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Assessing Impact of Gabapentin in Combination with High-Risk Medication on Delirium Rates and Hospital Length of Stay Among Geriatric Trauma Patients
No full textOlder adult patients admitted with orthopedic trauma in the hospital often require multimodal analgesia (MMA) regimens. While this approach has been effective in management of acute pain, geriatric patients are exposed to adverse events related to medications including adverse drug reactions and post-symptomatic complications. Particularly concerning Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant medication introduced to treatment plans, Gabapentin has been identified as a high-risk medication in the Beer's criteria - particularly for causing delirium. The purpose of this data review is to assess the effect of Gabapentin on incidents of delirium in older adults with orthopedic trauma injuries.Biology and Biochemistry, Department ofHonors Colleg
Large Language Model-Driven Code Compliance Checking in Building Information Modeling
No full textThis research addresses the time-consuming and error-prone nature of manual code compliance checking in Building Information Modeling (BIM) by introducing a Large Language Model (LLM)-driven approach to semi-automate this critical process. The developed system integrates LLMs such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Llama, with Revit software to interpret building codes, generate Python scripts, and perform semi-automated compliance checks within the BIM environment. Case studies on a single-family residential project and an office building project demonstrated the system’s ability to reduce the time and effort required for compliance checks while improving accuracy. It streamlined the identification of violations, such as non-compliant room dimensions, material usage, and object placements, by automatically assessing relationships and generating actionable reports. Compared to manual methods, the system eliminated repetitive tasks, simplified complex regulations, and ensured reliable adherence to standards. By offering a comprehensive, adaptable, and cost-effective solution, this proposed approach offers a promising advancement in BIM-based compliance checking, with potential applications across diverse regulatory documents in construction projects
Spatial Characteristics of Chromatic Visual Processing Mechanisms
No full textPurpose The early visual system is subdivided into 3 parallel streams, each with distinct functional and physiological properties. Using transformations in Derrington, Krauskopf, and Lennie (DKL) color space, two experiments aim to characterize the spatial properties of mechanisms within theoretically targeted streams. In a third experiment, stimuli were adapted to prototype a chromatic perimetry test for assessing pathway specific functional changes in early diabetes. Methods Three experiments are described. (1) Spatial summation functions (stimulus size dependent contrast detection thresholds) are measured for stimuli defined by the cardinal axes of DKL color space within the central 20 degrees of vision. The critical areas of summation are compared to known pathway-dependent receptive field sizes, and a simple model of receptive field pooling using probability summation is described to account for the psychophysical data. (2) Westheimer functions (annulus size dependent contrast detection thresholds for a centrally superimposed target) are measured for stimuli defined by the cardinal axes of DKL color space at 5 degrees eccentricity. The critical diameters of the Westheimer function are compared to known pathway-dependent receptive field sizes. (3) A chromatic perimetry test is developed to assess local sensitivity to stimuli defined by the cardinal axes of DKL color space within the central 10 degrees of vision. This test was used to assess chromatic sensitivity differences between those with and without type 2 diabetes. Results (1) The critical area of spatial summation matches the dendritic field diameter of corresponding retinal ganglion cell types. The probability summation model is capable of describing pathway dependent differences in critical area, and probability summation exponent constants are described for the conditions tested. (2) The critical diameter of the Westheimer paradigm is inconsistent with pathway-dependent retinal receptive field sizes, suggesting cortical contributions. (3) Chromatic sensitivity across the visual field is worse in the glucose dysfunction population compared to healthy controls. Conclusions Chromatic contrast is a promising method of targeting distinct visual processing pathways. Characterizing normal function and the possible physiological correlates that limit certain functional properties paves the way for understanding the basic mechanisms of vision and for developing improved clinical assessments
Improving Efficiency and Robustness for Neural Networks Inference and Training
No full textA neural network is a machine learning model that makes decisions in a manner mimicking the human brain by employing interconnected notes or neurons in a layered structure. The neural network technique has been developed rapidly in recent years and has attracted a lot of attention from various research areas such as computer science, electronics, communication, management, and medicine. However, as it emerges as one of the hottest topics in both academia and industry, the challenge of high time and energy consumption and low robustness has raised the need for new hardware and software design in this area. This dissertation explores potential approaches and technologies to improve the efficiency and robustness of the neural network for both inference and training processes. On the one hand, Neural Architecture Search (NAS) is a technique to promote automatic machine learning, which aims to save time and energy to design and train the neural network. In this dissertation, an efficient one-shot neural architecture search with progressive choice freezing evolutionary search has been proposed. It improves the NAS efficiency while maintaining the accuracy and size of the searched network. On the other hand, importing noise during training is an efficient method to improve the adversarial robustness of the network. An importance-aware undervolting technique is proposed in this dissertation to achieve high inference robustness and low training energy consumption at the same time. Furthermore, image super-resolution (SR) which bridges the gap between modern hardware and real-time computer graphics, also requires high efficiency and low inference time. A computer graphics-guided framework employing NAS has been proposed to achieve a highly efficient image super-resolution neural network
