Digital Commons Network^™

Effects Of Imagined Financial Difficulties On State Adult Attachment Systems, Loren Jones

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

According to Bowlby’s definition of attachment theory, insecure attachment systems negatively regulate individuals' behaviors, thoughts, and feelings (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2007). As individuals age, negative views of others and the self can grow, inevitably hindering relationships with others and self-esteem. Empirical research suggests a strong positive relationship between low socioeconomic status (SES) and developing an insecure attachment style among children (Sherry et al., 2013; van IJzendoorn & Bakermans-Kranenburg, 2010). With many similarities between child and adult attachment models, there is a gap in the literature examining the impact of lower SES on adult attachments. Although socioeconomic status's effects on general …

The Effect Of Genetic Relatedness On Mate Selection And Spatial Distribution In The American Alligator, Alligator Mississippiensis, Mark Hoog

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

To date, most genetic studies on the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) have focused on population genetics and multiple paternity. There have not been any studies looking at how relatedness affects alligator behavior and movement. This study focused on three main questions: 1) what is the genetic diversity among alligators in this location? 2) can parentage be accurately defined among parents and offspring? and 3) how does individual relatedness affect their spatial distribution? We examined the relatedness of 174 unique individuals from the Okefenokee Swamp Park, in South Georgia, USA. In addition, we placed Telonics^® satellite tags on …

An Experimental Study On The Mechanical Properties And Chemical Composition Of Lcd 3d Printed Specimens, Sebastian Gomez

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Additive manufacturing technologies have been enhanced throughout the years yet have surprised the manufacturing industry due to their high-end surface finish and dimensional accuracy. Different experiments have been done to identify a specific phenomenon known in the vat-polymerization field. Distortion and dimensional inaccuracy tend to affect the overall properties of the process, either physical or chemical. This approach allows the understanding of how the physical properties have been affected and how to study the chemical properties to avoid this type of phenomenon. The chemical reaction between polymer and UV light has been studied and experimented with to the point that …

Remote Sensing Of Georgia Tidal Marsh Habitats Using Aerial Photography And Planetscope Satellite Imagery, Harrison M. Currin

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Globally, tidal marshes cover about 90,800 km. Within the state of Georgia tidal marshes are primarily located behind the barrier islands and total 1,619 km². The combination of high salinity environments and daily inundation, and being dependent on river output, make these dynamic systems. Tidal marshes provide numerous ecosystem services such as carbon and nitrogen sequestration, flood control, coastal protection, and numerous biogeochemical processes. Due to their unique position, tidal marshes are under threat from sea level rise, drought, coastal development, and large-scale disturbance events. Tidal freshwater marshes are especially susceptible to these threats due to their geographic …

Sustainability Practices In Aquaculture: Using Algae Turf Scrubber Biomass To Raise Black Soldier Flies As An Alternative Feed In Blue Tilapia, Oreochromis Aureus, Culture, Michelle C. Lowery

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Since the 1980s, non-algal aquaculture has grown to encompass 49% of all seafood production in response to a growing human population and increased seafood demand (FAO, 2022). Hurdles exist to aquaculture sustainability, including dependence on wild sourced fishmeal (FM) and the impacts wastewater discharge. It takes 4-5 tons of wild forage fish to produce one ton of dry FM (Miles and Chapman, 2006) and as aquaculture is primarily conducted in earthen ponds and public open water bodies (FAO, 2022), finfish culture can have a high impact on the surrounding environment by discharging excess nutrients. This study used algae turf scrubber …

Levels Of Autotrophy And Heterotrophy In Mesophotic Corals Near The End Photic Zone, Amy Carmignani, Veronica Z. Radice, Kathryn M. Mcmahon, Alex I. Holman, Karen Miller, Kliti Grice, Zoe Richards

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Mesophotic corals live at ~30-150 m depth and can sustain metabolic processes under light-limited conditions by enhancing autotrophy through specialized photoadaptations or increasing heterotrophic nutrient acquisition. These acclimatory processes are often species-specific, however mesophotic ecosystems are largely unexplored and acclimation limits for most species are unknown. This study examined mesophotic coral ecosystems using a remotely operated vehicle (Ashmore Reef, Western Australia at 40 – 75m depth) to investigate the trophic ecology of five species of scleractinian coral (from genera Leptoseris, Pachyseris, and Craterastrea) using stable isotope analyses (δ13C and δ15N) of host and symbiont tissues and protein concentration. Trophic strategies …

