Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Planning Using Hybrid D* Lite with PPO and TD3: Experimental Design and Performance Analysis

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) face significant challenges in underwater navigation, including generating smooth paths, avoiding obstacles, and adapting to complex conditions. This paper introduces a hybrid path-planning algorithm, D-RL*, that integrates the D* Lite algorithm for efficient initial pathfinding with Deep Reinforcement Learning methods to refine paths for smoother trajectories. The proposed approach addresses D* Lite\u27s inability to produce continuous, smooth paths and baseline Reinforcement Learnings’ failures in environments requiring significant detours. Experimental results in four progressively complex environments highlight D-RL*’s ability to plan smoother paths than D* Lite while training in a shorter amount of time and generating shorter paths than baseline Deep Reinforcement Learning methods. These findings demonstrate D-RL*’s potential to deliver optimal and reliable navigation, making it well-suited for applications such as environmental monitoring and disaster response. Future work will extend testing to dynamic environments, three-dimensional navigation, and kinematic constraints to further enhance its operational feasibility

What About the Buyers? Deriving Factors of Demand in the U.S. Black Market

The vast majority of econometric research regarding black markets focuses on the supply. Relatively little information is definitively shown in academic literature regarding the drivers of demand for black markets. This project seeks to identify factors of demand for black market goods and services. First, this paper gives a brief definition of the broad definition of black markets, before specifically defining the scope of individual markets which will be included in this project. Next, there is a brief review of recent literature on the U.S. black market in order to determine prime candidates for factors of demand. Then, a robust econometric model is created and adjusted to account for issues such as multicollinearity, heteroskedasticity, and serial correlation. Finally, the project results are explained and the most significant factors of demand for the U.S. black market are identified. This project exists to find patterns which exist in the significance of variables in the presence of changing levels of buyer risk and external social cost. The paper concludes by providing advice on how the American regulatory environment can be adjusted to best shrink and defend against buyers in American black markets

Profiting on The Kentucky Derby

This paper analyzes the quantitative data of horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby to recognize statistically significant variables to predict the horse that comes in first or in-the-money. This analysis is specific to the post-implementation of the points system that began for the 2013 Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs, the host of the Kentucky Derby, changed the methodology of qualification for a horse to enter the race; instead of qualifying with highest earnings in lifetime starts, the institution implemented a points system that awarded different proportions of points depending on the value of various prep races leading up to the Derby. This points system is known as the ‘Road to the Kentucky Derby’, commonly referred to as the Road. Incorporating evidence from conducted interviews, published articles and racing documentation, this analysis aims to show how the Road to the Kentucky Derby changed the way that horseplayers approach the race and identify specific variables that are statistically significant indicators of a successful horse. Using R Studio, this paper conducts a logistic regression of twenty-five variables such as, but not limited to, performance in a prep race, trainer performance and jockey performance. The analysis produced eight significant variables among two binary regression models

Simplifying 3D Printing Using Natural Language Processing

3D printing is a crucial technology with many applications in different fields. To be able to use this technology to its full extent, expertise in computer aided design (CAD) technology and 3D modeling is required. Many people interested in 3D printing do not have this expertise and thus cannot build custom models, and are consequently forced to buy them instead. Natural language processing (NLP) is one tool that can vastly simplify 3D modeling for those lacking CAD experience. Using NLP, someone can simply dictate what they want to be able to print, and a computer can then build a 3D model for them. Furthermore, NLP could be used to create simple machine instructions, known as gcode, that direct a 3D printer to produce a particular shape or figure. To test the efficacy of NLP for gcode generation, an application was built to parse English and then generate gcode for the specified model. While this app can only make simple shapes, it shows great potential in using NLP to simplify the 3D printing process

Transformational Leadership and Its Impact on Team Success: A Detailed Chronicle of Bellarmine University Men\u27s Lacrosse

This thesis uses a journalistic approach to explore the intersection between leadership, transformational leadership, in particular, and forms of success through the lens of Kentucky\u27s only NCAA Division 1 Men\u27s Lacrosse program. Interviews, written survey, and observation were utilized to gauge a community-wide perspective about the team and the holistic nature of the student-athlete experience within Bellarmine University Men\u27s Lacrosse. Observation followed the team for three years and engaged players and coaching staff in telling the story of the team\u27s shifting culture and the management process of the team\u27s newfound success. Methods aimed to draw a connection between the change in leadership and perceived success on all fronts of the college athletics landscape, and findings revealed athletic, academic, and social improvements within the team and as perceived by the public

Faculty Perceptions of the Affective Domain in Entry-To-Practice Respiratory Therapy Education: An Exploratory Descriptive Qualitative Study

Background: The affective domain of learning is one of the three learning domains that comprise Bloom\u27s Taxonomy of learning. The respiratory therapy profession places a great emphasis on the development and assessment of all three learning domains in entry-to-practice respiratory therapy education. While the cognitive and psychomotor domains receive significant attention, the affective domain of learning is often given less attention due to its complexity and lack of definition in the profession. Purpose: An exploratory descriptive qualitative study focused on exploring the affective domain of learning in entry-to-practice respiratory therapy education, specifically how the domain is defined, and the methods faculty use to support its development. Analysis: The data was analyzed utilizing Braun and Clark’s (2006) qualitative thematic analysis under the social constructivism theory approach. Results: Analysis of the data resulted in three themes: Inward Reflection, Outward Connection; The Telling and Doing of Becoming; and Different Paths, Same Destination

