Digital Commons Network^™

Measuring And Modeling Nonlinear Vibrations In Structures With Mechanical Joints, Suzanna Gilbert

Theses and Dissertations

Many assembled structures have bolted or riveted joints. Aside from providing a convenient method of assembly, mechanical joints have an important effect on the structure's dynamic response to its environment. Friction and microslip within the joints help to damp out unwanted vibration. However, the joints also introduce nonlinearity into the response. Most notably, the natural vibrational modes of the structure no longer have constant natural frequencies and damping ratios. Rather, they shift as a function of vibration amplitude. Several methods exist to characterize the dynamics of nonlinear systems, yet they are generally validated on simple benchmark structures, and many still …

Demographic Similarity, Psychopathy, And Perceived Inherent Value: An Investigation Of Factors Influencing Moral Decision Making, Ashley Michelle Poston

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The present study experimentally manipulated the demographic characteristics of the subjects of moral dilemmas such that they were 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% demographically similar to participants. Participants rated each of these individuals on a novel measure of perceived inherent value, the Perceived Inherent Value Scale (PIVS) and responded to a series of moral dilemmas using the Consequences, Norms, and preference for Inaction (CNI) model of moral decision making where the subjects of the moral dilemmas were the 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% similar individuals. Participants rated individuals who were more demographically similar to themselves as having greater perceived inherent …

Integrating Classical Singing Techniques To Aid Natives In Performing Traditional Tongan Folk Songs Of The Late Queen Sālote Tupou Iii, Pauline 'Ofa Vaitāfā Tamale

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This document introduces a structured, classical vocal approach to equip native singers with healthier performance techniques and enable anyone in the music world to perform the art songs derived from the poetry and compositions of Queen Sālote Tupou III. The objective of this project is to provide performers, particularly those with a native proficiency, with classical techniques to perform this music with vigor while circumventing vocal fatigue caused by the linguistic, dialectal, and cultural demands inherent in the repertoire. Queen Sālote Tupou III (1900–1965) reigned for nearly 50 years – the longest of any Tongan monarch – and left an …

Gender Equality Discourse: A Japanese Context, Gabriel Eweje, Hitomi Toyosaki, Kazunori Kobayashi, Sitong Michelle Chen, Masahiro Hosoda

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose – This review paper aims to critically examine the discourse on gender equality in Japan, focusing on its socio-cultural, economic and political dimensions. By synthesising existing literature, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and barriers that influence the gender equality debate in Japan, while identifying gaps and opportunities for future research and specifying where practice can be recoupled to policy. Design/methodology/approach – An integrative literature review was conducted across four key institutional domains – markets, government/public sector, families and education – analysed at the macro, meso and micro levels. The synthesis is integrative rather than exhaustive, prioritising …

A Less Than Ideal Journey: The Introduction Of Commercial Smart Card Ticketing For Local Bus Services In England, Jon Shaw, Iain Docherty, Andrew Seedhouse, Alison Rumbles

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Purpose: In the broader context of the pursuit of a more sustainable transport policy in the United Kingdom, the paper explores issues that emerged during the instigation, development and implementation of national smart ticketing policy for England.Design/methodology/approach: The primary empirical information in this paper was derived from 51 semi-structured interviews with 61 key stakeholders in the process of developing and implementing smart ticketing policy. Participants were identified through a purposive sampling approach designed to engage respondents because of the position they occupy and the quality of information they can provide.Findings: Difficulties emerged in the partnership approach to policy delivery made …

From Cultural Enthusiasm To Academic Institutionalization: The Rise And Limitations Of Korean Studies In Taiwan’S Higher Education, Bumsig Ha, Hsien-Ming Lin

Asia-Pacific Social Science Review

This study explores the institutionalization, development, and ongoing challenges of regional studies in Taiwan’s higher education system, with a specific focus on Korean Studies. It examines how Taiwan’s growing interest in South Korea, shaped by historical, political, and cultural ties as well as the widespread influence of Korean popular culture, has stimulated the expansion of Korean language learning and academic engagement. Through a comprehensive analysis of Korean Studies programs across Taiwanese universities, the study identifies a clear rise in student enrollment and curricular diversification, with course offerings now extending beyond language instruction to encompass interdisciplinary topics such as Korean politics, …

The Dynamics Of The G77, G7, G20, And Brics: Insights And Actions For Enhancing Asean’S Role In Global Economic Governance, Long Yang, Ploypailin Kijkasiwat

