Digital Commons Network^™

Designing A Genetics-Based Bibliotherapy Model For Children With Inborn Errors Of Metabolism, Kaitlyn Abagail Gmitro

Theses and Dissertations

Bibliotherapy is a psychotherapy technique utilized to teach individuals about concepts through the use of literature and the arts. The primary aim of this research was to examine how a bibliotherapy model could be applied to improve diet and treatment adherence for people affected with Inborn Errors of Metabolism. Prior to this research, no paper has proposed a tailored bibliotherapy approach for genetic conditions. Through analysis of the caregiver-child relationship and disclosure process and the perceived support needs of both caregivers and providers caring for children with IEMS, our goal was to propose a bibliotherapy model to improve adherence and …

Intimate Partner Violence In Post-Conflict Communities: The Case Of Peru, Karen Eliana León Negreiros

Theses and Dissertations

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health issue worldwide and the most common type of violence experienced by women. In the last decade, a growing number of studies have evidenced that situations of civil conflict, post-conflict, and displacement can significantly exacerbate IPV and increase the likelihood of experiencing IPV later in life. This study expands on the literature by taking a Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping approach to understand how civil conflict violence in Peru (1980-2000) is associated with IPV rates in the country, 4 years (2004) and 19 years (2019) after the conflict. Study results evidence the …

Experimental And Numerical Analysis Of Fluidization Of Pelletized Activated Carbon Columns: Effects Of Glass Bead Retention Layer, Amin Nemati Tamar

Theses and Dissertations

In pressure swing adsorption (PSA) processes there is always a desire to process as much gas as possible in the smallest beds possible. This necessarily leads to velocities that, especially during pressure-changing steps, may exceed the adsorbent particle fluidization velocity within the bed. To prevent the possibility of bed expansion and fluidization bed retention systems are usually employed at the top of the bed in the form of dense beads, bags of the same or springs, otherwise the mechanical integrity of the adsorbent might become compromised. PSA process simulation, based on Archimedes’ force balance involving weight, buoyancy and the drag …

The Effects Of Acute Nutrient Intake On Raw Segmental Bioelectrical Impedance Values And Fluid Shifts In Premenopausal Women, Callie Unrein

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Raw bioimpedance measures—impedance (Z), resistance (R), reactance (Xc), and phase angle (PhA)—are emerging tools to assess hydration, cellular integrity, and muscle quality. While multifrequency bioimpedance analysis (MF-BIA) can detect acute physiological shifts, its sensitivity to nutrient intake, especially across hormonal phases in women, remains underexplored. Purpose: This study investigated how essential amino acids (EAA), carbohydrates (CHO), and water (CON) influence postprandial segmental bioimpedance and fluid distribution in healthy women, and whether these responses vary by menstrual hormone phase. Methods: Twenty-two recreationally active women (18–40 years) underwent serial MF-BIA (InBody 970) assessments during high- and low-hormone phases, randomized to one …

Estimating Proximity To Failure Using Repetitions In Reserve In Adults Treated For Cancer, Kylah Elizabeth Jackson

Theses and Dissertations

BACKGROUND: There is a consensus from governing bodies that more evidence is needed in understanding how to properly prescribe, monitor and progress resistance training (RT) in oncology populations. Repetitions in reserve (RIR) has been demonstrated as a quick/easy tool to monitor proximity to failure and interventions using RIR have shown promise in improving muscle strength and mass in older adults and apparently healthy populations. However, the validity of RIR in RT in oncology has yet to be examined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of RIR predications in individuals treated for cancer in a pragmatic …

Stories Between The Stacks: Current Black Women School Librarians' Lived Experiences, Cynthia R. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Black women school librarians navigate complex professional landscapes shaped by their lived experiences, intersecting identities, and systemic barriers. Despite their significant contributions to school librarianship, their perspectives remain largely absent from scholarly work. This qualitative study explored how the lived experiences and positionalities of Black women school librarians shape their practices. It addressed the critical gap in research on Black women school librarians. Grounded in Black Critical Theory (BlackCrit) and guided by Black feminist-womanist storytelling, this study employs a narrative approach to explore the experiences of four Black women school librarians in the Southeastern Region of the United States. Data …

From Pregnancy To Postpartum: A Longitudinal Analysis Of Maternal Depressive Symptoms And Hemoglobin Concentration In Uttar Pradesh, India, Abdullah Nurus Salam Khan

