Digital Commons Network^™

The Watchmen In The Song Of Songs: An Intertextual Study, Gabriel Xavier Del Valle

Master's Theses

Problem

The watchmen are a shocking feature in the Song of Songs that have received limited exploration and research. Their dual nature in the Song of Songs is illustrated by their two responses to the women in the song; benign indifference illustrated in Song of Songs 3:1-5 and hostility exemplified in Song of Songs 5:2-8. This has led to a myriad of interpretations regarding their function and identity; however, none have been subject to a thorough examination. The watchmen have not been previously investigated as a potential metaphorical or symbolic representation of the brothers related to the woman in the …

Posttraumatic Symptoms As Predictors Of Mobile App Engagement: An Evaluation Of Usage Data From Public Users Of An App For Military Sexual Trauma, Shilpa Hampole

Master's Theses

Veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST) often face barriers to help-seeking. Mental health mobile applications (apps) such as Beyond MST, developed by the National Center for PTSD, can expand access to evidence-based coping tools, psychoeducation, and resources. However, user engagement is crucial for these apps to be effective. Researchers are exploring factors impacting app engagement, with emerging evidence suggesting that symptom severity may play a key role. This study examined whether the severity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and posttraumatic negative cognitions, as well as level of well-being, are associated with app engagement. Anonymous app usage data …

Electron-Induced Chemical Transformations In Polymer Films: Understanding The Role Of Electrons In Euv Lithography, Maximillian Mueller

Master's Theses

The next generation of computer processors, memory, and nano-scale technologies all rely on our ability to create patterns at the nanometer scale reliably. Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography can create sub-10 nm features by exposing photoresist materials, typically polymers or organic networks, to 13.5 nm, 92 eV light. At these energies, absorption of photons by the photoresist leads to the emission of a primary electron around 80 eV which inelastically scatters throughout the material, initiating chemistry and creating secondary electrons. The resulting cascade of electrons and chemical reactions remains poorly understood for most photoresist materials systems. This work aims to characterize …

The Role Of Nature As A Protective Factor In Father-Child Relationships, Sarah J. Barker

Master's Theses

The present study strived to understand how fathers spend time with their children outdoors and how this shared time together may positively influence their relationship within the Family-Based Nature Activities Theoretical Framework. The objectives of this thesis are to understand more about (a) Why fathers participate in outdoor activities with their children; and (b) How spending time outdoors with their children influences their relationship. Participants included 26 fathers (M=40.6 years old) and their children between the ages of 5-12 years old. All urban fathers resided on the West Coast, while rural fathers lived in the southeast United States. Participants were …

The Moderating Role Of Job Insecurity On The Relationship Between Psychological Contract Breach And Employee Turnover Intention, Madeline R. Clark

Master's Theses

The intentions for an employee to voluntarily leave their position at an organization has been widely researched, given it is a strong determinant of actual employee turnover. Psychological contract breach (PCB), an employee’s perception that their organization has failed to fulfill its promises or obligations, has been identified as a known predictor of employee turnover intention. While various moderators of the relationship between PCB and turnover intention have been explored in previous research, current literature had yet to examine how the job insecurity employees experience might be associated with this relationship. Therefore, the present study examined job insecurity as a …

Parental Beliefs About Mental Health And Available Support, Michele O'Geare

Master's Theses

This study adds information to the field by investigating the relationship between parental beliefs about mental health and the services they use to support their child’s mental health issues. The study targeted 224 parents from a private K-12 school in the Midwest. The school was selected because of the many students from diverse backgrounds. This study does not intend to influence parental beliefs but investigates ways families seek support for their children. Descriptive statistics like mean and standard deviation were combined to analyze quantitative data used to interpret parents’ beliefs toward mental health and the use of specific mental health …

The Polyvalent Stone Laid Before Joshua In Zechariah 3:9: An Exegetical And Intertextual Study, Sergey Panfilov

Master's Theses

The Problem

The imagery of “the one stone” laid before Joshua and the meaning of the related symbols and dynamics surrounding this object in Zech 3 remains an issue of scholarly debate. Although there are Hebrew Bible references and archaeological backgrounds to elucidate the object, they are found to be mutually conflicting or incomplete, suggesting the need for a methodological contribution to aid the investigation.

