Digital Commons Network^™

Firefighters' Perceived Effectiveness Of Peer Support For Job-Related Stressors, Camryn M. Travis

Senior Honors Projects

Firefighters experience immense job-related stress. Firefighters can respond to hundreds of traumatic calls or critical incidents throughout their careers. Witnessing a critical incident can be highly stressful and mentally taxing. Therefore, some fire departments offer mental health resources such as Critical Incident Stress Management/Debriefing (CISM/D) and Peer-group support to help firefighters cope with stressful incidents. Additionally, firefighters may seek professional mental health treatment. To investigate firefighters’ perceptions regarding the effectiveness of these resources, an anonymous survey of Rhode Island firefighters was conducted. The sample included 51 firefighters (n = 51), was mostly male (90.2%), and self-identified as predominantly white (94.1%) …

Human Evolution: A Musical Portrait, Chloe S. Roper

Senior Honors Projects

The story of human evolution has been an elaborate progression entrenched in metamorphic processes and associated trial and error to create the species we are today. While these milestones are primarily explored through an academic lens, intellectual ideas are less often conveyed through a creative or abstract approach, such as through music or other art forms. Similarly, while music is often employed to evoke emotion, inspire reflection, or symbolize experiences, it is underutilized in conveying intellectual ideas. This project explores the juxtaposition of benchmark concepts of what makes our species distinctly human with instrumental musical expression in order to design …

Cover, Florida Field Naturalist

Florida Field Naturalist

No abstract provided.

Florida Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma Coerulescens) And Fire: Update From An On-Going, Multi-Decadal Experiment, Sahas Barve, Tori D. Bakley, John W. Fitzpatrick

Florida Field Naturalist

No abstract provided.

Instance Of A Mourning Dove (Zenaida Macroura) Reusing A Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma Coerulescens) Nest, Charlotte Hood, Tori Bakley, Sahas Barve

Florida Field Naturalist

No abstract provided.

Time Variant Particle Swarm Optimization For Autonomous Dynamic Rescue And Recovery, Kyle Sanders

Master's Theses and Capstones

Rescue and recovery missions on extraterrestrial sites are an inevitable necessity, especiallywith increased extraterrestrial exploration. Robotic and crewed missions provide significant challenges due to budgetary restrictions and time constraints. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) techniques leverage shared swarm knowledge for solution convergence. However, traditional PSO exhibits performance degradation in dynamic scenarios. The author presents Time-Variant Particle Swarm Optimization (TVPSO), which weighs newer measurements higher than previously held values. This is achieved through implementation of a configurable comparison function as part of the survival of the fittest logical calculations. Three versions of this comparison function are evaluated (exponential, linear, and logistic) against …

Exploring The Dynamics Of Vibrio Parahaemolyticus Diversity In Developing Aquaculture Oyster Microbiomes, Benjamin John Wasson

Master's Theses and Capstones

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a genetically diverse marine bacterium and the leading cause of seafood-borne bacterial illness in the United States. While most strains are harmless, some can cause illness. As oyster aquaculture grows in the Northeast, particularly in New Hampshire’s Great Bay Estuary (GBE), understanding the dynamics of V. parahaemolyticus population diversity and persistence is critical for public health and sustainable aquaculture production. This work investigates two major research questions: whether standard bacterial enumeration methods introduce bias when evaluating diversity of V. parahaemolyticus populations, and how environmental factors influence V. parahaemolyticus acquisition and microbiome development in juvenile oysters. We first …

Exploring Mimicry And Visual Communication In Woodpeckers: A Field Study Utilizing 3d-Printed Models, Lauren M. Smith

Biology Theses

The evolution of similar phenotypes poses an interesting challenge in evolutionary biology. While divergent ecologies may drive differing morphology, physiology, or behavior, similar phenotypes are often due to similar ecology or selection for mimicry. One prominent case of mimetic phenotypes is found in hairy and downy woodpeckers. While several hypotheses might explain the hairy-downy mimicry complex, I aimed to assess the idea that downy woodpeckers benefit from resembling hairy woodpeckers. To test this hypothesis, I used 3D-printed models of various woodpecker species in the field. These models were painted with colors that resemble woodpecker species. The experimental conditions were 3D …

