Digital Commons Network^™

Synthesis And Characterization Of Bio Based Amphiphilic Molecules, Vandana Singh

Theses and Dissertations

Among various molecular self-assemblies, low molecular weight gelators (LMWGs), that can form gels in organic solvents/water/oils, have gained much research attention due to their huge potential applications. Generally, gels are soft nanomaterials formed by the self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules into a three-dimensional fibrous network entrapping the solvent.

As these gels are formed by self-assembly via non-covalent interactions they are reversible and differ from macromolecular gels. To synthesize LMWGs, biomolecules such as fats, oils, fatty acids, lignocelluloses, sugars, amino acids, and peptides are commonly used as their inherent property favors self-assembly. In the current scenario, interest in synthesizing bio-based gelators has …

Reparative Description: Suggested Revisions Of Library Of Congress Subject Headings For Indigenous Peoples In The Sequoyah National Research Center Online Library Catalog, Mikaela Nicole Bailey

Theses and Dissertations

The Library of Congress (LOC) presents thousands of items in its online catalog and uses subject headings to link and relate items of the same subject matter, origins, or creator. Smaller libraries,archives, and other institutions use the subject headings provided by the LOC to easily link related materials within their own online catalogs. The Library of Congress Subject Headings are not inclusive and do not represent all Peoples. Subject Headings used by the Library of Congress may correctly represent a community, misrepresent by using other names than what the People choose to call themselves, or may not represent a People …

Cancer Treatment By Targeting Hdac4 Translocation Induced By Microsecond Pulsed Electric Field Exposure: Mechanistic Insights Through Kinases And Phosphatases, Zahra Safaei

Theses and Dissertations

Epigenetic modifications, arising from sub-cellular shifts in histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity and localization, present promising strategies for diverse cancer treatments. HDACs, enzymes responsible for post-translational histone modifications, induce these epigenetic changes by removing acetyl groups from ε-N-acetyl-lysine residues on histones, thereby suppressing gene transcription. Within the HDAC group, class IIa HDACs are notable for their responsiveness to extracellular signals, bridging the gap between external stimuli, plasma membrane, and genome through nuclear-cytoplasmic translocation. This localization offers two significant mechanisms for cancer treatment: nuclear accumulation of HDACs represses oncogenic transcription factors, such as myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C), triggering various cell death …

Development Of A Xenograft For Annular Repair Using Pulsed Electric Field Exposures For Enhanced Decellularization, Prince Mensah Kwaku Atsu

Theses and Dissertations

Severe back injuries and chronic pain necessitate surgical replacement of damaged intervertebral disc (IVD) cartilage in advanced disease stages. Bovine IVD tissue has been exposed to an upper threshold pulsed electric field (PEF) dose, causing cell death without thermal damage to the tissue. Subsequent PEF exposures at lower magnitudes have accelerated the removal of immunogenic biomolecules though electrokinetic extraction using optimized aqueous solutions. This approach yields a natural scaffold, ready for biocompatibility and mechanical strength assessment. The effects of microsecond pulsed electric fields (µsPEF) on primary bovine AF fibroblast-like cells have been characterized in vitro. PEFs of 10 and 100 …

Repeat After Me, Bonnie Morano

Theses and Dissertations

Bonnie Morano’s devotional abstract oil paintings are an offering of conviction reconciled with joy. Balancing spiritual zeal with geometric space, she creates mirrored compositions filled with gravitas and play. The sacred and domestic join together in maximal harmony, examining alternative arrangements of transcendental experience.

