Digital Commons Network^™

An Application Of Soren Kierkegaard's Three Stages Of Life To The Marginalised Transgender Persons In India, Ramakrishnan G

Theses and Dissertations

According to Soren Kierkegaard, “Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced”. Human beings are completely free to make choices in their life and live in accordance to those. However, they have to be responsible as well as committed to their choices for an authentic existence. Transgender persons are also human beings though they identify themselves different from the gender binary.

This research has proposed to explore the existential struggles and faith of transgender persons in the modern society with reference to the application of three stages of life of Soren Kierkegaard to the …

Combined Radiation And Convection In Developing Flow In A Parallel Plate Channel With Real Gas Behavior, Kyle Davis Pulsipher

Theses and Dissertations

The laminar, thermally developing flow of gases in a two-dimensional parallel plate channel is studied here. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the combined effects of convection and real gas radiation are explored. Gas mixtures composed of H2O, CO2, and N2 are considered. To account for radiation in the participating medium, the Spectral Line Weighted-sum-of-gray-gases model is used. The model formulation, verification, and validation are provided through published articles written by the primary author. The predictions made for the case of combined convection and radiation are compared to the solution for the classical pure convection case, known as the Graetz solution. …

Psychotherapy Client Termination Patterns And Outcomes: A Large Follow-Up Study, Including Zero-, One-, And Two-Session Cases, Adam Victor Mcdonald

Theses and Dissertations

Empirical research examining psychotherapy clients' post treatment outcomes for all case lengths and their reasons for discontinuing treatment is limited in the literature, particularly for shorter case lengths. Research indicates that clients with zero-, one-, and two-session case lengths are the most common in psychotherapy (Howard et al., 1986; Nielsen et al., 2016; Phillips, 1985; Phillips 1987); and yet, little is known about these clients. The purpose of this study is to better understand these termination patterns and outcomes for the most common case lengths. Outcomes were measured with the Outcome Questionnaire-45 total score (OQ-45; Lambert et al., 2004). Client …

Comparing Asian Immigrants Offending Rates With Other Immigrants., Shamim Ara Pia

Theses and Dissertations

Asian Americans are the fastest-growing population in the United States (U.S). They are characterized by parental attachment, school commitment, neighborhood involvement, and belief. The association between Asian immigrants and crime is multifaceted and requires an in-depth investigation. This study aims to compare the offending rates of Asian immigrants with those of other immigrants, such as immigrants from Europe, Central and South America, Australia, and Africa based on Travis Hirschi’s social bonding theory. The data for this study are drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), which is a nationally representative study of students in …

Investigating Which Muscles Are Most Responsible For Tremor Through Both Experimental Data And Simulation, Daniel Benjamin Free

Theses and Dissertations

Tremor affects millions of people and many patients desire alternative treatment options to medication or neural surgery. Peripheral suppression techniques are gaining greater use, but are currently applied in a trial-and-error method. To optimize these techniques, the muscles most responsible for an individual patient's tremor need to be identified. In this dissertation, I explored two parallel paths that both could aid in identifying muscles responsible for tremor. The first method utilizies measured data and a technique (coherence) that quantifies the frequency dependent correlation between two signals. Using coherence to identify muscles contributing to tremor requires at least two parts: an …

Applying Mathematical Modeling To The Study Of Family Systems, Dahlia Maxwell

Theses and Dissertations

Mathematical modeling provides a powerful framework for insight into current scientific theories as well as hypothesis generation for further research. Despite its undeniable potential to enrich scientific advancement, the application of mathematical modeling remains conspicuously scarce in the field of family science. The complexity inherent in family dynamics, coupled with the intricate interplay of emotions in the individual, underscores the necessity of a robust analytical approach. Addressing this critical gap in the literature, this thesis introduces a sophisticated mathematical model of family dynamics integrating essential elements from family systems theory, emotion dynamics, and appraisal theory. The model is implemented as …

Advancing Single-Cell Proteomics Through Innovations In Liquid Chromatography And Mass Spectrometry, Kei Grant Isaac Webber