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Perinatal depression and maternal anemia impact maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, and infant growth in low- and middle-income countries. This study examines the prevalence and risk factors of these conditions during pregnancy and postpartum in rural Uttar Pradesh, India. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted among 475 pregnant women recruited during early pregnancy (≤20 weeks gestation) and followed through late pregnancy (≥27 weeks) and postpartum (< 42 days of childbirth). The outcome variables were, i) depressive symptoms, assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and ii) hemoglobin concentrations, measured using HemoCue Hb 301 analyzer from capillary blood. Multivariable linear regression examined associations of the outcome variables with sociodemographic, obstetric, nutritional, interpersonal, and perinatal factors. Path analysis evaluated direct and indirect paths influencing postpartum hemoglobin. Results: Prevalence of probable depression (EPDS score≥13) peaked in early pregnancy (24%) and declined in late pregnancy (17%) and postpartum (4%). Mean hemoglobin declined from early (10.5 g/dL) to late pregnancy (9.7 g/dL), and partially recovering in postpartum (10.4 g/dL). Household food insecurity was associated with higher depressive symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum (early pregnancy:β=2.61, p=0.011; late pregnancy:β=2.84, p< 0.001; postpartum:β=1.40, p=0.023). Psychological intimate partner violence was associated with greater depressive symptoms in early pregnancy (β=3.19, p=0.001). Receiving more antenatal visits was associated with decrease in depressive symptoms in late pregnancy (β=-0.46, p=0.001) and hemoglobin at postpartum (β=-0.11, p=0.070). Consumption of more food groups was associated with increase in depressive symptoms (β=0.63, p=0.004) and hemoglobin in late pregnancy (β=0.10, p=0.026). Iron folic acid (IFA) consumption was associated with increase in hemoglobin in late pregnancy (β=0.01, p< 0.001) and postpartum (β=0.004, p=0.031). Experiencing postpartum health complications was associated with increase in depressive symptoms (β=0.41, p=0.013) and decrease in hemoglobin concentrations (β=-0.18, p=0.036). Antenatal hemoglobin concentrations mediated the associations of IFA supplementation and dietary diversity with postpartum concentrations. Conclusion: Perinatal depression was associated with socioeconomic vulnerabilities, food insecurity, and intimate partner violence, while hemoglobin concentrations were associated with maternal nutrition and perinatal care. Integrating mental health services and comprehensive nutrition interventions into antenatal and postpartum care can improve psychological and physical well-being of mothers during and after pregnancy.

Augmenting Deep Learning For Efficient Nextg Wireless Communication And Sensing Systems, Hem Kanta Regmi

Theses and Dissertations

Wireless networks have become an integral aspect of our daily lives. Over the years, earlier generations of wireless networks have enabled some innovative applications, such as wireless gaming, fast internet browsing, and home automation, which were previously unattainable. However, to support emerging technologies like autonomous driving, virtual reality, telemedicine, and intelligent manufacturing, which require high data throughput and low latency, there is a need for advanced wireless networks. Legacy networks like WiFi/LTE, which operate below 6 GHz, have limited bandwidth and are insufficient to fulfill the high data throughput demands of several applications. Millimeter-wave (mmWave) networks, operating between 30 GHz …

Approaches To Teaching Music Reading To Students With Dyslexia: A Guide For Piano Teachers, Olivia Grace Bradstreet Colomaio

Theses and Dissertations

Dyslexia is the most common learning disability in the United States, affecting approximately one in five individuals. According to the DSM-V-TR, the ICD-11, and the International Dyslexia Association, dyslexia is a Specific Learning Disorder that causes issues with phonological processing, sequencing of information and information processing, word recognition, reading fluency, and other issues. Due to its prevalence, the chances of piano teachers encountering a student with dyslexia in their teaching studios is highly likely. However, there is relatively little research available for piano teachers of students with dyslexia. In the music lesson, common areas of struggle for students with dyslexia …

Healing Histories: Implementing Trauma-Informed Care Practices In Libraries To Support Resilience And Recovery, Cearra Harris

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigated the impact of public library closure on the Edgewood community in Columbia, South Carolina, an area with a rich history and significant ties to the two nearby historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Benedict College and Allen University. It explored the intergenerational effects of historical trauma through the lens of collective memory, as documented in oral histories from community members and public library staff. The research aimed to understand the implications of the library's absence in a marginalized community context, emphasizing how such closures can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. Through oral histories, questionnaires, and interviews, the findings reveal …

