Digital Commons Network^™

Mapping The Fresh-Saltwater Transition Zone Across The Beach Environment Using Ground-Penetrating Radar (Gpr), Joseph Michael Becker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

As sea level rises, saltwater migration can threaten coastal ecosystems and beach-dune environments, which negatively impacts coastal flora. This study uses ground penetrating radar (GPR) to evaluate the spatiotemporal variability of saltwater migration in the near shore at high lateral resolution (i.e. cm) by using daily micro tidal cycles as analogs to infer saltwater migration. Time-lapse GPR profiles were collected at low and high tide capturing phase lags of the tidal flux through different substrates. GPR measurements were collected at two sites in Miami with contrasting lithologies: a) Crandon Park, composed of unconsolidated sand; and b) the Barnacle Historic State …

Male Bonding: A Queer Analysis Of The James Bond Canon, Grant C. Hester

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

The character of James Bond which was first introduced in Ian Fleming’s first novel Casino Royale in 1953 and was then featured in 11 subsequent novels, 2 volumes of short stories, and 24 film adaptations has long been considered to be the ultimate man’s man. There is no feat he cannot conquer, villain he cannot best, or lady he cannot bed. However, in an examination of both the novels and the film, clues exist to Bond’s deeper psyche—most notably his repressed homosexuality. While much discussion has been had of Bond’s misogyny, in many ways it masks his true identity possibly …

Loop Quantum Gravity Dynamics: Models And Applications, Ilya Vilensky

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

In this dissertation we study the dynamics of loop quantum gravity and its applications. We propose a tunneling phenomenon of a black hole-white hole transition and derive an amplitude for such transition using the spinfoam framework. We investigate a special class of kinematical states for loop quantum gravity - Bell spin networks - and show that their entanglement entropy obeys the area law. We develop a new spinfoam vertex amplitude that has the correct semi-classical limit. We then apply this new amplitude to calculate the graviton propagator and a cosmological transition amplitude. The results of these calculations show feasibility of …

Mechanisms Of Coexistence Between Two Octopus Species In A South Florida Lagoon, Chelsea Bennice

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Theoretically, sympatric species must partition resources or space to allow for coexistence. Determining empirically the specific resources each species exploits and species’ interactions (e.g., intra- and interspecific competition) can sometimes be challenging, thus the data are relatively sparse for certain taxa. This paucity of data exists for octopuses. Therefore, I chose to study niches of two sympatric octopuses (Octopus vulgaris and Macrotritopus defilippi) in an intracoastal habitat. Specifically, I assessed (1) spatial distribution of octopus home or “den” space, (2) habitat association, (3) octopus abundance, (4) foraging activity periods, (5) diet, and (6) associated substrates and behaviors used during foraging …

Many Days Many Nights, Michael Dillow

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Many Days Many Nights is a body of work that examines the notion of place, highlighting the complex relationship between a psychological state of mind and the experience of geographical location. The work incorporates a hybrid documentary photography practice combined with experimental video to construct narrative and is underpinned by a phenomenological inquiry into the relationship between memory, time, and the experience of place, and collectively, how these concepts pervade the subjective photographic frame.

Modeling And Experimental Study Of Evaporation And Diffusion Of Water Droplets On Foam Substrates, Yining Tian

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

The objective of this thesis is to develop a new experimental method to characterize the diffusion of water in polymer resins, based on the evolution in the volume of water droplets as a function of time. A finite element model is established to model the mass transport of water droplet through evaporation and diffusion processes. Diffusivity of water into polymer resins is then extracted by matching the volume variation of the simulated water droplet to the experimental results. Capability of this method is demonstrated by determining the diffusivity of water into void-free epoxy and epoxy samples with voids. Diffusion coefficient …

Modified Indirect Tension Testing Of Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Concrete Samples Exposed To Different Environmental Conditions, Barragan Ingrid Susana Santillan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Laboratory experiments were conducted to observe, document and evaluate the mechanical behavior of Fiber Reinforced Concrete after being submitted to five different environments for 8 months. The specimens were molded and reinforced with synthetic fibers with a composition similar to that used for dry-cast concrete. Four different types of fibers with different composition were used. The fibers were mixed with the concrete to create the samples and the samples were exposed to different environmental conditions. Some of these environments were meant to increase degradation of the interface fiber-concrete to simulate longevity and imitate harsh environments or marine conditions. The environments …

