Digital Commons Network^™

Navigating Murky Waters: State-Level Strategies For Wetland Preservation And Tile Drainage Regulation After Sackett V. Epa, Caleb M. Swanson

Honors Thesis

Wetlands are some of the world’s most valuable ecosystems, serving as provisioners of species habitat, carbon sequestration, flood mitigation, water quality purification, and other ecosystem services. Human development has resulted in substantial wetland loss the world over. In the 1970s, the United States Congress passed the Clean Water Act, giving the EPA broad authority over wetland protection. However, in the summer of 2023, the United States Supreme Court decided Sackett v. EPA, limiting the EPA’s jurisdiction over wetlands to those indistinguishably connected to generally recognized “Waters of the United States” and removing federal protection for millions of acres of wetlands, …

The Impact Of Mutations In The Arabidopsis Apetela (Ap3) Gene, Hazel R. Frans, Tara Phelps-Durr

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

The purpose of this research is to understand the molecular functioning of the Arabidopsis thaliana Apetela (Ap3) gene. We created mutations in two sites of the gene, AP3-3 and AP3-5. These are predicted to change AP3 protein structure, which may result in a mutated flower. Analyzing the effects of new mutations allows an understanding of protein formation both in plants and humans.

Effects Of Sars-Cov-2 Variants On Cd8+ T Cell Epitope Diversity: Estimating Clinical Severity In The United States, Grace Kim, Jacob Elnaggar, Maya Sevalia, Najah Nicholas, Mallory Varnado, Judy Crabtree, Lucio Miele

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Association for Clinical and Translational Science 2024; April 3 - April 5, 2024; Las Vegas, NV

Career Technical And Agricultural Education Teachers In Rural Schools: Perceptions Of Leadership Abilities, Professional Support, And Overall Job Satisfaction Following Participation In A Teacher Leadership Professional Learning Community, Tasia Ellis

Dissertations

Career Technical Education (CTE), including Career Technical Agricultural Education (CTAE) in Georgia, are experiencing difficulty retaining quality teachers. This problem is exacerbated in rural communities, which have a smaller workforce pool and fewer nearby colleges to certify CTE/CTAE teachers (Morton, 2021). A potential solution to offset teacher retention concerns is teacher leadership. When teachers are given opportunities to take on leadership roles, they are likely to feel more valued and experience increased self-efficacy and perceptions of ability (Katzenmeyer & Moller, 2009). The purpose of this phenomenographic study was to examine whether a teacher leadership Professional Learning Community (PLC) enhanced teachers' …

Narrative Research: You Did What With Technology? Exploring Student Narratives Of Technology At A Research-Based University In The Southwest, Alma M. Sanchez

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

This qualitative study examined the impact of high school instructional technology on college students' academic strategies. It examined the historical and modern advancements of technology in education, uncovering significant milestones in technology integration within classrooms in the United States. Using a narrative inquiry approach grounded in John Dewey's philosophy of experience, it centered on the narratives of students in their second and third semesters of college. The study highlighted the gap in understanding students’ personal experiences with technology and emphasized the role their narratives play in shaping future technology integration strategies.

The methodology involved utilizing digital surveys and online semi-structured …

Project-Based Learning: An Online Support Product For Scaffolding The Professional Development In China, Yenny Mo

Instructional Psychology and Technology Graduate Student Projects

This project was a collaboration between Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, U.S.A., and Beijing Normal University (BNU) in Beijing, China. It aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the existing professional development (PD) program at BNU by developing an online support product. The PD program focuses on developing project-based learning (PjBL) cases and its implementation in a classroom.

This online support product that scaffolds the PD program using Articulate Storyline 360. Through a strategic integration of the ADDIE and RP models, I have created a tool that facilitates faster comprehension of PjBL concepts, enables effective design of driving questions, …

Applying Mathematical Modeling To The Study Of Family Systems, Dahlia Maxwell

Theses and Dissertations

Mathematical modeling provides a powerful framework for insight into current scientific theories as well as hypothesis generation for further research. Despite its undeniable potential to enrich scientific advancement, the application of mathematical modeling remains conspicuously scarce in the field of family science. The complexity inherent in family dynamics, coupled with the intricate interplay of emotions in the individual, underscores the necessity of a robust analytical approach. Addressing this critical gap in the literature, this thesis introduces a sophisticated mathematical model of family dynamics integrating essential elements from family systems theory, emotion dynamics, and appraisal theory. The model is implemented as …

Leveraging Explainable Artificial Intelligence To Optimize Clinical Decision Support, Siru Liu, Allison B Mccoy, Josh F Peterson, Thomas A Lasko, Dean F Sittig, Scott D Nelson, Jennifer Andrews, Lorraine Patterson, Cheryl M Cobb, David Mulherin, Colleen T Morton, Adam Wright

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

OBJECTIVE: To develop and evaluate a data-driven process to generate suggestions for improving alert criteria using explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) approaches.

