Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring The Relationship Between Anxiety And Virtual Reality Sickness, David Wesley Woolverton

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

As virtual reality (VR) becomes more commonly used in education, it is important to understand the technology’s weakness and mitigate any potential negative effects on student success. One adverse side-effect of VR use is simulation-induced motion sickness, known in the context of VR as VR sickness. Previous research by Howard and Van Zandt (2021) found that possessing a phobia had a significant positive correlation with VR sickness, but only if the phobia is triggered by the simulation, suggesting that symptoms are actually connected to the anxiety the phobia induces. This study explored the hypothesized correlation between anxiety and VR sickness, …

Geomagnetic Substorms Prediction Model Using Combined Physics-Based And Deep Learning Modeling Techniques, Ruthba Yasmin

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

This thesis aims to develop a hybrid physics-incorporated neural network model (PINN) for classifying geomangnetic substorms in Earth's Magnetosphere. The model is trained using a comprehensive list of substorm onsets, ground magentometer data from a global network, and solar wind parameters from the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) satellite. Two different neural network architectures are used, and the physics model used for training is called WINDMI. The magnetic field components on the ground, which are a function of the ionospheric currents, are captured by the SML index. The methodology involves using 60-minute data segments preceding an event to train the hybrid …

Sex And Age Differences In Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Responses And The Resulting Influences On Cognition, Miranda K. Traylor

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

Vascular dysfunction is the earliest known marker of neurodegeneration. However, limited research has been conducted to determine if changes in peripheral vascular function track differences in brain health. Therefore, the purpose was to determine if previously reported sex differences in near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) vascular occlusion test (VOT) parameters persist across the lifespan and if these differences track age- and sex-related differences in a cognitive task. Ninety-nine healthy, cognitively intact adults (50 women, 49 men) across the adult lifespan (19-81 yrs) were used for analysis. The combination of NIRS-VOT was used to quantify microvascular function. Cognition was defined as the time …

A Precious Gift: A Reflection And Resource On Water Quality And Sustainability, Mark Potosnak, Andrew Panelli, Adrienne Kalmes, Antonio Quintanilla, Dr. George Nassos, Michael Terrien, Obl. Osb

College of Science and Health Faculty and Staff Works

This reflection, prepared by Illinois Catholics concerned with the intersection of faith, environmental stewardship, and social justice, explores the theological, moral, and practical dimensions of water quality and sustainability in the state. Rooted in Scripture, and Catholic liturgy and tradition, it affirms water as a sacred gift, essential for life and a universal human right. Drawing on Catholic social teaching and Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, it examines pressing water challenges in Illinois, including contamination from coal ash, nitrates, PFAS, and lead, as well as infrastructure, affordability, and sustainability concerns. The document offers an …

Utilizing Electrical Geophysical Methods To Map Mycorrhizal Mycelium Networks Non-Invasively, Donald Pesonen

Graduate Dissertations and Theses

Mycorrhizal mycelium networks are a key component to forest health. These networks act as a transportation system for nutrients, are major players in carbon and nitrogen cycling, and can provide some level of drought resistance to the surrounding flora. Due to the location and size of these network’s filaments, studying mycelium non-invasively has been difficult. The alternative method of laboratory grown samples, lacks the important environmental factors that play into the growth and development of mycelium. Mycelium’s inherent conductivity and moisture retention allows for these networks to be a viable target for electrical geophysical equipment. CMD-Tiny, a small shallow depth …

Modeling Sex-Specific Changes In Myocardial Fibrosis, Grace Martin

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Heart disease the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Cardiac fibrosis, or accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in the heart, can occur after a heart attack and increase the risk for further complications. Current treatments for heart disease do not include extracellular matrix regulators, partly due to the complicated signaling network responsible for the production of these proteins. By using a computational model of the signaling network in cardia fibroblasts, the relationship between particular molecules and downstream extracellular matrix production can be examined.

