Digital Commons Network^™

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Trauma, And Stress: A Network Approach, Julia Yang Carbonella

Open Access Dissertations

Experience of traumatic life events (TLEs) has consistently been identified as a risk factor that can trigger and exacerbate obsessive compulsive symptoms (OCS). At the clinical level of severity, OCD and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are also highly comorbid at rates greater than in the general population. However, much remains unclear about the differential interrelations between symptoms of OCD and PTSD, as well as the influence of a traumatic history on the connectedness of hallmark features of OCD. The overarching study applied network analysis – a recently developed tool that can help shed light on symptom structure and relations – …

Periodic Solutions Of Abstract Semilinear Equations With Applications To Biological Models, Qiuyi Su

Open Access Dissertations

We study the existence of periodic solutions to the abstract semi linear evolution equation du/dt=A(t)u(t)+F(t,u(t)), t \geq 0 in a Banach space X, where A(t) is a T-periodic linear operator on X (not necessarily densely defined) satisfying the hyperbolic conditions, and F is continuous and T-periodic in t. The idea is to combine Poincare map technique with fixed point theorems to derive various conditions on the operator A(t) and the map F(t, u) to ensure that the abstract evolution equation has periodic solutions. Three cases are considered: (i) If A(t)=A is time-independent and is a Hille-Yoshida operator, conditions on F …

Alcohol-Induced Developmental Defects In Octavolateral Organs Of Zebrafish: A Sensitive Period And Mechanisms, Lilliann Yvette Zamora

Open Access Dissertations

Fetal alcohol exposure is known to cause an array of deficits (fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, FASD) that may manifest as lifelong physical, cognitive, and behavioral anomalies of human development. However, when and how alcohol specifically affects the auditory system is still largely unknown. I hypothesized that embryonic alcohol exposure at specific time periods would affect the morphology and function of the octavolateral system (the inner ear and lateral line). In addition, I also hypothesized that biological processes occurring at the time of alcohol exposure, such as the neural crest and FGF signaling, would be adversely affected. This is the first …

Resource Conflict Literature: Reading Indigenous Struggles, Alok Amatya

Open Access Dissertations

This dissertation identifies “resource conflict literature” as a genre of global literature and media that addresses neo-colonial conflicts over oil, minerals and other natural resources. I focus on twentieth and twenty-first century texts set in “resource frontiers,” i.e. places where native peoples struggle against the grab of mineral-rich lands and other resources by large corporations. The chapters of my dissertation study native struggles in three unique areas of the world, namely, east-central India (South Asia), the Niger Delta of Nigeria (Western Africa), and northern Iraq (the Arabian Peninsula). I identity a literary device – the “itinerary of conflict” – to …

Influence Of Enrollment Management Strategies At Independent Colleges And Universities Of Florida, Melody Dunbar

Open Access Dissertations

Effective enrollment management strategies are of utmost importance to ensure the health of higher education institutions. College student demographics are evolving and are especially challenging for colleges and universities. This means that colleges and universities must stay abreast of student needs and best practices to maintain student enrollments. However, while college attendance nationally has been increasing, healthy enrollment numbers vary greatly across certain institutions. In a highly competitive marketplace, smaller, private, independent schools have been especially vulnerable. Yet research has been limited to help guide these institutions that enroll a substantial proportion of college students and are vital to the …

Development Of A Spectral Imaging Device For Imaging Of The Fundus, Sarfaraz Niaz Ali Baig

Open Access Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a device capable of viewing different spectral bands for imaging of the fundus. This required the creation of a novel spectral imaging device capable of dynamically reconfigurable spectral bands. In addition, the viewing of the fundus necessitated that a compact optical device capable of real time observation of the fundus was constructed. The formation of these two devices will lay the foundation for a future integration between them. This in turn, will allow for the observation of the fundus under different spectral conditions and may reveal early signs and markers …

Effects Of Psychological And Structural-Level Factors On Sexual Risk And Sti Incidence In High-Risk Men Who Have Sex With Men, Calvin J. Fitch

