Digital Commons Network^™

Suicidal Ideation, Attempts, And Associated Psychosocial Risk And Protective Factors In American Indian Youth And Young Adults, Karen Manzo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction. Research consistently shows that suicidal ideation and attempts are more prevalent among American Indian youth and young adults than youth and young adults in other racial/ethnic groups. Many of the associated psychosocial risk and protective factors are shared across racial/ethnic groups; however, for most of them, the prevalence is highest in American Indian youth. Research on the relation between suicide risk and culturally unique risk (e.g., childhood adversity, discrimination, parenting, unresolved grief, out-of-home placement) and protective factors (e.g., enculturation, cultural values, spirituality) in American Indian youth and young adults is limited. The goal of this research was to examine …

Biology I Lab, Todd Schraw

Syllabus Repository

No abstract provided.

Exploring Intensive Longitudinal Measures Of Student Engagement In Blended Learning, Curtis R. Henrie, Robert Bodily, Kristine C. Manwaring, Charles R. Graham

Faculty Publications

In this exploratory study we used an intensive longitudinal approach to measure student engagement in a blended educational technology course, collecting both self-report and observational data. The self-report measure included a simple survey of Likert-scale and open-ended questions given repeatedly during the semester. Observational data were student activity data extracted from the learning management system. We explored how engagement varied over time, both at the course level and between students, to identify patterns and influences of student engagement in a blended course. We found that clarity of instruction and relevance of activities influenced student satisfaction more than the medium of …

Javan Gibbon (Hylobates Moloch) Non-Vocal Social Communication And Gesture Use With Conspecifics, Melanie Bell

All Master's Theses

I explored gestures used by captive Javan gibbons (Hylobates moloch) at the Gibbon Conservation Center (Santa Clarita, CA). I hypothesized that a sender gibbon’s gesture modality would vary with the recipient gibbon’s attentional state and the sender would be equally likely to use all modalities (tactile, visual, actions, and facial expressions) when the recipient was attending (facing the sender), but would use more tactile gestures and actions when the recipient was non-attending (oriented away from the sender). I collected data from 10 individuals using all-occurrences sampling and an ethogram to score behaviors from video recordings. In 1,143 interactions, …

Female Social Connectivity Through The Leadership And Movement Progression Of Tibetan Macaques At Mt. Huangshan, China, Gregory P. Fratellone

All Master's Theses

The present study investigates the leadership and progression of collective movements of Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) found in Mt. Huangshan, China. I gathered information on their movements and social networks through all-occurrence, focal and scan sampling. I hypothesize that high-ranking females lead more collective movements than males as they have highly structured social bonds. I also predict that movements weighted by female presence are more efficient as societies are matrilineally structured and females are more socially connected. There were a total of 128 successful collective movements recorded over a 2-month period. There was no significant effect of sex, …

A Comparison Of Markers Of Iron Status Between Vegetarian And Non-Vegetarian Female High School Cross Country Runners. Is Routine, Pre-Season Screening Warranted?, Edward J. Callahan Jr.

All Master's Theses

The purpose of the present study is to determine whether the circulating markers of iron status differ between vegetarian or non-vegetarian adolescent female high school cross-country runners. Fifteen non-vegetarian and six vegetarian female cross-country runners completed questionnaires used to obtain anthropometric data, health history, menstrual status, diet history and training history. Dietary intake was determined by self-report, using a food frequency questionnaire and a 3-day diet record. Blood samples were analyzed for serum iron, total iron binding capacity, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation. No significant difference was found between vegetarians and non-vegetarians for serum iron or transferrin saturation. However, TIBC …

The Rise And Fall Of The Minnesota Middle Ground: Henry Hastings Sibley And The Ethnic Cleansing Of Minnesota, Jordan Scott Bergstrom

All Master's Theses

Henry Hastings Sibley (1811-1891), fur trader and eventual first governor of Minnesota, worked closely among the sub-division of “Sioux” Indians known as the Dakota. Sibley first aided in the development of what historian Richard White called a “Middle Ground,” a racially mixed and symbiotic society. Later in his life, however, he assisted in negotiating treaties that transformed that frontier society into a racially divided and oppressive one. The result was the outbreak of hostilities between Indians, Whites, and mixed-race people in the Great Sioux Uprising, and ultimately the ethnic cleansing of Minnesota. This study approaches Sibley’s involvement on a microhistorical …

Using Particle Size Analysis To Separate The Deposition Of A Bonebed And Artifact At The Wenas Creek Mammoth Site, Genevieve Brown

