Digital Commons Network^™

Improving Ligand Pharmacokinetics Via Bioisosteric Substitution Of Amides With 1, 2, 3-Triazoles While Maintaining Dopamine D4 Receptor Selectivity And Potency, Mohammad Alkhatib

Theses and Dissertations

Several neurophysiological functions, such as attention, cognition, and emotional regulation, are regulated by the binding of dopamine on G-Protein coupled receptors. D4Rs are mainly located in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus and are known to have a key role in decision-making, memory formation, cognition, and attention. Administration of D4Rs- selective ligands during the preclinical studies enhance the outcomes and the results in animal models suffering from neuropsychiatric disorders, including ADHD, substance use disorders (SUD), and Alzheimer's disease. Recently, we reported a group of D4R-selective ligands with different efficacies depending on their phenylpiperazine ring scaffold to illustrate D4R function during …

Integrating Blockchain Technology Into The Software Development Life Cycle To Satisfy The Software Bill Of Materials Requirement For Government Software Systems, Walter T. Scott Ii

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the integration of Blockchain Technology (BT) into the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to satisfy the Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) requirement for government software systems. This study begins by synthesizing a standard SDLC definition from various government and industry references, which may provide the foundation for future efforts to standardize software development practices across the government software development community. This study proceeds to define working definitions for the software supply chain (SSC) and software supply chain management (SCM) before introducing and detailing the SBOM requirement as well as providing an overview of prior research regarding SBOMs …

Understanding Family Experiences Of Iep Meetings And Building Skills To Empower Families At The Iep Meeting, Elizabeth J. Golini

Theses and Dissertations

Since the Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting is so important both to a student’s progress and educational growth as well as the school’s legal obligations, it is imperative that researchers work to understand parent perceptions of Individualized Education Program meetings (Fish, 2006). Family participation and advocacy are also important at the IEP meeting (Boshoff et al., 2016; Cavendish & Connor, 2018; Duquette et al., 2011; Fish, 2006). This study examined the family’s perceptions of the IEP process and meeting for their child through semi-structured interviews. In order to support the family at the IEP meeting, families participated in coaching sessions …

Sweating The Small Stuff: Exploring Consequence Assignments And Academic Outcomes In A No-Excuses Charter Network, John G. Stevens

Theses and Dissertations

Schools utilize a range of consequences to maintain order and safety. Some employ zero-tolerance policies accompanied by exclusionary tactics like suspension (Martinez, 2009; Muschert et al., 2014). Suspensions are criticized for their disproportionate assignment to students who are Black, male, assigned an IEP, and receiving lunch assistance (Cholewa et al., 2018; Skiba et al., 2002), as well as their deleterious associations with academic achievement (Chu & Ready, 2018; Morris & Perry, 2014; Noltemeyer et al., 2015). Charter schools espousing a no-excuses philosophy often adopt a “Sweat-the-Small-Stuff” (STSS) approach focused on correcting minor (mis)behaviors to prevent more egregious ones (Whitman, 2008). …

To Belong Or Not To Belong: Bipoc First-Generation Community College Students’ Experiences, Christine Orbeta

Theses and Dissertations

Using narrative interviews, this study explored the experiences of belonging among eight first-generation college students (FGCS) who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). By applying Strayhorn's Belonging and Crenshaw's Intersectionality Framework, this study sheds light on the challenges and benefits BIPOC FGCS encounter as they strive for academic success at two-year institutions within the City University of New York (CUNY) where approximately 44% of CUNY's student body comprises FGCS (CUNY, 2019). According to participants, families and institutions played significant roles in shaping students' sense of belonging. It also highlights the intricate negotiations BIPOC FGCS undergo as they …

Investigating Hardware-Based Aes Countermeasures In The Sam4l Microcontroller For Side-Channel Attack Mitigation, Turki Mesbel Alamri

Theses and Dissertations

Side-channel attacks (SCAs) represent a sophisticated method by which attackers exploit indirect pathways, such as power leakage and electromagnetic emissions to glean sensitive information from microprocessors. These attacks analyze variation in power consumption during operations like data encryption to infer protected data, potentially compromising the security of the device. For example, observing the power draw differences when a device encrypts known data can also serve defensive purposes. Attacks often overlook emissions and power patterns, while focusing on avoiding network and host-based detection systems. This oversight presents an opportunity for security professionals to use SCAs to enhance system defenses by monitoring …