METHODS: We extracted data on alerts generated from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. We developed machine learning models to predict user responses to alerts. We applied XAI techniques to generate global explanations and local explanations. We evaluated the generated suggestions by comparing with alert's historical change logs and stakeholder interviews. Suggestions that either matched (or partially matched) changes already made to the alert or were considered clinically correct were classified as helpful. …

A Collaborative Framework For The Inclusion Of Students With Extensive Support Needs: A Case Study, Deborah Amend

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Research indicates that the academic growth and social development of students with extensive support needs are generally best facilitated in general education classrooms. Students with extensive support needs are those whose needs impact learning to the degree that they require specially designed instruction based on or using extended learning standards and often alternate state assessments. The most recent data indicate that students served within many of the categories of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act have seen significant growth in their rates of inclusion. However, this increase in inclusion has not happened for students with extensive support needs. Emerging theories about …

In Vitro Antimicrobial Screening Of Manihot Esculenta Sao Pedro Petro Extract And Identification Of Active Compounds, Diana Widiastuti, Siska Elisahbet Sinaga, Yayan Sofian, Ade Heri Mulyati, Siti Warnasih, Boedi Sadjarwa, Sri Boedi Dhiandani, Eka Herlina, Triastinurmiatiningsih Triastinurmiatiningsih, Dine Agustine

Chimica et Natura Acta

Sao Pedro Petro cassava tubers (Manihot esculenta Ctro) are one of the cassava varieties, generally cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas. This plant has the potential to contain antimicrobial bioactive compounds. This research aimed to demonstrate the antibacterial activity of each fraction and subsequently identify the specific active fraction for in-depth analysis of its bioactive compounds. The evaluation of antimicrobial activity and the identification of bioactive compounds were conducted using the well-diffusion method and UPLC-QTOF MS (Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry). Results indicated that the ethanol, n-hexane, and n-butanol fractions exhibited no inhibitory effects on the …

Environmental Dna (Edna) Survey Of Introduced Freshwater Species In Reservoirs And Streams In Hong Kong, Sze Man Yau

Lingnan Theses (MPhil & PhD)

Different organisms have been introduced worldwide both intentionally and unintentionally by humans. Some of the introduced species can establish populations outside their native geographic range and invade the environment, causing negative ecological impacts to the ecosystem. Freshwater ecosystems are prone to species invasion due to the aquatic linkage between freshwater habitats, thus facilitating the dispersal of introduced species. To minimise the potential negative impacts of introduced species, early detection and rapid response is vital. Compared to traditional survey methods (e.g., hand nets and cast nets), environmental DNA (eDNA) survey is a sensitive method for species detection by extracting the species’ …

Conservation Genomics Of Endangered Turtles : The Big-Headed Turtle And The Beale's Eyed Turtle, Wing Him Lee

Lingnan Theses (MPhil & PhD)

Turtles are one of the most threatened animal groups in the world, with 51.3% of the turtle species categorized as globally threatened (critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable) on the IUCN Red List. Overexploitation for the food and pet trade is the main threat, especially for turtles in Asia. In Hong Kong, all five native freshwater turtles are listed as endangered species locally. This study will focus on two species, the Big-headed Turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) and Beale’s Eyed Turtle (Sacalia bealei). Some of the world’s remaining wild populations of P. megacephalum and S. bealei are in Hong …

The George-Anne Daily, Georgia Southern University

George-Anne Media Group: Newsletters & Magazines

No abstract provided.

Developing Patient Safety Scale For Hospitals, Metin Di̇nçer, Esra Karataş Okyay, Yunus Emre Karataş, Erol Göral

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The study aimed to contribute to the literature with a reliable and valid scale for hospitals to be used in determining the current patient safety culture and following up on its development.Materials and methods: The study was conducted with the participation of 1137 healthcare professionals selected using the convenience sampling method in 3 secondary-care state hospitals and three research and training hospitals, one of which was affiliated with a medical faculty, and two were affiliated with the Health Sciences University. To begin with, to discover the latent structure of the items on the scale, an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) …

Classification Of Lakebed Geologic Substrate In Autonomously Collected Benthic Imagery Using Machine Learning, Joseph K. Geisz, Phillipe A. Wernette, Peter C. Esselman

Michigan Tech Publications

Mapping benthic habitats with bathymetric, acoustic, and spectral data requires georeferenced ground-truth information about habitat types and characteristics. New technologies like autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) collect tens of thousands of images per mission making image-based ground truthing particularly attractive. Two types of machine learning (ML) models, random forest (RF) and deep neural network (DNN), were tested to determine whether ML models could serve as an accurate substitute for manual classification of AUV images for substrate type interpretation. RF models were trained to predict substrate class as a function of texture, edge, and intensity metrics (i.e., features) calculated for each image. …

Recital: Bassoon Studio, April 3, 2024, Illinois State University School Of Music

School of Music Programs

Kemp Recital Hall
April 3, 2024
Wednesday Evening
7:30 p.m.

