University of Illinois at Chicago
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Content-Moderation for End-to-End-Encrypted Platforms
No full textIn 2021, Apple proposed a mechanism to detect child-sexual-abuse-material (CSAM) in end-to-end encrypted content uploaded to iCloud. This mechanism leveraged a private set intersection (PSI) protocol to recover a decryption key for encrypted data that matched against a blocklist of hashes curated by Apple. However, the proposal faced widespread criticism as it completely trusted Apple to create the blocklist without any oversight. Furthermore, due to technical reasons, a third-party could not verify that the blocklist was limited to checking for CSAM material. Unfortunately, this meant that the blocklist could be easily manipulated for surveillance and censorship, and due to the lack of trust in a self-interested organization, this proposal was not implemented This thesis posits that in order to increase trust in a blocklisted content moderation system, it is necessary to involve multiple, independent parties in creation of the blocklist. In particular, we envision a setting where a group of trusted auditors, e.g., law enforcement, and child safety groups, publish a common (obfuscated) blocklist of content that storage providers can check against. Such blocklists are not uncommon, e.g., the NCMEC and FBI have published lists of missing children and persons. Having a common blocklist curated by multiple parties with different interests, will build more trust in the system than individual blocklists published by self-interested service providers. This idea poses several technical challenges such as: i) ensuring that the blocklist is unforgeable and can be authenticated by clients, ii) ensuring that the service providers do not learn any information about non-CSAM content, and iii) keeping the blocklist confidential from the clients. This thesis proposes a novel crypto-graphic primitive, a randomizable set-homomorphic signature, that simultaneously achieves all of these goals. A set homomorphic signature allows us to represent an arbitrarily large blocklist with a compact digest that can be authenticated using the auditors’ public keys. We provide a RSA-based construction, and use it to design a content moderation protocol for encrypted file stores. The protocol is optimal in terms of client-side compute, communication and storage costs. Additionally, we prove security of the protocol and provide benchmarks on a public cloud infrastructure
Higher Scissors Congruence Groups of the Euclidean Plane
No full textGiven a polygon in the Euclidean plane, consider the class of all polygons that are scissors congruent to the given polygon – that is, the class of all polygons which may be cut up finitely many times and then have their pieces rearranged into the given polygon. The problem of classical scissors congruence is to understand the different types of polygons (or polytopes, as they are called in higher dimensions) that exist up to this equivalence relation, in any dimension. Complementarily, higher scissors congruence groups capture information about the ways in which different polytopes are indeed scissors congruent – how to count and describe cutting and pasting equivalent polytopes together. No one has been able to compute these groups before: the only existing calculations were in one-dimensional geometry. Moreover, computations of higher scissors congruence groups are examples of computations in algebraic K-theory, which are known to be exceedingly difficult.
In the Euclidean plane, I obtain a complete answer for the computation of an approximation of all higher scissors congruence groups, where that approximation is defined by permitting rational rotations exclusively. In the general case, where I permit all rotations, I provide infinite families of classes in the higher scissors congruence groups for degree 2 and above. In fact, I prove that these higher scissors congruence groups are uncountable. Applying homological methods here will shed light on a conjecture that says a homological tool called a trace map detects all higher scissors congruence groups. To prove or disprove this conjecture would be a great achievement for understanding the interface between homological algebra and scissors congruence computations
Matrix Effects on Electrochemical Oxidation of PFAS in Real Wastewater Systems
No full textPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants of increasing global concern due to their chemical stability, mobility, and resistance to degradation in conventional water treatment processes. Electrochemical oxidation has emerged as a promising technique for degrading PFAS, particularly in complex and high-strength wastewater systems. However, the efficiency of electrochemical oxidation is strongly influenced by the chemical composition of the water matrix, which can impact reaction kinetics, electrode performance, and byproduct formation. This thesis systematically investigates the effects of background matrix constituents on PFAS electrochemical oxidation in three distinct wastewater types: municipal sludge centrate, wastewater effluent reverse osmosis (RO) concentrate, and municipal landfill leachate, using tubular Ti4O7 reactive electrochemical membranes (REMs).
