Individual And Collective Properties Of Tunable Photochemical Belousov-Zhabotinsky Micro-Reactors, Kudakwashe Benedict Shumba

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Cell-like model chemical systems are powerful tools that can be used to explore the role of intercellular coupling on population level behaviors in communities of biological cells. Firstly, we present a new method for fabricating such micro-reactors using the photosensitive Belousov–Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction system employed in silica microparticles. These BZ micro-reactors have a tunable response to photochemical coupling, varying from a fully excitatory response to a fully inhibitory response. Their response can be tuned through variations in either the reactive mixture or, on an individual micro-reactor level, by changes in the synthesis temperature used during the fabrication of the silica …

From Bobcat To Bursts: Multi-Messenger Constraints On Supermassive Black Holes And Binaries, Jessica Sydnor

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Supermassive black hole binaries (SMBHBs) are a natural consequence of hierarchical galaxy formation and evolution. When galaxies merge, their central supermassive black holes (SMBHs) are expected to form bound pairs that evolve from kiloparsec to sub-parsec separations under the influence of dynamical friction, stellar scattering, and gas dynamics. Ultimately, these SMBHs reach the regime where gravitational wave emission dominates and drives the final inspiral and coalescence. Understanding the formation, evolution, and observational signatures of SMBHBs is critical to advancing multi-messenger astrophysics, particularly in the era of pulsar timing arrays (PTAs) and the upcoming Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), which opens …

Introduction Of Polar Functional Groups To Pyridinedipyrrolide Zirconium Photosensitizers Through Post-Synthetic Modifications, Marisa Nicole Tordella

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Photosensitizers are vital components to applications such as photoredox catalysis, photodynamic therapy, and various avenues of solar energy production. The abilities of transition metal photosensitizers containing precious metals have been well studied over the years. However, because of the growing scarcity of these metals, there has been a shift in finding more earth abundant alternatives. To help fill this gap in the literature, the Milsmann group has developed and studied the photophysical properties of Zr(IV) complexes with various ligand systems. Due to the electron deficient metal center, these complexes exhibit ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT), unlike the metal-to-ligand charge transfer commonly …

Investigation Of Spalling Effects On The Brittle Behavior Of Rectangular Pillars In Underground Stone Mines, Yolver Yesid Jimenez Ibanez

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Recent catastrophic collapses in U.S. limestone mines have exposed the limitations of traditional empirical design formulas for brittle rock masses. These events, especially those involving slender pillars, underscore that traditional methods often fail to account for progressive, spalling-dominated failure, highlighting a crucial gap in our understanding. This research addresses this issue by conducting a comprehensive investigation into the mechanics of spalling in rectangular stone mine pillars, utilizing advanced three-dimensional numerical modeling with FLAC3D combined with LiDAR-based geometric modeling.

The stability of a pillar is governed by a complex interaction between the in-situ stress field, rock mass properties, and pillar geometry. …

Systematic Methodologies For Magnetic Materials Design, Andres Tellez Mora

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Understanding and predicting the magnetic behavior of materials from first principles is one of the central challenges in condensed matter physics. This dissertation presents a systematic framework that bridges ab initio calculations, many-body physics, and effective spin models to analyze magnetic materials in particular, but also more general quantum systems. Starting from the electron many-body Hamiltonian and the second quantization formalism, we derive Density Functional Theory (DFT) and explain how magnetic properties emerge from exchange interactions and can be interpreted as perturbations to the magnetization density. To capture these effects efficiently, we construct Heisenberg models from first principles using the …

Optical Measurements Of Magnetic Fields In Low-Temperature Plasmas Via Quantum Spectroscopy, Tyler James Gilbert

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Accurate characterization of the magnetic field strength and direction within a plasma is increasingly important as experiments attempt to probe the physics of plasmas at kinetic scales. Non-perturbative laser-based diagnostics which are spatially and temporally localized—such as laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and Thomson scattering for the measurement of ion and electron distribution functions, respectively—are increasingly relied on for measurements in laboratory plasmas. This work seeks to develop a spatially and temporally localized non-perturbative laser-based diagnostic for the measurement of magnetic fields in laboratory-relevant plasmas. Two such techniques are investigated here: Zeeman-split LIF and quantum beat spectroscopy (QBS).

