Digital Commons Network^™

Consumer And Business Barriers To Household Food Waste Solutions, Jessica Oehman

Theses

An estimated 35.3 million tons of food waste are landfilled each year in the United States, causing negative environmental, economic, and social impacts and almost half of that waste is from households (US EPA, 2017). To meet EPA goals for landfill diversion of food waste, the material can be captured as a resource and re-used through methods such as composting. However, participation in household food waste collection programs is lacking; there is a need to understand the interplay between the individuals’ responsible for providing the waste stream and the pickup services providing the infrastructure to collect and manage the separated …

A Deep Learning-Based Pipeline To Generate Patient-Specific Anatomical Models Of The Heart Using Cardiac Mri, Roshan Reddy Upendra

Theses

Image-based patient-specific anatomical models of the heart have the potential to be used in a variety of clinical scenarios such as diagnosis and prognosis of various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), ablation therapy, risk stratification, and minimally invasive cardiac interventions. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides images with high-resolution and superior soft tissue contrast, rendering it as the gold standard modality for imaging cardiac anatomy. To obtain meaningful information from such image-based personalized anatomical models of the heart, it is crucial to combine the geometric models of the cardiac chambers extracted from cine cardiac MRI and the …

Tourism, Mapping, Retail And Recreational Trails: A Case Study Of Connectivity Between Trails And Adjacent Downtowns In Anniston, Alabama, Usa, Jennifer Green

Theses

This study examines the estimated increase in economic impact on a geography’s local economy by creating cross-marketing efforts between expanding an established outdoor recreation trail to a closely located city downtown commerce district. This research will analyze the resulting potential rise in sales/lodging tax revenues for that city by mapping the trail and downtown district, and cross-marketing the other to users of both or either venue. Potential increase in economic impact will be estimated utilizing IMPLAN methodology by assessing the economic impact on the local economy that a percentage range of increased spending resulting from this cross-marketing effort could generate.

Escaping Tradition: An Exploration Of Optimized Learning Environments, Mak W. Friery

Theses

This undergraduate interior design capstone research focuses on understanding how forward-thinking design approaches can improve student success and teacher effectiveness in the classroom environment. Addressing the ever-changing needs of students, this research investigates variables of classroom environments such as the impact of color, lighting, acoustics, technology, space planning, furniture, and biophilia. Understanding these factors in the classroom environment can inspire new approaches to design and class flexibility whilst positively impacting student learning outcomes, teacher effectiveness, and overall well-being.

This capstone research is conducted at a time of change within educational design approaches as they continually aim to determine which factors …

Ensuring Food Security, Converting Urban Industrial Buildings For Indoor Agriculture: The Call For Urban Indoor Agriculture, Christopher Quinn Whittaker

Theses

Outdated food production models result in the continued disconnect between communities and vital nutrition. Poverty and a lack of food awareness perpetuate the effects of food insecurity within communities. These effects are most evident in urban areas where fresh produce is out of reach for large swaths of the population. Connecting communities back to the food they eat will benefit cities and residents economically, socially, and environmentally. Farming with the community in the community will empower a broad urban population. Urban areas pose several challenges to food production, such as a lack of open space and a high volume of …

Urban Waterfront Revitalization: A Case Study Of Downtown Waterfront In Rochester, New York, Yaoyu Lorrain Xiao

Theses

This research paper presents a case study of the Rochester downtown waterfront revitalization project. The project aims to revitalize the neglected waterfront and create a vibrant and attractive space for residents and visitors alike. Key factors contributing to the success of the Rochester downtown waterfront revitalization project include strong community engagement, public-private partnerships, adaptive reuse of existing structures, and a focus on sustainability. The study finds that the revitalization efforts have led to uneven economic, social, and environmental benefits for the community. The purpose of this study is to gain a comprehensive evaluation of the current status, difficulties, and potential …

Investigating Equitable Office Design: Addressing Women’S Wellness In The Corporate Office Through Human-Centered Design To Improve The Quality Of Life For All Employees, Jacqueline Collins

Theses

The goal of this undergraduate capstone project is to investigate how open offices impact women in the workplace and to propose a prototypical alternative to an open office. Both a literature review and a research agenda were conducted, in order to gather information regarding this topic. The literature review outlined current research on the topic. It was found that, while open offices were originally designed to allow for equal workspace and greater collaboration, budget costs and private offices remaining in high demand diminished many of their positive qualities. Consequently, open offices began to rely on a hierarchical layout, which often …

A Microscopic Investigation Of Chemically Modified Membranes For Potential Oil Water Separation Applications, Latifa Rashed Al Nuaimi

