Digital Commons Network^™

"To Have And Enjoy": Seating In Boston's Early Anglican Churches, 1686-1732, Erica Jill Mcavoy

Graduate Masters Theses

In 1686, Massachusetts Bay Colony lost its charter, and the British government exerted more control over Massachusetts, further enveloping the colony into the folds of the Empire. In the same year, the first Anglican church, King’s Chapel, was established in Massachusetts. With these changes, Boston became more involved in Atlantic trade. During the first quarter of the eighteenth century, the people of Boston began to embrace a more English identity that became evident in the products they were buying, the way they were dressing, and how they worshipped. Just as strict Puritan worship rules waned, new, more English-style methods flourished. …

Customer Allocation Targeted For Broadband Services In South Africa Using Predictive Analytics, Hamad Jassem Mohammad Alhelo

Theses

In this capstone project, we propose a solution to the business problem being facing by one of the satellite companies in UAE, Yahsat. They are providing broadband (internet) services through satellite for wide area in the world including Middle East, Asia and Africa. Specifically, in South Africa, they noticed that they are losing some customers and at the same time the number of customers is not as what was anticipated when they entered the business there. So, increasing the number of customers will increase the revenue, which is the main goal of the company. For Yahsat Company to achieve their …

Smart Grid Program For Large Firms, Masood Alolama

Theses

A smart grid can help utilities conserve energy, cut costs, increase reliability and accountability, and increase efficiency in processes. Nevertheless, the growing use of IT-based electrical power systems increases the vulnerabilities of cyber security causes which increases the importance of cyber security in interconnected power grids. Utilities should understand protection of the smart grid, including vulnerable areas, strategic issues, layered security. However, there is a lack of awareness over the country since the inhabitants less informed about its importance in our life to transform into a smart grid and being part of this plan. Knowing that the government started already …

Artificial Orbit, Suyu Chen

Theses

By composing jewelry works which relate to forms and marks, I explore the relationships between practices and self-awareness, artificial objects in traditional arts and modern mass-production. The similarities between traditional art-making processes, industrial production, and art training which I have received, which all required great amounts of repetitive actions, led my interests towards experimental practices of combining artificial objects. By exploring my cultural background, and the idea of modularity in the art fields, my work focuses on the repeated use of the same component, PVC electrical conduits, to create both wearable and sculptural objects. My thesis contains a collection of …

Nature-Inspired Topology Optimization Of Recurrent Neural Networks, Abdelrahman A. Elsaid

Theses

Hand-crafting effective and efficient structures for recurrent neural networks (RNNs) is a difficult, expensive, and time-consuming process. To address this challenge, this work presents three nature-inspired (NI) algorithms for neural architecture search (NAS), introducing the subfield of nature-inspired neural architecture search (NI-NAS). These algorithms, based on ant colony optimization (ACO), progress from memory cell structure optimization, to bounded discrete-space architecture optimization, and finally to unbounded continuous-space architecture optimization. These methods were applied to real-world data sets representing challenging engineering problems, such as data from a coal-fired power plant, wind-turbine power generators, and aircraft flight data recorder (FDR) data.

Initial work …

Backplane System Design Considerations For Micro Led Displays, Kush Benara

Theses

Display technologies have evolved from the bulky Cathode Ray Tube based displays to the latest lightweight and low power micro-Led (uLED) based flat panel displays. A display system consists of a device technology that either manipulates the incoming light or emits its own light and a controller circuit to control the behavior of these devices. This system makes up the backplane of a display technology. uLEDs due to their small size provide higher resolution and better contrast than all the previous display technologies like the LCDs and the OLEDs. Backplane system design considerations for a uLED flat panel display is …

A Large-Scale Genome-Wide Association Study Meta-Analysis Of Cannabis Use Disorder, Emma C Johnson, Alexander S Hatoum, June He, Kathleen K Bucholz, Louis Fox, Sarah M Hartz, John P Rice, Nancy L Saccone, Laura J Bierut, Richard A Grucza, Andrew C Heath, Pamela A F Madden, Elliot C Nelson, Arpana Agrawal, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Variation in liability to cannabis use disorder has a strong genetic component (estimated twin and family heritability about 50-70%) and is associated with negative outcomes, including increased risk of psychopathology. The aim of the study was to conduct a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify novel genetic variants associated with cannabis use disorder.

