Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Conceptual Model For Spillover Rain Formation In Lima, Peru, Piero Rivas

International Programs

A composite analysis determined that spillover rain formation in Lima is driven mainly by systems in high levels which in turn fortify easterly winds that also bring moisture from the Amazon basin.

Who Creates Strong Passwords When Nudging Fails, Shelia M. Kennison, Ian T. Jones, Victoria H. Spooner, D. Eric Chan-Tin

Computer Science: Faculty Publications and Other Works

The use of strong passwords is viewed as a recommended cybersecurity practice, as the hacking of weak passwords led to major cybersecurity breaches. The present research investigated whether nudging with messages based on participants’ self-schemas could lead them to create stronger passwords. We modeled our study on prior health-related research demonstrating positive results using messages based on self-schema categories (i.e., True Colors categories -compassionate, loyal, intellectual, and adventurous). We carried out an online study, one with 256 (185 women, 66 men, 5 other) undergraduates and one with 424 (240 men, 179 women, 5 other) Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) workers, in …

Centralizers Of Abelian Hamiltonian Actions On Rational Ruled Surfaces, Pranav Vijay Chakravarthy

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

In this thesis, we compute the homotopy type of the group of equivariant symplectomorphisms of $S^2 \times S^2$ and $CP^2$ blown up once under the presence of Hamiltonian group actions of either $S^1$ or finite cyclic groups. For Hamiltonian circle actions, we prove that the centralizers are homotopy equivalent to either a torus, or to the homotopy pushout of two tori depending on whether the circle action extends to a single toric action or to exactly two non-equivalent toric actions. We can show that the same holds for the centralizers of most finite cyclic groups in the Hamiltonian group $\Ham(M)$. …

The Design And Characterization Of Advanced Li Metal Anodes For Next-Generation Batteries, Keegan R. Adair

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Li metal batteries have been widely regarded as the next stage of energy storage technology, which is enabled by the low electrochemical potential (-3.04 V vs. the standard hydrogen electrode) and high specific capacity (3860 mAh g^-1) of the Li metal anode. However, the implementation of Li metal anodes has been hindered by several issues including parasitic side reactions with electrolyte, large volume fluctuations, and dendrite formation which can cause short-circuits and safety issues. This thesis will cover some novel Li anode stabilization strategies while using advanced characterization techniques to provide critical information on the working mechanisms of …

Exploratory Search With Archetype-Based Language Models, Brent D. Davis

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This dissertation explores how machine learning, natural language processing and information retrieval may assist the exploratory search task. Exploratory search is a search where the ideal outcome of the search is unknown, and thus the ideal language to use in a retrieval query to match it is unavailable. Three algorithms represent the contribution of this work. Archetype-based Modeling and Search provides a way to use previously identified archetypal documents relevant to an archetype to form a notion of similarity and find related documents that match the defined archetype. This is beneficial for exploratory search as it can generalize beyond standard …

Surface Network Extraction From High Resolution Digital Terrain Models, Eric Guilbert

Journal of Spatial Information Science

A surface network is a topological data structure formed by a set of thalwegs and ridges on a digital terrain model. Its computation relies on the detection of saddles on the terrain. Hence, computation methods must guarantee enough saddles are detected but also that no improper conflicts between ridges and thalwegs are created, leading to an inconsistent network. This paper presents a new approach that maximizes the number of saddles and ensures this topological consistency for high-resolution terrain models represented by a raster grid. The grid is triangulated in order to preserve saddles and to facilitate thalweg and ridge computation. …

Examining Satellite Images Market Stability Using The Records Theory: Evidence From French Spatial Data Infrastructures, Chadi Jabbour, Anis Hoayek, Pierre Maurel, Zaher Khraibani, Latifa Ghalayini

Journal of Spatial Information Science

The spatial data infrastructures (SDIs) which constitute a direct link between spatial data users and the large Earth observation industry, have a leading role in establishing market opportunities in the space sector. The spatial information supplied through various forms of SDI platforms exhibits large increases in demand volatility. The users' demand is unpredictable and the market is vulnerable to high evolution shifts. We study the effect of extreme demands for a particular type of spatial information, the satellite images. Drawing on two French SDIs, GEOSUD and PEPS, we examine the shifts occurring on their platforms and assess the probability of …

Towards Detecting, Characterizing, And Rating Of Road Class Errors In Crowd-Sourced Road Network Databases, Johanna Guth, Sina Keller, Stefan Hinz, Stephan Winter

