Digital Commons Network^™

First Mover: Otto Struve And The Use Of Scientific Capital In Astrophysics, 1921–1950, Erik Paul Norquest

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Otto Struve (1897-1963) came to the United States in 1921 and became one of the dominant personalities in the field of astrophysics. Struve’s career made him, in the words of sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, a “first mover” in a scientific field that was firmly engaged in the process of what Thomas Kuhn called “normal science.” Struve pulled astrophysics further away from its empirical roots in categorization and made it more like physics in its unification of theory and observation. The primary way that he accomplished this was through his administration of Yerkes and McDonald observatories, where he brought in theorists to …

Intractability Of Integration And Derivative For Multivariate Polynomial And Trigonometric Function, Liang Ding

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

We study the hardness of some basic linear operators which involve high dimension integration or derivative. For a multivariate polynomial ��(��1, ⋯ , ����) which has format ∏ ∑ ��1, we show that there is no any factor polynomial time approximation for the integration of ��(��1, ⋯ , ����) in the unit cube [0,1] �� unless P = NP. In addition to polynomials, we extend the discussion to nonlinear function. For a trigonometric function ��(��1, ⋯ , ����) of format ∏ ∑ �������� ∗ , we show that it is #P-hard to compute derivative ����(��) (��1,⋯,����) ����1⋯������ at the origin …

The First-Integral Method For Duffing-Van Der Pol-Type Oscillator System, Xiaochuan Hu

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

In this thesis, we restrict our attention to nonlinear Duffing–van der Pol–type oscillator system by means of the First-integral method. This system has physical relevance as a model in certain flow-induced structural vibration problems, which includes the van der Pol oscillator and the damped Duffing oscillator etc as particular cases. Firstly we apply the Division Theorem for two variables in the complex domain, which is based on the ring theory of commutative algebra, to explore a quasi-polynomial first integral to an equivalent autonomous system. Then through a certain parametric condition, we derive a more general first integral of the Duffing–van …

Modeling Instabilities Of Electrically Driven Jets Under Constant Or Variable Applied Field And Non-Zero Basic State Velocity, Sayantan Das

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

We investigate the problem of instability of electrically forced axisymmetric jets with respect to temporally and spatially growing disturbances, within parameter regimes that affects the process of electrospinnning. Deriving a dispersion relation based on the relevant approximated versions of the equations of the electro-hydrodynamics for an electrically forced jet flow. For temporal instability, we find in the non-zero basic state velocity, the growth rate of the unstable mode is unaffected by the value of the basic state velocity. But, the basic state velocity affects the period of the unstable mode in the sense that it decreases the period, and the …

Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging Theory And Application, Jaime Xavier Lopez

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) is an electromagnetic sensing system that is capable of producing high resolution microwave images of moving targets. Despite being developed within the engineering community, the theory of radar imaging is a subject of tremendous mathematical richness. The theory of ISAR imaging alone is filled with many applications and open problems that the mathematician and physicist may find interesting. In this thesis, the basis for a filtered back projection imaging algorithm is derived from a popular scalar wave model. This imaging algorithm is based on a filtered-adjoint method for inverting ISAR data, and allows for the …

Chemical Education Experiences From The English Language Learner Perspective, Annette Flores

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is a region populated by Spanish-speaking immigrants and their descendants producing a large English Language Learner (ELL) student population. ELLs have historically had low literacy rates and achievement levels when compared to their counterparts. In order to address this achievement gap, previous research efforts and curriculum interventions have focused on language acquisition as being the determining factor in ELL education, with little attention given to academic content acquisition. More current research efforts have transitioned into English language acquisition through academic content instruction; this present research study specifically focuses on ELL experiences in chemistry. Participants were …

Benchmarking Bottom-Up And Top-Down Strategies To Sparql-To-Sql Query Translation, Andrii Kashliev

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Many researchers have proposed using conventional relational databases to store and query large Semantic Web datasets. The most complex component of this approach is SPARQL-to-SQL query translation. Existing algorithms perform this translation using either bottom-up or top-down strategy and result in semantically equivalent but syntactically different relational queries. Do relational query optimizers always produce identical query execution plans for semantically equivalent bottom-up and top-down queries? Which of the two strategies yields faster SQL queries? To address these questions, this work studies bottom-up and top-down translations of SPARQL queries with nested optional graph patterns. This work presents: (1) A basic graph …

Subdifferentials Of Distance Functions And Applications To Facility Location Problems, Juan Salinas Jr.

