Kafka In The Plague Years: Reinterpreting Absurdity In The 2020s, Chris Lownie

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

No word better encapsulates the confusion and inequality proliferating in the post-2020 global world than “absurd.” Absurdity consumes the way we interact with one another, going about life-as-usual in pocket worlds in which the individual is alienated from both oneself and others. Life is defined by a series of problems that regularly go ignored by both institution and general populace alike, but not by the human body: the effects of sustained illness and reinfection by recurrent viruses in a world that no longer acknowledges their severity nor their pervasiveness nor steps we may take towards personal safety. Daily life has …

Identifying The Impacts Of Land Use/Land Cover Changes On Ecosystem Services From A Geospatial Perspective In Albany County, Kyaw Khaung Thant Zin

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Ecosystem services encompass the broad array of direct and indirect advantages that people derive from nature and its ecosystems. Considering accelerating environmental change and degradation, recognizing the importance of these services is more crucial than ever, as they illustrate the many ways in which healthy ecosystems sustain human life. However, these services are diminishing at a rapid and unprecedented rate, raising global concern over both the transformations taking place and their root causes. Among the leading threats, land-use change stands out as a particularly significant one, influenced by a variety of driving factors. Albany County, New York, characterized by its …

Studies On Convexity Of Dnf Formulae, Josue A. Ruiz

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

In this dissertation, we investigate the problem of determining whether a Boolean formula given in disjunctive normal form (DNF) is convex. Although Boolean formulas have various applications, our research focuses on the practical application for rule-based access control policies, where policies are often expressed as a set of Boolean rules. Understanding the structural properties of such formulas is crucial for determining whether a policy can be efficiently represented within a specific access control model.

The main contribution of this research is the conception and analysis of convexity derived from the “gap problem.” In this context, convexity is characterized by the …

Phylogenetic Analysis Of Metabolic Enzymes In Hypoxic/Anoxic Conditions In Cetaceans And Cancer, Samerna A. Masih

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Cancer cells often exhibit a Warburg-like metabolism, which includes increased fatty acid synthesis and storage that help them survive in hypoxic conditions. This shift is marked by the heightened synthesis and accumulation of fatty acids, acting as a survival mechanism in low-oxygen environments (Baumann et al., 2016). Interestingly, deep-diving whales may utilize a similar metabolic pathway to produce wax esters during their prolonged dives.

Our study focused on exploring the genetic and metabolic similarities between breast cancer cells and deep-diving whales, using computational analyses to investigate lipid metabolism genes. We looked for evolutionarily conserved variations that might reveal adaptive mechanisms …

How Does Social Capital Influence The Preferences For Aging In The Community? Based On The Study Toward Older Adults In Yuexiu District, Guangzhou City, Biyun Xiang

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

This study examines how social capital influences older adults’ preferences for aging in the community, focusing on Yuexiu District, Guangzhou. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study explores family, structural, and cognitive dimensions of social capital.

Quantitative data were collected through 439 surveys, with 400 valid responses from adults aged 60 and above. Regression analysis identified key predictors of aging-in-community preferences, including family financial support, care commitment, activities with grandchildren, community trust, mutual help, and service satisfaction.

Qualitative data from 10 interviews with community service workers revealed six themes: (1) access to services like fitness and health screenings; (2) levels of …

Ribosome Hibernation In Mycobacterium Abscessus And Its Effect On Antibiotic Resistance, Ryan Treen

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) represent a diverse repertoire of species, most of which are ubiquitous in the environment. Some NTM species, such as Mycobacterium abscessus, can cause life-threatening infections in people with underlying medical conditions. The clinical incidence of such infections is on the rise, posing an emerging threat to public health. M. abscessus is characterized by intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance, complicating treatment strategies. Most chemotherapeutic approaches for M. abscessus infection target the bacterial ribosome, necessitating a better understanding of the physiological processes which confer this resistance. Multiple mycobacterial species respond to zinc-limiting conditions by inducing remodeling and hibernation …

The Emotional Side Of Migration: Peruvian Women Migrant's Experiences In The U.S., Arinka A. Abad

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Migration is a complex social, economic, cultural, and political issue. While research often highlights the positive aspects of migration, the emotional well-being of migrants is frequently overlooked. This qualitative dissertation examines the emotional experiences of heterosexual Peruvian women migrants, focusing on those who migrate either to join male partners in the United States or alone after abandonment. It analyzes how their emotional health is affected during pre-migration, migration, and post-migration stages. The study reveals persistent stressors impacting emotional well-being using migration, transnational, and human capital theories, a gender-focused perspective, and the Ulysses Syndrome or Immigrant Syndrome concept.

