Digital Commons Network^™

Spike-Based Architectures For Energy-Efficient Audio Enhancement, Kedar Sandip Fitwe

Theses

Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) have shown remarkable success in speech denoising; however, their high computational and energy requirements make realtime deployment on edge devices challenging. In contrast, Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) operate using sparse, event-driven spikes—offering a biologically inspired and energy-efficient alternative. In this study, we delve into a Spiking Neural Network (SNN) model that leverages the temporal dynamics of spiking neurons to capture long-range dependencies in the audio signal. By encoding the input audio into sparse and event-driven computations, the SNN can efficiently process the temporal information while requiring significantly fewer computations compared to DNNs. We present a real-time …

Assessing Localized Recovery And Synchrony Of An Endangered Wetland Species., Aiyana Reissman

Theses

The state and federally endangered light-footed Ridgway’s rail (LFRR; Rallus obsoletus levipes) is central to regional conservation, yet the drivers of its population fluctuations remain poorly understood. The fragmented nature of coastal wetlands in Southern California is threatening the existence of endemic species like the LFRR. Tidal inundation, severe storms, and overpredation threaten the survival of LFRR. This study addresses population fluctuations by analyzing the spatial and temporal drivers of LFRR populations to inform effective, site-specific management.

To do this, a 45-year (1980–2024) LFRR census data set across 16 wetlands throughout its range in California was synthesized. A multi-faceted …

Knowledge And Perception Of Human Milk Donation Among Pregnant, Lactating, And Postpartum Women In Rochester, Ny, And Near Hmbana Milk Banks, Samantha Allen

Theses

Human milk banks provide pasteurized donor milk for premature infants whose mothers are unable to produce sufficient amounts of milk, offering critical nutritional and immunological benefits for this high-risk population.1–4 Although 28 HMBANA-accredited milk banks operate in the United States, none are located within 4.5 hours of Rochester, NY. This study examined the knowledge and perceptions of human milk bank donation among pregnant, lactating, and postpartum women in Rochester, NY, and in communities near HMBANA-affiliated milk banks, and assessed if there is a correlation regarding the proximity of milk banks.  A cross-sectional study design was used, and participants completed a …

Impact Of Oxidative Stress On Mapk Signaling In Human Pancreatic Ductal Cell Line, Alexis Fink

Theses

The main processes linked to diabetes (type 1 or type 2) and obesity are impaired insulin production and glucose intolerance. The imbalance between antioxidant defense systems and oxygen-reactive species are known as oxidative stress. Understanding oxidative stress and its substantial effects on diabetes is crucial. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can activate mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). We hypothesize that altered MAPK phosphorylation and hence downstream signaling is associated with changes in oxidative stress in the human pancreatic duct epithelial cell line (H6C7). While H6C7 cells are often engineered to be cancerous precursors, the natural phenotype of these cells and their expression …

Exploring Interpenetrating Networks Derived From Compostable Polymers In Separations, Hailey Holshouser

Theses

The increasing demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable water treatment technologies drives the development of membranes that work to balance mechanical durability, tunable selectivity, and long-term stability. In this exploratory work, an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) membrane system composed of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) was developed to provide a more compostable and compatible platform for advanced separation applications. While the compostability of the entire framework was not tested, the dominant presence of PBAT in the matrix makes the membrane intrinsically favorable for composting. Mechanochemical Ionic Electrochromic Generators (IEGens) were synthesized and incorporated into the PBAT backbone for …

Effects Of Energetic State On Male Mating Preferences In Poeciliid Fishes With Differing Mating Strategies, Katherine E. Taylor

Theses

Reproduction is energetically costly, making condition (i.e., energetic state) a potential factor in shaping reproductive behavior. However, its role in male mate choice remains largely unexplored. Here, we investigate condition-dependent effects on male mate choice in two species of Poeciliids: one coercive species (Gambusia affinis) and one courting species (Xiphophorus hellerii). Diet treatments were used to manipulate male and female conditions, and male preferences were assessed in dichotomous-choice tests using animated female stimuli. X. hellerii males showed a preference for high-condition females, whereas G. affinis males showed no overall net preference. Diet influenced preference in G. affinis, with high-fed males …

