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2026 Commencement Program For The School Of Education And Social Policy, Merrimack College

Commencement Programs

No abstract provided.

2026 Commencement Program For The School Of Education And Social Policy – Accessible Version, Merrimack College

Commencement Programs

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Professional Development Perspectives Of Special Education Paraprofessionals Supporting Students With Moderate To Severe Disabilities, Anna Opacian

Education Department Graduate Theses/Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Frye Is So Last Century: It’S Time For Washington To Get With The Times, Darian Mullen

Seattle Journal of Technology, Environmental, & Innovation Law

This paper argues that Washington State should finally abandon the

Frye test for expert witnesses and adopt the Daubert test used by federal

courts and most states. It begins with a discussion of the background of

expert witnesses in the U.S. court system and its evolution through Frye.

Then, it looks at the increase in drunk driving in Washington State as a

case study for how the public depends on quality science to protect

individuals and punish wrongdoers. Through the case study, it is

apparent that Frye is an unworkable standard that should be superseded

by Daubert.

There Was Time And Place, Mary G. O'Connor

Graduate Artistry Projects and Performances

There was Time and Place is body of work that explores the relationship between reality and imagination as it relates to themes of creativity and transformation through time and place. Inspired by surrealism, automatism, science fiction, and poetic theory, the exhibited drawing-centered lithographs create encounters with fictional designs of rendered objects, machinery, and architecture. These encounters estrange us from monotony and banality of the current moment, reminding us that there is time and place for imagination in our routines.

Classification Of Hif Detection In Nev Profile Using Wavelet Transform And Convolution Neural Network, Abdul Hafiz Kassim, Mohd Abdul Talib Mat Yusoh, Aster Smith Valentinie Wilson Nottelmarc, Ahmad Farid Abidin, Sim Sy Yi, Daw Saleh Sasi Mohammed

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

High impedance faults (HIFs) present a critical challenge in power systems due to their subtle signal characteristics, which often remain undetected by conventional protection methods. These faults typically do not produce significant phase disturbances, making reliable detection difficult. However, analysis of the neutral-to-earth voltage (NEV) profile under fault conditions provides a promising alternative for fault identification. Existing approaches for detecting and classifying HIFs using NEV signals remain limited and may result in inaccurate maintenance decisions. This paper proposes a fault classification framework for multiple fault types, including HIF, three-phase fault, three-phase fault to ground, double line, double line to ground, …

Complex-Valued Convolutional Neural Network With Time-Frequency Representation For Electrocardiogram-Based Arrhythmia Detection, Kajeeth Kumar Gurusamy, Muthurajkumar Sannasy

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

This research proposes an end-to-end procedure for arrhythmia detection based on electrocardiogram (ECG) signals using complex-valued convolutional neural network (CVCNN) incorporated with time-frequency representation. The proposed model leverages complex numbers to capture amplitude and phase information that enhances the ability of the model for detecting time-frequency variation in cardiac signals. First, signal preprocessing techniques---including normalization, wavelet denoising, and R-peak detection---are applied. Subsequently, the model extracts complex features from raw ECG data by employing the Hilbert transform to derive the analytic signal and the short-time Fourier transform (STFT) to generate a time–frequency representation. The proposed CVCNN framework effectively learns spatial-temporal features …

Accurate Diagnosis Of Diseases By A Novel Ai Pipeline Based On Feature Extraction, Feature Ranking, And Feature Selection From Medical Images, Tuğba Nur Bozkurt, Mehmet Emi̇n Yüksel

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

The rapid growth of the global population has led to a substantial increase in the number of patients, while the availability of healthcare professionals has not expanded at a comparable rate. This imbalance highlights the urgent need for efficient and reliable computer-aided decision support systems that can reduce clinical workload while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy. In this study, a novel and systematically integrated artificial intelligence-based pipeline is proposed for medical image classification, combining statistical significance-driven feature ranking with evolutionary feature selection in a unified framework. The proposed pipeline consists of four sequential stages: feature extraction, ranking, selection, and classification. Features …

Adapting Independent Large-Scale Pretrained Models For Human Action Recognition, Selen Pehli̇van

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

Transferring knowledge from large-scale, independently pretrained image and text models to video understanding requires addressing several challenges, including maintaining generalization capabilities of models, integrating them into multimodal architectures, and fine-tuning with temporal dynamics. This study evaluates the effectiveness of parameter-efficient fine-tuning (PEFT) techniques in transferring pretrained knowledge from two independent models for video action recognition within a simple, streamlined multimodal fusion pipeline. Specifically, we adapt CLIP as the text branch and DINOv2 as the image branch, keeping both backbones frozen to preserve their pretrained robustness, while introducing lightweight, task-specific modules to adapt and fuse the branches with temporal dynamics. A …

