Digital Commons Network^™

Key-Based Authentication Scheme For Evtol Drones Using Chebyshev Chaotic Maps, Eduardo A. Hernandez Escobar

Master's Theses

The development of electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) drones signifies a substantial advancement in urban air mobility, ready to transform transportation models in densely populated regions. These advanced drones, distinguished by their capacity to function in limited spaces and their minimized environmental impact, are set to transform individual, shipping, emergency services, and public safety activities. Nonetheless, like any transformational technology, the implementation of eVTOL systems presents many challenges, especially in the realm of cybersecurity. Adding many devices and entities to an eVTOL network increases the risk of privacy and security attacks. This paper proposes a key-based authentication scheme that …

Ghana’S Shift From Non-Alignment To Alignment: A Comparative Case Study Of Foreign Policy Under Geopolitical Pressures, Bernice Owusu

Master's Theses

With the geopolitical landscape experiencing significant dynamic shifts, the rise of global powers like China and Russia is putting pressure on non-aligned countries to adjust to the new realities. This thesis examines the evolving nature of Ghana’s foreign policy from non-alignment to alignment due to geopolitical pressures. Using a comparative case study of Ghana and Zambia, the thesis analyzes how economic dependency, military cooperation, and diplomatic behavior— especially with the United States—have influenced Ghana’s foreign policy trajectory between the Cold War and the post-2010 period. Through analysis of policy documents, defense agreements, and United Nations General Assembly voting records, the …

Population Estimates, Demography, And Habitat Assessment Of The Pearl River Map Turtle (Graptemys Pearlensis) In The Pearl River Drainage Of Mississippi, Noah Devros

Master's Theses

The Pearl River map turtle (Graptemys pearlensis) is a highly riverine Emydid endemic to the Pearl River drainage of central and southern Mississippi and southern Louisiana. First described in 2010, G. pearlensis was listed as federally Threatened in 2024. . Due to its relative novelty as a species, no rigorous site-specific population estimates of G. pearlensis in Mississippi have been conducted. The primary goal of this study was to implement a replicable method of assessing the population of G. pearlensis throughout the Pearl River drainage system of Mississippi. A secondary goal was to describe habitat associated with G. …

Examining The Mediating Effects Of Symptoms Of Depression, Anxiety, And Perceived Stress On The Association Between Bereavement And Inflammation, Kylee Faith Behringer

Master's Theses

Bereavement is a stressor that impacts the psychological well-being of an individual and their physical health. This study aimed to develop a more nuanced understanding of the association between bereavement and its psychological and biological consequences, and the potential mediating role of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress within the relationship between bereavement and inflammation. Data was collected through Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Refresher 1, a longitudinal study that examines social, psychological, and biological vulnerabilities associated with potential health outcomes (Weinstein et al., 2019). The study consisted of 863 participants (bereaved=373, non-bereaved=490) who completed an in-person study visit …

Interconnections Among Self-Awareness Constructs In Schizotypy: The Importance Of Interoceptive Sensibility, Kendall Beals

Master's Theses

Interoception involves the sensing, interpreting, and integrating of signals from within the body and mind. Interoception is a central concept to our awareness of bodily sensations and thus can be classified as one form of self-awareness. Differences in other forms of self-awareness, such as alexithymia, cognitive insight, and introspective accuracy, have been observed between those with high and low schizotypy. Given the conceptual similarity in these constructs, understanding inter-relationships across measures of self-awareness will serve to advance our understanding of the concept and its various facets for people with high schizotypy. This study examined the relationships between interoceptive sensibility and …

Design Of A Novel Low-Cost Hybrid V-Shape Spoke-Type Ferrite Ipm-Synrm For Ev Traction Using Fem Software, Kenghao Cai

