Digital Commons Network^™

Between Mobility And Stability: Immigration, Free Trade, And Human Rights In The Context Of The Latino Immigrant, Joseph M. Stosberg

Master's Theses

This work takes a multi-dimensional approach to understanding human rights abuse toward Latino immigrants. It is argued here that the opening up of Mexico and Central American countries to free trade, and the restricted movement across borders has increased human rights abuse toward immigrants. In order to investigate these issues this research looks at: the opening up of Mexico and Central American countries to free trade; a pervasive narrative that portrays the Latino immigrant as a threat; and U.S. immigration policy. I use these respective bodies of literature to guide the discussion of the Latino immigrant experience, from the decision …

The Lion & The Ringmaster: Croatia's Accession To The European Union, Jelena N. Bilandzich

Master's Theses

July 1, 2013 marked Croatia's official induction into the European Union. For Croatia this was the culmination of a long negotiation process filled with concessions and challenges. This situation inspired the question of how Croatia's alliance with the EU has affected the state? In order to analyze this relationship the aspects of Croatian identity and sovereignty were explored, in addition to the EU's principles and problems regarding member and candidate states. The evidence found within this investigation came from a number of literary sources ranging from the academic to official government documents. Furthermore, nine interviews were conducted within Croatia, which …

The Plight Of Kenyan Domestic Workers In Gulf Countries, Caroline Muthoni Gikuru

Master's Theses

Kenya’s economy remains the regional leader within the East African Community (EAC) and among East African countries at large. However, political instability such as the 2007 post-election violence and the region’s social and political instability trickling into Kenya, have negatively affected the country’s economic growth. To bridge the economic gap, Kenyan women are seeking employment in the domestic service sector in the Gulf Countries, with Saudi Arabia being the most popular destination. At their destination countries, some domestic workers are subjected to various forms of abuse by their employers, leaving the worker without recourse due to the lack of legal …

Accounting For Gender In International Refugee Law: A Close Reading Of The Unhcr Gender Guidelines And The Discursive Construction Of Gender As An Identity, Johanna N. Tvedt

Master's Theses

This thesis conducts a close reading of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ “Guidelines on International Protection: Gender-Related Persecution within the context of Article 1A(2) of the 1951 Convention and/or its 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees” – a document that explains how legal definitions of refugee status might take into account gender issues. In it, I investigate the relationship between gender identity and the refugee status to understand how gender is constructed in relation to other terms or identity categories that determine whether an individual will be granted asylum. Performing a close reading of this text, …

Effects Of Increasing Temperature And Ocean Acidification On The Microstages Of Two Populations Of Saccharina Latissima In The Northwest Atlantic, Sarah Redmond

Master's Theses

Saccharina latissima (Linnaeus) C.E.Lane, C.Mayes, L.D. Druehl and G.W.Saunders, is the most widely distributed species of kelp in the western North Atlantic, occurring from the Arctic to Long Island Sound. The effects of global climate change on these ecologically and economically important cold temperate species at the southern range of their distribution are unknown. This study investigated the impact of the combined stressors of increased temperature (16, 19, 22, 25 & 28°C) and reduced pH (7.9, 7.8, 7.7, & 7.6) on the gametophyte and juvenile sporophyte stages of sugar kelp populations from Maine and Long Island Sound. Spore germination and …

Algorithms For Multisample Reads Binning, Gabriel S.I. Ilie

Master's Theses

Metatranscriptomics is the study of gene expression levels in uncultured microbial communities sampled directly from their environment. In cultured microbes, the sequencing data comes from a single clone, making assembly and annotation tractable. However, in metatranscriptomics, the data comes from communities with diverse microbial compositions, possibly containing thousands of species. The assembly of transcripts from these complex samples represents a serious computational challenge. The development of genome-independent methods is essential because of the lack of trusted reference genomes that can be used to guide the assembly process. The predominant assembly formalism used for short-read datasets is the de Bruijn graph. …

Maternal Reaction To Diagnosis: Examination Of Categorization And Methods Of Scoring, Alison Bradley

Master's Theses

This study examined the potential usefulness of a continuous rating system for the Reaction to Diagnosis Interview (RDI; Pianta & Marvin, 1992) compared to the already validated dichotomous coding system. Measures of family functioning, parent psychological well-being, and parental coping were also correlated with the continuous rating system. Participants were 116 young children (29 with asthma, 37 with diabetes, and 50 with cancer) and their primary caregivers. Parents were interviewed by a trained researcher and completed well-validated self-report measures of family functioning and parent psychological well-being and coping. Consensus conferencing for classification disagreements was discussed. Differences and similarities among subcategory …

Biochemical Assay Optimization And Computational Screening Efforts To Identify Potential Luxs Inhibitors, Keeshia Q. Wang

