Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of Beaver Dam Anaolgs On Linked Aquatic-Terrestrial Communities In Western Headwater Streams, Michelle Elyse Fillion, Benjamin P. Colman, Rachel L. Malison

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

In response to stream degradation resulting from the near eradication of American Beavers (Castor canadensis), managers of freshwater systems have turned to using beaver dam analogs (BDAs) as one means of restoring waterways from stream and riparian degradation. Though BDAs have been shown to restore physical traits of riparian areas, their influence on macroinvertebrates and linked aquatic-terrestrial systems is not well understood. To examine how BDAs influence aquatic habitats, macroinvertebrate communities, and riparian insectivores, we compared unrestored reference stream segments to BDA-restored segments with 7-14 BDAs in three western Montana headwater streams. We collected physical stream measurements and quantitative samples …

Structural And Functional Analysis Of Glun2a-Selective Negative Allosteric Modulators, James Scott Lotti

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

NMDA-type ionotropic glutamate receptors are widely expressed throughout the central nervous system and are critically involved in many healthy neuronal processes. Dysregulation of NMDA receptor activity underlies many disease pathologies, several of which benefit from treatment with antagonists, such as the FDA-approved channel blockers ketamine, memantine, and adamantine. NMDA receptors are composed of two glycine-binding GluN1 subunits and two glutamate-binding GluN2A-D subunits. The GluN2A-D subunits display distinct regional and developmental expression patterns, enabling region- or cell type-specific targeting of NMDA receptors through subunit-selective pharmacological intervention. There are several classes of subunit-selective negative allosteric NMDA receptor modulators, but the mechanisms of …

Perspectives On Using Pharmacogenomics To Guide Tobacco Cessation: Survey Results From An American Indian Community, Daniela Mariana Wall

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Pharmacogenomics research has predominantly focused on populations of European ancestry, limiting the application for diverse populations such as American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities. Our community-centric study aims to understand perspectives of utilizing pharmacogenomics to guide tobacco cessation in an AIAN community using a survey with qualitative and quantitative components. We assessed participant (n=273) tobacco usage and cessation history, pharmacogenomics knowledge, and perceptions of utilizing pharmacogenomics in the context of tobacco cessation. We found that the majority of participants (92%) were aware of risks associated with tobacco usage and believe it to be a problem within their community (76%). …

Understanding Cellular Dynamics: Investigating A Yeast-Two Hybrid Protein-Protein Interaction, Riok3:Cse1l; Also By Investigating Trogocytosis Of Cd4+ T Cells From Rhog-/- Mice, Brittnee N. Crane

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a negative-sense virus that was first described in 1930 when it was isolated from sheep during an outbreak. In the last 25 years there has been a spread in the geographical range into the Middle East. The most susceptible animals are cattle, goats, sheep, and camels. The most overt symptom of livestock infection is that infected pregnant animals experience spontaneous abortion. Humans are susceptible as well and symptoms range from mild febrile illness to liver necrosis, blindness, hemorrhagic fever, and death. An important player in the cellular innate response to RVFV infections is the …

Temporal And Spatial Connectivity And The Impacts Of Hydropower In The Magdalena River Basin, Colombia, Serena Lynn Butler

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Tropical regions hold untapped hydropower potential, but dam construction often adversely impacts multiple dimensions of connectivity in river systems, rigorous evaluation of which is often lacking. This study investigates temporal and spatial dimensions of longitudinal and lateral connectivity in the Magdalena River Basin, Colombia, a region with ongoing and planned hydropower projects. Limited in-situ monitoring data is a common challenge in tropical rivers. To address this, we utilized satellite imagery from Landsat (via Google Earth Engine) and Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) data. We examined alterations in the flow regime over time and relative to dam construction. We also …

Turbulence Resistant Schools: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Of Educational Leadership In Central And Eastern Europe, Sofia Reis

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

The expanding complexity and increasing disruptions of our world affects schools. During both stable and unstable times, successful educational leaders support their schools’ ability to accomplish their core mission: student learning and development. Using a qualitative approach, this research explored experiences of educational leaders who established schools in Central and Eastern Europe during the post-Soviet era and continue leading them to this day. The central question was: What is the lived experience of successful assertive educational leaders as they navigate extreme turbulence? In this study, leadership is understood as a collegial activity determined by the context where it is embedded, …

