Digital Commons Network^™

Enhancing Graph Neural Networks By Editing Graphs, Jiayu Li

Dissertations - ALL

Graphs are pervasive in both the natural world and various domains of science and engineering. Numerous advanced classifiers, such as Graph Neural Networks (GNNs), have been developed to perform node classification on these graphs. However, as graphs become denser with an increasing number of edges, GNNs often suffer from suboptimal generalization performance due to the presence of task-irrelevant connections. These redundant connections can introduce noise, consume excessive computational resources, and degrade performance. Identifying and preserving critical connections in large-scale graphs, while pruning unnecessary ones, is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of GNNs in node classification, particularly for GCNs. …

Studies On The Synthesis, Reactivity, And Stability Of Au Nanoparticles In Ts-1 Zeolites For Propylene Epoxidation Within H2/O2 Mixtures, Weixin Li

Dissertations - ALL

The increasing global demand for energy and materials has highlighted the importance of efficient production of chemical intermediates like propylene oxide (PO), a key compound in manufacturing polyurethanes, propylene glycol, and other industrial products. Traditional methods, such as the chlorohydrin process and organic peroxide methods, pose environmental and economic challenges due to hazardous by-products and complex processes. The need for greener alternatives led to the exploration of gold (Au) catalysts for the direct catalytic epoxidation of propylene using hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). This research focused on understanding the propylene epoxidation process over Au catalysts, specifically Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) supported …

Peptides And Metalloproteins: Evolution, Catalysis And Material Design, Dona Imanga Upamadi Edirisinghe

Dissertations - ALL

Peptide hydrogels are an important class of biomaterials that have gained significant attention in recent years. The stimuli responsive materials change their properties in response to pH, redox, temperature and enzymes and this property allowed us to design the materials with tunable properties based on their end application. This dissertation reports the de novo design, synthesis and characterization of short chain peptide sequences and optimizations of those in order to develop them into potential candidates in wound care and drug delivery applications. The investigation of these novel peptide sequences will open up new possibilities to tailor the properties through simple …

A Systematic Approach To Vehicle Suspension Modeling: Integrating Experimental Testing And Simulation-Based Validation, Naoufel Ghannami

Honors Theses

This thesis explores the dynamic behavior of suspension systems using a radio-controlled (RC) vehicle as the study unit. By combining experimental drop testing and the Mississippi State Autonomous Vehicle Simulator (MAVS), the research focuses on determining key suspension parameters, including the spring constant and damping coefficient, which define the stiffness and energy dissipation characteristics of the system. The RC vehicle's suspension system provided a controlled platform for studying these dynamics under both real-world and simulated conditions. Experimental drop testing involved capturing the vehicle's response to impact using an accelerometer, while MAVS simulations modeled a controlled compression and release of the …

Beyond Privacy And Antitrust: Data Monopolies And The Limits Of Modern Jurisprudence, Jaren Wilburn

Seattle Journal of Technology, Environmental, & Innovation Law

No abstract provided.

The Illusory Coverage Doctrine Is Not A Doctrine At All (But It Should Be), Shannon W. Conway

Catholic University Law Review

The Illusory Coverage Doctrine, if it ever becomes a true legal doctrine, has the potential to be an incredibly useful tool in insurance law. But courts around the country take very different approaches to the doctrine, ranging from one end of the spectrum—a hard-nosed “pro-insurer” stance where coverage is not illusory so long as a policy provides any coverage—to the other—a muscular “pro-policyholder” public policy approach that requires coverage even if some other exclusion might have prevented coverage under the applicable policy. And along the spectrum are various other iterations, contributing to the complete lack of certainty or consistency about …

Re: Butte Mine Flooding Operable Unit Berkeley Pit And Discharge Pilot Project – November 2024 Monthly Discharge Monitoring Report, Mark Thompson, Dave Griffis

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Re: Approval Letter For The Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Final Bpsou Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Belle Of Butte (Bres No. 8 & Ur-39) Remedial Action Work Plan (Rawp) Request For Change Ir-2024-Ra-02 (Dated December 19, 2024), Molly Roby

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

In The Wholeness Of Time, Ethan Brue

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

"In a world that urges us to consume time, how do we change our approach, moving from simply passing time to filling it with holiness and patience that reflects God's character?"

Posting about ­­­­­­­­a Christian perspective on time from In All Things, an online hub that offers insight into maintaining and faithful and orthodox Reformed Christian worldview while fearlessly engaging in every aspect of contemporary life – until all is made new.

