Digital Commons Network^™

Advancing Biofabrication Methodologies To Develop Biomimetic Tissue Scaffolds For Musculoskeletal Applications, Nashaita Yezdi Patrawalla

Theses and Dissertations

Musculoskeletal injuries impose a significant global burden, affecting millions and generating an economic toll exceeding $14 billion. Tissue engineering has gained traction as a promising strategy offering potential for functional restoration of damaged musculoskeletal tissues. This research aims to advance biofabrication techniques for generation of biomimetic tissue scaffolds, by optimizing scaffold design and modulating fabrication process parameters to generate scaffolds for musculoskeletal regeneration with application-specific tailored properties. In this realm, collagen-based biomaterials have been extensively investigated for tendon and ligamentous applications, and in combination with bioceramics incorporated into the collagen framework to produce composite scaffolds that better recapitulate the native …

Evaluation Of Socioeconomic Disparities From Coal Mining And Sustainable Remediation Of Acid Mine Drainage Using Waste Carpet Tiles: A Geospatial And Life Cycle Assessment Approach, Lauren Bram

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the application of repurposed carpet tiles as a solution to address acid mine drainage (AMD), a common issue associated with historical coal mining that was found to affect certain demographic groups disproportionately. The efficiencies and environmental trade-offs of using downcycled carpet tiles were researched as a neutralization agent in remediation systems. Data was generated using life cycle assessment (LCA) and geospatial modeling. The socioeconomic effects of coal mining in the greater Pittsburgh area were analyzed by integrating home sale data, abandoned mine lands (inventory sites), and census demographics into the geospatial model and determined that homes in …

A Thematic Analysis Of Experiences With Accommodation Plans Of College Students With Disabilities: Recommendations For Students, Faculty, And Administrators, Christina Dimauro

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the experiences of students with disabilities in higher education through a multiple case study design, incorporating both surveys and follow-up interviews to perform a thematic analysis across the cases. The primary aim was to amplify the voices of these students, gaining insights into their perspectives on the accommodations provided and gathering their advice for navigating the accommodations process. The interviews provided a qualitative depth, allowing students to share personal experiences and practical advice for other students. Findings reveal a diverse range of experiences, highlighting both successes and challenges in accessing and utilizing accommodations. Recommendations included advocating for …

Advisor Impacts On Student Learning In Undergraduate Engineering Sae Competition Projects, Sam Ertl

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the effects of advisor characteristics on student learning in large scale undergraduate engineering project competitions. A survey was conducted to measure statistical significance between student ratings of their advisors and student ratings of their learning in key skill areas. Additional items measured include demographics and project characteristics which allowed for additional analyses. The purpose of this study was to identify areas of improvement for project advisors to advance the learning potential for student participants. The survey was distributed in an online format to students participating in five SAE University Program projects. Collected data was analyzed using Kendall’s …

Fluorescence Imaging Systems To Detect Contamination On Surfaces Common In Food Processing And Medical Facilities, Benjamin Hu

Theses and Dissertations

Biofilm are aggregates of microbial cells encased under an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) and resist sanitizers or antibiotics. Because of their persistence on various surfaces such as medical devices or industrial piping, biofilm formation is associated with approximately 65% of all microbial infections. Thus, their detection and deactivation are of great importance to public health. Many detection methods such as swabbing require sampling by rubbing , which can be inefficient and challenging. This study proposes the use of handheld multispectral fluorescence imaging systems to detect and deactivate biofilm in situ. We utilized the Contamination and Sanitization Inspection (CSI) and -Disinfection …

Cyclical Musicians: Collegiate Music Students’ Experiences Of Instrumental Musicking Processes Across The Menstrual Cycle, Anne Marques Catarin

Theses and Dissertations

Instrumental music researchers tend to focus on non-sex-specific health topics, such as posture (e.g., Garnett et al., 2022; Rousseau et al., 2023), musculoskeletal health (e.g., Mizrahi, 2020; Pratt et al., 2020), or neurological movement disorders (e.g., Altenmüller & Jabusch, 2010; Frucht, 2009). Despite the considerable extent of topics covered in musician health, the role of menstrual health in instrumentalists is currently underdeveloped. Using a case study design (Stake, 1995; Yin, 2014), I explored the unspoken experiences of collegiate instrumental music majors who menstruate, in an investigation to better understand the role of menstrual cycles in their musicking. For four months, …

Indigenous Innovation: Exploring Substance Use And Drone Applications In Indigenous Contexts Across Canada, Jacob Nelson Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

This is a dissertation in practice which addresses Indigenous health, substance use, dronetechnology, and ethical considerations of drone use. A dissertation in practice results in three products with practical application in community. Through development of a grant application, journal manuscript, and community toolkit for ethical drone use, this dissertation addresses a broader narrative about the empowerment of Indigenous communities in Canada.

