Digital Commons Network^™

Effectiveness Of Trainings Funded By Development Partners In Egyptian Government Organizations, Mariam Walid

Theses and Dissertations

The thesis explores the effectiveness of trainings provided through development partner funding to the Egyptian government. Egypt is receiving a moderate amount of funding from development partner, as an emerging economy . The development assistance reached 1.56 billion US dollars where a good amount of it is directed towards capacity development and training. In light of the current public administration reform, specifically the efforts in public administration reform, Egypt needs skillful employees to enhance the governmental performance and help it achieve its strategic 2030 vision. Accordingly, it is very important to understand the effectiveness of the trainings provided by development …

The Application Of Graph Technology For Improving Entity Resolution Results In The Context Of Group Membership, Md Abdus Salam Siddique

Theses and Dissertations

The main objective of Entity resolution (ER) is to find duplicate records within the same data table from the same source or different data tables from various sources. A traditional pair-wise supervised entity resolution matching depends on pre-built rules for finding matched records. On the other hand, unsupervised or semisupervised also relies on pair-wise matching. In the maximum case, group membership is left behind for consideration. In this dissertation, I have discussed the design, implementation and evaluation of a graph-based entity resolution for group membership to enhance the pair-wise matching ER system. I have designed and implemented a pipeline for …

Integrating Multiliteracies In A Third Grade Classroom To Enhance Student Engagement And Motivation, Rebecca K. Mcdonough

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study is to investigate the growth in student motivation and engagement through a multiliteracy lens. The specific aim is to explore what happens when a traditional writing unit is replaced with a multiliteracy writing unit that utilizes multimodal components. The students demonstrated changes in how they perceived themselves as writers and how they viewed writing in general. The implications for teaching writing with a multiliteracy approach is also discussed.

Design Of A Non-Destructive System For Arctic Permafrost Detection Via High Frequency Electromagnetic Induction, Gray Dominic Thurston

Theses and Dissertations

Electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensors have been utilized in the past by the United States Army Corps of Engineers as a method of detecting unexploded ordnance (UXO). Recently, an EMI instrument was constructed that extended the traditional EMI frequency range from 100 kHz to 15 MHz to aid in the detection of nonmetallic ordnance, landmines, and improvised explosive devices. Building on this research, the iFROST mapper project aims to use the same high-frequency (HF) EMI technique to characterize arctic soil and subsurface permafrost deposits. Based on a device used by the US Army for UXO detection, an HF EMI instrument was …

Polyethyleneimine Shell Nucleic Acid Nanostructures From Gold Nanoparticle Template For Chemotherapeutic Drug Delivery, Brendan Guy Rucci

Theses and Dissertations

The next generation of anticancer agents will emerge from rationally designed nanostructured materials. This work involved the synthesis and characterization of novel hollow DNA-conjugated gold nanoparticles (DNA-AuNPs) for controlled drug delivery. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) was bound to citrate-capped AuNPs, forming polymer-shell nanoparticles. Dissolution of the gold core via iodine formed hollow core polymeric nanoparticles (HCPPs) and a high density of DNA (85 molecules/particle) containing daunorubicin was conjugated. Particles were spherical with an average diameter of 105.7±17.3 nm and zeta potential of 20.4±3.54 mV. We hypothesize the DNA backbone electrostatically condensed to the primary amines on the surface of the particle toroidally, …

The Fight For Freedmen's Minds In Arkansas, Ellis Eugene Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

Arkansas was one of the last states to develop a public primary and secondary school system for African American students. While education was for the most part privatized, an important philosophy for educating African Americans was developed early by the Free African Society and AME Church that influenced Arkansas public and private Freedman education. This thesis looks into that and competing philosophies and examines how obstacles were presented to impede African American education and thereby obstruct their entry socially, economically and politically into American society. Moreover, how elites knowingly and repeatedly attempted to install a defective educational system that would …

Development And Prediction Of A Construction Price Index In Egypt, Mohamed Ramadan

Theses and Dissertations

Cost overrun is one of the most recurring issues in the Egyptian construction industry. The effect is not only on the construction industry ,but also influences the overall economy of a country like Egypt. Therefore, a construction performance index and a construction price index could be an integral indicator of the performance of the industry. These indices can reduce construction companies’ losses and decrease the effect of any sudden economic depression on the construction industry. Several research were conducted to predict construction indices. However, many uncertainties disturb the prediction of these indices. The trend in the prediction models for construction …

Psikologjia Forenzike Në Procesin E Hetimit Penal: Raste Studimi Nga Praktika Gjyqësore E Kosovës, Tringë Arifi

