Digital Commons Network^™

Military Combat Veterans, Sentencing Reform, And Problem-Solving Courts, Andrea Sivanich

Theses and Dissertations

Military veterans involved with the criminal justice system may have unique behavioral health and physical needs, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI), and could benefit from sentence mitigation that emphasizes rehabilitation. This research is related to sentencing reform and how it may support problem-solving court sentencing, as a subset of community-based treatment options within the criminal justice system. This research is important in that it attempts to determine whether the law distinguishes veteran offenders, as a specific population, from other offenders with treatment needs. To do that, this dissertation examines the role of legal texts in …

Evaluation Of The Performance Of A Rosemount Icing Detector During Impacts 2020, Greg Lee Sova

Theses and Dissertations

The Rosemount Icing Detector (RICE Probe) is a vibrating cylinder icing probe that measures the supercooled liquid water in the atmosphere that contributes to aircraft icing conditions. The frequency of the RICE Probe vibration decreases with increasing ice accretion. The RICE Probe was mounted on the fuselage of the NASA P-3 Orion aircraft for the IMPACTS 2020 field campaign. During the project, flight scientists had real-time frequency data for qualitative assessment of the presence of supercooled liquid water. For quantitative measurements of the liquid water, flight scientists used the King Liquid Water Sensor (King Probe) and the Cloud Droplet Probe …

An Assessment Of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Training Methods And Measures, Zachary Waller

Theses and Dissertations

The collegiate aviation programs of higher education are seeking to adapt their capabilities and expertise toward educating a generation of airmen who will operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). The collection of studies presented in this dissertation address this interest as higher education programs investigate the value of modalities and pedagogies, tune the application of instructional aids, and assess novel measurements for how students interact with their training. Three studies were completed in building this program of research. Study I, Waller et al. (2016), was published in a peer-reviewed journal and is adapted for reprint with permission. Study I established the …

Phylogeny And Systematics Of The Superfamily Diplostomoidea Poirier, 1886 (Platyhelminthes: Trematoda), Tyler Joseph Achatz

Theses and Dissertations

The Diplostomoidea is a large superfamily of digeneans which possess a unique holdfast organ. Members of the superfamily are distributed worldwide and are known to parasitize a wide variety of animals, both invertebrates and vertebrates. In some cases, diplostomoideans have been associated with diseases such as ocular diplostomiasis and ‘black spot’ disease in fishes. The taxonomic and systematic history of diplostomoideans is complex and includes numerous revisions based on morphology and host associations. Prior to this study, the Diplostomoidea included 6 families and 16 subfamilies. Recent molecular phylogenetic analyses have revealed the Diplostomidae and the Strigeidae to be non-monophyletic and …

Numerical Simulations Of Hydraulic Fracturing Through Perforated Wellbores, Omar Akash

Theses and Dissertations

Unconventional reservoirs such as tight formations and plays, are known by their ultra-low permeability. To economically produce hydrocarbon from these reservoirs, technology-based solutions need to be deployed. hydraulic fracturing is a widely accepted and applied technology for successful development of unconventional reservoirs.

The fractures initiated near wellbore can have different lengths, widths, and heights. As a result, a complex fracture network is expected to be formed near wellbore. The hydraulic fracturing design is related to several parameters. Some of these parameters cannot be altered such as the geological attributes and mechanical properties of the targeted formation and the field in-situ …

The Evolution Of An Institution And Student Misconduct Polices: A Study Of Minnesota State University Moorhead (Msum), 1887-2007, Ashley Jo Atteberry

Theses and Dissertations

An institution of higher education holds certain beliefs about the personal growth of students while they are enrolled. The behavior prohibited within the student misconduct policies reflect the norms within the larger society as well as the expectations specific to the learning environment within the institution. Students adhering to the expectations defined in these policies are perceived as embracing these beliefs, which enhances the character and resulting community member the student becomes upon graduation. In an opportunity to understand and resolve the concern of having an overly legalistic published policies for student misconduct, this qualitative study reviewed the content of …

Hole Cleaning And Cuttings Transportation Modelling And Optimization, Foued Badrouchi

Theses and Dissertations

Efficient hole cleaning in drilling operation is essential to ensure optimum rate of penetration. This complex problem involves simultaneous analysis of multiple parameters, including cuttings characteristics, fluid rheology and the geometry of the annulus space. For instance, accurate calculations of the equivalent circulation density (ECD) requires the effect of the mud density increase due to the cuttings’ concentration to be considered, which itself is a function of the settling velocity and the rate of penetration (ROP). Analytical models, lab experiments and numerical simulations have been used to determine the optimum flow rate for efficient hole cleaning. Most of these models …