Theses and Dissertations

Traditional proteomics studies can measure many protein biomarkers simultaneously from a single patient-derived sample, promising the possibility of syndromic diagnoses of multiple diseases sharing common symptoms. However, precious cellular-level information is lost in conventional bulk-scale studies that measure tissues comprising many types of cells. As single cells are the building blocks of organisms and are easier to biopsy than traditional bulk samples, performing proteomics on a single-cell level would benefit clinicians and patients. Single-cell proteomics, combined with mass spectrometry imaging, can be used to analyze cells in their microenvironment, preserving spatial information. We have previously used laser-capture microdissection to isolate …

The Study Of Biomass Based Polymers And Cyclic Polymers, Yishayah Bension

Theses and Dissertations

Plastics have become an integral part of everyday life, from household care to aerospace applications, polymers are involved in every industry. Most of these polymeric materials are derived from petroleum feedstocks which have deleterious effects on our environment. The production of petrochemicals has led to an increase in greenhouse gases and microplastic pollution which have accelerated climate change. My research focuses on utilizing existing biomasses to improve the plastic economy’s circularity. This work develops new materials from bio-based polymers such as lignin and soybean oil. Raw lignin suffers from inherently weak mechanical properties, poor solubility, processability, and molecular structure ambiguity. …

Robot Proficiency Self-Assessment Using Assumption-Alignment Tracking, Xuan Cao

Theses and Dissertations

A robot is proficient if its performance for its task(s) satisfies a specific standard. While the design of autonomous robots often emphasizes such proficiency, another important attribute of autonomous robot systems is their ability to evaluate their own proficiency. A robot should be able to conduct proficiency self-assessment (PSA), i.e. assess how well it can perform a task before, during, and after it has attempted the task. We propose the assumption-alignment tracking (AAT) method, which provides time-indexed assessments of the veracity of robot generators' assumptions, for designing autonomous robots that can effectively evaluate their own performance. AAT can be considered …

Insights Derived In Silico On The Nature Of The Halogen · · · Halogen Bond At Ordered Surface Interfaces, Jarrod George Sage

Theses and Dissertations

Halogen· · · halogen (X· · ·X) bonds are a poorly understood, special class of non-covalent contact known to profoundly impact processes of molecular self-assembly, such as crystal formationand thin-layer epitaxy. The study of X· · ·X bonding on surfaces is well established, but it is unclear exactly to what extent a surface influences X· · ·X contacts or their dynamics. Simulations of X· · ·X bonding at ordered surfaces via plane-wave density functional theory (DFT) occasionally arise to compliment experimental results, but there is yet to be a comprehensive in silico exploration probing the nature of the X· · …

Rfi Mitigation And Discrete Digital Signal Processing Rfsoc Algorithm Implementations For Radio Astronomy And Wideband Communication Systems, Devon Christopher Ward

Theses and Dissertations

Due to the massive increase of active transmitters broadcasting over wideband frequencies, such as 5G wireless systems, LEO/MEO satellites, satellite constellations, and the increase of IoT devices in the average home, the radio frequency spectrum is becoming more and more congested by interference. Passive receivers face additional challenges due to the growing use of wideband frequency transmissions aimed at boosting communication system throughput. As a result, passive receivers must adopt more robust and intricate techniques to mitigate radio frequency interference. A proposed RFI removal system, known as the true time delay Hadamard projection algorithm, has been introduced in previous work …

Trade Liberalization With Brics: A Cge Model Of Egypt, Kareem Ashraf

Theses and Dissertations

This paper presents an ex-ante impact assessment of a hypothetical FTA between Egypt and the BRICS from an Egyptian economy-wide and sectorial perspectives, with a granular look into manufacturing. The chosen methodology is a static SAM-based Computable General Equilibrium model calibrated to Egypt’s 2018-2019 Social Accounting Matrix (SAM). With respect to existing literature, the paper uniquely stands in considering an Egypt-BRICS FTA with a granular assessment of manufacturing subsectors and in running a simulation of Egypt’s trade liberalization with the wider BRICS alliance, including the accession of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Ethiopia, and Iran, which joined the bloc along with Egypt …