High Strain Rate Behavior Of Soft Polymeric Materials : Polymer-Bonded Explosive Simulants And Polyimide Aerogels, Benjamin Jeffrey Solomon

Theses

Soft polymeric materials exhibit strain sensitive behaviors and are used in various applications where dynamic loading conditions may be present, making understanding the responses at high rates vital to safe application. Investigation of the mechanical response of soft materials at high strain rates has proven challenging due to low forces, mismatching impedances, and longer times to obtain dynamic force equilibrium limiting the quality and accuracy of data acquisition. Two polymeric materials were evaluated in this study. The first is polymer-bonded explosive (PBX) 9501, which experiences dynamic loading during use as solid propellant and warhead explosive material. It is found that …

Discovering The Genes And Molecular Mechanisms Involved In Increasing The Expression Of The Gad Regulon In Escherichia Coli Resistant To Macrolide Antibiotics, Lea V. Freeman

Theses

Various genes have been proposed to play a role in the action of indole, a bacterial hormone involved in biofilm and quorum sensing. Previous work found that E. coli strains carrying a macrolide-resistant mutation in the uL22 ribosomal protein reduce tna operon mRNA levels and, consequently, decrease indole production. This ribosomal mutation also increases expression of the gad regulon, a genetic unit involved in acid resistance at pH below 2. The gad regulon is involved in bacterial survival under environmental challenges, primarily regulating intracellular acid resistance, and its expression appears to depend on indole production. In this work, we work …

Cochlear Micropump Drug Delivery System: A Noninvasive Technique For Murine Intracochlear Drug Delivery, Janette Collins

Theses

In a 2018 World Health Organization (WHO) study, over 400 million people worldwide were affected by hearing loss (World Health Organization, 2023). Cochlear implants have provided a conventional route to aid inner ear issues but are ineffective either delivering to unintended targets or delivering unknown concentrations of a particular drug and create toxicity to the user. With medical advances and using 3-D printing technology, new opportunities to use programmable drug delivery systems to treat auditory disorders have been created. Borkholder Labs in Rochester, NY have created and improved a miniaturized implantable and scalable peristaltic micropump that provides programmable and accurate …

The Southern Roots Of Populist Rhetoric And The Growth Of Fundamentalism, Ethan Teems

Theses

The religious fundamentalism of the 1920s was a direct evolution of the Southern Populist movement of the 1890s. While populism began as a political crusade against economic exploitation, industrialization, and urbanization, it evolved into a movement that attacked modernity. The southern United States was rooted in a predominantly religiously homogeneous society. The Protestant religions that encompassed the region were unwilling to adapt to a changing society, allowing religious fundamentalism to expand.

Beginning with the cultural conflicts of the 1920s, such as the Scopes Trial and William Jennings Bryan’s activism, the study explains how fundamentalists framed their struggles against modernism as …

Caring For Your Heart During Survivorship After Pediatric Cancer: A Visual Education Guide On Chemotherapy-Induced Cardiotoxicity, Bryona Rose Hamilton

Theses

Chemotherapy is an effective weapon in the fight against pediatric cancer. However efficient, treatment can lead to side effects that last long after a patient finishes their last round of chemotherapy. This thesis examines current research on chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, a side effect of chemotherapy treatment caused by a class of chemotherapy drugs called Anthracyclines (such as doxorubicin and daunorubicin). While effective chemotherapy agents, these drugs have been known to cause late long-term heart damage when used to treat pediatric cancers such as Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Pediatric Sarcoma. A written portion of this thesis project …

A Novel Nephron: 3d Visualization Of Glomerular Filtration In The Kidney, Cassie Young

Theses

Renal physiology, particularly the process of glomerular filtration, remains one of the most conceptually challenging topics in medical education due to its microscopic scale, dynamic pressure relationships, and structural complexity. Understanding how plasma passes through the glomerular filtration barrier requires spatial reasoning across multiple levels—from the gross anatomy of the kidney to the ultrastructure of capillaries, podocytes, and the glomerular basement membrane. This thesis addresses these challenges through the development of a scientifically accurate three-dimensional (3D) animation that illustrates glomerular filtration within its anatomical and physiological context. Designed as a visual teaching aid, the animation aims to improve comprehension of …