Resilience, Adaptability, And Transformation: School Principal’S Response To Critical Events, Justine Jean Alberts

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

School principals face critical events as part of their professional roles. These critical events can profoundly impact their ability to lead, which is why this phenomenological study explored the central question, how do principals experience critical events that include perceived trauma? Using Moustakas’ (1994) process of transcendental phenomenological analysis, this research investigated the multifaceted emotional, professional, and personal responses of these educational leaders, revealing the complexities and consequences of their experiences. Semistructured interviews with fourteen current and former principals provided rich, in-depth qualitative data that captured the essence of their experiences. Findings indicated that principals often transition from their day-to-day …

Evaluating Early-Life Characteristics And Responses Of Native Plant Materials For Dryland Restoration, Sophia N. Lasche

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Globally, many drylands are in need of restoration due to anthropogenic land use changes, climate change-related biodiversity loss, and broad scale degradation. Within this degradation framework, many perennial grass species and populations have been lost from drylands. A common method of restoring vital perennial grass populations is through seed-based restoration. Using seed-based restoration, or the act of adding desirable seed to a system to restore plant populations, requires a depth of knowledge on species level responses, as well as seed sources within those species. My research examines three workhorse perennial grass species and associated seed sources for dryland restoration, especially …

Effects Of Land Cover Changes And Hydropower Development On Fish Communities In Amazonian Floodplain Rivers, Samuel Baron Grinstead Hessburg

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In Amazonian River systems, diverse fish communities depend on the floodplains for providing feeding opportunities and critical spawning habitat during the seasonal flood pulse, which annually submerges floodplain forests. In the Amazon, large-scale deforestation and hydroelectric dam construction can have profound impacts on entire ecosystems by altering river-floodplain connectivity. This study attempts to improve understanding of Amazonian fish responses to these two stressors. The first chapter aims to understand how deforestation impacts floating meadow fish assemblages. For this study, we surveyed fish in floodplain lakes along the lower Amazon River, recording their abundance in relation to forest cover and local …

Acute Toxicity Of Chlorpyrifos On The Freshwater Bivalves (Unio Tigridis) And Effects On Bioindicators, Nihal Suhail Hanna, Yahya Ahmed Shekha

Baghdad Science Journal

A freshwater bivalve plays a crucial function in aquatic habitats as the filtered water and burrowing mussels mix the sediment, thus increasing oxygen content and making the ecosystem healthier. The aim of the study is to see how chlorpyrifos affects biochemical markers in freshwater mussel Unio tigridis. About 180 individuals per taxon and water samples were collected from the Qandil water resource on the Greater Zab River, Erbil Province, Iraq. Once arrived at the lab, the individuals were kept in aquaria with river water and an air-conditioned room Temperature: 25±2 and Light: 12h/12h and acclimatized to laboratory conditions for seven …

The Evaluation Of Semen Extraction Efficiency And Recovery From Reusable Menstrual Underwear, Caitlyn Spencer

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

A new type of undergarment and feminine product is being submitted to crime laboratories as evidence for sexual assaults: menstrual underwear is underwear that have absorbency and leak-proof abilities and can be washed and re-worn multiple times. The goal of this research was to determine if semen and sufficient DNA could be recovered from reusable menstrual underwear and used to obtain quality DNA profiles. Three menstrual underwear brands of Hanes, Knix, and Thinx were evaluated. Simulated post-coital samples were deposited onto three pairs of each brand of underwear. One pair of each brand was analyzed unwashed, another set was washed …

A Comparison Of Particulate Collection Methods Using Fluorescent Polyethylene Beads And An Introduction To The Use Of A Pulse Lavage For Particulate Evidence Collection, Madison E. Smith

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

Using fluorescent polyethylene beads as an analog for trace particulates, five evidence collection techniques were compared to determine their efficacy by the percentages collected and recovered from the initial deposition. The efficacy of each method based on the particle’s size was also assessed. Finally, each method underwent a cost-benefit analysis to evaluate the financial toll that each technique would take on the performing agency.

