Digital Commons Network^™

Picasso Interface For Horizon Simulation Framework, Brian E. Kirkpatrick

Master's Theses

The Horizon Simulation Framework, or HSF, is a modeling and simulation framework compiled from C/C++ source code into a command line program. Picasso is an interface designed to control the input files to Horizon by providing visual tools to create and manipulate the XML files used to define an HSF system of assets, their environment, and other simulation parameters. Picasso also supports the visualization of Horizon output in several different forms, and import mechanics from online space object catalogues.

Shared Features And Similarity : Implications For Category Specificity And Normal Recognition, Daniel Kinka

Master's Theses

Patients with category-specific visual agnosia (CSVA) often exhibit a disproportionate difficulty recognizing objects from biological categories due (in part) to the fact that exemplars from biological categories tend to be visually and conceptually more similar. Similarity is often conceived of as a pairwise property (i.e., in terms of distance in a psychological space matrix), but may be more accurately conceived of as a setwise property (i.e., in terms of shared features). The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of shared features on similarity in normal observers, while controlling for distance in structural space. Behavioral and electrophysiological results …

The Other Race Effect : The Role Of Experience And Social Attiudes On Face Recognition, Emily Wheat

Master's Theses

The ORE is phenomenon whereby recognition for own race faces is better than recognition of other race faces. This study examines how non-perceptual factors—social context, attitudes, and experience—impact the ORE. Participants from three different racial groups (Caucasian, Black, Asian) completed a face recognition task screening faces for status-specific targets (baseline, perpetrator, victim), self-report measures of explicit bias and experience with members from other races and a measure of implicit bias. Results indicated that non-perceptual factors impact the ORE. Specifically, Caucasian participants revealed a reduced ORE for other race perpetrators in comparison to victims. Black participants revealed a reduced ORE for …

Do We Know What We Know? Self- Assessment Across The Lifespan, Courtney Clare Lee

Master's Theses

Self-knowledge can play a critical role in navigating physical, cognitive, and social changes in late life. To protect and preserve one's sense of self against these changes, individuals may engage in self-enhancing and self-serving biases in areas important to self-esteem. The importance attached to these areas may change with age, and self-knowledge of these psychological processes may vary with age. We investigated self-enhancing biases and metacognitive awareness of abilities in adulthood. Participants ranging in age from 20 to 80 completed a series of tests assessing the better than average effect across a variety of age-relevant domains as well as objective …

The "F" Word: An Exploration Of Feminist Identity In Undergraduate Students, Emily Michelle Hedstrom-Lieser

Master's Theses

While the majority of women living in the U.S. agree with feminist inspired goals, few claim a feminist identity. This study explored predictors of feminist identification in a sample of 233 undergraduate women at a mid-western university in the Rocky Mountain region. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify themes, and scales were assembled for use in OLS regression. Significant predictors of feminist identification included believing in the relevance of feminism in contemporary social issues, current exposure to feminism, support for feminist goals and ideals and recognition of women's differential access to resources. Research findings suggest that current exposure to …

Do Adolescents' Perceptions Of The Consequences Of Their Behavior Mediate The Link Between Psychopathy-Linked Personality Traits And Problem Behavior?, Matthew David Guelker

Master's Theses

Youth with psychopathic characteristics tend to engage in severe and varied problem behaviors with an increased chance of recidivism (Andershed, Gustafson, Kerr, & Stattin, 2002; Gretton, Hare, & Catchpole, 2004; Salekin, 2008). Previous research indicates that youth with psychopathy-linked personality traits are more likely to have an increased focus on achieving reward despite the increasing presence of punishment (O'Brien & Frick, 1996). This study investigated individual perceptions of consequences (e.g., reward and punishment) as a mediator of the relation between psychopathy-linked personality traits and problem behaviors (i.e., delinquency, aggression) in a sample of 157 adolescents ages 16-19. Findings suggest that …

