Digital Commons Network^™

How Do Documentaries Depict The Experiences Of Juveniles In Correctional Facilities?, Emma Decker

Honors Program Theses

The juvenile justice system is an entity that is separate from the criminal justice system, with the intended purpose of accommodating the unique needs of juveniles. This system has the primary goals of rehabilitation and punishment, with an emphasis on rehabilitation. Most of the general population has had little to no contact with the juvenile justice system.. In order to fill this gap, a great portion of the public relies on media representation to build up a foundation of knowledge. This can include gaining information from news sources as well as crime based tv shows and documentaries. Little research has …

Outlaws, Lawmen, And The Emergence Of Justice On The Western Frontier, Kaci Mae Krier

Honors Program Theses

No abstract provided.

One, Two, Unemployment’S Coming For You: How Slasher Films Reflect Societal Fears, Arwen G. Hansen

Honors Program Theses

No abstract provided.

The Mental State Of Expression: Generative Ai And The Latent Mens Rea Of Copyright, Dane Fogdall

Colorado Technology Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Internet Infrastructure And Content Moderation In The Shadows, Jelena Laketic

Colorado Technology Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Bridging The Information Gap Between Criminal Law And Psychological Science, John B. Meixner Jr.

Scholarly Works

Some of the most pressing issues in American criminal law—the dominance of plea bargaining, vast executive discretion, and systemic racial disparities—turn on fundamentally empirical questions. Yet, while legal academics largely analyze these issues through doctrinal or theoretical lenses, psychologists and criminologists frequently study the exact same phenomena using empirical methods. Surprisingly, these fields operate almost entirely independently. The legal academy consistently overlooks substantial psychological research that could inform normative arguments, while psychologists often design studies without crucial context from criminal legal scholarship. This chapter outlines the contours of this critical information gap and proposes solutions to bridge it.

The Impact And Influence Of Sexual Interpersonal Violence And Beliefs On Barriers In Help-Seeking For College Students, Caitlin N. Bedard

Dissertations and Theses

Sexual interpersonal violence (SIPV) has significant negative impacts on college students yet there is frequent underuse of formal support resources. Consequently, understanding help-seeking for this population is vital. Current research has examined SIPV experiences, rape myth beliefs, and help-seeking barriers in isolation. However, understanding how these factors interact is crucial to understanding how to improve resources for survivors. The present study investigated the relationship among these three constructs in 89 college students who experienced unwanted sexual events after age 18. SIPV experiences, rape myth endorsement, and help-seeking barriers were all positively associated. Regression analysis revealed that four types of SIPV …

Adaptation Of The Biodent For Spherical Microindentation To Determine Elastic Modulus In Small Rodent Bones, Mixame E. Jerome

Dissertations and Theses

Mechanical and material properties of bone are essential for understanding both normal skeletal function and the progression of bone-related diseases. Microindentation has become a widely used method for evaluating tissue mechanical properties of bone, as it samples the contributions of microarchitecture and composition. Microindentation using a standard pointed tip inherently introduces both elastic and plastic deformation into the material. In contrast, indentation with a spherical tip can be operated entirely in the elastic range, providing for a non-damaging test that has significant advantages over sharp indentation techniques. Moreover, a key advantage of using spherical indentation lies in its operation under …

Explorations Of Dna-Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Interactions To Develop Multiplexed Molecularly Specific Biosensors For Inflammation, Amelia K. Ryan

Dissertations and Theses

Inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) are central regulators of immune signaling and key biomarkers of disease, yet existing assays for their detection remain slow, invasive, and lack multiplexing ability. This dissertation advances the development of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) optical nanosensors capable of real-time, multiplexed, and molecularly specific cytokine detection through innovative use of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) interfaces.

First, an IL-6-specific DNA aptamer was employed as both a dispersing agent and recognition probe for SWCNT fluorescence sensing. Sequence modifications, including anchor domains, truncations, and thermally induced refolding, were systematically tested to optimize sensitivity and selectivity. The …

Advancing Electrical Stimulation: Full-Head Mri Segmentation For Abnormal Brain Anatomy With Tdcs, Andrew Birnbaum

Dissertations and Theses

Evaluating the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is essential for guiding its integration into therapeutic and performance-enhancement applications. In our laboratory, we investigate the efficacy of tDCS across multiple experimental models, including both animal and human studies. I have contributed significantly to the execution and analysis of these experiments, which include studies in rats and healthy human participants aimed at evaluating whether electrical stimulation of the motor cortex can enhance motor learning. These studies assess improvements in fine motor performance resulting from tDCS. In stroke patients, I contribute to our investigation of tDCS as a rehabilitative intervention, particularly …

Development Of An Quadcopter Unmanned Aerial Vehicle For Atmospheric Remote Sensing, Omar J. Addasi

Dissertations and Theses

This paper explores the development of a quadcopter unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV, a.k.a. drone) for atmospheric remote sensing of temperature, pressure, humidity, and PM2.5 particulate matter quantities. A 3-D printed drone body is designed and flight tuning is performed. An optimal length for an upward extending mast for the drone body is determined. Low cost, lightweight sensors are compared against higher precision sensors in both static and dynamic conditions. In addition, an initial investigation into the design of a pressure sensor based anemometer is performed.