Theses

Oil spills can have catastrophic impacts on both the environment and human society, an enormous oil spill known as the Deepwater Horizon Disaster happened in the Gulf of Mexico in April 2010 caused by an explosion of oil rig which started the catastrophe. It is achievable to reduce oil spills by developing and advancing technologies including gravity settling, centrifugation, gas flotation, coagulation, electrochemical, adsorption, and membrane filtration. There are many materials that can be used to form membranes, and each one has unique properties and advantages. The current study used the 3D printing porous membrane which is manufactured with an …

Potential Of Flow Energy Reduction By Coral Reef: Hydrodynamic Analysis On Acropora Species, Faisal Karim

Theses

One of the most crucial components of the ocean ecology is coral reefs. Being environmentally sustainable, natural structures like coral reefs have recently drawn a lot of attention as a means of reducing the flow energy. The absence of scientific validations on the potential of coral reefs in reducing high-energy flow limits engineering applications of coral reefs to the benefit of civilization. In this research, extensive experimental studies were carried out to investigate the capabilities of coral reefs, to reduce high-energy flows. To determine the high-energy wave reduction by coral reefs, the coral roughness coefficient along with the coral structure …

Assessing Self-Esteem In Uae Students With And Without Special Needs: Pilot Study Using Adapted Rosenberg Scale, Malak Mustafa Alsaad

Theses

Self-esteem is known to be the way that a person values and perceives him/herself. It is affected by many factors and impacts on the person’s life. The main objective of this study was to investigate possible differences on self-esteem between typical students and those who have been diagnosed with special educational needs. In addition, the study explores teachers’ awareness on the importance of self-esteem on children’s life and their recommendations for improving their students’ self-esteem in UAE schools. The study used a mixed methods design and was conducted in two phases. During the first phase a sample of 40 students …

The Impact Of Implementing A Gamified Application On Teaching And Learning Vocabulary In A Fourth Grade English Classroom In The Uae, Amani Mohammed Almostafa

Theses

This thesis is concerned with the impact of using digital games or gamification on learning vocabulary for English language fourth graders in a classroom in the UAE. The main objective of this thesis is to examine how the use of digital games may affect the process of learning vocabulary in a grade four classroom. Another purpose of this study is to investigate learners' and teachers' perceptions of learning vocabulary items. A Quasi-experimental mixed method design has been implemented in this study. Three Grade four classes experimented with independently engaging in gamified vocabulary software named Blooket. The three classes were each …

Teacher’View About Dual Enrolment Of Student With Disabilities In Special And Inclusive Private School, Mahra Saeed Ismaeil

Theses

The education of children with disabilities is challenging. Special and inclusive schools cannot offer meaningful access to education to children with disabilities. Currently, schools strive to provide access to education in a dual context: a certain number of days at inclusive schools and others at special schools. However, information on how teachers are contending with such practices is limited. This study explored teachers’ views on the education of students with disabilities in the dual enrolment education system in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The social education model was conceptualised to understand teachers’ perceptions, collaborative efforts, resources and challenges to dual …

Data-Driven Modeling Of Student Performance In The Time Of Distance Learning, Iman Saad Megdadi

Theses

One of the important aspects that all academic institutions work towards improving is Student Performance. It is obviously the primary indicator of success or failure of institutions. Student performance predictions are vital to instructors and educational decision makers to help, across all levels, tailor learning according to the students’ needs. Therefore, it is essential for Higher Education Institutions to predict student performance in distance learning which has been, and remains, the primary method of learning in some countries due to Corona Virus pandemic. For this reason, this research is going to predetermine a fitting definition of student performance in time …

Interactive Emirate Sign Language E-Dictionary Based On Deep Learning Recognition Models, Ahmed Abdelhadi Abdelhadi

Theses

According to the ministry of community development database in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) about 3065 people with disabilities are hearing disabled (Emirates News Agency - Ministry of Community Development). Hearing-impaired people find it difficult to communicate with the rest of society. They usually need Sign Language (SL) interpreters but as the number of hearing-impaired individuals grows the number of Sign Language interpreters can almost be non-existent. In addition, specialized schools lack a unified Sign Language (SL) dictionary, which can be linked to the Arabic language being of a diglossia nature, hence many dialects of the language co-exist. Moreover, there …

A Novel Approach For Detection Fault In The Aircraft Exterior Body Using Image Processing, Noura Nayef Almansoori

Theses

The primary objective of this thesis is to develop innovative techniques for the inspection and maintenance of aircraft structures. We aim to streamline the entire process by utilizing images to detect potential defects in the aircraft body and comparing them to properly functioning images of the aircraft. This enables us to determine whether a specific section of the aircraft is faulty or not. We achieve this by employing image processing to train a model capable of identifying faulty images. The image processing methodology we use involves the use of images of both defective and operational parts of the aircraft's exterior. …

