Digital Commons Network^™

Neurodivergent Student Success In Postsecondary Education: Attitudes Toward Current Accommodations, Alexis T. Cunha

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This thesis investigated the perceptions of accommodation efficacy held by students with neurodevelopmental disabilities at UCF (the University of Central Florida) to understand whether the current accommodations are adequate for those accessing them. Prior research has found that students with disabilities face many barriers when accessing proper accommodations.

Furthermore, even when they access them, the accommodations may fall short of what is needed. An online survey study was conducted to investigate student usage of and attitudes toward accommodations. The survey comprised five main sections: Demographics, Perceptions of Accommodations/Accommodations Received, Willingness to Disclose Disability Scale (WDD), Attitudes Toward Requesting Accommodations Scale …

Exploring I-Ready Mathematics And Its Support For Learning Fractions Of Third Grade Students, Allison Carnesale

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study explores the effectiveness of the i-Ready Mathematics program in enhancing third-grade students’ understanding of fractions through a mixed-methods approach. Utilizing an explanatory sequential design, this research combines quantitative analysis of student diagnostic and F.A.S.T. assessment scores in mathematics with qualitative observational data. The study aims to assess whether i-Ready serves as a supportive tool for fraction learning and identify behavioral factors influencing student engagement.

Conducted over a three-month period in one third grade classroom, the study followed five students engaged with i-Ready’s fraction-focused lessons. Quantitative findings indicated that most students demonstrated academic growth, as evidenced by upward trends …

Paleodemographic Research In Ancient Túcume With A Focus On Infant Mortality, Tyler J. Pilarski

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This research analyzed bioarchaeological data from the Peruvian site of Túcume in an attempt to understand what the overall mortality profile may have been like, as well as what patterns may have been seen in juvenile and infant mortality. The primary data set, which consisted of estimated age-at-death values from previously excavated skeletal remains, was examined via three different models (Life Table, 5 Year Incremental, and Categorical), as well as compared to data from two other comparable sites (Pacatnamú and Farfán). It was found that individuals at Túcume were dying in unequal proportions across the age groups, ranging from newborn …

Empowering Communities Through Education Creating The School Of Green, Kyle Martin

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

The School of Green initiative aims to foster environmental stewardship through community-driven STEM education programs. This paper evaluates the initiative’s impact, critiques its planning, and strategizes for future success. It discusses the evolution of the School of Green Series, its community impact, and future directions. The paper also provides a contextual framework reflective analysis and outlines personal motivations and aspirations. Through meticulous documentation and archival research methods, this project aims to detail the significance of the School of Green Series in promoting environmental education and inclusivity. The comprehensive event report will not only analyze successes and areas for improvement but …

Financial Regulation In The Age Of Ai, Jack Leitao

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Artificial intelligence has been playing an increasingly important role in the function of financial markets since the 1980s and the inception of program trading. The technology has evolved and has reached a more adolescent phase of development. As the technology has evolved, the risks introduced by massive algorithms keeping the markets humming have become more evident. The relationship between market volatility and trading volume adds risk as the speed and size of the trading activity has increased. High-frequency trading algorithms, while developed and refined by highly sophisticated institutions, still are at risk of succumbing to human error. Overall, algorithmic trading …

Effect Of External Electromagnetic Stimulation On Microtubule Polymerization, Florian Alushi

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Intracellular processes are influenced by mass transport at different spatial and temporal scales, facilitated by diffusion and stochastic encounters between cellular components. While traditionally explained by short-range "lock and key" interactions, some processes involve rapidly fluctuating charges generating electromagnetic (EM) fields, allowing long-range biomolecular interactions. This challenges the conventional view that efficient biochemical reactions depend solely on random encounters and short-range interactions, suggesting EM fields play a crucial role in cellular dynamics. Microtubules (MTs) are essential components of the cell cytoskeleton, responsible for intracellular transport, cell migration, cell division, etc. Beyond their mechanical role, MTs have unique electromagnetic properties due …

