Digital Commons Network^™

Facial Morphology As A Determinant Of Anchorage Control, Jonathan Norman Dzingle

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Agricultural Technology Adoption And Adaptation Under Climate Change: Microevidence From Niger, Berenger Djoumessi Tiague

Master's Theses

Many regions of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are experiencing fast increases in human population pressure and urbanization. By 2050, feeding a planet of 9 billion people will require an estimated 50 percent increase in agricultural production. Farmers in in the Sahel are exposed to a highly variable weather over time, and to their limited adaptive capacity, therefore often use livestock as income generator, export earnings, and as insurance against weather risk. There is an increasing demand for livestock products, which increase pressure on crop residues use on the land. In this study, I use panel socio-economic data combined with village rainfall …

Are We Out Of The Woods Yet? How Democrats And Progressives Need To Rethink Their Message Framework, Lauren E. Feuerborn

Master's Theses

The aftermath of the election revealed that the Democratic Party made critical errors and had structural issues that made executing our messaging more difficult. The Democratic Party needs to return to a set of principles that prioritizes all people and their wellbeing to win elections. What do Democrats and progressives need to fix so they can deliver better messages? To better understand the dynamics that impact the Democratic Party’s capacity to create messaging I believe one must look at the relationship between the Democratic Party as an institution and the art of political messaging. The research of this paper focuses …

The Acquisition And Analysis Of Electroencephalogram Data For The Classification Of Benign Partial Epilepsy Of Childhood With Centrotemporal Spikes, Jessica A. Scarborough

Master's Theses

In this thesis, I will expand upon each step in the process of acquiring and analyzing electroencephalogram (EEG) for the classification of benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes. Despite huge advancements in the field of health informatics—natural language processing, machine learning, predictive modeling—there are significant barriers to the access of clinical data. These barriers include information blocking, privacy policy concerns, and a lack of stakeholder support. We will see that these roadblocks are all responsible for stunting biomedical research in some way, including my own experiences in acquiring the data for the second chapter of this thesis.

This second chapter …

Do Marketing Strategies Impact Condom Sales In Uganda?, Meyhar Mohammed

Master's Theses

What attracts people to buy condoms? HIV/AIDS remain one of the biggest health dangers of the world, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. A lot of efforts have been pursued in the past two decades to drastically reduce prevalence of HIV and increase awareness about preventive mechanisms. In order to prevent relapse of success achieved so far, it is important to recognize transformation of consumer behavior due to growth in social networks, education and awareness over time. There are a lot of behavioral triggers captured by social marketing interventions in the field of public health. In an attempt to investigate the role …

Inentives And Education: Experimental Evidence From Medellin, Colombia, Theodore D. Wisinski, Alessandra Cassar

Master's Theses

This research uses an experimental design to investigate how incentive structure influences goal achievement among disadvantaged high school students in Medellin, Colombia. Of particular interest is how treatment effects influence school performance as well as how this may vary with differing key characteristics of the participants. Medellin, Colombia, like much of South America suffers from high levels of inequality in the city proper. Improving educational outcomes in impoverished neighborhoods is essential for the growth of these neighborhoods and the greater community in which they are located. The model used in this experiment is inspired by the Family Independence Initiative (FII). …

Aspirations As A Component Of Life Satisfaction: A Look At Female Microfinance Borrowers In Oaxaca, Mexico, Joseph E. Kemler

Master's Theses

This research is an extension to the Oaxaca Hope Project by B. Wydick and T.J. Lybbert. How does an individual gauge her own satisfaction with life? Previous research has noted that many domains make up overall life satisfaction, i.e. career satisfaction, family life satisfaction & social life satisfaction. A burgeoning topic in this regard is the role that aspirations play in life satisfaction. Using survey data from female microfinance borrowers in Oaxaca, Mexico this project attempts to analyze the affect previous aspirations have on life satisfaction. By creating an “aspirational window” we objectively attempt to gauge the relationship between “high” …

The Rise Of The Maquiladoras And Crimes In Mexico, Christelle K. Bamona

Master's Theses

While it is generally argued that a stronger labor market is negatively associated with crime, there exists a “consensus of doubt” around the relationship between employment and crime. This paper examines the impact of the rise of female labor participation in manufacturing on various types of crimes in Mexico from 1998 to 2012. A fixed effects specification and an instrumental variable approach with regional and time fixed effects are employed to compare the crime rates in municipalities that were heavily exposed to local factory openings to municipalities that did not receive a labor shock of the same magnitude. By introducing …

