Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Using Machine Learning To Predict Student Achievement On The State Of Texas Assessment Of Academic Readiness Examination In Charter Schools, Christopher D. Gonzalez

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to research and develop a way to use machine learning algorithms (MLAs) to predict student achievement on the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR), specifically in the charter school setting. Charter schools have the disadvantage of a constant influx in students, so providing historical student data in order to analyze trends proves difficult. This study expands on previous research done on students in secondary and post-secondary school and determining features that indicate success in these settings. The data used is from the district of IDEA Public Schools who focuses on providing education …

Numerical Simulations Of Shock Waves Reflection And Interaction, Ligang Sun

Theses and Dissertations

The main objective of this dissertation is to detect and study the phenomena of reflection of one shock wave and interaction of two shock waves using numerical methods. In theory, solutions of non-linear Euler equations of compressive inviscid gas dynamics in two dimensions can display various features including shock waves and rarefaction waves. To capture the shock waves properly, highly accurate numerical schemes are designed according to second order Lax-Wendroff method. In this thesis, three numerical experiments were designed to show the reflection and interaction phenomena. Firstly, one shock was formed due to the encounter of two high speed gas …

Optical Method For High Magnification Imaging And Video Recording Of Live Cells At Sub-Micron Resolution, Jaime E. Romo Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Optical microscopy, the most common technique for viewing living microorganisms, is limited in resolution by Abbe’s criterion. Recent microscopy techniques focus on circumnavigating the light diffraction limit by using different methods to obtain the topography of the sample. Systems like the AFM and SEM provide images with fields of view in the nanometer range with high resolvable detail, however these techniques are expensive, and limited in their ability to document live cells. The Dino-Lite digital microscope coupled with the Zeiss Axiovert 25 CFL microscope delivers a cost-effective method for recording live cells. Fields of view ranging from 8 microns to …

An Open Source Approach To Serve A Large Number Of Computer Users Using Block-Level Streaming, Max D. Torres

Theses and Dissertations

There are several options for providing a large number of computers to users for their daily tasks. A typical setup may consist of a large number of computers where each relies on an HDD consisting of the required software, sufficient RAM, a capable CPU that meets the software requirements, and a stable network connection. This thesis proposes the use of the open-source AoE protocol to stream an OS to a user computer from a central server. Since the streaming is done from a well-protected central storage, the AoE protocol is less prone to failures compared to the traditional approach based …

Randomness, Information Encoding, And Shape Replication In Various Models Of Dna-Inspired Self-Assembly, Eric M. Martinez

Theses and Dissertations

Self-assembly is the process by which simple, unorganized components autonomously combine to form larger, more complex structures. Researchers are turning to self-assembly technology for the design of ever smaller, more complex, and precise nanoscale devices, and as an emerging fundamental tool for nanotechnology.

We introduce the robust random number generation problem, the problem of encoding a target string of bits in the form of a bit string pad, and the problem of shape replication in various models of tile-based self-assembly. Also included are preliminary results in each of these directions with discussion of possible future work directions.

Sparse Representation For The Isar Image Reconstruction, Mengqi Hu

Theses and Dissertations

In this paper, a sparse representation for the data form a multi-input multi-output based inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) system is derived for two dimensions. The proposed sparse representation motivates the use a of a Convex Optimization directly that recovers the image without the loss information of the image with far less samples that that is required by Nyquist–Shannon sampling theorem, which increases the efficiency and decrease the cost of calculation in radar imaging.

Accelerating Object Extraction And Detection Using A Hierarchical Approach With Shape Descriptors, Bassam Syed Arshad

Theses and Dissertations

Automatic object recognition is a fundamental problem in the fields of computer vision and machine learning, that has received a lot of research attention lately. Miniaturization and affordability, of both, high resolution digital cameras and advanced computing hardware, have further advanced the scope and applications of object recognition methods. While there are different methods, that build upon various low level features to construct object models, this work explores and implements the use of closed-contours as formidable object features. A hierarchical technique is employed to extract the contours, exploiting the inherent spatial relationships between the parent and child contours of an …

South Padre Island Beach Management: Assessment Of Dune Restoration, Shelby Rose Bessette

Theses and Dissertations

Dune restoration is a common method of increasing coastal resilience. A dune restoration program was initiated by the City of South Padre Island, TX in 2010 consisting primarily of plantings of Sea Oats, Uniola paniculata, and Bitter Panicum, Panicum amarum and has continued approximately annually thereafter. These restoration efforts were evaluated in this study by comparing dune ecological structure and function among reference sites and restoration plots ranging in age from 2 to 5 years. Plant and animal communities were examined using a combination of quadrat sampling, funnel traps, pit-falls and sweep nets. Soil organic content and soil electric …

Lie Symmetry To Second-Order Nonlinear Differential Equations And Its First Integrals, Pengfei Gu

