Digital Commons Network^™

Recommendations For A Water Conservationist Diet In California, Helen M. Lee

Master's Theses

As the world’s population continues to increase, a focus on nutrition security and water sustainability is needed to ensure enough resources for future generations and their wellbeing. The agricultural sector uses the most water worldwide, so identifying agricultural commodities that use less water and are more nutritious could help society reach these goals. California is the largest producer of agriculture in the United States. Therefore, an analysis of water use and nutritional value was conducted using water footprint (WF) and nutrient rich food scores (NRF) of California’s agricultural products. The results of the WF and NRF analysis showed that the …

Examining The Effects Of Power Posing On Stress Reactivity And Performance, Mitzi D. Ochoa

Master's Theses

Power posing is a concept that has garnered widespread attention due to claims thatan expansive powerful posture can improve self-perceptions of power, trigger changes in hormone levels, and improve behavioral outcomes including enhanced performance in social evaluative situations. Recently, these claims have been challenged by studies that failed to replicate the power boosting effects of expansive poses. This study aimed to address inconsistencies in the power posing literature and replicate original findings while controlling for potential effects of experimenter bias and touch. It was predicted that a high-power pose would reduce cortisol, increase perceptions of power, and improve performance. To …

The Filipino American Diet: Generational Comparison Of Acculturation, Health Literacy, And Dietary Patterns, Regina Reina

Master's Theses

There is evidence to suggest that Filipino Americans (FAs) are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic conditions when compared to other Asian American subgroups. However, research on possible risk factors for this group is limited as race classifications are seldomly disaggregated. Having limited health literacy is known to be a contributing factor in health disparities among immigrant populations, though it has largely been understudied among FAs. The comparison of dietary intake, acculturation, dietary acculturation, and health literacy between Philippine-born (PBs) FAs and U.S-born (UBs) FAs has not previously been described. PBs and UBs (n=140) from across the …

Burnout And Social Support Among Healthcare Workers During Covid-19: Evidence From Italy., Anudari Krystal Amartuvshin

Master's Theses

In this study, I examine the relationship between burnout and social support among healthcare workers in Italy. Burnout has been a serious concern among professions who must work closely and help other individuals. Due to the epidemic of the Covid-19 Pandemic, it has especially been a challenge for healthcare workers in the past few years. A validated Italian version of the MBI scale is conducted from 332 healthcare workers. Burnout scale is measured by its three subscales: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. Social support is analyzed from the questionnaires regarding partners or spouses, family, friends, and colleagues. Multiple regression …

An Assessment Of The Diverse Freshwater Turtle Fauna Of Mississippi, Lucas Haralson

Master's Theses

Nestled within the Southeastern United States Turtle Priority Area, Mississippi boasts impressive freshwater turtle diversity and is home to 8.6% of extant turtle species. Despite this impressive richness, few studies have assessed freshwater turtle assemblages in this hotspot of aquatic diversity. This research aimed to elucidate the distributions and abundances of freshwater turtle species through a statewide investigation of all major river drainages of the state. Using baited hoop nets (90 cm and 120 cm diameter), turtles were collected, identified to species and sex, and measured, before being released. Turtle assemblages were assessed in both lotic and lentic environments from …

Triangular Cosserat Point Element Method For Reducing Soft Tissue Artifact: Validation And Application To Gait, Jake Edward Deschamps, Stephen Klisch

Master's Theses

Human motion capture technology is a powerful tool for advancing the understanding of human motion biomechanics (Andriacchi and Alexander, 2000). This is most readily accomplished by applying retroreflective markers to a participant’s skin and tracking the position of the markers during motion. Skin and adipose tissue move independently of the underlying bone during motion creating error known as soft tissue artifact (STA), the primary source of error in human motion capture (Leardini et al., 2005).

(Solav et al., 2014) proposed and (Solav et al., 2015) expanded the triangular Cosserat point element (TCPE) method to reduce the effect of STA on …

Kaleidoscopic Katas: An Intercultural Somatic Curriculum For Holistic Health, Emily Seymour

Master's Theses

The intent of this research study was to combine three African and Eastern somatic movement practices into a modern dance curriculum. Few studies have investigated the therapeutic value of subtle body awareness in a dance class context. This integrative study combined psychological, physiological, and contemplative pedagogical approaches, which led to the development of a comprehensive five-part workshop with five adult participants. This ten-hour online class series involved learning a traditional Afro-Haitian serpent dance called the Yanvalou, the Tantric practice of Chakra Yoga, and the Five Animals qigong. The original curricular goal was to combine these three modalities into five sequential …

Balancing Increased Physical Demands: An Analysis Of Cross-Training Practices In Young Adult Ballet Dancers, Brooke Yuspeh