Corneal Transplant Education In A Clinical Setting, Chynna Desimone

Theses

Keratoplasty, or corneal transplant, is available as a solution for patients suffering from corneal pathology. There are various types of keratoplasty available to prospective patients depending on the severity and the histological layer affected. Surgeries such as keratoplasty have been observed to cause distress among prospective patients, which may impede recovery. Patient education in a timely and appropriate delivery can help alleviate preoperative anxiety. Creating patient education materials for keratoplasty can help prepare for surgery and subsequent recovery. These materials utilize both 2D and 3D design tailored to the unique needs of low-vision patients to teach them about their options …

Understanding Environmental Art: A Case Study Of Jason Decaires Taylor's Coral Greenhouse (2019), Laura Dean Hinson

Theses

This thesis highlights the need for a new way to analyze environmental art. In the past, environmental artwork has been discussed in terms of the abstract concepts that drove their creation and the role they played in moving artists outside of the gallery space in the1960s and 70s. However, in recent years environmental artists are increasingly driven by themes of environmental conservation and preservation, using scientific research as the basis of their designs. Because of the shift in focus, developing a new way to discuss environmental art that takes into consideration the influence scientific research has on art production and …

Urologic Sequelae Following Phalloplasty: An Explanation Of Common Complications Following Transmale Gender Affirmation Surgery, Michelle Kittleman

Theses

Medical advancement and societal acceptance in recent years has paved the way for gender affirmation surgery to become a growing subspecialty, with more transgender individuals seeking permanent methods to treating gender dysphoria. In a 2016 report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), there had been a 20% increase in female-to-male gender affirmation surgeries over the past year, totaling over 1,700 surgeries (Schardein, 2020). Those seeking genital gender affirmation surgery, also known as ‘bottom’ surgery (Puckett, 2018), often have goals pertaining to the ability to urinate upright, with secondary goals relating to sexual penetration functions. Gender reconstruction procedures, such …

Intrinsic Programmed Death Ligand 1 (Pd-L1) Role In Promoting Triple Negative Breast Cancer (Tnbc) Progression, Duaa Salem Alkaabi

Theses

This thesis is concerned with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), which is characterized by lack of estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors expression, making targeted drugs ineffective. TNBC has a high proliferative rate, which results in a poor prognosis. Chemotherapy, the primary treatment for metastatic breast cancer, is not an ideal choice due to its toxicity towards normal cells. Therefore, Cancer-targeted therapy has been developed to improve the specificity and strength of the immune system against cancer cells. PD-L1 is an immunosuppressive protein that inactivates T cells by binding to the inhibitory receptor PD-1. The clinical use of PD-L1 blockade agents …

Molecular Characterization Of Germination Of Date Palm Seeds Maintained At Microgravity In Outer Pace (International Space Station), Wesam Izzeldeen Khader

Theses

Over the past decade, the UAE has experienced unprecedented innovations in the space sector. Collaborating closely with universities and space agencies around the world, the country's efforts have advanced steadily but quietly under the public radar. The proposed research focuses on basic research to complement the UAE initiative to send date palms to Mars for future space missions. Plant growth analysis of date palm seeds was performed after maintaining at zero gravity in outer space in the International Space Station (ISS) and simultaneously under normal gravity at ground level. In this context, this work was carried out to analyze the …

Feasibility Study On The Characterization Of Mars Atmospheric And Surface Features In Spacecraft Images By Machine Learning And Similar Automated Methods, Hind Hassan Alriyami

Theses

This thesis is focused on automated detection of Mars atmospheric and surface features in spacecraft images based on machine learning and similar automated methods using crater detection algorithm (CDA) software, named DeepMars2 algorithm. The purpose of this study is to perform machine learning to detect coarse and high-resolution topography craters on mars. The algorithm is applied to two digital elevation models (DEMs) of the Mars surface with high and coarse resolution in order to identify craters using machine and deep learning methods. The DEMs are based on the satellite instruments MOLA/MGS (Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter/Mars Global Surveyor) and HRSC/MEX (High …

The Three-Dimensional Visualization Of Mars Dust Storms Based On Deriving Digital Elevation Maps From Satellite Imagery, Meirah Ali Alzeyoudi

Theses

This work focuses on generating a Three-Dimensional Visualization of Mars's local dust storms utilizing satellite images from publicly available archives. The work aimed to create a Three-Dimensional Visualization of two Local Dust storms, the first local dust storm occurred on May 20, 2020, in the Chryse Planitia Region of Mars, while the second one occurred on 8 June 2021, on the northern side of the Utopia Planitia Region of Mars. The visualization will assist in providing a better understanding of the dynamics of Dust Storms on Mars by indicating and analyzing the main features of dust storms on Mars. Also, …

المرفق الصحي بين متطلبات النظام العام وﻣﺒﺪأ اﺳﺘﻤﺮارﯾﺔ المرفق العام ﻓﻲ الظروف اﻻﺳﺘﺜﻨﺎﺋﯿﺔ, مهرة ﺳﻌﯿﺪ الظاهري

