Digital Commons Network^™

Adsorption Of Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins Using Biochar, Cadianne Chambers

Theses and Dissertations

Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) events involve the proliferation of microalgae which discharge lethal toxins into fresh and brackish water bodies due to anthropogenic and climatic activities. Common examples of HABs include causative organisms such as Cyanobacteria, Pyrodinium bahamense and more. These genera are known to release potent toxins including Microcystins, and Saxitoxins, respectively, which can seriously endanger human and marine health. Ingestion of these toxins can result in several health problems, such as nausea, vomiting, gastroenteritis, skin irritation, liver damage, paralysis, and respiratory arrest. The Great Lakes, Gulf of Maine, Florida’s coasts, Lake Erie, and Lake Okeechobee have all been …

Investigation Of Reproductive Inhibition During Chronic Heat Stress In C. Elegans, Macy Makenna Nielander

Theses and Dissertations

Nearly all organisms experience heterogeneity in environmental conditions that can negatively impact fitness. A common adaptive strategy to reduce the impact of this stress is called facultative diapause, where development and reproduction are temporarily arrested to promote survival. Facultative diapause is characterized by three major criteria, the arrest must be (i) induced by an unfavorable environmental condition, (ii) reversible, and (iii) driven by genetically regulated mechanisms. The aim of this thesis was to determine whether chronic heat-induced inhibition of egg laying in Caenorhabditis elegans represents a novel form of facultative diapause. It was found that the inhibition of egg-laying is …

Malicious Compliance: Examining Revenge Behaviors In Organizations, Patricia Jewel Emily Morrison

Theses and Dissertations

Revenge is a multifaceted behavior that manifests in various forms. The purpose of this dissertation was to examine a particular form of revenge known as malicious compliance, which has yet to be sufficiently researched. A two-study approach was used to examine malicious compliance. In the first study, qualitative data was collected from an online forum for sharing malicious compliance experiences. In the second study, 352 participants completed a mixed-methods survey online. Data from both studies was analyzed in RStudio and MAXQDA. Study 1 utilized unsupervised machine learning techniques, non-machine learning techniques, and thematic coding techniques to analyze the forum dataset. …

User Acceptance Of Advice By Ai Agents: Expectation-System Fit Perspective, Jingyuan Cai, Fiona Fui-Hoon Nah

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Algorithms have increasing influence on our daily decisions, especially when the recommendations are presented by human-like AI agents. This study applies the Theory of Effective Use to investigate how the fit between the user’s role expectation for an AI agent and the agent’s interaction style impacts AI advice adoption. We proposed a new concept termed Perceived Expectation-System Fit (PESF) and empirically examined its impact on user perceptions and advice acceptance. We found that low PESF reduces advice acceptance by diminishing cognitive and affective trust in the AI agent. Furthermore, increased algorithm transparency increases PESF's impact on decision-making. Our findings provide …

Mvgamba : Unify 3d Content Generation As State Space Sequence Modeling, Xuanyu Yi, Zike Wu, Qiuhong Shen, Qingshan Xu, Pan Zhou, Joo-Hwee Lim, Shuicheng Yan, Xinchao Wang, Hanwang Zhang

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Recent 3D large reconstruction models (LRMs) can generate high-quality 3D content in sub-seconds by integrating multi-view diffusion models with scalable multi-view reconstructors. Current works further leverage 3D Gaussian Splatting as 3D representation for improved visual quality and rendering efficiency. However, we observe that existing Gaussian reconstruction models often suffer from multi-view inconsistency and blurred textures. We attribute this to the compromise of multi-view information propagation in favor of adopting powerful yet computationally intensive architectures (e.g., Transformers). To address this issue, we introduce MVGamba, a general and lightweight Gaussian reconstruction model featuring a multi-view Gaussian reconstructor based on the RNN-like State …

Centering Relevance In Information Literacy Teaching And Learning, Anne Jumonville Graf

Communications in Information Literacy

The process of determining whether a source of information is relevant is multidimensional, dynamic, and subjective. This essay puts information science scholarship on relevance, including the process and nature of making relevance judgments, in conversation with models of teaching and learning information literacy. Teaching librarians are encouraged to recognize students’ relevance judgments as sites of reflection and instruction. This essay suggests a variety of ways librarians might do this, from re-thinking source evaluation methods to emphasizing the opportunities available at the source selection stage. The process of determining relevance is a practical site of reflective possibility and deserves greater attention …

The Design And Implementation Of A Modular Tissue Engineering Test Bed To Pursue An Alternate Pathway Of Cell Culture Based Research, Ryley Patrick Griffin

