Digital Commons Network^™

Aadej Comm 10 1 2024

AADEJ - The Communicator

The Communicator is the official journal of the American Association of Dental Editors and Journalists (AADEJ). It is published quarterly, distributed digitally via email to members, and posted on the Association's website, AADEJ.org. Each issue includes regular updates from the editorial team and AADEJ board, as well as feature articles on current issues in the field.

Aadej Comm 10 3 2024

AADEJ - The Communicator

The Communicator is the official journal of the American Association of Dental Editors and Journalists (AADEJ). It is published quarterly, distributed digitally via email to members, and posted on the Association's website, AADEJ.org. Each issue includes regular updates from the editorial team and AADEJ board, as well as feature articles on current issues in the field.

Aadej Comm 10 4 2024

AADEJ - The Communicator

The Communicator is the official journal of the American Association of Dental Editors and Journalists (AADEJ). It is published quarterly, distributed digitally via email to members, and posted on the Association's website, AADEJ.org. Each issue includes regular updates from the editorial team and AADEJ board, as well as feature articles on current issues in the field.

Understanding And Enhancing Performance And Microarchitecture Security In Modern And Emerging Computer Systems, Md Hafizul Islam Chowdhuryy

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

Ensuring information security and scalable performance are critical in modern processor architecture designs. High-performance, data-intensive applications demand robust microarchitectures that are both secure-by-design and efficient. This dissertation explores new information leakage threats in modern processors and proposes secure-by-design architectures for emerging systems.

First, we examine vulnerabilities in existing microarchitectures, focusing on speculative execution's security implications. We reveal that branch predictor designs in modern processors are speculatively updated, leading to a novel speculative execution side channel. We propose a secure branch predictor architecture to mitigate this issue while maintaining performance benefits.

Second, we address challenges with emerging non-volatile memory (NVM) technologies. …

Design And Fabrication Of Quantum Cascade Laser Tree Arrays, Luke Milbocker

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

Quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are semiconductor lasers that can be designed to emit over a very broad wavelength range from the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) to terahertz frequencies. Their compact size and ability to output several watts of MWIR or long-wave infrared (LWIR) radiation makes them ideal sources for directional infrared counter measures (DIRCM). This application is fueling demand for ever more powerful QCLs, but power gains from single QCLs have largely stagnated in recent years. Novel waveguide geometries such as tree-arrays seek to increase output power delivered in a single high-quality beam. InGaAs/AlInAs tree array QCLs based on ridge waveguides …

Addressing Aggressive Behaviors In Long Term Care Settings: How Do Caregivers Feel Supported?, Betty Kortey

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Caregivers are faced with great challenges when it comes to handling aggressive behaviors among long term care residents and, therefore, need support in managing resident aggression. Qualitative in depth interviews will be cond ucted with a convenience sample of caregivers on the occurrence and management of aggressive behaviors in long term care settings. The findings of the research will show that caregivers have difficulties handling aggressive situations which sometimes leads to caregiver stress and high turnover. Long term care facilities give inadequate support in managing aggressive behaviors leading to challenges in staffing. Findings will help fill the gap in the …

Practices To Recruit And Retain Teachers Of Color In Rural Minnesota Schools, Eric Hudspith

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This study delves into the relationships between strategic recruitment and retention practices implemented by rural Minnesota school districts and the recruitment and retention rates of teachers of color within these districts. The research assesses whether districts implementing strategic recruitment practices demonstrate a higher proportion of teacher candidates of color and subsequent hiring rates compared to their peer districts. The study also investigates the relationships between strategic retention practices and the actual retention data observed in districts. Participants included administrators representing districts identified as rural that have a significant percentage of students of color. were selected based on predetermined criteria encompassing …

Centering Students Of The Global Majority In United States Community College Critical Internationalization Programming: An Interpretive Phenomenological Study, Jennifer T. Westmoreland

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

In 2020, students categorized as Black, Hispanic, Asian, and two or more races comprised over 50% of community college enrollment nationwide. However, current internationalization models in community colleges are rarely intentionally designed for and with students of the global majority. This study addresses a gap in the research by exploring the priorities of students of the global majority regarding content and engagement in community college global education programming. I interviewed six students representing a variety of racial/ethnic backgrounds, ages, and genders at a community college in Minnesota. Using van Manen’s lifeworld existentials, I analyzed and interpreted the data in the …

Enhancing College And Career Readiness Of Hmong Adolescents Through Group Work In High School, Xeev Vang