Master's Theses

Quorum sensing (QS) is a process of coordination of bacterial gene expression in response to cell population. System two QS is regulated by the small signaling molecule autoinducer-2 (AI-2) and is implicated in the infectious behaviors of various bacterial species. AI-2 is biosynthesized from S-ribosylhomocysteine (SRH) by the enzyme LuxS and induces interspecies cell-to-cell communication. Inhibition of LuxS would therefore inhibit interspecies QS. Herein, a search for novel molecular species that will competitively bind with SRH in the LuxS binding site is performed in silico. Computational screening results are then validated in vitro using an optimized LuxS inhibition …

Raindrop Imprints And Their Use In The Retrodeformation Of Carboniferous Trace Fossils, Meredith Fichman

Master's Theses

The Narragansett Basin of Massachusetts and Rhode Island is a Carboniferous terrestrial basin and is the only location within New England that preserves fossil evidence of early amphibians and reptilomorphs. Footprints and trackways constitute the only record of these early tetrapods, but deformation during the Alleghanian orogeny has distorted the traces. To improve identification, description, and comparison with non-distorted material, tracks from Plainville, Massachusetts were retrodeformed using raindrop imprints as strain markers.

The axial ratios of 354 raindrop imprints found on 12 slabs were analyzed using the Rf/Φ technique. Strain ratios for slabs ranged from 1.33 to 1.93, with individual …

Water Column Carbon Dynamics In The New River Estuary, Nc, Jenay Guardiani

Master's Theses

Estuaries transform and exchange various forms of dissolved and particulate carbon within the water column prior to exportation to the open ocean, efflux to the atmosphere, and/or sedimentation. Three bulk fractions of carbon: particulate organic carbon (POC); dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC); and dissolved organic carbon (DOC); and the stable isotopic (δ¹³C) composition of POC and DIC were measured for samples collected along the New River Estuary (NRE), NC to evaluate the sources, processing, and transport of carbon within the system. Conservative mixing curves for each parameter were analyzed to examine the changing character of the carbon pools throughout …

Pretreatment Predictors Of Weight Loss In A Comprehensive Behavioral Weight Loss Program, Erin M. Lenz

Master's Theses

There is considerable variability in response to behavioral weight control treatment. Identifying pretreatment health behaviors that predict an individual’s weight loss success has the potential to assist with assignment into more appropriate treatment settings (i.e., standard behavioral program versus comprehensive home environment program) that are likely to yield greater weight loss outcomes over time. Participants (N= 201; 48.9 ± 10.5 years; 78.1% women) enrolled in a study comparing a standard behavioral weight loss program (BWL; n=99) to a home-environment focused weight loss program (BWL+H; n=102) completed baseline questionnaires assessing individual control variables (i.e., dietary restraint, self-weighing) and control over the …

Comparison Of Marine Sampling Methods For Organic Contaminants: Passive Samplers, Water Extractions, And Live Oyster Deployments, Kristin B. Raub

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Practice And Patient Characteristics Associated With Primary Care Physicians’ Use Of Electronic Consults With Their Patients, Timothy Kenneth Eng

Master's Theses

Electronic consults (e-consults) are types of communications systems used between physicians and their patients to communicate outside the medical office. While nothing can replace the traditional face-to-face interaction, e-consults can be used to help manage patient queue, share non-urgent information, and provide an alternative avenue of communication while recording electronic copies. Literature reveals that lack of a standardized reimbursement system, uncertain workloads, and perceived risks to patient confidentiality are barriers to mainstream adoption of e-consult systems. The purpose of this study is to investigate the practice and patient characteristics of the use of e-consults between primary care physicians (PCP) and …

The Effect Of Varying Frequencies Of Mechanical Vibration On The Rate Of Orthodontic Tooth Movement In Mice, Thomas G. Dobie

Master's Theses

Objective: The aim of this study is to utilize the Orthodontic Tooth Movement (OTM) model in a mouse in order to study the mechanical vibrational effects in bone. Specifically, we wish to test various frequencies of vibration under an orthodontic force to determine whether or not an increase in OTM is seen. We also intend to further investigate the role of osteoclasts in OTM and how they interplay with increasing tooth movement.

