse and

Robert E. Brislawn, Sr.

In 1493, the Spanish horse importation to the Caribbean islands provided an important stimulus to American exploration as an agent of transportation. In the late nineteenth century, the necessity of horses declined with the advent of railroads and motorized vehicles. Reduction of Native American populations through wars, disease, and forfeiture of territory also contributed to less reliance on horses. Born in 1890, Robert E. Brislawn, Sr., a dedicated horseman, decided to collect and preserve the best Spanish-type horses that he could locate as links to western heritage. From …

A New Site Index Model For Intensively Managed Loblolly Pine (Pinus Taeda) Plantations In The West Gulf Coastal Plain, Kynda Reed Trim

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) is the most important commercial species in the southern United States and as such, foresters must choose the most appropriate silvicultural prescriptions to maintain or improve the site quality of plantations and natural forests. Choosing the most appropriate silvicultural prescriptions can further increase the site quality of plantations or natural forests. The quality of a forest site can be estimated by several means, however, the most commonly used method is site index (SI). To date, there is no available SI model for intensively managed loblolly pine plantations in the Western Gulf Coastal Plain. To fill …

Survey Of Rickettsia Spp. In Ticks In Nacogdoches County, Texas, Nathaniel Blakley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Rickettsia parkeri is an obligate intracellular pathogenic bacterium that is commonly transmitted by the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum. Rickettsia parkeri is the causative agent of Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis, which is a disease characterized by nonspecific symptomology. Significant effort by numerous research groups focuses on determining the geographic distribution of potential vectors of this pathogen. The purpose of this study was to study A. maculatum populations in Nacogdoches County, Texas, for the presence of Rickettsia parkeri. Over a two-year period, 49 ticks were collected in Nacogdoches county and taxonomically identified. The DNA was extracted using DNeasy Blood and Tissue …

Entry-Level Physical Therapy Students' Knowledge And Attitudes Of Nutrition, Jordan D. Day

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Like other allied health fields, physical therapy has incorporated health promotion as a part of their practice. A large and important component of health promotion is nutrition. Little research has been conducted on the knowledge and attitudes of nutrition in physical therapists and has only included small sample sizes. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to expand upon the knowledge and attitudes of nutrition in physical therapy students. Subjects included doctoral physical therapy students from across the United States, ranging from first year to senior level. The present research was conducted online via a Qualtrics survey. Surveys, included …

Examining Factors That Influence Reactions To Human Trafficking, Tessa Thomas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Human trafficking involves the transportation or harboring of individuals under conditions of force or coercion for the purpose of exploitation. Trafficking is a worldwide issue, and involves millions of individuals who cross all gender, racial, and ethnic lines. Previous research has shown that individuals high on the constructs of belief in a just world and human trafficking myth acceptance attribute greater blame to victims than individuals low on these constructs. The results of the present study suggest that belief in a just world, ethical ideologies, and human trafficking myth acceptance are significant predictors of blame attributions toward victims of human …

Regional Stress Regime Study Of East Texas Based On Orientation Of Fractures In The Weches Formation, Cory D. Ellison

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Fractures in the Weches Formation in a roughly 50 mile radius around Nacogdoches, Texas were documented and analyzed using data obtained at various outcrops. This data was used to infer information about the regional stress regime based on the direction of maximum/minimum horizontal stresses (SHmax / SHmin) that formed the fractures. This is based on the principle that systematic, steeply dipping, mode I joints propagate in the direction of SHmax and normal to the direction of SHmin. Joints in the Weches Formation are typically iron filled and are predominantly opening mode, indicated by crack-seal formation, steep dip (700 – 900) …

Materials Design With Polylactic Acid-Polyethylene Glycol Blends Using 3d Printing And For Medical Applications., Jeremiah R. Bauer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is an examination of two material systems derived from polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). PLA is a polymer commonly sourced from renewable sources such as starches and sugars. It is a relatively strong, biodegradable polymer, making it ideal for use in the body. Even though it has a relative high strength, PLA is also brittle leading to the use of plasticizers to increase flexibility. One such plasticizer is PEG, which is a material that can exist at room temperature as either a thin liquid, or a hard waxy solid depending on the molecular weight. The first …