Mapping The Reaction Networks Of Cis Formed In The Ozone-Assisted Oxidation Of C₆ Acyclic And Endocyclic Alkenes, Zachary Clarke

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Criegee intermediates (CIs) are highly reactive species generated during the ozonolysis of alkenes, exerting a critical influence on atmospheric oxidation, combustion chemistry, and synthetic processes. Their reactivity, encompassing unimolecular and bimolecular pathways, shapes oxidation mechanisms and product distributions in these environments. A key determinant of CI behavior is the structural nature of the parent alkene. Acyclic alkenes typically yield intermediates with minimal steric hindrance, facilitating rapid reactions, whereas endocyclic alkenes produce geometrically constrained CIs with enhanced internal stabilization, redirecting reaction pathways and reducing overall reactivity. Despite their importance, mechanistic understanding remains limited due to experimental challenges in detecting CIs and …

Using Wing Flap Sounds To Distinguish Individual Birds, Thinh Phan

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Ornithologist often need to recognize individual birds, but traditional invasive methods, such as capturing, marking, releasing, and recapturing of birds, have limitations. To overcome this, researchers use non-invasive alternatives, such as bird vocalizations. In our study, we used wing flap sounds of three male Zebra Finch birds for individual recognition. We achieved identification accuracies ranging from 55% to 100% by using a combination of Principal Component Analysis-K-Nearest Neighbor (PCA-KNN) and Cross-Correlation method on training data and testing data. PCA-KNN allows for dimensionality reduction and pattern recognition, while the Cross-Correlation method bases data analysis on shifting data elements. Our approach can …

Emotion Regulation Moderates The Prospective Association Between Ern And Anxiety In Early Adolescence: An Age-Specific Moderation Of Cognitive Reappraisal But Not Expressive Suppression, Jaron Xe Yung Tan

Biological Sciences

The increasing prevalence of anxiety problems during adolescence underscores the importance of a better understanding of the development of anxiety. While past research has highlighted a link between error responsivity, indexed by error-related negativity (ERN), and youth anxiety, the role of emotion regulation in the ERN-anxiety relationship remains unclear. We conducted a two-wave study with 115 healthy nine-12-year-olds, and found that expressive suppression (ES), an important emotion regulatory strategy, moderates the ERN-anxiety association. A larger T1 ERN predicted heightened T2 anxiety symptoms in those with higher ES. Interestingly, the moderating effect of cognitive reappraisal (CR), another important emotion regulatory strategy, …

Research On Teachers Of Color And Indigenous Teachers: Developing And Fortifying Policies That Diversify The Educator Workforce, Conra Gist, Travis J. Bristol, Saili Kulkarni

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

This special issue expands upon the Handbook of Research on Teachers of Color and Indigenous Teachers (Gist & Bristol, 2022a) and the practitioner-focused Phi Delta Kappan special issue, “Learning from the Voices of Black, Indigenous and People of Color Educators: Charting New Directions for Research, Policy, and Practice” (Gist & Bristol, 2021). The co-created articles in this special issue highlight the combined expertise of policy makers and education researchers. While the Handbook featured empirical research, and the Phi Delta Kappan special issue featured research briefs and teacher testimonies, the policy-driven articles in this special issue explore how research can be …

A Far-Field Radio Frequency Experimental Exposure System For Yeast: Creating A New Standard, Soraya Nevin

Electrical and Computer Engineering

This paper presents a framework for investigating the potential effects of radiofrequency (RF) exposure on gene expression and cellular processes. Utilizing Schizosaccharomyces Pombe (S. pombe) as a model organism and specialized equipment to create a standard test environment for continued research in this field. Key methods include environmental monitoring, RF antenna configuration, and power density mapping. Results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed experimental setup. Future directions involve variations in RF frequency and exposure time, as well as exploring underlying molecular mechanisms. This framework aims to lay the groundwork for future experimentation in this field. It emphasizes the need for …

From Pages To Places: Situating Kelly Et Al.’S The Robot Zoo: A Mechanical Guide To The Way Animals Work In Real-Life Context, Nasih Alam