Generating Prevalence Estimates Of Sensitive Behaviors Through List Randomization: Survey Experiment Among Indian Males, Abha Indurkar

Master's Theses

Survey respondents may under-report or misreport sensitive behaviors due to social desirability bias. List randomization is an indirect way of asking questions which allows respondents to answer sensitive questions without the surveyor knowing their actual response. This has emerged as a new technique to ask sensitive questions as it reduces respondent’s discomfort while reporting sensitive behaviors. In this study, we apply list randomization to generate prevalence estimates of sensitive behaviors and perception related to homosexuality, molestation of women and notion of partner purity in the sample of young, college educated Indian males. Our findings are consistent with the literature on …

Income Shocks And The Acceptance Of Intimate Partner Violence In Indonesia, Matthew N. Krupoff

Master's Theses

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive issue affecting 1 in 3 women worldwide. Despite the negative welfare impacts, it is still seen as acceptable in some parts of the world, even amongst women. This paper examines how elastic these accepting attitudes towards IPV are to changing economic conditions. Specifically, this paper focuses on changes in intra-household resources from negative shocks to male-sourced income. The setting and context takes place in coastal communities in Indonesia, where fishing is a main source ofincome generated primarily by men. This paper uses satellite-derived fishing conditions to measure how women's attitudes towards IPV change …

Goal Effectiveness In Achieving Educational Outcomes: Experimental Evidence From 9th Graders In Medellin, Colombia, Daniel Salicath, Alessandra Cassar

Master's Theses

Does goal setting among low-income ninth graders leads to higher average goal achievements of educational outcomes? This question is explored by a field experiment motivated by the acknowledged California-based Family Independence Initiative (FII), to analyze the effectiveness of individual goal setting, incentives and self-help groups on the achievement of educational goals. By randomizing treatments and control with the cooperation of the Secretary of Education in Medellin, different classrooms were assigned to five different experimental groups that met systematically for five months. The results show that goal setting is a cost-effective method to help low-income students achieve educational outcomes. Setting a …

Reducing Vulnerability Through Reintegration: The Case Of The Syrian Refugees In Jordan., Felipe Hernan Rodriguez

Master's Theses

Abstract: The Syrian Civil War has claimed at least two hundred thousand lives, with over four million people having now fled Syria. Of those, about six hundred thousand have registered with the UNHCR in Jordan, with an estimated eighty thousand others living in Jordan’s Zaatari Camp. In view of the foregoing, this research attempts to analyze the vulnerability of Syrian Refugees living in Jordan in two very different environments: the Zaatari Camp and non-camp communities. We conduct a covariate matching analysis to compare the differences in socioeconomic conditions and well-being among the heads of Syrian households. Our results suggest that …

Gender Differences In Willingness To Compete: Experimental Evidence From Bosnia, Boris Jokic

Master's Theses

Abstract: This research examines gender differences in willingness to compete with differing incentives . The results of previous experiments show that women are significantly less competitive, even when they perform equally well as men. However, in these experiments cash was the only incentive provided. Therefore, we investigate what happens to gender differences in willingness to compete when we switch the incentive from cash to non-cash prize. Similar to Cassar, Whordofa, and Zhang (2016) who found that women become equally competitive as men when incentive is related to wellbeing of their children, we find that the gender gap in competitiveness still …

People, Land, And Profit In The South Of Market: A Critical Analysis Of The Central Soma Plan, David Woo

Master's Theses

The South of Market neighborhood in San Francisco has undergone several transformations, especially since WWII, that have largely characterized the broader relationships among local city government, private interests, and the public in San Francisco. These transformations have included deindustrialization and the restructuring of the local economy after WWII, Urban Renewal, the intensification of office uses, and the first and second technology booms. City planning and the implementation of area plans (a type of city planning development tool) have also played a significant role in facilitating these changes. By historically situating the current moment in San Francisco, this research paper seeks …

Investigation Of Absolute Photoionization Cross Sections Of Cyclic Ketones, Low Temperature Combustion Of Propargylamine By Synchrotron Photoionization Mass Spectrometry, And Computational Study Of Hypersalts, Chelsea Liliana Price

Master's Theses

The presented research was carried out at the University of San Francisco. Measurements of absolute photoionization cross sections of both cyclopentanone and cyclohexanone, as well as the Cl-initiated oxidation of propargylamine were completed through the use of a multiplexed photoionization mass spectrometer (MPMIS) located at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Advanced Light Source (ALS). Furthermore, the design of novel LiF containing hypersalts, constructed from superhalogens and superalkalis, were explored due to their enhanced ionization energies and electron affinities. All determined calculations were completed using the CBS-QB3 composite model with the Gaussian09 program.

