Digital Commons Network^™

Analysis Of The Impact Of Economic Integration Of Regional Trade In African Countries, Dr. Hussaini Abdullahi

CBN Journal of Applied Statistics (JAS)

This study assesses the impact of economic integration on regional trade in African countries from 1980 to 2023. Employing a panel Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique, we analyzed trade patterns and integration policies using data from World Development Indicator (WDI), the findings reveal a negative association between economic integration and regional trade, suggesting that integration efforts may not be achieving the desired increase in regional trade. Economic integration may cause trade diversion, leading countries to import from less efficient regional producers, thus reducing overall trade volume. Non-tariff barriers and structural similarities among economies can limit the benefits of integration. …

Using Symbolic Execution To Analyze The Hardware Tcp Protocol, Nianhang Hu

School of Computing: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

As the demand for high performance and flexible networking capabilities increases, the shift from software to hardware implementations of stateful networking functions (such as TCP) is becoming increasingly important. This transition not only enhances processing efficiency in modern networking environments where data transmission rates are rising, but it also reduces the inherent CPU overhead found in software implementations, allowing hardware devices to handle network traffic more efficiently. However, validating the correctness of these hardware designs poses significant challenges due to the complex timing requirements and the vast input space associated with packet-level properties.

The verification of packet-level properties requires coverage …

Prevalence Of Autism Spectrum Characteristics In Students Taking Undergraduate Computing Courses, Rachel Michaela Mettenbrink

School of Computing: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The incidence rate of autism spectrum condition (ASC) has increased significantly in recent decades, as awareness of the condition and its impacts increases amongst clinicians, parents, and the general population. Medical literature has proposed that there may be a relationship between ASC and participation in the computing field. This study tests for the prevalence of autism spectrum condition traits measured by delivering the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) to a population of undergraduate computer science students. We examine the relationships between AQ scores and students taking undergraduate computer science classes, sex, socioeconomic status, and parents in the computing industry. Additionally, we …

A Talking Cart, Abdullah Bin Naeem

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates the development of a robust AI-powered detection and tracking engine aimed at revolutionizing the retail checkout experience. The foundation of this work is a comprehensive exploration of state-of-the-art Computer Vision methodologies, particularly focusing on object detection, segmentation, and tracking. The study employs a modular pipeline that integrates advanced visual recognition algorithms with a robust data processing framework.

Key to this work is the construction of a synthetic dataset using Unity3D, enabling the generation of high-quality annotated data that mirrors real-world retail scenarios. This approach addresses the challenge of insufficient labeled datasets by simulating diverse and cluttered shopping …

Sufficemi Or Life Noncyclic, Luca Van Der Heide

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of Non-Linear Filtering Techniques For Object Tracking, Shaswat Koirala

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Harnessing Federated Learning For Stock Analysis And Portfolio Optimisation, Nishanth Sagar Panthangi

Theses

Financial technology is rapidly transforming, with machine learning becoming crucial in stock analysis and portfolio optimization. Traditional stock analysis faces data privacy challenges when pooling data. Federated Learning addresses this by training models collaboratively without sharing raw data. This thesis explores Federated Learning in stock analysis, focusing on optimizing portfolio strategies using client-specific data.The proposed Federated Learning framework allows entities to develop independent models while maintaining data privacy. By combining diverse trading strategies, a global model is built, enhancing adaptability and predictive accuracy. The global model achieved a 25.08% CAGR and a Sharpe ratio of 4.46, outperforming individual models, which …

Predicting Different Psychological Profiles Amongst Substance Users., Zach J. Gray

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are some of the most prevalent issues facing society. As SUDs are highly individualized in how they manifest, recent work has attempted to classify distinct profiles of drug users to better understand what factors put someone at risk for shifting from casual substance use to developing a substance use disorder (SUD). Common risk factors for SUD development include stressor exposure, difficulties with emotion regulation, personality, and risky decision-making. As many of the behaviors that constitute SUDs are exhibited prior to potential diagnosis, developing “profiles” that combine these traits and experiences could eventually predict SUDs. The current …

Volume 44, Number 4, December 2024 Olac Newsletter, Laura Kane Mcelfresh, Michael Herrick, Alex Whelan, Tanesa King, Nerissa Lindsey, Lisa Romano, Janelle Zetty, Morris Levy, Jan Mayo, Bobby Bothmann, Tomeka L. Jackson, Thumy Webb, Nurhak Tuncer, Katherine Manifold, Michelle Cronquist, Amanda Mack, Michelle E. Colquitt, Carla Davis Cunningham, Meghan Croll, Chelsea Gizzi, Christine Baker, Ann Kardos, Ellen Wright, Beth Fogler, Amy Pennington, Tina Marie Maes

OLAC Newsletters

Digitized December 2024 issue of the OLAC Newsletter.

