Digital Commons Network^™

The Dark Side Of Engagement: An Organizational Fairness Perspective, Katherine Naomi Rau

Theses and Dissertations

Employee engagement has long been regarded as a positive phenomenon for organizations and individuals. However, recent investigations into unintended, negative consequences of engagement have illuminated the potential “dark side” of engagement. This research applied an organizational fairness lens by investigating the relationship between engagement and psychological contract fulfillment to explain why engaged employees may experience emotional exhaustion and turnover intentions. Additionally, autotelic personality and job crafting were explored as potential mitigating factors in weakening the relationships between psychological contract breach and emotional exhaustion and turnover intention. While findings across two studies did not support the assertion that engagement was related …

Investigating The Impact Of Human-Centered Interface Design On The User Experience Of Mobile Device Users, Ruchir Gupta

Theses and Dissertations

In order to investigate the intricate interaction between interface design, user technological proficiency, and other components of the user experience, this research study used a mixed-method approach. The beginner user group—those with little experience or expertise with technology - were the main target audience. The important discovery emphasizes the substantial influence that careful design can have on improving the effectiveness and usability of interfaces for non-tech-savvy individuals. When using the suggested Interface B instead of the current Interface A, beginner participants' task completion times significantly improved, according to the user study. This underlines the significance of creating with the needs …

Cross-Framework Validation Of Cnn Architectures: From Pytorch To Onnx, Shreya Nandanwar

Theses and Dissertations

This research presents CIPAC (CNN Inter-framework Parameter Analysis and Comparison), a validation approach designed to ensure the integrity of Deep Learning models during their transfer between computational frameworks. Although initially tested on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), CIPAC is versatile enough for various Deep Learning architectures. It goes beyond traditional methods that focus on output accuracy, by examining the models’ architecture, parameters, and components to maintain consistency after transitions, like moving from PyTorch to ONNX framework. Inspired by software architecture’s stringent validation standards, CIPAC addresses the challenges of working with Machine Learning models on different platforms, making it an essential tool …

Investigating Endothelial Damage During Ischemic Stroke Treatment Using In Vitro And Computational Models, Zackary Lorton

Theses and Dissertations

Large vessel occlusion during acute ischemic strokes requires mechanical thrombectomy (MT) procedures using stent retrievers (SR). However, complete clot removal typically takes several attempts, which can amplify endothelial cell injury (EI). This project aims to characterize the extent of EI during MT using an in vitro vascular platform and a finite-element model (FEM). Impact of SR diameter and characterization of SR mechanical forces are assessed and correlated with human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) response. HUVECs were seeded on fibronectin (4 µg/cm²) coated true-scale PDMS arterial phantoms with 2.5 mm luminal diameter. Test groups (n=6) either …

Computational Fluid Dynamics Study Of Perforated Monopiles, Mary Kathryn Walker

Theses and Dissertations

Monopiles are used in the construction of offshore wind turbines and typically have a design life of 25 to 50 years. Over their lifecycle, monopiles are exposed to a corrosive saltwater environment, facilitating a galvanic oxidation process that quickly degrades the structure. This process can be mitigated by coating the monopile in a protective barrier and implementing cathodic protection techniques. Historically, monopile designers assumed the interior of the pile would be completely sealed and the galvanic corrosion process would eventually consume all the available oxygen, halting the reaction. However, penetrations made in the pile wall for conduit often leaked and …

Analysis Of The Temperature Dynamics In General Aviation Brake System, Rajnea Anthony Coley

Theses and Dissertations

As aircraft brakes are subjected to intense heat generation during landings and braking maneuvers, comprehending the temperature dynamics is essential for ensuring optimal performance, longevity, and, most importantly, the safety of flight operations. This paper dives into understanding heating and cooling in the brake systems of the Piper Aircraft PA28. In order to investigate the thermal behavior of aircraft brake components, this study evaluates a variety of general aviation braking scenarios, from light to heavy braking, including stop-and-go landings, full-stop taxi backs, and continuous braking while taxiing. It was noticeable that light braking exhibits slight temperature increases and cooling rates. …