The Effect Of Acute Exercise On Objectively Measured Sleep And Cognition In Older Adults, Kelsey R. Sewell, Nathan D. W. Smith, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Jeremiah Peiffer, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Kirk I. Erickson, Belinda M. Brown

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Exercise can improve cognition in aging, however it is unclear how exercise influences cognition, and sleep may partially explain this association. The current study aimed to investigate whether objectively measured sleep mediates the effect of an acute exercise intervention on cognition in older adults. Methods: Participants were 30 cognitively unimpaired, physically active older adults (69.2 ± 4.3 years) with poor sleep (determined via self-report). After a triple baseline cognitive assessment to account for any natural fluctuation in cognitive performance, participants completed either a single bout of 20-minutes of high intensity exercise on a cycle ergometer, or a control condition, …

In Search Of Founding Era Registers: Automatic Modeling Of Registers From The Corpus Of Founding Era American English, Liina Repo, Brett James Hashimoto, Veronika Laippala

Faculty Publications

Registers are situationally defined text varieties, such as letters, essays, or news articles, that are considered to be one of the most important predictors of linguistic variation. Often historical databases of language lack register information, which could greatly enhance their usability (e.g. Early English Books Online). This article examines register variation in Late Modern English and automatic register identification in historical corpora. We model register variation in the corpus of Founding Era American English (COFEA) and develop machine-learning methods for automatic register identification in COFEA. We also extract and analyze the most significant grammatical characteristics estimated by the classifier for …

U.S. Senate And House Perspectives On Missile Defense Systems Opposed By Russia And China, Constance Valarie Baroudos

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The United States and its allies and partners have deployed three missile defense systems to protect against Iranian and North Korean missile threats: the European Phased Adaptive Approach, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, and Ground-based Missile Defense. Russia and China oppose these systems because they view them as undermining their strategic interests. The purpose of the present study was to better understand the perspectives of Senate and House Armed Services Committee HASC members about the three missile defense systems in congressional hearings. The three models of the congressional behavior model, the preference, simple party, and asymmetric categories, and neorealism and …

High School Teachers’ Experiences And Perceptions Facilitating Student Discourse And Collaborative Structures For English Language Learners In Biology, Chrissy Ann Brouwer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed in this study was that the academic needs of English Language Learners (ELLs) were not being met in biology classes in high schools in the local district because teachers were not consistently facilitating instruction using the required strategies of student discourse and collaborative structures. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore teachers’ successes, challenges, and need for supports when using the required strategies with their ELLs. Knowles’ theory of andragogy and Shulman’s theory of pedagogical content knowledge guided this study examining how the adults’ learning of the required strategies impacted their ability to …

Risk Factors Of Human Papillomavirus Positive Oropharyngeal Cancer In Men, Kentress Davison

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading domestic and global sexually transmitted disease. The purpose of this secondary quantitative, cross-sectional study is to investigate if there is an relationship between the rate of oral HPV-oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and race, exposure to smoking cigarettes (tobacco), risky sexual behavior, and participation in oral sex of male-to-male contact vs. male-to-female contact. The social cognitive theory grounded this study. The University of Alabama at Birmingham cancer database population supplied the study’s sample size of 337 males greater than 18 years of age with a diagnosis of OPSCC. I conducted descriptive analyses using …

Predictors Of Psychoactive Substance Abuse Among Eastern Nigeran Youth, Kingsley Chidiebere Izuka

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractPsychoactive substance (PAS) abuse is a major public health problem leading to increased morbidity and mortality. In Nigeria, the incidence rate of PAS abuse has remained high, particularly in the youth population. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of social factors and school enrollment status on PAS abuse in youth in Southeast Nigeria. The social ecological model and the theory of reasoned action were the theoretical frameworks used for this study; they were selected due to their focus on multiple levels of factors that influence behavior. A quantitative cross-sectional study design approach was used to determine …

The Lived Experiences Of Minority Widowers With Dependent Children, Cathy-Ann L. King

