Digital Commons Network^™

Social Media News Consumption By College Students Using The Elaboration Likelihood Model, Colin Horning

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Social media usage has become a cornerstone of the everyday lives of Americans. From the years 2012 through 2021, the percentage of U.S. adults who say they use the social media platforms of YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, X/Twitter and Snapchat have grown exponentially, according to data from the Pew Research Center (Auxier & Anderson, 2021). Primarily among young people (those age 18-29) social media growth share has been the most prevalent, with this age range being mostly made up of Millennials and Generation Z (or Gen Z). The same Pew Research study found stark differences in the social media …

Optimized Gadolinium-Do3a Loading In Raft-Polymerized Copolymers For Superior Mr Imaging Of Aging Blood-Brain Barrier, Hunter A. Miller, Aaron Priester, Evan T. Curtis, Krista Hilmas, Ashleigh Abbott, Forrest M. Kievit, Anthony J. Convertine

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The development of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) has been pivotal in advancing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), offering enhanced soft tissue contrast without ionizing radiation exposure. Despite their widespread clinical use, the need for improved GBCAs has led to innovations in ligand chemistry and polymer science. We report a novel approach using methacrylate-functionalized DO3A ligands to synthesize a series of copolymers through direct reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. This technique enables precise control over the gadolinium content within the polymers, circumventing the need for subsequent conjugation and purification steps, and facilitates the addition of other components such as targeting ligands. …

Strength Comparison For Fully Dense Zirconium Diboride Ceramics Tested By Different Methods, Darko Kosanović, Suzana Filipović, Isaak Trajković, Nina Obradović, Paul M. Brune, Gregory E. Hilmas, William G. Fahrenholtz

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The strength of zirconium diboride ceramics was tested by three different methods, 3-point flexure, 4-point flexure, and compression. Nearly full-density ceramics were obtained by hot pressing commercial ZrB₂ powder with the addition of.5 wt.% carbon as a sintering aid. The thermal properties and hardness were studied for ZrB₂ milled with ZrB₂ and WC media. Based on phase purity and higher thermal conductivity, ZrB₂ ceramics prepared from powders milled with ZrB₂ media were selected for mechanical property studies. The strength in 3-point flexure was 546 ± 55 MPa. The flexure strength was 476 ± 41 MPa …

Experimental Investigation Of A Viscoelastic Liner To Reduce Under Helmet Overpressures And Shock Wave Reflections, Cody J.H. Thomas, Fatih Dogan, Catherine E. Johnson

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Introduction: Shock wave overpressure exposures can result in blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) in warfighters. Although combat helmets provide protection against blunt impacts, the protection against blast waves is limited due to the observed high overpressures occurring underneath the helmet. One route to enhance these helmets is by incorporating viscoelastic materials into the helmet designs, reducing pressures imposed on the head. This study aims to further investigate this mitigation technique against under-helmet overpressures by adding a viscoelastic liner to the inside of a combat helmet. Methods: The liner's effectiveness was evaluated by exposing it to free-field blasts of Composition C-4 …

Haunting Euramerican Memories: Rhetorical Haunting And The Diffuse Memory Of The Dakota 38+2, Noel Keil

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

No abstract provided.

Segmented Fiber Optic Sensors Based On Hybrid Microwave-Photonic Interrogation, Wassana Naku, Osamah Alsalman, Jie Huang, Chen Zhu

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, we propose and demonstrate a novel concept of segmented fiber optic sensors by integrating the fiber Bragg grating (FBG) reflector modality and a hybrid interrogation technique enabled by microwave photonics. As a proof of concept, a radiofrequency Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) based on an optical fiber with two FBGs as the two reflectors of the Fabry-Perot (FP) cavity is constructed. By measuring the frequency response of the FPI device followed by a joint-time-frequency-domain analysis, the interferogram of the FPI in the microwave domain and the time-domain signal of the FBGs can be unambiguously reconstructed. Thus, the two elements …