Photomicrography As An Artistic Medium, Nicholas James Eubank

Master's Theses

This thesis investigated the problems associated with artistically photographing patterns that exist within the microscopic world echoed on a larger scale throughout nature. Photographing these patterns at a microscopic level presented a number of difficulties not associated with photographing patterns through traditional photographic means. This thesis explored the problems associated with photographing subjects on a microscopic level, specifically the issues presented by lighting subjects. Experimental techniques with multiple light sources as well as light spectrum were explored. Also explored was the history of microscopy and popular processes for modern microscopy. Images were created utilizing either a compound microscope or stereomicroscope …

Meiotic Insurance: Designing A System To Study Crossover Control In Yeast, Kate V. Karfilis

Master's Theses

Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division in which haploid gametes are produced from diploid progenitors. This reduction in ploidy results from proper meiotic chromosome segregation and is ensured by crossover recombination events. Given their importance, it is no surprise that crossover formation is regulated in most eukaryotes. Crossover assurance is a regulatory mechanism that helps to ensure that each pair of chromosomes gets at least one crossover during meiosis.

We seek to better understand how crossover assurance works. To do so, we have developed a system in which crossover formation between a pair of chromosomes is restricted to …

Integration Of Microfluidics With Surface Plasmon Resonance, Scott B. Fratzke

Master's Theses

This thesis successfully integrates laminate microfluidic devices with an analytic Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) instrument. Integration was accomplished at low-cost using materials such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), Tygon tubing, and a 3-way stopcock. The main components of this thesis are the design and fabrication of the low-cost, in-house fluidics that can integrate with upstream microfluidics and the validation of the in-house fluidics using the Biosensing Instruments BI-2000 SPR instrument. The low-cost fluidics was designed and fabricated “in-house” using a novel investment casting technique that required the use of laser cutting technology to make a master cast, and candle …

Enhanced Cal Poly Super System Simulink Model, Matthew Ogden Mcfarland

Master's Theses

The Cal Poly Sustainable Power for Electrical Resources (SuPER) project is a solar power DC distribution system designed to autonomously manage and supply the energy needs of a single family off-the-grid home. The following thesis describes the improvement and re-design of a MATLAB Simulink model for the Cal Poly SuPER system. This model includes a photovoltaic (PV) array, a lead-acid gel battery with temperature effects, a wind turbine model, a re-designed DC-DC converter, a DC microgrid, and multiple loads. This thesis will also include several control algorithms such as a temperature controlled thermoelectric (T.E.) cooler, intelligent load switching, and an …

Implementation Of A Conrad Probe On A Boundary Layer Measurement System, Charles Rocky Ulk

Master's Theses

This thesis presents the design, calibration, and performance evaluation of a type of two-hole pressure probe anemometer known as a Conrad probe, as well as its subsequent implementation on an autonomous, compact boundary layer measurement device and its first application for subsonic in-flight measurements of a swept wing boundary layer. Calibration of the Conrad probe was accomplished using two calibration functions and a non-nulling method for resolving in-plane flow velocity direction and magnitude over a range of ±30 degrees. This approach to calibration and application offered the advantages of rapid data acquisition with lower energy consumption than alternative methods for …

Asynchronous Mips Processors: Educational Simulations, Robert L. Webb

Master's Theses

The system clock has been omnipresent in most mainstream chip designs. While simplifying many design problems the clock has caused the problems of clock skew, high power consumption, electromagnetic interference, and worst-case performance. In recent years, as the timing constraints of synchronous designs have been squeezed ever tighter, the efficiencies of asynchronous designs have become more attractive. By removing the clock, these issues can be mitigated. How- ever, asynchronous designs are generally more complex and difficult to debug. In this paper I discuss the advantages of asynchronous processors and the specifics of some asynchronous designs, outline the roadblocks to asynchronous …

The Effects Of A High-Intensity Resistance Training Program On Muscular Strength, Muscular Endurance, And Psychological Measures In Cancer Survivors, Jessica M. Weiderspon

