Digital Commons Network^™

Perceived Stigma As A Function Of Social Influence, Anne Thompson

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Utilization Of An Anti-Nnk Recombinant Antibody To Reduce The Harm Associated With Smokeless Tobacco, Heather L. Wanczyk

Master's Theses

Tobacco products, both combustible and smokeless, contain abundant amounts of toxic chemicals and carcinogens capable of causing extensive damage to the body. Tobacco specific nitrosamines, including 4-(methylnitrosoamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and N’-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), are among the most potent of these carcinogens and are capable of eliciting cellular transformations within the body after bioactivation by cytochrome P450 enzymes. In order to reduce the harm associated with smokeless tobacco, a recombinant anti-NNK antibody has been constructed from a hybridoma secreting a mouse monoclonal antibody specific for NNK.

In work performed previously, hybridomas were created by constructing a structurally-related benzoyl derivative …

The Role Of Self-Efficacy In Increasing Food Security Among Participants Of A New Food Pantry Model In Hartford, Ct, Angela G. Colantonio

Master's Theses

Background: Food insecurity is defined as not having the resources to obtain enough safe, nutritionally adequate food in socially acceptable ways to support an active, healthy life. A new approach to emergency food assistance is needed, and researchers have encouraged the exploration of empowerment, self-efficacy, and goal setting as a means of better understanding and preventing food insecurity. Objective: The study aim is to examine the association between food insecurity and self-efficacy, and evaluate the ability of a new food pantry model (Freshplace) to increase the food security and self-efficacy of members. Methods: A randomized control trial comparing Freshplace to …

Undefined & Indefinable: Androgynous Imagery In The Work Of Hannah Höch, Michelle D. Sizemore

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Nmr Assignments And Structure Of The I-Domain From The Bacteriophage P22 Coat Protein, Alessandro A. Rizzo

Master's Theses

The P22 coat protein has the HK97 fold at its core, but also has an additional domain on the surface of the capsid. Two recent cryo-EM structures at ~8 Å and ~4 Å resolution show different folds for this domain. The structure and function of this domain has been debated in the literature.

NMR spectroscopy was used to determine a high-resolution structure of this domain. Here, the domain is called the ‘insertion’ domain (I-domain). The structure is a six-stranded β-barrel with a small helix and belongs to a reductase/isomerase/elongation factor folding family.

Compared to the previous cryo-EM reconstructions, the NMR …

Dynamics Of The P22 Bacteriophage I-Domain By 15n Nmr Relaxation And Native-State Hydrogen Exchange, Latasha Cr Fraser

Master's Theses

The bacteriophage P22 I-domain structure contains a 6-stranded b-barrel folding motif, a 3-stranded b-sheet, and a small a-helical region. This study describes the dynamics of the I-domain determined by ¹⁵N NMR relaxation and native-state hydrogen exchange experiments. Relaxation data suggests that the I-domain is experiencing the majority of its motion on the ps-ns timescale. S² order parameters show two loop regions, which are poorly defined in the NMR structure, are the most flexible regions. The thermodynamic stability of the I-domain to unfolding, as a function of denaturant, has been studied with circular dichroism (CD) and native-state hydrogen exchange …

Teacher-Efficacy For Using Hots Pedagogy In The Classroom, Lindsey K. Le

Master's Theses

When considering the educational context and expectations of our teachers today, an evaluation of teacher-efficacy in promoting higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) in the classroom is more important than ever. Promoting these skills as illustrated in Anderson and Krathwohl’s (2001) taxonomy of educational objectives, through pedagogical techniques, provides an opportunity for students to develop metacognitive skills for learning. The literature (Thomas & Walker, 1997) stresses that the confidence that teachers have in actually promoting these skills (also known as teacher-efficacy (Bandura, 1986)), is important to bridging the gap between pedagogy and development of student thinking skills. The aim of the study …

Analysis Of Bimetallic Adhesion And Interfacial Toughness Of Kinetic Metallization Coatings, Alec D. Guraydin

Master's Theses

Due to their ability to confer enhanced surface properties without compromising the properties of the substrate, coatings have become ubiquitous in heavy industrial applications for corrosion, wear, and thermal protection, among others. Kinetic Metallization (KM), a solid-state impact consolidation and coating process, is well-suited for depositing industrial coatings due to its versatility, low substrate heat input, and low cost. The ability of KM coatings to adhere to the substrate is determined by the quality of the interface. The purpose of this study is to develop a model to predict the interfacial quality of KM coatings using known coating and substrate …

Resistance Training Behaviors In College-Aged Women 2013, Melanie Kornblatt

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of women’s training behavior in the weight room. A secondary purpose was to determine what their beliefs and perceptions were in regards to lifting weights. Participants were college-aged females ranging in age from 17-29 years. Observations of weight lifting activities were conducted during peak hours of operation (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3- 6pm) in the fitness facility. A total of 60 hours of observations were conducted over a period of four weeks. In addition to observations, two focus groups were conducted. Participants were divided into two specific groups: I …

