Digital Commons Network^™

Match Made In Ml: Developing Compatibility Relationships In Evidential Reasoning Approaches With Machine Learning, Ella Jolie Thomas

Master's Theses

The presented expectation maximization informed evidential reasoning model extends the ability of the evidential reasoning calculus to support decision making by integrating an adaptive model learning capability. Compatibility relationships in Evidential Reasoning models are traditionally built by human domain experts. This process is labor-intensive, especially for large and complex models. Additionally, when new data becomes available, compatibility relationships must be reconstructed. Using machine learning and the expectation maximization algorithm, it is demonstrated that compatibility relationships can be constructed that learn relationships between domain knowledge that is used to make decisions. Using drug development as a domain of application, a traditional …

Interpretable Wellness Prediction From Passive Wearable Sensor Data Using Large Language Models, Cheng-Huan Yu

Master's Theses

This thesis presents a unified framework for multi-target wellness prediction using passive wearable sensor data and large language models (LLMs). The study integrates two complementary paradigms: prompt-based regression and representation-driven classification. In the first stage, structured wearable representations derived from daily physiological signals are used to prompt LLMs to predict stress, fatigue, sleep quality, and readiness. Two input representations are evaluated: statistical summaries and hybrid inputs combining statistical summaries with raw sensor values. To improve interpretability and prediction consistency, the second stage introduces a representation-centric classification framework in which wearable signals and wellness targets are discretized into categorical levels. Multiple …

Impacts Of Physical Extremes On The Reproductive Output And Dispersal Of Stephanocystis Osmundacea, Jessica J. Franks

Master's Theses

Population replenishment is vital for species survival and depends on reproductive output and recruitment success. Many marine organisms rely on both short- and long-distance dispersal to sustain and expand their populations. Marine dispersal involves microscopic or planktonic stages that are influenced by currents, physical processes, and biological traits such as planktonic duration and sinking behavior. Depth and light gradients affect primary producer growth, impacting reproduction, especially in morphologically plastic seaweeds. This study examined how depth-related factors influence reproductive morphology, reproductive output, and dispersal of the subtidal brown seaweed Stephanocystis osmundacea in central California. Using field, lab, and computational methods, depth-driven …

The Moderating Role Of Flexible Work Styles On The Relationship Between Relational Identification And Affective Organizational Commitment, Justine Lee

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the moderating role of flexible work styles (in-person, hybrid, and remote) on the relationship between relational identification and affective organizational commitment (AOC). The study utilized an online survey to collect data from 69 respondents. The results demonstrated that although relational identification and AOC were related, this relationship was not moderated by flexible work styles. The three different work styles of in-person, hybrid, and remote work did not show differing affects for a subordinate’s relational identification and the strength of their AOC. The results emphasize that organizations can foster strong relational identification to …

The Process Of Workplace Creativity Spillover To Improving Personal Relationships, Kaushik Ram

Master's Theses

There is substantial research on how work and non-work experiences are closely intertwined, with workplace experiences often spilling over to shape individuals’ relationship dynamics. Despite this, creativity, an increasingly valued skill in the workplace, remains largely overlooked in spillover research. Drawing on broaden-and-build theory, this study examined whether creative process engagement would be positively associated with romantic relationship satisfaction, both directly and indirectly through creative self-efficacy (CSE), conceptualized as a transferable personal resource built through positive experiences. Additionally, it investigated whether supervisor praise would moderate the relationship between creative process engagement and CSE to examine the role managers have in …

A Closer Look At The Relationship Between Workplace Harassment And Negative Workplace Behavior: The Mediating Role Of Revenge Cognitions And The Moderating Role Of Fear Of Internal Threat, Keely L. Sinclair Smith

Master's Theses

The purpose of the current study was to provide a closer look at the relationship between workplace harassment and negative workplace behavior by investigating the mediating role of revenge cognitions and the moderating role of fear of internal threat, a novel construct that included both formal and informal organizational sanctions. A sample of 103 employees from a variety of occupational backgrounds participated in the study by completing an online survey. Results of the simple mediation analysis showed that workplace harassment was positively related to negative workplace behavior, and revenge cognitions fully mediated this relationship. In other words, employees who experienced …

