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University Of Northern Iowa Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes, September 23, 2024, University Of Northern Iowa. Faculty Senate.

Documents - Faculty Senate

Meeting minutes from the Faculty Senate of the University of Northern Iowa.

Development Of A Haptic System For Robot-Assisted Femur Fracture Surgery, Fayez H. Alruwaili

Theses and Dissertations

Robot-assisted surgery has emerged within the field of surgical technology, driven by the need for greater accuracy and speed in the ongoing evolution of healthcare. This advancement has influenced numerous areas requiring enhancements to achieve optimal surgical results. However, surgical robotics tends to lack the surgeon’s connection to the operation, creating a gap in the intuitive skill set required for successful operations. The gap is seen through the lack of sense of touch, which may result in tissue damage and additional injury when the robot interacts with the patient. Furthermore, challenges faced during femur fracture surgery have positioned robot-assisted surgery …

Injectable Hydrogels That Can Measure Radiation At Body Temperature, Daniel Joseph Ball

Theses and Dissertations

Hydrogel-based radiation dosimeters are used to calibrate and validate radiation delivered by linear accelerators used in radiotherapy. Specifically, Fricke hydrogel-based dosimeters containing ferrous ion complexes oxidize upon exposure to radiation, leading to a change in optical density that can be measured via a color change in a photometric reagent. While gelatin-based Fricke hydrogels are routinely used to measure radiation, these hydrogels are unstable at body temperature, and it is currently not possible to noninvasively measure radiation dose inside a patient. This study reports the synthesis and characterization of self-forming hydrogels containing Fricke components that are stable at body temperature. The …

Chimes: September 23, 2024, Calvin College

Chimes

Student mourns as sustainability cohort admits final class by Elisabeth Stevens

Three Grand Rapids churches submit letters of disaffiliation to the CRCNA by Grace Buller

Calvin's student population grows for second consecutive year by Ethan Meyers and Graham Kort

Rangeela 2025 pushed a week later than usual by Natasha Jayaputra

Calvin to bring facilities back in-house by Ian Tjoelker

Meet the Interim Tennis Coaches by Dillion Baumchen

Cover And Contents

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

No abstract provided.

Power Quality Enhancement In Hybrid Pv-Bes System Based On Ann-Mppt, Heli̇n Bozkurt, Özgür Çeli̇k, Ahmet Teke

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

Battery energy systems (BESs) assisted photovoltaic (PV) plants are among the popular hybrid power systems in terms of energy efficiency, energy management, uninterrupted power supply, grid-connected and off-grid availability. The primary objective of this study is to enhance the power quality of a grid-tied PV-BES hybrid system by developing an operation strategy based on Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method. A test system comprising a 10-kWh BES and a 12.4 kW PV plant is structured and simulated on the MATLAB/Simulink platform. The hybrid system is validated with three different cases: constant radiation, rapid changing radiation, …

Mention Detection In Turkish Coreference Resolution, Şeni̇z Demi̇r, Hani̇fi̇ İbrahi̇m Akdağ

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

A crucial step in understanding natural language is detecting mentions that refer to real-world entities in a text and correctly identifying their boundaries. Mention detection is commonly considered a preprocessing step in coreference resolution which is shown to be helpful in several language processing applications such as machine translation and text summarization. Despite recent efforts on Turkish coreference resolution, no standalone neural solution to mention detection has been proposed yet. In this article, we present two models designed for detecting Turkish mentions by using feed-forward neural networks. Both models extract all spans up to a fixed length from input text …

A Single Operational Amplifier-Based Grounded Meminductor Mutators And Their Applications, Shalini Gupta, Kunwar Singh, Shireesh Kumar Rai

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

In this work, three simple configurations of meminductor mutator are presented. The first two configurations of meminductor mutator have been implemented utilizing one CMOS-based operational amplifier, one memristor, one capacitor, and five resistors, while the third configuration of meminductor mutator is implemented utilizing one CMOS based operational amplifier, two memristors, one capacitor, and four resistors. The implementation and simulation of the proposed configurations are done by using LTspice tool. The viability of the proposed circuits is demonstrated by utilizing TSMC 180 nm CMOS technology parameters. The proposed circuits of the meminductor have a simple structure in contrast to many of …

Finger Movement Recognition Using Machine Learning Algorithms With Tree-Seed Algorithm, Muhammed Sami̇ Karakul, Ahmet Gökçen

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

Electromyography (EMG) signals have been used to recognize various actions of hand movements, finger movements, and hand gestures. This paper aims to improve the classification accuracy of EMG signals while decreasing the number of features using the Tree-Seed Algorithm. The dataset containing EMG signals utilized in this investigation is derived from a publicly accessible source. The rationale for selecting the Tree-Seed Algorithm centers on its ability to enhance classification accuracy while minimizing the dimensionality of feature sets. The object function and Tree-Seed Algorithm's nature avoids the results to have low accuracy with fewer features. The aim is not just to …