Enhancing Assessment And Feedback In Game Design Programs: Leveraging Generative Ai For Efficient And Meaningful Evaluation, James Hutson, Ben Fulcher, Jay Ratican

Faculty Scholarship

The integration of generative AI tools in game design education offers promising ways to streamline the grading, assessment, and feedback processes that are typically labor-intensive. In game design programs, faculty often deal with varied file formats, including 3D models, executable prototypes, videos, and complex game design documents. Traditional methods of assessment and feedback, primarily text-based, struggle to provide timely and actionable insights for students. Furthermore, only a small percentage of top students consistently review and apply feedback, leading to inefficiencies. This article explores how generative AI tools can augment these processes by automating aspects of grading, generating more personalized and …

Exploring The Impact Of Dance Arts Integration On General Education Teaching Practices: Insights Into Classroom Environment, Planning, Instruction, And Assessment, Sara Kessler-Kennon

Master's Theses

The purpose of this research study was to explore the impact of dance arts integration facilitation on teaching practices by emphasizing classroom environment, planning, instruction, and assessment. The researcher created the following four essential questions to guide the study:

Q1 How does incorporating movement-based arts integration alter classroom environment, student behavior, student engagement, and inclusivity of students with various abilities and diverse backgrounds?

Q2 How does incorporating movement-based arts integration impact the general educators' planning time, process, style, and understanding? Does the general educator feel as though they can effectively incorporate movement-based arts integration without collaborating with a dance educator? …

Body Positivity Via Costuming Performances In Grades Nine Through Twelve Dance, Kacey Valentine O'Keeffe

Master's Theses

This thesis explored the impact of body image and self-esteem on high school dancers and the pivotal role of dance educators in fostering a positive environment during concert preparations. The purpose of this research study was to determine if there was a correlation between promotion of health and wellness from dance educators and body positivity among high school dancers. The following research questions were addressed in this study:

Q1 What positively contributes to a dancers’ self-esteem and body image?

Q2 What is an effective solution for costume fitting methods to be used by dance educators while keeping their dancers’ safety …

North Sinai Bedouin Veil From The May Weber Ethnographic Study Collection, Jupiter Beck

Department of Anthropology

This report is on a North Sinai Bedouin Veil/Burqa from the May Weber Ethnographic Study Collection. It details the materials, the methods of construction, the attribution, and the cultural significance of the veil/burqa.

A Proposed Instrument To Determine Mobility Eligibility Criteria And Levels For Mechanically Ventilated Patients In The Intensive Care Unit, Keira Gabrielle Miller

Doctoral Scholarly Projects & Capstones

Immobility is a problem among mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit. Early mobility has been shown to benefit mechanically ventilated patient outcomes by minimizing hospital stays and costs, decreasing the risk of infection, and improving muscle strength to lead to a better quality of life. No inclusive checklists exist to evaluate patients progressing to varying levels of mobility based on specific criteria such as hemodynamics, neurological function, and disease acuity. This gap was identified after a current and comprehensive literature review on early mobilization among mechanically ventilated patients. The purpose of this project was to combine a comprehensive …

Extreme Poverty, Social Justice, And Human Rights: Rawls, Sen, And Wresinski, Quentin Wodon

Vincentian Studies

This paper explores the thought on extreme poverty and social justice of Father Joseph Wresinski (1917–1988), a Catholic priest who devoted his life to working with the very poor. To situate Wresinski within debates on social justice, comparisons are made with John Rawls and Armataya Sen. The focus is on the identification of the least advantaged and of who is responsible for implementing social justice. For Rawls, the least advantaged can be defined through their endowment of primary goods, and social justice is to be implemented through a society’s core institutions. For Sen, the aim is to expand capabilities, with …

Becoming A Poor Church For The Poor: The Vincentian Charism, An Invitation To The Church’S Bold Reform Today, Dominique Iyolo

Vincentian Studies

Dominique Iyolo explains how the Vincentian charism anticipated and is reflected in Pope Francis’s Evangelii Gaudium, and how it is being put into practice for the service of the poor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Madagascar. Iyolo discusses the theology behind the preferential option for the poor and also describes how their suffering is caused by a spiritual poverty of the rest of the world.