Effect of Different Growth Conditions on Cell Growth Using Biphenyl as a Sole Carbon Source by the Bacteria Isolated from Soil Samples Collected from San Jacinto River, Texas
No full textBased on the initial assessment in 2012, the EPA Superfund site - San Jacinto River Waste Pit had suffered from inadequate waste treatment, resulting in the accumulation of highly toxic PCBs/Biphenyl. Following Hurricane Harvey in 2017, concerns were raised about the potential for contamination spreading to other regions. Initial suspected the pollutants could be carried downstream from the SJRWP, with Terrace River Park identified as one of the two major sites potentially affected. It was hypothesized that if there is significant biphenyl deposition at the collection site of Terrace River Park, then it is expected to find biphenyl-degrading activity in the microbial population sites. As part of this assessment, seven unidentified bacteria were isolated from Terrace River Park. This master thesis first assesses the biphenyl degradation capacity of seven unidentified bacterial strains; the strains were cultured in a carbon-deficient medium with biphenyl as the sole carbon source. Among these strains, FR CSM SOY, identified as Escherichia Coli demonstrated higher cell density growth, and was further monitored by GC-MS for canonical degradation intermediates. Based on the preliminary data, FR CSM SOY could be a putative biphenyl degrader. It was further hypothesized that if FR CSM SOY can produce some downstream metabolites when exposed to biphenyl as its sole carbon source, then it possesses functional biphenyl degradation pathway. To evaluate the second hypothesis, whole genome sequencing and annotation was performed to determine whether or not FR CSM SOY harbors any known bph genes to break down biphenyl. Bioinformatic tools such as BUSCO, BRAKER, PROKKA, RAST, Roary, KEGG Map, and ghostKoala were employed to investigate and verify the presence of pathways potentially capable of producing novel biphenyl’s derived secondary metabolite. Annotation results revealed an unconfirmed dioxygenase gene in FR CSM SOY. However, GC-MS data shown the strain was unable to convert biphenyl into known degradation derivative. Moreover, FR CSM SOY strain does not possess any homolog of biphenyl dioxygenase genes such as bphA-C, although it does encode a homolog of bphD (Denome SA. et al, 1993)
The Role of Corporate Digital Responsibility in Hospitality: Driving Enhanced Firm Performance and Perceptions of Justice
No full textThe hospitality industry faces growing consumer concerns about the ethical implications and fairness of digital technologies and data usage, as well as risks to data privacy. In light of these concerns, the concept of corporate digital responsibility (CDR) emerged as part of organizations’ responsibility to address digital-related issues. Overall, CDR seeks the ethical, fair, and protective management of digital technologies and data. While the concept has gained popularity among scholars, governments, and industry practitioners, there is still a lack of consensus on the conceptualization of CDR and its dimensions. Furthermore, there is a lack of empirical evidence of the potential effects of CDR on organizational outcomes such as firm performance and employees’ attitudes and behaviors. To address these critical gaps, the current study aims to conceptualize and propose a framework of CDR in the context of the hospitality industry. Additionally, two empirical studies are conducted to examine the role of CDR practices on firm performance, employee attitudes, and employee work-related outcomes. The purpose of Study 1 is to conceptualize CDR in the hospitality industry and test the effect of CDR practices on firm performance. First, based on a thorough review of existing CDR-related literature, this research conceptualizes CDR and proposes three main dimensions: digital ethics, data privacy and protection, and digital service fairness. These three dimensions and the literature review were used to develop a CDR dictionary. Then, dictionary-based text analytics and panel data analysis were conducted. The study analyzed CEO letters to shareholders and annual performance data from 24 hospitality companies from 1996 to 2023. While CDR practices related to data privacy and protection show a positive effect on firm performance, practices related to digital ethics and fairness do not have a significant effect on firm performance. The findings of the study suggest that firms' investments in CDR initiatives represent a tradeoff between potential costs and benefits. Study 2 examines the effects of CDR customer-oriented practices on employees' perceptions of organizational justice and subsequent work-related outcomes. In particular, this study uses a time-lagged design with a two-wave survey. Responses from hospitality employees in the US are collected and analyzed through PLS-SEM using SmartPLS4.0. The results show that employees' perceptions of organizational justice are positively influenced by CDR customer-oriented practices related to digital ethics and data privacy and protection. Conversely, CDR practices related to digital service fairness do not have a significant impact on organizational justice. In addition, employees’ assessments of organizational justice show a positive effect on job satisfaction, perceived job performance, and organizational trust. This study highlights the increasing importance of CDR practices in enhancing organizations’ relationships with employees and positively influencing their attitudes and behaviors at work
Enhancing Underwater Image Quality with Convolutional Neural Networks
No full textUnderwater images are often distorted due to light scattering and absorption, leading to color loss and reduced visibility. This project utilizes Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to dynamically enhance underwater images, restoring natural colors and improving clarity. By leveraging datasets of paired underwater and above-water images, the model learns to correct distortions caused by varying depths and water conditions. Quantitative evaluation using metrics such as Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Level of Exposure (LOE) demonstrates significant improvements in image quality. This research bridges the gap between advanced computer vision and practical applications in marine exploration, conservation, and photography.Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department ofHonors CollegeBiomedical Engineering, Department o