Master's Theses

This paper presents a hybrid V-shape spoke type ferrite Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Reluctance Machine (PMA-SynRM) for electric vehicle traction application. Ferrite or ceramic IPM-SynRMs compared to Neodymium (NdFeB) based IPM-SynRMs typically have lower torque, power density, and efficiency overall. Motivated by rising costs and international policies making it increasingly more challenging to obtain rare-earth metals, alternatives should be explored. With the help of finite element method (FEM) software, Ansys Maxwell, this study probes into a novel three-phase ferrite-only hybrid Spoke-type V-shaped IPM-SynRM using Tesla Model 3's neodymium powered V-shape interior permanent magnet machine as a benchmark. The proposed motor …

Optimizing And Training An Svm-Based Breast Cancer Tumor Classifier, Kevin Lopatka

Master's Theses

With advancements in technology, turning to machine learning has become a popular choice for aiding clinicians in the diagnoses of breast cancer malignancies. While the neural networking approach has been vetted thoroughly, this work aims to take advantage of traditional machine learning techniques; mainly support vector machine learning and the optimizing of feature extraction. The discrete-wavelet transform is used in the feature extraction stage of machine learning. Previous works that use this feature extraction technique are analyzed and expanded upon by utilizing a variety of different wavelets as well as other color-spaces with the goal of achieving higher result metrics …

A Heuristic Approach To Portrait Segmentation And Its Application To Synthetic Bokeh Generation, Charles J. Snead

Master's Theses

Segmentation of portrait images is an important technique used to separate the foreground and background of an image. This separation of layers is useful for selectively applying post-processing techniques to enhance the quality of the image, such as blurring the background. Automatic portrait segmentation is a complex process that can be completed with a high degree of accuracy using deep learning with neural networks, but training and inference are often very computationally expensive. This thesis aims to take a heuristic approach to portrait segmentation by combining classical image processing and computer vision techniques into a solution that can be run …

Enhanced Post-Capture Automatic White Balance For Srgb Images, Eric Huang

Master's Theses

Automatic white balancing (AWB) aims to correct color casts caused by varying illumination conditions, typically assuming access to RAW sensor data. However, many real-world applications involve only sRGB images that have already been processed by in-camera pipelines. In these cases, traditional AWB algorithms often underperform due to the nonlinear transformations done by these pipelines.

This thesis builds upon a data-driven color correction framework introduced by Afifi et al. that relies on RGB-UV histograms and learned color transforms. A revised automatic white balancing (AWB) framework that improves both color accuracy and runtime efficiency is proposed. A fallback routine is implemented to …

Modeling And Analysis Of A Hybrid Ac/Dc Green Seaport Power System With Photovoltaic Generation And Battery Energy Storage Systems, Corey Zaas

Master's Theses

This thesis investigates the modeling, simulation, and analysis of a Green Seaport power system integrating photovoltaic (PV) generation, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and coordinated protection within a hybrid AC/DC framework. The work improves a previously established model, enhancing it with detailed protection studies and simultaneous AC/DC power flow analysis using EasyPower software. The system was evaluated under a wide range of operating conditions, including varying solar irradiance, battery charge and discharge states, and both full and zero load conditions. Key performance indicators included voltage regulation, power factor behavior, equipment loading, protection device coordination, and total system power losses. Simulation …

"It's Not Your Job To Save The World, Young Women": Evangelical Women On Social Media, Ilaria P. Johnson

Master's Theses

Masters research thesis on the role of evangelical influencers on social media in spreading their beliefs on conservative politics, Christian motherhood, and Christian womanhood. Five Instagram accounts are analyzed and profiled.

