Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Existence Of Traveling Waves In A Predator-Prey Invasion Model With Nonlocal Dispersal And Delayed Effects In Dispersal, Austin Simms

Theses and Dissertations

We investigate the existence and stability of traveling wave solutions in a predator--prey population model that incorporates both nonlocal dispersal and time-delayed interactions. The problem arises when species distributions and feeding or reproduction processes do not respond instantaneously, but rather exhibit lags in space and time. Our aim is to understand how these delays and nonlocal effects impact the wavefront speed and the eventual establishment of a predator population in previously prey-dominated regions. To accomplish this, we derive a PDE--integro--delay system from ecological considerations of prey self-regulation, predator ratio dependence, and jump-type dispersal kernels. We then employ a traveling wave …

High-Quality Factor Phase Gradient Metasurfaces With Dynamic Reconfigurability, Lin Lin

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Free-space optical communication holds immense potential for surpassing the bandwidth limitations of conventional physically defined channels. Achieving flexible and efficient communication in free space requires compact, robust optical components capable of dynamically tuning laser light without relying on bulky lenses or mechanically driven mirrors. Metasurfaces, or flat optics, have garnered significant attention due to their densely arranged subwavelength nano-resonators, which impart phase, amplitude, and polarization changes comparable to those of traditional bulky optics. However, conventional phase gradient metasurfaces are constrained by passive designs based on geometric configurations and the weak light-matter interaction inherent in most dielectric materials, limiting their applicability …

Simplicity From Complexity: Sensing High-Dimensional Fluctuations Via Regulatory Network, Optimality In Allocating Cellular Resources, And Recovering Functional Groups Via Data-Driven Methods, Fang Yu

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Biological systems must navigate dynamic and complex environments while operating under constraints such as limited molecular resources, biochemical noise, and structural trade-offs. This dissertation investigates three distinct cases in which biological systems allocate resources and process information efficiently, revealing emergent simplicity from underlying complexity. The first study develops a generalized end-product inhibition model with cross-talk and an excess of regulators, providing a proof-of-principle that simple biochemical circuits could, in principle, dynamically adjust their responsiveness to high-dimensional environmental variation. This result highlights how such circuits may allow adaptive filtering of both dominant and subdominant fluctuation modes. The second study, conducted in …

California Red Hummingbird Flowers: Color Convergence Across Four Biochemical Categories, Melissa León-Osper, Victor Rossi, Katie Conrad, Josephine Hernandez Mena, Elaine Meslow, Amelia A. Fuller, Eduardo Narbona, Justen B. Whittall

Chemistry and Biochemistry

There are 129 red-flowered species in western North America that fit the hummingbird pollination syndrome. Theory predicts that these flowers should produce a specific red color that is conspicuous to hummingbirds but not to bees. In a few well-studied cases, red flowers can be produced with pelargonidin, cyanidin, or both—sometimes complemented with the addition of yellow carotenoids and sometimes not. Which pigment combinations are most common in California and whether they affect conspicuousness to hummingbirds and bees remain unknown. To determine the taxonomic distribution of the pigments responsible for red hummingbird-pollinated flowers, we quantified the color of 36 red-flowered species …

Investigations Of The Electrochemical And Photochemical Properties Of Earth-Abundant Metal Complexes Stabilized By A Pentadentate Bipyridyl Macrocyclic Ligand, Skylar Nichols

Honors Theses

The creation of a selective and efficient catalyst for the multi-electron reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into valuable chemicals or renewable fuels is a crucial research area. As the use of non-renewable fossil fuels and the associated greenhouse gas emissions, predominantly CO₂, continue to rise, the need for renewable and sustainable approaches to energy increases. To address both the need for clean energy and to reduce the accumulation of CO₂ in the atmosphere, this work will investigate the synthesis and catalytic activity of Earth-abundant transition metal-based complexes supported by a pentadentate ligand. The macrocyclic ligand 7-methyl-4,7,10-triaza-1,2(2,6)-dipyridinacycloundecaphane was successfully synthesized and …

Challenges Us Study Abroad Students Face When Acculturating To A Foreign Food Environment, Sydney C. Davis

Honors Theses

Studying abroad presents a unique opportunity for college students to immerse themselves in new cultures, including experiencing different food environments and dietary customs. However, adapting to a foreign food culture can pose various challenges that impact students’ overall health, eating behaviors, and study abroad experiences. The purpose of this study to develop a survey instrument designed to investigate the extent to which U.S. study abroad students embrace, accept, and face challenges with different aspects of Italian food culture, using the Social Ecological Model (SEM) as a guiding framework. Initial survey items were developed with information obtained from focus group discussions …

