Digital Commons Network^™

Metabarcoding Ixodes Scapularis To Characterize Feeding Behavior In Comparison To Pathogen Carriage And Geospatial Distribution, Adrianna Kate George

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Zero-Shot Segmentation Of Estuary Mudflats Using The Segment Anything Model, Jaren Unzen

Honors Theses and Capstones

Estuary mudflats are ecologically sensitive environments that require consistent monitoring. Traditional satellite-based classification workflows are often constrained by the high cost and labor-intensive nature of manual data annotation. This study evaluates the utility of Segment Anything Model 3 (SAM 3), a foundational computer vision model, to automate mudflat segmentation without domain-specific fine-tuning. By leveraging the model’s text-prompting capabilities alongside specialized pre- and post-processing techniques, we generated segmentation masks in a zero-shot framework. Our approach achieved an F1- score of 0.51, demonstrating the inherent challenges of spectrally complex coastal features. Despite this, the results highlight a promising pathway for adapting large-scale …

Political Media Hesitancy And Avoidance In College Students, Taylor Mandile

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Blens: Biomedical Literature Extraction And Scoring System, Tyler J. Simone

Honors Theses and Capstones

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses represent the gold standard for evidence synthesis in healthcare, yet their manual execution remains labor-intensive, time-consuming, and vulnerable to human bias. With the exponential growth of biomedical literature, traditional literature screening and analysis has become increasingly unstable and noncomprehensive. This thesis presents the development and validation of an automate literature gathering and review system that integrates multiple scientific databases through a unified desktop application. The platform combines APIs from PubMed (NCBI Entrez), ClinicalTrials.gov, bioRxiv and medRxiv to enable simultaneous, standardized searching across peerreviewed and preprint sources. Built in Python with a PySide6 graphical interface, this standalone …

Retention Time Of Microplastics In The Purple Sea Urchin (Arbacia Punctulata), Alexandra Shore

Honors Theses and Capstones

Marine ecosystems around the world are facing the problem of plastic pollution. Large pieces of plastic eventually degrade into smaller microplastics that are suspended in the water column and sink to the seabed. Sea urchins are exposed to microplastics as they graze on the sea floor and can accidentally consume these pollutants. Sea urchins are ecologically important animals because they physically alter their ecosystem via grazing and are integral part of marine food webs. To better understand how sea urchins interact with microplastics, purple sea urchins were exposed to microfibers and microspheres in a laboratory setting, and the retention time …

Below The Rows, Beyond The Roots: An Art Exhibition Depicting Agriculture Across The Globe, Maggie Enoch

Honors Theses and Capstones

In Below the Rows, Beyond the Roots, artist Maggie Enoch creates multimedia works inspired by her exposure to diverse agricultural systems and perspectives while studying geography and sustainable agriculture/food systems around the world. By integrating complex histories with the contemporary realities of farming, Maggie paints vivid pictures of the power of food in this five-piece exhibition.

After The Impact: Balance Function In Women With Repeated Concussions, Caroline M. Stack

Honors Theses and Capstones

Balance deficits following repeated mild traumatic brain injuries are well documented, yet research examining the delayed outcomes specifically in college-aged women remains limited. The present study investigated whether women with a history of two or more mTBIs exhibit lasting balance impairments compared to women with zero or one prior mTBI, tested at least six months after their most recent injury. Thirty-four English-speaking women (ages 18-30) recruited from the University of New Hampshire were assigned to a repetitive mTBI group or a control group. Balance was assessed using the Balance Error Scoring System and a MetaMotion inertial measurement sensor positioned on …

Beyond The Stream: Valuing Music Catalogs As An Alternative Asset Class, Amelia Jade Magay

Honors Theses and Capstones

This thesis builds a quantitative valuation framework for music catalog transactions and tests its limits systematically. The goal is not to produce a formula that perfectly prices every deal. The goal is to identify where streaming-based financial analysis is a useful underwriting tool, where it breaks down, and what categories of value investors appear to be pricing beyond publicly available streaming data.

