Digital Commons Network^™

Pines For Progress: Empowering Rural Nicaraguan Villages, Paige Smith

Theses

In January 2023, I traveled with Linking Hands for Learning to live with host families and build a school in El Carrizo, Nicaragua, and spent time with the children in the village, even taking the same hikes through the mountain paths they traverse each day to attend school. Inspired by the resourcefulness and resilience of Nicaraguan culture, I returned to Rochester, NY focusing my MFA industrial design thesis project on addressing the pressing needs of these underprivileged communities. I aimed to develop a solution that could be manufactured locally (without electricity, running water, power tools, or modern-day shipping), utilizing materials …

Cut, Beth Lane

Theses

Abstract “cut” is a documentary film which explores themes of systemic sexism in the film industry. It was produced between September 2023-April 2024 including pre-production to post-production. This paper describes and analyzes the filmmaking process for Beth Lane, Director. In this paper I will also attempt to put to words the intangibles of that process, including the social dynamics of filmmaking, and larger cultural happenings at the time of production.

Visualizing Poems, Qiran Cui

Theses

With its profound expressions of emotion and insights, Chinese poetry has long been revered as a cultural heritage. However, its intricacies often challenge non-Chinese speakers seeking to appreciate its depth. This thesis proposes an exploratory approach to interpreting Chinese poetry, using geometric shapes and motions to discover potential emotional and thematic interpretations. The geometric shapes and their associated motions—circles for continuity, squares for stability, triangles for conflict, and rounded rectangles for historical depth—reflect their psychological and cultural significance in conveying specific emotions within the poems. From Chinese poetry's subjects, structure, content, and emotional resonance, the exploration delves into how visual …

Women's Evening Wear Clothing Line, Monique Greene

Theses

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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 …

Second-Order Permutation Variable Importance: Quantifying And Attributing Uncertainty In Future Coastal Risk, Dwight Dinkins

Theses

Sensitivity analysis (SA) systematically assesses and quantifies a model’s uncertainty by examining the impact of parameter variations on the model’s output. An objective of sensitivity analysis is to ascertain model-input parameters that contribute the most to the uncertainty of a model’s output and could serve as a gauge to determine whether a parameter’s variation is suitable, expected, or a realistic representation of the phenomenon being modeled. Incorporating sensitivity analysis for assessing the importance of a model feature is imperative for decision-making. Therefore, as a statistical methodology, SA’s application in investigating coastal regions that are vulnerable to sea-level rise and extreme …

المسؤولية الجنائية الدولية للقادة, فاطمة محمد الظھوري

Theses

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The International Criminal Liability of Leaders

The primary objective of this research is to explore and elucidate the concepts, principles, and legal frameworks pertaining to the international criminal liability of leaders, particularly in instances where they contravene established norms and statutes of international criminal law. This endeavor seeks to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the enforcement mechanisms underpinning such liability, thereby reinforcing respect for international legal standards. The study delves into the evolution of this principle and examines the contemporary acceptance of the idea that leaders and heads of state can be held accountable before a stable …

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 …

Emulsion Stability, Rheological Properties, And Combustion Characteristics Of Water-Jojoba Biofuel Emulsion, Ihab Mohamed Helal

Theses

This thesis comprehensively investigates the stability, rheological properties, and engine performance implications of Water in Jojoba Biodiesel (WJBD) emulsion. The research delves into multiple aspects, including the influence of diverse surfactants and water concentrations on emulsion stability. It also yields valuable insights into the development of stable water in jojoba biodiesel emulsions, specifically tailored for diesel engines. These insights contribute significantly to the body of knowledge of positioning emulsion fuels as viable alternative to traditional diesel fuels. The anticipated benefits include notable reductions in emissions, improvement in combustion efficiency, and lower production cost. Importantly, this study underscores the critical importance …

Heat Sink Integrating Phase Change Materials (Pcms) For Cooling High Power Electronic Devices, Mohammad Sameer Qasem

Theses

This research explores the numerical analysis of phase change materials (PCMs) heat sinks, focusing on high heat flux dissipation applications, e.g. electronics cooling. Both 2D and 3D numerical models using gallium and paraffin RT31 as PCMs are considered within a heat sink design framework featuring a rectangular cavity and dual opposing vertical copper walls serving as fins to dissipate heat from the hot sink base that receives heat from the heat source. The inclusion of a Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) ‘Primitive’ structure as an in-fill thermal conductivity enhancer (TCE) in the case of the gallium heat sink, and a …

