Digital Commons Network^™

An Experiment To Determine Mineral-Associated Organic Matter Turnover In A Sandy Clay Loam, Samantha Abel

All Master's Theses

Soil is an important terrestrial carbon sink. Through regenerative land management, which includes minimizing soil disturbance, the carbon content of soil can be raised towards preindustrial levels. This feat requires effectively storing carbon in a natural system that is inclined to cyclicity. The most stable form of soil organic matter is mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM). This carbon labelling experiment was designed to identify short-term CO₂ fluxes within the soil-plant-atmosphere system, particularly those related to MAOM turnover in the rhizosphere. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) was planted on a plot at the campus farm at Central Washington University. Another plot …

Estimating Steelhead Smolt Abundance From A Mixed Resident/Anadromous Oncorhynchus Mykiss Population, Gabriel Temple

All Master's Theses

Effective management of fish populations in inland waters requires, at the most fundamental level, a basic understanding of population abundance. This is especially important for critically depressed species having high conservation value. Unfortunately, due to their critically depressed abundance, the anadromous form of Oncorhynchus mykiss, known as Steelhead Trout, has high conservation value in the upper Yakima Basin located in central Washington State. However, the resident form of O. mykiss, known as Rainbow Trout, are numerous in the watershed. We used a juvenile tagging study coupled with a long-term population monitoring study to disaggregate this mixed O. mykiss …

Lgbtq+ Heritage In Kittitas County, Washington, Tiernan Vansuetendael

All Master's Theses

We know that LGBTQ+ people lived, loved, worked, and made history in Kittitas County—but you would never know that if you visited a local historical site or museum. LGBTQ+ histories exist, yet they are not always visible within the landscape, and this is particularly true for rural communities like Kittitas County. Meanwhile, representation of marginalized communities within local history can contribute to a sense of belonging, of knowing one’s place and the people who came before. This thesis addresses this gap in LGBTQ+ history by conducting archival and ethnohistorical research for the purposes of documenting LGBTQ+ history. Utilizing input from …

The Surface Chemistry And Binding Interactions Of Lignin With Polymer-Encapsulated Gold Nanoparticles Acting As Model Microplastics, Oluwaseun Ayodeji Akinsola

All Master's Theses

This study investigates the surface chemistry and molecular-level interactions between lignin, a special type of natural organic matter, and polymer-capped gold nanoparticles, shedding light on the strength of adsorption between lignin and nanoscale polymer surfaces. Specifically, the study presents a variety of nanoscale polymer surfaces displaying different charged functional groups, using layer-by-layer assembly of three polyelectrolytes (polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH)), polyacrylic acid (PAA), and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDADMAC)) on 90 nm citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). This approach provides a library of polymer-encapsulated AuNPs for investigating the binding interactions of lignin to nanoscale polymers via spectroscopic techniques. ζ-potential, dynamic light scattering (DLS), …

Impact Of Diet Culture On Disordered Eating Habits In College Students, Laura Vanderlinde Padgett

All Master's Theses

Eating Disorders (ED) impact people worldwide at increasing rates and are a contemporary public health issue in the United States. The purpose of this research was to understand if exposure to Diet Culture impacts disordered eating behaviors in college students. A cross-sectional study was conducted of adults aged 18 and older who were currently enrolled in at least one college-level course during the period of August 2023 to December 2023. Utilizing the platform Qualtrics, an anonymous survey was created and distributed via online and in-person sources. Researchers created 5 survey questions aimed at collecting data on the familiarity and exposure …

An Examination Of Working Memory In Dancers And Non-Dancers, Mason Low

All Master's Theses

The present study examined the behavioral working memory differences between dancers and non-dancers. Previous research has indicated that dance can provide an enhancing effect on working memory, particularly in non-dancers. A Dance History Questionnaire along with the letters backward, digits backward, digits forward, letters forward, and abstract visual subtests of the Test of Learning and Memory II was used to collect data. The current study found that dancers had greater visuospatial memory than non-dancers and that dance experience may have an effect on certain working memory tests such as the letters forward subtest.

