Digital Commons Network^™

Developing A Comprehensive Schoolwide Discipline Plan In Title 1 Southern Schools, Rose Clark Kebe

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study explored how teachers in Title I schools across the southern United States perceived and experienced school discipline practices. The study addressed the problem of inconsistent implementation of restorative and preventive frameworks, which has contributed to inequitable outcomes, teacher frustration, and lost instructional time. Although initiatives such as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) are mandated across many districts, inconsistent use and limited fidelity have restricted their effectiveness in improving equitable discipline and school climate.

The purpose of the study was to examine teacher perspectives to inform the development of a culturally responsive, schoolwide behavioral system grounded …

Anthropomorphism In Language And Thought: The Effect Of Agentive Linguistic Framing On Readers’ Perceptions Of Ai Animacy, Dawson Petersen

Theses and Dissertations

Over the past decade, deep learning AI systems have gone from academic obscurity to near cultural centrality in the developed world. As these technologies become increasingly integrated into daily life, there is growing cause for concern about AI anthropomorphism—i.e., the perception of AIs as more human than they really are. Despite the potential risks, AI developers continue to market their technologies using agentive language that seems to be designed to encourage anthropomorphism. The current dissertation utilizes behavioral and eye-tracking methods to examine the relationship between agentive linguistic framing and AI anthropomorphism in both controlled judgments and automatic inferences. The results …

Behind The Gens: A Bioarchaeological Study Of Kinship Structure And Social Change In Iron Age Latium, Italy, Andrea Noemí Acosta Caballero

Theses and Dissertations

The cemetery of Osteria dell’Osa is the only completely published Iron Age cemetery from Latium. Its research legacy continues as dietary, mobility, and biological affinity patterns were reconstructed through carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and strontium isotope analyses and biodistance analysis using bone and dental samples for this dissertation project. The main hypotheses tested are:

a) The diet of people buried at Osteria dell’Osa during the Iron Age likely consisted of mostly grains like wheat and barley, which may yield low carbon isotope signatures;

b) The protein consumption of the diet of people at Osteria dell’Osa was mainly composed of terrestrial protein …

A Comparative Analysis Of Two Symphonies By Robert Volkmann: Symphony No. 1 In D Minor, Op. 44, And Symphony No. 2 In B-Flat Major, Op. 53, Baha Lee

Theses and Dissertations

The 19th-century music scene boasts countless names, but some, like Robert Volkmann (1815–1883), have faded from the spotlight despite his prolific output as a composer, conductor, and educator. Volkmann’s music remains largely unknown and unperformed, waiting to be rediscovered. This lack of recognition provides a compelling opportunity to appreciate a talented composer and rekindle interest in his music. While scholarly inquiries into Volkmann are rare, delving into his major orchestral works, particularly his two symphonies, offers not only an understanding of his artistry but also a chance to revive interest in his captivating music.

Robert Volkmann composed only two symphonies …

Food Insecurity And Social Connection Of Nicaraguan Refugees And Asylum Seekers In Costa Rica: A Qualitative Study, Keren Herran

Theses and Dissertations

Background

Given the physical and mental health consequences of food insecurity, solutions should be evidence-based and seek to prioritize vulnerable populations. This qualitative study adds to limited literature on how refugees and asylum seekers use their social connections to mitigate food insecurity by investigating how Nicaraguan refugees and asylum seekers in Costa Rica foster social connections and use these connections to acquire and manage food.

Methods

In fall 2024, 35 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted in San José, Costa Rica. Participants were recruited through six migrant-serving nonprofit organizations. For study inclusion, participants had to: 1) be 18 or older; 2) …

Application Of Machine Learning For Vascular System Analysis, Alireza Bagheri Rajeoni

Theses and Dissertations

The analysis of vascular structures is critical for diagnosing, monitoring, and treating vascular diseases such as aneurysms, stenosis, and vascular calcification. Traditional methods often rely on manual interpretation of imaging data, which is time-consuming, subjective, and not scalable. This work explores the application of advanced machine learning techniques to automate and enhance vascular system analysis. Our contributions include achieving state-of-the-art accuracy in vascular segmentation, developing a machine learning pipeline to automatically quantify vascular calcification in peripheral arterial disease, and designing a multi-stage machine learning system for abdominal aortic aneurysm analysis that identifies aneurysm boundaries and estimates aneurysm volume in a …

Performance Limiting Factors For Silicon Anodes In Lithium-Ion Batteries, Najmaddin Bashirzada

