Digital Commons Network^™

Recurrence: Curiosity-Driven Models In Sparse Reward Environments, Chengyu Li

Electrical and Systems Engineering Undergraduate Student Research

In this project, we present a rigorous replication of the seminal work on curiosity-driven exploration by self-supervised prediction in reinforcement learning environments. Our study reconstructs the original framework, where an agent's curiosity—quantified as the prediction error of the consequences of its actions—is used as an intrinsic reward mechanism. This approach allows the agent to independently explore and acquire knowledge without external incentives. We replicated experiments in two distinct environments, Breakout and Space Invader, to test the reproducibility of the findings. We followed the procedures for creating an inverse dynamics model that the agent uses to learn visual feature representations of …

Democratizing Administrative Law, Joshua D. Blank, Leigh Osofsky

Duke Law Journal

When agencies make statements about the law, people listen. This insight yields a fundamental tension. According to one set of views, such agency statements, and their ability to influence public behavior, are critical not only for a well-functioning bureaucracy but also for our entire system of government. According to another set of views, this agency power, if left unchecked, could border on tyranny.

Administrative law responds to this tension through an extensive, purportedly comprehensive, framework that attempts to police agency statements. The framework places different types of agency statements into different legal categories. On the one hand, legislative rules make …

Journal Staff

Duke Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Administrative Reliance, Haiyun Damon-Feng

Duke Law Journal

Presidential regime change and the federal policy shifts that accompany it raise significant questions concerning continuity, stability, and governance in the administrative state. Presidential policymaking through the administrative state may generate serious reliance interests recognized under administrative law (what this Article calls “administrative reliance”), which agencies must consider prior to enacting policy change. Administrative reliance has developed into a robust form of judicial review over agency action. Administrative reliance has been invoked in highly politicized contexts, such as immigration law, to challenge a sitting administration’s termination of a prior administration’s policies. Despite its powerful and consequential effects, the doctrine of …

Vt-Nmr Analysis Of Rotation-Inversion Of N-(4-Hydroxybutyl)-N-(2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl) Tert-Butyl Carbamate: Utilizing The −Ch2cf3 Appendage As A Reporter On E/Z-Isomerization, Brian Jameson, Rainer Glaser

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

The rotational barrier about the CN carbamate bond of N-(4-hydroxybutyl)-N-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) tert-butyl carbamate 1 was determined by variable temperature (VT) 13C and 19F NMR spectroscopy. The −CH2CF3 appendage reports on rotational isomerism and allows for the observation of separate signals for the E- and Z-ensembles at low temperature. The activation barrier for E/Z-isomerization was quantified using Eyring-Polanyi theory which requires the measurements of the maximum difference in Larmor frequency Δνmax and the convergence temperature Tc. Both Δνmax and Tc were interpolated by analyzing sigmoidal functions fitted to data describing signal separation and the quality of the superposition of the E- and …

An Evaluation Of Tape For The Collection Of Ignitable Liquid Residues From Non-Porous And Porous Surfaces, Laird Vincent Jarrett

Online Theses and Dissertations

Ignitable liquids are flammable mixtures used to accelerate a fire. ILs are composed of a broad range of hydrocarbons and include commonly encountered materials such as gasoline, diesel, and kerosene. In the event of a suspected arson, ILR may be found within the pores of materials at the crime scene such as concrete. Traditionally, the whole material is collected and packaged into air-tight containers to prevent evaporation and allow transportation back to the lab. However, this may require the use of heavy machinery, such as a jack hammer, which takes a lot of manpower to operate and may increase the …

Virtual Reality As An Adjunct To Behavior Therapy: A Systematic Literature Review, Alya Alharrasi

Honors Theses

The World Health Organization (WHO) projects that by 2030, mental disorders will become the primary source of global disease burden [1]. Anxiety-related disorders, including specific phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and various forms of general or specific anxiety, are the most rapidly growing mental health disorders worldwide [2]. In the United States (US), over 1 in 10 American youths are experiencing depression, resulting in a severe impact on their personal, academic, or professional encounters and social engagements [3]. Similarly, anxiety disorders affect up to one-third of the US population during their lifetime [4].

Due to the growth of mental health …

A General Theorem In Spectral Extremal Graph Theory, Dheer Noal Desai

Combinatorics Seminar

Tur´an numbers are a cornerstone of extremal graph theory. Their asymptotics are completely known when forbidding graphs with chromatic number at least three, however they remain unknown for several basic bipartite graphs. Nikiforov introduced a spectral analogue to Tur´an problems referred to as spectral Tur´ an problems. Here our objective is to maximize the spectral radius of the adjacency matrices of graphs not containing some subgraphs. Such a study may give strong upper bounds for the associated Tur´ an problems. While the asymptotics of spectral Tur´ an numbers are known for graphs with chromatic number at least three, several families …

Shared Values (4/24/2024), Csusb Faculty Senate

CSUSB Faculty Senate records

No abstract provided.

