Digital Commons Network^™

Shaping Character: The Role Of Mythology In Society, Jaclyn Weist

Masters Theses

Throughout history, man has told stories. Some stories were written on walls, tablets, or bits of parchment. Others have been passed down to posterity through oral tradition. Every culture worldwide has a rich tapestry of legends and myths. It is my intent to demonstrate that these stories use the tools of character development within their various plot lines to both express and shape beliefs, superstitions, and life lessons. Whether they are religious in nature or simply trying to make sense of the world, these stories, myths, and legends have played a part in shaping society into what it is today.

The Nature Of Beauty And Its Objective Manifestation Serve As Evidence Of The God Described In The Bible, Michael S. Libby

Masters Theses

In exploring the concept of objective beauty in nature, a strong argument emerges for the existence of a divine creator as described in the Bible. This thesis, titled “The Nature of Beauty and its Objective Manifestation Serve as Evidence of the God Described in the Bible,” proposes that the intricate design and objective manifestation of beauty in the world are indicative of a higher transcendent being, prompting us to contemplate the profound mysteries of creation and the interconnectedness of aesthetics and spirituality. Through this lens of beauty, we are challenged to engage in a thought-provoking discourse that encompasses apologetics, philosophy, …

Naturalism, Christian Molinism, And The Problem Of Evil, Caleb Blackman

Masters Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to create a Christian theodicy by forming an abductive argument showing that Christian Molinism can provide reasons for the existence of evil, and compared to naturalism, it provides the best explanation. This is accomplished by considering the naturalistic explanation of evil and building upon defenses and concepts such as the Free Will Defense and Molinism.

Fish Assemblage Structure In Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands Over Ten Years, Matthew S. Silverhart

Masters Theses

Coastal wetlands in the Laurentian Great Lakes are important habitats for many fish species. The geographic scale of the watershed and the diversity of land uses in the region result in substantial environmental variation among coastal wetlands. During 2011-2020, annual surveys were conducted as part of the Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Monitoring Program (GLCWMP) to better understand the status and trends of coastal wetlands. Fish sampling consisted of fyke netting in monodominant vegetation zones. During this time, 1225 unique monodominant plant zones in coastal wetlands were sampled, resulting in 584,125 fishes captured that consisted of 113 different species. Yellow Perch …

A Global Synthesis Of The Relative Impacts Of Habitat Amount, Fragmentation, And Matrix Quality On Forest Biodiversity, Antoinette Esposito

Masters Theses

Aim To assess the relative impact of different landscape variables on species richness and to determine whether species richness declines more rapidly below an extinction threshold of remaining habitat. The results of this study will help to better inform future conservation strategies. Location Global Time period 1997 – 2013 Major taxa studied Amphibians, birds, invertebrates, mammals, and reptiles Methods Data from 71 studies published in the global BioFrag database were used to determine species richness across multiple landscapes and biomes. The Hansen dataset was used to collect data on habitat amount (forest area), fragmentation (patch density), and matrix quality (mean …

A Multivariate Analysis Of Phytoplankton Assemblages And Environmental Variables In Chautauqua Lake, New York, Emily Palmer

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

A New Proper Orthogonal Decomposition Method With Second Difference Quotients For The Wave Equation, Andrew Calvin Janes

Masters Theses

"Recently, researchers have investigated the relationship between proper orthogonal decomposition (POD), difference quotients (DQs), and pointwise in time error bounds for POD reduced order models of partial differential equations. In \cite {Sarahs}, a new approach to POD with DQs was developed that is more computationally efficient than the standard DQ POD approach and it also retains the guaranteed pointwise in time error bounds of the standard method. In this thesis, we extend the new DQ POD approach from \cite {Sarahs} to the case of second difference quotients (DDQs). Specifically, a new POD method utilizing DDQs and only one snapshot and …

The Geodetic Strain Rates From Gnss In The North American-Carribean-Cocos Triple Junction In Guatemala And Implications For Seismic Hazard, Tanaya Kashyap

Masters Theses

"Geodetic velocity data are pivotal for deciphering seismic risks, providing initial constraints for crustal surface strain rates. Gaining an understanding of the 2D surface strain tensor across an entire area necessitates knowledge of the surface velocity field, yet geodetic data such as measurements from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) are dispersed across the Earth’s surface. In the current scope of study, we have employed various methodologies to estimate strain rates in Guatemala, utilizing GNSS velocity data and leveraging the open-source Python tool Strain_2D. Strain_2D facilitates the computation of strain rates through diverse methods applied to the same dataset and …

