Digital Commons Network^™

Digital Beamforming Implemented In Hardware, Nicole Dulieu

Theses

Digital beamforming is a popular method used in modern communication systems. The ability to track and locate a transmitting signal adaptively is necessary in communication systems. Beamforming is one solution to this problem. Beamforming uses an array or matrix of isotropic antenna elements. This eliminates the need to create a physically larger antennas to achieve the same radiation pattern and gain of a phased array of antenna elements. Additionally, the antennas are electronically controlled allowing the radiation pattern and gain to adapt quickly. It is necessary to use a digital platform for beamforming because hardware can digitize analog signals efficiently. …

Benchmarking Of Matrix Multiplication Acceleration Methods, Ashish Tondwalkar

Theses

With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), performance and model runtime feasibility poses a challenge to the advancement of AI technology. Novel methods of accelerating the core mathematical functions of AI applications are being explored. The crux of AI computations that would benefit from hardware acceleration is matrix multiplication. This thesis explores the acceleration of matrix multiplication using systolic arrays and the strassen algorithm, methods known for enhancing computational efficiency through parallel processing. The research focuses on the design, implementation, and comprehensive testing of these architectures to expedite matrix multiplication tasks, crucial for applications in deep learning and signal processing. …

Color Change: Illumination And Observers, Che Shen

Theses

While color change is often associated with physical or chemical alterations in an object, this thesis focuses on perceptual color changes due to factors like color inconstancy under different lighting conditions, observer metamerism due to varying color matching functions, and individual differences in hue perception despite identical tristimulus values. Based on the complexities of color change phenomenon, a psychophysical experiment was conducted to establish the threshold of color inconstancy, where observers were tasked with categorizing colors under varying lighting. A major advancement in this thesis is the development of the Weighted Geometric Mean (WGM) model, an advanced chromatic adaptation model …

Enola, Justin Gibson

Theses

Enola, is a photographic collection of visual fragments without a beginning or end. These moments reflect on my inner psychological landscape, translated from pieces of stories, dreams, recollections. My project, inspired heavily by the town that I once called home, Enola, Pennsylvania, acts as a cultural origin point for my photographs. This work highlights aspects of the uncanny, the quiet, and the unfamiliar tendencies of life. These formulations usually manifest as dreamlike scenes. My work weaves these disconnected pieces into a cohesive reflection.

(Virtual) Space: The Final Frontier – Virtual-Reality-Based Identification Of Nearby, Young Stars In Gaia Data, Ryan W. Butler

Theses

Nearby Young Moving Groups (NYMGSs) are loose kinematic associations of young (<150 >Myr) stars in the solar neighborhood (distance ≤ 140pc). These groups offer an excellent testbed for the study of pre-main sequence stellar evolution, protoplanetary and evolved disks, and recently formed (or forming) extrasolar systems. To further inform studies of these systems, we can expand the known membership of these NYMGs using the multi-dimensional spatial, kinematic, and photometric data from the Gaia mission. Using a new virtual reality tool known as StarGateVR, we search Gaia Data Release 3 for new candidates of 8 NYMGs and identify ∼ 370 such …

The Space That Tell Stories, Asia Gonzalez

Theses

This project focuses on visual storytelling in game design. The primary focus of this project is to create an environment that tells a story through visual exposition and very minimal dialogue or written words. Furthermore, the project studies the ways in which a story can be both a visual and interactive experience.

White Cell Support Application For Expo Ops Tactical Wargame System, Zackery Joseph Milder

Theses

The purpose of this project was to create a support application for a tabletop wargame currently used for training and scenario simulation by the United States Marine Corps. The EXPO OPS Companion is meant to enhance the capabilities of the White Cell/table director, the unbiased third party responsible for running adjudication for the EXPO OPS Tactical Wargames System. EXPO OPS TWS is “…a table top wargame covering contemporary and future conflict at the platoon, company and battalion level. It is a wargame toolkit that enables wargaming scenarios in the 2020 to 2030 timeframe. The design centers on plans and decisions …

Mechelle’S Bridal Palace Business Plan, Lakendra Montgomery

Theses

This project aims to develop a comprehensive business plan for a one-of-a-kind bridal store called Mechelle's Bridal Palace, which offers an innovative and unique bridal shopping experience. The plan goes beyond the traditional bridal store concept and includes a café, which will provide customers with additional relaxation and convenience. This business plan focuses on redefining the traditional bridal shopping experience and making it more enjoyable for customers. Moreover, this project aims to address the issue of diversity, representation, and inclusion in bridal fashion. The bridal industry has historically been exclusive, and it aims to address this by creating a more …