Journal of Spatial Information Science

OpenStreetMap (OSM), with its global coverage and Open Database License, has recently gained popularity. Its quality is adequate for many applications, but since it is crowd-sourced, errors remain an issue. Errors in associated tags of the road network, for example, are impacting routing applications. Particularly road classification errors often lead to false assumptions about capacity, maximum speed, or road quality, possibly resulting in detours for routing applications. This study aims at finding potential classification errors automatically, which can then be checked and corrected by a human expert. We develop a novel approach to detect road classification errors in OSM by …

Umn Morris Carbon Footprint Calculations (2005 - 2020), Anneliese Tatham

Scholarly Horizons: University of Minnesota, Morris Undergraduate Journal

The University of Minnesota Morris is well known for its commitment to sustainability. As a part of this commitment, the UMN Morris Office of Sustainability tracks and analyzes campus energy production, consumption and efficiency and summarizes this information as a carbon footprint. A carbon footprint combines all available greenhouse gas emissions data attributed to the institution from three categories: direct emissions from institution-owned or operated processes (Scope 1), indirect emissions related to the purchase of utilities (Scope 2), and indirect emissions from sources not owned by the institution but associated with its function (Scope 3). This project was an effort …

Electronic Voting Implementation Through Bitcoin Blockchain Technology, Cassie Schultz

Scholarly Horizons: University of Minnesota, Morris Undergraduate Journal

Even with all the advances we have seen in secure digital technology, the most secure way to currently cast a vote on election day consist of a hand-marked paper ballot. When extenuating circumstances arise, offering a voting environment that is accessible and safe for everyone, but also secure can be a difficult task under the current voting system. This paper discusses one proposed electronic voting system which uses blockchain technology. Based on a review of literature on blockchain technology and specific implementations of voting systems, a summary of relevant background information as well as implementation protocol are provided. Even though …

Browser Fingerprinting And The Importance Of Digital Privacy, Aaron M. Corpstein

Scholarly Horizons: University of Minnesota, Morris Undergraduate Journal

Browser fingerprinting is a type of internet tracking where the attributes of a user’s computer and browser accessing a web page are remotely recorded and then used for profiling, tracking, and advertising purposes. This paper focuses on defining browser fingerprinting and enumerating ways in which the user can combat fingerprinting. Browser fingerprinting can be thwarted by changing attributes within the user’s browser or machine, using a browser designed to combat fingerprinting, or with security and anti-fingerprinting focused browser extensions. All of these methods are capable of increasing the security of the user.

Dark Matter Detection Materials, James E. Harrison Iv

PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas

The purpose of this paper is to review the different methods and materials used in the detection of dark matter. Special attention is given to materials in the solid state, but other materials are briefly mentioned for the sake of completeness. After a review, we discuss the viability of each material as a detector, and determine what advantages each material has, and what method of detection works best for each material. We conclude by discussing the potential outcomes of a null detection.

Thermal Properties Of 18f-Fdg Uptake And Imaging In Positron Emission Tomography Scans Of Cancerous Cells, Carleigh R. Eagle

PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans can utilize a radioactive tracer, in this case 2-deoxy2-[fluorine-18] fluoro-D-glucose (¹⁸F-FDG), to visualize malignant tumors in cancer patients. The uptake was compared to glucose to understand the difference in thermal properties, which contribute to the ability to image the cancerous cells. The uptake of ¹⁸F-FDG by cancer cells and the imaging process of positron emission tomography were reviewed from a thermodynamic perspective. Gastrointestinal and neurological imaging techniques were reviewed to understand the role of PET imaging in different areas of the human body.

Lower Bounds On Betti Numbers, Adam Boocher, Eloisa Grifo

Department of Mathematics: Faculty Publications

We survey recent results on bounds for Betti numbers of modules over polynomial rings, with an emphasis on lower bounds. Along the way, we give a gentle introduction to free resolutions and Betti numbers, and discuss some of the reasons why one would study these.

