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Fault Box Modeling Of Dip Slip Faults: A Framework For Fault Box Design And Future Studies, Hailey Pressnell

Master's Theses

The behavior of soils during surface fault rupture is a serious concern in the planning and design of infrastructure that may be located within or near a fault zone. Challenges associated with developing mitigation measures for surface fault rupture include the uncertainty of fault rupture and the variability of fault behavior. Current analytical procedures define surface fault rupture according to the type of fault movement (strike slip, normal or reverse), the amount of displacement on the fault, and the mechanics of the material overlying the fault. The purpose of this thesis is to reconfirm analytical solutions and gain a better …

Analysis Of Port Traffic Growth For Optimization Of Traffic Flow: A Microscopic Traffic Simulation Study Of Jaxport's Blount Island Marine Terminal, Amy A. Aida

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

To accommodate increasing cargo volumes and remain competitive, ports worldwide are facing growing pressure to expand and modernize their facilities. However, these expansions can place additional strain on land transportation networks, leading to congestion, delays and operational inefficiencies. This study used VISSIM, a microscopic traffic simulation tool, to model and analyze the complex traffic dynamics at the Blount Island Marine Terminal in Jacksonville, Florida, which is currently undergoing expansion.

To account for future traffic conditions, time series analysis was employed to project growth in traffic demand, taking into consideration anticipated expansions in tenant yard facilities, as well as increases in …

Community Perception And Attitudes Toward Plastics And Microplastic Pollution: A Case Study In The Red River Delta, Vietnam, Dang Hai Mai

Applied Environmental Research

Plastics and microplastic contamination pose increasing threats to human health, food safety, and environmental sustainability. In Vietnam, rapid urbanization, economic growth, and population expansion have contributed to a surge in plastic waste, intensifying pollution across regions such as the Red River Delta. This study adopts the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to explore community perceptions, attitudes, and behavioral intentions regarding plastic and microplastic pollution. A quantitative research design was employed, with data collected through structured questionnaires administered to 1,305 respondents via a stratified multistage sampling strategy across four provinces in the Red River Delta. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression …

Influence Of Crabgrass Root Exudates On The Hydrocarbons Degrading Microorganisms In Crude Oil Contaminated Soil, Sinha Changsiriwatana, Kwang Mo Yang, Toemthip Poolpak, Prayad Pokethitiyook

Applied Environmental Research

Understanding plant‒microbial interactions in petroleum-contaminated soil is critical for enhancing phytoremediation technology. In this study, the root exudate of crabgrass (Digitaria ciliaris) was collected hydroponically, and its dominant composition was identified via GC‒MS. A soil microcosm study was subsequently conducted to evaluate the influence of crabgrass root exudates on microbial growth, dehydrogenase activity, and biodegradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons by the petroleum-degrading bacteria Micrococcus luteus WN01 and Acinetobacter lwoffii A07. The amendment of crabgrass root exudates significantly promoted microbial degradation in both A. lwoffii A07 (47.98%) and M. luteus WN01 (62.78%), which were 8.47% and 15.78% greater than …

Investigation And Health Risk Assessment Of Indoor And Outdoor Nitrogen Dioxide At Preschools In Haze Areas Of Lampang Province And Industrial Areas Of Rayong Province, Thailand, Susira Bootdee, Sawaeng Kawichai, Suganya Phantu, Sopittaporn Sillapapiromsuk

Applied Environmental Research

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a major indoor air pollutant and a significant ambient air contaminant associated with health effects, especially for students and teachers who attend schools in the areas of traffic, roads and industry. This study aims to assess the impacts of NO2 exposure on the health of students in haze and industrial areas from November 2023 to March 2024. Researchers utilized tube-type passive samplers to collect indoor and outdoor NO2 samples, which were subsequently analyzed via spectrophotometry. The results revealed that the weekly mean indoor and outdoor NO2 concentrations in the haze areas (HA1–HA5) ranged between 4.4–29.0 and …