Dna Landscape Tool: An Interactive Webpage, Kerstyn Gay

Theses

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a molecule that carries genetic information that makes up every organism. DNA is typically introduced into the biology curriculum starting in high school and depending on an individual's educational path can continue through college. Although taught frequently during school, elements of DNA can be difficult for students to grasp, due to the different visual representations of DNA found in various resources. For instance, when comparing an illustration of a chemically accurate nucleotide base to an abstract visualization of a chromosome learners often aren’t given enough scaffolding to see how one representation relates to the other, which …

Optimisation Of Sampling For A New Skin Microbiome Assay Pilot Study, Anita Smith

Theses

Recent interest in the diverse ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and viruses that make up the skin microbiome has led to numerous studies investigating the microbiome in healthy skin and in dermatological diseases. An imbalance of the normal skin microbial flora can cause some skin diseases, and current culture techniques are often unable to detect a microorganism to further our understanding of the clinical–microbiological correlates of disease and dysbiosis. Atopic dermatitis and rosacea are presentations that General practitioners (GPs) often manage that may have an infective or microbiological component and can be challenging to treat. Further research using culture-independent techniques is …

Phytoremediation Potential Of Selected Plant Species (Ambrosia Artemisiifolia L. And Erigeron Canadensis L.) For Reducing Priority Heavy Metal And Metalloid (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Zn) Contamination In Anthropogenically Impacted Soils Of Ukraine, Volodymyr Laptiev

Theses

Soil contamination with priority heavy metals and metalloids of anthropogenic origin represents one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the present day, directly associated with risks to public health, ecosystem degradation, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those of the World Health Organization and the United Nations aimed at ensuring a healthy environment, safe ecosystems, and sustainable land management. Under conditions of long-term technogenic pressure, compounded by the additional impact of military activities on the territory of Ukraine, the search for scientifically substantiated, environmentally safe, and economically feasible approaches to reducing soil contamination has become especially …

Mapping Cave Vulnerability And Priority Areas For Biospeleological Conservation, C. Lael Anderson

Theses

Alabama contains some of the highest levels of subterranean biodiversity in North America, yet no statewide assessment of cave vulnerability has previously been conducted. A spatially explicit vulnerability assessment was developed for Alabama caves using species occurrence records, landscape characteristics, anthropogenic threat data, and groundwater vulnerability metrics. Distribution maps were generated for cave- obligate and bat species, and vulnerability was assessed using human population, land- use, groundwater quality, groundwater quantity, and modified DRASTIK models. Results identified numerous single-site endemic species, regional biodiversity hotspots, and cave systems facing elevated anthropogenic threats. Conservation priority rankings highlighted species and caves of greatest management …

Design And Characterization Of A Low-Power Bulk-Driven Two-Stage Ota In 65nm, 90nm, And 130nm Cmos Technologies For 0.4v-0.6v Biomedical Applications, Raihan Khan Akash

Theses

Biomedical instrumentation requires low-power amplifiers to maximize battery life. Due to threshold voltage limitations, standard gate-driven operational transconductance amplifiers (OTAs) require higher supply voltages. To overcome this, a differential bulk-driven two-stage OTA is introduced for low-power applications. The proposed topology is implemented in 65nm, 90nm, and 130nm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), with supply voltages ranging from 0.4V to 0.6V. Key metrics such as DC gain, gain-bandwidth product (GBWP), phase margin, common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR), slew rate, power, and noise are measured. The analysis confirms the robustness of the low-power solution provided by the proposed topology.

A Novel Rheological Technique To Measure The Yield Stress In Equibiaxial Elongation, Asher Segal

Theses

Yield stress measurement in non-Newtonian fluids, particularly under complex flow conditions such as equibiaxial elongation, remains a significant challenge in experimental rheology. This work presents the development of a novel method, Continuous Lubricated Squeezing Flow (CLSF), designed to quantify the normal yield stress of viscoelastic materials while minimizing boundary artifacts.

