Digital Commons Network^™

Reading Motivation And Achievement: Exploring Theories, Strategies, And School Climate Contexts, Andrea L. Esterly

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This literature review examined the intersection of self-efficacy and motivation, and their impact on reading achievement. The analysis demonstrated how motivation and context support and shape students’ reading outcomes. This synthesis of peer-reviewed research (2014–2024) from ERIC, PsycINFO, and JSTOR highlights Self-Determination Theory (SDT) as a lens for understanding reading motivation through competence, autonomy, and relatedness. Evidence shows that fluency strategies (prosody, repeated reading, and arts integration) enhance pacing, comprehension, and engagement, while supportive school climates (characterized by safety, teaching, and relationships) further sustain motivation. The evidence underscores the importance of integrating motivational supports, fluency instruction, and student-centered practices to …

Tau-Connectome Predictive Modeling And Subtyping In Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease, Hamid Abuwarda

Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Dissertations

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-? and tau, yet clinical progression varies widely across individuals. The central aim of this dissertation was to evaluate whether functional brain connectivity derived from resting-state fMRI can serve as a clinically meaningful predictive tool in the asymptomatic phase of the disease, preclinical AD. In Chapter 2, I develop connectome-based predictive models linking whole-brain functional connectivity to regional tau positron emission tomography (PET) signal in the Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer's Disease (A4) Study. These models predicted tau burden, particularly in regions vulnerable to tau deposition in Braak stages IV/V. In …

Genetic Variants Linked To Neurodevelopmental Disorders Within The Beta3-Beta4 Loop Of The Trio Ph 2 Domain Release Autoinhibition Of The Trio Gef2 Activity, Melissa Carrizales

Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Dissertations

The TRIO family of proteins, which includes Trio, Kalirin, UNC-73 (in Caenorhabditis elegans), and dTrio (in Drosophila), are key regulators of cell morphogenesis, migration, tissue organization, and neuronal development through their regulation of Rho GTPases. These proteins feature multiple catalytic and scaffolding domains that mediate GTPase activation and cellular localization. TRIO proteins are essential for processes like actin dynamics, cell migration, and synaptic function, and disruptions in their activity have been linked to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. This study focuses on Trio, specifically its regulatory mechanisms and how disease-related mutations disrupt its catalytic activity, contributing to various human diseases.

In …

Individual-Level Large-Scale Circuit Modelling Of Human Cortex, Rachel Ann Cooper

Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Dissertations

Individuality is a defining feature of human existence. Yet the neural mechanisms underlying such individual variation are not fully understood. Prior research has suggested that variation in the balance between excitation and inhibition within the brain may contribute to these differences. To investigate this hypothesis, we employed a large-scale, biophysically-based model of the human cortex. This model is governed by a small set of biologically interpretable parameters, allowing for a focused analysis of how shifts in excitation and inhibition shape individual brain function. Using this modelling framework, this thesis examined patterns of variation across both healthy individuals and clinical populations. …

Ministry Organization Response To The Mental Health Crisis, Bryn L. Wood

Senior Honors Theses

The mental health crisis has been negatively affecting individuals across the globe for about half a century, only growing in its impact each year. However, following the Covid-19 pandemic, mental health crises skyrocketed. This is especially true for youth and young adults as physical isolation has altered many facets of their lives. This thesis will explore the mental health crisis, as well as the way it has impacted youth and young adult organizations. Specifically, it will discuss research on recommended ways for these organizations to respond to the mental health crisis through unique programming and how these practices have been …

From Soil To Society: Enhancing Local Food Systems Through Global And Cultural Insights, Rhiannon Marie Morgan

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

No abstract provided.

Campus Connect, Katie Coates, Bella Wengappuly, Annabelle Brown, Kyie Salerno

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

This paper examines how university campus design can be strategically utilized to support student mental health, drawing on global examples to inspire improvements in the University of Montana’s (UM) campus planning. The University of Montana, like most college campuses worldwide, is currently facing pressing mental health challenges among the student body. College can be a highly stressful experience, where students encounter unique pressures that, without adequate support, can lead to mental health crises. Many universities across the globe have recognized the role of campus design in promoting mental well-being, and they have adopted innovative, student-centered design strategies to foster positive …

Rejuvra's Effect On Soil Seed Banks, Blake J. Roeslein, Bryan Endress, Abby Mcmurtry, Akasha Faist

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

Invasive annual grasses are a major driver of grassland degradation globally. In perennial grasslands, invasion can heavily impact biodiversity, including potential changes to the soil seed banks. Seed banks, the living seeds stored in the upper soil column, play an important role in healthy systems, or can harbor invasive species. To reduce negative invasion outcomes, whether in the seed bank, or aboveground vegetation, pre-emergent herbicides are a commonly used tool for land managers. Pre-emergent herbicides work by targeting seeds as they germinate and begin emerging from the soil. Thus, our study asks 1) how does pre-emergent herbicide influence germination and …

