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The State Of Man In Romans 7:22-25: Historical And Exegetical Approaches, J Daniel Miranda

Master's Theses

Problem

This thesis addresses the question as to the identity of “I” in Romans 7 and the related spiritual experience. Romans 7 is a very complex chapter that has elicited multiple discussions, which still do not answer the theological problems satisfactorily. Such theological pluralism has also led to various views regarding sin and salvation. Since understanding sin and redemption are fundamental to one’s salvation, there are strong feelings related to the different positions taken. This has also been the case in Adventism, and, unfortunately, this has affected the unity of the church. Part of the problem is seeing the regenerate-unregenerate …

Reframing And Reclaiming Poetry In The Esl Classroom, Rebecca C. Eagleson

Master's Theses

The debate over using poetry as an authentic text in the ESOL classroom has persisted for nearly a century. However, emerging research from an EFL context suggests that reconsidering poetry in the ESL classroom may be timely. This literature review examines the origins of the controversy by highlighting the intersections of linguistics and literary criticism and how they shaped current ESOL approaches to poetry. It then outlines the standard points and counterpoints of the ESOL controversy over poetry. Finally, it evaluates recent case studies and methodological reviews from EFL contexts that have reignited new interest and research into utilizing poetry …

Just Deserts: The Moral Foundations Of Antagonistic Personality In Social Aggression, Summer Steely

Master's Theses

Social aggression is associated with adverse psychosocial consequences such as anxiety, depression, isolation, reciprocal violence, and suicidality (Zhu et al., 2024). Psychopathic personality traits and moral deficits have been linked to antisocial behavior, including social aggression; however, the role of moral value systems and trait moral disengagement in the context of social aggression is less clear. A more granular analysis of their utility may illuminate new pathways toward intervention. To advance this goal, the present study explored the relationships between the values of Moral Foundations Theory and social aggression among college students (N = 301). Two moral foundations (i.e., care …

Development Of A Pressure Sensing System Coupled With Deployable Machine Learning Models For Assessing Residual Limb Fit In Lower Limb Prosthetics, Maxwell D. Lewter

Master's Theses

Lower limb amputations pose significant challenges for patients, with over 150,000 cases annually in the U.S., leading to a high demand for effective prosthetics. However, only 43% of lower limb prosthetic users report satisfaction, primarily due to issues with socket fit, which is critical for comfort, stability, and preventing injury. This study presents a deployable sensing system for potentially real-time monitoring of prosthetic socket fit by using pressure sensors and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to analyze the pressure distribution within the socket. A novel CNN architecture, utilizing both dilated and strided convolutions, is proposed to effectively capture spatial-temporal patterns in …

Thermal Modeling Of Cooling Time Of Submarine Dacite Lapilli Tuff: Brothers Volcano, Kermadec Arc, Kyler Byrd

Master's Theses

Little is known about submarine volcanoes' eruptive histories and styles, even though they are essential to developing island arc systems and represent the second largest volcanic systems on Earth. Scientific drilling allows for the opportunity to study these systems. This study focused on two drill sites on Brothers volcano from IODP Expedition 376: Site U1528, located on the resurgent cone, and Site U1530, located on the caldera rim. Expedition researchers analyzed samples for clast radius, density, thermal conductivity, and specific heat. This data was then entered into the heat transfer equation of a sphere to create a cooling curve model …

Finite Element Analysis And Verification Of Transverse Mechanical Properties Of Generally Cylindrical Orthotropic Constitutive Modeling Of 3-Phase Nanocomposite Unit Cell, Christopher J. Hawkins

Master's Theses

Fiber-reinforced composites are increasingly popular due to their specific strength and stiffness, making them ideal for high-performance applications. However, these materials primarily exhibit superior properties in-plane, while their out-of-plane characteristics remain comparatively weaker. Previous research has shown that the most effective method to enhance out-of-plane properties involves the incorporation of carbon nanotubes. Experimental tests have demonstrated significant improvements in properties such as tension, flexural, short beam shear, and fracture toughness. Alongside these experimental studies, analytical equations have been developed to predict the behavior of these composites under various loading conditions, including tension, bending, shear, and fracture. Existing models primarily address …