Theses

The spread of the Corona virus clearly affected the work of public utilities in the country, so it disrupted some of them and modified the way others work. The spread of the pandemic led to the innovation of new ways and means that were not familiar with the functioning of public utilities. One of the most important of these means is remote work, which is done through means Modern communication, including the Internet.
The study sought to achieve several objectives, including clarifying the principle of continuity of the public facility in normal and exceptional circumstances, and clarifying the rules and …

The Cost Of Connectivity - Assessing The Impact Of Superblock Road Design Costs On The Distance, Directness, And Diversity Of Pedestrian Routes, Rim Ibrahim Anabtawi

Theses

Superblocks have been massively constructed and cover a remarkable amount of Abu Dhabi’s urban landscape. Recent research has shown that Abu Dhabi’s superblocks promote car dependency, which dominates approximately all local transportation, and results in increases in fossil fuel consumption, increase in greenhouse gas emissions, and negative impacts on air quality. This thesis, along with multiple recent studies, addressed this issue, looking at the different designs of internal road networks of residential superblocks in order to better understand their connectivity. The evaluation of different network designs used in the city’s superblocks has provided valuable insights by which to support and …

Emerging Trends And Challenges Of Corporate Social Responsibility: The Case Of The United Arab Emirates, Noura Eisa Al Harasi

Theses

This research shed light on the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by examining the trends, benefits, and challenges of CSR in the UAE. The research contributed to the literature in the field of CSR by providing a comprehensive understanding of the concept in a non-Western context that can represent a generalizable model, not only for the UAE, but also for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries that share similar corporate culture with the UAE. In this regard, the research serves as a reference work into CSR beyond the UAE as it answered the following …

Assessing The Perceptions Of School Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Of Artificial Green Elements In Hot Arid Region, Hala Fouad Albalkhi

Theses

Recently, global statistics demonstrated a continued increase in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) worldwide, especially in Gulf countries, where the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranks second in terms of autism prevalence. Studies emphasized the positive effects of green elements on the academic performance and skills of school children. The presence of indoor plants can lead to benefits such as stress reduction and positive health and well-being in children with ASD. However, green elements are less utilized in Al Ain schools due to difficulty in maintaining natural plants in buildings. This study aims to examine the perceptions of children with Autism Spectrum …

Mathematical Models For Thalassemia, Hamda Mohammed Al Dhaheri

Theses

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder caused by gene mutation or deletion in a blood protein called hemoglobin. Treatment of thalassemia requires a life-long blood transfusion and removal of excessive iron in the blood stream, which usually causes a big pressure on health care systems. Various forms of thalassemia control measures have been used to reduce the prevalence of thalassemia major. This has resulted in a substantial reduction in the prevalence of thalassemia. However, the thalassemia carrier population remains high, which could lead to an increase in the thalassemia major population through carrier-to-carrier marriages. Thus, we developed two mathematical models …

An Inward Mission Of The Fourth Gospel And Its Reflection In The Ge'ez Rite Divine Liturgy, Brother S. Bdeho

Theses

Various themes of the Fourth Gospel have been explored by scholars. The exploration of its concept of mission and worship is also present. However, the missionary method and its inseparability from worship have not been examined adequately. This thesis examines this unique feature of the Gospel in three major sections. First, the Catholic Church’s contemporary teaching on mission is reviewed based on Ad Gentes (AG) and Redemptoris Missio (RM), which offer the core teaching. The findings show the ad extra missionary praxis is inspired by the s Gospels (AG) while RM shows a move towards ad intra missionary praxis inspired …

Application Of E-Learning In The Smart City Projects, Asma Ghanim Al Arai

Theses

The concept of smart city is getting popular over time. It uses communication of technology and information to maximize operational organization. It shares information among the public to improve citizen welfare and the services of the government. Smart learning or E-learning is also one of the components of a smart city. Cities are the crucible hub of human innovation. Through smart cities, the community strives to integrate and cover environmental, bio, digital and financial technologies to solve urban problems. The E-learning process is based on formalized teaching, and it enhances with the help of electronic resources. Internet and computers play …

Water Quality Assessment In Smart Cities In India, Asma Adel Rashed Alsuwaidi

Theses

This research aims at assessing the quality of water in India for the case of the 100 smart cities initiative in 2015 (Hoelscher, 2015) and propose which cities are eligible for the smart city design. K-mean and Hierarchical clustering techniques are used to divide 614 water monitoring locations in India into 6 different clusters and WHO water quality parameters are used as reference to suggest eligibility of each monitoring location for becoming a smart city. Results of this study can help planners to speed up the process of assessment and take necessary actions to enhance the water quality. The information …