The Moderating Effect Of Pay Satisfaction On The Relationship Between Generational Differences And The Desire For Meaningful Work, Mia J. Kottgen

Master's Theses

The modern workforce is increasingly generationally diverse, with generational cohorts such as Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z differing in their work values and attitudes. Prior research suggests that meaningful work may be experienced differently across generations and that workplace factors, such as pay satisfaction, may influence these differences. However, few studies have examined generational differences in the desire for meaningful work while also considering workplace influences. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between generational identity and the desire for meaningful work, and whether pay satisfaction moderates this relationship. A survey was administered …

Accessibility Fairness Practices In Ai Applications For People With Disabilities, Megan Gross

Master's Theses

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) improve the lives of people every day with tools like the auto-captioning of videos, improved screen-reader capabilities, and advanced mobility control through speech. However, are all groups of people benefiting from AI or are some being overlooked and left out? Although AI tools made for people with disabilities (PWDs) have improved their lives, AI for the general population generally ignores the experiences of PWDs, making them unable to interact with and benefit from technology. This research evaluates ChatGPT and Gemini in Gmail for usability fairness and analyzes how current regulations and development processes fail to …

The Relationship Between Imposter Syndrome And Organizational Citizenship Behaviors: The Moderating Role Of Gender, Sakina I. Read

Master's Theses

Prior research consistently shows that imposter syndrome is associated with a wide variety of negative psychological and work-related outcomes such as stress, burnout, and lower job satisfaction. However, other research suggests that individuals with higher levels of imposter syndrome may engage in compensatory behaviors such as increased effort and discretionary helping for impression management purposes. Additionally, research has found that women tend to report higher levels of imposter syndrome and higher engagement in organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) than men, suggesting a gender difference in both variables. The present study sought to examine the relationship between imposter syndrome and OCBs and …

Hydrus Modeling Of A Sahelian Agroforestry System: An Investigation Of Local Water Balance, Nicole A. Butler

Master's Theses

Effects of drought can devastate agricultural productivity in the West African Sahel. Climate complexities, such as lower-than-average rainfall and high winds, can lead to crop failure and low yields, thereby creating food security issues. Agriculture in the Sahel is primarily rainfed, and the rain is becoming increasingly unpredictable due to the changing climate. The method of intercropping groundnut (Arachis hypogea) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) with the shrub species Piliostigma reticulatum can combat the effects of climate change and restore degraded soil. Intercropping can increase water availability and crop yield when compared to crops grown in the absence of shrubs. …

Perceptions Of Speech-Language Therapy Among Generations Of One Mexican-American Family, Sabrina A. Macias

Master's Theses

This research is a modified replication of Salas-Provance et al. (2002) and analyzes the perceptions of speech-language therapy among one Mexican-American family. It investigates opinions about causes of speech-language disorders, for whom speech therapy can be helpful, characteristics and stereotypes about people with hearing and speech disorders, and the influence of education level on such opinions. With the assistance of three family members and two cultural informants, an online survey was developed consisting of demographic factors, Mexican folk and medical beliefs, and potential stereotypes of people with speech, language, and hearing disabilities. Twenty-three family members (response rate = 76.7%) completed …

The Great Return In Higher Education: Employee Perspectives Survey, Tonya P. Person

Master's Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed traditional workplace structures across higher education, accelerating the adoption of hybrid and remote work arrangements. In the post-pandemic period, as universities implement or refine mandatory return-to-office (RTO) policies, understanding employee perspectives remains critical for informed decision-making. The present exploratory study investigated staff experiences with hybrid work, anticipated reactions to a five-day in-office mandate, and preferences for future work models within a large public university. Data were collected from 155 university staff members through a 12-item survey assessing perceived benefits of hybrid work, expected impact of a mandatory in-office requirement, and preferred work arrangements when given a …

Health Literacy, Health Information Seeking Behavior, And Vocal Hygiene Amongst Video Game Voice Actors In The United States, Wendy Lau

