Digital Commons Network^™

The Effect Of Covid-19 Lockdowns And Social Isolation On Adolescence, Madeleine J. Bakken

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Adolescents around the world were impacted by social isolation resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Students experienced sudden school closures and isolation from classmates resulting in increased screen time, the erosion of social skills, lower academic motivation, and a period of unstructured and unfamiliar learning (Hong et al., 2022; Kannan & Veazie, 2023; Leventhal & Morishta, 2024; Menzies et al., 2024; Warford, 2019). Current research is working to measure the impact and severity of these factors. Early findings suggest that students are academically and emotionally behind where their predecessors were pre-COVID (Menzies et al. 2023; NWEA Connection, 2024). Educators and mental …

Collision Avoidance And Vegetation As Drivers Of Collective Motion In Australian Plague Locusts, Nathan S. Hasegawa

HMC Senior Theses

The Australian plague locust (Chortoicetes terminifera) is an agricultural and ecological pest that causes tens of millions of dollars in crop damage each year. In this thesis, we develop mathematical models of hopper bands, dense formations of juvenile locusts that move across a vegetated field and destroy plants in their path. We develop agent-based and PDE models of hopper bands moving through vegetation to examine how recently discovered behavior where locusts slow down to avoid collisions with other locusts may influence the shape, speed, and destructiveness of hopper bands. We find that collision avoidance may cause locusts to …

On The Hölder Continuity Of The Brascamp-Lieb Constant, Ori Friesen

Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science Honors Projects

The Brascamp-Lieb inequality is a generalization of many well-known multilinear functional inequalities. The Brascamp-Lieb constant is the best constant that works for the Brascamp-Lieb inequality for a given tuple of input linear maps and powers. If we keep the powers constant while varying the input linear maps, the Brascamp-Lieb constant becomes a function of the linear maps. In this thesis, we explore the Hölder continuity of the Brascamp-Lieb constant. Specifically,we prove that the general 4-linear case of the Brascamp-Lieb inequality is locally Lipschitz continuous. Additionally, we provide an improvement of a previous result on the local Hölder continuity of the …

Artificial Intelligence In Health Care: Business Opportunities And Ethical Challenges, Ankita Srivastava,, Marco Marabelli, Jeffrey Moriarty

Ethics Publication

Artificial intelligence (AI), and in particular generative AI (GAI), are making incredible progress toward automation. The pervasive and invasive nature of these technologies are affecting every industry, and health care is no exception. This paper summarizes insights derived from a panel that the Hoffman Center for Business Ethics and the Center for Health and Business at Bentley University hosted in March 2024. The panel invited three qualified health care professionals: Evan Carey, Susan Persky and John Torous. The panelists are all active in multiple aspects of AI in health care but represent a focus on the key areas of policy …

Investigating Drivers In Phytoplankton Between Lentic And Lotic Ecosystems Within Twelvepole Creek Watershed, Devin Lee Farmer

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) threaten aquatic ecosystems, local economies, and water quality. While extensively studied in lakes (lentic systems), their impact on flowing waters (lotic systems) remains underexplored. This study examined algal drivers in both ecosystems within the same watershed, focusing on Beech Fork Lake (lentic) and Twelve Pole Creek (lotic). Key environmental factors, including pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient levels, were measured using in situ sensors and laboratory analysis. Water samples were analyzed for nitrogen, phosphorus, and algal biomass for comparison to environmental conditions. Phytoplankton was preserved for identification in future research. By comparing these environments, this study …

Design And Implementation Of In-Prison Restorative Justice Programs: Insights On Leadership Challenges, Jonathan Paul Branch

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this case study is to provide direct insight into effective strategies for designing and implementing an in-prison restorative justice program. Mass incarceration remains a deeply entrenched characteristic of the U.S. criminal justice system, and prisons pose unique challenges to restorative practices, which literature on the subject often describe in general terms. By focusing on one organization successfully implementing in-prison restorative justice, the study aims at specifically illustrating how the prison system impedes attempts at providing restorative services and what practitioners might do to circumvent or otherwise mitigate those challenges. The study is guided by the following primary …