The first study (Chapter III) focused on understanding how specific inorganic anions and model organic matter (humic acid) present in sludge centrate influence PFAS electrochemical oxidation kinetics. Experiments were conducted using synthetic matrices containing individual ions, including phosphate, bicarbonate, and ammonium. These ions are commonly found in municipal sludge dewatering streams and are known to interact with reactive oxygen species such as hydroxyl radicals. The findings demonstrated a significant decrease in perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) removal rates in the presence of these ions compared to an inert NaClO4 electrolyte. The modeled Langmuir-Hinshelwood apparent first rate constant dropped from (1.02 ± 0.090) × 10⁻⁴ m s⁻¹ in NaClO₄ to as low as (3.69 ± 1.4) × 10⁻⁵ m s⁻¹ in ion-rich matrices. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirmed that phosphate and ammonium species adsorbed onto the electrode surface during treatment, suggesting these ions interfered with active site availability and contributed to lower PFAS removal. The study also explored energy consumption for centrate electrochemical oxidation, highlighting that despite these limitations, energy requirements per log removal remained relatively low (~1.24 kWh m⁻³ for 83% PFAS removal).
Building on these results, Chapter IV explored the electrochemical oxidation of PFOA in RO concentrate obtained from an advanced potable reuse facility. This matrix presents a unique challenge due to its high concentrations of salts, organic compounds, and hardness ions such as calcium and magnesium. Electrochemical oxidation experiments were performed under varying applied current densities (16 - 60 mA cm-2), revealing several key findings. First, the presence of calcium and magnesium resulted in significant cathodic scaling due to the formation of CaCO3, Ca(OH)2, and Mg(OH)2, particularly under high local pH near the cathode. This scaling led to pore blockage, membrane fouling, and increased internal resistance. In parallel, high chloride levels promoted the formation of reactive chlorine species (Cl2, ClO2⁻, ClO3⁻, ClO4⁻), with total ClOx⁻ concentrations reaching 0.54 mM and a free chlorine as high as 3.0 mM. While the overall chlorine mass balance was nearly complete (97–105%), the formation of regulated byproducts such as chlorate and perchlorate poses a risk if the treated effluent is discharged directly to the environment. Despite these challenges, COD and ammonia were effectively removed at higher current densities (> 87.7% and > 87.9%, respectively), and PFOA removal exceeded 85%, indicating that electrochemical oxidation remains a viable option if matrix interferences are addressed.
Chapter V shifted focus to municipal landfill leachate, a complex and variable matrix typically containing high levels of organic matter, heavy metals, and scaling ions ( calcium and magnesium). The study investigated a series of pretreatment approaches to reduce matrix complexity and improve the downstream electrochemical oxidation process. Coagulation and flocculation using FeCl3 were found to be highly effective in removing COD (up to 83.4% ± 4.3 %) and certain heavy metals, including As, Mo, Hg, with respective removal efficiencies of 94%, 89%, and 86% at the highest FeCl3 dosage and pH of 8.1.
Electrochemical oxidation was further tested for PFBS, a short-chain PFAS known to be more recalcitrant than its long-chain counterparts. In the landfill leachate matrix, PFBS removal reached only 48% after 82 seconds of treatment at a current density of 30 mA cm-2, with minimal removal observed under open circuit potential (OCP) conditions. These results highlight the persistent challenge posed by short-chain PFAS, which are less susceptible to both adsorption and oxidative degradation and may require novel materials for effective treatment.
