Digital Commons Network^™

¿Qué Futuro Les Espera A Los Trabajadores Latinos? El Calor Extremo, Las Promesas Vacías Y La Incertidumbre Política, Yunior Rivas Garcia

Capstones

Este artículo explora las condiciones mortales que enfrentan los trabajadores latinos en Estados Unidos debido al estrés por calor, un riesgo creciente en sectores esenciales como la construcción, la agricultura y el almacenamiento. A pesar de representar una proporción significativa de las muertes laborales, las protecciones contra el calor son insuficientes, y la falta de regulación federal agrava la vulnerabilidad de estos trabajadores, muchos de los cuales son indocumentados. A través de casos específicos, como la muerte de Esvin Cruz Mateo, y un análisis de las políticas laborales actuales, el texto examina las fallas estructurales que perpetúan la inseguridad laboral …

Advanced Models For Linking Process In Data Washing Machine, Bushra Sajid

Theses and Dissertations

Entity Resolution (ER) is a critical process in data integration and quality improvement that identifies and links multiple records referring to the same real-world entity. As data volumes and heterogeneity increase, traditional ER methods face new challenges, prompting research into more advanced techniques. The Proof-of-Concept Data Washing Machine (DWM), developed under the NSF DART Data Life Cycle and Curation research theme, aims to automatically detect and correct data quality errors through unsupervised entity resolution. Recent research focuses on enhancing DWM's effectiveness by replacing rule-based methods with machine learning and deep learning approaches, particularly in the linking process. Deep learning models, …

Electrocatalytic Performance Of S-Doped Fen4@Mwcnts Nanocomposites, Ronit Lavjibhai Chaudhari

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

The thesis titled “Electrocatalytic Performance of S-Doped FeN₄@MWCNTs Nanocomposites” explores the development of sulfur-doped iron-nitrogen-carbon nanotube (S-dopedFeN₄@MWCNTs) nanocomposites as high-performance an electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). These reactions are crucial for technologies like fuel cells, metal-air batteries, and water-splitting systems, which are vital for renewable energy and hydrogen production.

The research demonstrates that S-doped FeN₄@MWCNTs show significantly enhanced catalytic activity compared to traditional platinum-based catalysts and undoped FeN₄@MWCNTs. Sulfur doping results in a lower overpotential for both OER and HER. For …

Key Epigenetic And Signaling Factors In The Formation And Maintenance Of The Blood-Brain Barrier, Jayanarayanan Sadanandan, Sithara Thomas, Iny Elizabeth Mathew, Zhen Huang, Spiros L Blackburn, Nitin Tandon, Hrishikesh Lokhande, Pierre D Mccrea, Emery H Bresnick, Pramod K Dash, Devin W Mcbride, Arif Harmanci, Lalit K Ahirwar, Dania Jose, Ari C Dienel, Hussein A Zeineddine, Sungha Hong, Peeyush Kumar T

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) controls the movement of molecules into and out of the central nervous system (CNS). Since a functional BBB forms by mouse embryonic day E15.5, we reasoned that gene cohorts expressed in CNS endothelial cells (EC) at E13.5 contribute to BBB formation. In contrast, adult gene signatures reflect BBB maintenance mechanisms. Supporting this hypothesis, transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct cohorts of EC genes involved in BBB formation and maintenance. Here, we demonstrate that epigenetic regulator's histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) and polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) control EC gene expression for BBB development and prevent Wnt/β-catenin (Wnt) target genes …

Unmanned Aerial Systems (Uas) Image Preprocessing To Reduce Artifacts And Improve Geometric Registration When Generating Orthophoto Mosaics And 3d Models, Eddie Ironsmith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Drones can now be used to quickly collect imagery data in a highly automated way; however, individual images must be combined to form an orthomosaic or 3-Dimentional (3D) model using photogrammetry software. Currently, the existing software may generate erroneous output in the form of artifacts or positional errors caused by homogeneous areas, light reflections, object movement between photos, or sub-optimal algorithms. The goal of this research was to develop preprocessing algorithms that would filter movement (or other time or position-based differences) and areas of homogeneity. The hypothesis is that filtering these parts of the image would reduce artifacts and improve …

Identifying Fecal Contamination Sources In The Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Amanda M. Free

Theses and Dissertations

The Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (GNDNERR) has a history of elevated fecal coliform counts. However, the source of the contamination is not well understood. According to past sanitary surveys, there has been a history of malfunctioning residential septic systems and inadequate wastewater treatment in the upper watershed. Feral hogs (Sus scrofa) and birds are also abundant in the estuary and could be potential contributors to elevated fecal coliform levels. To better understand the temporal and spatial variation of fecal coliforms in the GNDNERR and inform oyster reef management, eight sites within the GNDNERR watershed were sampled monthly for …

