Digital Commons Network^™

Economic Entanglement: The Quantum Race Between The United States And China, Isabella Willhite

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The United States and China are both currently home to the strongest economies and militaries in the world. Despite their interdependence, trade wars have escalated between the two countries in the past few years. While past trade wars have been focused on purely economic protectionism or ideological stances, the trade wars of today signify a shift towards protecting critical emerging technologies. The important emerging technology of today is quantum computing, which will forever change the way that computers encrypt, process, and decode information. The United States and China are on the eve of the “quantum race,” in which they will …

Ms Environmental Biology Capstone Project, Denise Corona

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Land-use change (LUC) is a key driver of biodiversity loss, altering the structure and function of ecosystems through human activities such as urbanization and agriculture. This change has led to habitat loss and fragmentation, resulting in the rapid decline of avian populations globally. Wildlife rehabilitation centers are the primary responders for injured birds and their records provide valuable data to monitor potential factors impacting bird populations. However, these datasets are underutilized in research. This study examined how LUC in the Front Range affects the likelihood and circumstances of admission of injured birds to the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance (RMWA) in …

Modern Colonialism: The Case Of Costa Rica And The United Fruit Company, Micah X. Perez

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This academic paper systematically investigates the intricate historical relationship between the United Fruit Company (UFC) and the socio-economic landscape of Costa Rica during the Liberal period from 1870 to 1940. By examining the direct relationship between the UFC's presence and the simultaneous growth of the tourism industry, coastal land development, and the consequential rise of the sex trade, this research elucidates the adverse impacts of foreign monopolies on the privatization of land. The study underscores the enduring repercussions of this phenomenon in contemporary Costa Rican society. Through historical analysis, this thesis argues that the UFC's actions in Costa Rica during …

Cultivating Health, Not Wealth In The United States' Healthcare System: Comprehensive Revisions For The Orphan Drug Act Of 1983, Kayla Smith

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This thesis explores the way in which the Orphan Drug Act of 1983, originally instituted in response to a lack of treatments for rare diseases in the United States of America, has failed to achieve its initial objectives in the 40 years since its implementation. In evaluating various successful examples of government subsidization programs designed to intervene in private industry, this thesis composes the criterion required for funding-based legislation which maximize market outcomes while minimizing tax-payer burden. An analysis of the synthetic organic chemistry industry – and a case study into the production of a particular orphan treatment for a …

Ecocentric Consumption: : Integrating North American Indigenous Agricultural Practices Into Western Agribusiness Across The U.S., Eva Siath

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Humanity’s displacement from nature is overwhelmingly prevalent in the United States due to centuries of westernization and colonialism, and it largely dwells in the idea of anthropocentrism. While anthropocentrism is often characterized by entitlement to the resources that nature provides, causing massive displacement from the necessary interdependence between humanity and nature, ecocentrism promotes reciprocal interactions between humanity and nature and restores the dynamic exchange necessary for thriving ecosystems. Through comparing North American Indigenous and Westernized European agricultural practices in the United States, this thesis seeks to find the intersection between preconceived ethical obligations to nature and the agricultural interactions and …

Ms Environmental Biology Capstone Project, Samantha Ortega

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This project is presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Masters of Science in Environmental Biology at Regis University. Chapter 1 is a literature review that discusses the management implications of designing bird habitat on anthropogenic structures. Chapter 2 is a grant proposal to explore niche dominance by anthropophilic bird species in Denver, CO. Chapter 3 is a journal manuscript discussing how musth impacts captive bull Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) behavior at Denver Zoo. Finally, Chapter 4 is a stakeholder analysis for Northern Bobwhite recovery at Bridgestone-Firestone Centennial Wilderness Area, White County, Tennessee.

