Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Soil Respiration Drivers And Challenges In A Changing Environment, Olivia Rae Haas

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

This study aims to understand post agricultural forested soils (sandy loam, silt loam, and loam) and the influences that drive carbon sequestration and soil respiration flux. Duke Farms in Hillsborough NJ, has historically been utilized as an agricultural zone for farming a variety of crops. Currently the area is protected with a focus on environmental conservation and restoration of the land. This includes getting a better understanding of the forested portions of the property. Understanding the quality of forested areas is vital as they have the potential to act as a carbon sink which can mitigate the effects of climate …

Designing An Approach To Developing Students' Symbol Sense For The Derivative In Calculus, Laura E. Weinstein

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Students often struggle to connect the conceptual meaning of the derivative with the symbolic structures of Leibniz (dy/dx) notation. Although symbol sense has been described as the coordination of mathematical concepts, signs, and objects, little is known about how instruction can purposefully support students in developing symbol sense for the derivative. This study addresses this gap by designing and examining a learning approach aimed at helping students construct the relational structures underlying derivative notation. Using design research methodology, the study engaged intact algebra, precalculus and calculus classes in a suburban New Jersey high school across iterative cycles of design, implementation, …

Experiments In Graph Structure And Knowledge Graph Embeddings, Antrea Christou, Cogan Shimizu

Computer Science and Engineering Faculty Publications

Knowledge graphs (KGs) are an established paradigm for integrating heterogeneous data and representing knowledge. As such, there are many different methodologies for producing KGs, which span notions of expressivity, and are tailored for different use-cases and domains. Now, as neurosymbolic methods rise in prominence, it is important to understand how the development of KGs according to these methodologies impact downstream tasks, such as link prediction using KG embeddings (KGEs). In this article, we examine how various perturbations of graph structures impact downstream tasks. These perturbations are sourced from how various methodologies (or design practices) would impact the model, starting with …

Classifying Surfaces With Handle Decomposition, Elizabeth Sipes

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Among topological spaces, manifolds draw a lot of interest. An
n-manifold is a space that is locally like R^n. Manifolds of dimension 2
are called surfaces. Using handle decomposition, we decompose surfaces
into k-handles, where 0< =k< =2. Techniques such as handle sliding and
handle cancellation allow us to get a more favorable representation of
our surface. We use these tools and calculation of the fundamental group
to classify all compact surfaces.

Mapping Coastal Vegetation To Evaluate Salt Marsh Decline From 2016 To 2025 In South Carolina, Usa, Zak Henry Bartholomew

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Accelerating sea-level rise and storm surge events pose a substantial threat to salt marsh ecosystems, which provide critical ecosystem services. Classification and mapping of coastal vegetation through remote sensing can identify marsh dieback events and provide spatial context for patterns of marsh vulnerability. We used a multi-sensor approach that incorporated LiDAR data, multispectral imagery, and field-derived cover estimates to classify Spartina alterniflora (smooth cordgrass) dominated marsh types on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island (MCRDPI), a sea island in South Carolina, USA. In summer 2025, surveys were conducted within marsh classes to collect training and validation data. We used random …

Memory Effects In Many-Body Systems, Jeffrey Beckstrand

Master's Projects

This thesis investigates memory effects in many-body systems through the MoriZwanzig Formalism for projected dynamics of a Hamiltonian System which yields the Generalized Langevin Equation (GLE). The GLE is a stochastic differential equation (SDE) that studies the dynamics of observables under the effects of many other observables in the system. Although satisfying, the GLE has a term called the Memory Kernel that encodes the past of the system and introduces a computational challenge by introducing a non-Markovian property to the equation. The kernel is often approximated by introducing a delta function, which simplifies the computation, but at the loss of …

Serum Biomarker Trajectory Clusters Predict Functional Outcome And Quality Of Life For Traumatic Brain Injury, Thanh Son Do, Chantal Carnes, Zhihui Yang, Firas Kobeissy, Hamad Yadikar, Gayla R. Olbricht, Olli Tenovuo, Jussi P. Posti, Ewout W. Steyerberg, Lindsay Wilson, Nicole Von Steinbüchel, Endre Czeiter, Andras Buki, David K. Menon

