Digital Commons Network^™

Unwritten Rules: Black Utahns’ Experience With De Facto Segregation In Utah, 1940-1965, Jasmine Mercedes Lowe

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This thesis examines life in Utah during the Jim Crow era, utilizing oral history interviews with African Americans who lived in the state between 1940 and 1965. The interviewees selected for this project describe their personal experiences with housing, employment, public spaces, medical assistance, and education discrimination.

Setting Salinity Water-Quality Standards Protective Of Aquatic Life: Insights From Analyses Of The Effects Of Salinity On Stream Insects, Katlyn M. Gardner

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Freshwater ecosystems are becoming saltier due to human activities like agriculture, urbanization, and resource extraction. This change in salinity is important because we know very little of how stream salinity affects aquatic insects at natural concentrations, much less at elevated concentrations. Increases in salinity may harm aquatic macroinvertebrates, which play important roles in stream food webs and are widely used as indicators of ecosystem health. Understanding how salinity affects aquatic insect growth, survival, and distribution is critical for developing effective criteria protective of aquatic life, but existing methods often rely on field surveys where multiple environmental factors covary, making it …

Soil Health On Utah's Farms And Ranches, Jenae Dean

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The term soil health has gained popularity in agriculture due to prolonged droughts, rising food costs, and the growing public concern for sustainable and organic practices. Soil health practices can offer solutions to all of these pressures. This thesis provides Utah's farmers and ranchers with quantifiable data on implementing soil health practices in Utah's unique climate. It presents the first two years of on-farm trial results on yield and quality after implementing various soil health practices on five categories of crops: corn, mixed hay, alfalfa, produce, and dryland grain. Over a two-year period, none of the soil health practices resulted …

Temperature Effects On Fruit Doubling And Bloom Prediction In Tart Cherry, Josette M. Moon

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Tart cherry (Prunus cerasus) is a key horticultural crop in Utah. Extreme summer heat and cold weather in late spring are challenges to tart cherry production causing economic losses. These problematic weather conditions are influenced by the local landscape and are exacerbated by changing climate. This research explores (1) the impact of summer heat stress on fruit deformities, and (2) the accuracy of temperature-based predictions of spring bud development. High temperatures and water stress after harvest are known to cause a deformity known as twin or double fruits, resulting in unmarketable fruit. This disorder has been studied in …

Optimization And Utilization Of Microbial Electrolysis Cells In Waste To Product Applications, Hayden Harrison

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

As the world searches for cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions, turning waste into fuel is an increasingly attractive strategy. This research focuses on microbial electrolysis cells, a new technology that uses bacteria and a small amount of electricity to convert organic waste—like food scraps or wastewater—into useful gases such as hydrogen and methane. These gases can be used as energy sources to reduce dependency on more traditional fuels.

This thesis tackles two key challenges that limit the real-world use of microbial electrolysis systems. First, it introduces a simpler and more effective method to stop hydrogen losses in single-chamber cells. …

Factors Influencing Cognitive Load: Exploring Affective Elements, Motivational Constructs, And Regulatory Strategies In Learning, Rebecca B. Brockbank

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

There are three separate research papers within this dissertation, each looking at specific elements of learning. The process of learning is a complex phenomenon that includes not just cognitive aspects, but also emotional and motivational aspects. During learning there is an input of information into our cognitive system (i.e., minds). When too much information is given or the information is not presented effectively, this can overload our cognitive system and negatively impact our learning. Understanding how to learn within the parameters of our cognitive system is important. However, learning is more complex than just the simple input and output of …

Balancing Native Wetland Types And Ecosystem Function Conservation In The Face Of An Aggressive Plant Invader, Aubin A. Douglas

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Wetlands provide a multitude of ecosystem services that are important to people including water filtration, flood attenuation, carbon sequestration, and recreational opportunities such as birding and hunting. Wetland plants support these services by performing important underlying ecological processes called ecosystem functions which include removing heavy metals from water and providing habitat for migratory birds. The provisioning of these functions varies through space and time, by vegetation type, and via impacts from other factors like climate and management actions. Wetland managers are responsible for maintaining these functions and services within their management complexes to align with their agency’s mandates. Unfortunately, managers …

So Much Cooler Online: Social Media Usage By Agricultural Educators In Secondary Sbae Classrooms, Saydee C. Longhurst

