Digital Commons Network^™

The Light Of Hope: Representations Of Salvation In The Great North Window Of St Mary’S Cathedral, Sydney, Carolyn Amy Lewis Flynn

Theses

St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney is considered to be the Mother Church of Australia. Yet, the rich architectural and artistic heritage contained therein has been little studied. This is an interdisciplinary study of John Hardman Powell’s Great North Window in that cathedral. It draws on theological and art historical research methods to interrogate the window’s underlying meanings, and the aims of its patrons. An examination of the doctrinal, devotional, and theological writings of the nineteenth century shows that this stained-glass window reflects the period’s understanding of salvation history. The window, firstly, tells the story of salvation through the stories about …

Deterring The Digital Dragon, Bryn Lacey

Theses

Australia’s 21st century has been heavily influenced by a growing number of cyber incidents ranging from individuals causing extraordinary damage to state-based attacks from adversary states such as China. Focusing on state actors in the cyber domain, this thesis investigates Martin Libicki’s cyber-deterrence framework, with a specific emphasis on the employment of deterrence by punishment, and applies this concept to the case study of the relationship between Australia and China.

In recent years, Australia has been consistently targeted by sophisticated state-based cyber actors and the Australian Government has appeared increasingly prepared to publicly criticise Beijing as a key security challenge. …

Design-Build Discussions: Coordination Practices In Design-Build Education Projects, Michael James Phillips

Theses

Design-build projects involve guiding a group of participants through the collaborative process of designing and constructing an architectural outcome while offering relevant learning opportunities. Guidance is often delivered intuitively through discussions between coordinators and participants, which integrate learning opportunities with activities that advance the development of the outcome. This study explores the discussion-based guidance practices of experienced coordinators, to address a gap in the literature on coordination practices.

As a step towards providing a more diverse range and detailed accounts of designbuild coordination practices, this study examines how experienced coordinators make sense of the design-build process and share their understanding …

First Nations Children: Investigating Elements For A Successful Education Model, Frances Mccarthy

Theses

This study was undertaken at the request of and in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, community members and families, and educators. These First Nations participants allowed the study to explore what might contribute to the creation of a successful model of education for First Nations children to lead them to be successful contributing members of the community.

The cultural interface theory is the theoretical framework used in the design of this research project. Through the implementation of the phenomenographic methodology, knowledge was gathered through semi-structured interviews with participants. By listening and questioning, a picture of the educational …

Uncovering The Link Between Diabetes And Pulmonary Hypertension, Nishant Nundlall

Theses

Background

Diabetes is a common disorder in the general population with most studies focusing on its role on the left ventricle and coronary artery disease, however it effects on pulmonary hypertension (PH) have not been fully studied. There is a pressing need to more completely explore the cardiovascular impacts of diabetes. The impact of diabetes might vary according to the various forms of PH, their predominant contribution is likely to be in PH due to left heart disease (group II, the most common form of PH).

Thus far, most studies have offered a focussed perspective with data from specialised referral …

"Where You Do Not Wish To Go": Petrine Ministry Between Charism And Institution, In The Thought Of Erich Przywara And Hans Urs Von Balthasar, Daniel Uremovic

Theses

Since the First Vatican Council’s solemn definition of papal primacy and infallibility, the Catholic ecclesial consciousness has been shaped by a unique form of devotion to the office of the Supreme Pontiff. While the scope of these charisms had been clearly defined and delimited, a sentiment described as “creeping infallibility” has nevertheless complicated the proper understanding of the Petrine office and its demands on the faithful. Before the episcopal college, local church communities, the laity at large, and the individual churchman, this office has been regularly viewed in tensions that feel the prerogatives either of institution or charism threated. Even …

Access, Security, And Trust: Balancing Agencies' Need-To-Access Encrypted Data With Digital Security And Public Trust In Australian Government's Policy Approaches To Law Enforcement And National Security, Stephen Anthony Haydon

Theses

In the 21st Century, governments around the world are confronted by the challenges of policing against serious crime, terrorism, and other malicious-actor threats in an increasingly complex and convoluted digital landscape. Accelerating social changes and advances in secure and anonymising technologies (including end-to-end encryption) are providing regular frustrations to law enforcement and intelligence organisations. These agencies must detect, deter, and disrupt the threats to lives, public safety, and national security posed by malicious foreign and domestic actors who are utilising such technologies to communicate securely and ‘go dark’ online. Accessing encrypted data to identify and investigate these threats frequently requires …

The Effect Of Emotional Demeanor Of Adult Sexual Assault Victim Testimonies On Mock Jurors' Verdicts, Callie Ahearn