Asia-Pacific Social Science Review

In recent decades, the Global North and South have established a number of global economic governance (GEG) clubs, including the Group of 77 (G77), Group of 7 (G7), Group of 20 (G20), and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) Group, to influence the global economic order. Many sovereign countries and intergovernmental organizations have assumed influential roles in the GEG system by joining these governance platforms as full members. Recognizing ASEAN’s traditionally limited role in the global economic governance system, the authors suggest that ASEAN nations should strengthen their relationships with some of these governance clubs. This article discusses …

Reduplication In English Children’S Songs In Youtube: A Morphological Study, Amal Awda Ghadab

Alustath Journal for Human and Social Sciences

The study is qualitative descriptive research of a morphological analysis of reduplication in English children's songs in YouTube. The study identifies what is meant by reduplication phonologically and morphologically. It also shows the types reduplication. The data is selecting (21) English children's songs and analyzing them according to types of reduplication (full and partial reduplication). The conclusions show what types of reduplication are used in English children's songs.

Creando Conexiones Verdaderas?: Examining Latinx Families’ Lived Experiences With Family-School Partnerships, Jacqueline M. Eddy

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Family-school partnerships are essential for a child’s academic and social-emotional well-being in schools. These partnerships thrive when families and school personnel cultivate trusting, communicative, and cooperative relationships. However, families from minoritized communities, such as those from Latinx backgrounds, may encounter challenges that prevent them from forming strong, meaningful relationships with teachers and administrators. This qualitative dissertation study was grounded in a social constructivist paradigm and a phenomenological tradition. The purpose of this study was to understand the lived experiences of Latinx families as they navigate relational aspects of family-school partnerships in their children’s schools. Using semi-structured interviews, four participants were …

Transforming Fear Of Falling Care: Bridging Evidence Synthesis And Clinical Trial On Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Based Multicomponent Interventions For Older Adults, Haehyun Lee

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: Fear of falling (FoF) and associated avoidance behavior represent critical health concerns for older adults, with profound impacts on physical functioning, independence, psychosocial well-being, and healthcare utilization. Although fear of falling avoidance behavior (FFAB) is increasingly recognized as a distinct construct and clinically meaningful construct, intervention research remains limited due to fragmented assessment methodologies and incomplete integration of cognitive-behavioral and physical approaches. This dissertation addresses these gaps through two interrelated projects (1) a scoping review of the evidence base, assessment methods, and intervention strategies for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targeting FFAB in older adults; and (2) a randomized controlled …

Geometric And Proximity Based Substrate Targeting By Cullin-Ring Ligases, Jerry Li

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Homeostasis, the process of maintaining stable biochemical and biophysical conditions, is a fundamental facet of cellular viability. Biochemical homeostasis is critical to support the biological functions that sustain living organisms. Protein ubiquitylation is one of the primary cellular pathways that regulate protein homeostasis and turnover. Ubiquitylation is initiated through the conjugation of a small globular protein known as ubiquitin, onto a given substrate. There exists a myriad of cellular fates that ubiquitylated proteins may undergo, but the most widely studied pathway is protein degradation, whereby a ubiquitylated protein substrate is shunted to a large macromolecular protease known as the proteasome, …

Hypervigilance In Emerging Adulthood: The Impact Of Trauma, Milestone Achievement, And Minority Identity, Alexis Rice

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Emerging adulthood is a critical developmental period marked by identity exploration, increased autonomy, and heightened vulnerability to societal pressures. This mixed methods study examined how hypervigilance: a heightened state of alertness often associated with trauma and minority stress- varies by gender, sexual identity, racial trauma exposure, and adulthood milestone achievement among emerging adults aged 18–29. A total of 369 participants completed measures assessing hypervigilance behaviors, adulthood milestone attainment, and trauma exposure. Quantitative analyses revealed that sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals and cisgender women reported significantly higher levels of hypervigilance compared to their counterparts. Witnessing trauma inflicted on someone of …

Navigating Leadership In Bilingual Education: Exploring The Preparation, Experiences, And Adaptability Of Bilingual Education Leaders In The Southwest, Cynthia Romero

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study explored the experiences of school-level bilingual program leaders in the Southwestern United States, focusing on how their preparation, lived experiences, and local contexts shaped their leadership practices and decision-making. Drawing on Bourdieu’s theory of practice, the research examined how habitus and various forms of capital (cultural, social, and symbolic) influenced leaders’ approaches to developing and sustaining bilingual programs. Yosso’s theory of community cultural wealth (CCW) further expanded this lens by highlighting the aspirational, linguistic, familial, social, navigational, and resistant forms of capital.