Theses and Dissertations

Psychological Forensics is a very important science in the criminal procedure since it incorporates the psycho-social factors of the crime. This approach is seen as logical and necessary even in the countries where the Justice System is advanced, which throughout this paper we have treated as references and then we have compared them with the Justice System in Kosovo. Linking psychology to judicial practice is seen necessary because many perpetrators of criminal offenses end up in prison due to the so-called guilty-mind. Appropriate methods were used for the theoretical-methodological analysis, in the implementation of which the contemporary literature by relevant …

A 3d Bioprinted Hydrogel Microfluidic Device For Screening Applications, Anant Bhusal

Theses and Dissertations

The microfluidic enabled the integration of engineered miniaturized tissue models for drug screening. Conventional polydimethylsiloxane or plastic-based devices require multiple fabrication steps, which are challenging. We developed a 3D bioprinting approach to create prototypes of hydrogel-based multi-material microfluidic devices integrated with microtissue models. The approach utilizes poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and gelatin-methacryloyl to create microfluidic chips using multi-material bioprinting capacity with a high resolution of 15µm on x-y and 50µm on the z-axis and post-printing viability of >90%. We demonstrated easy regulation of stiffness from 24±5 kPa to 1,180±9 kPa and burst pressure from 16±1kPa to 256±19 kPa in the chip …

The Effects Of Target Facial Stimuli Race, Emotional Expression, And Time Delay On Facial Recognition Memory, Makayla Smullin

Theses and Dissertations

Emotional expression, race, and length of time between initially seeing the face and subsequent recognition potentially contribute to face recognition. In this study, race and emotional expression of the facial stimuli, and time delay between study and test were manipulated. A sample of 91 participants was recruited from Illinois State University. Participants completed a study session and two test phases evaluating facial recognition performance of racially Black and White facial stimuli. Target images from the RADIATE face stimulus set (Conley et al., 2018; Tottenham et al., 2009) were used in this study. Faces were presented with either a happy or …

The Association Between Civic Engagement Via Participatory Art And Adolescents’ Self-Esteem And Self-Efficacy, Michaela Ann Hayes

Theses and Dissertations

Civic engagement refers to actions taken by individuals to address issues of public concern, which can come in many forms including engagement in art. Participation in these activities can have positive impacts on the individual, including improved mental and physical health, as well as on the community through increased appreciation for differences and acquisition of values such as tolerance. The Bioecological Model suggests that an individual's participation in civic activities is influenced by the various levels of their environment. These experiences may be particularly impactful for adolescents. Indeed, adolescents who participated in civic engagement activities have been found to have …

The Effect Of Alcohol On Lipid Membrane-Membrane Fusion And Snare Proteins, Robert E. Coffman

Theses and Dissertations

Currently the treatment of alcohol use disorder is very difficult and often requires the combination of therapy and medications, with many who undertake treatment experiencing relapse over time. There is also no treatment in use to prevent the development of alcohol use disorder. It is the aim of this work to provide information that may be useful for the development of a preventative treatment for developing alcohol use disorder by elucidating more of the acute effects of alcohol use. It is known that these effects originate in the brain. Within the brain are circuits made up of neurons that communicate …

Language Maintenance And Proficiency Of World Language Teachers, Anna E. Robison

Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this study was to examine the current proficiency strengths and weaknesses of practicing K-12 non-native WL teachers in the states of Utah and Oklahoma. Data were gathered through a survey and the OPIc diagnostic grid. The results revealed what features of Function, Accuracy, Content, and Text Type were strengths and weaknesses for OPIc ratings Intermediate High, Advanced Low, Advanced Mid, and Advanced High. The self-reported OPI scores compared to the OPIc scores found an encouraging rate of TL maintenance and improvement. The language maintenance activities reported by the participants revealed the frequency with which they engage in …

Building Authentic Relationships: Creating A Supportive Environment For Black, Indigenous, And / Or People Of Color, Kimberly M. Norton

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

BUILDING AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS: CREATING A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR BLACK, INDIGENOUS, AND/OR PEOPLE OF COLOR

Kimberly NortonIllinois State University

Research suggests that the Covid-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the need for mental health support, with an alarming increase in the number of adolescents reporting that their mental health has worsened during this period (Rodriguez, 2022). Well before the pandemic, substantial evidence indicated that young people were facing a rising tide of mental ill-health, including anxiety, depressive symptoms, psychological distress, and suicide. The transitionary period to adulthood is a developmentally sensitive time, and mental illness is diagnosed heavily during this phase. …

Smart 360-Degree Photography For Enhancing Construction Progress Reporting, Ahmed Bahakim

Theses and Dissertations

Periodical construction progress reports are essential in project evaluation and review. They impact stakeholder communication, transparency, and trust. While conventional pictures and videos (Captured Data) are currently the norm in supporting progress reporting, their use is not always efficient. As a result, 360-degree photography can now be integrated into progress reports using commercial products. However, there is a shortage of academic studies that actually assess the effectiveness of such tools. The goal of this research is to develop and test a user-friendly framework for progress reporting that integrates 360-degree photography.

