Digital Commons Network^™

Biomechanical Adaptations To An Implemented Ramp Angle In Recreational Alpine Skiers, Stephanie R. Moore

All NMU Master's Theses

Most ski boot-binding complexes have a negative ramp angle. This angle is not regulated or reported in the alpine ski industry, but may influence skier balance and pressure control. Thus, joint coordination and center of pressure maintenance in alpine skiers (n = 19) was investigated during simulated ski squat and balance tasks with increasing binding ramp angles (0°, 1°, 2°). Greater sagittal plane center of pressure excursions were observed with ski-booted tasks compared to barefoot conditions during squats and balance simulations. Squat tasks performed on skis resulted in more uncoordinated knee-ankle movement, however, this effect was reduced with the highest …

Pride And Protectionism: U.S. Trade Policy And Its Impact On Asia, Mark Zandi, Steve Cochrane, Ryan Sweet, Ruth Stroppiana, Katrina Ell

Asian Management Insights

U.S. trade policy and its impact on Asia.

Many of the trade policies of the United States President Donald Trump’s administration are aimed at addressing the perceived adverse impact of trade on the country’s manufacturing employment, and improving trade deals the President sees as not being in U.S. interests. These appear to be worthwhile goals, but crafting trade policy to address them is difficult.

Motivations And Satisfaction Of North Dakota Deer Hunters During A Temporal Decline In Deer Populations, Kristen E. Black, William F. Jensen, Robert Newman, Jason Boulanger

Biology Faculty Publications

Achieving state wildlife agency biological goals for deer (Odocoileus spp.) management may often conflict with hunter desires. Concomitantly, better information is needed to optimize agency deer herd management goals with hunters’ social goals. In 2016, we surveyed 3,000 North Dakota, USA, resident deer hunters using a self-administered mail survey to gain a better understanding of motivations, satisfaction, and hunter demographics that may be used to inform hunter recruitment and retention (HRR) efforts during a period of reduced statewide deer populations. With deer-gun license availability strictly limited, we explored the possibility that some gun hunters may have been engaging …

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For Alzheimer’S Dementia With Positron Emission Tomography Imaging: A Case Report, Paul G. Harch, Edward F. Fogarty

Radiology Faculty Publications

A 58-year-old female was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) which was rapidly progressive in the 8 months prior to initiation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). 18Fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) brain imaging demonstrated global and typical metabolic deficits in AD (posterior temporal-parietal watershed and cingulate areas). An 8-week course of HBOT reversed the patient’s symptomatic decline. Repeat PET imaging demonstrated a corresponding 6.5–38% regional and global increase in brain metabolism, including increased metabolism in the typical AD diagnostic areas of the brain. Continued HBOT in conjunction with standard pharmacotherapy maintained the patient’s symptomatic level of function over an ensuing …

Summer Therapeutic Program For Children, Randi Losalu

Social Work Independent Study Projects (ISP)

Children who struggle during the school year will continue to do so through the summer months. As such, it is important to have therapeutic opportunities and programming available for those children. Addressing the therapeutic needs of children with serious emotional disturbances and/or social deficits can take many forms. Adventure therapy and experiential activities are supported by a variety of theoretical perspectives including Experiential Learning Theory, Systems Theory, Existential Theory, Behavioral/Cognitive Behavioral Theory, and Psychodynamic Theory. Through the use of adventure type activities, participants are able to address and reach therapeutic goals in a different manner than the traditional office setting. …

Cole Train | V.15, No.2 (Fall 2018), Houston Cole Library

Library Annual Reports & Newsletters

No abstract provided.

On Learning Psycholinguistics Tools For English-Based Creole Languages Using Social Media Data, Pei-Chi Lo, Ee-Peng Lim

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

The Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) tool is a psycholinguistics tool that has been widely used in both psychology and sociology research, and the LIWC scores derived from user-generated content are known to be good features for personality prediction [1], [2]. LIWC, however, is language specific as it relies on counting the percentage of predefined dictionary words occurring in the content. For content written in English Creoles which are languages based on English, the original English LIWC may not perform optimally due to its lack of words which are only used in the English Creoles. In this paper, we …

Authorized Function Homomorphic Signature, Qingwen Guo, Qiong Huang, Guomin Yang

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Homomorphic signature (HS) is a novel primitive that allows an agency to carry out arbitrary (polynomial time) computation f on the signed data (m) over right arrow and accordingly gain a signature sigma(h) for the computation result f ((m) over right arrow) with respect to f on behalf of the data owner (DO). However, since DO lacks control of the agency's behavior, receivers would believe that DO did authenticate the computation result even if the agency misbehaves and applies a function that the DO does not want. To address the problem above, in this paper we introduce a new primitive …

