Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Digital Commons Network™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Theses and Dissertations

Discipline
Institution
Keyword
Publication Year
File Type

Articles 1411 - 1440 of 26770

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

Analysis Of Radial Inlet Distortion On Transonic Fan Performance, Tyler M. Reedy Apr 2025

Analysis Of Radial Inlet Distortion On Transonic Fan Performance, Tyler M. Reedy

Theses and Dissertations

Improving fan design and performance prediction requires an understanding of the impacts of inlet distortions. Inlet distortion describes any non-uniform distribution in the flow, usually referring to deviations in pressure and temperature. Using full annulus Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes (URANS) simulations, the effects of both hub and tip radial distortions on the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) Rotor 4 fan are analyzed. Overall performance, total pressure (Pt) distortion transfer, and total temperature (Tt) distortion generation are presented and compared for three operating points: near-stall, design, and choke. Hub radial inlet distortion magnitudes of 15% and 20%, and a tip radial …


Using Human Computation And Harmonic Expansions For Characterization And Design Of Grain Boundary Networks, Christopher W. Adair Apr 2025

Using Human Computation And Harmonic Expansions For Characterization And Design Of Grain Boundary Networks, Christopher W. Adair

Theses and Dissertations

Grain Boundary Networks (GBNs) are a high-dimensional feature in polycrystalline microstructural materials that are formed from the crystallographic degrees of freedom. This feature affects multiple material properties such as diffusivity, fracture, elasticity, heat transfer, and others. The link between the crystallography and the material properties is called the structure-property linkage, and allows for simulation and design of materials. While it is possible to use the structure-property linkage to design materials for better performance, the high-dimensional nature of the interconnected grain boundaries preclude the use of many common optimization algorithms for efficiency or local minima considerations. This work shows how the …


The Force Will Be With You"¦ Won't It? How In-Groups Grow And Develop Around Fandom Through The Lens Of Star Wars, Joseph R. Wirthlin Jr Apr 2025

The Force Will Be With You"¦ Won't It? How In-Groups Grow And Develop Around Fandom Through The Lens Of Star Wars, Joseph R. Wirthlin Jr

Theses and Dissertations

The creation of Star Wars by George Lucas sparked the creation of a vast universe of films, books, television shows, toys, games, and more. Star Wars fans quickly took the reins, fleshing out the universe Lucas had created in new and exciting ways. Decades after the conclusion of the Original Trilogy, the Prequel Trilogy arrived on the scene, sparking excitement and trepidation among fans of the Original Trilogy. A decade after the Prequel Trilogy concluded and three years following the acquisition of Lucasfilm by The Walt Disney Corporation, the Sequel Trilogy arrived at an even more significant wave of mixed …


"Because He Was A Cripple": Collective Care And The Theory Of Complex Embodiment In Dickens's A Christmas Carol, Briley Wyckoff Apr 2025

"Because He Was A Cripple": Collective Care And The Theory Of Complex Embodiment In Dickens's A Christmas Carol, Briley Wyckoff

Theses and Dissertations

Published in 1843, Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol planted itself squarely into a society that depended upon physical labor and valued able-bodiedness. The crutch-bearing Tiny Tim is iconized for his angelic nature and positive outlook on his impairment, prompting critical conversation about narrative prosthesis and poster children, yet the other illustrations of disability in the novella are rarely explored. Contrary to the tendency of disability scholars to conclude that A Christmas Carol leans too heavily into the trope of inspirational disability or diminishes disabled agency, Dickens's incorporation of disability actually extends far beyond Tim as each member of the Cratchit …


Building And Understanding Cryptographic Authentication Systems, James S. Conners Apr 2025

Building And Understanding Cryptographic Authentication Systems, James S. Conners

Theses and Dissertations

The security and usability challenges of password-based authentication have driven ongoing research into alternative cryptographic authentication systems. This dissertation explores the design, implementation, and evaluation of authentication mechanisms that enhance security while maintaining usability. Specifically, we investigate the limitations of existing passwordless authentication systems, such as FIDO2, and propose novel solutions that improve account recovery, user mental models, and adoption rates. We introduce Let's Authenticate, a certificate-based authentication system designed to address usability and security concerns inherent in existing models. Through iterative development and empirical studies, we compare this approach against contemporary methods like passkeys and password managers. Additionally, we …


