Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

A Fault-Tolerant Exchange-Coupled Spin-Ensemble Qubit At Elevated-Temperatures, Aniruddha Chakraborty

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis introduces a novel qubit architecture: the ferromagnetic exchange-coupled spin ensemble qubit (E-qubit), designed to address the noise-induced instability. In this work, the time evolution of the ensemble’s density matrix is studied using the Liouville–von Neumann equation. To benchmark against a single-spin qubit, the gate fidelity of an E-qubit is computed in the presence of thermal noise. Coherence time is also analyzed under identical thermal condition and a linear scaling is observed with qubit size . The results show that, at 6 K , the gate fidelity error (0.7 % ) of the seven- spin ensemble is an order …

Investigating The Temperature Effects On Aedes Aegypti And Dengue Virus In Central Argentina: Perspectives From Mathematical Modeling, Morgan H. Jackson

Theses and Dissertations

Dengue virus (DENV) causes over 390 million infections and around 40,000 deaths worldwide each year. DENV is primarily transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti, and both the life cycle of these mosquitoes and DENV transmission are significantly impacted by temperature. In the temperate region of Central Argentina, where dengue outbreaks first began in 2009, outbreaks only occur following new introductions of DENV from other regions. Due to the relationships between temperature and DENV and temperature and Ae. aegypti, the risk of an outbreak changes throughout the year. Here, we develop and analyze mathematical models for both mosquito population dynamics and …

Periodic Trends In The Electronic And Magnetic Structure Of Superatomic 3d Transition Metal Chalcogenide Clusters, Gabriel Bohannon

Theses and Dissertations

We have systematically investigated the electronic structure of octahedral transition metal chalcogenide clusters, TM₆S₈(CO)₆, in which the transition metal atoms are from the 3d series in order to identify if periodic properties emerge. We were motivated by the identification of closed electronic shells with electron counts of 96, 100 and 114 in similar clusters from the 4d and 5d transition metal series. Further motivation was the finding of a dual-shell closing in the Fe₆S₈(CN)₆^5- cluster. This cluster is stabilized with a large spin magnetic moment due to the …

Swarming Segregation: Leveraging Swarm Intelligence And Regionalization As Instruments For School District Desegregation, Jeffrey Wooten

Theses and Dissertations

Even after Brown led to the South briefly having the most diverse schools in the nation, schools throughout the Northeast have remained the most segregated in the nation for decades. While federal jurisprudence has made compelling desegregation pursuant to the Equal Protection Clause more challenging, New Jersey has a particularly favorable landscape to address severe segregation. With a highly diverse, densely populated public enrollment, favorable state constitutional precedent, and a history of successfully compelling desegregation, New Jersey is fertile ground exploring regional desegregation. Scholars, judges, and even plaintiffs in ongoing litigation (Latino Action Network v. N.J.) have called for New …

Machine Learning Models Leveraging Patient-Similarity And Clinical Temporality For Disease Prognoses, Ahmad F. Al Musawi

Theses and Dissertations

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) constitute a comprehensive and high-dimensional repository of clinical data, encompassing a wide array of patient-level information such as diagnoses, procedures, medications, laboratory results, and unstructured clinical narratives. These data hold immense potential for advancing predictive modeling in healthcare, including tasks such as disease progression modeling, hospital readmission prediction, and length of stay (LoS) estimation. However, the intrinsic complexity of EHR data—manifested in its heterogeneity, sparsity, and temporal dynamics—poses significant analytical challenges that limit the generalizability and interpretability of conventional machine learning models. Recent methodological advancements in deep learning and graph-based learning, particularly Graph Neural Networks (GNNs), …

Learning From Non-Stationary Data Streams, Gabriel Jonas Aguiar

Theses and Dissertations

The rapid growth of data from sources such as mobile applications, sensors, and network monitoring has increased the need for machine learning algorithms capable of handling non-stationary data streams. However, learning from such streams presents significant challenges due to their evolving nature and the presence of concept drift. One of the most complex issues is learning from imbalanced data streams, where shifting data distributions, combined with feature space drifts, complicate continuous adaptation. These challenges become even more pronounced in multi-class scenarios, which are common in real-world applications. Detecting concept drift in such contexts is particularly demanding, as it requires tracking …

Substrate Preference And Foraging Behavior Of Two Declining Warblers In Appalachian Shrublands, Samantha Fishman