Trace particulate evidence such as glass fragments, soil, or pollen can establish contextual links between scenes, victims, and suspects. To improve the collection of this evidence, swabbing, tape lifts, dry vacuuming, and pulse lavaging were assessed …

The Determination Of Ethanol And Phosphatidylethanol (Peth) In Donated Packed Red Blood Cells, Jordan E. Keller

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

This research investigates the safety and reliability of blood donations by examining the presence of ethanol and phosphatidylethanol (PEth) in packed red blood cells (pRBCs). As blood donation is integral to healthcare, ensuring the safety of blood products is paramount. Current protocols focus on screening for infectious diseases, such as hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but do not routinely asses alcohol consumption, which can significantly impact patient outcomes. As a direct indicator of alcohol consumption, ethanol can affect blood quality, interfere with medical treatments, and present legal issues, such as false conclusions or assumptions. Ethanol detection methods include …

Spin Wave Devices For Embedded Applications And Information Processing, Raisa Fabiha

Theses and Dissertations

Device miniaturization is a prerequisite for modern day electronics. Spintronics offers immense potential in energy efficient data storage, solid states devices, ultrafast computing and other electronic applications because of their low power consumption, non-volatile nature and unique activation mechanism. The conventional nano-antennas used for wireless communication, biomedical and wearable devices and IoT applications are limited by the traditional Harrington limit. As we attempt to miniaturize the antenna size beyond its emitted wavelength (also called “subwavelength” antenna), its gain and efficiency plummet. To overcome this challenge, the researchers have proposed magnetoelectric antennas. The ultra-thin film based magnetoelastic antennas suffer from eddy …

Factors Influencing Metal Concentrations In Hair And Nails During Longitudinal Follow-Up Of Apprentice Welders, Jairo Buitrago-Cortes, Philippe Sarazin, Denis Dieme, Naïma El Majidi, Michèle Bouchard

Études primaires

The aim of this study was to determine factors influencing observed increased metal biomarkers of exposure levels in a group of 116 Quebec apprentice welders during a longitudinal follow-up of exposure. Analysis of 14 metals was carried out in hair, fingernail, and toenail samples taken from participants over the course of their welding curriculum at 6 different times. Personal and socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and other potential confounding factors were documented by questionnaire. Multivariate linear mixed-effect models were used to assess main predictors of metal concentrations in each biological matrix including increasing time of exposure throughout the curriculum (defined as …

A Green Synthesis Route Of Zno/Polyhydroxybutyrate Composites With Antibacterial And Biodegradable Properties, Safa Ladhari, Nhu Nang Vu, Juliette Vallée Bastien, Bich Van Tran, Thi Ha Nguyen, Alireza Saidi, Simon Barnabé, Cyrille Sollogoub, Phuong Nguyen-Tri

Études primaires

The development of environmentally friendly polymer-based materials with antibacterial and biodegradable properties is bringing significant benefits to the packaging industry. In the present work, green-synthesized zinc oxide microporous particles (ZnO MPs) are dispersed in the poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) matrix using a simple casting method to prepare bioactive films with improved antibacterial and anti-biofouling properties. The resultant films display a microporous morphology with a uniform dispersion of ZnO MPs within the polymeric matrix. The incorporation of green-synthesized ZnO MPs (3% wt) into PHB films leads to potent antibacterial activity, notably under LED light, with bacterial inactivation efficiencies of 97.5% and 76.2% against …

The Effects Of Video Game Use On Spatial Ability In A Landmark Memory Task, Brendan T. Jacobs, Christina A. Thrasher, Lauren L. Harburger

Modern Psychological Studies

The present study sought to determine whether playing video games more often improves spatial ability on the landmark memory task. The researchers hypothesized that participants who play video games more often would perform better on the task than those who play video games less often. One hundred seventy-two participants (80 men and 92 women) between the ages of 18 and 26 filled out a questionnaire which asked about video gaming habits prior to a landmark memory task. The landmark memory task consisted of 10-second videos that showed 180-degree views of various locations. At the completion of each video, an image …

Early Identification Of Autism Spectrum Disorder In Childcare Settings: A Literature Review, Maneli Nourzad

Modern Psychological Studies

Timely intervention is key in the development of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and early childhood settings present an opportune environment for early diagnosis, particularly in Canada where the identification of ASD in children below the age of four can be further expanded. This review first summarizes the potential benefits and barriers to early identification of ASD in children. There is robust evidence that early detection can result in improved biological and behavioral outcomes in later stages of life despite the subtle and at times elusive signs of ASD in young children. We then focus on the role early …

