Digital Commons Network^™

Modeling Knowledge Graphs And Its Applicability In Multi-Source Social Network Data, Abiola Sylvester Akinnubi

Theses and Dissertations

Social network analysis is becoming more relevant with the rise of Large Language Models and other AI frameworks, particularly as online content creation surges. However, analyzing social network data from different platforms to study online opinions and influence campaigns remains challenging. Even more complex is the concept of multi-source social network analysis. Knowledge graphs, an essential part of Web 4.0 and crucial in information modeling and encoding, offer a unique solution. They allow for a more concise encoding of relationships between entities and related discussions. However, there is limited investigation into using multi-source data for examining online information campaigns and …

Potential Contributions Of Xenobiotics To P-Glycoprotein Clearance Of Amyloid Β-Peptide From The Brain, Joseph Jr Asante

Theses and Dissertations

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an example of a neurodegenerative disease, mostly age related and characterized by cognitive decline. Currently there is no effective treatment that can prevent or slow progression of the disease. Roughly 95% of cases are sporadic, with unknown etiology. A distinguishing characteristic of the Alzheimer’s brain is the presence of amyloid plaques, with their constituent amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides implicated in causing synaptic dysfunction, memory impairment, and neurotoxicity. Although extensive research has explored the role of Aβ peptides in AD, understanding their metabolism in health versus disease remains insufficient. P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter …

Sex Differences In The Diets Of Forest-Dwelling Baboons (Papio Anubis), Kara Hartunian

Theses and Dissertations

The ability to eat and switch between many food sources is an adaptative feeding strategy utilized for meeting nutritional needs across different environments, seasons, and physiological conditions. Baboons (genus Papio) excel at both dietary flexibility and foraging selectively, and consequently have one of the most widespread geographic distributions in the Order. To further expand to our understanding of baboon feeding ecology, I analyzed foraging activity and the nutritional characteristics of the diets of the relatively understudied rainforest baboons (Papio anubis) living in Kibale National Park, Uganda. I also investigated if there are differences in food type choice …

Assessment Of Tripeptides Self-Assembly & Er Stress On Cell Viability And Exosome Secretion In Mda-Mb231, Azmat Parveen

Theses and Dissertations

This study delves into the effects of tripeptides KYpF and WYpK(NBD) on MDA-MB-231 cells, uncovering KYpF's ability to reduce cell proliferation and exosome secretion in peptide treated cells. Conversely, WYpK(NBD) demonstrated significant toxicity at 10 μM. These insights pave the way for optimizing peptide-based cellular treatments for exosome secretion purposes.

Mapping Urban Tree Canopy Using Publicly Available Satellite Data, Rosemary Mcguinness

Theses and Dissertations

This project addresses the need for accessible, cost-effective tools for quantifying spatial and temporal changes in tree canopy cover in urban areas. Urban tree canopy provides a wide range of ecosystem services, including lowering air temperatures, reducing pollution, and mitigating stormwater runoff. Cities around the world have placed the expansion of their urban forests at the center of their sustainability goals. Consistent and timely data on urban tree canopy is essential for urban greening initiatives to succeed. Existing methods of accessing information about urban tree canopy are highly technical, costly, and labor-intensive, while the freely available source of tree canopy …

Optimizing The Protein Yield Of The Collagen Mimetic Peptide: Col108, Fahmida Akter

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The fibril-forming collagen mimetic peptide Col108, produced in E. Coli, has shown potential for innovative biomaterial applications. However, further research is constrained by its limited yield. My study aims to enhance the experimental parameters and has successfully pinpointed rifampicin as an efficient method to boost the production of Col108.

