Digital Commons Network^™

“Redefining The Fortress” Migrant Experiences, Adaptation And Connection Within Serbian Borderlands, Nicholas J. Leone

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract This thesis seeks to examine migrant experiences due to Serbia's geopolitical significance along the so-called Balkan route, and how this is specifically exemplified in the northern autonomous region of Vojvodina. Serbia’s position outside the external border of the European Union has caused it to be a strategic transit point for migrants en route to desired destinations, typically within Western and Northern Europe. However, the European Union’s externalization policies in partnership with Serbian authorities have played an extensive role in migration mobility patterns and humanitarian conditions for migrants traversing within the Serbian borderlands, specifically along the border with Hungary. The …

Exploring The Role Of Religious Media In Shaping Public Perceptions Towards Climate Change In Egypt, Hebatullah Ashour Abdel Fatah Ibrahim Ashour

Theses and Dissertations

Climate change poses significant threats globally, with particular vulnerability noted in developing nations like Egypt. While effective communication is crucial for societal engagement, the role of influential actors like religious media within specific cultural contexts remains under-explored. This thesis investigates the role and communication practices of religious media (Islamic and Coptic Christian) concerning climate change in Egypt, a country where religious institutions command significant public trust and influence. Existing literature highlights gaps in understanding how these specific media outlets navigate and frame climate change discourse.

Employing Framing Theory and Communication for Development (DevCom) Theory as a combined framework, this study …

The Craft Of Tally: Tracing Marketability And Economic Sustainability Of Crafts, Mariam Mabrouk

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the marketability and economic sustainability of the Tally craft in Gezeirit

Shandaweel, Sohag, Egypt, with a focus on how the craft navigates the tension between cultural

preservation and economic adaptation. Tally, a traditional form of embroidery, has deep cultural

roots in Egypt but faces significant challenges due to global market dynamics, shifting consumer

preferences, and systemic institutional neglect. Through an ethnographic case study, this research

investigates how artisans, institutions, and market forces interact to shape the craft's future. The

study examines the role of cultural perceptions, innovation, and institutional support in fostering

or hindering Tally's economic viability. …

The Sealed Palace: How Direct Access To The Supreme Constitutional Court Can Bridge The Gaps In Constitutional Review In Egypt, Ahmed Sameh Fahmi

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the limitations of Egypt’s current constitutional review system and argues for the introduction of a direct access mechanism to the Supreme Constitutional Court (SCC). Under Egypt’s centralized model of judicial review, individuals are restricted to indirect access through ordinary courts, which has resulted in significant procedural and substantive inefficiencies. The referral-based mechanism of judicial review of legislation has caused delays in adjudicating constitutional claims, the insulation of certain laws from review, legislative omissions, and excessive gatekeeping by lower courts. Through a comparative analysis of direct access models in Colombia, Germany, Turkey, and South Africa, the thesis identifies …

The Instrumentalization Of The Unprivileged Combatants By Western Countries Aimed To Oppress National Liberation Wars, Fares Mahmoud Def-Allah Abdelhamid

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is purported to be the humanization of wars. Nonetheless, the atrocities committed in wars and the war criminals’ impunity suggest the failure of IHL. Notwithstanding, some voices call for reforming and developing IHL. In contrast, this thesis argues that IHL should be rejected entirely since the distinction between privileged and unprivileged combatants indicates that IHL is biased against anti-colonizers. It is biased in three senses. Firstly, IHL, particularly the distinction between privileged and unprivileged combatants, is dominated by Western rationality, which can be noticed in the domination of the civilization concept with its …

Growing Pains: Relations Between Racial Discrimination And Body Esteem With Ethnic-Racial Identity By Pubertal Timing For Female Adolescents Of Color, Emily J. Takamasa

Theses and Dissertations

Puberty is a near-universal experience among adolescents, and yet rarely have researchers considered the racialized contexts and salience it has, for girls of color. Using the phenomenological variant of ecological systems theory (PVEST), this study examines the relation between pubertal timing, body esteem, racial discrimination and ethnic racial identity (ERI) components (affirmation, exploration, resolution) among adolescent girls of color (n = 218, Mage = 15.7, U.S. sample). Results showed that higher body esteem predicted greater ERI exploration and resolution, particularly for girls with average or late pubertal timing. Additionally, racial discrimination was linked to higher ERI exploration and resolution only …

