Digital Commons Network^™

Playgrounds On Paper: Children’S Drawings As A Window Into Outdoor Play Preferences, Sebnem Cetken-Aktas, Serap Sevimli-Celik

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Children’s creativity in expressing themselves through traditional media, such as drawing, remains strong and reflects their keen awareness of their surroundings. Involving children in the design process provides a valuable opportunity to understand their perspectives. This study engaged 47 five-year-old children to explore their preferences for outdoor play environments through their drawings. The methodology involved analysing these drawings to gain insights into the children’s understanding and desires related to playground experiences. Conducted in multiple stages, the study revealed significant aspects of children’s preferences. The findings highlighted the children’s interest in imaginative features that extend beyond traditional playground structures, as well …

The Monstrous-Digital: Data Necropolitics, Social Media, And The Assassination Of Brian Thompson, Laura Glitsos

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This research article examines the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the ensuing social media attention on the alleged shooter Luigi Mangione. I argue that the incident can be read as a cultural moment that captures the essence of an emergent sensibility that I call the “monstrous-digital” because of its layered and complex interconnections with the digital apparatus as a space of control and contestation. Specifically, I connect it to the biopolitical weaponization of computational systems, McQuillan’s (2015) algorithmic states of exception, and Pele and Mulholland’s (2023) data necropolitics. I approach this research using a qualitative case study method, …

Improving Visual Inspection Performance During Pre-Flight Visual Inspections By Aircraft Maintenance Technicians., Patrick Codd

Doctoral

Visual inspection is a critical task in aircraft maintenance and is the predominant inspection technique used in the global aviation sector. For safety reasons, visual inspections by Aircraft Maintenance Technicians are routinely conducted on a daily basis during pre-flight inspections. Its significance becomes evident when considering the potential consequences of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians not seeing observable defects during visual inspections. For example, an aircraft crash landing in 1989 resulted in 111 fatalities and was attributed to a visual inspection failure. The industrial quality control literature also illustrates the varying accuracy for the observation of defects and hazards, underscoring the inherent …

Antennas For Emerging Satellite Services, Jakub Przepiorowski

Doctoral

The NewSpace era has revolutionized access to space, driving advancements in satellite communication (SATCOM) systems and creating demand for low-cost, compact, and high-performance user terminals. This thesis addresses these needs by developing innovative antenna solutions tailored for user terminals designed for emerging satellite constellations and satellite Internet-of-Things (S-IoT) applications.

Seagrasses Are Most Vulnerable To Marine Heatwaves In Tropical Zones: Local-Scale And Broad Climatic Zone Variation In Thermal Tolerances, Nicole Said, Chanelle Webster, Simone Strydom, Natasha Dunham, Matthew P. Adams, Kathryn Mcmahon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Under a changing climate, it is imperative that we understand how species may respond to temperature impacts, which can differ among populations of the same species due to local drivers. Thermal tolerance data, which can be used to assess an organism's upper thermal limits, is valuable to identify species and/or populations' susceptibility to thermal stress. This study assessed the variation in thermal tolerance of six seagrass species at both broad latitudinal (c. 500–1000 km) and local scales (c. 25 km). Photosynthesis–temperature curves (15–45°C) were conducted, by measuring oxygen in closed incubation chambers, and thermal optima (Topt) was extracted. We found …

Dialogic Drawing: A Pedagogical Tool To Promote And Monitor Learner Engagement, Amelia Ruscoe, Leanne Lavina

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This project presented a unique opportunity to apply an evidence‑based method, Dialogic Drawing, to the longstanding challenge of understanding and monitoring the learner engagement of young children as they begin their school journey. Early childhood is a critical period in which children are not only adjusting to the routines and expectations of school but are also forming their identities as learners. Yet monitoring engagement during this phase is complex. Young children’s developing language and literacy skills prompt educators to think holistically about how children might come to understand and share in their thoughts and feelings about school and learning. While …

Compulsory Service-Learning Programs In Secondary Schools: The Lasting Impact Beyond The Classroom, Linda Cranley, Gregory Hine

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The purpose of this research project was to investigate the extent to which a compulsory service-learning program (SLP) offered in one secondary school inspired students to extend their service to the community beyond their schooling and make the connection between real-life social inequities and the SLP. The project involved interviewing current staff and past students from a co-educational Catholic secondary school in Perth, Western Australia, about their experiences of participating in the school’s SLP. Staff and student participants highlighted key elements of the SLP, including the types of community involvement encouraged within the program, and provided insight into how the …

The Dark Side Of International Cooperation: Indifference And The Psychosocial Dynamics Of Cooperative Deterrence, Jamal Barnes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