Pollination Synchrony Along A Great Lakes Thermal Gradient, Joe Armstrong

Biology Theses

Pollination is an essential mutualistic interaction between plants and animals. Often agricultural crops rely on successful pollination to provide profitable and nutrient rich harvests. Successful pollination requires synchrony between flowers and pollinators. Western New York with its proximity to the Great Lakes has benefited as a Climate refugia; however, recent climate change and increased temperature variation have threatened regional fruit crops. In this thesis, I explored the synchrony between native pollinators, non-native pollinators, and apple flowering along a coastal to inland gradient for farms in Niagara County. I measured temperature, evaluated apple flower phenology, and harvested pollinators during the Spring …

The Effect Of Great Lake Thermal Gradients On Pollinating Hymenoptera And Diptera, Marcus Z. Kenline

Biology Theses

Abstract

Thermal gradients created by large water bodies can significantly influence ectothermic insect behavior and community structure. This study examined the effect of Lake Ontario’s springtime thermal gradients on the distribution and abundance of two key pollinator taxa—Hymenoptera and Diptera—within an agricultural landscape. Blue vane traps were deployed at ground level and 1-meter height across 24 plots along three inland transects in a Lake Ontario coastal orchard. More than 14,000 insects were collected between April and June 2024, including 2,245 Diptera and 1,137 Hymenoptera. Maximum temperatures increased with distance from the lake and with trap height, whereas Dipteran abundance increased …

Early Breast Cancer Detection With Ultrasound Data Using Nmf, Rutvi Khamar

Theses and Dissertations

Early detection of breast cancer significantly influences patient outcomes. Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (DCE-US) has shown promise in early detection by visualizing tumor vascularity and perfusion dynamics in real-time. This study evaluates the efficacy of DCE-US in distinguishing four stages of cancer progression: normal, hyperplasia, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and invasive cancer, using a transgenic mouse model that mimics human breast cancer. Ultrasound burst pulses, while commonly used to remove unbound contrast agents, can potentially damage human tissues. Using the pre-pulse data helps mitigate this risk, ensuring safer and more reliable measurements. A VEGFR2-targeted microbubble contrast agent was injected, and …

Mitigating Nitrogen Losses: The Role Of Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers In Sustainable Corn Production, Dipesh Giri

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Nitrogen (N) is essential for crop production, but its inefficient use often leads to environmental losses through nitrate leaching, ammonia volatilization, and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions. Enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs), such as nitrification inhibitors (NIs) and urease inhibitors (UIs), have been developed to minimize these losses and improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). This research combined a multi-year field experiment and a controlled laboratory study to evaluate how dual-inhibitor fertilizers compare to conventional urea and single-inhibitor formulations in Nebraska cropping systems. The main objective was to understand how nitrogen inhibitors influence N availability, crop performance, and nitrogen losses across different environmental …

Improving Nitrogen Management And Corn Productivity Through Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer And Cover Crop Integration In Nebraska Cropping Systems, Madhusudhan Adhikari

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Effective nitrogen (N) management is vital for sustaining corn yield and reducing environmental impacts in Nebraska cropping systems. Three field studies were conducted to evaluate the impact of 1) fertilizer type (anhydrous ammonia [AA] with nitrification inhibitor: enhanced efficiency fertilizer [EEF] or AA without EEF) and N application timing (pre-plant vs. split with side-dress UAN) on in-season soil N availability, crop response, nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, residual soil N and N use efficiencies (NUEs); 2) winter cover crop (CC) species and crop rotation variability on CC biomass production, N uptake, soil N dynamics, and cash crop performance in …

