Digital Commons Network^™

An Analysis Of The Effects And Implementations Of The Early Literacy Grant In Arizona, Alicia Severiano Perez

Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science Honors Projects

Over the years, states have implemented Science of Reading (SoR) frameworks to address low literacy levels. The Early Literacy Grant (ELG) in Arizona funds and supports such frameworks for schools serving low-income students. This paper is the first to explore the grant through interrupted time series modeling to evaluate effectiveness and text analysis to understand its implementation. We do not find clear evidence of positive effects caused by the grant, other than some cases, such as Yuma County. Schools typically allocate funds toward salaries and hiring instructors. These findings raise questions about whether its allocations should be closely monitored.

Machine Learning For Functional Outcome Prediction After Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery: A Systematic Review And Diagnostic Test Accuracy Meta-Analysis, Shiva Nischal, Shaan Patel, Musa China, Kush Kale, Yi Hein Chai, Santosh Guru, William Muirhead, Patrick Grover

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: Machine learning (ML) models have been increasingly applied to predict postoperative facial nerve dysfunction and hearing preservation after vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery. However, reported performance varies substantially, and the overall diagnostic accuracy and clinical reliability of these models remain uncertain. We conducted a systematic review and diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis to characterise the current state and methodological readiness of ML-based prediction of these outcomes.

METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched from inception to February 2026. Studies evaluating ML-based prediction of facial nerve function or hearing preservation following VS surgery were included. Diagnostic performance metrics were pooled using random-effects …

Synthesis, Thermal Stability, And Ionic Conductivity Of Phenyl-Extended Viologen Ditriflate Salts: Tailoring Properties Via Oxyethylene Chain Length, Seonghyeok L. Cox, Emily Moon, Si L. Chen, David King, Haesook Han, Pradip K. Bhowmik, Calvin Ng Yi Bin, Thamil Selvi Velayutham, Alfonso Martinez-Felipe

Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Research

Six new phenyl-extended viologen salts with oxyethylene groups paired with triflate anions (OTF) have been synthesized using anionic ring-opening and ring-closing reactions (ANRORC) and metathesis reactions with LiOTf salts. The salts, which contain terminal oxyethylene chains of varying lengths ((CH₂CH₂O)_n, n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7), are named PEOn-OTF. These materials exhibit a fluorescence response and possess high thermal stability, with processing windows up to approximately 300 °C, as confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis. While samples with short chain lengths (n = 1, 2, and 3) undergo crystallization observed …

Interpretable Multimodal Learning For Integrating Neuroimaging And Genetic Data In Alzheimer’S Disease, Kun Zhao, Siyuan Dai, Yingying Zhang, Guodong Liu, Pengfei Gu, Chenghua Lin, Paul M. Thompson, Alex D. Leow, Heng Huang, Haoteng Tang

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Introduction: Early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) requires models that combine brain structure changes with genetic risk, but existing methods struggle to align these different data types.

Methods: We present R-GenIMA, an interpretable multimodal large language model that pairs a region-of-interest vision transformer with genetic prompting to jointly analyze structural MRI and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Each brain region becomes a visual token and SNP profiles are encoded as structured text, letting the model link regional atrophy to genetic factors through cross-modal attention. Tested on the ADNI cohort, R-GenIMA performs well in classifying four groups: normal cognition, subjective memory concerns, …

Norman H. Cromwell, Unl Chemistry; Nu System Dean; Eppley Cancer Center Director, Norman H. Cromwell, Pete Boughn, Mark A. Griep

UNL ORCA Interview Series

This 1980 interview of Normal Cromwell was done by Pete Boughn at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. He asked about Cromwell’s history but mostly about his time as director of the Eppley Cancer Center. The interview is reproduced with permission from the UNMC McGoogan Library.

Cromwell was born in 1913 in Terre Haute, Indiana. In 1935, he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in his hometown. In 1939, three things happened: he earned a doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of Minnesota, he got married, and he was hired …

Molecular Interactions Of The Gas–Solid Interface: Svocs On Swelling Clays And San Joaquin Soil Surfaces, Liesl T. Jensen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Soil-derived mineral dust plays an important role in atmospheric chemistry by acting as a reactive interface for gas–particle interactions that influence the fate and transport of organic contaminants. Among soil components, clay minerals dominate surface reactivity due to their high surface area, structural complexity, and the presence of chemically active sites arising from cation exchange capacity and surface acidity. Environmental conditions, particularly relative humidity, further regulate these interactions by altering surface accessibility and competitive adsorption processes.

