Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Guide To Nebraska's Wetlands And Their Conservation Needs, Third Edition, 2022, Ted Lagrange

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission: Publications

Wetlands: a source of great interest, and at times conflict. Wetlands represent different things to different people. To some people they may be considered shallow, muddy nuisances whereas to others they are considered to be wonderful, varied, and productive assets. This is because wetlands take on many roles as part of an elaborate and dynamic system. Understanding wetlands requires understanding the complex and varying roles they can play. To aid in this understanding, this guide defines wetlands, discusses their importance and dynamics, identifies threats and losses, describes conservation programs, and takes an in-depth look at Nebraska’s regional wetland complexes.

Nebraska’s …

Regulating For Energy Justice, Alexandra B. Klass, Gabriel Chan

Articles

In this Article, we explore and critique the foundational norms that shape federal and state energy regulation and suggest pathways for reform that can incorporate principles of “energy justice.” These energy justice principles—developed in academic scholarship and social movements—include the equitable distribution of costs and benefits of the energy system, equitable participation and representation in energy decision making, and restorative justice for structurally marginalized groups.

While new legislation, particularly at the state level, is critical to the effort to advance energy justice, our focus here is on regulators’ ability to implement reforms now using their existing authority to advance the …

Stroke Clustering And Fitting In Vector Art, Khandokar Shakib

Senior Independent Study Theses

Vectorization of art involves turning free-hand drawings into vector graphics that can be further scaled and manipulated. In this paper, we explore the concept of vectorization of line drawings and study multiple approaches that attempt to achieve this in the most accurate way possible. We utilize a software called StrokeStrip to discuss the different mathematics behind the parameterization and fitting involved in the drawings.

Creating An Arcgis Dashboard For Climate Data Management And Visualization, Sydney Noel Case

Senior Independent Study Theses

The College of Wooster Department of Earth Sciences has collected over the past 12 years (and continues to collect) hourly local climate indicator data including stream level and temperature, air temperature and pressure, precipitation levels, and relative humidity. This data is collected at the College’s research station, Fern Valley, located in Holmes County, Ohio and serves as a storytelling component for regional climate change. Upon initial investigation, the extensive dataset revealed a fundamental data storage problem within Earth Sciences, as there lacked a singular location to store complex datasets. Several technological solutions were explored to create a long-term data storage, …

Unearthing The Effects Of European-American Settlement On A Northeast Ohio Kettle Lake Through Diatom Stratigraphy, Justine Paul A. Berina

Senior Independent Study Theses

Recently, wetland conservation has highlighted the necessity for assessing limnological changes following European-American settlement. A prior study at Brown's Lake (northeast Ohio) identified a stratigraphic sequence that shows an abrupt transition from organic-rich muds to several centimeters of a bright loess layer, then a recovery to organic-rich sediments near the top. Based on ²¹⁰Pb dates, the loess deposition occurred before 1846 CE, when a growing population cleared trees and farmed intensively. Likewise, organics had recovered after 1950 CE, when people abandoned farmland and practiced conservation tillage. However, the effects of settlement on limnology are poorly known. Diatoms (microscopic algae; …

Electrochemistry Of Bubbles: Developing New Sensors, Promoting Gas Evolution Reactions, And Extraction Of Rare Earth Elements, Ruchiranga R. Ranaweera

Wayne State University Dissertations

This dissertation presents new analytical, electrocatalysis, and separation strategies that utilize bubble behaviors in different electrochemical systems. The first part of this dissertation focuses on the method development for PFAS preconcentration and detection. First, we present the bubble-nucleation-based electrochemical method for the selective and sensitive detection of surfactants. Our method utilizes the high surface activity of surfactant analytes to affect the electrochemical bubble nucleation and then transduces the change in nucleation condition to an electrochemical signal for determining the surfactant concentration. Using this method, we demonstrate the quantitation of perfluorinated surfactants in water, a group of emerging environmental contaminants, with …