Methodology

The current study uses three independent methodological processes: (1) mining of data, (2) attribute-based theological evaluations of potential backgrounds, and (3) exegetical synthesis. These three processes can be viewed as independent or interdependent. As …

The Nature And Role Of Health Laws In The Writings Of Ellen G. White, Lehel Somogyi

Master's Theses

The Topic

Since the founding of their denomination, Seventh-day Adventists have advocated a particular concept of health based on the visions and writings of denominational co-founder Ellen G. White (1827–1915). According to her writings, certain natural laws are crucial for maintaining health. These laws are often called “the laws of health” or “the eight laws of health” and include principles such as diet, exercise, water, temperance, and hygiene. In Seventh-day Adventist circles, Ellen G. White is usually perceived as the originator of these health principles. Some scholars suggest that she simply borrowed her health principles from other contemporary health reformers. …

The Anticipation Is Killing Me! - Examining The Mediating And Moderating Relationships Between Mistreatment Anticipation And Work Engagement, Mia N. Fagan

Master's Theses

The mistreatment of workers by customers in the service industry is widespread and well-known. Although customer mistreatment is associated with negative consequences for employees, there is little knowledge about the potential consequences of the expectation of future mistreatment. The present study examined the relationship between mistreatment anticipation and work engagement and hypothesized that mistreatment anxiety would mediate the relationship between the two and that perceived organizational support (POS) would moderate the relationship between mistreatment anticipation and mistreatment anxiety. Data were collected from a sample of 183 individuals via an online survey. Results showed a significant and negative relationship between mistreatment …

Optimizing Field-Linked Simulations Of Dry Season Uptake And Monsoon Infiltration Within An Aspen-Mixed Conifer Forest, Raymond J. Hess

Master's Theses

Climate models forecast that headwater catchments in the western U.S. will undergo a reduction in snowpack, early season snowmelt, and increases in evapotranspiration. The resulting extended dry season will stress vegetation in mountainous watersheds throughout the Upper Colorado River Basin. We investigate infiltration patterns and root water uptake in response to dry season disturbances within the East River watershed in Colorado. To do this, we collected soil cores, measured matric potential and sap flow, and monitored tree xylem and soil for stable isotopes of water (2H, 18O) in two soil profiles to 90 cm depth (with three Engelmann spruce and …

Senegambia And The American South: Where Identity Belongs, Malika David

Master's Theses

When you think of identity, what is the first thing that comes to mind? While I knew the dictionary definition, the actual meaning of identity remained unclear to me. I couldn't quite grasp the concept or how it related to me. That changed when I visited my mother’s homeland of Senegambia in December 2022. There was always a hunch that identity was connected to a sense of belonging and self-discovery, and I was surprised to realize how similar Senegambian. culture. was to my own southern upbringing. Ultimately, that provided a lot of curiosity and shaped my perspective on identity and …

Covalent Inhibition Of Enzyme Sortase A As A New Pathway Against Bacterial Resistance Of Staphylococcus Aureus, Umyeena Bashir

Master's Theses

The continued rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), has made the discovery of novel antibiotics critical. While bacteriostatic and bactericidal antibiotics inevitably exert evolutionary pressure on bacteria to develop resistance, small molecules that target mechanisms of bacterial virulence present a promising alternative for treatment. Sortase A (Srt A), a cysteine protease of S. aureus, promotes bacterial virulence by covalently attaching proteins such as pilin to the bacterial surface, enabling bacterial adhesion to mammalian cells. Inhibitory studies of this enzyme have gained prominent interest as a new pathway for drug development since blocking this enzyme's ability to …