Subspace Decomposition Of Linear Secrecy Codes, David Robert Joseph Hunn

Theses and Dissertations

We introduce a new method for the study of linear codes, termed subspace decomposition, which provides new insights into code structure and performance. Briefly, subspace decomposition comprises the evaluation of complex properties of a linear code by evaluating simple properties of its constituent subspaces. We find that this technique has application to a number of problems in coding theory. When applied to the problem of evaluating the performance of secrecy codes, subspace decomposition provides an efficient method for computing the equivocation of coset codes over the binary erasure wiretap channel. It is also especially efficient in computing the chi squared …

The Experiences And College Readiness Of Native American Students Who Participated In Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment And Transitioned To Higher Education, Krystal Marie Caldwell

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative research study employed the Diverse Learning Environment Model to examine how dual credit/dual enrollment course participation by Native American students impacts their college readiness and transition to college. Literature shows that students who take dual credit/dual enrollment in high school are more likely to graduate from high school and transition to college and have less time to degree completion. Furthermore, dual credit/dual enrollment course participation also increases students’ college readiness and improve student’s self-efficacy. The guiding notion of this paper are the overwhelming benefits to students who participate in dual credit/dual enrollment coursework in high school and how …

Optimization Of Mass Spectrometry-Based Methods For Low-Input And Spatial Proteomics, Andikan Jones Nwosu

Theses and Dissertations

Eukaryotic cells are highly heterogeneous. These cells are arranged into different compartments, carrying out separate functions and facilitating biological processes. Proteins are the effector biomolecules targeted to subcellular locations that help fulfill specific tasks in living organisms. Spatial proteomics can help unravel molecularly how protein abundance and localization are altered in cells, which is not feasible in traditional bulk-scale proteomics. To achieve this, our lab has developed a miniaturized sample processing platform called nanoPOTS, reduced separation columns' inner diameter to increase ionization efficiency and concentrate analytes for mass spectrometers and optimized data acquisition modes for increasing proteome coverage in spatial …

Enumeration Of Level-K Hypertriangulations, Patrick J. Kaylor

Theses and Dissertations

Triangulations are a classical object in discrete and computational geometry that finds it uses in many other fields, including numerous applications. In this thesis we approach the question of enumerating all hypertriangulations of a point set, the family of tilings introduced by Olarte and Santos in 2022 as induced projections of hypersimplices. Unfortunately, the usual approach to enumeration of trinagulations using flips may not work for hypertriangulations as flip-connectivity is only conjectured for that family even in the two-dimensional case. As a result, we develop a DFS-based algorithm and present its Python implementation that enumerates all hypertriangulations of small point …

Holistic Advising And Student Success: A Qualitative Study On Student Advising Experiences And Perceptions At The University Of Wisconsin Stout, Camille Peterson Banger

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative, single-case study investigated undergraduate students' perceptions and experiences of the academic advisement approach in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) academic program at the University of Wisconsin Stout. Focusing on holistic advising to address diverse and evolving needs, the study aimed to inform academic advisement practices within the ICT program by creating and implementing an ICT program academic advisement handbook and adding to the field of practice. Data collection involved on-campus and online focus groups with undergraduate ICT program students, questionnaires with ICT program advisors, and documentation analysis to triangulate the findings. Using Merriam’s (1998) approach to data …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Medicinally Privileged Aza Heterocycles, Nneoma James

Theses and Dissertations

Four-membered cyclic amides, commonly known as β-lactams, have played a crucial role in drug discovery research since its discovery by Alexander Fleming in 1928 from Penicillium notatum. The β-lactam antibiotics are broadly effective against several bacterial infections through acylating the transpeptidase involved in cross-linking peptides to form peptidoglycan or periplasmic murein, which is a fundamental constituent of the bacterial cell wall for both the gram-positive (ten or more layers) and gram-negative (one or two layers) bacteria. Although for more than eight decades, β-lactams have been recognized as antibiotics, later, other medicinal activities of β-lactam derivatives have been reported, including lowering …

Chemical Investigation Of The Ethanol Extract Of Tillandsia Usneoides (Spanish Moss), Jakir Hossain

Theses and Dissertations

Tillandsia usneoides in epiphytic bromeliads takes up water through absorptive trichomes on the shoot surface under extreme environmental conditions. Although previous studies revealed the way by which T. usneoides absorbs water and prevents water loss, its water transport remains unclear. Uses of T. usneoides L. have been documented going back to pre-Columbian and late archaic societies. Between the 1800s and 1900s. T. usneoides was utilized in fruit packing and polish, among other industrial goods. In terms of medicine, tillandsia is well-known for treating leucorrhea, rheumatism, ulcers, hemorrhoids, and as an anti-diabetic, emetic, analgesic, purgative, antispasmodic, and diuretic. The chemical composition …

