Digital Commons Network^™

The Introduction Of Montessori Teaching And Learning Practices In An Early Childhood Classroom In A Remote Indigenous School, Catherine Holmes

Theses

The purpose of this research was to observe and describe the effect of Montessori pedagogy in a remote Aboriginal Early Childhood program to ascertain whether this alternative approach to education provides a more culturally appropriate practice than past methods. The significance of the study lies in the need to "close the gap" (Department of Premier & Cabinet [DPMC], 2016, p.1) between the achievement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. The study endeavours to describe the effect of Montessori pedagogy through the response of those most closely associated with Aboriginal education: students, parents, caregivers, community members and educational professionals.

Three dimensions of …

Risk Assessment And The Utility Of Ct Coronary Angiography For Coronary Artery Disease In Hiv Infection, James Nadel

Theses

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is now considered a chronic, treatable disease, although treatment is associated with increased rates of coronary artery disease (CAD). Screening of this at-risk population for CAD remains contentious. The aim of this thesis is to provide some guidance into the management of cardiovascular disease in HIV and examine the utility of screening CTCA in this population group.

Methods

We set out to disseminate our generated results via publications. The first paper was a literature review that sought to provide insight into the management of this complex population, in particular focusing on the risk assessment …

An Investigation Of The Role Of Finance In The Development Of Value Added Products, John O'Sullivan

Theses

Traditionally Ireland focused on commodity based food products. In recent years there has been a shift towards value added food products. There has however been little academic research undertaken investigating the role of finance in developing value added products. This study will examine the importance of the value added food sector in the Irish food industry and will also examine new product development (NPD) processes to highlight the role finance plays in developing value added food products. The researcher used semi-structured interviews of seven industry experts as the research technique.

Value added products have many benefits including higher margin and …

High Borate Glasses For The Controlled Release Of Therapeutic Metal Ions, Kathleen O'Connell

Theses

Within the biomaterial community significant effort has been directed towards engineering materials that induce precise host responses, which are tailored to specific applications. However, this has also seen an increase in the complexity of some biomaterials, which is being increasingly criticised within the literature, as it is attributed to hindering their clinical utility. In this context the release of therapeutic metal ions from glass-based biomaterials have been shown to promote hard tissue repair and regeneration through angiogenesis and osteogenesis processes. Within this thesis project two separate quaternary high borate glass systems were prepared containing the therapeutic metal ions strontium and …

Developing An Algal Biofilm Filtration System For The Remediation Of Nutrient Pollution In Freshwater Ponds, Danielle Delp

Theses

Anthropogenic nutrient pollution is one of the most serious threats facing aquatic systems in modern times. Pollution with compounds containing nitrogen and phosphorous encourages rapid development of autotrophic biomass, or blooms, that severely degrade the quality of an aquatic system both as a habitat for organisms and as a water resource for human use. In freshwater ponds, the widespread need for treatment of nutrient pollution and resulting blooms has resulted in the growth of a large industry dedicated to pond management and maintenance. These companies utilize a variety of chemical and non-chemical treatments to prevent the growth of blooms or …

Quantitative Analysis Of The Total Bacteria, Lactobacillus, And Bifidobacterium Colonic Microflora In Rats Fed Conventional, Prebiotic, And Probiotic Soy Diets, Deborah Osterholm Jung

Theses

Research suggests that specific compositions of gut microbiota can directly affect energy harvesting and fat storage, which may indicate a potential role of intestinal bacteria in the regulation of body weight (i.e., obesity). The purpose of the current study was to determine if prebiotic- and probiotic-based diets modify gut microbiota in genetically obese rodents. For this, female Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats were assigned diets containing fructooligosaccharides (FOS), Bifidobacterium (BIF), or Lactobacillus (LAC) for three weeks. qPCR was then used to measure levels of colonic Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and total bacteria. At termination, there was no significant difference in Lactobacillus levels …

The Effect Of Conservation Tillage And Topographic Position On Soil Properties In Central Illinois, Andrew Mellinger

Theses

Since agriculture began, field management has been at the forefront of expanding food production beyond previous limitations. Agricultural productivity is closely related to the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. Landscape position and field management are among primary factors affecting these soil properties. Delineation of topographic positions of the field surface by shape (i.e., convex, concave, and linear) characterizes areas that may accumulate or lose soil and nutrients either during a discrete event or cumulatively over several growing seasons. Increased soil compaction, degradation of soil structure, and erosion have all been attributed to declining agricultural production. In addition …

Developing Chemically Mutagenized Ems Forrest Soybean Population For High Oil Profile, Joshua William Gunther