Lagrange Multipliers As A Metric For Early-Stage Shipboard Power System Design, Magdalen A. Barnes

Theses and Dissertations--Electrical and Computer Engineering

Integrated power systems are essential in the operation of electric ships and must function under a diverse range of conditions. In addition to routine operation, ships should be prepared to respond to challenging events that require significant amounts of power. Demanding scenarios, coupled with complex and interconnected power systems, present challenging issues. The power and energy ratings of equipment are crucial factors in the operational success of the ship; however, to meet economic constraints, balance between performance and cost must be upheld. Details regarding equipment models and specifications are typically unavailable during early-stage design. Power system modeling and simulation can …

Screenings For Dyslexia, Learning Disorders, And Literacy Issues: A U.S. State Legislative Comparative Framework, Andrea Lollini, Maryna Tsapok, Sara Hundt

Children's Legal Rights Journal

This article provides a comparative analysis of state legislation on screening and interventions for dyslexia, language learning disorders, and early literacy issues in the United States. The analysis emphasizes how different approaches to tackling learning deficiencies across states in the U.S. may trigger unequal distribution of services and interventions across the country. Furthermore, the lack of uniform definitions and terminology employed by state lawmakers makes it difficult to evaluate the efficiency of implemented policies. Evidence-based federal guidelines would help set uniform standards for low literacy and LLD screening and interventions in schools nationwide, leading to a more robust and equitable …

Undergraduate Catalog, 2025-2026, Valparaiso University

Undergraduate Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Comparing Unidirectional, Bidirectional, And Word2vec Models For Discovering Vulnerabilities In Compiled Lifted Code, Gary Mccully, John Hastings, Shengjie Xu, Adam Fortier

Research & Publications

Ransomware and other forms of malware cause significant financial and operational damage to organizations by exploiting long-standing and often difficult-to-detect software vulnerabilities. To detect vulnerabilities such as buffer overflows in compiled code, this research investigates the application of unidirectional transformer-based embeddings, specifically GPT-2. Using a dataset of LLVM functions, we trained a GPT-2 model to generate embeddings, which were subsequently used to build LSTM neural networks to differentiate between vulnerable and non-vulnerable code. Our study reveals that embeddings from the GPT-2 model significantly outperform those from bidirectional models of BERT and RoBERTa, achieving an accuracy of 92.5\% and an F1-score …

Oscillation And Amplitude Based Unsupervised Flight Maneuver Scoring: A Data-Driven Pilot Expertise Measure, Luis Jose Alarcon-Aneiva, Nicoletta Fala

International Symposium on Aviation Psychology - 2025

Objective and scalable pilot assessment is crucial due to rising training demandsand subjective evaluation limitations. Existing data-driven methods often requireextensive data labelling and focus on maneuver classification over executionquality. Addressing the need for interpretable, label-independent proficiencymetrics, this paper introduces an unsupervised pipeline to quantify roll controlsmoothness during turns from X-Plane logs. The methodology features adaptivetrend slicing for segmentation, zero-phase Butterworth filtering (0.6-4.5 Hz) toisolate roll oscillation during turns, and extraction of time domain descriptors(RMS, Peak to Peak, and crest factor). After aggregation and outlier removal, viaisolation forest, K-means clustering identified distinct “smooth” vs “oscillatory”performance groups with high statistical validity. Principal …

How Much Does America Hate Black Women?, Franchesca Smith

Research Honors

This paper explores the relationship between sociocultural factors and intersectionality by way of economic inequalities. Intersectionality is a phenomenon that receives little to no examination, especially in regards to Black women. The following research uses the theories of intersectionality, human capital, and institutional factors to examine which has the most significant effect on the wages of Black women compared to other demographics. Findings suggest that the intersectionality of Black women does have a substantial wage gap, but the correlation is positive, which is not true for the variables Black and women when separated. Through multiple regression analysis, it is noticed …