Ms Environmental Biology Capstone Project, Dylan Brown

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Chapter 1- Revisiting Tamarisk Invasion in Riparian Ecosystems: An Argument Against Single Species Management of the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus)

Chapter 2- Temporal Trends of Tamarisk Remediation to Native Vegetation Establishment

Chapter 3- Assessing Effectiveness of Tamarisk Removal Treatments Through a Meta Regression Analysis

Chapter 4- Legal Challenges of Tamarisk Removal in the Southwestern United States

Conservation, Sharks, And The Tragedy Of The Commons: Achieving Human-Nature Holism, Fiona Melady

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Environmental ethics originates from the idea that the relationship between humans and non-human nature should be considered morally. How we deal with environmental issues depends on our perception of human-environment relationships. Many view nature as something separate from themselves to own, use, and exploit for human benefit; others view nature as something of which humans are a part and having an intrinsic value aside from practicality or usefulness. This thesis examines human-environment relationships through anthropocentrism and ecocentrism and advocates for balancing the two perspectives. Furthermore, this thesis examines the importance of marine environmental conservation, particularly sharks, and how transitioning towards …

Mobile Technology As A Leverage Point For The Spread Of Permaculture In The Food System, Daniel Finley

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This thesis argues that the current food system is untenable in the long term due to its significant negative impacts on the global ecosystem and society.

Ms Environmental Biology Capstone Project, Bradley Hamilton

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

• Chapter 1 - Literature Review: Hunting as a Management Tool for the Invasive Eurasian-Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
• Chapter 2 - Grant Proposal: Impacts of the Invasive Eurasian-Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) on the Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) in Northeastern Colorado
• Chapter 3 - Journal Manuscript: High Elevations and Cold Temperatures Influence American Pika (Ochotona princeps) Distributions in the White River National Forest
• Chapter 4: Resolving Refugee-Elephant Conflict in Bangladesh via Education and Rebuilding

Tell All The Truth But Tell It Slant: The Essential Role Of Metaphor In Constructing Physics, Theodora E. Zastrocky

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The common understanding of interdisciplinary work is that it is a partial merger of two related disciplines, such as history and philosophy or chemistry and biology. This understanding does not account for the interdisciplinary work possible between seemingly disparate disciplines, such as physics and poetry, and as a result this ignores the immense potential of true interdisciplinary study. Interdisciplinary work has the power to further research, better educate students, and redefine the script that dictates which people are allowed within certain disciplines, allowing for more diverse and inclusive fields of study. Zastrocky looks at metaphor in physics as a way …

The Effects Of A High-Fat Diet On The Brain; A Meta-Analysis Of Microglia In The Hypothalamus, Emily Karabeika

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The typical ‘Western Diet’ includes a diet high in fats and sugars. This thesis explores the problems that this type of diet could have on the brain. A meta-analysis was conducted to show activated microglia count in the hypothalamus of mice after a high-fat diet. The results showed a large effect size with the included studies, showing that a high fat diet significantly increases microglia count across studies. Increased activated microglia leads to chronic inflammation in the hypothalamus, which is linked to metabolic problems like insulin resistance, leptin resistance and glucose intolerance.

Ms Environmental Biology Capstone Project, Ryan Lee

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

MS Environmental Biology Capstone Project

Ms Environmental Biology Capstone Project, Annamaria Marcel

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Due to the worldwide decline of biodiversity, protected nature reserves are necessary for species facing extinction. Many frog species have been experiencing rapid population decline and extinction due to the threat of the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which inflicts the highly transmittable and deadly disease chytridiomycosis. Chytridiomycosis causes increased skin tissue growth which disrupts respiration and the maintenance of water balance, which can ultimately lead to death. Certain ecological and geographical characteristics have been studied in order to assess their influence on Bd’s prevalence. Specifically, it is hypothesized that high elevations, lotic habitats, and low species richness have a positive …

Using Consumer Accessible Mobile Devices To Collect Vehicle Emissions Compliance Data, Joshua N. Jensen

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The emissions inspection procedure has been largely stagnate for the last 20 years. Vehicle owners in the United States spend approximately 1.7 billion dollars annually for a technician to perform the simple task of plugging an emissions inspection computer into their car’s computer. Smart Emissions was developed as an Android application to provide a new procedure for emissions inspection utilizing consumer-accessible mobile devices and an ELM327 Bluetooth adapter. With Smart Emissions, vehicle owners utilize the Android devices they already own to connect to a Bluetooth adapter inserted into the diagnostic link connector port of their vehicle. The adapter communicates with …

Model For Predicting Bluetooth Low Energy Micro-Location Beacon Coin Cell Battery Lifetime, Donna Auguste