Open Access Dissertations

Men who have sex with men (MSM) with histories of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are at disproportionate risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. Psychological variables explain part of this; however, standing alone, they fail to account for all of the increased risk. This secondary data analysis investigates the relationship between psychological factors (PTSD and substance use), structural factors (government benefits, unstable housing and neighborhood crime), unprotected sex and STI incidence and also investigates possible moderation effects of race/ethnicity. MSM from Boston and Miami (N= 296) were recruited for a larger RCT testing the effect of Cognitive Processing Therapy …

Development Of A Styrene-Isobutylene-Styrene (Sibs) And Carbon Black Thermoplastic Elastomer For Biomedical Pressure Sensing Applications, Brigitte M. Morales

Open Access Dissertations

Poly(Styrene-block-Isobutylene-block-Styrene) is a phase-separated tri-block thermoplastic elastomer known for having excellent biocompatibility and flexibility. The mechanical properties of this material can be tailored by varying its styrene content. This makes it an excellent candidate for biomedical applications. SIBS reinforced with carbon black (CB) filler particles can be used for pressure sensing external (stick-to-skin) devices. Pressure sensors made from SIBS/CB composites can be used as potential solutions for real-time monitoring of intraoperative intraocular pressure. Another target application is the detection and prevention of pressure ulcers in people suffering from peripheral neuropathy, including diabetic patients. These sensors must be sensitive to pressure, …

Exploring Barriers, Beliefs, Knowledge, Experiences, And Emotions Related To Yoga Practice Among A Racially And Ethnically Diverse Sample, Denise Simão Marques

Open Access Dissertations

The standard approach to ameliorating mental health difficulties in the United States may not be effective for racial and ethnic minority populations, as these individuals are more likely than non-Latino/a White individuals to prematurely withdraw from mental health services (Chow, Jaffee, & Snowden, 2003; Miranda, Azocar, Organista, Dwyer, & Arean, 2003). Yoga may be a viable intervention to address the large disparity in mental health services provided to these populations, as it is effective in ameliorating mental health difficulties across racial and ethnic populations and can be practiced in the non-medical settings. However, research suggests that racial and ethnic minority …

Multilevel Functional Data Analysis For Temporal Point Processes, Ming Wang

Open Access Dissertations

Large-scale event time data recorded with high temporal resolutions have become increasingly available with the recent advancement of data collection technologies. Analyzing such type of data is challenging as the data are often large in size and/or have complex structures. We propose a novel multilevel functional data analysis procedure for temporal point processes. The proposed procedure can be used to model repeatedly observed temporal point patterns. A nonparametric approach is developed to consistently estimate the covariance kernels of the latent component processes at all levels. To predict the functional principal component scores, we propose a consistent estimation procedure by maximizing …

Role Of Usp24 In Modulation Of Dna Damage Response, Leah E. Nemzow

Open Access Dissertations

Cellular DNA consistently suffers damage from various endogenous and exogenous sources. DNA Damage Response (DDR) serves as an integrated cellular network to sense cellular stress and activate pathways responsible for arresting cell cycle progression, stimulating DNA damage repair, and initiating apoptosis. Efficient DDR protects cells from genomic instability while defective or deficient DDR can allow unrepaired lesions to cause permanent and catastrophic mutations in the genome, which may cause disease conditions such as cancer and can reduce efficacy of genotoxic anti-cancer therapy. Thus, the proper regulation of DDR mechanisms is crucial for organismal health and viability. Ubiquitination has been long …

Gold Nanoparticles Enhanced Diffuse Optical Imaging And Radiation Therapy, Keying Xu

Open Access Dissertations

Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and worldwide. Commonly used cancer treatment methods include surgery, chemotherapy, and Radiation therapy (RT), the last of which is used in about half of all treatments. Imaging plays an important role in cancer diagnosis and radiation treatment. Gold nanoparticles (GNP) can strongly absorb optical light and x-ray because of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of the nanoparticles and the high atomic number of the gold. Therefore, it has a great potential to enhance both optical imaging and radiation dose delivery. This dissertation includes: (1) the development …

