Digital Commons Network^™

Framing The Guard: A Content Analysis Of How The News Media Frames The National Guard During Times Of Crisis., Taylor L. Tolles

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A quantitative content analysis of 585 newspaper articles gathered from seven news sources that covered the National Guard’s response to COVID-19, BLM Protests, and the Capitol Riot were used to determine the prevalence of frames used to depict the Guard during times of crisis. By using the five frames found in media framing (Entman, 1991), the prevalence of frames found in newspaper media was compared to the prevalence of frames found to be used in times of crisis (Semetko & Valkenburg, 2000). The results showed that even though the Guard’s response in times of crisis is similarly framed as previous …

Variable Autonomy Assignment Algorithms For Human-Robot Interactions., Christopher Kevin Robinson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As robotic agents become increasingly present in human environments, task completion rates during human-robot interaction has grown into an increasingly important topic of research. Safe collaborative robots executing tasks under human supervision often augment their perception and planning capabilities through traded or shared control schemes. However, such systems are often proscribed only at the most abstract level, with the meticulous details of implementation left to the designer's prerogative. Without a rigorous structure for implementing controls, the work of design is frequently left to ad hoc mechanism with only bespoke guarantees of systematic efficacy, if any such proof is forthcoming at …

Motion And Emotion Estimation For Robotic Autism Intervention., Jacob M Berdichevsky

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Robots have recently emerged as a novel approach to treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A robot can be programmed to interact with children with ASD in order to reinforce positive social skills in a non-threatening environment. In prior work, robots were employed in interaction sessions with ASD children, but their sensory and learning abilities were limited, while a human therapist was heavily involved in “puppeteering” the robot. The objective of this work is to create the next-generation autism robot that includes several new interactive and decision-making capabilities that are not found in prior technology. Two of the main features that …

Immersive Virtual Reality And Education: A Study Into The Effectiveness Of Using This Technology With Preservice Teachers., Shannon R. Putman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Immersive virtual reality (IVR) is a rapidly advancing technology utilized across varying education fields for learning and educational applications. IVR provides the capabilities of computer simulations and embodied cognition experiences through a hands-on activity, making it a natural step to improve learning. Creating educational applications in IVR for use with students and preservice teachers could be a laborious and costly endeavor and require teacher belief in its effectiveness, so research is essential to investigate whether these applications are useful in advancing prekindergarten through Grade 12 (P-12) student learning. Research in this field is new, limited, and practically void of its …

Passive Method For 3d Reconstruction Of Human Jaw: Theory And Application., Mohamad Ghanoum

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Oral dental applications based on visual data pose various challenges. There are problems with lighting (effect of saliva, tooth dis-colorization, gum texture, and other sources of specularity) and motion (even inevitable slight motions of the upper/ lower jaw may lead to errors far beyond the desired tolerance of sub-millimeter accuracy). Nowadays, the dental CAM systems have become more compromised and accurate to obtain the geometric data of the jaw from the active sensor (laser scanner). However, they have not met the expectations and the needs of dental professionals in many ways. The probes in these systems are bulky { even …

Linking Social Media, Medical Literature, And Clinical Notes Using Deep Learning., Mohsen Asghari

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Researchers analyze data, information, and knowledge through many sources, formats, and methods. The dominant data format includes text and images. In the healthcare industry, professionals generate a large quantity of unstructured data. The complexity of this data and the lack of computational power causes delays in analysis. However, with emerging deep learning algorithms and access to computational powers such as graphics processing unit (GPU) and tensor processing units (TPUs), processing text and images is becoming more accessible. Deep learning algorithms achieve remarkable results in natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision. In this study, we focus on NLP in the …

Multilateration Index., Chip Lynch

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

We present an alternative method for pre-processing and storing point data, particularly for Geospatial points, by storing multilateration distances to fixed points rather than coordinates such as Latitude and Longitude. We explore the use of this data to improve query performance for some distance related queries such as nearest neighbor and query-within-radius (i.e. “find all points in a set P within distance d of query point q”). Further, we discuss the problem of “Network Adequacy” common to medical and communications businesses, to analyze questions such as “are at least 90% of patients living within 50 miles of a covered emergency …

Aggregation Dynamics Of Bulk Nanoparticle Haloing Systems And The Influence Of Non-Ambient Temperatures., Marzieh Moradi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

One of the methods of assembling colloids into 3D crystal structures is through the use of nanoparticle haloing. Nanoparticle haloing is a stabilization mechanism in binary particle suspensions possessing both a size and charge asymmetry, with which the nanoparticles aid in the bulk suspension’s stability. By altering the volume fractions of nanoparticles, it is possible to control the effective repulsion between the microparticles. Understanding the colloidal interactions and aggregate crystallinity as a function of nanoparticle concentration, temperature, and time are key challenges in developing future materials and designing crystalized 3D colloidal systems. In this study, we investigated the effect of …

