Digital Commons Network^™

Construction And Data-Driven Analysis Of A Stochastic, Individual-Based Opioid Epidemiology Network Model, Leigh Bennett Pearcy, Owen Queen, Vincent Jodoin, Suzanne Lenhart, Christopher Strickland

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

While substance use epidemiology has been an active area of mathematical research in recent years, the social and mental processes that are involved in the development of substance use disorders have presented challenges to advancing the epidemiological theory and how they differ from the contraction of pathogenic disease. Such distinction is especially pertinent in the context of the current United States opioid epidemic and its intersection with the recent COVID-19 pandemic, as both prescription drugs and social influence play major roles in the development of opioid use disorder. In this paper, we construct a stochastic network model capturing how individual …

Optimal Control Of Stochastic Systems: A Numerical Study Of The Stochastic Linear Quadratic Regulator Framework, Gülşen Orucova Büyüköz, Yaprak Güldoğan Dericioğlu, Tuğçem Partal

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

Optimal control of stochastic linear systems is fundamental in control theory, with applications in robotics, finance, and engineering. The Stochastic Linear Quadratic Regulator (SLQR) derives optimal feedback laws via the Riccati equation but requires numerical discretization of the resulting stochastic dynamics. Despite extensive studies on numerical methods for stochastic differential equations, their performance within the SLQR framework remains insufficiently explored. This study compares two predictor–corrector schemes of different orders: the Order 1.0 Predictor-Corrector (PC) method and the Order 2.0 Weak PC method. A one-dimensional linear quadratic problem with a closed-form solution enables precise error evaluation against the analytical trajectory. Convergence …

Analysis And Numerical Investigation Of A Breast Cancer Treatment Model Incorporating Ketogenic Diet And Immune Boosters Via Optimal Control Theory, Kunnisai Muniroh, Ummu Habibah, Wuryansari Muharini Kusumawinahyu, Nur’Izzati Hamdan

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

This paper develops a mathematical model to investigate breast cancer dynamics by incorporating tumor–immune interactions, ketogenic diet effects, and medical treatment. The model is formulated as a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations and analyzed within an optimal control framework. Time-dependent control variables are introduced to represent treatment strategies aimed at minimizing tumor progression while reducing therapeutic costs. The model’s well-posedness is established through positivity and boundedness analysis. The necessary conditions for optimality are derived using Pontryagin’s Minimum Principle, resulting in a coupled system of state and adjoint equations. Numerical solutions are obtained using the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method combined with …

Information Processing In Quantum Thermodynamic Systems, Shou-I Tang

Graduate Masters Theses

This thesis extends the classical autonomous Hamiltonian framework of information thermodynamics to the quantum regime. In this formulation, a composite system consisting of a principal system, a heat bath, a memory, and a work source is described by fully quantum, time-independent Hamiltonian dynamics. By introducing the quantum speed limit (QSL) for the system and memory subsystems, referred to as the Quantum Thermodynamic Speed Limit (QTSL), I establish a connection between the QTSL and Landauer’s principle. This relationship reveals the fundamental constraints on quantum information processing in terms of dynamics and energy costs during the evolution. Furthermore, I present an interpretation …

Empowering Youth In A Changing Climate: Design, Implementation, And Evaluation Of A Salt Marsh Summer Science Program, Dan Levesque

Graduate Masters Theses

Climate change presents not only environmental challenges but also emotional challenges for today’s youth. This thesis documents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a field-based summer science program aimed at empowering adolescents with coastal salt marsh ecology while addressing climate change emotions and science identity development. The program, based in a Massachusetts salt marsh, was adapted from existing public environmental curricula and guided by place- and experience-based learning principles. Over Spring and Summer 2025, 13 students (ages 13-18) participated in extra-curricular field trips, hands-on research activities, and reflective discussions about the environment and the emotions it brings forth. Pre- and …

Efficient Task Allocation Technique For Robots In Smart Warehouse Using Center Of Items (Coi) Methodology, ‪Ahmed Yahya‬‏, Mohamed S. Saraya, Ahmed I. Saleh

