Digital Commons Network^™

Distribution Dynamics Of Swamp Rabbits (Sylvilagus Aquaticus) In Missouri, Kylie Bosch

Theses

Swamp rabbits (Sylvilagus aquaticus) are a bottomland hardwood forest specialist undergoing contraction at the northern extent of their range. This decline is often attributed to the loss of bottomland hardwood forest and frequent, intense flooding. To mitigate this decline and inform decisions regarding the swamp rabbit’s conservation status, there is a pressing need for long-term monitoring efforts. Although currently listed as imperiled (S2) in Missouri, shifts in occupancy trends may warrant a reassessment of the swamp rabbit’s state rank. The Missouri Department of Conservation has conducted decadal surveys for swamp rabbits since 1991, and the work presented here describes the …

Ecological Drivers Of Size And Predictors Of Potential Competition In Soricidae, Wesley B. Holland

Theses

The family Soricidae, encompassing shrews, represents a diverse group of small (head-body length 30-178 mm) omnivorous or carnivorous mammals distinguished by unique morphological and physiological traits. Ecologically, shrews are dominant small predators, significantly impacting invertebrate populations. Their foraging strategies are diverse, with species adapted to fossorial, psammophilic, scansorial, semiaquatic, semifossorial, and terrestrial guilds. High metabolic rates necessitate nearly constant food intake, influencing their prey selection and feeding behaviors. Physiologically, shrews exhibit adaptations for thermoregulation, with Soricinae generally having higher mass-specific metabolic rates compared to Crocidurinae, who can enter torpor to conserve energy. These metabolic differences are crucial for their ecological …

An Exploration Of Factors Driving Patterns Of Hybridization In Triodanis, Keegan Sean Mcconnell

Theses

Elucidating and preserving biodiversity is an essential component of biological research, yet many natural processes impede our ability to define basic patterns of biodiversity. Hybridization is a common process in flowering plants, with a range of outcomes that influence our understanding of species ecology and evolution. In many systems, factors that facilitate or prevent successful hybridization are poorly understood. In this study, I investigate various potential mechanisms driving patterns of hybridization between Triodanis biflora and T. perfoliata. Previous research in this system has documented extensive hybridization, but some work has also alluded to the potential role of the breeding system …

Half Past Primrose, Laura E. Wilson

Theses

Half Past Primrose is a climate memoir in verse, exploring the experiences of growing up with climate change in Wisconsin and the fundamental life shifts it poses.

Population Demographics Of Crappies (Pomoxis Spp.) And Comparison Of Fish Community Monitoring Techniques In Smithland Pool Of The Ohio River, Joseph Rector

Theses

Large rivers in the United States support popular recreational and commercial fisheries despite being among the most heavily anthropogenically modified habitats due to the construction of dams and levees, agricultural and industrial pollution, and channel modification, all of which can disrupt aquatic ecosystem function and affect fish community composition and abundance. However, despite their relative importance, riverine fisheries research tends to lag behind that of lakes and reservoirs due to the complexity of habitats and difficulties in reliably sampling dynamic waterbodies. Many fisheries biologists, researchers, and managers have implemented long-term resource monitoring programs on large rivers to collect and aggregate …

Impacts Of Intensifying A Corn-Soybean Rotation With Winter Wheat (Triticum Aestivum) On Nutrient Leaching, Plant Available Nutrients, Crop Yields, And Nitrogen Dynamics In Southern Illinois, Abigail Leigh Spiers

Theses

The Midwestern United States is a nationally and globally important producer of agricultural products and uses intensive practices to achieve high grain yields. However, intensive agriculture is a major contributor of nitrogen and phosphorus export to the Mississippi River and the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico. Cover cropping is a recommended conservation practice for providing soil cover throughout the winter and taking up nutrients that may otherwise be lost in bare fallow systems, but the associated costs limit widespread adoption of this practice. Double cropping, which involves growing two crops in one year, is functionally similar to cover …

Fruiting Bodies, Abigail Weber

Theses

"Fruiting Bodies" is a motion graphic installation that visually interprets the stages of fungi development through imaginative imagery and dynamic typography. Exploring themes of decay and rebirth, it prompts viewers to reflect on the transient nature of existence and the cyclical patterns of life and death. In its original form, "Fruiting Bodies" is projected onto a large-scale 'petri dish' in a continuous loop format and fosters a visceral engagement with its subject, creating a sense of intimacy and connection with the ever-changing life around us. Its visuals guide viewers through the key phases of fungal growth, redefining fungi as symbols …

The Logical Reasoning Dilemma Of Llms: A Mapping Deficit In Representation Acquisition, Yiling Wu