All Master's Theses

The 2005 discovery of a 17,000 year old mammoth bonebed in close proximity to a possible artifact at the Wenas Creek Mammoth Site (WCMS) brought with it the question of whether the bones and artifact were actually deposited together. If the two are associated, the WCMS would qualify as a Pre-Clovis site, a title given to just a handful of proven archaeological sites in North America, though claimed for numerous more. A close interval particle size analysis was performed on 2 column samples from the WCMS with the intention of identifying microstratification that would separate the bonebed from the artifact. …

Physiological Variation Of Garry Oak (Quercus Garryana) Seedlings To Drought Stress, Matthew A. Merz

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine physiological differences in drought response among Garry oak (Quercus garryana Douglas ex Hook. [Fagaceae]) seedlings that grow in distinct populations in Washington state, in order to aid in restoration efforts by informing growers of the potential differences between the acorn collection sites. Acorns from six Washington populations east of the Cascades, as well as one population from Whidbey Island, were collected and grown in containers under controlled conditions. The plants were assessed with and without moderate and severe drought stress induced by withholding water. The most extreme differences in photosynthetic characteristics …

Determination Of Site Functionality And Subsistence Patterns At The Bray Archaeological Site (45pi1276) In Edgewood, Washington, David J. Sheldon

All Master's Theses

Resource intensification, or the logistical approach to the mass capture and extension of food resources through storage, is first evident for marine resources of the Northwest Coast during the Locarno Beach Phase (LBP) (ca. 3,500 BP to ca. 2,400 BP). Plant resource intensification is evident by 4,000 BP within the interior of the Pacific Northwest, but until recently there has been little evidence to support early intensification of plant use in the Puget Sound during the LBP. Test excavations conducted as part of a damage assessment of the Bray Site indicated that the site may contain the earliest known evidence …

Total Synthesis Of Clavatadine A Analogs To Produce A Viable Reversible Inhibitor For Factor Xia, Christopher E. Malmberg

All Master's Theses

Cardiovascular disease has quickly become a major health concern in the United States, with numerous citizens dying from cardiovascular disease each year. Older medications, while effective against cardiovascular disease, are problematic to prescribe. A recently isolated natural product, clavatadine A, selectively inhibits human blood coagulation factor XIa. As a result, the synthesis and biological testing of clavatadine A and synthetic clavatadine A analogues that selectively inhibit factor XIa would represent a new direction in cardiovascular disease research. A potent and selective factor XIa inhibitor has the potential to be a safer replacement for current anticoagulants, such as Warfarin, Pradaxa^{® …}

A Comparison Of Chimpanzee (Pan Troglodytes) Responses To Caregiver Use Of Positive Reinforcement Training (Prt) And Species-Specific Behaviors (Ssb), Whitney D. Emge

All Master's Theses

The present study compared the effects of positive reinforcement training (PRT) and unstructured interactions (UI) on chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) behavior. In the PRT condition, a caregiver interacted with a chimpanzee to condition behaviors for 10 min. In the UI condition, a caregiver interacted without PRT for 10 min. Participants were five chimpanzees in a sanctuary setting. Chimpanzees were also videotaped for 10 min after trials (PTP) and for 10 min in a matched control (MC) period on a different day. From these videotapes experimenters coded chimpanzee behaviors and calculated durations in behavioral contexts. Chimpanzees spent a significantly higher …

Influence Of Landscape On Gene Differentiation In The American Pika (Ochotona Princeps) Within The Interstate 90 Snoqualmie Pass Corridor, Craig P. Fergus

All Master's Theses

Understanding the impact of different landscape features on the movement of genes among populations can be helpful in managing wildlife populations. Our study used GIS tools to compare genetic connectivity among 13 American pika (Ochotona princeps) habitat patches across an approximately 77 square km area adjacent to Interstate 90 near Snoqualmie Pass, WA. Tissue samples were collected from 85 individuals and genotyped at six microsatellite loci to determine genetic differentiation among each pair of patches. A variety of models estimating the influence of landscape factors on gene flow were then used to find “resistance scores” between each pair …

The Evolution Of Sex Determination And The Dmrt1 Gene In The Japanese Gecko (Gekko Japonicus), Lisa-Marie Mullen

