Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Towards Continuous Variable Quantum Computation Of Lattice Gauge Theories, Shane Nicklaus Thompson

Doctoral Dissertations

The calculation of physical quantities in a relativistic quantum field theory (rQFT) is a computationally demanding task due to the presence of an infinite number of degrees of freedom. This problem carries over to discretized versions of these theories, i.e. lattice field theories, where the Hilbert space size increases exponentially with the size of the lattice. Despite the success of some classical techniques such as Monte Carlo, their applicability is limited. For instance, Monte Carlo is associated with a sign problem that makes real-time evolution and high-fermion-density systems particularly challenging to compute. Quantum computation is a promising avenue thanks to …

Investigating Small Molecule Behavior In Living Bacterial Membranes With Second Harmonic Scattering, Marea J. Blake

Doctoral Dissertations

A molecule's entry into a cell is impeded primarily at the surface of Gram-positive bacteria. This interface serves as the boundary separating cellular contents from the external environment and is composed of a thick layer of peptidoglycan and a lipid bilayer equipped with protein and lipid species with various roles including that of small-molecule transport. As such, understanding these molecule-membrane interactions is imperative to examine in order to design novel drugs or adjuvants to combat the global antibiotic resistance predicament. Knowledge regarding passive diffusion and overall organization of small molecules in the lipid bilayer of living Gram-positive cells is limited …

Stability Of Quantum Computers, Samudra Dasgupta

Doctoral Dissertations

Quantum computing's potential is immense, promising super-polynomial reductions in execution time, energy use, and memory requirements compared to classical computers. This technology has the power to revolutionize scientific applications such as simulating many-body quantum systems for molecular structure understanding, factorization of large integers, enhance machine learning, and in the process, disrupt industries like telecommunications, material science, pharmaceuticals and artificial intelligence. However, quantum computing's potential is curtailed by noise, further complicated by non-stationary noise parameter distributions across time and qubits. This dissertation focuses on the persistent issue of noise in quantum computing, particularly non-stationarity of noise parameters in transmon processors. It …

Understanding The Impact Of Divertor And Main Chamber Ion Fluxes On Divertor Closure In The Diii-D Tokamak, Kirtan M. Davda

Doctoral Dissertations

The diverted tokamak redirects extreme heat and particles to targets, a plasma-facing component designed for such loads. Here, the local fluxes produce strong particle recycling and sputtering. Recycled neutrals can “leak” into the region between the core and wall, the scrape-off-layer (SOL), impacting plasma performance. Increasing divertor closure can reduce leakage by containing neutrals within the divertor. However, there exists a need to quantify divertor baffle restrictions and understand closure directly from empirical data as opposed to indirectly through modeling.

Our study introduces the Geometric Restriction Parameter (GRP) based on simplifying neutral transport to ballistic pathways. Specifically, it considers the …

Multimodal Data Fusion And Machine Learning For Advancing Biomedical Applications, Md Inzamam Ul Haque

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation delves into the intricate landscape of biomedical imaging, examining the transformative potential of data fusion techniques to refine our understanding and diagnosis of health conditions. Daily influxes of diverse biomedical data prompt an exploration into the challenges arising from relying solely on individual imaging modalities. The central premise revolves around the imperative to combine information from varied sources to achieve a holistic comprehension of complex health issues.

The chapters included here contain articles and excerpts from published works. The study unfolds through an examination of four distinct applications of data fusion techniques. It commences with refining clinical task …

Novel Energy Scale Calibration Strategies For The Prospect-Ii Experiment, Xiaobin Lu

Doctoral Dissertations

Nuclear reactors contributed to the first discovery of the elusive neutrino particle and continue to play a significant role in our understanding of neutrino masses and oscillations. The PROSPECT reactor neutrino experiment, the Precision Reactor Oscillation and SPECTrum Experiment, took data at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This work discusses calibration procedures and the establishment of an energy scale model, and details the development of efficient analysis cuts and subsequent selection cut optimization. The precise energy scale calibration and efficient analysis cuts produced a high quality dataset of neutrino interactions of more than 50,000 …