From Mathematics To Medicine: A Practical Primer On Topological Data Analysis (Tda) And The Development Of Related Analytic Tools For The Functional Discovery Of Latent Structure In Fmri Data, Andrew Salch, Adam Regalski, Hassan Abdallah, Raviteja Suryadevara, Michael J. Catanzaro, Vaibhav A. Diwadkar

Mathematics Faculty Research Publications

fMRI is the preeminent method for collecting signals from the human brain in vivo, for using these signals in the service of functional discovery, and relating these discoveries to anatomical structure. Numerous computational and mathematical techniques have been deployed to extract information from the fMRI signal. Yet, the application of Topological Data Analyses (TDA) remain limited to certain sub-areas such as connectomics (that is, with summarized versions of fMRI data). While connectomics is a natural and important area of application of TDA, applications of TDA in the service of extracting structure from the (non-summarized) fMRI data itself are heretofore nonexistent. …

Formation Of Microcages From A Collagen Mimetic Peptide Via Metal-Ligand Interactions, Jeremy Gleaton, Ryan W. Curtis, Jean Chmielewski

Department of Chemistry Faculty Publications

Here, the hierarchical assembly of a collagen mimetic peptide (CMP) displaying four bipyridine moieties is described. The CMP was capable of forming triple helices followed by self-assembly into disks and domes. Treatment of these disks and domes with metal ions such as Fe(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Co(II), and Ru(III) triggered the formation of microcages, and micron-sized cup-like structures. Mechanistic studies suggest that the formation of the microcages proceeds from the disks and domes in a metal-dependent fashion. Fluorescently-labeled dextrans were encapsulated within the cages and displayed a time-dependent release using thermal conditions.

Temporal And Spatial Variations In Three-Dimensional Seismic Oceanography, Zheguang Zou, Parsa Bakhtiari Rad, Leonardo Macelloni, Likun Zhang

Faculty and Student Publications

Seismic oceanography is a new cross-discipline between geophysics and oceanography that uses seismic reflection data to image and study the oceanic water column. Previous work on seismic oceanography was largely limited to two-dimensional (2D) seismic data and methods. Here we explore and quantify temporal and spatial variations in three-dimensional (3D) seismic oceanography to address whether 3D seismic imaging is meaningful in all directions and how one can take advantage of the variations. From a 3D multichannel seismic survey acquired for oil and gas exploration in the Gulf of Mexico over a 6-month period, a 3D oceanic seismic volume was derived. …

Social And Environmental Issue Of Deforestation In Papua, Indonesia, Briantama Asmara

International Programs

This poster aims to cover social and environmental impacts of deforestation in Papua. This research was based on literature review from various authors.

Environment Protection And Public Policies: The Case Of The Brazilian System Of Protected Areas (Snuc), Wainesten Da Silva

International Programs

This poster aims to present the Brazilian System of Protected Areas (SNUC), which is the result of the enforcement of the Brazilian society in promoting public policies to reduce the impact of human activity in nature. It has presented the concept of a public policy, a short history of public policies regarding the environment in Brazil, the main points of the Brazilian System of Protected Areas (SNUC), and a map exposing the protected areas in Brazil. The main finding is that the SNUC is a strong instrument to promote public policies to protect the environment, not only excluding the use …

Gases Concept Inventory (Gci): An Instrument Test To Analyze Students’ Mental Models Of The Kinetic Theory Of Gases, Muhammad Guntur Purwanto

International Programs

This poster is to promote a Gases Concept Inventory (GCI) as an instrument test to evaluate students’ mental models on kinetic theory of gases. By evaluating mental models using GCI, teachers can assess students’ initial perception and understanding in kinetic theory of gases, so they can prepare the best method to deliver kinetic theory of gases concept to students. THE GCI is analyzed by evaluating its validity, reliability, and difficulty level to prove that GCI is valid and reliable to be used.

Topology Optimization Of 2d Structures With Multiple Displacement Constraints, Patricio Uarac Pinto

International Programs

The use of topology optimization in the design process in Civil Engineering can lead to innovative building shapes that not only fulfill structural requirements but also open new opportunities for arquitectonics.

Faculty-Librarian Cooperation For Virtual Stem Based Courses: Creating Successful Learning Experiences For Undergraduate Students At Ucf, Sandy Avila, Nicole Lapeyrouse

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

This conference presentation was delivered at the Special Libraries Association annual virtual conference on August 12, 2021.

Session Abstract

In this session, University of Central Florida Chemistry Faculty, Dr. Nicole Lapeyrouse and Science Librarian, Sandy Avila will discuss their transition from in-person instruction to online learning during the pandemic and how their professional collaboration developed instructional resources for student success. Prior to COVID-19, a fruitful cooperative relationship was already in place, but quickly having to pivot to remote teaching and learning allowed for additional opportunities for unique experiences to be created. Those include use of open-educational e-texts, interactive online software …

A Look Into User's Privacy Perceptions And Data Practices Of Iot Devices, Mahdi Nasrullah Al-Ameen, Apoorva Chauhan, M.A. Manazir Ahsan, Huzeyfe Kocabas