Perspectives Of Beginning Teachers From Generation Z: A Narrative Study, Troy Bartman

Theses and Dissertations

A wide range of ages in teachers exist in the field of education. New teachers from Generation Z is one specific category that has received little attention. Who are these new teachers? What experiences have they grown up with being from this generation? What might we learn about them that can help us offer better support, training, and guidance to ultimately create better learning environments for students? The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the perspectives that new teachers from Generation Z have on teaching, learning, and teacher development. As the newest generation entering the …

Development Of A Dynamic Force Sensor, Olusola Andrew Bolaniran

Theses and Dissertations

Sensors are employed for various applications in different industries. Chief of these applications is in the process and equipment monitoring. Most sensors used in the equipment monitoring are mostly after-market devices. This research answered the question of how can we include the condition monitoring of equipment into the design phase of the equipment. This research developed a dynamic force sensor using a PolyVinyliDene Fluoride (PVDF) film. The piezoelectric film attached to a fixed-fixed substrate which serves to support film and the properties of which the sensor equations were based. The sensor was tested in the laboratory by subjecting it to …

Intron Retention Of Jarid2 Regulates Gene Expression During Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination, Jacob Robert Bierstedt

Theses and Dissertations

Temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) is the developmental process in which cell fate decisions in the bipotential gonads are influenced by temperature and drive the gonad toward one of two distinct organs, an ovary or testis. In species with TSD, temperature establishes the gene expression patterns required for cell fate decisions and gonad differentiation. However, the precise mechanism that temperature regulates gene expression is unknown. Here we have shown that Jarid2, which encodes a Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) accessory protein, exhibits temperature-dependent intron retention that results in three distinct transcripts encoding distinct proteins with functional similarities and differences in TSD. …

Landslide Remediation Methodology For Low-Volume Roads In North-Central Pennsylvania, Will Ned Brandenberger

Theses and Dissertations

The study of landslides in north-central Pennsylvania is not well developed, and remediation methodology for landslide-prone and low-volume forest roads in the region can benefit from targeted and innovative engineering design strategies. Rockery walls may be an underutilized remediation methodology for low-volume forest roads in north-central Pennsylvania. Two landslide remediation projects in north-central Pennsylvania within the Lycoming and Sullivan counties can provide valuable insight into the existing methodology associated with low-volume forest road remediation in north-central Pennsylvania and outline a potentially under-utilized methodology that may improve engineering design, construction efficiency, and result quality. A review of the two landslide remediation …

Sexual Gratification As A Motive And Distal Predictor Of Sexual Violence, Frances Grace Eby

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the role of sexual motives as a predictor of sexual violence, considering impersonal sex as a key component in developing intervention and prevention programs. In doing so, this study will fill a gap in the literature by prioritizing sexual motives. Method: Data from two hundred and seven male college students will be analyzed. Participants were analyzed as those who endorsed perpetration and those who did not endorse perpetration and those who endorsed attempted rape and rape. Participants responded to the Sexual Experiences Survey, Revised Conflict Tactic Scales, the Illinois Rape Myth …

Vnir Spectral Properties Of Five G-Class Asteroids: Implications For Mineralogy And Geologic Evolution, Justin Todd Germann

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the visible and near-infrared (VNIR) spectral properties (0.4-2.5-μm) of five Tholen G-class asteroids. Spectral features relating to hydrated Fe- or Mg-rich minerals have been identified at 0.7-μm, 0.95-μm, 1.4-μm, 1.9-μm, and 2.3-μm, while spectral features that may be related to CH or NH compounds were identified at 1.14-μm and 1.25-μm. (1) Ceres lacks features related to hydrated minerals and is spectrally disparate from the other four investigated asteroids. (13) Egeria, (19) Fortuna, (84) Klio, and (130) Elektra all exhibit at least two measurable features that may be related to hydrated minerals. (19) Fortuna, (84) Klio, and (130) …

Impacts Of Vertical Grid Resolution On The Representation Of A Convective Environment, Caitlyn Mensch