From Tpu To Qpu: Bridging Fidelity Gaps Across Next-Generation Computing Systems, Mohammad Walid M. Charrwi

Dissertations and Theses

Modern computing systems continue to advance rapidly, enabling unprecedented computational capabilities across diverse domains. Among these powerful architectures are AI accelerators such as Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) and quantum computing systems utilizing Quantum Processing Units (QPUs) stand out as trans-formative technologies. Despite their potential, these systems share significant challenges related to hardware infidelity, manifested as error-induced degradation in computational accuracy and reliability. This thesis explicitly addresses cost-effective methods to screen-out defective AI accelerators across next-generation computing architectures and boost quantum circuit output fidelity through hierarchical circuit optimization using advanced machine learning methodologies.

This thesis first proposes a cost-effective testing methodology …

A Novel Dual-Imaging Approach For Visualizing Multiphase And Droplet Interactions Including Shock-Driven Flows, Tad Jerzy Misztal

Dissertations and Theses

Shock-droplet/particle interactions have garnered substantial interest in recent years, fueled by advancements in aerospace and defense technologies, including supersonic and hypersonic systems in highly humid conditions, as well as the ongoing space exploration efforts from global space centers as well as private space companies. Understanding the interactions between shockwaves and droplets that impact on solid surfaces is critical due to the potential to cause significant damage to materials and structures in high-speed flow environments. Studies like these have applications in areas ranging from aerospace engineering to blast mitigation systems, where these interactions play a pivotal role in designing the relevant …

Virtual Environment Creation And Camera Calibration For Soft Target Identification And Assistance In Crowded Spaces With A Sensor Network And A Robotic Dog, Eltan Samoylov

Dissertations and Theses

Crowded places are increasingly targets of violence due to the increased accessibility and covertness of weapons, explosives, and other technology like drones. Addressing the challenges of protecting crowded places and assisting vulnerable individuals requires a multidisciplinary approach, taking inspiration from many different perspectives. Video surveillance of these crowded public facilities, such as train and bus stations, airports, shopping malls, and sports arenas, is very important to public safety, both for identifying threats/terrorist attacks and implementing evacuation plans.

The work of this thesis is part of a larger project aiming to explore the potential of using real-time computer vision and deep …

Classification Of Variable Stars Using Convolutional Neural Network, Abhina Premachandran Bindu

Dissertations and Theses

This research focuses on developing Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), for the process of classifying and identifying variable stars through the analysis of unprocessed light curves from Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). As astronomical data is becoming increasingly complex, and as advanced missions deploy sophisticated instruments for data collection, both the quality and quantity of the data are improving at a rapid pace. This has created an urgent need to automate the analysis process using efficient and effective methods, such as those based on machine learning. While previous research has explored machine learning approaches, there has been limited focus on implementing …

Characterization Of The Intrinsic Neural Timescale Indices As A Reliable Fingerprint Of Brain Dynamics, Helya Honarpisheh

Dissertations and Theses

Intrinsic neural timescales (INTs) characterize the persistence of neural activity over time and offer insight into the brain’s temporal hierarchy. This thesis evaluates and compares six autocorrelation-based INT metrics—AR(1) Coefficient (Autoregressive Coefficient at 1), First Zero Lag, Lag at ACF = 1/e, Sum of Positive ACFs, ACF at Half Lag, Exponential Decay Constant (τ)— using resting-state fMRI data from 400 cortical regions across a large, lifespan sample (ages 6– 85) from the NKI-Rockland dataset. A discriminability analysis revealed that the AR(1) coefficient provided the highest test-retest reliability and individual specificity across repeated scans, establishing it as the most reliable INT …

Metasurfaces And Their Applications In Photonic Devices, Shuwei Guo

Dissertations and Theses

Metasurfaces are flat artificial optical elements composed of dielectric and/or metallic nanostructures. They can manipulate light in unprecedented ways by altering amplitude, phase, and polarization at subwavelength scales. The ability of these two-dimensional elements to perform multiple optical functions within compact optical systems—while offering high functionality, small form factors, and easy integration into optoelectronic devices—has sparked significant interest across various fields and industries. These applications span imaging, sensing, nonlinear and quantum optics, optical computing, automotive technology, augmented and virtual reality, and more.

