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Addressing IoT Vulnerabilities in Smart Homes
Full text linkThe integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in smart homes has surged in recent years, accompanied by significant security vulnerabilities. The proliferation of IoT devices in smart homes has significantly enhanced convenience but also introduced substantial cybersecurity risks. This study investigated the susceptibility of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in students\u27 homes to cyberattacks, emphasizing the need for heightened consumer awareness regarding security vulnerabilities. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify common attack methods and trends in IoT cybersecurity, informing the development of a comprehensive survey administered to 34 student respondents. The results indicate a notable awareness of IoT security risks (76%), yet only a minority engage in regular software updates (24%) or possess a plan to address vulnerabilities (29%). While 53% of respondents have taken proactive measures to enhance security, concerns remain regarding data collection by IoT devices (79% confirmed data collection). This mixed engagement highlights a critical gap between awareness and action, underscoring the necessity for educational initiatives on best practices for IoT security. Recommendations include implementing automatic updates, enhancing manufacturer accountability, and promoting user-friendly privacy features to better protect consumer data in the evolving landscape of IoT technology. The outcome of this research holds implications for enhancing cybersecurity in everyday environments and promoting responsible IoT adoption
Exploring How Political Affiliations Influence Trust in AI Applications
Full text linkThis paper examines the impact of partisanship on public trust in the utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by private and public institutions. This study utilizes data from the “Artificial Intelligence: American Attitudes and Trends” survey (Zhang & Dafoe, 2019). Survey-weighted OLS regression models are employed to examine the variations in trust levels across different private and public institutions. This study hypothesizes that H1: Compared to Republicans, Democrats will report higher levels of confidence in public institutions to develop AI in the best interests of the public. H2: Compared to Democrats, Republicans will report higher levels of confidence in private institutions to develop AI in the best interests of the public. In contrast with the first hypothesis, results reveal that Democrats show lower trust in the military’s use of AI than Republicans do. For all other institutions, Democrats express higher trust in both federal use of AI and private tech companies. The thesis concludes that partisan trust gaps are institution- and context-specific and suggests enhancing AI governance through trust-building
Warriors of Faith vs Passive Men: Gender Binarism and Performance in Evangelical Christian Masculinity
Full text linkMy thesis examines communications and reflections of self (gendered and religious) in Midwest Evangelical Christian men. The focus was on how these groups perform their gender and religion with each other, and the tactics that were used to reinforce an acceptable notion of masculinity. Drawing upon literature on gender and masculinity studies, feminist philosophy, and hierarchical systems, my project aimed to analyze acceptable gender performance pushed by patriarchal gender norms and evangelical Christian groups. I incorporated multiple settings in my ethnographic study across the Midwest. Methods included semi-structured interviews and participant-observation of men’s conferences and Christian men’s groups, while reflecting on my gender performance. Through this investigation, I identified dichotomous ideologies within the groups and how their practices reduce or erase ambiguous notions of religious and gendered self. A strong narrative formed in these spaces, where men are mythologized as warriors of faith held to a higher standard, or demonized for being passive and succumbing to gender confusion and feminization. The degree of binary thought varied throughout these spaces but was consistently clear through conversation and action
Synthesis of Novel Schiff Bases and Their Metal Complexes
Full text linkPresented in this thesis is the synthesis and characterization of multiple thiosemicarbazones and dithiocarbazates, as well as their corresponding metal complexes. Chapter 1 is an introductory chapter exploring the significance and potential applications of this work. Chapter 2 focuses on thiosemicarbazone synthesis and characterization. Chapter 3 describes the synthesis and characterization of dithiocarbazates. Chapter 4 details metal complex synthesis using the previously described ligands. Chapter 5 summarizes the conclusions of the research and future work that may stem from it
Sulfate Sources in Groundwater From an Agricultural Area Central Illinois