Theses

Currently, Large Language Models (LLMs) based on the Generative Pre-trained Transformer architecture have made breakthroughs in multilingual language processing tasks and performed similar language processing capabilities to humans. However, their performance in dealing with tasks involving reasoning, especially logical reasoning, show significant shortcomings. In this paper, we argue that logical reasoning competence requires a certain type of representation acquisition capability. Based on this, in order to assess whether LLMs have the potential to overcome the shortcomings of their logical reasoning competence in their subsequent development, this work compares the representation acquisition processes of humans and LLMs. This comparison reveals that …

Examining Severing Dynamics Of Cytoskeletal Structures Using Computational Methods, Arthur Peterson Miller

Theses

Within eukaryotic cells, cytoskeletal structures are a category of organelles that serve functions ranging from supporting cell geometry to locomotion. These functions require a coordinated effort of regulatory proteins, which interact with the cytoskeleton distinctively. Severing proteins, which can fragment cytoskeletal structures at their binding sites, are one such example. In this work, using stochastic modeling, we model the interaction of severing proteins on bare cytoskeletal filaments and bundled filaments, which are larger collections of individual filaments. We focus on two types of cytoskeletal protein structures in this work: cylindrical microtubules and linear actin filaments. In the case of microtubules, …

An Investigation Of The Sub-Lethal Impacts To Pollinators From Pesticides, Emily Beahm

Theses

In order to feed a growing global population, agricultural practices must utilize pesticides to maintain high yields. Responsible use of pesticides should be based on literature confirming their efficacy and safety. When pesticides are not adequately investigated prior to their release, there can be severe consequences. Many highly effective pesticides, such as the class neonicotinoids, were allowed to be used commercially prior to thorough assessment of their environmental risks, resulting in consequences that largely have fallen to the exposed pollinator populations. To avoid similar outcomes, I tested the popular biopesticide Botanigard which contains Beauveria bassiana, an entomopathogenic fungus previously exposed …

Reach, Rachel Immel

Theses

Reach is a 2D digitally animated short film that is dedicated to exploring the sacrifices that are made to achieve our dreams. The story of my graduate thesis film follows Moe, a subterrestrial bat-like creature that dreams of being able to see the sky for the first time. Feeling suffocated by his dark and cramped surroundings, he rushes toward the surface as soon as a busted rusty pipe provides what appears to be an opening to the surface. What he does not know is that he is venturing into danger that will change him forever. This project is inspired by …

Integrative Approaches To Evaluate Challenges Faced By Songbirds During Migration And Associated Physiological Trade-Offs, Gabriella L. Orfanides

Theses

Migration is a demanding time for birds, and birds face numerous physiological, behavioral, and environmental challenges. As migratory birds balance the costs of numerous stressors during migration, this could result in detrimental physiological trade-offs. Understanding the trials and trade-offs that birds encounter during migration has important conservation implications. I utilized two component studies to better understand challenges encountered by migratory songbirds as well as to identify physiological metrics that may provide insight into these challenges. For the first study, I used nested PCR and DNA sequencing to determine parasite prevalence and diversity of avian haemosporidians in Canada Warblers (Cardellina canadensis) …

Exploring The Functional Significance Of A Yap1 Missense Variant Of Uncertain Significance In Caenorhabditis Elegans, Nathan Jones

Theses

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder with various implications, such as polycystic ovaries, visceral obesity, and increased risk of cancer. YAP1 was recently identified as a gene of interest in the development of PCOS. Researchers have established that single nucleotide variants in YAP1 are likely to play a role in PCOS development. This project aims to provide insight into the potential impact of a YAP1 variant of uncertain significance (VUS). Studies in C. elegans have established yap-1 as a nematode ortholog for human YAP1. A YAP1 VUS was identified through ClinVar, YAP1 c.1015A>G (p.Asn339Asp). Evolutionary conservation …

Effects Of Simulated Climate Change On Native Southeastern Grassland Vegetation Using Open Top Chambers, Makaila Carpenter

Theses

The southeastern United States is a critical biodiversity hotspot once covered in prairie grassland ecosystems and now facing significant threats due to urbanization, habitat destruction, over-exploitation, biological invasions, pollution, and climate change. This study analyzes the response of Alabama’s native prairie ecosystem to climate change. We used open top chambers (OTCs) to simulate climate change-induced warming. We assessed the response of ecosystem function and structure to higher temperatures (1-3^oC). The indicators of ecosystem function included phenology, leaf surface area (LSA), specific leaf area (SLA), and aboveground and below net primary productivity (ANPP and BNPP respectively). Ecosystem structure was …

Effects Of Vitis Vinifera L. Seed Extract On Short-Term Memory Of Amyloid-Beta-Mediated Neurodegeneration In Transgenic Caenorhabditis Elegans, Elise Patrick

Theses

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition that is a common cause of dementia and a growing concern worldwide with no effective treatment or cure. Two pathological AD hallmarks include buildup of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Recent attention has turned to exploring natural products and compounds for AD symptom relief and treatment. Vitis vinifera grape seed extract (GSE) contains many beneficial substances. GSE has been tested in several animal models and has shown to improve memory and is even being examined in an AD treatment human clinical trial. In this study, the aim was …

Music Education In The Urban Classroom: Issues Of Equity And Access, Lakeisha Walker

Theses

Music education in urban classrooms plays a crucial role in shaping students' overall development and academic success. The field of music education is not immune to the challenges of equity and access that exist in urban settings. It is essential to address these issues to ensure that all students have equal opportunities to participate in music programs and reap the countless benefits that come with them.

