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Georgia Southern Magazine, Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern Magazine

This issue is labeled 2020, but is for Winter 2021.

• News and Events
• True Blue Spotlight
• Then & Now
• Tracking an Invisible Enemy
• Rising Star
• Best Foot Forward
• Meet Our 40 Under $0
• University News
• Research
• Athletics
• Alumni
• Support
• In Memoriam

Early Wildfire Detection By Air Quality Sensors On Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Optimization And Feasibility, Doaa Rjoub

Masters Theses

“Millions of acres of forests are destroyed by wildfires every year, causing ecological, environmental, and economical losses. The recent wildfires in Australia and the Western U.S. smothered multiple states with more than fifty million acres charred by the blazes. The warmer and drier climate makes scientists expect increases in the severity and frequency of wildfires and the associated risks in the future. These inescapable crises highlight the urgent need for early detection and prevention of wildfires. This work proposed an energy management framework that integrated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with air quality sensors for early wildfire detection and forest monitoring. …

Computer Gamification: Addressing Symptoms Of Inattentive Adhd In Children, Shavonne Victoria Halterman

Masters Theses

“Computer gamification has the potential to help meet the educational needs of children with Inattentive Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The elements of computer gamification are mapped to distinct kinds of interventions for Inattentive ADHD and show certain types of computer gamified learning are better than others for those who experience Inattentive ADHD”--Abstract, page iii.

A Compact Wavelength Meter Using A Multimode Fiber, Ogbole Collins Inalegwu

Masters Theses

“Wavelength meters are very important for precision measurements of both pulses and continuous-wave optical sources. Conventional wavelength meters employ gratings, prisms, interferometers, and other wavelength-sensitive materials in their design. Here, we report a simple and compact wavelength meter based on a section of multimode fiber and a camera. The concept is to correlate the multimodal interference pattern (i.e., speckle pattern) at the end-face of a multimode fiber with the wavelength of the input lightsource. Through a series of experiments, specklegrams from the end face of a multimode fiber as captured by a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera were recorded; the images …

Analysis And Design Of Dc-Link Capacitor In Cascaded H-Bridge Multilevel Active Front-End Converter, Muhammad Shehroz Malik

Masters Theses

Medium-voltage grid-tied systems often use a cascaded H-bridge multi-level active front-end. In this converter, dc link bus capacitors play an important role in stabilizing the converter and enabling both active and reactive power injections. The present work provides analytical expressions for the capacitor current, which are essential for optimizing system design (especially capacitor size vs. lifetime). Then, the expression is incorporated into the grid connected bidirectional power system model. Consequently, this work contributes to the guiding principles to choose accurate dc link capacitor ratings against grid-side power delivery requirements.

DC-link capacitors come with an expiration date which is dependent on …

Physics-Based Modeling Of Lithium-Ion Batteries For Control And Estimation Applications, Brody J. C. Riemann

Masters Theses

“Lithium-ion batteries are extensively used in many application areas like consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and microgrids. As the world moves towards further electrification of vehicles and more widespread use of renewable energy sources, the need for large-scale battery storage systems will grow. To effectively replace conventional methods, batteries will need to be charged quickly while accounting for degradation to maximize lifetime. Further, larger batteries require more detailed safety monitoring, which is implemented using a battery management system (BMS). A BMS is responsible for state of charge (SOC) estimation, state of health (SOH) estimation, cell balancing, regulating voltage and current according …

Topological Biclustering Artmap, Raghu Yelugam

Masters Theses

”Detection of gene mutations is central for assessing genetic factors affecting disease predisposition, genetic causes of a particular disease, and gene-targeted treatment. DNA microarray methods are widely used to detect mutations by contrasting the expression levels of thousands of genes together under varying experimental conditions. The experimental conditions could be diseased cell states compared with the normal cell states. Biclustering, a robust exploratory data analysis tool, can be applied to microarray data to detect subsets of genes that co-express highly only for a subset of experimental conditions. Such detection is crucial for gaining insights into gene regulatory networks, differential gene …

Neural Network Supervised And Reinforcement Learning For Neurological, Diagnostic, And Modeling Problems, Donald Wunsch Iii

Masters Theses

“As the medical world becomes increasingly intertwined with the tech sphere, machine learning on medical datasets and mathematical models becomes an attractive application. This research looks at the predictive capabilities of neural networks and other machine learning algorithms, and assesses the validity of several feature selection strategies to reduce the negative effects of high dataset dimensionality. Our results indicate that several feature selection methods can maintain high validation and test accuracy on classification tasks, with neural networks performing best, for both single class and multi-class classification applications. This research also evaluates a proof-of-concept application of a deep-Q-learning network (DQN) to …