The research started by collecting information from construction experts to …

Comparative Metabolite Profiling And Fingerprinting Of Mature And Immature Grains Of Different Species Using A Multiplex Approach Of Lc-Ms And Gc-Ms Coupled To Chemometrics, Doaa Bahaa Abdelhalim Saied

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of the current study was the assessment of heterogeneity amongst metabolites of 5 cereal and leguminous grains of different species, and cultivars i.e., Triticum aestivum L., Hordeum vulgare L., Vicia faba L. & Cicer arietinum L. at different maturity stages. Gas chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC-MS) post silylation technique was employed for nutrients profiling. A total of 70 peaks belonging to sugars, fatty acids/esters/steroids and organic acids were identified including sucrose, melibiose, glucose and fructose as major sugars, butyl caprylate, hydroxybutanoic acid and malic acid to contribute for the discrimination between grain species and different maturity …

The Influence Of The Abraham Accords On The Visual Coverage Of The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict In Arab Media: A Comparative Analysis, Mona Alsaba

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the influence of the official signing of the Abraham Accords on the Arab media visual coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This study operationalized visual frames in terms of the human-interest vs technical frame and peace vs war frame, and explored the use of graphic portrayal as a framing device, in order to compare between the Arab media visual framing of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict before and after the official signing of the Abraham Accords to examine the impact of foreign policy on the coverage among news outlets of different Arab countries. A comparative analysis was conducted relying on …

Community Detection Via Persistent Homology Surfaces, Abigail Jenkins

Theses and Dissertations

Network science continues to be an area of growing interest. In this thesis we introduce new methods of analyzing the structure of networks through the use of persistent homology. We propose the notion of a network's persistent surface, which allows us to visualize a vertex's relation to the whole network from a purely homological point of view. We further introduce a method of persistent surface community detection that finds vertices that play the same structural role in the network. We describe how these concepts provide the basis for an equivalence class among the vertices of a network, and provide many …

A Networked Radar System For Tracking Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Douglas Graff

Theses and Dissertations

Tracking small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS) becomes increasingly important with their increased use in populated areas. We propose an effective tracking solution for SUAS using a networked system of one-dimensional scanning radars. Tracking SUAS with a network of radar systems requires extrinsic calibration of each radar to a common frame. We provide a calibration solution using an orthogonal Procrustes formulation that associates radar measurements from the ground-mounted radar to real-time-kinematic Global Positioning System (RTK-GPS) data. Two variations of the calibration are presented, an online and batch processing method. Outdoor hardware experiments validate the capabilities of the radar network in tracking …

Metamorphis, Luca Lee Sobarzo Faust

Theses and Dissertations

Web3D interactive experience that explores time, communication, and transformation, from a personal storytelling perspective. Hosted on a web platform, the experience displays three environments: Metamorphis, Cuir AI, and Hain. These spaces propose a fragmented narrative that seeks to interrogate both the characters and the viewer’s perception on the linearity of time

Enhancing Sustainable Process Designs Through Strategic Material Utilization And Waste Minimization Approaches, John David Chea

Theses and Dissertations

Sustainability is a growing concern as resources are continually depleted for various applications without adequate renewal plans. The resulting impacts on the ecosystem, health, and resource circularity are often overlooked. This research analyzes improvement opportunities at each major stage in a product's life cycle. Raw material acquisition, product synthesis, process waste management, and the fate of a material in the end-of-life phases were examined. The viability of utilizing renewable resources has been demonstrated in this work by extracting bio-based chemicals from underutilized renewable resources at a commercial scale and transforming the extracted resources into polymeric materials. The optimization of raw …

Using Dielectric Scatters To Selectively Excite Embedded Eigenstates In Cavity Resonators, Olugbenga Joshua Gbidi

Theses and Dissertations

Bound states in the continuum (BICs) are waves that remain in the continuous spectrum of radiating waves that carry energy, however, still localized within the spectrum. BICs, also embedded eigenmodes, exhibit high quality factors that have been observed in optical and acoustic waveguides, photonic structures, and other material systems. Presently, there are limited means to select these BICs in terms of the quality factor and their excitation. In this work, we show that a different type of BIC, Quasi-BICs (Q-BICs), in open resonators can have their quality attuned by introducing embedded scatters. Using microwave cavities and dielectric scatters as an …

