Digital Commons Network^™

Defect Detection Of Photovoltaic Panels By Image Processing, Hamad Almarzooqi

Theses

A key component of the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable power sources, driven by the global demand for such energy, has been the fast improvement in the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) plants. Ensuring the dependability of photovoltaic panels becomes crucially important when solar installations develop in scale. Photovoltaic panels have flaws that reduce their effectiveness and shorten their lifespan, but they are durable and long-lasting otherwise. Solar plants need to work as efficiently as possible with low downtime and to want solar energy to be viable in the long run, the issues shall be fined a fixed promptly. …

White Cell Support Application For Expo Ops Tactical Wargame System, Zackery Joseph Milder

Theses

The purpose of this project was to create a support application for a tabletop wargame currently used for training and scenario simulation by the United States Marine Corps. The EXPO OPS Companion is meant to enhance the capabilities of the White Cell/table director, the unbiased third party responsible for running adjudication for the EXPO OPS Tactical Wargames System. EXPO OPS TWS is “…a table top wargame covering contemporary and future conflict at the platoon, company and battalion level. It is a wargame toolkit that enables wargaming scenarios in the 2020 to 2030 timeframe. The design centers on plans and decisions …

The Impact Of Ai On Ux: Challenges And Opportunities, Susan Stephanie Wells

Theses

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in user experience (UX) design is reshaping the field of UX, offering new opportunities and challenges for designers. This thesis project explores the multifaceted relationship between AI and UX design, focusing on the challenges, opportunities, and skills demanded of UX designers in the age of AI. Through a review of academic research and real-world experiences, this project studies the impact of AI on web design processes, UX testing, and data analysis. Key findings highlight the transformative potential of AI in enhancing user experiences, from suggesting website structures to facilitating UX testing and data analysis.

Comparative analysis …

Goalbert: Goal-Directed Colbert For Iterative Retrieval, Ben Giacalone

Theses

We dissect and extend ColBERT, a state of the art multi-vector retrieval model. We first perform a number of experiments to identify the role structural tokens (i.e. [CLS], [SEP], [MASK], [Q]) play in retrieval. The most consequential findings are that (1) [MASK] tokens can be remapped to their closest non-[MASK] embedding without a significant degradation in performance, (2) the existence of [MASK], [Q], and [D] does not really affect the contextualization of query text tokens, and (3) [CLS] and [SEP] can act as “summary” embeddings for the model. In another set of experiments, we ex tend the number of [MASK] …

The Impact Of Vehicular Noise On The Effectiveness Of Acoustic Indices, Rebecca Ducay

Theses

Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) is a valuable tool in wildlife research, offering non-invasive and cost-effective means to collect acoustic data. However, the processing of PAM recordings can be time-consuming, prompting the use of acoustic indices to expedite analysis. Acoustic indices are numerical values that characterize biological information in sound recordings based on an environment’s acoustic characteristics. While acoustic indices have been correlated with species richness across ecological contexts, their reliability diminishes in areas with heightened vehicular noise. However, it is unclear if index biases caused by vehicular noise are consistent across all traffic levels, and which acoustic indices are most …

Head Impact Measurement Using Piezoelectric Sensors, Huda Abdulla Alnuaimi

Theses

The importance of safety measures cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to protecting the human head. Head injuries can have severe, life-altering consequences, as the head is crucial for controlling the entire body. Unlike machines that store data, the human brain's capacity to retain thoughts and memories can be significantly affected by even a single injury. This thesis introduces a method for predicting the specific area of the head that might be injured during an impact. The prediction is based on the intensity and duration of the impact. The innovation of this thesis lies in the use of piezoelectric …

Assessing The Impact Of Differential Privacy On Data Security In Machine Learning Applications, Adewunmi O. Adeyeye

Theses

Differential privacy is a method that adds noise to data to protect individual privacy without significantly affecting the overall analysis results. This study focuses on the trade-offs between maintaining privacy, accuracy, and the practical utility of ML models. The research methods involve a thorough review of existing literature, development of a methodology to assess differential privacy's impact, and conducting comparative analyses on ML models with and without differential privacy. Findings suggest that while implementing differential privacy ensures the confidentiality of individual data, it can reduce the accuracy and utility of ML models. The severity of this reduction depends on factors …

Exploring The Phase Space Of Binary Neutron Star Simulations And Photon Geodesics In The Presence Of Black Holes, Ben Fisler

Theses

Here, we investigate the use of the Lorene code to generate quasi-equilibrium initial data for close binary neutron star configurations. The code has been widely used throughout the field of numerical relativity, and is capable of generating initial data for a wide range of neutron star equations of state and binary mass ratios. We also explore the ranges of parameter space for which the code can generate accurate initial data, and the nature of the instabilities that arise when the code is asked to produce data outside this range. This work should aid other groups performing merger simulations of binary …