Advancements In Scanning Electron Microscopy, Surya Kamal

Theses

Scanning electron microscopes (SEM) are poorly characterized imaging instruments. The SEM optics (lens and aperture assembly) is designed to form a focused electron probe that scans the specimen to produce images. Therefore, the imaging efficacy in SEM strongly depends on the quality of the optics. However, there is no way to accurately characterize the optics in an uncorrected SEM (without multipole correctors) due to the lack of an exit wave. This work focuses on improving the imaging capabilities of an uncorrected SEM by understanding its optical performance using wave optical theory, simulation, and experiment. In this dissertation, we have developed …

Lincoln Sponsor Llc V. Wellington

All Decisions

In this non-payment case, the tenant moved to amend her answer and to dismiss the petition due to a defective rent demand. The court granted the motion to amend, noting the absence of prejudice to the landlord and the potential merit in the proposed defenses. Regarding the motion to dismiss, the court found the rent demand lacking clarity and specificity, particularly concerning additional charges, and dismissed the petition without prejudice, emphasizing the importance of compliance with RPAPL 711.

Resnicow V. W 7879 Llc

All Decisions

In a rent-stabilized apartment dispute, the court dismissed the tenant's claim of rent overcharge based on pre-HSTPA law, rejecting the argument for a two-tier calculation method. The court cites relevant case law, emphasizing that the landlord corrected the overcharge prior to HSTPA enactment and awards attorneys' fees to the landlord.

Senate Meeting, April 24, 2024, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Senior Recital: Matthew Tutterow, Horn; Joe Rhykerd, Euphonium; Lu Witzig, Piano; April 24, 2024, Matthew Tutterow, Joe Rhykerd, Lu Witzig

School of Music Programs

Kemp Recital Hall
April 24, 2024
Wednesday Evening
9:00 p.m.

A Review Of Electrically Conductive Cement Concrete Pavement For Sustainable Snow-Removal And Deicing: Road Safety In Cold Regions, Mohammad Anis, Mohamed Abdel-Raheem

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Within cold U.S. regions, winter storms can cause interruptions in transportation networks, affecting transportation entities’ revenue streams. Conventional snow-removal methods on roadways efficiently remove snow and ice, yet their adverse environmental impacts further make winter maintenance more challenging. In response to these concerns, electrically conductive cement concrete (ECCC) pavement has become an effective alternative for deicing and snow melting on road surfaces. ECCC utilizes the Joule heating principles to effectively melt snow and ice by incorporating conductive elements into conventional concrete. This paper comprehensively reviews the current literature on ECCC pavement. Previous studies have diligently explored various aspects of ECCC …

Graduate Recital: Sohee Kim, Voice; Joohee Jeong, Piano; April 24, 2024, Sohee Kim, Joohee Jeong

School of Music Programs

Kemp Recital Hall
April 24, 2024
Wednesday Evening
7:30 p.m.

Consignment Store Market Research, Mary Gifford '26

School of Business Student Scholarship

Mary Gifford ’26, Social Science major
Faculty Mentor: Kelly (Ramirez) Stone, The Donald Ryan Incubator for Entrepreneurship in the Arts and Sciences

Reviving Peloton Through A Nike Acquisition, Will Pinckey '24, Jacquelyn Scola '24, Aliana Disla '25, Nicole Romero '24

School of Business Student Scholarship

Will Pinckney ’24, Marketing major
Jacqueline Scola ’24, Marketing major
Aliana Disla ’25, Marketing major
Nicole Romero ’24, Marketing major
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mark DeFanti, Marketing

Improving Hpv Vaccination Rates In A Pediatric Group: A Pilot Project, Jason Warhurst, Karlen Beth Luthy, Michael S. Robinson

Student Works

Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. HPV vaccines are both safe and effective, providing long-lasting protection. Some organizations recommend the HPV vaccine should be initiated at age 9 years.

Specific Aims: The purpose of this pilot project was to improve HPV vaccination rates by 10% in patients ages 9-10 years at a large pediatric group. This purpose was accomplished through pediatric healthcare provider (HCP) education.

Methods: A quantitative and open-response questionnaire was used to determine HCPs’ confidence levels regarding the HPV vaccine at baseline. HCPs attended one evidence-based …

The Effects Of Moderate Prenatal Alcohol Exposure On Kappa Opioid Receptor Expression Across Development In Rats, Margaret Agajanov, Kelcie Schatz

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is an umbrella term that describes the host of symptoms that may result from prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). The incidence of anxiety disorders in children exposed to moderate PAE (mPAE) is twice that seen in children exposed to low amounts. mPAE animal models demonstrate anxiety-like behaviors reflective of those seen in humans exposed to mPAE. Gestational day 12 (G12) in rats is a period during which the amygdala is undergoing significant development. Past studies suggest that mPAE during G12 is implicated in the anxiety-like behavior observed in rats. The basolateral amygdala is part of the anxiety …

