Digital Commons Network^™

Hands In David Copperfield As A Marker Of Character, Niall Mckenna

The Criterion

No abstract provided.

From Object To Architect: How Molly Bloom Designs Her Own Gaze In Joyce’S Ulysses, Mackenzie Hughes

The Criterion

No abstract provided.

Home, Exile, And Displacement In The Lord Of The Rings And The Hobbit, Sarah Park

The Criterion

No abstract provided.

The Criterion (2025), Mackenzie Hughes, Emily Carbone, Marisa O'Malley, Gericho Louis Conge, Afton Fay, Fiona Smith, Gwyneth Morrissey, Niall Mckenna, Roan Brimacomb, Sarah Park, Madeline T. Zafon-Whalen

The Criterion

No abstract provided.

The Oppression Of Embrace, Gericho Louis Conge

The Criterion

No abstract provided.

Where Angels Fear To Tread And Heart Of Darkness: Imperialism’S Civil Dehumanization, Roan Brimacomb

The Criterion

No abstract provided.

Stories Of Chiaroscuro Control, Gwyneth Morrissey

The Criterion

No abstract provided.

What Is Your Why? An Exploration Of Why Teachers Remain In The Professsion At An Urban Elementary School In The South., Malikah Bennett

Dissertations

This qualitative research investigates the factors affecting teacher retention at a Title I elementary school in the Southern region of the United States, utilizing Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory of motivation and hygiene as a framework. This study seeks to identify intrinsic motivators, such as recognition, professional growth, and a sense of purpose, as well as extrinsic hygiene factors like administrative support, work conditions, and compensation, to analyze their influence on teachers' decisions to remain in the profession. Data were gathered via semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 10 teachers, all possessing five or more years of teaching experience at Cardinal …

Student Engagement In Ela Choice-Based Core Curriculum: A Case Study Of The Dramatic Writing For Film, Television, And Theater Course, Brian Thomas Clements

Dissertations

This paper describes a case study examining student feelings towards engagement in choice-based core ELA courses and teacher feelings towards student engagement specifically within the Dramatic Writing for Film, Television, and Theater course offered in the state of Georgia. The context of this study focuses on the impact that student agency, choice, and voice have on student engagement from their own perspective and how Invitational Education Theory connects to this impact and the course itself. The case study examines the course, its students, and teachers in two schools in a large, suburban metro Atlanta school district. Through interviews and observations, …

Flying Safe: Reducing Bird Strikes At Northern Illinois University, Stacey Marcinkowski

Honors Capstones

Bird-window collisions are a major source of avian mortality, particularly in urban environments where glass structures are prevalent. At Northern Illinois University (NIU), systematic monitoring conducted between 2019 and 2024 revealed Montgomery Hall to be the building with the highest incidence of bird strikes. This project aimed to test the effectiveness of a cost efficient bird strike mitigation strategy using grease marker frit dots on Montgomery Hall’s skybridge windows. We applied white dots spaced four inches apart and compared strike data collected during fall migration seasons before (2018–2022) and after (2024) dot application. While limited to one post-treatment season, results …

Jtc 25: Visual Line Of Sight, Christina Steube

University of Mississippi News

This story is part of the 2025 Journey to Commencement series, which celebrates the pinnacle of the academic year by highlighting University of Mississippi students and their outstanding academic and personal journeys from college student to college graduate.

Empathy In Practice: Law Students Learn By Protecting Students In Need, Marisa C. Atkinson

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – Several University of Mississippi law students are gaining valuable experience while giving fellow students some valuable peace of mind.

