Digital Commons Network^™

How Will The Future Of The Dubai Virtual Commercial City Reshape The Policing Sector?, Shamma Ghanimi Mohammad Al Marri

Theses

The uncertainty of lack of policing involvement increases the worries and concerns and lack of trust of the potential virtual residents of Dubai Virtual Commercial City. The purpose of this research is to mitigate and minimize virtual crimes and expand safety and security in the virtual world. Using various future foresight tools to bring new solutions and recommendations to support law enforcement to ensure proactive policing in the virtual world. The results of the study show a clear correlation between the lack of rules and regulations and new emerging virtual crimes. Moreover, it also showcases the recent international effort by …

Modifying Attention Away From Food Cues: The Utility Of Attentional Bias Modification Training Among Emotional Eaters, Moet Aita

Theses

The current study (N=153) was designed to explore the relationships between emotional eating and emotion regulation, attentional biases, and food consumption. Emotional eating describes the tendency to eat in response to emotional experiences, especially negative emotions, and is associated with the consumption of high-fat, sugary foods. The present study explored whether food intake could be modified among a sample of emotional and non-emotional eaters by shifting attention away from high-calorie pictorial food stimuli using the attentional bias modification (ABM) training paradigm. Participants were randomly assigned to either the attentional-training group, placebo-training group, or control group. Following the training, participants underwent …

Design And Implementation Of Environmental Management System (Ems) Using Iso 14001:2015 Standard In A Medical/Healthcare Organization, Mohammed Rizwan Mirajkar

Theses

Environmental Management Systems (EMS) have been widely implemented by organizations across various industries since late 1980s. The system comprises of policies, procedures, processes, and various documents and formats that are essential not only to attain governance within organizations but also establish a robust management system. In the last decade, the need to enhance environmental performance and achieve sustainability objectives has become a business imperative for organizations across the world. Organizations are mandated to comply with environmental requirements and regulations through contractual agreements between customers and their business partners. Globally, the ISO 14001:2015 standard in its current version is the most …

Reduction In The Thermal Budget Of Sputtered Indium Tin Oxide (Ito) To Potentially Broaden Its Use In Microelectronic Devices, Zachary Flowers

Theses

Indium tin oxide, ITO, is a transparent conducting oxide widely known for its low resistivity and high transmission in the visible spectrum. It is most commonly used as a contact in optoelectronic devices, where its transmission is paramount to the function of the device. In this work, a low thermal budget process to sputter ITO films to potentially expand its applications in the RIT cleanroom was developed. The baseline process utilized a dielectric In2O3:SnO2 sputter target and a 2 hour, 400◦C post deposition anneal step to achieve a high quality film. This work achieved films with similar properties, but with …

Deaf Communication Awareness, Emily Grace Cruz Amponin

Theses

Whenever a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing person or a group of deaf people converse with people who aren’t deaf, they know various communication approaches such as writing notes on paper or phones, basic gestures, talking clearly, or lip reading if they grew up with an oral method. A Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing person may have hearing devices: hearing aids or cochlear implants, or they have none of these hearing devices. The Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing people are trying and willing to communicate with their relatives, employees, customers, classmates, or instructors. However, people do not look at a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing person or a …

Improving The Environmental Density Mapping Of Galaxies At Redshift 0.5 < Z < 1.7 Using The Candels-Herschel Environmental Spectroscopic Survey (Chess), Jitrapon Lertprasertpong

Theses

Numerous studies show that galaxies in dense environments often exhibit a decline in their star formation rates (SFR) which can be observed in the SFR-density relation, referred to as "environmental quenching." However, at redshift z > 1, there exists tension among different studies regarding the evolution of the SFR-density relation. One source of this uncertainty arises from the lack of spectroscopy of galaxies at z > 1, which can result in inaccurately estimating the environmental density of galaxies in extragalactic fields. To address this issue, we present the CANDELS-Herschel Environmental Spectroscopic Survey (CHESS) designed to increase the spectroscopic completeness in CANDELS COSMOS, …