Theses and Dissertations

The rising global demand for high-performance and sustainable energy storage solutions has placed lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) at the forefront of technological progress. However, the energy density limits of traditional graphite anodes require the investigation of alternative materials. Silicon (Si), with its high theoretical capacity, is a promising anode material. Still, its practical use faces major challenges such as volumetric expansion, unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, and low conductivity. This thesis examines the electrochemical behavior and limitations of Si-based electrodes using coin cells and ex-situ three-electrode cells. A comparison of electrochemical testing methods – i.e., Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration Technique (GITT) …

Downwind-Upwind Flux Path Analysis Method For Model Reduction Performance Evaluations, Christian Robert Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Large, complex chemical kinetic models have long since been limited by the computational cost it takes to evaluate said model. Over time many reduction methods have been developed to combat this computational cost. However, very little has been done towards evaluating the limitations of reductions as a way of understanding the original model’s characteristics. This paper aimed to use a path flux analysis-based reduction algorithm to rapidly develop multiple reduced mechanisms for a 96 species FFCM-2 methane chemical kinetic model as well as an 858 species n-Dodecane chemical kinetic model. The goal of formulating these reduced mechanisms was to identify …

Towards Accurate First-Principles Modeling In Heterogenous Catalysis: Ethane Dehydrogenation And Hydrogenolysis Over Pt Catalysts, Mubarak Ayo Bello

Theses and Dissertations

First-principles modeling has become central to heterogeneous catalysis research, offering mechanistic insight and guiding catalyst design, yet conventional approaches often struggle to accurately describe complex catalytic systems due to methodological uncertainties, simplified assumptions, and the structural diversity of nanoparticle catalysts. This dissertation addresses these challenges using ethane dehydrogenation (EDH) and hydrogenolysis (EH) over platinum catalysts as model systems. The first study benchmarks density functional theory (DFT) functionals against the random phase approximation (RPA) for the EDH network on Pt(111), identifying cost-effective functionals and demonstrating the efficiency of BEEF-vdW ensembles for capturing functional uncertainty. The second study (addressed in prior work) …

Identifying And Understanding The Barriers To Sexual Health Information Seeking Experienced By Young Adults (Ages 18-26) Using Social Media, Alexander Nicolas Vera

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation uses a qualitative, constructionist approach to examine the sociotechnical and cultural dynamics that shape digital sexual health-seeking practices of young adults. Guided by information practices and affordance theory, the research draws on semi-structured interviews and digital walkthroughs with 20 young adults (ages 18–26) from a convenience sample of young adults residing in South Carolina. Participants described how they use platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit not only to locate information but to assess its trustworthiness, inclusivity, and personal relevance in real time. Through in-depth accounts and screen-based demonstrations via digital walkthroughs, the study examines how participants engage in …

A Building Block Approach To Certification By Analysis Applied To A Ditching Analysis, Preliminary Studies, Sean Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

Extended Twin-Engine Operations (ETOPS) certification ensures safe trans-oceanic operation of transport category aircraft. A critical aspect of ETOPS certification is compliance with ditching regulations. The importance of ditching analysis has grown significantly and come under greater scrutiny because of the ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ incident. For transport category aircraft certified under 14 CFR 25 regulations, compliance with ditching requirements, rests on two major components. First, demonstrating acceptable aircraft dynamic behavior during the ditching event and second, ensuring the airframe can withstand the loads generated because of water impact.

Historically, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) relied on comparisons to existing aircraft with …

Implicit Neural Representation For Image Reconstruction, Canyu Zhang

Theses and Dissertations

Image reconstruction seeks to restore corrupted images and recover visual content that has been lost or degraded. Such degradation may result from low resolution, occlusion, masking, or shadow interference. This problem has become an increasingly significant research topic, as visual information plays a central role in almost every aspect of modern life. Neural network based approaches have recently emerged as highly effective solutions for this task. In particular, convolutional neural networks and transformer based architectures have demonstrated remarkable success in producing visually convincing reconstructions. However, these models remain constrained in several important ways, one of the most critical being that …

Recognizing The Unexpected: Deep Learning Across Complex Environments, Ge Song

Theses and Dissertations

Ensuring the security, trustworthiness, and operational integrity of modern autonomous and cyber-physical systems presents a critical challenge. While widely utilized in various engineering applications, such as intelligent transportation and industrial manufacturing, these systems require robust monitoring frameworks to identify unexpected anomalies in real-time, thereby maintaining operational safety and efficiency. This dissertation develops advanced deep learning methodologies for anomaly detection and health monitoring, with a particular emphasis on semisupervised reconstruction-based approaches that identify anomalies in complex environments using models trained only with normal operational patterns.

