It has become increasingly apparent that the future of electronic devices can and will rely on the functionality provided by single or few dopant atoms. The most scalable physical system for quantum technologies, i.e. sensing, communication and computation, are spins in crystal lattices. Diamond is an excellent host crystal offering long room temperature spin coherence times and there has been exceptional experimental work done with the nitrogen vacancy center in diamond demonstrating many forms of spin control. Transition metal dopants have additional advantages, large spin-orbit interaction and internal core levels, that are not present in the nitrogen vacancy center. This work explores the implications of the internal degrees of freedom associated with the core d levels using a tight-binding model and the Koster-Slater technique. The core d levels split into two separate symmetry states in tetrahedral bonding environments and result in two levels with different wavefunction spatial extents. For 4d semiconductors, e.g. GaAs, this is reproduced in the tight-binding model by adding a set of d orbitals on the location of the transition metal impurity and modifying the hopping parameters from impurity to its nearest neighbors. This model does not work in the case of 3d semiconductors, e.g. diamond, where there is no physical reason to drastically alter the hopping from 3d dopant to host and the difference in wavefunction extent is not as pronounced. In the case of iron dopants in gallium arsenide the split symmetry levels in the band gap are responsible for a decrease in tunneling current when measured with a scanning tunneling microscope due to interference between two elastic tunneling paths and comparison between wavefunction measurements and tight-binding calculations provides information regarding material parameters. In the case of transition metal dopants in diamond there is less distinction between the symmetry split d levels. When considering pairs of transition metal dopants an important quantity is the exchange interaction between the two, which is a measure of how fast a gate can be operated between the pair and how well entanglement can be created. The exchange interaction between pairs of transition metal dopants has been calculated in diamond for several directions in the (110) plane, and for select transition metal dopants in gallium arsenide. In tetrahedral semiconductors transition metal dopants provide an internal degree of freedom due to the symmetry split d levels and this included functionality makes them special candidates for single spin based quantum technologies as well as physical systems to learn about fundamental physics.

This study examines whether the disclosure of private target firms' financial statements disciplines acquiring firms' managers to make better acquisition-investment decisions. The SEC requires public acquiring firms to disclose audited financial statements of targets that meet certain disclosure thresholds. Using hand-collected data, I first document that private targets' financial statements provide value relevant information to market participants. Next, consistent with my predictions, I find that the disclosure of private targets' financial statements is associated with higher acquirer announcement returns, better post-acquisition performance, and lower likelihood of post-acquisition divestitures. Finally, I find the disciplining effect of this disclosure requirement is more pronounced when monitoring by outside capital providers is more costly. In sum, the evidence suggests that the disclosure of private targets' accounting information is informative to market participants, disciplines managers' acquisition decisions, and improves acquisition efficiency.

This thesis applies methods from the representation theory of finite dimensional algebras, specifically Brauer tree algebras, to the study of versal deformation rings of modules for these algebras. The main motivation for studying Brauer tree algebras is that they generalize p-modular blocks of group rings with cyclic defect groups. We consider the case when Λ is a Brauer tree algebra over an algebraically closed field K and determine the structure of the versal deformation ring R(Λ,V) of every indecomposable Λ-module V when the Brauer tree is a star whose exceptional vertex is at the center. The ring R(Λ,V) is a complete local commutative Noetherian K-algebra with residue field K, which can be expressed as a quotient ring of a power series algebra over K in finitely many commuting variables. The defining property of R(Λ,V) is that the isomorphism class of every lift of V over a complete local commutative Noetherian K-algebra R with residue field K arises from a local ring homomorphism α : R(Λ, V )→R and that α is unique if R is the ring of dual numbers k[t]/(t2). In the case where Λ is a star Brauer tree algebra and V is an indecomposable Λ-module such that the K-dimension of Ext1Λ(V,V) is equal to R, we explicitly determine generators of an ideal J of k[[t1,....,tr]] such that R(Λ,V)≅k[[t1,....,tr]]/J.