Graph-Based Learning Networks For Automatic Pigment Mapping Of Historical Artifacts, Bei Cao

Theses

Hyperspectral image classification can be a difficult task due to a lack of ground-truth labels and spectral variability. For hyperspectral images (HSIs) of historical artifacts, which are generally man-made objects, this is generally a significant challenge. Aiming to differentiate subtle spectral differences between varied pigments, we introduce graph- based learning networks and a powerful learning pipeline for realizing automatic pigment mapping on the maps. First, we develop a Graph Modularity clustering method for pro- ducing trustworthy ground-truth map for pigment classification task. We analyze the influence of graph structure on the Graph Neural Networks and propose Spatial-Spectral Graph Convolutional Network …

Spatiotemporal Dynamics Of The Marine Invertebrate Community Associated With Amathia Verticillata, Emily Masini Zavacki, Nathalie Reyns Phd, Michel Boudrias Phd, Jeff Crooks Phd

Theses

Non-indigenous species (NIS) are often thought to have negative consequences on ecosystems. However, some NIS are ecosystem engineers, organisms that modify and/or create habitats by changing physical structure (either biogenic or abiotic), such as Amathia verticillata (previously Zoobotryon verticillatum [delle Chiaje, 1822]), a non-indigenous bryozoan with a global distribution. The role of NIS as ecosystem engineers can be complicated due to the mix of impacts that they may have on the ecosystem. Thus, the role of A. verticillata as an ecosystem engineer may shift our understanding about its ecological role on anthropogenic structures, such as docks through an urbanized area, …

Optimization Of Alternative Mask Absorber Materials For Euv Lithography, Rajiv Naresh Sejpal

Theses

In efforts to continuously scale feature dimensions in semiconductor manufacturing, the industry has moved from refractive optical lithography to reflective extreme ultra-violet lithography (EUVL). The latter provides a significant improvement in the resolution by illuminating mask patterns using 13.5nm source wavelength at oblique chief ray angles (CRA). A typical EUVL mask consists of a multilayer Bragg mirror topped with a 55-70nm Tantalum-based (Ta-based) absorber stack to obtain layout patterns. This current three-dimensional (3D) mask architecture in combination with a small source wavelength and oblique illumination angles results in mask 3D (M3D) effects such light shadowing, pitch dependent best focus variations, …

The Exploration Of Circular Space Structure In Jewelry Design, Shuling Chen

Theses

By investigating the unique use of the circle in traditional Chinese gardens leads to the possibility of circular structures and jewelry design. The spatial story is reduced to wearable jewelry. Using miniature jewelry, a three-dimensional spatial structure is expressed. This three-dimensional spatial structure is threaded with circles, expressing stories from different time periods. In addition to exploring the multiple possibilities of the structure, the integrative use of materials is crucial. The combination of circular structures and various materials is used to express the past and the future. The combination of silver and enamel, silver wire and textile, and 3D printing, …

Spherical Harmonic Analysis And Filtering Of Weyl Scalar Ψ4, Jackson Bates

Theses

Numerical Relativity simulations play an important role in the Astrophysics community through their ability to create templates and test specific solutions to Einstein’s Field Equations. As Gravitational Wave Astronomy has grown over the past decades, the need for accurate and efficient codes has grown as well. Binary Black Hole Merger simulations provide the template needed by modern Gravitational Wave Detectors (LIGO/Virgo) to verify the integrity of detected symbols.