The research question …

Novel Silicon Anodes For Improved Lithium Ion Battery, Amir Hegazy

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Li-ion battery (LIB) have been dominating the development of electronics shaping our daily life owing to their good specific and volumetric energy densities. However, the technological advancement calls for higher energy, safer, lower cost, and large-scale manufacturing batteries.

Silicon is considered an excellent candidate for anode material for higher energy LIB. This thesis examines the potential of silicon as an anode in high-capacity LIBs where the role of silicon is studied at the frontside (FS) and the backside (BS) of the anode. At the frontside, the effect of deposition of silicon on graphite on the battery performance was studied. Graphite …

Issues And Challenges In Silicon Based Quantum Computing, Rafia Ayub

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Silicon-based quantum computing has emerged as a promising platform for scalable and fault-tolerant quantum information processing. This thesis investigates the use of silicon quantum dots as qubits, addressing a key limitation in their implementation—charge noise and decoherence. We explore the physical and electronic properties of silicon quantum dots, focusing on their coherence times, tunability, and compatibility with existing semiconductor fabrication technologies. Through theoretical analysis and numerical simulations, we examine the impact of material imperfections and propose strategies to mitigate decoherence effects, thereby enhancing qubit stability. Additionally, we discuss potential pathways for integrating silicon quantum dots into large-scale quantum architectures. Our …

An Unlikely Burden, Kendall J. Aufmuth

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

An Unlikely Burdening follows the story of twins, Madeline and Isaac Blake. The harrowing story explores the adversities faced by these high achieving siblings, uncovering deeper truths and depths of pain far seen from the surface. It takes place in various settings, beginning in a mental health inpatient facility after Madeline’s failed suicide attempt, uprooting the entire family’s world as they knew it. Uniquely written in diary form, it provides prospective to the reader from Madeline, Isaac, and both parent’s viewpoint as well. An Unlikely Burdening addresses real world issues such as mental health, and assault. Can Madeline overcome her …

Managing Artificial Intelligence In The Public Sector: Adoption, Implementation, And Results, Tzuhao Chen

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), governments around the world are increasingly exploring how AI can enhance decision-making and improve public service delivery. A growing body of research has examined governmental use of AI, offering insights into several key areas: (1) domains of application, (2) potential benefits and risks of AI initiatives, and (3) adoption and implementation processes, including critical determinants and results. However, two significant gaps remain in the literature. First, there is limited understanding of how the unique characteristics of AI may transform government service delivery and internal operations. Second, while many studies on AI-related managerial …

Characterization Of Corticotropin Releasing Factor Receptor 2 In Stress-Regulating Regions Of The Mouse Brain, Jennifer J. Lafrican

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Sex differences in the morphology of the brain are thought to underlie the sex differences we see in anxiety and depression, where women are twice as likely to be diagnosed when compared to men. Stress, or a disruption to homeostasis, can exacerbate these mood disorders. Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), and its receptors, play an important role in regulating the stress response. Binding of CRF with CRFR2 has been shown to reduce behavioral and neuroendocrine stress responses, yet whether there are sex differences in CRFR2 expressing neurons and stress-induced activation of these neurons in mice is unknown, in part due to …

Polygenic Risk Scores Of Grip Strength In Men And Women With Or At Risk For Hiv, Sreevidya Sadananda Sadasiva Rao