With Language Brings Light: Narratives By Deaf Ethiopians And Their Right To Sign Language, Jackie M. Eugster

Master's Theses

The goal of this case study is to share the narratives of Deaf individuals in Ethiopia and how the Deaf community uses Deaf Community Cultural Wealth in order to explore and flourish in audist and colonized spaces. This study engaged photovoice, in a participatory action research technique that can empower and enhance the community’s sense of identity (Wang & Burris, 1997). This study considers the influence of American missionaries and how colonization of African nations has also influenced the trajectory of Deaf education in Ethiopia. Moving away from deficient thinking, DCCW attempts to reframe the Deaf experience as one that …

Better Alternatives For Youth: Peace, Education And Human Rights, Abraham Jones

Master's Theses

Many urban youth in the United States live in what are identified as high stress neighborhoods, where trauma is a normative reality within which common life themes permeate. Colloquially, the communities in these high stress areas reclaim space by naming them as hoods, barrios and ghettos. However, depending on one’s perception, these words can have a negative connotation. Even when these communities hold various forms of community cultural wealth and capital, urban narratives are often dominated by false common perceptions that associate these spaces with the violence that occurs within them. There is a need for spaces that produce counter …

Ambiguity Aversion: Adoption, Uptake, And Trends, Adam Franklin

Master's Theses

What is ambiguity aversion and what is its role as a determinant of technology adoption? This study develops and implements a novel ambiguity preference instrument in the context of an ongoing RCT pilot program in southwest Uganda promoting adoption of an improved variety of sweet potato. No correlation between ambiguity aversion and crop adoption is observed, although it is suspected that RCT treatment arms including supply- and demand-side information reduced the ambiguity of the new variety, probably overcoming any ambiguity-preference-related constraints and clouding the picture. Methodological lessons learned regarding the development and implementation of an apporopriate ambiguity preference measure point …

Predictors Of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease In Children And Adults: Findings From The Continuous National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey Nhanes 2001-2006, Lina Jaradat

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Battery Impedance Measurement Using Sinusoidal Ripple Current Emulator, Md. Kamal Hossain

Master's Theses

Battery impedance measurements are directly correlated with the internal thermal rise and lifetime of rechargeable Li-ion batteries. The ac impedance measurement is not only reflects the battery state of health, but also a crucial parameter for a charging control strategy to reduce the internal thermal rise. The battery ac impedance is achieved with a battery charger by injecting ac ripple current and measuring the ac voltage response with the sinusoidal ripple current (SRC) charging technique. The digital signal processor is used to extract the battery ac ripple content and calculate the impedance magnitude and phase angle. However, it has computational …

Schuell’S Stimulation Approach Administered Intensively For An Individual With Chronic, Severe Non-Fluent Aphasia, Shannon K. Hughes

Master's Theses

Background: Schuell’s Stimulation Approach is frequently implemented within conventional speech language therapy (SLT) for aphasia. Recent research supports the use of intensive treatment, as well as the potential for continued gains in the chronic stage of aphasia. Given the limited evidence-based treatment options for individuals with chronic, severe non-fluent aphasia, investigation was warranted.

Aims: The current study used a single subject design with multiple probes across behaviors to investigate how an individual with chronic, severe non-fluent aphasia, who had ceased to make gains in conventional SLT, would respond to administration of Schuell’s Stimulation Approach at the standard intensive dosage of …

Coverage In Connecticut Newsapapers Of The Opioid Epidemic A Content Analysis, Peter Lam

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Medical Model Organizational Structure On The Collegiate Athletic Trainer's Quality Of Life: A Case Study, Steven T. Gerhart

