Digital Commons Network^™

Caution: Potholes In E-Scooter Data Collection, Dakota Rakestraw

Seattle University Law Review

Lime scooters keep ending up in major waterways in Washington state metro areas, a testament to the ubiquity of e-scooters in the metropolitan landscape. How they get there is unclear. Why they get there is even murkier. Perhaps the answer lies in the implications of modern geolocation data collection through e-scooters and gaps in current data collection regulation curbing individual liberties.

Since September 2020, electric scooters have run Seattle’s streets and have dramatically overtaken ridesharing bike trips. For example, from September 2020 to September 2021, there were about 1.4 million scooter and bike trips with September 2021 seeing 300,000 scooter …

Universal Robotic End Effector Design And Granular Material Selection For Fanuc Collaborative Robot Implementation, Jake Schwartz

Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science Independent Study

The objective of this research was to create a universal robotic end effector also known as a jamming gripper and test the effectiveness of coffee grounds vs. kinetic sand as the granular material used in the end effector. The apparatus used was a system containing an Arduino UNO, a 12-volt vacuum pump, an h-bridge, a solenoid valve, and the jamming gripper itself. An assortment of objects was used to see how well the gripper could pick up objects of different sizes, shapes, and weights. After various trials, the coffee grounds yielded much better results than the kinetic sand. The kinetic …

Commencement 2025 (Program And Video), Illinois Wesleyan University

Commencement Ceremonies

No abstract provided.

Reviving Humanity, Ana Gomez

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

The surge in female incarceration rates in the United States has heightened concerns about the mental health challenges faced by women within correctional facilities. This thesis research explores the intersection of women’s incarceration, mental health, and sustainable architectural design aimed at improving outcomes for female inmates. Factors contributing to the increase in female incarceration rates, including changes in sentencing policies and socioeconomic disparities, are discussed. Research indicates a high prevalence of mental health disorders among female inmates, often linked to past trauma and exacerbated by the prison environment. Despite this, the prison system often fails to adequately address the mental …

Crosswing Hall: A Biophilic Student Hub For Well-Being And Connection, Marianna Sanchez

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

The Marietta campus of Kennesaw State University has long been perceived as disconnected and lacking vibrancy compared to its counterpart in Kennesaw. This project seeks to transform that narrative by creating Crosswing Hall, a dynamic student hub that fosters campus pride, interdisciplinary collaboration, and lasting connections. Grounded in biophilic design principles, Crosswing Hall utilizes natural materials and thoughtful spatial planning to reduce student stress, enhance well-being, and create a welcoming environment where students feel supported and engaged.

Current student spaces on the Marietta campus prioritize capacity over adaptability, often leading to overcrowding and diminished effectiveness in fostering a sense of …

Effect Of The Multi-Elements On The Aerodynamic Performance Of Airfoil, Shereen Sibie, Tayeb Brahimi

Effat Undergraduate Research Journal

The design of an airfoil in the wind turbine and optimizing the blades is fundamental in a wind turbine aerodynamic performance. In this paper, the effect of the multiple multi-elements on the aerodynamic performance of airfoil is investigated. These multi-element configurations are expected to offer better performance of the wind turbine by maximizing the lift and drag coefficients. Based on the case studies analysis, the multi-elements have shown that the modified design results in high values of the power coefficient at low-speed ratios. This effect is attributed to the cancelation of the negative torque on the turbine rotor observed at …

Calculating The Radius Of The Earth Using Sunset Method: Comparison With Al-BīRūNi Method, Jana Kamal, Tayeb Brahimi

Effat Undergraduate Research Journal

This paper attempts to compare the earth's radius calculation based on the sunset or sunrise (moonset or moonrise) with the Method developed by the scientist Al-Bīrūni. The sunset sunrise method is used to calculate the earth radius by standing in front of a flat horizontal plane. In addition, the authors have use Al-Bīrūni's rule to calculate the radius. Furthermore, the error percent of both Al-Bīrūni and the sunset sunrise method were calculated as well. The results showed that the earth actual radius is 6371 km. Eratosthenes radius which is 6366 km is the closest to the actual earth radius, then …

