Digital Commons Network^™

Investigations Of Secure Memory For Vlsi Based Crypto System, Vijay Sai R Mr

Theses and Dissertations

Semiconductor technology is growing very rapidly in their architectural developments, involving the usage of processor and memory. Presence of memory, in general is a vital commodity in various devices which are almost embedded into human activity, from robust work stations to handy mobile phones. Security of data stored in memory is very important, and hence, observation must be made that these valuable data should not be thwarted by malicious means. Security in cache memory is a major issue in memory related applications such as smart cards and bio-metric implementations.

Cache, is a small and limited memory located between central processing …

Seating Charts, Connections, And Fostering Community, Mckenna B. Chow

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores how fostering stronger connections in the high school ceramics classroom can create a more inclusive and collaborative community. I regularly changed seating charts to encourage new relationships and strengthen classroom culture as part of this effort. Historically, seating charts have enforced uniformity and promoted specific behaviors. My research challenges these traditional purposes and proposes that seating arrangements can instead serve a more meaningful and enduring goal: promoting connection and ensuring that all students feel seen. I found that while seating charts can contribute to this goal, achieving genuine connection and inclusivity also requires several additional factors to …

Evaluating Nfl Quarterback Decision Making Through Tracking Data, Jesse N. Melville

Theses and Dissertations

Quarterback decision-making is one of the most critical determinants of success in the National Football League (NFL), yet traditional statistics fail to account for the spatial, temporal, and contextual factors influencing each play. This thesis proposes a data-driven methodology for evaluating quarterback decisions using NFL player tracking data from the 2022 season. We replicate and extend the DeepQB framework by training deep learning models to estimate expected completion probabilities and expected yards gained for each receiver at the moment of the throw. Our extension applies the approach to a newer dataset with additional contextual features, enabling a more detailed evaluation …

The Association Of Anxiety, Familial Dysfunction, And Child Emotion Regulation Between Family Therapy Sessions 1 And 4, Kaelie Noel Lemmon

Theses and Dissertations

Few studies address how relational factors may be interdependent and impact child-focused problems that could be collectively addressed in systemic family therapy. The current study utilized a cross-lagged panel model to explore the associations of parental anxiety, familial dysfunction, and child emotion regulation between four family therapy sessions. The study included 224 parents who sought family therapy and participated in the Marriage and Family Therapy Practice Research Network (MFT-PRN). Data were collected at two time points across four family therapy sessions. The findings indicated that higher levels of parental anxiety at intake were associated with higher familial dysfunction at session …

The Governor’S Cabinet Project A Study Of The Evolution Of The Executive Branch, Revis. L. Edmonds

Theses and Dissertations

In Arkansas’s long path toward modernizing its executive branch, it may appear to the casual observer that the state was locked in a process in which its politics and its culture were engaged in a longstanding tug-of-war between traditionalists and modernizers—a conflict complicated by the state’s personality-based politics and restrictive post-Reconstruction constitution. It has often been asserted that the conflict, in Arkansas’s case the romanticizing of rural life as opposed to the economic and social interests of the fast-growing suburbs of Central and Northwest Arkansas, explains a great deal of this slow transition. This attitude was largely a product of …

Remote Running Gait Analysis Using Smartphone Video And Monocular Pose Estimation: A Feasibility Study, Luke Vankeersbilck

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Running is a common form of exercise that comes with many health benefits; however, many people stop exercising because of the high injury risk. Running injury is connected with biomechanical risk factors. Yet, these risk factors often show inconsistent and conflicting results across studies, largely due to small sample sizes limiting statistical power. Low subject numbers may be partly due to the time requirements of traditional motion capture. Monocular pose estimation offers a promising alternative by using machine learning to track body landmarks from a single camera. This study evaluated the feasibility of remotely collecting running biomechanics data using …

Ai-Enabled Innovations In Automated Essay Scoring And Feedback Systems, Michael J. Murff