Predicting Secondary Mathematics-For-Teaching Knowledge Using Beliefs, Experience, And School Culture: A Hierarchical Regression Analysis, Adam R. Brulhardt

Theses and Dissertations

Research in recent decades has supported the notion that practice-based mathematical knowledge is crucial for effective teaching, playing an important role in enacting reform-oriented instruction required for improving student achievement. Despite its importance, teachers—especially novices—require more support in acquiring such knowledge, an ongoing challenge exacerbated by teacher shortages. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine whether collaborative school culture (CSC) explained variance in knowledge of algebra for teaching (KAT) beyond variance explained by mathematics-related beliefs and years of teaching experience for U.S. secondary teachers. Measures within an online Qualtrics survey included the Beliefs About Mathematics and Teaching Scale …

Quantum-Chemical Modeling Of Mechanisms And Selectivity In Open-Shell Organometallic Reactions, Michael T. Davenport

Theses and Dissertations

Quantum mechanical calculations have emerged as a powerful approach for directly evaluating reaction mechanisms and selectivity in transition metal-ligand complexes involving organometallic intermediates. Density functional theory (DFT) quantum mechanical methods enable the generation of potential energy surfaces and structures that define reaction mechanisms and allow for the evaluation of selectivity through statistical transition state theory. However, in certain cases, it is necessary to go beyond statistical treatments and incorporate atomic motion through molecular dynamics simulations. Additionally, many transition metal-mediated reactions involve unpaired electrons and spin state crossings. This dissertation focuses on the application of DFT-derived potential energy surfaces and molecular …

Rapid Beamformer Weight Calibration Update Method For The Advanced L-Band Phased Array Camera For Astronomy (Alpaca), Kayla Lyman Ward

Theses and Dissertations

The Advanced L-Band Phased Array Camera for Astronomy (ALPACA) is a phased array feed instrument designed for the Green Bank Telescope. It is capable of producing 40 real-time beams on the sky, widening the telescope's field of view and significantly increasing survey speed. ALPACA employs an RF-over-fiber (RFoF) signal transport system from the phased array feed front end to the digital backend. This RFoF link is expected to introduce phase delays and changes in gain through out the course of an observation, invalidating the beamformer weights previously calculated. This work presents rapid beamformer weight calibration updates for ALPACA, a method …

Development And Pilot Evaluation Of A Math Intervention Program To Increase Number Sense Proficiency Of Second Grade Students, Susan Galloza

Theses and Dissertations

Students continue to function below grade level proficiency in math and thus, the need for effective intervention. The purpose of this study was to develop and examine the efficacy of a targeted number sense intervention for second grade students. Specifically, the study examined the benefits of an intervention, analyzed number sense as an essential foundational skill, and determined if proficiency in number sense leads to math proficiency. Employing a quasi-experimental design, an intervention was implemented in 14 weeks for students who demonstrated a deficit in number sense and outcomes were assessed using multiple measures. Primary findings indicated that students who …

Expanding A Standardized Reading Program Utilizing Research-Based Literacy Practices, Culturally Responsive Teaching, And Teacher Decision Making, Jacalyn Marie Gizara

Theses and Dissertations

The reading achievement disparities between diverse learners and their advantaged peers has been at the forefront of education for decades (Hammond, 2015; Kelley et al., 2015; Ladson-Billings, 2006; Paschall et al., 2017; Pitre, 2014). Educational policies have attempted to close the achievement gap and address the inequitable practices school systems place on our youth (Paschall et al, 2017; Pitre, 2014). However, teachers can lead in the profession and create positive change for students’ school experiences and learning outcomes. The purpose of this action research study was to enhance the prepackaged reading program with thematic units, culturally responsive teaching, and research-based …

Experiences Of Mother-Special Educators With A Disabled Child: A Narrative Inquiry Analysis, Estyr Bomgardner

