Digital Commons Network^™

Design Of Face-Milled Spiral Bevel Gear Drives With The Desired Conditions Of Meshing And Contact By Application Of The Universal Motion Concept, Akari Tawa

Theses

This thesis aims to improve the computational methodology proposed by Fuentes et al. (2018) for the design of face-milled spiral bevel gear drives in order to get closer to the objective gear tooth surfaces and provide the desired meshing and contact conditions. In the existing computational methodology, all machine-tool settings, excluding velocity ratio, are treated as constants, whereas in this work, the machine-tool settings will be computed by polynomial functions up to the fourth degree of the cradle angle, approach commonly known as Universal Motion Concept (UMC). The proposed approach assumes a predefined geometry for the wheel member of the …

Impacts Of Intensifying A Corn-Soybean Rotation With Winter Wheat (Triticum Aestivum) On Nutrient Leaching, Plant Available Nutrients, Crop Yields, And Nitrogen Dynamics In Southern Illinois, Abigail Leigh Spiers

Theses

The Midwestern United States is a nationally and globally important producer of agricultural products and uses intensive practices to achieve high grain yields. However, intensive agriculture is a major contributor of nitrogen and phosphorus export to the Mississippi River and the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico. Cover cropping is a recommended conservation practice for providing soil cover throughout the winter and taking up nutrients that may otherwise be lost in bare fallow systems, but the associated costs limit widespread adoption of this practice. Double cropping, which involves growing two crops in one year, is functionally similar to cover …

Rural Electrification Subsidies: Quantification, Structure And Policy Implications, Lefu Maqelepo

Theses

This dissertation explores rural electrification subsidies and the policies around them, with an objective of assessing whether there are opportunities to restructure, and therefore redistribute subsidies to a larger portfolio of technology options to accelerate rural electrification and improve energy justice. Redistribution of subsidy necessitates an understanding of the amount of subsidy and how it is distributed. To do this, a quantitative modeling framework that enables for a direct comparison between grid extension and mini grid based electrification pathways based on implicit subsidy required to make connections over a system lifetime was developed and is presented. Using this framework, our …

Development And Testing Of A Far Infrared Fourier Transform Spectrometer For The Calibration Of On-Chip Spectrometers, Dale Mercado

Theses

Astrophysical measurements in the far-infrared (FIR) wavelengths are crucial for a variety of astrophysical applications. These include probing the fuel for cosmic star formation, understanding the developmental cycles of protoplanetary disks, and investigating the role and composition of dust in the interstellar medium. Our collaboration is currently developing a FIR on-chip spectrometer that is operable in the range of 100-200µm, utilizing low-noise kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs). As these devices incorporate new technology, their spectral response must be measured and compared with traditional FIR optical dispersion methods. To this end, we have designed a cryogenic Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) that operates …

Pins, Inhwan Jeon

Theses

Pins aims to portray the societal landscape observed and experienced by me as an international student, highlighting sociological concerns like hatred and hate crimes instead of focusing on surface-level metrics such as the risk and fatality rates of COVID-19. Through this work, I want to remind the audience of the multifaceted nature of society and the emotions evoked by COVID-19, prompting reflection on the role of art during times of crisis. While transforming my original medium of metal objects into an installation art format, I explored concepts such as spacing, installation, cognition, narrative, and multiple senses. I integrated these elements …

The Role Of Food Ordering Systems In The Efficiency Of Food Distribution Through Food Banks: A Case Study, Turner Kamm

Theses

Introduction: Food banks face pressure to support an increasing number of food-insecure individuals, and to increase operational efficiency. This study reviewed the role of ordering systems in a food bank through a literature review and analysis of past ordering data. Methods: A literature review was conducted on the role of food ordering systems on efficient food delivery. Order data were categorized by month, county, and product category to assess transaction patterns. Analyses involved total pounds of food received by each county and a formula to calculate the percent of food insecure individuals served by county. Additional analyses compared items that …

