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Title: PARAMETRIC STUDY OF THE DERMAL TEMPERATURE PROFILES DURING CRYOLIPOLYSIS
Creator: McClintock, Dillon H.
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive clinical procedure to locally reduce adipose tissue. During the procedure, paddles that are maintained at a prescribed temperature (commonly -14 °C and 3.1 °C) are placed in good thermal contact with the skin. Cryolipolysis was inspired by panniculitis observed in a pediatric patient. The goal is to cool the adipose tissue to 10.4 °C in order to induce apoptosis in adipocytes, presumably by the crystallization of the intracellular triglycerides. The dermal cells...
Show moreCryolipolysis is a noninvasive clinical procedure to locally reduce adipose tissue. During the procedure, paddles that are maintained at a prescribed temperature (commonly -14 °C and 3.1 °C) are placed in good thermal contact with the skin. Cryolipolysis was inspired by panniculitis observed in a pediatric patient. The goal is to cool the adipose tissue to 10.4 °C in order to induce apoptosis in adipocytes, presumably by the crystallization of the intracellular triglycerides. The dermal cells between the cooled paddle and the adipocytes are colder than the adipocytes, but are less susceptible to death due to cooling. Thus, when properly administered, cryolipolysis leaves the dermis and epidermis unharmed. There are some adverse outcomes, e.g. transient neuropathy and rare adipose hyperplasia. The clinical cooling protocol has been based largely on animal experiments and subsequent clinical experience. A mathematical model could aid clinicians by providing insight into the temperature history of the tissues, potentially allowing optimization of the procedure. A model is here presented based on the Pennes bioheat transfer equation. Scaling the equation reveals two parameters in the Pennes equation: the Fourier number and a blood perfusion parameter. This scaled equation has the form of a 1D transient fin equation. Green’s function solutions were used to model the temperature profile. The model revealed that the 30 min and 60 min treatment protocols often used clinically would give similar temperature profiles. Moreover, the effect of the blood perfusion rate was more noticeable for the end temperature than for the transient temperatures. The range of thermal conductivities typical for tissue, which is largely a function of tissue hydration, had little net effect on the temperature profile. This justified the use of the one-layer model. In addition to other insights, the results showed that the -14 °C paddle cooled more of the tissue to the desired temperature than did the 3.1 °C, as would be expected. For optimizing treatments, the relationship between temperature and time required to trigger apoptosis in adipocytes needs to be quantified and coupled with the temperature model.
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Title: Muscle co-contraction during adaptation to dynamic perturbations
Creator: Krishnan Ramaraj, Praveen Prabhakar
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: In this study, participants performed center-out reaches to targets under the influence of a velocity dependent force field. They were assigned to one of two groups based on the type of perturbation: i) abrupt, and ii) gradual. The abrupt group was exposed to a force field of 20 Nm-1s whereas the gradual group was exposed to a force field that increased from 5 to 20 Nm-1s in increments of 5 Nm-1s every 52 trials. Muscle co-contraction was measured during the trials using two methods: i) Co...
Show moreIn this study, participants performed center-out reaches to targets under the influence of a velocity dependent force field. They were assigned to one of two groups based on the type of perturbation: i) abrupt, and ii) gradual. The abrupt group was exposed to a force field of 20 Nm-1s whereas the gradual group was exposed to a force field that increased from 5 to 20 Nm-1s in increments of 5 Nm-1s every 52 trials. Muscle co-contraction was measured during the trials using two methods: i) Co-contraction Index, and ii) Global EMG. Our results suggest that the gradual group displayed a tendency to co-contract more during exposure to the force field. Post-exposure, the aftereffects remained for a short period of time with the gradual group tending to co-contract more. During the later part of post-exposure, no difference was seen between the two groups. In combination with the previously analysed kinematic data these results indicate that internal model acquisition and adaptation may be facilitated by muscle co-contraction and exposure to gradual dynamic perturbations as compared to abrupt dynamic perturbations.
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Title: NEURON TO NETWORK - RESEARCH INTO OCTOPUS NEUROBIOLOGY AND LABORATORY SETUP
Creator: VanBuren, Tyler Wade
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Many developments in biomedical research have been inspired by discovering anatomical and cellular mechanisms that support specific functions in different species. The octopus is one of these exceptional animals that has given scientists new insights into the fields of neuroscience, robotics, and prosthetics. To begin research with this species of cephalopods the set-up of complex facilities and intensive care routines for both the octopus and its ecosystem is predicated on the project’s...