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the evolution and educational implementation of Automated Essay Scoring (AES) systems, with particular focus on generative artificial intelligence integration in educational assessment. Through a two-article format, this research addresses the persistent gap between technical capability and educational adoption that has characterized AES development over seven decades. The first article presents a comprehensive methodological review analyzing 122 studies spanning AES evolution from foundational computational linguistics through contemporary hybrid systems. Despite achieving strong correlations with human scoring, modern AES systems face resistance due to validity concerns and misalignment with pedagogical values, revealing an "adoption paradox" where technical sophistication often …

Under The Sea And Into The Future With Darwin, Verne, & Wells: Evolutionary Ideas In Early Science Fiction Literature And Atomic Age Adaptations, Suzette K. Forston

Theses and Dissertations

In the latter half of the nineteenth century, Charles Darwin's theories challenged traditional ways of thinking about the world so dramatically that his writings inspired the formation of a new genre: science fiction. Two pioneering authors, Jules Verne and H. G. Wells drew from Darwin's writings in their classic novels, 20,000 Leagues Under the Seas (1870) and The Time Machine (1895). Though the two authors are often compared because they were both early science fiction authors, they approached Darwinian theory in different ways. Verne uses a more extrapolative approach and focusing on specific details of Darwin's texts to tell a …

Circadian Influences On Glycemic Control In 24-Hr Fasts Initiated At Different Mealtimes, Elizabeth Z. Gipson

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated whether the timing of a 24-hour fast influences indicators of glycemic control throughout the duration of the fast or upon refeeding. Twenty-four adults who have overweight or obesity (13 female, 11 male) completed this randomized crossover study involving three 24-hour fasts initiated at either 8:00 am, 1:00 pm, or 6:00 pm followed by a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) which lasted 2 hours. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) were employed to track interstitial glucose throughout each fast and OGTT. Plasma samples for insulin, glucagon, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) were collected at the …

Attachment Or Aversion: A Study Of The Effects Of Parental Technoference On Child Emotion Knowledge, Brooklyn Coleman

Theses and Dissertations

Young children's understanding of emotions is heavily socialized by their parents. Through interactions with parents, children learn what emotions look like, when they are expressed, and how they are labeled (Laible, 2004a). Interruptions to interactions between children and parents have the potential to influence the development of children's emotion knowledge. According to the DREAMER framework, how one family member uses media and technology can influence other family members (Barr et al., 2024). Technoference (i.e., digital distraction while with others) is one example of how media might interrupt family life and influence child development as a whole. The current study examined …

Comparing The Effectiveness Of Online Training With Behavioral Consultation: The Impact Of Teacher Buy-In And Efficacy, Allison C. Lindsey

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the comparative effectiveness of two different behavioral training methodologies, online training and behavioral consultation, in supporting teacher implementation of evidence-based practices, with a focus on the roles of teacher buy-in and self-efficacy. Challenging behavior is on the rise and teacher's need to know how to apply behavior management strategies to their classroom in order for their students to be most successful. Many teachers do not begin their careers with proper behavior management knowledge, training experience, or do not feel a sense of efficacy in implementing behavior management. Lack of knowledge and training may lead to decreased teacher …

Refugee Families: Parental Traumatic Stress And Child Outcomes A Scoping Review, Britta Sedig

Theses and Dissertations

This scoping review synthesizes recent literature (2019-2024) to explore mechanisms linking parental trauma to child mental health outcomes within refugee families. Guided by a systemic and relational focus, 20 studies were identified and analyzed, revealing five central themes: intergenerational transmission of trauma, parenting practices as mediators, parent-child dyadic attachment, family functioning and conflict, and post-migration and acculturative stress. Findings highlighted associations between parental trauma-related symptoms and refugee children's emotional and behavioral concerns. Parenting practices were frequently linked to child wellbeing, with some studies identifying risk factors like harsh discipline and emotional unavailability, and others noting protective roles of intentional caregiving. …

Development Of Numerical Tools And Performance Metrics For Analysis Of Optical Particle Counters, Doug Webb