Examining The Variability In Planetary Boundary Layer Height Over Thailand: Correlations With Enso And Aerosol Optical Depth, Sirapong Sooktawee, Khwanruthai Renuhom, Siriwan Kaewket, Aduldech Patpai, Pramet Kaewmesri, Thongchai Kanabkaew, Pichnaree Lalitaporn

Applied Environmental Research

Thailand has been facing air pollution, e.g., PM2.5, and impacts from climate phenomena, e.g., the El Niño‒Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Both air pollution and climate interact with each other. Changes in the planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) can affect PM2.5, represented by the aerosol optical depth (AOD), and are influenced by ENSO related to changes in the PBLH. The relationships among the PBLH, ENSO, and AOD were investigated via an empirical orthogonal function (EOF), which decomposes the spatiotemporal data of the PBLH into spatial patterns and corresponding time series. Correlation analysis was used to determine the relationships between the PBL variability …

Spatial And Temporal Pattern Assessment Of Agricultural Drought Sensitivity And Its Potential Impact On Economic Crops In Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, Suwit Ongsomwang, Siripon Kamontum

Applied Environmental Research

Agricultural drought sensitivity (ADS) is highly diverse across regions, primarily due to differences in climate, soil types, and farming practices. Agricultural drought impacts depend on drought intensity, severity, duration and timing relative to crop growth stages. Therefore, spatial and temporal pattern assessments of ADS and its potential impact on economic crops in three scenarios via multicriteria decision-making methods were conducted. As a result, the spatial distributions of the ADS index and its classification at 3 m7, 3 m10 and 6 m10, covering the planting and growing periods, displayed different patterns. The percentages of moderate, high and very high severity levels …

The Use Of Machine Learning Algorithms For Water Quality Index Prediction In The Sai Gon River, Vietnam, Thuy Nguyen Thi Diem, Mai Nguyen Thi Huynh, Tra Tran Quang

Applied Environmental Research

Accurate prediction of the water quality index (WQI) lays the groundwork for integrated river basins and sustainable water resource management. Recent and accelerated advances in machine learning have led to various promising applications in water quality assessment. The present study leverages the predictive performance of several ML algorithms, including extreme gradient boosting (XGB), the gradient boosting model (GBM), support vector regression (SVR), and the radial basic function (RBF), to predict the WQI at three monitoring sites on the Sai Gon River from 2015–2019. In comparison, the results indicate that the XGB model outperforms the other models when eight parameters, including …

Effects Of Herbicides On 2,4-D-Resistant Soil Microorganisms In Maize Cultivation In Lopburi Province, Thailand, Boontarik Chimchart, Jitra Kokaew, Amnat Eamvijarn, Kanokon Bunpha, Sontaya Khamtib, Monchai Manassila, Tawatchai Inboonchuay

Applied Environmental Research

This study aimed to assess the impact of herbicide application on soil micro-organism density and to identify microorganisms resistant to 2,4-D-dimethyl-ammonium (2,4-D) for potential biodegradation. Research was conducted in maize plots in Lopburi Province, where 2,4-D was applied at a rate of 120 g of active ingredient per 160 m2. The soil samples were collected at various intervals: before application; 2 and 4 hours postapplication; and 1, 3, and 7 days after application. The analyses included soil property and microorganism population analyses. The results indicated that 2,4-D applications significantly increased bacteria and fungi in the treated plots compared with those …

Kinetics Of Hexavalent Chromium Adsorption And Reduction By Living Cells Of The Marine Bacterium Bacillus Cereus, Jittima Charoenpanich, Wachiraphorn Cherdchoo, Jutamas Pantab, Jariya Supakrit

