Digital Commons Network^™

Feasibility Of Using Somatosensory Input On Pediatric Patients Receiving Dental Treatment, Liara D. Vinson

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The aim of this randomized, cross-over designed feasibility study is to evaluate patient anxiety, patient cooperation, and patient acceptance of a vibrating weighted vest used during the restorative treatment compared to when no device is used.

Methods: Children aged 5 to 15 years, needing at least two appointments for restorative treatment requiring local anesthesia under basic behavior guidance techniques were recruited. Patients were randomly allocated to wearing a vibrating weighted vest at one of the appointments. At both appointments, behavior was evaluated using Frankl scores and anxiety was evaluated at the beginning and at the end of …

Putting The “Proof” In The Pudding: Ingredients To Consider In Executing An Effective And Sustainable Diversity Management Strategy Within Esg Conscious Organizations, Diamond D. Dubose

Theses and Dissertations

ESG exchange-trade fund inflows increased to a total of 22 billion dollars in 2020; three times their amount as compared to 2019, reflecting increasing capital market prominence (Wagner & Ballentine, 2020). Many organizations have since engaged in DEI practices because of the appeal Environment, Social, and Governance (also known as ESG) investment ratings provide (Henisz et al., 2019). However, companies must go beyond publishing organizational commitments to diversity to ‘check the box’ if they want to remain in the good graces of their internal and external stakeholders, ultimately validating their financial performance (S. J. Singh, 2021). An obstacle also emerged …

A Quantitative Analysis Of Empathy Trait As A Moderator Of Leadership Behavior, Barbara N. Rodriguez

Theses and Dissertations

There are indications that empathic concern for others has been declining around the world (Konrath et al., 2014). Empathy has long been recognized as a component of social functioning that significantly influences behavior that impacts relationships with others on both personal and societal levels (Batson, 2009; Davis, 2017; M. L. Hoffman, 2000; Stilwell, 2001). Leaders who apply empathy in their leadership can promote stronger connections with others (Gentry & Sadri, 2007), and foster social closeness and well-being (Morelli et al., 2015). While traits and behaviors are helpful predictors of effective leadership (Judge & Piccolo, 2004; Mumford et al., 2000), there …

Certified Impact: Organization Design For Zero Waste Certification And Its Impact On Organizational Identity, Sumner Byrne

Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study examined how organizations, primarily in the manufacturing and distribution industries, approached the change process to achieve a third-party verified zero waste certification. It investigated how the change process impacted employees’ sense of organizational identity, and what challenges they faced in pursuing certification. Sixteen participants from seven recently certified organizations agreed to be interviewed about their experience. Challenges stemmed most consistently from fiscal misalignment with leadership’s priorities, capacity struggles, and employee disconnection to the certification’s purpose. Participants reported that the most impactful organizational change strategies included clear, positive messaging, investment in employee empowerment and leadership, and consistency throughout …

Characterization Of Tonneau1 Recruiting Motif Proteins And Ton2 Signaling Functions, Tyler Falk

Theses and Dissertations

Plants cells are fixed in place. As a result they have to carefully divide in order to function properly. Plants use a number of complex microtubule arrays to ensure proper division and orientation including the preprophase band (PPB) and the phragmoplast. The PPB orients the cell prior to division and marks the cortical division site, which is where the phragmoplast is guided to. The phragmoplast is a dynamic microtubule array that builds the cell plate which later becomes the cell wall that divides daughter cells. Proteins involved with PPB formation include Tonneau1 (TON1) and Tonneau2 (TON2) which localize to and …

Food For Thought: Fabricating The Cannibal In Colonization, Hannah Dubrovich

Theses and Dissertations

Anthropophagy means people-eating, as does cannibal, but the terms are not synonymous. After Europeans landed in the Americas, Christopher Columbus coined the word cannibal. Despite the two terms having similar base definitions, there are additional connotations associated with cannibal. The way in which cannibalism has been thought about by Western cultures is not about the act of people-eating, but the constructed character of the cannibal as a “savage” Other created through colonization. In addition to the term's associated meaning being cemented during this time, colonizers used the term as a tool to Other Native peoples and aid in colonization. It …

Terror And Time: Analyzing Homegrown Terrorism In The United States, Kyser Daniels-Baessler