Show moreMany developments in biomedical research have been inspired by discovering anatomical and cellular mechanisms that support specific functions in different species. The octopus is one of these exceptional animals that has given scientists new insights into the fields of neuroscience, robotics, and prosthetics. To begin research with this species of cephalopods the set-up of complex facilities and intensive care routines for both the octopus and its ecosystem is predicated on the project’s success. After the successful deployment of this marine ecosystem, research into the neurobiology of the octopus’s limbs began with the study of provoked responses in extracellular ex vivo tissue through electrical stimulation. The preliminary results suggest that the methods employed within this study show extracellular electrophysiology data can be recorded from the tissue as well as evoke responses. Outcomes from this research assist to understand how to successfully record electrophysiological data from octopuses and effectively analyze the results to support next steps in the research. The data collected from this study will be employed for testing in vivo recording electrodes for the eventual goal of understanding how an octopus’s nervous system coordinates movement while engaging in normal behavior. This will ultimately aid in replicating its mechanisms for locally controlled movement through robotics for the use in prosthetics.
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Title: Innovative Evaluation of Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Use in Slurry Seal Applications
Creator: Ye, Hao
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Slurry seal is a surface treatment method that is used to extend the life of asphalt pavements. By sealing the surface from environmental effects (e.g., water penetration and ultraviolet light etc.), slurry seal retards aging (embrittlement) and prevents raveling. Slurry seal is a mixture of Aggregate/Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), Asphalt Emulsion and Mineral fillers. To evaluate the potential performance of a slurry seal mixture, multiple traditional tests are conducted, such as Mix Time...
Show moreSlurry seal is a surface treatment method that is used to extend the life of asphalt pavements. By sealing the surface from environmental effects (e.g., water penetration and ultraviolet light etc.), slurry seal retards aging (embrittlement) and prevents raveling. Slurry seal is a mixture of Aggregate/Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), Asphalt Emulsion and Mineral fillers. To evaluate the potential performance of a slurry seal mixture, multiple traditional tests are conducted, such as Mix Time Test, Cohesion Test, Consistency Test, Wet Stripping Test, Wet Track Abrasion Test (WTAT), Sand Adhesion Test and Classification Compatibility Test. These tests are typically run to determine a slurry seal mixture formula (mixture design). In this study, a comprehensive experimental program was undertaken to compare the performances of slurry seal mixtures made with 100% RAP (Recycled Asphalt Pavement) and virgin (VG) aggregates. The tests included traditional tests such as residual binder content, mix time, cohesion, consistency, wet-abrasion, wet-stripping, integrity/compatibility tests. In addition, two new testing protocols were introduced to assess the abrasion, raveling and rutting resistance of the slurry seal mixtures using the Hamburg Wheel Tracking (HWT) device. It was observed that the slurry seals made with 100% RAP generally performed as good as or better than the slurry seals made with virgin aggregates.
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Title: Exploring the potential of the biological control agent Hypena opulenta (Christoph) (Lepidoptera : Erebidae) at controlling invasive swallow-wort vines in Michigan and its indirect effects on monarch butterflies
Creator: Alred, Brianna Joy
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: This thesis focuses on swallow-wort, an invasive vine related to milkweeds, and the potential of Hypena opulenta for providing biological control in Michigan, as well as the indirect effects that the introduction of H. opulenta may have on the monarch butterfly. The first chapter covers the background of swallow-wort in its invasive range and outlines previous research done with H. opulenta in the United States and Canada.In the second chapter, the impact and the phenology of H. opulenta on...
