Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Interacting Stochastic Processes: From Viciousness To Caging To Force Chains, Shiliyang Xu

Physics - Dissertations

This thesis documents a quest to develop and study several novel interacting stochastic processes. As for the first example, we generalize a system of vicious random walkers in which the only interaction between any two random walkers is that when they intersect, both walkers are annihilated. We define a system of N vicious accelerating walkers with each walker undergoing random acceleration and compute the survival probability distribution for this system. We also define and study a system of N vicious Levy flights in which any two Levy flights crossing one another annihilate each other. The average mean-squared displacement of a …

The Impact Of ‘‘No Impact Man’’: Alternative Hedonism As Environmental Appeal, Jen Schneider, Glen Miller

Jen Schneider

As ‘‘No Impact Man,’’ writer Colin Beavan conducted a one-year experiment to determine whether he and his family could reduce their environmental impact to zero while living and working in Manhattan. This article examines the No Impact Man (NIM) experiment both as ‘‘alternative hedonism,’’ a reconceptualization of the ‘‘good life’’ that avoids unduly damaging the natural world, and also as a kind of ‘‘eco-stunt,’’ an attempt to garner significant media coverage about positive environmental behaviors. We use DeLuca’s theorization of the ‘‘image event’’ to analyze the No Impact Man franchise—blog, book, and documentary film—though we modify that theory in order …

Meteorological Conditions At Racetrack Playa, Death Valley National Park: Implications For Rock Production And Transport, Ralph D. Lorenz, Brian K. Jackson, Jason W. Barnes, Joseph N. Spitale, Jani Radebaugh, Kevin H. Baines

Brian Jackson

Three decades of weather records at meteorological stations near Death Valley National Park are analyzed in an attempt to gauge the frequency of conditions that might form and erase the famous trails of wind-blown rocks in the mud of Racetrack Playa. Trail formation requires the playa to be wet, followed by strong winds and/or freezing conditions. Weather records are compared with a limited set of meteorological data that were acquired in situ at the playa over three winters and that indicate freezing on 50, 29, and 15 nights during the winters of 2007/08–09/10, respectively, as well as with the hydrological …

Some Structural Characteristics Of Azmar Anticline - Ne Iraq, Ibrahim Saad I. Al-Jumaily, Hadeer Ghazi M. Adeeb

Bulletin of the Mineral Research and Exploration

The purpose of this study is to elucidate the structural style of Azmar structure, a major anticlinorium within the imbricate partition of Zagros fold-thrust belt in northeastern Iraq. Structural analysis of this anticlinorium demonstrated that it consists of four main NNW-SSE trending anticlines. They are imbricated SW ward through NE dipping reverse faults merge to a deep seated detachment. Furthermore, analysis of minor folds on hinge and limbs of the main Azmar anticline revealed the versatile style of such minor folds and their opposing vergencies. These features emphasize the role of faulting in development of the major fold and the …

Co2 Sequestration In Basalt: Carbonate Mineralization And Fluid Substitution, Thomas L. Otheim, Ludmila Adam, Kasper Van Wijk, Michael L. Batzle, Travis Mcling, Robert Podgorney

CGISS Publications and Presentations

Geologicalsequestration of carbon dioxide in deep reservoirs may provide alarge-scale option for reducing the emissions of this gas intothe atmosphere. The effectiveness of sequestration depends on the storagecapacity and stability of the reservoir and risk of leakageinto the overburden. Reservoir rocks can react with a CO₂-watermixture, potentially resulting in the precipitation of minerals in theavailable matrix pore space and within pre-existing fractures. This inducedmineralization may form internal seals that could help mitigate theleakage of CO₂ into the overburden. For basaltic host rocks,carbonic acid partially dissolves minerals in the host rock, suchas the calcium plagioclase mineral, freeing various …

