bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic review and meta-analyses of trendelenburg and prone position on intraocular pressure in adult patients undergoing surgery
Authors:   , Van Wicklin Sharon Ann
Published: April 2021

Background. Patients undergoing surgery in the Trendelenburg and prone positions may be at risk for postoperative vision loss associated with increased intraocular pressure. The purpose of this dissertation research is to estimate the magnitude of the increase in intraocular pressure at specific perioperative time points in adult patients undergoing surgery in the Trendelenburg and prone positions. Methods. Comprehensive search strategies were used to identify eligible studies for two meta-analyses and to address the research questions. For each meta-analysis, standardized mean difference effect sizes were calculated for selected perioperative time points. Results. Using a random effects model, the meta-analysis examining the effect of Trendelenburg position, showed that intraocular pressure decreased significantly after induction and before arousal. Intraocular pressure increased significantly after abdominal insufflation and during Trendelenburg position. The meta-analysis examining the effect of prone position, showed that intraocular pressure increased significantly between induction of anesthesia and up to 10 minutes of prone position and continued to increase significantly until the end of the prone position. Conclusions. Intraocular pressure increases of the magnitude found in this research demonstrate the need for implementing interventions to reduce the risk for postoperative vision loss in patients undergoing surgery in the Trendelenburg and prone positions.
Effects of Indigenous-focused curriculum on elementary students' engagement and cultural identity
Authors:   , Aguilar Lisa N.
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] Achievement disparities stratified by race and socioeconomic status persist across all academic disciplines and grade levels in the United States (National Center for Education Statistics, 2010). Culturally responsive teaching (CRT) is a direct response to concern over an academic achievement differential and high school dropout rates based on race, socioeconomic class, and level of English language ability (Vavrus, 2008). Several researchers have theorized that student engagement may explain variation in student achievement across ethnic groups (Connell, Spencer, and Aber, 1994; Finn and Rock, 1997; Steele, 1997). In the case of Indigenous students, cultural representation within the curriculum has the potential to engage students with the content. Additionally, there is ample evidence that a strong Indigenous identity can be a source of resilience for Indigenous youth, contributing to their academic success and well-being (Lester, 1999; Walters, Simoni, and Evans-Campbell, 2002; Whitbeck, Hoyt, McMorris, Chen and Stubben, 2001). More research is needed to understand the relationship between culture-specific programs, universal contributors to school success, and Indigenous student outcomes (Powers, 2006). ... Each classroom completed behavior and academic engagement ratings using a multiple baseline design, including baseline and intervention phases. The intervention phase involved teachers providing instruction in the areas of science and social studies using the lessons from the NDNAEU curriculum. The results from the study indicated minimal change in behavior and academic engagement ratings for one classroom. However, the improvements for each classroom during the intervention phase were small, in comparison to baseline. Each classroom displayed small changes in pre-and post-test cognitive and affective scores and small to medium effects on cultural identity. Future research is needed to determine the impact of Indigenous-focused curricula on student outcomes. Implications for research and practice, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
Behavioral economic indicators of Greek student drinking : the role of social environment and perceived norms
Authors:   , McAfee Nicholas William
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] College student problematic alcohol use is a public health issue that affects students, college campuses, and broader society. Within this subgroup, Greek affiliated students (i.e., members of a fraternity or sorority) drink an increased amount of alcohol and experience more negative alcohol-related consequences. Research examining Greek student drinking indicates that a) Greeks select into heavy drinking environments, b) Greek environments contribute to increased drinking, and c) Greek perception of their peers' drinking behavior influence how they drink. Behavioral economic models, which conceptualize drinking through demand (i.e., price of use and reinforcement), have also been used to predict college student drinking behavior. These models have predicted both college student drinking behavior and response to alcohol interventions. However, there is lack of empirical literature describing Greek student alcohol demand and designs that use social-level variables (i.e., Greek affiliation or social norms) to predict alcohol demand. The current study utilized structural equation modeling to examine Greek drinking behavior through the lens of behavioral economics while also accounting for social norms and the Greek social environment. Participants were 393 college students in their first two years of undergraduate study at two public universities who reported two binge drinking episodes in the past month. Results from structural equation modeling found no relationship between Greek affiliation and latent alcohol demand. Follow-up analyses found relationships between Greek status, social norms, and the measure of demand intensity. Alcohol demand and social norms were associated with alcohol-related outcomes. Interpretations of the findings, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
Establishing a foundation for large DNA transfer to artificial minichromosomes and B insert platforms in maize
Authors:   , Cody Jon Phalen
Published: April 2021

In plants, conventional genetic engineering methods limit the number of available traits that could potentially improve the quality of agriculture. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and biolistic bombardment are tools used in transferring genes into plant cells, both of which result in random integrations into host genomes. The absence of targeting machinery, together with low DNA carrying capacity on most plasmid vectors, limit researchers to a few genes in a single modification experiment, a process that takes [about]1 year in most plant species. While stacking traits from independent genetic modifications allow for an increase in the number of transgenes in a single plant, recovery of all genes in subsequent generations becomes increasingly difficult due to independent segregation in meiosis. Alternatively, the use of binary bacterial artificial chromosomes (BiBACs), large insert cloning vectors, can maintain and transfer up to 300 kps, but are also subject to random integrations. Therefore, establishment of a BiBAC targeting system would be advantageous for researchers focusing on creating plant lines that contain several genes that work together to express complex traits, such as disease resistance clusters or whole biosynthetic pathways. Additionally, BiBAC targeting to a location outside the native chromosomal sets, such as an artificial minichromosome or B chromosome platform, would enable researchers to stack traits without disrupting endogenous sequences.