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Nowadays, online shopping is very important in Daily life. in 2020 During the quarantine during the spread of COVID-19, online orders increased dramatically, as a result of the great progress in fifth-generation technologies and using the Internet of Things (IoT) and industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), industry 4.0 and 5.0, fog computing, cloud computing, robots systems, and drones systems. Smart warehouses picking system becomes a Basic need and can be implemented to improve efficiency in logistics. Smart warehouses are growing more dependent on robot systems to make the process of meeting these requests more flexible and effective. Therefore, the allocation …

Aerodynamics And Heat Transfer In Polymer Blown Film Processing: Experimental And Numerical Investigation, Mohammad Luqman Zulbakri, Nur Atiqah Mat. Rautin, Raa Khimi Shuib, Ku Marsilla Ku Ishak, Auratus Zuratul Ain Abdul Hamid, Mohamad Danial Shafiq, Mohamad Yusof Idroas, Muhammad Khalil Abdullah

Makara Journal of Technology

The effects of airflow dynamics, heat transfer, and mechanical properties on the HDPE blown film extrusion process were examined using a single-lip air ring with a fixed compressed-air valve opening angle of 10°. Reynolds numbers ranging from 9175 to 25911 were analyzed to understand their impact on cooling efficiency, bubble morphology, and film properties. Numerical simulations employing the Standard k−ω turbulence model in ANSYS FLUENT v2023, with mesh refinement achieving y+ ≈ 1, captured detailed flow and heat transfer behavior. Results showed that higher Reynolds numbers significantly enhanced the heat transfer coefficient, with values increasing from 1096 W/m²·K at Reynold …

Prediction Of Maximum Local Scour Depth Due To Horizontal Jets Of Flushing Gate Using Artificial Neural Network, Adhy Kurniawan, Muhammad Sulaiman, Agus Maryono, Bambang Agus Kironoto, Amalia Ula Hazhiyah

Makara Journal of Technology

Local scour is a serious concern for hydraulic engineers. To maintain the reservoir capacity, flushing accumulated sediment is necessary, resulting in a turbulent and scouring jet from the flushing gate. Predicting the maximum scour depth from these water jets is crucial for civil engineers. Despite many proposed equations, one have shown consistent applicability due to the complex nature of the process. Ensuring accurate prediction between hydraulic parameters and the geometry of the scour hole in prototype experiments remains a key issue. To address this issue, this paper examines the use of artificial neural network (ANN) analysis as a computing device …

Choices, Challenges, And Considerations: Exploring College Application Experiences Of De La Salle University Manila Senior High School Students To The Big Four Universities, Samantha Elise F. Bago, Argie Joseph F. Geronimo, Zenaida Victoria Alejandra M. Ilao, Kimberly Cassandra G. Jose, April Rose C. Gonzales

Sinaya: A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students

Most Filipino students strive to secure successful applications to universities such as the University of the Philippines (UP), Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), De La Salle University (DLSU), and the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Known as the Big Four Universities, they are recognized for their high rankings, strong academic programs, scholarship opportunities, campus resources, strategic locations, alumni networks, and overall prestige. However, applying to these institutions is not without challenges, especially as senior high school (SHS) students balance their academic demands with application requirements. These narratives are often overlooked, overshadowed by the success or failure of the applications. Thus, …

Bio-Papcz: Corn Starch-Based Composite Bioplastic Reinforced With Pineapple Leaf Fiber (Palf), Zinc Oxide (Zno), And Polyvinyl Alcohol (Pva), Marvin C. Caya, Shervin Austin C. Huang, Jovar Khalel J. Maghari, Ruel M. Levida

Sinaya: A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students

Plastic pollution poses a serious global threat, as petroleum-based plastics persist for centuries, and their surging production of over 450 million tons overwhelms ecosystems (Ritchie et al., 2023). Using a quantitative experimental research design, the study examined the effects of varying concentrations of cornstarch-based bioplastic reinforced with pineapple leaf fiber (PALF), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and zinc oxide (ZnO) on the bioplastic’s tensile strength and soil degradability. Sample C2 (ZnO 3.0 %w/w; PVA 9.0 %w/w) demonstrated the optimal tensile properties with a tensile strength of 0.76 MPa and an elongation at break of 6.40%, which was attributed to the addition of …

Effects Of Foam Type And Thickness On Impact Resistance, Thermal Insulation, And Cost-Effectiveness Of Medical Containers For Drone Delivery, Josh Henry C. Soriano, Eriel V. Fonte, Lambertsus S. Novera, Nicolai Paolo B. Villarin, Joel B. Jalon, Jr.