An Analysis Of The Encryption Algorithms Proposed For The Mqtt Protocol On Resource Constrained Iot Devices, John Joseph Keenan Apr 2025

An Analysis Of The Encryption Algorithms Proposed For The Mqtt Protocol On Resource Constrained Iot Devices, John Joseph Keenan

Theses and Dissertations

As more IoT devices are used to gather data and automate devices throughout the world, more security solutions are needed to keep these devices and the data they transmit secure. Many of these devices use the MQTT protocol, which does not encrypt the transferred data by default. The TLS/SSL protocols are the standard proposed solution for encrypting this traffic, but many resource constrained IoT devices do not have enough resources to run these protocols efficiently. Because of this, many other encryption algorithms have been proposed or designed for resource constrained IoT devices running the MQTT protocol, but very limited research …


The Development Of Electroanalytical Methods For Molten Salt Mixtures Under Static And Flowing Conditions, Ranon Fuller Apr 2025

The Development Of Electroanalytical Methods For Molten Salt Mixtures Under Static And Flowing Conditions, Ranon Fuller

Theses and Dissertations

Electroanalytical methods have the potential to characterize molten salt systems in situ, determine physical properties such as diffusion coefficients and standard potentials, and measure kinetic and corrosion rates. Due to experimental difficulties of working with molten salts including high temperatures and high natural convection, transport, kinetic, and corrosion rates, many precise, consistent methods have yet to be established. In this work, we describe methods to precisely calculate standard reduction potentials, characterize molten salt solutions containing multiple lanthanides by reduction potentials and metal deposition mechanisms, calculate the number of electrons exchanged in metal deposition using SWV, calculate diffusion coefficients using CV, …


The Process Is The Reform: Examining The Portrait Of A Learner In Nevada, Jeremy Adam Young Apr 2025

The Process Is The Reform: Examining The Portrait Of A Learner In Nevada, Jeremy Adam Young

Theses and Dissertations

To understand the process and substance of the Portrait of a Learner as an educational reform in Nevada through examining the experiences of individuals leading the initiative and to connect what is learned to educational reform in a larger context. A comprehensive literature review was cross-referenced with in-depth interview and focus group results from the Nevada Department of Education and two school districts. This qualitative study might be best described as a purposive, non-randomized study. Fifteen participants, including teachers, administrators, policymakers, and nonprofit professionals participated in interviews and/or focus groups, which were semi-structured. The data were analyzed and organized by …


Reconstruction From Variable Aperture Measurements Using Band-Limited Inversion Algorithms, Harrison C. Garrett Apr 2025

Reconstruction From Variable Aperture Measurements Using Band-Limited Inversion Algorithms, Harrison C. Garrett

Theses and Dissertations

The signal reconstruction process from discrete samples is inherently band-limited due to the limited amount of spectral content in the discrete set of measurements. In the case of 1D sampling using ideal measurements, the maximum bandwidth of regular and irregular sampling is well known using Nyquist and Gröchenig sampling theorems and lemmas, respectively. However, determining the appropriate reconstruction bandwidth becomes difficult when considering 2D sampling geometries, samples with variable apertures, or signal to noise ratio limitations. Instead of determining the maximum bandwidth a priori, this thesis introduces the use of a bandlimited inverse to simultaneously reconstruct a signal and determine …


Social Belonging In Post-Resettlement Refugees: The Role Of Aid Organizations In The United States, Jessica Jean Byers Apr 2025

Social Belonging In Post-Resettlement Refugees: The Role Of Aid Organizations In The United States, Jessica Jean Byers

Theses and Dissertations

Since 1975, an estimated 3.6 million refugees have entered the United States (USA Facts, 2024). The months and even years following resettlement can be difficult and isolating for refugees. Previous research has shown that creating connections with others can enhance well-being, feelings of security, and self-reliance, all of which are especially needed for vulnerable populations such as refugees (Archambault et al., 2022; Giovanetti et al., 2022). Using the theory of social network analysis and semi-structured, in-depth interviews with aid organization leaders, this study seeks to understand the relationship between refugees and aid organizations during the post-resettlement phase. It also explores …