Computer Science Student Research

Purpose: With the rapid deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, it has been essential to address the security and privacy issues through maintaining transparency in data practices. The prior research focused on identifying people’s privacy preferences in different contexts of IoT usage, and their mental models of security threats. However, there is a dearth in existing literature to understand the mismatch between user’s perceptions and the actual data practices of IoT devices. Such mismatches could lead users unknowingly sharing their private information, exposing themselves to unanticipated privacy risks. We aim to identify these mismatched privacy perceptions in our work. …

Simulating The Storm Environment Responsible For Nepal's First Observed Tornado, Jonathan David Douglas Meyer, Binod Pokharel, Robert R. Gillies

Plants, Soils, and Climate Faculty Publications

A high-resolution numerical forecast model was used to simulate the meteorological conditions leading up to the March 31st, 2019 severe weather event that produced Nepal's first-ever observed tornado. The sparse meteorologic observations in the region capturing the storm environment limit the ability to anticipate another similar situation should the particular set of conditions present themselves again. This study presents a multifaced view of the storm environment through 1) a synoptic perspective provided by the Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS) reanalysis dataset and 2) a trio of progressively higher resolution one-way nested simulations (12 km–4km–1km) driven by GDAS boundary conditions to …

Exploring Non-Functional Coupling Between Subsystems, Matt Pope

Theses and Dissertations

Many software systems depend on other systems to function correctly or are themselves composed of interdependent subsystems. In that context, behavioral changes in a dependency may have consequences for a dependent subsystem. This includes changes to non-functional properties such as latency or availability. In this paper we use the term non-functional coupling to mean the extent to which a subsystem is affected by changes to non-functional properties in a dependency. We argue that non-functional coupling has implications for the maintainability, reliability and performance of an overall system. We also explore the extent to which various engineering techniques used in interaction …

Palynology And Paleoclimatology Of The Chicxulub Impact Crater In The Early Paleogene, Vann Smith

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

At the end of the Cretaceous Period, a large bolide impacted the Earth and formed the Chicxulub impact crater in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. In 2016, International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 364 Site M0077 drilled into the buried peak ring of the crater, recovering a marine Paleocene to early Eocene post-impact section deposited on top of the impact breccia. Palynological analysis of 195 samples from the post-impact section has yielded the first pre-Holocene vegetational record from inside the Chicxulub impact crater and the first palynological record of the recovery of life following the end-Cretaceous mass extinction from inside the …

A Paleoseismic Study Of The Twin Lakes Fault, Mount Hood Fault Zone, Oregon, Charlie Carr, Ashley R. Streig

McNair Symposium

Recent geologic mapping on high-resolution topography from lidar has led to the discovery of a zone of active faults on Mount Hood. The Mt. Hood Fault Zone consists of four separate faults, and stretches ~55 km from south to north, and crosses the summit of Mount Hood. The focus of this study is the northern section of Twin Lakes Fault, which lies directly south of Mount Hood and adjacent to OR35 and the White River. Lidar topography reveals the west side down normal displacement on the Twin Lakes fault. The highest tectonic seismicity rates in the Mount Hood area occur …

Empirical Fitting Of Periodically Repeating Environmental Data, Pavel Bělík, Andrew Hotchkiss, Brandon Perez, John Zobitz

Spora: A Journal of Biomathematics

We extend and generalize an approach to conduct fitting models of periodically repeating data. Our method first detrends the data from a baseline function and then fits the data to a periodic (trigonometric, polynomial, or piecewise linear) function. The polynomial and piecewise linear functions are developed from assumptions of continuity and differentiability across each time period. We apply this approach to different datasets in the environmental sciences in addition to a synthetic dataset. Overall the polynomial and piecewise linear approaches developed here performed as good (or better) compared to the trigonometric approach when evaluated using statistical measures (R^{2 …}

Ronald E. Mcnair Scholars Program Profiles And Abstracts 2021, Mcnair Scholars Program

McNair Symposium

This is the complete event program and provides presentation abstracts and biographies of McNair scholars and their mentors.

Mapping Polynomial Dynamics, Devin Becker

DePaul Discoveries

We explore the complex dynamics of a family of polynomials defined on the complex plane by f(z) = az^m(1+z/d)^d where a is a complex number not equal to zero, and m and d are at least 2. These functions have three finite critical points, one of which has behavior that differs as we change our parameter values. We analyze the dynamical behavior at this critical point, with a particular interest in the structures that appear in the filled Julia set K(f) and the basin of infinity A_{\infty}(f). The behavior of the family is extremely sensitive to our …