Biological sex is an important factor for cardiac health and …

Loss Of The Sac Components Slda Kinase Or Sldb Or In Vitro Adaptation To Triazole Produces Aneuploidy Associated With Triazole Heteroresistance In Aspergillus Fumigatus, Ashley Nywening

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus represents the chief causative agent of human and animal invasive filamentous fungal infections. Triazoles, the primary therapeutic options to combat invasive aspergillosis (IA), target the fungal biosynthesis of ergosterol, a vital component of the fungal cell membrane. Unfortunately, resistance to this class of medical therapeutic has arisen globally and now threatens the future usefulness of these compounds for antifungal treatment. Infection with A. fumigatus that has acquired triazole resistance increases an already high associated mortality rate and reduces the limited arsenal of therapeutic options to combat IA. Moreover, how this specific fungal pathogen obtains resistance …

Longitudinal Natural History Studies Based On Real-World Data In Rare Diseases: Opportunity And A Novel Approach, Jamie L Fraser, Joshua L Bonkowsky, Francesco Gavazzi, Russel D'Aiello, Nicholson B Modesti, Emily Yu, Sylvia Mutua, Emma Kotes, Justine Shults, Ariel Vincent, Lisa T Emrick, Stephanie Keller, Keith P Van Haren, Sarah Woidill, Isabella Barcelos, Amy Pizzino, Johanna L Schmidt, Florian Eichler, Ali Fatemi, Adeline Vanderver

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Growing interest in therapeutic development for rare diseases necessitate a systematic approach to the collection and curation of natural history data that can be applied consistently across this group of heterogenous rare diseases. In this study, we discuss the challenges facing natural history studies for leukodystrophies and detail a novel standardized approach to creating a longitudinal natural history study using existing medical records.

Prospective studies are uniquely challenging for rare diseases. Delays in diagnosis and overall rarity limit the timely collection of natural history data. When feasible, prospective studies are often cross-sectional rather than longitudinal and are unlikely to capture …

Evaluating Distributed Software Design Conformance Through Trace Comparison, Reid Barry Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

The design of a system and its implementation are two tasks often carried out by different individuals on a development team and can occur weeks or months apart. This creates a potential for divergence between real behavior and the designed model that the implementation is intended to match. Particularly as time passes and individuals that were present for the original conception of the design leave, a system can begin to lose coherence and drift apart from intended design principles. Even with a robust and high-quality design for a software system, more is needed to guarantee that the key details of …

Applying Systems Engineering Principles To The Design Of Multi-Channel Functional Electrical Stimulator, Yasser Ayeva

Theses and Dissertations

Paralyzed patients due to spinal cord injuries or other injuries can produce functional movements with the help of functional electrical stimulation (FES). Electrical discharges are applied to the patient's muscles to help with specific movements like walking, standing, and holding and grasping objects (Cleveland Clinic,2023). FES is not a novel technology, in fact, the term FES was not used until 1967 when Moe and Post created it. (Moe & Post, 1962). This technology has been around, and a wide range of devices utilizing it are currently on the market to support patients' treatment and rehabilitation all over the world. As …

Exploring The Role Of Restorative Practices Facilitators In The Secondary School Setting: Self-Efficacy, Collective Efficacy, And Systemic Implementation Recommendations, Rachel K. Bachmeier

Theses and Dissertations

While restorative practices (RP) is hailed as one of the oldest criminal justice models in the world, the official advent of RP in education did not occur until the 1990s. Mirroring the reemergence of RP into legal systems, educators began experimenting with the application of RP in the educational setting. Today, restorative work in schools has expanded beyond an alternative to exclusionary discipline measures into an effort to build, maintain, and, when necessary, restore community. More and more teacher preparation programs address restorative justice principles and the rising dedication to Social Emotional Learning and Culturally Responsive Teaching often embraces RP. …

The Effects Of Juror Characteristics And Case Type On Trans Panic Defense Verdicts, Isabella Noel Coppa

Theses and Dissertations

The trans panic defense is a provocation defense that uses the victim’s transgender identity as justification for the defendant’s violent actions. Previous research has identified juror characteristics that predict support for the gay panic defense (Michalski & Nunez, 2022) and trans panic defense (Michalski et al., 2022), but less is known about whether case type impacts support for the trans panic defense. This study sought to fill this gap by manipulating case type and further exploring juror characteristics that predict greater support of the trans panic defense. This study utilized 188 participants that read crime vignettes featuring transgender or cisgender …

