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A Neural Network-Based Sliding Mode Adaptive Control System For Unmanned Surface Vehicles, Sun Qiaomei, An Liang, Jiang Linglin

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Over the past decades, numerous studies have explored the use of autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). Successful USV operation requires a robust tracking control system to perform a range of tasks. However, USV dynamics are uncertain, time-varying, and nonlinear. This paper presents a neural network-based sliding mode adaptive control (NNSMAC) system to enhance USV tracking performance. Trajectories were generated using spline and polynomial interpolation based on a set of N predefined waypoints. Simulation results show that the proposed method outperforms traditional sliding mode control in error reduction, enabling more effective tracking.

A Blueprint To Greener Shorelines: Advancing The Effectiveness, Sustainability, And Widespread Adoption Of Coastal Nature-Based Solutions Through Transdisciplinary Research, Taylor M. Sloey, Sierra Hildebrandt, Rebecca L. Morris, Matthew V. Bilskie, Aaron Bland, David Bushek, Gabriella Dipetto, Daniel Elefant, Vincent Encomio, Ramin Familkhalili, Christine Hladik, Danielle Kreeger, Avery B. Paxton, Cindy M. Palinkas, Latina Steele, Andrew Scheld, Daisuke Taira, Jason D. Toft, Armando J. Ubeda, Christine Whitcraft, Donna Marie Bilkovic

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Coastal nature-based solutions (NbS) have emerged as powerful tools to enhance sustainable development and ecological restoration goals. As a rapidly growing field spanning across social, political, ecological, economic, and engineering disciplines, it is critical that researchers working in coastal NbS regularly attempt to identify emerging focal areas for scientific inquiry. Following the 27th Biennial meeting of the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation, we provide a transdisciplinary perspective (including biologists, engineers, oceanographers, geoscientists, economists, and facilitators of workforce training programs) of pertinent research questions that, if answered, will advance the effectiveness, sustainability, and widespread adoption of coastal NbS. These suggestions for …

Form And Function In Mobulids: A Comparative Analysis Of Filter Morphology With Bioinspiration Applications, J. B. Teeple, S. R. Kahane-Rapport, K. E. Cohen, L. Hamann, J. A. Strother, E. W. M. Paig-Tran

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Mobulas (manta and devil rays) are large-scale ram filter feeders that separate planktonic food particles from large volumes of water with minimal clogging. This contrasts with most human-made filters that can suffer from problematic clogging requiring additional mechanisms for clearing blocked surfaces and maintaining performance. Prior studies have shown that mobulas employ a unique mechanism referred to as ricochet separation to filter feed, whereby captive vortices in filter pores cause particles to bounce off the filter surfaces and away from the filter pores. This mechanism enables the filtration of particles smaller than the pore size and reduced clogging. However, few …

In Vitro Microfluidics System For Mechanobiologic Investigations, Michael A. Daanen

Honors Theses

Mechanobiology is an emerging field that aims to study the relationships between mechanical forces and cellular behavior. Such mechanobiological relationships are especially critical in the cardiovascular system, where endothelial cells lining the vasculature align in response to fluid shear stresses from blood flow (Sinha, 2016). Implanted flow devices, diabetes, chronic hypertension, and various other diseases and pathophysiologies alter vessel geometries and flow dynamics. Such alterations impact fluid shear stress and endothelial cell behavior, leading to microcirculatory dysfunction, vessel leakage, and organ failure (Poredos, 2021; Papadaki, 1999; Leitschuh, 1987). To simulate dysfunctional endothelial cell behavior in vitro and evaluate novel therapeutic …

Evaluation Of Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation And Growth In Hemp From Chicken Manure, Vermicompost, And Wastewater Sludge With Biochar And Health Risk Assessment, Chutiphan Sangsoda

