Digital Commons Network^™

Toys Are For Adults, John Wippler

Theses

This paper explores the concept of toys, what they are and for whom they are made. The paper also provides a brief history of designer toys and pop culture, and how pop culture helped fuel the designer toy industry. The psychology of collecting is also referenced, and a direct correlation is made between the act of collecting toys and toy popularity.

The book I wrote is also mentioned and is a vital part of the purpose for the thesis. The book is an introductory guide to resin toymaking and is integral to the expansion of the designer toy community.

Disaster Site Structure Analysis: Examining Effective Remote Sensing Techniques In Blue Tarpaulin Inspection, Madeline G. Miles

Theses

This thesis aimed to evaluate three methods of analyzing blue roofing tarpaulin (tarp) placed on homes in post natural disaster zones with remote sensing techniques by assessing the different methods- image segmentation, machine learning (ML), and supervised classification. One can determine which is the most efficient and accurate way of detecting blue tarps. The concept here was that using the most efficient and accurate way to locate blue tarps can aid federal, state, and local emergency management (EM) operations and homeowners. In the wake of a natural disaster such as a tornado, hurricane, thunderstorm, or similar weather events, roofs are …

Deep Feature Learning And Adaptation For Computer Vision, Abu Md Niamul Taufique

Theses

We are living in times when a revolution of deep learning is taking place. In general, deep learning models have a backbone that extracts features from the input data followed by task-specific layers, e.g. for classification. This dissertation proposes various deep feature extraction and adaptation methods to improve task-specific learning, such as visual re-identification, tracking, and domain adaptation. The vehicle re-identification (VRID) task requires identifying a given vehicle among a set of vehicles under variations in viewpoint, illumination, partial occlusion, and background clutter. We propose a novel local graph aggregation module for feature extraction to improve VRID performance. We also …

Learning Multi-Step Robotic Manipulation Tasks Through Visual Planning, Sulabh Kumra

Theses

Multi-step manipulation tasks in unstructured environments are extremely challenging for a robot to learn. Such tasks interlace high-level reasoning that consists of the expected states that can be attained to achieve an overall task and low-level reasoning that decides what actions will yield these states. A model-free deep reinforcement learning method is proposed to learn multi-step manipulation tasks. This work introduces a novel Generative Residual Convolutional Neural Network (GR-ConvNet) model that can generate robust antipodal grasps from n-channel image input at real-time speeds (20ms). The proposed model architecture achieved a state-of-the-art accuracy on three standard grasping datasets. The adaptability of …

Numerical And Experimental Investigation Of Aerosol Jet Printing, Srikanthan Ramesh

Theses

Bacterial contamination of medical devices remains a threat to the success of many medical interventions. Oral administration of antibiotics is a convenient, non-invasive way to treat infections. Most orally administered drugs, however, encounter biochemical and biological barriers that reduce their bioavailability at the target site. Therefore, prophylactic physico- chemical changes of biomaterial surfaces are considered alternatives to inhibit bacterial aggregation and subsequent biofilm formation. Millions of years of evolution have enabled nature to develop micro-topographical surface features specifically designed to avoid bacterial attachment and colonization. Examples of such topographies can be seen on insect cuticles, plant leaves, and the feet …

Text Analysis Of Airline Tweets, Essa Altamimi

Theses

By acting as a succinct summary, keywords and key phrases can be a useful tool for swiftly assessing enormous amounts of textual material. A "keyword" is defined as a "word that briefly and accurately characterises the subject, or an aspect of the subject, presented in a text," according to the International Encyclopaedia of Information and Library Science (Bolger et al., 1989) (Feather et al., 1996). People are more likely to complain when they are anxious, according to research (Bolger et al., 1989)(Meier et al., 2013), and moods are affected by time (Ryan et al., 2010). Due to this study, airlines …

Living, Breathing Data: Sharing And Interpreting Green Infrastructure Data To Promote Behavioral Change, Nick Stanek

Theses

Green infrastructure is a sustainable and climate resilient approach to urbanization that reduces the impact that we as humans have on our environment. Traditional impermeable infrastructure causes excessive stormwater runoff, which disrupts the nutrient balance and water properties of the surrounding watershed. Green infrastructure installments such as porous pavement, rain barrels, and green roofs provide various ecosystem services, and restore urban water quality. As communities shift to being more climate resilient, the responsibility to develop green infrastructure rests on individuals as well as institutions. The Rochester Museum & Science Center in Rochester, New York, has constructed a Green Infrastructure Showcase …

