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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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Title: RURAL URBAN TERRITORIAL EFFECTS ON DAIRY FARMER INCLUSION IN MODERN MARKET CHANNELS : THE CASE OF COLOMBIA
Creator: Vargas Espinosa, Carolina María Teresa
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: This article analyzes how rural territories anchored by secondary/tertiary cities, denominated rural-urban territories (RUT) in the Southwest part of Colombia introduce spatial and territorial heterogeneity in the participation of farmers in restructured dairy value chains. We look at how different sized RUTs (with an urban center between 15k-400k inhabitants) affect farmer participation in modern market channels (such as large milk processors) as well as the transitional market channel ...
Show moreThis article analyzes how rural territories anchored by secondary/tertiary cities, denominated rural-urban territories (RUT) in the Southwest part of Colombia introduce spatial and territorial heterogeneity in the participation of farmers in restructured dairy value chains. We look at how different sized RUTs (with an urban center between 15k-400k inhabitants) affect farmer participation in modern market channels (such as large milk processors) as well as the transitional market channel (informal traders) on two different time periods (2008-2012 and 2013-2018). All while controlling for farmer micro characteristics, as well as the level of rural territorial development (degree of violence, density of infrastructure, and urban proximity) and geographical differences. Using a panel multinomial logit approach, we are able to find that urban size effects are positively significant in the probability of selling to both market channels. Even so, other territorial characteristics such as violence levels are key in modern market participation. Additionally, we are able to find that agglomeration effects are evident but vary by market channel. We see that higher agglomeration levels have a significant effect (negative effect) on the odds of selling to the transitional market but are less significant on the odds of selling to the modern channel. As fewer farmers have access to modern chains in developing countries, measures to make value chains more inclusive to remote farmers can benefit them and the performance of the dairy sector in Colombia.
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Title: A Phenomenological Inquiry of the Holistic Nonmedical Lived Training Experiences of End-of-Life Doulas (EOLDs)
Creator: Rozeboom, Angela M.
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: A new generation of aging United States (U.S.) citizens seems to be challenging cultural attitudes toward death and dying. The members of the senior baby-boom cohort are demanding more nonmedical end-of-life (EOL) home care, the right to experience a dignified and peaceful death, and the option of environmentally friendly burials. Subsequently, the field of end-of-life doulas (EOLDs) or death doula care is also emerging. As these practitioners raise awareness and claim to contribute to a...
Show moreA new generation of aging United States (U.S.) citizens seems to be challenging cultural attitudes toward death and dying. The members of the senior baby-boom cohort are demanding more nonmedical end-of-life (EOL) home care, the right to experience a dignified and peaceful death, and the option of environmentally friendly burials. Subsequently, the field of end-of-life doulas (EOLDs) or death doula care is also emerging. As these practitioners raise awareness and claim to contribute to a better quality of EOL care, they add a new dimension to the EOL field. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand the lived training experiences of prospective EOLDs as they sought to aid the dying and their grieving families. Individual interviews with seven trained EOLDs who completed a training program were analyzed. The results showed that those who attended the EOLD training felt strongly “called” to do EOL work. After confronting and accepting their fears and anxieties about their future dying and death experiences, they reported feeling empowered to come alongside EOL individuals and offer genuine comfort on their dying journey and postmortem care to the family.
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Title: A STUDY ON FLUID-STRUCTURE INTERACTION OF SWIMMING BEAM USING IMMERSED BOUNDARY- LATTICE BOLTZMANN METHOD
Creator: Rahman, Md Towhidur
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Fluid-structure interaction (FSI) study is of great importance to understand the hydrodynamic coupling of biological swimmers in surrounding environmental domain. Multiple numerical and experimental studies have taken place to capture the behavioral pattern from the environment, explore the physical phenomena and comprehension of dynamics to make contribution in real life applications. In this study, an immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method (IB-LBM) for fluid-structure interaction...