Road Maintenance Through Machine Learning, Yashwanth Sai Rachala

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the use of machine learning techniques for road infrastructure maintenance. We propose an innovative machine learning-based approach to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of road maintenance strategies. The focal point of this investigation is the development and implementation of a machine learning framework to enhance road quality monitoring. We use Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks to accurately predict future road conditions and identify potential areas requiring maintenance before significant deterioration occurs. This predictive approach is designed to enable a shift from reactive to proactive road maintenance, optimizing the use of limited resources and improving overall road safety. …

Factorization In Cybersecurity: A Dual Role Of Defense And Vulnerability In The Age Of Quantum Computing, Himateja Arukala

Theses and Dissertations

One of the most critical components of modern cryptography and thus cybersecurity is the ability to factor large integers quickly and efficiently. RSA encryption, one of the most used types, is based largely on the assumption that factoring for large numbers is computationally infeasible for humans and computers alike. However, with quantum computers, people can use an algorithm like Shor’s algorithm to perform the same task exponentially faster than any normal device ever could. This investigation will go into the strength and vulnerability of RSA encryption using the power of factorization in an age of quantum computers.We start by looking …

Post-High School Trajectories Of Filipino American Students: The Role Of Communication, Kathryn Anne Mayer

Theses and Dissertations

This study actively explores the intricate influences shaping the educational and career trajectories of Filipino American students post-high school. Through qualitative interviews and thematic analysis, it unveils the intricate web of familial expectations, financial constraints, personal values, and external pressures shaping their educational and career pathways. By actively addressing research questions concerning the factors informing choices and the process of weighing competing messages, this research offers nuanced insights. It illuminates the dynamic decision-making processes within the Filipino American community, emphasizing the necessity for tailored interventions and support mechanisms. By actively engaging with these findings, this study contributes to enhancing the …

N-H Nhc Palladium Catalysts Derived From Unique 2-Phosphinoimidazole Precursors For C-C Cross Coupling Reactions And Application Of Slow Releasing Polymers Impregnated With Gibberellic Acid To Overcome Seed Dormancy For Land Reclamation, Alexandra Jean Setelin Larson

Theses and Dissertations

Organometallic chemistry is highly dependent upon the ligands which are employed on a metal's surface. These ligands control steric bulk and electronics of the metal center which can change the reactivity of the organometallic complex. Ligands that are standard in organometallic chemistry include phosphine ligands. These phosphine ligands have been utilized in the field since the 1960's and have shaped the development of many key organometallic catalysts. Phosphine ligands are easily functionalized and highly reactive. This increased reactivity, however, causes severe limitations as phosphine ligands are often unstable under standard benchtop conditions and must be handled both air and moisture …

Gt-Ches And Dycon: Improved Classification For Human Evolutionary Systems, Joseph S. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this work is to rethink the process of learning in human evolutionary systems. We take a sober look at how game theory, network theory, and chaos theory pertain specifically to the modeling, data, and training components of generalization in human systems. The value of our research is three-fold. First, our work is a direct approach to align machine learning generalization with core behavioral theories. We made our best effort to directly reconcile the axioms of these heretofore incompatible disciplines -- rather than moving from AI/ML towards the behavioral theories while building exclusively on AI/ML intuition. Second, this …

Development Of N-H N-Heterocyclic Carbene Pd Catalysts For Cross-Coupling Reactions In Organic Synthesis, Rachel Nicole Owens

Theses and Dissertations

The use of N-H N heterocyclic carbene ligands (NHC's) in organometallic chemistry has become a field of interest due to their unique properties that lead to new and interesting reactivity. The hydrogen on the nitrogen of the NHC can be deprotonated, creating an anionic species, or it can participate in hydrogen-bonding with different substrates. In this work we will explore the unique reactivity of N-H NHC palladium complexes in different cross coupling reactions, including the Suzuki-Miyaura and Heck reactions. Our work demonstrates that N-H NHC complexes of palladium can be accessed from 2-phosphinoimidazole ligands via non-oxidative insertion of the palladium …

