Digital Commons Network^™

Workplace Posture Assessment And Biofeedback With Kinect, Matthew Crussell

Master's Theses

With the prevalence of computing, many workers today are confined to desk within an office. By sitting in these positions for long periods of time, workers are prone to develop one of many musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), such as carpal tunnel syndrome. In order to prevent MSDs in the long term, workers must employ good sitting habits. One promising method to ensure good workplace posture is through camera monitoring. To date, camera systems have been used in determining posture in a clean environment. However, an occluded and cluttered background, which is typical in an office setting, imposes a great challenge for …

Temperament In Baby Siblings Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Julia Chen

Master's Theses

Objective: Temperament may be an important early behavioral risk marker for ASD. The current study aimed to investigate temperamental differences and stability of temperament in high-risk baby siblings with and without ASD in toddlerhood and preschool-age; understand the additional benefit of measuring temperament in predicting ASD, beyond measures of ASD symptomology and severity; and understand gender differences in the relationship between temperament and ASD. Methods: High-risk baby siblings of children with ASD were evaluated at approximate ages 2 and 4. Multiple regression was used to assess the relationship between diagnostic group (ASD, non-ASD), temperament at both time points, and gender. …

Energy Harvesting From Exercise Machines: Buck-Boost Converter Design, Andrew E. Forster

Master's Theses

This report details the design and implementation of a switching DC-DC converter for use in the Energy Harvesting From Exercise Machines (EHFEM) project. It uses a four-switch, buck-boost topology to regulate the wide, 5-60 V output of an elliptical machine to 36 V, suitable as input for a microinverter to reclaim the energy for the electrical grid. Successful implementation reduces heat emissions from electrical energy originally wasted as heat, and facilitates a financial and environmental benefit from reduced net energy consumption.

Lateral Strength And Ductile Behavior Of A Mortise-Tenon Connected Timber Frame, Alexandros Kouromenos

Master's Theses

The primary goals of this project were to examine the amount of lateral force resisted by a single-bay mortise-tenon connected timber moment frame, and to introduce ductile behavior into the mortise-tenon connections by adding a steel sleeve around a traditional wood peg. This research aimed to provide proof that traditional timber frames are capable of ductile racking while reliably complying with ASCE 7-10 building code drift speci! cations, implying an increase in the ASCE 7-10 ductility factor (R) for wood frames when used as lateral force resisting elements. A secondary goal was to promote traditional heavy timber framing as a …

Revalume: Configurable Employee Evaluations In The Cloud, Terrence Zone Li

Master's Theses

The software industry has seen a shift from annual to more frequent quarterly and even weekly employee reviews. As a result, there is a high demand for employee evaluations to be less costly and less time-consuming, while providing key insights for richer interactions between employees and their employers or managers. Tech com- panies are constantly looking for methods of producing high quality evaluations to prevent costly turnover. In an industry where software engineers are in high demand, tech companies face a challenging problem. Issues with employee evaluations typi- cally include the lack of performance transparency, unhelpful feedback, lack of metrics, …

The Collisional Evolution Of Orbital Debris In Geopotential Wells And Disposal Orbits, Benjamin Polzine

Master's Theses

This thesis investigates the orbital debris evolution in the geosynchronous disposal orbit regime and within geosynchronous orbits effected by the geopotential wells. A propagator is developed for the accurate simulation of GEO specific orbits and the required perturbations are determined and described. Collisions are then simulated in the selected regimes using a low velocity breakup model derived from the NASA EVOLVE breakup model. The simulations described in this thesis consider a set of perturbations including the geopotential, solar and lunar gravity, and solar radiation pressure forces. This thesis is based on a prior paper and additionally seeks to address an …

Silent Communication Device, Christopher Wayne Schutter

Master's Theses

Oral communication has constituted as a necessary aspect of how people interact with one another, but there are always situations where this form of communication can create distractions, irritation, or even danger. Take for example, a student in a laboratory who needs to communicate effectively with a lab partner without creating a distraction to those trying to work around said student or a soldier on a battlefield who needs to relay information effectively to his or her comrades without revealing his or her position to the enemy. It becomes apparent that people need a more exclusive form of communication in …

Mixed Signals: Examining Ethnic Affirmation As A Factor In The Discrimination-Depression Relationship With Multiracial And Monoracial Minority Adolescent Girls, Linda A. Oshin

Master's Theses

Multiracial adolescents are a growing segment of our population, but not much is known about their ethnic-racial identity development. The current study examined ethnic affirmation, a dimension of ethnic-racial identity, and race socialization and their influence in the relationship between perceived group discrimination and depressive symptoms among multiracial (n = 42) and monoracial minority Black (n = 29) and Latina (n = 95) adolescents (M=15.4 years). Results showed that there were no mean differences between multiracial and monoracial adolescents in ethnic affirmation, maternal race/ethnic socialization, or depressive symptoms. Multiracial adolescents reported significantly less perceived discrimination. …

