Digital Commons Network^™

A Synthesis Study To Identify And Make Recommendations On The Appropriate Nondestructive Testing Tools For Bridge Beam Ends, Piers, And Abutments, Pan Panjehpour, Prince Baah, Sui Nawl Sang, Emmy Kliewer, Karsten Arnold

JTRP Technical Reports

The aim of this research was to identify suitable NDT methods for bridge components by evaluating their advantages, disadvantages, and limitations. The research objectives are: (1) to identify suitable NDT tools and techniques for condition evaluation of bridge beam-ends, abutments, and piers based on their advantages and disadvantages, (2) to identify gaps in NDT tools and techniques for assessing the condition of concrete bridge members (excluding decks), and (3) to recommend NDT methods for further investigation. The scope of this research was limited to reinforced and prestressed concrete bridge piers, pier caps, beam-ends, and abutments, excluding decks. Research culminated in …

Implementing An Advanced Friction Testing Program For Seamless Coverage Of Indot System, Chengcheng Tao, Yizhou Lin, Junyi Duan, Cheng Peng, Jieyi Bao, Yi Jiang, Shuo Li

JTRP Technical Reports

The interaction between tires and the road surface is crucial for maintaining vehicle stability and safety. The frictional forces at the tire-road interface, along with the coefficient of friction, affect vehicle dynamics, influencing transportation safety. Rapid advancements in transportation technology, infrastructure demands, and safety regulations pose complex transportation challenges, requiring adaptive solutions. The goal of this study is to provide actionable insights for highway agencies, offering improved friction assessment methodologies that support safer and more effective roadway maintenance and design. This study investigates and verify Locked Wheel Skid Tester (LWST) friction measurement on horizontal curves using Sideway-force Coefficient Routine Investigation …

Advancing Accelerated Bridge Construction And Fabrication In Indiana, Camila Duarte, Ashley Thrall

JTRP Technical Reports

The aim of this research was to increase the use of the accelerated bridge construction (ABC) and accelerated bridge fabrication (ABF) in Indiana. Specific research objectives included: (1) understand barriers to implementing ABC and evaluate ABF capabilities in Indiana, (2) investigate the benefits and limits of various ABC/ABF strategies specific to Indiana, and (3) develop guidelines and recommendations for implementing ABC/ABF in Indiana. The focus was on the scoping stage, with the goal of triggering which projects are candidates for ABC or ABF early in the process. Research culminated in (1) a system-level analysis tool that scores all bridges in …

Digital Threads: Fashion Design With Clo3d, Maya Herring

Theses

CLO3D (CLO) has emerged as a prominent software service within the fashion industry, molding the conceptualization and development of 3D fashion designs. By eliminating the constraints of customary manufacturing processes and real-life production costs, CLO equips designers with tools to bring their fashion garments and designs to life. This study aims to explore the capabilities of CLO software by developing five digital bridal dresses while also examining the learning curve, challenges, and benefits associated with its usage. The objective is to identify how CLO can provide aspiring fashion designers with the tools to produce high-quality designs without traditional training.

By …

Teacher Attrition During And After A Pandemic: A District’S ‘New Normal’ View, Tammy H. Jacobs

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Teacher attrition has long been a concern in the K-12 educational sector, driven by various factors such as low salaries, lack of administrative support, increased teacher workload and responsibilities, and teacher stress and burnout. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March 2020, these existing pressures intensified. The abrupt transition to remote learning placed additional stress on teachers, who had to rapidly adapt their teaching strategies and engage students in virtual learning environments. As educators faced heightened expectations and were given additional duties, many chose to leave the profession entirely or retire early, exacerbating the ongoing teacher shortage. The combination of …

Theopoetics Prothesis: An Exploration In Faith And Form, Elise Aleman, Elise Aleman

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

My work is rooted in the biblical definition of faith: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Like the Bible’s layered complexity—its patterns, metaphors, and cultural references—faith is not merely intellectual but an active trust in what is unseen. It transcends knowledge, anchoring itself in conviction and hope. This intersection of theology and lived experience is at the core of my practice.