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The classical Heron problem states: on a given straight line in the plane, find a point C such that the sum of the distances from C to the given points A and B is minimal. This problem can be solved using standard geometry or differential calculus. In the light of modern convex analysis, we are able to investigate more general versions of this problem. In this thesis we propose and solve the following problem: on a given nonempty closed convex subset of IRs , find a point such that the sum of the distances from that point to n given …

Qualitative Analysis To A Nonlinear System, Pengcheng Xiao

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

In this thesis, we first present a qualitative analysis to a nonlinear system under certain parametric conditions. Then for a special case, we make a series of variable transformation and apply the Prelle-Singer Method to find the first integrals of the simplified equations without complicated calculations. Through the inverse transformations we get the first integrals of the original equation. Finally, we use the same Prelle-Singer method to get the first integral for an extended nonlinear system.

Zero Inflated Exponential Distribution And It's Variants, Sougata Dhar

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

There have been a lot of studies with respect to the popular Zero Inflated versions of some discrete distributions, like Zero Inflated Poisson and Zero Inflated Negative Binomial distributions. They arise naturally in the literature when one aims to model count data sets having more than usual number of zeros by well known probability distributions. But it can be argued and established that Zero Inflated versions of continuous distributions also make sense. In this thesis, we first provide some motivations for studying Zero Inflated versions of exponential distribution and its variants and then study some parametric and Bayesian aspects related …

Mathematics Of Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging, Guillermo Garza

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

In Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging, radar antennas are mounted on an airborne platform. The scene to be imaged is illuminated by electromagnetic waves transmitted from an antenna. The goal is to extract information of the scene from the measurements taken of the scattered waves. Reconstructing an image of the scene is an inverse problem. In this thesis, we study a method of image reconstruction developed by formulating the data collected as a Fourier integral operator acting on the scene, then applying an approximate inverse operator to that data. In particular, we examine the effects of bistatic system geometry to …

Creation Of Post Ap Chemistry Class, Julian Medrano

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The creation of a Post AP Chemistry Class to be taught at the high school level for grade 12 students is discussed. The class is to be taught under the supervision of the University of Texas Pan American professors and taught by an MS Chemistry teacher, in order to better transition students into upper level chemistry courses beyond Chemistry 1401 and 1402.

Collapsing Of Non Homogeneous Markov Chains, Agnish Dey

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

In this thesis we have considered questions about lumpability of a non homogeneous markov chain. A number of results similar to those obtained in [2] in the case of homogeneous markov chains have been presented here. We have also considered a few results along the lines of those considered in [8].

Comparison Of Soil Chemistry And Microbial Communities That Inhabit The Rhizosphere Of Native And Non-Native Grasses Of The Lower Rio Grande Valley, Jacqueline Valencia

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Non-native grasses can modify the soils they invade. This study investigated microbial variation among native and non-native grasses in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. We hypothesized that rhizospheres of non-native grasses would support a higher density of microorganisms; therefore microbial communities of invasive plants would exploit more carbon sources than those of native plants. A second hypothesis stated that Streptomyces bacteria from the rhizosphere of non-native grasses would be better competitors. Samples of grasses, and soil from their respective rhizospheres were obtained in Arroyo City, TX. Results indicated a higher bacterial colony density, total activity and number of substrates utilized …

Duffing-Van Der Pol-Type Nonlinear Oscillator System, Jing Cui

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

In this thesis, we are concerned with the nonlinear Duffing–van der Pol–type oscillator system by means of the Lie symmetry reduction method. This system has physical relevance as a simple model in certain flow-induced structural vibration problems, which includes the van der Pol oscillator and the damped Duffing oscillator etc as particular cases. By applying the Lie symmetry analysis, we find two nontrivial infinitesimal generators, and use them to construct canonical variables. Through the inverse analysis, some dynamical properties of the nonlinear system under certain parametric conditions are presented. Comparison with the existing results by the Prelle– Singer procedure is …

Synthesis And Characterization Of 4,4-Prime-Distyrylbiphenyl And Its Applications In Organic Field Effect Transistors, Nestor A. Santos Jr.

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

4,4’-distyrylbiphenyl (DSBP), an ambipolar small molecule with electroluminescent properties, was synthesized following two synthetic protocols. Accordingly, biphenyl was bromomethylated using a mixture of paraformaldehyde and hydrogen bromide in 20% to 60% isolated yields. Bromomethylated biphenyl was then reacted with triphenyl phosphine, or with triethyl phosphate to yield the corresponding triphenyl phosphonium bromide or triethyl phosphonate, respectively. DSBP was synthesized by reaction of the triphenyl phosphonium bromide or triethyl phosphonate with freshly distilled benzaldehyde according to the Wittig, or Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons protocols. DSBP from the Wittig reaction resulted in a mixture of cis-trans isomers, while the product from the Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction yielded …