Access To Books For Lower Socioeconomic Students: Creating A Book Sharing Intervention, Laura Fernandez

Theses and Dissertations

Lack of access to books has a lasting effect on children. The home literacy environment of a child impacts their emergent literacy skills, and later the level of literacy with which the child enters kindergarten. Children from lower socio-economic environments are more likely to enter kindergarten behind their peers due to factors such as: less access to books in their home due to poverty and having family members that work multiple jobs and have less time to spend reading with their children. Shared reading between a caregiver and a child is an integral piece of emergent literacy that can start …

Investigating The Potential Of 3d Concrete Printing For Unreinforced Structures, Alireza Hasani

Theses and Dissertations

Additive manufacturing in construction has surged in recent years. This thesis explores the advancements of 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) within additive construction. Through an exhaustive analysis of 137 built projects and various publications, the research synthesizes the states of research and practice of 3DCP technology. It offers insights into key factors influencing 3DCP structural performance, its potential advantages, and challenges. Additionally, the feasibility of employing 3DCP for constructing unreinforced structures, particularly unreinforced concrete pipes, is evaluated through series of experiments. The research aims to ensure compliance with standards and evaluate their suitability for real-world transportation applications by conducting structural, fresh, …

Nir-Spectroscopy With Data-Driven Application For Inspection And Prediction Of Combined Fouling And Moisture Contamination In Railroad Ballast., Eberechi Orie Ichi

Theses and Dissertations

Ballast contamination is a significant and growing challenge that causes railway track deterioration, poor drainage functionality, and early failure of railroad components. Traditional, human, destructive, field sampling, and most nondestructive evaluation (NDE) inspection methods are ineffective. They are plagued by drawbacks, such as inefficiency, subjective inspection outcome, alteration of existing structures, undermining the stability of the railroad substructure, traffic disruptions, and safety concerns, or providing limited information about the condition of the ballast. Therefore, a reliable noncontact technique is needed to evaluate, characterize, monitor, and predict the presence of contamination in railroad ballast. The conventional contamination indices only account for …

A Hybrid Framework To Secure Iot Sensor Networks Based On Blockchain And Machine Learning, Shereen Ismail

Theses and Dissertations

With the advances in sensor network technologies, more and more networked things, or smart objects, are being evolved in cyber-physical-based systems including Internet of Things. In recent years, Internet of Things Sensor Networks is a significant subject to a variety of internal and external cyber-attacks, necessitating the development of robust countermeasures tailored to their unique characteristics and limitations. Various prevention and detection techniques have been proposed to mitigate these attacks. Classical security techniques, such as spread spectrum, cryptography, and key management, may not efficiently detect attacks, and can demand sophisticated software and hardware changes, rendering these solutions insufficient to address …

A Study Of Forecasted Electromagnetic Path Errors To Determine Potential Impacts On Detect And Avoid Systems For Unmanned Aircraft, Brianna Marie Kump

Theses and Dissertations

Temperature, atmospheric pressure, and vapor pressure affect electromagnetic propagation. ​For radars, variations in electromagnetic propagation can cause a radar target (e.g., aircraft) to shift in its apparent position, resulting in misrepresentation of the target’s position on the radar display​. These variations can be forecast using atmospheric profiles from Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) and ray tracing software. Evaluation and quantification of differences between forecasted and analyzed electromagnetic propagation conditions using ray tracing techniques and atmospheric conditions derived from the Rapid Refresh (RAP) model will provide guidance regarding Detect And Avoid (DAA) performance requirements.