The interests in the similarities and differences between Chinese characters and English words lead me to study how various shapes between two languages will affect designs significantly. The curiosity inspired the development of making these two different language forms appear more aesthetically compatible. Moreover, from questioning the characteristics of Chinese and English, I developed interest in recreating a new multi-purpose visual language system which can be read in both Chinese and English without losing any character's original form. Through out my study, I rediscover the meaning and origin behind Chinese and English character, rethink the history and explore the formation of the characters. The interactions between oriental and occidental letters create a new series of forms that serves as a bridge between the visual and the verbal, and brought a fresh visual language to the surrounding world.

Crystal engineering is a rapidly developing area of research with goals aimed at designing functional molecular solids using reliable intermolecular interactions. By designing these intermolecular interactions using principles of supramolecular chemistry, favorable molecular arrangements can be achieved, which is manifested in desirable properties. We have applied crystal engineering strategies to the synthesis of unique materials for advanced applications including a metal-organic semiconductor, photochromic co-crystals, and a co-crystalline thin film for photolithography. We designed a metal-organic complex based on Ag(I) that exhibits π-π stacking interactions in the organic ligands, which is favorable for electrical conductivity in organic-based semiconductors. The nanocrystalline complex exhibits remarkable electrical conductivity and is also designed to undergo a [2+2] cycloaddition reaction, resulting in over a 70% increase in electrical conductivity. The increase in conductivity is supported by an increased contribution of Ag(I) ions to the top edge of the valence band, as well as new Ag···C(phenyl) interactions that can provide a charge transport pathway. Co-crystallization strategies were used to switch a non-photochromic compound photochromic upon incorporation into a series of co-crystals. Previously in our group, a co-crystalline thin film was applied for photolithography, and here, the crystal structure of the co-crystalline film is elucidated. We have also applied principles of crystal engineering to the synthesis of materials that are candidates for electrical property characterization measurements. First, we utilize Ag(I) to synthesize 0D and 1D metal-organic complexes. These complexes are also designed to undergo [2+2] photocycloaddition reactions and upon reaction, an increase in dimensionality by at least one order (i.e. 0D to 1D) is achieved. In one complex, photodimerization resulted in a 3D metal-organic framework (MOF), and we successfully applied a ‘green’ synthetic method to the synthesis of the 3D MOF via vortex grinding. We also report the X-ray crystal structure and solid-state packing of an organic molecule involving tetrathiafulvalene, a classic organic semiconductor. The molecule is susceptible to solvent uptake/loss and exhibits π-π stacking arrangements that are not ideal for favorable electrical properties. Through co-crystallization strategies, we achieve a unique ‘lock-arm’ motif that results in infinite stacking in the tetrathiafulvalene core, an ideal property for semiconductivity. This thesis will also focus on the solid-state [2+2] photodimerization reactions of styrylthiophenes, molecules that rarely undergo the reaction in either the solution or solid state. There have been very few efforts to attain regiocontrol of the products and high yielding photodimerizations of thiophenes are rare. We utilized a ditopic resorcinol template to afford the head-to-head photodimerization product, and by using a dicarboxylic acid-based co-crystal former, we were able to synthesize the head-to-tail photodimer. Both products were achieved in quantitative yield. We have also expanded our approach by employing silver templates, which have previously been successfully applied to photodimerizations of olefins substituted with six-membered rings (i.e. phenyl). We examined photoreactivity in Ag(I) coordination complexes with both α- and β-substituted thiophenes. Both head-to-head and head-to-tail products can be achieved and, in some complexes, both products are produced. In our studies examining thiophene photoreactivity with dicarboxylic acid templates, we discovered a unique co-crystal wherein two strong supramolecular synthons contribute equally to the solid-state packing. Due to this rare observation, we performed a survey of the Cambridge Crystallographic Database for co-crystals dominated equally by the same two strong supramolecular synthons. We found that co-crystals including both of these synthons are quite rare, and our co-crystal was the first to include a monopyridine. We discuss differences in pKas between the hydrogen-bond donor and acceptor to understand situations where these interactions do not form. We also highlight optimization of crystal symmetry and favorable secondary interactions, such as weak hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking, which may lead to and support the unique synthon formation. Lastly, we utilize co-crystallization strategies to modify the degree of dynamic molecular motion in the azo functional group, a group that is known to exhibit pedal motion in the solid state. The molecular motion is related to the thermal expansion behavior of the crystals and only upon co-crystallization with a ditopic receptor is the molecular motion capability of the azo group unlocked and ‘colossal’ thermal expansion properties achieved. By systematically modifying the non-azo component, we achieve thermal expansion ranging from ‘colossal’ to nearly zero, as well as rare negative thermal expansion.