The Use Of A Token Economy To Decrease Problem Behaviors And Increase Task Completion For A Pre-Schooler With Autism, Dyana Schneider, Robbie Hanson

Theses

The execution of a token economy has been shown to be effective to decrease problem behaviors and increase task completion, communication, and other skills for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (Matson & Boisjoli, 2009). Although previous research has shown token economies to be effective, there remains criticisms regarding existing research, such as low experimental rigor, among others (Maggin et al., 2011). Additionally, although token economies embed evidence-based behavior-analytic strategies (Wong et al., 2015) there appears to be a disconnect between basic and applied research and implementation of token economies in a clinical context (e.g., relying on fixed …

Revealing The Similarities Between Bosch's Garden Of Earthly Delights And Medieval Musical Forms, Lindsay A. Nevin

Theses

This paper analyzes the triptych entitled The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch painted between 1490 and 1510. This specific piece is Bosch’s most famous and therefore garners the largest amount of discourse analyzing the visual components of it. This specific paper is unique in its approach by using methodology similar to music historians to relate the forms of music popular at this time to the visual elements in the work. Some of the most popular music genres at the time were those of madrigal and polyphonic. An additional element popular in the transition between the 15th and 16th …

A Computational Investigation Into Thermo-Kinetic Parameters Governing The Decomposition Of Bio-Oil Model Compounds, Ali Huseein Aljefri

Theses

Among notable products from thermal degradation of biomass are simple oxygen-containing aromatics. These compounds typically appear in high loads in collected bio-oil derived from biomass. As such, it is important to comprehend the decomposition chemistry of this category of compounds. This thesis takes on board a general approach to report thermo-kinetic parameters that govern decomposition of a selected set of bio-oil model compounds in two distinct systems: firstly radical-derived pathways in the gas phase and secondly thermal degradation in their condensed media. The first is attained through accurate density functional calculations while the second is accomplished through the use of …

A Review Of Training For First Responders When Interacting With Individuals With Diagnoses, Mackenzie Drost, Robbie Hanson

Theses

Safety is a priority for first responders when responding to calls, but there have been numerous cases in which unintentional harm was caused when interacting with individuals with diagnoses or disabilities. Thus, it seems as though effective training procedures for these professionals is critical. However, training for first responders varies from state to state and can depend on the county in which the services are provided. Although behavioral skills training (BST) has a well-established history of training non behavior-analytic professionals and although there have been some encouraging recommendations for the effective dissemination of applied behavior analysis (ABA) to those outside …

The Effects Of Social Media In The Fashion Industry, Kirsten Leigh Whitaker

Theses

This project focuses on how social media is impacting the fashion industry. The primary focus is on the inner workings of social media within the fashion industry, and how it has changed the industry. The project aims to study problems found within fashion marketing, which are causing negative effects in the industry. The negative effects can be defined as environmental and unethical working environments, which are common topics of discussion within the fashion industry as a whole, but never discussed in tandem with the influence of marketing and social media. Furthermore, the project studies how these can be solved by …

Meaning Through Materiality: Bisa Butler’S Expressive Portraits, Jacqueline D’Arco Miller

Theses

This thesis examines how Bisa Butler creates meaning through the materiality in her quilted portraits. Bisa Butler is of West African and American descent and incorporates part of her own identity in her quilted portraits using Dutch wax prints and other highly patterned textiles. Not only does Butler connect her identity in her quilted portraits, but she also connects the meaning of these textiles to the figures in her portraits. This thesis explores the materiality of Bisa Butler’s Colored Entrance (2023), along with The Passion of Questlove (2023) and Grandpa Zakani (2004), to argue that in this new development of …

A Comparison Of Shaping And Imitation For Reducing A Dog’S Problem Behavior, Carlee Weir, Robbie Hanson

Theses

Over one million dogs have entered shelters in 2024 alone with approximately 31% of those dogs being relinquished by their owners (Shelter Animal Count, 2024). Further, non-aggressive behavioral issues are often cited as a primary cause for owner relinquishment (Best Friends Network Partners, 2018; Howard & DiGennaro Reed, 2014). Previous research has shown the effectiveness of training methods based on positive reinforcement to reduce problematic behavior with dogs and to increase desirable behavior, such as shaping and clicker training, and there has been a growing interest in the use of imitation during training. Fugazza and Miklosi (2015) compared a shaping …

A Preliminary Analysis Of Functional Communication Training Via Voice-Recorded Buttons To Reduce Undesirable Behaviors With Dogs, Mya Watson-Blake, Robbie Hanson