Through Their Eyes: Illuminating The Nature Of Animal Use In Conservation Research Through An Analysis Of Peer-Reviewed Literature In The Journal Conservation Biology, Sarah Hollmann

Theses and Dissertations

Non-human animals habitually have been treated as a resource in the service of humans and human-driven values. The field of conservation is not immune to this fact. But, because conservation is seemingly dedicated to the saving and protection of species and nature, until recently the field historically has been given a pass for the use and treatment of animals that are done “in the name of conservation”. This treatment is evident in common conservation practices such as capture, captivity, invasive sampling, aversive treatment, experimental manipulation, and intentional killing. A principal question we are asking is how individual animals are impacted …

From Sins Of The Cities Of The Plain To Letters From Laura And Eveline: Boulton, Park, And Pornography’S Reaction To Transmisogyny, Daniel Falco

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis builds on the emerging work of scholars who view pornography as literature with sociocultural relevance and adds to trans scholarship through a dissection of gender construction and transmisogyny in a Victorian underground subversive culture. Centering the 1883 erotic novel Letters from Laura and Eveline, I examine how language and biology are unfixed to highlight fluidity within queer sex and gender, and how this helps the novel evade the taxonomical-obsessed era in which it was produced. I examine its roots in the real historical figures of Ernest “Stella” Boulton and Frederick “Fanny” Park, two crossdressers who were arrested a …

Relationship Between Tiktok Usage, Psychological Well-Being, Executive Functioning, Sleep Quality, And Sleep Hygiene Among University Students, Dana Lee Defilippo

Theses and Dissertations

Social media has been a well-researched topic over the past 15 years, with findings supporting its usefulness as well as its harmfulness. Some of these studies have focused on well-being, both psychological and physical, and how social media may impact these aspects. Social media applications such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter have been comprehensively studied in various areas, with many focusing on their impact on mental health. Although these studies have often found that social media usage negatively impacts mental health, there have been some conflicting findings. TikTok, a much newer application, has been far less researched and has …

Using Video Modeling With Feedback To Teach Courtship Behaviors To An Autistic Young Adult: A Single Subject Design, Alyssa Paige Goodman

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of video-modeling with feedback on the development of courtship behaviors in an autistic individual. A concurrent multiple baseline across behaviors design was used to examine the impact of this intervention on three target behaviors: asking someone on a date, responding to acceptance, and handling rejection. The intervention consisted of showing the participant video models in which volunteers demonstrated the three target courtship behaviors. Following three, four, and five baseline observations for each target behavior, corresponding video models were introduced for each of the behaviors. Following the viewing of video models, …

The Intersection Of Family Environment, Personality Development, And Life Satisfaction, Ché Malik Ashé

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the interplay between family environment, parental bonding, personality traits, personality dysfunction, and life satisfaction among college undergraduates. Participants were comprised of college undergraduates (N = 736; 79% female) and we obtained measures of big five personality dimensions, parental bonding, family environment, personality dysfunction, and life satisfaction. Findings indicate that emotional stability is the strongest predictor of life satisfaction, while negative affect is strongly correlated with personality dysfunction. Paternal bonding and family environment were particularly influential in shaping personality traits, which in turn impacted life satisfaction. Additionally, personality dysfunction traits show a stronger correlation to parental care than …

Examining Effects Of Noise Pollution On Psychosomatic Symptoms Among Teachers In Vietnam, Ryan Gabriel Mcdonough

Theses and Dissertations

Noise pollution is an environmental stressor with broad costs to society, both through its health impacts and its influence on the social environment. The health effects of noise pollution include changes in regulation of heart rate, blood pressure, and overall vascular health, in addition to effects on hearing. However, it is unclear whether these adverse effects result from noise exposure directly or from stress secondary to noise. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of both exposure to noise and noise-related stress on psychosomatic symptoms in a sample of 1961 teachers in Vietnam. We measured noise-related stress with a …

How Do Mindfulness And Self-Compassion Elicit Unfavorable Outcomes? No Moderating Effect Detected, Jason T. Katz

Theses and Dissertations

This work investigated the interaction of mindfulness and self-compassion when predicting flourishing. Mindfulness and self-compassion have become increasingly popular for their benefits, but there is much to uncover about how these variables elicit favorable and unfavorable outcomes. We hypothesized that having high levels of mindfulness and self-compassion would elicit the strongest relationships with flourishing. We also hypothesized that having high levels of both mindfulness and self-compassion would prevent either variable from having negative relationships with flourishing. Our survey gauged the mindfulness, self-compassion, and flourishing levels of 180 participants from a large, urban, parochial university undergraduate pool. We used hierarchical linear …

