Language And Power: A Critical Discourse Analysis Of Egypt’S Housing Narratives, Maram Gamal

Theses and Dissertations

The issue of housing in Egypt is an evolving historical phenomenon intricately tied to the Egyptian identity, and deeply embedded in the social and political fabric. Common language shapes actual realities and it forms an integral part of the cultural parameters. This research is a critical discourse analysis (CDA) of the housing narrative across four consecutive ruling regimes with distinct political orientations. It deploys a two-stage CDA approach. The first stage involves ideological codification of the narrative to chronologically organize them into their ideological orientations and categories. The second stage historicizes data via a dual approach, namely integrating Norman Fairclough's …

A Machine Learning Framework For Predicting Fabrication Hours For Industrial Steel Structure Projects, Dalia Ibrahim

Theses and Dissertations

Construction projects are considered high risk projects especially due to their required large capital making them require extreme attention in estimation as overestimating a project will lead to losing bids and underestimating them will lead to incurring more costs than budgeted resulting in losses. However, estimators are often faced with very tight timelines to finish their estimates leading them to primarily rely on their experience disregarding some crucial factors resulting in inaccurate estimates. In the steel structures industry, the steel fabrication phase accounts for 30 to 40% of the overall project cost; in addition, the steel industry is labor driven; …

How Do They See Us?: Unhcr's Representations Of Syrian Refugees In “Every Second Counts” Campaign, Marah Khalid

Theses and Dissertations

Representation is not just an opinion; it is the recreation of realities, facts, and stories that encourage receivers, who are readers and viewers, to build perceptions of a certain topic, objects, events, and human beings. Studying the representation of refugees in the media, UN agencies, and International organizations' press releases, videos, and images has been the main focus for many scholars for decades. However, little is known about refugees' perspectives on visuals produced by UN agencies. This research tries to add to the few studies concerning the captured human object, refugees, perspective using Hall’s encoding/decoding model (Hall, 1997) to analyze …

Feasibility Of Oil Palm Agroforestry System: Evaluating The Application Of Oil Palm Ash For Enhancing Cherry Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum. Var. Nancy Rz) Production Using Brackish Water., Ime Joseph Bassey

Theses and Dissertations

Monoculture systems of oil palm production are ravaging the world’s tropical forests, causing deforestation and biodiversity loss, which contribute to climate change at an uncontrollable pace. Oil palm agroforestry systems (AFSs), one of the strategies of regenerative agriculture, have proven to reverse the unfavorable effects of the oil palm monoculture systems. A sustainable means of soil fertilization and irrigation must be explored to improve the feasibility of oil palm AFSs. This study evaluates the impact of the application of oil palm ash and brackish irrigation on cherry tomato production. The experiment was conducted in a hydroponic system using a 2*4 …

Machine Learning Multimodal Framework For Fake News Detection And Mitigation, Nada A. Gaballah

Theses and Dissertations

Social media has become our new reality, people wake up every morning and the first thing they do before getting out of bed, is check their social media. Nowadays, people rarely read newspapers, they even rarely watch TV news or listen to radio broadcasts. In recent years, we have witnessed lots of fake news roaming social media every second, with people simply believing it and spreading it even more without checking the credibility of this news. This fake news affected several domains like what happened in the US election in 2016 and again in 2020, the false information about Covid-19 …

Impact Of Nano And Micro Analysis Studies On The Sustainability Of Products And Components, Ahmed A. Nour

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The emergence of Nano and Micro analysis has marked the beginning of a new era of substantial advancements across research disciplines and various industries. Utilizing Nano and Micro analysis methods and techniques holds a profound promise for advancements of materials, Healthcare and Medicine, Agricultural applications, Food science, Construction and Civil Engineering, Environmental Sustainability, Energy, and Transport & Automobile. Further, Nano and Micro analysis techniques and methods have made a substantial contribution to the 17 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). This work outlines a research endeavor that aims to investigate the impact of Nano and Micro analysis on the sustainability of …

Reading Interventionists Using Individualized Learning Plans And Instruction: A District Leader’S Response To Address Unfinished Teaching Opportunities In Reading, Nicole Almanzar

Theses and Dissertations

This action-research study explores a district leader’s experience implementing district-wide individualized learning plans (ILPs) and individualized instruction to enhance student outcomes in reading. The study utilizes collective leadership practices by collaborating with reading interventionists throughout. In addition, this study provides an alternative to the technology-based personalized learning and high-dosage tutoring models.