Stereocontrolled Synthesis Of Lactam-Fused Tetrahydropyrans As Potential Antidiabetic Agents, Ifeyinwa Stella Anosike

All Master's Theses

Functionalized tetrahydropyrans are structural motifs in diverse natural products, including polyether antibiotics, marine toxins, pheromones, and pharmaceuticals. They are frequently used as versatile building blocks for accessing stereochemically sophisticated biologically active compounds. Specifically, functionalized bicyclic tetrahydropyrans bearing contiguous stereocenters have garnered interest in the synthesis and medicinal chemistry communities. Thus far, some synthetic methods have been developed for their construction and functionalization. These methods include Prins' cyclization reactions, intramolecular oxa-Michael reactions, hetero-Diels-Alder cyclization, ring-closing metathesis, radical cyclization, and halocycloetherification. However, these methods have some drawbacks such as the need for expensive reagents and catalysts, substrate limitations, and environmentally unfriendly conditions. …

Factors Associated With The Prevalence Of Iron Deficiency And Anemia In Women Of Reproductive Age In The U.S.: Nhanes 2015-2020, Catherine Wise

All Master's Theses

Iron deficiency (ID) is well recognized as the most prevalent nutrient insufficiency and a leading cause of anemia. Women of reproductive age (WRA), females 15 to 49, are at an increased risk of ID and anemia. This is due to the heightened iron demands of this life stage, including puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy, which require iron intakes ranging from 15 to 27 mg/day. Poor health and nutrition increase the risk of ID and progression to anemia. Consequences of ID and anemia range from exhaustion and decreased cognitive function to an increased risk of mortality. This study aimed to assess the …

Investigating A Potential Protein-Protein Interaction Between Transcription Factor Pax6 And Ribosomal Protein S20 (Rps20), Modupe Oladayo

All Master's Theses

The neocortex is the largest region of mammalian brains and is responsible for the complex cognitive abilities and behaviors of mammals. The neocortex of mature mammals is divided into concise areas, which process sensory information from ears, eyes, and touch receptors, and regulate conscious movement of muscles. The combined graded expressions of several transcription factors over the embryonic neocortical ventricular zone regulates the sizes of these functional areas in the adult neocortex. Although progress has been made in understanding how transcription factors affect neocortical patterning, additional research is required to fully understand the underlying molecular mechanism(s), which will contribute to …

Comparing The Prevalence Of Stereotypic Behaviors And Enrichment Use In Rhesus (Macaca Mulatta) And Japanese Macaques (M. Fuscata), Jesscia Oscavich

All Master's Theses

To improve captive nonhuman primates’ welfare, particularly those utilized in biomedical and behavioral research, it’s important to understand their behavior. Rhesus (Macaca mulatta) and Japanese macaques (M. fuscata) are two closely related species that are commonly utilized in biomedical and behavioral research. In this study, I compared the frequency of stereotypic behaviors, which are abnormal repetitive behaviors that are apparently non-functional, and enrichment use among four groups of each species. Stereotypic behaviors were divided into motor, which the animal performed while active, and self-directed stereotypies, which the animal performed towards themselves. Enrichment use was divided into …

Foodways: An Ethnographic Analysis Of Cwu International Students’ Perception Of The Role Of Culturally Relevant Food In Their Sense Of Belonging, Joy Ihuka

All Master's Theses

International students face unique challenges adjusting to new academic environments, including developing a sense of homesickness and lack of belonging. Studies have shown that consuming culturally relevant food helps international students relieve homesickness, fostering a sense of belonging. Curiously, nonetheless, literature on student belonging rarely focuses on food. Within this gap, this thesis explores the significance of culturally relevant food in fostering a sense of belonging among international students at Central Washington University. Using ethnographic interviews, this research examines how culturally relevant food (including how food is prepared) or lack thereof may influence international students’ perceptions of belonging. This study …