Applied Environmental Research

This study identified Bacillus cereus, an efficient Cr(VI) bioreducer, isolated from marine sediment in Thailand. Batch experiments verified the complete removal of 25 mg L-1Cr(VI) from synthetic wastewater (pH 7.0) after 6 days at 37 °C, 50 rpm,and a biomass concentration of 25% (v/v) culture inoculum. The Freundlich isotherm model demonstrated the best correlation with the Cr(VI) adsorption equilibrium data in the 25–100 mg L-1concentration range (R2= 0.9831). Kinetic analyses indicated that the removal of Cr(VI) by living B. cereusfollowed a pseudo-second-order adsorption model (R2= 0.9875) and a pseudo-second-order reduction model (R2= 0.9807). The adsorption rate can be accuratelycharacterizedvia the …

Intelligent Tutoring Systems In The Age Of Llm-Based Agentic Frameworks - Adapting Small On-Device Language Models For Fact-Checking And Student Compliance Detection, Evan Vahid Naderi

Honors Undergraduate Theses

As large language models (LLMs) demonstrate increasingly sophisticated language understanding capabilities, they offer transformative potential for educational technology, particularly in developing more responsive intelligent tutoring systems (ITS). To develop these systems, a synthesis that balances theoretical frameworks with practical, cutting-edge, and deployable technology would be useful. This thesis aims to advance the field of ITSs theoretically by viewing the modern advancements in natural language processing within the context of the foundational frameworks important to the fields of self-regulated learning, ITSs, and cognitive agents. Then, building on prior research on the ITS MetaTutor \citep{Azevedo2022}, this research focuses on how functions of …

Identification Of Fiducial Points In Seismocardiographic Cycles Using Manual And Automated Annotation Methods, Jasmine-Vy T. Truong

Honors Undergraduate Theses

There is currently a need for complementary methods for non-invasive cardiac monitoring. Seismocardiography (SCG), the measurement of cardiac-induced vibrations at the chest surface, has shown potential clinical utility. Improving the reliability of detecting fiducial points of electrocardiography (ECG) and SCG, which collectively capture the electro-mechanical cardiac activities, could expand ECG/SCG utility as a low-cost, accessible tool for clinical assessment. This study identifies commonly accepted criteria for fiducial point detection in SCG and ECG through an extensive literature review and signal processing techniques. The previous criteria were evaluated to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Based on the findings, an improved set …

Delivery Of Medical Supplies To Remote Locations Via Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Approaches, Challenges, And Solutions, Meshari Aljohani, Ravi Mukkamala, Stephanie Olariu

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are becoming more important in improving healthcare logistics, in particular due to their cost effectiveness, minimized risk, and versatile operational capabilities. This study explores the deployment of autonomous UAVs to deliver medical supplies to remote areas. Advances in ledger technology, smart contracts, and machine learning have transformed tasks previously managed by human teams or manually controlled UAVs into fully autonomous missions. We present a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and initial solutions vital for the effective use of autonomous UAVs in the delivery of medical supplies. In addition, we propose a machine-learning model to optimize UAV …

Coldstartcpi: Induced-Fit Theory-Guided Dti Predictive Model With Improved Generalization Performance, Qichang Zhao, Haochen Zhao, Linyuan Gao, Kai Zheng, Yajie Li, Qiao Ling, Jing Tang, Yaohang Li, Jianxin Wang

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Predicting compound-protein interactions (CPIs) plays a crucial role in drug discovery. Traditional methods, based on the key-lock theory and rigid docking, often fail with novel compounds and proteins due to their inability to account for molecular flexibility and the high sparsity of CPI data. Here, we introduce ColdstartCPI, a framework inspired by induced-fit theory, which leverages unsupervised pre-training features and a Transformer module to learn both compound and protein characteristics. ColdstartCPI treats proteins and compounds as flexible molecules during inference, aligning with biological insights. It outperforms state-of-the-art sequence-based models, particularly for unseen compounds and proteins, and shows strong generalization capability …

Increased Visual Response Delay Impact On Sensorimotor Control In Persons With Multiple Sclerosis, Julie C. Wagner, Frankie M. Ingram, Vincenzo Daniele Boccia, Matilde Inglese, Maura Casadio, Camilla Pierella, Andrea Canessa, Robert A. Scheidt, Scott A. Beardsley

