Digital Commons Network^™

Economical And Environmental Evaluation Of Non-Residential Demand Response In The European Transition To Zero-Carbon Energy, Markus Fleshutz

Theses

To meet climate objectives, major energy consumers with local multi-energy systems (L- MESs) must transition to renewable energy sources soon. The variability of renewable energies requires increased operational flexibility for integration. In this context, demand response (DR), a strategy in which electricity consumers adjust their load profiles in response to incentives, has become crucial, offering cost-effective flexibility. It supports L-MESs in integrating renewable energy, reducing decarbonization costs, and enhancing resilience. However, quantifying the economic DR potentials for L-MESs under carbon emission constraints is complex, especially when considering investment options in distributed energy resources. This complexity hinders the rapid adoption of …

Analyzing Trust In Automation Using Large Language Models, Derek Koehl

Theses

This thesis explores the measurement of trust in the context of human interactions with automated systems. Trust is influenced by factors like perceived ability, benevolence, and integrity which presents a measurement challenge. Given the lack of a universally accepted model for trust, there is an abundance of trust measurement methods in the literature. This research aimed to ascertain the reliability of NLP-based measurements to determine whether such methods can shed light on the dimensionality of trust as a construct and to isolate a Linguistic Fingerprint™ of trust. The results lent support to trust as a unidimensional construct. There was little …

Small Molecule Modulation Of The P75 Neurotrophin Receptor Attenuates Neurodegeneration In An In Vitro Model Of Parkinson’S Disease, Poshan Pokharel

Theses

The p75 Neurotrophin Receptor (p75NTR) is a multifunctional transmembrane protein expressed in distinct regions of the adult nervous system. p75NTR regulates various functions, including neuronal survival or apoptosis interacting with coreceptors Trk receptors or sortilin. Activation of p75NTR occurs through proteolytic processing, and we previously demonstrated that oxidative stress induces activation of p75NTR in LUHMES cells, a neuronal cell line derived from the human ventral mesencephalon. Dopaminergic neurons of the ventral mesencephalon are vulnerable to oxidative stress and neurodegeneration associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Thus, we evaluated the mechanisms behind p75NTR activation and its physiological implications in a PD model. …

Potential Mechanisms Maintaining A Conspicuous Polymorphism In Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia Holbrooki), Katelyn Giltner

Theses

Genetic variation often precedes adaptation, so the mechanisms that maintain this variation are a central topic in evolutionary biology. Gambusia holbrooki, or eastern mosquitofish, possesses a rare polymorphism for melanistic coloration. Melanics and typical silver males were examined for differences in behavioral and physiological traits that may impact the persistence of the melanism trait. No differences in standard metabolic rate were found via closed-chamber respirometry, but a detour task indicated that melanic males possess greater cognitive flexibility. Effects of the social environment on stress and reproductive traits were also evaluated by pairing males and comparing cortisol levels and sperm quality …

Constructing Other Worlds: An Intertextual Analysis Of Cow Eye Press, Adrian Jones Pearson And The Works Of A.J. Perry, James A. Galliher

Theses

Cow Eye Press, A.J. Perry, and the pseudonymous Adrian Jones Pearson have largely been ignored by academics. Between 2001 and 2021, Perry composed a collection of texts which this study calls the Cow Eye Project. The project received brief attention when critics and journalists began comparing Pearson to Thomas Pynchon. However, the online spectacle overshadowed engagement with the texts themselves. This thesis exists to document the project and foreground Perry’s works on their own merits to examine their value and position within contemporary American literature. Previous scholars have treated the texts individually. This thesis argues that the central texts of …

A Comparative Study Of Methods For Modeling Python Source Code Semantic Similarity, Binita Gyawali

Theses

In this thesis, we did comparative study of various methods for generating Python source code embeddings and evaluated their effectiveness using semantic labels. We used both word embedding models, such as Word2Vec and GloVe, and document embedding models to capture the semantic meaning of Python source code. In terms of word embedding evaluation, Word2Vec, combined with cosine distance, achieved the highest nearest neighbor precision of 0.5790. For evaluation of Python source code (or document) embeddings, our analysis across two datasets showed that Doc2Vec, paired with cosine distance, outperformed other methods in semantic code similarity detection, achieving an AUROC between 0.80 …