Master's Theses

Cancer can be characterized as an uncontrolled growth and spread of irregular cells in the body. Approximately 559,880 Americans die from cancer every year, however an estimated 562,340 Americans are anticipated to survive from cancer. With greater advances in treatment and increased survival rates, rehabilitation of normal life functioning becomes a large priority for cancer survivors. It has been found that exercise improves physiological and psychological factors in cancer survivors, although the most advantageous mode, duration, or intensity has not been determined. Aerobic and mixed interventions (aerobic, resistance, flexibility) have been studied in depth but a pure resistance training program …

Teaching Adult Students Who Are Apprehensive About Making Art, Donna M. Clement

Master's Theses

Many adults stopped making art while they were children and are now fearful and apprehensive of taking up art again. These individuals believe that only talented artists are allowed to create art. This study follows students through experimental art classes proving that they can learn art-making successfully. Difficulties and adaptations to teaching this population are discussed as well as the importance of teaching to the learning style of each student. From the history of how art began as a functional part of everyday life to how art exists today on a metaphorical pedestal is studied. All individuals who desire to …

The Difference In Physiological Parameters Following An Exercise Intervention In Breast Cancer Survivors On A Single Chemotherapy Drug Versus Combination Chemotherapy Drugs, Micah John Foster

Master's Theses

Exercise has become an important part of cancer rehabilitation as the incidence of breast cancer is increasing and the mortality rate is decreasing. Breast cancer chemotherapy treatment induces a physical demand on the body while exercise counter balances symptoms of chemotherapy treatment. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects an exercise intervention has on breast cancer survivors who have received a single chemotherapy drug versus combination chemotherapy drugs. A secondary purpose was to determine any differences in chemotherapy categories. Participants were chosen that had single drug treatment (n = 34) and combination drug treatment (n = 20). …

Evaluation Of Natural Remediation Following The Occurrence Of A Construction-Related Sediment Plume At Camp Shelby Training Site, Mississippi, Ian Eli Floyd

Master's Theses

This study is a comprehensive look into the response and recovery of an anthropogenic induced sediment infill of a bottom land hardwood wetland at Camp Shelby Training Site (CSTS) in Perry and Forrest Counties, Mississippi. Lack of sediment control structures (sediment fences and matting), combined with high rainfall, led to erosion within and around the Multi Purpose Range Complex-Heavy (MPRC-H) during its construction. Deposition of sediment effected approximately 20.2 hectares of wetlands that have been monitored since the event occurred in 2005. To better understand the recovery process, the study area was compared to the Cypress Creek Mitigation Area (CCMA) …

Creating Homes And Constructing Girlhood: Spatial Negotiations Of The Island In Girls' Castaway Novels, 1892-1989, Amy Marie Hicks

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Influence On Career Development: Dysfunctional Career Thoughts, Perfectionism, And Career Decision Self-Efficacy, Lindsay Marie Andrews

Master's Theses

Considerable research has been focused on how career decision self-efficacy is related to constructs such as certainty (Betz, Klein, & Taylor, 1996), fear of commitment (Betz & Sterling, 1993), and adaptive career beliefs (Luzzo & Day, 1999). The purpose of this study was to identify relationships among career-specific barriers in the career decision-making process, specifically regarding dysfunctional career thoughts, perfectionism, and career decision self-efficacy in a sample of 300 undergraduate students. Results of the study included: (a) a positive relationship between overall perfectionism and dysfunctional career thinking; (b) a negative relationship between dysfunctional career thoughts and career decision self-efficacy; (c) …

"Civilized My Syphilized Yarbles": Culture, Economy, And Deviant Youth Subcultures In Anthony Burgess' A Clockwork Orange, Emily Joy Carpenter