Theopoetics—a framework that fuses theology and artistic expression—shapes my approach, allowing faith to be embodied through form rather than merely explained. Two seemingly distinct bodies of work—one centered …

Artificial Intelligence For Digital Deception: A Study On Detection, Generation, And Evaluation, Tasnim Akter Onisha

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has significantly influenced digital media, enabling both the detection and generation of synthetic content. This thesis, titled Artificial Intelligence for digital deception: A Study on Detection, Generation, and Evaluation, explores AI’s role in digital deception through three distinct studies focused on facial expression analysis for deepfake detection, machine learning-based spam classification on cloud platforms, and the evaluation of generative AI state-of-the-art text to video models. The first study investigates the effectiveness of facial expression analysis in distinguishing between deepfake and genuine videos. Using Noldus FaceReader 7, participant’s emotional responses were analyzed while viewing deep-fake …

Ease Of Product Disassembly Through A Systematic Structured Time-Based Design For Disassembly Methodology, Emeka S. Igwe

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This research introduces a systematic time-based design for disassembly (DfD) framework aimed at optimizing product disassembly by addressing important features like liaisons between components in product, component accessibility and the overall modularity of the product. This study specifically covers electromechanical and mechatronic systems in both household and industrial setup, identifying their disassembly challenges and high value pointers for improvement. The methodology involves using a design for disassembly framework called LeanDfD in carrying out a holistic disassembly process and evaluating quantitative metrics like disassembly time and complexity and suggesting further redesign strategies to minimize disassembly time and cost. Adopting this systematic …

Insider Threat Agent: A Behavioral Based Zero Trust Access Control Using Machine Learning Agent, Michael Fojude

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Hybrid work, cloud adoption, and freely available AI‑enabled attack tools have exposed critical weaknesses in perimeter‑centric security. Current breach reports attribute more than one‑third of incidents to insider misuse or credential compromise, yet many organizations still depend on static Role‑ or Attribute‑Based Access Control that neither verifies intent continuously nor adapts to subtle behavioral change. This research addresses that gap by designing and validating a behavioral based Zero Trust Access Control (ZTAC) Agent. A five‑year enterprise log Dataset was extracted and cleansed to establish a high‑fidelity baseline of normal user behavior. Feature engineering captured temporal regularity (login sequence, session duration), …

Ranking Of Non-Destructive Testing Methods For Ductile Iron Castings For Industry 4.0, Michael W. Jones

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Non-destructive testing techniques provide a unique solution to provide quality assurance of parts rapidly and efficiently without altering the functional properties of the workpiece. The metal casting industry requires an elevated level of quality assurance, as castings are critical components to several industries. The wrong selection of non-destructive testing methods could increase production costs, quality costs, and potentially permit non-conforming castings to enter the market. The aim of this research is to develop a ranking model for non-destructive testing techniques for ductile iron castings within the context of the fourth industrial revolution. The ranking model analyzes the effectiveness of the …

Evaluating Multimodal Ai Systems: A Comparative Analysis Of Large Languagel Model-Based Models For Text, Image, And Video Generation, Azeezat O. Akinola

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

In the era of rapid technological advancement, efficient content generation, application development, and data management are crucial for meeting the demands of dynamic digital environments. This thesis uses state-of-the-art models to explore three core areas: AI-driven video content creation, text-to-image-to-text consistency, and automatic text summarization. The first study investigates the potential of AI-powered text-to-video generation to democratize video production and enhance storytelling. By comparing the performance of three models—ModelScope, Text2Video (Zero), and Motion Consistency—this study assessed the quality of generated videos using CLIP scores. It evaluated statistical significance through t-tests and homogeneity tests. Results indicate that ModelScope outperformed the others, …

Comparative Analysis Of Eye-Metric Algorithms For Code Comprehension In Introductory Cs Course, Noushin Gauhar

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Eye-tracking technology offers a non-intrusive way to study cognitive processes by tracking where and how long individuals look. In computer science education, it provides valuable insights into how students understand source code—a task that requires intense visual and mental effort. This study investigates how eye-tracking can reveal differences in code comprehension strategies among students in an Introductory Programming course. By analyzing three key metrics—dwell time, gaze entropy, and the K coefficient—the research explores how students engage with code. Dwell time indicates cognitive focus on specific code elements, the K coefficient measures attentional shifts between scanning and focused reading, and gaze …