Sum Frequency Generation Spectroscopy Of Simulated Protein Secondary Structures., Andrew J. Adams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy is an experimental technique for differentiating between various conformations and orientations of interfacial proteins. Combining a theoretical framework for SFG with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations provides a powerful tool for studying systems containing interfacial proteins with applications in cell transport, biofilms, and fermentation processes. Roeters’ method was used to calculate theoretical SFG responses for a variety of individual α-helix and β-sheet peptide secondary structures simulated using MD. Results show how the shape and locations of SFG amide I responses change with differences in hydrogen bonding patterns, peptide orientations, and SFG polarization combinations. The data presented …

Design And Development Of A Multifunctional Surgical Device For Ground And Space-Based Surgical Applications., Brooke Elaine Barrow

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With the possibility of longer ventures into space, NASA will face many new medical challenges. The ability to surgically treat trauma and other disorders in reduced gravity requires reliable wound access, containment, and visualization. In collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Louisville is currently developing the AISS (Aqueous Immersion Surgical System) to increase efficiency and control of the operative field in space-based surgeries. Reliable wound access and containment is achieved by placing a transparent wound-isolation dome securely over the wound-site and pressurizing it with a saline solution. Leak-free trocars provide access ports for various surgical instruments. This system …

Tumor-Targeted Double Emulsions For Ultrasound-Triggered Delivery Of Molecular Therapeutics., Connor S Centner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, with 1.74 million new cancer cases diagnosed and 610,000 cancer deaths expected in 2018 alone. Current treatments often result in negative systemic effects and ineffective treatment of the tumor. Drug delivery vehicles have been developed for more effective local delivery methods, but many drug delivery vehicles lack spatial and temporal control. Targeted double emulsions are a new class of drug delivery vehicles which present a promising option for a high payload and controlled delivery. The purpose of our project was to develop and characterize an aptamer-chelated double emulsion …

A Comparative Analysis Of Media Representation Of Us College Athletic Scandals In Traditional News Media And Mediated Communication Within The College, Colleen Starrs

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study critically analyzes organizational and mass media communication about the Penn State Child Sexual Abuse Scandal of 2011. The author examines the different ways in which Pennsylvania State University administrators and officials communicated the scandal internally to their community (campus community and surrounding city community) and compared it to how The New York Times communicated the scandal through their unique media platform to the world. The timeline for the data is from November 1, 2011, to July 31, 2012, as the scandal broke to the world, as well as, the months immediately after. The findings suggest that as the …

Schizotypy And Health Promotion: The Mediating Role Of Depressive Symptoms, Michael Rice

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: In general populations, schizotypy and depressive symptoms may be present at sub-clinical levels. Previous research has shown that schizotypy may negatively associate with underlying factors of health promotion. Furthermore, depressive symptoms have also been shown to negatively correlate with underlying factors of health promotion. Method: Undergraduate students and Mturk users were asked to complete an online questionnaire consisting of surveys measuring schizotypy, depressive symptoms and health promotion. Results: A meditation model showed a significant negative indirect effect of schizotypy through depressive symptoms on health promotion. Additionally, schizotypy positively predicted health promotion when depressive symptoms were controlled. …

Gated Fences, Shaina Hawkins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Gated Fences is set in 1941 America and revolves around the lives of two families: The Hendersons and the Rivers. This novel addresses discrimination that existed among acquaintances, neighbors, friends, and even family members due to the lingering effects of slavery. It tackles issues such as forbidden love, life, and death obstacles, and the harsh realities faced by those who lived in a “separate but equal” society. Readers will learn about the value of family, the importance of friendship, reasoning behind why the characters place their faith in God, and the hope that conquers even in the darkest hour.

A Qualitative Study Of The Effects Of Teacher-Coach Role Conflict, James Guinn Iii

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The problem addressed in this study was how the multiple responsibilities of being a teacher and a coach create role conflict for individuals in the teacher-coach (TC) profession. This role conflict causes burnout, exhaustion, and turnover among teacher/coaches. Resolving this problem is critical due to the amount of influence teacher/coaches have upon their student-athletes. The purpose of this study was to identify causes of teacher-coach role conflict and to identify possible solutions to the problem. Research was conducted through qualitative interviews with active male Texas high school football teacher-coaches in order to address the conflicting literature regarding the workability …