Show moreThis thesis focuses on swallow-wort, an invasive vine related to milkweeds, and the potential of Hypena opulenta for providing biological control in Michigan, as well as the indirect effects that the introduction of H. opulenta may have on the monarch butterfly. The first chapter covers the background of swallow-wort in its invasive range and outlines previous research done with H. opulenta in the United States and Canada.In the second chapter, the impact and the phenology of H. opulenta on black swallow-worts in Michigan is examined in common garden experiments. Swallow-wort survival and reproductive output are measured and compared when different adult densities are released in one study. The second study assessed the phenology of H. opulenta when releases took place at different dates either in sunny or shaded sites. In southern Michigan, H. opulenta is found to produce two generations per season, though overwintering could not be confirmed. Damage caused by larval feeding was higher in the shade but was not enough to reduce plant fitness regardless of release size or light availability. Swallow-worts can serve as oviposition sinks for monarchs, however, the presence of H. opulenta larvae may serve as an oviposition deterrent. Examination of the indirect effects of H. opulenta on monarch butterflies in the third chapter found no evidence that H. opulenta deters monarch oviposition. In addition, the utilization of swallow-wort by wild monarch butterflies as an oviposition host in Michigan was confirmed.
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Title: “IN A NEW NORMAL SITUATION, A NEW APPROACH” : MID-PANDEMIC EFL TEACHER PERSPECTIVES ON IMPLEMENTING TASK-BASED LANGUAGE TEACHING IN EAP COURSES
Creator: Siddiqui, Tamoha Binte
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Scarce research exists with regards to TBLT implementation in EAP courses, especially those courses held in EFL settings. Hence, this study explores the extent to which EAP teachers from an EFL country, Bangladesh, hold beliefs that align with core TBLT principles, as well as their levels of receptiveness to using tasks in the classroom. In this mixed methods study, data was collected from 30 tertiary-level EAP teachers in Bangladesh using a questionnaire survey and follow-up interviews. A...
Show moreScarce research exists with regards to TBLT implementation in EAP courses, especially those courses held in EFL settings. Hence, this study explores the extent to which EAP teachers from an EFL country, Bangladesh, hold beliefs that align with core TBLT principles, as well as their levels of receptiveness to using tasks in the classroom. In this mixed methods study, data was collected from 30 tertiary-level EAP teachers in Bangladesh using a questionnaire survey and follow-up interviews. A convergent mixed methods analysis was used to triangulate the data and verify the findings. Results showed that participants agreed with core TBLT principles from a moderate to high level, and consistently favored use of tasks over traditional activities. Moreover, teacher beliefs and practices seem to have become further aligned with core TBLT tenets in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shift to online teaching. I conclude the study by highlighting a number of implications for EFL teaching contexts. Additionally, I suggest that teacher and student autonomy need to be nurtured not only during curriculum development and implementation, but also in theoretical and research design.
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Title: ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING FOR RAPID PROTOTYPING OF MM-WAVE CIRCUITS
Creator: Crump, Cameron Austin
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Additive manufacturing (AM) has recently attracted significant interest to meet the need of nextgeneration of wireless systems, and the growing demand for customization and rapid prototyping of electronic systems. In addition, AM is being investigated to supplement and in some cases replace traditional microelectronic fabrication techniques. This is to lessen the ecological impact of electronics manufacturing as well as to reduce cleanroom facility costs. This research work focuses on the use...
Show moreAdditive manufacturing (AM) has recently attracted significant interest to meet the need of nextgeneration of wireless systems, and the growing demand for customization and rapid prototyping of electronic systems. In addition, AM is being investigated to supplement and in some cases replace traditional microelectronic fabrication techniques. This is to lessen the ecological impact of electronics manufacturing as well as to reduce cleanroom facility costs. This research work focuses on the use of AM for the design and fabrication of microwave and millimeter wave components and systems, leading to heterogeneous integration. For systems integration, two major challenges to tackle are: (1) rapid printing of conductive regions with high precision and high conductivity; (2) selective deposition of dielectrics with varying geometries surrounding active and passive components. In this work, printing of both conductors and dielectrics was carried out using aerosol jet printing (AJP). AJP allows for high resolution printing (~10 μm) at a large standoff distance (~10 mm). Silver (Ag) based inks were investigated to achieve high conductivity and polymers (benzocyclobutene, BCB and Polyimide, PI) as low-loss dielectric materials.
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Title: The effect of alcoholic solutions on the thermo-mechanical properties of poly (lactic acid)
Creator: Xu, Dian
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: The effects of aqueous and deuterium oxide solutions of straight-chain alcohols with one to four carbon atoms on the thermo-mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid) – PLA – films were assessed by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The glass transition temperature (Tg) of PLA films immersed in 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% (v/v) alcoholic solutions were compared with the Tg’s of films immersed in 100% HPLC water and deuterium oxide. The Tg’s of PLA films immersed in methanol and ethanol (one to...