Improvement of these merger simulations aids both the experimental and numerical sides of physics, as well as verifying the theoretical side. A major issue that arises from any numerical simulation of a …

Deep Reinforcement Learning And Hybrid Approaches To Solve Multi-Vehicle Combinatorial Optimization Problems, Prashant Sankaran

Theses

Combinatorial optimization problems are an important class of problems often encountered in the real world involving a combinatorially growing set of feasible solutions as the problem size increases. Since exact approaches can be computationally expensive, practitioners often use approximate approaches such as metaheuristics. However, sophisticated approximate methods that yield high-quality solutions require expert help to handcraft or fine-tune the solution process to suit a given problem distribution. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) approaches that involve learning from data without being explicitly programmed have shown tremendous success at various challenging tasks, like natural language processing and autonomous driving. Therefore, solving …

Understanding Image Quality For Deep Learning-Based Computer Vision, Austin Bergstrom

Theses

Extensive research has gone into optimizing convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures for tasks such as image classification and object detection, but research to date on the relationship between input image quality and CNN prediction performance has been relatively limited. Additionally, while CNN generalization against out-of-distribution image distortions persists as a significant challenge and a focus of substantial research, a range of studies have suggested that CNNs can be be made robust to low visual quality images when the distortions are predictable. In this research, we systematically study the relationships between image quality and CNN performance on image classification and detection …

Analysis Of The Aerosol Composition, Its Deposition And Uptake In Electronic Cigarette Users, Chamodhi Ravihansi Polgampola Ralalage

Theses

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generate aerosol (particles in a gas matrix) by vaporizing the e-liquid, consisting of propylene glycol (PG), glycerol (GL), nicotine, and other additives. Aerosol enters the respiratory tract (RT) of the user, where part of it is deposited, while the rest is exhaled. Compounds in the gas and particle phase have different deposition mechanisms in the RT, thus determining the location of deposition. The location of deposition and amount of a compound will influence the biological response in the body. Identifying the composition of each constituent in the gas phase and particle phase would enhance the understanding of …

Comparative Spatial Analysis Of Convenience Standards In State Electronic Waste Policies, Isabelle R. Law

Theses

The management of end-of-life electronics, or e-waste, is a complex challenge as these products contain both valuable and hazardous materials. Recycling electronics provides an opportunity to harvest and reuse valuable components while also mitigating environmental and health risks. However, recycling rates for electronic waste remain low in the United States. In response to this challenge, twenty-six states in the U.S. have enacted policies meant to limit landfill disposal and encourage electronics recycling. While most state policies rely on mass-based targets for the collection and recycling of e-waste, convenience standards are an emerging policy mechanism aimed at increasing consumer access to …

Purli: A Better Way To Brush, Aldyn Savage

Theses

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for a healthy life, and properly tooth brushing stands out as a fundamental defense against dental issues. Unfortunately, many people do not brush their teeth properly and there is very limited technology available to assist them in compliance with the standard toothbrushing procedure. In the realm of technological innovation, augmented reality stands out as a powerful tool with boundless possibilities. Leveraging the potential of this transformative technology, we aim to utilize mirrors as a unique medium to design a captivating 3D projected model of teeth. This innovative approach aims to inspire and motivate users …

The Nine Dot Problem: An Immersive Experience Blending The Digital And Physical Worlds, Alances Vargas

Theses

Anamorphic billboards, the incredibly eye-catching social media magnets one sees where a digital shoe seems to be breaking through the walls of a building or a hand is reaching out through the screens of Times Square into the streets of New York, are commonly seen in major urban environments. These displays, often used for marketing purposes selling the next hit video game or popular sneaker, are made by joining 2 angled screens at a 90 degree angle and utilize the concept of forced perspective to create the illusion of space and 3D visuals without the need for special glasses. However, …

Synthesis Of Sustainable Polyethylene Mimics Through Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization, Brandon Zhang

Theses

Polyethylene is the most produced plastic in the world due to its versatility and ubiquitous applications. The production and use of polyethylene however pose sustainability issues such as using petroleum resources and the persistence of its waste in landfills and oceans. Though not every issue can be addressed simultaneously, the more critical issue is to develop a polyethylene that can degrade within a few months instead of hundreds of years. A possible solution is to synthesize a polyethylene mimic, consisting of long chain of methylene groups with an occasional input of a functional group while maintaining similar properties as that …