Theses and Dissertations

Monitoring air quality is essential for understanding and mitigating the health impacts of airborne particulate matter (PM), which is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Optical particle counters (OPCs) are widely used for air quality monitoring, yet their precision and accuracy remain uncertain due to inconsistent performance evaluations. In this thesis, performance metrics are developed that can be used to assess the accuracy of OPCs in measuring PM concentrations and size distributions. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are employed to analyze the behavior of particle-laden air streams through representative OPC models. The impact of design parameters is quantified using newly …

Tracing Tremor: From Upper-Limb Neuromusculoskeletal Dynamics To Movement Signatures In Essential Tremor, Landon J. Beutler

Theses and Dissertations

Tremor is a common neurological condition that significantly impairs the quality of life for millions. Despite this prevalence, the underlying mechanisms of its propagation remain poorly understood, and current treatment options often rely on trial-and-error methods. Moreover, the most common type, Essential Tremor (ET), presents a unique challenge due to its heterogeneity--patients exhibit a wide range of symptoms, severities, and responses to treatment. This thesis primarily advances tremor understanding through computational modeling, with a secondary focus on data-driven subtyping of ET via cluster analysis. These parallel paths aim to improve both mechanistic insight and clinical classification. Tremor propagation refers to …

Fungal Resistance Of Citric Acid Crosslinked Chitosan Treated Wood, Samuel Jacob Barton

Theses and Dissertations

Chitosan (CH), a linear polysaccharide biopolymer derived from chitin, is known for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. However, its natural hydrophilicity limits its application as a wood preservative. This study explores the crosslinking of chitosan with citric acid (CA) to improve its stability and hydrophobicity, aiming to enhance its efficacy as a wood preservative. The study investigates fungal resistance against Gloeophyllum trabeum (brown-rot) and Trametes versicolor (white-rot) fungi using the AWPA E-10 soil block test for pine and gum samples vacuum-treated and dip-treated with CH-CA concentrations (CH 6%/CA 3%, CH 4%/CA 3%, CH 2%/CA 3%, and CH 1.5%/CA 3%). The …

Topnet R1: A Multi-Stage Ai Framework For Topic Discovery In Scientific Abstracts, Md Elias Hossain

Theses and Dissertations

Scientific abstracts are rich sources of knowledge, yet extracting meaningful topics remains challenging due to limitations in existing topic modeling techniques. Traditional methods often struggle with interpretability, scalability, and contextual understanding. To overcome these issues, we introduce TopNet R1, a multi-stage ensemble framework that integrates traditional topic models with contextual embeddings from Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) and Generative Pre-trained Transformer 4 (GPT-4) large language models (LLMs). Top- Net R1 operates in three phases: (1) topic generation using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), Non-Negative Matrix Factorization (NMF), Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA), and Hierarchical Dirichlet Process (HDP); (2) LLM-assisted pattern recognition …

Finite Element Modeling Of Plasma Membrane Injury From Mechanical Stress: A Combined Finite Element And Machine Learning Approach, Eric Flynn Mabowitz

Theses and Dissertations

Low back pain is a leading cause of disability across a wide range of occupations and environments. Exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) has been linked to an increased prevalence of low back pain, as well as certain neurophysiological complications. While current understanding of WBV effects is largely based on tissue- and whole-body-level studies, a significant gap remains in knowledge regarding how vibrational forces propagate through individual cells. This knowledge gap limits a comprehensive understanding of how these forces affect the human body at the microscopic level. To address this, the present study employs both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) finite …

Spawning And Rearing Techniques For Improved Production Of White Crappie (Pomoxis Anularis), Matthew E. Nichols

Theses and Dissertations

White Crappie (Pomoxis annularis) is a popular species, commonly propagated in hatcheries to support fisheries and supplement natural populations during cyclical declines. However, limited information exists regarding the effects of extended broodstock holding periods (>4 weeks), which are critical for enhancing flexibility in hatchery practices. Furthermore, rearing larval-to-juvenile crappie in outdoor ponds would greatly benefit from optimized fertilization and stocking densities to improve growth and survival rates. Additionally, dietary preferences during early life stages remain poorly understood, yet are essential for maximizing production efficiency. This study found holding broodstock for > 6 weeks can significantly reduce fertilization percentages. We also …