Advancing Robust Autonomous System Localization: Labeling Optimizations For Convolutional Neural Networks, Jeffrey L. Choate

Theses and Dissertations

AAR is increasingly critical as aircraft autonomy advances, particularly for the Global Strike mission of the USAF, enhancing operational range and endurance. Traditional methods relying on GPS and custom communication links are limited in GPS-denied environments. This dissertation advances a single camera method to estimate object pose across three interconnected studies. The system trains a CNN on synthetic imagery to predict bboxes for object components, Solve-PnP algorithm finds the 6DoF pose, then employs novel pseudo-labeling on real-world images. These findings are pivotal for the AAR community and contribute to robotics, computer vision, and CNN research. By enabling robust GPS-free autonomous …

Autonomous Experimentation For Accelerated Calibration Of Fused Deposition Modeling 3d Printers, Graig S. Ganitano

Theses and Dissertations

Additive Manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, has emerged as a key component of Industry 4.0, enabling reduced cost, quick production, greater sustainability, and increased design complexity compared to its traditional manufacturing counterpart. Currently, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology dominates the AM market with respect to the number of 3D printers in use. However, the FDM process is sensitive to changes in system configuration, especially the feedstock material. Utilizing a new feedstock requires a time-consuming trial-and-error process to identify optimal settings for a large number of process parameters, acting as a barrier to the technology.

To enable greater accessibility …

Scene Decomposed Blind Deconvolution And Neural Network Based Multi-Frame Image Restoration Techniques For Astronomical Imagery, Joshua S. Sprang

Theses and Dissertations

Ground based astronomical imaging is an important method in gaining situational awareness of orbiting and far off objects in space. This method of imaging is accessible to everyone that can look up into the sky, but the accessibility to digital telescope systems allows for more exciting methods of extracting information. A use case for these telescopes is finding nearby objects to larger brighter known objects. The number satellites in low-earth orbit and geosynchronous earth orbit is becoming more congested as these orbits increase in population. Tens of thousands of satellites and debris now exist in this orbit, with the number …

Machine Visual Perception For Autonomous Docking Maneuvers, Derek B. Worth

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a novel approach to autonomous docking using machine learning for visual perception, particularly during probe and drogue aerial refueling. Autonomous vehicles have become pervasive in both civilian and defense sectors, and their ability to interact with their surroundings and each other autonomously is critical for future operations. Traditional methods relying on signals or inertial sensors face significant limitations such as interference, jamming, and drift. This research focuses on developing a computer vision-based solution to overcome these limitations. A novel pipeline, termed relative vectoring, is introduced, which utilizes dual object detection and machine learning to estimate relative positions …

Toward Adaptive And Modular Joint Multi-Domain Operational Planning, Kyle S. Wilkinson

Theses and Dissertations

This research develops a multiparametric optimization framework for modeling joint multi-domain operational planning under uncertainty. We address the application of our framework to model the doctrine of adaptive planning. We apply set-based design, which is a program management practice of maintaining maximal design options through time as a response to epistemic uncertainty. We couple this with a multiparametric optimization method yielding both sets of solutions and sensitivity profiles. We use the sensitivity profiles to quantify risk associated with changes during adaptive planning. This research also models features of military operational planning via the mathematics of category theory. We formalize intuitive …

Estimating Dis Performance Using Mininet, Ryan D. Winz

Theses and Dissertations

Real time distributed simulation is an exceptionally useful tool for training and wargaming used by the military and industry alike. This research aims to provide scenarios and structures to evaluate the effect of distributing simulations among different compute nodes. Specific scenarios involve the analysis of performance as a function of latency and the degree network protocols and reliability affect simulation performance. Various standards exist for administering geographically separated simulations. The focus of this thesis will be on the Distributed Interactive Simulation standard, a peer-to-peer open standard for simulation messages to adhere to, but lessons can be extended to other standards.

