Search results

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.
Show less

Title: INTENSITY IN TEACHING : DEVELOPING AN AFFECTIVE FRAMEWORK FOR WRITING INSTRUCTORS
Creator: Chapman Ball, Cadaxa
Date: 2022
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: This qualitative research project aims to develop an affective framework for writing pedagogy through analyzing narrative data collected over the course of one semester teaching MSU’s first-year writing course, WRA 101: Writing As Inquiry. The narrative data consists of journal entries and reflections remarking on my own affective states in the writing classroom. Through analyzing these writings, this thesis reveals how and why affect theory has useful applications in writing pedagogy; namely...
Show moreThis qualitative research project aims to develop an affective framework for writing pedagogy through analyzing narrative data collected over the course of one semester teaching MSU’s first-year writing course, WRA 101: Writing As Inquiry. The narrative data consists of journal entries and reflections remarking on my own affective states in the writing classroom. Through analyzing these writings, this thesis reveals how and why affect theory has useful applications in writing pedagogy; namely, that instructors who attend to their own affective responses have the opportunity to better understand the changes they need to make to their teaching practices as well as the systems in which they teach.
Show less

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
Show less

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.
Show less

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.
Show less

Title: THE ROLE OF PREZYGOTIC SELF-COMPATIBILITY IN FACILITATING INTERSPECIFIC COMPATIBILITY IN SOLANUM SECTION PETOTA
Creator: Behling, William
Date: 2022
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Domesticated potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the fourth most important food crop worldwide and critical food security crop. The high significance of this crop coupled with high production losses place potato at a high priority for genetic improvement, especially in the face of climate change. Potato breeding is undergoing a seismic shift from a tetraploid outcrossing crop towards a F1 hybrid system using diploid inbred lines as parents. This transformation has also changed how potato...
Show moreDomesticated potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the fourth most important food crop worldwide and critical food security crop. The high significance of this crop coupled with high production losses place potato at a high priority for genetic improvement, especially in the face of climate change. Potato breeding is undergoing a seismic shift from a tetraploid outcrossing crop towards a F1 hybrid system using diploid inbred lines as parents. This transformation has also changed how potato breeders access important traits from wild species. Pre- and post-zygotic barriers, such as self-incompatibility (SI) and endosperm failure, inhibit and complicate the use of the more valuable wild species in conventional and diploid breeding schemes. Traditionally plant breeders have employed the SC x SI rule, using self-compatibility (SC) to increase the success of interspecific crosses. In order to evaluate the potential of several different SC factors in facilitating broad interspecific compatibility: Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 knockout (KO) lines of S-RNase, HT-B and HT-B + S-RNase in S. tuberosum were evaluated along with the self-compatible species S. verrucosum, and S-locus inhibitor gene (Sli) from S. chacoense. Findings confirm the central role of S-RNase in interspecific pollination barriers and the inconsequential role of HT-B alone. Sli had no effect on interspecific barriers despite its prominent role as a source of SC. Finally, S. verrucosum styles displayed an absence of prezygotic barriers. Further analysis of the role of HT-A, as well as other mechanisms that potentially underlie the SC phenotype in S. verrucosum will further clarify the role of specific genetic factors that regulate interspecific compatibility in Solanum section Petota
Show less

