Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Gender And Communication Style On The Perceptions Of Leaders Within Computer-Mediated Communication, Azra Zukanovic

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine how perceptions of a leader using computer-mediated communication (CMC) change based on leader gender, communication style, and gender of the recipient. This study had two research questions: whether perceptions of a leader change as a result of congruity or incongruity between the leader’s gender and the leader’s communication style, and whether perceptions of a leader using congruent or incongruent communication styles vary based on the gender of the recipient. This study utilized a 2 (gender of leader: male vs. female) x 2 (communication style: masculine vs. feminine) x 2 (gender of recipient: …

Stem Cell Based Delivery System In A Non-Regenerative Nail Injury Model, Aundrya Montgomery

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Toddler Autism Symptom Inventory (Tasi): Use In Diagnostic Evaluations Of Toddlers, Kirsty Coulter

Master's Theses

Although symptoms of autism are present early in life and early diagnosis can lead to better outcomes, there is a lack of validated parent interviews for children under the age of three. We developed the Toddler Autism Symptom Inventory (TASI), an interview form designed to assess the presence and absence of skills and symptoms in children aged 12-36 months. Reliability of symptoms and diagnosis, and validity of algorithms designed in accordance with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5^th Edition (DSM-5) and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) diagnostic criteria were established. Reliability and validity of four …

First-Time Juvenile Arrestees' Odd Symptoms: The Role Of Parent-School Interaction And Race, Ari Romano-Verthelyi

Master's Theses

Objective.Disruptive behaviors are bidirectionally associated with low-quality parent-school interactions (Hoover-Dempsey & Sandler, 1995). However, Non-White children are more likely to be identified by teachers as behaviorally disruptive (Epstein et al., 2005), more likely to have low-quality parent-school interactions (Serpell & Mashburn, 2012), and more likely to be engaged in the justice system (Hockenberry & Puzzanchera, 2013).Considering that non-White parents may interact with schools and teachers differently than White parents (Mariñez-Lona & Quintana, 2009), it is unclear to what extent race might influence the predictive relationship between aspects of parent-school interactions and disruptive behavior problems. Thus, this study will examine …

A Feasible And Tailored Nutrition Education Intervention For Middle-Schoolers: Coordination With School Nutrition Program And Preliminary Outcomes., Heidi Karner

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Relationships On Youth Developmental Outcomes In A Sport-Based Setting, Khalil Griffith

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of A Novel Mobile-Friendly Nutrition Education Intervention On Dietary Patterns Among Calfresh Applicants, Kelly Brookshire Condron

Master's Theses

Background: College students experience food insecurity at a rate 3.5 times higher than the U.S. general population, affecting 43% of students. Furthermore, college students consume high amounts of ultra-processed products. NOVA, a food classification system, takes into account food processing and is thought to better fit the modern food environment.

Purpose: The purpose of this research project was to examine the impact of CalFresh enrollment on food security status. This study also evaluated the impact of two different nutrition education interventions (MyPlate and MyPlate+NOVA) on participants’ dietary habits and nutrition knowledge.

Methods: Food security, dietary habits, and nutrition knowledge were …

Cubesat Astronomy Mission Modeling Using The Horizon Simulation Framework, Alexander W. Johnson

Master's Theses

The CubeSat Astronomy Network is a proposed system of multiple CubeSat spacecraft capable of performing follow-up observations of astronomical targets of interest. The system is intended to serve as a space-borne platform that can complement existing systems utilized for astronomical research by undergraduate and high school students. Much research and development work has been performed to develop model-based system engineering methodologies and products for CubeSat missions, including the Horizon Simulation Framework. The Horizon Simulation Framework enables the development of system models using the Extended Markup Language (XML), and its simulation program can generate system simulations over model-specified timespans. System requirements …

Millimeter Wave Radar Object Detection Through Frequency Selective Surfaces, Jacob D. Trevithick

Master's Theses

Millimeter wave (mmWave) radar systems are a leading technology in autonomous vehicle object sensing. The radar’s ability to detect surrounding objects is critical to its performance. One method of increasing object detection performance is to enhance object visibility. Frequency selective reflectors can increase object visibility. This work examines the performance of a mmWave 77 GHz radar system developed by Texas Instruments in conjunction with frequency selective surfaces. Two bandpass frequency selective surfaces are designed and fabricated using a loaded cross aperture configuration to analyze their application to object detection. The chosen design frequencies are 8 GHz and 79 GHz. The …

Predictors Of Ransomware From Binary Analysis, Aaron M. Otis

Master's Theses

Ransomware, a type of malware that extorts payment from a victim by encrypting her data, is a growing threat that is becoming more sophisticated with each generation. Attackers have shifted from targeting individuals to entire organizations, raising extortions from hundreds of dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. In this work, we analyze a variety of ransomware and benign software binaries in order to identify indicators that may be used to detect ransomware. We find that several combinations of strings, cryptographic constants, and a large number loops are key indicators useful for detecting ransomware.

