Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

What Can General Chemistry Students Learn From External Representations Of Acid- Base Titrations?, Nicole Baldwin

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Laboratory activities are a prevalent and essential part of chemistry learning because of their potential to help students develop problem solving abilities, visualize chemistry concepts learned in lecture, and gain practical skills. However, learning in the laboratory environment is not without its challenges. For example, cookbook-style chemistry laboratories can promote superficial learning, and cognitive overload can result from the study of new concepts and the use of new procedures in this environment. Multiple pedagogies and supports have been developed to address challenges such as these. The current research focuses upon external representations that are commonly used to support learning in …

Divergent Serpentoviruses In Free-Ranging Invasive Pythons And Native Colubrids In Southern Florida, United States, Steven B. Tillis, Jillian M. Josimovich, Melissa A. Miller, Laura L. Hoon-Hanks, Arik M. Hartmann, Natalie M. Claunch, Marley E. Iredale, Tracey D. Logan, Amy A. Yackel Adams, Ian A. Bartoszek, John S. Humphrey, Bryan M. Kluever, Mark D. Stenglein, Robert N. Reed, Christina M. Romagosa, James F.X. Wellehan, Robert J. Ossiboff

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is an invasive snake that has significantly affected ecosystems in southern Florida, United States. Aside from direct predation and competition, invasive species can also introduce nonnative pathogens that can adversely affect native species. The subfamily Serpentovirinae (order Nidovirales) is composed of positive-sense RNA viruses primarily found in reptiles. Some serpentoviruses, such as shingleback nidovirus, are associated with mortalities in wild populations, while others, including ball python nidovirus and green tree python nidovirus can be a major cause of disease and mortality in captive animals. To determine if serpentoviruses were present in invasive Burmese …

Identification Of Factors Contributing To Traffic Crashes By Analysis Of Text Narratives, Cristian D. Arteaga-Sanchez

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The fatalities, injuries, and property damage that result from traffic crashes impose a significant burden on society. Current research and practice in traffic safety rely on analysis of quantitative data from crash reports to understand crash severity contributors and develop countermeasures. Despite advances from this effort, quantitative crash data suffers from drawbacks, such as the limited ability to capture all the information relevant to the crashes and the potential errors introduced during data collection. Crash narratives can help address these limitations, as they contain detailed descriptions of the context and sequence of events of the crash. However, the unstructured nature …

Trace Element Behaviors During Igneous Evolution And Hydrothermal Alteration Of An Evolved Rhyolite, The Blawn Formation, Wah Wah Mountains, Utah: Implications For Critical Metal Abundances In Highly Evolved Rhyolites, Drew William Barkoff

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

A-type rhyolites and granites often contain elevated concentrations of the rare earth elements (REE) and many other critical trace elements relative to I- and S-type rhyolites and granites. Their trace element-enriched nature makes them potentially prospective bulk tonnage, low-grade resources of the REE and many other critical trace elements, including Li, Be, Mo, Sn, and W, but little work has been performed to delineate their economic potential. The 22.1 Ma Red Beryl Rhyolite (RBR) and the 18.3 Ma Tetons Rhyolite (TR) units of the Blawn Formation represent two A-type rhyolite domes located in the southern Wah Wah Mountains of Utah. …

Jiapi: A Type Checker Generator For Statically Typed Languages, Benjamin Cisneros Merino

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Type systems are a key characteristic in the context of the study of programming languages. They frequently offer a simple, intuitive way of expressing and testing the fundamental structure of programs. This is especially true when types are used to provide formal, machine-checked documentation for an implementation. For example, the absence of type errors in code prior to execution is what type systems for static programming languages are designed to assure, and in the literature, type systems that satisfy this requirement are referred to as sound type systems. Types also define module interfaces, making them essential for achieving and maintaining …

A Mechanically Intelligent Hosing-Drone, Blake Hament

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This manuscript presents a ”mechanically intelligent” approach to designing a Hosing-Drone for heavy-duty pressure washing. Spraying a hose creates strong reaction forces and torques. Previously demonstrated spraying robots are over-engineered to be very massive with huge inertias. These high inertias ”wash out” the reaction from the spraying. In the proposed approach, the contributions from all observable fluid dynamics, fluid structure interactions, and aerodynamics are studied individually and for the coupled system. Experimental data is collected and fit to dynamic models. These models are used to design a smaller, lighter, more agile vehicle than has been previously demonstrated. An impedance controller …

Hydrogeologic Heterogeneity Identification: Using Inverse Modeling Of Synthetic Borehole Temperatures To Predict Groundwater Flux, Kevin Heintz