Multiscale Modeling Techniques For Electrodynamic Systems, Hunter Teel

Theses and Dissertations

In order to rapidly develop better electromagnetic and electrochemical systems, approaching these complicated topics from multiple perspectives is necessary. The use of mathematical models and numerical simulation offers the ability to evaluate and predict the performance of these systems based off the principles of electrodynamics in an ideal setting. Through the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), representative geometries of scales can be created and evaluated to provide insight into the behavior of these systems. Simulation offers a modifiable environment that can approach the relevant physics from both the microscale and macroscale. Conclusions, results, boundary conditions, or other information from …

Newborn Screening For X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy: Experiences, Perspectives, And Future Directions For Genetic Counseling, Sophia Salvatore

Theses and Dissertations

There is a notable lack of research regarding genetic counseling practices for infants with screen-positive results for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) via newborn screening (NBS). The exploratory study aimed to understand the experiences of genetic counselors providing follow-up care for these infants, assess the complexities associated with NBS for X-ALD, identify potential gaps in genetic counseling practices, and describe the subsequent impact on patient care. A mixed-methods approach was utilized, incorporating an initial survey and optional semi-structured interviews with practicing genetic counselors who had seen a minimum of five cases of infants with screen-positive results for X-ALD in the last two …

The Role Of B Cells In Promoting Lipid Absorption By Promoting Lacteal Development, Kenny Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The absorption of dietary lipids in the gut is necessary to maintain the metabolic tone of tissues. Inflammation in the gut can cause defects in lipid absorption, which can result in tissue wasting, otherwise known as cachexia. Cachexia is commonly observed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and cancer patients. The underlying cause of cachexia is unknown, and there are currently no effective therapeutic options available to treat it. Lymphatic drainage in the small intestine (SI) is specialized to promote the transport of dietary lipids into circulation. Lacteals are blunt-ended lymphatic vessels localized to the central axes of villi in …

A Novel Geometric Modeling Kernel For Automated Fiber Placement, Rowen Burney

Theses and Dissertations

Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) is a key manufacturing technique for producing high-performance composite structures, yet existing geometric modeling frameworks lack the specialized functionality required for efficient toolpath planning and laminate optimization. This work presents Knots, a Geometric Modeling Kernel (GMK) developed specifically to address these limitations by providing a unified geometric foundation tailored for AFP. Unlike general-purpose Computer Aided Design (CAD) libraries, Knots is optimized for AFP, offering specialized geometric operations that streamline the transition from design to manufacturing. It directly manages the loading and computation of geometric data, ensuring structured laminate generation while supporting automation and scripting for improved …

Exploring Teacher Perspectives Of Literacy Instruction For Students With Behavioral Needs, Lauren Dalton Astle

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the perceptions of elementary teachers who have implemented effective literacy instruction strategies to enhance the reading skills of students with significant behavioral challenges in general education classrooms. Recognizing that students with behavioral issues often face amplified academic and social difficulties, the study highlights the necessity of robust literacy instruction to foster academic success. Nineteen teachers, whose students achieved at least 85% student progress in reading as assessed by the Acadience Learning assessments, were interviewed to gather their perceptions of effective instructional practices. The findings identified four critical themes: teacher efficacy, instructional design, an intentional learning environment, and …

Evaluating And Improving U.S. National Water Model Evapotranspiration Estimates Through Eddy-Covariance Flux Tower Observations And Machine Learning Post-Processing, Abin Raj Chapagain

Theses and Dissertations

Despite ET's critical importance in the hydrological cycle, very little has been done to provide ET forecasts at a national level. This study comprises two research chapters examining the National Water Model's (NWM) evapotranspiration (ET) simulations. In Chapter II, we conducted the first comprehensive NWM ET model performance assessment by comparing simulations to eddy-covariance flux tower measurements across the Continental United States (CONUS) on a high-resolution, 1 KM square grid. We clustered results by National Weather Service (NWS) River Forecast Centers (RFCs), land cover classifications, elevation bands, and Köppen-Geiger Climate Zones. The NWM performs best in the Northeast and Ohio …

A Study To Identify The Causal Rare Genetic Variants In Primary Open And Closed Angle Glaucoma, Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome, And Associated Glaucoma, Suganya K

Theses and Dissertations

BACKGROUND: Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness globally typically diagnosed with a triad of clinical symptoms of increased intraocular pressure (IOP) with associated optic disc, optic nerve head (ONH) changes, and visual field defects. Genetic and environmental factors are some of the strong aetiology factors for glaucoma and identification of these factors has a potential implication in the management of the disease and its outcome. There is a paradigm shift towards understanding the genetics of glaucoma, wherein the variants in the nuclear, mitochondrial genome and other regulatory regions are being identified as contributing risk factors.