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract Shrubland and early successional habitats (ESH) support a diversity of wildlife, including many declining songbirds. However, nonnative shrubs increasingly dominate these habitats, potentially altering habitat quality by influencing prey availability. Habitat quality can be assessed by observing foraging behaviors of songbirds and identifying preferred and avoided substrates as well as testing the predictions of optimal foraging theory; specifically that birds will maximize their energy gain relative to the costs. We examined foraging behaviors of Golden-winged Warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera; GWWA) and Chestnut-sided Warblers (Setophaga pensylvanica; CSWA) in ESH on private lands in Virginia with varying amounts …

On Higher Level Zhu Algebras Of N-Graded Vertex Algebras Associated With Simple Leibniz Algebras That Contain Sl2, Christian Soltermann

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, we study how the higher-level Zhu algebras of a vertex algebra reflect the structure of associated simple Leibniz algebras. In particular, we construct a vertex algebra from a vertex algebroid containing the simple Lie algebra sl₂ and analyze its higher level Zhu algebras. The irreducible modules of this vertex algebra were completely classified in [JY20b], but the structure of its indecomposable modules remains an open problem. Since modules for higher level Zhu algebras correspond to modules of vertex algebras, studying these algebras provides a method for understanding their broader representation theory.

Neural Network Algorithm And Analysis For Multi-Label Ecg Data Classification, Akhil Raghava Kalal

Theses and Dissertations

Electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis is a fundamental diagnostic tool in cardiology, providing critical insights into cardiac function that directly impact patient care decisions and treatment outcomes. As healthcare systems face increasing demands, automated ECG interpretation using artificial intelligence offers promising solutions to improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce physicians workload, and enhance early detection of life threatening conditions.

This thesis compares two advanced deep learning architectures, CNN-GRU and Wide and Deep Transformer, for multi-label classification of 12-lead ECG data. Using data from the PhysioNet/Computing in Cardiology Challenge 2020, I evaluated both architectures across 27 different cardiac abnormalities. Results demonstrated that CNN-GRU architecture consistently …

The Impact Of Loss Function Topology On Gradient Descent, Robert B. Skudnig Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Gradient descent is a popular optimization method that utilizes a model’s prediction error to iteratively improve its parameters for a given task. The functions that measure this error can be defined to align with the user’s goals and sometimes satisfy metric or norm properties. It is common for these functions to measure over Rn, but any differentiable space allows for gradient descent to occur. There has been some research investigating the influence of topological spaces on optimization methods, but it is a limited field of study. This thesis further explores this phenomenon by applying a transformation prediction model to multiple …

Scaling Laws For Diffusion In Crystallized Plasma From Molecular Dynamics, Dany Yaacoub

Theses and Dissertations

Diffusion coefficients for crystallized Coulomb plasmas are essential microphysics input for modeling white dwarf cores and neutron star crusts. Solving for diffusion coefficients require running large molecular dynamics simulations with thousands of particles over millions of timesteps. The diffusion in a crystallized plasma has been largely ignored and is often taken to be zero in stellar evolution codes. We find that not only is this incorrect, but we find that the diffusion in a crystallized plasma can be modeled completely using a universal scaling law independent of screening. Our simulations also show that the dominant mode of diffusion in a …

Asymmetric Synthesis Of The Hiv Protease Inhibitor Tmc-126 And An Anti-Malarial Agent Via A Titanium Tetrachloride Mediated Asymmetric Glycolate Aldol Addition Reaction. Redefining The Curtius Rearrangement Reaction Via Dehomologation Of Carboxylic Acids Bearing Alpha-Leaving Groups, Kweku Amaning Affram

Theses and Dissertations

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and malaria are two devastating infectious diseases caused by HIV and Plasmodium parasites. AIDS is caused by HIV-1 and HIV-2, transmitted through sexual contact, blood transfusions, needle sharing, and perinatal routes. Malaria, caused by plasmodium parasites through mosquito bites. Today, millions of people around the world have been infected with HIV and malaria and much research has been done to treat it. However, despite advancements in therapeutic options, these diseases remain a significant global health threat, particularly in developing countries due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains for both HIV and malaria complicating eradication efforts. …

Analyzing Factors Influencing Employee Turnover In Tech Companies: A Predictive Modeling Approach, Shinjon Ghosh

