Digital Commons Network^™

Systematic Review Of The Risks, Consequences, Protective Factors, And Treatment Of Infidelity For Military Couples, Maria Allyson Ayson

Theses and Dissertations

This systematic review examines literature related to the phenomenon of infidelity in relation to military couples, particularly regarding the risk factors, protective factors, and relational outcomes of infidelity in relation to the military lifestyle. Aspects of this lifestyle, including deployment, relocation, combat exposure, and the plethora of mental health issues subsequent to these experiences, are common instigators of adverse relational events like infidelity, which itself is a catalyst for further relational injury. Furthermore, treatments available for military couples, which have been adapted from various therapy modalities used with civilian couples, are also summarized in this review to consolidate and discuss …

Carotenoids And The Associations With Gut Microbiota Bacterial Populations In Chronic Kidney Disease Hemodialysis Patients, Andrea Kendall

Theses and Dissertations

Background: With increased prevalence and mortality of chronic kidney disease (CKD), treatment by renal replacement therapy using hemodialysis (HD) has increased in parallel. Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota play an important role in the progression of CKD; influential dietary factors have not been studied exhaustively to date.

Objective: To explore the relationships between dietary carotenoid intake, the abundance of specific gut microbiota, and symptom-related outcomes in patients with CKD on HD.

Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated the gut microbiota characteristics relative to carotenoid intake in CKD subjects on HD in central Illinois (n = 20). The Block Dialysis …

Associations Between Physical Activity And Academic Achievement In Young Adolescents, Alex Wolfe

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the associations between physical activity and academic achievement among young adolescents. A secondary aim of this study was to analyze differences in physical activity and academic achievement by SES and race/ethnicity. The sample consisted of 30 middle school students (10 boys and 20 girls) between the ages of 11.0- and 14.9-years. Partial correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the relationship between physical activity and academic achievement while controlling for SES and race/ethnicity. 2 x 2 factorial analysis of covariance were utilized to examine the differences in SES and race/ethnicity groups, as well as interactive effects within physical …

Communication Supports To Enhance The Community Participation Of Young Children With Complex Communication Needs: A Utilization-Focused Evaluation, Amy L. Yacucci

Theses and Dissertations

This utilization-focused evaluation study aimed to describe augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) supports to enhance communication accessibility for children with complex communication needs in a children’s museum. Utilizing feedback from museum staff and parents of children with communication disabilities, the study sought to identify practical strategies to improve the effectiveness of AAC supports in creating more inclusive community spaces. A utilization-focused evaluation framework (Patton & Campbell-Patton, 2022) guided the assessment of embedded-aided communication supports within the museum, ensuring that findings were relevant and actionable for stakeholders. The evaluation revealed three key insights: (a) the importance of communication access through multiple …

Illuminating Function And Enabling Inhibition At The Protein-Membrane Interface Of Glutathione Peroxidase 4., Courtney L. Labrecque

Theses and Dissertations

Membrane proteins act as gateways to cells and are responsible not only for signaling, lipid transport, and cellular homeostasis, but they are also integral in disease pathologies. One class of membrane proteins, peripheral membrane proteins (PMPs), reside in aqueous compartments of the cell until they are recruited to the membrane to perform their function. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) is a PMP enzyme responsible for engaging the membrane and reducing lipid hydroperoxides, thereby preventing cellular death via ferroptosis. Due to its central function surrounding ferroptosis, GPx4 is an interesting drug target that has recently gained interest for inflammatory diseases as well …

Latent Profiles Of Child Coping And Perception Of Experience Processes To Predict Long-Term Symptoms Of Depression, Intrusive Grief, And Suicidality Outcomes In Parentally Bereaved Children, Rebecca Hoppe

Theses and Dissertations

Childhood bereavement is a significant public health issue and the most distressing form of childhood trauma. The death of a parent can disrupt the course of a children's development and potentially predispose them to enduring adverse mental health outcomes, such as depression, intrusive grief, and suicidality. Recognizing grief as a dynamic process, theories have suggested that children’s unique coping and perceptions of experience can contribute to variations in individual adaptations to the death and the onset of mental health problems. The goals of this study were to (a) use latent profile analysis to empirically group recently bereaved children into distinct …