Non-Perturbative Processes In Standard Model \& New Physics: From Standard Calculations To Machine Learning, Cody Michael Grant

Wayne State University Dissertations

I calculated non-perturbative processes to study the Standard Model and probe areas of new physics. I found that invisible decays of heavy mesons are not dominated by the leading order contribution in the Standard Model. I argue that this affects neutrino mass constraints and avenues for discovering new physics, such as dark photons. In addition to this, I used a novel approach to approximate a semileptonic form factor with an artificial neural network (ANN). Comparing the results from the ANN to common phenomenological parameterizations, and using it to set a lower bound constraint on the CKM matrix element, $V_{cd}$. Finally, …

Microfluidic Thermal Gel Electrophoresis For Native Protein Analysis, Shakila Hasanthika Peli Thanthri

Wayne State University Dissertations

Proteins must be in their native states to carry out their intended biological functions. Native protein structure requires that proteins be folded into the correct conformations and possess the necessary post-translational modifications (PTMs). These higher-order structures are critical to ensuring that proteins are biologically active and properly interact with neighboring molecules. However, assessing folding conformations and modified protein variants is challenging, and routine sample validation techniques like polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) are not capable of analyzing higher-order structures. Gradient PAGE gels can determine the molecular weight of proteins over a wide mass range, but protein separation resolutions are poor because …

Dynamic Restoration And The Impact Of Native Versus Invasive Vegetation On Coastal Foredune Morphodynamics, Lanphere Dunes, California, Usa, Zach Hilgendorf, Ian J. Walker, Andrea J. Pickart, Craig M. Turner

Local Reports and Publications

The Lanphere Dunes, part of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, has been the focus of foredune restoration efforts since the 1980s. Efforts have centred around removal of an invasive European beach grass species, Ammophila arenaria, introduced in the early 1900s to stabilize the dunes to protect landward communities from coastal flooding and storm surges. Despite effectively stabilizing the foredune, A. arenaria forms monotypic vegetation stands, with highly dense roots, rhizomes, and above-ground biomass that can lead to pronounced scarping of the seaward slope, alongshore steering of wind and sediment, a lack of landward transfer of sand, and a …

Piecing It Together: Analysis And Treatment Of A Painted Silk Flag, Katya Zinsli

Art Conservation Master's Projects

Painted flags and banners lie at the intersection of painting and textile conservation. The 37^th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment’s battle flag from the Civil War presented challenges and advantages of bridging the two disciplines by providing an opportunity for study and experimentation for a graduate student from the Patricia H. and Richard E. Garman Art Conservation Department at SUNY Buffalo State College. This study was conducted to better understand the materials and degradation products present in a painted Civil War flag, which then informed the subsequent treatment of said flag. By characterizing the materials, the severe damage in …

Changes In Bark Properties And Hydrology Following Prescribed Fire, Courtney Siegert, Anna Ilek, Adam Wade

CFR Publications

No abstract provided.

Mathematical Model For Giraffe Population Dynamics, Huntir Bass

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Since the 1980s the overall giraffe population has dropped at least 40% causing some researchers to label this rapid decline as the "Silent Extinction." Due to this plummet, understanding the behaviors of the giraffe population is absolutely necessary before they are on the brink of extinction. Through the usage of mathematical modeling methodologies, a general model is created to illustrate the relationship between juvenile and adult female giraffes through numerous interaction parameters. Variations on specific variables generate different simulations, which allows more biological accuracy. With each variation having an established coexistence equilibrium between the juvenile and adult female populations, the …

Various Dynamical Regimes, And Transitions From Homogeneous To Inhomogeneous Steady States In Nonlinear Systems With Delays And Diverse Couplings, Ryan Roopnarain

