Digital Commons Network^™

Thesis Inquiry & Process: Something About Reality, Blayke Mackenzie Morrow

Theses

This thesis documents the employment of a system of Process and Inquiry as it serves as a structural foundation for an investigation of the manner in which Reality is represented in visual portraiture. Through a vigorous exploration of the concept of Reality and its singular nature, it is hypothesized that intrinsically unique experiences could potentially be communicated through the perceptive abilities of the emotional quotient. The effects of media, timing, complexity, abstraction, and authenticity are examined for their effect on the apparent clarity of concepts transmitted in this manner. The inquiry ultimately manifests in the daily creation of self-portraiture, as …

The Uncanny Valley The Effect Of Removing Blendshapes From Facial Animation, Ameya Lonkar

Theses

Ever since its introduction in 1970 by the roboticist Dr. Mori, the uncanny valley has become an integral part of facial animation. While most of the work on the uncanny valley is focused on finding a way to surpass the uncanny valley and how certain things could be designed to increase or decrease the uncanniness of an animation, this paper investigates how removing certain blendshapes from the facial animation changes our perception about the eeriness of that animation. The goal is to identify the “necessary” blendshapes which bring about a significant change the perceived uncanniness of the animation. For achieving …

Heart Valve Mathematical Models, Paula Kolar

Theses

Nearly 100,000 heart valve replacements or repairs are performed in the US every year. Mathematical models of heart valves are used to improve artificial valve design and to guide surgeons performing valve-repairing surgeries. Models can be used to define the geometry of a valve, predict blood flow dynamics, or demonstrate operating mechanisms of the valve. In this thesis we reviewed features that are typically considered when developing a model of a heart valve. The main modeling methods include representing a heart valve using lumped parameters, finite elements, or isogeometric elements. Examples of a lumped-parameter model and isogeometric analysis are explored. …

Actuation Of An Inertia-Coupled Rimless Wheel Model Across Level Ground, Seth Caleb Weeks

Theses

The inertia-coupled rimless wheel model is a passive dynamic walking device which is theoretically capable of achieving highly efficient motion with no energy losses. Under non-ideal circumstances, energy losses due to air drag require the use of actuation to maintain stable motions. The Actuated Inertia-coupled Rimless Wheel Across Flat Terrain (AIRWAFT) model provides actuation to an inertia-coupled rimless wheel model across level ground to compensate for energy losses by applying hip-torque between the frame and inertia wheel via a motor. Two methods of defining the open-loop actuation are presented. Position control defines the relative position of the drum relative to …

A Validation Study Of Gearing And Musculoskeletal Performance In Simple Biological Systems Through Theoretical And Experimental Methods, Jenna Marie Hopkins

Theses

Musculoskeletal (MSK) systems have long been compared to simple mechanical machines. This not only allows for ease of understanding locomotion, but ease of modeling a biological system during complex motion. More specifically, simple lever systems are most commonly employed to approximate mechanical performance of complex biological systems. Every simple lever system can be characterized by its mechanical advantage, also known as gearing. Through this concept, the performance of a biological system can be modeled for comparability of theoretical concepts to actual MSK systems. In this thesis, a numerical model of a simple lever system, analogous to a locust leg and …

Not A Prediction Of The Future: Believable Sci-Fi Character Design Based On Present Day Technology, Kun Dong

Theses

In recent years, many character designs made for movies and video games have been carried out using complex computer-based processes. User-friendly software has made it easier to produce high computation artwork and multiple texture maps.

With higher graphic performance provided by rapidly improving hardware, the continuing demand for innovation poses new requirements for the entertainment industry.

Science fiction (sci-fi) in video games and movies has limitless capabilities, and can be created to achieve a wide variety of visual goals.

One important argument presented in this thesis is that science fiction stories, unlike the related genre of fantasy, have historically intended …

Face To Face Communicating Area Design, Yuhan Wei

Theses

More and more people are using digital technology and social media in their daily lives. As a result, it seems like there is a lack of emotional interaction with each other. For example, more people prefer to stay at home and just connect with the outside world through the Internet and their digital devices. Even when they have dinner with others, they often focus on their smartphones and seldom talk with each other. Unfortunately, these scenarios indicate that many people can only communicate electronically, which is very common nowadays.