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to see what young adult ballet dancers knew about cross-training and if they found cross-training methods they practiced effective in supporting their dance technique and helping to prevent injuries. To uncover this information, the researcher used the following essential questions to guide this project: Q1: How do young adult ballet dancers practice cross-training? Q2: Which of these cross-training modalities are considered most effective? The research instruments used in this study included a survey consisting of multiple-choice, multiple-selection, and open-ended questions and an optional journal reflection consisting of open-ended questions. There were a total of …

Reflection, Creation, Transformation: Fostering A Positive Body Image In Female High School Dancers Through A Creative Choreography Curriculum, Kelly Culver

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore whether a choreography curriculum based on body image for high school female dancers would help students increase their positive body image and find a new appreciation for their bodies. This study also focused on the impact that reflection and creation have in this transformative curriculum design, along with instructional strategies that could foster a more positive body image culture in the dance classroom. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to answer the four essential questions of this study. Q1 How can choreography be used as a transformative process to help female …

Competitive Dance: The Physiological And Psychological Effects From The Perspectives Of Current Versus Retired Dancers, Kristen Demaria

Master's Theses

The intent of this research study was to inform students, teachers, and parents of the advantages and disadvantages associated with participation in competitive dance. Through the use of an electronic survey and questionnaire, the researcher evaluated the responses of forty participants through quantitative and qualitative analysis. The participants provided detailed information regarding their personal experiences, both past and present, in regard to the physical, mental, and emotional impact competitive dance had on their life. The research questions addressed in this study were: Q1 What are the effects of competitive dance on a dancer’s physical body? Q2 What are the effects …

Community Perspective: How Participating In The Nutcracker Enhances Student Motivation And Growth In Socioeconomically Depressed Public Schools, Angelina Burleigh

Master's Theses

This research study exclusively focused on performing arts dance programs in socioeconomically depressed public schools. It is the belief of this researcher that providing dance within a framework of the dance standards affords students with the opportunity to truly experience the art of dance, since they not only received the chance to learn good technique from a highly qualified educator, but they are also provided with choreographic and performance opportunities which allow them to communicate a story, express feelings, or emotions through movement to discover their imaginative abilities. The goal of this study was to examine how dance education impacts …

Barriers To Dance Education: An Exploration Into The Beliefs Of Dance Educators And Non-Dance Familiars On Dance And Its Place In The Public-School System, Brianna Michelle Miller

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate differing views on the value of dance and its place within the public-education system. The researcher crafted three research questions to guide her research:

Q1 What barriers or objections exist when it comes to incorporating dance within the public-school setting? Q2 What discrepancies exist between the viewpoints of dance educators and non-dance familiars when it comes to dance and its value within the public education system? Q3 What specific steps can be taken to highlight the importance of dance education in the public-school setting?

Nine dance educators and twelve non-dance familiars completed …

Dancing The Pilates Way: The Possible Effects Of Pilates On The Alignment Of A Dancers' Body, Darla Jentzsch

Master's Theses

The purpose of this research was to investigate any mental and physical benefits that Pilates Exercises might have on dancers’ alignment. The researcher collected quantitative and qualitative data to answer these four research questions: Q1: How can a dancer’s alignment be measured to see change after ten Pilates Classes? Q2: Can Pilates bring a dancers’ body closer to ideal alignment in ten Pilates classes? Q3: What do dancers notice differently in their dancing after having been taught Pilates? Q4: What are the benefits of having proper alignment as a dancer? The researcher examined the effects of the Pilates exercises on …

Reflective Practices In The Dance Studio: Implementing Deliberate Observation And Examination Methods Into The Dance Technique Class For Youth To Encourage The Development Of Self-Awareness, Meredith Orrell

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a reflective pedagogy on younger students in the dance studio setting. Three research questions were designed to be answered by this study. Q1 In what ways are reflective practices effective in a dance studio setting? Q2 Are reflective practices effective for younger students? Q3 How can reflective practices be applied effectively in future dance classes? Five students participated in the study by completing weekly self-evaluation progress forms and reflective journal entries. The researcher at the same time completed an observation form of the participants’ progresses. These research instruments composed …

A Multigrid Homotopy Method For Computing Eigenfunctions Of Differential Operators With Two-Dimensional Heterogeneity, Chelsea Drum

Master's Theses

In this thesis, we develop an accurate algorithm for computing the smallest eigenvalues of the self-adjoint spatial differential operator for the two-dimensional heat equation with a piecewise constant coefficient and periodic boundary conditions. The piecewise constant coefficient is created by the discontinuity of the diffusivity coefficient across the interfaces between two or more heterogeneous materials. Our method involves the combination of the well-known Inverse Iteration with a multigrid homotopy.

