Digital Commons Network^™

Line As Descriptor, Adel A. Alanmi

Master's Theses

I develop art that speak both to me and to others about the beauty of art. I have always been interested in art since I was young, and the interest has grown tremendously since then. As an artist , I always feel the urge to come up with new ways of interacting with the world and holding on to it for as long a s possible , although their comes a time you have to let go and create room for new memories. Art serves as a haven as I can distant myself from all the stress and craziness life …

Developing Literacy In A Rehearsal Setting: Matilda The Musical, Andrew Tribe

Master's Theses

Literacy skills and performing arts skills can work together in tandem to further the educational and personal development of young people. The goal of this thesis is to explore how students will tackle a musical that at its core, is about growing up with ideologies change over time and how students can implement literacy skills in the rehearsal process. For the title character of Matilda the Musical, her personal growth and imagination is ignited by books and literacy. The production offers an opportunity for students to understand the importance and transferable value of literacy through the rehearsal process and final …

Patient Knowledge About Disease Self-Management Of Cirrhosis, Thuy Xuan Trinh

Master's Theses

This study aimed to define the level of understanding of self-management for patients with liver cirrhosis. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Thirty cirrhotic patients (14 females and 16 males) in the Gastroenterology Department of University Medical Center, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam participated in answering the questionnaire to evaluate their knowledge about liver disease self-management. The majority of cirrhotic patients had an unsatisfactory level of knowledge regarding self management of their disease, particularly in terms of recognizing and preventing complications from hepatic encephalopathy, monitoring for liver cancer, and awareness of medications they should not use. Implications of the …

A Description Of Lichen Community Structure And The Impacts Of Spruce Beetle Disturbance In Northwestern Colorado, Anna Freundlich

Master's Theses

Spruce beetle disturbance has affected millions of acres of forest throughout North America and Europe, but thus far little research has investigated how this disturbance influences lichen communities. To address this problem, we studied lichen communities and habitat characteristics within 44 plots across a chronosequence of spruce beetle damage spanning 1996–2017 in northwestern Colorado. We found 82 species of lichens, few habitat differences among spruce beetle disturbance classes, and only the most recently affected plots (2012–2017) had significantly different lichen community structure relative to remaining areas. Two primary gradients explained the majority of variation of lichen community structure within our …

Using Laban’S Efforts To Define Movement In Five Music Genres, Ashley Ames

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to assist in understanding the impact music has on movement. This researcher evaluated music’s impact on movement by looking at the movement performed by nine female dancers in grades six through eight. This movement was performed to five different genres of music commonly found in five different types of dance classes and was measured in Laban’s eight efforts. There were two research instruments used in this study: A researcher survey yielding quantitative data and a participant survey producing qualitative data. The data suggested that there is a difference in how the body responds in …

Characterizing The Susceptibility And Type I Interferon Response Of Primary Mammalian Cells During Zika Virus Infection, Douglas Petty

Master's Theses

Zika virus (ZIKV), a member of the genus Flavivirus, has become a major public health concern since 2007. During the most recent 2015 outbreak, ZIKV rapidly spread from South America to over 84 countries and territories across the world in two years. ZIKV has also been associated with previously uncharacterized neurological manifestations during the 2013 and 2015 outbreaks. The novel manifestations include Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in adults and Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) in newborns. GBS is a progressive paralysis caused by damage to the peripheral nervous system; while CZS is an all-encompassing term for the severe neurological and developmental complications …

Genetic Relationships Using Mitochondrial Versus Nuclear Markers: Is The Catfish Rag1 Gene Suitable For Species Differentiation In The Family Pangasiidae?, Huong Thanh Hoang

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The Mekong River located in Southeast Asia is a global “hotspot” for aquatic biodiversity. It includes an extensive variety of fish species second only to the Amazon River in South America. Recent studies have revealed the impacts of anthropogenic and climate factors on this river system. Such impacts can result in the formation of barriers, which divide a species population and impede gene flow between separated sub-populations. Barriers influence evolutionary trajectories resulting in the generation of geographic variants or subspecies from an ancestral population. Catfish (Teleostei: Siluriformes) are a key species of the Mekong River ecosystem and are an essential …

Cover Crops As An Integrated Approach For Pest Suppression And Pollinator Promotion In Arkansas Watermelon Production Systems, Paige Laurel Hickman

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Arkansas watermelon growers face a variety of insect pest and disease problems that have the potential to threaten yield. Integrated pest management tactics can provide control over these threats and are intended to cut down on pesticide use and its associated negative impacts like pesticide resistance, non-target effects, and runoff. Cover crops provide an array of benefits and can be useful in integrated pest management. Evidence has shown that certain cover crops can increase beneficial insects and suppress disease in the following cash crop. They can also provide important resources to pollinators. In order to build a better understanding of …