Show moreThe effects of aqueous and deuterium oxide solutions of straight-chain alcohols with one to four carbon atoms on the thermo-mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid) – PLA – films were assessed by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The glass transition temperature (Tg) of PLA films immersed in 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% (v/v) alcoholic solutions were compared with the Tg’s of films immersed in 100% HPLC water and deuterium oxide. The Tg’s of PLA films immersed in methanol and ethanol (one to two carbon atoms) aqueous solutions decreased as the concentration of the alcohol solutions increased. For methanol and ethanol, the Tg’s decreased by 8.6 °C and 7.6 °C per every 25% (v/v) increase of alcohol, respectively. When the PLA films were immersed in alcohol solutions with three to four carbon atoms, the Tg’s reduced until 75% (v/v). Tg’s of PLA films immersed in 1-propanol and 2-propanol decreased by 8.6 °C and 8.9 °C for every 25% increase of propanol, respectively. Aqueous and deuterium oxide solutions had similar effects on Tg. The sorption amount of ethanol in PLA films at 40 °C was measured by quantitative proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-qNMR). PLA films experienced the most significant sorption amount of ethanol (9.16%) at 4 h of immersion. The crystallinity (Xc) of PLA immersed in ethanol in the first 12 h, was less than 3%. When the time reached 24 h, the Xc exceeded 20%, and after 48 h stabilized at about 30% meanwhile the ethanol sorption stabilized at around 5%. The results of this work help in the development of PLA films needed to be in contact with aqueous-alcoholic solutions.
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Title: UNDERSTANDING THE ROLES OF INTERKINGDOM MICROBIAL INTERACTIONS, MICROBIAL TRAITS, AND HOST FACTORS IN THE ASSEMBLY OF PLANT MICROBIOMES
Creator: Liber, Julian Aaron
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: The community of organisms that associate with plants are vital to both the survival of the host plant but also the diseases which may kill it. The processes by which this community, called the microbiome, assemble and function can contribute to the traits of the host, including plants that humans rely on for food, resources, and ecosystems services. This thesis focuses on understanding the assembly of microbiomes at the scale of microbe-microbe interactions and traits of individual microbes,...
Show moreThe community of organisms that associate with plants are vital to both the survival of the host plant but also the diseases which may kill it. The processes by which this community, called the microbiome, assemble and function can contribute to the traits of the host, including plants that humans rely on for food, resources, and ecosystems services. This thesis focuses on understanding the assembly of microbiomes at the scale of microbe-microbe interactions and traits of individual microbes, as well as how characters of the host may change this process. I first address this by examining the in vitro and in planta interactions within small synthetic communities of root-inhabiting bacteria and fungi and with the plant host and viral disease of the host. While intermicrobial interactions in vitro were not predictive of in planta interactions, adding host disease or additional organisms to the system altered the assembly process. I then show the development and applications of the CONSTAX2 classifier, a taxonomic assignment tool for metabarcoding studies, which offers improved accuracy and ease of use for conducting metabarcoding studies exploring the diversity and structure of microbial communities. Last, I present a study testing which factors affected the composition of forest fungal communities to understand the ecology of litter-inhabiting fungi and improve methodologies for sampling leaf-associated fungal communities. The factors affecting the assembly of plant microbiomes are complex and varied but connecting individual interactions to community composition and ultimately function may improve our abilities to predict and manage microbiome processes.
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Title: EFFECTS OF NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES ON DRY MATTER AND GRAIN YIELD OF SOYBEAN AND DRY BEAN CROPPING SYSTEMS
Creator: Terwillegar, Christian Raymond
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Increases in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) grain yield can be partially attributed to greater total dry matter (TDM) accumulation, but the relationship between dry matter (DM) accumulation and nutrient uptake across irrigated and non-irrigated conditions remains uncertain. Two multi-year trials investigated soybean dry matter and nutrient accumulation and partitioning, grain yield, and net economic return across multiple seeding rates and fertilizer strategies. The 148,000 seeds ha-1 rate...