Reflection Of Waves In Transversely Isotropic Thermoelastic Solid, Raj R. Gupta

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

The main objective of the present paper is to study the propagation of waves in the transversely isotropic medium in the context of thermoelasticity with GN theory of type-II and III. By imposing the boundary conditions on the components of displacement, stresses and temperature distribution, wave equation have been solved. Numerically simulated results have been plotted graphically with respect to frequency to evince the effect of anisotropy. Keywords: Thermoelasticity, transversely isotropic, reflection, plane wave AMS 2010 No.: 74JXX, 74F, 74B, 80A. 1. Introduction In last three decades, non-classical theories involving finite speed of heat transportation in elastic solids have been …

Pattern Avoiding Partitions, Sequence A054391 And The Kernel Method, Toufik Mansour, Mark Shattuck

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

Sequence A054391 in OEIS, which we will denote by a_n , counts a certain two-pattern avoidance class of the permutations of size n . In this paper, we provide additional combinatorial interpretations for these numbers in terms of finite set partitions. In particular, we identify six classes of the partitions of size n , all of which have cardinality a_n and each avoiding two classical patterns. We use both algebraic and combinatorial methods to establish our results. In one apparently more difficult case, to show the result, we make use of the kernel method in solving a system …

Enhancing Inettest By Improving The Programming Question And Group Grading, Sushil Dosi

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

This report describes an improvement to the Utah State University iNetTest testing system. The iNetTest system allows instructors and/or students to: • Create/take tests with rich sets of question types (multiple choice, essay, true/false, computational programming question, etc.); • Monitor the test takers for cheating; • Auto-grade for many types of questions, as well as group grade for all question types; and • Send scores to students via either email or SMS. Specifically, this report discusses the design and development of an improved computational programming question for the iNetTest system. For programming questions, iNetTest allows for the use of various …

Age, Stratigraphy And Depositional Environment Of The Pliocene Copper Canyon Formation, Death Valley, California, Torrey Nyborg

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The Copper Canyon Formation, a fluvial-lacustrine deposit exposed within the Black Mountains of Death Valley National Park, has only previously been broadly included in regional tectonic and depositional analyses. The formation is significant because it preserves numerous shoreline-playa features including highly abundant and diverse mammal and bird tracks. The formation represents a basin fill sequence consisting of approximately 1800 m of conglomerates, basalt flows, and lacustrine deposits. A measured type section along with x-ray diffraction, isotopic analysis, and thin section petrography shows an evolution of the ancient Copper Canyon lake from an hypersaline evaporative lake to a perennial saline lake …

Assessment Of The Sustained Financial Impact Of Risk Engineering Service On Insurance Claims Costs, Bobby I. Parker Mr.

Mathematics Theses

This research paper creates a comprehensive statistical model, relating financial impact of risk engineering activity, and insurance claims costs. Specifically, the model shows important statistical relationships among six variables including: types of risk engineering activity, risk engineering dollar cost, duration of risk engineering service, and type of customer by industry classification, dollar premium amounts, and dollar claims costs.

We accomplish this by using a large data sample of approximately 15,000 customer-years of insurance coverage, and risk engineering activity. Data sample is from an international casualty/property insurance company and covers four years of operations, 2006-2009. The choice of statistical model is …

Highly Resistive And Ultrafast Fe‐Ion Implanted Ingaas For The Applications Of Thz Photomixer And Photoconductive Switch, J. H. Shin, K. H. Park, N. Kim, C. W. Lee, Eunsup Daniel Shim, Y. C. Kim, D. S. Yee, J. O. Kim, S. J. Lee, S. K. Noh

WCBT Faculty Publications

We develop highly‐resistive (i.e. low‐carrier‐density) and ultrafast Fe‐ion implanted InGaAs layers for the applications of THz photomixer and photoconductive switch. The measured Hall mobility, sheet resistance, carrier density, and carrier lifetime of the optimized 1.2‐μm‐thick Fe‐implanted InGaAs layer are 3.4×102 cm2/Vs, 0.24 MΩ, 6.5×1014 cm−3, and 0.13ps, respectively.