Instrumental music teacher perceptions regarding student self-regulation of music learning
Authors:   , Horsley Philip Todd
Published: April 2021

In this study I examined instrumental music teacher's perceptions regarding student self-regulation of music learning. Relying on an interpretivist approach to an instrumental collective case study, data were collected from six instrumental music teachers who gave two in-depth interviews each. The McPherson and Zimmerman (2011) music learning theory served as the theoretical framework for this study and the Zimmerman (1989) self-regulated learning strategies were used to interpret the participant's perceptions. Data were analyzed using both with-in case and cross-case analyses. Findings from this study revealed that most of the participants used instructional strategies oriented towards the forethought phase of the theory. They also used instructional strategies that were oriented with the performance phase of the theory when they focused on student home practice. The participants believed that the most important self-regulation strategies their students could adopt were self-evaluation, goal-setting and planning, and social-seeking assistance. Future research could focus on how students develop into self-regulating learners, the effect guided instruction in the self-regulated problem-solving process could have on instrumental music student's academic achievements, and providing preservice music teachers with instruction in teaching self-regulation.
Data mining and machine learning methods for chromosome conformation data analysis
Authors:   , Oluwadare Oluwatosin
Published: April 2021

Sixteen years after the sequencing of the human genome, the Human Genome Project (HGP), and 17 years after the introduction of Chromosome Conformation Capture (3C) technologies, three-dimensional (3-D) inference and big data remains problematic in the field of genomics, and specifically, in the field of 3C data analysis. Three-dimensional inference involves the reconstruction of a genome's 3D structure or, in some cases, ensemble of structures from contact interaction frequencies extracted from a variant of the 3C technology called the Hi-C technology. Further questions remain about chromosome topology and structure; enhancer-promoter interactions; location of genes, gene clusters, and transcription factors; the relationship between gene expression and epigenetics; and chromosome visualization at a higher scale, among others. In this dissertation, four major contributions are described, first, 3DMax, a tool for chromosome and genome 3-D structure prediction from H-C data using optimization algorithm, second, GSDB, a comprehensive and common repository that contains 3D structures for Hi-C datasets from novel 3D structure reconstruction tools developed over the years, third, ClusterTAD, a method for topological associated domains (TAD) extraction from Hi-C data using unsupervised learning algorithm. Finally, we introduce a tool called, GenomeFlow, a comprehensive graphical tool to facilitate the entire process of modeling and analysis of 3D genome organization. It is worth noting that GenomeFlow and GSDB are the first of their kind in the 3D chromosome and genome research field. All the methods are available as software tools that are freely available to the scientific community.
Neutron scattering and microscopy studies of the structure and dynamics of water near a nanostructured hydrophilic copper oxide surface
Authors:   , Torres James Robert
Published: April 2021

Recently, it has been shown that superhydrophilic coatings of "grass-like" cupric oxide (CuO) nanostructures can significantly improve the thermal performance of heat transfer devices known as oscillating heat pipes (OHPs). The origin of this enhanced performance is currently unknown, but it is believed to be attributed to the thin film of interfacial water supported by the nanostructures that coat the OHP's interior surface. The aim of this work is to investigate the microscopic origin of enhanced heat transfer at the CuO surface by studying the structure, morphology, freezing/melting behavior, and dynamics of the water in proximity to the CuO coating over time and length scales that span picosecond-to-seconds and angstroms-to-millimeters, respectively . ... Our results demonstrate that water near superhydrophilic CuO nanostructures exhibits low-temperature anomalies in its structure and dynamics at the molecular level-a direction of research that has both applied and fundamental interest. The significantly altered structure and dynamics of the interfacial water could affect the boundary conditions for bulk water motion inside of an OHP during its operation. To test this hypothesis, we have proposed time-resolved neutron imaging experiments to characterize the kinetics of water oscillations in CuO-coated OHPs.
