Digital Commons Network^™

Motive And Responsibility As Influences On Graphic Design Outcomes, Jackie Clements

Theses

In the world of visual communication many message-making strategies are used to convey information to a defined audience. The ways in which these strategies are used can greatly impact the meaning and success of a graphic design solution. Often strong emotion is employed to intentionally influence a defined audience. In addition, the format and context in which facts are presented in a message are also greatly effective. When looking at the potential communication power that solutions can hold, it is important to assess the types of messages being communicated and related ethical responsibilities that accompany them. This thesis study focuses …

Imaging Schizophrenia: Data Fusion Approaches To Characterize And Classify, Andrew M. Michael

Theses

Schizophrenia is a complex, chronic and disabling mental disorder that affects about one percent of the adult population. The etiology of schizophrenia remains elusive and to date there are no image based tools to diagnose it. Advancements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have enabled researchers to develop less invasive and in vivo techniques, such as structural MRI (sMRI), functional MRI (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), to construct theories about the neural underpinnings of schizophrenia. With sMRI, fMRI and DTI the distribution of tissues, the functional activity and the brain network are imaged respectively. Subjects with schizophrenia (SZ) and healthy …

Moral Concerns In Genomic Medicine Beyond Gina, Stuart Paul Reeves

Theses

Genomic medicine, including pharmacogenomics, represents a potential paradigm shift in the diagnosis of disease and delivery of healthcare. Beyond the promise to address and resolve pandemics affecting specific ethnic/racial communities is the potential to develop pharmacological therapies custom tailored to the individual patient¿s genomic profile. However, the delivery of such promise rests on the contribution of genomic samples from individuals in communities where the culpable polymorphisms are present in high volumes. With the potential for an ever-widening disparity in overall population health among the socio-economic tiers in which these communities are often found, a theory of justice is needed to …

Benthic Macroinvertebrate Diversity In A Shallow Estuary: Controls On Nutrient And Algal Dynamics, Natalie Ann Mclenaghan

Theses

Nutrient loading has produced radical shifts in the structure and function of shallow estuaries, with substantial impacts upon the community composition of invertebrates and autotrophs. The progression of eutrophication is regulated by both bottom-up and top-down factors, which may be mediated by fauna via trophic interactions and nutrient release. We conducted field surveys of benthic invertebrates in West Falmouth Harbor (WFH), MA, an estuary subject to localized wastewater enrichment, across a 1 km gradient of suspected degradation. Dominant taxa included gammarid amphipods and nereidid, orbiniid, and capitellid polychaetes, with lower diversity and opportunistic species characterizing the inner basin nearest the …

We Support Our Troops, Javier Maldonado-O'Farrill

Theses

We Support Our Troops is a series of three mural sized prints in panoramic format. The images can be described as Rochester urban landscapes in which the commercial images of the billboards were replaced with images of Latin American resistance movements. The title is an appropriation of the United States pro-war slogan twisted into the support context of these movements. The prints are made in the contemporary and non-toxic printmaking technique 4 Color Inversion Intaglio-Type, developed by Master Printmaker Keith Howard. The Intaglio-Type techniques are the ones in which the photopolymer film ImagOn® is used.

A technical and historical approach …

Linking Community Revitalization, Urban Agriculture, And Elementary Education, Mary Alexis Blondrage

Theses

A university/community partnership in Rochester, NY was the context for this research addressing the development of collaboration between local elementary School 45 and the community's agriculture education initiative. At the school and community's request, a possible partnership was researched to find the appropriate linkage that would address both the school and community's needs. Participatory action research was the framework for the qualitative research methodology. Data are presented from various sources including extensive participant observation, field notes, in-depth interviews, and document review. The findings indicated diverse implications for the consideration of a school-community partnership, and highlighted the importance of organizational and …

Coping With Relational Aggression: A Qualitative Study, Rebecca M. Haderer

Theses

This study explored effective techniques girls use in coping with relational aggression victimization. A qualitative approach was used to capture the experience and problem solving process in arriving at solutions. Participants included 7 female students age 12 to 14 who attended a western New York junior high school. A semi-structured interview format was employed. Results indicated that victims of relational aggression were targets of rumors that frequently involved a theme of denigration. Initial reactions to the victimization always included a negative emotional response followed by a behavioral response. Victims engaged in a step-by step problem solving process to arrive at …