Literacy Instruction In Nature And The Development Of Kindergarten Literacy Skills, Lauren Angelozzi

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines what happens when literacy instruction is implemented while students are outside in nature. Relevant theories that guided this research included the Attention Restoration Theory (ART), Stress Reduction Theory (SRT), and Culturally Relevant teaching (CRT). Throughout the four week study students participated in literacy lessons outdoors that focused on journal writing outdoors, outdoor teacher read alouds, and writing outdoors using tools found in nature. The final week of the study focused on how students incorporate these literacy skills into their own outdoor free play. This qualitative research focused on data collection from various sources such as: student artifacts, …

Transforming Orthopedic Surgery: Autonomous Image-Guided Techniques For Femur Fracture Robotic Surgery, Marzieh Sadat Saeedi-Hosseiny

Theses and Dissertations

Long-bone fractures, particularly femur fractures, are prevalent and necessitate surgical intervention due to traumatic forces. Manual reduction procedures pose challenges, including excessive traction forces and reliance on limited X-ray imaging, resulting in malalignment-related complications and repeated surgeries. Current methods for femur fracture reduction are prone to inaccuracies, prolonged surgical times, and postoperative complications. This research introduces image-guided methods to automate a surgical robotic system, Robossis, to enhance femur alignment accuracy, reduce procedure times, and improve patient outcomes. To address these challenges, a marker-based approach utilizing a few X-ray images is developed to detect the spatial relative position of the femur …

Design And Fabrication Of Passive Microfluidic Devices For Enhancing Membrane-Based Biosensors, Tanner N. Wells

Theses and Dissertations

Microfluidic devices and systems have demonstrated wide applicability in sample processing and analysis. The ability to integrate sample processing and analysis into a single platform is a key benefit of microfluidic technologies. This dissertation describes the design and fabrication two types of microfluidic devices developed to enhance membrane-based biosensors. First is a device for collecting particles into a highly confined region, locally enhancing their concentration. Second is a device for size-based particle separation capable of separating differently sized particles into separate streams. Both types of devices are fabricated with a thin top layer, providing a platform for synthetic membrane-based technologies. …

The Design, Prototyping, And Validation Of A New Wearable Sensor System For Monitoring Lumbar Spinal Motion In Daily Activities, Brianna Bischoff

Theses and Dissertations

Lower back pain is a widespread problem affecting millions worldwide, because understanding its development and effective treatment remains challenging. Current treatment success is often evaluated using patient-reported outcomes, which tend to be qualitative and subjective in nature, making objective success measurement difficult. Wearable sensors can provide quantitative measurements, thereby helping physicians improve care for countless individuals around the world. These sensors also have the potential to provide longitudinal data on daily motion patterns, aiding in monitoring the progress of treatment plans for lower back pain. In this work it was hypothesized that a new wearable sensor garment that makes use …

"I Just Have Big Emotions, Okay?!": Exploring Emotional Literacy Through Picture Books, Amie L. Bigelow

Theses and Dissertations

Many children in the United States struggle with mental health issues. The increase in mental health difficulties for children and adolescents has increased so greatly after the COVID19 pandemic that it has been declared a national mental health emergency by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the Children’s Hospital Association (AAP et al., 2021). The burden to provide children with socialemotional learning, opportunities, access, and support often falls on teachers, and this burden can be particularly acute in rural communities, stemming from the limited availability of resources. Using picturebooks through means such …

Replication Study On Ostracism And Self-Isolation The Role Of Shame And Guilt, Zhi Quan Lim