Experimental Quantum Key Distribution In Turbulent Channels, Kazi Mh Reaz

Doctoral Dissertations

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) ensures security by relying on the laws of quantum physics rather than the mathematical intricacy of encryption algorithms. The transmission medium is a critical restricting factor for any quantum communication protocol. Fiber-based optical networks suffer great losses, making quantum communication impossible beyond metropolitan scales. Here free-space quantum communication can be a great alternative for long-distance communication. Even though modern Communications are mostly wireless the atmosphere poses a challenge for QKD. So QKD must be resistant to both atmospheric loss and variations in transmittance. In this thesis we conduct an experiment to strengthen the BB84 protocol's resistance …

Biotinylated Protein Capture And Tween-20 Assisted Exosome Isolations Via Capillary Chanelled Polymer Fiber, Md Khalid Bin Islam

All Theses

In the past two decades, Marcus and colleagues have led the advancement of capillary-channeled polymer (C-CP) fiber stationary phases for biomacromolecule separations, including proteins and nanovesicles. These stationary phases offer notable advantages, including low cost ($5/column), straightforward column fabrication, and the capacity for on-column surface modification, enabling high chemical selectivity. This study examines a C-CP fiber modification strategy for capturing target proteins and develops a Tween-20-assisted C-CP-based hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) method for the isolation and quantification of exosomes from human urine.

The quest for higher-throughput and cost-effective protein isolation techniques remains a key focus in a variety of end …

Photobiomodulation Of Bovine Oocytes During Maturation Increases Atp Content And Enhances Subsequent Embryonic Development, Kendall Richey

All Theses

Bovine in-vitro production(IVP) of embryos is a growing field for producing offspring with desirable genetics in the cattle industries. While IVP is effective, oocyte cytoplasmic maturation is compromised, and bovine oocytes matured in-vitro have reduced metabolic activity than those matured in-vivo. Mitochondria are the central unit of oocyte metabolism, producing ATP through OXPHOS. Photobiomodulation is a light treatment reported to improve metabolic activity. In five experiments, we measured the effects of photobiomodulation treatment with red LED at 16-(L-16) and 20 h(L-20) of bovine oocyte in-vitro maturation on subsequent embryonic development, mitochondrial activity and nuclear progression. Bovine COCs were aspirated …

Crystallographic Defects In Weyl Semimetal Laalge, Inseo Kim, Byungkyun Kang, Hyunsoo Kim, Minseok Choi

Physics Faculty Research & Creative Works

Crystallographic Defects in a Topological Semimetal Can Result in Charge Doping and Scattering Centers Which May Mask the Exotic Spectroscopic and Transport Properties, respectively. Here, We Investigate the Possible Crystallographic Defects Including Vacancy and Antisite in Weyl Semimetal LaAlGe using Hybrid-Density-Functional Theory Calculations. We Show that a Considerable Concentration of Al- and Ge-Related Defects Naturally Form during Growth Due to their Low Formation Enthalpy. Specifically, Al Can Be Easily Replaced by Ge in the I41md Phase of LaAlGe, Forming the Ge-On-Al Antisite, GeAl. the Counterpart, Al-On-Ge (AlGe), is Also Probable. the Most Abundant Defect GeAl is Donorlike, Effectively Electron Doping, …

Consequences Of The Megafauna Extinction: Changes In Food Web Networks On The Edwards Plateau Across The Pleistocene-Holocene Transition, Quentin A. Smith Jr.