Stem+L: Investigating Adolescents’ Participation Trajectories In A Collaborative Multimodal Composing Environment, Shiyan Jiang

Open Access Dissertations

This multiple case study investigated adolescents’ participation patterns and trajectories in an integrated STEM plus digital Literacy (STEM+L) project. The project aims to broaden adolescents’ participation in integrated STEM+L practices. In the project, fifth to eighth graders worked in small groups of three to four to create multimodal science fictions. In this study, I explored forms and degrees of students’ participation through two theoretical perspectives: disciplinary identity development and community of practice. The former provides a necessary lens for investigating forms of participation in three dimensions: attitudes and interests toward disciplinary roles, disciplinary knowledge and practices, recognized by oneself or …

A Comparison Of Two Different Types Of High Intensity Interval Training On Cardiometabolic Health In Overweight/Obese Women, Ozgur Alan

Open Access Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of aerobic high intensity interval training (A-HIIT) and resistance-high intensity interval training (R-HIIT) to that of a control group (CON) on physical characteristics, cardiometabolic health, and self-reported well-being. A total of 48 overweight/obese women met the criteria for possessing one or more metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors and were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Following eight weeks of training, a total of 31 women completed the intervention and were included in the statistical analysis: A-HIIT (n=10), R-HIIT (n=10), and CON (n=11). Both experimental groups trained three times a …

Anisotropic Transport Properties Of Low-Dimensional Molybdenum Bronzes, Saeed Moshfeghyeganeh

Open Access Dissertations

Bulk materials with high anisotropic Seebeck coefficient are potentially useful as transverse thermoelectric devices. Molybdenum oxide bronzes are low dimensional materials with high anisotropy in transport properties. Lithium purple bronze Li_0.9 Mo_6 O_17 is a quasi-one dimensional conductor which a large, p-type Seebeck coefficient transverse to its quasi-1-D chains coexists with n-type metallic behavior along the chains. We report on measurements of the transverse Peltier effect on single crystals of lithium purple bronze (LiPB) in the temperature range of 300-500 K which demonstrates one of the largest known transverse Peltier figure of merit for bulk materials. We extend the measurement …

Biomechanical Analysis Of Accurately And Carefully Placing An Aerospace Avionics Box In Restricted Space, Damon Burns Stambolian

Open Access Dissertations

The design of a spacecraft has many trade-offs to reduce its mass, which typically result in reduced work space for the installation of Line Replaceable Units (LRU). One common LRU in aerospace vehicles is the avionics box found in the space shuttle. To prevent damage to cold plates, the installation of these boxes requires designing for accurate and careful placement, yet there are no standards to follow nor studies to consider for designers concerning human limitations for installing boxes accurately and carefully. In the literature, there are an abundance of lifting studies; however, there are only a few studies that …

The Impact Of A Professional Development Program In Popular Music On A Music Teacher's Beliefs And Practices, Donna Hewitt

Open Access Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the process of music teacher change resulting from a long-term professional development program in popular music. Specifically, it sought to examine change in a general music teacher’s beliefs and practices over a three-year period. This study utilized a case study methodology informed by a pilot study with the same music teacher. Data were collected over four months in the form of observations, interviews, field notes, and artifacts. Analysis revealed five emergent themes: opportunity, ownership, teamwork, discipline, and bravery. The findings of this study provide support to extant research suggesting that meaningful and …

Investigation Of The Effects Of Oxidizer Temperature On The Stability Of A Gas-Centered Swirl Coaxial Injector, William Zach Hallum