Microfluidics For Carbon Capture And Sequestration, Seokju Seo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) has been considered a promising technology for mitigating heavy atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration as an immediate response to global climate change and ocean acidification. Despite various previous studies on CCS, there has been a paucity of research to overcome many of the challenges. In geological carbon sequestration, there are two major issues in achieving a feasible means of storing CO2. The first is the slow reaction of carbonic acid (H2CO3) formation from the reaction between injected CO2 and brine. Another technical challenge to the realization of industrial-scale carbon sequestration is the drying-out of brine …

Models And Implementations Of Online Laboratories; A Definition Of A Standard Architecture To Integrate Distributed Remote Experiments, Rivera Luis Felipe Zapata

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Hands-on laboratory experiences are a key part of all engineering programs. Currently there is high demand for online engineering courses, but offering lab experiences online still remain a great challenge. Remote laboratories have been under development for more than 20 years and are part of a bigger category, called online laboratories, which includes also virtual laboratories. Development of remote laboratories in academic settings has been held back because of the lack of standardization of technology, processes, operation and their integration with formal educational environments. Remote laboratories can be used in educational settings for a variety of reasons, for instance, when …

Modeling And Security In Cloud And Related Ecosystems, Madiha Haider Syed

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Software systems increasingly interact with each other, forming ecosystems. Cloud is one such ecosystem that has evolved and enabled other technologies like IoT and containers. Such systems are very complex and heterogeneous because their components can have diverse origins, functions, security policies, and communication protocols, which makes it difficult to comprehend, utilize and consequently secure them. Abstract architectural models can be used to handle this complexity and heterogeneity but there is lack of work on precise, implementation/vendor neutral and holistic models which represent ecosystem components and their mutual interactions. We attempted to find similarities in systems and generalize to create …

New Family Of Data Center Metrics Using A Multidimensional Approach For A Holistic Understanding, Levy Moises

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Data centers’ mission critical nature, significant power consumption, and increasing reliance on them for storing digital information, have created a need to monitor and manage these facilities. Metrics are a key part of this effort to raise flags that lead to optimization of resource utilization. While existing metrics have contributed to improvements regarding data center efficiency, they are very specific and overlook important aspects such as the overall performance and the risks to which the data center is exposed. With several variables affecting performance, there is an urgent need for new and improved metrics, capable to provide a holistic understanding …

Not At Home: Im[Migration] And Design, Melanie Uribe

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Not long ago, Venezuela was considered the wealthiest in Latin America. Today, Human Rights Watch estimates that 2.3 million Venezuelan refugees are scattered through the Americas. Imagine having to leave your home with just a few possessions. The world is currently witnessing a wave of mass migration, with nearly 65 million people being displaced because of war or persecution, and an even higher number migrating from poverty. This thesis uses design to visually articulate the personal narratives surrounding the struggles of flight and the significance of emotion to the debate on migrant identity, acculturation, and the perception of being the …

Non-Equilibrium Dynamics Of Active Nematic Elastomers, Gorak Hadi Mohammadi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Active nematic elastomers are a class of active materials that possess the elasticity of a rubber, and the orientational symmetry of a liquid crystal. Their constituent elements are typically elongated, cross-linked and active. The cross-linking of the elements leads to an elasticity that prevents the material to ow like a liquid. These elements are active in a sense that they continuously consume and dissipate energy, creating a state that is far-from-equilibrium. Active nematic elastomers may be a good physical model for biological systems such as the metaphase spindle, a complex biological machine that is made of an integrated assembly of …

Novel Detection Techniques For Viable But Nonculturable Vibrio Vulnificus Cells In Response To Elevated Salinity, Brandon Mchenry

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Vibrio vulnificus is a marine pathogen of human health concern, capable of causing potentially fatal wound infections in a select group of the population. Previous studies have indicated this species’ strong negative correlation with salinity, not typically found above 30 ppt. This study assessed the ability of V. vulnificus to become Viable But Nonculturable in response to elevated salinity (35 ppt) as well as investigated novel methods for confirming their entrance into this state. Results showed a complete loss of culturability in both Environmental and Clinical strains of this bacterium by 9 days after inoculation. Using a High Content Imager, …

Measuring Nest-To-Surf Mortality Of Florida’S East And West Coast Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta Caretta) Hatchlings, Vindiola Brianna Villegas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Sea turtle hatchlings emerge from their nest and quickly crawl to the surf. During the crawl, hatchlings may encounter threats, biotic and abiotic, which can affect their ability to successfully reach the surf. The impact of these threats on hatchling survival during that crawl is largely undocumented. Current methods used to estimate cohort recruitment rely heavily on nest inventory data. This method, however, does not account for post-emergent hatchling mortality that occurs during the crawl. During the 2017-2018 nesting seasons, I quantified the fates of 1,379 loggerhead (Caretta caretta) hatchlings from 26 nest emergences during their crawl from the nest …