A Novel Physics-Assisted Genetic Algorithm For Decoupling Capacitor Optimization, Li Jiang, Ling Zhang, Shurun Tan, Da Li, Chulsoon Hwang, Jun Fan, Er Ping Li

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This article proposes a new physics-assisted genetic algorithm (PAGA) for decoupling capacitor (decap) optimization in power distribution networks (PDNs), which is a highly efficient approach to minimizing the number of decaps within an enormous search space. In the proposed PAGA method, the priority of the decap ports is first determined based on their physical loop inductances. Then, an initial solution is quickly obtained by placing decaps sequentially on the port with the highest priority. Subsequently, a GA with prior physical knowledge is developed to find better decap solutions progressively. A port removal scheme that eliminates the low-priority ports and a …

Electromagnetic-Circuital-Thermal-Mechanical Multiphysics Numerical Simulation Method For Microwave Circuits, Huan Huan Zhang, Zheng Lang Jia, Peng Fei Zhang, Ying Liu, Li Jun Jiang, Da Zhi Ding

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

An electromagnetic-circuital-thermal-mechanical Multiphysics numerical method is proposed for the simulation of microwave circuits. The discontinuous Galerkin time-domain (DGTD) method is adopted for electromagnetic simulation. The time-domain finite element method (FEM) is utilized for thermal simulation. The circuit equation is applied for circuit simulation. The mechanical simulation is also carried out by FEM method. A flexible and unified Multiphysics field coupling mechanism is constructed to cover various electromagnetic, circuital, thermal and mechanical Multiphysics coupling scenarios. Finally, three numerical examples emulating outer space environment, intense electromagnetic pulse (EMP) injection and high-power microwave (HPM) illumination are utilized to demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency, and …

Ultra-Fast Annealing Improves Snr And Long-Term Stability Of A Highly Multiplexed Line-By-Line Fbg Array Inscribed By Femtosecond Laser In A Coreless Fiber For Extreme-Temperature Applications, Farhan Mumtaz, Bohong Zhang, Jeffrey D. Smith, Ronald J. O'Malley, Rex E. Gerald, Jie Huang

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study reports the fabrication of an 4th-order line-by-line Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG) array using femtosecond laser inscription within a highly multimode coreless optical fiber, with a particular focus on achieving substantial multiplexing capabilities. An ultra-fast annealing procedure is employed, resulting in an impressive enhancement of the FBG sensor's fringe visibility by approximately 13 dB, signifying a notable improvement of approximately ~4 dB. This substantial enhancement contributes to the long-term stability and performance of the multiplexed FBG array in extreme temperature conditions. The systematic fabrication approach employed for the multiplexed FBG array guarantees a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for each …

Modeling Of Power Distrubition Network (Pdn) Noise Coupling Induced Clock Phase Noise, Zhekun Peng, Junyong Park, Chaofeng Li, Joey Stecher, Srinivas Venkataraman, Xu Wang, Granthana Rangaswamy, Donghyun Kim

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Phase noise analysis is important to clock design. Noise sources of spurs shown on the phase noise result are challenging to find out due to the unknown source locations and coupling mechanisms. Noise from power distribution network (PDN) is one of the most troublesome sources. A behavioral modeling methodology is proposed to simulate the clock phase noise induced by PDN noise coupling for two different mechanisms: PDN-to-clock additive coupling and PDN-to-PDN up-conversion modulation. The thermal noise and 1/f flicker noise are simplified to provide a straightforward view of spur level. The model can be applied to both single-ended clock and …

Ai Trustworthy: Ethical Challenges And Strategies, Jian Liu, Iwan Sandjaja, Donald C. Wunsch

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper explores the pivotal role of trust in the widespread application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across various domains. We review AI applications in sectors like energy, healthcare, and autonomous vehicles and discuss the crisis of human trust they face. This paper introduces a novel framework that delineates the relationship between AI transparency and user trust, highlighting specific industry applications. Through a systematic review of recent literature, we first delve into factors such as emotional response, acceptance, transparency, accuracy, and interpretability that shape human trust in AI. We then underscore the necessity of ethical AI practices and highlight the importance …

