Digital Commons Network^™

Intensified Foraging And The Roots Of Farming In China, Shengqian Chen, Pei-Lin Yu

Anthropology Faculty Publications and Presentations

In an accompanying paper (Journal of Anthropological Research 73(2):149–80, 2017), the authors assess current archaeological and paleobiological evidence for the early Neolithic of China. Emerging trends in archaeological data indicate that early agriculture developed variably: hunting remained important on the Loess Plateau, and aquatic-based foraging and protodomestication augmented cereal agriculture in South China. In North China and the Yangtze Basin, semisedentism and seasonal foraging persisted alongside early Neolithic culture traits such as organized villages, large storage structures, ceramic vessels, and polished stone tool assemblages. In this paper, we seek to explain incipient agriculture as a predictable, system-level cultural response …

Use Of Role-Play And Gamification In A Software Project Course, Bruce R. Maxim, Stein Brunvand, Adrienne Decker

Presentations and other scholarship

Soft skills are increasingly important to the engineering profession and course modifications are often needed to ensure students have opportunities to practice them prior to graduation. This suggests that engineering programs need to go beyond simply offering industry-based capstone courses and internships. Role-play has a long history as a tool for learning. It can be used to simulate real world practices in environments where consequences can be mitigated safely. In this paper, we discuss the use of team role-play activities to simulate the experience of working in a professional, game development studio as a means of enhancing an advanced undergraduate …

Posthumanism, Animism, And Sérgio Medeiros’S Pluriverse Poetics, Malcolm Mcnee

Spanish and Portuguese: Faculty Publications

The works of Sérgio Medeiros are populated by a multitude of beings of diverse and often shifting orders and species. Drawing upon intersecting conceptual orientations of animal and multispecies studies, posthumanism, and ecocriticism, I survey a range of interspecies encounters and worldings in Medeiros’s writing, especially his collection of poems, O choro da aranha, etc.(2013). As Medeiros pointedly draws inspiration from diverse aesthetic and philosophical traditions—from Amerindian cosmogonies and verbal arts to Japanese Zen poetry and various strains of modernist avantgardism—I trace here as a unifying feature his engagement with animist imaginings and a post- or anti-anthropocentric unsettling of …

Hypothermic Cooling Measured By Thermal Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Feasibility And Implications For Virtual Imaging In The Urogenital Pelvis., Douglas Skarecky, Hon Yu, Jennifer Linehan, Blanca Morales, Min-Ying Su, Peter Fwu, Thomas Ahlering

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

OBJECTIVE: To study the combination of thermal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and novel hypothermic cooling, via an endorectal cooling balloon (ECB), to assess the effective dispersion and temperature drop in pelvic tissue to potentially reduce inflammatory cascade in surgical applications.

METHODS: Three male subjects, before undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, were cooled via an ECB, rendered MRI compatible for patient safety before ECB hypothermia. MRI studies were performed using a 3T scanner and included T2-weighted anatomic scan for the pelvic structures, followed by a temperature mapping scan. The sequence was performed repeatedly during the cooling experiment, whereas the phase data were …

Insights Into Transgenerational Epigenetics From Studies Of Ciliates, Olivia A. Pilling, Anna J. Rogers, Bethaney Gulla-Devaney, Laura A. Katz

Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Epigenetics, a term with many meanings, can be broadly defined as the study of dynamic states of the genome. Ciliates, a clade of unicellular eukaryotes, can teach us about the intersection of epigenetics and evolution due to the advantages of working with cultivable ciliate lineages, plus their tendency to express extreme phenotypes such as heritable doublet morphology. Moreover, ciliates provide a powerful model for studying epigenetics given the presence of dimorphic nuclei – a somatic macronucleus and germline micronucleus – within each cell. Here, we exemplify the power of studying ciliates to learn about epigenetic phenomena. We highlight “classical” examples …

A Software Based Smart Grid Framework For Automated Decision On Resource Allocation, Topological Control Using Omnet++, Eric Horton, Prakash Ranganathan

Electrical Engineering Faculty Publications

The futuristic smart grid require creative architectures for Information and Communication technologies (ICT) networks. One such architecture must need some sort of topological control for the next generation grid. To assess architectural impact and effectiveness, simulation models are important. Communication networks are expected to be tightly coupled-integrated element for smart grid systems. The co-existence of communication and control and their joint operation necessitate accurate modeling of communication events. While at the first glance, it is tempting to model the communication network as a black box that introduces delay/s between its input and output, the complex interactions among grid network and …

