Engineering Commons^™

Sparse Ensemble Networks For Hypserspectral Image Classification, Rakesh Kumar Iyer, Okan Ersoy

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technical Reports

We explore the efficacy of sparsity and ensemble model in the classification of hyperspectral images, a pivotal task in remote sensing applications. While Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Transformer models have shown promise in this domain, each exhibits distinct limitations; CNNs excel in capturing the spatial/local features but falter to capture spectral features, whereas Transformers captures the spectral features at the expense of spatial features. Furthermore, the computational cost associated with training several independent CNN and Transformer networks becomes expensive. To address these limitations, we propose a novel ensemble framework comprising pruned CNNs and Transformers, optimizing both spatial and spectral …

Digital Platform To Aid Youth Substance Abuse Prevention, Bingxuan Li

Discovery Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Internship

Through research and interviews, I discovered that a significant portion of students in Africa become drug addicts and drop out of school. The solution is to prevent youth substance abuse before it happens, so that more students in Africa may continue their education. With the strong motivation of expanding African student involvement in higher education, I participated DURI program to increase higher education rates in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa. The local government is establishing rehabilitation centers to monitor at-risk students and prevent youth substance abuse, but due to extremely limited resources, it is critical to evaluate the …

Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging, Srivatsan Ravichandran, Okan Ersoy

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technical Reports

Simulation programs are used to locate the positions of the input target points and generate a 2D SAR image with the Range Migration Algorithm. Using the same methodology, we can create a scene geometry using the concept of Point cloud and run the simulation program to generate raw SAR data.

Natural Language Processing For Novel Writing, Leqing Qu, Okan Ersoy

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technical Reports

No abstract provided.

Designing A Computer-Vision Application: A Case Study For Hand-Hygiene Assessment In An Open-Room Environment, Chengzang Zhong, Amy R. Reibman, Hansel A. Mina, Amanda J. Deering

Department of Food Science Faculty Publications

Hand-hygiene is a critical component for safe food handling. In this paper, we apply an iterative engineering process to design a hand-hygiene action detection system to improve food- handling safety. We demonstrate the feasibility of a baseline RGB-only convolutional neural network (CNN) in the restricted case of a single scenario; however, since this baseline system performs poorly across scenarios, we also demonstrate the application of two methods to explore potential reasons for its poor performance. This leads to the development of our hierarchical system that incorporates a variety of modalities (RGB, optical flow, hand masks, and human skeleton joints) for …

Radiation Effects On Space Solar Cells At Various Earth And Jupiter Orbital Altitudes, Naazneen Rana

Discovery Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Internship

Solar cells are used as the primary power source for earth-orbiting satellites and as a primary/secondary power source for various missions within the solar system. However, high energy particles from the sun, planetary magnetospheres, and the galaxy can affect the performance and life expectancy of the space solar cell and associated power systems. As the interests for interplanetary travel and the exploration of planets within our solar system increase, the need to understand a device’s performance within a particular planet’s environment is necessary. Therefore, this study will analyze the performance of space solar cells, particularly the SolAero IMM-α, at various …

Human Body–Electrode Interfaces For Wide-Frequency Sensing And Communication: A Review, Kurian Polachan, Baibhab Chatterjee, Scott Weigand, Shreyas Sen

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Several on-body sensing and communication applications use electrodes in contact with the human body. Body–electrode interfaces in these cases act as a transducer, converting ionic current in the body to electronic current in the sensing and communication circuits and vice versa. An ideal body–electrode interface should have the characteristics of an electrical short, i.e., the transfer of ionic currents and electronic currents across the interface should happen without any hindrance. However, practical body–electrode interfaces often have definite impedances and potentials that hinder the free flow of currents, affecting the application’s performance. Minimizing the impact of body–electrode interfaces on the application’s …

Verifying Spi With Universal Verification Methodology (Uvm), Yueting Zhao

Discovery Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Internship

Nowadays, system-on-chips (SoC) are widely applied to perform any computing task. They are used in personal computers, embedded systems, and mobile computing. During the design of an SoC, testing and debugging play important roles to ensure the correct functionalities before sending the chip for fabrication. There are several different verification methods, among which the Universal Verification Methodology (UVM) is the one we are using. It is written in SystemVerilog and is an efficient method for verifying digital designs that is standardized in the industry. Following UVM, we can create scalable and well-formatted testbenches that can be reused for other components …

Experimental And Design Effort To Understand A Wider Sense Of Memory Application, Nicholas Zogbi

Discovery Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Internship

Magnetic Random-Access Memory (mRAM) is a more efficient, smaller, and less power-hungry memory device that can be implemented into computers. Using Magnetic Tunnel Junctions (MTJ) we store memory in devices that are far less complex than other types of memory with just the use of currents and magnetic fields changing the data.