Can't Women Kill?: Women, Violence, And Power In Nazi Germany, Kelly Ornelas

History Theses

This thesis examines the role of women as perpetrators of violence within the Nazi apparatus, challenging traditional narratives that depict them as passive supporters or victims of their circumstances. Through a Foucauldian analysis, it explores how ordinary German women were conditioned by Nazi propaganda, manipulated discourses, and social expectations to engage in acts of brutality, often without direct orders. Case studies, including Erna Petri and Ilse Koch illustrate how women actively participated in the mechanisms of state violence without rank or official status, raising critical questions about complicity and moral responsibility. This study interrogates the bounds of guilt, arguing that …

Psychological Impact Of Ulcerative Colitis On Pregnancy And Postpartum Period, Stephanie C. Carver

Nursing | Student Research Posters

No abstract provided.

Acetaminophen’S Contribution To Autism And Adhd From A Mitochondrial Perspective, Stephanie G. Chu

Senior Honors Theses

The CDC reported that one in 36 children were identified with autism in 2020, a 22% increase from 2018 and a 98% increase from 2010. Simultaneously, ADHD diagnoses increased 36% from 2003 to 2016-2019. Despite this surge, their etiologies remain largely unknown. However, numerous studies document higher incidences of mitochondrial abnormalities in affected individuals. Additionally, acetaminophen has been implicated in these disorders in longitudinal studies and murine models. This paper is a compilation of literature aiming to present a novel theoretical framework for acetaminophen-induced mitochondrial damage in utero. It focuses on a toxic metabolite of acetaminophen, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine, and its …

Enhancing Aptv Reliability: A Study Of Design And Operational Efficiencies At An Aluminium Manufacturing Company, Mohammad Tayeb Alawadhi

Theses

This paper aims to focus on enhancing the reliability of Anode Pallet Transport Vehicles (APTVs) used in Aluminium Manufacturing Company. The primary objective of the project is to establish the causes of failure modes, assess the operational problems, and implement strategies that would prevent, reduce, or minimize the frequency of failure, low equipment utilization, and high maintenance costs. APTV performance analysis involves the use of maintenance logs, operational data, and engineering specifications to obtain the best results. Applying Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), the study highlights the most critical parts causing the largest effect on operations, which include traction …

Development Of A Miniaturized Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (Ecmo) Device On A Microfluidic Platform, Nayeem Imtiaz

Theses

This research investigates the design, performance, and optimization of blood-contacting microfluidic medical devices, with each aim contributing to a broader understanding of how engineering choices influence hemocompatibility and oxygen transfer. Collectively, the findings from Aims 1A–2B offer integrated strategies to develop safer, more effective microfluidic systems for ECMO and dialysis. Aim 1A assessed hemolysis across device geometries using computational and experimental methods. All designs showed low device-induced hemolysis (< 2 ppm), validating their hemocompatibility. However, Power-Law models frequently overpredicted hemolysis, indicating a need for refined parameters tailored to microfluidic flow conditions. Aim 1B demonstrated the effectiveness of thrombosis assay techniques in evaluating clot formation in microfluidic device geometries. Results showed that geometry and local shear patterns strongly influence thrombogenesis. While hemolysis remained minimal even in high-shear devices, thrombus formation was more geometry-sensitive—underscoring the need to account for both factors in design. Modifying surface properties and accounting for blood composition could further reduce thrombotic risk. In Aim 2A, we compared PDMS, polypropylene (PP), and nanoporous silicon nitride (NPSiN) membranes for oxygen transport. Findings showed that in ECMO devices, blood-side resistance, not membrane permeability, often dominates oxygen transfer. Thus, membrane choice must be paired with optimized blood-side flow for full performance gains. Aim 2B directly addressed these limitations by integrating staggered herringbone mixers (SHBs), which introduced secondary flows and enhanced mixing. The Single Channel Herringbone design yielded the highest oxygen transfer, confirming the synergy between flow geometry and oxygen transport performance. Altogether, Aims 1A and 1B establish a strong framework for hemocompatibility evaluation, while Aims 2A and 2B provide complementary insights into optimizing oxygen transfer. Their interconnections highlight the value of a systems-level approach to designing microfluidic blood-contacting devices.