Master's Theses

Video game voice actors (VGVAs) perform vocally demanding tasks to bring video game characters to life, and are at high risk for voice disorders. This exploratory study aims to characterize vocal health in VGVAs by investigating the relationships between health literacy, health information seeking behavior, and vocal hygiene practices. Thirty-one VGVAs completed an anonymous online survey. Data were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach: quantitative health literacy scores were calculated, and qualitative data underwent inductive thematic analysis in NVivo. Results show that VGVAs are highly proactive with their vocal health due to their desire for career longevity and their professional vocal …

Prepration And Characterization Of Alginate Biocomposite Films From Natural Seaweed Containing Glycerol And Silica, Bahareh Ebrahimi Mojaveri

Master's Theses

This study focuses on the development of sodium alginate, a seaweed-derived biopolymer, as a sustainable alternative to conventional food packaging films. The alginate is extracted from natural brown seaweed with a yield of 31% and is formed into alginate films by the solution casting method. This study discusses the alginate extraction and film formation techniques as well as the conditions that affect film properties. Additionally, it explores using composite formulations to enhance alginate properties through additives such as glycerol and silica. Glycerol, tested at different concentrations (15, 25, and 50 wt.%), works as a plasticizer to enhance the flexibility of …

Pick Up The Pieces: Multicultural Men’S Experiences Of Represenentation And Belonging In Higher Education, Lucion Armani Fuller

Master's Theses

To examine how multicultural students experience identity, representation, and belonging within U.S. higher education structured around monoracial classification systems, the present study interviewed six self-identified multicultural male college students. Drawing on Frantz Fanon’s concept of identity fragmentation and Critical Multiracial Theory, the study explored how institutional categorization and racialized perception shape lived experiences of identity formation and misrecognition. Using semi-structured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis informed by interpretive phenomenology, participant narratives were analyzed to understand how identity is negotiated within institutional spaces. The study has three themes. The first is experiencing imposed identity and racial misrecognition. The second is navigating …

Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Transfer Of Gsdme-Nt Pores As A Mechanism Of Inflammation Propagation, Bifeng Xiao

Master's Theses

Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes that initiate inflammatory signaling through activation of caspase-1, cytokine maturation, and cleavage of Gasdermin D (GSDMD). Cleaved GSDMD forms membrane pores that contribute to cytokine release and pyroptotic cell death. Recent evidence suggests that extracellular vesicles (EVs) may facilitate the intercellular transfer of inflammatory mediators. This study investigated whether GSDMD N-terminal fragment (GSDMD-NT) associates with EV-enriched fractions and contributes to inflammation propagation. Doxycycline-inducible HeLa cells expressing FLAG-tagged GSDMD-NT were used to generate EV-enriched fractions. Western blot analysis detected GSDMD-NT-associated material within EV fractions, while EV marker analysis supported successful enrichment of EV-associated material. Exposure of recipient …

Evaluating Fungicide Programs For Grapevine Disease Management And Fungicide Sensitivity Monitoring, Abraham Ahumada

Master's Theses

Grapevine diseases, such as powdery mildew and Botrytis bunch rot, require repeated fungicide applications to maintain fruit quality and reduce yield losses. However, fungicide performance can vary among products, application programs, disease pressure, and pathogen sensitivity. This thesis evaluated fungicide programs for control of powdery mildew in ‘Chardonnay’ grapes and assessed fungicide sensitivity of Botrytis cinerea isolates collected from California vineyards.

Powdery mildew, caused by the fungal pathogen Erysiphe necator, is a major threat to the production of Vitis vinifera grapes worldwide. Because powdery mildew management relies heavily on fungicide applications, field evaluations are needed to compare the efficacy …

Environmental Impact Of Preventative Fire-Retardant Products On Soil Chemistry, Elisabeth Kraycik

Master's Theses

Human-caused ignitions account for most wildfires in the United States, particularly along roadsides, utility corridors, and other high-risk infrastructure where fine fuels are abundant and ignition sources are concentrated. These settings are often embedded within grassland and shrubland ecosystems, where fires spread rapidly and can threaten nearby communities and assets. Preventative fire-retardant products (PFRPs) have emerged as a promising strategy for reducing ignition likelihood in these environments. Unlike traditional aerial retardants applied during active suppression, PFRPs are designed for annual, pre-season application to ignition-prone locations. Despite their growing use, the environmental consequences of repeated PFRP applications remain poorly understood, especially …