METHODOLOGY AND …

Comparing The Effects Of Square, 4-7-8, And 6 Breaths-Per-Minute Breathing Conditions On Heart Rate Variability, Co2 Levels, And Mood, Joshua Marchant

Theses and Dissertations

Background and Hypotheses: Square and 4-7-8 breathing are popularly promoted by psychotherapists but have little empirical support. We hypothesized that breathing at 6 breaths per minute (bpm) would improve HRV, reduce blood pressure, and improve mood more than either square or 4-7-8 breathing. We also hypothesized square and 4-7-8 breathing would increase end-tidal CO2 (PETCO2). Methods: Eighty-four college students (60% female) had HRV measured at baseline and during 1) square breathing, 2) 4-7-8 breathing, 3) 6 bpm with a 4:6 inhale-to-exhale ratio, and 4) 6 bpm with a 5:5 ratio. We used a 3-lead electrocardiogram to measure HRV and a …

Modeling And Characterization Of On-Orbit Servicing Architectures For Efficient Mission Planning, Samantha Q. Vi Tang

Theses and Dissertations

As space-based systems become increasingly critical to global infrastructure, efficient satellite maintenance and resource management have become essential to ensuring operational longevity. On-orbit servicing has emerged as a key strategy for extending satellite lifespans, mitigating space debris accumulation, and enhancing the cost effectiveness of space operations. This study presents a comprehensive mixed-integer programming (MIP) model to optimize servicer task assignments and routing while minimizing propellant consumption. The model captures the operational complexities of servicing a network of satellites across multiple orbits by incorporating realistic constraints, such as fuel limitations and task completion time windows. Sensitivity analysis allows mission planners to …

Key Characteristics Of Long-Lived Portland Cement Concrete Airfield Pavements In The United States Air Force Enterprise, Cameron J. Palmer

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Air Force maintains a $30 billion portfolio of airfield pavements essential for national security. Despite their importance, budget constraints have limited average annual repair funding to $260 million over the past decade, requiring pavements to last significantly longer than their typical life span. This project addresses the central question: What design features or characteristics contribute to the longevity of Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) airfield pavements? Utilizing data from AFCEC's Airfield Pavement Evaluation (APE) team and the PAVER sustainment management system, this study employed linear regression, logistic regression, and deep artificial neural network (ANN) modeling techniques to identify …

"Very Important Stuff For The Ladies": Examining Gender Differences In Celebrity Journalism, Payton E. Pingree

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores gender differences in celebrity journalism by analyzing 44 YouTube video interviews from the Oscars red carpet between 2014 and 2024. Using framing theory and feminist theory, the study examines how interviewers interact with male and female celebrities, focusing on four key behaviors: infantilizing, ambivalence, sexualization, and heteronormativity. Through qualitative thematic analysis of interview transcripts, the research reveals that female celebrities are often sexualized through questions about their appearance and subjected to heteronormative expectations when discussing their fashion choices and familial roles. These patterns suggest persistent sexism in celebrity journalism, potentially influencing public perceptions of women in the …

Characterizing The Effects Of Rage Upregulation In Lung Development, Derek Michael Clarke

Theses and Dissertations

The Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products (RAGE) is a transmembrane, multi-ligand cell surface receptor highly expressed in pulmonary tissue, where it plays a critical role in mediating inflammatory responses. Under chronic toxicant exposure, often associated with cigarette, e-cigarette, and diesel particulate, RAGE transitions from a protective to a deleterious state, contributing to pathological processes. In adult models, RAGE's role in the development of lung disease has been well studied, yet in the context of lung development RAGE has not been well studied with a small number of clinical papers finding increased levels of RAGE in bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD) and respiratory distress …

Imu-Mechanized Discrete Error-State Kalman Filtering With Lie-Group Pose Representations, Daniel P. Koch

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates methodologies for consistent Kalman filtering with Lie-group based representations of the vehicle pose. Early results are centered around the relative navigation framework, which maintains filter observability and consistency by only tracking the state relative to the latest keyframe of an odometry system such as visual odometry or laser scan matching. A detailed derivation of a relative multiplicative extended Kalman filter, using a quaternion parameterization of the attitude state, is presented for application to multirotor vehicles. The remainder of the dissertation focuses on Kalman filtering using a Lie-group SE(3) pose representation, which improves filter consistency by correctly modeling …

Transgenerational Impacts Of Covid-19: Exploring The Epigenetic Impacts Of Sars-Cov-2 Infection On Parental Reproductive Health And Offspring Development, Isaac Mckay Stirland

