Digital Commons Network^™

Recognition Of Stress In Emergency Room Nurses, Coleen Karr

Theses

Emergency room nurses work in an environment that is volatile and challenging due to the frequent exposures to critical incidences and stressful events. Given the frequency of exposure to these critical incidences and stressful events, this study was initiated to identify the reactionary responses to stress in emergency room nurses and to if the nurses could then be predisposed to posttraumatic stress disorder. The theoretical framework of Betty Neuman's Systems model of nursing was reflected throughout the investigation for the purpose of identifying the effects of stress on a person's line of defense. The use of the Depression Anxiety Stress …

Sheep: A Lifestyle Platform Providing Access To Freshest Greens For Metropolitan Areas Through Vertical Farming System, Xiao Cui

Theses

With today’s food supply chain, consumers who live in metropolitan areas can not be able to get the freshest greens they want everyday. Main reason is the long transportation between urban city and traditional farms. Based on the research, l found that a new agriculture technology named vertical farming can solve these problems. Because of the main feature of this technique is efficient use of urban space, it can solved the scarcity of land problem. Secondly, the shorter growth cycle can meets the high demand of fresh greens in urban cities. Thirdly, vertical farming can cultivate vegetables which is free …

Analyzing The Effects Of Individual And Team Attributes On New Product Design Outcomes - Experimental Protocol Development And Feasibility Assessment, Varun Sharma

Theses

Rapidly changing markets demand quick turnaround from creative concepts into final products. This requires firms to have extensive collaboration in their New Product Development (NPD) teams. However effective management of teams can be difficult. In order to understand the challenges of multidisciplinary product development, this study focuses on student design teams conducting engineering design projects at RIT. This study utilizes a modified team effectiveness model based on existing literature for identifying hypothesized associations using a limited number of teams enrolled in senior design. It proposes an experimental protocol for conducting this study at a larger scale and identifies the appropriate …

Important Considerations For Creative Professionals When Designing For Users With Mental Health Issues, Yiting Zhu

Theses

Creative professionals who design products, entertainment, application, websites, and even marketing are gradually beginning to realize the importance of evoking emotions and personalized communication to attract users’ attention and improve the satisfying experience. Emotional-based design can profoundly influence overall user experience since emotions affect decision making, attention, memory, and meaning. Designers often apply emotional design by two main approaches. The first is based on the modification of objects’ aesthetic appearances such as color, shape, and texture. The other focuses on engaging interaction mostly based on technology development (Van Gorp, Adams 2012). Both of these factors have significant effects on people …

Internet And Tor Traffic Classification Using Machine Learning, Siddharth Palsambkar

Theses

Privacy has always been a concern over the internet. A new wave of privacy networks struck the world in 2002 when the TOR Project was released to the public. The core principle of TOR, popularly known as the onion routing protocol, was developed by the ‘United States Naval Research Laboratory’ in the mid-1990s. It was further developed by ‘Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’. The project that started as an attempt to create a secured communication network for the U.S. Intelligence was soon released as a general anonymous network. These anonymous networks are run with the help of volunteers that serve …

Some Statistical Properties Of Spectral Regression Estimators, Nawal Hassan

Theses

In this thesis we explore different Spectral Regression Estimators in order to solve the prob- lem in regression where we have multiple columns that are linearly dependent: We explore two scenarios

• Scenario 1: p << n where there exists at least two columns; xj and xk that are nearly linearly dependent which indicates co-linearity and X⊤X becomes near singular.

• Scenario 2: n << p since there are more predictors than observations so some columns must be a linear combination of another column which indicates linear dependence.

The scenarios give us an ill conditioned matrix of X⊤X (when solving the normal equa- tion) due to collinearity issues and the matrix becomes singular and makes the least squares estimate unstable and impossible to compute. In the paper, we explore different methods (variable selection, regularization, compression and dimensionality reduction) that solves the above issue. For variable selection techniques, we use …

The Effect Of Video Game Experience In Different Genres On Task-Switching Ability, Caitlin A. Brostek

Theses

Task-switching is an executive function that refers to an individual’s ability to shift attention between different tasks. Previous studies have examined whether video game players perform better on task-switching experiments compared to non-video game players. This study aimed to add to existing research by examining video game experience on a continuous scale. Other factors that may affect the association between video game experience and task-switching ability were also examined, including the specific video game genre(s) played and the age that an individual began actively playing. Sixty participants from the Rochester Institute of Technology completed a questionnaire assessing video game experience …

