Digital Commons Network^™

Ideals And Lattices In Number Fields, Sarah Ali Alyammahi

Theses

This thesis investigates algebraic number fields and their rings of integers, which

generalize the ring of integers ℤ in ℚ. The study focuses on ideals, units, and ideal class

groups, which describe the arithmetic structure of number fields and the failure of unique factorization. Key invariants such as the norm, trace, and discriminant are developed and applied, with particular emphasis on quadratic number fields and classical examples such as the Gaussian and Eisenstein integers. Some explicit computations of ideal class groups are carried out. The thesis also explores connections with lattice theory by interpreting rings of integers as lattices and …

Traditional And Machine-Learning Equalization Techniques For Bandwidth-Limited Short-Reach Optical Communication Channels, Abdullah Khawatmi

Theses

This thesis investigates equalization techniques for bandwidth-limited short-reach optical communication systems, with a focus on Visible Light Communication (VLC) and Step-Index Plastic Optical Fiber (SI-POF) links. Commercial light-emitting diodes and photodiode receivers impose severe bandwidth constraints, inter-symbol interference, and noise sensitivity, which fundamentally limit achievable data rates. The work addresses these impairments through systematic evaluation of traditional digital signal processing–based equalizers and modern machine-learning-based post-equalization methods. The primary aim of this thesis is to enhance the achievable data rate and reliability of commercial short-reach optical links while maintaining practical computational complexity. Specifically, the objectives are to (i) design and experimentally …

Llm-Driven Mission Control And Autonomous Planning For Search-And-Rescue Uavs: A Simulation-Based Evaluation, Naser Bader Alsaedi

Theses

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly used in search‑and‑rescue (SAR) missions, yet many systems still rely on fragmented software where mission design, perception, and flight control are configured separately. This thesis examines whether a unified AI‑driven framework can reduce configuration effort and operator workload in UAV‑based SAR operations. The proposed system integrates natural‑language mission specification using a large language model (LLM) (LLaMA 3.1), autonomous coverage planning, YOLOv8‑based victim detection, and PX4/MAVSDK control within a single architecture. Operators describe missions through free‑form text or a graphical interface; the model converts these descriptions into structured mission parameters that are automatically planned and …

Comparative Evaluation Of Five Bacterial Strains For The Fermentation Of Camel Milk, Sifatun Nesa Ali

Theses

In this study, the comparative fermentation performance of lactic acid bacteria Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Lb. helveticus, Lb. casei, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in Camel Milk (CM) and Bovine Milk (BM) was investigated. Fermentations were carried out at 42°C for 48 hours, and was monitored through bacterial growth, titratable acidity, pH evolution, proteolytic activity, microstructural properties, and rheological characteristics. Although comparable bacterial viability was observed in CM and BM, acidification kinetics varied significantly between CM and BM (p < 0.05). Proteolysis was significantly higher in fermented CM than in BM (p < 0.001), with consistently greater o-Phthalaldehyde Assay (OPA) values in CM across all strains during fermentation (p < 0.001). Scanning electron microscopy revealed more porous, loose protein matrices in fermented CM than in BM, which supports the rheological results showing weaker gel networks and lower rheological strength in fermented CM. Among the tested bacteria, Lb. casei demonstrated superior adaptability, enhanced viability, balanced acidification, and favorable rheological properties in both milks. Overall, the results of this thesis demonstrate strain-specific fermentation responses and support the possible suitability of different starter cultures for improving the technological performance of fermented camel milk products.

Modeling And Autonomous Control Systems For A Delivery Drone Application, Dana Helal Alnuaimi

Theses

This thesis focuses on the development of a multi-drone navigation and control system, aiming to enhance payload capacities beyond the limits of single-drone systems. By integrating multiple drones to work collaboratively as a unit, this study addresses the challenges associated with lifting and transporting heavier payloads.

The primary objective is to design and evaluate a multi-drone system capable of working in tandem to transport larger payloads efficiently. The research aims to develop robust control algorithms, supported by system identification for dynamic modeling, and navigation strategies to enable effective coordination between drones.