Living Charity: Beata Caterina, The Pizzicaiuoli Altarpiece And Lived Religion In Fifteenth-Century Siena, Susan A. Nolan

Theses

This thesis examines charity as a key element of early modern experience in the context of the Pizzicaiuoli altarpiece (1447). Painted by well-known artist Giovanni di Paolo, the altarpiece was commissioned by the Sienese guild of grocers, the Pizzicaiuoli, and was situated in the church of the Santissima Annunziata, located in the hospital of Santa Maria della Scala in Siena. The central focus of the altarpiece is the main panel depicting the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Presentation), which is surrounded by iconic images of saints. Below the Presentation scene, in a predella (the lowermost horizontal component of …

Deterring The Digital Dragon, Bryn Lacey

Theses

Australia’s 21st century has been heavily influenced by a growing number of cyber incidents ranging from individuals causing extraordinary damage to state-based attacks from adversary states such as China. Focusing on state actors in the cyber domain, this thesis investigates Martin Libicki’s cyber-deterrence framework, with a specific emphasis on the employment of deterrence by punishment, and applies this concept to the case study of the relationship between Australia and China.

In recent years, Australia has been consistently targeted by sophisticated state-based cyber actors and the Australian Government has appeared increasingly prepared to publicly criticise Beijing as a key security challenge. …

First Nations Children: Investigating Elements For A Successful Education Model, Frances Mccarthy

Theses

This study was undertaken at the request of and in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, community members and families, and educators. These First Nations participants allowed the study to explore what might contribute to the creation of a successful model of education for First Nations children to lead them to be successful contributing members of the community.

The cultural interface theory is the theoretical framework used in the design of this research project. Through the implementation of the phenomenographic methodology, knowledge was gathered through semi-structured interviews with participants. By listening and questioning, a picture of the educational …

Relational Apophaticism And A Contemporary, Ecumenical Practice Of Christian Spiriutal Direction In The Western Church, Ian Raymond Wilson

Theses

Defining and nurturing Christian spiritual growth and maturity is challenging. This is especially so in a contemporary environment that might be considered individualistic and self-preoccupied and where the meaning of the term ‘spiritual’ has become increasingly vague. This thesis explores the concept of ‘relational apophaticism’ proposing it as a pathway of spiritual growth and the essence of spiritual maturity. A contemporary, ecumenical ministry of Christian spiritual direction in the Western Church, and perspectives on spiritual growth and maturity evident in St. Gregory of Nyssa’s mystical writings The Life of Moses and Homilies on the Song of Songs are drawn on …

The Impact Of Service-Learning On The Development Of Servant Leadership In An Ignatian Context, Antony Sindone

Theses

This thesis investigates the impact of domestic and international service-learning on servant leadership development. Utilising mixed methods, the case study extends the current literature, which has relied largely on quantitative or qualitative data. The research comprises three Sydney Jesuit institutions and seven service-learning experiences of differing lengths and locations. The quantitative phase surveyed 60 participants using the Servant Leadership Behaviour Scale (Sendjaya et al., 2008) to capture statistically significant growth in servant leader attributes, including: voluntary subordination, covenantal relationships, authentic self, responsible morality, transforming influence and transcendental spirituality. The second phase involved 62 individual interviews with leaders and volunteers to …

An Entangled But Separate System: Examining The Experiences Of Colonial Offenders In Western Australia, 1829-1868, Emily Lanman

Theses

Crime and punishment are omnipresent features of Western Australia’s colonial history. The establishment of a colony on invaded Noongar boodja in 1829 is indicative of the first criminal act. Within six months, a system of incarceration had been established for British offenders. Despite this, the importation of male imperial convicts from Britain and Ireland between 1850 and 1868 has become synonymous with the colony’s penal history. The historiographical preoccupation with imperial convicts ignores the people convicted within the colony, and subsequently, their lived experiences have been overlooked. This is to the detriment of understanding offenders, their motivations, and their interactions …

