Digital Commons Network^™

The Location Set Covering Disruption Problem, Richard A. Sheldon

Theses and Dissertations

This research models and analyzes a variant of the Location Set Covering Problem (LSCP) in a bilevel, game theoretic setting by posing the LSCP as a non-cooperative attacker-defender Stackelberg game, where facilities are to be emplaced by the defender from a boarder set of potential facility locations to cover a set of demands; however, an attacker removes the possibility of emplacing q specific facility locations with the objective to remove the maximum weighted value demands, and then lexicographically maximize the cost of coverage of remaining demands. A novel methodology leveraging lexicographic programming computed an optimal solution for 98% of all …

Calibration And Demonstration Of A Dropped Channel Polarimetric Compressive Sensing Radar System, Cameron G. Goodbar

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) Dropped Channel Polarimetric Compressive Sensing (DCPCS) Radar System is a polarimetric radar utilizing four horn antennae with a unique cross-coupling architecture that enables direct control of system parameters to embed signals into adjacent channels. This thesis characterizes the nature of the system, develops system calibration, and illustrates the performance of the DCPCS technique under multiple system configurations. As shown in the results, DCPCS can successfully reconstruct full-polarization data from a subset of polarization measurements. In many cases, the target estimation and signal reconstruction is precise despite less-than-ideal conditioning of the canonical target dictionary …

Material Classification With Spectropolarimetric Lidar, Alexander J. Watson

Theses and Dissertations

A method for characterizing unknown targets using a hyperspectral polarimetric light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system is presented. Light reflected from manmade objects tends to be more polarized than light reflected from objects in the natural world. As such, polarization measurements can be used in remote sensing applications to differentiate artificial and natural objects. Previous works have attempted to characterize objects through passive polarimetric imagery. Methods developed by Cain and Lemaster and Cunningham facilitate reconstruction of the Stokes Vector from returning light. Martin used multispectral polarimetry to classify targets when the angle of incidence (AOI) is close to 0º. Here, …

Numerical Studies Of Semiclassical Light Storage Using The Coherent Atomic Transfer Function, Zachary T. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Quantum communication through photons relies on photonic storage to preserve quantum states. However, when photons interact with matter, quantum information becomes distorted. A recently developed semi-classical analytical model predicts output light pulses from an electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) system. Using the predictions, the model known as the Coherent Atomic Transfer (CAT) Function, is capable of predicting the stored pulse or reconstructing the original pulse. Using numerical convolution and deconvolution with the CAT function as an analog of the point spread function of Fourier optics can provide insights on the effects of EIT storage on the retrieved pulse. Blind deconvolution is …

Characterization, Performance, And Toxicological Assessment Of Polysulfone-Sulfonated Polyether Ether Ketone Membranes For Water Separation Applications, Muhammad Usman Yousaf, Lucca Madeo Cortarelli, Nerissa I. Jebet, Jason M. Unrine, Nirupam Aich, Olga V. Tsyusko, Isabel C. Escobar

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

The removal of small molecular weight charged compounds from aqueous solutions using membrane remains a challenge. In this study, polysulfone (PSf)- and sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK)-based membranes were fabricated via non- solvent induced phase separation process (NIPS) using N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) as solvent and water as non-solvent. Membranes were characterized structurally and morphologically, followed by toxicity assessment conducted before and after filtration, both with and without annealing at various pH values to evaluate potential leaching of trapped solvent from the membrane pores. Additionally, membrane performance was characterized using binary mixtures of cationic and anionic dyes. The results demonstrated selective filtration …

Are Emojis The New Words? A Sentiment Analysis Of Social Media Brand Conversations, Yashodhan Karulkar, Dev T. Vora, Siddharth Vaddepalli, Yash Thakur

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

Emojis have become an increasingly important aspect of consumer-brand interactions in the Indian subcontinent. However, the impact of emoji use on brand image and mental health remains underexplored, particularly in emerging economies like India, where structured research on this topic is limited. To address this gap, the present study analyzes over 4,600 consumer tweets related to 19 prominent brands across eleven industries. Using VADER sentiment analysis, the research develops a metric to assess consumer sentiment and brand engagement in relation to emoji usage. The findings indicate that effective integration of emojis contributes to positive consumer sentiment and enhanced brand engagement. …