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the ostracism and solitude-seeking link by conceptually replicating the two studies (Ren et al., 2016; 2022) using different methods of inducing the feeling of being ostracized in the participants. In this study, I asked participants to recall a memory of being ostracized to induce the feeling of being ostracized. I am also interested in if shame and guilt mediate this connection. One hundred and thirty-two participants took part in the study. I divided the participants into two groups (the ostracized group and the control group). After finishing the first task, the participants took a modified version of …

Manipulating Colloidal Particles Using Chemical Gradients And Top-Down Control, Mark Nichols Mcdonald

Theses and Dissertations

Colloidal particles provide the ideal building blocks for the next generation of microdevices, such as advanced sensors and precision drug delivery systems. However, many such applications require the use of top-down (i.e. humanly controllable) forces to manipulate colloidal particles with single-particle precision, and current methods can only achieve such precision for small numbers of particles at a time. To address this challenge, we propose using chemical forces in combination with existing top-down techniques to enable the control of larger numbers of particles simultaneously. Controlling colloids using chemical reactions is a novel technique not typically utilized. Due to its distinct difference …

Leveraging Biological Mechanisms In Machine Learning, Kyle J. Rogers

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis integrates biologically-inspired mechanisms into machine learning to develop novel tuning algorithms, gradient abstractions for depth-wise parallelism, and an original bias neuron design. We introduce neuromodulatory tuning, which uses neurotransmitter-inspired bias adjustments to enhance transfer learning in spiking and non-spiking neural networks, significantly reducing parameter usage while maintaining performance. Additionally, we propose a novel approach that decouples the backward pass of backpropagation using layer abstractions, inspired by feedback loops in biological systems, enabling depth-wise training parallelization. We further extend neuromodulatory tuning by designing spiking bias neurons that mimic dopamine neuron mechanisms, leading to the development of volumetric tuning. This …

Case Studies For Energy Efficient Machine Learning Inference Acceleration, Recep Erol

Theses and Dissertations

The advancements in machine learning, deep learning and AI have yielded remarkable tools and innovations, but certain groups face barriers preventing their utilization of these technologies. This research identifies and categorizes these barriers, focusing on three distinct groups: those lacking computational power, seeking to deploy models across multiple devices, and struggling with optimization challenges in high-performance computing centers. The study highlights the disconnect between academia's proposed solutions and their practical integration within industries and research centers, emphasizing the lack of convenience and integration among existing tools. To bridge this gap, this research offers a multifaceted approach. Firstly, it introduces publicly …

Rapid, Direct Screening Of Priority Metal Contaminants In Environmental Systems With Reactive 3 D-Printed Cone Spray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry ( 3 D- Pcsi-Ms ), Jonathan Nzubechi Chilaka

Theses and Dissertations

Trace metal species are relatively common in our environment, and although some are essential to sustain life, exposure to elevated levels of toxic metals can detrimentally affect both human and animal health. Correspondingly, monitoring of such contaminants in environmental systems is critical to public safety. While various methods exist for sensitive and selective metal analysis for such applications, there remains a need for a rapid, cost-effective, and, ideally, portable solution for expedited results and more impactful remediation and sustainability initiatives. Here, we investigate the use of 3D-printed cone spray ionization-mass spectrometry (3D-PCSI-MS), a newer, spray-based ambient ionization method, with specialty …

Mapping The Mess: A Literate Activity Method For Teacher Research On Civic Literacies In Writing Classrooms, Brittany Larsen

Theses and Dissertations

Faced with an increasing need in higher education to address civic issues and prepare students for participation in democratic discussion, rhetoric and writing classrooms have become one space for including civic literacies, and meeting institutional demand for civic engagement. However, the complexities of changing tools, platforms, and means of civic participation require a similarly complex method for investigating teacher and student work and how to approach incorporating civic literacies into the writing and rhetoric classroom. Using a literate activity research method, teachers can incorporate concepts such as divergent uptake to guide their approaches for putting teacher and student materials in …

