Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

A Natural Extension Of F-Transform To Triangular And Triangulated Domains Necessitates The Use Of Triangular Membership Functions, Hana Zámečiková, Irina Perfilieva, Olga Kosheleva, Vladik Kreinovich

Departmental Technical Reports (CS)

In many practical situations when we process 1-D data, the method of F-transform turned out to be very useful. In this method, we can use either triangular membership functions or more complex ones. Because this method has been so successful in 1-D applications, a natural idea is to extend it to functions defined on 2-D and higher-dimensional domains -- e.g., to images. This method allows natural generalization to rectangular domains, where it indeed turned out to be very effective. A recent paper showed that it can extended to more general domains -- e.g., to triangular domains and to more general …

Fourier Series For Singular Measures In Higher Dimensions, Chad Berner, John E. Herr, Palle E.T. Jorgensen, Eric S. Weber

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Research & Creative Works

For multi-variable finite measure spaces, we present in this paper a new framework for non-orthogonal L2 Fourier expansions. Our results hold for probability measures μ with finite support in Rd that satisfy a certain disintegration condition that we refer to as "slice-singular". In this general framework, we present explicit L2(μ)-Fourier expansions, with Fourier exponentials having positive Fourier frequencies in each of the d coordinates. Our Fourier representations apply to every f∈L2(μ), are based on an extended Kaczmarz algorithm, and use a new recursive μ Rokhlin disintegration representation. In detail, our Fourier series expansion for f is in terms of the …

Icipe Monthly Digest – Volume 1, Issue 2, February 2025, International Centre Of Insect Physiology And Ecology (Icipe)

icipe Newsletters

No abstract provided.

Beyond A Chapter: Libraries As Key Characters In Smu’S Sustainability Saga, Shameem Nilofar Maideen

Research Collection Library

No abstract provided.

Unconditionally Optimal Convergent Zero-Energy-Contribution Scheme For Two Phase Mhd Model, Jinjin Yang, Shipeng Mao, Xiaoming He

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper focuses on the unconditionally optimal error estimates of a fully discrete decoupled scheme for two-phase magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model with different viscosities and electric conductivities, by using the zero-energy-contribution (ZEC) method for the temporal discretization and mixed finite elements for the spatial discretization. Based on the ZEC property of the nonlinear and coupled terms of the model, an ordinary differential equation is designed to introduce a nonlocal scalar auxiliary variable which will play a key role in the design and the energy stability of the decoupled scheme. Combining fully explicit treatment on the nonlinear and coupled terms with the …

Magnetus: A Magnetized Plasma Research Ecosystem, N. C. Hurst, M. Abler, Michael R. Brown, J. Juno, E. G. Kostadinova, N. A. Murphy, J. Olson, D. M. Orlov, D. B. Schaeffer, D. A. Schaffner, E. E. Scime, T. M. Tenbarge, S. C. Thakur

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Works

MagNetUS is a network of scientists and research groups that coordinates and advocates for fundamental magnetized plasma research in the USA. Its primary goal is to bring together a broad community of researchers and the experimental and numerical tools they use in order to facilitate the sharing of ideas, resources and common tasks. Discussed here are the motivation and goals for this network and details of its formation, history and structure. An overview of associated experimental facilities and numerical projects is provided, along with examples of scientific topics investigated therein. Finally, a vision for the future of the organization is …

Robust Conic Satisficing, Arjun Ramachandra, Napat Rujeerapaiboon, Melvyn Sim

Working Papers

In practical optimization problems, we typically model uncertainty as a random variable though its true probability distribution is unobservable to the decision maker. Historical data provides some information of this distribution that we can use to approximately quantify the risk of an evaluation function that depends on both our decision and the uncertainty. This empirical optimization approach is vulnerable to the issues of overfitting, which could be overcome by several data-driven robust optimization techniques. To tackle overfitting, Long et al. (2022) propose a robust satisficing model, which is specified by a performance target and a penalty function that measures the …

