Digital Commons Network^™

Representativeness And Sensitivity Analysis Of Accident Tolerant Fuel Cladding Behavior In Reactivity-Initiated Accidents, Melissa Andrea Moreno

Nuclear Engineering ETDs

Accident Tolerant Fuels (ATFs) such as FeCrAl are being developed to enhance safety margins in light water reactors during transients like Reactivity Initiated Accidents (RIAs). This dissertation evaluates the accuracy and representativeness of TRACE thermal hydraulic models for predicting FeCrAl C36M cladding behavior under steady state and transient flow boiling conditions. Benchmarking against University of New Mexico separate effects experiments shows that TRACE reproduces key thermal trends but underpredicts cladding temperatures near CHF by approximately 25 to 30%. A calibrated uncertainty and global sensitivity analysis, using Sobol indices, demonstrates that CHF and cladding temperature variability are dominated by mass flux, …

From Sparse To Precise: Modeling Beam Profiles Using Wavelet-Based Implicit Neural Network (Winn) For Linear Accelerator Commissioning And Quality Assurance, Maryam Ali Albuainin

Computer Science ETDs

Commissioning and routine quality assurance (QA) in radiotherapy require extensive measurements using bulky water tank systems, making the process time-consuming and costly. This research proposes an efficient framework for radiotherapy commissioning and QA by generating complete LINAC physics data from sparse measurements and developing a portable solid-water detector with embedded diodes for high-resolution dosimetry.

At the core of the framework is a Wavelet-based Implicit Neural Network (WINN) that reconstructs full measurement datasets from limited inputs while maintaining clinical accuracy. The model achieves gamma passing rates above 95% (1%/1 mm) and mean absolute errors below 0.5%, while reducing parameters by 99.46% …

Rodríguez Pacheco Et Al. V. Venezuela, Katrina Karaguzian

Loyola of Los Angeles International and Comparative Law Review

This case is about medical malpractice and the failure of the State to provide justice to the victim. The Court found Venezuela in violation of several articles of the American Convention, including Article 26.

Active Memory Civil Association Vs. Argentina, Kamila Knaudt

Loyola of Los Angeles International and Comparative Law Review

This case is about the botched investigation of the bombing of the building hosting the Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina, (AMIA) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The State admitted responsibility for the faulty investigation, which took more than twenty years, and the Court found Argentina in violation of several articles of the American Convention.

Statistical And Spectral Theory For Spatially Correlated Random Aperiodic Antenna Arrays, Thomas Edward Christian Jr

Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

Aperiodic phased arrays enable beam steering, interference suppression, and spectrum efficiency for 6G, radar, biomedical imaging, and distributed sensing. Minimum inter-element spacing and keep out zones induce spatial correlation, violating the i.i.d. element-position assumption behind classical probabilistic random array theory. This dissertation develops a unified probabilistic spectral framework for correlated (non-i.i.d.) arrays. Second moment power pattern analysis incorporates the pair-correlation function  and structure factor , recovering the i.i.d. limit when  and accommodating unequal excitations. Side lobe and main lobe fields deviate from Rayleigh/Exponential and are modeled by weighted Nakagami and Gamma-mixture distributions, parameterized via Monte Carlo. The blue noise spectral …

A Constructional Approach To Multimodal Linguistic Analysis, Fredy A. Mendieta Rodriguez

Spanish and Portuguese ETDs

This dissertation investigates the systematic organization of co‑speech gestures in referential communication, using data from Spanish‑speaking monolinguals and Spanish–English bilinguals. While traditional gesture research treats pointing as a universal phenomenon, the current analyses show that gestural productions display internal phonological patterning and context‑conditioned variability that parallels spoken constructions. Quantitative results demonstrate how referential distance and communicative context (find‑it versus misunderstanding situations) shape the selection of embodied phonological features—handshape, orientation, movement, and beats—revealing consistent associations between form and interactional demands. Qualitative analyses trace how gestural realizations reduce across discourse as shared understanding emerges. A new complexity metric, based on token frequency …

Realizing The Long Wavelength Array Swarm, Craig Anthony Taylor

Physics & Astronomy ETDs

Sensitive modern radio interferometers are costly to build and operate at the university level. The `swarm telescope' concept addresses this challenge by enabling the collaborative use of individual telescope systems, overseen by separate institutions, that come together to form a more powerful and manageable facility. This dissertation focuses on demonstrating this concept using the Long Wavelength Array (LWA) by commissioning an aperture synthesis telescope consisting of interconnected LWA stations, called the LWA Swarm. The presented work details building a cost-efficient prototype LWA platform -- the LWA--North Arm station -- to enable synthesis imaging using the 3-element interferometer comprised of LWA1, …

