Digital Commons Network^™

Balancing Robustness And Practicality In Model Compression, Personalization, And Healthcare Interventions, Sawinder Kaur

Dissertations - ALL

Advances in machine learning have enabled significant progress in generating robust solutions. However, designing solutions that balance robustness while meeting the practical constraints of diverse applications, such as limited resources and data, remains a challenge. We explored three key aspects of this interplay: verified robust compressed neural networks, context-wise robust personalization, and reliable counterfactual interventions for healthcare. First, we introduce VeriCompress, a novel framework to streamline the synthesis of compressed neural networks with formal guarantees of adversarial robustness. This enables the deployment of reliable and efficient models in resource-constrained environments, such as smartphones. Second, we developed CRoP (Context-wise Robust Static …

Exploring The Chemical And Biological Foundations Of Protein Lipidation Through Functional And Computational Studies, Andrea Sprague-Getsy

Dissertations - ALL

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are essential for the diversification of the human proteome. Prenylation is a PTM defined by the addition of a 15-carbon or 20 carbon isoprenoid group by FTase and GGTase-I, respectively, onto a cysteine near the C-terminus of proteins. This modification is the first step within the prenylation pathway where proteolysis and carboxymethylation occur afterwards, aiding in proteins localization to the cellular membrane. These prenyltransferases canonically recognize a “CaaX” box motif which has been determined through biochemical and structural studies. Recently, sequences following the C(x)3X and Cxx patterns have been shown to be prenylated as well as an …

Mapping Research Trends On Mental Health Literacy Among University Students: A Bibliometric Systematic Review, Eko Pramudya Laksana, Muslihati Muslihati, Arbin Janu Setiyowati, Salsabila Kholifahtun Nisa, Muhammad Nur Hudha, Margaret Kehinde Soetan

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

Mental health is a global issue that has received increasing attention, particularly among university students. Mental health literacy (MHL) is an important factor in promoting students' psychological well-being through knowledge, attitudes, and the ability to recognize and address mental health problems. This study aims to map the developmental trends of MHL research among university students in order to provide a comprehensive overview of the direction and focus of studies in this field. This research employed a bibliometric literature review approach by analyzing 48 journal articles indexed in the Scopus database and published between 2021 and 2025. The findings indicate that …

Group Counseling Deactivation Mode To Improve Psychological Well-Being Of Students, Muya Barida, Dian Ari Widyastuti, Yuanita Dwi Krisphianti, Aslina Ahmad, Nurul Hidayati Rofiah, Andriyani Andriyani, Riana Mashar, Emiko Saraswaty

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

Life moves dynamically, profoundly impacting adolescents and often causing deep anxiety due to numerous pressures. The gap between expectations and reality frequently exacerbates this anxiety. Ideally, adolescents should be equipped to manage their inner lives to prevent excessive anxiety, and individuals can better manage anxiety if they possess strong psychological well-being. This study aims to improve psychological well-being through a group counseling deactivation mode. The research applied an experimental research method with a one group pretest-posttest design. Participants consisting of junior high school students in Yogyakarta, selected through purposive sampling for their low psychological well-being levels. Data on psychological well-being …

Online Counseling In Improving Achievement Motivation Over The Last Decade: A Bibliometric Review, Shopyan Jepri Kurniawan, Bambang Dibyo Wiyono, Mohd. Aziz Zulazmi

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

This research aims to determine online counseling research trends to increase achievement motivation. The method used in this research is bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer. The data used is the Scopus database for the last 10 years. Research findings found that there were 4302 documents that met the specified criteria. The number of online counseling studies increased gradually over the 2013-2022 research period. The largest source of documents comes from 3691 articles. Meanwhile, the annual distribution of 100 or more citations will be the highest in 2022 with 16. The keyword ``achievement motivation'' is not included in the top 10 keywords, …

Mobile Markets And Farmers’ Markets: Evaluating Food Accessibility For Underserved Communities In The Bay Area, Rajeshwari Rajesh

Master's Theses

Studies indicate including farmers’ markets, mobile markets, and other local food systems improve fresh food access for low-income communities, especially when paired with food assistance programs that offer financial incentives. This study aims to evaluate mobile markets and farmers’ markets in the Bay Area using the five dimensions of food access: accessibility, availability, acceptability, affordability, and accommodation. The study is based on primary data collected from 173 in-person surveys at six mobile and eight farmers’ markets in the Santa Clara and Contra Costa counties. Key survey participants were market shoppers participating in food assistance programs. A mixed research methodology included …

