Digital Commons Network^™

Sensing Rotational Direction Using Paramagnetic Nanoparticles For Gyroscopic Applications, Jacob C. Pung

Masters Theses

Gyroscopes have long been used for measuring an object’s angular orientation. Methods range from mechanical spinning disks to oscillating spring-mass systems. However, previous gyroscopes can suffer from high maintenance or fragility. A recently invented novel gyroscope aims to curb these restrictions through the use of ferrofluid.

This thesis proposes a new method of modeling and measuring the signals from the novel gyroscopic device. Rather than simply measuring the device’s average current consumption via slow RMS measurements, an attempt was made to model the voltage amplitude at any time. This allows a faster examination of both the changing magnitude and phase …

Comparison Of Milling Cutting Forces In Synthetic And Biological Cancellous Bone, Matthew Christopher Hartwell

Masters Theses

In many orthopedic and dental interventions, the cutting and removal of bone is necessary. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that the tools used during these procedures are designed and tested with biological bone or a bone surrogate material that machines the same way as biological bone. To avoid the cost, hazard, and inconsistency of biological cadaveric bone or animal models, many biological engineering firms use bone surrogate material made of glass fiber filled epoxy and polyurethane foam. Although these materials may mimic the elongation of cortical and cancellous bone, respectively, the match of machinability of the bone is …

Uncovering Faith In The Desert: A Hired Gun’S Redemption, Scott K. Shea

Masters Theses

This paper examines the perception of God during arduous times and throughout an individual's life, with a particular focus on wartime experiences. War is the backdrop for numerous personal narratives, with the themes of redemption and the search for faith central to this discussion. It raises the question, "Is it possible to find God amidst the chaos of war?" Throughout history, many military personnel have shared profound experiences of fate, often turning to God in desperate pleas for survival. It is essential to examine the concept of war in a broader context, considering its connection to biblical teachings and understanding, …

Synthesis Of Durable Sio2 Nanoparticle Coatings For Self- Cleaning Solar Panel Surfaces, Pratima Parajuli

Masters Theses

The demand for innovations that improve the efficiency of solar panels has grown due to an increasing reliance on solar energy as a sustainable energy source. Great effort has been made to increase the conversion efficiency of solar energy to electrical energy. The accumulation of dirt, dust, and other environmental particulates on their surfaces is a challenge faced by solar panel technology. These contaminants can significantly reduce the overall performance of the solar panel. Recently, interest in developing self-cleaning surfaces has risen to maintain the performance of solar panels.To create self-cleaning surfaces, silicon dioxide (SiO₂) nanoparticles are emerging …

A Structural Evaluation And Design Optimization Of A Tow Bar For Disabled Snowmobiles, David M. Pevic

Masters Theses

Snowmobile tow bars are devices used to rigidly connect two snowmobiles, such that a disabled snowmobile can be recovered from a remote location with a working snowmobile. These devices, however, are not widely used or readily available. An existing tow bar design was evaluated and redesigned to improve its structural capacity and performance. This evaluation provided a baseline to quantify improvement and included Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (DFMEA), and Design for Assembly analysis (DFA). A review of existing snowmobile tow bar patents was also performed. An updated design was then fabricated and similarly evaluated. …

Evaluating Distractions Of Undergraduate Students During Guided And Unguided Study Sessions, Roni Peleg

Masters Theses

In this study, we explore an intervention strategy aimed at decreasing distractions while studying. The participant was a third-year undergraduate psychology student with a concentration in neuroscience who did not have a personal structured study system. The researcher measured the percent of intervals in which a distraction occurred using interval recording during baseline and intervention phases. During the intervention phase, the participant was introduced to the productivity method referred to as the Pomodoro Ⓡ Technique. Using a reversal design, data were analyzed based on levels of distraction during baseline and intervention phases. The goal of this study was to evaluate …

Are There Predictable Shifts In Fish Communities Following Instream Habitat Restoration? A Multistream Analysis., Ryan A. Skowronski