Identification Of Subtypes Of Post-Stroke And Neurotypical Gait Behaviors Using Neural Network Analysis Of Gait Cycle Kinematics, Andrian Kuch, Nicolas Schweighofer, James M. Finley, Alison Mckenzie, Yuxin Wen, Natalia Sánchez

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Gait impairment post-stroke is highly heterogeneous. Prior studies classified heterogeneous gait patterns into subgroups using peak kinematics, kinetics, or spatiotemporal variables. A limitation of this approach is the need to select discrete features in the gait cycle. Using continuous gait cycle data, we accounted for differences in magnitude and timing of kinematics. Here, we propose a machine-learning pipeline combining supervised and unsupervised learning. We first trained a Convolutional Neural Network and a Temporal Convolutional Network to extract features that distinguish impaired from neurotypical gait. Then, we used unsupervised time-series k-means and Gaussian Mixture Models to identify gait clusters. We tested …

Bottom-Up Mechanochemical Synthesis Of Nanographene, Sarah Kerr

Honors Theses

This research explores the application of mechanochemistry in the bottom-up synthesis of nanographene, specifically focusing on the mechanochemical Diels-Alder (DA) reaction. The study investigates the effect of different reaction conditions and dienophiles on the mechanochemical DA reaction, aiming to optimize reaction efficiency and yield using a ball mill. The initial trials with a sterically hindered dienophile (2) and an electron-deficient diene experienced repeated failure, while reactions using dienophile (B), a terminal alkyne showed more promising results. Various variables were examined, including reaction time, jar size, ball size, ball number, shaking frequency, liquid-assisted grinding (LAG), heating, and diene to dienophile ratio, …

Magic: The Gathering Deck Testing And Optimization, Ian B. Watson

Honors Theses

The goal of this project is to provide a tool for players of the trading card game Magic: the Gathering to determine whether or not a given deck is optimally built by outputting relevant information regarding its optimality. This is done through a simulator that plays a one-sided game, recording what cards are played, what turn they are played, and how much mana is left over at the end of every turn. The simulator was tested with both optimized and unoptimized decks to show how it can be used to diagnose both.

The Impacts Of The Transfer Process Through The Eyes Of Stem Majors, Astrid Y. Lopez Matias

Honors Theses

This study explores the experiences of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) transfer students through the lens of Lily, a biology major who transferred from a large Midwestern university to a large Southeastern university. Employing a qualitative case study approach, data were collected via a semi-structured interview to delve into the complexities of her transfer journey. The analysis was guided by the Edalgo and High (2022) framework, which examines the interplay of personal, institutional, and social factors in shaping student experiences.

Lily's narrative highlights several challenges common among STEM transfer students, including unexpected personal and financial pressures, difficulties in navigating …

Evaluating Predictive Models For Predicting Total Score Of Beef Carcasses, Emmanuel Forson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The beef industry plays a vital role in global agriculture, with carcass quality and consumer preference being key determinants of market success. This thesis examines predictive modeling techniques for estimating the Total Score of beef carcasses, a composite measure representing yield and quality, primarily used by the Nebraska Cattlemen Association. Using data from the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Foundation Retail Value Steer Challenge (2000–2023), the study compares the performance of First Order Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) with three machine learning techniques: K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Random Forest, and Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM).

The analysis focuses on six key predictors: Hot Carcass Weight, Back …

Automation Of Javanese Shadow Puppets Using Machine Control, Kristian Rice, Yinson Tso, Mukhammadali Yuldoshev

Publications and Research

The virtualization of Javanese shadow puppetry (Wayang Kulit) offers a unique opportunity to preserve and revitalize traditional performance art through immersive digital platforms. This project explores the development of a virtual Wayang Kulit experience using real-time 3D engines like Unity/Unreal Engine while focusing on simulating the mechanics and aesthetics of shadow puppet performance. The puppets are designed using detailed 2D planes and rigged with skeletal systems to reflect the stylized motion of traditional puppetry. An aspect of this project is integrating an AI-driven control system that autonomously animates the puppets, learning from recorded puppeteer performances to replicate gesture, rhythm, and …

Reverse Engineering Of Binary Programs Using Graph Attention Networks, Sai Nikhila Kanigiri

Master's Theses

Understanding the functionality and behavior of binary code is essential for many software engineering tasks, including malware analysis, vulnerability detection, and program optimization. However, automating this process is challenging due to the complexity of machine code and the significant manual effort required from experienced software engineers. In this paper, we present BinGAT (Reverse Engineering of Binary Programs using Graph Attention Networks), a method for classifying binary programs into algorithmic categories using Graph Attention Neural Networks (GNNs) based on their Control-Flow Graphs (CFGs). Given a binary program, BinGAT extracts its CFG through static analysis and transforms the assembly instructions within each …