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Bluetooth Low Energy beacon devices, typically operating on coin cell batteries, have emerged as key components of micro-location wireless sensor networks. To design efficient and reliable networks, designers require tools for predicting battery and beacon lifetime, based on design parameters that are specific to micro-location applications. This design science research contributes to the implementation of an artifact functioning as a predictive tool for coin cell battery lifetime when powering Bluetooth Low Energy beacon devices. Building upon effective and corroborated components from other researchers, the Beacon Lifetime Model 1.0 was developed as a spreadsheet workbook, providing a user interface for designers …

Evaluation Of Sql Performance Tuning Features In Oracle Database Software, Katarzyna Marta Dobies

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Timely access to data is one of the most important requirements of database management systems. Having access to data in acceptable time is crucial for efficient decision making. Tuning inefficient SQL is one of the most important elements of enhancing performance of databases. With growing repositories and complexity of underlying data management systems, maintaining decent levels of performance and tuning has become a complicated task. DBMS providers acknowledge this tendency and developed tools and features that simplify the process. DBAs and developers have to make use of these tools in the attempt to provide their companies with stable and efficient …

Oracle Cost Based Optimizer Correlations, Robert Apple

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Database systems use optimizers on queries to select execution pathways that are supposed to provide optimal performance. The Oracle database version of this technology is called the Cost Based Optimizer (CBO). Researchers have studied whether Oracle optimizer estimates could be correlated to execution speeds with a high degree of confidence, but have found that correlating optimizer cost estimates with actual execution speed to be problematic and unreliable. If possible, however, such correlations would be helpful to developers who are tasked with query creation and optimization. Although much has been written on databases, the academic literature on optimizers was sparse. To …

The Use Of Vulnerability Assessments: A Survey, Charles D. Lybrand

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

One of the most significant challenges faced by senior business and technology managers is securing organizational data in light of rising threats and compliance requirements. The use of vulnerability assessments has stood out as one strategy to help protect against malicious computer attacks. Vulnerability assessments are conducted to identify security holes within information systems, including networks, servers, and applications. These assessments can be performed by an organization's internal staff or outsourced to a third-party vendor. Outsourcing is especially important for small organizations who typically do not have the resources or expertise to conduct their own vulnerability assessment. This thesis will …

A Study Of Mongodb And Oracle In An E-Commerce Environment, Aaron Ploetz

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

As worldwide e-commerce expands, businesses continue to look for better ways to meet their evolving needs with web solutions that scale and perform adequately. Several online retailers have been able to address scaling challenges through the implementation of NoSQL databases. While architecturally different from their relational database counterparts, NoSQL databases typically achieve performance gains by relaxing one or more of the essential transaction processing attributes of atomicity, consistency, isolation, and durability (ACID). As with any emerging technology, there are both critics and supporters of NoSQL databases. The detractors claim that NoSQL is not safe and is at a greater risk …

Development Of An Api As A Solution To Data Insularity Amongst Dietary-Need Applications, Raphael Lapuma

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

When multiple competing applications in the same field use only their own sets of user-generated review data and do not collaborate with other applications, data is used in isolation. This factor, which the author will refer to as "data insularity," segregates each application's community of users from other applications' communities, thus creating a limited and fragmented set of data, which discourages the creation of new applications in the industry, and adversely affects the end user. This study will propose a prototype API for applications in the restaurant industry as a solution to the limited and insular use of data amongst …

Agile And Evm For The Dod: A Review Of The Challenges And A New Approach To Solve Them, Roberta Winterowd

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Department of Defense (DoD) acquisitions must improve program performance while working within budgetary constraints. The DoD community shows an interest in utilizing Agile methodologies, but struggles to reap Agile's benefits. They encountered challenges including the historically built up processes that enforce heavy-weight oversight; the outdated, manufacturing focused Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) provided in DoD Handbook: Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) for Defense Material Items (MIL-STD-881C); and the inability of the traditional waterfall based processes to accommodate iterative development. The author used the scientific method to review the documented issues encountered when using Agile on a DoD program within the constraints of …

Lean Principles:: Can Proven Manufacturing Techniques Benefit An Information Technology Organization?, Erik D. Kim