Values Of Trust In Ai In Autonomous Driving Vehicles, Ru Lian

Masters Theses

“Automation with artificial intelligence technology is an emerging field and is widely used in various industries. With the increasing autonomy, learning, and adaptability of intelligent machines such as self-driving cars, it is difficult to regard them as simple tools in human hands. At the same time, a series of problems and challenges such as predictability, interpretability, and causality arise. Trust in self-driving technology will impact the adoption and utilization of autonomous driving technology. A qualitative research methodology, Value-Focused Thinking, is used to identify the values of trust in autonomous driving vehicles and analyze the relationship between these values”--Abstract, page iii.

Interactions Between Densely Grafted Molten Polymer Brushes:Scaling Theories Versus Molecular Simulations, Aykut Erbaş

Turkish Journal of Physics

Using molecular dynamics simulations and scaling arguments, we analyzed the interactions between two identical molten polymer brushes intermediately and strongly compressed towards each other at melt conditions. The width of the overlap region, in which monomers of the linear chains composing the two brushes interact, increases as the polymer-grafted surfaces are brought closer. If two-brush coated surfaces are as close as the characteristics size of the grafted chains, the overlap region is directly controlled by intersurface distance. At intermediate compression, the width of the overlap region scales with the end-to-end size of chain sections within the overlap region. This result …

Chemical Synthesis Of Nonstoichiometric Nio${}_{X}$ Nanoparticles Using Differentnickel Salts And Application As An Additive Or Interface Layer Inphotovoltaic Devices, Fatma Pinar Choi

Turkish Journal of Physics

The stoichiometric nickel oxide is an insulator while it becomes a p-type semiconductor with the presence of divalent and trivalent states. Here nonstoichiometric nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO${}_{x}$NPs) were synthesized via a chemical route using two different starter salts; nickel chloride hexahydrate and nickel nitrate hexahydrate. The nanoparticles were investigated by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, to determine the crystal structure, morphology, and particle size. The effect of different nickel salts in the reaction and the formation of NiO${}_{x\ }$nanoparticles were observed for the first time in the literature. Because of the high uniformity and stability, nitrate-based …

Modeling And Parametric Study Of Dielectric Barrier Discharge In Pure Nitrogenat Atmospheric Pressure, Mohammed Habib Allah Lahouel, Djilali Benyoucef, Hocine Tebani

Turkish Journal of Physics

This paper presents the one-dimensional simulation of the dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in pure nitrogen at atmospheric pressure using a sinusoidal supply, within a reactor which consists of two parallel plates. For this purpose, significant reactions among the reactive species in the discharge are taken into account in this work by considering more than 70 reactions for 13 species. The model used in this study to describe the kinetics of the plasma species is the second order fluid model which consists in replacing the Boltzmann equation by these first three moments by using the drift-diffusion approximation for flux. In order …

Quasinormal Modes Of Charged Fermions In Linear Dilaton Black Hole Spacetime:Exact Frequencies, İzzet Sakalli, Gülni̇hal Tokgöz Hyusein

Turkish Journal of Physics

: We study charged massless fermionic perturbations in the background of 4-dimensional linear dilaton black holes in Einstein-Maxwell-dilaton theory with double Liouville-type potentials. We present the analytical fermionic quasinormal modes, whose Dirac equations are solved in terms of hypergeometric functions. We also discuss the stability of these black holes under the charged fermionic perturbations.

Finite-Time Two-Spin Quantum Otto Engines:Shortcuts To Adiabaticity Vs. Irreversibility, Bariş Çakmak

Turkish Journal of Physics

We propose a quantum Otto cycle in a two spin-1/2 anisotropic XY model in a transverse external magnetic field. We first characterize the parameter regime that the working medium operates as an engine in the adiabatic regime. Then, we consider finite-time behavior of the engine with and without utilizing a shortcut to adiabaticity (STA) technique. STA schemes guarantee that the dynamics of a system follows the adiabatic path, at the expense of introducing an external control. We compare the performance of the nonadiabatic and STA engines for a fixed adiabatic efficiency but different parameters of the working medium. We observe …

Strategies To Reach Ultrahigh Capacitance Values For Supercapacitors: Materials Design, İpek Deni̇z Yildirim, Ameen Uddin Ammar, Merve Buldu, Feray Bakan Misirlioğlu, Emre Erdem