Detecting Software Anomalies In Microservices Using Spectrograms, Scalograms, And Convolutional Neural Networks, Snehith Jonnaikode

Master's Theses

The growing complexity of cloud-native microservices has intensified the need for robust anomaly detection mechanisms, particularly for misconfiguration-induced failures that often manifest subtly and propagate across service boundaries. This thesis proposes a comparative framework for runtime anomaly detection by transforming system metrics into frequency-domain representations—spectrograms using Short-Time Fourier Transform and scalograms using Continuous Wavelet Transform—and classifying them with Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). Evaluated on DeathStarBench, a production-grade microservices benchmark with injected anomalies in the Reservation and Recommendation services, the framework also includes baseline Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) models trained on raw time-series features. Stratified 5-fold cross-validation shows that CNNs trained …

Protein Digestibility Impacted By Bacillus Coagulans, Pasteurization And Protein Source In Ready-To-Drink Protein Beverages, Samantha L. Bass, Samantha L. Bass

Master's Theses

The goal of this study was to assess how to maximize the digestibility of protein in protein beverages utilizing various protein sources, differing temperature/storage combinations, and the addition of probiotics (Bacillus coagulans). The protein sources used included 3 milk proteins and 2 plant protein sources (micellar casein, milk protein concentrate, reduced-calcium milk protein concentrate, pea protein isolate, and soy protein isolate). Soy protein isolate was chosen because it is readily available and commonly used as a plant protein alternative. Pea protein isolate was chosen because it is a non-allergen, and similarly, it is readily available. Milk protein concentrates …

Novel Approach To Traveling-Wave-Based Fault Location In Nonhomogeneous Transmission Lines, John Parker Burrell

Master's Theses

Accurate fault location is a critical aspect of power system protection, ensuring grid reliability and minimizing downtime. Traditional traveling-wave-based fault location methods face limitations when applied to nonhomogeneous transmission lines due to the reliance on precise segment velocities and propagation time data. This thesis addresses these challenges by proposing a novel algorithm that leverages historical fault data to estimate segment velocities and refine these estimates as more faults occur. The algorithm was rigorously tested using the digital model of an 11-segment, 65.694 km real overhead transmission line and validated using both simulations and hardware tests using commercially available time-domain protective …

A Preliminary Report Of The Carotenoid Assessment In Adults 50 Years Of Age And Older In Louisiana, Mary-Catherine Feazell

Master's Theses

Fruits and vegetables are at the core of a healthy, balanced diet. They assist in preventing the development of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer (Fadnes, et al., 2022). Aging is a natural biological process followed by disease, cognitive impairment, and a natural decline of the body’s ability to perform at its best. The older adult population is currently the fastest-growing population globally (El-Shebiney et al., 2022). Vitamin A is crucial for several parts of the body to function correctly. Despite the positive effects of Vitamin A on the body, the recommended dietary intake is not …

Efficacy Of Immersive Virtual Reality Gameplay In Environmental Attitude Change: The Case Of Abandoned Offshore Oil Platforms In Santa Barbara, Arun Prasad Srinivasan Manoharan

Master's Theses

Public perception plays an important role in shaping conservation policies and decisions, especially in contested environmental spaces. Offshore oil platforms, historically viewed as environmental hazards, have been found to serve as marine habitats that support diverse marine life. However, public perception remains largely negative, influenced by concerns over pollution from past oil spill accidents. Traditional environmental education methods, such as lectures and documentaries, often fail to engage audiences effectively or shift entrenched opinions. This study explores the efficacy of immersive Virtual Reality (VR) gameplay in changing environmental attitudes, specifically in the context of abandoned offshore oil platforms in Santa Barbara, …

Performance Of Neural Networks On Fpga For Embedded Devices Using Hls4ml Framework, Alam N. Romo Lopez

Master's Theses

As machine learning models such as neural networks are investigated for their applications across many fields, the demand for models that can be implemented on an embedded device grows. Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) have become an attractive option for implementing these models in hardware. This thesis considers the viability of FPGA implementations for machine learning on low-resourced embedded systems. The hls4ml project is a promising prospect for machine learning on FPGA devices. To test hls4ml, we used a model trained on the MNIST digits dataset, which was then synthesized for the PYNQ-Z2 device. We fine tuned the performance by …

