Digital Commons Network^™

Adapting Emergency Response: A Nationwide Study Of Disability Accommodation Practices Among Local Emergency Managers, Iskender Mambetkadyrov

Theses

Local emergency management agencies (EMAs), who are critical in disaster response and management in the US, frequently underserve their constituencies who identify as people with disabilities (PWD) and, more specifically, as deaf and hard of hearing (DHH). These shortfalls have still persisted even after policies such as the Americans with Disabilities Act have passed in an attempt to bridge these gaps. This thesis aims to explore the organizational actions & strategies local EMAs have taken towards disability inclusion, the barriers they run into, and explore whether increases in general disability-inclusive actions lead to increased DHH-specific inclusive actions to steer local …

Fluidity Of Time, Phoebe Huey

Theses

Fluidity of Time is a digital clock installation that uses particle simulations to symbolize the fluctuating nature of human emotions throughout the day. Inspired by the concept of entropy—the natural shift from order to disorder—the clock’s particle-based digits flow, collapse, and rebuild, mirroring emotional cycles. The project addresses the issue of disconnection in a post-pandemic, technology-driven world, aiming to captivate viewers and create shared experiences that foster community. Through experimentation in X-Particles, I developed fluid, life-like motion in a digital clock that engages viewers on both aesthetic and emotional levels. The installation received positive feedback for its mesmerizing and satisfying …

Dubai Urban Planning 2040: Resource Requirements In The Urban District 5, Bakhit Alfalasi

Theses

The availability of water, food, energy and air quality resources is compromised by prevailing global issues like environmental stress, climate change, and population growth. This research study details the different requirements for Dubai urban District 5 based on the tenets laid out in the Urban Planning 2040 initiative. The literature review section looks into existing literature on the present state of affairs in the UAE as regards availability of water, food, and energy resources in the country and implications of their production processes on air quality. The Study will employ an exploratory research design, where a systematic review of literature …

Monitoring The Seasonal Presence Of The Blue Shiner, Cyprinella Caerulea, In Little River Canyon National Preserve Using Environmental Dna, Deanna Meadows

Theses

The study of environmental DNA (eDNA) has provided researchers with a more accessible and sensitive way to identify the presence of specific species compared to traditional monitoring methods. eDNA enables species detection by analyzing environmental samples such as water or soil, which contain genetic material shed by organisms in a given area. Research indicates that eDNA techniques have become a valuable method for monitoring threatened and invasive species, proving particularly reliable for detecting aquatic species compared to traditional techniques. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) has been used in numerous eDNA studies, as it provides for greater accuracy than conventional PCR. Cyprinella …

Predictive Rescue System Through Real-Time Accident Monitoring Leveraging Artificial Intelligence, Humaid Ahmad Al Falasi

Theses

The research develops a robust AI-powered predictive system utilizing convolution neural networks (CNNs), IoT-enabled devices, and advanced machine learning (ML) models to improve real-time monitoring, resource allocation, and decision-making. The proposed system aims to minimize emergency response times, optimize resource allocation, and enhance public safety. Using machine learning models such as convolution neural networks (CNNs) and random forests, the system integrates IoT devices, traffic cameras, and deep learning algorithms to enable proactive incident management and efficient decision-making. A methodological framework based on CRISP-DM guides the project, encompassing historical data analysis, system modeling, and evaluation against real-world data from UAE traffic …

Writing A Course Guide “Fashion Design: A Guide To The Apparel Industry”, Rosemary P. Durfee

Theses

This project focuses on improving course materials for the author, among others, to use as a teaching resource for undergraduate apparel design students. The primary focus is to compile information from various resources and industry knowledge gained first-hand by the author. This project aims to create a course guide that can easily integrate with current Fashion Design and Merchandising courses taught at the college level.