An Investigation Of Alternative Strike Policies For Railroad Workers, Evan Morrisey

Honors Theses

In principle, railroad workers have a legal right to engage in strikes in the United States, just like a majority of other workers. In practice, however, they are ostensibly forced into compulsory arbitration where Congress legislates their contract even if they vote to strike. The government’s justification for overriding the workers’ right to strike in this way is that a full-scale strike could have serious economic impacts to the national economy. Overriding railroad workers’ right to strike still raises ethical concerns, because the right to strike is crucial for workers to protect their interests. While unrestricted, indefinite, large-scale strikes may …

How Witnessing Domestic Violence Affects The Future Of Children: An Exploratory Study, Victoria Cleckler

Honors Theses

Domestic violence (DV), also known as Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), is a widespread issue that affects many people, families, and communities, with one in four women and one in nine men falling victim to domestic violence each year in the United States. However, these statistics only consider what has actually been reported. More than 44% of domestic violence cases go unreported each year. It can be inferred that a drastic number of children are also affected. Children who witness domestic violence are indirect victims of DV, as they experience psychological and emotional turmoil simply by witnessing the abuse. However, there …

The Effectiveness Of Dexmedetomidine As An Adjunct In Spinal Anesthesia For Pain Relief In Cesarean Patients: A Scoping Review, Tyler Polanco Bsn, Rn, William Riley Bsn, Rn, Michelle Russell Bsn, Rn, Christina Samson Bsn, Rn, Bria Sharp Bsn, Rn, Dwayne Accardo Dnp, Ccrna, Faana

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

No abstract provided.

Medicinal Treatment Versus Dialysis In End Stage Renal Disease Patients With Perioperative Hyperkalemia: A Scoping Review, Haley Bishop, Bsn, Rn, Hannah White, Bsn, Rn, Matthew Wilhaucks, Bsn, Rn, Ashton Weaver, Bsn, Rn, Christin Simpson, Bsn, Rn, Margaret Harvey, Phd, Acnp-Bc, Chfn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

No abstract provided.

Depression Screening In Type 2 Diabetes In Adolescent 12-18 Year Olds, Mykyla Coleman Bsn,Rn, Chelsea Conlee Bsn,Rn, Carol Gracia Msn, Aprn, Fnp-Bc, Emily Jennewine Msn, Aprn, Cpnp-Pc, Ibclc, Sally Humphrey Dnp, Aprn, Cpnp-Pc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background

Although more commonly diagnosed in adults, type 2 diabetes is increasingly diagnosed in pediatric populations in the United States. Research suggests a correlation between depression and type 2 diabetes, however, a gap in research exists regarding depression and type 2 diabetes among pediatrics, specifically adolescents. This scoping review aims to address this gap by assessing the impact of depression screening on glycemic control in this specific population.

Purpose

The goal of the review is to contribute to the development of effective strategies for depressing screening in adolescents with type 2 diabetes, with the expectation this may positively impact glycemic …

Professors Britney Wilson And Claire Thomas Lead Nyls Clinics To Triumph, Jennifer Bancamper

NYLS Community News

No abstract provided.

Cna's Disclosure Statement

Catholic Dioceses in Bankruptcy

No abstract provided.

Feeding Deficits Contributing To Picky Eating, Olivia Paige Allen, Brianna Paige Pestrosky, Caitlyn Shaffer

Graduate Student Scholarship

Children are often known as picky eaters but many aspects contribute to feeding that one may not be aware of. These factors include sensory, oral motor, behavioral, neuromuscular, social skills, developmental readiness, and functional feeding skills. This study analyzes the aspects of feeding that contribute to picky eating and examines why some aspects may contribute more than others. The study will be conducted through the use of observation and standardized occupational therapy assessments while looking at children ages 2-10 years old. The goal of the study is to increase the knowledge of picky eating by relating it to the various …

'I Can Still Swing A Spade': A Qualitative Exploratory Study Of Gardening Groups For People With Dementia, Helen Foster-Collins, Raff Calitri, Mark Tarrant, Noreen Orr, Rebecca Whear, Ruth A. Lamont

School of Psychology

This exploratory qualitative study aimed to evidence how community-based gardening groups can be used to support the psychological, physical and social health of those living with dementia. The views of people living with dementia in the community, care partners and group leaders were sought to better understand the benefits gained from gardening groups, as well as the features of gardening groups that are cited as enabling positive outcomes. Going beyond the existing single-group studies in this area, this research aimed to identify common themes across multiple gardening groups. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six group leaders, three people living with …

Sophomore Recital: Joe Brackmann, Cello; Joohee Jeong, Piano; April 24, 2024, Joe Brackmann, Joohee Jeong

School of Music Programs

Kemp Recital Hall
April 24, 2024
Wednesday Evening
6:00 p.m.