Digital Commons Network^™

The Uninvited: The Ghosts Of Brigham Young University, Melanie Kimball

Final Projects

Ghost stories about BYU. This paper is a collection of ghost stories set on campus and analyzes the role the university's religion plays in the narratives._

Low Temperature Liquid Metal Batteries For Energy Storage Applications, Cameron A. Lippert, Kunlei Liu, James Landon, Susan A. Odom, Nicolas E. Holubowitch

Center for Applied Energy Research Faculty Patents

The present invention relates to a molten metal battery of liquid bismuth and liquid tin electrodes and a eutectic electrolyte. The electrodes may be coaxial and coplanar. The eutectic electrolyte may be in contact with a surface of each electrode. The eutectic electrolyte may comprise ZnC1₂:KCI.

Methods To Impair Hematologic Cancer Progenitor Cells And Compounds Related Thereto, Craig Jordan

Internal Medicine Faculty Patents

Primitive or progenitor hematologic cancer cells have been implicated in the early stages and development of leukemia and malignant lymphoproliferative disorders, including acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL). Interleukin-3 receptor alpha chain (IL-3Ra or CD123) is strongly expressed on progenitor hematologic cancer cells, but is virtually undetectable on normal bone marrow cells. The present invention provides methods of impairing progenitor hematologic cancer (e.g., leukemia and lymphomic) cells by selectively targeting cells expressing CD123. These methods are useful in the detection and treatment of leukemias and malignant lymphoproliferative disorders. Also provided are compounds useful …

Individual Based Modeling And Analysis Of Pathogen Levels In Poultry Chilling Process, Zachary Mccarthy, Ben Smith, Aamir Fazil, Jianhong Wu, Shawn D. Ryan, Daniel Munther

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications

Pathogen control during poultry processing critically depends on more enhanced insight into contamination dynamics. In this study we build an individual based model (IBM) of the chilling process. Quantifying the relationships between typical Canadian processing specifications, water chemistry dynamics and pathogen levels both in the chiller water and on individual carcasses, the IBM is shown to provide a useful tool for risk management as it can inform risk assessment models. We apply the IBM to Campylobacter spp. contamination on broiler carcasses, illustrating how free chlorine (FC) sanitization, organic load in the water, and pre-chill carcass pathogen levels affect pathogen levels …

To Freeze Or Not To Freeze: That Is The Question: A Look At Freezeback Landfills And Final Cover Designs, Sarah Durand

Engineering

Freezeback landfills are an exciting concept but challenging in execution. There is not a single variable that leads to the success of a freezeback landfills but multiple variables in balance with each other that allow for freezeback to occur. Freezeback landfills should be engineered to the site-specific environment at the initial design stage for a better chance of success rather than following the generalized regulatory requirements. This project looked at three freezeback landfills as case studies and evaluated the final cover design of the first two in identifying parameters that lead to success in reaching and maintaining freezeback status. The …

General Education Subcommittee Minutes, December 17, 2019, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Course approvals
• Reviewing and Approving General Education Designation Proposals
• Update from the Composition Assessment Working Group

Foliage And Winter Woody Browse Quality Of An Important Salix Browse Species: Effects Of Presence Of Alder-Derived Nitrogen And Winter Browsing By Alaskan Moose (Alces Alces Gigas), Justin Burrows

Biological Sciences

In this study, I examined the relationship between soil nitrogen and winter browsing by moose on the physical and chemical characteristics of Salix alaxensis; specifically stem production, leaf nutritional quality, and stem nutritional quality of tissues produced the following growing season. I measured stem biomass production the 2013 growing season and offtake during the 2013-2014 winter browsing season at 16 sites on the Tanana River floodplain near Fairbanks, Alaska. I revisited the sites the following summer and autumn to assess regrowth and to collect soil, foliage, and stem samples. Browsing intensity and total soil nitrogen were similar in sites with …

