Digital Commons Network^™

Protocol For A National Probability Survey Using Home Specimen Collection Methods To Assess Prevalence And Incidence Of Sars-Cov-2 Infection And Antibody Response, Aaron J. Siegler, Patrick S. Sullivan, Travis Sanchez, Ben Lopman, Mansour Fahimi, Charles Sailey, Martin Frankel, Richard Rothenberg, Colleen F. Kelley, Heather Bradley

Publications and Research

Purpose: The U.S. response to the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic has been hampered by early and ongoing delays in testing for infection; without data on where infections were occurring and the magnitude of the epidemic, early public health responses were not data-driven. Understanding the prevalence of SARSCoV- 2 infections and immune response is critical to developing and implementing effective public health responses. Most serological surveys have been limited to localities that opted to conduct them and/or were based on convenience samples. Moreover, results of antibody testing might be subject to high false positive rates in the setting of low prevalence of immune …

Analysis Of Surface Temperature Trends Of Global Lakes Using Satellite Remote Sensing And In Situ Observations, Christal Jean Soverall, Zahida Yasmin, Mahoutin Godnou, Wen Yong Huang, Ryan Chen, Abdou Bah, Hamidreza Norouzi, Reginald Blake

Publications and Research

Even though lakes make up a small percentage of the water bodies on the global land surface, lakes provide critically important ecosystem services. Unfortunately, however, several lake surface areas around the globe have been changing with many of them drastically decreasing due to climate variability and local mismanagement at the basin-scale level. Lake Surface Water Temperature (LSWT) is recognized as a critical indicator of climate change in lakes. The changes in water and the surrounding land temperatures may be an indicator of climate variability if there is consistency between changes in both temperatures. This project focuses on the application of …

Snow-Albedo Feedback In Northern Alaska: How Vegetation Influences Snowmelt, Lucas C. Reckhaus

Theses and Dissertations

This paper investigates how the snow-albedo feedback mechanism of the arctic is changing in response to rising climate temperatures. Specifically, the interplay of vegetation and snowmelt, and how these two variables can be correlated. This has the potential to refine climate modelling of the spring transition season. Research was conducted at the ecoregion scale in northern Alaska from 2000 to 2020. Each ecoregion is defined by distinct topographic and ecological conditions, allowing for meaningful contrast between the patterns of spring albedo transition across surface conditions and vegetation types. The five most northerly ecoregions of Alaska are chosen as they encompass …

The Flower Paintings Of Albert York, Scott Seaboldt

Theses and Dissertations

Albert York (American, 1928–2009) is said to have created approximately 250 paintings. Along with a biographical study, a selective analysis of the over 90 flower paintings is conducted through historical, comparative, and analytical investigations. The floral works are definitive touchstones of York's artistic growth and remain rich with symbolic content.

Qwasi: The Quantum Walk Simulator, Warren V. Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

As quantum computing continues to evolve, the ability to design and analyze novel quantum algorithms becomes a necessary focus for research. In many instances, the virtues of quantum algorithms only become evident when compared to their classical counterparts, so a study of the former often begins with a consideration of the latter. This is very much the case with quantum walk algorithms, as the success of random walks and their many, varied applications have inspired much interest in quantum correlates. Unfortunately, finding purely algebraic solutions for quantum walks is an elusive endeavor. At best, and when solvable, they require simple …

Proofs Methods And Logical Reasoning In Mathematics Promote Critical Thinking, Real-Life Problem-Solving, And Creativity Skills To The New Generation, Lucie Mingla

Publications and Research

In mathematics we start, by using discovery method, with small observations and operations, then we look for patterns, algorithms procedures, and furthermore we generalize by writing theorems, formulas, and conclusions. Our intuitive thinking, the needs for solving real-life problems, and curiosity often push us towards research and study more about things that matter to us, especially when we see that problems need to be solved right away. This kind of things have driven people now and back then depended on the era in which they have lived, or they live in. For example: In these days, because of Covid 19 …