The Logical Reasoning Dilemma Of Llms: A Mapping Deficit In Representation Acquisition, Yiling Wu

Theses

Currently, Large Language Models (LLMs) based on the Generative Pre-trained Transformer architecture have made breakthroughs in multilingual language processing tasks and performed similar language processing capabilities to humans. However, their performance in dealing with tasks involving reasoning, especially logical reasoning, show significant shortcomings. In this paper, we argue that logical reasoning competence requires a certain type of representation acquisition capability. Based on this, in order to assess whether LLMs have the potential to overcome the shortcomings of their logical reasoning competence in their subsequent development, this work compares the representation acquisition processes of humans and LLMs. This comparison reveals that …

Integrative Approaches To Evaluate Challenges Faced By Songbirds During Migration And Associated Physiological Trade-Offs, Gabriella L. Orfanides

Theses

Migration is a demanding time for birds, and birds face numerous physiological, behavioral, and environmental challenges. As migratory birds balance the costs of numerous stressors during migration, this could result in detrimental physiological trade-offs. Understanding the trials and trade-offs that birds encounter during migration has important conservation implications. I utilized two component studies to better understand challenges encountered by migratory songbirds as well as to identify physiological metrics that may provide insight into these challenges. For the first study, I used nested PCR and DNA sequencing to determine parasite prevalence and diversity of avian haemosporidians in Canada Warblers (Cardellina canadensis) …

A New Diagnostic Method For Distinguishing Binary From Single Supermassive Black Holes Using Broad Emission Lines, Ziming Ji

Theses

During cosmic timescales, supermassive binary black holes (SMBBHs) form by galaxy mergers, where each galaxy hosts a supermassive black hole (SMBH) at its center. By studying SMBBHs, we can gain insights into galaxy evolution and black hole growth. However, the typical separation between black holes in SMBBHs is usually below 1 pc, making them difficult to resolve using direct imaging or photometry. To be able to distinguish binary black holes (BBHs) from typical AGN powered by single black holes (SBHs), we conducted this research project to develop a new diagnostic method to identify a unique feature of SMBBHs, which can …

Music Education In The Urban Classroom: Issues Of Equity And Access, Lakeisha Walker

Theses

Music education in urban classrooms plays a crucial role in shaping students' overall development and academic success. The field of music education is not immune to the challenges of equity and access that exist in urban settings. It is essential to address these issues to ensure that all students have equal opportunities to participate in music programs and reap the countless benefits that come with them.

The importance of this topic in the field of music education cannot be overstated. Research has shown that students who participate in music programs demonstrate improved academic performance, enhanced cognitive skills, and increased creativity. …

An Evaluation Of The Irish Rugby Football Union (Irfu) Coach Education Framework In School And Club Settings, Kevin Smith

Theses

This thesis aimed to evaluate the Irish Rugby Football Union Coach Education Framework (IRFU-CEF) and its subsequent effect on coach behaviours/perceptions, training session content, and athlete perceptions in multiple rugby union settings. The IRFU-CEF was designed to educate coaches in How to coach, as opposed to more traditional forms of coach education that are typically designed to deliver content of What to coach. A baseline analysis (Study 1) was conducted to examine current behaviours/perceptions in a rugby union coaching environment. An IRFU-CEF intervention (Study 2) was delivered to coaches in the form of a single episode as a coach education …

Towards A Net Zero University Campus, Sarah Ali

Theses

This report explores the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions assessment and reduction strategy for the Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai (RITD) campus, aiming to contribute towards the UAE's "Net Zero 2050" initiative. The study establishes a comprehensive emissions baseline for the year 2023 using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP), incorporating Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions. A dashboard was developed to continuously monitor annual emissions, facilitating data-driven decisions for sustainability. The total GHG emissions for RITD were approximately 5,245,197.68 kg CO2e. The primary sources of emissions were identified as electricity consumption (39%) and commuting (53%), which together constitute …

Sustainable Energy Access And Irrigation Planning In Sub Saharan Africa, Fhazhil Wamalwa