Dampit Robusta Coffee Effect On The Creatinine Kinase Levels And Muscle Pain Scales Among Sport Enthusiast, M. Fath Alhaqqi Sanis Salamy, Mohammad Fathul Qorib, Lilik Herawati, Rizky Darmawan, M. Izzul Mujahiddin, Salamun Salamun, Ahmed Zaiyan Nahel Salamy, Achmad Yarziq Mubarak Salis Salamy, Moh Nahar Azmi Mohamed, Ain Darojah Siddiq Ramadhan Ramadhan

Folia Medica Indonesiana

Excessive eccentric exercise often results in muscle injury, reflected by elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) levels and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). In Indonesia, coffee consumption after exercise has increased, with Dampit Robusta Coffee (DRC)—a local variety rich in caffeine and antioxidants considered a potential aid for recovery. This study evaluated the effect of DRC consumption on biomarkers of muscle damage and perceived soreness. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted on 20 healthy untrained men aged 20–25 years, allocated into treatment (n = 10) and control (n = 10) groups. The treatment group consumed brewed DRC (≈200 mg caffeine/day) …

Dysconscious Ableism In The Public Library Advancing Disabled Patron And Staff Experiences Toward More Inclusive Programs And Services, William N. Myhill

Dissertations - ALL

This dissertation investigates the operation of dysconscious ableism in public librarianship and its impact on disabled patrons and staff. Drawing on critical disability studies, critical theory, and ethnographic methods, the study explores how public library policies, practices, and professional beliefs perpetuate ableist norms and marginalize disabled individuals. The research is grounded in three central questions: (1) How does dysconscious ableism operate in public librarianship? (2) What are the lived experiences of disabled patrons and staff in public library spaces? (3) What strategies can disrupt dysconscious ableism and promote a more inclusive, anti-ableist praxis? Data were collected through interviews with librarians …

Linden 305 Llc V. Miller

All Decisions

In this licensee holdover, the tenant moved to disqualify the landlord's counsel, arguing a conflict of interest because one of the firm's attorneys previously represented the tenant in a substantially related prior proceeding. The court found that a presumption of disqualification arose, but the landlord rebutted it by demonstrating that the attorney lived out of state, was not involved in the current proceeding, did not possess material information, and the firm had established an ethical wall. The court denied the tenant's motion but prohibited the firm from discussing the case with the attorney in question.

Evaluating The Impact Of A Community-Based Prostate Cancer Screening Program, Amy Leader, Kristine Pham, Nicola Cianci, Hannah Knapp, Fatuma Doka, Suzanne Barron, Oleksandr Kolesnikov, Jordan Dehoratius, Katie Bradley, Le'ann Robles, Robert Giamboy, Olivia Dahlgren, Leonard G. Gomella

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: One out of eight men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Black men are more likely to be diagnosed with and die from prostate cancer than other males, contributing to significant prostate cancer disparities. Early detection, often by routine screening, allows for more options for treatment and an increased chance of survival. Barriers to screening contribute to prostate cancer disparities, particularly among those who lack regular access to health care. Community based screening programs may overcome barriers to prostate cancer screening.

METHODS: An urban, NCI-designated cancer center collaborated with a national prostate cancer …

Comparison Of Xrf And Icp-Oes Methods To Determine Trace Element Concentrations Of Kidney Stones In Iraqi Patients, Farah Khalid Denyeif, Saadiyah Ahmed Dhahir

Baghdad Science Journal

Understanding the nature and composition of stone formation as well as developing treatment strategies that prevent stones from forming in kidneys are dependent on researching the chemical makeup of kidney stones. Therefore, 11 samples of kidney stones were collected and digested, and the concentration of metal ions such as (Ag, Al, Cu, Mn, Ni, Ti, Zn, Ca, Na, K and Mg) was measured using the Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectroscopy method and X-ray Fluorescence. it was found that Ca is the highest concentration and most abundant in all samples in both methods, followed by Na, Mg and Ni. …

Examining The Nanoparticles Thin Film Of Nickel Oxide Produced Through Coriandrum Sativum Extract And Deposited By The Spin Coating Technique, Radea Hateem Jawad, Hamdia Hateem Jawad

Baghdad Science Journal

As a great chelating agent, Coiandrum Sativum extract was used in the biosynthesis of NiO nanoparticles, which was an environmentally friendly process. The nanoparticles were then investigated by x-ray diffraction, FT-IR, and SEM. The result of SEM suggests that the nanoparticles have some agglomeration but are primarily spherical. After that, powdered nano-particles were used to make thin films, which were annealed for 60 minutes at (300 and 400) °C in the air. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were utilized to determine the structural properties and composition of nickel oxide films, the films’ surfaces are smooth and that …