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This dissertation focuses on the effects of distributed delays modeled by 'weak generic kernels' on the collective behavior of coupled nonlinear systems. These distributed delays are introduced into several well-known periodic oscillators such as coupled Landau-Stuart and Van der Pol systems, as well as coupled chaotic Van der Pol-Rayleigh and Sprott systems, for a variety of couplings including diffusive, cyclic, or dynamic ones. The resulting system is then closed via the 'linear chain trick' and the linear stability analysis of the system and conditions for Hopf bifurcations that initiate oscillations are investigated. A variety of dynamical regimes and transitions between …

Methods And Characterization Of Topological And Disordered-Induced Protection Of Coherence In Quantum Systems, Sayandip Dhara

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Quantum computers can efficiently simulate natural processes and solve certain types of mathematical problems. Two of the key issues preventing the development of platforms to realize a scalable quantum machine are the decoherence of the qubits due to the interaction with the environment and the existence of a large overhead to correct errors. Although there already exist noisy intermediate-scale quantum machines, we still need to improve much to be able to solve problems faster than the already existing classical computers. In this dissertation, we explore two approaches to tackle both issues. We propose a scheme where, using quasi-Majorana zero modes …

Cybersecurity & Correctional Institutions, Kelly Himelwright

Cybersecurity Undergraduate Research Showcase

Cybersecurity is becoming an increasingly important aspect of correctional operations. To properly maintain security, more jails and prisons are using comprehensive cyber protection techniques. Correctional facilities face risks that were perhaps unimaginable only a few decades ago. Many organizations have used information technology to help them run their businesses, but few have the resources or vision to foresee and adequately manage the cyber dangers that come with it. Institutions need to be more aware of these hazards, as well as have more information security experts on staff.

Surficial Geologic Map Of The Constantine 7.5-Minute Quadrangle, Kentucky, Maxwell L. Hammond Iii, Antonia E. Bottoms, Matthew Massey, Emily Morris, Michele Mchugh

Contract Reports--KGS

The Constantine 7.5-minute quadrangle is located west of Elizabethtown along the boundary of Hardin and Breckinridge Counties. The quadrangle lies along the northern section of the Dripping Springs Escarpment, which separates the Mammoth Cave Plateau and Pennyroyal regions of the Mississippian Sinkhole Plain physiographic province (McFarlan, 1943). Topography is mostly characterized by high-elevation plateaus, ridges, and knobs of the Mammoth Cave Plateau (up to 919 ft), which have been intensely dissected by the Rough River and its tributaries (down to 516 ft). A small area of the Pennyroyal extends into the eastern part of the quadrangle, which is marked by …

Actuarial Credibility Approach In Adjusting Initial Cost Estimates Of Transport Infrastructure Projects, Bartłomiej Rokicki, Krzysztof Ostaszewski

Faculty Publications – Mathematics

This paper presents a novel methodology based on the modified actuarial credibility approach. It allows for the adjustment of initial cost estimates of public infrastructure projects by accounting for the additional risk/uncertainty factor. Hence, it offers an interesting alternative to other existing forecasting methods. We test our approach by applying data for over 300 major infrastructure projects implemented in Poland between 2004 and 2020. We prove that, despite its simplicity, the actuarial credibility approach can deliver accurate cost estimates compared to more complex methods such as regression analysis (OLS) or machine learning (LASSO). In particular, we show that, although the …

The Role Of Interactive Features Within A Mathematics Storybook In Interpreting A Conflict And Conflict Resolution: The Case Of Three Fifth Graders, Mahtob Aqazade

Faculty Publications – Mathematics

Students often experience cognitive conflicts when trying to interpret negative numbers’ order and values because they do not correspond to their prior whole number knowledge. One way to trigger students’ cognitive conflicts and support their conflict resolution meaningfully is through stories. Thus, I used a temperature-related mathematics storybook—Temperature Turmoil—to highlight the cognitive conflict students often experience because of relying on the integers’ absolute value and introduce conflict resolution (i.e., integers have both absolute value and directed value). By incorporating interactive features, I used a multiple-case approach to describe three fifth graders’ cognitive conflict and conflict resolution experiences. Harry, Lola, and …