Show moreIncreases in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) grain yield can be partially attributed to greater total dry matter (TDM) accumulation, but the relationship between dry matter (DM) accumulation and nutrient uptake across irrigated and non-irrigated conditions remains uncertain. Two multi-year trials investigated soybean dry matter and nutrient accumulation and partitioning, grain yield, and net economic return across multiple seeding rates and fertilizer strategies. The 148,000 seeds ha-1 rate significantly decreased yield in two of four site-years but no differences occurred at the remaining two site-years. Fertilizer strategies did not interact with seeding rate to influence grain yield across all site-years. When contemplating fertilizer application strategies, soil test values should still be the first factor considered. Greater grain yield potential from improved dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties coupled with potential decreases in soil sulfur (S) supply may have affected the likelihood of a grain yield response to nitrogen (N) and sulfur application. Three multi-year trials were established in Michigan to evaluate nitrogen rate, sulfur rate, and sulfur source on dry bean growth and grain yield. Nitrogen and S application including S source did not improve grain yield or interact with variety to affect grain yield across site-years. Other factors including plant nodulation, biomass, and residual nitrate after harvest were affected by N or S treatments. Nutrient application, especially N, may still be required but in nominal quantities to account for the variable June planting conditions of this shorter-season cropping system. Sulfur applications may be better suited for more N-responsive crops within the dry bean cropping rotation.
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Title: COMMUNAL COPING DURING STRESSFUL TIMES : STRESS CHARACTERISTICS AND SOCIAL NETWORK AS ANTECEDENTS IN THE EXTENDED THEORETICAL MODEL OF COMMUNAL COPING
Creator: Zhang, Yue
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Stressors are events in one’s surroundings that may generate stress. People experienced exacerbated stress, especially, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instinctively, people engaged in different coping patterns to handle threatening situations. As one of the coping mechanisms, communal coping is defined as the shared appraisal and joint action towards a stressor (Afifi et al., 2020). The benefits of communal coping have been examined in different contexts. However, few studies have tested...
Show moreStressors are events in one’s surroundings that may generate stress. People experienced exacerbated stress, especially, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instinctively, people engaged in different coping patterns to handle threatening situations. As one of the coping mechanisms, communal coping is defined as the shared appraisal and joint action towards a stressor (Afifi et al., 2020). The benefits of communal coping have been examined in different contexts. However, few studies have tested communal coping in the context of the social network. Therefore, this study aimed to a) expand communal coping to the context of the social network, b) examine the effects of stress characteristics and social network structures on communal coping, and c) test the influences of communal coping on individuals’ resilience and thriving. The results indicated that the presence of a spouse or an intimate partner and community participation played vital roles in the formation of communal coping. Moreover, communal coping at the network layer was significantly positively related to one’s resilience and thriving.
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Title: Cross-Cultural Comparison of Public Attitudes and Adverse Impact of Stuttering
Creator: Wozniak, Angelica
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore potential links between public perceptions ofstuttering and the adverse impact of these perceptions on the experiences of individuals who stutter. This was completed by analyzing data from a demographic survey, the Public Opinion Survey of Human Attributes (POSHA), the Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering (OASES), and the Stuttering Perception Scale (4S). Data was collected from the United States and Australia. Methods:...
Show morePurpose: The purpose of this study was to explore potential links between public perceptions ofstuttering and the adverse impact of these perceptions on the experiences of individuals who stutter. This was completed by analyzing data from a demographic survey, the Public Opinion Survey of Human Attributes (POSHA), the Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering (OASES), and the Stuttering Perception Scale (4S). Data was collected from the United States and Australia. Methods: This was a qualitative study that involved 24 people who stutter from the United States and 22 people who stutter from Australia, as well as 45 people who do not stutter from the United States and 48 people who do not stutter from Australia (aged 18+) who were recruited via research registries, personal contacts, stuttering associations, and by word of mouth. A descriptive analysis was completed using the student’s t-test, the Chi Square test, and percentage ‘yes’ to determine the presence of significant differences in the data. Results: No significant differences were found regarding adverse impact and self-stigma between respondents from the United States and Australia. No significant differences were also found regarding public perceptions of stuttering between respondents from the United States and Australia. Conclusions: The following results can be interpreted as indicating that there are minimal differences cross-culturally for adverse impact and self-stigma in respondents who stutter, as well as minimal differences cross-culturally for public perceptions of stuttering in respondents who do not stutter.