In the Wholeness of Time

Specifically Targeting Muc16 For Fluorescence-Guided Surgery Of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Kathryn M. Muilenburg

Theses & Dissertations

Pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease with a low 5-year survival rate and a high rate of resection recurrence. However, surgery remains the only treatment with curative potential for pancreatic cancer. Many factors such as high desmoplasia, a lack of intraoperative imaging, and micrometastatic disease contribute to the high rate of incomplete resections in pancreatic cancer. Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) is a potential intraoperative tool for application in surgical resection. FGS works through passive or active targeting of a free dye or dye-containing moiety (e.g. antibody, peptide, and nanoparticles) to specifically fluoresce the tumor compared to the surrounding normal, fibrotic, and …

Bile Acids In Inflammatory Bowel Disease: From Pathophysiology To Treatment, Samantha H Bai, Arun Chandnani, Siyan Cao

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that affects about 7 million people worldwide, and new therapies are needed. Understanding the complex roles that bile acids (BAs) play in IBD may lead to the development of novel IBD treatments independent of direct immunosuppression. This review discusses the latest discoveries in the roles BAs play in IBD pathogenesis and explores how these discoveries offer promising new therapeutic targets to treat IBD and improve patient outcomes. Several therapies discussed include specific BA receptor (BAR) agonists, dietary therapies, supplements, probiotics, and mesenchymal stem cell therapies that have all been shown to decrease …

Regional Differences In Three-Dimensional Fiber Organization, Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype, And Contractility In The Pregnant Mouse Cervix, Christopher J Hansen, Christine M O'Brien, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

The orientation and function of smooth muscle in the cervix may contribute to the important biomechanical properties that change during pregnancy. Thus, this study examined the three-dimensional structure, smooth muscle phenotype, and mechanical and contractile functions of the upper and lower cervix of nongravid (not pregnant) and gravid (pregnant) mice. In gravid cervix, we uncovered region-specific changes in the structure and organization of fiber tracts. We also detected a greater proportion of contractile smooth muscle cells (SMCs), but an equal proportion of synthetic SMCs, in the upper versus lower cervix. Furthermore, we revealed that the lower cervix had infrequent spontaneous …

Development Of Titanium Dioxide Coating For Self-Cleaning Photovoltaic Panels, Chau Pham

Masters Theses

As global energy demands continue to rise amid increasing environmental concerns, the transition to renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, has become imperative. Solar energy, driven by recent advancements in photovoltaic (PV) technology, presents a promising solution for achieving greater sustainability and efficiency. However, despite these technological advancements, the persistent issue of soiling caused by dust, bird droppings, and other contaminants remains a major obstacle, diminishing sunlight absorption and reducing energy conversion efficiency, presenting a significant obstacle to optimal PV performance.

This study explores the application of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticle coatings to address this challenge by enhancing the self-cleaning …

Native Freshwater Mussel Communities In The Lower Grand River, Michigan: Assessing Tributary Confluence Effects And Updating Survey Information, Grayson L. Kosak

Masters Theses

Freshwater mussels (Unionidae) are ecosystem engineers and keystone species vital to stream ecosystems yet represent the most imperiled group of freshwater fauna. Conservation of unionids necessitates further understanding how assemblages interact with watershed features. This study investigates mussel occupancy, distribution, and assemblage structure upstream and downstream of tributary confluences in the lower Grand River, Michigan, alongside updated surveys of the unionid community with comparisons to previous assessments conducted by Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) in 2002–2003. Unionid density, richness, and diversity were greater upstream of confluences. No significant distance-gradient effects were observed. Assemblage structure differed between upstream and downstream reaches …

Data For: Examining The Impacts Of Demographics, Individual Experiences, And Perceptions On Range Anxiety And Electric Vehicle Road Trips, Joshua Ward, Patrick A. Singleton, Antje Graul, Zane Regan

Browse all Datasets

Electric Vehicle Road Trip Study: These data contain anonymized responses to a survey designed to investigate the experiences, perceptions, barriers, and opportunities identified by electric vehicle (EV) drivers regarding road trips to recreational areas (like national parks) and for recreational activities.