METHODS: To conduct this GWAS meta-analysis of cannabis use disorder and identify associations with genetic loci, we used samples from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium Substance Use Disorders working group, iPSYCH, and deCODE (20 916 case samples, 363 116 control samples in total), contrasting cannabis use …

International Council For Standardization In Haematology (Icsh) Recommendations For Laboratory Measurement Of Adamts13, Ian Mackie, Ilaria Mancini, Joshua Muia, Johanna Kremer Hovinga, Sukesh Nair, Sam Machin, Ross Baker

2020-Current year OA Pubs

This guidance document was prepared on behalf of the International Council for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH), by the ADAMTS13 Assay Working Group, which comprises an international group of both clinical and laboratory experts. The document provides recommendations on best practice for the performance of ADAMTS13 assays in clinical laboratories. ADAMTS13 assays support the differential diagnosis of thrombotic microangiopathies and have utility in the management of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). There are three types of assay: activity, antigen and autoantibody/inhibitor assays. Methods for activity assays differ in terms of sensitivity, specificity, precision and turnaround time. The most widely used assays involve …

Program Evaluation Of Departmentalizing In Upper Elementary, Pamela Crabb

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of departmentalization as a strategy at the elementary upper grades to affect gains in the school’s accountability and gains in achievement performance. Based upon standardized testing measures, accountability for student achievement has dramatically increased in elementary schools; rigorous standards have increasingly affected teachers to become highly skilled in subject content areas. This increase in teacher content knowledge expertise requirements have caused many administrators to seek alternative instructional strategies to meet this need. Departmentalization is one of many potential methods that administrators and educators may implement in order to provide expert …

Narrowing Attainment And Achievement Gaps Of African American Third Grade Students Through Culturally Responsive Teaching, Phyteria Proctor, Phyteria Lashawn Proctor

Dissertations

Literature suggest culturally responsive teaching is one of our most powerful tools for accelerating student learning and helping students find their way out of the gap. Billions of dollars have been invested in creating educational equity, but the data have shown that inequality in achievement still exists. However, school districts are beginning to focus more on being aware of and sensitive to the cultural and social needs of African American students. When school communities accept the challenge of changing the culture within their schools to ensure all students reach their full potential, then the achievement gap can be eradicated.

The …

An Evaluation Of The Trauma-Informed Approach Implemented At A Title I Elementary School, Aleli Vazquez

Dissertations

An Evaluation of the Trauma-Informed Approach Implemented at a Title I Elementary School assesses the merits of the implementation of an intervention to support the social emotional ability and stability of students within elementary schools; called the Trauma Informed Approach. Many children attending elementary schools bring diverse and complex experiences to the classroom setting. Students with multiple adverse childhood experiences attend the educational system. Many students have a more difficult time concentrating and succeeding due to anxiety and lack of physiological needs being met. These needs must be met to secure positive learning gains for these students.

For data gathering …

Trust In Leadership To Develop Collaborative School Culture And Effective Implementation Of Professional Learning Communities, Kara Mieszanek

Dissertations

DISSERTATION: TRUST IN LEADERSHIP TO DEVELOP COLLABORATIVE SCHOOL CULTURE AND EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES

Kara N. Mieszanek National Louis University

ABSTRACT

In education, we are constantly working toward increasing student achievement. Often, we pursue technical elements such as implementing programs, data analysis, utilizing assessment tools, embedding evaluation systems, etc. However, there is another critical element that may all too often get overlooked—the culture. The purpose of this study was to strip away all the layers required to achieve systemic change by observing what is at the core of it all: trust. Through qualitative and quantitative research, I took …

African American Women Attaining And Maintaining The Position Of Superintendent, Twyla Harris

Dissertations

ABSTRACT

There is an underrepresentation of African American women in the position of school district superintendent. The purpose of this research was to uncover the barriers and challenges African American women face both as aspiring and sitting superintendents. To gain a lived experience perspective on the problem, five African American women superintendents were interviewed. The primary research question was: How have African American female superintendents attained and successfully held the superintendent position? Using narrative inquiry, interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded for the discovery of common themes. Findings include the value of networking for mentoring and support, accepting and bearing …

Proactive Exploration Of Fire Incidents Using The Integration Of Direct Alarm System And Cctv System, Abdullah Ahmed Abdi

Theses

By 2050, the population of urban cities will have increased by millions of people. Statistics by the UN Department's population division of economic and social affairs (United Nations, 2018) indicate that today, at least 55% of the world's population live in urban centers. Further, the UN department forecasts that by 2050, at least 68% of the world's population will be living in urban areas. This means that more than 2.5 billion people will relocate from rural areas to urban areas. According to the International Association of Fire Service Trainers and FDNY and Standard operating procedures, the fire is the most …

"Through A Forest Wilderness:” Native American Environmental Management At Yosemite And Contested Conservation Values In America’S National Parks, Rochelle Bloom, Douglas Deur