Master's Theses

This thesis utilizes Anthony Burgess' A Clockwork Orange to develop a new discussion concerning the impact of the emergence of youth subculture on society in England in the 1950s. Youth subcultures like the Nadsats and the Teddy Boys developed a new style that undermined the social taboos, and in doing so, attempted to create a sense of identity that was separated from their parents and existing forms of both high and low cultures. However, instead of transcending these sources of authority and identity, the language and style of these new subcultures actually only provided the illusion of difference from society. …

Predictive Habitat Model For The Snapping Shrimp Genus Alpheus In The Coastal Southeastern United States, Laura Catherine Anderson

Master's Theses

The present study focused on factors influencing Alpheus distribution in the Gulf of Mexico and the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. The objectives were to perform a biogeographical analysis of the currently known Alpheus species distribution, develop a spatially explicit predictive model, and experimentally verify the importance of substrate as a key modeling variable through a laboratory-based substrate choice study. Significant predictor variables included in the final model for the Gulf of Mexico were Shepard code, seabed class, the quadratic artificial reef term, the quadratic shore term, the distance to shore, the indirect predictors of longitude and latitude, and three interaction terms …

Reproductive Behaviors Of Male And Female Blackspotted Topminnows, Fundulus Olivaceus, Melissa Ann Gutierrez

Master's Theses

The aim of the study was to characterize the reproductive behaviors of male and female blackspotted topminnows in the Pascagoula Drainage. I focused on phenotypic traits, size and number of dorsolateral spots, in males that possibly could cue a female to choose one male more frequently than other males present in the spawning group. With the use microsatellite markers, I was able to determine parentage in trial where a single female was allowed to choose among phenotypically different males. I found that in all trials one male mated with the female(s) present. I also found that in all cases the …

Gulf Sturgeon Of The Pascagoula River: Post-Katrina Assessment Of Seasonal Usage Of The Lower Estuary, Jeanne-Marie Dawn Havrylkoff

Master's Theses

The Pascagoula watershed likely offers the greatest possibility for the survival of the Gulf sturgeon, Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi within Mississippi. The focus of this project was to determine the routes Gulf sturgeon take through the lower Pascagoula River which splits at river kilometer 23 into two distinct distributaries. Sampling for this project was conducted over 60 d in 11 months throughout a two year period with a total of 81,947 net-meter-hours. Eight Gulf sturgeon were captured during this time and ranged in size from 81 - 196 cm TL and weight ranged from 3.6 - 52.6 kg. Using an array …

Burrowing Behavior Of The Fiddler Crab Uca Panacea In Relation To Food Availability, Jennifer A. Mraz

Master's Theses

Much of fiddler crab behavior is regulated by the tides and centers around their burrows. Field and laboratory studies were conducted to assess the effect of food availability on burrowing in the Gulf coast fiddler crab, Vea panacea. In the field, crabs were observed for droving behavior through visual observations; evidence for this behavior was assessed further by determining sediment organic content. Although the organic content did increase significantly as distance increased from the edge of the water, fiddler crabs did not exhibit droving behavior at my study site. Field burrows were cast and measured for depth, diameter and volume …

The Additive Effects Of Components Of An Intervention Package Targeting Compliance In Children With Hearing Impairments In A Classroom Setting, Laura Lynne Needelman

Master's Theses

The present study investigated the sequential introduction of a compliance training package based on the Compliance Training for Children (CTC) Model developed in the School Psychology Program at The University of Southern Mississippi. Participants were three deaf students in the classroom setting who were referred by their teachers for exhibiting noncompliance. The teachers in this study were also deaf. A nonconcurrent multiple baseline across participants design was used to assess the effectiveness of Effective Instruction Delivery (EID), EID with contingent praise for compliance, and EID with contingent praise for compliance and time-out contingent on noncompliance. One participant reached 100% compliance …

Examining Locus Of Control And Attributional Style As Contributing Factors In The Narcissism-Aggression Relation, Marion Tam'eca Wallace