Show moreFluid-structure interaction (FSI) study is of great importance to understand the hydrodynamic coupling of biological swimmers in surrounding environmental domain. Multiple numerical and experimental studies have taken place to capture the behavioral pattern from the environment, explore the physical phenomena and comprehension of dynamics to make contribution in real life applications. In this study, an immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method (IB-LBM) for fluid-structure interaction problems is presented. The impact of solid structure on to the surrounding fluid domain is dealt with by immersed boundary method (IBM), where the structure is assumed to be immersed into surrounding fluid and the effect of the immersed boundary are considered by exertion of Lagrangian force onto the surrounding fluid grid points as body force. The flow dynamics is determined by solving discrete lattice Boltzmann equation of a single relaxation time model. The structural dynamics are solved by the finite difference method. For solving the structural dynamics, inextensibility condition was applied. A staggered grid is used in the Lagrangian coordinate system, where tension force is defined on the interfaces (half-grids) and other variables are defined on the nodes. Tension force is calculated at the intermediate steps and used as inextensibility constraint to obtain filament position at the next time step. In the present study, a detailed derivation and corresponding discretization is done for multiple free-swimming cases for a thin flexible filament. The thin flexible filament is actuated by imposing oscillatory heaving and pitching motion at the leading edge with prescribed control parameters. The flow physics of the system is investigated and pressure on the surfaces of the flexible filament is obtained. The results obtained in this study shows consistency with previous publications. The presented computational modelling may be used in future with multiple obstacles in the domain, to investigate the surface pressure variation of the swimming flexible filament and generated data sets may contribute to optimization of control mechanism of the swimmer.
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Title: THE EFFECT OF CLAW REMOVAL METHODS AND TEMPERATURE ON THE POST-RELEASE SURVIVAL AND CRITICAL THERMAL MAXIMUM OF STONE CRAB (MENIPPE MERCENARIA)
Creator: Walus, Alexandria Marie
Date: 2022
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Florida stone crab (Menippe mercenaria) is an emerging commercial fishery in the Bahamas with its main export to the United States of America. This fishery capitalizes on the oversized claws of the crab, which are harvested, before the crab is returned to the sea where it can potentially regrow its claws. While it is often assumed that the crab will regrow its claws and re-enter the fishery, only 13% of harvested crabs in the fishery have regrown claws, and an estimated 2-81% of crabs survive...
Show moreFlorida stone crab (Menippe mercenaria) is an emerging commercial fishery in the Bahamas with its main export to the United States of America. This fishery capitalizes on the oversized claws of the crab, which are harvested, before the crab is returned to the sea where it can potentially regrow its claws. While it is often assumed that the crab will regrow its claws and re-enter the fishery, only 13% of harvested crabs in the fishery have regrown claws, and an estimated 2-81% of crabs survive post-claw removal and release. In addition, the Caribbean region is considered one of the most vulnerable areas with respect to climate change. Therefore, because most aquatic organisms cannot regulate their body temperature, they are directly influenced by environmental temperature stress, and when combined with the stress of claw removal may further decrease the capacity of the crab to survive warming temperatures. The purpose of my thesis was to: 1) determine a method of claw removal that maximizes survival for stone crab, 2) determine the effect of rapidly warming water temperatures on the reflex behavior of crabs post-release, and 3) determine the effect of claw removal on the critical thermal maximum (CTMax) of stone crab. In chapter 1, I used a controlled laboratory experiment to compare a new autotomy-inducing technique to the typical method of claw removal. For the two different claw removal methods, I compared the survival and start time for claw regeneration as a function of harvester experience and whether one claw or both claws were removed. Finally, the claws that were removed were inspected by independent observers to determine whether any differences using the two methods could be identified. Overall, I found that crabs with claws removed using the proposed induced autotomy method had significantly higher survival than crabs with claws removed using the typical method, while crabs with claws removed by inexperienced harvesters had the lowest. In Chapter 2, I conducted a series of laboratory experiments to measure nine reflex action mortality predictor reflexes of crabs and determine the critical thermal maximum (CTMax) for stone crab that had one or two claws removed using induced-autotomy. Of the nine reflexes used to develop an endpoint necessary for calculating CTMax, three were determined to be suitable (equilibrium, mouth closure and appendage turgor) and CTMax was 37.6 °C, and independent of the number of claws removed using the proposed induced-autotomy method. Overall, the tool required to conduct the induced-autotomy method of claw removal is simple and easily purchased or constructed and can easily be taught to recreational and commercial harvesters as a way to improve survival and thus sustainability of this important fishery.
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Title: PRETERM DELIVERY AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH FALSE POSITIVE, AUDITORY BRAINSTEM RESPONSE (ABR)-BASED NEWBORN HEARING SCREENING FINDINGS
Creator: Rathore, Mandavni
Date: 2022
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Newborn hearing screening failure can occur in infants without hearing loss; these false-positive (FP) results have been speculated to reflect neurodevelopmental disorder risk. Preterm birth (PTB), a known neurodevelopmental risk factor, has been associated with FP at initial screening. We aim to further characterize this association by stratifying PTB by gestational age and delivery circumstance. To do this, we analyzed birth certificate and Early Hearing Detection & Intervention data from...
