Digital Commons Network^™

Faulty Perception Correction Of Autonomous Vehicles In Real-Life Driving Scenarios, Mark Omwansa

Dissertations

Driving is one of the most popular modes of transportation in the world. The United States Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reported 2.8 trillion vehicle-miles traveled (VMT) in 2020, and the National Highway Traffic Association (NHTSA) recorded 3.2 trillion VMT in 2019. Also recorded in the NHTSA report were 39,096 fatalities and 2.7 million injuries due to traffic accidents, costing the economy an estimated $242 billion. Most of these recorded accidents can be attributed to human error or misjudgment. It is for this reason that governments and the automotive industry are looking at autonomous vehicle (AV) technologies …

Public Health Implications Of State-Level Public Health Organizational And System Structures, Cameron Ferguson Hays

Dissertations

Public health thought leaders such as the Institute of Medicine and National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine have long been concerned about the lack of standardization among state-level public health systems (IOM, 1988; NASEM, 2023). However, little research studies these systems, their structures, and whether structural constructs affect population health outcomes.

This study attempted to examine the structural constructs that make up these systems and the impact of those constructs using an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design. Variables from management science were qualitatively extracted from materials describing all 50 state-level public health systems. Those variables were then analyzed using a …

Intelligent Health Monitoring Systems Via Flexible Hybrid Electronics And Machine Learning, Masoud Panahi

Dissertations

Advanced data analytics approaches, such as artificial intelligence (AI), are increasingly being integrated into all aspects of patient care. This integration is paving the way for minimally invasive or non-invasive treatment modalities. By combining recent advancements in fabrication technology and computing ingenuity, wearable devices now enable continuous health monitoring and provide data for AI-driven analysis. These intelligent devices seamlessly integrate with the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling remote or “at-home” patient monitoring.

This dissertation study investigates the integration of recent advancements in flexible hybrid electronics (FHE) and machine learning (ML) to develop intelligent health monitoring systems. The developed FHE-based health …

Conceptual Understanding, Engagement, And Optimal Learning Moments With Problem-Oriented Project Learning In High School Physics, Catherine A. Howell

Dissertations

This research explored the effect of Problem-Oriented Problem Based Learning (POPL) on concept attainment and engagement in a high school physics class. While physics education remains a vital component of STEM education, secondary physics enrollment trails chemistry and biology. Issues contributing to physics’ reputation as a complex subject include prior misconceptions and the formulaic nature of pedagogy. Prior research indicated that active learning can challenge misconceptions and mitigate the sameness of instruction. POPL resides firmly in the active learning methodology of Project-Based Learning (PjBL). This study expanded the research by combining Physics, POPL, concept attainment, multiple components of engagement, and …

Exploring The Interplay Among Effort, Motivation, And Self-Efficacy In High School Mathematics And Act Math Achievement, Katrina Lightsey

Dissertations

This study examines the relationship between high school students' attributions of effort, motivation, and self-efficacy as they relate to ACT math scores. Despite the important role of standardized tests in determining college admissions, there has been little research conducted to determine how students feel about these attributions and how they relate to math grades and ACT scores. A total of 52 juniors and seniors from local high schools participated in this study, which was conducted over the summer through voluntary participation following email invitations. The study was designed to measure students' self-reported effort, motivation, and self-efficacy using a survey instrument. …

Journey Of Decisions: Understanding Parental Perspectives On Vaccine Hesitancy And Decision-Making Approaches In Childhood Vaccinations, Carlene Joy Brown

Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of parental attitudes toward childhood vaccinations and decision-making styles. Overall, this study worked to comprehensively examine the factors influencing vaccine hesitancy among parents of children under 18 utilizing quantitative and qualitative methodologies and conducting qualitative analytic comparisons to enhance understanding for future research practices.

