Digital Commons Network^™

Hot Hands Or Chance Happenings? A Simulation-Based Approach For Wnba Teams, Ruben Jimenez

Master's Theses

The hot hand is a polarizing topic in basketball analytics: fans, stakeholders, and even players themselves assert confidently their belief or disbelief in the idea that players who perform well will continue to do so over an extended period of time. Statistical research has been conducted since as early as 1985 to attempt to disprove or prove the existence of this phenomenon. More recent works have refuted the earliest objections to the hot hand’s existence, with conclusions aided by robust simulation techniques. In this work, we compare hypothesis tests using multiple simulation techniques to explore the hot hand at the …

Effects Of Hot Water Dipping And Sub-Zero Saline Chilling On The Microbial Safety Of Broiler Carcasses And Recycled Chilling Water, Elen Zhu

Master's Theses

Broiler meat became the most widely consumed meat within the United States and across the world in 2019. The trend of increasing broiler consumption is expected to continue due to affordability, health benefits, and production efficiency. To meet the growing demand of broilers, a substantial number of birds need to be produced and processed while minimizing bacteria contamination, water consumption and wastewater generation.

In this study, the microbial safety (mesophilic aerobic bacteria, coliforms, and Escherichia coli) of broiler carcasses and post-chill water (red water) was assessed, using innovative processing techniques and red water recycling. A total of 144 broilers …

Is The Hot Hand Real? Evidence From A Permutation And Hierarchical-Based Analysis, Cameron Z. An

Master's Theses

The hot-hand phenomenon, often described as the tendency for individuals to experience prolonged streaks of success that exceed what would be expected under random performance, has been widely studied across many disciplines, particularly basketball. Early studies attempted to evaluate this effect through various techniques, often concluding that the hot-hand phenomenon was largely a myth. However, recent studies have begun to revisit previous analyses using improved statistical techniques, with some claiming evidence of a discernible hot-hand effect. This study examines the presence of the hot-hand effect in the modern NBA by testing whether observed shooting patterns deviate from those simulated under …

Development Of A Computer Vision Based Rendezvous And Docking Test Platform, David T. Forbes

Master's Theses

This thesis presents the work completed in the development and testing of a low-cost modular sensor package capable of rendezvous and docking by providing a vehicle with relative navigational commands. These navigational commands are created using relative localization data gathered and processed onboard the sensor package, with validation, in post-processing, against global localization data. This research aims to reduce the cost of smaller autonomous vehicles by removing the need for custom control units, as its modular nature will allow it to be adapted to many different systems and vehicles. Discussed within this thesis is the rapid prototyping, development, and testing …

Computer Vision Methods For Detecting Counterfeit Usd Bills, Tyler W. Jones

Master's Theses

This thesis addresses the global challenge of counterfeit paper currency by proposing a classical computer vision framework for distinguishing genuine United States Dollar (USD) bills from counterfeit ones using image data. In contrast to existing approaches that rely on a large number of easily reproducible visual features, this work prioritizes the detection of a single, robust security feature: the ultraviolet (UV) reactive security strip embedded in genuine USD bills of denominations $5 and above. By focusing on a feature that is inherently difficult to replicate, the proposed method reduces the likelihood of counterfeit bills being misclassified as genuine.

The system …

Spaceotter: A Floating Spacecraft Simulator Air Bearing Vehicle For Hardware-In-The-Loop Experiments And Research, Alexander Debartolo

Master's Theses

Growing interest in nanosatellites has increased demand for accessible ground-testing methods, which have historically been expensive and restricted. Floating Spacecraft Simulators (FSS), built around Air Bearing Vehicles (ABVs), address this gap by approximating a zero-gravity, friction-minimized environment suitable for testing spacecraft control systems, robotics, and propulsion on the ground.

This thesis presents the design, realization, and initial performance characterization of the Space Optically Tracked Testbed for Experiments and Research (SpaceOTTER) ABV, developed for the Cal Poly Space Robotics Lab. SpaceOTTER is the first step toward emulating the 3 degree of freedom (3-DOF) planar dynamics of a simulated spacecraft and is …

Design And Evaluation Of An Assistive Powered Hand Orthosis For Grasp Activities For People Post-Stroke, Sydney Alexander

Master's Theses

After suffering a stroke, many survivors experience physical disability that affects their ability to complete daily tasks using their hands. Physical therapy is often pre scribed to people post-stroke, but is not fully effective at restoring hand function. The goal of this project was to design and fabricate an assistive device for people post-stroke to help with grasp and release. The device was designed to address com mon shortcomings of existing similar devices. State of the art devices in this domain were investigated to determine a set of design improvements. A novel motor-actuated hand orthosis was designed to decrease weight, …