Show moreNewborn hearing screening failure can occur in infants without hearing loss; these false-positive (FP) results have been speculated to reflect neurodevelopmental disorder risk. Preterm birth (PTB), a known neurodevelopmental risk factor, has been associated with FP at initial screening. We aim to further characterize this association by stratifying PTB by gestational age and delivery circumstance. To do this, we analyzed birth certificate and Early Hearing Detection & Intervention data from the Michigan Dept. of Health & Human Services (2007–2015; n = 919,363). We restricted our analysis to singleton live births with available ABR-based hearing screening data and obstetric estimates of gestational age (n = 655,079). We then used logistic regression to evaluate the association of PTB defined by gestational age (extreme: < 28 weeks; moderate: 28–34 weeks; late: 34–36 weeks) and delivery circumstance (spontaneous, medically indicated) with FP, using full-term birth (≥ 37 weeks) as the referent group. Approximately 4% of infants had FP findings. All gestational age categories were associated with this phenomenon (extreme: OR = 4.2, 95% CI 3.7, 4.7; moderate: OR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.1, 1.3; late: 1.6, 95% CI 1.5, 1.7). Spontaneous and medically indicated PTB were also associated with FP (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.6, 1.8; OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.3, 1.5, respectively). All results persisted following adjustment for socio-demographic and antepartum factors except for moderate PTB (OR = 1.0, 95% CI 0.9, 1.1), though sensitivity analyses suggested marked heterogeneity within this group. Further research is needed to investigate factors underlying these differences and whether they correlate with neurodevelopmental disorder diagnoses.
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Title: Improving the Efficiency of Residential Buildings in Rural Alaska : An Analysis of Existing Infrastructure and Its Importance in Creating Energy-Efficient Homes
Creator: Milan, Maria
Date: 2022
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Rural communities in Alaska, many of which have a high Alaska Native population, currently face significant housing challenges. In a climate that can become extremely cold, houses are generally lacking in energy efficiency. Residents pay high rates for both oil and electricity to heat and operate their homes. Their homes are much smaller and with higher occupancy in comparison to typical U.S. homes. In addition, as the winter season brings sub-zero temperatures, windows remain shut with...
Show moreRural communities in Alaska, many of which have a high Alaska Native population, currently face significant housing challenges. In a climate that can become extremely cold, houses are generally lacking in energy efficiency. Residents pay high rates for both oil and electricity to heat and operate their homes. Their homes are much smaller and with higher occupancy in comparison to typical U.S. homes. In addition, as the winter season brings sub-zero temperatures, windows remain shut with limited mechanical or natural ventilation, also creating indoor air quality concerns. To date there has been limited studies of rural Alaskan communities’ housing, to better understand and quantify such housing challenges. This research focuses on a detailed study of the rural Alaskan community of Unalakleet. Located on the western shore of Alaska, this coastal community of approximately 765 people faces many housing challenges, similar to other rural Alaskan communities. Through collaboration with the housing authority in Unalakleet, this research conducted home energy assessments and resident interviews in the summer of 2021, including 27 energy assessments and 22 interviews. The purpose of the energy assessments was to collect information on typical building features and data, as well as to identify housing challenges. The interviews were generally completed for homes that also had an energy assessment and were used to better understand residents’ perspectives on energy and housing challenges beyond what was observed in the assessments. Blower door tests suggest that homes are usually small and tight, with leakiness around areas like the windows, where mold frequently was observed. Short-term indoor air quality monitoring suggests that some homes, especially those less than 46 m2 , had high CO2 concentrations, relative to others. Some homes had significant mold growth, and others had many areas of damage. Still, interviews with community members suggest that they were grateful for their housing and the ability to live in Unalakleet. The overall purpose of this research is to provide evidence to quantify the typical housing characteristics presence in rural Alaskan communities, as well as to provide results that motivate and support opportunities for new, more efficient housing. The introduction discusses major housing challenges, from high energy bills to the history of inefficient infrastructure in rural Alaska. Physical characteristics of assessed homes, followed by indoor air quality and air flow, are discussed in Chapters 2 and 3, respectively. Finally, Chapter 4 uses data collected from the 27 housing assessments to create a building energy model, where energy usage in existing housing is modeled to represent a ‘typical’ rural Alaskan home. The results of this model show where the largest improvements in efficiency can be made, especially in adding higher R-value insulation. The conclusion provides a brief overview of research contribution, limitations, and future work.