English

The Robot Zoo: A Mechanical Guide to the Way Animals Work (1994), written by John Kelly, Dr. Philip Whitfield and Obin, consists of textual descriptions and visual images of sixteen robot animals. Among them, my discussion of Giraffe, Platypus and Rhino highlights the fact that they are endangered animals who are facing extinction due to climate change, human encroachment, poaching, illegal trade, and a lack of biodiversity. Although my other subjects of discussion such as House Fly, Grasshopper, Chameleon and Bat do not necessarily face any immediate extinction, this paper shows how scientists are using the heights and zips of …

Technological Advancements In Brunei’S Local Agriculture And Fisheries Companies: An Exploratory Study Based On Field Observations, Muhammad Firdaus Mujibuddin Syah Mustafa, Navaranjan Namasivayam, Hong Shyang Pei, Fatnin Farhanah Alihan, Amni Sahilah Sahrullamzah, Khairina Umairah Takiyaudin

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

This exploratory study, through seven field observations and interviews, investigates the technological advancements transforming Brunei's agricultural landscape in pursuit of local production augmentation and self-sufficiency. It confronts challenges with emerging technologies like aquaponics, hydroponics, fertigation systems, closed-house poultry systems, and UV lighting, which hold promise for enhanced farming practices. The research provides a comprehensive assessment of current practices, including livestock management advancements, underscoring their potential to boost productivity, optimize resource use, and promote sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, it discusses the broader implications for industry standards, job employability, and alignment with Brunei's Vision 2035. The findings contribute invaluable insights, advocating for strategic …

Exploring The Impact Of Vented Packaging Configurations On Airflow Patterns And Cooling Consistency For Muskmelons In A Cold Storage Environment, Nur Wafidah Roslan, Namasivayam Navaranjan, Zohrah Sulaiman, Naseem Uddin

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The cooling effect of different vented packaging designs was investigated for packed muskmelons fruits in a commercial cold storage condition. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation and experiments were used. The airflow pattern, heat transfer and temperature profiles were predicted from simulation and analysed. The CFD results reveal an uneven and low efficient airflow distribution inside a commercially used vented packaging (Box A). This resulted slow cooling of the fruits in Box A. Two newly designed packaging (Box B and Box C) showed better airflow distribution around the fruits and cooled them faster than Box A. The design of Box C …

Physicochemical Characterization Of Edible Insect Oils: Insights Into Fatty Acid Composition, Thermal Behavior And Quality Parameters, Eng-Tong Phuah, Yee-Ying Lee, Teck-Kim Tang, Guanghui Li, Shyang-Pei Hong, Syazana Abdullah Lim

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Edible insects are emerging as a sustainable food source due to their high nutritional value. This study employed the three-phase partitioning (TPP) method to extract oils from sago worm (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), superworm (Zophobas morio), and cricket (Acheta domesticus). The study evaluated and compared the physicochemical properties of these insect oils, including iodine value (IV), peroxide value (PV), p-anisidine value (p-AV), acid value (AV), refractive index (RI), thermal behavior, and fatty acid compositions. Results revealed that the sago worm exhibited the highest oil yield (47.8 ± 2.2%) compared to the superworm (23.8 ± 1.4%) and cricket (6.4 ± 0.6%). Cricket oil …

Recent Advance In Biodegradable Packaging From Banana Plant Feedstock: A Comprehensive Review, M. Atiq Juani, Namasivayam Navaranjan

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

This review focuses on recent advances in biodegradable packaging derived from banana plant waste, highlighting its pivotal role in addressing environmental concerns linked to conventional packaging materials. The shift toward sustainable packaging stems from the urgent need to combat plastic pollution, reduce reliance on non-renewable resources, and foster sustainability in the food industry. Banana plants, known for generating significant organic waste during cultivation and processing, provide a valuable source for developing biodegradable packaging. Researchers have successfully transformed banana waste into innovative, recyclable, and eco-friendly packaging solutions, promoting a circular economy. Biodegradable packaging, in contrast to traditional materials derived from fossil …

