Digital Commons Network^™

Development Of A Simulation Tool For Assessing Electrical Short Risks From Metallic Whiskers On Printed Circuit Boards Using Unity, Joseph Eric Black

Theses

Tin whiskers are metal strands that spontaneously form on tin surfaces and can grow up to a centimeter long. These whiskers can cause electrical shorts by breaking off and landing on circuit boards, yet there is limited simulation and analysis data regarding their shorting probability. This thesis presents a software tool developed using Unity, Blender, and FreeCAD to simulate the behavior of tin whiskers on PCBs. The tool accurately represents PCBs and whiskers, applying various forces to predict whisker landing positions and the impacted metal faces. By importing STEP files of PCBs, the software automatically sets up the simulation in …

Impact Of The Substrate Stiffness On Macrophage Function, Aaron Newchurch

Theses

This study explores macrophage cell function in healthy and diseased tissue that alters the synovial membrane housing fibroblasts and macrophages by examining how substrate stiffness impacts macrophage function. Current research suggests macrophages adapt, becoming more inflammatory in this environment. Divalent ions (CaCl2 or SrCl2) are used to adjust alginate hydrogel stiffness. The monocyte cell line THP-1 is transformed into macrophages through PMA, LPS, and IFNγ treatment within hydrogels, then cultured for 12 days. Divalent ions affect macrophage functionality; Sr2+ crosslinked hydrogels show higher viability, as well as an increased expression of M1 markers CD197 and IL1β, while M2 marker expression …

Analyzing Trust In Automation Using Large Language Models, Derek Koehl

Theses

This thesis explores the measurement of trust in the context of human interactions with automated systems. Trust is influenced by factors like perceived ability, benevolence, and integrity which presents a measurement challenge. Given the lack of a universally accepted model for trust, there is an abundance of trust measurement methods in the literature. This research aimed to ascertain the reliability of NLP-based measurements to determine whether such methods can shed light on the dimensionality of trust as a construct and to isolate a Linguistic Fingerprint™ of trust. The results lent support to trust as a unidimensional construct. There was little …

Ambient Temperature Modelling With Ecostress And Private Weather Stations, Gaurav Khatri

Theses

This thesis explores the development and application of a novel data architecture for predicting ambient temperatures across US cities, focusing on integrating multi-source data i.e. ECOSTRESS land surface temperatures, urban surface properties, and crowdsourced weather data. The methodology is designed for scalability and adaptability across different urban regions, employing rigorous data quality control to enhance prediction accuracy. The validation of this model across diverse urban settings, demonstrated through rigorous RMSE comparisons and spatial mapping, validates its superiority over traditional models. Through experiments in diverse climatic conditions in Madison, Wisconsin, and Las Vegas, Nevada, the study assesses the model’s generalizability and …

A Comparative Study Of Tin Anodes In Carbonate And Glyme Electrolytes, Ameya Tushar Khirwadkar

Theses

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are a focus of novel energy research as they present a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to the abundance of sodium and anode materials. Tin is a promising option for anodes in SIBs because of its ability to be used independently or with other metal alloys. The advantage of using styrene butadiene rubber in tin anodes is a source of intrigue for potentially improving the shelf life of anodes and reducing the electrical fatigue on the battery. The study of glyme electrolytes compared to widely used carbonate electrolytes can potentially improve cycling life and the …

A Multi-Decadal Analysis Of Urban Heat And Pollution Islands In New Delhi, India, Saumya Omala Yamineni

Theses

New Delhi, India's capital, is a mega-city with complex urban environments and significant Urban Heat Island (UHI) and Urban Pollution Island (UPI) footprints. Over the past two decades, the city has experienced steady urban growth, increased land cover and green spaces, and rising pollution from local and interstate sources. Currently, a comprehensive multi-decadal analysis of the co-evolution of UHI and UPI in New Delhi is lacking. Such an analysis was conducted using a fusion of in situ data, NASA satellite products, and MERRA-2 reanalysis, reveals: 1) Significant trends of daytime cooling (decreasing by ~ 0.16 ∘C), nighttime warming (increasing by …

An Assessment Of Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene Carolina Carolina) In North Alabama With A Focus On Ranavirus Prevalence And Urbanization, Emma M. Jordan

Theses

Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) are susceptible to many threats, including development, urbanization, and disease. A novel Ranavirus has been attributed to mortality in both captive and wild box turtles, including one known occurrence in a captive box turtle in Alabama, but no further assessment has been made. The aims of this study were to assess if Frog Virus 3-like Ranavirus infects wild box turtles and if its prevalence is related to urbanization in North Alabama, USA. I conducted visual encounter surveys in eight survey areas in North Alabama that occur across a gradient of urbanization and development. Twenty-six …