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Spousal death is a traumatic event well documented amongst clinical professionals because of its impact on a man’s physical and mental health. However, prior research on widowers has focused predominantly on white middle-class males. Little is known about the black indigenous people of color (BIPOC) male experience with spousal death, especially from those who are raising their dependent children. This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to understand the lived experiences of BIPOC male widowers and their children. BIPOC widowers experiencing the trauma of this life-changing event without professional assistance are at higher risk of emotional, physical, and mental distress. Attachment theory …

Emotional Intelligence Among Nigerian Construction Project Leaders During Periods Of Uncertainty, Ibrahim Hassan Mashi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Some construction project leaders in Nigeria have exhibited leadership ineffectiveness during periods of uncertainty due to a lack of emotional intelligence (EI) engagement. This has led to poor performance of construction projects in Nigeria. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to explore the engagement of EI in enhancing leadership effectiveness among construction project leaders in Nigeria during periods of uncertainty. Fifteen participants involving construction project leaders were selected through purposeful sampling from five construction firms in Abuja, Nigeria. The target participants were specifically chosen for their expertise and experience to ensure that the information created is relevant …

Age, Race/Hispanic Origin, And Covid-19 Mortality Among Sickle Cell Disease Patients In The United States, Joe Lamont Ndula

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The COVID-19 pandemic remains a global health challenge, with 6.7 million deaths worldwide as of January 2023. It has illuminated the health iniquities in underserved communities and populations like those with sickle cell disease (SCD). Researchers have associated the COVID-19 outcome among SCD patients in other regions of the globe. The purpose of this retrospective cross-sectional observational study was to investigate the relationship between age, race/Hispanic origin, and COVID-19 mortality among persons with SCD in the United States from January 2020 to March 2021. The Krieger ecosocial theory of disease distribution framed the study. Data were drawn from an existing …

Language Barrier: An Unmet Challenge For Low Screening Of Colorectal Cancer Among Hispanic Americans In Texas, Moses Owusu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractHispanic population represents the fastest growing minority group in the United States, and only California surpasses Texas with Hispanic residents in the United States. Overall, non-Hispanic Whites have higher rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence than Hispanics; however, Hispanic Americans have lower survival rates than non-Hispanic Whites. Using cross-sectional analysis, CRC screening modalities were examined to assess disparities among White only, non-Hispanic, Black only, non-Hispanic, and Hispanic populations in Texas to evaluate the impact of limited English proficiency (LEP) on CRC screening among Hispanic Americans residents. The age of study participants ranged from 50 to 79 (mean age = 65.8 …

An Association Of The Transgenerational Implications Of Redlining And Obesity On Pediatric Type Ii Diabetes, Carlin Dexter Nelson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

s the prevalence and incidence of childhood obesity has increased, so has the number of cases of pediatric Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although made unconstitutional in 1968, the transgenerational implications of redlining can be observed in disinvestments resulting in neighborhood detraction. Utilizing the 2019–2020 National Children’s Health Survey, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationship between obesity, T2DM, and neighborhood detraction elements as well as assessed indicators of T2DM in non-institutionalized children 6 through17 years of age (N = 34,725). The social determinants of health perspective served as the conceptual framework for the study. Results indicated …

Teacher And Administrator Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of Instructional Coaching, Judith Salazar

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Instructional coaching focuses on increasing the effectiveness of instructional practices. However, little is known concerning the perceptions of teachers and administrators regarding the role of instructional coaching related to student performance. This basic qualitative study was conducted to analyze the perceptions of administrators and teachers within one region in Texas. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 participants—eight administrators and eight teachers—using a researcher-designed questionnaire regarding the effectiveness of instructional coaching in addressing achievement gaps among African American, Hispanic, and European American students. Fullan’s coherence framework provided the basis for data analysis. Data collected from the interviews were analyzed and four …

Anti-Capsular Activity Of Cuo Nanoparticles Against Acinetobacter Baumannii Produce Efflux Pump, Israa M.S. Al-Kadmy, Sarah Naji Aziz, Ahmed Mahdi Rheima, Suhad Abbas Abid, Ahmed Suhail, Israa Hussein Hamzah, Eman N. Naji, Alexandros Besinis, Helal F. Hetta

