Matching Items (731)
Description
As an incoming STEM student, it can be intimidating thinking about the long academic road ahead. That is why I have written a short book about my greatest success strategies and takeaways from my past four years as a STEM student. I dive into topics including communication, teamwork, time management, growth mindsets, and self-care.
ContributorsConway, Kayla (Author) / Reeves, Scott (Thesis director) / del Mar Navarro, María (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Current demographic and water use trends prompt concerns for increasing water scarcity. Water reuse and wastewater reuse can help accommodate for some of these concerns. One application of this wastewater reuse can come in the form of agricultural applications. This, however, raises concerns of human and environmental exposure to antibiotic resistance genes and bacteria (ARGs/ARBs). Organizations such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) cite increasing exposure and cases of antibiotic resistant bacteria related infections. This has led to a need for a more thorough understanding of risk and risk management strategies for these purposes. Biosolids can be used as fertilizers after treatment from wastewater treatment plants and as a result may be a potential avenue for exposure. Biosolids are activated sludge commonly dewatered and/or further treated for agricultural applications and are a focus of this thesis. The objectives of this thesis are (1) to contribute to a literature review of ARGs in biosolids with a specific focus on the effects of different treatment practices; and (2) quantify E. coli bacteria, intI1 (an integron-integrase gene used as an indicator of anthropogenic pollution), some heavy metals, and nutrients (N, P, and K) for newly collected biosolids samples in a multifactorial-designed lettuce growth experiment. Results found that most data points did not report wastewater treatment type. Additionally, TH/TH-MAD appeared to have lower ARG concentrations relative to other treatment types. Organizations such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the WHO provide maximum permissible limits of certain contaminants in plants and soils. Results found Cadmium concentrations in lettuce to be above these outlined limits. E. coli bacteria and intI1 results varied. Ultimately, in the future there needs to be more consistent reporting guidelines for obtaining ARG/ARB data and developing risk models for assessing potential exposure.
ContributorsKuppravalli, Aditya (Author) / Hamilton, Kerry (Thesis director) / Conroy-Ben, Otakuye (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
This thesis will outline contracts, the language in contracts, and how contracts in sports law are drafted. Contracts are legally binding agreements between parties, where each benefits in some manner. These contracts are supposed to be interpreted in accordance with the law and set out the obligations between the parties involved. Business contracts have certain clauses that are discussed in this thesis, while sports law contracts have similarities and differences with these business contracts. Business contracts are drafted to outline the duties, responsibilities, and nature of the business relationship. Sports contracts tend to outline the relationship between team and player, where the team has an obligation to compensate the player and the player has a skill or performance to provide. In sports law, the idea of torts will be discussed, which is generally the main cause of action for disputes in sports. The contract is drafted in mind of this in order to limit the liability for the player and team in case of dispute. Then, the standard player contract (‘SPK’) will be introduced, and the author will go over certain unique clauses and language in these contracts. After all the research and information in chapters one through five, chapter six will include a standard player contract drafted by the author. This deliverable will cover the topics and research conducted in the thesis and put it in a sports context. Finally, the author will give an analysis of the drafted SPK and personal recommendations for future drafted SPKs. The author acknowledges the length of this thesis but appreciates the time and effort to read and understand it.
ContributorsJustus, Brett (Author) / Lee, Christopher (Thesis director) / Eaton, John (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
This thesis investigates the impact of extended use of exoskeletal boots on fatigue levels during physical activity. The study examines the effects of exoskeletal boots on physiological responses, including heart rate, R-R intervals, VO2 levels, and walking durations, compared to conditions without the boots. Participants underwent walking tasks while wearing the boots and performed physiological assessments. Results indicate that exoskeletal boots may mitigate fatigue and enhance endurance, as evidenced by longer walking durations and potentially reduced metabolic demand compared to conditions without the boots. Furthermore, analysis of heart rate and R-R interval data suggests modulation of autonomic nervous system activity with the use of exoskeletal boots. These findings offer insights into the potential benefits of exoskeletal boots in reducing fatigue and improving performance during prolonged physical activity, with implications for various domains including sports, rehabilitation, and military applications. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize the utilization of exoskeletal boots for enhancing human performance and well-being.
ContributorsByrne, Emily (Author) / Lockhart, Thurmon (Thesis director) / Arquiza, J.M.R. Apollo (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
In the modern age of marketing and the growing use of influencer marketing, the use of these influencers and social platforms is rapidly evolving. With the rise of TikTok during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there was a shift as consumers started to prefer short-form video content and new influencers started to gain popularity. The beauty industry in particular had a large increase in marketing as new influencers popped up with a new style, leading to changing consumer desires and attitudes. This case study aims to aid future researchers in understanding a new topic of research in the rapidly changing marketing world. For this study, I defined three subtypes of beauty mega-influencers: first-mover beauty influencers, who have been in the industry for a decade or more, controversial influencers, who actively create content but have problematic pasts, and beauty lifestyle influencers who gained their popularity on TikTok and their styles develop parasocial relationships with their followers. I gathered a sample of sponsored posts on both TikTok and Instagram to look into the effectiveness of each type’s style for marketing use and how consumers reacted to these types of posts. With this sample, I tested how the credibility within each group and as individuals affected consumer attitudes, and which group is the most effective overall in receiving positive attitudes in terms of response to persuasion. This was done by comparing engagement rates and tracking attitudes in each comment section. My findings found that those with all three facets of credibility, knowledge, expertise, and attractiveness, received the best responses from their audience, and this was found mostly within the newer, TikTok-based beauty lifestyle influencers, however, each subtype had different advantages. There was also the unexpected finding of platform difference, and how much effect that had on consumer attitudes overall.