Vr Safari Park: A Concept-Based World Building Interface Using Blocks And World Tree, Shotaro Ichikawa, Anthony Tang, Kazuki Takashima, Yoshifumi Kitamura

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

We present a concept-based world building approach, realized in a system called VR Safari Park, which allows users to rapidly create and manipulate a world simulation. Conventional world building tools focus on the manipulation and arrangement of entities to set up the simulation, which is time consuming as it requires frequent view and entity manipulations. Our approach focuses on a far simpler mechanic, where users add virtual blocks which represent world entities (e.g. animals, terrain, weather, etc.) to a World Tree, which represents the simulation. In so doing, the World Tree provides a quick overview of the simulation, and users …

Standardization Roadmap For Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Version 1.0, Kristine Kiernan, Christian Janke, Kenneth Witcher

Publications

This Standardization Roadmap for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Version 1.0 (“roadmap”) represents the culmination of the UASSC’s work to identify existing standards and standards in development, assess gaps, and make recommendations for priority areas where there is a perceived need for additional standardization and/or pre-standardization R&D.

The roadmap has examined 64 issue areas, identified a total of 60 gaps and corresponding recommendations across the topical areas of airworthiness; flight operations (both general concerns and application-specific ones including critical infrastructure inspections, commercial services, and public safety operations); and personnel training, qualifications, and certification. Of that total, 40 gaps/recommendations have been identified as …

Towards Mining Comprehensive Android Sandboxes, Tien-Duy B. Le, Lingfeng Bao, David Lo, Debin Gao, Li Li

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Android is the most widely used mobile operating system with billions of users and devices. The popularity of Android apps have enticed malware writers to target them. Recently, Jamrozik et al. proposed an approach, named Boxmate, to mine sandboxes to protect Android users from malicious behaviors. In a nutshell, Boxmate analyzes the execution of an app, and collects a list of sensitive APIs that are invoked by that app in a monitoring phase. Then, it constructs a sandbox that can restrict accesses to sensitive APIs not called by the app. In such a way, malicious behaviors that are not observed …

Investigation Of An Isotruss Structure As A Compliant Member Used In Bending And Torsion, Jens Garret Jacobson

Theses and Dissertations

An investigation of IsoTruss structures in bending and torsion was conducted. A model was developed in ANSYS APDL where bay length and longitudinal member to helical member cross-sectional area ratio could be varied while holding the diameter constant. The model was validated using previously reported values from analytical models and empirical data. The model was used to make predictions of a specific geometry that was manufactured, tested and compared against the model. 12 specimens were built and tested. In flexure, empirical data had a percent error with respect to the model ranging from 10.9 to 65.4% with one outlier at …

Development Of A Simplified Analysis Approach For Predicting Pile Deflections Of Piers Subjected To Lateral Spread Displacements And Application To A Pier Damaged During The 2010 Maule, Chile, M8.8 Earthquake, Logan Matthew Palmer

Theses and Dissertations

The 2010, moment magnitude 8.8 earthquake that occurred near Maule, Chile caused major damages to several piers in the Port of Coronel located approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) to the South of the earthquake epicenter. One of the piers, the North Pier, experienced significant lateral spreading that was caused from liquefaction of the soils at the approach zone of the pier. Damages from lateral spreading and liquefaction effects consisted of sheet pile welding ruptures of the cross-support beams, stiffener buckling, pile displacements, pile rotations, and pier deck displacement. Researchers analyzed the North Pier after the earthquake and documented in detail …

Privacy-Preserving Genomic Data Publishing Via Differential Privacy, Tanya Khatri

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Privacy-preserving data publishing is a mechanism for sharing data while ensuring the privacy of individuals is preserved in the published data and utility is maintained for data mining and analysis. There is a huge need for sharing genomic data to advance medical and health research. However, since genomic data is highly sensitive and the ultimate identifier, it is a big challenge to publish genomic data while protecting the privacy of individuals in the data.

In this thesis, we address the aforementioned challenge by presenting an approach for privacy-preserving genomic data publishing via differentially-private suffix tree. The proposed algorithm uses a …

A Novel Fpga Implementation Of Hierarchical Temporal Memory Spatial Pooler, Paul Jeffrey Mitchell

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

There is currently a strong focus across the technological landscape to create machines capable of performing complex, objective based tasks in a manner similar to, or superior to a human. Many of the methods being explored in the machine intelligence space require large sets of labeled data to first train, and then classify inputs. Hierarchical Temporal Memory (HTM) is a biologically inspired machine intelligence framework which aims to classify and interpret streaming unlabeled data, without supervision, and be able to detect anomalies in such data.