Theses and Dissertations

The development of a Modular Automated Tissue Engineering Test Bed (MATETB) is the next step in the development of cheap and easily available in vitro cell regulatory systems for both academic and industrial purposes. This project outlined the framework and requirements for a device that could automatically regulate and collect data on a cell culture through the manipulation of its liquid environment. From this framework, a prototype was built. The device would fulfill cell culture needs while collecting data automatically and allowing for live viewing and imaging of cells. The device was comprised of a mechanical skeleton (MS), an environmental …

Thinking And Doing Beyond Science And Risk Communication As Mere Transmission, Inez Z. Ponce De Leon

Department of Communication Faculty Publications

I look back on my professional experience as both bench and social scientist, and examine my misun derstandings of science communication as a field, which were fueled by my ideologically-driven stance on the primacy of the bench sciences over all other fields of study. I begin with my work as a molecular biologist, continue with my socialization into the social sciences at the PhD level, and narrate my ex periences as a researcher attempting to break down the notion of science and risk communication as mere vessels for sharing scientific information. I do this by discussing my research findings, and …

Variation In Sorghum Aphid (Melanaphis Sorghi) 1 Populations Translates Into Life History Traits On Sorghum-Sudangrass (Sorghum´ Drummondii), Neetu Khanal, Christopher J. Vitek, Rupesh R. Kariyat

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Sorghum aphid (Melanaphis sorghi; SA) (Theobald) is a new invasive pest of sorghum first reported in the USA in 2013. Since then, the use of synthetic pesticides and resistant cultivars have increased, which has caused levels of differences in the populations of SAs and led to the potential emergence of new biotype(s) of SA. However, most research has concentrated on comparing SA fed on sorghum, sugarcane, and other hosts, which may have obscured any population differences that may exist within sorghum. To understand this, we collected three populations of SA that fed on sorghum from three different locations around …

Fluorescence Imaging Systems To Detect Contamination On Surfaces Common In Food Processing And Medical Facilities, Benjamin Hu

Theses and Dissertations

Biofilm are aggregates of microbial cells encased under an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) and resist sanitizers or antibiotics. Because of their persistence on various surfaces such as medical devices or industrial piping, biofilm formation is associated with approximately 65% of all microbial infections. Thus, their detection and deactivation are of great importance to public health. Many detection methods such as swabbing require sampling by rubbing , which can be inefficient and challenging. This study proposes the use of handheld multispectral fluorescence imaging systems to detect and deactivate biofilm in situ. We utilized the Contamination and Sanitization Inspection (CSI) and -Disinfection …

Community Response To Floods In The Cache River Watershed Of Southern Illinois: Application Of A Proposed Framework For Assessing General And Specified Community Resilience, Raymond Albert Bieri Iii

Theses

Recent years have seen increased awareness about the potential adverse impacts of climate change on hydrologic systems and human communities. The concept of community resilience – the capacity of communities to respond to drivers of change in a manner that maintains or improves upon community well-being – is widely recognized as a suitable framework for informing climate change adaptation policies. Emerging insights from the community resilience literature highlight the importance of the distinction between general resilience, which refers to the resilience of social-ecological systems to all kinds of drivers of change, and specified resilience, which is concerned with the resilience …

A Focus On The Social Validity Of Treating Stereotypy Using Response Interruption And Redirection, Maggie Grace Ratcliff

Theses

Stereotypy refers to a class of operant repetitive motor and vocal responses with no readily apparent goal or purpose (Rapp & Vollmer, 2005; Singer, 2009; Wunderlich et al., 2023). Although most stereotypy is clinically insignificant and does not warrant treatment (i.e., nail biting, hair twirling), some stereotypy persists at a frequency or severity which interferes with skill acquisition, social interactions, and daily living skills. Stereotypy which persists at this level is considered clinically significant and is often the target of treatment (Wunderlich et al., 2023). A variety of evidence-based treatments for the reduction of stereotypy exist, though some neurodiversity advocates …

Using Stimulus Equivalence Procedures To Increase Police Officers' Identification Of Behavioral Functions, Caitlin Sturges

Theses

Mentalistic constructs and theories have been spouted since the dawn of mankind to explain the many behaviors of humans. These philosophies, however, leave many unanswered questions in society’s understanding of why complex behaviors (e.g., the multifaceted behaviors between police officers and citizens) occur. Society has entered an era of policing reform. Moreover, society is in search of answers as to why violent and seemingly complex behaviors are on the rise between law enforcement officials and citizens. The purpose of this study was to teach police officers the four functions of behavior utilizing equivalence-based instruction (EBI). Three active-duty law enforcement officials …

Predator-Prey Interactions And Space Use Strategies For Two Mesocarnivores, Abigail Weber