Synthesis Of Durable Zeolite 13x Insertion Coatings And Scaled-Up Experimental Demonstration For Co2 Capture, Daniel Jamil Hocheimy

Theses and Dissertations

Minimizing the energy requirement for capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from post-combustion sources is critical to efficient industrial decarbonization and subsequent mitigation of the effects of climate change. The current portfolio of CO₂ capture technologies includes absorption, membrane separation and packed bed adsorption, which suffer from high energy and temperature requirements, scalability, and location dependency issues. Adsorption-based systems could cater to these concerns; however, their current embodiments primarily use packed adsorbent bed design and electricity-driven vacuum pumps to regenerate them. While simple and easy to fabricate, these designs are not scalable and cannot use heat to regenerate them …

Evaluation Of Beach-Fx — Beach Nourishment Planning Model – Miami Beach Case Study, Brennan Chase Banks

Theses and Dissertations

Miami Beach, located on the Southeast coast of Florida, is a concerning location for coastal erosion because of the increasing intensity and frequency of tropical storms, nuisance flooding, and accelerated sea-level rise due to climate change. Miami Beach is famous for its beautiful beaches, making it a location of high interest for tourists, citizens, and investors. It is vital for coastal practitioners to accurately model coastal processes, beach evolution, and storm damage during the planning stage of coastal protection projects. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers developed the Beach-fx model as a tool for engineers, planners, and economists to …

Development Of Chiral Lewis Base Catalysts For Chlorosilane-Mediated Asymmetric C-C Bond Formations, Changgong Xu

Theses and Dissertations

The chiral hydrazine is a crucial structural motif that serves as pivotal structural elements in numerous natural products and biologically significant molecules. We are particularly interested in the catalytic asymmetric reduction of hydrazones, as well as the catalytic asymmetric propargylation and allenylation of hydrazones, because they provide direct pathways to these enantio-enriched chiral building blocks. In this work, we will explore the potential of two different categories of chiral Lewis base catalysts in the said transformations.

Developed by another student in our group, axial-chiral 3,3’-triazolyl biisoquinoline N,N’-dioxides derived catalysts are tested and demonstrated its capability in activating various hydrazone …

Experimental And Numerical Analysis Of Laminar And Transitional Flow Through Annular Corrugated Pipes, Joseph Russell Sargent

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents studies on pressure loss through annular corrugated pipes to determine a friction factor coefficient using nitrogen. Ten different corrugated pipes’ geometries were evaluated via testing and experimentation. The ratio of corrugation height to inner diameter varied from 0.233 to 0.333 and the ratio of corrugation pitch to inner diameter varied from 0.181 to 0.446. Nitrogen flow rates between 0.25 to 94.4 standard liters per minute were used, resulting in Reynolds numbers, based on the corrugated pipe inner diameter, from 100 to 23,000. The experimental set-up was validated using smooth-pipe pressure loss measurements and the derived friction factor …

Investigating Factors Influencing Blockchain Adoption In Saudi Healthcare Data Management, Noura Mohammad Alkhalifah

Theses and Dissertations

Blockchain technology can potentially address security and privacy issues concerning the collection, storage, and sharing of healthcare data. However, its adoption within the healthcare sector is nascent in Saudi Arabia. This underutilization prompted our investigation into the determinants influencing blockchain adoption, intending to fully empower the Saudi healthcare sector to leverage blockchain capabilities. To achieve this, an extensive literature review was conducted to identify the pivotal factors encompassing technology, organization, and environment (TOE) that affect the successful implementation of blockchain technologies in managing healthcare data within the Saudi context. Utilizing the TOE framework, this study formulated three hypotheses concerning the …

System Identification For Motion Control Of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Platform, Raj Ramesh Agarwal

Theses and Dissertations

Comprehensive research on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) system identification for motion control parameters is presented in this thesis, with a focus on the necessity of precise control and improved performance. Using Pseudorandom Binary Sequence (PRBS) and Normally Distributed Random Numbers, it presents a unique technique for excitation of UAV dynamic systems. It also shows how effective random signals are in time-domain identification for precise control in a range of flying circumstances. The piece of research includes a thorough analysis and implementation of various approaches and its further improvements, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of each. These approaches include the free …