ContributorsJenkins, Jennifer (Author) / Dong, Xiaodan (Thesis director) / Eaton, John (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
The Phoenix Culture United Project is a proposed community solution aimed at increasing the social cohesion between residents of Maryvale and the wider Phoenix area. Inspired by the Warrior Wall by the Glioblastoma Research Organization, a page designated to the names of individuals who have fought glioblastoma, Phoenix Culture United is designed to host a variety of submissions by Maryvale residents, including photos, videos, soundtracks and stories--any media that viewers feel is an embodiment of their culture or tradition. The site also hosts educational content including Maryvale's community history, past and current challenges, community assets as well as ways for those residing outside Maryvale to learn about and partake in community events. The site's central educational page centers the voices of Maryvale residents in communicating the essence, culture and pride of the community. The origins, primary- and secondary-research backed developmental process and evaluation procedures are discussed. While preliminary results of the evaluation process showed promising results that this concept may be somewhat effective and accepted by the community, future directions and potential changes are identified and discussed as well.
ContributorsKispert, Erin (Author) / Hariadi, Rizal (Thesis director) / Holmes, Zhen (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Division of Teacher Preparation (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Bone tissue diseases involve the weakening of bones' flexibility, often leading to fractures. Annually, approximately 1.5 million individuals experience this condition, with a higher prevalence observed among older age groups. The primary solutions for bone diseases include allografts, which require an available donor and have been reported to elicit potential adverse host immune responses. Consequently, there is an opportunity for innovative solutions and treatments based on bone tissue engineering. One potential treatment involves the use of piezoelectric materials to support tissue regeneration and osteogenesis. To validate the suitability of this biomaterial, this study focuses on assessing its biocompatibility, particularly regarding cell viability and adhesion. Through the use of metabolic assays and scanning electron microscopy, scaffolds composed of multi-composite and piezoelectric biomaterials have shown promise in supporting the cell types necessary for bone regeneration.
ContributorsPulido, Tiffany (Author) / Chen, Xiangfan (Thesis director) / Lancaster, Jessica (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Search Engine Marketing is one of the most commonly utilized digital marketing strategies. However, it is also relatively new and unstudied. A study is necessary to address how consumers are interacting with search engines both organically and through paid sponsored results. First, information must be compiled on what the current industry best practices are when marketing through search engines. This means acquiring data on how marketers are using Search Engine Optimization and Paid Search campaigns to target their customers and potential customers. Next, information must be gathered on what current research exists regarding the consumer behavior of search engines. In other words, how, where, and why are users searching? Finally, a study will be conducted surveying 385 college students to address unanswered questions about how younger generations are searching and where the future of search lies.
ContributorsTucker, Claire (Author) / Eaton, John (Thesis director) / Lee, Christopher (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Parkinson's disease is characterized as the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to striatal dopamine insufficiency that contribute to the motor signs and symptoms of the disorder, which include tremor, rigidity, akinesia, and postural instability. Despite increasing advancements to discover new approaches to alleviate the motor dysfunctions in the disorder, there are several setbacks with the current treatment options on the market. In this study, we look at using an optical technique, known as fiber photometry, to directly measure neural activity in particular brain regions of interest to understand the neurobiological changes associated with the disorder. Here, we use GCaMP, a genetically encoded calcium indicator, to measure calcium-dependent transients in the striatum and compare a lesioned nigrostriatal pathway, induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), to an intact hemisphere of hemiparkinsonian animal models.
ContributorsNikjou, Cameron (Author) / Manfredsson, Frederic (Thesis director) / Meyers, Kimberly (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Pharmacokinetic analysis is used in drug discovery programs to quantify the dynamics of an exogenous compound in a living organism. Compounds targeting the brain face additional challenges as the permeability of the blood brain barrier limits distribution of the compound into the brain tissue. Quantifying the permeability of the blood brain barrier is typically performed by euthanizing the animal at multiple time points in the study, requiring a large cohort of animals and prohibitively expensive amounts of the target compound. Previous studies have explored the use of in vivo fluorescent images as an alternative method to determine brain pharmacokinetics, but have faced challenges in quantifying the extravasation of the compound from the blood vasculature into the brain due to light scattering through the tissue prior to reaching the optical system. The correction model outlined in this study aims to correct for the effects of light scattering to enable more accurate quantification of extravasation and the dynamics of the system. The model utilizes the ratio of light scattering between the vascular and parenchymal regions of the brain to correct the extracted data. The model improved the quantification of extravasation on the positive control and provided a better understanding of the dynamics of the system, but failed to accurately quantify extravasation in the negative control and experimental analysis. Future study is needed to validate the model for the positive control and determine inclusion/exclusion criteria for experimental data.
ContributorsHack, William (Author) / Kodibagkar, Vikram (Thesis director) / Lifshitz, Jonathan (Committee member) / Griffiths, Daniel (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor)
Created2024-05