Biosynthesis Of Silver Nanoparticles From Halophilic Green Algae (Dunaliella Viridis) Extract And It Is Antibacterial Activity, Payman Omer Salih, Trifa Kamal Jalal, Hoshyar Abdullah Azeez

Baghdad Science Journal

Biological synthesis of nanoparticles is a new area of nanotechnology that has advantages in terms of cost and the environment compared to chemical or physical synthesis methods. The current work is carried out to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) utilizing green algae (Dunaliella viridis Teodoresco 1905) extract as a reducing and capping agent and to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of AgNPs. The. The measures of UV-V spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, SEM-EDSand FTIR were used to characterize the synthesized silver nanoparticles. Additionally, agar well diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods were used for antibacterial activity. The plasmon absorbance of AgNPs was …

Learning Engagement In Primary Education: Development And Validation Of A Contextualized Scale For Indonesian Elementary School Students, Meidias Abror Wicaksono, Edy Purwanto, Tri Joko Raharjo, Diani Akmalia Apsari, Bambang Subali, Nuni Widiarti

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

This study aims to develop and examine the validity and reliability of a contextual learning engagement scale for elementary school students. The scale was develop based on the learning motivation and behavior theory by Schunk, Pintrich, and Meece, and interest dimensions from Ainley. A quantitative approach using instrument development design was employed. Data analysis was conducted using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate the construct structure. A total of 330 students from grades 4, 5 and 6 were selected through cluster random sampling. The results revealed that the scale consists of four dimensions: learning enthusiasm, learning persistence, learning autonomy, and …

Relational Knowledge Restructuring: Explored Though Experimental And Bayesian Computational Methods, Ashley Nicole Douglass

Dissertations - ALL

Are people rational Bayesian learners that produce a final posterior belief that is a compromise of their prior and the amount of new data? If they are then can one create a model that can predict their final belief given an estimate of their prior belief and the new data? This study aims to explore this. The participants were presented with two relational structures, the initial and the alternative which contradicted each other to a certain degree. In condition 1 the alternative structure was similar to the initial and in condition 2 the structure had the same number of contradictions …

Adaptive Generation In Evolutionary Robotics: From Adversarial Objects To Guided Optimization, Unknown Akshay

Dissertations - ALL

Evolution-inspired algorithms have proven effective for complex optimization problems butsuffer from computational inefficiency due to their reliance on random variation operators. This is problematic in domains where fitness evaluation depends on expensive procedures such as training a neural network or running a robot, either in simulation or on hardware. This dissertation presents novel approaches for evolutionary robotics that replace stochastic evolutionary operations with learned, adaptive strategies using reinforcement learning (RL), significantly improving search efficiency while maintaining population diversity.The first contribution is a voxel-based evolutionary framework for generating adversarial objects that challenge robotic grasping systems. By evolving objects with controlled similarity …

Cultural Mistrust Framework Of Mental Help-Seeking And Internalized Model Minority Myth, Jin Zhao

Dissertations - ALL

Objective: Cultural mistrust can serve as an intermediary variable indirectly facilitating the association between racial microaggressions and unfavorable mental help-seeking attitudes. This study sought to broaden the cultural mistrust framework’s applicability to Asian and Asian American college students by (1) replicating the framework using a national multi-campus sample and (2) integrating internalized model minority myth (i.e., unrestricted mobility and achievement orientation) via a conditional process approach. Methods: This study used cross-sectional data from a national sample of Asian and Asian American college students (N = 180, Mage = 21.47 [SD=1.84]). Path models estimated indirect and direct associations, as well as …

Computationally Efficient Methods For Calculation Of Light-Matter Interaction In Large Semiconductor Quantum Dots, Chandler Martin

Dissertations - ALL

Quantum dots are a class of materials in the nanometer scale that have unique optical and electronic properties due to the quantum confinement effect. Traditional electronic structure computational techniques used for calculating these properties fall to scalability issues as the size of the quantum dot increases, or introduce significant errors into the final result. This makes using computational methods to predict new materials, or verify properties of existing materials, challenging to use for experimental applications of quantum dots. This gap between experiment and computation is due to large basis sets, expensive integrals, and storage and manipulation of tensors that grow …