Building on this theme, the first study focuses on analyzing pedestrian behavior and detecting anomalies at …

Development Of A Strategy To Neutralize Ccl8 Activity And Ablate Ccl8 Cellular Targets, Bernardo Chavez

Theses and Dissertations

The chemokine CCL8 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-2) is a versatile signaling molecule involved in tumor progression, immune cell recruitment, and therapeutic resistance. Through activation of receptors including CCR1, CCR2B, and CCR5, CCL8 promotes leukocyte trafficking, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and the establishment of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments. In breast cancer and inflammatory diseases, elevated CCL8 levels correlate with poor clinical outcomes, making it a promising therapeutic target.

A strategy was developed to block CCL8 activity and selectively ablate CCL8 receptor expressing cells. A neutralizing monoclonal antibody, 1G3E5, was identified from a panel of murine candidates based on high affinity CCL8 binding. Sequencing revealed two …

Spectral Modeling Of Electromagnetic Radiation From Power Converters, Regan A. Varner

Theses and Dissertations

Switching power converters are increasingly utilized in contemporary electronics. They are becoming more compact and operate at higher frequencies, which contributes to radiated electromagnetic interference (EMI). This EMI is important to quantify for electromagnetic compatibility of the converters with other nearby systems. In this thesis, analytical models have been developed for both ideal and non-ideal switching waveforms, employing piecewise functions to describe time-domain waveforms, with their corresponding frequency spectra derived and compared to empirical spectra. The results demonstrate that the comparisons with measured frequency data exhibit agreement with the analytical models up to approximately 25 MHz. Additionally, our analysis indicates …

Calculating Surface Current Velocities From Video Generated From A Near Forward-Facing Camera, Colby James Weeks

Theses and Dissertations

This work presents a camera system for estimating surface currents. A combined camera and IMU system provide high resolution images and high precision orientation information, respectively. This eliminates the need for leveling and enables forward looking operation. The hardware stack includes a Lucid Vision Triton TRT162S monochrome camera, an SBG Ellipse D with dual antenna GNSS for precise pose, and an Nvidia Jetson Orin for acquisition and processing. The Ellipse D provides a hardware trigger at 10 Hz to time stamp each frame and to synchronize images with inertial measurements.

A camera calibration step estimates the intrinsic camera parameters and …

Towards Robust Bmocz Schemes For Non-Coherent Wireless Communication, Anthony Joseph Perre

Theses and Dissertations

Non-coherent communication has emerged as a promising approach to address several challenges at the physical layer. A particular scheme called binary modulation on conjugate-reciprocal zeros (BMOCZ) uses the zeros (i.e, roots) of a polynomial to convey information bits. In this thesis, we strive to improve the reliability of BMOCZ in various scenarios. In particular, we utilize machine learning (ML) methods to determine the parameters for BMOCZ and improve upon the decoding performance. Moreover, we introduce a smooshed BMOCZ variant to combat typical impairments encountered within wireless communications, including timing offsets (TOs) for noncoherent orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). Through numerical …

Multi-Layer Decision Making For Long-Term Autonomous Mission Based On Dual Process Theory, Shruti Jadhav

Theses and Dissertations

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly used in precision agriculture, where extended autonomous operation is required for monitoring, intervention, and field management. However, achieving long-term autonomy remains challenging due to battery constraints, environmental uncertainty, and the need to balance exploration with event-driven tasks. To address these challenges, a multi-layer decision-making framework inspired by Dual Process Theory (DPT) is developed. The framework combines reactive return-tobase strategies, exploratory navigation, and directional bias from prior missions, with a conflict-monitoring mechanism that adapts system behavior based on real-time conditions. The approach is implemented in a simulated agricultural grid environment, demonstrating improved adaptability and coverage …

Reduced Order Simulator Of A Nuclear Thermal Propulsion System, Jackson Taylor Zazzaro

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents the development of a reduced-order simulator for a nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) system, designed to capture the key thermo-fluid and performance characteristics of such systems while maintaining computational efficiency. The primary objective of this work is to develop and demonstrate a modular simulation framework capable of modeling the coupled physics of an NTP reactor, nozzle, and orbital transfer system. The simulator integrates a reduced-order thermal-fluid model of the reactor, a simplified nozzle model, and an orbital transfer model, providing a comprehensive yet computationally efficient representation of the propulsion process. By employing reduced-order modeling techniques, the simulator achieves …

A Qualitative Study Of Middle School Teachers’ Experiences Integrating Computer Coding Into Mathematics Classrooms, George William Austin Iii