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Title: HOW CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN IN EARLY INTERVENTION FEEL ABOUT SIMPLIFIED LANGUAGE INPUT : A SURVEY STUDY
Creator: Nylund, Megan
Date: 2022
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: There is some disagreement regarding how adults should simplify their utterances when speaking to young children with language delays. One type of simplification that has come into question is telegraphic input, a style of speaking that involves removing grammatical aspects of phrases, such as function words and grammatical markers (e.g., All done snack, Cookie yummy). In the current study, we utilized survey data collected by Andary (2020) surveying caregivers of children in early...
Show moreThere is some disagreement regarding how adults should simplify their utterances when speaking to young children with language delays. One type of simplification that has come into question is telegraphic input, a style of speaking that involves removing grammatical aspects of phrases, such as function words and grammatical markers (e.g., All done snack, Cookie yummy). In the current study, we utilized survey data collected by Andary (2020) surveying caregivers of children in early intervention about their views on different types of simplified language. Specifically, we asked: How do caregivers’ beliefs about telegraphic input relate to how comfortable they are producing different types of simplified utterances? Results were also analyzed for correlations between demographics and beliefs of simplification. Additionally, the survey provided space for caregivers to share recommendations they gained through Early On resources. Results show caregivers with a positive view of telegraphic input felt significantly less comfortable producing full, grammatical utterances than caregivers with a negative or neutral view of telegraphic input. Demographic analysis revealed caregivers with higher education levels preferred more grammatical utterances. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding caregiver perspectives in caregiver-mediated intervention approaches.
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Title: WE DON’T NEED TO KNOW WHAT WE SEE : MODEST MEDIATION OF BISTABLE PERCEPTION BY KNOWLEDGE
Creator: Zhang, Bobicheng
Date: 2022
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: When faced with ambiguous visual input, an observer may have various perceptual interpre- tations even when the input remains unchanged. Indeed, such ambiguous displays can cause the observer to experience distinct perceptual interpretations in turn, unpredictably switching between them over time. Theories of such so-called multistable perception broadly fall into two categories: top-down theories that hold that perception in these cases depends strongly on higher-level cogni- tive factors...
Show moreWhen faced with ambiguous visual input, an observer may have various perceptual interpre- tations even when the input remains unchanged. Indeed, such ambiguous displays can cause the observer to experience distinct perceptual interpretations in turn, unpredictably switching between them over time. Theories of such so-called multistable perception broadly fall into two categories: top-down theories that hold that perception in these cases depends strongly on higher-level cogni- tive factors such as knowledge, and bottom-up theories which suggests more vital involvement of aspects of lower-order information processing such as local adaptation in the visual system. We evaluated whether the occurrence of perceptual reversals in the face of ambiguous input is related to the observer’s knowledge that the input is, indeed, ambiguous. We used an ambiguous animation that was designed such that subjects could report perceptual reversals without realizing the ambigu- ity. Subjects observed the animation, reported their perception, and filled out a questionnaire that assessed their knowledge of the animation’s ambiguity. We found that informed subjects reported slightly more perceptual switches than the other subjects, but that this between-group difference was very small compared to the lack of variability within each group between subjects who were aware of the ambiguity and those who were not. These findings suggests that knowledge of ambiguity can influence perception of ambiguous stimuli, but that this influence is relatively minor. This discrepancy between current findings and past work is discussed.
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Title: BLAME JUDGEMENTS FOR PAST ACTIONS OF GROUPS
Creator: Vallabha, Shree
Date: 2022
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Historically, groups have committed innumerable atrocities, including genocide and slavery. I tested if people blame current groups for the actions of their past members and what underlies this blame. Current models of blame overlook the dimension of time and therefore have difficulty explaining this phenomenon. I hypothesized that perceiving higher (a) connectedness between past and present perpetrator groups, (b) unfulfilled obligations of perpetrator groups, (c) continued privilege of...
Show moreHistorically, groups have committed innumerable atrocities, including genocide and slavery. I tested if people blame current groups for the actions of their past members and what underlies this blame. Current models of blame overlook the dimension of time and therefore have difficulty explaining this phenomenon. I hypothesized that perceiving higher (a) connectedness between past and present perpetrator groups, (b) unfulfilled obligations of perpetrator groups, (c) continued privilege of perpetrator groups, and (d) continued harm of victim groups would facilitate higher blame judgements against current groups for the past. In a survey (N=518) using real events, I find results consistent with all the four hypotheses and some preliminary evidence for group differences in these relationships. I find that factors that link the present group to the past explain why groups are blamed for their past actions. These findings bring to light the deficiencies in existing theories of blame – calling into question its assumptions and incomplete criterion of judgement.
