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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.
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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: 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: 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.
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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: 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: 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: 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
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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.
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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: 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.
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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: Water content effect on nutrient removal in stormwater bioretention systems
Creator: Bender, Rebecca Marian
Date: 2019
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: "Bioretention cells and constructed wetlands are both established best management practices (BMPs) for stormwater quality improvement. These systems vary in terms of hydraulic loading where processes such as retention, sedimentation, absorption, infiltration, filtration, phytoremediation, nitrification and denitrification remove waterborne pollutants. However, the boundary between bioretention and wetlands can be blurred when it comes to design and operational parameters, and it is therefore...
Show more"Bioretention cells and constructed wetlands are both established best management practices (BMPs) for stormwater quality improvement. These systems vary in terms of hydraulic loading where processes such as retention, sedimentation, absorption, infiltration, filtration, phytoremediation, nitrification and denitrification remove waterborne pollutants. However, the boundary between bioretention and wetlands can be blurred when it comes to design and operational parameters, and it is therefore important to explore the causes and consequences of performance variability in these systems. In an experiment to observe optimum water content for treatment pathways for ecological pollutants, five bioretention bays (2-22% water content) and fifteen bioretention columns (7-47% water content, as much as complete pore space saturation) were used to run parallel tests. Pollutant concentrations were reduced in field bays for COD, TN, and total solids (TS), although there was no difference between treatment groups in terms of any pollutant concentrations. Asclepias incarnata, Carex vulpinoidea, Scirpus validus, and Juncus effusus grew slightly taller in wetter bays, although survival of Sagittaria latifolia was uniformly poor in all treatment groups. No net pollutant removal occurred in columns, although effluent concentrations and mass export were significantly lower for near-saturation treatment groups for chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrate, and total nitrogen (TN). There was no soil moisture level in which COD, nitrate, TN, phosphate, and TS were simultaneously improved."--Page ii.
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Title: Addressing the news media image in an age of skepticism
Creator: Shin, Soo Young
Date: 2018
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: As the public’s skepticism toward news media has been growing, we need to better understand how the public perceives news media organizations. This study employed a useful conceptual lens from the marketing literature, image, to build a new conceptual framework within journalism, news media image to in aid in this understanding. Using focus group interviewing methods, the perceptions of 44 participants (across nine sessions) living in the Midwest in the U.S. were investigated to reveal the...
Show moreAs the public’s skepticism toward news media has been growing, we need to better understand how the public perceives news media organizations. This study employed a useful conceptual lens from the marketing literature, image, to build a new conceptual framework within journalism, news media image to in aid in this understanding. Using focus group interviewing methods, the perceptions of 44 participants (across nine sessions) living in the Midwest in the U.S. were investigated to reveal the news media image constructs perceived by the public. Through multidisciplinary literature review and group discussions, eight dimensions emerged: news quality, news usefulness, socially responsible, personality, usability, transparent, perspective-taking, and news selection bias. Results showed that participants believed that news media organizations are mostly unreliable and biased in selecting news worthy stories as the news organizations are under the pressure of making profit or political interests. However, the information provided by news organizations was regarded as being useful in getting relevant information to the participants’ lives and news organizations’ potential role of protecting democracy were valued by participants. Exploring how these dimensions represent people's image of the news media provides insight into the current American’s perceptions and biases toward the news media organizations.
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Title: Freshwater resources : an evaluation of Michigan residents' perception of wetland ecosystem services
Creator: Walkowiak, Toni Anne
Date: 2017
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: "Thus, this research serves two purposes: (1), to gather information about Michigan residents' overall knowledge of wetlands ecosystems; (2), to establish whether residents can accurately distinguish between wetland functions and values. Two activities: semi-structured focus group interviews and online digital card sorts were conducted within Chippewa, Huron, and Macomb Counties of Michigan, to evaluate individuals' environmental perceptions of wetland ecosystems." -- Abstract.

Title: Affective aesthetics and the social politics of Neoliberalism in New Extremism cinema
Creator: Clark, Cameron
Date: 2017
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: This thesis investigates the aesthetics of transgression in New Extremism cinema for the ways in which they inform, and are mutually informed by, neoliberal affect and social politics. Although negative affect and spectatorial embodiment are often central to critical discourse on New Extremism, this thesis instead attends to the interlocking aesthetic, narrative, and spatio-temporal expressions of affect as they correlate with neoliberal politics of respectability and reproduction. By...
Show moreThis thesis investigates the aesthetics of transgression in New Extremism cinema for the ways in which they inform, and are mutually informed by, neoliberal affect and social politics. Although negative affect and spectatorial embodiment are often central to critical discourse on New Extremism, this thesis instead attends to the interlocking aesthetic, narrative, and spatio-temporal expressions of affect as they correlate with neoliberal politics of respectability and reproduction. By deploying feminism and queer theory, this thesis locates positive, productive potentials within formal expressions of negative affect that mobilize a political critique of the violences within each film. In so doing, the selected film examples--Fabrice Du Welz's Calvaire (2004), Marina de Van's Dans ma peu (2002), Olivier Assayas's Demonlover (2002), Bruno Dumont's Twentynine Palms (2004), François Ozon's Criminal Lovers (2001), Alain Guiraudie's Stranger by the Lake (2014), to name a few--portray the shifting relations between politics, gender, and sexuality in the neoliberal present and offer critical alternatives for how such developments have impacted and impeded sociality.