Despite the recognized importance of mineral dust, gas-phase interactions between organic compounds and clay minerals remain insufficiently understood, particularly under atmospherically relevant conditions. This …

Field-Like- And Self-Spin-Orbit Torques In Magnetic Multilayer Films, Kyle Jeffrey Peterson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Spin-orbit torques (SOTs) have been realized as an energy efficient mechanism to manipulate and drive magnetization dynamics in magnetic multilayer films. Their damping-like and field-like components provide distinct pathways for controlling the magnetization, enabling switching, sustaining magneto-oscillations, and driving domain-wall motion with potential applications in nonvolatile memory, spin-based logic, and microwave signal generation. However, the accurate quantification and interpretation of these torques remains complicated by experimental sensitivity, the co-symmetry of the Oersted field and the effective field due to the field-like torque, and assumptions regarding the material layers from which the torques originate. The body of work set forth in …

Techno-Economic Analysis Of Implementing Carbon Capture And Storage (Ccs) At The Punagaya 2×100 Mw Coal Power Plant, Ricky Andreas Kristianto Siringoringo, Rahma Muthia, Widodo Wahyu Purwanto

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

The increase in greenhouse gases due to the combustion of fossil fuels is one of the major drivers of global warming and consequently drives the development of low-carbon technologies such as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). The aim of this study is to evaluate the technical and economical feasibility of the implementation of CCS technology in the Punagaya Subcritical Coal-Fired Power Plant (CFPP) 2×100 MW as a part of the energy transition strategy towards Net Zero Emissions (NZE) 2060. The simulation was carried out using Aspen HYSYS software, including coal combustion, CO₂ capture through MDEA-PZ solvent, dehydration, transportation, and storage …

Exploring Red Palm Oil As A Sustainable Plasticizer For Carbon Black-Filled Ssbr/Br Tire Tread Compounds: A Comparative Evaluation Of Commercial Alternatives, Norma Arisanti Kinasih, Mohamad Irfan Fathurrohman, Santi Puspitasari, Dewi Kusuma Arti, Abdulhakim Masa

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

This study investigates the application of red palm oil (RPO) as an alternative vegetable oil resource to substitute petroleum-based plasticizers, which have environmental and health concerns, in carbon black (CB)-filled SSBR/BR tire tread compounds. The plasticizing effects of RPO were thoroughly evaluated by comparing them with a commercial bio-based plasticizer, Epoxidized Soybean Oil (ESBO), and two safer petroleum-based oils, Naphthenic Oil (NYNAS) and Treated Distillate Aromatic Extract (TDAE). The initial investigation shows that fatty acid composition is imposing regarding the plasticizing effect. The higher unsaturated fatty acid content in RPO than in ESBO improved tensile strength and degraded rolling resistance …

Metallurgical Investigation Of A Modified Eye Bolt Failure Caused By Improper Weld Extension, Specification Deviation, And Crevice Corrosion, Dimas Muhammad Fawwaz, Reza Miftahul Ulum, Johny Wahyuadi Soedarsono, Yudha Pratesa

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

A modified eye bolt from the David Arm Manhole Storage Tank underwent thorough metallurgical study due to the consequences of the bolt's malfunction during operation. Safety issues arose when the manhole door detached during operation. The mechanical testing and chemical composition analysis of the bolts indicated they were manufactured from an ASTM A193 Grade B7 material used for high-temperature bolting. This material did not conform to the engineering drawing, which mentioned SA 563A, which is about nuts, not bolts. This contradiction clearly shows that the eye bolt which was installed does not conform to the intended design. Welded connections of …

A Stochastic Nonlinear Dynamical System For Smoothing Noisy Eye Gaze Data, Thoa Thieu, Roderick Melnik

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

In this study, we address the challenges associated with accurately determining gaze location on a screen, which is often compromised by noise from factors such as eye tracker limitations, calibration drift, ambient lighting changes, and eye blinks. We propose the use of an extended Kalman filter (EKF) to smooth the gaze data collected during eye-tracking experiments and systematically explore the interaction of different system parameters. Our results demonstrate that the EKF significantly reduces noise, leading to a marked improvement in tracking accuracy. Furthermore, we show that our proposed stochastic nonlinear dynamical model aligns well with real experimental data and holds …

Rejection Of Fe (Iron) And Kmno4 (Organic Substance) Parameters In Peat Water Using Organic Membranes, Muhamad Rafli Sakti Mulia Gonera, Siti Umi Kalsum, Sarah Fiebrina Heraningsih

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

Peat water is a surface water source widely used by people in swampy and lowland areas, but it has poor quality characteristics such as high organic matter content, low pH, and dissolved metal levels such as iron that exceed the threshold. These conditions can cause health problems and reduce the quality of clean water so that effective treatment technology is needed. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of ultrafiltration membranes made from chitosan from shrimp shell waste in rejecting iron (Fe) and organic substances in peat water, and to determine the effect of pressure on separation performance. This study …