Anthropology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Chapter 9. The philosophies and views of nature prevalent in the 19th century West shaped the early National Park Service, and continue to influence park policy today. Park-builders incorrectly viewed early parks as untouched “wilderness,” even as Native peoples continued to occupy, revere, and actively manage lands and resources on these lands. This misapprehension fostered the creation and enforcement of park regulations meant to protect wild spaces, resulting in the displacement of both Native peoples and the culturally significant habitats that they had helped sustain for millennia. Among these regulations, federally imposed restrictions on burning and other traditional plant community …

Conservation Conversations Webinar Summary - Conservation And Outdoor Recreation: Challenges And Solutions To Keeping Our Parks And Public Lands From Being Loved To Death, Jordan W. Smith

All Current Publications

Americans love their public lands. They have turned to them to connect with their families, to maintain an active lifestyle, and to escape 24-hour news cycles that seem to bring nothing but bad news. The recreational use that our public lands receive is not a new trend however. Over the past 10-years, visitation to all types National Park Service units (e.g., parks, monuments, historic sites, etc.) has increased by 16%, with national parks alone seeing a 28% increase in visitation. Visitation to many national parks reaches record levels every year. At the same time, the ecosystems of our parks and …

Adoption Of Bonded-Cellular Technology, Gregory Edward Phipps

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzed four determinant factors attributed to the acceptance of Bonded Cellular (BC) technology and applies the tenants of Diffusion of Innovation and Technology Acceptance Models. BC “bonds” available cellular channels and transmits a multiplexed signal to a broadcaster. This study will advance the understanding of factors that may impact the acceptance of BC at the management level. Research Questions 1. Can behavioral intention (BI) to adopt BC tools be predicted by using an independent variable representing Perceived Ease-Of-Use (PEOU)? 2. Can behavioral intention (BI) to adopt BC tools be predicted by using an independent variable representing Perceived Usefulness …

Cortical Iron Disrupts Functional Connectivity Networks Supporting Working Memory Performance In Older Adults, Valentinos Zachariou, Christopher E. Bauer, Elayna R. Seago, Flavius D. Raslau, David K. Powell, Brian T. Gold

Neuroscience Faculty Publications

Excessive brain iron negatively affects working memory and related processes but the impact of cortical iron on task-relevant, cortical brain networks is unknown. We hypothesized that high cortical iron concentration may disrupt functional circuitry within cortical networks supporting working memory performance. Fifty-five healthy older adults completed an N-Back working memory paradigm while functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed. Participants also underwent quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) imaging for assessment of non-heme brain iron concentration. Additionally, pseudo continuous arterial spin labeling scans were obtained to control for potential contributions of cerebral blood volume and structural brain images were used to control …

2020-December-01-Meet Kristin Ridenour, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

Like many students who come to East Tennessee State University from other regions of the country, physical therapy (PT) student Kristin Ridenour was drawn to both the program and the place.

“After visiting Johnson City for my interview, I knew this is where I belonged,” said Kristin, a Georgia native who completed her undergraduate degree at Jacksonville University in Florida. “I loved the town, the mountains, and most importantly, the PT staff and faculty, who were very welcoming.”

As a student in the Physical Therapy program, which is housed in the Department of Rehabilitative Sciences in the College of Clinical …

2020-December-01-Street Medicine Interest Group Forms To Help Homeless Population, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY – The Street Medicine Interest Group (SMIG), a new student organization at East Tennessee State University, is building bridges with community partners to help people who are experiencing homelessness overcome barriers to health care.

The group hosted its first flu clinic on Friday, Dec. 18, at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church. This event provided donations of warm clothing to many and flu shots to 12 individuals who are experiencing homelessness in the Appalachian Highlands.

The SMIG is an interprofessional student organization that is comprised of approximately 60 students representing ETSU’s five health sciences colleges including the Quillen College …

2020-December-01-Year In Review Etsu Strong In, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

At East Tennessee State University we have a lot to be proud of this year.
We were challenged to do what would have been considered unthinkable and entirely impossible.
Out of the unexpected came innovation and we stood solid on our mission to improve the lives of the people of this region.

The year 2020 will be known for many things, but let's remember it as the year we were ETSU Strong.

Taking Student Artists And Audiences To The West Side: Exploring The Value Of Creative Adaptation In An Arts Context Through A Case Study Of “West Side Story”, Rebecca G. Bateson-Brown

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

This project focuses on the practical application and conceptual acceptance of deliberate creative adaptation within the purview of the performing arts and arts education. More specifically, it centers this conversation around stagings of the iconic musical West Side Story, as my role as a choreographer and arts educator is used to further explore, examine, and emphasize these topics through the documentation of my production planning process, choreographic creation, and ultimate execution of performance material for a local high school production of the show. As such, this project builds with greater specificity off of my previous investigations of “adaptation” as …

Cross-Cultural Analysis Of Gamer Identity: A Comparison Of The United States And Poland, Małgorzata Ćwil, William T. Howe

Communication Faculty Publications

Who is a gamer? What kind of people are perceived to be gamers? And finally – who perceives themselves as a gamer? In this article the authors attempt to answer these three questions from a multinational perspective.

