Digital Commons Network^™

First-Year Students: Investigating The Impact Of Participating In A Mathematics Learning Community, Lindsay Barrie

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate how participating in a mathematics learning community can impact a first-year students’ experience in college. The total population in the Math Learning Community (MLC) was 40, 36 of these members participated in a survey and five volunteered to participate in an interview. The survey collected demographic information and responses to statements regarding the students’ transition to college, their connectedness to Rowan, their peer interaction, faculty interaction, and their overall satisfaction at Rowan. The interview questions asked about their most and least satisfying aspects of participating in the MLC and what recommendations they …

Design Maps For Fracture Resistant Functionally Graded Materials, Muhammad Ridwan Murshed

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this research is to generate design maps to identify functionally graded microstructures with enhanced fracture toughness. Several Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs) with an edge crack and membrane loading are considered and the resulting J-integral values are computed numerically using Finite Element Analysis. In order to capture the resulting stress fields accurately, Barsoum elements are used in the vicinity of the crack tip and the simulations are carried out for several crack lengths (a) and material contrasts (κ). The averages of the J-integral values are used to determine the normalized Stress Intensity Factors which are then benchmarked with …

Effects Of Ultra-Violet B On The Behavior Of Red-Eared Sliders (Trachemys Scripta Elegans), Edgar Alarcon

Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to test the predictions that (1) turtles raised under mercury vapor artificial lamps will display the greatest amount of time spent in ultra-violet zones, and (2) turtles are able to differentiate between UVB and non-UVB light sources. Prediction 1 was partially supported, while prediction 2 was met.

Influence Of Social Status On Spatial Attention In African Cichlids (Astatotilapia Burtoni), Rebecca Bang

Theses and Dissertations

The present study used subordinate and dominant African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni to test the hypothesis that social status will influence the perception of spatial cues during startle escape behavior. Our results show escape behavior that imply a focused spatial attention to potential threats in dominant fish.

The Effect Of Play Group On The Behavior Of Shelter Dogs, Stephanie Flower

Theses and Dissertations

This study looked at two groups of dogs, one which attended play group prior to receiving their behavior evaluation and one that did not. The group that attended play group showed significantly lower scores when looking at the dog to dog portion of the behavior evaluation.

In The Eyes Of The Beholder: Pet Owners’ Attitude Toward Animals And Perception Of Their Pet’S Behavior, Suzanne K. Remito

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the relationship between pet owners’ attitude toward animals and perception of their pet’s behavior. Pet owners completed an online questionnaire regarding their pro-animal welfare attitude and pet’s behavior. The results indicate that gender and previous pet ownership are related to a person’s attitude toward animals.

The Father Motive: Predicting The Impact Of Father Attitudes On Involvement, Nathan Lovell Robbins

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects that a man's attitudes towards fathering have on the level of involvement with his children. Of particular interest was whether fathering attitudes moderated some of the more consistent predictors of involvement, such as relationship quality, maternal gatekeeping, mother's and father's employment hours, a man's history with his own father, family structure, and child characteristics. A sample of 2300 men was used to evaluate the effects of fathering attitudes on engagement and warmth among children ages 2 to 8 and 9 to 11. Results indicate an inconsistent main effect between fathering …

South Padre Island Beach Management: Assessment Of Dune Restoration, Shelby Rose Bessette

Theses and Dissertations

Dune restoration is a common method of increasing coastal resilience. A dune restoration program was initiated by the City of South Padre Island, TX in 2010 consisting primarily of plantings of Sea Oats, Uniola paniculata, and Bitter Panicum, Panicum amarum and has continued approximately annually thereafter. These restoration efforts were evaluated in this study by comparing dune ecological structure and function among reference sites and restoration plots ranging in age from 2 to 5 years. Plant and animal communities were examined using a combination of quadrat sampling, funnel traps, pit-falls and sweep nets. Soil organic content and soil electric …

