Digital Commons Network^™

Application Of Geodetector Method And Other Statistical Methods To Study Groundwater Vulnerability To Nitrate Contamination In The Central Valley Aquifer, California, Anil Shrestha

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The Central Valley (CV) Aquifer, California is one of the most productive regions of the United States, where large amount of nitrogen fertilizer has been applied for the last few decades to increase the crop productivity. The application of excessive fertilizer has increased the level of nitrate (NO3-N) in the groundwater to above EPA’s maximum contamination level (MCL) of 10 mg/L in several domestic, public and monitoring wells. The concentration of nitrate in the groundwater can vary spatially depending on the local nitrogen sources, aquifer characteristics and geochemical condition of the area. The changing hydrogeological conditions of the valley due …

Presence And Characterization Of Microplastics In Drinking (Tap/Bottled) Water And Soft Drinks, Mansurat Golden Abdulmalik Ali

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the presence of microplastics in human consumable products using 33 samples; Fifteen tap water samples, nine bottled water and nine soft drink samples, collected and purchased in Grand Forks, ND.

Tap water analysis confirm all samples contain microplastics, majority of which were fibres and fragments with 48.6% and 41.8% abundance. The average concentration was 182 mpp/L (range 66 mpp/L – 472 mpp/L) with 2.5 µm – 3 mm size range. Bottled water and soft drinks were also contaminated with microplastics with an average of 101 mpp/L (range 49 mpp/L – 166 mpp/L) and particle size ranging from …

Review Of Sex Determination In Fish And Reptiles And Estimation Of Sex Ratio Heritability In The Common Snapping Turtle, Kyle Hilliard

Theses and Dissertations

Sex-determining mechanisms in fish and reptiles are incredibly diverse. We first review sex-determination in these groups, including approaches that can be used to identify sex-determining genes and the large body of research showing genetic variation for sex ratio in species with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). We then show that sex ratio variation among clutches is due to additive genetic effects in one TSD species, the common snapping turtle. This finding contradicts previous claims that non-genetic maternal factors such as yolk steroid hormones are driving sex determination in this species. Heritable variation for sex determination in the snapping turtle may allow …

Behavioral Interference Of Memory Reconsolidation As A Treatment For Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms, Benjamin Darnell

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is best conceptualized as a failure of the stress response to naturally resolve following trauma exposure (e.g., Orcutt, Bonanno, Hannan, & Miron, 2014). Current treatments are effective for some, but not all who suffer from PTSD (e.g., Bradley, Greene, Russ, Dutra, & Westen, 2005; Lee et al., 2016), and relapse is common (Ursano et al., 2004; Davidson et al., 2001). Considering that PTSD is a memory-based disorder, a treatment that could augment trauma memories has the potential to address the limitations of current interventions. Research on memory suggests that, if a memory is retrieved under the …

The Social Presence Of Jibo, Parisa Farhadi

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This research is an attempt to investigate how a social robot is perceived by users at the first encounter. And to find out whether a social robot like Jibo is understood merely as a kind of a technological object or a social entity. Previous studies in Human-Robot Interaction have considered social presence as a mediator in users’ social responses toward robots; however, the focus of this study is the social presence itself and investigates whether Jibo produces a sense of presence during initial encounters. To this end, the current study examines individuals’ perceptions of and responses to Jibo. Participants (N=8) …

Disruption, Remix, And Mediation: Analyzing "Bot" Algorithm Case Studies To Better Understand Rhetorical Agency In The Digital Age, Aaron Geiger

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Algorithms are ubiquitous components of digital age rhetoric and communication. Although they are integrated within our daily online functions, shaping our discourse and interactions with one another and with other algorithms, little is known how they shape rhetorical agency. Most of our online communication occurs through social media on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, and we rely on social spaces like Wikipedia for updated information that is shaped by social constructs. We presume that since we program algorithms, their communicating functions mimic human discourse and can be shaped similarly.