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Heat has been effectively used as a groundwater tracer for decades, and high-resolution temperature data can better identify and quantify discrete flow zones. Refinements to the numerical modeling of advective heat transfer in borehole temperature sensing deployments can improve understanding of dynamic hydrogeologic systems. In my thesis, I develop a novel two-dimensional coupled radial groundwater flow and heat transfer numerical model that considers intra-borehole vertical flow. To test the performance of this model, I used finite element analysis to generate synthetic data sets consisting of prescribed variable flow fields and resulting borehole temperatures. I input synthetic temperatures into the two-dimensional …

Fluid-Structure Interaction Modelling Of Neighboring Tubes With Primary Cilium Analysis, Nerion Zekaj, Shawn D. Ryan, Andrew Resnick

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications

We have developed a numerical model of two osculating cylindrical elastic renal tubules to investigate the impact of neighboring tubules on the stress applied to a primary cilium. We hypothesize that the stress at the base of the primary cilium will depend on the mechanical coupling of the tubules due to local constrained motion of the tubule wall. The objective of this work was to determine the in-plane stresses of a primary cilium attached to the inner wall of one renal tubule subject to the applied pulsatile flow, with a neighboring renal tube filled with stagnant fluid in close proximity …

Wildfire Spread Prediction Using Attention Mechanisms In U-Net, Kamen Haresh Shah, Kamen Haresh Shah

Master's Theses

An investigation into using attention mechanisms for better feature extraction in wildfire spread prediction models. This research examines the U-net architecture to achieve image segmentation, a process that partitions images by classifying pixels into one of two classes. The deep learning models explored in this research integrate modern deep learning architectures, and techniques used to optimize them. The models are trained on 12 distinct observational variables derived from the Google Earth Engine catalog. Evaluation is conducted with accuracy, Dice coefficient score, ROC-AUC, and F1-score. This research concludes that when augmenting U-net with attention mechanisms, the attention component improves feature suppression …

A Probabilistic Formalisation Of Contextual Bias: From Forensic Analysis To Systemic Bias In The Criminal Justice System, M. Cuellar, J. Mauro, Amanda Luby

Mathematics & Statistics Faculty Works

Researchers have found evidence of contextual bias in forensic science, but the discussion of contextual bias is currently qualitative. We formalise existing empirical research and show quantitatively how biases can be propagated throughout the legal system, all the way up to the final determination of guilt in a criminal trial. We provide a probabilistic framework for describing how information is updated in a forensic analysis setting by using the ratio form of Bayes’ rule. We analyse results from empirical studies using this framework and employ simulations to demonstrate how bias can be compounded where experiments do not exist. We find …

Mgrre_Thinsections_Mgrre-129_5, Mgrre

Thin Sections

No abstract provided.

Mgrre_Thinsections_Mgrre-129_7, Mgrre

Thin Sections

No abstract provided.

Are We Building Back Better?, Fabian M. Dayrit

Chemistry Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Synthesis And Electrochemical Characterization Of Alkali Metal Borides As Redox Active Anion Frameworks, Michael R. Shabetai

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Redox activity in intercalation cathodes is commonly attributed to changes in oxidation states of transition metal ions. Recently, a growing body of evidence revealed that the redox activity of oxygen contributes to the capacity of some known cathodes. We focused on designing an oxygen free intercalation cathode with redox-active anions. In order to overcome the entropic driving force for the decomposition of a charged redox active anion cathode, we looked for chemistries with solid (no gases) possible decomposition products. Additionally, the involvement of anions in a network of covalent bonds with shared electrons was considered as a possible way for …

A First-Tier Framework For Assessing Toxicological Risk From Vaporized Cannabis Concentrates, Shawna Vreeke, David M. Faulkner, Robert Strongin, Echoleah Rufer

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Vaporization is an increasingly prevalent means to consume cannabis, but there is little guidance for manufacturers or regulators to evaluate additive safety. This paper presents a first-tier framework for regulators and cannabis manufacturers without significant toxicological expertise to conduct risk assessments and prioritize additives in cannabis concentrates for acceptance, elimination, or further evaluation. Cannabinoids and contaminants (e.g., solvents, pesticides, etc.) are excluded from this framework because of the complexity involved in their assessment; theirs would not be a first-tier toxicological assessment. Further, several U.S. state regulators have provided guidance for major cannabinoids and contaminants. Toxicological risk assessment of cannabis concentrate …

(R1884) Motion Of Variable Mass Body In The Seventh-Degree Henon-Heiles System, Shiv K. Sahdev, Abdullah A. Ansari

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

The goal of this paper is to reveal numerically the generalized Henon-Heiles system, that is, in the seventh-degree potential function where the smallest body mass varies. Utilizing the seventh degree potential function, we determine the equations of motion for the variable mass generalized Henon-Heiles system. Then we perform the graphical works such as locations of parking points, allowed regions of motion, and attracting domain basins. Lastly, using the Meshcherskii space transformations, we investigate stability states for these parking points.