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Hmong adolescents face many challenges during high school, particularly college and career readiness. School counselors are trained professionals who can help. This transcendental phenomenology study explored the lived experiences of six Hmong adolescents and how they make sense of college and career lessons in a group work format over six weeks. Data was collected through participant journals and interviews. Each participant interview was recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Moustakas (1994) phenomenology method of data analysis. Five domains, sixteen themes, and three subthemes emerged. Family members are crucial influencers in college and career decision-making. Barriers include language, financial, family, culture, and …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Utilization Of Student Voice By Midwest Urban Secondary Schools Within School Improvement Plan Strategies, Jessica Peifer Busse

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This phenomenological study aims to understand and establish the influence of student voice, particularly from marginalized students, in the school improvement process to yield positive student experiences for urban, comprehensive ninth- through twelfth-grade high schools in the United States Midwest. The focus of this study will be to compare the experiences of White students and students of color within the school system, compare the experiences of students when student voice is utilized as a school improvement plan strategy, and identify the correlation between the student voice strategy and school leadership viewpoints. The study of student voice will begin with a …

A Critical Phenomenological Study Of White Educators Who Engage In Antiracism, Maria-Renée D. Grigsby

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Racism is reflected in political, economic, and educational institutions throughout the United States. These institutionalized systems were successfully designed to have a chilling effect on any progress toward antiracist change. It impacts the achievement level of K-12 students of color in the public school system who make up the majority population in public schools nationwide. Yet, their teachers remain largely white. This is especially important in Minnesota, which ranks fiftieth in the country for graduation rates of Black and Latinx students. The method used for this study is critical phenomenology which is important when looking at the influences of race, …

Re-Evaluation Of Lethal Radiation Dose In Drosophila Melanogaster Using 350 Kev Electrons, Dariia Hozhenko

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Radiation dosimetry from a 350 KeV electron beam and its impact on Drosophila melanogaster response serve as the focal points of this study. While previous research has established an LD50 (lethal radiation dose for 50 % of the population) exceeding 452 Gy across mainly all developmental stages, this investigation extends the understanding by examining dose-dependent differences throughout development, from the pupae stage into adulthood. Fruit flies, irradiated at their most sensitive stage, the egg phase, displayed a notable reduction in effective LD50, especially when accounting for long-term effects. Specifically, the LD50 values decreased to approximately 59 Gy for the maximum …

“Look Good, Act Good”: Tipping, Emotional Labor And The Feminization Of Restaurant Work, Ashley Jaxel

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Restaurant work is a sector of the labor market that many Americans interact with, whether through being a patron or an employee. Service work accounts for a large portion of economic activity in the US. Restaurant work specifically has been feminized, on account of women being seen as a cheaper workforce starting in the 20th century. This research analyzes the intersections of gender and labor in regards to restaurant work. I investigate how emotional labor and feminization play a role in how women service workers understand they must perform to receive tips. How does feminization play into work performance (based …

Virtual Classes In The U.S. University: Exploring Zoom Fatigue Experience Based On English Competency And Course Engagement Among International Students, Esther Son

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Online video conferencing platforms, such as Zoom, are widely used for virtual classes. Zoom platforms bring flexibility and convenience, but also contribute to fatigue which is called “Zoom fatigue”. The purpose of the study is to investigate Zoom fatigue among international students at the U.S. university, and its links to Zoom-mediated communication in the field of education. The study investigates 152 international students to examine how English competency affects Zoom fatigue, and how course engagement affects Zoom fatigue in virtual classes at the U.S. university. The results show that English competency and course engagement have a negative relationship with Zoom …

Comparative Study Of Robotic And Manual Welding In A Low Volume-High Mix Manufacturing Environment: Case Study Of Lift Ring, Sai Sasank Pothamsetti

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

A comparative study of robotic and manual welding in a low volume high mix manufacturing environment focusing on a truck body part named the lift ring to see if there is a benefit of incorporating robotic welding into the production line. By utilizing predetermined time studies such as Methods Time Measurement 1(MTM-1) and Maynard’s Operation Sequence Technique (MOST) in conjunction with normal time and motion study to see which method of time study can be used to extrapolate the times of production for higher number of parts. MTM-1 and MOST were used for a detailed time and motion analysis which …

Comparative Study Of Robotic And Manual Welding In A Low Volume-High Mix Manufacturing Environment: Case Study Of Tail Gate, Aditya Suggula