Perceptions Of Agricultural Careers In African American School-Age Students Implications For Public Health Workforce, Brittany M. Prince

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study evaluated a six-week enriched agricultural education curriculum on African American students’ knowledge and perceptions of agriculture and agricultural careers in two selected populations. The study aimed to expand awareness about agriculture and diverse agricultural career opportunities in an effort to reduce perceived stereotypes. The study employed a pre-post-test design, implemented at one middle school and one high school that were intentionally selected based on their population demographics. Participants included 108 students across both schools, with the majority identifying as African American. Data analysis included paired-sample t-tests and One-Way ANOVAs and revealed statistically significant increases in knowledge for middle …

Enhancing Adhd Diagnosis In College Students Using Multimodal Integration Of Nicats And Iva-2 Tools, Rushmila Shabneen

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study explores enhanced methods for accurately identifying Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) indicators in college students. ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder, impacts attention, impulse control, and emotional regulation, often leading to academic and social difficulties. Many students remain undiagnosed due to symptom overlap with stress and other factors. Traditional tools like the IVA-2 assess behavioral responses but may not fully capture ADHD complexity. This research integrates IVA-2 data with multimodal metrics from the Non-Intrusive Classroom Attention Tracking System (NiCATS), which monitors facial expressions, eye movements, and computer interactions. Preliminary results show that combining these tools improves ADHD detection, reduces false …

An Infrared Thermography Assessment For Monitoring Aging Mse Walls, Charles Lawal

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls play a vital role in ensuring the stability of transportation infrastructure, yet traditional inspection techniques often struggle to detect subsurface defects and demand significant labor. This research explores the application of Infrared Thermography (IRT) as a non-destructive, cost-effective approach for inspecting MSE walls across Southeast Georgia. By capturing thermal images under diverse environmental and operational conditions, the study aims to identify potential issues, including cracks, voids, delamination, and honeycombing, which can undermine integrity over time. Utilizing advanced image processing tools, the research implements specialized software to enhance the accuracy of defect detection, facilitating the generation …

Pulsed Arc Additive Manufacturing Of A Functionally Graded Er2209 Duplex Stainless Steel And Hsla-100 Structure: Morphology, Characterization, And Mechanical Performance, Stevens G. Hill Jr

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Wire arc additive manufacturing is a process well suited to the efficient production of large structures. Duplex stainless steel exhibits high corrosion resistance and good strength which can be highly beneficial for industrial use. However, its use is limited due to its cost and complexity in controlling microstructure to achieve desired properties. In many cases, it can be highly beneficial to manufacture a component which uses specialty steel grades such as duplex stainless steel only where necessary, and utilizes more affordable, commonly available steels for reinforcement or bulk structural support. A functionally graded material satisfies these requirements by providing a …

Temporal Analysis Of Construction Safety Incidents In Southeastern U.S. Using Machine Learning Techniques, Mayowa O. Oladele

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Construction safety incidents remain a significant concern, particularly in the Southeastern U.S. due to the high-risk nature of the industry. Analyzing patterns in these incidents can help improve safety practices and reduce accidents. Machine learning (ML) techniques were employed in this study to identify temporal patterns in construction safety incidents, aiming to enhance proactive safety management. The machine learning methods used in this research included logistic regression, decision trees, random forest, support vector machine (SVM), and K nearest neighbors (KNN).

The objective of the study was to analyze temporal trends in safety incidents and identify the most effective machine learningtechnique …

Using Algal Turf Scrubber Biomass As A Feed Source For Juvenile Eastern Oysters, Taofeek Saka Jimoh

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Algal turf scrubber (ATS) is an engineered system that promotes natural wastewater treatment processes and improves water quality by passing a shallow stream of nutrient rich water over the surface of a gently sloped flow-way. Algae turf scrubber biomass is a combination of micro and macroalgae, as well as micro-invertebrates, ciliates, bacteria, and more. The overall aim of the study was to reduce the feeding cost of juvenile eastern oysters by replacing the commercial microalgae diet with ATS biomass. The experiment was designed to assess the viability of replacing commercial microalgal diet with ATS biomass at different substitution levels (0, …