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Title: Grouping Patterns and Decisions for School-Age Children Who Stutter
Creator: Zukowski, Danielle
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Background. In the United States, the school system is one of the most common settings for stuttering intervention, yet adults who stutter report significant dissatisfaction with their prior school-based therapy experiences. In the schools, group therapy is the predominant service-delivery model for all students, but limited research is available regarding grouping practices, grouping decisions, or the impact of service-delivery models and group composition on students who stutter. Method....
Show moreBackground. In the United States, the school system is one of the most common settings for stuttering intervention, yet adults who stutter report significant dissatisfaction with their prior school-based therapy experiences. In the schools, group therapy is the predominant service-delivery model for all students, but limited research is available regarding grouping practices, grouping decisions, or the impact of service-delivery models and group composition on students who stutter. Method. The current study collected data on the factors clinicians consider when determining whether to use groups and how to form groups in therapy. The method involved the distribution of a questionnaire to speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working in public schools. Results. Analyses indicated that the choice of service-delivery model and group composition were influenced by student factors, such as stuttering characteristics, progress in therapy, and social dynamics, and clinician/workplace factors, including caseload size, workload, and scheduling restrictions. Discussion. Excess job expectations and limited time impact clinicians’ ability to implement individualized decision-making when choosing whether to use and how to form groups for students who stutter. By reducing barriers, school SLPs will be better able to align their clinical judgment with their grouping practices and more adequately meet the needs of students.
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Title: VALIDATION OF A FELINE FEMORAL BONE SURROGATE WITH MECHANICAL AND CLINICAL EVALUATION OF FELINE ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANTS
Creator: Marturello, Danielle Marie
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: A bone surrogate was developed and subsequently used to evaluate the mechanical behavior of two novel feline interlocking nails against plate controls in vitro, in an attempt to evaluate their safety and efficacy. Following testing in both torsion and 4-point bending, the I-Loc nail was evaluated in 30 clinical feline trauma cases.Fracture gap constructs were implanted with an I-Loc (3 or 4 mm), Targon (2.5 or 3.0 mm) or LCP (2.0 or 2.4 mm) and mechanically compared. Additionally, explanted...
Show moreA bone surrogate was developed and subsequently used to evaluate the mechanical behavior of two novel feline interlocking nails against plate controls in vitro, in an attempt to evaluate their safety and efficacy. Following testing in both torsion and 4-point bending, the I-Loc nail was evaluated in 30 clinical feline trauma cases.Fracture gap constructs were implanted with an I-Loc (3 or 4 mm), Targon (2.5 or 3.0 mm) or LCP (2.0 or 2.4 mm) and mechanically compared. Additionally, explanted surrogates with implant specific pilot holes were failed to assess the effect of implant removal on bone surrogate strength. Finally, a prospective clinical case series of 30 feline fractures were evaluated for time to clinical union, return to function and complications following repair using the I-Loc nail. The I-Loc 3 and 4 mm nails overall were mechanically stronger than either the Targon nails or locking plates, including explanted specimens. All cats in the clinical study were weight bearing within 2 days of surgery and reached clinical union in a mean time of 7.2 weeks. All returned to full limb function. No major complications were encountered. These studies suggest that the I-Loc may represent a safe and effective alternative to other available feline osteosynthesis options
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Title: Perceptions of Pro-Social Behavior : Culture, Norms, and Reciprocity
Creator: Hales, Gabriel E.
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: In contemporary cultural research, culture and prosociality have been established as coexisting components within social development. Within these broad elements sits numerous social and psychological factors, specifically the reciprocal exchanges, social norms, and social influence individuals perceive and adopt while integrating within varying cultural belief systems, acting as mechanisms for these beliefs to spread. This research contends that these specified clusters of beliefs, or...
