Digital Commons Network^™

Analysis Of Seasonal Changes In Thermal Stress Resilience And Innate Immunity In The Temperate Coral, Astrangia Poculata, From Future Climate Impacts, Tyler Eugene Harman

Masters Theses

Over the years, global warming has had a devastating effect on coral reef ecosystems. Anthropogenic influences have caused significant increases in greenhouse gases, with a subsequent increase in solar radiation held within Earth’s atmosphere leading to increasing global temperatures. The increasing temperatures from concurrent increases in greenhouse gases impact fragile marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, which require particular environmental parameters such as temperature in order to survive and maintain a diverse ecosystem in which many marine species rely on. These increases in temperature exacerbate phenomena such as bleaching events and coral disease, drastically impacting coral on a global scale …

Albion Through Malleable Eyes: The Great Migration, Urban Renewal And Missed Opportunities, Demetrius R. Goodale

Masters Theses

Albion, Michigan’s African American community built a robust, diverse, and thriving city in the early 20th century. Jobs were plentiful and wages allowed for healthy communities to sprout up across the city’s landscape. During this period Albion’s overall population more than doubled, and its African American community grew exponentially over the course of six decades. However, for many in the African American community, societal and economic gains were overshadowed by a crippling shortage in viable housing options. Albion’s African American community experienced limited options to help remedy the community’s housing challenges. These limitations were due to discriminatory housing norms and …

Constructing And Experiencing The Medieval Waddenland, Hugh R. Milner

Masters Theses

Part of the intertidal zone along the southeast portion of the North Sea, the Wadden Sea Coast runs from modern Friesland and Groningen in the Netherlands, through Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein in Germany, and up the west coast of Jutland to just past Ribe. This project seeks to understand medieval responses to an environment in constant contact with the sea via documentary and historical sources. The people of the Wadden Sea Coast defined their landscape and their history in part with earthworks and water infrastructure, negotiating control of both anthropogenic and natural environments.

Effects Of Music And Meditative Movement On Affect And Flow: A Feasibility Study, Lai Yiu Yeung

Masters Theses

This study aims to explore the feasibility and the potential effects of adding music to meditative movement on affect and flow. Fifteen participants were recruited and they were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: (1) Meditative movement only; (2) Recorded music and meditative movement; and (3) Live music and meditative movement. Participants from each group engaged individually in a 45-minute online session, practicing three qigong exercise sets. To determine the feasibility, the acceptability and practicality were investigated through the analysis of anecdotal notes, open-ended questionnaires, and video recordings. Potential effects of music and meditative movement were examined by …

Assessment Of Dopaminergic And Serotonergic Receptor Antagonists In Male Rats Trained To Discriminate 4-Methylmethcathinone (Mephedrone), Rachel L. Burroughs

Masters Theses

Preclinical drug discrimination studies of the synthetic cathinone, 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone) have demonstrated its effects are comparable to those of other popular psychostimulant drugs. Few studies have directly examined the contribution of specific neurotransmitter receptors to mephedrone’s discriminative stimulus effects. The present study investigated the role of dopamine and serotonin receptors in these effects. Eight adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to discriminate 3.0 mg/kg mephedrone from saline. After dose-response curves were determined with mephedrone (0.375-3.0 mg/kg), a series of stimulus antagonism tests were conducted with dopamine antagonists (Sch 23390, haloperidol) and serotonin antagonists (WAY 100,635, MDL 100,907, pirenperone) administered as …

A Radar And Model Based Synopsis Of Surface Soil Moisture State As It Relates To Back-Building Thunderstorm Behavior: Northern Great Plains, Skye Leake

Masters Theses

Severe thunderstorm behavior across the Great Plains of North America can result in negative economic impact, put infrastructure at risk, and pose a hazard to the lives of those calling the area home. Substantial research has been conducted throughout the Great Plains on a variety of severe weather conditions such as extreme wind, hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding, however such research is limited in the northern portion of the Great Plains. Some research has been conducted on these severe phenomena produced by thunderstorms in the northern Great Plains; however, little has been done in the realm of training/back-building of storms. …

Applied Behavior Analysis In The Secondary Art Classroom, Linda S. Stewart

Masters Theses

Special needs students in the secondary art classroom can be difficult to reach. Students with special needs are required by law to be provided with a fair and appropriate education. The challenge for art educators is to adequately meet the needs of all students in the classroom. This paper examines a brief history of education for students with special needs, behavior management in the classroom, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, the token system, and the value of a structured classroom environment. ABA therapy techniques in the secondary art classroom provide a tool in the classroom management aspect of providing structure …