Comparative Analysis Of Lidar And Close-Range Photogrammetry Techniques For Inspection Of Mse Walls In Two Georgia Bridges, Md. Mehrab Hossain

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) retaining walls are durable, settlement tolerant, easy to install, and present cost-effectiveness, in highway bridges. Nevertheless, the cost of repairing MSE walls is high, and it is crucial to have an accurate, quantitative, and scalable inspection method for early detection of potential problems. This study aims to analyze and evaluate undesired displacements that may affect these walls over time. For this, two remote-sensing technologies are considered: Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and 3D Close Range Photogrammetry (CRP). Their performances are compared against an accurate Robotic Total Station (RTS) device, serving as the benchmarking instrument. This work …

Quantifying Inositol Phosphate Dephosphorylation To Understand The Role Of Recalcitrant Organic Phosphorus Forms On Harmful Algal Blooms In Freshwater Systems, Iffat Tasnim

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Organophosphorus such as phytic acid, a surrogate species of inositol phosphate (IP), may serve as a source for orthophosphate (OP) in freshwater. In absence of OP, competent aquatic microorganisms upregulate the production of specialized enzymes to obtain growth-sustaining OP from organic phosphorus (org-P) forms. The contribution of recalcitrant org-P to the OP pool has been overlooked due to the lack of capable tools to measure OP production from org-P accurately. The objective of this study was to quantify OP production from phytic acid (a surrogate form of recalcitrant org-P) to assess the contribution of recalcitrant org-P forms to the total …

A Finite Volume-Based Approach For Modeling Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For Healing Chronic Wounds, Cade M. Layser

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The current number of people in America with diabetes is approximately 38.4 million, that population is expected to rise to 54.9 million by 2030. Chronic wounds, which are characterized by impaired or stalled healing, are commonly associated with diabetes. These wounds if not treated properly can cause significant complications such as sepsis, infection, and gangrene which can lead to limb amputation or death of the patient. Limb amputations can be a large financial burden and significantly reduce the patient’s quality of life. The timely and efficient treatment of chronic wounds is essential to prevent adverse patient outcomes. Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy …

Defect Detection In Extrusion-Based Bio-Printed Constructs Using Video-Based Vibration Analysis, Md Anisur Rahman

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Bio-additive manufacturing has emerged as a transformative advancement in biomedical engineering, enabling the fabrication of complex biological structures. However, maintaining the precision and quality of printed constructs remains a significant challenge, particularly in applications such as bioprinted organ transplants. Among the key factors affecting structural integrity, dimensional inconsistencies and interlayer defects present major obstacles, potentially compromising mechanical stability and functionality. This study explores the detection of defects caused by variations in dimensional accuracy and layer-to-layer adhesion. To address these challenges, a video-based motion estimation technique is employed as a non-contact and non-destructive evaluation method. Traditional approaches, such as contact-based and …

Synthesis And Processing Of Co-Axial/Tri-Axial Multi-Layered Nano-Particles, Jannatul Ferdaus

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Electro-spraying has been used as an effective processing method of nanoparticle fabrication for the application of targeted drug delivery. The study demonstrates the feasibility of a non-conventional triaxial electro-spraying setup for multi-layered nano-drug fabrication and proposes optimized parameters. Two different drugs, XAV939 and Dextran 40000, were used to study the process parameters (voltage and solution concentration) of coaxial electro spraying. The particle size of Dextran-PCL was an average of 166.3 nm for PCL-Dextran at 32.5 kV and 18-hour sonication. The SEM analysis and UV-spectrum showed the encapsulation of Dextran with PCL, though the in vitro study in mice after 24 …

Long-Term Ichthyoplankton Monitoring Of The Moon River (Savannah, Ga) With A Focus On Climate Change, Bradley Cayson

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The presence of healthy fish populations is a cornerstone of many important ecological mechanisms. These populations are supported by the recruitment of ichthyoplankton, or the egg and larval stages of fishes, as the primary determinant of population growth. Increases in average global water temperatures can alter the composition of fish communities and thus the offspring found in planktonic stages. I compared a large data set of ichthyoplankton surveys completed from 2009-2011 to a replicated six-month sampling period from May – November of 2024. Collection was conducted weekly to biweekly during night flood tides using a fixed suspension ichthyoplankton net (1mm …