Investigating The Structural Barriers And Opportunities For End-Of-Life Management Of Agricultural Plastic Waste Within California's Strawberry Industry, Rory M. O'Toole

Master's Theses

Agricultural plastic waste (APW) accounts for a significant and growing share of global plastic pollution, yet no study has documented how APW management functions across a specific crop system from production through end-of-life (EOL). This thesis addresses that gap by examining the structures and valuations that shape current EOL management of plastic mulch (PM) and drip tape (DT) in California's strawberry industry, one of the nation's most plastic-dependent crop systems. Drawing on an ethnographic approach that included 27 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, as well as site visits, this study traces how APW is produced, valued, and discarded within a structurally …

Development And Verification Of An Updated Thermal Model For Cal Poly's Small Thermal Vacuum Chamber, Bryce G. Leonard

Master's Theses

This thesis discusses modifications made to the Small Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) Chamber in the Space Environments Laboratory at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and the development and verification of an updated thermal model reflecting these changes. The chamber was redesigned to improve thermal performance, featuring a homogeneous aluminum platen coated with Aeroglaze Z306 to enhance radiative heat transfer, along with expanded data acquisition capabilities for temperature and pressure measurements.

A new thermal model of the chamber was developed in SolidWorks using a finite element approach. The model incorporates conductive and radiative heat transfer mechanisms and is configured to …

Hipaa Coverage Of Pre-Processed Neural Telemetry From Brain-Computer Interface Implants, Yurie Lee

Cornell Law Library Cantwell Prize for Exemplary Student Research Papers

Brain-computer interface implants allow patients with degenerative neurological conditions to control robotic limbs or electronic devices through neural commands alone and suppress Parkinson's tremors or seizures in real time. These implants record neural signals millisecond-by-millisecond from electrodes implanted in the brain.

Nevertheless, BCI manufacturers have argued that this data falls outside the scope of HIPAA's Privacy Rule. Existing legal scholarship also seems to have accepted this as true.

This paper challenges that conclusion. It rebuts and considers manufacturers’ counterarguments, concluding that patients have a right to their pre-processed neural telemetry under HIPAA's right-of-access provision.

Community Programs That Build Connection, Jihye Baek, Cal J. Halvorsen

Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging

Social connection is a fundamental human need and a critical driver of individual health and well-being. When older adults maintain stable, supportive relationships, they experience significantly better physical, mental, and cognitive health outcomes. In response to growing evidence of its public health impact, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated social connection as a global public health priority, and the U.S. Surgeon General issued an Advisory calling for action to address the loneliness epidemic.

Algorithmic Tax Ownership, Young Ran (Christine) Kim, Dmitry Erokhin

Articles

Tax ownership is a crucial concept for determining tax liabilities, compliance, and enforcement. However, neither the courts nor the IRS has provided clear guidance on how to analyze it. Since the Supreme Court first outlined a twenty-six-factor test for determining tax ownership in Frank Lyon Co. v. United States in 1978, this multifactor test has remained largely unchanged, and there has been no further guidance from the courts or the IRS to this day. Even tests with shorter lists of factors only add to the confusion regarding compliance and enforcement, as there is no clarity on which factors are most …

Robotic Assessment Of Human Motor Control: Contextual Learning, Aging, And The Balancing Of Unstable Systems, Laura Alvarez Hidalgo

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Theses

This thesis investigates human sensorimotor control using three complementary sets of experiments. These examine contextual motor learning, aging-related motor performance, and human balance.First, a series of experiments examined how different sensory modalities influence motor memory formation during dynamic learning. Using a robotic manipulandum to implement an interference task, we assessed how the contextual effect of visual and passive lead-in movements decays over time, specifically as a function of dwell time between the movement cue and the required action onset. Results revealed a modality-dependent pattern of decay: while both cue types enabled dual adaptation to opposing force fields, passive cues preserved …

Foundation For A Digital Beamforming System Using Software Defined Radio, Daniel Cruz Guerrero, Shiron Bendrihem, Benjamin Tucker

Electrical Engineering

This report demonstrates a basis for the foundation of a software-defined radio (SDR)-based digital beam forming system. Specifically, a discussion of time, frequency, and phase synchronization is had in the absence of costly hardware like an OctoClock. Furthermore, this report digs deep into the design process and device characterization of a 4-way Wilkinson Power Divider, which is a necessary hardware component for phase calibration. SDR synchronization and calibration are critical in any digital beamforming system.

Design And Characterization Of A Pulsed Electric Field Chamber For Microalgae Lysis, Connor Strutin

Electrical Engineering

Microalgae are a promising renewable source of biofuel due to their high lipid content and rapid growth rates; however, algae cells must be electroporated (lysed) to release these lipids. The system developed in this project applies short (40 μs–10 ms), high-intensity (up to 33 kV/cm) pulsed electric fields (PEF) across cell membranes to enable electroporation.