Masters Theses

In the past two centuries, anthropogenic stressors have degraded the structure and function of streams by accelerating bank erosion, decreasing riparian buffer zones, and altering the natural flow regime. Habitat restoration has become a common mitigation strategy in response to stream degradation, though empirical research evaluating its effectiveness is lacking in the United States. This study investigated responses in fish community following habitat restoration in five restored, Illinois streams. We assigned fish species to habitat, trophic, and reproductive guilds based on their habitat preferences, feeding habits, and life history. Streams were separated into enhancement and removal groups for analysis. Shifts …

Habitat Use And Selection Of Silver Carp In The Lower Wabash River System, Coy B. Blair

Masters Theses

The spatial ecology of non-native species in invaded systems remains relatively poorly understood despite the importance of suitable habitat in the success of invasion. Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix are a highly invasive non-native species with established populations throughout the Midwestern United States. Much research has focused on habitat use of bigheaded carp in large river systems, though invasion risk remains high in smaller systems, such as tributaries of the Great Lakes and the Ohio River. The Wabash River, a unique system in the Midwest, remains largely un-impounded and is comparable to many of the smaller riverine systems at risk of …

Time To Reassess: Campus Programming In The First Six Weeks And Its Impact On Belonging For First-Time Students, Joe Smith

Masters Theses

Research has shown that a student’s first six weeks of college have a strong impact on the rest of their college experience. Because of this, institutions concentrate programming efforts in the first six weeks of the academic year to increase the likelihood of positive outcomes for their first-time students. However, little research has been done on this topic in recent years. This quantitative study sought to examine first-time student event attendance in the first six weeks of the academic year and its impact on sense of belonging, which has been shown to be an important factor of the college experience. …

Enhancing Sunflower Regeneration: Molecular And Genetic Insights From Helianthus Eggertii, Owen West

Masters Theses

In vitro plant regeneration, particularly through organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis, is essential for plant transformation and crop improvement, especially in recalcitrant species like sunflower. In this study, we explore the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying regeneration in Helianthus eggertii, a wild sunflower species with high regeneration potential. Global gene expression profiling, conducted using Oxford Nanopore sequencing across multiple time points and genotypes, identified sixty-three core differentially expressed genes (DEGs) critical to regeneration. These DEGs are associated with critical biological processes such as cell proliferation, transcriptional regulation, and photosynthesis. Among them, a sunflower WUSCHEL-related homeobox transcription factor (WOX4) showed preferential expression …

Spatiotemporal Variability In Invasive Carp Spawning Activity In Two Midwestern River Basins, Braden A. Whisler

Masters Theses

Across the United States, fisheries managers and agencies continue to battle the spread of invasive bigheaded carp (Hypophthalmichthys spp.). Although previous research has identified environmental parameters such as temperature and flow to be triggers of spawning activity, many of these studies focus on larger rivers, rarely focusing on the specific thresholds or timing of when a spawning event takes place. I utilized the differing hydrology of the Illinois and Wabash Rivers and their tributaries to examine the differences in environmental parameters needed to trigger bigheaded carp reproduction. Three mainstem sites and three tributaries of both basins were sampled …

For Her Horror: Sociopsychological Gratifications Obtained By Fem Fans Of The Slasher, Brooke Eaglesong Wilson

Masters Theses

Those who side with the unjustified killer in slasher films are doing so to fulfill sociopsychological needs that are not being met in social reality. There were three main findings found in this study. First, participants sided with the unjustified killer in slasher films to gratify needs that were not being fulfilled in their careers such as the need to perform without having to consult mentors, not unlike how the unjustified killer murders victims without discussing with others. Second, participants sided with the unjustified killer in slasher films to gratify needs in their romantic relationships such as the need to …

The Impacts Of International Students’ Membership In Co-National Student Organizations, Krofaa Otuo-Srebour

Masters Theses

This study explores the impact of international students' membership in co-national student organizations on their adjustment to U.S. higher education institutions. Despite significant literature on the psychological predictors of adjustment, there is a gap in examining the social support gained through non-academic student organizations composed of individuals from the same country or region. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study investigated challenges international students face in the U.S. and how culturally specific groups impact their adjustment. The findings underscore the importance of co-national student organizations in supporting international students’ adjustment processes and suggest practical implications for university administrators to enhance …