The Effect Of Biochar From Plant Materials On Agricultural Acid Sulfate Soil: A Laboratory Incubation, Syazwan Sulaiman, Namasivayam Navaranjan, Guillermo Hernandez-Ramirez, Zohrah Sulaiman, Kathereen Liew

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The scarcity of suitable arable land has led to the development of acid sulfate soil for cultivation. The major problems of acid sulfate soil are the inherent low pH and available phosphorus (P) as well as the mobilization of toxic elements such as aluminium (Al) and iron (Fe), rendering the soil unfavourable for crop production. The present work aimed to evaluate the effect of biochar from plant materials on the selected parameters of acid sulfate soil in a laboratory incubation, with unamended control and dolomite treatment soils for comparison. The application of biochar significantly increased (P < 0.05) soil pH by 0.4-0.6 units as well as the soil available P by 13.1 mg kg-1 relative to the control. The soil exchangeable Al was significantly reduced (by 2.4 cmol kg-1 when compared with the control treatment. The dolomite treatment was superior relative to biochar application in increasing soil pH and decreasing Al. The dolomite application, however, was inferior to biochar treatment in increasing soil available P. Moreover, no favourable change was observed in available Fe with the applications of either biochar or lime. These results indicated that biochar has the potential for the amelioration of acid sulfate soil, especially in increasing available P. Further studies should explore the effectiveness of biochar and lime co-application in altering a wider range of soil chemical parameters to inform management options of acid sulfate soil for cultivation.

Assessing The Organic Acids-Solubilized Collagen Derived From The Skin Of Unicornfish (Naso Reticulatus Randall, 2011) On Physicochemical And Structural Characteristics: Toward Alternative Source For Industrial Applications, Dayang Fazrianie Harianto, Abdul Aziz Jaziri, Rossita Shapawi, Ruzaidi Azli Mohd Mokhtar, Wan Norhana Md. Noordin, Masmunira Rambli, Nurul Huda

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Converting skin by-product of unicornfish (Naso reticulatus Randall, 2011) into a valuable commodity like collagen is a good strategy to explore alternative sources for land-based animals. Additionally, marine fish collagens are preferable due to their safer and great properties. This project aimed to compare extractability of collagens prepared with three organic acids (i.e., acetic, lactic and citric acids), and their characteristics were also discussed. Collagen extracted with citric acid (CSCUS) (7.10%) had a significantly higher yield (p

Antioxidant And Antimicrobial Properties Of Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio Molitor) Protein Concentrates And Hydrolysates Derived From Varied Dietary Regimens, Shyang-Pei Hong, Eng-Tong Phuah, Wey-Lim Wong, Yee-Ying Lee, Teck-Kim Tang, Ali Yassoralipour

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The larval stage of the darkling beetle, Tenebrio molitor, often referred to as the yellow mealworm, has received significant attention as a promising source of high-quality protein for human consumption due to its exceptional nutritional profile. This study focused on assessing the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of protein concentrates and hydrolysates obtained from mealworm specimens raised under distinct dietary conditions. One cohort of mealworms was sustained on food waste comprising rice bran, milled corn, and carrots (self-bred) (SM), while another group was exclusively provided with rice bran (commercially fed) (CM). Enzymatic hydrolysis of mealworm protein was accomplished using protease enzymes …

Assessment Of Novel Plant-Based Fat Efficiency In Comminuted Chicken Meat System, Salma Mohamad Yusop, Shu Jo Lin, Nurkhuzaiah Kamaruzaman, Nurlisa Mohd Azhari

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The composition of fats and oils significantly impacts the flavour, nutrition, and appearance of food. Excessive consumption of saturated fatty acids, primarily found in animal fats, raises the risk of coronary heart disease. To address this, plant-based fats are used as substitutes, with microalgae offering unique nutritional benefits as a fat source. This study evaluates the performance of structured plant-based fats, incorporating microalgae (Aurantiochytrium sp. SW1), as a fat substitute in chicken patties. Four formulations were tested: 0% (control), 5%, 7%, and 10% structured microalgae-based fat. Colour, texture, water-holding capacity, cooking loss, and microstructure in both raw and cooked samples …