Infrared Light-Based Data Association And Pose Estimation For Aircraft Landing In Urban Environments, David Akagi

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis we explore an infrared light-based approach to the problem of pose estimation during aircraft landing in urban environments where GPS is unreliable or unavailable. We introduce a novel fiducial constellation composed of sparse infrared lights that incorporates projective invariant properties in its design to allow for robust recognition and association from arbitrary camera perspectives. We propose a pose estimation pipeline capable of producing high accuracy pose measurements at real-time rates from monocular infrared camera views of the fiducial constellation, and present as part of that pipeline a data association method that is able to robustly identify and …

Reactivity To Environmental And Social Demands In Autistic And Neurotypical Adults: More Alike Than Different?, Mackenzie Marjorie Hyde

Theses and Dissertations

Lack of mutual understanding between autistic and neurotypical individuals contributes to the marginalization of the autistic community. This study aimed to investigate similarities in reactivity to environmental and social pressures between autistic and neurotypical adults in order to facility empathy between the communities. Participants were 328 young adults aged 18-26 years old. Twenty-eight young adults (14 female) reported a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 300 young adults (150 female) comprised a complimentary group of neurotypical individuals. Participants completed multiple standardized tests to measure autistic trait expression and an original survey that measured their reactivity to eight scenarios that …

Feasibility Of Parallelized Measurement Of Local Thermal Properties, Alexander J. Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis documents research done in the development and the exploration of feasibility for a high-throughput method to measure local thermal properties. The present capabilities in the measurement of local thermophysical properties such as thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and Kapitza resistance are very inefficient and impractical to fully understand and characterize heat transport through certain materials and features. This work follows up on past work in local thermal property measurement via the spatial domain thermoreflectance (SDTR) method, and explores the possibility of parallelizing the process. The parallelized SDTR (P-SDTR) method involves using laser projector sources to periodically heat and measure …

An Investigation Of The Mindset Context And Its Downstream Effects On Marginalized Student Outcomes In College Stem Courses, Ronia Naim Kattoum

Theses and Dissertations

Multiple national calls centered on critical thinking and social justice have been made to improve and reform higher education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses to increase the representation of students from marginalized groups in the STEM workforce and equip all students for success. To help answer this call, our project has two overarching goals: 1) Identify pathways to increase student success in STEM courses at a moderately selective metropolitan institution with a diverse population that can be generalized to similar institutions, and 2) determine how instructional practices influence perceptions of the learning environment, especially for marginalized students. …

Design Of Precision Deployable Origami-Based Space Arrays, Clark Thomas Roubicek

Theses and Dissertations

Deployable origami-based arrays can offer many benefits for a wide variety of engineering applications because of their ability to stow compactly and deploy to a large area. These types of arrays have been demonstrated for use in solar arrays, heat shields, and more; however, they have yet to be shown in high precision applications such as telescopes. The biggest roadblock to using origami in high precision arrays is align- ment in the deployed state; in optical systems, local (single panel) and global (entire array) misalignment can drastically reduce performance. Precision positioning of origami-based arrays can be a challenge because of …

Speech-Language Pathologists' Perspectives On Working With Couples Impacted By Aphasia, Jannelyse Allred

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) perceptions of, experiences with, and perceived barriers to providing psychosocial support to couples impacted by aphasia. A survey was conducted, with 50 responses analyzed. All participants were licensed SLPs who work in the United States and have people with aphasia (PWA) on their caseload. Participants responded to a portion of survey questions, viewed five short videos of Relationship-Centered Communication Partner Training (RC-CPT), then answered a portion of repeated questions to measure the change in perceived confidence, comfort, knowledge, and experience. Results indicate that SLPs perceive counseling to be within their scope of practice and …

