Digital Commons Network^™

Anthropogenic Drought: Definition, Challenges, And Opportunities, Mojtaba Sadegh

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Traditional, mainstream definitions of drought describe it as deficit in water-related variables or water-dependent activities (e.g., precipitation, soil moisture, surface and groundwater storage, and irrigation) due to natural variabilities that are out of the control of local decision-makers. Here, we argue that within coupled human-water systems, drought must be defined and understood as a process as opposed to a product to help better frame and describe the complex and interrelated dynamics of both natural and human-induced changes that define anthropogenic drought as a compound multidimensional and multiscale phenomenon, governed by the combination of natural water variability, climate change, human decisions …

Classifying Common Knee Rehabilitation Exercise Mistakes Using Imu Data, Fedor Myagkov

Dartmouth College Undergraduate Theses

Physical therapy following major surgeries is a branch of medicine that has seen its fair share of technologically inspired advances. One important facet of physical therapy, the “at-home exercises” patients are prescribed to do, is still somewhat of a “black box” to many physical therapists (PTs). PTs have no way of knowing (1) whether the patient is doing the home exercises, or (2) whether the patient is doing the exercises in the correct and healthy manner. This lack of awareness makes it difficult for the PT to guide the patient, which can often lead to prolonged rehabilitation periods or (sometimes) …

Object Manipulation With Modular Planar Tensegrity Robots, Maxine Perroni-Scharf

Dartmouth College Undergraduate Theses

This thesis explores the creation of a novel two-dimensional tensegrity-based mod- ular system. When individual planar modules are linked together, they form a larger tensegrity robot that can be used to achieve non-prehensile manipulation. The first half of this dissertation focuses on the study of preexisting types of tensegrity mod- ules and proposes different possible structures and arrangements of modules. The second half describes the construction and actuation of a modular 2D robot com- posed of planar three-bar tensegrity structures. We conclude that tensegrity modules are suitably adapted to object manipulation and propose a future extension of the modular 2D …

A Practical Framework To Assess The Sustainability And Resiliency Of Civil Infrastructure, Thomas Adam Robbins, Bhaskar C. S. Chittoori

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Research within civil engineering is focusing on newer ideas and philosophies such as sustainability and resiliency (S&R). This is evident in the development of frameworks for assessing the sustainability or the resiliency of civil infrastructures. Several frameworks have been developed by researchers to quantify the S&R of civil infrastructures. It is evident that the S&R are not mutually exclusive, and it is important to assess these aspects at the same time and that frameworks are able to accommodate simultaneous assessments. While there are other frameworks that follow a unified approach to S&R assessments, they do not account for the risk …

The State Of Artificial Intelligence In Medical Imaging, Catalin Cristian Veghes

School of Professional Studies

This study explores the current state of Artificial Intelligence in medical imaging and provides an accessible assessment of how radiologists perceive the emerging technologies. Throughout the research, we analyze different aspects such as the adoption rate of Artificial Intelligence or the performance of state-of-the-art models, and we identify some of the significant barriers that prevent a wider adoption, such as the lack of collaboration between radiologists and computer scientists. Additionally, we provide a brief theoretical background that explains how deep learning works and how it can be helpful in medical imaging. We describe the architecture of a binary classifier in …

Development Of Novel Deep Learning Models In The Detection Of Breast Cancer And Brain Aneurysm, Pradnya Patel

Bioengineering Master's Theses

Three deep learning models using convolutional neural network (CNN) were developed for the early detection of breast cancer and brain aneurysm. Model 1 was built for the detection of breast mass; it consists of 20 total layers including 5 convolutional layers, 5 maxpool layers with Rectifier Linear Unit as the activation function for feature extraction, one flatten layer, 4 batch normalization with fully connected layers, and one output layer. This CNN model was trained and validated on an open-source breast ultrasound dataset that contains a total of 830 images categorized into three classes: normal (133 images), benign (487 images), and …

Predictive Model For Design Of A 3d Developmental Neurotoxicity Platform, Emma Barrett-Catton, Murial Ross, Cameron Read

Bioengineering Senior Theses

Exposure to developmental toxins during gestation have been shown to be linked to neurological disorders such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, and dyslexia [1] . In this report we describe efforts that represent the ground work to develop a predictive neurotoxicity model to test developmental toxicity on early neuronal differentiation from drugs and toxins for human consumption or exposure. Developmental toxins are toxins that prevent stem cell differentiation into neurons by impacting neural development [2] . Currency technologies used to evaluate a compound's potential as a developmental toxin are centered around culturing stem cells in a two-dimensional environment or exposing animal models …