The Influence Of Guided Drawing Curriculum On Drawing Development In Children, Alison Paige Myers

Master's Theses

This paper presents a case study of three first grade visual art classes over the course of one school year. In order to gauge the effectiveness and degree to which a visual art curriculum that embeds guided drawing experiences will accelerate the natural developmental stages of drawing, all classes engaged in various guided drawing experiences as well as three independent self-portrait drawing experiences. The study also examined the opinions of art educators regarding the effectiveness of such instruction. The study showed that although guided drawing can be an influential factor in children’s artistic development, there is not a causal relationship …

Thinking Through The Box: The Art Teacher's Role In Setting Ideationally Generative Assignment Parameters, And Expanding Students' Problem-Finding Strategies, Brad James Conklin

Master's Theses

This thesis explores the nature of generative parameters, and their present – as well as their much greater potential – function in visual art assignments. An effort of thoughtful self-study, it examines important questions that were revealed during the teaching of a fifth grade art unit. Collaboration and chance were used in that unit as productive constraints. Bringing together insights gathered from a number of sources and my own classroom action research, a theory of teaching for creative behavior is offered with suggestions for good practices in the art room. Promoting creative thinking in the art classroom does not require …

Brave Hearts And Minds: The Devolution Revolution And The (Re)Building Of The Scottish Nation, Cody Lynn Neidert

Master's Theses

In 1995, the myth-history presented in Mel Gibson’s award winning film, Braveheart, sparked the fires of nationalism in Scotland, leading to the nation’s partial autonomy. Braveheart’s influence on politics, historical memory and cultural identity are undeniable, yet few historians give the film the credit it rightly deserves. This demonstrates that, while it may not have single handily led to Scotland’s devolution in 1999, Braveheart did play a major role in the lead up to the 1997 devolution referendum. The film infused Scotland’s society, culture, and politics with nationalistic pride. Utilizing James DeFronzo’s five critical factors for revolutionary success as a …

The Role Of Hardiness, Family Hardiness, And Parenting Self-Efficacy On Parenting Stress In Adoptive Parents, Erica Danielle Raisanen

Master's Theses

Adoptive parents are at risk for experiencing a high level of parenting stress (McGlone, Santos, Kazama, Fong, & Mueller, 2002) throughout the duration of the adoption experience. Adoptee background factors have been found to contribute to increased levels of parenting stress and distress in adoptive parents (Brooks, Simmel, Wind, & Barth, 2005; McDonald, Lieberman, Partridge, & Homby, 1991; McGlone et al., 2002). Increased parenting stress has been associated with negative outcomes for both parent and child (Ang, 2008; Deater-Deckard, Smith, & Ivy 2005; Morgan, Robinsion, & Aldridge, 2002). Hardiness, family hardiness and parental self-efficacy are protective factors that have all …

Growth And Carboxysome Composition Of The Csosia Pore Mutants Of Halothiobacillus Neapolitanus, Jenifer Milam

Master's Theses

Carboxysomes are specialized organelles that are filled with ribulose 1,5- bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO) needed for CO2 fixation. The major carboxysome shell proteins, CsoSl A, B, and C, form hexamers which tile together to form the facets of the thin shell. Each hexamer has a small central pore that may play a role in metabolite flux. Using predicted structural models, a specific amino acid within the conserved hexamer pore motif (Phe-Val-Gly-Gly-Gly-Tyr) was chosen to change the size and charge of the pore, respectively. Two mutants of Halothiobacillus neapolitanus were generated in which the wild type csoSJA gene was replaced with the …

Direct Chain-End Functionalization Of Living Polyisobutylene With Phenoxyalkyl(Meth)Acrylates, Conor Patrick Roche

Master's Theses

This volume describes efforts toward the synthesis and employment of phenoxyalkyl (meth)acrylates, which were used to end-quench 1sobutylene polymers m1tiated from 2-chloro-2,4,4-tnmethylpentane (TMPCl), and 5-tert-butyl-1 ,3-d1(1-chlorol- methylethyl)benzene (bDCC), respectively, at -70 °C in 40/60 (v/v) hexane/methyl chlonde. The quencher/cham end molar rat10s typically ranged from 2.5-4, while the ratio of Lewis ac1d/cham end was vaned from approximately 3 5-6 In all cases, alkylation occurred exclusively at the para position of the quencher and no cham degradat10n was observed, even at high concentrations of TiC14 and long reaction times. Prellmmary qualitative studies mvolved the reaction of quenchers of varymg alkyl tether …

Parenting Nutrition Skills Workshop: An Evaluation Of Facilitated Group Discussions To Enhance Parenting Nutrition Self Efficacy, Lisa A. Dawes

Master's Theses

Abstract

Parenting Nutrition Skills Workshops: An Evaluation of Facilitated Group Discussions to Enhance Parenting Nutrition Self-Efficacy

By: Lisa Dawes, RD, CDE

This research study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of using facilitated group discussion (FGD), a less traditional method of nutrition education, for increasing parents’ feelings of self-efficacy in their ability to make nutrition-related decisions, and to set and enforce nutrition-related boundaries with their children.