Using Short Bursts To Optimize Redistricting In Georgia, Vedika Vishweshwar

CMC Senior Theses

Identifying extreme outliers in large state spaces is a difficult prob-
lem. I consider this problem in the context of finding political district-
ing plans that maximize the number of districts in which the majority
of the population is from a minority group, such as African Americans.
Since the set of all possible districting plans is enormous and unfeasi-
ble to examine in practice, this paper proposes a sampling method to
find these outlying plans. Specifically, this paper experiments with short
bursts in the context of minority voting rights in Georgia. Short bursts
are a type of Markov Chain in …

Dynamic Nonlinear Gaussian Model For Inferring A Graph Structure On Time Series, Abhinuv Uppal

CMC Senior Theses

In many applications of graph analytics, the optimal graph construction is not always straightforward. I propose a novel algorithm to dynamically infer a graph structure on multiple time series by first imposing a state evolution equation on the graph and deriving the necessary equations to convert it into a maximum likelihood optimization problem. The state evolution equation guarantees that edge weights contain predictive power by construction. After running experiments on simulated data, it appears the required optimization is likely non-convex and does not generally produce results significantly better than randomly tweaking parameters, so it is not feasible to use in …

Analyzing Marriage Statistics As Recorded In The Journal Of The American Statistical Association From 1889 To 2012, Annalee Soohoo

CMC Senior Theses

The United States has been tracking American marriage statistics since its founding. According to the United States Census Bureau, “marital status and marital history data help federal agencies understand marriage trends, forecast future needs of programs that have spousal benefits, and measure the effects of policies and programs that focus on the well-being of families, including tax policies and financial assistance programs.”[1] With such a wide scope of applications, it is understandable why marriage statistics are so highly studied and well-documented.

This thesis will analyze American marriage patterns over the past 100 years as documented in the Journal of …

Energy As A Limiting Factor In Neuronal Seizure Control: A Mathematical Model, Sophia E. Epstein

CMC Senior Theses

The majority of seizures are self-limiting. Within a few minutes, the observed neuronal synchrony and deviant dynamics of a tonic-clonic or generalized seizure often terminate. However, a small epilesia partialis continua can occur for years. The mechanisms that regulate subcortical activity of neuronal firing and seizure control are poorly understood. Published studies, however, through PET scans, ketogenic treatments, and in vivo mouse experiments, observe hypermetabolism followed by metabolic suppression. These observations indicate that energy can play a key role in mediating seizure dynamics. In this research, I seek to explore this hypothesis and propose a mathematical framework to model how …

Mary Eleanor Spear's Importance To The History Of Statistical Visualization, Melanie Williams

CMC Senior Theses

This paper will demonstrate why Mary Eleanor Spear (1897-1986) is an important figure in the history of statistical visualization. She lead an impressive career working in the federal government as a data analyst before "data analyst" became a thing. She wrote and illustrated two comprehensive textbooks which furthered the art of statistical visualization. Her textbooks cover extensive graphing knowledge still valuable to statisticians and viewers today. Most notable of her works is her development of the box plot. In addition to Spear's career and contributions, this paper will also address the lack of female representation in science, technology, engineering, and …

Predicting Outcomes Of El Clásico Using Random Forests And Extreme Gradient Boosting, Emanuel Jarquin

CMC Senior Theses

In the modern era, sports betting is becoming increasingly popular. This is especially true in the realm of soccer (or ‘football’ as it is known outside the United States). As a result, the concept of attempting to predict the outcomes of soccer matches using machine learning has garnered much attention in recent years. In this thesis, I utilize well-known machine learning techniques to predict the outcomes of El Clásico matchups and compare the predictive performance of these techniques. The predictive methods employed for this thesis are random forests using the party package in R and extreme gradient boosting using the …

Advanced Full-Text Search Based On Synonyms In Postgres, Joey Bodoia

CMC Senior Theses

This paper discusses the advanced full-text search queries based on synonyms that are supported in Chajda, which is a postgres extension and corresponding python library for highly multi-lingual full-text search in postgres. This discussion will include the motivations for using advanced queries based on synonyms, examples of how to use these advanced queries in Chajda, current limitiations of the advanced queries, and performance testing of the advanced queries.