Portrayals Of Autism On Tv And Impact On Autistic Viewers’ Self Esteem, Sam Ryan

Scripps Senior Theses

Portrayals of autism on TV are frequently rife with negative portrayals and inaccuracies, but also contain positive portrayals (Jones et al., 2023). These inevitably both promote stigma and educate individuals about autistic individuals, and also serve to directly and/or indirectly impact their well being. The current study aims to explore how combinations of positive and negative TV portrayals of autism impact autistic viewers’ self esteem. Participants will be exposed to clips of fictional autistic characters on TV shows, and their self esteem will be assessed with the Self Esteem IAT. It is expected that participants who view higher ratios of …

Transcending Boundaries: Integrating Scientific Perspectives In Liberal Arts Education, Zlata Božac

GHEA21 Open Educational Resources

Transcending Boundaries: Integrating Scientific Perspectives in Liberal Arts Education confronts the enduring divide between the sciences and humanities, a split famously critiqued by C.P. Snow in his essay "The Two Cultures". While liberal arts education now includes natural sciences alongside humanities and social sciences, many Core Curriculum courses still fail to resonate with STEM students. These students often find such courses disconnected from their academic interests, perceiving them as irrelevant or lacking transferable skills.

This guide aims to bridge that gap by providing practical strategies and class exercises that integrate scientific thinking into the broader liberal arts framework. Drawing on …

2024 Georgia Southern University Softball Media Guide, Georgia Southern University

Women's Softball Records

No abstract provided.

If You Give A Tadpole A Chemosensory Stimulus: Detection Of Invasive Predatory Cues And Signs Of Conspecific Communication In Pseudacris Sierra Tadpoles, Faben Tesfazion

Scripps Senior Theses

Amphibians are at disproportionately higher risks of extinction than all other vertebrate classes, and a major causing factor is invasive predation. The American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), native to Eastern North America, is a notorious invasive species which preys on native Sierran treefrogs (Pseudacris sierra) in Northern and Central California. These treefrogs have yet to be placed on any Special Animals List, suggesting the presence of adopted behaviors against predation. Past studies have documented the importance of chemical sensing in anuran tadpoles as predator detection tools. This study tests if Sierran treefrog tadpoles can recognize invasive chemical …

The Association Between Obstetric Violence And Postpartum Depression Among Latina Women In The United States: An Integrative Review, Natalia Alameda

Scripps Senior Theses

Obstetric violence, a structural form of gender-based violence, involves abuse, mistreatment, or neglect by healthcare providers during obstetric care. It is often associated with childbirth trauma and may result in physical and psychological harm to mothers and children, including postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a major depressive episode occurring during pregnancy or within four weeks following delivery. While these concepts are often studied independently, few studies examine their intersection, particularly among Latina women in the United States. To address this gap, an integrative literature review was conducted to explore the association between obstetric violence and postpartum depression among Latina women. …

Right-Wing Populist Mobilizations And Gender: France's Rassemblement National And Italy's Fratelli D'Italia, Meredith Mckinley

Scripps Senior Theses

European right-wing populist (RWP) parties are increasingly touting their attention to women’s issues and representation, and this has coincided with stronger electoral performances. Thus, the following puzzles emerge: how have RWP parties harnessed gender frames, issue salience, and women’s representation as part of a mainstreaming process, and through what mechanisms are these strategies resonating with voters? I address these questions by comparing France’s Rassemblement National (RN) and Italy’s Fratelli d’Italia (FdI), tracing their developments from the mid-twentieth century to the present day. I find that immigrants’ perceived relationship with the welfare state, feelings of insecurity due to terrorism, and RWP …

Pleasure As Pedagogy: Rethinking Risk-Based Narratives In Contemporary Sex Education, Hadley M. Iselin

Scripps Senior Theses

Contemporary sex education in the United States overwhelmingly emphasizes risk prevention, focusing on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy, and sexual assault, largely omitting discussions of sexual pleasure. Recognizing this gap, this thesis explores how pleasure can function as a central pedagogical tool in sex education. Grounded in framing theory, social constructionism, theories of biopower, and a sociological theory of pleasure, this thesis examines how dominant risk-based narratives impact the efficacy of sex education. Using qualitative methodology, I conducted semi-structured interviews with students from the Claremont Colleges to investigate how their early sex education experiences shaped their later understandings of sex …

Crafting Cultural Power: Artistic Interventions As Tools For Political Organizing Among Los Angeles Street Vendors, Corina M. Silverstein