Investigating Trends In Poly-Victimization Among Cps Involved Children And Families: A Study Of Allegations, Nicole A. Melita

Master's Theses

Children involved with child protective services (CPS) face high risk for significant mental health impairment and poor outcomes, which recent work suggests can be influenced by poly-victimization, or exposure to multiple forms of victimization (Grasso, Greene, & Ford, 2013). The present chart review study was intended to examine the incidence of trends in poly-victimization, child mental health outcomes, and caregiver impairment among a sample of randomly selected families in the state of Connecticut (N=100) that were referred to CPS during a 12-month period. Allegations were examined collectively regardless of allegation disposition. An extensive survey tool was created by …

Measuring And Improving Seniors' Access To Medical Facilities, Angelika Zygo

Master's Theses

The travel behaviors of older adults often shift as they retire, begin second careers and make residence location choices geared towards aging in place. Those who rely on transit as their primary mode of transportation can face many accessibility and connectivity challenges when traveling to basic amenities due to their unique travel behaviors and declining mobility with advanced age. First chapter of this thesis focuses on a subset of these travel behaviors through a literature review then evaluates the ability of public transportation to meet the specific mobility needs of older adults (defined in three ways: as those adults >65 …

Effects Of Art In Hiv Infected Population On Body Habitus Change: A Multilevel Meta-Analysis, Nusrat Nuireen Habib

Master's Theses

Importance: Different ART treatments to HIV patients has been shown to be effective in improving a variety of disease outcomes, including CD-4 cell count improvements and viral suppressions. In addition to these improvements, investigators are also interested to evaluate the association between ART treatments and the body habitus changes of the HIV patients. It is unclear that which body habitus change outcomes are more greatly associated with what type of ART treatments and how those effects could vary depending on context and sample characteristics.

Objective: To obtain overall effect sizes for the body habitus change outcome variables (weight, body mass …

The Properties Of Particleboard Using Bagasse, Sisal And Waste Carpet, Hanchi Zhu

Master's Theses

The demand for manufactured panels for construction, furniture and other applications place strains on the forestry industry leading to deforestation. Similarly, one component of the very large waste stream from construction and renovation is post consumer carpet. The post consumer carpet waste and widely available waste biomass streams can be used to produce panels sustainably. Laboratory scale panels were produced with several ratios of bagasse and carpet to deduce a reasonable formulation to produce M-2 grade particleboard. The selected formulation was used to produce several industrial prototype panels of 18mm thickness for independent testing. Statistical analysis was performed to assess …

The Validity Of Height As A Determinant Of Takeoff Distance To Hurdle One In Ncaa Division Iii Hurdlers 2017, Phillip Wiltshire

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if the relationships between the height of a hurdler and the takeoff distance to the first hurdle for men and women as reported by Frye (2008) were valid for NCAA Division III 100 m and 110 m hurdlers. With no specific research reported to validate Frye’s data, it is unclear how the suggested takeoff distances were developed. It is also unclear whether hurdler height or another factor is the main determinant of takeoff distance for the high hurdlers. Participants in this study were three female 100 m hurdlers and four male 110 …

Araucaria In The Urban Landscape: A Novel Leaning Pattern And Evidence Of Cultivated Hybridization, Jason W. Johns

Master's Theses

Our understanding of the natural world is constantly evolving and strengthening as more observations are made and experiments are performed. For example, we understand that tree stems grow toward the light (positive phototropism; Darwin 1880, Loehle 1986, Christie et al. 2013) and against gravity (negative gravitropism; Knight 1806, Hashiguchi et al. 2013). We also know that plants respond to mechanical stimulus and perturbation (thigmotropism; Braam 2005). Genes and their resulting proteins have been described to uncover some of the mechanisms for these environmental responses, but relatively speaking, we have just scratched the surface (Wyatt et al. 2013). While the discovery …

Diet Induced Obesity Alters Muscle Spindle Afferent Function In Adult Mice, Lubayna Elahi

Master's Theses

Individuals with obesity are more likely to fall and exhibit balance instability. The reason for this is likely multifactorial, but there is some evidence that sensory function is impaired during obesity. We tested the hypothesis that muscle proprioceptor function is compromised in a mouse model of diet induced obesity. We used an in vitro muscle-nerve preparation to record muscle spindle afferent responses to physiological stretch and sinusoidal vibration. We compared the responses of mice on a control diet (10% kcal fat) with those eating a high fat diet (60% kcal fat) alone or in combination with either aspirin (120mg/kg/day in …

The Role Of Phage Trnas In The Evolution Of Codon Usage Biases In Giant Pseudomonas Phage Phikz And El, Stephanie Steidel

