Digital Commons Network^™

Systematic Evaluation Of Regression Models For The Prediction Of Influenza Cases, Mukul Kandwal

Theses

This study systematically evaluates machine learning models to forecast influenza outbreaks, aiming to enhance public health preparedness through accurate predictions. Laboratory-confirmed influenza case data from the New York State Department of Health (2009–2023) were used to train and test five regression models—XGBoost, Neural Network (MLP regressor), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Random Forest, and Support Vector Regression (SVR)—with preprocessing techniques including differencing and phasing. A leave-one-season-out cross-validation framework and Symmetric Mean Absolute Percentage Error (SMAPE) were employed to rigorously assess performance. Key findings reveal that the Neural Network (MLP regressor) outperformed other models, achieving the lowest SMAPE score (23.7), underscoring the critical …

Design And Application Of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers For The Detection Of Bpa, Pfoa, And Caffeine, Finbarr Buckley

Theses

Molecular Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) are polymer based solid phase extraction (SPE)recognition systems. MIPs were formulated using Acrylic Acid (AA) and Ethylene glycoldimethacrylate (EGDMA) to selectively target the following compounds Bisphenol A (BPA),Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and caffeine. This study presents novel MIPs for each targetqualitatively analysed with Raman Spectroscopy with Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy(SERS) substrates. SERS can greatly enhance Raman signals allowing for detection of lowconcentration solutions. BPA, a possible carcinogen and hormone disruptor, is a very commonreagent in manufacturing as is known to leech into environmental and consumer products.PFOA, a constituent of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), can cause kidney and thyroiddisease, …

The Influence Of The Emerging Italian Instrumental Style Of The Early Seventeenth Century On Adam Jarzębski’S Canzoni E Concerti (1627), Ellen Bolger

Theses

Adam Jarzębski’s Canzoni e Concerti (1627) is an important source of instrumental chamber music from early seventeenth-century Poland. Jarzębski was a member of the royal musical establishment at the court of Sigismund III Vasa, where he worked alongside Italian musicians recruited by the court. The influence of the emerging Italian stile moderno can be seen in the 27 works of Canzoni e Concerti, which mirror the style and structure of instrumental works by Italian composers such as Dario Castello and Biagio Marini. The changing ideas on music theory and musical expression which originated in Italy are reflected in Jarzębski’s use …

Alternative Antimicrobial Strategies For Neonatal Infections, Anna Desmond

Theses

Neonatal infections, a significant contributor to infant morbidity and mortality worldwide, are predominantly caused by pathogenic bacteria. Globally, bacterial sepsis accounts for 11.3% of neonatal deaths with Group B Streptococcus (GBS) being the leading cause, along with Escherichia coli, and coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS). Neonatal infections caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria is now a worldwide concern, further increasing mortality rates and associated healthcare costs. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop alternative antimicrobial strategies to combat resistance and/or enhance the efficacy of existing antibiotics. The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate alternative antimicrobial strategies for treating and …

Future Scenarios Of Adoption Sustainable Materials By Construction Firms In The United Arab Emirates, Mona Albeshr

Theses

The construction industry accounts for 39% of greenhouse gas emissions, and change is required, especially with the Net Zero initiative. UAE construction companies must evaluate their current positions and update their strategies to support government regulations. Building futuristic communities is crucial for expanding the built environment within the country; however, the types of materials used should account for two aspects: sustainability and climate resilience, and both must be considered whenever these construction companies formulate their strategic response. Hence, scenario planning significantly provides valuable insights to decision-makers in construction companies’ strategic departments to envision four plausible scenarios of the external environment …

Analytical Method For Solving Systems Of Fractional Initial Value Problems Using The Modified Atangana-Baleanu Derivative, Lana Mohammad Aref

Theses

This thesis presents an analytical method to solve systems of fractional initial value problems using the Modified Atangana-Baleanu Fractional Derivative. The proposed approach leverages an improved operational matrix method, incorporating an iterative, direct computation technique to simplify the solution process and reduce computational costs. Foundational concepts in fractional calculus and block pulse functions are introduced, followed by the derivation of operational matrices tailored for fractional systems. Theoretical analysis establishes the existence and uniqueness of solutions, along with uniform convergence and error estimates. Practical examples and applications are presented that demonstrate the efficiency, accuracy, and versatility of the method in solving …