Calcium Permeability Of Rat Trpv1 In A Close State When Expressed In Xenopus Laevis Oocytes, Zinnia Adhikary

Theses and Dissertations

Transient Receptor Potential V1 (TRPV1) is a nonselective cation channel, which is expressed in nociceptors/ pain detecting receptors. Activated by a wide variety of exogenous and endogenous physical and chemical stimuli such as heat, TRPV1 is involved in temperature detection, body temperature regulation, and pain perception. It is generally accepted that TRPV1's conductance to cations, including Ca2+, depends on its conformational change from a closed to an open state following gating. In the current study, I observed that the plasma membrane of Xenopus laevis oocytes, upon exogenous expression of rat TRPV1, exhibited weak permeability to Ca2+, as evidenced by the …

Searching For Novel Mutations That Regulates The Mouse Polycystin-2 (Trpp2) Ion Channel, Akhilraj Rajan Pillai

Theses and Dissertations

Polycystin-2 (PC2) is an ion channel belonging to the polycystin subfamily of the transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel superfamily. Mutations in PC2 are associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), one of the most common genetic diseases in humans. Despite extensive studies over the past decades, the role of PC2 in normal and ADPKD kidneys remains largely unknown, and the activation and regulation of this ion channel are elusive. To gain a better understanding of the structure and function of the mouse PC2 channel, this study focused on generating five pore mutations in a gain-of-function (GOF) mutant of …

Illustrating The Fantastic: Cross-Writing Illustrations In British Children’S Literature Of The Golden Age, Stephanie Montalti

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation argues that British children’s literature of the Golden Age addresses children and adults through their illustrations. It considers why the nineteenth century experienced a proliferation in fantasy and illustration, as well as why Golden Age children’s texts appeal to mixed-age audiences. Through an application of the term “cross-writing,” I argue that the Golden Age of children’s literature did not think of audiences in a binary manner, as some children’s literature scholars tend to assert. Instead, they used the dual mode of textual and visual narration to complicate the boundaries between childhood and adulthood. I also offer an original …

Exploring The Dual Role Of Vegf165 In Bleomycin Induced Lung Injury And Recovery In A Aav Mice Model, Igor Ban

Theses and Dissertations

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) poses a significant challenge in respiratory medicine due to its complex etiology and progression characterized by excessive lung scarring, leading to compromised pulmonary function. The multifaceted roles of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A) and specifically its isoform VEGF-A165 are critical in this context, given their involvement in angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and tissue repair. The dual nature of VEGF-A165, promoting angiogenesis and potentially exacerbating or mitigating fibrosis, underscores its significance in both the progression and recovery phases of PF. Our work, explores the nuanced functions of VEGF-A165 using AAV1 as a gene delivery vector to overexpress this growth …

A Quality-By-Design Approach For The Development Of Inhalable Dry Powders For Tuberculosis (Tb) Treatment, Suyash M. Patil

Theses and Dissertations

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), remains a pressing concern globally. The emergence of drug-resistant strains and the need for prolonged treatment regimens continue to complicate disease management. Innovative therapeutic strategies are urgently required to enhance treatment efficacy, improve patient adherence, and minimize adverse effects. Toward this, strategies involving use of drug combinations, reducing dosing frequencies, and targeting TB-infected cells are gaining attention. In my dissertation, we explored the combination therapy involving two FDA-approved anti-TB drugs, Bedaquiline (BDQ) and Pretomanid (PTD). The BDQ-PTD combination reduced minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), compared to individual drugs and demonstrated additive/synergistic effects at 1:4 …

Therapeutic Intervention Of Neuroinflammation In Alzheimer Disease By Inhibition Of Classical Complement Pathway Using Anti-C1r Loaded Exosomes, Terjahna Richards

Theses and Dissertations

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with memory decline and cognitive impairment. It is a growing global health and socioeconomic concern, affecting more than 50 million people worldwide. Current therapeutics focus solely on symptomatic management instead of preventative or curative strategies. This is mainly a result of the complexity of the pathophysiological mechanism and the poor understanding of the disease progression. Recently, studies have focused on bridging knowledge gaps giving rise to substantial evidence on the vital role of neuroinflammation in the progression of AD. Neuroinflammation has been shown to be a precursor to apparent amyloid plaque accumulation …