Chasing The Genetics Of Ascites In Broilers Using Whole Genome Resequencing, Alia Parveen

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

We are using whole genome resequencing to identify chromosomal regions associated with resistance or susceptibility to ascites, a form of pulmonary hypertension syndrome, meat-type chickens. Previous Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) based on Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) have identified regions on chromosomes 2, 9 and Z. Despite several GWAS and further genotyping, there are no reliable or potential markers for ascites phenotype. We have completed screening of Copy Number Variations (CNVs) and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in ascites resistant and susceptible birds from the relaxed, REL, line derived from a commercial elite broiler line. DNA samples from resistant and susceptible birds …

Analyzing Multigene Stacking And Genome Editing Strategies In Rice, Bhuvan Pathak

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Crop improvement through biotechnology is an integrated effort, incorporating multiple approaches like integration of genes, editing of native genes, and removal of selection marker genes. Before streamlining the protocols, the efficiency and feasibility of the individual approach and their components must be tested. This study evaluated following approaches: 1) stacking an array of genes into a single locus by site-specific integration via Cre-lox recombination in rice, 2) determining the efficiency of I-SceI and the CCR5-ZFN in the targeted excisions of gene fragments in rice and Arabidopsis, and 3) determining the efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9 in generating targeted mutations for genome editing …

Anti-Inflammatory Effects Of Cruciferous And Apiaceous Vegetables In C57bl/6j Mice Colon, Rosa Moreno Narvaez

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Previous studies have demonstrated chemo-preventive potential of cruciferous and apiaceous vegetables against colon cancer. Colon inflammation is one condition closely related with colon cancer initiation. Therefore, we wanted to compare if total western diet (TWD) was as pro-inflammatory as died-induced obesity (DIO) and a better dietary model for human conditions, and determine if diet supplementation with cruciferous (broccoli, watercress and cabbage) or apiaceous vegetables (celery and parsnip) could reduce dietary inflammation, and which vegetable was more effective.

Male CBL57/6J mice were fed chow for seven days, on day eight, mice were assigned to one of the following diets: American Institute …

An Analysis Of The Effects Between Prison Documentaries And Popularity Among Viewers, Dominique Malone

Honors Theses

This research examines the themes between a variety of prison documentaries and the subsequent viewership. In recent years, documentaries depicting prison life have risen in popularity due to a number of factors such as violence, drama, hysteria, and an overall sense of fascination (Cecil, 2009). This popularity may have impacted views on the current criminal justice system considering most people never have contact with the criminal justice system in their lifetimes (Cecil, 2009). Therefore, these documentaries may serve as one of the only bases for information that they may have about the system (Cecil, 2009). Because prison documentaries are fulfilling …

Feminine Agency And Masculine Authority: Women's Quest For Autonomy In Monastic Life, Kathryn Temple-Council

Honors Theses

From the earliest days of the Christian church women eagerly sought to pursue a life of devotion to Jesus Christ. This led to the foundation of women’s monastic communities, also known as convents. The path to a life in holy orders within the male dominated church was fraught with challenges to women’s authority to be the authors of their own religious experiences. Women were defined by early church fathers including Tertullian, Ambrose, and Jerome as lesser human beings than their male counterparts, inheritors of the sin of Eve and led by their inherent sexual deviance and demonic susceptibility. It is …

Creating Characterization Through The Use Of Setting And Counterpoint Characterization, Caroline Taylor Hood

Honors Theses

The researcher looked at contemporary short story collections to analyze how the authors used setting and counterpoint characterization to develop fuller characters. The researcher then discussed how she would apply their methods to her work.

It's A Mad World After All: The Influence Of Stoic Thought In Goya's Los Caprichos., Jennifer Anne Steward

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is a study of use of the principles of Stoic rhetoric and moral psychology in Goya’s print series, Los Caprichos. The relationship between Stoic thought and the technical aspects will be explored with regard to the effects used to support the visual conceptualizations. The function of the Caprichos as a book with chapters or parts relating particular modes of perception will be addressed. The technique of aquatint employed by Goya will also be explored. The predominance of geometric forms within the composition that reflect inter-personal relationships is also presented for consideration.

