Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Lowering The Barrier For Reading Primary Literature In Stem, Sebastian G. Alvarado, Maral Tajerian

Open Educational Resources

Building Bridges of Knowledge (BBK) is a cross‑CUNY initiative that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and open educational resources to lower the barrier to primary literature and enhance research‑focused pedagogy. Recognizing that scientific papers are often dense and inaccessible to newcomers, we developed a suite of AI‑assisted instructional materials and activities to help students interpret complex data and methodology. A central component is the use of large language models (LLMs) and tools such as Scite.ai to provide citation‑context analytics and personalized research support. These tools allow students to filter literature by supportive, neutral, or contrasting citation statements and to troubleshoot laboratory …

Consequences Of Artificial Intelligence In Health Insurance: Lawsuits, Policy, And Ethics, Alyssa N. Roberts

Honors Undergraduate Theses

In recent years, the healthcare system has been burdened by a multitude of obstacles that hinder the ability to provide effective, affordable, and timely care. Among these, one of the most significant challenges is the role that health insurance plays in shaping the quality of care. Health insurance companies are designed to decrease financial strain on patients, but they have introduced inefficiencies through delayed coverage approvals, increased denials, and administrative costs. Artificial intelligence (AI) has started to play an integral role in resolving these issues for the health insurance industry. Through its quick automated claim processing, fraud screening, and reduced …

A Time-Domain Boundary Integral Equation For Moving Acoustic Sources In Uniform Flow And Its Solution By An Advanced Time Propagation Approach, Fang Q. Hu, Douglas M. Nark

Mathematics & Statistics Faculty Publications

This paper presents a time-domain boundary integral equation (TDBIE) formulation for predicting acoustic scattering from moving sources in a uniform mean flow. This work is motivated by the increasing need for accurate aeroacoustic modeling of modern aircraft configurations, including VTOL and eVTOL systems with rotating components. A key challenge in time-domain scattering simulations with moving sources is the determination of retarded time for a given observer time, which involves solving an implicit equation at each time step. This can be computationally costly, particularly for numerical solution of the TDBIE where every surface element on the scattering body acts as an …

Covariate Selection For Rna-Seq Differential Expression Analysis With Hidden Factor Adjustment, Farzana Noorzahan, Hyeongseon Jeon, Yet Nguyen

Mathematics & Statistics Faculty Publications

In RNA-seq data analysis, a primary objective is the identification of differentially expressed genes, which are genes that exhibit varying expression levels across different conditions of interest. It is widely known that hidden factors, such as batch effects, can substantially influence the differential expression analysis. Furthermore, apart from the primary factor of interest and unforeseen artifacts, an RNA-seq experiment typically contains multiple measured covariates, some of which may significantly affect gene expression levels, while others may not. Existing methods either address the covariate selection or the unknown artifacts separately. In this study, we investigate two integrated strategies, FSR_sva and SVAall_FSR, …

Movement And Activity Of Burbot, (Mizay; Lota Lota) In A Spring-Fed Minnesota Lake, Abigail M. Fountain

Biology Graduate Theses

Burbot (Mizay; Lota lota) are a relatively unmanaged freshwater fish, important in many local Indigenous cultures, but often overlooked or maltreated in research, conservation, and fishing practices. As such, relatively little research has been conducted on Burbot, despite ecological significance as an indicator species. A recent resurgence in popularity as a target species, however, has prompted new research to inform management policies. The objectives of this study were to summarize Burbot movement by identifying patterns in swimming activity and identify possible predictors of the movement observed. This study investigated the movements of 39 individuals implanted with acoustic transmitters in Bad …

Range Safety And Design For Launch, Space Dynamics Laboratory

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Design to make licensing and launch easy

• Sometimes the most innovative or elegant solution isn’t the best one
• The less you have to prove, the better
• Don’t use novel materials
• Don’t use novel methods

Example: 3D printing is cool and reduces part count because you can design otherwise unmachinable parts

• Now you have to test, analyze, and prove to everyone that your part won’t fail
• If you machined the parts from AL 6061-T6 and bolted them together with stainless steel fasteners, nobody would have looked twice

Perceptions Of Artificial Intelligence Use To Enhance Feedback For Preservice Teachers During Field Experiences, Betsy Schamber

Dissertations and Theses

University supervisors (USs) play a key role in providing feedback for preservice teachers (PSTs). Although artificial intelligence (AI)’s use in providing feedback in educational settings had been explored, its use for feedback for PSTs’ field experience remained unknown. The first case study herein explores PSTs’ perceptions of AI-assisted feedback for field experiences. Findings highlighted PSTs’ perceptions of AI as a catalyst for new idea generation. While AI provided a starting point, the ending output still needed to reflect PSTs’ personalities. Similarly, PSTs valued the human element of feedback, noting how USs’ lived experiences provided an added value. In K–12 classrooms, …