Under The Bridge - Vol. 3, Issue 1 (Fall 2017), Tim Hendrickson

Under the Bridge

Acknowledgements ii
Special Section: The Stories Our Foods Tell, Part II
Abby Wiegers - Grandma Z’s Brownies - 1 / Alyssa Mulligan - Christmas Cookies - 3 / Caleb DeWeerd - The DeWeerd Shrimp Boil: Uniting a Family One Tote at a Time - 5 / Emily Homman - We Made Them - 7
Special Section: 24 Hour Theatre
Ben Lashar - Hardboiled - 9
Adam Krestan - 32nd and Elizabeth - 19
Stephanie Rodriguez - Perfect First Draft - 25
Non-Fiction: Lydia Pelzer - Grace Bible Church Background - 35 / Lydia Pelzer - The Polish and British: Allies …

Making It Personal: Performance-Based Assessments, Ubiquitous Technology, And Advanced Learners, Kelly Arispe, Jack Burston

World Languages Faculty Publications and Presentations

This pedagogical implementation study advocates for performance-driven assessments to help learners become aware of and improve upon presentational speaking skills at the advanced level. A social media content creation tool, Adobe Spark Video, enabled learners to practice oral skills outside of class. The task design, implementation, and evaluation met the principle objectives of learner autonomy—namely awareness, choice, reflection, and goal setting. A step-by-step guide with examples and survey results about student perceptions is included. While the case study targeted upper-division Spanish majors, the pedagogical model could be adapted for intermediate and advanced learners of any second or foreign language.

Intertexts Of The Ecological: Literary Space Revisited In Yanick Lahens's Bain De Lune, Jason Herbeck

World Languages Faculty Publications and Presentations

The opening lines of Yanick Lahens’s Bain de lune (2014) find an unidentified narrator lying on a beach not far from the coastal community of Anse Bleue, staring at the worn, muddy boots of the man who has just discovered her lifeless body. As her narrative reveals, a hurricane has devastated the region over the past three days, and, in the wake of the storm, the deceased protagonist tries to piece together the fragmented memories of her life as a means of determining how she has ended up dead on the sand. From the very beginning of Lahens’s novel, however, …

Exposures To Fine Particulate Matter And Ozone Above Usa Standards Are Associated With Auditory Brainstem Dysmorphology And Delayed Auditory Brainstem Evoked Potentials In Healthy Dogs, Partha S. Mukherjee

Mathematics Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Delayed central conduction times in the auditory brainstem have been observed in Mexico City (MC) healthy children breathing fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and ozone (O₃) above the current United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) standards. MC children have α synuclein brainstem accumulation and medial superior olivary complex (MSO) dysmorphology. The present study used a dog model to further investigate the potential effects of air pollution on the function and morphology of the auditory brainstem.

Methodology: Twenty-four dogs living in clean air v MC, average age 37.1± 26.3 months, underwent brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) measurements. …

"Why Can’T We All Get Along:" An Analysis Of Baka Education, And The Application Of Picture Books In Baka, Kylie Richmond

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This research seeks to understand the implementation of mother tongue language education, specifically within the Baka community. Research was conducted in a Baka village called Mintoum over a three week period. By working with a non profit organization, information was gathered in hopes to improve the education of the Baka. Interviews were conducted to better understand, how these booklets affected not only the child’s education but also the parents’ reaction to books in their language. There was also an observation process conducted to see how the application of these booklets took place within a new Baka run preschool program “Chasing …

Caring For Caregivers: Challenges Facing Informal Palliative Caregivers In Western Kenya, Hartlee Johnston

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Chronic illnesses like cancer, HIV, and other non-communicable disease are increasing globally, especially in developing countries, necessitating development of palliative care and symptom management systems. In Kenya, the burden of care for chronically ill patients often falls to unpaid, informal caregivers like family members or friends. Thirty-five current or past informal caregivers from Kisumu, Kenya were interviewed about their experience, challenges they faced, and interventions they felt would be helpful. Major challenges identified included lack of finances for treatment and other living expenses; inadequate, unaffordable, or interrupted medical care; emotional stress exacerbated by juggling many responsibilities, pressure to emotionally support …

Hydrology And Macroinvertebrates As Biological Indicators- An Integrated Study Of The Río Zamora Watershed, Loja, Ecuador, Isabel Ryde

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Water quality and access is under grave threat in Ecuador, yet remains poorly studied. Macroinvertebrates were used as biological indicators to study water quality around Reserva Natural Madrigal del Podocarpus, Loja Province, Ecuador. Data on macroinvertebrates was combined with hydrologic measurements of stream functions. Macroinvertebrate sampling was conducted from 6 sites within the Upper Río Zamora watershed. Geologic outcrops were observed along several roadcuts and stream banks. Hydrologic data was collected by measuring discharge, elevation change, and finding the highest permanent spring. The EPT index (number of EPT individuals and percentage of EPT individuals) and the BMWP/Colombia Index for macroinvertebrates …

Fall 2017, Echoes Staff

Rose Echoes

No abstract provided.