Extending Cover Crop Growing Window To Improve The Health Of Environmentally Sensitive Soils, Noshin Ara Tunazzina

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Sloping and sandy soils are highly susceptible to degradation. The health of these soils could be improved with cover crops (CCs). However, CC effectiveness in improving soil health mainly depends on CC biomass production, which is often low in temperate regions. The question is: how can we increase CC biomass production? Lengthening the CC growing window can be a potential strategy. This study assessed how 1) interseeded and terminated early (2-3 weeks before crop planting) CC, 2) interseeded and terminated late (at crop planting) CC, 3) drilled (after harvest) and terminated early CC, 4) drilled and terminated late CC, and …

Strategic Construction Of Anomalies: A Quantum International Relations Framework For Uap, Nate Ostdiek

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), commonly known as UFOs, are notoriously tricky to understand and analyze. The persistent ambiguity surrounding UAPs is not accidental but strategic; by keeping them in a liminal state of explanation, actors construct a geopolitical anomaly that blurs the boundaries between threat, curiosity, and control. Utilizing a Quantum International Relations (QIR) framework pioneered by Alexander Wendt, James Der Derian, and others enables new analytical tools to explain the creation and impact of these strategic anomalies. The social ontological status of UAP (extraterrestrial, fake, interdimensional, secret technology, natural phenomena, etc.) is determined by an entangled network of epistemological …

Advanced Deep Learning Models Based On Neutrosophic Logic For The Analysis Of Brain Tumor Medical Images, Dina Atef, Doaa El Shaha

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

No abstract provided.

Artificial Intelligence Through Young Eyes: A Study Of Students’ Perspectives And Experiences With Artificial Intelligence In Education, Chad Preston Salyer

Ed.D. Dissertations

Artificial intelligence was an emergent and powerful new force in education. The public release of ChatGPT 3.0 in 2022 transformed learning for many students. This phenomenological qualitative study sought to record and analyze student’s perspectives on the influence of artificial intelligence on their learning routines. This study collected data through surveys and interviews with undergraduate students, analyzing patterns of artificial intelligence usage, perceived benefits, and challenges. The findings revealed that most students used artificial intelligence as a primary learning tool and that those students viewed artificial intelligence as beneficial for personalized learning and skill development. However, concerns about over-reliance on …

A Study Of Knots And Quandles, Zhaoqi Wu

Math and Computer Science Honors Theses

We explore the mathematical theory of knots through the lens of algebraic structures known as kei and quandles. We begin by introducing classical knot invariants and then study the fundamental kei of a knot as a tool for distinguishing knot types. We generalize this approach using various kinds of quandles, including Alexander and dihedral quandles, and investigate their associated polynomial invariants. We also examine the connection between quandles and group theory, as well as their algebraic representations in quandle rings. Moreover, we analyze idempotent elements in quandle rings over finite fields, providing both general results and specific examples.

Examining The Molecular Mechanisms Of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists In Cancer Cell Biology, Oliver G. Sabet

Honors Scholar Theses

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are synthetic analogs of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) used to treat obesity and diabetes by reducing blood glucose levels and appetite. While early rodent studies suggested a link between GLP-1RAs and thyroid cancer pathogenesis, evidence in humans remains inconclusive, with randomized controlled trials not supporting that link. Due to the rapid, widespread use of these drugs, concerns have expanded to other obesity-associated cancers, with conflicting findings on their role in cancer progression. With this contradictory evidence in a novel intersection of obesity medicine and oncology, this literature review aims to summarize current understandings between GLP-1-RAs and …

The Relationship Between Dyslexia And Resilience, Hannah R. Linder, Martina Villa, Daniel Kleinman, Nicole Landi

