Digital Commons Network^™

Creative Machines: Generative Artificial Intelligence And Copyright Law, Ryan Abott, Elizabeth Rothman [email protected]

Chicago-Kent Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Ai-Copyright Trap, Carys J. Craig

Chicago-Kent Law Review

No abstract provided.

Keeping Cruises At Bay: Whether Port Cities Violate The Dormant Commerce Clause And Federal Maritime Law, Julie Jacobs

Chicago-Kent Law Review

No abstract provided.

Bad, Bad Medicine—When A State’S Healthcare Infrastructure Violates The Integration Mandate Of The Americans With Disabilities Act, Anna Ylitalo

Chicago-Kent Law Review

No abstract provided.

Artificial Intellectual Property, Daniel J. Gervais

Chicago-Kent Law Review

No abstract provided.

Innovate Responsibly: Post-Grant Mechanisms To Deter Unnecessarily Toxic Pharmaceutical Patents, Brianna De Frank

Chicago-Kent Law Review

No abstract provided.

Pilot Fatigue And Required Rest Period For Korean Air Force Pilots Flying High-Performance Aircraft, Mijin Hong

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Over the years, significant advancements have been made in aircraft technology and in understanding the detrimental effects of fatigue on flight performance. However, integrating these advancements into crew rest regulations, particularly for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) operating high-performance jets, requires further review. This study employs a systematic review with thematic analysis to assess whether ROKAF’s current rest regulations are sufficient. Relevant studies were identified from English-language databases (e.g., FAA, ICAO, Google Scholar) and Korean-language databases (e.g., RISS, KCI). Titles and abstracts were initially reviewed, followed by full-text assessments based on inclusion and exclusion criteria focusing on military …

Advanced Deep Learning Algorithms For Medical Imaging Applications: Tumor And Organ At Risk Segmentation, Ilkin Sevgi Isler

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Accurate segmentation of tumors and organs at risk (OAR) remains a fundamental challenge in medical image analysis, directly affecting diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and patient outcomes. Although automated segmentation methods have advanced, they still face difficulties in anatomically complex regions and in cases with low tissue contrast. A major contributor to this variability is intra- and interobserver disagreement, introducing uncertainty into annotations and model predictions.

This dissertation investigates the role of segmentation uncertainty and its impact on model reliability, interpretability, and clinical integration, with a focus on lung, pancreatic, and head and neck cancers.

The first component introduces uncertainty-aware segmentation …

A Novel Au-Decorated Ni-Mof For The Photo And Electrochemical Treatment Of Mc-Lr, Stephanie Stoll

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Microcystins (MCs) are toxins produced by cyanobacteria commonly found in harmful algal blooms (HABs) threatening many surface waters. Conventional removal methods, including membrane filtration and activated carbon, are costly and only achieve phase separation. This study introduces a novel Au-decorated Ni-metal-organic framework (Au/Ni-MOF) as a platform for the multi-modal treatment of MC-Leucine Arginine (MC-LR), utilizing photodegradation (PD), electrochemical oxidation (EO), and photoelectrochemical oxidation (PEO) by evaluating and comparing their effectiveness.

A 4 cm² Au/Ni-MOF achieved complete photodegradation of 20 ppb of MC-LR in 7 mL of DI water with a degradation rate constant of 0.0599 min^-1 under 35,000 …

A Variable Resistance Suit (Vars) And An Extendable Prosthetic Arm (Expa) For Physical Rehabilitation And Assistance, Ibrahim F. Kadhim

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This dissertation presents the design, development, and evaluation of two novel wearable assistive technologies – Variable Resistance Suit (VARS) and the Extendable Prosthetic Arm (EXPA) – to improve rehabilitation outcomes and functional independence of individuals with musculoskeletal impairment. VARS is a modular, lightweight, and wearable resistance training system that applies bidirectional, speed-dependent, and variable mechanical resistance to the elbow and knee joints. It addresses the limitations of traditional resistance equipment by offering a portable, safer, and more accessible alternative. Importantly, VARS enables targeted engagement of specific muscle groups during training, minimizing the risk of overloading adjacent or compensatory muscles. VARS …

Cnn's Portrayal Of The Build Back Better Act, Alexander J. Toj-Moody

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of CNNs representation of the Build Back Better Act and its failure to pass senate reconciliation during the fall of 2021. The Build Back Better Act was a piece of legislation that intended to fix America’s social infrastructure, such as investing in education, the environment, expanded healthcare, etc. The bill ultimately failed and its replacement, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, cut numerous benefits that were proposed within the Build Back Better Act. Examination of broadcast transcripts during this period of time find an operationally liberal framing, though the focus …