Highly Sensitive Liquid-Level Sensing Based On Microwave Frequency Domain Reflectometry And Interferometry, Chen Zhu, Osamah Alsalman, Jie Huang

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Frequency domain reflectometry (FDR) and interferometry are two widely used investigative techniques that have been instrumented using optical and microwave devices for a diverse array of sensing applications. In this paper, we present a highly sensitive liquid-level sensor using a custom hollow coaxial cable transmission line. Measurements of liquid levels with high sensitivity and resolution can be achieved by both FDR and interferometry-based measurements using the same sensor device. We show that FDR-based measurements are more straightforward for liquid-level sensing and are suitable for both small and large variations of liquid level, while interferometry-based measurements provide slightly higher measurement resolution …

Frailty Knowledge, Training And Barriers To Frailty Management: A National Cross-Sectional Survey Of Health Professionals In Australia, Leila S. Hanjani, Sarah Fox, Ruth E. Hubbard, Emily Gordon, Natasha Reid, Sarah N. Hilmer, Rosemary Saunders, Danijela Gnjidic, Adrienne Young

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective(s): To understand Australian health professionals' perceptions of their knowledge and previous training about frailty, as well as barriers to frailty assessment and management in their practice. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was developed and distributed to health professionals (medical, nursing and allied health) engaged in clinical practice in Australia through convenience and snowball sampling techniques from March to May 2022. The survey consisted of five sections: frailty training and knowledge; confidence in recognising and managing adults with frailty; the importance and relevance of frailty; barriers to assessing and managing frailty in practice; and interest in further frailty training. Responses …

Nasoalveolar Molding: A Rise In Early Management Of Newborn Patient With Cleft Lip And Palate, Reeya Agrawal, Pallavi Daigavane, Amit Reche

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Orofacial clefts are one of the most frequent congenital oral and maxillofacial abnormalities. When these babies are roughly three months old, lip rebuilding, also known as cheiloplasty, is a critical concern. In several cleft facilities, To improve the treatment success, presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM) has been included in the therapy protocol. In patients with cleft lip and palate, this technique is routinely used to bring the alveolar segments into normal alignment and improve nasal symmetry. In this article, the benefits of using this method as part of a treatment plan for infants with cleft lip and palate will be described. …

Does Reduced Taper Canal Preparation Increase The Load Capacity Of Endodontically Treated Teeth?, Mostafa M.A. Elkholy, Omar Mahmoud Noureldin, Hala Fayek Khalil, Shehabeldin M. Saber

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: The aim of this in-vitro study is to assess and compare the load capacity of teeth with canals prepared using progressive taper versus regressive taper.

Methods: Twenty-seven extracted mandibular molars were categorized into three equal groups. The negative control group involved teeth that were accessed and restored with composite resin without canal preparation. The regressive canal preparation group used the TruNatomy file system, while the progressive canal preparation group employed the ProTaper Gold system. Subsequently, all samples underwent loading using a universal testing machine until tooth fracture occurred. The force required to fracture each tooth was recorded …

Assessment And Quantification Of The Microbial Flora In The Output Water Of Two Types Of Dental Chairs: A Comparative Study, Khalil Kharma, Louis Hardan, Cynthia Kassis, Rim Bourgi, Regina Geitani, May Mallah, Elie Maalouf, Carina Mehanna Zogheib

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: Dental Unit Waterlines (DUWL) have shown to be a perfect host for different pathogenic microorganisms. The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the level of bacterial contamination in the output water of 2 types of DUWL.

Methods: Dental unit water samples from the air/water syringe of the A-dec (A-dec™ Performer 200, Newberg, USA) DUWL type and KaVo (ESTETICA™ E30/E70/E80 Vision, Kavo, Biberach, Germany) type were collected and analyzed for total aerobic flora, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, faecal coliforms, total coliforms, faecal streptococci and sulfite-reducing anaerobic flora.