Theses

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is the least developed and most vulnerable region to climate change globally, with electricity access and irrigation rates at 45% and 5%, respectively. The region's high reliance on rain-fed farming results in significant yield gaps, increasing dependence on food imports and aid. Projected declines in rainfed agricultural productivity due to climate-induced rainfall variability, coupled with a rapid population growth rate of 2.8% per year, will likely exacerbate food insufficiency. SSA is largely rural, with an urbanization rate of 42%. Much of its population lives in sparsely populated settlements characterized by low electricity demand, which poses a significant …

Characteristics Of Lactobacillus Helveticus Fermentation Of Camel And Bovine Milks, Kobika Chelladhurai

Theses

In this study, the fermentation of low-fat camel milk (CM) and bovine milk (BM) with Lactobacillus helveticus was compared to fermentation with L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, and S. thermophilus at 28°C, 35°C, and 42°C. The fermentation activities were followed by measuring bacterial counts, titratable acidity, pH, and changes in lactose, organic acids, and proteolysis for 96 hours. Although bacterial growth was comparable in CM and BM, the fermented milks showed differences in acidification and proteolysis. Negative correlations between TA (%) and pH were consistent in both CM and BM suggesting similar buffering capacities. In both milks, L. helveticus …

Exploring English Language Teachers’ Selfefficacy Beliefs In Relation To Teaching Gifted Students, Shatha Mohammed Sobih

Theses

This study investigates the beliefs of English language teachers regarding their ability to identify and teach gifted students, focusing on how they perceive their own skills in teaching primary grade level students (grades 1, 2, and 3) with exceptional intellectual abilities in English language education. The study followed a qualitative research design and collected data using an open-ended survey consisting of questions that encouraged participants to provide detailed and unrestricted responses. This study also performed purposeful sampling to select respondents with the necessary knowledge and experience to offer rich and meaningful data. This study targeted English language teachers (n …

Mathematical Modeling Of An Epidemic In Scalefree Network With Imperfect Vaccination, Heba Hameed

Theses

In light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the mathematical epidemiological model has proven to be essential for understanding the disease dynamic and finding the best control tool to help contain the disease and minimize its impact. This thesis investigates the dynamics of an infectious disease spread with latent infection and vaccination. The aim is to study this model’s dynamic in a network that reflects the heterogeneity of the environment where the disease spreads. The vaccination is assumed to be not perfect, which means that vaccinated persons are likely to be infected and that the vaccinated person could lose their immunity, …

Fish-Eye Camera-Based Real-Time Pedestrian Crossing Predicting System, Mohammed Abdulla Almesafri

Theses

Fisheye cameras are widely used in traffic monitoring for their broad view, yet their distortion challenges deep-learning models in pedestrian detection and tracking. Despite available datasets like FishEye8K, collected in Hsinchu, Taiwan, and the availability of several studies that have delved into pedestrian prediction systems, a notable gap remains: the absence of datasets specifically designed for the cultural context of the UAE. This study aims to address this gap by introducing an in-house fisheye dataset tailored to enhance the prediction and tracking of pedestrians in fisheye footage within the UAE's environment. The present study addresses the development of a Graphical …

Securing The Inbox: Advancing Phishing Email Detection With Fine-Tuned Bert, Fatima Rashed Al Saedi

Theses

In recent years, phishing attacks have persisted as a widespread threat in the contemporary digital environment, presenting substantial risks to individuals and organizations. Cybercriminals are devising increasingly sophisticated strategies to deceive users through malicious emails. In response to this challenge, this research focuses on developing a new tool for detecting phishing emails utilizing the BERT algorithm. The tool aims to enhance email security by accurately identifying deceptive emails and protecting users from potential cyber threats. The primary objective of this study is to investigate how leveraging the BERT algorithm can improve the detection of phishing emails compared to traditional methods. …

Diversity, Distribution, And Determinants Of Bacterial Communities In Arctic Soil, Amna Khaleefa Alhemeiri

