Digital Commons Network^™

Development Of A Management Guide For Concrete Bridge Decks In Utah, Tenli Waters Emery

Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of this research were to 1) investigate bridge deck condition assessment methods used in the field and laboratory, methods of managing bridge decks, and methods for estimating remaining bridge deck service life using computer models through a comprehensive literature review on these subjects; 2) collect and analyze field data from representative concrete bridge decks in Utah; and 3) develop a decision tree for concrete bridge deck management in Utah. As a result of the literature review performed for objective 1, a synthesis of existing information about condition assessment, bridge deck preservation and rehabilitation, bridge deck reconstruction, and estimating …

Attitudes Of Criminal Justice Students' Towards Women: Hegemonic Masculinity In The Workplace, Lauren Escovedo

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the following study is to examine positive, benevolent, and hostile attitudes towards women in the workplace held by criminal justice students enrolled at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. As well, to examine whether or not criminal justice students enrolled at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley believe that criminal justice personnel create a gender-neutral classroom environment. The application Qualtrics XM was used to comprise a 35 question survey that, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, was administered online to students for a two week period during the Fall 2020 semester. Criminal justice students …

Selected Discipline Infractions And Consequences Associated With Academic Performance In The Mississippi Delta, Sheila B. King

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of the research study was to identify the most common discipline infractions and consequences for Grade 7 and Grade 8 students enrolled in a middle school located in the Mississippi Delta. In addition, the study sought to determine relationships among the common discipline infractions and student performance and the common discipline consequences and student performance on the statewide assessments for English/language arts (ELA) and mathematics by grade level. The study utilized existing data for the Grade 7 and Grade 8 students who had committed one or more disciplinary infractions during the 2017-2018 school year and had ELA …

Formulating A Crowd State Prediction Problem For Application To Crowd Control, Brooks A. Butler

Theses and Dissertations

This project considers a new application of crowd control, namely, keeping the public safe during large scale demonstrations. This problem is difficult for a variety of reasons, including limited access to informative sensing and effective actuation mechanisms, as well as limited understanding of crowd psychology and dynamics. This project takes a first step towards solving this problem by formulating a crowd state prediction problem in consideration of recent work involving crowd behavior identification, crowd movement modeling, and crowd psychology modeling. We build a non-linear crowd behavior model incorporating components of personality modeling, human emotion modeling, group opinion dynamics, and group …

A Framework To Determine The Impact Of Poor Data Quality On The Reliability Of Iot Sensor-Based Real-Time Decision-Making, Arnold Rego

Theses and Dissertations

Today, more and more systems make real-time decisions based on the data received from sensors. But it is inevitable that sensors will fail, or send bad data – leading to faulty real-time decision-making. Using this poor-quality data in real-time decision-making can lead to deadly consequences. Traditional Data Quality (DQ) foundations call for “fixing” the poor DQ before the data can be used. However, time is often of the essence in a real-time decision-making environment, leaving little or no time to “fix” poor-quality data before it can be used in the decision-making process. The primary objective in real-time decision-making is not …

Development And Characterization Of Robust Methods For Field Investigations With Portable Mass Spectrometry, Ashley Rose Stelmack

Theses and Dissertations

Portable mass spectrometry (MS) has become an area of interest due to the ability to conduct chemical analyses in native environments. These instruments have the potential to increase efficiency and analytical throughput via real-time experimentation, minimizing the need for sample transportation. One drive towards the development of fieldable mass spectrometers is the potential for coupling to novel ambient ionization methods (or “ambient MS”), which can generate spectral data at ambient conditions from unprepared or minimally prepared samples of interest. Since the first introduction of the desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) technique in 2004, a myriad of novel techniques have been reported …

Barriers That Impede Foreign-Born And Educated Male Nursing Students' Success In A United States Nursing Program: A Case Study, Lisa Marie Dunn

Theses and Dissertations

The United States has a 36% shortage of full-time nurses. This is projected to worsen. There will be a need for 260, 000 more nurses by 2025 and more than 581,000 new nursing positions will be created through 2024 (American Association College of Nursing, 2011; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015). By 2030, New Jersey's shortage of nurses will exceed 43% (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2017). If a diverse population of students complete a nursing program and become nurses working in the field, the literature reports that there are better client outcomes when the healthcare industry mirrors …

Impairment In Adult Adhd: Effects Of Adhd Symptoms, Executive Function, And Sleep, Morgan M. Dorr