The Role Of Physical Geographic Features In Video Games, Dexter Ferguson

Theses

This thesis examines how physical geographic features affect individuals when interacting with video game environments. There are very few studies on the geography of video games. I aim to bridge the gap between game studies and geography, a naturally occurring link. The observation of elements such as the geography of an area is critical when exploring an individual’s perception of a video game environment. Individuals interact with the geography of their location on a day-to-day basis, whether it be physical or human geography; how they can relate a video game’s geography to the real world dramatically affects their immersion. An …

Safe Water For All: A Multi-Modal Approach To North Alabama's Water Resources, Elijah Walker

Theses

Environmental degradation is a destructive force produced by the human disturbance of pollution. It is a phenomenon that gradually evolves landscapes over time resulting in irreversible outcomes. Environmental degradation physically affects spaces’ resources, objects, and inhabiting humans. This study observes the impacts of pollution beyond physical boundaries and how it affects human identity/sense of place through the utilization of geographic information systems. Specifically, it examines cultural identity developed through human experiences and connections to landscapes containing water resources. Following, pollution contaminates water resources disrupting experiences and connections thus causing the cultural identity to disappear. The case study applied to this …

Yield, Nutrient Contents And Antioxidant Levels In Basil (Ocimum Basilicum L.) Grown In Aquaponic And Soil Systems, Maryam Ahmed Albedwawi

Theses

A study was conducted to evaluate the performance of Ocimum basilicum L. in both aquaponic and soil systems in the UAE climatic condition. The experiments were conducted under greenhouse conditions. Plants were raised in aquaponic beds with ornamental fishes in different concentrations. At the same time, a set of plants were raised in pots under a greenhouse set-up. The studied parameters were morphological (total weight and leaf number, shoot and root length, number of branches), biochemical (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, anthocyanin, xanthophyll, protein, and phenol contents) and antioxidant levels (Ascorbic acid and tocopherol). For analyzing the stress effects …

Authenticated Key Establishment Protocol For Constrained Smart Healthcare Systems Based On Physical Unclonable Function, Abdalla Saleh Elkushli

Theses

Smart healthcare systems are one of the critical applications of the internet of things. They benefit many categories of the population and provide significant improvement to healthcare services. Smart healthcare systems are also susceptible to many threats and exploits because they run without supervision for long periods of time and communicate via open channels. Moreover, in many implementations, healthcare sensor nodes are implanted or miniaturized and are resource-constrained. The potential risks on patients/individuals’ life from the threats necessitate that securing the connections in these systems is of utmost importance. This thesis provides a solution to secure end-to-end communications in such …

Assessment Of High School Students’ Attitudes Towards Chemistry, Aya Hosameldeen Mostafa

Theses

The main purpose of this study is to assess the scientific attitudes of students towards Chemistry as one of the branches of science, in the context of the UAE. These attitudes are measured using three dimensions of scientific attitudes namely; social implications, the students’ Chemistry-related inquiries and their leisure interest in the subject. Additionally, this study examines the influence of categorical variables such as gender and students’ grade level on the development of the students’ attitudes towards the subject. An exploratory descriptive design is employed using a quantitative survey, to collect data from 192 high school students studying Chemistry in …

Christianity In Insular Artwork From The Seventh To Tenth Centuries, Alexandria White

Theses

With the birth and spread of Christianity to the British Isles, there was a fusion between the different cultures that existed on these islands that resulted in a style known as Insular Art. These cultures are the Scottish Picts, the Irish Celts, the Anglo-Saxons, the Welsh, and the Vikings. In examining several works of art from these different cultures in this paper, the syncretism of Insular Art will be explored. Their traditionally Pagan symbols were given new meanings from Christianity as it spread. Through the study of various symbols and iconography employed in this art style, the author will establish …

The Mindful App: Usability Report, Jocelyn Sands

Theses

Methodology

The primary focus of this research is looking at the effects of qualitative & quantitative methodologies during the creation of a user-centered designed application. Through this process, I conducted product research on applications currently on the market. I also conducted user interviews and surveys to understand user needs.

Research Process

Throughout this process, I have used qualitative and quantitative information to gain knowledge of what users may need while using this app. I used qualitative and quantitative methodology to screen participants by conducting testing in a variety of ways. This ensures users are able to effectively discuss their thoughts …

Never A Complete Success, Never A Complete Failure: Thomas Hirschhorn’S Commemoration Of Antonio Gramsci, Ryan March

Theses

This paper will analyze Thomas Hirschhorn’s Gramsci Monument, examining the level of collaboration which took place among the participating community members. The Gramsci Monument is an artwork that took place in 2013 in the Forest Houses projects in the Bronx, New York. It was an artwork that functioned as a temporary community center, providing different facilities such as a library, radio station, computer lab, newspaper center, and art studio to local residents. Hirschhorn hired a team of residents to build this monument, which was made of everyday materials like plywood, recycled wood pallets, packing tape, and cardboard. While the artwork …