Open Access Dissertations

Rocket engines achieve extraordinary high energy densities within the chamber in the form of high pressure turbulent combustion. Successful design of these engines requires sustained, stable operation of a combustor exposed to extreme thermal loads. Slight deviations in operating conditions can then incur consequences ranging from reduced performance up to catastrophic failure in the face of excess heat loading. Sustained periodic oscillations, termed combustion instabilities, are often encountered during development, as fluctuations produced by combustion noise couple with heat release modes by way of modulation of the feed system, injector hydrodynamics, chemical kinetics, and mixing and atomization process. Successful development …

Enhancing User Experience: A Multifaceted Approach To Designing Better User Experiences Using Compassionate Design Thinking, Socially Conscious Design And Psychophysiological Measures, Priya Seshadri

Open Access Dissertations

The goal of this research is to help in creation of better user experience (UX) by enabling engineers and designers to get a deeper understanding of the users by focusing on the users’ needs, emotions, experiences and social issues. The main research question that guides this work is: How can engineers and designers better understand their users to create designs that aim at enhancing user experiences? Understanding the users and UX has many facets and dimensions. The users make decisions based on emotions and experiences, which also determine the value they associate with a design. Experiences are related to the …

System Architecture, Calibration, And Control For Lidar Systems Onboard Unmanned Vehicles, Tamer Shamseldin

Open Access Dissertations

The development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) as a mobile platform for deploying portable systems has benefited several applications in the civilian and military fields in the past few decades. Also, the parallel advances in peripheral technology such as the enhancement of GNSS/INS modules have resulted in a remarkable development of both UAVs as well as UAVs applications. Such development leads to the establishment of a system architecture for UAV design that will be the basis of all discussion in this dissertation. Centrally, this dissertation introduces a generic framework for UAVs equipped with a GNSS/INS positioning and orientation module as …

A Comparative Study Of Three Interfering Women In Western And Chinese Tales, Luyang Wang

Open Access Dissertations

This dissertation analyzes similar female characters from the medieval English Arthurian story Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the German opera Parsifal, and the Chinese supernatural tale “Nie Xiaoqian.” Although Morgan le Fay, Kundry, and Xiaoqian are products of different times and cultures, each of their stories offers a glimpse into a similar type of controversial woman often at variance with the expectations of a particular culture. These fictional characters are independent and influential women who drive the development of the entire plot and profoundly affect the protagonist’s destiny. Whether in England, Germany, or China, their status as aliens implies …

Understanding The Relation Between Sexual Objectification And Ostracism, Maayan Dvir

Open Access Dissertations

Ostracism – being ignored and excluded – and sexual objectification – when an individual is regarded only as an object that exists for the use and pleasure of others – are conceptually related, yet the connections between the two phenomena have yet to be examined empirically. Both involve aspects of the self being ignored by others. Sexual objectification involves attention that focuses on one’s appearance while other characteristics of the individuals are ignored. This fits within the parameters of the definition of “partial ostracism” – in which the individual is acknowledged and included in some ways (or times), but not …

Co-Design Of Reconfigurable And Multifunction Passive Rf/Microwave Components, Mohamed F. Hagag

Open Access Dissertations

In order to meet the market demands, multi-band communication systems that are able to accommodate different wireless technologies to be compatible with different wireless standards should be investigated and realized. Multifunction and multi-band RF front-end components are promising solutions for reducing the size and enhancing the performance of multi-band communication systems. This dissertation focuses on the design and implementation of different multifunction and tunable microwave components for use in multi-standard, flexible transceiver.

For frequency-domain duplexing (FDD) communication systems, in which the uplink and downlink channels are carried on different RF frequencies, a diplexer is an essential component to separate the …

Holostream: High-Accuracy, High-Speed 3d Range Video Encoding And Streaming, Tyler Bell

Open Access Dissertations

In recent decades, three-dimensional (3D) scanning techniques have improved in terms of speed, quality, and usability. These improvements have helped 3D scanning applications become increasingly popular within many different fields and industries, such as entertainment, security, manufacturing, and human computer interaction. However useful, real-time 3D scanning techniques generate large amounts of data, which may limit real-time storage or transmission of acquired 3D data. A platform which can enable high-quality, low-bandwidth 3D video communications could then be very useful within a broad range of applications, for example, telemedicine.