Biomass Estimation Of Mature Mangrove Trees In The Uae Using Spaceborne Remote Sensing Techniques, Yasmine Ashraf Heikal

Theses

Mangrove forest ecosystems play an essential role in diminishing the effects of climate change caused by the increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Estimating mangrove forest aboveground biomass (AGB) and hence aboveground carbon (AGC) can assist in decision-making for conservation, sustainable use, and protection of these forests. The goal of this research project was to map the AGB of mangrove forests along the coasts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the aid of Landsat-8-9 satellite imagery data acquired in September 2023. 12 AGB estimation models were developed based on the combination of in situ measurements and Landsat-8-9 derived …

Exploring The Phenomenon Of Code-Switching In Immersive Esl Kindergarten In The Uae, Abeer Nabeel Albayari

Theses

This thesis explores the phenomenon of code-switching among those learning English as second language in an immersive kindergarten setting in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). There is a lack of research on code-switching practices, specifically among kindergarten students in immersive language programs in the UAE. They argue that this gap in research is particularly concerning, given the growing number of young learners who are enrolled in such programs in the UAE.
The main objective of this study is to identify when kindergarten students switch from English to Arabic their L1 during their immersive English language classes, intending to understand the …

Vascular Brain Digital Twins For Medical Training And Education In Metaverse, Shamma Khaled Alghafri

Theses

This study addresses the need for innovative educational tools in the field of anatomy, specifically focusing on brain anatomy. The objective is to develop a virtual reality application and a 3D visualization that offer immersive and interactive learning experiences for students. The VR application, developed using Unity and designed for the Oculus Quest 2 headset, creates an immersive virtual laboratory environment. This environment includes interactive elements such as a table with buttons for displaying brain models and a whiteboard for user interaction. Users can manipulate and explore different brain structures, enhancing their understanding of complex anatomical features. Additionally, we integrated …

Head Impact Measurement Using Piezoelectric Sensors, Huda Abdulla Alnuaimi

Theses

The importance of safety measures cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to protecting the human head. Head injuries can have severe, life-altering consequences, as the head is crucial for controlling the entire body. Unlike machines that store data, the human brain's capacity to retain thoughts and memories can be significantly affected by even a single injury. This thesis introduces a method for predicting the specific area of the head that might be injured during an impact. The prediction is based on the intensity and duration of the impact. The innovation of this thesis lies in the use of piezoelectric …

Predicting Health Insurance Claim Costs: A Data-Driven Approach Using Machine Learning, Fatema Khela

Theses

Determining appropriate premiums for policyholders is a challenge faced by the healthcare insurance industry. Policyholders' judgments about their healthcare are negatively impacted by the growing difficulty in accurately predicting claim amounts. To overcome this difficulty, our study used data-driven methods to project the cost of health insurance claims. Claim expenses are influenced by several criteria, including claim costs, agе, gеndеr, wеight, BMI, numbеr of dеpеndеnts, smoking habits, blood prеssurе, diabеtеs, еxеrcisе routinеs, occupation, city of rеsidеncе, and hеrеditary disеasеs. The primary aim of this research is to dеvеlop prеdictivе modеls that can accuratеly еstimatе thе cost of health insurancе claims …

Continuous Mobile Authentication Protocol For Iot Based Environment Supporting User Behavioural Profile, Saleem Emad Saleem Abdo

Theses

As the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem continues to spread, many researchers are addressing the need for robust and lightweight authentication mechanisms for both continuous and mobile IoT devices. However, the main issue that many face is the lack of a consensus on the definitions of both continuous and mobile IoT authentication. This thesis aims to investigate the diverse definitions and approaches surrounding continuous and mobile IoT authentication. We delve into the evolving landscape of authentication methods, protocols, and security measures tailored for IoT devices that operate in dynamic and mobile environments. A comprehensive survey navigates through the multifaceted dimensions …

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. …

Evolutionary Neural Network For Optimized Clock Tree Synthesis, Patrick Jeffery

Theses

Clock Tree Synthesis (CTS) is a complex and in depth process that, in modern designs, would take an individual months if not years to get a working design. Tools such as Cadence Innovus and Synopsys ICC provide excellent support for CTS and can be used to create well optimized trees; allowing the user to edit the tree’s generation down to a single buffer. However, even these tools can fall short of a perfectly optimized route and oftentimes need a capable user to direct them in the right direction just to get a functioning clock tree. The aim of this work …

Revisiting The Phenomenology Of Merleau-Ponty In The Context Of Contemporary Cognitive Science, Gareth E. Smith

