Digital Commons Network^™

Building Bridges: An Appreciative Inquiry Approach To The Development Of Professional Learning To Enhance Teacher–Student Relationships For Students With Emotional Behavioral Disorders., Renee Renz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Positive teacher-student relationships are essential to student success yet are often difficult to create and maintain with students identified with Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD). Students with EBD frequently struggle with emotional regulation and disruptive behaviors, making relationships and trust both essential and challenging. This study addressed the need for professional learning that equipped educators with strategies to build and maintain positive relationships with students with EBD in secondary school settings. Guided by a participatory action research design, this study used Appreciative Inquiry as a framework for engaging expert secondary teachers from Kentucky in co-constructing professional learning. Appreciative Inquiry focused on …

Artificial Intelligence For Cancer Imaging: Integrated Frameworks For Hepatocellular Carcinoma And Pulmonary Nodules., Ahmed Muhammed Sherif Mostafa Alksas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Reliable, reproducible, and clinically useful artificial intelligence (AI) for oncologic imaging requires more than high headline metrics: it demands principled pipelines, calibrated predictions, and designs that generalize across anatomy, scanners, and institutions. This dissertation develops such pipelines in two complementary domains— hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on multiphase CT/MRI and indeterminate pulmonary nodules on thin-slice CT—while articulating evaluation and reporting practices that support credible clinical translation. The work proceeds in six core chapters. Two focused reviews synthesize the state of the art in (i) radiomics/AI for HCC and (ii) early assessment of lung nodules, mapping common pitfalls (data leakage, class imbalance, kernel …

Molecular Dynamics Simulations Of Biologically Relevant Interfaces: From Tear Film Lipid Layers To Rna Adsorption On Silica Surfaces., Mahbuba Khanom

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is an important tool in biochemical sciences for studying complex molecular processes and interfacial interactions at the molecular level. Biological interfaces play key roles in processes such as ocular lubrication and biomolecular adsorption. This dissertation studies interfacial phenomena involving two distinct yet conceptually related systems: the tear film lipid layer (TFLL) at the air–water interface at the surface of the human eye, and RNA adsorption on silica surfaces. These studies provide insight into how interfacial composition, structure, and environmental conditions affect larger-scale behavior. Atomistic MD simulations were used to model the TFLL. The TFLL is essential …

Be Yourself: Life History Of Gay K-12 Educators In Kentucky And Their Lived Experiences., Kevin L. Garner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative life history study explored the lived experiences of gay male educators navigating authenticity, visibility, and advocacy in K–12 schools across Kentucky. Using Queer Theory as the primary framework, complemented by Queer Pedagogy, Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, and Minority Stress Theory, the research examines how social, institutional, and political contexts shape the professional lives and identity expression of gay men working in educational settings. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with ten participants, each sharing life narratives that illuminated the intersection between personal authenticity and professional identity within politically and religiously conservative environments. Through reductive analysis and thematic …

Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes: From Discovery To Clinical Application., Lewis Clayton Chew

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the evolution of TIL therapy from its discovery to clinical application, focusing on its use in treating metastatic cancer. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT), particularly TIL therapy, has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional treatments like chemotherapy. This review article traces the historical development of TILs, highlighting key experiments and clinical trials that have shaped its understanding and application as a therapeutic strategy for patients with metastatic and difficult to treat cancers including melanoma. Importantly, this article highlights recent advancements, including the FDA approval of Lifileucel, and explores emerging strategies to enhance therapeutic efficacy of TILs through …

Detecting Non-Axisymmetric Instabilities In Fluid-Based Manufacturing Via Multi-View Tensor Analysis., Bidusi Khadka

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Fluid-based manufacturing processes, such as inkjet printing and electrospinning, fabricate micro- and nano-scale structures with high precision, but are prone to complex fluid dynamics exhibiting axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric instabilities. Conventional monitoring often relies on single-camera inputs and symmetry assumptions, limiting the detection of three-dimensional anomalies like jet deflection. This study presents a novel multi-view streaming video-based anomaly detection framework to address this gap. The framework employs a modified Tensor Sequential Sampling (TSS) algorithm with edge-based sampling to capture geometric spatiotemporal features of each camera view using the videos obtained from an orthogonally positioned dual-camera setup. These features are fused with …

Emerging Solid Electrolytes For Solid-State Sodium Batteries: Synthesis And Interface Study., Xiaolin Guo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Over the past decade, solid-state batteries have attracted significant attention as the next-generation energy storage technology due to their higher energy density and enhanced safety. Given the abundant sodium (Na) resources relative to lithium (Li), the development of sodium-based batteries has become increasingly compelling. Within a solid-state battery, the solid electrolytes (SEs) serve the dual function of (i) electronically insulating and physically separating the electrodes, and (ii) transporting ions between the anode and cathode. To meet these essential requirements, ideal SEs must process high ionic conductivity with negligible electronic conductivity, robust structural and chemical stability, a wide electrochemical window, and …

