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Ritual And Religion In The Ohlone Cultural Area Of Central California, Doug Jones

Master's Theses

This thesis is an analysis of aspects of ritual and religion based upon reports from archaeological sites throughout the historical territory of the Native American peoples grouped by ethnographers under the term Ohlone, as well as other relevant sources of ethnographic, historical, and biographical information. Through research and review of recorded site documentation, as well as consultation with local archaeologists, three sites which clearly and extensively represent aspects of Ohlone religious life were identified and described in detail. This included type sites for mortuary practices, rock art, and cosmology/archaeoastronomy. The compilation and analysis of this material generated important information regarding …

Formation Of Organic Films On Sulfuric Acid Solutions At Upper Troposphere And Lower Stratosphere Aerosol Acidities, Holger Saul Perez

Master's Theses

The effects of atmospheric aerosols on climate remain uncertain, especially where aerosol chemical composition is not well known. Chemical analysis of aerosols in the upper troposphere (UT) and lower stratosphere (LS) show sulfuric acid (40 - 80 wt. %) and water as the major components. However, recently, the presence of organic molecules was also reported in UT/LS aerosols which could produce a broad spectrum of chemical reactions that have the potential to alter the aerosol climate properties, so experiments were performed to examine these reactions. Propanal, individually or in mixtures with glyoxal and/or methylglyoxal, combined with sulfuric acid formed highly …

Synthesis, Structural Characterization And Chromatographic Evaluation Of Silica Hydride-Based Perfluorinated Stationary Phase, Harshada Suyog Natekar

Master's Theses

Silica hydride based stationary phases have demonstrated unique selectivity and specificity for small sized polar molecules. The weakly hydrophobic nature of silica hydride is thought to be the key reason for its remarkable retention capabilities. Traditional stationary phases bonded with fluorine moieties have also exhibited enhanced retention of small polar molecules. In this research, a perfluorinated silica hydride stationary phase was synthesized by hydrosilation and silanization procedures. Chromatographic characterization of the newly packed column was carried out by a large number of retention studies. The separation capabilities of the column were evaluated in both the aqueous normal-phase (ANP) and reversed-phase …

Complex Effects Of Nitrogen Pollution And Grazing On Nectar Resources Of The Adult Bay Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas Editha Bayensis), Nidhi Jain

Master's Theses

Recent anthropogenic increases in atmospheric nitrogen due to urbanization and combustion have had many adverse effects on natural systems, including loss of biodiversity, especially in sensitive habitats. One such region is the serpentine ecosystem of Coyote Ridge in San Jose, CA, the last refuge for recurring populations of the federally threatened Bay Checkerspot Butterfly (BCB) (Euphydryas editha bayensis). Increases in non-native grass cover and decreases in native forb cover (including cover of the BCB’s native larval host plants) have been attributed to the fertilizing effects of increased atmospheric nitrogen deposition. To counteract this effect, grazing has been implemented as a …

Chloroflexi: The Tale Of A Bacterium Present In Human And Environmental Habitats, Jayashree Sanjeeviraman

Master's Theses

The phylum Chloroflexi is relatively unexplored, with the majority of its representatives being uncultivable. As a result, these microorganisms have not been characterized beyond their morphology and simple staining reactions, making the study of this phylum extremely challenging. Chloroflexi has been detected in the human oral cavity of patients suffering from peri-implantitis and in the vagina of patients suffering from bacterial vaginosis. Interestingly, Chloroflexi is also present in various environments such as freshwater lakes, soil, deep-sea sponges, hot springs and activated wastewater. Isolation of an environmental Chloroflexi with high 16S rRNA gene homology to a human-associated counterpart could be used …