Atherosclerosis: Pathology, Role Of Sd-Ldl, Particle Size Characterization Of Sd-Ldl With Multiangle Light Scattering, Akshay Sudhakar Ukey

Masters Theses

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease due to the accumulation of lipids in the inner wall of arteries. As per the report of Center of Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in every 4 deaths is due to heart diseases each year. Atherosclerosis occurs when artery walls harden by the buildup of cholesterol, forming multiple atherosclerotic plaques within the aorta (4). Out of the modern medicines available to control cholesterol, statin is amongst the foremost widely used because it is both safe and effective in lowering high risk patients (9). However, usage of high statins dosage typically leads to some mild …

Confronting Wicked Crypto: Wicked Problems, Encryption Policy, And Exceptional Access Technology, Kevin Nicholas Kredit

Masters Theses

Public debate has resumed on the topic of exceptional access (EA), which refers to alternative means of decryption intended for law enforcement use. The resumption of this debate is not a renege on a resolute promise made at the end of the 1990s “crypto war”; rather, it represents a valid reassessment of optimal policy in light of changing circumstances. The imbalance between privacy, access, and security in the context of constantly changing society and technology is a wicked problem that has and will continue to evade a permanent solution. As policymakers consider next steps, it is necessary that the technical …

Towards Development Of A Remote Charting System For Connected Healthcare, Alex Bodurka

Masters Theses

Health Care Providers play a crucial role in a patients well-being. While their primary role is to treat the patient, it is also vital to ensure that they can spend adequate time with the patient to create a unique treatment plan and build a personal relationship with their patients to help them feel comfortable during their treatment. Health Care Providers are frequently required to manually record patient data to track their healthcare progress during their hospital stay. However, with hospitals continuously trying to optimize their workflows, this crucial one-on-one time with the patient is often not practical.

As a solution, …

Development Of A Single Emitter Ionic Liquid Ion Source Research Platform, Thomas V. Kerber

Masters Theses

A single emitter ionic liquid ion source using porous borosilicate glass was developed. Two emitters with different radii of curvatures were tested using 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMI-BF₄). I-V curves of the currents on the extractor electrode and a collector plate were obtained for potential differences between the emitter and the extractor ranging from 0 V to 3500 V. For the first emitter chip, extraction began near 2400 V. The highest emission current measured on the first chip was 80 µA at 3500 V with an interception current on the extractor of 4.86 µA. An new collector plate was used …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Non-Pgm Catalysts For Fuel Cell Applications, Sudharsan Sridhar

Masters Theses

Fuel Cells convert the chemical energy of a fuel and an oxidizing agent into electricity through a pair of redox reactions. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells convert (efficiency-60%) hydrogen and air to power the electric motors with zero emissions, facilitating the development of environmentally friendly and sustainable automobile technologies. One of the major obstacles for larger commercial viability of Fuel Cells for automobile applications is their cost-effectiveness. Currently, fuel cells use platinum as a catalyst material, which is prohibitively expensive for commercial automobile applications. The development of non-Platinum Group Metal (non-PGM) catalyst materials with similar electrochemical performance to that …

Fundamentals Of Teaching Vocal Music Performance, Malcolm Shaquan Richardson

Masters Theses

This study outlines the significance and sole purpose of developing fundamental techniques of student vocal music performances, using professional constructive evaluation that will improve their overall performance experience. One of the most practical ways to support vocalists is to provide a constructive evaluation of their performances. The implementation of constructive evaluation is to reflect upon what is being done well, discover areas of improvement or refinement, plan and facilitate important lessons, and apply the lessons to future performances. As a music teacher who is actively overseeing the development of students as performing or creating musicians, including constructive evaluation is a …

Cellular Attachment On Poly(Lactic Acid) For Use In Tissue Engineering, Stephen R. Hunter

Masters Theses

Tissue engineering is a promising new method for organ regeneration. This method can be used to repair damaged tissue, or possibly replace a fully functional organ. In summary, a biopsy is taken from a donor, isolated, then grown onto a framework resembling an organ. Once grown; it is then transplanted into the patient. Over time, the body will degrade the scaffold, leaving the organ or tissue in its place. As this scaffold is present in the body for an extended time; factors like biocompatibility, toxicity, immunogenicity, and structural stability must be researched.

