The Theatre Pipe Organ: An Overview. Considerations of History & Performance Practice

In the 1920s, the American public enjoyed an explosion of exciting new entertainment experiences and was able to savor the creativity of many renowned artists and musicians who came from abroad to relish in the promise of new opportunities. Toward the end of the decade, their appetite had reached extraordinary heights. A steady stream of vaudeville shows and silent films, later replaced by “talkies,” ensured that the notion of attending the theatre became a practically ritualistic way of life. One of the most cherished places of entertainment was the “movie palace.” These magnificently ornate structures provided the ultimate escape into a fantasy world of illusion and wonder for the patron. Among the most crucial components of any successful movie palace was an instrument that enhanced the movie-going experience with a tremendous grandeur—the Theatre Pipe Organ. The theatre organ is an instrument whose origins exist within the realms of traditional church organ building, a field of musical and technological development itself spanning hundreds of years, but one which was aligned with the changing demands and styles of music seen throughout the 1920s. It was an invention borne out of necessity, change and innovation. Its creation, a product of the fertile mind of inventor and engineer Robert Hope-Jones, marked an important turning point in the history of organ building and represents one of the most radical reconsiderations of what a pipe organ could be. American organ building trends had, by this time, moved towards a more orchestral ideal and the theatre organ was an integral part of this, the tonal philosophy being that it should resemble the orchestra as closely as possible. This concept proved invaluable to theatre operators during the 1920s when they were searching for a means of providing maximally varied music at minimal cost. The primary concern of this thesis is the history of the theatre organ, its use and repertoire, and the necessary question of how one can learn to play based on historical recordings, treatises on arranging, and more contemporary performance practices since comparatively little has been written on the subject

Development of a Low-Cost PCB-Based High-Frequency AC Susceptometer for Magnetic Materials Characterization

This thesis presents the development and performance evaluation of femtoMag, a novel, cost-effective high-frequency AC susceptometer designed to characterize magnetic materials up to 200 MHz. Leveraging a low-cost printed circuit board (PCB) design and commercially available high-frequency electronics, femtoMag addresses limitations in conventional susceptometry by enabling measurements of magnetic powders and thin films without requiring specific geometries or extensive sample preparation. The design employs a PCB-based low-inductance single-turn coil, which enhances the sensor's performance at higher frequencies compared to traditional multi-turn coil designs. Electromagnetic properties of the system were modeled using ANSYS HFSS simulations, while physical components were created with Autodesk Fusion 360 and DipTrace. Performance validation was conducted using reference samples with known permeability values, showing close agreement with conventional measurement methods. This work highlights femtoMag's simplicity, cost-efficiency, and reliability in providing accurate magnetic characterization data, establishing it as a powerful tool for diverse magnetic material studies, particularly in cases where sample quantities or geometries are limited

A Comprehensive Review of the Thermophysical Properties of Energetic Ionic Liquids

Energetic ionic liquids (EILs) have various industrial applications because they release chemically stored energy under certain conditions. They can avoid some environmental problems caused by traditionally used toxic fuels. EILs, which are environmentally friendly and safer, are emerging as an alternative source for hypergolic bipropellant fuels. This review focuses on the crucial thermophysical properties of the EILs. The properties of imidazolium and triazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) are discussed here. The thermophysical properties addressed, such as glass transition temperature, viscosity, and thermal stability, are critical for designing EILs to meet the need for sustainable energy solutions. Imidazolium-based ILs have tunable physical properties making them ideal for use in energy storage while triazolium-based ILs have thermal stability and energetic potential. As a result, it is important to understand and compile thermophysical properties so they can help researchers synthesize tailored compounds with desirable characteristics, advancing their application in energy storage and propulsion technologies

Modeling and Analysis of an AlN Piezoelectric Micro-swimmer with Integrated Gold Electrodes

Microscale robotics is expanding the possibilities for medicine, particularly in targeted drug delivery and in vivo diagnostics. Inspired by the natural propulsion mechanisms of microorganisms and recent advances in dislocation-driven growth shaping AlN's anisotropic morphology, this study explores a 2D model of an AlN piezoelectric micro-swimmer with integrated ultra-thin gold electrodes (0.045 μm) for controlled actuation and adaptability. The 2.89 μm AlN layer, combining stiffness and flexibility, harnesses piezoelectric effects to convert electrical energy into mechanical deformation. This deformation drives electric-induced kinematics, which, coupled with a closed-loop feedback control system, enables the micro-swimmer to demonstrate periodic motion, with potential for non-reciprocal actuation and navigation in low Reynolds number environments. The micro-swimmer's design features a multi-electrode configuration encapsulating the piezoelectric layer. Phase-shifted electric potentials and polarity differences across multiple electrodes produce alternating deformations. These dynamics are explored within a closed microchannel with pressure point constraints, as well as under a parabolic inlet velocity profile, revealing the swimmer's ability to resist flow-induced forces and maintain controlled motion. This study is simulated in a 2D environment due to computational limitations. To approximate and visualize potential 3D dynamics, an out-of-plane component was purposely selected. The study explores how parameters such as time-switch modulation, voltage control, and feedback mechanisms influence displacement and propulsion behavior. While achieving significant forward motion remains challenging, the swimmer exhibits controlled motion with potential for non-reciprocal actuation, contributing valuable insights into AlN micro-swimmer dynamics. These findings pave the way for future 3D simulations, such as a microhelix design, aimed at exploring AlN's robust piezoelectric characteristics, including the strong directional coupling along the z-axis, and efficient energy conversion, which are critical for effective propulsion. The insights gained from this study provide a foundation for subsequent investigations into the potential of AlN micro-swimmers for controlled navigation in microfluidic environments