Juveniles And The Criminal Justice System, Tayler Ruggero

Theses

Although juvenile crime rates have been decreasing rapidly in the last three decades, 2,805 children are still arrested each day in the United States (The State of America’s Children®, 2017). A child should get to grow up feeling safe and secure, with room to grow and develop with the support of their families, schools, and communities. Of those being arrested, they are mostly children of color and those that come from lower income communities. After these youths are incarcerated, they are at risk of physical and psychological abuse, sexual assault, and suicide. They also lack proper educational instruction while in …

Designing For Sustainable Bicycle Manufacturing, Xavier H. Arvelo Rodriguez

Theses

Currently, with the increase of people moving from one place to another, either to fulfill their daily activities or for recreation, the need has been created to produce a greater amount of means of transportation that can facilitate this action. Many people choose to use vehicles that do not help with the reduction of environmental pollution; among these, we can mention cars, buses, motorcycles, etc. The use of bicycles is predominant in countries with a developed culture and infrastructure focused on bike riding. Also, where fuel taxes are higher and people care about pollution in their surroundings.

In this project, …

The Impact Of Body-Worn Cameras (Bwcs) On Adjudication, Shakierah Smith

Theses

Body-worn camera (BWC) is an emerging technology that has had a profound impact on the American legal system. This capstone explores the various ways in which BWCs are actively transforming the adjudication process of criminal cases. The first chapter discusses how BWCs have impacted the adjudication of cases in Monroe County, NY from the perspective of prosecutors, public defenders, and Rochester city court judges. The second chapter utilizes data from the previous paper to examine the evidentiary value of BWCs in Monroe County, NY. The third chapter discusses how prosecutors in Monroe County, NY, Travis County, TX, and San Diego …

Policing With Eyes In Sky: Analysis Of Drone Programs In Law Enforcement, Keith Ericksen

Theses

In the modern era technology is playing a significant role in how our law enforcement modernize to serve the communities. Drones are known as an emerging technology that is changing the way our law enforcement assess the high-risk missions, crimes, and rescue efforts. A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is remotely controlled by a person that is used to gather aerial intelligence among other things. In the law enforcement field, the drones usually are equipped with sophisticated cameras that has the capabilities to zoom in, capture stills, and record videos from the sky. More expensive drones are …

Predict Network, Application Performance Using Machine Learning And Predictive Analytics, Mohamed Elmasry

Theses

In this thesis, a study is performed to find the effect of applications on resource consumption in computer networks and how to make use of available technologies such as predictive analytics, machine learning and business intelligence to predict if an application can degrade the network performance or consume computer system resources. In recent years, having a healthy computer system and the network is essential for continuity of business. The study focusses on analyzing the performance metrics collected from real networks using scripts and available programs created specifically for monitoring applications and network in real-time.

This work has significant importance because …

Aerospace Fuel Flow Metering Check Valve Model, Simulation, And Validation, Trevor M. Crandell

Theses

The fuel atomizer of a gas turbine engine is a critical component of study, design, and manufacture for the gas turbine industry. Modern engines rely on consistent precise operation of fuel nozzles to achieve today’s progressive emission standards and to keep engines operating longer and to keep them overall more competitive. The previous research into this field is extensive but has left a gap where relatively computationally simple methods can be used to benefit companies that build aerospace fuel nozzles. Through simulation and experimentation, the goal of this research was to create a method of modeling aerospace fuel nozzle flow …

Effects Of Grazer Exclusion On Carbon Cycling In Created Freshwater Wetlands, Delanie Spangler

Theses

Wetland ecosystems play a significant role in the global carbon cycle, and yet are increasingly threatened by human development, climate change, and shifts in populations of large grazers. The loss of intact wetland systems heightens the need for effective wetland creation and restoration. However, wetland ecosystems are highly complex, complicating efforts to replace the functionality and delivery of ecosystem services associated with natural wetlands. Increasing waterfowl populations pose a threat to the development and persistence of created wetlands, largely through intensive grazing that can shift vegetation community structure or altogether limit desired plant establishment. This study capitalizes on a long-term …

Controllability Of Cardiac Alternans, Mark O. Ampofo

Theses

An arrhythmia is a disorder in the heart that occurs due to irregular or abnormal heartbeats. There are many types of arrhythmias, some of which are harmless, but some, including ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation, can be life-threatening. Certain arrhythmias are preceded by electrical alternans, which is a state characterized by beat-to-beat alternation in cellular action potential duration. Cardiac alternans may arise from instabilities in either voltage or intracellular calcium cycling. Although a number of techniques have been proposed to suppress alternans, most have focused on appropriately adding a new ionic current or adjusting the timing of pacing stimuli based on …