Generating A Novel Legislator Organization Score, Brandon Lin

Master's Theses

Ever since the 2010 Citizens United v. FEC, corporations and organizations have been able to contribute expenditures and resources into political legislators and campaigns. It has become apparent over the years that organizations can excise significant influence in direct ways to influence campaigns across the United States. During this period, Digital Democracy has collected large amounts of data pertaining to legislative bill information, voting patterns, and donations on behalf of the California public to raise awareness. Digital Democracy has also released its own scoring system that compares the amount of aligning votes between a legislator and an organization. However, this …

Characteristics And Potential Sources Of Single-Use Plastics Debris In Two Aquatic Systems In New Haven, Connecticut, Ohene Boakye Adomako

Master's Theses

Plastic debris remains a major problem in aquatic ecosystems. This study provides an assessment of the proportion, potential sources, and geographic origin of plastics and other solid waste debris (PSWD) in both freshwater and marine systems in New Haven City, Connecticut. Data was collected through four (4) cleanup events within the Long Wharf Park (LWP) and West River Memorial Park (WRMP), working with community scientists in the New Haven area (CT) in May, September, and October, 2024. A total gross weight of 417 lb of PSWD was collected in approximately 1.4 km (0.9 mile) altogether in LWP and WRMP. The …

Fostering Creative Bravery: Exploring Innovation Among Future Female Pioneers In Dance Through Historical Composition Studies, Marlo Daron Harris

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate if learning from the innovative methods of past female choreographers could enhance the creative abilities of today’s young high school female dancers and dance-makers. This thesis aimed to teach young dancers about past dance pioneers and build confidence in young women when creating dances. Women have paved the way for dance choreography and innovative techniques throughout dance history. However, today’s generation of young choreographers rely on imitating movements they witness at dance competitions and on social media such as Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok instead of becoming originators.

This thesis aimed to answer …

Rape Beyond Fantasy: Exploring The Influence Of Booktok's Erotica And Dark Romance Literature On Young Adult Perceptions Of Consent And Boundaries, Teagan Bailey Fortune

Master's Theses

Advances in technology and media, particularly TikTok, have had a significant impact on the younger generation. BookTok, a community that emerged from TikTok, is a platform where users can promote, share, and discuss book recommendations, using “spice level” or chili emojis to indicate the rating of explicit content. While recommendations often focus on erotica and dark romance fiction, concerns arise when such content glamorizes and normalizes rape culture, especially for young adults (YA). The normalization of toxic relationships can potentially influence YA perceptions of consent and boundaries. This study explores how YA perceive rape culture and consent in erotica and …

Fight At The Museum: An Ethnographic Study Investigating Staff And Volunteers At Wwii Museums And Memorials, Miranda Noland

Master's Theses

Museums are places where events of the past can be explained, appreciated, and understood. While efforts are often taken to provide a neutral position in the presentation of complicated and emotional historical events, there may exist external pressure to present a more overtly nationalist narrative to please a particular audience or group of funders (Fujitani 1997). This creates a conflict of interest with respect to fair, accurate, and/or honest representation (White 1997b) for museum staff to navigate.

The goal of this thesis is to investigate stories that museums are permitted to tell within the context of Japanese and American narratives …

Lack Of Inflammatory Response In Mouse Embryonic Cells To Listeria Infection, Damilola Oyebode

Master's Theses

Approximately 1 in 5 pregnancies in the United States results in miscarriage, with a significant percentage of these losses attributed to failed implantation due to immunological challenges encountered by the early embryo. Recent research has shown that key cell types within mouse blastocysts, including embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and trophoblast stem cells (TSCs), exhibit remarkable resilience against the cytotoxic effects associated with viral infections and embryotoxic cytokines, such as TNFα and IFNγ, both of which are known to hinder blastocyst development. However, the immune properties of the preimplantation stage embryo, specifically the blastocyst, remain poorly understood. Using mouse cell model, …