Heat & Social Cooperation: The Effects Of Thermal Stress On Altruism, Alexander J. Courtman

Master's Theses

Recent literature has highlighted the effects of temperature on economic outcomes and violence in humans, on both the interpersonal and intergroup levels: as temperatures rise, humans are more likely to exhibit increased aggression and agitation. However, little research has been done on how pro-social behaviors like cooperation and altruism among humans might respond to increased temperatures. As extreme heat events increase in frequency, will humans and communities work together in the face of adverse shocks and crises? Leveraging experimental data collected randomized controlled trails held in 4 locations across the world, this paper seeks to establish a relationship between thermal …

Lemons And Other Grand Delusions, Jake A. Yarnold

Master's Theses

Lemons and Other Grand Delusions explores a host of characters as they come face to face with their greatest fears, as they get exactly what they think they want. From magic dimension-bending lemons, to automatons powered by the Philosopher’s Stone, as the powers from beyond become in-hand realities, the characters find their greatest desires are not as simple and powerful in their hands as they first thought. Exploring the limits of greed and desire within ourselves and in the society we live in, the collection asks who are we, if not a collection of our own desires, and the impulses …

From Margins To Museums: Tracing The Evolution Of Representation For Contemporary African Artists In The United States, Victoria Mouraux Durand-Ruel

Master's Theses

This thesis examines the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement on the art community in the United States and the evolution of representation for Contemporary African artists. By analyzing the careers and artistic contributions of Omar Ba, Toyin Ojih Odutola, and Njideka Akunyili Crosby, the study explores the concept of artistic agency according to which African artists have more control over the production and distribution of their works.

The research begins with a comprehensive literature review, investigating the historical contexts that have shaped the art landscape, including the impact of colonization, decolonization, and globalization. The study reveals how these …

The Impact Of Sea-Level Rise On Coastal Wetlands Using In-Situ Mesocosm Experiments, Landscape Modeling, And Traditional Ecological Knowledge Mapping, Kelly San Antonio

Master's Theses

Sea-level rise is an escalating threat to coastal wetlands as increased inundation and saltwater intrusion can lead to lowered productivity, decreased biomass, and plant death – and ultimately land loss. In chapter one, I detailed the interactive effects of inundation and nitrogen on two commonly found saltmarsh species, Spartina alterniflora and Spartina patens. I examined productivity and metrics to these stressors using a controlled mesocosm experiment in the western channel of the Pascagoula River, Mississippi. I found varying strategies of growth between species and differing responses between the short- and long-term. Overall Spartina alterniflora performed better with increased inundation …

The Impact Of High Temperatures On Child Anthropometric Outcomes Worldwide, Natalia A. Cancino Garcia

Master's Theses

High temperatures caused by climate change significantly impact society, including child nutrition. Our research focuses on the impact of high temperatures on the anthropometric outcomes of children aged 1 to 5 in 54 countries worldwide. We analyze the historical climate and anthropometric data to evaluate the effect of high temperature on weight-for-age (WAZ) and weight-for-height (WHZ) in children. Results indicate that high temperatures negatively affect child nutrition, particularly in areas above 20°C, and children in rural areas are more vulnerable. The impact of monthly temperature on child anthropometric outcomes varies across countries, regions, and cultural practices. Economic status alone is …

Assessing University Dance Programs: Evaluating The Dance Education Vs Performance Majors For Teacher Preparedness, Kionna N. Burgess

Master's Theses

The primary purpose of this study was to analyze how universities are preparing all dancers for the option of becoming a dance educator outside of training in dance technique. The researcher evaluated current dance educators in K-12 public education schools on their level of preparation from their chosen undergraduate and graduate programs for dance education. There were two research instruments used in this study: online surveys and online interviews completed by the dance educators. The data suggested that there is a need for more undergraduate and graduate dance programs to provide adequate teacher preparation training for those who may enter …

