Digital Commons Network^™

"Black History Is Black Horror": Hauntology And Cultural Trauma In 20th And 21st Century Black Women's Gothic Horror, Destini S. Beckwith

Theses

Octavia Butler’s Afrofuturistic, gothic horror, neo-slave narrative Kindred (1979) vividly illustrates the story of a woman, Dana, involuntarily time-traveling from her home in 1976 Los Angeles, California, to a plantation in 19th-century Maryland. The interactions that she has with her ancestors, such as Alice, a free Black woman, and Rufus, a white man who enslaves Alice, leave Dana mentally and physically scarred. The 20th-century novel is meant to graphically reflect on the horrors of enslavement and the mental and physical effects that Black people endured/still endure because of it (i.e., grief, racial violence, and post-traumatic stress disorder). Furthermore, the novel’s …

Fish Community Composition Across Marine Habitats Around St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Assessed Using Underwater Video, Maya L. Seesholtz

Theses

Coral reef ecosystems support highly diverse fish assemblages that are strongly influenced by habitat structure and environmental conditions. Understanding how fish communities vary across habitat types is critical for effective monitoring and management. This study evaluated habitat-associated patterns in reef fish assemblages around St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, using stationary underwater video data collected through the Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) Caribbean.

A total of 37 video deployments were analyzed across coral (n=20), macroalgae (n= 9), and sand habitats (n=7), with seagrass (n=1) included for descriptive purposes only. Fish abundance was quantified using the MinCount metric, and taxon …

Targeting Rna Polymerase I In Ewing Sarcoma Treatment, Alexis Bruce

Theses

Ewing sarcoma is a rare and aggressive pediatric bone cancer with poor survival rates in patients, as low as 30% in advanced or recurrent cases. There are limited treatment options, making molecularly targeted therapy vital to explore. Through CRISPR scans of Ewing sarcoma cell lines, ribosome biogenesis was highlighted as a potential target. As RNA polymerase I is a key component of ribosome biogenesis, the cytotoxic ability of two RNA Polymerase I inhibitors, CX-5461 and BMH-21, were used on patient-derived Ewing sarcoma cells. The efficacy of the drugs on two cell lines was determined via measuring cell viability, migration potential, …

Hidden Diversity In A Clonal Endemic: Insights Into Clematis Socialis From A Population Genetics Perspective, Joanna M. Lapoint

Theses

Clematis socialis (Kral) is a rare, federally endangered perennial species restricted to a small number of fragmented populations in Alabama and Georgia. The species exhibits extensive clonality and limited sexual recruitment, characteristics that complicate expectations regarding genetic diversity and population connectivity. Despite its conservation significance, genome-wide assessments of population structure have been lacking. We used genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) to generate a genome-wide SNP dataset for 170 individuals sampled from six natural populations. Population structure and genetic differentiation were evaluated using Bayesian clustering, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), pairwise FST estimates, and network-based visualization. Analyses revealed strong genetic structuring among populations and …

Cellular And Molecular Characterization Of Ube3a Function In Cic-Dux4 Sarcoma, Jesse D. Walker

Theses

CIC-DUX4 sarcoma (CDS) is a rare and extremely aggressive soft tissue sarcoma that primarily affects children and young adults. CDS is characterized by an oncogenic chromosomal translocation. Current treatments for CDS are similar to those in other sarcomas like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Treatments, however show that CDS responds poorly compared to other sarcomas, due to relapses of localized disease at high rates and short duration response of treatment, proving the importance of understanding CIC-DUX4’s complex role on how it regulates overall gene expression in CDS cells from a molecular approach.

UBE3A is a ubiquitin protein ligase that plays a …

Evaluating The Effects Of Behavioral Skills Training On Defensive Back Skills In High School Football Players: A Focus On Man Coverage, Malachi James Jackson-Talmadge

Theses

Behavioral Skills Training (BST) is an intervention package that involves instructions, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback. BST has been used to enhance athletic performance in several sports (e.g., soccer, field hockey, bowling). In football, two prior studies have shown improved football-specific skills following BST. Although effective, both studies implemented BST individually with each player, which can be time-consuming during football practices. Providing BST to groups of players may be an efficient alternative. Currently, no study has evaluated the effects of group BST in sports. The current research used a multiple baseline design to evaluate the effects of group BST on man …

The Indian River Lagoon Through The Lens Of An Artist: Examining The Impact Of Growth And Development On The Lagoon's Water Quality, Lisa K. Skelly