The Use Of Computer-Based Interventions In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Policy Implications For Violence And Delinquency Prevention In Community Corrections, Chad M. Posick

Theses

Abstract: This thesis tests the applicability of computer-based cognitive behavioral therapy for building skills that prevent deviancy and delinquency among youth. This is accomplished by first understanding cognitive behavioral therapy through an extensive literature review and then through data analysis of the SMART program which emphasizes anger management and conflict resolution skills using a pre- and post-test questionnaire. This thesis uses the SMART program as a self-administered cognitive behavioral intervention with youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who are on juvenile probation with a juvenile delinquent status. This is an innovative way of using the SMART program from …

Modeling The Environmental Impact Of Demand Variability Upon Supply Chains In The Beverage Industry, Jorge Y. Daccarett-Garcia

Theses

High demand variability can produce several inefficiencies in the supply chain, increasing cost and decreasing service level. This research focuses on the environmental impact of demand variability on supply chains especially in the beverage industry by investigating the relationship between demand variability and the emissions of carbon dioxide. The analysis was based on a beverage industry case, considering a two-stage supply chain. A simulation model was developed to represent the supply chain. The experimental factors demand variability, demand level, forecast method, system size, and truck fleet configuration were manipulated in order to represent different scenarios. A statistical Design of Experiment …

Ecological Balance: The Greater Goal Of The Environmental Manager, Brian P. Butler

Theses

Whether realized or potential there are a multitude of goals that the environmental manager may be working toward achieving. This thesis evaluated the hypothesis that regardless of the operational goal(s) that the environmental manager may be working toward, the ultimate goal is to achieve ecological balance. This research defines ecological balance, with specific regard to a company's activities, as a stable and productive (rather than destructive) interrelationship of a company with its environment with regard to the contrasting, opposing, or interacting elements that are present as a result of the company's actions.

This research defined five operational goals of the …

In Silico Drug Design Of Potential Novel Anti Malarial Agents, Vishal Thovarai

Theses

This thesis project incorporates the principles of rational and computer aided drug design in the quest for an improved anti-malarial agent. The target, a pathway for isoprenoid biosynthesis (the deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate (DOXP) pathway) occurs in the parasite plastid – the apicoplast, and among the factors that make it an excellent target for an anti-malarial agent is its uniqueness from the pathway in the host, thus accounting for its specificity and low toxicity. A library of 18 potential anti malarial analogues/ ligands were designed and tested in silico against the receptor using molecular docking. The analogue L ο (omicron) - {3-[acetyl(hydroxy)amino]-1-hydroxypropyl} phosphonic …

Unintended Consequences Of Ethanol Production: Geospatial Lifecycle Analysis, Amanda Louise Malone

Theses

Ethanol use has been lauded as a way to provide a secure, diverse, environmentally friendly and economically beneficial energy supply for the US. However, along with this praise has been criticism due to potential unintended consequences that may arise from ethanol production and use. This thesis addresses one such unintended consequence: the displacement of emissions from downstream vehicle operation locations to upstream farming and production areas. The thesis uses the Upstream Ethanol Production (UEP) Model, a geospatial lifecycle model developed for analyzing spatial emissions inventories for ethanol production. The UEP model is based on the US GREET model – the …

Evaluation Of Medical Alarm Sounds, Elizbha Philip

Theses

Auditory alarms in medical equipments perform considerably below their optimal level. Concern has been expressed about the quality of medical alarms by a large number of researchers in recent years. A detailed literature survey on the medical alarm related problems has been carried out. Hospital visits were made to obtain real life information and data of alarm sounds in various type of monitors used in OR and ICU. A laboratory experiment has been conducted on selected melodic alarm sounds. These melodic alarm sounds are being implemented in medical equipments and the idea of design is proposed in ISO / IEC …

Preparation Of Nanovehicles For Targeted Drug Delivery, Anagha Avinash Bhakay

Theses

Application of nanotechnology in pharmaceutical research has opened new frontiers for drug development and its efficient delivery. In recent years, the focus of the research has been on the engineering of nano/micro-particulate structures for efficient and targeted delivery of drugs for selective and enhanced absorption. This work throws light on the preparation of biodegradable and non-toxic nanoparticulate systems for targeted drug delivery. The drug vehicles were made by two different processes namely electrostatic interactions and desolvation process. The drug carriers made by these processes were found to be in the size range of 150-200nm which is necessary for cellular uptake …