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Title: Evaluation of Operational Performance and Environmental Impact of a Commercial Scale Anaerobic Digester Utilizing Multiple Feedstocks
Creator: Dwilaksono, Fahmi
Date: 2022
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Food waste and livestock manure become some of major sources that contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the U.S. Utilizing manure and food wastes as biogas feedstocks through anaerobic digestion (AD) process can improve renewable energy production while reducing the impact of climate change due to GHG emission from untreated organic wastes. This study evaluated the operational performance of Michigan State University’s commercial South Campus Anaerobic Digester (SCAD) as well as the...
Show moreFood waste and livestock manure become some of major sources that contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the U.S. Utilizing manure and food wastes as biogas feedstocks through anaerobic digestion (AD) process can improve renewable energy production while reducing the impact of climate change due to GHG emission from untreated organic wastes. This study evaluated the operational performance of Michigan State University’s commercial South Campus Anaerobic Digester (SCAD) as well as the environmental impact during its operation in 2014-2020. Evaluation of feedstock supplies quantity and output parameters of SCAD was conducted to understand the operational performance of the digester. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was done to know the environmental impact of SCAD by comparing it to the conventional waste management methods. Technoeconomic analysis was conducted to know the financial feasibility of SCAD as a commercial digester. The result shows that during its operation from 2014 to 2020, SCAD has processed 159,145 metric tons of feedstock from 18 different organic wastes to produce 15,165,156 kWh of electricity for MSU community. LCA results show that AD system possesses fewer environmental burdens in both global warming potential (GWP) and water eutrophication potential (WEP) compared to the conventional system. Technoeconomic analysis reveals that SCAD needs 21.5 years to accomplish its payback time, which is considered quite economically competitive.
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Title: Evaluation of potential therapeutics for non-small cell lung cancer using 3D tumor spheroid models
Creator: Stoub, Hayden Eric
Date: 2022
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: The development of novel and improved therapies for cancers requires robust means of investigation that both effectively recapitulate tumor biology while also utilizing resources efficiently. 3D tissue culture methods, namely spheroids and organoids, have emerged as an effective bridge between conventional in vitro methods and in vivo animal models in cancer research. This thesis provides background into lung cancer and the current landscape of 3D in vitro models of cancer, as well as...
Show moreThe development of novel and improved therapies for cancers requires robust means of investigation that both effectively recapitulate tumor biology while also utilizing resources efficiently. 3D tissue culture methods, namely spheroids and organoids, have emerged as an effective bridge between conventional in vitro methods and in vivo animal models in cancer research. This thesis provides background into lung cancer and the current landscape of 3D in vitro models of cancer, as well as detailing two studies in which multicellular tumor spheroids were used to investigate the therapeutic potential of candidate compounds. The first study uses an NCI-H358 multicellular tumor spheroid to investigate three compounds: Apigenin, a plant derived flavonoid; MSU42011, a novel retinoid x receptor (RXR) agonist; and CEP-1347, a mixed lineage kinase (MLK) inhibitor. It was found that Apigenin alone decreased the viability of spheroids, and that the combination of Apigenin and CEP-1347 synergistically decreased viability and increased cell death within the spheroids.The second study uses a murine lung adenocarcinoma tumor spheroid model to investigate the effects of MSU-71, a novel inhibitor of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NRF2) pathway, on macrophage-induced invasion and migration. This compound blocked both migration in conventional experiments along with spheroid invasion, indicating its potential efficacy in preventing LUAD progression. This study also adapted the spheroid invasion model for use in multiple human LUAD cell lines and THP-1 conditioned medium. The findings presented herein demonstrate the versatility and value of 3D tumor spheroid models in the cancer drug development field.
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Title: PERCEPTIONS OF VOICE PRODUCTION IN HEALTHY FEMALES IN REGARDS TO AGE AND PROFESSIONALISM : AS QUANTIFIED BY ACOUSTIC AND PERCEPTUAL MEASURES
Creator: Nizami, Hafsaah Fatima
Date: 2022
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: PURPOSE: This study aims to research the perception of voice as it relates to aging and professionalism in an individual. The production of voice varies in accordance with various factors. These variations often provide an insight into a listener’s perceptions of a speaker’s vocal characteristics and these perceptions may vary across settings. METHODS: This study required four components. The first component required college aged participants to rate perceptions of age and health in regards...