Vascular Brain Digital Twins For Medical Training And Education In Metaverse, Shamma Khaled Alghafri

Theses

This study addresses the need for innovative educational tools in the field of anatomy, specifically focusing on brain anatomy. The objective is to develop a virtual reality application and a 3D visualization that offer immersive and interactive learning experiences for students. The VR application, developed using Unity and designed for the Oculus Quest 2 headset, creates an immersive virtual laboratory environment. This environment includes interactive elements such as a table with buttons for displaying brain models and a whiteboard for user interaction. Users can manipulate and explore different brain structures, enhancing their understanding of complex anatomical features. Additionally, we integrated …

An Intelligent Academic Advising System For Course Recommendation Using Large Language Models, Malika Maya Iratni

Theses

Academic advising is an important resource for students, especially in higher education, in order to guide them to make the best possible decisions to improve their overall academic performance and overall academic journey. With the increasing number of students joining these institutions each year, traditional advising becomes a time-consuming and inefficient process that can leave students discouraged, and advisors overwhelmed. Therefore, there is a need to develop intelligent advising systems that make use of the recent advancements in technology, to support the advising process, and increase overall student satisfaction. In this work, an academic advising model that uses Recommender Systems …

Biomass Estimation Of Mature Mangrove Trees In The Uae Using Spaceborne Remote Sensing Techniques, Yasmine Ashraf Heikal

Theses

Mangrove forest ecosystems play an essential role in diminishing the effects of climate change caused by the increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Estimating mangrove forest aboveground biomass (AGB) and hence aboveground carbon (AGC) can assist in decision-making for conservation, sustainable use, and protection of these forests. The goal of this research project was to map the AGB of mangrove forests along the coasts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the aid of Landsat-8-9 satellite imagery data acquired in September 2023. 12 AGB estimation models were developed based on the combination of in situ measurements and Landsat-8-9 derived …

Predicting Health Insurance Claim Costs: A Data-Driven Approach Using Machine Learning, Fatema Khela

Theses

Determining appropriate premiums for policyholders is a challenge faced by the healthcare insurance industry. Policyholders' judgments about their healthcare are negatively impacted by the growing difficulty in accurately predicting claim amounts. To overcome this difficulty, our study used data-driven methods to project the cost of health insurance claims. Claim expenses are influenced by several criteria, including claim costs, agе, gеndеr, wеight, BMI, numbеr of dеpеndеnts, smoking habits, blood prеssurе, diabеtеs, еxеrcisе routinеs, occupation, city of rеsidеncе, and hеrеditary disеasеs. The primary aim of this research is to dеvеlop prеdictivе modеls that can accuratеly еstimatе thе cost of health insurancе claims …

Voltage Total Harmonic Distortion-Based Communication-Free Adaptive Protection Strategy For Microgrids, Mohamed Jaffer Ali

Theses

The microgrid protection strategy encounters major obstacles because of the varying fault current capacities that result from the diverse modes of microgrid operations. The challenges are heightened with the incorporation of large-scale systems. Protecting microgrids has become a complex task due to various factors. This includes 1) increased fault current contribution during grid-connected operation, 2) insufficient current contribution during islanded operation, 3) sympathetic tripping, 4) blinding, and 5) loss of mains. These factors can render existing protection devices ineffective in clearing faults. And thus, current alone cannot be only key factor for detecting a fault among various modes of operation. …

Continuous Mobile Authentication Protocol For Iot Based Environment Supporting User Behavioural Profile, Saleem Emad Saleem Abdo

Theses

As the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem continues to spread, many researchers are addressing the need for robust and lightweight authentication mechanisms for both continuous and mobile IoT devices. However, the main issue that many face is the lack of a consensus on the definitions of both continuous and mobile IoT authentication. This thesis aims to investigate the diverse definitions and approaches surrounding continuous and mobile IoT authentication. We delve into the evolving landscape of authentication methods, protocols, and security measures tailored for IoT devices that operate in dynamic and mobile environments. A comprehensive survey navigates through the multifaceted dimensions …

Neural Network Characterization Methods For Noisy Quantum Hardware Results, Daniel Richard Breslawski

Theses

As the nascent quantum computing paradigm matures and quantum devices become widely available, discrete "eras" are emerging which characterize evolving quantum computing technologies, much like semiconductor technology node classifications. The current period has been coined the Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) era, as devices above 50 qubits in size exist but computations using these devices accumulate error quickly from classical interference sources and state decoherence. NISQ machines may surpass the capabilities of modern classical computers in ideal circumstances, but the accumulation of error from physical noise limits the size and implementability of reliable quantum algorithms. Because of these limitations, strategies are …

