Digital Commons Network^™

Estimating Tiger (Panthera Tigris) Prey Density Using Camera Traps And Fecal Accumulation Rates, Jenifer Bunty

All Theses

The conservation of tiger populations requires the preservation of their prey. Assessing prey populations is therefore important, but challenges arise due to the elusive nature of many prey species. We used two indirect methods to estimate the density of sika deer (Cervus nippon), an elusive tiger prey species, in the Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Reserve in the Russian Far East. The fecal accumulation rate (FAR) is widely used and provides estimates of ungulate density based on the accumulation of fecal pellet groups in previously cleared plots. More recently, the random encounter model (REM) was developed to estimate population density from …

A New, Low-Elevation Appalachian Saxifrage (Hydatica Necker Ex. Gray 1821) In South Carolina, Laary Cushman

All Theses

In 2002 a unique population of Hydatica Necker ex Gray 1821 (Appalachian Saxifrage) was discovered by Patrick McMillan in the upper Piedmont of Pickens County, SC, growing on a low-elevation granite dome within the Nature Conservancy’s Nine Times nature preserve. The plants appeared to be similar to the widespread Hydatica petiolaris (Raf.) Small populations of the Blue Ridge Escarpment (BRE). However, the Pickens County population displays an annual life form and flowers during the late winter and early spring, in contrast to the perennial life forms and late spring through early fall flowerings of the BRE population. A study was …

Functional Thinking: A Protocol Study, Ashwinraj Thiagarajan

All Theses

This thesis reports a protocol study that examines how designers construct function structure graphs as they understand and develop solutions for novel design problems. Eight voluntary design engineers, with two to four years of experience in product design and function modeling are presented with a novel design problem for which they have to develop functional models as part of concept development. The modeling actions are video recorded and the data is analyzed using a predefined protocol that encodes the addition, deletion, and modification of model elements such as functions, flows, and text, and also other activities such as reading the …

Thresholding Of Statistical Maps In Functional Neuroimaging Via Independent Filtering, Jaqueline Kwiasowski

All Theses

The high dimension of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data causes problems in finding effective thresholds for voxelwise test statistics. Due to the enormous number of voxels, adjustment for multiple testing is necessary. But such an adjustment can lead to low statistical power. It has been shown that filtering the test statistics to reduce the number of tests being performed potentially increases the number of discoveries. However, some filter-test combinations can result in loss of control over the false discovery rate. We present an independent filtering approach which avoids this issue. Independent filtering uses filter-test combinations such that the filter …

Development And Validation Of An Optically-Based Strain Measuring Orthopaedic Screw For Fracture Fixation Implants, Nakul Ravikumar

All Theses

In the USA over 28 million musculoskeletal injuries are treated annually, including 2 million fracture fixation surgeries (about 0.5% of the population).[1] Treatment of large osseous defects use allografts which have failure rates of up to 25%, and complication rates as high as 30-60%.[2] Fracture fixation usually involves mechanical fixation with rods, plates and/or screws which repair slowly and are susceptible to infection. Implant infection and loosening are serious concerns, but can currently only be measured through expensive instrumented implants, biopsy culture, or radiographs. However, none of these directly quantify implant loading and stability. There is therefore a need for …

Preference Of Consumers Toward Non-Distorted Graphics On Full-Body Shrink Sleeve Labels, Nathan Bailey

All Theses

Past research has indicated that shrink sleeves can lead to higher product trial rates, better long-term sales, and greater likelihood of brand loyalty. A pilot study and a primary experiment were conducted to investigate the significance of distortion and the ability of the Human Visual System (HVS) to recognize it in packaging design. Distortion works primarily in shrink film on which an image is printed, so these studies dealt only with reductive distortion. The pilot study aimed to identify the absolute threshold, or Just-Noticeable-Difference (JND) for a change from no stimulus, for simple polygons. The primary experiment focused on graphic …