States are increasingly resorting to international cooperative agreements to deter migrants and refugees from irregularly arriving at their borders. Although scholars have shown how these cooperative deterrence policies are undermining important refugee and human rights protections, making migration journeys more dangerous, and securitizing and criminalizing people on the move, what has not been adequately examined is how these cooperative arrangements can bring about normative changes that produce indifference to the suffering of refugees and migrants. This article examines the psychosocial dynamics of cooperative deterrence policies to show how the social processes of authorization, routinization, evasion of responsibility, and dehumanization weaken …

The Ethics Of Patient And Public Involvement Across The Research Process: Towards Partnership With People With Aphasia, Deborah Hersh, Mark Israel, Ciara Shiggins

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: Conducting Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in health research is a way of building knowledge that incorporates the experience of service users, adds research impact, and helps avoid wasting resources on findings that have little relevance to people or cannot be implemented. We argue that there is a need to extend ethical considerations currently focused on research participants with aphasia to encompass and guide expectations of involvement in partnerships with people with aphasia across the research lifecycle.

Method: We use the 2018 revision of the Australian National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research as the framework for this …

Addressing The Overemphasis And Impacts Of Academic Language In English Language Learner Instruction, Rebecca Pint

Honors Program Theses

No abstract provided.

Citizen-Centric Building Energy Retrofits: Understanding And Supporting Citizens As Occupants, Participants, Decision-Makers, And Learners In Home Energy Retrofits, Nikhil Singh Yaduvanshi

Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive

Residential building retrofits remain significantly under-adopted despite substantial technological advances, economic incentives, and policy efforts, creating a critical gap between technical potential and actual implementation in achieving climate goals. Assessment of citizen involvement in building retrofit processes plays a critical role in formulating effective home retrofit program designs to ensure maximum adoption rates and avoid energy waste. Although, existing retrofit programs and decision-making models recognize the importance of citizen involvement, the extent of citizen capabilities and the effects of citizen-centered approaches on retrofit adoption and building performance has not been comprehensively examined. The adoption and success of retrofit programs depends …

Assessment Of The Feasibility Of Utilizing Plastic Waste In Infrastructure To Promote Circular Economy In Bangladesh, Md Lutfor Rahman

Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive

This study presents a comprehensive assessment of municipal solid waste (MSW) and plastic waste characterization across Bangladesh, with a focus on circular economy opportunities and the long-term economic viability of plastic road. Using on-site waste characterization data for 13 major cities from four geographic zones of Bangladesh —Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast—the research identifies food waste as the dominant component of the national waste stream (67.3%), followed by plastic (12.4%), textiles (7.8%), and paper (4.7%). Among plastics, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) overwhelmingly dominates (89.7%), highlighting the continued prevalence of single-use flexible plastics.

A life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) was conducted comparing …

Implementation And Performance Evaluation Of Plastic Road Mix Design In Parking Lot, Ishraq Faruk

Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive

The uncontrolled proliferation of plastic waste has emerged as a global environmental crisis, with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) constituting a substantial fraction of the waste stream due to its extensive use in packaging and its resistance to degradation. In parallel, asphalt pavements particularly in urban infrastructure such as parking lots experience accelerated deterioration from raveling, rutting, and cracking as a result of thermal cycling, repetitive loading, and inadequate drainage. These converging challenges present an opportunity for innovative, circular-economy-based sustainable pavement technologies that simultaneously improve surface durability and mitigate plastic waste accumulation.

This research investigates the full-scale implementation and monitoring of HDPE …

Transforming Lives For Eternity: 2024-2025 Year End Summary, Southern Adventist University

Strategic Plans

Southern Adventist University's Strategic Plan Year End Summary for the year 2024-2025.

The Effect Of Fatigue On Climbing Fluidity And Hand Movements, Andrew Walsh, L. Seifert, C. Button, S. Vial, J. Croft

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In rock climbing, climbers use their arms to regulate their posture on the wall, which can lead to localised muscle fatigue. Evidence shows fatigue is the primary cause of falls, but little is known about how fatigue specifically affects climbing rhythm and hand movements. The present study examined climbing fluidity and hand movements on an indoor climbing wall before and after a specific fatiguing protocol. Seventeen climbers completed three repetitions of a challenging climbing route (21 on Ewbank scale) with different levels of localised arm fatigue. Climbers’ movements were tracked using 3D motion capture, and their hand actions assessed using …

S-Methyl Cysteine Sulfoxide And Its Potential Role In Human Health: A Scoping Review, Caroline R. Hill, Alex Haoci Liu, Lyn Mccahon, Liezhou Zhong, Armaghan Shafaei, Lois Balmer, Joshua R. Lewis, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Higher intakes of cruciferous and allium vegetables are associated with a lower risk of cardiometabolic-related outcomes in observational studies. Whilst acknowledging the many healthy compounds within these vegetables, animal studies indicate that some of these beneficial effects may be partially mediated by S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide (SMCSO), a sulfur-rich, non-protein, amino acid found almost exclusively within cruciferous and alliums. This scoping review explores evidence for SMCSO, its potential roles in human health and possible mechanistic action. After systematically searching several databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, CINAHL Plus Full Text, Agricultural Science), we identified 21 original research articles meeting our inclusion criteria. These …

