Digital Commons Network^™

Interpretation Of Complexometric Titration Data: An Intercomparison Of Methods For Estimating Models Of Trace Metal Complexation By Natural Organic Ligands, I. Pižeta, S. G. Sander, R. J. M. Hudson, D. Omanović, O. Baars, K. A. Barbeau, K. N. Buck, R. M. Bundy, G. Carrasco, P. L. Croot

OES Faculty Publications

With the common goal of more accurately and consistently quantifying ambient concentrations of free metal ions and natural organic ligands in aquatic ecosystems, researchers from 15 laboratories that routinely analyze trace metal speciation participated in an intercomparison of statistical methods used to model their most common type of experimental dataset, the complexometric titration. All were asked to apply statistical techniques that they were familiar with to model synthetic titration data that are typical of those obtained by applying state-of-the-art electrochemical methods – anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) and competitive ligand equilibration-adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (CLE-ACSV) – to the analysis of natural …

New Tracer To Estimate Community Predation Rates Of Phagotrophic Protists, Alexander B. Bochdansky, Melissa A. Clouse

OES Faculty Publications

Predation of eukaryotic microbes on prokaryotes is one of the most important trophic interactions on Earth, representing a major mortality term and shaping morphology and composition of prokaryotic communities. Here we introduce and validate a new tracer to determine predation rates on prokaryotes. Minicells of Escherichia coli marked with a bright green fluorescent protein (GFP) vector have many operational advantages over previously used prey analogs such as fluorescently labeled bacteria. GFP-minicells are similar in size to naturally occurring bacteria from a variety of environments including the oligotrophic open ocean and the deep sea. They are relatively stable against microbial and …

The Project Shop, Lindsey Sullivan

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The Project Shop is a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) brand designed to promote a value-creating activity that impacts the lives and personal development for those who participate. The strategic culmination of research, marketing, and graphic design generated during the creation of this brand is intended to attract a target demographic of 18-24 year olds. This target market is identified as a transient population often typified by being civic-minded and pragmatically idealist.

The Project Shop caters to the needs of its target market by concentrating on habits and particular styles of living. This demographic often seeks DIY projects that are customizable due to …

Analysis Of Host-Parasite Interactions Between Darters (Etheostoma) And Monogenoidean Gill Parasites (Aethycteron) In Flat Creek And Mill Creek, Kara Million

Theses

This study sought to investigate the parasite-host relationships between two darter assemblages and their gill parasite populations, and to compare the biodiversity present in both systems. Eight darter species were collected over the course of one year from two sites in Tennessee, Flat Creek and Mill Creek, and parasite counts were performed on all sample populations. Parasite loads were compared across darter species in each site to determine whether infection levels differed significantly between host species. Phylogenetic trees containing mitochondrial and nuclear markers were constructed for each set of organisms using Bayesian analysis, and the trees were examined for congruence …

Exploring The Relationship Between Lightning Activity And Rotation In Supercell Thunderstorms, Sarah M. Stough

Theses

Total lightning and a supercell’s mesocyclone are hypothesized to be physically linked by the updraft such that increased lightning activity may give indication of mesocyclone strengthening and overall supercell intensification. To test this conceptual model, 19 diverse supercell storms were analyzed using Doppler velocity-derived metrics of rotation and total lightning data, including use of the lightning jump as an objective measure of rapid increases in lightning. Given a supportive environment, the initial lightning jump of a storm often coincides with or precedes the onset of mesocyclonic rotation on the order of five to ten minutes. Subsequent lightning jumps generally coincide …

Identification Of A Putative Nuclease From Thermococcus Thioreducens, Jayson Isaza Pagan

Theses

A putative nuclease from Thermococcus thioreducens was expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3)-Rosetta cells (6.2 g/l). The recombinant protein (TthNuc) was purified using heat precipitation, anion exchange chromatography, and size exclusion chromatography to a purity of 99%. A BLASTp search of the NR database found TthNuc to be 85% identical to an uncharacterized, RecJ endonuclease from the same genus. TthNuc exhibits in vitro divalent metal ion dependent catabolism of single and double stranded DNA. TthNuc was qualitatively shown to have in vitro nuclease activity between 37°-95°C and above pH 8.4 at 75°C. A three dimensional similarity search of the PDB …

Hough Based Strategy For Detecting Magnetic Field, Lulu Zhao

Theses

In this thesis, a new Hough-based method to automatically detect dipole- shaped structures is presented. The new method uses a set of three-piecewise- parabolic arcs to detect dipole structures in imagery (e.g., coronal images). The mathematical characteristics of the dipole structures are studied and utilized in the new method. For a given dipole curve, the coefficients of the first order term for all the piecewise parabolas are identical. Moreover, the products of the zeroeth order and second order terms are constant. Furthermore, the concentric properties of dipole curves are also discussed. The new method is tested in different images including …

