Digital Commons Network^™

A Generalized Approach To Partitioning Weighted Points In A Plane, Jacob Denault

Theses and Dissertations

A theorem commonly known as the Discrete Pancake Theorem states that for two finite disjoint sets S and T of points in a plane where the union of S and T contains no three collinear points, there exists a line that simultaneously bisects |S| and |T| within an error of at most one. This thesis considers a more general situation in which each point is assigned two non-negative weights and, instead of simply bisecting the plane to obtain a balance in the number of points, we prove there exists a line that simultaneously balances weight one and weight two accumulations …

Mitigating Global Temperature Change Through Industrial Sector Improvements: A Case Study In Automotive Manufacturing, Alec Joseph Ernst

Theses and Dissertations

Manufacturing is an integral part of our country’s flow of products and people and a top contributor to carbon emissions, promoting global temperature rise. During processing, toxic substances are emitted across the value chain. These emissions account for nearly 25% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States and the World. Until 2023, an accessible pathway for manufacturing companies to transition to net-zero emissions hasn’t been made readily available. The current research was conducted to determine if reducing carbon emissions in manufacturing facilities through efficiency improvements, process optimization, and technology advancements can mitigate global temperature change.This quantitative, mixed-method approach …

Remote Sensing Of Chlorophyll-A In Small And Medium Lakes In The Minnesota Northern Forest Ecoregion, Jacob Alan Moll

Theses and Dissertations

Algae blooms have become increasingly common in many bodies of water and are occurring in more and more new locations. Past methods have relied on in-situ sampling to determine Chl-a concentrations and can be time and cost intensive. With the use of NASA’s Harmonized Landsat imagery existing methods of index calculation can be implemented, with the added benefit of an increase in temporal resolution. This increase in temporal resolution allows for more detailed spatial and temporal analysis such as hot spot analysis. Harmonized Landsat imagery was proven sufficient in spatial and temporal resolution for detection of Chl-a in small and …

A Longitudinal Analysis: Interpreting Pbis Sas Results And Disciplinary Patterns In A Middle Georgia School District, Johnathan Andrew Gross

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the relationship between staff perceptions of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Office Discipline Referrals (ODR) across elementary, middle, and high schools in a middle Georgia school district over a three-year period (2019-2022). PBIS is a research-based framework that aims to improve school-discipline procedures, effectively reduce ODR, and enhance school climate. The study focused on the Self-Assessment Survey (SAS) data and ODRs to determine whether staff perceptions of PBIS impacted student behavior management across all levels of the district. Using causal-comparative and correlational research designs, the study analyzed staff perceptions obtained through the SAS survey instrument …

“Blue” Hydrogen & Helium From Flare Gas Of The Bakken Formation Of The Williston Basin, North Dakota: A Novel Process, Martin R. Leipzig

Theses and Dissertations

Is it possible to curtail flaring in the Williston basin while simultaneously sequestering carbon dioxide, harvesting economic quantities of natural gas liquids, helium and other valuable products? Utilizing a novel approach described here, diatomic hydrogen and elemental helium, as well as other products, can be profitably extracted from the gas streams produced from horizontal, hydraulically-fractured Middle Bakken Member wells, in the Devonian-Mississippian Bakken Formation of the Williston Basin, North Dakota, USA.However, there are two vastly different methods employed to extract these gasses. Hydrogen is harvested from the gas stream by physically reforming methane (CH4) through the application of one or …

Neuromodulatory Mechanisms Of Neuropeptides In The Amygdala, Cody Adam Boyle

Theses and Dissertations

The amygdala is a limbic structure critical for emotional processing as well as roles in learning and memory. Disruption of the normal activity of the amygdala has been implicated in several disorders including phobia disorders, anxiety-like disorders, and substance abuse. The function of the amygdala and its role in various disorders is directly related to its underlying cellular activity. The amygdala is both a cortical- and striatal-like structure containing mainly glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons, respectively. This dissertation has three aims related to the neuropeptide modulation of these cell types in the basolateral (BLA) and central amygdala (CeA). The first aim …