Non-Invasive Digital Refractometer To Measure Maturation Of Climacteric Fruits, Jhoorhanah A. Halim, Denni Kurniawan, Dina S. Laila, Allysa Norjemee, Nuur A. L. Nesseruddin, Asrarul A. Noraidi, Beston F. Nore

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Sugar content is a superior quality indicator for the post-harvesting and ripening status of climacteric fruits. Total soluble solids (TSS) represented by °Brix index is a measure of the sugar content. The conventional way to measure TSS is by invasive (IN) technique using manual or digital refractometers. While non-invasive (NIN) infrared refractometer devices have been developed in recent years for various agricultural and food science applications, its accuracy to measure fruit TSS directly is not straightforward, as the device is only dedicated to uses for a specific fruit. This study aims to investigate the suitability of the use of a …

Formulation Of Naturally Flavoured Mineral Water With Curcuma Longa, Zumirra Affno, Aida M. Basri, Beston F. Nore

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Natural, organic flavoured beverages have become an increasingly important market in the food industry due to flavour and sensory requirements among consumers. Throughout human history, herbs and spices provide a spectrum of natural food flavouring, which became an eminent component of food preparations worldwide. However, their applications in beverages have not been fully exploited. The main objective of this study is to develop flavoured water formulation based on organic turmeric extracts from flower, leaf, and rhizome parts. We adhered the natural mineral water flavouring integrity at refrigerated storage condition (4oC) for a period of 12 weeks. The flavoured water was …

Food Labelling Practices Of Local Products In Brunei Darussalam, Asrarul A. Noraidi, Zikri Zulkifli, Aida M. Basri, Ernina Rani, Beston F. Nore

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Food labelling is an essential feature for food product marketing and is mainly regulated by national food authority. Food package labelling provides information on product composition, usage instructions, shelf-life safety, storage conditions, and nutritional profile. The purpose of this study is to review the scope of the current food labelling system used in local food products. We surveyed 3 different food categories: 1) processed meat products, 2) bread, and 3) snacks, and examined the nutritional labelling criteria with respect to the carbohydrates, protein, and particularly sodium (salt) content. A broad market survey was carried out across Brunei and Muara district, …

Nanocellulose Synthesized From Sugarcane Bagasse (S. Officinarum) Via Alkaline-Mechanical Process And Its Characterization, Wafiqah Daim, Hiroshi Uyama, Syazana Abdullah Lim

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Nanocellulose is one of many promising materials that have garnered the attention of researchers and industries. In this study, sugarcane bagasse (S. officinarum) was used to synthesize cellulose nanofiber (SB-CNF) via an alkaline-mechanical process. A comprehensive characterization of SB-CNF was conducted to explore its morphology via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic force microscopy (DFM), assess its functional groups using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), analyze its thermal properties through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and lastly, evaluate light absorbance and transmittance using a UV-VIS spectrophotometer. Our findings revealed that SB-CNF resulted in a highly intertwined nanofiber structure within a nano-scale dimension. …

Protein Content Analysis On Brunei Delicacies: Kelupis Sulang And Sulang Fruit, Siti Nadia Saifullzan, Jhoorhanah A. Halim, Mas M. Rambli, Aida M. Basri

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Traditional Bruneian delicacy which are often reserved for special occasions; called the kelupis Sulang made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and the flesh of the Brunei Sulang fruit’s protein content were studied. The protein content of both kelupis and the sulang fruit were examined using both qualitative and protein concentration analyses. The analysis was performed using the Xanthoproteic test, Ninhydrin test, Sulphur Reduction test, and the Biuret test. The readings were obtained from the UV-Visible Spectrophotometry and revealed an average protein concentration of 21 mg/ml in aqueous extracts of kelupis sulang and 26.8 mg/ml in aqueous suspension of kelupis sulang …

Nutritional Quality Of Cultured Giant Freshwater Prawns (Macrobrachium Rosenbergii), Nurul F.M.S. Rizal, Najeebah A. Tashim, Zuhairi Azahari, Aida M. Basri, Tiong H. Lim, Aqilah Junaidi, Suriayati Chuprat, Seno A. Putra, Hanif Fakhrurroja