Faith In Tomorrow: Strategies To Inspire Philanthropic Support For Catholic Schools, Angelo Milicia Apr 2025

Faith In Tomorrow: Strategies To Inspire Philanthropic Support For Catholic Schools, Angelo Milicia

Theses and Dissertations

Philanthropy plays a vital role in sustaining Catholic schools; however, the factors that motivate donors to support these institutions remain an area of ongoing inquiry. This study examines the key influences driving philanthropic giving to Catholic education, exploring the intersection of faith, personal values, institutional trust, and perceived impact on students and communities. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research incorporates survey data from 185 participants and insights from 17 focus group members to identify the primary motivations behind donor support. The findings indicate that religious commitment, personal connections to Catholic education, and belief in the school’s mission are among the …


Empowering Local Water Resources Managers With Global Hydrological Model Information Through Bias Correction Of Their In-Situ Data Using Saber, Yubin Baaniya Apr 2025

Empowering Local Water Resources Managers With Global Hydrological Model Information Through Bias Correction Of Their In-Situ Data Using Saber, Yubin Baaniya

Theses and Dissertations

There is an increase in the frequency and intensity of water related natural disasters driven by climate change and human activities. While satellite data provides extensive coverage of many climatic variables, streamflow monitoring remains inadequate for effectively responding to water-related hazards, particularly in developing regions that lack integrated gauge networks. This study evaluates how incorporating local streamflow gauge data enhances bias correction of the GEOGLOWS Hydrologic Model (RFS) in gauged and ungauged basins using the Stream Analysis for Bias Estimation and Reduction (SABER) method. We analyzed approximately 19,200 gauge stations globally, using machine learning, spatial analysis and Flow Duration Curve …


Measures Of Verbal Comprehension Patterns In Autistic Females, Savanna Leigh Parady Apr 2025

Measures Of Verbal Comprehension Patterns In Autistic Females, Savanna Leigh Parady

Theses and Dissertations

Although a rapidly growing body of scientific literature is leading to more understanding of autistic traits in women and girls, their diagnosis continues to occur at later ages. Diagnosis received at later ages limits access to early intervention and related positive outcomes. The purpose of this study was to add data to the weight of evidence approach in differential diagnosis of autism in females and other underserved groups. Specifically, I set out to identify patterns between verbal comprehension tasks measuring vocabulary knowledge (crystallized knowledge) and analogous verbal comprehension (similarities) tasks drawing on additional cognitive abilities. Verbal analogy tasks measure knowledge …


Elucidating The Antibiofilm Characteristics Of A Carbon Infiltrated Carbon Nanotube Surface And A Copper-Coated Carbon Infiltrated Carbon Nanotube Surface, Lucy Christena Bowden Apr 2025

Elucidating The Antibiofilm Characteristics Of A Carbon Infiltrated Carbon Nanotube Surface And A Copper-Coated Carbon Infiltrated Carbon Nanotube Surface, Lucy Christena Bowden

Theses and Dissertations

Post-surgical implant-associated infections cause considerable patient morbidity and mortality. These infections are often caused by biofilm-forming bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bacterial biofilms are resistant to immune clearance and are a reservoir of antibiotic resistance. Implant materials that resist bacterial colonization may be able to improve patient outcomes. Carbon infiltrated carbon nanotubes (CICNT) are a potential surface modification for medical implants. The work presented in this dissertation focuses on characterizing the antibiofilm effect of the CICNT surface, better understanding its mechanism of action, and characterizing the enhanced antibiofilm effect of a copper-coated CICNT surface. S. aureus biofilms …


Athlete Decision-Making Process In The Liminality After Career-Ending Injuries, Grace Davie Apr 2025

Athlete Decision-Making Process In The Liminality After Career-Ending Injuries, Grace Davie