The Role Of Nitric Oxide In Skeletal Simulated Microgravity Response, Luan Tran

Master's Theses

Prolonged exposure to the space environment leads to bone loss. Using a ground-based model for microgravity (hind-limb unloading), it has been shown in rodents that proliferation and differentiation activity of osteoprogenitors are decreased with exposure to simulated microgravity (Kostenuik et al., 1997). Osteoblast mineralization activity has been shown to increase with nitric oxide supplementation (Afzal et al., 2004; Koyama et al., 2000). I hypothesized that the degenerative effects of microgravity exposure result from chronic changes in nitric oxide regulation in osteoprogenitors, and that supplementation with exogenous nitric oxide following exposure would ameliorate these changes. In 20 C57Bl/6 mice, hind-limb unloading …

Aegis: Validating Execution Behavior Of Controller Applications In Software-Defined Networks, Hitesh Maruti Padekar

Master's Theses

The software-defined network (SDN) controller provides an application programming interface (API) for network applications and controller modules. Malicious applications and network attackers can misuse these APIs to cause outbreaks on the controller. The controller is the heart of the SDN and should be secured from such API misuse scenarios and network attacks. Most of the prior research in security for SDN controllers focuses on a defense mechanism for a particular attack scenario that requires changes in the controller code. This research proposes dynamic access control and a policy engine-based approach for protecting the SDN controller from network attacks and application …

Effects Of Small-Scale Substrate Complexity And Heterogeneity On Rocky Intertidal Species Interactions, Sara E. Worden

Master's Theses

The barnacle assemblage in the high rocky intertidal zone has provided an excellent study system to examine species interaction webs. This assemblage consists of a small set of species: barnacles, a variety of macroalgae, and a suite of limpet grazers. Despite the extensive intertidal research occurring along the central California coast, little is known about this specific interaction web and what physical factors may influence it in this region. This study examines the direct, indirect, positive, and negative interactions between the intertidal barnacle Balanus glandula Darwin, the brown seaweed Pelvetiopsis limitata Gardner, and limpet grazers, and how the underlying rock …

Design Of An Attitude Control System For Spin-Axis Control Of A 3u Cubesat, Alexander Joseph Westfall

Master's Theses

This paper describes the design process of developing a spin-axis control system for a 3U CubeSat, a relatively small satellite. Design requires the CubeSat to de-spin after deployment and direct its antenna to track Earth nadir position. The one degree of freedom controller is developed for the TechEdSat, which is a CubeSat with a payload that allows for the assumption that rotation pitch and yaw rates are sufficiently close to zero. Satellite torqueing disturbances are modeled with reaction wheel noise for a more complete system analysis. Sensor noise is unmodeled. Frequency domain and time domain analyses are presented; the entire …

Geographic Variation In The Life History And Morphology Of The Pacific Geoduck, Panopea Generosa, Gabriela Navas

Master's Theses

The Pacific geoduck, Panopea generosa, is an ideal candidate to investigate patterns of life history variation and morphological plasticity in shell shape, as it occurs over a large geographic range, inhabits different marine environments, and experiences intense fishing pressure in some locations (i.e., Mexico and Washington). Six populations were sampled from Washington to Mexico to evaluate evidence for geographic variation in demography, life history, and morphology. Results provided evidence for a latitudinal cline with larger clams occurring in locations characterized by colder water temperature. Age structure and longevity analyses indicated that life expectancy was significantly lowered at intertidal sites compared …

Burnout Versus Personality: Predicting Volunteer Retention, Conor Thomas Tuohy

Master's Theses

Employee turnover is an important issue for any organization, but it is of critical importance for volunteer organizations. Research shows that a strong predictor of volunteer turnover is a volunteer’s intention to remain in that organization. This study measured volunteers’ intention to remain and compared the known predictor of burnout to the potential predictor of personality (through personality traits) in order to find a better predictor of a volunteer’s intention to remain in an organization. Using survey data obtained from 65 participants from a single volunteer organization, this study showed that burnout and personality traits failed to predict a volunteer’s …

Lithologic Controls On Knickpoint Formation In Sierra Nevada Bedrock Channels, Brittany Danielle Johnson