Theses and Dissertations

While Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remains one of the most common psychological disorders diagnosed, current understanding of the disorders expression and factors contributing to impairment in early adulthood remains limited. In an effort to better understand current issues with ADHD assessment and treatment in emerging adults, this study aimed to examine relationships between symptoms, executive function (EF), sleep, and impairment. Overall results of this study indicate that together, ADHD symptoms, EF, and sleep account for a significant proportion of variance in impairment. Additionally, results indicate that EF moderates the relationship between ADHD symptoms and impairment, and that sleep may be a …

The Emergence Of Teacher Self In The Elementary Classroom, Chelsea Cole

Theses and Dissertations

Significant research and ongoing inquiry highlight the importance of understanding and recognizing the development of identities and beliefs among teachers. These studies use techniques of reflection on the past or present to elucidate the developmental process of teacher identities and beliefs and their impact on the profession. The development of teacher identities and beliefs commence during childhood. A dearth of research exists that addresses the emerging developments of teacher identities and beliefs from the perspective of young children. This study uses qualitative methods through focus groups and individual interviews to examine the identities and beliefs held by fifth-grade students who …

Online Dialogue In Response To Disclosures Of Intimate Partner Violence, Bria Nicole Davies

Theses and Dissertations

Intimate partner violence (IPV) impacts the lives of millions of individuals, devastating survivors, and damaging families. Many survivors are unsure of how to get help, and many have limited access to resources. In recent years, those affected by IPV have turned online for answers and support, including forums such as Reddit, to anonymously disclose their experiences. This study examined the dialogue online between survivors of violence and those who respond to their posts on Reddit. The aim is to better understand the kinds of conversations and responses that are occurring in online communities discussing IPV. Analysis of the domestic violence …

Interneti I Gjërave Dhe Ndikimi I Tij Në Privatësinë E Të Dhënave, Vullnet Shkodra

Theses and Dissertations

Me ndryshimet e kohëve, ndryshim rrënjësorë i është bërë mjedisit dhe faktorëve që po e përbëjnë mjedisin. Ndryshimi rrënjësor po zhvillohet nga raca njerëzore dhe kjo me krijimin e industrive të reja që për qëllim primarë kanë: lehtësimin e jetesës, rritjen e kualitetit të jetesës dhe jetëgjatësinë. Industria e fundit e krijuar nga njerëzimi po quhet industria 4.0 apo “Internet of Things” kjo industri si qëllim ka digjitalizimin dhe shndërrimin e pajisjeve nga të zakonshme (fizike apo mekanike) në pajisje të mençura. Këto pajisje në momentin që digjitalizohen dhe bëhen pajisje të mençura qëllim kanë komunikim ndërmjet vete dhe ky …

Using Genetic Diversity To Differentiate Mosquito Populations, Rachel Christine Malampy

Theses and Dissertations

Experiment 1: Little is known about Aedes aegypti females sharing oviposition sites. We examined four different oviposition sites in McAllen, TX. A mitochondrial gene was used to analyze the variation within the oviposition site to understand how many egg-laying females are sharing oviposition sites. These results will aid in the understanding of Aedes. aegypti oviposition behavior and contribute to more effective mosquito control techniques.

Experiment 2: Mosquito flight patterns and movement from habitat to habitat can drastically influence the spread of diseases. The anthropophilic Aedes aegypti mosquito has historically been identified as having a very limited flight range. Studies also …

Novel Multi-User Chirp Signaling Schemes For Future Aviation Communication Applications, Nozhan Hosseini

Theses and Dissertations

Many wireless communication systems will need to accommodate a larger number of users in the future. One application in particular in which this is critical is low data rate, long range communication links with very large numbers of nodes, such as the internet of things (IoT), possibly the internet of flying things (IoFT), etc. These systems demand advanced multi-access techniques with minimal multiple access interference (MAI). They should also be robust to multiple impairments, including multipath channel distortions, Doppler spreading, and interference. Chirp waveforms are one type of waveform set that can satisfy future system demands in the presence of …

Analysis Of Performance Measures Of Traffic Incident Management In Utah, Mitchell Gregory Hadfield

Theses and Dissertations

In 2009 the Federal Highway Administration published a report regarding a Focus States Initiative that had been conducted with 11 states to discuss the development of national Traffic Incident Management (TIM) standards. Performance measures were defined, and a national TIM dashboard created, but very little data has been added to the dashboard since. In this research study, performance measures of the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) TIM program were analyzed. Data availability was first assessed to determine whether these performance measures could be calculated. It was determined that crash response data available from the Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) could be …

An Analysis Of Police Shootings In Dallas, Texas, 2003-2018, Steven Mccain

Theses and Dissertations

Legal establishments authorize police discretion of deadly force if they believe the threat to life or great bodily harm outweighs to threat presented by a criminal. Policing has been reactive when modern weapons of the times are used for criminal purposes. The adaptation process by police has made firearms necessary tools for conflict resolution. The Supreme Court also plays a role in determining what is reasonable use of deadly force, as these situations are rare with little precedent that require judicial review. Research on deadly force examines micro-level characteristics to better understand these situations. This study contributes to existing literature …