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Background: Adequate hand function among older adults is necessary for the successful completion of activities of daily living and can affect whether an older adult is able to live independently. Current research highlights grip strength, the strength people have in their hands, as a robust predictor of morbidity and mortality, and explores the decline in grip strength over time. A person’s family history and genes (DNA) affect how much grip strength they have. Previous studies have identified genes that affect grip strength, mainly in European ancestry populations. In this study, we examined whether these genetic elements predict grip strength in …

Integrable Deformations, T-Dualities And Higher Order Corrections In String Theory, Parita Shah

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

This thesis explores the interplay of hidden symmetries and dualities in string theory, with a particular emphasis on the role of T-duality. As a fundamental symmetry of string theory, T-duality offers a powerful lens through which one can study integrability, solution-generating techniques, and quantum corrections, all essential aspects of modern string theoretic frameworks.

A central focus of this work is the application of the duality covariant formalism of Double Field Theory (DFT) to address problems involving integrable deformations and higher-order quantum corrections. We examine how generalized integrable models can be embedded into DFT and how the formalism captures hidden symmetries …

Understanding The Dynamical Mechanisms Governing Northern Hemisphere Wintertime Persistent Flow Regimes And Their Associated Extreme Weather Events, Tyler Christopher Leicht

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Weather regimes are characterized as patterns of low-frequency variability in the middle to upper troposphere of the extratropics. Weather regimes can also be linked to variations in surface weather, making the study of weather regimes a bridge between traditional synoptic-dynamic meteorology and subseasonal-to-seasonal variability. This dissertation identifies and categorizes persistent flow regimes (PFRs), analyzes the dynamics underpinning PFR formation, identifies the linkages to atmospheric teleconnections, and examines the occurrence of surface weather extremes before and during PFRs.

PFRs are identified from 1979–2022 and grouped into five clusters using k-means clustering, which then allows for time-lag composite analysis to determine the …

Al(X)In(Y)Ga(1−X−Y)N-Based Monolithically Integrated Ir Detector-Visible Emitter Device, Alireza Lanjani

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

III-Nitride material system has been widely used in electronic, sensing, optoelectronic, and power device applications. Owing to the wide and tunable bandgap of this material system and the realization of relatively high conductivity p-type Mg-doped GaN films, considerable research over the past few decades has focused on applications based on wide bandgaps, such as blue and ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs), laser diodes, visible-blind and solar-blind photodetectors. The other side of the spectrum, infrared (IR) has remained considerably less explored.

To exploit III-Nitrides for IR detection applications, the quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) design is employed. In the QWIP …

Unveiling The Cell Composition Of The Olfactory Migratory Mass: Perspectives On Terminal Nerve Formation, Olfactory Development, And Migration Of The Gnrh-1 Neurons, Enrico Amato Jr.

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Puberty is a postnatal developmental process required to initiate key sexual maturation events that are necessary for the propagation of species. Signals to initiate these events first begin with the Gonadotropin releasing hormone-1 (GnRH-1) neurons within the hypothalamus. The hormone GnRH-1 released by these neurons is crucial for puberty, fertility and reproductive processes by establishing the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, regulating release of sex hormones (Progesterone, Estrogen, Testosterone). Conditions related to inability of the GnRH-1 neurons to correctly release GnRH-1 can lead to aberrant or delayed puberty, a condition known as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH). Interestingly, some patients with the hormonal disorder …

The Multifaceted Role Of Glutamate At Excitatory And Inhibitory Synapses, Maurice A. Petroccione

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Our thoughts, memories, and actions are finely controlled by the coordinated activity of neural circuits in the brain. Prior work has identified a multitude of molecular mechanisms that contribute to the generation of these higher order functions, yet we know very little about how our ability to learn and perform habitual actions change depending on how far neurotransmitters released from neurons can travel away from their point of release. This is the main focus of my work, which I carried out using a diverse toolbox and focusing on two brain regions: the hippocampus and the striatum. The hippocampus controls learning …