Evaluation Of Polyvinyl Alcohol (Pva) For Electrospinning Utility In The Blood Vessel Mimic (Bvm) Lab, Logan Vandenbroucke

Master's Theses

Electrospinning has provided the opportunity to create extracellular matrix (ECM) mimicking scaffolds for the development of tissue-engineered constructs. Within Professor Kristen Cardinal’s Blood Vessel Mimic (BVM) Lab, at Cal Poly, there exists a constant demand for innovation and the expansion of polymer types and electrospinning capabilities for its BVM model. Along these lines, the BVM Lab has recently acquired two new electrospinning systems: the Spinbox, a commercially graded electrospinning system, and the Learn-By-Doing system, which was part of a recently completed thesis conducted by Jason Provol. Additionally, recently published literature has demonstrated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a viable option for …

Effects Of Beet Supplements On Cardiovascular Response Using A Noninvasive Blood Pressure Cuff, Nicholas M. Hughes

Master's Theses

A Calibrated Cuff Plethysmography device was built, tested for verification, and used to experiment on human subjects to measure the cardiovascular response of consuming a beet supplement, specifically looking at arterial compliance and pressure-area curves. Each subject was tested four times. A baseline was measured under normal conditions and after five-minute hyperemia conditions. 10 subjects were given 6 ounces of water mixed with either purple Kool-Aid (control), a SuperBeets supplement, or a SuperBeets Sport supplement and after 45 minutes, measurements were taken undergoing normal and hyperemia conditions once more. The verification testing demonstrated the calibration of the device was effectively …

A Talk With Time, Samanatha Kuban

Master's Theses

I chose to write a collection of genre-mixing short stories to depict the vastness and complexity of time as my English Master’s thesis project. Thinking about the constructs of time and how they function or do not function within our society sparked my interest in this field of knowledge and discussion. I am a person that tends to feel a large amount of anxiety surrounding the passage of time or time limits so reading deeper into studies of time and how we think about it in various ways proved to be an outlet for a better understanding. I chose to …

Optimization Of Hydraulic Cylinder Positioning For Wind Tower Hydraulic Erection System, Anbesh Rawal

Master's Theses

Wind produced electricity is a rapidly growing field with wind towers serving as critical components. Conventionally, special cranes are commonly used for wind tower erection. This study explores the use of hydraulic cylinders for small-scale wind tower erection. The thesis aims to find the optimal position of hydraulic cylinder connections in a hydraulic erection system for safe and energy-efficient tower erection and retraction and to enhance the performance and longevity of the system.

Structural analysis was conducted to investigate various hydraulic cylinder positioning configurations, ensuring minimal force exertion while maintaining structural integrity. The study included the selection of locally available …

Development Of Load Measurement Technique For Arbitrary Shapes, Quintin J. Cockrell

Master's Theses

Obtaining aerodynamic forces and moments about all three orthogonal axes for arbitrary shapes at arbitrary orientations in a fast manner via a measurement technique specific to Cal Poly’s low-speed wind tunnel to continually obtain the forces and moments under quasi-steady conditions is explored. A Continuous Rotation Technique (CR) uses a 6-DOF load cell and stepper motor to rotate an object about an axis for a complete rotation. The forces and moments acting upon the object pass through the stepper motor and interface plates and recorded by the load cell as the object is rotated continuously a finite number of rotations. …

Foundations Of Memory Capacity In Models Of Neural Cognition, Chandradeep Chowdhury

Master's Theses

A central problem in neuroscience is to understand how memories are formed as a result of the activities of neurons. Valiant’s neuroidal model attempted to address this question by modeling the brain as a random graph and memories as subgraphs within that graph. However the question of memory capacity within that model has not been explored: how many memories can the brain hold? Valiant introduced the concept of interference between memories as the defining factor for capacity; excessive interference signals the model has reached capacity. Since then, exploration of capacity has been limited, but recent investigations have delved into the …

The Biological, Physical And Chemical Response Of The Little Creek Watershed To The 2020 Czu Lighting Complex Fire, Natalie Fontana