The study’s objective in the first phase was to quantitatively assess whether decision-making styles predict vaccine hesitancy, considering demographic factors. The contextual research question guiding this phase was, “Do general decision-making styles predict vaccine hesitancy controlling for age, gender, level of education, employment status, marital status, …

Understanding The Experience Of Being Food Insecure At An Independent College Or University, Natalie Wagner

Dissertations

Many people struggle to consistently access enough food for an active and healthy life (United States Department of Agriculture, 2020). Research has shown that college students experience food insecurity at rates higher than the general population while also facing negative academic, mental, physical, and social consequences (Baker-Smith et al., 2020; Bruening et al., 2018; Dubick et al., 2016; Henry, 2017; Martinez et al., 2018). Although studies on food insecurity among higher education have increased in the past few years, much of the research has been quantitative in nature and has been conducted at community colleges and state-funded institutions (Baker-Smith et …

Investigating The Impacts Of Ai Integration On Workplace Well-Being, An Exploratory Case Study, Anezka Viskova-Robertson

Dissertations

In an era characterized by rapid technological advancement, organizations are grappling with the profound changes brought by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). This study examines the impact of AI integration on workplace well-being, conceptualized as a key indicator of the health of an organization’s socio-technical system. Conducted over a four-month period, this research utilized an exploratory case study approach, collecting data from 35 participants across four distinct organizations. By employing a socio-technical systems perspective and the tripartite model of attitudes, the study investigates the intricate interactions between AI technologies and human factors within organizational contexts. The findings reveal that …

Influence Of Glycopolymer Structure On Amphiphilic, Hybrid, Linear Branched Block Copolymer Properties For Use In Biomedical Applications, Kevin Green

Dissertations

The focus of this dissertation is evaluating and adding fundamental knowledge regarding the structure-property relations of glycopolymers used in the design of hybrid block copolymers (HBC) that are cable of self-assembling into delivery vehicles for biomedical applications. A shift to the utilization of natural materials in the design and fabrication of drug-delivery vehicles has garnered significant attention. Understanding the effects of linear glycopolymers content and composition on the resulting HBCs properties can provide valuable insight into how these materials may be tailored for use in targeted biological applications.

The first chapter introduces current literature on the need for improvement in …

Chain Extension Of Blocked Isocyanates For The Creation Of Covalent Adaptable Networks, Catherine Sarantes

Dissertations

From mattresses to car coatings, polyurethanes and polyureas (PUs) are ubiquitous thermoset materials with tunable thermo-mechanical performance. This tunability is afforded through the extent of crosslinking or covalent linkages established by the formation of urea bonds. Traditionally, urea bonds are highly stable yet through the blocked isocyanate, hindered urea bond (HUB) mechanism this bond is thermally labile allowing for re-processing of normally non-recyclable PU materials. The overarching focus of my dissertation is the exploration synthetic pathways to access secondary diamines to enable re-processing of covalent adaptable networks (CANs) with tunable re-processing through the diamine moiety and the molecular weight of …

Sedimentary Characteristics Of Flood Deposits In Coastal And Fluvial Environments: Examples From Washover Fans (North Carolina, Usa) And Floodplain Deposits (Mississippi, Usa), Shara Gremillion

Dissertations

Extreme flooding from severe and prolonged meteorological events and / or overbanking rivers are some of the most deadly and expensive disasters globally, impacting millions of lives, the environment, and property. People living in vulnerable areas, such as near coasts and rivers, are the first to be impacted with effects of these flood hazards. Scientific studies and their results can aid communities and officials in planning and preparing for those flood impacts. In this three-part study, flood impacts from coastal storms in North Carolina, and flooding along the Mississippi River (MSR) in the state of Mississippi, USA are assessed from …

An Exploration Of The Experiences That Influenced Black Males To Become Information Technology Professionals, Ronnie Mcmillian

Dissertations

Historically, the United States (U.S.) has led the world in the development of innovative high-tech solutions that increased employment opportunities, wages, productivity, and the economic growth of our nation. However, STEM workers are in great need to fill the millions of vacancies in the STEM workforce. Despite the increasing demand for STEM professionals, racial minorities, especially Blacks, continue to be disproportionately underrepresented in STEM. In order to adequately address the STEM workforce problem and remain competitive globally, the U.S. must motivate a much larger cross-section of its population to enter STEM fields. Since Blacks are disproportionately underrepresented in STEM, they …

Engaging Families In School-Based Physical Activity Promotion, Veronica Becerra

Dissertations

This dissertation explored how schools promote and engage families in physical activity (PA) opportunities through two studies conducted in a Mountain West state. Study one explored strategies schools used to engage families in PA. Study two examined how a purposefully selected K-8 school developed family-school partnerships to support PA engagement through Epstein’s (2010) Six Types of Involvement framework.