Hybrid Truck Platooning Network Design, Vasileios Liatsos

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

The scope of this research is to benchmark the various parameters that affect the implementation of truck platoon concept and the quantification of (any) monetary savings under the assumption that technological advancements and new or updated infrastructure (e.g., dedicated truck corridors) will allow implementation. Cost savings considered in this research are easily verifiable as they are solely derived from driver compensation savings (i.e., fuel savings, emissions reduction, and insurance savings are not considered). At this direction, they are proposed two platoon scheduling problems. The initial mathematical model considers a restrictive case of truck platooning (a.k.a. Caravanning Network Problem), where all …

Advanced Electroanalysis For Electrosynthesis, Monica Brachi, Wassim El Housseini, Kevin Beaver, Rohit Jadhav, Ashwini Dantanarayana, Dylan G. Boucher, Shelley D. Minteer

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Electrosynthesis is a Popular, Environmentally Friendly Substitute for Conventional Organic Methods. It Involves using Charge Transfer to Stimulate Chemical Reactions through the Application of a Potential or Current between Two Electrodes. in Addition to Electrode Materials and the Type of Reactor Employed, the Strategies for Controlling Potential and Current Have an Impact on the Yields, Product Distribution, and Reaction Mechanism. in This Review, Recent Advances Related to Electroanalysis Applied in Electrosynthesis Were Discussed. the First Part of This Study Acts as a Guide that Emphasizes the Foundations of Electrosynthesis. These Essentials Include Instrumentation, Electrode Selection, Cell Design, and Electrosynthesis Methodologies. …

Analysing The Results Of Solving The Problem Of A Machine Unit With Accelerator Mechanism, Yusuf Akhmedjanov

Technical science and innovation

Solutions of the obtained nonlinear differential equations of the machine unit are presented using the Maple mathematical program, determining the dependencies of changes in the parameters of the working body in the steady state as a function of the technological load on cotton for different values of the eccentricity of the tension roller of the belt drive. The article presents the changes in the angular velocities of the masses and torque on the engine shaft of the system as a function of time, the dependence of the change in the amplitude of oscillations of the accelerator shaft of the raw …

Improving Implicit Communication In Remote Collaboration Through Augmented Reality And Digital Twins, Nicholas Levergne

LSU Master's Theses

Large scale digital twinning projects are beginning to emerge across the tech industry. Within these projects is a desire to integrate augmented reality capabilities into industrial workflows. However, research on augmented reality technology for remote collaboration lacks ecologically valid studies of real world scenarios. Additionally, prior remote collaboration literature is focused on white-collar applications instead of blue-collar field work. Prior AR collaboration software is similarly limited, with most software allowing mixed camera views and annotation that requires participants to be stationary. This thesis introduces SpectAR, an augmented reality and desktop remote collaboration software suite developed in Unreal Engine 5.1.1. SpectAR …

Likelihood Ratio Test For Markov Switching Parameters, Li Zhang

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

I propose a likelihood ratio test for fixed unit root against time switching unit root models. Our test is different from the existing jump detection literature centered on the application of various forms of Augmented Dickey-Fuller tests. Our methodology involves the inclusion of random coefficients, which effectively capture both expansion and contraction behaviors. We show that the contiguous alternatives converge to the null hypothesis at the order of $T^{-3/4}$, where $T$ is the sample size. Our test is asymptotically optimal in the sense that it maximizes a weighted power function. We derive the asymptotic distribution of our test under the …

Interleukin-1Α And Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Promote Cancer-Induced Extramedullary Hematopoiesis, Derek Arthur George Barisas

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Hematopoiesis, the formation of blood and immune cells from stem and progenitor cells, is a central biological process that alters in response to the organismal state. Many cytokines that accompany diseases have an impact on the rate, cellular output, and underlying mechanisms of hematopoiesis. Deepening our understanding of the alterations to hematopoiesis that occur with disease may offer therapeutics that normalize hematopoiesis and promote health. One component of hematopoiesis that is often overlooked are the non-hematopoietic cells of the stem cell niche that have crucial roles in affecting the parameters of hematopoiesis. While progress in understanding the hematopoietic stem cell …