Unraveling Grief: Historical Mourning Wear And Modern Reinterpretations, Sharon Caitlin Carpenter

Theses

Sharon Carpenter's thesis, "Unraveling Grief: Historical Mourning Wear and Modern Reinterpretations," explores the evolution of mourning fashion from ancient times to modern reinterpretations. Carpenter examines how mourning attire has historically reflected cultural attitudes toward death and grief, serving both personal and societal functions. The thesis traces mourning practices across civilizations, beginning with ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, where clothing symbolized beliefs in purity and the afterlife. It moves through the Middle Ages and the Victorian era, where mourning wear became heavily ritualized, particularly influenced by Queen Victoria’s deep grief for Prince Albert. This formalization of mourning attire impacted social norms and …

Palette Of Perspective: Designing An Inclusive Art History Curriculum, Amy Bettencourt

Theses

This project aims to develop an inclusive art history curriculum as a high school level course, addressing the traditional Western-centric focus that has been marginalized non-Western contributions. By pairing Western and non-Western artworks within a chronological framework, students can compare artistic expressions across cultures, emphasizing parallel histories rather than a single Eurocentric narrative. The curriculum employs diverse interpretive methodologies to foster critical thinking and challenge conventional narrative. Designed for a 20-week semester, it focuses on a smaller number of key artworks per unit to encourage meaningful engagement and projects. While still rooted in Western art, the course connects global artistic …

Hatshepsut And Akhenaten: Dualities Of Gender, Religion, And Implementation Of Queer Theory, Sadie Anderson

Theses

This paper discusses 18th Dynasty pharaohs Hatshepsut and Akhenaten and the images they portrayed during their reigns. Hatshepsut, though being female, adhered to the preconstructed image of a traditional male pharaoh while Akhenaten defied the long-established artistic canon in order to create a more androgynous pharaonic identity. Both did this to legitimize their rule, connect themselves to divinity, and interpret the duality of gender innate to Egyptian religion through their iconography. Hatshepsut’s masculine depictions cemented her as the father of the polytheistic Egyptian empire over which she reigned. Akhenaten’s more androgynous representations, on the other hand, portrayed him as both …

Digital Marketing And Consumer Consumption Of Breast-Pumps On Social Media, Leanne Clark

Theses

A breast pump brassiere, designed to provide hands free experience for the mother when collecting mother's milk, and which integrates various operative components in the category of a micro pump, at least one suction cup, and a milk reservoir, preferably within each cup, to provide for hands free collection of expressed milk, as desired and required by the mother for use in the feeding of her infant.

Performance Evaluation Of Ai-Based Healthcare Systems In The United Arab Emirates: A Comparative Analysis Of Diagnostic Accuracy And Predictive Capability Using Spss, Hamad Ismail

Theses

This research investigates the opinions and experiences of United Arab Emirates (UAE) healthcare personnel on artificial intelligence (AI)-based technology. Successful application and integration depend on a knowledge of the viewpoints of people at the front-line of patient care as artificial intelligence technology progressively enter healthcare contexts. Combining advanced statistical analysis with quantitative questionnaires using a mixed-methods approach, the study presents a whole picture of artificial intelligence opinions across several healthcare environments and UAE geographical areas. The study revealed a topography of opinions on artificial intelligence in the healthcare sector that is complicated. Though views varied widely based on their employment, …

التفريد القضائي للعقوبة في القانون الجزائي الاماراتي, Hamad Abdulla Alebri

Theses

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Judicial Individualization of Punishment in UAE Criminal Law

This study addresses the topic of judicial individualization of punishment in UAE criminal legislation through a descriptive-analytical approach. In the preliminary section, the study defines punishment, which is imposed as a consequence of a crime that has already occurred, and precautionary measures aimed at confronting criminal danger to prevent future harm that could affect society. The characteristics and purposes of both punishment and precautionary measures are detailed, as they cannot be applied unless those implementing them understand their goals and intended outcomes.
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The Use Of Puffed Rice Biomaterial As An Insulation Layer: Characterization And Simulation Study, Nicolas Monje Mejia

