Digital Commons Network^™

Jackson, Mississippi, Contested: The Allied Struggle For Civil Rights And Human Dignity, Matthew David Monroe

Master's Theses

Utilizing monthly reports and correspondence of civil rights organizations, in addition to newspaper coverage, oral histories; and memoirs, this study shows that a grassroots, community-driven movement mobilized in Mississippi's capital to challenge institutionalized discrimination. Yet, racial identity did not dictate exclusively how White and Black Mississippians responded to the unfolding Civil Rights Movement. Conflicting and shifting motivations shaped the nature, extent, and pace by which Blacks and Whites challenged or protected status quo discrimination. The Jackson Movement began as early as 1955 and sustained protest activity into the 1960s. By the summer of 1965, Jackson's Black community secured most of …

The Relationship Between Salivary Cortisol Levels And Stressful Behaviors Upon The Introduction Of A New Exhibit Mate In Captive Black And Gold Howler Monkeys (Alouatta Caraya) At The Hattiesburg Zoo, Cassie Mechelle Chandler

Master's Theses

Salivary cortisol levels were taken on a male and a female howler monkey and compared with behavioral observations during their introduction to one another into an exhibit at the Hattiesburg Zoo in order to determine the link between behavior and stress. This study sought to answer the following research questions: What behavioral responses occur when two howler monkeys are introduced into the same exhibit at a zoo? How stressed are the animals at different stages of the introduction? And, what is the correlation between behaviors and hormones, if any?

The study spanned four phases including a baseline phase, the initial …

Unusual Electron Transfer Rate Effects Due To Pyridyl Ring Substituents And Trace Group Viii B Hexacyano Complexes As Added Salts, Faisal Mehmood

Master's Theses

The rates of pseudo-self-exchange electron transfer reactions between [(NH₃)₅Ru^IIL]²⁺ and [(NH₃)₅Ru^IIIL’]³⁺ at reactant concentrations of 1.0 х 10^-4 M (where L, L’ = substituted pyridines) and the reaction between [(NH₃)₅Ru^IIPy]²⁺ and [(NH₃)₅Ru^III3FPy]²⁺ at different reactant concentrations in the presence of various salts added were studied by using the stopped-flow kinetic spectroscopy. Marcus theory rate vs. driving force plots yielded distinct families of lines depending on whether a 3- or 4- …

Rejection Sensitivity And Early Relationships: Explaining Differential Outcomes In Early Dating, Heather Holly

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Vascular And Mechanical Changes In Bone In Response To Chronic Ischemia And Mechanical Loading, Michael Govea

Master's Theses

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) and osteoporosis have recently been shown to be associated; with the parallel occurrence suggesting that PAD related ischemia may cause or enhance the onset of osteoporosis. In order to determine the mechanism linking osteoporosis and PAD this paper will examine the effects of ischemia and mechanical stimulation on bone remodeling. An immunohistochemistry protocol for vessel marking in bone was also developed. Ischemia was induced in a mouse model to determine vascular and mechanical property changes in bone in response to hypoxia, and mechanical loading-induced remodeling was analyzed for vascular changes. Both ischemia and mechanical loading increased …

Effects Of Column Stiffness On Seismic Behavior Of Steel Plate Shear Walls, Xuhua Guo

Master's Theses

Steel plate shear walls (SPSWs) are a lateral force resisting system consisting of thin infill steel plates surrounded by boundary frame members. The infill steel plates are allowed to buckle in shear and subsequently form diagonal tension field actions during earthquake events. Hysteretic energy dissipation of this system is primarily achieved through yielding of the infill plates. Conceptually, in a SPSW system with ideally rigid columns pinned to ground, the infill plates at different stories will yield simultaneously as a result of the lateral loads. However, when the columns become flexible, infill plate yielding may initially occur at one story …

Impacts Of Plug-In Electric Vehicle On Residential Electric Distribution System Using Stochastic And Sensitivity Approach, Henry Chigozie Ureh

Master's Theses

Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs) are projected to become a viable means of transportation due to advances in technology and advocates for green and eco-friendly energy solutions. These vehicles are powered partially, or in some cases, solely by the energy stored in their battery packs. The large sizes of these battery packs require large amount of energy to charge, and as the demand for PEV increases, the increase in energy demand needed to recharge these PEV batteries could pose problems to the present electric distribution system. This study examines the potential impacts of PEV on a residential electric distribution system at …

Formulation Of An Optimal Search Strategy For Space Debris At Geo, Daniel J. Jackson