Materials and Methods: Fifty-eight male CD1 mice were randomly placed into 1 of 8 groups. Three of these groups were part of the experimental subset which all received …

Evidence And Implications Of Weight Clustering Among Adolescents, Jennifer C. Acker

Master's Theses

Both obesity and eating disorders (ED) are increasingly conceptualized from an ecological model of health, which emphasizes the importance of individual and contextual variables. The peer context is particularly important for understanding adolescents’ weight related attitudes and behaviors; however, specific peer processes that impact obesity and EDs are unclear. Because social comparison is common during adolescence, how teens view their body in comparison to the body size of their close friends may be influential. The purpose of this study is to examine how adolescents’ perceptions of their friends’ body sizes relate to their weight-related cognitions, behaviors, and mental health symptoms, …

The Effects Of Poor Maternal Nutrition On Muscle Development In Lambs, Joseline Raja

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Behavioral And Physiological Effects Of Long-Distance Translocation On Western Rattlesnakes (Crotalus Oreganus), Kory Hayden Heiken

Master's Theses

Long-distance translocation (LDT), the relocation of an animal outside of its home range, is a popular strategy for mitigating conflict between humans and venomous snakes. While LDT has been demonstrated to prevent a snake’s return to the location of capture, it may result in increased mortality, magnitude and frequency of movements, and activity range sizes. Thus, it has generally been discouraged. However, the effects of LDT on stress physiology and thermoregulation have gone largely unstudied in reptiles. To elucidate these effects, we conducted an experimental LDT on Western Rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus) on Vandenberg Air Force base in California. …

St. Jude Medical: Pulmonary Edema Monitoring In Pacemakers And Icds, David Wei-Péng Chang

Master's Theses

Pulmonary edema occurs when fluid leaks from the pulmonary capillary network into the lung interstitium and alveoli. When the heart is not able to pump blood to the body efficiently, fluid can back up into the veins that take blood through the lungs to the left atrium. This then builds up the pressure in the blood vessels and fluid is pushed into the alveoli in the lungs. The fluid reduces normal oxygen movement through the lungs and can cause impaired gas exchange and respiratory failure. There are many causes of congestive heart failure that may lead to pulmonary edema such …

Active Learning Using Model-Eliciting Activities And Inquiry-Based Learning Activities In Dynamics, Jeffrey Phillip Georgette

Master's Theses

This thesis focuses on a year-long project of implementing active learning in undergraduate dynamics courses at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo from 2012-2013. The purpose is to increase conceptual understanding of critical dynamics concepts and to repair misconceptions of the students. Conceptual understanding in Dynamics is vital to understanding the big picture, building upon previous knowledge, and better understanding the behavior of engineering systems. Through various hands-on activities, students make predictions, test their conceptions, and solve real world problems. These active learning methods allow students to improve their learning of Dynamics concepts. Education research on active learning is present in …

Functional 3-D Cellulose & Nitrocellulose Paper-Based, Multiplex Diagnostic Platforms Without Coupling Agents, Mackenzie Elizabeth Tageson

Master's Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to demonstrate device functionality of 3-D paper-based, multiplex platforms, µPADs, without the use of coupling agents between layers. Previously, these platforms were fabricated with double-sided tape and cellulose powder to try to augment proper fluid routing, but difficulties with this method occurred. An acrylic housing unit with strategically placed pressure tabs was designed to aid horizontal and vertical fluid routing through the platform, thus eliminating the inconsistencies associated with coupling agents. Channel characterization studies, a COMSOL^TM simulation, and development time studies were performed to aid device design and demonstrate device functionality.

The implementation …

Confused Spaces: Theatricality As A Device For Defining Different Types Of Public Space, Danton Christopher Spina

Master's Theses

Confused Spaces has come to the conclusion that theatricality can be a device for defining different types of public space. This book aims to define theatricality in architectural terms by taking principles from the disciplines of theater and urban design. It limits the scope of the definition to a specific set of elements of theatricality that include spectacle, transition, flexibility, and compactability. After attempting to define why these elements of theatricality are valid architectural concepts, the text then pushes to understand the experience that these elements can create. Through the use of historical and contemporary references, an argument for theatricality …

Design Of A Low Power Cargo Security Device Using A Micropower Ultra-Wideband Impulse Radar, Brian M. Wihl

Master's Theses

Each year, thousands of cargo containers are broken into during shipping, costing billions of dollars in lost and damaged goods. In addition to removing its contents, intruders can also add unwanted and dangerous materials to a container, posing a threat to National Security. The possibilities of cargo container break-ins require that the containers go through check points at which they are physically searched. These searches often require the opening of the container, unloading and inspecting all cargo, and then loading the container and resealing it. This is a long and costly process.