Employing Ai To Enhance In-Class Role Playing Scenarios, Eric Fournier

Generative AI Teaching Activities

Role playing can deepen student’s engagement with course content and help them develop skills while learning course material. Students will use AI to develop their characters and help them craft compelling arguments in the role-play scenarios

Final 2024 Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit Helehan Borrow Submittal #2, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of A Mobile Application (Dr. Electron) On Science Attitudes And Self-Efficacy Among Eighth-Grade Students, Sulaiman M. Al-Balushi Prof., Huda A. Al Hosni Ph.D., Zahra S. Al Shukaili, Asma H. Al Salmi

International Journal for Research in Education

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an enrichment mobile application based on the gamification approach (Dr. Electron) on the attitudes towards science and self-efficacy of eighth-grade students in the Sultanate of Oman amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A quasi-experimental design was employed, utilizing both pre-test and post-test control group designs. The study sample comprised 63 students, with 33 assigned to the experimental group and 30 to the control group. The study used Measurement instruments including a science attitude scale with a reliability coefficient of 0.86 and a self-efficacy scale with a reliability coefficient of 0.93. Results indicated statistically significant …

The Impact Of Using Gamified Augmented Reality In Developing Learning Engagement And Quality Of Learning Life Among Tenth-Grade Physics Students, Majed A. Alharthi Dr.

International Journal for Research in Education

The research aimed to examine the impact of gamified augmented reality (AR) on engagement in learning and the quality of educational life. The research sample included (90) tenth grade students distributed in three schools, and they were distributed into three groups of (30) students in each group, the first experimental group taught using gamified AR, the second experimental group taught using non- gamified AR, and the third is a control group taught in the usual way in the classroom, and each school included an independent group of research groups. A quasi-experimental design was adopted to study the impact of using …

Qkd-Native Pluggable Transceiver, Dan Holme

Defensive Publications Series

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) architectures are being introduced as a mechanism to facilitate secure network communications through the use of quantum keys that can be distributed to nodes seeking to communicate via a secure connection/communication session. With the introduction of QKD architectures, hardware development opportunities exist, particularly with regard to hardware that can be utilized to perform quantum-secure communications within a QKD architecture. Presented herein is a QKD-native pluggable transceiver that may be utilized by nodes within a QKD network architecture to support quantum-secure communications among the nodes.

Well Log Analysis And Interpretation For Mishrif Formation For Amarah Oil Field, Attia Attia, Ayat Ahmed Jasim, Aqeel Al-Adili, Luma Mahmoud, Mohamed Mansour Eng.

Petroleum Engineering and Gas

This study is intended to interpret of well logs for the purpose of determining petrophysical parameters for Mishrif formation in the Amarah Oil Field. This fi eld is situated in the province of Mysan ten kilometers to the southwest of Amarah and ten kilometers to the northwest of Halafaya’s fi eld, and is located southeast of the fi eld of Kamit and about 30 km. M–N cross plot as well as the Matrix Identifi cation (MID) have been applied to calculate mineralogy and lithology of the formation using well logs, cross plots, and reservoir quality index (RQI) along with fl …

Modeling Metaverse Perceptions For Bolstering Traffic Safety Using Novel Trss-Based Owcm-Ram Mcdm Techniques: Purposes And Strategies, Mona Mohamed, Asmaa Elsayed, Marwa Sharawi

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

The Metaverse has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of human life, including transportation systems. The integration of the Metaverse into intelligent transportation systems has the potential to significantly improve traffic safety in smart cities. By creating a virtual replica of the physical world, the Metaverse can provide a platform for testing new traffic management systems, road designs, and vehicle technologies in a controlled and safe environment before implementing them in the real world. One way to integrate the Metaverse into intelligent transportation systems (ITS) is by enhancing traffic safety. This can be achieved by developing an evaluation model that …

Can A Classical Christian Education Help Break Generational Poverty In Urban Students?, Elizabeth P. Porter

Master of Arts in Classical Studies

Although there has been a surge in the number of classical Christian schools in the last decade, there remains a dearth of classical Christian schools serving urban students. Unlike their suburban peers who tend to be more affluent, urban students often suffer physically, academically, and socioemotionally from the ills of poverty. The current study explores whether a classical Christian education (CCE) can help break generational poverty in urban students. Data from three CCE schools will be analyzed to assess quantitative and qualitative markers of success. The former include high school graduation rates, chronic absenteeism rates, and standardized test scores. The …