Deciphering The Biology Of Axon Stretch-Growth, Joseph R. Loverde

Theses

Traditional nerve regeneration strategies focus on growth cone-mediated growth, a form of nerve growth that occurs primarily during embryogenesis. Early axons continue to grow from the end distal to the soma, seeking targets on which to synapse. It is believed that once the axons synapse, stretch-growth takes over and is responsible for the great lengths achieved by nerves of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Recent work has demonstrated stretch-growth in vitro resulting in dramatically increased growth rates compared to the growth cone. Here, the aim was to decipher the underlying biology associated with axon stretch-growth using two approaches. First, …

Finger Walking Control Of A Two-Dimensional Walking Model Through Inverse Kinematics, Jordan Ratcliff

Theses

Those people who have spinal cord injuries (SCI) must remain in wheelchairs due to disruption of the neural signaling to their muscles. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has proved itself to be an option for restoring some motion and some walking for the patient. Electrodes can either be placed on the skin or muscle to provide an electrical impulse that stimulates the muscles into contraction. Current systems provide buttons that use set functions for left and right steps with constant direction and size. It is desired however that the user be allowed a more natural and variable control method of controlling …

Sustainable Site Remediation : A Life Cycle Assessment Approach, Harnoor Dhaliwal

Theses

Remediation of contaminated areas is often a resource-intensive activity that itself can create environmental burdens. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was used as a tool to examine the environmental impacts associated with remediation activities. A hypothetical contaminated site with five remediation alternatives was developed for this analysis. The results of Life cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) indicated that greater site activity in terms of transportation, material and equipment use translated into higher environmental impacts.

A sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the environmental impacts further in different time horizons. The results showed that choice of time horizon can have a significant effect …

The Unearthing Of The Body In Adrienne Rich's Poetics, Michael J. Collins

Theses

No abstract provided.

Curriculum Evolution At The Department Of Baking Technology (National Bakery School), Dit, Kevin Street 1998-2008: What Factors Have Brought About A Change In The Curriculum, Mary Kavanagh

Theses

This thesis research set out to examine the factors which have contributed to curriculum evolution at the National Bakery School, Technologicl University Dublin (DIT) from 1998 to 2008. It focused on a number of dimensions which have contributed to a radical shift in curriculum. Those dimensions include biographical, cultural, micro-political, structural, socio-historical, technological and scientific. The research design was essentially a hermeneutical, interpretative case study using qualitative data gathering techniques. The primary research methods employed were interviews conducted with lecturing staff, and a survey conducted with students travelling to Germany for continuing professional development. An extensive literature review was conducted …

Heart Frontal Section And Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Robin Kang

Theses

The heart is one of the most vital and complex organs in the body. However, most of the existing heart animations focus on showing the outer surface of a beating heart, and attempt to simulate its function with its outer views. This thesis model, however, focuses on the inner structure of the heart in order to provide detailed visualizations of different parts of the heart, their functions and the related disease. This thesis model has been created by using a real human heart provided by the Rochester Institute of Technology, as well as published material about the inside structure of …

The Molecular Identification Of Non Tuberculosis Mycobacteria (Ntm) From Clinical And Water Samples., Anne Curtin

Theses

Nontuberculosis Mycobacteria (NTM) are now considered a major source of opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients. Reliable and rapid identification of NTM species is of the upmost importance for patient treatment regimes. Firstly, this study looked at the epidemiological trends of a small number of NTM isolates (n=50) from a large teaching hospital in Southern Ireland Cork University Hospital (C.U.H.). We found that 85% of clinical isolates were sampled from the respiratory tract, which is not unusual as the majority of samples analysed in the hospital lab originated from sputum samples. Also, the majority of patients were 59 years of age …

The Development Of A Prototype Robotic Platform On Which Awareness Strategies Can Be Implemented, Sean Kinsella

Theses

This thesis describes the design and development of the hardware and software for a prototype robotic platform on which awareness strategies can be developed. The mobile prototype platform designed over the course of work is capable of operating as a distributed or centralised system.