French Foreign Policy And Its Tendencies While Approaching International Relations Through Multilateralism, Dipin Subedi

Master's Theses

This paper studies the pattern of French foreign policy with respect to one objective: whether through the means available – namely economic, diplomatic, and military – it adheres to the principle of achieving multilateral goals or not. The multilateral institutions that are used in this study as a ground for comparison are NATO, the E.U., and the U.N. all of whom hold France as their member. Nine different categories with distinct characteristics are created that contain one primary case study. Certain expectations on how France could deal with the nation in a particular case study is gathered through hints contained …

Joseph Moxon: Fueled By Science, Extinguished By Class. How A Forgotten Middle-Classed Early Modern English Puritan Printer Mathematician And Globe-Maker Helped Forge The Scientific Revolution And Democratize Knowledge Among The Trades, Kenneth L. Macro Jr.

Master's Theses

Joseph Moxon, raised within the trades, elevated into the middle-class, was an inducted Fellow of the Royal Society, Hydrographer to the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, Printer, Author, Translator, Maker of Globes and of Spheres, Maker of Maps and of Mathematical Instruments, Engraver, and Entrepreneur. Moxon was the quintessential Renaissance Man. A tradesman living in a time of great scientific intrigue and discovery, Moxon, acknowledged by few mid-seventeenth century historians, rightfully contributed his scientific discoveries—in the forms of tutorials and manuals written for the common man—as a testimony to all printers who have helped in the progression of the Scientific Revolution. …

The Effects Of Stress On Attentional Networks, Alice Tsvinev

Master's Theses

The human brain has developed mechanisms to aid our survival, including attentional networks and stress response. Attentional shifts allow humans to react accordingly to their environment, following innate processes like fight or flight. Prolonged exposure to acute stress interferes with such cognitive processes as attention and working memory, impacting attentional systems. The present study examined the effects of acute stress on visual attention processes, specifically focusing on the orienting, alerting, and executive attention networks. 49 participants were randomly placed in either a stress or non-stress condition, then asked to reflect on either stressful or positive moments in their lives, respectively. …

Using Noninvasive Calibrated Cuff Plethysmography To Observe The Effects Of Diabetes On Arterial Compliance, Jadon Bradford

Master's Theses

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease is on a continuous exponential growth across the globe. Thus, research into the underlying factors, effective methods of diagnoses, and preventive measures is necessary. Endothelial dysfunction is an early detector of cardiovascular diseases and can be used to inform people of preventative measures and early treatments before any extreme medical conditions occur. Something that is also on the rise and closely linked with cardiovascular disease is diabetes. There have been many past research studies that show the impact of diabetes on cardiovascular disease and more specifically endothelial dysfunction. A calibrated cuff plethysmography device is a …

Implications Of Persistent Micro-Bioplastics On Biogeochemical Properties Across Soil Types, Casandra R. Leach

Master's Theses

Terrestrial microplastics are increasing in abundance and are an emerging contaminant of concern, particularly in agriculture ecosystems where plastic use and subsequent soil contamination are prevalent. Plastic film mulches make up a significant portion of the plasticulture industry and are directly linked to soil microplastic pollution where negative effects to soil biotic and abiotic functions have been observed. In response to this issue, biodegradable film mulches have been promoted as a sustainable alternative to conventional polyethylene-based mulches. These biodegradable mulches, composed of various bioplastics, are designed to be tilled back into the soil where they are expected to decompose. However, …

“Get Out Of The House Before It Kills You”: Haunted Housewives And The Feminist Gothic In Ira Levin’S Rosemary’S Baby And The Stepford Wives, Sarah Jeffries

Master's Theses

Ira Levin’s works Rosemary’s Baby and The Stepford Wives have been cultural touchstones since their releases in 1967 and 1972, respectively, with their legacy as iconic American horror stories cemented by successful film adaptations. At the surface level, these stories can be read as tales about unfortunate housewives that face unusual horrors. Rosemary Woodhouse finds herself trapped in a gothic New York City apartment building, the Bramford, where her husband and neighbors collude to force her to carry and birth Satan’s son, like a perverse Virgin Mary. Joanna Ebert is similarly stuck in suburban Stepford, Connecticut where she discovers the …