Alexander Calder And Studio Jewelry: Rethinking The Role Of The Decorative, Mandy Clark-Russell

Theses

Alexander Calder is best known for his monumental mobile sculptures. Firmly ensconced in mid-century modernism, Calder was highly influential for a number of other artists and movements between wars, especially Surrealism. Less known is that Calder was not only a sculptor, but also a jeweler. In fact, Calder’s work expanded from mobiles, stabiles, and sculptures into the world of studio jewelry as early as the 1930s. The recent revival of studio jewelry, coupled with increased attention of the artist due to record auction numbers, have begged a reconsideration of the role played by the “decorative” digressions of his oeuvre. Previously …

Molecular Cloud Properties In High-Mass Star Forming Regions, Mohammed Essa Abdulla Ali Ahli

Theses

Using high spatial resolution observation of ¹²CO (2−1) and ¹³CO (2−1) emissions, I present the molecular cloud properties of N42 in the Small Magellanic Cloud. The observations were taken using the Atacama Large Millimeter Array observations. I conducted a thorough analysis of molecular gas properties to understand how the cloud properties of N42 differ from those of Galactic clouds. My analysis shows that, in N42, the majority of CO emission appears clumpy, while molecular cores with YSOs exhibit greater linewidths and masses. Massive clump cores are associated with YSOs. Virial analysis of the ¹²CO and ¹³CO …

Possible Storage Of Co₂ In Saline Aquifer: Storage Factor Estimation, Sarah Abdul Aziz Al-Tamimi

Theses

The objective of this study is to perform laboratory measurements and a CO₂ underground storage study to cover the knowledge gap on CO₂-Brine relative permeability and assess various variables on the storage of CO₂ in a selected aquifer. Several factors that affect CO₂ storage have been discussed in the literature. These include both macroscopic and microscopic displacement efficiency of brine as a function of CO₂ pore volume injected. It is clear from the literature that there is still more work needed to investigate the effect of various variables such as formation temperature, brine viscosity, and the possible presence of free …

Effect Of Natural Elicitors And Cold Storageperiod On Quality Improvement Of Uae Date Palm Fruit (Phoenix Dactylifera L. Cv. Khesab), Shamsa Salem Nasser Abdulla Alblooshi

Theses

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is one of the most important fruit trees grown in arid and semi-arid regions. Despite the immense capabilities of date palm, it is still a challenge to maintain fruit quality, marketability, and shelf life. The objective of this study was to investigate the synergistic effect of a preharvest spray application of the natural elicitor chitosan (Ch) 1% alone and in combination with salicylic acid (SA) 2 mM and calcium chloride (Ca) 3%; (Ch, SA, Ca, Ch+Ca, Ch+ SA, Ch+ SA +Ca) on the quality parameters, shelf life and bioactive compound content of date fruit of …

Assessment Of Natural Hazards Impact On Heritage Sites In The United Arab Emirates (Uae) Using Geographic Information System (Gis), Abdulla Salem Ahmed Saeed Alyammahi

Theses

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) pays significant attention to preserving its heritage sites and archaeological finds and treats them as a vital part of its culture, history, and economy. In recent years, the field of archaeology in the UAE has witnessed tangible and significant developments, with many government initiatives being devoted to establishing archaeological departments in all emirates. The firmly stated policy of these institutions is to preserve the UAE heritage sites and educate the public about their importance. However, these sites are vulnerable to natural hazards, considered one of the most critical threats to the UAE heritage sites. In …

Numerical And Theoretical Investigations Of Fractional Differential Equations, Sara Rafiq Al Fahel

Theses

Fractional calculus has been recently received huge attention from Mathematicians and engineers due to its importance in many real-life applications such as: fluid mechanics, electromagnetic, acoustics, chemistry, biology, physics and material sciences. In this thesis, we present numerical algorithms for solving fractional IVPs and system of fractional IVPs where two types of fractional derivatives are used: Caputo-Fabrizio, and Atangana-Baleanu-Caputo derivatives. These algorithms are developed based on modified Adams-Bashforth method. In addition, we discuss the theoretical solution of special class of fractional IVPs. Several examples are discussed to illustrate the efficiency and accuracy of the present schemes.

On The Generalized Hardy-Littlewood Maximal Operator, Namarig Hashim Hassan

Theses

No abstract provided.