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Social media has become a powerful tool in education, helping teachers connect with students and share information in new ways. Agricultural educators are using platforms like Facebook and Instagram to promote agricultural literacy and engage students in an online format. This study explores how high school agriculture teachers use social media, what challenges they face, and how comfortable they are using it. Through an online survey and analysis of social media engagement data, this research highlights the benefits and personal evaluation educators have when using these platforms. The results show that while social media helps teachers share resources and connect …

Would Order-By-Order Auctions Be Competitive?, Thomas Ernst, Chester Spatt, Jian Sun

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

We model two methods of executing segregated retail orders: brokers’ routing,whereby brokers allocate orders using the market maker’s overall performance, andorder-by-order auctions, where market makers bid on individual orders, a recent U.S.Securities and Exchange Commission proposal. Order-by-order auctions improve al-locative efficiency, but face a winner’s curse reducing retail investor welfare, partic-ularly when liquidity is limited. Additional market participants competing for retailorders fail to improve total efficiency and investor welfare when entrants possess in-formation superior to incumbent wholesalers. Our results hold when new entrants are less informed or the information structure differs. We also examine the cross-subsidization of brokers’ routing.

Implementation Of Link Workers In Primary Care: Synopsis Of Findings From A Realist Evaluation, Stephanie Tierney, Geoff Wong, Debra Westlake, Amadea Turk, Steven Markham, Jordan Gorenberg, Joanne Reeve, Caroline Mitchell, Kerryn Husk, Sabi Redwood, Tony Meacock, Catherine Pope, Beccy Baird, Kamal R. Mahtani

Peninsula Medical School

Background: Social prescribing link workers formed part of the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme introduced into primary care in England from 2019. Link workers assist patients experiencing issues affecting their health and well-being that are 'non-medical' (e.g. lack of social connections, financial difficulties and housing problems). They give patients space to consider these non-medical issues and, when relevant, connect them to support, often within the voluntary-community-social-enterprise sector. We conducted an earlier realist review on the link worker role in primary care. We then carried out a realist evaluation, described in this report, to address the question: When implementing link workers in …

Microplastics And Other Plastic-Like Microdebris In Sediments From The Dart River And Estuary, Southwest England, Maia Killian, Andrew Turner

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Surficial sediment samples (n = 10) collected from a transect of a river-estuary (Dart) in southwest England have been analysed for geochemical characteristics, anthropogenic metals (Cr, Cu, Sn, Pb, Zn), and microplastics (∼50 μm–5 mm) and other microplastic-like debris. Results indicated the finest grains towards the lower river and upper estuary, a seaward increase in sedimentary Ca, and loss on ignition ranging from about 0.7 to 4 %. Anthropogenic metals were heterogeneously distributed throughout the catchment with maximum concentrations in the river or lower estuary. Microplastics were dominated by fibres, with concentrations ranging from 110 to 1800 kg−1 and composition …

High Flying Adored: How Ceo Narcissism Influences Firms’ Responses To Above-Aspiration Performance With Risky Organizational Change, Korcan Kavusan, Daniel Mack, Matthew P. Mount, Gokhan Ertug

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

Research Summary: Research on performance feedback presents conflicting views on how above-aspiration performance influences organizational change. Some studies argue that it constrains change due to a lack of organizational motivation, while others suggest that it enables change by expanding managerial discretion. Reconciling these perspectives, we suggest that managers’ narcissistic tendencies can fundamentally alter how a firm responds to above-aspiration performance. We theorize and find evidence that high-narcissism CEOs respond to above-aspiration performance with more acquisitions—attention-generating actions that align with their self-enhancement motives, while under similar conditions low-narcissism CEOs avoid acquisitions, due to their uncertainty and risk. Our findings highlight the …

Issues In Contrasting Conservative And Considered Estimation: A Reply To Bobko Et Al. (2024), Paul R. Sackett, Christopher M. Berry, Filip Lievens, Charlene Zhang

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

Bobko et al. (2024) responded to Sackett et al.'s (2022) compilation of meta-analytic evidence for the validity of a wide variety of measures used as predictors of overall job performance, offering a set of alternative methodological choices which they term “considered estimation” to counter the Sackett et al. approach of “conservative estimation.” Here we offer a rebuttal to Bobko et al. A primary concern is that Bobko et al. apply the label “conservative estimation” to the full range of methodological choices made by Sackett et al. Yet, we clarify the narrow and specific meaning of “conservative estimation,” and note that …

Muscle Biopsy Findings In Valosin-Containing Protein Multisystem Proteinopathy, Marianela Schiava, Manouela V. Valtcheva, Conrad Weihl, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Valosin Containing Protein-associated multisystem proteinopathy (VCP-MSP) is a progressive, autosomal dominant disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the VCP gene, resulting in a heterogeneous clinical presentation. Muscle biopsy findings are characteristic but not pathognomonic. This study aimed to comprehensively analyse VCP-related myopathology and explore correlations with clinical phenotypes, genetic variants, and disease progression.

