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Master's thesis recital (conductor)
Get PDFOverture to the barber of Seville / Gioacchino Rossini ; arr. Wenzel Sedlak -- Bull's eye / Viet Cuong -- Kyrie (for Machaut and Pärt) / David Beidenbender ; arr. Tyler Austin -- Danzón no. 2 / Arturo Márquez.MusicName of supervisor not provided
Optimizing critical minerals extraction from the Fen Carbonatite Complex in Norway : statistical analysis of rare earth elements and elements of potential secondary value for sustainable mining, reduced mine waste, and an independent European value chain
Get PDFThis study presents the results from statistical analyses of geochemical datasets from the Fe-dolomite carbonatite (FDC) in the Fen Carbonatite Complex (FCC) in southern Norway to assess the relationship between Rare Earth Elements (REE), particularly NdPr, and key geochemical variables and elements of potential secondary value. The relationships interpreted aim to maximize resource recovery and reduce mine waste for a future REE-mine that can contribute to a new, independent REE supply chain in Europe. Datasets consist of 12 FCC exploration cores, organized into five sub-sets, for which whole-rock geochemical analyses (60 elements) were available at 1-meter intervals for a total of 6127 samples. Initial statistical analysis involved initial data sorting, standardization, and grouping/combining of variables, followed by variable reduction through feature ranking analysis. The following statistical analysis involved a dimensional reduction of geochemical data through Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and data grouping through k-means clustering. Additional scatter plots following cluster analysis were performed with key geochemical variables to further aid in interpreting and analyzing results. Four principal components (PC), contributing to an average of 70.6% total variance explained from all sub-sets of geochemical data, were retained for further analysis and k-means clustering. PC1 represents the REE component, and PC2 represents the Fe-dolomite component of the FDC, whereas PC3 and PC4 are challenging to interpret due to limited mineralogical knowledge about the FDC. Subsequent k-means clustering shows that PC1 and PC2 are associated with distinct FDC clusters that likely represent high-grade REE-FDC rocks and a Fe-dolomite component, respectively. Uranium shows no correlation and relationship with the REE, and thorium shows a much closer relationship with Heavy Rare Earths (HREE) than Light Rare Earths (LREE), implying that thorite is precipitated in close association with HREE minerals. Further interpretation of variables of potential secondary value shows that minerals containing manganese, barium, phosphorus, and niobium show no association with the REE, implying that separating these minerals from REE may be possible. Phosphorus in apatite and monazite is found in all stages of carbonatite formation, which is implied by phosphorus in ores with high and low REE content. These results suggest that separation of REE-minerals and minerals of potential secondary value will not impede each other. This may result in reduced mine waste and an increased output of mineral products, which is crucial given the growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental considerations in mining activity. The FCC will likely play a crucial part in developing a REE source for a future European REE-value chain, and steps taken by the Norwegian government and the EU are being implemented to facilitate this development.Earth and Planetary Science
Brain region and cell-type specific gene expression in alcohol consumption and dependence
No full textAlcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic, relapsing disorder where problematic alcohol use negatively impacts quality of life. AUD is driven by long-term changes in the brain that are induced by the pharmacological and reinforcing properties of alcohol. These changes are multifaceted, and include alterations in gene expression, neurotransmitter release, neuronal excitability, and immune signaling throughout the body. Physiological responses to alcohol are complex, and can vary between brain regions and across cell-types, so understanding which cell populations within the brain are susceptible to alcohol’s pharmacological effects is crucial for developing treatments for AUD. It is important that we examine alcohol-induced changes in gene expression, so that they can potentially be normalized by new therapies. In this dissertation, I approach these issues with two distinct strategies. First, I utilized genetic tools, including AAV viral vectors and transgenic animals, to manipulate gene expression in two brain regions that are known to mediate alcohol consumption, the central amygdala and the dorsal striatum. I used these techniques to determine how multiple neurotransmitters that are released from a population of corticotropin releasing factor neurons in the central amygdala affect voluntary alcohol consumption. We determined that these cells can suppress