Impulsive Control For The Short Time Convergence Of The Second Order System, Svetlana Green

Theses

This paper proposed impulsive control algorithm for dynamic systems in the presence of unknown bounded disturbance. The impulsive control functions instantaneously (or in a short time) drive the system’s states to the origin (or to its small vicinity). The proposed sequential impulsive algorithm is comprised of the series of impulses described by Dirac delta function and its derivative. In order to apply these solutions to physical systems, the approximations of delta-type impulses are described in terms of physically realizable functions given by a piecewise-constant approximation. The efficacy of proposed control technique is confirmed via simulation of a case study, specifically, …

Jet Array Impingement Heat Transfer : Effects Of Target Plate Distance, Reynolds Number, And Hole Spacing, Zhong Ren

Theses

The present study provides information which can be used to optimize and design impingement array configurations to satisfy high demand of surface heat transfer augmentation levels. These levels are characterized by use of local, line-averaged, and spatially-averaged distributions of the Nusselt number. In present study, to complete the investigation, data is obtained to show the effects of jet-to-target distance and jet hole spacing on cross-flows at constant Reynolds number. Next, considered are the combined and separate effects of hole array spacing, jet-to-target plate distance, and Reynolds number on cross-flows. In addition, the present investigation also shows the effects of large …

Influences Of Target Surface Roughness On Impingement Jet Array Heat Transfer, Warren Buzzard

Theses

The present investigation involves testing the addition of special surface roughness patterns to an impingement surface to improve the effectiveness of impingement cooling. This investigation utilizes various sizes, distributions, shapes, and patterns of surface roughness elements for impingement cooling augmentation. Surface roughness shapes include rectangles, triangles, and cylinders. Combinations of small roughness and large pins are considered. Tests are performed at Reynolds numbers of 900, 1500, 5000, and 11000. In general, plates with small roughness alone perform better than plates with a combination of small roughness and large pins at Reynolds numbers of 900 and 1500. Combinations of small rectangle …

Accelerating Reconfiguration Of Network Anomaly Detection Systems, William C. Edmonds Jr.

Theses

Reducing the time required to keep an anomaly-based network intrusion detection system (NIDS) up-to-date with the continuously changing web server features is of the utmost importance to keep intrusion detection as accurate as possible. Web applications and content changes frequently on web servers to keep their users interested and returning. This frequent updating poses an interesting problem with regards to anomaly-based network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) as they rely on knowing what normal traffic patterns look like. Retraining and reconfiguration to adapt to new applications or features of a website is highly advised to maintain accurate detection performance. Training an …

Performance Of Full Coverage Effusion Cooling With Cross Flow Supply, Nathaniel Rogers

Theses

Experimental results are presented for a double wall cooling arrangement which simulates a portion of a combustor liner of a gas turbine engine. The results are collected using a new experimental facility designed to test full coverage film cooling and impingement cooling effectiveness using either cross flow, impingement, or a combination of both to supply the film cooling flow. The present experiment primarily deals with cross flow supplied full coverage film cooling for a sparse film cooling hole array that has not been previously tested. Data are provided for turbulent film cooling, contraction ratio of 1, blowing ratios ranging from …

Advanced Digital Methods For Solid Propellant Burning Rate Determination, Daniel A. Jones

Theses

The work presented here is a study of a digital method for determining the combustion bomb burning rate of a fuel-rich gas generator propellant sample using the ultrasonic pulse-echo technique. The advanced digital method, which places user defined limits on the search for the ultrasonic echo from the burning surface, is computationally faster than the previous cross correlation method, and is able to analyze data for this class of propellant that the previous cross correlation data reduction method could not. For the conditions investigated, the best fit burning rate law at 800 psi from the ultrasonic technique and advanced cross …

Detecting Corrosion With Passive Radio Frequency Identification Tags, Emily Maureen Layden

Theses

A small, remotely accessed corrosion detector has yet to be realized despite corrosion being a major obstacle in maintaining metal structures. This work demonstrates a detector made using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology that is capable of fulfilling these requirements. A RFID tag was made using copper tape, a 100pF capacitor, and a 13.5 MHz microchip partially covered in a resistive polymer containing a corrosion susceptible material. This material was created using a thin section of copper tape. The functionality of the tag was monitored as the thin copper tape was corroded using ferric chloride. After the tag ceased working, …

New Probabilistic Model For Episode Integrated Fluences Of Protons Using Episodes From 1973-2013, Zachary Donald Robinson

Theses

A new probabilistic model for protons has been created using episode integrated fluences. This model will allow the user to choose a mission start date, mission duration, and confidence level to construct a mission-specific, bounding case spectrum for proton fluences at a distance of 1 AU from the sun. A new database of episode integrated fluences will be created for this model. The database will contain 29 channels that span the energy range 0.88-485 MeV. This database will cover the period from November 1, 1973 to December 31, 2013, making it the largest database on solar activity.