Thermal Correction To The Molar Polarizability Of A Boltzmann Gas, Ulrich D. Jentschura, Mariusz Puchalski, Peter J. Mohr

Physics Faculty Research & Creative Works

Metrology in atomic physics has been crucial for a number of advanced determinations of fundamental constants. In addition to very precise frequency measurements, the molar polarizability of an atomic gas has recently also been measured very accurately. Part of the motivation for the measurements is due to ongoing efforts to redefine the International System of Units (SI), for which an accurate value of the Boltzmann constant is needed. Here we calculate the dominant shift of the molar polarizability in an atomic gas due to thermal effects. It is given by the relativistic correction to the dipole interaction, which emerges when …

Studying The Handling Of Heat Stressed Cattle Using The Additive Bi-Logistic Model To Fit Body Temperature, Fan Yang

Department of Statistics: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Work

Daily activities consume the energy of heifers, subsequently causing an elevation of body temperature, depending on the ambient conditions. A better understanding of the dynamics of body temperature (Tb) would be helpful when deciding how to process and handle heifers. It would also lead to specific recommendations on moving heifers under different ambient conditions, especially during the summer. In this study, a bi-logistic mixed model is used to describe the dynamics of Tb during the moving event. Data were taken from heifers in pens located at different distances from the heifer work station on four separate summer days under hot …

The Investigation Of Asphaltene-Naphithenic Acid And Asphaltene-Surface Interactions, David Tristan Heaps

Dissertations

Asphaltenes represent a ubiquitous problem in the oil industry due to their adverse effects on recovery, production, and processing equipment. These problems have affected oil companies throughout the world, resulting in significant financial losses. In order to expand the existing body of knowledge related to asphaltenes, we have examined how the presence of naphthenic acids contributes to the particle aggregation and sedimentation behavior of asphaltene suspensions as well as how the physics and chemistry of a substrate affect asphaltene adsorption/deposition.

The flocculation of asphaltenes in the presence of naphthenic acids was investigated using dynamic light scattering (DLS), near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR), …

Effects Of Molecular Architecture On Fluid Ingress Behavior Of Glassy Polymer Networks, Matthew Blaine Jackson

Dissertations

This manuscript demonstrates the synthesis of glassy polymer network isomers to control morphological variations and study solvent ingress behavior independent of chemical affinity. Well-controlled network architectures with varying free volume average hole-sizes have been shown to substantially influence solvent ingress within glassy polymer networks. Bisphenol-A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA), bisphenol-F diglycidyl ether (DGEBF), Triglycidyl p-aminophenol (pAP, MY0510), Triglycidyl maminophenol (mAP, MY0610), and tetraglydicyl-4,4’-diamino-diphenyl methane (TGDDM, MY721) were cured with 3,3’- and 4,4’-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) at a stoichiometric ratio of 1:1 oxirane to amine active hydrogen to generate a series of network architectures with an average free volume hole-size (V_h) …

Assessment Of Corrosion Potential Of Coarse Backfill Aggregates For Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls, Anita Thapalia, David M. Borrok, Soheil Nazarian, Jose Garibay

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The service life of mechanically stabilized earth walls depends on the rate of corrosion of the metallic reinforcements used in their construction. The assessment of corrosion potential requires an accurate evaluation of pH, resistivity, and sulfate and chloride concentrations of aqueous solutions in contact with the surrounding aggregate. Highway agencies tend to use larger aggregates that contain only a small amount of fine material (passing the Number 40 sieve) in the backfill. Evaluation of the electrochemical parameters of coarse aggregates is challenging because traditional evaluation methods call for the use of fine material. In this study, the suitability of traditional …

Issue 0

The Synapse: Intercollegiate science magazine

No abstract provided.