School of Biological Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

We are experiencing biodiversity loss due to climate change and human impacts, which is not only harmful to the environment but can also alter the composition of communities and interactions among species. The late Pleistocene experienced a loss of large-bodied mammals which resulted in significant changes in community structure due to changes in body size, diet, and species associations. The impact of these changes on species interactions and community structure across the Pleistocene-Holocene transition remains poorly understood. Using a robust data set of species composition, stable isotopes, body size, and climate variables, we constructed and compared ecological networks of mammal …

Sliding Markov Decision Processes For Dynamic Task Planning On Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles, Trent Wiens

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Mission and flight planning problems for uncrewed aircraft systems (UASs) are typically large and complex in space and computational requirements. With enough time and computing resources, some of these problems may be solvable offline and then executed during flight. In dynamic or uncertain environments, however, the mission may require online adaptation and replanning. In this work, we will discuss methods of creating MDPs for online applications, and a method of using a sliding resolution and receding horizon approach to build and solve Markov Decision Processes (MDPs) in practical planing applications for UASs. In this strategy, called a Sliding Markov Decision …

Bidding Strategy For A Wind Power Producer In Us Energy And Reserve Markets, Anne Stratman

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Wind power is one of the world's fastest-growing renewable energy resources and has expanded quickly within the US electric grid. Currently, wind power producers (WPPs) may sell energy products in US markets but are not allowed to sell reserve products, due to the uncertain and intermittent nature of wind power. However, as wind’s share of the power supply grows, it may eventually be necessary for WPPs to contribute to system-wide reserves. This paper proposes a stochastic optimization model to determine the optimal offer strategy for a WPP that participates in the day-ahead and real-time energy and spinning reserve markets. The …

Seasonal Comparison Of Air Quality Variables And Evaluation Of Carbon Dioxide And Particulate Measurement Period In Classrooms, Daud Nosham

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Indoor air quality and thermal environmental variables were measured in 55 classrooms in the mid-western United States spanning a full academic year. The studied air quality and environmental factors included carbon dioxide, temperature, relative humidity, particle counts, air velocity, formaldehyde, total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone.

Carbon dioxide and Particulate matter concentrations were measured for a four-day measurement period. Then one-day, two-day, and four-day occupied time average concentrations were calculated which were then compared statistically to figure out an appropriate measurement period for these air quality variables. Kruskal Wallis test and Wilcoxon test were used to …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Indole-Based Zinc Dipyrrin Photosensitizers, Jean-Pierre Sanza

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Metal complexes of dipyrromethene (dipyrrins) used as sensitizers in photocatalysis offer a way to harness solar energy in chemical bonds to create new fuels. This offers the dual role of reducing fossil fuel dependence and atmospheric CO₂ levels. Traditionally, metal dipyrrin complexes are synthesized using substituted pyrroles, aldehydes, and transition metals. Indoles have a more expanded pi-electron system and their dipyrrin-type complex may exhibit visible light absorption, suggesting that they can act as photosensitizers for CO₂ reduction processes. A novel indoledipyrromethene was synthesized using unsubstituted indole and mesitaldehyde. The complex exhibits visible light absorption at 422 nm. Its …

Comparative Analysis Of Surrogate Models For The Dissolution Of Spent Nuclear Fuel, Dayo Awe

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents a comparative analysis of surrogate models for the dissolution of spent nuclear fuel, with a focus on the use of deep learning techniques. The study explores the accuracy and efficiency of different machine learning methods in predicting the dissolution behavior of nuclear waste, and compares them to traditional modeling approaches. The results show that deep learning models can achieve high accuracy in predicting the dissolution rate, while also being computationally efficient. The study also discusses the potential applications of surrogate modeling in the field of nuclear waste management, including the optimization of waste disposal strategies and the …

New Algorithms For The Multiplication Table Problem, Evan Blom

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

In 1955, Paul Erdős initiated the study of a function that counts the number of distinct integers in an (n × n) multiplication table. That is, he studied M(n) = |{i · j, 1 ≤ i, j ≤ n}|. Much research has been done in regards to both asymptotic and exact approximations of M(n) for increasingly large values of n. Recently, Brent et. al. investigated the algorithmic cost in computing this function. Instead of computing M(n) directly, their approach was to compute it incrementally. That is, given M(n−1), they could quickly compute M(n) using another function δ(n) to count the …

Manipulation Of The Magnetic Properties Of Van Der Waals Materials Through External Stimuli, Luis Martinez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