Reusing Underutilized Warehouses: Impact Of Iot Integration On Water Conservation In Hydroponic Farming Within Mina Zayed Warehouses In Abu Dhabi, Aysha Benyas

Theses

Urban farming is seen as an essential approach to sustainable development, particularly in arid regions like Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where limited arable land and water resources pose significant challenges. With an emphasis on reusing underutilized urban spaces like the industrial warehouses in Mina Zayed, this thesis explores the transformative potential of shifting from conventional agricultural methods to advanced smart farming approaches. The main objective of this project is to optimize the effective use of urban areas and improve water conservation in agricultural operations by integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technology into hydroponic systems within these warehouses. The research …

The Historical Role Of Westward Expansion Between American Museums And Indigenous Tribes, Erika Tenorio

Theses

Erika Tenorio’s thesis explores the intersection of Westward Expansion, American museums, and Indigenous communities, analyzing how 19th- and 20th-century expansionist policies shaped museum collections and Indigenous representation. The study examines how the ideology of Manifest Destiny, rooted in the Doctrine of Discovery, justified the forced removal of Native Americans and facilitated the collection of Indigenous artifacts by museums. Many of these institutions, influenced by Western colonial perspectives, portrayed Native cultures as relics of the past rather than as living traditions.

The research incorporates postcolonial and decolonial methodologies to assess evolving narratives within museums, focusing on Indigenous sovereignty, repatriation efforts, and …

A Visual Instrument For Military Public Affairs, Rose Di Trolio

Theses

This directed project is a visual guidebook that assists Missouri National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, and civilians onboarding within the Public Affairs Office and 70th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. This guidebook serves as a tool for the creative-minded perspective to better understand materials such as the overall public affairs process, community relations, and social media creation and management. All the contents of this guidebook are directed from publicly-made information and labeled UNCLASSIFIED. This graphical guidebook uses vectors and images combined into one PDF file. Within the Military profession, it is typical and sometimes expected for members to relocate, deploy, or attend …

Reviving The Golden Age: Exploring Will Eisner's Legacy Through The Creation Of A Multiversal Sequential Art Story, Levi Atkins

Theses

Levi Atkins’ thesis explores the legacy of Will Eisner, a foundational figure in comic book history, through the creation of a multiversal sequential art story. The project combines a seven-page black-and-white comic with a scholarly analysis of Eisner’s storytelling techniques, focusing on his public domain characters from the Golden Age of Comics. Atkins examines how Eisner’s innovations—such as dynamic panel design, cinematic pacing, and genre blending—can inspire modern narratives. By reimagining characters like The Flame and Dollman within a multiverse framework, the thesis both honors Eisner’s legacy and demonstrates how historical comic forms can evolve to engage contemporary readers.

برنامج نافس في عامه الثالث: دراسة تحليلية في إطار السياسات العامة, Sara Almessabi

Theses

Nafis Program in its Third Year: A Public Policy Analysis

Emiratization in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands at the forefront of government priorities, with policymakers placing significant emphasis on it as a fundamental pillar for providing citizens with a dignified life and enhancing their participation across various economic sectors. Emiratis are considered integral contributors to driving their country's economic development. Recognizing this importance, the UAE government has focused its efforts since the country's establishment on enacting public policies that enable Emiratis to integrate into both the public and private labour markets. However, these policies have faced several challenges, most …

Towards Characterizing And Quantifying Interpretability Of Knowledge Graph Embedding Models, Narayanan Asuri Krishnan

Theses

Knowledge graphs are structured representations of real-world information, where entities are connected by edges with labels known as predicates. These graphs contain logical patterns, known as inference patterns, such as symmetry, transitivity and composition, to name a few. To leverage the information contained within a knowledge graph, embedding methods have been developed to encode entities and predicates as numerical vectors in a multi-dimensional space. These embeddings aim to capture the semantic and structural information of the graph, including the inference patterns. However, the sub-symbolic nature of these embeddings present significant challenges in terms of interpretability. Additionally, each embedding model utilizes …