Teacher perceptions of their evaluations : impact of the Network for Educator Effectiveness (NEE) data tool on teacher growth, teacher effectiveness, and learning-centered culture in a Missouri rural public high school
Authors:   , White Dorian Keith
Published: April 2021

As public schools continue to face growing pressure to increase standardized test scores and improve nationwide student achievement levels, policy makers and school officials are looking for every opportunity for improvement. Three of the major areas of focus in this national debate are teacher growth, effectiveness, and learning-centered cultures in schools that lead to teacher collective efficacy and improved student performance. This study will focus on teacher evaluations as a tool for promoting teacher growth, improving teacher effectiveness, and promoting a learning-centered culture in a rural public school. Specifically, the researcher plans to measure the impact of the Network For Educator Effectiveness (NEE) Data Tool upon teacher growth, effectiveness, and the learning-centered culture through teacher perceptions in one rural public high school (NEE Data Tool Online Manager, n.d.). ... According to Darling and Hammond et al. (2016), "The new law provides the possibility that states can create more balanced systems of support and accountability focused on educating young people so they can become productive, engaged citizens who are prepared for 21st century college and careers" (p. i). The language in ESSA appears to be more focused on a holistic approach to overall school improvement versus the specific student testing and school accountability focus of previous educational reform. The ESSA has more "reasonable goals and objectives [which] can be collaboratively established that align with the needs of studens" (American Federation of Teachers FAQ, 2018, p. 1). The political debate about state and national educational reform rages on, but for now the researchers opinion is that Missouri is in a somewhat stable and manageable place as related to teacher evaluations as a tool for promoting teacher growth and improving learning cultures in public schools.
Learning from screencast videos for software training : a comparison of dual and single-monitor learning environments
Authors:   , Kueker Douglas Paul
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Learning to use software programs using worked examples in screencast videos presents a classic split-attention problem that requires learners to mentally integrate information from the video with a target application. While much is known about sound screencast tutorial design, little is known about the features of the learning environment, such as monitor configuration, that may influence learning from this form of instruction. An experiment was conducted with 42 novice learners to fill this gap by comparing the effects of two common monitor configurations which split attention in different ways. In one condition, subjects split attention temporally by toggling back and forth between the video and target application on one monitor, while the other condition required subjects to split attention spatially by shifting their gaze between the video and target application displayed on two side-by-side monitors. Effects due to the monitor set-up were assessed for measures of cognitive load, instructional efficiency, and motivation using a 2x2 study design that controlled for task order. Results indicated that cognitive load as measured through task evoked pupil response was significantly higher, pless than .05, for groups with two monitors during both instruction and testing, even after controlling for working memory capacity. Analyses of three gaze-related eye-tracking metrics and NASA-TLX ratings did not indicate any differences in workload due to the experimental treatment; however, attentional patterns indicated by the eye-tracking data were shaped by two- and three-way interactions between working memory capacity and the experimental conditions. Measures of instructional efficiency indicated that the single monitor set-up was most efficient as learners attempted to transfer learning. While task efficacy and relevance ratings increased after training, monitor set-up did not affect post-training motivation.
Photosynthesis and heat tolerance of soybean
Authors:   , Herritt Matthew Thomas
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] The Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) is determined from canopy spectral reflectance measurements and can provide important information about photosynthesis. The PRI can be used to assess the epoxidation state of xanthophyll pigments which provides information on non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and the amount of energy used for photosynthesis. Genome wide association analyses were conducted to identify Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and genomic loci associated with PRI using data from a soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] diversity panel grown under field conditions in two years. Based on a mixed linear model, 31 unique candidate SNPs that identify 15 putative loci on 11 chromosomes were identified. Several candidate genes known to be associated with NPQ, photosynthesis, and sugar transport processes were identified in the proximity of 10 putative loci. Violaxanthin de-epoxidase, one of the identified genes, is directly involved in the xanthophyll cycle which plays a major role in NPQ. This study is the first to identify genomic loci for PRI and illustrates the potential of canopy spectral reflectance measurements for high-throughput phenotyping of a photosynthesis related trait. Significant SNPs, candidate genes, and genotypes contrasting for PRI identified in this study may prove useful for crop improvement efforts.