Environmental Toxicity Of Isoxazoline Drugs On Non-Target Species, Haley M. Cooper

Theses and Dissertations

Lyme disease affects tens of thousands of people every year in the United States, causing serious illness and even death. It is caused by the bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, through infected black-legged tick bites. The range of these ticks is expanding, causing Lyme disease cases to increase. Considerable effort has been put toward research and eradication of Lyme disease, with limited success. Isoxazoline drugs, commonly used to prevent flea and tick infestations in dogs, could be dispatched in the field to keep black-legged ticks off the reservoir host of Lyme disease, the White-footed mouse. Little research has been done on …

Leadership Strategies For Building High-Performing Faculty Teams In Technology-Focused Higher Education Departments, Liz Hollerman

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the leadership strategies academic leaders of technology departments in higher education may use to build high-performing faculty teams. The objective of the study was to discover the most effective ways for fostering faculty ingenuity in curriculum reform for a technology-focused program. In addition, the literature review presents The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership by Kouzes and Posner (2019) as the theoretical basis for this study. Literature uncovered thirteen effective leadership elements for building high-performing teams (Friedman, 2021; Katzenbach & Smith, 2005). The research subquestions for this qualitative study were organized around Kouzes and Posner's model of leadership. …

Effective Approaches To Establishing And Maintaining A Strong Therapeutic Alliance With Men: A Qualitative Systematic Review, Ferdinand Aliga

Theses and Dissertations

Consequences of mental health issues in men that are left untreated can affect a man’s partner, friends, family, and co-workers. While much research has described the efficacy of psychotherapy with this population, adult male clients may be hesitant to even start treatment. This is due to several reasons including stigma, toxic masculinity, and accessibility. To combat this, the American Psychological Association published Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Boys and Men in 2018. Research from 2005--the year the guidelines were conceived--to 2021 suggests that three therapeutic approaches are among the most effective in establishing or maintaining a therapeutic alliance. The approaches …

A Systematic Review Of Canine Assisted Psychotherapy For Youth At Risk Or With Mental Health Disorders, Hedieh Hakakian

Theses and Dissertations

Mental health disorders among youth are often underrepresented in research, resulting in a delay and under-treatment of their needs (Catania et al., 2011). While their needs are frequently under-treated, research suggests that youth often experience mental health problems that subsequently lead to difficulties in adulthood (Carballo et al., 2011) necessitating a need to identify efficacious treatments to these problems. This systematic review used a mixed-methods design to analyze current literature on the use of Canine-Assisted Psychotherapy (CAP) with youth ages 0-20. The aims of the study were to (a) understand the impact of CAP on mental health (i.e., clinical diagnosis …

Probing The Porphyromonas Gingivalis Nitrosative Stress Response Network, Alexandra Galina

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To persist in the oral cavity, the perio-pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis must have an efficient nitrosative stress response mechanism. To better understand how P. gingivalis responds to nitrite (NO₂^-) we must determine what genes are involved in the nitrosative stress response network.

Methods: Through genomic screening, a list of genes was generated that were hypothesized to be part of the nitrosative stress response network and believed to be involved in nitrate/nitrite metabolism or redox state of the cells. Protein coding regions were replaced with the ermF sequence by allelic exchange mutagenesis. 15 mutants were created …

The Promis Women Education Program: Promoting Cervical Cancer Prevention Methods Among Muslim Women In Virginia, Asmaa M. Namoos

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Purpose: US Muslim women have suboptimal participation in cervical cancer screening and prevention services. This is due in part to a lack of access to culturally relevant education programs. To address this issue three aims were identified: Aim 1. Adapt existing evidence- based educational materials for a religious and culturally appropriate intervention; Aim 2. Test the preliminary efficacy of the intervention and Aim 3. Assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and materials.