Generative Artificial Intelligence Program And Service: Imaginex, Mengheng Xu

Theses

The idea to facilitate the creation of personal spaces that afford privacy, comfort, and autonomy to individuals in need seems to be especially significant while availability and affordability of physical spaces are constrained. This project proposes a system called ImagineX which is a generative artificial intelligence program and service that can generate virtual 3D spaces for users. Users can create customized 3D environments tailored to their specific needs and preferences simply by inputting word prompts. By connecting the program from a tablet to a virtual reality (VR) system, users can experience and interact with these virtual spaces in an immersive …

A Morphological Analysis Of High Redshift Galaxy Mergers Using Machine Learning, Caitlin Rose

Theses

Galaxy mergers play an important role in the formation and evolution of galaxies. However, identifying mergers can be difficult, especially at high redshift, due to effects such as: cosmological surface brightness dimming, poor resolution of images, the shifting of optical light to the infrared, and the inherently more irregular morphologies of younger galaxies. The advent of JWST and new deep, high-resolution near-infrared NIRCam images from the Cosmic Evolution Early Release Science Survey (CEERS) will help mitigate some of these problems to better detect high redshift merger features. Simultaneously, sophisticated machine learning analysis techniques have the po- tential to more accurately …

3d Computational Modeling Of Multiphase Phenomena In Boiling Heat Transfer, Winston O. James Iii

Theses

Boiling heat transfer is used in industrial processes, such as heat exchangers, nuclear reactors, and high-powered electronics. There is a need to generate effective heat dissipation techniques to increase the operation limits of these technologies. To enhance heat dissipation with boiling flows, it is important to study boiling phenomena from a fundamental perspective to identify the relation between the fluid and heat transfer behavior near the interface during bubble growth. Boiling simulations have been used as a tool to visualize and quantify the heat transfer mechanisms near the interface. However, challenges exist in modeling bubble growth with a sharp interface …

Commissioning The Tomographic Ionized-Carbon Mapping Experiment, Benjamin James Vaughan

Theses

Line intensity mapping is a novel technique that traces the evolution of cosmological structure sourcing a particular emission line through measurements of the aggregate emission of all galaxies along a line of sight. The Tomographic Ionized-carbon Mapping Experiment (TIME) is a far infrared waveguide imaging spectrometer that operates from 183-323 GHz, allowing it to trace the emission of the singly ionized carbon fine structure line ([CII], 157.7 µm) from redshift 5 to 9 to probe the infrared emission from star formation during the Epoch of Reionization. Further, TIME will also perform line intensity mapping observations of several carbon monoxide rotational …

Visualizing A Thought-Actuated 3d Printed Prosthesis, Brett Walter

Theses

The e-NABLE Project has created a worldwide network of passionate volunteers who utilize 3D printing technology to provide prosthetic hands to individuals who may not otherwise be able to obtain one. Most of these recipients are children in underdeveloped countries who have suffered from Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS) and cannot seek expensive medical prosthetics. ABS occurs when fibrous bands from the amniotic sac wrap tightly around a fetus’s extremities (most commonly fingers), restricting blood flow and ultimately resulting in complete amputation. The e-NABLE Project’s prosthesis utilizes the functional wrist and fingerless palm to push against the device, contracting the mechanical …

Glass: The Augmented Reality Glass Blowing Assistant, John Bechtold

Theses

Many people desire to learn a new skill or craft, but having access to a mentor available to provide one on one feedback can be expensive or inaccessible to many. Learning a new skill can bring meaning and added value to a person’s life. Glasses explores bridging the physical and digital world through augmented reality tools that assist in the hand making of products and the learning of a new craft. Though Glasses specifically focuses on glass blowing, the concept could just as easily be applied to any form of craftsmanship such as woodworking, metalsmithing or welding. The product helps …