Theses and Dissertations

As computers become more accessible in schools nationwide, teachers are embracing them to impact achievement positively (Brudno, 2013; Cetin, 2016). As a result, computer coding instruction has gained attention as a strategy for providing students with skills that will serve them both pre and post-graduation (Burke & Kafai, 2013; Yadav et al., 2016; Ng, 2017). Computer coding is the process of providing instructions for a computer to follow. In 2017, the South Carolina State Board of Education approved Computer Science and Digital Literacy standards for all K-8 public schools in the state of South Carolina (South Carolina Department of Education, …

Rate-Dependent Interlaminar Shear Characterization In Solid-State Extruded Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene Film Composites, Frank David Thomas Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) cross-ply [0o/90o] thin film composites are emerging as an effective material for impact applications due to their high axial strength-to-weight ratio and favorable delamination properties. Mode-II interlaminar shear (ILS) fracture-driven delamination has been shown to be a significant energy absorption mechanism. Therefore, accurately characterizing ILS behavior as a function of strain rate in these composites is essential to inform computational models. Since these composites are significantly thinner and weaker in both interlaminar shear and transverse tension than traditional carbon fiber epoxy composites, standard ILS Mode II test methods/specimens such as end-notched flexure (ENF) are expected …

Enhancing Two-Phase Heat Spreading: Development And Performance Evaluation Of Hermetically Sealed Hybrid Heat Sinks, Walker Ryan Champion

Theses and Dissertations

Modern, high-performance technology presents challenges for thermal management based on power density. To cool heat fluxes to this degree, conventional liquid-cooled heat sinks are utilized because air cooling becomes insufficient (>100 𝑊/𝑐𝑚² ). This study introduces a hybrid heat sink that integrates liquid cooling with a dropwise-enhanced vapor chamber, contains a hermetic seal, and achieves high thermal performance with low energy consumption. The temperature hotspots, thermal resistances, gravitational/pin effects, temperature uniformity, and coefficient of performance were investigated. Experimental results demonstrate a high cooling capacity of 600 W over a 6.25 𝑐𝑚² heating area with a low cooling …

Ursinus Magazine, Fall 2025, Gundolf Graml, Steve Thomas, Jennifer L. Post-Whisted, Alyssa Kratz, Brad Drexler, Connor Donohue, Michelle Yurko

Ursinus Magazine, 1995–Present

Introducing Interim President Gundolf Graml • Transfer agreement signed with DCCC • New Native American and Indigenous Studies minor • Students get front-row seat to optical innovation • Study abroad expands in Ireland • Alumna earns fellowship from French government • Softball roots, Phillies dreams • New Spirit Store now open • Ursinus' youngest student: Making headlines worldwide • Alumna earns Fulbright award • Ursinus, America250PA support PA scholars • Alumni join Ursinus Board of Trustees • When generosity meets vision • Ursinus named to Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll • Field hockey team explores South Africa • Rankings …

Spartan Daily, October 1, 2025, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily, 2025

Volume 165, Issue 17

Populism And Its Effect On International Business Strategy, Julio Cesar Martinez Suarez

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the complex relationship between populism and international business strategy, with a particular focus on how populist mobilizations influence firms' location decisions and strategic planning. As populism continues to shape political dynamics globally, it presents significant challenges for businesses operating in or considering entry into markets governed by populist regimes. Utilizing institutional theory, this study examines the distinct political risks associated with populism, including anti-establishment ideology, the weakening of democratic institutions, and a tendency toward short-term, reactive policymaking. The research explores the consequences of these risks for firms, particularly in emerging markets, where populism often exacerbates uncertainty and …

Recommended Best Practices For Construct-Centered Adaptation Of The Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol, Emily Briceño, Darina Bassil, Pranali Khobragade, Anthony Ngugi, Martine Bejjani, Eric Ochieng, Silvia Mejia-Arango, Salima Douhou, Kazione Kulisewa, Miguel Rentería

Population Health, East Africa

Objectives The Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP) neuropsychological assessment approach aims to support the collection of harmonizable data on cognitive function for cross-national cognitive aging and dementia research. As the measurement of cognition is sensitive to differences in contextual, cultural, educational, linguistic, social, and other factors that may influence cognitive test performance, HCAP requires adaptation to be appropriate for the contexts in which it is administered. We aim to provide methodological recommendations for the adaptation and implementation of the HCAP and other cognitive data collection tools in novel settings.

