Digital Commons Network^™

Music And Autism Spectrum Disorder: Possible Effects On The Autistic Mind, Alexandra L. Ferro

Masters Theses

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a known neurological disorder that directly affects an individual's ability to communicate and interact with others; ASD is diagnosed within the first three years of life. One of the most common forms of therapy or interventions used is music. Music incorporation can change in a format such as learning a specific instrument, singing, or simply dancing to promote physical activity to help brain stimulation and process the overall musical experience. Music has been a commonly used therapy or intervention for children diagnosed with ASD dating back to the mid-1940s. Those diagnosed with ASD have difficulty …

Teaching Music To Special Needs Students Using Multiple Intelligence Theory, Megan Lawrimore Bolt

Masters Theses

Students who fall under the label of “special needs” or “exceptional learners” are often forgotten when it comes to music class. Unfortunately, in many schools they either do not attend music classes at all or they only attend with other students who are also considered special needs students. These students deserve the right to be in an inclusive music class with their peers who are not special needs students. Students of all abilities should receive the same opportunities to learn music together. One question that will be addressed is whether music teachers in South Carolina are making their classrooms inclusive …

Effects Of Different Recovery Methods On Hangboard Performance In Rock Climbers: A Pilot Study, Daniel Tyler Ehrich

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine whether static stretching, dynamic shakes, or repeated contractions would promote the greatest retention in performance in hangboard training within a given period of time. Five volunteer intermediate climbers from the Liberty University rock climbing team were instructed to suspend themselves from a 20mm ledge on a hangboard until voluntary failure while time was recorded. After failure, subjects performed one of three different recovery methods and a control in randomized order for two minutes in alternating fifteen-second intervals. Upon finishing recovery, subjects would hang from the same ledge and have their time recorded …

A Game Theoretical Analysis Of Non-Linear Blockchain System, Lin Chen, Lei Xu, Zhimin Gao, Ahmed Sunny, Keshav Kasichainula, Weidong Shi

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Recent advances in the blockchain research have been made in two important directions. One is refined resilience analysis utilizing game theory to study the consequences of selfish behavior of users (miners), and the other is the extension from a linear (chain) structure to a non-linear (graphical) structure for performance improvements, such as IOTA and Graphcoin. The first question that comes to mind is what improvements that a blockchain system would see by leveraging these new advances. In this paper, we consider three major properties for a blockchain system: 𝛼-partial verification, scalability, and finality-duration. We establish a formal framework and prove …

Two Roads Diverged: An Alternative Perspective On The Easi Model, Nadhilla Velda Melia

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

Research on the interpersonal effect of anger expressions on others’ concessionary behaviour has found conflicting results about whether anger expressions increase or decrease concessionary behaviour. The Emotions as Social Information (EASI) model (Van Kleef, 2009, 2014) proposed that these conflicting findings can be resolved by looking at inferential and affective processes. Specifically, anger expressions increase concessionary behaviour via inferential processes but decrease concessionary behaviour via affective processes. However, previous research has mainly focused on dominance-related inferences and reciprocal anger reactions. I propose that the relationship between anger expressions and concessionary behaviour is determined by the type of inferential and affective …

Debiasing A Decision Maker Facing Supply Uncertainties In A Newsvendor Setting, Alan William Zeller

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

Companies must be prepared to manage uncontrollable events that will disrupt their supply chain and add uncertainty to their inventory models.

This thesis first studies the effect of different types of supply disruption risks on the ordering performance of profit-maximizing decision makers in a newsvendor setting.

Then, this thesis aims at extending the literature on the newsvendor model in studying the effect of a Decision Support System and the effect of a Secondary Task on the ordering performance of profit-maximizing decision makers who face supply uncertainties in a newsvendor setting.

Finally, implications for scholars and practitioners are discussed.