Theses

Experiencing a sexual assault and testifying in trial are both highly emotional events that can influence a witness to display strong negative emotions. The display of emotion is referred to as the emotional demeanor and the present study examined the impact of a victim’s emotional demeanor on jury decision-making. Results revealed a main effect of crying during the direct examination with more guilty verdicts and higher pro-victim ratings (believability, credibility, and trustworthiness). Female participants provided higher pro-victim judgments on believability than male participants. Verdict reasoning demonstrated that participants had an idea of what they expected a rape victim to look …

Analyzing Qualitative Data Collection Methods In Systems Engineering, Rosemary Cortelli

Theses

The goal of this thesis is to expand the research on human decision-making in engineering systems by exploring qualitative data collection methods utilized in systems engineering. Analyses are performed to identify differences in qualitative data collection method use across the life cycle and throughout technical processes. 495 sources were evaluated for qualitative data collection method use identified from systems engineering literature and analyzed using statistical analyses. Of these, 93 sources utilized data collection methods of documentary analysis, narratives, focus groups, observations, and interviews which traced across every life cycle phase and most technical processes. The findings show there are significant …

Spectropolarimetric Properties Of Vortex Retarders, Ella Elizabeth James

Theses

Vortex retarders are unique optical elements that create a uniform electric field phase retardance, but the traditional fast axis varies azimuthally over the area of the optic. This affects the radial and azimuthal polarization components of the incoming beam. The vortex retarders discussed here generate TEM10 and TEM20 Laguerre-Gaussian beams. While several varieties of these TEM10 and TEM20 vortex retarders exist, designed to function at specific wavelengths–and a few studies have reported their use at those wavelengths–almost no data exists detailing their polarimetric properties outside those wavelengths. Using a Mueller matrix spectropolarimeter with dual-rotating retarders, the polarization properties of four …

Enhancing Accessibility : A Pilot Study For Context-Aware Image-Caption To American Sign Language (Asl) Translation, Oluwafolahanmi Adedamola Aluko

Theses

Since the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the explosion of Generative AI, much work has been done around image captioning, providing wildly accurate captions from still images, and more recently videos [3]. Alt-Text has improved dramatically with efforts to enhance context and sentiment captured during automated captioning. This thesis attempts to expand on a section on Natural Language Processing (NLP) and its relevance to promoting accessibility and context-awareness in the premise of the American Sign Language (ASL) application. This thesis explores what it means to give full context about a caption or image to the end user, including sentiments, …

Assessing Learning Outcomes In Electrical Engineering Using Natural Language Processing: A Comparative Analysis Of Student And Employer Evaluations, Toka Khalil

Theses

The Co-op program is a graduation requirement for all majors in RIT Dubai. Just like any course, Co-op has also learning programs that is different from one major to another. The academic departments ensure that those learning programs are being achieved throughout the co-op duration that the student goes for to complete the requirement. By end of each co-op duration, the student completes a student evaluation form which consists of questions that are supposedly related to the learning outcomes of the academic program. At the same time, also the employer evaluation which needs to be filled by the employer, includes …

The Effectiveness Of Online Video-Based Training Methods, Chloe L. Wood

Theses

Employee training is considered critical for organization success legitimacy. The present study investigated the effects of four different online training methods on post- test recall. Student participants from UAH viewed one of four types of videos covering diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts--generative scenarios in which participants generated a label for what the scenarios covered, descriptive scenarios that included a label, a control with scenarios, and a control with no scenarios. Scenarios involved school-based and work-based examples to assess how the relevance of context for student non-workers versus student-workers impacted recall. A repeated measures ANOVA revealed that across all four conditions …

Reduction Of Cognitive Load In Immersive Virtual Reality With Multisensory Cues, Daniel Wilson

Theses

This study investigated the effects of multimodal interfaces and immersive virtual environments on cognitive load. Participants played a first-person target shooting game with either a virtual reality headset or on a monitor, using visual, auditory-visual, and a haptic-visual interfaces. Performance and self-reported data about cognitive load and spatial presence were collected for each interface. The study found that both immersive environments and multimodal interfaces reduced cognitive load. Additionally, an interaction was seen such that multimodal interfaces were more effective at reducing cognitive load in immersive environments. These findings indicate that the addition of more modalities into interfaces, especially in highly …

Data Remanence Vulnerabilities In Embedded Sram At Low Temperature, Farzana Hoque