Honors Scholar Theses

Studies of students with dyslexia have focused on reading and cognitive skills development and their relationship to academic outcomes. Yet, non-cognitive skills, such as resilience or grit, have been shown to positively contribute to life satisfaction, mental health, and academic success (e.g., Aro et al., 2023; Casali et al., 2023; Hossain et al., 2021; Kortteinen et al., 2020). However, this literature is small and inconclusive, with inconsistent definitions and measures of grit and resilience. Furthermore, prior studies have led to mixed results when investigating levels of resilience amongst people with and without dyslexia (Armfield et al., 2021; Kalka & Lockiewicz, …

The Role Of Myosin L In The Survival Of Toxoplasma Gondii And The Importance Of Mlc1 For In Vitro And In Vivo Myosin F Motility, Victoria K. Yi

Honors Scholar Theses

My thesis discusses the work that I have conducted on two myosins in Toxoplasma gondii, which is an obligate intracellular parasite that has chronically infected around 10% of the American population. It causes toxoplasmosis and severe health consequences for individuals with compromised immune systems or when infections occur in utero. However, immunocompetent individuals are asymptomatic or present with subclinical symptoms. In the Heaslip lab, I investigated two myosins in the parasite: Myosin L and Myosin F. MyoL is an uncharacterized motor that localizes at the apical end of the parasite. It was shown to be important for parasite …

Identifying Cognitive, Affective, And Developmental Mechanisms Linking Threat And Deprivation With Adolescent Psychopathology, Ekaterina Sadikova, David G. Weissman, Maya L. Rosen, Elise Robinson, Liliana J. Lengua, Margaret A. Sheridan, Henning Tiemeier, Katie A. Mclaughlin

Neuroscience: Faculty Publications

Background: The mechanisms linking early-life adversity with psychopathology over the life-course are complex. In this prospective study, we collectively examined cognitive, affective, and developmental mediators previously found to individually link childhood threat and deprivation experiences to adolescent psychopathology to identify the most potent mechanisms. Methods: Data came from a community sample of 227 children (mean child age 11.5 ± 0.5 years, 48.5% female) from the Seattle metro area with recruitment designed to reflect diversity in family income. Candidate mechanisms included self-rated pubertal development and task-measured attention bias to threat, emotion regulation, theory of mind, fear learning, inhibitory control, language ability, …

Dna Gyrase Inhibition By Ni(Ii)-Schiff Base Complexes Via In Silico Molecular Docking Studies: Spectroscopic, Dft Calculations And In Vitro Pharmacological Assessment, Ikechukwu P. Ejidike, Amani Direm, Cemal Parlak, Solomon A. Olaleru, Charles O. Adetunji, Athar Ata, Et. Al.

Michigan Tech Publications

The current world's life-threatening illnesses have amplified multidrug resistance infections, bringing about immune system mayhem, thus, the quest for novel antimicrobial compounds with a broad spectrum of action. Four Ni(II) complexes, [Ni(YB)Cl]·2H₂O (C1), [Ni(YB)Br]·H₂O (C2), [Ni(YB)NO₃]·3H₂O (C3), [Ni(YB)COOCH₃]·2H₂O (C4) [HYB = 4-[(1E)-N-{2-[(Z)-(4-methoxybenzylidene)amino]ethyl}ethanimidoyl]benzene-1,3-diol], were synthesized. Analytical techniques like CHNS analysis, UV–Vis, FT-IR, molar conductance, XRD, ¹H NMR, and TGA/DTA were utilized for characterization. The calculated …

“Gang, We Have A Mystery On Our Hands!”: A Folkloristic Approach To Conspiracy Thinking In Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated, Sydney K. Brooks

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

In this thesis I examined how the 2010 children’s television show Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated both utilizes and critiques conspiracy, embedded within its mystery-solving structure. Through a close analysis of the members of the gang—Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby-Doo—I broke down their individual behaviors, interactions, and contributions to conspiratorial belief. I then transitioned into a case study of the episode “Where Stalks the Scarebear,” showcasing its connection to larger real-world conspiracy narratives, particularly those related to corporate and environmental cover-ups. Finally, I examined the show as a complete narrative, reflecting on its complex, serial exploration of conspiracy through the framework …

