VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Packaging

Packaging Politics/nby Catherine Suzanne Galloway/nDoctor of Philosophy in Political Science/nUniversity of California, Berkeley/nProfessor Jack Citrin, Chair/nThe United States, with its early consumerist orientation, has a lengthy history of drawing on similar techniques to influence popular opinion about political issues and candidates as are used by businesses to market their wares to consumers. Packaging Politics looks at how the rise of consumer culture over the past 60 years has influenced presidential campaigning and political culture more broadly./nDrawing on interviews with political consultants, political reporters, marketing experts and communications scholars, Packaging Politics explores the formal and informal ways that commercial marketing methods - specifically emotional and open source branding and micro and behavioral targeting - have migrated to the political realm, and how they play out in campaigns, specifically in presidential races./nHeading into the 2012 elections, how much truth is there to the notion that selling politicians is like "selling soap"? What is the difference today between citizens and consumers? And how is the political process being transformed, for better or for worse, by the use of increasingly sophisticated marketing techniques?

Advisor: Citrin, Jack
Applications of Data-driven Modeling to Infectious Diseases in Africa: Anthrax in Wildlife and HIV in Humans

The goal of epidemiology is to identify the biological, behavioral, and environmental causes of health outcomes or diseases and apply this knowledge to the development of effective disease interventions. Diseases are complex phenomena that arise from various interacting processes, challenging epidemiologists and disease ecologists to extract important causal relationships from observational and experimental data. While data from properly designed experimental studies are the gold standard for assessing the existence of a causal relationship, such studies may be logistically or morally infeasible in many situations. Observational data has the advantage of generally being less invasive, cheaper, and more readily available. However, such data are often plagued by a variety of biases, challenging our understanding of the underlying dynamical processes. However, by explicitly modeling the observation and sampling processes in addition to the underlying biological and behavioral processes of interest it is often possible to understand the latter more rigorously. In this dissertation, I develop empirical and analytical methods to understand the dynamics of rabies virus, canine distemper virus, Bacillus anthracis, and the human immunodeficiency virus using observational surveillance data. Importantly, models are built from the data up with the focus being on what is known about the system from the data rather than other mechanistic processes for which we know little.

Advisor: Getz, Wayne M
Modeling, Estimation and Control of Distributed Parameter Systems: Application to Transportation Networks

The research presented in this dissertation is motivated by the need for well-posed mathematical models of traffic flow for data assimilation of measurements from heterogeneous sensors and flow control on the road network./nA new 2 X 2 partial differential equation (PDE) model of traffic with phase transitions is proposed. The system of PDEs constitutes an extension to the Lighthill-Whitham-Richards model accounting for variability around the empirical fundamental diagram in the congestion phase. A Riemann solver is constructed and a variation on the classical Godunov scheme, required due to the non-convexity of the state-space, is implemented. The model is validated against experimental vehicle trajectories recorded at high resolution, and shown to capture complex traffic phenomena such as forward-moving discontinuities in the congestion phase, which is not possible with scalar hyperbolic models of traffic flow. A corresponding mesoscopic interpretation of these phenomena in terms of drivers behavior is proposed./nThe structure of the uncertainty distribution resulting from the propagation of initial uncertainty in weak entropy solutions to first order scalar hyperbolic conservation laws is characterized in the case of a Riemann problem. It is shown that at shock waves, the uncertainty is a mixture of the uncertainty on the left and right initial condition, and the consequences of this specific class of uncertainty on estimation accuracy is assessed in the case of the extended Kalman filter and the ensemble Kalman filter. This sets the basis for filtering-based traffic estimation and traffic forecast with appropriate treatment of the specific type of uncertainty arising due to the mathematical structure of the model used, which is of critical importance for road networks with sparse measurements./nAs a first step towards controlling general distributed models of traffic, a benchmark problem is investigated, in the form of a first order scalar hyperbolic conservation law. The weak entropy solution to the conservation law is stabilized around a uniform solution using boundary actuation. The control is designed to be compatible with the proper weak boundary conditions, which given specific assumptions guarantees that the corresponding initial-boundary value problem is well-posed. A semi-analytic boundary control is proposed and shown to stabilize the solution to the scalar conservation law. The benefits of introducing discontinuities in the solution are discussed. For traffic applications, this method allows us to pose the problem of ramp metering on freeways for congestion control and reduction of the amplitude of the capacity drop, as well as the problem of vehicular guidance for phantom jam stabilization on road networks, in a proper mathematical framework.

Advisor: Bayen, Alexandre M.
The information content of the deferred tax valuation allowance for venture capital backed IPO firms.