The Light Of Hope: Representations Of Salvation In The Great North Window Of St Mary’S Cathedral, Sydney, Carolyn Amy Lewis Flynn

Theses

St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney is considered to be the Mother Church of Australia. Yet, the rich architectural and artistic heritage contained therein has been little studied. This is an interdisciplinary study of John Hardman Powell’s Great North Window in that cathedral. It draws on theological and art historical research methods to interrogate the window’s underlying meanings, and the aims of its patrons. An examination of the doctrinal, devotional, and theological writings of the nineteenth century shows that this stained-glass window reflects the period’s understanding of salvation history. The window, firstly, tells the story of salvation through the stories about …

Access, Security, And Trust: Balancing Agencies' Need-To-Access Encrypted Data With Digital Security And Public Trust In Australian Government's Policy Approaches To Law Enforcement And National Security, Stephen Anthony Haydon

Theses

In the 21st Century, governments around the world are confronted by the challenges of policing against serious crime, terrorism, and other malicious-actor threats in an increasingly complex and convoluted digital landscape. Accelerating social changes and advances in secure and anonymising technologies (including end-to-end encryption) are providing regular frustrations to law enforcement and intelligence organisations. These agencies must detect, deter, and disrupt the threats to lives, public safety, and national security posed by malicious foreign and domestic actors who are utilising such technologies to communicate securely and ‘go dark’ online. Accessing encrypted data to identify and investigate these threats frequently requires …

Study On The Chemical Composition And Antioxidant Activities Of Essential Oil Extracted From Horwoodia Dicksoniae Growing In The Uae, Salama Sari Al Mansoori

Theses

Plant-derived substances including essential oils, secondary metabolites and other chemical substances are gaining attention due to their broad spectrum use in different fields. Native medicinal plants can play a key role in the healthcare field in any country. Horwoodia dicksoniae is a native endangered plant in UAE. The current study is about the chemical composition and antioxidant properties of H. dicksoniae’s essential oil as well as the evaluation of growth of this native endangered plant under different environmental conditions. For this purpose, the first step included confirmation of the viability of seeds obtained from a seed bank following the …

Effect Of Fabrication Pressure And Nmc Cathode Composition On Lpscl Electrolyte For Solid-State Battery Performance Improvement, Winervil James

Theses

Batteries are a key energy storage solution for a sustainable energy future. They provide carbon free power to portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and even electric vehicles. With further improvements to battery performance¸ the diversity of machines that can be electrified will increase. Solid state batteries (SSBs) have the potential to provide much greater energy density compared to conventional batteries. Greater energy density will help address the power to size ratio limitation of conventional batteries. Despite improvements in these major areas, SSBs still face some significant operational challenges. The study herein focuses on improving the performance of a …

A Prototype Of Simple Implantable Optofluidic Device Enabled By 3d Printing Technology, Yu Chang

Theses

Superhydrophobic surface-based optofluidics have been introduced to biosensors and unconventional optics recently with unique advantages such as dynamic adjustable optical properties, low light loss, and high versatility. Most of these platforms were manufactured by Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) manufacturing technology and usually need to be further packaged or sealed. Although the MEMS-based technology is prone to make an integrated device containing sensing and electronic components, the technology may constrain the design of the morphology of the featured structures. For example, it was hard to manufacture a three-dimensional, fully enclosed round channel with complex structures along the inner surface. The limitations could …

Software-Based Property Enforcement For Detecting Hardware Anomalies, Jacob Thomas

Theses

As the world grows more and more reliant on microcomputing systems, security becomes a greater and greater concern. Malicious code is an ever-present issue in the field of computing and hardware vulnerabilities pose a rising threat to an increasingly connected landscape. This variety in threats can be mitigated through invariant rules for device operation, which form a policy for acceptable device behavior such that policy violations can be interpreted as either erroneous or malicious. This defense architecture disregards threat source and identifies issues based on their symptoms. Such systems are usually enforced through hardware implementations, which can become expensive in …

