Digital Commons Network^™

State Of The Fisheries: Status Reports Of The Fisheries And Aquatic Resources Of Western Australia 2023/24, Stephen J. Newman, Jenny Moore, Daniel J. Gaughan

Status Reports of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

This edition of the “State of the fisheries” continues the tradition of annually reporting on the status of exploited fish and their habitats in Western Australia. Critically, the reports provide overviews of the science outcomes that underpin management of fishing across the state.

Scientifically assessing the status of fish resources and potential impacts on ecosystems is inherently challenging; I acknowledge and thank the dedicated fisheries science teams and various support staff for again producing outstanding, robust scientific results that are summarised herein. I similarly acknowledge (i) the fisheries management team who use the science outcomes in policy development and to …

Bridging Human And Machine Intelligence: Reverse-Engineering Radiologist Intentions For Clinical Trust And Adoption, Akash Awasthi, Ngan Le, Zhigang Deng, Rishi Agrawal, Carol C. Hu, Hien Van Nguyen

Computer Science and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

In the rapidly evolving landscape of medical imaging, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with clinical expertise offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance diagnostic precision and accuracy. Yet, the "black box" nature of AI models often limits their integration into clinical practice, where transparency and interpretability are important. This paper presents a novel system leveraging the Large Multimodal Model (LMM) to bridge the gap between AI predictions and the cognitive processes of radiologists. This system consists of two core modules, Temporally Grounded Intention Detection (TGID) and Region Extraction (RE). The TGID module predicts the radiologist's intentions by analyzing eye gaze fixation …

Exploring The Human Side Of Math, Mike Janssen

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

"Abstract mathematics is an important way to better understand and marvel at the beauty and intricacy of God’s creation."

Posting about ­­­­­­­­experiences in math research from In All Things, an online hub that offers insight into maintaining and faithful and orthodox Reformed Christian worldview while fearlessly engaging in every aspect of contemporary life – until all is made new.

Exploring the Human Side of Math

Genie: Enhancing Information Management In The Restaurant Industry Through Ai-Powered Chatbot, Megha Gupta, Venkatasai Dheekonda, Mohammad Masum

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

In the dynamic restaurant industry, we introduce "Genie," an AI-powered chatbot, represents an advancement in customer service efficiency through technological innovation. Designed to enhance restaurant operations including order processing, reservations, and FAQs management, Genie leverages advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques. By converting input queries into word embeddings and applying a sophisticated tag classification system, Genie precisely interprets customer intents and generates accurate responses, thereby markedly improving the dining experience. Our thorough examination of various word embeddings and classifiers—Word2Vec, Glove, BERT, Gaussian Naive Bayes, XGB, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), and Recurrent Neural Networks—revealed that the combination of Word2Vec and ANN …

Chasing The Albino Pygmy Giraffe, Charles H. Haddad

School of Communication and Journalism Faculty Publications

It's never a good sign when someone is knocking on the door of your hotel room at seven in the morning. That's especially true if you have been schlepping eight college students across Western China, as I had been for the past week. I now heard in this soft rapping the death knell of my fledgling professorial career. Wrapping a ratty, threadbare pillow around my head, I tried to shut out the insistent rapping. Of course, that didn't work. Bad news has a way of butting in.

So begins my novel “Chasing the Albino Pygmy Giraffe.” It is a laugh-aloud …

Ai And Data Science For Public Policy, Kenneth Benoit

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

Artificial intelligence (AI) and data science are reshaping public policy by enabling more data-driven, predictive, and responsive governance, while at the same time producing profound changes in knowledge production and education in the social and policy sciences. These advancements come with ethical and epistemological challenges surrounding issues of bias, transparency, privacy, and accountability. This special issue explores the opportunities and risks of integrating AI into public policy, offering theoretical frameworks and empirical analyses to help policymakers navigate these complexities. The contributions explore how AI can enhance decision-making in areas such as healthcare, justice, and public services, while emphasising the need …

Contrasting Association Pattern Of Plasma Low-Density Lipoprotein With White Matter Integrity In Apoe4 Carriers Versus Non-Carriers, Zhenyao Ye, Yezhi Pan, Rozalina G Mccoy, Chuan Bi, Chen Mo, Li Feng, Jiaao Yu, Tong Lu, Song Liu, J Carson Smith, Minxi Duan, Si Gao, Yizhou Ma, Chixiang Chen, Braxton D Mitchell, Paul M Thompson, L Elliot Hong, Peter Kochunov, Tianzhou Ma, Shuo Chen

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE4) is a strong genetic risk factor of Alzheimer’s disease and metabolic dysfunction. However, whether APOE4 and markers of metabolic dysfunction synergistically impact the deterioration of white matter (WM) integrity in older adults remains unknown.