Mineral Nutritional Status Of Plants Of A Public Park Under Long-Term Irrigation With Treated Sewage Effluent, Chandana Chakraborty

Theses

Treated sewage water is widely used for irrigation of urban greenery in UAE, and it contains significant number of elements that serve as nutrients for plants. The crucial unresolved question that remains, is regarding its long-term impact on the nutritional status of plants. Sulaimi Park of Al Ain was chosen as the study site. The main objective was to examine if the nutrient supply was adequate for plants. N, P, K levels were expected to exceed plant demands and micronutrient supply was assumed to be below plant requirements. To assess this, soil pH, annual nutrients input with water and elemental …

Exploring Cycle 2 English Teachers’ Beliefs Toward Assessment Practices In The United Arab Emirates, Othaiba Salem Al Dhaheri

Theses

The new language assessment policies in the UAE necessitate that English language teacher need to be cognizant about the new language assessment. The inseparable connection between learning and teaching is at the center of assessment today. This study tries to explore cycle 2 English language teachers’ beliefs toward their assessment practices in the UAE. The study seeks to understand teachers’ assessment practices, beliefs, and obstacles through two means: a semi-structured interview followed by a self-report questionnaire. The study employs an exploratory sequential mixed method design. In the first phase, a semi-structured interview is conducted with 6 cycle 2 English language …

Uae Kindergarten Teachers’ Mathematical Beliefs And Self-Reported Practices, Mausmi Dilip Jadhav

Theses

Research stresses that young children must be nurtured and encouraged to develop cognitive processes of higher order thinking skills from a young age in order to excel in later years. According to the joint position statement issued by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2010), which was endorsed by the Ministry of Education, UAE, all kindergarten teachers should practice developmentally appropriate mathematics instruction to promote mathematical thinking. However, there is a paucity of research that reflects the beliefs and confidence of the UAE kindergarten teachers in facilitating developmentally appropriate …

A Computational Assessment Of The Allosteric Modulation Of Gabaa Receptor, Abdel Rahman Atef Aly

Theses

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptor (GABA_AR) is a pentameric ligand gated ion channel and a member of the Cys-loop superfamily. It is targeted by several clinically significant allosteric modulators. The role of individual subunits of the receptor has been very extensively studied. However, the exact molecular pathway upon which the receptor is activated remains elusive. The main objective of this study was to probe the molecular activation pathway for the orthosteric GABA and to understand how two of the most well-established positive (PAM) and negative (NAM) allosteric modulators tend to modulate the receptor. Three independent long scale …

Intelligent Toolpath Sequence Optimization Approach For Infinite Production Lines, Thanveer Ahammed

Theses

This thesis is concerned with developing a new mathematical model and software for finding the optimal toolpath for an infinite machine production line system. Existing total production time estimation for the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining method is solved either on a single machine or in a single operation. The combination of airtime and tool switching time consumes most of the total production time, requiring multiple operations and multiple machine production line systems. A hybrid GA technique along with a modified TSP algorithm was used to find the minimal nonproductive time in these systems. This proposed mathematical model is coded …

Elucidation Of The Interaction Between Hemorphins And Targets In The Renin-Angiotensin System, Amie Jobe

Theses

Hemorphins, short bioactive peptides produced by the enzymatic cleavage of the hemoglobin β-chain, exhibit anti-hypertensive effects via the inhibition of the angiotensin-1 converting enzyme (ACE1), a key component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) that governs blood pressure regulation. ACE1 and its homolog ACE2, which is also involved in the RAS, share significant similarity in their catalytic domains. The main objective of this work was to identify and compare the molecular mechanisms that underlie the interaction of hemorphins of camels and that of other mammals with ACE1 and ACE2. In silico docking and molecular dynamics simulations were employed, and in vitro …

The Effect Of Google Docs-Based Collaborative Writing On The L2 Writing Quality Of High School Students In The Uae Public Schools, Aliyyeh Abdulrahman

Theses

This study investigated the effect of implementing collaborative writing using Google Docs on students’ writing quality in English. The study also explored students’ and the classroom teacher’s perceptions of Google Docs-based collaborative writing (GDBCW). Two intact classes with 46 students from a public school in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates participated in the study and were divided into an experimental group and a control group. To collect data, the researcher employed a pretest- posttest design, distributed a post-treatment student survey, and conducted an interview with the classroom teacher. Data were analyzed quantitively using a Mann-Whitney U test analysis, and students’ …

An Analysis Of State Level Legislation Aimed At Reducing Pharmaceutical Prices: Are They Enough?, Braedon Williams

Theses

The rising cost of pharmaceuticals has been an issue of growing concern in many countries both developing and developed. In the United States, high pharmaceutical prices cause significant financial stress to patients and create barriers to access, causing treatable conditions to deteriorate. Many legislative attempts have been attempted on various levels to control prices, but in the United States it has been mostly left to states to address the issue. In this comparative case study, pharmaceutical utilization data and sentiment data are analyzed from three states to represent various approaches: South Dakota to represent states with little legislation, Rhode Island …