Digital Commons Network^™

Word And Concept Learning In Poor Comprehenders, Kayleigh Ryherd

Master's Theses

The current study aimed to examine how word and concept learning is related to comprehension ability beyond decoding skill. The study considered nonverbal concept construction and verbal label mapping in explicit and implicit paradigms to determine which aspects of concept learning were easiest for individuals with low comprehension skill. A sample of 28 undergraduate student participants completed two sets of word and concept learning, where they learned categories of novel items grouped on one nonverbal and one verbal feature. After learning, they were asked to indicate which items belonged to the same category. Accuracy, reaction time, and eye movements were …

Silicon Revolution: Sustainability Disclosures And Performance In The Semiconductor Manufacturing Industry (2010-2014), Swarali Bhat

Master's Theses

This exploratory work investigates the sustainability performance and reporting practices in 20 semiconductor companies from 2010-2014 using content analysis, survey, and interview methods. The sample consists of companies that are either integrated chip manufacturers (ICMs) or semiconductor foundries with annual net revenue of $0.2 billion to $55.9 billion. A sustainability matrix based on the Global Reporting Initiative guidelines assesses the reporting completeness. Sustainability performance is measured based on two factors, identification of trends in social and environmental data and adoption of 28 sustainability best practices specific to this manufacturing sector. The majority of the resource use and emissions data followed …

Design And Analysis Of The Impact Diffusion Helmet Through A Finite Element Analysis Approach, Steven Paul Warnert

Master's Theses

By applying the finite element approach to the design and analysis of the impact diffusion helmet, many helmet configurations were able to be analyzed. Initially it was important to determine what design variables had an influence on the impact reducing abilities of the helmet design. The helmet was run through a series of Abaqus simulations that determined that a design with two oval shaped channels running along the length of the helmet was best. Next, these options were optimized to generate the helmet that produced the greatest impact reduction. The optimization simulations determined that a helmet that pushed the channels …

Mindfulness Modulated Attention With Neurofeedback In Multiple Object Tracking, Jennifer M. Brennan

Master's Theses

Attention determines what we selectively perceive out of all available stimuli. The multiple-object tracking paradigm is a way of examining divided attention for object tracking in a complex visual scene. Mindfulness is a broad term for a set of diverse and specific methods for distinct attentional engagement and is one technique for increasing visual attentional ability and decreasing distractibility. Neurofeedback can be a way of enhancing mindfulness training for novice participants. This study examined the relationship between attention and mindfulness with neurofeedback through performance on a multiple-object tracking task and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. We examined the effectiveness of …

Psychopathology And Creativity Among Creative And Non-Creative Professions, Victor Kwan

Master's Theses

The mad genius debate has been a topic that has been discussed in both popular culture and academic discourse. The current study sought to replicate previous findings that linked psychopathology to creativity. A total of 165 biographies of eminent professionals (artists, scientists, athletes) were rated on 19 mental disorders using a three point scale of not present (0), probable (1), and present (2) for potential symptoms. Athletes served as an eminent but not creative comparison group in order to discern whether fame, independent of creativity, was associated with psychopathology. Comparison of proportion analyses were conducted to identify differences of proportion …

Achieving Higher Academic Performance: Access At The Intersections Of Culturally Diverse Populations In Higher Education On-Campus Communities, Koryn Calee Dillard

Master's Theses

San José State University students living in the residence halls were sent a questionnaire via Google Docs. Students were requested to complete the questions about their experiences and knowledge of the campus community. This study focuses on feelings of acceptance, expression, resources, living circumstances, and behaviors of the racially/ethnically diverse students living on campus that urges them to success in the field of higher education. A total of 66 students living on campus completed the survey. The findings indicated that the on-campus Latina/Latino/Hispanic American students struggled more with their academics and had a significantly lower grade point averages than their …

Cux2-Positive Radial Glial Cells Generate Diverse Subtypes Of Neocortical Projection Neurons And Macroglia, Ton Dan Nguyen