Predicting Major Solar Flares Using Convolutional Neural Networks And Multivariate Magnetic Field Time-Series Data, Arash Azizian Foumani

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Major solar flares are sudden, intense bursts of X-ray energy from the Sun, capable of severely impacting critical technological infrastructure like satellites, communication networks, and power grids on Earth. Accurate prediction of these high-intensity events is crucial but presents a significant challenge. This is largely due to their infrequent occurrence and the complex, dynamic nature of the Sun's underlying magnetic activity which drives these events. This research focuses on improving the prediction of major solar flares by utilizing detailed historical data that tracks the evolution of magnetic properties within solar active regions over time. This time-based data, however, contains inherent …

Enabling Scalable Camera-Based Streamflow Monitoring With Serverless Cloud Computing, Sajan Neupane

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This thesis introduces a modern and automated method for monitoring rivers and streams using cameras and cloud-based software tools. Traditional monitoring methods often rely on sensors placed directly in the water, which can be expensive, hard to install, and difficult to maintain, especially in remote or rough terrain. In contrast, this approach uses cameras to observe water flow from a distance, offering a safer and more cost-effective alternative. However, camera systems come with their own challenges, such as collecting large amounts of image data, transferring it reliably from the field, and analyzing it quickly enough to be useful. This research …

Self-Assessment In Calculus I, Bertha Naa Dei Neequaye

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The purpose of this research investigate how undergraduate students in Calculus I at Utah State University learn and reflect on their level of understanding of Calculus I. In the study, self-assessment practices refer to students reflecting on what they have learned, rating their level of understanding and providing examples that illustrate their level of understanding. The structured and unstructured self-assessment rubrics were the two types of self-assessment rubrics used in the study. The structured self-assessment rubric provides a clear list of objectives of Calculus I topics for students to rate themselves on, while the unstructured self-assessment rubric is an open …

Integrating Manager Perspectives Into The Evaluation Of Wetland Revegetation Strategies, Loren F. Taylor

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Ecological restoration is the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded and is dependent on complex and context-specific decisions. The decision-making process influencing restoration is rarely examined alongside ecological processes. There is a need for research that incorporates the social, economic, institutional, and logistical considerations that shape real-world practices, as well as ecological processes. Decisions made by restoration practitioners and land managers (hereon “manager”) are challenged by the lack of information shared regarding the practical constraints (e.g., cost, labor, specialized equipment) they face. Revegetation, particularly in wetlands, poses challenges due to site conditions and degradation …

Cognitive Dynamics In Undergraduate Engineering Education: Effects Of Need For Cognitive Closure And Achievement Goal Orientation On Cognitive Engagement, Zain Ul Abideen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Cognitive and motivational factors play an important role in students’ engagement during problem-solving, which can lead to academic and professional success. Among these factors, Need for cognitive closure (NFCC) and achievement goal orientation (AGO) have been studied extensively individually, but their interaction and impact on engineering students’ problem-solving is still not explored. NFCC refers to the person’s desire for quick answers, and AGO is the student’s approach to learning and success. This research investigated the impact of NFCC on gender and engineering major, and the relation between NFCC (five facets) and AGO (Mastery, Performance) at their different levels. Additionally, this …

Software Developer Job Satisfaction: Interpretable Machine Learning Insights From The Stack Overflow Developer Survey, Reagan E. Hoopes

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Many researchers have investigated the factors influencing software developer workplace outcomes, such as job satisfaction, due to the central role of the tech industry in the global economy and the specialized expertise of software developers. Past research has often relied on small surveys and traditional analysis methods, with limited use of modern machine learning techniques. This study introduces an efficient and scalable approach to analyzing software developer job satisfaction using interpretable machine learning.

We use data from the 2019 and 2024 Stack Overflow Developer Surveys, an annual survey of software developers worldwide that encompasses a broad range of topics, including …

Evaluating Use Of Multiple Hydrologic Storage Indicators To Enhance Streamflow Forecasting, Reza Morovati

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Accurate seasonal streamflow forecasts are essential for managing water resources in the western United States, where much of the water supply depends on snow accumulation and melt. Water managers, farmers, and communities rely on these forecasts to plan for water use, prepare for droughts, and protect the environment. However, traditional forecasting methods often do not fully use all the available information about how water is stored in the landscape, such as in snowpacks, soil moisture, and groundwater. This can limit the accuracy of predictions and make water management more difficult.

This study aimed to improve streamflow forecasts by explicitly including …

Machine Learning Applications: Cell Tracking And Nonparametric Estimation Of Non-Smooth Divergences, Mina Mahbub Hossain

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This thesis brings together two important research directions: how to compare different sets of data more accurately, and how to better understand how brain cancer cells move and change shape.