In this dissertation, we explore and design new multifunctional metasurfaces with a focus on manipulating spectral responses. First, …

Utilizing Deep Learning Audio Models For Blind And Low Vision Crosswalk Assistance, Wayne Lam

Dissertations and Theses

Navigating urban environments poses significant challenges for blind and low vision (BLV) individuals, particularly at street intersections where determining when it is safe to cross can be life-threatening. In New York City, where pedestrian fatalities are on the rise and only 2% of intersections are equipped with Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), alternative solutions are urgently needed. This thesis proposes an audio-based deep learning approach to support BLV individuals at crosswalks by detecting traffic movement direction and idling states using spatial sound. With 4-channel audio capturing capabilities of wearables, such as Meta Project Aria glasses, we explore state-of-the-art sound event localization …

Cognitive Map Generation For Vision And Language Navigation, Alexander Sandoval Mesa

Dissertations and Theses

Visual-Language Navigation (VLN) presents significant challenges for autonomous agents, such as robots and virtual assistants, particularly in complex, dynamic environments where the seamless integration of visual perception and natural language understanding is critical. Traditional VLN systems often struggle with effectively aligning language instructions and visual scene understanding, limiting their adaptability and navigation efficiency.

This thesis proposes a novel Cognitive Map-based framework that addresses these challenges by transforming natural language navigation instructions into structured graph representations. The Cognitive Map consists of nodes representing waypoints, landmarks, decision points, and edges encoding spatial relationships and navigational actions. These maps are generated using Large …

Multi-Material Adhesive Bonded Joints Under Static And Dynamic Loading, Gizem Derya Demir

Dissertations and Theses

Adhesively bonded joints present significant potential for reducing structural weight and enhancing performance in modern and future engineering structures. By enabling the elimination or reduction of traditional mechanical fasteners and facilitating the integration of dissimilar materials, adhesives can contribute to more efficient, lightweight designs. However, to fully leverage these benefits—especially in high-performance applications—adhesive materials must exhibit robust behavior under both static and dynamic loading conditions, such as ballistic impact. Despite their promise, the failure mechanisms of adhesives under such high-strain-rate scenarios remain insufficiently understood.

This dissertation investigates the performance of adhesively bonded multi-material joints subjected to static loading and ballistic …

Data Driven Bridge Deck Deterioration Modeling And Maintenance Intervention Scheduling, Deepak Kumar

Dissertations and Theses

Majority of over 617,000 bridges across the United States are significantly impacted by environmental factors, aging materials, and heavy traffic loads. According to the 2021 Infrastructure Report, nearly 231,000 bridges require repair or preservation work, with 46,154 (7.5%) being classified as structurally deficient, thereby posing risks for mor than 178 million daily trips across these bridges. Despite recent improvements, 42% of U.S. bridges are at least 50 years old, underscoring an urgent need for increased investment to meet repair demands. The nation’s backlog of bridge repairs is estimated at $125 billion, with a 58% increase in annual spending required to …

Experimental And Analytical Investigation Of Particle Dynamics In Newtonian And Non-Newtonian Fluids In A Taylor-Couette Cell, Andres F. Velez Mendoza

Dissertations and Theses

This doctoral dissertation investigates heavy particle sedimentation in Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids, aiming to understand their behavior in Drilling Fluid (DF) systems used in oil and gas industry, where such phenomenon can lead to operational issues such as lost circulation, well control problems, and even blowouts. To simulate DF dynamics under operational conditions, this study utilizes a Taylor-Couette (TC) cell, which consists of a rotating inner cylinder and a stationary outer cylinder separated by a 9.0 mm annular gap. The TC cell allows for the investigation of the sedimentation behavior of spherical particles within both Newtonian fluids (deionized water and …

Deep Learning Architectures For Improving Weather Research And Forecasting (Wrf) Precipitation Estimates And Landslide Susceptibility Mapping: A Case Study Of Puerto Rico, Said A. Mejia Manrique

Dissertations and Theses

Precipitation is a critical factor in the Earth’s hydrological cycle and has a profound impact on various environmental and socioeconomic systems, including management of water resources, flood forecasting, and the evaluation of natural hazards, particularly those associated with rainfall-induced landslides. For the latter, obtaining precise precipitation estimates is essential, as intense rainfall events can trigger landslides that pose significant risks to human life, infrastructure, and ecosystems, particularly in mountainous regions. Puerto Rico (PR), with its mountainous terrain, tropical climate, and vulnerability to hurricanes, provides a unique environment for studying precipitation patterns and the need for accurate rainfall estimates. The complex …

