Digital Commons Network^™

Why Do Populists (Promise To) Close Borders? Contemporary Populism And Immigration Control In Net Migration Countries, Tyler J. Rapisarda

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Populism has become prevalent worldwide as more politicians embrace it. My thesis aims to study the campaign promises of populists worldwide, regarding a reduction of immigration, and to see if they followed through on those promises. I focused on populists from Europe and the United States. A comparative analysis of Hungary, Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Slovakia revealed that populist candidates who had promised closing borders or otherwise reduce immigration, did so, once elected. My research reveals different approaches, methods and strategies in border and migration control, across all countries studied.

Animating Animal Tracking Data In A Geospatial Context, Bruno V. Pinheiro

Honors Undergraduate Theses

In the field of ecology, animal tracking is core to understanding an animal’s behavior, space-use requirements, and suitable habitat. Utilizing the software created by this project, it is possible to visualize tracking data in its spatial and temporal context. The source code is written in R and leverages the Continuous-Time Movement Modeling (CTMM) package for statistical analysis. Utilizing CTMM, predicted or simulated movement paths can be generated with the user only needing to input their data. The Keyhole Markup Language (KML) is used to write a file containing all the animation parameters the user desires, such as the number of …

Factors Leading To Osteoporosis In Turner Syndrome, Daniella O. Aleshinloye

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Turner Syndrome (TS) is a chromosomal disorder from conception characterized by the partial or complete absence of the second X chromosome in females. Chromosomal abnormalities, both numerical and structural, contribute to a significantly higher prevalence of fractures (30.5-32.2%) compared to non-TS postmenopausal women (14.9%). This highlights the intrinsic bone abnormalities associated with TS and increased fracture risk. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) is commonly used to assess bone mineral density (BMD). However, its accuracy in individuals with TS is limited due to the partial volume effect, highlighting the need for further clinical research to understand bone density changes compared to …

Dysbiosis In Parkinson's Disease: A Meta-Analysis Of Gut Microbiota And Its Role In Gastrointestinal Dysfunction And Disease Progression, Ayan M. Siddiqui Mr.

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and nonmotor symptoms, including gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction. Symptoms such as constipation, bloating, and nausea often show early signs before the onset of motor symptoms. Recent research has suggested an essential role of the human gut microbiome and gut dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut microbiota composition, in the pathogenesis of PD. This thesis aims to assess the potential relationship between gut dysbiosis and PD by conducting a meta-analysis, focusing on differences in gut microbiota between PD patients and healthy controls and evaluating their implications for GI dysfunction and PD progression. The …

Sex Education Experiences Of Lgbtq+ College Students In Florida, Uma Sriram

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Existing research has identified negative impacts of state-level policies on sexual and gender minorities, yet minimal research has assessed the impact of recent anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Florida. This study explored the sex education experiences of LGBTQ+ college students who attended public middle and high schools in Florida and their attitudes towards the “Don’t Say Gay” Law, which was passed in 2022 and has since prevented the inclusion of diverse sexual and gender identities within K-12 school environments. Data consisted of 11 in-depth, qualitative interviews with undergraduate LGBTQ+ students attending Florida public universities. Thematic analysis of the interview data was conducted, …

Character Rigging Explorations: Basic Skeleton To Full Simulated Muscle, Lindsay Diana Timbs

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

This thesis project focuses on furthering my knowledge in creating rigs for an organic 3D model with realistic skin deformations. Rigs are the controls used to animate a model. A 3D model's skin deformation is how it squashes and stretches when moved. The project focuses on learning to use simulated muscles, which add the ability to imbue subtle secondary motion to the skin and deliver more realistic deformation as well as the creation of a smooth bind, a standard primary rigging technique. The aim is to compare and contrast their quality based on perceived realism. Subjectively, the muscle simulation was …

What Black Teachers Have To Say About The Push To Remove Critical Race Theory In Schools, Tierra M. Tresvant

