Digital Commons Network^™

Re-Engineering Universities’ Admission Process Using Artificial Intelligence And Cloud, Ammar Kamel Alrefai

Theses

Student admission system is a web application interface that students usually use to apply for admission into a university. The traditional admission process has two steps. The first step is when the students fill in a form by providing all the required information from the admission office, like the personal information, previous academic records, English test results (IELTS or TOEFL) and the program they want to study. The second step is to upload the required documents that verify the information provided in the first step, like the identity card, national number, passport copies, TOEFL/IELTS test results, past bachelor/master certificate or …

A Recent (2020) Comparative Analysis Of Genome Aligners Shows Hisat2 And Bwa Are Among The Best Tools, Ryan J. Musich

Theses

Genome aligners are an important tool in bioinformatics research as they can be used to detect gene variants to create higher crop yields, detect abnormal gene production in cancer cell lines, or identify weaknesses in a newly discovered pathogen. Aligners work by taking sequenced DNA or RNA and mapping these reads to their corresponding location in a reference genome. Although beneficial as a tool, choosing which aligner to use for a project is often a difficult decision due to the large number of tools available and each one claiming to be the best at what it does. The goal of …

Customer Complaints Auto-Assignment Using Machine Learning Algorithms, Muammar Nasser Saleh Mohammed

Theses

Managing customer complaints is a very challenging activity, especially when it comes to a government entity like Roads a Transport Authority (RTA) that manages the roads infrastructure and services. RTA for the management of the customer complaints requires a sophisticated and intelligent responsive system for the large volume of cases and calls, which result in needs to a lot of human resources to receive, record and handle customer calls and cases. "The key customer-save course of action is the complaints-handling process. Customers who complain to service providers and are well treated by the process are less likely to churn than …

Predicting And Enhancing Employee Daily Performance For Dewa-Hv Design Department, Maryam Abdulrahim Alshenaini

Theses

The most measurement tool used to measure daily employee performance is the daily productivity rate. It is an important indicator to understand employee daily performance and achievement. As a management level or as any successful manager, they are looking to achieve a higher percentage of daily productivity per employee to increase their department's total outcome. The primary purpose of this project is to implement the predicting and model and analysis techniques to improve and forecast the productivity of HV-design employees and reduce the lost time per day. Also, this project aims to identify the current situation of daily employee performance …

The Primary Volatile Composition Of Comet C/2015 Er61 (Panstarrs), Aaron Butler

Theses

In the outer edges of the solar system exist two regions: the Kuiper belt and Oort cloud. These two regions have a high amount of icy bodies (comets) orbiting the Sun. Comets located within the Oort cloud and Kuiper belt contain an ancient codex to the solar systems contents, before the formation of our solar system. Presented are near-infrared, high-resolution (λ/Δλ ~40000) data obtained from the immersion-grating echelle spectrograph iSHELL at the 3m NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) in Maunakea, Hawaii of the Oort cloud comet C/2015 ER61 (PANSTARRS). Observations took place on April 15 and 17 in 2017 while …

Polarization Properties Of Broad Lines In Active Galactic Nuclei, Brian Christopher Lake

Theses

The center of every large galaxy is believed to host a supermassive black hole (SMBH). In some of these galaxies, the nuclear region is extremely luminous and far outshines the entire stellar population. Called active galactic nuclei (AGN), these central sources are equally fascinating and perplexing. Due to their immense distance and small size, modern observation techniques are unable to resolve the structure of these regions. However, the polarization of scattered light carries the imprint of the geometry and kinematics of both the sources and the scattering medium. Here, we present a study of the broad H$\alpha$ lines in a …

The Infratemporal Fossa: Visual Communication & 2d Animation To Present Anatomical Forms, Gwendolyn Fuller

Theses

Gross Anatomy is the study of human organs and tissues that are visible to the naked eye. It is a keystone class intended for medical students, where they can gain hands-on knowledge of human anatomy by dissecting each region of a human cadaver. The class consists of a lecture, where the instructor will discuss a specific anatomical region, and a subsequent lab, where the students will then dissect that region of the cadaver. The goal for lecture is to present an anatomical region to the students with the intention of aiding them to identify the structures later in lab. Most …