alcohol consumption through the release of the small-molecule neurotransmitter GABA. Then, I used similar techniques to demonstrate that knocking down the immunomodulatory receptor TLR3 in the dorsal striatum decreases alcohol consumption, localizing a previously observed effect in a global knockout specifically to that region of the brain. Subsequently, I used single-nuclei sequencing techniques to examine the effects of alcohol withdrawal on diverse cell populations within the central amygdala. These experiments allowed us to perform the first ever single-cell characterization of the rodent central amygdala, and to identify specific populations of cells that had transcriptomic responses to alcohol. Two of these populations, astrocytes and PKC-Delta expressing neurons were particularly affected. These novel findings significantly contribute to our understanding of the neurobiological basis of AUD, and provide new targets for future research into the treatment of addictive disorders.Neuroscienc
Development of engineered living material platforms for diverse applications in human and planetary health
No full textDevelopments over the past few decades in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology hold great promise for fueling a robust bioeconomy, in which microbial biomanufacturing platforms can be utilized to produce an array of industrial and pharmaceutically important compounds at scale to meet growing demands in a manner that is both environmentally and economically sustainable. Despite this great potential, commercial translation of many research breakthroughs in this space is limited owing to the range of unique challenges hindering outside-the-lab deployment of biology. In response to this challenge, recent advances have emerged in which engineered microbes are coupled with polymeric encapsulation to yield Engineered Living Materials (ELM’s) that can promote cellular metabolic function while augmenting stress resilience, culture stability, and coculture compatibility. Even with these achievements, several limitations persist which prevent widespread deployment of ELMs. In particular, a need remains for platforms with long-term room temperature shelf stability, as well as cold-chain independent production of large proteins. Additionally, ELMs for bioproduction of compounds requiring more than a few enzymatic steps has yet to be established, greatly limiting scope of applicable products. Beyond applications in distributed biomanufacturing, ELMs represent a promising opportunity to create long-term implants for sustained therapeutic manufacturing within the gut microbiome. However, platforms capable of this function have yet to be realized. In order to address ongoing limitations in ELM deployment, this work presents four case studies demonstrating notable progress towards creation of field-deployable ELMs for modular, distributed biomanufacturing as well as dynamic therapeutic delivery within the microbiome. In Chapter 2, we focus on tool development for enhancing ELM deployability in remote settings through development of an optimized procedure for preservation and storage, showcasing room temperature shelf life of yeast-based ELMs for at least one year. Chapters 3 and 4 accentuate expansion of product classes applicable for ELM biomanufacturing, demonstrating cold-chain independent production of recombinant proteins up to 150 kDa as well as application of synthetic consortia for stable, de novo production of biosynthetically complex phenylpropenes, respectively. Chapter 5 demonstrates a proof-of-concept platform for closed-loop treatment of inflammatory disorders within the human GI tract, in which probiotic-laden ELMs are developed which secrete anti-inflammatory therapeutics in response to medically relevant concentrations of disease biomarkers, demonstrating safety and efficacy in vitro. Taken together, this work demonstrates strong progress toward development of field-deployable ELM platforms for diverse outside-the-lab applications spanning distributed biomanufacturing and gut microbiome therapeutic delivery.Chemical Engineerin
Algorithmic spatiality of Web3 : news cartography, data sovereignty, and wallet software
No full textThis project embarks on a spatial inquiry into Web3. Often hailed as the next iteration of the internet, Web3 is more than a facelift; it’s a calculated unveil that prompts us to re-examine Web2’s participatory past. Importantly, Web3’s algorithmic architecture both expands the web’s horizons and reflexively delineates its own perceptual identity. As it rises alongside digital platforms’ hegemony, we must scrutinize the territories it foregrounds — the very “wheres”— and the underlying “whys” that sculpt its distinct vantage for vested agendas.
Drawing insights from media studies, critical data studies, and STS, this project focuses on influential powers sculpting the interplay between corporate developers and the Web3 landscape. The theoretical framework is primarily organized around the concepts of news cartography, architects’ gaze, and software performativity.