Title: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF INTEGRATED LARGE SCALE PFAS MODELING
Creator: Raschke, Anna
Date: 2022
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been observed around the world in air, water, and soil. Recent research and monitoring studies have alluded to the widespread presence of PFAS, but most observe the impact of PFAS as a snapshot in time and space. In an effort to better understand PFAS fate and transport in the environment, computational models have been developed. For this study, we synthesized the model applications of PFAS fate and transport via water medium through surface water,...
Show morePerfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been observed around the world in air, water, and soil. Recent research and monitoring studies have alluded to the widespread presence of PFAS, but most observe the impact of PFAS as a snapshot in time and space. In an effort to better understand PFAS fate and transport in the environment, computational models have been developed. For this study, we synthesized the model applications of PFAS fate and transport via water medium through surface water, vadose zone, groundwater, streamflow, as well as their uptake and accumulation in plants and aquatic organisms. In addition, the system under this study is permeable to incoming (sources) and outgoing (sinks) PFAS compounds. Ultimately, knowledge gaps in modeling PFAS for each subsystem (e.g., surface water) area were identified. From there, a case study was performed to highlight the shortcomings of widely used models for PFAS fate and transport within a large and complex watershed. With a large number of PFAS using industries, Michigan is at the forefront of PFAS sampling. Therefore, the study area chosen was the Huron River watershed, a highly PFAS impacted watershed in Southeastern Michigan. The results showed the importance of organized monitoring studies and model improvements to better understand PFAS fate and transport in a large watershed.
Show less

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.
Show less

Title: PRESCRIPTION OPIOIDS, OPIOID USE DISORDERS, AND OPIOID DEATHS ACROSS 21 OECD NATIONS
Creator: Siddiqui, Zehra Jabeen
Date: 2022
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Since the 1990s, the United States has seen increased prescription opioid consumption (POC) and an increase in the prevalence of opioid use disorders (OUD) and the opioid disorder death (ODD) rate. This paper examines three factors that may have fueled the opioid crisis: increased supply of prescription opioids, increased demand for opioids because of pain and economic related despair. A regression analysis of twenty-one OECD nations was used to examine the determinants of and the...
Show moreSince the 1990s, the United States has seen increased prescription opioid consumption (POC) and an increase in the prevalence of opioid use disorders (OUD) and the opioid disorder death (ODD) rate. This paper examines three factors that may have fueled the opioid crisis: increased supply of prescription opioids, increased demand for opioids because of pain and economic related despair. A regression analysis of twenty-one OECD nations was used to examine the determinants of and the relationships between POC, OUDs, and ODDs. Over 1991-2019, consumption did not have a significant effect on OUDs or ODDs, but over 2003-2019 it had a positive significant effect on both. These results held if the US was removed from the sample, supporting some supply side effect across the panels after 2003. Furthermore, OUDs have a large, positive and significant effect on ODDs, indicating two possible pathways direct (straight from consumption) and indirect (through an effect on opioid use disorders) that POC relates to increased ODDs. One model estimates that 39% of the increase in US opioid fatalities is attributable to increased POC between 2003-2010.
Show less

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.
Show less

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.
Show less

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.
Show less

Title: Memory-efficient emulation of physical tabular data using quadtree decomposition
Creator: Carlson, Jared
Date: 2022
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Computationally expensive functions are sometimes replaced in simulations with an emulator that approximates the true function (e.g., equations of state, wavelength-dependent opacity, or composition-dependent materials properties). For functions that have a constrained domain of interest, this can be done by discretizing the domain and performing a local interpolation on the tabulated function values of each local domain. For these so-called tabular data methods, the method of discretizing...
Show moreComputationally expensive functions are sometimes replaced in simulations with an emulator that approximates the true function (e.g., equations of state, wavelength-dependent opacity, or composition-dependent materials properties). For functions that have a constrained domain of interest, this can be done by discretizing the domain and performing a local interpolation on the tabulated function values of each local domain. For these so-called tabular data methods, the method of discretizing the domain and mapping the input space to each subdomain can drastically influence the memory and computational costs of the emulator. This is especially true for functions that vary drastically in different regions. We present a method for domain discretization and mapping that utilizes quadtrees, which results in significant reductions in the size of the emulator with minimal increases to computational costs or loss of global accuracy. We apply our method to the electron-positron Helmholtz free energy equation of state and show over an order of magnitude reduction in memory costs for reasonable levels of numerical accuracy.
Show less

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.
Show less

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.
Show less

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.
Show less

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.
Show less

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.
Show less

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.
Show less

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.
Show less

MSU Libraries

Digital Repository

Enabled Filters

Pages

Pages

MSU Libraries

Digital Repository

You are here

Search results

Pages

Pages