Fundus Retinal Images And Glaucoma Detection, Lama Alsabban, Malak Alnahdi, Nema Salem

Effat Undergraduate Research Journal

Abstract. Glaucoma is a severe eye disease that has no symptoms and, globally, it is the second cause of blindness. Glaucoma causes structural changes in the retina that make ophthalmologists detecting the disease in early stage and thus provide the suitable treatment. Fundus camera is an imaging technique that provides the fundus image showing the internal structure of retina. Our project provides an automated system for early detection of Glaucoma. The proposed system based MATLAB starts by acquiring the fundus image, followed by preprocessing stage, going through noise removal, enhancement, segmentation, feature extraction and ends up by the classification stage. …

A Wireless Flex Sensors Based Man-Machine Interface, Maram F. Badkook, Razan A. Alshehri, Saeed Qaiser

Effat Undergraduate Research Journal

Abstract. The recent technological advancements are focusing on developing the smart systems to facilitate the subscribers and to improve their lifestyle. The machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence are becoming the elementary tools, which are used in the establishment of modern smart systems across the globe. In this study, a flex sensors-based Man to Machine Interface (MMI) is proposed. It is beneficial for a category of people with reduced mobility or special needs like deaf, dumb, parallelized, etc. The system prototype is realized by using an array of flex sensors and a front-end processor, wirelessly connected to the central processing …

The Architectural Identity Of Jeddah, Lujain M. Abulzawaid, Mervat El-Shafie

Effat Undergraduate Research Journal

Urban design is the psychology behind the course of action, presence and usefulness of urban areas and cities. The Urban plan combines development, scenic engineering and public management to make metropolitan spaces viable and engaging. This paper presents a brief insight of Jeddah 's architectural identity. Comparative case studies are assessed to measure the effects of architecture on the urban context and its influence on social and cultural lifestyles. In this work, four case studies were analysed, which are Dr. Bakhsh Hospitals Group (BHS), Souk Al Shatea, Golden Tulip Hotel and City Center. This has been done to understand how …

The Aesthetic Of Buildings’ Envelope And Its Effect On Social Consciousness, Lujain Merdad, Mervat El-Shafie

Effat Undergraduate Research Journal

Buildings have been part of human life and community development since ancient times. With the advancement of architecture technology, building designs, especially building envelopes have evolved with various design features. These elements have its own influence of the user perspective in terms of social consciousness. Thus, this paper has presented a brief overview of the aesthetics of building’s envelope and its effect on social consciousness. This paper begins with the brief introduction of building envelopes and how it functions, Next, the paper discusses the characteristics of building envelopes. Next, the paper has presented the common materials used as building façade …

Architecture Center Of Excellence, Rawan Al-Badri, Aida Nayer

Effat Undergraduate Research Journal

Architects are an important part of society in terms of technology, service and development around the world. Currently in Saudi Arabia, for groups of architects, students and lecturers in the field of architecture, there is no designated place for them to gather, discuss and share their experience in the field of architecture. Thus, this work presents a proposal on developing architecture center of excellence in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In this work, two cases were analysed. Based on the case studies, for the proposed architecture center of excellence, he estimated gross floor area is 9876 m² and the net floor …

Disciplinary Literacy In Preschool Classrooms, Mckenna Beam

Graduate Teacher Education

The research questioned the potential impact disciplinary literacy may have on academic growth in early childhood classrooms and considered how preschool teachers can implement developmentally appropriate practices focusing on disciplinary literacy to support academic readiness skills. Schools emphasize a need for early intervention in the math and literacy domains to combat the academic achievement gap, but Chapin (2006) recognized a need for early intervention in the science and social studies domains as well. With this knowledge in mind, specific developmentally appropriate methods for integrating science, social studies, music, and art instruction in preschool classrooms were highlighted. Systemic methods of implementing …

Additive Manufacturing And Sustainability, Eric J. Venzor-Villarreal

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This chapter explores the transformative role of Additive Manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, within modern supply chains, with a particular focus on its adoption in the aerospace and defense industries. It begins by introducing the core technologies behind AM and tracing its historical development. The chapter then examines the advantages of AM—such as reduced material waste, faster prototyping, and decentralized production. A detailed case study on Lockheed Martin showcases real-world applications. Comparative insights from other defense manufacturers and global leaders provide a broader context, reinforcing AM’s potential as a key driver of supply chain innovation and resilience.