Master's Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to create a search strategy to find orbital debris when the object fails to appear in the sky at its predicted location. This project is for NASA Johnson Space Center Orbital Debris Program Office through the MODEST (Michigan Orbital Debris Survey Telescope) program. This thesis will build upon the research already done by James Biehl in “Formulation of a Search Strategy for Space Debris at GEO.” MODEST tracks objects at a specific right ascension and declination. A circular orbit assumption is then used to predict the location of the object at a later time. …

Implementation And Validation Of The Ζ-F And Asbm Turbulence Models, Dustin Van Blaricom Quint

Master's Theses

The use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools throughout the engineering industry has become standard. Simulations are used during nearly all steps throughout the life cycle of products including design, production, and testing. Due to their wide range of use, industrial CFD codes are becoming more flexible and easier to use. These commercial codes require robustness, reliability, and efficiency. Consequently, linear eddy viscosity models (LEVM) are used to model turbulence for an increasing number of flow types. LEVM such as k-ε and k-ω provide modeling with little loss of computational efficiency and have proven to be robust. The LEVM that …

Verification And Expansion Of Single-Degree-Of-Freedom Transformation Factors For Beams Using A Multi-Degree-Of-Freedom Non-Linear Numerical Analysis Method, Takayuki Yokoyama

Master's Theses

The single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) transformation factors as tabulated in John Biggs’ textbook (Biggs 1964) are accepted as the equivalent factors for simplifying and analyzing a component's response to blast. The study validates the stiffness and mass transformation factors through multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) numerical methods. After validating the transformation factors, the MDOF numerical method is used to create new stiffness and mass transformation factors for loading cases not already included in Biggs’ textbook.

The validated factors, as well as the newly developed factors are used in SDOF analyses. The deflections from the SDOF responses accurately predict the MDOF responses as long as the …

Investigating The Roles Of Ndj1 And Tid1 In Crossover Assurance In Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Rianna Knowles

Master's Theses

Meiosis is the specialized process of cell division utilized during gametogenesis in all sexually reproducing eukaryotes, which consists of one round of DNA replication followed by two rounds of chromosome segregation and results in four haploid cells. Crossovers between homologous chromosomes promote proper alignment and segregation of chromosomes during meiosis.

Crossover interference is a genetic phenomenon in which crossovers are non-randomly placed along chromosomes. Crossover assurance ensures that every homologous chromosome pair obtains at least one crossover during Prophase I. Crossovers physically connect homologous pairs, allowing spindle fibers to attach and separate homologs properly. However, some organisms have shown an …

The Gendered Geography Of War: Confederate Women As Camp Followers, Rachael L. Ryen

Master's Theses

The American Civil War is often framed as exclusively masculine, consisting of soldiers, god-like generals, and battle; a sphere where women simply did not enter or coexist. This perception is largely due to the mobilization of approximately six million men, coupled with the Victorian era which did not permit women to engage in the public sphere. Women are given their place however, but it is more narrowly defined as home front assistance. Even as women transitioned from passive receivers to active participants, their efforts rarely defied gender norms. This thesis looks at Confederate female camp followers who appeared to defy …

Detecting Suspicious Behavior With Low-Cost Sensors, Ahren Alexander Reed

Master's Theses

A proof of concept is created that demonstrates how low-cost sensors and a simple software solution can be used to proactively detect IED placement. The main goal is to detect suspicious behavior; Specifically we derive requirements that loitering, meandering, improper location and object placement shall be detected. Current methods being used to detect Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are costly in terms of equipment and risk to life, and many are retroactive; IED detection occurs long after explosives are placed. A prototype system is explored with the quality attributes of being low-cost, proactive and using simple software methods. A wireless sensor …

Decontamination Of Endodontic Gutta-Percha: An In-Vitro Study, Mariya Shnaydman

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

A Multiple-Input Single-Output Dc-Dc Converter For The Dc House Project, Chi Kin Taffy Wong

Master's Theses

This thesis entails the design of a multiple-input single-output (MISO) dc-dc converter. The converter will be used to interface multiple power sources such as those obtained from renewable energy sources to a dc house. Results from the theoretical calculation and experimental data are presented in the report which demonstrate the functionality and performance of the proposed converter.