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study explored the decision-making process of athletes in the liminal period immediately following career-ending injuries. While existing research has examined transition challenges and coping strategies, there remains a critical gap in understanding how athletes actively make decisions that shape their post-sport trajectories during this crucial period. Using Crisis Decision Theory (CDT) as a theoretical framework, this study investigated athletes' overall experience, support systems, injury severity assessment, and response option determination and evaluation during the immediate post-injury decision-making process. Key findings demonstrated that athletes' decision-making processes closely aligned with CDT's three-stage framework: assessing injury severity, determining response options, and …


Barriers In Receiving A Diagnosis Of Sanfilippo Syndrome: Perceptions From Healthcare Providers And Caregivers, Cassidy Lena Apr 2025

Barriers In Receiving A Diagnosis Of Sanfilippo Syndrome: Perceptions From Healthcare Providers And Caregivers, Cassidy Lena

Theses and Dissertations

Sanfilippo syndrome (MPS III) is a rare, degenerative condition characterized by symptoms impacting neurological functioning, behavior, and quality of life. Diagnosis is often not made until three to six years of age, but comprehensive and effective symptom management have been reported to optimize patient longevity. The aim of this study was to identify barriers to diagnosis and the corresponding impact on patients. This study surveyed healthcare providers and caregivers of individuals with Sanfilippo syndrome. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed to assess provider knowledge and comfortability in managing Sanfilippo syndrome. Additionally, it explored caregiver perspectives on healthcare system navigation, …


Contemporary Voices Of China: Biographical Introduction Of Four Contemporary Chinese Composers And Their Chinese Language Art Songs, Xintian Xu Apr 2025

Contemporary Voices Of China: Biographical Introduction Of Four Contemporary Chinese Composers And Their Chinese Language Art Songs, Xintian Xu

Theses and Dissertations

This document primarily explores the rich developmental journey of Chinese modern art songs from the early 20th century to the present. It provides an overview of the lives, compositional activities, and contributions to Chinese art songs of four contemporary composers: Zheng Qiufeng, Wang Liping, Lu Zaiyi, and Zhao Jiping. To provide more specific resources, this study includes a table of selected works by the four composers, detailing the composer, song title, poet/lyricist, vocal range, and difficulty level. This section aims to serve as a practical reference for researchers, performing artists, and music educators interested in Chinese art songs.


Reducing Information Asymmetry: Economic Value Of Airbnb Signals In A Small College Town, Hatice Sena Akkurt Apr 2025

Reducing Information Asymmetry: Economic Value Of Airbnb Signals In A Small College Town, Hatice Sena Akkurt

Theses and Dissertations

Trust is the backbone of platform operations. Airbnb platform designers implement various methods including trust-building mechanisms, user interface (UI) artifacts, and reputation management systems. Previous research has explored trust in Airbnb, yet little is known about the economic value of trust indicators in smaller cities and rural areas. Thus, this thesis investigates the economic significance of User Interface (UI) artifacts, including the “Superhost” badge, star ratings, and listing photographs, within the peer-to-peer accommodation sector in the Columbia Metropolitan Area. Drawing on signaling theory, we conducted quantitative analysis, to examine the relationship between trust indicators and listing prices, controlling factors like …


The Association Between Parent’S Mobile Device Use And Physical Activity, Sydney Hill Apr 2025

The Association Between Parent’S Mobile Device Use And Physical Activity, Sydney Hill

Theses and Dissertations

Background. The rapid increase in mobile technology has allowed smartphones to be used almost anywhere, but a potential disadvantage of these mobile devices is the displacement of physical activity. Parents of young children are already struggling to reach higher intensities of physical activity and mobile devices might make this worse. However, most existing research on similar topics look at adults without children or uses subjective measures only. Therefore, this study aims to (1) quantify objective mobile device use from a sample of parents with preschool age children; (2) describe the duration and intensity of parents’ physical activity and inactive behavior; …


Unaccompanied Double Bass Literature: History, Pedagogy, And Performance Practice, Joseph Lee Gaskins Apr 2025

Unaccompanied Double Bass Literature: History, Pedagogy, And Performance Practice, Joseph Lee Gaskins

