Digital Commons Network^™

Experimental Evaluation Of Friedel’S Salt For Chloride Removal In Road Salt-Impacted Stormwater And Lakes, Marwan Alhinaai

Masters Theses

Road salt (e.g., NaCl) application in cold-temperature regions has increased Cl- concentrations in freshwater. Removing Cl- from water is challenging because it’s highly soluble. This paper is the first to demonstrate and characterize the removal of Cl- from stormwater by Friedel’s salt (Ca4Al2(OH)12Cl2(H2O)4) precipitation (FSP), achieved by adding calcium oxide (CaO) and sodium aluminate (NaAlO2). Laboratory tests were done on Cl- removal with FSP using a range of Ca/Al/Cl ratios in deionized (DI) water and in stormwater samples impacted by road salt. Even the lowest doses resulted in significant removal of Cl- with maximum removal rates for comparable Ca/Al/Cl ratios …

Divided Motherhood: Narrative Within The Domestic Vessel, Jacqueline Denaway

Masters Theses

This research explores the story of motherhood through that of art, craft, and the domestic vessel. It analyzes how the installation, Motherhood Divided, can be viewed as an exemplification of the conflicted divide inherent within contemporary motherhood. I posit this divide to be a result of the tension created between the impossibility of the current normative maternal ideal of intensive motherhood, and its contradiction to that of the private hidden realities of mothering.

The historical origin of intensive mothering is explored, along with its impact on current societal maternal standards. These concepts are juxtaposed with the art of Camille Henrot …

Estimating Climate Risk In Financial Markets, Olanrewaju Oluwadamilare Olaniyan

Masters Theses

The growing impact of climate change on financial markets necessitates a rigorous approach to climate risk assessment. This thesis examines methods for quantifying climate-related financial risks, with a focus on distinguishing climate risk from broader market movements (represented by S&P 500). Using a factor model, we isolate climate risk factors to better understand sector-specific volatility. The insurance sector is used as a proxy for climate risk exposure, given its sensitivity to climate-related losses and regulatory changes. We apply Extreme Value Theory (EVT); the Block Maxima Method and the Peaks Over Threshold Method, to identify excess risk patterns in financial portfolios. …

Analyzing The Resilience Of Infrastructure-Based Vs. Camera-Based Lane Detection In Autonomous Vehicles, Pritesh Yashaswi Patil

Masters Theses

Traditional autonomous vehicle perception subsystems that use on-board sensors have the drawbacks of high computational load and data duplication. Infrastructure-based sensors, which can provide high-quality information without the computational burden and data duplication, are an alternative to traditional autonomous vehicle perception subsystems. However, these technologies are still in the early stages of development and have not been extensively evaluated for lane detection system performance. Therefore, there is a lack of quantitative data on their performance relative to traditional perception methods, especially during hazardous scenarios, such as lane line occlusion, sensor failure, and environmental obstructions. This need is addressed by evaluating …

Exploring Ballast Water As A Vector For The Spread Of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, Kathleen Beadling

Masters Theses

Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) has led to high mortality rates of reef-building coral species throughout the greater Caribbean region since it was first documented off the coast of Miami in 2014. The pathogen is currently unknown, but it is suspected that ballast water discharge is a vector of disease transmission. As a step towards better understanding SCTLD transmission, this study aimed to identify locations of ballast water exchange that coincide with outbreaks of the disease. Spatial and temporal patterns of SCTLD outbreaks and ballast water exchanges conducted within 50 nautical miles of coastlines were explored using Density-Based Spatial …

Bridging Climatology And Energy: Understanding Michigan’S Wind Speeds For A Sustainable Future, Carson Evans

Masters Theses

This study investigates Michigan wind speeds by combining climatology with wind energy, identifying wind drivers and applying them to wind farm infrastructure. Using eXtreme Gradient BOOSTing (XGBoost), this thesis develops a highly accurate predictive model for wind speeds. Coupled with Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis, it is found that proximity to the nearest Great Lake is the ultimate influencer of wind speeds, followed by local environmental variables and finally remote climate phenomena. Other analyses find wind speeds are greatest near the Great Lakes and during fall and winter, while inland summer wind speeds were lowest. Wind energy infrastructure is assessed …

Escaping Eden, Leslie Walker

Masters Theses

This thesis explores the world of Eden, Hell, and Heaven through the eyes of the young protagonist, Sage. She completes a journey through many different trials, suffering multiple injuries as she slowly pieces together that the ruler of Hell is her brother, Bryce. Sage is greeted by numerous characters such as Adler and Evelyn, along with other souls in Hell. Sage eventually finds herself back near Heaven’s gates after her trek through the underworld, but something feels different. Her brother ultimately tricks her into believing that she has made it out alive, but he never allowed her to leave the …