Study one used a collective case study design guided by the following research questions:

• Q1.1 What strategies do schools implement to promote and engage families in physical activity programming?
• Q1.1a What tactics do schools use to implement these strategies?
• Q1.2 What are …

Study Of Yoga Intervention To Reduce Secondary Traumatic Stress Among Public School Educators, Leslie Marie Hillen

Dissertations

A problem in education was the great amount of stress teachers were under. Secondary Traumatic Stress “is the emotional duress that results when an individual hears about the first-hand trauma experiences of another” (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, n.d.). When teachers feel they cannot work or are overwhelmed with the demands of education, this can be attributed to Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) (Caringi et al., 2015). Many teachers felt there was not enough support from the administration, as they not only deliver curriculum, but they also worried about the students’ mental health, home lives, hunger, and how to support …

Artificial Intelligence, Machines, Devices, And Robots: Mobilizing Humanness And Intelligence In The American Techno-Landscape, Carlos A. Batres

Dissertations

This dissertation is an ethnographic inquiry of artificial intelligence (AI) in the techno-landscape of three major metropolitan areas in the United States. It traces the ways in which both experts and non-experts talk about their interactions with AI via machines, robots, and other devices, and how the ways in which people deal with AI-technologies have come to shape how we think about our own ways of going about doing things. The goal is to discern what the social ramifications of this technology may be as relationships and relations are formed betwixt and between people and artificially intelligent things.

Magnetotransport Properties Of Polycrystalline Mn_(3-X)Fe_Xsn (X = 1, 2) Thin Films, Duston Wetzel

Dissertations

The incredible progress of the microelectronics industry in the last several decades hasbeen primarily due to the progressive miniaturization and optimization of the MOSFET. However, the rate of this progress is becoming unsustainable by these means. Of several proposed replacements, one of the most popular ideas is to utilize electronic spin in logical processing. The discovery of Giant Magntoresistance (GMR) in layered thin film heterostructures and the subsequent development of Tunneling Magnetoresistance (TMR) devices revolutionized magnetic field sensing, which allowed magnetic domains in hard drives to get much smaller. This enabled hard drives to get denser, but because current charge-based …

Modulation Of Piezo Mechanosensors: Exploring The Effects Of Proteinogenic Sulfur-Containing Amino Acids And Propofol, Donggyeom Yu

Dissertations

Organisms are constantly subjected to mechanical stimuli originating from their environment or internal activities. To sense and properly handle such mechanical cues, the conversion of mechanical signals into electrochemical signals occurs continuously within the organisms. Mechanosensitive ion channels (MSCs) are pivotal participants in this process, being ready to open to allow the movement of ions across cellular membranes in response to mechanical stimulation. Piezo1 and Piezo2 mechanosensitive cation channels are evolutionarily conserved MSCs, taking part in various physiological processes, including bone formation and touch sensation. Mutations in Piezo1 or Piezo2 lead to pathological conditions and overexpression of the channels is …

Establishment Of Structure-Property-Processing Relationships For Design Of Sprayable Hydrogels And Amyloid/Peo Electrospun Composites, Xianjun Wang

Dissertations

The focus of this dissertation is the design, synthesis, characterization, and prototyping of bio-inspired materials to understand the role of structure, intermolecular interactions, and processing technique on the self-assembly, bioactive properties, and mechanical properties of the biomaterials. This work is divided into three research areas: 1) sprayable and adhesive glycopolymer based hydrogels; 2) decapeptide-based composite nanofiber mats; and 3) prototyping sutures and meshes via electrospinning. The established structure-property-processing relationships provide a foundation for designing biomaterials in the future.