In the UK Biobank data, we conducted a multivariate analysis to investigate the interactions between APOE4 and 249 plasma metabolites (measured using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) with whole-brain WM integrity (measured by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging) in a cohort of 1,917 older adults (aged 65.0–81.0 years; 52.4% female).

Although no main association was observed between either APOE4 or metabolites with …

The Divergent Responses Of Salinity Generalists To Hyposaline Stress Provide Insights Into The Colonisation Of Freshwaters By Diatoms, Kathryn J. Judy, Eveline Pinseel, Kala M. Downey, Jeffrey A. Lewis, Andrew J. Alverson

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Environmental transitions, such as the salinity divide separating marine and fresh waters, shape biodiversity over both shallow and deep timescales, opening up new niches and creating opportunities for accelerated speciation and adaptive radiation. Understanding the genetics of environmental adaptation is central to understanding how organisms colonise and subsequently diversify in new habitats. We used time-resolved transcriptomics to contrast the hyposalinity stress responses of two diatoms. Skeletonema marinoi has deep marine ancestry but has recently invaded brackish waters. Cyclotella cryptica has deep freshwater ancestry and can withstand a much broader salinity range. Skeletonema marinoi is less adept at mitigating even mild …

Unital Kadison-Schwarz Type Of Maps, Hajir Khalid Al Zadjali

Theses

Quantum entanglement is an important phenomenon in quantum information theory; its uses range from quantum teleportation and quantum cryptography to solving classical communication problems. One of the issues concerning entanglement is the classification of mixed states into separable states. Positive maps define affine mappings between sets of states of C∗algebras, and have been used to develop a separability criterion for quantum states. Completely positive maps are insensitive to entanglement detection, a weaker notion of positivity is thus needed to detect them. This condition that is stronger than positivity but weaker than complete positivity is given by the Kadison-Schwarz (KS) inequality. …

Quantum Markov Chains Related To Certain Lattice Models, Ali Ghaleb Alaali

Theses

A central open problem in quantum probability is the establishment of a general theory of Markov fields. This thesis contributes to the general theory by introducing quantum probability and applies it via the construction of quantum Markov chains on different hierarchical lattices (Cayley trees). This thesis examines two types of trees one of which corresponds to the Ising-XY-Model on a Cayley tree of order two which then the existence of Markov chains can be utilized to detect phase transitions. The other discussed model is a (1,3) tree in which the XY-model is considered to determine the existence of a quantum …

Ai-Powered Pedagogy: Revolutionizing Students’ Learning Experiences Through Integration Of Ai Technologies, Amna Awad Alsaedi

Theses

This research examines the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the educational sector with the aim of enhancing student learning outcomes. AI offers tailored learning experiences, interactive educational content, prompt feedback, and access to diverse learning resources. Nonetheless, challenges including addiction, costliness, privacy infringement, bias, ethical dilemmas, market competition, and moral considerations require resolution. Research particularly delves into the utilization of chatbots, and algorithms designed to simulate human interactions and generate text resembling human speech. Educational applications powered by AI have the potential to heighten student engagement, comprehension, and academic performance by substituting traditional assignments with concise, information-rich lessons. Furthermore, …

Corrosion Behavior Of 304 Stainless Steel In H2so4/Nacl In The Absence And Presence Of Molybdate And Tungstate, Asma Yousef Alkaabi

Theses

In this study, the corrosion behavior of 304 austenitic stainless steel was investigated in H₂SO₄ solutions, H₂SO₄ as a function of Cl^- ions concentration, H₂SO₄ as a function of MoO4^2- ions concentration, and H₂SO₄ + Cl^- ions as a function of MoO₄^2- ions concentration. Moreover, the synergistic inhibition of MoO4^2- and WO₄^2- ions was investigated in 0.1 M H₂SO₄, with the solution pH adjusted to 3.0. The findings show that the corrosion current density (i …