Theses and Dissertations

Employee turnover poses substantial challenges for technology firms, and understanding its key drivers through predictive modeling is essential for developing effective retention strategies. This study investigates factors influencing employee turnover in technology companies by implementing a predictive modeling approach on the IBM HR Analytics Employee Attrition dataset. The research aims were identifying key factors contributing to employee attrition, developing predictive models to forecast turnover risk, and analyzing interactions among significant predictors. By examining a range of features, the results highlight significant variables (Over Time, Monthly Income, Marital Status, etc.) of attrition and offer actionable insights for developing targeted employee retention …

Sulfate Sources In Groundwater From An Agricultural Area Central Illinois, Christabel I. Obi

Theses and Dissertations

Increasing sulfate (SO₄^2-) concentrations in the water environment, corresponding with increases in urbanization and industrialization, are a rising global concern. Over 250 mg/L, sulfate threatens human health and ecosystems. Elevated concentrations influence carbonate rock weathering, contributing to the evolution of the global carbon cycle. Knowledge of sulfate sources, whether natural or anthropogenic, is essential for understanding sulfate transport and fate in groundwater. This study investigates SO₄^2- origin and transport in groundwater in an area dominated by agricultural land use in Mclean County, Illinois. Specifically, we explored these questions: 1) Do sulfate concentrations change with groundwater …

Exploring Nitrate Reduction In A Saturated Riparian Buffer Through A Three-Dimensional Reactive Contaminant Transport Model In An Agricultural Area, Mcclean County Central Illinois, Franklin O. Ijigade

Theses and Dissertations

Saturated Riparian Buffers (SRBs) are engineered systems designed to remove nitrate and other pollutants from subsurface agricultural drainage water before it reaches a stream. This study utilizes a high-resolution coupled flow and reactive transport model to explore nitrate reduction and transformation in an SRB in glacial sediment. The influence of material heterogeneity on nitrate reduction and the effectiveness of the SRB was investigated. The study was conducted in an SRB located next to and receiving tile drainage water that ultimately drains into a 3^rd order stream (T3 stream) in central Illinois, USA. A three-dimensional steady groundwater flow model was …

Site-Specific Modification Of Antibodies Utilizing Microbial Transglutaminase For Improved Immunoassay Performance, Emily Beitello

Theses and Dissertations

Immobilization strategies used for fixing antibodies to solid phase surfaces significantly contribute to the antigen capture capacity and influences the performance and sensitivity of immunoassays. Traditional methodologies result in the random orientation and/or the weak attachment of immobilized antibodies. Different formats of immunoassays scope in applicability to many fields of research and everyday use. Improving the efficiency of immobilizing antibodies in immunoassays is a beneficial endeavor to increase assay sensitivity. Here, we investigated the use of enzyme-mediated conjugation of antibodies to facilitate a highly oriented immobilization. Microbial transglutaminase (mTG) catalyzes the covalent bond formation between a plethora of primary amine …

Application Of Floating Wetlands To Improve Urban Stream Quality, Daniel Chukwunonso Chukwudi

Theses and Dissertations

Urban streams, impacted by urbanization, often exhibit degraded water quality due to elevated nutrient levels, a phenomenon known as urban stream syndrome. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a floating wetland (FW) system in reducing nitrate as nitrogen (NO₃-N) and phosphate (PO₄³⁻) concentrations in a side canal of the Chicago River’s North Branch, adjacent to Goose Island, Chicago, IL, from 2018 to 2023. Using a five-year dataset, including new sampling from May to December 2023, the research addresses two questions: (1) Do FWs lower NO₃-N and PO₄³⁻ concentrations in urban streams? and (2) Do FWs exhibit seasonal differences in nutrient …

An Adaptive Method For Covariate Balancing In Block Randomized Clinical Trials, Ren Rasnick

Theses and Dissertations

Clinical trials are randomized in part to limit allocation bias, but also to ensure comparability between treatment arms for a baseline variable of concern. Comparable with regard to a baseline variable of concern is necessary for the validity of statistical methods. However, comparability is not guaranteed for trials of any size and is even more likely in trials with < 200 total participants. We propose a new method for adapting the allocation of participants in a sequentially allocated two-armed study with a small sample size to better ensure comparability.