Method Development For Identifying Counterfeit Cigarettes Using Environmental Pollen Analysis, Tiffany Chan

Student Theses

Cigarette counterfeiting negatively impacts government revenue and undermines tobacco control policies. Tracking geographical origins and potential trade routes of counterfeit cigarettes is important for investigation illegal trade in tobacco products. Traditional pollen extraction techniques provide clear residues of pollen trapped on tobacco leaves and used for geographical identification; however, such methods are time-consuming and utilize concentrated chemicals. This study developed a simple, fast and environmentally friendly method for extraction of pollen grains used in differentiating genuine and counterfeit cigarettes. Experimental factors that may affect pollen recovery including number of cigarettes, extraction solution, and extraction temperature, were optimized. The optimum parameters …

Archaeology Or Crime Scene? Teeth Micro And Macro Structure Analysis As Dating Variable, Jessica A. Vincenty

Student Theses

Simple methods to aid in the determination of forensic or archaeologic relevancy of skeletonized remains have been researched since the 1950s. With advances in microscopic imaging techniques and machine learning computer data analysis methods the relevancy of decontextualized, comingled remains has room for improvement. This thesis is a study done to pioneer a new approach to analyzing dental skeletal remains to determine forensic relevancy.

Archaeological dental samples collected from the ancient city of Ur in modern day southern Iraq in addition to modern dental extractions were processed for scanning electron microscopy imaging. Archaeological and modern samples displayed different surface and …

Cooperative Target Tracking In Balanced Circular And Elliptical Formations, Lili Ma, Naira Hovakimyan

Publications and Research

This paper extends our earlier results on cooperative target tracking in cyclic pursuit using a group of mobile robots by further prescribing the formation radius and achieving an elliptical formation pattern. Prescribing the formation radius of a balanced circular formation is achieved by adjusting a parameter in the existing control input to each robot. The new elliptical formation pattern is obtained via a transformation matrix. Both single-integrator and double-integrator robot models are considered. The effectiveness of the proposed schemes is demonstrated by simulation examples.

Artificial Intelligence And Game Theory Controlled Autonomous Uav Swarms, Janusz Kusyk, M. Umit Uyar, Kelvin Ma, Eltan Samoylov, Ricardo Valdez, Joseph Plishka, Sagor E. Hoque, Giorgio Bertoli, Jefrey Boksiner

Publications and Research

Autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operating as a swarm can be deployed in austere environments, where cyber electromagnetic activities often require speedy and dynamic adjustments to swarm operations. Use of central controllers, UAV synchronization mechanisms or pre-planned set of actions to control a swarm in such deployments would hinder its ability to deliver expected services. We introduce artificial intelligence and game theory based flight control algorithms to be run by each autonomous UAV to determine its actions in near real-time, while relying only on local spatial, temporal and electromagnetic (EM) information. Each UAV using our flight control algorithms positions itself …

Evolutionary Algorithms Converge Towards Evolved Biological Photonic Structures, Mamadou Aliou Barry, Vincent Berthier, Bobo D. Wilts, Marie-Claire Cambourieux, Pauline Bennet, Rémi Pollès, Olivier Teytaud, Emmanuel Centeno, Nicolas Biais, Antoine Moreau

Publications and Research

Nature features a plethora of extraordinary photonic architectures that have been optimized through natural evolution in order to more efciently refect, absorb or scatter light. While numerical optimization is increasingly and successfully used in photonics, it has yet to replicate any of these complex naturally occurring structures. Using evolutionary algorithms inspired by natural evolution and performing particular optimizations (maximize refection for a given wavelength, for a broad range of wavelength or maximize the scattering of light), we have retrieved the most stereotypical natural photonic structures. Whether those structures are Bragg mirrors, chirped dielectric mirrors or the gratings on top of …