In this dissertation I examine the deferred tax disclosures of a unique sample of venture capital backed firms that conducted their initial public offering (IPO) between 1996 and 2008, and generated a net operating loss (NOL) carry-forward. I find that 83% of the sample firms record an allowance fully valuing-out the carry-forward's associated deferred tax asset. This full allowance is, on average, 72% of total assets - a fact which provides strong evidence (at least in terms of this accrual) that these firms are not upwardly managing their earnings prior to IPO. I show that the size of a firm's NOL, and proxies for its expectation of future taxable income have significant predictive power for the magnitude of the valuation allowance. I also show that the allowance sends a strong negative signal about a firm's future book income. Both of these results support the contention that, though conservative, the valuation allowance does provide information about an IPO firm's economic fundamentals. Finally, I introduce a new explanation for the presence of the allowance: the ownership change limitation. This limitation can cause a firm to record an allowance independent of its expectations about future earnings. I provide evidence that firms take this limitation into account when recording the valuation allowance, and that controlling for it can enhance the allowance's signal regarding future income.

Advisor: Dechow, Patricia
Sloan, RIchard G.
Software Synthesis for Distributed Embedded Systems

The amount and complexity of software in embedded control systems is increasing rapidly. This factor, together with the wide use of distributed platforms and the tight design requirements, raises great challenges to software design and development in these systems. However, the current design practice is largely manual and ad-hoc, especially at the system level, which produces suboptimal and unreliable systems. In this dissertation, we propose a systematic software synthesis flow to address some of the pressing issues in software design, in particular the heterogenity of the design inputs, the complexity of the design space, and the semantic difference between the functional specification and the implementation platform./nThe flow consists of a front-end that translates heterogeneous input specification into a unified representation, and a back-end that conducts automatic design space exploration and code generation. We define an intermediate format (IF) as the unified representation, and develop translators from input models to IF and from IF to output code. We design algorithms to explore the design space during mapping from the functional specification to the architectural platform, with respect to design metrics such as cost, latency and extensibility. We also propose approaches to synthesize the communication interfaces between software tasks to guarantee the semantic equivalence of the distributed implementation with respect to the synchronous specification./nThe applicability of the synthesis flow is illustrated with case studies from the building automation and automotive domains. The results showed that the flow can be effectively applied to widely different applications in different domains.

Advisor: Sangiovanni-Vincentelli, Alberto L
Exploring the Virtues of Gossip: The Prosocial Motivations and Functions of Reputational Information Sharing

Selfish behavior can plague the formation of cooperative relationships and collective efforts. Understanding ways in which groups can overcome selfish motives and foster cooperation, therefore, becomes essential. Recent research reveals that reputation systems promote cooperation and deter antisocial behavior in groups. Little is known, however, about how and why people share reputational information. In this dissertation, I seek to establish the existence and dynamics of prosocial gossip, the sharing of negative evaluative information about a target in a way that protects others from antisocial or exploitative behavior. I present a model of prosocial gossip and the results of five studies testing the model's claims. Results of Studies 1-3 demonstrate that (a) individuals who observe an antisocial act experience negative affect and are compelled to share information about the antisocial actor with a potentially vulnerable person, (b) sharing such information reduces negative affect created by observing the antisocial behavior, (c) individuals possessing more prosocial orientations are the most motivated to engage in such gossip, even at a personal cost, and exhibit the greatest reduction in negative affect as a result. Taken together these results highlight the roles of prosocial motivations and negative affective reactions to injustice in maintaining reputational information sharing in groups. Studies 4-5 explore two ways in which prosocial gossip can effectively deter selfishness and promote cooperation. Study 4 reveals that prosocial gossip promotes cooperation by deterring selfish behavior, especially among those who are more egoistic and prone to exploit others. Study 5 demonstrates how prosocial gossip fosters cooperation by facilitating partner selection, guiding the recipients of the gossip in selecting who to interact with and who to ostracize. I conclude by discussing implications for reputational theories of the maintenance of cooperation in human groups and laying out possibilities for future research.

Advisor: Keltner, Dacher
Willer, Robb
Recent advances in continuum plasticity: phenomenological modeling and experimentation using X-ray diffraction.