Theses

This project investigates the ecological degradation of the Indian River Lagoon, a vital estuary on central Florida’s east coast. The research focuses on the intersection of habitat loss and water quality degradation, specifically as they relate to anthropogenic factors such as land development and nutrient pollution. Furthermore, the study evaluates the effectiveness of environmental art in fostering environmentally conscious behavior. I translated these findings into a cohesive body of work, including ceramics, fiber arts, and oil painting, utilizing site-specific materials sourced from the lagoon. By integrating these organic elements, the work aims to showcase the estuary’s natural beauty while highlighting …

A Comparative Study On Performance Of Iot-Driven Ml-Enabled Forecasting Models For Efficient Air Quality Monitoring, Bara Ksiksi

Theses

Air pollution is one of the most critical environmental challenges affecting public health globally, responsible for approximately 4.2 million premature deaths annually according to the World Health Organisation. This thesis presents a comparative study of IoT-driven machine learning forecasting models for air quality monitoring in Abu Dhabi, UAE, introducing a zonal approach combined with satellite-based spatial validation. The primary objective is to evaluate forecasting performance across three distinct activity zones using ground station data from the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD), and to incorporate a spatial validation component using satellite imagery to assess the consistency of ground-based predictions at a …

A Computational Assessment Of Halobacterium Salinarum Glutamate Dehydrogenase Enzymes, Maaz Abdalla

Theses

Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) is a hexameric enzyme. GDH is involved in several pathways and cellular processes such as oxidation-reduction homeostasis, ammonia metabolism, lipid biosynthesis, insulin and lactate production, and acid-base equilibrium. The main objective of this thesis is to understand the structural and biochemical properties of this enzyme and why some organisms, for e.g., Halobacterium salinarum, have more than one GDH with different coenzyme specificities. The catabolism of glutamate is linked to NAD+ specific GDHs, meanwhile, NADP+ specific GDHs play an anabolic role in ammonia assimilation. Molecular docking and binding free energy calculations were employed followed by long-scale (500 nanoseconds) …

جريمة تزوير المستند الالكتروني طبقا للمرسوم بقانون اتحادي رقم (46) لسنة 2021 بشأن المعاملات الإلكترونية وخدمات الثقة, كلثم راشد المزروعي

Theses

The Crime of Electronic Document Forgery under UAE Legislation: A Legal and Judicial Analysis in Light of Digital Transformation

This study examines the crime of electronic document forgery in light of rapid digital transformation and the challenges it poses to legal systems, particularly in the United Arab Emirates. The research problem lies in the absence of a comprehensive legal framework, the difficulty of classifying technologically evolving forms of forgery, and the challenges associated with proving such crimes using digital evidence.

The study aims to analyze the legal nature of electronic document forgery, distinguish it from traditional forgery, identify its elements …

Comparative Evaluation Of Five Bacterial Strains For The Fermentation Of Camel Milk, Sifatun Nesa Ali

Theses

In this study, the comparative fermentation performance of lactic acid bacteria Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Lb. helveticus, Lb. casei, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in Camel Milk (CM) and Bovine Milk (BM) was investigated. Fermentations were carried out at 42°C for 48 hours, and was monitored through bacterial growth, titratable acidity, pH evolution, proteolytic activity, microstructural properties, and rheological characteristics. Although comparable bacterial viability was observed in CM and BM, acidification kinetics varied significantly between CM and BM (p < 0.05). Proteolysis was significantly higher in fermented CM than in BM (p < 0.001), with consistently greater o-Phthalaldehyde Assay (OPA) values in CM across all strains during fermentation (p < 0.001). Scanning electron microscopy revealed more porous, loose protein matrices in fermented CM than in BM, which supports the rheological results showing weaker gel networks and lower rheological strength in fermented CM. Among the tested bacteria, Lb. casei demonstrated superior adaptability, enhanced viability, balanced acidification, and favorable rheological properties in both milks. Overall, the results of this thesis demonstrate strain-specific fermentation responses and support the possible suitability of different starter cultures for improving the technological performance of fermented camel milk products.