Master's Theses

This post-fire study was conducted to characterize and observe fire induced changes in physical habitat parameters, water-quality conditions and macroinvertebrate assemblages in the Little Creek watershed, a tributary to Scotts Creek located in Cal Poly’s Swanton Pacific Ranch in Davenport, California. Pre-fire data was collected by a Cal Poly student, John Hardy, for his 2017 thesis. Post-burn bioassessment surveys for this study were repeated at four of the same study sites used by Hardy to provide comparisons to the California Stream Condition Index via a modified version of the State of California’s Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program protocol. Macroinvertebrates were …

Discourse Analysis In Engineering: Investigating Patterns In Brainstorming Conversations, Aimee Chiem

Master's Theses

Brainstorming is a critical part of the engineering design process and can have a significant impact on the outcomes of the overall project. While research has studied the outcomes of brainstorming and the ideas that teams generate, the role that language and conversation play in these activities is still relatively underexplored. Observing the different ways people use specific types of discourse can reveal how conversations can affect brainstorming itself. To that end, this research aims to answer the following questions:

1) What are the different kinds of discursive moves that students make during engineering brainstorming activities?

2) What patterns or …

Evaluation Of Facilitation On Translocation Outcomes For San Joaquin Antelope Squirrel In The Carrizo Plain, California, Patrick R. Anderson

Master's Theses

In arid and semi-arid environments, burrowing mammals play a key role in increasing landscape heterogeneity through facilitative species interactions. The loss of burrowing mammal populations can consequently lead to negative effects cascading through the ecosystem. It is critical to understand these facilitative interactions for conservation and management. Understanding facilitative interactions may improve wildlife management tools, like translocation, which is often not very successful. To investigate the importance of burrow facilitation on San Joaquin antelope squirrel (Ammospermophilus nelsoni; SJAS) translocation success, I designed a natural experiment with a burrowing facilitator, the giant kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ingens; GKR). I …

A Numerical Modeling Analysis Of The San Francisco Bay And Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta: Riverine, Tidal, And Wind Processes, Drake A. Abrahamsson

Master's Theses

The primary motivation of this study is to analyze the 1D-2DH hydrodynamic model of the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (SFBD) outlined in Nederhoff et al. (2021). I compared model water level data to 70 tidal records from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the California Data Exchange Center (CDEC), and from local municipalities throughout the Bay Area to investigate how the model captures water levels and tidal constituent amplitudes. While the Nederhoff et al (2017) model analyzed an extended time period from 1950-2019, I analyzed M2 amplitude and tidal water …

Nanoparticles And The Environment: Biopolymer Grafted Cellulose And Screen-Printed Carbon Nanotube Composites, Dominique Henry Porcincula

Master's Theses

A host of environmental issues will define the state of the environment in the 21^st century, with plastic pollution and water shortages among them. While solutions to these problems require large-scale, multipronged solutions, one way we can address them is through material innovation and the use of nanoparticles.

In the first project, we address the issue of plastic pollution by creating nanocomposites of biodegradable polymers (PLA and PCL) with cellulose nanofibrils. Here, PLA and PCL are grafted from the surface of cellulose nanofibrils via ring-opening polymerization of cyclic ester monomers. Polymer-grafted cellulose (PGC) is characterized with structural analysis, solubility …

Fabrication Of Alumina Membranes From Uv Resin– Alumina Particle Slurries, Dominique Henry Porcincula

Master's Theses

Ceramics membranes are made in a wide variety of different techniques using a wide variety of different materials. However, many of the common techniques utilize a slurry of ceramic particles, additives, and either organic solvent or water that is shaped into a membrane, left to dry, and then sintered together. Drying is a time consuming process, often requiring several hours for the liquid medium to evaporate. Defect formation caused by development of partial pressures across the drying membrane, including cracks and warpage, also typically occurs during the drying process. To address this, slurries of ceramic particles made with a low …