Digital Commons Network^™

Realistic Symbolism, Bekah Renee Anderson

Theses

This project focuses on the tools and techniques of realistic oil painting. By analyzing historical artists like Audrey Flack and Johannes Vermeer, we learn new and innovative ways to enhance the production of oil paintings. The project is interpreted through the scope of metaphoric allegorical creations based on my interpretation of vanitas, dramatic lighting, and symbolic presence of family.

Framing Queenship: Gender, Power, And Political Representation In Holbein’S Portraits Of Jane Seymour And Anne Of Cleves, Kateryna Chernenko

Theses

This paper explores the intricate relationship between queenship, gender, and political representation as depicted in Hans Holbein’s portraits of Jane Seymour and Anne of Cleves, two wives of Henry VIII. By analyzing these works within the framework of Tudor England's gender dynamics, we can better understand how Holbein’s portraits transcend mere artistic expression to serve as critical commentaries on the roles of women in a predominantly patriarchal society. Recent scholarly trends emphasize the significance of gender in the interpretation of historical art, revealing how these portraits reflect, challenge, and reinforce the societal constructs of their time. This study focuses on …

An Exploration Of Irish Celtic & Early Germanic Brooches And Their Cultural Functions, Lisa Michele Medlen Mueller

Theses

During the early medieval period in the British Isles, jewelry objects, in particular brooches, served many functions, while simultaneously expressing differing social hierarchies and distinctions. The following analysis investigates the forms, materials, iconography, and symbolism present in brooches created by Irish Celtic and early Germanic peoples from the 7th to the 9th centuries CE, also termed Insular artworks. Additionally, this research examines the performative aspects of early medieval brooches in the British Isles, exploring their social roles as mediators between wearer and viewer. By analyzing specific examples such as the 'Tara' Brooch, Kingston Brooch, Londesborough Brooch, and Strickland Brooch, this …

Beatrice Wanjiku: A Portrait Of Human Vulnerability, Suzanne R. Vuoncino

Theses

Abstract artist Beatrice Wanjiku uses an anatomical composition to illustrate a sense of vulnerability, an element of human identity, in relation to one’s social environment. Going beyond the skin, Untitled excavates the mental and emotional aspects of the human condition and gives expression to experience. By observing her figural composition, examining the foundation of identity theory, and interpreting her use of abstraction, I will describe how Untitled speaks to a message of connectivity through a portrait of human vulnerability. This thesis argues that one’s environment affects the individual and exemplifies how vulnerability is seen as a pervasive aspect of human …

Trembling At The Threshold: Zurbarán's Saints And The Crisis Of Masculine Virtue, Andrew T. Epsilantis

Theses

No abstract provided.

Reading Tipu's Tiger: Hybridity And The Sound Of A Silenced Roar, Sarah M. Jackson

Theses

Tipu’s Tiger, a powerful artifact at the nexus of colonialism, cultural preservation, and museum practices, serves as a unique case study of shifting historical interpretations. Originally crafted in Mysore, India as a symbol of resistance against British colonial forces, the object was later repurposed as a trophy of empire. This dual role embodies the tensions central to postcolonial theory, where the meanings of cultural artifacts shift depending on the context in which they are placed. Through the lens of Homi Bhabha’s theory of hybridity, Tipu’s Tiger is understood as a hybrid object, reflecting the complex liminal space between its …

The Transformative Impact Of User-Created Mods Within Fallout: New Vegas, Tanner Webb

Theses

Video game modding is one of the fastest growing trends in the gaming industry and it is changing how players interact with games. Review of current literature and research shows that these modders are an integral part of the gaming market. Using the principles of participatory culture and digital aesthetics, this research investigates how modding practices serve as both a form of creative expression and an inspiration for technological innovation within the video game industry. Video game modifications serve as catalysts for creative expression, foster the development of innovative user communities, prolong the life of game titles, cultivate a pool …

Embodied Intimacy And Social Justice: Patricia Cronin's Memorial To A Marriage, Alex Anne Mattioli

Theses

This paper examines Patricia Cronin’s Memorial to a Marriage (2002) as a pivotal work within her artistic catalogue, one that engages deeply with themes of intimacy, identity, and social justice. Created at a time when same-sex marriage was illegal in the United States, Memorial to a Marriage represents Cronin and her partner, feminist artist, Deborah Kass, in a Classical funerary sculpture, reclaiming the tradition of public monuments to center an LGBTQIA+ experience from memory. Through a critical analysis of Memorial to a Marriage within Cronin’s broader artistic practice, this study explores how the sculpture challenges the conventions of public art …