Development And Characterization Of A Biopolymer Direct-Write Process For 3d Microvascular Structures Formation., Xiaoming Fan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Engineering of bulk tissues has been limited by the lack of nutrient and waste exchange in these tissues without an adjacent capillary network. To produce microvasculature, a scaffold must be produced that provides temporary mechanical support and stimulate endothelial cell adhesion, growth, and morphogenesis into a vessel. However, current well-established techniques for producing microvasculature, such as electrospinning, are limited since they lack both the precision to control fiber placement in three-dimensional space and the ability to create fiber networks with predefined diameters to replicate the physiological microvascular progression from arteriole to capillary to venule. Our group has developed a “Direct-write” …

Towards A Theory Of Human Mobility And Wall-Building: A Comparative Analysis Of Hadrian's Wall And The Iron Curtain., Timothy Heine

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis contributes a theory on human bordering practices that encompasses diverse types of borders and border experiences. In order to flesh out the factors underlying human wall-building, it is vital to first understand the mobile nature (both as an innate characteristic and adaptive strategy) of our species. A clearer appreciation of the biology of human mobility elucidates the seemingly counterintuitive process of the establishment of cultural boundaries. Such an inquiry into the available inter-disciplinary literature on the topics of human mobility and wall-building reveals much about the manner in which humans interpret and utilize space, the variety of walls …

The Genesis And Development Of Deathscapes In America -- A Story Of How Chicago And Louisville Cemeteries Demonstrate The Shifting Rationale Of Cemetery Placement During The 19th And 20th Centuries., Thomas D. Cleven

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Today, most construction projects require a systematic site qualification based on a suitability analysis utilizing parameters such as slope, soil type, elevation, distance to open water, and distance to transportation. The proper siting determines the success of a project in terms of project stability and longevity. However, has this suitability analysis exist for one of the most significant phases of humanity – death. Historically dead bodies seem to have been placed without suitable qualification being many cemeteries have created environmental problems for the living. Hence, with which placement rationale has been used comes to mind. With a varied array of …

Sex Differences In The Response Of Left Ventricular Functions To Sympathetic Activation By Cold Pressor Test In Normotensive Young Adults, Simiat Elias, Ajayi Reina, Oloyo Ahmed

Biomedical Sciences, East Africa

Background: Reactivity to sympathetic stimulation can be used to predict future cardiovascular events. However, vascular reactivity, like other cardiovascular events, is expected to exhibit sexual disparity. This study was designed to assess the sex differences in the response of left ventricular function to sympathetic stimulation via cold pressor test (CPT).

Methods: Left ventricular (LV) function was assessed in fifty-one (26 males; 25 females) young adult (18- 35 years) consenting participants. Blood pressure, heart rate and left ventricular functions were assessed before and after sympathetic stimulation via CPT.

Results: Baseline levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP), end diastolic volume (EDV), end …

Ywha (14-3-3) Protein Isoforms And Their Interactions With Cdc25b Phosphatase In Mouse Oogenesis And Oocyte Maturation, Alaa A. Eisa, Santanu De, Ariana Detwiler, Eva Gilker, Alexander C. Ignatious, Srinivasan Vijayaraghavan, Douglas Kline

Biology Faculty Articles

Background

Immature mammalian oocytes are held arrested at prophase I of meiosis by an inhibitory phosphorylation of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1). Release from this meiotic arrest and germinal vesicle breakdown is dependent on dephosphorylation of CDK1 by the protein, cell cycle division 25B (CDC25B). Evidence suggests that phosphorylated CDC25B is bound to YWHA (14-3-3) proteins in the cytoplasm of immature oocytes and is thus maintained in an inactive form. The importance of YWHA in meiosis demands additional studies.

Results

Messenger RNA for multiple isoforms of the YWHA protein family was detected in mouse oocytes and eggs. All seven mammalian YWHA …

Effects Of Gestational Corticosteroids And Caloric Restriction On The Neonatal Cerebrovasculature, Naomi Franco

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The prenatal environment plays a major role in influencing the health of adult offspring. Maternal food restriction (MFR) during pregnancy is a common stressor that correlates to long-term consequences, including increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in adult offspring. Numerous studies report persistent changes following MFR, with an emphasis on the heart and kidney. These consequences are thought to occur via programming, in which a stressor, during critical developmental windows, permanently alters the structure and function of selective fetal tissues. Furthermore, the elevation of maternal glucocorticoids associated with intrauterine stressors is a proposed mechanism of several programming events, including …

Mechanisms And Consequences Of Myb Gene Activation In Salivary Gland Tumors, Candace Frerich

Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is an aggressive tumor with a tendency to infiltrate surrounding nerves and metastasize to distant sites. The standard treatment often fails to control local tumor recurrence and distant metastases and no approved targeted therapeutic options exist for these tumors. The goal of our studies was to reveal the molecular mechanisms driving ACC tumor development and novel drug targets to improve patient morbidity and mortality.