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Critical Race Theory (CRT) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in K-12 classrooms have been a contentious issue which has resulted in some U.S. states passing laws that prohibit these topics from being included in classrooms. Literature on critical race theory and the subsequent public policies have shown that professionals in the field of education are under informed about CRT and anti-CRT laws. This research paper explores the opinions of four black 6-12 educators on how DEI and CRT emerge in their classrooms, the implications anti-CRT laws would have on their classrooms, and how their careers would be impacted by …

Music From Rumble Strips: Developing An Experiment For Undergraduates, Hannah Popofski

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Rumble strips are parallel, evenly spaced grooves that have been ground into pavement, often with a trough-to-trough spacing of 12 inches. They are typically found along the shoulders of limited access highways and are designed to produce steering wheel vibrations to warn drivers that they have drifted off the road. One model for sound production by cars moving across rumble strips is that the fundamental frequency is determined by the number of troughs driven over each second. Assuming 12-inch spacing, the sound produced would have a frequency, in Hertz, that has the same numerical value as the speed of the …

Classroom Management In Michigan Second Grade Classrooms, Alyssa Peterson

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

An important topic in elementary education today is classroom management. I explored this topic through interviews and surveys with second-grade teachers around Michigan in order to learn more about the question, “What classroom management systems and strategies are being used in Michigan second-grade classrooms today and are they effective at creating a supportive learning environment?” I obtained an in-depth picture of seven different classrooms and the differing methods the teachers use to manage their classrooms. Emphasized elements in the majority of classrooms include flexibility, relationships with students, expectations and routines, and communication with families.

Predictors Of International Students' Acculturation Processes In The United States, Somaya Eissa

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

International students have unique acculturation experiences. There are several factors that can play a role in their acculturation process. This topic has not been widely investigated in midwestern middle sized universities in the United States. This study had four specific hypotheses. The first was that the assimilation model is going to be correlated to a stricter upbringing of the individual. The second was that the separation model is going to be correlated with higher religiosity. The third was that the integration model will be correlated with higher

levels of outgoingness. Lastly, that marginalization will be correlated with lower levels of …

Effect Of External Electromagnetic Stimulation On Microtubule Polymerization, Florian Alushi

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Intracellular processes are influenced by mass transport at different spatial and temporal scales, facilitated by diffusion and stochastic encounters between cellular components. While traditionally explained by short-range "lock and key" interactions, some processes involve rapidly fluctuating charges generating electromagnetic (EM) fields, allowing long-range biomolecular interactions. This challenges the conventional view that efficient biochemical reactions depend solely on random encounters and short-range interactions, suggesting EM fields play a crucial role in cellular dynamics. Microtubules (MTs) are essential components of the cell cytoskeleton, responsible for intracellular transport, cell migration, cell division, etc. Beyond their mechanical role, MTs have unique electromagnetic properties due …

Mapping The Reaction Networks Of Cis Formed In The Ozone-Assisted Oxidation Of C₆ Acyclic And Endocyclic Alkenes, Zachary Clarke

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Criegee intermediates (CIs) are highly reactive species generated during the ozonolysis of alkenes, exerting a critical influence on atmospheric oxidation, combustion chemistry, and synthetic processes. Their reactivity, encompassing unimolecular and bimolecular pathways, shapes oxidation mechanisms and product distributions in these environments. A key determinant of CI behavior is the structural nature of the parent alkene. Acyclic alkenes typically yield intermediates with minimal steric hindrance, facilitating rapid reactions, whereas endocyclic alkenes produce geometrically constrained CIs with enhanced internal stabilization, redirecting reaction pathways and reducing overall reactivity. Despite their importance, mechanistic understanding remains limited due to experimental challenges in detecting CIs and …