Refinement And Automation Using Algorithmic Control Of Breathforce, A Respiratory Training System For Patients With Spinal Cord Injuries., Anna Goestenkors

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) can lead to impaired respiratory and cardiovascular function and a general decrease in lung compliance. This can complicate breathing as well as impair the ability to sigh, cough, and clear secretions, leading to increased risk of respiratory infections. Respiratory training has been shown to combat these effects. BreathForce is under active development to create a user-centric inspiratory-expiratory device that is an affordable option for at-home training. This study reports on the refinement of valve design and automation incorporated into BreathForce to enhance and enforce clinical practices and processes as part of the respiratory training protocol used …

Exploring Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley Reactions Using Metal Organic Framework Catalysts., Yuehan Zhou

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley (MPV) reaction is a reaction that is used to reduce aldehydes and ketones to the corresponding alcohols with the added use of catalysts. The common metal triflate catalysts used in MPV reduction incur tremendous environmental hazards and high operational costs. The use of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) as catalysts can be an alternative due to MOFs’ extraordinarily high surface areas, ultrahigh porosities, tunable pore sizes, modifiable internal surfaces, and numerous framework structures. Moreover, using MOFs as catalysts for MPV hydrogenation is economically viable due to low operational and material costs. This study involves using MOF-808 (Hf) in the MPV …

Modified Electrode Surfaces With Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Catalysts Derived From Electropolymerized Complexes With Redox Active Ligands., Amanda Mae Arts

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The demand for energy is growing exponentially, and to keep up with these demands new technologies for renewable energy have received increased attention. Hydrogen is one of the most promising energy sources for the future and plays a vital role in water electrolysis and fuel cells, as the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is the main step in the water splitting process. To increase the reaction rate and improve efficiency for the water electrolysis, catalysts are used to minimize the overpotential.

Most of the current electrocatalysts for HER are heterogeneous in nature and are dominated by platinum and other precious metals …

Machine Learning Models For Lodi Indices., Lucas A. Bruns

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Two indices published monthly by the Logistics and Distribution Institute (LoDI) predict changes in logistics and distribution activity levels nationally and regionally and are useful for organizations when planning projects and expenses. This research validates the current linear regression model, updates the index conversion method, and introduces machine learning models.

New source data are introduced to the models to validate the current linear regression model and a comparative analysis verifies that the current source data are robust. A rolling average is used for index conversion in place of a fixed reference month to reflect recent changes in employment levels.

Three …

Room Temperature Alkali Treatment Of Rice Straw For Enhanced Enzymatic Hydrolysis., Seth Mains

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Due to the pollution of fossil fuels due to greenhouse emissions, researchers continue to search for alternative methods that allow for the clean production of energy, fuels, and polymer fibers. A method currently under investigation is the use of lignocellulosic biomass as a solution to current problems with energy and polymer fiber production. Through the process of pretreatment, possibilities for lignocellulosic biomass expand due to improved accessibility of the cellulose and hemicellulose which can be broken down via enzymatic hydrolysis into C5 and C6 sugars such as xylose and glucose. This study investigated the fermentation of the rice straw into …

Electrical Characterization Of Phytoplankton Suspensions Using Impedance Spectroscopy., Margaret R Jett

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Phytoplankton are closely monitored because of their important environmental role, and the impacts they have on their local ecosystems. Some phytoplankton respond to stress by producing lipids, which can be harvested for biofuels and other chemicals. Microfluidic devices have been important in improving the portability and throughput of phytoplankton characterization methods, increasing their potential for in situ use. This study utilized a small sample of phytoplankton suspended in a stagnant medium and measured the impedance response using a lab-on-chip and impedance analyzer. The individual cell characteristics were derived from the impedance response of the group. The goal was to characterize …

Conversion Of Multicellds Digital Snapshots To Isa-Tab Format., Corey P. Chitwood

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The MultiCellular Data Standard (MultiCellDS) is an interdisciplinary effort to create a data standard for sharing multicellular experimental, simulation, and clinical data. The ultimate goal of the overall project is to allow for data sharing that will lead to better analyses and simulations for multicellular biology and predictive medicine in association with the PhysiCell, a software that allows for simulations of large numbers of cells in 3D tissues. Digital cell lines are files that contain a standardized representation of a biological cell line and include phenotypic parameters as well as microenvironmental conditions for use in simulations. A Digital Cell Line …