Theses and Dissertations

While most solo recitals featuring the double bass employ the piano as accompaniment, this ensemble configuration presents several problems for the performer in terms of balance and sound production. These challenges can cause students who are still developing their technique and musicianship to form bad habits in an effort to meet the demands of playing with piano. Over time, double bassists have developed a multitude of strategies to solve the problem of projecting a soloistic sound that will project over the accompaniment. However, the question must be asked: Why not remove the accompaniment from the equation entirely? While the double …


An Exploratory Study Of Disclosure Of X-Linked Conditions Between Mothers And Daughters, Madge Isabella Stuhlreyer Apr 2025

An Exploratory Study Of Disclosure Of X-Linked Conditions Between Mothers And Daughters, Madge Isabella Stuhlreyer

Theses and Dissertations

Carriers of X-linked conditions, both asymptomatic and symptomatic, face unique challenges regarding their experiences navigating the healthcare system and understanding implications of their carrier status. Studies show that mothers are known to be the main communicators of genetic information within their families, but in families affected with X-linked conditions, communication between mothers and daughters are hindered by factors such as lack of knowledge about the condition and reproductive implications, lack of emotional support, anxiety, and uncertainty about how to initiate these conversations. The purpose of this study was to explore the motivations behind mothers' decisions to initiate conversations with their …


Bridging Tradition And Interpretation: Overdotting In J.S. Bach's Keyboard Music And Recorded Practice, Jiamo Zhang Apr 2025

Bridging Tradition And Interpretation: Overdotting In J.S. Bach's Keyboard Music And Recorded Practice, Jiamo Zhang

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract This dissertation presents a research and quantitative study about overdotting performance practice in Baroque music. Overdotting is a performance practice in the 17th and 18th century. It refers to playing dotted rhythms with exaggerated lengthening of the dotted note and shortening of the following note, beyond what is indicated in the notation. In this study, the dual evidence method is applied for cross-verifying recorded performances in the past century with published literature on performance practice of the interpretation of overdotted Baroque performance tradition in J.S. Bach’s solo keyboard work recorded since the early 20th century. The analysis focuses on …


Who’S On First, What’S On Second An Analysis Of Major League Baseball Fans And Multiple Points Of Attachment, Ryan W. Dastrup Apr 2025

Who’S On First, What’S On Second An Analysis Of Major League Baseball Fans And Multiple Points Of Attachment, Ryan W. Dastrup

Theses and Dissertations

Need to write


Understanding The Factors Influencing Movement Behaviors Among Dog Owners, Katherine Eileen Devivo Apr 2025

Understanding The Factors Influencing Movement Behaviors Among Dog Owners, Katherine Eileen Devivo

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates two key objectives: 1) to understand influences of physical activity among dog owners, and 2) to determine if there were differences in objectively measured physical activity levels and/or affect at times when dog owners are with their dogs compared to times when they are not with their dogs. To address the first objective, a qualitative study was conducted with 20 dog owners using semi-structured interviews, constant comparative methodology, grounded theory, and open coding. The findings revealed several key barriers to physical activity and dog walking such as physical health, seasons/weather, time/schedules, and dog specific limitations. Key facilitators …


The Double Bar-Line: A Qualitative And Quantitative Study Of Career Readiness For Historically Black College And University Voice Performance Majors, Brian L. Fenderson Apr 2025

The Double Bar-Line: A Qualitative And Quantitative Study Of Career Readiness For Historically Black College And University Voice Performance Majors, Brian L. Fenderson

Theses and Dissertations

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) play a crucial role in providing higher education opportunities for African American students, including those pursuing degrees in voice performance. In recent years, there has been a noticeable lack of performance opportunities and resources available to voice performance majors at HBCUs. This document aims to explore the challenges faced by HBCU voice performance majors who hoped to pursue a career in voice performance. Through a combination of literature review, qualitative interviews, and quantitative surveys, this study will examine the experience of voice performance majors from 1990 – present day. Interviews conducted will speak on …


Designing A Genetics-Based Bibliotherapy Model For Children With Inborn Errors Of Metabolism, Kaitlyn Abagail Gmitro Apr 2025