In Chapter 2, a grant application has been designed for submission to Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addiction Program. The grant explores substance use among Indigenous Peoples working in the forest sector. The grant application addresses the need for …

“How Can I Teach When I Was Not Taught How?”: Teacher Education For Mother Tongue Instruction For Stem In Southwest Nigeria, Motunrayo Adeosun

Theses and Dissertations

In this qualitative study, the experiences, training, and challenges of teachers in primary schools in a community in southwest Nigeria were explored. The purpose of this study was to identify the experiences of teachers about their training for mother tongue instruction and how they teach pupils with the mother tongue or local language of the community, the challenges faced by teachers in teaching with the mother tongue, and the strategies used by teachers to overcome the challenges. This study found that teachers received no training and there is no curriculum for the training of teachers to teach in the mother …

Parp1 Modulates Gata3-Mediated Gene Regulation In Breast Cancer, Mikhala Cooper

Theses and Dissertations

In eukaryotic cells, chromatin acts as a physical barrier for many transcription factors, preventing them from efficiently binding to their recognition sequences within the nucleosome. Pioneer factors are a class of transcription factors that bind to nucleosomes and activate silent chromatin. Pioneer factors are frequently involved in various immune cell pathways, tissue development, and homeostasis, thereby underscoring their important roles in development and disease. Previous research found that pioneer factors have at least three fundamental properties: 1) they can interact with their cognate recognition sequences before transcription activation, 2) they can increase local chromatin accessibility, and 3) they have integral …

Outage Prediction And Detecting Influential Factors Under Extreme Weather Events Using Shap Analysis, Farishta Rahman

Theses and Dissertations

As electricity demands continue to grow and extreme weather events become more frequent, the need for resilient energy infrastructure is increasingly urgent. This thesis addresses three critical areas of power system resilience and monitoring. The first section of the thesis reviews the Texas power blackout in February 2021, which highlighted severe vulnerabilities in energy systems under extreme weather conditions. This analysis investigates the blackout event's causes, including generation capacity limitations and over-reliance on specific energy sources. The second section presents another weather event (ice storms) in North Dakota causing a multi-day blackout. Multiple machine learning approaches are deployed to predict …

An Exploration Of The Intersections Of The Science Of Reading And Culturally Sustaining Pedagogies: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study Of Preservice Teachers’ Practice With Teaching Reading Comprehension, Elizabeth Kittleman

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the possibilities and tensions that emerged when preservice teachers integrated both the science of reading and a culturally sustaining framework when learning about and teaching reading comprehension. Utilizing a constructivist grounded theory methodology, this research draws on data from interviews, student coursework samples, and a researcher journal collected over the course of a semester. During data analysis, four emergent themes were constructed: managing the multiple realities of teaching reading, leveraging background knowledge, navigating biculturalism and inequities, and negotiating a teacher’s role. Findings illustrate the complex relationship between theory and practice when preservice teachers draw on students’ linguistic …

Fabrication And Charcaterization Of Pullulan-Collagen Nanofibers Via Forcespinning, Valeria Leon Leal

Theses and Dissertations

Extensive research on collagen has spurred advancements in tissue engineering and biomaterial development, given collagen´s pivotal role in regulating various tissue structures across diverse organisms. This study delves into fabricating nanocomposites utilizing collagen, along with silver nanoparticles, chondroitin sulfate and pullulan, for potential applications in antibacterial medical devices, and cell regeneration. Collagen, abundant in the extracellular matrix, provides essential structural support, while silver nanoparticles and chondroitin confer antimicrobial properties, crucial for combating infections. Pullulan, a polysaccharide polymer, serves as a biocompatible carrier for silver nanoparticles whilst being the starting nanofiber forming material. Utilizing Forcespinning® technology, composite nanofibers were successfully synthesized. …

Machine Learning Optimized Depolymerization Of Pet (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Via Glycolysis, Mehwash Aamir

Theses and Dissertations

Over 90% of the approximately 1 million PET bottles sold every minute end up in landfills or oceans, where they can persist for centuries. Plastic pollution urgently needs sustainable management and recycling solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of PET waste. From all techniques to recycle plastic waste, catalytic glycolysis stands out for its rapid reaction time, high monomer yields, lower costs, and enhanced durability.