Theses

Arctic soils host diverse bacterial communities crucial for ecosystem functioning and nutrient cycling. Understanding the factors shaping their diversity and distribution is essential to assess ecosystem responses to climate warming. This study aimed to assess and compare bacterial diversity and community structure between high- and sub-arctic ecosystems and explore the environmental and climatic factors determining their distribution. We collected 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequence data from 999 samples of high- and sub-arctic soils. All the data was pre-processed and quality-controlled using a similar bioinformatics methodology, followed by statistical analyses including alpha and beta diversity assessments, and volatility analysis using QIIME2. …

The Association Between Body Image Satisfaction And Depressive Symptoms Among Young Women In The Uae With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Pcos) And Non-Pcos: A Comparative Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study, Shaima Abdrahman Al-Mekhlafi

Theses

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common syndromes affecting women of reproductive age, (Laggari et al., 2009). PCOS not only impacts women's physical health but also their psychological well-being, often leading to depressive symptoms and lower body image satisfaction, Wang et al. (2023). Recent research indicates a growing prevalence of PCOS among women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mirza et al. (2023). However, there is a noticeable gap in understanding the psychological effects of PCOS on women in the UAE, likely due to cultural sensitivities. This study aims to investigate the association of depressive symptoms and …

Exploring Emirati High School Students' Attitude Towards Reading In L2 (English), Seba Dabik

Theses

Reading in a second language (L2) is a crucial skill for high school students as it helps to develop their second language proficiency and broadens their understanding of the world. It also holds substantial significance in both their personal and academic endeavors. Additionally, proficient L2 reading skills pave the way for promising prospects and professional opportunities. This study examines students' attitudes towards reading academically and recreationally in L2 and the factors that contribute to these attitudes. The study sample comprised of 20 grade 11 UAE national male students (16-17 years old) enrolled in a public Applied Technology School (ATS) in …

The Next Strike: Pioneering Forward-Thinking Attack Techniques With Rowhammer In Dram Technologies, Nakul Kochar

Theses

In the realm of DRAM technologies this study investigates RowHammer vulnerabilities in DDR4 DRAM memory across various manufacturers, employing advanced multi-sided fault injection techniques to impose attack strategies directly on physical memory rows. Our novel approach, diverging from traditional victim-focused methods, involves strategically allocating virtual memory rows to their physical counterparts for more potent attacks. These attacks, exploiting the inherent weaknesses in DRAM design, are capable of inducing bit flips in a controlled manner to undermine system integrity. We employed a strategy that compromised system integrity through a nuanced approach of targeting rows situated at a distance of two rows …

Exploring Microplastic Concentrations And The Sedimentology Of San Diego's Offshore Benthic Environments, Rachel Sarner

Theses

Marine pollution studies are showing infiltration of plastic debris in remote parts of oceans including the deep sea. Microplastics (MPs) are being discovered not only in the ocean’s water column but also benthic sediments reaching thousands of meters in depth. This is the first study to analyze MP concentrations in conjunction with sedimentary characteristics from varying deep-sea environments (coastal, deep ocean, offshore terrace) in the Southern California Continental Borderland (CCB). Our goal for this study was to observe how the concentration and type (morphology, color, size) of microplastics varied with distance from shore, with water depth, and between different submarine …

Deep Learning Approach For Detecting And Classifying Chaotic Driving Activity Using Video Surveillance, Fatma Abdulla Desmal Alhaddad

Theses

The growing rate of urbanization in the city of Dubai has contributed to the increase in vehicular activity and the prevalence of risky driving behavior on the road. This project proposes a deep-learning-based system, VGG-16, for the identification and classification of different patterns of driving behavior. The research methodology used for the study relies on the compilation of datasets from various resources, including ImageNet, Kaggle, UAH-DriverSet, D²-City Dataset, and confidential videos obtained from the Dubai Police command center. The findings of the study will be categorized into two parts. The first part will involve the compilation of the features based …