Branching Fractional Brownian Motion, Reece Beattie-Hauser

Masters Theses

"Fractional Brownian Motion (FBM) is a Gaussian process whose increments are correlated over long times. FBM is an example of anomalous diffusion, and recently it has been used to model the distribution of serotonergic fibers in the brain [1, 2]. To better represent these fibers, branching FBM (bFBM), where FBM trajectories may randomly split into two, is introduced. One-dimensional bFBM is studied in both sub diffusive and super diffusive regimes, examining three potential behaviors of the correlations (memory) in a branching event: both trajectories retain the memory of previous steps, only one keeps the memory, and neither keeps the memory. …

Human Arm Stiffness Estimation Method Developed For Overground Physical Interaction Experiments: Experimental Validation And Perspectives For Future Applications, Tarani Kanth Kamma

Masters Theses

"To build a physically interactive robot for overground applications, it is crucial to first understand the biomechanics of humans underlying overground physical human-robot interaction (pHRI) tasks. Estimating human arm stiffness during overground interactive tasks is a promising first step toward this goal. For this, an arm stiffness estimation technique was developed in our previous works that consider the unique challenges involving overground pHRI, such as the need to estimate the arm stiffness from a short duration of data with fewer repetitions. In this work, our stiffness estimation method is further validated with a passive spring setup with known stiffness values, …

A Binary Integer Linear Programming Model For Optimizing Underground Stope Layout, Theophilus Mensah

Masters Theses

"Underground mine planning engineers face significant challenges when determining what geometry provides the most profitable and safe stope for extraction. Several techniques and optimization algorithms have been developed in recent years, but most fail to find optimal solutions because they are heuristic or LP-based without efficient geometric constraints. This thesis work proposes a two-dimensional binary linear programming (BILP) model for determining the optimal combination of blocks in a stope that maximizes the economic value of the layout of stopes for a sublevel deposit. The work draws from Queyranne and Wolsey’s (2017 & 2018) formulations of tight constraints for bounded up/down …

Investigating Prodigy Math Program To Improve Students' Success In Mathematics, Justin A. Bledsaw

Masters Theses

This study investigates whether Prodigy improves student achievement in mathematics; whether Prodigy improves, specifically, math achievement of special education students, students of different ethnicities, and students of different genders. Further, the study wanted to explore student perceptions of Prodigy. The study was conducted in two fifth grade classrooms with a total of 31 participants. Two mathematics units were utilized to compare; one on multiplying whole numbers and the other on dividing whole numbers. In addition, participants completed a survey and a focus group interview to find out participant perceptions of Prodigy. Results reveal that the whole group scored higher in …

Self-Reported Multicultural Teaching Knowledge Of K-12 Teachers, Ailish Raftery

Masters Theses

Research continues to show that students who belong to racial and/or ethnic minority groups face a variety of challenges at school, such as disproportionate rates of drop out, behavioral problems, exclusionary discipline practices, absenteeism, placement in special education, and more. These challenges are thought to contribute to the academic achievement gap between White and racial/ethnic minority students throughout the American public school system. Therefore, it is important to assess the multicultural teaching competence of American teachers and investigate barriers to improving culturally responsive teaching practices. Past research has investigated teachers’ multicultural teaching competence, but fewer compared general and special education …

Effects Of Hemp Fibers On The Mechanical Performance Of Concrete, Hamida Baassou

Masters Theses

The construction industry is known to be globally the number one contributor to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and energy consumption. The purpose of this study is to examine the potential use of hemp as a concrete reinforcement, its mechanical properties and strength, its environmental and socio-economic advantages, and its limitations. To examine the mechanical performance of hemp fiber, 54 specimens will be tested for compressive, tensile, and flexural strength. This was done in two parts. In the first part hemp fibers in two different ratios (0.5v% and 1v%), and two different treatments (water and 5% sodium hydroxide) were added to …

Examining Bigheaded Carp Ichthyoplankton Drift In Tributary And Mainstem River Systems Of Two Midwestern Rivers, Adam Landry

Masters Theses

The bigheaded carp invasion in North America continues to negatively impact ecosystems making it essential to understand their reproductive dynamics at various spatial scales. Previous studies have highlighted the suitability of tributaries of large rivers for bigheaded carp reproduction, and the importance of tributaries for ichthyoplankton drift to mainstem rivers. This study investigated patterns in tributary-mainstem ichthyoplankton drift dynamics in two invaded river systems of the Midwestern United States, with distinct hydrology, the Illinois and Wabash Rivers. From May-September 2021, I sampled ichthyoplankton from three tributaries and three mainstem sites in each river basin. I analyzed bigheaded carp egg and …

Time Series Anomaly Detection Using Generative Adversarial Networks, Shyam Sundar Saravanan

Masters Theses

"Anomaly detection is widely used in network intrusion detection, autonomous driving, medical diagnosis, credit card frauds, etc. However, several key challenges remain open, such as lack of ground truth labels, presence of complex temporal patterns, and generalizing over different datasets. In this work, we propose TSI-GAN, an unsupervised anomaly detection model for time-series that can learn complex temporal patterns automatically and generalize well, i.e., no need for choosing dataset-specific parameters, making statistical assumptions about underlying data, or changing model architectures. To achieve these goals, we convert each input time-series into a sequence of 2D images using two encoding techniques with …