Biocompatibility Of Electrospun Polymer Nanofibers (Epns) With Nih 3t3 Cell Line And Interaction Of Quercetin With Different Flavonoids: Induction Of Phase Ii Enzymes In Vitro Cancer Cell Lines, Brenda S. Benavides

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Part I: In this study Electrospun nanofibers, Elasthane™ 55D, Elasthane™ 75D, Biospan®, Hydrothane™ and Lycra® were evaluated for their biocompatibility to be artificial tissue substitutes using NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells. A colorimetric based MTT dye reduction assay demonstrated that EPNs did not stop cell growth in vitro. Additionally, fluorescence confocal microscope images verified that cell adhesion occurred in the nanofibers, and cell growth on the EPNs over two weeks period was confirmed by DNA quantification.

Part II: This section of the thesis is focused on evaluation of chemopreventive properties of various phytochemicals by induction of Phase II enzymes. The interaction of …

Partition A 3-Colorable Graph Into A Small Bipartite Subgraph And A Large Independent Set, Qing Wang

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Exact algorithms have made a little progress for the 3-coloring problem: improved from to since 1976. The best exact algorithm for the 3-coloring problem is by Beigel and Eppstein, and its analysis is very complicated. We study the parameterized 3-coloring problem: partitioning a 3-colorable graph into a bipartite subgraph and an independent set. Taking the size of the bipartite subgraph as the parameter k, we propose the first parameter algorithm of complexity . Our algorithm can solve the 3-coloring problem faster than the best exact algorithm for graphs with k ≤ 0.527n where n is the graph size. Our study …

K-Hyponormality Of Powers Of Multivariable Weighted Shifts, Mayra O. Martinez

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

In mathematics, weighted shifts, also known as shift operators or translation operators, are examples of linear operators. Single and multivariable weighted shifts have played an important role in the study of (joint) k-hyponormality to LPCS. They have also played a significant role in the study of cyclicity and reflexivity, in the study of C*-algebras generated by multiplication operators on Bergman spaces, as fertile ground to test new hypotheses, and as canonical models for theories of dilation and positivity. We will first consider the hyponormality of powers of commuting multivariable weighted shifts. Specifically, if we let W(α,β) := (T1, T2) denote …

Bismuth Nitrate-Induced Novel Nitration Of Eugenol And Estradiol: An Exploratory Study, Luis Canales

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Molecules originating in nature have held an important place in chemistry and in society. Many of the important useful compounds of all time were first discovered in nature. Eugenol, a multi-functionalized biologically active constituent, is present in high quantity in natural clove. Eugenol is an important herb due to its medicinal activities; therefore, research on this molecule is necessary. Nitration of Eugenol was performed through various metal nitrates and solid surface combinations. Estrogens are contributors of the development of many secondary sex characteristics in females; they play various important roles in the nervous system. Direct nitration of estradiol has been …

Narrative Analysis And Computational Model To Predict Interestingness Of Narratives, Laxman Thapa

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

In this research, I present results demonstrating the classification of the specially generated narratives by a machine agent by listening to human subject describing the same sets of the events. These classifications are based on human ratings of interestingness for many different recountings of the same stories. The classification is performed on various features selected after analyzing the different possible feature that affect on the interestingness of narratives. The features were extracted from the surface text as well as from annotations of how each narration relates to the content of the known story. I present the annotation process and resulting …

Soliton Solutions Of Ultradiscrete Integrable Systems, Wei Yin

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

In recent years, ultradiscrete integrable systems, in which both independent and dependent variables are discretized, have attracted much attention. In this thesis, we show how to obtain all line soliton solutions of (2+1)-dimensional ultradiscrete soliton systems from determinant solutions of discrete soliton systems by taking an ultradiscrete limit. Taking an ultradiscrete limit of determinant solutions with non-negativity, we obtain Casorati determinant-like solutions. Starting from Grammian (Gram-type determinant), we obtain another expression of τ-functions, which leads to a perturbed form after the expansion of Grammian. These two different forms are essentially equivalent, i.e., it is possible to transform a form into …

Distributed Semantic Web Data Management In Hbase And Mysql Cluster, Craig M. Franke

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Various computing and data resources on the Web are being enhanced with machine-interpretable semantic descriptions to facilitate better search, discovery and integration. This interconnected metadata constitutes the Semantic Web, whose volume can potentially grow the scale of the Web. Efficient management of Semantic Web data, expressed using the W3C's Resource Description Framework (RDF), is crucial for supporting new data-intensive, semantics-enabled applications. In this work, we study and compare two approaches to distributed RDF data management based on emerging cloud computing technologies and traditional relational database clustering technologies. In particular, we design distributed RDF data storage and querying schemes for HBase …