This project is focused on creating a way of communicating that …

Circular Economy And System Thinking Framework In Design; Food System Design, Mehrafza Mirzazad Barijugh

Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to bring the circular economy framework and system thinking into the process of design thinking. The traditional design process is made up of five steps: 1) Discover a challenge. 2) Interpret the challenge. 3) Create opportunities and ideas. 4) Develop a solution and experiment with it. 5) Evolve the idea. This project is structured upon a methodology generated to apply a circular system framework in design that begins with taking a holistic view of topic. This methodology structured into five phases. The first phase is referring to this approach as moving from Macrocosm to …

A Review Of Evolution, Behavior, And Vision With An Experimental Evolution Study On Color Vision In Drosophila Melanogaster, Mellissa Ann Marcus

Theses

The first chapter of this thesis is to take a piece by piece look at the factors that contributed to the experimental evolution study that will be discussed in Chapter 2. Behavior, how that can affect experimental studies, and how biases can affect sensory systems and preference in subject species. Specifically visual sensory systems are described in detail, from the possible evolutionary histories, to major components that contribute to eye structure, form, and/or abilities. We discuss how to define color vision, and what are the prerequisites for color vision in species.

Kindergarten English Teachers' Perceptions Of Teaching Listening Strategies, Assessment Strategies And The Obstacles They Face, Ghada Yahya Ai Kilani

Theses

Education in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has received great interest withrespect to the best practices of twenty first century teaching and learning. The aim has been to adapt worldwide used methods in education. As a result Abu Dhabi Educational Council (ADEC) attracted English native speakers of language to support ADEC’s vision. The focus of this thesis is ADEC kindergarten English teachers’ perceptions of teaching listening strategies used to help English as foreign language (EFL) learners in practicing listening activities. The main purpose is to identify the tools and approaches involved in delivering these strategies and the forms of assessment …

Detection In Aerial Images Using Spatial Transformer Networks, Daniel Chianucci

Theses

Many tasks in the field of computer vision rely on an underlying change detection algorithm in images or video sequences. Although much research has focused on change detection in consumer images, there is little work related to change detection on aerial imagery, where individual images are recorded from aerial platforms over time.

This thesis presents two deep learning approaches for detection in aerial images. Both systems leverage Spatial Transformer Networks (STN) that identify the coordinate transformation for their localization capabilities. The first approach is based on a semisupervised approach which learns to locate changes within a difference image. The second …

I, Exist. Exhibition Identity Branding: Conveying The Doctrine Of Existentialism, Xuan Jiang

Theses

Literature and philosophy are the concise expressions of human inner-self. The main idea which all of Existentialists have in common is the fundamental doctrine that existence precedes essence. This idea has its own historical significance for explaining the fact of thinking and action. Why do we exist? The question of existence is disturbing and unsettling. It seems inevitable for human beings to face this question. We cannot help but feel anguished because we are conscious beings.

I exist is a project that aims to develop a brand identity for a exhibition about Existentialism, or more precisely, a project that conveys …

Salt Gland Excretion Efficiency And Salinity Tolerance Of Sporobolus Species, Piumi Shrimani Weragodavidana

Theses

Halophytic C4 grasses, including Sporobolus species, have developed specific mechanisms to cope with salinity stress. Among these, “salt glands” which are bi- cellular leaf epidermal structures eliminating excess saline ions from shoots by excretion under salinity stress. Salt glands are morphologically visible and can potentially be used for salt tolerance breeding programs. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine the leaf salt gland excretion rates of United Arab Emirates native halophytic chloridoid grass species, S. spicatus and S. arabicus; (2) to determine if leaf salt gland excretion rate and density can effectively predict salinity tolerance among Sporobolus genotypes, …

Microarray Analysis Of Arabidopsis Wrky33 Mutants In Response To The Necrotrophic Fungus Botrytis Cinerea, Shamma Saeed Salem Al Shamsi

Theses

Plants are exposed to many environmental stresses that affect their growth and development. These stresses include biotic stresses (via organisms) and abiotic stresses (via environment). Plants respond to these stresses by transcriptional reprogramming and different signaling pathways. Arabidopsis thaliana has shown great sensitivity to the biotic stress Botrytis cinerea. The WRKY33 gene plays an important role in plant defense mechanism against this pathogen. The overall goal is to identify common regulated genes of wrky33 mutant and 35S:WRKY33 over expressing transgenic lines in response to B. cinerea; ultimately to improve plant stress tolerance in Arabidopsis. The specific aims are to: (1) …

The Potential Antioxidant And Anti-Inflammatory Effects Of Date Seed Powder In Rats, Fatima Theyab Saif Amer Ai Meqbaali

Theses

Chronic diseases are among the main leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Oxidative stress (defined as an imbalance in the reactive oxygen species production/degradation ratio) in interaction with inflammation, has been highlighted as one major underlying mechanism in the development of these diseases. Due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, polyphenols could prevent the development of chronic diseases. Interestingly, date seeds are particularly rich in such compounds. Nonetheless, an in vivo study aiming at studying and understanding antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of date seeds in serum and various organs is missing. Therefore, the present …