Prenatal Androgen Exposure Reduces Ovarian Function, Marlee Weets

All Master's Theses

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common reproductive and endocrine disorder, being the leading cause of infertility for females of reproductive age. The etiology of PCOS is not fully known, although it is hypothesized that there is a genetic, epigenetic, and environmental component to the disease. One of the environmental influences that can cause an abnormal reproductive phenotype similar to PCOS is prenatal exposure to excess androgens (male sex hormones). Previous studies have shown that prenatal exposure to androgens in mice can cause a PCOS-like ovarian phenotype similar to people with PCOS. To examine how prenatal androgen exposure causes …

Bone Stress Injuries, Risk Of Low Energy Availability, Disordered Eating, Menstrual Dysfunction, Training Volume, And Exercise Dependence In Female Trail Runners, Saleen Zarate, Kelly Pritchett, Robert Pritchett, Namrita Kumar Brooke

All Master's Theses

ABSTRACT

BONE STRESS INJURIES, RISK OF LOW ENERGY AVAILABILITY, DISORDERED EATING, MENSTRUAL DYSFUNCTION, TRAINING VOLUME, AND EXERCISE DEPENDENCE IN FEMALE TRAIL RUNNERS

by

Saleen Zarate

June 2024

Problematic LEA can lead to REDs, which results in negative health outcomes such as impaired bone health. Trail runners may engage in a higher volume of training and may be at risk for LEA, MD, DE, and EXD, which may further increase the risk for bone stress injuries. This study aimed to explore and compare the prevalence of self-reported SFs between competitive and recreational female trail runners. Specifically, we aimed to examine risk …

Study Protocol For A Stepped-Wedge Cluster (Nested) Randomized Controlled Trial Of Antenatal Colostrum Expression (Ace) Instruction In First-Time Mothers: The Ace Study, Cassandra Cuffe, Roslyn Giglia, Matthew N. Cooper, Julie Hill, Desiree Silva, Anita M. Moorhead, Valerie Verhasselt, Joshua R. Lewis, Deborah Ireson, Jill R. Demirci, Talea Cotte, Kathryn Webb, Frances Patey, Therese A. O’Sullivan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Although many mothers initiate breastfeeding, supplementation with human-milk substitutes (formula) during the birth hospitalization is common and has been associated with early breastfeeding cessation. Colostrum hand expressed in the last few weeks before birth, known as antenatal colostrum expression (ACE), can be used instead of human-milk substitutes. However, evidence is lacking on the efficacy of ACE on breastfeeding outcomes and in non-diabetic mothers. Methods and Planned Analysis: This multicenter stepped-wedge cluster (nested) randomized controlled trial aims to recruit 945 nulliparous pregnant individuals. The trial is conducted in two phases. During Phase 1, control group participants are under standard care. …

The Auricular Surface Of Chimpanzees (Pan Troglodytes) As An Indicator Of Age, Kalila Garrison

All Master's Theses

Great ape skeletal remains are scarce and their use in biological profile estimations has been limited. Skeletal remains analysis provides key demographic information and ecological context to the individual. Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) share skeletal morphological characteristics with humans, and this study seeks to understand if two noninvasive methods using the auricular surface of the ilium to age human skeletal remains could be applied to chimpanzees. The sample consisted of n = 8 individual left auricular surfaces from known age groups of both sexes. Firstly, the Buckberry and Chamberlain Method assigns numerical values to five different traits on the auricular …

Co-Designing An Online Treatment Decision Aid For Men With Low-Risk Prostate Cancer: Navigate, Penelope Schofield, Amelia Hyatt, Alan White, Fiona White, Mark Frydenberg, Suzanne Chambers, Robert Gardiner, Declan G. Murphy, Lawrence Cavedon, Jeremy Millar, Natalie Richards, Barbara Murphy, Ilona Juraskova