In the first part, we look at a problem in statistics: measuring how different two data sources are from each other. Traditional methods often make strong assumptions, which may not always hold in real situations. Our approach avoids those assumptions by using an ensemble method, a way of combining many weak estimators into one stronger result. This makes the method more flexible and reliable, especially when dealing with complex or …

Multi-Agent Robotaxi Dispatch Coordination In A Real-World Simulation – Optimizing Rider Assignment, Rebalancing, And Charging Using Battery-Dependent Rewards And Welfare Maximization, Paden Thompson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

We propose an approach to coordinate a robotaxi fleet for an autonomous ride-hail service. This is a service similar to a traditional ride-hailing service (Uber, Lyft), where customers request a ride and are then picked up in a car and dropped off in a new location; except, driverless vehicles called robotaxis are used to transport the customers.

Our approach teaches helpful coordination strategies to a robotaxi fleet while taking into account the individual battery level of the robotaxis. Each robotaxi acts as an individual agent in our simulation and can choose to pick up a rider, reposition to a new …

Material Differentiation On The Yellow Point Ridge Lithic Landscape, Gabriel Boghosian

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This paper identified material use differences on the Yellow Point Ridge Lithic Landscape, utilizing flake morphology to identify use stages of materials found on site. This research confirmed the viability of methods like PXRF in conjunction with Infield material identifications and geologist identifications, as well as expanded the understanding of South-west Wyoming land use by hunter-gatherers.

Using Behavioral Skills Training To Teach School Staff To Implement Functional Communication Training, Megan Johnston

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This project looked at how to train school staff in effective strategies for supporting students with disabilities who engage in challenging behaviors like hitting, self-injury, or crying. We taught three school staff members to use a behavioral intervention called Functional Communication Training (FCT), which helps students learn more appropriate ways to communicate their needs, while also ensuring they do not gain access to reinforcement for challenging behaviors. Staff were trained using Behavioral Skills Training (BST), a step-by-step approach that includes instructions, modeling, practice, and feedback. After the training, the school staff were able to use these strategies correctly, and the …

Quicklime-Based Self-Healing Concrete For Bridge Deck Applications, Mehrnoosh Nazari

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials in the world. However, over time, it can crack and deteriorate, especially on roads and bridges exposed to harsh weather and deicing salts. Inspired by the long-lasting durability of ancient Roman concrete, this study explores the self-healing capabilities of concrete incorporating quicklime (calcium oxide) aggregates to extend the service life of bridge decks. For this purpose, three concrete mixtures were developed using local materials: one without quicklime (C-Q 0%) and two with 2% (C-Q 2%) and 4% quicklime (C-Q 4%). These mixtures were tested for fresh properties, strength, durability, and …

Built For Participation: A Set Of Measures For Evaluating Community Living For People Of All Abilities As Supported By The Built Environment, Christopher A. Wilson Ii

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

As the world enters a new era of urban living, it is important to develop cities that allow residents of all ages and abilities to fully participate in society. Integration of people with disabilities into daily community living involves looking beyond site- or product-specific features to community- and city-wide systems. Some tools have been developed to begin evaluating cities’ levels of inclusive social participation and to provide recommendations for city planning professionals. However, the tools that have been developed often are too complex for practical use or rely on data that varies in obtainability. Therefore, the purpose of this series …

Developing Standardized Testing Datasets For Benchmarking Automated Quality Control Algorithm Performance With Aquatic Sensor Data, Ehsan Kahrizi

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Advances in water monitoring technologies have led to a large increase in the amount of data collected from rivers, lakes, and other water systems. However, ensuring that these data are accurate and reliable remains a major challenge. Traditional data quality checks are done manually by a technician, which can be slow, inconsistent, and not practical for real-time monitoring. This research addresses these challenges by developing standardized datasets for testing computer-based methods that automatically detect and correct errors in water data. Using information from the Logan River Observatory in northern Utah, we created a step-by-step process to identify, categorize, and label …

Using Luminescence Of Quartz Temper From Archaeological Pottery To Infer Wildfire Intensity In The Southwestern Us, Brooklyn D. Dib

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The size and frequency of wildfires have increased recently, impacting ecosystems, communities, and human health. This research uses the heat-sensitive luminescence signals of quartz sand temper within archaeological pottery to record past wildfire conditions. Pottery sherds, which are fragments of archaeological pottery, from the forest floor in sites in New Mexico and Arizona were collected from different fire contexts (no fire exposure, historical fires, prescribed burns, and modern wildfires). These forests are primarily Ponderosa Pine with a grassy understory. The interior sand grains of each sherd sample were analyzed using optically stimulated luminescence, which dates when the mineral grains were …

Improvisation Of Mands Using Augmentative And Alternative Communication, Lauren Decker