Physical Design Automation For Next Generation Ics: Graph And Machine Learning Based Approaches, Dr. Kritanta Saha

Doctoral Theses

Integrated Circuit (IC) technology has progressed significantly over the last six decades, culminating in billions of transistors on a chip. The widely used 193 nm immersion lithography process exceeds modern feature sizes, leading to layout pattern distortions and electrical violations. Mitigation techniques such as Multiple Patterning and Optical Proximity Correction become ineffective below 45 nm, prompting the development of several Next-Generation Lithography (NGL) methods such as Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUVL), Multiple Electron Beam Lithography (MEBL). MEBL employs thousands to millions of e-beams in parallel to overcome throughput limitations. A 2D layout is partitioned into vertical stripes by stitch-lines (SLs), each …

Energy Security Strategy Empowered By Artificial Intelligence, Qiang Ji, Jiaofeng Pan, Yu Song

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Against the backdrop of unprecedented changes in a century, geopolitical restructuring has led to the fragmentation of energy game camps, climate change has impacted the resilience of energy infrastructure, and energy transformation has promoted the multidimensional and coordinated expansion of security connotations. Artificial intelligence, with its core advantages such as optimizing geopolitical risk prevention and control, enhancing infrastructure protection, improving energy system efficiency, and accelerating the integration of renewable energy, has promoted the shift of energy security strategy from experience driven to data-driven intelligence, achieving comprehensive risk identification, dynamic evaluation, collaborative response, and full chain monitoring, significantly improving the efficiency, …

Challenges, Opportunities, And Countermeasures For China’S Green Transition In Context Of Global Reallocation Of Energy Supply Chains, Yan Sun, Pu Wang, Yi Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The stability and resilience of energy supply chains are directly linked to an orderly economy and society, national energy security, and global governance of climate change. Tensions and strategic competition in global geopolitics have accelerated regionalization, consolidation, and localization of global energy supply chains, posing significant challenges to China as a major energy consumer. Based on the latest situation of global energy changes, the study focuses on the new challenges in China’s green transition, and highlight four key areas for China in global energy supply chains, including critical mineral resources, clean hydrogen, electric vehicles, and power batteries. Policy recommendations are …

Large Models Empowering Cybersecurity: Opportunities And Challenges, Zhuofeng He, Dongbin Hu, Yige Yuan

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Cybersecurity serves as a critical pillar for national security and social stability. Large models in cybersecurity are emerging as key enablers for the intelligent transformation of cyber offense and defense systems. As one of the most advanced core technologies in artificial intelligence, large models are introducing new research directions and application paradigms in the cybersecurity domain. This study systematically reviews the current landscape of cybersecurity-oriented large model applications and products, and explores their deployment scenarios in practice. It further analyzes the development trends in model capabilities, industry ecosystems, and trustworthiness, while identifying major practical challenges such as data privacy protection, …

Tidal Evolution Of Packed Moon Systems Around An Earth-Mass Planet, Alan Briseño, Billy Quarles, Marialis Rosario-Franco

Student Publications

While missions have long targeted terrestrial exoplanets within the habitable zone of their host stars, the number of exomoon candidates is expected to grow as next generation space-based observatories achieve the photometric sensitivity required to detect their transit signals. Constraining the stability limits of tightly packed moon systems is therefore essential for transit searches and predicting the number of moons around terrestrial planets. In our solar system, only three moons orbit the terrestrial planets, motivating the question of whether Earth-mass exoplanet systems can sustain long-lived, tightly packed satellites. We investigate the stability limits of an Earth-mass planet orbiting a Sun-mass …

Percolation-Induced Thermo-Rheological Transitions In Biobased Graphene Nanoplatelet Nanofluids, Abiodun A. Saka, Tobechukwu K. Abor, Anthony C. Okafor, Monday U. Okoronkwo

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Biobased lubricants with thermally responsive rheology are increasingly needed for high-efficiency mechanical systems. Graphene nanoplatelet (GnP) nanofluids in vegetable oils are promising candidates, yet their percolation-driven thermo-rheological transitions remain insufficiently understood. In particular, the coupled concentration–temperature landscape controlling network-mediated flow transitions has not previously been established. Here, surfactant-free GnP nanofluids were prepared in high-oleic soybean oil (HOSO) at concentrations of 0.025–2.15% v/v (ϕ), and their rheological response was mapped between 25°C and 80 °C under steady-shear and oscillatory conditions. Below the percolation threshold (ɸ ≤ 0.1% v/v), the nanofluids exhibit near-Newtonian behavior, moderate reversible viscosity enhancement, and classical Arrhenius-type temperature …