Analysis Of Artificial Neural Networks In The Diagnosing Of Breast Cancer Using Fine Needle Aspirates, Janette Vazquez

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines how Artificial Neural Networks can be used to classify a set of samples from a fine needle aspirate dataset. The dataset is composed of various different attributes, each of which are used to come to the conclusion as to whether a sample is benign or malignant. To automate the process of analyzing the various attributes and coming to a correct prediction, a neural network was implemented. First, a Feedforward Neural Network was trained with the dataset using a Backpropagation training method and an activation sigmoid function with one hidden layer in the architecture of the network. After …

Perceptual Determinants Of Consumption Philanthropy Donation Intentions: Consumption Or Philanthropy?, Nese Nasif

Theses and Dissertations

Consumption philanthropy is the concurrent consumption of self-interested products while contributing to a charitable cause. Although this overarching notion has been widely investigated in the context of cause-related marketing, there has been little work done in marketing or other disciplines in its alternative context of donor giving behavior. Thus, the current research conceptually develops and empirically investigates a model of consumption philanthropy donation intentions (CPDI) where a potentially valued gift is offered in return for a monetary donation by an individual consumer. The conceptual model integrates three fundamental frameworks from marketing and psychology, as well as incorporates a multi-disciplinary body …

Repair Severed Nerve Connections Through A Multi-Branch Microchannel Scaffold To Control The Direction Of The Regenerated Nerve, Luis Enrique Castanuela Ramon

Theses and Dissertations

Damage to the peripheral nervous system may result in functional abnormalities due to disrupted nerve connections. Existing methods of repairing severed nerve connections in the peripheral nervous system have limitations and disadvantages such as a limited availability of donor nerves and a lack of control of the direction of nerve regeneration within nerve conduits. A handcrafted multi-branch microchannel scaffold improves upon the current methods of nerve repair by incorporating microchannels, which guide and accommodate the nerve regeneration to distal ends, allowing for the treatment of nerve injuries involving multiple branches with fewer surgeries. This scaffold is also made more accessible …

Biocompatible Microchannel Scaffold With Microwires For Recording Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Neural Spikes, Manisankar Chennamsetti

Theses and Dissertations

A new process for the fabrication of a microchannel scaffold with microwires for peripheral nerve applications is presented. This microchannel scaffold implemented between the ends of nerves, the axons of which regenerate through microchannel in scaffold and fixed microelectrodes. This device is entirely handcrafted using commercially available materials such as microwires, PDMS film, liquid PDMS, dental cement, and epoxy glue. This device was implemented in the a Lewis rat sciatic nerve to better analyze the electrical signals of regenerated axons. 64-electrode microchannel scaffolds were developed for both peripheral nerve interfacing and peripheral nerve regeneration. The microwires were used for recording …

The Effect Of Manganese (Mn) On Cell Proliferation And Migration In The Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (Mcf-7) Human Breast Cancer Cell Line In Vitro, Justin Lloyd Wendel

Theses and Dissertations

Manganese (Mn) is a common environmental element necessary for mammalian physiological processes. However, dietary excess or deficiency can lead to detrimental health effects. Therefore, I investigated the effect Mn has on breast cancer progression in vitro. Utilizing MCF-7 breast cancer cells an MTT assay was performed to identify proliferative potential. After 5 days, results showed 100 nM manganese chloride (MnCl2) had a significant (p<0.01) increase in cell number over control. Using a scratch wound-healing assay, 100 nM MnCl2 was found to increase cellular motility as well as induce a possible change in morphology and cytoskeletal organization. Given Mn was shown to localize in the mitochondrial, we investigated Mn-induced ROS expression. 500 nM Mn significantly decreased (p<0.05) ROS levels. Collectively, I provide evidence that Mn may potentially drive less aggressive cancer cells towards a more invasive phenotype.