The study employs a combination of simulation and real-world …

Analysis Of A Coaxial Transmission Line Filled With An Orthorhombic Dielectric-Magnetic Medium, Fathima Manikunnath Abdul Akbar

Theses

Coaxial transmission lines are fundamental means for Transverse Electromagnetic (TEM) wave propagation in RF, microwave and high-speed electronic systems. The study of transmission lines is often familiar when they are filled with isotropic materials; however modern engineered direction dependent materials reshape field distributions. In this thesis, we consider a coaxial transmission line of an inner radius and outer radius b filled with an orthorhombic dielectric-magnetic material, which is described by two anisotropy parameters αx and αy. The potential and field distributions are studied in relation to the ratio b/a as well as the anisotropy parameters αx and αy. Due to …

Breath-Based Detection Of Liver Cancer Biomarkers Using An Swcnt-Fet Nano-Biosensor: Quantumatk, Mohamed Mohieb Rashdan

Theses

Early detection of liver cancer remains limited by the slow pace and invasiveness of current testing methods. This study proposes a single-walled carbon nanotube field-effect transistor (SWCNT-FET) designed to detect hexanal—a volatile organic compound (VOC) elevated in liver cancer—directly from exhaled breath. The device is modeled in QuantumATK using a semi-empirical Extended Hückel Hamiltonian within the non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) framework, emphasizing realistic contact physics by employing metallic SWCNT electrodes instead of conventional metal films. Zigzag channels with (11,0) and (12,0) chiralities are examined to analyze how geometry and contact matching influence charge transport. Simulations include current–voltage (I–V) characteristics and …

Transport Of Quantum Walks In Electric Fields, Yousef Mohammad Yousef Salah

Theses

This thesis presents an analysis of transport in one-dimensional discrete-time quantum walks (DTQWs) on the Hilbert space ℓ²(ℤ) ⊗ ℂ². Quantum walks serve as fundamental models of coherent quantum transport and exhibit ballistic spreading driven by superposition and interference. The primary focus of this work is the review and derivation of sharp maximal velocity bounds for several classes of quantum walk step operators, including the shift-coin walk, the split-step walk, and models with constant as well as position-dependent coin operators. We establish general a priori bounds that remain valid beyond the translation-invariant regime. For homogeneous models, Fourier and spectral analysis …

Development Of A Novel Cfd Approach For Predicting Multiphase Flow Enhanced By Machine Learning, Abdulrahman Elazazi Salem

Theses

Accurate estimation of interface orientation is crucial for ensuring both the accuracy and robustness of Volume of Fluid (VOF) schemes in multiphase flow simulations, especially when using non-uniform Cartesian meshes. Conventional gradient reconstruction approaches, such as least-squares (LSQ) methods, often suffer from significant errors and strong oscillations on highly stretched grids. This work proposes a grid-transferable, learning-based methodology that predicts interface unit normal vectors directly from the local volume-fraction field on nonuniform structured Cartesian grids using a feedforward neural network. The methodology extends earlier work originally developed for uniform grids, which is first reproduced to assess how performance deteriorates in …

Study Of The Effect Of Biodiesel Derived From Jojoba Oil With Alcohols Blends On Diesel Engine Performance, Exhaust Emissions, Vibration, And Noise, Yassir Abdelrahman Elbashier

Theses

This study presents a mutual investigation on the properties of the fuels and the performance of an engine using biofuels from mixtures of jojoba oil biodiesel with alcohols. The work consists of mainly two phases, examining the properties of the jojoba biodiesel-alcohols mixtures and the performance and emission behavior in a single piston diesel engine. A base mixture of 50% jojoba biodiesel and 50% diesel produced, and this was fractionally mixed with 5, 10, and 20% methanol and with 5, 10, and 20% diethyl ether (DEE). The rheological properties namely viscosity and shear stresses of all biodiesel blend mixtures were …

The Impact Of Social Determinants Of Health On The Emotional Well-Being Of Lgbtq Young Adults, Bridget J. Mantooth-Urso

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

The current study examined whether neighborhood-based social determinants of health (SDOH) were associated with emotional health outcomes among sexual minority young adults ages 18–29, and whether perceived social support mediated this relationship. SDOH refers to the conditions in which individuals are born, grow, live, work, and age, including neighborhood and built environment characteristics that shape access to resources, safety, and well-being. Emotional health in this study was operationalized through self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety, while social support represented perceived availability and quality of interpersonal resources that may buffer the impact of structural disadvantage. This study utilized a non-experimental, cross-sectional …

Ai, Antitrust, And The Marketplace Of Ideas, Maurice E. Stucke

Fordham Law Review

No abstract provided.