This work explores the field of continuum plasticity from two fronts. On the theory side, we establish a complete specification of a phenomenological theory of plasticity for single crystals. The model serves as an alternative to the popular crystal plasticity formulation. Such a model has been previously proposed in the literature; the new contribution made here is the constitutive framework and resulting simulations. We calibrate the model to available data and use a simple numerical method to explore resulting predictions in plane strain boundary value problems. Results show promise for further investigation of the plasticity model. Conveniently, this theory comes with a corresponding experimental tool in X-ray diffraction. Recent advances in hardware technology at synchrotron sources have led to an increased use of the technique for studies of plasticity in the bulk of materials. The method has been successful in qualitative observations of material behavior, but its use in quantitative studies seeking to extract material properties is open for investigation. Therefore in the second component of the thesis several contributions are made to synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments, in terms of method development as well as the quantitative reporting of constitutive parameters. In the area of method development, analytical tools are developed to determine the available precision of this type of experiment - a crucial aspect to determine if the method is to be used for quantitative studies. We also extract kinematic information relating to intragranular inhomogeneity which is not accessible with traditional methods of data analysis. In the area of constitutive parameter identification, we use the method to extract parameters corresponding to the proposed formulation of plasticity for a titanium alloy (HCP) which is continuously sampled by X-ray diffraction during uniaxial extension. These results and the lessons learned from the efforts constitute early reporting of the quantitative profitability of undertaking such a line of experimentation for the study of plastic deformation processes.

Advisor: Steigmann, David J.
Johnson, George C.
Development of Superconducting High-Resolution Gamma-Ray Spectrometers for Nuclear Safeguards

Superconducting high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometers based on molybdenum/ copper transition edge sensors (TES) with tin absorbers have been developed for nuclear safeguard applications. This dissertation focuses on plutonium analysis, specifically the direct measurement of the 242Pu gamma-ray signature at 44.915keV. As existing nondestructive analysis methods cannot directly measure this or any other 242Pu signature, the feasibility of making such a measurement using a TES based system is presented. Analysis from of Monte Carlo simulations and analytical noise models shows that the direct detection of this gamma-ray line of is possible and can be quantified in the presence of a 240Pu gamma-ray line with a line separation of 324eV, even if the emission from the 240Pu is several orders of magnitude stronger. Spectroscopic measurements conducted in a liquid cryogen system offered an energy resolution of 180eV, adequate for the measurement of 242Pu; however, TES operation in a liquid-cryogen-free pulse tube refrigerator degraded sensor performance such that this measurement was no longer possible. The numerical noise model indicates that the energy resolution of this device is adequate to demonstrate a direct measurement of 242Pu if the noise pickup from the mechanical cooler can be suppressed. This work shows that the precise measurement of low-intensity gamma-ray signatures, such as the 44.915keV gamma ray from 242Pu, will require arrays of low-noise TES sensors and that such a system would offer invaluable information in the analysis of plutonium bearing materials.

Advisor: Prussin, Stanley G
Electronic Transport in Novel Graphene Nanostructures

Graphene, a single sheet of sp2-bonded carbon atoms, is a two-dimensional material with an array of unique electronic, chemical, and mechanical properties. Applications including high performance transistors, chemical sensors, and composite materials have already been demonstrated. The introduction of chemical vapor deposition growth of monolayer graphene was an important step towards scalability of such devices. In addition to scalability, the exploration and application of these properties require the fabrication of high quality devices with low carrier scattering. They also require the development of unique geometries and materials combinations to exploit the highly tunable nature of graphene./nThis dissertation presents the synthesis of materials, fabrication of devices, and measurement of those devices for three previously unexplored types of graphene devices. The first type of device is a field effect transistor made from chemical vapor deposited (CVD) graphene on hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) substrates. We demonstrate a significant improvement in carrier mobility from hBN substrates and are able to explore the sources of scattering in CVD graphene. The second type of device, fluorinated graphene transistors, allows us to examine doping and disorder effects from fluorination of the graphene crystal as well as electronic transport through unfluorinated folds in the graphene. With the third type of device we demonstrate a new route to graphene nanoribbon devices using both hBN flakes and BN nanotubes that may reduce disorder and allow precise measurements of quantum phenomena in graphene nanoribbons.