Adaptive Backstepping Nonsingular Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Control For Robotic Manipulators Based On Disturbance Observer, Xin Zhang, Xu Wang

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

This paper presents an adaptive backstepping nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode controller integrated with a nonlinear disturbance observer to achieve precise trajectory tracking of robotic manipulators subject to model uncertainties and unknown time-varying disturbances. A dead-zone–based adaptive gain mechanism is introduced to dynamically adjust the control gain according to the deviation of the sliding surface, thereby enhancing robustness and reducing chattering. The proposed reaching law ensures fast, nonsingular, and adaptive convergence, suppressing high-frequency oscillations without compromising stability and the nonlinear disturbance observer enables real-time estimation and compensation of modeling errors, friction, and external disturbances for superior rejection. The semiglobal uniform …

Chaotic Artificial Bee Colony-Optimized Stacking Ensemble For Robust Multifault Diagnosis Of Wind Turbines, Veilraj Revathi, Solaimalai Jeyadevi, Madasamy Sudalaimani

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

The complex electromechanical structure of wind turbines, along with harsh operating conditions, poses significant challenges for precise and robust fault diagnosis. To address this challenge, an ensemble multifault diagnostic framework based on an adaptive chaotic artificial bee colony (C-ABC)-optimized support vector machine (SVM) and gradient boosting machine (GBM) is proposed. In the proposed framework, data redundancy and overfitting are reduced through a two-stage hybrid filter-transformer-based feature reduction approach using ReliefF, followed by Principal Component Analysis. The chaos function of the proposed C-ABC maintains an adaptive balance between the exploration and exploitation phases, thereby preventing premature convergence, which is a common …

Repetition Without Learning: Nine Years Of Safeguarding Adults Review Involving Acquired Brain Injury., Alyson Norman, Hannah Steed, Lucy Milliner, Mark Holloway, Joshua Deacon

School of Psychology

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to produce an extensive review of safeguarding adult reviews (SARs) pertaining to individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) since 2014. This review examines the lessons learned and recommendations arising from these reviews as they relate to health and social care practice in England.Design/methodology/approachThe review presented and discussed findings across multiple reviews and then applied narrative analysis to synthesise the findings and recommendations from the SARs reviews.FindingsThe authors identified 22 SARs relating to people with ABI that matched the inclusion criteria. Four main themes were identified: (1) ABI-responsive safeguarding policies and legal frameworks, (2) training …

Perspectives On Physical Activity From People With Parkinson’S Disease Who Do Not Engage, Heather Hunter, Jennifer Freeman, Hilary Gunn

School of Health Professions

PurposeDespite substantial evidence supporting the benefits of physical activity, People with Parkinson’s disease (pwPD) struggle to remain active. Previous research on physical activity has largely focused on those already engaged. This study aimed to capture the perspectives of pwPD who perceived themselves as inactive.Materials and MethodsConstructivist Grounded Theory was used to explore the beliefs, attitudes, and meaning of physical activity in PwPD who self-identified as inactive. Twenty-one participants consented to participate and were interviewed. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded. Data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously, using a constant comparative approach.FindingsFive categories were developed: four that helped explain a lack …

Purification, Enzymatic Properties, And Stabilizer Screening Of Acid Protease From Trichoderma Reesei, Wu Yao, Yu Huashun, Chen Rui, Yang Zhaoshi, Li Ming, Gao Jie, Zhang Yan

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To purify and study the enzymatic properties of acid protease from the Trichoderma reesei strain, and to screen the stabilizer formula. [Methods] The acid protease is purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, dialysis, and anion exchange column chromatography. Then, its molecular weight is determined by sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and its enzymatic properties are studied. Finally, the stabilizer formula of acid protease is optimized, with an investigation into its effect on acid protease storage stability. [Results] For the purified acid protease, its specific enzyme activity is 4 849 U/mg, purification fold is 3.28 times, and relative molecular weight is …

Analysis Of Particle Settlement Characteristics And Force Chain Evolution Of Rice Seeds In Silo Based On Discrete Element Method, Wang Minna, Chen Lintao, Ma Xu, Mou Xiangwei, Zhong Wenjun, Jiang Huanyu

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To reveal the movement law and force chain characteristic evolution mechanism of stored rice seed particles during the settlement process in a silo. [Methods] With the Xinliangyou 98 hybrid rice seeds as the research object, a "rice seed-silo" simulation model was established using the discrete element method (DEM) to simulate the effect of different settlement heights, grain pile components, and mass flow rates on the fundamental parameters of rice seed settlement motion. A quantitative analysis method for the force chain characteristics of the rice seed population in the silo was proposed to investigate the influence patterns of different mass …

Time-Optimal Trajectory Planning For Food Sorting Robots Based On An Improved Beaver Algorithm, Wang Yahui, Zhang Guowei, Ma Qian, Huang Lifang