Thermal Conductivity Of Thin Porous Ceramic Coatings: An Analytical And Experimental Study, Lei Zhao

Theses and Dissertations

An analytical model of the thermal conductivity of the porous yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) layer used in the thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) is presented. Such high-temperature resistant coatings are essential to protect the metallic components of gas turbine engines. The model calculates the conductivity based on the coating's porosity, pore size distribution, and pore morphology, including the individual pore cross-section area, aspect ratio, and orientation, which are extracted from the scanning electron microscopy images. The model was verified through comparisons with numerical simulation results from a multiphysics software tool. A laser temperature gradient test was performed to validate the analytical model …

High Intraspecific Diversity Of Pocillopora Damicornis In Southeast Asia Reflects Adaptive Potential To Climate Change, Maria Lucille Carr

Theses and Dissertations

Marine heatwaves are increasing in intensity and frequency because of increased emissions of greenhouse gases. On coral reefs, warmer temperatures cause coral bleaching, mortality, and shifts in benthic composition. However, coral bleaching responses and survival vary geographically. Several hypotheses may explain such geographical differences in thermal tolerance, including the possibility that some localities may support higher intraspecific diversity than other localities, increasing the likelihood of survival of some individuals through heatwaves. Here we assessed geographic patterns of intraspecific genetic diversity in the ubiquitous coral Pocillopora damicornis. Intraspecific genetic diversity was assessed for 428 sequences across 44 sites in the Pacific …

4-Channel Spatially Multiplexed Communication System In Single-Core Optical Fibers, Ce Su

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation delves into exploring and advancing spatial domain / space division multiplexing (SDM) technologies within single-core optical fibers, a frontier in optical fiber communications poised to meet the burgeoning global demand for data transmission. At the heart of this research is the pursuit to significantly enhance the capacity and efficiency of optical fiber communication systems without necessitating additional fiber infrastructure. This work unveils a new paradigm in optical fiber communications characterized by a pioneering 4-channel SDM system through a meticulous process encompassing theoretical modeling, computational simulations, design innovations, and rigorous experimental validations. Theoretical contributions include the development of refined …

Representation Learning For Generative Models With Applications To Healthcare, Astronautics, And Aviation, Van Minh Nguyen

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores applications of representation learning and generative models to challenges in healthcare, astronautics, and aviation.

The first part investigates the use of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to synthesize realistic electronic health record (EHR) data. An initial attempt at training a GAN on the MIMIC-IV dataset encountered stability and convergence issues, motivating a deeper study of 1-Lipschitz regularization techniques for Auxiliary Classifier GANs (AC-GANs). An extensive ablation study on the CIFAR-10 dataset found that Spectral Normalization is key for AC-GAN stability and performance, while Weight Clipping fails to converge without Spectral Normalization. Analysis of the training dynamics provided further …

Controlled Delivery Of Peptide And Gasotransmitter For Promoting Vascular Endothelialization, Shirin Changizi

Theses and Dissertations

Endothelial cells (ECs) are vital for maintaining proper vascular function and regulating processes such as hemostasis and inflammation. Disruption of endothelial cells integrity can lead to several pathological conditions, including coronary artery disease, vascular cognitive impairment, and dementia (VCID). Alterations in ECs distribution may lead to compromised blood-brain barrier (BBB) function, facilitating the passage of blood components and contributing to conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, disruptions in ECs function can lead to early-stage thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia, resulting in graft failure in small-diameter (

This study aimed to develop innovative approaches for drug delivery to the BBB and TEVGs …

Deep Learning System Identification, Linearization And Control Of Dynamical Systems Utilizing Koopman Theory With Applications In Orbital Systems, George Mario Nehma

Theses and Dissertations

The computational and complexity burden of current linearization techniques is one that is a hinderance in the application of real world guidance, navigation and control systems. With the advancements in Deep Neural Networks, large data handling and Koopman Theory, the possibility of global linearizations of nonlinear systems is more prominent. This work demonstrates the capability of a Deep Neural Network learned Koopman operator to transform a nonlinear system into a Linear Time-Invariant system. The method presented is applied to both two purely dynamical systems and one controlled system to emphasize the ability for the technique to be applied in all …