On The Distribution Of Inter-Arrival Times Of 911 Emergency Responseprocess Events, Blake Cameron Moss

Theses and Dissertations

The 911 emergency response process is a core component of the emergency services critical infrastructure sector in the United States. Modeling and simulation of a complex stochastic system like the 911 response process enables policy makers and stakeholders to better understand, identify, and mitigate the impact of attacks/disasters affecting the 911 system. Modeling the 911 response process as a series of queue sub-systems will enable analysis into how CI failures impact the different phases of the 911 response process. Before such a model can be constructed, the probability distributions of the inter-arrivals of events into these various sub-systems needs to …

Facial Recognition And Mass Media Use: Effects Of Technology On Perceptions Of Privacy, Muize Lemboye

Theses and Dissertations

Muize Oluwadamilare Lemboye FACIAL RECOGNITION AND MASS MEDIA USE: EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON PERCEPTIONS OF PRIVACY Artificial intelligence is used to explain how technologies perform human activities the way humans do them. Facial recognition is an aspect of Artificial intelligence that explains how technologies recognize and humans’ face to perform human activities. As facial recognition technologies (FRTs) have become increasingly popular components in today’s globalized society, this thesis aims to discover people’s perception on its effect on privacy. In-depth interviews were conducted among 15 students and staff of UA Little Rock School of Mass Communication to discover this perception. The …

Understanding How Safety Posters Affect Perception Of Safety Culture Using Virtual Reality, Rebecca Ann Stewart

Theses and Dissertations

Poster campaigns have been studied before but never in relation to perceived safety culture. Virtual reality was used to study how safety signage, or lack thereof, affects peoples’ perception of a company’s priority of safety, safety awareness, safety culture, and their own perception of how safe they feel or think a coworker would feel in the environment. There were four virtual scenes used – No Signage, Safety Signs, Safety Posters, and Safety Posters + Safety Signs. The four environments were similar regarding objects, colors, and size; however, the signage on the walls differed in each. Statistical significance was found for …

The Impact Of High-Intensity Work On Student Employees From Disadvantaged Social Backgrounds, Jessica Della Hassell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of high-intensity work on low-income students at Rowan University. This study assesses the needs of students from low-income families. It examines the impact of employment with regards to engagement.

Anomaly Detection And Classification Of Sparse Gamma-Ray Spectra Using Machine Learning Algorithms For Depleted Uranium Remediation, Austin Finney

Theses and Dissertations

The quality of the spectral data collected by radiological survey systems depends on many factors including the survey environment, configuration of the system and its detectors, and the radionuclides in question. Algorithms in the field of machine learning have the potential to classify data that would be difficult and time-intensive for a human to analyze. Depleted and natural uranium spectra are of particular interest due to known contamination at domestic sites and world-wide. Several machine learning classifiers were developed with data collected from laboratory experiments. This thesis demonstrates the potential of machine learning algorithms to discriminate gamma-ray emitting sources using …

Color Inconsistencies Across Hazardous Weather Watches And Warnings: Can Standardized Visual Representation Of Risk Improve Public Safety?, Caroline Nicole Macdonald

Theses and Dissertations

Research has shown the color used to represent threat information can influence perceived risk and how individuals respond to watches and warnings. However, there is no standardized color scheme for hazardous weather products across the weather enterprise. This study’s objective was to determine if color inconsistencies have an effect on a product’s intended risk perception utilizing two public surveys. Results suggest color inconsistencies when representing hazardous weather products have a detrimental effect on that product’s intended message. The first survey found people use color to help determine risk and rely on whether a filled or outlined polygon is displayed. The …

Students' Perceptions Of School Resource Officer Quality And School Safety, William Cooper

Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, school resource officers (SROs) and their role in the context of school safety have become a popular topic of research. In this study, I analyze data from 31,156 students from over 100 schools in Kentucky to better understand how students perceive SROs and the impact of SROs on their perceptions of school safety. The findings reveal that males, students who liked having an SRO at their school, students who saw their SRO at several locations on campus during the typical school day, and students who viewed their SRO as more than a law enforcer felt safer at …

"Swamp Thing: Alligators, Symbolism, And The Meaning Of Animals In The American South, Nathan Drake

Theses and Dissertations

Humans form lasting and unique relationships with the natural world and, by extension, the organisms and animals who have for millennia carved out niche environments. Scholars and general observers agree—at least in principle—that human beings have actively shaped (for better and for worse) the habitats, behaviors, and population of the Earth’s creatures. In turn, those spaces and animals have influenced not only how humans think of the natural world, but also of humanity itself. Animals, in other words, help humans understand themselves.1 This dissertation is a history of the American Alligator. A study of human interactions with alligators can reveal …