Using Wing Flap Sounds To Distinguish Individual Birds, Thinh Phan

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Ornithologist often need to recognize individual birds, but traditional invasive methods, such as capturing, marking, releasing, and recapturing of birds, have limitations. To overcome this, researchers use non-invasive alternatives, such as bird vocalizations. In our study, we used wing flap sounds of three male Zebra Finch birds for individual recognition. We achieved identification accuracies ranging from 55% to 100% by using a combination of Principal Component Analysis-K-Nearest Neighbor (PCA-KNN) and Cross-Correlation method on training data and testing data. PCA-KNN allows for dimensionality reduction and pattern recognition, while the Cross-Correlation method bases data analysis on shifting data elements. Our approach can …

New Mexico 1920-1980 Census Analysis, Jerry Sisneros

Jerry Sisneros Oral History Interviews (MSS 1133 DC)

Includes population data from 1920 to 1980 and an analysis of the depopulation of the rural counties of Northern New Mexico during the mid-twentieth century.

A Microstrip Transmission Line Rf Biosensor: A Biosensing Device To Measure The Interaction Between Microliter Aqueous Solutions And Radio Frequencies, Mary Godfrey

Biomedical Engineering

Biosensors exploring the interaction between electromagnetic (EM) energy and aqueous solutions have long been an area of research interest. Previous research designs have employed various experimental setups, testing device structures, and frequency ranges to determine if property changes occur within the aqueous solutions under test after/during exposure to (EM) energy. Previous works have identified needs in the field, including smaller experimental device dimensions, a requirement of nanoliter to milliliter sampling volumes, and the ability to gather repeatable and sensitive measurements. Research Aim 1: The following dissertation questioned: Is it possible to design a sensor capable of measuring levels of interaction …

Investigation On The Antibacterial Efficacy Of Titanium Alloy Coating Compared To The Bulk Titanium Alloy And Steel, Jinan Safah

Biomedical Engineering

The advancements in medical operations and sciences have improved patient lives, but device-related infections and bacterial contamination remain significant concerns. Escherichia coli is a prominent bacterium causing various infections. Commonly used antibacterial materials in the health industry for surgical operations include silver, copper, zinc, titanium, and steel exhibit antibacterial properties due to their durability, corrosion resistance, and diverse applications. This study aimed to compare the antibacterial properties of titanium (Ti64), steel, and titanium coating on aluminum to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli. The experiment utilized serial dilution and colony counting techniques to assess bacterial growth on the materials. Results …

Unlocking Simulation Modeling Proficiency: Ai As A Key To Autonomous Expertise Development, Esha Bhadoriya

Theses and Dissertations

This study addresses challenges in Discrete Event Simulation (DES) education, where traditional methods focus heavily on theory but lack hands-on, real-world application. To bridge this gap, the research explores using AI, specifically GPT models, to create interactive, accessible learning experiences in DES. By comparing structured and unstructured questioning approaches, the study demonstrates that structured interactions using a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) produce more accurate, realistic DES models. Findings show that structured AI-driven methods help learners better understand and apply DES concepts, providing a practical pathway from theory to application. This research highlights AI’s potential to transform DES education, supporting diverse …

Farm Operator Preferences Regarding Site Specific Weed Control Adoption, Devon Schwarzrock

Agribusiness and Applied Economics

An increasingly popular use for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is drone applied site specific weed control (SSWC). Site-specific herbicide application allows applicators to target previously mapped weed clusters and spot sprays the targeted weeds individually. This benefits farmers by generating cost savings from reducing herbicide usage and limits overapplication of herbicide. This study aims to identify characteristics of spray drones that are desirable amongst farmers. A discrete choice experiment is used to identify attributes which farmers deem more valuable than others. This study finds that price, herbicide reduction rate, and application rate significantly impact a farmer’s decision to rent or …

International Grain Origin Switching: Contract Washouts And Embedded Switching Options, Caleb Hauck