Several polymers have already been researched for use …

Designing Clarity: Utilizing Graphic Design To Enhance Media Functionality For The Visually Impaired, Jeremy Curtis Ellison

Masters Theses

The designed purpose of this research is to help to bridge the gap between graphic design and those who suffer from color-blindness. By not only coming to a better understanding of color deficiencies but also rethinking how we approach our use of color within our designs, we may begin to create more inclusive designs, thus communicating more efficiently.

Marks The Spot, Timothy Paul Crane

Masters Theses

This thesis is an investigation into the prtoblem of marketing for small businesses with little funds and means for advertisement. Past, present and predicted future methods of marketing prove there is room for improvement in affordability through existing advancements. Literature reviews and case studies explore the most lucrative ways forward. Research also indicates that large numbers of potential consumers are missed by small businesses due to their general lack of embracing newer communication technology such as store apps. This extra support measure provides users with notifications that highlight coupons and deals and has a proven record of success for larger …

Voluntary Hypoventilation At Low Lung Volume (Vhl) During Strength And Conditioning Training Increases Anaerobic Performance: A Pilot Study, Zachary Taylor Hundley

Masters Theses

To determine whether a VHL protocol implemented into an already existing strength and conditioning program could improve anaerobic conditioning more efficiently within the military population. Six active duty males completed a seven-week training cycle with VHL protocols implemented on each training day (2-4 days/week). Before (Pre) and after (Post) protocol implementation, the participants performed a multi-stage 20-m shuttle run test (MSRT). After incorporating VHL, participants significantly improved their MRST scores by an average of 50.3%. Additionally, Body Oxygen Level Test (BOLT) scores were improved across the duration of the study. This study showed employing VHL can improve anaerobic performance in …

Raising Consciousness: Challenging Diversity In Christian Publishing, Michael Omari Johnson

Masters Theses

The Christian publishing industry has overlooked the importance of diversity, particularly its impact on black American audiences. While studies show that diversity and inclusion can lead to more innovation through problem-solving, there persists a paradox where a lack of opportunities, disparities in wealth and employment and systemic prejudices can play a role in the ethnic and racial homogeneity of the Christian publishing industry. Thus, there are many barriers preventing people of color from emerging to the market, reflecting in the storytelling, content creation and audience of African-descent followers.

In-Training Improvement: A Tactical Athletic Approach To Enhance The Performance And Wellness Of Law Enforcement Officers, Shai-Enne Kerry Haynes

Masters Theses

Fitness and musculoskeletal injuries are a major health concern among United States law enforcement personnel. The objectives of this study were twofold: 1) to compare the effects of wearing work gear and not wearing work gear during job related specific activities; and 2) identify the negative effects of the required work equipment on law officials and exploring methods to decrease the negative effects. There is an undeniable prevalence of law officials and back issues and other musculoskeletal complications which presents an interrelated research and field test environment. This study leverages research to help advance the knowledge of law enforcement performance, …

Gamification Strategies For Music Educators: An Online Continuing Education Course, Luis Enrique Espinosa

Masters Theses

This curriculum project is designed to provide music educators in the public and private sector with introductory knowledge about the topic of gamification and game-based learning, framed within the scope of an online continuing education course. It is meant for adult learners who teach young musicians in the K-12 range. The course offers a set of strategies and step-based processes that help transform a traditional music lesson plan into an interactive and meaningful learning experience that leverages games. The games created by the students in the course can serve to motivate music students by incorporating a sense of competition and …

The Power Of Gratitude (A Worship Service), Joe G. Wehunt

Masters Theses

“So then just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness”. The house of God should be overflowing with thankfulness. This overflow should begin in the parking lot and extend all the way inside the building. With the “Power of Gratitude” service, the plan is to outline a worship event that reminds God’s children of the blessings that He has given through His son, Jesus, and to provide a way for God’s children to worship …

Intelligent Roadside Unit Deployment In Vehicular Network, Xiangyu Xu

Masters Theses

Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) has been an important research area in building the foundational infrastructures of self-driving vehicles and improving traffic efficiency of future transportation systems. Scientists have been hoping to incorporate intelligence into traditional transportation systems to help reduce the risks, accident rates, traffic congestion, and even environmental emissions.