Two Essays On Innovation And Growth In China, Qiugu He

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

This dissertation studies China’s economic growth from a perspective of industry dynamics. In chapter 1, I introduce the background and policies relating to China’s economic growth after 1978. In chapter 2, I find that the elasticity of the average R&D expenditure of firms on competition is -0.29 in weak-IPR (intellectual property right) provinces, and -0.06 in strict-IPR provinces. Next, I use the Schumpeterian growth model to explain this finding: When the market becomes more competitive, a firm prefers imitation to innovation to a larger extent, as a means of getting new technology. Due to enforcement of IPR laws, the imitation …

Behavioural Incentivization In Healthcare Operations, Nicholas Teck Boon Yeo

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

Common across current research in healthcare operations is the conclusion that there exist many inefficiencies in today’s healthcare systems. Governments and healthcare organisations have sought to address these inefficiencies through the introduction of new policies and operational procedures or by relying on incentives to encourage specific behaviour. However, despite these attempts to reduce inefficiencies in the healthcare systems, the problem persists and is further exacerbated by growing medical complexities coupled with a rapidly ageing population. Against this backdrop, this dissertation investigates two issues within healthcare operations: (i) colorectal cancer (CRC) screening adherence, and (ii) blood donor management. A distinguishing feature …

The Impact Of Kiasu Mindset On Students’ Achievement Goal Orientations And Learning Strategies In Singapore, Haelim Choi

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

Kiasuism, defined as the fear of losing out, has been a well-known and widespread phenomenon in Singapore. Despite the long history of Kiasuism in Singaporeans, there has been a dearth of research in this topic. The current research investigated the influence of the Kiasu mindset on Singaporean students’ achievement goal orientation and learning strategy, and also explored the impact of social comparison as a moderator. Study 1 showed initial evidence of a positive relationship between Kiasu mindset and performance goal orientations (i.e., approach and avoidance). Study 2 replicated this finding and further revealed a positive association of Kiasu mindset with …

Reward Structures And Negotiation Strategies: The Use Of Deception In Negotiation, Jermaine Pin Xiu Lim

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

This present study investigated the effect of outcome interdependence on different types of deceptions – mutually beneficial and self-interested deception, in a negotiation context. 150 SMU students were recruited to engage in a negotiation task and were randomly assigned to either a high outcome interdependence condition where the monetary reward was awarded based on the points scored by the dyad or a low outcome interdependence condition where the monetary reward was awarded based on the points scored by the individual. The results showed that in a self-rated scale, dyads in the low outcome interdependence condition rated themselves to have engaged …

The Aspects Of Kasampurnaning Urip In Lyrics Of Ingsun Song By Sujiwo Tejo, Halimah Ratna Rusyidah, Turita Indah Setyani

International Review of Humanities Studies

The perfection of life in Javanese society is an achievement when the personal life and God have become one. The concept is usually found in literary works that have a mystical aspect, such as a song called Ingsun by Sujiwo Tejo. For connoisseurs of the song ingsun, the song has a meaning of divinity. This study aims to describe the aspects of perfection in life contained in the lyrics of the song. The study used a qualitative method with interpretive analysis from the perspective of Javanese belief. Based on the discussion kasampurnaning urip or perfection of life in the lyrics …

A Refutation From Capitalism Toward Environmentalism’S Critics Related Environmental Problem, Riska Fara Farucha, Naupal Asnawi

International Review of Humanities Studies

From environmentalism’s perspective, there are four fundamental assumptions that make capitalism inconsistent with efforts to preserve the environment. First, unlimited growth in the capitalist system is contradicted with limited environmental conditions. Second, the basic principles of capitalism (individual freedom, self-interests, and free-market) are not compatible with efforts to preserve the environment. Third, capitalism has caused a "metabolic rift" between society and the ecosystem. Fourth, the tendency of capitalism that creates consumer society will produce massive pollution. This article is intended to refute these four environmentalism critics and also demonstrate the coherence of the theory of capitalism on environmental preservation. To …

Boosting: Why You Can Use The Hp Filter, Peter C. B. Phillips, Zhentao Shi

Research Collection School Of Economics

We propose a procedure of iterating the HP filter to produce a smarter smoothing device, called the boosted HP (bHP) filter, based on L2-boosting in machine learning. Limit theory shows that the bHP filter asymptotically recovers trend mechanisms that involve integrated processes, deterministic drifts, and structural breaks, covering the most common trends that appear in current modeling methodology. A stopping criterion automates the algorithm, giving a data-determined method for data-rich environments. The methodology is illustrated in simulations and with three real data examples that highlight the differences between simple HP filtering, the bHP filter, and an alternative autoregressive approach.