Examining The Glat As A Measure Of Ai Literacy, Hunter R. Castleton

Masters Theses, 2020-current

The current study examined the Generative AI Literacy Assessment Test (GLAT) as a promising test of AI literacy due to its content, which is grounded in relevant AI literacy theory, and its design as a cognitive measure of AI literacy. To examine the GLAT, data were collected from a sample of 543 graduating seniors at James Madison University (JMU) who took the GLAT as part of a longer series of tests. Their responses were first analyzed to assess the test’s item characteristics and internal structure. Following this initial analysis, a final item set was established to ensure that low-quality items …

Using Behavior Skills Training To Shape Paraprofessional Fidelity And Reduce Student Latency To Begin Non-Preferred Academic Tasks During Transitions, Maria C. Cole

Masters Theses, 2020-current

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of behavior skills training (BST) to improve a paraprofessional’s implementation fidelity of evidence-based strategies targeting transition-related behaviors in a student with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A changing criterion design was used to evaluate whether a functional relation between BST and the implementation of a task-analyzed transition protocol existed. The staff participant was assessed across baseline, three phases of BST intervention, and a mini-reversal phase included to further assess experimental control. Student data were collected tangentially in further evaluating experimental control. The paraprofessional participant demonstrated improving implementation fidelity trends within and …

The Effects Of Behavior Skills Training To Teach A Clinician To Implement A Structured Work System, Megan E. Bowling

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Many children with autism spectrum disorder present with deficits in completing daily living tasks, which may be due to the sequencing of information required to complete these skills. Structured work systems present a support for children to visually organize and sequence events, though they are most used in the classroom setting. The study tested the effectiveness of behavior skills training to teach a behavior support clinician to implement a structured work system via least-to-most prompting. Data was collected on the clinician’s percent of accurate implementation, which was then analyzed across three daily living behaviors in a multiple probe design. Results …

Interprofessional Collaboration: A Survey Study Focusing On Pre-Service Professionals, Megan L. Bell

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) are bound by an ethical code to engage in appropriate means of interprofessional collaboration for the best interest of their clients. Training in this has been increased during graduate coursework to ensure BCBAs are intentionally following through on this notion to allow for stronger professional relationships with other related service providers and are holistically providing the best care possible for their clients. The goal of this survey was to better understand how these changes compares to other related services providers and their goals of collaboration, when working with individuals with disabilities. A survey was disseminated …

A Colonial Past Revisited: An Authethnography Of Outsider And Insider Identities In Indigenous Education Communities, Tara L. Deyoung

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

In the late 90s, at Rehoboth Christian school, a small private boarding school in northwest New Mexico, I had four different English teachers in my four years of high school. All but two of my teachers at that time would be considered outsiders to the community in which they taught. Teacher outsiders leave schools and districts at higher rates than insiders to a community; this is especially true for rural and remote areas (Hudson et al., 2020). The purpose of this autoethnographic study is to analyze my history as a cultural outsider and insider in relation to my core beliefs …

Hybrid Densenet-U-Net Framework For Automated Grading Of Renal Cell Carcinoma, Rohini Jadhav, Banani Mohapatra, Bhavnish Walia, Sital Dash, Kailas Patil, Shrikant Jadhav, Ishwari Rohit Raskar

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Introduction: Precisely grading renal cell carcinoma (RCC) through histopathology slides is a requisite to predict the cancer prognosis and select treatments, however, there is a considerable variability in the assessment between observers. While some AI systems mainly rely on transformer-based and nuclei-centric models, they are computationally very demanding so their clinical use is thus limited. Hence, there is a need for practical and easy-to-understand solutions that can be integrated into digital pathology workflows. Methods: We built a hybrid framework that integrates U-Net-based tumor segmentation, convolutional feature extraction, nuclei-aware descriptors, stain normalization, and attention-based multiple instance learning for slide-level RCC grading. …

Calibration Methodology, Diagnostic Performance, And Redesign Of The Current Monitors On The Z Machine At Sandia National Laboratories, Stacie Hernandez

Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

A proper evaluation of the current diagnostics fielded in the inner-MITL region of the Z facility in 3D simulation models had not been performed until now. The evaluation of the current monitors has brought insight to their performance in a new view that has led to discoveries. The B-dot probe was the current diagnostic-of-choice since before the refurbishment of the Z facility [1] and until the development of the Inductively Driven Transmission Line (IDTL) current diagnostic [2]. Experimental data has shown that the IDTL can produce cleaner signals and it is more robust than conventional B-dots. Simulation (modeled using COMSOL …