The Built Environment And Adverse Cardiovascular Events In Us Veterans With Cardiovascular Disease, Skanda Moorthy, Zhuo Chen, Tong Zhang, Sai Rahul Ponnana, Santosh Kumar Sirasapalli, Kanimozhi Shivanantham, Haitham Khraishah, Jean Eudes Dazard, Sadeer G. Al-Kindi, Salil V. Deo, Sanjay Rajagopalan

Faculty Scholarship

Question: Can AI-extracted interpretable built environment features predict major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in a national veteran population? Findings: In this cohort study of 770,990 U.S. veterans, seven built environment features were significantly associated with an increased risk of MACE. Two features, old/dilapidated buildings and visible wire, were associated with a decreased risk. Greenery was only linked to increased risk in higher social deprivation index quartiles. Meaning: Built environment features can serve as predictors of MACE, highlighting the potential role of neighborhood characteristics in cardiovascular risk stratification beyond traditional factors. Importance: The relationship between built environment features and major adverse …

Role Of Fluid-Structure Interactions In Mechanosensation During Hovering Flapping Flight, Menglong Lei, Chengyu Li

Faculty Scholarship

Insect wings, known for their intricate structure and function, inherently deform during flapping motion. These deformations can be classified into chordwise cambering, spanwise bending, and root-to-tip twisting, arising from non-uniform venation distribution, aerodynamic loading, and wing inertia. Crucially, such deformations play a vital role in enhancing both aerodynamic performance and mechanosensory function. To investigate the complex interplay between wing structure, unsteady aerodynamics, and mechanosensation, we developed a fully coupled three-dimensional fluid-structure interaction (FSI) solver. This framework integrates an in-house Navier-Stokes equations solver for resolving the flow field with the open-source Vega FEM code to solve the solid structure dynamics. Our …

Assessing Implications Through General Strain Theory: Comparative Analysis Of Crime Rates In Flint And Pontiac Michigan, Jennifer Harrison

Honors Projects

Flint, Michigan suffered a city water change from the Great Lake’s Lake Huron water pipeline to an old system using the Flint River as the main source of water (Reuben, et al., 2022). The change took place in an effort to make budget cuts (Denchak, 2024). The switch occurred before checking the safety of the pipes, which were severely corroded (Reuben, et al., 2022). Lead poisoning and Legionnaires disease spread through the Flint community and the water was visibly not safe for use (Reuben, et al., 2022). The people of Flint experienced stress that they could not control. They feared …

Integrating Background Music Into Instructional Videos To Support Learner Engagement And Motivation, Efren De La Mora Velasco

Teaching Online Pedagogical Repository

This strategy explores how integrating background music (BM) into instructional videos enhances learner engagement and motivation by aligning musical elements with multimedia learning principles. The implementation involved designing seven videos with expert narration, purposeful music composition, and sound effects to guide attention and support pacing without causing cognitive overload. Results showed increased learner attentiveness and motivation, with positive outcomes across all dimensions of Keller’s ARCS model. Practical recommendations for integrating music into online courses are included.

Susan Pedigo Bids Farewell With Wisdom And Warmth, Marisa C. Atkinson

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – After 25 years of inspiring those around her to enjoy the journey and remain curious, Susan Pedigo delivered her last lecture at the University of Mississippi.

Understanding Practices And Perceptions Of Teaching Sexual Pleasure In Undergraduate Anatomy & Physiology, Julia M. Bogunia

Honors Capstones

It is well established that sexual health is a crucial component of individual health and wellbeing. The WHO defines sexual health with emphasis on the equal importance of positive sexual experiences and absence of negative sexual health outcomes (WHO, 2006). In the classroom, instructors play a vital role in helping students learn, such as those heading towards health fields. The current study investigated what instructors’ practices and perceptions of teaching sexual pleasure are in undergraduate A&P courses. We used the Woodbury and Gess-Newsome’s Teacher-Centered Systemic Reform Model as a framework and adapted for the context of sexual pleasure. Six semi-structured …