My most recent series of paintings places specific focus on the societal struggles young women face with an emphasis on the need to constantly be viewed as attractive. I am interested in cultural taboos of women's sexuality, and body image anxiety. Layered imagery of anonymous groups of young women paired with grotesque representations of food mimic the internet bombardment so inescapable for young women today. Painted stereotypes of beauty further show the imbalance of male / female gender roles and holographic glitter as well as day glow color push the drama further. In spending time with my drawings and paintings the viewer will, ideally, begin to question the cultural expectations for women, and contemplate possibilities for change.

Purpose: the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of annealing heat treatment on biaxial flexural strength and reliability of 3Y-TZP, sintered at various temperatures. Materials & methods: 3Y-TZP blanks were pre-sintered at 850°C for 2 hours and sliced into discs (20x1.2mm). Specimens were randomly assigned to 5 groups and subsequently sintered at various temperatures ranging from 1350°C to 1650°C for 2 hours. For each sintering temperature, specimens were divided into three treatment groups. One group (n=20) was left as-sintered as control. One group was air-abraded with 50 micron aluminum oxide powder (n=20). The last group was air-abraded and heat-treated at 1250°C for 20 minutes (n=20). In addition, polished specimens (n=5 per sintering temperature) were prepared to study microstructure, grain size and indentation crack patterns. The mean density was measured by helium pycnometry. The percent porosity was calculated from measured and theoretical density. The mean grain size was determined by the linear intercept method on atomic force micrographs. Crystalline phases were analyzed by x-ray diffraction (XRD). Biaxial flexural strength (BFS) was tested according to ISO standard 6872 using a Universal Testing Machine. Polished specimens were thermally etched, gold coated and Vickers indentations were produced under a 98N load. Indentation crack patterns were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) on digital images. The length ratio of trans-granular to inter-granular fracture was determined. Results were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test and Turkey's adjustment for multiple comparisons. A 0.05 level of segnificance was used. Reliability was evaluated by weibull analysis. Results: There was an inverse relationship between density and sintering temperature Spearman rank correlation r = -0.982, p<0.0001). Statistically significant differences were found between all the groups (p<0.0001, exact Kruskal-Wallis test). There was strong evidence of an increase in the percentage of porosity with increasing sintering temperature Spearman rank correlation r=1.00, exact p = 0.017). The mean real grain size increased with sintering temperature. Analysis of XRD data showed that the monoclinic phase as well as ferro-elastic domain switching were present for all air-abraded groups. A small amount of monoclinic phase was also present in groups sintered at 1600°C and 1650°C. In The mean BFS was higher for all air-abraded groups compared to as-sintered or air abraded and heat-treated groups. Air-abraded groups sintered at 1350, 1450, 1550, and 1600°C showed the highest mean BFS (1552.97±200.85, 1502.29±102.36, 1391.4±108.3, 1258.5±114.8 MPa), respectively. The highest Weibull moduli (reliability) were obtained with the heat-treated group sintered at 1550°C (19.8), air-abraded group sintered at 1450°C (17.6) and heat-treated group sintered at 1350°C (15.4). The group sintered at 1650°C was the least reliable, independently of treatment state. Based on the data analysis of both the biaxial flexural strength and Weibull modulus, it was found that, the optimal treatment combination was obtained for the air-abraded group sintered at 1450°C, followed by the air-abraded group sintered at 1550°C. Crack patterns analyses showed that the proportion of trans-granular fracture increased with sintering temperature. Conclusions: Annealing heat treatment is not recommended after any adjustments, as it does not improve the reliability of the material. Crack patterns and flexural strength are strongly influenced by the crystalline phase composition of the material. Sintering at 1600°C and 1650°C is not recommended due to the corresponding decrease in mechanical properties independently of treatment. Air-abrasion of zirconia sintered at 1450°C or 1550°C led to the best combination of high strength and reliability.