Master's Theses

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to gain the perspective of athletic trainers employed at a university using the medical model as its organizational infrastructure as it relates to job satisfaction, professional commitment, work-life conflict. Methods. Data from our participants were collected through semi-structured interviews as well as a demographic questionnaire. We utilized data source triangulation and peer-review to establish credibility. A general inductive process was used for analysis. Results. Three common themes emerged that affected quality of life. Role congruity addressed the participants’ awareness of their role and how they contributed within the department. Worktime control was defined …

Contextual Influences On A Coping Skills Intervention For Adolescents In Substance Use Recovery, Morica Hutchison

Master's Theses

Co-occurring disorders of substance use and mental health conditions occur in about 75% of adolescents, with depression ranked as the second most common co-occurring disorder, in 20-30% of adolescents (Hersh et al., 2014; Shrier et al., 2003). Contextual factors (i.e. parental substance use and DCF involvement) put adolescents at increased risk of substance use initiation and co-morbid depression (Clark et al., 2005; Walden et al., 2007). Results from the current literature are undetermined on how to best address co-occurring substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health diagnoses in adolescents. Researchers sought to do this in the current study through a …

Proportional Suppression Of Nmda And Ampa Mediated Synaptic Responses In Layer 2/3 Pyramids From Rat Visual Cortex By Adenosine, Justin T. Ellenberg

Master's Theses

Adenosine (ADO) is an abundant endogenous neuromodulator, with a generally suppressive effect on excitatory synaptic transmission. Previous research has shown that in different brain structures adenosine may have heterogeneous effects on the balance of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated and non-NMDA receptor-mediated currents. In hippocampal pyramids, adenosine proportionally reduced the NMDA and non-NMDA mediated excitatory currents, whereas dopaminergic neurons in rat midbrain, adenosine preferentially reduced NMDA currents. It is known that in layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons of rat visual cortex, adenosine suppresses excitatory synaptic transmission. However, it remains unknown whether adenosine has the same effect on NMDA and AMPA-mediated currents. Here we …

Exploring Role Conflict And Perceived Expectations Of Female Student-Athletes In High Performing Sports, Sofia Read

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Mediterranean Diet And Low-Fat Diet, With And Without Statin Drug Therapy, On Serum Lipids In Adults At High-Risk And With Existing Cardiovascular Disease: A Meta-Analysis, Marisa L. Creatura

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Food Security Status, Dietary Behaviors And Health Outcomes In Cambodian Americans With Depression And At High-Risk For Diabetes, Living In New England, Chelsey Hahn

Master's Theses

Background:

Refugee survivors of starvation and trauma during the Khmer Rouge rule of Cambodia suffer myriad poor health outcomes, 30 years after the genocide. Having high rates of food insecurity, depression, and the highest rate of type 2 diabetes mellitus for an Asian subgroup complicates nutritional health outcomes.

Objectives:

(1) To document household food insecurity of Cambodian Americans who were alive during the Pol Pot era, with depression and elevated diabetes risk in New England; (2) To document the dietary behaviors of Cambodian Americans; and (3) To explore preliminary associations between household food insecurity, dietary behaviors and diabetes risk …

Influence Of Multi-Scale Drivers On Stream Salamander Occupancy, Abundance, And Reproduction In An Exurban Landscape, Diana C. Macklem

Master's Theses

The number of city-dwelling humans currently exceeds half of the world’s population and is expected to increase in the future (Meyer et al. 2005; Barrett and Price 2014); however, urban development significantly alters the surrounding ecological community. Urbanization increases the amount of impervious surfaces on the landscape, fragments or destroys habitats, produces pollutants and nutrient contaminants, promotes the introduction and invasion of non-native species, increases disease transmission, and alters biotic communities (Allan 2004; Bar-Massada et al. 2014). The manifestation of urbanization in stream ecosystems is a number of consistent symptoms collectively known as urban stream syndrome (Walsh et al. 2005; …

The Manufacturing Of High School Football Recruits In The United States (U.S.): An Examination Of The High School Football Landscape As An Economic Sub-Sector, Charles Macaulay

Master's Theses

The role of interscholastic athletics within the educational setting has been questioned by critics including many scholars for the seemingly incongruence between its stated mission and actual institutional practices. There have been numerous studies that have examined high school athletic programs and primarily have focused on the academic and social benefits derived therein. Yet, sports and athletics are becoming increasingly important and popular in U.S. society and globally. The commercialization of sport and athletics is not a novelty in the U.S., but the increasing attention paid to high school athletics is a fairly recent and emerging phenomenon. In 2005, the …