Results: The bacteriological analysis of water samples shows the …

Wheatbelt Food Community: Snapshot Report, Isabelle Chiera, Jess Doe, Amanda Devine, Melissa Stoneham, Stephanie L. Godrich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Food security refers to the adequate physical, social, and economic access to healthy food at all times. The Wheatbelt Food Community project aimed to identify, map, evaluate and strengthen food security initiatives across the region, to support food security action. This report outlines the findings from the Wheatbelt Food Community project, detailing the different types of food security initiatives operating within the region. It provides a summary of how Wheatbelt initiatives are contributing to food security systems change, and how they are working in partnership to deliver their food security initiatives. Based on these findings, region-based recommendations are provided to …

Enacting Migrant Community: Struggles And Unbelonging In The Field Of Russian-Speaking Cultural Production, Raisa Akifeva, Loretta Baldassar, Farida Fozdar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In this article, based on ethnographic research conducted in Perth, Western Australia and Madrid, Spain, we consider how community is understood and enacted for Russian-speaking migrants and its role in cultural (re)production. Studies often overlook the important role of struggle, contestation and power relations in everyday practices of community making. Drawing on Bourdieu’s field theory, we describe the Russian-speaking migrant community as a structured social space in which community leaders and migrant institutions compete for the right to represent the community. As a result of power differentials, contested ideas about what Russian-speaking culture is and how it should be transmitted, …

Quantitative Comparison Of Presenilin Protein Expression Reveals Greater Activity Of Ps2-Γ-Secretase, Melissa K. Eccles, Nathan Main, Rodrigo Carlessi, Ayeisha M. Armstrong, Miheer Sabale, Brigid Roberts-Mok, Janina E. E. Tirnitz-Parker, Mark Agostino, David Groth, Paul E. Fraser, Giuseppe Verdile

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

γ-secretase processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) has long been of interest in the pathological progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to its role in the generation of amyloid- . The catalytic component of the enzyme is the presenilins of which there are two homologues, Presenilin-1 (PS1) and Presenilin-2 (PS2). The field has focussed on the PS1 form of this enzyme, as it is typically considered the more active at APP processing. However, much of this work has been completed without appropriate consideration of the specific levels of protein expression of PS1 and PS2. We propose that expression is an …

An Ecosystem Of Knowledge: Relationality As A Framework For Teachers To Infuse Indigenous Perspectives In Curriculum, Maryanne Macdonald, Sarah Booth, Libby Jackson-Barrett

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

New data is presented from two studies involving thirteen practising secondary teachers and twelve pre-service early childhood, primary and secondary teachers in Australia. The first study explored how non-Indigenous practising teacher identities, shaped by external and policy discourse, create obstacles to teachers’ willingness and confidence in infusing Indigenous perspectives in curriculum. With this knowledge in hand, the researchers utilised a Design-Based Research methodology to conduct a second study with pre-service (ITE) teachers, exploring the power of relationality as a framework to re-shape non-Indigenous pre-service teachers’ conceptualisation of racial and place-based identity. By enabling non-Indigenous pre-service teachers to construct an authentic …

Dna Origami-Assisted Regioselective Organization Of Anisotropic Gold Nanotriangle Clusters, Wenyan Liu, Prashant Gupta, Yuwei Zhang, Krishna Thapa, Srikanth Singamaneni, Risheng Wang

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

The manipulation of anisotropic nanoparticles, such as gold nanorods and nano prisms, has attracted great attention in nanotechnology due to their sensitive geometry-dependent properties. However. traditional synthesis and assembly methods for these particles face challenges in size uniformity and higher-order structuring. To address these limitations, this study presents a strategy using DNA origami triangles, not just as templates, but as encapsulating agents for gold nanotriangles (AuNTs). This method enables the construction of diverse nanoparticle clusters with precisely controlled distance and orientation. The formed clusters exhibit unique optical characteristics, demonstrated by UV-visible spectroscopy and supported by finite-difference time domain (FDTD) simulations. …

