Digital Commons Network^™

Lessons Learned From Laboratory Study And Field Application Of Re-Crosslinkable Preformed Particle Gels Rppg For Conformance Control In Mature Oilfields With Conduits/Fractures/Fracture-Like Channels, Baojun Bai, Thomas P. Schuman, David Smith, Tao Song

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This Paper Surveys the Role of Re-Crosslink able Preformed Particle Gels (RPPG) in Addressing Conformance Challenges within Mature Oilfields. Despite Widespread Preformed Particle Gel (PPG) Application in 15,000+ Wells, their Limitations in Sealing Fractures and Conduits Prevalent in Mature Reservoirs Have Driven the Development of RPPG Formulations. Synthesized in Various Sizes from Micrometer to Millimeter Levels, These Environmentally Friendly RPPGs Are Tailored for Diverse Reservoir Conditions. Findings Showcase the Successful Laboratory-Scale Creation and Upscaling of RPPG Products, Offering Adaptability to Temperatures from 20 to 175°C, Customizable Sizes, Swelling Ratios (5 to 40 Times), and Re-Crosslinking Times Spanning Minutes to Days. …

Bioprinting With Adipose Stem Cells And Hydrogel Modified With Bioactive Glass, Krishna C.R. Kolan, Apurv Saxena, Bradley A. Bromet, Lesa B. Steen, August T. Bindbeutel, Julie A. Semon, Delbert E. Day, Ming C. Leu

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Bioprinting research is focused on utilizing growth factors and multiple cell types to create clinically relevant three-dimensional (3D) tissue models using hydrogels. Rheological and biological challenges are two main factors that limit the creation of extrudable bioactive hydrogels. In this study, we investigate incorporation of fast dissolving and bioactive borate glass in different weight to volume percentages (0.075 to 0.6%) to alginate-gelatin (1:1) hydrogel to improve rheological properties and enable bioprinting with bioactive glass. The addition of glass improved the stiffness of the hydrogel. Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) were uniformly mixed in this bioink at 1 x 106 …

Borate-Based Bioactive Glasses Properties: Clinical And Biomedical Applications, Sarah Fakher, David J. Westenberg

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Borate bioactive glasses (BBGs) constitute the recently produced bioactive glasses (BGs) in the domain of bioactive materials, offering enhanced functionalities over conventional silicate and phosphate BGs. This advancement is primarily characterized by BBGs' rapid yet controllable degradation rates, superior bioactivity, and the ability to swiftly form a hydroxyapatite layer (HAP) upon interaction with physiological fluids. A distinguishing feature of BBGs lies in their customizability; doping with therapeutic metal ions tailors their bioactivity towards specific physiological responses, including promoting angiogenesis, antibacterial activity, and osteogenesis. This versatility of BBGs' applications extends to bone regeneration, wound healing, drug delivery systems, and potentially nerve …

Investigating Ammonium Toxicity In The Performance Of Recirculating Periphytic Algal Wastewater Treatment Systems, Oluchuku Richie Ochonogor

Theses and Dissertations

Freshwater nutrient enrichment from wastewater facilities and other sources can lead to freshwater eutrophication, a threat to global aquatic ecosystems. Mechanical and chemical ways to curb this threat are either too expensive or not sustainable, and thus, not feasible. Compared to mechanical and other methods, sustainable, inexpensive biological methods (for example, algal treatment systems) have therefore been developed for the removal of excess nutrients from wastewater. By design, secondary waste treatment facilities (WWTF) remove organics and solids and lower oxygen demanding substances; however, they may not remove enough nutrients to protect freshwater ecosystems in all cases. While algae-based biological methods …

Towards Machine Learning-Based Control Of Autonomous Vehicles In Solar Panel Cleaning Systems, Farima Hajiahmadi

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents a machine learning (ML)-based approach for the intelligent control of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) utilized in solar panel cleaning systems, aiming to mitigate challenges arising from uncertainties, disturbances, and dynamic environments. Solar panels, predominantly situated in dedicated lands for solar energy production (e.g., agricultural solar farms), are susceptible to dust and debris accumulation, leading to diminished energy absorption. Instead of labor-intensive manual cleaning, robotic cleaners offer a viable solution. AVs equipped to transport and precisely position these cleaning robots are indispensable for efficient navigation among solar panel arrays. However, environmental obstacles (e.g., rough terrain), variations in solar panel …