The Impact Of Person-Situation Congruence On People’S Preference For Interpersonal Interactions, Zachary Ian Harkinish-Murray

Theses and Dissertations

The present study aims to test the hypothesis that participants will prefer to interact with individuals in situations whose demands are congruent with the participant’s personality traits. The study used both poles of the Big Five personality traits systematically and comprehensively paired with five of the eight situational characteristics from the DIAMONDS model. The study comprised 94 participants with a gender split of 70:20, favoring females. Of the participant population, 59% (59.14%) were between the ages of 18-21. 44% (44.09%) of participants were White and non-Hispanic. Results indicated the predicted congruence effects only for the Extraversion/Sociality pair, whereas Neuroticism/Adversity also …

Hwa-Byung (화병): The Associations Between The Big Five Personality Traits And Psychopathology In Koreans And Americans, Sun Moon

Theses and Dissertations

Hwa-byung is an emotional and behavioral condition as well as cultural concept of distress primarily observed in Korean populations. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) classified hwa-byung as a Korean cultural-bound syndrome in 1994 (Min & Suh, 2010; as cited in APA, 2000). According to the DSM-IV, it often arises among middle-aged or older Korean women, but it can be occur in any gender across the lifespan. This study applied a combined emic-etic methodology to measure hwa-byung and examine the relationship between hwa-byung, Big Five personality traits, and psychological symptoms of distress (e.g., anxiety, depression, …

Measuring Consumer Satisfaction And Efficacy Of A Psychoeducational Material, Kyara Archie

Theses and Dissertations

Discrimination has been shown to have negative effects on mental health (Vargas et al., 2020). Studies have shown that experiencing and perceiving racism can lead to symptoms of depression in Black individuals (Gayman & Barragan, 2013). Though this problem exists, there are limited methods and solutions presented that address the effects of racism on depression (Brondolo et al., 2009). Empirical research has not yielded clear findings on the best strategies for addressing discrimination. This limits the guidance that can be provided to people as they attempt to alleviate the concern associated with discrimination. Further, individuals may experience distress and discomfort …

Symbiosis Under Stress: Unraveling The Interplay Of Ocean Acidification And Rising Temperatures On Acropora Samoensis (Staghorn Coral), Jerald William Smolkin

Theses and Dissertations

This experiment explores the response of marine organisms to the combined challenges of ocean acidification and rising temperatures, with a focus on coral reef ecosystems. As global climate change threatens profound declines in coral reefs, understanding the multifaceted impacts of these stressors becomes crucial. The study observes cellular changes in A. samoensis tissues in four different groups, including control, Temp, pH, and Temp and pH. Results indicate significant breakdown of membrane compartmentalization and cell junctions, with notable degradation and calcium carbonate crystallization in pH-stressed samples. Additionally, chlorophyll extraction data support coral bleaching due to the expulsion of zooxanthellae. These findings …

Historical Trauma Thoughts, Daily Negative Emotion, And Rumination Among Urban-Dwelling American Indian/Alaska Native Adults, Sheena Yoshioka

Theses and Dissertations

When compared to other marginalized racial/ethnic groups, American Indians/Alaskan Natives (AI/AN) individuals have the highest rates of experiencing psychological distress and are at a greater risk of suicide (Brown-Rice, 2013). Historical trauma thoughts, defined as thinking about trauma experienced over generations, may contribute to these high rates of distress (Mohatt et al., 2014). We examined the relations of historical trauma thoughts to measures of distress in a sample of 258 AI/AN adults. Analyses indicate significant positive relations between historical trauma thinking to depression and daily negative emotion in the full sample. But when looking at our smaller sample (rumination-only data) …

The Exploration Of Faculty-Student Mentoring For First-Generation Community College Students, Mariana Torres