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Multiple Sclerosis negatively affects hand function in 60% of cases. Upper extremity dysfunction in persons with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) has previously been linked to slower, more variable movement, increased visual response delays (T_v), and neuroimaging evidence of altered brain activity; yet no one knows how these aspects relate to each other. This work combines clinical, kinematic, sensorimotor control, and neural imaging techniques to gain a more complete understanding of how upper extremity dysfunction arises in PwMS. Twenty PwMS and 20 Controls completed a reach and hold task with simultaneous electroencephalography recorded to determine if increased T_v in …

Lung Uptake Of Two Spect Markers Identifies Sensitivity To Hyperoxia-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome In Rats, Anne V. Clough, Taheri Pardis, Guru P. Sharma, Ming Zhao, Elizabeth R. Jacobs, Said H. Audi

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction: Exposure of adult rats to hyperoxia is a well-established model of human Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Although rats exposed to 100% O₂ display clinical evidence of lung injury after ∼40 h and death by 72 h, rats exposed to 60% O₂ for up to 7 days show little sign of injury. However, when subsequently exposed to hyperoxia, these pre-exposed rats become more susceptible to ARDS. The objective of this study is to evaluate the ability of imaging biomarkers to track this hyperoxia susceptibility and to elucidate underlying mechanisms.

Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to either room …

Scoping Review Of Machine Learning Techniques In Marker-Based Clinical Gait Analysis, Kevin N. Dibbern, Maddalena G. Krzak, Alejandro Olivas, Mark V. Albert, Joseph J. Krzak, Karen M. Kruger

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

The recent proliferation of novel machine learning techniques in quantitative marker-based 3D gait analysis (3DGA) has shown promise for improving interpretations of clinical gait analysis. The objective of this study was to characterize the state of the literature on using machine learning in the analysis of marker-based 3D gait analysis to provide clinical insights that may be used to improve clinical analysis and care. Methods: A scoping review of the literature was conducted using the PubMed and Web of Science databases. Search terms from eight relevant articles were identified by the authors and added to by experts in clinical gait …

Quantum-Resilient Architectures For Enterprise And Cloud Information Systems, Implications Of Quantum Computing For Enterprise Cybersecurity And Data Integrity, Manikantha Varaprasad Inakollu

Computer Science and Engineering Faculty Publications

The emergence of quantum computing presents unprecedented challenges to contemporary enterprise cybersecurity frameworks. Current cryptographic systems that protect sensitive data and secure communications will become vulnerable to quantum attacks within the next decade. This research examines the implications of quantum computing advancement for enterprise and cloud information systems, proposing quantum-resilient architectural frameworks that can withstand both classical and quantum threats. We analyze the timeline of quantum computing development, assess vulnerabilities in existing enterprise security infrastructures, and evaluate post-quantum cryptographic approaches suitable for organizational implementation. Through comparative analysis of quantum-resistant algorithms and architectural patterns, this study demonstrates that enterprises must begin …

Blockchain-Enabled Trust Frameworks For Enterprise Information Systems, Establishing Verifiable Trust In Distributed Organizational Environments, Manikantha Varaprasad Inakollu

Computer Science and Engineering Faculty Publications

Enterprise information systems increasingly operate in distributed environments where traditional trust mechanisms based on centralized authority prove insufficient. This research develops a comprehensive blockchain-enabled trust framework that establishes verifiable, decentralized trust mechanisms for enterprise systems operating across organizational boundaries. The study addresses critical gaps in current enterprise architectures where trust depends on centralized intermediaries, creating single points of failure and limiting inter-organizational collaboration. Through examination of existing trust models and blockchain capabilities, we propose an integrated framework that combines cryptographic verification, distributed consensus, and smart contract automation to establish trust without centralized control. Our framework enables organizations to verify data …

Suas Agricultural Aerial Application Operational Field Test, David Thirtyacre, Joseph Cerreta, Scott S. Burgess

