Digital Commons Network^™

Polyaniline Analogs Polymers And Nanocomposites Coating For Corrosion Protection Applications, Raymond Femi Awoyemi

Theses and Dissertations

The economic impact of metallic corrosion on global infrastructure, spanning pipeline networks, bridges, refineries, and automobiles, is considerable. In 2013, it accounted for 3.4% of the global GDP, totaling US$ 2.5 trillion. Organic coatings have gained significance as a prominent strategy to address this widespread issue. Polyaniline (PANI), a conducting polymer, has long been recognized as an effective anti-corrosion coating. This study explores the potential of polyaniline analogs and their nanocomposites as candidates for protective organic coatings in corrosion control applications. Initially, the investigation focuses on conducting polymers with side chains comprising long, branched alkyl groups as potential corrosion suppression …

Longitudinal Influences Of Parental Relationships On Positive Adolescent Functioning, Rebekah Buckley Sparks

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the longitudinal influences of parental relationships – romantic, co-parenting, and parent-child – on positive adolescent functioning. Utilizing data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study, this study investigates how various dimensions of parental relationships impact adolescent well-being at age 15, as measured by the EPOCH scale. Grounded in Attachment Theory and the Life Course Perspective, this research highlights the interconnectedness of early parental interactions and their long-term effects on adolescents’ emotional and social development. Key findings indicate that supportive and stable parental relationships significantly enhance adolescents’ engagement, perseverance, optimism, connectedness, and happiness. The study emphasizes …

Corneal Epithelial Tissue Engineering Approaches To Treat Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency, Sasirekha K

Theses and Dissertations

A clear healthy cornea is essential for visual acuity. As a self-renewing and regenerating tissue, the corneal epithelium has a stem cell pool, the limbus that acts as its proliferative reservoir. When limbal epithelial stem cells are destroyed or become dysfunctional, a pathological state known as limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) manifests. Damaged corneas have been successfully reconstructed by transplanting the cultured limbal epithelial stem cells. Limbal stem cell transplantation (LSCT) is one of the applicable and most challenging procedures in clinical ophthalmology for the reconstruction of the stratified ocular surface epithelium in patients with LSCD. Given the above challenge, …

Pretty Good State Transfer And Fractional Revival In Double Extended Star Graphs, Kellon G. Sandall

Theses and Dissertations

Much research has been done in the realm of quantum walks over networks of qubits. We primarily study a type of graph consisting of a path with two stars connected to the leaves which we call a Double Extended Star. We find that Pretty Good State Transfer can occur in many ways in a Double Extended Star and that Fractional Revival cannot occur in Double Extended Stars except when the length of the path within is one.

Demand Side Management Through Integrated Water Distribution Systems And Smart Irrigation Controllers, Nathan T. Lunstad

Theses and Dissertations

The innovation of electrical utilities in creating smart electrical grids has superseded that of water utilities in analogous efforts. While many water utilities are now using smart water technologies, they lack the virtual command center that allows for two-way communication for more effective forecasting, load balancing, preventive methods, emergency and master planning, and level of service delivery while ensuring environmental justice and enhancing the responsible use of resources. In this dissertation, I propose the idea of the Integrated Water Distribution System (IWDS) to overcome this challenge. IWDS coordinates management of water supply and demand in a way that benefits both …

Exploring Co-Manipulation Via A New Decomposition Of Interaction Force And An Exploration Of Signal Space In Multi-Agent Motion Primitives, Kody Blaine Shaw

Theses and Dissertations

Co-manipulation is when two or more people work together to move an object. In this work, we consider the physical co-manipulation of objects that are large and heavy enough that they are more easily handled by two or more participants. We currently lack a fundamental understanding of how people perform such tasks together, both the basic signals they use to communicate and how those signals are mapped to actions and behaviors. This work builds upon the existing body of knowledge to improve our understanding of physical co-manipulation. Specifically, interaction forces are often considered a key method for information transfer in …

An Examination Of The Factors That Affect The Recruitment And Retention Of African American Male Teachers In Public Schools, Brandon M. Moore

