Digital Commons Network^™

Snapshots Of Coastal Ecology Using Multiproxy Analysis Reveals Insights Into The Preservation Of Swamp And Marsh Environments Since The Late Pleistocene, Kendall Fontenot, Kristine L. Delong, Brian A. Schubert, Sophie Warny, Davin J. Wallace, Carrie M. Miller, Erin Culver-Miller, Michael J. Polito, Carl A. Reese, Kathryn Garretson, Kehui Xu, Grant L. Harley, Jeffrey Obelcz, Kelli L. Moran, Julian Traphagan, Douglas Jones, Alicia Caporaso

Faculty Publications

The southeastern United States Coastal Plain ecosystem contains baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) swamps and grass-dominated marshes. These ecosystems also occurred on the exposed continental shelf during lower sea levels but are rarely preserved due to the mechanically erosive nature of transgression and regression. Two presently marine sites on the northeastern Gulf of Mexico's continental shelf contain well-preserved woody terrestrial sediments that were the subject of previous studies. This study continues the investigation using geochemical (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) and palynological characteristics of these formerly terrestrial sediments to determine if swamps and/or marshes existed at the time of deposition. The first site is …

Navigating Technological Change And The Landscape Of Work: Past, Present, And The Future, Alexandra Lucille Y. Navarez

Angelo King Institute for Economic and Business Studies (AKI)

No abstract provided.

How People Prompt Generative Ai To Create Interactive Vr Scenes, Setareh Aghel Manesh, Tianyi Zhang, Yuki Onishi, Kotaro Hara, Scott Bateman, Jiannan Li, Anthony Tang

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Generative AI tools can provide people with the ability to create virtual environments and scenes with natural language prompts. Yet, how people will formulate such prompts is unclear---particularly when they inhabit the environment that they are designing. For instance, it is likely that a person might say, "Put a chair here,'' while pointing at a location. If such linguistic and embodied features are common to people's prompts, we need to tune models to accommodate them. In this work, we present a Wizard of Oz elicitation study with 22 participants, where we studied people's implicit expectations when verbally prompting such programming …

The Information Content Of Financial Statement Fraud Risk: An Ensemble Learning Approach, Wei Duan, Nan Hu, Fujing Xue

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

This study aims to assess the financial statement fraud risk ex ante and empirically explore its information content to help improve decision-making and daily operations. We propose an ex-ante fraud risk index by adopting an ensemble learning approach and a theoretically grounded framework. Our ensemble learning model systematically examines the fraud process and deals effectively with the unique challenges in the financial fraud setting, which yields superior prediction performance. More importantly, we empirically examine the information content of our estimated ex-ante fraud risk from the perspective of operational efficiency. Our empirical results find that the estimated ex-ante fraud risk is …

Final 2024 Residential Metals Abatement Program (Rmap) Park Soil Sampling Field Sampling Plan (Fsp) Submittal #14 [Silver Bow Homes Park, Butte Koa, Fairmont Rv Park, And Cccs Gymnasium], Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Final 2024 Residential Metals Abatement Program (Rmap) Park Soil Sampling Field Sampling Plan (Fsp) Submittal #13 [Copper Mountain Park], Mike Mcanulty

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Final 2024 Residential Metals Abatement Program (Rmap) Mandan Park Soil Remedial Action Work Plan (Rawp), Mike Mcanulty

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Draft Final Bpsou Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Belle Of Butte (Bres No. 8 & Ur-39) Remedial Action Work Plan (Rawp), Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Archaeoentomology: Arthropods And Humans, Current Works In Archaeoentomology, Paz Vigil

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

This paper presents a brief literature review, exploring human and insect interaction, and how such research aids the ongoing construction of the archaeological and entomological record. This field, a combined subset of both entomology and archaeology, is both complex and rich as well as young and still growing. This literature review is not meant to be an exhaustive or comprehensive exploration of this subject, but it will serve as part of a foundation for those interested in the topic or wanting to conduct further exploratory study in this field. The intent is to highlight the practical applications of Archaeoentomology, using …

Resources In Northeast Nebraska's Waste Could Power The Future, Reese Vanosdel, Emma Kurtz, Tyler Knaak

Project Energy Nebraska: Student Projects

Environmental Engagement in the Community projects, summer 2024

A poster titled Resources in Northeast Nebraska's Waste Could Power the Future for clients City of Norfolk, Nebraska (Steven Rames) and City of Wayne, Nebraska (Wes Blecke and Sandy Brown).

Advisor: David Gosselin

Jul. 1, 2024, Ert, Draft External Review Of Panel Toolkit, Ert

World Bank Inspection Panel 1994-Present

No abstract provided.