All Master's Theses

There are different sex-determining mechanisms in our environment, which are separated into two groups known as genotypic sex determination (GSD) and environmental sex determination. The most well-known mechanism in the ESD group is temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). In this study, the presence of the Doublesex and mab-3-related Transcription Factor (Dmrt1) gene was observed during embryonic development in geckos with a TSD mechanism. To do this, I observed the rate of transcription of the Dmrt1 gene in the Gecko species Gekko japonicus. Pregnant geckos were caught around Nanjing, China. Once the females laid their eggs, the eggs were …

Behavioral Response To Uvb Differs In Subalpine Populations Of Daphnia Melanica, Amanda Tompkins

All Master's Theses

Daphnia are a genus of freshwater zooplankton that inhabit ponds and lakes. They are commonly used as a model organism because they can reproduce clonally and are considered a foundation species in pond ecosystems. Daphnia melanica that inhabit the subalpine ponds of the Olympic National Park are exposed to high levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR). UVR causes DNA damage that can be detrimental to the organism if not fixed. One way to avoid these harmful rays is to migrate to protected areas. In my study, I looked at two behaviors in D. melanica: diel vertical migration (DVM), which involves …

Electrophysiological And Behavioral Working Memory Differences Between Musicians And Non-Musicians, Benjamin P. Richardson

All Master's Theses

The current study examines the P300 brainwave and working memory differences between musicians and non-musicians. Differences in aspects of recorded electrical brain activity have been used to quantify differences in updating processes of working memory possibly related to differences in amount of music experience. The current study is designed to partially replicate and enhance a method previously implemented in research describing how music experience may be associated with differences in visual processing as well auditory working memory and executive function. Behavioral data were collected using six standardized subtest measures of the TOMAL – II, followed by ERP recordings during a …

Behavioral Response Of Pacific Lamprey (Entosphenus Tridentatus) To Predator Odors, Laurie L. Porter

All Master's Theses

Pacific lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus), a species facing serious threats to their existence, experience a number of challenges in reaching their desired spawning grounds during the adult migratory phase, and predators are suspected to be one of these challenges. Understanding if Pacific lamprey respond to predator odorants may provide a management tool for use in conjunction with attractants in guiding lamprey to suitable spawning habitat and deterring them from poor habitat. Previous research has failed to explore Pacific lamprey response to predator odorants, although much research exists on attractant odorants. In our study, we tested Pacific lamprey response to …

Passage Route Survival And Behavior Of Juvenile Salmon At Priest Rapids Dam, Columbia River, Wa, Kyle B. Hatch

All Master's Theses

Columbia River hydropower is an economic mainstay of the Pacific Northwest. However, it is well known that the construction of hydropower dams has added anthropogenic pressure to Columbia River salmon populations. Juvenile salmon that pass through powerhouse turbines at large hydropower dams display higher mortality rates than salmon passing through alternative routes; thus at Priest Rapids Dam, a top-spill fish bypass was constructed as a safer alternate downstream passage. To investigate the efficacy of this new passage structure, an acoustic telemetry study was conducted in the spring of 2014 to determine the ability of the bypass to collect and safely …

Sexual Behavior Of Immature Tibetan Macaques (Macaca Thibetana), Anne Salow, R. Steven Wagner, Mary Radeke, Joseph Lorenz

All Master's Theses

Tibetan macaque sociosexual behavior begins in infancy, and comprises many of their initial interactions with other group members as infants. Tibetan macaques possess a large sociosexual behavioral repertoire, including a behavior called bridging, which involves infants and juveniles, and is found in only four species. Immature macaques differ in the types, rate, and partner preferences across a variety of behaviors. This study compared rates of sexual behavior among four age and sex classes of 26 immature Tibetan macaques at Mt. Huangshan, China. A total of 643 sex behaviors were observed and evaluated for 5 parameters: total sex behavior rates, initiation …

The Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (Child) Birth Cohort Study: Assessment Of Environmental Exposures, Tim K. Takaro, James A. Scott, Ryan W. Allen, Sonia S. Anand, Allan B. Becker, A. Dean Befus, Michael Brauer, Joanne Duncan, Diana L. Lefebvre, Wendy Lou, Piush J. Mandhane, Kathleen E. Mclean, Gregory Miller, Hind Sbihi, Huan Shu, Padmaja Subbarao, Stuart E. Turvey, Amanda J. Wheeler, Leilei Zeng, Malcolm R. Sears, Jeffrey R. Brook