Childhood obesity is on the rise; poor food choices, portion control, and inactivity are identified as contributing causes. Parents play a major role in creating healthy habits and providing a well-balanced diet for their …

Financing Public Solar Projects: California Public Jurisdictions' Experiences In Acquiring And Financing Solar Photovoltaic Installations, Dana M.C. Hoffman

Master's Theses

More efficient technologies, state laws as well as environmental, social, and political pressures have all contributed to placing solar acquisition on the agenda for California’s public entities over the last half decade. But a key question for these frequently cash-strapped jurisdictions is how to utilize public dollars and lands, and how to leverage incentives to obtain solar PVs. As an alternative to outright purchase, a promising financing option made available to jurisdictions in recent years is ownership by a third party, usually the solar company, including various forms of Power Purchase Agreements (PPA’s) and leasing. Due in part to state …

The Identification Of The Mid Transcription Factor Regulatory Network Specifying Cell Fate And Regulating Survival In The Drosophila Eye, Sudeshna Das

Master's Theses

The Drosophila melanogaster T-box transcription factor Midline (Mid) exhibits a high degree of structural and functional conservation with its vertebrate homolog Tbx-20. Both Mid and Tbx-20 regulate cell-fate specification with in diverse tissues including the central nervous system (CNS) and heart. Although, some important studies reported that Tbx-20 transcripts express in a wide range of developing mammalian eye tissues including those of the human fetus, the function of this transcription factor is unknown in the development of eye tissue. This current study is the first attempt to show that Mid and its para log H15 are expressed within distinct ommatidial …

Response Of Cyp1a And Vegf In Cyprinodon Variegatus When Exposed To Source/Dispersed Oil And Hypoxia, Bryan Matthew Hedgpeth

Master's Theses

My thesis research focused on the effects of two environmental stressors on the small estuarine fish, Sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus). Specifically, I examined the effects of exposure to crude and dispersed oil and hypoxia. I looked for responses using a combination of molecular and ecological endpoints. These stressors were chosen because of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill which released 4.1 million barrels of crude oil into the northern Gulf of Mexico. An estimated 2.1 million gallons of Corexit 9500 was used in an attempt to disperse the oil slick into the water column. The spill happened in …

Design Of Functional Benzoxazine Materials Via Thiol-Mediated Reactions, Matthew James Jungman

Master's Theses

The syntheses of functional benzoxazine monomers based on phenol and either propargyl amine or allyl amine were carried out to investigate the effect of introducing benzoxazines into thiol-alkyne or thiol-alkene networks on the thermal and mechanical properties of the networks. The thiol-alkyne polymer networks were modified by utilizing the ability of the benzoxazine to undergo heat-induced ring-opening polymerization, adjusting the properties of the networks by varying the functionality of the thiol. The kinetics of the thiol-benzoxazine reaction were determined to compete with thiol-alkyne polymerization, and so the properties of the final networks were influenced by both factors, resulting in broad …

A Transnational And Intergenerational Account Of Value Preference Patterns: Revisiting Needs-Gratification And Post-Materialist Theories, Fouad Bou Zeineddine

Master's Theses

The socio-political values predominant in a particular society will reflect the correspondent needs of that society, and these needs can include factors other than material acquisition. In contrast to needs-gratification theory (Maslow, 1970), and post-materialist theory (Inglehart, 1971), this paper discusses agency in terms of relational autonomy (Oshana, 2006), as it pertains to power. I argue that a) personal and national economic affluence or security may not be sufficient to describe social ecology nor fully describe the ways that power can influence values, b) individual and collective relational power is utilitarian and essential, c) fulfillment of material and social needs …

Improving Webide Through Delightful Design And Gamification, Michael Hilton

Master's Theses

WebIDE is a web-based online learning environment. WebIDE has been used

successfully to teach CS0 and CS1 students Java and C concepts and software

engineering best practices, specically Test Driven Development. Previous Web-

IDE development has concentrated on developing functionality. The main goal

of this eort is to improve two non-functional aspects of WebIDE. The rst is to

design a more delightful user interface. The second is to add a scoring mecha-

nism that encourages students to develop best practices. The scoring mechanism

rewards students who answer the question correctly on the rst attempt, dis-

couraging them from spamming the …

Spoons: Netflix Outage Detection Using Microtext Classification, Eriq A. Augusitne

