Digital Commons Network^™

Horror: Where Are We? Where Do We Go?, Branden Boehnke

Theses

This project will investigate the current production standards, inspiration and evolution of the genre of horror in media. The final deliverable is a 30 minute documentary covering the genre as a whole across different forms of media. The documentary also includes interviews of respected figures within the genre from different aspects of media such as film, video games, viral social media posts and online databases.

A New Method For Cluster Life Cycle Stage Identification: Mapping The Evolution Of The Biomedical Competitiveness Cluster Of Wallonia., Conor Michael Harte

Theses

National governments and policy makers alike need data and expertise as they seek to develop accurate and relevant cluster policies and initiatives. It is argued that clusters also have life cycles similar to the way industries, products, and technologies have a life cycle, including a variety of stages (Ingstrup and Damgaard, 2013; Jia et al., 2015; Fornahl and Hassink, 2017; Ferrari et al., 2020). This research addresses three objectives: 1. Analyse the longitudinal development of a cluster to record, measure and analyse its evolution over a three-year period; 2. Create a new methodology to support cluster life cycle stage identification; …

Miniaturized Iii-V/ Si Hybrid Laser With An Integrated Modulator, Praveen Kumar Singaravelu

Theses

Light interaction with microscopic and nanoscopic structures enable manipulation of its characteristics which can be used to detect objects in 3D sensing, propel satellites to space using photonic propulsion and transmit data through optical communication. For optical communication, the basic components are lasers, modulators and photodetectors. The development of CMOS microfabrication foundries helps to manufacture silicon-based photonic devices with high yield that is directly co-integrated with electronics in a single chip. However, the lack of emission of photons efficiently in silicon propelled the necessity of hybrid photonic devices that inherits the combined advantage of different materials i.e. functionality and volume. …

Development Of Phage Therapy Strategies Against Gram-Positive Bacterial Pathogens, Sara Arroyo Moreno

Theses

Bacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics has become an urgent healthcare issue worldwide. In this light, a renewed interest has emerged for therapy with bacteriophages (phages), which are viruses that can specifically infect bacteria. These viruses encode different proteins that degrade specific bonds within the bacterial cell wall, both to inject their genomic material into the bacterial cells and to release the viral progeny: virion-associated hydrolases and endolysins, respectively. Elimination of Gram-positive pathogens with recombinant versions of phage enzymes represents a promising alternative to classical antibiotics. In this thesis, different phage therapy strategies involving either whole phages or the use of …

Advancing Industrial Participation In Demand Response Within National Electricity Grids Through Systematic Asset Selection, Risk Assessment And Modelling Approaches, Alexander Brem

Theses

Increasing the flexible capacity on national electricity grids will be key to maintain reliable control as the levels of renewables continue to increase annually. The industrial sector has been identified as being capable of contributing and potentially offering flexible capacities, following appropriate investigation. The aim of this thesis is to develop the knowledge, advance the engagement and encourage additional participation in national demand response programmes from the industrial sector to provide this flexibility. The potential within this sector, facilitated by the smart grid and demand response concepts is outlined, specifically detailing their benefits, driving factors and potential barriers as part …

Radiometric Effects Of Centimeter Scale Roughness Of Bare Soils, Dylan J. Shiltz

Theses

The roughness of a bare soil surface has important implications in both the reflective and microwave domains of remote sensing. In a natural environment, roughness is present at a wide range of length scales, from the roughness of individual particles to meter or kilometer scale geological features. This thesis will focus on centimeter scale roughness,i.e. surface features whose length scale is much greater than individual soil particles, but which are still small enough that they are unresolved in remote sensing applications. Wind driven and hydrologically driven features, such as the ripples found on a beach or on the surfaces of …

Understanding The Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear And Explosive (Cbrne) Defense Policy Making Process Through Historical And Current Event Analysis, Michaela Christine Mesiti

Theses

Understanding Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) defense policies is critical in promoting safety to civilian and military personnel in the United States and globally. This thesis first examines a few of the most significant CBRNE policies in history, their place in the world today, and how their creation has impacted society. Utilizing two canonical policy making models– the “linear model” and the “policy stream model”– a range of case studies are analyzed to examine how decision-making behind CBRNE policy compares with other comparable policy domains, particularly non-CBRNE biotechnology innovation. The likelihood of proactivity and the potential influence of …