Our lab-scale PEF chamber generates uniform, high-intensity electric fields using parallel-plate electrodes with sub-millimeter spacing. The system is designed to efficiently lyse microalgae cells for lipid extraction and biofuel production.

Maximum Power Point Tracking For Photovoltaic Cells, Rodrigo Menchaca-Ramirez, Jesus Martinez, Steven Rodriguez

Electrical Engineering

Unlike an ideal DC Power Supply, a solar panel does not operate with linear I-V Characteristics. The voltage and current characteristics of a solar panel change based on irradiance, temperature, weather conditions, and load demand. Because of these factors, solar panels do not always operate at their Maximum Power Point, which can lead to significant power losses. Maximum Power Point Tracking is used to adjust the panel operating point so that more usable power can be delivered to the load.This project developed a Maximum Power Point Tracking system using an STM32 Nucleo-L4A6ZG microcontroller and an LT8705A DC-DC converter stage. The …

From Transcriptome To Function: Multimodal Characterization Of Transcriptionally Defined Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine Neurons, Natalie Dalton Fitzgerald

ETDs from 2020-2029

Substance use disorder is a complex neurobiological disease characterized by impaired control over drug taking and drug seeking. Drugs of abuse exert their reinforcing effects largely through dopaminergic (DAergic) projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens, where all drugs of abuse increase DA transmission. Beyond reward processing and reward learning, the VTA contributes to a range of psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia and attention-related disorders. Although DA signaling has long been a major focus of addiction research, recent transcriptomic studies have revealed substantial heterogeneity of cell types within the VTA. Previous work from our lab identified two …

Advancing Telehealth Pulmonary Rehabilitation For Individuals With Copd: Integrating Scoping Review, Quantitative, And Qualitative Studies To Inform A Multidomain Telewellness Framework, Pooja Arora

ETDs from 2020-2029

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous, progressive respiratory condition and the third leading cause of death worldwide. It is associated with dyspnea, reduced exercise tolerance, significant psychological burden, and poor quality of life. Telehealth pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has evolved as an effective approach to improve health outcomes and overcome barriers related to center based pulmonary rehabilitation. However, it is important to determine whether these programs are guided by intervention frameworks that effectively promote overall well-being in individuals with COPD. This dissertation examined current telehealth PR models and evaluated the effectiveness of a generic, comprehensive telewellness program (MENTOR: …

Seafood, Simone Lee Karlon

Intertidal

No abstract provided.

Examining Agentic Ai-Human Collaboration In Malevolent Creativity, Alexis D'Amato, Emma Theobald, Ares Boira-Lopez, Meg Shercliffe, Jack Rygg, Sam T. Hunter, Joel S. Elson

Reports, Projects, and Research

As AI systems gain the ability to act, plan, and make decisions on their own, the potential for humans collaborating with them for malign use is unclear. Although there are some use cases of malign actors using agentic AI systems, there is a low baseline for why and in what ways this collaboration will occur. We used malevolent creativity as a proxy for understanding novel threats by the phases of idea generation, evaluation, and implementation desire. This research examined what happens when human users offload malevolently creative planning tasks to an autonomous AI system, and specifically, what occurs when that …

Volume 41, Issue 1, Full Issue, Journal Of Rural Social Sciences

Journal of Rural Social Sciences

No abstract provided.

June 2026 News Releases, University Of Montana--Missoula. Office Of University Relations

University of Montana News Releases, 1928, 1956-present

No abstract provided.

Camp Hope Professional Development, Jennifer J. Lesh, Antonella Regueiro

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

Dr. Jennifer J. Lesh, Exceptional Student Education Coordinator and Associate Professor, and Dr. Antonella Regueiro, Director, Center for Leadership and Social Impact, along with seven (7) Lynn University students, presented special education best practices to Lynn Study Abroad collaborative partner, Camp Hope staff, on June 1, 2026 in Quito, Ecuador. Dr. Lesh and Dr. Regueiro were in Quito to lead an innovative Exceptional Student Education (ESE) study abroad internship and research practicum.

The program combined coursework, field experiences, and service-learning through a collaborative partnership with Camp Hope School, which serves students with disabilities.