Polyurethenae foams and engineering education
Authors:   , An Siyu
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Thermal conductivity [subscript] of a rigid polyurethane (PU) foam was successfully simulated, during which the impact of index of isocyanate, mixing speed, and the amount of physical blowing agent was characterized by a heat flow meter for [subscript], and a pycnometer for the foam density and closed cell content. Besides, heat capacities (ð¶ð‘ƒ) of most common polyols and isocyanate in making PU foams were experimentally measured. Then a general formula was created for using in a Matlab code to boost efficiency of simulating the reaction temperature. This work laid the groundwork for modeling the viscosity, reaction rates, and concentrations of reactants, etc. Prior to this publication, it was assumed in our simulation code that ð¶ð‘ƒ was a function of rising temperature by a slope of 0.1% per one degree for any polyols and isocyanate. In addition, a potential way to help undergraduates to achieve analysis, evaluation, and creation levels of learning in polymer and chemical reaction engineering course was presented.
No people like #showpeople : Broadway performers' ethnographic social media
Authors:   , Spitulnik Jennifer
Published: April 2021

The occupational folk group of Broadway musical theater performers uses folklore in public spaces as a kind of representational strategy for the group as a whole. This strategy is significant in representing the groupâ€™s identity to itself as well as to outsiders who are invested in knowing more about them, such as Broadway enthusiasts. That is, the group can and does tell the story of itself, representing itself ethnographically, by way of its individual members. Social media technologies provide a platform for Broadway performers to present these native ethnographies both to the public and to other members of the folk group. I argue that these native, self-conscious ethnographic works by musical theater performers are both concerned with representing themselves as individuals, and with representing the cultural group of musical theater performers as a whole. Exploring the folklore and folk identities performed by members of this group in online social media suggests new ways of understanding the politics and practices of ethnography, particularly on social network sites in our postmodern global economy of attention. In this project, the first in any field to consider musical theater performers as a cultural or folk group, I investigate actorsâ€™ recognition of and group use of vernacular creative expressionsâ€"folkloreâ€"as a representational strategy. Through this work, I explore the ways in which self-representation on the part of the ethnographic participants claims voice and authority for the group, while simultaneously performing group membership and identity for multiple audiences.
Rapid growth in central city : a case study of a growing downtown district
Authors:   , Lancaster Janna S.
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] This qualitative case study examined a period of rapid growth in housing in a midsize city downtown. The research question asked what the process of change was in the downtown during the decade before a growth moratorium was imposed. Sub questions about how the policy makers anticipated and planned for change in the downtown, how growth was limited or encouraged through the existing codes and exemptions to the codes, and what the effects of the growth was on the infrastructure and stakeholders in the downtown. The data collected included publicly available documents, open-ended interviews, newspaper articles, field notes, records of city meetings, and memos. The findings of this case study revealed that open zoning rules allowed market forces to control what was built. The rapid growth also created opportunities for new businesses, an active creative scene, and an expanded recycling program. Participants expressed concerns about the changing place and who belongs. The outcomes of this study illustrate the need for a broad-swath concept of sustainable development, one that includes planning and funding for infrastructure, and protection and development of the existing intergenerational community.
Effectiveness of functional communication training paired with a chained schedule of reinforcement in the reduction of challenging behavior
Authors:   , Malugen Emily
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] To best meet the needs of elementary-aged students with Autism Spectrum Disorder who engage in challenging behaviors in the classroom, identifying a practical and feasible function-based intervention to both reduce problem behaviors and increase appropriate behaviors is optimal (Koegel, Matos-Freden, Lang and Koegel, 2012). The purpose of the current study is to extend previous research suggesting that Functional Communication Training (FCT) is an effective intervention to increase appropriate communication responses, and in turn decrease instances of problem behavior, when it is integrated with a chained schedule of reinforcement and programmed schedule-thinning (Zangrillo, Fisher, Greer, Owen, DeSouza, 2016). In addition to assessing intervention effectiveness and feasibility of teacher implementation, this study also assesses the extent to which applying mitigating strategies throughout the intervention would impact the likelihood of treatment relapse (Mace et al., 2010). Findings suggest that challenging behavior decreased throughout intervention, and functional communication and time on-task increased. Additionally, the data suggest that relapse did not occur. Implications for practice in the classroom are discussed.