Theses and Dissertations

The events of September 11th, 2001, prompted a global reckoning with the threat of international terrorism, leading to intensified awareness and policy responses worldwide. However, amidst this heightened global focus, the United States has faced a concerning rise in politically motivated violence on its soil. Against this backdrop, this thesis delves into the phenomenon of homegrown terrorism within the United States from 2000 to 2020. By employing advanced geospatial techniques, this study seeks to pinpoint areas nationwide with elevated rates of homegrown terrorist incidents. Moreover, it endeavors to uncover potential temporal correlations between these acts of violence and significant events, …

Diversity Across Disciplines: Student Response To Dei Content In College Curricula, Angela Pettitt

Theses and Dissertations

Discussion and inclusion of diversity-related topics in higher education are often confined to specific courses designated as fulfilling a university-mandated diversity requirement such as courses in women's studies, Black history or literature, Eastern religions, among others. Mainstream general education courses in disciplines such as psychology, chemistry, or communications typically do not address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) topics as part of the curriculum, even if individual textbooks, courses, or faculty work to improve such courses' pluralism. However, as the U.S. population becomes both more diverse and segregated, and as DEI initiatives come under fire from state legislators, students receive conflicting …

Should We Disaggregate Latino Youths Based On Ancestral Group When Examining Risk Factors Of Violent And Delinquent Behavior, Elvis G. Sevilla

Theses and Dissertations

Researchers frequently aggregate Latino subgroups during statistical analyses despite findings indicating that cultural distinctions within Latino subgroups have unintended hidden impacts on analyses. This study disaggregated the Latino sample to assess if Latino youth samples differ among subgroups (i.e., Mexicans/Mexican Americans, Cubans/Cuban Americans, Puerto Ricans, Central/South Americans, and other Latinos) who self-reported violent and nonviolent delinquent behavior. Also, this study used Sampson and Laub’s age-graded theory to investigate life-course characteristics that predicted violent and nonviolent delinquent behaviors. A two-step approach analysis determined the differences in violent and delinquent behaviors among Latino subgroups and then which life-course risk factors predicted the …

Examination Of The Differences And Similarities In The Classification Of Multiple Homicide Perpetrators, Lucy M. Papp

Theses and Dissertations

The applied dissertation compares the lifestyle and behavioral characteristics of mass, serial, and spree murderers. Historically, studies have focused on serial murder according to the perpetrator's typology or indicators at the crime scene. The current topics of research lack a comparison of these classifications. While the classification and described typologies are essential for academic and investigative purposes, understanding the impactful lifestyle factors of these perpetrators may also serve as an essential factor in predictive analysis, victimology, and the motive behind their heinous crimes.

The researcher collected data on the classifications for each type of multiple homicide perpetrator: mass, serial, and …

Strategies Teachers Use To Encourage Student Reading Motivation And Engagement In The High School Setting: A Generic Qualitative Study, Shelia Tate

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to provide an understanding of the practices and strategies used by Title 1 high school teachers to promote student reading motivation and engagement. Engaging students in the curriculum and motivating them to read is essential to a successful classroom experience. As districts move to a more prescribed curriculum with provided scope and sequence, teachers look for ways to engage their students and provide relevant resources to meet their students' needs creatively.

The researcher interviewed teachers to explore their beliefs, strategies, and practices for fostering student reading motivation and classroom engagement in high school. The guiding …

Female Offenders: Exploring Risk Factors For Adulthood Violence, Lauren N. Fowler

Theses and Dissertations

The number of females under correctional supervision has been increasing in the last four decades. For adult women, these offenses are generally drug offenses; however, there have also been increases in the number of women committing violent crimes. Unfortunately, violent females are an understudied population, which limits the data available to inform programs and policies that could address the problem. This study explored potential factors related to violent behavior among adult females by analyzing public-use data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ Survey of Prison Inmates, 2016. More specifically, violent and nonviolent state and federal female inmates were assessed regarding …

Exploring The Role Of The Teacher In Motivating Students To Learn Mathematics At Alternative High Schools, Anne-Marie Johanne Mohammed

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this applied dissertation was to provide an in-depth understanding of the teacher’s role in motivating students to learn mathematics at alternative high schools because motivation impacts academic achievement in mathematics. Students in South Florida must pass an end-of-course exam in algebra as a requirement to receive a high school diploma. Therefore, it is essential that students are motivated to learn the mathematics concepts that are necessary to pass the end-of-course exam. This research study was guided by the following research questions:

1. How and in what ways do mathematics teachers adjust and integrate instructional strategies to support …

Borophene And Graphene For Non-Enzymatic Biosensor- Ab-Initio Study, Omar A. Ismail

Theses and Dissertations

Non-enzymatic glucose sensing holds promise to overcome limitations associated with glucose oxidase, such as oxygen dependence and short shelf life. This study explores the potential sensing capabilities of borophene and graphene through direct interaction with various compounds, including β-glucose, uric acid, ascorbic acid, fructose, and acetaminophen. Using Density Functional Theory (DFT), we calculated binding energies and the respective Density of States (DOS) for these adsorbates on both graphene and borophene surfaces. Preliminary results suggest that borophene might exhibit nearly twice the affinity for β-glucose compared to graphene. Moreover, the calculated Density of States reveals distinct distortions in the electronic states …

Advancing Polymer Sustainability Through Custom Interpenetrating Polymer Network Synthesis, Processing, And Design, Alexandra Maria Lehman-Chong

Theses and Dissertations

The need for improving polymer sustainability is as ubiquitous as the role of polymers in modern society. Interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) design flexibility offers opportunities for improved polymer sustainability while balancing desired polymer properties for various applications. This work investigates the structure-property-processing relationships of IPNs judiciously designed under the framework of the polymer life cycle. Sustainable polymer design was largely considered at the feedstock and manufacturing stages while considering overall polymer performance. Chemicals from bio-based feedstocks were used to design a full simultaneous polybenzoxazine-epoxy IPN, focusing on the effects of monomer and polymer structure on polymer properties. Processing-property relationships were …

A Systems Approach To Process Design And Sustainability - Synergy Via Pollution Prevention, Control, And Source Reduction, Emmanuel Apau Aboagye

Theses and Dissertations

Historically, process design prioritized efficiency and profitability, often overlooking environmental and societal implications. However, given the global challenges like climate change and resource scarcity, there is a growing emphasis on embedding sustainability into process design. Adopting a systems-oriented approach provides a comprehensive view, spanning from raw material acquisition to end-of-life product management. Such an approach not only identifies potential sustainability challenges but ensures that solutions foster both environmental responsibility and economic viability. In this study, a comprehensive framework for designing industrial systems is introduced, aiming to encompass the entire lifecycle impacts of chemical processes. The research initially delves into two …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Porphyrin And Phthalocyanine-Based Photosensitizers For Energy And Biomedical Applications, Mavis Forson

Theses and Dissertations

Porphyrins have been widely used as photosensitizers in research due to their important role in many biological processes. Phthalocyanines have also gained interest in biological applications such as photodynamic therapy (PDT). This dissertation is focused on the synthesis of different photosensitizers for various applications. This dissertation's first section focuses on research involving synthesizing covalently bonded donor-acceptor systems as photosensitizers. Specifically in this work, two porphyrin-fullerene dyads were synthesized using a modified tetraphenyl porphyrin with varying bridges between the porphyrin and fullerene. Metal was incorporated in the porphyrin core to enhance the properties of the dyads as photosensitizers. Detailed photophysical properties, …

Improving The Quality Of Micronutrient Food Composition Data In Sub-Saharan Africa Using Predictive Analytics, Junior Mbuyamba Muka

Theses and Dissertations

High-quality food composition data are indispensable for decision making in several health, agricultural, and nutrition-related activities. Analytical data are the most accurate type of food composition data (FCD). Yet, most food composition databases (FCDBs) compiled in Sub-Saharan Africa only contain a small amount of analytical data collected from foods consumed in this region. Most of the data are either borrowed / copied from FCDBs collected in other parts of the world, calculated, imputed, or presumed data. Even with these alternative types, FCDBs in Sub-Saharan Africa have not reached a satisfactory level of completeness, as they still have missing data for …

Progress Towards The Development Of Asymmetric Conditions For Intramolecular Heteroatom/Dehydro-Diels-Alder Reactions For Synthesizing Furo[3,4-C] Pyranones And Anticancer Podophyllotoxins, Peter Mpaata