The Benefits Of Experiential Outdoor Learning For Elementary School Students, Jillian R. Witt

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This senior capstone research project aims to delve deeper into the benefits of experiential outdoor learning that contributes to the growing body of knowledge and practical applications of this dynamic educational approach of elementary school students. Through the use of literature review, interviews with program workers and school administrators and survey with educators and past students, the result findings indicated that experiential outdoor learning benefits elementary school students despite some cost challenges, but provided them with more opportunities to learn from outdoor activities to increase their academic achievement, improve their cognition, and enhance their social skills with a deeper sense …

Impact Of Classroom Environment On Bilingual Elementary School Students’ Learning, Denisse Mosqueda

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

There are many students who may not have a stable environment at home; therefore, it is important that schools provide an environment where students feel safe space at school to encourage learning. A safe learning environment fosters students' social, physical, and emotional development. When students feel safe, they are more engaged and take more intellectual risks in a healthy and supportive climate. This senior capstone research project examines the impact of classroom environment on the learning of bilingual elementary students. Through the use of literature review, anonymous surveys of students, and teacher interviews, the results indicated that, while a positive …

Yield Prediction Of Pv Solar Energy Systems And Its Application In The Energy Grid For Operational Efficiency, Pablo Bustamante

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The generation of power from photovoltaic (PV) solar panels is influenced by a multitude of factors. These include the tilt and orientation of the solar panels, the latitude of their location, and the prevailing climate and weather conditions. Additionally, shading at specific locations, particularly if the panels are not part of a solar facility, can significantly impact their efficiency. The quality and efficiency of the panels themselves, along with the preventive maintenance of both the solar panels and associated components such as inverters and trackers, are also critical. Finally, the overall system design and installation play a vital role in …

Gender And Ethnic Differences In Mental Health Outcomes In Sexual And Gender Minority (Sgm) Youth And Young Adults In Texas And California, 2022-2024, Michelle Gil

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: Depression and anxiety affect populations differently, particularly LGBTQ+, ethnic minorities, and youth with limited access to competent care. Risk factors include harassment, victimization, and discrimination. Purpose: To examine gender identity and ethnic differences in depression and anxiety among SGM youth in Texas and California. It is hypothesized that both Latinx and gender minority youth will report higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to non-Latinx and cisgender youth. Methods: Secondary analysis used data from the Family, Housing, and Me (FHAM) Project, following 83 LGBTQ+ youth from South Texas and California's Inland Empire over 25 months. Data includes sociodemographic characteristics, …

Leveraging Predictive Analytics To Improve Prognostic Models For Uterine Cancer, Arnav Joshi

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma (UCEC) presents notable disparities in incidence and outcomes across racial groups, warranting deeper investigation through transcriptomic and predictive modeling approaches. This thesis presents a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of RNA-Seq data from 177 individuals, comprising both tumor and control samples, specifically from the UCEC_CN_High molecular subtype. The cohort was stratified by race, focusing on differences between Black and White individuals to explore race-associated gene expression patterns. To uncover genes with prognostic significance, LASSO (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator) regression was applied for feature selection, identifying a subset of genes most strongly associated with overall survival. These …

Clinicogenomic Insights For Prostate Cancer Progression, Kelvin Ofori-Minta

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Prostate cancer (PrCa) remains a critical challenge in precision oncology due to several reasons including its apparent heterogenous condition, recurrence following treatment and rapid progressive forms. Therefore, identifying patients at risk of progression is essential to fast-track therapeutic decisions and improve outcomes. Despite recent advances in genomic and molecular profiling, conventional PrCa risk assessment tools heavily rely on a few clinical parameters, neglecting the prognostic potential of genomic biomarkers in the presence of clinical biomarkers. This study presents a computational pipeline to harmonize and evaluate the prognostic value of clinicogenomic profiles of patients in modelling progression free survival (PFS). PFS, …