Discourses Across Periods Of Time, Amanda Raquel Moreno

Theses

This literature review explores the revolutionary effect of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) on digital art history, specifically concentrating on their capacity to enable dialogical exchanges with historical figures and deepen the understanding of artworks. This study considers the current state of research, detecting key methodologies, areas of improvement, and possible challenges and ethical concerns. The example historical figure used in this analysis is the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Kahlo’s refusal to correspond to a specific artistic style makes her an ideal subject for generative AI and VR-based investigation, offering fresh insights into her work. The …

Selective Production Of Levoglucosan (Lg) From Pyrolysis Of Date Pits And Its Catalytic Transformation Into Transportation Fuels, Ala Hamid Higazi

Theses

Levoglucosan (LG) or (1,6-anhydro-β-D-glucopyranose) signifies important sugar derivatives produces in appreciable quantities from thermochemical and biochemical degradation of biomass. It is often regarded as an important platform chemical for the synthesis of value-added products, most notably styrene and furans. The work in this thesis entails two broad aims; to produce LG from pyrolysis of date pits; and then convert the LG into transportation fuels through a hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reaction. The particular choice of date pits stems from its local relative abundance as a waste biomass. Aiming to further improve the yield of levoglucosan yields from pyrolysis of date pits, pre-treatment …

Assessing Open Source Tools For Enhanced Forensic Analysis Of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Uavs), Nura Shifa Hamed

Theses

The widespread applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly referred to as drones, has given rise to significant national security threats due to their illicit activities. Consequently, the domain of UAV forensics is rapidly evolving, presenting a substantial knowledge deficit among forensic experts. Open source tools provide accessible and affordable resources, making it easier for investigators to bridge this gap by gaining expertise in the use of these tools. This helps ensure that forensic professionals can keep up with the ever-changing UAV technology landscape. This thesis undertakes the mission of navigate the complex field of drone forensics and conducting a …

Construing Children’S Perceptions Of Ideal Learning Spaces Based On Personal Construct Theory, Rawan Natheer Abdel Rahman

Theses

Learning is an intrinsic aspect of human experience, predominantly shaped by interactions within the socio-physical environment, including engagements with educators, peers, and the built surroundings. The design and character of these learning spaces influence children's cognitive, perceptual, and motor development while also embodying different pedagogical philosophies. Therefore, designing these spaces to align with educational shifts and enhance learning experiences requires a deep understanding of learner’s needs and perceptions. With the COVID-19 pandemic necessitating a shift to home-learning, there arose a unique opportunity to explore children’s perception of ideal learning spaces as they experienced both home and school settings. This research …

Viability Of Rental Chillers For The Gcc Region By Using Uae As A Baseline, Kenaz Thomas George

Theses

The HVAC industry in the UAE is a lucrative business, with five companies operating in the UAE, two of which are major players in the market. COMPANY-X, is one of two and it is a multi-million-dollar company headquartered in the USA. The company has franchises in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, along with several dealerships across the country. Despite considering entering the rental market for the past six years, however, it remained just an idea until the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022. The pandemic resulted in a surge in demand for rental services, specifically in the testing and vaccination …

Nurses' Experience Of Family-Centered Rounds In The Intensive Care Unit, Kaitlyn King

Theses

A paradigm shift in the Canadian healthcare system has transitioned the patient and family from care recipients to integral and valued members of the multidisciplinary team. Implementation of family-centered care within the context of the adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU) remains slow to adopt in Canada despite evidence that open visitation and family presence offer many benefits to improve the delivery of quality care, and satisfaction with the overall patient experience. The COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated the ability of the healthcare team to effectively include patients and families into their daily multidisciplinary rounds. Restricted visitation policies, infection control and …

Application Of Icp Rie Techniques To Produce Cnt Arrays, Mujtaba Yar Khan Siddiqui