Influence Of Stereotyping And Prejudices On Perceptions Of Superheroes, Emily A. Sanchez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Fictional superheroes possess characteristics that can be identified with on a human level (e.g., gender and race); however, their superhuman nature may lead them be evaluated as a distinct outgroup. The current study attempted to assess how racial and gender attitudes may affect perceptions of superheroes and how other participant characteristics may impact ratings. The current study found that gender and race influenced evaluations of perceived attributes of superhero drawings. Figures depicted with an unnatural skin tone were rated less favorably. Although, there were no differences between ratings of Black and White heroes, Black heroes were consistently rated higher, particularly …

Influence Of Stereotyping And Prejudices On Perceptions Of Superheroes, Emily A. Sanchez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Fictional superheroes possess characteristics that can be identified with on a human level (e.g., gender and race); however, their superhuman nature may lead them be evaluated as a distinct outgroup. The current study attempted to assess how racial and gender attitudes may affect perceptions of superheroes and how other participant characteristics may impact ratings. The current study found that gender and race influenced evaluations of perceived attributes of superhero drawings. Figures depicted with an unnatural skin tone were rated less favorably. Although, there were no differences between ratings of Black and White heroes, Black heroes were consistently rated higher, particularly …

Theoretical Analysis Of Nonlinear Differential Equations, Emily Jean Weymier

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Nonlinear differential equations arise as mathematical models of various phenomena. Here, various methods of solving and approximating linear and nonlinear differential equations are examined. Since analytical solutions to nonlinear differential equations are rare and difficult to determine, approximation methods have been developed. Initial and boundary value problems will be discussed. Several linear and nonlinear techniques to approximate or solve the linear or nonlinear problems are demonstrated. Regular and singular perturbation theory and Magnus expansions are our particular focus. Each section offers several examples to show how each technique is implemented along with the use of visuals to demonstrate the accuracy, …

The Empathy Mitigation: Empathy And Its Impact On Pain Perception And Altruistic Motivation, Amanda Daly

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Empathy and its impact on pain perception has been studied narrowly with the focus being on participants receiving empathy during a pain procedure. This study reversed the focus and ran a standard cold pressor test (CPT) in the context of an empathy frame structured to elicit an empathic response for others from participants. It was hypothesized that the group receiving the empathic frame would have longer CPT times due to alterations in pain perception from empathy activation and these subjects’ self-reported state-trait empathy level would positively correlate with the increased times. 85 subjects participated with a control group of 43 …

Interplay Of Molecular And Nanoscale Behaviors In Biological Soft Matter, Nicholas Ciaffone

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The complexity of biological soft matter at the sub-micrometer level is fundamentally correlated to the functionalities at the larger scale. Reflecting the level of heterogeneities in the properties of systems remains challenging when probing small scales, due to the mismatch between the area surveyed with the tools offering nanoscale resolution, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the scale of natural variations inherent to biology. Hence, to understand the physiological and mechanical alterations that occur within a single cell relative to a cell population, a multiscale approach is necessary. In this work we show that it is possible to observe …

House Vs. Home: Defining Place Through Identity, Ryan Gleason

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A house is a place of safety. A home is a place of belonging. Though different a house always desires to become a home, but it can only be so through a connection to self. It is a home that is an extension of one's identity. Through the mirror, which is the home, and through an understanding of schema theory a person's being can be understood through one's ideas, place, self, family, rituals, memories, and feelings. Each of these factors act as a layer of brick building a strong foundation or a crackling fireplace adorned with family portraits making the …

The Neighborhood & Cat Eyes: Stories, Brad Barth

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Neighborhood & Cat Eyes: Stories is a collection of short stories dealing with themes related to isolation, otherness in the modern world, and suburban dread. These two sets of stories deal with different variations on these themes. In the "Cat Eyes" collection of stories, isolation becomes a more prominent thread. These four stories each center on a different individuals afflicted with having cat eyes in place of normal human eyes. Through the lenses of childhood, adulthood, and someone not afflicted with the cat eye condition, otherness and isolation are explored. Each individual offers a unique glimpse into the lives …