Master's Theses

As the most abundant and diverse biological agents in the biosphere phage have significant roles in microbial ecology, acting both as lethal bacterial parasites and vehicles of horizontal gene transfer. Phage/host coevolution drives optimization of phage codon usage for use of host translational machinery, thus lowered correspondence between phage and host codon usage reduces viral fitness. Some phage may partially bypass host translational selection on their codon usage by encoding their own tRNAs, although the effects of these tRNAs on phage codon usage and translation has not been well examined. This work explores the influence of phage encoded tRNAs on …

A Comparative Analysis Of Access To Reproductive Health Care In Laos And Southeast Asia, Malakhone Sonethavong

Master's Theses

This thesis research aims to unravel main barriers that prevent women from being able to access reproductive health care in Laos in comparison with other two Southeast Asia countries which are Thailand and Vietnam. The comparison of Laos, Thailand and Vietnam will be explored through an analysis of a literature review. This research explores the critical issues and on finding a mutual understanding between the role of the policy makers and the implementers of policies. At the end of the research, some recommendations on health care system improvement and personal perspective towards the rights of women on reproductive health and …

Depressive Symptoms, Neuropsychological Functioning, And Self-Management In Youth With Spina Bifida: Direct, Mediating, And Reciprocal Pathways, Alexa Stern

Master's Theses

Although successful self-management of health care responsibilities is critical to meeting the developmental demands associated with the transition to adulthood in youth with spina bifida (SB), research on individual factors impacting self-management in this population is sparse. Given the increased risk for cognitive deficits and development of depressive symptoms in this population, this study utilized a longitudinal, multi-method, multi-informant design to examine two pathways through which depressive symptoms and neuropsychological dysfunction may be associated with medical autonomy and adherence in youth with SB.

Bootstrapped mediation analyses revealed that teacher-reported depressive symptoms significantly mediated the respective relationships between attention and working …

West Indian Manatee (Trichechus Manatus) Habitat Characterization Using Side-Scan Sonar, Mindy J. Mclarty

Master's Theses

In this study, the reliability of low cost side-scan sonar to accurately identify soft substrates such as grass and mud was tested. Benthic substrates can be hard to classify from the surface, necessitating an alternative survey approach. A total area of 11.5 km² was surveyed with the sonar in a large, brackish mangrove lagoon system. Individual points were ground-truthed for comparison with the sonar recordings to provide a measure of accuracy. Five substrate types were identified: Dense seagrass, sparse seagrass, mangrove soil, mangrove soil with rock, and silt. A zoned benthic substrate map was created from the sonar recordings. …

Absent Generation: A Study On The Lack Of Participation Of The Leaders In Social Networks, Herbert Cleber Cadeira

Master's Theses

Purpose

This present action-research analyses the absence of participation of youth leaders from the Brazilian East Union (ULB) in social networks and propose an action plan to promote the participation of these leaders in social networks, in order to facilitate communication, strengthen bonds, and to make stronger ties with the new generations.

Method

During the action-research process, dialogs and seminars were developed with the participation of thirty (30) youth leaders of the ULB. The instrument used for data collection was a semi-structured interview and applied the content analysis technique. The theorical references that support the actions and analyses relied on …

The Water System Of Tall Jalul, Bruno Alves Barros

Master's Theses

The Problem

Components of the water system of Tall Jalul have been discovered since 2009 in Fields G and W. Although articles and reports have been written, no comprehensive study has been conducted. Therefore, this thesis will present and discuss the water system of Jalul from 2009 to 2016 and look for comparisons with similar Iron Age structures in the Ancient Near East.

The Method

For this project, the ruins from Fields G and W were analyzed. First, selected water systems in Palestine were introduced, followed by a review of preliminary reports and personal observations on the site of Tall …

The Relationship Of Law And Grace In The Hermeneutics Of New Covenant Theology, Carlos J. Cruz Pacheco

Master's Theses

Problem

This thesis evaluates the offer by New Covenant Theology of an interpretation of salvation history that stands in criticism of interpretations offered by Covenant Theology and Dispensationalism. Does New Covenant Theology demonstrate a distinctive view of the law-grace relationship that brings new perspectives on important theological and hermeneutical issues such as the relationship between the Old and New Testaments, and the Sabbath. Are New Covenant theologians correct in their claim that their system presents the best interpretation of salvation history, and of the law-grace relationship?

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate New Covenant Theology’s hermeneutics by …

Lideranca Servidora: Um Estudo De Saude Organizacional, Dos Estilos E Praticas Da Lideranca E Da Satisfacao Do Trabalho Segundo A Percepcao Do Ministerio Pastoral Da Associacao Mineira Sul Da Igreja Adventista Do Setimo Dia, Luis Gustavo Cava Sa

Master's Theses

Problem

Considering that Southern Minas Conference (AMS) growth rate is lower than other fields within the Brazilian Southeast Union (USEB) an investigation was conducted regarding the organizational health, the practices and styles of leadership, as well as the job satisfaction level among AMS pastors.