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To enhance the operational stability of food sorting robots and the efficiency of time-optimal trajectory planning. [Methods] A time-optimal trajectory planning method for food sorting robots based on an improved beaver algorithm (BA) is proposed. First, with the six-degree-of-freedom robotic arm of the sorting robot as the research object, a time-optimal constrained optimization model based on 4-5-4 polynomial interpolation is established. Secondly, the BA is improved by introducing adaptive beaver species classification, population spatial directional evolution, and global jump strategy, effectively balancing the global exploration breadth and local search fineness of the algorithm. The improved BA is then applied …

Effects Of 1-Methylcyclopropene And Sulfur Dioxide On Ripening, Softening, And Antioxidant Properties Of Bayberry In Modified Atmosphere Packaging, Shi Xiaomeng, Zhang Jingjin, Lin Qi, Zhang Huiyun, Bao Yuanyuan

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To explore the effects of different modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) treatments on the preservation of Dongkui bayberry during storage. [Methods] Dongkui bayberry from Shiping County, Yunnan Province is taken as the test object and stored in different MAP bags to determine and analyze the ripening, softening, and antioxidant properties during postharvest storage. [Results] Compared with the control group, during storage at 4 ℃, the combined treatment of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) + sulfur dioxide + poly (butylene itaconate) (PBI) physically activated fresh-keeping bags can effectively maintain the quality and high antioxidant properties of bayberry. After 14 days of storage, this combined …

Optimization Of Extraction Process Of Suopiyin And Its Antioxidant And Hypoglycemic Activities In Vitro And In Vivo, Li Yaqing, Chu Xiaoqin, Cui Mengyao, Li Jing, Jia Nini, Jiang Dayuan

Food and Machinery

[Objective] Based on classical prescriptions of Xin'an Medicine, a functional food was developed to help exert antioxidant effects and maintain healthy blood glucose levels. [Methods] Based on the results of single-factor experiments, an orthogonal design was applied to optimize three factors in the extraction process, namely the solid-liquid ratio, extraction time, and number of extraction cycles. The extraction yields of total polysaccharides and total flavonoids were used as evaluation indices to determine the optimal extraction process. The in vitro antioxidant activity of Suopiyin was evaluated using the scavenging rates of DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl (·OH) radicals. The in vitro hypoglycemic …

Effects Of Different Heat Treatment Methods On Physical Properties And Freeze-Dried Quality Of Tremella Fuciformis, Fan Yufei, Wu Bingbing, Shi Nengpai, Zhang Yuanhui, Lin Xiangyang

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To determine the optimal pretreatment method that preserves the colloidal structure of Tremella fuciformis and ensures shelf-life stability via systematic comparison between hot-water blanching (80 ℃) and steam blanching (about 100 ℃). [Methods] A series of time gradients is set for each blanching treatment. Then, the effects of the two blanching processes on the water absorption and swelling ratio, microstructure, and texture profile (TPA) of fresh T.fuciformis are evaluated. Furthermore, the whiteness, rehydration ratio, and water activity of the freeze-dried products are measured to comprehensively evaluate the modulating effects of different heat media on the quality of T.fuciformis. [Results] …

Research Status And Application Of Plant Protein Amyloid Fibrils, Wang Pengwei, Chen Jun, Wang Haoqiang, Shuai Xixiang, Dai Taotao

Food and Machinery

Most natural plant proteins have dense spherical structures, reducing their functionality and accessibility to proteases, which limits their application in the food industry to some extent. The preparation of plant protein amyloid fibrils with high aspect ratio and excellent interfacial properties through acid-heat-induced self-assembly can significantly improve the physicochemical properties, nutritional value, and functional characteristics of plant proteins. This study reviews the formation mechanism and preparation methods of acid-heat-induced self-assembly of plant protein amyloid fibrils, summarizes the relationship between their structure and properties, discusses the application directions of plant protein amyloid fibrils, and looks forward to their future research directions.

Progress In The Application Of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers In The Detection Of Food Additives, Fan Dongni, He Hongyuan

Food and Machinery

The improper use of food additives poses a threat to food safety and human health, making it essential to establish sensitive and rapid detection methods for food additives. Molecular imprinting technology, which enables the specific and selective recognition of template molecules in real samples, has been widely applied in the fabrication of molecularly imprinted polymers. The emergence of this technology provides a new perspective for the detection of food additives. This paper outlines novel preparation methods and materials for molecularly imprinted polymers, reviews research progress over the past five years on their application in food additive sample pretreatment and the …

Precise Kinetic Parameters For Thermal Resetting Of Clumped Isotope Signatures In Biogenic And Abiogenic Calcites, Nico Kueter, Nathan Looser, Jordon D. Hemingway, Nils B. Gies, Gregory D. Price, Alberto Perez-Huerta, Stefano M. Bernasconi