Design Of Reversible Quantum Logic Structures In Cmos Technology, Bahar Canga

Theses

Reversible logic gates have an equal number of inputs and outputs, which also makes it possible to reverse calculate and reconstruct the inputs from the outputs. Quantum logic elements are inherently reversible and requires very little energy to operate. Some of the most common uses of Quantum Computers are in the design of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Deep Neural Networks (DNN) and for machine learning (ML) purposes. In this research, the reversible logic gates were designed with 45ηm CMOS technology modeled after reversible quantum logic gates. As a proof of concept, hardware that provided Sigmoid Neuron Functionality was carried out …

Lightfastness Of Water-Based Inks Vs. Latex Water-Based Inks, David Lopez Lopez

Theses

This study focused on the lightfastness properties of non-latex water-based inkjet inks and latex inkjet inks for conventional process colors, i.e., cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Lightfastness is defined as the property of ink that describes the degree of resistance to fading when exposed to light. Lightfastness varies among inks based on their formulation. The degradation of inks caused by light happens when the light is absorbed by the pigments and reacts with the pigments and molecules in the printed substrate. This research evaluated the lightfastness degree of water-based inkjet inks vs. latex inkjet inks. The experiment used printed samples …

Direct Writing Of Printed Electronics Through Molten Metal Jetting, Manoj Meda

Theses

This research proposes a novel approach to printed electronics manufacturing via molten metal droplet jetting (MMJ). Large scale experimental work is presented to establish suitable jetting parameters for fabrication of high quality conductive electronic traces. Following process optimization, resistivity values as low as 4.49 µΩ-cm for printed 4043 aluminum alloy traces have achieved. This essentially matches the electrical resistivity of the bulk alloy, and it represents a significant improvement over results obtained with printed nanoparticle ink electronics. Electrical resistivity of printed traces that undergo static and cyclical flexing is included in the analysis. The cross-sectional area of traces printed with …

Wage And Productivity Of Employees In Service Providing Industries In Albania: A Close Look At It And Business Sectors, Sindi Rryta

Theses

Nowadays, outsourcing has created new employment possibilities especially in developing countries. Although Albania is considered as one of the most prominent outsourcing destinations in the Balkans, there is little evidence in terms of the varying levels of wage and productivity of workers within the outsourcing sectors. The aim of this thesis is to provide insights regarding the wage and productivity differentials in two specific service-providing industries in Albania, namely IT BPO and BPO. The analysis of primary data collected through a survey (N=62) in four Albanian companies and eight interviews with representatives of outsourcing companies in both mentioned sectors, shows …

Distance Education: Challenges And Opportunities In A Post-Pandemic World. Case Of Kosovo, Fiona Shahini

Theses

The objective of this study is to explore the challenges and opportunities created by the abrupt shift from classroom to distance learning. This study will try to address the question of “What distance learning presents for the future of education in a post-pandemic world?” More specifically, it aims to uncover the opportunities distance education brings and the challenges that can be resolved or mitigated in the future. The study focuses on secondary and primary data to uncover and analyze the experience of professors and students of tertiary education with distance learning. Secondary research shows that distance learning provides flexibility, which …

Per- And Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (Pfas) Cycling Within Michigan: Connections Between Contaminated Sites, Landfills, And Wastewater Treatment Plants, Ross W. Helmer

Masters Theses

The disposal and treatment of Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) contaminated solid and liquid wastes, and associated cycling within the natural and engineered environment is a complex topic. PFAS data on contaminated sites, landfill leachates, the influent, effluent, and biosolids from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) within Michigan were compiled from publicly available and private sources. Most of the datasets are based on a 28-analyte suite generated using a modified form of the US EPA 537 analytical method, with a subset of data from the 18-analyte ASTM D7979-19 method. Approximately 70% of the 171 contaminated sites in Michigan have maximum …

Missing Power: Nostalgia And Disillusionment Among Southern California Water Engineers, Sayd Randle

Research Collection College of Integrative Studies

California's sprawling network of aqueducts and dams is often cited as the embodiment of a high-modernist approach to resource management. But while once widely celebrated, in recent decades this infrastructural system and the institutions that manage it have been the subject of growing criticism and shrinking funding streams. Based on ethnographic research among employees at several California water agencies, this article explores the sense of nostalgia and diminished power experienced by the workers tasked with overseeing these networks. These emic perspectives are frequently articulated in the form of unfavorable comparisons to an imagined past, when the workers believe that their …

Evaluating Decision Making In Sustainable Project Selection Between Literature And Practice, Rakan Alyamani, Suzanna Long, Mohammad Nurunnabi

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A robust project selection process is critical for the selection of sustainable projects that meet the needs of an organization or community. There are multiple factors or criteria that can be considered in the selection of the appropriate sustainable project, but it can be challenging to find sufficient depth of expert opinion to perform a strong evaluation of these criteria. Several researchers have turned to the sustainable project literature as a source of expert opinion to evaluate the criteria used in sustainable project selection and rank them based on importance using different multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodologies. However, using the literature …