Characterizing Mesophotic Reef Fish Communities At Five South Texas Relic Coral-Algal Banks, Linda Marie Jordan

Theses and Dissertations

The South Texas Banks are a mesophotic coral ecosystem (30-150m deep). Understanding the community structure, biodiversity and, geographic connectivity of the South Texas Banks is essential with increasing threats from climate change, ocean acidification, invasive species, and pollution. In this study, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) was used to examine the fish communities at five of the South Texas Banks: Big Adam, Hospital, Mysterious, North Hospital, and Southern. Reef fish were identified to the lowest possible taxon and enumerated from ROV transect video footage. A total of 3,838 demersal and pelagic fishes were recorded representing 61 species in 22 families …

Randomness, Information Encoding, And Shape Replication In Various Models Of Dna-Inspired Self-Assembly, Eric M. Martinez

Theses and Dissertations

Self-assembly is the process by which simple, unorganized components autonomously combine to form larger, more complex structures. Researchers are turning to self-assembly technology for the design of ever smaller, more complex, and precise nanoscale devices, and as an emerging fundamental tool for nanotechnology.

We introduce the robust random number generation problem, the problem of encoding a target string of bits in the form of a bit string pad, and the problem of shape replication in various models of tile-based self-assembly. Also included are preliminary results in each of these directions with discussion of possible future work directions.

Investigating Project-Based Learning (Pbl) In A Stem School In Egypt: A Case Study, Hamada Ahmed Elfarargy

Theses and Dissertations

The initiative of STEM Schools in Egypt with a boys’ school in 6th of October and a girls’ school in Maadi can be considered a turning point in the teaching and learning of science and mathematics in Egypt. Applying Project-based learning (PBL) in STEM schools is innovative to the educational system in Egypt. Project-based learning is the main pedagogical method representing 60% of students’ final scores in grade one and two and 20% of students’ final scores in grade three for STEM School students. The goal of this study was to investigate PBL in 6th of October STEM High school …

Geographic Range Limits In Salamanders: Interactions Between Physiological And Behavioral Systems, Timothy Allen Clay

Theses and Dissertations

Understanding the relationship between species distributions and their underlying mechanisms is a major question in ecology and evolutionary biology. The mechanisms involved and the degree to which they affect distributions vary among and within species. Examining the diversity of these mechanisms through behavioral, physiological, and integrative approaches can further our knowledge of the evolution of such traits and the maintenance of biodiversity and geographic distributions. Many of these traits may be conserved after speciation, therefore examination should be thorough, involve many species, and incorporate a phylogenetic approach. The salamanders in the genus Plethodon are an ideal system to test predictions …

P53 Alters The Cytotoxicity And Genotoxicity For Oxidized Graphene In Human B Lymphoblastoid Cells, Dayton Matthew Petibone

Theses and Dissertations

Widespread use of oxidized graphene nanomaterials in industry, medicine, and consumer products raises concern about potential adverse impacts on human health. The p53 tumor suppressor protein is crucial to maintaining cellular and genetic stability to prevent carcinogenesis. Here, we show that oxygen functionalized graphene (f-G) absorption and p53 functional status correlate with cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in human B-lymphoblastoid cells. Trends in f G absorption by were dose-dependent. Cells with functional p53 exposed to f-G arrested in G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, suppressed f-G induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), and had elevated apoptosis. While compared to p53 competent cells, the …

Structural And Functional Roles Of Proteins Modulating Aggregation In Multiple Neurodegenerative Diseases, Meenakshisundaram Balasubramaniam Balasubramaniam

Theses and Dissertations

Age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases form neurotoxic protein aggregates containing both disease-specific initiator ('seed') proteins and shared components that are common to multiple neuropathies (e.g., TDP-43, α-synuclein, hyper-phosphorylated tau). To date, the protein compositions of aggregates and the functional roles of shared components, in aggregation and disease progression, have not been fully explored. This dissertation investigated common aggregation-prone proteins, identified to promote aggregation and toxicity in multiple neurodegenerative disease models. Proteomic analysis of muscle aggregates from Caenorhabditis elegans expressing unc-54p/ Q40::YFP (a model of Huntington's disease) which forms aggregates in muscle, identified proteins that co-aggregate with long polyglutamine tracts. Functional analysis uncovered …