Assessing The Spatiotemporal Variability Of Aerosol Optical Depth And Particle Sizes In The Uae Atmosphere Using Remotely Sensed Data, Bashayer Ali Alzahmi

Theses

This thesis investigates atmospheric aerosol concentrations, with a particular focus on the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study maps the spatial and temporal variations in Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) and characterizes aerosols using high-resolution Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products. The primary objective of this research is to enhance the understanding of aerosol dynamics in the UAE by distinguishing between natural and anthropogenic aerosols through the Angström Exponent (AE) and assessing their impacts on local climate, air quality, and public health. The study employs Remote Sensing (RS) techniques to conduct detailed environmental assessments, analyzing AOD variability across daily, monthly, seasonal, …

Solvent- And Temperature-Controlled Regioselective Catalytic Synthesis Of Potentially Bioactive, Sara Helmy Saada

Theses

Isothiocyanates play a crucial role as essential components in the development of effective synthetic methods for producing key chemical intermediates and biologically active molecules. Similarly, N-arylcyanothioformamide compounds have been employed to create structural cores for numerous heterocycles in a one-step reaction. In this study, we describe the first consistent regiospecific reaction of isothiocyanates with a variety of substituted N-arylcyanothioformamides in a 1:1 molar ratio to generate a series of imidazolidineiminodithiones decorated with a multitude of functional groups on both aromatic rings. The reaction is carried out at room temperature using a 20 mol% catalytic amount of triethylamine with …

Exclusion Tests For Approximating All Solutions Of Nonlinear Equations, Yasmeen Omar Hamida

Theses

The exclusion test is a mathematical technique used to isolate and approximate the solutions of nonlinear equations within a specified interval. This thesis aims to construct a new test leveraging the principles of the exclusion test to achieve faster convergence to the zeros of any given interval within a compact domain. By selecting an alternative objective function and employing nonlinear equations, the proposed method significantly reduces the number of subintervals required for accurate approximation. The key finding of this research is the development of a more efficient algorithm that enhances the speed of convergence. The implications of these findings are …

Effect Of Virtual Reality Technology On Computer Science/Engineering Based Laboratories Education – A Case Study, Mariam A. Al Nuaimi

Theses

Virtual reality (VR) is becoming increasingly popular and essential in education as institutions strive to incorporate technology in education. In Engineering and Computer Science, students face difficulties in comprehending many abstract complex concepts that are typically studied in Labs. This situation worsens with hardware failure and the lack of pedagogical tools. The main goal of this paper is to investigate the impact of VR environments on learning advanced and complex STEM concepts. We also explore the impact of different human-computer interaction (HCI) techniques including gamification on the learning experience of STEM students. To measure such impact, we developed a VR …

Effect Of Virtual Reality Technology On Computer Science/Engineering Based Laboratories Education – A Case Study, Saeed Salem Al Shebli

Theses

The rapid growth in mobile applications raises critical concerns about the security of apps and users' privacy, especially in permission control. Mobile apps access sensitive information of users, and the current cybersecurity landscape faces a huge challenge in ensuring the least required permissions are granted. This research focuses on designing an advanced permission recommendation system that couples the strengths of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning (ML) in solving most of the existing gaps in permission management, thus guiding which permissions are mostly needed by Android applications.

The research thus follows a multi-classification approach, integrating state-of-the-art ML techniques with …

On Fractional Dunkl-Type Laplacian, Saba Ibrahim Aldan

Theses

This thesis presents a comprehensive study of the fractional Dunkl-type Laplacian operator (−∥x∥ Δ��)^σ for 0<σ<1, through four equivalent key characterizations: the heat semigroup characterization, the pointwise characterization, the spherical mean characterization, and through an extension theorem. These characterizations offer different perspectives on the operator ∥x∥Δ_��, generalizing known results for the Euclidean Laplace operator by incorporating reflection symmetries, making it highly relevant in the harmonic analysis of root systems.

By exploring these characterizations, the thesis highlights the deep connections between the fractional operator (−∥x∥Δ_��)^σ and harmonic analysis, as well as its broader applicability in mathematical physics and partial differential equations.