Screening For Insider Threats In Us Law Enforcement: A National Sample Of Department Policies And Practices State Of Practice Guide, Erin M. Kearns, Sadaf Hashimi, Jessica Huff, Justin Nix, Natalie Cotton

Reports, Projects, and Research

For decades, violent extremist groups in the U.S. have encouraged their members to infiltrate law enforcement agencies. While there are anecdotal examples of insider threats in law enforcement, we do not have a systematic understanding of whether these are isolated incidents or indicative of a more pervasive issue. To address this gap, the current project took a multi-method approach to examining department-level policies and procedures around screening and hiring.

The State of Practice Report is the major deliverable from this grant focused on multi-pronged formative research on insider threats in U.S. law enforcement. Broadly, we were interested in the extent …

Sex Differences In Spontaneous Respiratory Recovery In Chronic Hemisection, Taylor C. Holmes, Nicole M. Popp, Carley F. Hintz, Isabell Dobrzycki, Carolyn J. Schmitz, Kaylyn A. Schwichtenberg, Elisa J. Gonzalez-Rothi, Christopher W. Sundberg, Kristi A. Streeter

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Respiratory deficits after C2 hemisection (C2Hx) have been well documented through single-sex investigations. Although ovarian sex hormones enable enhanced respiratory recovery observed in females 2 wk post-C2Hx, it remains unknown if sex impacts spontaneous respiratory recovery at chronic time points. We conducted a longitudinal study to provide a comprehensive sex-based characterization of respiratory neuromuscular recovery for 8 wk after C2Hx. We recorded ventilation and chronic diaphragm electromyography (EMG) output in awake, behaving animals, phrenic motor output in anesthetized animals, and performed diaphragm muscle histology in chronically injured male and female rodents. Our results show that females expressed a greater recovery …

Noninvasive Estimation Of Skeletal Muscle Oxygen Consumption Rate And Microvascular Reactivity In Chronic Stroke Survivors Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, Allison S. Hyngstrom, Jennifer N. Nguyen, David D. Gutterman, Brian D. Schmit, Emilie A. Klevenow, Matthew J. Durand

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Understanding post-stroke changes in skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism and microvascular reactivity could help create therapeutic targets that optimize rehabilitative interventions. Due to disuse atrophy, we hypothesized that basal muscle oxygen consumption rate and microvascular endothelial function would be impaired in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of the affected leg of chronic stroke survivors compared with the nonaffected leg and versus matched controls. Fifteen chronic stroke survivors (10 females) and 15 matched controls (9 females) completed this study. A near-infrared spectroscopy oximeter measured tissue oxygen saturation (StO₂) of the TA in both legs of stroke survivors and the dominant …

Reduced Oxygen Desaturation In The Vastus Lateralis Of Chronic Stroke Survivors During Graded Muscle Contractions, Allison S. Hyngstrom, Jennifer N. Nguyen, Spencer A. Murphy, Stephanie C. Raab, Brian D. Schmit, David D. Gutterman, Matthew J. Durand

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Few studies have examined changes in skeletal muscle physiology post-stroke. This study examined changes in tissue oxygen saturation (StO₂) of the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle of stroke survivors and age-matched control participants during maximal and submaximal isometric contractions of the knee extensor muscles.

Objectives

We hypothesized that tissue oxygen desaturation (ΔStO₂) during knee extensor muscle contractions would be less in the VL in the paretic vs. the non-paretic and control legs.

Methods

Ten chronic stroke survivors (>6 months post-stroke) with lower extremity muscle weakness and 10 age-matched controls completed this prospective cohort study. Maximum …

The Social Influence Network Model Of Performance Expectations, Jingwen Zhong

Theses and Dissertations

Disagreement among group members on each other’s status and competence has been found to negatively impact group performance. However, in theories, it is oftentimes assumed that group members have common perceptions of each other’s competence, or in other words, have a consensus on performance expectations. Recognizing the importance of disagreement on performance expectations, in this dissertation I argue that individuals are subject to the self-serving bias and can develop different performance expectations based on the same status information. The results of an online experiment show that individuals tend to think highly of themselves in both status-homogeneous and status-heterogenous situations, and …

Reimagining Utopia In Post-Utopian China: Chinese Science Fiction And The Reinvention Of Cultural Tradition, Dan Luo