Theses and Dissertations

The mechanisms and consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, including clinical manifestations, immune response, pathogenicity, long-term sequelae, etc., have been studied in detail following the 2019 pandemic however, very little has been done to explore the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and host DNA methylation. Given the role of DNA methylation in genetic regulation, genomic imprinting, and induction of transgenerational effects, an understanding of viral interaction(s) with the host methylome is imperative in promoting reproductive and developmental health. Numerous reports describe infections with similar pathogenicity to SARS-CoV-2 and their correlation to altered host tissues at the epigenetic, physiologic, and macroscopic level. These reported epigenetic …

The Effectiveness Of Dialogic Reading Workshops For Parents Of Children With Developmental Disabilities, Jessica Driskill

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of dialogic reading workshops in improving at-home reading behaviors of both parents and their preschool-aged children. A focus of the study is to understand the dialogic reading experiences of parents with children who have developmental disabilities. Thirteen parents of children at a local preschool participated in one or more phases of the study. Phases included completing a pre-survey, attending the workshop, completing a post-survey, and participating in an interview. Five parents of typically developing children and four parents of children with developmental disabilities participated in the interviews. Participants noted an …

The Confidence Trap In Pr Academia: Barriers And Solutions For Female Professors, Kailey R. Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the career barriers female public relations professors face through the lens of Brubaker et al.'s (2025) theoretical model of "The Confidence Trap." While existing research has explored gender disparities in the PR industry, limited scholarship has investigated the challenges faced by women in PR academia. This qualitative study utilizes in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 22 female public relations professors currently on the tenure track or who have earned tenure at R1 and R2 research institutions in the United States. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts revealed that traditional barriers--such as the glass ceiling, sticky floors, maternal walls, and sexism--manifest …

Data-Driven Fusion Of Earth Observation And Hydrologic Data To Forecast Flood Extents At Regional To Continental Scales, Kel N. Markert

Theses and Dissertations

Accurate and timely flood inundation forecasts are crucial for mitigating the devastating impacts of floods, which affect 1.47 billion people globally and cause significant economic losses. While traditional flood forecasting methods, such as hydrologic and hydrodynamic models, have limitations in providing comprehensive and spatially explicit inundation information, recent research has focused on leveraging Earth observation data and machine learning for enhanced flood prediction. This dissertation advances the state-of-the-art in data-driven flood inundation forecasting by exploring the capabilities and scalability of the Forecasting Inundation Extents using Rotated Empirical Orthogonal Function (FIER) framework. This dissertation focuses on investigating different aspects of FIER …

A Century Of Depicting Characters With Disabilities In Newbery Award And Honor Books, Merna Kay Raines

Theses and Dissertations

A Century of Depicting Characters With Disabilities in Newbery Award and Honor Books Merna Kay Raines Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education, BYU Educational Specialist Between 1922 and 2021, 426 books received the Newbery Award, with 64 books featuring characters with disabilities. However, it was not until 1931 that the Newbery Honor Award was given to recognize the author of a book featuring a character with disabilities. Newbery Award-winning books are considered quality literature and are found in most libraries and classrooms. Understanding the portrayal of characters with disabilities is important because students easily access these books. This content …

Enhanced Vapour Detection Through Electrospun Metal-Oxide Nanofibers, Sri Varshini K Ms

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this work is to fabricate metal oxide-based nanofibers, which helps in monitoring indoor air quality, which is deteriorating due to VOCs like Formaldehyde, Toluene, and Ammonia, commonly found in paints, plywood, and adhesives. Prolonged exposure to these VOCs can affect the respiratory and nervous system. They are classified as carcinogens by the IARC.

Based on the analysis, this work was framed to deposit Fe2O3, NiO, and ZnO/Fe2O3 as well ZnO/NiO and Fe2O3/NiO nanofibers on the glass substrate through horizontal electrospinning method. The obtained nanofibers are vacuum annealed at 50 ℃ for 30 mins to remove the water …

Climate Change Policies And Good Governance In Egypt, Mahmoud Elshourbagy

Theses and Dissertations

Egypt recognizes the impacts of climate change and is particularly vulnerable because of its high-density population, economic burden and geographical location. In response, Egypt established National Climate Change Council in 2016. In 2022, the council issued “National Climate Change Strategy 2050” to integrate and align the efforts of government bodies to adapt and mitigate climate change risks. One of the strategic goals of “National Climate Change Strategy 2050” is to enhance climate governance in Egypt as a critical tool. This study attempts to evaluate climate change policies in the context of good governance by using a tool developed by World …