Digital Beamforming Implemented In Hardware, Nicole Dulieu

Theses

Digital beamforming is a popular method used in modern communication systems. The ability to track and locate a transmitting signal adaptively is necessary in communication systems. Beamforming is one solution to this problem. Beamforming uses an array or matrix of isotropic antenna elements. This eliminates the need to create a physically larger antennas to achieve the same radiation pattern and gain of a phased array of antenna elements. Additionally, the antennas are electronically controlled allowing the radiation pattern and gain to adapt quickly. It is necessary to use a digital platform for beamforming because hardware can digitize analog signals efficiently. …

Benchmarking Of Matrix Multiplication Acceleration Methods, Ashish Tondwalkar

Theses

With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), performance and model runtime feasibility poses a challenge to the advancement of AI technology. Novel methods of accelerating the core mathematical functions of AI applications are being explored. The crux of AI computations that would benefit from hardware acceleration is matrix multiplication. This thesis explores the acceleration of matrix multiplication using systolic arrays and the strassen algorithm, methods known for enhancing computational efficiency through parallel processing. The research focuses on the design, implementation, and comprehensive testing of these architectures to expedite matrix multiplication tasks, crucial for applications in deep learning and signal processing. …

Quantum Lissajous Figures Via Projection, Errico Russo

Theses

We present and investigate a new category of quantum Lissajous states for a two-dimensional Harmonic Oscillator (2DHO) having commensurate angular frequencies. The states themselves result from the projection of ordinary coherent states (i.e. quasi-classical) onto a degenerate subspace of the 2DHO. In this way, new, highly non-classical quantum mechanically stationary states arise “organically” from the highly classical but non-stationary coherent states. The connection to Lissajous figures is evident in the result that our states so defined all have probability densities that are localized along the corresponding classical Lissajous figures. We further emphasize the important interplay between the probability current density …

Block Copolymers And Chirality: Interplay Between Conformations And Structures, Natalie Buchanan

Theses

Block copolymers can exhibit chirality at three different length scales – molecular chirality at the residue scale, conformational chirality at the molecular scale, and structural chirality at the mesoscale from the self-assembly of thousands of molecules. Unique morphologies have been formed due to chirality transfer, a phenomenon where chirality at smaller length scales imparts chirality to larger length scales. However, chirality does not always transfer, with chiral blocks existing in an achiral phase due to chiral frustration. The thermodynamics of the effects of chirality on block copolymer self-assembly is not well understood. This work demonstrates that coarse-grained models can effectively …

Advancements In Scanning Electron Microscopy, Surya Kamal

Theses

Scanning electron microscopes (SEM) are poorly characterized imaging instruments. The SEM optics (lens and aperture assembly) is designed to form a focused electron probe that scans the specimen to produce images. Therefore, the imaging efficacy in SEM strongly depends on the quality of the optics. However, there is no way to accurately characterize the optics in an uncorrected SEM (without multipole correctors) due to the lack of an exit wave. This work focuses on improving the imaging capabilities of an uncorrected SEM by understanding its optical performance using wave optical theory, simulation, and experiment. In this dissertation, we have developed …

Driver’S Accident Behavioral Analytics Using Ai, Mohamad Amin Obaid

Theses

This comprehensive dissertation constitutes a significant contribution to the ongoing global discourse on road safety. Through a judicious utilization of advanced data analysis techniques, with a particular emphasis on machine learning applications, this research endeavors to address and bridge crucial gaps in our comprehension of multifaceted aspects related to road safety. Specifically, the study aims to delve into the intricacies of accident severity factors, driver characteristics, vehicle attributes, and the complex dynamics of road conditions. By systematically exploring these dimensions, the research endeavors to unearth more nuanced and precise relationships that influence accident outcomes. Moreover, a particular focus is dedicated …

American Absurd, Kelly Stolle

Theses

There is perhaps one line that separates the American mindset from all others in the world. That is the fascination with the American Dream. This dream, having existed since the creation of this nation, has guided almost all developments we have seen it undertake. The question that lingers, however, is what this “American Dream” actually is. How does one interpret freedom? Further, what is one to do with it? This work suggests that what fuels the American Dream is an absurdist philosophy that ripples through every aspect of American life. Utilizing the modernist literary movement, I will analyze 6 key …

Towards Erasing The Distinction Between The Computational And Syntactic Accounts Of Scientific Theories, Timothy Luft

Theses

One of the main goals of philosophy of science is to give a proper account of scientific theories and their structure. One way that accounts of the structure of scientific theories can be distinguished is by the mathematical or logical structures that they involve. For instance, syntactic accounts of scientific theories hold that theories are axioms in a logical framework, whereas semantic accounts are more liberal in the range of mathematical and logical structures they take as pertinent to the structure of scientific theories. Paul Thagard (1988) offers a computational account of scientific theories, which holds that theories are complex …