Show moreIn contemporary cultural research, culture and prosociality have been established as coexisting components within social development. Within these broad elements sits numerous social and psychological factors, specifically the reciprocal exchanges, social norms, and social influence individuals perceive and adopt while integrating within varying cultural belief systems, acting as mechanisms for these beliefs to spread. This research contends that these specified clusters of beliefs, or defined cultural dimensions, and the action of pro-social behaviors are inherently related to such social mechanisms. More specifically, it is argued that cultural beliefs act through social norms and beliefs of reciprocity, emphasizing social context and influence, leading to pro-social behavioral change. Similarly, the extent that an individual participates in reciprocal exchanges promoting prosociality is argued to be a direct component stemming from their perception of culture, further strengthening the acceptance of pro-social behaviors or lack thereof. Through the conducted survey (N=182) and subsequent analyses, results were found that both supported and failed to support the proposed hypotheses, establishing the direct and indirect effects of perceived social and reciprocal norms within the relationship between perceptions of culture and prosociality. Further, an inquiry on the current standing of cultural measures and complex definitions of culture is considered. This dialogue addresses the diverse array of cultures around the globe and expands upon the possibilities for future directions within cultural research, emphasizing the need for measurement tools to align with the cultural definition of focus.
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Title: Environments Effect on Mood : A Comparative Analysis of Environments on Mood Enhancement
Creator: Hayes, Jonah
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Mental health is an issue that millions of people are suffering and struggling with, reconnecting with natural environments could be part of the solution to this problem. Although research demonstrated the significance of the healing properties of natural environments, little research compared natural environments to each other. This research explores which aspects of different natural environments have a positive impact on mood. Using survey questionnaires, two environments were tested. The...
Show moreMental health is an issue that millions of people are suffering and struggling with, reconnecting with natural environments could be part of the solution to this problem. Although research demonstrated the significance of the healing properties of natural environments, little research compared natural environments to each other. This research explores which aspects of different natural environments have a positive impact on mood. Using survey questionnaires, two environments were tested. The first being natural environments, where participant exposure to man-made or urban elements is limited and they are surrounded by natural elements. The second environment, urban environments, are spaces such as parks that are not separated from the urban environment. While in the urban environments’ participants were still able to perceive the urban elements that surrounds the space, such as cars, buildings, and roads. Participants were surveyed before and after using the spaces to allow the measuring and analysis of the change the participants experienced. Both the change in mental restoration, but also of the perceived variables of the space. Statistical analysis of the survey responses showed that a greater amount of change to the perceived variables, and mental restoration happened in natural environments, but both environments were restorative. This supports the idea that accessibility to a diverse set of environments and recreational elements will increase mental restoration. Therefore, policy practitioners, and designers should work to increase park space accessibility to a diverse set of environments and recreation amenities.
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Title: EPIDEMIC MODELS UNDER MOBILITY ON MULTI-LAYER NETWORKS
Creator: Abhishek, Vishal
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: We study epidemic spreading models namely, SIS and SIR models, under mobility on multilayer networks. In particular, we consider a patchy environment in which each patch comprises individuals belonging the different classes, e.g., individuals in different socio-economic strata. We model the mobility of individuals of each class across different patches through an associated Continuous Time Markov Chain (CTMC). The topology of these multiple CTMCs constitute the multi-layer network of mobility...
Show moreWe study epidemic spreading models namely, SIS and SIR models, under mobility on multilayer networks. In particular, we consider a patchy environment in which each patch comprises individuals belonging the different classes, e.g., individuals in different socio-economic strata. We model the mobility of individuals of each class across different patches through an associated Continuous Time Markov Chain (CTMC). The topology of these multiple CTMCs constitute the multi-layer network of mobility. At each time, individuals in the multi-layer network of spatially-distributed patches move according to their CTMC and subsequently interact with the local individuals in the patch according to SIS or SIR models. We establish the existence of various equilibria under different parameter regimes and establish their (almost) global asymptotic stability using Lyapunov techniques. We also derive simple conditions that highlight the influence of the multi layer network on the stability of these equilibria. We numerically illustrate that the derived model provides a good approximation to the stochastic model with a finite population and also demonstrate the influence of the multi-layer network structure.Next, we extend some of the results to the case of weakly connected networks. Here, we use the notion of strongly connected components and input to state stability to study the stability of equilibria. Finally, we consider a resource allocation problem to maximize the rate of convergence to an equilibrium. We show that under certain assumptions the problem can be formulated as a geometric program. We provide numerical illustrations to corroborate the results.