Differential Interferon Synthesis And Signaling Between Parainfluenza Virus Acute And Persistently Infected Cells, Vonisha Kaigler

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

RNA virus infections can transition from an initial acute infection to a prolonged or persistent infection, in which infected cells survive and continue to produce progeny virus. This presents a major clinical problem as persistently infected (PI) cells extend viral shedding, maintain inflammation, and provide potential sources for new viral variants. The RNA virus, Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5), with mutations in the P/V gene region (P/V mutant) is a strong inducer of antiviral responses. Interestingly, over time, there is an emergence of cells that survive as P/V mutant PI cells. Given that changes in innate immune signaling pathways can occur …

A Forgotten Kairos: Rhetorical Memory In 16th Century Europe, Phillip Martin

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

In 16^th century Europe the nearly 2000-year-old discipline of rhetoric, still a pillar of education, underwent significant change. One of the more curious changes occurred in rhetoric’s subdivision known as memory, memoria, that is, memory’s “artificial” cultivation. During the 16^th century rhetorical memory was paradoxically both maximized and marginalized as a discipline. And by the early 17^th century memoria was all but extinct as a branch of rhetoric. The causal mechanisms of this transformation remain underexamined, particularly by rhetoric and composition scholars, and most explanations remain unclear and uncompelling. Accordingly, this thesis attempts a new approach …

A Community-Based Wellness Program To Increase Exercise Adherence For Menopausal And Postmenopausal Women: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study, Kristin M. Badillo

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Evidence exists that long-term commitment to an exercise routine is beneficial. Contrarily, there is a notable lack in exercise adherence among menopausal and postmenopausal women. Though research has thoroughly examined the reasons why menopausal and postmenopausal women may not be committed to an exercise routine, it remains unclear what motivates those who are adherent. This pilot study employed a mixed-methods design through administering surveys and conducting in-person focus group interviews. Additionally, an 8-week buddy system was implemented to assess the role of social support and its effect on exercise adherence. For quantitative data collection, a total of 7 participants enrolled …

Student-Athlete Vs Athlete-Student: Differences In Athletic Retirement Expectations, Terrie L. Bradshaw

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological Dissertation in Practice was to define the terms student-athletes and athlete-student by discovering any differences in non-cognitive variables between the two groups. Additionally, this study attempted to identify any differences in career transition expectations between student-athletes and athlete-students. Thirteen NCAA athletes from various universities across the United States were included. With the use of one-on-one semi structured interviews, five themes emerged. The themes that emerged were 1) Both types of athletes attend college for different reasons. 2) Differences in level of commitment. 3) Both types of athletes strive for academic success. 4) Different expectations …

Fit Index Criteria For Multisample Analysis In Sem With Ordinal Data: A Monte Carlo Simulation Study, Suat Babayigit

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Measurement invariance is crucial for valid group comparisons in structural equation modeling (SEM), yet testing invariance becomes challenging when using ordinal data. This dissertation evaluates the adequacy of widely used fit index difference criteria (ΔCFI, ΔRMSEA, ΔSRMR) for multisample invariance testing with ordinal indicators. Traditional Δ fit cutoff thresholds were established based on continuous, normally distributed data, but ordinal measures can distort invariance conclusions. Monte Carlo simulations address this issue by manipulating a comprehensive set of conditions: sample sizes (200, 400, 1000), group size ratios (equal vs. unequal), model complexity (low vs. high), underlying distributions (normal vs. nonnormal), Likert scale …

Integrating Education For Sustainable Development Into Elementary Curriculum Through Transdisciplinary Learning: A Case Study Of Teachers At Designated Green Schools, Amanda Ferguson

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The rising number of sustainability-focused jobs in the United States has underscored the need for greater exposure to Education for Sustainable Development in early education. While higher education and secondary schools offer courses on sustainability and the environment, elementary students have limited opportunities to engage with these topics. This embedded multiple-case study examined the role of Education for Sustainable Development in elementary classrooms, specifically through transdisciplinary lessons. The research was guided by the question: How do elementary teachers in county-designated Green Schools in a Florida district use transdisciplinary lessons to teach sustainability within their existing curriculum?