An Analysis Of The Components Of Terrorism, Rhianna Hayes

Theses

Terrorism is a complex topic to study. There is no consensus on what the word terrorism means, and there is even less consensus on why groups of people go out of their way to use terrorism as a form of political expression. Various analyses and studies have been conducted to attempt to explain this complex topic. Many of these studies have drawn from criminal justice research to apply criminological theories as an explanation for terrorism. The application of criminological theories provides one baseline for people to attempt to understand terrorism. At first glance, it may seem that criminological theories will …

Digital Communication Tools Used By Those 65 And Older: The Benefits And Barriers Of Use, Susan Quatro

Theses

Utilizing the technology acceptance model theory (TAM), this study focuses on current digital communication tools used by those who are 65 and older, and the benefits and barriers of use. Using a mixed methods approach, individual interviews were conducted with those in this age demographic. The interviews captured older individuals’ preferences of digital communication tools, their primary uses of these tools, and any barriers that hinder their use and acceptance. A survey of caregivers was conducted to gain their perspective on the benefits and barriers they see older people face when using digital technology media. The survey was sent to …

Clearing The Clouds: Extracting 3d Information From Amongst The Noise, Alexander Fafard

Theses

Advancements permitting the rapid extraction of 3D point clouds from a variety of imaging modalities across the global landscape have provided a vast collection of high fidelity digital surface models. This has created a situation with unprecedented overabundance of 3D observations which greatly outstrips our current capacity to manage and infer actionable information. While years of research have removed some of the manual analysis burden for many tasks, human analysis is still a cornerstone of 3D scene exploitation. This is especially true for complex tasks which necessitate comprehension of scale, texture and contextual learning. In order to ameliorate the interpretation …

Role Of Leader’S Emotional Intelligence In Organizational Learning: A Quantitative Analysis, Navjot Kaur

Theses

Although most researchers have argued that a leader’s Emotional Intelligence (EI) capability positively influences Organizational Learning (OL), this relationship has only been studied at surface level. Consequently, there is no clear mechanism explaining how leaders facilitate various sub-processes of learning at the individual, team, and organizational levels. In this study, we operationalize Goleman’s (1998) mixed model of EI and 4I framework of learning proposed by Crossan et al. (1999) to shed further light on this connection. Our study follows a deductive approach, where a conceptual model is first developed through a conceptual literature review and then empirically tested using correlation …

Design And Development Of An Ergonomic Hybrid Forklift Seat, Pranav Madhav Kuber

Theses

Ergonomic designs have positive impact on the end-user experience of any product. One of the main challenges is to accommodate a range of end-users, for which the concept of adjustability has been found to be very effective. The backrest in a forklift, for example, is provided for comfortable driving in the form of leaning/sitting postures. An ergonomic backrest has to consider the anthropometric variation in the human population to ensure optimum levels of comfort for everyone. This study provides a comprehensive methodology for developing an ergonomic backrest by combining the features of two different backrests and incorporating the adjustability concept …

A Doe To Determine Significant Manufacturing Parameters For Opv Devices, Iain Tracton

Theses

The study of alternative energy sources is important to fighting climate change by reducing our dependence on burning of fossil fuels. Solar power is of interest because of the immense power radiated by the sun. Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) devices offer the ability to produce cheaper solar power but are challenged by low device efficiencies. In this study we work with devices made from squaraines (SQ) and a common functionalized fullerene (PCBM). We conduct a Design of Experiments (DOE) to determine what manufacturing parameters are affecting device efficiencies. By conducting a DOE, we also gain the ability to determine if there …

Posture Support Equipment To Support Sitting For Lengthy Periods, Teng Teng

Theses

Most people can't avoid sitting for long periods of time. Many people spend a lot of time in their chairs due to their work hours, medical issues, or sedentary lifestyle. The way a person sits, the time he or she sits, and the way he or she sits has a huge impact on the quality of a person's life. Many chronic diseases are caused by improper sitting postures. When working, studying or even resting, people like to spend a long time sitting in chairs without standing up or moving around. Staying in one position for long periods can lead to …

Design For Optimizing Food Waste, Maitrayee Sohni

Theses

Having a sustainable food system, which compliments the food production today is a global need. This paper aims to answer what can be done to make the system and products, not just sustainable but how to create a behavioral change towards a sustainable lifestyle and conscious consumption. This paper was initiated to research a solution for food waste in the current system. At the beginning itself, it shows how elaborate the problem is, and needs to be narrowed down. Thus it has been focused on an American household of young adults.