The proposed method calculates the expected final imbalance (lack of comparability) based on the current participant values. Unlike several other methods, our method ensures the final desired sample size for each treatment arm, utilizes the expected final imbalance, increases comparability between …

The Development Of A One Pot, Two Reaction Synthetic Preparation Of 1,2,4-Oxadiazole, And Synthesis Of Ataluren, A Novel Drug In The Fight Against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Efforts Towards The Synthesis Of A Potential Protease Inhibitor Against The Main Protease (3clpro) Of Covid-19, Austin J. Carter

Theses and Dissertations

1,2,4-Oxadiazoles are five-membered heterocyclic structures first synthesized by Tiemann and Krüger in 1884. Recent discoveries suggest an array of useful biological properties.In preparation of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles, the most prevalent precursors are amidoximes, which can be created via the reaction of nitriles with hydroxylamine hydrochloride and a base. The amidoximes are reacted with an activated carboxylic acid to yield an acylated intermediate. This intermediate can be exposed to a base to cyclize into the 1,2,4-oxadiazole. This thesis describes the efforts in combining these three steps into a unified one-pot synthesis.

Currently, there are a significant number of commercially available FDA approved and …

Uso De Herramientas De Inteligencia Artificial Generativa Por Parte De Docentes En Una Escuela Del Suroeste De Puerto Rico, Glorimar N. Rodríguez Guiliani

Theses and Dissertations

Esta disertación aplicada fue diseñada para investigar el nivel de conocimiento, uso y dificultades que enfrentan los docentes de quinto a duodécimo grado en una escuela privada del suroeste de Puerto Rico respecto a tecnologías emergentes las cuales presentan desafíos significativos para los docentes y los estudiantes. Se exploró la utilización de herramientas de inteligencia artificial generativa (GenAI) como ChatGPT dentro y fuera del aula para actividades pedagógicas y administrativas.

Los hallazgos revelaron una notable carencia en el conocimiento docente sobre el uso y habilidades de la inteligencia artificial. Se identificó, también, una deficiencia en la capacidad de los docentes …

Investigating Heterogeneity Of Hydraulic Conductivity And Its Influence On Groundwater Flow Dynamics Within A Saturated Riparian Buffer In Central Illinois, Joseph L. Awuku

Theses and Dissertations

The use of Saturated Riparian Buffers (SRBs) in agricultural settings as a means of reducing contamination of surface water and groundwater resources has gained popularity due to their trapping ability and solute removal (nutrient recycling) capacity. In light of SRB’s nutrient-trapping and removal ability, numerous studies have been conducted to characterize the effectiveness of SRBs. However, most studies on SRBs have paid minimal attention to heterogeneity of hydraulic conductivity (K) and groundwater flow dynamics within SRBs. This study investigated the heterogeneity in horizontal K and estimated the vertical groundwater-specific discharge (q_v) between the upper weathered and its …

Narrative Engineering: Tools, Computational Structure, And Impact Of Stories, Michael A. Debuse

Theses and Dissertations

Computational Linguistics has a long history of applying mathematics to the grammatical and syntactic structure of language; however, applying math to the more complex aspects of language, such as narrative, plot, scenes, character relations, causation, etc. remains a difficult topic. The goal of my research is to bridge the narrative humanities with mathematics, to computationally grasp at these difficult topic, and help develop the field of Narrative Engineering. I view narrative and story with the same mathematical scrutiny as other engineering fields, to take the creativity and fluidity of story and encode it in mathematical representations that have meaning beyond …

Development Of A Real-Time Convolution System To Simulate Speech In Different Rooms For The Study Of Vocal Strain, Bethany E. Wu

Theses and Dissertations

Due to prevalent vocal health issues in teachers, the acoustics of K-12 classrooms has become a topic of study in acoustics. One way to understand the effects of a classroom's physical space on speech is with vocal effort studies. This thesis aims to enable these studies, without the need to move a talker from room to room, by creating auralizations through real-time convolution of speech with oral binaural room impulse responses (OBRIRs). These auralizations can be used to test talkers inside an anechoic chamber as they experience speaking in different acoustical environments. A system that can successfully execute convolution in …

Geochemical Characterization And Predictive Soil Mapping Of Ice-Free Regions In Antarctica, Rachel Willmore

Theses and Dissertations

Antarctic soils are formed by extreme climate, minimal biological activity, and diverse geological settings. This study analyzes 201 soil samples across four ice-free Antarctic Conservation Biogeographic Regions - North-west Antarctic Peninsula, Transantarctic Mountains, South Victoria Land, and North Victoria Land - to create a geochemical database (pH, EC, CEC, C and N, and ion concentrations) as well as to determine if there are consistent trends between geochemical properties and soil forming factors (SCORPAN). Despite variation in geochemical properties and SCORPAN covariates, some consistent trends emerged across all regions and individual Antarctic Conservation Biogeographic Regions. Using SCORPAN covariates and multiple linear …