A Secure And Effective Framework For Key Concept Mining From Educational Content Using Large Language Models, Ashika Sameem Abdul Rasheed

Theses

This thesis examines the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) in education, with a focus on improving performance and implementing strong security measures. The research has two main goals, namely, the development of an effective lecture summarization technique using LLMs and identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities in LLM applications according to OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) guidelines. For the former goal, we have proposed an effective framework for fine-tuning LLMs using real lecture datasets and compared the performance of different LLMs. For the latter goal, we conducted a thorough review of the application dataflow of the proposed framework and …

The Implementation Of Stream In Mathematics Classrooms In Abu Dhabi Primary Schools: Prospects, Priorities, Processes, And Problems, Nadeia Rashed Alalawi

Dissertations

This study shed light on implementing science, technology, reading and writing, engineering, art, and mathematics (STREAM) in mathematics classrooms in Abu Dhabi primary schools. The study aimed to explore mathematics teachers’ views on the prospects, priorities, processes, and problems of the implementation of STREAM in their classrooms. The study employed qualitative methods to collect and analyze data to support the findings using interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis. Fifteen in-service mathematics teachers were interviewed to explore their views about the application of STREAM in their classrooms regarding prospects, priorities, processes, and problems (4 Ps). Then, three of them were observed …

Optimizing Photoacoustic Imaging With Advanced Reconstruction Techniques: Compressive Sensing And Deep Learning, Mary Anjaley Josy

Dissertations

Photoacoustic Tomography (PAT) is a noninvasive medical imaging technique that combines the advantages of optical imaging and ultrasonic detection, offering deep tissue visualization with high resolution. Despite its potential, the effectiveness of PAT is dependent on the accuracy and efficiency of the underlying imaging algorithms. This thesis aims to enhance the resolution and speed of PAT imaging through the integration of compressive sensing (CS) and deep learning techniques, targeting both full-view and limited-view sensor configurations. Two model-based CS iterative algorithms are developed: relaxed-basis pursuit via alternating direction method of multipliers (rBP-ADMM), and split Bregman total variation (SBTV) formulation. Additionally, Plug-and-Play …

Human Resource Practices And Employee Outcomes: An Examination Of Performance, Satisfaction And Diversity Climate In The Hospitality Sector Of Saudi Arabia, Tareq Abdullah Al-Jammaz

Dissertations

Tourism and related industries have become essential economic activities that play a significant role in the development, prosperity, and well-being of a country. The tourism and hotel sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is currently undergoing significant development to diversify the national economy in line with the KSA Economic Vision 2030 Initiative. To align this sector with international standards in terms of job satisfaction and performance, human resource management practices (HRMPs) play a key role in determining the job satisfaction of employees in their various work environments. HRMPs include various job-related activities, training and development (T+D) programs, rewards, …

Kinetics, Thermodynamics, And Biological Characterizations Of Hydrolysates Enzymatically Produced From Proteins Extracted From Microalgae, Hebah Al-Amodi

Theses

This thesis aims to explore the use of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-L (ZIF-L) as a support for immobilizing alcalase and its potency in producing protein hydrolysates. ZIF-L was synthesized at room temperature using an aqueous solution, and alcalase was immobilized through adsorption batch experiment. The successful immobilization of alcalase on ZIF-L was confirmed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The maximum adsorption capacity of alcalase on ZIF-L was determined to be 672.1 ± 5.5 mg g^-1 at 40°C using an initial protein concentration of 5 mg mL-1. Adsorption equilibrium data …

Large-Scale Cosmic-Ray Anisotropies With 19yr Of Data From The Pierre Auger Observatory, A. Abdul Halim, P. Abreu, M. Aglietta, I. Allekotte, K. Almeida Cheminant, A. Almela, B. Fick, K. Nguyen, D. Nitz, Et Al.

Michigan Tech Publications

Results are presented for the measurement of large-scale anisotropies in the arrival directions of ultra–high-energy cosmic rays detected at the Pierre Auger Observatory during 19 yr of operation, prior to AugerPrime, the upgrade of the observatory. The 3D dipole amplitude and direction are reconstructed above 4 EeV in four energy bins. Besides the established dipolar anisotropy in R.A. above 8 EeV, the Fourier amplitude of the 8–16 EeV energy bin is now also above the 5σ discovery level. No time variation of the dipole moment above 8 EeV is found, setting an upper limit to the rate of change of …

Testing The Molecular Cloud Paradigm For Ultra-High-Energy Gamma Ray Emission From The Direction Of Snr G106.3+2.7, R. Alfaro, C. Alvarez, J. C. Arteaga-Velázquez, D. Avila Rojas, H. A. Ayala Solares, R. Babu, S. Groetsch, P. Hüntemeyer, M. Najafi, R. Turner, X. Wang, Et Al.