Inertial Focusing Of Particles In Curved Microchannels, Ketaki Joshi

All Theses

Since the beginning of microfluidics, the ability to control motion of particles in microchannels has always been fascinating. Microfluidic techniques such as dielectrophoresis, magnetophoresis rely on externally applied fields to separate particles while others like hydrophoresis and deterministic lateral displacement depend on low Reynolds number operation for particle manipulation. One of these techniques is inertial focusing of particles in microchannels. The particles and channel interact to cause lateral migration of particles to equilibrium positions within channel cross-section in flow regime where inertia and viscosity of fluid are finite. Inertial focusing has wide range of applications in fields of chemical synthesis, …

Microcosm Evaluation Of Enhanced Bioremediation For Halogenated Methanes At A Former Industrial Site, Hao Wang

All Theses

Halogenated methanes are among the most frequently encountered contaminants at hazardous waste sites. One such site in California is contaminated with chloroform (CF), carbon tetrachloride (CT), and trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11). CF, CT and CFC-11 are the main focus of this research; they are present at the California site at concentrations in the mg per liter range and a plume of contaminated groundwater emanating from a source zone is approaching a property boundary, necessitating remediation. Anaerobic bioremediation is one of the technologies under consideration for addressing the source zone and the less concentrated downgradient plume. A microcosm study was performed to evaluate …

Biodegradation Of Hexahydro-1,3,5-Trinitro-1,3,5-Triazine (Rdx) Using Photosynthetic Bacteria, Sarah Galloway

All Theses

Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) is an emerging contaminant according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). RDX was introduced as a secondary explosive during World War II. It is still used in many explosive such as hand grenades. RDX enters the environment mostly through the manufacturing process or from the use of explosives. RDX is a suspected carcinogen and can also affect the nervous system of humans. Therefore, RDX has become a chemical of concern across many United States military bases and open and closed manufacturing plants. The goal of this research was to evaluate the biodegradation of RDX via two phototrophic bacteria: …

Antidepressant Effects In Hybrid Striped Bass: Moving From External Exposures To Internal Doses, Lauren Sweet

All Dissertations

Over 47 percent of Americans take at least one prescription drug per month and of these pharmaceuticals, antidepressants are the third most prescribed drug. Their widespread and prolonged use coupled with incomplete removal during wastewater treatment processes has made them one of the most commonly detected pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment. Antidepressants are intended to modify human behavior by altering brain chemistry and the neurotransmitter receptor targets of these chemicals are highly conserved in many vertebrate species; thus, aquatic organisms may be at risk. Previous research in our lab has shown that exposure of hybrid striped bass (HSB) (Morone saxatilis …

Design And Development Of A Selectively Absorbable Multiphasic Hernia Mesh An In Vivo Performance As It Relates To Biocompatibility, Georgios T. Hilas

All Dissertations

Hernia repair is one of the most frequently performed surgical operations, with the vast majority of these surgeries employing a “tension-free” repair technique with synthetic surgical meshes. Traditionally, meshes for hernia repair have been designed with high strength in order to produce a robust repair; unfortunately, current designs are unable to respond to the dynamic biological needs of the wound healing process. As a result, patients undergoing mesh hernioplasty often suffer from mesh contraction, reduced wound site compliance, fibrosis, and/or chronic pain. The aim of this dissertation was to design and assess a novel, selectively absorbable mesh system for soft …

Re-Establishing The Theoretical Foundations Of A Truncated Normal Distribution: Standardization Statistical Inference, And Convolution, Jinho Cha

All Dissertations

There are special situations where specification limits on a process are implemented externally, and the product is typically reworked or scrapped if its performance does not fall in the range. As such, the actual distribution after inspection is truncated. Despite the practical importance of the role of a truncated distribution, there has been little work on the theoretical foundation of standardization, inference theory, and convolution. The objective of this research is three-fold. First, we derive a standard truncated normal distribution and develop its cumulative probability table by standardizing a truncated normal distribution as a set of guidelines for engineers and …