Master's Theses

The mammalian neocortex is 6-layered structure that develops in an “inside-out” manner, with cells of the deep layers (Layers 5-6) born first. Cells of the superficial outer layers (Layers 2-4) are generated subsequently and must migrate past older born cells to their final laminar position. Pioneering transplant studies suggested a progressive lineage restriction model, which posits that early neural stem cells (or radial glial cells, RGCs) are multipotent and sequentially generate different types of cortical neurons based on birthdate. Recently published work from Franco et al. (2012) argues against this paradigm, and proposes the existence of a subclass of neural …

Living Between Borders: Transnational Marriage And Us Resettlement Patterns In Sudanese Refugee Populations, Deirdre Patterson

Master's Theses

Many South Sudanese refugees who have resettled in the USA have actively sought to maintain their unique cultural identity while simultaneously working to integrate into American society through the pursuit of formal higher education and successful careers. One of the most interesting developments within this population is the establishment and maintenance of transna- tional families. The process for marriage is economically tiresome and, due to strict immigration policies, often compels family members to live transnational lives. Systems of transnational mar- riage—often arranged by families—and married life allow Sudanese refugees living in the USA to continue important cultural practices, speak their …

The Shojo Within The Work Of Aida Makoto: Japanese Identity Since The 1980s, Laurel Rose Hartman

Master's Theses

The work of Japanese contemporary artist Aida Makoto (1965-) has been shown internationally in major art institutions, yet there is little English-language art historical scholarship on him. While a contemporary of internationally-acclaimed Japanese artists Murakami Takashi and Nara Yoshitomo, Aida has neither gained their level of international recognition or respect. To date, Aida’s work has been consistently labeled as otaku or subcultural art, and this label fosters exotic and juvenile notions about the artist’s heavy engagement with Japanese animation, film and manga (Japanese comic book) culture. In addition to this critical devaluation, Aida’s explicit and deliberately shocking compositions seemingly serve …

Wilderness State Park Volunteers: A Qualitative Case Study Of Meaning And Sustainability, Christina A. Peterson

Master's Theses

In an increasingly urbanized world, parks, open space and wilderness areas are vitally important to human well-being. California State Parks provide people with the ability to connect with nature and engage in outdoor recreation. Moreover, these parks protect natural and cultural resources and preserve biodiversity. California State Parks are underfunded and rely on volunteers to support essential park services. The Wilderness State Park Uniformed Volunteer Program provides essential recreation, resource protection, and biodiversity services. In order to determine the elements of the volunteering experience that contribute to a strong sense of volunteer identity and meaning, a qualitative case study was …

Localization And Investigation Of Secondary Metabolite Producing Styela Clava-Associated Streptomyces Bacteria, James Demayo

Master's Theses

Natural products and natural product derivatives comprise some of the most successful drugs to date. Many natural products derive from the secondary metabolite profiles of high GC content actinomycete bacteria of the genus Streptomyces, which are sometimes associated with eukaryotic hosts. Identification of biosynthetic gene sequences for natural product secondary metabolites in Streptomyces can assist in isolation of the identified natural product. Moreover, the biosynthetic pathways of drug-like secondary metabolites derived from Streptomyces bacteria often provide insight into the available metabolites that can be produced. As a result, identification of bacteria capable of producing antibacterial products, including Streptomyces, …

The Influence Of Resting Blood Pressure On Muscle Strength In Healthy Adults, Adam R. Blanchard

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

A Replication-Inducible Recombinant Vaccinia Virus System To Conditionally Transcribe The Entire Human Rhinovirus C Genome, Zhixin Jing

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Impact Of Breastfeeding Cessation On The Reported Incidence Of Diarrhea In Infants Between The Ages Of 7 To 12 Months: A Secondary Data Analysis, Ana Francisca Diallo

Master's Theses

Background: Diarrheal diseases remain a major cause of childhood morbidity in the United States. Optimal breastfeeding has been identified as one of the most effective measure to prevent diarrheal diseases in childhood.