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative explanatory case study is to explain the underrepresentation of African American male teachers in public school education in the state of Arkansas through the lens of the teacher diversity gap and organizational commitment. Participants included 10 African American male teachers who taught in grades K-12 in public schools. The primary source of data collection was completed through the use of semi structured interviews via Zoom. Findings indicated that school districts, educational agencies and the local government should collectively increase their efforts to successfully recruit African American males to the teaching profession. Specifically, the findings suggested …

The Effects Of Combining Β-Lactam Antibiotics And Mefloquine In Multi-Drug Resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Kayla C. Maas

Theses and Dissertations

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a notorious opportunistic pathogen, is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections. The newest generation of β-lactam antibiotics, the carbapenems, are often used to treat multi-drug resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa infections. Treatment of P. aeruginosa has become increasingly difficult due to its remarkable ability to resist antibiotics through various intrinsic and acquired mechanisms. Physicians rely on a limited group of antibiotics to treat these infections, but many P. aeruginosa isolates are evolving to become resistant to all available antibiotics, including carbapenems. The multifaceted mechanisms underlying P. aeruginosa antibiotic resistance include β -lactamases, efflux pumps, altered membrane porins, and antibiotic …

Exploring The Intergenerational Links Between Parent And Child Couple Conflict Styles: Attachment Behaviors And Forgiveness As Moderators, Ashley Forbush

Theses and Dissertations

Conflict is a fundamental element of couple relationships, and the styles of conflict partners use can either enhance or undermine couples' relationship satisfaction and stability. Previous research has found clear links between parent and adult children's conflict strategies, but little is known about how adult children can change their conflict approach from what they observed in their family of origin, especially when they come from homes with dysfunctional forms of conflict. To better understand what factors help children change their style of conflict, the current study used data from 1,077 married couples from the CREATE study. Multinomial logit regression was …

Tribology Of Mos2 Thin Films Stabilized By A Chromium Underlayer And Max Phase, Nihal Ahmed

Theses and Dissertations

MoS2 is a popular solid lubricant with limited application at room temperature due to its’ sensitivity to atmospheric oxygen and humidity. This thesis focuses on the stabilization of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) coatings on aluminum substrates to enhance their tribological performance at room temperature. MoS2 exhibits exceptional lubricating properties in vacuum conditions, but its reactivity with atmospheric oxygen leads to the formation of abrasive molybdenum trioxide (MoO3), restricting its effectiveness in ambient environments. This thesis investigates the effects of a Chromium underlayer and the incorporation of MAX phase (Ti3SiC2) on the tribological performance and chemical stability of MoS2 solid lubricant. Physical …

Shadow Of Death: Mortality In The Mythological Art Of Nicolas Poussin, William Whitledge

Theses and Dissertations

For this thesis I look at six works by Nicolas Poussin, Venus and Adonis (c. 1627-1630), Narcissus and Echo (c. 1630), Landscape with Man Pursued by Snake (c. 1637), Landscape with Man Killed by Snake (c. 1648), Landscape with Orpheus and Eurydice (c. 1648-1650), and Landscape during a Thunderstorm with Pyramus and Thisbe (c. 1651). I explore the themes of mortality and the concept of inevitable death as it is emphasized by the choices of subject matter, the composition of the works, and the use of light in the works. Through extensive visual analysis and research of the current body …

Tribological Analysis Of Heat Treatments On Medical Grade Cobalt Chromium Molybdenum Alloys, Samuel Edis Bowden

Theses and Dissertations

Cobalt chromium molybdenum (CoCrMo) has many material properties that make it desirable as a medical hip implant. Due to the range of heat treatments available and the resulting material properties that are present in medical device manufacturing using CoCrMo, many implants are not able to withstand both the chemical and physical wear necessary as a hip replacement. This research looks to examine various heat treatments and their resulting properties to find a desirable heat treatment for CoCrMo in hip implant bearing surfaces. This study was accomplished by using five distinct variations of heat treatment on forged CoCrMo alloy that would …