Show morePURPOSE: This study aims to research the perception of voice as it relates to aging and professionalism in an individual. The production of voice varies in accordance with various factors. These variations often provide an insight into a listener’s perceptions of a speaker’s vocal characteristics and these perceptions may vary across settings. METHODS: This study required four components. The first component required college aged participants to rate perceptions of age and health in regards to young and old female vocalists. The second section required college aged participants to rate professionalism in regards to young and old female vocalists. Speech Professionals were asked to participate in the third component of this study, in which they rated listeners among the GRBAS scale. The last component required a quantification of results using a standard acoustic measure like cepstral peak prominence. RESULTS: Strong positive correlations were found between estimated age and actual age, strong negative correlations were found between older women and professionalism; moderately positive correlations were found between younger women and professionalism; moderate to strong correlation was found between age and GRBAS; and moderate negative correlations were found between age and CPPS. DISCUSSION: The following results were found: College-aged students were able to distinguish between the younger and older females. Older women were perceived as less professional. As age increases, GRBAS scores also increase. As age increases, CPPS ratings will decrease. CONCLUSION: Further research may require completion of surveys in a controlled environment, and inclusion of pitch-related measures as they relate to the workplace. Keywords: Aging voice, biological sex differences, perception of voice, professional voice, acoustic measures
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Title: LAKE TYPE AND CONNECTIVITY PREDICT ZEBRA MUSSEL (DREISSENA POLYMORPHA) PRESENCE
Creator: Matuszak, Danielle
Date: 2022
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Studies that differentiate between lake type or origin, i.e., natural lakes and reservoirs, or that focus solely on reservoirs are rare, especially at broad scales. These facts lead to reservoirs being less well understood compared to natural lakes. It is known that adding dams/impoundments alters the flow regime of the original water body and changes surface water connectivity. However, the impact of these alterations on invasive species dispersal is widely unknown. Reservoirs are also...
Show moreStudies that differentiate between lake type or origin, i.e., natural lakes and reservoirs, or that focus solely on reservoirs are rare, especially at broad scales. These facts lead to reservoirs being less well understood compared to natural lakes. It is known that adding dams/impoundments alters the flow regime of the original water body and changes surface water connectivity. However, the impact of these alterations on invasive species dispersal is widely unknown. Reservoirs are also thought to have higher levels of human disturbance, which can provide opportunities for non-native species such as the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) to invade and establish. Surface water connections allow zebra mussel larvae to flow from one waterbody to another. Additionally, trailering of recreational boats among lakes can promote overland dispersal of zebra mussels through live wells and boating equipment. Although such connectivity promotes zebra mussel spread, we do not yet know how zebra mussels vary according to lake type nor the relative roles of surface and human connectivity and lake type. Taking a data-intensive approach at the macroscale, we ask: Are zebra mussels more common in reservoirs than in natural lakes? How does surface water and human connectivity influence the presence of zebra mussels in reservoirs and natural lakes? To answer these questions, we used 907 lakes within a 17-U.S. state extent and data from a variety of sources. Water quality, surface water connectivity, and human disturbance data were from the LAke multi-scaled GeOSpatial and temporal (LAGOS) database, public lake access sites were from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and zebra mussel presence data were from the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database. We characterized surface water connectivity using six unique lake connectivity classes. We characterized human connectivity two ways: watershed road densities measured in meters per hectare and, for a 3-state subset of the study extent, the presence of public access sites on lakes. We characterized surface water connectivity using a lake connectivity classification based on lake and stream inflow(s)/outflow(s). Using logistic multiple regressions and controlling for region and lake chlorophyll a concentrations, we found that a higher proportion of reservoirs have zebra mussels compared to natural lakes for the 17-state extent. At this same spatial extent, we found that more highly connected lakes, both by humans and surface waters, were more likely to have zebra mussels present, regardless of lake type. Finally, at the 3-state extent, lakes with a public access site were more likely to have zebra mussels than those without, regardless of lake type. We conclude that not all ‘lakes’ are equally likely to have zebra mussels present and that both surface water and human connectivity are important predictors of zebra mussel presence. This study improves the understanding of how natural lakes and reservoirs differ and the extent to which reservoirs disproportionately harbor the invasive zebra mussel, which can improve management and prevention. For example, these results suggest that legislation and management focused on uninvaded reservoirs that are highly connected may help slow the spread of this invasive species.
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