In this work glycolysis of PET was evaluated under microwave conditions using 1,5,7-Triazabicyclo [4.4.0] dec5-ene (TBD) and 1,8-Diazabicyclo [5.4.0] undec-7-ene (DBU) as catalysts, being DBU as the best catalyst for further analysis. The effect of …

Assessing The Influence Of Native And Invasive Grasses On The Behavior Of Aedes Aegypti In South Texas, Emily Medelez

Theses and Dissertations

Invasive grasses in South Texas can have widespread negative effects, displacing native species, reducing biodiversity, and posing risks to public health. These grasses may flourish in moist, shaded environments, which not only support their growth but also creates habitats favorable for mosquito activity. This can increase the population and alter the behavior of mosquitoes, potentially raising the risk of disease transmission. In this thesis, I look at the behavior of mosquito species Aedes aegypti, primary vector of the yellow fever virus. I analyzed the influence of oviposition, flight and resting behaviors. I tested the relative attraction of Aedes mosquitoes …

Microwave-Assisted Green Synthesis Of Spiroindolinopyranopyrazoles, Esther Owusu

Theses and Dissertations

Green Chemistry, usually known as sustainable chemistry, is widely implemented worldwide to safeguard human health and the environment. Recent investigations in organic synthesis and chemical transformation have demonstrated that green chemistry techniques are significantly reducing both chemical waste and reaction time. In order to fulfill this ecological requirement, it is crucial to lessen the utilization of perilous solvents and noxious chemicals, while also creating innovative reaction methods that decrease the production of trash. The implementation of such methodologies can greatly enhance the field of green chemistry. A more environmentally friendly synthetic method was utilized to generate spiro chemicals and their …

Soil Biogeography And Community Assembly In Polar Regions, Jesse Jorna

Theses and Dissertations

The polar regions provide community ecologists with natural microcosms, that include reduced species diversity, steep environmental gradients and limited human perturbance. Soil biodiversity in the polar regions is poorly understood, and the driving forces behind community compositions can range in scale from glacial forces 20,000 years ago to the impact of a researcher's footstep. Here, we present the results of an investigation of the driving factors behind biodiversity in Arctic and Antarctic soils, with specific attention to the role of community assembly processes. We suggest a framework for investigating the effects of inter-bacterial community processes like facilitation and argue for …

Capturing Creativity: An Exploration Of The Positive Impact Of Art Integration In Elementary Education, Christina Zander

Theses and Dissertations

My thesis focuses on the necessity of including art in education and the positive impact integrating art has on students mentally and academically. Over the past 2 years, I have seen the major impact integrating art has on students and how essential it is to keep creativity in the classroom. My research explains how incorporating art helps increase both student engagement and retention of concepts. I have also studied how integrating art with mindfulness can help students develop essential SEL skills including emotion management. My research expands on how utilizing art allows individuals and students to better cope with challenges …

Enhancing Muscle Health And Modulating Immune Response With Galectin-1 In Lgmd2b/R2 Models, Stefannia Esparza Pulido

Theses and Dissertations

Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2B/R2 (LGMD2B/R2) is a type of dysferlinopathy, a progressive muscle-wasting disorder caused by mutations in the dysferlin gene. Hallmarks of the disease include chronic inflammation, impaired muscle regeneration, and eventual muscle degeneration. Currently, no FDA-approved therapies are available for dysferlinopathies. Recombinant human Galectin-1 (rHsGal-1) has shown multiple roles in maintaining skeletal muscle homeostasis, promoting muscle repair, enhancing myogenesis, and modulating inflammation by downregulating the NF-κB pathway. The ability of rHsGal-1 to modulate the immune response is particularly promising for therapeutic applications in patients with LGMD2B/R2. In this study, we evaluated the effects of rHsGal-1 in a …