Cultural Constraints Of Mental Illness Among Black Males, Sabrina R. Hinton-Campbell

Theses

This research explores historical trauma, systemic racism, inequity of mental health care, and lack of access to culturally and responsive mental healthcare for the Black community, particularly Black males, therefore creating a legitimate distrust of the medical profession among Black males, which inspired this project: Cultural Constraints of Mental Illness Among Black Males. For this project, the researcher visually and explicitly depicts the literal mental health struggles using oil pastels with intentional directional strokes applied by using the sides of her fingers to blend the colors and for control and a blow dryer to bring the oils to the surface …

Forecasting Load At Residential, Industrial, And Commercial Stations For Dubai Electricity And Water Authority: A Machine Learning Approach To Managing Generation During Peak And Off-Peak Times Over The Coming Years, Mohammad Anoohi

Theses

In Dubai, with the rapid growth of energy demand, efficient demand side management is necessary to optimize the distribution of electricity, reduce peak loads, and improve grid stability. Traditional DSM strategies are based on historical data and reactive control mechanisms that cannot adapt to evolving consumption patterns. This research uses Machine Learning techniques to enhance DSM in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors by developing predictive models that forecast energy demand based on seasonal variations. The dataset used was from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), covering the consumption patterns across Summer, Winter, Transition from Winter to Summer, and Transition from …

“For There Is Hope Of A Tree…”: A Study Of Two Historic African American Cemeteries In Pope County, Illinois, Martha Clare Buchert

Theses

To add to a growing body of academic literature regarding historic African American cemeteries, this study examines two such cemeteries located in Pope County, Illinois: the Miller Grove Cemetery and the Hill Cemetery. Utilizing several different investigative methods, including pedestrian survey, geophysical survey, and historic research, the archaeological features and material culture of both cemeteries were studied to see what could be learned about their associated communities without ground disturbance. The results of these methods demonstrate the connections of members within these communities and the interconnectedness of historic African American settlements throughout southern Illinois and the greater Midwest. They also …

Don’T Stop Game, The Effects Of A Demerit-Based System, David Buckles

Theses

Physical activity is an essential component of an overall healthy lifestyle. It has been shown that implementing weekly physical activities reduces the risk of non-communicative diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. There have been an increasing number of studies showing that the physical activity of those with learning disabilities is much lower than that of neurotypical individuals. More studies are needed to identify effective interventions to increase the physical activity of those with learning disabilities. The current study evaluated the effect of the Don’t Stop Game on the mean number of steps taken per minute with adults …

My Two Bodies, Zahra Babaei

Theses

My Two Bodies examines the intersection of visibility, memory, and gendered absence through photographic and material strategies. Engaging with censorship and instability of the image, it investigates how realities are shaped by what is seen, obscured, or erased. Referencing the gendered absence of women in Iranian visual culture, the project considers how censorship intensifies rather than eliminates visibility. Drawing from Jacques Derrida’s concept of hauntology, absence is approached not as a void but as an active presence that disrupts the surface of the image. Through processes such as collage, projection, and fabric-based image making, photographs are treated as tactile, mutable …

Using Generative Ai For Tutoring Data Science, Yusra Khalid

Theses

A large increase in the use of Generative AI has been observed in the last few years. Data science is also a rapidly growing field with a high demand for skilled professionals. The goal of this thesis is to explore the potential of Generative AI, specifically ChatGPT, in facilitating data science education. The focus is on how ChatGPT can be used as a tutor to help solve practical exercises. The capabilities of Generative AI were explored along with the comparison of a few different models in terms of data science. Exploratory analysis was conducted to compare Generative AI models and …

Fake News Detection: Leveraging Natural Language Processing And Machine Learning For Reliable Information Verification, Roshni Rajendra Salve

Theses

This dissertation details the creation and assessment of a machine learning algorithm designed to identify fake news utilizing Natural Language Processing (NLP) methods. The research employs several machines learning models, including Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and other deep learning techniques, to detect and classify misleading information. Data is sourced from a variety of platforms, such as social media and online news outlets, to compile a thorough dataset. The data is pre-processed to eliminate noise, address missing values, and extract essential features through techniques like tokenization, stop-word removal, and lemmatization. The performance of the models is evaluated using key metrics such …

Effect Of Traumatic Brain Injury On Quality Of Life, Mohammad A. Al Rjoob

Theses

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from external events, such as falls and motor vehicle accidents leading to brain damage. This study investigated quality of life (QoL) in individuals with TBI and its relation to demographic and clinical variables, including gender, age, educational level, time since TBI onset, fatigue, depression and cognitive function. Twelve individuals with TBI participated in this cross-sectional study. Quality of life was assessed using Quality of Life after Brain Injury and ASHA Quality of Communication Life Scale measures. Fatigue was measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale, depression was measured with the Geriatric Depression Scale, and cognitive function …

Gender Knobs, Jordan Faye Bardgett

Theses

Gender Knobs is a performance art piece that tells the histories of both the technology surrounding pitch shifting devices like the vocoder as well as well as the personal history of the voice of the performer, Jordan, regarding their queer identity as non-binary trans woman. The performance is a combination of lecture, personal storytelling, and sound performance within a theatrical setting with musical accompaniment and projected visuals.