Concord Public Transportation Improvement Project, Jacob Holt

Honors Theses and Capstones

The capital city of Concord, New Hampshire, has been served by Concord Area Transit (CAT) since 1989. Despite continued population growth and economic development within the city, CAT’s fixed route bus system has remained unaltered since 2011. The purpose of this project is to rework the CAT system to provide service that better aligns with Concord resident’s current needs. A public survey was conducted to gather data regarding Concord resident’s needs, habits, and perception of the existing system, which was used in the development of the revised system. The project includes suggestions for both system-wide and route-specific modifications. Key changes …

Restoring Tidal Function: Hydrologic And Erosion Controls, On Rare Plant Distribution In New Hampshire Salt Marshes, Nikhila B. Lampman

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Taboo And Innuendos: A Conversation Analysis Of Dirty Jokes, Bailey Fraser

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Detection And Management Of Attacks On Synchronized Networks, Michael T. Spearman

Honors Theses and Capstones

The Precision Time Protocol (IEEE 1588) provides sub-microsecond clock synchronization across packet-switched networks and has become foundational infrastructure in 5G fronthaul, industrial control systems, and financial exchanges. Despite its criticality, most deployed PTP networks operate without active security monitoring, and no standardized detection mechanism exists for the class of attacks that deliberately stay below conventional jitter thresholds. This thesis investigates whether hardware-level ptp4l offset logs alone are sufficient to reliably detect two such attacks, slowly wandering packet delay injection and rogue master spoofing, and whether detection can occur before severe synchronization failure.

A hardware-in-the-loop testbed was constructed using two hosts …

Examining The Effectiveness Of Housing First Models On Transitional-Aged Youth Experiencing Homelessness: A Systematized Review, Cadyn Golisano

Honors Theses and Capstones

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this review is to examine the outcomes of Housing First (HF) programs or models for transitional-age youth (TAY) experiencing homelessness. Specifically, this review aims to synthesize existing evidence on how Housing First influences housing stability and over-all wellbeing for young adults ages 18-25. By evaluating the effectiveness of these programs within this specific population, the review seeks to identify key benefits, limitations, and gaps in the current literature to inform future practice, policy, and research. The following research question was utilized to guide this paper: How do Housing First principals and interventions impact housing stability …

Reading Between The Lines: Representations Of Dyslexia In Young Adult Literature, Carli B. Gauvin

Honors Theses and Capstones

While dyslexia affects upwards of 20% of the population, this learning disability is not commonly brought up in young adult literature. This lack of representation negatively impacts those with dyslexia, who often fail to find themselves in the books they read, and readers in general, who are given fewer opportunities to gain insight into the learning disability. Young adult books that do discuss dyslexia can be at risk of portraying the learning disability in an unfavorable light, which can make dyslexic readers feel undervalued in society and can introduce misconceptions about dyslexia to all readers. It is crucial to analyze …

Phonetics And Orthography In French: A Proposal For A New Course, Kyara A. Crespo Gutierrez

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Investigating A Nanoparticle-Assisted Approach For Localized Strain Engineering In Two-Dimensional Materials, Skye Martichuski

Honors Theses and Capstones

This work investigated a fabrication strategy for inducing localized nanoscale deformation and strain in transferred MoS2 flakes using gold nanoparticle-coated substrates as a potential platform for strain engineering in two-dimensional materials. Substrate type, nanoparticle concentration, drying conditions, cleaning procedures, and flake transfer methods were investigated using optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Au-coated SiO2 substrates produced improved nanoparticle coverage compared to bare SiO2, while passive air drying yielded the most favorable nanoparticle distributions. Salt crystals introduced during passive drying were successfully removed with a gentle deionized water rinse, and a 50% diluted gold nanoparticle suspension provided improved particle spacing …

Embracing Anomalous Perceptions: Sensory Anomalies, Social Stigma, And Self-Acceptance, Ty R. Hetrick

Honors Theses and Capstones

Anomalous Perceptual Experiences (APEs), which include auditory and visual hallucinations, occur in the general population to varying degrees, but are often stigmatized in media and healthcare settings. However, there is an increasing focus on those who report APEs to be positive and meaningful. This study explored the lived experiences of individuals who report APEs that are interpreted meaningfully. Using a concurrent mixed methods approach, interviews and questionnaires were conducted with 3 adults who identify their APEs as meaningful. Participants described their experiences as sources of guidance, connection, and personal transformation that positively influenced their relationships, spirituality, and daily occupations. They …

Driving Monitoring Of People With Alzheimer’S Disease And Related Dementia Using Global Positioning System Technology, Julia A. Ferris

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Level Ii Fieldwork Students' Preparedness For Entry-Level Ot Practice Following Role-Emerging Campus-Based Education Center Placements, Julia Walkowiak, Amy Vancamp