Improving Chatbot Interactions Through Ai-Driven Hate Speech Detection: Evolving To A Safer Digital Environment-Poster, Rata Gheorghita, Wellington Mariano

ICT

This project aims to explore how Machine Learning can contribute to a better digital interaction, mainly focusing on environments such as online chats, social media, and customer support as they are now an imperative part of daily communication. With this, concerns around hate speech in digital conversations is critical (Council of Europe, 2024). This study focus on the development of a Hate Speech Language Detection Chatbot using machine learning techniques. The key purpose of the chatbot is to monitor and detect harmful content in real time, reducing the need for manual intervention. The creation and implementation of such a tool …

Deep Learning For Irish Garden Bird Identification: Exploring The Role Of Cnn-Lstm In Video-Based Recognition, Antonina Dolynenko

ICT

Bird populations are widely used as indicators of ecosystem health, but traditional monitoring based on manual observation is labour-intensive and difficult to scale. Recent advances in deep learning and low-cost edge hardware offer new opportunities for automated, real-time bird identification in gardens and other local habitats. This thesis investigates whether video-based deep learning models can reliably classify common Irish garden birds from short motion-triggered clips and how temporal modelling compares to image-based models.

A primary dataset of 20-second clips was collected in a private garden in Ireland using a Raspberry Pi with a high-resolution camera and a YOLO-based trigger to …

Premier League Results Predictions, Laura Consuegra

ICT

This project applies machine learning techniques to predict outcomes in the English Premier League, one of the most prestigious and widely followed football competitions worldwide. By analysing historical and real-time match data, including performance metrics such as goals scored, shots on target, and cards received, predictive models are developed to forecast match results with higher accuracy. The study evaluates the effectiveness of these models and explores the influence of key statistical features on team performance. The findings aim to provide strategic insights for fans, bookmakers, and coaching staff, supporting performance evaluation, tactical decision-making, and a deeper understanding of the factors …

Possibilities For Climate Change Adaptation Investments In Ghana: Exploring Private Sector Concerns And Perceptions About Policy Incentives, Jane Osei, Albert Ahenkan, Samuel Weniga Anuga

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Policy incentives can significantly boost private sector investment in climate change adaptation, especially in developing countries. Leveraging private sector resources, including human capital, financial assets, and technological innovations, is crucial for enhancing adaptation efforts. However, many private entities are reluctant to invest due to the perceived business risks associated with climate change. This hesitancy increases vulnerability in developing nations. This study examines the private sector's views in Ghana on policy incentives for climate adaptation investments and the barriers impeding their involvement. The findings show that corporate social responsibility, financial requirements, and access to relevant information are key motivators for private …

A Comparative Analysis Of The Performance Of Customised And Pre-Trained Convolutional Neural Networks In The Classification Of Facial Expressions., Guilherme Soares Da Costa

ICT

Facial expression recognition (FER) is a highly relevant problem in the field of computer vision, with applications in various areas. Although this topic has made significant progress in recent years with deep learning, facial expression recognition continues to face significant challenges when faced with a noisy, imbalanced database, and low-resolution images, as is the case with the widely used FER2013 database. This work investigates the usability of different approaches based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for the task of facial expression classification.

First, a custom CNN was developed and trained from scratch, using FER2013 as database. Subsequently, three well-known pre-trained …

Clustering And Predictive Modelling Of Cryptocurrencies: An Empirical Study Of Lead–Lag Dynamics And Forecasting Performance., Viktor Varga

ICT

Cryptocurrency markets pose analytical challenges due to their volatility, non-stationarity, and complex interdependencies. Traditional econometric models have struggled with these features, while machine learning models often face overfitting and limited interpretability. This thesis has developed an integrated framework combining clustering, lead–lag detection, and predictive modelling to examine whether structural and temporal dependencies in cryptocurrency markets can improve forecasting performance.