Relational Database Schema To Support Research Profiling Studies, Natural Language Processing, And Bibliometric Analysis, Darnelle Melvin

Library Faculty Research

In this paper, a relational database schema is introduced that supports rapid prototyping, data preprocessing, and warehousing tasks associated with research profiling studies, natural language processing, and bibliometric analysis. Python scripts are leveraged for the seamless retrieval and processing of data from Semantic Scholar. This schema is tailored to efficiently analyze entities such as authors, their scientific papers, referenced papers, and cited papers. Adhering to the relational model, this schema offers a standardized approach to data storage and detailed information retrieval for scientific papers. Enhancing knowledge discovery in scientific databases, this schema provides researchers with a powerful platform for robust …

From Code To Motion: Adventures With Wall-A Robot, Simon Sarah Mampouya-Balende

A with Honors Projects

This essay is about the author's experience working on a robot and programming, and what they learned from the project.

Artificial Intelligence In Society: Transformations And Ethical Paradigm, Yashoda Urmilla Itwaru

Selected Full-Text Master Theses 2021-

The recent advancement and adoption of AI (Artificial Intelligence) make it vital to study the effects it has on individuals and communities. Adopting AI into daily life changes interactions such as the decision-making process and task performance. AI algorithms can shape a user’s online experiences, influence their preferences, beliefs, and behavior. However, people raised concerns regarding privacy, autonomy, and manipulation. For these reasons, debates regarding the ethical aspects of AI arose.

AI provides society with more tools to complete tasks. AI can automate data intensive jobs and physical tasks. This brings a sense of job insecurity, which affects the mental …

Edge-Enhanced Yolo V8 Architecture For Accurate Kl Assessment In Knee Osteoarthritis Imaging, Meghana Arikilla

Selected Full-Text Master Theses 2021-

Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint condition characterized by the progressive narrowing of joint space and structural deterioration. The structural degradation of the joint space is evaluated using the Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grading system, and accurate classification across all grades, specifically in the early stages, remains a challenge owing to subtle radiographic differences. This study presents an automated KL-grade classification framework that integrates joint edge enhancement with deep learning to improve KOA grading using radiographic images.

Edge detection filters, namely Sobel, Scharr, and Canny, were applied to X-ray images to enhance the joint space boundaries and osteoarthritic features. These preprocessed …

Sptiotemporal Changes In Aboveground Biomass, Canopy Cover And Livestock Movements Across Mongolia Grasslands, Abhinav Chandel

Dissertations and Theses

This study presents an integrated geospatial framework for understanding grassland productivity dynamics and livestock movement behavior across the Mongolian steppe. Mongolia’s grasslands constitute one of the world’s largest pastoral ecosystems, yet they face increasing vulnerability due to climate variability, overgrazing, and land degradation. To quantify vegetation change and grazing responses, this research combines multi-decadal remote sensing with high-frequency GPS-based livestock movement tracking. Using Landsat imagery from 1990 to 2023, Aboveground Biomass (AGB) and Canopy Cover (CC) were estimated through Random Forest regression models integrating key spectral vegetation indices (e.g., NDVI, OSAVI, CTVI, TNDVI, IPVI) and climatic predictors such as summer …

Estimating The Amount Of Carbon Dioxide Gas Removed From The Atmosphere By The Bryant Park Tree Population, Edimarlyn Gonzalez

Open Educational Resources

No abstract provided.

Investigating The Impact Of Pfas Contamination On Mental Health, Jihyun Kim

Open Educational Resources

To explore the intersection of environmental injustice, racial disparities, and public health through an examination of PFAS contamination in drinking water and its impact on communities of color. This study will address environmental, social, and health implications of PFAS exposure, with a specific emphasis on promoting equity and advocating for policy changes to rectify systemic inequalities.