Theses

AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF JOSHUA GUNTHER, for the Masters of Science degree in Plant, Soil and Agricultural Systems, presented on November 2nd, 2015, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: DEVELOPING CHEMICALLY MUTAGENIZED EMS FORREST SOYBEAN POPULATION FOR HIGH OIL PROFILE. MAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. Khalid Meksem SUPERVISOR: Dr. Naoufal Lakhssassi Soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) are the most important crop that provides a sustainable source of oil and protein worldwide. Five major fatty acids are known, Palmetic, Stearic, Oleic, Linoleic and Linolenic acid, and each is essential for both nutrition and biodiesel. Oil demand for biodiesel production is constantly …

Understanding Chytridiomycosis Resistance By Investigating The Cutaneous Defense Mechanisms Of Marsupial Frogs, David Burkart

Theses

Anurans are declining worldwide because of the spread of Batachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), the fungus that causes chytridiomycosis. However, some frogs are resistant to this disease, and understanding why may be critical to saving those that are susceptible. In Peru, Gastrotheca excubitor is resistant to chytridiomycosis while Gastrotheca nebulanastes is susceptible. Two anuran skin defenses, symbiotic bacteria and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), have demonstrated the ability to inhibit Bd in vitro when isolated from certain frogs. We tested if these defenses can explain the difference in susceptibility between the two Gastrotheca species. The cutaneous bacteria and AMPs of both species were collected, …

Aflatoxin Level In Selected Spices In Abu Dhabi Markets, Salma Ibrahim Al Hammadi

Theses

Aflatoxins (AF) are toxic secondary metabolites secreted by the fungi Aspergillus or Penicillium. Four aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2) are common in foods and feeds produced or stored under unfavorable conditions of humidity and temperature AFB1 is considered the most toxic.

Spices are significant ingredients in the UAE cuisine, used for the purpose of seasoning, coloring, and flavoring. In this research, 94 samples of spices (including pepper, chili, coriander, fennel seeds, paprika, turmeric, zataria, and mixed spices) purchased from different markets in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, were analyzed for their contents of AF. Sample were analyzed using high-performance …

Data Mining Nhanes: Utilizing A Genetic Algorithm To Detect Correlation Between Birth Sex Ratio And Epidemiological Factors, Christopher F. Fucile

Theses

In the past several decades there has been increasing research into factors that may affect the birth sex ratio of parents. These can range from nutrition to hormone levels to psychological factors. The National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) is a broadly encompassing governmental survey that captures some of these aspects making it a rich and easily exploitable data set for these purposes. In this study we utilize custom Perl scripts written to extract such information and attempt to find correlations using a genetic algorithm. Mothers are first identified through inferred relationships within the database. Variables are then analyzed …

Anti-Colon Cancer Activity Of Origanum Majorana, Nedaa Faisal Al Tamimi

Theses

In the present project, we extend the previous studies of Origanum majorana by evaluating the anti-cancer potential of this plant extract on proliferation of colon cancer. Toward this, we first evaluated the effect of the plant extract on the proliferation and DNA damage, in vitro, of the human colon cancer HT-29 cell line. We also determine the mechanism by which Origanum majorana induced cell death by this extract using biochemical approach. Our results revealed that O. majorana inhibited the growth of HT-29 cells by effecting the cells viability. Further work showed the ability of the extract to cause DNA damage, …

Evaluation Of Reproductive Strategies In Captive California Yellowtail (Seriola Dorsalis) Using Genetic Parentage Analyses, Elizabeth K. Smith, Mark Drawbridge Ms, John Hyde Phd, Geoffrey Morse Phd

Theses

A good understanding of spawning dynamics of species in aquaculture is vital in order to maximize egg production and quality as well as efficient allocation of food and space resources. The breeding program of California yellowtail (CYT; Seriola dorsalis previously Seriola lalandi) at Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI) is set up such that up to 30 wild caught brood fish can broadcast spawn in a group setting, just as CYT reproduce in the wild. The population of brood fish were originally caught offshore from Southern California, and are maintained under ambient sea water and natural lighting conditions. The spawning season …

A Study To Assess The Efficacy Of Implementing An In-Season Psychological Skills Training Program With Elite Level Cyclists, Christopher L. Curan

Theses

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of developing and implementing an in-season Psychological Skills Training (PST) program to increase performance, mood state, and self-efficacy mental skills for elite cyclists. Additionally, the goal of the study was to develop a success profile for elite cyclists after completing a PST program. A collegiate cycling team formed the treatment group (N=25), who received a 12-week in-season PST program, and a similar demographical control group (N=28) received no mental skills training. Sports psychology instruments using pre- and posttest included the Sports Emotional Reaction Profile (SERP), Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28 (ASCI-28). …

Investigating Annual Variation In Fruit Quality Using Nutrient Assays And Multidimensional Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Harshita Sood