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

Copper oxide nanoparticles are modern kinds of antimicrobials, which may get a lot of interest in the clinical application. This study aimed to detect the anti-capsular activity of CuO nanoparticles against Acinetobacter baumannii produce efflux pump. Thirty-four different clinical A. baumannii isolates were collected and identified by the phenotypic and genetic methods by the recA gene as housekeeping. Antibiotic sensitivity and biofilm-forming ability, capsular formation were carried out. The effect of CuO nanoparticles on capsular isolates was detected, the synergistic effects of a combination CuO nanoparticles and gentamicin against A. baumannii were determined by micro broth checkerboard method, and the …

Assessing National Progress Of Mediterranean Countries In Shark Governance In The Context Of International Legal Obligations, Lydia Koehler

School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences Theses

The work presented in this thesis introduces a conceptual framework for shark policy making against which national progress of Mediterranean coastal States in shark governance was assessed. A detailed assessment strategy was developed based on three distinct constructs, namely political commitment, research, and implementation effort. Based on multiple data sources (national reports under relevant conventions; policy documents; national legislation; online databases; scientific literature; and survey questionnaires to relevant government bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and national experts, designed as part of this assessment), individual differences between countries were determined and evaluated within the context of legal requirements under international and regional …

Liquid Waste Treatment For Sustainable Tapioca Industry: A Comparison Between Biogas And Liquid Sugar, Lilik Sulistyowati, Novi Andareswari, Rifqi Rahmat Hidayatullah, Nurul Amri Komarudin, Yuni Yolanda

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

There have been many studies examining the processing of tapioca wastewater. However, most studies have only researched at a laboratory scale without considering whether the treatment is appropriate. The study's purpose is to compare the processing technology of biogas and liquid sugar using technical, environmental, social, and cost-benefit analysis criteria to determine the appropriate technology to be applied. Literature study, observation, and interviews were used to determine the characteristics of each criterion. Cost-benefit analysis is calculated using the R/C Ratio. Furthermore, priority determination is carried out using the Exponential Comparison Method (MPE) using assessments from environmental and industrial experts on …

Gender Equality In Ocean Science For Sustainable Development : Analysis Of Ocean Science Institutions In Kenya, Renis Auma Ojwala

World Maritime University Ph.D. Dissertations

Gender inequality poses a serious problem for national and international developmental programmes such as the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (the Ocean Decade) and appears in both developed and developing countries. The fundamental aim of the Ocean Decade is to improve ocean health worldwide through generating knowledge, supporting innovations, discovering creative ideas and developing solutions to achieve equitable and sustainable development under the changing environmental, social and climate conditions. The paucity of women in ocean management has been documented as a major hindrance to ocean sustainability and a top challenge to diversity in workplaces because of …

Assessing The Need For Harmonized Marine Debris Monitoring And Equity To Support Participation In The Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations By Caribbean Sids, Kristal Ambrose

World Maritime University Ph.D. Dissertations

This research addresses the challenge of marine plastic pollution with particular reference to Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Marine plastic pollution is of particular significance to these states since they suffer from a disproportionate incidence of plastic pollution on their coasts. In line with the region's need to protect its marine environment and subsequently its economy from the grave impacts of plastic pollution, this work assesses marine debris monitoring within Caribbean SIDS, and the barriers faced and considerations needed for unified monitoring efforts that support policy development. Additionally, the research examines microplastics on the beaches of Caribbean SIDS, and …

Combatting The Marine Litter Crisis In The Windward Islands : Examining Source-To-Sea Pathways And Fostering Multi-Scale Solutions, Roxanne Elizabeth Donna Graham

World Maritime University Ph.D. Dissertations

This research investigates the intricate and all-pervasive challenge of combatting marine litter in small island developing states (SIDS), specifically in the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR) with a focus on the understudied Windward Islands located in the south-east of the Caribbean. Notably, this research is a ground- breaking and innovative effort in several respects, marking the first time a study of such magnitude and depth has been conducted and published for the WCR and the Windward Islands in particular. This pioneering work thus not only fills a significant gap in the existing literature but also sets a benchmark for future studies …

Advancing Carbon Sequestration Through Smart Proxy Modeling: Leveraging Domain Expertise And Machine Learning For Efficient Reservoir Simulation, Iman Oraki Kohshour

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Geological carbon sequestration (GCS) offers a promising solution to effectively manage extra carbon, mitigating the impact of climate change. This doctoral research introduces a cutting-edge Smart Proxy Modeling-based framework, integrating artificial neural networks (ANNs) and domain expertise, to re-engineer and empower numerical reservoir simulation for efficient modeling of CO₂ sequestration and demonstrate predictive conformance and replicative capabilities of smart proxy modeling.