However, a rich text analysis of three different case studies …

Growth And Survival Of Wild And Head-Started Blanding’S Turtles (Emydoidea Blandingii), Callie Klatt Golba

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Blanding’s Turtles (IUCN Endangered) are long-lived reptiles with delayed sexual maturity. Anthropogenic landscape changes have increased threats to juvenile turtles, resulting in unnaturally low recruitment. Head-starting has become a popular conservation strategy that aims to increase juvenile recruitment by avoiding the increased predation of the vulnerable nest and hatchling age-class. However, there is still debate about whether or not it is an effective management tool. Assessments of head-starting are becoming more prevalent, but long-term studies are needed to critically evaluate the success of such interventions. In particular, information is needed on how head-starts fare compared to wild-born turtles. The Lake …

Morphometric Analysis Of Subfossil Macronycteris Spp. (Chiroptera: Hipposideridae) From Madagascar, Jamie Lynn Alumbaugh

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Macronycteris bats are morphologically conservative between species but demonstrate intraspecific morphological variation between geographic locations and sexes. Two of the four living species of Macronycteris are found on Madagascar, where they are broadly distributed and demonstrate a trend in body size correlated with the latitudinal precipitation cline on the western side of the island. The presence of an extinct species, M. besaoaka, from Anhjohibe Cave in northern Madagascar suggests that Macronycteris was once more diverse, at least with respect to morphology. Since its description, taxonomic and phylogenetic revisions have reshaped our understanding of this genus. On Madagascar, these include the …

A Kinetic Monte Carlo Study Of Mesoscopic Perovskite Solar Cell Performance Behavior, Behzad Bahrami

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Perovskite solar cells have received considerable attention in recent years due to their low processing cost and high energy conversion efficiency. However, the mechanisms of perovskite solar cell performance are not fully understood. Models based on probabilistic and statistical approaches can be used to simulate, optimize, and predict perovskite solar cell photovoltaic performance, and they can also guide experimental processing and fabrication conditions to achieve higher photovoltaic efficiency. This work developed a 3D model based on the kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) approach to simulate 3D morphology of perovskite-based solar cells and predict their photovoltaic performance. The model incorporated the physical …

The Effectiveness Of Infographics And How It Is Applied To Communicate The Effects Of Factory Farming, Alexandra Romano

Honors College Theses

No abstract provided.

Assessment Of Imagining And Material Characteristics Of A Radiopaque, Thermoresponsive Hydrogel For Intratumoral Administration To Solid Tumours, Seona Rossi, Timothy E. Murray, John Cassidy, Michael J. Lee, Helena M. Kelly

Articles

Introduction

Thermoresponsive hydrogels are gels which have different properties at varying temperatures. The objective of this study was to assess the material characteristics, imaging properties and chemotherapeutic drug release profile of a novel radiopaque thermoresponsive hydrogel, which is liquid at room temperature but solidifies at body temperature, to determine potential suitability for intratumoral delivery.

Materials and Methods

An iodinated radiopaque thermoresponsive hydrogel was formulated using iodixanol at a range of concentrations and assessed for sol-gel transition, radiopacity and imaging using CT and US. A lead formulation containing 9.22% w/w iodixanol was evaluated for injectability, disintegration and dual drug release of …

Career Handbook, Unlv Career Services

Career Handbook

The job search, no matter what step you are on, can be a daunting and intimidating process. We want you to know that you are not alone in this journey. Since the day you arrived on campus, you have been surrounded by the support of family, friends, professors, staff, and peers. As you move into the next stage of your professional journey, we want you to know that you have the support of Career Services, the Alumni Association, and all of the employers who are part of the Hire a Rebel family to mentor, guide, and walk with you through …

Missing The Apes Of The Trees For The Forest, Carlo Alvaro

Publications and Research

The debate over ape personhood is of great social and moral importance. For more than twenty-five years, attorney Steven Wise has been arguing that animals who have cognitive complexities similar to humans should be legally granted basic rights of au- tonomy. In my view, granting personhood status and other rights to great apes are at- tainable goals. But how should we go about it? My worry is that Thompson’s suggest- ed strategy relies on Kantian ethics, in particular on Kant’s notion of autonomy. In fact, I am worried about Kantian ethics in general because of its influence on morality and …

President Rutherford B. Hayes Tours The Southwest Territories, Dave Devine

New Mexico Historical Review

No abstract provided.

Full Issue, New Mexico Historical Review

New Mexico Historical Review

No abstract provided.

Coronado At The Río Bermejo: The 2019 Report On The Coronado Trail From Río Frio To Cíbola, Nugent Brasher

New Mexico Historical Review

No abstract provided.