Collisional And Spatial Characterization Of Electron Broadening In Rubidium Vapor, Jordan C. Mindrup

Theses and Dissertations

Stark broadening of the 4²D → 12²F transition of rubidium is examined in a rubidium vapor cell with modulated double pump-probe spectroscopy at helium pressures of 0.001 Torr, 3.0 Torr, and 30.0 Torr. A pressure dependent critical rubidium number density was observed after which the presence of electrons becomes dominant. It is observed that after the rubidium density threshold, a linear relationship is seen between rubidium number density and the Stark broadened width of the line shapes, with a slope of 0.079 ± 0.002, 0.18 ± 0.01, and 0.9 ± 0.1 for helium pressures of 0.001 …

Generation And Implementation Of Mixed Radiation From Laser Interactions On A Liquid Target, Benjamin M. Knight

Theses and Dissertations

The simultaneous generation of different forms of radiation from the same source is highly desirable but technically challenging. We present the generation of D-D fusion neutrons and >MeV-energy x-rays from extreme intensity (∼ 10¹⁹ W/cm² ), high repetition-rate (1 kHz) laser pulses on a thin liquid target. Total neutron fluxes of ∼ 105 neutrons/s and x-ray exposure rates up to ∼ 200 R/hr at 74 cm are measured. Evidence of D-D fusion is verified with a measurement suite including three independent neutron detection systems: an EJ-309 organic scintillator, a ³He proportional counter, and a set of 36 …

Investigating Temperature And Emissivity Separation Techniques Through The Use Of A Spectral Emissivity Database, Mitchell A. Manzardo

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluates two temperature and emissivity separation techniques using data from an ABB MR304 FTIR and a Telops Mid-Wave Hyper-Cam on carbon-based samples heated by a high-energy laser. The established Linear Spectral Emissivity Constraint (LSEC) and Gray Body Emissivity (GBE) methods, as well as a new Robust Ratio Linear Fitting (RRF) method are assessed for their applicability in controlled lab environments. A spectral emissivity database aids in analyzing method performance. The RRF method shows promise but has limitations, particularly with low-temperature data and complex Hyper-Cam data. Despite these challenges, the RRF method offers potential for further refinement.

Enhancing Security And Privacy For Smarter Environment Through A Robust Cyber-Physical System Framework, Ramya S

Theses and Dissertations

As digital computing paradigm and practices have emerged in disciplines, devices with processors and sensors were rudimentary, performing independent tasks with limited power. The first computer processors were slow, bulky and consuming high energy, as sensors in thermometers and pressure gauges provide original, independent measurements without effective communication, 1999. It often required powerful, energy-efficient processors and advanced sensors to enable seamless communication and sophisticated data processing.

These devices, since smart home systems to industrial automation tools, which continuously collect, analyse and share data via the internet, facilitating if real-time management, predictive maintenance, and improved seamless experience are used, transforming everyday …

Deep Learning Technique For The Classification Of Stress Among The Students Using Physiological Biomarkers With A Hybrid Feature Approach, Rajendran Vg

Theses and Dissertations

Adolescence is a crucial part in life, and the presence of stress, anxiety, depression, and health issues during this stage is a great concern. This research aims to analyze and predict the cognitive stress in students during the examination period using EEG biomarkers. In this study, raw EEG data is acquired under two different experimental conditions, before and after examination, from 14 subjects with an eight-channel Enobio device. After preprocessing of the EEG signal, the brain rhythms such as theta, alpha, and beta sub-band energies and EEG band ratios such as neural activity, heart rate, arousal index, vigilance index and …

Analysis Of Retrial Queueing Systems With Working Vacations And Breakdown Services, Sundararaman M

Theses and Dissertations

The Chapter One titled “Introduction and Preliminaries” deals with the basic definition of queues; characteristics of the queueing theory. It also presents the motivation for this thesis. The literature survey in the area of retrial queue with different phases of service, priority arrivals, feedback, breakdowns, repairs, working vacations and working breakdown service models together with their applications are analyzed.

In Chapter Two “Analysis of an M/G/1 Retrial Queueing System with Priority Customers Under J number of Working Vacations” elaborates on a single server retrial queueing system with priority arrivals under J number of working vacations. If an arriving priority customer …

Investigation On Production, Kinetic Modelling, Downstream Processing, And Characterization Of Microbial Dextran Using Sucrose-Rich Alternate Feedstocks, Sameeha Syed Ar