Effect Of Genipin On Cisplatin- Induced Nephrotoxicity, Eglal Orner Mahgoub

Theses

Cisplatin (CSP) is a potent and widely used chemotherapeutic agent. However, clinical efficacy of CSP is compromised due to the elicitation of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. In this study, I have investigated the nephroprotective effects of a phytochemical – genipin (GP) isolated from gardenia flower (Gardenia jasminoides), on a murine model of cisplatin-induced nephropathy. CSP-induced renal tissue injury was characterized by elevated levels of serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr) and cystatin-C. In addition, levels of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) were increased in the renal tissues of CSP administered animals. CSP also induced renal oxidative stress, evidenced by increased NADPH …

Role Of Epstein-Barr Virus In The Pathogenesis Of Multiple Sclerosis, Asma Hassani

Theses

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic pathology of the central nervous system, characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration. The prevalence and incidence rates of MS are on the rise worldwide. What causes MS is unknown. However, it is widely accepted that MS occurs in genetically susceptible individuals exposed to certain environmental factors. Sero-epidemiological data suggest a strong association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and MS. EBV is one of the commonest viruses in the human population with ~90% global seropositivity. EBV infects naïve B cells and immortalizes them. While some postmortem studies have shown EBV in MS lesions, others have failed …

Technological, Policy, And Organizational Issues In The Response To Biological Emergency Incidents In The Us Food Supply, Kristina J. Owens

Theses

Numerous emergency incidents in U.S. food supply occur each year. Incidents include invasive pests and diseases impacting agriculture crops and foodborne pathogens contaminating meat and poultry. An effective response is not just dependent on the technology that is being used, but also policy and organizational factors. This research is a cross-case analysis of two federal regulatory and emergency response agencies under the U.S. Department of Agriculture: Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). This research analyzes how each agency uses technology, policy and organizational factors to responds to their respective emergencies. This study also …

Forgetting And The Value Of Social Information, Benjamin James Abts

Theses

Information is everywhere in nature, however it can be deceitful or incorrect, so not all information should be used. Foraging pollinators utilize variable and ephemeral resources so learning about patch quality and nectar replenishment rates are essential to success and survival. However, remembering information after it is no longer relevant is not advantageous. It has been theorized that a pollinator’s memory should reflect their environment. Bumblebees are known to use both personal information (information gathered through trial and error) and social information (information gained through observations of or interactions with other animals or their products) in foraging decisions; however, it …

Performance Of A Powered Simple Rimless-Wheel Across Level Ground, Samket Kumarpal Dhami

Theses

Legged transport is the most versatile form of locomotion available to humans and animals. Walking is a complex motion and the best bipedal robots of today are not able to walk as adeptly as a human. Many different models for walking have been studied by other researchers, ranging from a single rigid body moving in two dimensions, to systems with many links and actuators moving in three dimensions. Previous simulation work, for a similar system, has predicted that legged robots can have the same energy efficiency as a rolling wheel, but this has yet to be demonstrated in an experimental …

My Father’S Secret, Yumeng Zhang

Theses

My thesis My Father’s Secret is a 20-minute short fiction film. It tells the story of a 17- year-old schoolboy Ying and his single father Hua, who live in a small town in China. Ying’s life is very peaceful until one day he finds out his father’s secret, that Hua had a gay lover Uncle Feng, the man who claimed to be Hua’s friend. Ying’s life changes and to make it worse, he learns that his father is dying. Ying has to accept the truth and, at the same time, begins to learn how to get along with Uncle Feng. …

Identification And Characterization Of The Anticancer Potential Of Indigenous Medicinal Plants Of The Arabian Peninsula, Sameera Omar Mohammed Saeed Balhamar

Theses

Indigenous plant species historically used for their medicinal properties are a tremendous source for bringing newer and safer drugs to the market. A concerted effort is needed to characterize their medicinal potential and identify new molecules that could be exploited in modern medicine. The current study was undertaken to study the anticancer properties of several indigenous plants that are used by the local population of the Arabian Peninsula and beyond for various medicinal purposes. Towards this end, we acquired different plant extracts from five plants, namely Boswellia sacra (BS), Cleome droserifolia (CD), Teucrium muscatensis (TM), Orchadenus arabicus (OA), and Acredocarpus …

Optimization Of Fuel Consumption For Municipal Solid Waste Collection In Al Ain City, Uae, Elkhalifa Mohamed Zeyada Swar Aldahab

Theses

Collection and transportation of municipal solid waste (MSW) often account for a significant amount of the total budget allocated for waste management. A major portion of that is attributed to fuel consumption. Meanwhile, vehicles involved with waste collection can emit significant levels of atmospheric pollutants. Hence, optimization of waste collection yields both financial and environmental benefits. No work has been done to optimize fuel consumption during MSW collection in Al Ain city. In this study, several cases were developed using ArcGIS Network Analyst tool in order to establish optimum conditions for MSW collection in Um Gafa district in Al Ain …