A Global Health Crisis And Its Effects On Teaching Online At A Midwestern Institution, Kari Mcmullen

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined faculty experiences and perceptions regarding online education during the COVID-19 global health crisis. An online survey was assessed for content validity using a team of faculty experts in online teaching and learning. It was administered to a convenience sample of faculty at a Midwestern university. Of the 963 faculty who were surveyed, 98 returned the survey, a return rate of about 10%. The analysis of faculty experiences indicated that faculty adopted new pedagogical practices into their curriculum, specifically problem-based (18.37%) and self-paced learning (5.31%). Additionally, faculty adjusted assessments (42.86%), modified instruction (39.80%), and changed assignment due dates …

Traveling Wave Fronts Of Reaction Diffusion Differential Equations With Diffusive Delay In Biological And Chemical Models, William Barker

Theses and Dissertations

Functional differential equations (FDE) incorporate past states and or rates in the modeling of physical phenomena. Unlike ordinary and even some partial differential equations there is no method to find solutions of general FDE explicitly. Therefore, in order to study solutions of FDE, iterative techniques are often employed. Reaction diffusion equations are a specific type of partial differential equations that model diffusive spread, the rate of spread of due to a reaction term of some quantity. These equations arise naturally in fields such as biology, ecology and chemistry. In terms of studying dynamics of populations, previous states and even rates …

Development Of Bifunctional Peptides As Scaffolds For Bifunctional Catalysis And A Novel Method Of Peptide Stapling Using Squaric Esters, Adam X. Wayment

Theses and Dissertations

Enzymes are some of nature's most powerful tools in chemical processes. However, their molecular complexity makes them difficult to synthesize and complicates their application in traditional organic synthesis. Peptides, a building block of enzymes, can be rapidly synthesized and have been used as a possible alternative in achieving enzyme-like catalysis. However, most peptide-based catalysts are limited in reaction-scope and are unable to incorporate traditional organic catalysts. We have designed a helical peptide scaffold capable of being functionalized with a wide variety of organocatalysts as well as transition-metal based catalysts. In order to understand how the peptide structure effects reactivity and …

Toward More Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy In Elementary Social Studies, Laura Delgado

Theses and Dissertations

In the United States, elementary social studies instruction has significantly declined in recent decades, yet it holds valuable potential in allowing for spaces where the cultures and identities of our students can be centered and celebrated. Our educational systems are too often grounded in hegemonic ways of doing that are based around a dominant narrative that centers white, Christian, heteronormative values. Social studies instruction and its connected pedagogy have great potential to change that narrative. Following Mintrop’s cycle of inquiry model, this qualitative study looked at the experiences of elementary teachers as they undertook the implementation of a new social …

What Special Education Teachers Need To Remain: A Qualitative Study, Corey Michael Sharp

Theses and Dissertations

The persistent challenge of teacher attrition, particularly in special education positions, is examined within the context of the East Dillon School District in Dillon, IL. Despite efforts to recruit and retain special education teachers, vacancies remain unfilled, leading to a disruption to the educational experiences of students with disabilities and the practice of special education teachers lacking training and support. This phenomenological qualitative research study examined the experiences of six special education teachers at Lion Middle School. Using Job Embeddedness Theory, Ethics of Care, and Aptitude-Treatment Interaction Theory as the conceptual framework, this study sought to provide the training and …

Enhancing The Resilience Of Space Systems Against Ransomware Attacks, Petersen F. Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

As their relevance has increased in recent years, space systems have become nearly essential in modern life. They are integral in the operation of navigational systems, military operations, and have ushered in a new domain of scientific inquiry. Technological advances have enabled the miniaturization of components and increased the accessibility of satellites as they find new applications in the form of Cube Satellites. However, even as these advancements have brought satellites to new heights, their interconnectedness leaves them open to new cyber threats. Ransomware attacks are one of the most prominent and disruptive cyber threats to terrestrial systems, and while …