Essays On Health Economics, Quan Qi

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

The first chapter examines whether Medicare Part D---the largest expansion of Medicare in recent decades---had a lasting impact on retirement behavior by providing subsidized prescription drug coverage to older adults. We employ a difference-in-difference-in-differences framework that compares changes in labor supply among individuals aged 65–68 versus 55–64 in a treatment group with employer-sponsored retiree health insurance (RHI) only until age 65, relative to a control group with lifetime RHI, before and after the 2006 implementation of Part D. Using data from Health and Retirement Study (2000-2018), we find that Part D reduces full-time employment by 6.52 percentage points among the …

Misoscale Vortices In The Eyewall Boundary Layer Of A Tropical Cyclone In A Large Eddy Simulation, Emily A. Lucy

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Since the late 1980s, there have been numerous observations of extreme updrafts, gusts, and small-scale rotation in the eyewall of tropical cyclones (TCs). Research aircraft, dropsondes, and, more recently, mobile radars have collected these observations, most often from within the boundary layer. Previous studies have documented dropsondes associated with extreme gusts and updrafts, while others have discussed specific incidents of misoscale features in tropical cyclones. Several high-resolution numerical simulations of TCs have documented similar features. This study uses one such simulation from Worsnop et al. (2017). A small but intense tropical cyclone in a quiescent environment is simulated.

This simulation …

Epithelial Responses And Remodeling In The Submandibular Gland Post-Irradiation, Victoria Gellatly

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Radiation therapy for head and neck cancer often causes irreversible salivary gland dysfunction, resulting in chronic xerostomia. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this dysfunction is essential for developing regenerative therapies. Given the cellular complexity of the salivary gland single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) provides a powerful approach to investigate cell-type-specific injury responses to ionizing radiation (IR) and uncover transcriptional changes that may be masked in bulk analyses. This study investigates the cellular and molecular responses of the murine submandibular gland (SMG) to irradiation, with a focus on epithelial loss and remodeling, and regenerative failure. In order to effectively use …

Light-Driven Chemistry: Photoswitch In Rna Activity Control And Development Of Photoredox Catalysis, Juncheng Li

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

This dissertation is structured into two principal segments. The initial segment elucidates a series of synthetic works involving artificial molecules, specifically featuring the photosensitive azobenzene. These molecules facilitate remote control over the structure and functionality of biomolecules, with subsequent applications in regulating biological processes. The latter segment concentrates on the design and enhancement of organic photocatalysts, utilizing traditional acridine ions as a foundation. This section details the development of diverse organic photocatalyst-promoted processes, including photo Lewis acid catalysis, photo Brønsted acid catalysis, and photoredox reactions.

The Senior International Officer: A Sociological Perspective On The Development Of A Higher Education Profession, Mohammad Mansoor Khan

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Internationalization of higher education institutions in the United States has progressed rapidly since World War II. The pace and specifics of this internationalization vary by institution. However, there are some shared characteristics including, but not limited to, increase in student mobility, both inward and outward, exchange of scholars, cross-border research, and internationalization of the curriculum. This increased the institutional administrative burden and necessitated the centralization of internationalization activities under a single administrative unit and led by an individual capable of providing leadership at their institution in the area of higher education internationalization. This individual is recognized as the Senior International …

Non-Profit Hospital Spending On Community Health Improvement: Catalysts, Impediments, And Opportunities In New York State, Isaac H. Michaels

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

This dissertation assesses the distribution and determinants of spending by non-profit hospitals in New York State on community health improvement services and community benefit operations. Utilizing the Social Ecological Model of Health, this study considers multiple levels of influence on this spending, including organizational and community characteristics. Using quantitative analysis, it examines cross-sectional, spatial, and longitudinal patterns in spending and identifies organizational and community-level factors influencing it. Qualitative analysis investigates operational factors affecting spending, including individual and interpersonal influences. The results of this mixed-methods study can inform hospital administrators, public health officials, policymakers, and communities in optimizing policies and decision-making …

Contactin2(Cntn2)Creert2 Mouse Line, A New Genetic Tool For Temporal Control To Trace The Developing Neurons In The Nose, Alexis M. Semon

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Neuronal migration is a vital process in embryonic development. In rodents, the very first neurons that originate from the olfactory placode migrate toward the developing brain as part of the migratory mass. This migratory mass includes Gonadotropin-releasing hormone-1 (GnRH-1) neurons, pioneer/terminal nerve (TN) neurons, and olfactory ensheathing cells—a type of glial cell.