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Our study rigorously compared the efficacy of Methods-Time Measurement (MTM 1) and Maynard Operation Sequence Technique (MOST) against actual production times to identify the most accurate and efficient time management frameworks for manufacturing processes. We aimed to discern which method better predicts job completion times in a real-world setting, using a case study that included both manual and robotic welding in the assembly of a truck body part, the tipper tailgate. We discovered notable discrepancies between the predetermined time systems and actual observations, particularly in manual welding tasks. These differences highlighted the complexity of manual tasks, which involve intricate movements …

How I Got Over: Long-Serving Black Women Principals Coping With Microaggressions, Chreese Jones

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This research delves into the lived experiences of retired Black women principals in relation to racial microaggressions, investigating their impacts, coping strategies, and the necessary support for sustainability in their roles. This study aligns with existing literature on racial microaggressions, emphasizing the profound toll these experiences have on the emotional and physical well-being of Black female principals. Key themes such as systemic challenges, resilience, commitment to students, coping mechanisms, and the critical role of intentional support from district leaders emerge from the findings. By shedding light on these issues, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the multifaceted challenges …

Fish & Obelisks, Margaret Thomas

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Ceramic sculpture has been my concentration in studio art. It is an ancient art with unlimited possibilities. I have strived to push the limits of the medium while expressing my creativity

Prompting And Protecting Radical Environmental Justice Activism, Ava Corey-Gruenes

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

As environmental crises are systemic, intersectional, and extreme, this thesis frames corresponding action as a necessary and appropriate response. Using semi-structured interviews with people who identified as having engaged in radical environmental justice (EJ) activism, this study explores the following two research questions: the types of environmental actions and attitudes these activists report engaging in, and the types of factors and experiences they report as inhibiting and encouraging those actions and attitudes. This information might help unearth actions and policies that can help prompt, sustain, and protect engagement in radical EJ activism, which is here defined as activism that addresses …

Facilitating Posttraumatic Growth Among Service Members And Veterans Through A Book Study Group Intervention, Susan Craig

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is defined as “positive psychological changes experienced as a result of the struggle with traumatic or highly challenging life experiences” (Tedeschi et al., 2018, p. 3). Trauma affects 60% to 80% of the population (Boals, 2018). This is especially true for service members and veterans (SM/V) due to the inherent danger that comes with the job. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its many comorbidities can plague the SM/V population. Treatment options are well-established but not always effective. Bibliotherapy can present a non-threatening way to introduce alternative perspectives, such as PTG, to navigating trauma. The aim of this …

Guided Self Placement As A Stand-Alone Assessment, Judy Endres

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Two-year colleges provide access and opportunity for students with various academic backgrounds to pursue a post-secondary education. While two-year colleges take pride in admitting any student with a high school diploma or equivalent, in recent years colleges have been under scrutiny for low completion and graduation rates. Particular attention focuses on students who are required to enroll in non-credit developmental courses for academic preparation in math and English prior to college level courses. To respond to concerns, colleges are redesigning developmental courses to increase student success. Another area of focus is the process for determining, or assessing, a student’s preparedness …

Takt Time Reduction Of Genset Assembly Line Using Process Optimization And Lean Manufacturing Tools, Ninad Joshi

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

With rapid developments in the field of AI and data centers, there is a soaring demand for backup power and due to this, genset manufacturers are compelled to increase their throughput and reduce lead times. This study focuses on incorporating process optimization and lean tools for lowering the overall takt time by reducing the cycle time of the generator assembly process of Line 1 at Rolls Royce Solutions America Inc. The eventual goal is to increase the throughput from 6 generators per day to 7 per day. The paper follows a step-by-step methodology starting from the problem statement and uses …

Intelligent Traffic Management Systems, Mohammad Mazhar

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

With the increase in population and in particular urban population. The traffic and travel times in between cities and inside cities has increased due to more and more people using private means of transportation. Due to this need arose for tackling the increase in traffic by managing it using various means. For this we look towards The Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS). ITMS is an AI-powered solution designed to optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve overall road safety. The system will monitor real-time traffic data using a combination of cameras and sensors, identify traffic jams, and send alerts to …

Comparative Study Of Robotic And Manual Welding In A Low Volume-High Mix Manufacturing Environment: Case Study Of Jr Test 2, Pooma Pragna Mysore

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

A comparative study of robotic and manual welding in a low volume high mix manufacturing environment focusing on a truck body part named the JR Test 2 to see if there is a benefit of incorporating robotic welding into the production line. By utilizing predetermined time studies such as Methods Time Measurement 1(MTM-1) and Maynard’s Operation Sequence Technique (MOST) in conjunction with actual welding time and motion study to see which method of time study can be used to extrapolate the times of production for higher number of parts. MTM-1 and MOST were used for a detailed time and motion …