All We (And Llms) Need Is Fuzzy: An Argument, Olga Kosheleva, Vladik Kreinovich

Departmental Technical Reports (CS)

Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT have spectacular successes -- but they also have surprising failures that an average person with common sense could easily avoid. It is therefore desirable to incorporate the imprecise ("fuzzy") common sense into LLMs. A natural question is: to what extent will this help? This way, we may avoid a few simple mistakes, but will it significantly improve the LLMs' performance? What portion of the gap between current LLMs and ideal perfect AI-based agents can be, in principle, covered by using fuzzy techniques? Judging by the fact that few researchers working on LLMs (and on …

How To Share A Success, How To Share A Crisis, And How All This Is Related To Fuzzy, Olga Kosheleva, Vladik Kreinovich

Departmental Technical Reports (CS)

In many practical situations, a group of people needs to share a success. What is the fair way to share this success? Nobelist John Nash showed that under reasonable conditions, the group should select the alternative for which the product of utility gains is the largest possible. This solution makes perfect sense from the fuzzy-formalized commonsense viewpoint: it maximizes the degree of confidence that all participants are happy. A natural question is: can we extend this result to a different class of situations, when a group of people needs to share sacrifices caused by a crisis? In this paper, we …

Delphi Study Of Possible, Probable, And Desirable Futures For California Community Colleges By 2035, Christopher Frymire

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this Delphi study was to identify and describe the educational changes to California Community Colleges that are possible and probable by 2035 as perceived by a panel of experts. In addition, the purpose was to determine the level of desirability of educational changes identified as probable by a panel of experts. Finally, the purpose was to describe the actions necessary to promote the desirable educational changes by 2035 as perceived by the expert panel.Methodology: This Delphi method was used to survey 18 community college experts from diverse disciplines. Four survey rounds gathered qualitative and quantitative data …

Estimation And Model Misspecification For Recurrent Event Data With Covariates Under Measurement Errors, Ravinath Alahakoon, Gideon K.D. Zamba, Xuerong Meggie Wen, Akim Adekpedjou

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Research & Creative Works

For subject i, we monitor an event that can occur multiple times over a random observation window [0, (Formula presented.)). At each recurrence, p concomitant variables, (Formula presented.), associated to the event recurrence are recorded—a subset ((Formula presented.)) of which is measured with errors. To circumvent the problem of bias and consistency associated with parameter estimation in the presence of measurement errors, we propose inference for corrected estimating equations with well-behaved roots under an additive measurement errors model. We show that estimation is essentially unbiased under the corrected profile likelihood for recurrent events, in comparison to biased estimations under a …

2025-2026 Catalog, Governors State University

Catalogs

The 2025-2026 Governors State University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog is a comprehensive listing of current information regarding:
Degree Requirements
Course Offerings
Undergraduate and Graduate Rules and Regulations

Bachelor Of Science In Professional Management-The Cluster- A Distinctive Approach To Education [No Date], Nova Southeastern University

Huizenga Undergraduate Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Bachelor Of Science In Professional Management-The Cluster- A Distinctive Approach To Education [No Date], Nova Southeastern University

Huizenga Undergraduate Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Professional Skills Program -The Cluster- A Distinctive Approach To Education [No Date], Nova Southeastern University

Huizenga Undergraduate Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Soy-Grid Prototype Development For Erosion Control Situated In The Scholarly And Public Spheres, Kyle Butler

Honors Senior Capstones and Theses

Erosion control is crucial for preserving coastlines and stream banks, protecting shoreline properties, and maintaining the ecological balance of vulnerable environments. Coastal areas are particularly susceptible to erosion caused by wave action, storms, and human activities. Erosion can lead to land loss, habitat destruction, and increased vulnerability to flooding. Effective erosion control measures help stabilize shorelines, prevent property damage, and safeguard coastal and inland infrastructure, while also preserving the natural beauty and recreational value of these areas.