Zeeman-split LIF measures the …

Determination Of Spatial Origin Of Striations On Fired Projectiles, Kaitlin A. Dolan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Firearms examination has been a mainstay of Forensic Science for over a century. One of the principal assessments performed by firearm examiners is the comparison of fired projectiles to a suspect firearm. The AFTE theory of identification, as it pertains to firearms and toolmarks, supports the basis that the barrel of a firearm will impart class and individualizing characteristics onto the fired projectile. The characteristics are developed by the interaction of the projectile surface with the lands of the barrel. Features on the lands, which are incidental to the process of manufacturing, dictate the characteristics observed on the fired projectile. …

Simulation Of Annpet For Neural Network Training And System Performance Benchmarking, Pete Martone

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Monte Carlo (MC) simulations are often used to provide insight into complex physical phenomenon. They can generate realistic results without the necessity to construct costly and complex apparatus. The ultimate value of these simulations depend on how accurately the physics can be modeled and if a sufficient volume can be produced to account for statistical variance. In medical imaging device development, MC simulations of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanners have typically been used to model the performance of new systems. The imaging group in the Department of Radiology have developed a unique detector design for a pre- clinical PET scanner …

Neural Network-Based Image Compression, Atefeh Khoshkhahtinat

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The rapid advancement of information technology and the exponential growth of digital communication have significantly increased the demand for efficient data compression techniques that reduce storage requirements, minimize bandwidth consumption, and accelerate data transmission—without substantially compromising data quality. This dissertation addresses these challenges by investigating and developing advanced learned image compression (LIC) methods, with a particular focus on lossy compression for both natural images and scientific imagery obtained from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) mission. Traditional image compression standards—such as JPEG, JPEG2000, BPG, and HEVC—rely on manually engineered transforms and heuristic rules, which often lack the adaptability required to accommodate …

Assessing And Predicting The Impact Of A Retrofitted Methane Mitigator On Non-Road Large Natural Gas Engines Using Artificial Neural Networks, Augustine Thomas Ojo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract

ASSESSING AND PREDICTING THE IMPACT OF A RETROFITTED METHANE MITIGATOR ON NON-ROAD LARGE NATURAL GAS ENGINES USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS

Augustine Thomas Ojo

Methane emissions from the oil and gas sector present a pressing environmental and economic challenge, given methane’s high global warming potential and the considerable volumes of unutilized gas lost from industrial processes. This study investigates the impact of a retrofitted methane mitigation system, the Methane Mitigator (M²), on fuel consumption and engine-out emissions in non-road, four-stroke natural gas-powered, lean-burn engines and develops predictive Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models to estimate the resulting engine-out emissions and fuel …

Development And Applications Of Capillary Vibrating Sharp-Edge Spray Ionization Coupled With Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization (Cvssi-Apci), Madison Elizabeth Pursell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Mass spectrometry (MS) is a technique that is used in fields in which both complex and non-complex mixtures are analyzed. The state-of-the-art ion sources that are utilized for MS are being demonstrated to be functional for direct infusion of samples as well as for use with online separations. However, ion sources, such as electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) can encounter problems such as ion suppression and an inability to ionize based on size and/or polarity, respectively. Further these sources are bulky and require gas flow, heat sources, and additional high voltage power supplies for optimal performance. …

Microbial And Plant Biodiversity In Appalachian Agroecosystems And Their Implications For Soil Health, Kinsey Reed Close