Theses and Dissertations

Retention, persistence, and academic achievement for first-generation students have become increasingly prevalent with increasing access to higher education. Beyond access, the most discernible challenge relates to their identity as a first-generation college student and the lack of mentorship from their parents in navigating the college experience. While research promotes the positive impact of faculty-student mentoring programs for the success of the traditional student, more work is needed to analyze the effects on first-generation community college students. The purpose of the present study was to investigate if there was a relationship between faculty-student mentoring and student success, as defined by persistence, …

The Effect Of The Gocomm Educational Intervention On Physician Distress Surrounding Goc Conversations Using The Physician Distress Inventory (Pdi), Thomas Anthony Bozzo

Theses and Dissertations

End-of-life (EOL) care refers to the medical, emotional, and practical support provided to individuals who are nearing the end of their lives. Goals of care (GOC) discussions involve physician exploration of patient beliefs and values, though they do not need to be primarily focused on end-of-life health-care decisions. Engaging in EOL/GOC conversations has been linked to increased quality of life, decreased healthcare costs, and more frequently receiving care in line with patient preferences. Barriers to these discussions occurring exist at both the clinician-level (e.g., inadequate communications training) and the patient-level (e.g., heightened death anxiety). This study aimed to determine if …

A Phenomenological Study Investigating The Impact Of Parents' Attitudes Toward Science Upon Their Adult Childrens' Pursuit Of A Science Degree From A Suburban Community College In New York, Kevin Costa

Theses and Dissertations

This interpretative qualitative study delves into adult children's experiences pursuing science degrees, exploring how parental attitudes influence their persistence in higher education. Conducted at a suburban New York community college, the research employs Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis through questionnaires, interviews, and artifact analysis. Findings reveal that parental encouragement positively motivates participants, while financial stability and familial experiences significantly impact academic decisions. Participants perceive their parents' attitudes toward learning as mostly positive, shaping their own educational orientations. The study extends Bowen's theory by illustrating how parental attitudes contribute to perceptions of employment and financial stability. Additionally, Bandura's social learning theory underscores the …

Application Of The Professional Standards For Educational Leaders And Disproportionality Of Students Identified For Special Education Placement And Services, Dennis J. Mcelheron

Theses and Dissertations

The issue of disproportionality, or the over-representation of students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in special education, has long been a challenge for school districts. This issue predates the implementation of PL 94-192. School building administrators are seen as agents of change, responsible for setting expectations within their schools and leading the school community toward a shared vision. As administrators set forth to improve student achievement, they must also address the disparities in achievement between different student groups. The latest revision of the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) is founded on two core tenets: academic press and caring …

An Exploration Of The Relationship Between Reading Habits And Reading Achievement In Elementary Schools, Donna M. Deodato

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the multifaceted dynamics affecting the academic performance of high-achieving elementary students on end-of-year reading exams. It examines the influences of gender, age, genre preferences, the frequency of book borrowing, and language modality of instruction, all within the context of the elementary school library. Methodologically, the study employs a quantitative correlational approach. The data source comprises students' demographics, class assignments, end-of-year reading scores, and library patron records. Through the lens of Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, this research aimed to enrich our understanding of various interconnected systems in students’ environments, such as family, school, and community, with each level …

The Resilience Of Trio Upward Bound Students, Kemoy Briscoe-Morris

Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological qualitative study examined the intersection between TRIO Upward Bound participation and resilience theory to determine how participation in TRIO Upward Bound impacted the resiliency of its at-risk youth participants. Accordingly, the participants of this study are alumni of the federally funded TRIO Upward Bound program, a pre-collegiate initiative designed to increase the enrollment and persistence rates of at-risk youths by helping to prepare them for success at postsecondary institutions. The researcher examined the construct of resilience to provide an alternate measure of the efficacy of these programs. The researcher used artifacts, photo-elicitation, and interviews to gather data. Thematic …

An Analysis Of Traditional Sports Stadium Security And Facial Recognition Biometrics Towards The Prevention Of Crime And Violence In Sports Arenas, Darnell R. Downes