Evaluation of Machine Learning Assisted Phase Behavior Modelling of Surfactant–Oil–Water Systems

This paper evaluates the ability of machine learning (ML) algorithms to capture and reproduce complex multiphase behavior in surfactant–oil–water systems. The main objective of the paper is to evaluate the ability of machine learning algorithms to capture complex phase behavior of a surfactant–oil–water system in a controlled environment of known data generated via physical models. We evaluated several machine learning algorithms including decision trees, support vector machines (SVMs), k-nearest neighbors, and boosted trees. Moreover, the study integrates a novel graphical equation-of-state model with ML-generated compositional spaces to test ML’s effectiveness in predicting phase transitions and compares its performance to experimental data and a validated physical model. Our results demonstrate that the cubic SVM has the highest accuracy in capturing key behaviors, such as the shrinking of two-phase regions as salinity deviates from optimal conditions, and performs well even in near-extrapolated scenarios. Additionally, the graphical equation-of-state model aligns closely with both experimental data and the physical model, providing a robust framework for analyzing multiphase behavior. We do not suggest that machine learning models should replace traditional physical models, but rather should complement physical models by extending predictive capabilities, especially when experimental data are limited. This hybrid approach offers a promising method for investigating complex multiphase phenomena in surfactant systems

Design and Synthesis of a New Chiral DiRh Chiral Catalyst and Studies Towards Total Synthesis of Brazilide A

This dissertation encompasses three major projects. The first project focuses on the design and synthesis of a novel class of chiral bis-carboxylic acids, aimed at developing chiral rhodium(II) catalysts. The second project is dedicated to synthesizing the natural product brazilide A. The third project investigates C–C bond formation reactions involving allylic and benzylic alcohols through a catalytic silver system. Chiral rhodium(II) complexes featuring bidentate ligands are quite rare. The first chapter delves into the synthesis of new chiral bis-carboxylic acid ligands that can be employed in new chiral rhodium(II) catalysts. The second project is centered on the total synthesis of brazilide A, a natural product of the brazilin family. The ultimate objective is to perform structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, which requires an efficient and flexible synthesis. This chapter outlines a linear synthetic pathway that utilizes commercially available starting materials to create the core structure containing all the necessary carbon atoms for brazilide A. The third chapter demonstrates that Ag(I) salts can effectively catalyze the substitution of allylic and benzylic alcohols to facilitate C–C bond formation. This approach tolerates atmospheric conditions, including oxygen and water, and has been recognized as one of the mildest Friedel-Crafts reactions. Finally, this methodology has been applied to the formal synthesis of echinosulfonic acid D

Fog Causality, Reversibility, Forming Mechanisms, and Causal Relationships between Fog and Turbulence

The presence of fog significantly impacts transportation safety, agriculture, and day-today activities. Enhanced prediction models could significantly benefit society by minimizing the adverse effects of fog. However, predicting fog remains challenging due to limited understanding of its formation, duration, and dissipation. Turbulent kinetic energy (k) and relative humidity RH have known connections to the fog life-cycle, but these connections need to be quantified and implemented in prediction models. To address this, the Fog and Turbulence Interactions in the Marine Atmosphere (FATIMA) campaign was conducted in the Nova Scotia region in July of 2022. Over the month of July, many fog events were identified with various formation mechanisms on Sable Island. In this research, techniques from time series analysis and continuous wavelet transforms (CWT) are used to explore the reversibility and causality of fog events, and to what extent this causality can be inferred from turbulent time series variables. The approach involves examining cross-scale and time correlations to establish a statistical identity for fog-generating events, enhancing prediction accuracy. Intensity, the reciprocal of visibility, is used as a surrogate for fog, and k and RH and are explored as variables that can help formation and cause dissipation. This method reveals cascades at fine time resolutions, which are indicative of the multi-scale nature of fog events. A statistical, quantifiable, correlation between fog intensity, k, and RH is also found in this study. This research provides valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of fog occurrence, paving the way for improved fog prediction and response strategies