Using Prediction Ml Algorithm For Predicting Early Student Attrition In Higher Education, Noora Ali Mohsen Alattar Alhashmi

Theses

Abstract This study aims to use predictive models in order to figure out students that are in likelihood of attrition as well as determine the factors that may contribute to this attrition. Student attrition is the occurrence in which students leave the institution without finishing their studies or taking the degree. It includes students either willingly or involuntarily terminating their education and failing to graduate. The findings will enable relevant parties to establish successful strategies or approaches and activities to assist in reducing the number of students who leave. With the testing and analysis approaches, it was recognized that SVM …

Syn: Exploring Multi-Sensory Sound Experiences Through An Immersive Installation, Samara Sudhir

Theses

The project titled 'SYN.' is a thesis that explores the realm of multi-sensory experiences in visual communication by taking inspiration from synesthesia. Synesthesia is a phenomenon where sensory information is transmitted through multiple unrelated senses, causing individuals to experience more than one sense simultaneously, such as seeing music and hearing color/shapes. The project aims to create an immersive and interactive installation that evokes a feeling of being inside the music by blurring the boundaries between auditory and visual stimuli. Through meticulous mapping and projection of visuals onto various surfaces, a three-dimensional space is created where participants can interact and alter …

Glacier Lake Inventory And Lake Outburst Flood Hazard Assessment In Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, Nepal, Prabish Khadka Chhetri

Theses

This study presents a comprehensive assessment of glacial lakes and land surface temperature (LST) dynamics within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) from 2010 to 2023. The KCA holds significant ecological importance, serving as a critical habitat for diverse flora and fauna, while also playing a vital role in regional hydrological systems. Additionally, its stunning landscapes attract tourists and mountaineers from around the world, further emphasizing the need for understanding environmental changes within the area. Utilizing medium to high-resolution satellite imagery from PlanetScope for glacial mapping and Landsat for LST analysis, the research aimed to achieve two primary objectives: creating an …

Reduction Of The Length Of Stay At The Emergency Department Of The Audie L. Murphy Hospital, Arwa Al Shikrian

Theses

We implemented the DMAIC framework (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) and Lean Six Sigma methods to reduce the length of stay (LOS) in the Emergency Department (ED) at Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital, a crucial issue affecting operational efficiency and patient care quality. This project was conducted in conjunction with an internship at the Hospital; our efforts were an integral part of a Green Belt project being conducted by Mr. Roarke Verkaik-Bushby, Hospital Administration Service, to

whom this author reported.

We employed quantitative research design, meticulously observing, measuring, and analyzing ED processes. We tracked patient flow, identified bottlenecks, and …

Crime Rate Analysis And E-Crime Prevention In Dubai Using Machine Learning., Mohammad Ahmad Hatam

Theses

Globally increasing criminal activity, such as E Crimes, presents a serious threat to both economic growth and social welfare. Nevertheless, Dubai is a safety haven in the middle of this trend, as seen by the significant decline in major and non-alarming crimes during the first quarter of 2023. This study uses an examination of the large crime dataset (about 34,567 events) from the Dubai Police Department that spans 2019 to 2021. Several main goals are to be achieved by this work by using geospatial methods, predictive modelling, correlation investigations, and exploratory analysis. First of all, it looks for complex trends …

Seeing With New Eyes: A Costume Design Thesis On Wedding Band: A Love/Hate Story In Black And White, Jennifer Nielson Helms

Theses

AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OFJennifer N. Helms, for the Master of Fine Arts degree in Theater Design, presented on March 26, 2024, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: SEEING WITH NEW EYES: A COSTUME DESIGN THESIS ON WEDDING BAND: A LOVE/HATE STORY IN BLACK AND WHITEMAJOR PROFESSOR: Wendi R. Zea This thesis document is a presentation and exploration of the process involving the costume design for Wedding Band: A Love/Hate Story in Black and White by Alice Childress. The play was produced in the Christian H. Moe Laboratory Theatre at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and ran from November 30 …