Machine Learning Models Interpretability For Malware Detection Using Model Agnostic Language For Exploration And Explanation, Ikuromor Mabel Ogiriki

Theses and Dissertations

The adoption of the internet as a global platform has birthed a significant rise in cyber-attacks of various forms ranging from Trojans, worms, spyware, ransomware, botnet malware, rootkit, etc. In order to tackle the issue of all these forms of malware, there is a need to understand and detect them. There are various methods of detecting malware which include signature, behavioral, and machine learning. Machine learning methods have proven to be the most efficient of all for malware detection. In this thesis, a system that utilizes both the signature and dynamic behavior-based detection techniques, with the added layer of the …

Greywater Treatment Using Integrated Sand Filtration With Ultrafiltration For Reuse, Aya El-Wattar

Theses and Dissertations

Membrane flux was observed and the two membrane sizes that achieved stable flux were chosen to be used in the later stages of the study. The chosen membranes were of 300 kDa and 400 kDa Molecular Weight Cutoff (MWCO).

The third phase of the study involved running the full system on synthetic greywater then on real greywater. The parameters investigated were COD, TSS, Turbidity and BOD₅. Total COD removal after sand filtration, 300kDa UF and 400 kDa UF was 65, 66 and 73.4% respectively. Total TSS removal after sand filtration, 300kDa UF and 400 kDa UF was 93.1, …

How European Countries Violate Refugee's Rights In A Legal Way?, Esraa Osama Hanafy

Theses and Dissertations

The problem that refugees and asylum seekers encounter everyday lies in the global system order that uses International Law in favor of the “civilized”. “International recognition and protection of rights, including rights to the basic necessities for life, coexist with a normative and institutional order that systematically undermines those rights so that at the same time international law contributes to their violation”. And international law contributes to the violation of refugees’ rights in order to keep them away from sharing the wealth collected by the European man on their lands. The Human Rights system is actually created and designed by …

Investigation Of The Effect Of Senescence On Daily Activity Patterns In Male Octopus Insularis, Mariam Steinblatt

Theses and Dissertations

Senescent male octopuses often show comparatively increased activity. We observed daily activity for an adult male Octopus insularis. The subject's diurnal behavior was marked movement or stationary to observe differences. Movement increased over 26 days, but the difference was non-significant. The observation period was likely short, and the subject already senescent.

Diseño Instruccional En La Planeación Didáctica Del Programa Académico De Contaduría Pública En Una Universidad Privada De Colombia, Rafael Humberto Pinzon Alfonso

Theses and Dissertations

El propósito de esta investigación fue analizar el diseño instruccional en la planeación didáctica de los cursos del área financiera (matemáticas, análisis financiero y administración financiera) del programa académico de Contaduría Pública en la modalidad presencial. La metodología de esta investigación fue de corte cuantitativo no experimental, cuyo procedimiento fue el estudio de caso que permitió hacer un análisis del Diseño Instruccional en la Planeación Didáctica de los cursos del Área Financiera del programa de Contaduría Pública en una Universidad Privada en Colombia. Los participantes del estudio fueron 262 estudiantes del programa académico de Contaduría Pública de los cursos objeto …

Design And Synthesis Of Substituted N,3,3-Triphenylpropanamide And 1-Benzhydryl-N-Phenylazetidine-3-Carboxamide Analogs And Their Biological Evaluation, Michael Dorogan

Theses and Dissertations

As D₁R agonism has significant implications in the treatment of cognitive deficits, we sought to develop novel D₁R PAMs, through the derigidification of BMS D₁R PAM hit compound. While we were able to synthesize derigidified analogs of the BMS hit compound, derigidification did not produce active D₁R ligands.

How Do Differences In Giving And Receiving Social Support Predict The Frequency Of Substance Use And Polysubstance Use Among Those Who Use Opioids, Afifa Ahmed

Theses and Dissertations

Little is known about the association between giving and receiving social support and substance use frequency. This study investigates how social support can predict substance use and polysubstance use in adults who use opioids and other substances. Survey data demonstrated significant associations between giving emotional support and heroin use frequency.

Children And The Cold War: Race & Hypocrisy Amid Fear Of Nuclear War, Richard D. Mctaggart Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

During the Cold War, American propaganda centered the wellbeing of the child in its messaging warning of atomic attack at the hands of the Soviet Union. However, despite American claims that all children were valued by the United States, this was proven untrue by its unequal treatment of Black children.