There is no singular definition of awareness for a robotic system and the development of awareness strategies is complex and requires expertise in many scientific disciplines. This paper describes the different types of awareness associated with robotic systems and the technology required to implement this awareness. A review of sensors critical to the development of awareness …

Application Of Multiple Mass Spectrometric Techniques In The Isolation, Determination And Characterisation Of The Marine Toxins; Azaspiracid, Keith O'Callaghan

Theses

The Azaspiracids are a class of polyether marine biotoxins that present a significant health risk to consumers of shellfish. Since their discovery in the late 1990s several human intoxications have been reported, and traced to Irish shellfish farms resulting in closures or harvest rejections. As such incidents involving azaspiracid shellfish poisoning have a major socio-economic impact on communities that rely on shellfish farming revenues.

Recent evidence suggests that azaspiracid poisoning events may become more commonplace. With this increased risk the understanding of azaspiracids mode of action and biological targets becomes crucial. To support these endeavours effective analytical methods need to …

The Application Of Social Marketing In Reducing Binge Drinking Among Female College Students: An Investigation Of A Third Level College In Cork, Fergus Murphy

Theses

Ireland has one of the highest levels of alcohol consumption in the EU, consuming 10.6 litres of pure alcohol per person in 2003, increasing to 13.4 litres in 2006. This rise in consumption has led to increases in alcohol-related harm and disease, and has resulted in more than 1,775 deaths according to the Health Research Board (Mongan et al., 2007). In general, increases in overall consumption are accompanied by a greater incidence of health and social problems. In addition to the high volume of alcohol consumed by people in Ireland, drinking occasions appear to be strongly related to heavy episodic …

Assessing The Occurrence And Value Of Interactive Features On Admissions Web Sites: What Students And Admissions Professionals Say Is Most Important, Katherine Robert

Theses

This study assessed the importance of interactive features on admissions Web sites by surveying admissions professionals and Rochester Institute of Technology students. The presence of these features on admissions’ Web sites was content analyzed. Admissions professionals rated a prospective student link, an online application, internal links, an online tour/visit registration, and active e-mail addresses as most important. Students rated application status, requesting information by a mailing address and e-mail, internal links, and a consistent main menu as most important. The most present features were links within the admissions site, graphics, links outside of the admissions site, active e-mail, and cookies. …

Smack In The Day Of Distemper, Nancy J. Baumann

Theses

Not available.

Second Chances, Annette E. Slack

Theses

This project will focus on the dilemmas one faces in life. The main character in this project is Brandon Miller. Brandon has obstacles placed in his life because of choices that were made prior to his birth. Brandon's mother Angela was a young single parent when she made the decision to forgo school to raise a child in a very challenging environment. The neighborhood where Brandon and his mother live is filled with criminals and down on their luck individuals that choose methods of crime and drugs to get ahead rather than hard work and education. Despite the obstacles, Brandon's …

Born Under A Lucky Chinese Sign, Just Wish I Was Chinese., Suzanne Newsham

Theses

This thesis is a cumulation of my life and my career as a student at Lindenwood University. Each essay is a comedic peek into the chaos that is my life. I was heavily influenced by the writing styles of David Sedaris and Sloane Crosley. Their views and easy read style of writing influenced me to write the same type of stories.

The first essay speaks to the influence that my parents had on me by making me feel overly loved and accepted even though I was adopted. "Not a dirty word in my house."

I continue with various lengths of …

Past Due: A Collection Of Poems, Byron Lee

Theses

"Past Due" is a co1lection of poems written almost entirely in free verse and almost exclusively based on personal experience. I find, at least at this point in my growth as a writer, that when I try to adhere to poetic structure, I feel confined. My style is sparse because I feel that this aesthetic best cuts to the emotion I'm trying to convey. I also love playing with line breaks, since I find that doing so can give several lines in a poem their own statement, like each poem makes its own statement even when bound in a co1Iection …

Historical And Cultural Paradigms In The Evolution Of Dance In Ireland : Signifiers In The Works Of Siamsa Tire, Sharon A. Phelan

Theses

This thesis examines historical and cultural paradigms in dance in Ireland. Initially, the Introduction establishes the post-colonial matrix within which the thesis is written. This section interprets stages in the development of dance using cultural and educational theorists. It also highlights where the dance repertoire and teaching system at Siamsa Tire operate as signifiers.

Chapter One focuses on dance during the colonial era. Post-Colonial theorists have queried the validity of the coloniser/ colonised concept highlighting that it simplifies the long ago. The heterodox origins of the Irish dance master system and canon support this notion as they recognise a cross-fertilisation …