Analyzing The Impact Of Process-Oriented Technology In Programming Education, Kate Arendes

Theses

Currently, there exist several factors in programming education that deter novice programmers. Computer science students are often significantly penalized for programs that do not compile, reflecting how current teaching standards are focused on the product of the student’s efforts, rather than the independent pieces of code that would otherwise execute properly. Novice programmers struggle with interpreting error messages that identify where and why a program failed, but are written with the assumption that the author already has mastered the fundamental concepts that they are trying to implement. In the classroom, educators may show presentations with pre-written code or perform live …

Population Inference Of Non-Spinning Eccentric Binary Black Holes, Muhammad Zeeshan

Theses

Compact binary mergers produce gravitational waves (GWs), which carry information about their sources. The LIGO-VIRGO-KAGRA network detects GWs signals, and we use those measurements to infer BBHs population properties such as mass, spin, and eccentricity distribution in the universe. Binary component masses and spins are well-known to provide insight into the source formation, evolution, and environment. Unlike these two, eccentricity is a unique and measurable signature of strongly interacting events. Unfortunately, most available parameter estimation results for GWs signals do not include eccentricity: models for binary merger with eccentricity have minimal availability and parameter coverage. Therefore, to assess how well …

Purification And Detection Of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria From Whole Blood With Nano-Sieve, Xinye Chen

Theses

Life-threatening bloodstream infections (BSI), such as sepsis, mainly caused by the body’s syndromic response to pathogen infection, are a major public health concern, leading to ~11 million deaths each year. The identification of sepsis presents significant challenges in the diagnostic process, as the isolation of low concentration pathogens from bodily fluids (e.g., human blood) is extremely demanding, and typically relies on time-consuming and complicated isolation processes. Therefore, this work aims to explore the potential of microfluidics as a powerful tool for rapid purification and concentration of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) from blood samples, meanwhile developing a molecular diagnostic technology by combining …

Addendum To Ap Art History Curriculum: Impressionism And Its Female Painters, Julie Short

Theses

This project seeks to add depth to Content Area 4 of the AP Art History Curriculum by supplementing the study of Impressionism as a whole, as well as including the study of the role of women artists in the movement and their contributions to Impressionism and Modern art in general. The goal is to provide students with greater historical context and formal analysis of major Impressionist works, as well as to expose students to the accomplishments of more female artists.

Investigation Of Pool Boiling Heat Transfer On Modified Copper And Aluminum Surfaces, Mariam Khaled Zaghloul

Theses

This thesis presents an investigation of pool-boiling heat transfer using the surfacemodification method. The studied boiling surfaces were smooth and rough pin-fins embedded on the copper and aluminum surfaces. This study visualizes bubble formation and departure diameter. Experimental testing aims to predict the heat transfer coefficients for different heat fluxes over smooth and rough pin-finned surfaces. The surface modification method allows changing the boiling surface characteristics, which can lead to enhanced heat transfer. Several factors were studied, including the heat-transfer coefficient, heat flux, bubble departure diameter, and formation time. Four surfaces were used for conducting the pool boiling experiment: a …

Dual Function Molecular Imaging Probes For Breast Cancer, Christopher Denyse

Theses

Breast cancer (BrCa) is a pressing health concern, necessitating the development of effective imaging and therapeutic agents. To address this need, we designed and synthesized molecularly targeted imaging and therapeutic agents that combine visualization and treatment of tumors in real-time. Our approach involved the development of dual-modal agents, incorporating the fluorescent near infrared (NIR) dye, IRDye78, and a chlorin-based photosensitizer (PS) dye, Mesopyropheoborbide-a (mPPa), coupled to a BrCa-targeting peptide, "18-4." Additionally, we created a water-soluble, single-modal targeted PS probe for photodynamic therapy (PDT) of BrCa for use guided by other imaging methods. Our methodology was based on a modular approach, …