When I design an object or a piece of furniture I do it with geometry in my mind. I use simple shapes like squares, rectangles and lines to create forms that then become an object. I organize the shapes in space thinking about the negative and positive space that they create. I also think of how each shape interacts with each other. The overall shape of an object contains other shapes inside, and these shapes create a relationship between each other in space. I also consider how geometry relates to the function of the object. In my designs, geometry and function shape the object. In this essay I describe the design and production process for a cheese tray, a night lamp and a candle holder. I talk about how I used geometry to design each one of these objects and the production process involved.

In the Philippines, a type of love song known as the Kundiman had existed since the early 19th century. But in the early 20th century Kundiman had developed into art song. The term Kundiman comes from the Tagalog phrase “kung hindi man” or “if it were not so”. Written in the Tagalog language, these folksongs were subtly patriotic but typically disguised as love songs. Filipinos, in their long struggle against an oppressive Spanish regime, saw it as a tool that would ultimately unite Filipino revolutionaries to wage war against the Spaniards in 1896 during the Spanish-American War. The composer Francisco Santiago (1889-1947) is sometimes called the “Father of Kundiman Art Song.” While his masterpiece is considered to be his Concerto in B flat minor for pianoforte and orchestra, one of his most significant piece is his song “Kundiman, (Anak-Dalita)”, the first Kundiman art song. Santiago regarded the Kundiman art song as something “that expresses the lofty sentiment of love, and even heroism in a melancholy mood.” Given the cross-fertilization of Spanish and Filipino cultures in the 19th century, Kundiman art songs were typically a blend of melodic material from native folksong and European music traditions. The result is a song characterized by smooth flowing lines and beautiful melodies. The piano accompaniments are typically full in texture, sometimes containing countermelodies, sometimes merely harmonizing with the vocal line in thirds and sixths. One other significant early composer of Kundiman art songs was Nicanor Abelardo (1893-1934). His songs, together with those of Santiago’s became models for other Filipino composers such as Constancio De Guzman (1903-1982) and Miguel Velarde, Jr. (1913-1986) in the decades following Abelardo’s death. The purpose of this essay is to shed some light on this unique genre of song, and provide the tools necessary to study and perform these representations of Filipino culture and history. To do this, I have provided brief background information on the origins of Kundiman art song. I have also provided a guide to pronunciation, grammar and the idiosyncracies of the Tagalog dialect. Finally, this essay contains a performance guide for 20 representative Kundiman art songs, including original texts, literal and prose translations, International Phonetic Alphabet (I.P.A.) transcriptions, and suggestions for interpretation and style. In researching and analyzing these songs I have gained an understanding of the aesthetic appeal of Kundiman art songs. More importantly, these songs are not widely known in the classical world. But because of their unique connection to Filipino history and culture, they deserve serious attention. These songs would indeed make a great addition to a recital program.

There is an algebra defined on a two dimensional manifold, known as the Skein algebra, which has as elements the simple closed curves of the manifold. Just like with numbers, there's a way to add, subtract and multiply elements. Unfortunately division is not allowed in the Skein algebra, which is why we introduced the notion of the Localized Skein Algebra, where we define a way to invert elements so that dividing is possible. These algebras have infinitely many elements, may not be commutative and in fact may have torsion, which makes them a hard object to study. This work is mainly centered in reducing these algebras to something more manageable. We have shown that for any space, its Localized Skein Algebra is a Frobenius extension of its Localized Character Ring, which means that any element of the algebra can be rewritten as a finite linear combination of a finite subset of basis elements, multiplied by elements that do commute. The importance of this result is that it solves this problem of noncommutativity, by rewriting anything that doesn't commute, as elements of a small set which can be controlled, along with elements that commute and behave nicely, making the Skein algebra far more manageable.