Federated multimodal simulators in transportation
Authors:   , Qing Zhu
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] As transportation involves a multiplicity of modes, there is a need to explore multimodal simulators in transportation and the integration of multimodal simulators to enable the reproduction of a controlled, complex and interactive environment. The dissertation investigated the approach of federated multimodal simulators and their applications in transportation. First, the development of multimodal simulators, including driving, bicycling, walking, and wheeling, was presented. With the use of the driving simulator, design factors in J-turn interchange and effectiveness of automatic flagger assistive devices (AFADs) were evaluated. The results of simulator studies showed that the acceleration-deceleration configuration performed better than the deceleration-only configuration in J-turn and AFADs were able to improve work zone and worker safety. Second, the development of federated simulators with the use of the high-level architecture (HLA) framework was documented. By using federated simulators, the effectiveness of autonomous vehicle (AV) external designs for AV-pedestrian communications and a wayfinding mobile application were investigated. The results showed that the pedestrian preferred the word sign on the front of the vehicle and the mobile wayfinding application reduced wheelchair users' reliance on wayfinding signs and their travel anxiety. The studies filled gaps in existing knowledge and were used to help practitioners continue to improve designs or discover better solutions in transportation. Overall, the use of federated simulator studies demonstrated the many benefits such as safety of participants, analysis of human behavior, capability to perform sensitivity analysis, investigation of interactions of multiple road users, and evaluation of experimental technology.
Maternal care and environmental enrichment influences on serotonin knockout mice with implications for a gene x stress model of autism
Authors:   , Kille Briana M.
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] Previous research has shown a genetic variant in the serotonin transporter gene (Slc6a4) can increase the severity of a person's reaction to stress. This variant interacts with environmental stressors resulting in poorer health outcomes. Previous studies have also found that stressing pregnant mothers who carry the variant can result in an increased likelihood of autism diagnosis for the child. This maternal genotype x prenatal stress interaction has been modeled in the serotonin transporter knockout (SERT KO) mouse--dams genetically modified to mimic humans carrying the short allele were stressed during pregnancy resulting in offspring showing altered social behavior, repetitive behavior, and anxiety behavior. The first study included in this dissertation attempted to replicate this model while using a foster dam paradigm to avoid potential maternal care confounds. Surprisingly, the results showed that equalizing maternal care equalized several group differences in behavior. It is theorized that this is due to elimination of the neonatal insult from poor maternal care that would correspond to a human prenatal insult during a previously identified critical time period. The second study explored the potential effects environmentally enriched home cages on anxiety like behaviors of SERT KO mice. The study showed that all animals, regardless of genotype, showed fewer anxiety like behaviors in the open field assay. Together, these studies expand on our understanding of environmental influence on SERT KO mice used in translational studies.
The role of the mammary gland during heat stress
Authors:   , Rodrigues Ricardo Oliveira
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] Disruptive effects of climate change, such as increasing environmental temperature, have direct impacts on economic viability and efficiency of food production. In lactating dairy cows, heat stress reduces milk production and alters function of mammary secretory cells, at least partly by disturbing local protein metabolism. We hypothesized that hyperthermia would not only reduce mammary blood flow but would also reduce mammary extraction of nutrients from blood. In addition, we hypothesized that transcriptional profiling of mammary tissue would reveal disruption of cellular homeostasis. Our objective was to determine the effects of hyperthermia on mammary function. More specifically, we aimed to profile mammary blood flow and the changes in mammary transcriptome of heat-stressed lactating dairy cows. We investigated the effects of early and prolonged exposure of lactating dairy cows to hyperthermia by exposing cows to programmed constantly elevated temperature and humidity to induce and maintain body temperature approximately 1[degree]C above normal. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the production responses of hyperthermic lactating dairy cows, to characterize total and nutritive mammary blood flow, and to elucidate the regulation of mammary function during early and prolonged exposure to hyperthermia. Results from these studies established that 1) hyperthermia reduces total and nutritive mammary blood flow, limiting nutrient disappearance across the mammary gland; 2) hyperthermia does not induce shunting of blood away from the gland; 3) hyperthermia affects mammary tissue transcriptome, mainly altering processes associated with ECM and cell adhesion; 4) the effects of exposure to prolonged heat stress on mammary gene expression are distinct from the effects of feed restriction, in lactating dairy cows; and 5) mammary function is reestablished within 8 days after cessation of heat stress.