The goal of telemedicine is to use telecommunications technology to remotely diagnose, monitor, …

The Intimate Partner Violence Experience Of Arab Immigrant Women In The U.S., Aieyat B. Zalzala

Open Access Dissertations

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant problem for immigrant women in the U.S. There are a number of unique risk factors and help-seeking barriers (e.g., patriarchal beliefs, lack of social support, immigration status, language as a barrier, limited knowledge about and access to resources) that contribute to the likelihood of immigrant women being in and remaining in violent relationships. As a result, immigrant women often feel isolated, alone, and silenced in their attempt to address their IPV. However, we know less about the IPV experience of Arab immigrant women in the U.S. as these women hold multiple marginalized identities …

Mesoscale Modeling Of Defects And Phase Transformations In Crystalline Materials, Yifei Zeng

Open Access Dissertations

Strength of nanolayered metallic composite, stacking fault strengthening mechanism in random alloys especially high entropy alloys and solid state amorphization during mechanical milling are investigated in detail using phase field based method. Nanolayered metallic composite are comprised of alternating layers of two or more different metallic phases. It exhibits superior strength and ductility in ambient and extreme environment [1–4]. The key phenomenon characterizing the strength of this material is the slip transmission of single dislocation from one layer to the other. It is observed that both the modulus and the lattice parameters of different phases affect the slip transmission strength. …

Gist Of A Gest: Learning Gestures For The First Time, Maria Eugenia Cabrera Ubaldi

Open Access Dissertations

Humans are able to understand meaning intuitively and generalize from a single observation, as opposed to machines which require several examples to learn and recognize a new physical expression. This trait is one of the main roadblocks in natural human-machine interaction. Particularly, in gestures which are an intrinsic part of human communication. In the aim of natural interaction with machines, a framework must be developed to include the adaptability humans portray to understand gestures from a single observation. This problem is known as one-shot gesture recognition, and it has been researched previously. Nevertheless, most approaches rely heavily on purely numerical …

Producing Nanoscale Laser Spot And Its Applications, Anurup Datta

Open Access Dissertations

Driven by the exponential growth in the field of nanotechnology in the last few decades, there has been a huge impetus in the design and production of subwavelength nanoscale laser spot which has found wide range of applications in different fields such as nanofabrication and data storage, among others. Limited by the diffraction limit of light when using conventional optics, generally metallic nano-apertures and nano-antennas are used for producing sub-100 nm spots. Design of such types of nano structures typically involves the use of surface plasmons to effectively collect and concentrate light below the diffraction limit. This work discusses the …

Pathology Or Neurodiversity?: Cognitive Accessibility And The Rhetorical Construction Of Adhd In Higher Education, Samuel James Dunn

Open Access Dissertations

It is estimated that 2-8% of college students (approximately 1 in 20) report clinically significant diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Typically, those with verifiable diagnoses of ADHD are eligible to receive certain accommodations through the university which, in theory, put them on even footing with their peers; however there has been very little research done to actively address the needs of these students in the context of the composition classroom itself. To address this gap, in this dissertation I discuss the rhetorical positioning and identity construction of ADHD in the contemporary American university and ways in which composition …

Graphic Design Students' Development Of Adaptive Expertise In Ideation Strategies, Shih-Ping Kuo

Open Access Dissertations

This exploratory study uses the convergent design of mixed methods to integrate adaptive expertise theory to study how individual student participant from graphic design or non-graphic-design majors to solve a novel ideation problem in graphic design. Adaptive expertise includes six dimensions: metacognition, flexibility, dynamic knowledge, ability to welcome challenges, efficiency and deep understanding of the domain knowledge, and multiple perspectives. Those are desired qualities for a learner to stand out in the global market that are constantly changing with complex challenges. Thirty undergraduate students participated in this study. This study aims to answer four questions: types of graphic design tool …