Sustainable Hemp Industrial Panels (Ship) And Its Industrial Possibilities For The Replacement Of Oriented Strand Board (Osb), Anthony Ollins

Masters Theses

This study explores the feasibility of using industrial hemp fiber to create composite panels—termed Sustainable Hemp Industrial Panels (SHIP) as a potential competitor for oriented strand board (OSB), a commonly used structural wood product. Given hemp's historical and environmental advantages, including rapid growth, carbon sequestration capacity, and material strength, this research investigates its performance when combined with Urea-Formaldehyde (UF) resin, and in a hybrid form with Southern Yellow Pine (SYP). Two hemp-based composites were produced and tested: one with hemp and UF, and another with hemp and SYP. Using a custom-built hydraulic press, composite panels were fabricated and subjected to …

Effects Of Perceived Procedural Justice On The Relationship Between Visa Application Outcome And Psychological Distress: Evidence From Ghanaians And Nigerians Applying For U.S. Student Visas, Harriet Swanzy-Baffoe

Masters Theses

Visa interviews are not just bureaucratic processes; they can have significant psychological effects on applicants. This study examined the impact of U.S. student visa outcomes on psychological distress among West African applicants, with particular attention to perceptions of procedural justice during the interview process. The study surveyed 203 Ghanaian and Nigerian individuals who had previously applied for a U.S. student visa. Psychological distress was measured using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and perceptions of fairness were measured with a custom-developed Procedural Justice Scale. Independent samples t-tests showed that denied applicants reported significantly higher distress, although elevated symptoms were also …

Optimization Of Transformation And Regeneration In The Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus), Sara M. Kilar

Masters Theses

In addition to their value as prized ornamentals, sunflowers are important crop species due to the nutritional value and high oil content of the seeds. Sunflower oil is a significant contributor to global seed oil production, which can be used as a food additive and cooking agent as well as a raw material for biodiesel production. While traditional breeding efforts have led to the development of many unique cultivars, genetically modified variations have proven more difficult due to the recalcitrance of sunflower plants to genetic transformation. As a result, facile and efficient transformation methods for sunflowers have the potential to …

Influence Of Thermophilic Biofilms On Proliferation Of Opportunistic Pathogens In Domestic Water Systems, Olajumoke Akinbami

Masters Theses

Domestic hot-water systems quietly grow biofilms under elevated temperatures that can serve as shelter to Opportunistic Premise Plumbing Pathogens. Although focus has been placed on microbes in domestic systems, there has been no clear conclusion on the mechanism of survival and persistence of opportunistic pathogens despite various disinfection strategies. In this study, we determined the distinction between showerhead and drip-flow biofilms at the whole-community level and analyzed the coexistence of thermotolerant organisms with opportunistic genera, such as Legionella. We sampled eight showerheads and simulated four biofilm samples in the laboratory using the drip-flow biofilm reactor.

We observed a strong …

Automated Generation Of Malware Metadata Signatures, Joel Schott

Masters Theses

In advanced, targeted malware attacks, the custom software tools used to package and send malicious files and messages can lead to distinctive metadata values that facilitate creation of a malware metadata signature. Manual creation of these signatures requires expert domain knowledge and is time-consuming and error-prone. Our goal is to automate this process. We created several methods of automatically generating malware metadata signatures for ZIP files and emails. We evaluated these methods by comparing signatures generated with these methods to existing expert-created signatures. We found automated methods for ZIP files and emails that are capable of generating metadata signatures that …

Characterization Of The Microstructural Changes Of Zrb2 Under Heavy Ion Irradiation For Molten Salt Reactor Applications, Narrie Loftus

Masters Theses

A primary challenge in finding suitable materials for Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) lies in identifying those that concurrently exhibit high corrosion resistance, stability at elevated temperatures, resistance to radiation, and chemical compatibility with molten salts. 11B-enriched zirconium diboride (ZrB₂) is a potential candidate for applications in MSRs due to its unique combination of properties, including high melting point, high thermal conductivity, and resistance to corrosion in harsh environments. This ultra-high temperature ceramic (UHTC) has exhibited stability under extreme conditions, making it an attractive material for components within MSRs.