In collaboration with the System-on-Chip Extension Technologies (SoCET) and Computing Advances by Probabilistic Spin Logic (CAPSL) groups, we have been working on using the characteristics of MTJs to characterize available commercial mRAM devices so we can have a better understanding of the thresholds of the MTJs. The SoCET …

A Survey On Subsurface Signal Propagation, Usman Raza, Abdul Salam

Faculty Publications

Wireless Underground Communication (WUC) is an emerging field that is being developed continuously. It provides secure mechanism of deploying nodes underground which shields them from any outside temperament or harsh weather conditions. This paper works towards introducing WUC and give a detail overview of WUC. It discusses system architecture of WUC along with the anatomy of the underground sensor motes deployed in WUC systems. It also compares Over-the-Air and Underground and highlights the major differences between the both type of channels. Since, UG communication is an evolving field, this paper also presents the evolution of the field along with the …

A Statistical Impulse Response Model Based On Empirical Characterization Of Wireless Underground Channel, Abdul Salam, Mehmet C. Vuran, Suat Irmak

Faculty Publications

Wireless underground sensor networks (WUSNs) are becoming ubiquitous in many areas. The design of robust systems requires extensive understanding of the underground (UG) channel characteristics. In this paper, an UG channel impulse response is modeled and validated via extensive experiments in indoor and field testbed settings. The three distinct types of soils are selected with sand and clay contents ranging from $13\%$ to $86\%$ and $3\%$ to $32\%$, respectively. The impacts of changes in soil texture and soil moisture are investigated with more than $1,200$ measurements in a novel UG testbed that allows flexibility in soil moisture control. Moreover, the …

Electromagnetic Characteristics Of The Soil, Abdul Salam, Usman Raza

Faculty Publications

The electromagnetic characteristics of the soil are discussed in this chapter. The characteristics of porous bedrock, soil medium, and impacts of rain attenuations are also presented. The models of dielectric soil properties are studied with a rigorous focus on the constitutive parameters of subsurface soil medium. Moreover, the permittivity and wavenumber in soil are explained. In addition, the frequency-dependent dielectric properties such as dispersion in soil, absorption characteristic, and penetration depth versus frequency are reviewed. Furthermore, the effective permittivity of soil–water mixture for through-the soil-propagation mechanism is analyzed thoroughly.

Underground Phased Arrays And Beamforming Applications, Abdul Salam, Usman Raza

Faculty Publications

This chapter presents a framework for adaptive beamforming in underground communication. The wireless propagation is thoroughly analyzed to develop a model using the soil moisture as an input parameter to provide feedback mechanism while enhancing the system performance. The working of array element in the soil is analyzed. Moreover, the effect of soil texture and soil moisture on the resonant frequency and return loss is studied in detail. The wave refraction from the soil–air interface highly degrades the performance of the system. Furthermore, to beam steering is done to achieve high gain for lateral component improving the UG communication. The …

Signals In The Soil: An Introduction To Wireless Underground Communications, Abdul Salam, Usman Raza

Faculty Publications

In this chapter, wireless underground (UG) communications are introduced. A detailed overview of WUC is given. A comprehensive review of research challenges in WUC is presented. The evolution of underground wireless is also discussed. Moreover, different component of UG communications is wireless. The WUC system architecture is explained with a detailed discussion of the anatomy of an underground mote. The examples of UG wireless communication systems are explored. Furthermore, the differences of UG wireless and over-the-air wireless are debated. Different types of wireless underground channel (e.g., In-Soil, Soil-to-Air, and Air-to-Soil) are reported as well.

Modulation Schemes And Connectivity In Wireless Underground Channel, Abdul Salam, Usman Raza

Faculty Publications

In this chapter, a thorough treatment of the modulation schemes for UG Wireless is presented. The effects of soil texture and water content on the capacity of multi-carrier modulation in WUC are discussed. The multi-carrier capacity model results are analyzed. Moreover, the underground MIMO design for underground communications is explained thoroughly. An analysis of medium access in wireless underground is done as well. Furthermore, the soil properties are considered for cross-layer communications of UG wireless. The performance analysis of traditional modulation schemes is also considered. The soil moisture-based modulation approach is also explored in this chapter. The connectivity and diversity …

Underground Wireless Channel Bandwidth And Capacity, Abdul Salam, Usman Raza

Faculty Publications

The UG channel bandwidth and capacity are vital parameters in wireless underground communication system design. In this chapter, a comprehensive analysis of the wireless underground channel capacity is presented. The impact of soil on return loss, bandwidth, and path loss is discussed. The results of underground multi-carrier modulation capacity are also outlined. Moreover, the single user capacity and multi-carrier capacity are also introduced with an in-depth treatment of soil texture, soil moisture, and distance effects on channel capacity. Finally, the chapter is concluded with a discussion of challenges and open research issues.