Advantages And Challenges Of Online Project Based Learning, Peter Alex Kow Amissah

Theses

The purpose of this research is to outline the advantages and challenges of online project-based learning. Becoming knowledgeable about online project-based learning (PBL) is crucial at a time when there is an increased demand for education. The discussion presented here will assist faculty in the teaching of online PBL. The researcher conducted a comprehensive review of the literature and developed an open-ended interview schedule based upon his findings, which was used to interview experts in the field. The experts’ views confirmed the advantages and challenges found in the literature and brought up other factors that were not discovered in the …

Exploring Deep Neural Network Models For Classification Of High-Resolution Panoramas, Deepak Sharma

Theses

The objective of this thesis is to explore Deep Learning algorithms for classifying high-resolution images. While most deep learning algorithms focus on relatively low-resolution imagery (under 400×400 pixels), very high-resolution image classification poses unique challenges. These images occur in pathology and remote sensing, but here we focus on the classification of invasive plant species. We aimed to develop a computer vision system that can provide geo-coordinates of the locations of invasive plants by processing Google Map Street View images at using finite computational resources. We explore six methods for classifying these images and compare them. Our results could significantly impact …

Analog Musical Distortion Circuits For Electric Guitars, Timothy Douglas Sunnerberg

Theses

Distortion, while seen as undesirable in most contexts, has taken a different role in electronic music. Musical distortion refers to nonlinear changes in a waveform, and has been used to change the sounds of electric guitars since the 1940s and 1950s. Originally, distortion was realized with broken tubes in amplifiers or torn speaker cones, but as music evolved, so did the equipment used to produce the desired sounds. Slashed speakers turned into electronic circuits in the mid 1960s, and these electronic circuits are the focus of this paper. Many papers discuss the digitization of analog circuits, but because most analog …

Design And Verification Of An Rsa Encryption Core, Gowtham Ramakrishnan

Theses

Cryptoprocessors are becoming a standard to make the data-usage more discrete. A wellknown elector-mechanical cipher machine called the “enigma machine” was used in early 20th century to encrypt all confidential military and diplomatic information. With the advent of microprocessors in late 20th century the world of cryptography revolutionized. A cryptosystem is system on chip which contains cryptography algorithms used for encryption and decryption of data. These cryptoprocessors are used in ATM’s and highly portable communication systems. Encryption and decryption are the fundamental processes behind any cryptosystem. There are many encryption and decryption algorithms available; one such algorithm is known as …

Solid Phase Synthesis Of Modular Peptide-Based Targeted Molecular Imaging Agents, Xinyu Xu

Theses

Targeted molecular imaging agents (TMIA) are emerging as useful tools for early diagnosis of cancer and other diseases. These agents couple imaging agents such as near infrared fluorescence (NIRF) dyes or metallic contrast agents such as gadolinium (Gd) used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to targeting agents that bind to biomarker receptors in cancer cells. Our group has developed a modular synthesis of peptide-based TMIAs containing these two agents starting from “puzzle pieces”. Puzzle pieces, or modules, are amino acids with imaging groups bonded to their side chains. These are assembled together to form imaging peptides which are then conjugated …

Talking 80s: An Online Brand, Charles B. Mcpherson

Theses

This project focuses on the organic establishment of an online brand, from conception to execution. The primary focus is the steps taken to establish an online brand. The aim of the project is to discuss the results of steps going into the brand creation, what worked and what did not work. Furthermore, the project discusses possible solutions to avoid potential issues and problems in brand creation.

Galatea: A Representation Of The Nature Of The Goddess, Courtney Flamm

Theses

This paper analyzes the figure Galatea, including the original narratives of Ovid’s Metamorphoses and the visual representations of her character. Examinations of these images and the circumstances that surround Galatea’s character, including her association with Venus, provide an in-depth exploration of Galatea’s relationship to the archetypal Mother Goddess and the role of feminine deities throughout history. As interpreted in the prehistoric past, the ancient Mother Goddess was worshipped as an all-encompassing deity in ancient Sumerian, Egyptian, Aztec, and Greek societies. Her duality as the source of life and death provided a superior nature to her surrounding male counterparts that was …

Examining The Fears, Benefits, And Applications Of Teaching Improvisation In General Music, Krystle Boyd

Theses

This project focused on identifying and resolving fears associated with teaching improvisation in the general music classroom. The primary focus was on music educators and providing them with reassurance, reasoning, and plans on how to begin the process of teaching improvisation and follow through so that it is a well-developed initiative that will be built upon and utilized for years to come. This project demonstrated plans for an entire year of 5th grade general music instruction and provided a curriculum map, lesson plans, rubrics, and a manual of explanation for the lessons and activities.