Theses and Dissertations

Furo[3,4-c] pyranone is a unique bicyclic molecular structure found in bioactive sesquiterpene isobolivianine and in artificial cytotoxic stilbene derivatives. The structure of furo[3,4-c] pyranone is analogous to cyclopenta[c] pyran structure found in potent cytotoxic iridoids like catapol. Chiral substrates for intramolecular hetero-Diels-Alder (IHDA) reaction have been synthesized in yields ranging from 39% to 81%. These compounds undergo [4+2] cycloaddition via ambimodal/ bispericyclic process to give a mixture of furo[3,4-c] pyranone in yields ranging 40-70% and aryl tetralin lactone derivatives. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed to gain insight into the mechanism leading to the formation of these compounds. …

Investigating The Geochemical Trends At The Sediment-Water Interface Of The Shallow And Eutrophic Utah Lake, Abidemi Sherif Aremu

Theses and Dissertations

The sources of phosphorus (P) in Utah Lake can be diverse, including natural and anthropogenic point and non-point sources, such as atmospheric deposition, soil erosion, and industrial and urban wastewater effluents. This study collected interface sediments, column water, porewater, and sediment cores across this vast water body. These samples were then analyzed for their mineralogic, organic, and elemental composition to characterize the geochemical nature of water and sediment at the water-sediment interface within Utah Lake. The average concentrations of P and other elements found in the column water of an individual site do not significantly differ across depth suggesting Utah …

Mechanical Characterization Of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotube Forest Microelectrodes For Neural Interfacing, Spencer Mcleod Roberts

Theses and Dissertations

Silicon intracortical microelectrodes arrays (MEA) provide some of the best performance for brain computer interfaces but suffer from lifetime limitations that prevent clinical adoption. A primary contributor of lifetime limitations is the chronic foreign body response (FBR) which remains active in response to the brain tissue strain caused by implanted probes during brain micromotion. Designing probes with softer materials can reduce the chronic FBR and improve device lifetime. A high-aspect ratio CNT MEA could provide several advantages as an intracortical MEA but has yet to be mechanically characterized. CNT MEAs are infiltrated with 3 degrees of carbon infiltration and mechanically …

Bridging The Gaps: Characterizing Alzheimer's Disease In Native Hawaiian And Pacific Islander Populations, Justina P. Tavana

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation addresses critical gaps in dementia research in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities. Focusing on Samoan and Tongan communities, the study successfully adapted and validated the AD8 informant interview and the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale in native languages, establishing these instruments as reliable tools for detecting cognitive impairment in these populations. The research process prioritized meaningful community engagement and forged partnerships with indigenous professionals, ensuring alignment with and responsiveness to the specific needs of the community. These invaluable connections were the foundation of making this difficult work possible. Subjects assessed with these adapted instruments were enrolled …

Portuguese Language Use Among First Generation Brazilian Immigrants In Utah County: Some Considerations About Language And Ethnic Identity, Simone Pizzio

Theses and Dissertations

The current study presents an investigation of the Portuguese language use among first generation Brazilian immigrants in Utah County. The research was carried out with 54 first generation immigrants. Several studies have shown that ethnic identity is related to shared cultural characteristics such as practices, beliefs, and languages (Liebkind, 2010; Pennycook, 2010; Reyes, 2010; Souza, 2016). This study explores the relationship between language and ethnic identity by analyzing the attitudes toward the Portuguese language, the contexts and factors that influence language choice, and the purposes for which the Portuguese language has been used by this selected group of immigrants. The …

Plant Material Selection And Seed Enhancement Technologies Improve Seed-Based Restoration In Dryland Systems, Travis G. Sowards

Theses and Dissertations

The restoration of large-scale heterogeneous landscapes is typically approached using seed-based restoration as a cost-effective means to achieve project goals and objectives. However, seeding is often met with low survival rates primarily driven by low seedling emergence and establishment. This dissertation investigates opportunities to enhance restoration focusing on 1) seed treatments, 2) plant materials, and 3) a synthesis of seeding strategies. • Fungal pathogenesis can cause high seedling mortality. Fungicide seed coatings used in the agriculture industry are novel to wildland restoration. We assess the effect a fungicide seed coating has on the recruitment of Pseudoroegneria spicata seedlings across a …