The first chapter provides an introductory overview of the requirements necessary for the development of hydrogels, glycopolymers, and peptides, including relevant processing …

Incorporating Meditation, Yoga, And Reiki Interventions To Reduce Stress, Anxiety, And Mood Symptoms Among The College Population, Kelly Wills

Dissertations

The purpose of this clinical research project is to examine the efficacy of mindfulness techniques and alternative therapeutic practices, specifically, meditation, yoga, and Reiki, in decreasing symptoms of anxiety among college students. The increasing prevalence of anxiety disorders among the college population warrants the need for identifying effective interventions for enhancing mental health outcomes. This review integrates findings from published studies that focus on the impact of these practices on anxiety-related symptoms within college settings. Reviewing these studies reveals consistent evidence to support the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation as it relates to anxiety reduction as well as improvements in emotional …

Navigating The Landscape: Perceptions, Motivations, And The Journey Of Data Professionals In Implementing Data Processes And Procedures, Willie Rivers

Dissertations

This explanatory study investigates the motivations behind data professionals' willingness or resistance to implementing data policies and procedures, utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior and Psychological Ownership as frameworks. Through interviews with 21 data professionals, the research explains how factors such as perceived control, ownership, and attitudes towards data processes influence their motivation. The study tests key propositions, including the impact of perceived time burdens, bureaucratic procedures, and organizational expectations on data governance engagement. The findings underscore the critical role of control and access to information in motivating the adoption of data policies, providing insights for organizations aiming to enhance …

The Lived Experience Of The English As A Second Language Rn-Bsn Degree Completion Student Integrating To An Online Learning Environment, Sonique Sailsman

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of RN-BSN ESL nursing students who are engaged in learning online and understanding their process of cultural integration.

Accountability For Unethicality: Monitoring, Policy, And Individual Attitudes, Sara Marie Lewis

Dissertations

This research examines the mechanisms that can be used to reduce unethical behaviors, as well as their influence on employee attitudes (e.g., trust, justice, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment). Using an experimental design, participants were exposed to varying levels of accountability, monitoring, and policy to examine their interaction effects on unethical behaviors and attitudes. Two significant interactions emerged when looking at the mechanism's influence on attitudes. Policy clarity had a significant main effect on employee justice perceptions, with vague policies reducing perceptions of justice. The interaction between clear policy and accountability significantly impacted justice perceptions, highlighting the value of accountability …

How Teachers And Students Create And Experience Social Presence Through Community Building And Self-Disclosure In Middle School Synchronous Online Learning Environments: A Qualitative Case Study, Jennifer Trail

Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate middle school teachers’ and students’ attitudes toward online learning, and more specifically how they created and experienced social presence. To date, there has been promising research conducted on the achievability and the effects of social presence in postsecondary online learning. However, there is a practical knowledge gap in the literature regarding how middle school students and teachers experience social presence. This is problematic due to the increasing number of K-12 students enrolling in online learning and because strong student-teacher relationships are necessary to meet the emotional needs of middle schoolers …

Structural Behavior Of Corroded Reinforced Concrete Beam Elements Repaired With Fabric-Reinforced Matrix Composites, Youssef Ibrahim Elmezayen

Dissertations

Advanced methods for rehabilitation of reinforced concrete (RC) beams with corroded reinforcement were designed and implemented in this research. The nonlinear flexural and shear behaviors of RC beams with corroded reinforcement repaired with fabric-reinforced matrix (FRM) composites were investigated. Numerical simulation models were developed to predict the flexural response of flexure-deficient continuous RC beams before and after repair with FRM composites. A novel sustainable repair solution that involves the use of cement-free geopolymeric matrix reinforced with nonmetallic fabrics was also introduced for rehabilitation of shear-critical RC beams with corroded stirrups. Simplified and easy-to-use analytical approaches were adopted to estimate the …

Use Of Cement-Free Geopolymer Composites In Different Construction Applications, Joud Mohamad Hewalla