Containing Compounding Container Congestion, Curtis Salinger

CMC Senior Theses

The Covid-19 pandemic caused major disruptions throughout the container shipping supply chain. Professor Dongping Song of Liverpool University wrote a paper discussing the logistical vulnerabilities in the supply chain, including the issue of congestion in ports. This paper examines the Port of Los Angeles from 2018-2021 as it relates to Song’s paper to see how its operations were impacted during the Covid-19 timeframe. It is found that labor shortages, chassis shortages, and change in trade behavior each contributed to the congestion. Unfortunately, the implemented policies were insufficient to bolster the port against sustained challenges and congestion continues to worsen.

S-Type Stars: Lao Line List For The B²Σ⁺-X²Σ⁺ Band System, P. F. Bernath, Randika Dodangodage, J. Liévin

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

LaO bands are a characteristic feature in the spectrum of cool S-type stars. La is made primarily by the s-process during the asymptotic giant branch phase of stellar evolution. The B²Σ⁺–X²Σ⁺ and A²Π–X²Σ⁺ band systems can be used to determine the La abundances in cool S stars. The bands of the B²Σ+–X²Σ⁺ with v' and v" ⩽ 5 have been rotationally analyzed from an emission spectrum from a carbon furnace. Line strengths are calculated using an ab initio transition dipole …

Processperformance: A Portable And Easy-To-Use Tool To Measure Resource Consumption Of Running Processes, Miguel Garcia, Jose Quiroga, Francisco Ortin

Department of Mathematics Publications

The measurement of the resources consumed by an application at runtime is an important task in different scenarios such as program optimization, malware and bug detection, and hardware scaling. Although different tools exist for this purpose, they sometimes show some limitations such as operating system and hardware dependencies, performance overhead, and usage complexity. For this reason, we create ProcessPerformance, a portable and easy-to-use command-line tool that provides information about the CPU, memory, and network resources consumed by any combination of running processes. It also avoids the performance overhead caused by software and binary code injection.

Satdbailiff- Mining And Tracking Self-Admitted Technical Debt, Mohamed Wiem Mkaouer, Eman Abdullah Alomar, Ben Christians, Mihal Busho, Ahmed Hamad Alkhalid, Christian D. Newman

Articles

Self-Admitted Technical Debt (SATD) is a metaphorical concept to describe the self-documented addition of technical debt to a software project in the form of source code comments. SATD can linger in projects and degrade source-code quality, but it can also be more visible than unintentionally added or undocumented technical debt. Understanding the implications of adding SATD to a software project is important because developers can benefit from a better understanding of the quality trade-offs they are making. However, empirical studies, analyzing the survivability and removal of SATD comments, are challenged by potential code changes or SATD comment updates that may …

College Of Natural Sciences Newsletter, January 2022, College Of Natural Sciences

College of Natural Sciences Newsletters and Reports

Volume 3, Issue 1

Page 1 Dean's Message
Page 2 Awards & Recognition
Page 3 Outreach in Harrisburg, SD
Page 4 Geography Alumni Named Among 'Highly Cited Researchers', 53rd Annual Geography Convention
Page 5 Geography Convention Speakers, Brookings/SDSU Day
Page 6 Media Coverage of Natural Sciences
Page 7 Open PRAIRIE Data
Page 8 Fall 2021 Dean's List
Page 9 Fall 2021 Dean's List, cont.