Effects Of Expressive Suppression On Emotion Recognition And Cardiovascular And Subjective Reactivity, Cassandra Baldwin

Theses

Expressive suppression is a late-occurring emotion regulation strategy in which individuals suppress the expression of their emotional behavior. Suppression was hypothesized to negatively impact the recognition of facial expressions compared to a control condition and to increase sympathetic activity. Women completed a series of emotion recognition tasks under a neutral condition, with a music emotion induction, and with a music induction while suppressing their emotional expression, concluding each block by completing subjective ratings. Pulse amplitude reactivity, reaction time, and accuracy rate were other dependent variables. Suppression while listening to music resulted in the greatest reactivity. Furthermore, listening to music without …

Boundary Conditions Of Font Size Effects, Kyeong M. Park

Theses

Prior research has shown that people perceive items in a larger font size as being more memorable than items in a smaller font size. This perception leads to higher judgments of learning (JOLs; i.e., confidence ratings regarding the likelihood of recalling an item) for larger font size items than smaller font size items. Yet other research has shown that people recalled more when the information was presented in a smaller font than when it was presented in a larger font size. The present study examined if there are boundary conditions of font sizes affecting JOLs and actual recall performance. As …

The Effects Of Conformity And Training In A Phishing Context :Conforming To The School Of Phish, Matt Jones

Theses

Over the past decade, cybercrime has increased dramatically, and a popular way to steal someone’s information is via phishing. There are three major ways to protect from a phishing attack: automatic filters, warnings, and user training. User training makes a good safety net for the few instances when filters fail to catch a security risk and warnings go unheeded. Training is most effective when feedback is given immediately and when it is simple and engaging. Phishermen often use psychological techniques in order to gain access to sensitive information, and conformity is a well-documented phenomenon that can cause people to make …

Novel Experimental Method For Studying Trajectories And Wing Kinematics Of Freely Flying Butterflies, Jacob Taylor Cranford

Theses

A novel experimental technique is presented for gathering data on the kinematics and trajectories of flapping insects. An optical tracking facility was used to record the free flight of the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus). The 5.7mx9.1mx3.0m capture volume allowed enough space to capture large numbers of sequential wing flaps. The system automatically tracked small reflective markers, which were modified to reduce the effects of additional mass on butterfly flight characteristics. This technique was used to record 2,000 flights of 86 different butterflies. A data analysis method is also presented that efficiently extracts information on flapping and body motion. A sample …

Identification Of Two Novel Genome-Wide Significant Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, Associated With Barrett’S Oesophagus, Determined By Further Replication Of A Genome-Wide Association Study, Laura Chegwidden

Peninsula Medical School Theses

Barrett's oesophagus (BE) is a common premalignant condition to oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). A previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified BE susceptibility Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) on chromosome 6p21, within the HLA region, and16q23, where the closest protein-coding gene was FOXF1. The replication study outlined in this thesis aimed to identify possible additional variants that did not reach genome-wide significance in the GWAS, in up to 10,158 BE patients and 21,062 controls. Meta-analysis of the data identified two further BE susceptibility SNPs: rs3072 (2p24.1; OR=1.14; 95%CI 1.09-1.18; P=1.8×10−11); and rs2701108 (12q24.21; OR=0.90; 95%CI 0.86-0.93; P=7.5×10−9). The two closest protein-coding genes, and …

Taking Flight – January 2015 Edition, Georgia Southern University

College of Business: News & Publications

• Message from the Dean
• Alumni Spotlight – Jenny Gentry
• Augusta Eagle Executive Exchange – Connecting the Eagle Executive Network
• College of Business Online Graduate Programs Ranked in Top 25 by U.S. News & World Report
• MBAA Kick-off & Spring Schedule
• 12th Annual Distinguished Forensic Accounting Lecturer
• Congrats to Accounting Alumni, Phil Moore!
• Statesboro’s Cowboy: Former Georgia Southern star J.J. Wilcox making plays for Dallas defense
• Soft Spot for Southern
• College of Business Faculty Gives Finance Advice for the New Year

A Feasibility Test Of Using Smartphones To Collect Gps Information In Face-To-Face Surveys, Kristen Olson, James Wagner

Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications

Survey organizations rely on interviewers to make informed and efficient decisions about their efforts in the field, including which housing units they approach to knock on doors, seeking to make appointments, and obtain interviews. This paper presents initial findings from a feasibility test on a face-to-face survey, the US National Survey of Family Growth, in which the interviewers were equipped with GPS-enabled smartphones. This test included an experiment to determine if the use of the GPS-enabled smartphone altered interviewer behavior. We evaluate interviewer compliance with the GPS request, the effects of using the GPS device on interviewer behavior, and the …