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Research & Creative Works

Serum brain-enriched biomarkers are increasingly employed in the clinical evaluation of traumatic brain injury (TBI) to assist with triage, neuroimaging decisions, and prognostication. However, the potential of temporal biomarker trajectories to inform disease monitoring and long-term outcomes remains underexplored. We aim to identify distinct biomarker trajectory (TRAJ) profiles in traumatic brain injury patients and to examine their associations with long-term clinical outcomes. The study included 373, CT-positive Intensive Care Unit (ICU) traumatic brain injury patients (256 with initial Glasgow Coma Scale 3–12) from the Collaborative European Neurotrauma Effectiveness Research in TBI (CENTER-TBI) core study who had at least two serum …

Digital Twin Freshness Maximization In Edge Computing, Jing Li, Jianping Wang, Weifa Liang, Quan Chen, Sajal K. Das, Xiaohua Jia

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) shifts powerful computing resource provisioning from remote powerful data centers to the edge of core networks. Meanwhile, Digital Twin (DT) has surfaced as a promising technology to provide comprehensive and dynamic descriptions of physical objects in cyberspace with bidirectional and real-time interactions. Moreover, Internet of Things (IoT) devices have contributed abundant, heterogeneous and continuous data from interconnected devices to the explosion of DTs. With technologies evolution, there is an increasing necessity to address the freshness of both DT states and DT data, through timely synchronizations between DTs and their objects in a highly dynamic IoT environment. …

On-Device Artificial Intelligence Solutions With Applications To Smart Environments, Fabrizio De Vita, Dario Bruneo, Sajal K. Das

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Recent advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the increasing availability of computational power have accelerated the diffusion of Intelligent Cyber-Physical Systems (ICPSs), enabling smart applications with reasoning capabilities. However, the limited resources of embedded and Edge devices significantly constrain the complexity of deep learning models that can be effectively deployed. Traditional approaches rely on cloud-based training and edge-only inference, a paradigm that becomes inadequate when low latency, privacy, security, and high customization are required. In this context, On-device AI is emerging as a new paradigm in which both training and inference are performed directly on the device, avoiding data transfer …

Pahina: Precision-Aware Hierarchical In-Network Aggregation For Edge Distributed Training, Yingpu Nian, Bo Yi, Qiang He, Xingwei Wang, Geyong Min, Keqin Li, Sajal K. Das

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

The rise of edge intelligence is driving distributed machine learning toward a new paradigm of edge-collaborative computing. To overcome the severe communication bottleneck in this paradigm, In-Network Aggregation is a critical enabling technology. However, its effectiveness is fundamentally undermined by the profound resource heterogeneity of edge networks. Specifically, edge devices, adapting to hardware constraints, operate at varying numerical precisions, leading to significant data inflation as gradients are aggregated. Compounding this, unevenly distributed network resources and traditional, precision-oblivious routing strategies often misallocate critical, high-precision gradients to low-quality paths. This mismatch creates severe network congestion, crippling the efficiency of distributed training. To …

Leading The Change: Staff-Driven Ai Transformation In Smu Libraries’ Collection Team, Siew Khim Lim, Fion Goh

Research Collection Library

Why do libraries need to use AI? It is crucial for Libraries to stay relevant in this digital age by improving efficiency, access, and user experience. By adopting AI, libraries can better manage growing digital collections, provide innovative services, and ensuring they remain essential as hubs for knowledge and learning in an AIdriven world.

High-Resolution Infrared Spectroscopy Of Jet-Cooled 1-Butene, Vladyslav Filatov

Chemistry Honors Papers

A high-resolution absorbance spectrum of 1-butene was obtained in the 994–1000 cm⁻¹ region using a quantum cascade laser-based spectrometer coupled with a supersonic jet expansion source. To mitigate the low number density of the molecular jet, a multi-pass optical configuration was employed to achieve an effective path length of approximately six passes. Experimental spectra were calibrated using a methanol reference and etalon. Supporting calculations for vibrational frequencies and rotational constants were performed at the MP2/cc-pVTZ level of theory. The observed spectral features were assigned to the vibrational band ν25 (centered at 993.67 cm⁻¹), which was identified as a primarily a-type …

Using Nmr Spectroscopy And Linear Discriminant Analysis To Molecular Profile Varietal Honey, Taylor Mac

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

In recent years, varietal honey has been a massive target of adulteration through mislabeling and the addition of other sugars. Unethical companies do this to cut production costs while still charging the consumer full price. Previous studies have used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to unravel possible adulteration in honey, but currently, there are no standard rapid methods to authenticate varietal honey. In our research, we collected NMR signatures (“fingerprints”) and combined them with linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to predict the varietal, country, and region of varietal honey. As a part of the project, we investigated whether an adjustment to the …