The Uae’S Readiness For Technology Export: The Case Of Ai, Reem Tamer Aldandashi

Theses

Export diversification is one way for the UAE to sustain and flourish its economy. Although UAE is an oil-rich country, it needs to search for and incubate future exports besides the existing ones to keep the wheel of the economy moving, increase the employment rate, and strengthen the country from any future economic strokes. While looking at the technology spread and Artificial Intelligence (AI) focus and efforts in UAE, much research investigated the outcomes of digitization on the UAE economy and its technological strength and competitiveness. At the same time, no one has searched for the possibility of having one …

Emergence Of Preferential Flow Paths And Intermittent Dynamics In Emulsion Transport In Porous Media, Michael Izaguirre

Theses

This dissertation aims to study the underlying physics of anomalous transport of emulsions in porous media and quantify the role of droplet-pore and droplet-droplet interactions in transport in porous media experimentally. The complexities of this problem arise from the network heterogeneity, correlations between the pores across the medium, interfacial properties of the fluids, and the correlations between the pore scale dynamics and system-level transport. This dissertation presents significant advancements in the study of emulsion dynamics within two-dimensional porous media through the development of innovative image analysis and tracking methods. These advancements include precise detection and tracking of deformable objects, which …

A Clinical Review Of Adult Obesity And Weight Management In The United States, Megan Helf

Theses

The standard of care for obesity has been lifestyle modifications, dietary changes and the use of some anti-obesity medications, however, given the increased rate of growth of obesity in not only the United States but globally, new drug therapies are needed. This paper aims to summarize and compare the current safety and efficacy evidence of new United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved weight loss drugs and to discuss the availability, cost-effectiveness, and use of these drugs in combating the obesity epidemic.

Web of Science and PubMed searches of obesity revealed primary sources and review articles on the topic …

The Efficacy Of Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty Compared To Manual Total Knee Arthroplasty In Regards To Accuracy, Operative Time, And Patient Outcome, Chris Ewell

Theses

Objectives: This review evaluates the literature comparing Robotic-assisted and Conventional Knee Arthroplasty based on accuracy, operative time, and patient outcomes. It aims to determine the potential of robotic-assisted surgeries in orthopedics and other surgical fields to provide guidance to medical professionals on best practices in Knee Arthroplasty. Methods / Evidence Acquisition: This study conducted a search for evidence primarily on two databases: PubMed and Web of Science, with two additional articles found in the National Library of Medicine. The search utilized the term “Robotic Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty” matched with various Mesh terms. Only articles published between 2018 and the …

Emerging Treatment And Prevention Options In Diet Through The Gut-Brain Axis, And Its Impact On Patients With Alzheimer’S Disease, Jewel Amrich

Theses

Objectives:

To outline the most recent data regarding diet in the role in moderating prevention and progression of Alzheimer’s disease using the relationship between the gut microbiome and central nervous system. In addition, the Mediterranean diet and the components that make up the diet, and those alike will be thoroughly discussed.

Evidence Acquisition:

Using key terms “Alzheimer’s Disease” and “Diet”, Web of Science searched for papers that were published between 2012 and 2023, which yielded 807 results. Refining the search to “Neurodegenerative Diseases” returned 292 results. Adding “Gut-brain axis”, “gut microbiome”, and “Mediterranean diet” to separate search inputs yielded 25 …

The Thought Of Getting Lost In Space, James Keffer

Theses

"The Thought of Getting Lost in Space" is a poetry collection that explores nostalgic memories and connections of relationships, whether they are new or old and forgotten, and attempts to weave them together in hopes of forming constellations. There are hesitations and fears, such as rejection, failing, or even doubting oneself, when reaching out to other people. Sometimes we even get lost within ourselves and forget how to self-love our own bodies. Constellations are these amazing and beautiful wonders in the night sky that depict stories of old, yet stories that still teach lessons. The most influential people are storytellers. …

Across The Pond, Lisa Larrabee

Theses

"A collection of stories inspired by the author's father; from his earlier childhood in Italy, to his emigration to the US around age 10 and to his adjustment in finding a balance as an Italian-American teen in the 50s, it includes his meeting / falling in love with the author's American mother and the ensuing circumstances of the culture clash from their relationship. This collection includes 5 historical fiction stories that are based heavily on factual stories, which are chronologically connected by 9 non-fiction pieces."