In software HTM models, increasing the number of “columns” or processing elements to the levels …

Training Non-Board Certified Behavior Analyst (Bcba) Behavior Specialists To Conduct Trial-Based Functional Analyses In Residential Settings, Devon S. Millington

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study investigated a process for identifying the reasons why a person with an intellectual disability has problem behaviors. This process is called a trial-based functional analysis (TBFA). The researchers wanted to know if a person who was not an expert behavior analyst could be trained to perform the TBFA and if the results obtained from the TBFA could be used to create a program to reduce the problem behavior of a person with an intellectual disability living in a community-based group home for persons with disabilities. The results of this study show that a person who is not an …

The Effects Of Teacher Background On How Teachers Assess Native-Like And Nonnative-Like Grammar Errors: An Eye-Tracking Study, Wesley Makoto Schramm

Theses and Dissertations

Studies have shown that composition and L2 writing teachers give different scores (Golombek, Weigle, Boldt, & Valsecchi, 2003) and focus on different features (Brown, 1991) when assessing student writing, which is assumed to be due to the differences in their background and training (Santos, 1992; Atkinson & Ramanathan, 1995). Error gravity is thought to be one reason why composition and L2 writing teachers give different scores (Rifkin & Roberts, 1995). Common methods for examining error gravity were to analyze scores and responses given by the raters and to have raters reflect on the rating process and analyze their responses. Only …

Toward Real-Time Flip Fluid Simulation Through Machine Learning Approximations, Javid Kennon Pack

Theses and Dissertations

Fluids in computer generated imagery can add an impressive amount of realism to a scene, but are particularly time-consuming to simulate. In an attempt to run fluid simulations in real-time, recent efforts have attempted to simulate fluids by using machine learning techniques to approximate the movement of fluids. We explore utilizing machine learning to simulate fluids while also integrating the Fluid-Implicit-Particle (FLIP) simulation method into machine learning fluid simulation approaches.

The Development Of A Reliable Change Index And Cutoff For The Score-15, Cara Ann Nebeker Adams

Theses and Dissertations

The Systemic Clinical Outcome and Routine Evaluation version 15 (SCORE-15) is an assessment used to assess for clinical change in family functioning. The SCORE-15 has been demonstrated in the past to be a reliable and valid measure for assessing for clinical change and is largely used throughout the UK. However, the SCORE-15 lacks the ability to determine whether an individual's change in family functioning is clinically significant. This study aims to establish a reliable change index and clinical cutoff score based on a US sample so that researchers and clinicians can determine clinically significant change. A sample of 63 clinical …

Innate Immune Cell Phenotypes Are Dictated By Distinct Epigenetic Reprogramming, Kevin Douglas Adams

Theses and Dissertations

The innate immune system is the first line of host defense against external exposures. During these initial encounters, antigen presenting cells - specifically monocytes and macrophages - modulate further inflammatory responses. Macrophages exist along a spectrum of phenotypic programs; on the inflammatory M1 end they enhance immune activity while on the anti-inflammatory M2 end they suppress further immune activation. Furthermore, within M2 macrophages there exist many subpopulations, namely M2a and M2d, each with specific roles during infection or exposure. We sought to compare the epigenetic profiles of these subpopulations of macrophages to determine key regulatory gene networks and factors that …

Strength Investigation Of Damaged And Repaired Thin-Walled Composite Structures, Analise Barlow

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to quantify the strength of novel composite repair methods for thin-walled composite structures. Carbon/epoxy plates were manufactured and repairs were made at Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories. At BYU, specimens were damaged in a controlled and repeatable process. Three damage modes were implemented: impact, groove, and abrasive damage. Tensile strength tests were performed on control, damaged, and repaired specimens. Four 24 x 24 in (60 x 60 cm) carbon/epoxy plates were received. Each plate was made up of seven plies cured together with epoxy resin for a nominal total thickness of 0.04 in (1.02 mm). The thickness, …

Effect Of Hoby Leadership Seminar On Self-Reported Psychosocial Outcomes In Adolescents, Andy Harris, Troy Beckert

Journal of Youth Development

Civic engagement is important for the positive development of adolescents. As such, many youth development programs promote civic engagement, particularly community service and volunteerism. This report is a program evaluation of a youth leadership seminar that seeks to empower adolescents to engage in community service. Using a pre to post mixed-methods design, we evaluated 114 adolescent participants on several psychosocial outcomes. Findings indicated that participants experienced positive change that was consistent with program goals. Quantitative findings demonstrated self-reported increases in areas of cognitive autonomy, moral ideal and social responsibility. Qualitative findings included the important themes of an increased desire to …

Methanogens, Plausible Extraterrestrial Life Forms On Mars, And Their Tolerance To Increasing Concentrations Of Illite Clay, Chandler Kern