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Research shows that young children who use pictures to communicate can use colors, shapes, and functions of items to request when the specific picture of the item is not available. This problem-solving skill is called improvisation, which this study taught to a preschool aged participant with communication delays. A four-year-old preschool student was able to make these requests with basic colors, shapes, and three function pictures. They also were able to make these requests for items not taught to them in different settings. This suggests that improvisation training can be successfully implemented with preschool aged children with communication delays and …

Unveiling The Interactions Between The Antibiotic Resistome And Microplastics Influenced By Trace Elements And Ppcps In Wastewater Treatment Plants, Tahira Tasneem Rahman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global concern, and wastewater treatment plants play a critical role in controlling its spread. These facilities process water containing microplastics (small plastic particles), trace elements like copper and zinc, and chemicals from everyday products like pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Together, these pollutants may contribute to the survival and spread of bacteria containing antibiotic resistance genes, but their combined effects are not fully understood. This study investigated how these pollutants behave and interact in wastewater treatment plants using two approaches: direct monitoring of real treatment plants and controlled lab experiments using synthetic wastewater. Results showed …

Discourses Embedded In The Adams V. School Board Of St. Johns County Decision And The Rights Of Transgender Students In Schools, Douglas Larson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This study was critical analysis of the language of the court case Adams v. School Board of St. Johns County (2022). This case was brough by a student against the School District challenging a policy that prevented him, a transgender boy, from using the boys’ restroom. The analysis was not intended to determine the merits of the case or the correctness of the legal reasoning. Rather, the analysis was performed on the text of the case—the language used by the judges—to learn about the beliefs, attitudes, and values of the judges.

The reason this analysis is important is because judges …

Evaluating Energy Transition Winners And Losers: Are Algae Biofuels Desirable, Feasible, And Viable?, Michelle M. Arnold

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Climate change, environmental degradation, finite resources, and the uneven distribution of energy access all points to an urgent need for a global energy transition. But making that transition responsibly requires more than enthusiasm for “green” solutions—it demands careful evaluation of which energy sources are truly worth investing in. This dissertation develops a practical decision-making framework to help policymakers, scientists, and the public answer three foundational questions about any new energy technology: Is it desirable? Is it feasible? Is it viable? By systematically weighing public narratives, biophysical constraints, and patterns of innovation, the framework aims to prevent wasted time, funding, and …

Assessing The Human Health Impacts Of Nutrient-Dense Diets: Clinical Trials On Regenerative Agriculture And Protein Source, Jennifer Jensen-Cloward

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Increasing consumer demand for sustainable, animal-friendly food options has sparked discussion about farming production practices. As more people prioritize their food choices, questions have circulated about how farming practices might impact not just the environment, but also human health. Regenerative agriculture is a farming method that has gained popularity for its potential to improve both food quality and environmental outcomes. It focuses on restoring ecosystem function, ultimately impacting the resulting nutrients in food products, and includes foods like grass-fed meat and organic produce. However, it is still unclear whether these practices make a difference in human health. This dissertation informs …

Biocontrol Of Canada Thistle (Cirsium Arvense) With The Rust Fungus, Puccinia Punctiformis In The Intermountain West: Integrated Weed Management Compatibility And Characterization Of Microbiome Associations, Caitlin Henderson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) is an invasive weed of major concern in both agricultural and native areas. It competes against native plants, reduces crop production and quality, and causes significant costs in management and damages. Canada thistle can survive and spread through seeds, but primarily does so through its extensive root system, which causes the greatest management difficulties. There are several control methods for this invasive weed, herbicides are perhaps the most common and effective, however, they have limitations and negative consequences. Herbicide use near waterways is restricted and there are growing concerns of the development of herbicide …

An Evaluation Of Virtual Reality Modeling To Improve Accuracy Of Physical Education Skills In Teenage Students With Disabilities, Kristen Lee

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Virtual Reality (VR) technology is becoming more common in schools, especially for teaching and training. In this study, researchers explored how VR can help teenagers with disabilities improve their physical education skills, specifically push-ups, lunges, and jumping jacks. The participants all showed an increase in their skills and reached a high level of accuracy on every skill. The results showed that adding feedback was also necessary for some participants. Additionally, participants enjoyed using the VR equipment and showed high levels of happiness throughout the study. These findings suggested that using VR technology can be an effective way to support teenagers …

The Effects Of Lactoferrin And Iron-Enriched Whey On Iron Status Of Collegiate Females, Connor Kemp

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Iron deficiency has remained a global issue even in developed countries despite food fortification and increased nutritional literacy, biological women of child baring age are at particular risk due to menstruation and reduced dietary intake of iron containing foods compared to men. This issue is of particular concern in athletics due to the critical role of iron in oxygen transport and energy metabolism. With nearly half of female athletes presenting low iron status iron supplementation is often necessary. With iron supplementation often resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms that could negatively impact sport performance itself there is a need to explore other …