Master's Theses

Every week there are over a billion new posts to Twitter services and many of those messages contain feedback to companies about their services. One company that recognizes this unused source of information is Netflix. That is why Netflix initiated the development of a system that lets them respond to the millions of Twitter and Netflix users that are acting as sensors and reporting all types of user visible outages. This system enhances the feedback loop between Netflix and its customers by increasing the amount of customer feedback that Netflix receives and reducing the time it takes for Netflix to …

Cloth Filter For Disaster Relief Water Treatment, Shasta Le'ja Billings

Master's Theses

Relief organizations and governments strive to provide safe drinking water to natural disaster survivors as quickly as possible. However, drinking water is typically provided either as bottled water or via mobile water treatment equipment, both of which can be difficult or expensive to transport rapidly into disaster zones. An alternative is the waterbag point-of-use treatment device developed at Cal Poly that allows survivors to produce safe drinking water from contaminated local sources. The waterbag is a 10-L bladder designed for use with Procter & Gamble Purifier of Water (PŪR^®) sachets, which contain coagulant and chlorine compounds. Following treatment …

Bacterial Growth On Metal And Non-Metal Surfaces In A Static Bioreactor, Rolan Yuk Loong Liong

Master's Theses

Research was conducted to observe bacterial growth on the surface of metals in a static bioreactor. Metal and non-metal samples were subjected to bacterial exposure (1 day and 9 days). The metal samples were surface treated prior to bacterial exposure. The microstructures of the surface treated samples were analyzed by optical microscopy. After exposure, the microstructures of the samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The analysis suggested that microbial attachment on the surface was related to the underlying microstructure of steel. The preferential attachment of microbes could potentially be influenced by cathodic and anodic regions created by the …

Monitoring Mdpc-23 Odontoblast-Like Cell Proliferation Using Cell Count And Dna Content Methods, Marina Funtik D.M.D.

Master's Theses

There is growing interest in the development of an engineering process by which dentin stem/progenitor cells can predictably proliferate, differentiate and produce mineralization nodules in cell culture. The engineering of 3D scaffolds could then be used to aid in proliferation and differentiation of these progenitor cells to aid in regeneration of the pulp/dentin complex in vivo.

In the present study, the goal was to characterize the MDPC-23 cell line and its behavior during proliferation. The cells in culture reach high numbers upon reaching confluence. When cells are growing in multilayers, as will occur in planned dentin regeneration experiments, it …

Exploring The Efficacy Of The Community Organization Health Model As A Tool For Evaluating Sport-For-Development Programs: A Qualitative Content Analysis Of Three Model Programs, Lauren Faye Denman

Master's Theses

The HIV/AIDS pandemic is currently one of the most pressing world-wide concerns regarding the health and well-being of our global population. Due to the lack of a cure, recent efforts have focused on prevention measures for the disease. HIV prevention, particularly with the youth population, has spawned creative programs, such as the use of sport as an educational tool to equip youth with the skills to avoid contracting HIV. Due to the potent effect sport-for-development efforts exhibit on both individual and cultural level change, it can be assumed that HIV prevention sport-for-development programs are worth maintaining. Within the use of …

Optimizing Propagation Of Ceanothus Americanus L., (New Jersey Tea), Corylus Cornuta Marsh. (Beaked Filbert), Lonicera Canadensis Bartr. (American Fly Honeysuckle), And Viburnum Acerifolium L. (Mapleleaf Viburnum) By Softwood Stem Cuttings, Julia A. Cartabiano

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Automated Point-Of-Care Image Processing Methodology For The Diagnosis Of Malaria, Michael B. Jorgensen

Master's Theses

Malaria has profoundly influenced human history for over four thousand years and despite numerous attempts at eradication, the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of malaria have been largely ineffective. More than five hundred million people are affected by malaria every year resulting in over one million deaths. Drug resistance development by the parasite has diminished the effectiveness of numerous treatment options due, in part, to overtreatment of negative patients based on insufficient clinical algorithms and diagnostic methods. The goal of this research was to develop an image analysis algorithm to diagnose malaria with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity in …

Preparation Of Organofluorine Compounds: Exploring Mono-, Di-, And Tri-Fluorination, Diandra M. Rudzinski

Master's Theses

Organofluorine compounds exhibit biological activity and have advantageous properties for drug design. Natural occurring fluorinated molecules are rare, demanding new synthetic methods for their preparation. A novel route to access trifluoromethyl ketones from Weinreb amide precursors is discussed. This is the first documented method for the use of the Ruppert-Prakash reagent, (trifluoromethyl)trimethylsilane, for the production of trifluoromethyl ketones from amide starting materials. This method is tolerant of aryl and alkyl substrates exhibited by their moderate to excellent yields. A discussion of the unusual reactivity of these amides, their selectivity for mono-trifluoromethylation, and other mono-, and di-fluorination attempts are reported.