Manipulation Of The Electrical Double Layer For Control And Sensing In A Solid State Nanopore, Samuel L. Bearden

All Dissertations

Nanopores have been explored with the goal of achieving non-functionalized, sub-molecular sensors, primarily with the purpose of producing fast, low-cost DNA sequencers. Because of the nanoscale volume within the nanopore structure, it is possible to isolate individual molecular and sub-molecular analytes. Nanopore DNA sequencing has remained elusive due to high noise levels and the challenge of obtaining single-nucleotide resolution. However, the complete electrical double layer within the nanopore is a key feature of fluid-nanopore interaction and has been neglected in previous studies. By exploring interactions with the electrical double layer in various nanopore systems, we characterize the material, electrical, and …

Kaposi’S Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Transmission And Infection Among Young Zambian Children, Landon N. Olp

School of Biological Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiologic agent for all forms of Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS)—one of the most common pediatric cancers in sub-Saharan Africa during the AIDS epidemic. KS was endemic in sub-Saharan Africa prior to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, but KS cases drastically increased thereafter. Our laboratory previously observed that KSHV infection is common among Zambian children and saliva is the major route of transmission. However, additional factors associated with the transmission of KSHV to children are poorly understood. Since a vaccine against KSHV is not currently available, it is paramount to understand factors associated with transmission so that alternative …

Perception Of Mental Illness Based Upon Its Portrayal In Film, Erika Hanley

HIM 1990-2015

Perceptions can be influenced by the media concerning different groups of people. As a result of the importance of the media in how individuals obtain information and formulate opinions, how different groups are presented whether negatively or positively is important. This research examines the portrayal of mental illness in films and the impact that such portrayals have on the perceptions of mental illness of the viewers. Mental illness representations can be found quite prevalently among film and the way in which it is represented can be important as to how populations perceive those with mental disorders. This thesis looks to …

Linkage Analysis And Compositional Studies Of Β-Glucan From Saccharomyces Cerevisiae And Compositional Studies Of Mannan From Candida Albicans, Clara Arthur

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The efficacy of a novel carbohydrate extraction procedure was investigated with methylation analysis and alditol acetate method by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. A published extraction procedure for β-glucans was compared to one developed in house. Both procedures gave a dominant glucose peak in the Gas chromatogram indicative of successful β-glucan isolation. Further linkage studies showed four linkage positions for β-glucans isolated with the published method; terminal, 1,3-linkage, 1,6-linkage and 1,3,6-linkage, while β-glucans isolated using the new method showed six linkage positions; terminal, 1,3-linkage, 1,6-linkage, 1,4-linkage, 1,2,3-linkage and 1,3,6-linkage. Diminishing β-glucan linkage peaks in the chromatogram for the published method indicated structure …

Comparison Of Two Parameter Estimation Techniques For Stochastic Models, Thomas C. Robacker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Parameter estimation techniques have been successfully and extensively applied to deterministic models based on ordinary differential equations but are in early development for stochastic models. In this thesis, we first investigate using parameter estimation techniques for a deterministic model to approximate parameters in a corresponding stochastic model. The basis behind this approach lies in the Kurtz limit theorem which implies that for large populations, the realizations of the stochastic model converge to the deterministic model. We show for two example models that this approach often fails to estimate parameters well when the population size is small. We then develop a …

Sex Differences In Arm Muscle Fatigability With Cognitive Demand In Older Adults, Hugo M. Pereira, Vincent C. Spears, Bonnie Schlinder-Delap, Tejin Yoon, April L. Harkins, Kristy A. Nielson, Marie K. Hoeger Bement, Sandra K. Hunter

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Muscle fatigability can increase when a stressful, cognitively demanding task is imposed during a low-force fatiguing contraction with the arm muscles, especially in women. Whether this occurs among older adults (> 60 years) is currently unknown.