Skills Gap In The Information Technology Sector In Kosovo, Erze Ahmeti

Theses

The main focus of this research project is to identify the extent to which companies in the IT sector in Kosovo are being affected by the skill gaps and the ways through which they are trying to bridge these skill gaps. While the IT industry in Kosovo shows great growth potential, the skill gap appears to be a prevailing problem that hinders this sector’s development. The study analyzes the implications of the skill gap for the growth of private companies and the sector in general; as well as the ways used by the sector to narrow the skill gap. To …

The Performance Of Biomimicry Architecture In Sustainable Design For A Mixed-Use Workplace In Shanghai (Sustainable Design), Weihong Liu

Theses

Abstract Sustainable architecture design is becoming more and more popular all over the world, especially in China. Active sustainable strategies play an important role in sustainable architecture design such as solar panels, wind turbines, and roof gardens. However, this Thesis will find some new passive ways to improve the sustainability of buildings by proving bionic technology. The thesis seeks to integrate living organisms into buildings to improve the sustainability of buildings and generate sustainable resources. This main focus is biomimetics. The technology used in the design of architecture sustainability. Bionics or biomimicry refers to artificial processes or systems that mimic …

Implications Of Unregistered Employment In Kosovo’S Pension System, Drin Cela

Theses

Governments give substantial importance towards retirement. Pension spending accounts for one of the largest spending items of public expenditure. The importance of pensions is going to increase in the future, as demographic trends reflect the greying of the population, in which a decreasing number of working people will need to support an increasing amount of retired people. At the same time, informal employment is a pressing economic issue as is apparent when comparing its size to the general economy. Kosovo is a country that faces both problems, ageing and high informal employment. This study explores the relationship between these two …

The Application Of International Standards In Kosovo: Challenges And Opportunities For Export Promotion, Rita Thaci

Theses

The core aim of this study is to identify and analyze the extent to which international standards are applied in Kosovo, the challenges firms in Kosovo face with regards to the application of international standards, and the opportunities and benefits that the application of international standards brings to firms and the economy of Kosovo, with a special consideration to exports. The analysis uses primary and secondary data. Secondary data were attained through the literature review and the Kosovo Exporters Directory available in KIESA’s website, whereas primary data were attained through semi-structured interviews with representatives of exporting firms operating in Kosovo. …

Back And Shoulder Exoskeletons For Occupational Use: A Review, Erkan Ozan

Theses

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for a large portion of all work-related injuries according to OSHA. Back and shoulder-related disorders make the most of work-related MSDs according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Exoskeletons emerged in recent years with the potential to reduce the risks of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. Their use in occupational settings is increasing, and exoskeleton designs are rapidly evolving. This paper reviewed recent scientific articles (2015 and after) that evaluated back and shoulder-support passive industrial exoskeletons. The findings of these articles are summarized and analyzed to assess the benefits of passive upper-body exoskeletons by …

Efficient And Scalable Triangle Centrality Algorithms In The Arkouda Framework, Joseph Thomas Patchett

Theses

Graph data structures provide a unique challenge for both analysis and algorithm development. These data structures are irregular in that memory accesses are not known a priori and accesses to these structures tend to lack locality.

Despite these challenges, graph data structures are a natural way to represent relationships between entities and to exhibit unique features about these relationships. The network created from these relationships can create unique local structures that can describe the behavior between members of these structures. Graphs can be analyzed in a number of different ways including at a high level in community detection and at …

Biophilic Architecture Used To Improve Patient Outcomes And Recovery In Behavioral Health Centers, Heidy M. Valdez

Theses

Humans naturally seek adventure and the outdoors. Currently, US institutions that care for people with chronic illnesses, severe injuries, and mental health conditions often exist in neutral spaces with little to no natural elements. Because this does not promote patient happiness, patient recovery time tends to be longer. These institutions are usually not pleasant for patients or their relatives and are seen as negative spaces by the public, which should not be the case. Typical design elements include windows with thick daylight-blocking mullions to ensure no patient tries to hurt themselves, small and dark rooms, white walls, and no private …

Exploring The Efficacy Of Kinetic Facades In A Northern Climate [Rochester, Ny], George Ray-Offor

Theses

The quality of a building is greatly influenced by the design of its facades. Essentially, it serves as a barrier between an interior area and the outside environment. This implies that the façade serves as a conduit for communication between the activities going] on within and outside the building. Façade design has an impact on the appearance of a structure, and consequently on the perception of its users. The adoption of Kinetic façades may dramatically reduce energy consumption in buildings, which accounts for around one-third of total energy consumption worldwide. This thesis will investigate a computational technique to improve building …

Constraints On Compact Binary Formation And Effective Gravitational Wave Likelihood Approximation, Vera Del Favero