Theses

Each year, billions of birds engage in migratory behavior in response to seasonal changes. During fall migration, many birds consume nutritionally rich fruits with high energy density to satisfy their energy requirements, and rich in antioxidant capacity to alleviate oxidative stress. The goal of this study was to investigate the variation in nutritional content and antioxidant content of fruits from two different years, and compare these with trends in temperature and precipitation during the years. The fruits of 12 shrubs were collected during autumn of 2012 and 2013 in Rochester, NY. Nutrient analyses were used to measure the energy density, …

Seasonal Variation In Chronic Stress And Energetic Condition In Three Species Of Migratory Birds, Meghan Oberkircher

Theses

Neotropical migrants face multiple challenges throughout their annual cycle. During migration, birds must avoid predation, face adverse weather, and find stopover sites with food adequate to support their needs. Upon return to the breeding grounds following migration, males must find and defend territory from other males. Females incubate eggs and both males and females may participate in feeding young leaving less time to feed themselves. After the breeding season birds undergo the energy intensive process of molt. Declines in populations of Neotropical migrants have been reported over the past several decades. In order to prevent further population declines of Neotropical …

Behavior Of Deformed Dermal Fibroblasts Seeded On A Silicon Membrane Under High Levels Of Strain, Laura Osorno

Theses

The main objective of this thesis is to understand, from a molecular perspective, the morphological and functional abnormalities of human dermal fibroblasts as a response to deformation produced by a normal force that can lead to the potential formation of stretch marks in pregnant women, adolescents, and people with Cushing's syndrome. The main function of dermal fibroblasts is to produce the essential fibrous components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the skin.

In order to study the mechanism of stretch mark formation, neonatal human dermal fibroblasts were seeded on a silicon membrane for controlled deformation. Upon reaching a confluence of …

A Study On The Social And The Environmental Impacts Of Bottled Water & A Design Solution To Improve The User Experience Of Reusable Water Bottles, Chia-Wei Chang

Theses

The consumption of bottled water is likely to emerge as a global trend in the coming decades. The expansion of the bottled water industry and rapid growth of bottled water sales has caused serious concerns regarding the possible contamination of bottled water, the impact of its refuse on the environment, and the management of water resources. Some factors accelerating the sales and use of bottled water are complex and multifaceted and involve pollution, values, politics, water shortages, commercial behaviors, consumption behaviors, a widening disparity between the rich and poor within society, and the unfair distribution of resources. Any single solution …

Authorized Access And The Challenges Of Health Information Systems, Ryan Shelc

Theses

The need for an interconnected health network has reached its peak. Using electronic health records dramatically increases the quality of care for patients and the efficiency of the health care systems. With the rapid development and integration of health care technology, standardization and interoperability has become a paramount problem. Looking at electronic health systems independently presents an array of security related issues, which are then compounded as they are connected together. This paper focuses the issues surrounding authorized access systems used within these networks and solutions to bridge the gap that currently exists.

Edutainment System For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Chunxiao Zhu

Theses

I have always believed that a qualified designer should design products that can help society; therefore, I have kept my eye on core social issues. My graduate thesis is definitely a great opportunity for me to help minority groups in society through a designer's perspective.

As we all have noticed, the number of families that have a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing year by year, and these families are all struggling with difficult issues. That's why I chose ASD as my thesis topic. I want to help children with ASD through design.

Because ASD is a broad …

Determining The Daily Caloric Needs Of Collegiate Female Athletes, Alicia D. Watson

Theses

Dietary requirements in athletes are critical to overall health and performance, yet no formula to predict dietary needs is available for female athletes. This study's purpose was to develop a validated prediction equation to predict the resting metabolic needs of female athletes. 63 NCAA Division II female athletes (19.7 ± 1.1 years, 169.3 ± 8.6 cm, 67.5 ± 9.1 kg) were recruited as participants in this study. Upon providing their informed consent, study participants arrived for testing in the morning between the hours of 0600 - 1000 after observing a ~10 hour fast and within 30 - 60 minutes of …

Assess The Efficacy Of A 15-Week Psychological Skills Training Program For Collegiate Wrestlers, James Malechek

Theses

Psychological skills training is becoming increasingly popular among coaches and elite athletes. However, the research available in this area continues to be lacking. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of using a self-guided psychological skills training program to improve wrestler mental skills during competitive season. The wrestler's mental strength was evaluated before and after the program using the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28.