Assembly Of Ppsu-Oligomers, Mariam Nesterov

Student Theses and Dissertations

The development of nanostructures for delivering multiple proteins to targeted antibodies has become a promising avenue in biotechnology, driven by advancements in synthetic polymers like poly(propylene sulfone), PPSU. However, the PPSU polymer faces a major limitation - its high insolubility. To address this challenge, this study investigates whether PPSU oligomers can enhance both the solubility and stability of lysozyme, a model protein that is cost-effective and widely accessible. Using dimer, trimer, tetramer, and hexamer configurations, we analyzed the interactions between PPSU oligomer and lysozyme under varying conditions. Our results show that the dimer and trimer are water soluble (no aggregate …

Fda Greenlights Early-Stage Trial For Investigational Long Covid Treatment: Phase Ii Evaluation Pending, Arin Wade, Maria Nguyen, Allie Honigford, Kennedy Kosikowski, Minhwan Yang, Rebecca Willier, Joshua Honaker, Samantha Mccord, Theresa Hempleman

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Long coronavirus disease (COVID) is a condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Long COVID manifests as persistent symptoms following acute COVID-19. These symptoms can include, but are not limited to, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and chronic inflammation often lasting for months and significantly impairing patients' quality of life. As the number of Long COVID cases continues to rise and major global health organizations begin to standardize Long COVID’s mechanisms and diagnosis, there is an increasing demand for effective treatments that can address its complex nature. While some therapies, such as metformin and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) have shown promise in …

Chelidonic Acid Abrogates Oxidative Stress And Memory Dysfunction In Experimental Aging Rats, Feri̇de Ni̇hal Si̇nan, Emel Serdaroğlu Kaşikçi, Burcu Çevreli̇

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: In an aging model established in male Wistar albino rats via the administration of D-galactose (D-gal), the aim of this study was to examine the effects of chelidonic acid on cognitive functioning and the levels of glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), Total antioxidant status (TAS), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).Materials and methods: Thirty-two Wistar albino (three month old) male rats (n = 8) were used. Group 1: Control (C), Group 2: Chelidonic acid (CA) (2 mg/kg oral gavage), Group 3: D-galactose (D-gal) (150 mg/kg, s.c.), Group 4: D-gal (150 mg/kg) + CA (2 mg/kg) (DC). Following an overnight fast, the …

Copyright And Research In Latin America: Law, Courts, And Perceptions, Mariana G. Valente, Alice P. Lana, André P. Houang

Joint PIJIP/TLS Research Paper Series

Research on the intersection of copyright law, research activities, and innovation in Latin America reveals significant deficiencies in the legal framework and public discourse surrounding copyright limitations and exceptions (L&Es) for research purposes. The problem is more visible with modern data assembling and analyzing techniques, such as through artificial intelligence (AI) systems. This study highlights the scarcity of explicit provisions for research-related exceptions in the region by examining copyright legislation, case law, and stakeholder perspectives in six Latin American countries. Despite indications that judicial interpretation is expanding the scope of L&Es, particularly in Brazil, awareness of legal nuances remains low …

How Does Health Professions Student Engagement Differ Across Campuses In A Synchronous Multi-Campus Learning Environment?, Satera Nelson

Theses & Dissertations

Student engagement is positively associated with academic achievement, student satisfaction, and retention. In synchronous multi-campus learning, students learn simultaneously while physically located at several campuses throughout the state. This educational model is one way to address the rural health care shortage, as many students who study at rural campuses tend to stay in rural areas to practice. Student engagement is crucial to ensuring that students at rural campuses have a comparable learning experience and to help those students feel like they are a valued part of the class. The purpose of this study was to evaluate health professions student and …

Intrinsic Gas-Phase Behavior Of Uranium Species: A Comprehensive Reactivity Study Of [O=U≡Ch]+ And [Uh]+, Justin Terhorst

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The intrinsic chemistry of actinide elements, particularly uranium, remains a key challenge in understanding f-block reactivity due to the complexity introduced by solvent interactions, counter-ions, and complex equilibria in the condensed phase. In this dissertation, a systematic gas-phase study utilizing preparative tandem ion-trap mass spectrometry (PTMSⁿ) is presented, focusing on the reactivity of uranium-centered species, specifically [OUCH]⁺, an oxy uranium methylidyne species, and [UH]⁺ ions. By stripping away solvent effects and isolating the ions, PTMSⁿ provides a powerful platform to probe the fundamental chemical behavior of uranium species in their intrinsic state.