Extreme Ultraviolet And Xray Applications Of Carbon Nanotube Devices, Scott Olsen

Theses and Dissertations

The vacuum ultraviolet (VUV), extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and xray ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum have many unique properties and applications, such as medical treatment, photolithography, and astronomical observation. However, these applications require unique optical element designs, setups, and materials. carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a fascinating material with thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties that may be beneficial for VUV, EUV, and xray applications. They are conductive, can be patterned into high aspect ratio structures, and are stable in high temperature vacuum. In this work, we report several carbon nanotube devices developed for the VUV, EUV, and xray range. These devices include …

Geological And Geophysical Model Of The Sand Wash Extensional Decollement, Utah, Brigham Louis Cardon

Theses and Dissertations

The Sand Wash Fault Zone (SWFZ) in the southern Uinta Basin is a significant extensional fault zone exhibiting complex deformation patterns. Our study integrates detailed structural analyses with a broader tectonic model to elucidate the tectonic evolution of the region. The SWFZ, extending over 34 km with a NW-SE strike, is underlain by an extensional decollement. Substantial deformation is observed in the upper layers, notably within the S2 sandstone of the Eocene Green River Formation. The deformation diminishes with depth, terminating at the oil-rich Mahogany oil shale zone, below which minimal deformation is observed. Our tectonic model, developed primarily through …

Exploring The Link Between Travel Behavior And Mental Health, Emily Kae Youngs

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the critical link between travel behavior and mental health, focusing on young adults who have expressed suicidal ideation. By analyzing how daily activities and movement patterns impact mental well being, the research aims to explore travel related mental health approaches for individuals. The importance of this work lies in its potential to improve the quality of life for individuals by informing more personalized and effective mental health strategies. Through comprehensive data analysis and statistical modeling, the research aims to uncover insights into how travel behavior influences motivation levels and mental well-being across different neurological and physiological groups. …

Power In Picturebooks: A Teacher's Critical Multicultural Analysis Of Illustrated Versions Of Little Red Riding Hood, Adrianna Catherine Galtieri

Theses and Dissertations

This study is a critical examination of the ways power is depicted in six illustrated versions of the "Little Red Riding Hood" story. Anchored in the notions that children's texts are neither ideologically neutral nor inherently benign, a kindergarten teacher analyzed "Little Red Riding Hood" tales for the ways the main character acts and/or is acted upon. Traditional versions of the story are often read as didactic tales that remind young readers to obey their parents in order to stay safe. However, the findings of this study suggest that reimagined versions of the classic tale can open important conversations about …

Exploring How Caregiver Multiracial Socialization Is Related To Multiracial Identity Pride, Self-Esteem, And Racial Political Identity In Emerging Adulthood, Jennie Jasperson

Theses and Dissertations

The current study examined how caregiver multiracial socialization processes play a role in multiracial emerging adults' multiracial identity pride self-esteem, and racial political identity. The constructs of caregiver multiracial socialization, multiracial identity pride in emerging adulthood, sense of self-esteem in emerging adulthood, and racial political identity in emerging adulthood were examined among 387 multiracial emerging adults between the ages of 18-29 from across the United States. To examine these relationships, multiple regressions were run to analyze data. The results of this study underscore the significance of understanding the role that socialization processes within multiracial families play in ethnic racial identity …

Disability And News: How Audiences Respond To Disabled Messengers In A Newcast, Daniel J. Andersen

Theses and Dissertations

Starting in the 1960s, many communications theories sprung to life in response to social movements that thrived in that era. While those theories were applied to movements such as gender equality, the equal rights movement, and racial and ethnic minority recognition efforts, the disability community has largely been left outside of academic exploration. Building off of decades of stereotype and representation research within communications psychological theories, this study used eye tracking to understand how audiences respond to seeing disabled newscasters. Using quantitative analysis and experimental design to expose participants to a news anchor in a wheelchair, this study built off …