Theses and Dissertations

Women who are both special educators and mothers of one or more children with disabilities are uniquely positioned in both mothering and disability discourse. In narratives about mothering, having a child with a disability shifts the mothering discourse away from meeting the expectations of good mothering towards deficit-oriented perspectives of both the mother and their child. In narratives about disability, mothers are expected to align with broader societal views that disability is a problem that needs to be fixed. In this study, I used a narrative inquiry approach to ask mothers and special educators to share their stories about mothering, …

First-Year Experience Peer Mentors And Theory Of Generativity; A Generic Qualitative Study, Marie Haughton Flocco

Theses and Dissertations

Student retention is an intricate dilemma for all institutions of higher education. While college enrollment continues to increase, degree completion rates are not keeping pace. Research shows that most students who drop out of college do so during the first year of enrollment. In an effort to address student retention during the first year and ultimately increase completion rates, colleges and universities invest significant resources in what has become known as First-Year Experience (FYE). Peer mentoring programs, in particular, are often an essential aspect of FYE programming because of the successful outcomes reported by mentees. This generic qualitative study diverges …

Leading The Way For Better Stem Education: Perceived Leadership, Self-Efficacy, And Commitment Among Stem Teachers, Celina Fayez Fanik Bray

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the relationships among leadership, self-efficacy, and commitment in STEM high school teachers. Grounded in social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1986) and self-determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985), the study was guided by three hypotheses: (1) STEM teachers perceived leadership is significantly related to self-efficacy; (2) STEM teachers perceived leadership is significantly related to commitment to teaching; and (3) self-efficacy mediates the relationship between STEM teachers perceived leadership and commitment. This study employed a quantitative cross-sectional research approach that specifically used descriptive correlational design to examine possible relationships among perceived leadership, self-efficacy, and commitment in STEM high school teachers …

Recruitment And Retention Of Men Of Color In A Higher Education Initiative Program, Jamar Isaiah Green

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is on the recruitment and retention of men of color in higher education initiative programs. The study focuses on the Project Educate Men program at Mid-Atlantic University. The purpose of the study was to understand how recruitment and retention could be improved in programs like Project Educate Men and what makes students who enter through such programs successful and unsuccessful. This study also discusses mentorship relationships between mentors and their mentees and what makes for strong relationships and communication amongst the individuals. The findings in this multiple methods study yielded that a program like Project Educate Men is …

Wireless Bus Interconnects For Enhanced Small Satellite System Integration And Reliability, Adam Fifth

Theses and Dissertations

In small satellite engineering systems, managing numerous subsystem interconnections presents a significant design challenge directly impacting mission success. Traditional CubeSat subsystems rely on the PC/104 header system for integration, which consumes substantial board area and adds considerable vertical spacing between subsystems. This rigid wired architecture severely restricts subsystem density, complicates assembly and testing procedures, and prevents reconfiguration of interconnections after deployment. This dissertation presents a transformative approach to satellite subsystem integration by developing and validating a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) wireless interconnect system replacing traditional wired connections. This research addresses wireless implementation challenges. Through iterative prototype development, I demonstrate a …

Hierarchy Viz: A Visual Analytics Framework For Visualizing Hierarchical Data Using Machine Learning, Vinay Kumar Uppalapati

Theses and Dissertations

Automated visualization systems aim to generate visualizations directly from raw data with minimal user inputs. However, while existing systems focus on data visualizations mainly using line charts and scatter plots to explore the data patterns, they struggle with hierarchical data representation where data relationship is essential. Hierarchical visualization, crucial for understanding multi-level relationships, typically requires users to manually define hierarchies and have expertise in visualization tools to create meaningful representations. This makes the process complex, time-consuming, and reliant on domain knowledge. To address this, we propose HierarchyViz, an automated system that detects multiple hierarchies in raw datasets and generates intuitive …

Veterans And Higher Education: How Military Service Affects The College Student Experience, Sean M. Berryman

Theses and Dissertations

Higher education has, in the past, paved the road to success for many Americans. Since it currently seems to be the consensus in American society, in general, that a college degree is needed to secure a good job, which leads to a good income in order to provide for oneself and one’s family, college is the road most Americans choose in order to achieve these goals. Since World War II (WWII), veterans have increasingly sought college degrees post-service to bring them in line with their civilian counterparts: they obtained experience in the military, now the degree gives veterans the opportunity …