System Integration And Validation Of The Cal Poly Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics Simulator Mk. Iv, Bricen S. Rigby

Master's Theses

The Cal Poly Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics Simulator (SADS) is an ongoing project that seeks to enable the simulation and validation of sensors, actuators, and control logic related to spacecraft attitude control. The SADS platform rests atop a spher- ical air-bearing device which allows for nearly frictionless rotation in all three axes. The orientation of the platform is controlled by four reaction wheels arranged in a pyramidal configuration. Over the past few years, there have been significant updates to the reaction wheel subsystem, as well as requests for a more capable central com- puter. Therefore, a new system architecture for the …

Evaluation Of A Sleep Health Composite: Changes In Sleep Over The Menarcheal Transition Among Girls, Julianna Adornetti

Master's Theses

Sleep undergoes a shift during puberty, increasing the risk for psychological and insomnia symptoms, particularly among girls. However, little research has examined how the onset of menarche may contribute to vulnerability in sleep and psychological functioning. The Sleep Health framework provides a standardized, multidimensional way to conceptualize sleep health (RU-SATED: satisfaction, alertness, timing, efficiency, duration, and regularity). Although prior studies have provided proof-of-concept for assessing sleep health using a composite score (SHc), its measurement properties have yet to be explored. The primary aims of this longitudinal study were to (1) evaluate the factor structure of a sleep health composite, (2) …

Satisfaction With Caseworker Services And Child Outcomes For Youth In The Foster Care System, Taira Masuda

Master's Theses

Currently, there are approximately 400,000 children involved in the U.S. foster care system (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2023). Youth involved in foster care experience challenges such as trauma, disruptions to their support system, academic disruptions, and additional public system involvement (Emerson & Lovitt, 2003; Fawley-King et al., 2017; Masuda & Helm, 2024; Modrowski et al., 2023). Considering this context, it is essential to increase efforts to reduce added distress and bolster supportive contexts for youth. Caseworkers are essential service providers for youth in foster care. Caseworkers provide support to youth and families through assessing needs, connecting families …

“Being An Arab Is Like Fighting For Your Joy”: Exploring Bicultural Identity, Racialization, And Psychological Well-Being Among Us-Born Arab Americans, Hisham Nsier

Master's Theses

Bicultural identity development in Arab Americans, who must manage sometimes conflicting cultural expectations, is understudied. Even less is known about Arab Americans born in the United States (US-born AA), who are American by birth yet are alienated from society due to differences between their ‘white’ racialization and their cultural identities. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between bicultural identity, racialization, and psychological well-being at the intersection of US-born AA’s co-existing identities. Eight adult US-born AAs (Mage = 28 years, SD = 4) were recruited from professional Listservs and WhatsApp affinity groups. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed …

Articulating The Future: How The Techno-Optimist Manifesto Constructs Ai Hegemony, Christian Noel Yeomans

Master's Theses

This paper analyzes two recently published digital manifestos—the Techno-Optimist Manifesto (TOM) by Marc Andreessen and the Bitcoin Whitepaper (BW) by Satoshi Nakamoto—and how they articulate political visions for the respective rising technologies of artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency. I apply Laclau and Mouffe’s discursive articulation theory to both manifestos, analyzing how they contribute to the formation of hegemonic ideological visions among the elites of these two technological sectors. In the context of AI elites, TOM transforms an existing Silicon Valley ideology, techno-optimism, into a radical new form of accelerationism, which I coin t/opt. This shift is examined within the context …

Counting Your Chickens Before They Hatch: Understanding Anticipatory Savoring And How And Why People Approach Or Avoid The Anticipation Of Future Positive Events, Asura Louise Osborne

Master's Theses

In this study, discretion between the styles used to anticipate positive events is the focus of a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) conducted on the Index of Anticipatory Styles (IAS). The IAS is a 45-item survey used to measure types of savoring in response to future positive events. This work expands the savoring literature to examine approach- and avoidant-type anticipatory savoring. Approach-type anticipatory savoring discriminates between Enjoyment, Coping, Control, Recalled Anticipation, and Downplaying. Avoidant-type savoring parses between Avoidance of anticipation because events may not occur, Avoidance of anticipation because events may fail to live up to expectations, Jinxing, and Counterproductivity. CFA …