Wi-Fi Sensing: Device-Free In-Zone Object Movement Detection, Nicholas P. Schnorr

Master's Theses

Wi-Fi Sensing is becoming a prominent field with a wide range of potential applications. Using existing hardware on a wireless network such as access points, cell phones, and smart home devices, important information can be inferred about the current physical environment. Through the analysis of Channel State Information collected in the Neighborhood Discovery Protocol process, the wireless network can detect disturbances in Wi-Fi signals when the physical environment changes. This results in a system that can sense motion within the Wi-Fi network, allowing for movement detection without any wearable devices.

The goal of this thesis is to answer whether Wi-Fi …

Chitosan Graphene Composite Fabrication And Characterization For Treatment Of Harmful Algal Blooms And Toxins, Sarah Zetterholm

Master's Theses

Chitosan graphene composites were fabricated and characterized as a management strategy for harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by various species of cyanobacteria. These chitosan graphene materials were compared to previously studied chitosan graphene-oxide composites in both material properties and HAB treatment. In previous studies, adsorption of the cyanobacteria onto the surface of the composite materials has been observed. Investigations of the pure materials for these composites are also included in this study to determine whether removal is a result of charge interactions with the composite, or as an inherent property of the graphene or graphene oxide. Initial results suggest that …

The Role Of Digital Transformation And Specification Data Management In Streamlining Supply Chains, Daniel Klemm

Master's Theses

The packaging and product supply chain is currently undergoing a digital transformation that changes the way organizations manage data. Cloud-based software is an emerging technological innovation entirely focused on harnessing the power of packaging/product specifications to create efficiencies. These applications coordinate the data that millions of SKUs worldwide are generating into a harmonized system that will not only organize the SKUs but also create valuable information that will allow stakeholders to make decisions based upon data-driven insights.

Specifications are the DNA-level information of packaging and products. Items such as the bill of materials, technical drawings, and inventory are stored together …

Analysis Into Artificial Intelligence And Its Developing Dynamic And Relationship In Agricultural Supply Chains, Samantha Jane Ault

Master's Theses

The thesis explores artificial intelligence (AI) in agricultural (Ag) supply chains (SCs) and presents a new typology to understand artificial intelligence-based solutions in agricultural SCs. The thesis was performed utilizing a research-based review to investigate the current uses of artificial intelligence-based solutions in agricultural SCs. The AI-based solutions were found in case studies that reviewed AI operations in different areas internationally.

The typology was formed on the foundation of two dynamics, the location of AI applications in Ag SCs and the driving values to integrate the AI applications. In order to develop the typology, the AI applications were studied in …

The Affect Of Globalization On Terrorism, Philip R. Passante

Master's Theses

This thesis proposal will dive into the concept of terrorism and how it is an act of force and has proven to be detrimental to the modern world. In addition, this thesis will analyze the concept of terrorism as well as the rationale behind it. It is important to understand and study this as terrorism is a complex entity made up of different themes. The concentration of this thesis will highlight how globalization has affected the phenomena of terrorism in the past, present, and ultimately the future. Globalization and terrorism have a relationship that many scholars and researchers have noticed. …

Exosense: A Novel Technology For Selective Purification Of Cd63+ Exosomes From Neural Cells, Kristen Hope Hutson Truelove

Master's Theses

Exosomes are extracellular, cell signaling microvesicles that contain unique genomic and proteomic signatures reflective of the host cell’s pathophysiological conditions. In recent years, the study of exosomes has increased tremendously because many have been recognized as molecular biomarkers with the potential to advance methods of disease diagnostics and therapeutics as well as contribute to physiological analyses of multiple organism types. With the promising potential that exosomes offer to the field of molecular biology, it is vital to establish an efficient and consistently reliable mechanism of exosome isolation from biological samples. Many isolation techniques currently available typically yield exosome samples with …

Predict Trend Of Unemployment Rate By Observing The Nasdaq Composite Index Using Hidden Markov Model, Li Liu

Master's Theses

In this paper, we present how to use Hidden Markov Models (HMM) to predict the change in Unemployment Rate. By observing the NASDAQ price difference, we will predict the Unemployment Rate will rise or fall in the next month using the Hidden Markov Model. We will use the NASDAQ price and the unemployment rate from 2016 to 2020 monthly data for this paper. When we check the relation between the NASDAQ price and the unemployment rate, we find out that whenever the NASDAQ price goes up, the unemployment rate will drop for a time. So we are interested in how …

Exploring Communication Strategies Used By Speech-Language Pathologists And Nursing Professionals Prior To And During The Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic, Madeline Baretta