METHODS: Muscle biopsy images and data were collected retrospectively from adults (≥18 years) with pathogenic or likely pathogenic VCP variants enrolled in the VCP Multicentre International Study. Biopsy data were standardized using the "Common Data Elements for Muscle Biopsy Reporting." Variations in biopsy findings …

Autism And Intellectual Disability Due To A Novel Gain-Of-Function Mutation In Ube3a, Anna M Gunelson, Kwang-Soo Kim, Connolly G Steigerwald, Devorah Segal, Nicolas J Abreu, Jason J Yi

2020-Current year OA Pubs

The loss of maternal UBE3A causes Angelman syndrome whereas its duplication is associated with a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder. Here, we describe two affected brothers who possess a novel UBE3A

Impact Of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Use Ratio On Outcomes In Patients With Aortic Valve Disease, Theodore Marghitu, Sophia H Roberts, June He, Nicholas Kouchoukos, Puja Kachroo, Harold Roberts, Ralph Damiano, Alan Zajarias, Marc Sintek, John Lasala, Alexander A Brescia, Tsuyoshi Kaneko

2020-Current year OA Pubs

OBJECTIVE: Use of the Heart Team has been the standard of care for the treatment of aortic valve disease; however, its efficacy has not been evaluated. We sought to analyze its impact using the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) use ratio (number of TAVR/total aortic valve replacement [AVR] volume) on TAVR, surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), and overall AVR outcomes.

METHODS: We analyzed all TAVRs and SAVRs sampled by the National Readmissions Database between 2016 and 2020. Hospitals were stratified into quartiles on the basis of their TAVR/AVR ratio. Centers with a ratio below the first quartile were considered "low …

Characteristics Of Responders To Interventions For Parkinson Disease: A Scoping Systematic Review, Sidney T. Baudendistel, Gammon M Earhart

2020-Current year OA Pubs

AIMS: The purpose of this review is to identify the characteristics of responders in interventions targeting motor function for individuals with Parkinson disease.

MATERIALS & METHODS: The primary search included, 'Parkinson' + 'responder.' A second, broader, search further included 'response' + 'responsiveness' + 'responsive.' Records were sorted by intervention: neuromodulation, pharmaceutical, physical, and placebo.

RESULTS: Thirteen studies were identified in the primary and 19 studies in the secondary search, culminating in 120 characteristics. For neuromodulation interventions, responders were younger at onset, more responsive to levodopa, and had more difficulties with activities of daily living. Responders to pharmaceuticals were younger at …

Impact Of Hereditary Angioedema Attacks On Health-Related Quality Of Life And Work Productivity, Maeve O'Connor, Paula J Busse, Timothy J Craig, Cristine Radojicic, H James Wedner, Sherry Danese, Julie Ulloa, Vibha Desai, Tomas Andriotti, Paul K Audhya, Sandra Christiansen

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) negatively impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Few studies have characterized impairments to HRQoL, work productivity, and well-being during and following HAE attacks.

METHODS: Patients with ≥1 HAE attack in the previous 3 months were recruited by the United States (US) HAE Association (HAEA) to complete an online survey. Respondents were categorized into those who did (Treated Cohort) and did not (Untreated Cohort) manage their last attack with on-demand treatment (OD). Adapted versions of the EuroQol-Five Dimensions-Five Levels (EQ-5D-5L), EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQ VAS), and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment-General Health assessments were used.

RESULTS: …

Do Risk Factors For Hcc Impact The Association Of Ct/Mri Lirads Major Features With Hcc? An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis, Robert G Adamo, Daniel R Ludwig, Tyler J Fraum, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

No abstract provided.

Sex-Related Variability In The Perception Of Symptoms Associated With Common Otolaryngologic Complaints, Sabrina K Wagner, Jakob L Fischer, Alvaro Navarro, Lily Trinh, Waleed M Abuzeid, Ian M Humphreys, Nadeem A Akbar, Sharan Shah, Jivianne T Lee, Tara Wu, John S Schneider, Edward D Mccoul, Charles A Riley, Anthony M Tolisano

2020-Current year OA Pubs

OBJECTIVE: To assess the differences in the symptoms associated with common otolaryngology complaints between male and female patients.