Theses

Mesocarnivores, including bobcats (Lynx rufus) and coyotes (Canis latrans), serve an important ecological role, functioning as the top predators throughout much of the eastern United States due to the extirpation of larger-bodied carnivores. Mesocarnivores are often described as generalists due to their flexibility in forage and habitat preferences and their ability to persist in human-dominated landscapes. However, this characterization overlooks the fact that many individuals within these populations act as specialists, with movement, space use, and predation strategies varying between individuals and across environmental contexts. Quantifying variability in mesocarnivore space use and movement from multiple perspectives can provide a better …

Tikking The Tok And Leading The Way: Teacherpreneurs Leading On Tiktok, Jori S. Beck, Derrick Riddle

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

Teacher shortages in the United States have increased the need for resources for teachers just learning to teach. The purpose of this study was to explore how teacherpreneurs, a type of teacher leader, are leading on TikTok. We grounded this study in the research on teacher leadership, including the five waves of teacher leadership and the most recent development of teacherpreneurship, as well as social media influencers. We qualitatively analyzed 300 videos from 30 different teacherpreneuers to determine the following themes: diverse narratives, entertainment, instructional resources, and advocacy. We describe implications for practice, including teacher preparation, as well as future …

Investigating The Role That Calcium And The Membrane Play In 8r-Lipoxygenase Catalysis, Kaelie Bernard

Honors Capstones

No abstract provided.

Evaluating The Stress System Of The Grieving Brain: Corticotropin-Releasing Factors And Partner Loss In Female Coyotes, Rachel Tong Xin Ning

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Forming social bonds is fundamental in helping us foster connections with others. The loss of a loved one often results in grief, stress, and loneliness, and the stress response system of the body has been implicated in the physiological symptoms associated with grieving. Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) is the hormone that initiates the stress response in the body and acts at two different receptor subtypes CRF receptor (CRFR)1 and CRFF2. Many studies on CRF and social loss have been conducted in monogamous prairie voles, but studies in longer-lived monogamous mammals could improve understanding of the effects of losing pair bonds. …

The Role Of Lifr Signaling In Innate Immunity, Laura Kahn Serrudo

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

The localized signals that bone marrow (BM) hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and immune cells receive are critical in regulating their responses in the steady state and inflammation. Monocytes are an abundant and key population in the innate immune response that originates in the BM, and they circulate to monitor the periphery. Monocytes are composed of many subsets that have essential and specific functions, including swift egress from the BM, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and differentiation into monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs), which are required for efficient pathogen eradication.

Here, we uncovered LIFR (leukemia inhibitory factor receptor) restrains low-grade chronic inflammation in …

Local Or Systemic Antibody-Targeted Sting Activation Drives Pro- Inflammatory Stromal Metabolic Changes And Downregulates C-Myc Oncoprotein, Akash Boda

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

The past decade has witnessed remarkable advances in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has emerged as a cornerstone, achieving long-lasting tumor regression in several types of cancer. However, its effectiveness is often limited, particularly in certain tumor types. Immunologically "cold" tumors, such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), remain clinically unresponsive to ICB, presenting a significant challenge in oncology. Amidst these challenges, the stimulation of the STING pathway via small molecule synthetic agonists has surfaced as a promising strategy. Acting as an in-situ vaccine, STING activation has the potential to transform the immune landscape of cold tumors …

Associations Between Metabolic Disorders And Sjögren’S Disease, Chihiro Iwaya, Junichi Iwata

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Sjögren’s disease (SjD) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by dry eyes and mouth caused by chronic inflammation and is often accompanied by various extra-glandular manifestations, including fatigue and diffuse pain. Although the pathogenesis of the disease remains elusive, several factors (e.g. environmental, genetic and hormonal factors, abnormal metabolic status) are associated with this condition. Accumulating evidence suggests a potential role of cholesterol metabolism in immune and non-immune modulation in various diseases. In this review, we summarize the current findings on the associations between cholesterol metabolism and SjD.

The Role Of Ganglioside Gd2 And Gd3 Synthase (St8sia1) In The Regulation Of Immune Suppression In Breast Cancer, Bolutyfe Oderinde

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Gangliosides are acidic glycosphingolipids involved in cell adhesion, proliferation, and modulation of signal transduction pathways. It has been reported that tumor-shed gangliosides influence the activity of immune cells including macrophages, NK cells, and T cells. GD3 synthase (GD3S) is the key enzyme that regulates the biosynthesis of the b and c series gangliosides, particularly GD3 and GD2, and studies have shown that GD3S is upregulated in most tumors and plays a role in tumor progression. Similarly, we have previously found GD3S to be significantly upregulated in GD2+ breast cancer stem cells (BCSC) compared to GD2- cells, and the knockdown of …