Scalable Transfer Of Dna Origami–Directed Nanoparticle Arrays Onto Functional Surfaces Using Thermal Release Tape, Yuwei Zhang, Chikadibia Genevieve Edward, Ethan Keuhn, Shelley D. Minteer, Risheng Wang

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Precise integration of DNA origami nanostructures onto functional substrates is essential for advancing electronics, photonics, and biosensing. However, most surface-assembly methods are highly sensitive to substrate type, limiting their broader applications. Here, we introduce a thermal release tape (TRT)-assisted transfer method that enables efficient, large-area printing of DNA origami-guided gold nanoparticle (AuNP-DNA origami) arrays from mica onto diverse surfaces. The method relies on differential adhesion: AuNP-DNA origami arrays form strong electrostatic and hydrogen-bonding interactions with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-functionalized receiver substrates, while the TRT adhesive weakens upon heating to 120°C, allowing release from the tape. Using this approach, well-ordered AuNP-DNA origami arrays …

Evaluation Of A Novel Re-Crosslinkable Preformed Particle Gel For Conformance Control In Ultra-High Temperature Reservoirs, Yanbo Liu, Tao Song, Caleb Kwasi Darko, Thomas P. Schuman, Mingzhen Wei, Baojun Bai

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Preferential fluid flow remains a major challenge in subsurface energy production and gas storage operations, resulting in excessive water production in mature oil fields, reduced heat extraction in geothermal reservoirs, and low sweep and storage efficiency in CO₂-EOR projects. Polymer gels are widely used to mitigate high-permeability channels; however, conventional systems exhibit limited plugging efficiency and short lifetimes in ultra-high-temperature reservoirs due to poor thermal stability. This study presents a novel ultra-high-temperature-resistant preformed particle gel (UHT-PPG) developed for conformance control in reservoirs with temperatures of 150–275 °C and severe super-K or channeling problems. The material was evaluated in …

Progression Toward Terminal Oxidation Of Starch Via Hybrid Organic–Enzymatic Bioanode For Renewable Carbohydrate Conversion, Adam Milam, Jose Intano, Shelley D. Minteer

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

The performance of starch-based biofuel cells is fundamentally limited by inefficient utilization of the fuel's inherent energy density. Sequential oxidation of carbohydrate fuels, such as glucose, the monomeric unit of starch, using minimal catalyst systems has therefore emerged as a promising strategy to improve biofuel cell efficiency. Here, we extend a previously reported three-catalyst, organic–enzymatic glucose oxidation cascade to polymeric carbohydrate fuels by integrating enzymatic starch depolymerization with downstream electrochemical oxidation. To our knowledge, this represents the first demonstration of a defined hybrid organic–enzymatic cascade designed to drive progression of starch-derived glucose equivalents toward terminal oxidation using a minimal catalyst …

Aim5b: Ai Integrated Semantic Framework For 5g And Beyond Network Management, Thanveer Sulthana, Ava Sharif Jourabchi, Venkat Rao Manavarthi, Jayadithya Nalajala, Ankitha Srirama Reddy, Baek Young Choi, Sejun Song

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Scalable, interpretable, and intelligent network monitoring and management are critical for 5 G and future networks. This paper introduces Aim5B, an AI-integrated semantic framework for 5 G and beyond network management to address these challenges. Aim5B processes unstructured logs from key 5G core network functions, and transforms them into a knowledge graph aligned with the semantic structure of control-plane events. Leveraging a large language model (LLM), Aim5B enables natural language queries to be translated into Cypher graph queries, facilitating precise log retrieval, event analysis, temporal correlation, and statistical summarization-without relying on static parsing rules or predefined dashboards. Integrated on a …

Triangulating Primary Sources, Professional Judgement, And Llm-Generated Summaries: Educating Nurses In An Ai-First World, Sarah Oerther, Daniel B. Oerther

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Concerted Proton Transfer In Homogeneous And Heterogeneous Cyclic Hydrogen-Bonded Clusters Of H2o, Hf, And Hcl, Max R. Tucker, Yuan Xue, Nathan R. Speake, Eden Nickolson, Jeremy M. Carr, Gregory S. Tschumper