Mechanical Fatigue Testing Of Human Red Blood Cells Using The Electro-Deformation Method, Yuhao Qiang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Human red blood cells (RBCs) must undergo severe deformation to pass through narrow capillaries and submicronic splenic slits for several hundred thousand times in their normal lifespan. Studies of RBC biomechanics have been mainly focused on cell deformability measured from a single application of stress using classical biomechanical techniques, such as optical tweezers and micropipette aspiration. Mechanical fatigue effect on RBCs under cyclic loadings of stress that contributes to the membrane failure in blood circulation is not fully understood. This research developed a new experimental method for mechanical fatigue testing of RBCs using amplitude-modulated electro-deformation technique. Biomechanical parameters of individually …

Multiscale Functional Architecture Of Neocortex: From Clusters To Columns, Kuo-Sheng Lee

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

The physical architecture of neural circuits is thought to underlie the computations that give rise to higher order feature sensitivity in the neocortex. Recent technological breakthroughs have allowed the structural and functional investigation of the basic computational units of neural circuits; individual synaptic connections. However, it remains unclear how cortical neurons sample and integrate the thousands of synaptic inputs, supplied by different brain structures, to achieve feature selectivity. Here, I first describe how visual cortical circuits transform the elementary inputs supplied by the periphery into highly diverse, but well-organized, feature representations. By combining and optimizing newly developed techniques to map …

Online Brand Communities, Interactive Communication, And Retention, Gina Brynildsen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

An estimated 90% of U.S. companies including Tesla, 3M, McDonald’s, and UnitedHealth Group use social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat to connect with consumers and form community around their brands; yet little is known about the effects of different social media structures on consumer-brand relationships. The purpose of this research is to understand the unique nature of firm-hosted online brand communities on social networking sites and how they can be used to retain customers. We review the literature on online brand communities as a tool for building relationships and apply network theory to understanding firm-hosted online brand communities …

Optimization Of Computed Tomography Calibration Curve For Proton Therapy Treatment Planning, Ghonchehnazi Maryam Ghasemi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

The accuracy of proton dose computation in the treatment planning system relies on the conversion from the Hounsfield units (HU) of each voxel in the patient CT scan to the proton stopping power ratio (SPR). The aim of this study is to investigate the potential improvement in determining proton SPR using single energy computed tomography (SECT) to reduce the uncertainty in predicting the proton range in patients. Factors which may cause CT number variations in the calibration curve have been examined. The HU-SPR calibration curve was determined based on HU of human body tissues using the stoichiometric method. The uncertainties …

Parameter Estimation For Geometric L Evy Processes With Stochastic Volatility, Sher B. Chhetri

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

In finance, various stochastic models have been used to describe the price movements of financial instruments. After Merton's [38] seminal work, several jump diffusion models for option pricing and risk management have been proposed. In this dissertation, we add alpha-stable Levy motion to the process related to dynamics of log-returns in the Black-Scholes model where the volatility is assumed to be constant. We use the sample characteristic function approach in order to study parameter estimation for discretely observed stochastic differential equations driven by Levy noises. We also discuss the consistency and asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators. Simulation results of …

Parenting Practices As Moderators Of The Longitudinal Association From Neuroticism To Resilience During Adolescence, Li Wei

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Resilience is imperative during adolescence. Previous studies focused on the moderating role of parenting between temperament and adaptive outcomes in children (Karreman et al., 2010; Wang et al., 2016). However, little is known about how personality such as neuroticism affects resilience during adolescence, and how parenting influences neuroticism and resilience at this life stage. The current study investigated the longitudinal effects of neuroticism and both positive and negative parenting on selfreports of resilience in a sample of high-school adolescents in Lithuania (N = 859). The results suggested that high levels of neuroticism predicted declining rates of resilience. This association was …

Persevering Through Preservation: The Unifying Force Of Indigenous Language In The Fiction Of Louise Erdrich And Patricia Grace, Elizabeth Wilber

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Louise Erdrich, an American Ojibwe, and Patricia Grace, a New Zealand Māori, incorporate code-switching, moving between languages, in their creative works. Rather than viewing language choice as an aside to cultural representation in fiction, codeswitching should be viewed as an integral part of the text because these writers attempt to rectify the oppression of their people by using code-switching as a tool of cultural and language survival that shifts power dynamics in response to settler colonization. However, while Erdrich and Grace use the same linguistic tool for similar purposes, they ultimately impart different themes; Erdrich’s language protagonist symbolizes reconciliation while …

Use Of Landsat Satellite Imagery To Identify The Salinization Of Soil Due To Brine Spills In Northwestern North Dakota, Neha Patel