Characterization Of An Omega Type Bi-Anisotropic Material, Moriel Gindi

Theses and Dissertations

A theory is presented for the extraction of the complete set of material parameters for a bi-anisotropic sample consisting of conductive omega-type particles governed by the mm21′ point-group symmetry. A rectangular-to-square wave-guide can be used to obtain the required measurements by allowing three distinct orientations of the material. The focus of this work is to develop the appropriate theory detailing the derivation of how the material parameters are extracted from the measurements in an analytical methodology that is similar in manner to the well-known Nicolson-Ross-Weir (NRW) algorithm.

Measuring The Presentation Of Supporting Content For A Set Of Learning Objectives Throughout The States Of An Educational Game Tree, Michael L. Hastriter Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

In an era of evolving warfare, the Department of Defense (DoD) recognizes the value of serious games as immersive tools for teaching critical concepts. This thesis introduces a pioneering framework tailored to enhance learning objectives through the presentation of educational game content. This addresses the unique needs of the DoD and other educators who use games by providing measurements to assess educational games. This researches investigates how instructors might assess games as potential teaching tools. It establishes a five-phase process, providing a framework to assess educational games against predefined learning objectives and informing future game development. This thesis demonstrates games …

Design Considerations For The Use Of The Julia Programming Language In Future Quantum Networking Simulation Software, Takashi Joubert

Theses and Dissertations

Given the prevalence of Python-based packages in the existing quantum network simulation ecosystem, we attempt to assess what might be realistically gained by switching to Julia. We focus our experimental activities on three areas: 1) surveying the characteristics of Julia as they tie into robust framework development, 2) presenting benchmarks that compare Julia and Python with respect to elements of possible simulation workloads, and 3) producing a tangible lightweight Julia architecture for modeling components in a manner similar to SeQUeNCe. Our analysis suggests that while Julia does o.er performance advantages over Python over certain workloads, knowing the reasons for why …

Malware Detection And Signature Propagation: A Study On Anti-Virus Platforms, Aaron J. Morath

Theses and Dissertations

The early detection of malware across DoD networks is paramount when considering which AV engine to employ. This study explores malware detection latency across various AV providers over a 30-day period using VirusTotal’s platform. The analysis reveals an initial surge in detections, reaching approximately 60% within 24 hours. From days 3 to 20, detections steadily increase by 1-3 instances per day, peaking at 74% on the 20th day, followed by a slight decline. The research also highlights a significant difference in false positive rates between packed and non-packed non-malicious samples, emphasizing the impact of packing on AV engine scans. While …

Enhancing Sequence With Quantum Key Distribution Protocols And An Intuitive User Interface, Blake Perkins

Theses and Dissertations

The rapidly growing domain of quantum networks necessitates advancements in associated software packages. This master’s thesis will detail, in part, new protocols added to extend the usefulness of SeQUeNCe. Notably, these added protocols were implemented to ensure compatibility and efficiency with the existing codebase. To complement this expansion in capability, the graphical user interface (GUI) was restructured. Updates to the GUI now allow users to initiate and operate these newly integrated protocols with ease, thereby expanding the accessibility of SeQUeNCe to a wider audience. By prioritizing the incorporation of these new protocols and refining the user interface, this research significantly …

Opportunities And Limitations: Integrating Narrative Ai Into Game-Based Assessment Creation And Evaluating Student Impacts, Kevin B. Patterson

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Defense (DoD) has identified the need for a technically proficient workforce in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. To meet this need, the DoD is actively seeking innovative technology capable of creating workforce development opportunities that are both accessible and effective. Educational research indicates serious games provide a potential avenue to achieve this goal. Unfortunately, a limited number of tools that simplify the game development process and leverage artificial intelligence are available. Content-generating artificial intelligence might help reduce instructor and game-based assessment designers' workloads while promoting individualized learning in students. This research presents a novel …