A Social Ecology Model For Social Determinants Of Health As Psychosis Risk Factors, Katie Beck-Felts

Theses and Dissertations

Social determinants of health (SDOHs) significantly impact psychosis risk beyond heritability. However, there is a need for an organizing framework to observe how these diverse elements concurrently predict psychosis risk. This study examines SDOHs as psychosis risk factors using a four-level model, aligned with Bronfenbrenner's social ecology theory. The study aims to assess the proposed model’s ability to predict psychosis risk. Specifically, it is hypothesized that each socioecological level of the model would predict psychosis risk with more proximal SDOHs (e.g., individual level vs community) exhibiting stronger predictive power, aligning with Social Ecology theory. College students (N = 210) completed …

Defensiveness And Accountability In Couple Relationships: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Analysis, Collin Joshua Wright

Theses and Dissertations

Defensiveness is empirically well documented as a factor in breakup and divorce which have wide ranging consequences for adults and affected children, however, little research exists on what Gottman has called the antidote to defensiveness which is taking an accurate amount of accountability. The purpose of this study was to use qualitative methods to illuminate the microprocesses which take place between partners in interactions regarding accountability and defensiveness. The data was taken from part of a larger project on healthy and unhealthy relationships where semi-structured interviews were conducted from a diverse sample recruited through convenience and theoretical sampling. Constructivist grounded …

Exploring The Role Of Rb1 In Cellular Differentiation Using Patient-Derived Stem Cells, Ambily Vincent

Theses and Dissertations

The Retinoblastoma (RB1) gene, predominantly recognized as a tumour suppressor, plays a crucial role in early growth and development. Mice lacking the retinoblastoma gene do not survive and exhibit defects in the differentiation of various tissues, underscoring its involvement in cellular differentiation. This suggests that the functions of the RB1 gene extend beyond its role as a tumour suppressor, encompassing cell cycle regulation, maintenance of genomic stability, cellular senescence, and cellular differentiation.

While the tumour suppressor function of the RB1 has been extensively studied, its role in cellular differentiation remains incompletely understood. Existing literature, primarily based on animal models, has …

Quantifying The Influence Of Air Resistance And Drafting On The Metabolic, Kinematic And Kinetic Demands Of Running, Jared Robert Deandreis Steele

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This study aimed to quantify the effects of air resistance on metabolic, kinetic, and kinematic parameters during treadmill running and to investigate how drafting influences these parameters. Methods: Thirty-three well-trained distance runners participated in biomechanical assessments, and seventeen of these also participated in metabolic assessments. The protocol involved running at 80-85% of critical speed on a force-instrumented treadmill facing a wind tunnel. Five wind conditions were tested: no fan (NF), headwind (HW), headwind with drafting (HWD), no wind (NW), and no wind with drafting (NWD). Ground reaction forces (GRF) and kinematic data were collected and analyzed using linear mixed-effects …

Chronic Stress And Well-Being: Testing Mindfulness As A Proposed Method To Decrease Stress In Parents Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Madeline M. Gillies

Theses and Dissertations

Parenting is a demanding role that encompasses many responsibilities and challenges. When a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, there are additional demands on the parent's time, energy, and financial resources, which likely leads to increased levels of chronic stress for parents. This dissertation examines the differences in chronic stress levels between parents who have children with autism and parents who do not, using hair cortisol concentration (HCC) as a benchmark. This dissertation also explores reducing parental stress by introducing a mindfulness intervention. Participants (n = 68) were recruited and divided into two groups: Parents of children who have …

Engineering Cell-Free Protein Synthesis Biosensors For Point Of Care Use, Tyler Jordan Free

Theses and Dissertations

Diagnostic tests can dramatically improve and save lives. Survival rates and patient outcomes related to cancer and other diseases can be improved when routine testing guides personalized treatment. Highly accurate laboratory tests exist for thousands of biomarkers, including those of interest in this dissertation, but cost and complexity limit access to life-saving lab tests in many cases throughout the world. To fill this need and increase accessibility of diagnostics, in this report we report our engineering advancements towards portable biosensors for colorimetric detection of glutamine, endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC), and pathogenic RNA which are key biomarkers in cancer treatment monitoring, …