Technetium and rhenium schiff base complexes for nuclear medicine
Authors:   , Baumeister Jakob Edwin
Published: April 2021

This dissertation investigates the synthesis of rhenium and technetium Schiff base complexes for potential applications in nuclear medicine. In Chapter 2, a series of mixed ligand Re(III) complexes of the form trans-[Re(PR3)2(tmf2en)]+ were prepared by microwave assisted synthesis. A two-step (one-pot) procedure was utilized. In the first step, the Re(V) precursor (nBu4N)[ReOCl4] is reacted with the Schiff base ligand forming trans-[ReOCl(tmf2en) in situ. In the second step, a tertiary phosphine ligand is added yielding the reduced trans-[Re(PR3)2(tmf2en)][superscript +] species. The preparation of these trans-[Re(PR3)2(tmf2en)][superscript +] complexes by microwave assisted synthesis resulted in higher reaction yields and shorter reaction times compared to syntheses of similar Re(III) Schiff base complexes. The general methodology proved to be useful for the synthesis of mixed ligand Re(III) complexes with a diverse range of Schiff base ligands and phosphines.
Within-site variability and reliability of foundation designs based on load tests
Authors:   , Boeckmann Andrew Z.
Published: April 2021

Probabilistic evaluations of the reliability of foundation designs based on site-specific load test information are somewhat limited in number. Published evaluations have generally relied on Bayesian techniques. A primary input for Bayesian analysis is within-site variability, which describes the variability of foundation resistance across a site. Within-site variability is attributed to geologic variation across a site and to differences in construction outcomes among foundation elements. Published evaluations have generally used a deterministic value of within-site variability wherein within-site variability is treated as a known parameter and is not subject to updating based on load test results. In contrast, probabilistic within-site variability treats within-site variability as an uncertain parameter with its own probability distribution that is updated based on load test results. Probabilistic within-site variability has not been applied commonly. This research examines differences in reliability outcomes between deterministic and probabilistic within-site variability. Analysis of micropile load test results from five different sites was used to develop a distribution of within-site variability. The resulting distribution is relatively variable (i.e. the value of within-site variability is, itself, variable), which demonstrates that there is, in fact, considerable variability and uncertainty in the value of within-site variability.
A lacanian reply to Marx : the necessity of topology in the formation of the social
Authors:   , Loiseau Lawrence
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] This study addresses Lacan's comments on Marx. While much has been done towards reading Marx with psychoanalysis generally, little had has been done to unpack the meaning and extent of Lacan's own statements on Marx. For example, while Lacanian Marxists like Slavoj Zizek have wielded Lacan to great effect in a critique of post-structuralism, they have neglected the full meaning and complexity of Lacan's own stance. What is argued thereby is that Zizek not only omits the discrete knowledge within Lacan's commentary, but misses what I describe as a Lacan's theory of the social. On the one hand, it is commonly known in Lacanian thought that discourse is responsible for making the subject. On the other hand, what is less known is that Lacan defined discourse as that which makes a social link which, in contrast with Marxist thought, introduces a certain affect and materialism premised on discourse itself, commonly known, but also for providing the underlying strata of topology (namely, paradox) requisite for making any social link between subjects. Although less commonly known, we can nevertheless gain new insight into Marx. On the one hand, Lacan concedes Marx's underlying structuralism. On the other hand, Marx fails to see the true source of discourse's origins, the real itself, and consequently fails to see the true efficacy of discourse. He fails to see how discourse, although negative, stands as entirely positive and material in its distinctive effects. Discourse negotiates subjects and their inimitable objects of desire in this singularity itself. This is where true production lies; it is that which precedes any social or economic theory, which are otherwise premised on reality. Lacan rejects reality.
Defending an indirect normativity of belief
Authors:   , Perinchery-Herman Stephen
Published: April 2021

In this dissertation, I seek to answer the following questions: is there such a thing as deontic epistemic normativity -- obligations, permissions, and prohibitions to act in a certain way based on epistemic grounds -- and if so what does it consist in, and is it important for determining what we ought to do in practical reasoning? I argue for an indirect account of epistemic normativity: epistemic obligations command believers to act in certain ways so as to affect beliefs downstream of their actions. Further, I argue that if an agent commits him/herself to epistemic normativity, then these epistemic obligations can matter for the purposes of practical reason.
A new lumped parameter model for coronary blood flow, using nondimensional analysis
Authors:   , Alwan Ghazwan S.