In Good Times & Bad: Measuring Ambivalence In Custodial Grandparents, Marin Gail Olson

Theses and Dissertations

Like other forms of caregivers, custodial grandparents experience both the joys and trials of raising their grandchildren. This culmination of positive and negative feelings is called “caregiver ambivalence." It has only recently been studied in relation to caregiver burden and wellness in the form of caregiver ambivalence theory (CAT). By collecting data from approximately 395 custodial grandparents via an online survey, the current study aimed to test if custodial grandparents’ feelings of burden influence their perceived well-being and if feelings of ambivalence mediate this relation. Implications of this research include identifying areas of strength and growth within custodial grandparents and …

Timber Price Trends, Transmission, And The Impact On Loblolly Pine Plantation Management In The United States South., Samjhana Panthi

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzed the impact of pine timber price trends on optimal rotation age and price transmission relationship in the timber market in the US South. Price trends and volatilities were incorporated into discounted cash flow analyses to determine stochastic optimal rotation age. The results revealed that negative price trends reduced the optimal rotation age and maximum land expectation values compared with the base case of the Faustmann model's constant timber prices. Also, I performed a vertical price transmission study for the US South pine timber market using a Smooth Transition Autoregressive (STAR) model. Price transmission was linear in the …

Thermo-Mechanical Advancements For Very High Strength And Ultra High Performance Concretes, Lana Grayson Brown Sisung

Theses and Dissertations

Interest in the use of high-strength concrete (HSC) has increased in recent years with demand for improved concrete performance. HSCs are widely associated with high heat of hydration and elusive behavior when exposed to high temperatures commonly occurring in mass structures. The optimization of HSC mixture proportioning is difficult due to a wide variety of constituents that influence thermal and mechanical properties. Additionally, determining in-place properties of mass concrete placements is elusive, and there are currently minimal to no test methods available that are both predictive and a direct measurement of mechanical properties. The objective of this dissertation is to …

Non-Thermal Dbd Plasma-Induced Co₂ Capture And Conversion To Value Added Chemicals, Chinwendu Theresa Umeojiakor

Theses and Dissertations

Electrified CO2 conversion via nonthermal dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) plasma presents a promising pathway for integrating renewable energy into the carbon cycle, addressing the dual challenges of CO2 reduction and sustainable fuel generation. In this research, DBD plasma technology was integrated with a sorbent material and/or catalytic materials for CO2 desorption and conversion. Specifically, with Ni/Al2O3 as the catalyst, we investigated CO2 splitting (CO2 to CO and 0.5O2) and hydrogenation (CO2 and H2 to CO and H2O) under adiabatic and subcooled conditions. We find that CO2 splitting shows higher efficiency than hydrogenation, particularly at relatively lower power inputs. While CO2 hydrogenation …

Optical Trapping For The Study Of The Chemical And Physical Dynamics Of Single Particles, Yukai Ai

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the combined technique of optical trapping and Raman spectroscopy (OT-RS) to study the physical and chemical properties, as well as the dynamic surface changes, of single aerosol particles in air. The study covers a wide range of aerosol types, including bioaerosols (such as pollen, bacteria, and fungi), dust particles (such as black carbon, terrestrial, and extraterrestrial materials), and liquid droplets (such as sea-spray aerosols). The optical trapping system used in this work is based on the universal optical trap (UOT), which is capable of trapping and manipulating a wide variety of particle types. These include both transparent …

Streamlined Technology Systems: Optimizing Technology Systems For Meridian Public School District, Latoya Atterberry

Theses and Dissertations

Technology has become a cornerstone of modern education, reshaping how teachers instruct and students learn. "Technology plays a pivotal role in shaping modern learning environments, offering opportunities for enhanced engagement and personalized learning experiences" (Ascione, 2023). This project focuses on the critical role of effective professional development in equipping teachers to integrate technology into their instructional practices meaningfully. Drawing on the TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) and SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition) frameworks, this project examines how tailored professional development programs can bridge gaps in teachers’ technological and pedagogical knowledge, guiding them toward transformative technology use. This project culminates in …