Detecting Myocardial Infarctions Using Machine Learning Methods, Aniruddh Mathur

Master's Projects

Myocardial Infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when one of the three major blood vessels carrying blood to the heart get blocked, causing the death of myocardial (heart) cells. If not treated immediately, MI may cause cardiac arrest, which can ultimately cause death. Risk factors for MI include diabetes, family history, unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Medical treatments include various types of drugs and surgeries which can prove very expensive for patients due to high healthcare costs. Therefore, it is imperative that MI is diagnosed at the right time. Electrocardiography (ECG) is commonly used to detect MI. ECG …

Major Lower Paleozoic Horizons Of The Southern Illinois Basin, John B. Hickman

Report of Investigations--KGS

The geology exposed at the surface in the southern Illinois Basin has been mapped in great detail by countless workers over the past century. With the exception of limited and scattered exposures in incised river valleys, the oldest rocks exposed outside of the Jessamine, Nashville, and Ozark Domes surrounding the Illinois Basin are Mississippian in age. Extensive deposits of Cambrian–Devonian sediments occur in the subsurface above crystalline basement in this region, however. All available data for the region were analyzed to produce a single, comprehensive set of interpretations. The data used in this study include 1:24,000-scale geologic quadrangle maps, oil …

Carbon Flux And Particle-Associated Microbial Remineralization Rates In The Northern Bering And Southern Chukchi Seas, Stephanie Hicks O'Daly

Oceanography

It has been hypothesized that climate change will reduce the strength and episodic nature of vernal phytoplankton blooms, increase heterotrophy of microbes and zooplankton, and weaken the tight coupling between pelagic and benthic production that is characteristic of Arctic continental shelves. As a part of the Arctic Shelf Growth, Advection, Respiration, and Deposition rates measurement (ASGARD) project, I quantified sinking particle fluxes and incubated sinking particles to measure the rate of microbial respiration associated with those particles. These measurements were used to characterize the strength of the pelagic-benthic connection. After a record-breaking year of warm temperatures and low-ice conditions in …

Pairwise Comparisons Of Shrub Change Across Alpine Climates Show Heterogeneous Response To Temperature In Dall's Sheep Range, Mark Melham

Natural Resources

Encroachment of woody vegetation into alpine and high latitude systems complicates resource use for specialist wildlife species. We converted Landsat imagery to maps of percent shrub cover in alpine areas of Dall's sheep (Ovis dalli dalli) range. We then compared percent cover to interpolated climate data to infer drivers of shrub change between the 1980s and 2010s and determine if that change is occurring at different rates in climatically distinct alpine areas. We identified areas spatially interconnected by their mean July temperature intervals and compared their rates of shrub change, finding net rates of shrub growth were higher at temperatures …

Quliriuralta (Lets Keep Telling Stories): Pace Model With Traditional Yup'ik Storytelling In A Second Grade Dual Language Classroom, Irene M. Wassilie

Linguistics

This research was conducted in a setting where the students are losing their Indigenous language. It is centered around the retention and revitalization of the Yugtun language. The goal of the research was to gain insights into how second graders in a dual language enrichment school constructed meaning and focus on form in their classroom. The instructional model employed as part of this investigation is the PACE Model, which is a story-based approach to teaching grammar through focus on form with an emphasis on meaning making. The model is consistent with Indigenous oral storytelling, cultural values, traditions and expectations. The …

Modeling Volcanic Ash And Sulfur Dioxide With The Weather Research Forecasting With Chemistry (Wrf-Chem) Model, Sean D. Egan

Chemistry and Biochemistry

The Weather Research Forecasting with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) model is capable of modeling volcanic emissions of ash, sulfur dioxide and water vapor. Here, it is applied to eruptions from three volcanoes: the 2008 eruption of Kasatochi Volcano in Alaska, the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland and the 2019 eruption of Raikoke in the Kurile Islands. WRF-Chem's ability to model volcanic emissions dispersion is validated through comparison of model output to remote sensing, in situ and field measurements. A sensitivity of the model to modeled plume height is discussed. This work also modifies the base WRF-Chem code in three ways and …