A new revolutionary application dependent on the electron spin to carry information with greater efficiency in data storage, transfer, and processing, will rely heavily on 2D magnets and the ability to effectively control their electron spins and engineer their properties. Previously, magnetic thin films were heavily studied to achieve this goal, however, these materials came with pitfalls and lacked naturally occurring 2D magnetism. The recent discovery of intrinsic magnetism in few-layered van der Waals (vdW) magnets has inspired researchers to extensively study them because of the feasibility to exfoliate them down to a monolayer. Due to this dimensionality factor, vdW …

Navigate The World Of Rfid: Diversity, Capabilities, And Constraints Of Readers And Tags, Rachana Pandey

2024 Spring Honors Capstone Projects

Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, a method for storing and retrieving data through electromagnetic transmission to an RFID tag, is revolutionizing inventory and asset management in various sectors, including healthcare. This research explores the applications of RFID in a medical setting. It assesses various RFID readers and tags, focusing on their functional capabilities, ranges, and limitations within a medical environment. Employing a comprehensive approach, the study integrates an extensive literature review, comparative analysis, and empirical data from both experimental simulations and real-world healthcare scenarios. The aim is to identify RFID solutions that optimize surgical equipment management, thereby enhancing both operational efficiency …

Understanding Stress And Coping Among Adults In The United States During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jocy-Anna Chevalier

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, individuals in the United States (U.S.) and across the globe have experienced unprecedented levels of stress. The purpose of this study is to understand the stress experienced among adults in the U.S. and which coping processes affect their overall emotional well-being. Guided by Lazarus and Folkman’s (1987) Transactional Model of Stress and Coping (TMSC), this study conducted a secondary data analysis (n=404) of adults across the U.S who completed an online survey examining their experiences with stress and coping. A Pearson correlation was utilized to explore the relationship between stress and depressive symptoms. Paired samples …

Depositional Facies And Petrophysical Characterization Of The Leonardian Carbonate (Lower Clear Fork), Tex-Mex, S.E. Field, Central Basin Platform, West Texas, Seyram Nyamasekpor

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Lower Clear Fork from Tex-Mex, S.E. Field on the Central Basin Platform is a typical complex reservoir that displays high heterogeneity in lithological and petrophysical properties. The unit represents a producing reservoir succession of Leonardian platform carbonates deposited in shallow marine water during the Early Permian. The sediment of the Lower Clear Fork is composed of a mixed succession of dolomite interbedded with anhydrite, minor clay minerals, and siliciclastics. The high heterolithic nature of the reservoir makes efficient recovery of hydrocarbons difficult. This situation requires an understanding of the variability in depositional facies in terms of mineralogy, depositional textures …

A Dual-Polarimetric Analysis Of A Large Sample Of Left-Moving Supercells, Ben Schweigert

Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Supercells have been researched extensively since they were first described over 50 years ago. They are prolific severe weather producers, responsible for the most severe hail, severe wind gusts, and tornadoes. These rotating thunderstorms require attention from forecasters to protect life and property from their threats, most effectively done with Doppler radars. While extensive amounts of radar-based investigations have been completed, they focused almost exclusively on right-moving (RM) supercells, resulting in a knowledge gap surrounding their counter-rotating (left-moving, LM) partners. This study works to fill the void by developing a dataset of LM supercells and analyzing the dual-polarimetric features observed …

2024 May - Tennessee Monthly Climate Report, Tennessee Climate Office, East Tennessee State University

Tennessee Climate Office Monthly Report

No abstract provided.