Theses

Undesirable behavior, such as excessive barking, jumping up, and biting, is prevalent among pet dogs with an estimate of 72%-85% of dogs exhibiting at least one type of undesirable behavior (Dinwoodie et al., 2019; Powell et al., 2021; Salonen et al., 2020). Further, canine undesirable behavior has been found to be the leading cause of owners relinquishing their dogs to rescue shelters (Powdrill-Wells et al., 2021). Functional communication training (FCT) is a method that has shown to be effective with human populations for reducing challenging behaviors by teaching an individual an alternative response that results in the same class of …

The Impact Of Ai On Ux: Challenges And Opportunities, Susan Stephanie Wells

Theses

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in user experience (UX) design is reshaping the field of UX, offering new opportunities and challenges for designers. This thesis project explores the multifaceted relationship between AI and UX design, focusing on the challenges, opportunities, and skills demanded of UX designers in the age of AI. Through a review of academic research and real-world experiences, this project studies the impact of AI on web design processes, UX testing, and data analysis. Key findings highlight the transformative potential of AI in enhancing user experiences, from suggesting website structures to facilitating UX testing and data analysis.

Comparative analysis …

Directing A Technical Cyclone, Leonard A. Lively

Theses

In October 2023, the Southern Illinois School of Theater and Dance produced Ride the Cyclone. This thesis documents the participation of the technical director, Leonard Lively, in this collaborative production process. The project involved multimedia construction, CNC technology to manufacture custom components, curtain fabrication, engineering inspiration from anatomical structures, and advanced AutoCAD drafting techniques. Chapter one explores the play’s text, past productions, and the production’s possibilities. The design process is documented in the second chapter. The third chapter covers the production process and the fourth chapter reflects and evaluates the effectiveness of the production.

Evaluating Behavioral Skills Training To Improve Data Collection Procedures In Paraprofessionals, Megan Weber

Theses

When working with individuals with a variety of abilities and disabilities, data collection becomes arguably the most important tool in ensuring student success and growth. To put trust in collected data, both data reliability and treatment integrity must be considered. When one individual is taking all data required for a specific individual, reliability and integrity can be simpler to ensure (Vollmer et al., 2008). However, in many special education classrooms across the country, paraprofessionals are asked to perform many of the same data collection tasks as certified educators; a role which, as in many of the roles they serve within …

Comparison Of Rip And Rcp Conditioning Procedures On Vocalizations In Children With Autism And Minimal Echoic Repertoire, Jacqueline Pecoraro

Theses

Pairing procedures have been utilized by researchers and in applied practice for many years to establish neutral stimuli as conditioned reinforcers. Recently, pairing procedures, specifically stimulus-stimulus pairing, have been applied to vocalizations. Vocalizations are an essential element for language development because once vocalizations are brought under echoic control, they can be used to further develop a child’s verbal behavior. Results of the research conducted on stimulus-stimulus pairing had varied results, and the effectiveness of stimulus-stimulus pairing on increasing vocalizations is uncertain. Lepper and Petursdottir (2017) conducted a study that compared traditional stimulus-stimulus pairing (or response-independent pairing (RIP)) to response-contingent pairing …

Say Hello To Yesterday, Tianyi Zhang

Theses

This project investigates the therapeutic potential of picture books in addressing grief, focusing on a narrative about a woman navigating the aftermath of her husband's death. It integrates traditional artistic techniques with modern digital tools to explore loss's emotional and psychological impacts. The use of dark tones accented with bright colors such as pink, orange, and green symbolizes the transition from sorrow to hope and healing. Key symbols like labyrinths and cameras deepen thematic resonance, with labyrinths depicting the protagonist's confusion and cameras representing fixed memories of the past. This approach highlights the dualities of memory and progress, illustrating the …

M’Ma, Charlotte Rose Eshelman

Theses

As I wrestle with myself, I wrestle with my mother. Both my mother and I survived domestic abuse as children, my mother again as an adult. Our bodies carry our trauma, her body carried mine, and someday, my body will carry my children. M’ma contemplates what we do with what we’re given, how trauma is inherited and passed down to the next generation through the body, and the complex intimacy of the mother-child relationship. I express and project my questions about my future children, my relationship with and understanding of my mother, and of myself in anticipation of being a …

Atoms And Leaves, Patty Tomanovich

Theses

Atoms and Leaves is a photographic project presented as windows into a utopia. The glass images display a potential time and place where the landscape, photography, and transness intertwine and grow from each other. Photography historically harms the landscape- requiring precious metals, releasing pollution into the atmosphere, and creating hazardous water waste. The traditional photographic canon erases the connection between queerness and ecology. Atoms and Leaves rethreads these connections, creating a world where photography collaborates with the landscape and takes on a transgender perspective by reshaping given material. The photographic printing process developed in this project was inspired by the …

