Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Green Wood Composites With Natural Preservatives, Thomas Frank Norman

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to test the mechanical, dimensional stability, and weathering durability of OSB (oriented strand board) panels that have been treated with varying natural wood preservatives that were chosen from an array of natural antimicrobial compounds. Wood is increasing in popularity for new construction projects but has been limited by its vulnerability to biological degradation. The addition of natural antimicrobial compounds will increase the use life of wood-based strand board allowing its use to expand with the growing construction demand but has little data on how natural antimicrobial compounds impact different properties of the OSB. The …

Study Of Augmentations On Historical Manuscripts Using Trocr, Erez Meoded

Theses and Dissertations

Historical manuscripts are an essential source of original content. For many reasons, it is hard to recognize these manuscripts as text. This thesis used a state-of-the-art Handwritten Text Recognizer, TrOCR, to recognize a 16^th-century manuscript. TrOCR uses a vision transformer to encode the input images and a language transformer to decode them back to text. We showed that carefully preprocessed images and designed augmentations can improve the performance of TrOCR. We suggest an ensemble of augmented models to achieve an even better performance.

Phenotyping Cotton Compactness Using Machine Learning And Uas Multispectral Imagery, Joshua Carl Waldbieser

Theses and Dissertations

Breeding compact cotton plants is desirable for many reasons, but current research for this is restricted by manual data collection. Using unmanned aircraft system imagery shows potential for high-throughput automation of this process. Using multispectral orthomosaics and ground truth measurements, I developed supervised models with a wide range of hyperparameters to predict three compactness traits. Extreme gradient boosting using a feature matrix as input was able to predict the height-related metric with R2=0.829 and RMSE=0.331. The breadth metrics require higher-detailed data and more complex models to predict accurately.

Of Changing Climate And Habitat: Range-Wide Individual Growth And Local Patterns Of Phenology And Landscape Use In A Threatened Pit-Viper, James Helferich

Theses and Dissertations

Over the 21st century, climate change and wetland habitat loss will pose major threats to the Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus), a federally threatened and Great Lakes region endemic rattlesnake. I collected capture-recapture data from sites across the range and modeled the effect of climatic variables on growth rate and asymptotic size. I found that high snow residence time was associated with larger asymptotic sizes but slower growth, while high spring precipitation increased growth rate. I then projected future growth and size under different carbon emission scenarios. Given the threat posed by successional encroachment of woody vegetation, I used spatially explicit …

High Temperature Materials From Bis-Ortho-Diynylarene (Boda)-Derived Resins And Perfluorocyclobutyl (Pfcb) Aryl Ether Polymers, Ernesto Isaac Borrego

Theses and Dissertations

This work expands the current understanding of materials chemistry and engineering capabilities of two synthetic platforms: 1.) bis-ortho-diynylarenes (BODA) and 2.) trifluorovinylaryl ethers (TFVE). Each platform possesses a unique chemistry which paradoxically enables the development of high-performance materials therefrom while simultaneously retaining exceptional melt and solution processability. Leveraging the apparent dichotomy in properties (performance/processability) obtainable from these two synthetics platforms, we have pursued and achieved a practical approach to high-temperature resistant materials with an immense potential for technology transfer and commercialization:

1.) BODA-derived resins (BDR) constitute a versatile platform of melt-processable resins capable of rapidly producing high performance …

Radiative Alpha Capture On Carbon-12, Ling Gan

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, we used Effective Field Theory (EFT) to calculate the radiative ALPHA capture on 12C . This reaction is considered the “holy grail” in nuclear astrophysics because it determines the relevant abundance of 16O and 12C . We considered the E1 transition from initial p-wave at energy around the Gamow energy E_G =0.3MeV.The theoretical formula for the cross section is obtained by fitting the EFT parameters to the phase shift and S-factor data. We find the Effective Range Expansion (ERE) parameters describing the ALPHA-wave phase shift are fine tuned. The shallow bound state and the resonance ALPHA-wave …

Quantifying Current Soil Brine Contamination Within The Smackover Oil Field In Arkansas Using Multispectral Digital Imagery, Victoria Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A remote sensing study was performed to quantify current soil brine contamination across the historic Smackover Oil Field in south-central Arkansas, United States. The oil field was established in 1922 and was not subject to the future waste regulations created by the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission. Brine is a waste product of oil manufacturing which contains water with high salt levels. The storage and transport of brine in the oil field created landscape scarring across the study area.