A Wayfarer, Roselyle Hang Zhao

Theses

This paper examines the making of A Wayfarer, a personal film that explores themes of identity, cultural belonging, and the experience of being a third-culture individual. The character Boaty represents the complexities of navigating multiple identities, as the film blends visual and sound design to convey the feeling of being "lost-in-culture." As part of my graduate thesis at the Rochester Institute of Technology, the film blends visual and sound design to convey the feeling of being "lost-in-culture." The paper discusses the creative choices behind the shift from humor to vulnerability, the challenges of depicting family dynamics, and the process of …

Dubai’S Future Mobility: Systems Thinking & Scenarios, Mohammed Mazloum Hanafy

Theses

Transportation is one of the essential pillars of any smart city. The future of transportation in Dubai faces enormous hurdles in urban mobility, including a growing population density, congestion, and environmental issues. Without careful planning and policy actions, these problems would certainly worsen in the future. Thus, the purpose of this thesis is to investigate the future of urban mobility in Dubai and to suggest solutions for constructing a sustainable, efficient, and equitable transportation system by employing future foresight tools. Dubai has emerged in recent years as a global center for technological innovation, altering its built environment and reevaluating its …

Test Of Strategies For Production And Harvest Of Edible Roots From Hydroponic Plants, Mariam Yaslem Albreiki

Theses

Hydroponic plant cultivation is becoming increasingly popular in the UAE, especially for leafy greens and fruit vegetables. By the end of the growing cycle, the roots of hydroponic plants are usually treated as crop residues, even though roots of several species are potentially edible and could be processed into food or nutraceuticals. Root crops like sweet potato or carrot might even be grown in hydroponic systems for the primary purpose of producing edible fibrous or tuberous roots. However, the use of hydroponic systems for the production of root biomass is not yet common, and most farmers strive to produce plants …

Collection Of Self-Research Papers Analyzing The Enhancement Of Uae-China Cooperation Through Public Policy Lenses, Jiaming Lu

Theses

This thesis examines how UAE public policies can align with China’s commercial and political interests to strengthen the current strategic partnership between the two nations, with a focus on bilateral business cooperation encompassing diplomatic collaboration, free zone trade, and energy sector corporate governance. The primary objective of this thesis is to analyze whether this comprehensive relationship can be sustained or elevated to “allweather, all-round, strategic, and future-oriented” strategic partnership amid global challenges. To achieve this objective, multiple analytical models were employed to assess relevant public policies and their implementation mechanisms, including historical analysis, dynamic modeling, and socio-legal analysis. The findings …

Under The Bay: Analysis Of Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia Mydas) Dive Behavior In The Urban San Diego Bay, Emily Carter

Theses

Sea turtles are air-breathing marine reptiles that spend their lives performing dives to travel, forage, and rest. Several dive types have been previously recorded for sea turtles, each type being associated with a different set of behaviors. U-dives, or Type 1 dives are widely characterized by extensive benthic periods preceded by and concluding with abrupt descent and ascent phases respectively (Minamikawa et al. 1997; Houghton et al. 2002; Seminoff et al. 2006). These dives are widely affiliated with turtle resting behavior though can be indicative of additional activities including benthic travel and foraging. Previous research of green turtle dive behavior …

Determining The Physiological And Behavioral Tolerance To Hypoxia In Two Species Of Rockfish (Sebastes Spp.), Makenna Chan

Theses

In the eastern North Pacific, the oxygen minimum zone naturally shoals seasonally and impacts demersal fish habitat along the continental margins and on offshore seamounts. This hypoxic layer has been shoaling in recent decades, likely affecting the habitat and distribution of commercially-important fish species such as rockfishes (genus Sebastes). Respirometry and shuttle box behavioral experiments were used to determine the hypoxia sensitivities of two rockfish species with contrasting movement patterns and habitat use: cowcod (Sebastes levis) and bocaccio (Sebastes paucispinis). Although both species inhabit similar deep-water, rocky-reef habitat, they have different lifestyles, in which cowcod …

