Characterization Of Antibody Repertoires Developed From Naive And Recall Responses, Nicholas C. Curtis

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Adaptive immunity, comprised in part by the antibody repertoire, is the cornerstone of our ability to remain healthy amongst the plethora of pathogenic challenges we encounter daily. Despite the importance of understanding antibody repertoire development, much remains unknown about the composition and evolution of circulating antibodies in response to viral challenges. To better understand antibody repertoire development, we profiled the serum antibody repertoire using a combination of next-generation sequencing and serum antibody proteomics in the predominantly naïve response against SARS-CoV-2 spike and the recalled response to influenza hemagglutinin. The response to SARS-CoV-2 spike in four convalescent individuals was diverse (consisting …

Development Of Synthetically Accessible Glycolated Polythiophenes For High-Performance Organic Electrochemical Transistors, Bowen Ding, Vianna N. Le, Hang Yu, Guanchen Wu, Adam V. Marsh, Edgar Gutiérrez-Fernández, Nicolás Ramos, Martina Rimmele, Jaime Martín, Jenny Nelson, Alexandra F. Paterson, Martin Heeney

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Four glycolated polythiophene-based organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors (OMIECs), PE2gTT, PE2gT, PT2gTT, and PT2gT are prepared by atom-efficient direct arylation polymerization, avoiding the need for toxic organometallic pre- cursors. PE2gT, PT2gTT, and PT2gT are operable in p-type accumulation mode organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), with PT2gT displaying the best device performance with a μC* product figure-of-merit of 290 F cm−1 V−1 s−1 . A record volumetric capacitance among p-type glycolated polythiophene OMIECs of 313 F cm−3 is observed for PE2gT, ascribed to the high proportion- ality of polar components in its materials design. The good OECT performance of PE2gT with μC* = …

The Integrated Behavioral Model Of Mental Health Help Seeking (Ibm-Hs): A Health Services Utilization Theory Of Planned Behavior For Accessing Care, Joseph H. Hammer, David L. Vogel, Patrick R. Grzanka, Nayeon Kim, Brian T. Keum, Claire Adams, Sarah A. Wilson

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

This article introduces the integrated behavioral model of mental health help seeking (IBM-HS), a theoretical model for understanding the constructs (e.g., systemic, predisposing, and enabling factors; mental health literacy; illness perceptions; perceived need; stigma; shame; perceived benefits, motivation) that influence people’s decision making around seeking professional mental health care and their ultimate access to formal treatment. The IBM-HS is a help-seeking-specific adaptation of the empirically supported integrated behavioral model and integrative model, which are themselves evolutions of the theory of planned behavior and theory of reasoned action. The IBM-HS posits that help-seeking determinants (e.g., structural forces; cultural influences; past help-seeking …

Parametrization Of Fluid Models For Electrical Breakdown Of Nitrogen At Atmospheric Pressure, Shirshak K. Dhali

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

In the transient phase of an atmospheric pressure discharge, the avalanche turns into a streamer discharge with time. Hydrodynamic fluid models are frequently used to describe the formation and propagation of streamers, where charge particle transport is dominated by the creation of space charge. The required electron transport data and rate coefficients for the fluid model are parameterized using the local mean energy approximation (LMEA) and the local field approximation (LFA). In atmospheric pressure applications, the excited species produced in the electrical discharge determine the subsequent conversion chemistry. We performed the fluid model simulation of streamers in nitrogen gas at …

Advanced Synthesis And Rational Design Of Support Structures For Nobel Metal Heterogeneous Catalysis: Towards Enhanced Activity And Continuous Processes, Brian R. Clark

Theses and Dissertations

The field of catalysis has a wide-ranging impact. Our group has identified the constant need for improved catalytic activity in high-impact applications such as hydrosilylation and cross-coupling reactions. For these reactions, precious metal catalysts often exhibit markedly better performance than their counterparts, but they can be a significant process cost that decreases overall economic efficiencies. To address this challenge, we explored support structures that can enhance catalytic activity at low metal loadings and improve precious metal recovery through simple filtration. We found that a platinum on graphene nanoplatelet catalyst (PtGNP) synthesized via strong electrostatic adsorption with microwave irradiation (SEA-MW) exhibits …

Modeling, Control, And Fault Detection Of Energy Systems Under Limited High-Confidence Data Scenarios, Selorme K. Agbleze

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract

Modeling, Control, and Fault Detection of Energy Systems under Limited High-Confidence Data Scenarios

Selorme K. Agbleze

Utilizing process measurements for fault detection is an established approach for processes with adequate datasets. For systems with limited high-confidence data representing fault cases and some amount of low-confidence data, few quantitative hybrid techniques exist for performing fault detection. In real systems, it is time-consuming, expensive, and sometimes not productive to generate enough high-confidence data with fault characteristics of a specific process. The problem of limited high-confidence data scenarios may also arise due to process novelty, the need for new operating conditions, or …