Type Qualifiers As Catalysts For Language Evolution, Jasper Kahn

Master's Theses

Mainstream programming languages continually evolve to make correct and perfor- mant programs authored in the language easier to write. Successful new languages often succeed by improving on these qualities over existing languages that have not evolved fast enough. Many improvements derive from research in Static Analysis, but there is often a significant lag between the research and features becoming available in mainstream languages. This thesis focuses on the theory of type qualifiers as a possible means of accelerating the adoption of research results into common usage. Type Qualifiers have a two-decade lineage of static analysis tools, with active research today, …

Yolot: A Recurrent Yolo Model For Robust Video-Based Automotive Object Detection, Dylan Jay Baxter

Master's Theses

Though incredibly effective at detecting objects in isolated frames, modern object detection models are often not designed to take advantage of information present in previous frames of a video stream, despite that data being readily avail- able. To address this shortcoming, this paper proposes YOLOT, a modification of the widely used YOLOv8 object detection model, which seeks to utilize this temporal information with the addition of recurrent structures. In the design of YOLOT, a series of recurrent convolutional modules were inserted at backbone and neck outputs and the final and most effective design was found to be the insertion of …

Circular Restricted Three Body Manifold Trajectories Via Koopman Operator Theory, Lindsey Langton

Master's Theses

There are a multitude of computational techniques capable of modeling the behavior of nonlinear dynamic systems over time. In the field of astrodynamics, the most frequently used tools are numerical integrators, specifically Runge-Kutta algorithms. These algorithms have successfully produced numerous two-body trajectories, as well as an increasing number of three-body trajectories when two-body dynamic models fail to produce Δv values within the realm of mission feasibility. Koopman operator theory is an alternative method for modeling nonlinear dynamic behavior that captures an approximation of a nonlinear dynamic system on a defined basis in the Hilbert space. The Koopman operator is an …

The Association Of Interoception, Emotion, And Reasoning In Social Conflict And Moral Decision Making, Jackson Thomas Hassler

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Behavioral Ecology And Physiology Of Spotted Turtles (Clemmys Guttata) In A Fragmented And Polluted Landscape, Jessica Rojas Lindberg

Master's Theses

Turtles are one of the most threatened groups of animals across the globe. This is especially true for freshwater turtles that rely on multiple habitats to fulfill their life history requirements. Wetlands are a crucial habitat type for many freshwater turtle species, and this ecosystem has been susceptible to conversion, fragmentation, and pollution. In turn, these hazards to wetland habitats threaten already declining freshwater turtle populations. The spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata) is a species of freshwater turtle that is particularly at-risk due to life history traits as well as habitat fragmentation and pollution. This study aims to investigate the effects …

Examining The Sexual Identity Disclosure Process Among Black Queer Femmes And Their Families, Kaylah Denis

Master's Theses

Existing queer identity development theories often overlook the unique intersectional experiences of Black queer femmes (BQF), limiting their applicability and effectiveness in addressing the challenges faced by this population. Traditional models typically emphasize "coming out" to friends and family as a key step towards identity integration and self-actualization. However, these frameworks may not adequately capture the complexities faced by BQF, who navigate tensions between their racial/ethnic and LGBTQ+ identities. This study aimed to: 1) explore BQF experiences related to disclosing their sexual minority status to family members, 2) understand family members' responses to these disclosures, and 3) identify factors influencing …

Investigating The Role Of Endothelin-1 In Reactive Astrocytosis, Candace Betancourt-Szymanowska

Master's Theses

Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy which results in blindness for many patients, even with treatment. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a vasoactive peptide known to be aberrantly upregulated in the eyes of individuals with glaucoma. Optic nerve head astrocytes (ONHA) are the resident glial cell of the optic nerve head and are among the first cell types to undergo changes to a reactive phenotype. In this thesis, we investigated the role of ET-1 overexpression and its putative role in eliciting a reactive phenotype in ONHA by inducing lentiviral-mediated over-expression of EDN1. ONHA transduced with EDN1 (ONHA ET-1) were verified to be …

Characterization Of P38alpha And Nitric Oxide Synthase 3 Binding, Gillyan M. Jewett