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of breastfeeding duration during the first 6 months on the incidence of diarrhea in infants between 7 and 12 months in the United States.

Method: A secondary data analysis was performed using mothers and infants participating in the Infant Feeding Practices Study II (2005-2007).

Results: Compared to those who breastfed for 6 months or more, infants who discontinued breastfeeding between 0 …

Identifying Association Between Pedestrian Safety Interventions And Street Crossing Behavior Considering Demographics And Traffic Context, Franklin J. Caraballo

Master's Theses

Pedestrian fatalities are becoming a larger percentage of overall fatalities in the United States, therefore pedestrian safety research is essential for understanding and improving pedestrian safety. Pedestrian safety interventions are often used to educate and consequently improve pedestrian behavior. This study used pedestrian safety interventions to assess their effect on the respondents’ stated crossing behavior. Also, specific demographic data was used in this study to identify behavioral trends regarding street crossing behavior. The results show that pedestrian safety interventions are significantly associated with changes in pedestrian crossing behavior. The effect of the interventions was predominantly positive, since the respondents’ behavior …

Influence Of Seasonal N Fertilization, Plant Growth Regulators, And Fungicide Application Timing On Anthracnose Severity Of Annual Bluegrass Putting Greens, Xuan Chen

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Eye Tracking Food Cues In Subjects Who Are Overweight/Obese, Weight Loss Maintainers, And Normal Weight, Carrie A. Petro

Master's Theses

Adult obesity is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Increasing success in weight loss maintenance will decrease the prevalence of overweight and obesity, and therefore help control the adverse health effects of excess weight. Much is known about the behavioral characteristics of successful long-term weight loss maintenance, but less is known about the cognitive processes behind weight loss maintenance. The purposes of this study were to (1) identify differences in visual attention to high-energy dense foods between individuals who are normal weight, weight loss maintainers, and overweight/obese in a high-risk (food-buffet) situation; (2) to evaluate differences in food choices from …

A Comparison Of Solvent And Water-Borne Alkyd Coatings And The History Of Voc Regulations In The United States, Molly Elise Burns

Master's Theses

A Comparison of Solvent and Water-Borne Alkyd Coatings Abstract

Conventional solvent based alkyd coatings have gone out of favor due to concerns over volatile organic compound (VOC) content. However, due to recent focus on renewable raw materials, alkyds are making a comeback in waterborne form. Water based alkyd coatings are known to have poor shelf stability and corrosion resistance, as well as other problems during the formulation process. This project focused on comparing solvent borne to two types of water-borne alkyds, water reducible alkyds and alkyds emulsions. The purpose was to understand the differences between the three types of alkyds …

A 3-D Multiplex Paper-Microfluidic Platform, Mitchell Patrick Young

Master's Theses

3-D paper-based microfluidic devices (micoPADs) are small and portable devices made out of paper that offer a promising platform for diagnostic applications outside of a laboratory. These devices are easy to use, low cost, require no power source, and capable of detecting multiple targets simultaneously. The work in this thesis demonstrated the ability of a 3-D paper-microfluidic platform to simultaneously detect 5 targets. Rubber cord stock was used in conjunction with an acrylic housing unit to apply pressure along the edge of the channel. The indirect pressure application was successful in promoting vertical fluid flow between layers. Average channel development …

Cyberbullying Among Young Adults: Effects On Mental And Physical Health, Brett M. Goshe

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Gender In 17th Century Southern New England, Megan K. Willison

Master's Theses

This thesis, written in the form of two broadly related articles, aims to address questions related to topics of gender, identity, cultural change and continuity, and the materiality of social institutions. Each article investigates how artifacts, as physical objects unintentionally or purposefully discarded, represent and reflect human behavior, societal ideologies, and cultural infrastructures. Using primary sources, archaeological evidence, and linguistic data, each article proposes that certain artifact classes are representative of larger societal ideals and cultural mores, such as gender systems and ways of defining one's gender identity. The first article studies these topics through the analysis of funerary remains …

Examining Altered Neural Activation In Patients With Patellar Tendinopathy: A Preliminary Study, Steven Davi

Master's Theses

ABSTRACT

Examining altered neural activation in patients with patellar tendinopathy: a preliminary study

Davi SM, Lepley LK, Lepley AS, Denegar CR, Aerni G, DiStefano LJ: Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT.

