Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Efficient Signal Synthesis For Data Augmentation Using Generative Ai, Yagna Veera Narayan Kaasaragadda

Theses and Dissertations

Modern signal processing AI applications face increasing demands for diverse training data while operating under computational constraints. State-of-the-art generative models, though effective, often require prohibitive resources, limiting their deployment in real-time or embedded systems. This thesis proposes a computationally efficient framework for synthetic signal generation using a two-stage architecture that combines a Vector Quantized Variational Autoencoder (VQ-VAE) with either a decoder-only transformer or a discrete diffusion model. The VQ-VAE encodes high-dimensional signals into discrete latent tokens, significantly reducing model complexity while enabling symbolic sequence modeling. These discrete representations are then modeled using transformer-based autoregressive models or Score Entropy Discrete Diffusion …

Advances In And Applications Of Capillary Scale Liquid Chromatography, Samuel William Foster

Theses and Dissertations

Analytical-scale high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is one of the most widely used analytical techniques in the world. Efforts have been made to reduce the mobile phase consumption of HPLC by reducing the inner diameter (I.D.) of the column. By using capillary-scale columns (< 0.5 mm I.D.), separations can be performed with orders of magnitude less solvent consumption. This work describes advances made to capillary scale instrumentation as well as applications enabled by these advances. A compact capillary-scale LC was used for the analysis of numerous pharmaceutical and illicit drug compounds for point of need analysis. A miniaturized mass spectrometer was coupled to this instrument for on-line reaction monitoring within a standard chemical fume hood. Kinetic profiles of commercially available capillary columns were developed in order to provide guidance to others during column selection. The implementation of a column oven improved the analysis of large biopharmaceuticals. Several critical quality attributes of monoclonal antibodies including fragmentation, charge variants, and glycosylation profiles were able to be determined on the capillary scale. These results will help to make capillary-scale liquid chromatography a more viable solution for chromatographic analysis.

Age, Provenance, And Geochemical Relationships Amongst The Great Valley Group, Coast Range Ophiolite, And Franciscan Subduction Complex At Del Puerto Canyon, Central California, Devon A. Orme, Natalee Weis, Kathleen D. Surpless, Andrew K. Laskowski, James L. Crowley, Nicole Stine, Ian Colliver, Carly Ross, Emma Sweet

Earth and Environmental Geosciences Faculty Research

The Great Valley Forearc (GVF) basin of California, USA, preserves an extensive rock record of the Jurassic–Paleogene tectonic development of the California segment of the North American Cordillera. We present new U-Pb geochronology, zircon and whole-rock geochemistry, and petrographic analyses from the Great Valley Group (GVG), Franciscan subduction complex, and Coast Range Ophiolite (CRO) in the northern San Joaquin Valley to better understand the timing and location of initial forearc sedimentation, and how sediment routing systems may have evolved during Cretaceous time. Basal GVG strata of the Knoxville Formation were deposited ca. 145–140 Ma and are separated by an ~40 …

From Lists To Infinite Scroll: A Comparative Analysis Of Youtube’S Two Recommendation Algorithms, Selimhan Dagtas

Theses and Dissertations

As social media platforms increasingly dominate information consumption, the role of recommendation algorithms in determining user experience has grown both in complexity and impact. This thesis investigates the behavioral patterns and algorithmic preferences embedded within YouTube’s recommendation systems, comparing long- form videos with the rapidly growing category of short-form content, YouTube Shorts. Through a combination of automated data collection, engagement metric analysis, emotional sentiment detection, and toxicity assessment, this study analyzes the evolution of content over successive recommendation depths. Using a controlled digital environment, the research explores how content recommendations change in response to user behavior, including varying watch times …

The Ecophysiology Of The Enigmatic Namib Succulent, Lithops Ruschiorum, Garrett Macleod Althausen

Environmental Studies Senior Theses

Water availability is the primary constraint for plant survival and reproduction in hyper-arid ecosystems. In such environments, plant fitness depends on an alignment between physiological traits and limited water resources. The Namib Desert of Namibia exemplifies this extreme selection pressure. Within the Namib Desert, Lithops ruschiorum, a succulent endemic to the gravel plains, exhibits habitat specificity and numerous physiological adaptations to cope with the hyper-aridity.