Rebuilding Risk Assessment Tools And Evaluating Their Effect On Recidivism In Illinois, Cristina Penate

Master's Theses

This study seeks to examine the relationship between alternative measures of criminal history and recidivism in a cohort of convicted individuals released from prison in Illinois between 2010 and 2015. The current study expands on prior research by examining the relationship between prior criminal history and recidivism using alternative measures of both to account for potential bias resulting from differential policing activities that may lead to convictions. Traditionally, risk assessment instruments have relied on an individual’s total prior convictions for any offense and any re-arrest after release from prison. The current research developed a more nuanced measure of prior convictions …

Sadomasochistic Sensations: A Phenomenological Analysis Of Black Ontology, Embodiment, And Transcendence, Sam Forrey

Master's Theses

Over the past fifteen years, feminists have challenged the notion that sexual sadomasochism perpetuates racial and gender-based violence, and instead claim that the practice can be a powerful site to control and subvert oppression. In this thesis, I contribute to this growing discourse and argue that sensations experienced during practices of Black sexual sadomasochism and attention to the feelings and affects that arise from them can be used to mediate Black being in a violently antiblack United States. Through applications of Black feminist thought, Black anti-humanism, and phenomenology, I claim that antiblack oppression denies Black people the experience of tactile …

History & Evolution Of Plastic Mulching Technology: An Ethnography Of California Strawberry Plasticulture, Kalea Conrad

Master's Theses

This ethnography draws on key informant interviews and participant observation to produce a case study about plastic mulching as an important industry standard in specialty crop production. It documents the historic adoption and present role of plastic mulching technology in California strawberry production and addresses the characteristics of commercial standard management that inhibit the adoption of alternative mulching practices. It complements extensive research on strawberry pathology and fumigation, breeding innovations, fertilizer and pesticide treatments, and maximization of yields to incorporate participants’ lived experiences and knowledge of mulch origins, the technology adoption process, mulch benefits and drawbacks, the state of agricultural …

Assessment Of Dune Change Using Historical Aerial And Satellite Photos, Topographic Surveys, And Wave Data At Toro Creek Beach, Owen D. Emerson

Master's Theses

Coastal sand dunes play an important role in the littoral processes of California’s coastline. Functioning as both source and sink for sand, these dunes often protect coastal infrastructure and provide a buffer between anthropogenic development and coastal forces. At Toro Creek Beach, north of Morro Bay California, recent extreme winter storms have raised concerns about the erosion of the sand dunes that front California State Highway 1. This thesis attempts to characterize the historical growth and recession patterns of the Toro Creek dunes since 1977, the dune movement over the 2023-2024 winter seasons, the wave forcings behind recent high erosion …

Seal Counting On Our Plages (S.C.O.O.P.), Kaanan Kharwa

Master's Theses

The Vertebrate Integrative Physiology (VIP) lab monitors the population of northern elephant seals at the largest mainland breeding colony, located at Piedras Blancas (San Simeon, CA). As the population expands, more human-seal interactions and conflicts over land use occur. The VIP lab's work informs California State Parks and helps with the management of the rookery. Currently, members of the VIP lab fly a drone over the beaches, capture multiple images, and manually count the seals, which takes around 14 to 21 hours of analysis per survey. Machine learning methods such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Region-based Convolutional Neural Networks …

Assessment Of Mediterranean Diet Adherence Using The Kidmed Diet 2.0 Tool: College Student Questionnaire, Nakia Cyrice Hilton

Master's Theses

The Mediterranean Diet has garnered increasing popularity due to its multifaceted health benefits. The MedDiet enhances well-being across all age groups, emphasizing high consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, olive oil, and whole grains and moderate fish, poultry, and dairy intake. Recent research underscores the significant impact of Mediterranean diet adherence on college students' physical and mental health. The diet's emphasis on nutrient-dense foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants supports cognitive function, which is pivotal for academic performance. Moreover, the abundant presence of healthy fats, particularly from olive oil and fatty fish, may contribute to improved mood regulation, potentially …