Questions/purposes

We aimed to determine if higher cognitive demands, stratified by sex, increased fatigability in older adults (> 60 years). Secondarily, we assessed if varying cognitive demand resulted in decreased steadiness and was explained by anxiety or cortisol levels.

Methods

Seventeen older women (70 ± 6 years) and 13 older men (71 ± 5 years) performed a sustained, isometric, fatiguing contraction at 20% …

Combined Unilateral Blockade Of Cholinergic, Peptidergic, And Serotonergic Receptors In The Ventral Respiratory Column Does Not Affect Breathing In Awake Or Sleeping Goats, Clarissa Muere, Suzanne Neumueller, Samantha Olesiak, Justin Robert Miller, Thomas Langer, Matthew Hodges, Lawrence Pan, Hubert Forster

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Previous work in intact awake and sleeping goats has found that unilateral blockade of excitatory inputs in the ventral respiratory column (VRC) elicits changes in the concentrations of multiple neurochemicals, including serotonin (5-HT), substance P, glycine, and GABA, while increasing or having no effect on breathing. These findings are consistent with the concept of interdependence between neuromodulators, whereby attenuation of one modulator elicits compensatory changes in other modulators to maintain breathing. Because there is a large degree of redundancy and multiplicity of excitatory inputs to the VRC, we herein tested the hypothesis that combined unilateral blockade of muscarinic acetylcholine (mACh), …

Factors Affecting Terrigenous Sedimentation In Coastal Bays With Coral Reefs: Implications For Monitoring The Effectiveness Of Watershed Restoration, Whitney Sears

Theses

In the Caribbean, sedimentation has been identified as a serious threat to coral reef communities. Although land-based sediment delivery to coastal waters harboring coral reefs occurs under natural conditions, human activities in the watersheds above reefs increases the erosion and delivery of terrigenous sediment to the reefs. Delivery of terrigenous sediment into marine areas below developed watersheds affects sedimentation rates, alters the composition and texture of sediments that are suspended in the water column, and/or sediments that are deposited on the sea floor and on corals.

St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands is an ideal location to study the effects of …

Physiological Performance Of Warm-Adapted Marine Ectotherms : Thermal Limits Of Mitochondrial Energy Transduction Efficiency., Eloy Martinez, Eric Hendricks, Michael Menze, Joseph Torres

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Thermal regimes in aquatic systems have profound implications for the physiology of ectotherms. In particular, the effect of elevated temperatures on mitochondrial energy transduction (i.e. energy from carbon substrates to ATP) in tropical and subtropical teleosts may have profound consequences on organismal performance and population viability. Upper and lower whole-organism critical temperatures for teleosts suggest that subtropical and tropical species are not susceptible to the warming trends associated with climate change, but sub-lethal effects on energy transduction efficiency and population dynamics remain unclear. The goal of the present study was to compare the thermal sensitivity of processes associated with mitochondrial …

Association Of Obesity With Infertility Among Pakistani Men: A Case Control Study, Nida Zahid, Sarah Saleem, Syed Iqbal Azam, Tariq Moatter

Community Health Sciences

Background: The reported prevalence of infertility in Pakistan is 21% of which 35% is contributed by male factor. Male infertility has multifactorial etiologies ranging from modifiable to genetic risk factors. Among all the risk factors that may account for male infertility, obesity is one of the emerging public health problems. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the association of obesity with infertility in Pakistani men.
Methods: We conducted a case control study. Cases were men with impaired semen parameters and controls did not have impaired semen parameters.
Results: The final multivariable logistic regression model after adjusting for …

Design Of A Non-Contact Home Monitoring System For Audio Detection Of Infant Apnea, Daniel T. White

Master's Theses

Infant apnea is a widespread condition in which infants fail to effectively breathe, and can lead to death. Clinical solutions exist for continuous monitoring of respirations in a hospital setting and requiring constant skin contact. This thesis investigates the construction of a proof of concept device that performs in-home monitoring without skin contact and with commonly available off-the-shelf components.