Exploration Of Mental Health Stressors And Proposing Interventions Among Heavy-Civil Construction Workers, Enrrique Zarate

Construction Management

The mental health of heavy civil construction workers is an often-overlooked issue. Long hours, job insecurity, physically demanding work, and workplace culture contribute to significant stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges among workers in this industry. This research aimed to assess the mental health conditions of heavy civil construction workers, identify key stressors, and propose effective intervention strategies to improve overall well-being. Using a combination of surveys and interviews, this study gathered both quantitative and qualitative data to gain a comprehensive understanding of workers’ mental health. The surveys provided broad insights into common stressors and overall mental health of …

End-To-End (E2e) Model-Based Systems Engineering (Mbse) Framework, Joshua Adelabu, Bhushan Lohar

Shelby Hall Graduate Research Forum Presentations

This presentation explores the latest advancements in systems engineering, with a particular focus on Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). It covers key definitions, benefits, applications, and challenges associated with these methodologies, as well as analyzes current frameworks and research methodologies in the field.

Danzens: A Toolkit For Sensing, Labeling And Visualizing Dance Movements, Yanelly Mego, Concepción Valdez, Hector M. Camarillo-Abad, Franceli L. Cibrian

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

Wearable technology offers new opportunities for analyzing complex movements like dance, where precision, coordination, and feedback are key. In this demo, we present DanZens, a novel toolkit for real-time motion analysis in dance, leveraging wearable sensors to provide accessible and actionable feedback. Combining DanceTag to capture and annotate movements with DanceVis to visualize performance differences, DanZens uses Sony Mocopi sensors to analyze motion and generate intuitive heat maps through Dynamic Time Warping (DTW). This system enables precise, cost-effective comparisons between two people doing dance-related movements, offering personalized feedback and eliminating the need for expensive biomechanical labs. Designed to advance pervasive …

Harmonicthreads – An Interface That Supports Accessibility In Musical Interaction, Ellie Nguyen, Miyuki Weldon, Franceli L. Cibrian

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

Traditional musical instruments often can create boundaries due to their cost, training, mobility, and cognitive requirements, making musical expression inaccessible. To address this challenge, we developed HarmonicThreads, a novel pervasive computing interface consisting of a responsive, flexible fabric. HarmonicThreads provides a tactile and auditory experience, allowing users to easily create and control sounds. Using embedded sensors and real-time processing, HarmonicThreads interprets the user's natural movements and interactions to create adaptable musical outputs. This enables context-aware musical interaction, demonstrating the potential of pervasive interfaces in reducing barriers and making musical expression more accessible.

Treating Ground Water For Agricultural And Individual Consumption, Gabby Miller, Bronson Scott, Michael Clawson

Biomedical Engineering

This project, conducted in collaboration with Cal Poly seniors and Da Vinci High School students, aims to develop a solar-powered groundwater purification system. This system is designed to provide clean water for agricultural use and individual consumption, addressing the growing concerns of groundwater contamination and accessibility needs. The final prototype integrates a gravity filtration system combined with chemical purification, utilizing aluminum sulfate and chlorine to remove particulates, bacteria, and organic compounds.

The research phase involved an extensive review of groundwater contamination issues, existing filtration technologies, and market analysis. Key design constraints included cost-effectiveness, ease of maintenance, and minimal energy consumption, …

Asphalt Rubber Chip Seals A Cost Effective And Sustainable Solution For Road Infrastructure, Gunnar C. Bertsch

Construction Management

Asphalt Rubber Chip Seals provide a durable, cost effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paving methods by incorporating recycled waste tires. This study evaluates Asphalt Rubber Chip Seals implementation in Arizona and Michigan comparing its effectiveness to conventional paving approaches and the current applications in California. Variations in state funding for road maintenance significantly impact infrastructure quality and longevity, influencing the choice of paving solutions. ARCS has demonstrated resilience in extreme weather conditions, making it a viable option for expansion to states like Arizona and Michigan, where climate variations pose challenges for pavement longevity. The research assesses construction costs, …