Urobiome Composition Varies With Vesicoureteral Reflux Grade And History Of Febrile Urinary Tract Infection, Theresa C. Barrett, Kelvin Li, Adam Fitch, Asha Patel, Bhanu Sharma, Jacqueline Holden, Kermina Abdelsayed, Nina N. Kowalewski, Sridhar Narla, Daniel Bushnell, Barbara A. Methé, Catherine S. Forster

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a risk factor for urinary tract infection (UTI). However, data describing the urobiome in children with VUR are limited. Here, we characterized the urobiome in children with and without VUR to better understand its potential role in VUR pathogenesis. Catheterized urine samples were obtained from children who presented for voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) between 12/1/2020 and 10/3/2023. Children were excluded if they had any surgical procedures of the genitourinary tract in the 30 days prior to VCUG or were on treatment antibiotics at the time of VCUG. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and taxonomical classification identified the urobiome. …

Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (Hie): Outcomes Of Therapeutic Hypothermia, Gospodin Stefanov

Advocate GME

No abstract provided.

Therepairer_Vol44no1_Jan1939, Archives Archives

The Repairer

No abstract provided.

Sacralized Violence And The Feminized Body In The Book Of Revelation, Caroline Shane

Denison Journal of Religion

No abstract provided.

Behind The Scores: How Federal Education Legislation Influenced Dayton Public Schools’ Special Education System For Students Of Color, Simran Kaur

Aurora

This paper analyzes the district special education system of Dayton Public Schools’ through federal legislation requirements and state-reported data to evaluate access, implementation, and equity. Findings show that while the district meets several procedural requirements at federal levels, students with disabilities (especially Black students) face limited access to general education environments, family engagement, and disability identification at a local level. Risk ratios reveal subjective disability categories, which is contributing to the district’s low Achievement Gap Closing rate through the state-wide report card.

Analyzing Outcome Research In Aca Counseling Journals: A Content Analysis, Lisa Rickman, Marangelie Velez, Serene Hasan, Elizabeth Lugo, Sejal Barden

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

To assess the current state of evidence-based practices within counseling and counselor education, researchers conducted a comprehensive content analysis of outcome research published in counseling journals. Using quantitative methods to examine publication trends and frequency, the study reviewed 5,266 articles across 21 journals over a ten-year span (2013–2023), identifying 405 outcome studies for inclusion. Findings revealed a substantial gap in outcome research within professional counseling, particularly with respect to methodological diversity and representation of diverse populations. The authors emphasize the need for counselor educators and practitioners to prioritize outcome research to enhance clinical effectiveness and strengthen the profession. Furthermore, the …

Navigating The Borderlands: Testimonios Of First-Generation Chicanas In Counselor Education, Jessenia Garcia, Heather Trepal

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

This research applies Anzaldúa’s (1987) Borderlands Theory to examine the testimonios of first-generation Chicana faculty in counselor education. A narrative methodology was employed (n=10), leading to the identification of several themes that illuminate their unique challenges and resilience. Four themes emerged: (a) balancing worlds: family and academia, (b) weaving identity into academia, (c) cultural identity in the borderlands, and (d) disrupting borders, including the subtheme: Red tape and higher ed mafia. These findings provide insight into the institutional barriers and identity navigation experienced by these faculty members. Recommendations for recruitment and retention are included.

Navigating The Intersection Of Artificial Intelligence And Counseling: Implications For Counselor Identity, Ethics, And Counselor Education, Anabel Mifsud, Barbara Herlihy

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision

This article examines the ethical, professional identity, and counselor education implications of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into counseling practice. As AI use expands in mental health care, it offers opportunities to enhance accessibility and efficiency while raising complex ethical concerns regarding competence, accountability, transparency, confidentiality, equity, and preservation of the therapeutic relationship. The authors explore how AI may reshape counselor roles and professional identity, underscoring the need to safeguard core values and the relational foundation of counseling. Recommendations are offered for adapting counselor education to prepare future practitioners for AI-augmented practice. The authors call for sustained, critical dialogue to ensure …

Combat Fatigue, Katie Thorn

Studio One

No abstract provided.