Operationalizing And Measuring Climate Change Adaptation Success, Henry A. Bartelet, Michele L. Barnes, Lalu A.A. Bakti, Graeme S. Cumming

Quantitative Methods and Information Technology Faculty Publications

In a context of rapid global change, understanding whether and how adaptation to climate change can be considered successful has become an important research gap within the climate change adaptation literature. Although definitions of adaptation success have been formulated, it remains unclear how they can be operationalized and tested empirically. To address this gap, we operationalized one of the most prominent definitions of successful adaptation within the academic literature, which describes success as adaptations that support reductions in risk and vulnerability without compromising sustainability. Specifically, drawing on data collected from 209 coral reef tourism operators across 28 locations and eight …

Confronting Catastrophic Risk: The International Obligation To Regulate Artificial Intelligence, Bryan Druzin, Anatole Boute, Michael Ramsden

Michigan Journal of International Law

While artificial intelligence (“AI”) holds enormous promise, many experts in the field are warning that there is a non-trivial chance that the development of AI poses an existential threat to humanity. Existing regulatory initiatives do not address this threat but instead merely focus on discrete AI-related risks such as consumer safety, cybersecurity, data protection, and privacy. In the absence of regulatory action to address the possible risk of human extinction by AI, the question arises: What obligations, if any, does public international law impose on states to regulate its development?

At present there is no scientific consensus as to the …

Application Of Cementitious Materials And Fiber Reinforcement To Enhance Lime Stabilization For Nebraska Shale Soils, Jongwan Eun, Seunghee Kim, Chung R. Song, Laith Ibdah, Kenaz Owusu

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

Lime stabilization is a widely used technique to improve weak subgrades; however, its effectiveness under freeze-thaw cycles remains a critical challenge. This study investigates the incorporation of cementitious materials and fiber to enhance the mechanical properties and environmental resistance of lime-stabilized soils under such conditions. Two types of soil, gray shale (plasticity index of 37.8) and clay soil (plasticity index of 19.0) from Nebraska, were used. Stabilization mixtures included lime dosages of 0%, 3%, and 6% by weight, combined with either 10% fly ash or 3% and 6% cement by weight, and 0% and 1% fiber. The experimental program comprised …

Construction Of Electrically Heated Pavement Using Recycled Waste Rubber Tires, Islam M. Radwan, Mohamed Abdel-Raheem

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Accumulated snow on roads presents a dual risk of accidents and financial losses. Conventional de-icing methods, which rely on chemicals, salt, and heavy machinery, are unsustainable and detrimental to both the environment and infrastructure. Furthermore, they demand significant labor and pose hazards in densely populated areas. In response, heated pavement systems such as hydronic and electrically conductive concrete (ECON) have gained traction for mitigating snow accumulation on roads. However, the use of carbon fiber and carbon black in ECON raises costs and depletes valuable resources. This research introduces an inventive and sustainable approach to address snow accumulation on rigid pavements …

Smart Cities, Smart Systems: A Comprehensive Review Of System Dynamics Model Applications In Urban Studies In The Big Data Era, Gift Fabolude, Charles Knoble, Anvy Vu, Danlin Yu

Department of Earth and Environmental Studies Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

This paper addresses urban sustainability challenges amid global urbanization, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. While traditional tools and linear models offer insights, they fall short in presenting a holistic view of complex urban challenges. System dynamics (SD) models that are often utilized to provide holistic, systematic understanding of a research subject, like the urban system, emerge as valuable tools, but data scarcity and theoretical inadequacy pose challenges. The research reviews relevant papers on recent SD model applications in urban sustainability since 2018, categorizing them based on nine key indicators. Among the reviewed papers, …