Globe Observer Data: 2016–2019, Helen M. Amos, Matthew J. Starke, Tina M. Rogerson, Marilé Colón Robles, Travis Anderson, Rebecca Boger, Brian A. Campbell, Russanne D. Low, Peder Nelson, David Overoye, Jessica E. Taylor, Kristen L. Weaver, Trena M. Ferrell, Holli Kohl, Theresa G. Schwerin

Publications and Research

This technical report summarizes the GLOBE Observer data set from 1 April 2016 to 1 December 2019. GLOBE Observer is an ongoing NASA‐sponsored international citizen science project that is part of the larger Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program, which has been in operation since 1995. GLOBE Observer has the greatest number of participants and geographic coverage of the citizen science projects in the Earth Science Division at NASA. Participants use the GLOBE Observer mobile app (launched in 2016) to collect atmospheric, hydrologic, and terrestrial observations. The app connects participants to satellite observations from Aqua, Terra, …

Coverage Of The 2019 Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Outbreak On News Media, Corey H. Basch, Joseph Fera, Christie Jaime, Nasia Quininoes

Publications and Research

Background: The media plays as an important role in delivering information about emergent issues, such as the Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) outbreak of 2019. As such, there has been an increase in news coverage of vector-borne disease coverage due to a rise in emerging or re-emerging arboviruses.

Methods: The purpose of this study was to describe the content of news clips related to the recent (2019) EEEV outbreak in the United States.

Results: Only 3 of the important topics identified were mentioned in a majority of the 110 videos analyzed. These topics were, mosquito mentioned as transmitter, prevention by …

Consistent Failure To Produce A Cognitive Load Effect In Visual Working Memory Using A Standard Dual-Task Procedure, Timothy J. Ricker, Evie Vergauwe

Publications and Research

Working memory performance is impaired when an attention-demanding task is executed during memory retention. The cognitive load effect is the consistent finding that the size of the memory impairment is determined by the relative amount of time that the secondary processing task occupies attention during memory retention. Cognitive load has been proposed to be a Priority-A benchmark any model of working memory should be able to explain (Oberauer et al., 2018), in part because the effect appears to generalize across different experimental procedures and materials. Using a standard dual-task procedure, we detail four experiments using a visual working memory recall …

Mapping Gadolinium Contrast In A Complex Ionic And Photosynthesis Environment Of Pineapple By Near-Infrared And X-Ray Imaging, Subhendra Sarkar, Zoya Vinokur, Chen Xu, Tetiana Soloviova, Amina Shahbaz, Aldona Gjoni

Publications and Research

This work explores the diffusivity of a lanthanide complex, Eovist (Gadolinium-Ethoxy Benzyl Diethylenetriamine pentaacetate) that is stable in neutral media but is not in acidic environment. In the current work an acidic fruit model like pineapple that is rich in transition metals was used and a possible transmetallation reaction among Eovist and transition metal complexes was tested using X-ray imaging. Another goal of this work was to perturb the usual and the unusual photosynthesis systems that pineapple has maintained for millions of years during the evolution of circadian genes for efficient water conservation by dark photosynthesis. To detect such photosynthesis …

A Community Nitrogen Footprint Analysis Of Baltimore City, Maryland, Elizabeth S M Dukes, James N. Galloway, Lawrence E. Band, Lia R. Cattaneo, Peter M. Groffman, Allison M. Leach, Elizabeth A. Castner

Advanced Science Research Center

The nitrogen footprint tool (NFT) provides a novel way for communities to understand the environmental impacts of their collective activities and consumption. Reactive nitrogen (Nr; all N species except N₂) is created by the Haber–Bosch process for food production and as a by-product of fossil fuel combustion and two natural processes, biological nitrogen fixation and lightning. While it is a vital input for food production, too much Nr has a negative effect on the environment. Calculating the amount of Nr released to the environment as a result of an entity’s resource consumption is the first step in reducing …

Eco 230 / Mgt 230 Introduction To Economic And Managerial Statistics, George Vachadze

Open Educational Resources

Development and application of modern statistical methods, including such elements of descriptive statistics and statistical inference as correlation and regression analysis, probability theory, sampling procedures, normal distribution and binomial distribution, estimation, and testing of hypotheses.