Cd177+ Neutrophils: New Drivers Of Liver Regeneration, Yankai Wen, Cynthia Ju

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

A Comparative Study Of Conceptual Metaphors In Indonesian And Chinese Economic Headlines, Hendy Yuniarto

Bahasa dan Seni: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, dan Pengajarannya

This study examines how economic concepts are metaphorically constructed in Indonesian and Chinese news headlines. Employing the Lakoff and Johnson's framework of Conceptual Metaphor Theory, the study analyzes and compares conceptual metaphors in economic news headlines from CNBC Indonesia and China Business Network published between January and April 2025. Employing a qualitative methodology guided by MIPVU, the study mapped conceptual economic metaphors in a corpus of 500 economic news headlines. The investigation demonstrates a significant overlap in the conceptualization of economic events in both languages: economic actions are physical movements, business is a natural force, economy is a competition, money …

Optimized Beamforming And Network Slicing For Dense Urban 5g Deployments, Kwame S. Ibwe

Tanzania Journal of Science

Optimizing beamforming and network slicing is critical for enhancing spectral efficiency, energy efficiency, and resource distribution fairness in dense urban 5G networks. This paper proposes a hybrid genetic algorithm particle swarm optimization (GA-PSO) method to jointly optimize beamforming weights, bandwidth allocation, and power distribution, balancing computational efficiency with near optimal performance. The hybrid approach uses GA for global exploration and PSO for fast convergence, overcoming the limitations of standalone heuristic and exact optimization methods. Simulation experiments in a dense urban 5G network with massive MIMO base stations show that proposed method achieves up to 15% higher spectral efficiency and 18% …

Implementation Of A Carbon-Neutral Pv+Bess System - A Case Study Of Knauf Gypsum Tanzania, Santos Kihwele

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study presents a decarbonization pathway for Tanzania’s industrial sector by integrating a 2.966 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system with a 2 MW/8 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) at KNAUF Gypsum Tanzania. A comprehensive techno- economic analysis was conducted using PVSyst simulations software. The simulation integrated site-specific meteorological data, component specifications and the factory’s electricity load profile to model annual generation patterns, system losses and battery charging and discharging cycles. The model accounted for system degradation to ensure realistic long-term performance projections. The PV+BESS solution reduces the energy-related carbon footprint to 64% and cuts annual energy costs by 65%, …

Antioxidant And Anti-Inflammatory Effects Of Blighia Unijugata Baker Aril Protein-Rich Extract, Oludele O. Odekanyin, Ifeoluwa M. Adepoju, Tolulope A. Anjorin, Oluwatobi S. Adekoya

Tanzania Journal of Science

The study investigated the in vitro oxidative-stress-mitigating effect and anti- inflammatory potential of the soluble protein of the arils of Blighia unijugata in order to establish possible use in inflammatory therapy. Air-dried Blighia unijugata aril was pulverized into powder, defatted using petroleum ether, and homogenized in Phosphate Buffer Saline. The homogenate was centrifuged, and the supernatant was subjected to ammonium sulphate fractionation. The precipitate was thoroughly dialyzed, dialysate was freeze-dried, and termed partially purified Blighia unijugata aril protein extract (ppBUAPE). The antioxidant potential of the protein-rich extract was investigated using DPPH, H2O2 scavenging activity, and FRAP. The ability of ppBUAPE …

Mathematical Modeling Of Awareness-Driven Interventions For Gender-Based Violence Control In A Closed Population, Furaha M. Chuma, Edward K. Ngailo, Zubeda S. Mussa

Tanzania Journal of Science

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a critical global health issue with profound social, economic, and psychological implications. Despite concerted efforts to address this challenge, traditional intervention approaches often fall short of effectively mitigating its prevalence. In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the potential impact of awareness-based interventions in addressing various social and health crises. This paper introduces a modeling framework to explore the efficacy of awareness-based interventions in influencing the dynamics of the GBV epidemic within a closed population. A detailed sensitivity analysis, utilizing a normalized sensitivity index method, reveals that the violence transfer rate between perpetrators and …

Modelling The Impact Of Multiple Control Strategies On The Spread Of Phyllody Disease In Sesame, Augustino I. Msigwa, Furaha M. Chuma

Tanzania Journal of Science

Phyllody disease, caused by phytoplasma and transmitted by insect vectors such as leafhoppers, poses a serious threat to the productivity of sesame (Sesamum indicum) as it has caused substantial yield and oil-quality losses worldwide, with documented seed-yield reductions ranging from 38% to as high as 80% in severe outbreaks, particularly in Africa and India. Understanding phyllody dynamics is therefore critical to safeguard yields and trade. While some modeling efforts exist for sesame phyllody (for example, statistical and prediction-focused approaches), mechanistic transmission models (SEIR) assessing its full impact remain scarce. This study therefore develops and analyses impact of multiple control strategies …