Exploration Science of the Moon, Mars, and a Terrestrial Analog Site

This dissertation explores planetary science through the investigation of the Moon, Mars, and a terrestrial analog site in Iceland. The research is divided into three main studies, each contributing to the broader field of exploration science and our understanding of planetary processes. Chapter 2 focuses on the NASA Artemis program’s exploration of the lunar south pole, a region of significant scientific interest due to its diverse geological features and potential for harboring vast quantities of natural resources. This study analyzes six potential landing sites, each with distinct rock types determined using orbital data from JAXA’s Kaguya Spectral Profiler, and evaluates the chronologic opportunities samples returned from them present. The findings of our study underscore the potential of these sites to address unresolved questions about the Moon's thermal evolution and volcanic history, providing a framework for selecting landing sites and designing a sample return program that will maximize scientific return. Chapter 3 presents a framework to study thirteen silica-rich deposits on the Martian surface, utilizing thermal infrared orbital datasets to apply a spectral linear unmixing technique. The framework offered here will provide insight into the size, shape, provenance, and geologic context of these deposits. This work lays the groundwork for future research into Martian silica-rich materials, which may preserve evidence of evolved volcanism and past aqueous environments. Chapter 4 examines Prestahnúkur Volcano in Iceland as a terrestrial analog for Gale Crater on Mars. A source-to-sink sampling campaign was conducted within two sediment transport pathways to understand the generation, incorporation, and preservation of siliceous sediments within basaltic terrain. Using a combination of X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, and size fraction analyses, the study provides new insights into sedimentary processes that created the silica-rich Buckskin mudstone unit within Gale crater on Mars. Collectively, this dissertation advances the understanding of planetary geology by addressing critical questions about lunar chronology, Martian silica-rich deposits, and sediment transport and mixing relationships within a Martian analog site. The findings have significant implications for future space exploration missions, particularly in guiding the selection of landing sites, refining exploration strategies, and enhancing our understanding of planetary environments

Lysosome Functions in Atherosclerosis: A Potential Therapeutic Target

Lysosomes in mammalian cells are recognized as key digestive organelles, containing a variety of hydrolytic enzymes that enable the processing of both endogenous and exogenous substrates. These organelles digest various macromolecules and recycle them through the autophagy–lysosomal system. Recent research has expanded our understanding of lysosomes, identifying them not only as centers of degradation but also as crucial regulators of nutrient sensing, immunity, secretion, and other vital cellular functions. The lysosomal pathway plays a significant role in vascular regulation and is implicated in diseases such as atherosclerosis. During atherosclerotic plaque formation, macrophages initially engulf large quantities of lipoproteins, triggering pathogenic responses that include lysosomal dysfunction, foam cell formation, and subsequent atherosclerosis development. Lysosomal dysfunction, along with the inefficient degradation of apoptotic cells and the accumulation of modified low-density lipoproteins, negatively impacts atherosclerotic lesion progression. Recent studies have highlighted that lysosomal dysfunction contributes critically to atherosclerosis in a cell- and stage-specific manner. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of lysosomal biogenesis and its regulatory role in atherosclerotic lesions. Based on these lysosomal functions, we propose that targeting lysosomes could offer a novel therapeutic approach for atherosclerosis, shedding light on the connection between lysosomal dysfunction and disease progression while offering new insights into potential anti-atherosclerotic strategies

A Quantitative Study on the Disproportionate Outcomes for Students in State Conservatorship Foster Care: A Study of Educator Influence and State Policy Implementation

Background: Students in foster care, (students-in-care) are 3.6 times more likely to drop out and have lower graduation rates. Educators’ awareness of foster care status and relevant policies can significantly impact these students’ educational outcomes. Purpose: This study examines how educators' decisions affect the educational outcomes of students-in-care. It addresses three questions: 1) What difference, if any, is there in disability identification for students-in-care and students without a foster care status by disability category? Are there differences in the educational environment for students-in-care with disabilities and students without a foster care status by disability category? 2) What difference, if any, is in high school graduation rates for students-in-care, students with and without disabilities, and students who fit both categories? And (3) to what extent are the federal, state, and local policies aligned to support students-in-care through their educational experiences? Method: The study uses quantitative descriptive statistics to analyze the variables influencing educational outcomes for students-in-care. Pearson’s Chi-Square and Cramer’s V analyses were applied to cross-sectional and longitudinal data from a Southeastern Texas school district. The research also examines how policies at various levels support the educational stability and outcomes of students-in-care. Findings: The study found that foster care status significantly impacts disability identification and categories, with students-in-care often identified with emotional disturbance and intellectual disabilities. Students-in-care with emotional disturbances and intellectual disabilities are frequently instructed outside the general education classroom for over 60% of the day. Disability identification and foster care status also significantly affect graduation rates. Document analysis showed federal regulations are largely reflected in Texas statues but limited in district policies. Conclusion: These findings align with existing research and emphasize the need for educators to consider foster care status when addressing disability identification, educational environments, and graduation outcomes. They also highlight the importance of educators being aware of regulatory practices