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

One of the most promising uses of aerial applications by a sUAS is on small farms where traditional crewed aerial applicators were not practical due to the limited size of the operations. This controlled field test aimed to assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of using a sUAS spreading system compared to the traditional manual application of weed killer and fertilizer on cranberry bogs in Western Washington that were less than 10 acres. The aerial application took place over two separate days as scheduled by the farmer for maximum product efficiency. A total of sixty-three flights were necessary to apply the …

Bibliometric Analysis With R Biblioshiny On Safety Behavior In Aviation, Büşra Yıldırım, İnan Eryılmaz, Ahmet Karacan, Nusret Erceylan

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Safety behaviors in aviation are not limited to technical knowledge and skills in ensuring the safety of flight operations, but also include the attitudes, decision-making processes and collaborations of individuals and teams. In this context, in this study, a bibliometric analysis of publication and citation trends, key concepts and interactions of studies in the field was conducted to identify current and potential trends in aviation and safety behavior-based research, and to explore the intersections between safety behavior and aviation studies and the areas waiting to be explored. The bibliometric analysis using the RStudio-based Biblioshiny program was conducted on 1065 articles …

Advances In Ocean Mapping And Nautical Cartography, Giuseppe Masetti, Ian Church, Anand Hiroji, Ove Andersen

Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping

The Special Issue of Geomatics on "Advances in Ocean Mapping and Nautical Cartography" addresses emerging methodologies, technologies, and applications in ocean mapping. This collection includes studies on the development of high-resolution seabed mapping techniques, innovative data processing for marine cartography, and advancements in hydrographic surveying. It highlights the importance of integrating geospatial data from sources such as remote sensing, autonomous underwater vehicles, and satellite-based observations. Additionally, articles discuss challenges and strategies for ensuring data accuracy and accessibility, reflecting a growing interest in sustainable marine resource management and navigation safety enhancements.

Your Foot Is Not A Brick: Using A Multi-Segment Foot Model To Explore The Actions Of The Ankle-Foot Complex During Uneven Terrain Gait., Tayler Jon Hoekstra

Dissertations and Theses

The field of biomechanics has seen continued development of models to be used and circumstances to be considered. An increasing number of more complex models for the foot known as multi-segment foot models (MSFMs) have created opportunities to better understand the compensatory motion of this vital portion of human anatomy. This research seeks to utilize one such MSFM model to increase understanding in how human ambulation changes in uneven terrain environments. Unique inner-foot joints defined by the Rizzoli foot model (RFM) were measured for and compared for subjects traversing both even and uneven terrain to quantify joints that experienced significant …

A Comprehensive Exploration Of 6g Wireless Communication Technologies, Md Nurul Absar Siddiky, Muhammad Enayetur Rahman, Md. Shahriar Uzzal, H. M. Dipu Kabir

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

As the telecommunications landscape braces for the post-5G era, this paper embarks on delineating the foundational pillars and pioneering visions that define the trajectory toward 6G wireless communication systems. Recognizing the insatiable demand for higher data rates, enhanced connectivity, and broader network coverage, we unravel the evolution from the existing 5G infrastructure to the nascent 6G framework, setting the stage for transformative advancements anticipated in the 2030s. Our discourse navigates through the intricate architecture of 6G, highlighting the paradigm shifts toward superconvergence, non-IP-based networking protocols, and information-centric networks, all underpinned by a robust 360-degree cybersecurity and privacy-by-engineering design. Delving into …

Energy-Aware Sensor Fusion Architecture For Autonomous Channel Robot Navigation In Constrained Environments, Mohamed Shili, Hicham Chaoui, Khaled Nouri

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Navigating autonomous robots in confined channels is inherently challenging due to limited space, dynamic obstacles, and energy constraints. Existing sensor fusion strategies often consume excessive power because all sensors remain active regardless of environmental conditions. This paper presents an energy-aware adaptive sensor fusion framework for channel robots that deploys RGB cameras, laser range finders, and IMU sensors according to environmental complexity. Sensor data are fused using an adaptive Extended Kalman Filter (EKF), which selectively integrates multi-sensor information to maintain high navigation accuracy while minimizing energy consumption. An energy management module dynamically adjusts sensor activation and computational load, enabling significant reductions …