Computational Model Of Coarctation Of The Aorta In Rabbits Suggests Persistent Ascending Aortic Remodeling Post-Correction, Ashley A. Hiebing, Matthew A. Culver, John F. Ladisa, Colleen M. Witzenburg

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a common congenital cardiovascular lesion that presents as a localized narrowing of the proximal descending aorta. While improvements in surgical and catheter-based techniques have increased short-term survival, there is a high long-term risk of hypertension and a reduced average lifespan despite correction. Computational models can be used to estimate aortic remodeling and peripheral vascular compensation, potentially serving as key tools in developing a mechanistic understanding of the interplay between pre-treatment dynamics, post-treatment recovery, and long-term hypertension risk. In this study, we developed a lumped-parameter model of the heart and circulation to simulate CoA. After …

Assessing The Perceived Safety Of Cyclists With Virtual Reality, Vahid Balali

Mineta Transportation Institute

In 2022, 7,522 pedestrians and 1,084 bicyclists were killed and approximately 67,000 pedestrians and 46,195 bicyclists injured in motor vehicle crashes on public roadways in the United States, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The transportation industry is faced with a pressing need to bolster the safety of these vulnerable road users. This research develops models of design and environmental factors that influence bicyclists’ and pedestrians’ perception of safety using Virtual Reality (VR) technology and ultimately informs transportation infrastructure design to better accommodate nonmotorized travelers. The goal of the bicycle element of this research is to develop …

Post-Irradiation Fault Injection For Complex Fpga Designs, Nathan G. Baker

Theses and Dissertations

Fault injection is a common technique for estimating the impact of single-event upsets (SEUs) within the configuration memory (CRAM) of an FPGA design. Fault injection is typically conducted prior to a radiation test to evaluate the effectiveness of SEU mitigation techniques, estimate the FPGA design's behavior at the radiation test, and prepare the radiation test infrastructure. This thesis explores how fault injection can be used after radiation testing to reveal additional insight into an FPGA's behavior during a radiation test. A unique methodology, referred to as post-irradiation fault injection (PIRFI), was developed in which the locations and timestamps of CRAM …

A Multi-Model And Multi-Agency Approach To Expand The Flood Inundation Mapping Capacity Of The Us National Water Center, Samuel Jay Oldham

Theses and Dissertations

The most accurate numerical model for simulating flood extents of rivers has long been a subject of debate. While specialized models exist for specific hydraulic features, we advocate for the principle that the best model is the one the user is familiar with, has adequate data to support input requirements and limitations, and will consistently employ. To support this approach, we have developed a database schema optimized to store riverine flood inundation model output files. This schema is designed to assist U.S. cities, counties, states, and other flood management agencies in leveraging their existing model-generated flood maps, regardless of the …

Greening The Workplace: Can Sustainable Practices Reduce Anxiety And Enhance Meaningful Work Engagement?, Cyril Tom T. Sunny, Peter Muttungal, Benny G. Davidson

Northeast Journal of Complex Systems (NEJCS)

This academic research examines the relationship between job engagement, green work climate, job-related anxiety, meaningfulness at work within the organization. It draws attention to identify the significant relations among all these factors and highlights the role of a green work climate in promoting meaningful work and alleviating job-related anxiety. The research emphasizes a diverse sample of employees from various organisations using structural modelling to find the mediating roles of job engagement and work meaningfulness in the correlation between organizational practices, environmental sustainability, and employee satisfaction. The study finds that a green work climate significantly enhances meaningful work experiences and reduces …

Safety Distances For Fires In Underground Hard Rock Mines, Rickard Hansen

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Preventing the ignition of combustibles in an underground mine will be one of the decisive actions affecting the risk to mining personnel during a fire. This study focuses on the application of safety distances in underground hard rock mines, where a safety distance will ensure that the incipient heat flux upon the fuel surface will not be sufficient for ignition. No earlier study has been conducted on safety distances in underground mines, and where data from earlier fire experiments and studies were applied. Safety distances were calculated using empirical expressions, accounting for influencing parameters. It was found that safety distances …

Anisotropy In Non-Darcy Flow In Individual Rough-Walled Rock Fractures, Zhu Yinbin, Liao Zhen, Li Changdong, Liu Hongbin, Jiang Xihui