Synergistic Adsorption Of Pb (Ii) From Aqueous Solution Using Calcined Biochar-Bentonite Clay Hybrid, Azeezat Faderera Abdul-Raheem

Theses and Dissertations

The biochar-bentonite clay hybrid was prepared by coprecipitation with the goal of producing a material that can remove Pb (II) from aqueous solutions effectively. Incorporating bentonite clay onto the Douglas fir biochar (DFB-BTC) surface significantly improved the adsorption capacity by introducing more active sites, strengthening the structural properties, and promoting strong adsorbate interactions. The point of zero charge of the adsorbent was slightly higher than that of the pristine DFBC. All sorption experiments were performed at pH 5, and the system obeyed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The highest Langmuir adsorption capacities observed at 298, 308, and 318 K were 48, …

Engineering Functionalized Nanomaterials For Targeting And Ablating Biofilms On Surfaces, Dhanush Lakmal Yapa Amarasekara

Theses and Dissertations

Biofilms on both the surface and interior of medical devices pose major challenges, including hindering device performance and serving as infection sources. These biofilms form a protective layer around bacteria, shielding them from the body’s immune system and antibiotics. This makes infections difficult to treat, as the bacteria within the biofilm are resistant to both antibiotics and immune defenses. Additionally, biofilms can induce inflammation and irritation in nearby tissues, leading to further health complications. Antibiotic resistance raises concerns about the emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens. MDR infections are difficult to treat, leading to prolonged hospital stays and the need …

Algal Community Investigations: Present Day To Year-2100 For Mississippi Lakes And The Western Mississippi Sound, Emma Madison Tucker

Theses and Dissertations

Algae play a key role in the aquatic environment as primary producers; however, they can form harmful algal blooms that are detrimental to the aquatic environment, people, and even the economy. It is generally believed that climate change will influence future algal blooms. The first study estimated algae community in three freshwater locations in Mississippi, Desoto Lake, White’s Creek Lake, and Columbus Lake, and one saline location, Western Mississippi Sound, using modern and new tools of the autonomous surface vessel, FlowCam, and EcoTaxa. From those results and leading into the second study was the application of four climate scenarios on …

Exploring Single Particles Through Optical Trapping And Advanced Laser Spectroscopy Techniques, Haifa Hassan Alali

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the innovative integration of optical trapping (OT) with advanced laser spectroscopy techniques to investigate the physicochemical properties of single particles from a variety of atmospheric aerosols, such as bioaerosols, terrestrial dust, and extraterrestrial dust. Each technique offers unique insights, significantly enhancing our understanding of these critical atmospheric components. The first work focuses on employing OT in conjunction with cavity ringdown spectroscopy (OT-CRDS) to measure the single-particle extinction of interplanetary dust particles at ultraviolet wavelengths (~308 nm). This method allows for the stable trapping of individual dust particles in air, facilitating precise characterization with minimal external interference. Our …

Investigations Of Guayule Resin As A Wood Protectant, Queen Aguma

Theses and Dissertations

Wood products are subject to deterioration by numerous processes, as a biological material. Today, a significant area of preservative development is the utilization of existing plant residues that have water-repelling, antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal properties as components of wood protectants. Parthenium argentatum, known as guayule (wy-oo-lee), is a promising wood protectant due to its resin. However, the resin's complicated chemical, physical, and solvent-resistant properties make it difficult to use. The primary goal of this study was to eliminate the use of any solvent and rely on thermal modification only to fractionate usable compounds from guayule resin. Utilizing heated dialysis and …

Deep Learning - Based Automated Detection And Classification Of Foreign Materials In Poultry Using Color And Hyperspectral Imaging, Rohini Maram

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the use of Deep learning for detection and classification of small foreign materials (FMs) in poultry meat using color and hyperspectral imagery (HSI). The study employs You only look once (YOLO) object detection models on color images for precise localization, and one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D CNN), two-dimensional convolutional neural network (2D CNN) was used on HSI (600 – 1700 nm) for classification. Twelve different FMs commonly known as polymers including PVC, PET, LDPE and HDPE, were examined using 52 color and 52 hyperspectral images. Four YOLO models (v5x, v7x, v8x, v10x) were implemented, trained, tested and …

A Supervised Machine Learning Statistical Design Of Experiment Approach To Modeling The Barriers To Effective Snakebite Treatment In Ghana, Eric Nyarko, Edmund F. Agyemang, Ebenezer Kwesi Ameho, Louis Agyekum, José María Gutiérrez, Eduardo Alberto Fernandez

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background

Snakebite envenoming is a serious condition that affects 2.5 million people and causes 81,000–138,000 deaths every year, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. The World Health Organization has set a goal to halve the deaths and disabilities related to snakebite envenoming by 2030. However, significant challenges in achieving this goal include a lack of robust research evidence related to snakebite incidence and treatment, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to combine established methodologies with the latest tools in Artificial Intelligence to assess the barriers to effective snakebite treatment in Ghana.