Heterogeneous Condensation On Simplified Viral Envelope Protein Structures, Kawkab Ahasan, Han Hu, Pranav Shrotriya, Todd A. Kingston

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Elucidating the mechanisms of heterogeneous condensation on viral and bacterial envelopes is crucial for understanding biothreat transport phenomena and optimizing capture efficiency in condensation-based detection devices. We investigate the impact of viral envelope geometric parameters [e.g., surface structure pitch-to-diameter ratio (p/d)] due to protruding glycoproteins and surface wettability [via liquid-solid interaction intensity (f)] on heterogeneous condensation using molecular dynamics simulations. Complex glycoprotein structures were modeled as cylindrical pillars to analyze condensation rates and active surface areas across a range of p/d ratios (1.0, 1.2, 1.3, 1.7, 2.0, and infinity) and contact angles (theta = 15 degrees, 75 degrees, and 105 …

A Sumo-Interacting Motif In The Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor Epac1 Is Required For Subcellular Targeting And Function, Wenli Yang, Fang Mei, Wei Lin, Jason E Lee, Si Nie, Christopher J Bley, André Hoelz, Xiaodong Cheng

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC1), a multifunctional intracellular cAMP receptor, dynamically localizes to various cellular loci, engaging with diverse molecular partners to maintain cellular homeostasis. The study investigates the role of the SUMO interacting motif (SIM) in the subcellular targeting and cellular functions of EPAC1. It reveals that the SIM is a critical structural element for EPAC1's association with RanBP2/Nup358, a nucleoporin of the cytoplasmic filament component of the nuclear pore complex (NPC). Mutational disruption of EPAC1 SIM interferes with EPAC1's ability to activate its canonical effectors, small GTPases, Rap1 and Rap2, and non-canonical functions, such as the …

Using Generative Ai To Enrich Instructional Videos With Embedded Quizzes, Efren De La Mora Velasco, Shaurya Agarwal

Teaching Online Pedagogical Repository

This entry describes a strategy to enhance student engagement in asynchronous online courses by embedding AI-generated quizzes into instructional videos. Using ChatGPT and video transcripts, the instructor created targeted multiple-choice questions that aligned with key video topics and improved interactivity. Results from the CGN5341 course showed increased video view duration, higher engagement, and positive student feedback on the usefulness of short, segmented videos with embedded quizzes.

Alzheimer’S Disease Protective Allele Of Clusterin Modulates Neuronal Excitability Through Lipid-Droplet-Mediated Neuron-Glia Communication, Xiaojie Zhao, Yan Li, Siwei Zhang, Ari Sudwarts, Hanwen Zhang, Alena Kozlova, Matthew J Moulton, Lindsey D Goodman, Zhiping P Pang, Alan R Sanders, Hugo J Bellen, Gopal Thinakaran, Jubao Duan

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

Background: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of Alzheimer's disease (AD) have identified a plethora of risk loci. However, the disease variants/genes and the underlying mechanisms have not been extensively studied.

Methods: Bulk ATAC-seq was performed in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) differentiated various brain cell types to identify allele-specific open chromatin (ASoC) SNPs. CRISPR-Cas9 editing generated isogenic pairs, which were then differentiated into glutamatergic neurons (iGlut). Transcriptomic analysis and functional studies of iGlut co-cultured with mouse astrocytes assessed neuronal excitability and lipid droplet formation.

Results: We identified a putative causal SNP of CLU that impacted neuronal chromatin accessibility to transcription-factor(s), with …

Mass Media, Civil Society And Democratization Of Politics In Botswana, James J. Zaffiro

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

The Current Neo-Isolationism In United States African Policy, Richard A. Fredland

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

Schools, Those Uncertain Tools Of Social Change: The Case Of Morocco’S Female Graduates, Latifa Jouhir

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

Public Policy And The New Patterns Of Governance For Industrial Change In Nigeria, Robert Dibie

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

The Clinton Administration And Humanitarian Intervention In Africa, Earl Conteh-Morgan

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

Social Justice Fallacies, David Mcclough

The Journal of Economics and Politics

No abstract provided.