This research explores the intersection of two fitness strategies for L. ruschiorum: habitat selection and exploitation of alternative moisture sources. The first chapter explores the population dynamics and micro-site habitat conditions preferred by …

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis And Surface Characterization Of Graphene Oxide-Antimony Trioxide Nanocomposites For Ascorbic Acid Electrochemical Sensor, Samir Mallick

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

The detection and monitoring of Ascorbic Acid (AA) concentration is of crucial importance. Abnormal AA levels in bodily fluids have been reported to cause cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Nanoparticles have played a critical role in developing affordable, sensitive, and selective sensors. This work reports on the electrochemical detection of AA using glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) modified with microwave-assisted graphene oxide-antimony trioxide nanocomposite and chitosan films. The developed sensor displayed enhanced electron transfer and a better electrocatalytic reaction towards AA compared to other fabricated electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry were used for electrochemical measurements. CV and Fourier …

Deep Imputation Of Missing Values Using Feature And Sample Attention, Ibna Kowsar

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

The handling of missing values is a pervasive challenge in tabular data sets, particularly in electronic health records (EHR), where incomplete data can hinder predictive modeling. Data with missing values are unfit for machine learning, whereas the imputation of missing values affects data quality and data-driven outcomes. Traditional statistical and machine learning-based imputation techniques often struggle with high missing rates and complex missing patterns. This thesis investigates the deep learning of attention between features and between samples in missing value imputation. These two attention mechanisms jointly capture the row-column structure of tabular data. It presents a novel deep learning framework …

Harmful Algae In Nashville’S Urban Watersheds: Challenging Traditional Monitoring Programs, Devin Matthew Moore

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

As climate change intensifies, harmful algal blooms (HABs), specifically the species that produce microcystin-producing cyanobacteria, are becoming more frequent in urban environments. In the current state of HAB research, most monitoring and research is focused on agricultural areas. This study challenges traditional monitoring practices by evaluating the presence and abundance of microcystin in urban water bodies within Nashville, TN. Using field sampling, passive toxin tracking, ELISA testing, and GIS- based environmental and demographic analysis, data were collected at sites in densely populated areas. These sites were located at Tennessee State University, Ted Rhodes golf course and Shelby bottoms Park, and …

Gnss Technology, Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SDL presentation on GNSS Technology

Using Oblique, Bistatic Receptions Of Superdarn Signals To Measure Hf Propagation In The Auroral And Polar Cap Region, Riley Troyer, Jeffrey Holmes, Evan Thomas, Simon Shepherd, Eugene Dao, John Carilli

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Experiment Geometry

Three receiver locations:

• Pituffik (formerly Thule)
• Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow)
• USCGC Healy – Beaufort Sea

Two SuperDARN locations:

• Christmas Valley (CVE, CVW)
• Iceland (ICE, ICW)

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter, June 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. Iowa Waste Reduction Center.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter

Contents:

--- Stormwater compliance in Iowa: What your facility needs to know
--- Rural Midwestern Communities Announced for Compost Training Program
--- IGBC program recognized with Innovation Award
--- Introducing Bilal Baig, our new office intern
--- Free Assistance Available
--- Industry News

Fixed Points In Linear Regression, David L. Farnsworth

Articles

There is a set of points in the plane whose elements correspond to the observations that are used to generate a simple least-squares regression line. Each value of the independent variable in the observations matches up with one of these points, which are called pivot or fixed points. The coordinates of the fixed points are derived, and the properties of the points are explored. All points in the plane that yield each of the fixed points are found. The role that fixed points play in regression diagnostics is investigated. A new mechanical device that uses linkages to model the role …

Financial Data Stewardship: A Librarian's Approach To Data Discovery And A Call For Coding As A Path To Data Comprehension And Verification, Lip Hwe Tee

Research Collection Library

This conference presentation calls to advocate and emphasise coding as a means to understand datasets, to be able to correctly interpret table structure and relevant fields to extract the correct data, to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Video Game Hacking, A General Problem With Generalized Solutions, Luke Rowe

Master's Theses

As video games continue to get more popular and lucrative, the number of malicious actors seeking to exploit them grows with it. As this industry expands, so does the importance of securing games against cheating and abuse. This thesis aims to educate developers to help mitigate the abuse of video games by these malicious actors. The goal of this thesis is to provide a foundational framework for thinking like a hacker and how to make games harder to abuse once a hacker bypasses conventional anti-cheat software.