Development Of A Nonformal Education Program Evaluation Plan: An Evaluation Design For Two Youth Programs In Denali National Park And Preserve, Dana Lindauer

Education

This project proposes an evaluation design for two youth programs that operate out of the Murie Science and Learning Center in Denali National Park and Preserve. The two programs, Denali Backcountry Expeditions and Denali Summer Science Academy, are offered to Alaskan high school and college aged students and are co-managed by the National Park Service and Alaska Geographic. A formative, utilization-focused evaluation for instructors and managers of the programs was created. The evaluation seeks to facilitate targeted program development through articulating program goals and assessing participant outcomes related to these goals. In an effort to establish collaborative goals, eleven stakeholders …

Subglacial Meltwater Supported Aerobic Marine Habitats During Snowball Earth, Maxwell A. Lechte, Malcolm W. Wallace, Ashleig Van Smeerdijk Hooda, Weiqiang Li, Ganqing Jiang, Galen P. Halverson, Dan Asael, Stephanie L. Mccoll, Noah J. Planavsky

Geoscience Faculty Research

The Earth’s most severe ice ages interrupted a crucial interval in eukaryotic evolution with widespread ice coverage during the Cryogenian Period (720 to 635 Ma). Aerobic eukaryotes must have survived the “Snowball Earth” glaciations, requiring the persistence of oxygenated marine habitats, yet evidence for these environments is lacking. We examine iron formations within globally distributed Cryogenian glacial successions to reconstruct the redox state of the synglacial oceans. Iron isotope ratios and cerium anomalies from a range of glaciomarine environments reveal pervasive anoxia in the ice-covered oceans but increasing oxidation with proximity to the ice shelf grounding line. We propose that …

Altered Central Hemodynamics In Individuals With Down Syndrome, Thessa Irena Maria Hilgenkamp, Elizabeth Cornellia Schroeder, Sang Ouk Wee, Georgios Grigoriadis, Alexander Jacob Rosenberg, Tracy Baynard, Bo Fernhall

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

Background: Individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) have autonomic dysfunction impacting regulation of heart rate, Blood Pressure (BP), and peripheral vasoconstriction. This may alter central hemodynamics through different wave reflections. We investigated central hemodynamics including wave reflection during rest and a sympathoexcitatory stimulus [Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP)] in individuals with DS and controls. Methods: Radial applanation tonometry was performed on participants with and without DS before and during 5-min LBNP stimulus of −20 mmHg. Waveforms were calibrated to mean and diastolic BP. Generalized transfer function was used to estimate aortic pressures [Systolic Blood Pressure (aSBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (aDBP), mean …

In‐Situ Extraction And Impregnation Of Black Walnut Husk Into Polyethylene Film Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide With An Ethanol Modifier, Jonathan Wenzel, Veronica R. Moorman, Lihua Wang, Isaiah Spencer-Williams, Mitchell Hall, Cheryl Samaniego, Michelle Ammerman

Chemistry & Biochemistry Publications

Walnuts are commonly cultivated for their kernel, which is a rich source of antioxidant phenolic compounds. The husk likewise contains antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds, but is typically discarded without further processing. Antioxidant compounds are useful in creating active packaging films, but typically decompose at melt extrusion temperatures in polymer processing. Due to carbon dioxide's low critical point and ability to swell polymer films, supercritical carbon dioxide may be used to impregnate phenolic compounds into polymers. For this study, a novel technique is used to simultaneously produce walnut husk extracts and impregnate the extract into polymer films in the same batch …

Predation Effects On Mid-Marsh Ribbed Mussel Mortality, Cluster Size, And Facilitation Of Cordgrass Growth, Colten Winter, Keith Walters