Analysis Of A Coaxial Transmission Line Filled With An Orthorhombic Dielectric-Magnetic Medium, Fathima Manikunnath Abdul Akbar

Theses

Coaxial transmission lines are fundamental means for Transverse Electromagnetic (TEM) wave propagation in RF, microwave and high-speed electronic systems. The study of transmission lines is often familiar when they are filled with isotropic materials; however modern engineered direction dependent materials reshape field distributions. In this thesis, we consider a coaxial transmission line of an inner radius and outer radius b filled with an orthorhombic dielectric-magnetic material, which is described by two anisotropy parameters αx and αy. The potential and field distributions are studied in relation to the ratio b/a as well as the anisotropy parameters αx and αy. Due to …

Optimizing Duckweeds Harvesting Strategies To Maximize Nutrient Recovery And Its Role As A Phytosensor In Different Water Sources While Maintaining Sustainable Biomass Growth, Basma Ghannam

Theses

This thesis is concerned with determining the optimal water treatment and harvesting strategy for Lemna minor duckweed plants. The main objective of this thesis is to examine how duckweed plants grow in terms of biomass, photosynthetic activity, leaf morphology, chlorophyll and carotenoid content, and their efficiency in nutrient removal from different water sources. The methodology of the study included assessing duckweed in three water samples including tap water, saline water, and greywater and three harvesting strategies, including low, medium, and high harvesting intensities to assess their growth and nutrient removal efficiency. The results of the study showed that L. minor …

Efficient Fpga Implementation Of A 1 Million-Point Fft, Jwaher Abdulqader Al Tamimi

Theses

The one-million-point Fast Fourier Transform is implemented using a radix-2 single-path delay feedback pipeline architecture. To minimize the computational overhead, twiddle factors were pre-computed and stored in memory. The design uses a fixed-point representation with two integer bits and seven fractional bits, achieving a measured signal-to-noise ratio of 37.98. Given the substantial memory requirements, a memory partitioning approach was used. It mapped the delay buffers in each stage lookup table memory, block random-access memory, or ultra random-access memory, based on word width and memory depth.

The implementation operates successfully at 100 megahertz on a mid-scale field-programmable gate array. Post-implementation reported …

Breath-Based Detection Of Liver Cancer Biomarkers Using An Swcnt-Fet Nano-Biosensor: Quantumatk, Mohamed Mohieb Rashdan

Theses

Early detection of liver cancer remains limited by the slow pace and invasiveness of current testing methods. This study proposes a single-walled carbon nanotube field-effect transistor (SWCNT-FET) designed to detect hexanal—a volatile organic compound (VOC) elevated in liver cancer—directly from exhaled breath. The device is modeled in QuantumATK using a semi-empirical Extended Hückel Hamiltonian within the non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) framework, emphasizing realistic contact physics by employing metallic SWCNT electrodes instead of conventional metal films. Zigzag channels with (11,0) and (12,0) chiralities are examined to analyze how geometry and contact matching influence charge transport. Simulations include current–voltage (I–V) characteristics and …

Transport Of Quantum Walks In Electric Fields, Yousef Mohammad Yousef Salah

Theses

This thesis presents an analysis of transport in one-dimensional discrete-time quantum walks (DTQWs) on the Hilbert space ℓ²(ℤ) ⊗ ℂ². Quantum walks serve as fundamental models of coherent quantum transport and exhibit ballistic spreading driven by superposition and interference. The primary focus of this work is the review and derivation of sharp maximal velocity bounds for several classes of quantum walk step operators, including the shift-coin walk, the split-step walk, and models with constant as well as position-dependent coin operators. We establish general a priori bounds that remain valid beyond the translation-invariant regime. For homogeneous models, Fourier and spectral analysis …

Development Of A Novel Cfd Approach For Predicting Multiphase Flow Enhanced By Machine Learning, Abdulrahman Elazazi Salem

Theses

Accurate estimation of interface orientation is crucial for ensuring both the accuracy and robustness of Volume of Fluid (VOF) schemes in multiphase flow simulations, especially when using non-uniform Cartesian meshes. Conventional gradient reconstruction approaches, such as least-squares (LSQ) methods, often suffer from significant errors and strong oscillations on highly stretched grids. This work proposes a grid-transferable, learning-based methodology that predicts interface unit normal vectors directly from the local volume-fraction field on nonuniform structured Cartesian grids using a feedforward neural network. The methodology extends earlier work originally developed for uniform grids, which is first reproduced to assess how performance deteriorates in …

Ideals And Lattices In Number Fields, Sarah Ali Alyammahi

Theses

This thesis investigates algebraic number fields and their rings of integers, which

generalize the ring of integers ℤ in ℚ. The study focuses on ideals, units, and ideal class

groups, which describe the arithmetic structure of number fields and the failure of unique factorization. Key invariants such as the norm, trace, and discriminant are developed and applied, with particular emphasis on quadratic number fields and classical examples such as the Gaussian and Eisenstein integers. Some explicit computations of ideal class groups are carried out. The thesis also explores connections with lattice theory by interpreting rings of integers as lattices and …