Overview Of The Phytoplankton And Water Quality Of Lake Maumelle For 2009, Rich Shaver

Theses and Dissertations

Since 1989 the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and Central Arkansas Water (CAW) have collected water quality and phytoplankton samples from Lake Maumelle in Central Arkansas. These samples were collected from three locations within the reservoir. Phytoplankton samples for 2009 were identified to genus and counted. The phytoplankton did not follow a typical succession pattern for north temperate lakes. Starting in late winter, Chlorophyta tended to be the dominant division followed by Cyanophyta in the fall. Diversity was relatively high at all sampling locations and no differences among sites were detected. Total phosphorus appeared to be the limiting nutrient. Based …

The Importance Of Data Quality In Using Health Information Exchange (Hie) Networks To Improve Health Outcomes: Case Study Of A Hie Extracted Dataset Of Patients With Congestive Heart Failure Participating In A Regional Hie, Marie-Astrid L. Cartron-Mizeracki

Theses and Dissertations

Expenditures on health information technology (HIT) for healthcare organizations are growing exponentially and the value of it is the subject of criticism and skepticism. Because HIT is viewed as capable of improving major health care indicators, the government offers incentives to health care providers and organizations to implement solutions. However HIT implementation is still subject to numerous technical, financial and organizational barriers. Health Information Exchange (HIE) networks are examples of HIT implementations that have been shown to assist healthcare providers in exchanging data and facilitating patient care through the circulation of critical clinical information between health care organizations statewide and …

Role Of Endoplasmic Reticulum Resident Proteins In Mediation Of Intrinsic Programmed Cell Death (Apoptosis), Surya Pramila Kilaparty

Theses and Dissertations

Inositol polyphosphates (InsPs) are signaling molecules that regulate various cellular processes including apoptosis. Among enzymes that metabolize InsPs, Multiple Inositol Polyphosphate Phosphatase1 (Minpp1) is the only enzyme located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). It dephosphorylates more phosphorylated InsPs to less phosphorylated InsPs in vitro. Changes in cellular InsPs are known to regulate apoptosis. Minpp1 is a member of the histidine acid phosphatase family of proteins with functional resemblance to phytases found in lower organisms. Its physiological function in higher animals is not clear. Besides its role in dephosphorylating InsPs, it has been shown to have mutase activity. This enzyme is …

The Evolving Role Of Higher Education In Community Engagement And Economic Development, Kelly Hunt Lyon

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study uses grounded theory to develop a substantive level theory (Glaser and Strauss, 1967) of a non-traditional approach to economic development and community engagement in 42 economic development and community engagement projects at 30 higher education institutions in 22 states. Institutions include research universities, land-grants, and community colleges. Documents were from the University Economic Development Association (UEDA), the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), and the National Association of Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) during 2012-2013. Primary characteristics of projects included: student participation, regional alignment, faculty involvement, networks. Secondary characteristics included: built spaces, funding, and mentorship.

Analysis Of The Stress - Inducible Carotenoid - Binding Protein Complex From Synechocystis Pcc 6803, Soumana Daddy Gaoh

Theses and Dissertations

Photosynthetic organisms experience continuous fluctuation in their environment, including changes in light conditions and nutrient availability. These organisms adjust their photosynthetic activity to balance light absorption with the energetic and growth requirements of the cell. This organization provides a mechanism to reduce the formation of potentially damaging reactive oxygen species that result from excessive illumination and excitation of pigment molecules. Cyanobacteria, probable progenitors of chloroplasts, are ancient photosynthetic prokaryotes that have adapted successfully to diverse and adverse environments. Their widespread occurrence and fascinating acclimation capability has rendered them the largest group of photosynthetic prokaryotes on our planet. How these organisms …

Regulation Of Plant Productivity By Carbon-Based Nanomaterials: Approach And Evaluation Of Risks, Mohamed Hassen Lahiani