The association between anxiety sensitivity and eating expectancies in Hispanic emerging adult college students
No full textObjective: Recent evidence suggests that Hispanic emerging adults are at increased risk for maladaptive eating behavior. Therefore, there is a need to further examine the cognitive processes that may drive maladaptive eating behavior among this health-vulnerable population. Participants: Participants were 337 Hispanic emerging adult college students (81.9% female; Mage = 20.37, SD = 1.92; age range = 18-25). Methods: The present study examined anxiety sensitivity, a transdiagnostic vulnerability factor, as a predictor of various eating expectancies. Results: Results indicated that greater levels of anxiety sensitivity were positively related to increased eating expectancies of eating alleviates boredom, eating leads to feeling out of control, and eating helps manage negative affect. Importantly, findings were observed above and beyond the variance accounted for by age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and acculturative stress. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Hispanic college students with greater anxiety sensitivity may be at increased risk for maladaptive eating expectancies.Honors CollegePsychology, Department o
Pneumatically Deployed Non-Pressurized Lunar Structures: A Comparative Analysis of Rigid and Inflatable Structures
No full textThis research thesis explores the crucial role of pneumatically deployed unpressurized structures in enhancing human and robotic exploration capabilities on the lunar surface, with a focus on their design and application for future missions under NASA’s Artemis program and beyond. It provides a comprehensive analysis comparing rigid and inflatable systems, which are essential for functional and operational facilities. Through a thorough literature review, the study establishes the context of existing technologies while identifying research gaps. A systematic approach involving design analysis, comparative metrics, and simulation modeling evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of both structural types in terms of construction, adaptability, and performance in the harsh lunar environment. The results reveal that while rigid and inflatable structures offer unique advantages, inflatable structures prove to be more efficient, considering that a large-scale structure could yield optimal efficiency and functionality while minimizing resource utilization. Additionally, the research addresses practical considerations such as launch packaging, deployment, and surface operations for these structures, providing actionable guidance for future lunar mission implementations. Ultimately, this research contributes significantly to the strategic advancement of lunar architecture, positioning itself as a valuable resource for upcoming space exploration missions and fostering further investigation into sustainable design practices for extraterrestrial environments
“We All Kind of Just Want to be Accepted as We Come”: A Critical Comparative Case Study Exploring Professionalism Discourses in an Urban Elementary Teacher Preparation Program
No full textBackground: There has been a resurgence of dialogue surrounding what belongs in K–12 schools as teachers have been charged with removing emblems of Black history from curricula and required to de-rainbow their classrooms. Discourse on what is appropriate in schools also has informed what is considered professional behavior for preservice teachers during student teaching, a field placement experience. Professionalism expectations in teacher preparation can be exclusionary for preservice teachers from marginalized groups, and diverse preservice teachers’ experiences with professionalism have remained understudied. Therefore, it is important to understand how professionalism expectations have informed diverse preservice teachers’ perspectives of themselves in the field of education and as future teachers. Purpose: The purpose of this dissertation study was to explore preservice teachers’ understanding and experiences via enactments of the professional attributes policy in their preparation program. Research questions that guided this study included: (a) What do state, district, and university level policies convey about what it means to be a professional teacher? (b) What are the perceptions and interpretations of diverse preservice elementary teachers in an urban teacher preparation program about their program’s professional attributes policy? and (c) What recommendations do diverse preservice elementary teachers in an urban teacher preparation program have for making their program’s professional attributes policy more inclusive? Methods: Using a CCCS design, I collected data to allow for comparison across the transversal axis, or across time, to understand (a) how current professionalism policies were informed by historical iterations, and (b) participants’ recommendations for changing the policy to make it more humanizing in the future. Participants were three diverse elementary student teachers at the research site. Data sources included: the program’s professional attributes policy; open-ended survey responses from participants; focus group interviews; course syllabi; fieldwork observation rubrics completed by supervisors; and artwork depicting the participants’ visions for future, humanizing iterations of the policy. Data were analyzed using Mullet’s (2019) process for critical discourse analysis and an adaptation of Kinloch and San Pedro’s (2014) dialogic spiral that incorporated art and zine-making. Results: The findings were discussed using three themes: (a) The Knowledge and Skills of Professional Teachers, (b) The Teacher as a Role Model, and (c) Imagining a More Humanizing Approach to Teacher Professionalism. Conclusion: Findings from this dissertation study could be used to inform the development of humanizing professional attributes policies in teacher preparation programs, which include adjusting standard U.S. English requirements, clarifying dress codes, and engaging in dialogue to develop evaluation processes for preservice teachers. This study has implications for teacher preparation programs and for state- and university-level policies that could inform ways to support diverse student teachers in teacher education programs