American Officer Administration Development And Its Effects On Conduct, 1900-1970, David R. Burford

Theses and Dissertations

The 1970 U.S. Army War College Study on Military Professionalism concluded that officers were so obsessed with demonstrating loyalty, deference to authority, and promotion that they seemed to sacrifice their personal integrity. The findings shocked high-ranked Army officials. The detailed legislative history of Army officer administration from roughly 1900 to 1970 presented in this dissertation shows why and how these conditions came to exist. In nine chapters, the material revealed in magazines, periodicals, student research papers, statements at congressional debates, hearings and investigations, and various official and unofficial publications narrate the development of the post-World War II American officer governance …

Improving Engagement Through Readers' Theater: A Systematic Literature Review And Teacher Process Portfolio With Program Proposal, Karen K. Crum

Theses and Dissertations

This project investigated the impact of Readers’ Theater on elementary students’ attitudes toward reading, the teacher’s perception of effectiveness of Readers’ Theater as a tool to improve reading comprehension, and students’ test-related anxiety, within the context of the Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) mandated by the Literacy-Based Promotion Act. While existing literature has highlighted Readers’ Theater as an effective instructional strategy that engages reluctant readers and enhances both reading fluency and comprehension through repeated, performance-based readings, gaps in current research exist regarding Readers’ Theater effectiveness as an instructional strategy to mitigate reading- and test-anxiety. Through research questions focused on how …

Ex Vivo Evaluation Of Polyethylene Cable Compared To Stainless Steel Cerclage Wire In A Canine Fracture Model, Seila Natasha Day

Theses and Dissertations

A long oblique osteotomy model was created using paired canine cadaveric femurs. The osteotomies were stabilized with either three ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) cables (n=10) or three 18 gauge stainless steel loop cerclage wires (n=10). Cyclic testing was performed in four-point bending by applying increasing force at 2 Hz until construct failure, defined as ≥2mm of actuator displacement. Data analyzed included cycles to failure, load at failure, and dynamic stiffness. There was no statistically significant difference in any of the outcomes tested between constructs. Visible loosening was noted in all loop cerclage constructs. No visible loosening of the UHMWPE …

Social Validity Of Functional Analysis Variations, Rita M. Druffner

Theses and Dissertations

The functional analysis was developed to systematically identify the antecedent and consequent conditions mediating challenging behavior. Modifications to the traditional procedures have been developed to address barriers to implementation, including duration, environmental control, and safety. Much of the research surrounding functional analyses addresses effectiveness, barriers to implementation, and practitioner acceptability. However, there is a lack of research assessing caregiver social validity of functional analysis procedures. Social validity is the assessment of the goals, procedures, and outcomes of behavior analytic practice. Even though there has been advocacy for including measures of social within behavior analytic research and practice, there is limited …

Mentorship In Music Education: Crafting A Supportive Path For New Teachers, Stephen P. Fields

Theses and Dissertations

Attrition rates among new secondary music educators is an ongoing problem. Many new music educators leave the profession in their first five years with many doing so between years two and three. This project examined the difficulties faced by new secondary music educators and how involvement in a structured mentorship program can aid in their growth and development. Bandura's (1977) social learning theory and Kolb's (1984) experiential learning theory was used in the creation of the practitioner’s manual. Three research questions were addressed in this study: (1) What challenges do early career music educators face and how can a structured …

Mapping Renewable Energy Opportunities: Increasing Rural Energy Resilience In Mississippi Through Extension And National Program Insights, Kaitlyn Brooke Gordon

Theses and Dissertations

There has been an increased interest in renewable energy opportunities in Mississippi in recent years but limited educational material on this topic and a lack of knowledge among residents on various renewable energy options. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to 1) conduct a comprehensive review of renewable energy educational resources and 2) increase knowledge of renewable energy in youth through the development of a new statewide Extension program. The environmental scan resulted in 45 usable responses from 117 potential participants, and programmatic details were received for 54 Extension programs or other forms of educational material. Evaluation results …