Scripps Senior Theses

This thesis focuses on the intersections of collaborative and artistic interventions (such as collective songwriting and poetry) within the ongoing fight to legalize and decriminalize street vending in Los Angeles. Through the close partnership with Community Power Collective (CPC), this thesis analyzes the use of narrative in artistic collaborations and oral traditions throughout the political mobilization of street vendors in Los Angeles. Through an interdisciplinary approach, this investigation explores the use of early influences of street theater, to collective songwriting workshops, as well as artistic collaborations with local artists. Ultimately, suggesting CPC’s use of artistic practices and collaborations are essential …

Preservation At A Price: Nuanced Environmental Policy And The Loss Of Working Landscapes In Point Reyes National Seashore, Carlyn R. Cunningham

Scripps Senior Theses

In January 2025, the National Park Service’s decision to phase out ranching at Point Reyes National Seashore (PRNS) was widely celebrated as a victory for environmentalism. Yet beneath the headlines lies a more complicated reality. This thesis argues that the removal of historic ranches from PRNS reflects not a triumph of conservation, but a profound missed opportunity for climate leadership, community resilience, and regenerative stewardship. Drawing on historical records, environmental management policies, and case studies such as Straus Family Creamery, this research examines how public perception, litigation, and internal agency pressures shaped the outcome. It explores how ranchers, originally promised …

2024-2025 Georgia Southern University Women's Swimming And Diving Roster, Georgia Southern University

Women's Swimming Records

No abstract provided.

Workplace Retaliation And The Intersection Of Protected Conduct And Job Performance, Chris Schmidt

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Promoting International Criminal Justice In Korea: A Korean War Crimes Tribunal?, John M. B. Balouziyeh

Denver Journal of International Law & Policy

Since the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed between representatives of United Nations Command, the Korean People’s Army, and the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army in 1953, tensions have run high on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea has time and again threatened an invasion of South Korea and has issued warnings to South Korea that, if provoked, it would not hesitate to use nuclear missiles and chemical weapons against its southern neighbor. Both the threat of an invasion and the deployment of weapons of mass destruction leave open an important question in the event of an armed conflict on the Korean Peninsula: …

Husbandry Of Jellyfish And Ctenophores: Why Gelatinous Forms Thrive In Their Natural Habitat And Yet Often Struggle To Survive In Aquaria, Regina Garza Ramirez

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Recent observations in the behaviors of several gelatinous forms in the wild have demonstrated that human impacts to their environment have likely accelerated growth of their populations tremendously. Interestingly enough, population growth of jellyfish and ctenophores in aquariums and artificial habitats is less often observed under controlled conditions, while they often bloom in rapidly changing environments of nature. Seeking the knowledge of aquarists and researchers that have worked directly with gelatinous animals through interviews, and documenting the experiences of each individual, allowed acquisition of data that can be used to compare the reproductive success of these animals in captivity and …

Serum Metabolome Profiling In Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment Reveals Sex Differences In Lipid Metabolism, Rocio Diaz Escarcega, Vijay Kumar M J, Vasilia E Kyriakopoulos, Guadalupe J Ortiz, Aaron M Gusdon, Huihui Fan, Pedram Peesh, Maria P Blasco Conesa, Gabriela Delevati Colpo, Hilda W Ahnstedt, Lucy Couture, Stella H Kim, Miriam Hinojosa, Christine M Farrell, Sean P Marrelli, Akihiko Urayama, Bhanu P Ganesh, Paul E Schulz, Louise D Mccullough, Andrey S Tsvetkov

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects more women than men. Although women live longer than men, it is not longevity alone, but other factors, including metabolic changes, that contribute to the higher risk of AD in women. Metabolic pathways have been implicated in AD progression, but studies to date examined targeted pathways, leaving many metabolites unmeasured. Sex is often a neglected biological variable, and most metabolomic studies were not designed to investigate sex differences in metabolomic profiles. Here, we performed untargeted metabolomic profiling of sera from male and female patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a common precursor to AD, and matched …

Sex Differences In Brain Iron Deposition And Microglial Ferritin In Alzheimer’S Disease, Syed Mushfiqur Rahman, Chunfeng Tan, Akiyoshi Kakita, Jose Felix Moruno-Manchon

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective

Iron is the most abundant metal in the human brain, and plays a crucial role in many biological processes. However, disruptions in brain iron metabolism can lead to iron buildup, which occurs with aging and is linked to several brain disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Microglia, the brain's resident immune cells, have the highest capacity to store iron, which is stored intracellularly within ferritin complexes. Importantly, women are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and experience faster disease progression compared to men.