School-Based Educators’ Perceptions Of Professional Development And Its Impact On Their Ability To Improve Literacy Instruction For Underperforming K-2 Students, Monica Mcdaniel

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to examine school-based educators’ perceptions of professional learning and its impact on their ability to improve literacy instruction. The perceived role of the principal in the implementation, monitoring, and sustaining professional learning was also explored. A total of eight teachers, two media specialists, two instructional coaches, and five school leaders at two elementary schools in the Southeast United States participated in the study. Findings include the importance of quality, ongoing professional development, the leader’s role in planning, participation in, and supporting teachers through the professional development process, and everyone’s role in …

An Investigation Into Splicing Variation And Expression Patterns Of Insulin-Like Peptide 4 (Ilp4) Within The Drosophila Genus, Zachary C. Griffith

Theses and Dissertations

The insulin-signaling pathway plays a crucial role in regulating metabolic homeostasis in both humans and insects. Dysregulation or mutation within this pathway can lead to various diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance. The insulin-like peptide 4 (ILP4) in Drosophila is an interesting subject for study due to its similarity to mammalian insulin and its role in regulating sugar metabolism. In this study, we investigate a novel splicing variation within the Drosophila takahashii Insulin-Like Peptide 4 (ILP4) gene. Our investigation identified a splicing variation found in four Drosophila species that introduces an additional codon in one isoform, resulting in …

Optimizing Z/R Relationship For Radar-Based Precipitation Estimates, Jalon Gary

Theses and Dissertations

Z/R relationship is a power law relationship between radar reflectivity (Z) and rainfall rate (R). The relationship is expressed as Z = aRb where a and b are correlated with drop size distribution (DSD) and vary across locations. Using a Z/R relationship to translate radar reflectivity to rainfall rate can allow for real-time precipitation monitoring with a high temporal and spatial resolution. A dataset of 12 cases in Georgia from December 2021 to November 2022 was examined using the Georgia Weather Network rain gauge system and the KFFC radar to optimize the best Z/R relationship for each case. Radar-based precipitation …

From Victorian Doubt To American Deconstruction: Exploring Faith Crises Across Time And Geography, Bailey Anne Melton

Theses and Dissertations

This research consists of a comparative analysis of faith crises in two distinct historical periods: the Victorian era (1830s-1914) and modern America. Through examining the Victorian crisis of faith and the contemporary American deconstruction movement within Protestant Evangelicalism, this study explores the common themes, diverse responses, and enduring relevance of faith doubt within Christianity. The Victorian crisis emerged amidst scientific advancements, theological debates, and shifting societal norms, prompting intellectuals to grapple with doubts about traditional Christian beliefs. Prominent figures publicly challenged religious orthodoxy, while evolving scientific theories, particularly evolution, further fueled skepticism. In contrast, the American crisis of Evangelicalism is …

A Phytochemical Analysis Of Secondary Metabolites In Eupatorium Serotinum, Elise Snow

Theses and Dissertations

Phytochemistry, a subset of Natural Products Chemistry, studies chemically derived products from natural substances. Advances in this field have important applications in medicinal research due to the distinctive and unique properties of natural compounds. All metabolites are produced from the metabolic cycle, which is a pathway that provides energy for the organism. These metabolic compounds vary greatly and are classified based on their function within the organism. Primary metabolites are abundant and contribute to organism growth, development, and maintenance of energy. Secondary metabolites are found in lesser quantity and correlate to natural defense mechanisms. For example, salicylic acid is a …

K-12 Teacher Perceptions Of Online Learning And Information Technology Support Post Covid-19 Pandemic, Michael Wayne Carraway Ii

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines K-12 teacher technology acceptance through their perceptions of the learning management system Google Classroom, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. This correlational research study is conducted through a survey adapted from the Technology Acceptance Model, Information technology support analysis, and a functionality usability survey. This study examines the relationships between functionality, usability, IT support, perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), attitudes towards use (ATU), behavioral intention to use (BI), and actual usage (AU). Structural equation modelling is conducted at the construct level in order to determine relationships between constructs. Additionally, this study explores assessment …

Examining The Implications Of Virtual Credit Recovery On High School Student Achievement In Eoc Classes, Lakeisha Griffith

Theses and Dissertations

High school graduation is an important accomplishment not only for the graduates; but also, society. Whether students enter the workforce, armed services, or seek post-secondary studies at institutions of higher learning, the road to earning the coveted high school diploma can be an immense struggle for many. For decades, architects of educational reform movements have struggled to concoct the just right potion to ensure all students graduate college and/or career ready. Providing high school students an opportunity to participate in asynchronous credit recovery may be a close second to the silver bullet. This causal comparative quantitative research study examines the …