Agribusiness and Applied Economics

Changing dynamics in the international grain trading industry have led to a rise in two new contracting practices colloquially termed washouts and switching options and formally defined as contract washouts and embedded origin switching options. When spatial arbitrage opportunities exist, grain buying firms switch from one origin to another. This thesis documents the increased frequency with which these contract practices have been used and examines the factors that incentivize firms to use them. Using data from 2018 to 2023, two models are developed with a binomial lattice that value these contracting terms. The results indicate that these practices have significant …

Emotion Regulation Moderates The Prospective Association Between Ern And Anxiety In Early Adolescence: An Age-Specific Moderation Of Cognitive Reappraisal But Not Expressive Suppression, Jaron Xe Yung Tan

Biological Sciences

The increasing prevalence of anxiety problems during adolescence underscores the importance of a better understanding of the development of anxiety. While past research has highlighted a link between error responsivity, indexed by error-related negativity (ERN), and youth anxiety, the role of emotion regulation in the ERN-anxiety relationship remains unclear. We conducted a two-wave study with 115 healthy nine-12-year-olds, and found that expressive suppression (ES), an important emotion regulatory strategy, moderates the ERN-anxiety association. A larger T1 ERN predicted heightened T2 anxiety symptoms in those with higher ES. Interestingly, the moderating effect of cognitive reappraisal (CR), another important emotion regulatory strategy, …

Erratum To: Reconfigurations In Brain Networks Upon Awakening From Slow Wave Sleep: Interventions And Implications In Neural Communication (Network Neuroscience), Cassie J. Hilditch, Kanika Bansal, Ravi Chachad, Lily R. Wong, Nicholas G. Bathurst, Nathan H. Feick, Amanda Santamaria, Nita L. Shattuck, Javier O. Garcia, Erin E. Flynn-Evans

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

After publication of our paper Reconfigurations in brain networks upon awakening from slow wave sleep: Interventions and implications in neural communication, we noticed an error in our condition labels that required some revision of figures and text and some new interpretations throughout the manuscript. The error was a consequence of the double-blind nature of the original experimentation which contained two interventions: (1) a blue-enriched light intervention, as originally mentioned; and (2) an olfactory odorant condition. In review of previous analyses and presentations of the data, there was a time when non-descriptive labels (e.g., “A”, “B”) were accidentally swapped, indicating the …

Docket Part 3 (Entries 10107 - 13268)

Dockets & Filings: U.S. v. Washington (70-cv-9213)

Includes filings from July 10, 1985 - June 9, 1993

Docket Part 1 (Entries 1 - 4888)

Dockets & Filings: U.S. v. Washington (70-cv-9213)

Includes filings from September 18, 1970 - August 31, 1978

Beyond Heteronormativity And The Gender Binary: Inclusivity In Rape Myth Acceptance Scale Design And Sexual Violence Bystander Intervention Programming, Melanie Fierstine

Education

Sexual violence perpetuates inequalities based on a range of factors such as gender, race/ethnicity, class, age, sexuality, and ability status. However, the study of sexual violence in these areas has been limited leading to a lack of knowledge about its role in perpetuating social inequality. Understanding bystander intervention and its effects on violence prevention is complex and unclear. Three studies were conducted to investigate the use of language in the Green Dot Violence Prevention programming and the design of a sex and gender-inclusive rape myth acceptance scale. Study 1 employs Critical Discourse Analysis to analyze the language used in the …

A Far-Field Radio Frequency Experimental Exposure System For Yeast: Creating A New Standard, Soraya Nevin

Electrical and Computer Engineering

This paper presents a framework for investigating the potential effects of radiofrequency (RF) exposure on gene expression and cellular processes. Utilizing Schizosaccharomyces Pombe (S. pombe) as a model organism and specialized equipment to create a standard test environment for continued research in this field. Key methods include environmental monitoring, RF antenna configuration, and power density mapping. Results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed experimental setup. Future directions involve variations in RF frequency and exposure time, as well as exploring underlying molecular mechanisms. This framework aims to lay the groundwork for future experimentation in this field. It emphasizes the need for …