Methodologically, this tripartite study leans on multiple ethnographic works to go beyond just studying tech structures, capturing both material and discursive forces that mold them. My empirical focus is grounded in specialist journalistic publications (in chapter 1), ethnographic observations, and aggregated data of sites (in chapters 2 and 3). Each chapter underscores its rationale for data collection, yet aliging with the ethos of infrastructure ethnography.
My research pivots on the argument that Web3 gives rise to “algorithmic spatiality.” It extends beyond software’s materiality, echoing geographers’ assertions that (digital) space is programmed, assembled, and arranged. Thus, I view Web3 not just as a deliberate construct, but also as a dialogical practice of shaping and organizing its very essence. Influenced by Massey’s (1999) portrayal of power as spatial-relational dynamics, I employ “power-geometries” as a foundational lens to discern the varied influences of Web3 on sociality. This juxtaposes with the pervasive power of existing digital platforms, often termed the Web2 status quo, awaiting transition.
For new media research, approaching Web3 with an algorithmic and spatial lens invites us to see sociality as a dynamic reshaping, subtly directed by coded practices, often obscuring their corporate genesis. I argue that to truly fathom our unfolding digital landscape, it’s imperative to closely scrutinize the pivotal roles of key actors. Especially, the corporate-scripted agents, in all their forms, actively molding these emerging topographies.Journalism and Medi
Exploring the emotion of hope and how it impacts consumer choices through construal level
Get PDFThis dissertation explores the relationship between the emotion of hope and construal level in the context of consumer behavior domains of decision making and persuasion. An exploratory study determined that hope induces a more abstract construal level mindset compared to a control condition. An abstract construal mindset focuses on why a behavior is accomplished, compared to a concrete construal mindset, which focuses on how a behavior is accomplished. Study 1 sought to explore incidental hope’s relationship with construal level in a consumer decision making context. Participants rated their preference between two option choices, one high in desirability and low in feasibility (considered a representation of abstract construal level) and one high in feasibility and low in desirability (considered a representation for concrete construal level). Study 1 showed support for hope’s ability to induce abstract thinking, as hopeful participants (compared to a control condition) preferred a hotel option with high desirability and low feasibility over an option with high feasibility and low desirability. Study 2 focused on the compatibility between integral hope (a hope emotional appeal) and abstract construal (through desirable product features) in an advertising context. A 2 (emotional appeal: hope, control) x 2 (product feature emphasized: high desirability, high feasibility) between-subjects experiment was conducted, with participants viewing three advertisements from the same experimental condition. Advertising effectiveness was measured as the outcome. The results found no effect for the emotional appeal, the product feature emphasis, or their interaction on advertising effectiveness. Overall, this dissertation shows support for hope’s ability to induce an abstract construal mindset, as well as incidental hope’s ability to influence consumer option preference. There was no support for the compatibility of a hope appeal with high desirability product features in advertisements. The findings of the three experiments are discussed, along with practical implications, limitations, and future research.Advertisin
"Hell no, we won't go!" : Black draft resistance and grassroots prison organizing during the Vietnam War
Get PDFIn 1969, Walter Collins, a Black civil rights and anti-war activist, appeared in court on charges of draft evasion. The jury convicted Collins on five counts, and the district judge sentenced him to five years in prison. In response, Collins’ family members, colleagues, and other supporters mobilized on his behalf. They drew from existing networks and created new organizations like the International Committee for Black Resisters (ICBR) to support his legal defense and publicize his case. By examining Collins’ legal case and the dynamic campaign that developed around it, this report explores how the draft affected Black activists and, furthermore, how these activists navigated the criminal legal system and appealed their sentences. Drawing from newspaper articles, court records, oral histories, and organizational papers, I argue that defense campaigns around the cases of Black draft resisters were important sites where civil rights, anti-war, and prison organizing converged. Studying these grassroots efforts, alongside the critiques and arguments that participants developed, furthers our understandings of these movements.Histor
The operationalization of equity in the provision of water infrastructure services