Tell Them We Were Bees, Diamond L. Garrett

Masters Theses

Tell Them We Were Bees is composed of 55 poems. The thesis uses different poetic forms and a variety of literary and rhetoric devices to facilitate the imagery of bees including but not limited to their functions and how they are perceived. The symbolism of bees and nature used throughout in analogies and metaphors represent the experiences of African Americans and women in the society and culture of the United States. The thesis will draw on aspects of racism: such as the system that continues to uplift racism, micro aggressive experiences, internalized racism, colorism, hate crimes, and other personal experiences …

Rutledge, Middleton, Heyward, And Lynch: Founding Fathers From South Carolina, Clayton Alexander Moss

Masters Theses

The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in history. It established the American colonies as independent states, and its philosophical ideals regarding freedom guided the United States and other nations worldwide. Fifty-six men signed the Declaration as representatives of their respective colonies, and each contributed to this historic document and the Revolution. The four signatories representing South Carolina, Thomas Lynch Jr., Arthur Middleton, Edward Rutledge, and Thomas Heyward Jr., were a group of young men who contributed their names and ideals during the American Revolution and the work they did before, during, and after the Second …

Cherokee Removal Along The Trail, 1838-1839: Separating Fact From Fiction, John Norman Patterson

Masters Theses

The misinformation and misunderstandings concerning Cherokee Indian removal has resulted from how subsequent generations of historians and Cherokees have talked and written about it. The historiography of Indian removal is quite extensive but with respect to Cherokee removal not so much because most of the original documents kept by the Cherokees unexplainably disappeared in the nineteenth century. The drought of 1837-1838 was used as an excuse by John Ross and Lewis Ross to insist that the northern route be used to remove the remaining Cherokees to Indian Territory. Evidence presented clearly demonstrates that both men sought to enrich themselves at …

The Fallen, Ann Rose

Masters Theses

The thesis, Free Association as a Means for Fictional Character Development, is a study of how to use the technique of free association to build a character with a mind, mannerisms, and a physique. The method is a way for an author to draw upon real life people in the past to meld their characteristics and psyches into a well-developed fictional character. The components of this chapter discuss how certain people have influenced the author’s childhood and resultant character building in creative writing. The individual mentioned from the author’s childhood is relevant to the creation of the character in the …

Hyphenated Journeys: Identity Negotiations Of Multiethnic Vietnamese Americans Through The Lens Of Hybridity, Rheyna Leilahn Biu

Masters Theses

This study explores how Vietnamese Americans with mixed heritage navigate their identity. Through interviews and autoethnography, it examines how multiracial/multiethnic Vietnamese Americans maintain their Vietnamese identity while constructing their multiracial/multiethnic identity. The findings underscore the importance of several factors of identity maintenance, including seeking cultural security outside the home, language as a key to culture, and the importance of connection through cultural sharing in shaping and expressing multiracial/multiethnic identity. It uses Homi Bhaba's theory of hybridity to understand how these individuals view their hyphenated identities. The research highlights the role of verbal and nonverbal communication in this process. The researcher …

Comparison Of Milling Cutting Forces In Synthetic And Biological Cancellous Bone, Matthew Christopher Hartwell

Masters Theses

In many orthopedic and dental interventions, the cutting and removal of bone is necessary. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that the tools used during these procedures are designed and tested with biological bone or a bone surrogate material that machines the same way as biological bone. To avoid the cost, hazard, and inconsistency of biological cadaveric bone or animal models, many biological engineering firms use bone surrogate material made of glass fiber filled epoxy and polyurethane foam. Although these materials may mimic the elongation of cortical and cancellous bone, respectively, the match of machinability of the bone is …

The Importance Of Metaphysical Christian Screenplays, Francisca Dominguez Fuentes

Masters Theses

"HEAVEN AND EARTH, I AM" is a metaphysical screenplay that profoundly explores the universal theme of love. It parallels the Days of Noah and the Book of Revelation, warning humanity about the serious consequences of living without God daily. The screenplay emphasizes the urgency of this warning regarding the spiritual dangers arising from an alliance between the secular government and the church. It also examines the Three Angels' Message as described in Revelation, along with the prophetic teachings of the Bible presented by Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel. The work serves as a reminder that the first judgment occurred through water, …

Timeless: A Sanctuary In Libraries, Taylor D. Vaughan

Masters Theses

This Master of Fine Arts Creative Writing thesis focuses on the literary element: character development. It includes a vision and background for the thesis project as a whole. An analysis of characters involved in wartime conflict will focus on William Shakespeare’s tragedies Macbeth and Hamlet and various characters in C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia. The creative manuscript that concludes the thesis incorporates fantasy and war genres and character development research. The manuscript aims to shed light on traumatic events in our modern world rather than use escapism in fantasy to ignore them.