Michigan Tech Publications

Context. Supernova remnants (SNRs) are believed to be capable of accelerating cosmic rays (CRs) to PeV energies. SNR G106.3+2.7 is a prime PeVatron candidate. It is formed by a head region, where the pulsar J2229+6114 and its boomerang-shaped pulsar wind nebula are located, and a tail region containing SN ejecta. The lack of observed gamma ray emission from the two regions of this SNR has made it difficult to assess which region would be responsible for the PeV CRs. Aims. We aim to characterize the very-high-energy (VHE, 0.1-100 TeV) gamma ray emission from SNR G106.3+2.7 by determining the morphology and …

A Perspective On Solar Railway Potential For The Uk, M. Braima, T. E. Butt, M. A. Maraqa, S. Goodhew, S. Sundaram, M. M.A. Mohamed

School of Art, Design and Architecture

In the face of climate change challenges, energy demand is still increasing, and renewable energy is becoming increasingly necessary as a sustainable resource. Solar energy stands out as a promising renewable resource, yet its widespread adoption faces challenges, notably the substantial land requirements for photovoltaic (PV) panels. This conflict intensifies as land could be more efficiently utilized for agriculture and development. Conversely, railway infrastructure occupies expansive tracts of land, presenting an opportunity to integrate PV panels without disrupting rail operations. However, a comprehensive assessment of the solar potential along railway tracks on a national scale is lacking for different countries …

Application Of The Neutrosophic Poisson Distribution Series On The Harmonic Subclass Of Analytic Functions Using The Salagean Derivative Operator, Adeniyi M. Gbolagade, Ibrahim T. Awolere, Olusola Adeyemo, Abiodun T. Oladipo

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

The authors explore the innovative application of the Neutrosophic series, particularly the Neutrosophic Poisson Distribution Series (NPDS), to investigate various indeterminacy or uncertainties inherent in the classical univalent harmonic function class. The Neutrosophic Poisson Distribution Series is equipped with a Salangean derivative operator and convoluted with analytic univalent harmonic function class to derive new properties, such as inclusion relation, and coefficient inequalities for star-likeness. The results obtained demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in capturing the inherent uncertainties and complexities associated with harmonic functions. There are several other areas of importance of our results that can be unlocked by computer …

Using Convolutional Neural Network To Determine Time Window For Analyzing Local Shear-Wave Splitting Measurements, Yanwei Zhang, Stephen S. Gao

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The time window for analyzing local shear-wave splitting (SWS) phases significantly affects the quality of measurements, revealing a noteworthy domain influence. In this study, an approach using convolutional neural network (CNN) is applied to determine the end of time window (e), which has a similar idea of the phase-picking CNNs. The start of time window is 0.5 s before e. Our data set contains 803 human-labeled measurements, recorded from three stations located in Ridgecrest, California. These measurements are foreshocks and aftershocks of an M 7.1 earthquake on 6 July 2019. After 21 times shifting on each measurement, 90% of the …

Molecular Dynamics Investigation Of The Influenza Hemagglutinin Conformational Changes In Acidic Ph, Shadi A. Badiee, Vivek Govind Kumar, Mahmoud Moradi

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

The surface protein hemagglutinin (HA) of the influenza virus plays a pivotal role in facilitating viral infection by binding to sialic acid receptors on host cells. Its conformational state is pH-sensitive, impacting its receptor-binding ability and evasion of the host immune response. In this study, we conducted extensive equilibrium microsecond-level all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the HA protein to explore the influence of low pH on its conformational dynamics. Specifically, we investigated the impact of protonation on conserved histidine residues (H106₂) located in the hinge region of HA2. Our analysis encompassed comparisons between nonprotonated (NP), partially protonated …

Exploring The Family Well-Being Of Dual-Coast Guard Marriages In The Philippines, Marie Shermaine Andrade

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.