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Macrobrachium rosenbergii, or the giant freshwater prawn has high market demand due to its exceptional nutritional value for the human diet. Often, most nutritional studies focus on the edible prawn parts, rather than the prawn discarded components. The nutritional evaluation of different prawn parts can provide insights into the nutrient composition and guiding for the development of value-added products. Three groups of prawn samples were collected from 3 different ponds, representing different prawn sizes. The water quality analysis of each pond was also conducted to determine the extent to which it can affect the nutritional composition. The conventional and biochemical …

Rice Farmer’S Perception And Factors Influencing Intention And Attitude On Adoption Of Hybrid Rice, Ahmad Mas'oud Muhd Halimi, Ulaganathan Subramanian

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Rice is considered the staple food of Brunei Darussalam, where most rice is imported from different countries. This poses a risk regarding food security wherein an unwanted event of restricted rice importation, Brunei, may experience difficulties. Hybrid rice cultivation is one of Brunei's best food security options. We studied the farmers' attitudes towards mixed rice farming in Brunei. We divided the farmers into two groups for the purpose of our study. Agriculture cooperative members and non-members. For attitude, perceived ease of use positively impacts attitude significantly for member rice farmers, while perceived usefulness positively impacts attitude for non-member rice farmers. …

Direct Blue 86 Textile Dye Removal From Aqueous Solution Using Rice Husk-Based Adsorbent, M. Zulbahari M. Zua, Muhammad Raza Ul Mustafa, Mohamed Hasnain Isa, Teh Sabariah Binti Abd Manan, Naimah Ibrahim, Rozeana Hj Md Juani, Wida Susanty Hj Suhaili, Asmaal Muizz Sallehhin Bin Hj Mohammad Sultan, Zuliana Binti Hj Nayan

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Adsorption by activated carbon is an effective method of dye removal. However, due to high production and regeneration costs of activated carbon, various studies on low-cost adsorbents have been conducted. Agricultural waste such as rice husk (RH) is seen to be a good adsorbent for dye removal. Moreover, rice husk is readily available. In this study, rice husk-based adsorbents were prepared by chemical and thermal treatments. Standard curve (colour vs absorbance) for Direct Blue 86 (DB 86) was prepared to determine the concentration of dye before and after adsorption. The adsorption potential of the adsorbent for textile dye DB 86 …

Combating Corporate Fraud Through The Lens Of Corporate Governance In Malaysia, Emelia A. Girau, Dgku Habibah Ag Kee, Betsy Jomitin, Sazali Zainal Abidin, Imbarine Bujang

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The increasing incidence of corporate fraud in major global companies has drawn significant scrutiny to the effectiveness of corporate governance in mitigating such fraudulent activities. Despite substantial improvements in corporate governance practices and the implementation of new regulatory frameworks aimed at curbing corporate fraud, instances of fraud continue to rise. If this situation persists, it will become a serious impediment to making substantial progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The objective of this study is to explore the interplay between corporate governance attributes, whistleblowing policies, and the likelihood of corporate fraud occurrences within the context of Malaysia. The …

Fostering Corporate Resilience: Assessing Risk Management Committee Effectiveness In Malaysia’S Telecommunication And Media Sector Pre- And During The Covid-19, Flicia Rimin, Siti Rahayu Beli, Anastasiah Harbi, Imbarine Bujang, Jamaliah Said

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted organizations, underscoring the critical role of financial factors in determining performance. Maintaining a healthy financial stance during crises necessitates effective risk management, prompting the exploration of a Risk Management Committee (RMC) as a focal point for addressing risk issues and managing internal controls. A study spanning 2017 to 2021 assessed 11 listed companies in the Telecommunication and Media Sector, revealing that a combined RMC did not enhance financial performance, indicating its ineffectiveness during the crisis. The study advocates for a separate risk management committee due to the audit committee’s limitations in performing both functions. …