Turkish Journal of Physics

This review paper highlights the recent developments in supercapacitors by pointing out the significance of appropriate electrode and device designs. We reported ten extremely high-performance supercapacitors with specific capacitance values among the highest available until now to the best of our knowledge. These state-of-the-art designs employing innovative electrode materials have been discussed along with their short descriptions. The supercapacitors collected here possess the most promising potential for facilitating next-generation systems in energy harvesting and storage. This review is just the surface that can help provide a pathway for supercapacitor research, which is still wide open for exploring and developing new …

Fano Enhancement Of Second Harmonic Field Via Dark-Bright Plasmon Coupling, Mehmet Günay

Turkish Journal of Physics

Surface plasmon resonances, the coherent oscillation of free electrons, can concentrate incident field into small volumes much smaller than the incident wavelength. The intense fields at these hot spots enhance the light-matter interactions and may lead to the appearance of nonlinearity. Controlling such nonlinearities is significant for various practical applications. The existence of the long-lived particles in these hotspots may lead to creating Fano resonances in both linear and nonlinear fields. Here we demonstrate that by coupling plasmonic dark modes to the first and the generated second harmonic modes separately, one can gain control over both fields. We find that …

Modern Quantum Mechanics, Why We Need It, How To Use It?, Vahid Karimipour

Turkish Journal of Physics

A new field of research centered on quantum science and technology is emerging. This rapidly developing field deals with the study and control of single quantum entities, i.e. atoms, ions, photons, which are no longer isolated but are parts of a larger system. Manipulation of these quantum entities forms the basis of modern quantum technology, from quantum computation to quantum communication and quantum sensing. One, therefore, needs to reconsider the basic concepts of state, evolution, and measurement for these so-called open quantum systems. This is a pedagogical review paper on the rudiments of modern quantum mechanics, which keeps citations to …

Cover And Contents

Turkish Journal of Physics

No abstract provided.

Design And Development Of A Variable Resistance Hand Exerciser Using A Compliant Mechanism, Jyothi Komatireddy

Masters Theses

"Rehabilitation exercise plays a vital role in recovering from an injury or illness condition by improving flexibility and restoring muscle strength. If not done correctly, exercising can cause more damage to the health condition than in healing. Understanding the muscle’s resistance level while performing an exercise helps design the exercising equipment not to overstrain the muscle during operation. This research presents a methodology to develop a variable-resistance hand exerciser by using a compliant cam-follower mechanism. The proposed design comprised a compliant follower and a rigid cam. The rigid cam is synthesized using the human hand force-deflection profile as an input …

Entitlement To Punishment, Kyron J. Huigens

Articles

This Article advances the idea of entitlement to punishment as the core of a normative theory of legal punishment's moral justification. It presents an alternative to normative theories of punishment premised on desert or public welfare; that is, to retributivism and consequentialism. The argument relies on H.L.A. Hart's theory of criminal law as a "choosing system," his theory of legal rules, and his theory of rights. It posits the advancement of positive freedom as a morally justifying function of legal punishment.

An entitlement to punishment is a unique, distinctive legal relation. We impose punishment when an offender initiates an ordered …

The Effects Of New Teacher Induction Programs On New Teacher Retention In Urban School Districts, Lisa Maria Smith-Sherrod

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to determine the effect of new teacher inductions programs on new teacher retention in urban school districts. Teachers are leaving urban school districts at alarming rates. The expectation that every student will receive a quality educational experience is becoming increasingly less common for the neediest students, who are often minorities in rural or urban settings, or who have special needs (Snodgrass, 2018). Urban school districts and institutions of higher education need to determine strategies that will retain highly effective educators in the field. This applied dissertation was designed to provide insight into how to improve …

Gender Disparity In Studying Chemistry, Carlo Semerzier

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to determine if there is a difference between students’ gender, ethnicity, and age and their performance in General Chemistry I at a Christian University in Florida. Many scientific studies reveal the existence of a gender performance gap in chemistry: women mostly underperform men. Certain factors reported by researchers and cited in this study that might contribute to this gap include self-efficacy, math ability, prior conceptual knowledge in chemistry, attitude toward chemistry, spatial ability, discrimination, learning styles, and exam types.