Scalable Mental Health Analysis Using Big Data: A Demographic And Geographic Study Of Depressive Symptoms, Saikrishna Katamneni, Anitha Bommana, Naman Pandya, Gokul Kareti, Sangwhan Cha

Harrisburg University Other Works

This project explores the application of Big Data technologies for large-scale mental health analysis, focusing on the prevalence of depressive disorder symptoms across diverse demographic and geographic subgroups. Utilizing Apache Spark on Google Cloud Dataproc, the system efficiently processed millions of survey records stored in Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS). Through comprehensive data preprocessing, aggregation, and visualization, the analysis revealed critical trends and disparities in mental health outcomes related to age, race, education level, gender, and state. Seasonal variations and subgroup-specific confidence intervals were also examined to identify high-risk populations and areas of measurement uncertainty. The results offer actionable insights …

The Effect Of Need For Cognition & Need For Affect On Human Reliance And Artificial Intelligence Interactions, Aliyah Mcgowan

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Abstract

With the increased use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) automations in fields like medical diagnoses and mental health queries, there are concerns regarding an individual’s trust and reliance on the technology. Reliance on AI output may lead an individual to accept inaccurate or incorrect information without further analysis. Trust may influence reliance and trust formation may be a product of affective processing. This study investigated the relationship between Need for Affect (NFA), Need for Cognition (NFC), and trust and reliance on AI interactions. Participants were assessed on the NFA scale for willingness to approach or avoid emotional stimuli, the NFC …

Forgoing Nuclear: Nuclear Power Plant Closures And Carbon Emissions In The United States, Luke Petach

Funded Scholarship

This paper examines the effect of nuclear power plant decommissioning on electricity generation and carbon emissions in the United States. Using data on nuclear reactor closures in the United States between 1993 and 2022 and data on state-level carbon emissions and electricity generation from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), this paper adopts a difference-in differences (DiD) approach to estimate the effect of nuclear decommissioning. Two-way fixed-effects (TWFE) DiD estimates suggest a nuclear plant closure increases annual state-level per capita carbon emissions between 6% and 8%. The increase in state-level carbon emissions is driven by a substitution toward fossil fuel electricity—particularly …

A Comprehensive Guide To Construction Documentation: From Hand Drafting To Bim, Cesar Salazar

Open Educational Resources

The construction industry relies heavily on precise and clear documentation to ensure the successful completion of projects. This book is a comprehensive guide to creating construction drawings, focusing on the principles and best practices that lead to high-quality outputs. Unlike manuals that teach specific software tools, this book emphasizes the effective use of various drawing tools to produce detailed graphic narratives that support the entire construction process, from inception to completion.

Impact Of Color, Shape, And Typeface On Visual Attention: An Eye Tracking Study On Brand Logo, Suzayana Rosidah, Fransiskus Xaverius Ivan, Suatmi Murnani, Hafzatin Nurlatifa, Kristian Adi Nugraha, Sunu Wibirama

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

In numerous cases, companies undertake logo redesigns to enhance brand perception. However, little attention has been paid to the impact of each element of the redesigned logo on visual attention and brand perception. To address this research gap, we collected data from eye tracking and self-report questionnaires of 30 participants during exposure to the old and new logos of a prominent bookstore in Indonesia. The results of the questionnaires revealed a significant relationship between the responses concerning color, shape, typeface, and those pertaining to visual attention (p < 0.05). Most participants were able to grasp the value of creativity, flexibility, progress, change, and strength in the new logo shape. The results of eye tracking show that color was the most influential factor that attracted visual attention in old (F(1.5, 43.4) = 14.905, p < 0.05) and new logos (F(1.7, 50) = 34.757, p < 0.05). This study suggests that companies should selectively choose a color scheme of a logo that better attracts the attention of consumers. In addition, our finding is promising as a practical guide for similar research, as well as a case study on how logo redesign affects brand perception and visual attention.