Identifying Redundant Audio Content Over Cloud Environment Using Deduplication Techniques, Venkatesh K

Theses and Dissertations

Cloud computing has become an integral part of modern internet-based services, with users relying heavily on cloud environments as primary storage solutions. However, the exponential growth in data volume presents a challenge (i.e) the proliferation of duplicated content within cloud repositories. Deduplication techniques provide a promising approach to mitigate this issue. This research focuses on detecting redundant audio content within a cloud environment, specifically targeting the sharing of extensive audio files, such as those in Waveform Audio File Format (WAV). The study proposes the Refined Super Subset Identification Algorithm (RSSIA) to efficiently identify redundant content and segments within existing audio …

Lost, Or Found? Seeking And Preserving The Education Of Artisanal Arts, Jennie Doezie

Theses and Dissertations

Crafts and the artisanal arts have a complex relationship with art and art education. Nevertheless, hands-on crafts have an important and often overlooked contribution to visual art education. In addition to their value as cultural icons, the artisanal arts can contribute to cognitive development, emotional well-being, and mental health. The practice of a craft can balance some of the negative effects of 21st century screen culture. This thesis explores the following regarding crafts education: its value, its relationship to traditional art education, and its future potential. In addition to the traditional elements of literature review and research methodology, this thesis …

Implementing The Safe System Approach At Intersections In Utah, Ian Patrick Macgregor

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the principles and elements of the Safe System Approach, a new paradigm in roadway safety. A compendium of practice was created to determine recommendations on how to implement the Safe System Approach at intersections and observe how other jurisdictions are implementing it. Several strategies identified include the Safe Systems at Intersections (SSI) methodology, Safe System Alignment Frameworks, Vision Zero communities, incorporating the Safe System Approach into the Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) or Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), mandating the Safe System Approach be considered in all projects, and the Organizational Safety Culture Self-Assessment. These policies do …

Barbie, Taylor Michelle Gale

Theses and Dissertations

The stereotypes placed over men and women throughout various forms of media, including film and TV, song, printed media, and even through objects like toys, have a large impact on society as a whole. Kumari and Joshi (2015) explain that media plays an important role in sharing information concerning what deems to be the fabric of contemporary culture, which can aid in changing, or perpetuating long standing societal norms. This study identifies how Greta Gerwig's Barbie (2023) approaches the themes of the portrayal of women in the media through the Barbie film, examining themes such as objectification, self-objectification, and the …

"We Are All About Equality": D/Deaf Inclusivity In Little Wimmin, Ruth Ann Leber

Theses and Dissertations

Figs in Wigs integration of a British Sign Language interpreter in their performance of Little Wimmin is a compelling example of inclusive theatre for D/deaf audiences. By examining the works of foundational D/deaf studies scholars Neil Glickman and Paddy Ladd alongside the works of contemporary D/deaf scholars such as Tom Humphries, Carol Padden, and Michael Richardson we can gain valuable insight into the evolution of the D/deaf culture and identity. This paper will refer to diversity scholar Susanne Ricee when defining the difference between accommodation, access, accessibility, and inclusivity. It will explore the current advantages and limitations of D/deaf accommodations …

Rare Sugars And Dairy Ingredients: A Synergistic Pairing For The Reduction Of Food Waste And Sugar Consumption, Melinda Michelle Moss

Theses and Dissertations

In the future, sustainability in the dairy industry will require creative and scale-able solutions for better utilization of the primary solid component in milk: lactose. One promising avenue of “up-cycling” underutilized lactose is converting it to valuable rare sugars. Rare sugars like D-tagatose and D-allulose are increasing in popularity extremely quickly. D-tagatose and D-allulose are hexose sugars, D-allulose being an epimer of D-fructose and D-tagatose an isomer of D-galactose. They have excellent functional properties in food systems with clean sweetness profiles similar to sucrose. Critically, they also have excellent nutritional characteristics, such as low caloric values and low glycemic indices. …

Compliant Structures Facilitate Less Invasive And Biomechanically Improved Lumbar Spinal Implants, Daniel J. Orr