Optimizing Production In An Electronics Manufacturing Industry Using Six Sigma: A Dmaic Approach To Process Enhancement, Shubham Parekh

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This paper focuses on the application of DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control) process of Six Sigma methodology for increasing the production numbers in an electronics manufacturing industry. The overall production numbers are improved by identifying the root causes and improving the process efficiency. Detailed analysis of the process cycle time for all stations is conducted and key areas for improvement are identified. Proper implementation of the suggested changes is conducted, and the results are verified. Further recommendations are provided for addressing the key improvement areas for reducing the cycle time of the bottleneck process. The findings highlight the …

Comparative Study Of Robotic And Manual Welding In A Low Volume-High Mix Manufacturing Environment: Case Study Of Cross Head, Niloufer Sarah

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

A comparative study of robotic and manual welding in a low volume high mix manufacturing environment focusing on a truck body part named the Cross head to see if there is a benefit of incorporating robotic welding into the production line. By utilizing predetermined time studies such as Methods Time Measurement 1(MTM-1) and Maynard’s Operation Sequence Technique (MOST) in conjunction with actual welding time and motion study to see which method of time study can be used to extrapolate the times of production for higher number of parts. MTM-1 and MOST were used for a detailed time and motion analysis …

Comparative Study Of Robotic And Manual Welding In A Low Volume-High Mix Manufacturing Environment: Case Study Of Jr Test 3, Mayank Srinivasamurthy

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This thesis presents a comparative study of robotic and manual welding within a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment, focusing on the JR Test 3 case study. It explores the implementation of collaborative robots (co-bots) for robotic welding, emphasizing their flexibility, adaptability, and safety features. The study examines the integration and performance of co-bots. A detailed time and motion study, along with cost analysis, highlights the efficiency gains and quality improvements achieved through robotic welding. The findings underscore the advantages of co-bots in enhancing workflow efficiency, ensuring precision, and maintaining safety standards in dynamic manufacturing environments. The results showed that for this …

Developing A Snow Detection Algorithm Using Spatial Attention For Pedestrian Safety, Ricardo De Deijn

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

SNOW-COVERED SIDEWALKS POSE SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARDS, ESPECIALLY FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS SUCH AS THE ELDERLY AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED. THE DEVELOPMENT OF EFFECTIVE SNOW DETECTION SYSTEMS IS CRUCIAL FOR ENHANCING PEDESTRIAN SAFETY. THIS RESEARCH AIMS TO ADDRESS THESE CHALLENGES BY DEVELOPING A SNOW DETECTION ALGORITHM SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR SIDEWALKS. THE PROPOSED ALGORITHM USES A CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORK (CNN) ARCHITECTURE INCORPORATING A 2-DIMENSIONAL SPATIAL ATTENTION MECHANISM TO FOCUS ON RELEVANT FEATURES IN IMAGES, IMPROVING SNOW DETECTION ACCURACY. DUE TO THE SEASONAL AND GEOGRAPHIC LIMITATIONS OF SNOW DATA COLLECTION, SYNTHETIC DATA GENERATION USING INVERSE DIFFUSION MODELS WAS EMPLOYED TO AUGMENT THE REAL-WORLD DATASET. ALTHOUGH …

Metaheuristics For White-Box Path Attraction Attacks In Hidden Markov Models, Brandon Koch

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) play a pivotal role in fields such as speech recognition, spam detection, and autonomous vehicles, where reliable predictive capabilities are essential. However, the rapid adoption of HMMs has heightened their susceptibility to adversarial attacks. This research investigates inherent weaknesses in traditional HMMs by examining how adversarial manipulation of observable data impacts model performance. We address three core questions: How does varying HMM parameters influence a path attraction problem? Which metaheuristic methods most effectively optimize these attacks in a white-box scenario? What key vulnerabilities emerge in HMMs under adversarial manipulation? To explore these questions, we design HMMs …

Examining Latinx Principals' And Assistant Principals' "Desafios" In K-12 Education In The Upper Midwest, Melisa Rivera

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Despite the increasing number of Latinx students in Upper Midwest schools, Latinx school leaders remain underrepresented. This quantitative study explored the experiences of Latinx principals and assistant principals in K-12 schools across the region, focusing on community perception, stress, coping, and resilience. Data were collected from twenty-three principals and assistant principals, including fourteen women and nine men. The Brief Sense of Community Scale (BSCS) showed a mean score of 13.52 (SD = 4.87). The Brief COPE Inventory (BCI) revealed a high mean score for problem-focused coping, indicating effective coping strategies. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) indicated higher stress levels (mean …