Students participated in classroom observations, collaborative teaching, …

Striveforpride: Online Program To Promote Sexual And Gender Minority Well-Being, Shayna R. Greenberg

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) young adults are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and stress relative to non-SGM peers. Digitally-administered mental health interventions show potential for reducing mental health distress in the general population. However, limited reporting of SGM demographics and adherence to online interventions constrain uptake and effectiveness. The present study explored the effect of an existing evidence-informed, self-guided, online-based mental health intervention, StriveWeekly, on internalizing symptoms among SGM university students. The sample consisted of 160 SGM university students, identifying as female, women, or feminine (63.1%), bisexual (36.10%), and Non-Hispanic (77.5%). Cluster randomization was employed on the basis …

Adversarial Robustness Of Perceptual Hashing Systems: A Unified Security Evaluation Framework, Avijit Roy

Student Theses

Social network platforms, child safety organizations, and image provenance systems use perceptual hashing to identify known child sexual abuse material (CSAM), support content moderation and reverse image search, and verify image integrity. Perceptual hashing works by producing similar fingerprints for visually similar images, even after common transformations such as compression, resizing, or minor brightness changes. This useful similarity-preserving property also creates an adversarial attack surface, as attackers can use AI-assisted or conventional image manipulation techniques to move a hash across a matching threshold while maintaining visual similarity, often without access to specialized hardware.

The security failures produced by adversarial attacks …

The Security Of Llm-Generated Code, Christopher Brian Gonzalez Ayala

Student Theses

The rapid adoption of Large Language Models (LLMs) in software development has transformed coding practices by enabling automated code generation, completion, and optimization. Despite these advantages, concerns persist regarding the security and reliability of LLM-generated code. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of both the functional correctness and security of code produced by three prominent LLMs as of early 2026. A total of 4,800 code snippets were generated using 100 security-focused programming prompts derived from the OWASP Top 10:2025, translated across eight natural languages and two phrasing styles (literal and natural developer-oriented prompts). To assess performance, a multi-stage experimental framework …

The Comparative Chemical Analysis Of Colored Henna, Vani D. Bhagwandeen

Student Theses

Henna, a natural dye derived from Lawsonia inermis, is widely used for temporary body art, hair coloring, and cultural decorative practices such as Mehendi. Traditional henna produces a reddish-brown stain through lawsone, a naphthoquinone chromophore that binds to keratin in skin, hair, and nails (Badoni Semwal et al., 2014; de Groot, 2013; Kumar Singh et al., 2015). Commercial henna products have increasingly incorporated synthetic dyes, pigments, and glitter additives to produce a broader range of colors and effects (Blair et al., 2004; Manso et al., 2017; Blackledge & Jones, 2007). Despite their prevalence, limited forensic research has examined the …

Investigating The Detection Ability Of Presumptive Bloodstain Testing Through Concealment Obstacles, Skye E. Lehr

Student Theses

Bloodstain detection can provide valuable information on the ability of presumptive tests. When perpetrators seek to alter the scene of violent crimes to interfere with investigations or flee from justice, crime scene investigation becomes more complex. In this analysis, scenarios where bloodstain evidence is attempted to be removed by household cleaners and covered up by acrylic or oil-based paint, are tested using luminol and Kastle-Meyer direct testing. These bloodstains have been altered by bleach, dish soap or all-purpose cleaner and covered under multiple layers of acrylic or oil-based paint. Evidence is documented both photographically and visually to simulate crime scene …

A Fiftieth Year Retrospective On The 1976 Mw 7.5 Motagua Earthquake In Guatemala, Grant Clark, Trenton Mcenaney, Jeremy Maurer, Andreas Eckert, Stephen S. Gao, Omar G. Flores, Robin Yani, Tina Niemi, Christoph Grützner, Francisco Gomez, Jonathan Obrist-Farner

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

On 4 February 1976, an Mw > 7:5 earthquake ruptured ∼240 km of the Motagua fault in Guatemala, causing ∼23,000 fatalities. This event provided evidence for the fault's role as a major transform boundary between the North American and Caribbean plates. Field observations, seismological analyses, and postseismic studies helped constrain fundamental aspects of the 1976 earthquake mechanics and the spatial complexity of the rupture. This event opened a window for studies documenting past deformation along this plate boundary across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Five decades of research have established this earthquake as an important event for understanding strike-slip ruptures along …

Exploring Racial And Ethnic Diversity Trajectories And Diabetes Prevalence In The United States, Jiue-An Yang, Calvin P Tribby, Anna Dmowska, Qian Xiao, Marta M Jankowska

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This study investigates whether long-term changes in neighborhood racial and ethnic diversity are associated with adult diabetes prevalence across the contiguous United States. We calculated diversity indexes for US census tracts (n = 72,033) using decennial census data from 1990 to 2020. Five diversity trajectory clusters were identified using K-means clustering. Diabetes prevalence in 2019 was obtained from the CDC's PLACES dataset. Linear mixed models (LMMs) assessed global associations between diversity trajectories and diabetes prevalence, adjusting for age, sex, poverty, marital status, and public insurance. Geographically weighted regression (GWR) examined local variations in these associations. Compared to the reference group …