Classifying Brainwaves For Brain-Computer Interface Technology, Derrick Wang, Brendan Lawler

Bioengineering Senior Theses

The intention of this project is to develop a brainwave classification system that will help restore the independence of those with severe motor function impairments. While current brain computer interface (BCI) technology offers a means of control for those with limited mobility, severely motor disabled individuals represent a population in need of methods to restore independent motor control. Thus, the objective of our project is to utilize neural signals from electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings to develop a machine learning classifier. Since our specific goal is to help those with limited mobility, we are focusing on motion imagery tasks which elicit a …

Flow Visualization Of Bolus Microcapsule Delivery Through 3d Printed Microneedles, Sophie Quisling, Leana Vestal, Alexis Enstrom

Bioengineering Senior Theses

Microneedle arrays are an emerging technology that offers a novel drug delivery system to treat a variety of skin wounds and diseases. The needles deliver therapeutics to the epidermis layer of the skin and therefore establish advantageous qualities over the standard hypodermic needle as they are non-invasive, efficient in biologic absorption, and can be self-administered. This project investigates a custom 3D-printed hollow microneedle device created by a Santa Clara University Senior Design team in 2018 for microencapsulated cell extrusion to be applied for accelerated wound healing. The goal of our project is to operate in the therapeutic range for flowrate …

Optical Phonon Modes, Static And High-Frequency Dielectric Constants, And Effective Electron Mass Parameter In Cubic In2O3, Megan Stokey, Rafal Korlacki, Sean Knight, Alexander Ruder, Matthew J. Hilfiker, Zbigniew Galazka, Klaus Irmscher, Yuxuan Zhang, Hongping Zhao, Vanya Darakchieva, Mathias Schubert

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

A complete set of all optical phonon modes predicted by symmetry for bixbyite structure indium oxide is reported here from a combination of far-infrared and infrared spectroscopic ellipsometry, as well as first principles calculations. Dielectric function spectra measured on high quality, marginally electrically conductive melt grown single bulk crystals are obtained on a wavelength-by-wavelength (also known as point-by-point) basis and by numerical reduction of a subtle free charge carrier Drude model contribution. A four-parameter semi-quantum model is applied to determine all 16 pairs of infrared-active transverse and longitudinal optical phonon modes, including the high-frequency dielectric constant, ε_∞=4.05±0.05. The …

Computational Prediction Of Mutagenesis In Glycine Max Rubisco Activase Monomer For Increased Thermal Stability, Catherine B. Emanuel, Hamza Haq '21, Vasanth Ramesh '21, Jaden Wang '21, Angela Ahrendt, Sarah Stainbrook

Student Publications & Research

No abstract provided.

Pier Ocean Pier, Brandon J. Nowak

Computer Engineering

Pier Ocean Peer is a weatherproof box containing a Jetson Nano, connected to a cell modem and camera, and powered by a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery charged by a 50W solar panel. This system can currently provide photos to monitor the harbor seal population that likes to haul out at the base of the Cal Poly Pier, but more importantly it provides a platform for future expansion by other students either though adding new sensors directly to the Jetson Nano or by connecting to the jetson nano remotely through a wireless protocol of their choice.

Numerical Flight Performance Of A Flapping Wing Model At Different Motion Amplitudes, Kamarul Arifin Ahmada

Manipal Journal of Science and Technology

As a result of technological advancements in a variety of areas, the development of advanced ornithopters is becoming a reality and will be available in the distant future. Flapping wings are likely to be used by MAVs because there is strong evidence that, for very small craft, flapping wing performance outperforms other options due to dynamic effects. This paper summarizes the numerical work done to investigate the aerodynamic performance of a flapping wing model inspired by ornithopters. A model wing was built to focus on specific dimensions, motion characteristics, and performance parameters. To assist in understanding the physical phenomena, model …

Robot Path Planning System, Filippo Cheein, Tim Berry, Bruce Rogstad, Bob Entezar, Jamari Ducre

Electrical Engineering

The future is autonomous. It is estimated that by 2025 there will be 8 million autonomous cars in the market. Millions more will be autonomous devices employed in homes, malls, offices, and warehouses. There are many aspects of these future devices that are necessary for proper autonomous functionality, with none potentially more critical than the devices’ path planning ability. This project aims to create an effective, reliable, and safe path planning algorithm for the autonomous devices of the future. Indoor autonomous devices, such as warehouse or office robots, benefit from being able to always use the same floor plan rather …

Lamin A/C Is Dispensable To Mechanical Repression Of Adipogenesis, Matthew Goelzer, Gunes Uzer

Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) maintain the musculoskeletal system by differentiating into multiple lineages, including osteoblasts and adipocytes. Mechanical signals, including strain and low-intensity vibration (LIV), are important regulators of MSC differentiation via control exerted through the cell structure. Lamin A/C is a protein vital to the nuclear architecture that supports chromatin organization and differentiation and contributes to the mechanical integrity of the nucleus. We investigated whether lamin A/C and mechanoresponsiveness are functionally coupled during adipogenesis in MSCs. siRNA depletion of lamin A/C increased the nuclear area, height, and volume and decreased the circularity and stiffness. Lamin A/C depletion significantly decreased …

Evaluation Of Blood Vessel Mimic Scaffold Biocompatibility, Nicole M. Abraham

Master's Theses

The Tissue Engineering Research Lab at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo focuses on creating tissue-engineered blood vessel mimics (BVMs) for use in preclinical testing of vascular devices. These BVMs are composed of electrospun scaffolds made of an assortment of polymers that are seeded with different cell types. This integration of polymers with cells leads to the need for biocompatibility testing of the polymer scaffolds. Many of the lab’s newest scaffolds have not been fully characterized for biologic interactions. Therefore, the first aim of this thesis developed methods for in vitro cytotoxicity testing of polymers used in the fabrication …

Microfluidic Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy System Automation And Characterization, Keaton Frahmann

Master's Theses

In this work, a novel microfluidic cell culture platform capable of automated electrical impedance measurements and immunofluorescence and brightfield microscopy was developed for further in-vitro cellular research intended to optimize cell culture conditions. The microfluidic system design, fabrication, automation, and design verification testing are described. Electrical and optical measurements of the 16 parallel cell culture chambers were automated via a custom LabView interface. A proposed design change will enable gas diffusion, removing the need for an environmental enclosure and allow long-term cell culture experiments. This "lab on a chip" system miniaturizes and automates experiments improving testing throughput and accuracy while …

Development Of A Portable Low-Moisture Food Pasteurization Device Using Rf Heating, Eric Jason Ohata

Master's Theses

Bacterial presence in low-moisture foods such as flour, cereals, baby formula, and spices, have become a concern due to sanitizing challenges. The food industry currently focuses on wet food sanitation as opposed to low-moisture foods because of bacteria’s inability to reproduce in low water activity media. Traditionally, food processing RF heating pasteurizes in mass quantities while an equivalent consumer device does not exist the market today. A consumer product would help eliminate food waste by providing an easy way to sanitize food and extend shelf life. The Portable Food Pasteurization (PFP) project is an interdisciplinary project involving the Electrical Engineering, …

An Artificial Neural Network For Bankruptcy Prediction, Walter D. Magdefrau

Master's Theses

Assessing the financial health of organizations remains a topic of great interest to economists, financial institutions, and invested stakeholders. For more than a century, research into financial distress has focused primarily on traditional applications of statistical analysis; however, modern advances in computational efficiency have created a significant opportunity for more sophisticated approaches. This thesis investigates the application of artificial intelligence on company bankruptcy prediction. The proposed neural network model is evaluated using the Polish Companies Bankruptcy dataset and yields a 5-year prediction accuracy of 96.5% and an AUC (area under receiver operating characteristic curve) measure of 92.4%.

Analysis And Optimization Of A Colorimetric Nanosensor For Rapid Detection Of Escherichia Coli In Water, Sarah M. Stabler

Master's Theses

Safe drinking water is essential for life, yet at least two billion people around the world consume water contaminated with pathogens among other pollutants. Standard methods like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and membrane filtration have been developed to detect enteric pathogens in water. However, these methods are limited in their accessibility due to long wait times to obtain results, and the requirements of skilled expertise, electricity, and laboratory equipment. This research has focused on addressing some of these limitations by analyzing the mechanisms of work and optimizing an indirect colorimetric nanosensor developed in previous research. The colorimetric nanosensor investigated herein …

Nomophobia Before And After The Covid-19 Pandemic-Can Social Media Be Used To Understand Mobile Phone Dependency, Vaishnavi Visweswaraiah, Tanvi Banerjee, William Romine, Sarah Fryman

Computer Science and Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Utilization Of Agro-Based Adsorbents In Binary Wastewater Treatment, Abhiram Siva Prasad Pamula, Yung-Tse Hung, Howard H. Paul

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

The application of agro-based adsorbents is growing in the tertiary stage of the wastewater treatment process during the presence of hazardous pollutants. Dye and coffee industries are among the major wastewater pollutant sources negatively affect aquatic ecosystems and human health. The current study attempts to treat a binary mixture of crystal violet (CV) and coffee wastewater using agro-based adsorbents such as peanut hull and onion peel. The performance and efficacy of low-cost adsorbents were evaluated using parameters, including transmittance and non-purgeable organic carbon (NPOC). Batch adsorption studies were conducted to optimize both the adsorbent size and dosage that affect the …