Topological And Optical Properties Of Two-Dimensional Materials, Haonan Wang

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Recent advances in condensed matter physics have revealed a wide range of novel quantum phenomena in two-dimensional (2D) materials. The discovery of unique topological, magnetic, and optical properties in solids has greatly expanded our understanding of quantum phases in electronic structures. As more material systems are proposed theoretically and realized experimentally, our research focuses on uncovering and explaining these phenomena through effective models and first-principles calculations. First, we explore topological mosaic patterns in moiré superlattices—structures composed of periodic, spatially distinct domains, each with different topological properties. These domains give rise to periodic edge states along domain walls. We explore the …

X-Ray Polarization Of Accreting Stellar-Mass Black Holes Through Accretion States, Nicole Rodriguez Cavero

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, X-ray polarization has opened up a new window into our understanding of astrophysical sources. Among them are accreting stellar-mass black holes, which play a key role in testing the behavior of matter in extreme gravitational environments. These sources can be observed in different states of the accretion cycle, predominantly in the soft and hard states. Every state is dominated by a combination of thermal disk, coronal, or reflected emission—each type containing different information about the environment around the black hole that can be understood through polarization. Polarimeters such as the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer and XL-Calibur allow …

Bayesian Statistics: Origins And Applications, Evelyn Pulla

Publications and Research

Bayesian Statistics applies Bayes' Theorem to update beliefs through new evidence. In this project, I explored how Bayesian Statistics applies into real supporting decision-making under uncertainty. By solving problems using data, I was able to realize how prior knowledge and evidence collaborate to make better conclusions. The project also demonstrates how Bayesian reasoning corrects our intuition to make decisions based on logical reasoning. Through this project, I was able to learn why using probability to make informed decisions matters both in science and real life.

Monitoring Mangrove Dynamics And Evaluating Future Afforestation Potential In The Egyptian Red Sea, Rasha M. Abou Samra, Mansour Almazroui, Wenzhao Li, Hesham El-Askary

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Mangrove forests are vital for ecosystem services and coastal management but face stressors from anthropogenic activities and climate change. This study estimates the extent and afforestation potential of mangroves along the Egyptian Red Sea coast from 1984 to 2022 using NDVI derived from Landsat-5 and Sentinel-2 data in Google Earth Engine. Aboveground biomass (AGB), belowground biomass (BGB), carbon (C) stock, and CO₂ sequestration potential were evaluated using Sentinel-2 and elevation data. Future afforestation suitability (2020–2050) under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios was assessed with the MaxEnt model. Mangrove area increased from 0.95 km² in 1984 to 1.46 km^{2 …}

Magma Evolution And Eruptive History Of Three Fingered Jack: A Mafic Composite Volcano In The Central High Cascades Of Oregon, Javaria Aziz

Dissertations and Theses

The central High Cascades graben in Oregon has been a center for mafic volcanism since its initiation. Three Fingered Jack is one of the larger mafic composite cones in the graben, located 20km south of Mount Jefferson. Three Fingered Jack erupted between 142.1 - 150.8ka, based on Ar⁴⁰/Ar³⁹ age dates. This study provides stratigraphic, compositional and petrographic evidence to understand the eruptive history of Three Fingered Jack and the processes involved in generating compositionally diverse basaltic andesites here.

The basaltic andesites of Three Fingered Jack show three compositional trends of magma evolution: 1) enrichment, 2) depletion and …

Performance Of Lasso And Ridge Regression For Variable Selection In Genome-Wide Association Studies Of Maize Flowering Time, Dipok Deb

Data Science and Data Mining

Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) are instrumental in identifying genetic variants linked to complex traits, providing valuable insights into trait heritability and biological mechanisms. This study applies GWAS to investigate flowering time in maize, a critical adaptive trait, using a diverse dataset of 5,000 recombinant inbred lines across eight environments. Traditional GWAS methods often encounter challenges in high-dimensional datasets due to the presence of multiple small-effect genetic loci. To address this, we compared two penalized regression methods—LASSO and Ridge regression—to perform variable selection and regression analysis within a GWAS framework. LASSO effectively reduced the number of predictors by selecting the most …

Data Science Job Salary Prediction Using Linear Regression, Dipok Deb

Data Science and Data Mining

In the evolving landscape of data science, accurate salary prediction plays a crucial role in shaping career expectations, informing educational strategies, and guiding organizational hiring decisions. This study investigates the key factors influencing entry-level data science salaries in the United States by applying a multiple linear regression model to a recent dataset spanning from 2020 to 2024. Through data preprocessing, transformation, and diagnostic evaluation, we identify how job roles, experience levels, employment types, work arrangements, residency status, and company size impact compensation. Despite challenges such as outliers, heteroscedasticity, and non-normal residuals, model refinements like the Box-Cox transformation and variable selection …