A Matter Of Life And Death: The Conceptualization And Theological Significance Of Blood In The Pentateuch, Jared Greer

Master's Theses

This 2024 Master of Theological Studies thesis at Lipscomb University analyzes the conceptualization and theological significance of blood within the Pentateuch. While the thesis does attend to various anthropological concerns (i.e., the sociocultural understandings of blood that inform the text), it is more chiefly concerned with how such understandings of blood contribute to the broader theology of the Pentateuch. Using a canonical interpretive approach that respects both the diachronic nature of the text and the theological unity intended by its final redactors, the thesis primarily explores the two principal contexts in which blood appears in the Pentateuch: Israel’s cultus and …

Characterization Of Cd11c-Expressing Gut-Associated T Cells, Ana Cvetkovic

Master's Theses

Our immune system is a remarkable defense network that protects our bodies from a range of threats. Its’ intricate machinery comprises of messenger and effector cells that work together to coordinate an effective immune response. Traditionally, T lymphocytes have been considered effectors: they receive instructions from messengers, known as Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs), that alter T-cell activation state and behavior. In the gut, Dendritic Cells (DCs) are the APCs that most often instruct T cells. To accomplish their messenger role, DCs express CD11c at high levels, a surface marker involved in cell-to-cell signaling and phagocytosis. As such, CD11c expression has …

Absolute Quantification Of Human Myosin And Titin Isoforms In Disease By A Mass Spectrometry Approach, Nitha Aima Muntu

Master's Theses

Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of death worldwide and produces an immense economic burden. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), characterized by contractile weakness and chamber dilation, is a significant cause of HF. The sarcomeric proteins play a crucial role in regulating the contractile properties of the heart. As the primary motor protein, the expression of cardiac myosin isoforms (α-MHC and β-MHC) dictates the performance and cardiac energy utilization of the sarcomere. Titin is the giant spring protein in the sarcomere, and titin isoform expression impacts the passive stiffness of the myocardium. Small changes in the α-MHC/β-MHC and titin isoform ratios …

Investigating The Oncogenic Role Of Nkx3.1 In Prostate Cancer, Audris Budreika

Master's Theses

Prostate cancer is a unique disease in that it is fueled by androgen receptor (AR) signaling. In the clinic, AR signaling is disrupted by removing androgens via chemical castration and employing AR-antagonists such as enzalutamide. Unfortunately, these therapies are short-lived, resistance sets in, and tumors evolve to a form of the disease called castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). At this stage, therapeutic options are virtually exhausted and palliative care is pursued. There is a growing need to characterize other molecular players that cooperate with AR or play a unique role in CRPC on their own. One such potential candidate is the …

The Effects Of Conditional Loss Of Myosin Binding Protein H-Like On Cardiac Function, Hope Victoria Burnham

Master's Theses

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common cause of heart failure with a strong hereditary component. Mutations in the myosin-binding protein H-like (MYBPHL) gene are linked to hereditary DCM, atrial fibrillation, and atrioventricular arrhythmias. MyBP-HL is a sarcomeric protein that is highly expressed in the atria with only scarce, distinct clusters of MyBP-HL positive cells in the ventricles, mostly in or surrounding the ventricular conduction system (VCS). Constitutive knock-out of MyBP-HL in mice causes atrial dilation, ventricular dysfunction, arrhythmia, and DCM. Whether MyBP-HL plays a developmental role, or if knock-down in adulthood will recapitulate a similar phenotype has yet to be …

Remote Work And The Desire For Meaningful Work: The Unexpected Moderating Effects Of Age And Childrearing, Adriana Rae Meredith

Master's Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic sent the world into lock down. Since then, organizations have been wrestling with how to navigate the many opinions, as well as research-backed advantages and disadvantages of in-office work, hybrid work, and remote work. In addition to shaking up the ways in which work is done, the pandemic shutdowns caused some to re-evaluate why they do the work they do. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between remote work and an employee’s desire for meaningful work to increase understanding of how remote work can be used as a strategic element of job design rather than …