Modeling And Forecasting Wholesale Gasoline Prices In Tanzania Using Arima And Neural Network Autoregressive Models, Thadei D. Sagamiko, Edward K. Ngailo

Tanzania Journal of Science

Fluctuations in wholesale gasoline prices significantly impact the economy of import-dependent countries like Tanzania, making accurate forecasting essential for policymakers and market participants. This study forecasts monthly wholesale gasoline prices in Dar es Salaam by comparing the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model with a Neural Network Autoregressive (NNAR) model. Using data from January 2015 to December 2024 from the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA), the models were evaluated. The ARIMA(1,1,1) model was identified as the best-fitting linear model, but the NNAR(11,7) model demonstrated superior accuracy. On the holdout test set, the NNAR model achieved a lower Mean …

Enhancing Topical Delivery Of N-Acetylcysteine And Collagen Via A Novel Electrospun Collagen/Pmma Nanofibrous Mats As Facial Mask Development: Nanofibers Optimization And In Vitro Experiments, Samar A. Salim, Galala University, King Faisal University, Badr University, National Research Centre, City Of Scientific Research And Technological Applications (Srta-City),, Badr University

Nanotechnology Research Centre

This study endeavours to craft a potent topical facial mask using electrospun nanofibers. The nanofibers were carefully fabricated based on loading of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) onto electrospun marine collagen (MC), and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanofibers. Through precise adjustments of electrospinning parameters, a uniform array of nanoscale fibres with a smooth surface was achieved. The morphology and chemical structure configuration of nanofibers (NFs) were examined using SEM, FTIR, and XRD analyses. Furthermore, the cytotoxic impact was assessed on a human normal fibroblast cell line (BJ1), while protein levels were gauged using the Bradford dye-binding assay (Coomassie assay). Also, the antioxidant potential …

Aquifer Distribution In Lukobe Ward, Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania: Mapped Resources For Sustainable Water Access, Kelvin K. Kayuni

Tanzania Journal of Science

In response to the ongoing challenges posed by the scarcity of reliable fresh-water sources in Lukobe Ward, Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania, this study applied an integrated approach that combines geospatial and geophysical datasets to identify previously undocumented aquifers. The datasets utilized include an apparent density map generated from high-resolution GGMPlus satellite gravity data, a geological map (Quarter Degree Sheet 183), a water drainage map, and a slope map created from a digital elevation model (DEM). The analysis successfully identified four unconfined, saprolitic aquifers in the study area, designated as aquifers A, B, C, and D. These aquifers span areas of 12.2 …

Synergistic Use Of Sentinel-1 And Sentinel-2 Data For Mapping Of Degradation In Coastal Forests And Miombo Woodlands Of Tanzania, Daria C. Kimaro

Tanzania Journal of Science

Forest degradation is one of the leading sources of carbon emission globally. In Africa, particularly in Tanzania, forest degradation is driven by selective logging and forest fires. Monitoring degradation over large areas is very challenging due to the lack of accurate and reliable methods. This study assessed degradation in miombo woodlands and coastal forests using a synergy of remotely sensed data acquired from sentinel-1 and sentinel-2 achieved by integrating their complementary strength where sentinel-1 enhanced detection of structural changes and sentinel-2 provided spectral insight into vegetation. The 3I3D, unsupervised algorithm analysing trends for three vegetation indices (3I) in a three-dimensional …

Performance Comparison Of Kriging Models Used For Estimation Of Rainfall Variability In The Northern Coast Of Tanzania, Salma Suleiman, Clement Mromba

Tanzania Journal of Science

Accurate rainfall estimation underpins effective disaster preparedness and sustainable socioeconomic planning. The performance of Ordinary Kriging (OK), Universal Kriging (UK), and Simple Kriging (SK) in estimation of rainfall variability were assessed across eight stations in the northern coast of Tanzania for the period from 1960 to 2020. Using ArcGIS 10.3, each method was evaluated and cross-validated using six performance metrics, namely; Mean Error (ME), Mean Square Error (MSE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Root Mean Standardized Square Error (RMSSE), Average Standardized Error (ASE), and the Coefficient of Determination (R²). Performance comparison results indicate OK to have achieved the lowest bias, …