CONTEXT: Patellar tendinopathy (PT) is a common injury that can affect 15-45% of all athletes, with nearly 50% of these athletes reporting no longer being able participate in sport due to the severity of the injury. One of the consequences of PT leading to physical inactivity is muscular weakness, particularly in the quadriceps, which may be attributed to arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI). OBJECTIVE: To …

Preventive Health Care Among Immigrant Sudanese Women In The Greater Hartford Area Of Connecticut, Fawatih Y. Mohamed-Abouh

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Association Of The Dietary Inflammatory Index With Metabolic Syndrome In The National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2006), Genevieve C. Caron

Master's Theses

Metabolic syndrome currently affects one third of adults in the U.S. and has been associated with a variety of chronic diseases that pose a burden to the nation. ^1,2 In the nationally representative NHANES dataset (2001-2006), dietary inflammatory index scores were found to significantly predict metabolic syndrome outcome among individuals above the age of 50 (OR=1.088; 95% CI=1.014-1.167; p=0.0184). Individuals older than 50 years of age who consume diets very high inflammatory properties were found to be 2.14 times more likely to have metabolic syndrome than those who consume a diet with very low inflammatory properties. This study supports the …

Characterizing Headwater Stream Hydrology And Nitrogen Export During Storms Across A Gradient Of Watershed Development, Jason Sauer

Master's Theses

Nitrogen (N) is a critical element for aquatic ecosystem function that can degrade water quality and cause eutrophication if in excess of natural levels. Anthropogenic nonpoint sources contribute more than 90% of total N added to major watersheds in the U.S, in excess of natural levels, and they are increasing with land development. Storms mobilize N from anthropogenic sources and generate periods of high N export to aquatic ecosystems. In this thesis, I explore how a gradient of watershed development affects the volume-weighted load, composition, and timing of N exported from first-order streams in New England during storms. I find …

Overtime Work Hours, Health Behaviors And Health Outcomes For Correctional Officers: An Examination Of Moderated Effects, Diana C. Tubbs

Master's Theses

Most of the existing research on corrections officers (COs) has focused on stress and burnout as well as the organizational factors that contribute to these outcomes. Recent studies have also revealed that COs are more likely to be obese and hypertensive than the general population. Studies not specific to corrections provide evidence that overtime hours are associated with poor employee health, and the present study aimed to address this general lack of research on the potential health impacts of overtime hours for COs. More specifically, this study investigated whether the effect of healthy behaviors on health and wellness outcomes changed, …

Childhood Obesity Prevention In Income-Disadvantaged Populations: An Evaluation Of Two Novel Approaches, Kayla L. Vosburgh

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Chemosensory Function In Chronic Smokers: Findings From Nhanes 2011-2014 And An E-Cigarette Intervention, Sarah-Grace Glennon

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Self Relevance Of Stigma: The Impact Of Weight Stigma On Normal Weight Women's Health Cognitions, Paige Martinez

Master's Theses

Previous research has demonstrated that weight stigma is associated with negative health outcomes among women who are overweight; this effect has been shown in both experimental and longitudinal studies. However, normal weight women do not tend to experience negative health impacts from exposure to weight stigma. This study attempted to manipulate the self-relevance of weight stigma among 150 normal weight women, in order to test whether self-relevance of stigma has an impact on health cognitions. Limited support for this framework was found.

Perceived Self-Efficacy And Financial Incentives: Factors Affecting Health Behavior And Body Weight In Individuals With Overweight And Obesity, Julia Ann Simon

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.