Theses

Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) memory is prevalent as cache memory in computing platforms and embedded systems. SRAM frequently stores essential information such as cryptographic keys, passwords, and other confidential data. Consequently, a data remanence-based attack on SRAM can result in significant damage. When power is removed, SRAM gradually loses data rather than immediately, especially at lower temperatures. This phenomenon, known as data remanence, poses a significant security risk, as it can be exploited through cold boot attacks targeting encryption keys and other sensitive data. Understanding temperature-induced vulnerabilities in embedded SRAM is crucial for enhancing the security and reliability of …

The Effects Of Reducing Carbon Content In The Processing Of Superalloy Inconel 718, Glenn "Joey" Scott

Theses

The properties of Inconel 718 (IN718) are dependent on the elemental composition and microstructure. Applications using IN718 include rocket and jet engine parts. These parts are often complex and difficult to machine, making IN718 ideal for additive manufacturing processes such as laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF). The various phases that form in IN718 rely on the niobium (Nb) content including the carbides. The precipitates also include Nb in the strengthening phases of gamma prime and gamma double prime. Overaging of gamma double prime transforms the metastable phase into the stable delta phase, which also controls grain size. This study evaluates the …

Constructing Other Worlds: An Intertextual Analysis Of Cow Eye Press, Adrian Jones Pearson And The Works Of A.J. Perry, James A. Galliher

Theses

Cow Eye Press, A.J. Perry, and the pseudonymous Adrian Jones Pearson have largely been ignored by academics. Between 2001 and 2021, Perry composed a collection of texts which this study calls the Cow Eye Project. The project received brief attention when critics and journalists began comparing Pearson to Thomas Pynchon. However, the online spectacle overshadowed engagement with the texts themselves. This thesis exists to document the project and foreground Perry’s works on their own merits to examine their value and position within contemporary American literature. Previous scholars have treated the texts individually. This thesis argues that the central texts of …

Characterization Of Thin-Walled W-24re Structures Fabricated Using Laser-Powder Bed Fusion, Madelyne Rushing

Theses

W-24Re is a refractory alloy used in high temperature applications due to its high melting point, recrystallization temperature, and tensile strength. Due to the high melting point, fabrication is more commonly achieved through powder metallurgy processing, which relies on diffusion. As the material is available as a powder, it is a good candidate for laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF) processing. This study focuses on characterization of L-PBF of W-24Re thin-walled structures to determine the feasibility and primary failure mechanisms under tension compared to that of bulk W-24Re. A laser parameter set was developed, and samples were provided by Quadrus Corporation for …

The Potential Effects Of Abiotic Stresses On Ziziphus And Acacia Species Grown Under Uae Climate Condition, Almaha Abdulla Alneyadi

Theses

This comprehensive thesis delves into a comparative analysis of two prominent desert plant species, namely Acacia and Ziziphus, shedding light on their distinct adaptive features in response to challenging environmental conditions. The exploration spans various facets, including the germination process, tap root development, and their reactions to water stress, ultimately revealing the superior hardiness and adaptability of Acacia over Ziziphus. In the realm of germination, Acacia stands out with its swift and efficient initiation, indicating a robust mechanism for establishing its presence in arid landscapes. The examination of tap root development further underscores the resilience of Acacia, as it demonstrates …

Machine Learning, Fuzzy Logic And Zero Trust-Based Quishing Prevention Solution For Android Smartphones, Felix William

Theses

QR code phishing, or "quishing," exploits the widespread adoption of QR codes to embed malicious URLs that lead users to phishing sites or initiate malware downloads. Unlike traditional phishing methods, QR phishing is uniquely deceptive, leveraging the inherent trust and convenience associated with QR codes while bypassing standard detection mechanisms. This thesis presents the SEQR scanner, a novel solution tailored to detect and prevent QR phishing attacks, specifically focusing on Android platforms. By integrating multiple detection mechanisms—machine learning prediction, fuzzy logic algorithm, and third-party blacklisting APIs—the solution effectively identifies malicious QR codes with precision. A zero-trust-based mechanism is implemented alongside …

Florescence, Evan D. Jaccodine

Theses

Florescence is a photographic project that provokes conversation between mediums, methods, and attitudes in art and design. Starting as grainy, screened Risograph prints mounted into custom wood frames, the uniformity of mechanical reproduction is distorted by handmade craft elements. The images examine the materiality of making as part of the message they produce; they are both eclectic handmade objects and mass-produced products. These pictures intend to communicate an idea like an advertisement, except the message, meaning, or intention isn’t clear. I am interested in the moment when the viewer comes close enough to the image to see the prints' poor …

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 …

Reconstruct, Jenna Deal

Theses

This thesis explores how construction materials can be used in sculpture, pushing artistic boundaries and challenging traditional perceptions. It examines the potential of materials like mortar, PVC, HVAC duct, carpet, and asphalt roofing, aiming to redefine the relationship between labor, materials, and artistic expression. By breaking free from construction norms and engaging with materials in unexpected ways, the study aims to foster a deeper understanding of the value and creative possibilities inherent in the materials of our built environment.