Sinaya: A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students

Accessible healthcare remains a challenge for rural communities lacking reliable infrastructure for medical supply delivery. Delivery drones have recently emerged as a viable alternative, dropping medical containers during flight. However, the effectiveness of different foam types and thicknesses combined with corrugated cardboard as shock-absorbing materials in a medical container for delivery drones has yet to be tested. Thus, this study designed cost-effective containers using corrugated cardboard and multiple foam types and thicknesses, aiming to preserve the integrity of the contents, withstand impact, and control temperatures. Four foam types—polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylene, and expanded polystyrene (EPS) —were tested at 1 cm, 2 …

Comparing Individual Vs Mixed Treatments Of Chicken Bone Meal And Crab Shell Meal On The Growth Of Capsicum Annuum (Bell Pepper), Allthur Rudy R. Arroyo, John Rafael V. Capinia, Ethan Jude R. Reyes, Elnathan Jethro B. Sumalbag, Karl Benedict E. Viri, John Ray Cordova Estrellado, Kerry P. Cabral

Sinaya: A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students

The recycling of nutrient-rich food waste reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers, enhances soil quality, and improves plant growth. Existing studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of food waste, such as bone meal (B) and crab shell meal (S), as fertilizers; however, their combined use has not been investigated. This study aims to evaluate the effect of varying proportions of B and S fertilizers on the growth of Capsicum annuum (bell pepper) employing a random complete block design with 10 treatments (pure B, pure S, and a 50:50 BS mix, each at 7 g, 14 g, and 21 g) plus a control …

Exploring The Metric Dimension Of The Graph Representing A Four-Ring Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon: Interstellar 1-Cyanopyrene, Andrei Matthew V. Robino, Sebastian Alex C. Traviña, Karl Benedict P. Narag, Mark Anthony B. Casao, Helix Raven C. Llanes, Azriel C. Alejo, Jonel C. Celamor

Sinaya: A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students

A graph's metric dimension is a parameter that denotes the minimum possible number of vertices in a subset that gives each vertex in the graph a unique representation. Despite extensive research on the metric dimension of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), there is currently no focused analysis on the metric basis and metric dimension of 1-cyanopyrene. In chemistry, graphs can be used to depict molecular structures. In this study, graph theory, specifically the concept of metric dimensions, is applied to the molecular structure of 1-cyanopyrene, which was detected in space for the first time in 2024. 1-cyanopyrene is a molecule made …

Experiences Of Bukidnon Farmers On The Use Of Carbonized Rice Hulls (Crh) Waste From Biomass Boilers As A Soil Conditioner, Dash Constantine S. Chamen, Queen Loraine D. Ban, Michael Justin O. Eluna, Pole Honson B. Gabitano, Ian Jay P. Saldo, Jhovel Roy D. Calo

Sinaya: A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students

The long-term use of agricultural products that adversely affect soil is a significant issue for farmers. This study explored the potential of carbonized rice hulls (CRH) waste from biomass boilers as a sustainable soil conditioner. The research investigated the specific soil conditioning properties of CRH and explored the lived experiences of nine (9) Bukidnon farmers to correlate their observations with the material’s chemical profile. The composition analysis identified a high silica content and essential micronutrients, such as calcium and magnesium, which act as nutrient restorers and pH regulators. The thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews, four themes emerged to summarize the …

Morphometric, Physiological, And Environmental Health Assessments Of Enhalus Acoroides From The Southeast Coast Of Bali, Indonesia, Made Pharmawati, Luh Putu Wrasiati, Ni Made Gari

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Marine Science

Seagrasses function as primary producers and as spawning grounds and shelter for marine biota. Regardless of their relevance, seagrasses are under threat due to anthropogenic impacts and an increasing frequency of extreme climate events. Enhalus acoroides is a species of seagrass that is spread in the east and southeast waters of Bali, from Sanur Beach to Nusa Dua Beach. This study aims to analyze the differences in morphometry and the chlorophyll, proline, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, a marker for oxidative stress in E. acoroides leaves at Pengastian Beach, Semawang Beach, and Samuh Beach, Bali. Samples were collected using line transect …