Full text linkIncreasing sulfate (SO42-) concentrations in the water environment, corresponding with increases in urbanization and industrialization, are a rising global concern. Over 250 mg/L, sulfate threatens human health and ecosystems. Elevated concentrations influence carbonate rock weathering, contributing to the evolution of the global carbon cycle. Knowledge of sulfate sources, whether natural or anthropogenic, is essential for understanding sulfate transport and fate in groundwater. This study investigates SO42- origin and transport in groundwater in an area dominated by agricultural land use in Mclean County, Illinois. Specifically, we explored these questions: 1) Do sulfate concentrations change with groundwater depth? And 2) Are there seasonal differences in sulfate concentrations in groundwater? Water samples collected over 9 years (2015-2024) from 37 observation wells were analyzed for major anions, including SO42-. Based on depths, wells screened at 4.6m (A) and 3.1m (B) were categorized as deep groundwater, while wells screened at 2.3m (C) and 1.5m (D) were categorized as shallow groundwater. Seasons were categorized following agricultural practices into spring/planting (April – June), summer/growing (July – September), fall/harvest (October – December), and winter/fallow (January – March). A cumulative probability plot and a one-way ANOVA revealed two SO42- populations, with deep groundwater statistically different from shallow groundwater, indicating depth-related changes in SO42-. A two-way ANOVA showed no seasonal differences in SO42- concentrations. Depth differences in SO42- are due to geogenic rock-water interactions, releasing more sulfate in deeper groundwater wells. In contrast, shallow groundwater wells (SW) have lower sulfate levels, due to infiltration and recharge. Groundwater flow dynamics also contribute, with deeper groundwater having a longer residence time, allowing more rock-water interactions than shallow groundwater. Seasonal changes involving precipitation, agricultural runoff, and temperature shifts may not have an impact on sulfate levels, as suggested by the lack of seasonal variation in SO₄²⁻ concentrations between the SW and DW groups
Assessing the Impact of Chloride Concentration on Nitrate Loss in Sediment using Column Studies
No full textThe widespread use of nitrogen-based fertilizers in agricultural fields has led to a significant increase in nitrate concentrations in soil and water, posing a significant threat to human health and aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, freshwater systems are increasingly experiencing salinization due to several factors, including the use of road de-icing salts, agricultural runoff and industrial discharges, which compound water quality challenges. These environmental concerns raise interest in understanding the factors influencing nitrate loss processes. One factor is the concentration of chloride. Chloride levels as low as 100-200 mg/L are believed to inhibit nitrate loss. This study focuses on understanding the impact of chloride on nitrate loss within sediment using column studies. Solutions with 15 mg/L nitrate as nitrogen (NO3-N) with added concentrations of chloride (Cl- ), 0 mg/L (control), 50 mg/L, 100 mg/L, and 1000 mg/L were run through sediment columns to assess the role chloride concentration has on the rate of nitrate loss. The results showed that at chloride concentration of 0 mg/L, nitrate concentrations began to decrease at 21 hours, reaching a low of 0.59 mg/L at 50 hours, indicating significant nitrate loss. However, three trials conducted at chloride concentrations of 50 mg/L, 100 mg/L and 1000 mg/L showed no nitrate loss within the sediment over 192 hours of experiment. Nitrate concentration remained almost constant at 15 mg/L suggesting that high chloride concentrations completely inhibit nitrate reduction processes within the sediment, further supporting my hypothesis that higher chloride levels inhibit nitrate loss. These findings highlight the importance of chloride contamination in freshwater systems, as elevated chloride levels can impede nitrate loss processes, potentially increasing water quality challenges such as eutrophication and posing long-term risks to human health and aquatic ecosystems. Reducing chloride inputs into water systems may enhance nitrate removal and improve water quality management efforts
From Access to Application: Exploring the Depth of Technology Integration in Rural and Non-Rural Schools
Full text linkThis qualitative study examines how geographic disparities influence the integration of educational technology in rural Illinois high schools. Through interviews with a technology specialist from a rural district and a curriculum director from a non-rural district in Illinois, the research explores differences in access, instructional use, and systemic support. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) Ecological Systems Theory and DiGironimo’s (2011) Three Dimensions of Technology, findings show that while both districts value technology, rural integration tends to focus on access and functionality, while non-rural schools more often embed technology into inquiry-driven instruction. These results highlight the need for context-sensitive approaches that consider not just access, but how technology is meaningfully used in teaching and learning
