Digital Commons Network^™

The Relationship Between Salivary Cortisol Levels And Stressful Behaviors Upon The Introduction Of A New Exhibit Mate In Captive Black And Gold Howler Monkeys (Alouatta Caraya) At The Hattiesburg Zoo, Cassie Mechelle Chandler

Master's Theses

Salivary cortisol levels were taken on a male and a female howler monkey and compared with behavioral observations during their introduction to one another into an exhibit at the Hattiesburg Zoo in order to determine the link between behavior and stress. This study sought to answer the following research questions: What behavioral responses occur when two howler monkeys are introduced into the same exhibit at a zoo? How stressed are the animals at different stages of the introduction? And, what is the correlation between behaviors and hormones, if any?

The study spanned four phases including a baseline phase, the initial …

Continuous Analysis Of Photocatalytic Activity In Thin-Films And Coatings, Steven Michael Allee

Master's Theses

Materials that undergo photocatalytic reactions create evolved gases due to ultraviolet light decomposition. Current methods of measuring these gases typically result in destruction of the sample. A test fixture was developed to measure evolved gases in a nondestructive manner through the utilization of a flow-through sensor array system. Preliminary testing indicates responsive measurements down to parts-per-billion sensitivity for some gases and will be compared with mass spectrometry measurements. Further development of this process could lead to the ability to measure photocatalytic reaction gases on a continuous basis without interruption of the process or destruction of materials introduced to the system.

The Use Of Computed Tomography To Measure Biogenic Structures In Recently Hypoxic And Normoxic Sediments On The Louisiana Continental Shelf, Valerie Ann Hartman

Master's Theses

Over the past 60 years, seasonal hypoxia in the northern Gulf of Mexico has occurred with increased severity and over a greater area. To determine if biogenic structures in the northern Gulf of Mexico vary in response to hypoxic stress, the seafloor on the continental shelf of Louisiana was analyzed during the spring and fall of 2009 at four provinces of similar sediment type that differ in recent history of bottom water oxygen concentration. Subcores were analyzed by computed tomography (CT) to determine the number, diameter, length, volume, surface area, and depth of biogenic burrow structures in sediments where biogenic …

The Effects Of Check In/Check Out On Levels Of Problem Behavior And Academic Engagement In Elementary School Students, Leila Mullooly Miller

Master's Theses

Previous studies have largely evaluated the effects of check in/ check out (CICO) using office discipline referrals (ODRs). However, ODRs are not always reliable measures of student behavior, and direct observation is known to be an accurate tool for behavioral measurement. Due to this, the current study used direct observations to evaluate the effects of CICO on levels of problem behavior and academic engagement for a group of elementary school students. One second, one fourth, and one sixth grade student served as participants. Results indicate CICO is effective in decreasing problem behavior and increasing academic engagement. Data from teacher ratings …

Cubesat Constellation Analysis For Data Relaying, Bradley Ryan Smalarz

Master's Theses

Current CubeSat communication technology limits the amount of time, and number of accesses with ground stations. It has been proposed to use a constellation of CubeSats to improve relay performance and increase the number of accesses between a CubeSat and ground stations. By using the spatial and temporal analysis features of STK, coupled with the STK/Matlab interface a robust tool was created to analyze the performance of CubeSat constellations based on a store-and-forward communications model which is not currently supported by the STK Engine. Utilizing the Connect messaging format through a socket connection on the local machine, a Matlab graphical …

Modeling And Analysis Of A Four-Switch Buck-Boost Dynamic Capacitor, Oscar Plasencia

Master's Theses

Modern electric power utilities are facing a variety of challenges introduced by the increasing complexity of their operation, structure, and consumer loads. One such challenge has been to supply the ever growing demand for reactive power which is essential for grid support. For this reason dynamic VAR technologies are becoming much more important to modern day power systems. A recent dynamic VAR technology known as the Dynamic Capacitor offers full quadrant capacitive VAR control through the combination of AC/AC buck and boost cells. This paper introduces a new topology deemed the “Four-Switch Buck-Boost Dynamic Capacitor” which promises to combine the …