The experimental group consisted of 27 male collegiate wrestlers. The control group had 21 male collegiate wrestlers. The experimental group was given a handout every week for 15- weeks. The handouts dealt with multiple …

Gender Negotiations Of Female Collegiate Athletes In The Strength And Conditioning Environment: A Qualitative Analysis, Rachel I'Leene Roth

Theses

Research has shown that collegiate female athletes are oftentimes faced with negotiating meanings of their femininity and their athleticism. Athleticism has traditionally been equated with masculinity, and to be a collegiate athlete requires certain levels of skill, experience, and athletic ability. Therefore, female collegiate athletes are conflicted with managing their identities in order to avoid accusations of their sexuality, which often results in being labeled as deviant. A primary indicator of athleticism is muscularity, which is also considered a masculine trait. In order to stay within gender boundaries, female athletes may go above and beyond to emphasize their femininity, or …

Distribution Of Ghrelin In Pancreatic Islet Cells Of Normal And Diabetic Rats And Its Effect On Diabetes Mellitus, Haba Y. M. El Abadlah

Theses

Ghrelin, a 28-amino acid peptide, is identified as the endogenous ligand of the orphan growth hormone secretagogue-receptor type 1a. Ghrelin presents a unique modification at Ser3 position essential for its activity. It was first discovered in the stomach of rat in 1999. Aside from ghrelin’s role as a potent growth hormone secretagogue and food intake modulator, ghrelin is thought to play a role in insulin and glucagon secretion and in glucose homeostasis. A lot of contradictory data have been reported in the literature regarding ghrelins co-localization with other hormones in the islets of Langerhans, its role in insulin secretion and …

Darkness Of Draws, Catherine Louise Howl

Theses

“Darkness of Draws” is a collection of poems that I have written and compiled over a period of years before and during my time in the M.F.A. program. I have interwoven and overlapped themes drawn from my life, of mental illness and religion experienced within the tightly knit boundaries of family; to my dual life as a fine artist working in the genres of painting and sculpture; to the complexities of intimate love relationships, as well as my historical roots in Southern California and the settings of my every day observations where people, places and things become imagistic in form, …

Leaf-Cutter Ant (Atta Cephalotes) Behavioral Ecology Of Folivory In A Mixed-Use Guyanan Lowland Rainforest, Elizabeth Brianne Karslake

Theses

I studied the foraging ecology of a Neotropical leaf-cutter ant, Atta cephalotes, at CEIBA Biological Center, Guyana to elucidate diet choice and foraging strategy. These ants are serous agricultural pests because workers harvest leaves, flowers, fruits, and other plant organs of both cultivated and native plants. The plant materials are used to feed symbiotic fungi whose mycelia tips are the sole food of A. cephalotes larvae. Leaf-cutters were usually found in human disturbed habitats especially slash-and-burned forests cleared for farms, with their higher percentage of sun-exposure and lower plant stem diameters than second growth and primary forests. When given a …

Impact Of Medical Drugs, Commonly Administered To The Elderly, On Viability And Functionality Of Commercially Available Probiotic Supplements, Desarae Nicole Johnson

Theses

The elderly population is inherently more susceptible to gastrointestinal problems and diseases due to significant age-related gastrointestinal changes experienced in gut physiology, reactivity of the immune system, and/or diet. These factors, coupled with increased occurrence of disease and corresponding medication use, could also modify the composition of gut microbiota. The impact of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the physical gastrointestinal tract has already been shown. However, the impact of these factors on the microbiota inhabiting the GI tract has not been well established. A better understanding of the relationship between medication use and gut microbiota composition may have beneficial implications …

Meeting In The Middle: Organizing Sustainability Goals To Redevelop Jacksonville, Florida Suburbs, James Robert Reynolds Ii

Theses

The United States is at a developmental turning point in how it grows, responds to the housing needs of its existing citizens, and utilizes its existing infrastructure. Since 1945, population has doubled, however land use has increased by nearly 400%. This indicates that we are developing at lower densities, which have been shown to increase the environmental, social, and economic costs of development due to infrastructure construction, operations and maintenance, transportation use, and lifestyle.

Jacksonville, Florida is spatially the largest city in the USA, and most populated in Florida. Due to the wide array of foreclosed and vacant houses in …

Stuff: The Abandoned Land An Interactive Sustainable Role-Playing Game, Chien-Ju Peng

Theses

Stuff: The Abandoned Land is an interactive role-playing game web application

designed to help teenagers and young adults understand environmental

destruction and the importance of recycling and reducing waste. We are part

of the production and consumption cycle but we can instead change our

consumptive behavior in order to create a better future. This web application

is designed for teenagers and young adults, ages 15 to 24. By developing

an engaging interactive game application, we intended to focus the target

audience's attention on serious environmental topics.

The story begins with the main character, Kevin, who questions the worth of

life …

Gluten-Free Products And Zagreb’S Bakeries, Maja Vukoja

Theses

While a capital of Croatia, with a population of over one million, offers a limited number of different gluten-free products, Zagreb’s bakeries do not offer gluten-free products at all.

The purpose of this study was to identify the existence of a non-medically motivated demand for gluten-free products in Zagreb’s bakeries and find out what are the motivators driving this demand. This study used an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. Quantitative data collection (through a survey) was followed with a qualitative data collection and analysis (through interviews) which led to the interpretation of results.

Survey was conducted on a random sample …