Contactin-2 (Cntn2), also referred to as transiently expressed axonal surface glycoprotein-1 (TAG-1), belongs to the contactin family of proteins, which is part of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell adhesion molecules. Cntn2 has been extensively utilized as a transient/stage-specific molecular marker for various neuronal populations, including commissural neurons of …

Development Of Dna Nanoswitches With Aptamer Based Detection For Thrombin, Camryn A. Beckles

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Bio-transducers are devices capable of converting the binding signals from molecular recognition events into readable signals for analytical detection. There is a need for modular bio-transducers that can specifically detect a wide range of analytes using a unified readout technique, as this approach could dramatically reduce costs of healthcare diagnostics and environmental monitoring.

To create such a modular transducer, the molecular recognition properties of aptamers will be used and integrated with the already established biosensing capabilities of DNA nanoswitches that reconfigure their shape in the presence of their target molecule. In this design, the detector strands of the nanoswitch will …

Immersive Extended Reality For Lower Limb Rehabilitation: Design, Deployment, And Pilot Study, Jeremy Varghese

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

This thesis presents the design, deployment, and pilot study of an immersive extended-reality (XR) rehabilitation system integrated with a ceiling-mounted dynamic body-weight support device (Vector Gait and Safety System), aimed at improving lower-limb rehabilitation out- comes. The implemented system combined immersive virtual tasks—such as Touch Wall, Ball Launcher, Obstacle Dodge, and Stepping Stones—with real-time movement tracking, enabling detailed kinematic analysis and personalized therapy. A pilot study conducted at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital involved seven patients with various mobility impairments, providing quantitative performance metrics and quali- tative user feedback. Results demonstrated consistent patient engagement, measurable im- provements in gait speed and task …

The Invisible Costs Of Privatizing Welfare: Administrative Burdens In Contracted Medicaid, Soyun Jeong

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Why do governments favor contracting out social services? Do private actors guarantee a better service experience for citizens? How should we understand the trade-off between efficiency and high-quality service delivery? These are the central questions that motivate this dissertation. Focusing on Medicaid, one of the largest social safety net programs in the United States, this dissertation investigates the impact of outsourcing Medicaid delivery to private health insurance companies. It explores how this privatized structure generates administrative burdens and shapes policy feedback effects. Theoretically, this project seeks to bridge the administrative burden and policy feedback literature by examining how burdensome policy …

Dna And Protein Determinants For P63 Transcriptional Activity, Abigail Mccann

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

The transcription factor p63 is critical for development of the epidermis and other epithelial-related structures. Mutations in the DNA-binding domain of p63 lead to a range of human developmental disorders characterized by symptoms such as ectrodactyly, painful skin dysplasia, and cleft lip and palate. The TP63 gene is also amplified in squamous cell carcinomas, contributing to tumor pathogenesis. While the importance of p63 in human health is well established, the mechanisms underlying its control of an essential gene network remain unclear. TP63 encodes multiple isoforms with distinct N- and C-terminal domains. The ∆Np63α isoform is directly linked to epidermal development …

The Intermediate And Remote Effects Of Acute Juvenile Stress Upon Auditory Fear Learning, Recognition Memory, And Anxiety Measures In A Rodent Model Of Ptsd, Laura J. Baron

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Abstract

Early-life stress is a risk factor for increased susceptibility to stress- and trauma-related disorders, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is characterized by exposure to trauma that results in exaggerated and extinction-resistant fear responses that persist for over a month. Understanding how the severity of early-life stressors in animal models impacts adult behavior, cognition, and underlying neurobiology could aid in the development of more effective PTSD treatments.

Various early-life stress models, especially in infant rats, have been used to induce stress and assess PTSD like-symptoms. Different stressors impact short- and long-term behavior, with some effects influenced by developmental timing …