Digital Commons Network^™

Atmospheric Water Generation: Experimental Observations And Assembly Of An Artificial Neural Network, Houston Hoss Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the performance of a Tsunami T50 Vapor Compression Cycle styled Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) machine operated under ambient conditions in Dayton, Ohio. Water yield from the device was measured volumetrically and these values are paired with respective weather data, collected from a local monitoring station, to build an Artificial Neural Network in MATLAB and JMP software. Water yield varied over the course of this study but averaged 1.2L and maxed at 5L for 4-hour operating periods. This work is part of a 3-year project; future data is needed to enhance both training and validation of the model …

Analyzing U.S. Army Recruiter Productivity Through Cohort Differentiation And Behavioral Tendency Composition, Mary M. Bates

Theses and Dissertations

This research analyzes differences among aggregate achievements of U.S. Army recruiting cohorts, determines which behavioral tendencies are indicative of performance level, and investigates aggregate behavioral composition with cohort achievement. Analyses require implementation of OLS regression, ANOVA, Tukey’s Test, Mann-Whitney U test, Holm-Bonferroni adjustment, XGBoost decision tree, logistic regression, and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The results show insignificant achievement differences among cohorts and weak yet prevalent abilities of select measures of behavioral tendencies to indicate recruiter performance.

Autonomous Vehicle Path Planning Under Uncertainty, Madison C. Gillan

Theses and Dissertations

Autonomous vehicles are increasingly being deployed for use in high-stakes and uncertain environments where safe and efficient navigation is critical. In these scenarios, traditional path planning approaches, which rely primarily on deterministic models and fixed assumptions, fall short due to the inherent uncertainty of dynamic threats, sensor inaccuracies, and incomplete information. This research addresses these challenges by developing a novel path-planning methodology that combines the Chance-Constrained Rapidly Exploring Random Tree* (CC-RRT*) algorithm with a probabilistic risk assessment heuristic. This method models uncertainty in sensor detection zones, obstacles in the environment, and the Autonomous Vehicle itself, which allows for uncertainty during …

Data Lakehouse And Machine Learning Pipeline For Aircraft Fuel Efficiency Experimentation, Skyler G. Kepley

Theses and Dissertations

Fuel efficiency is crucial for the U.S. Air Force, impacting mission success, aircraft performance, and cost savings. This study presents an information system that integrates flight and maintenance data using a data lakehouse. It automates ingestion, enrichment, and predictive modeling, leveraging AutoML for optimization and SHAP for transparency. A case study on C-130J aircraft shows that optimizing D Check cycles can save 11.52 pounds of fuel per flight hour. These findings highlight the effectiveness of data-driven decision-making in aviation, offering a scalable, automated solution for improving fuel efficiency and reducing costs.

Evaluating Learning Outcomes In A Serious Game: A Practical And Model Checking Approach, Matthew D. Douglas

Theses and Dissertations

This research introduces a novel computational framework to evaluate and predict the educational impact of serious games during development. By using finite state machines (FSM) and model-checking techniques, this study evaluates two serious games. Traditional evaluation approaches, often reliant on resource-intensive human trials, lack scalability and fail to provide early insight into the alignment of game mechanics with learning objectives. This study addresses these challenges of traditional evaluation methods.

Class Imbalance: A Landscape Of Classification Models, Joshua L. Edmonds

Theses and Dissertations

Class imbalance poses significant challenges in machine learning classification. This study evaluates the performance of seven models (ANN, k-Means, kNN, LDA, LR, SVM, XGBoost) across multiple imbalance levels (10\%, 5\%, 1 \%, 0.5\%) and investigates the effectiveness of sampling techniques (Undersampling, SMOTE, SMOTE-ENN). ANOVA results confirm that model choice is the most critical factor, with XGBoost and SVM demonstrating superior robustness. SMOTE improves recall but reduces precision, while undersampling generally degrades overall performance. While significant, imbalance levels do not play a critical role in model effectiveness.

Jamming-Tolerant Low-Rate Wireless Personal Area Network For Detection Sensor Networks, Michael A. Eddy

Theses and Dissertations

This research evaluates the impact of electronic warfare, particularly jamming, on an audio-based drone detection wireless sensor network (WSN) using Monte Carlo simulations. A six-node IEEE 802.15.4 network, with five edge nodes and a central sink, is tested against jamming probabilities ranging from 0-100% in 5% increments across 30 iterations per configuration. Results show that packet delivery ratio (PDR) degrades linearly at approximately 20% per jammed node, while detection performance often exceeds PDR. Even at 80% jamming, detection success rates remain above 57%, highlighting resilience despite network degradation. The study reveals that jamming effectiveness depends on node placement relative to …

Evaluating Atmospheric Water Generation For The Indo-Pacific: Predictive Modeling, Energy Considerations, And Regional Viability, Jose I. De La Serna

Theses and Dissertations

Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) technology presents a promising solution for extracting and harvesting water from ambient air through condensation methods. This innovative approach offers a viable alternative for water production in regions with limited or unreliable water sources. AWGs operate most effectively in hot and humid environments, typically at temperatures of 80°F and relative humidity levels of 80%. As of 2020, the Department of Defense (DoD) has identified the Indo-Pacific region as a strategic focus for addressing future greatpower competition. Within the framework of Agile Combat Employment, this study evaluates the feasibility and performance of AWG technology at pre-determined locations …

Atmospheric Water Generation: Bacterial And Inorganic Chemical Quality, Garrett E. Stanley