Theses and Dissertations

In a pre-convective environment, modeled atmospheric conditions can be presented as discrete parameters, which serve as valuable resources both in forecasting potential severe weather events and also in assessing changes in convective potential over time. However, the value of these parameters may depend on the vertical resolution of the simulation that is used to do the calculation. Upper-air radiosonde sounding data from various research campaigns (e.g., PECAN, DC3, TRMM-LBA, etc.) in both midlatitude and tropical convective regimes are analyzed and later interpolated to the pressure levels in a range of atmospheric reanalysis and operational models. Indices such as CAPE, CIN, …

"The Last Major Front": Special Education's Transition To Adulthood And North Dakota, Matthew David Mccleary

Theses and Dissertations

The thesis examines the development and implementation of special education’s transition policy in the United States and North Dakota from the 1980s to the 1990s. Researchers have primarily sought to further evidence-based practices in preparing adolescents with disabilities for adulthood, but the history of this effort has rarely been discussed. In the late 20th century, policymakers, researchers, and educators attempted to turn around negative socio-economic outcomes for people with disabilities by helping youth with disabilities and their families plan for the future and get connected to post-school services and employment. Assumptions about people with disabilities influenced transition programming and the …

Validity Of A Culturally Sensitive Depression Scale For Native American Youth, Todd Phelps

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the validity of a Culturally Sensitive Depression Scale (CSDS). Data were collected on 30 Native American youth living throughout South Dakota. Participants underwent a condensed semi-structured clinical interview for Major Depressive Disorder to confirm diagnosed (n=16) or undiagnosed (n=14). Participants completed two depression scales: the Columbia Depression Scale (CDS) and the CSDS. Both scales were tested for criterion-related validity via concurrent validity which analyzed each scale’s accuracy in categorizing diagnosed and undiagnosed individuals. Construct validity was tested via convergent validity through the Pearson product-moment correlation between the CDS and CSDS. Area Under Curve (AUC) analysis tested each …

An Evaluation Of Ci Asteroid Regolith As A Plant Growth Medium For Space Crop Production, Steven Jon Russell

Theses and Dissertations

Asteroids are small, undifferentiated bodies that materialized during the formation epoch of the solar system. With a concerted effort to establish a long-term presence in space, crewed missions to asteroids should not be ignored. A critical aspect of human missions is self-sustainability, primarily growing crops via in-situ resource utilization. CI carbonaceous asteroids are a primitive type of asteroid that retain elements found during that early solar system formation. More importantly, the regolith on these asteroids contains soluble elemental nutrients, such as phosphorous and potassium, that crops can use for growth and development. This thesis focuses on the ability of CI …

Sensitization To A Milk Allergen Induces Differential Behavioral And Neurological Responses In Allergic C57bl/6j And Balb/Cj Mice, Nicholas Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Studies have highlighted an association between food allergies and neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Though the precise mechanism behind this relationship is unknown, it marks a potential novel therapeutic strategy outside of traditional neuropharmacological intervention. Food allergy is a heterogeneous disorder of the immune system characterized by an immune response that occurs reproducibly to a given food. Chronic allergen exposure in patients with mild or non-anaphylactic food allergies may cause or exacerbate psychiatric conditions. However, the variability in food allergies due to factors like genetic background introduces selection bias for individuals with overt anaphylactic …

Machine Learning Applications In Microbial Ecology, Human Microbiome Studies, And Environmental Monitoring, Ryan B. Ghannam, Stephen Techtmann

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 1

Advances in nucleic acid sequencing technology have enabled expansion of our ability to profile microbial diversity. These large datasets of taxonomic and functional diversity are key to better understanding microbial ecology. Machine learning has proven to be a useful approach for analyzing microbial community data and making predictions about outcomes including human and environmental health. Machine learning applied to microbial community profiles has been used to predict disease states in human health, environmental quality and presence of contamination in the environment, and as trace evidence in forensics. Machine learning has appeal as a powerful tool that can provide deep insights …

Assessing Focused Wave Impacts On Floating Wave Energy Converters Using Openfoam, Scott Andrew Brown, Edward Jack Ransley, Deborah M. Greaves

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

This study considers focused wave interactions with floating wave energy converters and represents an individual contribution to the CCP-WSI blind test series 2, in which the submitted results are compared against both physical and alternative numerical solutions for varying wave steepness achieved through changes in peak frequency. Reducing the time taken to provide reliable results is critical if computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is to become a routine design tool for offshore renewable energy devices. This can potentially be achieved by simplifying simulation set-up, and hence reduce the required man-hours, through standardised ‘best practice’ procedures. In order to achieve this, it …