A Web Application For Comparing Llm And Knowledge Graph Performance On Cybersecurity Queries, Major Schwartz

Honors Theses

The evolution of cybersecurity has led to a spike in digital threats, both in frequency and complexity, necessitating advanced, intelligent solutions to protect sensitive information. Traditional defense mechanisms are increasingly inadequate, pushing cybersecurity professionals to seek innovative approaches for threat detection, response, and data analysis. This thesis investigates the integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) and Knowledge Graphs into cybersecurity workflows to address these challenges. Specifically, it explores the development of a web application that enables real-time, interactive use of state-of-the-art LLMs, such as OpenAI’s GPT-4 and similar models, for improved threat response and workflow efficiency. Built with a React …

Epistemic Spaces And Fields: A New Framework For Social Epistemology Applied To The Internet, Zizhe Cheng

Honors Theses

This thesis introduces "Epistemic Spaces and Fields," a novel framework for social epistemology inspired by the analogies of space and fields in physics to better elucidate how epistemic environments shape epistemic practices. Part A establishes the theoretical underpinnings of epistemic spaces and fields, demonstrating how social, cultural , and power dynamics distort individuals' capacities to obtain and communicate knowledge. Part B applies this framework to the digital realm, examining how the Internet and social media reshape our epistemic contexts and introduce new challenges to critical thinking.

Senior’S Code Of Conduct For The Telecommunications Industry, Cameron Schilling

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

The purpose of this project is to investigate the needs of an aging population (65+) in relation to their adoption and use of telecommunications services and to use ChatGPT, Foursight CPS Model, and Design Thinking to create a working Senior’s Code of Conduct (SCoC). Through consultation with ageing users of telecommunications, their families, and the corporate team with which I work, the evidence of the vulnerability and often abuse of this segment validated the need for this project. Through the process of developing a SCoC and leveraging Design Thinking with the support of ChatGPT, I refreshed my CPS skills, embarked …

Project-Based Learning In Art History: Course Curriculum, Katelyn Baltes

Theses

The course entitled “Project-Based Learning in Art History” is a rigorous curriculum that introduces students to art history but creates a better understanding of how materials and techniques were used throughout time. Students in 11-12th grade will be able to apply their knowledge and learning through projects integrated within each unit to develop a stronger understanding of the content. Students will be able to apply the design elements and principles of design within their artwork and recognize the different characteristics of various periods and cultures. There will be the use of two-dimensional and three-dimensional art within each unit, and students …

Understanding Defect Dynamics In Black Phosphorene Under Noble Gas Ion Irradiation., Saransh Gupta

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Controlled introduction of defects in phosphorene using high-energy ion beams offers a promising route to design novel high-performance materials for energy technologies. However, this potential remains underexplored due to a lack of fundamental understanding of the atomic-scale mechanisms governing the production, accumulation, and temporal evolution of defects during ion irradiation. Here, we employ a combination of classical and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the effects of ion energy, angle of incidence, noble gas ion size/mass, and fluence on (a) defect generation (i.e., point defects, topological imperfections, voids), (b) atomic-scale mechanisms of defect formation and re-arrangement, and (c) defect …

Teaching Learning Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 2, Sastra Deemed To Be University

TLC Newsletter

No abstract provided.

U-Glide Program Fall 2024, Unf Office Of Undergraduate Research, Unf Graduate School

Undergraduate – Graduate Learning, Inquiry, and Distinctive Experimentation (U-GLIDE) Symposium Programs

No abstract provided.