The microstructural response of ZrB₂ under heavy ion irradiation …

Improving The Operator-Swarm Dynamic Under Mental Fatigue Constraints In Search And Rescue Operations, Jordan Morrow

Masters Theses

"Human-robot applications that allow for work to be done remotely are largely dependent on the lassitude of the operators. The exhaustion of these operators is a result of work completion and duration. Previous research attempts to evaluate the impact on reaction by quantiying human weariness. This paper examines how human weariness affects the human-robot dynamic in UAV-assisted search and rescue missions. An explanation of the connection between mental exhaustion and operator responsiveness over prolonged durations is provided by the search and rescue operations using UAV swarms (SAROUS) model. Through the use of artificial intelligence, SAROUS is modernized. This allows the …

Computation Of Natural Relative Trajectories In The Elliptic Restricted Three-Body Problem, Dane Huck

Masters Theses

"Humankind’s presence in deep space is certain to increase throughout future decades. Future missions will continue to exploit the complex dynamics making use of liberation point orbits. Along with this trend is the rise of small satellites ("small sats") and fractionated spacecraft in general. Compared to traditional monolithic spacecraft, small sats can often have higher maneuverability, be a fraction of the cost, and be more expendable in nature. The growing interest in these two areas drives the need for improvements in the area of relative motion in deep space. One obvious use of small sats in deep space is for …

Advanced 3d Lidar-Based Systems For Urban Traffic And Pedestrian Monitoring: Integrating Elevated Lidar, Data Collection, And Deep Learning For Precise Detection And Activity Classification, Nawfal Guefrachi

Masters Theses

"Accurate and real-time monitoring of urban traffic and pedestrian activities is crucial for intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and smart cities. Traditional camera-based methods struggle with issues like lighting and privacy. This research leverages advanced three-dimension light detection and ranging (3D LiDAR) technology and computational frameworks to address these challenges, providing transformative solutions for urban traffic management and pedestrian safety. By strategically deploying elevated LiDAR sensors, detailed 3D point cloud data is captured, enabling precise monitoring of urban environments. Enhancements to LiDAR-based frameworks, such as fine-tuning the Point Voxel Region-Based Convolutional Neural Network (PV-RCNN), improve the detection of vehicles and pedestrians …

Bond Behavior Of Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Cement (Mkpc) Coating For Steel Reinforcement, Eric Williams

Masters Theses

"This research investigates the bond behavior of magnesium potassium phosphate cement (MKPC) coated mild steel deformed bars in conventional concrete and concrete repair materials. For typical steel reinforcement in concrete, a thin “passive layer” develops around the reinforcement, which protects the reinforcement from corrosion. The concrete carbonates over time, reducing the protection of the passive layer and allowing chlorides, which corrode the reinforcement, to penetrate at an increasing rate. In some cases, to combat this corrosion, a protective layer is added to the reinforcement prior to installation. Common protective layers include epoxy coatings or zinc galvanization. MKPC is a novel …

Transfection Of Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticles On Raw 264.7 And Mda-Mb-231, Lavanya Bhargava

Masters Theses

"This thesis investigates the preparation, characterization, and transfection efficiency of various ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) formulated for the delivery of mRNA encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in RAW 264.7 macrophages and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. The ionizable cationic lipid studied are ALC-035, C12-200, C14-4, PPZ-A10, DLin-MC3-DMA. The study addresses the need for effective gene delivery systems to provide a safe and versatile platform that protects and transports nucleic acids into target cells. LNPs were synthesized using microfluidic mixing methods, incorporating lipid components such as the cationic lipids, DSPE, DOPE, cholesterol and PEG lipids to achieve controlled particle sizes, …

Lidar From The Skies: A Uav-Based Approach For Efficient Object Detection And Tracking, Baya Cherif