Nothing Buried Stays Buried, Stephanie Porven

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Nothing Buried Stays Buried is a collection of poems that embraces raw imagery, threads of magical realism, and allusions to classical mythology in an attempt to make sense of the tangible and intangible losses experienced by its speakers. Told through the voices of confessional speakers who struggle with loneliness, identity, faith, and death, the collection aims to delve into contrasting themes that have long been perpetuated by Greek and Roman mythology: passionate love and violent death, liberation and violation, the natural alongside the celestial. Poems such as "What You Left Behind," "Loneliness Braids My Hair," and "If You Die First" …

Red Tide And Other Stories, Heather Vazquez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Red Tide and Other Stories is a fictional collection of eleven short stories in which characters react to their struggles with loss, frustration, regret, loneliness, and love. Each story presents a strong sense of place and moment, while examining how characters are influenced by these elements. While individual stories present new characters and scenarios, they are connected by elements of water and include aspects of coasts and shorelines in the setting of the real world. The commonality of water in the stories works to demonstrate a connectivity between all people and cultures because water is shared and linked between continents …

Tunable Effect Of Metal Ions On Polyelectrolyte Mechanics, Angie Diaz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Polyelectrolyte based hydrogel fibers can mimic extracellular matrix and have applications such as drug delivery and tissue scaffolding. Metal ions play a critical role in hydrogel fiber stability via electrostatic interactions, but knowledge of how they modulate mechanical properties of individual polyelectrolyte polymers is lacking. In this study, electrospun polyacrylic acid with chitosan is used as a model system to evaluate ferric ion effect on nanofiber mechanics. Using dark field microscopy imaging and persistence length analysis, we demonstrate that ferric ions modulate the bending stiffness of nanofibers. Young's modulus of individual nanofibers is estimated at values of a few kilopascals, …

Size, Charge And Dose Dependent In-Vitro Kinetics Of Polystyrene Nanoparticles, Yasmine Abdellatif

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The aim of the study described herein is to quantify the in-vitro kinetics of internalization of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs) by cells. We used different charges, sizes and doses of fluorescently labelled PS NPs. Nanoparticles were characterized with UV-Vis, Fluorescence emission Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Zeta potential for knowing their absorption, fluorescence spectra, size, charge, respectively. Additionally, cell viability was tested to know the toxicity of PS NPs. The quantitative uptake, the kinetics profile and rate of uptake were studied by using a new in-vitro fluorescence assay. This was achieved quantitatively and qualitatively by fluorescent plate reader and confocal …

Virtual Reality Technology And Customer Delight In Theme Parks: The Role Of Experience Quality, Chenge Jia

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With the rapid development of Virtual Reality (VR) technology, theme park companies are eager to apply VR technology to their attractions. Operating as highly hedonic consumption businesses, theme parks need to make sure that they offer unique and memorable experiences to customers in order to enhance their competitive advantages. However, empirical data is needed to understand whether and how VR technology will enhance visitors' experiences, including the quality of their experience, customer delight, and customer loyalty. Therefore, this study aims to examine how VR influences visitor's theme park experience quality, customer delight, and customer loyalty. Based on an in-depth literature …

Jindo, Iljeen Jo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Jindo is a novel that incorporates drawings, photos, symbols, and comic panels in collaboration with visual artists, Minna Moon and Myungee Jo. In addition to the drawings, the novel integrates Korean folktales and family mythology into the narrative. The hybrid work also weaves elements of speculative fiction, fantasy, realism, horror, and comedy game theory. The novel is told in the first person voice of Korean American, Jindo Cho. In the wake of a nationally televised humiliation, Jindo Cho leaves the world of competitive figure skating to attend state college. When, at the beginning of the semester, his childhood best friend …

F. Scott Fitzgerald As A "Hot Nietzschean": The Influence Of Friedrich Nietzsche's Philosophy In This Side Of Paradise, The Beautiful And Damned, And The Great Gatsby, Lindsey Carman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Beginning in 1915, F. Scott Fitzgerald was exposed to the ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche under the guidance of mentors and from his personal reading lists. While reading Nietzsche, Fitzgerald's concern with the rise of cultural pessimism in 1920s America appeared in his fiction. Interestingly, both the philosopher and author explore the decline of Western culture in the twentieth century––a period of identity crises that affected America and Europe. This thesis investigates Fitzgerald's misreading of Nietzschean ideas that appears in his fiction to highlight the author's interest in explaining the cause of America's decline. In particular, this thesis appropriates a Nietzschean …