Gnomic Animation: Decrypting The German New Wave [chapter]

https://scholarworks.bellarmine.edu/fac_book_gallery/1101/thumbnail.jp

A Cross-Sectional Analysis: Employment and Its Impact on Physical Activity, Academic Performance, and Quality of Life Among Bellarmine University Students

Introduction: Half of undergraduate students are employed, meaning they must balance work with academics, physical activity (PA), and personal responsibilities. This study examines the potential negative impact of employment on PA, academic performance, and quality of life (QOL) among college students. Methods: The cross-sectional survey comprised 125 Bellarmine University students (Age 21.07 ± 3.40; 52% female, 48% male). Measures included the RAND SF-36 for QOL, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and a custom academic and employment questionnaire. Racial and ethnic demographics included White (75.2%), Black or African American (11.2%), Hispanic or Latino (15.2%), Asian (4.8%), Multiracial (4.8%), and Other (0.8%). Statistical analyses included Spearman rank correlations, linear regression, Chi-square tests, one-way ANOVA, and t-tests to examine relationships between work variables (paid hours, total hours, work motivations) and outcomes: moderate PA (MPA), vigorous PA (VPA), total PA (TPA), GPA, and the eight RAND SF-36 QOL health domains. Results: Greater work hours were associated with lower vigorous and total physical activity, reduced general health scores, and increased fatigue. Total work hours significantly predicted declines in weekly physical activity. Physical activity levels differed by work type, with non-working students reporting the highest vigorous PA. Students engaged in paid work alone reported fewer physical limitations compared to other groups. Employment motivation played a key role: students working for field experience had higher GPAs and energy levels, while those working for enjoyment also reported greater energy. In contrast, students working to support family expenses experienced higher levels of bodily pain. Conclusion: Student employment, particularly longer work hours, may adversely affect physical activity and perceived health. However, the nature and motivation of employment shape these outcomes. Efforts to support student well-being should consider these complexities to help students better balance work, health, and academic demands

Attitudes on Solitary Confinement

Solitary confinement is widespread and recognized as harmful in society. However, it is not as researched as other controversial issues, including immigration, gun control, abortion, etc. Due to this, it is hard to gauge how supportive the public is or isn\u27t of related practices. In a general sense, public support has been established by legislators crafting policy, and by extension United States Supreme Court decision making. This is particularly crucial in discussions on interpretations of the 8th Amendment/ cruel and unusual punishment. Existing case law, such as Peoples V. Fischer, found that solitary confinement was arbitrary and needed reform, including protecting vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, youth, and those that are developmentally disabled (Peoples V. Fischer 2024). Other existing research includes 2022 polling, finding that there is a bipartisan majority that agrees with ending all solitary confinement beyond four hours, and only immediately following an emergency situation involving serious physical injury” (Blank 2022). While existing social science research is limited beyond some polling and a few cases, this study will contribute to an understanding of where public opinion stands on the practice of solitary confinement and help pinpoint how policymakers and courts consider its place in the Criminal Justice System. There are only a handful of studies that look at public opinion toward solitary confinement. These include a sample of 25,000 that found solitary confinement was used in disciplinary forms at higher rates for people of color as compared to white people, as well as male over female, bisexual over heterosexual, and those that had adverse childhoods and mental disorders (Henry 2022). Other limited studies show that certain demographic groups- those that are older, more conservative, identify as white, etc. are more supportive of solitary confinement than others (Smith 2006). This limited scientific research fails to address socioeconomic status, education levels, occupation, among many other demographics. On the other hand, there is broader social science literature on attitudes towards harsh punishment that this study will draw from. This social science research assesses the harmful psychological effects of solitary confinement generally, but also its heightened impact on specific vulnerable groups. The purpose of this study is to gauge attitudes on solitary confinement. This will be achieved through five specific hypotheses. These include 1) Republicans are more likely to support solitary confinement at greater levels than Democrat and Independent affiliated students, 2) Individuals with past criminal justice/ legal high school or college classes will reject solitary confinement at a higher rate, 3) Those who have a higher level of completed education will not support solitary confinement while those with a lower level of completed education will support solitary confinement, 4) Millennials will reject solitary confinement at a higher rate than Generation x and 5) Those in business/economic centered careers will be more likely to support solitary confinement than those with a career in the legal field/criminal justice. These five hypotheses are not all discoveries anticipated to find, but they provide a basis for the demographics not included in other studies

EXPLORING PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATES’ PERCEPTIONS OF MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

Longer lifespans across the population are contributing to a rise in chronic illnesses that require ongoing treatment. This increase has furthered the need for evidence-based clinical tools to effectively treat long-term diseases. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based method used by physicians and other healthcare practitioners, including physician associates (PAs), to help patients facilitate health behavior changes. PAs are licensed, highly trained healthcare professionals who practice medicine across all specialties and settings. PAs focus on patient-centered, team-based care and play a key role in expanding access to healthcare and improving overall health outcomes (AAPA, 2023b). While MI’s efficacy has been proven, PAs’ perceptions of using MI in practice have not been thoroughly explored. A transcendental phenomenological study of physician associates’ (PAs) experiences using motivational interviewing was performed with the aim of answering the research question: Do physician associates perceive MI to be an effective clinical tool in influencing patient outcomes, specifically health behavior changes? Semi-structured interviews and fieldnotes from 11 participants were gathered and analyzed to produce a thorough understanding of the MI experience for the participants. Giorgi’s five step method was employed for interview data analysis. Three major themes materialized: (1) Improving Outcomes by Changing Behaviors, (2) MI: Assets and Obstacles, and (3) MI: Learning the Basics, Developing the Skills. The study offers key insights into PAs\u27 clinical experiences and highlights implications for research, practice, and education, while making recommendations for future research