Access To Justice For Deaf Defendants, Anna Zieba

Theses

Deaf individuals face systemic accessibility within the criminal justice system, which emphasizes the importance of the gaps in accommodations by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Inconsistent legal protection, limited access to interpreters, inadequate training for legal professionals, and a lack of technology resources obstruct effective communication for Deaf individuals. As a result, it prohibits achieving an effective and equitable legal outcome. This research paper will examine case studies, legal frameworks, and academic literature to highlight the critical need for reform, including mandatory Deaf culture training, standardized interpreting qualifications, and more resources to enable equitable access to justice.

First-Order And Second-Order Adjoint Method And Stochastic Approximation For Inverse Problems, Adrian Heldt

Theses

We present a unified framework for estimating stochastic parameters in general variational problems. This nonlinear inverse problem is formulated as a stochastic optimization problem using the output least-squares (OLS) objective, which minimizes the discrepancy between observed data and the computed solution. A key challenge in OLS-based formulations is the efficient computation of first- and second-order derivatives of the OLS functional, which depend on the corresponding derivatives of the parameter-to-solution map—often costly and difficult to evaluate, especially in stochastic settings. To address this, we develop a rigorous computational approach based on first- and second-order adjoint methods for inverse problems governed by …

Two-Sample Bi-Directional Causality Between Two Traits With Some Invalid Ivs In Both Directions Using Gwas Summary Statistics, Siyi Chen

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Mendelian randomization (MR) is a widely used method for assessing causal relationships between risk factors and outcomes using genetic variants as instrumental variables (IVs). While traditional MR assumes uni-directional causality, bi-directional MR aims to identify the true causal direction. In uni-directional MR, invalid IVs due to pleiotropy can violate assumptions and introduce biases. In bi-directional MR, traditional MR can be performed separately for each direction, but the presence of invalid IVs poses even greater challenges. We introduce a new bi-directional MR method incorporating stepwise selection (Bidir-SW) designed to address these challenges. Our approach leverages public genome-wide association study (GWAS) datasets …

The Missing Connection: Designing A New Transit Hub Typology Centered Around Community, Michael Rixom

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

To effectively develop cities and improve the quality of life for their citizens, urban transportation infrastructure must evolve beyond its current function as a mere conduit for movement. Transportation hubs, such as MARTA stations, are essential in connecting people to their jobs, homes, and recreational spaces, serving as critical nodes within the urban fabric. However, despite their importance, they are designed with a sole focus on efficiency and movement, and often neglect the potential of these spaces to serve as more dynamic, community-centered environments.

In this Thesis Placemaking will be defined as an approach to urban design that emphasizes the …

Disrupting Monotony, Elias Mendez

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

At the start of this project, I was confronted with a range of global issues that revealed the harsh realities many regions face in securing basic human needs, particularly shelter. One issue that stood out to me was the housing crisis in Mexico, where low-income families often struggle to afford homes while also meeting essential needs like food and clothing. Many of these homes are poorly constructed due to strict budget constraints and are built in such close proximity that both private and communal spaces are sacrificed in favor of maximizing land use. This often results in rows of identical …

Plastic Repurposed: Explorations For The Use Of Plastic Waste As An Architectural Element, Caleb Tinajero

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

The business model for plastic has become accustomed to a system of consumption and disposal that has failed to develop a way that benefits the environment. Unless the production of plastic ceases to persist, the number of plastic waste will continue to grow and even though it is not fully visible, the effects of this pollution will eventually contaminate the aspects of our lives. Although stopping the production of such a vital factor to the prosperity of the economy is unrealistic, it could also be detrimental to the machinations of society. It is after all a very useful resource. The …

Vacant Voices - An Architectural Response To Spatial Neglect, Logan G. Handwork

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Vacant Voices explores how architecture can confront and reverse urban neglect by transforming long-abandoned land into civic space. Centered on the vacant lot at 3rd Avenue and James Street in Seattle—left undeveloped for over 20 years beside City Hall—this thesis investigates how public spaces can reflect the priorities of a government and the voices of its people. Through literature from Charles Wolfe, Rem Koolhaas, and Margaret Crawford, the project builds a theoretical foundation around everyday urbanism, adaptive reuse, and spatial justice.