Modulation Of Antibacterial Activity And Cytotoxicity In Amphipathic Cyclic Peptide [R4w4] Using Histidine Substitution, Ryan Stueber

Pharmaceutical Sciences (MS) Theses

Antibiotics have been the gold standard frontline defense against bacterial infections for decades. At the same time, these infecting bacteria have continued to evolve to resist developed antibiotics in an almost endless cycle. As such, we aim to take an alternative approach utilizing antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as a means to end this cycle. [R4W4] is among known AMPs that demonstrated antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2.67 μg/mL. This peptide had notably effective antimicrobial activity, especially relative to linear (R4W4). However, it displayed a concerning level of cytotoxicity; eliciting a human embryonic …

Application Of A Dna Mini-Barcoding System Based On The Mitochondrial Control Region For The Identification Of Raw And Processed Tuna Products, Jiahleen Roungchun

Food Science (MS) Theses

Accurate species identification methods are needed to combat tuna fraud, improve tuna stock regulation, and mitigate health risks associated with mislabeled tuna products. The objective of this study was to conduct a market survey of raw and processed tuna products using a DNA mini-barcoding system based on the mitochondrial control region (CR). A total of 80 samples of raw, dried, and canned tuna products were collected at the retail level for CR mini-barcoding analysis. The samples underwent DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and DNA sequencing of the 236-bp CR mini-barcode. The resulting sequences were searched against GenBank using the …

Microscopic Object Classification Through Passive Motion Observations With Holographic Microscopy, Christian Lindensmith, Jay Nadeau, Manuel Bedrossian, Louis Sumrall, J. Kent Wallace, Eugene Serabyn

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

Digital holographic microscopy provides the ability to observe throughout a volume that is large compared to its resolution element without the need to refocus through the volume. This capability enables simultaneous observations of large numbers of small objects within such a volume. We have constructed a microscope that can observe a volume 0.4 x 0.4 x 1.0 μm with submicrometer resolution for observation of microorganisms and minerals in liquid environments in earth and on potential planetary missions. Because environmental samples are likely to contain mixtures of inorganics and microorganisms that are of comparable sizes near the resolution limit of the …

Explicit Inverse Of Near Toeplitz Pentadiagonal Matrices Related To Higher Order Difference Operators, Bakytzhan Kurmanbek, Yogi Erlangga, Yerlan Amanbek

All Works

This paper analyzes the inverse of near Toeplitz pentadiagonal matrices, arising from a finite-difference approximation to the fourth-order nonlinear beam equation. Explicit non-recursive inverse matrix formulas and bounds of norms of the inverse matrix are derived for the clamped–free and clamped–clamped boundary conditions. The bound of norms is then used to construct a convergence bound for the fixed-point iteration of the form u=f(u) for solving the nonlinear equation. Numerical computations presented in this paper confirm the theoretical results.

Sensemaking For Equity And Agency : Stem Teacher Learning Through A Community Of Practice Model, Karen Anne Woodruff

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The current vision for science education is to improve learning for all students by enacting teaching practices that make rigorous science content accessible to diverse learners. Science education, as a field, is shifting focus to be practice-based and equity-centered as students and their ideas become the focal point of the profession. The enactment of this vision calls for professional learning opportunities for teachers that support sensemaking and enactment of reform-based practices. This design-based study is an exploration of how ten science teachers negotiate issues of equity and professional agency in their teaching of the science and engineering practices through identified …

A Geo-Economic Framework For Dune Construction And Long-Term Coastal Resiliency In New Jersey, Jesse Charles Kolodin

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Following the extensive coastal impacts (i.e., storm surges) caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the State of New Jersey chose to install large-scale engineered berm-dune structures as their main coastal resiliency strategy. Initially, the project was entirely funded with federal emergency relief funds, but will require state and local beachfront communities to pay a percentage costshare for future renourishment projects. The thesis specifically focuses on three adjacent beachfront communities within the barrier island stretch of Long Beach Island, NJ (i.e., Beach Haven, Long Beach Township, and Ship Bottom), all of which had been provided engineered dunes in 2016. Following installation, …

The Effects Of Ketamine Administration On Novel Object Placement And Hippocampal Ampa Receptor Expression In The Male Long Evan Rats, Ruchael Mcnair

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Many psychiatric and neurological disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) present with deficits across many cognitive domains including spatial memory and structural dysfunction of the hippocampus. The dorsal hippocampus is indicated to play a special role in spatial memory. Synaptic plasticity mechanisms are also critical in memory function in the hippocampus. Long-term potentiation (LTP) is one type of synaptic plasticity that is directly associated with memory function. Mechanisms of LTP increase α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4- isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors through n-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation. Ketamine is an NMDA antagonist that has recently gained attention for its rapid …