Nanoparticles Of Iridium And Other Platinum Group Elements Identified In Chicxulub Asteroid Impact Spherules – Implications For Impact Winter And Profound Climate Change, Vivi Vajda, Susan Nehzati, Gavin Kenny, Hermann D. Bermúdez, Ashley Krüger, Alexander Björling, Adriana Ocampo, Ying Cui, Kajsa G.V. Sigfridsson Clauss

Department of Earth and Environmental Studies Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

The Chicxulub asteroid that ended the Cretaceous Era ∼66.05 million years ago caused a prolonged time of global darkness – the impact winter – leading to mass extinctions. Elements from the asteroid, including the platinum group elements (PGEs) osmium, iridium and platinum are known from the globally distributed boundary clay but their carrier elements have so far been unknown. We identify, for the first time in detail, the presence of these PGEs within Chicxulub impact spherules and importantly, we identify their carrier elements. We show through synchrotron Nano-XRF how these PGEs occur in nanostructures as un-ordered cube- and/or needle-like crystals …

From The University To The Universe: A Scientific And Historical Overview Of The West Mountain Observatory, Amber Zendejas, Dan Broadbent

BYU West Mountain Observatory Project

BACKGROUND

• November 1980 - Construction began on the observatory’s main building

• 1981 - Observations begin, away from Provo’s Light Pollution

• Located on West Mountain, west of Spanish Fork, UT

2025 February - Tennessee Monthly Climate Report, Tennessee Climate Office, East Tennessee State University

Tennessee Climate Office Monthly Reports

Hi All,

February 2025 brought a wide range of weather to Tennessee including severe storms, snow, flooding, and large temperature fluctuations. Warm temperatures in the first week of the month brought a taste of spring after a much colder than normal January across the state, with high temperatures climbing into the upper 70’s for many locations on February 4th. This warm airmass set the stage for severe weather to impact northern areas of the state on February 6th, with six reports of tornadoes (four EF1 tornadoes and two EF2 tornadoes). Cooler and wetter weather then returned to the state for …

Luminescence Dating Of Hydrothermal Explosions In The Yellowstone Plateau Volcanic Field, Karissa Cordero, Nathan D. Brown, Lauren N. Harrison, Shaul Hurwitz

Earth & Environmental Sciences Datasets - Archive

Hydrothermal explosions are a significant geological hazard in some active volcanic systems; however, the timing and triggering mechanisms of these explosions are poorly constrained. This study applies luminescence dating techniques to hydrothermal explosion deposits in the Yellowstone Plateau volcanic field to constrain explosion chronologies and evaluate potential triggering mechanisms. We tested four luminescence dating techniques: K-feldspar post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence (pIRIR225), quartz blue light optically stimulated luminescence (BLOSL), quartz blue thermoluminescence (BTL), and quartz red thermoluminescence (RTL). The pIRIR225 and RTL protocols produce consistent age estimates that agree with independent radiocarbon ages and with the timing of the Pinedale deglaciation. …

Environmental Monitoring Report: For Work To Be Performed: July 1, 2023 Through June 30, 2024, Tennessee. Department Of Environment And Conservation

Environmental Monitoring Reports

This FY2024 EMR presents results for independent projects, originally defined in TDEC’s FY2024 Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMP) and subsequently completed over the course of FY2024 period of performance.

Zombie-Auras: Genai And Hybrid Text Production, Joshua Nieubuurt

English Faculty Publications

This paper explores the iterative evolutions of textual production and their impact on the “aura” of texts, as conceptualized by Walter Benjamin. The study identifies three key phases of textual production: the natural, the mechanized, and the digitized, each progressively displacing the “cult value” of texts. This cult value is lost through increased ease of creation, reproduction, dissemination, and dislocation of creators and audiences in time and space. The advent of Generative AI (GenAI) marks the latest evolution, transforming the “aura” into a memetic “zombie” form—familiar yet opaque, evoking both the sublime and fear. By examining Benjamin’s notion of “aura” …