Theses

Upon close examination in this study, the feasibility of utilizing puffed rice as an insulation layer for construction is explored. Regions that are warm and receive direct sunlight experience heightened temperatures, which can lead to structures trapping excessive heat, resulting in increased cooling demands, energy consumption, and higher costs all around. As revealed via findings from research conducted over time, puffed rice showcases immense prospects when employed as insulation considering its high level of percolation coupled with low thermal conductivity rates. Conversely, conventional materials tend to have better-quality properties like greater compressive strength than what one sees here, along with …

Data Ownership And Control: Ethical Perspectives In The Digital Age, Roya Ebadi

Theses

The rapid advancement of machine learning (ML) technologies has significantly impacted various sectors, with healthcare standing out as a prominent area for transformation. Machine learning holds the potential to revolutionize healthcare, particularly in the areas of diagnosis, treatment plans, drug development, and personalized medicine. However, with the growing integration of ML into healthcare systems, ethical concerns regarding data privacy, security, and fairness have emerged, requiring comprehensive governance frameworks to ensure the responsible use of these technologies. This research investigates the ethical considerations associated with the application of machine learning in healthcare, focusing on data governance practices that are crucial for …

Predicting Consumer Churn In Telecommunications, Amna Yousef Almatrooshi

Theses

The telecommunications industry is highly competitive, with consumer churn being a significant concern due to market saturation. Churn, or customer attrition, refers to customers leaving a service provider due to dissatisfaction or better offers from competitors. This phenomenon is particularly impactful in the telecom sector, where retaining customers is more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. To address this issue, telecom companies increasingly rely on machine learning techniques to predict customer churn and implement strategies to retain at-risk customers. The study highlights the importance of understanding the factors contributing to customer churn, including service quality, pricing, customer service interactions, and competition. …

Navigating The Job Landscape: Insights From Linkedin Through Npl, Mohammed Alsallal Alfalasi

Theses

This study uses NLP to examine the relationships between skills needed, wage trends, and job attributes in over 33,000 LinkedIn job posts. NLP enabled us to analyze a large dataset and gain deeper insights into the employment market. We obtained and cleansed the data ethically to guarantee that it was accurate for NLP analysis. This investigation included techniques such as keyword extraction and sentiment analysis to uncover important talents, job market attitudes, and industry trends. We also examined pay trends to better comprehend the market's economic aspects. By merging NLP and machine learning, this study offers a novel methodological framework …

Assessing The Effectiveness Of Law Enforcement Strategies In Combating E-Crime Using Ai, Mohammad Ahmad Alkhazraji

Theses

The rise of e-crime, particularly international online scams, has presented significant challenges to law enforcement agencies around the world. Scams have become transnational, exploiting the internet's interconnectivity to deceive victims from different countries. Law enforcement agencies have a severe uphill battle in trying to combat these types of crimes because of technological and jurisdictional limitations and resource accessibility. This research has analyzed the effectiveness of current policing against international online scams, focusing on the challenges encountered thus far and possible solutions. The critical research objectives revolve around assessing law enforcement agencies' present strategies, identifying the main barriers that these agencies …

An Edge Platform Streamlining Connectivity Between Modern Edge Devices And Cloud, Anderson Carvalho

Theses

The numerous uses of cloud, fog, and edge computing in a variety of industries are thoroughly examined in this thesis, with a special emphasis on smart factories, smart cities, and smart agriculture. It starts with an introduction to cloud computing, going over its history, importance in contemporary digital infrastructures, and related security concerns. It emphasizes the value of cloud computing for processing and storing data while addressing issues like guaranteeing low latency applications and possible improvements from container technologies. The conversation then shifts to fog computing, going over its history, designs, and uses. It focuses on how fog computing might …

Morphology Classification Of High Redshift Galaxies From Jwst Nircam Images Using Unsupervised Machine Learning, James Liu