Methods: The ORBIT model for developing behavioral interventions guided intervention design, refinement (Phase I), and preliminary testing (Phase II). Focus groups and interviews were conducted …

Layer-By-Layer Assembled Particles For Non-Invasive Inhaled Therapeutic Delivery To The Lungs, Gautam Chauhan

Theses and Dissertations

Inhalation route is frequently used to administer drugs for managing respiratory diseases with high pulmonary drug concentration and low systemic side effects. But due to the complex lung structure and defense mechanism, only a small fraction of the dose can reach the lung. There have been several advances in strategies to overcome these challenges and achieve localized delivery to the lung. In this study, we are expanding the scope for lung delivery using a multifunctional delivery system called layer-by-layer (LbL) assembled particles. These are core particles coated with polyelectrolytes multilayer which have a wide range of properties and can be …

Waiting To Exhale, Abigail H. Ogle

Theses and Dissertations

We breathe as a measure of time, it keeps us alive, and fabricates the pattern of our lives. We are punctuated by “snarls,” “glitches,” or moments of irregularity – of trying to catch one's breath, having it taken away, or gasping for it. It is the punctuation of sighs, huffs, sniffs, scoffs, screams, and deep intakes that appear as glitches in the breathing system.

In our daily rhythm of breathing, the presence of the glitch, defined as potentiality, can create space for something unexpected or new to arise. Using the wind from fans and approximately 1,260 square feet of silk, …

Illusion: Immersive Experience, Tessa S. Trowbridge

Theses and Dissertations

Can society learn from art, and if so, what type of knowledge can be gained from art? It is currently understood that art and design can help humans explore, discover, and understand philosophical and imaginative topics. There is a general agreement that art can create insight and awareness in ways that logical and rational statements cannot, and from these unique interactions, humans can see the world with a new perspective (Worth, n.d.). This thesis will investigate the claim that art can inspire human imagination and allow viewers to gain insight into a surreal reality using designed, physically immersive spaces.

Immersive …

Ccl2 Suppression In Lewis Lung Carcinoma Model Enhances Host Survival And Immune Response In The Tumor Microenvironment, Nivedita Biswas

Theses and Dissertations

CCL2, a chemokine also referred to as monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and small inducible cytokine A, is chemotactic for monocytes. CCL2-induced recruitment of CCR2+Ly6C(hi) monocytes increases vascular permeability CCR2+ endothelium aiding the escape and migration of tumor cells. CCL2 is produced by cancers of varied immunogenicity and augments tumor proliferation and metastasis. Elevated CCL2 expression by tumor cells is linked to poor prognosis.We have previously shown that two bacterially derived superantigens, Staphylococcal enterotoxin G and I (SEG/SEI) stimulate large numbers of T cells in an antigen-independent fashion and promote enhanced survival in the poorly immunogenic B16-F10 melanoma model. Conversely, …

Natural Fractals And Facial Emotion Recognition, Nathaniel Joseph Pagel

Theses and Dissertations

The psychological benefits that come from visually processing natural imagery have been widely studied. The components of natural imagery that provoke positive responses are not fully understood. This study uses a mixed design approach to identify if the acute exposure to statistical fractal imagery, of both a high-range or mid-range complexity, affects cognitive workload, physiological arousal, and gaze patterns in the recognition and identification of emotions through facial expressions. Participants were undergraduate students fulfilling a partial course requirement (N = 87). Eye-tracking metrics were used to compare exposure to fractal complexities. Participants were randomly assigned to either be exposed to …

The Interplay Between Parp-1 And Histone Modifications In Transcriptional Regulation During Development And Heat Shock Response, Gbolahan Gbenga Bamgbose

Theses and Dissertations

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1), a multifunctional nuclear enzyme, plays a crucial role in transcriptional regulation through its three functional domains: the N-terminal DNA-binding domain (DBD), the automodification domain (AD), and the C-terminal domain, which includes the WGR and the catalytic domains. Despite its importance, the mechanisms directing PARP-1 to chromatin remain unclear and PARP-1’s role in development is still poorly understood. In chapter II, we interrogated the role of PARP-1 domains in PARP-1 to chromatin. We used ChIP-seq of YFP-tagged deletional isoforms of PARP-1 and a construct that lacks only the first zinc finger domain (ΔZnI). Interestingly, our findings suggest …

Acaricidal Activity Of The Orally Administered Isoxazoline Drugs (Lotilaner, Fluralaner, And Afoxolaner) In White-Footed Mice Against Larval Ticks, Emily Marie Gisi

