Digital Commons Network^™

Flatness-Based Active Disturbance Rejection Control With B-Spline Output Regulation For A Chemical Reactor, Qasim M. Hamad, Safanah M. Raafat

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

Model uncertainties and exogenous disturbances are inherent phenomena in chemical plants that degrade performance and lead to poor-quality products. To mitigate these Issues, this paper addresses disturbances by exploiting the differential flatness property (DFP) of the nonlinear continuous stirred tank reactor (NCSTR). A two-degree-of-freedom (2DOF) control design was implemented, incorporating flatness-based feedforward and feedforward and feedback controllers. This design leverages the differential flatness method for effective stabilization and tracking performance. A robust feedback tracking control strategy integrating a disturbance observer (DO) and a simple feedback controller was implemented to form a flatness active disturbance rejection control (FADRC) scheme. The B-spline …

Group-Based Sample Partitioning Knn: A Computationally Efficient Knn Algorithm For Resource-Constrained Environments, Ayad M. Dalloo, Amjad J. Humaidi

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

The k-Nearest Neighbors (kNN) algorithm is widely used for classification due to its simplicity and effectiveness. However, its computational cost remains a significant challenge, particularly for embedded systems with limited processing power and memory. To address this Issue, we propose the Group-Based Sample Partitioning (k²NN) Algorithm, which introduces a two-phase approach to reduce computational complexity while maintaining classification accuracy. In the first phase, the algorithm pre-groups training samples by iteratively selecting anchor points and partitioning their k-nearest neighbors, thereby reducing redundancy in the dataset. In the second phase, the test sample dynamically selects local anchor points, constructing a smaller, more …

Video Deep Fake Detection Based On Spatiotemporal Analysis, Muna Ghazi Abdulsahib

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

Deep fake videos are a threat to information integrity by using advanced deep learning techniques to manipulate visual content and make it hard to distinguish from real videos. This includes videos where a person’s image is changed or replaced using deep learning techniques. In this paper, we propose a hybrid approach for deep fake video detection that combines spatial and temporal features. We use a pre-trained VGG16 to extract deep spatial features from individual frames, and then global average pooling at both spatial and temporal level to convert variable length video sequences into fixed dimensional representations. A fully connected classifier …

A Review Of Post-Quantum Digital Signature Schemes Applicability And Performance In Various Environments, Marwa M. Hamood, Arwa A

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

The emergence of quantum computers, coupled with relentless advancements in technology, calls for the immediate transition from classical to modern cryptography for efficient data transfer across optic fibers. This paper assesses different proposed post-quantum signature schemespertaining to their plausibility of being useful against quantum computers’ capabilities. The ability of quantum computers to solve mathematical equations at speeds significantly faster than those of classical computers is remarkable. Existing cryptographic frameworks that depend on discrete logarithms and integer factorization are seriously threatened by this exceptional efficiency. In order to protect sensitive data in a post-quantum world, it may be necessary to reevaluate …

Emotion Recognition From Upper-Body Movements With A Pose Collage Cnn Architecture, Gheed Tawfeeq Waleed, Shaymaa Hameed

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

Emotion recognition through body movement presents a compelling alternative to traditional facial and vocal analysis in the field of emotion recognition . This study introduces a deep learning-based framework that utilizes upper-body movements features to classify emotional states using ConVolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). The system is trained and evaluated on the Body Language Dataset (BoLD) dataset, targeting seven primary emotions: happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, joy, and disgust. The proposed model achieves a classification accuracy of 95.72%, significantly outperforming existing methods in bodybased emotion recognition. The result highlights the potential of body posture as a reliable and standalone modality for …

New Traffic Control Based On Vanets Protocols Technique, Bushra Jaber M.Jawad

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

An ad hoc network in a mobile system is known as a vehicular network. This application is useful in communication between the roadside and vehicle infrastructures. Nowadays, the deficiency and quality of transport classifications of smart transport systems are playing a vital and excessive role. This paper presents the examination of the traffic stream under VANET protocol methods. In the execution of luxury and safe vehicular ad hoc networks, the automobile must resolve inquiry information from other vehicles through multi-loop organizations. In case of the data move in vehicular ad hoc networks, it should have to aspect numerous disruptions because …