Ways To Improve Parent Involvement In South Monterey County, Alma C Aguilar

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Parent involvement has a significant influence on education as it affects student academic success. This capstone project studies 19 parents who are from Hispanic/Latino backgrounds in South Monterey County and 3 teachers who either work or worked in South Monterey County. The purpose of this study is to answer the following question: “What affects parental involvement?” and “How can we improve parental involvement?” In order to find answers to these questions, I first conducted a review of the literature using peer-reviewed journals on parental involvement. As a result of my findings in the literature review, I surveyed both parents and …

Increasing Diverse Families Inclusion In The Preschool Classroom, Rosa Ayala Gomez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

With the increasing diversity of family structures, preschool curriculum should be including a wide range of family types, including lesbian and gay families. The lack of same-sex families inclusion in preschool curriculum may cause the children to not see their family represented, limit views of “family” and how students see themselves in the future, and stigmatize children from same-sex families.

Increasing Mental Health Awareness Among Collegiate Student Athletes, Josh Kollman

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This paper attempts to increase mental health awareness among student-athletes in college. Two players from the men’s basketball team at California State University, Monterey Bay participated in an interactive presentation regarding the impact that stress, anxiety, and injuries have on mental health and how to cope. The impacts are performance-related as well as impacting social life, academics, and relationships. The participants filled out forms and took a short quiz to see if they understood the impacts and were able to identify coping strategies. Results showed that they fully understood the effects that stress, anxiety, and injuries have on mental health …

Teaching Elementary School Children About Nutritionn, Dana Mastro

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Elementary school curriculum often lacks focus on nutrition education. Without nutrition education, children may develop poor eating habits, poor physical health, and lower quality of life. In order to address this issue, I have developed a three-day lesson for four 1st and four 2nd graders at Sheldon Acres Child Development Center in Elk Grove, California.

Increasing College Students' Knowledge And Attitudes Towards Peers With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd), Evelyn Gonzalez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

More and more students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are attending college. Many college students may not know how to interact and welcome fellow students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. As a result, many college students may be likely to misunderstand their peers with ASD’s communication and interactions, which can lead to frustration and distance between both groups. To address this lack of understanding, I created a workshop for California State University Monterey Bay students to address the importance of being cognizant of fellow students with ASD.

Improving Stress Management Among First Graders, Vanessa Vazquez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

For the improving stress management among first graders, I developed a curriculum for a first grade class and taught them about stress regulation strategies and techniques as to how they can handle their stress.

Implementing Lgbtq+ Curriculum In Early Education Classrooms, Mahri Walker

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Many elementary schools have LGBTQ+ content missing from the curriculum, with gender identity and expression and diverse family structures notably absent. The issue that arises is children from LGBTQ+ families, or who may be LGBTQ+ themselves, do not feel represented in the curriculum. If children are provided with the knowledge of what it means to be LGBTQ+, then they are more likely to have a healthy relationship with themselves and their peers who may be included in that community. In order to address this issue, I created a three-day lesson for Kindergarten through first graders at San Lorenzo Valley Elementary …

Increasing Bully Awareness Among 2nd And 3rd Graders, Anacristina Juarez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Many elementary school age kids may be unaware of how to address bullying. I have created a two-day lesson, which covers addressing bullying and tactics for preventing bullying with second and third graders

Improving Learning Skills For Preschoolers With Developmental Delays, Elena Corona

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Preschool children with developmental delays need more social skill's education, which is often not offered in general classes. Although children with developmental delays can take longer to develop the skills appropriate to their age, they need more opportunities to learn about social interactions to maximize their learning environment and interact with peers.

Increasing Science Education During Preschool, Guillermina Rodriguez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Preschool children who don't have access to science education and don't have the opportunity to explore their environment are lack of (STEM) skill. To help children with their learning environment I have created a two day lesson about the four different seasons of the year at Boronda Meadow school in Salinas, California.