The importance of this topic in the field of music education cannot be overstated. Research has shown that students who participate in music programs demonstrate improved academic performance, enhanced cognitive skills, and increased creativity. …

Elucidation Of Potential Antimicrobial Properties Of Chalcones, Caleb Howell

Theses

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a growing concern for the medical and biological community. Increased use of antibiotics has led to increased development of bacterial tolerances. This phenomenon, driven by the principles of evolution, has been exacerbated by the improper antibiotic use of these antibiotics. Often, individuals stop taking antibiotics once symptoms subside, mistakenly believing the infection is cured. This practice allows bacteria or fungi to develop resistance.

These antibiotics have been developed from secondary metabolites. While we have many effective antibiotics we are facing new threats. Chalcones are being looked at for their potential in addressing this issue. …

The Relationship Between Changing Land Cover And Benthic Macroinvertebrate Diversity In Choccolocco Creek, Northeast Alabama, Kindall Brown

Theses

Land cover changes, driven by urbanization, agriculture, and deforestation, significantly affect the physical and chemical characteristics of water bodies at both the watershed and riparian levels. At the larger spatial scale, a stream’s surrounding watershed facilitates lateral inputs into the stream that are essential for biodiversity support, hydrological stability, and water quality. When a stream becomes disconnected from the lateral inputs due to urban or agricultural development, the morphology of the stream is significantly altered. On a smaller spatial scale, the riparian zone can act as a buffer to pollutants. The vegetation surrounding the stream bank promotes stability to the …

The Effect Of Angiogenesis On Thermal Properties Of In-Vivo Human Tissue, Shriya Musuku

Theses

Bioheat transfer is the study of heat transfer in biology. There are several sources of heat in biology including external ones such as surgical applications of heat, or internal ones like cancer tissue. Blood flow networks affect both types of processes and are often generated during disease phenomenon through a process called angiogenesis. This affects the properties of the tissue. Several attempts were made to model flow and heat transfer within various tissues through physical measurements or computer simulations. Both types of models used bioheat transfer models do not consider the geometry of vasculature at its most fundamental level. The …

Simulation Of A Single Photon Counting Photonic Spectrograph For Direct Imaging Of Exoplanet Atmospheres With The Habitable Worlds Observatory, Edwin Alexani

Theses

NASA’s highest-priority future flagship astrophysics mission is a large infrared/optical/ultraviolet (IR/O/UV) telescope, the first in a series of new Great Observatories recommended by the 2020 Decadal Survey. The current concept for this telescope is the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO), drawing on past design projects such as LUVOIR and HabEx. A key goal for HWO is to identify habitable exoplanets. The HWO will obtain spectra and direct images of distant, dim worlds, necessitating highly sensitive instruments. The HWO will require a coronagraph that achieves a 10^−10 contrast ratio to suppress the starlight and reveal terrestrial exoplanets. The detector’s dark current and …

Broadened Positive And Emotion Congruent Attentional Biases And Emotion Regulation, Michael Mctighe

Theses

Attentional processes or concentration of mental faculties is a vast area of research in the cognitive sciences that is complicated by an abundance of other variables. Evidence overwhelming suggests that exogenous attention is biased toward emotional stimuli. Prevailing theories suggest that positive emotions can improve attentional processes, and that a participant’s emotional state can lead people to better attend to congruent information. Systems associated with emotion regulation overlap with processes related to biased attention. This study sought to further explore the theories of broaden and build, and emotion congruence, while also exploring how emotion regulation influences various types of attentional …

Towards A Net Zero University Campus, Sarah Ali

Theses

This report explores the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions assessment and reduction strategy for the Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai (RITD) campus, aiming to contribute towards the UAE's "Net Zero 2050" initiative. The study establishes a comprehensive emissions baseline for the year 2023 using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP), incorporating Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions. A dashboard was developed to continuously monitor annual emissions, facilitating data-driven decisions for sustainability. The total GHG emissions for RITD were approximately 5,245,197.68 kg CO2e. The primary sources of emissions were identified as electricity consumption (39%) and commuting (53%), which together constitute …

Clinical Validation Of Patient-Specific Inverse Modeling With Surface Temperatures And Physiological And Geometrical Factors In Breast Cancer Detection, Carlos Gutierrez