State Estimation For Tracking Of Tagged Sharks With An Auv, Christina Forney

Master's Theses

Presented is a method for estimating the planar position, velocity, and orientation states of a tagged shark. The method is designed for implementation on an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) equipped with a stereo-hydrophone and receiver system that detects acoustic signals transmitted by a tag. The particular hydrophone system used here provides a measurement of relative bearing angle to the tag, but does not provide the sign (+ or -) of the bearing angle. A particle filter was used for fusing measurements over time to produce a state estimate of the tag location. The particle filter combined with an active control …

Comet: Constrained Optimization Of Multiple-Dimensions For Efficient Trajectories, Michael Curt Conrad

Master's Theses

The paper describes the background and concepts behind a master’s thesis platform known as COMET (Constrained Optimization of Multiple-dimensions for Efficient Trajectories) created for mission designers to determine and evaluate suitable interplanetary trajectories. This includes an examination of the improvements to the global optimization algorithm, Differential Evolution, through a cascading search space pruning method and decomposition of optimization parameters. Results are compared to those produced by the European Space Agency’s Advanced Concept Team’s Multiple Gravity Assist Program. It was found that while discrepancies in the calculation of ΔV’s for flyby maneuvers exist between the two programs, COMET showed a noticeable …

Developing Dendrifrom Facades Using Flow Nets As A Design Aid, Jonas H. Houston

Master's Theses

This thesis highlights a method of arriving at form that minimizes the need for high end technology and complex mathematical models, yet has structural principles of load flow at the highlighted methods core. Similar to how graphical statics assisted earlier architects and engineers to arrive at form by relating form and forces, this thesis suggests a method of form finding that relates the flow of stresses within solid masses to possible load-bearing façades. Looking to nature, where an abundance of efficient structural solutions can be found, this thesis focuses on a tree-like structural form called the dendriform. In doing so, …

Thermal Tolerance Of Age-0 Gulf Of Mexico Striped Bass (Morone Saxatilis): Ontogenetic And Genetic Effects, Corey Robert Anderson

Master's Theses

Striped bass, Morone saxatilis, were historically abundant in the Gulf of Mexico region but were largely extirpated from most Gulf rivers by the early 1960s. Since 1967 hatchery stocking has supported populations in Mississippi rivers and to date there is no evidence of natural reproduction. Intolerance of striped bass to high water temperature is a potential factor negatively impacting Gulf striped bass survival and reproductive fitness, and may be a limiting factor to reintroduction of the species in Mississippi. This work contributed to restoration efforts by establishing molecular tools necessary for genetic monitoring of striped bass restoration, and evaluating …

Quantifying Rates Of Autocompaction In The Pearl River Marsh, Louisiana, Jeremiah Nicholas Prouhet

Master's Theses

Annual rates of shallow autocompaction (< 1 m) were calculated in the upper ~one meter of sediment from six cores of a transect in the Pearl River Marsh (PRM), Louisiana, in order to determine the most significant sedimentary property controlling this process. Compaction-free wedge cores were sub-sampled at one centimeter intervals to collect the following data: age control, using 137Cs and 210Pb, and sedimentary variables, specifically, particulate organic carbon, bulk density, median grain size, porosity, and water content. An upper and an underlying sedimentary unit (named the 137Cs and 210Pb units) were defined between radiometric datum levels, and their sedimentary properties were statistically tested for significant differences using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. Rates of autocompaction were calculated from the model of Williams (2003), and both rates of autocompaction and sedimentation were tested for significant differences between the upper and lower sedimentary units.