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: To develop an online treatment decision aid (OTDA) to assist patients with low-risk prostate cancer (LRPC) and their partners in making treatment decisions. Patients and methods: Navigate, an OTDA for LRPC, was rigorously co-designed by patients with a confirmed diagnosis or at risk of LRPC and their partners, clinicians, researchers and website designers/developers. A theoretical model guided the development process. A mixed methods approach was used incorporating (1) evidence for essential design elements for OTDAs; (2) evidence for treatment options for LRPC; (3) an iterative co-design process involving stakeholder workshops and prototype review; and (4) expert rating using the …

Understanding And Addressing The Individualized Emotional Impact Of Aphasia: A Framework For Speech-Language Pathologists, Tyson G. Harmon

Faculty Publications

Emotion plays an integral role in communication and has long been considered relevant to aphasia rehabilitation. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs), however, may sometimes wonder how or whether to address emotional responses. The purpose of the present tutorial was to (1) present a framework that clinicians can use to understand individualized emotional responses in aphasia and (2) discuss examples of how the framework informs practical strategies that SLPs can use to provide emotional support to PWA. Drawing upon a cognitive-motivational-relational theory of emotions perspective combined with emerging research in aphasia, I show that emotion impacts and is impacted by both language processing …

Ifn-𝜸 And Il-10 Immunosensor With Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotube Interdigitated Electrodes Toward Pen-Side Cattle Paratuberculosis Monitoring, Shaowei Ding, Benjamin J. Brownlee, Kshama Parate, Cicero C. Pola, Bolin Chen, Jesse M. Hostetter, Douglas Jones, John Jackman, Brian D. Iverson, Jonathan C. Claussen

Faculty Publications

Highly sensitive vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays (VANTAs) interdigitated electrode (IDE) arrays are developed for electrochemical biosensing of two cytokines (i.e., interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interferon-gamma (IFN-𝜸)) that are useful for early detection Johne’s disease (Bovine Paratuberculosis) in cattle. The high aspect ratio VANTA-IDEs (50–60 μm in height) are grown through a chemical vapor deposition process from an iron (Fe) catalyst that is lithographically patterned on a silicon wafer with equal finger width and inter-finger spacing of 25 μm. After functionalization with distinct antibodies the VANTA-IDEs are capable of selective detection of both IL-10 and IFN-𝜸 within an actual biological matrix …

From Three-Pillars To Three-Environments: Shifting The Paradigm Of Sustainability In Civil And Construction Engineering, Xiaomei Wang, Andrew South, Clifton Farnsworth, Brett James Hashimoto

Faculty Publications

This research explores the usage of sustainability in literature and presents ‘three environments’ for addressing sustainability in the Civil and Construction Engineering (CCE) disciplines. Scholars have increasingly studied sustainability and sustainable development across CCE disciplines as the importance of sustainability awareness and action in society has increased. However, the vastness of its conceptual breadth and depth in CCE research is difficult to holistically evaluate. As a result, CCE researchers often focus on specific aspects of sustainability applied to discrete contexts, or address sustainability in broad aspirational terms and guiding motivations. This research utilized a rigorous analytical corpus linguistics approach for …

Does Leaving Faith Mean Leaving Family? Longitudinal Associations Between Religious Identification And Parent-Child Relationships Across Adolescence And Emerging Adulthood, Justin J. Hendricks, Sam A. Hardy, Emily M. Taylor, David C. Dollahite

Faculty Publications

The present study investigated the parent-child relational repercussions of converting to religion, switching, or de-converting from religion. Qualitative research indicates that these religious changes may negatively affect parent-child relationship quality, however, few quantitative studies investigate this issue. Subsequently, we utilized structural equation modeling to test if changes in religious identification during adolescence and emerging adulthood predicted worse parent-child relationship quality using three waves of the National Study of Youth and Religion (N = 2,352). We found that deconversion between Waves 1–2 significantly predicted poorer parent-child relationship quality at Wave 2 and father-child relationship quality at Wave 3. Further, deconversion between …