Development And Prototyping Of A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter For 3-Phase 480 Volt Systems, Matthew R. Norlander

Master's Theses

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) technology was first introduced in the NEC in 1971, yet four decades later the technology has not been introduced to a great extent outside of the home environment. This thesis introduces the difficulties encountered in low-voltage three phase ground fault current detection, and adopts a previously patented tripping scheme to develop and prototype a digital relay for 3-phase 480 volt systems capable of the sensitivity and speed required for personnel safety. Results demonstrate the feasibility of the concept and suggest commercial development should be pursued. The prototype is capable of mA sensitivity and reliably detects …

Upper Salinas Headwaters Conservation Plan, Justin T. Saydell

Master's Theses

The Upper Salinas Headwaters Conservation Plan is an effort to understand the cultural and ecosystem resources in the region, develop tools for conservation planning, and suggest a strategy and plan of action for implementation of those strategies. The plan covers a 218 square mile area between the Santa Lucia and the La Panza mountain ranges, south of Atascadero and east of the City of San Luis Obispo. The Conservation Area consists of rugged terrain made up of vast-relatively untouched open space. The area consists of several different vegetative communities including oak savannah grasslands, mixed hardwood and oak stands, shrubland, wetland …

Quantification Of Nitrate Sources And Sinks Using A Water Quality Network In Morro Bay Estuary, California, Johanna Nadia Jean Weston

Master's Theses

Using an instrumented water quality network in Morro Bay Estuary, California from 2007 to 2010 (15 min sampling frequency), this study addressed the two objectives of constructing a nitrate budget and assessing the influence of sampling frequency on water quality parameters. These two objectives led to the submission of an original report of research (Appendix A) and a note (Appendix B) to peer-reviewed journals.

The first objective was to characterize the high spatial and temporal variation in physical parameters and nitrate concentrations and to construct a nitrate budget quantifying sources and sinks of nitrate from the ocean, streams, and groundwater, …

An Automated Test Station Design Used To Verify Aircraft Communication Protocols, Joshua Berrian

Master's Theses

Requirements verification is typically the costliest part of the systems engineering design process. In the commercial aircraft industry, as the software and hardware design evolves, it must be verified to conform to requirements. In addition, when new design releases are made, regression analysis must be performed which usually requires repeat testing. To streamline verification, a suite of automated verification tools is described in this document which can reduce the test effort. This test suite can be qualified to be used to verify systems at any DO-178B design assurance level. Some of the software tools are briefly described below.

There are …

Residual Communication And Social Deficits In Individuals With A History Of Autism Spectrum Disorders Who Achieved Optimal Outcomes, Alyssa J. Orinstein

Master's Theses

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) were once considered lifelong disorders, but a small body of research indicates children with ASDs are capable of gaining skills, such that they no longer meet diagnostic criteria for any ASD. These individuals are considered to have achieved an optimal outcome. This study examined communication and social functioning in a group of adolescents with a history of autism spectrum disorders who have achieved optimal outcomes. Thirty-two such individuals between the ages of eight and twenty-one were matched on age, sex, and nonverbal IQ to 33 individuals with high-functioning autism and 25 typically developing adolescents. The groups …

The Efficacy Of Antibiotic Residue Screening Tests For The Detection Of Natural Antimicrobials In Milk, Stacey L. O'Donnell

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Accurate Estimation Of Isoform And Gene Expression Levels From Next Generation Sequencing Data, Marius Nicolae

Master's Theses

Massively parallel transcriptome sequencing is quickly replacing microarrays as the technology of choice for performing gene expression profiling due to its wider dynamic range and digital quantitation capabilities. However, accurate estimation of expression levels from sequencing data remains challenging due to the short read length delivered by current sequencing technologies and still poorly understood protocol- and technology-specific biases.

To date, two main transcriptome sequencing protocols have been proposed in the literature. The most commonly used one, referred to as RNA-Seq, generates short (single or paired) sequencing tags from the ends of randomly generated cDNA fragments. An alternative protocol, referred to …

Differential Canopy Leaf Flushing And Site Nitrogen Status Facilitate Invasive Species Establishment In Temperate Deciduous Forest Understories, Lindsay M. Dreiss

Master's Theses

Invasion by nonnative species is considered one of the greatest threats to ecosystem structure and function worldwide. In the temperate forests of the northeastern United States invasive plant species frequently establish and colonize edge environments; however, they are not confined to these areas. In this study, I hypothesized that nonnative species presence would be greatest under those canopy tree species that allow higher understory light levels because of phenological differences in spring leafing as well as canopy transmission and site-nutrient availability in these understories. Six canopy types were used: Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), Acer saccharum (sugar maple), Quercus spp./Carya …

Understanding Formation And Transport Of Amorphous Iron Oxyhydroxides In Porous Media Using Microfluidic Flow Cells- A Novel Method To Study Freshwater Iron Cycling, Neha A. Ghaisas