The Dynamic Effects Of Transformational Leadership On Employee Retention And Employability Over Time: An Agent-Based Model, Sophia R. Thomas, S. R. Aurora

Management Faculty Publications

Employee retention is a problem for organizations of all sizes. Research has shown that transformational leaders improve retention and reduce turnover; however, there has been little research on the effects of transformational leadership on retention over time while also considering employees’ changing employability. We use agent-based modeling to demonstrate these changing relationships while considering the nature of modern organizations. Our model looks at the relationships between transformational leaders, individual employability, and retention. The model uses data from earlier research to define parameters for these variables, showing how workers and leaders interact and affect employability and retention and how these effects …

Young Adults’ Perceptions Of Adverse Childhood Experiences As Context And Causes Of Mental Health Conditions: Observations From The United States, Kathryn Sabella, Ian A. Lane, Murron O'Neill, Natalie Tincknell

Faculty Publications (Peer-Reviewed)

Background

Objective

Participants and setting

Methods …

Spine Mobilization Vs Manipulation: Effects On Neck Pain, Alfredo Loreto

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Several studies have found an association between cervical spinal mobilization (CSMob) and cervical spinal manipulation (CSM) on pain perception, disability, and satisfaction. However, choosing the proper technique continues to be a challenge for many practitioners. The purpose of this study was to clarify the discrepant evidence regarding the efficacy of a CSMob versus a CSM intervention as compared to a control group – hands-off, and patient education (PE) in isolation. 36 subjects with acute and non-specific mechanical neck pain were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups (CSMob, CSM, or control). Outcome measures using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Numeric …

Characterizing Tropical Forest Structure Using Semivariance And Crown Delineation, Brittani Joy Evon Chapman

Master's Theses and Capstones

The study of terrestrial carbon stocks is essential to understand global carbon cycles and the magnitude of anthropogenic carbon emissions. Forests are significant terrestrial carbon stores, with the above ground biomass of the Brazilian rainforest alone conservatively estimated to contain ten percent of the terrestrial carbon stock (Asner et al., 2001; Drake et al., 2002; Keller et al., 2004; Lloyd et al., 2007; Truehaft et al., 2014; Cushman et al., 2021). The Amazon Basin primarily consists of closed-canopy tropical forest, covering 5.8 x 106 km2 interspersed with substantial portions of cerrado surrounding the Amazon River and its tributaries in the …

Feasibility Analysis On Bluff Body Wake Detection Via Cost-Effective Sensors And State And Parameter Estimation Techniques, Patrick Michael Close

Master's Theses and Capstones

This thesis investigates the feasibility of using Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and existing state estimation techniques for detecting aerodynamic wakes around bluff bodies. Aerodynamic wakes are complex, turbulent flow regions created by obstacles. Accurately measuring these wakes is crucial for applications such as optimizing wind energy production, improving aircraft safety, and enhancing atmospheric research. Traditional measurement methods, such as ground-based sensors or piloted aircraft, have significant limitations, including restricted spatial coverage and high operational costs. UAVs, with their versatility and cost-effectiveness, present an alternative approach to measuring wakes in challenging environments.

This research focuses on three state estimation techniques: the …

Behavioral And Physiological Effects Of Ocean Acidification On Juvenile American Lobsters (Homarus Americanus), Todd Edward Stelling

Master's Theses and Capstones

Increased absorption of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) into the world’s oceans has resulted in ocean acidification (OA). Acidification induces physiological and behavioral responses from marine invertebrates that vary by taxa. Resilience to OA has been noted in crustaceans, though negative impacts are still reported. It has been shown that the American lobster (Homarus americanus) can be physiologically impacted by acidified conditions. We explored the effects of acidification on the hemolymph chemistry and the foraging behavior of juvenile American lobsters (carapace length, CL, 29 - 52 mm, 42 +/- 1.3 mm). We exposed 28 juvenile lobsters to individual pH values ranging …

Synthesis And Testing Of Peptide Iron Probes In Cell Studies, Fran Gomez

Master's Theses and Capstones

The study of iron within cells has advanced significantly since the Fenton reaction was proposed as a mechanism for ferroptosis. Various chemical probes have been developed for examining iron and reactive oxygen species (ROS), both of which are involved in the Fenton reaction. Iron, the most abundant transition metal in the human body, primarily exists as Fe(II) and Fe(III) in the cellular environment. The labile iron pool (LIP) is suspected to predominantly exist as Fe(II) due to endogenous reductants. Under ferroptotic conditions, Fe(III) produced in the Fenton reaction can be reduced back to Fe(II), even when chelated, re-inducing hydroxyl radical …