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Title: Keeping the Tradition Alive : Irish Traditional Music Sessions During COVID-19
Creator: Bobker, Andrew
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: In the spring of 2020, performers of traditional Irish music responded to pandemicinducedsocial distancing by creating a new variant of an old tradition: the virtual Irish session. Unlike conventional pub sessions, virtual sessions occur entirely in virtual space, facilitated by conferencing applications like Zoom or YouTube livestreaming. The move to virtual sessions presents numerous challenges to the traditional structure and norms of Irish traditional music. This thesis will explore the...
Show moreIn the spring of 2020, performers of traditional Irish music responded to pandemicinducedsocial distancing by creating a new variant of an old tradition: the virtual Irish session. Unlike conventional pub sessions, virtual sessions occur entirely in virtual space, facilitated by conferencing applications like Zoom or YouTube livestreaming. The move to virtual sessions presents numerous challenges to the traditional structure and norms of Irish traditional music. This thesis will explore the strategies and motivations of Irish musicians as they have adapted to the conditions of COVID-19 and isolation. Maintaining an authentic practice within the auspices of technological innovation involves the negotiation of geography, ethnicity, and selective tradition in a complex social space. This work is based in large part on ethnographic research conducted between March and December of 2020, including both in-person interviews and Internet ethnography. Interviews were conducted with musicians in Austin, Texas; Portland, Maine; Seattle, Washington; and Boston, Massachusetts.
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Title: THE EFFECT OF FREEZE-THAW CYCLES ON MICROBIAL RESILIENCE ALONG A CROP BIODIVERSITY GRADIENT
Creator: Liang, Brian Wan
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs) are cyclical periods of soil disturbance that are increasing in number and intensity due to climate change effects on winter precipitation and temperature patterns and are not well characterized within an agroecosystem environment. First, I review the literature and discuss the effects of FTCs on soil properties, explore the nuances of characterizing FTCs in experiments, and assess the knowledge gaps of FTC studies in agroecosystems. I conducted a laboratory...
Show moreFreeze-thaw cycles (FTCs) are cyclical periods of soil disturbance that are increasing in number and intensity due to climate change effects on winter precipitation and temperature patterns and are not well characterized within an agroecosystem environment. First, I review the literature and discuss the effects of FTCs on soil properties, explore the nuances of characterizing FTCs in experiments, and assess the knowledge gaps of FTC studies in agroecosystems. I conducted a laboratory experiment using soils from a crop rotational diversity gradient and froze them at three distinct FTC frequencies. My results indicate that increased crop rotational diversity did not moderate FTC disturbance effects at any frequency level. Increased FTC frequencies generally increased soil organic C losses as CO2, decreased ammonium (NH4+), increased nitrate (NO3-) pools, and increased extracellular enzyme activities (EEA). The respiratory burst after each freezing period was the predominant contributor to differences by FTC in cumulative CO2 respiration by the end of the incubation. Interestingly, the medium FTC frequencies facilitated the highest EEA for select enzymes with minimal reductions in microbial biomass. This suggests that microbes and their EEA are impacted too severely with high frequency FTCs to maintain function. My study revealed that the novel microbial communities and soil processes found along a crop rotational diversity gradient are not resilient against climate change effects of FTCs in soils. Accelerated soil organic C loss and nutrient turnover are expected to occur throughout agroecosystems that experience increased FTCs.
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Title: Perceptions of the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol Model in the State of Michigan
Creator: Ablan, Elizabeth Grace
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: English language learners are among the fastest growing population in the United States. Due to the high numbers of ELs in public schools, many models and frameworks have been developed including the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP). Over the past two decades, many studies have been conducted to demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the SIOP model. These studies have had mixed results and many educators also share mixed reviews of the model. This qualitative research...
Show moreEnglish language learners are among the fastest growing population in the United States. Due to the high numbers of ELs in public schools, many models and frameworks have been developed including the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP). Over the past two decades, many studies have been conducted to demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the SIOP model. These studies have had mixed results and many educators also share mixed reviews of the model. This qualitative research study seeks to investigate the perceptions of the SIOP model in the state of Michigan. The main research questions are: 1.) What are educators’ perspectives of the SIOP model as the main framework for working with English learners in Michigan? 2.) What are the factors that contribute to educators’ perceptions of the SIOP model? SIOP trainers throughout the state of Michigan provide insights through an online survey as well as individual interviews to learn more in depth about the perceptions of the model. The data collected provide timely feedback to education policy makers and state and local administrators to better advocate and support English language learners.
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