There are many research works that have been focused on the communication part of ITS, such as vehicular networks, which collect data from vehicles and send it to the cloud for analysis. In the vehicular networks, Roadside Unit (RSU) is a key infrastructure as an intermediate layer between the vehicles …

A Cfd Study Of Operation Room Air Conditioning: Air Curtain Performance, Spencer Lee Boer

Masters Theses

An operation room is a critical environment when it comes to the safety of patients undergoing surgery. There are a lot of factors that go into reducing Surgical Site Infections (SSI) following a surgery. This comes in the form of cleaning standards, surgical practices, but also environment controls. The characteristics of airflow within an operation room are related to the risk of an SSI. Some of these factors are temperature, velocity, and turbulent air around an open wound which could increase the chance of bacteria or other particles entering the very vulnerable patient. As clean room standards continue to be …

Hormonal Responses To Seasonal Thermal And Ecological Stressors In Japanese Macaques (Macaca Fuscata), Lilianne Nelson

Masters Theses

Relative to most primate species, Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) experience extreme seasonal variation in thermal and ecological stressors that can impact energetic demands. To cope with these environmental changes, levels of metabolic hormones, such as cortisol and triiodothyronine, fluctuate to facilitate energetic adjustments. While previous research in primates has investigated thermal and ecological stressors individually, a combined assessment of these stressors alongside hormone levels can provide a more holistic understanding of the relationship between a primate’s thermoregulation, energetic balance, and stress. The goals of this study were to determine the effects of season, temperature and ecological stress on …

Drivers Of Decadal Vegetation Change In Northern Alaska, Jacob Allen Harris

Masters Theses

The Arctic is experiencing rapid climate change. This research documents vegetation change near Atqasuk and Utqiaġvik, Alaska. At each location, 30 plots distributed in a matrix across the landscape, were sampled annually from 2010 to 2019 using a point frame. For every encounter we recorded the height and classified it into eight broad functional groups (deciduous shrubs, evergreen shrubs, forbs, graminoids, bryophytes, lichens, litter and standing dead vegetation); for vascular plants we also identified the species. We found a consistent increase in plant stature and cover over time which was dramatic at Atqasuk. Graminoid cover and height increased at both …

How Do Food Shopping Behaviors Differ Between High-Income And Low-Income Shoppers In The Grand Rapids Metropolitan Area?, Alison M. Cooney

Masters Theses

Background: The social determinants of health and health equity are influenced by access, environment, and socioeconomic status (SES). Health inequities are preventable and can be avoided with systemic policy change surrounding the distribution of wealth and resources. Few studies have researched the differences in different income levels and the influence income has on food shopping behaviors.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in food shopping behaviors between high-income and low-income shoppers living in the same zip code. Subjects Sixty-eight individuals who live in the 49341 zip code which represents a small city in Kent County, …

An Investigation Into The Development Of A Low Cost, Easy To Use Seizure Analysis Tool., Cody Dean

Masters Theses

The need for collaborating and sharing data and research between doctors, researchers, universities and patients has never been more necessary. We are seeing firsthand how a deadly virus can completely devastate the world in a matter of months and being able to react quickly is the top priority. Open source tools are making it possible to share research and learnings about viruses like COVID-19 across countries, industries, and universities and these tools and philosophies extend across all areas of medical research.

The amount of data that is being collected within the medical industry is increasing at an exponential rate and …

Development Of A Tiny House Design Tool To Increase Safety, Efficiency, And Cost-Effectiveness, Michael Joseph Stratton Ii

Masters Theses

A growing number of people are choosing to live more sustainably, and this is commonly done through living in an extremely small house, also called a “tiny house”. There is no set definition for a tiny house, but it typically refers to a structure less than 500 ft2, sometimes built by the homeowner, and frequently built on a travel trailer.

The popularity of tiny houses has increased over the years due to different television shows, internet videos, and photo sharing websites, but the technical details are rarely covered, which is why this study examines the structural, stability, weight, and thermal …

The Impact Of Microbial Experience On The Murine Innate Immune Response, Cody Thomas Morrison

Masters Theses

The hygiene hypothesis predicts that certain environmental factors shape overall immune system function in animals and humans. While current specific pathogen free (SPF) mouse models are invaluable for studying the immune system, they have limitations for comparison with humans who have microbial exposures throughout their lifetimes. Several studies have shown that the composition of the immune system of SPF mice more closely resembles that of newborns, whereas the immune system from mice exposed to microbial pathogens more closely reflect adult immunity. In this study we have established a model using traditional SPF mice (“clean mice”) and SPF mice that were …

English Language Learners And Cultural Responsivity In The Art Classroom, Jessica Wycoff

Masters Theses

English Language Learners are a heterogeneous population of students that face social, emotional, and academic obstacles as they assimilate into a new culture while learning new subjects in a new language. In this study, I discuss the educational, social, and emotional needs of English Language Learners (ELLs) in PK-12 education and offer strategies to support kindergartener’s social and cultural identity while improving their language and academic skills in the unique environment of the art classroom.