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] The studies of the coronary circulation hemodynamics are of great importance due to the high mortality and morbidity associated with coronary diseases. A few previous findings highlighted the importance of translational studies of the coronary hemodynamics, as well as creating neutral bases for comparison, which would help in applying the animal results to humans. In this study, a novel lumped-parameter nondimensional model to study the coronary hemodynamics has been proposed. The model has been characterized using few parameters and utilized recent findings to predict and study the coronary blood flow-pressure relationships. The parameters of the model were calculated using in vivo data obtained from ten healthy normal Yucatan mini-swine. The verification of the model, as well as the resulting parameters, was achieved by observation of the flow features and comparison with other studies. The parameters estimation algorithm involved an optimization process that produced the best possible fit between the predicted arterial flow and the experimental arterial flow with preserving a venous outflow physical constraint. The model was used to study the global (over the whole cardiac cycle) and the instantaneous (over the systolic and diastolic portions of the cardiac cycle) dynamic features of the relationships between the coronary blood flow and the mechanical cross-talk. In addition to the general hemodynamics studies, the model has been used to study the sensitivity of the coronary arterial flow to the characteristic parameters, both globally and instantaneously. The results showed that the nondimensional analysis is an efficient way to characterize the coronary hemodynamics. Moreover, the global and the instantaneous coronary flow are affected by different degrees when the characteristics parameters are perturbed.
Automated and non-contact human finger range of motion measurement system
Authors:   , Anaz Aws
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Measurement of finger active range of motion (ROM) is essential for monitoring the effectiveness of rehabilitative treatments and for evaluating patients' functional impairment accurately. Currently, finger ROM is measured through a labor-intensive process of applying a hand-held goniometer to each finger joint and recording the value. This method is subject to error and is time-consuming, leading many surgeons not to collect the data to avoid delays in the clinic. To speed up and simplify this process, we proposed a system to measure the ROM of joints of each finger automatically. The system is based on extracting a 3D hand model using the low-cost Intel RealSense SR300 camera that can produce an accurate 3D model. Segmentation methods are developed to extract each finger individually, and several algorithms are proposed to estimate joint angles. To evaluate the proposed system, we collected data on 30 healthy volunteers and 22 hand therapy patients, with University of Missouri IRB approval. The system has been tested and compared to manual measurements made with a goniometer by a fellowship trained hand surgeon to extract the finger joint ROM. First, using data on the healthy subjects, the mean absolute differences in measurement were 8 degrees across all finger joints. These differences were found to compare favorably to the variability noted in manual measurements in published papers. Moreover, the proposed system estimates MCP and PIP joint angles in all long fingers accurately with one automated, non-contact scan. The system was improved and then further tested with patients in the hand therapy clinic, who may have finger swelling, attachments, and/or unusual finger ROM. The system showed a mean absolute difference of 7 degrees with respect to the goniometer readings. Moreover, analyzing the clinic use provided recommendations for further development of the proposed system.
Development and analysis of a socio-scientific reasoning assessment : application of computer automated scoring and rasch analysis
Authors:   , Womack Andrew Judson
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Scientific literacy (SL) as an idea is considered by many to be one of the main goals of science education. This study focuses on Roberts' (2007) second vision of SL, the ability of students to competently navigate "situations with a scientific component..." (p. 730). Assessments centered on Vision-II-SL could be refined to better capture student's competency. To this end, this study focuses on the development of an open- ended Vision-II aligned assessment (QuASSR-oe2). To make this assessment usable in large populations this study utilizes automated scoring, which is the synergy of natural- language-processing and supervised-machine-learning. This study establishes the validity and reliability of the QuASSR-oe2 using psychometric techniques from classical-test theory and Rasch analysis. The study also establishes that accurate automated-scoring models (QWK > .7) can be generated, thus allowing for efficient scoring of open-ended student responses. Ultimately, this allows for the QuASSR-oe2 to be easily utilized in large populations.
Exploring social camouflaging in adolescents with and without Autism
Authors:   , Jorgenson Courtney
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] Examining sex differences in individuals on the autism spectrum has been a major focus of recent research in the field. Of particular interest is the concept of camouflaging, through which individuals work to mask their autistic traits. Previous research has suggested that camouflaging may negatively impact mental health and that autistic females may be more likely to camouflage than autistic males. However, research in this area is limited to autistic adults and has not typically included neurotypical comparison groups. A better understanding of camouflaging in younger individuals, and how camouflaging may be similar and different among autistic and neurotypical individuals, is needed. The purpose of this study was to compare levels of camouflaging, motivations for and consequences of camouflaging, levels of internalizing symptoms, and correlations between camouflaging and internalizing symptoms in neurotypical and autistic adolescents. The results of this study indicated that (1) adolescent females are more likely to camouflage than males when not accounting for age, (2) there may be qualitative differences in the camouflaging of autistic and neurotypical males and females, and (3) camouflaging is significantly correlated with internalizing symptoms, though these correlations may be different for autistic and neurotypical adolescents.