National Summer Transportation Institute: Increasing Career Awareness In Civil Engineering For Underserved High School Students, Melanie L. Villatoro, Janet Liou-Mark

Publications and Research

Our nation needs to increase the number of students pursuing degrees in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and those leading to transportation-related careers. In order to meet the demand for qualified graduates in transportation, it is necessary to diversify the pool of students entering college with an interest in these fields. The National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) is an educational initiative developed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Department of Transportation (DOT). The NSTI at City Tech was designed to increase awareness of transportation-related careers among New York City high school students. The structure of …

Philosophical Inquiry For Critical Mathematics Education, Nadia Kennedy

Publications and Research

This paper argues that critical mathematics education requires reflective knowledge, which lies outside of mathematical and technological knowledge, and which can be generated through philosophical inquiry in the classroom. Philosophical inquiry can provide “thinking tools” for questioning, challenging and critiquing implicit assumptions and misconceptions and for the reconstruction of concepts. As such, it can offer a space for critical reflection on mathematics, for the development of an epistemological approach that encourages an enriched, overarching view of mathematics and its connections to the other school disciplines, society and self. It also offers space for the deconstruction and reconstruction of beliefs about …

Ecpse710:Curriculum And Instruction For Childhood Special Education, Suna Kim

Open Educational Resources

The overall objective of this course is to provide program candidates with strategies, tools, and techniques to design and implement meaningful educational experiences and opportunities for children with or at-risk for learning disabilities. The focus is on assuring and promoting access and participation in the general education curriculum and inclusive educational settings. Candidates within this course will be provided with experiences related to curriculum design, assessment, and instruction, as well as multiple opportunities to develop, modify, and evaluate curriculum; design informal assessments; and plan and teach direct instruction lessons.

Oral Anticoagulants For Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation In Frail Elderly Patients: Insights From The Aristophanes Study, G. Y. H. Lip, A. V. Keshishian, A. L. Kang, A. D. Dhamane, X. Luo, X. Li, N. Balachander, L. Rosenblatt, J. Mardekian, X. Pan, M. Di Fusco, A. B. Garcia Reeves, Huseyin Yuce, S. Deitelzweig

Publications and Research

Background

Patient frailty amongst patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is associated with adverse health outcomes and increased risk of mortality. Additional evidence is needed to evaluate effective and safe NVAF treatment in this patient population.

Objectives

This subgroup analysis of the ARISTOPHANES study compared the risk of stroke/systemic embolism (S/SE) and major bleeding (MB) amongst frail NVAF patients prescribed nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) or warfarin.

Methods

This comparative retrospective observational study of frail, older NVAF patients who initiated apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban or warfarin from 01JAN2013‐30SEP2015 was conducted using Medicare and 3 US commercial claims databases. To compare …

A Differential-Algebraic Criterion For Obtaining A Small Maximal Cohen-Macaulay Module, Hans Schoutens

Publications and Research

We show how for a three-dimensional complete local ring in positive characteristic, the existence of an F-invariant, differentiable derivation implies Hochster’s small MCM conjecture. As an application we show that any three-dimensional pseudo-graded ring in positive characteristic satisfies Hochster’s small MCM conjecture.

Circuits With Broken Fibration Symmetries Perform Core Logic Computations In Biological Networks, Ian Leifer, Flaviano Morone, Saulo D. S. Reis, José S. Andrade Jr., Mariano Sigman, Hernán A. Makse

Publications and Research

We show that logic computational circuits in gene regulatory networks arise from a fibration symmetry breaking in the network structure. From this idea we implement a constructive procedure that reveals a hierarchy of genetic circuits, ubiquitous across species, that are surprising analogues to the emblematic circuits of solid-state electronics: starting from the transistor and progressing to ring oscillators, current-mirror circuits to toggle switches and flip-flops. These canonical variants serve fundamental operations of synchronization and clocks (in their symmetric states) and memory storage (in their broken symmetry states). These conclusions introduce a theoretically principled strategy to search for computational building blocks …