Dissertations

The demand for sustainable and eco-friendly construction materials has driven significant interest in the development of cement-free Geopolymer (GP) composites. A comprehensive scientometric analysis was conducted, highlighting a steady increase in research on geopolymer materials since 2013, with fire resistance, corrosion protection, and repair being the most studied applications. However, gaps remain in areas like 3D printing, heavy metals absorption, rehabilitation and repair, screed flooring, and shotcrete. The review emphasized the need for further investigation into lifecycle assessments and the potential use of diverse alumina- and silica-rich binders to enhance the environmental and mechanical properties of geopolymers. Accordingly, this thesis …

The Implementation Of Stream In Mathematics Classrooms In Abu Dhabi Primary Schools: Prospects, Priorities, Processes, And Problems, Nadeia Rashed Alalawi

Dissertations

This study shed light on implementing science, technology, reading and writing, engineering, art, and mathematics (STREAM) in mathematics classrooms in Abu Dhabi primary schools. The study aimed to explore mathematics teachers’ views on the prospects, priorities, processes, and problems of the implementation of STREAM in their classrooms. The study employed qualitative methods to collect and analyze data to support the findings using interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis. Fifteen in-service mathematics teachers were interviewed to explore their views about the application of STREAM in their classrooms regarding prospects, priorities, processes, and problems (4 Ps). Then, three of them were observed …

Tackling Toxicity And Harassment In Online Environments Through The Use Of Artificial Intelligence, Heba Saleous

Dissertations

With the increase in popularity of online communities, such as social media platforms, online games, and chatroom servers, there is a need to improve chat and content moderation. Platforms have reported an increase in the prevalence of toxic behavior and hate speech. Meanwhile, moderators are reporting difficulties in keeping up with the amount of data to check as well and the type of content they are exposed to, which further harms their own mental health. The main objective of this work is to address the challenges that exist within online communities with the rising prevalence of hate speech. Additionally, some …

Trauma-Informed Teaching In Uae Schools: Investigating Teachers’ Experiences And The Effect Of A Cognitive Behavioral Intervention For Students Affected By Trauma, Hadeel Mohsen Saleh

Dissertations

This study explores UAE teachers’ experiences and knowledge regarding trauma-informed teaching and assesses the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral intervention for two elementary school students with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in a general classroom setting. It also examines parents’ perceptions before and after the intervention. The study addresses two primary concerns: 1) the preparedness of UAE teachers to support trauma-affected students in schools, and 2) the efficacy of a targeted cognitive-behavioral intervention aimed at improving students' emotional regulation and behavioral outcomes. Using an exploratory sequential design, qualitative data from seven semi-structured interviews with UAE teachers revealed a significant gap in training …

Performance Of Pervious Geopolymer Concrete Made With Locally Available Recycled Concrete Aggregates In An Arid Environment, Faizu Habibu Anwar

Dissertations

This dissertation aims to develop sustainable pavement materials to address environmental challenges in arid environments, specifically in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These challenges include the depletion of natural resources, excessive cement production, industrial waste accumulation, and stormwater runoff flooding. Cement-free pervious concrete made with geopolymer and recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) are presented as sustainable solutions to these issues. The porous nature of pervious concrete reduces stormwater runoff while using RCA and geopolymer reduces dependence on limited natural resources and mitigates the environmental impact of cement production by incorporating industrial waste materials. In this thesis, the use of pervious geopolymer …

Optimizing Photoacoustic Imaging With Advanced Reconstruction Techniques: Compressive Sensing And Deep Learning, Mary Anjaley Josy

Dissertations

Photoacoustic Tomography (PAT) is a noninvasive medical imaging technique that combines the advantages of optical imaging and ultrasonic detection, offering deep tissue visualization with high resolution. Despite its potential, the effectiveness of PAT is dependent on the accuracy and efficiency of the underlying imaging algorithms. This thesis aims to enhance the resolution and speed of PAT imaging through the integration of compressive sensing (CS) and deep learning techniques, targeting both full-view and limited-view sensor configurations. Two model-based CS iterative algorithms are developed: relaxed-basis pursuit via alternating direction method of multipliers (rBP-ADMM), and split Bregman total variation (SBTV) formulation. Additionally, Plug-and-Play …