Heteroleptic Coumarin-Based Silver(I) Complexes: Possible New Antimicrobial Agents, Erika Mooney, Brendan Twamley, Gordon Cooke, Emma Caraher, Matthias Tacke, Fintan Kelleher, Bernadette S. Creaven

Articles

Heteroleptic coumarin-based silver(I) complexes with improved solubility profiles were synthesised using either triphenylphosphine or an N-heterocyclic carbene as adduct ligands, and were fully characterised using IR and NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and, where possible, X-ray crystallography. The triphenylphosphine adducts formed well-resolved structures, where the oxyacetate ligands asymmetrically chelated the silver(I) ion in a bidentate chelating mode, and the silver(I) ion was also bound to two triphenylphosphine ligands. The solubility profile and photostability of the adducts were considerably improved compared to those of previously isolated simple coumarin silver(I) complexes. Analysis of the coumarin N-heterocyclic carbene(NHC) silver(I) adduct indicated that it likely …

Population Viability Of Egyptian Tortoises: Analyzing Demographics Sensitivities And Extinction Risk In North Sinai, Basem Ahmed Rabia Motwaly

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

This study investigated the population viability of the critically endangered Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) across five populations in North Sinai, Egypt. The research aimed to assess demographic sensitivities, extinction risks, and the influence of environmental variables to guide conservation strategies. Using multistate mark-recapture models within a Bayesian framework, survival, transition, and recapture probabilities were estimated across life stages, integrating site-specific environmental data such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The analysis revealed stark contrasts between populations, with three sites demonstrating high extinction risk due to lower juvenile survival and limited recruitment. In contrast, two populations exhibited demographic …

Scent Trailing In Neonate Agkistrodon Piscivorus When Exposed To Conspecific And Heterospecific Chemical Cues, Samantha R. Grove

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Chemosensation is central to snake ecology, playing an essential role in predator recognition, foraging success, and communication with conspecifics. In areas with cold winters, neonatal snakes often trail chemical cues from older individuals to locate communal hibernacula essential for winter survival. Juvenile Northern Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) form social bonds with littermates and have been shown to trail chemical cues of conspecifics in the fall. However, the effect of relatedness on trailing phenomena has not been tested. Using y-maze experiments I evaluated trailing behavior of 32 captive-born neonate Northern Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) to determine if (1) subjects prefer to trail siblings …

Epigenetic Mechanism Of Ebp1 In Nlrp-Dependent Development, Summer Reign Moore

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

ErbB3-binding protein 1 (EBP1) helps regulate gene expression through various epigenetic modifications and is crucial for embryotic development. NLRP2 and NLRP7 are more commonly known for their roles in the immune system, however, recent research has implicated NLRP2 and 7 as critical factors in embryonic development. EPB1, NLRP2, and NLRP7 dysfunction is a known cause of recurrent miscarriages and other developmental diseases, including infertility. NLRP2 and NLRP7 are also known to affect the levels of DNA methylation, despite that they are located exclusively in the cytoplasm. However, EBP1 can be located in the nucleus and cytoplasm, and is known to …

Effect Of P2y2 Receptors On Leukocyte Behavior Under Acute Inflammation In Transgenic Male Mice In Vivo, Corynn D. Knight

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

P2Y₂ receptors, G-protein coupled receptors and transmembrane proteins, are present on most cells in the body and hold a wide variety of roles. Previous research indicates that under resting conditions, P2Y₂ receptors suppress the movement of leukocytes but it is unknown how inflammation will alter this in the body. The objective of this project was to determine the effect of P2Y₂ receptors on leukocyte behavior in vivo under acute inflammation using Intravenous Microscopy (IVM) in post-capillary venules of the cremaster skeletal muscle. Lipopolysaccharide was injected into the scrotum of transgenic male mice to cause localized acute inflammation. …

Enhancing Microwave Disinfection: Impact Of Sodium Chloride On Microbial Inactivation, Saleh A. Alfawaz, Ibrahim Nasser I. Alquaydheb, Amirreza Ghadimi Avval, Sara Ghayouraneh, Samir M. El-Ghazaly, Jianhong Zhou