Coastal Adaptation To Sea Level Rise: Effects Of Residential Proximity To The Coast, Climate Change Perceptions, And Attitudes Toward Government For Valuing Ecosystem Outcomes, Kristin B. Raub

Master's Theses

In a changing climate, there has been an increase in the frequency and severity of hazards impacting coastal communities. Traditionally, hard defenses (sea walls) have been constructed to protect these communities, even though they can have negative impacts throughout the nearby coastal environment. There has been increasing consideration of alternative shoreline protection strategies, such as living shorelines, or managed retreat. However, each of these coastal management strategies comes with a series of monetary, environmental, and social tradeoffs making individual preferences dependent on multiple scenario-specific attributes. Ecosystem service valuation is a useful tool for understanding how humans relate to the environment …

Spring-Guided Electromagnetic Vibrations Energy Harvester, Ghufran Jaber Aldawood

Master's Theses

In recent years, vibration based energy harvesting techniques showed a promising alternative to power wireless sensor networks (WSN). Billions of low power sensors are currently used widely in wireless sensor networks (WSN) and the Internet of Things environment (IoT). These sensors are currently powered by a traditional power source, i.e. a disposable battery. Vibrations are an abundant source of kinetic energy that can serve as the power source for these sensor nodes. This approach eliminates the necessity for frequent battery replacement due to their short-life span and hazardous disposal process. The adverse and irreversible effect from the disposal of these …

Heat Activation Of Bacillus Anthracis Persists Over A Seven Day Period, Nathan T. Ross

Master's Theses

Bacteria of the Bacillus genera are capable of forming dormant and resilient cells called spores in response to starvation. Spores can break dormancy in the presence of nutrients in a process called germination. Historically, spores are exposed to sublethal heat treatments to increase the extent and rate of germination. This process is known as heat activation (HA). Previous studies on Bacillus species indicate the effects of HA are reversible after 72 hours. After this time period, the spores must be reactivated. However, spores of Bacillus anthracis, a member of the Bacillus family, have not been tested to see how long …

Design And Analysis Of A Traveling Wave Fault Locator, Gerald Austin Taylor

Master's Theses

The accuracy of fault location is an integral part of power system operations. Improved fault location can reduce maintenance time, increase efficiency, and save money. When a fault occurs, it sends a disturbance in the current and voltage in each direction at almost the speed of light. This disturbance is called a traveling wave, and can be used to locate faults. In efforts to increase accuracy, the use of traveling wave theory to locate faults has become more popular.

This thesis goes through the process of designing and testing a traveling wave fault locator. The design includes analog and digital …

Customization Of Aneurysm Scaffold Geometries For In Vitro Tissue-Engineered Blood Vessel Mimics To Use As Models For Neurovascular Device Testing, Camille D. Villadolid

Master's Theses

Cerebral aneurysms occur due to the ballooning of blood vessels in the brain. Rupture of aneurysms can cause a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which, if not fatal, can cause permanent neurologic deficits. Minimally invasive neurovascular devices, such as embolization coils and flow diverters, are methods of treatment utilized to prevent aneurysm rupture. The rapidly growing market for neurovascular devices necessitates the development of accurate aneurysm models for preclinical testing. In vivo models, such as the rabbit elastase model, are commonly chosen for preclinical device testing; however, these studies are expensive, and aneurysm geometries are difficult to control and often do not replicate …

Application Of Elastodynamic Finite Integration Technique (Efit) To Three-Dimensional Wave Propagation And Scattering In Arbitrary Geometries, Sean M. Raley

Master's Theses

Over several decades, railroad Ultrasonic Testing (UT) industry techniques have primarily been developed through simple analytical modelling and experimental approaches. However, with present-day computational capabilities, we can use numerical techniques like the Elastodynamic Finite Integration Technique (EFIT) to fine-tune systems for complex applications before the fabrication process begins. EFIT is well-established as a useful method in numerical analysis of ultrasonic wave propagation with distinct advantages over the Finite Difference Time Domain method. Several software packages exist that use EFIT as the primary method for simulating the behavior of ultrasonic waves over time in 2 or 3 dimensions, but none of …

Comparison Of Gait Kinematic And Temporospatial Measures Between Lock And Pin And A New Vacuum Suspension System In Transtibial Amputees, Vanessa A. Kellems