Stem Teacher Shortage In American Schools: A Case Study Exploring The Recruitment Of Stem Majors Into Teacher Education Programs, Adekunle Lawal

Theses and Dissertations

There has been a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) teacher shortage in K-12 schools across the United States (Klassen et al., 2021; Luft et al., 2005). To help provide a possible solution to the nationwide STEM teacher shortage, this study investigated the factors that influence STEM majors to change careers from STEM disciplines to teaching. In the current study, six American STEM teachers who have switched careers from the STEM profession to the teaching field were interviewed to find out the factors that led them to change careers; and how schools of education could use these factors in creating …

Exploring Ambiguous Asteroid Taxonomic Classification, Tyler Linder

Theses and Dissertations

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Moving Object Catalog (MOC) shows color variations between asteroid observations, which were observed multiple times. This is a surprising result that was not identified in the literature. Therefore, a data processing pipeline was built to extract the asteroid observations to analyze new data collected with the SMARTS 1.0m and 4m Blanco with DECam. The results appear to confirm the color variations on short timescales. However, there is still a long series of steps required before such a result can be proven, such as ensuring the level of photometric accuracy in the processing is smaller …

Examining The Shared Knowledge And Collaboration When Working With Students With Sensory Disabilities, Lacey Jo Long

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the shared knowledge and collaboration between special education and itinerant teachers working with students with sensory disabilities (i.e., teachers of students with visual impairments, teachers of the deaf/hard of hearing, and teachers of students who are deafblind). This study addressed the following research questions: What do special education and itinerant teachers need to know about sensory disabilities? How does this shared knowledge affect the collaboration of special education and itinerant teachers? The study was conducted using an anonymous online survey of special education and itinerant teachers serving students with sensory disabilities, including …

Lstm Application To Mobile Robotics For Stuck Detection, Wilson Lysford

Theses and Dissertations

This paper presents a solution for determining if a wheeled robot is stuck that is operating without high fidelity localization sensors or operating in a sensor denied environment. Expensive sensors are often left off of consumer grade robotics in order to make them more widely available to consumers. This leaves the robot without effective means of perception. Research has shown that LSTM neural networks can provide insight that would normally only be available to a robot fitted with expensive sensor packages such as RTK GPS or LIDAR systems. Specifically, IMU data paired with controller data and wheel odometry data. By …

Exploring Player-Coach Relationships Through Competitive And Healthy Environments In Collegiate Sports, Westin Michaud

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to suggest ways to help create healthier player-coach relationships in collegiate sports by collecting data from student-athletes in the NCAA transfer portal. The student-athletes who were selected to participate have successfully transferred through the 2021-2022 Men's ice hockey transfer portal, which allows players to move to a new school and hockey program once in their NCAA careers. The study seeks to highlight the reasons student-athletes enter and eventually decide to transfer. Through the fundamental procedural leadership approach in Artifact Three, the findings will point to a healthier player-coaching relationship in collegiate environments by seeking to understand …

Advances In Smoke Retrievals Using Lidar: Techniques And Applications, Natalie Midzak

Theses and Dissertations

Smoke aerosols arise from a variety of regional sources and fuel types dependent on the properties of the fire, leading to spatial variability in smoke composition and optical properties. After emission, these aerosols age and mix in the atmosphere with other aerosol species, such as sulfates, altering the optical and microphysical properties of the smoke aerosols over time. Further, smoke particles originating from biomass burning events are typically assumed to be spherical, yet non-spherical smoke particles are also reported from in situ observations. Thus, lidar ratio (extinction to backscatter ratio) and depolarization ratio exhibit spatiotemporal variability for smoke. In this …

Contributing Factors To Low Airspeed On Climbout Events As A Precursor To Loss Of Control Within The National General Aviation Flight Information Database, Owen Dae Poborsky

Theses and Dissertations

The nature of aviation is not without inherent risk. Conducting flight training operations increases the overall risks due to inexperience of the student pilot and the challenges of the learning environment. Flight data seeks to reduce these risks; as seen in its success for commercial airlines. These successes are slowly coming to general aviation through programs like the National General Aviation Flight Information Database (NGAFID). This study seeks to determine if the type of takeoff performed by the flight crew led to a lower indicated airspeed (IAS) during a low airspeed on climbout event. Using 262 individual low airspeed on …

Additives Impact On Wet Strength And Size Development In Papermaking- Polyamide Epichlorohydrin (Pae), Alkenyl Succinic Anhydride (Asa) And Alkyl Ketene Dimer (Akd) Cases, Yao Parnell Ntifafa