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has become an economically valuable crop with a wide range of benefits. To promote more sustainable agricultural systems, the use of recycled substrates has increasingly replaced traditional fertilizers. However, substrates such as dry chicken manure, vermicompost, and wastewater sludge (WWS) combined with biochar often contain heavy metal contaminants, which may pose health risks through exposure to hemp. This study investigated three cultivars Rosella, Superwoman S1, and Red Robin over a 120-day period. The objectives were: (1) to compare the effects of dry chicken manure, vermicompost, and wastewater sludge (with and without biochar) on soil nutrient quality …

Biological Computing From Microscopic To Macroscopic Evolution, Xiaofeng Ding

Masters Theses

A unified theory from microscopic to macroscopic DNA-based biological systems is explained in terms of the rule components used when the system size is increased. Even though the eight female rules in each ruleset are provided with an equal probability of the computation-state outcomes, the initial ensemble of the computation states will exponentially settle into one dominant rule that supports the nutrition needed for growth. The remaining seven rules form into two minority groups to provide the biological characteristics of the system's growth from a micro to macroscopic evolution. The object of this study is to prove that such a …

Separating The Impacts Of A Corrosion Inhibitor From Copper Corrosion Products On Antibiotic Resistance In Drinking Water, Veronika Folvarska, Maya Adelgren, Emily Lou Lamartina, Ryan J. Newton, Yin Wang, Patrick J. Mcnamara

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Antibiotic resistance is a growing threat to public health, and environmental factors, including metals in drinking water distribution systems, are increasingly recognized as contributors to the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Zinc orthophosphate, a common corrosion inhibitor, and copper corrosion products (CuO and Cu₂O) are frequently present in drinking water systems. While each has been shown to increase ARB and ARGs individually, their combined effects remain unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the combined impact of copper corrosion products and the corrosion inhibitor zinc orthophosphate on antibiotic resistance. Two …

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 …

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 …

A Limb-Speed-Driven Locomotor Control System And Its Ability To Adapt, Emily Marie Herrick

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Despite how simple walking may seem, the locomotor control system is structurally and functionally complex. Its hierarchical organization of supraspinal and spinal networks with forward and feedback pathways has many interactions at multiple levels that are dependent on the dynamics of a high-dimensional musculoskeletal system. Having a comprehensive understanding of sensorimotor integration within a healthy locomotor control system is crucial for understanding changes to the system due to age or neurologic disease and developing effective technologies to recover mobility in those populations. In this dissertation, we address persistent gaps in knowledge pertaining to how the nervous system controls locomotion.

In …

Leveraging Physiological Signal Activity And Self-Report Data To Assess Students’ Trust In “My Friendly Mind” App And Its Impact On Their Mental Health Knowledge: A Mixed-Method Phase 1 Clinical Trial Focusing On Depression And Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder From Human Factors Standpoint., Yeganeh Shahsavar

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Mental health issues have become a significant global public health concern, especially among younger generations. The growing number of mental health challenges, combined with limited access to quality care, makes the problem even worse. Studies reveal that over 70% of individuals worldwide in need of mental health services do not receive appropriate care. Digital health technologies have the potential to enhance mental health services by making them more accessible and affordable. Despite the increasing popularity of mental health mobile applications (mHealth), there remains a lack of robust evidence of their effectiveness and the level of user trust, particularly in areas …

Bird Strikes During Climb And Approach: A Need For Innovative Management Strategies, Richard A. Dolbeer, Michael J. Begier

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Wildlife Hazard Management Plans at civil airports in the United States cannot directly address threats posed by birds moving through aircraft climb and approach paths unrelated to nearby bird-attractant habitats such as landfills. As an iconic example, an Airbus 320 departing LaGuardia Airport (New York, USA) on January 15, 2009, struck a flock of migratory Canada geese (Branta canadensis) 8 km out at 884 m above ground level (AGL) that resulted in a water landing now known as the “Miracle on the Hudson.” We documented 1,841 and 458 strikes from 2009 to 2023 involving large (≥1.8 kg) and …

Foreign Object Detection System Development Using Edge Devices Integrated With Quadcopter Autonomous Tracking, Chi-Chia Huang, Ching-Hung Lee