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative descriptive study sought to determine how stadium security managers perceive and describe their experiences with biometric security systems, especially facial recognition software, to mitigate crime and violent behaviors in sports stadiums on the east coast of the U.S. The problem that was addressed in the study is that despite the increase in violence and crime in sports stadiums and the use of biometric systems, it is not known how stadium security managers perceive and describe their experiences with biometric systems in mitigating crime and violence in and around sports stadiums on the east coast of the U.S. Interviews …

Girl Power: How Can School Counselors Empower Female Students To Study Stem-Related Majors In College And Beyond?, Carly Bank

Theses and Dissertations

There is a gender gap among females studying STEM ( Technology, Engineering and Math) majors and pursuing STEM careers. More males than females pursue these majors and careers. This study explore d how high school counselors influence the choices of STEM majors for female students. The researcher explored the perspectives of seven experienced high school counselors who work with students on college exploration and career planning activities in this multi case study. The processes these counselors apply when working with female students and improving these practices so school counselors can better support their students was examined. Key findings of this …

Electrochemical Investigations Of Polyvalent Vs Monovalent Binding On Dna Sensors And Synthesis Of Dna Oligonucleotides Capable Of Oxidative Crosslinking, Jeremy David Mendez

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes two projects: i) experiments aimed at electrochemically differentiating polyvalent binding and monovalent binding of “DNA stars” on gold electrodes ii) experiments to synthesize DNA oligonucleotides that are capable of crosslinking under electrochemical control. We describe the design, synthesis and purification of “DNA stars”, and their binding to gold electrodes displaying complementary strands functionalized with a “redox reporter”, methylene blue. Square wave voltammetry was utilized to compare the effect of binding of complementary strand and various DNA stars. Though we were able to distinguish the binding of complementary strand and DNA stars, we could not conclusively state this …

Reevaluating Positive Freedom Through The Philosophy Of Amartya Sen With A Focus On Education As A Catalyst For Freedom, Emilie Mathilde Vesten Haakansson

Theses and Dissertations

Education has since ancient times been used as a societal tool to develop and cultivate society’s individuals into participating members. Education which is considered a fundamental human right also holds potential transformative power to enable and empower individuals to exercise their freedom to create a life that aligns with their own values, ideas and goals. However, how effective an educational system can be, ultimately depends on the accessibility and quality of the education as well as the overall system the educational institutions operate in. This thesis explores how education can function as a catalyst for furthering individuals’ freedom through a …

Early Identification Of Students At Academic Risk Based On Learning Management System Log Data, Roger Sheng So

Theses and Dissertations

Understanding student engagement with the institution from the first day of classes to the end of the semester would help inform the institution of the potential risk that a student will drop out of a class or of the school. Learning Management Systems (LMS) record student interactions with the system and might be able to be used to identify students who are at academic risk. The scope of this study is to retrospectively analyze first-year student activity for the Spring 2022 semester for early warning signs worthy of intervention. A student risk assessment will be determined by reviewing student LMS …

Implementing Inquiry: A Case Study Of Secondary Science Teachers’ Perceptions Of Curriculum Change, Pamela A. Gordon

Theses and Dissertations

With the constant strive for higher standards in education, New York State has joined with other states in the nation to develop a new strategy to teach science and 21st-century learning skills to ensure that our children are ready to compete in the global economy. This study sought to determine the current knowledge and perceptions of in-service teachers in New York State regarding the shift in standards from the 1996-based standards to the recently adopted New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) and their implementation in the classroom. The study aims to help identify the shifts in classroom practices resulting …

Secondary Ela Teachers’ Perceptions Of Classroom Dynamics In A Technology-Rich Learning Environment, Graham Otton

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this narrative study was to explore secondary ELA teachers’ perceptions of teaching and learning in a technology-rich educational environment. This study was conducted in a central high school district in New York state across four school buildings. Though the central high school district provides uniform guidance and material for the instructional programs in all high school buildings, the execution of instruction and teacher development happens daily in the buildings themselves. Though one district, each building serves distinct communities with pronounced school cultures stemming from varying student and faculty demographics, as well as building leadership. The researcher explored …