Theses

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has revolutionized our ability to observe high redshift (z > 2) galaxies, providing a glimpse into the early universe. Classification of these galaxies is crucial to advancing our understanding of galaxy and cosmic evolution. This work aims to develop a machine-based classification scheme for high redshift galaxies using JWST data. Given the immense volume of data generated by JWST, traditional classification methods are insufficient, necessitating an automated approach. We implement an unsupervised machine learning technique that combines a Vector-Quantized Variational Autoencoder (VQ-VAE) as a feature extractor and the K-means clustering algorithm as the classifier to …

Analyzing Crime Patterns Through Artificial Intelligence, Rashid Khalid Mohamed Abdalla Alhammadi

Theses

This paper examines how crime patterns affect predictive policing in Denver, Colorado. Modern crimes like cybercrime and identity theft have challenged traditional crime research methods, necessitating data-driven ones. In this context, the study examines how machine learning and AI can identify and forecast crime trends across neighborhoods, timeframes, and other aspects. The research sought to understand crime's dynamics and socioeconomic effects. The study collected data using a mixed-method approach based on questions about crime kinds, rates, and sociodemographic characteristics. A large chunk of the data came from public databases and targeted neighborhood surveys. Regression analysis, decision trees, and neural network …

Being Korean, Silver Eun Hyung Kim

Theses

Being Korean is a thesis driven by a cultural investigation of what it means to be Korean today by revisiting historical events of the past two centuries in Korea through video sculpture highlighting Korean food, Hansik. The artwork and this thesis rediscover haehak, a cultural value that harmonizes society through humor, in order to encourage reconnection in a politically divided society through the ordinary activity of sharing food. To define ordinary Korean-ness, my thesis explores how historical events, such as colonization and war, have influenced our dining table. My work utilizes glass as metaphorical vessels, defamiliarizing traditional elements to reveal …

Integration Of Blockchain And Machine Learning For Robust Intrusion Detection In Iot Network, Saeed Al Banna

Theses

This thesis explores the integration of blockchain technology and machine learning techniques to enhance cybersecurity in IoT networks. An intrusion detection system (IDS) framework is proposed, leveraging the decentralized, immutable, and transparent features of blockchain with the predictive capabilities of machine learning. The study utilizes the CICIoT2023 dataset, which has 33 diverse attack types on 105 devices, to evaluate five machine learning models: Random Forest, MLP, CNN, and RNN and a Hybrid RF/MLP Model. The Random Forest and MLP models demonstrated superior performance across multi-class, grouped, and binary classification tasks. Blockchain technology is integrated to securely log detected anomalies, to …

The Future Of Robotic-Teacher Relationship In Classrooms: Cooperation Or Competition?, Miaad Saleh Hassan Abdullah Mobarak

Theses

As the realms of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics undergo exponential growth and the issue of teacher shortage remains a concern, the potential for remarkable advancements in education with the assistance of robots becomes increasingly important. This review is conducted to understand the forthcoming role of robotics in education and its impact on teachers’ role in the classroom. Currently, it is widely known that AI is evolving in a rapid way, creating a huge presence in our life, building a perception among people that it will take over the role of human in various settings in the future. Various articles …

An Examination Of Artistic Expression Through Honoré Daumier's Le Fardeau, Sarah Isak-Goode

Theses

Honoré Daumier, renowned for his career as a political cartoonist in 19th-century France, created a substantial body of personal works that have received comparatively little scholarly attention. This thesis focuses on Daumier's paintings, particularly those created during his midlife (1848-1864), examining their distinctively serious qualities and emotional depth. Through an interdisciplinary approach combining art historical analysis and psychobiography, this research explores the previously unrecognized connection between Daumier's paintings and his private life experiences. Central to this study is an in-depth analysis of Le Fardeau, a painting that exemplifies Daumier's artistic evolution and emotional expression during a period marked by personal …

Exploring Experience Design In The Art Deco Restoration Of Indianapolis Bottleworks Hotel, Jennifer A. Mott