Applications And Control Of Cable-Driven Parallel Robot: A Review, Yasser Hatim Alwan, Muayad Sadik, Ahmed Alaa Oglah

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

A cable driven parallel robot (CDPR) is a specific kind of parallel robot that utilizes cables as opposed to traditional rigid links to perform their functions. This gives it the advantages of being lightweight, having a wide operational workspace, and being easier and less expensive to implement than alternatives since it only requires cables operated by motors and fixed to a structure suitable for a certain application, allowing them to move and rotate an end-effector. The concept of this robot is not new though using a fully automated version of it was only started in the mid1980s and witnessed extensive …

Improved Carrier Frequency Offset Measurement With Reduced Latency And Computational Requirements, Niyaz Othman Ali, Jalal Jamal

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

Over the past four decades, the communication sector has experienced significant economic growth and widespread adoption. Some emerging applications require high data rates, low latency, and must operate efficiently in environments where wireless devices are moving at high speeds. Noise and high device mobility have a considerable impact on received signal frequency, ultimately affecting system performance. So, accurate frequency estimation for received signals is therefore crucial, prompting extensive research. In this paper, we propose a three-step frequency estimation technique. The first stage, termed the coarse stage, employs a few sampling sizes to perform a fast Fourier transform. The second stage …

Artificial Intelligence For Eeg Analysis: A Comprehensive Review Of Deep Learning Techniques, Hudai Ahmedi Albeiruti

Iraqi Journal of Computers, Communications, Control and Systems Engineering

This review systematically outlines the progression and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, with a focus on deep learning (DL), for the analysis of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. We cover the whole EEG processing pipeline from signal acquisition and preprocessing to feature extraction and classification. The survey begins with traditional machine learning techniques such as Common Spatial Patterns (CSP) and Support Vector Machines (SVMs), then transitions to more recent DL architectures—including ConVolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), and their hybrid configurations—that have significantly expanded the analytical capabilities of neurophysiological systems. These methods have been widely applied in fields ranging …

Professor Perspectives: Inclusion Of Students With An Intellectual Disability In Transition Programming On A College Campus, Melissa Jane Massey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Students with intellectual disabilities (ID) are often unemployed or underemployed compared to students who do not have ID. Transition or postsecondary programming for students with ID has increased in recent years in response to the U.S. federal requirement for special education professionals to complete transition plans before students turn 16. The requirement for transition planning in Texas is age 14, and the ARD committee including the student and parent come together to develop goals for future planning. Transition plans include information on future employment, future independent living skills, and agency connections that students with ID may need to access to …

0894: G. W. “Jerry” Sutphin River Transportation Collection, 1832-2024, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

Gerald W. “Jerry” Sutphin was a nationally recognized river historian from Huntington. He graduated from Mullens High School and Marshall University and became an army officer. Sutphin worked for and retired from the United States Army Corps of Engineers before spending twenty years operating his own business, Visual Information Ltd. The author of Sternwheelers on the Great Kanawha River, he also wrote a number of articles and contributed to numerous publications with words and/or photographs. Sutphin provided historical presentations on the Delta Queen and other large sternwheel excursion boats and served as a consultant for several documentaries and exhibits. Sutphin …

From Latent Patterns To Interpretable Subtypes: Machine Learning Driven Subtyping In Alzheimer’S Clinical Trials, Dulin Wang

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in neurodegenerative diseases often fail to show treatment benefits due to underlying patient variability. To overcome this challenge and improve clinical trial design, it is essential to identify responsive patient subgroups and understand distinct patterns of disease progression. This dissertation addresses these challenges by applying and developing advanced AI methodologies to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) clinical trials. The first study investigates heterogeneous treatment effects (HTEs) across ten AD RCTs to identify responsive and non-responsive patient subgroups within trials previously considered negative or neutral. By implementing causal forests in ten AD clinical trials, this work reveals the HTEs …

Deciphering Medical Imaging From Genetic Data: Integrative Modelling Across Genetics And Imaging Modalities, Wentao Li