Designing A Genetics-Based Bibliotherapy Model For Children With Inborn Errors Of Metabolism, Kaitlyn Abagail Gmitro

Theses and Dissertations

Bibliotherapy is a psychotherapy technique utilized to teach individuals about concepts through the use of literature and the arts. The primary aim of this research was to examine how a bibliotherapy model could be applied to improve diet and treatment adherence for people affected with Inborn Errors of Metabolism. Prior to this research, no paper has proposed a tailored bibliotherapy approach for genetic conditions. Through analysis of the caregiver-child relationship and disclosure process and the perceived support needs of both caregivers and providers caring for children with IEMS, our goal was to propose a bibliotherapy model to improve adherence and …


The Effects Of Acute Nutrient Intake On Raw Segmental Bioelectrical Impedance Values And Fluid Shifts In Premenopausal Women, Callie Unrein Apr 2025

The Effects Of Acute Nutrient Intake On Raw Segmental Bioelectrical Impedance Values And Fluid Shifts In Premenopausal Women, Callie Unrein

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Raw bioimpedance measures—impedance (Z), resistance (R), reactance (Xc), and phase angle (PhA)—are emerging tools to assess hydration, cellular integrity, and muscle quality. While multifrequency bioimpedance analysis (MF-BIA) can detect acute physiological shifts, its sensitivity to nutrient intake, especially across hormonal phases in women, remains underexplored. Purpose: This study investigated how essential amino acids (EAA), carbohydrates (CHO), and water (CON) influence postprandial segmental bioimpedance and fluid distribution in healthy women, and whether these responses vary by menstrual hormone phase. Methods: Twenty-two recreationally active women (18–40 years) underwent serial MF-BIA (InBody 970) assessments during high- and low-hormone phases, randomized to one …


The Role Of B Cells In Promoting Lipid Absorption By Promoting Lacteal Development, Kenny Johnson Apr 2025

The Role Of B Cells In Promoting Lipid Absorption By Promoting Lacteal Development, Kenny Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The absorption of dietary lipids in the gut is necessary to maintain the metabolic tone of tissues. Inflammation in the gut can cause defects in lipid absorption, which can result in tissue wasting, otherwise known as cachexia. Cachexia is commonly observed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and cancer patients. The underlying cause of cachexia is unknown, and there are currently no effective therapeutic options available to treat it. Lymphatic drainage in the small intestine (SI) is specialized to promote the transport of dietary lipids into circulation. Lacteals are blunt-ended lymphatic vessels localized to the central axes of villi in …


Tritium As A Model Tracer For Predicting Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Exposure And Potential Ecosystem And Human Health Impacts, Erika Craig Apr 2025

Tritium As A Model Tracer For Predicting Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Exposure And Potential Ecosystem And Human Health Impacts, Erika Craig

Theses and Dissertations

For this thesis, historical tritium and per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations measured in surface waters of South Carolina at or near the Savannah River Site (SRS) were compared. Statistical linear regression analysis was used to assess the ability of tritium as a model tracer for predicting PFAS concentrations, specifically perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) distributions. Nine years of tritium monitoring data, (2014 – 2022), were analyzed and used in linear regressions to assess their association with PFAS levels of PFOA and PFOS measured during 2023, in and around the SRS and the adjoining Savannah River. Initially, a normality …


Adolescent Sleep Health, Mental Health, And Cardiovascular Disease Risk In Adulthood, Prince Nii Ossah Addo Apr 2025

Adolescent Sleep Health, Mental Health, And Cardiovascular Disease Risk In Adulthood, Prince Nii Ossah Addo

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Insufficient sleep and poor sleep quality are major public health issues among adolescents in the United States (U.S.). Mental health and substance use challenges are also common among adolescents, particularly those with sleep problems. Although exposures in adolescence have been evidenced to significantly impact future health, little is known about how adolescent sleep health, mental health, and substance use influence future cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. We, therefore, examined the association between sleep health in adolescence and CVD risk in adulthood and assessed whether the association is mediated by depressive symptoms and substance use in adolescents. Further, we explored the …