Because of the high costs of break-ins and …

Investigation Of Parameters Influencing Reverse Fault Rupture Propagation To The Ground Surface, Kevin V. Stanton

Master's Theses

Surface fault rupture poses a serious threat to infrastructure in many seismically active regions, but knowledge about the factors which control the likelihood of surface displacement is limited. Current probabilistic frameworks rely only on fault mechanism and moment magnitude to predict the probability of rupture to the ground surface. However, recent work has shown that there may be other parameters which also deserve consideration. For example, statistical analyses have demonstrated that variation in near surface material stiffness may significantly affect the probability of surface rupture over reverse faults. In addition, numerical investigations indicate that the rupture history of native soil …

Measuring The Counter/Assumption Model's Effect On Argumentation Quality, Evan D G Ovadia

Master's Theses

This thesis presents a new platform called See the Reason, built upon a tree- structured argumentation model called the Counter/Assumption model. In the Counter/Assumption model, a topic is posted first, then under that topic, reasons for and against, and for each reason, counterarguments, and for any counterargu- ment, more counterarguments. The model enables us to systematically determine whether a claim is “tentatively true” or “tentatively false,” in an effort to motivate people to make their side’s claims tentatively true and the opposing side’s claims tentatively false, thus encouraging conflict. Research suggests that debates with more conflict are better, so this …

Field Dection Device Of Reactive Oxygen Species, Danielle Lee Cowgill

Master's Theses

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) contribute to approximately 30.5% of all injury related deaths in the United States per year and approximately 1.7 million TBIs per year occur as an isolated injury or other injury. Military personnel are exposed to TBIs and have less availability to resources traditionally used to diagnose a TBI. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a large role in secondary traumatic brain damage, especially lipid peroxidation, following TBIs. One of the principle and most studied byproducts of lipid peroxidation is malondialdehyde (MDA). The focus of this paper was to create an initial proof-of-concept field diagnostic device to detect …

Variations Of Vibrio Populations In Pacific White Shrimp, Litopenaeus Vannamei, Aquaculture Raceways, Tracy Rene Berutti

Master's Theses

Reducing incidence of vibrioses in intensive aquaculture systems is essential to maintaining yields. This study performed real-time qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) using primers targeting 16s rDNA sequences for total bacteria, the Vibrio genus, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus in aquaculture tanks over the growing season. Total DNA concentrations in each sample were measured with a NanoDrop 2000 Spectrophotometer (Thermo Scientific, Inc. USA). These data were compared to two levels of bio-floc solids removal in addition to physical and chemical tank parameters such as temperature, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and phosphate. The total bacteria gene copy abundances were higher (p = 0.0081) …

Conservation Genetics Of Gar (Atractosteus Spp.), Sandra Elizabeth Bohn

Master's Theses

The alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) is a large-bodied species of fish that historically was widely distributed in coastal drainages around the Gulf of Mexico and well north in the Mississippi River basin. Currently this species is experiencing population declines across much of its range. However, in some parts of its range, such as Texas, this species has shifted from being viewed as a trash fish to being the target or a growing sport fishery. As populations decline and angling pressure increases, different state agencies are faced with the common challenge of developing the most effective methods for managing …

Seasonal And Diurnal Behavioral Patterns Of Bottlenose Dolphins, Tursiops Truncatus, That Exhibit High Site And Low Site Fidelity To Mississippi Sound, Shauna Marisa Mcbride

Master's Theses

This study examined whether bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) exhibit site fidelity to the Mississippi Sound and how the seasonal and diurnal behavioral patterns of dolphins that exhibit high site fidelity to the Mississippi Sound differ from those of dolphins with lower site fidelity. Opportunistic surveys conducted from July 2006 to April 2010 were analyzed. Statistical analyses consisted of nonparametric tests (Spearman's correlation, loglinear models, and Pearson's chi-square) to compare behavioral patterns of high site fidelity, mixed, and low site fidelity groups. Behavioral patterns significantly differed between site fidelity groups across seasons and diurnal periods. Feeding behavior was observed significantly more …

Age, Growth, Mortality, And The Effects Of Trawling On Mortality Of The Longspine Porgy, Stenotomus Caprinus, Cher Marie Newman

Master's Theses

Stenotomus caprinus (Longspine Porgy) is one of the most abundant bycatch species caught in trawl fisheries in the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Biological data of length, weight, and abundance have been collected since 1972 on the Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) surveys with a variety of GOM species, including Longspine Porgy, using trawl nets during groundfish surveys. In 2010-2011 five Longspine Porgy were obtained from Groundfish and Pelagic surveys at each station for further analysis. Age distribution was determined through von Bertalanffy length and weight-age models. The samples were separated into two regions of the GOM to …

An Examination Of Media Accounts Before And After School Shootings: A Content Analysis Of Newspaper Articles Pertaining To Firearms On Campus, John Ronald Harrington

Master's Theses

Very few topics elicit such polarizing responses as that of the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. Since our country's infancy, firearms have been an integral part of our society. Over the years firearms have undoubtedly become ingrained in the American culture, but their presence has not been unanimously welcomed. While many Americans stand firmly by their right to bear arms, others adamantly oppose the notion that civilians should be able to possess such firearm s. This study explores the current literature regarding firearms, concealed carry firearms, and the news media's portrayal of concealed carry firearms on school campuses. …