Smooth Muscle Cell Stress Response: Essential In Atherosclerotic Pathogenesis, Pujun Guan

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Recent research using lineage tracing and single-cell RNA sequencing unveiled a previously undescribed and prominent role of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in atherosclerotic plaque formation. SMCs undergo complex phenotypic modulation characterized by de-differentiation of SMCs and heterogeneously increased expression of markers for macrophages, fibroblasts, chondrocytes, and mesenchymal stem cells as plaques form. Cultured SMCs exposed to exogenous cholesterol mimic many of the phenotypic changes associated with plaque formation, and our lab determined this SMC modulation is driven by cholesterol entering the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and triggering ER stress and PERK signaling. Further, …

Assessing The Temporal Role Of Mir-200 Loss In Murine Models Of Nsclc, Jared Fradette

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) making up a majority of new diagnoses. Metastasis is the big killer in NSCLC and is driven by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and immune evasion. The microRNA 200 family is a master regulator of EMT and is implicated in immune regulation. In this study we have developed a novel genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) and derived primary cell lines from them to explore the role of microRNA-200 in early EMT and immune changes. Our model combines conditional activation of Kras^{G12D …}

2023 Carroll County Advisory Council Minutes And Agendas, Mikayla Cerney

UNH Cooperative Extension

No abstract provided.

El Leñador, December 2024, El Leñador Staff

El Leñador Newspaper

El Leñador is an English and Spanish newspaper produced by Humboldt State University students. Our staff cover and provide news to Latinx and other diverse communities on campus and in Humboldt County. We are committed to providing relevant news and expanding the representations and stories told about people of color and other marginalized groups. Our work helps create more social, political and cultural diversity in local media.

El Leñador es un periodico en español y inglés producido por estudiantes de la Universidad Estatal de Humboldt. Nuestro personal cubre y provee noticias a la comunidad Latinx y otras comunidades diversas en …

Gamma Sigma Delta, Nebraska Chapter Newsletter, Issue #66 December 2024

Gamma Sigma Delta, Nebraska Chapter: Newsletters

Nominations Solicitations Issue

President's Message, John R. Ruberson

Members

Grad Student Award

Teaching Award

Research Award

Extension Award

Award of Merit

Annual Membership Info

Student Award Fund

In Memoriam: John L. Lambert (April 25, 1942-July 3, 2024), Larry Elmer Germer (April 24, 1941-October 25, 2024), Leo Lucas (1931-November 13, 2024)

Pledge

Elevation And Population Size Effects On The Survival Of Drosera Rotundifolia, Jessica Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Carnivorous plants face significant conservation challenges due to habitat destruction, climate change, and illegal harvesting. This study explores how elevation and population size influence key-life history traits of D. rotundifolia, such as flowering phenology, prey capture efficiency, seed production, and germination rates. Higher elevations and larger populations are associated with extended flowering durations and increased prey capture. However, seed production and germination rates show complex patterns that are likely influenced by genetic diversity, resource availability, or environmental conditions. These insights inform targeted conservation strategies, emphasizing habitat preservation, enhancing prey availability, and maintaining genetic diversity. Public education and community engagement …

Passing The Whiteness Threshold: The Lived Experiences Of Uk-Based Turkish Academics, Tugay Durak Tugay Durak

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

No abstract provided.

Follow The Bloody Brick Road: Bleeding Kansas And The Emancipation Proclamation, Margaret Hu

William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal

To help illuminate Balkin’s project of Memory and Authority, this brief Essay considers a slice of American memory from Kansas’ historical archives and other primary sources, and examines its unique role in the Civil War. Specifically, it excavates the influence of Kansas’ leaders as advisors to President Abraham Lincoln. Prior to and during the Civil War, Lincoln relied upon the guidance of senior leaders from Kansas on matters ranging from guarding the White House, war strategies, the recruitment of former enslaved persons to the war effort, and the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation as a part of an effective …

Fabrication And Charcaterization Of Pullulan-Collagen Nanofibers Via Forcespinning, Valeria Leon Leal

Theses and Dissertations

Extensive research on collagen has spurred advancements in tissue engineering and biomaterial development, given collagen´s pivotal role in regulating various tissue structures across diverse organisms. This study delves into fabricating nanocomposites utilizing collagen, along with silver nanoparticles, chondroitin sulfate and pullulan, for potential applications in antibacterial medical devices, and cell regeneration. Collagen, abundant in the extracellular matrix, provides essential structural support, while silver nanoparticles and chondroitin confer antimicrobial properties, crucial for combating infections. Pullulan, a polysaccharide polymer, serves as a biocompatible carrier for silver nanoparticles whilst being the starting nanofiber forming material. Utilizing Forcespinning® technology, composite nanofibers were successfully synthesized. …