Social Engagement Gaps Between Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics (Stem) F-1 Visa International Students And American Students In Us Universities, Sairagul Matikeeva-Kinney

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative exploratory descriptive study was to explore the perceptions of F1 visa STEM international students at a four-year private university about their social engagement experiences with their American peers, and how the absence of such engagement practices frames the international students’ sense of mattering and marginality and overall college experience. The study focused only on F-1 visa international students’ perceptions and utilized the marginality and mattering theory (MMT) (Schlossberg, 1989) as a theoretical framework. The social constructivism paradigm was utilized to explain how international students construct their knowledge and perceptions of social engagement with American peers, …

Wcug Continuity Book: Building Organizational Robustness Through A Framework Model, Sho Irikawa

Theses and Dissertations

WCUG Cougar Radio is a student led and community driven radio station housed in the Department of Communication at Columbus State University (CSU) in Columbus, Ga. Since 2015, WCUG Cougar Radio (now written as WCUG) created a learning lab environment, focused on training the next generation of media creators and managers. WCUG also houses and manages a podcast network that hosts a majority of WCUG’s digital content. Importantly, WCUG is operated by our very own CSU students. These students hold different tiers and positions as personnel, whether paid or volunteers. WCUG is also advised by a Faculty Advisor from the …

A Comparative Study Of Cationic Copper(I) Reagents Supported By Bipodal Tetramethylguanidinyl-Containing Ligands As Nitrene-Transfer Catalysts, Suraj Kumar Sahoo, Brent Harfmann, Himanshu Bhatia, Harish Singh, Srikanth Balijapelly, Amitava Choudhury, Pericles Stavropoulos

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

The Bipodal Compounds [(TMG2biphenN-R)CuI-NCMe](PF6) (R = Me, Ar (4-CF3Ph-)) And [(TMG2biphenN-Me)CuI-I] Have Been Synthesized With Ligands That Feature A Diarylmethyl- And Triaryl-Amine Framework And Superbasic Tetramethylguanidinyl Residues (TMG). The Cationic Cu(I) Sites Mediate Catalytic Nitrene-Transfer Reactions Between The Imidoiodinane PhI = NTs (Ts = Tosyl) And A Panel Of Styrenes In MeCN, To Afford Aziridines, Demonstrating Comparable Reactivity Profiles. The Copper Reagents Have Been Further Explored To Execute C-H Amination Reactions With A Variety Of Aliphatic And Aromatic Hydrocarbons And Two Distinct Nitrene Sources PhI = NTs And PhI = NTces (Tces = 2,2,2-Trichloroethylsulfamate) In Benzene/HFIP (10:2 V/v). Good Yields …

Policy Assessment Of Fisheries Management In The Face Of Climate Change: Implications For The New England Fishery Management Council, Grace Omer

Open Access Master's Theses

A comparative policy analysis was conducted to examine the current efforts, priorities, and goals for climate adaptive fisheries management at the Federal, Regional, and State level from 2014-2024 by categorizing the resulting documents into 4 climate adaptive management elements. We are currently encountering a novel challenge in effectively responding to environmental changes resulting from the effects of climate change. This study establishes the expectations of the Federal and State governments and how the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) is responding to those expectations. The federal government (through documents, legislation, and Executive Orders) has established a low bar of expectations, …

Stormwater Management Within Greenwich Bay Rhode Island, Vincent Deingeniis

Open Access Master's Theses

Stormwater runoff from municipalities bordering Greenwich Bay degrades the water quality and potentially the health of stakeholders. Monitoring bay water and effluent from sewage treatment plants is used to identify where management efforts need to be directed. Hypoxic water conditions and high concentrations of fecal coliform are the most pressing issues within Greenwich Bay. Observed concentrations of fecal coliform in shallow embayment’s within the northern reaches of Greenwich Bay are often unsafe for the consumption of shellfish and unsafe for primary contact through swimming. Regional precipitation and discharge from a major river through statistical analysis suggest that the likelihood of …

Knockoff Methods For Nonlinear Feature Selection In Data With Categorical Features, Behrooz Khalil Loo

Open Access Master's Theses

This thesis addresses the challenge of nonlinear feature selection in datasets that include categorical features. Conventional feature selection methods often struggle with nonlinear relationships and are ineffective in handling categorical variables. This limitation leads to suboptimal model performance and interpretability issues. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop methodologies that can robustly handle nonlinearities and categorical features simultaneously.