Master's Theses

Walking in healthy populations has been characterized by symmetrical gait patterns and used to determine variability within pathological populations. Gait patterns of individuals with transtibial amputation are commonly asymmetrical due to the inability to completely replicate the physiological ankle with prosthetics; thus, contributing to inter-limb asymmetries. Currently, only a few studies have reported the effects of suspension systems on gait mechanics. In this study, functional differences between lock and pin (PIN) and a newly developed internal vacuum suspension system (Smart PUCKTM) (PUCK) during overground and treadmill walking were evaluated in five transtibial amputees. Statistically, no differences were found between groups …

The Impact Of Pretrial Supervision Conditions: Evaluating Pretrial Release Orders Of One Colorado County, Anthony Mark Azari

Master's Theses

Pretrial risk assessments are tools that have been created to address concerns associated with monetary bail in the United States. A pretrial risk assessment tool provides an objective analysis of an arrested person to determine whether he or she will reappear in court or will be rearrested upon being released from jail. One of the goals of pretrial risk assessments is to reduce the financial bail burden the criminal justice system poses on suspected defendants by providing a tool to determine the relative risk defendants pose in the community. Another goal of pretrial risk assessments is to reduce jail overcrowding. …

Identifying The Need For Self-Management Education In Adult Patients With Type-2 Diabetes In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Le Thi Minh Thu

Master's Theses

The purpose of this thesis project was to identify the need for self-management through investigating the existing knowledge about diabetes self-care and their perception of diabetic control in adult patients with type-2 diabetes Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The 16-Item Diabetes Self Management Questionnaire (Schmitt et al., 2013) and a cross-sectional design was used in this study to explore the diabetes self management related to four subscales such as glucose management, dietary control, physical activity, health-care use and a sum scale as the perception of diabetic control among fifty five participants who were diagnosed with type-2 diabetes in Tan Phu …

Comparing Terrestrial And Extraterrestrial Lava Surface Roughness Using Digital Elevation Models From High Resolution Topography And Structure From Motion, Davitia Hannah James

Master's Theses

If patterns of lava flow surface roughness at large and small scales can be tied features at similar scales using observations of active volcanoes, then roughness across a lava flow can be related to eruption characteristics such as rate of flow, viscosity, and underlying slope. This will further current understanding of emplacement rates and styles during the volcanically active period of mars’ history. Additionally, describing the effect of the Martian environment on volcanism is necessary to learn the full range of possible volcanic activity in the Solar System. This will also provide insight regarding volcanic hazards here on Earth. To …

The Effects Of Combined Curcumin Supplementation And High Intensity Interval Training On Time Trial Performance In Moderately Active Individuals, Nora Jacqueline Johnston

Master's Theses

Individuals who participate in intensified training programs such as high intensity interval training (HIIT), are at risk for an uncontrolled inflammatory response, which may hinder the body’s recovery process. Curcumin is the most recognized compound in turmeric and has a distinctive yellow color. Curcumin has many medicinal actions and is most well-known for its anti-inflammatory activities. More recently, curcumin has emerged as an agent that can potentially optimize performance during intense exercise and may also attenuate pain and muscle soreness. Additionally, curcumin has been linked to improvements in mental health status such as reductions in depression and anxiety. PURPOSE: The …

Challenges For Nursing Students In The Clinical Learning Environment, Huyen Thi Tran

Master's Theses

The study aimed to survey the problems/challenges nursing students of Hong Bang International University (HIU) reported facing in the clinical environment. These factors might be a barrier or motivation for a student's clinical learning. In addition, collecting the information through this research helped explore the real difficulties that might exist when students practice clinical care. This data will help to develop appropriate recommendations to improve the quality of training as well as reduce the burden on nursing students. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. Sixty-nine third-year nursing students (58 females and 11 males) of the Bachelor of Nursing Program from …

Shall We Dance: Responses Of Participants To A Dance Class Designed For Parkinson’S Patients, Brittni Lynn Mcalister

Master's Theses

The purpose of this research was to describe the responses of participants in a dance class designed for Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients. This study had a total of eight participants—six were adults with PD and participants in the Parkinson’s dance classes, one was the other primary instructor of the Parkinson’s dance classes, and the other one was a care partner of a participant in the classes. In this study, the researcher used both quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze the data. The researcher sought to observe the experiences of participants in dance classes designed for individuals with PD and interview …

The Efficacy Of "Chat Sheets" As A Conversation Tool For Communicative Access In Aphasia: A Single-Subject Study, Shyanne N. Heise