Theses

Since the initial discovery of gravitational-waves from merging black holes, the LIGO Scientific Collaboration together with Virgo and KAGRA have published 90 gravitational-wave observations of compact binary mergers in the Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog papers. One of the quintessential questions of this decade in gravitational-wave astronomy is the characterization and impact of the population of observed gravitational-wave signals from merging black holes and neutron stars. Now, there is greater incentive than ever to study the formation channels for these compact binary mergers. In this work, we carry out an investigation of isolated binary evolution formation channel, comparing predictions of the gravitational-wave …

Integrated Framework For Analyzing Clean Energy Technology Subsidies, Tiruwork Berhanu Tibebu

Theses

Renewable energy technologies can significantly reduce fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the energy sector. In US, both federal and state governments have implemented numerous policies and programs to support these technologies. But these policies require a substantial amount of public spending. In this study, an integrated model to identify optimal subsidy schedules for clean energy technologies that maximize social benefits less subsidy costs is developed. The national flexible optimal subsidy schedule for residential solar PV begins at $585/kW and declines to zero in 14 years. An alternative analytical model is also presented to analyze technological features …

Impacts Of Drugs On Neurotransmission, Wenrong He

Theses

The most sophisticated and mysterious human organ is the brain. The human brain is made up of billions of neurons, which are working nonstop to send and receive messages to regulate the body’s basic functions. Neurons communicate by releasing neurotransmitters from a sending neuron into the synapse, then a receiving neuron picks up the signals on its receptors from neurotransmitters. Drugs can interfere with the communication between neurons in the brain. They can affect the way people feel, react or behave. Drug use impacts the brain’s neuronal circuits which may lead to inflexible behaviors, lack of self-control, and compulsive drug …

Framing Trust In Artificial Intelligence (Ai) Ethics Communication: Analysis Of Ai Ethics Guiding Principles Through The Lens Of Framing Theory, Namrata Nagar

Theses

With the fast proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in our society, several corporations, governments, research institutions, and NGOs have produced and published AI ethics guiding documents. These include principles, guidelines, frameworks, assessment lists, training modules, blogs, and principle-to-practice strategies. The priorities, focus, and articulation of these innumerable documents vary to different extents. Though they all aim and claim to ensure AI usage for the common good, the actual AI system outcomes in various social applications have invigorated ethical dilemmas and scholarly debates. This study presents the analysis of AI ethics principles and guidelines text published by three pioneers from …

Architecture Of Video Games: Potential Reference, Wael Mkaouar

Theses

The Architecture perspective / scale in video games has evolved throughout time to an extent that it is no longer a mere spatial visualization to host the game, but it has become an interaction medium between the player and the game. Architecture in recent video games played a fundamental role in bridging the gap between the real and the digital world. The analogy between these two is increasingly established through the representational immersion and the participation of the player in a highly realistic environment transforming the gaming experience into an entertaining and educational journey. The aim of this thesis is …

Microengineering Aligned Collagen Substrates In Microfluidic Systems, Adeel Ahmed

Theses

Cells in vivo are surrounded by a fibrous matrix of proteins and macromolecules called the extracellular matrix (ECM), of which type I collagen is the major constituent. During tissue development or cell-matrix interactions, collagen fibers organize into aligned domains with defined degrees of alignment and directionality. Aligned fibers guide stem cell differentiation and influence cell-cell communication and cell motility. In the tumor microenvironment, aligned fibers guide tumor cell invasion and have been linked to poor patient outcomes. Since fiber alignment instructs cell behavior in vivo, there is a need for in vitro models to replicate fiber alignment and thus provide …

Acquisition Strategies For Gravitational Wave Surrogate Modeling, Karl Daningburg

Theses

Gravitational wave science is dependent upon expensive numerical simulations, which provide the foundational understanding of binary merger radiation needed to interpret observations of massive binary black holes. The high cost of these simulations limits large-scale campaigns to explore the binary black hole parameter space. Surrogate models have been developed to efficiently interpolate between simulation results, but these models require a sufficiently comprehensive sample to train on. Acquisition functions can be used to identify points in the domain for simulation. We develop a new acquisition function which accounts for the cost of simulating new points. We show that when applied to …

Deep Learning For Medical Imaging In A Biased Environment, Usman Mahmood

Theses

Deep learning (DL) based applications have successfully solved numerous problems in machine perception. In radiology, DL-based image analysis systems are rapidly evolving and show progress in guiding treatment decisions, diagnosing, localizing disease on medical images, and improving radiologists' workflow. However, many DL-based radiological systems fail to generalize when deployed in new hospital settings, and the causes of these failures are not always clear. Although significant effort continues to be invested in applying DL algorithms to radiological data, many open questions and issues that arise from incomplete datasets remain. To bridge the gap, we first review the current state of artificial …