An Effective Image Despeckling And Reconstruction Approach Using U-Net Based Model And Comparative Analysis, M. S. Gokmen, Bilgehan Arslan, C. Bumgardner, Abdullah-Al-Zubaer Imran

Computer Science Faculty Publications

U-Net-based deep learning models have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their strong denoising capabilities in image restoration tasks. This study critically evaluates both the strengths and limitations of these models, with a particular focus on their architectural design and constituent components, in an effort to further advance denoising performance. Based on the insights derived from these analyses, a novel architecture–termed U-Tunnel-Net–is proposed. The model is trained on the UNS and Waterloo datasets, each augmented with Rayleigh-distributed speckle noise at four distinct intensity levels (σ = 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75), and evaluated on the UNS, BSD68, and …

The Influence Of Glacial Topography On Fluvial Efficiency In The Teton Range, Wyoming (Usa), Sarah E. Johnson, Meredith Swallom, J. Ryan Thigpen, Michael M. Mcglue, Jason M. Dortch, Sean Gallen, Edward W. Woolery, Kevin M. Yeager

Earth and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications

This study examines the role of topography as a dynamic boundary condition that limits the efficiency of fluvial erosion in the post-glacial Teton Range landscape. The volume of sediment currently stored in two major catchments was estimated using high-resolution LiDAR and geometric reconstructions of depth to bedrock. Seismic reflection data in Moran Bay reveals post-glacial sediment preserved behind a submerged moraine, which isolates the bay from the larger Jackson Lake depocenter. The volume of post-glacial sediment stored in the canyons and bay totals 173.82 ± 19.5336.0 (×10−3 km3), which translates to a catchment-wide sediment production rate of 0.17 ± 0.02 …

A Study Of Three Modern Asian Lacquers Using Surface Metrology And Data Science/Analytics, H. David Sheets, Ravines Patrick, Marianne Webb

Computer and Data Science Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter, January 2025, Special Edition, University Of Northern Iowa. Iowa Waste Reduction Center.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter

Contents:

--- EPA’s New Hazardous Waste e-Manifest Registration Requirements

Microsatellites Reveal The Population Genetic Structure Of Yellow Perch In Minnesota, Megan Boche

Journal of Earth and Life Science

When analyzing a population’s genetic makeup, looking at variation of individuals and populations is a crucial factor. The management of yellow perch will be aided by this information particularly in regard to stocking or relocation. Microsatellite loci were used to analyze the genetic population structure of yellow perch Perca flavescens within and among 29 sampling areas throughout Minnesota’s basins. Seven microsatellite DNA loci were evaluated, with heterozygosities ranging from 0.41 to 0.78. The Lower Mississippi basin samples showed higher numbers of alleles per locus and greater expected heterozygosities compared to other basins, with Lake Pepin (PEP) exhibiting the highest average …

Geological And Environmental Sciences - 2025, Dept. Of Geological And Environmental Sciences

Geological and Environmental Sciences News

• Greetings from the Department Chair
• Faculty Updates
• 2025 Geological and Environmental Sciences Department Alumni Achievement Awardee Mr. Thomas Hanna
• 60 Years - Telling Our Story
• Empowering the next generation of geoscientists

Ftc Titans #17576 2025 Engineering Portfolio, Aparna Sadhanagiri, '26, Noah David, '26, Neev Patel, '25, Michael Meng, '25, Andrew Sun, '27, Ian Wang, '27

Distinguished Student Work

"FTC Robotics is a program for students to engage with designing, building, and driving an 18x18x18' robot to compete in local, regional, and state competitions. The TITANS #17576 were founded in 2019 and continue to be high-performing competitors and active members of the local STEM community. We have used STEM education and robotics to inspire over 54K people across the globe in the 24/25 season, using avenues such as publishing resources, creating STEM programs for all ages, and connecting with professionals in the field. This past season, the team was awarded the 3rd Place Inspire Award for overall excellence at …

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

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter

Contents:

--- Welcome Marketing and Communication Intern Jada Dachtler
--- Farewell Odee!
--- MSEI Season is Underway for Eastern Iowa
--- Grain Facility PM10 PTE
--- 6X Certification and Compliance Report
--- Industry News

Dataset Supporting The Manuscript Fire Spread, Intensity, And Emissions Observations By Multiple Satellites: The Southern California Wildfires Of January 2025, Fangjun Li, Xiaoyang Zhang, Mark Cochrane, Shobha Kondragunta, Shuai An

Global Land Surface Season Data Sets

The data is for the paper "Fire Spread, Intensity, and Emissions Observations by Multiple Satellites: the Southern California Wildfires of January 2025" which has been submitted to the journal AGU Advances.