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Investigating the flow behavior of fluids in individual rough-walled rock fractures is fundamental for fully understanding the seepage characteristics of fluids in rock fracture networks. Methods Rock fractures were artificially synthesized based on the fractal theory, and numerical simulations of seepage along these fractures were performed using the COMSOL Multiphysics software. Then, fracture specimens with the same geometric characteristics as numerical models of fractures were prepared using 3D printing technology. In combination with the self-designed equipment for seepage experiments, this study conducted seepage experiments on these fracture specimens under different injection flow rates to investigate the impacts of varying …

Factors Influencing The Production Of Coalbed Methane From Deep Reservoirs, Wang Zhenzhi, Fu Xuehai, Pan Jienan, Jin Yi, Wang Haichao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The production characteristics of coalbed methane (CBM) from deep reservoirs differ significantly from those of CBM from shallow reservoirs. Key challenges in deep CBM production include maintaining reservoir permeability or minimizing permeability loss, enhancing CBM (CH₄) desorption efficiency, and accurately predicting the laws of CH₄ diffusion. There is an urgent need to overcome these challenges through technological innovation and theoretical research. Methods This study systematically analyzed the advances in domestic and international research on coal reservoir permeability, CBM desorption, and CBM diffusion. By integrating the classification of production stages of deep coal reservoirs with the dominant …

Migration Characteristics And Storage Forms Of Liquid And Supercritical Co2 In Saline Aquifers, Peng Xiyi, Wang Yanyong, Li Song, Wang Xiaoguang, Cui Guodong, He Yongming

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective CO₂ storage in saline aquifers serves as a critical technology used to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Owing to the low-temperature marine environment and the pressure from overlying seawater, shallow offshore saline aquifers exhibit significantly different temperature and pressure conditions compared to onshore saline aquifers at equivalent burial depths, allowing CO₂ to occur in a liquid state. Compared to supercritical CO₂, liquid CO₂ features higher density, viscosity, and solubility in formation water, which affect the CO₂ migration and storage processes. Previous studies focus primarily on supercritical CO₂, lacking a deep understanding …

Response Characteristics Of The Orthogonal Antennas Of Electromagnetic Azimuthal Resistivity Measurement While Drilling (Mwd) Tool For Coal Mining, Chen Gang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods This study aims to determine the factors influencing the detection performance of the electromagnetic azimuthal resistivity measurement while drilling (MWD) tool for coal mining in horizontal wells. Through finite element numerical simulations, this study conducted boundary detection using orthogonal coupling coils with multiple frequencies and coil pitches. This allowed for determining the optimal asymmetric arrangement of coils, as well as the optimal working parameters of frequency, source-detector separation distance, and coil pitch suitable for high-resistivity coal seams. Results and Conclusions The comparative study of orthogonal and inclined coils reveals that in the case of directional signals of …

A Method For High-Accuracy Localization Of Microseismic Sources In Mines Based On Finite Element Simulation, Ning Dianyan, Zhu Kaipeng, Zhu Yongsheng, Yuan Shuxia, Zhou Zhenfang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods Microseismic monitoring technology for mines can reflect the deformations and failure of rock layers by capturing low-frequency vibration signals their internal structure generated during the stress-induced deformation and failure of them. Accordingly, water inrush warnings and geologic hazard prediction can be achieved. Acoustic source localization, allowing for the localization of energy release and the early warning of potential hazards, plays a key role in this technology. Presently, when used for acoustic source localization, the time difference of arrival (TDOA) method is facing issues including high algorithmic complexity, significant impacts of probe arrangement on the localization accuracy, and …

Flow Dynamics Of Agricultural Waste Nanofibers: Shear, Temperature, And Oscillatory Insights, Bilge N. Altay, Burak Aksoy, James Atkinson, Christopher Lewis, Carlos Diaz-Acosta, Raymond Francis

Articles

The rheology and fiber size of corn stover (CS) and cleaned cotton gin trash (CGT) cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were studied including behaviors at both moderate and extremely high shear rates, to simulate industrial processes ranging from mixing and pumping to high-speed coating, printing, and extrusion. Particle size analyzer showed that 99% of CS fibers measured around 226 nm, while 85% of CGT fibers were approximately 143 nm. Both CS and CGT CNFs formed gel-like suspensions, and shear flow tests revealed that all samples exhibited shear-thinning behavior, allowing easy flow under shear forces. Gels with higher solid content (1%) demonstrated extended …