Influence Of Silar-Deposition Cycle On The Tunable Optical Property Of Thallium Sulphide Thin Films Through Copper Doping And Variable Concentration, Qasim A. Adeniji, Surajudeen O. Azeez, Khadijat K. Babalola, Temitope O. Fowodu, Muhammad A. Salihu, Lateefah O. Adebayo

Tanzania Journal of Science

The study reported the effect of SILAR-deposition cycle on the tunable optical property of Thallium Sulphide Thin films through copper doping and variable concentration. TlS:Cu thin films were prepared using successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique from the aqueous solution of thallium chloride (TlCl), copper (II) chloride dihydrate (CuCl 2 .2H 2 O), thiourea, and trisodium citrate (TSC) while ammonia (NH 3 ), triethanolamine (TEA) and ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) were used as pH adjuster and complexing agent, respectively. The detailed characterization of the Optical properties of the thin films were investigated using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The optical results studies revealed …

Hydrogeophysical Assessment Of Groundwater And Saltwater–Freshwater Interface In A Quaternary– Neogene Coastal Aquifer, Kilwa Kisiwani Island, Southeast Tanzania, Simon R. Melchioly

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study aims to identify and explore new potential sites of groundwater resources using geophysical methods, and to demarcate the depth to the saltwater-freshwater interface. Kilwa Kisiwani Island is geologically covered mostly by Neogene and Quaternary alluvial sediments, sand and gravel. The geophysical techniques employed during the research include Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES), Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), and Transient Electromagnetics (TEM). The Island has the potential for groundwater occurrences, but the layer with fresh water is shallow and thin. Out of the 18 VES sites, 2 (11%) points have shown non-potential, but the remaining 16 (89%) of the VES sites …

Simulated Versus Non-Simulated Imputed Data: A Comparison Of Handling Missing Data Techniques For Numerical Covariates, Rahibu A. Abassi, Rocky R.J. Akarro

Tanzania Journal of Science

Missing data poses a great challenge in much research, and if not appropriately handled, can negatively impact the analysis and bias the results and study conclusions. This article assesses the performance of numerous methods used to impute missing data by using Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) under various missing data proportions and two common missingness mechanisms, namely Missing at Random (MAR) and Missing Completely at Random (MCAR). RMSE values were used to judge the accuracy of imputation techniques using real data and across different simulation settings. The results showed magnitude of RMSE increased with increased proportions of missing data, regardless …

Pathways For Coordinating High-Quality Exploitation Of Marine Resources And High-Level Protection Of Marine Ecosystems, Jianping Yin, Peimin Duan, Si Zhang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The ocean serves as a vital strategic space and a reservoir of resources essential for human survival and development, offering robust support for socioeconomic progress. Simultaneously, as a critical component of the Earth’s ecological environment, the ocean plays a pivotal role in regulating climate change, conserving biodiversity, and maintaining ecological balance. In recent years, China has continuously intensified the exploitation and utilization of marine resources, with the growth of the marine economy injecting blue momentum into the nation’s development. Nevertheless, the long-term, high-intensity exploitation of offshore resources, coupled with the ongoing advancement into deep-sea resource development, has led to frequent …

Critical Core Technology Breakthroughs In Large-Scale Models: Industrialization Strategies And Policy Implications, Zhongqi Wu, Yinshan Liu, Tao Dai, Xiaolong Zheng

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

As a pivotal direction for breakthroughs in key core technologies within the artificial intelligence domain, large-scale models hold strategic significance in securing national scientific and technological sovereignty. This study employs a multidimensional framework encompassing “technological breakthroughs, industrial transformation, and governance policies” to systematically investigate the developmental trajectories and industrialization bottlenecks of large-scale models. At the technological level, while large-scale models exhibit exponential growth in parameter scale and computing power demands, they face critical challenges including the scarcity of high-quality data, insufficient transfer learning capabilities, and reliability-explainability trade-offs. Industrially, these models are reshaping the global industrial chain landscape through a dual-track …

Evolutionary Trajectory Of Ai And Robotics Integration, Jiannan Zhu, Jianfeng Guo, Siyao Liu, Qi Cao

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics is a cornerstone for the intelligent transformation of the physical world. This study conducts a systematic analysis of over 230,000 publications from the Web of Science and WIPO databases between 1982 and 2025 to dissect the evolutionary trajectory of AI and robotics integration since the 20th century. The findings identify four distinct developmental stages—independent exploration, functional coupling, primary intelligence, and intelligent symbiosis—while delineating the key technological breakthroughs and paradigm characteristics of each phase. Furthermore, seven core research thrusts are distilled, including motion planning and autonomous decision-making and perception & environmental understanding. An …