Honors Theses

Reciprocal facilitation between Geukensia demissa, ribbed mussels, and Sporobolus alterniflorus, cordgrass, has a positive effect on salt marsh ecosystems. Mussel clusters enhance cordgrass growth and drought resistance and cordgrass provides attachment and shade for mussel aggregations. Along with benefits for both mussels and cordgrass, the mutualism facilitates increased biodiversity and shoreline stabilization and enhances marsh ecosystem functions. Aspects of mussel patch configuration including cluster size, perimeter and connectivity modulate the reciprocal facilitation effects of cordgrass and mussels on marsh ecosystems. In a northern South Carolina marsh system, mussel patch configuration positively influenced cordgrass biomass. Predation affected mussel patch …

Teacher Perspectives On Content Literacy In Elementary Schools, Jontia Grace

Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership Dissertations

Content area teachers are expected to incorporate literacy strategies in their classrooms, despite the fact that all content area teachers do no attend professional learning communities to learn effective literacy strategies. This study is needed because many content area teachers lack the necessary knowledge and skills about literacy to be successful in the classroom.

The goal of this study was to impact 5^th grade students’ literacy abilities by supporting teacher development by changing their planning, instruction, and assessment practice. This was done by implementing effective research-based strategies in vocabulary instruction, reading and comprehension instruction, writing instruction, and increasing parental …

Analytic Non-Adiabatic Derivative Coupling Terms For Spin-Orbit Mrci Wavefunctions. I. Formalism, Lachlan T. Belcher, Gary S. Kedziora, David E. Weeks

Faculty Publications

Analytic gradients of electronic eigenvalues require one calculation per nuclear geometry, compared to at least 3n + 1 calculations for finite difference methods, where n is the number of nuclei. Analytic nonadiabatic derivative coupling terms (DCTs), which are calculated in a similar fashion, are used to remove nondiagonal contributions to the kinetic energy operator, leading to more accurate nuclear dynamics calculations than those that employ the Born-Oppenheimer approximation, i.e., that assume off-diagonal contributions are zero. The current methods and underpinnings for calculating both of these quantities, gradients and DCTs, for the State-Averaged MultiReference Configuration Interaction with Singles and Doubles (MRCI-SD) …

Network-Aware Adjacent Channel Interference Rejection And Out Of Band Emission Suppression, Berker Pekoz, Selcuk Kose, Huseyin Arslan

USF Patents

A system and method for adaptively utilizing transmitter windowing, receiver windowing and alignment signals for minimizing interference and maximizing capacity and energy efficiency based upon the received power ratios of links in adjacent bands of a cellular communication network.

N-Amino Peptide Beta-Sheet Mimics For The Treatment Of Alzheimer's Disease, Juan R. Del Valle

USF Patents

Disclosed herein are compounds comprising short N-aminated peptides and compositions comprising the same. The disclosed compounds and compositions maybe used in methods of inhibiting amyloid-beta aggregation and treating Alzheimer's disease.

Load-Adjustable Constant-Force Mechanisms, Steven Lawrence Hasara, Craig Perry Lusk

USF Patents

A compliant crank slider with adjustable constant-force output. Constant-force mechanisms (CFM) are used to maintain a constant output reaction force throughout a large range of compressive motion. The invention improves on existing CFM by introducing a second degree of freedom that adjusts the mechanism's output without changing its kinematic structure. This second degree of freedom is the rotation of a compliant beam about its longitudinal axis as it is constrained to the initial plane of bending. The resulting change in the beam's stiffness allows for adjustment to a specifiable range of constant-force outputs.