Predicting Property Sale Prices In Dubai Using Machine Learning Regression Models, Mohammad Buabdulla

Theses

It has been observed that the fastness of digital real estate’s application has resulted in availability of large-scale property data which forms an opportunity to more precise and open property valuation practices. A lot of conventional real estate appraisal methodologies with much emphasis on manual evaluation and historical comparative value find it difficult to respond to the market dynamics or the dynamics that exist within the market at an alarming rate. This research will help mitigate these shortcomings by generating and testing machine learning regression models to determine the price of residential property at sale in Dubai by using real-life …

The Best Practices For Prefabrication Of Industrial Buildings, Derek Gines

Theses

Prefabrication has demonstrated measurable and repeatable advantages in productivity, cost certainty, and environmental performance, yet its adoption within industrial building typologies remains largely inconsistent. Existing research largely evaluates prefabrication through downstream performance outcomes, while offering limited insight into the upstream design and organizational decisions that enable or undermine its reliability. This thesis reframes prefabrication as a design‑led methodology rather than a construction optimization, arguing that successful hybrid prefabrication is determined primarily by early decision timing, governance structures, and the control of spatial and logistical interfaces. This study adopts a qualitative design‑research approach that combines comparative case study analysis with expert …

Toward A Unified Framework For Open World Visual Learning, Yuansheng Zhu

Theses

Artificial intelligence systems have achieved remarkable performance across a wide range of visual tasks. However, most existing models operate under the unrealistic closed-world assumption, where training and test data are drawn from the same distribution. In real-world applications such as anomaly detection, autonomous driving, and medical diagnosis, learning systems frequently encounter novel or out-of-distribution scenarios. These settings require models that can recognize unknown inputs, adapt to new information over time, and maintain reliable performance under evolving conditions. This dissertation studies the problem of Open World Visual Learning, a paradigm that enables visual learning systems to operate robustly in dynamic and …

Alternative Color Mode Design: Supporting Mobile App Creators With Evidence-Based Guidelines, Sarah Andrew

Theses

Alternative color modes, such as light, dark, dim, and high contrast modes, in mobile apps can improve accessibility for people with vision impairments and usability for people without vision impairments across situational contexts. However, current mobile apps exhibit inconsistent color implementations for UI elements (e.g., background, text, buttons, images, and non-selectable icons), leaving users with limited accessible options. My dissertation addresses a central question in human-computer interaction and accessibility: How can mobile app designers be supported to implement alternative color modes that meet the accessibility and usability needs of people with and without vision impairments? Through an eight-study mixed-methods investigation, …

How Policing Data Visualizations Affect Comprehension, Decision Confidence, And Perceptions Of Racial Disparities, Abeer Mustafa

Theses

Police departments use public dashboards to share use-of-force data for policymaking and public awareness, but it remains unclear how visualization formats affect how people interpret this information. This between-subjects study with 64 participants compares absolute use-of-force incident counts (Totals) and population-adjusted rates (Rates) across four United States cities. The research included a quantitative analysis of graph comprehension, policy prioritization, confidence ratings, and attitude change, as well as a qualitative examination of open-ended responses. Results showed a strong framing effect: those who viewed absolute numbers prioritized Aurora, Colorado (highest incidents) for policy intervention, often disregarding population baselines, while those viewing per-capita …

Evaluating Expected Real-World Tactile Experience From Virtual Fabric Perception, Julianna Gross

Theses

Most people have experienced the disappointment of ordering products online and receiving a product completely different to what was expected. For example, a sweater may appear that it is made out of extremely soft blue cotton, yet when seen in person is an itchy purple polyester blend. The current research seeks to ameliorate this confusion by evaluating various visual conditions that have the potential to lead to disparities between real-world feel and online images. Lighting and material characteristics are two major indicators of fabric, specifically real life look and feel. The angle of lighting and which light source is chosen …

Software Vulnerability Recidivism In Open-Source Projects, Brandon Keller

Theses

Software vulnerabilities present a major threat to businesses and individuals alike and it is therefore critical that a culture exists among software engineers to encourage the discovery and patching of security flaws. Vulnerability counts are a common way of evaluating a project’s security. However, this metric can run counter to building a developer culture of fault recognition if more vulnerabilities is always seen as a bad thing. While these counts can present a rough idea of a project’s history with security, they provide no insight into how the development team improves and learns as a result of a vulnerability. A …