Theses and Dissertations

Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, is currently the most prevalent vector borne disease in North America. With the CDC estimating almost 500,000 new cases every year, methods are needed to control the vector, the black legged tick (Ixodes scapularis). Like other tick-borne diseases, Lyme disease is zoonotic and involves tick parasitism on rodent reservoirs in the wild. The main reservoir host of Lyme disease is the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus). This study aims to explore the effectiveness of a reservoir targeted control approach by the treatment of white-footed mice with oral isoxazoline class drugs. …

Intracranial Mast Cell Activation And Central Histaminergic Dysregulation In Food Allergy-Associated Neuropathology And Behavioral Changes, Danielle Germundson-Hermanson

Theses and Dissertations

Food allergy occurs when the immune system reacts inappropriately to an otherwise harmless food. The hypersensitivity response is known to cause physical symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Curiously, there is growing evidence that some food-allergic individuals experience changes in mood and behavior after consuming an offending food despite not experiencing severe physical symptoms. However, the mechanism(s) through which food allergy may affect the brain and behavior has yet to be elucidated. Previously, we found that inducing non-anaphylactic cow’s milk allergy (CMA) in mice resulted in abnormal behavior, neuroinflammation, and an increased the number of brain mast …

Computational Framework For Neuro-Optics Simulation And Deep Learning Denoising, Cecilia Ling

Theses and Dissertations

The application of machine learning techniques in microscopic image restoration has shown superior performance. However, the development of such techniques has been hindered by the demand for large datasets and the lack of ground truth. To address these challenges, this study introduces a computer simulation model that accurately captures the neural anatomic volume, fluorescence light transportation within the tissue volume, and the photon collection process of microscopic imaging sensors. The primary goal of this simulation is to generate realistic image data for training and validating machine learning models. One notable aspect of this study is the incorporation of a machine …

Assessing Neuropsychological Changes Post Covid-19 Infection Using The Global Neuropsychological Assessment, Jeremy M. Raines

Theses and Dissertations

COVID-19 is characterized by a respiratory syndrome with severity ranging from mild upper respiratory tract illness to severe interstitial pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Although physical symptoms are most common in those infected with COVID-19, patients may present with several neuropsychiatric sequelae caused by direct central nervous system infection, neuroinflammation, and/or prolonged hypoxia encephalitis. Though extent literature on COVID-19 related cognitive decline is still in its infancy, it has been suggested neurological impairment is most common in those with severe symptom presentation, requiring hospitalization and among those who have experienced hypoxic events. In the current study, sixty-two healthy controls …

Staphylococcal Enterotoxin I Immunotherapy Combined With Hla-Dq8 Induces Tumoricidal Activity, With Low Superantigen Toxicity, Leading To Long-Term Survival And Tumor-Specific Memory Against Established B16-F10 Melanoma In Humanized Hla-Dq8 Transgenic Mice, Nathan Velaris

Theses and Dissertations

Immunotherapies now stand at the forefront of cancer treatment as a versatile arsenal of cutting-edge tools wielded by medical professionals to combat and conquer a spectrum of formidable diseases. Most notably, immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, have revolutionized the field of oncology offering a promising alternative to conventional treatments like chemo and radiation therapy with significant improvements for patients in terms of quality of life and survival. Immunotherapies can be uniquely personalized to a patient's genetic and immune system profile leading to more effective treatments and durable long-lasting responses. Our research group has identified Staphylococcal enterotoxin I as a …

Integrating Technology Into Wildlife Surveys, Sally E. Yannuzzi

Theses and Dissertations

Technology is rapidly improving and being incorporated into field biology, with survey methods such as machine learning and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) headlining efforts. UAS paired with machine learning algorithms have been used to detect caribou, nesting waterfowl and seabirds, marine mammals, white-tailed deer, and more in over 19 studies within the last decade alone. Simultaneously, UAS and machine learning have also been implemented for infrastructure monitoring at wind energy facilities as wind energy construction and use has skyrocketed globally. As part of both pre-construction and regulatory compliance of newly constructed wind energy facilities, monitoring of impacts to wildlife is …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Soybean Feedstock-Based Composite Systems For Sustainable Material Application., Temofeh Nathaniel Esenamunjor