By understanding their behavior, habit, and lifestyle, it leads …

A Scene Designer's Guide To Evil Dead: The Musical, Leighanna Victoria Evans

Theses

This thesis encompasses the design and production process for Southern Illinois University Carbondale Department of Theater’s production, Evil Dead: The Musical. The writing focuses on the scene designer’s process of analyzing a script to putting it on stage. Through the document the reader will gain insight into the process of a live production from the pre-design phase to post production.

Evaluating The Efficacy Of Group Equivalence-Based Instruction Using Observational Learning, Megan Rae Harrison

Theses

The current study investigated the effect of observational learning during equivalence based instruction (EBI). Two boys (Tim and Nate) ages 11 and 12 with Autism Spectrum Disorder participated in the study. Participants received small-group EBI training with an embedded observational learning component twice weekly for six weeks. Both participants were given a trained and observation set containing three classes (Class A, Class B and Class C) consisting of four class members. Participants served as both learners and observers during each training session. Each participant was trained on match-to-sample tasks with relations A-B and B-C and tested for class formation across …

Evaluating The Effects Of A Brief Acceptance And Commitment Therapy Intervention On Environmentally Sustainable Behavior, Anne Sheerin

Theses

The purpose of the present study was to use the principles of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to increase environmentally sustainable behavior among seven college-aged students. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy involves increasing mindfulness and psychological flexibility. All participants filled out a daily survey that ranked how much they had participated in environmentally sustainable behavior or if they had the opportunity to participate in it at all. Four participants then received three individual, brief ACT sessions with the researcher and three of these participants showed an average of a 20% increase overall in self-reported sustainable behaviors after the brief intervention in …

Correlating Direct And Indirect Executive Functioning Measures And Language Skills Of Children With Autism, Emily Claire Wagner

Theses

Executive functioning usually refers to one’s ability to regulate one’s behavior, set goals, be mentally flexible, and understand the consequence of one’s actions. However, certain neurodevelopmental disabilities such as Autism, often can negatively impact executive function processes. Although applied behavior analytic (ABA) treatment is the most recommended intervention for autism treatment practitioners rarely assess or target executive functioning within their treatment planning. The present study assessed the relationship between direct and indirect executive functioning scores and a language assessment used by ABA providers. Thirty-nine children with autism spectrum disorder were administered a variety of scales including the Behavior Rating Inventory …

Presence Of Late 8 Phonemes Among Adolescents And Young Adults With Down Syndrome, Aidan Lee Osborne

Theses

The purpose of this study was to describe the phonetic repertoire of late 8 phonemes among adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome and then determine the relationship between age and presence of the latest developing phonemes as well as their impact on intelligibility. This study also described the stimulability profile for those late 8 phonemes that were produced in error. The Arizona Articulation and Phonology Scale was administered to individuals with Down syndrome between the ages of 12 – 21;11 to obtain a phonetic profile. Among those participants included in the study, on average, 87.5% of the late 8 …

On Scaling Of Brake Test Sae J2522, David Sean Mckavanagh

Theses

Friction brakes represent the most important safety feature literally in all vehicles and their rigorous “friction testing” is usually performed on several platforms/scales and completed with field tests. Since friction and wear are system properties, it is not trivial to design “small scale” tests and to correlate data generated at different levels of testing complexity. Nevertheless, the economy of the brake materials development process could be improved, when interpretation of friction and wear test data is based on a deeper/proper understanding of physics and chemistry of ongoing friction phenomena. This contribution follows the two series previously presented at SAE Brake …

Building Her Own Brand: Angelica Kauffman And Angelic Entrepreneurship, Katelyn Beach

Theses

This thesis focuses on Angelica Kauffman’s efforts to create an artistic brand during her time in Great Britain. While a creative entrepreneur is a contemporary idea, Kauffman made conscious decisions regarding her art and its use on various mediums. Her feminine figures and stylization became a popular aesthetic in Georgian England on paintings, prints, and other decorative schemes. Her decisions to implement the latest technologies as well as develop relationships with British engravers allowed her to take advantage of a growing art market and culture in Britain and create her own brand.