Young Adult Fiction Through The Years: An Analysis Of What Readers Want, Treanna Greenwood

Masters Theses

In this literary critique, I discuss the advantages of reading young adult fiction, specifically fantasy. I define what young adult fantasy is, and then analyze some of the most famous young adult book series and discuss how popular they are and how they contribute to the genre. I also discuss works that are relevant to the creative piece I am submitting and explain why my piece has a place in the world of young adult fantasy. Finally, I acknowledge what I hope to contribute to the field.

Critical (G)Race Theory: A Biblical Response To The Growing Secular Social Justice Movement, Tyler A. Keaton

Masters Theses

Critical Race Theory is a worldview that has taken the social justice world by storm in recent years and has even begun to present itself within the teachings of much of the Church. Oftentimes, secular social justice looks to scripture due to the commands for justice found therein to justify their goal of racial justice and equity. However, while the causes of secular social justice movements and CRT are noble, the ideologies and methods they employ are unbiblical and immoral in many instances. CRT itself is a worldview that promotes further injustices that are just as immoral, if not more …

Historical And Theological Evidence Of Jesus' Resurrection In Paul's Undisputed Letters, Steven Cung Za Kham

Masters Theses

This thesis investigates the historical authenticity and theological significance of Jesus’ resurrection as presented in the letters of Paul. The resurrection, central to the Christian faith, has sparked considerable scholarly interest as a foundational event offering humanity its greatest hope. Among early witnesses, the Apostle Paul stands out due to his transformative encounter with the risen Christ, which radically altered his life from a persecutor of Christians to an ardent advocate of the resurrection. His letters, written within a few decades of Jesus' death, provide key insights into what Paul and early Christians truly believe about the resurrection. The study …

Uncovering Faith In The Desert: A Hired Gun’S Redemption, Scott K. Shea

Masters Theses

This paper examines the perception of God during arduous times and throughout an individual's life, with a particular focus on wartime experiences. War is the backdrop for numerous personal narratives, with the themes of redemption and the search for faith central to this discussion. It raises the question, "Is it possible to find God amidst the chaos of war?" Throughout history, many military personnel have shared profound experiences of fate, often turning to God in desperate pleas for survival. It is essential to examine the concept of war in a broader context, considering its connection to biblical teachings and understanding, …

The Positive Effects Of Audience Participation In Classic Literature, Joyelle Davis Braggs

Masters Theses

My thesis reviews the history of fan-fiction and how it plays a role in the world of literature, specifically classic literature. It focuses on Jane Eyre and Charlotte Bronte as well as the reasons why that storyline concluded the way it did. Also, I review the reasons why fans have decided to write their own versions of stories to either refresh or renew a character or storyline.

There is a brief history of fan-fiction and a simple summary of Jane Eyre. Included are examples of fan fiction that faced legal challenges both successfully and unsuccessfully. I have also shared my …

Witchcraft, Demons, And Spiritual Death: An Apologetic For The Bible's Prohibition Against Witchcraft, Joshua Dean Wrenn

Masters Theses

This paper attempts to apologetically defend the Bible's intolerance against witchcraft and other related activities that are prohibited in the Old Testament. It does so by showing that Witchcraft and other related activities gets one involved with demonic entities. It shows how demonic entities are deceitful, and how they are actually the ones behind the power of witchcraft. The paper starts by studying the history of ancient witchcraft, which is something that is useful for understanding the witchcraft of today. It then builds a profile of demons. The paper shows what demons physically do and what they attempt to get …

Towards The Non-Spectacle: Responses To Necropolitics In The Artwork Of Teresa Margolles And Maya Watanabe, Leslie Anne Condon

Masters Theses

How do we engage with artwork that addresses complicated histories

of colonialism and political violence, specifically intangible and

incomprehensible violence? Mexican artist Teresa Margolles’ 2005 work, Lote

Bravo, is named after and composed of the soil from a mass grave site

discovered in 1995 in the southeastern corner of Ciudad Juárez, a city known

internationally for the femicide that has continued to haunt its streets and

peripheries since the 1990s. Peruvian filmmaker Maya Watanabe’s 2019 film

Liminal cinematically documents the official exhumation of two mass graves

in the Ayacucho and Huánuco regions of the Andes highlands, where

thousands of …

A Structural Evaluation And Design Optimization Of A Tow Bar For Disabled Snowmobiles, David M. Pevic

Masters Theses

Snowmobile tow bars are devices used to rigidly connect two snowmobiles, such that a disabled snowmobile can be recovered from a remote location with a working snowmobile. These devices, however, are not widely used or readily available. An existing tow bar design was evaluated and redesigned to improve its structural capacity and performance. This evaluation provided a baseline to quantify improvement and included Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (DFMEA), and Design for Assembly analysis (DFA). A review of existing snowmobile tow bar patents was also performed. An updated design was then fabricated and similarly evaluated. …