Theses and Dissertations

There are many well-known techniques for obtaining exact solutions of differential equations, but most of them are merely special cases of a few powerful symmetry methods. In this paper, we focus our attention on a second-order nonlinear ordinary differential equation of special forms with arbitrary parameters, which is a combination of Liénard-type equation and equation with quadratic friction. With the help of Lie Symmetry methods, we identify several integrable cases of this equation. And for each case, we use the Lie Symmetry method to derive the associated determining system, and apply it further to find infinitesimal generators under …

Does Lowest Order Perturbation Of Λ Affect Ligo Detection?, Shuang Liang

Theses and Dissertations

Gravitational waves under the effect of a positive Cosmological Constant Λ has been a long time puzzle. To date, the full wave solution is still under construction, while attempts have been made to solve the linearized equations. We present a detailed derivative of the linearized Einstein’s Equations in a covariant manner, then solve for a lowest order perturbation in Λ. Results suggest that the Cosmological Constant has a large contribution to the phase of gravitational waves, which might be detectable.

Towards Building A Computer-Aided Accreditation System, Emmanuel Alejandro Santillana Fayett

Theses and Dissertations

Accreditation is a big subject. What is accreditation? Why should it matter to us? How many types of accreditation can an institution have? Is the government involved? What issues are present? How can we improve the accreditation process? All these questions will be covered in this paper. In addition, I will build towards a software that will apply the most important points in this paper, like applying the mission, objectives, and outcomes expected from the students in the form of a syllabus. This will help the faculty with the accreditation process and will help the students know what is expected …

Analysis Of Artificial Neural Networks In The Diagnosing Of Breast Cancer Using Fine Needle Aspirates, Janette Vazquez

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines how Artificial Neural Networks can be used to classify a set of samples from a fine needle aspirate dataset. The dataset is composed of various different attributes, each of which are used to come to the conclusion as to whether a sample is benign or malignant. To automate the process of analyzing the various attributes and coming to a correct prediction, a neural network was implemented. First, a Feedforward Neural Network was trained with the dataset using a Backpropagation training method and an activation sigmoid function with one hidden layer in the architecture of the network. After …

A Comparative Study And Data Analysis For The Ultimate Fighting Championship, Victor Villalpando

Theses and Dissertations

Mixed Martial Arts is the fastest growing sport with many organizations worldwide. The biggest stage or biggest organization for Mixed Martial Arts is the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). There are eight weight classes for men. The website: http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/stats provides data on fighters in all these categories. This data measures Striking Accuracy, Take downs, Reversals, Knockdowns, etc. in each category. It is interesting to understand and interpret all these numbers and study their relationships. Statistical tools like both parametric and nonparametric inference may give rise to such interpretations and provide explanations how the weight classes differ from one another. In this …

Compressive Sensing And Radar Imaging, John Montalbo

Theses and Dissertations

The field of remote sensing contains many unique and practical problems. Radar imaging, in all of its many forms, lies within this field of study. One problem is the need to acquire high-resolution images and store them on-board the system acquisition vessel . For some systems this could mean storing very high amounts of data, depending on the scene in question [3]. So a very natural goal is to store only what is absolutely necessary and nothing more. We investigate methods to compress signals into their most important components so that other parties can recover the original data completely or …

A Comparative Approach To Question Answering Systems, Josue Balandrano Coronel

Theses and Dissertations

In this paper I will analyze three different algorithms and approaches to implement Question Answering Systems (QA-Systems). I will analyze the efficiency, strengths, and weaknesses of multiple algorithms by explaining them in detail and comparing them with each other. The overarching aim of this thesis is to explore ideas that can be used to create a truly open context QA-System. Open context QA-Systems remain an open problem.

The various algorithms and approaches presented in this work will be focused on complex questions. Complex questions are usually verbose and the context of the question is equally important to answer the query …

Development Of Arginyl-Trna Synthetase From Pseudomonas Aeruginosa As A Platform To Screen For Inhibitors Of Protein Synthesis, Daniel Cantu

Theses and Dissertations

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram- negative bacteria that is the leading cause of mortality in immunocompromised patients. Arginyl-tRNA synthetase (ArgRS) is an enzyme that catalyzes the covalent attachment of arginine to the cognate tRNAArg during protein synthesis. Scintillation proximity assays (SPA) were adapted to the aminoacylation assay and used to screen, one natural compound library (800) and one synthetic compound library (890) to identify inhibitors of the activity of ArgRS. Five compounds were identified which inhibited greater than 50% of enzymatic activity, two of these compounds (BT04F10 and BT11F03) exhibited promising MICs against Gram+ bacteria and moderate activity against Gram- …

Lie Symmetry To Nonlinear Oscillator Systems And Applications, Xiaoyan Li

Theses and Dissertations

In this paper, we apply the theory of Lie symmetry to study a generalized second-order nonlinear differential equation, which includes several physical nonlinear oscillators such as force-free Helmholtz oscillator, force-free Duffing and Duffing-van der Pol oscillators, modified Emden-type equation and its hierarchy etc, and investigate the dynamical properties of this rather general equation. We identify and classify several new integrable cases for arbitrary values of exponents, which determine the tangent vector as well as the infinitesimal generator. Using the Lie point symmetry, we find the useful infinitesimal generators and canonical coordinates, and obtain the first integrals of the second-order nonlinear …