The device constructed used a directional microphone to detect breathing sounds, an omnidirectional microphone to detect ambient noise as a baseline to help isolate the breathing sounds, and LabVIEW software deployed on an inexpensive laptop computer to quantify incidents of apparent …

Optimization Of Chest Wall Hyperthermia Treatment Using A Virtual Human Chest Model, Dario B. Rodrigues, Mark D. Hurwitz, Paolo F. Maccarini, Paul R. Stauffer

Department of Radiation Oncology Faculty Papers

This work explores different coupling configurations (direct contact, air and water coupling) between a single 915 MHz waveguide applicator and human tissue in the setting of chest wall recurrence (CWR) of breast cancer. The objective is to treat chest wall tumours with microwave hyperthermia, while avoiding hot spots in critical areas such as scars and ribs. The best coupling configuration was a customized 24×29 cm water bolus developed by our team. It helps the applicator deliver an effective field size of 268 cm2 at 1 cm depth and a penetration depth of 2-3 cm. Water bolus thickness can be adjusted …

Priming Effects On Word Recognition In Students With Dyslexia, Cynthia T. Johnson

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Perceived Parental Factors As Predictors Of Spiritual Maturity In Emerging Adults, Lizabeth L. Matthews

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Scant research has focused on possible parental factors behind increasing rates of disengagement by millennial emerging adults (18- to 25-years-old) in church attendance and other traditional Christian practices. Cluster, quota, and convenience samples of emerging adults (N = 266) who had identified with Christian practices in high school were recruited from social media, Web sites for religious doubt, and various universities and churches across America. Independent sample t tests and regression analyses were performed to explore the effect of selected parent variables (as perceived by the emerging adult child) on the child’s self-reported spiritual maturity (measured by a spiritual assessment …

Zebrafish And Conditioned Place Preference: A Translational Model Of Drug Reward, Adam Douglas Collier

Master's Theses

Addiction and substance abuse commonly lead to negative outcomes such damaged health, domestic violence, child abuse, failure in school, and loss of employment. In the United States, hundreds of billions of dollars accrue annually in costs associated with healthcare, crime and lost productivity due to addiction. Efficacious treatments remain few in number, the development of which will be facilitated by comprehension of environmental, genetic, pharmacological and neurobiological mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of addiction. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has recently gained popularity as a model organism of complex brain disorders (e.g., substance use disorder). Behavioral quantification within the conditioned place …

Current Medical Research: Summer/Fall 2014, Richard J. Fehring

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

Examining The Association Between Children's Fruit And Vegetable Intake At And Away From School, Velarie Yaa Ankrah Ansu

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Several school-based interventions aimed at increasing fruit and vegetables (FV) intake among children have demonstrated success in short-term interventions. The Fit Game is a school-based intervention aimed at encouraging children to consume increasing amounts of FV during a game, which is a narrative. Just as children are being encouraged to eat FV at school, so is it equally important for them to eat FV at home. Parents strongly influence the amount of FV children consume at home. The aim of this thesis is to examine associations between factors that influence consumption of fruits and vegetables at and away from school …

A Century Of Geomorphic Change Of The San Rafael River And Implications For River Rehabilitation, Stephen T. Fortney

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Suspended-load rivers are subject to rapid geomorphic changes. In particular during the Holocene Epoch, arroyos of the Colorado Plateau experienced several periods of rapid erosion and aggradation. The most recent period of entrenchment occurred around the turn of the 20th century. The mechanisms responsible for the modern period of aggradation that has followed the most recent period of entrenchment have not been well documented. The research presented in this thesis reveals the mechanisms responsible for modern alluviation of the San Rafael River, which drains the Colorado Plateau

The lower 87 km of the San Rafael River, which enters the Green …