Claude Ai And Literature Reviews: An Experiment In Utility And Ethical Use, Max Sparkman, Alan Witt

Milne Library

Generative large-language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT and Claude have sparked debate throughout higher education about their potential and threats to the current pedagogical models for research. This paper scans the literature on the benefits and drawbacks of using LLMs in teaching and research, and compares and contrasts two literature reviews on the subject, one written by a human author and one produced by Claude. The comparison explores areas where the generative AI excels, such as quickly summarizing points of agreement across sources, as well as its limitations, like struggling with synthesis, providing incomplete citations, and hallucinating false information. While …

Factors Associated With Non-Transport For Ems Incidents Of Pediatric Head Injuries, Margaret Zhang

Public Health Theses

Background/Purpose:Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a valuable resource for evaluating, treating, and coordinating care for individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Among adults with a TBI, there is frequent refusal of EMS transport. This raises a public health concern because it can put a burden on resource utilization and reveal misperceptions regarding risk following head injuries. Less is known about whether similar patterns of non-transport exist among children with TBIs. The purpose of this study is to describe the epidemiology of pediatric head injuries attended by EMS and to identify factors associated with non-transport for these patients. …

Dnabert Reveals Tf Motifs Information In Dna With Attention, Zetong Zhao

Public Health Theses

Traditional motif discovery tools often do not capture cooperative interactions between transcription factors (TFs). This study employs DNABERT, a transformer-based deep learning model, to analyze TF binding sites (TFBS) using attention mechanisms and k-mer tokenization. Fine-tuned on ENCODE ChIP-seq data, DNABERT achieved high predictive accuracy and could identify co-binders such as FOS and JUND through motif enrichment analysis. The model inferred position weight matrices (PWMs) aligning with JASPAR motifs and highlighted the regulatory importance of sequences near gene start regions. Comparisons with BPNet showed strong correlations, which validated DNABERT’s ability to capture TF-specific patterns. While constrained by dataset biases and …

Celis: Compact Eyesafe Lidar System, A Portable 1.5 Μm Elastic Lidar System For Rapid Aerosol Concentration Measurement: Part 2, Retrieval Of Particulate Matter Concentration, Kori D. Moore, Alan W. Bird, Michael D. Wojcik, Robert Lemon, Jerry L. Hatfield

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SDL Poster on the CELiS Compact Eyesafe Lidar System

Period Poverty And The Politics Of Refusal: Building Menstrual Equity Beyond The State Through Mutual Aid, Alanah Armstead

Public Health Theses

This thesis examines period poverty as a consequence of systemic neglect, disproportionately affecting those made vulnerable by intersecting structures of racial, gendered, and economic injustice. Situating menstruation as a public health crisis shaped by policy failure, social stigma, and institutional disregard, this research critiques dominant legal and policy frameworks that approach menstrual equity through a limited scope that overlooks deeper structural inequalities rooted in race and class. This thesis explores how marginalized populations experience legal and welfare systems as sites of surveillance and moral judgment in the context of menstrual equity. Through seven semi-structured interviews with menstrual justice organizers, this …

The Village Determinants Of Self-Rated Health And Mental Health: A Multilevel Analysis Of Environments In Rural Honduran Villages, Marnen Elizabeth Decker

Public Health Theses

I investigated the associations of village structural, behavioral, and social environments with self-rated health and mental health among adults residing in remote rural villages in the mountainous Copán region of Honduras. I estimated nested multilevel logistic models with 17,318 adults in 174 villages. All models controlled for individual characteristics to distill true village-level effects, and nested structure was employed to facilitate direct comparison across models. Both poor self-rated health and mental health were inversely associated with village size and positively associated with coffee cultivation. Poor self-rated health was also positively associated with friend/adversary tie ratio, and poor self-rated mental health …

Association Between Primary Covid-19 Vaccine Type And Booster Uptake Among Incarcerated People In Connecticut: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Michael Condon Elhardt

Public Health Theses

Importance: Booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are critical for maintaining protection against SARS-CoV-2, especially in high-risk settings such as correctional facilities. Understanding how initial vaccine type influences booster uptake can inform vaccination strategies in these and other underserved populations.Objective: To assess whether the type of COVID-19 vaccine received for the primary series—either viral vector (Janssen/Jcovden) or mRNA (Moderna/Spikevax or Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty)—was associated with timing or likelihood of booster completion among incarcerated individuals. Design: Retrospective cohort study using survival analysis methods. The study period spanned from February 2, 2021, to May 31, 2023. Setting: Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC) facilities, including …