Microbial Community Stabilization By Restored Oyster Reefs: Implications For Blue Carbon Storage, Natalie Boydstun

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Coastal ecosystems provide critical carbon sequestration services, yet the microbial mechanisms underlying carbon storage remain poorly understood, particularly in non-vegetated habitats. This study investigated whether restored oyster reefs (Crassostrea virginica) enhance sediment carbon storage potential by stabilizing microbial communities and promoting efficient organic matter processing. I hypothesized that reef-mediated sediment stabilization and organic deposition would create conditions favoring microbial degradation of complex carbon compounds into stable soil organic matter, ultimately supporting anaerobic carbon storage. To test this, I compared sediment biogeochemistry, enzyme activity, and microbial community structure between three restored oyster reef sites and two unstructured control sites …

The School Of Becoming: Speculative Essays On Existential Possibility And Humanity In Education, Timothy A. Holman

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation reimagines public education through an existential lens, advocating for a humanitarian approach that resists the prevailing dominance of standardized, data-driven systems. Drawing primarily from the philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre (1936, 1940, 1943, 1947, 1965, 1992), it contends that education should honor freedom, nurture authenticity, embrace encounters with others, and cultivate imagination as essential to human development. Influenced by the works of William Ayers (1998, 2004, 2008, 2016, 2024), Maxine Greene (1967, 1973, 1978, 1988, 2000, 2001), Paulo Freire (1970, 2001, 2004), Christopher Emdin (2010, 2016, 2021), and Byung-Chul Han (2018, 2024), speculative essays—each focused on an existential theme—are …

A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Lived Experiences Of First-Generation African American Students To Improve Retention Rates, Jaleesa Porter

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Colleges and universities play an important role in maintaining high retention rates and getting students from matriculation to graduation. There are several studies related to the reasons and barriers that result in low retention rates. This qualitative study examined how one university in southeast Georgia can improve retention rates among first-generation African American students by enhancing its practices. The findings from this study the revealed lived experiences of college students that resulted in a range of emotions, resources and barriers, and communication. Discussion and implications of the findings provide recommendations for practice and future research.

Principal Perceptions Of Leadership Preparedness To Promote Family Engagement In Urban Title I Elementary Schools, Marcus Kimber

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative research examines urban Title I elementary school principals’ perceptions of their family engagement readiness based on university leadership preparation and/or district-level professional development. Based on Epstein's Theory of Overlapping Spheres of Influence, this research examines how educational leaders overcome socioeconomic inequities, trust problems, and communication failures to develop equitable relationships with families. Themes that revealed preparation deficiencies and prospective high-impact family engagement methods emerged from semi-structured interviews and ongoing comparison analysis. Principals value family engagement and recognize its impact on student achievement and school climate, but most feel unprepared to implement systematic, sustainable student engagement strategies. Leadership training …

Experimental Study Of Deformation Behavior For A Novel Elastohydrodynamic Seal For Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Power Cycles, William A. Adams

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO₂) Brayton cycles are a strong contender for future power generation systems due to their high thermal efficiency and compact nature. Sealing is one of the key challenges presented by such systems that has a direct impact on the system's overall efficiency. This research is the first experimental study to investigate the deformation behavior of an elastohydrodynamic (EHD) seal made from bearing-grade polyether ether ketone (PEEK). A testing apparatus was developed to integrate four strain gauges positioned along the seal to quantify the deformation occurring up to pressures of 13 MPa. Mass flow rate measurements …

Computational Investigation Of Underbody Slant Angle Variation Effect On A Hatchback Vehicle, Nufile Uddin Ahmed

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Electric Vehicles, despite many advantages over their gasoline-powered counterparts, have the following main challenges towards mass adoption – the charging infrastructure and the range of the vehicle. Among the myriads of factors affecting the range, the coefficient of drag and the required power to overcome it are noteworthy. This study aims to investigate the effect of rear underbody slant angle on a common, simplified hatchback-shaped Electric Vehicle. The rear underbody slant angles (upward) assessed were 0°, 5°, 10°, and 15° and they were subjected to three freestream velocities representative of urban (16 m/s), highway (25 m/s) and interstate (40 m/s) …