Boosting Reading Scores By Adding In Technology Based Interventions, Kelsey A. Till

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine if adding a technology based literacy apps in a general education second grade classroom could increase the reading scores of the Informal Decoding Inventory that was given to second grade students, throughout a four month period to check personal growth. It will also look at other reading assessments in reading throughout the time frame, but for the purpose and time of this project the researcher will strictly be looking at growth through the inventory. Technology enriched phonemic awareness with a focus on decoding words, recognizing word patterns and fluency interventions …

Reminders Of Your Inspiring Presence, John Fogarty

Missão Espiritana

No abstract provided.

Patenting Frankenstein’S Monster: Exploring The Patentability Of Artificial Organ Systems And Methodologies, Jordana R. Goodman

Northwestern Journal of Technology and Intellectual Property

The conception of Frankenstein’s monster bridges the ever-narrowing divide between man and machine. Long before Congress codified Section 33(a) of the America Invents Act (“AIA”), Mary Shelley’s vague description of the monster’s creation has left people wondering: what defines a human organism? Through an analysis of patent law and scientific progress in the development of artificial organ systems, this paper explores the boundaries of patentable subject matter in the United States and attempts to clarify Congress’s determination that “no patent may issue on a claim directed to or encompassing a human organism.” Though patent law should incentivize development of artificial …

Top Tens In 2016: Patent, Trademark, Copyright And Trade Secret Cases, Stephen Mcjohn

Northwestern Journal of Technology and Intellectual Property

The Supreme Court issued several rulings that affect incentives in patent law. The Court relaxed the standard for the award of treble damages, narrowed the damages awards for infringement of design patents, and upheld key parts of the new procedures for challenging the validity of patents before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). After numerous decisions holding claimed inventions to be outside patentable subject matter in the wake of the Supreme Court’s 2014 Alice decision, the Federal Circuit rejected some challenges on those grounds, evincing a split among the circuit’s judges on the bounds of patentable subject matter. …

The Reality Of Augmented Reality And Copyright Law, Mma Afoaku

Northwestern Journal of Technology and Intellectual Property

Digital technology continually evolves in a variety of mediums. Innovation increases one’s ability to express ideas and facts through new technological facets. In the realm of augmented reality (“AR”), this has taken on different forms by combining the physical and digital worlds through an augmentation or addition process.

The highly applicable nature of AR technology is part of what makes its advent so exciting. However, this also presents several issues. For example, is there originality when a work is created within an AR platform which warrants a copyright? If so, is it the programmer or the end user who owns …

Homocysteine On Cardiovascular Diseases, Wimon Phuntuwate

Asian Medical Journal and Alternative Medicine

Homocysteine (Hcy), a sulfur-containing amino acid, is an intermediate product in the metabolism of methionine. In many studies, Hcy has been identified as an independent cardiovascular risk factor. High blood level of Hcy is called hyperhomocysteinemia indicates altered Hcy metabolism. This condition can be caused by many factors including genetic defects in Hcy metabolism, nutrition, diseases, drugs and others.

In this review article, Hcy metabolism, factors influencing Hcy level, causes of hyperhomocysteinemia, mechanisms for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in hyperhomocysteinemia, Hcy as CVD risk assessment, clinical Hcy studies in Thais as well as effects of Hcy lowering therapy and CVD risk …

Microbiology For Allied Health Students: Instructional Materials, Molly Smith, Sara Selby

Biological Sciences Ancillary Materials

This is a collection of instructional materials for the following open textbook and lab manual:

• Microbiology for Allied Health Students Textbook
• Microbiology for Allied Health Students Lab Manual

Authors' Description:

The materials in this collection were developed from various sources as a means of engaging students and assessing their understanding of the course content. Included in the Active Learning Strategies are several game-type activities, as well as a webquest that serves as a directed research project designed to supplement the information found in their lab manual.