Hjp 272, An Endothelin Receptor Antagonist, And Its Role In Cancer Cell Migration And Invasion, Nabeela Fatima Baig

Theses and Dissertations

Endothelins are a family of versatile peptides composed of 21 amino acids with three isoforms: ET-1, ET-2, and ET-3. As the most abundant of the three isoforms, ET-1 is involved in various biological processes, such as regulation of vascular tone, humoral homeostasis, and neural crest development. However, focus is now being directed towards investigating the functions of the Endothelin axis in the progression of different tumor types including ovarian, prostate, breast, lungs etc. HJP 272 is a novel ETAR antagonist and while our group has previously researched its effects on lung inflammation and preterm birth, this study marks the first …

Characterizing The Role Of Epigenetic Regulator Menin In Pediatric Neuroblastoma Growth Using Pre-Clinical Models, Rameswari Chilamakuri

Theses and Dissertations

Epigenetic regulators such as Menin and MLL1 drive cancer progression, metastasis, and relapse. MLL1 forms a COMPASS complex with its binding partners, including Menin, to function as an epigenetic enzyme H3K4 methyltransferase. H3K4 methyltransferases are known to promote cancer stem cells' (CSCs) self-renewal capacity and metastasis. CSCs are one of the major causes of tumor relapse and metastasis conditions, ultimately leading to poor overall patient survival. Neuroblastoma (NB) is an extracranial solid tumor that accounts for 8-10% of all pediatric cancers, and approximately 50% of patients display metastasis at the time of diagnosis. In this study, we hypothesized and used …

Investigating Ammonium Toxicity In The Performance Of Recirculating Periphytic Algal Wastewater Treatment Systems, Oluchuku Richie Ochonogor

Theses and Dissertations

Freshwater nutrient enrichment from wastewater facilities and other sources can lead to freshwater eutrophication, a threat to global aquatic ecosystems. Mechanical and chemical ways to curb this threat are either too expensive or not sustainable, and thus, not feasible. Compared to mechanical and other methods, sustainable, inexpensive biological methods (for example, algal treatment systems) have therefore been developed for the removal of excess nutrients from wastewater. By design, secondary waste treatment facilities (WWTF) remove organics and solids and lower oxygen demanding substances; however, they may not remove enough nutrients to protect freshwater ecosystems in all cases. While algae-based biological methods …

Towards Machine Learning-Based Control Of Autonomous Vehicles In Solar Panel Cleaning Systems, Farima Hajiahmadi

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents a machine learning (ML)-based approach for the intelligent control of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) utilized in solar panel cleaning systems, aiming to mitigate challenges arising from uncertainties, disturbances, and dynamic environments. Solar panels, predominantly situated in dedicated lands for solar energy production (e.g., agricultural solar farms), are susceptible to dust and debris accumulation, leading to diminished energy absorption. Instead of labor-intensive manual cleaning, robotic cleaners offer a viable solution. AVs equipped to transport and precisely position these cleaning robots are indispensable for efficient navigation among solar panel arrays. However, environmental obstacles (e.g., rough terrain), variations in solar panel …

School-Based Educators’ Perceptions Of Professional Development And Its Impact On Their Ability To Improve Literacy Instruction For Underperforming K-2 Students, Monica Mcdaniel

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to examine school-based educators’ perceptions of professional learning and its impact on their ability to improve literacy instruction. The perceived role of the principal in the implementation, monitoring, and sustaining professional learning was also explored. A total of eight teachers, two media specialists, two instructional coaches, and five school leaders at two elementary schools in the Southeast United States participated in the study. Findings include the importance of quality, ongoing professional development, the leader’s role in planning, participation in, and supporting teachers through the professional development process, and everyone’s role in …

An Investigation Into Splicing Variation And Expression Patterns Of Insulin-Like Peptide 4 (Ilp4) Within The Drosophila Genus, Zachary C. Griffith