Music As A Determinant Of Health Among First Nations People In Australia: A Scoping Narrative Review, Brigitta Scarfe, Kristy Apps, Naomi Sunderland, Phil Graham, Brydie Leigh Bartleet, Glenn Barry, Darren Garvey, Rae Cooper, Clint Bracknell

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Issue Addressed:

While social determinants frameworks are still popular in research about First Nations health in Australia, a growing body of research prefers cultural determinants of health models. Cultural determinants models provide a holistic, strength-based framework to explain connections between health and contextual factors, including the potential role of music and its impact on social and emotional well-being. Given the growing international recognition of links between music, health, and wellbeing through bodies such as the World Health Organisation, this article examines whether and how music practices are acknowledged in First Nations determinants of health literature.

Methods:

We conducted a scoping …

Psychedelic Trip Sitting, Dosages And Intensities: Supplementing Clinical Studies With Anecdotal Reports, Liam B. Engel, Sascha Thal, Stephen J. Bright, Mitchell Low

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background and aims: Online communities provide insights into psychedelic consumption, assisting in identification of trends, informing both harm reduction provisions and clinical research. This study extracts forum data on psychedelic substances, dosages, and administration routes, categorising and analysing self-reported consumption to inform care services and guide clinical work with psychedelics. Methods: Posts (n = 660) from online psychedelic forums (The Shroomery and DMT Nexus) on 'trip sitting' were analysed. Using a Delphi-style expert panel review facilitated by LE, we created drug weight and intensity charts (threshold, light, common, strong and heavy dosages) for psychedelics discussed in these posts. The psychedelic …

Rationale, Design, And Baseline Characteristics Of Participants In The Health@Nus Mhealth Augmented Cohort Study Examining Student-To-Work Life Transition: Protocol For A Prospective Cohort Study, Xin Hui Chua, Sarah Martine Edney, Andre Matthias Müller, Nicholas A. Petrunoff, Clare Whitton, Zoey Tay, Claire Marie Jie Lin Goh, Bozhi Chen, Su Hyun Park, Salome A. Rebello, Alicia Low, Janelle Chia, Daphne Koek, Karen Cheong, Rob M. Van Dam, Falk Müller-Riemenschneider

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Integration of mobile health data collection methods into cohort studies enables the collection of intensive longitudinal information, which gives deeper insights into individuals’ health and lifestyle behavioral patterns over time, as compared to traditional cohort methods with less frequent data collection. These findings can then fill the gaps that remain in understanding how various lifestyle behaviors interact as students graduate from university and seek employment (student-to-work life transition), where the inability to adapt quickly to a changing environment greatly affects the mental well-being of young adults. Objective: This paper aims to provide an overview of the study methodology and …

Resting Heart Rate And Risk Of Dementia: A Mendelian Randomization Study In The International Genomics Of Alzheimer’S Project And Uk Biobank, Xingxing Chen, Yi Zheng, Jun Wang, Blake Yue, Xian Zhang, Kenta Nakai, Lijing L. Yan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Observational studies have demonstrated that a higher resting heart rate (RHR) is associated with an increased risk of dementia. However, it is not clear whether the association is causal. This study aimed to determine the causal effects of higher genetically predicted RHR on the risk of dementia. Methods: We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to investigate the causal effect of higher genetically predicted RHR on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies. The generalized summary Mendelian randomization (GSMR) analysis was used to analyze the corresponding effects of RHR on following different outcomes: 1) diagnosis of …

Role Of Short Chain Fatty Acids On Astrocytes And Microglia In Alzheimer's Disease Brain, Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage Uththara Sachinthanie Senarath, Matthew Burton, Welisarage Mary Kendrea Thiasangee Fernando, Vijay Jayasena, Charles Brennan, Wanakulasuriya Mary Ann Dipika Binosha Fernando

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) hold exert many nutritional benefits on both physiological and pathological processes, including host metabolism, immune modulation, and appetite control. Originating from the microbial fermentation of resistant starches and dietary fibre in the colon, SCFAs have the capability to traverse the blood–brain barrier (BBB). It is evident that SCFAs play a critical role in the development of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is the most common form of dementia and is characterised by the deposition of amyloid β peptides (Aβ) and tau hyperphosphorylation. SCFAs have demonstrated the potential to interfere with the protein–protein interactions …