On Hypergroups Of Order At Most 6, Jordy C. Lopez

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis surveys recent results on hypergroups as defined by Frédéric Marty in [3] and [4] and their relation to association schemes as presented in [5]. We show that every association scheme is a hypergroup. Then, we compile a few general results on hypergroups needed for our investigation of hypergroups with three, four and six elements. From [1] and [7], we give examples of hypergroups that do not come from finite schemes and from no scheme at all. Our main result occurs when considering hypergroups S with six elements that have a non-normal closed subset T of order 2 with …

Development Of A Phased Array Using Lnbs With Non-Synchronized Clocks, James I. Murray

Theses and Dissertations

A passive phased array is an array of antennas in which the phases of the signals on each element are controlled to be added to form a spatial beam. The advantage is that one can steer the beam without physically moving the constituent elements as well as create multiple beams on the sky simultaneously. This has application in the field of satellite and spacecraft communications where there is expected to be a large increase in satellite volume due to the increasing access to space. Traditional phased arrays can become costly to synchronize at satellite down-link frequencies, therefore we have built …

Identification Of Synthetic Chemical Compound Inhibitors Of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Protein Synthesis And The Development Of Lead Series, Stephanie O. Palmer

Theses and Dissertations

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous Gram-negative bacteria and a primary cause of nosocomial infections. An aminoacylation/translation (A/T) assay was developed using P. aeruginosa components to perform poly(U) mRNA directed protein synthesis. Using scintillation proximity assay (SPA) technology a high-throughput screening (HTS) platform was developed. A synthetic chemical compound library (>900) was screened, 36 hit compounds were identified and molecular targets were determined. Compounds were analyzed for enzymatic inhibition (IC50) and inhibition of bacterial cultures (MIC). Time-kill studies determined bacterial growth to be bacteriostatic or bactericidal in the presence of inhibitor. Mechanism of action, effects on eukaryotic cytosolic and mitochondrial …

Analysis And Simulation Of A Social Network, Twitter: A Case Study, Jonatan Reyes

Theses and Dissertations

The use of online social networks empowers its users to efficiently disseminate information across traditional social networks. Typically, the weight and value of messages are relative to its readers’ culture and interests. Nevertheless, in some instances, messages take the form of viral phenomenon, which circulates around the world in very short periods of time. Therefore, despite the actual content of the message spread over the network, the determination of the effectiveness of message dissemination across the social network becomes an attractive opportunity for scientific study. Since a meticulous analysis of a complete online social network would require the acquisition of …

Hydrodesulfurization Of Dibenzothiophene Using Comos2, Jacob S. Sollner

Theses and Dissertations

The hydrodesulphurization (HDS) of crude oils is an important industrial process to remove sulfur from fuels. In this study, DBT was used as a model compound to study the removal of sulfur from a decahydronaphthalene solution. The catalyst was synthesized through low pressure pathways in the absence of H2S. All the synthesized catalyst were investigated using a combination of SEM, RAMAN spectroscopy, and XRD. The materials were studied for their ability to remove DBT from solution and the reaction products were analyzed. It was observed that the major reaction pathway was the direct desulphurization pathway and zero order reaction kinetics …

Molecular Dynamic Simulation Studies Of The Androgen Receptor Complexed With 5Α-Dihydrotestosterone And An Allosteric Ligand, Everardo Villarreal Ii

Theses and Dissertations

Receptors are important drug targets for the pharmaceutical industry, since they are involved in many illnesses. Nuclear receptors are a subset of receptors that control a variety of physiological events, by expression of genes from DNA. One of the nuclear receptors, the androgen receptor, is a steroid binding receptor that controls a variety of regulatory and development functions in the body. It is also the cause of some types of cancer, so the inhibition of this receptor is crucial. One of the processes studied to inhibit the function of the receptor is to see if an allosteric ligand, TRIAC, can …

Global Entropy Based Greedy Algorithm For Discretization, Sai Jyothsna Jonnalagadda

Theses and Dissertations

Discretization algorithm is a crucial step to not only achieve summarization of continuous attributes but also better performance in classification that requires discrete values as input. In this thesis, I propose a supervised discretization method, Global Entropy Based Greedy algorithm, which is based on the Information Entropy Minimization. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms state of the art methods with well-known benchmarking datasets. To further improve the proposed method, a new approach for stop criterion that is based on the change rate of entropy was also explored. From the experimental analysis, it is noticed that the threshold based …

Opinion Formation About Childhood Immunization And Disease Spread On Networks, Shan Shan Zhao

Theses and Dissertations

People are physically and socially connected with each other. Those connections between people represent two, probably overlapping, networks: biological networks, through which physical contacts occur, or social network, through which information diffuse. In my thesis research, I am trying to answer that question in the context of pediatric disease spread on the biological network between households as well as within them and its relationship with information sharing on the social network of households (parents in that case) via "Information Cascades." I mainly focus on the Erdos-Renyi network model. In particular, I use two different but overlapping Erdos-Renyi networks for the …