Hourly OHLCV data for a selection of liquid cryptocurrencies from the Binance API over a thirteen-month period has been analysed. Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) has been used to identify asset clusters, while cross-correlation, Granger causality, and Vector Autoregression (VAR) have been …

Exogenous Variables In Time Series Forecasting During Economic Volatility: A Cross-Sector And Cross-Crisis Evaluation., Orla Kavanagh

ICT

Economic disruptions pose challenges for time series forecasting, but also offer opportunities to evaluate the value of exogenous information. This study investigates the role of external indicators during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2025 U.S. tariff shock, using data from Dell (technology) and Boeing (aerospace/manufacturing). ARIMA, SARIMA, and LSTM models were tested with candidate exogenous variables. Results indicate that the benefit of external signals is highly context-dependent: sector, disruption type, and forecast horizon all influence effectiveness. LSTM models generally excel at longer horizons with exogenous inputs, while ARIMA-based models perform better short-term. Findings emphasize that careful variable selection, ongoing evaluation, …

Understanding Model Behaviour And Interpretability In Time Series Forecasting: A Deep Dive Into Lstm And Gru With Xai Techniques., Federico Ariton

ICT

Time-series forecasting is widely used in data analytics, yet the interpretability of deep learning models remains a key challenge. This study compares Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) models using a dual interpretability framework that combines attention mechanisms and SHAP analysis. Two feature sets were evaluated across assets with different volatility regimes: Solana and Shiba Inu (high volatility), Bitcoin (moderate volatility), and Apple (low volatility). Results show that autoregressive features achieved the lowest forecasting errors, while volatility- and momentum-based indicators provided stronger interpretability. GRU performed best in moderate-volatility conditions, whereas LSTM demonstrated more consistent performance across varying …

Traditional Vs Deep Learning Approaches For Efficient Electricity Consumption Prediction., Lucas Sant’Ana

ICT

Accurate forecasting of electricity demand is critical for reliable energy planning, resource allocation, and policy design. Traditional statistical models, such as ARIMA, SARIMA, and ARIMAX, have been widely applied but remain constrained by linear assumptions, limited temporal memory, and inflexibility in handling multiple exogenous drivers. In this study, we systematically compare these approaches with multivariate Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, which are capable of capturing nonlinear dependencies, long-term temporal dynamics, and multivariate interactions. Historical electricity consumption data were combined with weather variables, including temperature, wind speed, and rainfall, and pre-processed through cleaning, scaling, and temporal alignment. Statistical baselines and deep …

Blood Flow Restriction, Tendon Hypertrophy, And Strength Gain In The Biceps Brachii, Tonya M. Parker, Samuel Corbin, Matthew R. Feeback, Bailey Wilks, Andrew Lowe, Noelle Kaminski

Open Access Publishing Support Funded Articles

Introduction: Blood flow restriction (BFR) can improve muscular strength under lower loads versus traditional resistance training. Little research has been completed on the upper extremity and almost no targeted research on BFR and the tendon. Therefore, we aim to investigate the effects of BFR on the biceps brachii muscle and tendon compared to traditional resistance training.

Methods: Randomized controlled trial of healthy participants over seven weeks of completing bicep curls. Participants were randomly allocated to the BFR or control group (C). Ultrasound measurement of the tendon occurred at baseline, midpoint, and completion of study, while adjusted one repetition maximum (Adj1RM) …

Evaluation Of A Virtual Home Health Heart Failure Program: Mixed Methods Study, Nilufeur Mckay, Rosemary Saunders, Helene Metcalfe, Sue Robinson, Peter Palamara, Kellie Steer, Jeannie Yoo, Miles Ranogajec, Lisa Whitehead, Beverley Ewens

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Heart failure is a prevalent and debilitating condition, affecting millions globally and imposing a significant burden on patients, families, and health care systems. Despite advancements in medical treatments, the gap in effective, continuous, and personalized supportive care remains glaringly evident. To address this pressing issue, virtual health care services delivered by interdisciplinary teams represent a promising solution. Understanding the outcomes and experience of remote monitoring–enabled interdisciplinary chronic disease management programs can inform resource allocation and health care policy decisions. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and behavioral outcomes of patients undertaking a Virtual Home …

Presente Y Tendencias De Comunicación Digital En Estudios De Interiorismo, Verónica Meléndez Valoria

Capítulos de libros

Los estudios de arquitectura y diseño de interiores afrontaron como otros ámbitos la adaptación a nuevos espacios digitales para gestionar su exposición, comenzando por la página web. A partir de ahí fue necesaria otra nueva adaptación a las plataformas y redes sociales en estos sectores que por otro lado tampoco han desarrollado en profundidad una dinámica de promoción, relaciones públicas y publicidad, ni de marketing en general. En este desarrollo se profundizará sobre esta cuestión analizando algunos casos y el empleo actual de la página web que realizan estudios reconocidos de interiorismo y espacios, y al mismo tiempo en relación …

Metodologías Activas Y Uso De Ia En La Enseñanza De Videojuegos Y Animación. Un Enfoque Basado En Proyectos Y Portafolios., Noel Pradana Sánchez, Eva Santín Álvarez

Capítulos de libros

No abstract provided.

A Neuroarchitectural Analysis Of Historical Lecture Halls And Theis Impact On Learning, Chloe Sharpe, María Beltrán Rodríguez, Montserrat Pichel Martínez, María Eugenia Josa

Capítulos de libros

No abstract provided.