High-Capacity Anode For Sodium-Ion Batteries Using Hard Carbons Derived From Polyurea-Cross-Linked Silica Xerogel Powders, Santhoshkumar Sundaramoorthy, Rushi U. Soni, Stephen Yaw Owusu, Sutapa Bhattacharya, A. B.M.Shaheen Ud Doulah, Vaibhav A. Edlabadkar, Chariklia Sotiriou-Leventis, Amitava Choudhury

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this article, we demonstrated carbon aerogel-silica composites derived from polyurea-cross-linked silica xerogel powders (C-PUA@silica) as anodes for Na-ion batteries. These xerogel-derived hard carbons with embedded silica showed a stable high capacity. Of the several hard carbon samples derived at different temperatures, the pyrolyzed sample at 800 °C (C-PUA@silica-800) showed a high capacity of 236 mAh/g at a current density of 10 mA/g and a stable cycle-life at 200 mAh/g. The galvanostatic charge-discharge curves displayed a sloping voltage profile reminiscent of the adsorption mechanism of Na+ storage. On the other hand, higher temperature-pyrolyzed samples at 1300 °C (C-PUA@silica-1300) displayed a …

Boosting The Microbial Electrosynthesis Of Formate By Shewanella Oneidensis Mr-1 With An Ionic Liquid Cosolvent, Ashwini Dantanarayana, Wassim El Housseini, Kevin Beaver, Monica Brachi, Timothy P. Mcfadden, Shelley D. Minteer

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is a rapidly growing technology at the forefront of sustainable chemistry, leveraging the ability of microorganisms to catalyze electrochemical reactions to synthesize valuable compounds from renewable energy sources. The reduction of CO₂ is a major target application for MES, but research in this area has been stifled, especially with the use of direct electron transfer (DET)-based microbial systems. The major fundamental hurdle that needs to be overcome is the low efficiency of CO₂ reduction largely attributed to minimal microbial access to CO₂ owing to its low solubility in the electrolyte. With their tunable physical …

Selected Trace Element Uptake By Rice Grain As Affected By Soil Arsenic, Water Management And Cultivar -A Field Investigation, Eric M. Farrow, Jianmin Wang, Honglan Shi, John Yang, Bin Hua, Baolin Deng

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Accumulation of arsenic (As) in rice grain was reported in many regions of the world, including the United States, which has been a threat to human health. This field research investigated the grain as accumulation and its relationship with the uptake of selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), and cadmium (Cd) in soils with and without monosodium methane arsonate (MSMA) amended, as effects of selected rice cultivars and water management. Results indicated that MSMA increased the accumulation of as and Se but decreased Mo for all six cultivars under four irrigation management. MSMA also increased grain-Cd in some cultivars. in no MSMA-amended …

A Super-Hard High Entropy Boride Containing Hf, Mo, Ti, V, And W, Suzana Filipovic, Nina Obradovic, Greg E. Hilmas, William G. Fahrenholtz, Donald W. Brenner, Jon Paul Maria, Douglas E. Wolfe, Eva Zurek, Xiomara Campilongo, Stefano Curtarolo

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Super-Hard (Hf,Mo,Ti,V,W)B2 Was Synthesized by Boro-Carbothermal Reduction and Densified by Spark Plasma Sintering. This Composition Was Produced for the First Time as a Single-Phase Ceramic in the Present Research. the Optimized Ceramic Had a Single Hexagonal AlB2-Type Crystalline Phase with a Grain Size of 3.8 µm and Homogeneous Distribution of the Constituent Metals. the Vickers Hardness Exhibited the Indentation Size Effect, Increasing from 27 GPa at a Load of 9.8 N to as High as 66 GPa at a Load of 0.49 N. This is the Highest Hardness Reported to Date for High Entropy Boride Ceramics.