White Light Specular Reflection Data Augmentation For Polyp Detection, Jose Angel Nunez

Theses and Dissertations

Colorectal cancer is among the deadliest cancers, but fortunately, this type of cancer can be prevented. The best current method of prevention is via detecting the bad polyps in the colon in time. Furthermore, the best method we have available to detect these bad polyps is through colonoscopies. Even though a lot of lives have been saved via these methods, it is still not perfect because of human error. Integrating artificial intelligence into colonoscopy procedures is our next evolution in increasing our prevention of colorectal cancer. Polyp detectors are one of the tools brought by advancements in technology that may …

Comparative Analysis Of Transfer Learning Strategies For Polyp Detection In Colonoscopy Images Using Yolov8, Fabian Vazquez Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The early detection of polyps during colonoscopy procedures is crucial for preventing colorectal cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Traditional methods for polyp detection are often time-consuming and prone to human error. This thesis investigates the effectiveness of transfer learning, the process of taking a pre-trained model that was trained on a large dataset and adapting it to a new, but related task, requiring less data and time for training. This research compares whether the YOLOv8 model trained from scratch on a specific polyp dataset is outperformed by transfer learning methods such as utilizing a pretrained model on …

Unveiling Eureka Math: A Critical Peek Behind The Curricular Curtain, Jennifer L. Goldin-Weeks

Theses and Dissertations

While contemporary mathematics education literature argues that curricular resources, such as textbooks, play a significant role guiding mathematics teachers in what and how they teach, it also shows that these resources often do not do what they say they will do, nor adhere to the standards they claim to further. When it comes to the most utilized mathematics curricular resource in the United States, Eureka Math, there is a lack of scholarly literature investigating these types of claims made by the publisher. This study aimed to explore how the Eureka Math curricular resources are positioned within the context of the …

The Development And Analysis Of Practical Decision Support Tool Implementations: Case Studies From Small Business To Large Government Enterprise, Alexis Andaverde

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis demonstrates the critical role of decision support tools (DSTs) in both small business and large government operations, enhancing decision-making, operational efficiency, and economic benefits. By implementing Excel-based systems for small businesses and discrete event modelling for large enterprises, this research highlights the importance of adaptable and scalable solutions across various sectors. According to the U.S. Small Business Association, small businesses with 500 or fewer employees make up 99.9% of all U.S. businesses. However, 65% of new businesses fail within the first ten years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This case study focuses on the used vehicle …

Missing Data Imputation With Longitudinal Data, Joseph Omar Alanis

Theses and Dissertations

In the repeated measures longitudinal datasets where missing data is a relatively common issue, we explored different imputation methods, including machine learning (ML) methods in order to examine potential efficiencies for using traditional versus newer computational methods. In order to accomplish said comparison, we used a Monte Carlo simulation experiment of a population of size N=70000 to mimic a clinical trial, with different scenarios of missing at random (MAR) data in the response variable. To compare the behavior of each method resulting from the difference between population and sample dataset, a real dataset was used from the Boston College on …

Recognizing Triangles Using Weighted Ehrhart Polynomials, Rafael Sarabia

Theses and Dissertations

Ehrhart theory is a classical topic for polygons or polytopes with vertices with integer coordinates. One of the main results of the theory claims that for every convex polygon P with integer vertices, the number of integer points in its nth dilation is a polynomial in n, the Ehrhart polynomial of P. This property can be extended if for a polynomial weight w(x, y), we sum values of w(x, y) over all points with integer coordinates in the nth dilation of P. The resulted polynomial is called the weighted Ehrhart polynomial of P associated with the weight w. In this …

Development Of The Structure And Control System Of A Stewart Platform Robot For Human Balance Recovery Interventions, Rhobenn R. Alvarez Zambrano