Theses and Dissertations

Additives are ingredients used in papermaking to enhance fiber properties, introduce special properties to the paper and improve the efficiency of the paper making process. Wet strength agents, sizing agents, dry strength agents, fillers, retention aids, defoamers, dyes and pigments are common additives used in paper mills. Poor retention of wet strength additive such as PAAE (polyamide epichlorohydrin) and hydrophobicity loss due to ASA (alkenyl succinic anhydride) and AKD (alkyl ketene dimer) size reversion not only increase cost and reduce product quality in the mill but also increase customer complaints and rejections.In this study, a method was developed to quantify …

Using An Airship Design To Extend A Small Uncrewed Aircraft Flight Endurance, Joseph Reilly

Theses and Dissertations

One limitation of uncrewed aircraft is being unable to fly as long as needed for some operations, such as linear inspection. This research explores the flight endurance of an uncrewed aircraft using airship design. It investigates the benefits of using an airship design to increase the efficiency and extension of the flight of a small, uncrewed aerial system (sUAS). Thus, it is crucial to find ways to augment flight endurance. Two different airframes were built, and flight tested using a lifting gas to provide the lifting force and vectored thrust needed to move. Flight testing captured time in the air …

Assessment Of High-Performance Steels Through Additive Manufacturing And Ultrasonic Impact Peening, Md Touhidul Islam Rimon

Theses and Dissertations

This abstract focuses on the treatment of three distinct materials: 17-4 PH stainless steel, a nickelbased super alloy, and AISI 4140 stainless steel. The treatment process involves a combination of laser deposition and ultrasonic impact peening.

The study explores the effects of this treatment on the mechanical and microstructural properties of the mentioned materials. Laser deposition is utilized to enhance surface characteristics, such as hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. Nickel-based super alloys are known for their exceptional high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance, making them suitable for demanding applications in aerospace and power generation industries. AISI 4140 stainless steel is …

Vehicle Crashes In Minnesota: Spatial And Temporal Patterns And Contributing Factors To Crash Severity, Bastien Koralalage Pavithra Navodi Rodrigo

Theses and Dissertations

Vehicle crashes represent a critical global issue, resulting in numerous fatalities, injuries, and significant economic and societal impacts. In response, government officials worldwide are developing strategies and policies to enhance road safety and promote sustainable transportation systems, aiming for zero fatalities and injuries. Understanding the causes of crashes is essential for these efforts. This study focuses on identifying spatial and temporal patterns and contributing factors for the crash severity of vehicle crashes in Minnesota. Spatial distribution of crash hotspots is identified and visualized using spatial autocorrelation (global Moran I), hotspot analysis (Getis–Ord Gi*), and kernel density estimation in ArcGIS Pro. …

Inter-Comparison Of Lunar Reflectance-Based & City Light-Based Aerosol Optical Depth Retrievals Using Viirs Dnb, Aanan Schlief

Theses and Dissertations

Atmospheric aerosols play an important part in maintaining and altering Earth’s radiation balance and often pose a threat to human health. For this reason, atmospheric aerosols have been studied, typically, during daytime hours, through the use of space-borne instruments and ground-based observations. Currently, however, there are no operational nighttime aerosol retrieval methods available from passive-based satellite observations. The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument, which is aboard the Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership (NPP) satellite, includes a Day/Night Band (DNB) that is sensitive to faint light signals at nighttime opening the door for nighttime aerosol studies. Using observations from the …

Victimization And Perpetration Of Sexual Violence In College Men: Factors Influencing Overlap And Prevention, Jasmine Ann Skorheim

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research has demonstrated a relationship between victimization and perpetration of sexual violence, referred to as victim-offender overlap, and explained this relationship through theories such as the cycle of violence. The current study examined this relationship by grouping participants based on experiences of victimization only, perpetration only, and both victimization and perpetration (both group). Exploratory analysis also considered childhood sexual abuse. Interpersonal and psychological risk factors relevant to perpetration prevention programming were then analyzed between groups. Participants consisted of 486 college men recruited from Kent State University’s psychology subject pool who completed an online survey through Qualtrics. It was found …