Medical Signal Recognition System Based On Machine Learning, Deep Learning, And Internet Of Things, Arwa Hameed Mohammed Taqi

Theses and Dissertations

Internet of Things (IoT) technology is becoming increasingly common in the healthcare industry. The significant benefits of IoT are decreased operational costs, improved outcomes of the treatment through virtual infrastructures and accessibility of real-time information for making informed decisions, improved disease management, reduced errors, and enhanced patient experience. This enables hospitals to address the demands of the ever-growing population in this world. On the other hand, medical signal classification systems are systems that recognize normal from abnormal medical signals. These systems depend on two modes, training mode in which the system learns about the dominant features of the signals, and …

Ai Alzheimer's Early Detection Via Mri Processing, Luke Frey, Siddharth Sharma, Arti Jain

Electrical Engineering

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that impairs memory, thinking, and language. Known as the most common form of dementia, AD is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. It is estimated that currently, nearly 6 million Americans suffer from AD and moreover, the prevalence of AD is projected to grow to 13.8 million being diagnosed by 2050. Considering these projections, hospitals are expected to be diagnosing nearly half a million patients a year. This high volume will lead to technological growth within the diagnosis process along with more effective treatments.

As of now, …

Tensile Testing Environmental Chamber – Structural, Michael Ingel, Erik Soldenwagner, Austin Marshall, Lauren Schirle

Mechanical Engineering

Environmental chambers for tensile testing machines are used to study how a multitude of materials behave in extreme temperatures. These chambers provide the necessary information to innovate cutting edge technology for materials in fields such as aerospace. These chambers are often heavy and expensive requiring a significant amount of time and money just in the installation process alone. This report will serve to outline and define the design and fabrication of an environmental chamber, conducted by a team of four senior mechanical engineering students at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. The goals of the project include a low-weight …

Controlling Locomotion Of A Robotic Leg, Tai K. Mitchell, Connor Bush, Patrick Ward, Ben Spin

Mechanical Engineering

Dr. Xing and Professor Refvem are working to research and develop a quadruped robot that is capable of basic movements including walking, running, and jumping. As senior project group F-11, we are joining a team of engineers to assist in the development of the quadruped. Our team was tasked with creating a mathematical model, designing a control method, and implementing that control method for the quadruped's legs in Simulink. This will allow both current and future students to understand the response of the system and provide a building point for future researchers to create working quadrupedal robots. This report documents …

Me-Em Enewsbrief, June 2021, Department Of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering eNewsBrief

No abstract provided.

Design And Fabrication Of Zinc Oxide Optofluidic Laser Elements, Kyle T. Bodily

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis systematically goes through the derivation, simulation, and experimentation of Zinc Oxide optofluidic micro laser elements. Single and coupled ring resonators were simulated to show single mode transmission as well as enhanced coupling capabilities when surrounded by high refractive index liquid. Devices with diameters ranging from 100-500 µm were successfully fabricated inexpensively through standard cleanroom procedures. The devices were tested using two different pump laser systems. Testing included such factors as high pump intensity, various angles of excitation, and low temperature. In all cases PL emission was observed and recorded.

Developing A Basic Formal Supply Chain Ontology To Improve Communication And Interoperability, David Morrow

Theses and Dissertations

Information is crucial to supply chain performance because it is used to make decisions and trigger actions. Organizations across world-class supply chains increasingly use information technology to analyze and process supply chain data. However, supply chain management lacks a common language, making information exchange difficult. An ontology can provide a standardized framework that organizes a given knowledge domain. This research proposes a common language for developing a supply chain ontology that can be built into a basic formal ontology understood by both humans and computers. According to current research, an established and widely used supply chain framework is a good …

Real-Life Conundrums In The Struggle For Institutional Transformation, Julia Mcquillan, Nestor Hernandez

Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications

Intersecting systems of inequality (i.e., gender and race/ethnicity) are remarkably resistant to change. Many universities, however, seek National Science Foundation Institutional Transformation awards to change processes, procedures, and cultures to make science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) departments more inclusive. In this article we describe a case study with observations for eight years of before (2000–2007), five during (2008–2013), and seven after (2014–2020) intensive efforts to increase women through reducing barriers and increasing access to women. Finally, we reflect on flawed assumptions built into the proposal, the slow and uneven change in the proportion of women over time, the strengths …