A Novel Method Based On Long Short Term Memory Network And Discrete-Time Zeroing Neural Algorithm For Upper-Limb Continuous Estimation Using Semg Signals, Yuanyuan Chai, Keping Liu, Chunxu Li, Zhongbo Sun, Long Jin, Tian Shi

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

In this paper, a novel closed-loop model based on surface electromyography (sEMG) comprised a long short term memory (LSTM) network and discrete-time zeroing neural algorithm called zeroing neural network (ZNN), which is developed to estimate joint angles and angular velocities of human upper limb with joint damping. The dynamic model of human upper limb with joint damping is set up as the initial equation. Then, the LSTM network is proposed as an open-loop model which described the input-output relationship between the sEMG signals and joint motion intention. Besides, a novel closed-loop model is built via ZNN for eliminating the predicted …

Solid Waste Management In Developing Countries: Reusing Of Steel Slag Aggregate In Eco-Friendly Interlocking Concrete Paving Blocks Production, Oluwarotimi Olofinnade, Ayoyinka Morawo, Oluwatomisin Okedairo, Boksun Kim

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

The needs to meet the global demand for the conservation of non-renewable resources has necessitated the efforts of finding alternative materials. This current study investigates the beneficial utilization of the crushed waste furnace steel slag as a replacement for natural sand in concrete interlocking paving block units’ production for pedestrian and non-traffic applications. A total number of 144 paver samples were cast at replacement percentages of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 % by weight of sand using a mix proportion ratio of 1:1.5:3 (cement: sand: granite) at a constant water-cement ratio of 0.5, targeting a strength of 20 …

Improved Htm Spatial Pooler With Homeostatic Plasticity Control, Damir Dobric, Andreas Pech, Bogdan Ghita, Thomas Wennekers

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

No abstract provided.

Wave Energy In The Uk: Status Review And Future Perspectives, Siya Jin, Deborah Greaves

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

No abstract provided.

Compact Floating Wave Energy Converter Arrays: Inter-Device Mooring Connectivity And Performance, Ben Howey, Keri M. Collins, Martyn Hann, Gregorio Iglesias, Rui P.F. Gomes, João C.C. Henriques, Luís M.C. Gato, Deborah Greaves

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

Achieving cost reduction in wave energy conversion is seen as essential to enabling the progress of the sector. Atutility scale in a wave farm, multiple devices are likely to be deployed in array configurations. Closely spaced,compact wave energy converter (WEC) arrays are a promising option for cost reduction, realising synergies inoperation and maintenance tasks and auxiliary installations, whilst achieving economies of scale. Mooring andanchorage systems are known to be a major component of the structural costs, and the use of interconnectinglines between neighbouring devices can reduce the number of anchors and minimise total line length. In thispaper, we present the …

Prospects On The Nano-Plastic Particles Internalization And Induction Of Cellular Response In Human Keratinocytes, Pm Gopinath, Ks Twayana, P Ravanan, John Thomas, A Mukherjee, Df Jenkins, N Chandrasekaran

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

Abstract Background Today, cosmetic products are very popular with both men and women to improve their appearance and increase their social acceptability. Results In this study, nano-sized (30–300 nm) plastic particles were isolated from the commercial face-scrubs and treated on the human keratinocytes. The observed adherence of polyethylene nano-plastics (PENPs), polystyrene NPs (PSNPs), and face-scrubs isolated nano-plastics (NPs) on the keratin layer reveals a significant attachment of NPs from the cosmetics that are applied on the skin for a short duration. This attachment property could facilitate further adherence of protein molecules on NPs and the protein-corona formation. The protein-corona mimics …

A Novel Multimodal Biometric Authentication System Using Machine Learning And Blockchain, Richard Brown, Gueltoum Bendiab, Stavros Shiaeles, Bogdan Ghita

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Kelp In The Transport And Fate Of Negatively Buoyant Marine Plastic, Andrew Turner, Tracey Williams

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

No abstract provided.

Children, Military Families And Soldier Citizenship, Richard Yarwood, Naomi Tyrrell, Claire Kelly

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

No abstract provided.

An Evaluation Of The Social And Economic Impact Of A Marine Protected Area On Commercial Fisheries, Se Rees, Matthew Ashley, Louisa Evans, Stephen Mangi, Emma V. Sheehan, Tom Mullier, A Rees, Martin J. Attrill

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

No abstract provided.