Development And Miniaturization Of Pad-Printed Carbon Electrodes For Antibody-Type Biosensing, Elizabeth Danielle Clark

Theses and Dissertations

Miniaturized, pad-printed carbon electrodes (PPCEs) offer a promising platform for antibody-type biosensors, enabling rapid and cost-effective point-of-care diagnostics. This study investigates the development, fabrication, and electrochemical performance of large and miniaturized PPCEs functionalized for antibody-type detection, with the eventual goal of detecting pancreatic cancer specific biomarkers. The PPCEs were made of silver- and carbon- based inks that were formulated to be pad printable and conductive and printed on polycarbonate film so they can be easily disposed of after use. Each PPCE was thoroughly cleaned with ethanol several times to ensure a clean base on which to adsorb antibodies and antigens. …

From Assistance To Impact: The Expanding Role Of Undergraduate Teaching Assistants In Higher Education, Erin Measom

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is presented in a three-article format. It explores the evolving role of undergraduate teaching assistants (UTAs) in higher education, with a particular focus on how they facilitate interaction, engagement, and student success in online courses. As higher education institutions expand online learning and seek innovative ways to enhance student support, UTAs have emerged as key players in bridging the gap between students and instructors. The first article provides a scoping review of the literature on UTAs, tracing their historical evolution and examining their expanding role. While traditionally viewed as logistical or grading assistants, UTAs are increasingly taking on …

Multi-Parameter Optimization Of Brine Desalination Using Machine Learning, Elaf Mman Seif

Theses and Dissertations

Air Gap Membrane Distillation (AGMD) is a promising desalination technology with significant potential for addressing global water scarcity. However, the interplay of operational parameters significantly impacts its performance, making optimization a challenging task. This research focuses on brine desalination as a means to mitigate the negative environmental impacts of brine disposal which will eventually help in provide a sustainable solution for handling brine while producing freshwater. The study seeks to develop a predictive model and optimize the AGMD process for efficient brine desalination. To achieve this, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) were utilized to develop predictive …

Game, Set, Empower: A Comparative Instagram Analysis Of Branding And Engagement In The Confederation Of African Football (Caf) Women’S And Men’S Champions League, Nour Abdelkader Ms

Theses and Dissertations

The rise of women’s football has placed new emphasis on digital branding, with social media becoming a vital space for visibility, engagement, and representation. This thesis investigates how Instagram content strategies influence fan engagement during the CAF Women’s and Men’s Champions League tournaments. Specifically, it examines the role of content type (match, behind-the-scenes, off-the-pitch, promotional), marketing orientation (organic, sponsored, collaborative), and post format (reel, carousel, photo, graphic) in shaping audience interaction.

Using an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach, the study analyzed 674 Instagram posts (276 CAFWCL, 398 CAFCL) and conducted semi-structured interviews with five digital sports professionals, including CAF digital …

The Different Roles Of Women In The Islamic State Of Iraq And Syria: An Explanation., Menan Baher Hassanein

Theses and Dissertations

Why do women not run away from a violent anti-feminist group like ISIS even though gender norms dictate that women shall be peaceful, stereotypes highlight that they are peace-loving, and rationality directs that they should not leave their patriarchal societies only to join another mini patriarchal one? This thesis aimed to answer this question and focused on non-Western ISIS female members. Notably, this study was merely interested in a gender-based explanation in the sense that it wanted to see how gender dynamics, norms and gender-related grievances push Daesh women into the group’s ranks. This study hypothesized that women join ISIS …

Deep Neural Networks For Particle Identification In Simulated Proton-Proton Collisions At Lhc And Rhic, Omar Mazhar Khalaf

Theses and Dissertations

Particle identification is an essential part of experimental high-energy physics, which allows the study of the most fundamental constituents of matter. This thesis explores the use of deep neural networks for identifying particles in simulated proton-proton collisions at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The deep neural networks were trained on LHC datasets which have various momentum ranges including regions of high transverse momentum above 3 GeV/c. The key findings of thesis include achieving an accuracy of 99.99%, 98.3%, and 90.14% for 3-5 pt, 5-7 pt and above 7 pt regions respectively for the …