Landsat 9 multispectral digital imagery was utilized to create supervised classification maps based on earthen pits and creek scarring across the …

Advancing Air Filtration Analysis: A Comprehensive Approach To Particle Loading Models, Gentry Nathaniel Berry

Theses and Dissertations

Fibrous air filters are commonly used to capture airborne particles due to their potential for a relatively high capture efficiency and low airflow resistance. Their performance characteristics make them ideal candidates in many instances, spanning a wide range from residential to sensitive industrial applications. However, as more particles are captured, the performance of the filter will evolve. This evolution of performance typically manifests as a higher capture efficiency and higher airflow resistance resulting from the additional particulate deposits. The prediction of fibrous filter performance has been the focus of research for many decades, resulting in numerous analytical, numerical, and empirical …

An Investigation Into Applications Of Canonical Polyadic Decomposition & Ensemble Learning In Forecasting Thermal Data Streams In Direct Laser Deposition Processes, Jonathan Storey

Theses and Dissertations

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a process of creating objects from 3D model data by adding layers of material. AM technologies present several advantages compared to traditional manufacturing technologies, such as producing less material waste and being capable of producing parts with greater geometric complexity. However, deficiencies in the printing process due to high process uncertainty can affect the microstructural properties of a fabricated part leading to defects. In metal AM, previous studies have linked defects in parts with melt pool temperature fluctuations, with the size of the melt pool and the scan pattern being key factors associated with part defects. …

Characterization Of Isomeric States In Neutron-Rich Nuclei Approaching N = 28, Timilehin Hezekiah Ogunbeku

Theses and Dissertations

The investigation of isomeric states in neutron-rich nuclei provides useful insights into the underlying nuclear configurations, and understanding their occurrence along an isotopic chain can inform about shell evolution. Recent studies on neutron-rich Si isotopes near the magic number N = 20 and approaching N = 28 have revealed the presence of low-lying states with intruder configurations, resulting from multiple-particle, multiple-hole excitations across closed shell gaps. The characterization of these states involves measuring their half-lives and transition probabilities.

In this study, a new low-energy (7/2⁻₁) isomer at 68 keV in ³⁷Si was accessed via beta decay …

Addressing Water Hyacinth (Pontederia Crassipes) Impacts On Aquatic Biota In Lake Okeechobee, Joseph Salerno

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

The incursion of water hyacinth, Pontederia crassipes in Lake Okeechobee has resulted in management systems to be implemented to reduce the coverage of the invasive macrophyte. Its residence in the Lake Okeechobee ecosystem and the effects it has on organisms in the lake, whether it be positive or harmful is unknown. This study attempted to assess the potential effects that water hyacinth has on aquatic biota in Lake Okeechobee. Biotic data were collected on open water, water hyacinth covered, and native vegetation covered habitats via hook-and-line fishing, electrofishing, baited minnow traps, and the sampling of plant roots over a thirteen-month …

Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling Of Internal Wave Interactions On Conch Reef, Florida Keys, Megan Miller

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Internal waves breaking on continental shelves play a significant role in mixing and nutrient delivery to coral reef ecosystems. As internal solitary waves, or solitons, propagate shoreward onto continental slopes, they can become unstable and break into turbulent bores that bring cool, nutrient-rich sub-thermocline water shoreward onto coral reefs. The propagation of turbulent bores generated by internal waves interacting with a complex surface creates high-frequency variabilities in the thermal and nutrient environment of Conch Reef in the Florida Keys, which has been studied previously. Here, I have created a three-dimensional model using ANSYS Fluent Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software to …

Occupational And Environmental Factors Influencing Morale Of United States Federal Wildland Firefighters, Rachel M. Granberg, Ting Shen, Seth W. Pearson, Robin M. Verble

Psychological Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Background. Wildland firefighters have physically and psychologically demanding jobs that can result in social, economic and health-related stress. Previous studies have examined the physiological and physical effects of a career in wildland fire, but fewer studies have addressed psychological effects, and to date, none have directly analyzed the hiring and work experiences of wildland firefighters. Aims. We surveyed work experiences, health and well-being, and morale of wildland firefighters, explored factors that can improve recruitment and retention, and summarized broad patterns. Methods. We conducted a voluntary anonymous survey of 708 federal wildland firefighters via an online platform over 2 months in …