Theses

Introducing biomolecules into cells is an important process in the field of gene therapy and in developing cures for debilitating illnesses such as HIV and cancer. However, the currently used methods for cellular transfection are slow, inefficient and expensive, causing them to be restrictive. A solution to this problem would be the carbon nanotube (CNT) array devices developed by our research group, which have been shown to be highly efficient at transporting biomolecules into cells. In the current manufacturing process, a sacrificial template with vertically aligned nanopores is used to deposit carbon in, the template then is etched away to …

The Bible And Normative Experiences Of Queer Marriage In The United States: The Interconnected Influences Of Scripture, Law, And Queer Context, Ross H. Potter Jr.

Theses

This thesis explores the relational influences between scripture, law, and queer context as they drive understandings of queer marriage norms in the United States. Emphasis is placed on the role that particular scriptures play in teasing out meaning from the various lived experiences of queer communities over the last century. These lived experiences, in turn, have influenced both approaches to scriptural interpretation and religious and legal norms surrounding the acceptance of queer people and their marriages within society. By utilizing queer biblical interpretation in dialogue with these influential biblical passages and legal and social norms that have developed in the …

Pseudo-Dionysius’S Response To Neoplatonism: An Exploration Of Pseudo-Dionysius’ Historical Context And His Source Utilization In “The Mystical Theology”, Mhanna Joseph Kallas

Theses

This research delves into the writings of Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, particularly his blending of Neoplatonic ideas with Christian theology in his work "The Mystical Theology." Pseudo-Dionysius, a significant figure in Christian mysticism, draws upon a diverse array of sources to articulate his theological vision. An in-depth analysis of "The Mystical Theology" and its foundational texts reveals Pseudo-Dionysius's aim to align Neoplatonic apophatic strategies with Christian thought, suggesting that the essence of many Neoplatonic theological concepts is either inherent in or can be extrapolated from Christian doctrine. By shedding light on Pseudo-Dionysius's strategic selection and adaptation of various sources, this study …

Rooted In Meaning: Plant Iconography On Nasca Polychrome Ceramics, Amanda G. Lange

Theses

This thesis explores the Nasca use of plant iconography as part of their polychrome ceramics produced at the end of the Early Horizon around 100 BCE to those produced in the beginning and middle of the Early Intermediate Period circa 1to 450 CE. During this time the religious site of Cahuachi was in use as a pilgrimage center as well as the production center of polychrome pottery. The Nasca created their colorful ceramics here to distribute to visiting pilgrims during times of festival or ritual. The culture’s iconography has been studied extensively, most of which focuses on the forms of …

Ai Application In Architecture In Uae: Developing And Testing Advanced Optimization Model For A Parametric Shading Structure As A Retrofit Strategy Of A Midrise Residential Building Façade In Downtown Abu Dhabi, Anwar Ghaleb Ahmad

Theses

Artificial intelligence is a phenomenon that influences every aspect of our lives. AI applications have already started to change the methods in different disciplines. Architecture is one of the disciplines that is highly affected by the developments of AI technologies. With the United Arab Emirates heading to employ new technology to lead the country and region development, it is important to explore and develop the application of AI in the strategic disciplines of the country in which the built environment is essential. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an advanced model script (to be used as a tool) using …

Design And Fem Modelling Of Mems Capacitive Accelerometer And Gyroscope For Quadcopter/Uav Applications, Shaikha Rashid Alnaqbi

Theses

This study presents the design, simulation, and analysis of Micro Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) sensors, constituting the principal components of MEMS-based Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs). The main objective of the study is to design, simulate and analyze 3-axis capacitive accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope. The MEMS-based capacitive accelerometers and gyroscope are analyzed using Ansys Workbench. Modal, Static Structural and harmonic analysis are used to obtain resonant frequencies, deformation/stress and profile of amplitude over a wide range of frequencies. Mechanical sensitivity analysis of the designed accelerometer and gyroscope is performed using the Finite Element Method (FEM). Analytical Equations are developed to calculate mechanical …