Theses and Dissertations

The insulin-signaling pathway plays a crucial role in regulating metabolic homeostasis in both humans and insects. Dysregulation or mutation within this pathway can lead to various diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance. The insulin-like peptide 4 (ILP4) in Drosophila is an interesting subject for study due to its similarity to mammalian insulin and its role in regulating sugar metabolism. In this study, we investigate a novel splicing variation within the Drosophila takahashii Insulin-Like Peptide 4 (ILP4) gene. Our investigation identified a splicing variation found in four Drosophila species that introduces an additional codon in one isoform, resulting in …

Optimizing Z/R Relationship For Radar-Based Precipitation Estimates, Jalon Gary

Theses and Dissertations

Z/R relationship is a power law relationship between radar reflectivity (Z) and rainfall rate (R). The relationship is expressed as Z = aRb where a and b are correlated with drop size distribution (DSD) and vary across locations. Using a Z/R relationship to translate radar reflectivity to rainfall rate can allow for real-time precipitation monitoring with a high temporal and spatial resolution. A dataset of 12 cases in Georgia from December 2021 to November 2022 was examined using the Georgia Weather Network rain gauge system and the KFFC radar to optimize the best Z/R relationship for each case. Radar-based precipitation …

From Victorian Doubt To American Deconstruction: Exploring Faith Crises Across Time And Geography, Bailey Anne Melton

Theses and Dissertations

This research consists of a comparative analysis of faith crises in two distinct historical periods: the Victorian era (1830s-1914) and modern America. Through examining the Victorian crisis of faith and the contemporary American deconstruction movement within Protestant Evangelicalism, this study explores the common themes, diverse responses, and enduring relevance of faith doubt within Christianity. The Victorian crisis emerged amidst scientific advancements, theological debates, and shifting societal norms, prompting intellectuals to grapple with doubts about traditional Christian beliefs. Prominent figures publicly challenged religious orthodoxy, while evolving scientific theories, particularly evolution, further fueled skepticism. In contrast, the American crisis of Evangelicalism is …

A Phytochemical Analysis Of Secondary Metabolites In Eupatorium Serotinum, Elise Snow

Theses and Dissertations

Phytochemistry, a subset of Natural Products Chemistry, studies chemically derived products from natural substances. Advances in this field have important applications in medicinal research due to the distinctive and unique properties of natural compounds. All metabolites are produced from the metabolic cycle, which is a pathway that provides energy for the organism. These metabolic compounds vary greatly and are classified based on their function within the organism. Primary metabolites are abundant and contribute to organism growth, development, and maintenance of energy. Secondary metabolites are found in lesser quantity and correlate to natural defense mechanisms. For example, salicylic acid is a …

K-12 Teacher Perceptions Of Online Learning And Information Technology Support Post Covid-19 Pandemic, Michael Wayne Carraway Ii

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines K-12 teacher technology acceptance through their perceptions of the learning management system Google Classroom, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. This correlational research study is conducted through a survey adapted from the Technology Acceptance Model, Information technology support analysis, and a functionality usability survey. This study examines the relationships between functionality, usability, IT support, perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), attitudes towards use (ATU), behavioral intention to use (BI), and actual usage (AU). Structural equation modelling is conducted at the construct level in order to determine relationships between constructs. Additionally, this study explores assessment …

Examining The Implications Of Virtual Credit Recovery On High School Student Achievement In Eoc Classes, Lakeisha Griffith

Theses and Dissertations

High school graduation is an important accomplishment not only for the graduates; but also, society. Whether students enter the workforce, armed services, or seek post-secondary studies at institutions of higher learning, the road to earning the coveted high school diploma can be an immense struggle for many. For decades, architects of educational reform movements have struggled to concoct the just right potion to ensure all students graduate college and/or career ready. Providing high school students an opportunity to participate in asynchronous credit recovery may be a close second to the silver bullet. This causal comparative quantitative research study examines the …

Social Engagement Gaps Between Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics (Stem) F-1 Visa International Students And American Students In Us Universities, Sairagul Matikeeva-Kinney

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative exploratory descriptive study was to explore the perceptions of F1 visa STEM international students at a four-year private university about their social engagement experiences with their American peers, and how the absence of such engagement practices frames the international students’ sense of mattering and marginality and overall college experience. The study focused only on F-1 visa international students’ perceptions and utilized the marginality and mattering theory (MMT) (Schlossberg, 1989) as a theoretical framework. The social constructivism paradigm was utilized to explain how international students construct their knowledge and perceptions of social engagement with American peers, …