Signals In The Soil: Underground Antennas, Abdul Salam, Usman Raza

Faculty Publications

Antenna is a major design component of Internet of Underground Things (IOUT) communication system. The use of antenna, in IOUT, differs from traditional communication in that it is buried in the soil. Therefore, one of the main challenges, in IOUT applications, is to establish a reliable communication. To that end, there is a need of designing an underground-specific antenna. Three major factors that can impact the performance of a buried antenna are: (1) effect of high soil permittivity changes the wavelength of EM waves, (2) variations in soil moisture with time affecting the permittivity of the soil, and (3) difference …

Soil Moisture And Permittivity Estimation, Abdul Salam, Usman Raza

Faculty Publications

The soil moisture and permittivity estimation is vital for the success of the variable rate approaches in the field of the decision agriculture. In this chapter, the development of a novel permittivity estimation and soil moisture sensing approach is presented. The empirical setup and experimental methodology for the power delay measurements used in model are introduced. Moreover, the performance analysis is explained that includes the model validation and error analysis. The transfer functions are reported as well for soil moisture and permittivity estimation. Furthermore, the potential applications of the developed approach in different disciplines are also examined.

Current Advances In Internet Of Underground Things, Abdul Salam, Usman Raza

Faculty Publications

The latest developments in Internet of Underground Things are covered in this chapter. First, the IOUT Architecture is discussed followed by the explanation of the challenges being faced in this paradigm. Moreover, a comprehensive coverage of the different IOUT components is presented that includes communications, sensing, and system integration with the cloud. An in-depth coverage of the applications of the IOUT in various disciplines is also surveyed. These applications include areas such as decision agriculture, pipeline monitoring, border control, and oil wells.

Autonomous Irrigation Management In Decision Agriculture, Abdul Salam, Usman Raza

Faculty Publications

In this chapter, the important application of autonomous irrigation management in the field decision agriculture is discussed. The different types of sensor-guided irrigation systems are presented that includes center pivot systems and drip irrigation systems. Their sensing and actuator components are with detailed focus on real-time decision-making and integration to the cloud. This chapter also presents irrigation control systems which takes, as an input, soil moisture and temperature from IOUT and weather data from Internet and communicate with center pivot based irrigation systems. Moreover, the system architecture is explored where development of the nodes including sensing and actuators is presented. …

Wireless Underground Channel Modeling, Abdul Salam, Usman Raza

Faculty Publications

A comprehensive treatment of wireless underground channel modeling is presented in this chapter. The impacts of the soil on bandwidth and path loss are analyzed. A mechanism for the UG channel sounding and multipath characteristics analysis is discussed. Moreover, novel time-domain impulse response model for WUC is reviewed with the explanation of model parameters and statistics. Furthermore, different types of the through-the-soil wireless communications are surveyed. Finally, the chapter concludes with discussion of the UG wireless statistical model and path loss model for through-the-soil wireless communications in decision agriculture. The model presented in this chapter is also validated with empirical …

Zenneck Waves In Decision Agriculture: An Empirical Verification And Application In Em-Based Underground Wireless Power Transfer, Usman Raza, Abdul Salam

Faculty Publications

In this article, the results of experiments for the observation of Zenneck surface waves in sub GHz frequency range using dipole antennas are presented. Experiments are conducted over three different soils for communications distances of up to 1 m. This empirical analysis confirms the existence of Zenneck waves over the soil surface. Through the power delay profile (PDP) analysis, it has been shown that other subsurface components exhibit rapid decay as compared to the Zenneck waves. A potential application of the Zenneck waves for energy transmission in the area of decision agriculture is explored. Accordingly, a novel wireless through-the-soil power …

On-Site And External Energy Harvesting In Underground Wireless, Usman Raza, Abdul Salam

Faculty Publications

Energy efficiency is vital for uninterrupted long-term operation of wireless underground communication nodes in the field of decision agriculture. In this paper, energy harvesting and wireless power transfer techniques are discussed with applications in underground wireless communications (UWC). Various external wireless power transfer techniques are explored. Moreover, key energy harvesting technologies are presented that utilize available energy sources in the field such as vibration, solar, and wind. In this regard, the Electromagnetic(EM)- and Magnetic Induction(MI)-based approaches are explained. Furthermore, the vibration-based energy harvesting models are reviewed as well. These energy harvesting approaches lead to design of an efficient wireless underground …