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, the process to design a Stewart platform parallel robot for balance recovery with given assembly constraints and mobility requirements is described. A Model Based Design (MBD) approach in MATLAB was used as a tool to model and optimize the design of the platform through quick and repeatable workspace and movements simulations. An algorithm based on Inverse Kinematics was used to find the most adequate Stewart platform configuration which yields a workspace that fulfills the design goals best. Solidworks was used as a 3D CAD Modeling tool to elaborate machining blueprints while ensuring that each piece fits accurately …

Rabi Oscillations And Entanglement Between Two Rydberg Atoms In An Optical Cavity Studied By The Jaynes-Cummings Model And Quantum Circuits On Qiskit, Francisco D. Santillan

Theses and Dissertations

Rydberg atoms are highly excited atoms in which one electron has a large principal quantum number. Due to their unusual atomic properties, Rydberg atoms are promising building blocks of two-qubit gates and light-atom quantum interfaces in quantum information processing. For two atoms at close distance (< 10 mm) the Rydberg blockade prevents the two atoms to be simultaneously in the excited state whereas this blockade is absent for atoms far apart. Recently, this effect was used to engineer a quantum processor based on two-dimensional arrays of neutral atoms which are trapped and transported by optical tweezers. Motivated by these experiments, we study the light-atom interaction and entanglement of two Rydberg atoms interacting by the Rydberg blockade in an optical cavity using the Jaynes-Cummings model. We find a rich variety of Rabi oscillations and entanglement as a function of initial conditions and interaction time, which may be used to generate two-qubit gates. Furthermore, we develop and simulate a quantum circuit of this system using Qiskit, an open-source software development kit designed to emulate the operation of a real Quantum Computer.

Density Functional Theory Calculations On Electronic And Optical Properties Of Mos2/Metal Heterojunction, Mos2/Graphene/Metal Vertical Heterostructure Interfaces And Sulfur Vacancies On Mos2/Au, Shishir Timilsena

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation on computational simulations and analyses of heterostructures formed by two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and graphene (Gr) on various metal coated substrates, including gold (Au), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and platinum (Pt). The frequency-dependent dielectric function (ɛ(ω)), refractive index (n), and reflectivity (R) are determined using light polarization parallel and perpendicular to the c axis of the 2D layers. Our findings reveal that MoS2/Au, MoS2/Cu, and MoS2/Pt heterostructures exhibit a direct bandgap at the K-point of the Brillouin zone, whereas their corresponding MoS2/MoS2/Metal structures present an indirect bandgap. The reduced interlayer spacing …

Vessel Delay Detection And Pattern Mining From Ais Data, Naznin Ara

Theses and Dissertations

The maritime industry relies on the Automated Identification System (AIS) for real-time vessel tracking and navigation. This thesis focuses on detecting vessel delays and mining delay patterns from AIS data, which are crucial for improving shipping schedules, port operations, and global trade logistics. The research begins with rigorous data preprocessing, including noise reduction, data interpolation, and anomaly detection, to ensure high-quality AIS data as well as focuses on detecting vessel delays and mining delay patterns from AIS data to enhance maritime operations. Advanced machine learning models analyze temporal and spatial features to detect delays, considering vessel type, speed, and route. …

Thermodynamic Feasibility Of Potential Nano-Energetic Systems Based On Metal Oxynitrides, Manoj Chhetri

Theses and Dissertations

A computational study was undertaken with the objective of identifying the nano-energetic systems containing aluminum as fuel and metal oxynitrides as oxidizer, aiming to achieve an exothermic reaction characterized by the maximum values of gas generation, adiabatic combustion temperature, and energy release. For the thermodynamic calculation, nine systems based on metal oxynitrides were taken using the THERMO software that works based on the Gibbs free energy minimization, together with HSC Chemistry 7 to calculate the thermodynamic equilibrium concentrations of reactants and products corresponding gas generation, temperature and energy release by varying the fuel to oxidizer ratio. Among all the chosen …