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Title: Expanding the survivor support net : a qualitative evaluation of a flexible funding program for intimate partner violence survivors
Creator: Bomsta, Heather
Date: 2017
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: "Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects nearly one in four US women in their lifetime. IPV survivors need access to material and community resources - whether they are leaving their abusers or choosing to stay in the relationship. Previous research has found that women who have experienced IPV are four times as likely to experience housing instability. The current IPV system focuses mainly on providing shelter, support groups, counseling, and legal advocacy, but has fewer financial resources...
Show more"Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects nearly one in four US women in their lifetime. IPV survivors need access to material and community resources - whether they are leaving their abusers or choosing to stay in the relationship. Previous research has found that women who have experienced IPV are four times as likely to experience housing instability. The current IPV system focuses mainly on providing shelter, support groups, counseling, and legal advocacy, but has fewer financial resources. This qualitative study focused on a pilot program in Washington D.C. that offered select survivors financial grants to address whatever the survivor defined as threatening their housing stability. Survivors were interviewed 30-days post-grant to assess their housing status and explore other grant impacts. All survivors in the sample were still housed 30- days post-grant. Survivors described the impact of the grants as extending beyond financial issues, resulting in stress relief, improved parenting, increased ability to focus on work and family and improvements in physical and mental health. The financial aspect of the grant was important, but the role of advocacy also appears crucial to these survivors."--Page ii.
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Title: A climatology of persistent high relative humidity for the lower peninsula of Michigan : implications for health and agriculture
Creator: Komoto, Kara
Date: 2019
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: High values of relative humidity have implications for many processes including human health, animal health and production, and crop disease. Despite its importance, little research has been completed about the persistence of high relative humidity. The goals of this study were to 1) create a baseline climatology of the persistence of high relative humidity (HRH), defined as ≥ 60%, and extremely high relative humidity (EHRH), defined as ≥ 85%, for the Lower Peninsula of Michigan and 2)...
Show moreHigh values of relative humidity have implications for many processes including human health, animal health and production, and crop disease. Despite its importance, little research has been completed about the persistence of high relative humidity. The goals of this study were to 1) create a baseline climatology of the persistence of high relative humidity (HRH), defined as ≥ 60%, and extremely high relative humidity (EHRH), defined as ≥ 85%, for the Lower Peninsula of Michigan and 2) examine, using persistent EHRH events as a surrogate for leaf wetness duration, the frequency of favorable environmental conditions for apple scab and cherry leaf spot, major crop diseases in the state. Results demonstrate that although overall persistent relative humidity events often occur throughout the state, their frequency appears to be decreasing with time. Temporal trends in the frequency of favorable environmental conditions for apple scab and cherry leaf spot vary by location and disease, but there is a general trend toward fewer occurrence of favorable environmental conditions. The climatological analyses provide Michigan stakeholders with essential information for long-term planning and management to mitigate and/or adapt to persistent high relative humidity and to assess future changes in persistent high relative humidity as expected with climate change.
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Title: Managing carrot foliar diseases in commercial production fields in Michigan
Creator: Donne, Irene Mariel
Date: 2017
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: "Fungal foliar diseases caused by Alternaria dauci and Cercospora carotae occur annually on carrots. Our goal was to update the disease management tactics by: 1) Testing OMRI-approved and conventional fungicides and 2) Evaluating TOM-CAST. Trials were conducted in 2015 and 2016. Disease severity was visually assessed weekly using the Horsfall-Barratt scale and a petiole health scale; the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was calculated for these parameters. Root yield was...
Show more"Fungal foliar diseases caused by Alternaria dauci and Cercospora carotae occur annually on carrots. Our goal was to update the disease management tactics by: 1) Testing OMRI-approved and conventional fungicides and 2) Evaluating TOM-CAST. Trials were conducted in 2015 and 2016. Disease severity was visually assessed weekly using the Horsfall-Barratt scale and a petiole health scale; the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was calculated for these parameters. Root yield was determined at harvest. Based on AUDPC results obtained in 2015 and 2016, the copperbased fungicides (copper hydroxide and copper hydroxide + copper oxychloride) were the only OMRI-approved products that significantly and consistently limited foliar blight. On the final assessment dates in both years, all conventional fungicides limited foliar and petiole blighting compared to the control with one exception; the propiconazole treatment in 2016 was similar to the control for petiole health. Yields differed significantly among the conventional treatments in 2016 but not in 2015. All treatments yielded significantly higher than the control except for iprodione. Treatments of pyraclostrobin + boscalid, fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin, and boscalid had statistically higher yields than penthiopyrad, iprodione, and propiconazole. TOM-CAST 15 and 25 DSV fungicide application schedules effectively reduced foliar blighting in 2015 under relatively light disease pressure. However, the TOM-CAST 25 DSV schedule did not adequately limit disease in 2016 when disease pressure was increased. Recently registered fungicides such as penthiopyrad and fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin and using TOM-CAST at the more conservative spray threshold of 15 DSV can help growers limit fungal foliar blight in years with higher disease pressure."--Page ii.
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