Honors Theses and Capstones

Fieldwork is a critical component of the occupational therapy (OT) curriculum that provides students hands-on experience in various clinical settings. This allows students to practice evaluations/assessments, plan for sessions, implement interventions, write goals, and complete documentation with clients across the lifespan, integrating classroom knowledge while developing the skills needed to become entry-level practitioners. The purpose of this study was to explore occupational therapy students’ perspectives on Level II fieldwork placements in campus-based childhood centers at the University of New Hampshire and Colorado State University with a focus on their perceived preparedness for entry-level practice. Data was collected through surveys and …

Exploring Caring Pedagogy Through Self-Study: A Mathematics Educator’S Journey, Kien H. Lim

Departmental Papers (Math)

This self-study examines my efforts to cultivate a positive learning environment in a capstone mathematics course for preservice middle school teachers. Motivated by earlier negative course evaluations and guided by heart-centered pedagogy, I explored how my beliefs, emotions, and instructional practices evolved as I sought to integrate kindness, foster mathematical thinking, and support students’ well-being. Drawing on dialogue transcripts, reflective journals, and reconstructed tutoring notes, I analyzed tensions between content coverage and relational pedagogy, as well as between deficit- and strength-based perspectives of students. Through critical dialogue and reflective inquiry, I gained deeper insight into my identity as a caring …

Creating A Positive Learning Environment In A Math Course For Preservice Teachers, Kien H. Lim, Hilda Y. Sotelo

Departmental Papers (Math)

This study examines how a mathematics instructor cultivated a positive learning environment in a synchronous online course for 23 preservice teachers. Guided by self-determination theory, growth mindset, and mathematical caring, the course integrated high-cognitive-demand tasks, collaborative problem solving, flexible policies, and motivational supports. Data sources included reflection logs (Likert-scale items and open-ended responses) and a focus group; the instructor’s reflexive self-study informed result interpretation. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests indicated significant gains in students’ sense of inclusion and trust, though some instructor- related ratings declined late in the semester. Qualitative findings emphasized students’ appreciation for flexibility, encouragement, and growth-oriented feedback. Despite time …

Reforming Revocation By Physical Act, Barry Cushman

Journal Articles

From the Introduction

In a previous article, I documented the various problems that are created by the law’s recognition of the power of a testator to revoke his will in whole or in part by physical act. That article canvassed five different areas of law in which such difficulties arise: ineffective attempts at revocation; the presumption of revocation; partial revocation by physical act; dependent relative revocation; and revival. In this Article, I first explore the asymmetries within the law of wills created by the persistence of revocation by physical act. I then offer some reflections on possibilities for reform.

Generative Ai For Born-Digital Collections: A Case Study For Metadata Management In An Institutional Repository, Tang (Cindy) Tian

Journal Articles

This case study examines the application of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, specifically ChatGPT-4o, ChatGPT-5, and Google Gemini 2.5 Flash, to streamline metadata extraction and creation for a born-digital collection within a digital repository environment. Testing four descriptive metadata elements—titles, abstracts, keywords, and full-text URLs—the study shows that AI improves efficiency in structured tasks but remains limited in semantic ones such as keyword matching. Results demonstrate that AI can streamline metadata workflows for small or resource-constrained institutions while emphasizing the continuing importance of human oversight and ethical responsibility in AI-assisted metadata workflows.

Equity In Coastal Resilience: A Framework For University Engagement In Community-Based Projects, Juita-Elena (Wie) Yusuf, Jennifer L. Whytlaw, Marina Saitgalina, Ogechukwu N. Nwandu-Vincent, Khairul A. Anuar, Thomas Allen, Joshua Behr

School of Public Service Faculty Publications

As communities face intensifying climate hazards, it is vital to strengthen resilience in ways that explicitly prioritize social equity. This study examines how higher education institutions can better support government, nonprofit, and community partners in advancing equity-centered coastal resilience in the U.S. Utilizing a qualitative research design, we analyze discussions among researchers and practitioners during a three-day workshop. We present a framework derived from a thematic analysis of breakout group transcripts from a three-day national virtual workshop involving 113 researchers and practitioners. The analysis identified four core themes: the necessity of aligning projects with community-defined priorities; the foundational role of …

Cognitive Prosthetic: An Ai-Enabled Multimodal System For Episodic Recall In Knowledge Work, Lawrence Obiuwevwi, Krzystof J. Rechowicz, Vikas Ashok, Sachin Shetty, Sampath Jayarathna