Summer Critical Reading Initiative Helping Talent Search Students Redefine Their College Potential Through Literature, Tania Dominguez

Theses

Despite efforts to improve college access and develop college readiness skills, students are graduating high school unprepared for college. Each year, fewer students choose to enroll or drop out within their first semester of a post-secondary institution after high school graduation. The figures are even more dire for students who are from low-income and first-generation backgrounds. Furthermore, data shows that college-bound participants from federal pre-college TRIO programs are underserved in the most critical time of their high school journey. There is an educational gap in the services that pre-college programs, such as Talent Search, provide students. Educators and college counselors …

Cougars And Lambs, Lonna Adams

Theses

"Cougars and Lambs is an original novella written for my Master of Arts thesis in Creative Writing. The heroine of the story has escaped an abusive relationship and chooses to hide out in a small Northern Californian town. She opens a cafe and gets to know the locals in this tightly knot community. Unfortunately, her abuser tracks her down and is hell-bent on destroying her new life and possessing her once more. This story deals with crimes against women and the lives it affects.(This novella is actually 115 pages and just under 30,000 words. However, in order to fit the …

Revitalizing Lagrange, Jessie Johnson

Theses

LaGrange Mountain is located in Colbert County, Alabama, approximately sixteen miles from the University of North Alabama. The mountain is the site of a prehistoric bluff shelter used by Native Americans, Alabama’s first chartered college-- LaGrange College--as well as a nineteenth century village that included a school for women, and, today is the location of a distillery that is owned by the Dawson family. The LaGrange Living History Association currently manages the college site, which includes an open-air museum that explores early pioneer life and Civil War history as it connects to LaGrange College. The current interpretation of the site …

Factors That Lead To The Adoption Of Alternative Energy Options In Developing Nations, Anna Bukina

Theses

Environmental degradation and climate change are pressing issues nowadays. While developed nations have been improving their current energy trends by implementing alternative energy options, developing nations are falling behind and still significantly contributing to the degradation of the planet by emitting a significant amount of carbon emissions. The present study investigated the driving forces behind the deployment of renewable energy sources in developing nations. The methods of this study included utilizing data from multiple datasets on energy use worldwide for the year 2017 to create an original data set with randomly selected thirty developing countries. Regression analysis was conducted to …

The Impact Of The National Breeding Index For Dairy Cows On The Beef Merit Of Their Progeny, Shauna Mulhall

Theses

The expansion of the dairy herd, along with enhanced fertility in dairy cows, and increased adoption of sexed semen technologies, has resulted in a growing number of beef cattle originating from the dairy sector. Breeding programs in dairy cows have been primarily focused on improving fertility and milk production, with limited attention given to progeny intended for beef production. To establish a sustainable dairy and beef sector, enhancing the performance and efficiency of beef calves from dairy herds is crucial. This thesis aims to assess how current breeding strategies in Irish dairy farming impact downstream beef merit. The thesis will …

Improving The Most Gg Model To Predict Environmental Impact And Improve On Farm Grass Growth Prediction, Laeticia Bonnard

Theses

The increasing need for highly productive and eco-friendly agriculture is driving demand for decision-support tools to assist agricultural operators in managing systems more precisely and sustainably. Although grasslands provide a cost-effective option for ruminant production and can offer many environmental benefits (biodiversity, carbon storage etc.), grasslands management is challenging due to the inherent climate and soil sensitivities and their potential negative impact on water quality. In Ireland, the Moorepark Saint Gilles Grass Growth (MoSt GG) model was developed for the dual purposes of research-based simulations and on-farm grass growth prediction for farmers. The objective of this thesis was to improve …

Optima: Optimal Protein For Optimal Ageing, Eunice Ti-Oluwani Olaniyan

Theses

The older adult population is increasing globally, and this is associated with an increased prevalence of chronic diseases. This, together with increased consumer concern regarding the overconsumption of animal proteins, has led to a need to consider alternative dietary strategies for older adults. This study developed novel plant protein blends using combinations of pumpkin, pea ad rice protein isolates, and investigated their amino acid profiles, protein content and bioactive properties to identify optimal blends for functional food formulation. A major objective of this study was to formulate protein-rich products. It was hypothesised that blending multiple sources of plant proteins in …

Envisioning Munster Technological University As A Trauma-Sensitive University, Marie Singleton

Theses

Trauma-informed care works on the assumption that individuals utilizing relevant services have experienced trauma (Palmer, 2020). The trauma-informed approach focuses on providing empathy and compassion to create healing relationships and ensure accessibility for all service users. This approach is aimed at understanding, identifying, and addressing trauma in organisations by making changes to practices, policies, and procedures (Champine et al., 2022). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (2014:10) states that ‘trauma results from an event, serie s of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or threatening and that has …

Improving Long-Term Sustainable Profit For Beef Producers And Processors Through Genetic Selection, Stephen Connolly