Wireless Underground Communications In Sewer And Stormwater Overflow Monitoring: Radio Waves Through Soil And Asphalt Medium, Usman Raza, Abdul Salam

Faculty Publications

Storm drains and sanitary sewers are prone to backups and overflows due to extra amount wastewater entering the pipes. To prevent that, it is imperative to efficiently monitor the urban underground infrastructure. The combination of sensors system and wireless underground communication system can be used to realize urban underground IoT applications, e.g., storm water and wastewater overflow monitoring systems. The aim of this article is to establish a feasibility of the use of wireless underground communications techniques, and wave propagation through the subsurface soil and asphalt layers, in an underground pavement system for storm water and sewer overflow monitoring application. …

Design Of Subsurface Phased Array Antennas For Digital Agriculture Application, Abdul Salam

Faculty Publications

With the advancement in subsurface communications technology, an overarching solution to a underground phased array antenna design for digital agriculture requires interdisciplinary research involving topics ranging from insights on the constitutive parameters of the soil medium and impact of soil moisture on the array factor to antenna measurements and subsurface communication system design. In this paper, based on the analysis of underground radio wave propagation in subsurface radio channel, a phased array antenna design is presented that uses water content information and beam steering mechanisms to improve efficiency and communication range of wireless underground communications. It is shown the subsurface …

Internet Of Things In Agricultural Innovation And Security, Abdul Salam

Faculty Publications

The agricultural Internet of Things (Ag-IoT) paradigm has tremendous potential in transparent integration of underground soil sensing, farm machinery, and sensor-guided irrigation systems with the complex social network of growers, agronomists, crop consultants, and advisors. The aim of the IoT in agricultural innovation and security chapter is to present agricultural IoT research and paradigm to promote sustainable production of safe, healthy, and profitable crop and animal agricultural products. This chapter covers the IoT platform to test optimized management strategies, engage farmer and industry groups, and investigate new and traditional technology drivers that will enhance resilience of the farmers to the …

Internet Of Things For Water Sustainability, Abdul Salam

Faculty Publications

The water is a finite resource. The issue of sustainable withdrawal of freshwater is a vital concern being faced by the community. There is a strong connection between the energy, food, and water which is referred to as water-food-energy nexus. The agriculture industry and municipalities are struggling to meet the demand of water supply. This situation is particularly exacerbated in the developing countries. The projected increase in world population requires more fresh water resources. New technologies are being developed to reduce water usage in the field of agriculture (e.g., sensor guided autonomous irrigation management systems). Agricultural water withdrawal is also …

Internet Of Things In Sustainable Energy Systems, Abdul Salam

Faculty Publications

Our planet has abundant renewable and conventional energy resources but technological capability and capacity gaps coupled with water-energy needs limit the benefits of these resources to citizens. Through IoT technology solutions and state-of-the-art IoT sensing and communications approaches, the sustainable energy-related research and innovation can bring a revolution in this area. Moreover, by the leveraging current infrastructure, including renewable energy technologies, microgrids, and power-to-gas (P2G) hydrogen systems, the Internet of Things in sustainable energy systems can address challenges in energy security to the community, with a minimal trade-off to environment and culture. In this chapter, the IoT in sustainable energy …

Internet Of Things For Sustainable Mining, Abdul Salam

Faculty Publications

The sustainable mining Internet of Things deals with the applications of IoT technology to the coupled needs of sustainable recovery of metals and a healthy environment for a thriving planet. In this chapter, the IoT architecture and technology is presented to support development of a digital mining platform emphasizing the exploration of rock–fluid–environment interactions to develop extraction methods with maximum economic benefit, while maintaining and preserving both water quantity and quality, soil, and, ultimately, human health. New perspectives are provided for IoT applications in developing new mineral resources, improved management of tailings, monitoring and mitigating contamination from mining. Moreover, tools …

Internet Of Things In Water Management And Treatment, Abdul Salam

Faculty Publications

The goal of the water security IoT chapter is to present a comprehensive and integrated IoT based approach to environmental quality and monitoring by generating new knowledge and innovative approaches that focus on sustainable resource management. Mainly, this chapter focuses on IoT applications in wastewater and stormwater, and the human and environmental consequences of water contaminants and their treatment. The IoT applications using sensors for sewer and stormwater monitoring across networked landscapes, water quality assessment, treatment, and sustainable management are introduced. The studies of rate limitations in biophysical and geochemical processes that support the ecosystem services related to water quality …