Multiple Secondary Risks Triggered By Rapid Rising Of Groundwater Level And Corresponding Tactics In The North China Plain, Yanjun Shen, Fubao Sun, Congqiang Liu, Fengchang Wu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

In recent years, following the implementation of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project and comprehensive control of groundwater over-exploitation, coupled with natural factors such as more frequent and intensified extreme rainstorms, the groundwater level at large extent of the North China Plain has stopped declining and even started rising, with gradual recovery of groundwater storage. Nevertheless, the rapid rise in groundwater levels has disrupted the long-standing hydrological-geological-ecological balance shaped by prolonged over-extraction, triggering multiple secondary risks. The rebounding water level markedly exacerbates potential seismic liquefaction hazards at construction sites and raises risks of water seepage, anti-float failure, and structural damage for …

Analysis Of Global Carbon Neutrality Situation And Policy Insights For China, Lina Liu, Jiansheng Qu, Jingjing Zeng, Xiaoyu Song, Qin Liao, Yibo Niu, Yanfei Liu, Bingxue Qin

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Achieving the goal of “dual carbon” (carbon peaking and carbon neutrality) will bring comprehensive and profound systematic changes in China’s social economy. By analyzing the global trend of carbon neutrality, it can be seen that the topics of carbon neutrality mainly focus on four aspects: emission reduction categories, key areas, technological innovation, and carbon market construction. At present, China is steadily building a multi-level (national, regional, and enterprise) carbon-neutral policy framework system. In key areas such as energy, industry, transportation, construction, agriculture, and forestry, China not only actively takes practical and effective actions but also vigorously carries out scientific and …

From Disruption To Replacement: The 2026 Cae Cybersecurity Community Symposium And The Emerging Federal-Academic Compact For An Ai Workforce, Sunday Oludare Ogunlana

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

The cybersecurity workforce gap in the United States is estimated at several hundred thousand unfilled positions, and the rapid integration of artificial intelligence into adversary tradecraft and federal cyber operations is widening that gap qualitatively as well as quantitatively, threatening national security and the operational readiness of graduates entering the field. This perspective article synthesizes the principal arguments advanced by five federal and academic speakers at the 2026 CAE Cybersecurity Community Symposium, using verbatim session transcripts, a structured thematic extraction process, and triangulation against published workforce policy and peer-reviewed literature. Findings document a unified speaker thesis that artificial intelligence now …

Trust, Delegation, And Alignment In Human-Ai Decision Making, Erik O. Kimbrough, Brennan Mcdavid, Diba Vazirian

ESI Working Papers

This paper studies delegation to artificial intelligence in a setting where human principals retain the consequences of delegated choices. Participants wrote prompts instructing ChatGPT-4o mini how to choose on their behalf in three canonical economic domains: risky choice, intertemporal choice, and social allocation. We then elicited the compensation participants required to let the AI’s choices count for payment and compared participants’ own choices to choices generated from their prompts. The design produces two central empirical objects: a revealed measure of reluctance to delegate, captured by willingness to accept compensation for AI delegation, and a behavioral measure of alignment, captured by …

A Return On Investment (Roi) Evaluation Tool For Quantifying The Value Of Cybersecurity Certifications, Nicolas Meysmans, Kelly Hughes

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

The growing reliance on cybersecurity certifications has increased the financial and professional stakes associated with certification decision-making for cybersecurity professionals. Despite their widespread use in hiring and career advancement, there is limited objective guidance available to help individuals evaluate the return on investment (ROI) of specific certifications. This gap has created uncertainty regarding which credentials provide the greatest value relative to their cost and market impact. This study presents a data-driven, design science–based tool that supports cybersecurity professionals in evaluating certification ROI using practitioner survey data combined with certification cost and labor-market demand indicators. The paper also demonstrates how such …

Computer Organization And Assembly Language Programming, Chenxi Wang Phd, Muhammad Rashed Phd

Mavs Open Press Open Educational Resources

Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming is an open textbook written for CSE 2312 students at The University of Texas at Arlington and for anyone who wants to see clearly how high-level code becomes machine operations. The book takes the position that assembly is not a historical curiosity but a working tool: it is where system programming, embedded development, performance tuning, and real debugging skill begin.

Across sixteen chapters, this textbook builds from number systems and base conversion through ALU operations, status flags, and shift operations, then into ARMv7 assembly syntax, the load and store architecture, endianness, addressing modes, branch …