Review Of Literature On Efficacy And Safety Of Birthing Positions With Emphasis On International Cultural Influences On Obstetric Care, Ava E. Retsch

Theses

• Background: When examining most non-Westernized societies, parturients hold all the power in the birthing space with traditional birth attendants and medical staff serving as guiding forces and protectors, not directors of the process. Social media in Western countries is filled with stories from birthing people who felt unsupported, ignored, or discriminated against by their healthcare providers; this is particularly prevalent in parturients who express a preference for non-supine birthing positions. Methods: This work is a review of the existing body of literature on quantitative and qualitative outcome measures of alternative birthing positions. In total, 44 articles were analyzed …

Optimizing Neural Networks For Iiot Attack Detection, Hamad Alblooshi

Theses

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) stands as a revolutionary force, intertwining physical devices, sensors, and industrial systems to usher in advanced automation and data-driven decision-making across various sectors. However, this increased connectivity has exposed these systems to a growing array of cyber threats. Safeguarding IIoT environments becomes crucial to maintain the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of critical industrial processes. In response, this research explores the optimization of neural network parameters using Genetic Algorithms (GA). The application of GA has led to achieve a remarkable accuracy of 95% across various attack types. The results demonstrate a high performance in identifying …

Machine Learning Based Solutions For Detecting Social Media Spam And Phishing Incidents, Ahmed Al Shehhi

Theses

The growing digital interactions across various social media platforms increases the risks of phishing schemes and spam messages that compromise personal and organisational security. This thesis tackles such threats with the aid of machine learning and natural processing techniques that are utilized for detecting malicious communications with high accuracy. A total of three datasets were used in this study, two for phishing and one for spam. The research aims to explore the performance of classification models, including Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine, Naïve Bayes, and Linear Discriminant Analysis, as well as a hybrid model combining Logistic Regression and Naïve Bayes. …

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 …

Study On The Chemical Composition And Antioxidant Activities Of Essential Oil Extracted From Horwoodia Dicksoniae Growing In The Uae, Salama Sari Al Mansoori

Theses

Plant-derived substances including essential oils, secondary metabolites and other chemical substances are gaining attention due to their broad spectrum use in different fields. Native medicinal plants can play a key role in the healthcare field in any country. Horwoodia dicksoniae is a native endangered plant in UAE. The current study is about the chemical composition and antioxidant properties of H. dicksoniae’s essential oil as well as the evaluation of growth of this native endangered plant under different environmental conditions. For this purpose, the first step included confirmation of the viability of seeds obtained from a seed bank following the …

Development Of Tio2/Nh2-Mil-125 Nanocomposite For The Removal Of Ciprofloxacin Under Induced Solar Irradiation, Bilkis Mojisola Ajiwokewu

Theses

This research focuses on the development and application of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)-based nanocomposites for the photocatalytic removal of pharmaceutical contaminants, with a specific emphasis on ciprofloxacin (CIP). The photocatalytic degradation of CIP was investigated using as-synthesized photocatalysts of TiO₂ nanowires (TiO₂NWs), bare MOF of NH₂-MIL-125, TiO₂NW/NH₂-MIL-125 composite, and Lanthanum (La)-doped composite. Intriguingly, the TiO₂NW/NH₂-MIL-125 composite exhibited the highest efficiency, achieving a photodegradation rate of 0.0111 min-1, surpassing the independent performances of bare MOF of NH₂-MIL-125 and TiO₂NW. The observed efficiency was attributed to …

Characterization Of 3d Printed Lattice Structures Used In The Design Of Modified Compression Release Stabilized Transhumeral Prosthetic Sockets, Jade Myers

Theses

Abstract A prosthetic socket is the critical interface between a person and their prosthetic device. Pressure, shear, and friction experienced by the residual limb from wearing a socket can damage soft tissue. While Compression Release Stabilized (CRS) style sockets are beneficial for enhancing prosthesis stability, range of motion, and control, the abrupt differences in compression throughout the socket present risks for tissue damage to the residual limb. A socket design that enables clinicians to control a progressive decrease in firmness in the transition areas between compression and release could mitigate such undesirable effects. Density-graded lattice structures designed and produced with …