Master's Theses

In the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the distribution of knickpoints in bedrock channels is often used as evidence to argue that the mountain range has been recently uplifted. The assumption that bedrock channel knickpoints are transient features responding to a recent pulse of uplift contributes to the ongoing debate about the range’s geomorphic and tectonic evolution. Determining how knickpoints form in heterogeneous granitic landscapes remains fundamental in understanding the lithologic, tectonic, and climatic controls on bedrock incision. Defining the controls on knickpoint formation may limit how knickpoints are used to infer the tectonic history of the Sierra Nevada. In this study, …

“Do You Understand The Words That Are Coming Out Of My Mouth?” The African American Student Experience With Academic Discourse In A Community College, Ebony Caldwell

Education Doctoral

The purpose of this study was to examine academic discourse as a factor contributing to the lack of persistence for African American students in community college. The participants for the study consisted of eight students currently enrolled at a midsized community college in Western New York. The participant’s experiences revealed four major themes that cut across the entire sample with a consistent pattern of students reporting both benefits and consequences in relation to academic discourse. These included: (a) Break this down please!- which examined how understanding and comprehension of language can be a barrier for African American community college students; …

A Phenomenological Study Of First-Generation Latino Graduates Of Community College And Protective Factors Of Academic Resilience, Homiler Elie Phanor

Education Doctoral

This study examined the reasons behind first-generation Latino students’ academic success in attaining associate degrees in community colleges in the United States, focusing specifically on academic resilience factors among this cohort. The research comes in response to the awareness that, despite the U.S.’s rapidly growing Latino population, Latinos have the lowest higher education attainment level compared to all other ethnic groups. While the structural factors behind this have been examined, there is relatively little research on the enabling factors driving Latinos, specifically those who are first-generation students, who do successfully complete higher education degrees in community colleges, their main entry …

Residential Programs For Chronically Homeless Adults: Exploring How One Nonprofit Agency Transitioned From A Treatment First To A Housing First Model, Camilla Peters

Education Doctoral

This qualitative, single-case study explored the strategic planning one nonprofit agency assumed when transitioning from a treatment first to a housing first model. Data collected included both archival data and individual interviews. Archival data consisted of the strategic plan, policy and procedures, and newspaper articles. A purposeful sample of agency administrators participated in individual interviews. Data analysis revealed the agency’s internal initiative to transition and the importance of using staff at all levels to develop the strategic plan. Additionally, the study revealed the agency did not successfully transition to a traditional housing first model due to several external barriers, but …

Prohibition Display, Maggie Mason Smith

Presentations

December 5 is Repeal Day, which signifies an historical event in US history: the repeal of the 18th Amendment, resulting in the end of Prohibition in the United States.

Effective Teacher Practices In Community College Online Instruction: An Exploratory Sequential Mixed-Methods Study, Katharine Rumrill-Teece

Education Doctoral

Online courses provide access to higher education for many community college students (Allen & Seaman, 2006). Despite the convenience of online classes for community college students and the recent surge in online courses (Allen & Seaman, 2013), they have higher failure rates than face-to-face classes (R. Jenkins, 2011; Patterson & McFadden, 2009; Xu & Jaggars, 2013). The study identified what community college students perceived as important elements of teacher practice that led them to feel successful in an online course. The community of inquiry framework (CoI) provided the theoretical framework for the exploratory sequential mixed methods study. Focus group data …

The Extent To Which Annual Professional Performance Reviews Change Classroom Instructional Practice: A Sequential Mixed-Methods Study Of Teacher Evaluations In Central New York, Susan T. Vickers

Education Doctoral

An exploratory, sequential, mixed-methods study examined the extent to which teachers of English, math, science, and social studies of Grades 9-12 change classroom practices based upon the implementation of the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) mandated by New York State Education Law §3012-c. Qualitative data in phase one of the study informed the survey in phase two. Critical components of classroom practice were identified in a focus group where five lead evaluators organized the study into two themes: lesson planning and classroom atmosphere. A second focus group of six teachers identified 20 impetuses that promote changes in classroom instructional practice. …