Using Geographic Information Systems To Identify Habitat For The Golden-Winged Warbler (Vermivora Chrysoptera) In Western New York, Jesse Michael Rubenstein

Theses

The Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) is a passerine species whose populations have decreased internationally by approximately 66 percent since the 1960s, and by approximately 50 percent in New York. Major causes for declines are from loss of shrubland habitat and through hybridization with the Blue-winged Warbler (Vermivora cyanoptera). This study utilized published data and expert opinion on Golden-winged Warbler (GWWA) habitat requirements to create habitat suitability models within the Western Finger Lakes Region of NY (NYSDEC Region 8) using a geographic information system. This region is an important area for migratory birds and is previously unstudied for GWWA. The concentration …

An Environmental Lifecycle Comparison Of Road Deicers Using Hybrid Modeling Techniques To Capture Effects During Early Processing Stages, Mary Elizabeth Warner

Theses

For decades the United States has relied on application of road deicers for the purpose of winter road maintenance to provide safe transportation for the majority of U.S. commuters in northern states. Road deicers are a necessity but are linked to contamination of surrounding environments, including effects on water systems, vegetation, and soil quality. While sodium chloride is the most common road deicer, a variety of alternatives have been implemented. Each deicer alternative has different deicing abilities and a range of environmental impacts that, thus far, have primarily been compared during their application phase. This research conducts an environmental lifecycle …

A Zebra In The Infield, Nelson R. Robinson Iv

Theses

“A Zebra in the Infield” is a dark comedy about a young African American man named Rotavious from the inner-city. Rotavious is a recent college graduate and he is venturing into the suburbs to purchase a car. After catching a bus to the predominantly Caucasian side of town, he is profiled and harassed by police officer Colescott. Officer Colescott searches Rotavious and finds the money that Rotavious has allocated for his new car, he seizes it as drug money. During a struggle for the money Officer Colescott is shot and Rotavious flees in fear. In his haste to flee he …

Comparative Study Of Nutrient Uptake Between Sorghum X Drummond Ii And Cyperus Conglomeratus, A Desert Sedge Native To The Uae, Safaa Ahmed Aldhanhani

Theses

Sudan grass (Sorghum x drummondii) is commonly grown for the production of animal fodder in the UAE. Cyperus conglomeratus (locally termed ‘Thenda’) is a sedge native to the UAE, and one of the very few plants that colonize soils of shifting desert dunes. The native plant is grazed by camels, and may thus have a potential for animal feed production. While Sudan grass is a mycotrophic plant that normally lives in symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for facilitation of nutrient uptake, C. conglomeratus is a non-host to these root symbionts. In the desert sedges rhizosheaths comprising of dense coats of …

The Opportunity: A 3d Animation About Karma, Mark J. Reisch

Theses

The Opportunity is a three dimensional animation that illustrates the idea that by helping others you can inadvertently help yourself. The story is told using an animated sunflower, bees, tulip, and farmer. In a sunflower garden, a sunflower tries to entice a bee to pollinate it, but a tulip (that is not supposed to be in the sunflower garden) attracts all of the bees. The tulip sees the farmer coming to weed out any unwanted plants. Seeing the fear in the tulip’s eyes, the sunflower helps disguise the tulip. The farmer is tricked and the tulip is saved. With the …

Cohousing In The Flower City: A Carbon Capture Design, Samuel Elliot

Theses

Our climate is changing rapidly due to an excess of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. A major force behind the release of these gases is the means by which we generate our energy — the combustion of fossil fuels. One of the biggest drivers of this energy demand within the United States is our built environment and more pointedly our cold-climate, urban based, residential building stock. All signs indicate that unless steps are taken, this demand will continue to grow. Ed Mazria’s Architecture 2030 Challenge proposes an ambitious plan for achieving carbon neutrality in buildings by 2030. What if …

Investigating The Role Of Anaerobic Bacteria In Colorectal Carcinoma, Oluwadara Coker

Theses

Colorectal cancer (CRC), with multifactorial influences of genetic, molecular, inflammatory, and environmental factors, is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Due to the high diversity and concentration of microbes found in the human colon, the microbiome has become a prime suspect of being a biological contributor. This prompts the need to investigate the relationship between microorganisms and CRC. Recent studies have shown that Fusobacterium nucleatum, Campylobacter showae, Leptrotrichia buccalis, and Selenomonas sputigena are overrepresented in colon tumors. These anaerobes have known associations to the oral microbiome and cause infections. Here, these findings are further expanded in an experimental attempt to …