Computational Design Of Potent Sirna For Braf Oncogene Silencing For Enhancing Cancer Therapy, Muhammad Hermawan Widyananda, Ricadonna Raissa

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

The discovery of oncogenic BRAF mutations has prompted the development of inhibitors, yet resistance remains widespread. A more effective strategy involves targeting BRAF mRNA with siRNA to overcome resistance to BRAF inhibitors. This study aims to design potent siRNA for BRAF oncogene silencing using a computational approach. The full coding sequence of BRAF was retrieved from the NCBI database and potential siRNAs were predicted using the Ui-Tei, Reynolds, and Amarzguioui rules. Identified siRNAs were further analyzed using various prediction systems and parameters, including their interaction with the hAgo2 protein. The results identified that seven siRNAs (siRNA 23, siRNA 24, siRNA …

Algorithmically Optimal Outer Measures, J. H. Lutz, Neil Lutz

Computer Science Faculty Works

We investigate the relationship between algorithmic fractal dimensions and the classical local fractal dimensions of outer measures in Euclidean spaces. We introduce global and local optimality conditions for lower semicomputable outer measures. We prove that globally optimal outer measures exist. Our main theorem states that the classical local fractal dimensions of any locally optimal outer measure coincide exactly with the algorithmic fractal dimensions. Our proof uses an especially convenient locally optimal outer measure κ defined in terms of Kolmogorov complexity. We discuss implications for point-to-set principles.

Microplastic Concentrations Within The Winyah Bay River Plume, Daniel C. Haughie

Honors Theses

In the last 20 years, microplastics have become a significant concern for ecosystem and public health. The buoyancy and method of introduction makes river plumes a likely repository for microplastic accumulation. A river plume is a bulge of fresher water that expands radially from the mouth of an estuary, with distinct lines called fronts at the leading edge of the plume. A front is a region of convergence between the fresher plume water and the saltier ocean water. The density differences between the two water masses may create an easily identifiable color and salinity gradient. These fronts often allow for …

Nonthermalizing Dynamics Of Interacting Rydberg Atoms, Nicolaus A. Chlanda

Physics and Astronomy Honors Papers

An isolated system of ultracold Rydberg atoms can come to equilibrium by exchanging energy through dipole-dipole interactions. In our experiment, a static electric field of a few V/cm shifts the energy levels of the atoms, so that the energy levels are nearly degenerate at zero field and fan out with increasing field to form a manifold. We excite atoms to energy levels near the center of the manifold, where the spacing is nearly harmonic. We allow them to interact for a few microseconds, by which time the population of each energy level has reached a steady state. The population is …

Re: Comment Letter For The 2022 Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Groundwater Compliance Evaluation (Dated March 10, 2025), Emma Rott

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Experimental Evaluation Of Resource Allocation To Organelles In Eukaryotic Cells, Ronan Hanley

Senior Honors Papers / Undergraduate Theses

Among the hallmarks of the eukaryotic cell is its organization into spatially defined sub-compartments known as organelles. Organelles provide optimized environments for otherwise incompatible biochemical reactions within the cell. It has been shown that there is significant variation in the properties of organelles in a cell, and that cells have access to a limited pool of resources that they can allocate to organelles. This begs the question: by what principles do cells dictate how resources are allocated? To begin to explore this question, we look at resource allocation in S. cerevisiaefrom two perspectives. First, we use a combination of …

Transmutation, Sam Berger

MFA in Visual Art

My artistic practice is about change itself. I am inspired by the doubling and layering effects that came out of Surrealist Photography. Scale, fracture, and doubling are intentional components of my process. I combine those methods to create complex works of art, focusing on the untamable light that I hope to capture when making my images, which often are self portraits. Poetry is an integral element of this thesis text as well as my art making process. Through my poetic work I hope to offer my audience a glimpse into how I see and experience the world. This thesis text …

Re: Comment Letter For The 2023 Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Groundwater Compliance Evaluation (Dated March 10, 2025), Emma Rott

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Re: Acknowledgement Letter For The Final Blacktail Creek Groundwater Hydraulic Control System Pre-Design Investigation Evaluation Report (Dated February 27, 2025), Emma Rott

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Development Of Interactive Games On An Affordable Braille Display, Daniel Tsivkovski, Dylan Ravel, Maryam Etezad

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Developing an affordable and STEM learning-focused Braille display addresses a significant disparity in the market for Braille displays, where most fail to provide a cost-effective, accessible, and education-oriented solution. This research aims to bridge this gap through innovative hardware and software development, offering a comprehensive learning experience to elementary school children (K-6) who are blind/visually impaired. The hardware features a piezo-electric tactile display that displays up to six Braille characters at once or a shape in an 8x8 pin array configuration. The educational software includes a user-friendly website packed with engaging STEM activities specifically designed for blind/visually impaired children. The …