Contributions Of Glacier Meltwater To Water Resources And Water Quality Below The Ablating Coropuna Ice Cap In The Arid Peruvian Andes, Alexis Rowley

Theses and Dissertations

Rapidly retreating glaciers in the arid tropics are an invaluable resource for communities that depend on meltwater to support drinking water, agriculture, hydropower production, and mining. There is limited understanding of how glacier loss will impact regional water resources, groundwater flow paths, and water quality, especially during the dry season. The Nevado Coropuna volcano in Southern Peru has one of the largest remaining ice caps in the tropics, but has experienced rapid ice loss in the past few decades and is projected to disappear in the next century due to climate change. Located in the northern Atacama Desert, the arid …

Using Two-Dimensional Terahertz Spectroscopy To Explore Vibrations, Magnetism, And Their Coupling, Megan Faux Biggs

Theses and Dissertations

Terahertz (THz) light is at the resonant frequency of important fundamental excitations within crystalline materials such as carrier dynamics, phonons, and spin-wave excitations called magnons. THz light can be produced at high field strengths using optical rectification in nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals. N-benzyl-2-methyl-4-nitroaniline (BNA) is one such crystal commonly used to produce THz when pumping with 800 nm light. Here, we improve upon the design of the molecular building blocks of BNA by replacing a hydrogen atom with a fluorine atom, leading to improved THz generation and a higher crystal damage threshold. Later, we focus on using THz light to …

New Chapters In An Old Book: New Discoveries In Transferrin's Blood Stream Modulators And Analytical Methods, Shelby Thomas Harris

Theses and Dissertations

Human serum transferrin is a 79 kDa glycoprotein responsible for the safe transport of iron throughout the blood stream. Transferrin binds up to two ferric ions in two domains known as the N-lobe and C-lobe respectively. Thus, there are four transferrin metalloforms: apo-Tf (with no iron bound), FeN-Tf (with one iron bound in the N-lobe), FeC-Tf (with one iron bound in the C-lobe) and holo-Tf(with two iron ions bound, one in each of the lobes). The two domains are homologous but feature differences in the kinetics and thermodynamics of iron binding and release. The two lobes are also different in …

Time Reversal Delivery Of Long Duration Noise To A Targeted Location: Achieving Higher Amplitude While Maintaining A Desired Spectral Shape And Maximizing The Spatial Extent, Rylee Scott Russell

Theses and Dissertations

Time Reversal (TR) is a signal processing technique that can be used to focus acoustic waves to a specific location in space, with most applications aiming to create an impulsive focus. This study instead aims to focus long-duration noise signals using TR. This thesis seeks to generate higher amplitude noise at a desired location over an existing method of broadcasting equalized noise. Additionally, this thesis explores various characteristics associated with focusing long duration noise using TR. The dependence of the focal amplitude on the duration of the focused signal is explored as well as the implications of using multiple sources …

Grain Boundary Solute Segregation Across The 5d Space Of Crystallographic Character, Lydia Harris Serafin

Theses and Dissertations

Solute segregation in materials with grain boundaries (GBs) has emerged as a popular method to thermodynamically stabilize nanocrystalline structures. However, the impact of varied GB crystallographic character on solute segregation has never been thoroughly examined. This work examines Co solute segregation in a dataset of 7272 Al bicrystal GBs that span the 5D space of GB crystallographic character. Considerable attention is paid to verification of the calculations in the diverse and large set of GBs. In addition, the results of this work are favorably validated against similar bicrystal and polycrystal simulations. As with other work, we show that Co atoms …

Method For Measuring The Rate Of Improvement In Survival Times Of Cancer Patients, Thobani Chaduka

Theses and Dissertations

In clinical settings, technological advancements have facilitated health care improvements in data analytics, artificial intelligence, telemedicine, health information systems, etc. This has furthered our understanding of cancer biology and treatment mechanisms. In this study, we aim to understand whether Moore’s law-like models may derive from historical cancer survival data, and how they can predict survival statistics for newly diagnosed cancer patients. Historically these predictions have previously been done with the diagnosis year as the independent variable and the survival as a dependent variable. In this study we use death year data as an independent variable and from that, we derive …