Methods

We used postmortem brain samples from patients with Alzheimer's disease and small vessel disease patients …

Promoting Acorn Survival Using Capsaicin Seed Coatings Is Strengthened By The Removal Of Invasive Shrubs, Mark Fuka, Brian M. Connolly, John L. Orrock

Biology Faculty Scholarship

Promoting regeneration of native trees, like Quercus spp., is a priority for land managers given the ecological and economic importance of oak woodlands. Although direct seeding may promote recruitment of Quercus spp., the effectiveness of direct seeding may be greatly reduced in environments where the activity of granivorous rodents is high. Importantly, the activity of granivorous rodents may be highest in environments where oak restoration is most desired, such as habitats invaded by non-native woody shrubs. Implementing chemical deterrents to granivory should promote direct seeding success; yet it is essential to understand if those deterrents are effective in challenging restoration …

The Triangle Of Social Media, Mental Health, And Activism: Lessons From July 2024 Anti-Discrimination Students Movement In Bangladesh, Md Belal Hossain

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This project explores social media, mental health, and activism as three interconnected avenues of academic inquiry in the context of a student movement called the Anti-Discriminatory Students Movement (ADSM), that took place in July-August 2024 in Bangladesh. The movement, also called July Revolution (Bangladesh), overthrew a 16-year-ruling autocratic government and propelled the nation towards significant structural and political reform efforts. Utilizing a mixed method approach, including key informant interviews (N=6) and an online survey (N=396), it investigates how the triangle of social media, mental health, and activism evolved during this movement. Interview analysis reveals five major themes: 1) Ambiguity in …

Beyond The Shadows: Unveiling The Dynamics Of Gender-Based Violence In Malawi Through Advocates’ Perspectives, Sarah Temwa Padoko

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a term commonly used to describe harm inflicted upon individuals due to gendered power inequalities. In Malawi, GBV remains a significant barrier to achieving gender justice, with its pervasive nature hindering progress in areas such as health, education, and economic empowerment. This research explores the dynamics of GBV in Malawi through the experiences of advocates working to address the issue. Using semi-structured interviews and qualitative data analysis, the study investigates the prevalent forms of GBV, its root causes, and the far-reaching impacts it has on individuals and communities. Additionally, the research proposes evidence-based solutions to strengthen …

A Vision Transformer Based Assistive System For Dermatological Diagnosis In Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Syeda Lamima Farhat

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex and often underdiagnosed autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs and presents with a wide range of symptoms-ranging from fatigue and joint pain to life-threatening organ damage. One of its most visible and diagnostically significant indicators is the Butterfly Malar Rash (BMR), a distinctive facial rash that often resembles other common dermatological conditions like rosacea, acne, eczema, and fifth disease. This overlap can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed detection, especially in busy clinical environments. To assist dermatologists in distinguishing BMR from similar facial rashes, this study explores the development of an AI-powered image classification …

Environmental Monitoring Plan: For Work To Be Performed: July 1, 2024, Through June 30, 2025, Tennessee. Department Of Environment And Conservation.

Environmental Monitoring Plans

The Tennessee Department of Enviornment and Conservation, Division of Remediation, Oak Ridge (TDEC DoR-OR), provides the annual Fiscal Year 2025 EMP for the period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. This report is submitted as a comprehensive plan for TDEC DoR-OR monitoring and assessment activities across the Oak Ridge Reservation, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, (ORR) in accordance with terms of both the Environmental Surveillance and Oversight Agreement (ESOA), as well as in support of activities being conducted under the Federal Facilities Agreement (FFA).

Understanding The Effect Of Restorative Leadership Development In Parent Or Caregiver Differentiation Of Self In Chronically Conflicted Family Systems Experiencing Chronic Absenteeism/Truancy, Lisa J. Welter

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to understand the effectiveness of restorative leadership development and coaching in parent or caregiver differentiation of self in chronically conflicted family systems experiencing chronic absenteeism or truancy. This mixed method study employed a program evaluation approach that examines parent pre- and post-survey results after engaging with The Parent Line over nine weeks. A third-party statistician collected and analyzed the data to provide research transparency. The research includes a review of the biblical book of Genesis 37-50 examining Joseph's attributes towards differentiation of self in a chronically anxious family system and a literature review that examined the parental …

Insights Into Female Urinary Microbiota Through Long-Read 16s Rrna Sequencing, Jerrin John

Dissertations

The human urinary microbiome—once thought to be sterile—is now recognized as a dynamic, low-biomass microbial community with potential implications for urinary tract health. Conventional short-read 16S rRNA gene sequencing targeting individual variable regions often lacks the taxonomic resolution needed to distinguish closely related species, while culture-based methods may miss fastidious or low-abundance taxa. We applied full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing across all nine variable regions to daily urine samples collected from asymptomatic premenopausal female participants. Sequence data were processed with a modified DADA2 pipeline optimized for long reads to generate exact sequence variants. We compared species-level community profiles against both …