Microbial Methane Production In Oxygenated Water Column Of An Oligotrophic Lake, Hans-Peter Grossart, Katharina Frindte, Claudia Dziallas, Werner Eckert, Kam W. Tang

VIMS Articles

The prevailing paradigm in aquatic science is that microbial methanogenesis happens primarily in anoxic environments. Here, we used multiple complementary approaches to show that microbial methane production could and did occur in the well-oxygenated water column of an oligotrophic lake (Lake Stechlin, Germany). Oversaturation of methane was repeatedly recorded in the well-oxygenated upper 10 m of the water column, and the methane maxima coincided with oxygen oversaturation at 6 m. Laboratory incubations of unamended epilimnetic lake water and inoculations of photoautotrophs with a lake-enrichment culture both led to methane production even in the presence of oxygen, and the production was …

Webtailor: Internet Service For Salient And Automatic User Interest Profiles, John Anderson

Computer Science and Computer Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Website personalization systems seek to give users unique, tailored content and experiences on the Internet. A key feature of these systems is a user profile that represents each user in a way that distinguishes them from others. In current personalization systems, the data used to create these profiles is extremely limited, which leads to a host of problems and ineffectual personalization. The main goal of this thesis is to improve these personalization systems by addressing their lack of data and its poor quality, breadth, and depth. This is accomplished by analyzing and classifying the content of each user's Internet browsing …

A Gis Approach For Estimating Optimal Sites For Grid-Connected Photovoltaic (Pv) Cells In Nebraska, Tomotoshi Funabashi

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

In the context of rising energy concerns and increased spotlight on solar energy, this study examines and draws attention to the state of mid potential sunlight. The purpose of this study is to estimate the optimal sites for grid-connected photovoltaic cells in Nebraska, which is ranked 13th nationally in terms of insolation potential. Five factors – insolation potential, adjacency to roads, accessibility to grid, topography, and acreage – are examined with the use of Geographic Information System (GIS). Insolation potential was quantitatively analyzed by averaging, plotting, and interpolating the 20 years of datasets recoded at 28 weather stations of High …

A Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of Scent Lures On Attracting Mesopredators, Tom Batter

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

A mesopredator is a medium-sized middle trophic level predator such as a raccoon (Procyon lotor), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), or coyote (Canis latrans; Crooks and Soule 1999). Mesopredators have long been trapped for recreational, economic, or academic reasons. Throughout human history trapping has been used to capture animals for food and skins, as well as to prevent personal harm and property damage from predators. In order to increase the probability of success, scent lures are often used as an attractant (Geary 1984, Mills et al. 2010, Schlexer 2008).

A Health Impact Assessment Of Mixed Use Redevelopment Nodes And Corridors In Lincoln, Nebraska, Katie Clear

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Obesity is a growing threat to America’s health. The national rate of obesity is 34% (Health Consequences, 2011), and Lincoln, Nebraska is not far behind that trend at 20.7% (BRFSS, 2011). Increasing physical activity is one way to reduce weight gain, (Edwards, 2008) and further studies show that small changes to the built environment can induce people to use alternative and more active forms of transportation such as biking, walking, and public transportation (Edwards, 2008; Zheng, 2008). The 2040 Comprehensive Plan for Lincoln, NE includes language to create a more walkable community. The proposal is to redevelop existing areas within …

Prey Selection By The Northern Watersnake, Nerodia Sipedon, Kyle O' Connell

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Prey selection and composition of the northern waternake, Nerodia sipedon was investigated between 8/2010 and 3/2011 by palpation of stomach contents in the field and conducting laboratory trials. 41 snakes were captured, five yielded prey contents. Fish parts, freshwater mussels, and an insect exoskeleton were found. No amphibians were found despite availability at study sites. Snakes in the laboratory underwent 22 trials, feeding on 11 occasions. Snakes fed on an equal number of both fish species, revealing no selection. Further research is needed to determine the rate of digestion of N. sipedon.