We first analyzed clinical and RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data for 68 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) ACC tumor samples and described previously unappreciated molecular heterogeneity that predicts patient outcome. The poor outcome subgroup …

Comparison Of Machine Learning Algorithms For Predictive Modeling Of Beef Attributes Using Rapid Evaporative Ionization Mass Spectrometry (Reims) Data, Devin A. Gredell, Amelia R. Schroeder, Keith E. Belk, Corey D. Broeckling, Adam L. Heuberger, Soo Young Kim, D. Andy King, Steven D. Shackelford, Julia L. Sharp, Tommy L. Wheeler, Dale R. Woerner, Jessica E. Prenni

ETSU Faculty Works

Ambient mass spectrometry is an analytical approach that enables ionization of molecules under open-air conditions with no sample preparation and very fast sampling times. Rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry (REIMS) is a relatively new type of ambient mass spectrometry that has demonstrated applications in both human health and food science. Here, we present an evaluation of REIMS as a tool to generate molecular scale information as an objective measure for the assessment of beef quality attributes. Eight different machine learning algorithms were compared to generate predictive models using REIMS data to classify beef quality attributes based on the United States …

Doing Family: The Reproduction Of Heterosexuality In Accounts Of Parenthood, Emily Kazyak, Nicholas K. Park

Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications

The cultural and legal landscape in the United States has shifted towards increased recognition of LGBQ-parent families. This shift raises questions about the everyday experiences of LGBQ parents and whether the cultural and legal changes also manifest in diminished experiences of discrimination. Drawing on data from 74 interviews with LGBQ parents, we analyze their accounts of whether they are read as a parent by others in their daily interactions. Our findings reveal the ways in which heterosexuality is a key component of how membership to the category of ‘parent’ is produced in social interactions. Our findings also illustrate how assumptions …

Histological Evidence Of Annual And Lunar Reproductive Rhythms Of Atlantic Sea Urchin, Arbacia Punctulata In The Gulf Of Mexico: Changes In Nutritive Phagocytes In Relation To Gametogenesis, Eleazar Hernandez Ii

Theses and Dissertations

Environmental phenomena such as temperature, photoperiod, tidal cycle, and lunar rhythm act as external cues that stimulate the reproductive activity of marine organisms. In this study, I report the annual and lunar reproductive cycles, and changes in nutritive phagocytes (NPs) in relation to gonadal maturation of Atlantic sea urchin (Arbacia punctulata, a primeval species). Monthly and weekly changes in gonadal development/maturation were observed histologically. In male, the testicular lobules were densely packed with sperm from June to August. In female, on the other hand, mature eggs first appeared in some ovaries in May, numerically increased from June to …

Oblivion, Angela V. Scardigno

Theses and Dissertations

I believe I am drawn to work with wood because of genetic reasons. My grandfather was a carpenter. I remember him as a hardworking and busy man. As something inseparable and equally inspiring, I remember his studio which was a small house that was full of creativity and great memories. My grandparents’ house is one of my first memories where I learned to create art and collage. I have started to notice, as I get older, that I am constantly trying to bring back an atmosphere that resembles that warm and safe place of childhood. I have also noticed that …

First Record Of Mint Leaf Beetle, Chrysolina Herbacea (Duftschmid, 1825), (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) In Iraq, Fayhaa Abbood Al-Nadawi

Baghdad Science Journal

The insect is diagnosed and named by the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI), USA as the Mint leaf Beetle Chrysolina herbacea alnadawi (Duftschmid, 1825), (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). The diagnosis was performed depending on the DNA analysis by 73% similarity with Chrysolina herbacea (Duftschmid, 1825) sequence, In the present study. It is recorded as a new insect pest on mint plant Mentha puleguim (L,1753) (Lamiaceae). DNA analysis confirmend that it is recorded for the first time in Iraq and the Arab world as well as the Middle East. Those insects were observed initially during August 2017 in residential gardens of Al-Bonooq …

Phonology And Morphology Of Bolgo, Katie Ann Tikka

Theses and Dissertations

Bolgo [bvo] is a language spoken in central Chad. It is a Bua language within the Adamawa branch of the Niger-Congo language family. This thesis provides an overview of the phonology and morphology of Bolgo, focusing on the underdocumented Bolgo Dugag dialect. The data on which the thesis is based consist of original research; approximately 600 nouns, 350 verbs, and 50 adjectives were elicited, as well as a number of phrases and sentences.

A significant aspect of Bolgo phonology is its ATR harmony system, which contains nine phonemic vowels. In this harmony system, words contain either the +ATR vowels /i/, …

In Consideration Of Three Works Of Art, James C. Schaap

Pro Rege

No abstract provided.

Assessing Risk Management Knowledge Of Florida 4-H Professionals Relating To Shooting Sports, Matt Benge, Genevieve Mendoza, Glenn Israel

Journal of Youth Development

Florida is one of 48 states that offer shooting sports as part of their 4-H program. While young people participating in 4-H shooting sports gain valuable life skills, what has remained unclear are the skills needed by county 4-H agents to manage the risks associated with offering the program. A needs assessment was conducted to identify Florida 4-H agents’ perceived level of competency in program procedural standards and program leadership accountability as it relates to managing a county 4-H shooting sports program. The results of the study demonstrated that Florida 4-H agents recognized the value of having program procedural standards …