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

This study proposes an all-weather autonomous foreign-object detection system capable of operating in low-light environments. We used a highly mobile quadcopter equipped with an edge-computing device as the inspection platform. On the software side, we integrated a low-light image enhancement model, a path-tracking algorithm, and a foreign object detection model to achieve rapid object detection. A lightweight, low-light image-enhancement model reduces the need for additional lighting equipment, thereby enabling reliable detection under low-light conditions. The path-tracking algorithm integrates a lightweight semantic segmentation model with traditional image-processing techniques to establish flight paths efficiently and reliably. The foreign-object detection component employs state-of-the-art …

Optimization Of Underactuated Ship Sliding Mode Controller Based On The Ddpg Algorithm, Lin Ma, Mingzhe Qi, Shicai Chen, Hongwei Bian, Jian Zhang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Due to the development of ship intelligence, the demand for precise controllers is increasing day by day. In traditional design, the trial-and-error method often leads to the use of inaccurate controller parameters, causing oscillations when environmental disturbances are present. To address these issues, this study introduces deep learning to optimize the controller parameters, particularly those used for sliding mode controllers in underactuated ships. We adopt the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) algorithm based on the Actor Critic framework. By freely setting the reward function to match the control objective, the trained model can output more accurate controller parameters, with the …

Experiments On Aluminum Alloy Additive Layer Waam Lamination Using The Arc Current Reduction Technique, Jukkapun Greebmalai, Eakkachai Warinsiriruk, Chao-Hsiang Hsiao, Yin-Tien Wang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Recent advancements in additive manufacturing have been propelled by innovations in processes, materials, and fabrication techniques. This study specifically focuses on the optimizing Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) within the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) process. The goal is to build laminated layers using aluminum alloy from the five-thousand series. In this research, a novel technique is introduced that employs a reduced arc-current during the additive layer progress for aluminum alloys, along with a double pulse current in the GMAW process to enhance weldability. The material used for addition is ER5356 aluminum wire, which is applied to an Al-5083 …

An Optimization Model For Supporting Bunkering Decisions In Bulk Shipping, Chung-Cheng Lu, Hui-Chieh Li, Hung-Yu Chen

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

This study addresses a bunkering optimization problem for bulk shipping carriers that explores route deviation to find optimal bunkering locations and amounts. A mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model is developed to determine optimal bunkering decisions that minimize total operating costs, including total daily operating costs, bunkering costs, port charges and surcharges, while observing time window constraints at loading/unloading ports. The proposed model is evaluated using instances generated from real data provided by H company with its operational headquarters in Taipei, Taiwan, which operates a fleet of handysize ships in East and South Asia. The results indicate that optimization models …

Assessment Of Coastal Navigation Safety: A Case Study Of Boka Bay With Stakeholder Perspectives, Ivan Mraković, Rino Bošnjak

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

The navigational safety of Boka Bay, i.e., a critical maritime area along the Adriatic coast, is of great importance owing to its ecological sensitivity, diverse marine traffic, and significant economic activity. This study provides a comprehensive assessment by analyzing the perspectives of various stakeholders, including seafarers, local pilots, skippers, regulatory authorities, and others engaged in maritime activities within the bay. Using a structured questionnaire survey, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected in formats such as descriptive responses, Yes/No choices, and Likert scale ratings, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of navigational practices and challenges. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, …

A Hybrid Model To Assess Commercial Port Resilience In Taiwan, Po-Hsing Tseng, James J.H. Liou

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Since 2021, international commercial ports have faced unprecedented challenges (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic, Suez Canal congestion), impacting daily life, work, human well-being, properties, the environment, and socio-economic activities. The adaptation capability resilience of international commercial ports to respond to external changes has become crucial. This study develops an expert knowledge-based hybrid multi-criteria decision-making model integrating Best-Worst Method (BWM), Rough Dombi Aggregator, and Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) to evaluate port resilience capabilities, using Taiwan's international commercial ports as a case study. We propose four evaluation dimensions encompassing 13 indicators: detection capability, resistance capability, resource integration capability, and recovery capability. The BWM determined …