The upper unit in the six cores generally had lower bulk density, higher water content, higher porosity, and higher particulate organic carbon than the underlying unit, but with some interesting exceptions. Additionally, annual autocompaction and sedimentation rates were greatest in the overlying unit at stations PR02 (0.39 ± 0.05 cm/y) and PR05 (0.42 ± 0.03 cm/y) and greatest in the underlying unit at stations PR02 (0.22 ± 0.08 cm/y) and PR03 (0.18 ± 0.06 cm/y). Based on Spearman correlations, rates of autocompaction were most strongly correlated to and influenced by rates of sedimentation rather …

Measuring And Comparing Quantum Yield In Two Species Of Marine Diatoms Subjected To Constant And Fluctuating Light Conditions, Matthew Leon Stone

Master's Theses

A small-scale study was conducted to determine the effects of light fluctuations on the photosynthetic efficiency of marine phytoplankton. Two species, Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Chaetoceros gracile were grown in specialized photobioreactors on a 12-hour:12-hour light:dark cycle. The cultures were diluted 50% daily to attain a specific growth rate of 0.70 d-1. To simulate vertical mixing in high turbidity habitats under various wind conditions, dense cultures were subjected to fluctuating light treatments with frequencies ranging from 0.10 Hz to 2.00 Hz. Parallel experiments subjected the cultures to static light conditions with equal total daily light doses as those of the cultures …

A Comparison Of The Effects Of A Function-Based Intervention To A Non-Function-Based Intervention To Address Problem Behaviors In Preschoolers, Katherine Marie Bellone

Master's Theses

Problem behaviors occur frequently among preschool children in classrooms, impeding academic development. Past methods employed for development of behavioral interventions include functional assessment and use of evidence-based practices. The current investigation sought to empirically compare the effectiveness of both function-based and non-function-based interventions to increase appropriate engagement and decrease occurrence of problem behaviors. Participants included three preschool children, two attending pre-kindergarten classrooms at an elementary school and one at a Head Start Center. Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior was used as the function-based intervention and was compared to a token economy intervention in an Alternating Treatments Design. Results indicated that …

A Study Of The Early American Author Judith Sargent Murray, Her Role In Early American Print Culture And Her Misappropriation By Twentieth-Century Feminism, Robert Allen Fowler

Master's Theses

In 1798, Judith Sargent Murray published a three-volume collection of one hundred miscellaneous essays on topics ranging from social politesse to women’s education to international politics. Her diligence, forethought and manipulation of pseudonyms in the print-hungry post-Revolutionary America create a unique place for her in the history of American letters. However, in the twentieth century, modern feminism has attempted to claim Murray as one of their own, choosing between one and four examples of her work as proof of her forward-looking philosophy, while ignoring significant pieces of those same works as well as much of her oeuvre as a whole …

Tick Infestations And Their Consequences For Migratory Songbirds During Spring Stopover, Johnny Michael Sellers Jr.

Master's Theses

Migratory birds face a number of challenges during their seasonal movement from tropical/sub-tropical Central and South America to more temperate North America. Maintaining health during migration is of particular concern. This study seeks to understand how haematophageous ectoparasites, such as ticks (Ixodida), impact host body condition as they feed on passerines during migration. We hypothesized that foraging location would impact tick acquisition by migrants and that tick burdens during migration would negatively impact body condition. We surveyed 2,064 birds during spring 2009 and 2010 and found that 2.4% of the surveyed birds were infested with one or more …

Unusual Electron Transfer Rate Effects Due To Pyridyl Ring Substituents And Trace Group Viii B Hexacyano Complexes As Added Salts, Faisal Mehmood

Master's Theses

The rates of pseudo-self-exchange electron transfer reactions between [(NH₃)₅Ru^IIL]²⁺ and [(NH₃)₅Ru^IIIL’]³⁺ at reactant concentrations of 1.0 х 10^-4 M (where L, L’ = substituted pyridines) and the reaction between [(NH₃)₅Ru^IIPy]²⁺ and [(NH₃)₅Ru^III3FPy]²⁺ at different reactant concentrations in the presence of various salts added were studied by using the stopped-flow kinetic spectroscopy. Marcus theory rate vs. driving force plots yielded distinct families of lines depending on whether a 3- or 4- …

Implementation And Validation Of The Ζ-F And Asbm Turbulence Models, Dustin Van Blaricom Quint