Best Practices And Metrics For Virtual Reality User Interfaces, Jay Byam

Computer Science

Virtual Reality (VR) technology has become increasingly effective and accessible within the past decade [15]. With this increase in the technology’s prevalence and cultural significance, certain interaction techniques and design choices have emerged as the most widely used and recommended. This research effort employs a VR experiment in which multiple selection methods, interface placements, and navigation techniques are compared side-by-side, and performance metrics and preference data are collected. Both best practice and to-be-avoided methods are examined, and the performance and preference data is analyzed. Determinations made based on the data gathered are partly in-line with expectations according to best practices, …

Explorations Of Intergenerational Healing, Resilience, And Post-Traumatic Growth By Helpers And Healers On The Blackfeet Nation, Tyler J. Hoyt

Psychology

This project explored intergenerational healing, resilience, and post-traumatic growth within the context of the Blackfeet Nation in Montana, the roles of helpers and healers in this setting, and community experiences of familial trauma and the idiosyncratic healing and resilience processes according to their worldview. The central goal of this study was to provide a contemporary public narrative surrounding healing and resilience as these topics related to historical and intergenerational trauma in this specific community. This exploratory study was composed of the narratives of 14 co-participants working as helpers and healers on the Blackfeet Nation. Indigenous narrative and a cosmic relationality …

Gamestop’S Next Play: Reconfiguring The Value Offering, A. Erin Bass, Erin G. Pleggenkuhle-Miles, Christopher Winchester, Thomas West

Management Faculty Publications

Theoretical basis

The theoretical basis for this case is a focus on strategic positioning as related to Porter’s generic strategies. The case describes GameStop’s previous differentiation approach, executed through physical stores and knowledgeable staff. With technological shifts and the introduction of digital downloads, this strategy is less effective. The case requires students to consider how GameStop might revise its generic strategy based on the new competitive landscape in which it operates.

Research methodology

In writing this case, the research team conducted thorough analysis through primary data collection in stores as well as secondary data collection through the use of market …

Materials Of The Future, Zhanique Waite

Research Papers by TMD Undergraduate Students

This paper used material culture methodology to examine selected women's fashions from the 1960s housed in URI's Historic Textile and Costume Collection. The focus was on innovative materials. Included are three paper dresses, a metallic dress, and a pair of white vinyl go-go boots.

Using Nano- And Micro- Structural Materials For Concrete Environmental Applications, Hala Nabeel Elia

Theses and Dissertations

Utilized globally in the construction industry, concrete is an integral component of homes, roads, airports, skyscrapers, and tunnels. Traditional concrete components are cement, fine aggregate (sand), coarse aggregate (gravel or crushed stone), and water. When cement and water compound together they will make a paste which binds all the aggregates together to make the concrete. Unfortunately, every one ton of cement manufactured emits 0.9 ton of CO2into the air. The goal of this two-part work was to obtain an environmentally friendly concrete. The first part used supplementary cementitious materials (SCM), fly ash and silica fume, to create concrete with high …

Developing Sociolinguistic Awareness Through A Digital Lexicon Project In A Fifth Grade Classroom In Rural Alaska, Julia F. Boynton

Linguistics

This teacher action research examines how teachers can build student awareness of language variations in order to help students make meaning during the learning process thus bridging the gap between home discourse and school discourse. In this study students built a digital lexicon using a class generated list of Village English terms that are present in Aniak, Alaska. The purpose of this study was to build students' sociolinguistic awareness through explicit instruction and the Aniak Digital Lexicon project. The findings showed that providing students with explicit instruction helped develop students during their meaning making process and students were able to …

Tua'll (And Then) I Used Math To Tell A Story: Using Think Alouds To Enhance Agency And Problem Solving In An Indigenous High School Mathematics Class, Jennifer Ayaginaar Boyd

Linguistics

This paper examines action research in a high school math classroom with a focus on student discourse and agency. Students' use of language to explain their problem-solving processes was documented and analyzed. Specifically, the focus was on variations in student language and how the teacher responded to students during the problem-solving process. The following questions guided the analysis of what happened in the classroom: 1) How do my students talk about their math process? 2) How do I mediate their problem solving? One of the teacher researcher's earliest realizations was that she interfered in students' opportunities to problem solve on …