Master's Theses

The ground water and surface water interface (GSI or Hyporheic zone) is a spatially- and temporally-fluctuating biogeochemical transition zone connecting these two distinct hydrological components. The mixing zone is characterized by a near neutral pH, ambient temperature and a sharp oxygen concentration which in turn has deep impact on the iron cycling and thus the fate of contaminants in the water column. We constructed an experimental micromodel that to observe key processes that affect biogeochemical iron cycling in the fresh water interface zones where the oxic surface water mixes with Fe (II) rich underlying ground water. The flow cell was …

Worksite Weight Loss Intervention Utilizing Monetary Incentives And Contingency Management For Overweight And Obese Employees At Risk For Type 2 Diabetes, Santina A. Galbo

Master's Theses

Abstract:

Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of a financial incentive on weight loss and diabetes risk score (DRS) following a tailored National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) weight loss intervention among adults who are overweight/obese and who are at risk for type 2 diabetes. An additional aim to evaluate changes in weight loss self-efficacy (WLSE), exercise self-efficacy (ESE), healthy eating score (HES) and movement through the stages of change (SOC) from pre to post intervention.

Design: Four long-term care facilities, from one corporation, were randomly assigned to either an Incentivized Program (IP) or a Non-Incentivized Program (NIP). …

Bodyweight Squat Movement Changes After A High-Intensity Short-Rest Workout, David R. Hooper

Master's Theses

High intensity (≥75%1RM), short rest (≤30 seconds) workouts (HISR) have increased in popularity in recent years despite very little scientific study as well as contradicting the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) position stand. The purpose of this study was to assess the changes in movement associated with the fatigue resulting from a HISR workout. 14 males underwent a 3 dimensional analysis of 5 bodyweight squats before and after a HISR workout. Peak angle, total displacement and rate were assessed for knee flexion, trunk flexion, hip flexion, hip rotation and hip adduction. Subjects were split in to two groups: high …

Evaluation Of Cathode Materials For Low Temperature (500-700c) Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Alexander M. Lassman

Master's Theses

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) have gained a great deal of interest, due to their potential for high efficiency power generation and ability to utilize hydrogen fuel, as well as various hydrocarbon-based fuels. A recent trend in SOFC development has been towards lower operating temperatures (500-700°C), which can substantially reduce the cost and complexity of the system. This thesis presents an investigation into state of the art Ba- and La- based cathode materials for use in low temperature (500-700°C) solid oxide fuel cells.

Synthesis of A-site deficient [A=0.97] Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Co_0.8Fe_0.2O₃ (BSCF) was …

Assessing Near-Field Black Carbon Variability Due To Wood Burning And Evaluating Regression Models And Isc Dispersion Modeling, Stella Tan

Master's Theses

PM_2.5 variability within the neighborhood scale has not been thoroughly studied for wood burning communities. High variability in near-field PM_2.5 concentration may lead to harmful public exposure since monitoring does not occur on that scale. This study measures near-field PM_2.5 variability by measuring black carbon (BC), a component of PM_2.5, in a 1 km² area located in Cambria, California. BC and meteorological data (when meteorological instruments were available) were measured over thirteen 12-hour intensive operation periods (IOPs) occurring over the winters of 2009 and 2010. Near-field BC variability was measured to understand the type …

A Quantitative Study Of The Weldability Of Inconel 718 Using Gleeble And Varestraint Test Methods, Sean Quigley

Master's Theses

Nickel super alloy Inconel 718 was tested and compared to Haynes 230 using Gleeble and Varestraint mechanical test methods. Hot cracking susceptibility was examined in either alloy using a sub-scale Varestraint test method at 5 augmented strain levels: 0.25%, 05.%, 1%, 2%, and 4%. Maximum crack length, total crack length, and number of cracks were measured for each strain level. Gleeble hot ductility on-heating and on-cooling tests were performed on both alloys. Inconel 718 was tested on-heating at target temperatures of 1600˚F, 2000˚F, 2100˚F, 2200˚F, and on cooling at 1600˚F, 1700˚F, 1800˚F, 1900˚F, and 2100˚F. Haynes 230 was tested on-heating …

Design Of A University Research Network: Analysis, Selection, And Implementation Planning, Anna P. Hopper

Master's Theses

This report focuses on the design of a university knowledge management system (KMS), and how such a system can provide the framework for students and faculty to partake in, share, and collaborate on research activities. The collaborative environment of a university KMS, or research network, must be established in order for a university to maintain its reputation as a competitive research institution and to develop its faculty and students outside the classroom. A research network may contain a variety of features, some of which include faculty profiles, forums, communication portals, publication links, biographies, faculty keywords, interest areas and contact information. …