Longitudinal Predictors Of Homelessness: Findings From The National Longitudinal Survey Of Youth-97, Brittany Sznajder-Murray

Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications

Homeless youth represent a vulnerable and understudied population. Little research has prospectively identified factors that may place youth at risk for experiencing homelessness. The current study utilizes data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth-97 (NLSY-97) to examine predictors of experiencing homelessness as a young adult (before age 25). The NLSY-97 includes a nationally representative sample of 8,984 youth. Data were first collected from these youth when they were between the ages of 12 to 18 years. The current study examined whether individual and family risk factors reported during adolescence predict homelessness by the age of 25. The findings showed …

Estimating Vertex Measures In Social Networks By Sampling Completions Of Rds Trees, Bilal Khan, Kirk Dombrowski, Ric Curtis, Travis Wendel

Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications

This paper presents a new method for obtaining network properties from incomplete data sets. Problems associated with missing data represent well-known stumbling blocks in Social Network Analysis. The method of “estimating connectivity from spanning tree completions” (ECSTC) is specifically designed to address situations where only spanning tree(s) of a network are known, such as those obtained through respondent driven sampling (RDS). Using repeated random completions derived from degree information, this method forgoes the usual step of trying to obtain final edge or vertex rosters, and instead aims to estimate network-centric properties of vertices probabilistically from the spanning trees themselves. In …

Citizen Volunteers In Prison: Bringing The Outside In, Taking The Inside Out, Lisa Kort-Butler, Sarah E. Malone

Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications

The United States correctional system relies heavily on citizen volunteers, but there is little contemporary research on prison volunteers, which is further limited by sample and geographic region. The purpose of this project was to explore the role of citizen volunteers, including investigating why they volunteer and what their experiences with inmates and prison staff are like. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with citizen volunteers in the penal system of a Midwestern state. Volunteers had altruistic or faith-based motivations, viewing themselves as ‘seed planters’ but not saviors, and placing priority on building relationships. They described how volunteering transformed their views on …

How Long Does That 10-Year Smoke Alarm Really Last? A Survival Analysis Of Smoke Alarms Installed Through The Saife Program In Rural Georgia, Haresh Rochani, Valamar Malika Reagon, Steve Davidson

Biostatistics: Faculty Publications

Background: When functioning properly, a smoke alarm alerts individuals in the residence that smoke is near the alarm. Smoke alarms serve as a primary prevention mechanism to abate morbidity and mortality related to residential fires.

Methods: Using survival analysis, we examined the length of operability of 10-year lithium battery powered smoke alarms installed through the Georgia Public Health/CDC SAIFE program in Moultrie, Georgia. Attempts were made to reach all homes in the city limits. The premise of the study is that geographic clusters (in the case of Moultrie city quadrants) are associated with decreases in the length of time that …

Markets, Morals, And Limits In The Exchange Of Human Eggs, Kimberly D. Krawiec

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Interrogation Policies, Brandon L. Garrett

Faculty Scholarship

Despite growing concern regarding the problem of false confessions, including due to high profile DNA and death row exonerations, far too little is known about police interrogations in practice, including the written procedures that govern interrogations. This Essay provides a first study of police interrogation policies, focusing on written policies adopted by Virginia law enforcement agencies. Reviewing FOIA responses from over 180 agencies, the study found that few agencies require recording of entire interrogations as a matter of policy; nine did so. Over half, or 58 of 116 policies obtained, made recording an option, but did not encourage it or …

Embedding Self-Determination And Futures Planning Within A Schoolwide Framework, Hank Bohanon, Jose Castillo, Morgan Afton

Education: School of Education Faculty Publications and Other Works

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the infusion of self-determination approaches (e.g., futures planning) within a schoolwide context. Unfortunately, some students are not explicitly instructed by school staff to address their plans for the future. This may be a result of school professionals’ feelings of inadequacy to address skill sets outside of their specialization (e.g., content area, special education). By connecting self-determination practices with schoolwide initiatives (e.g., schoolwide positive behavior support, Common Core State Standards), educators in particular may be more willing to address these skills in their settings. This article provides an example of these types of …

All Together Now: Using Principles Of Group Dynamics To Train Better Jurors, Sara Gordon

All Faculty Publications

We ask juries to make important decisions that have a profound impact on people’s lives. We leave these decisions in the hands of groups of laypeople because we hope that the diverse range of experiences and knowledge in the group will lead to more thoughtful and informed decisionmaking. 1 Studies suggest that diverse groups of jurors have different perspectives on evidence, engage in more thorough debate, and more closely evaluate facts.2 At the same time, there are a variety of problems associated with group decisionmaking, from the loss of individual motivation in group settings, to the vulnerability of groups, to …