Master's Theses

Previous research has shown a consistent relation between narcissism and aggression in adults (Bushman & Baumeister, 1998; Stucke, 2003). Although relatively few studies have examined this relation in adolescents, narcissism has previously been correlated with behavioral problems (Washburn, McMahon, King, Reinecke, & Silver, 2004) and aggression (Barry, Grafeman, Adler, & Pickard, 2007; Thomaes, Bushman, Stegge, & Olthof, 2008) in youth. The current study examined attributional style (i.e., intemality vs. extemality) and locus of control as contributing variables in the narcissism-aggression relation in adolescents. The current study consisted of 148 male and 26 female at-risk adolescents (M = 16.04 years, SD= …

Effect Of Feeding Zilpaterol Hydrochloride For 20 Days To Calf-Fed Holstein Steers With A 3 Or 10 Day Withdrawal Period Antemortem On Carcass Characteristics And Tenderness, Andrew D. Hosford

Master's Theses

The effect of feeding Zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) with a 3 or 10 d withdrawal (WD) period to calf-fed Holstein steers (N=2993) on carcass characteristics and tenderness were evaluated in a feed lot experiment. Cattle were fed 0 or 8.3 mg/kg of ZH for the final 20 d of the feeding period, each treatment level was assigned a WD period of either 3 or 10 d. Treatment groups consisted of Control 3 d WD (C3) and 10 d WD (C10), and ZH fed 3 day WD (Z3) and 10 d WD (Z10). Cattle were slaughtered at a commercial facility, carcasses chilled …

St. Jude Medical: An Object-Oriented Software Architecture For Embedded And Real-Time Medical Devices, Atila Amiri

Master's Theses

Medical devices used for surgical or therapeutic purposes require a high degree of safety and effectiveness. Software is critical component of many such medical devices. The software architecture of a system defines organizational structure and the runtime characteristic of the application used to control the operation of the system and provides a set of frameworks that are used to develop that. As such, the design of software architecture is a critical element in achieving the intended functionality, performance, and safety requirements of a medical device. This architecture uses object-oriented design techniques, which model the underlying system as a set of …

St. Jude Medical: Enhanced Mics (Emics), Devanshi Shah

Master's Theses

Heart disease is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world. The survival chances for patients with ventricular fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia reduces significantly as time passes without treatment and even after getting timely treatment recurring episode are common. These patients can benefit from an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) which can monitor heart rhythm and provide immediate treatment. Due to the ever changing physical conditions and disease progression, the ICD needs to collect diagnostic data as well as support programming by the physician. The ICD uses inductive telemetry and radio-frequency telemetry for the communication with the external devices such as a …

A Validation Study Of The Competitive Prosocial/Aggression Continuum Task, Alexander Mark Biondolillo

Master's Theses

Laboratory aggression paradigms stand out in their ability to tease apart differences between an individuals' self-reported likelihood of aggressing and their observable acts of aggression. However, critics have pointed out that one limitation of laboratory aggression paradigms is that they fail to provide participants with response options other than the administration of an aversive stimulus. Thus, the goal of this project is to develop and validate the Competitive Prosocial/ Aggression Continuum Task (COMPACT), a portable competitive reaction time aggression paradigm that expands the range of available participant response sets to allow for prosocial responding by utilizing aversive and pleasant auditory …

An F4-Style Involutive Basis Algorithm, Miao Yu

Master's Theses

How to solve a linear equation system? The echelon form of this system will be obtained by Gaussian elimination then give us the solution. Similarly, Gröbner Basis is the “nice form” of nonlinear equation systems that can span all the polynomials in the given ideal [4]. So we can use Gröbner Basis to analyze the solution of a nonlinear equation system.

But how to compute a Gröbner Basis? There exist several ways to do it. Buchberger’s algorithm is the original method [2]. Gebauer-Möller algorithm [6] is a refined Buchberger’s algorithm. The F4 algorithm [5] uses matrix reduction to compute efficiently. …