The …

Noise-Enhanced Network Science, Reyhaneh Abdolazimi

Dissertations - ALL

Graphs are a versatile and powerful data structure used to model complex relationships in diverse domains such as social networks, biological systems, and transportation networks. In graphs, entities are represented by nodes, and interactions or relationships between them are represented by edges. For example, in the World Wide Web, web pages are considered vertices, and if there is a link from one page to another page on the web, there will be a directed edge between those pages in its graph data structure. These structures allow us to analyze and solve important problems like community detection (identifying closely related clusters …

Modulating Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation Of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins Through Lipidation, Zhe Zhang

Dissertations - ALL

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a fascinating biological phenomenon that enables cells to form membraneless organelles, creating specialized compartments for orchestrating complex biochemical reactions. While significant progress has been made in deciphering the sequence determinants underlying phase separation, precisely modulating these features remains a challenge. Inspired by biology, post-translational modifications (PTMs) offer a promising approach to modulate the protein condensates formation and their properties in real-time, without altering the sequences. Despite the identification of over 300 types of PTMs, most research has predominantly focused on charge-altering modifications. The effects of non-charged PTMs, such as lipidation, on LLPS remain poorly understood. …

Evolving Uk Biology Education, Helen R. Watson

Peninsula Medical School

School science curriculum reform is underway in the UK. Whilst each of the four devolved nations is at a different stage in this process, it is clear we are entering an era of opportunity for positive change, where curricula can be updated to reflect our current understanding of science and to better prepare learners for further study, work, and modern life more broadly.

Role Of Emotional Intelligence In Leadership, Sabrena Craft

M.S. in Leadership

No abstract provided.

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Benguet Pine (Pinus Kesiya) Xylem For Deep Well Water Filtration, Allen Conner C. Hizon, Robert Zachary M. Santos, Juan Jose B. Lacson, Jefferson Danilo G. Villarin, Juan Carlo T. Gumangan

Sinaya: A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students

Even today, many rural and remote communities still do not have access to safe drinking water, which is a basic right of every human. To address this problem, the effectiveness of the Benguet pine tree (Pinus kesiya) xylem as a sustainable water filtration method for well water was investigated. The physical and chemical properties of the filtered and unfiltered deep well water were tested: the total dissolved solids (TDS) and the electrical conductivity using a 5-in-1 electronic water quality tester and the pH level using pH strips. On the other hand, the microbiological metrics, such as heterotrophic plate …

A Clustering-Based Location Allocation Method For Delivery Sites Under Epidemic Situations, Yaqiong Zhou, Junqi Chen, Weishi Li, Sihang Qiu, Rusheng Ju

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To address the poor performance of commonly used intelligent optimization algorithms in solving location problems—specifically regarding effectiveness, efficiency, and stability—this study proposes a novel location allocation method for the delivery sites to deliver daily necessities during epidemic quarantines. After establishing the optimization objectives and constraints, we developed a relevant mathematical model based on the collected data and utilized traditional intelligent optimization algorithms to obtain Pareto optimal solutions. Building on the characteristics of these Pareto front solutions, we introduced an improved clustering algorithm and conducted simulation experiments using data from Changchun City. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms …

Research On Verification Method Of Motor Startups In Nuclear Power Plants Based On Topology Recognition, Baozhu Li, Weijie Dong, Chao Chen

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: There are many motors in operation or on standby in nuclear power plants, and the startup of group motors will have a great impact on the voltage of the emergency bus. At present, there is no special or inexpensive software to solve this problem, and the experience of engineers is not accurate enough. Therefore, this paper developed a method and system for the startup calculation of group motors in nuclear power plants and proposed an automatic generation method of circuit topology in nuclear power plants. Each component in the topology was given its unique number, and the component class …

Modeling And Integration Method Of Sysml Model For Complex Business Scenarios, Bing Yu, Baoran An, Shicao Zhao

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: The development process of complex equipment involves multi-stage business processes, multi-level product architecture, and multi-disciplinary physical processes. The relationship between its system model and various disciplinary models is extremely complicated. In the modeling and integration process, extensive customized development is needed to realize model integration and interoperability in different business scenarios. Meanwhile, the differences in modeling and interaction between different modeling tools make it difficult to support the consistent representation of models in complex scenarios. To improve the efficiency of system modeling and integration in complex business scenarios, a system modeling and integration method was proposed. This method took …

Algorithm And Semi-Physical System Simulation For Command Intent Recognition Of Uav In Low-Resource Environment, Hongfu Liu, Yajing Fu, Wanpeng Zhang, Hu Zhang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: When a communication network is partially disabled or disrupted, an UAV is plunged into a "low-resource environment" and must rely on local hardware resources. This situation imposes constraints on computing power, storage capacity, and energy availability. To address the need for command intent recognition in such environments, a semi-physical simulation system for UAV in emergency rescue operations has been designed and implemented. Based on the low resource airborne hardware in the loop, the system simulates UAV command intention recognition and mission planning through GIS+BIM 3D environment modeling task scenarios. A new lightweight algorithm for intent recognition has been proposed, …