Method

The study was conducted among 46 pastors who represent three levels of leadership: Top Leadership, Management and Work Force as established by the research instrument Organizational Leadership Assessment (OLA) that analyses the perception of the participants regarding six key areas of leadership, six levels of organizational health, and job satisfaction level of the Work Force, …

The Study Of The Development Of Negation In Bilingual Spanish/English And Monolingual English Speakers, Isabel Cristina Verduzco

Master's Theses

Problem

Negation is one of the first concepts learned early during childhood and one of the most important ones for communication. Current studies focus on how negation is developed universally in each specific language and how it is governed by patterns of acquisition, however, there are factors that may affect this process. How does learning two languages simultaneously affect the normal development of negation? Analyzing how the exposure to two different languages affects the normal development of negation is important for understanding how bilingualism influences normal language development. This study is also important for the analysis of speech and language …

A Comparison Of Vocal Health, Hygiene, And Perceptions In Student Teachers, Voice Music Majors, And Speech-Language Pathology Majors: A Preliminary Study, Kenreah Lavaughn Brown

Master's Theses

Problem

There are many college/university students studying to become teachers, professional singers, and speech-language pathologists. Yet, despite research available on the risk of developing voice disorders in these areas of study, very little was found on such individuals while in the college setting. This is particularly true for speech-language pathologists who have limited research available overall.

Method

Nineteen students between the ages of 18- 43 years old, completed pre-and-post-testing of the Glottal Function Index (GFI), Voice Hygiene Questionnaire (VHQ), and the objective measures (maximum phonational frequency range, sustained phonation, jitter, and shimmer).

Results

The chi-square of independence results showed that …

Study Of The Ability To Detect Humor In Visual Images By 2-5 Year Olds, Sonovia Latoya Mcfall

Master's Theses

Problem

Understanding the impact that humor can have as a form of therapy has been studied mostly in relation to mental and spiritual healing. As a result, little focus has been given to understanding the types of humor and how one’s understanding of and appreciation for types of humor develop over time. Gaining an understanding of humor development is important due to discoveries that the use of humor is a great intervention tool when working with children. Nevertheless, the use of pictures (with humor) is often used within speech therapy sessions, but seldom used correctly due to the lack of …

Theory Of Mind And Negation, Jasmine Buckins

Master's Theses

Problem

There is an extensive amount of research on theory of mind, which is the ability to attribute mental states (e.g., beliefs, intents, desires, knowledge, etc.) to oneself and others and to comprehend that others have beliefs, desires, intentions and perspectives that may be different from one’s own. Some researchers have investigated the potential prerequisites or developmental milestones that may be required in order for a theory of mind to be developed in young children. Some researchers have concluded that certain factors play a role in theory of mind development. These factors include environmental, cognitive and linguistic components. However, in …

Phenomenological Study Of Adult Lived Experiences After The Loss Of A Parent And Its Effects On The Perception Of Those Adults, Victor Khaula

Master's Theses

Some things are never truly understood in life until you have the personal experience of living through them. This qualitative research was aimed at understanding the adult-lived experience after parental loss and how living through such an experience led those adults to change their perception about bereavement. The major question was “Why did the death of my mother communicate things to me that I never understood when I ministered to those who had lost their parents?” Experiencing the death of my mother was studied in relation to the lived experiences of three other Seventh-day Adventist adults from my university who …

The Art Of The Resistance: Participation In The Slipstream And Acts Of Resistance In A Culinary Re-Entry Program, Anna R. Wilcoxson

Master's Theses

Social policies since 1996 require that low income people participate in job training programs in order to receive social benefits under the “New Welfare State.” Many scholars have argued that job training programs aim to produce docile workers, who carry out only highly routinized work where little discretion is needed. Through ethnographic observation and interviews, I identify three means by which trainees manage the dual expectations of docility and the creativity demanded in a kitchen setting. First, they operate in a routine fashion, as if in a slipstream; second, they bank confidence by disregarding rules because of skill or favor …

Undergraduates' Understanding Of Sexual Consent, Melissa Ann Kinsella

Master's Theses

In 2014, the White House launched its public awareness campaign, It's On Us, to end sexual assault on college campuses. A large portion of the initiative implemented on college campuses has been dedicated to the issue of sexual consent. However, as past research has illustrated, consent is a complex issue (Beres, Herold, and Maitland 2004; Beres 2007; Humphreys 2007; Jozkowski and Peterson 2013; and Jozkowski, Peterson, Sanders, Dennis, and Reece 2014). It is one that nonetheless can and should be studied. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with self-selected sexually active undergraduate students were conducted in an attempt to untangle how students are …