Examining Career And Technical Education Practitioner Preparation And Professional Development Needs, Shane Wilson Lange

Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative study was used to investigate Illinois automotive educator professional development needs and to identify the demographic landscape of Illinois secondary and post-secondary automotive teachers. The study should bring a greater understanding of what automotive teachers feel they need to learn in order to continue as successful educators. A modified Borich (1980) needs assessment model was used to identify the perceived importance and ability levels for 32 professional competencies. Mean Weighted Discrepancy Scores (MWDS) were calculated using the importance and ability scores in order to report the professional development need. The administered survey was also utilized to examine their …

Cyber Risk Assessment And Scoring Model For Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Dillon M. Pettit

Theses and Dissertations

The commercial-off-the-shelf small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) market is expanding rapidly in response to interest from hobbyists, commercial businesses, and military operators. The core commercial mission set directly relates to many current military requirements and strategies, with a priority on short range, low cost, real time aerial imaging, and limited modular payloads. These small vehicles present small radar cross sections, low heat signatures, and carry a variety of sensors and payloads. As with many new technologies, security seems secondary to the goal of reaching the market as soon as innovation is viable. Research indicates a growth in exploits and vulnerabilities …

Optimizing The Environmental And Economic Sustainability Of Contingency Base Infrastructure, Jamie E. Filer

Theses and Dissertations

Contingency bases are often located in remote areas with limited access to established infrastructure grids. This isolation leads to standalone systems comprised of inefficient, resource-dependent infrastructure, which yields a significant logistical burden, creates negative environmental impacts, and increases costs. Planners can mitigate these negative impacts by selecting sustainable technologies. However, such alternatives often come at a higher procurement cost and mobilization requirement. Accordingly, this study aims to develop and implement a novel infrastructure sustainability assessment model capable of optimizing the tradeoffs between environmental and economic performance of infrastructure alternatives.

Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On Education For Employment: (Learning And Employability Framework), Akram Marwan

Theses and Dissertations

Sustainable development has been a global goal and one of the key enablers to achieve the sustainable development goals is by securing decent jobs. However, decent jobs rely on the quality of education an individual has got, which value the importance of studying new education for employment frameworks that work. With the evolution of artificial intelligence that is influencing every industry and field in the world, there is a need to understand the impact of such technology on the education for employment process. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and assess how AI can foster the education for …

Assessing The Impact Of Crisis Intervention Team (Cit) Training And Local Mental Health Resource Availability On Officer Perceptions Of Efficacy In Responding To The Mentally Ill, Chelsea Jordan Bennett

Theses and Dissertations

Police officers are often the first responders to emergency mental health and crisis situations, with almost one-third of all mental health referrals stemming from law enforcement interaction. As a result of deinstitutionalization, a large number of mentally ill individuals have become involved in the criminal justice system and brought to police attention, resulting in unnecessary arrests and an overrepresentation of individuals with mental illness in jail populations. Recent decarceration trends have now placed the focus on diverting individuals with mental illness into treatment. However, officers often lack the proper skills, training, and knowledge of how to interact with individuals with …

Organizational Factors That Contribute To The Persistence Of Two-Year Transfer Athletes At Division I Four-Year Institutions: A Multiple Case Study, Mensah Peterson

Theses and Dissertations

This multiple case study identifies the organizational factors that contribute to the persistence of two-year transfer athletes at two Division I four-year institutions in the Northeast Region Conference. This study utilized both quantitative and qualitative approaches as well as Berger and Milem's (2001) theoretical framework of organizational behavior and student outcomes to 1) identify the most prevalent two-year transfer athlete experiences; 2) find out how the most prevalent experiences, at each institution, contribute to their persistence and 3) identify the organizational dimensions two-year transfer athletes perceived as contributing to their most prevalent experiences. The findings showed that athletic experiences were …

Understanding The Distinctive Presentations Of Therapist Countertransference With Cluster B Personality Disorders, Sara Ashley Florence

Theses and Dissertations

Countertransference is one of several therapist variables that have been demonstrated to impact the quality of the therapeutic alliance. CT that is understood and managed by the therapist has the potential to serve as a tool in better understanding the patient, which puts the therapist in a better position to intervene therapeutically. CT that are emotionally charged can be more difficult to manage, and CT reactions tend to be especially emotionally intense when working with patients with Cluster B personality disorders (PDs). A better understanding of specific CT reactions to each Cluster B PD might aid in diagnosis and treatment …