This thesis outlines some of the most common cheating methods and provides general context …

Ai Assisted Literature Review Tools For Undergraduates: Restrict, Embrace Or Curate?, Aaron Tay

Research Collection Library

As AI-driven literature review tools become widespread, academic librarians must grapple with a fundamental question—should we ban these tools, selectively curate their use, or embrace them fully? This keynote explores the three competing schools of thought shaping AI’s role in undergraduate literature reviews.

The Restrict school argues that students who have not proven capable of writing quality literature review should be restricted from use of such tools. Much like handing a preschooler a calculator before they understand basic arithmetic will affect the learning of arithmetic, premature use of such tools has the potential to shortcut the research learning process. If …

Ceno: Non-Uniform, Segment And Parallel Zero-Knowledge Virtual Machine, Tianyi Liu, Zhenfei Zhang, Yuncong Zhang, Wenqing Hu, Ye Zhang

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, we explore a novel Zero-knowledge Virtual Machine (zkVM) framework leveraging succinct, non-interactive zero-knowledge proofs for verifiable computation over any code. Our approach divides the proof of program execution into two stages. In the first stage, the process breaks down program execution into segments, identifying and grouping identical sections. These segments are then proved through data-parallel circuits that allow for varying amounts of duplication. In the subsequent stage, the verifier examines these segment proofs, reconstructing the program's control and data flow based on the segments' duplication number and the original program. The second stage can be further attested …

Counterintuitive Particle Confinement In A Helical Force-Free Plasma, A. D. Light, H. Srinivasulu, C. J. Hansen, Michael R. Brown

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Works

The force-free magnetic field solution formed in a high-aspect ratio cylinder is a non-axisymmetric (��=1), closed magnetic structure that can be produced in laboratory experiments. Force-free equilibria can have strong field gradients that break the usual adiabatic invariants associated with particle motion, and gyroradii at measured conditions can be large relative to the gradient scale lengths of the magnetic field. Individual particle motion is largely unexplored in force-free systems without axisymmetry, and it is unclear how the large gradients influence confinement. To understand more about how particles remain confined in these configurations, we simulate a thermal distribution of protons moving …

(R2119) New Algorithms For Independent Component Analysis Based On A General Class Of Dependence Criteria, Fatemeh Asadi, Hamzeh Torabi, Hossein Nadeb

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

The objective function of numerous well-established Independent Component Analysis (ICA) algorithms calculate based on specific dependence criteria. This study introduces a distinctive dependence criterion based on the cumulative distribution function (CDF) for characterizing the independence between two random variables and some of its properties are examined. Then, we propose a class of ICA algorithms based on the introduced dependence criterion. The performance of the algorithm is systematically compared to some previous similar algorithms. The results indicate that the suggested algorithm have fruitful performance rather than some similar previous known algorithms. Subsequently, the proposed algorithms are applied to real-time series data, …

Wide Binary Orbits Are Preferentially Aligned With The Orbits Of Small Planets, But Probably Not Hot Jupiters, S. Christian, A. Vanderburg, J. Becker, A. L. Kraus, L. Pearce, K. A. Collins, M. Rice, Eric L.N. Jensen, D. Baker, V. Bozza, P. Benni, A. Bieryla, A. Binnenfeld, K. I. Collins, D. M. Conti, I. J. M. Crossfield, P. Evans, M. C. Johnson, E. Girardin, J. Gregorio, P. Lewin, T. Mazeh, F. Murgas, A. Panahi, F. J. Pozuelos, D. J. Radford, H. M. Relles, F. Rodriguez Frustaglia, R. P. Schwarz, G. Srdoc, C. Stockdale, T.-G. Tan, W. C. Waalkes, G. Wang, J. Wittrock, S. Zucker