Enhancing Reservoir Modeling And Simulation Through Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning: A Smart Proxy Modeling Approach, Andrew Timothy Jenkins

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The application of numerical reservoir simulation (NRS) has been a common approach within the oil and gas industry for decades, providing a means to model and forecast dynamic subsurface interactions, as a basis for reservoir management and development decisions. These techniques have expanded to application within carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) projects as domestic and global policy shift towards reducing carbon emissions while maintaining the energy needs of our modern society. NRS techniques have become a core process for permitting approval in Class VI (large-scale geological sequestration) wells due to the fundamental similarity of these types of subsurface processes. …

Development Of Probabilistic Dynamic Model Building And Bayesian Machine Learning Approaches, Samuel Oladayo Adeyemo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract

Development of Probabilistic Dynamic Model Building and Bayesian Machine Learning Approaches

Samuel Adeyemo

The recent years have seen a tremendous increase in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for the development of data-driven mathematical models needed for performing real-time optimization, model-based control, performance optimization, dynamic data reconciliation, and process performance monitoring. However, the development of data-driven models is faced with some challenges including lack of model interpretability, sensitivity of algorithm to noise in training data, limited extrapolation capabilities and violation of conservation laws. Drawing motivation from these existing gaps, this work aims to develop robust …

Investigation Of Space Charge Effects On Co2 Electrocatalytic Reduction On Gd-Doped Ceria Via Scanning Kelvin Probe And Model-Based Bayesian Analysis, Alejandro Mejia

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In studying novel energy conversion and storage systems, such as high-temperature electrolysis, numerous underlying fundamental physical processes remain unclear or inadequately understood. Among these, the modeling and comprehension of surface reaction mechanisms, coupled with the intricate effects of space‑charge interfaces, remains an unclear and challenging area of research.

The work of this dissertation involves the development of a 2D finite element analysis model, leveraging the robust MOOSE framework from INL. This model, featuring inhomogeneous defect thermodynamics for near-surface chemistry, formulated through Poisson‑Cahn variational theory, has been exploited for studying the electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂ on gadolinia doped ceria. The …

Data-Driven Modeling Of Oxygen Kinetics In La0.6sr0.4co0.2fe0.8o3−Δ (Lscf) For High-Temperature Reduction Of Co2 In An Electrolysis Cell, Ferron Campbell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Electrolysis systems are critical to several societal applications, particularly energy storage and conversion. Developing these systems requires a detailed knowledge of the chemistry and thermodynamics of the materials used in the electrolysis cell. This work focuses on using embedded scientific machine learning as an efficient way to build an interpretable model for the reaction and transport kinetics in the LSCF electrode, whose performance directly influences the electrolysis system’s performance. The models developed in this study are trained using the publicly available machine learning package, FoKL-GP. This package incorporates a robust Gibbs sampler that employs a forward variable selection process to …

Mathematical Modeling Of Coupled Heat And Mass Transfer In Metal-Hydride Hydrogen Storage Systems, Muhammad Hasnain

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

As a promising clean energy carrier hydrogen has recently gained significant interest, but its efficient and safe storage is a major challenge. Compared to the gaseous state and liquid state, metal hydrides (MH) offer a potentially more effective storage approach for hydrogen. However, the main challenge in this approach is the low thermal conductivity of the MH bed that leads to low heat transfer and ultimately to higher charging and discharging times. The purpose of this work is to develop an in-house comprehensive heat and mass transfer model for hydrogen sorption in MH reactors to simulate the dynamic behavior of …

Numerical Modeling Of Thermal Runaway In Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Decomposition Kinetics And Inter-Cell Contact Resistance, Shehzad Khan

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are central in numerous high-demand applications due to their high energy density and prolonged cycle life. Despite these advantages, their susceptibility to thermal runaway (TR) poses a significant safety risk, with the potential for catastrophic failures. This study focuses on the thermal behavior of prismatic lithium-ion cells, using a finite volume-based partial differential equation (PDE) solver developed in MATLAB and JULIA to model TR behavior. This solver accurately simulates transient behaviors, convection, diffusion, and source terms across various coordinate systems. By engaging in a series of increasing complex case studies, this research aims to identify the critical …

Carbon Dioxide Gasification Of Biochar: A Study On Utilizing Captured Co2 To Mitigate Greenhouse Gas Emission And Improving Carbon Conversion Efficiency, Nnamdi Ofuani

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

With rapidly growing global economies and world population, fossil fuel continues to play a major role in meeting current energy demands. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies have, hence, been implemented to reduce CO₂ emissions in the atmosphere. With the implementation of CCS technologies comes the need to utilize the captured CO₂. This research, therefore, proposes CO₂ gasification of biochar as a viable carbon utilization pathway. With captured CO₂ coming at various concentrations, there is a need to understand how CO₂ concentration affects biochar conversion to useful products. This study, therefore, evaluates the effects …