Transference, Nathan Greiner

School of Art Graduate Exhibitions, Portfolios, and Theses

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of The Correlation Between Quantitative Measurement Of The Foveal Avascular Zone And Retinal Vessel Density And Outer Retinal Disruptions In Diabetic Patients, Nagi̇han Uğurlu, Ayşe Güzi̇n Taşlipinar Uzel, Ahmet Şengün, Fatma Yülek, Demet Özdaş, Abbas Ali̇ Tam, Reyhan Ersoy, Beki̇r Çakir

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the correlation between the integrity of the outer retinal layers on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and objective parameters of retinal microvascular perfusion on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).Materials and methods: A total of 105 eyes of 54 diabetic patients were included in the study. Integrity of the outer retinal layers including the external limiting membrane (ELM), ellipsoid zone (EZ), and interdigitation zone (IZ) was assessed by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and vessel density (VD) measurements in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary …

Protective Effect Of Cyclosporine A In The Treatment Of Severe Hydronephrosis In A Rabbit Renal Pelvic Perfusion Model, Ben Zheng Zhou, Da Hu Zhang, Wei Min Yu, Jin Zhuo Ning

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Cyclosporine A (CsA), a traditional immunosuppressive compound, has been reported to specifically prevent isch-emia reperfusion tissue injury via apoptosis pathway. This study aimed to explore the renoprotective effects of CsA on the kidneys of rabbits undergoing renal pelvic perfusion.Materials and methods: A total of 30 rabbits were randomly assigned into a control group (n = 6) and an experimental group (n = 24). The experimental group underwent a surgical procedure that induced severe hydronephrosis and was then stochastically divided into 4 groups (S1, S1?, S2, and S2?), consisting of 6 rabbits each. Groups S1 and S1? were perfused with …

The Impact Of Environmental Degradation On The Analysis Of Manufactured Fibers, Alexis R. Weber

Master's Theses

The analysis of fiber evidence involves the ability to link a questioned fiber back to its known source. But before the collection and analysis of questioned fibers, they could be potentially exposed to various environmental conditions for an extended period of time. There has been little research on how manufactured fibers are affected by various environments and if this interaction affects the ability to link a questioned fiber back to its known source. Changes to the manufactured fibers are essential to be aware of, in order to avoid the possibility of erroneous exclusions when performing fiber comparisons. A six-month time …

Infection Control In Total Knee Replacement Prosthesis Using Nitric Oxide Releasing Biomaterials, Ashley Widing

Master's Theses

Replacing a weight-bearing joint is accompanied by long procedures, even longer recovery times, and intensive monitoring. This burden increases after infection; a complication requiring revision surgeries and therefore extensive additional recovery time. Infection can present itself at any time during the process, making it hard to predict. Currently, a two-part revision surgery is completed by removing all infected tissue and implanting an antibiotic spacer. The spacer fills the joint gap and is removed prior to the revision total knee replacement. A revision total knee replacement follows the same procedure as the initial surgery. Not only is this detrimental to patient …

Preliminary Results From The Farce 2015 Campaign: Multidisciplinary Study Of The Forest–Gas–Aerosol–Cloud System On The Tropical Island Of Laréunion, Valentin Duflot, Pierre Tulet, Olivier Flores, Christelle Barthe, Aurélie Colomb, Laurent Deguillaume, Mickael Vaïtilingom, Anne Perring, Alex Huffman, Markt. Hernandez, Karine Sellegri, Ellis Robinson, David J. O'Connor, Odessa M .Gomez, Frédéric Burnet, Thierry Bourrianne, Dominique Strasberg, Manon Rocco, Allan K Bertram, Patrick Chazette, Julien Totems, Pierre Stamenoff, Jean-Marc Metzger, Mathilde Chabasset, Clothilde Rousseau, Eric Bourrianne, Martine Sancelme, Anne-Marie Delort, Rachel E. Wegener, Cedric Chou, Pablo Elizondo

Articles

The Forests gAses aeRosols Clouds Exploratory (FARCE) campaign was conducted in March–April 2015 on the tropical island of La Réunion. For the first time, several scientific teams from different disciplines collaborated to provide reference measurements and characterization of LaRéunionvegetation,volatileorganiccompounds(VOCs), biogenic VOCs (BVOCs), (bio)aerosols and composition of clouds, with a strong focus on the Maïdo mountain slope area. The main observations obtained during this 2-month intensivefieldcampaignaresummarized.Theyincludecharacterizations of forest structure, concentrations of VOCs and precursors emitted by forests, aerosol loading and optical properties in the planetary boundary layer (PBL), formation of new particles by nucleation of gas-phase precursors, icenucleatingparticlesconcentrations,andbiologicalloadingin bothcloud-freeandcloudyconditions.SimulationsandmeasurementsconfirmthattheMaïdoObservatorylieswithinthe PBL from …

Variability Of E. Coli In Streambed Sediments And Its Implication For Water Quality, Sadia Salam