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Works

Studying the relative orientations of the orbits of exoplanets and wide-orbiting binary companions (semimajor axis greater than 100 au) can shed light on how planets form and evolve in binary systems. Previous observations by multiple groups discovered a possible alignment between the orbits of visual binaries and the exoplanets that reside in them. In this study, using data from Gaia DR3 and TESS, we confirm the existence of an alignment between the orbits of small planets (R < 6 R_⊕) and binary systems with semimajor axes below 700 au (p = 10⁻⁶). However, we find no statistical evidence …

Maximizing Edge Connectivity In Graph Partitioning Using Hotspots, Isam A. Alobaidi, Hiba G. Fareed, Jennifer L. Leopold, Andrea E. Smith

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Graphs have long been used to model relationships between entities. For some applications, a single graph is sufficient; for other problems, a collection of graphs may be more appropriate to represent the underlying data. Many contemporary problem domains, for which graphs are an ideal data model, contain an enormous amount of data (e.g., social networks). Hence, researchers frequently employ parallelized or distributed processing. The graph data must first be partitioned and assigned to the multiple processors in a way that the workload is balanced and inter-processor communication is minimized. The latter problem may be complicated by the existence of edges …

Educational Efficacy Of Private Well-Testing Workshops And The Surveillance Of Private Drinking Water Quality In Connecticut, Alec Janis, Michael Dietz, Meredith Metcalf

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

More than 820,000 Connecticut residents rely on groundwater from private wells, yet minimal regulations address well water quality. Extension programs across the United States have begun to provide private drinking water education and testing assistance to address this public health gap. Few studies have analyzed the efficacy of these programs.

We delivered four workshops across Connecticut, from November 2022 to November 2023, where participants were given an educational presentation on private drinking water and an opportunity to test their well-water quality at a subsidized cost. After participating in the workshops, participants believed they were more confident to begin annual testing, …

Enhancing Stability And Emissions In Metal Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals Through Mn2+ Doping, Thi Thu Trinh Phan, Thi Thuy Kieu Nguyen, Trung Kien Mac, Minh Tuan Trinh

Chemistry and Biochemistry Student Research

Metal halide perovskite (MHP) nanocrystals (NCs) offer great potential for high-efficiency optoelectronic devices; however, they suffer from structural softness and chemical instability. Doping MHP NCs can overcome this issue. In this work, we synthesize Mn-doped methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr₃) NCs using the ligand-assisted reprecipitation method and investigate their structural and optical stability. X-ray diffraction confirms Mn²⁺ substitution at Pb²⁺ sites and lattice contraction. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements show a blue shift, significant PL quantum yield enhancement, reaching 72% at 17% Mn²⁺ doping, and a 34% increase compared to undoped samples, attributed to effective defect passivation and …

Ecological Footprint Analysis Of Chatgpt (Gpt-3), Isabella Boulais

Computer Science and Software Engineering

Climate change is an escalating crisis that demands immediate action from all sectors, including the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence (AI). While AI offers climate solutions, its own environmental impact raises concerns. Unfortunately limited research due to rapid development, system complexity, and lack of standardized methodologies hinders our understanding of AI’s environmental consequences. This project aims to conduct a comprehensive ecological footprint analysis of OpenAI’s GPT-3 model that is used to power ChatGPT, establishing guidelines for assessing AI systems’ environmental impact and proposing a framework for improvement. Going beyond tracking carbon emissions, this project will outline the broader lifecycle …

Enhancing Fishnet For Wireless Network Simulation, Cameron J. Mcclure-Coleman

Computer Science and Software Engineering

This report documents the senior project focused on enhancing the Fishnet network simulation library used in Cal Poly’s CPE 464 (Introduction to Computer Networks) course. The primary goal was to implement features for simulating wireless networks and introducing discrete-event simulation (DES) capabilities to increase computational efficiency. These enhancements aim to better support the curriculum transition as Cal Poly switches from quarters to semesters. The project successfully established foundational components for wireless network simulation, including node positioning in three-dimensional space, signal propagation modeling, multiple interface nodes, and wireless collision domains. While the complete implementation of discrete-event simulation and YAML configuration features …