To tackle this problem, this thesis proposes and explores novel knockoff methods. Knockoff methods have shown promise in feature selection tasks by generating "knockoff" features that mimic the statistical properties of the original features, enabling robust variable selection while controlling the …

The Interaction Of Early Life Experiences, Physical Health, And Socio-Economic Status On Neurocognitive Function In Youth, Janis Gaudreau

Open Access Master's Theses

Previous research demonstrates that cognitive and brain function and development during childhood are associated with greater physical activity (PA) levels, fitness, income, less adverse early life experiences (ELE), healthier body mass index (BMI), body composition of lean and fat mass, and fewer experiences of mental health disorders.

We used the Child Mind Institute’s Healthy Brain Network open-access dataset to evaluate neurocognitive outcomes in children. We predicted that children with combined greater SES and positive physical health outcomes, alongside fewer adverse ELE, will exhibit greater cognitive function and resting state electroencephalography (EEG) outcomes, and fitness and PA will positively protect neurocognitive …

Probing The Anoxic World Of Coastal Marine Sediments In New England: Understanding The Novel Partnership Between Protists And Their Bacterial Symbionts, Raúl A. Gutiérrez

Open Access Master's Theses

In the oxygen-depleted environments of New England's coastal marine sediment, microbial communities engage in symbiotic interactions to overcome energy deficiencies from oxygen limitation. Among these interactions, ciliates, known for their ability to form diverse symbiotic relationships, play a prominent role. The ciliated protozoa, Metopus sp. commonly form symbiotic relationships with bacteria and archaea that support their fermentative metabolism (Fenchel and Finlay, 1995), though the diversity of these partnerships, particularly in the ocean, is poorly known. To gain insights into the interactions between Metopus ciliate cultures and their microbial partners, we employed Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH) with species-specific probes. We …

Surveying Seafood Preferences And Potential Neophobia Of Underutilized Species In Rhode Island Consumers, Alejandro Rojas

Open Access Master's Theses

Commercial fish stocks are currently in decline with over eighty seven percent at fully exploited or overexploited levels. The overfishing of economically valuable target species is one major cause of these population declines, which is why there has been significant focus on urging consumers to try more underutilized or unheard-of species. However, the question remains: are consumers willing to try these species? Given potential barriers like food neophobia, which is a biological human avoidance of unknown foods, it is important to find out the current seafood preferences of consumers to influence marketing and legislation. The goals of this study were …

Testing The Ontogenetic Migration Hypothesis In The Emerging Rhode Island Jonah Crab (Cancer Borealis) Fishery Using Stable Isotope Analysis, Lindsay Agvent

Open Access Master's Theses

In southern New England, rapid ocean warming over the past two decades has caused substantial redistributions of fishes, invertebrates, and the fisheries they support. The rapid emergence of the warm water-tolerant Jonah crab (Cancer borealis) fishery, once discarded as bycatch from the now declining lobster fishery, illustrates a prime example of climate-adaptive shifts in southern New England fisheries. However, limited data exist on the basic life history of Jonah crab, despite their growing economic and societal value. This lack of knowledge hinders ocean management capacity to meet multiple ecological, economic, and socio-cultural goals of sustainable harvest. Off the …

Benthic Landers In Oceanography – The Design And Justification Of A Multi-Use Novel Benthic Lander System, David M. Nadeau

Open Access Master's Theses

Benthic lander systems can empower researchers with access to long-term high-resolution data streams in challenging to access marine environments. In recent years, landers have emerged as key components for oceanographic research, particularly in the deep ocean due to their ability to work autonomously over long periods. However, these systems are expensive and complex, requiring specialized equipment and knowledge to design, develop, deploy, and recover that reduces broad accessibility to ocean data. Lightweight, cost effective, and multi-use benthic lander systems have the potential to provide economical platforms that reduce logistical barriers to support the next generation of oceanographic research. This project …

Underwater Vehicle Maneuvering With A Singlebladed Propeller, Benjamin C. S. Rahming