Injectable Dendrimer Hydrogel Delivers Melphalan In Both Conjugated And Free Forms For Retinoblastoma, Remy C. Cooper, Juan Wang, Hu Yang

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

We report the successful synthesis of an injectable dendrimer hydrogel (DH) carrying melphalan, a clinical drug for retinoblastoma treatment, in both conjugated and free forms. Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer generation 5 (G5) is surface-modified with an acid-sensitive acetal-dibenzocyclooctyne linker and then undergoes azide-alkyne cycloaddition with melphalan-PEG-N3 conjugate to form G5-acetal-melphalan. During the DH gelation between G5-acetal-melphalan and PEG-diacrylate, free melphalan is added, resulting in a hydrogel (G5-acetal-melphalan-DH/melphalan) that carries the drug in both conjugated and free forms. Melphalan is slowly released from G5-acetal-melphalan-DH/melphalan, with the conjugated melphalan released more quickly at pH 5.3 due to acid-triggered acetal bond cleavage. The formulation's …

Transitioning To A Lower Global Warming Refrigerant, A Performance Study Of R-513a And Hfc-134a In Commercial Chillers, Hossein Abedsoltan, Mark B. Shiflett

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The performance of R-513A and HFC-134a refrigerants is compared in two identical chillers operating at the University of Kansas. R-513A is a more environmentally friendly refrigerant due to its lower global warming potential that can be used as a retrofit replacement for HFC-134a in chillers. This study investigates the performance comparison of transitioning from HFC-134a to R-513A. The chillers have been in operation for two years, and cooling capacity, coefficient of performance, and other operating parameters are compared under similar cooling conditions. Cooling capacities ranged from 100 to 500 kW for both chillers. Overall, the energy consumption and coefficient of …

Information Extraction From The Reviews Of Ai Applications Using Sas Text Mining Process, Imranul Kabir Chowdhury, Wen Bin Yu

Business and Information Technology Faculty Research & Creative Works

The recent surge in AI advancements, particularly generative AI, has grabbed the attention of major tech companies who are all striving to integrate it seamlessly into their products. This highlights the need to evaluate the various AI products on the market and identify the features that resonate most with users. SAS Enterprise Miner, a powerful text analysis tool, can be used to uncover hidden insights from user reviews. In this study, we will leverage various SAS functions to analyze reviews of different AI applications. By analyzing these reviews, we aim to pinpoint the unique strengths of these AI applications and …

The Potential Effects Of Abiotic Stresses On Ziziphus And Acacia Species Grown Under Uae Climate Condition, Almaha Abdulla Alneyadi

Theses

This comprehensive thesis delves into a comparative analysis of two prominent desert plant species, namely Acacia and Ziziphus, shedding light on their distinct adaptive features in response to challenging environmental conditions. The exploration spans various facets, including the germination process, tap root development, and their reactions to water stress, ultimately revealing the superior hardiness and adaptability of Acacia over Ziziphus. In the realm of germination, Acacia stands out with its swift and efficient initiation, indicating a robust mechanism for establishing its presence in arid landscapes. The examination of tap root development further underscores the resilience of Acacia, as it demonstrates …

The Impact Of Hybrid Working On Employee Way Of Life And The Need To Reshape The Employee Value Proposition, Kanishka Chandanamali Athalage

Dissertations

This dissertation details a post-pandemic qualitative investigation conducted to understand the impact of hybrid working solutions on reshaping the employee value proposition (EVP) in the health insurance industry of the UAE. The research aims to evaluate how the introduction of modern hybrid working solutions impacts employees in a post-pandemic environment and, in turn, whether this creates a demand for human resources to refocus drivers of the EVP. Traditionally, EVP is referred to as the overall give-and-get in an employment deal; however, the pandemic was an eye-opener for organizations to redefine what it entails. Since hybrid working has become the new …