The Pittsburg Micropolitan Area Economic Report, Quarter 2, 2025, Pittsburg State University, Gladys A. Kelce College Of Business

Pittsburg Micropolitan Reports

The Pittsburg Micropolitan Area Economic Report is created by the Business and Economic Research Center (BERC) at Pittsburg State University.

Does Biofluorescence Enhance Visual Signals In Birds-Of-Paradise?, R. P. Martin, E. M. Carr, J. S. Sparks

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Computational Models Of Biological Cells : Towards Building A Motor Neuron Model, Rusha Parikh

2024

No abstract provided.

Taking The Leap: A Qualitative Study Exploring The Entanglement Of The Vertical Transfer Process And Engineering Identity Development Among Community College Students, Janice Edwards

Dissertations of Practice

Taking the Leap: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Entanglement of the Vertical Transfer Process and Engineering Identity Development among Community College Students

Community colleges provide an open access, cost effective pathway to earning a baccalaureate degree in engineering. However, the transfer and degree completion rates remain low. Improved persistence has been linked to a variety of factors including a strong engineering identity. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to expand the understanding of engineering identity development during the vertical transfer process. Each milestone in the process, framed within transfer student capital, was considered to determine what, if any, …

Impacts Of Irrigated And Non-Irrigated Land Use On Convective Environments And Related Diagnostic Variables During Grainex In Nebraska, Usa, Daniel Whitesel, Rezaul Mamood

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Invisible Barriers: Investigating The Impact Of Teacher Bias On Black Students’ Opportunities In Science, Mary Redden

Selected Full Text Dissertations, 2011-

This study investigates the role of implicit racial bias in limiting Black students’ access to advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) opportunities in secondary public schools across Long Island (LI), New York. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study triangulates data from Harvard’s Implicit Association Test (IAT), a custom-designed Likert-style self-perception survey, and open-ended participant reflections. A custom-coded, anonymous online platform was used to assess all instruments. After completing the survey and IAT, participants reviewed both sets of results and responded to reflection prompts about the alignment or misalignment between the two. Although 78% of participants rated themselves as highly …

Sistema Interactivo De Simulación De Fluidos 3d Reactivos Al Sonido En Tiempo Real (2025), Marina López González

Grado en Diseño y Desarrollo de videojuegos

Este Trabajo de Fin de Grado propone el diseño y desarrollo de un sistema visual interactivo que traduce estímulos sonoros en simulaciones de fluidos tridimensionales en tiempo real. A través de la programación de un sistema de fuerzas dinámicas aplicado a partículas, se genera una respuesta visual orgánica, coherente y deliberadamente inestable, que se mueve en el límite entre el orden matemático y el caos controlado, modulada por el comportamiento espectral de una señal de audio.

El proyecto se fundamenta en principios de la física de fluidos, integrados con técnicas de simulación mediante el motor NVIDIA Flex, y se apoya …

A Case Study Exploring Elementary Teacher Job Satisfaction: What Are The Implications For School Leaders?, Nancy E. Pickford

Theses and Dissertations

Teachers are leaving the profession at an increasing rate, thus posing a serious threat to the effectiveness of the American educational system. Teacher job satisfaction is at the root of this problem. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the factors that contribute to teacher job satisfaction and how school leadership actions, behaviors, and practices may influence these factors for elementary teachers in a suburban school district in the northeastern United States. The study was based upon the theoretical framework of Herzberg’s Two Factor Motivation theory, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory and Daniel Pink’s Motivation theory. The …

The Effects Of Single-Gender Private Parochial School Education On Performance In Stem Coursework, Adam Jacob Rappoport

Theses and Dissertations

Traditionally, women do not enter STEM fields as often as men. Stereotype threat could be one of the causes behind this. This study sought to examine the effects on classroom climate, self-efficacy, and performance on girls in single gender and mixed gender private parochial school settings. Eight schools were chosen, four schools with mixed gender classes and four with single gender classes. The target population were secondary school seniors currently in a STEM course. Surveys were distributed to these schools (N=222 from the mixed gender schools, N=25 from the single gender schools). The questions were answered by students using a …