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study explores the role of sodium chloride (NaCl) in enhancing the efficiency of microbial inactivation using microwave energy with two distinct methods: temperature-controlled treatment and predefined cycle. The primary objective is to maintain a stable temperature within the biological samples during treatment. Detailed descriptions of the treatment system’s design and the function of each element are provided. Simulations are conducted to illustrate the heating behavior of liquids with and without NaCl, revealing significant differences in temperature profiles between the two media. The experimental design and the objective behind each iteration are discussed. The experimental design includes three different power …

Children's Moments Of "Becoming" In Classrooms: Spatial Production And Multiliteracy Practices, Seongryeong Yu

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

While immigrant children’s identity negotiation and their sense of belonging are increasingly highlighted, existing literature remains largely focused on language abilities and identity struggles, often emphasizing rigid definitions of “identity” grounded in blood, language, and culture. Drawing on findings from my dissertation, this comparative ethnographic case study examines the fluidity of identity through literacy practices that help children construct meaning and foster belonging. By analyzing how 10-year-old students’ literacy practices interact with physical and social environments at school, I discuss shared expressions of emotions, power dynamics, the role of language, and variations in the use of cultural materials. These moments …

Development Of Radiochemistry Of 52mn For Pet Imaging Applications, James Mokaya Omweri

All ETDs from UAB

No abstract provided.

Integrating Remote Sensing With Ground-Based Observations To Quantify The Effects Of An Extreme Freeze Event On Black Mangroves (Avicennia Germinans) At The Landscape Scale, Melinda Martinez, Michael J. Osland, James B. Grace, Nicholas M. Enwright, Camille L. Stagg, Camille L. Stagg, Simen Kaalstad, Gordon H. Anderson, Elena A. Flores, Alejandro Fierro-Cabo

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Climate change is altering the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Quantifying ecosystem responses to extreme events at the landscape scale is critical for understanding and responding to climate-driven change but is constrained by limited data availability. Here, we integrated remote sensing with ground-based observations to quantify landscape-scale vegetation damage from an extreme climatic event. We used ground- and satellite-based black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) leaf damage data from the northern Gulf of Mexico (USA and Mexico) to examine the effects of an extreme freeze in a region where black mangroves are expanding their range. The February 2021 …

Students Engaging In Public Health Research: An Opportunity To Enhance Education, M. Courtney Hughes, Sadia Afrin

Faculty Articles, Papers, and Other Scholarship

Society is on the heels of one of the largest public health crisis the world has experienced in over a century, the COVID-19 pandemic. Developing the next generation of adept public health researchers is paramount to protecting the world against future health threats and addressing legacy public health challenges. This article explores the transformative influence of research experience on education, presenting three major points: (1) students engaging in public health research is timely, (2) students can develop a variety of critical thinking skills and data-driven decision-making capabilities that prepare them for future careers, and (3) faculty and universities benefit from …

A Bayesian Inversion For Emissions And Export Productivity Across The End-Cretaceous Boundary, Alexander A. Cox

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

The end-Cretaceous mass extinction was marked by both the Chicxulub impact and the ongoing emplacement of the Deccan Traps flood basalt province. Both of these events perturbed the environment by the emission of climate-active volatiles, primarily CO2 and SO2. To understand the mechanism of extinction, we must disentangle the timing, duration, and intensity of volcanic and meteoritic environmental forcings. In this thesis, we used a parallel Markov chain Monte Carlo approach to invert for the aforementioned volatile emissions, export productivity, and remineralization from 67 to 65 million years ago using the LOSCAR (Long-term Ocean-atmosphere-Sediment CArbon cycle Reservoir) model. The parallel …

The Regenarrative: How To Change The Story In Order To Change The Future, S. Rose Bigheart O'Leary

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

Abstract

In the era of Climate Change, many are concerned that the end of the Anthropocene, or the end of the era of human life on Earth, is upon us. Western European colonialism and its subsequent systems (settler-colonialism, colonial-capitalism, and globalization - sometimes termed “neocolonialism”) have all been implicated in contributing to unsustainable behaviors linked to accelerating climate change. In searching for possible solutions, some have called for listening to Indigenous Peoples, citing ethics of sustainability found among many Indigenous cultures. However, the cultural products of settler-colonialism are still dominant in ways that do not allow for Indigenous worldviews to …