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Modern knowledge workplaces increasingly strain human episodic memory as individuals navigate fragmented attention, overlapping meetings, and multimodal information streams. Existing workplace tools provide partial support through note-taking or analytics but rarely integrate cognitive, physiological, and attentional context into retrievable memory representations. This paper presents the Cognitive Prosthetic Multimodal System (CPMS)—an AI-enabled proof-of-concept designed to support episodic recall in knowledge work through structured episodic capture and natural language retrieval. CPMS synchronizes speech transcripts, physiological signals, and gaze behavior into temporally aligned, JSON-based episodic records processed locally for privacy. Beyond data logging, the system includes a web-based retrieval interface that allows users …

Adaptive Boundary-Aware Fact-Checker Placement For Misinformation Suppression In Social Networks, Mostafa Taghizade Firouzjaee, Ghazal Naderi, Ross Gore, Neda Moghim

School of Cybersecurity Faculty Publications

The spread of fake news on online social networks is driven by imitation-based user behavior and network topology, often leading to persistent misinformation clusters and echo chambers. In this study, we develop a spatial evolutionary game-theoretic framework in which agents update their latent opinions through payoff-biased imitation, while external fact-checkers act as non-imitative intervention nodes. Building on this formulation, we propose an adaptive, boundary-aware intervention mechanism that dynamically regulates both the density and spatial allocation of fact-checkers according to real-time system conditions. Competing information clusters are identified through local neighborhood composition, enabling boundary nodes, i.e., interfaces between fake-news and non-fake-news …

Framework For Task Offloading In O-Ran Architecture For Heterogeneous Computing Applications, Samira Taheri, Neda Moghim, Naser Movahhedinia, Sachin Shetty

Center for Secure and Intelligent Critical Systems (CSICS) Publications

Computational offloading transfers tasks from resource-constrained devices to more capable servers or cloud platforms, improving processing speed and user experience. Open radio access networks (O-RAN's) disaggregated architecture and open interfaces make it suitable for offloading delay-sensitive tasks, enhancing real-time application performance. This study focuses on task offloading in O-RAN, a reference network architecture. Although research on O-RAN is limited, existing work lacks a comprehensive approach to offloading, including offloading layer determination, node selection, and resource allocation based on task types and their latency needs. We propose a delay-aware task offloading framework within O-RAN to support diverse delay requirements, improving offloading …

Methodological Insights And Trends: Participatory Positioning Of Children And Youth In Visual Art Education Research, Angela Eckhoff

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

Participatory research methods have a focus on facilitating research processes that engage with participants and, as such, aim to promote individual voice, facilitate richer reflection and dialogue, and enable the articulation of participants' unique experiences. To explore the degree to which participatory practices are enacted in visual art education research, the present study critically examines the agentic positioning of children and youth in school‐based, visual arts experiences through a systematic, methodological literature review. Findings from this review serve to ground proposed recommendations for the inclusion of supportive research practices that carefully attend to the unique considerations that arise during participatory …

Leveraging Virtual Reality And Haptics To Teach Surgical Skills: A Usability Study On Retropubic Midurethral Slings, Lauren Siff, Ginger S. Watson, Jerome Dixon, Moshe Feldman, Franklin Bost, Philippe J. Giabbanelli

VMASC Publications

Traditional methods to learn soft-tissue surgical procedures rely on cadaver labs or patient-based learning, which are costly and geographically limited, and raise ethical questions. Virtual reality (VR) with haptic feedback offers a scalable alternative, but most current platforms emphasize bone-based rather than soft-tissue procedures learned by feel. We developed a VR+haptic simulation for preoperative training of retropubic midurethral sling (MUS) surgery. This study examines the usability of this platform with thirteen expert urogynecologic surgeons and subsequently makes improvements (e.g., in haptics) to evaluate the platform with twelve trainees based on the NASA Task Load Index for workload and a UTAUT-informed …

Modeling Rank Distribution And The Relative Importance Factor Index In Discrete Power-Law Models: Application To Social Resilience Using The Scopus Database, Brian Llinas, Jose Padilla, Humberto Llinas, Erika Frydenlund, Katherine Palacio

VMASC Publications

Prior research on power-law distributions has primarily focused on modeling frequency patterns, with less attention given to rank distributions and how ranked positions reflect relative importance among elements. In discrete power-law distributions, frequency-based metrics often provide limited discrimination in the tail, where elements may exhibit similar counts but differ in relative dominance. These patterns are especially evident, for instance, in academic publishing, where keywords, affiliations, and citations commonly exhibit power-law behavior. To address this limitation, we introduce the Relative Importance Factor (RIF) Index, a statistical measure derived from the estimated discrete power-law rank distribution rather than an additional independent parameter. …