Development of a scale for evaluating screening tests for cancer : attributes patients emphasize (escape)
Authors:   , Valentine K. D.
Published: April 2021

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] The public's overenthusiasm for cancer screening tests has the potential to subject many individuals to harms such as overdetection and false positives. Thus, it is of the utmost importance that we understand what drives patient preferences for screening in the first place. Then, once these preferences are defined and understood, the information regarding the various positive and negative attributes of options -- as well as the likelihoods associated with these attributes for an individual -- and any other features of the decision could be tailored to the individual. This dissertation proposes and validates a new measure that identifies what features individuals find important when choosing a screening test and how they vary relative to others. Herein, a set of factors regarding screening test attributes was created, and a 5-factor structure was both explored and confirmed. The scale is shown to be reliable and to have convergent and discriminant validity. Further, the structure was not found to replicate in a more diverse population. Instead the more diverse sample has a 6-factor structure. Finally, this individual difference scale was compared with a discrete choice experiment and a threshold technique, finding all of these methods vary and none of them are capable of predicting screening choices.
Exploring the diverse functions of peptidoglycan hydrolases in the plant pathogen, Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors:   , Figueroa-Cuilan Wanda Melissa
Published: April 2021

The plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens displays an atypical form of unipolar elongation, followed by incipient pole synthesis during cell division and cell separation. Currently, how polar growing bacteria modulate cell wall hydrolysis during growth and division remains largely unknown. This work includes the comprehensive analysis and characterization of the role of cell wall hydrolyses involved in bacterial growth, division, recycling and beta-lactam resistance in A. tumefaciens. First, we performed bioinformatic analyses and used reverse genetics to better understand the role cell wall hydrolases in A. tumefaciens. Inactivation of most cell wall hydrolases, led to no phenotypic defects suggesting a high degree of redundancy. However, inactivation of the amidase, AmiD, and the lytic transglycosylase Atu3779, revealed significant changes in beta-lactam resistance suggesting that these proteins are involved in the activation beta-lactamases and outer-membrane integrity. Next, we developed a tool (Figueroa-Cuilan et al., 2016) to dissect the role of essential genes, which enabled characterization of the essential regulator of cell division, DipM, a LytM-containing factor. Absence of DipM causes severe cell division defects, including increased cell length, mid-cell width and lysis. A cell wall composition analysis of cells devoid of DipM shows an increase in the activity of the PG hydrolases, lytic transglycosylases, suggesting that DipM may inhibit the activity of these enzymes. Lastly, we find that deletion of individual lytic transglycolsylases (LTs) from the DipM depletion strain delays the onset of the DipM depletion phenotype. Overall, this research provides mechanistic insights about the roles of peptidoglycan hydrolases and their regulators in cell growth and division. Understanding how bacterial cell wall hydrolysis is spatiotemporally regulated and coordinated with cell wall synthesis and cell division (Figueroa-Cuilan and Brown, 2018), will be applicable to other closely related polar-growing bacteria.
Human rights in presidential democracies : does a runoff rule reduce repression?
Authors:   , Holzer Joshua
Published: April 2021

I argue that within a democratic context the presence of a presidential runoff rule leads to the following outcomes: a reduced distance between the ideological position of the president and the median voter, a reduced percent of the cabinet in the same party as the president, and a reduced likelihood that the president is elected without a majority. Additionally, I argue that a large distance between the ideological position of the president and the median voter, cabinets comprised of a high percent of members in the same party as the president, and presidents elected without a majority are all negatively associated with high government respect for human rights. Since the presence of a runoff rule reduces determinants that are in turn negatively associated with high government respect for human rights, the presence of a runoff rule is likely positively associated with high government respect for human rights. Ultimately, I find that democratic presidential elections held using a runoff rule produce presidents that are less likely to be associated with lower government respect for human rights, and more likely to be associated with greater government respect for human rights. In order to promote government respect for human rights, I suggest that constitutional designers embrace the idea of instituting a presidential runoff rule. Simply put: a relatively easy way to reduce repression is to add the possibility of a runoff round to all democratic presidential elections.