Growing Through Systemic Adversity: Evaluation Of Developmental Trauma Assessment Among Black And/Or Latiné Adolescents With Adhd, Victoria Grant O'Daniel

Master's Theses

Black and Latiné youth are disproportionately impacted by targeted harm and trauma exposure, which is further exacerbated by stigma, biases, and punitive actions towards youth with attention deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD). This presents an urgent public health concern, as frequent exposure to trauma across development can lead to difficulties with behavior regulation, interpersonal relationships, impulse control, emotion regulation, and attention and cognition. Developmental trauma disorder (DTD) was proposed to capture the adverse developmental outcomes experienced by youth exposed to chronic trauma; however, there is a dearth of research on how to assess DTD. Thus, the current study aimed to establish support …

Identity Conflict In Student-Athletes: Athletic And Academic Identity Salience As Predictors Of Stress, Alaina Abel

Master's Theses

The goal of the current research is to explore the dual identities of collegiate student-athletes. More specifically, it aims to examine how the salience of the two identities may impact identity conflict and stress levels. Balancing the demands of academics and athletics presents unique challenges to this population. Academically, time constraints, missed classes, pressure to maintain GPA, and mental fatigue present barriers to academic success, while athletically, rigorous training schedules, frequent travel, and the pressure to perform consistently present obstacles to excel in their sport. The constant tug and pull between balancing the responsibilities of two roles that significantly shape …

Pubertal Timing, Physical Activity, And Internalizing Symptoms In Adolescent Girls, Kirby Knapp

Master's Theses

Puberty brings marked changes in physical appearance, biological functioning, psychological well-being, and behavior, making it one of the most pivotal transitions in adolescence. Those who experience puberty earlier than their same-aged peers are at an elevated risk of psychological disorders and physical inactivity. Research shows that there are links between physical activity and psychological disorders, yet few have examined the directional relations between physical activity and internalizing symptoms or whether a certain amount of physical activity is necessary to prevent internalizing symptoms. Therefore, the current study examined (1) the directional relations between internalizing symptoms and physical activity, (2) the degree …

City Farm Slo: A Case Study Of Nonprofit Regenerative Agriculture, Carver Tunnell

Master's Theses

The focus of this thesis is to create a case study on City Farm SLO, a nonprofit based in San Luis Obispo, California, that has engaged in education and regenerative agriculture on City owned land since 2013. This case study is intended for use in undergraduate agribusiness and natural resource management courses, to encourage thoughtful discussion surrounding nonprofit and regenerative agricultural systems. The case presents the nonprofit at a time of relative success, having recently secured a lease renewal, extending stewardship 40 years into the future. However, the reliance on grants and donations threatens the security of the operation going …

Exploring Regenerative Vegetable Systems On The Central Coast Of California, Una S. O'Connell

Master's Theses

As climate change and current agricultural practices place pressure on the long term sustainability and resilience of food production systems, there is growing interest in whether existing agricultural systems can adapt to maintain productivity while improving environmental outcomes.

This study evaluated the effects of regenerative versus standard organic vegetable production systems on yield, insect communities, and weed suppression across three field trials conducted on California's Central Coast. In addition, I collected baseline soil health data for all trials. Trials 1 and 2 were carried out at the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Organic Farm using cabbage and broccoli as cash …

Discovering Differentially Correlated Sets Across Multiple Treatments, Tyler J. Stoen

Master's Theses

When comparing data sampled under several different conditions, we often want to study not only the overall treatment effect but also how treatments influence the relationships among variables. Differential Correlation Mining (DCM) is an existing method for identifying groups of variables whose average pairwise correlation differs significantly between exactly two sampling conditions. We extend this framework to the setting of three or more treatments, where the goal is to identify variable sets whose pairwise correlation structure varies across all conditions simultaneously. Our proposed method, VSAT for three or more treatments, generalizes the DCM search procedure using a multi-treatment hypothesis test …