La1-Xsrxcoo3 Perovskite: Antimicrobial Properties And Pvdf Based Piezoelectric Nanogenerator For Energy Storage Through Self-Induced Polling, S M. Anyet Ullah Shohag

Theses and Dissertations

Piezoelectric Nanogenerators (PENGs), which can produce electrical energy from mechanical energy via ferroelectric effect, are one of the ambient sources of green energy. PENGs have gathered a huge attention due to cost-effectiveness, mechanical stability, and easy installation process. In this experiment, different weight percent of Sr2+ doped Lanthanum Cobaltite (La1- XSrXCoO3) perovskite, a ferroelectric material, was synthesizes by using a simple combination of sol-gel and molten-salt process and then characterization by X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy ensures the uniform morphology of nano cubes. Poly (vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF), N,N-dimethylformamide and acetone solution were used to make a flexible film using …

Exploratory Analysis In Rio Grande Valley Real Estate Development, Mathew C. Sosa

Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this thesis is to apply exploratory data analysis and machine learning (ML) to answer critical questions in real estate development within the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). The real estate development sector is highly dynamic and relies on multiple integrated systems and planning to bring new homes to the market. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software and real estate listing services, such as Redfin, are utilized to manage the customer lifecycle and analyze the local market, respectively. Two of the most crucial aspects of the customer lifecycle are the first home tour and deal closing. This paper explores the …

Redefining Spaces Of Resistance Against Capitalism And Patriarchy: A Study Of Females In Society And The Family As Presented By Mrs. Warren’S Profession (1893) By Bernard Shaw And A Raisin In The Sun (1959) By Lorraine Hansberry, Jennifer L. Gonzalez

Theses and Dissertations

These plays show how conflicts concerning race, gender, and class stem from economic distress, racial discrimination, and patriarchal oppression. Within such intersections lie distinct realities of capitalism which simultaneously upholds patriarchal ideals that can only be best understood through a Marxist-Feminist lens. This thesis pays attention to how racism and discrimination functions to isolate certain groups of people from reaching social mobility. The first chapter analyzes Mrs. Warren’s Profession to demonstrate how Mrs. Warren decision to enter into prostitution cannot simply be reduced to a question of morality, but rather a question of society’s conditions that place women into certain …

Application Of Electrical Impedance Tomography To Cementitious Composites, Hugo Zazueta

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the feasibility of using Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) for detecting damage in cementitious composites. Cementitious composites, such as concrete and cement mortar, are insulating; any conductive properties arise from the moisture within their pores and capillary structures. The proposed concept herein is that formed internal damages in cementitious composites consequently alter their pore and capillary structure, which can then be detected through EIT imaging. To construct tomographic images, the Gaussian Newton (GN) reconstruction algorithm, enhanced with priors, was employed. The results were then compared across different reconstruction processes. Cylindrical cement pastes and cement mortar samples were prepared, …

Uas Teaming For Search And Rescue Applications, Conner Carriere

Theses and Dissertations

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations,combined with teaming configurations and optimized path planning algorithms, enhance efficiency in locating and assisting disaster victims. Flooding accounts for 90% of natural disasters in the USA, necessitating rapid scouting and supply drops in affected areas. Current UAS path planning lacks proper start and end point selection and does not use multiple aircraft collaboratively.

This study introduces a UAS teaming strategy with high-altitude leader drones for area coverage and lower-altitude follower drones for detailed data collection and supply drops. The focus is optimizing follower drone path plan- ning using the Open-Loop …

Examining Barriers And Motivation Toward University Stem Faculty Research Success, Jordan A. Jaeger

Theses and Dissertations

All university faculty pursuing scholarly goals tackle complex tasks over long periods, yet some must overcome additional adversity and challenges to succeed. Recent studies have measured faculty research success according to their self-reported accomplishments in research activities, publications, and grant writing, and motivation was a predictor of success (Stupnisky, BrckaLorenz, et al., 2019; Stupnisky et al., 2023). This dissertation describes a three-study program of research that examined how faculty navigated barriers to research success through the lens of different theories of motivation.Faculty face barriers in completing research because it often involves a lengthy and emotion filled process, from research design …