Master's Theses

P38alpha is a member of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. This family is important for mediating signal transduction pathways through phosphorylation of downstream substrates. Previous work has described the ability of p38alpha to bind and phosphorylate nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) at two sites, the autoinhibitory loop (AI) at S600 and the N-terminal MAPK binding site (NtMAP) at S114. P38alpha has two substrate binding domains, the common docking groove (CD-groove) and a hydrophobic pocket (DEF) that are important in binding and phosphorylating various substrates specific to each pocket. Utilizing biolayer interferometry, this work describes the importance of both …

The Doctrine Of The Trinity In Southern African Seventh-Day Adventism: A Historical-Theological Study, 1887-1974, Grant Lottering

Master's Theses

The Topic

The doctrine of the Trinity in the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has often been viewed with suspicion, largely because many early Adventist pioneers expressed seemingly anti-Trinitarian sentiments. However, a review of Seventh-day Adventist publications reveals that early Adventists actually rejected Modalism, a misunderstood variation of Trinitarianism, rather than the biblical concept of the Trinity. When Seventh-day Adventist missionaries arrived in Africa in 1887, the earliest converts had a Dutch Reformed background and were already Trinitarian. Seventh-day Adventists found that their understanding of the Trinity aligned with these converts’ beliefs, and thus, they never needed to correct …

Coding The Greek New Testament In The Text-Fabric Open Source Environment, Saulo De Oliveira Cantanhêde

Master's Theses

Problem

Over the centuries, the Bible has been reproduced in various forms, from scrolls to codex, handwritten codex to printed books, and, more recently, the digital Bible. However, proprietary software tools lack in providing a more rigorous approach to advanced research in data-driven linguistic and exegetical studies.

Method

I report the final implementation of a data conversion project to convert an existing open source Nestle 1904 Greek New Testament encoded in XML format through Text-Fabric software (N1904-TF). The data was converted using Python packages and made available in a GitHub repository for programmers and non-programmers. Also, I developed over 60 …

A Comparative Analysis Of Current Understandings Of The High Priestly Ministry Of Jesus In The Heavenly Sanctuary, Samuel Amirtharaj

Master's Theses

Problem

Seventh-day Adventists consider the subject of the sanctuary to be the kingpin that interconnects all of the other doctrines. Both Adventists and non-Adventists agree that it is the Adventist understanding of the sanctuary that sets them apart from other Christian denominations. Almost since the inception of the Church, there have been many critics of the Adventist doctrine of the sanctuary and its associated teachings, both from within and from without the Church. Former Adventists and non-Adventists alike have discredited the significance of the sanctuary. However, numerous books on the sanctuary have been published recently by Christian scholars; these books …

Analyzing The Safety Effects Of Edge Lane Roads For Motor Vehicle Users, John Yang

Master's Theses

This thesis builds upon a prior study that analyzed the safety effects of Edge Lane Roads (ELRs) within the U.S. context, addressing gaps related to collision, traffic volume, and speed data. An ELR is a roadway configuration that accommodates two-way automobile traffic within a single center lane while providing edge lanes for vulnerable road users (VRUs), i.e., bicyclists or pedestrians. Although the concept of a single shared lane for opposing traffic often raises safety concerns among the public, ELRs have demonstrated potential to control speeds, optimize roadway space, and improve traffic operations on low-volume roads.

To evaluate safety outcomes, this …

Genetic Influences On Individual Variability In Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla Gorilla Gorilla) Social Behavior, Hadley Mueller-Hill

Master's Theses

While primates are considered highly social animals, the evolutionary origins and mechanisms underlying their social behaviors remain unclear. Not only do they exhibit an extensive range of behaviors, but individuals within the same species can also vary widely in their social interactions. Genetics play a significant role in shaping these individual variations in behavior; multiple genetic variants have been associated with differences in social behavior in mammals. Examples of these include MAOA and OXTR genes, which influence the expression of behaviors associated with antisocial and prosocial temperaments. Genetic polymorphisms affect primate interactions, impacting an individual’s ability to maintain its status …