Minimal Success: The Consequences Of Mandatory Minimums In Youth Sentencing, Maya Chrobot

Fordham Law Review

In New York State, children as young as thirteen can be processed as adults and sentenced to mandatory minimum sentences. Mandatory minimum sentences require judges to sentence the defendant to a statutorily set minimum term of imprisonment. Practitioners, judges, and researchers question the efficacy of mandatory minimum sentences, finding that they are ineffective at deterring crime, decreasing bias in sentencing, and increasing community safety. Additionally, there is clear evidence about the damaging effects of incarceration on young adults. Instead of functioning as rehabilitative punishment, incarceration leads young adults to experience poor mental and physical health outcomes upon release, and they …

State Intervention In Local Zoning: Lessons From Housing Applied To Data Centers, Matthew De Boer

Fordham Law Review

There is growing regulatory tension at the intersection of data center development and local land use law. As states aggressively court data centers with tax incentives and economic policies, they have largely declined to regulate where and how these facilities are sited. Local governments, left to absorb the consequences, have responded unevenly, attempting to fit extraordinary land, water, power, and noise-intensive data centers into zoning frameworks designed for far less demanding industrial uses. The result has been a cycle of uncertainty and conflict: developers face unpredictable approvals, moratoria, and litigation, while residents bear escalating infrastructure strain, environmental impacts, and diminished …

Interrogation Of Regents And Administrative Reliance Interests In The Context Of Vacillating Immigration Policy, Sarah Engelberg-Nolan

Fordham Law Review

Arbitrary and capricious review under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) operates as an important agency-accountability tool when invoked as intended. But the recent U.S. Supreme Court case Department of Homeland Security v. Regents of the University of California and subsequent lower federal court cases have opened the floodgates to a more searching and potentially activist review. In Regents, the Court held that the administration of President Donald J. Trump could not rescind the discretionary immigration program Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in the manner the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) attempted, in part because DHS failed to …

Promoting Positive Youth Development With Adolescent Boys In Uk Schools: A Theory-Driven Evaluation Of The “Becoming A Man” Programme, Finlay Green, Cristina Preece, Kate Allen, Sean Manzi, Julia Mannes, Lynne Callaghan, Vashti Berry, Ediane Santana De Lima, Amy Woodburn, Tim Hobbs, Julie Harris, Nick Axford

Peninsula Medical School

Youth violence, including gender-based violence, is a major public health issue in the UK, yet evidence on effective interventions in the UK remains limited. Becoming a Man (BAM) is a two-year school-based positive youth development programme for adolescent boys, developed in Chicago, US, where two RCTs found reduced violent crime arrests and improved academic engagement. This study evaluated BAM’s potential in the UK using a theory-driven design (no comparison group). 97 boys aged 12–14 years (66% Black/Black British) in three London schools enrolled in BAM. Data sources included: implementation records (recruitment, attendance, adherence, quality, youth socio-demographics); school data (attendance, exclusions, …

Evaluating The Patient Journey Through Integrated Mental Health Services Using Routinely Collected Data: Utility Of The Dialog Patient-Reported Outcome And Experience Measure, Stuart G. Spicer, Rahul Bhattacharya, Katelyn Smalley, Akshith Shetty, Paul Sharpe, Richard Byng

Peninsula Medical School

Aims and method DIALOG is a patient-reported outcome and experience measure. We analysed anonymised DIALOG scores routinely collected from East London NHS Foundation Trust. We aimed to (a) examine changes in DIALOG scores through the patient journey (‘assessment’, ‘review’ and ‘discharge’); and (b) assess the impact of community mental health (CMH) transformation by comparing pre- and post-DIALOG scores. We analysed 11 198 DIALOG scores from 5007 patients in 2018–2019 and 2021–2022. Results DIALOG scores improved across treatment stages in both years. There was no clear difference pre- and post-CMH transformation, although in 2021–2022 there were lower satisfaction scores at referral. …

Axillary Management After Neoadjuvant Endocrine Therapy (Net), Laura Leonard, Min Yi, Emma Wingate, Puneet Singh, Abigail Caudle, Rosa F Hwang, Isabelle Bedrosian, Vicente Valero, Jennifer Litton, Nuhad Ibrahim, Kelly K Hunt

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: In patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients with clinical stage I-III, HR

RESULTS: A total of 230 patients were included; 120 (52.2%) were clinically node-negative (cN0), while 110 (47.8%) were clinically node-positive (cN+). In the cN+ group, 7.3% (8/110) had a nodal pathologic complete response (pCR). In total, 76.4% (84/110) in the cN+ group underwent axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) as the initial axillary procedure, and 90.9% (100/110) underwent ALND overall. In total, 98.3% (118/120) with cN0 disease underwent sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND), and 28 (23.7%) had positive nodes. …