Using a qualitative multi-case study design, the research analyzed policy documents, leadership preparation coursework, and semi-structured …

Modeling The Mojave: A Multiphase, Mixed Methods Phenomenological Investigation Of Novice Understanding Of A Complex Ecological System, Nicole Juliana Thomas

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This research explores early college science majors’ conceptions of the Mojave Desert ecosystem as a complex system. A multi-level, explanatory sequential mixed methods design was employed to study college science majors’ understanding of the Mojave Desert ecosystem to better inform science pedagogy. The first level, the quantitative phase of the study, consisted of developing a mathematical representation of twelve ecosystem variables present within the Mojave Desert. The second level, the qualitative phase of the study, consisted of phenomenological semi-structured interviews with 23 early college science majors. The findings of this research suggest that the Mojave Desert operates as a complex, …

Deaf College Students’ Lived Experiences In Pk-16 Education: A Deaf Crit-Informed Qualitative Study, Bridget Catherine Taylor

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This qualitative study focused on Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and orally Deaf college students, examining Deaf education from the perspective of linguistic and cultural minority students. The study offers theoretical perspectives for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers by examining the lived experiences of students who took part in Deaf education in the United States from PK–16. Deaf Critical Theory (DeafCrit) was the theoretical framework used to analyze the qualitative data.

Classification Of Cases Of Animal Abuse In Ecuador Using Indetermsoft And C4.5 Algorithms, Viviana Del Rocío Marfetan Marfetan, Lesly Gissela Tipanguano Chicaiza, Styven Andrés Pila Chicaiza, Estephany Monserrath Ojeda Sanchez

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This dissertation aimed to determine the classification of animal abuse within Ecuador by severity, context, and solution through the application of IndetermSoft and the statistical-neutrosophic C4.5 algorithm to classify the uncertainty associated with judicial and administrative efforts for animal protection for domestic dogs and cats. The approach was qualitative and documentary, analyzing judicial sentences, citizen complaints, and municipal ordinances within the three largest Ecuadorian cities of Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca to acquire the determination of classifications of animal abuse, subsequent sanctions, and follow-ups. A modeling of IndetermSoft ensembles assessed the indeterminacy of subsequent actions, and inputted into IndetermSoft and the …

Modeling The Rehabilitation Of Offenders In Domestic Violence Using A Hybrid Neutrosophic-Logistic Approach To Reduce Recidivism, Johanna Estefanía Calle Imbaquingo, Karen Milagros Díaz Salambay, Jordy Alexis Vargas Yumbo, Kevin Christopher Carrasco Azogue, Otto F. Von Feigenblatt

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This dissertation seeks to determine if criminal suspension—per Article 651.3 of National Criminal Code (COIP)—for domestic violence offenders in Ecuador actually reduces recidivism through effective rehabilitation. This study is significant for comprehension of offender mentality and subsequent ability to accept criminal punishment to reduce recidivism for prolonged victim safety and better acts of authority in a country where domestic violence is still a major social concern. While the existing literature has studied aspects of restorative justice, very few articles have explored the predicating factors of recidivism and the lack of judicial observation and databases due to a neoteric nature and …

Roots Of The Human Psyche: The Spiritual Connection Of Nature With The Mind, Dania Hussain Abdulmunem, Nadia Ali Ismael

Alustath Journal for Human and Social Sciences

Seamus Justin Heaney (1939-2013) was intensely engaged in nature in a way that differed from the usual concept of nature representing beauty, love, and romance. Heaney's role in portraying nature is unique. Describing nature from a deeper perspective reveals what nature hides in terms of darkness and violence. This image encourages people to contemplate more deeply because beauty may conceal a lot of sadness and grief. The poet intends to reflect on the events of the conflicts in Ireland and around the world through nature. Just as nature conceals darkness, so does the individual conceal the inner meaning of his …