Get PDFThe provision of water services in the US were designed to increase access to safe and reliable water for all populations. However, historic investments with regards to water sector services (e.g., 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act) limited access to certain populations, primarily racial minorities and low-income communities. Such disinvestments have cascading consequences, including water quantity issues (e.g., shut-offs) and water quality issues (e.g., lead contamination). Currently there is limited for integrating equity into the design and management functions of water providers. Similarly, there is a dearth of literature that explores practical equitable water infrastructure provision. By analyzing water providers perceived equity definitions, considerations, and barriers, practical paths forwards can be documented in literature. This dissertation examines the opportunities and barriers to operationalize equity in water provision services using three studies targeting different management functions of water providers – (1) day-to-day operations (2) adopting new technology (3) communicating during disasters. Currently, how equity is defined in water-sector infrastructure services is inconsistent across literature and practice, making it challenging to hold water providers accountable to achieving equity. Therefore, as a first step, survey, interview, and media data are used from water providers across the US to define equity. From this dataset common considerations and stated barriers to equity were analyzed, and key thematic codes emerged to supplement the definition. Next, the second study examines how equity can be incorporated in the process of adopting new water technologies. An equity framework for the implementation of building-scale onsite non-potable water systems is developed. This was accomplished using interview data from subject matter experts in San Francisco and New York where such systems are actively being adopted, however still lack regulatory frameworks that incorporate equity. Lastly, the final study examines the equity implications of social media communications by water providers during a protracted crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic. Twitter data from water utilities during the pandemic was analyzed to identify whether equitable communication occurred between utilities and end-users. This was measured by interactions with social media posts written in multiple languages and those discussing financial assistance in disadvantaged communities. This dissertation provides practical and theoretical contributions to help shape how water providers, community organizers, policy makers, and disaster managers approach and operationalize equity in the water sector as part of their daily functions. For instance, results show that some respondents indicated that they do not consider equity at all, making the implementation of equity in their functions challenging. Others stated that they did not understand how the socio-demographic fabric of their communities can serve as a technical metric in their design and management processes. This dissertation captures such perceptions and synthesizes them for both practical and theoretical applications to assist organizations in improving their equity efforts.Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineerin
When the healer is sick and tired : antecedents of psychosomatic symptoms in minority medical students
Get PDFDue to a significant dearth in extant literature, the purpose of this study was to explore psychosocial precipitants of psychosomatic symptoms in racial and/or ethnic minority medical students. This study was exploratory in nature, as very few researchers have examined possible contributors to the mental and physical health of this population. Secondary goals of this study included an examination of (1) between-group differences in reports of medical school stressors and psychosomatic symptoms (2) the association between racialized stressors and psychosomatic health and (3) the association between psychosomatic symptoms and suicidal ideation. Participants included a sample of 320 African American, Asian American and Latinx American medical students. Results indicated (1) that racialized stressors were significant contributors to psychological distress, somatic distress, and burnout, over and above the normative stressors associated with medical training (2) that significant between-group differences in reports of minority status stress and perceived discrimination were found, such that African American medical students reported significantly higher rates (3) that significant between-group differences in reports of psychosomatic symptoms were found, such that Asian American medical students reported significantly higher rates of psychological distress, anxiety, and depression, while African American students reported significantly higher rates of burnout and (4) that burnout, psychological distress, and somatic distress were significant predictors of suicidal ideation, with somatic distress serving as the strongest predictor. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.Educational Psycholog
Advancements in single- and multi-target filtering : using posterior estimates to update Gaussian mixture weights
Get PDFA major focus of this thesis is on computing the weights of Gaussian mixtures for single- and multi-target filtering methods alike. Computing the weights is a crucial part of the filtering process because they determine the contribution of each Gaussian mixture component to the overall distribution. Traditionally, weights are approximated by linearizing the nonlinear measurement model about the prior estimates. But, in nonlinear measurement scenarios, using the prior estimates to compute the weights is only an approximation, and one that ignores the latest information available, which can lead to subpar filtering performance and inconsistent state estimates. Therefore, this thesis argues that the weights should instead be computed using posterior estimates because the posterior provides a better characterization of the system after receiving the latest measurement data. In this thesis, some new weight formulations using posterior estimates are proposed, as well as a new kernel-based multi-target filtering algorithm. The organization of this thesis is structured such that each chapter builds off one another, telling a cohesive story.Aerospace Engineerin