Enhancing Dtc Control Of Im Using Fuzzy Logic And Three-Level Inverter: A Comparative Study, Siham Mencou, Majid Benyakhlef, Elbachir Tazi

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

Direct torque control is the most appropriate strategy for induction motor drive systems, due to its considerable ability to reduce the impact of of machine parameter variations, while offering fast dynamic response and simplified control implementation. However, persistent problems associated with high torque ripple and variable switching frequencies prevent its widespread adoption. To overcome these limitations, several techniques have been developed, in particular the use of multi-level inverters and fuzzy logic algorithms. This article proposes an in-depth evaluation of these techniques in a MATALB/Simulink environment, under various operational conditions. The main objective is to provide a detailed performance analysis of …

Re: Comment Letter For Draft Bpsou 2023 Groundwater Data Summary Report (Dated May 31, 2024), Emma Rott

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Law School News: Supporting Rhode Island's Aquaculture 9-23-2024, Andrew Clark, Roger Williams University School Of Law

Life of the Law School (1993- )

No abstract provided.

Toward Standardized Brain Tumor Tissue Processing Protocols In Neuro-Oncology: A Perspective For Gliomas And Beyond, Manmeet Ahluwalia, Michael Mcdermott

All Publications

Implementation of standardized protocols in neurooncology during the surgical resection of brain tumors is needed to advance the clinical treatment paradigms that use tissue for diagnosis, prognosis, bio-banking, and treatment. Currently recommendations on intraoperative tissue procurement only exist for diffuse gliomas but management of other brain tumor subtypes can also benefit from these protocols. Fresh tissue from surgical resection can now be used for intraoperative diagnostics and functional precision medicine assays. A multidisciplinary neuro-oncology perspective is critical to develop the best avenues for practical standardization. This perspective from the multidisciplinary Oncology Tissue Advisory Board (OTAB) discusses current advances, future directions, …

Strategic Stabilization Of Arousal Boosts Sustained Attention, Jan Willem De Gee, Zakir Mridha, Marisa Hudson, Yanchen Shi, Hannah Ramsaywak, Spencer Smith, Nishad Karediya, Matthew Thompson, Kit Jaspe, Hong Jiang, Wenhao Zhang, Matthew J Mcginley

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

Arousal and motivation interact to profoundly influence behavior. For example, experience tells us that we have some capacity to control our arousal when appropriately motivated, such as staying awake while driving a motor vehicle. However, little is known about how arousal and motivation jointly influence decision computations, including if and how animals, such as rodents, adapt their arousal state to their needs. Here, we developed and show results from an auditory, feature-based, sustained-attention task with intermittently shifting task utility. We use pupil size to estimate arousal across a wide range of states and apply tailored signal detection theoretic, hazard function …

Faculty Senate Executive Committee Minutes September 23, 2024, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• Call to Order
• University Business
• Faculty Senate Business
• Information - EPC Report, Human Resources Policies 330 & 392
• Report - Educational Policies Committee Annual Report, Honors Annual Report
• Old Business
• New Business
• Adjourn: 4:11

Faculty Senate Executive Committee Agenda September 23, 2024, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• 3:00 Call to Order
• Approval of Minutes
• 3:05 University Business
• 3:20 Faculty Senate Business
• 3:35 Information
• EPC Report
• Human Resources Policies 330 & 392
• 3:55 Report
• Educational Policies Committee Annual Report
• Honors Annual Report
• 4:05 Old Business
• 4:10 New Business
• Adjourn: 4:30 pm

The C-Terminal 4cxxc-Type Zinc Finger Domain Of Cdca7 Recognizes Hemimethylated Dna And Modulates Activities Of Chromatin Remodeling Enzyme Hells, Akeo Shinkai, Hideharu Hashimoto, Chikako Shimura, Hiroaki Fujimoto, Kei Fukuda, Naoki Horikoshi, Masaki Okano, Hitoshi Niwa, Erik W Debler, Hitoshi Kurumizaka, Yoichi Shinkai

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

The chromatin-remodeling enzyme helicase lymphoid-specific (HELLS) interacts with cell division cycle-associated 7 (CDCA7) on nucleosomes and is involved in the regulation of DNA methylation in higher organisms. Mutations in these genes cause immunodeficiency, centromeric instability, and facial anomalies (ICF) syndrome, which also results in DNA hypomethylation of satellite repeat regions. We investigated the functional domains of human CDCA7 in HELLS using several mutant CDCA7 proteins. The central region is critical for binding to HELLS, activation of ATPase, and nucleosome sliding activities of HELLS-CDCA7. The N-terminal region tends to inhibit ATPase activity. The C-terminal 4CXXC-type zinc finger domain contributes to CpG …