Methods We drew from existing guidelines on cross-cultural psychological test adaptation …

Consensus Recommendations For Hyperpolarized [1- 13c]Pyruvate Mri Multi-Center Human Studies, Shonit Punwani, Peder E Z Larson, Christoffer Laustsen, Jan Vandermeulen, Jan Henrik Ardenkjær-Larsen, Adam W Autry, James A Bankson, Jenna Bernard, Robert Bok, Lotte Bonde Bertelsen, Jenny Che, Albert P Chen, Rafat Chowdhury, Arnaud Comment, Charles H Cunningham, Duy Dang, Ferdia A Gallagher, Adam Gaunt, Yangcan Gong, Jeremy W Gordon, Ashley Grimmer, James Grist, Esben Søvsø Szocska Hansen, Mathilde Hauge Lerche, Richard L Hesketh, Jan-Bernd Hoevener, Ching-Yi Hsieh, Kayvan R Keshari, Sebastian Kozerke, Titus Lanz, Dirk Mayer, Mary Mclean, Jae Mo Park, Jim Slater, Damian Tyler, Jean-Luc Vanderheyden, Cornelius Von Morze, Fulvio Zaccagna, Vlad Zaha, Duan Xu, Daniel Vigneron

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

MRI of hyperpolarized (HP) [1‐13C]pyruvate allows in vivo assessment of metabolism and has translated into human studies across diseases at 15 centers worldwide. To determine consensus on best practice for multi‐center studies for development of clinical applications. This paper presents the results of a two‐round formal consensus building exercise carried out by experts with HP [1‐13C]pyruvate human study experience. Twenty‐nine participants from 13 sites brought together expertise in pharmacy methods, MR physics, translational imaging, and data analysis with the goal of providing recommendations and best practice statements on conduct of multi‐center human studies of HP [1‐13C]pyruvate MRI. Overall, the group …

Ethical Sourcing In The Context Of Health Data Supply Chain Management: A Value Sensitive Design Approach, Camille Nebeker, Jean Christophe Bélisle-Pipon, Benjamin X Collins, Ashley Cordes, Kadija Ferryman, Brian J Mcinnis, Shannon K Mcweeney, Laurie L Novak, Susannah Rose, Joseph M Yracheta, Ishan C Williams, Xiaoqian Jiang, Ellen W Clayton, Bradley A Malin, Bridge2ai Ethical, Legal And Social Implications Ai Working Group

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: The Bridge2AI program is establishing rules of practice for creating ethically sourced health data repositories to support the effective use of ML/AI in biomedical and behavioral research. Given the initially undefined nature of ethically sourced data, this work concurrently developed definitions and guidelines alongside repository creation, grounded in a practical, operational framework.

Materials and methods: A Value Sensitive Design (VSD) approach was used to explore ethical tensions across stages of health data repository development. The conceptual investigation drew from supply chain management (SCM) processes to (1) identify actors who would interact with or be affected by the data repository …

Single-Cell And Bulk Transcriptome Analysis Identifies B-Cell Subpopulations And Associated Cancer Subtypes With Distinct Clinical And Molecular Characteristics, Yin He, Li Zhao, Yufen Zheng, Xiaosheng Wang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Backgroud: Previous studies have identified B cell subpopulations with pro- and anti-tumoral activities, while the clinical relevance of B cell subpopulations-specific markers in pan-cancer remains understudied.

Methods: We integrated 14 scRNA-seq datasets (102,504 cells from 424 patients, 15 cancer types) to identify B cell subpopulations via unsupervised clustering. We characterized their functional dynamics and prognostic relevance through analyzing single-cell, bulk and spatial transcriptomic data. Moreover, using B cell subpopulations-specific gene signatures, we constructed models for predicting cancer prognosis and immunotherapy response.

Results: We identified eight B cell subpopulations (b00-b07) which were classified into naive, plasma, memory, germinal center (GC), and …

Isoform-Level Analyses Of 6 Cancers Uncover Extensive Genetic Risk Mechanisms Undetected At The Gene-Level, Yung-Han Chang, Sean T Bresnahan, S Taylor Head, Tabitha A Harrison, Yao Yu, Chad D Huff, Bogdan Pasaniuc, Sara Lindström, Arjun Bhattacharya

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Integrating genome-wide association study (GWAS) and transcriptomic datasets can identify mediators for genetic risk of cancer. Traditional methods often are insufficient as they rely on total gene expression measures and overlook alternative splicing, which generates different transcript-isoforms with potentially distinct effects.

Methods: We integrate multi-tissue isoform expression data from the Genotype Tissue-Expression Project with GWAS summary statistics (all N > ~20,000 cases) to identify isoform- and gene-level associations with six cancers (breast, endometrial, colorectal, lung, ovarian, prostate) and six related cancer subtype classifications (N = 12 total).

Results: Directly modeling isoforms using transcriptome-wide association studies (isoTWAS) significantly improves discovery of …