Re: Approval Letter For The Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Revised Draft Final 2022 Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Sampling: Bres No. 30 – Atlantic-1 Site Evaluation Summary Report (Dated October 24, 2025), Molly Roby

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Future Teachers’ Views On Their Science Teachers: A Case Of Turkey, Mehmet Karakaş

The Qualitative Report

Here future elementary and middle school teachers reflect on their experiences with science teachers encountered throughout their education and highlight their characteristics. The aim of the study was to create a program where teachers were given the explicit opportunity to reflect on their experiences through journaling that promoted reflective thought. Participants were 173 non-science and 120 science major prospective teachers enrolled in a small university in northeastern Turkey. Data were collected using document analysis. Findings show that effective science teachers do experiments, use teaching materials, and show special interest in students; also, their positive personality affected students’ positive attitude towards …

2025 - Tennessee Annual Climate Summary, Tennessee Climate Office, East Tennessee State University

Tennessee Climate Office Monthly Reports

Excerpt: 

The mean (average) temperature for 2025 across Tennessee was a bit warmer than normal for most of the state, with the majority of areas reporting temperatures that were 1-2°F above the 1991-2020 NOAA climate normals, with some areas, mostly in the northeastern section of the state within one degree of normal. However, there were a lot of temperature swings throughout the year with below normal temperatures for most regions of the state in January, July, August, and November, while well above normal temperatures were observed in parts of the state in February, April, May, and June [...]

2025 December 31 - Tennessee Weekly Drought Summary, Tennessee Climate Office, East Tennessee State University

Tennessee Climate Office Weekly Drought Summaries

No abstract provided.

Patterns Of Llm Weaponization: A Comparative Analysis Of Exploitation Incidents Across Commercial Ai Systems, George Antoniou

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

This comparative study examines patterns of Large Language Model (LLM) weaponization through systematic analysis of four major exploitation incidents spanning from 2023-2025. While existing research focuses on isolated incidents or theoretical vulnerabilities, this study provides one of the first comprehensive comparative frameworks analyzing exploitation patterns across state-sponsored cyber-espionage (Anthropic Claude incident), academic security research (GPT- 4 autonomous privilege escalation), social engineering platforms (SpearBot phishing framework), and underground criminal commoditization (WormGPT/FraudGPT ecosystem). Through comparative analysis across eight dimensions: Adversary sophistication, target selection, exploitation techniques, autonomy levels, detection evasion, attribution challenges, defensive gaps, and capability democratization, this research identifies critical cross-case patterns …

Characterization And Biocompatibility Test Of Chitosan-Alginate-Fucoidan Hydrogel As Potential Socket Preservation Material: In Vitro Study, Ainiyyah F. Zaizafun, Nurlindah Hamrun, Erni Marlina, Lenni Indriani, Nurhayaty Natsir, Asdar Gani, Arifin

Journal of Dentomaxillofacial Science

Objective: This study aimed to characterize and evaluate the in vitro biocompatibility of chitosan-alginate-fucoidan hydrogel at different concentrations as a potential socket preservation material.

Material and Methods: Hydrogels were prepared using various concentrations of chitosan-alginate-fucoidan formulas. Alginate and fucoidan which were extracted from brown algae, were dissolved in purified water with stirring, then mixed with chitosan from white shrimp skin, which was prepared in 2% acetic acid. The hydrogels were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Biocompatibility was assessed using KUSA cells through cell viability, cytotoxicity, and cell adhesion. Data were analyzed using a one-way …

A Hybrid Reliability Framework For Spare Part Optimisation Under Uncertainty Of Marine Vessel Systems, Ahmad Fauzi Sagap, Ainul Akmar Mokhtar

Platform: A Journal of Engineering (PAJE)

Effective spare part management relies heavily on accurate reliability assessment. However, in new or complex systems, historical failure data are often limited, making traditional probabilistic reliability models inadequate. This paper proposes a hybrid reliability framework that integrates conventional reliability theory with fuzzy logic to address both aleatory (random)and epistemic (lack of knowledge) uncertainties. The approach combines crisp failure rate estimation using exponential distributions with fuzzy reliability modelling using the triangular fuzzy number (TFN) methodology and fuzzy logic to support dynamic decision-making for a maintenance plan. The degree of membership functions is derived from the TFN and provides the operator with …