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

This work examines various homogeneous and heterogeneous clusters of hydrogen-bonded (HF)x(H₂O)y(HCl)z complexes, where x + y + z = 3 or 4. For each unique cyclic structure associated with the xyz permutations, the geometries of the reactant, product, and transition state (TS) for concerted proton transfer (CPT) were fully optimized using second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) with a mixed basis set consisting of cc-pVTZ for H atoms and aug-cc-pVTZ for O, Cl, and F atoms (denoted haTZ). Harmonic vibrational frequencies were also computed at the same level of theory to verify the nature of the stationary points. Intrinsic …

Synthesis Of The Naga(S1−Xsex)2 Solid Solution From Mechanically Activated Precursors, Louisiane Verger, Julien Trébosc, Santhoshkumar Sundaramoorthy, Amitava Choudhury, Olivier Hernandez, Eric Furet, Sébastien Chenu, David Le Coq, Laurent Calvez, Olivier Lafon

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

NaGaS₂ and NaGaSe₂ are two recently discovered compounds that crystallize in the same structure type. In this work, NaGa(S_1−xSe_x)₂ (x = 0.5, 0.75 and 1) are prepared using an alternative synthesis route, mechanochemistry followed by heat treatment. Na₂S, Na₂Se, Ga₂S₃ and Ga₂Se₃ are milled in stoichiometric proportions. Differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (²³Na and ⁷¹Ga) show that the compounds after milling are composed of crystalline NaGa(S_1−xSe_x)₂ with an amorphous part. …

Urban Trees In The Urban Hydrology Cycle, Jorge R. Vera

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

In urban forestry, trees provide numerous economic, ecological, and aesthetic benefits to the surrounding community. One of their key roles is intercepting stormwater runoff, reducing flooding risk, and improving water quality. Chapter 1 of this thesis characterized the ecological and economic contributions of urban trees on the Marshall University campus and provides guidance on their management and conservation in the future. Chapter 2 examined how urban tree species modify the urban hydrology cycle by altering the volume and timing of precipitation delivery. In Chapter 1, we inventoried 114 acres of Marshall University's main campus in Huntington, WV, from June 28 …

The Influence Of Scale In Modeling Social Vulnerability And Disaster Assistance, Sina Razzaghi Asl, Oronde Drakes, Eric Tate, Samuel Brody, Wesley Highfield, Kayode Atoba

Political Science & Geography Faculty Publications

Understanding how social vulnerability relates to disaster impacts is critical for addressing social equity, yet the role of spatial scale in this relationship is often overlooked. Most studies use aggregated data, risking ecological fallacy-misinterpreting individual outcomes from group-level data. This study examines how spatial scale influences the relationship between social vulnerability and federal disaster assistance after Hurricane Harvey. Using spatial econometric models at both household and census tract levels, we assessed the strength of key vulnerability indicators in explaining disaster assistance. Results show that disability, housing tenure, household size, and income predict assistance at the household level, but their influence …

Mathematicly Rigorous Quantum General Relativity, I: Pure, James Glimm

Department of Applied Mathematics & Statistics Faculty Publications

A pure quantum general relativity field is one lacking in matter. Such a field has a Lorentzian space-time geometry. A renormalized perturbation expansion, truncated to all finite orders, establishes  the existence of pure quantum general relativity with full mathematical rigor

Metamorphosed Components In Cv Chondrites Camel Donga 003 And Camel Donga 040 As Evidence For Varying Degrees Of Metamorphism Within The Parent Body, Kathryn E. Stone

Honors Theses

The CV carbonaceous chondrites are a group of primitive stony meteorites that record early solar-system evolution processes. They are typically of low metamorphic grade, though some metamorphosed CVs have recently been found. Two CV chondrite breccias, Camel Donga 003 (CD 003) and Camel Donga 040 (CD 040) consist of multiple lithologies. CD 003 consists of three lithologies, one of which – Lithology C – has been metamorphosed to petrologic type ~3.7 (Alevy et al. 2025). CD 040 consists of two lithologies, one of which is metamorphosed to petrologic type 3.7 (Dunn and Alevy, 2024; Dunn et al. unpublished). Both samples …

Raw Data For The Manuscript "Silicon-Stabilized Three-Dimensional Covalent Networks In High Entropy Diborides", Michael Yeung, Reza Mohammadi

Chemistry Department Faculty Scholarship

Abstract for data:

Raw data for the journal publication, Silicon-stabilized three-dimensional covalent networks in high entropy diborides. ReadMe file provided.