Overall, this thesis comprehensively evaluates matrix effects on PFAS electrochemical oxidation and identifies key mechanisms, such as radical scavenging, electrode fouling, and cathodic scaling, that limit system performance. The results underscore the importance of pretreatment and system optimization, particularly when transitioning from laboratory-scale synthetic matrices to real wastewater applications. Based on these findings, a series of future research directions is proposed, including the development of multi-stage electrochemical systems and the incorporation of catalytic materials to enhance electrode reactivity
Common = Ineffective? A Replication Attempt of the Normative Dilution Effect in the Context of Apologies
No full textThe normative dilution effect suggests that perceiving a behavior as normative can undermine its effectiveness, particularly in contexts where its communicative value matters. Intergroup apologies offer a compelling test case for this effect, as conveying sincere motives is key to their effectiveness in promoting forgiveness. To date, only one quantitative study (Okimoto et al., 2015) has tested this effect. In two experimental studies and one correlational study, I aimed to replicate and extend the normative dilution effect by introducing ulterior motives as a mechanism linking perceptions of apology commonness to reduced perceptions of sincerity. Across two samples of Australian participants (Ntotal = 1,087) and a sample of American participants (N = 314), I found no evidence supporting the normative dilution effect. When experimentally induced to perceive political apologies as more common, Australian participants did not attribute more ulterior motives to the apologizer, perceive apologies as less sincere, or report being less willing to forgive Japan for the mistreatment of Australian POWs. Additionally, when Americans were asked to imagine transgressor groups issuing apologies across different types of conflict, viewing political apologies as more common was associated with the perception that apologies would be more sincere and with a greater willingness to forgive the transgressor. I discuss the implications of these findings for the normative dilution theory
Early Water on Mars Hindered Subduction-Driven Plate Tectonics
No full textMars and Earth share many similarities in their early geological evolution, but only Earth developed active plate tectonics. One of the main unresolved phenomena in planetary science is understanding why plate tectonics, particularly subduction-driven plate tectonics, failed to develop on Mars. Here, I investigate the possibility of subduction initiation in early Mars with both dry and hydrated scenarios to see if crustal hydration could have prevented the initiation of subduction by affecting crustal density and mineral stability. This study investigates the buoyancy contrast between crust and mantle in Martian crusts of variable water content, using a combination of thermodynamic phase-equilibrium modeling and numerical calculations. Modeling was carried out across a range of pressure–temperature conditions relevant to crustal and upper mantle conditions in Martian environments, using bulk compositions including Yamato 980459, Gusev basalt, Zagami, and the average Martian crust. The models indicate that even small amounts of water, approximately 0.45–0.9 wt% H₂O, are sufficient to stabilize low-density water bearing mineral assemblages. The stabilization of these minerals greatly reduces the required density contrast for initiating subduction, implying that moderate crustal hydration would have prevented slab sinking. These findings indicate that water, usually thought to be a driver of subduction activity on Earth, may have been responsible for tectonic stagnation on Mars simply because its crust was too buoyant to subduct. The amount of hydration estimated in this work is in the range of altered oceanic crust from Earth tectonic systems. Also available geochemical and spectral evidence regarding ancient aqueous alteration and fluid-rock interactions on Mars supports my hypothesis. This implies that the hydrologically active history of earlier Mars might have paradoxically contributed to the long-term quiescence of its tectonics
Granular Hydrogels for Localized Nanoparticle Delivery
No full textSkin diseases represent a significant clinical and socioeconomic burden, yet effective topical delivery of advanced therapeutics remains a major challenge. Nucleic acid–based therapies hold enormous promise for locally modulating gene expression and restoring skin homeostasis, but their translation is limited, among others, by the lack of simple, adaptable, and clinically relevant delivery platforms. Existing systems often rely on complex fabrication steps, fixed formulations, or specialized chemistries, restricting their use as practical, on-demand vehicles for therapeutic delivery.
This work focuses on developing a flexible, modular hydrogel platform capable of stabilizing and releasing lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) encapsulating nucleic acids for topical application. The approach builds upon glutathione–poly(ethylene glycol) (GSH–PEG) hydrogels previously designed for protein and small-molecule delivery. This work is based on the hypothesis that exploiting GSH-mediated interactions between the hydrogel network and nanoparticle surfaces can achieve controlled release and enhanced stability of nanoparticles without compromising their biological functionality.
Systematic studies on bulk, nanoporous GSH–PEG hydrogels revealed a key trade-off between network porosity and functional ligand density, identifying ligand availability as a critical determinant of nanoparticle retention. Building on these insights, granular macroporous hydrogels were selected as the platform for nanoparticle delivery. To enable their fabrication, a new emulsion-based method, termed T-Drop, was developed, offering a flexible and accessible approach for producing microgels with high monodispersity and precise control over size. The resulting granular hydrogels exhibited tunable architecture, unique dual-scale swelling behavior, and could be lyophilized with optimized excipients to enable long-term storage and rehydration without loss of structural integrity.
Loading and release experiments of nucleic acid-encapsulating LNPs demonstrated that GSH–PEG hydrogels preserved nanoparticle structure and function, in contrast to PEG-only controls. Confocal microscopy and cellular uptake studies confirmed that released LNPs remained functional in human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes.