The Case Studies build on information from the remixed version of the OpenStax Microbiology …

From Madisonian Secularism To A Christian Government: The International Religious Freedom Act Of 1998, Margaret Chase

Undergraduate Student Research Awards

As he signed H.R. 2431, the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA), into law, President Clinton declared his administration was “committed to promoting religious freedom worldwide,” and making religious freedom “a central element of U.S. foreign policy.” ¹ Senator Daniel Kahikina Akaka (D-HI) described the legislation as “one of the most important pieces in foreign relations” and as a “necessary step to ensure that religious persecution will not be tolerated in [the United States’] conduct of foreign policy.” ² Jesse Helms, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, stated the “senseless injustice of religious persecution abroad” had “stirred …

Obesity And Cardiometabolic Defects In Heart Failure Pathology, Ganesh V. Halade, Vasundhara Kain

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Obesity is a major global epidemic that sets the stage for diverse multiple pathologies, including cardiovascular disease. The obesity-related low-grade chronic inflamed milieu is more pronounced in aging and responsive to cardiac dysfunction in heart failure pathology. Metabolic dysregulation of obesity integrates with immune reservoir in spleen and kidney network. Therefore, an integrative systems biology approach is necessary to delay progressive cardiac alternations. The purpose of this comprehensive review is to largely discuss the impact of obesity on the cardiovascular pathobiology in the context of problems and challenges, with major emphasis on the diversified models, and to study cardiac remodeling …

Argentina Subterránea, Volume 17, No. 42, October 2017, Carlos Benedetto

KIP Articles

In Argentina there are groups of crustaceans and estigobiont mites, endemic and with a long evolutionary history in groundwater and in some caverns. During the V Congress of Biodiversity Conservation the current state of these studies was presented (117 taxa registered in the country), noting that researchers often do not communicate their discoveries and there is a bad articulation with the political-administrative authorities and with the community.

The Osprey, Fall 2017, The Osprey Staff

Osprey

The student magazine of Cal Poly Humboldt.

Safety Concepts For Workers From An Osha Perspective, Zamaan Al-Shabbani, Roy E. Sturgill Jr., Gabriel B. Dadi

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Highway construction and maintenance workers face numerous hazards on job sites, many of which are unique by industry standards. Despite the exposure of state transportation agency employees and contractors to these hazards, there are few safety standards, regulations, programs that directly target the sector aimed at prevention and mitigation. To help the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) improve employee safety, researchers at the Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) analyzed the frequency and causes of workplace injuries for 10 essential Cabinet maintenance operations. Most incidents were attributable to human factors or ergonomics. Based on this analysis, the leading causes of incidents, and a …

The Varieties Of Place-Based Education, Laureen Park

Publications and Research

Traditionally, the predominant focus of Place-based educational (PBE) theories and practices has been the natural environment. The focus of this chapter will be on urban and digital environments as incubators of the PBE goals of experiential learning, interdisciplinarity, critical thinking, ethical reflection, and other goals. The framework used to interpret and analyze the various senses of place is based on the notions of the lifeworld, personalistic attitude, noesis and noema, all concepts found in Edmund Husserl’s Ideas I and II. Urban and virtual places share the characteristic of being built, which has resonances for the interactivity and engagement …

Predation On Artificial Turkey Nests At Radford Army Ammunition Plant In Western Virginia, Shane Brandes, Karen E. Powers, Len L. Diioia Jr.

Virginia Journal of Science

Because ground-nesting wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) may sustain high incidences of nest predation in western Virginia, determining their predators is essential to understanding risk and managing the birds.  Our study investigated potential predators of wild turkey nests at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant, New River Unit (RFAAP; Pulaski Co., in western Virginia). Here, we established 8 artificial nests during the breeding season for wild turkey (March-April, 2017), and documented predators via game cameras.  Thirty-one species of mammals and birds visited the nests over the 31-day study. Nest predation was verified 56 times across 6 species, including coyotes ( …

Western Michigan University Magazine, Fall 2017, Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University Magazine (1997-present)

• Our Next Era of Ascension Together with the Bronco community, President Edward Montgomery says, he is excited to lead WMU to greater heights: “We can take this University and make it even stronger in terms of what it does for students, make it even stronger in terms of its research, make it even stronger in its impact on the community.”
• Engaged Families, Supported Students Program marks 10 years as ‘go to’ for Bronco families
• New Bot on Campus Lab’s socially intelligent robot knows when to crack a joke
• A Spectrum of Support Collegiate autism services: Meeting students’ needs
• Busy with …

Carbon Sequestration In The Cloud Forest: A Comparative Evaluation Of Aboveground Biomass Carbon Stock Potential In The Río Guajalito Reserve, Elli Mapstone

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

As carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere continue to rise at a rapid rate, it is necessary to understand how forests can both contribute to CO₂ levels but also stop them from rising. Carbon sequestration levels in tropical montane cloud forests are a relatively understudied topic. Gathering carbon stock levels is the first step necessary to start a REDD+ project. Carbon stock levels can be studied on a global, regional or local level. This study used the University of Oxford/ Global Ecosystems Monitoring Network (GEM) methodology to examine carbon sequestration levels of aboveground biomass, specifically ground litter, large branches …