Creating well-performing proxy models requires extensive human intervention and trial-and-error processes. Additionally, a large training database is essential to ANN model for complex tasks such as deep saline aquifer CO₂ sequestration since it is used as the …

Detection And Observed Correlations Of Statin And Beta-Blocking Pharmaceuticals In West Virginia Surface Waters And Ichthyofauna, Joseph W. Kingsbury

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Within this thesis the source, presence, and the estimated ecotoxicological effects of cardiovascular medicines, specifically statins and beta-blockers are described within the Buckhannon, Tygart Valley, and West Fork Rivers of West Virginia. Included within this thesis is a general introduction providing key background information and relevant research related to the source, presence, and known toxicity of statins and beta-blockers. Following the general introduction there are 3 distinct chapters. Chapter 1 focuses on the estimated demographic based source loadings and the surface water concentration characteristics of statins and beta-blockers within the three rivers. Chapter 2 investigates the effects of statins and …

A Comparative Study Of Oocyte Between Native Cattle And Buffalo Species In Bangladesh: A Qualitative And Quantitative Approach, Zannatul Naim, Md Saiful Islam, Lam Yea Asad, Md Enayet Kabir

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

In vitro embryo production (IVP) can help alleviating reproductive difficulties in cattle and buffalo. This study compared qualitative and quantitative features of native cattle and buffalo ovaries and oocytes to understand them comprehensively. In addition, it was conducted to pick the ideal ovaries for oocyte collection and to assess either maturation affects oocyte diameter or not. The ovaries were collected from the local slaughterhouses of Dhaka city, Bangladesh. Next, the quantitative parameters of ovaries were measured, the follicular fluid was aspired, the oocytes were classified, and the diameters of oocytes were determined in both pre and postmaturation. Here, the results …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Pani And Pani/Nanometal Oxides, Photocatalytic And Adsorbent Applications, Bi̇lge Budak, Si̇bel Demi̇rel

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

In this study, polymeric nanocomposites of PANI and PANI/nanometal oxides (Fe2O3, NiO, SnO2, WO3, ZrO2) as photocatalysts were synthesized with a chemical polymerization method. Structural characterizations of synthesized polymeric nanocomposites were performed as follows: FT-IR, SEM, TEM and XRD, and TGA. The effect of pure nanometal oxides (Fe2O3, NiO, SnO2, WO3, ZrO2) and polymeric nanocomposites on the degradation of naproxen, the drug active ingredient, was studied under visible light (UV-A at 365 nm) and in the absence of light. In this study, photocatalytic and adsorbent efficiency of polymeric nanometal oxides were investigated. In order to determine the effect of pure …

Dual-Reactive Hydrogels Functionalizable Using ?Huisgen Click? And ?Schiff Base? Reactions, Nergi̇z Cengi̇z

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

Hydrogels incorporating different reactive groups are important platforms for the fabrication of functional materials through the conjugation of diverse molecules. In this study, a dual-reactive hydrogel system was designed utilizing aldehyde and azide groups containing methacrylate monomers. Hydrogels were obtained in the presence of a dimethacrylate crosslinker with a combination of hydrophilic PEG-based monomers via free-radical polymerization. The azide and aldehyde sites of the hydrogel network are reactive towards alkyne and amine functional groups, respectively. The advantage of the different reactivities of these functional groups was demonstrated through the attachment of two different dye molecules onto the hydrogel platform via …

A Constitutional Perspective On Institutional Neutrality, Tom Ginsburg

Public Law and Legal Theory Working Papers

We live in an era of the academic corporate statement, in which university leaders issue pronouncements on various issues as if they were political figures. Like their counterparts in large corporations, they apparently feel the need to state institutional values publicly and often. Commentary on the issues of the day is seen as projecting pastoral empathy and solidarity; silence is viewed as complicity. We want leaders who can craft the perfect statement satisfying all, and in the right font size.

Such trends cut directly against the intuition behind the Kalven report, which is that academic institutions should remain spaces of …