A Costuming Carol: A Costume Design Thesis On A Christmas Carol, Aleka Fischer

Theses

This thesis is a collection of research, analysis, design, and production work done for the costumes for A Christmas Carol. The play production took place in the McLeod Theater at Southern Illinois University from December 5th- December 8th, 2024. The play was written by Darwin Reid Payne and published in 1981. It is an adaptation of the novella A Christmas Carolby Charles Dickens. Chapter 1 contains the research and script analysis used to make design decisions for this production. Chapter 2 documents the design process, and how the costume design evolved between the first and final design meetings. Chapter 3 …

Elliptic Curves And Their Applications In Cryptography, Mercedes Danange Moll

Theses

This thesis explores the mathematical foundations and cryptographic applications ofelliptic curves. To understand elliptic curves, we start by introducing group theory, ring theory, and field theory. Then, we dive into elliptic curves, their algebraic structure, and the group law defined on their points. We then examine elliptic curves over finite fields, leading to the discrete logarithm problem and key cryptographic applications such as Weil Pairings, the Diffie-Hellman key exchange, Digital Signature Algorithm, and Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithms. Using the theory and its application, this thesis highlights the significance of elliptic curves in modern cryptography.

Proactive Approach To Identify And Mitigate Cybersecurity Threats In Smart Building Using Ai, Shayma Abdulla Alhayyas

Theses

Smart buildings form a cornerstone of modern urban development. The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in buildings has revolutionized facility management, improving system intelligence and user experience. However, these smart devices also introduce cybersecurity challenges and risks. The initiative "Identifying and Mitigating Cybersecurity Threats in Smart Building using AI" focuses on leveraging advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to address and mitigate cybersecurity threats within smart buildings. This study integrates predictive analytics, deep learning, and machine learning to identify and prevent cyberattacks, protecting sensitive data and networked IoT devices. By analyzing previous attack patterns, network behaviors, and potential vulnerabilities, this …

Enhancing Third-Party Risk Management In Aviation: A Comprehensive Framework For Modern Challenges, Shamma Hussain Hammad Bin Hammad

Theses

This thesis is focused on improving the way airlines have managed risks from third-party vendors. Emirates and Etihad have been used as case studies. The thesis identifies major issues, including cybersecurity threats, slow manual processes, and the challenges in the following global regulations. To To solve such problems, the research proposes a new framework that integrates advanced tools including machine learning, blockchain, and real-time updates about threats. The framework includes different features like automatic risk scoring and detection of unusual vendor behavior and keeping the secure digital records through the blockchain. This will highlight the need for the staff to …

Customer Flow Prediction At Emirates Id Centers, Humaid Ahmed Saeed Alkhuroosi

Theses

Emirates ID centers face significant resource management challenges due to fluctuating customer traffic, leading to long wait times, customer dissatisfaction, and inefficient resource use. This thesis explores the application of time series analysis to predict customer traffic at Emirates ID centers, focusing on the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) models. The primary research question is: “Can historical queue data from the Qmatic system be effectively used to forecast customer traffic at Emirates ID centers?” To answer this question, 800,000 observations of historical ticket issuance data from the Qmatic queue management system were analyzed. The study …

Wide Lock-In Energy Harvesting From Vortexinduced Vibrations Of A Deformable Cylinder, Ahmed Raafat Mostafa

Theses

Energy harvesting from ambient sources has gained attention due to increasing energy demands. Despite VIV-based harvesters showing significant potential, their lock-in region, where significant power is generated, is narrow. Given the continuously varying ambient conditions of fluid currents, harvesters can easily fall into de-synchronization, yielding low energy output. Existing solutions like tunable masses or multiple degrees of freedom systems increase complexity and weight, limiting practical applications. This work introduces a novel variable diameter cylinder mechanism—a practical technique that actively tunes the cylinder’s geometry in real time to enhance energy harvesting efficiency from VIV. The mechanism employs an expanding pulley system …