Theses and Dissertations

Implants used in lumbar spinal fusion and lumbar total disc replacement procedures have improved substantially over the years, however, the opportunity remains to improve either the adjustability, durability, motion, or minimally invasive characteristics which could aid in achieving optimal surgical outcomes. It is hypothesized that the inherent advantages of compliant mechanisms specifically Deployable Euler Spiral Connectors (DESCs) and a new mechanism known as the interior contact aided rolling element (I-CORE) are well suited for each of these applications and will be explored and utilized as the basis of these proposed designs. By addressing these challenges, the research endeavors to improve …

Ionic Nanomedicines And Biocompatible Hydrogel: Synthesis, Characterization And Application In Cancer And Drug Delivery, Mujeebat Bashiru

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is focused on the development of novel class of ionic materials (IMs), and ionic nanomedicines (INMs) for cancer treatment. These IMs are composed of two therapeutics combined via electrostatic attraction. The impact of various counterions on the drug’s cytotoxic and photophysical properties are unveiled. Moreover, the mechanism of internalization, enhanced toxicity of these materials is investigated by determining their cellular uptake, subcellular localization, and cell death mechanism. Furthermore, the in vivo bioimaging capabilities of the drugs is investigated to validate their potential for clinical relevance. The second part of this dissertation is focused on the synthesis of biocompatible …

Investigating Secondary Metabolites Of Streptomyces And Bacillus Bacteria That Inhibit Colony Growth Of Pathogenic Potato Fungi (Colletotrichum Coccodes, Pythium Ultimum), Jacob R. Henrie

Theses and Dissertations

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a crucial global food crop, yet its production is threatened by fungal pathogens such as Pythium ultimum and Colletotrichum coccodes, which cause significant yield losses and impact tuber quality. In this study, we investigated the antifungal properties of various Streptomyces and Bacillus isolates against these pathogens. The Streptomyces isolates, known for their prolific secondary metabolite production, were selected for their varying efficacy against these fungi. Despite the anticipated potential, Streptomyces isolates exhibited limited antifungal activity against Pythium ultimum and only moderate activity against Colletotrichum coccodes. In contrast, Bacillus isolates, particularly B1, demonstrated strong inhibition of C. …

Eurobond Performance In Emerging Markets: Do Economic Freedom, Contagion Effects, And Strategic International Relations Matter?, Nourhan El Rouby

Theses and Dissertations

This paper studies the factors moving the Eurobond prices and credit ratings issued by emerging markets. By observing a set of variables, including economic freedom, contagion effects and strategic international relations, the study was able to provide a thorough analysis of their impact on Eurobond performance. The research was able to identify significant determinants of Eurobond prices and credit ratings through utilizing panel data from 20 emerging markets over a period of April 2018 to September 2023 where we applied fixed effects linear regression and ordered logit models. The findings resulted that economic freedom, in specific enforcement of contracts, and …

Biofabrication Of Tissue Constructs Using Protein-In-Polysaccharide Bioinks For Muscle Regeneration, Harshavardhan B

Theses and Dissertations

Myocardial infarction (MI) and volumetric muscle loss (VML) are debilitating conditions that severely affect patient quality of life and challenge healthcare systems, particularly in diagnosis and treatment. Conventional therapies often result in long recovery periods with limited functional restoration. Advances in regenerative medicine, especially extrusion-based 3D bioprinting, offer promising potential to improve the regeneration of complex tissues by precisely depositing cells and biomaterials layer-by-layer to create tailored tissue constructs.

A critical challenge in muscle tissue regeneration is developing protein-polysaccharide bioinks that closely mimic the native muscle tissue microenvironment. In this study, two protein-inpolysaccharide bioinks (alginate-fibrinogen and methylcellulose-gelatin-alginate) were developed to …

Impaired Speech Recognition Of Neurological Disorder Persons Using Machine Learning And Deep Learning Techniques, Vishnika Veni S

Theses and Dissertations

Speech Assistive Tools have emerged in recent years to support individuals with cognitive and neurological disorders in the field of assistive technology. People affected by neurological disorders such as autism, stroke, cerebral palsy, dysarthria, Parkinson’s disease, and brain injury often find it difficult to articulate desired sounds, resulting in impaired speech. As the population of impaired speakers continues to increase every year, there is a strong need to develop intelligent speech recognition systems for affected individuals. The primary objective of this research is to develop an Impaired Speech Recognition (ISR) system for the Tamil language. Word Recognition Accuracy (WRA) is …