The Rider (2024-09-23), Natalie Lapsley

The Rider Archives

Vol.10 No.5

Trends In Reimbursement For All Billable Total Joint Replacement Procedures: An Analysis Of The Medicare Part B Database From 2013-2021, Nithin Gupta, Morgan Turnow, Jagroop Doad, Forrest Dunivin, Emily Sydow, Tyler Williamson, Taylor Manes, Jia Bao Lin, Jignesh Patel

Student Publications

Introduction

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) remains highly prevalent, nearly rivaling the prevalence of other challenging conditions such as heart failure. Annually, there are over 790,000 total knee replacements and more than 450,000 hip replacements performed in the United States. As the demand for TJAs steadily increases, issues related to access, and quality have become increasingly pronounced. Despite the significant annual rise in volume of surgeries, there exists a notable gap pertaining to the epidemiology and reimbursement rates of TJAs within the United States.

Methods

Publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Database was extracted. The dataset …

Enabling Secure And Inclusive Education For Students With Disabilities And Ensuring Data Through Machine Learning, Bader Muteb Alsulami, Abdullah Baihan, Ahed Abugabah

All Works

The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated an abrupt transition to online learning, impacting students with disabilities uniquely. This study examines the experiences of 62 such students in the new educational paradigm, employing a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected through surveys and questionnaires to assess privacy and security concerns arising from online learning tools. Qualitative insights were gathered via interviews and focus groups, revealing that while students appreciate the flexibility of online learning, they express a critical need for enhanced guidance and support. Neurodiverse students, in particular, emphasized the necessity of a secure online environment. Addressing these challenges, our research integrates blockchain …

Incorporating Genai Into Information Literacy Instruction: Find Engineering Standards, Lauren Todd

Generative AI Teaching Activities

Students will prompt GenAI tools to find relevant engineering standards that might apply to their mechanical engineering design project, then they must evaluate the responses.

Semiautomated Generation Of Species-Specific Training Data From Large, Unlabeled Acoustic Datasets For Deep Supervised Birdsong Isolation, Justin Sasek, Brendan Allison, Andrea Contina, David Knobles, Preston Wilson, Timothy Keitt

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background

Bioacoustic monitoring is an effective and minimally invasive method to study wildlife ecology. However, even the state-of-the-art techniques for analyzing birdsongs decrease in accuracy in the presence of extraneous signals such as anthropogenic noise and vocalizations of non-target species. Deep supervised source separation (DSSS) algorithms have been shown to effectively separate mixtures of animal vocalizations. However, in practice, recording sites also have site-specific variations and unique background audio that need to be removed, warranting the need for site-specific data.

Methods

Here, we test the potential of training DSSS models on site-specific bird vocalizations and background audio. We used a …

Comparing Costs And Predictors Of Low-Value Healthcare Service Use Among Primary Care Nurse Practitioners In The Southwest United States, Sara B. Nugent

Nursing ETDs

Low-value healthcare services (LVHSs) are unsupported by current evidence, associated with harmful patient outcomes, and equate to over $100 billion in wasteful spending annually. The aims of this descriptive, comparative study were to establish baseline prevalence and costs associated with LVHS use among primary care nurse practitioners (NPs), and to test the influence of different geographical regions and patient populations. A secondary data analysis of the Merative™ MarketScan® 2021 databases was conducted. LVHS prevalence was lower or fairly equal to that of other studies, and direct claim costs were very-low cost. Extremely high low-value lumbar radiographic imaging claim costs were …

Enduring Heroism In The Face Of Inequality And Injustice: Who Steps Up And Why?, Carol D. Ryff

Heroism Science

Enduring heroism defined as persistent efforts to confront inequality and injustice is the focus of this article. Six exemplars are considered: Harriet Tubman, Crazy Horse, Jane Addams, Mohandas Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X. Similarities and differences in their pursuits are considered and linked to the larger literature on heroism. They are also contrasted with enduring anti-heroes to elevate roles of virtue and benevolence in long-term efforts to correct societal ills. What motivates enduring heroism is a central question. A hypothesis put forth is that distinct dimensions of eudaimonic well-being – especially, purpose in life, autonomy, environmental mastery, and personal growth …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Uio-66-Nh2 (Zr) Metal–Organic Frameworks: Chitosan And Its Aminated Derivatives To Remove Toxic Cr (Vi) From Industrial Wastewater, Bassma M. Ali, Zainab Ali, Elen Emad, Ragaa Ahmed, Ayat Khasawneh, Khalideh Al Bkoor Alrawashdeh, Rebhi A. Damseh, Jalal A. Al-Tabbal, Kamel K. Al-Zboon, Petros Samaras, Yasser Dessouky, Kareem Tonbol

