Skin condition assessment of wildlife can provide insight into individual and population health. Yet, logistics can limit skin condition assessment of large whales. We developed a standardized, quantitative protocol using photographs to assess skin condition of blue whales in New Zealand, and demonstrate the value gained by testing hypotheses, documenting...
Metal-oxo clusters can be described as soluble pieces of metal-oxide frameworks. Currently, metal-oxo clusters are being considered as solution-based precursors for extreme ultraviolet (EUV, 13.5 nm) photoresist materials, which are a crucial component in the fabrication of microelectronic devices. Two different photoresist precursor systems have been investigated – alkyltin clusters...
This dissertation presents two qualitative studies investigating expert trauma counselors’ experiences of clinical decision-making and countertransference. Chapter 2, Acutely Alert: A Grounded Theory of Clinical Decision-Making Processes of Expert Trauma Counselors addresses the research question, what are the clinical decision-making experiences and processes of expert trauma counselors? Chapter 3, Exploring...
In this work, colloidal PbSe quantum dots (QDs) are shown to be synthesized in a controlled manner by changing the growth time and reaction temperature in a microwave synthesis method. It is explained why quantum dots make such a unique material to create electronic devices and the specific benefits that...
An innovative silver nano-dimple arrays (Ag DAs)-integrated microfluidic device was developed to achieve highly sensitive fluorescence-based nucleic acid detection. The Ag DAs were utilized to produce surface plasmon resonance (SPR) for strong fluorescence enhancement. We systematically investigated the plasmon-enhanced fluorescence by controlling the nanostructure dimension of the Ag DA substrate....
Lesser quadriceps explosive strength following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) may result in the use of altered landing mechanics that increase the risk for a second ACL injury. Reduced capacity to produce explosive strength in the quadriceps is potentially driven, at least in part, by quadriceps arthrogenic muscle inhibition...
The research and analysis presented in this dissertation illustrate how individuals enact lived religion as they seek to navigate social inequalities. The enactment of lived religion involves directing attention towards orientations. I use the term orientations in the sense articulated by Ahmed (2004), to allude to how bodies are situated...
River plumes discharging into continental shelf waters have the potential to influence patchiness of larval fishes, prey, and gelatinous predators. Using a high-resolution plankton imaging system, we sampled larval fishes, copepods, and planktonic predators (ctenophores, hydromedusae, and siphonophores) across multiple freshwater pulses exiting the mouth of Mobile Bay (Alabama, USA)...
Highly elastic solutions have been shown to increase contaminant removal from silicon wafers, indicating the possibility for reduced reliance upon hazardous chemicals and expensive technologies during the fabrication of semiconductor devices. The onset of this enhanced removal is explored using rinsing and siphoning experimentswith polymer fluids of high molecular weights...
The goal of the work in this dissertation was to identify alternative soil amendments to improve plant growth and yield during establishment of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium hybrid). Woody materials, such as sawdust and wood chips, have a high carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio and low water holding capacity, which can...