Imaging Performance Analysis Of Euv Mask Stacks For Sub-24 Nm Features At High And Hyper Numerical Aperture, Abdusame Omran N. Berish

Theses

As extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography advances toward high numerical apertures (NAs) of 0.55 and 0.75, mask-3D effects degrade image fidelity, limiting resolution and the process window. This work investigates the performance of alternative EUV absorber materials for sub-12 nm half-pitch patterning under high-NA and hyper-NA conditions. The lithographic simulations were conducted using the PROLITH Maxwell rigorous model under dipole illumination optimized for sub-24 nm resolution dense line/space features. The EUV mask stacks were derived from five fabricated and tested absorbers: TaBN, Ru/Ta, Pt2W, Ni/CrN, and TaSi2.  The absorber thickness was recalibrated to an optimal value, ensuring a maximum normalized image …

Sampling And Counting Graph Structures With Triangle Motifs, Sherry Robinson

Theses

Understanding the structure of real-world networks often relies on identifying significant (i.e., occurring significantly more frequently than random) subgraph patterns, or motifs, such as triangles. To assess their significance, null models generate random samples from a constrained distribution of graphs, preserving selected properties while randomizing others. These models may either generate random graphs or sample structures from a fixed input graph. This thesis focuses on the latter, specifically the problem of sampling and counting graph structures that incorporate triangle motifs. While efficient algorithms exist for sampling classical structures such as matchings, extending these methods to higher-order motifs remains an important …

Full-Field Experimental Analysis Of 3d Printed Open-Hole Plates Reinforced With Isotropic And Concentric Carbon Fibers, Mozah Alyammahi

Theses

Additive Manufacturing technology (AM) has become an attractive process for innovative products in recent decades. The applications of AM materials widen to include composite materials. The fabrication of composite materials via AM makes the process more cost-effective than traditional fabrication methods. Nowadays, there are 3D printers that can produce composite materials with different strategies which results in different mechanical properties. This study examines the impact of carbon fiber reinforcement, both isotropic and concentric, on 3D printed open-hole plates utilizing full-field experimental analysis.  Problem Statement  The research on investigating different fiber reinforcement is increasing rapidly. However, most of the studies are …

Adapting Specpt For Hst Grism Spectroscopy Via Transfer Learning, Clive Kalathoor Binu

Theses

This thesis demonstrates the successful application of transfer learning to bridge ground-based and space-based spectroscopic analysis through adapting SpecPT (Spectroscopy Pre-trained Transformer) for Hubble Space Telescope WFC3 grism data for redshift prediction. Originally trained on high-resolution DESI spectra, SpecPT initially failed when applied directly to low-resolution, noisy HST WFC3 grism observations (Normalized Median Absolute Deviation (NMAD) = 0.2095, catastrophic outlier fraction ($\eta$) = 47.97\%). Through transfer learning on 8,530 high-quality 3D-HST spectra with emission-line SNR > 2.5 and z < 1.7, the model achieved substantial improvement (NMAD = 0.0724, $\eta$ = 26.69\%), representing a 65\% reduction in typical redshift error and 46\% decrease in catastrophic failures. The research addresses two primary objectives: establishing transfer learning effectiveness for cross-domain spectroscopic analysis and investigating whether supplementing grism spectra with broadband photometric data enhances performance. Counterintuitively, integrating comprehensive multi-wavelength photometric data from CANDELS significantly degraded performance (NMAD = 0.1641, $\eta$ = 36.51\%), challenging conventional astronomical assumptions about multi-modal data fusion and revealing critical failure modes in astronomical machine learning. This work establishes a unified framework for automated analysis of both ground-based and space-based spectroscopic surveys, with important implications for JWST, Euclid, and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. The demonstrated capability to adapt models across instrumental domains provides a scalable approach for processing large data volumes from next-generation missions, validating foundational model approaches that can be developed once and efficiently adapted across diverse observational contexts.

Phrases, Crystal Ching-Lam Tam

Theses

Motivational posters are widely used in educational environments to encourage perseverance, build confidence, and promote positive thinking. However, many of these visuals rely on cliché imagery, generic language, and overly decorative styles, making them feel inauthentic and easy to ignore. In visually saturated campus environments, they often fade into the background, acting as noise rather than as meaningful communication. How can motivation be communicated in a more engaging, intentional, and relevant way for college students? This thesis introduces Phrases, a visual communication system that reimagines motivational design through abstraction, clarity, and restraint. Rooted in Swiss design principles and Gestalt theory, …