Empathy-Based Conservation: An Interdisciplinary Approach To Conservation Policy And Decision-Making, Kaitlyn Delashmutt

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

In the late 20^th century, neuroscientists in Italy discovered a neuron in the brain capable of mentally mimicking the emotions derived from the actions of others (Rizzolatti and Craighero, 2004). It is the process that makes your elbow ache when someone else knocks their elbow on the counter or the uncontrollable smile that creeps up when someone smiles at you. No questions asked, people intuitively sense what others are feeling. The old school of thought was that humans deduced through logic and reason the actions of others and interpreted the emotions through a rational process (Carew et al, 2008). …

Herpetofaunal Diversity At Yankee Hill State Lake And Wildlife Management Area, Lancaster County, Nebraska, Shelby Klima

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

A survey for amphibians and reptiles was conducted in March through October 2011 at Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area in Lancaster County, Nebraska. The survey was conducted using several different techniques including: visual and auditory encounters, artificial and natural cover objects, aquatic trappings and road surveys. A total of 145 individuals representing 12 species were identified including seven reptiles and five amphibians. A total of 48% of the species that may potentially occur on the site were encountered, all of which are common, widely distributed generalist species. Neither Graham’s Crayfish Snake nor the Massasauga, both target species for this survey, …

Mapping Potential Crp Land And Determining Crp Profitability In Lancaster County, Jamie Pesek

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Annually 17 tons of soil is lost due to the erosion of agriculture land. A majority of the soil lost is fertile topsoil, which can render the land unproductive. The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) was enacted to reduce the high erosion rates on agriculture land by giving landowners a monetary incentive to let their land lay idle and allow the soil to regenerate. Although there is awareness of the benefits of CRP, little effort has been put toward delineating CRP eligible land. In this project, Geographical Information Systems were used to map CRP eligible land in Lancaster County, Nebraska based …

Assessing Flood Inundation Mapping With The Use Of A Dem And Gis Along The Missouri River At Sioux City, Iowa, Kathryn A. Pfaffle

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

There are various methods that are used to predict flood inundation. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provided inundation maps for the 2011 Missouri River flood event that did not utilized aerial photo imagery. This study assesses the suitability of using a digital elevation model (DEM) in combination with aerial photo imagery within a geographic information system to predict flood inundation mapping along the Missouri River in Sioux City, Iowa. GPS data was collected during the height of this flood event in order to validate the positional accuracy of the DEM. Using the GPS receiver’s accuracy standards to determine the …

The Monetary Effects Of Deer Damage On The Environment, Scott Mendlik

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

The focus of my study was deer damage that occurred to crops and trees in Northeast Nebraska, around Wisner in Cuming County. I collected data from corn fields and harvest yields to determine the monetary losses landowners receive to deer damage. The damage can be anywhere from minimal to significant and affects each person differently. I study used test plots to collect data for an average damage per acre, and variable-sized plots to accurately estimate the level of damage occurred. I also incorporated data from tree nurseries to estimate the damage tree farmers and landowners would have when planting new …

The Urban Fabric Of The Great Plains, Andrew Becker

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

To most Americans the Great Plains region of North America is mysterious place. There are disagreements when defining its limits, and some people just refer to it as the Midwest. The Great Plains has been a place under an ocean, a place under glaciers, and a place on fire. It was once dubbed “the Great American Desert,” but is now known for its agricultural viability. The Great Plains sparks imagination because it is so massive and was one of the final frontiers for Euro-American settlement. The Great Plains is seen as a rural place but the majority of the region’s …

Lake Water Quality, Recreation, & Restoration: The Importance Of Stakeholder Involvement, Biran Gedlinske, Wade Kooiman, Katie Olsen

Other Faculty and Staff Publications

Historically, Iowa’s lakes have been plagued with numerous water quality problems including excessive siltation, nutrients, pesticides, and bacterial contamination. Iowa places a heavy reliance on voluntary efforts to address these problems, largely in the form of best management practices (BMPs). Studies have shown that BMPs can improve lake water quality and, in turn, increase recreational activity and visitor spending. In recognition of the potential economic, recreational, and social benefits of improved lake water quality, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) secured significant legislative funding in 2006 to initiate a state-wide lake restoration program (LRP).

LRP case studies are presented …