Block Copolymers And Chirality: Interplay Between Conformations And Structures, Natalie Buchanan

Theses

Block copolymers can exhibit chirality at three different length scales – molecular chirality at the residue scale, conformational chirality at the molecular scale, and structural chirality at the mesoscale from the self-assembly of thousands of molecules. Unique morphologies have been formed due to chirality transfer, a phenomenon where chirality at smaller length scales imparts chirality to larger length scales. However, chirality does not always transfer, with chiral blocks existing in an achiral phase due to chiral frustration. The thermodynamics of the effects of chirality on block copolymer self-assembly is not well understood. This work demonstrates that coarse-grained models can effectively …

Fitopia: Enhancing Online Community Engagement For Gym Enthusiasts Through A Specialized Mobile Application, Yushuang Liang

Theses

In the wake of the pandemic, societal shifts have led to profound transformations in lifestyle, including the widespread adoption of remote education and communication. At the same time, individuals are building new relationships through online platforms. However, traditional gym routines face challenges, distractions from frequent smartphone usage disrupt focus and solitary training lacks motivational support. To address these issues, this study introduces 'Fitopia', a UI/UX design exploration that delves into the potential of mobile apps to revolutionize gym engagement by integrating community engagement features. This project aims to uncover innovative approaches that meld visual and interaction design with user interface …

Advancements In Scanning Electron Microscopy, Surya Kamal

Theses

Scanning electron microscopes (SEM) are poorly characterized imaging instruments. The SEM optics (lens and aperture assembly) is designed to form a focused electron probe that scans the specimen to produce images. Therefore, the imaging efficacy in SEM strongly depends on the quality of the optics. However, there is no way to accurately characterize the optics in an uncorrected SEM (without multipole correctors) due to the lack of an exit wave. This work focuses on improving the imaging capabilities of an uncorrected SEM by understanding its optical performance using wave optical theory, simulation, and experiment. In this dissertation, we have developed …

An Egalitarian Approach To Explanations In Mental Disorders, Eli Driskill

Theses

Explanations of mental disorders come from a wide array of disciplines and epistemologies. How we conceive of and order these explanations has great importance for agency. Yet, psychiatry as a discipline has long suffered from the assumption that these explanations are multi-level. That is, some lower-level mechanism (i.e. neurobiology) constrains the information produced at a higher-level behavior. I argue that this approach is unsatisfying, and offer a new perspective: the egalitarian approach to mental disorders. The egalitarian model of mental disorders is non-hierarchical, dynamic, and cross-cultural. The paper begins by highlighting an inherent feature of psychiatry which I coin the …

Predicting Hospitalization Risk Of Schizophrenia Patients In Missouri, Arun Kumar

Theses

Understanding the factors that contribute to the risk of hospitalization among individuals with schizophrenia is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes. In this study, we used recent Medicaid adminis trative claims data in Missouri (from 2016 to 2019) and predicted the risk of hospitalization of patients diagnosed with Schizophrenia (N=143446). We ana lyzed the association between previous hospitalizations and the likelihood of future hospitalizations. We developed machine learning techniques, including logistic re gression and decision tree classifiers, to predict the risk of hospitalization based on demographic factors, clinical variables, and historical hospitalization records. Our findings reveal that …

Quantifying Landscape Change Using Different Spectrometers, Spectral Unmixing, And Uas Imagery, Bianca Cilento

Theses

Climate-driven land cover change and biodiversity loss are problems impacting food security, economic growth, human health, and cultural identity of arctic environments, such as Stordalen Mire, Abisko, Sweden (68.35’ N, 18.82’ E). The sensitive nature of these remote areas necessitates large-scale, less-invasive monitoring of environmental change via remote sensing combined with low-impact, cost-effective field validation of remote sensing products. This project assesses the accuracy and utility of two low-cost spectrometers, the Sherwin-Williams® ColorSnap® and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science and Technology Education for Land/Life Assessment (STELLA-Q), in conjunction with ArcGIS and GoogleEarth Engine programs and aerial imagery …

Voltex： Hmi Concept Design, Zhengyu Pan

Theses

This thesis introduces 'VOLTEX,' a pioneering exploration into enhancing user interaction and experience within Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) through innovative visual design. It delves into the evolving trends in screen development for future vehicles, investigating how HMI design can adapt and potentially transform these trends. This exploratory project is designed to investigate and develop design principles that significantly enhance user interaction, showcased through a prototype that serves as a proof of concept rather than a final, market-ready product. This study applies practical design techniques and conceptual exploration to evaluate current trends and explore potential innovations in HMI design. Through this approach, …