Llm-Driven Dynamical Adaptation Of Window Layout Based On Available Displays, Aurélien Pomini, Nicolas Zimmermann

Defensive Publications Series

Techniques are described for automatic inference of window layouts based on available displays, e.g., based on detecting connection or disconnection of an auxiliary display. Upon detection of a change in display configuration, contextual information regarding active applications, window metadata, and display parameters is obtained, with user permission. Application categories are determined based on semantic analysis. An on-device large language model is utilized to determine an optimal arrangement of windows across the available displays based on the aggregated context and historical usage patterns. Windows are automatically moved and/or resized according to the inferred layout.

Semantic Photo Search With Compositional Spatial Reasoning, Tamar Yakar, Ilia Labzovsky

Defensive Publications Series

Photo search technologies can identify the content of an image but cannot answer queries relating to the spatial relationships between entities in an image. This disclosure describes computational architectures and techniques for spatial compositional photo search and retrieval. Subjective, spatially rich natural language queries are translated into strict geometric and relational constraints, which are evaluated efficiently against a large corpus of pre-computed spatial indices. Upon ingestion, an image is processed to generate a highly compressed, pre-computed spatial scene graph G = (V, E, C), where V is a set of multimodal entities and bounding boxes; E …

Privacy-Preserving Generative Inpainting, Tamar Yakar, Ilia Labzovsky

Defensive Publications Series

People frequently capture images in public or semi-public settings (e.g., schools, parks, parties) that include incidental subjects and may share such images with others. The person that captures such images may not have consent from such incidental subjects to publish such images. This disclosure describes generative augmentation techniques that preserve privacy for digital media. Incidental subjects (bystanders) in photographs are automatically protected prior to social sharing. Unlike conventional redaction methods (blurring/pixelation) which degrade visual fidelity, or manual object removal which alters the scene's composition, the techniques semantically substitute unauthorized subjects with context-appropriate, non-identifiable synthetic elements. The synthetic elements can be …

Geomagnetic Kinetic Energy Storage Using Oscillating Ion Cluster Kickers For Orbital Power Infrastructure, Daniel Austin Harbison

Defensive Publications Series

A method is described for storing electrical energy in space using a charged particle beam circulating in Earth's geomagnetic field, with energy injection and extraction performed by oscillating ion cluster kickers (OICKs) mounted on a constellation of satellites operating within the inner Van Allen belt (approximately 2,000–3,000 km altitude). The system functions as a kinetic battery for orbital power infrastructure, complementing existing or proposed space-based solar power architectures. Unlike chemical batteries, the storage medium does not degrade with cycling. The geomagnetic field provides the confining structure without mass cost. This disclosure describes the architecture, the underlying physics, energy balance estimates, …

The Cryptographic Dns Tombstones For Subdomain Takeover Prevention, Mei Yue Liu

Defensive Publications Series

This disclosure addresses subdomain takeover vulnerabilities that can occur when a cloud resource is deprovisioned but its corresponding domain name system (DNS) record is not, potentially creating a dangling pointer. A described system utilizes a cryptographic tombstone record, where upon resource deletion, a new, digitally signed tombstone record can be published to the DNS. This tombstone may act as a persistent and verifiable signal of intentional absence, serving as an alternative to relying on the removal of a DNS record to signal de-authorization. Participating service providers can honor this signal via a verification protocol before permitting a new binding. This …

Practitioners’ Experiences Of Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based (Dir) Approach In Their Professional Practice With Neurodivergent Clients: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Ekaterina Sidor

Educational Studies Dissertations

This phenomenological study explores how professionals experience integrating the developmental, individual-differences, and relationship-based (DIR) framework in their work with neurodivergent clients. Although DIR is recognized as an evidence-based developmental approach in the field of autism support, little is known about how its integration affects practitioners themselves. Grounded in relational-cultural theory and transformative learning theory, the study examines how engagement with DIR influences practitioners’ professional practice and development. Using a qualitative, hermeneutic phenomenological design, data were collected through open-ended questionnaires and in-depth interviews with multidisciplinary professionals from diverse international contexts who completed DIRFloortime training and actively implement DIR in their work. …

The Efficacy Of Emotional Reframing As An Intervention To Promote Adult Transformational Growth, Linda Rossetti

Educational Studies Dissertations

This study investigates the underexplored relationship between adult developmental growth and emotions. Developmental growth requires an individual to respond to self-concept instability by adopting new meaning structures and navigating oppositional emotions. This quantitative study examined the relationship between an emotional reframing intervention and perspective shifts, an indicator of developmental progression. Data collected on three college campuses in the 2024-2025 academic year revealed a strong positive relationship between the intervention and perspective shifts, as evidenced by differences in pre- and post-assessment responses within the studied population, both in aggregate and in specific use cases. The findings contribute to three academic arenas: …