Theses and Dissertations

Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPS) synthesized by microorganisms have a wide range of applications from thickener agents in the field of food to formulations in the field of pharmaceuticals. Owing to their rheological, structural, and physicochemical characteristics in addition to its biodegradability, low antigenicity, antioxidant activities, etc., several EPS have gained research focus in recent years. Dextran is one such example of EPS, which is synthesized by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). However, its production is limited to utilization of sucrose medium with a yield of 0.3-0.4 g dextran/ g sucrose. Hence, this thesis work focuses on dextran production using sucrose-rich alternate feedstocks …

Experimental Investigation And Evaluation Of Mechanical Properties And Microstructural Characterization On Chromium Molybdenum Steel Processed Through Laser Based Welding, Rakesh S

Theses and Dissertations

Creep Strength Enhanced Ferritic (CSEF) martensitic modified 9Cr-1Mo (P91) steel is extensively employed in fast breeder nuclear reactors and thermal power plants owing to its superior resistance to thermal fatigue and oxidation corrosion compared with other low-alloy steels. Despite its excellent high-temperature performance, the weldability of this steel remains a critical concern.

Conventional arc welding processes generate excessive heat input and complex thermal cycles, resulting in heterogeneous microstructures, retention of δ-ferrite, and subsequent degradation in service life. In contrast, high energy density beam welding techniques such as laser and electron beam welding offer precise thermal control and minimal heat-affected zones …

Remote Sensing Assessment Of Ionospheric Total Electron Content Over Thanjavur Gps Station Geomagnetic 2.91 N 152.22 E, Veera Kumar Maheswaran

Theses and Dissertations

A Global Positioning System (GPS) station for ionosphere studies was established during December 2019 in Thanjavur (Geographic 10.72◦ E, 79.01◦ N, Geomagnetic 2.91◦ N, 152.22◦ E). The study involved analysing Total Electron Content (TEC) data and correcting biases to estimate Slant Total Electron Content (STEC). STEC was then converted to Vertical Total Electron Content (VTEC), useful for space weather, navigation, surveying, and environmental monitoring.

During the course of our study, this Thanjavur station witnessed a Annular Solar eclipse of Dec-26, 2019. The Solar eclipses can impact ionospheric conditions, causing VTEC depletion. This study shows how the near-earth environment changes during …

Sustainable Valorization Of Woody And Herbaceous Biomass For Energy And Environmental Applications, Subramaniyasharma S

Theses and Dissertations

Pyrolysis is a thermochemical conversion method to produce gas and liquid fuels from lignocellulosic biomass. This process involves the thermal decomposition of organic compounds without oxygen. The vapors formed are rapidly condensed to yield a liquid product called bio-oil and a solid product called biochar.

In the present study, Sesame indicum (SI) (herbaceous agro residue) and Prosopis julifora (PJ) (woody biomass weed) were chosen as feedstocks for the pyrolysis process and the respective solid and liquid products were collected and characterized. The proportion of biomass pyrolysis products is significantly influenced by biomass composition and process conditions such as temperature, heating …

Motion Based Analysis Of Ultrasound Imaging For The Study Of Musculoskeletal Tissue Bio Mechanics, Ananth Hari R

Theses and Dissertations

Ultrasound image analysis plays an important role in diagnosing musculoskeletal injuries and monitoring rehabilitation exercises. The first and foremost step in this analysis involves segmentation of region of interest from the ultrasound images. The segmentation of the musculoskeletal tissues from the ultrasound images is challenging due to the inherent drawback present in ultrasound like : (1) Poor image quality due to image corruption by speckle noise, shadows, and attenuation. (2) Dis-continuous boundaries due to orientation dependence during the acquisition of image. (3) Low contrast between nearby anatomical structures. Hence in order to overcome these drawbacks, there is a need for …

Temporal Dynamics Of Coastal Sediment Characteristics: A Comparative Study On Pre- And Post-2004 Tsunami Event Along The Nagoor - Poompuhar Stretch, Tamil Nadu, Yamini S

Theses and Dissertations

Tsunamis represent some of the most devastating natural events for coastal regions, as exemplified by the 26th December 2004 Great Indonesian Earthquake triggered a massive tsunami across the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean, causing extensive destruction in various countries, including India. This study addresses a significant gap in the literature by focusing on the detailed sedimentological aspects of coastal dynamics. Specifically, it examines the pre-tsunami (December 2004), post-tsunami (January 2005), and recent (December 2022) sediment characteristics along a 35 km stretch of the Coromandel coast from Poompuhar to Nagoor.