Method

We used a MaxDiff statistical experiment design …

Re: Comment Letter For Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Residential Metals Abatement Program (Rmap) Plan (Dated October 29, 2024), Molly Roby

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Identifying Opportunities For Nature-Based Solutions With Geospatialized Life Cycle Assessments And Fine-Scale Socioecological Data, Gabriela Shirkey, Annick Anctil, Ranjeet John, Venkatesh Kolluru, Leah Mungai, Herve Kashongwe, Lauren T. Cooper, Ilke Celik, Joshua B. Fisher, Jiquan Chen

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

As we increasingly understand the impact that land management intensification has on local and global climate, the call for nature-based solutions (NbS) in agroecosystems has expanded. Moreover, the pressing need to determine when and where NbS should be used raises challenges to socioecological data integration as we overcome spatiotemporal resolutions. Natural and working lands is an effort promoting NbS, particularly emissions reduction and carbon stock maintenance in forests. To overcome the spatiotemporal limitation, we integrated life cycle assessments (LCA), an ecological carbon stock model, and a land cover land use change model to synthesize rates of global warming potential (GWP) …

And Climate Justice For All

DePaul Magazine

DePaul is taking its environmental sustainability and equity prowess to the next level through its Just DePaul and President's Sustainability Committee initiatives that incorporate a climate action plan and student voices. Plus, community partnership courses that involve students in environmental action and justice efforts.

Silver Bow Creek Butte Area Npl Site Spring Semi-Annual 2024 Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit Interim Site-Wide Groundwater Monitoring Data Report. Consent Decree- Civil Action No. Cv 89-039-Bu-She, Josh Bryson

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Investigation Of Real-Time Gaseous Thermal Decomposition Products Of Representative Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (Pfas), Kateřina Litvanová, Bethany Klemetstrud, Feng Xiao, Alena Kubatova

Chemistry Faculty Publications

The thermal decomposition of per- and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is poorly understood. Here, we present an innovative, comprehensive analytical method to investigate their thermal decomposition, including perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), alcohol, sulfonates, and GenX (acid dimer), focusing on identifying their breakdown products. In this study, evolved gas analysis–mass spectrometry (EGA-MS) was used for fast real-time screening to determine the significant temperatures to be investigated with the thermal desorption-pyrolysis coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TD-Py-GC-MS), which provided detailed information about evolved PFAS and their breakdown products. This approach enabled a systematic study of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) ranging from C₃ to …

Design, Synthesis, And Nmr-Guided Characterization Of A Targeted Covalent Inhibitor-Like Molecule Against Ivyp1 From P. Aeruginosa, Samuel Taylor Moore

Master's Theses

Multi-drug resistance poses a serious threat to future generations and historical antibiotic pipelines; consequently, the medical and economic burdens associated with treating multidrug-resistant bacteria are substantiated. In this context, P. aeruginosa (PA) emerges as one of the most significant healthcare challenges, being a leading cause of resistance-associated mortality worldwide. Despite modern efforts to combat these poor outcomes, drug-resistant cases continue to rise, and the need for novel antibiotic treatment is apparent. To this end, we investigated relevant resistance mechanisms and past antibiotic targets within PA, and in doing so, we identified relationships between peptidoglycan biology and a periplasmic protein, Inhibitor …

Recovery Of Black Carbon Concentrations In Burned Forests In Wyoming, Usa, Monica Vanesa Zapata Villegas

Dissertations and Theses

Burned forests that remain standing following fire release light-absorbing particles (LAPs), including black carbon (BC), into winter snowpacks, reducing snow surface albedo and accelerating snowmelt timing for decades postfire. Although the role of LAPs in seasonal snow has been extensively studied, the spatiotemporal variability of LAPs' contributions to snowmelt relative to time-since-fire and burn severity remains unknown. This study aimed to quantify the spatiotemporal variability of forest fire effects on LAPs in snow and associated snow albedo in the Triple Divide region of western Wyoming, headwaters of the Colorado, Columbia, and Missouri rivers. Using geochemical analysis and radiative transfer modeling, …