A Statistical Fetch Model For Water Wave Glint Correction Using Worldview-3 Imagery, Amanda Jade Quintanilla

Theses and Dissertations

Sun glint in satellite imagery of the water surface contaminates the upwelling signal received by a detector. Many models exist that attempt to correct for this wave facet effect and phenomena. In this work a model for sun glint correction is created using the comparison of image transects between two nearly simultaneously collected images of the same area, although with differing sensor geometry. One image utilized in this research is almost entirely glint free while the other is contaminated by water wave facet glint. Although many models for removing sun glint exist based on various techniques, none are completely accurate, …

Development Of A Model To Predict Maximum Crack Width And Spacing In Reinforced Concrete Beams Under Flexural Stress, Saeed Alghamdi

Theses and Dissertations

Cracking in reinforced concrete structures is unavoidable due to the low tensile strength of concrete. Even though minimizing cracks on exposed concrete surfaces is significantly important from the aesthetics point of view, it is also very important for the durability and overall performance of the structure.

Flexural members must be designed to minimize cracking that may occur during the structure's service life. Even though there has been a lot of experimental work on crack width over the last several decades, a literature review reveals that researchers still can't agree on which variables are most important. Part of the reason for …

Photo-Carbon Monoxide Releasing Molecules For Antibacterial Benefits In Vascular Grafts, Beste Caner

Theses and Dissertations

Globally, the annual hemodialysis procedures surpass 1.5 million, emphasizing the vital role of reliable vascular access methods. However, common challenges like access infections and clot-induced blood flow reduction necessitate innovative solutions. This study delved into the potential therapeutic role of carbon monoxide (CO) and its effects on both endothelialization and non-pathogenic bacteria causing infections. The primary focus was evaluating the impact of loading different concentrations of carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CORMs), specifically CORM diketone 4 (DK4), within 2D spin-coated films on cultured E. coli and endothelial cells. Initial assessments of CO release kinetics from DK4-loaded films demonstrated that the 10% condition …

Unraveling The Physics Of Quasar Jets Using Hst Polarimetry, Devon Clautice

Theses and Dissertations

We present a multiwavelength study of three high-power FR II (quasar) jets -- 3C 273, PKS 0637-752, and 1150+497 -- with an emphasis on new high-quality Hubble Space Telescope (HST) optical polarimetry and Chandra X-ray Observatory imaging. Relativistic jets from active galactic nuclei transport energy and mass from the supermassive black hole’s accretion region out to Megaparsec-scale lobes, with effects that feedback into galaxy formation and cluster energetics. We build on recent work which has called into question our fundamental understanding of FR II jet physics, and suggest that highly-efficient particle acceleration must be taking place in situ …

Has Electricity Deregulation Eliminated The Nuclear Option?: Rethinking The Coasian Ios For Project-Finance Investments, Stephen Dansky

Theses and Dissertations

Installed electric generation capacity in the United States is expected to grow significantly over the next two decades. This raises concern about climate change as several common methods of electricity generation emit greenhouse gases. Nuclear power, which doesn’t create greenhouse gases while generating electricity, has been heavily promoted by the nuclear industry and a segment of the environmental community ever since it was codified by the United Nation’s 26^th Climate Change Conference of the Parties as an acceptable energy source to fight climate change. However, this dissertation establishes that the increased revenue risk and uncertainty created by the deregulation …

Organizational Cultural Entrenchment: Exploring Cultural Antecedents Of Actively Destructive Employee Behaviors As A Manifestation Of Voice In Mergers And Acquisitions, Keith Dellano Holloway

Theses and Dissertations

Mergers and acquisitions are frequently leveraged as a vehicle for company growth. However, many of these transactions fail to yield a positive result and often cause a net loss of shareholder value.

There are many interrelated factors at work within a merger or acquisition. Structure, leadership, finances, strategic fit, market, and price are just a few variables to consider. However, the factor of culture, and the failure of cultural integration, has surfaced in literature as a significant contributor to losses within mergers and acquisitions.