Eight stations were selected for sampling: Poompuhar, Chinnankudi, Kuttyandiyur, Chandrapadi, …

Improving Fatigue Characteristics Of Cold Formed Low Carbon Steel, Venkatesan D

Theses and Dissertations

EN353 is a low carbon alloy steel, predominantly used in the manufacturing of heavy-duty gears, shafts, and pinions, especially crown wheel and pinions. It is usually carburized, hardened, and tempered to produce a hard, wear-resistant case. Heat- treated EN353 steel exhibits enhancement in ductility, toughness, strength, and hardness as the internal stresses get relieved in the material. Spheroidizing of medium and high carbon steel is a method of prolonged heating at a temperature below the eutectoid temperature, where pearlite, the lowest energy arrangement of steel, gets converted to ferrite and cementite.

The graphite content of steel assumes a spheroidal shape, …

Investigations On V2o5 And Its Derivative Nanocomposites For Photocatalytic Textile Organic Dye Degradation, Jenifer A

Theses and Dissertations

In recent times, organic dyes from industrial sludge become one of the significant causes of water contamination due to their utility in textile and paper manufacturing industries. These organic dyes are highly toxic and carcinogenic. Fortunately, the photocatalytic degradation process is a practical tool for decomposing toxic organic matter in wastewater by utilizing light. The photodegradation process can be performed using semiconductor materials to purify wastewater. Thus, semiconductor photocatalysis is a desirable alternative technique for decolorizing various organic pollutants.

In this context, the present work reports the preparation and characterization of V2O5 nanocomposites by facile methods and tests them against …

Identification Of Delamination Defect In Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composite Tapered Plate Based On Vibration Measurement, Venkatesan M

Theses and Dissertations

Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite plates have been widely used in various engineering applications due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and durability. Despite their many benefits, Delamination is a separation of the layers in composite material and can occur due to various factors such as impact, fatigue, and manufacturing defects. Identifying delamination in composite structures is crucial for ensuring safety and reliability. In this study, model-dependent vibration methods, which are an effective non-destructive technique, were utilised for delamination identification. The primary objective is to investigate the dynamic behaviour of delaminated thickness-tapered plates and develop a reliable methodology for delamination …

Mathematics In Sri Rudram Of Krishna Yajurveda Taittiriya Samhita, Sundar Ks

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is an attempt to bring out the concealed mathematical information in the Vedic text “Śri Rudram”, by applying Vedic Numerical Code to digitally decode the mantras in the Śri Rudram which forms part of the fourth canto of the Krishna Yajur Veda Taittiriya Samhitā.

By converting the letters into numbers, it was possible to handle the concealed information in a mathematical and logical way to successfully arrive at a convincing reason for the traditional practice of chanting Śri Rudram eleven times in a particular prescribed manner; as well as finding the close relationship between the number 11 and …

Mg3sb2-Based Materials For Mid-Temperature Thermoelectric Application, Veera Prabhu K

Theses and Dissertations

Recently, there has been growing research in the scientific community regarding the conversion of heat flux into electricity, which has proven effective in mitigating energy crises. Solid-state thermoelectric (TE) devices use the Seebeck effect to efficiently convert waste heat into electricity. Traditional materials contain toxic, rare, and expensive elements like Lead, Tellurium, and Germanium that restrict large-scale production, commercialization, and practical utilization.

Recently, Mg3Sb2-based materials have been attractive due to their remarkable characteristics, including abundance, affordability, and environmental friendliness. Furthermore,n-type Mg3Sb2-based materials exhibit high TE performance because of their high band degeneracy in the conduction band minimum (CBM), and low …

Emergence Of Extreme Events In Nonlinear Oscillators Due To Parametric And External Excitations, Kaviya B

Theses and Dissertations

This comprehensive PhD thesis immerses itself in the intricate world of dynamical systems, aiming to understand, characterize, and develop innovative mitigation strategies for rare and extreme events occurring within diverse nonlinear oscillatory models. The term "events" spans a broad array of occurrences within defined systems, with "rare events" standing out as infrequent outliers or deviations from the norm.

Rare events span various disciplines such as oceanography, climate studies, biology, economics, ecology, encompassing phenomena like rogue waves, floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and financial crises. Recognized for their potential to cause substantial harm to both society and the environment, these events are widely …