Examination Of Triple-Pass V-Groove And Parallel-Pass V-Groove, And Finned Absorber Plates Solar Air Heater: A Numerical Study, Arafat Esam Abdullah Abdulmajeed, Afşin Güngör

Platform: A Journal of Engineering (PAJE)

```python text = """The adoption of solar energy and associated large-scale projects is on the rise to address the escalating global energy demand, owing to their cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and status as clean energy sources. The primary objective of the present study is to investigate the performance of parallel-pass solar air heaters (SAHs) equipped with grooved and finned absorbers, as well as the performance of a triple-pass SAH with a grooved absorber plate, through numerical modelling. The absorber in the finned SAH had longitudinal fins on both the top and bottom surfaces. The heat and fluid properties of a parallel-pass …

Ethnic Diversity In Uk Bioscience: Structural Biases And Recommendations For Action, Yusra Siddiqui, Prachi Stafford, Emmanuel Adukwu, Nicholas Freestone, Tina Lovleen Joshi, Emma Yhnell, Katharine Hubbard

Peninsula Dental School

Scientific research is more innovative and impactful when scientists are drawn from diverse backgrounds. However, the scientific community does not reflect the demographics of wider society. Global Majority communities remain underrepresented within science, particularly within senior leadership roles. Here we explore ethnic diversity within UK academic biosciences, using publicly available staff and student demographic data from the UK Higher Education Statistics Authority. We use the Simpson index as a quantitative measure of diversity within the biosciences and construct linear mixed effect models to identify significant predictors of both student and staff ethnic diversity. For staff, there were significant negative effects …

Re: Approval Letter For The Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Revised Draft Final 2022 Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Sampling: Bres No. 38 – Sister Dump Site Evaluation Summary Report (Dated September 30, 2025), Molly Roby

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Re: Approval Letter For The Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Revised Draft Final 2022 Unreclaimed Sites Sampling: Ur-20 Site Evaluation Summary Report (Dated October 24, 2025), Molly Roby

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Re: Approval Letter For The Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Revised Draft Final 2022 Unreclaimed Sites Sampling: Ur-13 Site Evaluation Summary Report (Dated October 22, 2025), Molly Roby

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Gravitational Property Theory, Monika U. Ehrman

Georgia Law Review

Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein defined and redefined the field of physics. Their theoretical work on gravity is still considered a monumental discovery of their respective times. Although born centuries apart, the theory of gravity each advanced is still essential. Newton’s theory is applied on Earth and throughout much of the solar system, while Einstein’s theory is used in special environments, such as near black holes. Neither theory is discarded, but instead used where appropriate. Likewise, gravitational property theory proposes that simple property theory—the ad coelum doctrine—is still appropriate for simple property, like stationary or vertical objects. And complex property …

The Role Of Linear Programming And Sensitivity Analysis In Improving The Transportation And Distribution Of Vegetable Oils: A Case Study Of The State Company For Vegetable Oils In Iraq, Zainab Alaa Hameed

Muthanna Journal of Administrative and Economics Sciences

The State Company for Vegetable Oils in Iraq faces a fundamental challenge of high transportation costs and inefficiency in distributing products across factories and warehouses to meet growing demand. Accordingly, this study aims to employ operations research methods-specifically linear programming and sensitivity analysis---to design a distribution plan that enhances efficiency and minimizes costs. The methodology involved developing a mathematical model of the transportation problem based on actual data related to supply quantities, demand requirements, and transportation costs between production sources and distribution outlets. The model was solved using WinQSB software to determine the optimal solution. Sensitivity analysis was then conducted …

Optimal Sizing Of Pv Water Pumping System For Off-Grid Rural Communities, Basma Abulkheir, Eid Gouda, A. A. Hegazi, Amir Abdel Menaem

Mansoura Engineering Journal

A large population worldwide lives in remote rural communities without access to electricity due to the limited reach of national transmission networks. This creates significant challenges in accessing water, hindering improvements in living conditions for off-grid communities. Photovoltaic water pumping systems (PVWPSs) offer a viable solution to this issue, but their sustainability must be examined due to the unpredictable nature of solar radiation. This paper presents a practical techno-economic approach to optimally size a PVWPS. A Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is employed, considering technical and economic indicators like life cycle cost, loss of load probability and PV curtailment rate. …