Draft Final Bpsou Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Josephine Shaft (Ir-37) Remedial Action Work Plan (Rawp), Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Functional Moves In Teacher Questioning On Students’ Contextualization Of Mathematical Word Problem Solving, Yi-Jung Lee

Curriculum and Instruction Faculty Publications and Presentations

Posing purposeful questions is one of the most effective teaching practices (NCTM in Principles to actions: Ensuring mathematics success for all. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 2014). Although the types and functions of teacher questioning have been abundantly studied, research on the role of teacher questioning in students’ contextualization process as they solve word problems is rather scarce. This study was conducted to investigate the function of six elementary preservice teachers’ questioning, its impact on students’ contextualization, as well as the successes and difficulties of enacting questioning. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicated that …

Analytical Method For Solving Systems Of Fractional Initial Value Problems Using The Modified Atangana-Baleanu Derivative, Lana Mohammad Aref

Theses

This thesis presents an analytical method to solve systems of fractional initial value problems using the Modified Atangana-Baleanu Fractional Derivative. The proposed approach leverages an improved operational matrix method, incorporating an iterative, direct computation technique to simplify the solution process and reduce computational costs. Foundational concepts in fractional calculus and block pulse functions are introduced, followed by the derivation of operational matrices tailored for fractional systems. Theoretical analysis establishes the existence and uniqueness of solutions, along with uniform convergence and error estimates. Practical examples and applications are presented that demonstrate the efficiency, accuracy, and versatility of the method in solving …

Assessing Vegetation Changes And Ecosystem Impacts Of Invasive Species In Florida's Water Conservation Area 3a (2004–2024) Using Landsat Data, Gideon Tandoh

Research, Papers & Creative Work

The spread of invasive species is a concrete problem, threatening biodiversity, ecosystem integrity, and the functional status of wetlands. As these species continue to advance, it is crucial to assess their spread as well as management success through the more sophisticated invasive monitoring methodologies. This research examines the change in vegetation communities and the spread of invasive plants in the Water Conservation Area 3A (WCA-3A) using Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers on time series Landsat images. Unlike traditional pixel-based methods, OBIA enhances classification accuracy by incorporating spatial, spectral, and contextual information, enabling precise differentiation between …

Analysis Of 26 Studies Of The Impact Of Coconut Oil On Lipid Parameters: Beyond Total And Ldl Cholesterol, Mary T. Newport, Fabian M. Dayrit

Chemistry Faculty Publications

Coconut oil (CNO) is often characterized as an “artery-clogging fat” because it is a predominantly saturated fat that ostensibly raises total cholesterol (TChol) and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). Whereas previous analyses assessed CNO based on the relative effects on lipid parameters against other fats and oils, this analysis focuses on the effects of CNO itself. Here, we review the literature on CNO and analyze 984 lipid profile data sets from 26 CNO studies conducted over the past 40 years. This analysis shows considerable heterogeneity among CNO studies regarding participant selection, the amount consumed, and the study duration. The analysis reveals that, …

Project Title: Maximizing The Volume Of A Cardboard Box To Save Trees– An Application Of Polynomial Functions To Address Global Issues [Mathematics], Lucie Mingla

Open Educational Resources

MAT 115 College Algebra & Trigonometry/Precalculus

Project Title: Maximizing the Volume of a Cardboard Box to Save Trees– An Application of Polynomial Functions to Address Global Issues

Reflective Narrative:

This project was inspired by my participation in the "Designing and Implementation of STEM Co-Curricular Activities" CTL seminar in Spring 2023. I am grateful to Drs. Bukurie Gjoci, Daniel Gertner, Ingrid Veras, and Midas Tsai, along with fellow participants, for their invaluable feedback that helped shape its development. The project was implemented in two College Algebra and Trigonometry courses. I participated in two seminars to further develop this project. The Community …

Leveraging Collective Impact To Characterize And Identify Solutions To Cultural Challenges Within Scientific Societies, Taylor Lightner, Simone B. Soso, Candice M. Etson, Robin Mc C. Greenler, Mercy Mugo, Verónica A. Segarra