Wcug Continuity Book: Building Organizational Robustness Through A Framework Model, Sho Irikawa

Theses and Dissertations

WCUG Cougar Radio is a student led and community driven radio station housed in the Department of Communication at Columbus State University (CSU) in Columbus, Ga. Since 2015, WCUG Cougar Radio (now written as WCUG) created a learning lab environment, focused on training the next generation of media creators and managers. WCUG also houses and manages a podcast network that hosts a majority of WCUG’s digital content. Importantly, WCUG is operated by our very own CSU students. These students hold different tiers and positions as personnel, whether paid or volunteers. WCUG is also advised by a Faculty Advisor from the …

Development Of Leader Voice And Leader Silence Scales: How And Why Leaders Choose To Remain Silent Or Speak Up During Situations Of Workplace Aggression, Katherine L. Dickins

Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to investigate the factors that drive leaders to speak up or remain silent when witnessing workplace aggression and to develop scales to measure leader voice and leader silence. While research on employee voice and silence exists, leader voice and silence need more theoretical development. I used an exploratory sequential mixed-method design to address these gaps. Subjects: Study one included 26 graduate management students and 35 leaders across multiple industries in the United States who witnessed workplace aggression in their unit. Study 2 included 345 people who supervised others at work. Instruments: Seven open-ended questions asking respondents to …

Exploring The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Suicidality In College And University Students: A Systematic Review, Tatyana Aposhian

Theses and Dissertations

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and suicidality are highly prevalent and increasing social problems among the college and university student population, thereby underscoring a need to better understand the relationship between ACEs and suicidal risk, ideation, and attempts during college. There is also a need to examine current suicide prevention and intervention programs for the extent to which they are ACE- and/or trauma-informed. The purpose of this quantitative systematic review with narrative synthesis is to elucidate findings regarding the relationship between ACEs and suicidality in undergraduate and graduate students across the globe and provide recommendations for future ACE-informed suicide prevention and …

Psychosocial Factors Impacting Identity Development In Biracial-Biethnic Youth: A Socioecological Analysis, Melanie S. David

Theses and Dissertations

A mixed methods systematic review with socioecological analysis was conducted to identify specific psychosocial factors impacting identity development and well-being and biracial-biethnic youth. Findings from this review aimed to summarize and synthesize the most recent research literature on biracial-biethnic youth, with particular attention to factors contributing to negative identity development, psychosocial stressors (e.g., substance use) that impact both identity and well-being, and protective factors that promote well-being. This systematic review also aimed to utilize a socioecological framework to better understand on what level these psychosocial factors occur and the interaction between the individual and the larger environment. Methods. Data was …

Examining Women’S Persistence In Stem: A Mixed Methods Study Of Autonomy, Competence, Relatedness, And Sociocultural Influences On Women In Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics, Heather Midori Saigo

Theses and Dissertations

Several decades of effort have improved the participation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), but the gender gap remains. Researchers have found diverse reasons for women’s underrepresentation in STEM, but less is understood about factors supporting persistence. This study’s purpose was to understand how women persist in STEM, through the lens of self-determination theory. Self-determination theory posits that persistence improves when one’s needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness are satisfied. This embedded mixed methods study provides evidence of how autonomy, competence, relatedness, and sociocultural factors influence women’s persistence in STEM. Using network and snowball sampling, the researcher …

A Phenomenological Study On Tokenism And Leadership Style Of Black Executives In Corporate Organizations, Alan Keith Caldwell

Theses and Dissertations

The demographic composition of the United States is changing. In relation to race, the minority is becoming the majority. This demographic shift creates a more diverse workforce, which increases executive-level opportunities for Black professionals at corporate organizations. However, data indicates that very few Black people are in corporate organizations’ executive-level (VP, SVP, and C-Suite) roles. This study investigated tokenism’s role in developing Black executives’ leadership styles at global corporate organizations. The aim of this investigation focused on uncovering the experiences of Black executives in a corporate environment, including their leadership style. Phenomenological Inquiry served as the method to collect data. …