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), including E. coli, are the number one cause of water quality impairments in the United States according to the USEPA. FIB are used as a predictor to identify the possible presence of pathogens in waterbodies. E. coli is a useful indicator of gastrointestinal (GI) related illnesses from contact with fresh water. While surface water is routinely monitored for water quality, streambed sediments are rarely considered as a source of FIB to the overlying water column. This study focuses on understanding the variation of E. coli concentrations in streambed sediments and the potential impact of sediment sources …

A Bioinfomatic Analysis Of Luminal And Mucosal Ileal Bacteria Colonizing Nursery Pigs Fed Different Protein Sources, Jamie L. Ortman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Weaning is a critical time in a young pig’s life that will greatly impact its adult growth and development. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of various protein sources on the bacterial composition within luminal and mucosal populations in simple and complex diets to gain a better understanding of factors influencing gut health. Weaned pigs were fed 1 of 3 simple experimental diets: 1) basic diet containing corn and soybean meal (Negative Control - NEG), 2) basic diet + fishmeal (FM; Positive Control - POS), and 3) basic diet + microbially-enhanced soybean meal (MSBM). Phase I …

Using Reinforcement Learning In A Simulated Intelligent Tutoring System, Manohar Sai Jasti

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

I used reinforcement learning to investigate which categories of hints are most efficient in an intelligent tutoring system for human anatomy. Efficiency is defined as minimizing the time it takes the student to learn the material. When a student gives a wrong answer, the tutor can give them a text hint, a diagrammatic hint, or a video clip. Each type of hint takes a different amount of time to deliver and takes the student a different amount of time to understand.

I built a simulator for the intelligent tutoring system to collect data from simulated students. I implemented reinforcement learning, …

Evaluating Spatial Distributions Of Scent-Marks In Semi-Free-Ranging Groups Of Lemur Catta At The Duke Lemur Center, Shallu Prasher

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Scent-marking is a widespread form of olfactory signaling exhibited in mammals and for a select group of primates. Although research exists on the process of scent-marking, surface preferences, and for the function of scent-marking in lemurs, analyses of how lemur group scent-marking distributions map onto their home range are lacking. The endangered ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) deposits scent-marks using its ano-genital, chest, and wrist glands. This project was designed to collect data on two groups of semi-free-ranging captive ring-tailed lemurs at the Duke Lemur Center to first assess how scent-marks are distributed within their home ranges; and second, to evaluate …

Developing A Rational Peptide Ligand Design Method Using Cd13 As A Prototype Target Receptor, Md Zahir Uddin

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Structure based computational peptide design methods have gained significant interest in recent years with the availability of structural insights of protein-protein interactions obtained from the crystal structures. Most of these approaches design new peptide ligands by connecting the crucial amino acid residues from the protein interface and are generally not based on any predicted receptor-ligand interaction. In this work, a peptide design method based on the Knob-Socket model was used to identify the specific ligand residues packing into the receptor interface. This method enables rational peptide ligand design by predicting amino acid residues that will fit best at the binding …

Fliposomes With A Ph-Sensitive Conformational Switch For Anticancer Drug Delivery Against Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Yifan Lu

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the US and worldwide, accounting for 16% of deaths worldwide in 2015. Of more than 100 types of cancers affecting humans, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and is the second leading cause of death in women. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast carcinomas defined by the lack of the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2 /neu). The prognosis and survival of TNBC patients remains the poor due to the lack of effective targeted therapy. …

The Relationship Between The Cefi, As A Measure For Executive Function, And The Basc-3, As A Measure Of Externalizing Behavior, On School Problems For Children Receiving Special Education Services, David Looney

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the relationship between executive function and externalizing behaviors within a student population that was assessed for special education services. Executive function was measured by using the Comprehensive Executive Function Inventory (CEFI). Externalizing behaviors and school problems was measured using the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Third Edition (BASC-3). Four separate structural equation models were produced and analyzed to examine this relationship. The results from this study indicate that there is a significant direct effect from executive function on externalizing behaviors and school problems, such that higher scores in executive function yielded lower externalizing behavior and school problems …

Transcriptome Analysis For Novel Peptide In Breeding Gland Of Hymenochirus Boettgeri, Minjin Ko

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The primary goal of the project was to find nucleotide sequences potentially encoding a pheromone from the breeding gland of Hymenochirus boettgeri. The reasons in searching for the sequence of a pheromone were to better understand the organism and to use the information for application in reproduction of other species. Due to climate change and rampant deforestation, such as in Africa’s Congo Basin, many amphibian species are being threatened. With these increasing threats, a viable option for the future may be breeding in captivity for the amphibian species. Pheromone characterization from the breeding gland of Hymenochirus boettgeri may help with …