12.02.2024 Orsp Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

Email Address Matters

All of Us Researcher Symposium

Welcome Anya Goldman

Closed Domain Question Answering With Language Models: Application Of Retrieval-Augmented Generation And Parameter Efficient Fine-Tuning In Healthcare, Aaron Cummings

Master's Theses

Dementia care presents significant challenges for informal caregivers, particularly in managing behavioral symptoms that affect over 90% of individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) during the moderate-to-severe stages. These symptoms, including agitation, wandering, and repetitive activities, impose emotional and physical burdens on caregivers, often exacerbated by a lack of reliable, accessible, and personalized resources. Non-pharmacological interventions, while evidence-based, are underutilized due to knowledge gaps and the inefficiency of traditional training and information retrieval methods.

This research explores the adaptation of large language models (LLMs) to address these challenges by developing a framework for closed-domain Question Answering (QA) systems, …

Sulfhydryl-Containing Compounds And Iron Homeostasis: Mechanisms Of Labile Iron Pool Dysregulation And Consequences For Cellular Health, Steven Lowell Mann Christiansen

Theses and Dissertations

While iron's unique coordination chemistry and redox activity have resulted in its broad incorporation into biological systems, dysfunction in key iron-regulating mechanisms can transform these biochemical advantages into factors that contribute to several pathological conditions. This dissertation explores the complex interactions between iron and sulfhydryl-containing compounds (SCCs), with particular focus on glutathione's (GSH) role in stabilizing iron reactivity juxtaposed with homocysteine's (Hcy) ability to disrupt iron homeostasis and promote disease progression. Through rigorous biochemical analysis and experimentation, we demonstrate that Hcy disrupts iron regulation through several mechanisms: (1) Hcy competitively displaces protective iron-binding molecules in the Labile Iron Pool (LIP), …

Re: Comment Letter For The Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Draft Final Blacktail Creek Groundwater Hydraulic Control System Pre-Design Investigation Evaluation Report (Dated September 16, 2024), Emma Rott

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Silver Bow Creek Butte Area Npl Site 3rd Quarter 2024 Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit Interim Site-Wide Surface Water Monitoring Data Report. Consent Decree- Civil Action No. Cv 89- 039-Bu-She, Josh Bryson

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Re: Silver Bow Creek Butte Area Npl Site 3rd Quarter 2024 Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit Interim Site-Wide Surface Water Monitoring Data Report. Consent Decree- Civil Action No. Cv 89- 039-Bu-She, Josh Bryson

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Mri Alzheimer’S Disease Prediction, Vikram Ayyawari

Masters Projects

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a significant and growing global health issue, affecting millions of people around the world. Despite ongoing research, there is currently no cure or highly effective treatment for AD, making early detection essential to slowing its progression and alleviating its impact on patients and healthcare systems. This project explores the use of the "Augmented Alzheimer MRI Dataset V2," a specialized dataset developed to improve the precision and reliability of machine learning models for diagnosing and classifying different stages of AD from MRI scans. The dataset includes MRI images categorized into four classes representing different stages of cognitive …

Re: Comment Letter For Final Bpsou Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Belle Of Butte (Bres No. 8 & Ur-39) Remedial Action Work Plan (Rawp) Request For Change Ir-2024-Ra-01 (Dated December 3, 2024), Molly Roby

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Optimal Algorithm For Managing On-Campus Student Transportation, Youssef Harrath, Jood Alyusuf, Zeena Ghulam, Muna Aldoseri

Research & Publications

This study analyzed the transportation issues at the University of Bahrain Sakhir campus, where a bus system with an unorganized and fixed number of buses allocated each semester was in place. Data was collected through a survey, onsite observations, and student schedules to estimate the number of buses needed. The study was limited to students who require to move between buildings for academic purposes and not those who choose to ride buses for other reasons. An algorithm was designed to calculate the optimal number of buses for each time slot, and for each day. This solution could improve transportation efficiency, …

The Complete Genome Sequence Of Splendidofilaria Pectoralis (Onchocercidae, Rhabditida, Chromadorea, Nematoda), Andrew Sweet, Robert E. Wilson, Jack Reakoff, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Colleen Hurst, Stacy Pirro

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

We present the complete genome sequence of Splendidofilaria pectoralis, a nematode parasite of grouse (Aves: Galliformes: Tetraonini). Illumina paired-end reads were assembled by a de novo method followed by a finishing step. The raw and assembled data are publicly available via GenBank: Sequence Read Archive (SRR28509439) and assembled genome (JBFSWT000000000).