Background. Games are nowadays one of the most frequently encountered forms of entertainment and constitute an ever-increasing part of many people’s day-to-day lives. With the rising popularity of video games, there is a need to conduct a research concerning gamer identity and to find out who perceives themselves as a gamer. The aim of this study is to compare the results of …

Developing A Health Communication Campaign For Disposal Of Unused Opioid Medications, Kathleen L. Egan, Mark Wolfson, Kaylee M. Lukacena, Carina Mazariegos Zelaya, Monique S. Mcleary, Donald W. Helme

Communication Faculty Publications

Introduction

Communities throughout the United States have implemented medicine disposal programs to prevent diversion of unused opioid analgesics from homes but a general lack of awareness may contribute to low rates of utilization. The objective of this study was to develop and test community-based campaign messages promoting appropriate disposal of unused opioids at disposal programs.

Methods

In Fall 2019, 491 residents (79% female, 97% White, mean age: 40 years) of five rural, Appalachian counties (3 in Kentucky and 2 in North Carolina) completed a web-based, experimental survey. Participants were randomly exposed to two of four messages and rated each message …

Journal Review: Illuminatio/Svjetionik/Almanar, Vol. 2, Year 1 (Fall 2020), Paul B. Mojzes

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

Excerpt: "Under the enlightened leadership of its editor-in-chief, retired Grand Mufti of the Bosniak Muslim community, Dr. Mustafa Cerić, the journal Illuminatio splendidly succeeds to implement its espoused aims to be “a journal of new ideas that enlighten the human spirit and mind about the condition of the human past, present, and future.” The journal aims to be a “cultural broker” of universal values with new ideas. Its sources are the most progressive ideas of Islam in its European context, while aiming to explore and, if suitable, to utilize other religious and secular insights. To those who might hold the …

Imparting 3d Representations To Artificial Intelligence For A Full Assessment Of Pressure Injuries., Sofia Zahia

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

During recent decades, researches have shown great interest to machine learning techniques in order to extract meaningful information from the large amount of data being collected each day. Especially in the medical field, images play a significant role in the detection of several health issues. Hence, medical image analysis remarkably participates in the diagnosis process and it is considered a suitable environment to interact with the technology of intelligent systems. Deep Learning (DL) has recently captured the interest of researchers as it has proven to be efficient in detecting underlying features in the data and outperformed the classical machine learning …

Cost Optimization Modeling Of Renewable Energy Sources In Smart Grid Using Scada, Nafisa Islam

All Theses

In recent times, renewable energy production from renewable energy sources is an alternative way to fulfill the increased energy demands. However, the increasing energy demand rate places more pressure, leading to the termination of conventional energy resources. On the other hand, the depletion of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, natural gas, etc., is creating an adverse effect on the environment. However, the cost of power generation from coal-fired plants is higher than the power generation's price from renewable energy sources. Therefore, it has become a stumbling block balancing this increased energy demand using existing resources and new renewable resources that …

The Defeathered Bird: A Case Study Of The Boeing 737 Max Crisis, Ernest Eshun

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

On April 10, 2019, a global crisis began outside Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. A Boeing 737 Max 8 airplane owned and operated by Ethiopian Airline crashed in the desert killing all on board. The accident mimicked a six months old Lion Air flight 610 which happened in Indonesia and claimed the lives of all crew and passengers. Together, these accidents claimed the lives of 346 people and have been noted as one of the dark days in modern aviation history. Subsequently, the aviation world grounded all Boeing 737 Max aircrafts amid safety concerns. This brought severe public criticism to Boeing, …

Full Issue Winter Special Issue 12(4) 2020

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

No abstract provided.

Status And Factors Associated With Healthcare Choices Among Older Adults And Children In An Urbanized County: A Cross-Sectional Study In Kunshan, China, Yuxi Zhao, Linqi Mao, Jun Lu, Qi Zhang, Gang Chen, Mei Sun, Fengshui Chang, Xiaohong Li

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

As important unit for regional health planning, urbanized counties are facing challenges because of internal migrants and aging. This study took urbanized counties in China as cases and two key populations as objects to understand different populations’ intentions of choosing corresponding health service resources and to provide support for resource allocation. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kunshan, a highly urbanized county in China, in 2016, among older adults aged 60 or over and children aged 0–6. Multinomial logistics models were used to identify the factors associated with healthcare choices. In this study, we found that income, distance of the …