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The sustainability of agricultural landscapes depends on understanding the complex interactions between plants, soil, and microbes. In Appalachia, a region shaped by complex terrain and long histories of human and ecological interaction, small family farms produce hay, livestock, and row crops. These agroecosystems, though often treated as “artificial” by many ecologists, have the potential to support both food production and biodiversity conservation if managed with an understanding of ecological complexity. This dissertation examines how plant and microbial diversity interact with soil and management to influence nutrient cycling, soil health, and long-term resilience in Appalachian agricultural systems. A literature review revealed …

Dynamic Force Feedback Controller Improves Metrics Of Stepping In A Biomimetic Robot Leg, Isabella Mae Kudyba

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Force feedback is a type of robotic control where forces are measured, fed back into the control system, and actuation is adjusted to compensate for environmental forces, with the goal of quick and precise limb positioning in walking. Robots of today use single force sensors (e.g. pressure sensitive pads, load cells) per leg which are often bulky, expensive, and susceptible to crosstalk. Walking robots often employ model predictive controllers or policy controllers trained through reinforcement learning (RL) to actuate their limbs, but these methods are time and energy consuming. Biomimetic robots offer an alternative approach, investigating biological theories with the …

Fundamental And Applied Investigation Of Ammonia Combustion: Characteristics And Emissions At Relevant Ic Engine Conditions, Luis Fernando Alvarez Correa

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Ammonia (NH3) is regarded as a promising fuel for future carbon-free power and propulsion systems due to its high hydrogen content, ease of storage, and existing infrastructure. Despite these advantages, NH3 exhibits inherently poor combustion characteristics, including low laminar burning velocity, high ignition energy, narrow flammability limits, and sluggish chemical kinetics. These limitations were solved in prior research by blending NH3 with hydrogen (H2) or hydrocarbons, which improved reactivity but introduced trade-offs such as increased complexity, safety concerns, or carbon emissions. Consequently, there remains a significant lack of fundamental and applied research on neat NH3 combustion, particularly under engine-relevant conditions …

Replicating The Functionality Of Ghost Knifefish Cerebellar Feedback Using Synthetic Nervous Systems, Sheldon Paul Cj Johnson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Sensory inputs allow animals to perceive, react, and adapt to an environment. However, the sensory information received by the body, such as visual, auditory, and proprioceptive information, could become overwhelming, thus overloading the brain. Yet, animals can process all this information by canceling redundant signals from their surroundings, allowing them to be more sensitive to novel or unexpected signals in their environment. Each species (i.e., birds, fish, mammals) has its own way of using and filtering sensory information, from auditory to locomotion adaptivity. Cerebellar circuits contribute to sensory filtering in a variety of systems. In particular, research on Ghost knifefish …

Rational Design Of Small Molecules Targeting Mitochondrial Redox Proteins, Matheus Barbosa Belchior

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Reactive oxygen species play a crucial role in many cellular processes. Despite being a natural byproduct of cellular metabolism, overexpression of these species causes damage to the cell, leading to cell dysfunction. Central to the regulation of these highly reactive molecule is the mitochondria. Impairment in its function has been associated with oxidative stress within the cell. Herein, a ligand-based and structure-based approach to design new small molecules to inhibit mitochondrial redox proteins associated with oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species. In the first project two molecules were synthesized and characterized as potential monoamine oxidase B inhibitors. Results showed two …

Artificial Engineering Intelligence Proxy Modelling For Numerical Reservoir Simulation Of Co2 Injection, Mohammad Altahow

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract

Artificial Engineering Intelligence Proxy Modelling for Numerical Reservoir Simulation of CO2 Injection

Mohammad Altahow

This study uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to improve the speed and efficiency of reservoir simulations for CO₂ storage applications. Numerical reservoir simulators, such as CMG, provide accurate predictions but demand extensive computational time and resources, making them impractical for rapid scenario analyses. To tackle this challenge, I developed a Smart Proxy Model using Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) within the Improve software platform to replicate the results of numerical reservoir simulations conducted with CMG.