An Evaluation Of The Possibility And Effectiveness Of Renewable Energy In Container Terminal At Jinhae New Port, Min-Seop Sim, Yul-Seong Kim, Chang-Hee Lee

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

The international goals of combating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are driving container terminal operators to adopt renewable energy solutions. This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of introducing renewable energy and eco-fuels for energy independence at the Jinhae New Port Container Terminal, South Korea. Using portfolio analysis, eight renewable energy technologies (solar power, solar thermal energy, wind energy, hydropower, marine energy, geothermal energy, bioenergy, and waste-to-energy) and seven eco-friendly fuels (electricity, liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen fuel cells, ammonia fuel cells, bioenergy, and hybrid systems) were assessed. Survey data from stakeholders identified solar, wind, and …

Nutrient Transport By Overland Sheet Flow On Sites Containing Swine Slurry, John E. Gilley

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Nutrients in agricultural runoff may cause offsite environmental impacts. The objective of this investigation was to examine nutrient transport by overland sheet flow on sites containing swine slurry. Data examined in this study was collected during field rainfall simulation tests conducted on cropland sites in southeast Nebraska, USA. Inflow was added to the top of experimental plots in four successive increments to simulate runoff rates occurring at greater downslope distances. Runoff rates on the experimental sites ranged from 2.3 to 21.2 L min⁻¹ and maximum equivalent downslope distances varied from 5 to 108 m. Phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) …

Development Of Bio-Based Coating Materials For Environmentally Friendly Controlled-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer Applications, Anne Carolyne Mendonca Cidreira

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Lunar Payload Logistics: Advancing Autonomous Control For Lunar Surface Transporter Vehicles, Liam Murray

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Leaf-Based Varietal Categorization Of Sweetpotato (Ipomoea Batatas L. Lam.), A Potentially Healthful Vegetable, Using Image Processing And K-Means Clustering, Shahidul Islam, Md Towfiqur Rahman, Md Hamidul Rahman, Abdul Momin

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas Lam) leaves contain higher concentrations of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and carotenoids that are remarkable in health promotion. However, the nutrient content in sweetpotato leaves varies from variety to variety, and leaf shape and color are the key identifying factors for the varietal classification of sweetpotatoes. So, detecting sweetpotato leaves is essential for the in-situ identification of sweetpotato varieties and for developing intelligent agricultural systems. This study aimed to create a leaf-shape-based varietal classification technique for sweetpotato using image processing techniques coupled with a K-means clustering algorithm. 38 leaf images (RGB) of two sweetpotato cultivars were collected …

In-Season Nitrogen Mmanagement: Leveraging Data Visualization For Precision Agriculture, Chathurika Harshani Narayana

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Effective nitrogen management is vital for sustainable agriculture, impacting both crop yield and environmental health. Traditional methods often use fixed application rates set before planting, which do not adapt to changing crop needs during the season. This can lead to over- or under-application, reducing efficiency and sustainability. While modern tools like sensors, satellites, and UAVs provide valuable real-time data on crop and field conditions, integrating and using this data to guide timely nitrogen decisions remains a major challenge. In-season nitrogen management offers a solution by allowing for dynamic adjustments to nitrogen applications, addressing crop needs as they arise. This approach …

Membrane Filtration Of Nanoscale Biomaterials: Model System And Membrane Performance Evaluation For Aav2 Viral Vector Clarification And Recovery, Mara Leach, Kearstin Edmonds, Emily Ingram, Rebecca E. Dutch, Ranil Wickramasinghe, Malgorzata Chwatko, Dibakar Bhattacharyya

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

The growing demand for viral vectors as nanoscale therapeutic agents in gene therapy necessitates efficient and scalable purification methods. This study examined the role of nanoscale biomaterials in optimizing viral vector clarification through a model system mimicking real AAV2 crude harvest material. Using lysed HEK293 cells and silica nanoparticles (20 nm) as surrogates for AAV2 crude harvest, we evaluated primary (depth filters) and secondary (membrane-based) filtration processes under different process parameters and solution conditions. These filtration systems were then assessed for their ability to recover nanoscale viral vectors while reducing DNA (without the need for endonuclease treatment), protein, and turbidity. …