(R1888) On The Mackey-Glass Model With A Piecewise Constant Argument, Mehtap Lafci Büyükkahraman

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

In this paper, we deal with the Mackey-Glass model with piecewise constant argument. Because the corresponding difference equation is the difference solution of the equation, the difference equation can clearly predict the dynamic behavior of the equation. So, we look at how the difference equation behaves.We study the asymptotic stability of the equilibrium point of the difference equation and it is obtained that this point is a repeller under some conditions. Also, it is shown that every oscillatory solution of the difference equation has semi-cycles of length at least two, and every oscillatory solution of the difference equation is attracted …

Esg Framework For Investment Managers Of Wuimc, Morgan Davies, Sammi Fremont, Sophie Kielian, Lauren Michaels, Abree Peterson, Eve Spalding, Jane Whellan

Sustainability Exchange Projects

ESG Framework for Investment Managers for Sustainability Exchange, Washington University in St. Louis, Fall 2022

St. Louis Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy, Jennifer Kuriloff, Alex Marchok, Megan Ross, Qifeng Tian, Mahek Prakash Vora, Angela Yokley

Sustainability Exchange Projects

This semester the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Team (GHGRT) of the Sustainability Exchange program at Washington University in St. Louis was tasked with initial planning to decrease greenhouse gas emissions in the St. Louis area for OneSTL. To do so, GHGRT began by meeting with experts in the field, including Rene Dulle, Tim Michels, and Emily Andrews, to determine the best course of action and get insight into the situation as it stands. Based on this information, we decided to focus on building energy use and resulting carbon emissions. The team then researched energy use in the city of St. Louis …

The Role Of Generative Adversarial Networks In Bioimage Analysis And Computational Diagnostics., Ahmed Naglah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Computational technologies can contribute to the modeling and simulation of the biological environments and activities towards achieving better interpretations, analysis, and understanding. With the emergence of digital pathology, we can observe an increasing demand for more innovative, effective, and efficient computational models. Under the umbrella of artificial intelligence, deep learning mimics the brain’s way in learn complex relationships through data and experiences. In the field of bioimage analysis, models usually comprise discriminative approaches such as classification and segmentation tasks. In this thesis, we study how we can use generative AI models to improve bioimage analysis tasks using Generative Adversarial Networks …

Smartphone As An Edge For Context-Aware Real-Time Processing For Personal E-Health, Muhammad Bangash

University Honors Program Senior Projects

The medical domain is facing an ongoing challenge of how patients can share their health information and timeline with healthcare providers. This involves secure sharing, diverse data types, and formats reported by healthcare-related devices. A multilayer framework can address these challenges in the context of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). This framework utilizes smartphone sensors, external services, and medical devices that measure vital signs and communicate such real-time data with smartphones. The smartphone serves as an “edge device” to visualize, analyze, store, and report context- aware data to the cloud layer. Focusing on medical device connectivity, mobile security, data …

(R1509) Topsis And Vikor Methods For Spherical Fuzzy Soft Set Aggregating Operator Framework, M. Palanikumar, K. Arulmozhi, Lejo J. Manavalan

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

The Spherical Fuzzy Soft (SFS) set is a generalization of the Pythagorean fuzzy soft set and the intuitionistic fuzzy soft set. We introduce the concept of aggregating SFS decision matrices based on aggregated operations. The techniques for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and viekriterijumsko kompromisno rangiranje (VIKOR) for the SFS approaches are the strong points of multi criteria group decision making (MCGDM), which is various extensions of fuzzy soft sets. We define a score function based on aggregating TOPSIS and VIKOR methods to the SFS-positive and SFS-negative ideal solutions. The TOPSIS and VIKOR methods provide decision-making …

(R1974) A Multi Server Markovian Working Vacation Queue With Server State Dependent Rates And With Partial Breakdown, A. Sundaramoorthy, R. Kalyanaraman

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

In this article, we consider an M/M/C queue in which the arrival rate and service rate depends on the state of the system. In addition, the servers takes working vacation and the system may breakdown. Whenever breakdown takes place, the repair process immediately commences. During the repair period the customers are given service in a reduced service rate. Based on the vacation termination point, two models have been defined. The steady state probability vector of the number of customers in the queue and the stability condition are obtained using Matrix-Geometric method. The stationary waiting time distributions have been obtained. Some …

(R1979) Permanent Of Toeplitz-Hessenberg Matrices With Generalized Fibonacci And Lucas Entries, Hacène Belbachir, Amine Belkhir, Ihab-Eddine Djellas

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

In the present paper, we evaluate the permanent and determinant of some Toeplitz-Hessenberg matrices with generalized Fibonacci and generalized Lucas numbers as entries.We develop identities involving sums of products of generalized Fibonacci numbers and generalized Lucas numbers with multinomial coefficients using the matrix structure, and then we present an application of the determinant of such matrices.