Theses

This thesis investigates the interaction between emotional resonance, the Decorative Arts, and historical significance in creating a curated emotional experience. Focused on the case study of the Bottleworks Hotel, a restored Art Deco gem within the former Coca-Cola Bottling Company plant in Indianapolis, this research provides an interpretative analysis, synthesis of the literature, and primary source surveys and reviews to show that the Art Deco restoration and the historical significance of the bottling plant work together to create stimulating experience design. As urban landscapes undergo transformation and the tourism industry becomes increasingly competitive and significant, this study not only enriches …

Creation Story Motifs As Expressions Of Identity And Resiliency In The Visual Culture Of Kahnawà:Ke, Jana Ondrechen Hallford

Theses

Kahnawa:ke is a First Nations reserve near Montreal in Quebec, Canada, with a rich history of creative expression. This is a Kanienʼkehá꞉ka (Mohawk) community, a part of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, a prominent First Peoples group of the Northeast Woodlands. Like many other Indigenous communities, Kahnawa:ke is in the process of revitalizing and renormalizing their culture after centuries of assimilation efforts and pressures to separate them from their traditions. Their creation story, known as the Sky Woman Epoch, is foundational to this culture. While there are a number of creation symbols, this study will focus on the Sky Dome, a …

Fractional Derivative-Based Analysis Of The Heat Transfer Properties Of Fluid Flow Over A Contracting Permeable Infinite-Length Cylinder, Anas Saeb Alhasan

Theses

Understanding the complex interplay between the contracting behavior of the cylinder and the fluid flow dynamics has implications for the design of porous structures for heat exchange and filtration systems. In this study, we investigate the dynamics and thermal behavior of fluid flow past a contracting permeable infinite cylinder. First, we developed a mathematical model based on the Navier-Stokes equations to describe the fluid dynamics around the contracting permeable infinite cylinder. A new simple well-behaved definition of fractional derivative called conformable fractional derivative introduced by authors Khalil et al. [3] is employed to generalize the PDE’s of momentum and energy. …

Theoretical And Experimental Study Of Thermoradiative Cells For Space Power Generation, Andrew Schaefer

Theses

Reliable power production is always a core element when engineers design a space mission. Typically, III-V solar arrays are used due to their high efficiency, radiation tolerance, and overall reliability. One downside of photovoltaics involves the need for incident light from the Sun. There are many places in the solar system and beyond that do not have access to sustained, high concentration solar radiation. As missions fly farther from the Sun, the available light power decreases with the inverse square of the distance. This means that missions past Jupiter are only receiving one tenth the solar power compared to Earth. …

Monitoring Marine Animal Interactions With Open Ocean Aquaculture And The Potential For Measuring Impacts, Ryan Richard Yont

Theses

Aquaculture, the farming of water-based organisms, is one of the fastest growing industries in the food production sector globally. Aquaculture farms, regardless of type, are categorized as either coastal or offshore marine aquaculture and are generalized into three categories: fed (e.g., finfish), unfed (e.g., filter-feeding bivalves), and autotrophic (e.g. kelp). Viewed as an agricultural industry, marine aquaculture is tightly regulated, particularly in the U.S. Despite this, an area of concern for the public and management alike is the potential for marine life interactions with aquaculture gear. Even the best-run farms represent a change in the physical and biological characteristics of …

The Potential For Automated Insect Classification Using Infrared Remote Sensing, Rachel Deahl

Theses

Insects play an important role within ecosystems, occupying almost all trophic levels and providing crucial services such as pollination and decomposition. In addition, they can directly and negatively impact humans as crop pests, parasites, and disease vectors. Thus, it is essential to understand the spatial and temporal dynamics of insect populations and communities. Various forms of remote sensing, such as LiDAR, have been used to capture data on insects but often are costly and require advanced expertise. The objective of this thesis is to evaluate a cost-effective methodology that balances information loss. This thesis aims to outline the discrimination required …