The Role Of Racial-Ethnic Identity And Family Socialization On Student Engagement: Latino Youth In Select New York City Independent Schools, Sandra Kei Chapman

Education Doctoral

This study explored if there is a statistically significant positive correlation between racial-ethnic identity, family socialization, and student engagement for Latino youth attending select New York City independent schools. Independent schools prepare students well for academic success however; national trends show Latino students are at risk of academic disengagement. Racial-ethnic self-schemas that focus on connectedness, awareness of racism, and embedded achievement serve as a protective buffer for Latino youth who face academic barriers. Racial-ethnic identity that is supported by family socialization is also associated with an increase in youths’ academic self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to explore how …

Emotional Intelligence And Employee Engagement: A Quantitative Study To Explore The Relationship Between The Emotional Intelligence Of Frontline Managers And Supervisors And The Degree Of Employee Engagement Of Their Direct Reports In A Tertiary Care Health Care Setting, Derrick Suehs

Education Doctoral

The health care industry is moving from a volume-based, fee-for-service financial reimbursement system to a value-based purchasing model. These changes have caused substantial challenges in the delivery of care. Hospital leaders must conduct business differently to lower cost, improve safety outcomes, and be more efficient and effective. Numerous studies show engaged employees improve operational performance. Past studies point to leaders with high emotional intelligence who are effective at engaging employees. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a statistically significant correlation between frontline managers and supervisors’ emotional intelligence and the degree of engagement of their direct …

Ways Of Knowing, Learning, And Being: Exploration Of The Educational Culture, Learning Experiences, And The Persistence Of Male Students In Associate Degree Nursing Programs In New York State, Loretta G. Quigley

Education Doctoral

Currently, studies show that men are underrepresented in the nursing profession. The Health Resources and Services Administration (2013) found that although men comprise 49% of the population, only 9% of the nursing workforce is male. Additionally, there are predictions of an impending nursing shortage, related in part to an ageing nursing workforce and health care reform. Increasing the number of men could be a possible solution to the shortage. This may be accomplished by retaining male students in nursing education, although studies have identified many factors that impact negatively on their retention. The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and …

Identifying The Building Blocks Of Disruptive Innovation In Cornell Cooperative Extension: A Grounded Theory, Andrew S. Turner

Education Doctoral

Cooperative Extension (CE) faces significant challenges as it attempts to adapt core business principles to a rapidly changing 21st century landscape. Disruptive innovation (DI) is a powerful organizational change theory that emerged in the private sector but is now being increasingly utilized in the social sector. The study utilized grounded theory methodology to identify examples of programmatic innovation in CE that align with the characteristics of DI and to look for common building blocks supporting and sustaining innovation in CE. A purposeful sample of nine Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) program innovators were identified in three categories of innovation: youth development, …

Indirect Victimization And Community Violence Exposure: An Examination Of Urban Public School Graduates And Getting Through, A. Najah Salaam Jennings-Bey

Education Doctoral

Najah Salaam Jennings-Bey is a longtime resident of Syracuse, NY with roots in NYC. She graduated from the Syracuse City School District and has dedicated her life to social justice for unserved and underserved communities. Growing up in a high-crime, gang-populated neighborhood, Salaam Jennings-Bey experienced, firsthand, the negative impact of street violence. Despite the psychological and emotional challenges associated with living in a high-crime neighborhood, her motivation to graduate from high school was to give back to her community. Education was the vehicle. For over 15 years, Salaam Jennings-Bey has served urban and rural communities throughout Central New York in …

The Utilization Of Client-Based Service-Learning Applications In Emergency Management Graduate Curricula For The 21st Century, Thomas J. Carey Iii