Master's Theses

The use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools throughout the engineering industry has become standard. Simulations are used during nearly all steps throughout the life cycle of products including design, production, and testing. Due to their wide range of use, industrial CFD codes are becoming more flexible and easier to use. These commercial codes require robustness, reliability, and efficiency. Consequently, linear eddy viscosity models (LEVM) are used to model turbulence for an increasing number of flow types. LEVM such as k-ε and k-ω provide modeling with little loss of computational efficiency and have proven to be robust. The LEVM that …

Verification And Expansion Of Single-Degree-Of-Freedom Transformation Factors For Beams Using A Multi-Degree-Of-Freedom Non-Linear Numerical Analysis Method, Takayuki Yokoyama

Master's Theses

The single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) transformation factors as tabulated in John Biggs’ textbook (Biggs 1964) are accepted as the equivalent factors for simplifying and analyzing a component's response to blast. The study validates the stiffness and mass transformation factors through multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) numerical methods. After validating the transformation factors, the MDOF numerical method is used to create new stiffness and mass transformation factors for loading cases not already included in Biggs’ textbook.

The validated factors, as well as the newly developed factors are used in SDOF analyses. The deflections from the SDOF responses accurately predict the MDOF responses as long as the …

Investigating The Roles Of Ndj1 And Tid1 In Crossover Assurance In Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Rianna Knowles

Master's Theses

Meiosis is the specialized process of cell division utilized during gametogenesis in all sexually reproducing eukaryotes, which consists of one round of DNA replication followed by two rounds of chromosome segregation and results in four haploid cells. Crossovers between homologous chromosomes promote proper alignment and segregation of chromosomes during meiosis.

Crossover interference is a genetic phenomenon in which crossovers are non-randomly placed along chromosomes. Crossover assurance ensures that every homologous chromosome pair obtains at least one crossover during Prophase I. Crossovers physically connect homologous pairs, allowing spindle fibers to attach and separate homologs properly. However, some organisms have shown an …

Detecting Suspicious Behavior With Low-Cost Sensors, Ahren Alexander Reed

Master's Theses

A proof of concept is created that demonstrates how low-cost sensors and a simple software solution can be used to proactively detect IED placement. The main goal is to detect suspicious behavior; Specifically we derive requirements that loitering, meandering, improper location and object placement shall be detected. Current methods being used to detect Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are costly in terms of equipment and risk to life, and many are retroactive; IED detection occurs long after explosives are placed. A prototype system is explored with the quality attributes of being low-cost, proactive and using simple software methods. A wireless sensor …

A Multiple-Input Single-Output Dc-Dc Converter For The Dc House Project, Chi Kin Taffy Wong

Master's Theses

This thesis entails the design of a multiple-input single-output (MISO) dc-dc converter. The converter will be used to interface multiple power sources such as those obtained from renewable energy sources to a dc house. Results from the theoretical calculation and experimental data are presented in the report which demonstrate the functionality and performance of the proposed converter.

Development And Prototyping Of A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter For 3-Phase 480 Volt Systems, Matthew R. Norlander

Master's Theses

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) technology was first introduced in the NEC in 1971, yet four decades later the technology has not been introduced to a great extent outside of the home environment. This thesis introduces the difficulties encountered in low-voltage three phase ground fault current detection, and adopts a previously patented tripping scheme to develop and prototype a digital relay for 3-phase 480 volt systems capable of the sensitivity and speed required for personnel safety. Results demonstrate the feasibility of the concept and suggest commercial development should be pursued. The prototype is capable of mA sensitivity and reliably detects …

An Automated Test Station Design Used To Verify Aircraft Communication Protocols, Joshua Berrian

Master's Theses

Requirements verification is typically the costliest part of the systems engineering design process. In the commercial aircraft industry, as the software and hardware design evolves, it must be verified to conform to requirements. In addition, when new design releases are made, regression analysis must be performed which usually requires repeat testing. To streamline verification, a suite of automated verification tools is described in this document which can reduce the test effort. This test suite can be qualified to be used to verify systems at any DO-178B design assurance level. Some of the software tools are briefly described below.