A Conceptual Decentralized Identity Solution For State Government, Martin Duclos

Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, state governments, exemplified by Mississippi, have significantly expanded their online service offerings to reduce costs and improve efficiency. However, this shift has led to challenges in managing digital identities effectively, with multiple fragmented solutions in use. This paper proposes a Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) framework based on distributed ledger technology. SSI grants individuals control over their digital identities, enhancing privacy and security without relying on a centralized authority. The contributions of this research include increased efficiency, improved privacy and security, enhanced user satisfaction, and reduced costs in state government digital identity management. The paper provides background on digital …

Developing A Precision Agriculture Framework To Assess Financial Viability Of Decisions In Farming And Conservation, Jennifer Sublett

Theses and Dissertations

Agricultural producers are invested in managing the impacts of crop damage on their yields and profit. When damage occurs early enough in an agricultural growing season, farmers have the option to replant their corn stand in an effort to recoup some of the lost profits. In this thesis two different types of naturally occurring damage, wildlife depredation and persistent weed or insect patches, were simulated on two representative regions of Mississippi. These data were then used to assess the financial viability of a range of damage mitigation methods, including partial replanting, enrollment into a government conservation buffer, and no action. …

Privacy Within Autonomous Vehicle Cameras, Joshua Montgomery

Honors Theses

In recent years, cameras have become ubiquitous in daily life, constantly surveilling, and taking in information. This leads to a potential security risk of the invasion in one’s privacy without their knowledge or any ability to prevent the privacy threat. While cameras alone are an issue, they are often only in locations where a user has some expectation of a loss of privacy, such as public locations with security systems. However, systems that rely on cameras to operate correctly, including autonomous vehicles, are becoming a more prominently used technology while often appearing in places where an average person has some …

Environmental Problems With Space Exploration, Julia Halvas

D.U.Quark

No abstract provided.

Draft Final 2023 Residential Metals Abatement Program (Rmap) Brw/Belgrade Borrow Submittal, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Final 2023 Residential Metals Abatement Program (Rmap) Whitehall Borrow Submittal, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Superhyperfunction, Superhyperstructure, Neutrosophic Superhyperfunction And Neutrosophic Superhyperstructure: Current Understanding And Future Directions, Florentin Smarandache

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

The n-th PowerSet of a Set {or Pn(S)} better describes our real world, because a system S (which may be a company, institution, association, country, society, set of objects/plants/animals/beings, set of concepts/ideas/propositions, etc.) is formed by sub-systems, which in their turn by sub-sub-systems, and so on. We prove that the SuperHyperFunction is a generalization of classical Function, SuperFunction, and HyperFunction. And the SuperHyperAlgebra, SuperHyperGraph are part of the SuperHyperStructure. Almost all structures in our real world are Neutrosophic SuperHyperStructures since they have indeterminate/incomplete/uncertain/conflicting data.

Ncmpy: A Modelling Software For Neutrosophic Cognitive Maps Based On Python Package, Ilanthenral Kandasamy, Divakar Arumugam, Aryan Rathore, Ateeth Arun, Manan Jain, Vasantha .W.B, Florentin Smarandache

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

Cognitive maps are a vital tool that can be used for knowledge representation and reasoning. Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs) are popular soft computing techniques used to model large and complex systems, and they can aid in explainable artificial intelligence (AI). FCMs, however, cannot model the indeterminacy that arises in a system due to various uncertainties. Neutrosophic Cognitive Maps (NCMs), upgraded FCMs that could model indeterminacy, were introduced to address this issue. NCMs are a generalization of FCMs, a field of cognitive science firmly based on neural networks. NCMs have been used to solve a wide range of problems. NCMs were …

On B-Anti-Open Sets: A Formal Definition, Proofs, And Examples, Sudeep Dey, Priyanka Paul, Gautam Chandra Ray

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

The concepts of open sets, closed sets, the interior of a set, and the exterior of a set are the most basic concepts in the study of topological spaces in any setting. When we turn our attention to the concept of anti-topological spaces, we encounter analogous fundamental concepts, such as the definition of anti-open sets, anti-closed sets, anti-interior, anti-exterior, etc. These concepts have already been introduced and studied by mathematicians worldwide. In this article, we introduce and study the concepts of b-anti-open set, b-anti-closed set, anti-b-interior, and anti-b-closure in the context of anti-topological spaces and investigate some of their basic …