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Carbonate clumped isotope (∆₄₇) thermometry is a powerful tool to reconstruct paleotemperatures. However, episodes of heating or cooling can alter original ∆₄₇ values through diffusive C-O bond reordering—i.e., isotopic exchange between neighboring carbonate groups within the mineral lattice—and/or oxygen-isotope exchange between carbonate groups and water (collectively termed “thermal resetting”). Nevertheless, if precise kinetic constraints are available, altered ∆₄₇ values can be utilized to reconstruct thermal histories of sedimentary basins or to restore primary ∆₄₇ values from carbonates which experienced thermal resetting in their geological history. Here, we present new high-resolution heating experiments on optical (abiogenic) …

Committee Amended Plan

Catholic Dioceses in Bankruptcy

No abstract provided.

Archdiocese Joint Plan

Catholic Dioceses in Bankruptcy

No abstract provided.

Welcome Tilly Norwood: Forecasting Hollywood’S Ai Policy Futures, Samuel P. Rooker

Senior Honors Projects, 2020-current

In late 2025, weekly trade publication Variety Magazine reported on the announcement of a new acting talent in Hollywood: Tilly Norwood. Norwood is an industry outsider and the pet project of Eline Van der Velden, who unveiled the actress’ existence to the world at the Zurich Film Festival. The announcement quickly gained media coverage while Van der Velden has since faced cyclical backlash from Hollywood trade unions, which does not seem entirely without reason. Tilly Norwood is a digital persona, a generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) program, designed by Van der Velden’s novel AI talent studio, Xicoia, to become the next …

Exceptionally Flawed: A Look Towards Addressing Inequalities Of Identification In Gifted Education, Madyson A. Mcray

Senior Honors Projects, 2020-current

Gifted education has been a part of our education system for over a century, and yet there continue to be ways we can work to improve the system to benefit all students. One way education professionals can achieve this is by implementing identification systems that cater to students of all races, ethnicities, genders, and abilities. This study aims to highlight and suggest solutions school districts across the nation, as well as the Commonwealth of Virginia, can implement to make the gifted identification process more inclusive to all students. A comprehensive literature review of national and state data regarding current demographics …

Space And Place: Preservation Between The United States And Japan, Daniel J. Judy

Senior Honors Projects, 2020-current

This thesis explores how preservation can reconnect ecological responsibility with cultural continuity through material and spatial care. Architecture is placed as a mediator between environmental systems and cultural ethics, where existing structures are not treated as static relics but as active participants in transformation. Rather than responding to sustainability as a purely technical practice, preservation is framed as a deliberate process that allows space to evolve while maintaining its historical and environmental presence across both United States and Japan. Through ideas of restraint, transience, and a relationship with nature, this thesis examines how materiality shapes atmosphere over time. Drawing from …

Strength And Conditioning Internships In Collegiate Athletics: A Qualitative Examination Of Structure, Design, And Experiential Learning, Peter Kd Kenn

Education Policy and Leadership Theses and Dissertations

Strength and Conditioning (S&C) internships play a critical role in the development of students and graduates looking to enter the S&C profession. However, little research has been conducted to understand the typical structures, responsibilities, and expectations of internship programs or the rationales behind the designs and structures of these programs. Despite the reliance on S&C internships to develop entry-level candidates for the profession, there is a lack of standardization and structure within the U.S. intercollegiate setting. The purpose of this study is to identify how S&C internship supervisors describe the content of their internship programs and to understand the rationale …

Pan-Africanism’S Mayflower: The Azor’S 1878 Voyage To Liberia, Andrew Simon

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Pan-Africanist thought is widely associated with the twentieth century writings of Marcus Garvey and W. E. B. Du Bois, but the depth of its roots has been underappreciated.  Although the broad consensus among nineteenth-century African Americans was that they should fight to be recognized as rightful members of U.S. society, some advocated an exodus to Africa in the years before the U.S. Civil War.

Following the war, governments’ retreat from the promises of equal citizenship in the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments led some African Americans to believe that emigration to Liberia was the only way to secure their political …

Surface Directed Microwave Assisted Fabrication Of Znmn2o4 And Its Composite As Anode Materials For Lithium Ion Battery, Anirudh Singh

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

The Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely utilized in portable electronics and electric/hybrid electric vehicles. However, the limited theoretical capacity of graphite (372 mA h g⁻¹) restricts further advancements. In our recent work, a series of ZnMn₂O₄ materials with various additives were synthesized using the microwave reaction method and evaluated as anodes for LIBs. Additives such as 2-methylimidazole (2MIM), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) were employed to prepare ZnMn₂O₄ with distinct morphologies. Our findings revealed that ZnMn₂O₄  with pure phases was achieved when 2MIM and CTAB were used as additives. …