Accelerated Aging System For Pinniped Tags, Sean Shermer, Nathan Vasquez, Deekshitha Garige

Undergraduate Scholarship

This project focused on the design of an accelerated aging system intended to evaluate the durability of pinniped identification tags used in marine mammal research. The system was developed in collaboration with the Cal Poly Humboldt Marine Lab and NOAA, under the guidance of Dr. Dawn Goley, to address the limitations of field based durability testing, which is slow, inconsistent, and difficult to reproduce. The primary objective was to create a repeatable laboratory testing framework capable of simulating multiple environmental stressors experienced by pinniped tags. This includes the accelerated tests of UV radiation, mechanical abrasion, temperature cycling and biological fouling. …

Advances In Magnetic Nanoparticles For Molecular Medicine, Xiaoyue Yang, Sarah E. Kubican, Zhongchao Yi, Sheng Tong

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are highly versatile nanomaterials in nanomedicine, owing to their diverse magnetic properties, which can be tailored through variations in size, shape, composition, and exposure to inductive magnetic fields. Over four decades of research have led to the clinical approval or ongoing trials of several MNP formulations, fueling continued innovation. Beyond traditional applications in drug delivery, imaging, and cancer hyperthermia, MNPs have increasingly advanced into molecular medicine. Under external magnetic fields, MNPs can generate mechano- or thermal stimuli to modulate individual molecules or cells deep within tissue, offering precise, remote control of biological processes at cellular and molecular …

From Cyclones To Cybersecurity: A Call For Convergence In Risk And Crisis Communications Research, Ann Marie Reinhold, Ross J. Gore, Barry Ezell, Clemente I. Izurieta, Elizabeth A. Shanahan

VMASC Publications

Effective risk and crisis communication can improve health and safety and reduce harmful effects of hazards and disasters. A robust body of literature investigates mechanisms for improving risk and crisis communication. While effective risk and crisis communication strategies are equally desired across different hazard types (e.g., natural hazards, cyber security), the extent to which risk and crisis communication experts utilize the “lessons learned” from scientific domains outside their own is suspect. Therefore, we hypothesized that risk and crisis communication research is siloed according to academic disciplines at the detriment to the advancement of the field of risk communications research writ …

Sex-Dependent Changes In Risk-Taking Predisposition Of Rats Following Space Radiation Exposure, Elliot Smits, Faith E. Reid, Ella N. Tamgue, Paola Alvarado Arriaga, Charles Nguyen, Richard A. Britten

Department Radiation Oncology & Biophysics Faculty Publications

The Artemis missions will establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon, serving as a crucial steppingstone for future Mars exploration. Astronauts on these ambitious missions will have to successfully complete complex tasks, which will frequently involve rapid and effective decision making under unfamiliar or high-pressure conditions. Exposure to low doses of space radiation (SR) can impair key executive functions critical to decision making. This study examined the effects of exposure to 10 cGy of Galactic Cosmic Ray simulated radiation (GCRsim) on decision-making performance in male and female rats with a naturally low predisposition for risk-taking (RTP) prior to exposure. …

Green Chelation Strategy For Deashing Of Algal Biomass, Agyare Asante, George Daramola, Ryan W. Davis, Sandeep Kumar

Civil & Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

This study investigated a green chelation strategy for deashing algal biomass using nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and deionized water (DI) to enhance its suitability for biofuel and bioproduct applications. Solid-state algal turf scrubber (SS ATS), green algal turf scrubber (ATS), and Scenedesmus were analyzed, with Scenedesmus selected for detailed evaluation due to its high ash removal efficiency. The objective was to optimize a purification process that minimizes ash and heavy metal content while preserving biochemical integrity. Algal biomass underwent sequential washing with DI, NTA, and NTA+DI under varying temperatures (90-130 °C). Analytical techniques including Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Inductively Coupled …