Using the theoretical framework …

Instructional And Motivational Factors Predicting Deep Learning Approaches In Pre-Clinical Medical Students, Kenneth L. Dearman

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Pre-clinical medical students predominantly employ surface learning approaches, focusing on memorization and exam preparation rather than developing a deep understanding of medical knowledge. This study employed a correlational design comparing two courses with different instructional approaches using expectancy-value theory to examine how instructional methods and motivational factors predict deep learning approaches among 148 pre-clinical medical students at a College of Medicine in the Southeastern United States. Initial results showed that the three separate constructs in task motivation (expectancy beliefs, values, and cost) did not mediate the relationship between active instructional methods and deep learning strategies. Instead, active learning was a …

Examining The Relationship Between Volunteerism And Revenue Streams In Youth-Centered Nonprofit Organizations: An Analysis Of Fundraising Revenue, Program Service Revenue, And Government Grants, Stephanie Aguguo-Orelus

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This study examined the relationship between volunteerism and revenue streams in youth-centered nonprofit organizations (NPOs) in the United States. Utilizing financial data from IRS Form 990 filings spanning 2014 to 2023, the research analyzes how the number of annual volunteers impacts three primary revenue sources: donations, program service revenue, and government grants. Fixed-effects regression models are employed to evaluate these relationships across the full study period and in pre- and post-COVID-19 subsamples. The study also investigates the association between volunteerism and revenue diversification using the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI). Findings reveal a positive and statistically significant relationship between volunteer involvement and …

Decreasing Administrative Burdens For Promoting Social Equity: Three Essays On Innvations In Public Service Provision, Kyungmin Lee

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This dissertation investigates three aspects of administrative burdens in public service delivery and explores how these burdens—which often discourage eligible individuals from accessing needed services—relate to individuals' perceptions of and behaviors toward those burdens and ultimately to user outcomes. The first essay examines whether a shift from in-person to virtual service modalities imposes additional administrative burden—digital administrative burden—for service users. Using the secondary data from the 2022 “Survey of Citizens’ Perceptions of Public Administration” conducted in South Korea, the study applies Coarsened Exact Matching (CEM) to assess the relationship between service modality and digital administrative burden. The findings suggest no …

Preserving Florida History In 3d: A Digital Public History Project Preserving Paleo-Native American Artifacts And Jack West Architecture From Warm Mineral Springs, Florida, Trevor D. Colaneri

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This thesis project examines low-cost photogrammetry and 3D walkthrough tours to preserve a collection of artifacts and buildings from Warm Mineral Springs, Florida. The documented objects and structures consist of a small collection of artifacts from Warm Mineral Springs currently held by Florida’s Bureau of Archaeological Research and three buildings designed by noted architect Jack West, a Sarasota School of Architecture member, which suffered extensive damage from a category five hurricane in 2022. Warm Mineral Springs is an archaeologically significant site and is one of the few sites in Florida that demonstrate significant paleo-Native American cultural remains that has also …

Creating An Archive From Colonial Records: Representations Of The Caribbean In British Periodicals, 1750-1930, Natalie B. Herman

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The periodization of Caribbean literature is a highly contested topic. Much of this periodization problem relates to the question of what should be included in this category of Caribbean literature, a question that became particularly pertinent during the postcolonial era. Many studies of Caribbean literature have traced its supposed origins to the period of the early to mid-twentieth century when many Caribbean territories were well on their way to postcolonial independence while disregarding works produced during the colonial period as they were considered to favor colonialism. Through examining how Caribbean literature appeared in the pre-1950 period, research conducted for the …

Interactions Of Anti-Viral Ceria Nanoparticles With An Enveloped Rna Virus, Muhammad Hassan Mehmood Kalyar

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

There is growing interest in developing durable and broad-spectrum antiviral nanomaterials for surface disinfection. Silver-modified ceria nanoparticles (AgCNPs) are regenerative materials capable of inactivating a wide range of viruses through generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We hypothesized that for enveloped RNA viruses, the lipid bilayer and viral spike glycoproteins are determinants of sensitivity to inactivation of infectivity by AgCNPs. This hypothesis was tested using Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV), a model enveloped negative-sense single strand RNA virus containing a single spike glycoprotein G. Five rounds of serial passage of VSV in the presence of suboptimal AgCNP concentrations led to the …

Exploring The Role Of Fatty Acid Signaling In Macrophages, Ayomide Ogunsanmi

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Dietary fatty acids play critical roles in both the gustatory and immune systems. In taste, they serve as the sapid molecules that underlie the ability to taste fat, whereas in the immune system, they serve as messengers that help facilitate the fuel-based reprogramming of macrophages (MΦ) that underlie optimal immune function. It has become clear in recent years that there is a functional interaction between the taste and immune system, and fatty acid signaling pathways serve as one focus of this overlap. Similar to taste receptor cells (TRCs), MΦ express G protein-coupled fatty acid receptors GPR120 and GPR84, and our …