Manipulating The Scattering Pattern With Non-Hermitian Particle Arrays, Yun Jing Zhang, Peng Li, Vincenzo Galdi, Mei Song Tong, Andrea Alù

Advanced Science Research Center

We show that an array of non-Hermitian particles can enable advanced manipulations of the scattering pattern, beyond what is possible with passive structures. Active linear elements are shown to provide zero forward scattering without sacrificing the total scattered power, and by adding more particles, it is possible to control the zero-scattering direction at will. We apply our theory to realistic implementations of scatterer arrays, using loaded dipole antennas in which we tune the load impedance and investigate the stability of these arrays based on a realistic dispersion model for the gain elements. Finally, we discuss the possibility of controlling multiple …

Medical Resource Use And Costs Of Treating Sickle Cell-Related Vaso-Occlusive Crisis Episodes: A Retrospective Claims Study, Nirmish Shah, Menaka Bhor, Lin Xie, Jincy Paulose, Huseyin Yuce

Publications and Research

Background: The study investigated the economic burden of vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) among sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, through assessment of overall utilization and costs and costs per VOC episode (regarding the number of VOC episodes and health care setting, respectively).

Methods: Using the Medicaid Analytic Extracts database, the first SCD-related diagnosis claim (index claim) between June 1, 2009–December 31, 2012 was identified among eligible adults. Patients were required to have continuous medical and pharmacy benefits for 6 months pre- and 12 months post-index. Discrete VOC claims identified within a 3-day gap were combined as a single VOC episode. Annual all-cause …

Female Breast Cancer Mortality In Relation To Puberty On Staten Island, New York, Alfred M. Levine, Donna B. Gerstle

Publications and Research

Pursuant to a Congressional act in 2008, the Department of Health and Human Services established the Interagency Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Coordinating Committee to address the burden of breast cancer in the United States. Subsequently, the Committee recommended researchers study the timing of exposure to breast cancer risk factors. Given the high breast cancer mortality rate on Staten Island, this paper presents a case-control study investigating breast cancer risk associated with puberty while living on Staten Island. The dataset combined New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene female death certificate information between 1985 and 2006, with life …

Fabrication Of Magnetocaloric La(Fe,Si)13 Thick Films, N H. Dung, N B. Doan, P De Rango, L Ranno, Karl G. Sandeman, N M. Dempsey

Publications and Research

La(Fe,Si)₁₃–based compounds are considered to be very promising magnetocaloric materials for magnetic refrigeration applications. Many studies have focused on this material family but only in bulk form. In this paper we report on the fabrication of thick films of La(Fe,Si)₁₃, both with and without post-hydriding. These films exhibit magnetic and structural properties comparable to bulk materials. We also observe that the ferromagnetic phase transition has a negative thermal hysteresis, a phenomenon not previously found in this material but which may have its origins in the availability of a strain energy reservoir, as in the cases of …

Clear-Sighted Statistics: Module 16: One-Way Anova Tests, Edward Volchok

Open Educational Resources

The following files accompany this module:

• F-Distribution_.01.pdf
• F-Distribution_.01.xls
• F-Distribution_.05.pdf
• F-Distribution_.05.xlsx

• p-value_Calculators.xlsx

• 16_Exercises.xlsx
• 16_ANOVA_Power_PostHoc.xlsx

Clear-Sighted Statistics: Module 7: Basic Concepts Of Probability, Edward Volchok

Open Educational Resources

The following files accompany this module

• 07_Gombaud_Solution.xls
• 07_FACT_COMBIN_PERMUT.xlsx
• 07_Exercises.xlsx

Clear-Sighted Statistics: Module 10: Sampling And Sampling Errors, Edward Volchok

Open Educational Resources

The following files accompany this module:

• 10_Exercises.xlsx