Converting Cover Crop Biomass to Biogas and Volatile Fatty Acids
No full textCover crops are commonly used for their environmental benefits, including improved soil health and reduced soil erosion. However, there is limited use for the aboveground biomass, except for oilseed crops. The objectives of this study were to (1) characterize the selected winter cover crop biomass at three growth stages, (2) evaluate the biogas and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) yield, and (3) examine the concurrent alkali pretreatment and ensiling effects on biogas yield. Wild pennycress, golden pennycress, CoverCressTM, annual ryegrass, cereal rye, pea, and clover biomass were harvested at three growth stages. Results showed that biogas yield increased with maturity. The third-harvest wild pennycress biomass had a methane yield of 171.80 ± 4.82 L/kg-VS while after alkali pretreatment and ensiling, a methane yield of 270.4 ± 3.10 L/kg-VS was obtained from the second-harvest biomass, representing a significant 5.9-fold increase relative to the untreated biomass. Since the first-harvest of wild pennycress biomass had a lower biogas yield, it was incorporated as a feedstock in AAD to produce VFAs. Gas Chromatography was used to analyze the concentration of acetic, butyric, propionic, hexanoic, and valeric acids. Among the tested cover crops, pea biomass had the highest VFAs yields of 0.304 g/g-VS. VFAs concentration and yield differed by crop and harvest stage, except for pennycress, which showed consistent VFAs trends across stages. VFAs produced from cover crops generated estimated revenues ranging from 800 per acre. This study demonstrates that the selected winter cover crops have the potential for sustainable bioenergy production
The Invisible Tapestry Of Whiteness: A Phenomenological Study Of Campus Artifacts At A Historically White University
Full text linkBIPOC students at historically white colleges and universities (HwCU) often experience rejection, isolation, and marginalization in campus environments that remain unwelcoming and racially hostile. While research highlights the negative impact of these climates on student success, few studies interrogate whiteness as a structural force, shaping institutional culture and sustaining racial inequities. This study examines how whiteness is embedded in campus artifacts—including history, demography, curriculum, learning environment, climate, symbols, traditions, and spaces—and how it impacts BIPOC students\u27 experiences.
Using a phenomenological approach, this study engaged 15 BIPOC students at Partly Cloudy University through surveys and interviews. Data were analyzed using critical whiteness studies to examine how campus artifacts function as transmitters of whiteness, reinforcing white supremacy through institutional structures and norms. Two key conceptual tools emerged: the misery index that quantifies the cumulative impact of exclusionary experiences and the invisible tapestry that captures whiteness saturation in the student experience.
Findings revealed campus climate as the most dominant factor in whiteness saturation, with seemingly neutral artifacts reinforcing systemic exclusion. This study shifts campus racial climate scholarship from BIPOC students’ perceptions to whiteness as an observed phenomenon, offering a new methodology for assessing and disrupting whiteness in higher education. The invisible tapestry provides a framework for making whiteness visible, thus challenging its neutrality and positioning HwCU administrators to pursue meaningful, structural change
Exploring the Interplay of Health-Related Psychological Constructs, Health Promotion Programs, and Work Outcomes: A Two-Study Approach
Full text linkHealth and wellness initiatives have become central components within modern workplaces. A growing emphasis on maintaining and improving personal health and wellness has clear effects in professional environments as health promotion programs are increasingly implemented. This project aims to uncover the psychological constructs that are targeted and influenced by such programs. Specifically, these studies examine the influence of health messaging on individual levels of health anxiety and health consciousness and investigate how those constructs interact with attendance and health-related outcomes. Additionally, information regarding an employees’ organizational commitment was gathered to examine its’ potential impact. The thesis further elaborates on the established relationship by manipulating health messaging and including the Theory of Planned Behavior variables of attitudes, norms, and perceived behavioral control. The studies confirm that health promotion programs lead to positive implications in a workplace concerning employee attendance behaviors and attitudes