The framework predicts key reservoir performance indicators, including …

Applications Of Deep Learning For Optimizing Fingerphoto And Latent Fingerprint Biometrics, Amol Sanjay Joshi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Fingerprint-based biometric recognition remains one of the most dependable and widely adopted approaches for identity verification due to its permanence and distinctiveness. Recent advancements in mobile and contactless imaging have extended fingerprint acquisition beyond controlled environments into unconstrained, real-world conditions through fingerphotos, contactless fingerprint images captured by digital or smartphone cameras. While this paradigm shift enhances accessibility and user convenience, it introduces significant technical challenges. Variations in illumination, focus, and motion blur often degrade ridge patterns, making accurate feature extraction and matching more difficult. Similarly, in forensic applications, latent fingerprints, incomplete or smudged prints lifted from surfaces, pose unique challenges …

Weakly Reversible Deficiency Zero Realizations Of Polynomial Dynamical Systems, Neal Ryan Buxton

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Weakly reversible, deficiency zero (WR0) systems form a large class of polynomial ODEs modeling chemical reaction networks. Their behavior is exceptionally stable: they have unique positive steady states, which are locally asymptotically stable (they are also conjectured to be globally asymptotically stable). This powerful result (the Deficiency Zero Theorem) applies to a large class of high dimensional, nonlinear polynomial dynamics, and is independent of the choice of parameters in the model. In this dissertation we present two algorithms that expands the scope of the Deficiency Zero Theorem to:

1. Networks with WR0 realizations, i.e. networks that are not necessarily WR0 …

Survival And Spatial Ecology Of North American River Otters (Lontra Canadensis) In West Virginia, Laurel Marie Glover

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Wildlife reintroductions function to regain wildlife populations in areas where they have been extirpated or greatly diminished. One such species that has been reintroduced to several states is the North American river otter (Lontra canadensis). The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) conducted a river otter reintroduction effort between 1984-1997, releasing 245 individuals into the state. The reintroduction was deemed a success with the WVDNR opening a regulated trapping season for river otters in 2011, allowing trappers to take one river otter per season. As the population has reestablished in West Virginia, several management challenges have arisen …

Parameter Estimation Of A 100 Seater Simulated Passenger Aircraft, Michael James Winston

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Virtual flight test aircraft provide good opportunities to test new parameter estimation methods. However, good estimates for the parameters in VIRTTAC Castor, a virtual test aircraft, are unavailable. This thesis uses two well-established time domain methods, the Output Error Method and the Filter Error Method, to estimate the parameters of VIRTTAC Castor. Three standard maneuvers were used: Elevator 3-2-1-1, Rudder Doublet, and Aileron Multi-Step. The parameters were estimated across three different flight conditions: weight, altitude and air speed, which resulted in 27 tests for each maneuver. All parameters, and standard deviations estimated are included in the appendix as a table.

Modeling Relativistic Fluids In Dynamical Spacetimes, Terrence Alphonse Pierre Jacques

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Multi-messenger astrophysics opens a new era in our understanding of the most dynamic and energetic systems in the Universe. Correlating gravitational-wave and electromagnetic signals in space and time enables stringent tests of models for core-collapse supernovae, merging supermassive black-hole binaries with accretion disks and jets, and mergers of compact object binaries such as binary neutron stars (BNS) and white dwarfs. Comparisons between models and multi-messenger observations may be used to constrain the neutron-star equation of state (EOS), formation channels for compact-object binaries, and emission mechanisms behind short gamma-ray bursts.