The CLSF method was implemented and validated using Carbopol 940, a model yield-stress gel, at concentrations of 1 wt% and 2 wt%. Comparative shear rheology was first performed to establish baseline yield stresses and verify sample integrity. CLSF experiments were then conducted over controlled flow rate increments and gap distances …

Scout 07, Austin Roberts

Theses

Throughout my tenure at RIT, I have produced multiple short films, undertaken gaming co-ops, and pursued an independent study centered on gaming assets to expand my technical and creative skills. For my thesis film, I sought to merge these experiences by concentrating on environmental storytelling—a deliberate challenge, given faculty concerns that narratives lacking strong character focus may struggle to engage audiences emotionally. With these considerations in mind, I crafted a film featuring a secondary character within a rich environment, designed to immerse viewers and provoke curiosity about the story’s temporal and spatial context.

Disposal, Yihan Su

Theses

Disposal is a mixed-media animated short film created as a graduate thesis project. The story explores the protagonist’s search for meaning in life and his defiance of a predetermined fate. At the beginning, he is an ordinary, guileless figure without remarkable qualities. In his world, life revolves around constant competition, and one’s worth is measured by their position on a ranking board. Only the top three may pass through the golden gate, a symbol of transcendence. Others must continue the endless cycle of contests, while the lowest seven face incineration in the Disposal. Despite his efforts, the protagonist falls into …

Understanding The Relationship Between Mental Health And Criminal Justice Involvement: Pathways, Disparities, And Improving System Responses, Haley Bly

Theses

This capstone project examines the complex relationship between mental health and involvement in the criminal justice system, emphasizing how pathways, external conditions, structural inequities, and system responses interact to shape long-term outcomes for persons with mental illness (PwMI). While mental illness alone is not a predictor of criminal behavior, the intersection between psychological disorders, social strain, stigma, and systemic failures significantly heightens the risk of criminal justice involvement. Combining four working papers, this capstone examines these relationships across individual, environmental, institutional, and community levels, ultimately arguing that treatment and rehabilitative-centered reforms are essential for improving the experiences of individuals with …

Content Aware Intra And Inter Prediction Using Texture And Motion Analysis, Yashaswi Karthik Reddy Danda

Theses

Modern video codecs rely on highly optimized block based intra and inter prediction frameworks,  in which block partitioning is determined through exhaustive rate distortion optimization (RDO)  searches. These exhaustive searches evaluate many possible block configurations to identify the  partitioning that minimizes overall rate distortion cost, and they have proven extremely effective  across diverse visual content. This thesis explores a complementary perspective by investigating  whether block partitioning can be guided more directly by content characteristics specifically,  texture complexity for intra prediction and motion complexity or motion density for inter  prediction.  For intra prediction, we introduce a texture adaptive approach that utilizes …

Basil_Dock: Development Of Accessible And Customizable Molecular Docking Procedures, Lee Schoneman

Theses

Molecular docking is a computational technique often used in drug design due to its ability to predict ligand binding potential, conformation, and location for a given drug target. Docking as a screening tool also comes at a greatly reduced cost compared to wet bench work. Despite its usefulness, molecular docking is often inaccessible to novice users, as to perform molecular docking, most programs require at least a basic knowledge of command line and computer programming for both installation and utilization. Additionally, tutorials for the most popular programs tend to be inflexible, instructing how to bind predetermined molecules to a specified …

Predicting Cryptocurrency Prices Using Stochastic Modeling, Reem Hani Al Omari

Theses

Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that operate independently of central banks and governments. They were designed to overcome the limitations of traditional financial systems through a decentralized, peer-to-peer electronic cash mechanism. Trading in cryptocurrencies offers several advantages, including decentralized and efficient transactions, reduced costs through the elimination of intermediaries, investment opportunities across exchanges, and seamless cross-border remittances. Modeling cryptocurrency prices is therefore essential, not only due to these advantages but also because of the substantial market capitalization of cryptocurrencies, estimated to exceed 900 billion dollars according to CoinMarketCap [6]. The main objective of this thesis is to propose a predictive framework …