Blue Economy

This study used adsorbent hydrogel beads on chitosan coated with the commercially prepared metal-organic framework (MOF) and its aminated derivative to chromium (VI) ions from their aqueous solutions. Higher removal (%) and higher adsorption capacity values were recorded using chitosan and its aminated derivatives, UiO-66-NH₂ (Zr) (0.5 % CS) adsorbent (87 % and 95 mgg^-1), respectively, compared with those using CS adsorbent (86% and 93 mg/g using 1% CS); contact time was 180 min, with maximum removal (%) reaching 87% and maximum adsorption capacity of 95 mgg^-1. The pH of the studied medium was in …

Community-Led Climate Preparedness And Resilience In Boston: New Evidence From Communities Of Color, Katsyris Rivera-Kientz, Rosalyn Negron, Lorena Estrada-Martínez, Nyingilanyeofori Hannah Brown, Chidimma Ozor Commer, Mahesh Admankar, Jessica Lillquist, Nicholas Johnson, Racheal Inegbedion, Paul Watanabe

Sustainable Solutions Lab

Communities of color have been historically excluded and marginalized in the ongoing conversations about climate preparedness and resilience at local, national, and global levels. Using focus groups composed of Boston communities of color (Asian American, Black, Latino, and Native American), this study aimed to understand their perspectives on climate change, providing in-depth knowledge of its impact and their views on preparedness and resilience. Research shows that these communities have long been concerned about climate change and emphasize the urgent need to improve climate preparedness. A multi-pronged approach is crucial: listening to communities of color to leverage local knowledge and leadership, …

Leveraging Convolutional Neural Network (Cnn)-Based Auto Encoders For Enhanced Anomaly Detection In High-Dimensional Datasets, Aetsam Javad, Madiha Anjum, Hassan Ahmed, Arshad Ali, H. M. Shahzad, Hamayun Lhan, Abdulaziz M. Alshahrani

Business Faculty Publications

This study presents an Auto-Encoder Convolutional Neural Network (AECNNs) approach for anomaly detection in high-dimensional datasets. Unsupervised learning-based algorithms have a strong theoretical foundation and are widely used for anomaly detection in high-dimensional datasets, but some limitations significantly reduce their performance. This study proposes an algorithm to address these limitations. The proposed AECNN combines various convolutional layers, feature extraction, dimensionality reduction, and data preprocessing and was evaluated using accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. The performance of the proposed model was evaluated using a large real benchmark dataset. The proposed CNN-based autoencoder distinguished anomalies with an AUC score of 0.83 and …

Scattering Spectroscopy Of Granular Media For Remote Sensing Applications, Chris H. Lee

Theses

The reflectance of a surface depends not only on the physical characteristics of the medium, but also on the geometry of how the surface is illuminated and viewed. Remote sensing data of a surface at multiple illumination and/or viewing angles can provide additional information that we can use to retrieve the physical properties of the surface and/or underlying medium as opposed to remotely sensed data at a single geometry. In this work, I characterized different aspects of angular reflectance, or scattering, spectroscopy of granular media for remote sensing applications. I applied polarimetry to various samples of olivine sand as a …

Hydrogen-Peroxide Intercalated Expanded Graphite Facilitates Large Enhancement In Thermal Conductivity Of Polyetherimide/Graphite Nanocomposites, Fatema Tarranum, Swapneel Danayat, Avinash Nayal, Zarin Tasmin Mona, Roshan Sameer Annam, Keisha Walters, Jivtesh Garg

Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this work, we prepared expanded graphite (EG) filler using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as an oxidizing agent to study its impact on the thermal conductivity (k) of polyetherimide (PEI) composite, compared to EG prepared using sodium chlorate (NaClO₃). Sulfuric acid was used as the primary intercalating agent for both synthesis routes. The use of H₂O₂ prepared EG (EG-H₂O₂) led to a remarkable ∼4030% enhancement (9.5 Wm⁻¹K⁻¹) in k of the PEI/EG composite, while the use of NaClO₃ prepared EG (EG-NaClO …

Mutual Relationships Of Nanoconfined Hexoses: Impacts On Hydrodynamic Radius And Anomeric Ratios, Bridget L. Gourley, Mia R. Halliday, Samantha L. Miller, Christopher D. Gale, Jenna R. Deckard, Nancy E. Levinger

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Although all hexose sugars share the same chemical formula, C6H12O6, subtle differences in their stereochemical structures lead to their various biological roles. Due to their prominent role in metabolism, hexose sugars are commonly found in nanoconfined environments. The complexity of authentic nanoconfined biological environments makes it challenging to study how confinement affects their behavior. Here, we present a study using a common model system, AOT reverse micelles, to study hexose sugars in nanoconfinement. We examine how reverse micelles affect the hexoses, how the hexoses affect reverse micelle formation, and the differences between specific hexoses: glucose, mannose, and galactose. We find …