Physics: Faculty Publications

A consortium of scientific societies recently identified challenges to inclusivity within the biology communities they represent. Specifically, societies encounter difficulties collecting member demographic data effectively, integrating scientists at transitional career stages, and diversifying their leadership. In response, the Leveraging, Enhancing, and Developing Biology (LED-BIO) research coordination network (NSF 2134725) organized two meetings at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA to gather stakeholders and employ top-down and bottom-up organizational approaches to address these challenges. These meetings included Town Hall and Think Tank events to facilitate open dialogue and gather feedback on policies and programs from national organizations in attendance. …

Effectiveness Of Postoperative Cephalosporins In Reducing Urinary Tract Infections And Other Parameters Following Transurethral Resection Of The Prostate: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Wael Hafez, Feras Al-Obeidat, Asrar Rashid, Arun Kumar Venkatachalapathi, Amr Massaod, Ziad Albaha, Samy Kishk, Tesfalidet Emoshe, Samuel Tesfaye Tefera, Ismail A. Ibrahim, Mohammad Alkammar, Gowhar Rashid, Ahmed Fayed, Karim Soliman, Abdulqadir J. Nashwan, Alaaldeen Mohamed, Daniel Simancas-Racines, Ivan Cherrez-Ojeda

All Works

No abstract provided.

Order-2 Delaunay Triangulations Optimize Angles, Herbert Edelsbrunner, Alexey Garber, Morteza Saghafian

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

The local angle property of the (order-1) Delaunay triangulations of a generic set in R2" role="presentation" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;">R2R2 asserts that the sum of two angles opposite a common edge is less than π. This paper extends this property to higher order and uses it to generalize two classic properties from order-1 to order-2: (1) among the complete level-2 hypertriangulations of a generic point set in R2" role="presentation" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;">R2R2, the order-2 Delaunay triangulation lexicographically maximizes the sorted angle vector; (2) among the maximal level-2 hypertriangulations …

Revised Draft Final 2022 Insufficiently Reclaimed Sites Sampling: Bres No. 158 Site Evaluation Summary Report, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Microplastic Accumulation In Soils: Unlocking The Mechanism And Biodegradation Pathway, Minh-Ky Nguyen, Md. Refat Jahan Rakib, Myung Hwangbo, Jongsun Kim

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Plastic pollution has become a pressing environmental issue, with significant quantities of microplastics (MPs) contaminating terrestrial ecosystems. In agro-environments and soils, the abundance of MPs has been reported to range from 3.7 to 40,800 items per kilogram. Once MPs enter the soil, their accumulation can have several detrimental effects on the soil environment and ecosystems. This review summarizes current research on the biodegradation of MP-contaminated soils. The primary mechanism of MP biodegradation involves enzymatic oxidation and hydrolysis, leading to the formation of functional groups. The interaction between microorganisms and polymers involves various processes, including colonization, biofilm formation, and biodegradation. Microorganisms …

Ai As Your Ally: The Effects Of Ai-Assisted Venting On Negative Affect And Perceived Social Support, Meilan Hu, Xavier Cheng Wee Chua, Shu Fen Diong, K. T. A. Sandeeshwara Kasturiratna, Nadyanna M. Majeed, Andree Hartanto

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots have made significant strides in generating human-like conversations. With AI's expanding capabilities in mimicking human interactions, its affordability and accessibility underscore the potential of AI chatbots to facilitate negative emotional disclosure or venting. The study's primary objective is to highlight the potential benefits of AI-assisted venting by comparing its effectiveness to venting through a traditional journaling platform in reducing negative affect and increasing perceived social support. We conducted a pre-registered within-subject experiment involving 150 participants who completed both traditional venting and AI-assisted venting conditions with counterbalancing and a wash-out period of 1-week between …