The downloadable file contains:

• README file that provides an overview of all all supporting files and scripts.
• 12 files folders containing the data and scripts

File type : zip/application
File size :  1.2GB

Elephant Presence Detection For Early-Warning In Kenya: A Cnn Transfer-Learning Approach, Pascaline Jerotich

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

In Kenya, conflicts between humans and elephants often lead to destruction of crops, lower family income, and put people and elephants at risk at the border of developing farms. Fences, patrols, and manual camera inspection are all expensive and take too long to be useful. This research creates an affordable early warning system that uses transfer learning with convolutional neural networks to find elephants in images. There are two label of elephant and non-elephant wildlife which are a public wildlife corpus of approximately 40,000 photographs of binary task. Cleaning of the dataset was done to ensure high quality and consistency. …

The Integration Of Big Data In Fintech: Review Of Enhancing Financial Services Through Advanced Technologies, Soudeh Pazouki, Mohammad B. Jamshidi, Mirarmia Jalali, Arya Tafreshi

Management Faculty Publications

Big data analytics is revolutionizing the FinTech industry, offering new opportunities for real-time decision-making, personalized financial services, and improved risk management. By leveraging advanced technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence, financial institutions can efficiently detect fraud, predict market trends, and create innovative solutions tailored to customer needs. Big data also plays a critical role in promoting financial inclusion through alternative credit scoring models, providing access to credit for underserved populations and fostering broader participation in the financial system.

However, the integration of big data into FinTech is not without its challenges. Issues such as data privacy concerns, regulatory complexities, …

Ally With Ai: An Icebreaker To Unlock Career Aspirations For Online Or Hybrid Organizational Behavior Cohorts, Jyro B. Triviño

Leadership and Strategy Faculty Publications

Modern organizational behavior classroom, which are increasing in size, diversity, and complexity, are shifting to online and hybrid learning environments, challenging the use of traditional icebreaker activities. This paper introduces a 15-minute icebreaker designed to address these issues while integrating the principles of Kolb's experiential learning theory and fostering social capital through peerr engagement in an online setting. By leveraging the availability of generative AI, students prompt a template code to unlock their career aspirations and stimulate social connections among their classmates. This provides an innovative teaching model for meeting the foundational icebreaker goal while serving a suitable tool for …

A New Formulation Of Hardy-Type Dynamic Inequalities On Time Scales, Martin Bohner, Irena Jadlovská, Ahmed I. Saied

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, we introduce a novel formulation of dynamic Hardy-type inequalities on a time scale, motivated by a recently established convexity approach in the Haar measure. The classical Hardy inequality is refined so that the classical Lebesgue-measure constant is replaced by the sharp constant 1. We obtain time-scale analogues on finite intervals with best constants, and, for nonincreasing and nondecreasing functions, reversed inequalities with explicit weights described by incomplete β-functions. To establish our results, we employ two distinct time scales and apply the chain rule, together with the substitution rule, the derivative of inverse functions, and Fubini's theorem for …

Analysis Of Errors In The Management Of Cutaneous Disorders, Robert J. Pariser, Sarah Alnaif

Department Dermatology Faculty Publications

In this study, we prospectively and retrospectively evaluated the occurrence of errors in the management of cutaneous disorders from patient visits and medical records in a single dermatology practice in southeast Virginia over a 3-year period (June 2020-July 2023). Providers should be able to improve diagnostic accuracy by utilizing established rapid bedside diagnostic techniques.

Ex Vivo Single-Molecule Analysis Of Ryanodine Receptor 2 Assembly In Cardiac And Neuronal Tissue, Qianye Yin, Christopher I. Richards

Chemistry Faculty Publications

Understanding receptor assembly is critical for elucidating the mechanisms underlying their function and regulation in physiological processes. While traditional in vitro single-molecule studies rely on isolating proteins from heterologous expression systems, they often fail to capture the in vivo physiological complexity involved in the organization and assembly of cell surface proteins. This protocol employs Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy (TIRFM) to study GFP-tagged Ryanodine Receptor 2 (RyR2) molecules encapsulated within nanoscale vesicles. These vesicles, generated from organs rapidly extracted from the animal, effectively provide a snapshot of the receptor's assembly state at the time of extraction, enabling detailed analysis of …

Polycaprolactone—Based Block Copolymers For Nanopatterning Oxide Materials Via Sequential Infiltration Synthesis, Sudarshana Patra, Carter Herbert, Lane Nichols, Prachi Sarwara, Uttam Manna, Mahua Biswas

Faculty publications – Physics

Sequential infiltration synthesis (SIS) has emerged as a powerful technique to integrate inorganic materials into polymeric templates for fabricating functional hybrid and inorganic-only nanostructures. While several polymers, including self-assembled block copolymers (BCPs), have been widely used as templates for inorganic and hybrid oxide nanostructures, biocompatible polymers such as polycaprolactone (PCL) have not been explored for nanopatterning. In this work, we investigate SIS in polystyrene-block-polycaprolactone (PS-b-PCL) BCPs to demonstrate the feasibility of PCL as a guiding polymer for selective infiltration of Al₂O₃. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the strong interaction of TMA–H₂O precursors with …