Dig Limits Optimization Using Binary Integer Linear Programming Method In Open Pit Mines, Hussam Naif Altalhi

Masters Theses

"Dig limits optimization is the process for classifying different materials (e.g., ore, stockpile material, and waste) into appropriately sized contiguous zones for open pit mining. The efficient determination of dig-limits is crucial for profitable and sustainable resource extraction in mining. Previous research has focused on defining dig-limits manually or using optimization approaches, but these methods are limited to only handling two material destinations (ore and waste). Thus, there is a need for operations research methods that consider the selectivity of mining equipment and can optimize dig-limits for metal mining operations with more than two material destinations. Consequently, the objective of …

Low Finesse Extrinsic Fabry-Perot Interferometer (Efpi) Demodulation For High Temperature Gap Measurements, Abhishek Prakash Hungund

Masters Theses

"In continuous casting steel industries, mold flux is added to provide thermal and chemical insulation for molten steel. The mold flux absorbs detrimental inclusions from the steel and promotes uniform heat distribution to prevent sticking. To promote flux infiltration, mold oscillation is used, but this creates oscillation marks that reduce local shell growth and increase temperatures. Wide (2-3 mm) and deep (0.5-0.9 mm) oscillation marks with areas of 1.1-2.5 mm² are observed, affecting the steel quality, which results in a loss of 6% per billet to the industry. To address this challenge, we propose an extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer (EFPI) sensor …

Cryptographic Algorithms, Cryptocurrencies, And A Predictive Model Of Bitcoin Value By Pls Regression, Paul Kenneth O'Connor

Masters Theses

"With the invention of Bitcoin in 2009, as a seemingly timed response to the ongoing financial crisis, the popularity of the cryptocurrency has since continued to grow. Just this year, the Security Exchange Commission approved Bitcoin for exchange traded funds, allowing major investment firms to begin product trading. With this approval, and during this very moment of writing, Bitcoin has entered a bull market and reached a record value of over 72,000 USD. In addition, the Bitcoin halving event in April of 2024 is expected to increase demand even further. It has been anticipated that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies will …

The Exponential Function In Discrete Fractional Calculus Under The Delta Operator, Brayton James Link

Masters Theses

"Previously the exponential problem in discrete fractional calculus under the nabla operator was solved with the discrete Mittag--Leffler function. We now show the solution to the exponential problem in discrete fractional calculus under the delta operator, providing multiple derivations of the solution with recursion and Laplace transforms. We also share some computational and numerical results of experiments with different orders of difference to display the nature of the solution" -- Abstract, p. iii

Ontogenetically Driven Changes In The Endocranial Anatomy Of Maiasaura Peeblesorum And Its Implications For Sensory Functions, Emma Puetz

Masters Theses

"Hadrosaurids exhibited extreme morphological diversity and behavioral characteristics that can be compared with other, closely related members of Dinosauria – particularly through the study of neuroanatomy. X-ray CT generated endocrania of the Late Cretaceous saurolophine hadrosaur Maiasaura peeblesorum, known as the “good mother” dinosaur, offers a unique opportunity to compare complex ecological behaviors between non-avian dinosaurs and their modern archosaur relatives. The 3D reconstruction software ORS Dragonfly provided linear and volumetric measurements taken from the digital cranial endocast and endosseous labyrinths of three ontogenetically varied M. peeblesorum specimens from the Two Medicine Formation in Montana that were used to …

Theoretical Modeling And Experimental Investigation Of Phase Selection During Rapid Solidification Of Alloys, Azeez Aremu Akinbo

Masters Theses

"A novel model, rooted in time-dependent nucleation theory, has been created to explore how rapid solidification affects the extended solubility in metal alloys. This model was used to forecast solubility concerning undercooling in multiple binary aluminum (Al) alloys, and its predictions for both eutectic and peritectic systems closely match experimental data. It was demonstrated that this developed model surpasses the T0 line method, which does not consider the kinetic aspects of nucleation. Furthermore, the model can be extended to ternary and multicomponent phases by assuming that the scarcest element or the slowest diffusing component restricts nucleation. Al-Cu and Al-Cr, vital …

A Gat-Bilstma Model For Weather-Aware Prediction Of Traffic Speed, Bikis Muhammed

Masters Theses

This thesis presented a method for incorporating the effect of weather conditions in the prediction of the average speed of vehicular traffic for each segment of a road network. The proposed approach utilized two different deep learning methods: graph attention networks and bidirectional long short-term memory with attention layers. The accuracy of predictions is increased by considering the real-world driving distance between road segments, in contrast to the Haversine distance used in several existing prediction methods. Categorization of input data as weekend or weekday further increased the prediction accuracy. The proposed approach was validated using two data sets published by …