Theses

The thesis served to quantify the phenotypic performance of animals differing in genetic merit based on the Irish Terminal Breeding Index. The data in the thesis included performance metrics of interest to both the primary producer and the meat processing industry. It is anticipated that the findings of the thesis will instil a level of confidence among primary producers and meat processors whereby the current terminal breeding objective is generating beef cattle with superior carcass performance, and improved farm margins along with a more desirable animal for meat processors. The impact of genetic differences among animals for performance traits on …

‘The Playful Entrepreneur’ Fostering Entrepreneurial Education In Early Childhood Education, Trudie Murray

Theses

This study explores the integration of entrepreneurial education within early childhood settings in Ireland, focusing on embedding entrepreneurial capabilities at the foundational stages of education. Recognising the critical role that early experiences play in lifelong learning, this research advocates for equipping preschool children with essential 21st-century skills, such as independence, creativity and problem-solving. Despite significant investment in early childhood education, the integration of entrepreneurial education remains limited within existing pedagogical frameworks, which prioritise social, emotional, and cognitive skills without explicitly addressing entrepreneurial capabilities. Utilising a Constructivist Grounded Theory approach, the study examines how early childhood educators can foster an entrepreneurial …

Cybernetic Hustle A Hard-Boiled Science Fiction Short Story, Eric Morris

Theses

In a world where body enhancement technology, or "cybernetics," should allow for exponential human progress, the gap between social classes is as wide as ever. A team of cybernetic bootleggers seek to even this playing field by providing low-cost implants to the working poor. Their operation becomes threatened when other underworld groups begin to raise police suspicions, but in this world, the cops may be more corrupt than the criminals. It is up to the team to expose the threat to their business, stay under the radar of the law, and risk their own futures in order to preserve their …

Extending The Prediction Of Fear Of Crime, Doreen Boateng

Theses

This study aims to expand what we know about fear of crime to reveal the different levels of fear among genders. Although there exists extensive research on the subject matter, the current work examines how different each gender perceives crime given the predictors as vulnerability, disorder and social integration. This study therefore addresses these gaps by assessing gender differences in crime fear and how these models separately influence each gender. To do that, crosstabulations and logistic regression analysis was used in analyzing the relationship between gender, perceptions of neighborhood disorder (street graffiti/litter), social integration (family ties), to determine the relationship …

Critical Reading Pedagogical Approaches To College Literature In A Post-Pandemic, Mckenzie London

Theses

This project uses a mixed methods approach to study the impact of COVID-19 on faculty and students in the English college classroom. Research indicates that COVID-19 correlates with changes in students’ academic performance, but there is a need for research concerning how to approach these changes in the English classroom through critical reading practices. “Critical reading” is complex to define and even more challenging to exemplify or illustrate. Critical reading practices are often the center of the college English classroom, but with changing technology and a cultural shift from COVID-19, students now approach critical reading differently. The purpose of this …

Cybersecurity Awareness And Risks Among Students, Staff & Faculty At The University Of North Alabama, Jerry Lwamba

Theses

As individuals and organizations become significantly connected to the internet, cybercriminals find an increasing number of ways to exploit their targets (Broadhurst, 2018). This study explores the world of cybersecurity awareness of risks associated with online activities within the University of North Alabama (UNA). This research aims to assess the level of cybersecurity awareness of risks university stakeholders face, and to also understand behaviors that expose them to cybercrime and emphasize the urge for comprehensive cybersecurity best practices. When cybercriminals employ tactics such as spam, phishing, or spear phishing in their attempts to break into network systems, distribute malware, or …

Low Energy Availability, Disordered Eating, Exercise Dependence, Injury Prevalence, And Fueling Habits In Female Crossfit® Participants, Alyssum Reno-Smith

Theses

No abstract provided.

Data Fusion Approach To Assessing Hurricane Impacts On Us Gulf Coast Wetlands: Case Studies Of Hurricanes Ida And Ian, Trent W. Cowan

Theses

This thesis employs data fusion techniques to analyze the damage to US Gulf Coast wetlands caused by Hurricanes Ida and Ian. The relationship between ecosystem damage and wave stress is evaluated using salt marsh classifications derived from PlanetScope imagery and atmospheric and ocean modeling (WRF, ADCIRC+SWAN). Short-term vegetation recovery following Hurricane Ian is assessed using HLS-derived NDVI data. A multi-decadal analysis of salt marsh vegetation off the Louisiana coast is conducted with statistical models incorporating MODIS NDVI and MERRA-2 climate variables. The analysis reveals the following key findings: 1) -38.7% and -93.25% of wetland area changed following the passage of …