Understanding Vaccines: A 3d Animation And Print Materials For Clinical Trial Patients, Shannon Gregory

Theses

This project covers the importance of patient education, and the decisions that go into making patient facing materials. The topic of this piece is “Understanding Vaccines” and will explore several key aspects: what vaccines are, how they work, their important role in public health, and how to best communicate with patient audiences. Given the growing challenges in vaccine education, this piece will address common misconceptions and emphasize the importance of clear, accessible communication. The goal of this piece is to educate, but also to encourage individuals to make well-informed decisions regarding vaccination. The artwork created for this thesis was developed …

Climate Influence On Both Spatial And Temporal Patterns Of Rocky Intertidal Community Structure In San Diego, California, Emily Jenkins

Theses

The rocky intertidal ecosystem, the coastal area between high and low tides, serves as a critical buffer between land and sea. This ecosystem supports a diverse array of species and provides rich opportunities for exploration and education. With the influence of climate change, this ecosystem faces significant shifts in species distribution, resilience and recovery from environmental disturbances, as well as habitat loss (Jackson & McIlvenny 2011; Jueterbock et al. 2013; Menge & Gravem 2022; Rilov et al. 2021; Sagarin & Barry 1999). Between 2014-2016, climate anomalies El Niño (ENSO) and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) combined to create a period …

Fake News Detection On X (Twitter), Sultan Mayoof Almutaiwei

Theses

The most important innovation globally is the internet, which is used by a huge number of people all around the world. People use the internet for different purposes. By using different social media platforms people share content and news. Thus, some people use these internet platforms to share false news or fake news among people. Propaganda against a person, group, organization, or political party may be present in this news. For an individual, it is difficult to distinguish between false and true news over the internet. Therefore, machine learning is the smart solution that can identify fake news on the …

Predicting Customer Churn In B2b Consulting Services, Mediya Alfalasi

Theses

The aim of this research was to develop a machine learning model that can predict customer churn in the consulting industry. The goal was to help businesses identify customers who might leave, allowing them to take action before it happens. To achieve this, a dataset was created by combining different data sources to reflect real-world customer behaviors. After cleaning the data and addressing issues like missing values and data imbalance, four machine learning algorithms—XGBoost, Neural Network, Random Forest, Logistic Regression, and Support Vector Machines (SVM)—were used to build the prediction models. The findings showed that XGBoost performed the best, achieving …

Enhancement Of Firefighter Mental Performance: A Review, Nicole A. Ness

Theses

Background: The life-or-death nature of firefighting exposes those who respond to calls to an increased number of stressors that can impact performance and overall well-being. To combat this, the mental element of firefighting can be optimized through psychological skills training programs and mindfulness training. Other tactical populations, such as the police force, military, and emergency medicine units have found success in implementing these interventions, Literature suggests a similar effect may be observed in firefighters because of their similar demands; although, little research exists regarding the effects of mental performance programs on firefighter populations specifically.

Methods: A review of existing literature …

Enhancing Waste Management And Circular Economy Practices In Higher Education Institutions In Uae: A Study On Current Policies And Strategic Framework, Muna Ali

Theses

This study investigates the integration of Circular Economy (CE) principles within higher education institutions (HEIs) in UAE as a method to address waste challenges in UAE. Despite the announcement of UAE 2021-2031 Circular Economy Policy, and the nationwide continues promotion of sustainability initiatives, HEI’s lack the availability of tailored policies and procedures as well as guiding framework to address their waste challenges and adapt CE within their institutions. To assess this problem, a survey has been distributed to 45 CAA accredited public and private universities in UAE. A qualitative approach has been used to analyze the survey responses. The survey …

An Integrated Decision Support System (Dss) For Sustainable Supplier Selection, Evaluation, And Benchmarking Using A Fis And Molp Approach, Saleem Ghannam