Education Doctoral

This qualitative case study gathered perceptions from alumni, clients, and professors to gain insight into how essential client-based service learning is to the preparedness of emergency management professionals enrolled in the Masters in Public Administration Emergency and Disaster Management program at the Metropolitan College of New York. Criteria for participant selection included employment as emergency managers, three to five years of experience in the field of emergency management, and past direct involvement in a major disaster event. Data was captured using individual in-depth interviews of 13 participants. Two focus groups were utilized: one comprised three faculty members in the role …

“Sometimes The Jocks Are The Nerds…If That Makes Sense”: Boys’ Practice Of Intra-Gender Policing In A High School Where Staff Suggest Inclusivity, Kelly Clark

Education Doctoral

Orthodox masculinity is defined by compulsory heterosexuality, homophobia, and anti-femininity. The literature suggests there is intense peer pressure for boys to conform to orthodox masculinity during adolescence. Boy’s use of intra-gender policing behaviors—joking, teasing, bullying and violence—is meant to force or reinforce strict orthodox masculine performance. Intra-gender policing often leads to shame and humiliation for many boys. Inclusive masculinity theory (Anderson 2009) suggests however, that boys’ culture is changing. The literature documents the existence of inclusive school-based peer cultures where boys are not homophobic, embrace the feminine, and eschew violence. Using inclusive masculinity as the theoretical framework, this study posed …

Elementary School Principals’ Experiences Working With Autism Spectrum Disorder Students In An Urban Setting: A Grounded Theory Study, Kimberly M. Harris

Education Doctoral

With an increase in students being classified as on the Autism Spectrum, the responsibilities of principals have also increased. The rise in the number of students having an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has presented behavioral and academic challenges for public school principals. Research has demonstrated that principals, who focus on instructional issues, who are knowledgeable about special education laws and ASD, can produce enhanced student outcomes. Using a grounded theory design, the present study examined how principals develop their knowledge of students with autism. Study participants were 11 elementary principals who directly supervised ASD classrooms. Data was gathered using individual …

Nurses With A Special Visitor To University Hospital, 1967, Uab Archives

Images of the Month from UAB Archives

Image ID: P16.1.2, #2368

Two female nurses pose with Santa Claus

Business Retention Report: Wolfeboro, Nh 2016, Andre Garron Aicp, Geoffrey Sewake, Marge Sawtelle, Extension Community & Economic Development

UNH Cooperative Extension

The Business Retention program promotes a thriving economy by helping communities identify the challenges and barriers to the survival and growth of local businesses. Community leaders and volunteers survey businesses and use the data to identify and implement strategies.

Cross-Listing Performance And Insider Ownership: The Experience Of U.S. Investors, Omar A. Esqueda, Dave Jackson

School of Economics and Finance Faculty Publications

Insider-owned firms pursue U.S. cross-listings following periods of extraordinary performance. However, the long-run post-cross-listing abnormal returns become negative only for insider-controlled cross-listings. We find that the Sarbanes–Oxley Act (SOX) has mitigated the market-timing attempts as negative abnormal returns are limited to the pre-SOX period, supporting a cross-listing bonding benefit after U.S. securities regulation was enhanced. In addition, investors anticipate future operating performance as stock returns incorporate forthcoming operating outcomes one and two years ahead. Whereas capital-raising cross-listings show better operating performance than non-capital-raising, the returns of capital-raising firms are more sensitive to the potential agency problems created by insider-ownership.

Enhanced-Resolution Processing And Applications Of The Ascat Scatterometer, Richard D. Lindsley

Theses and Dissertations

The ASCAT scatterometer measures the Earth surface microwave radar backscatter in order to estimate the near-surface winds over the oceans. While the spatial resolution of the conventional applications is sufficient for many purposes, other geoscience applications benefit from an improved spatial resolution. Specialized algorithms may be applied to the scatterometer data in order to reconstruct the radar backscatter on a high-resolution grid. Image reconstruction requires the spatial response function (SRF) of each measurement, which is not reported with the measurement data. To address this need, I precisely model the SRF incorporating (1) the antenna beam response, (2) the processing performed …