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development birth cohort was designed to elucidate interactions between environment and genetics underlying development of asthma and allergy. Over 3600 pregnant mothers were recruited from the general population in four provinces with diverse environments. The child is followed to age 5 years, with prospective characterization of diverse exposures during this critical period. Key exposure domains include indoor and outdoor air pollutants, inhalation, ingestion and dermal uptake of chemicals, mold, dampness, biological allergens, pets and pests, housing structure, and living behavior, together with infections, nutrition, psychosocial environment, and medications. Assessments of early life exposures are focused …

Climate-Adjusted Provenancing: A Strategy For Climate-Resilient Ecological Restoration, Suzanne M. Prober, Margaret Byrne, Elizabeth H. Mclean, Dorothy A. Steane, Brad M. Potts, Rene E. Vaillancourt, William D. Stock

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Investments in ecological restoration are estimated at $US 2 trillion per annum worldwide and are increasing rapidly (Cunningham, 2008; Williams et al., 2014). These investments are occurring in an environment of accelerated climate change that is projected to continue into the next century, yet they currently take little account of such change. This has significant implications for the long-term success of restoration plantings across millions of hectares, with germplasm used in current restoration efforts potentially poorly-adapted to future climates. New approaches that optimize the climate-resilience of these restoration efforts are thus essential (Breed et al., 2013; Williams et al., 2014; …

Provisioning And Its Effects On The Social Interactions Of Tibetan Macaques (Macaca Thibetana) At Mt. Huangshan, China, Brianna I. Schnepel

All Master's Theses

The dispersal patterns of food resources has a significant effect on the composition of primate groups and social interactions within those groups. Humans often alter the dispersal of food. Non-humans often use affiliative behaviors to elicit tolerance or support from other group members. I investigated whether provisioned food resources alter the social interactions and group dynamics of Macaca thibetana. All-occurrence sampling and scan sampling were used for data recorded by camera traps. Trail-cameras were placed at six locations that contain natural and human food resources and recorded 60-second videos. Social behavior and proximity of the monkeys were recorded. I …

A Stormwater History Of Grand Valley State University And An Assessment Of The Stream Quality Of The Little Mac Ravine, Christina Hamilton

Honors Projects

As Grand Valley State University (GVSU) was built and expanded in Allendale, Michigan, the negative impacts of the campus stormwater discharge on the ravines also grew. It was not until the early 2000’s that GVSU began to understand the impacts stormwater had on the ravines. In 2011, 32 acres of stormwater drainage from the west side of campus was diverted to a series of constructed wetlands. Prior to this change, a biological baseline was determined by Snyder et al (2008) by sampling the macroinvertebrates in the Little Mac stream (Snyder et al 2008). The purpose of this project …

The Clinical Progress Of Gene Therapy And Its Ethical Standing, Ryan Carrier

Honors Projects

No abstract provided.

Annotation And Transcription Start Site Analysis Of Contig70 In Drosophila Biarmipes, Robin Wolschendorf

Honors Projects

The following is my annotation and transcription start site analysis report for contig70 in D. biarmipes to be submitted to the Genomics Education Partnership (GEP) at Washington University in St. Louis. The report was completed in accordance with the guidelines and template set forth by the GEP. There are eight complete genes found in contig70, for which I found the protein coding exon boundaries as well as the transcription start sites for all isoforms. All conclusions and reasoning for them are outlined in the report.

The GEP does genomics research, specifically comparing the genomes of all species of Drosophila. …

The Need For Additional Food Assistance Programs For School Children In Mid Michigan, Gabriel Dominguez

Honors Projects

No abstract provided.

Influences On Technology Use In High School Anatomy And Physiology Instruction, Frazier Firovich

Honors Projects

No abstract provided.

Gvsu Sustainable Agriculture Project Handbook, Youssef Darwich, Dana Eardley

Honors Projects

The GVSU Sustainable Agriculture Project was started by a group of Grand Valley students in 2008, and is a project of the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies. The original farm site is on Luce Street on the Allendale campus.

Antibiotic Resistance, Molly Kempa

Honors Projects

No abstract provided.

Arsenic Biosand Filters In Developing Countries, Jepkoech Kottutt

Honors Projects

Arsenic is a common pollutant in many developing countries and has been linked to cancer and cardiovascular disease. In this research, biosand filters (BSFs) were modified with iron filings to remove arsenic from contaminated water. Six BSFs (three with 1 kg of iron filings and three without iron filings) were simultaneously dosed with 20 liters of Muskegon Lake water that contained 100 μg/L of arsenic for 30 days. Arsenic concentrations were determined using a HACH low range arsenic test kit. The mean arsenic removal rate for all 3 BSFs with iron filings was 100% for 13 days, but later was …