Shared Safety Community Forum: Engaging Community On Shared Safety, Sophia Kilroy

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

United Way of Santa Cruz County (UWSCC) is a non-profit working with a coalition of organizations in Santa Cruz County pooling efforts, fundraising, and support. UWSCC staffs the Youth Action Network, which serves youth and families, and facilitates the Community Education and Engagement Workgroup which serves survivors of crime and offenders. The social problem is that there are too few justice policies in the United States that align with the views of victims of crime. The agency problem is, too many survivors of crime in Santa Cruz County are not provided the proper services. The purpose of this project was …

Increasing Awareness Amongst Injured Student-Athletes, Daniel Lomeli

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The NCAA states that there are around half a million college student athletes in America, and according to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (2020) ninety percent of them will have a sports related injury some time in their career. Student-athletes compared to non-athletes are less likely to utilize resources and professional assistance (Moulton, Molstad, & Turner 1997). Due to fear of seeming weak, losing training time, judgement from peers or coaches and the appearance of needing any psychological assistance, many athletes are less likely to seek help (Brooks & Bull, 1999). Student Athletes seem to worsen their academic performance as …

Let’S Get Moving: The Benefits Of Increased Physical Activity In First Grade Classrooms, Nicole Hough

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The focus of this Capstone Project is the need for an increase in physical activity for first grade students. The issue addressed is how to increase opportunities for movement for students. This is important because the amount of time required to sit still throughout the school day is not developmentally appropriate, which can hinder their ability to learn, and can lead to physical and mental health issues. An argument is made that first graders should be given more opportunities for movement throughout their day, both during and outside of school hours. It is argued that this would benefit students academically, …

Modulation And Long-Term Release Of Cardiac Fibroblast Secretome To Enhance Cardiac Cell Survival Under Hypoxia, Jingxuan Zhai

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

The irreversible damage to the heart caused by myocardial infarction (MI) leads to over one million deaths in the United States every year. There are several approaches to treat MI, such as angioplasty, redirected blood flow, and electrical medical devices, but they cannot promote new cardiac tissue generation, thus leading to potential high risk of re-surgeries. To overcome this limitation, stem cell therapy is regarded as a promising method. However, the implantation of stem cells has ethical and safe concern and the efficiency is limited due to low cell engraftment. Moreover, the effect of stem cell is predominantly attributed to …

Fine-Grained And Controllably Redactable Blockchain With Harmful Data Forced Removal, Huiying Hou, Shidi Hao, Jiaming Yuan, Shengmin Xu, Yunlei Zhao

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Notoriously, immutability is one of the most striking properties of blockchains. As the data contained in blockchains may be compelled to redact for personal and legal reasons, immutability needs to be skillfully broken. In most existing redactable blockchains, fine-grained redaction and effective deletion of harmful data are mutually exclusive. To close the gap, we propose a fine-grained and controllably redactable blockchain with harmful data forced removal. In the scheme, the originator of the transaction has fine-grained control over who can perform the redaction and which portions of the transaction can be redacted. The redaction transaction is performed after collecting enough …

Analysis Of Fluid Flow In Redox Flow Batteries, Erfan Asadipour

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Redox flow batteries (RFB) hold great potential for large-scale stationary energy storage. However, their low energy density compared to other energy storage systems must improve for feasibility. Electrolyte flow distribution affects current density distribution and providing a uniform current density distribution is one way to improve RFB performance. Additionally, reducing the power consumption of the electrolytes’ pump as a source of energy loss in RFB systems increases their efficiency. Investigating both subjects requires analysis of the fluid dynamics in RFB cells.

In this thesis, a novel, computationally cost-effective hydraulic-electrical analogous model (HEAM) was developed to study fluid dynamics by implementing …

Role Of Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor In Urinary Tract Infection, Anne Rosen

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect 150 million people per year worldwide and can be difficult to diagnose and treat leaving room for other biomarkers to be used to define an infection. Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), an antimicrobial protein also with antiprotease and anti-inflammatory properties, may be involved in host response to UTI. Here we use an established UPEC-UTI model to infect female Slpi knockout and wild type mice to show SLPI plays a role in microbial ecology of the bladder. Bacterial abundance is altered in urinary tracts and is positively correlated with SLPI in urine of wild type mice. …