Between Fodor And Sellars -- A Middle Ground For Language-Like Neural Representations, Hanzhe Dong

Theses

The recent resurgence of the language of thought (LOT) hypothesis has drawn much attention. The history of philosophy and cognitive science has provided us with various versions of LOT. From Sellars to Fodor, theorists have offered us considerations on the vehicles, content, and functions of such a representation format. However, it’s been more than 50 years since Fodor’s publication on LOT (1975), and the resurgence suggests that we need a modern iteration of LOT to fit with recent developments in the study on cognition. Therefore, in this paper, I argue that we need a middle ground between Fodor and Sellars’s …

A New Vicarious Technique For Radiometric And Spatial Calibration Of Drone-Based Multispectral And Hyperspectral Imaging Systems, David N. Conran

Theses

A new technology (convex mirrors) used for radiometric and spatial characterization of remote sensing imaging systems has demonstrated equal, but unique results when compared to Lambertian targets for vicarious calibration. Using convex mirrors to characterize the radiometric and spatial response of hyperspectral and multispectral imaging systems has yet to be thoroughly investigated for drone-based platforms. When imaged, a convex mirror produces a known radiant intensity source that can characterizes the radiometric and spatial performance of an imaging system. The simultaneous assessment supports a unique understanding of the hyperspectral and multispectral instrument’s response for vicarious characterization. Assessing a new technique for …

Unearthing The Past: A Comprehensive Study Of Natural And Anthropogenic Changes At An Archaeological Site Through Hydrogeologic Connectivity Utilizing Gis, Mehlich Ii Phosphorus Extractant, And Ph, Dana L. F. Herren

Theses

This thesis aims to thoroughly analyze the Mehlich II Phosphorus Extractant and pH levels at the Bains Gap Village Site in Anniston, AL., while examining the impact of various environmental factors and human activities on them. Phosphorus is often used in archaeology as an indicator of human activity. Soil core samples were collected to analyze anomalies in phosphorus levels.

To establish any relationships, phosphorus and pH levels from soil cores were correlated with findings from past excavation units and features. The potential effects of hydrogeologic connectivity on soil phosphorus and pH levels were investigated. Geospatial technologies were used to manage …

Integrating Artificial Intelligence For Automated Storytelling In Turn-Based Strategy Games, Timothy Ripper

Theses

This project is inspired by turn-based strategy games, Final Fantasy Tactics, X-Com 2, and modern turn-based strategy games. This project is structured around the use of artificial intelligence for storytelling within strategy games. The focus of this project utilizes artificial intelligence in creating a quest generation system for storytelling. The resulting quest system creates new quests dynamically after communicating with an artificial intelligence allowing players to potentially experience an ever-expanding story from quests

Hydrologic Impact Index For The Pinhoti Hiking Trail, Allie Field

Theses

Author note: The author of this thesis is also published under the name Allie Bobo.

This study aimed to identify flood-prone areas along the Pinhoti Trail and Chinnabee Silent Trail in the Talladega National Forest. Using the Hydrology Flood Index layer that was created using several essential data layers, the research aimed to provide campers, hikers, nature enthusiasts, and trail maintenance teams with information about areas at a higher risk of flash flooding. The Hydrology Flood Index layer rates the risk of flooding on a scale of 1 to 4, with level 1 indicating a low risk of flooding and …

Perspectives Of Special Education Teachers On The Transition Of Students With Special Needs From High School To University, Noor Abdulkader Mamich

Theses

Post-secondary transition is a significant phase in the life of high school students with special needs. Special education teachers play a crucial role in supporting students in this process. This study aims at exploring the perspectives of special education teachers on transitioning high school students with special needs into university. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four special education teachers in Al Ain city in the United Arab Emirates. The teachers were asked questions on four themes: their skills on postsecondary transition, their post-secondary transition planning, the barriers they face during post-secondary transition, and finally the facilitation of smooth post-secondary transition …

Unveiling The Origins Of Source Code Through Authorship Attribution: A Comparative Study Of Ai And Human Coding Patterns, Shamma Humaid Alalawi

Theses

In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques have been used for source code authorship attribution, which is the process of identifying the original author of a given piece of code. With the advancement of AI technologies like ChatGPT, which can generate code, there is a need to accurately identify whether a piece of code is written by a human or generated by a machine. This is crucial for intellectual property protection, cybersecurity, and software forensics. The main objective of this thesis is to review existing research on source code authorship attribution and conduct several experiments to determine the best AI …