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Methanogens, some of Earth’s most primitive prokaryotic organisms, are candidates for possible life forms capable of inhabiting Mars. Specifically, four different species (Methanobacterium formicicum, Methanococcus maripaludis, Methanosarcina barkeri, Methanothermobacter wolfeii) were analyzed for their tolerance to the presence of illite clay. Illite is a crystalline mineral that has been identified from regions of Mars’s surface. Results indicated that all four species grew with some success in the illite at different concentrations. This experimentation with methanogens’ abilities to survive and reproduce in the presence of illite allows for a more accurate understanding of the potential capability of microbial …

First Steps In Retrofitting A Versatile Software Testing Infrastructure To Android, Carol Anne Oliver

Theses and Dissertations

Are existing software testing technologies satisfying the needs of mobile software testing practitioners? This dissertation provides evidence that the existing technologies fall short of practitioner’s actual needs and analyzes some reasons why this is so. The first contribution presents a framework for analyzing the software testing needs of practitioners, which is then used to assess the existing software testing tools and body of research, revealing significant gaps. The second contribution proposes a vision for a new software testing technology for mobile apps, which is then applied to a real-world problem causing problems for software testing practitioners (namely, the verification of …

Human-Centered Design Of The Enhanced Pilot Learning Interface For The Aviation Community, De Vere Michael Kiss

Theses and Dissertations

he purpose of this research is to introduce a new device to help pilots navigate aircraft manuals. This informational navigational tool is designed to improve learning by reducing the time it takes a pilot candidate to retrieve aircraft system information within an aircraft manual. The device is called the Enhanced Pilot Learning Interface, an Advanced Interactive Media. The research project is based on human-centered design and consists of participatory design, modeling and simulation, human-in-the-loop simulation (HITLS), and expert user experience. Additionally, a traditional research experimentation was conducted to collect supporting statistical data. Preliminary tests of four current professional airline pilots …

Assessing Medication Error Rates In Pediatrics Pre And Post Implementation Of The Handtevy App Within The San Antonio Fire Department, Bailey Cooper

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Goal: The goal of this project was to determine if the implementation of the Handtevy app reduced medication error rates on calls run by the San Antonio Fire Department in the pediatric population with a diagnosis involving pain management or seizure. Background: Prior to the implementation of the Handtevy app, first responders used a tool called the Broselow tape to estimate a child’s weight and to determine the appropriate medication dose. Run reports were analyzed prior to the implementation of the Handtevy pediatric standard to determine medication error rates for Fentanyl and Versed in pediatric patients 13 years or younger. …

Association Of Adverse Birth Outcomes With Maternal Exposure To Nitrate In Private Well Drinking Water: An Action Plan For Prevention, Jessyka R. Johnson

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Abstract

Goal: The goal of the capstone project is to collect information required to develop an action plan focusing on minimizing exposure to nitrate in pregnant women, which, if implemented, can either prevent or reduce adverse health outcomes associated with nitrate exposure in utero.

Objective: The capstone project objective is to gain a better understanding of what programs to prevent exposure to nitrate from private well drinking water in pregnant women are already in place throughout the United States; to identify any areas of improvement in these programs; and to utilize this information to create a unique action plan in …

Hearing Conservation In A Meat Processing Facility, Abolore Muinat Idris

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate personal noise exposures at a meat processing facility, and educate employees on the proper use of hearing protectors.

Materials and Methods: We collected full-shift personal dosimetry on thirty-six production floor employees, one quality control employee, and four maintenance employees. These were compared to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) criteria. We also collected point source noise measurement at eight workstations from precook. We administered a questionnaire to assess production floor employees’ hearing loss perception and non-occupational source of noise exposure. …

Allergy Training Or Lack Thereof, Madelyn Freeman, Mary Kate Klenke

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

Food allergies affect many people in our society today, and the food service industry must keep up with the demand for allergen-free food from their customers. The objective of this research is to gain insight from the employee’s perspective of the importance of food allergies and what training method would help them learn best. Through this research we intend to learn how we can engage employees during training, increase training retention, and stress the importance to change their behaviors and utilize safe practices in regards to allergens. We compared both quick and full-service restaurants’ food-allergy training methods in this study …

The Effect Of The Zika Virus On Rna Stress Granule Components, Nina Williams

Biological Sciences

In recent years, Zika virus (ZIKV) has taken over mainstream media. It captivated the world with the images of microcephaly babies born to infected mothers and the appearance of Guillain-Barré syndrome emerging from infected adults. ZIKV is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. This virus is composed of a single-stranded positive-sense RNA genome that belongs to the Flaviviridae family. Our long-term goal is to understand the mechanisms in which the virus subverts the host organism’s translation machinery by modulation of RNA stress granules (SGs). Stress granules are RNA-protein complexes found in the cytoplasm that form when the cell is exposed to …