The electron transfer energy and the voltage of solar cells can be changed by tuning the energy band gap of photovoltaic materials. In lead perovskites, this is mainly controlled by the particular halides around lead atoms, with the best materials often having mixed halide compositions. Iodide substitution and identification in lead chloride APOSS perovskites to generate mixed-halide perovskites for control of light absorption in solar cells is creatively proposed in this project. In my previous work, I investigated new methods of bromide substitution and found that highly controlled substitution was achieved by heating copper chloride APOSS perovskites, (APOSS)[Cu₄Cl₁₆ ], in the presence of more stable organic bromides as normal methods, which includes highly reactive liquid bromine or trimethylsilyl bromide. Based on this preliminary research, proper experimental procedure and aims are put forward in this project as follows: lead chloride APOSS perovskite is first synthesized according to the synthesis method of copper chloride perovskite, which has already been published. After that, the iodide substitution is performed by exposing (APOSS) [Pb₄Cl₁₆ ] to a solution of relatively stable organic iodide reagents like carbon tetraiodide or diiodoethane at different temperature and concentration. In order to get more understanding about the substitution process on atom level, NMR and Gas Chromatography are performed to identify where the substituted chlorine atoms go.

Chronic stress has been associated with maladaptive behaviors in both human and animal research models, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this research study, we sought to define whether stress induces neural inflammation in the ventral tegmental area, the brain region primarily responsible for regulating reward consumption, learning, memory, and addictive behaviors through moderating dopamine release in other brain areas. To do this, male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a chronic intermittent stress paradigm that included stressors such as wet bedding, delayed feedings, social isolation, strobe lights, and forced swims. Following the chronic stress intervention, brain sections were collected from control and experimental groups. Subsequently, immunohistological analysis was performed of microglia and astrocytes, cell types known to mediate inflammatory responses within the brain. By assessing inflammation in the ventral tegmental area through fluorescent microscopy and quantitative morphological analysis of these glial cell types, we will establish whether inflammation in this key brain region regulating motivation may be involved in the harmful behavioral outcomes often associated with chronic stress.

American crows (Corvus brachyrynchos) are intelligent birds that use a diverse range of vocalizations to communicate in varying behavioral contexts. We aimed to interpret these calls objectively to broaden our understanding of how crows use their vocalizations to communicate, and how specific acoustic factors change relative to the behavioral contexts in which they are used. To do this, we recorded and analyzed vocalizations of crows in two behavioral contexts: pre-roosting and mobbing. Pre-roosting is a routine behavior, occurring before sunset, where crows group together before traveling to their roost sites. Mobbing is a situational behavior where groups of crows harass a predator with approaches and calls to repel it. In this study, we initiated mobbing by playing the audio of a distress call (made by a crow when restrained by a predator) and displaying a model owl. Using a bioacoustics analysis program called Raven Pro, we extracted acoustic variables from our audio recordings, such as frequency, duration, amplitude, etc. Using these variables, we created machine learning models to differentiate pre-roost and mobbing recordings. Further analysis showed frequency-related variables were crucial during mobbing behavior. To clarify how frequency/pitch is related to mobbing, we modified the frequency of a typical crow call to match the peak frequency of a distress call and vice versa. We then played these modified calls back to wild crows and monitored their responses. Our results showed altering call frequency significantly influenced mobbing behavior. Lowering the pitch of distress calls to decreased mobbing responses. Conversely, increasing the pitch of a typical call did not induce mobbing behavior comparable to a distress call. These findings demonstrate acoustic variation in crow vocalizations is context-dependent and thereby expands our knowledge of crow social communication.

In Weezer's 1996 album Pinkerton, frontman Rivers Cuomo laid his heart on the table, completely bare, in often grotesque detail. This uncomfortable exercise in intimacy didn't work well for audiences or critics, until recently. Despite its problematic themes, the album has gone on to go platinum, and later critical reception praises this awkward honesty. This example goes against the established order of scrutiny, or defies the conventions of-- as reactionaries may put it-- 'cancel culture'. Conversely, the work of David Foster Wallace has been put under intense social scrutiny, as more people have become aware of Mary Karr's abuse allegations against him. These two deeply flawed, yet undeniably talented, men showcase the issues with these creatives we hate to love-- be it from their actions or ideas. What was it that allowed Pinkerton to flourish today, while its controversial contemporaries have fallen from their pedestals for the exact same reasons? Starting with art from the nineties, this lecture works forward in time to evaluate modern audience's embrace of retrospective re-evaluation of art that has been fundamentally changed since publication by progressing social attitudes and the revelation of scandals.