(R1992) Rbf-Ps Method For Eventual Periodicity Of Generalized Kawahara Equation, Hameed Ullah Jan, Marjan Uddin, Arif Ullah, Naseeb Ullah

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

In engineering and mathematical physics, nonlinear evolutionary equations play an important role. Kawahara equation is one of the famous nonlinear evolution equation appeared in the theories of shallow water waves possessing surface tension, capillary-gravity waves and also magneto-acoustic waves in a plasma. Another specific subjective parts of arrangements for some of evolution equations evidenced by findings link belonging to their long-term actions named as eventual time periodicity discovered over solutions to IBVPs (initial-boundary-value problems). Here we investigate the solution’s eventual periodicity for generalized fifth order Kawahara equation (IBVP) on bounded domain in combination with periodic boundary conditions numerically exploiting mesh-free …

(R1995) Weighted Block-Wise Burst Error Correcting Codes, Amita Sethi, Arpana Sharma

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

In this paper, we construct new types of codes, called Weighted Block-wise Burst Error Correcting Codes (Weighted BBEC Codes), which are an improvement on the previously known block wise burst error correcting codes in the sense of their weight, i.e., (n = n₁ + n₂, k) linear codes that correct all the bursts of length b₁ (fixed) with the weight w₁ (w₁ ≤ b₁) or more (less) in the first sub-block of length n₁ and all the bursts of length b₂ (fixed) with the weight w₂ or more (less) …

Glitch Estimation And Removal Using Adaptive Spline Fitting And Wavelet Shrinkage On The Gravitational Wave Data, Mohammad Abu Thaher Chowdhury

Theses and Dissertations

The false alarm rate and reduced sensitivity of searches for astrophysical signals are caused by transient signals of earthly origin, or "glitches," in gravitational wave strain data from groundbased detectors. The greater number of observable astrophysical signals will increase the likelihood of glitch overlaps and exacerbate their negative impact for future detectors with higher sensitivities. The wide morphological diversity and unpredictable waveforms of glitches, and with the vast majority of cases lacking supplemental data present the main obstacles to their mitigation. Thus, nonparametric glitch mitigation techniques are required, which should operate for a wide range of glitches and, in the …

Data From: Machine Learning Predictions Of Electricity Capacity, Marcus Harris, Elizabeth Kirby, Ameeta Agrawal, Rhitabrat Pokharel, Francis Puyleart, Martin Zwick

Complex Systems Faculty Datasets

This research applies machine learning methods to build predictive models of Net Load Imbalance for the Resource Sufficiency Flexible Ramping Requirement in the Western Energy Imbalance Market. Several methods are used in this research, including Reconstructability Analysis, developed in the systems community, and more well-known methods such as Bayesian Networks, Support Vector Regression, and Neural Networks. The aims of the research are to identify predictive variables and obtain a new stand-alone model that improves prediction accuracy and reduces the INC (ability to increase generation) and DEC (ability to decrease generation) Resource Sufficiency Requirements for Western Energy Imbalance Market participants. This …

Differentiate Metasploit Framework Attacks From Others, Gina Liu Ajero

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Metasploit Framework is a very popular collection of penetration testing tools. From auxiliaries such as network scanners and mappers to exploits and payloads, Metasploit Framework offers a plethera of apparatuses to implement all the stages of a penetration test. There are two versions: both a free open-source community version and a commercial professional version called Metasploit Pro. The free version, Metasploit Framework, is heavily used by cyber crimininals to carry out illegal activities to gain unauthorized access to targets.

In this paper, I conduct experiments in a virtual environment to discover whether attacks originated from Metasploit Framework are marked with …

Wordmuse, John M. Nelson

Computer Science and Software Engineering

Wordmuse is an application that allows users to enter a song and a list of keywords to create a new song. Built on Spotify's API, this project showcases the fusion of music composition and artificial intelligence. This paper also discusses the motivation, design, and creation of Wordmuse.