Additive Manufacturing Of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Lattice Structures, Pritam Poddar

Theses

This dissertation presents four unique contributions to additive manufacturing of carbon fiber composite lattice structures. The lattice structures discussed here cannot be produced using any traditional manufacturing process. Additive manufacturing is the only viable option, and the research in this field is sparse. We fill a gap in additive manufacturing and analysis of composite lattice structures. It adds to the existing knowledge that will prove valuable with carbon composite lattice structures increasingly used in real-world applications. We analyzed specimens using compression testing, impact loading, numerical simulations, microscopic imaging, and CT scans. We studied two different lattice topologies; open and closed …

Bioinformatics Analyses Of New Genes Of Focus In The Research Of Autism With Dogs, Rats, And A Variety Of Other Model Organisms, Aaron Pennington

Theses

Autism is a mental disorder in which multiple genes are involved in the development of its various symptoms. However, as a result of the challenges inherent to identifying the responsible genes, many studies are ongoing and inconclusive. 1 To date, studies have shown that two genes, BAG3 and PALLD, were upregulated in autistic individuals. 2–6 BAG3 encodes BAG cochaperone 3 32; while PALLD encodes Palladin, Cytoskeletal Associated Protein 33. This project analyzed the similarities and differences between the human BAG3 and PALLD genes and those in various model organisms. While it is likely that epigenetic modifications affect the expression and …

Open Museum：Make Art Accessible, Make Appreciators Becoming Creators, Collectors And Promoters, Zhenhua Yu

Theses

As a human activity that expresses emotional power, beauty, technical ability, or conceptual ideas, art has a long history and a large fan base. However, while people's interest in art has never waned, it has rarely increased. The lack of interactivity of art in comparison to other information on the Internet is a significant disadvantage, and the recent reduction in museum visitors due to COVID-19 has also hampered the growth of the art industry. My thesis addresses these issues and attempts to create new opportunities for the growth of the art world by combining art appreciation, art collecting, and art …

Infomixup : An Intuitive And Information-Driven Approach To Robust Generalization, Andrew H. Meyer

Theses

The discovery of Adversarial Examples — data points which are easily recognized by humans, but which fool artificial classifiers with ease, is relatively new in the world of machine learning. Corruptions imperceptible to the human eye are often sufficient to fool state of the art classifiers. The resolution of this problem has been the subject of a great deal of research in recent years as the prevalence of Deep Neural Networks grows in everyday systems. To this end, we propose InfoMixup , a novel method to improve the robustness of Deep Neural Networks without significantly affecting performance on clean samples. …

Coffit: An Interaction Design Project For Remote Employees To Enjoy Casual Talks And Interact With Each Other In A Virtual Environment, Yifei (Effie) Wang

Theses

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed a portion of people’s way of living and forced a radical shift in working habits. Due to restrictions of non-essential travel and the need for social distancing, many companies have adopted a work-from-home policy for their employees; with some even allowing it to be a permanent move. The policy creates a number of benefits such as increased productivity, reduced commuting time costs, attracting the best talent from any location, and more. And yet challenges have appeared. Long-term remote workers frequently experience feelings of loneliness and isolation, as well as a decline in …

The Earth Disk Model: Analysis And Integration Of Protoplanetary Disk Mineralogy And Structure, William Allen Richard Grimble

Theses

Our understanding of how exoplanets form and evolve relies on analyses of both the mineralogy of protoplanetary disks and their detailed structures; however, these key complementary aspects of disks are usually studied separately. We present initial results from a hybrid model that combines the empirical characterization of the mineralogy of a disk, as determined from its mid-infrared spectral features, with the well-tested MCFOST radiative transfer disk model that takes into account realistic disk density and temperature structures, a combination we call the EaRTH Disk Model. With the results of the mineralogy detection serving as input to the radiative transfer model, …

Revisiting Ad-Hoc Polymorphism, Apurav Khare

Theses

Ad-hoc polymorphism is a type of polymorphism where different function definitions can be given the same name. Programming languages utilize constructs like Type classes and Object classes to provide a mechanism for implementing ad-hoc polymorphism. System O, by Odersky, Wadler, and Wehr is a language which defines a dynamic semantics that supports ad-hoc polymorphism. It also describes static type checking for its programs and a transformation to the Hindley/Milner system. In this study, we present extensions to System O by defining constructs that make the language more practical to use. We utilize the dynamic semantics to define the ability to …