Master's Theses

In 2019, a novel virus was discovered and spread resulting in a global pandemic. Individuals with severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experienced critical illnesses such as pneumonia, hypoxemic respiratory failure/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and complications from prolonged hospitalization (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020e). Some individuals with severe cases required mechanical ventilation in the acute care setting (Bernstein, 2020). Due to the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic, this study was developed to better understand the practices of speech-language pathologists (SLPs), nursing professionals, and healthcare organizations prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic with particular …

Speech-Language Pathologists’ Knowledge, Confidence Levels, And Practice Patterns With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury In The Schools, Jessica Munson

Master's Theses

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play a key role in serving children with cognitive-communication disorders in both medical and school settings. However, there remains little evidence regarding school-based SLPs’ service delivery for children following concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and how they rate their confidence, knowledge, and skills providing these services. The purpose of this study was to examine knowledge, confidence levels, and practice patterns for providing services to pediatric students with mTBI among school-based SLPs. A 43- item survey was developed to assess current concussion knowledge, and to allow for comparison to previous and future surveys on knowledge, confidence, …

“Precios Perle Wythouten Spotte”: Accepting The Unknowable In Pearl, Jana Ishee

Master's Theses

The fourteenth-century Middle English poem Pearl, authored by the anonymous Pearl-poet, survives in a manuscript known as London, British Library, Cotton MS Nero A.x. This dream vision, narrated by a grieving father, tells the story of his journey to Paradise, where he encounters his infant daughter, now older, regal, and wise, proffering admonishments with the authority of God to her tearful father. meeting with her in Paradise. Drawing on Caroline Walker Bynum’s work on medieval European conceptions of death and resurrection, J. Stephen Russell’s work on the dream vision genre, and Karl Steel’s work on oysters as liminal figures, …

Analyzing The Consistency Of Scoring Porotic Hyperostosis From 3d Scans, Carson Rouse

Master's Theses

The use of 3D scans is becoming more and more common in the field of bioarchaeology. They alleviate the need to travel, allow for larger sample sizes, and can help preserve bones with pathologies on them which make them more fragile. Though there are major benefits with using 3D scanning of human remains, there is a lack of studies which examine whether or not traditional pathology scoring methods can be used to consistently gather the same data from these 3D scans. This project examines how consistently six researchers of varying experience levels scored porotic hyperostosis from 25 3D scans on …

An Annotated Bibliography Of Selected Music Theory Resources For The Middle And High School Choral Classroom With Alignment To Mississippi College- And Career-Readiness Standards, Amanda M. Brandon

Master's Theses

Middle and high school choral ensembles often struggle to produce musicians who are proficient in music theory skills; however, music theory and ear training skills provide numerous benefits to the student and ensemble. Promoting and fostering theory and ear training skills develop a student’s overall musicianship – thus, strengthening sight-reading skills– further leading to more accurate sight reading, using less rehearsal time, and the option of learning more, or even more technically challenging, literature. Additionally, developing independent musicianship skills encourages higher order and critical thinking in the choral classroom.

This project will examine and review selected music theory and ear …

Haunted And Hunted: The Gothic And The Ghostly In The Light And Asylum, Adam Dunnells

Master's Theses

Young adult Gothic horror fiction acts as a coming-of-age story wherein the protagonists must confront the metaphorical and literal ghosts while simultaneously attempting to establish a sense of identity. Applying Gothic theory and ghost theory to the ghostly stories in young adult Gothic horror demonstrates how certain young adult Gothic stories represent the struggle of adolescents as they mature into adulthood and search for their identities. I use Madeline Roux’s Asylum (2013) and D.J. MacHale’s The Light (2010) as case studies to analyze how ghostly antagonists directly oppose adolescent protagonists on their coming-of-age journeys. Analyzing these young adult Gothic horror …

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons And The Microbiomes Of Two Benthic Species, Samantha Ells

Master's Theses

The presence of oil has been shown to affect the microbiomes of the water column, sediments, and organisms, both by altering the diversity and the composition of those microbial communities. If the microbiome is altered it may no longer provide benefits to its host organism, impacting its ability to survive. Thus, it is important to understand the effects of large-scale contamination events including the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. This study set out to examine the effects of oil exposure on the microbiome of two benthic species, southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) and eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) to further understand the effects …

Matching Equation: Teacher Rates Of Praise And Reprimands, Meleah Ackley

Master's Theses

Previous matching equation literature has demonstrated variability in student behaviors matching onto available reinforcement rates. While some studies have found that student on-task behaviors matched contingent teacher attention around half the observations (Martens et al., 1990), other studies have found that first grade students’ on-task behavior matched contingent teacher attention more than half of observations (Shriver & Kramer, 1997). However, no studies in the current literature have used teacher behaviors as the primary dependent variables (i.e., B1 and B2 in the matching equation). The current study sought to extend the Generalized Matching Equation (GME) further into the classroom, given the …