Theses

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting the lives of many women and taking over 683,000 lives worldwide. Early detection of breast cancer through screening has been instrumental in reducing the mortality rate. However, current screening methods based on mammography have issues with patient discomfort, invasiveness, cost and low accuracy, mainly due to dense breast tissue in approximately 40% of women population. Infrared imaging (IRI) is shown to be noninvasive, cost effective, comfortable, and not affected by breast density. The present work describes a novel patient-specific IRI inverse heat transfer algorithm based on the digital model of …

Cellular Automata Modeling Approach Of Addiction, Ruba Hameed

Theses

The purpose of this thesis includes the application of a mathematical model, as well as cell automata simulation, to shed light on the behavior of addiction spread in a population. The model describes the key determinants of drug addiction which includes peer influence, availability of substances, support networks, and awareness campaigns. The research aims to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms and patterns of addiction spread to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies.

The study begins by creating a discrete dynamical system that captures the transitions between 4 different states of substance use, including non-users (N), experimental users (E), recreational …

Salivary Microbiome Signature In Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Ghaidaa Mohammed Mesto

Theses

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex disorder characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). IBD mainly includes two distinct diseases, namely Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). To date, the precise etiology of these conditions is not fully elucidated, although a strong relationship between microbial dysbiosis in the GIT and IBD has been proposed. In general, limited data is available on the oral microbiome of IBD patients, despite its recognizable role in impacting gut health. There is a paucity of research on IBD in the pediatric population, although this disease is becoming more prevalent than in …

The Differences Between Metacognitive Reading Strategies Used By Native Arabic Speakers In The Uae When Reading Digital Versus Printed Materials, Razan Majed Shehadeh

Theses

This study explores the differences between the metacognitive reading strategies that native Arabic speakers college students use in the UAE when reading digital vs. printed texts. A convergent Mixed-Methods Design was employed to achieve the purpose of this study. The first data comprised a background questionnaire and two metacognitive reading surveys reflecting reading from digital materials that were conducted with college students (n=100), and the second data set comprised semi-structured interviews with a subset of students sampled from the original pool (n= 8). This study's participants were college students selected randomly from some of the UAE universities. Generally, the results …

Mathematical Modeling Of An Epidemic In Scalefree Network With Imperfect Vaccination, Heba Hameed

Theses

In light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the mathematical epidemiological model has proven to be essential for understanding the disease dynamic and finding the best control tool to help contain the disease and minimize its impact. This thesis investigates the dynamics of an infectious disease spread with latent infection and vaccination. The aim is to study this model’s dynamic in a network that reflects the heterogeneity of the environment where the disease spreads. The vaccination is assumed to be not perfect, which means that vaccinated persons are likely to be infected and that the vaccinated person could lose their immunity, …

Functional Characterization Of Potato Arp1 Gene Encoding Auxin-Repressed Protein, Sara Ali Alneyadi

Theses

Auxin-repressed proteins (ARPs) are conserved in higher plants and are involved in plant growth and development by controlling gene expression. ARP1 has been studied for its role in biotic stress response, but its role in abiotic stress response remains unclear. In this study, transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing potato (S. tuberosum) ARP1 were evaluated for their salinity stress response. By gradually increasing NaCl concentrations from 0 to 200mM, plants were subjected to high salinity stress. As compared to wild-type (WT) control plants under stressed conditions, the ARP1 transgenic plants demonstrated improved height and root length and higher chlorophyll content. Under …

The Anticancer Activity Of A Novel 8-Hydroxyquinoline Derivatives Against 5-Fluorouracil Resistant Colorectal Cancer Cells, Mazoun Talal Al Azzani

Theses

Cancer is a global health crisis for which 20 million new cases were diagnosed in 2022 alone, with 9.3 million cancer-related deaths. Nearly 900,000 deaths were due to colorectal cancer (CRC), which is the third leading cause of cancer related mortality. In the United Arab Emirates, 550 new cases of CRC were reported in 2022. A major clinical challenge with CRC treatment is the development of resistance to 5-fluorouracil (5FU)-based chemotherapy regimens, which are the standard treatment for CRC. In the present study, the anticancer activity of two novel 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) derivatives AS45 and AS47 was examined against 5FU-sensitive (HCT116) …

Models Of Rrna Templated Assembly Of The Nucleolus In The C. Elegans Embryo, Nishant Kodan

Theses

The nucleolus is a large membraneless organelle located in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. It is a multicomponent structure primarily made of RNA and proteins and serves as the site of ribosome biogenesis. It has been extensively studied as a prototype of a membraneless organelle whose assembly is driven by phase separation, but factors affecting the dynamics of nucleolar assembly are not well understood. Experiments show that the size of the nucleolus scales with the size of the nucleus, which decreases through reductive divisions in the early C. elegans embryo. These observations are consistent with the idea that a finite …