Tunable Metasurface For Efficient Harmonic Generation And Amplitude Modulation, Steve Mares

Masters Theses

The manipulation of microwave signals is critical in the information and communication technology industry. This research investigates the application of time-coding techniques on metasurfaces to achieve tunable control of electromagnetic signal transmission. The integration of mounted PIN diodes facilitates dynamic modulation of signal behavior. Both passive (without PIN diodes) and active (with PIN diodes) metasurfaces were analyzed through simulations using Ansys HFSS and validated with experimental measurements. A major contribution of this work is the design and testing of active metasurfaces that leverage PIN diodes for harmonic generation and amplitude modulation. The study reveals a clear relationship between modulating signal …

Teacher Self-Efficacy And Teaching Experience, Nicholas Daniel Hafner

Masters Theses

Teacher self-efficacy significantly impacts student learning in a variety of ways. High levels of teacher self-efficacy can lead to improved student outcomes and act as a protective factor for multiple stressors. The present study investigated the associations between teachers’ years of experience and their hours of professional development concerning a teacher’s overall self-efficacy and its three domains: student engagement, instructional strategies, and classroom management. It was hypothesized that years of experience and hours of professional development would predict overall self-efficacy and its three domains. A survey was utilized to gather demographic, experience, and self-efficacy information. A total of 194 teachers …

Social Gender Norms And Depression In College Students, Derek Deeney

Masters Theses

The primary purpose of this quantitative study was to determine if there was a relationship between the conformity to social gender norms (masculine and feminine) and depression among male and female college students at a mid-sized, four-year public institution in the Midwest. A secondary purpose was to investigate if there was a difference in depression between males and females, and if a there was a difference in conformity to social gender norms (masculine and feminine) between males and females. Understanding the trends in social norm conformity and depression can lead to changes in how faculty and staff in higher education …

Student Perceptions Of Inclusive And Culturally Responsive Teaching In The Elementary Classroom, Emma Larson

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research is to explore student perspectives, as it relates to inclusive and culturally responsive teaching practices. In order to uplift student voices in the elementary classroom, observations and interviews were conducted to collect data on student perceptions. This study found that students believe the teacher’s job is to help everyone, students want a sense of belonging, and students love when their teacher celebrates them. As this research followed students in a bilingual kindergarten classroom, further research is needed in order to grasp a deeper understanding of students, their view, and perception of inclusive and culturally responsive …

Influence Of Attack Performance On The Ovc Volleyball Regular Seasons 2022 & 2023, Ignacio Valdemoros

Masters Theses

Understanding the outcome of volleyball games is necessary for coaches before, after, and during a season. There are several ways to gain this understanding, but statistical analysis is fundamental to see the minimum patterns of behavior that influence wins and losses in Volleyball. Furthermore, this analysis helps identify the optimal approach to achieving a goal and determining the most effective alternative to success. Scoring points in Volleyball involves three key skills: serving, blocking, and attacking. Among these skills, attacking plays the most relevant role in determining the outcome of a match. The position on the court (e.g. Outside Hitter, Middle …

Synthesis Of A Basket-Shaped Host Molecule Based On P-Tert-Butylcalix[4]Arene Featuring Pyridinyl Groups For Volatile Guest Molecule, Boluwatife S. Ajewole

Masters Theses

Supramolecular and Molecular chemistry offer an expanding array of applications for the development of smart devices, with calixarene-based molecular baskets playing a pivotal role in host-guest chemistry. A key concept in this field is the design of "smart" molecules with gate-like features, which can selectively transport chemical or biochemical species that are volatile, reactive, or sensitive to typical solution environments. These molecular hosts are engineered with predefined groups that respond to external stimuli, such as changes in concentration, temperature, or pH.

Molecular baskets are synthetic host molecules designed to capture guest molecules selectively through adjustable gates. In our study, we …

Simulation Of Lc Circuits In Cylindrical Photoemission Driven Cavities Using Coupled Monte Carlo And Particle-In-Cell Codes, Ravi Sanjay Shastri

Masters Theses

"This work presents a computational experiment simulating irradiation of gold in a cylindrical cavity. The full 3-D simulation with a B-Dot diagnostic is modeled, and a subset of the results are compared to modeling the system as a coupled anode/cathode (AK) gap and transmission line. The cavity is filled with N2 and Ne gasses at pressures ranging from vacuum to 1000 mTorr. Space-charge limited emission physics, electric discharge physics, LC circuit physics, and Monte-Carlo methods are explored.

The computation process happens in two steps. First, the electron emission material is irradiated with an input x-ray photon spectrum to produce a …