Replacement And Reputation, Navin Kartik, Elliot Lipnowski, Harry Pei

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

Does electoral replacement ensure that officeholders eventually act in voters’ interests? We study a reputational model of accountability. Voters observe incumbents’ performance and decide whether to replace them. Politicians may be “good” types who always exert effort or opportunists who may shirk. We find that good long-run outcomes are always attainable, though the mechanism and its robustness depend on economic conditions. In environments conducive to incentive provision, some equilibria feature sustained effort, yet others exhibit some long-run shirking. In the complementary case, opportunists are never fully disciplined, but selection dominates: every equilibrium eventually settles on a good politician, yielding permanent …

There Is No Obstruction To A Euclidean Proof For The Fourth Postulate, José Gil-Férez, Piotr Błaszczyk, M. Andrew Moshier, Alberto Naibo, Jean-Michel Salanskis

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

In Gil-Férez et al. (2025), we presented a proof of Postulate 4 using purely Euclidean techniques, against which Blåsjö (2025) raised several objections. In this note, we offer linguistic, textual, historical, and mathematical evidence that demonstrate that all these objections are baseless.

Multidimensional Analysis Of Student Loyalty Using The Neutrosophic Biplot Method For Retention Strategies In Higher Education, Claudio Ruff, Marcelo Ruiz, Alexis Matheu, Bastián Gutiérrez, Luis Benites, Gerardo Anabalón

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

Student loyalty in higher education represents a critical challenge for universities, particularly in the context of increasing competition and the need to ensure long-term retention. A key question arises: how can student loyalty be modeled when it is shaped by diverse and subjective perceptions? The relevance of this issue lies in its impact on institutional stability: when students withdraw before completing their programs, universities not only lose projected revenue but also face disruptions that may negatively influence academic rankings. Previous literature has explored drivers of satisfaction and determinants of loyalty; however, little attention has been given to approaches that explicitly …

Artificial Intelligence For Smes In The Dominican Republic: A Strategic Neutrosophic Pest-Swot Analysis To Navigate Uncertainty, Karina Pérez Teruel

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This study examines the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Dominican Republic SMEs through a PESTLE-neutrosophic analysis. PESTLE stands for Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental factors. Neutrosophic is the Philosophy of Indeterminacy. Therefore, we focus on the factors relative to AI adoption in the Dominican Republic—specifiers to the benefits and drawbacks, as well as, the unknowns of operating with AI—with the intention of illuminating attention. The findings support a phased approach for SMEs to view indeterminacy as an opportunity for competitive advantage through improved operational efficiencies, enhanced customer experience, and more informed decision-making. Ultimately, the results position AI …

Artificial Intelligence In Cuban Audiovisual Production: An Approach To Technological Sovereignty Evaluated Through Neutrosophic Pest-Foda Analysis, Natalia Del Carmen Díaz Riverón

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This article aims to respond to the need to generate a public policy for the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) use in Cuban audiovisuals from technological sovereignty through a neutrosophic PEST-SWOT analysis. After a theoretical-contextual study composed of the history of AI, its scientific and technological bases and the ethical and regulatory issues of use, international experiences and studies and the current state of affairs in Cuba (comprised of technology based barriers, training impediments and absence of a specific regulatory approach), the research takes place through triangulation via a mixed-methodology where theoretical and empirical approaches are integrated with neutrosophic PEST-SWOT …

Integrating Normative Coherence Into Judicial Hermeneutics Through The Neutrosophic Hierarchical Analytic Process: An Ethical Approach To Justice, Carmen Marina Méndez Cabrita, Josía Jeseff Isea Argüelles, Teresa De Jesús Molina Gutiérrez, Jesús Alfredo Morales Carrero

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This article answers the need to ensure normative coherence in hermeneutics exercised by judges and aims to investigate how a judge's decision can be in line with ethical justice values and formal justice values when uncertainty is concerned. This article is significant and timely because the current state of globalized legal systems calls for judges who can render the expected outcome but also an application of law that supports ethical justice values to enhance the legitimacy of any judicial system and community confidence in authority. While other scholarly contributions to the field of legal hermeneutics—from Vigo—credit a great deal to …

A Visual Aid-Based Model For Constructing The Concept Of Probability For Students Aged 9 To 11, Validated Using Neutrosophic Plithogenic Statistics, Nela Del Rocío Sánchez López, Diana Carolina Pérez Duarte, Luis Fernando Pérez Duarte