This study built on the work of Harris, Hirschman, Kotter, and Schlesinger and examined the deleterious …

Deep Learning In Indus Valley Script Digitization, Deva Munikanta Reddy Atturu

Theses and Dissertations

This research introduces ASR-net(Ancient Script Recognition), a groundbreaking system that automatically digitizes ancient Indus seals by converting them into coded text, similar to Optical Character Recognition for modern languages. ASR-net, with an 95% success rate in identifying individual symbols, aims to address the crucial need for automated techniques in deciphering the enigmatic Indus script. Initially Yolov3 is utilized to create the bounding boxes around each graphemes present in the Indus Valley Seal. In addition to that we created M-net(Mahadevan) model to encode the graphemes. Beyond digitization, the paper proposes a new research challenge called the Motif Identification Problem (MIP) related …

Test And Evaluation Model For Midwater Docking Of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, Parker Baillon

Theses and Dissertations

This research created a Test and Evaluation (T&E) model for midwater Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) capture. The creation of this model will allow for a better assessment of the feasibility of midwater AUV capture. To achieve this, the T&E model was exposed to various flow conditions to assess stability. Capturing an AUV in midwater, the area below the wave-affected zone to the sea floor, has many benefits for an AUV and its mission. AUVs basing missions from a midwater dock will not be affected by wave motions. A midwater dock can be transported to any mission site and deployed with …

Optimization Of Coral Restoration Along The Florida Reef Tract, Raymond Barry Banister

Theses and Dissertations

Historically, the reefs of Florida were dominated by two framework-building corals, Acropora cervicornis and A. palmata. However, these two populations have declined by 95% since the 1970s. The predominant contributors to the coral decline have been ocean warming and disease. In response to the decline, restoration organizations were established to improve survival, growth, and reproduction. Yet, there are gaps in current restoration practices and our knowledge of effective restoration techniques. This study uses large datasets to develop models that predict the most optimal locations for coral restoration in Florida and examines the relationships between the occurrence of wild acroporids …

Improving Static Cold Storage Life Of The Human Heart Before Transplant, Juan Sebastian Rodriguez Paez

Theses and Dissertations

Organ storage and transportation are critical steps for the success of organ transplantation. Static cold storage (SCS) of hearts for heart transplantation (HTx) remains the standard approach. However, SCS may involve damage to the tissue resulting from extended hypothermic preservation, potentially affecting organ viability. More over, the temperature distribution on and within the heart is unknown during heart transplantation. Therefore, there is an interest to study different stages of the heart transplantation process towards determining the 3D temperature distribution on and within the heart. There could be a possibility of having a hypothermic injury in different parts of the heart …

Amazon Fba Vs Fbm; A Strategic Approach To Determine Which Method Can Effectively Utilize Project Management Principles To Enhance Your Success As A New Amazon Seller., Tiffany Renee White

Theses and Dissertations

Navigating the complexities of a platform such as Amazon demands a strategic approach guided by project management principles. A comparative analysis of Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) methods were completed by focusing on how project management principles optimize product acquisition, supply chain management, and shipping methods for Amazon sellers. The objectives of this study included the identification of top product acquisition tools, the evaluation of inventory management software, assessing shipping methods, and determining the most effective fulfillment process for Amazon seller success. A mixed-methods approach was applied, involving an Amazon seller survey, literature review, data analysis, …

Utilization Of Confined Concrete In The Bottom Slab Of Double Composite Box Girder Bridges, Harry Craik

Theses and Dissertations

A mathematical model is proposed for the confinement of rectangular confined reinforced concrete elements under compression. The model was modified from existing models applied to rectangular confined concrete specimens. The present model applies to rectangular reinforced concrete cross-sections with a core aspect ratio of at least 2.0 and a high effective confinement index. The model applies to normal and high-strength concrete and incorporates the spacing of the transverse reinforcing hoops, the strength of the reinforcing bars, the reinforcing quantity, and the core aspect ratio of the section. The proposed model was verified against extensive experimental data, and there was a …