Techno-Enviro-Economic Approach For Electrification Of Rural And Shrimp Farming Regional Development Of An Isolated Island In Indonesia By Utilizing Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems, Fiqih Akbar Wijaya, Mohammad Akita Indianto

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

One of the challenges in developing and archipelagic countries such as Indonesia is maintaining energy demand in rural and isolated areas due to difficulties in electrical distribution. For instance, in areas like Bawean Island, no additional electricity capacity has been introduced in the past year, leading to an unmet potential customer demand. One of the possible options is by utilizing Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRES) that are integrated with existing fossil fuel-based energy systems to support the growing energy demand in the remote island. A case study in Bawean Island is conducted with the projected energy demand covers the energy …

Fire And Explosion Hazard Risk Analysis Of Fuel Transfer Activities At Fuel Terminal “X” Utilizing The Quantitative Risk Analysis (Qra) Method, Angga Wahyu Sulistyawan, Yuliusman Yuliusman

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

Fuel transfer operations at Fuel Terminal ‘X’ constitute a critical stage in the energy supply chain, where complex interactions among human, technical, and environmental factors generate inherent risks of fire and explosion. The flammable nature of fuel oil, coupled with the possibility of vapor or liquid releases outcoming by tool failures, connection leaks, or control system malfunctions, underscores the need for robust and proactive risk management strategies. This study aims to evaluate and mitigate these risks by applying Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA). The assessment utilized the Parts Count method to foercast generic component failure rates and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) …

Remaining Life Assessment And Fitness For Service Evaluation Of Aging Chemical Reactors In Polyethylene Terephthalate Resin Industry, Aditya Pahlawan Munthe, Donanta Dhaneswara, Wahyuaji Narottama Putra, Gama Widyaputra

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

Aging chemical reactors in the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin industry require comprehensive evaluation to ensure safe continued operation. This study conducts a remaining life assessment (RLA) and fitness-for-service (FFS) evaluation on five 30-year-old reactors, based on API 510, API 579/ASME FFS-1, and ASME BPVC Section VIII Div. 1 standards. The analysis involves corrosion rate measurement, future corrosion allowance (FCA) projection, and minimum thickness verification. Among the reactors, R-120 was found to have the shortest remaining life less than 15 years. FFS assessments using three criteria Average Measured Thickness, MAWP from Point Thickness Readings, and Minimum Measured Thickness confirm that R-120 …

Implementation Of Reliability Centered Maintenance On Crude Booster Pump, Dzulfikar Ali Hafizh, Maya Agustianingrum Putri St., Ph.D., D. Rizal, Adzra Qanita

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

Crude oil booster pump is one of the critical equipment in oil refinery operations. In aging plants that have been operating for more than 25 years, where reliability and maintenance issues on equipment often cause operational disruptions and even unplanned shutdowns. This study aims to develop a structured reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) strategy for crsude oil booster pump systems that is also in line with the principles of asset integrity management system (AIMS). This methodology follows the RCM II approach, starting with system function analysis, failure mode identification, and criticality assessment through Failure Mode, Effect, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) to determine …

More Than Marketing: The Role Of Emotional Intelligence In Social Media For Medical Tourism, Yawei Wang

Visions in Leisure and Business

The medical tourism experience is increasingly shaped not just by clinical quality and cost, but also by how patients emotionally connect with their providers. The journey begins long before they ever step foot in a medical facility, which is often far from home. Social media serves as a powerful interface for prospective patients to evaluate care, communicate needs, and gain reassurance. This manuscript proposes a conceptual framework that integrates Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence (EI) model with the Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT) to explain how medical tourism providers create value through emotionally intelligent online communication. Based on qualitative analysis of user-generated …

Research On Crack Identification Technology Based On Sobel + Matched Filter Joint Algorithm, Wen Yan, Guo Xiaoqian, Tang Youzhi, Yang Enhui, Qiu Yanjun

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To address the problems of hollow recognition results,high noise,and poor crack continuity in pavement crack identification using the Sobel algorithm,this paper proposed a joint algorithm combining the Sobel algorithm and matched filter for three-dimensional crack recognition of asphalt pavement.A matched filter in the form of a sine function was designed,and the matched filter was used to extract crack features from the results of the Sobel algorithm.The matched filter results were subjected to threshold filtering and connected domain analysis to effectively solve the hollow recognition problem,while also reducing noise and improving crack continuity.The test results show that the Sobel + matched …