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Integrating genetic data with medical imaging offers powerful opportunities to uncover biological mechanisms and clinical insights, yet linking genetic variation to diverse physical and molecular changes remains challenging. This dissertation introduces computational approaches that bridge this gap across neuroimaging and spatial omics. The first study develops a mixed-effects framework to identify genetic signatures of neuroimaging phenotypes in bipolar disorder. By modelling subject-specific brain region interactions, the method improves detection of significant variants in large-scale datasets such as the ABCD study and UK Biobank, with downstream analyses confirming biological relevance. The second study presents a cross-modal fusion strategy for spatial transcriptomics, …

Teaching While Stressed: How Mental Support Is Impacting The Teaching Experience In South Carolina, Olivia Striedl

Senior Theses

Teacher shortages are a widespread issue within both the United States and South Carolina. One cause of high numbers of teachers leaving their positions is low job-satisfaction and high stress levels. In this study of teacher mental health in South Carolina, eight teachers were interviewed regarding their experience with job-related stress and support offered to them. The interviews revealed that teachers experience high levels of stress, with many interviewees having stressors in common. Many participants had at least one experience in which stressors pushed them to leave or almost leave their position, showing the importance of mental health when considering …

Fairer Public Benefit In Copyright Law, Amanda Levendowski Tepski

Cardozo Law Review

In 1966, a court considered expressly whether a secondary use of copyrighted works served a public benefit. While public benefit has become a subfactor of the fair use doctrine, it remains undefined, uncodified, and undertheorized. Courts often invoked public benefit in pivotal cases involving novel technologies, from home video recorders to digital libraries to algorithms—but they did not need to. After the recent Supreme Court decision in Google v. Oracle, however, public benefit is unavoidable: The Court stated that “we must take into account the public benefits the copying will likely produce.” A qualitative analysis of key public benefit cases …

The Moderating Effects Of Community Involvement On The Association Between Witnessed Community Violence And Mental Health Outcomes Among Black Adolescents, Curtisha Tamara Shacklewood

Theses and Dissertations

Black youth and adolescents are at a disproportionately high risk for experiencing community violence exposure (CVE) and the potential influence it may have on psychological functioning. Research posits that Black youth who experience community violence are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing elevated internalizing symptoms (e.g., depression) and externalizing symptoms (e.g., delinquency). Previous research has utilized the ecological model to investigate interpersonal protective factors that potentially buffer the effects of CVE, including parental support and family characteristics. However, there is little research that explores community-level factors, such as community activities (e.g., youth activities and parental perception of collective efficacy) …

Developing A Dynamic Bilingual Space In An Early Childhood Korean Heritage Language Classroom Through Multimodal Translanguaging Pedagogy, Kyungjin Hwang

Theses and Dissertations

Drawing on translanguaging theory and multimodal literacy, this dissertation examines how a multimodal translanguaging pedagogy can create a dynamic bilingual space in a Korean heritage language classroom in the southeastern United States. Using a teacher-research design and thematic analysis of classroom video recordings and student artifacts, the study explored ten instructional modules with Korean-American children aged five to six. It first identified the core components of the pedagogy, its framework, curriculum content, and teacher strategies, and then analyzed how children flexibly used Korean and English across modes such as speaking, writing, and drawing. Findings revealed diverse translanguaging forms and functions. …

The Impact Of Project-Based Learning On Future First Generation College Students’ Oral Communication Skills, Presentation Skills, Confidence Levels, And College And Career Readiness, Mandana Marashi

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research was to evaluate the impact of a project-based learning innovation course on high school students’ oral communication, presentation skills, confidence levels, and college and career readiness in a college and career readiness program housed at a university in the Mid-Atlantic region. Effective oral communication and presentation skills have been continuously emphasized by national organizations and employers to be critical skills for success in students’ academic and professional lives. However, teaching oral communication and presentation skills to high school students has been neglected, which has negatively affected students’ college and career readiness, particularly for students …

Unveiling Caulocovert: Conserved Phage And Gene Transfer Agent In Caulobacter, Talia Neco