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The benefits of Lean Principles have been reaped in manufacturing for many years and have been seen recently in other verticals. A comprehensive review of the scientific literature exposed that within the information technology field, Lean Principles remains relatively unknown or used. As corporate senior management seek to save costs, information technology needs to provide clear and concise guidance on how to maximize production efficiencies while minimizing costs. If a company cannot leverage information technology properly, staffing and budget cuts are likely. This paper discusses the potential benefits for information technology organizations to utilize Lean Principles. A case study revealed …

Ssd Flash Drives Used To Improve Performance With Clarity Data Warehouse, Douglas Ervin

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Since the introduction of solid-state devices (SSD), both storage area network (SAN) administrators and database administrators (DBA) have imagined the performance gains promised by replacing hard disk drives (HDD). The initial testing in the laboratory did not promise those gains in the real world. The SSD vendors worked between 2007 and 2010 to improve performance, which in industry standard tests showed steady progress. Despite the gains in the laboratory, there were few examples of real world usage particularly in the field of data warehousing. The process of extracting, transforming and loading (ETL) places extreme loads on the ability of the …

Software Requirements As Executable Code, Karen Eileen Wasielewski Morand

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This project analyzed the effectiveness of using Story Testing frameworks to create an application directly from user specifications. It did this by taking an example business application with "traditional" specifications and rewriting those specifications in three different Story Testing Frameworks - Cucumber, FitNesse, and JBehave. Analysis of results drew the following conclusions: 1) Story Testing can help prove a project's completeness, 2) Specifications are still too technical, 3) Implementation is not overly complex, and 4) Story Testing is worth it. It proposed future research around evaluating natural languages and seeking more user-friendly ways of writing specifications in a natural language.

Data Integration: A Case Study In The Financial Services Industry, Louis Epie

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Current economic conditions result in banks participating in multiple mergers and acquisitions. This results in banks inheriting silo and heterogeneous systems. For banks to remain competitive, they must create a strategy to integrate data from these acquired systems in a dynamic, efficient, and consumable manner. This research considers a case study of a large financial services company that has successfully integrated data from different sources. In addition this research investigates endeavors that experts in the field have undertaken to develop architectures that address the problems with data integration and appropriate solutions.

A Guide To Documenting Software Design For Maximum Software Portability For Software Defined Radios, Joseph Snively

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The use of software defined communications systems is growing incredibly fast. The field of software engineering as a discipline has not adequately addressed the subject of software portability which makes large and costly software development efforts less ready to port to future platforms. By understanding the causes of portability problems, they can either be avoided altogether in development or very well documented so that they are easier to overcome in future efforts. Literature, case studies, and surveys are used to collect opinions and information about large software programs where portability is a desirable characteristic in order to best establish the …

Simplified Single Source Xml Model: For Student-Centered Educational Content Management, Tamara K. Taylor

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This study investigates XML as a single source, recommending solutions and defining future needs for educators to manage student-centered educational content for diverse user preferences and multi-modal delivery. This research proposes a simplified XML single source model for educational course content management and XSL transformation of course material into multi-modal display/output that enables student-centered learning. The reviewed literature exposed four problem areas related to content management in which an XML single source might be a solution. Reviewed and synthesized literature related to XML into a cubed relationship with opposing the sides of the cube (content management/single source, corporate goals/educational goals …

Extended Bridge Software Design Pattern, Andrew J. Haigh

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Software engineers are taught that they should separate form and function. This allows a user interface or front-end to be designed and implemented independently of the engine or back-end. Using an abstracted interface class provides the opportunity to develop different user interfaces for the same back-end, as each new user interface will all be derived from this agreed upon abstracted interface. Using the Bridge pattern allows the user to also decouple the abstraction from its implementation, providing additional flexibility as they developed multiple user interfaces. However, user interfaces are typically designed as a single unit, the renderer, even the Bridge …

Introduction Of Key Performance Indicators To The Dynamics Of Planned Change: A Modern Study, Tommy Wells

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

A private High Technology firm whose headquarters are located in the Midwest has just completed several upgrades to replace an in-house legacy application system in which the primary use was to track defects of the firm's custom made software. The firm's implementation of a third party's software suite to replace the in-house legacy application was studied using a case study method, which implemented key performance indicators to the change theory called "The Dynamics of Planned Change" introduced by Lippitt, Watson, and Westley. The key performance indicators were introduced as a way to determine if the firm's actions could be validated …