Asteroidal Sets And Dominating Targets In Graphs, Oleksiy Al-Saadi

Department of Computer Science and Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The focus of this PhD thesis is on various distance and domination properties in graphs. In particular, we prove strong results about the interactions between asteroidal sets and dominating targets. Our results add to or extend a plethora of results on these properties within the literature. We define the class of strict dominating pair graphs and show structural and algorithmic properties of this class. Notably, we prove that such graphs have diameter 3, 4, or contain an asteroidal quadruple. Then, we design an algorithm to to efficiently recognize chordal hereditary dominating pair graphs. We provide new results that describe the …

A Novel Correction For The Multivariate Ljung-Box Test, Minhao Huang

Computational and Data Sciences (PhD) Dissertations

This research introduces an analytical improvement to the Multivariate Ljung-Box test that addresses significant deviations of the original test from the nominal Type I error rates under almost all scenarios. Prior attempts to mitigate this issue have been directed at modification of the test statistics or correction of the test distribution to achieve precise results in finite samples. In previous studies, focused on designing corrections to the univariate Ljung-Box, a method that specifically adjusts the test rejection region has been the most successful of attaining the best Type I error rates. We adopt the same approach for the more complex, …

Proof-Of-Concept For Converging Beam Small Animal Irradiator, Benjamin Insley

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

The Monte Carlo particle simulator TOPAS, the multiphysics solver COMSOL., and

several analytical radiation transport methods were employed to perform an in-depth proof-ofconcept

for a high dose rate, high precision converging beam small animal irradiation platform.

In the first aim of this work, a novel carbon nanotube-based compact X-ray tube optimized for

high output and high directionality was designed and characterized. In the second aim, an

optimization algorithm was developed to customize a collimator geometry for this unique Xray

source to simultaneously maximize the irradiator’s intensity and precision. Then, a full

converging beam irradiator apparatus was fit with a multitude …

Using The History Of Statistics To Teach Introductory Statistics, Melissa Hansen

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

While often taught in high school and required as part of a college degree, statistics classes are sometimes viewed by students as an obstacle rather than a support for their overall goals. One way to increase student engagement in a statistics course is to use the history of statistics. Within the literature review, the advantages to using the history of statistics are discussed as well as the more extensive research on using the history of mathematics in mathematics courses. Included are instructional strategies for using the context around the development of mathematical ideas in math classrooms which can be extended …

Soil Reclamation Strategies In Construction Disturbed Soil, Alexis Koelling

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

The rapid urbanization occurring in arid environments like the Intermountain West region of the U.S. significantly alters soil conditions. Construction of roads, buildings, and other infrastructure leads to the disturbance of soil structure, nutrient depletion, and reduced fertility. This research addresses the need for sustainable soil management practices that may restore soil health post-construction. In this study, the effectiveness of various soil amendments and application methods on specific soil parameters and turfgrass establishment in construction-disturbed soils was evaluated. The study highlights the critical role of soil amendments, particularly municipal solid waste (MSW) compost, in improving soil quality and plant growth. …

Learning Scene Semantics For 3d Scene Retrieval, Natalie Gleason

Honors Theses

This project presents a comprehensive exploration into semantics-driven 3D scene retrieval, aiming to bridge the gap between 2D sketches/images and 3D models. Through four distinct research objectives, this project endeavors to construct a foundational infrastructure, develop methodologies for quantifying semantic similarity, and advance a semantics-based retrieval framework for 2D scene sketch-based and image-based 3D scene retrieval. Leveraging WordNet as a foundational semantic ontology library, the research proposes the construction of an extensive hierarchical scene semantic tree, enriching 2D/3D scenes with encoded semantic information. The methodologies for semantic similarity computation utilize this semantic tree to bridge the semantic disparity between 2D …

Reviving The Past: Enhancing Language Models With Historical Text Optimization, Heather D. Broome

Honors Theses

Recent advancements in Natural Language Processing (NLP) have brought attention to the significant potential that exists for widespread applications of Large Language Models (LLMs). As demands and expectations for LLMs rise, ensuring efficiency and accuracy becomes paramount. Addressing these challenges requires more than just optimizing current techniques; it urges novel approaches to NLP as a whole. This study investigates novel data preprocessing methods designed to enhance LLM performance by mitigating inefficiencies rooted in natural language, particularly by simplifying the complexities presented by historical texts. Utilizing the classical text The Odyssey by Homer, two preprocessing techniques are introduced: tokenization of names …