Monitoring Aerosols With Time Resolution With A Rotating Drum Sampler Using La-Icpms For Elemental Analysis, John V. Piorkowski

Honors Theses

This thesis presents a comprehensive study on the characterization and application of a rotating drum sampler for air quality monitoring, with a focus on aerosol composition analysis using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICPMS). The study aimed to determine (1) the cut-off points of the drum sampler to better understand its performance characteristics and (2) to investigate indoor air quality, specifically within makerspaces on Bucknell University’s campus. The research highlighted the novelty of applying LA-ICPMS for time-resolved aerosol composition analysis, demonstrating the potential for low-cost pollution concentration studies. The characterization experiments did not yield expected results, but the …

Experimental Evaluation Of Mesh Size In Physically Crosslinked Polymer Gels Using Dynamic Light Scattering, Duncan M. Hill

Honors Theses

Block copolymer gels are under consideration as drug delivery patches. Controlling and modeling the transport inside the gel is an important contribution to the successful delivery of pharmaceuticals. The diffusive transport of a solute – such as a therapeutic compound – within the gel can be described by the mesh size of the gel, which is defined as the distance between polymer chains. Existing experimental evaluations of mesh size do not work for block copolymer gels due to differences in the fundamental gel structure. As such, an experimental method of measuring mesh size of block copolymer gels using dynamic light …

Molecular Dynamics Investigation Of Fluorine-Free Electrolytes For Sodium-Ion Batteries, Phitchapa Ausamanwet Zijdemans

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to the abundance and low cost of sodium. However, conventional SIB electrolytes often rely on fluorine-based salts, contributing to the formation of persistent and environmentally harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs). This study employs molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigates the properties of fluorine-free electrolytes for SIBs, focusing on the solvation structure and dynamics of sodium ions (Na+) in bulk electrolytes and at the inner solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) for SIBs. Sodium perchlorate (NaClO4) at a concentration of 1 M was examined in glyme solvents with varying chain lengths, …

Ltspice Modeling For Gan-Git Hemt Including Cryogenic Temperature, Md Maksudul Hossain, Yuqi Wei, H. Alan Mantooth

Electrical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Highly efficient electrically driven avionics have led to a renewed interest in cryogenic propulsion systems with the goal of reducing carbon emission footprint. Although cryogenic converters promise better efficiency and improved power density, the successful design is incumbent upon the appropriate switching device selection and simulation-based analyses prior to initial prototyping. In this work, a datasheet-driven compact model for a gallium nitride (GaN) Gate Injection Transistor (GIT) has been proposed and implemented in LTspice, a versatile, high performance, and free circuit simulator in order to investigate the merit of the chosen device in a power electronic system.

Electron-Induced Chemical Transformations In Polymer Films: Understanding The Role Of Electrons In Euv Lithography, Maximillian Mueller

Master's Theses

The next generation of computer processors, memory, and nano-scale technologies all rely on our ability to create patterns at the nanometer scale reliably. Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography can create sub-10 nm features by exposing photoresist materials, typically polymers or organic networks, to 13.5 nm, 92 eV light. At these energies, absorption of photons by the photoresist leads to the emission of a primary electron around 80 eV which inelastically scatters throughout the material, initiating chemistry and creating secondary electrons. The resulting cascade of electrons and chemical reactions remains poorly understood for most photoresist materials systems. This work aims to characterize …

Sustainable Materials For Environment − Multifunctional Material Made From Dead Leaves And Nanostructured Materials For Antibiotic Degradation, Siyuan Fang

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

As environmental pollution from industrial processes and human activities continues to rise, finding efficient approaches to recycle waste materials and degrade persistent contaminants becomes increasingly critical. Dead leaves, an abundant but underutilized biomass, present an opportunity for creating value-added materials if their biocomponents can be preserved and transformed. Simultaneously, antibiotics such as tetracycline are widely found in water bodies but pose serious ecological and health risks, necessitating effective degradation methods. This dissertation addresses these challenges by leveraging natural and nanostructured materials to develop multifunctional products and advanced photocatalytic processes.

Chapter 3 of this dissertation addresses the challenge of converting waste …

Preliminary Remote Identification Of Unstable Zone On Large-Scale Waste Dump At Mae Moh Mine Using Insar Technique, Chitra Buth

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Mae Moh Mine is one of the largest lignite mine in Southeast Asia, operated by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). It is located in the northern part of Thailand, in Mae Moh district, Lampang province. In March 2018, a significant sliding incidence occurred at a waste dump site with sliding area of 1.56 km2 approximately, highlighting the pressing issue of instability within this large-scale waste dump area. This study aims to address this concern in the future and demonstrate an innovative method for investigating the failure by employing Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technology. The methodology involves the …