Theses and Dissertations

Bacteriophage play an important role in bacterial evolution, population control, and horizontal gene transfer within microbial ecosystems. This study focuses on the discovery and characterization of Caulocovert, an active bacteriophage identified in multiple Caulobacter strains. Using genome annotation tools such as Artemis and Mauve, we identified multiple key phage genes, including the major capsid protein, head-tail connector, portal protein, and major tail protein. These phage genes are present in CB13 and several other strains, such as C. vibriodies CB15 and CB2, C. segnis CBR1, Caulobacter sp. FWC26, and the distantly related Caulobacter sp. D5 strain. The location of these genes …

Influence Of School Climate On Comprehensive School Behavioral Health Effectiveness, Halle Rose Singer

Theses and Dissertations

Youth are experiencing a sharp rise in mental health concerns, which have reached critical levels. Schools have emerged as a key setting for delivering mental health services due to their accessibility, familiarity, and capacity to reach diverse populations. Comprehensive School Behavioral Health (CSBH) systems offer a multi-tiered, evidence-based framework for supporting the mental health of all students. However, the success of CSBH interventions varies across schools presumably indicating that systemic or school level factors, like school climate, may influence youth mental health outcomes. In this study, I investigate how school-level factors, specifically student-perceived school climate, influence the mental health outcomes …

Investigating The Influence Of Instructional Strategies On The Development Of Procedural And Conceptual Knowledge In Advanced Algebra Ii Students, Maura Frances Yinger

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods action research study investigated the influence of instructional strategies shown to improve students’ procedural and conceptual understanding in a rational expressions and equations unit in Advanced Algebra II. The instructional strategies used in the study include comparing, self-explaining, and exploring before instruction. The students (N=27) completed a pre-test and a post-test, both of which were followed by questions asking students to justify their responses on two questions. All students also responded to six digital self-explanation journal prompts. Randomly selected students were placed into three homogenous groups to participate in performance task observations. Analysis of the data …

​​​Creating A Resident And Fellow Scholarly Activity Tracking Tool In A Large Academic Health System: A Dissertation In Practice​, Elyse Anne Wieszczecinski

Theses and Dissertations

Documenting and reviewing resident and fellow scholarly activity within a sponsoring institution can be a laborious task. With multiple lines of information coming from a wide variety of sources, this problem of practice implemented the Information Systems Success Model to help develop a database by which this information can be collected in a way that is efficient while maintaining the need for a user-friendly product. While other healthcare entities have also incorporated this model into their scholarly activity collection, these are still individual needs of the sponsoring institution and its constituents to consider when adapting the strategy. Using an improvement …

Journey To Proficiency: The Impact Of Explicit Problem-Solving Instruction In A Fifth-Grade Math Classroom, Brittany J. Terry

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study examined the impact of explicit problem-solving instruction on fifth-grade students’ mathematics proficiency and attitudes across skill levels. At the outset, students relied on rote procedures rather than conceptual reasoning, limiting their ability to apply skills in new contexts or understand why procedures work. Grounded in constructivist and sociocultural learning theories, the study aimed to move students beyond procedural fluency through explicit instruction of problem-solving strategies, modeling, guided practice, collaboration, and reflection. Over 8 weeks, 32 students participated in daily lessons. Findings from pre–post assessments, interviews, and portfolios indicate that explicit problem-solving instruction supported measurable growth in …

Journey Toward Collective Efficacy: ​The Impact Of Lesson Study In A Professional Learning Community, Julia Rose Pabst

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed methods action research study investigated the impact of a lesson study protocol on elementary teachers’ confidence through the implementation of the Three Read Close Reading Protocol (3RCRP), a research-based reading comprehension strategy. This study, grounded in Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, explored how collaborative and practice-based professional learning could bridge the gap between pedagogical knowledge and classroom practice to enhance teacher self-efficacy. The primary research questions focused on how participation in a lesson study influenced teachers’ self-efficacy and which aspects of the protocol were perceived as most influential. Four participants and one participant-observer engaged in a series of Professional …

Developing A Comprehensive Schoolwide Discipline Plan In Title 1 Southern Schools, Rose Clark Kebe

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study explored how teachers in Title I schools across the southern United States perceived and experienced school discipline practices. The study addressed the problem of inconsistent implementation of restorative and preventive frameworks, which has contributed to inequitable outcomes, teacher frustration, and lost instructional time. Although initiatives such as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) are mandated across many districts, inconsistent use and limited fidelity have restricted their effectiveness in improving equitable discipline and school climate.