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the synthesis and characterization of soybean-based composites with a focus on their potential for sustainable material applications. Soybean meal (SBM), known for its high protein content, is blended with the biopolymer polylactic acid (PLA) using eco-friendly manufacturing processes. The solvent casting and hot-pressing methods are employed to fabricate composites, and their mechanical and thermal properties are investigated. Tensile strength of the composites decreases with higher concentrations of soybean meal, while thermal properties remain comparable to PLA. The hot press method, optimized at 250°C and 235 MPa, shows promising results in enhancing compressive strength with increased SBM concentration …

Enhancing Resin Composite Using Nanoparticle Embedded Jute Fiber And Exploring Plant Polymer For Biomedical Applications, Md Sultan Mahmud

Theses and Dissertations

The severe detrimental effect of nondegradable and toxic synthetic materials on the environment in the last couple of decades has led researchers to focus more on eco-friendly products such as building materials, medical instruments, sports, textile, and automobile industries. Lignocellulosic plants and their fibers are the first choices for both material and biological science researchers due to their chemical structure, abundance, low cost, and nontoxic nature. These plants are composed of three major biopolymers such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Cellulose is the most abundant polymer. In the recent past natural fibers have attracted substantial importance as potential structural materials …

The Effect Of Sterol Carrier Protein 2 Gene Ablation And Dietary Cholesterol On Brain And Liver Lipid Composition In Male And Female Mice, Madison Jochim

Theses and Dissertations

Previous studies have shown that sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP-2) and sterol carrier protein x (SCP-x) are important for mediating the transfer of phospholipids, cholesterol and other sterols within the cell. However, the differences between males and females regarding the impact SCP2 has on brain and liver lipid metabolism is unknown. To further understand this, we profiled the effects of SCP2 gene ablation on brain and liver lipid metabolism in male and female mice fed a high fat diet or control diet and analyzed phospholipid and neutral lipid mass and composition using HPLC and TLC. In brains of male mice, …

Community College Faculty Perceptions Of Open Educational Resources, Heather Ann Leavitt

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined Open Educational Resources (OER) through a community college faculty perspective. Specifically, this study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of faculty motivations surrounding OER, faculty perceptions of OER’s influences on students, and pedagogical changes that faculty have made in response to OER. A qualitative research methodology was chosen, including semi-structured phenomenological interviews conducted with community college faculty members. The methodology was guided by activity theory. Faculty discussed their use of the 5 Rs (retain, reuse, revise, remix, redistribute) in practice, with revise being the most commonly used of the 5 Rs. Notably, the eight participants had mixed …

Kinesio Tape Effect On Vertical Jump, Jalen L. Morrison

Theses and Dissertations

KinesioTape is used throughout sports at all levels of competition. This study aims at augmenting vertical jump performance with the use of KinesioTape. Vertical jumping ability is a crucial skill and advantage in various sports, as it impacts an individual’s ability to achieve height, power, and efficiency during the jumping phase. Though training methods have proven to improve vertical jump, the potential of a Kinesiotape design remains somewhat unanswered in this context. This test aims to determine whether our tape design is significantly effective in countermovement and squat jumps. The research includes a comprehensive literature review to understand today's KinesioTape …

The Effects Of Demographic And Nutritional Variables On Anxiety And Depression Symptoms In Usa And Non-Usa Adults, Jonathan Santiago

Theses and Dissertations

The present study investigated the effects of demographic variables (e.g. country of residence and socioeconomic status) and nutritional variables (e.g. dietary diversity and micronutrient content) on anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as subjective health self-rating. Prior research suggests that a variety of demographic and nutritional factors influence chronic stress, which can cause systemic inflammation and lead to various cardiovascular-related diseases. Participants (USA=41; Non-USA= 58) were recruited via an online platform and completed demographic questionnaires and a 24-hour dietary recall. Results indicated that food accessibility emerged as the strongest predictor, and was associated with anxiety, depression, and combined mood symptoms. …