There are …

Residual Communication And Social Deficits In Individuals With A History Of Autism Spectrum Disorders Who Achieved Optimal Outcomes, Alyssa J. Orinstein

Master's Theses

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) were once considered lifelong disorders, but a small body of research indicates children with ASDs are capable of gaining skills, such that they no longer meet diagnostic criteria for any ASD. These individuals are considered to have achieved an optimal outcome. This study examined communication and social functioning in a group of adolescents with a history of autism spectrum disorders who have achieved optimal outcomes. Thirty-two such individuals between the ages of eight and twenty-one were matched on age, sex, and nonverbal IQ to 33 individuals with high-functioning autism and 25 typically developing adolescents. The groups …

The Efficacy Of Antibiotic Residue Screening Tests For The Detection Of Natural Antimicrobials In Milk, Stacey L. O'Donnell

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Accurate Estimation Of Isoform And Gene Expression Levels From Next Generation Sequencing Data, Marius Nicolae

Master's Theses

Massively parallel transcriptome sequencing is quickly replacing microarrays as the technology of choice for performing gene expression profiling due to its wider dynamic range and digital quantitation capabilities. However, accurate estimation of expression levels from sequencing data remains challenging due to the short read length delivered by current sequencing technologies and still poorly understood protocol- and technology-specific biases.

To date, two main transcriptome sequencing protocols have been proposed in the literature. The most commonly used one, referred to as RNA-Seq, generates short (single or paired) sequencing tags from the ends of randomly generated cDNA fragments. An alternative protocol, referred to …

Differential Canopy Leaf Flushing And Site Nitrogen Status Facilitate Invasive Species Establishment In Temperate Deciduous Forest Understories, Lindsay M. Dreiss

Master's Theses

Invasion by nonnative species is considered one of the greatest threats to ecosystem structure and function worldwide. In the temperate forests of the northeastern United States invasive plant species frequently establish and colonize edge environments; however, they are not confined to these areas. In this study, I hypothesized that nonnative species presence would be greatest under those canopy tree species that allow higher understory light levels because of phenological differences in spring leafing as well as canopy transmission and site-nutrient availability in these understories. Six canopy types were used: Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), Acer saccharum (sugar maple), Quercus spp./Carya …

Bodyweight Squat Movement Changes After A High-Intensity Short-Rest Workout, David R. Hooper

Master's Theses

High intensity (≥75%1RM), short rest (≤30 seconds) workouts (HISR) have increased in popularity in recent years despite very little scientific study as well as contradicting the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) position stand. The purpose of this study was to assess the changes in movement associated with the fatigue resulting from a HISR workout. 14 males underwent a 3 dimensional analysis of 5 bodyweight squats before and after a HISR workout. Peak angle, total displacement and rate were assessed for knee flexion, trunk flexion, hip flexion, hip rotation and hip adduction. Subjects were split in to two groups: high …

Assessing Near-Field Black Carbon Variability Due To Wood Burning And Evaluating Regression Models And Isc Dispersion Modeling, Stella Tan

Master's Theses

PM_2.5 variability within the neighborhood scale has not been thoroughly studied for wood burning communities. High variability in near-field PM_2.5 concentration may lead to harmful public exposure since monitoring does not occur on that scale. This study measures near-field PM_2.5 variability by measuring black carbon (BC), a component of PM_2.5, in a 1 km² area located in Cambria, California. BC and meteorological data (when meteorological instruments were available) were measured over thirteen 12-hour intensive operation periods (IOPs) occurring over the winters of 2009 and 2010. Near-field BC variability was measured to understand the type …

Racetrack Engineered Surface Project Initial Study And Mitigated Negative Declaration, Christina M. Keller

Master's Theses

The Professional Project addressed here is an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for a project proposed by the staff of the Del Mar Fairgrounds pursuant to legal mandate by the State of California Horse Racing Board.

The “Project” subject to documentation under CEQA consisted of removal of the top seven inches of the existing dirt surface on the Del Mar Fairgrounds horse racing track and temporary storage of the material on the practice track infield; installation of a new drainage system, rock filtration system, permeable asphalt layers, and seven inches of engineered surface material; widening of the track in the northeast …