METHODS: Between June 2020 and July 2023, a multi-institutional cross-sectional study was performed at six tertiary academic otolaryngology practices using semantics-based questionnaires to assess the symptoms patients associate with the complaints of sinus infection, reflux, congestion, and dizziness. Patients selected symptoms from lists of proposed terms to describe the various conditions. The primary outcome measure was sex-related differences in respondent symptom selection.

RESULTS: Four separate questionnaires were completed by a total of 1495 patients (46.0% male, 54.0% female). Female patients more often …

Barriers And Facilitators To Accessing Healthcare For People With Parkinson's Disease In Latin America: A Qualitative Study, Christine Jeyachandran, Catherine Spooner, Ana Margarita Rodriguez Salgado, Matthew Prina, Joel Rhee, Jorge Jesus Llibre-Guerra, Dani Kim, Juan J Llibre-Rodriguez, Mark F Harris

2020-Current year OA Pubs

AIMS: The aim of the study was to identify the barriers and facilitators to healthcare access for people with Parkinson's disease (PWP) in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries (LAC) in Central and South America, to understand their drivers and consider the implications for health systems in LAC.

METHODS: Four online semi-structured focus groups were conducted with 25 PWP who provide education and/or support to PWP. The study was designed and implemented by a person with lived experience of PD. Data were mapped to an existing model of access to healthcare that incorporates provider and consumer abilities.

FINDINGS: There were multiple provider …

Genetic Diversity And Expanded Phenotypes In Dystonia: Insights From Large-Scale Exome Sequencing, Mirja Thomsen, Joel S Perlmutter, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

OBJECTIVE: Dystonia is one of the most prevalent movement disorders, characterized by significant clinical and etiological heterogeneity. Despite considerable heritability (~25%), the etiology in most patients remains elusive. Moreover, understanding correlations between clinical manifestations and genetic variants has become increasingly complex.

METHODS: Exome sequencing was conducted on 1924 genetically unsolved, mainly late-onset isolated dystonia patients, recruited primarily from two dystonia registries (DysTract and the Dystonia Coalition). Rare variants in genes previously linked to dystonia (n = 406) were examined, confirmed via Sanger sequencing, and analyzed for segregation when possible.

RESULTS: We identified 137 distinct likely pathogenic/pathogenic variants (according to ACMG …

The Role Of Expansion Joints In Long Concrete Buildings, Salah Salem, Mohamed E. El Madawy, Basem S. Abdelwahed, Mohamed E. El-Zoughiby

Mansoura Engineering Journal

The use of expansion joints in lengthy concrete buildings aims to mitigate forces induced by temperature changes and is often derived through empirical methods. These methods lack the depth needed for universal application in any building. On the other hand, adopting a no-joint strategy necessitates a thorough thermal analysis of temperature changes, a subject that has not been extensively explored in existing literature. There are no methodologies available, and the current guidelines rely on approximate calculations; thus, there is a need for clear directives on these two matters. This paper produces a procedure for performing thermal analyses of long concrete …

Interlace: A Journal Of Mathematics And Fiber Arts, Carolyn Yackel, Sarah-Marie Belcastro

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Interlace: A journal of mathematics and fiber arts is a peer-reviewed, open-access completely free journal devoted to publishing high-quality original research at the intersection of mathematics and fiber arts. The journal is now accepting submissions.

Sudoku Grids, David Sheskin

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Ten images depicting numerical grids of the mathematical logic puzzle Sudoku are presented. The digit values in each puzzle are represented on either domino tiles, postage stamps, mah-jong tiles, or playing cards.

The Unending Constant, Christopher Banyas

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

No abstract provided.

Totality Fractal, Heather L. Cook

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

This fractal was inspired by the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024. Here, the sun and the moon are represented when in totality.

Euclidean Vision (A Poem), Joseph Chaney

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

"Euclidean Vision" is a short poem that evaluates geometry from a humanistic perspective, focusing partly on its pleasures. Geometry gives us the pleasing assurance of certainty. It does this through the radical abstraction of space and form, which makes possible a completeness of mathematical vision based on axioms. It's this purity that guarantees a knowledge that "can go on forever." In the end, the poem points to the wonderful freedom that geometry and other mathematical disciplines give us in the midst of difficult and confusing lives. In its beauty and universality, geometry stands as an eternal aspect of the human …

Dream Series, Jim Wolper

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Dream Series converge to numbers we cannot analyze. They exist, like dreams, but resist attempts to put them into order.

Solving For..., Jan B. Shafer

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

This poem is about an appreciation of mathematics and its relationships to people and nature.