The purpose of the study was to examine teacher perspectives to inform the development of a culturally responsive, schoolwide behavioral system grounded …

Influence Of Channel Geometry And Inflow Hydrograph On Hydraulics And Air Volume Around Shafts Of A Stormwater Main, Lylie Vindie Wilkie

Theses and Dissertations

Stormwater management in urban areas is complex, in part because of difficulties related to modeling water flowing in closed conduits, as well as to controlling odor, noise, and pipe corrosion. This thesis summarizes the main findings of a study on how changes in inflow discharge and the geometry of a stormwater main may affect water flow, and how changes in water depth impact air volume and pressure around an air shaft. The study is conducted using CHAN, a one-dimensional model that simulates both flow hydraulics in mains and associated changes in air volume and pressure around air shafts. Main difference …

The Role Of Fibroblast Activation Protein On Left Ventricular Growth And Extracellular Matrix Remodeling As A Function Of Age And Pressure Overload, Amelia Marie Churillo

Theses and Dissertations

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is abundantly expressed in cancer associated fibroblasts and contributes to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Recent studies using imaging techniques have identified increased levels of FAP in the left ventricle (LV) of patients identified as at risk for developing heart failure. However, the role of FAP in regulated LV myocardial structure and function remains unclear. This project tested two hypotheses: First, genetic ablation of FAP would modify LV structure and function and be more pronounced with aging. Second, genetic ablation of FAP would modify LV structure and function with LV pressure overload (LVPO) accompanied by ECM remodeling.

Memories Of Trees Past: Coexistence Implications Of Legacy Conspecific Density Dependence, Lukas J. Magee, Daniel J.B. Smith, David Bauman, Po-Ju Ke, Helene C. Muller-Laudau, Kristina J. Anderson-Teixeira, Jessica Shue, David A. Orwig, Sean M. Mcmahon, Stephanie Bohlman, Raelene M. Crandall, Ben Weinstein, Sergio Marconi, Jeremy W. Lichstein, James F. Gillooly, Robert Bagchi, Joseph A. Lamanna, Daniel J. Johnson

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

The Janzen-Connell Hypothesis posits that plant species diversity is maintained by a reduction in seedling survival near living conspecific trees relative to heterospecifics–known as negative conspecific density dependence (CDD). CDD facilitates coexistence if stronger than heterospecific density dependence (HDD). However, whether and how long CDD persists after trees die is unknown. In a three-year study across three forests, we monitored seedling survival near living and dead trees, both conspecific and heterospecific, across a seven-year chrono-sequence since tree death. CDD persisted for at least 5 years after tree death (‘legacy CDD’), and most species showed stronger CDD relative to HDD through …

Dynamic Rewiring Of Microrna Networks In The Brainstem Autonomic Control Circuits During Hypertension Development In The Female Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat, Alison Moss, Ankita Srivastava, Lakshmi Kuttippurathu, James S. Schwaber, Rajanikanth Vadigepalli

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

We describe global microRNA (miRNA) changes in the central autonomic control circuits during the development of neurogenic hypertension. Using the female spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and the normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY), we analyzed the dynamic miRNA expression changes in three brainstem regions-the nucleus of the solitary tract, caudal ventrolateral medulla, and rostral ventrolateral medulla-as a time series beginning at 8 wk of age before hypertension onset through to extended chronic hypertension. Our analysis yielded nine miRNAs that were significantly differentially regulated in all three regions between SHR and WKY over time. We collated computationally predicted gene targets of these nine …

Combating Obesity: Creating A Comprehensive Wellness Plan For Uninsured & Low-Income Populations, Kayla C. Berrios

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Aim: The aim of this project was to research the specific barriers encountered by obese patients that are low-income and uninsured. The goal of this data collection was to inform the stakeholders involved in creating a comprehensive wellness plan for obese patients.

Background: The staff at Good Neighbor Clinic have struggled to support their support their obese patients with weight reduction. Many of the ailments that patients seek care for correlate to their obesity. Health promotion in this community clinic needs a more comprehensive program to support patients during their weight loss experience, providing support and resources to allow for …