Deepfake Audio Detection, Rashed Alfalasi

Theses

The rise of deepfake audio technology has introduced a serious threat to information credibility, personal security, and media integrity. This thesis investigates the application of machine learning techniques for detecting synthetic audio through the analysis of acoustic features, including Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs), spectral centroid, chroma_stft, and zero-crossing rate. The dataset used in this study was sourced from Kaggle and contains labeled samples of real and fake audio clips. The research aimed to train and evaluate multiple machine learning models—Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forest, XGBoost, Logistic Regression, and Neural Networks—to determine the most effective approach for deepfake audio classification. …

Hyaluronic Acid Loaded With Aloe Vera-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: A New Bioactive Approach For Fibrotic Scarring, Maria Camila Ceballos Santa

Theses

Disruptions in wound healing can result in pathological outcomes ranging from chronic nonhealing wounds to excessive fibrotic scarring. Hypertrophic scars and keloids are hallmarks of this dysregulation, characterized by abnormal collagen deposition, persistent myofibroblast activation, and disorganized extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress play central roles by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage essential macromolecules and sustain pro-inflammatory signaling, while promoting the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and the excessive production of ECM proteins, such as collagen and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). This fibrotic cascade leads to tissue stiffness, contractility, and disfigurement, affecting the well-being of …

Potential And Low-Cost Football Talents For Uae Clubs Based On Data-Driven Analysis, Rashid Alqemzi

Theses

The use of data analytics in professional football has changed the way clubs view, value and invest in players. Meanwhile, elite European teams have consistently exploited the data-driven strategies that offer them a competitive edge, but in up-and-coming football markets, such as the UAE Pro League, nepotism has remained strong, with reputation-based and agentdriven recruitment being the transformation choice of even the biggest profile moves. This work explores whether predictive analytics can discover hidden high-quality football talent from ”hotbeds” of talent including Brazil and Argentina, in a way that matches the economic capabilities of clubs in the UAE, given the …

Strainx : A Technical Exploration Of Cinema4d'S Native Particle System In An Experimental Title Sequence, Farah Ahmad

Theses

This paper presents a practice-based investigation into the capabilities of Cinema 4D’s native particle system through the creation of an experimental title sequence titled StrainX. The project was conceived as a technical and aesthetic exploration, prioritizing abstraction, form, and motion over narrative content. Through iterative testing and simulation, the study examines how Cinema 4D’s built-in particle, geometry, and material tools can generate visually complex results without relying on third-party plugins, such as X-Particles. All assets, simulations, and textures were developed natively within Cinema 4D, allowing for a unified and efficient workflow. The methodology emphasizes procedural experimentation, simulation caching using Alembic …

Biodegradation Of Common Post-Consumer Plastic, Laura Krebs

Theses

Plastic waste is widespread throughout the Laurentian Great Lakes watershed. During environmental exposure, plastic undergoes abiotic and biotic degradation. The presence of novel plastic substrates coupled with rapid microbial turnover may lead to selection for or evolution of metabolic pathways and enzymes with enhanced biodegradation capabilities. This study investigated the biodegradation potential of bacteria isolated from debris accumulation hotspots - stormwater retention ponds, storm drains, and tributaries - in the Lake Ontario watershed within Rochester, New York. Bacterial isolates were exposed to commonly littered plastics for 240 d: cellulose acetate from smoked cigarette filters, high-density polyethylene from takeout shopping bags, …

Asymptote, Aybuke Yilmazer

Theses

Asymptote is a short film that is an expression of mankind’s emotional consumption through confusing love with sex. This film is a frame-by-frame hand-drawn animation that combines digital and analog techniques. It was produced between August 2024 and April 2025, and its music was re-produced in August 2025. This paper is a written declaration of the motives and intentions of the director, Aybuke Yilmazer, in making this film, and analyzes the filmmaking process. The text of the thesis is in third person except for the self-evaluation section.