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This article discusses a research endeavor whose intent was to further develop statistical reasoning by formulating probability notions for 9-11-year-old learners. The probability endeavor is formulated through a union of narrative, problem-solving and visual approaches. Action research allowed for formulation and implementation within a school setting, satisfactorily proving success in developing learners' abilities to think logically and critically. Results indicate a statistically significant probability of appropriating the notion of probability based on neutrosophic plithogenic statistics which assessed the degree of truth, indeterminacy, and falsity of student answers which ultimately promote rational decisions in uncertain situations. It's recommended that the union …

Designing Optimal Routes For Mobile Prenatal Care Clinics Using Neutrosophic Cognitive Maps, Mónica Gabriela Chachalo Sandoval, Evelyn Paulina Chacha Ochoa

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This manuscript examines the routing of mobile prenatal clinics in Ecuador, focusing on maternal and infant health in vulnerable, hard-to-reach areas. This assessment is significant because even with new developments geographically expanding access to mobile prenatal clinics, there remain accessibility gaps for vulnerable women located in hard-to-reach, topographic regions where it's uncertain if they truly need services or can assess whether they can travel to a clinic. While previous studies sought to assess the potential for newly mobile units and coverage, few studies have been found to assess new routes through accessibility uncertainty and villages with varying demand for access …

Neutrosophic Plithogenic Hypotheses On Bacterial Resistance To Conventional And Laser-Assisted Treatments, Emma Arroyo Lalama, Edison Haro Pujos

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

Enterococcus faecalis is a common endodontic pathogen that causes unsuccessful treatments because standard methods of debridement cannot remove it from the root canal system. Methods of debridement are effective relative to debriding multifactorial bacterial biofilms in apical pathogens. Therefore, neutrosophic plithogenic hypotheses are proposed to measure the uncertainty and variability of the bacterial response. Therefore, this work attempted to determine the impact of laser treatment (diode and Er:YAG) as an adjunct agent relative to and in conjunction with traditional irrigants in the reduction of E. faecalis. The diode and Er:YAG laser support increased disinfection efficacy over standard irrigants as they …

Multivariate Visualization Of The Impact Of Universal Design For Learning On Inclusion And Mathematical Achievement Using The Neutrosophic Biplot Method, Franklin Leónidas Elizondo Avilez, Viviana Josefa Mosquera Yépez, Jimmy Darlin Zambrano Palma, Juana Danesa Mosquera Yépez

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This dissertation answers a problem of practice. What is the effect of Universal Design for Learning on equity and achievement in math for at-risk and special needs upper elementary and secondary students in Ecuador? classrooms are more diverse than ever, with variations in learning styles and the expectation of equity in the classroom. Thus, it's critical to address past and present methods of teaching that promote access and participation. While the implementation of Universal Design for Learning is relatively new to the inclusion game, the studies done thus far fail to incorporate a triangulated design that considers complexity, multivariate factors, …

Triadic Dynamics Of Clinical Decisions In Apical Surgery Based On Neutrosophic N-Alectic, Emma Arroyo Lalama, Edison Haro Pujos

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This study explored the creation of a clinical decision-making model in apical surgery via Neutrosophic N-Alectic, blending affirmative (operate), negative (observe), and neutral (retry conventional endodontics) based on equivocal findings to offer potential solutions to the presentation of periapical lesions. The methodology consisted of dialectic considerations of previous surgeries retrospectively, meaning attributable elements such as lesion severity and response to previous treatment were assessed via a neutrosophic approach to assess the degree of truth, degree of falsity and degree of indeterminacy across all treatment options. The main findings are the neutrosophic model assists in determining the best decisions based on …

Intercultural Education From Ancestral Logic: Application Of The Ayni Method Multi-Neutrosophic To Strengthen Mixed Methodology In The Waorani Community, Johanna Estefanía Calle Imbaquingo, Karen Milagros Díaz Salambay, Jordy Alexis Vargas Yumbo, Kevin Christopher Carrasco Azogue, Otto F. Von Feigenblatt

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

Research aimed at determining the Ayni method Multi-Neutrosophic by which a successful blended learning experience enhances multicultural education respecting Ancestral Logic of the Waoranis to create a hybridization of Ancestral Logic and institutional and classroom learning to preserve their cultural identity. A qualitative descriptive-legal research approach was utilized. The results of the documentary analysis included requirements from Ecuador (Constitution, ILO Convention 169) and semi-structured interviews with Waorani leaders and teachers, Triangulation through participant observation of the educational activities taught in the Waorani community. The Ayni method Multi-Neutrosophic was cultural reciprocity and neutrality established through indeterminacies in the blended Ancestral teachings …