Some Special Refined Neutrosophic Ideals In Refined Neutrosophic Rings: A Proof-Of-Concept Study, Murhaf Riad Alabdullah

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

In this research, we created notions of a refined neutrosophic prime (completely prime, semiprime, and completely semiprime) ideal in a refined neutrosophic ring. If R(I1, I2) is a refined neutrosophic ring, then each ideal of R(I1, I2) has the form J+KI1+LI2 are ideals of the classical ring R. The objective of this work is to find the necessary and sufficient condition on classical ideals J, L and K that makes J+KI1+LI2 a prime (completely prime, semiprime, and completely semiprime) ideal in R(I1, I2). We studied some of the elementary properties of these concepts and the most important properties that link …

Final 2023 Residential Metals Abatement Program (Rmap) Whitehall Borrow Submittal, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Draft Final 2023 Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit Type B Borrow Material Submittal #1, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Morphological And Structural Characterization Of Shortening Landforms On Mars, Leta Mccullough

Theses and Dissertations

The lithosphere of Mars accommodates shortening through folding and faulting, producing landforms qualitatively categorized as wrinkle ridges or lobate scarps. However, we lack a deep understanding of the morphological differences between these landforms. This study aimed to develop a quantitative model for shortening landform classification based on surface morphology and subsurface architecture. We developed this model by mapping 100 landforms in a GIS, recording parameters for each landform. We conducted a Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) using these morphometrics. This DFA produced a predictive linear function for categorizing wrinkle ridges and lobate scarps. We then modeled the subsurface structural geology of …

Synthesis Of Novel Disulfide Triazole Organophosphate Containing Fire Retardants, Parsa Asaei, Jun Yong Kang

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Fire Retardants (FR) play a pivotal role in reducing smoke plume generation in wildland fires, which coincides with one of NSF EPSCoR’s HDRFS project objectives: investigating smoke plume dynamics. With the San Antonio Statement from 2010 banning halogenated FRs, there has been a push in research towards safer and better alternatives. The synthesis of a novel disulfide triazole organophosphate fire retardant (DSTP) would aid in NSF EPSCoR’s HDRFS research as a greener and better alternative. Therefore, our research aimed to i) develop a novel FR that harnesses the synergistic effects of phosphate-, disulfide-, and triazole-functionality that can be applied to …

Finding Diffs Of Pull Request Commits, Chalinee Karawek, John Businge

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Github is a social network that allows developers' projects to be forked for various uses, such as developing the existing repository or use the code to steer development into a new direction. As more forks are made, the more bugs that can occur due to new pull requests not synchronizing with the upstream repository. PaReco is a clone detection tool by Ramkisoen et al. (Ramkisoen et al. 2022) that identifies the changes inside the files inside a pull request by performing diff on every file. However, in this study, we take a different approach to identifying the changes inside the …

Different Canopy Covers Effect Microclimate: How The Urban Heat Island Effect Can Be Reduced In Las Vegas, Melanie Sanchez, Alison Sloat

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

The purpose of my research was to investigate the effects that different canopy covers have on desert cities microclimates and how the City of Las Vegas can implement the best techniques to reduce temperatures in the hottest parts of town. I collected data on the different temperatures in two separate parts of the city (East Las Vegas, Midtown UNLV area) in one-hour intervals during two and three in the afternoon and surveyed four different areas on its tree canopy coverage. I also analyzed scientific peer reviewed studies which helped me see what other arid cities, like Phoenix, AZ, have done …

Third-Order Harmonic Generation In Few-Layer Graphene, Nicholas T. Pereira, Timothy Chung, Joshua O. Island

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Optical harmonic generation is a phenomena that occurs in nonlinear materials and can be used to study the properties of those materials. For example, the nonlinear response of layered, two-dimensional (2D) materials can be used to characterize flake thickness, lattice and stacking symmetries, and crystal strain. Here, we study third harmonic generation (THG) in graphene and few-layer graphite as a precursor to investigating nonlinear optical properties of other 2D materials. We present a custom scanning setup for optical harmonic generation and present our results on few-layer flakes. These results provide a solid basis for future measurements of other new 2D …