Identifying Barriers, Challenges And Opportunities Of Implementing Retrofitting Strategies In Existing Buildings In The Uae, Ahmad Ghalib Masri

Theses

The built environment of the UAE faces sustainability challenges because of its high energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions which require successful retrofitting methods to enhance aging buildings' performance and efficiency. This research investigates the barriers and challenges and opportunities of retrofitting strategy implementation in the UAE to provide direction for policymakers and stakeholders regarding sustainable practices. The research employed a mixed-methods approach through literature reviews and stakeholder surveys and interviews. The study shows that high upfront costs (68% of respondents) and building owner awareness limitations (54%) and fragmented regulations with inconsistent thermal insulation standards across emirates represent major barriers. …

A Study Of The Impact Of Balancing, Geometric Transformation, Generative Networks, And Roi Techniques In Eye Diseases Classification, Sghaira Hareb Alnuaimi

Theses

Automatic detection of ocular diseases helps medical professionals efficiently identify eye disorders, reduce diagnostic errors, and accelerate diagnoses to prevent blindness. Deep learning has been successfully utilized in various fields, including medical image classification. However, in spite of these advancements, challenges remain in ocular disease classification.

The objective of this work is to address these challenges using data processing, data augmentation in combination with Region of Interest (ROI) techniques. Medical datasets often suffer from scarcity, imbalance, and low-quality images, leading to inaccurate classification. To mitigate these issues, we utilize the ODIR dataset, which contains 7,000 labelled training images for both …

Encapsulation Of Lactobacillus Reuteri Dsm 17938 In W/O/W Emulsion: Influence Of Oil Type On Viability And Oxidative Stability, Nora Mohamed Alantali

Theses

Probiotics, known for their wide range of health benefits, have been gaining recognition on their effects on the gut-brain axis. This axis, operated via various pathways, can be modulated by the type and functions of probiotics found in the gut microflora. However, probiotics face several stress factors before reaching the gut which hinders them from being functional. The main objective of this thesis was to construct a stable double-emulsion-based delivery system for probiotics, which can act as a barrier against the harsh conditions of the digestive system. Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 was loaded in a water-in-oil-in-water Pickering double emulsion system, …

Stories In Style: Interactive Fashion Exhibits As Tools For Activating Special Collections, Riley Mason

Theses

Interpretation is a museum’s most significant form of communication with visitors. Historic collections, material representations of distinct historical narratives and themes, hold objects and cultural knowledge that enable them to contextualize contemporary concepts like fashion through exhibit-based interpretation and extend these concepts beyond labels through interactivity. To investigate the role of these specialized repositories in challenging existing narratives and connecting with modern audiences, this thesis developed a collection-driven exhibit to answer the following question: how can institutions activate special collection objects through relevant interpretation and non-digital interactive experiences in exhibits? Through researching and analyzing four objects from the Bruce and …

Capturing Community Memory: A Juxtaposition Of Oral History And Historic Building Preservation, Eliot Gavin

Theses

Preserving local history has always been a challenge for small communities. Traditional preservation methods like historic building preservation can be costly and take a lot of time for local historical societies. These historic sites are important to the culture of the local citizens and deserve to be saved. Using The Castle on the Hill in Dansville, New York, as a case study, oral histories will be captured to explore the role of oral history in preservation. The Castle on the Hill plays an important role in shaping Dansville’s identity as a town. In the past, the Castle has served as …

Rooted In Ogdensburg: A Creative Exhibition From Classroom To Gallery, Finn Bishop-Duford

Theses

Picture this: you are an elementary student- wandering around an art exhibition. On the wall hangs artwork you dedicated your time to. How does it make you feel? Art exhibitions of student work are a display practice implemented at the James F. Montpelier Gallery located at Ogdensburg Free Academy in Ogdensburg, New York. Such student-focused art exhibitions, historically, create a wonderful, inspirational, and impactful environment for students to display their finest works. Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world by storm in 2020, the thematic shows shifted to assemblages of students’ best work. This is due to the limited time …

Criminal Activity Monitoring System: Targeting Africans And East Asian Communities In Dubai, Hamdan Kalantar

Theses

This dissertation investigates crime patterns among African and East Asian communities in Dubai, focusing on geographic hotspots, temporal trends, victim demographics, and the use of machine learning for predictive crime modeling. The research addresses the challenges faced by these communities, including labor exploitation, financial fraud, and human trafficking, within the socio-economic context of a rapidly growing urban city. Building on existing studies of urban crime, this research aimed to explore the spatial, temporal, and demographic dynamics of crimes and assess the potential of predictive models to assist law enforcement in crime prevention and resource allocation. A mixed-methods approach was employed, …