Theses

Applications of sustainable supplier selection criteria in supply chain management are less developed compared to other evaluation methods. This study focuses on three main dimensions of sustainable supplier performance: economic, environmental, and social criteria. The research aims to identify significant criteria within each dimension that are crucial for the sustainable supplier selection process. These criteria will be utilized to develop a hybrid decision support system that integrates a fuzzy inference system with multi-objective linear programming. This comprehensive model will evaluate and benchmark supplier sustainable performance, providing an overall assessment of supplier performance. The proposed model offers a holistic approach to …

Prediction Of Vessel Arrival Time To Optimize Berth Allocation In Ports Using Machine Learning Methods, Anfal Mansour Albloushi

Theses

80% of the world trade is carried out through the sea, which shows the importance of maintaining transportation efficiency in the maritime industry. The vessel arrival time and berth allocation pose a significant challenge in the marine field's day-to-day operation, especially when a high number of vessels are waiting at the anchorage to deliver the goods on time. This increases the pressure on the responsible stakeholders and good owners as some cargo must be delivered urgently. Artificial intelligence and machine learning play a vital role in improving the operation of different fields; utilizing such technologies in the maritime industry will …

The Effect Of Biochar As Partial Cement Replacement On Mechanical, Durability, Thermal, And Microstructural Properties Of Concrete - Comparison With Biomass, Aysha Yousef Alsaadi

Theses

This thesis paper examines the use of 1% cement replacement with date palm derived biochar and compares it to 1% replacement of biomass. The main aim of this idea is to reduce the carbon emissions from concrete production factories and utilize the abundant waste from date palm plants, which is prevalent in the UAE. Three samples of concrete were used: 1% biochar mix, 1% biomass mix, and a control mix. Mechanical tests, including compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths, were evaluated. Thermal conductivity, chloride penetration, water absorption, and characterization testing by XRD, TGA, SEM, and FTIR were conducted. As for compressive …

Perceived Stress, Psychological Wellbeing, And Sleep Quality Of Passport Control Officers, Roudha Abdulla Almazrouei

Theses

Research on the stress experienced by officers has identified several key findings that illustrate the diverse nature of their workplace stressors. Research specifically addressing the stressors encountered by passport control officers is limited when compared to studies on other law enforcement roles. This study aims to assess stress levels among passport control officers, identify psychological health impacts, determine the intersection of personal and occupational stress, and investigate the effects of shift work on stress intensity and related psychological issues. A mixed methodology incorporating qualitative and quantitative was used. The sample included 166 participants with a job title of passport control …

Space-Time Analysis Of The Sea Level Variability Of The Arabian Sea Using Satellite Altimetry Data, Saleha Saeed Binishaq

Theses

The ongoing effects of climate change are contributing to a gradual rise in sea levels, which has become a significant environmental concern. It creates a serious threat to coastal areas, especially in the Gulf Region, which includes various cities bordering the Arabian Gulf, the Red and the Arabian Sea. This phenomenon has the potential to significantly influence the socioeconomics of the region by altering coastal marine ecosystems and can pose serious infrastructure sustainability challenges. This research focuses on analyzing the sea-level variability in the Arabian Sea using satellite altimetry data from 1993 to 2023. The analysis was conducted along a …

Extraction Of Activated Carbon From Date Palm Biowaste And Subsequent Preparation Of Ferrite Nanocomposite For Water Treatment In Uae, Anood Lashkary Ahmed Ibrahim

Theses

Ensuring access to clean and safe water remains a pressing global challenge, particularly in arid regions like the Gulf, where freshwater scarcity is severe. The United Arab Emirates heavily depends on energy-intensive desalination, which is increasingly turning to treated wastewater as a sustainable alternative. In this context, the recovery and reuse of biowaste and the development of advanced treatment technologies are critical. This study presents an innovative approach to wastewater treatment by utilizing biomass waste—specifically date palm leaves, an abundant agricultural residue in the UAE—as a raw material for producing activated carbon. Through pyrolysis, the biowaste is transformed into porous …