Prioritising Follow-Up For People With Suspected Epilepsy Using A Digital Eeg Biomarker, Rohit Shankar, John Terry

Peninsula Medical School

Lengthy waits for follow-up testing are common for people with suspected epilepsy. This delays diagnosis, prolongs uncertainty and increases seizure risk. Initial EEGs are frequently inconclusive, yet follow-ups are often dictated by referral date, and there is no established method for risk-based prioritisation. Here, we tested whether an established digital EEG biomarker could help prioritise those most likely to have epilepsy for expedited follow-up EEG testing. We analysed 196 normal non-contributory (non-diagnostic) initial EEGs collected from six National Health Service (NHS) sites in England. From these recordings, we extracted eight previously validated computational features that quantify the likelihood that the …

Application Of The Tridiagonal Representation Approach And The J- Matrix Method Of Scattering In Theoretical Physics, Tunde Joseph Osunmusanmi

Dissertations

This dissertation is about the application of the Tridiagonal Representation Approach (TRA) in handling linear phenomenons, and for the first time, the J-matrix method of scattering in handling nonlinear phenomenons. The TRA is an algebraic method for solving linear ordinary differential equations of the second order. The advantage of the method in being algebraic is reinforced by the analytic power of orthogonal polynomials and special functions. On the computational side, it is favored as being reliant on powerful numerical techniques that deal with tridiagonal matrices such as Gauss quadrature and continued fraction. In the method, the solution of the differential …

Design And Synthesis Of Coke-Resistant Nickel-Based Catalysts For Efficient Methane Reforming And Hydrogen Production, Abdulmuizz Adamson

Dissertations

Ni-based catalysts are widely employed in methane reforming and cracking processes, however, their industrial application remains constrained by rapid deactivation caused by carbon deposition (coking). This thesis investigates the role of iron on the catalytic performance and coking resistance of the catalysts with focus on the mode of incorporation, oxidation state, reaction environment, and concentration of iron present as dopant.

The results show that doping the γ-Al₂O₃ support of Ni catalysts with well-dispersed iron ions in the support matrix significantly enhances catalyst stability during methane partial oxidation (POM) and combined dry reforming and partial oxidation (DR-POM). At 700°C, catalysts containing …

Unveiling Value In Plastic Waste: Synthesis Of 1,3-Dioxolan-4-Ones From Polylactic Acid And Polyoxymethylene To Enhance Plastic Biodegradation, Mi-Hyun Lee, Joohyun Park, Hyeongyeong Lee, Woo Yeon Cho, Semin Son, Pyung Cheon Lee, In-Hwan Lee, Hye-Young Jang

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Catalytic plastic upcycling protocols are essential for resolving the environmental and economic challenges associated with massive plastic production and disposal, as they convert complex waste streams into value-added chemicals. We report an efficient acid-catalyzed upcycling strategy for transforming poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and polyoxymethylene (POM) plastic waste. This innovative process directly yielding dioxolanones (DOXs) can be extended to use POM with various naturally abundant α-hydroxy acids. This work significantly expands the high-value chemical portfolio derivable from common plastic wastes. Incorporation of the synthesized DOXs into the poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) backbone results in materials with enhanced thermal stability and superior biodegradability. Critically, …

Physics-Preserving Machine Learning Framework For Cyberattack Detection And Mitigation In Grid-Integrated Bess-Pv Systems., Devin Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

As the global transition towards renewable energy accelerates, the integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) has become increasingly critical for maintaining grid stability and reliability. This thesis presents a physics-preserving machine learning framework designed for the detection and mitigation of cyberattacks in grid-integrated BESS-PV systems. The research addresses the growing concern surrounding cybersecurity threats that can compromise the functionality and safety of energy systems. We develop a comprehensive detection framework rooted in physical models that accurately represent the behavior of PV and BESS technology. Key contributions include the formulation of a dual attack modeling …

Network Structure Of Overall Health Functioning And Bereavement-Related Outcomes In Survivors Of Sudden Loss, Vivian L. Gleason