Parent Perspectives Of A Dialogic Book Reading Workshop, Camille Slocum

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to identify how parents perceive dialogic book reading workshops that they participate in, and how cultural backgrounds affect these perspectives. Four native English-speaking mothers, and one Spanish-speaking mother with preschool-age children participated in this study. After two dialogic book reading workshops, parents participated in focus groups to discuss their perceptions. Participants noted three positive themes including motivators like incentives and childcare, positive influences, and effective adaptations in their reading routines with their children, and how the workshops were structured with helpful facilitators, supplemental materials, and content. Participants suggested various ideas for improvement. The Spanish-speaking …

Factors Surrounding Mental Health Well-Being For Male Adolescent Pacific Islanders, Melia Fonoimoana Garrett

Theses and Dissertations

Despite increasing mental health concerns, individuals from the Pacific Islands largely do not utilize the resources available to them (National Survey of Drug Use and Health, 2020). This is of particular concern among male adolescents within the population who are more at risk of mental health concerns. An interpretative phenomenological analysis focus group study was conducted in person with male adolescent Pacific Islanders (PI; ages 14–16) residing in one Western state (n = 3). Male adolescents reported that admitting to mental health concerns would greatly limit their academic, career, and personal ambitions due to the stigma attached. They also discussed …

A Study Assessing Stress Induction Methods And Regulation Genes, As Well As Cellular Ultrastructure And Automated Image Analysis In Synechocystis Sp. Pcc 6803, Rebekah White

Theses and Dissertations

In the world of microorganisms, cyanobacteria are a uniquely skilled powerhouse. They participate in global nutrient and carbon cycling. They can photosynthesize, which allows them to use sunlight and carbon dioxide to produce cellular energy. However, photosynthesis involves a lot of molecular interactions where environmental stresses can interfere, increasing the chances of oxidative stress and nutrient imbalances that can amplify deleterious effects. One such stress, iron limitation, is well-studied and its responses in the cell are known. This study assesses the differences between responses when induced by two different iron limitation methods. Then, a specific stress response regulator DspA, also …

Performance Evaluation Of A Novel Dual-Bed Gasification Reactor For The Production Of Green Energy, Ogooluwa Philip Ojo

Theses and Dissertations

The need to maximize current energy sources and create new ones has increased due to the world's growing energy demand and the depletion of major energy sources. Biomass and solid waste, such as wood, sawdust, plant wastes, paper, cardboard, and plastics, present promising carbon-neutral alternatives, collectively accounting for over 10% of global energy generation. The concept of integrating fixed and fluidized bed reactors in industrial applications needs additional research to ascertain the optimal configuration and interplay between these reactor types. Hence this research focuses on the utilization of a unique hybrid modular gasification system that combines fixed and fluidized bed …

Repetitive Thinking, Social Connectedness, And Distressing Sexual Experiences In Autistic And Non-Autistic Students: Examining Social-Cognitive Risk Factors And Mental Health During The College Transition, Erin Elizabeth Mckenney

Theses and Dissertations

The prevention and treatment of mental health concerns are consistently named among autistic adults’ highest clinical and research priorities. While several theories have been proposed to explain the high prevalence of depression and anxiety in autistic populations, virtually no longitudinal research has evaluated causal mechanisms. The first study in this dissertation aims to explore how known contributors to depression and anxiety identified by general population research – namely, rumination, dissatisfaction with social connectedness, and distressing sexual experiences – relate to the development of internalizing symptoms in autistic individuals during the transition to college. The second study explores potential contributors to …

Teaching Resilience In Pacific Islander Children Through Culturally Adapted Stories, Isabel Medina Hull

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the efficacy of culturally adapted bibliotherapy in promoting resilience among American Samoan children aged 5-13 years in response to high adolescent suicide rates in the Pacific Islands and the need for culturally adapted and supportive interventions grounded in mental health wellness. Bibliotherapy, particularly the identification with story characters, has been recognized for bolstering mental wellness, resilience, and emotional regulation in children. In this research, the children's response to bibliotherapy was measured through card sorting and forced-choice exercises, assessing their engagement with literature mirroring their experiences. The materials were developed in collaboration with Samoan cultural brokers on island …