Theses and Dissertations

Despite the end of China’s socialist dream in the late 1970s, utopian expressions about the nation’s rise and progress have continued to emerge in official and popular imaginaries. These expressions find an outlet in the newly popularized sci-fi genre, and especially in literary experiments that evoke cultural resources ranging from premodern and early modern historical and literary records of scientific achievements to figures, tropes, and myths in classical tales, vernacular novels, and ethnic traditions. These experiments at times validate and support, and at times challenge and subvert the nationalist, progressive, and utopian narratives of the state. This dissertation investigates the …

Sexual Quality Of Life In Sexual And Gender Minority Women After Cancer, Heather Schneider Miles

Theses and Dissertations

Sexual quality of life (SQoL) is a critical aspect of well-being, encompassing physical, emotional, and social dimensions. For sexual and gender minority women (SGMW)—lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer—cancer presents unique challenges. This dissertation examined the relationships between cancer treatment symptoms, social support, and communication with the cancer care team (CCT) on SQoL among SGMW survivors of breast, gynecological, and colorectal cancers. Quantitative data from 37 participants were collected using PROMIS® measures, assessing demographics, treatment history, post-treatment symptoms, perceived social support, and communication with the CCT. Additionally, in-depth interviews with five participants provided qualitative insights into their experiences and the meaning …

"Ain’T No Slump...I Just Ain’T Hittin’": Investigating Psychological Momentum And Loss Aversion In Major League Baseball, Josephine Matalone

Theses and Dissertations

Throughout the history of America’s pastime, it has long been concluded among fans, athletes, and coaches alike that momentum is a key element necessary should one want to win when it counts. However, this issue of “hot hand” existence in the context of baseball has been largely glazed over since the canon of literature on the topic was initiated, and even more so has the concept of a “cold hand.” This study seeks to make a novel contribution by exploring streaks in professional baseball. Using 10-years’ worth of regular season MLB data between 2012 and 2021, a comparative analysis of …

Light Em' Up, Lorna Renee Young

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis I will document and explore my process from researching the show to putting it on stage. Theatre is different from concert lighting which I have experience in but lighting in a theatre capacity is still new and through every show I was able to learn something new. Through this program I have learned how to successfully take a script from the paperwork to the stage.

Development Of A Large Format Additive Manufacturing System Based On An Off-The-Self Pellet Extruder, Aywan Das

Theses and Dissertations

Large Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM), or Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM), was introduced to resolve the limitations of the low deposition rate, low scalability, and therefore long print times, of traditional 3D printing methods when applied to the manufacturing of large structures and tooling. LFAM can be used to overcome the high conventional tooling costs of large structures. However, even with robotic setups, LFAM still mainly relies on quasi-planar, 2.5D printing strategies. This fails to reap the advantages of multi-axis printing, such as improved adhesion, reduced support material use, and the ability to create complex curved surfaces. In this research, …

Optimization Of A Nanotechnology-Based System For The Treatment Of Electroplating Wastewater, Madeleine Mary Meyer

Theses and Dissertations

To protect humans and the environment, human actions that may expose living organisms to toxic metals are heavily regulated in developed countries. The use and production of toxicants in commercial applications is tightly controlled in the United States of America by federal and state laws. Due to this fact, United States manufacturing companies are required to control the amount of regulated toxicants that leave their facilities. Toxic metals in wastewater are heavily regulated by federal and state law, with manufacturing facilities permitted individually for the concentrations of metals they are allowed to discharge via their wastewater. From previous research conducted …

Interface Between Sensorimotor Dynamics And Trunk-Hip Movement Control: Implications For Movement Assessment In Low Back Pain, John Ryan Gilliam

Theses and Dissertations

Low back pain is the leading cause of activity limitation and work absence and results in billions of dollars in healthcare expenditures. Impaired trunk-hip movement control is associated with the development of back pain and the persistence of symptoms. Theories suggest a causal relationship between altered sensorimotor dynamics, including altered afferent somatosensory information from the periphery and neuroplastic central nervous system adaptations, and impaired trunk-hip movement patterns. We characterized trunk-hip movement patterns and their associated sensorimotor brain dynamics in people with and without chronic low back pain (cLBP). Supine, atop an instrumented system, 48 individuals with cLBP and 37 healthy …

An Examination Of Self-Identity In Relation To Smoking And Vaping In South Carolina, Jaron Hoani King

Theses and Dissertations

BACKGROUND

This dissertation examines self-identity in the context of smoking and vaping among adults in South Carolina (SC) using data from the 2023 SC Adult Tobacco Survey (n=1370). The conceptual model created to guide this dissertation is called the “Smoker and Vaper Behavior-Identity Model” and draws constructs from theoretical frameworks in health behavior and social identity theories. Behavior was defined as lifetime and past 30 day cigarette or e-cigarette use. Self-identity was defined by asking respondents with a history of cigarette or e-cigarette use “Do you consider yourself a smoker/vaper”, respectively.