Non-Invasive Digital Refractometer To Measure Maturation Of Climacteric Fruits, Jhoorhanah A. Halim, Denni Kurniawan, Dina S. Laila, Allysa Norjemee, Nuur A. L. Nesseruddin, Asrarul A. Noraidi, Beston F. Nore

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Sugar content is a superior quality indicator for the post-harvesting and ripening status of climacteric fruits. Total soluble solids (TSS) represented by °Brix index is a measure of the sugar content. The conventional way to measure TSS is by invasive (IN) technique using manual or digital refractometers. While non-invasive (NIN) infrared refractometer devices have been developed in recent years for various agricultural and food science applications, its accuracy to measure fruit TSS directly is not straightforward, as the device is only dedicated to uses for a specific fruit. This study aims to investigate the suitability of the use of a …

The Influence Of Financial Literacy, Environmental Literacy, And Environmental Concern On Green Preferences Among Young Adults In Brunei Darussalam, Siti Rafhanah Binti Haji Nor Hasnul, Shaista Wasiuzzaman

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

This study aims to assess the green preferences in Brunei Darussalam among young adults evaluate the level of environmental and financial literacy among Brunei’s young adults and investigate the influence of financial literacy, environmental literacy and environmental con- cern on the green preferences of young adults in Brunei. A survey questionnaire was distrib- uted to youths between the ages of 15 to 40 years old, out of which 192 responses were gath- ered. Various statistical analyses were carried out to achieve the aims. It is found that green preferences were moderate among Bruneian young adults. Environmental literacy is found to …

The Contribution Of Outcome Expectation In Water Saving Among Malaysians For Sustainable Living Standard, Ganesh. R, Vxynette Fiorna, Ammar Abdulaziz Al-Talib, Haslinda. A, Elango Natarajan

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Saving water is an essential component of a higher level of living for each individual in any Nation. The current and next generation will be greatly impacted by attitudes and emotional aspects of social cognitive behaviour. This empirical investigation was carried out in Malaysia. To determine their attitude and behaviour, a convenience sampling method was applied to a sample size of 265 individuals. It was discovered that outcome expectancy significantly improves water saving. Observed self-efficacy, personal elements, and environmental elements all impacted the outcome expectancy. The model evaluation showed that the adjusted R2 was 0.78, or about 78% of the …

Implementation Of A Low-Cost Electronic Speed Controller For A Low-Voltage Three- Phase Induction Motor In A Reused Vehicle, Keneth Brayan Perez Huaroc, Ronald Javier Mendoza Bonifacio, Moises Carlos Tanca Villanueva

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

This article presents the design and implementation of a low-cost electronic speed controller (ESC) for a three-phase low voltage induction motor in a reused vehicle. The proposed ESC is based on the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technique, which is a widely used method for motor speed control. The system is built using electronic components available in the Peruvian market and has been tested on a prototype vehicle. The results show that the ESC provides control of the motor speed. The proposed system is a low-cost alternative to commercial ESCs, and it can be used in various applications where control of …

Association Of Pulmonary Artery Pressures With Mortality In Adults With Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction, Seshika Ratwatte, Simon Stewart, Geoff Strange, David Playford, David Celermajer

IHR Papers and Journal Articles

Background

The independent effect of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) severity on mortality in those with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is not well known.

Objectives

The authors aimed to examine the prognostic impact of increasingly elevated pulmonary pressures in a large clinical cohort of adults with reduced LVEF.

Methods

The authors analyzed data from the National Echocardiography Database of Australia, a large clinical registry linking routine echocardiographic investigations to mortality. In 23,675 adults with a recorded tricuspid regurgitation peak velocity (TRV) and reduced LVEF (<50%), the authors evaluated the relationship between conventional thresholds of increasing risk of PHT and mortality during median follow-up of 2.9 years (Q1-Q3: 1.0-5.4 years).

Results

Mean age was 70 ± 15 years, and 7,498 (31.7%) individuals were female. Overall, …