Effect Of Timing Of Energy Intake On Blood Glucose And Body Composition In Women With Overweight Or Class One Obesity, Michael Wade Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Overweight and obesity has increased in the U.S. Unfortunately, this increases the risk of metabolic dysfunction, such as diabetes. Meal timing has recently shown promise as viable options to minimize the risk of overweight or obesity and metabolic dysfunction. The primary purpose of this study, therefore, was to investigate the effect of timing of energy intake on blood glucose in females with overweight or class one obesity (BMI=27-35 kg/m2). This study utilized crossover design with two conditions counterbalanced in random order. Participants completed two 2-week 1500kcal dietary interventions: 1) a big breakfast diet or BB (50% of energy intake between …

In Vitro Observation Of Optical Changes In Whole Blood Due To Injection Of Glucose Solution, James Gordon Harkness

Theses and Dissertations

Significance: While the optical properties of blood have been extensively studied, the influence of glucose concentration on blood optics remains unquantified. This is information which could be used to develop a noninvasive blood glucose monitor. Aim: This in vitro study investigated the optics of blood. Time-dependent effects and various methods of introducing glucose into blood samples were examined. The study aimed to quantify how alterations in glucose levels impacted blood optics across 14 distinct NIR wavelengths. Approach: Blood in a cuvette was exposed to light, and the reflected and transmitted light was captured in integrating spheres. 14 distinct wavelengths from …

Linking Individual Behavior With Physiology To Understand Complex Life Histories, Doreen Cabrera

Theses and Dissertations

Life history strategies encompass a suite of co-evolved traits crucial for ensuring an individual's fitness, often evolving from trade-offs between traits competing for the same resources. Adult male crayfish in the Cambaridae family undergo seasonal morphological changes linked to reproductive status, a process called cyclic dimorphism. In this dissertation, we attempt to understand how cyclic dimorphism evolved in non-native northern crayfish (Faxonius virilis). First, in Chapter 1, we review empirical studies that have assessed animal personality across developmental periods. The results show that personality traits tend to be stable within life stages but not across developmental events. In Chapter 2, …

Advanced Separations And Mass Spectrometry Data Acquisition Strategies To Improve Sensitivity And Throughput In Single-Cell Proteomics, Thy Truong

Theses and Dissertations

Single Cell Proteomics (SCP) is an emerging discipline that contributes to a deeper understanding of individual cells' essential components. In biological systems, individual cells exhibit remarkable diversity, showcasing distinct proteomic profiles and functions. Mass Spectrometry (MS)-based techniques have become essential tools for exploring the proteomes of single cells with remarkable precision. While traditional bulk proteomics methods have been invaluable in revealing the overall protein composition of biological samples, they fall short in capturing the subtle nuances and heterogeneity among individual cells in a population. This limitation emphasizes the need for more targeted and detailed analyses to uncover the protein makeup …

Techniques In Multi-Omics Data Integration To Develop A Novel Proteogenomics Framework For Identification Of Proteoforms, Kanishka Manna

Theses and Dissertations

Multi-omics experimental approaches are becoming a mainstream practice in systems biology underlining the need to design new integrative techniques and applications to enable the multi-scale characterization of different types of diseases for targeted therapy. Proteogenomics, a sub-field within the broad field of multi-omics incorporates techniques to integrate genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics data for efficient identification of novel proteoforms or protein isoforms. There are multitude of challenges when applying proteogenomics analyses, such as improper integration of each omics data type, missing structural annotations, inefficient identification of splice-junctions, novel genes, etc. This dissertation will outline a novel and integrative proteogenomics pipeline that …

Isolation And Characterization Of Nut Shell Proteins From Arachis Hypogea Linn. And Cocos Nucifera Linn. And Its Effect On Macrophage Activation To Treat Visceral Leishmaniasis, Suhatha S

Theses and Dissertations

Glycoproteins are among several immunomodulatory agents known to activate the innate immune system. Plant derived glycoproteins are a generous source of glycoproteins that could be utilized as cost effective preparations for therapeutics. Isolating glycoproteins from agricultural by- products with the intention to use them against Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) was the focus in this doctoral study. The two nut shells, Arachis hypogea L. (Groundnut) and Cocos nucifera L. (Coconut), were used for the isolation of glycoprotein used in the study. Crude glycoproteins from the A. hypogea L. (AHP-C) were isolated and fractioned. AHP-F2 was identified as 28.37 kDa Mannose/Glucose binding lectin …