Music Performance Anxiety In The Middle School Classroom, Allison Custer

Theses

This project analyzes Music Performance Anxiety, including who it affects, symptoms and techniques to reduce symptoms. The task is to focus on activities that can be used in the middle school ensemble classroom, to help students who suffer from Music Performance Anxiety.

Leveraging Non-Traditional Notation And Technology To Enhance A Fourth Grade Recorder Unit, Stephenie Mokriakow

Theses

This action research project analyzes the traditional methods of teaching recorder to fourth grade students to expand upon these traditional methods and create a unit that leverages technology and non-traditional notation as well as introducing students to traditional music notation. The unit includes lessons that are scaffolded to meet the desired end results. The learning objectives include understanding of basic rhythm patterns and beginning notes on the recorder. The culmination of the lessons will end with a series of songs that the teacher will use to assess students.

The Feminine Renaissance: Examining The Implications Of Disegno, Kim Pokorny

Theses

This paper analyzes the concept of disegno in its effect on the success of the female artist in the early modern era. Achieving disegno effectively meant that an artist had reached a renowned level of intelligence and artistic mastery. Formulating this principle in one's art was taught in studios and academies by use of gradual monitored practice and the study of the human figure. Disegno elevated the social status of the artist, as wealthy patrons understood the talent behind the work of an artist that could display it in their paintings. As women were not admitted into most academies and …

In Addition: A Supplement For Beginning Band Method Books, Darren Cordray

Theses

This project provides an in-depth look into system of instruction that is used in many beginning ba.11d classes in our society. First, tl1e \\'Ork. describes a fe\v of the isst1es that music education faces today, such as budget cuts, declining music literacy, and program changes in schools. Next, the work examines the literature based around the subject of beginning band methodology. This will include a look into new methods that can be used in begiiming band classes, an examination of the proper way to create sound on common band instruments, ways in which music reading skills and audiation skills are …

Bayesian Methods For Radiometric Calibration In Motion Picture Encoding Workflows, Ricardo R. Figueroa

Theses

A method for estimating the Camera Response Function (CRF) of an electronic motion picture camera is presented in this work. The accurate estimation of the CRF allows for proper encoding of camera exposures into motion picture post-production workflows, like the Academy Color Encoding Specification (ACES), this being a necessary step to correctly combine images from different capture sources into one cohesive final production and minimize non-creative manual adjustments.

Although there are well known standard CRFs implemented in typical video camera workflows, motion picture workflows and newer High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging workflows have introduced new standard CRFs as well as …

The Athlete’S Concussion Epidemic, Andrew James Marsh

Theses

The main goal of this project is to inform and educate you on the various threads concerning concussions in the world of sports. Athletes competing in contact sports at a high level are at risk of receiving a mild traumatic brain injury as well as suffering from post concussion syndrome. The reader can review the state of concussions and receive professional information from doctors and trainers. The audience can also get an inside look into the minds of players who have dealt with this injury themselves. One will find qualitative and quantitative data that presents information related to mental health …

Gender And Fluid: A Reconsideration Of The Stain In The Painting Of Helen Frankenthaler, Michael F. Hogan

Theses

This paper explores the stain technique of Helen Frankenthaler through a reconsideration of its novelty and innovation. Recent scholarship has assessed the technique and its critical acceptance through a primarily feminist lens, focused on either assessment of the gendered language utilized by critics or application of a uniquely feminist approach in determining its meaning. The singular focus applied in recent criticism is consistent with past approaches that have typically isolated a particular methodology – formalistic, technical, comparative, or historical – to the exclusion of broader consideration of other methodologies. Moreover, prior critical efforts frequently limited analytical consideration to her groundbreaking …

User Experience – Lindenwood University Admissions Website, Dillon Edward Bittiker

Theses

This project focuses on how to improve Lindenwood University’s admissions web page experience. The primary focus is to study current admissions staff member’s roles within the organization, and work to create a better online experience for them and their students.