Together, this work establishes GSH–PEG granular hydrogels as a versatile, scalable, and translational platform for topical delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics. The platform’s simplicity, tunability, and compatibility with clinically relevant nanocarriers highlight its potential as a foundation for future modular gene therapy applications targeting skin and other accessible tissues
Using Inquiry Learning to Shift Towards a Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy in Elementary Social Studies
No full textPrentice T. Chandler and Todd S. Hawley (2017) have poignantly noted that social studies instruction has traditionally “erased the histories and experiences” (p. 7) of students of color. This study addresses the question of how white teachers who teach students of color can use inquiry learning to shift traditional elementary social studies instructional practices towards a more culturally sustaining pedagogy. Elementary social studies instruction has traditionally been teacher-centric and rooted in a mono-perspective of historytelling that represents a dominant cultural narrative that often alienates and subtracts students of color from their learning (Valenzuela, 1999). Through a teacher inquiry community that incorporates six-week classroom-based inquiry units, structured participatory conversations, teacher interviews, and teacher artifact collection, this study argues that a shift towards inquiry learning that incorporates student-driven practices that promote building student agency and civic engagement, centering marginalized voices and counter-narratives, and cultivating inquisitive mindsets, is a more culturally sustaining pedagogy that reimagines elementary social studies “where diverse, heterogeneous practices are not only valued but sustained” (Alim and Paris, 2017)
Inside Looking Out: An Observation on Restorative Justice Practices within Illinois Juvenile Prisons
No full textThis study examines restorative justice practices within Illinois juvenile prisons, focusing on their implementation, challenges, and impact on incarcerated youth. Grounded in criminology and justice studies, the research employs an observational and qualitative approach to explore how restorative justice frameworks function in environments historically shaped by punitive models of discipline. By centering the lived experiences of incarcerated juveniles, correctional staff, and facilitators, the study highlights the potential of restorative practices to transform carceral spaces into sites of healing, accountability, and rehabilitation.
Findings reveal that while restorative justice initiatives hold promise for reducing recidivism, improving conflict resolution, and fostering emotional growth, their effectiveness is limited by structural barriers. These barriers include inconsistent institutional support, lack of training for staff, and the tension between restorative ideals and punitive correctional policies. Nevertheless, moments of success—such as increased empathy, improved peer relationships, and strengthened community ties—demonstrate the capacity of restorative practices to address harms in ways that traditional punitive models cannot.
The study underscores the importance of culturally responsive approaches that consider the racial, socioeconomic, and developmental contexts of incarcerated youth. It further emphasizes the need for systemic change in policy and practice, advocating for restorative justice not as a supplemental program but as a foundational framework within juvenile justice systems.
Ultimately, this research contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting restorative justice as a viable alternative to punitive incarceration. By observing its application within Illinois juvenile prisons, the study provides critical insights for policymakers, educators, practitioners, and community stakeholders committed to building a more equitable and transformative system of justice
In vitro evaluation of EndoCem Premix mineral trioxide aggregate microhardness in primary molar pulpotomies.
No full textNo description supplied</p
Towards realizing the value of the CARE Act: How do we effectively support family caregivers in Illinois?
No full textThe latest policy spotlight published by the University of Illinois System’s Institute of Government and Public Affairs highlights the importance of family caregivers to the state’s health care system and the need to better integrate them.The report written by Minakshi Raj, Assistant Professor, Department of Health and Kinesiology, College of Applied Health Sciences, Director, Aging, Caregiving, and Technology Lab, University of Illinois, examines the benefits of the 2016 Illinois Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable (CARE) Act and identifies existing barriers to its implementation that warrant further study.“Towards realizing the value of the CARE Act: How do we effectively support family caregivers in Illinois?” highlights the economic value and positive patient outcomes that family caregivers provide, as well as the mental, economic and physical costs that this work imposes on caregivers. The CARE Act, a model policy by AARP, eases these costs by requiring hospitals to formally record family caregivers in patient records; notify them of discharge plans; and offer training for medical tasks they may be required to perform.However, studies reviewing the implementation of the CARE Act in other states show potential barriers to its full effectiveness. For example, a 2017 study of Pennsylvania hospital executives found that while 63.6% of hospitals implemented some components of the CARE Act, caregivers were only receiving education in 31.8% of hospital stays.</p
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