In modeling such astrophysical systems, great success has been achieved by …

Novel Phenomena In Chiral And Disordered Crystals, Zachary Louis Romestan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The concept of symmetry is central to our understanding of the physical world. Core symmetries—comprising time reversal, charge conjugation, spatial inversion, and rotation—are integral in maintaining essential conservation laws. They also play a critical role in the manifestation of new quantum phases that arise when these symmetries are disrupted. At the heart of contemporary research in condensed matter physics is the exploration of how basic symmetries interact with material imperfections. This examination delves deeply into the ways that inherent symmetrical properties and structural anomalies within materials influence each other, providing crucial insights into the field. This dissertation presents an investigation …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Secondary Mathematics Teachers’ Development Toward Teaching Mathematics For Social Justice, Catherine Lynne Manley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

While some might say that mathematics is neutral, free from political and social bias, social justice concerns can be found in the day-to-day actions of teachers in mathematics classrooms. Teaching mathematics for social justice requires teachers to gain knowledge of the world and systems of oppression as well as current efforts to both address systemic issues as well as the fight for those in power to maintain their cultural capital. Mathematics teachers also need to learn the pedagogical practices that support social justice in education and the specific ways in which mathematics content can be used as a tool to …

Modeling The Dynamics Of Radiation Belt Electrons And Ring Current Protons, Xingzhi Lyu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Earth’s inner magnetosphere is a highly dynamic region with various charged particle populations and current systems. The radiation belts, composed of relativistic electrons and protons, is an environment that can pose significant risks to both spacecraft and humans in space; while the fluctuations of ring current, an electric current flowing around the earth consisting of energetic electrons and ions, can lead to severe disruptions in ground-based electrical systems. In this dissertation, we first modeled the long-term evolution of ring current protons based on the measurements of Van Allen Probes. By implementing a 1D radial diffusion model with charge exchange loss, …

Application Of Predictive Control Strategies For Water-Gas Shift Membrane Reactors Using Data-Driven Models, Bernardo De Oliveira Vecchio

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As demand for more efficient processes keeps rising and more restrictive environmental legislation requires higher levels of both yield and purity, the process industry has now, more than ever, been looking for new ways to achieve these goals. One approach has been the implementation of Process Intensification (PI). PI aims to combine multiple unit operations into a single one, promoting efficiency gains on multiple levels. This combination, however, leads to complex process dynamics, and controlling such processes, particularly when setup as multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) systems, presents a great challenge due to highly interactive complex process dynamics and the imposition of many …

A Hyperbolic Relaxation Solver For Numerical Relativity, Thiago Assumpcao

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Numerical relativity (NR) simulations are essential for self-consistently modeling compact binary mergers, whose observations form the heart of gravitational-wave science. Stable NR simulations are the result of mathematical and computational breakthroughs spanning several decades: early attempts to numerically solve the two-body problem in General Relativity (GR) date back to the 1960s, while the first successful black-hole binary merger simulations were performed in 2005 with the generalized harmonic coordinates, and in 2006 using the moving-puncture gauge.

Today, NR continues to drive progress in gravity research, with ongoing efforts focused on increasing physical realism in simulations containing matter, exploring alternative theories of …

A Portable, Digital Nucleic Acid Amplification Test For Use At The Point Of Care, Bethany J. Fike

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Nucleic acid tests are key tools for the detection and diagnosis of many diseases. In many cases, the amplification of nucleic acids is required to reach a detectable level. Although nucleic acid tests have great success, there is a need to make nucleic acid amplification tests more accessible to a point-of-care (POC) setting for diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of infectious diseases. Traditionally, these tests are performed through bulk Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and are monitored in real time with a change in fluorescence intensity. With these bulk testing methods, only a qualitative or semi-quantitative result is possible. For more exact …

The Influence Of Faculty Mentorship On Graduate Student Development Through The Lens Of Self-Efficacy, Connor Lynn Ferguson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This exploratory sequential mixed-methods case study explores the relationship between perceived self-efficacy and faculty mentorship with biomedical sciences graduate students. The intent of the study was to understand the extent at which faculty mentorship contributes to self-efficacy development in the population of biomedical sciences doctoral students enrolled at a mid-Atlantic R1 institution. Data collected consisted of a survey assessing perceived self-efficacy and mentoring, interviews and documents. Data analysis explored themes related to the perceived academic and professional development of the students through their responses. The research highlights the significance of the mentor-mentee relationship and influence of the mentor on the …

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 …