The methodology incorporates case study analysis, expert interviews, and iterative prototyping. Precedents such as Zuccotti Park, Boston City Hall …

Nature's Nexus; Revival Of The Mall Typology Through Nature, Bailey Wilson

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Many suburban shopping malls are struggling today due to online shopping, questions of access, and monolithic experience among other things. The Savannah mall, abandoned in 2023, provides an opportunity for exploration in the revival of the mall typology through biophilic design. This project explores the nexus between Savannah’s landscape and the abandoned mall. Therefore, envisioning a future where malls evolve from heat island hardscapes into environments that create a nexus between nature and community.

Urban Eden, Establishing The Groundwork For A More Resilient City, Max R. Oliva

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Cities account for over 70% of Global C02 emissions and as these areas grow over time their Carbon Footprint will grow in turn. In order to offset this imbalance I propose to design Performative Skins & Building Modules to not only reduce the carbon footprint in these cities, but also recover their connection to Nature contributing not only to energy efficiency and air quality, but also to urban aesthetics, the inclusion of these systems could go so far as to help mitigate the heat island effect and in the long term help establish a more resilient and sustainable city

Empow{Her}: Architecture As A Tool For Healing, Dignity, And Collective Power In Underserved Communities, Miciah Norman

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

This thesis investigates the role of architecture as a catalyst for empowerment, healing, and social transformation within underserved communities, with a specific focus on the lived experiences of Black women. Empow(her) centers Black women as co-victims — individuals who are often forced to carry the emotional and economic weight of losing loved ones to gun violence, a crisis perpetuated by systemic neglect and ineffective gun legislation. These women, frequently overlooked in policy and design conversations, navigate generational trauma in environments that fail to support their healing or acknowledge their pain. Through the lens of feminist, trauma-informed, and justice-oriented design, this …

Defining Space With Bamboo, Nicholas A. Stile Jr.

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Defining Space with Bamboo explores the architectural potential of bamboo in the subtropical climate of the United States—specifically challenging the preconception of bamboo as merely an invasive species. While it’s true that bamboo is non-native and fast-spreading, its presence is already well-established across the region. This project asks: rather than resisting it, what if we embraced bamboo as a rapidly renewable, structurally versatile construction material?

Set along the Atlanta BeltLine, the project comprises three spatial installations—small, medium, and large—each designed to examine how bamboo can actively define space through qualities of leisure, activity, and discovery. The small pavilion employs a …

[Shape Up!], Noah D. Garity

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

"designs and strategies for urban play-scapes and the notion of a deployable play-city"

Through the proliferation of exclusively visual stimuli urbanites are growing disconnected from their peers. People need tangible and physical stimuli in the built environment. Emergence is the tendency for a population to connect without any preconceived notion of such. Emergence is a critical term in the discussion of growing urban isolation. Emergence and play are intertwined, both are critical in addressing urban disconnection. Using architecture, emergence will guarantee a resurgence in urban connectivity.

People need play.

This thesis will generate positive disruption to reengage street citizens and …

Characterization Of A Magnetically Contained Hot Filament Plasma Source With A Wide-Sweeping Langmuir Probe, Jonas Rowan

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Ionospheric plasma research in the Space and Atmospheric Instrumentation Laboratory’s Space Plasma Chamber has been hindered by the lack of a suitable plasma diagnostic instrument and understanding of its hot-filament plasma source. This thesis describes efforts made to remedy both problems. A wide-range Sweeping Langmuir Probe was developed with a ±35 V sweeping range to fully analyze ion and electron saturation regions in the entire IV curve. A method was derived to estimate the chamber source’s filament temperatures. The new Langmuir probe was integrated into a refurbished automated system designed in Python to measure plasma parameters for various chamber conditions, …