Masters Theses

"Recently, there has been a growing interest in deploying the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology to gain traction in the autonomous vehicle industry, its applications are expanding into areas like smart cities, agriculture, and renewable energy. This work proposes an advanced approach to enhance aerial traffic monitoring using Li- DAR. We aim to provide accurate, real-time object detection and tracking from an aerial perspective by integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) with LiDAR, culminating in a smart UAV-integrated LiDAR (A-LiD) sensor for traffic surveillance. We introduce an adapted version of one of the newest methods of the cutting-edge 3D object …

Fetal Acidosis Prediction Using Attention Enhanced Convolutional Neural Networks, Anusha Adhikari

Masters Theses

This study explores the integration of spectral mixtures of fetal heart rate (FHR) and uterine contraction (UC) signals to enhance the prediction of fetal acidosis, utilizing the CTU-CHB dataset. Several classification models were trained using two distinct oversampling techniques and inputs, demonstrating that models incorporating spectral mixtures significantly outperform those using raw signals. These models, particularly when combined with convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and attention mechanisms, achieved a notable F1-score of 0.98, with the highest model achieving an area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.95. The research employs a variety of techniques including short-time Fourier transform and …

Influence Of Alloy Composition On The Process Robustness Of Steels Consolidated Via Laser-Directed Energy Deposition, Jonathan Kelley

Masters Theses

"To ensure consistent quality of additively manufactured parts, it is advantageous to identify alloys which can meet performance criteria while being robust to process variations. Toward this end, this work investigated the effect of alloy composition on the robustness of steels consolidated via laser-directed energy deposition (L-DED). Ultra-high-strength low-alloy steel (UHSLA) and pure iron powders were mixed in-situ to produce 10 compositions containing 10-100% UHSLA by mass. JMatPro material simulations roughly predicted phases and mechanical properties. Two sets of experiments were used to evaluate the sensitivity of as-built hardness (all 10 compositions) and tensile properties (5 select compositions) to process …

Long Short-Term Memory (Lstm) -Based Neural Network Model For Optimizing Composite Manufacturing Process Using Autoclave, Sourav P. Bolar

Masters Theses

The combination of high pressure and controlled heat plays a critical role in ensuring the uniform curing of composite materials, leading to parts with superior mechanical properties. In this study, three composite samples of IM7/CYCOM 5320-1, each cut into 12x12-inch squares, were placed in an autoclave at three different locations, spaced 6 inches apart. Sixteen thermocouples were randomly distributed across the setup to monitor the curing process as the autoclave temperature was systematically ramped up and down while maintaining constant pressure, creating a fully controlled curing environment. The primary objective was to optimize the curing locations to reduce machine runtime …

Modeling Of Slot-Backed Microstrip Line For Emi Applications, Jongsuk Hyun

Masters Theses

Radiated emissions from printed circuit boards (PCBs) are a significant concern in electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). Shielding cans are widely used to mitigate these emissions but evaluating requires accurate characterization of equivalent noise sources. Slot-backed microstrip antennas are employed for this purpose due to their near-zero height, low parasitic radiation, and PCB-compatible structure, offering a practical alternative to conventional loop antennas. This paper presents a physics-based analytical model that integrates both the discontinuity effects and radiated characteristics of slot-backed microstrip structures within a unified circuit framework. An analytical expression for the dipole moment is proposed based …

On Optimizing Sensor Data Collection, Processing, And Storage For Industrial Additive Manufacturing, Steven Thompson

Masters Theses

The widespread adoption of digital data management methods for transformative technologies, such as additive manufacturing (AM), within the aerospace industry is impeded by poor interoperability between AM component manufacturing processes. Moreover, data quality may be compromised due to sensor failures or other corruptions. Additionally, massive amounts of data are collected during these processes, often needing to remain accessible for decades. These storage costs can place a significant financial burden on smaller suppliers. This work aims to make digital data management methods more affordable and, therefore, approachable for smaller suppliers.

First, the design and initial implementation of an affordable and adaptable …