Conceptualising Project Environmental Impact Assessment For Enhancement: No Net Loss, Net Gain, Offsetting And Nature Positive, Angus Morrison-Saunders, Luis Sánchez

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

With declining biodiversity worldwide, the need for development proposals to deliver positive, not negative, environmental outcomes is clear. Arguably, this is a long-standing goal of environmental impact assessment (EIA). This article explores the extent to which current project EIA practice can achieve enhancement, no net loss or a net gain of biodiversity and Nature Positive goals. Using reflexivity, a conceptual approach is applied to policies and examples from practice. The environmental enhancement goal of EIA is explained. The mitigation hierarchy is applied to a hypothetical mining example for accomplishing no net loss/net gain of biodiversity through offsets. Nature Positive is …

Error In Jump Height Estimation Using The Flight Time Method: Simulation Of The Effect Of Ankle Position Between Takeoff And Landing, Carlos Gonçalves, Roberto Baptista, James Tufano, Anthony J. Blazevich, Amilton Vieira

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

During vertical jump evaluations in which jump height is estimated from flight time (FT), the jumper must maintain the same body posture between vertical takeoff and landing. As maintaining identical posture is rare during takeoff and landing between different jump attempts and in different individuals, we simulated the effect of changes in ankle position from takeoff to landing in vertical jumping to determine the range of errors that might occur in real-life scenarios. Our simulations account for changes in center of mass position during takeoff and landing, changes in ankle position, different subject statures (1.44–1.98 m), and poor to above-average …

Systemic Treatment Of Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa With Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: A Scoping Review Of The Literature And Conclusions For Future Clinical Research, Elke Niebergall-Roth, Kathrin Dieter, Markus H. Frank, Mark A. Kluth

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The ability of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to facilitate regenerative responses in inflamed and injured tissues, coupled with preclinical data suggesting potential to restore defective collagen VII at the dermo-epidermal junction, has raised the hope that MSCs may provide an effective disease-modifying therapy for patients suffering from recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). Methods: We present a descriptive analysis of the clinical research on systemic MSC administration to RDEB patients available in PubMed, including six early-phase studies and one case report, involving 59 patients who received 1–3 intravenous infusions of MSCs from various sources. Results: Based on 133 MSC infusions, …

Traumatok - Tiktok Videos Relating To Trauma: Content Analysis, Alix Woolard, Rigel Paciente, Emily Munro, Nicole Wickens, Gabriella Wells, Daniel Ta, Joelie Mandzufas, Karen Lombardi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Experiencing a traumatic event can significantly impact mental and emotional well-being. Social media platforms offer spaces for sharing stories, seeking support, and accessing psychoeducation. TikTok (ByteDance), a rapidly growing social media platform, is increasingly used for advice, validation, and information, although the content of this requires further study. Research is particularly needed to better understand TikTok content relating to trauma and the potential implications for young viewers, considering the distressing nature of the subject and the possibility of users experiencing vicarious trauma through exposure to these videos. Objective: This study aims to explore the content of trauma-related videos on …

Cultural Sustainability, Uniqueness And The Power Of Productive Living Heritage In Cirebon, Indonesia, Eko Nursanty, Indah Susilowati

Journal of Urban Culture Research

Sustainability is intricately linked to culture, people and place. When exploring heritage cities, visitors encounter a range of possibilities, from preserving historical sites to embracing living heritage and transitioning into modern heritage cities. The value of a historic city extends beyond its history and authenticity; it relies on its ability to fulfill specific functions and cater to visitors' desires. This study focuses on the authenticity of Cirebon, Indonesia, particularly its old historic center comprising four palaces and the Trusmi cultural village. Cirebon, strategically located in West Java, serves as a vital link between Jakarta and Surabaya. In 2022, its population …