Abstract for Journal publication: 

High entropy ceramics offer a pathway to stabilize unconventional chemistries beyond traditional alloying rules. We report the incorporation of silicon into an AlB₂-type high entropy diboride, Cr_0.2Nb_0.2Si_0.2Ta_0.2Ti_0.2B₂, despite silicon violating classical Hume-Rothery rules for alloying. Arc melting produced a phase-pure, chemically homogeneous structure, as confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS). Silicon occupies …

Greenhouse Gas Report For Western Australian Wild-Catch Fisheries And Aquaculture 2004-2025, Christophe D'Abbadie, Johnny Machon, Dipesh Maharjan, Mark Goninon, Pia Dobson, Jason How, Rodney Duffy Dr., Ainslie Denham, Shaye Carman, Trina Anderson

Climate Science Published Reports

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Western Australian wild-catch fisheries and aquaculture for the fiscal years (FY) 2004/05 to 2024/25. These industries represent important components of the Western Australian primary production sector, with distinct emissions profiles and trends.

Key Findings:

Emissions from wild-catch fisheries have declined significantly over time, from approximately 0.341 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO₂e) in FY 2004/05 to 0.136 Mt CO₂e in FY 2024/25, a reduction of approximately 60%.

Emissions from aquaculture in FY 2024/25 were approximately 0.350 Mt CO₂e, reflecting substantial industry growth from near-negligible levels in …

Shaping The Future: Emerging Technologies And Their Role In Industry 4.0 And Beyond, Liuliu Qin

Information Technology & Decision Sciences Faculty Publications

This paper provides a comprehensive review of emerging technologies driving the transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0. It examines the foundational concepts and pillars of Industry 4.0 and explores the transformative roles of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Extended Reality (XR), Collaborative Cobots (Cobots), Brain–Computer Interfaces (BCIs), quantum technologies, and next-generation connectivity (5G/6G). By integrating technological, human-centric, and sustainability perspectives, the study outlines how these emerging technologies reshape industrial systems and enable intelligent, adaptive, and inclusive futures.

Impacts Of Native And Nonnative Plant Species On Avian Community Diversity, Matty John Mackay, Steven Van Dang, Brandon Lee Corn

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Avian communities play an essential role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem dynamic by regulating insect populations, assisting in plant pollination, and seed dispersal. These contribute to the overall health of natural ecosystems and mitigate ecological disruptions that would arise in their absence. However, the introduction of non-native invasive plant species can interrupt the balance avian communities bring to ecosystems by reducing availability of food sources, altering habitat structures, increasing competition among individuals, and disrupting ecological relationships through rapid invasion of ecological spaces. Point count observations of birds at Shelby Bottoms Park, Nashville, Tennessee in areas dominated by non-native privet and …

Equity In Coastal Resilience: A Framework For University Engagement In Community-Based Projects, Juita-Elena (Wie) Yusuf, Jennifer L. Whytlaw, Marina Saitgalina, Ogechukwu N. Nwandu-Vincent, Khairul A. Anuar, Thomas Allen, Joshua Behr

School of Public Service Faculty Publications

As communities face intensifying climate hazards, it is vital to strengthen resilience in ways that explicitly prioritize social equity. This study examines how higher education institutions can better support government, nonprofit, and community partners in advancing equity-centered coastal resilience in the U.S. Utilizing a qualitative research design, we analyze discussions among researchers and practitioners during a three-day workshop. We present a framework derived from a thematic analysis of breakout group transcripts from a three-day national virtual workshop involving 113 researchers and practitioners. The analysis identified four core themes: the necessity of aligning projects with community-defined priorities; the foundational role of …

Assessing Radio Transmitter Weight Effect And Evaluation Of Northern Bobwhite Chick Survival In Coastal North Carolina, Autumn S. Randall, Theron M. Terhune Ii, Matthew T. Springer, Darin J. Mcneil

Forestry and Natural Resources Faculty Publications

Studies on the earliest life stages are essential to our ecological understanding of avian demography; however, monitoring technologies that allow tracking of small birds are still limited in a variety of ways. One critical limitation, until recently, has been the development of methods for attaching transmitters to young birds with precocial development (e.g., Galliformes, Charadriiformes, etc.). The modified suture technique offers a means to attach transmitters to precocial chicks while accommodating rapid growth characterized by birds with precocial young. Although the sutured transmitter method was developed for northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) chicks, there remain key unknowns regarding best …