Evaluating Distractions Of Undergraduate Students During Guided And Unguided Study Sessions, Roni Peleg

Masters Theses

In this study, we explore an intervention strategy aimed at decreasing distractions while studying. The participant was a third-year undergraduate psychology student with a concentration in neuroscience who did not have a personal structured study system. The researcher measured the percent of intervals in which a distraction occurred using interval recording during baseline and intervention phases. During the intervention phase, the participant was introduced to the productivity method referred to as the Pomodoro Ⓡ Technique. Using a reversal design, data were analyzed based on levels of distraction during baseline and intervention phases. The goal of this study was to evaluate …

Implementing Skill Based Treatment Within A Classroom Setting For Students With Autism: A Systematic Replication In An Alternative School Based Setting, Hayley Getz

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research was to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of implementing the Interview-Informed Synthesized Contingency Analysis (IISCA) and Skill Based Treatment (SBT) in an alternative classroom setting with students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There is much existing research that supports both in a clinical setting, however the school setting is lacking in research. The goal of this study was to teach three students with ASD who engage in challenging behaviors an appropriate way to communicate their needs, how to tolerate the removal of a preferred toy or activity, and to follow educational instructions instead of …

Mindfulness And Psychological Adjustment In International Students: The Mediating Role Of Emotion Regulation Strategies, Jyoti Lama

Masters Theses

This study examined the relationship between mindfulness and psychological adjustment among international students, focusing on the mediating roles of two emotion regulation strategies: cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. Specifically, it explored whether mindfulness is associated with lower acculturative stress and higher coping self-efficacy, and whether using the emotion regulation strategies of cognitive appraisal and expressive suppression mediate these relationships. Eighty-nine international students from mid-sized U.S. universities participated in an online survey assessing mindfulness, emotion regulation, acculturative stress, and coping self-efficacy. Mediation analyses using bootstrapping showed that cognitive reappraisal partially mediated the relationship between mindfulness and coping self-efficacy, but not between …

Finding Love On The Spectrum: An Analysis Of Social And Romantic Relationships Of Autistic College Students, Kaylee Spinner

Masters Theses

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in socialization, communication, and developing relationships with others. While many autistic individuals desire to start relationships with others, many do not have a very strong understanding of the use of nonverbal communication or how to develop these connections organically. As autistic individuals have become more open about wanting these resources to form social and romantic relationships, there has been more of a push in the literature to include social skills training for forming social relationships. However, the research on the desire for or development of romantic relationships for autistic individuals is still …

Mindfulness & Mental Health: Balanced Time Perspective As A Mediator, Eddie Trueblood

Masters Theses

Mindfulness is a practice of intentionally paying attention to the present moment in a nonjudgmental way. Being more mindful can decrease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, among other mental and physical health improvements. (Donald et al., 2016; Hofmann et al., 2010; Kabat-Zinn et al.,1992). This study examined if balanced time perspective (BTP) is one of the mechanisms of action of mindfulness in its relationship with depression, anxiety, and stress. BTP refers to a person’s ability to flexibly adapt their time perspective (attention to the past, present, or future, and positive or negative attitudes toward each) to suit the current …

Are There Predictable Shifts In Fish Communities Following Instream Habitat Restoration? A Multistream Analysis., Ryan A. Skowronski

Masters Theses

In the past two centuries, anthropogenic stressors have degraded the structure and function of streams by accelerating bank erosion, decreasing riparian buffer zones, and altering the natural flow regime. Habitat restoration has become a common mitigation strategy in response to stream degradation, though empirical research evaluating its effectiveness is lacking in the United States. This study investigated responses in fish community following habitat restoration in five restored, Illinois streams. We assigned fish species to habitat, trophic, and reproductive guilds based on their habitat preferences, feeding habits, and life history. Streams were separated into enhancement and removal groups for analysis. Shifts …

Parasite Communities Of Bluntnose Minnow (Pimephales Notatus) From Several Creeks In East Central Illinois, Md Rowshan Alam

Masters Theses

Parasites of freshwater fish play a vital functional role in aquatic ecosystems, but the spatial and ecological determinants of their prevalence and characteristics are still poorly understood. The current study quantified the diversity, prevalence, and environmental determinants of whole parasite burdens in bluntnose minnows across multiple creeks in central Illinois. Fish sampling and the collection of stream habitat data were conducted during the summers of 2023 and 2024. Fish were examined for parasites using necropsy and histology. A total of 20,817 parasites, predominantly trematodes (Posthodiplostomum spp.), cestodes (Proteocephalus spp), and protozoans, were identified. The most prevalent and abundant …