Open Access Master's Theses

Current convention in underwater vehicle propulsion utilizes a symmetrical propeller with fins or additional thrusters for maneuvering. These systems can become mechanically and electronically complex requiring multiple sensors and actuators such as motors, motor controllers, encoders and water tight seals. This creates many failure modes. Conversely, an asymmetrical propeller has fewer failure modes as the propeller can maneuver the vehicle by itself. By varying the speed of the blade within the rotation, the resulting force imbalance creates a turning moment in addition to forward thrust. This thesis designs, develops and utilizes a test bed to decipher the six axis dynamic …

Characterization And Dynamics Of Beach-Upland Transition: Insights From Southwestern Rhode Island, U.S.A, Bess Points

Open Access Master's Theses

Ocean coastlines, including barrier systems, are important environmentally and economically, providing valuable habitat as well as key infrastructure for communities and coastal resilience. Oceanfront relief, including foredunes, varies along coastlines and serves as the first barrier to ocean-driven wave and surge damage. Forecasted increases in storm frequency, intensity, and sea levels are anticipated to enhance coastal erosion, and as a result, the beach and upland transition areas are likely to continue to undergo changes. The land-sea transition is variable along the New England coast with a mixture of sedimentary and rocky coasts, hardened structures, and a geology that reflects its …

Comparative Analysis Of Smartwatch Data In Children With Adhd And Non-Adhd, Friederike Hicking

Open Access Master's Theses

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which often lead to significant challenges in academic and social settings. Diagnostic methods for ADHD rely on subjective assessments which are prone to bias. Researchers have explored technology-based objective assessment methods to help diagnose ADHD. In particular, this thesis investigates behavioral differences between children with ADHD and neurotypical children (6-11 years old) using smartwatch data collected from both hands during various classroom-like activities including drawing, math and English worksheets, and magnetic tiles puzzles. The primary objective is to identify distinct behavioral patterns to enhance …

Cysteine Arylation Via Unconventional Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution, Gregory Bassett

Open Access Master's Theses

Bioconjugation is a synthetic technique enabling the construction of a covalent bond between two molecules, at least one of which is a biomolecule.^[1] Such modifications of biomolecules can impart various new functions, including modified enzymatic activity, enhanced fluorescence emission, and improved metabolic stability. Moreover, bioconjugation is applied to produce antibody-drug conjugates, a novel class of targeted therapeutics for cancer treatment.

Previous work by our group using pyridinium salts has enabled us to achieve effective cysteine arylation with rapid kinetics and remarkable selectivity. The bioconjugates produced with these reagents are susceptible to carbon-sulfur bond cleavage under certain conditions, such as …

Effects Of Water Temperature On Solemya Velum Porewater Nutrient Consumption, David Jay Dickey

Open Access Master's Theses

Despite playing a potentially important role in seagrass bed climate resilience, the effects of global warming on Solemya velum metabolism have not been thoroughly explored. The Atlantic Awning clam (Solemya velum) is a gutless, soft shelled, infaunal clam native to the intertidal, eastern coast of North America, which hosts endosymbiotic bacteria in its gills that oxidize sulfide as the energy source for its nutrition. This clam and other symbiotic species with similar metabolisms increase seagrass bed resilience to global warming by oxidizing excess sulfide in sediment porewater. This study used an outdoor temperature controlled mesocosm system to simulate …

Developing Smart Textiles Encapsulated With Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes For Biomedical Applications, Devleena Chowdhury

Open Access Master's Theses

This thesis investigates the creation of core-shell nanofibers for enhanced wound healing applications using a variety of polymer combinations. Chronic wounds are a major worry in the biomedical sector, and researchers are looking at new materials to help the healing process. The PVDF/PVA core-shell structure with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) was chosen due to its balanced mechanical strength, high biocompatibility, and DNA-SWCNT complex stability. PVDF is a preferred shell material due to its biocompatibility and water solubility, making it excellent for wound dressings, implanted scaffolds, and sensors that monitor healing.

The study focuses on improving the electrospinning method to produce …

Differential Expression Analysis Of Treatment Resistant And Treatment Susceptible Neisseria Gonorrhoeae Paired With Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, Kinzie Bailey

Theses

Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium which causes gonorrhea, is a public health threat as recognized by the CDC due to the risk of untreatable gonorrhea due to the high prevalence of resistance to antibiotics in the gonococcal population [1]. Current screening methods for resistance to antibiotics for clinical infections may take up to 2 days to produce results, which could result in delays in treatment, unnecessary follow-up appointments, inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions, and overall poor treatment outcomes [2]. In this study, we utilize RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to characterize the expression patterns of resistant and susceptible strains of N. gonorrhoeae. Here, we look …