Theses and Dissertations

Oil and gas development in northwestern North Dakota, has resulted in the drilling of more than 32,000 wells and produced large volumes of salt water (brine). Brine spills can have negative impacts on plant and water resources. This research evaluated the detection of brine spills in Bottineau County, North Dakota using Landsat imagery and the Canopy Response Salinity Index (CRSI). The CRSI uses ratios of near-infrared and infrared bands from Landsat imagery. Spill data for Bottineau County from 1975 to 2017 were collected from the North Dakota Department of Health for analysis of spill volume, number of spills, and timing …

Monte Carlo Methods And Inductor-Capacitor Network Models In Two Dimensional Superconducting And Magnetic Systems, Pragalv Karki

Theses and Dissertations

The first chapter of this book provides a brief history of the important developments in superconductivity. After a general introduction, the superconductor-insulator transition is discussed in regards to open questions in the field and some of the questions tackled in this dissertation. Also, a brief introduction to ferromagnetism and phase transition in ferromagnetic systems is presented.

In the second chapter, the results of simulations of three types of random inductor-capacitor (LC) networks on square lattices are presented [1,2]. The dynamical conductivity was calculated using an equation-of-motion method. The critical exponent was extracted at low frequencies. The results suggest that there …

The Relationship Between Trauma History, Ptsd Symptomology, And Intimate Partner Abuse Threat Perception, Alexandra Rehovsky

Theses and Dissertations

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a prevalent issue for women worldwide. Commonly, women who experience IPV will develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Given the high rates of reabuse experienced by the population of women who develop PTSD, this study aimed to explore how PTSD symptomology may contribute to women’s vulnerability to reabuse. The current study investigated whether PTSD and IPV history predicted threat perception hindrance—theorizing that dampened threat perception may contribute to reabuse vulnerability. Participants each read five vignettes representing five levels of threat severity within a relationship interaction to create a within-subjects design to test their threat …

Innovation Of Petrophysical And Geomechanical Experiment Methodologies: The Application Of 3d Printing Technology, Lingyun Kong

Theses and Dissertations

The petrophysical and geomechanical properties of rocks link the geology origin with engineering practice, which serves as the fundamental of various disciplinaries associated with subsurface porous media, including civil engineering, underground water, geological exploration, and petroleum engineering. The research methodologies can be mainly divided into three aspects: theoretical modelling, numerical simulation, and experiments, in which the last approach plays a critical role that can support, validate, calibrate, or even refute a hypothesis. Only replying on repeatable trials and consolidate analysis of precise results can the experiments be successful and convincing, though uncertainties, due to multiple factors, need to be scrutinized …

Precipitation Evaluation Of The North Dakota Cloud Modification Project (Ndcmp) Using Rain Gauge Observations, Matthew Erik Tuftedal

Theses and Dissertations

North Dakota farmers’ interest in using weather modification to increase precipitation and reduce hail damage resulted in a managed cost-sharing program, the North Dakota Cloud Modification Project (NDCMP), being started in 1976. The goal of this research is to determine the effectiveness of NDCMP at increasing precipitation by using the rain gauge observations of National Weather Service (NWS) Cooperative Observer Program (COOP) and North Dakota Atmospheric Resource Board Cooperative Observer Network (NDARBCON). The rain gauge analysis uses target and control regions. Target regions are selected from counties in District I and II that have participated in all 41 years of …

Software Design Considerations For Mathematics In Mobile Games, Katherine Smith, Yuzhong Shen, Anthony Dean

VMASC Publications

A software system has been designed and developed to allow for the display, symbolic manipulation, and player entry of mathematics expressions in mobile games. Display, manipulation, and entry of mathematical expressions are traditionally difficult tasks. Increased limitations on screen space and user input when developing for mobile devices only exacerbate these difficulties. The developed software system balances considerations for ease of use and user interaction with the desire for players to be able to enter answers in a way that is more flexible and interactive than multiple choice, which is the dominant method of interactions in serious games. The software …

Law Enforcement In The American Security State, Wadie E. Said

Publications

This Article documents the evolution of the modem American police state and the symbiotic nature of the relationship between government actors across the three sectors of national security, domestic policing, and immigration enforcement. Policies from one area make their way into the other two, with the net result being that the powers of government actors are increased in all three areas. Critical to this dynamic is the construction of the target in each arena-the terrorist, the criminal, the illegal immigrant-as foreign, whether literally or figuratively. Although these targets are ostensibly limited to those deemed outside the mainstream, the result is …

The Privilege Against Cellphone Incrimination, Bryan H. Choi

Publications

No abstract provided.