Theses and Dissertations

Carbon-based nanomaterials (CBN) are a unique type of nanomaterials with promising application in different fields including, medicine, genetic engineering, and plant biology. Nanomaterials-plant interaction is a new and emerging area of Nanobiotechnology. Some nano-sized materials are described as promising candidates for the regulation of plant growth, reduction of plant diseases, and delivery of molecules (herbicides, DNA, proteins) inside plant cells and to specific tissues. This study evaluated the potential use of different CBN to stimulate seed germination and plant growth of wide-range of valuable crops. We demonstrated the positive effect of short-term and long-term CBN exposure on the seed germination, …

When Winter Causes Loss: Surviving A Decade Of Pain, Sharon Vanice Bealer

Theses and Dissertations

I struggled with pain and depression for approximately ten years after my mother’s death from cervical cancer at age forty-three. I felt anxious, hopeless, and pessimistic, along with guilt, shame, and overall worthlessness. I endured these maladies for almost ten years—until Bethany, Ingrid, Liza, and Pam helped me to overcome them through experiential role modeling and loving kindness. While all the stories in this book are true, names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of the people involved. In some cases, events have been compressed and occasionally embroidered. Some parts have also been changed to varying …

Steady State Configurations Of Cells Connected By Cadherin Sites, Jared Adam Mcbride

Theses and Dissertations

Many cells employ cadherin complexes (c-sites) on the cell membrane to attach to neighboring cells, as well as integrin complexes (i-sites) to attach to a substrate in order to accomplish cell migration. This paper analyzes a model for the motion of a group of cells connected by c-sites. We begin with two cells connected by a single c-site and analyze the resultant motion of the system. We find that the system is irrotational. We present a result for reducing the number of c-sites in a system with c-sites between pairs of cells. This greatly simplifies the general system, and provides …

Studies Toward Yaku'amide A And Synthesis And Applications Of Bulky Α,Β-Dehydroamino Acids, Jintao Jiang

Theses and Dissertations

Yaku'amide A shows a unique inhibitory profile against a series of 39 human cancer cell lines (JFCR39). In our efforts to synthesize yaku'amide A, we have optimized our regioselective base-free aminohydroxylation method with a series of nitrogen sources, developed a chiral reagent-mediated aminohydroxylation strategy and chemoselective deprotections of the resulting aminohydroxylation product, and explored a stereospecific E2 dehydration and O-N acyl transfer sequence. In addition, we have prepared the right-hand tetrapeptide and the NTA subunit. For our bulky α,β-dehydroamino acids project, we have developed strategies to incorporate α,β-dehydroamino acids such as ΔVal and ΔEnv into small synthetic peptides via Solid …

The Effect Of Marital Therapy On Physical Affection, Tiffany Ann Migdat

Theses and Dissertations

Research indicates that marital satisfaction is associated with levels of physical affection between partners. This is important because there is evidence of physical and mental health benefits of physical affection. Although past research has shown that marital therapy increases levels of marital and sexual satisfaction, the association between marital therapy and physical affection has not been explored. This study used a treatment group and a control group of 108 married couples to assess the relationship between marital therapy and physical affection over a course of 12 weeks. Using structural equation modeling and an actor partner analytic model, results indicated that …

Pathways To Marriage: Relationship History And Emotional Health As Individual Predictors Of Romantic Relationship Formation, Garret Tyler Roundy

Theses and Dissertations

The process of forming a committed, romantic relationship is described as a developmental phenomenon that cannot be accurately viewed without the context of prior relationship experiences because the social competencies that facilitate successful navigation of the tasks of relationship formation are developed in relationships. Furthermore, a cumulative relationship history that has a negative influence may lead to poor emotional health, further disrupting relationship formation processes through that mechanism. Hypotheses were tested using data from a prospective longitudinal study of participants (218 women, 174 men) who were not in a romantic relationship at initial data collection and reported on their relationship …