METHODS

First, this study assesses the prevalence of mismatching …

Multidimensional Simulation Of Cool Diffusion Flame, Ejaz Ahmed

Theses and Dissertations

Understanding the behavior of spherical cool diffusion flames in microgravity conditions is crucial for advancing combustion research. This knowledge has significant implications for both fundamental science and practical applications, such as spacecraft fire safety and the development of advanced, high-efficiency engines that benefit from low-temperature chemistry. Spherical cool diffusion flames are typically characterized by peak temperatures between 500 and 1000K and are often followed by the radiative extinction of a hot flame. Some low-temperature ignitions can sustain indefinitely at around 700K, leading to chain-branching pathways that produce intermediate species such as C2H4, H2O2, HO2, CH2O, CH3O, and HCO. In some …

Sleep Quality And Quantity Assessment Among African American Survivors Of Lung Cancer With And Without Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Copd), Amanda Rae Myhren Dyer

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Improving the quality of life of survivors of early-stage lung cancer (NSCLC, Stages I - IIIa) requires attention to persistent, burdensome symptoms, including sleep disturbances. While research exists regarding sleep quality, sleep quantity, and sleep disturbances in cancer survivors, minimal research targets this minority survivor population. The purpose of this study was to measure and assess sleep quality, sleep quantity, and sleep disturbances among African American survivors of lung cancer. Based on the Symptom Management Theory, our comprehensive assessment focuses on a racial minority group and multiple diagnostic groups (COPD vs. No COPD). Methods: This two-group, cross-sectional, descriptive study …

Humanizing Healthcare: Supporting Lgbtq+ Healthcare Professionals And Trainees, Atticus Wolfe

Theses and Dissertations

The public perception of the healthcare profession has been shifting in recent years largely attributed to the rise of scientific and medical skepticism impacting perceptions of the value of healthcare professionals and care itself (Goddard & Patel 2021). While healthcare professions remain associated with higher public value, healthcare professionals and trainees are expected to adhere to rigid expectations of medical professionalism that may contradict other aspects of their identities. LGBTQ+ identity in particular may pose conflicts to the expectations of healthcare professionalism, contributing to lower self-perceived value for LGBTQ+ healthcare professionals and trainees compared to non-LGBTQ+ healthcare professionals and trainees …

Understanding Stressors, Coping Strategies, And Physical Activity Among African American Women Using Ecological Momentary Assessment, Asia Brown

Theses and Dissertations

Psychological stress is a normal part of the human experience and can be adaptive in certain contexts. However, chronic, cumulative, or uncontrollable stressors, such as those associated with living in poverty or being a member of a marginalized group, contribute to pervasive inequities among African American women including lower rates of physical activity. Given the social and political forces that continue to shape inequities, and which have exacerbated Covid-19’s impact on African Americans, it is important to gain a better understanding of how this population is experiencing and coping with current stressors, many of which are embedded within the social …

Leaf Development In The Reproductive Phase Of Arabidopsis: Investigating The Mechanics Of Cauline Leaf Identity And Bract Suppression, Darren Paul Manuela

Theses and Dissertations

Leaves in the reproductive phase subtend inflorescences or flowers and exhibit diverse morphological modifications specialized for reproductive success, such as attracting pollinators, protecting flowers/fruit, and photosynthesis. Using the model organism Arabidopsis, we investigated the development of these specialized leaves. In Arabidopsis, uniquely shaped cauline leaves subtend inflorescences, protect young floral buds and exhibit increased photosynthetic activity crucial for seed production. As form affects function, we analyzed gene expression patterns by RT-qPCR and GUS reporter genes in cauline leaves and examined mutant phenotypes with defective cauline leaf morphology. Our results reveal that redundant miR156-targeted SPLs function to promote cauline leaf identity …

Accelerating Numerical Modeling And Optimization Of Structural Mechanical Systems, Fatemeh Hashemian

Theses and Dissertations

This research proposal presents Bayesian optimization and reduced order modeling methods to accelerate numerical analysis and design of structure mechanical system. First, a holistic framework of Bayesian optimization (BO) based on parameterized numerical models and genetic algorithm-guided adaptive sampling is developed to automate and accelerate the design of a front-loading washing machine. The research aims to address challenges associated with the model parameterization and global optimization and design. A multibody dynamics model of the washing machine incorporating a set of 9 key design variables is developed. The design variables are implemented to enable automated modifications of the dynamics model for …