Theses

Maurice Merleau-Ponty was a mid-twentieth century French philosopher whose work was influenced by the German phenomenologists Edmund Husserl and Martin Heidegger. Merleau-Ponty went on to influence existentialism, philosophy of perception, the study of consciousness and subjectivity, and, eventually, contemporary cognitive science. His work uses phenomenological methods to examine embodied perception. He grapples with inherited philosophical questions about mind-body dualism and methods of inquiry. Like most twentieth century French philosophers, Merleau-Ponty engages with philosophical problems that were set by René Descartes in the 17th century. In fact, his main thesis—that the mental and the material are continuous through one's experience as …

Uvm Verification Of A Dtmf Receiver Core, Clayton Koppi

Theses

Integrated circuits grow more complex as digital designers implement more features on a project. All modern integrated circuits require some form of testing in order to prove that their functionality matches the design requirements. As the complexity of a design increases, the number of potential bugs increases dramatically. The need for a testbench that is reusable, modular, and organized is apparent for modern integrated circuits. Verification is the process of proving the design matches its requirements, and discovering bugs in simulation. The business motivation behind verification is ensuring the product will work before starting the costly and long fabrication process. …

New Trigger Board Design For An Inductive Adder Topology Circuit, Htet A. Kyaw

Theses

After working at Laboratory for Laser Energetics for about 10 months, I was assigned in doing the research for replacing the obsolete parts on the trigger board of the high voltage and high current system. After studying the system, it was noticed that the circuit topology used was part of the pulse power system. Hence, the pulse power system was studied further to understand how it was used and its advantages. The inductive adder topology was studied thoroughly so that the trigger board design would meet the requirements. The components such as MOSFETs and Gate Drivers were studied and compared …

If The Last Petals Fall, Soomin Kim

Theses

During the Spring of 2023, I visited my mother in Los Angeles. I unpacked my belongings and sat down for a light snack with her. Watching her cut fruits, I noticed for the first time that her face had aged significantly. If The Last Petals Fall is a photographic series that delves into the concept of memory. With the handful amount of what’s left of my family archives, I have accepted the fact that I can no longer contribute to my past but rebuild the missing in-between moments. These photos represent my childhood, adulthood, and everything in between. Through this …

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.

Only That’S Not Enough, Joe Cuccio

Theses

My emotions and feelings towards life have always been a bit all over the place. At one moment I feel the world is full of joy and serenity, and in the next moment, I feel it is a string of disorderly events with no rhyme or reason. As my internal feelings turn, I continue to remain engaged with an image-making practice. My camera allows me to venture into the world and follow my heart as it guides my eyes to respond to what is around and inside my head. Making images became an extension of my presence in the most …

Continual Learning For An Ever Evolving And Intelligent Malware Classification System, Mohammad Saidur Rahman

Theses

Malware classification poses unique challenges for continual learning (CL) systems, driven by the daily influx of new samples and the evolving nature of malware threats that exploit new vulnerabilities. Antivirus vendors encounter hundreds of thousands of unique software pieces daily, encompassing both malicious and benign files. Over its operational life, a malware classifier can accumulate more than a billion samples. Training malware classification system with only new samples and classes leads to catastrophic forgetting (CF), where the system forgets previously learned data distribution. While retraining with all old and new samples effectively combats CF, it is computationally expensive and necessitates …

Revitalizing The Rochester Gorge Strategic Urban Site Planning To Enhance Water Quality In The Lower Genesee River, Stephen Adam Stoker

Theses

The project began with investigating a regional asset of interest: the Genesee River. Initial research into this area revealed that the river suffers from poor water quality. The causes and effects of poor water quality were explored, and it was determined that excess nutrients – namely phosphorus – play a critical role in the water quality of the Genesee River and present downstream risk at the river’s point of outflow in Lake Ontario. An examination of peer-reviewed literature, contemporary examples in the built environment where similar water quality issues were addressed, and existing watershed design frameworks were conducted to understand …

Defect Detection Of Photovoltaic Panels By Image Processing, Hamad Almarzooqi

Theses

A key component of the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable power sources, driven by the global demand for such energy, has been the fast improvement in the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) plants. Ensuring the dependability of photovoltaic panels becomes crucially important when solar installations develop in scale. Photovoltaic panels have flaws that reduce their effectiveness and shorten their lifespan, but they are durable and long-lasting otherwise. Solar plants need to work as efficiently as possible with low downtime and to want solar energy to be viable in the long run, the issues shall be fined a fixed promptly. …

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 …

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 …