Cracking The Social Media Code Of Post-Millennials, Bailey Elizabeth Kinney

Theses

This project will investigate the way that generation z/post millennials interact and respond to digital marketing and social media. The final deliverable is a 30-minute webinar offering a wide assessment of this up and coming generation. The video will include a comparison between how advertising is currently conducted for millennials and how it will need to change their successors. The webinar will also include research, examples of successful marketing to this generation, and practical application tips.

The Development Of A Standards Based Grading Assessment Plan In The Sixth Grade Choral Classroom, Olivia Mae Howard

Theses

This project focuses on the best assessment methods for standards-based grading in the sixth grade choral classroom. In the middle school choral world, resources are limited in the area of standards-based grading in the sixth grade choral classroom. This project was created to study and focus on how the new national standards connect with assessments methods utilized by choral music educators for sixth grade and then to connect these methods to standards-based grading. The aim of the project was to create the best assessment methods to be utilized with the new national music standards in the sixth grade choral music …

Drug Quality Assurance To Combat Counterfeit Streptomycin Using Facile, Low Cost Colorimetry, Makayla R. Foster

Theses

An easy to use, low cost colorimetric method to identify the quality and quantity of the tuberculosis (TB) medication, streptomycin was developed. TB is typically treated using a multi-drug regimen comprised of antibiotics such as streptomycin. According to WHO and USAID up to 50% of pharmaceuticals are counterfeit worldwide. The problem intensifies the closer one gets to the point of care. A facile counterfeit detection method, that is specific to only the authentic medication, is essential. Since the 1940s, streptomycin was colorimetrically identified using a 16-hour base hydrolysis process followed by an iron complexation reaction. A tris(maltonato)iron (III) complex was …

Oil Dependency And National Food Security: A Case For Nigeria, Alexandra A. Akaakar

Theses

Food insecurity is a condition of insufficient access to quality nutritious food; it is often rooted in shocks that interrupt the food production/distribution system in an area. Amidst the capabilities of Nigeria's agricultural system, the number of households across Nigeria experiencing food shortages has increased rapidly. The main reason for this increase were price shocks. This incident highlighted a huge vulnerability in Nigeria's food system, the vulnerability to price shocks. Incidences such as poverty and conflicts magnify the frequency of food insecurity. The ability to reduce vulnerabilities while addressing existing issues in food production and supply depends on a stable …

Observing Exoplanet Transits With The Citizen Continental-America Telescopic Eclipse (Cate) Experiment Telescope Network, Robert A. Baer

Theses

The Citizen Continental-America Telescopic Eclipse (CATE) Experiment established a standardized set of observation procedures and 72 volunteer observation teams with identical equipment along the path of the 2017 total solar eclipse. CATE successfully imaged the solar corona from 66 of the 72 observation sites resulting in a high dynamic range animation of 90 minutes of solar corona data collected by volunteer citizen science teams. A subgroup of CATE began work in the fall of 2017 to evaluate use of the standard CATE observation setup for exoplanet transit observations. Light curves and analysis of data using AstroImageJ of two well know …

Assess Material Properties Of Concrete Using Combined Ndt Methods, Abhishek Chitti

Theses

The aim of this research is to assess the material properties of concrete like modulus of elasticity, compressive strength, and Poisson’s ratio using various nondestructive Testing (NDT) methods like Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) and Rebound Hammer (RH). Assessment of material properties of concrete is very important as they are used for structural design process. Various NDT methods are applied to ensure the quality of concrete specimens but they can also be used to find material properties. UPV is a NDT method which is used to test the internal condition of the concrete specimen. RH is a surface hardness testing method …

The Baadasssss And The Avant-Garde: The Radical Aesthetics And Politics Of Melvin Van Peebles, Samuel Jay Smucker

Theses

Melvin Van Peebles is best known for Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song (1971) and that film’s role in inspiring the Blaxploitation cycle of films of the early 1970s. However, it was in France, where he had emigrated like other black creatives in the 1960s, that Van Peebles became a filmmaker. Drawing on biographical research and a close reading of his films, I connect Van Peebles to the institutions and aesthetics of the French New Wave. Van Peebles radicalizes New Wave techniques by employing them to illuminate issues of racism. I generate a new reading of Sweetback which connects the experimental aesthetics …