Master's Theses

Adults with aphasia are frequently denied communicative access in family events, discussions, and daily decision-making. Consequently, recent studies have investigated conversational language interventions for individuals with aphasia (IWA) and their families. Aphasiologists support the use of communication partner (CP) training as an intervention method—through which, people around the IWA learn to use strategies and resources to facilitate successful, interactive communication. While CP training alone can be effective, family members of an IWA may benefit from the use of a supplemental conversation tool to bridge the gap between strategy training and implementation. The purpose of this single-subject A1-B-A2 study was to …

Traditional Sounds On Western Instruments: The Use Of Traditional Music Of Mainland Southeast Asia In Western Orchestral Works, Tachinee Patarateeranon

Master's Theses

The cultural preservation of traditional music has become a serious issue in the mainland of Southeast Asia. The impact of political revolution, economic problems, westernization, and modernization have all but eliminated traditional music from its homeland. Western music, on the other hand, is flourishing in the region and has had a strong influence on the transformation of traditional musical genres in order to attract the attention of today’s society. As a result, one way to help traditional music survive in this modern context is to incorporate it with western genres. This research, therefore, aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating …

Assessment Of Patient Waiting Consultation Time In An Primary Healthcare Clinic -- The Outpatient Department Of Cho Ray Hospital, Pham Thi My Nhung

Master's Theses

Long patient waiting times in primary healthcare clinics in South Vietnam such as Thong Nhat Hospital and An Giang Hospital are a common phenomenon. In South Vietnam, especially at the Cho Ray Hospital, long patient waiting times were to be expected. Unfortunately, very little knowledge exists regarding potential causes of this problem or how it impacts patients. The purposes of this non-experimental, exploratory field study were to (a) assess the process and outcomes of an outpatient clinic as they related to waiting times, factors contributing to waiting times, and associated factors (outcomes) that influenced patient satisfaction levels in the outpatient …

Comparison Of Socket Suspension Systems During Stair Ascent In Individuals With Transtibial Amputees, Gabrielle Marie Rentuma

Master's Theses

Socket suspension systems have an important role in an amputee’s ability to perform activities of daily living. There are three common modes of suspension used to attach the prosthetic foot to the residual limb including lock and pin (PIN), suction, and vacuum suspension systems. A new vacuum suspension system has been developed, the PUCK, which has a vacuum system internal to the socket and maintains pressure throughout the residual limb. Previous literature has focused on the role of suspension during over-ground walking but few have examined the effects during a more difficult task such as stair ascent. The purpose of …

Effects Of Light And Macroinvertebrate Consumers On Detrital Microbial Biofilms In Streams, Cheyenne M. Brady

Master's Theses

In lotic freshwater systems, aquatic macroinvertebrates are key processors of biofilms that grow upon organic matter. Although macroinvertebrate effects on biofilms may depend on light availability, the combined effects of consumers and light remain unexplored. Here, I conducted experiments to test effects of presence/absence of the omnivorous shrimp Macrobrachium ohione and the shredding caddisfly Pycnopsyche sp. on Liriodendron tulipifera litter biofilms in experimental streams under light or darkness. I measured litter-associated algal, fungal and bacterial biomasses and production rates, as well as litter decomposition, over 49 days. Both experiments exhibited significant positive effects of light on algal productivity and interactions …

Direct Assessment Of Entrepreneurial Minded Learning Through Integrated E-Learning Modules, Aadtiyasinh Rana

Master's Theses

Entrepreneurial Minded Learning (EML) has a significant emphasis in engineering education

today. Several approaches have been used to assess the impact of various EML approaches. Many indirect assessment techniques have been used and a few direct assessment techniques have been developed. The work presented in this thesis investigates the effectiveness of two specific measurement methods to quantify entrepreneurial minded learning in students.

The University of New Haven has adopted the approach of integrating e-learning modules on entrepreneurial topics and related contextual activities into courses as the primary approach of developing an entrepreneurial mindset (EM) in students. This study focuses on …

Emotion Reactivity, Emotion Dysregulation, And Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Among At-Risk Adolescents: A Multiple Mediation Analysis, Paula N. Floyd

Master's Theses

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is defined as deliberate self-inflicted damage to bodily tissue without the intent to die. NSSI has been identified as a major health concern, as it is related to both poor psychosocial outcomes and increased suicide risk. NSSI is especially important to understand among adolescents, as age of onset is typically during adolescence and prevalence rates are highest among this age group. One of the most well-established correlates of NSSI is emotion dysregulation. While many studies have examined emotion dysregulation and its subcomponents in relation to self-injury, there has been far less work devoted to factors that may …