Image-Based Models For Left Heart Flow Morphodynamics In Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy, Abdelrahman A. Sultan

Theses and Dissertations

Relieving flow obstruction in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy is highly effective in reducing symptoms and promoting left ventricular remodeling. However, existing characteristics in the disease, such as the systolic anterior motion of the mitral, mitral regurgitation, and papillary muscle motion, and their effect on ventricular flow and vortex formation, have not been thoroughly addressed. This study aims to develop image-based computational fluid dynamics models to evaluate flow morphodynamics in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. A computational fluid dynamics model is constructed to investigate the interaction between inflow and outflow in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, with a focus on how the motion of the left …

Development Of Preventive Dental Guidelines In The Primary Healthcare Setting In Egypt: A Delphi Method, Basant Mehriz

Theses and Dissertations

This study addresses the critical need for standardized preventive dental care guidelines within Egypt's primary healthcare system amid the rising burden of oral diseases. Through a systematic two-phase methodology combining a comprehensive literature review and a Delphi consensus-building process engaging 35 dental professionals, the research established priorities for contextually appropriate preventive measures. The consensus framework revealed strong support for clinical interventions (mean of 83% agreement), particularly fluoride-based prevention; community initiatives (mean of 83%), especially school-based programs; policy measures (mean of 77%) such as workforce and educational development, though with variable support for taxation and social determinants approaches. Statistical analysis demonstrated …

Elite Cohesion And Its Historical Sources: Analyzing Its Impact On Democratization In Nigeria And Botswana, Aliaa Magdy Aboutera

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the divergent democratization trajectories of Botswana and Nigeria, focusing on the role of colonial legacies and post-colonial elites in shaping elite cohesion. While both countries experienced British colonial rule, their transitions to democracy in the post-independence period have differed significantly. This study argues that elite cohesion, although insufficient on its own, is a critical facilitating factor in democratic consolidation that warrants greater attention in the democratization literature. This cohesion is largely shaped by the sociology of political elites, with historical contexts influencing how elites organize. Through process tracing, the thesis argues that colonialism in Botswana did not …

Negotiating The Canon: Arab Women Romantic Poets Jamila Al-ʿAlayli And Zahra Al-Hurr, Osama Amer

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the engagement of two Arab romantic women poets, Jamila al-ʿAlayli and Zahra al-Hurr, with the Arabic literary canon, focusing on how they negotiated their positions within the canon. Despite being active contributors to the Arabic romantic movement, their works remain overlooked in literary histories and anthologies. The study explores the modes of canonization, such as gender essentialism, exceptionalism, and socio-political engagement, by which the canon operates. Through a feminist lens, this research analyzes selected poems, autobiographical texts, articles, interviews, and critical writings by both poets, highlighting their distinct strategies for challenging and reshaping their literary status. Al-ʿAlayli …

An Llm Approach For Automating The Analysis Of Bim (Ifc) Data, Miral Selim

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis introduces a novel methodology for automating the analysis of Building Information Modeling (BIM) data using LangGraph, an advanced extension of the LangChain framework, and integrating Google’s Gemini Large Language Model (LLM) with IfcOpenShell. BIM, and specifically Industry Foundation Class (IFC) files, are widely used in the construction industry for representing and managing building data. However, analyzing this data effectively remains a significant challenge due to its volume and complexity. Additionally, analyzing BIM data typically requires knowledge of different BIM software depending on the application. This research addresses this challenge by creating a workflow that utilizes LangGraph’s ability to …

Removal Of Fluoroquinolones From Water Systems Employing Rice Husk Composited Sponges Via Nanoadsorption, Dalia Kanaa

Theses and Dissertations

A novel nanocomposite of polyvinyl alcohol formaldehyde (PVF) sponge loaded with green zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP) and referred to as (NP-PVF) was fabricated as a potential adsorbent of ciprofloxacin from water. A simple mechanical foaming process was used to synthesize the adsorbent. Rice husk extract was used to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP) for its phytochemicals as reducing agents. A facile and low-energy-dependent extraction method was used that did not require the use of high-temperature annealing. The synthesized nanoparticles showed a maximum UV absorption at 347 nm, which corresponds to a 3.58 eV band gap energy. FTIR confirmed the successful …