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

The deleterious effects of surviving the sudden loss of a close other are widespread, yet largely underexamined among emerging adults. Despite evidence recognizing prolonged grief (PG), posttraumatic stress (PTS), and depression as related yet distinct syndromes, there is a gap in knowledge in how this these symptoms cohere and to what extent overall health functioning relates to this constellation in sudden loss survivors. The present study used network systems modeling to examine centrality patterns within and across domains of PG, PTS, depression, and overall health functioning among undergraduate students bereaved by sudden loss (N = 606). Results from one-step bridge …

Unpacking Faculty Perceptions: Disability Critical Race Theory & Adaptive Equity-Oriented Pedagogical In Teaching Practices, Courtney D. Gipson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Students with disabilities (SWD) encounter barriers in higher education despite federal legislation intended for equitable access. Community colleges enroll in a significant number of SWDs, who outstandingly are positioned to support different learners. However, the implementation of instructional practices and accommodations are shaped by false beliefs, inadequate training, and inequitable structures. Historically, research on disability and higher education have been analyzed from a deficit and ableist perspective, ignoring the intersectional experiences of SWDs and the important role faculty play in creating inclusive learning environments. This study addresses these gaps by examining community college faculty members' perceptions, beliefs, and pedagogical practices. …

Analyzing The Framing Of President John D. Mahama’S Maiden Press Encounter In State And Independent Media Outlets, Daniel Ofosu Obeng

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

ABSTRACT Presidential press encounters are landmark moments in political communication which, as a result of media mediation, significantly impact people's perception of leadership and governance. The paper examines the depiction of the first press meeting of John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana, during his second term by state-owned and independent media in Ghana. This study, with Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Media Capture Theory as its theoretical frameworks, delves into how the language and institutional orientations influence the portrayal of the president's communication to the public by the media. By using a qualitative research design, the study decided on sixteen …

An Empirically Validated Adjustment Factor Level Of Traffic Stress Framework For Urban Bicycle Network Planning, Logan Sirbaugh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Bicyclist safety remains a critical challenge for transportation agencies seeking to expand bicycle networks while reducing crash severity and risk. To address this need, planners have used a range of evaluation approaches; however, many are costly, time-intensive, difficult to scale, and limited in transferability across jurisdictions. In response, Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) frameworks emerged as a practical tool for evaluating bicycling comfort and identifying low-stress routes using widely available roadway data. Despite widespread adoption, most LTS approaches rely on assumed design thresholds and perception-based criteria rather than observed safety outcomes, limiting their empirical grounding and consistency. This dissertation addresses …

Prevalence And Correlates Of Dietary Behaviors And Association With Metabolic Syndrome Among Adult Childhood Cancer Survivors, Lindsey Corder

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Background: Adult childhood cancer survivors (CCS) face an elevated risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS), contributing to adverse long-term cardiovascular outcomes. Dietary behaviors are modifiable risk factors for MetS, yet investigations remain limited in this at-risk population. Notably, gaps persist in evidence regarding how overall adherence to preventive dietary behaviors and sex differences relate to MetS within the context of social determinants of health (SDOH). Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study analyzed baseline data from adult CCS enrolled in the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort. Dietary adherence was assessed using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010), derived from a validated block food frequency …

Developing Violin Exercises Informed By The Alexander Technique: A Study Of Maurice Ravel’S Tzigane Concert Rhapsody For Violin And Piano, Idil Belgin Kucukdogan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders are highly prevalent among professional musicians, with violinists particularly vulnerable due to the instrument’s asymmetry and repetitive demands. Although research in performing arts medicine has expanded in recent decades, preventive strategies are not consistently integrated into violin pedagogy. This dissertation presents a structured set of preparatory exercises for Maurice Ravel’s Tzigane Concert Rhapsody for Violin and Piano, informed by the principles of the Alexander Technique, as a model for integrating a somatic awareness method into advanced violin practice. As an expressive and virtuoso showpiece firmly established in the violin canon, Tzigane presents distinctive technical challenges. Composed in …

The Social Constructions Of Musical Listening: Audience Etiquette From The Nineteenth Century To Today, Catherine Elise Balsamo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Audiences and performers of the twenty-first century are primarily of the belief that the cultural norms of the concert hall are rules of etiquette that have been codified for centuries when they are newer than we think. Researchers have studied the background of audience behavioral trends to try to trace back to when the rules of audience etiquette became commonplace, with some scholars citing the French Revolution as a primary catalyst and others tying it to nineteenth and twentieth century conductor “cults.” By analyzing primary source material and synthesizing existing research on cultural shifts in the Western concert hall, I …