Systematic Review Of Digital Activity Schedule Use In Individuals With Autism And Intellectual Disability, Adelaide Wahlquist Hammond

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this systematic review of using digital activity schedules as an intervention in individuals with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities is to determine to what extent the current research shows it to be an effective intervention. For articles to be included in this review, they had to use a digitally presented activity schedule, the activity schedule could not be a task analysis of a single activity or a group visual schedule, and the intervention must have been carried out with individuals with autism or intellectual disabilities. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria totaled 17 studies with a total …

A Comparative Illustration Of Trip- And Activity-Based Modeling Techniques, Steven Hayden Atchley

Theses and Dissertations

Activity-based travel demand models are generally considered superior to their trip-based counterparts, as activity-based models (ABMs) explicitly model individuals in contrast to the aggregate nature of trip-based models. There have been a number of comparisons between trip- and activity-based models, but these comparisons focus almost exclusively on the technical ability of the two model types, while not considering the practical benefits an ABM may or may not have to a transportation agency. This research performs a more holistic comparison between trip- and activity-based models, focused specifically on the practical differences between model types, both in terms of usability and capability …

A Proposal For A Compassionate Behavior Consultation - A Pilot Study, Danina Lynne Thatcher

Theses and Dissertations

Teachers frequently encounter disruptive or other challenging behavior in their classrooms, which often results in poor outcomes for both teachers and students. Behavior consultation is frequently used to assist teachers in managing challenging behavior. However, it is difficult for teachers to implement behavioral interventions with consistent fidelity, even with consultative support. This pilot study utilized a multiple-baseline design to evaluate the effects of a compassionate behavior consultation on teachers' implementation fidelity of evidence-based classroom management practices in three junior high classrooms. It also assessed the teacher's ratings of the social validity of the consultation process and resulting interventions. A compassionate …

Deep Learning For Improved Data-Driven Modeling Of Soft Robots For Model Predictive Control, Daniel Gray Cheney

Theses and Dissertations

The field of soft robotics is a growing research interest due to the unique benefits of soft robots over traditional robots, such as durability, compliance, and low-cost. These benefits allow soft robots to perform a variety of tasks that would be difficult for traditional robots, such as throwing, hammering, or whole-body manipulation. However, there is a significant variety of materials, actuators, and designs used in soft robotics. While helpful for completing more tasks, this variety also makes efficient modeling and control of soft robots difficult. In this thesis, an open-source repository, Modeling for Learned Dynamics (MoLDy), is presented. This repository …

Rna Sequencing Reveals Chemotherapy-Induced Changes In Genes Associated With Neurogenesis And Neuronal Function, Bailey Cronin

Theses and Dissertations

Over 310,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2024, making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer in United States women. Advancements in treatment options such as chemotherapy and radiation have resulted in a 5-year survival rate of 91%. With nearly 4.1 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States today, there is a need for a better understanding of the long-term side effects of these treatments and the impact these may have on the quality of life for these survivors. Reported in up to 78% of cancer patients who received chemotherapy, chemotherapy induced cognitive impairment (CICI), …

Understanding The Mechanisms Of Bio-Effects Of Carbon-Based Nanomaterials In Planta Using “Omics” Approach, Sajedeh Rezaei Cherati

Theses and Dissertations

Carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs) are recognized as versatile and promising nanomaterials for various applications across multiple fields, including medicine, genetic engineering, plant biology, and agriculture. Notably, carbon nanotubes have been identified as effective in regulating plant growth, reducing plant diseases, and facilitating the targeted delivery of molecules such as DNA and proteins into plant cells and tissues. Despite these advancements, the comprehensive understanding of CBNs' biological impacts, particularly their role in enhancing plant growth and stress tolerance, remains incomplete. Moreover, the use of CBNs in agriculture raises concerns regarding the safety of consuming contaminated plant products and the implications of CBNs …