Anonymous Communication In Quantum Networks, Anish Majumdar

Master’s Dissertations

In this dissertation, we explore the protocols enabling anonymous communication in quantum networks i.e. transmission of qubits from sender to receiver by creating or distributing Entangled states between them without disclosing their identities as sender or receiver to the other parties in the network. Existing methods uses classical, as well as quantum subprotocols to achieve anonymity.The Quantum sub-protocols include protocols for anonymous entanglement distribution using GHZ states, verification (not device-independent) of GHZ state that requires secure private classical channels, techniques for ϵ-anonymity(i.e. the other parties can at most guess a little ϵ amount better than a random guess about who …

Learning And Optimization Under Human-Centric Considerations, Qian Shao

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

This dissertation investigates learning and optimization problems shaped by humancentric considerations, such as preferences, demonstrations, behavioral patterns, and resource constraints. As real-world decision-making increasingly involves interaction with human agents, data, and limitations, modeling these factors becomes critical for building practical, adaptive, and robust systems.

The research spans four domains. First, we study preference-aware delivery routing by learning implicit practitioner preferences and incorporating them into a hierarchical route optimization framework. Second, we develop imitation learning methods for cost-constrained settings, enabling agents to mimic expert behavior while respecting safety and resource limitations. Third,we explore early rumor detection in data-limited environments, integrating large …

Toward Integrated Urban Observatories: Synthesizing Remote And Social Sensing In Urban Science, Danlin Yu

Department of Earth and Environmental Studies Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Urbanization is reshaping landscapes and posing unprecedented sustainability challenges, necessitating more integrative approaches to urban observation. This review synthesizes recent advancements in traditional remote sensing and emerging social sensing technologies, emphasizing their convergence within urban science. A systematic thematic analysis of 667 peer-reviewed articles highlights the methodological progress, practical applications, and theoretical innovations arising from this integration. Traditional remote sensing effectively captures urban physical features but lacks insights into human behaviors. Conversely, social sensing, leveraging digital traces from social media and mobile data, introduces essential human-centered dimensions into urban monitoring. The fusion of these complementary paradigms through advanced data analytics …

Cutting Through The Infodemic Efficiently: News Claims Surveillance And Llm-Based Lightweight Fact Verification, Xuan Zhang

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

In the context of the current infodemic, the rapid spread of misinformation poses a severe threat to social stability and public health. Recently, the rise of deep learning technologies has offered the potential for accelerating the development of automated misinformation detection and verification. However, current technological capabilities and computational resources often prove inadequate for the exhaustive scrutiny required, rendering the enhancement of processing efficiency a critical imperative. Given the vast amount of data on the internet, current technology and computational power often fall short in timely and accurate scrutiny of each piece of information, making the improvement of processing efficiency …

Rich Models And Methods For On-Demand Same Day Deliveries, Zhiqin Zhang

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

Same-day delivery has brought numerous conveniences to people’s lives, but it has also presented challenges in terms of service management. To effectively optimize on-demand same-day delivery operations within urban logistics, intelligent decision-making strategies capable of adapting to rapidly changing circumstances are essential. Employing effective decisionmaking strategies that account for order allocation, route planning, courier scheduling, and other relevant factors, is pivotal in advancing logistics operations, enhancing efficiency, customer satisfaction, and resource utilization in the context of dynamic same-day delivery problems.

The focus of this thesis revolves around different emerging challenges presented by on-demand same-day delivery problems, with a particular emphasis …

Interactive Generative Modeling: A Pathway For Improved Simulation And Decision Making, Changyu Chen

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

This dissertation presents Interactive Generative Modeling (IGM), a unified perspective that integrates interactive paradigm and generative modeling to advance the development of general-purpose intelligent systems. IGM is motivated by the observation that while reinforcement learning (RL) has mastered a wide range of complex simulated tasks, it struggles to generalize in high-dimensional, open-ended tasks. In contrast, generative models excel in such settings due to their expressivity and their ability to serve as powerful priors (e.g., LLMs pretrained on massive corpora). By bridging these two paradigms, IGM offers a promising path forward.

The first direction explored in this dissertation is IGM for …