This quantitative research study used retrospective data from 113 students from eight sections (2016-2019) of a …

Teaching Strategies Leading To Success In Self-Contained Classrooms, Sonja Michelle Robinson-Madden

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation addressed the strategies used in self-contained classrooms that lead to the success of students with intellectual disabilities in Jamaica. The study was prompted by the poor performance of primary schools in teaching delivery as evidenced in the National Inspectorate Report. The views of successful teachers were collated in order to provide meaningful research data that can be used to improve the effectiveness of teachers regarding their teaching strategies and engagement of their students in the teaching-learning process. In addition, the research findings may be used to inform policies regarding the education of special needs students who are …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of African American Women In Undergraduate Stem Degree Programs, Vernon H. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to provide a better understanding of the lived experiences of African American women in STEM undergraduate degree programs at a 4-year degree granting institution in the southernmost part of central Virginia. The central problem is that there is disparity between the number of African American women with STEM degrees and that of other races in the STEM job market. The existing literature has gaps in the research of African American women’s perception of undergraduate STEM programs. Further, the researcher posits there is a lack of consideration for diversity that is detrimental to the United States; …

Perceptions, Attitudes, And Experiences Of A High-Performing High School Successful In Increasing Graduation Rates, Nikita Michelle Mccaskill

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation study was designed to assess a high-performing high school’s dropout prevention program that increased graduation rates and decreased dropout rates among high school students. The high-performing high school was chosen because the target site achieved a 90% or higher graduation rate over 5 school years. Four of 19 high schools within the target school district achieved less than a 90% graduation rate. The purpose of this case study was to describe the attitudes, perceptions, and experiences of teachers, guidance counselors, and school-based administrators at a high-performing high school within the target school district—inclusive of a time frame …

Broadening The Impact Of Plant Science Through Innovative, Integrative, And Inclusive Outreach, Joanna Freisner, Adán Colón-Carmona, Alexandra M. Schnoes, Victoria L. May

Institute for School Partnership: Research & Publications

Population growth and climate change will impact food security and potentially exacerbate the environmental toll that agriculture has taken on our planet. These existential concerns demand that a passionate, interdisciplinary, and diverse community of plant science professionals is trained during the 21st century. Furthermore, societal trends that question the importance of science and expert knowledge highlight the need to better communicate the value of rigorous fundamental scientific exploration. Engaging students and the general public in the wonder of plants, and science in general, requires renewed efforts that take advantage of advances in technology and new models of funding and knowledge …

Evaluating The Impacts Of Dam Construction And Longshore Transport Upon Modern Sedimentation Within The Rio Grande Delta (Texas, U.S.A.), Samantha Moore, Elizabeth A. Heise, Marty Grove, Anthony Reisinger, Jude A. Benavides

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

The modern Rio Grande delta system has experienced a century of dam construction, water removal for irrigation and municipal use, and land use modifications that have dramatically reduced its sediment load. This study examines whether damming has sufficiently limited delivery of upstream sediment to permit locally eroded sources and/or littoral transport along the coast to influence the provenance signal of the Rio Grande delta. Changes in sediment provenance within the Rio Grande’s delta can be detected and quantified by measurement of detrital zircon Uranium–lead dating age distributions. Previous provenance studies indicate that modern Rio Grande river sand upstream of Falcon …

Using A Digital Application To Refresh Knowledge Of Abuse For Individuals With Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, Thomas J. Howard Iii

Open Access Master's Theses

Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) are abused more frequently than individuals without disabilities. One potential reason for this discrepancy, is the low rate at which instances of abuse are reported by those with I/DD. It has been shown that learning about abuse and how to report it, can cause an individual with I/DD to feel more confident about reporting any future instances of abuse. Within this work a digitized version of the current in-person abuse prevention training program, called the Awareness and Action (A&A) training, is developed and evaluated. The hope is that providing an application capable of refreshing an …

Characterizing The Seasonal And Environmental Effects On High Frequency Acoustic Fish Tag Detection In Shallow Water Settings, Jacob Bonney

Open Access Master's Theses

Networks of high frequency (69kHz) acoustic fish tracking tags and receiver arrays are commonly used by marine biologists and fisheries management programs to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of a marine species. Despite the widespread use of these networks for monitoring fish movement ecology, there is often limited information to inform suitable receiver array spacing for optimal detection probability, or confidence estimates in tag detections. This is further confounded by the effects that seasonal and environmental changes can have on acoustic propagation. To evaluate these effects, the effective range of high frequency acoustic transmitters for medium and large fish …

Effects Of Modified Schema-Based Instruction On Mathematical Percentage Calculation For Students With Extensive Support Needs In An Ipse Program, Jennifer Anne Graves

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Students with extensive support needs often struggle with the reading comprehension and mathematics reasoning skills needed to approach real life word problems. There has been research completed on appropriate educational pedagogies to utilize with students at the elementary and middle school levels, but none were found discussing methodologies to use for young adults in inclusive post-secondary education programs. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of using modified schema-based instruction on mathematical percentage calculation for students with extensive support needs (i.e., moderate to severe intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, multiple disabilities) in an IPSE program. Upon visual …