Microfabrication Of Sic Using Femtosecond Lasers, Jared Eldon Payne

Theses and Dissertations

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a desirable material in a wide variety of semiconductor fields. The impressive thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties that make SiC an attractive material also make it very difficult to machine. New fabrication techniques are required to take full advantage of the potential of SiC. First, a new 3-dimensional (3D) non-line-of-sight (NLOS) fabrication technique using two-photon absorption is demonstrated in SiC. NLOS microchannels are shown with aspect ratios higher than 100:1. The process is the only method known, at this time, that can create truly 3D subsurface structures in SiC without direct line of sight to the …

A Comparative Mathematical Analysis Of Ice Modulation Measurement Techniques: Unifying Thermal Hysteresis, Freezing Point Depression, And Colligative Effects, Hayden Calvert Barry

Engineering Undergraduate Senior Theses

Thermal hysteresis (TH) measurement techniques for ice binding proteins (IBPs) have historically lacked standardization, making cross-study comparisons challenging and potentially impeding development of these materials for practical applications. This study provides a comprehensive comparison of three measurement techniques: differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), microlitre osmometry, and cryostage microscopy. Through systematic experimentation with Wild Type III Antifreeze Protein (AFP) at varying concentrations (10μM, 100μM, 1mM), along with cell lysate AFP and Pseudomonas syringe ice nucleating protein (INP), mathematical relationships were established between measurement techniques, and cryostage microscopy was identified as the most reproducible and reliable method. Regression analysis revealed strong relationships between …

Facial Swap Detection Based On Deep Learning: Comprehensive Analysis And Evaluation, Israa Mishkhal, Nibras Abdullah, Hassan H. Saleh, Nur Intan Raihana Ruhaiyem, Fadratul Hafinaz Hassan

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

In recent years, Advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning (DL), have made great strides in the creation of highly realistic deepfakes, which manipulate facial forensics to generate convincing fake faces or expressions. These manipulations pose significant threats to individual privacy and the integrity of legal, political, and social institutions. In fact, several existing studies have recently pursued the development of machine learning techniques for detecting deepfake content, with the overarching aim of protecting the victim's privacy or curbing the rise of picture fabrication. Despite extensive research on DL-based deepfake detection systems, challenges such as detecting facial swaps under …

Mechanism Of Mud Pumping On Plateau Highway Under Traffic Loads And Its Treatment Strategy, Zhang Junhui, Chen Zhide, Gao Feng, Na Qicai, Ma Pengfei, Xiao Lin

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

The dynamic hydraulic response and particle migration of subgrade structures under traffic loads are fundamental to reveal the formation and development mechanisms of mud pumping.The driving mechanism of fine particle migration in the mud pumping state was explored by conducting laboratory tests on layered gravel-sandy silt columns under dynamic loads.The results show that the slurry sloshing causes alternating positive and negative pressure gradients within the gravel layer.This oscillating pressure gradient enhances the pore permeability in the underlying sandy silt layer,providing the necessary hydrodynamic conditions for fine particle migration.Fine particle migration increases the slurry turbidity to a stable value.Upon the removal …

“Feels Good Man”: How One Amphibian Became A Weapon Of Mass Disinformation, Samuel Stiller

Binghamton University Undergraduate Journal

This paper investigates the “Pepe the Frog” meme to explore the significance of memes as a medium of disinformation with particular emphasis on how the psychology of anonymity affects how disinformation is disseminated.

Utilizing Ai For Improved Credit Risk Assessment, Emel Baglarbasi

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

As the finance sector continues to evolve, traditional risk assessment methods struggle to calculate default risk and identify nonlinear relationships accurately. This research examines an alternative risk assessment model designed to estimate credit risk more accurately and efficiently in the credit processes of individual customers, which are one of the primary sources of income for the banking sector. It presents the theoretical design of an AI-based model. The use of this AI model can reduce human error in processes, improve risk assessment accuracy, and expedite procedures. The study adopts a postpositivist worldview and employs a quantitative research design. Algorithms including …