Advisor: Zettl, Alex
Fully Integrated Silicon Terahertz Transceivers for Sensing and Communication Applications

With advancement of the silicon device, we have witnessed revolutionary achievements in RF and millimeter-wave integrated circuit (IC) technology during last decade. Reflecting the impact of the RFICs in its compactness, low-cost, and mass production, the Terahertz Silicon Integrated Circuit (THz-IC) will open a new era in imaging, sensing, spectroscopy, and ultrafast wireless communication. This thesis mainly explores two fully integrated terahertz transceivers for sensing and communication applications in well matured 0.13 µm BiCMOS and 65 nm digital CMOS technology. Since antenna size shrinks quadratically as radiation frequency increases for a given gain, on-chip antennas have great potential in terahertz range by eliminating packaging issues for cost-effective, compact terahertz transceivers. To achieve high radiation efficiency, we investigate the loss mechanisms of several on-chip antennas implemented in conventional (Bi) CMOS technologies. By introducing a compact N-push clamping harmonic generator utilizing the transformer-coupled push-push structure with Coplanar Stripline (CPS), the fundamental signal filtering is effectively achieved by highly rejecting the common-mode input. The designed N-push harmonic generator with proposed architecture is robust to the phase mismatch in driving signals. A 0.38 THz Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar transceiver is presented with the ranging and detection of a target in 10 cm. A 0.26 THz fully integrated CMOS transceiver is demonstrated for wireless chip to chip communication. The non-coherent On-Off Keying (OOK) transceiver with dual antenna chains is implemented to overcome the limited device performance in 65 nm CMOS which achieves +5 dBm of the Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP).

Advisor: Niknejad, Ali M.
Regulation of neuronal polarity in C. elegans by TOE-2 and Wnt signaling

Cellular polarization is an important aspect of neural development. During the development of the C. elegans nervous system, many divisions are asymmetric and give rise to neurons and cells that die. While we understand how cells die in C. elegans, we know much less about how cells are instructed to adopt the apoptotic fate. To address this issue, I studied the Q.p neuroblast, which divides to produce a larger anterior cell and a smaller posterior cell that dies. The surviving Q.p daughter divides again to form the neurons A/PVM and SDQ. A forward-genetic screen for mutants with extra A/PVMs in order to identify genes that regulate the apoptotic fate was conducted previously in the lab. A mutant, gm389, was isolated. In gm389, I identified a mutation in the gene toe-2, which encodes a target of the worm ERK ortholog, MPK-1. I found that TOE-2 not only regulates the apoptotic fate of the posterior Q.p daughter, but it also plays a role in the asymmetric division of Q, the mother of Q.p. I found that TOE-2 functions autonomously in the Q lineage where it regulates several asymmetric cell divisions (ACDs). I also show that, during Q lineage cell divisions, TOE-2 localizes to centrosomes, to the posterior cortex and at the site where the cleavage furrow will form./nCellular polarization is also required for the function of mature neurons. The function of a neuron is facilitated by its distinct morphology. Electrical signals are propagated along neuronal processes that extend from the cell body to form connections with muscle cells, sensory structures or other neurons. In vitro studies of developing neurons have shown that a neuronal process forms at random from one of many smaller processes protruding from the developing cell. Many intracellular molecules necessary for this process have been identified. However, many neurons display invariant polarity in vivo, suggesting specific regulation of the polarization process by external signals. Wnts and Frizzled receptors have been shown to direct polarization of mechanosensory neurons along the C. elegans anterior/posterior (AP) axis. It was shown that ectopic expression of MIG-1 in PLM reverses PLM polarity. I show that ectopic expression of the cysteine-rich domain of MIG-1 in PLM is not sufficient to cause a polarity reversal. I also show that the activity of MIG-1 in PLM is dependent upon the Wnt EGL-20.

Advisor: Garriga, Gian
Biomimicry using Nano-Engineered Enhanced Condensing Surfaces for Sustainable Fresh Water Technology

Biomimicry offers innovative sustainable solutions for many dire resource-based challenges. The Namib Desert beetle (sp. Stenocara) invites us to explore how we can collect fresh water more energy-efficiently. The beetle's unique back features with alternating hydrophobic-hydrophilic regions, aid its survival in a water scarce desert environment. We investigated the feasibility for enhanced condensation by patterning a zinc oxide (ZnO) surface to mimic the beetle's back. ZnO was selected as the material of choice given its non-toxicity and photoinduced hydrophilicity capability, combined with the ability to fabricate (super)hydrophobic ZnO surfaces with various thin film fabrication techniques./nThe key innovation in our approach is developing a chemically homogeneous, non-insulating film on a metal substrate (practical engineering heat transfer material) that exhibits a hydrophobic-hydrophilic pattern. We successfully developed and implemented a scalable and practical technique to satisfy our main objective. Hydrophobic ZnO thin films were fabricated by electrodeposition on copper substrates and patterned with UV exposure to have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. Even though statically the ZnO films were hydrophobic, they exhibited filmwise condensation instead of the more efficient dropwise condensation mode. This is attributed to the ZnO films being in a metastable Cassie-Baxter mode that transitioned to the wetting Wenzel mode during the dynamic and transient condensation state.

Advisor: Carey, Van P.