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the quality of untreated water collected from a vapor compression-based atmospheric water generator (AWG) operated outdoors in Dayton, Ohio. The concentrations of bacterial and chemical constituents were determined. The concentration of culturable bacteria was between 200 and 2300 CFU/mL, significantly higher than the reference levels described in recreational and drinking water quality guidance. Three discrete bacteria phenotypes were visually identified; two were yellow in color, rod-shaped and gram-negative while the third was milky white, circular, and gram-positive. Chemical analysis on 15 randomly selected samples revealed the presence of Barium (average = 0.16 mg/L), Magnesium (0.08 = mg/L), …

Machine Learning Techniques To Predict Solar Particle Events And Radiation Of Aircrew, Haley Traub

Theses and Dissertations

Solar Particle Events (SPEs) are high-energy phenomena from the Sun that pose risks to technology, human health, and Air Force operations. Accurate prediction of SPEs exceeding 100 MeV is crucial for mitigating these risks. This thesis explores using Bayesian statistical models to predict such events, integrating prior knowledge from solar physics with the ability to update predictions based on new data. The research uses a dataset spanning three solar cycles (21–23) and incorporates attributes like flare fluence, peak flux, latitude, longitude, and class. Four Bayesian models (PyMC, Bnlearn, and two Dredge models) were compared to machine learning models. The Bayesian …

Air-Based Chemical Patient Decontamination Methodologies For Arctic Regions Using Methly Salicylate As A Chemical Agent Surrogate On A Litter-Bound Manikin, Marcus D. Shadd

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated a mobile air shower for patient decontamination without disrobing or rinsing, an alternative for Arctic conditions where water is scarce. A manikin in extreme cold weather gear was exposed to 10 µL of methyl salicylate (MeS), a sulfur mustard surrogate, and placed in a horizontal chamber on a military litter. Airborne MeS was measured using a ppbRAE 3000 detector to assess inhalation risk for the patient and decontamination team. Three methods were tested: an air-knife system, paper towels, and no decontamination, with 10 trials each (30 total). ANOVA analysis showed significant reductions in airborne MeS with air-knife …

Transfer Efficiencies Of Surface-To-Surface Transport Of Micron-Sized Actinide Surrogate Particles, Austin R. Powell

Theses and Dissertations

Particle effluent of varying sizes is released during routine activities within laboratory environments and these particles can come in contact with a wide range of surfaces. Particles of micron size or smaller can be especially pervasive and can transfer between multiple subsequent surfaces, leading to the progressive contamination of a laboratory. Understanding the transport dynamics of micron sized particles will help inform facility personnel of the possibility of contamination by these potentially hazardous materials of interest. In this research, the transfer efficiency of micron sized surrogate actinide particles (Europium-doped Gadolinium Oxysulfide (EGOS)) is measured for multiple materials, between two particle …

Reducing Medical Waste, George M. Jeha, Stanislav N. Tolkachjov

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Butte Mine Flooding Operable Unit Berkeley Pit And Discharge Pilot Project – January 2025 Monthly Discharge Monitoring Report, Mark Thompson, Dave Griffis

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Prevalence Of Low Back Pain Among Office Workers During The Covid-19 Pandemic In Various Countries: A Systematic Review, Yosephine Roma Intan, Ririn Arminsih Wulandari, Popy Yuniar

Kesmas

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the implementation of work from home policies in almost all parts of the world. This policy has increased the onset of musculoskeletal disorders in workers, such as low back pain (LBP). This study aimed to examine the prevalence of LBP among office workers during the COVID-19 pandemic after implementing WFH policies. This study was performed using data from various countries to determine the relationship between LBP and several risk factors, specifically age, sex, physical activity, ergonomic factors, as well as work environment factors such as temperature, humidity, lighting, noise, and work duration. A systematic …

Re: Comment Letter For The Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Butte Treatment Lagoons (Btl) Groundwater Treatment System Routine Operations, Maintenance, And Monitoring (Om&M) Plan (Dated December 10, 2024), Emma Rott

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Too Much Of A Good Thing: Lessons From Compromised Rootworm Bt Maize In The Us Corn Belt, Ziwei Ye, Christina Difonzo, David A. Hennessy, Jinhua Zhao, Felicia Wu, Shawn P. Conley, Aaron J. Gassmann, Erin W. Hodgson, Bryan Jensen, Janet J. Knodel, Bradley Mcmanus, Lance J. Meinke, Andrew Michel, Bruce Potter, Nicholas J. Seiter, Jocelyn L. Smith, Joseph L. Spencer, Kelley J. Tilmon, Robert J. Wright, Christian H. Krupke

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Widespread use of genetically engineered maize targeting the corn rootworm complex (Diabrotica species) has raised concerns about insect resistance. Twelve years of university field trial and farm survey data from ten United States Corn Belt states indicate that maize hybrids expressing toxins derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt maize) exhibited declining protection from rootworm feeding with increased planting while pest pressures simultaneously decreased. The analysis revealed a tendency to overplant Bt maize, leading to substantial economic losses; this was particularly striking in eastern Corn Belt states. Our findings highlight the need to go beyond the “tragedy of the …

Re: Comments On The Repository, Haul Route, And Pipeline Geotechnical Pre-Design Investigation Summary Report (Dated December 30, 2024), Emma Rott

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Teaching And Normalizing Digital Accessibility For Students In The Chemical Sciences, Stefano C G Biagini

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Digital accessibility is the inclusive practice of ensuring that all people can equally access digital information. However, this good practice has yet to be fully embraced by practitioners and educators in the chemical sciences. This article will describe and explain the key requirements of digital accessibility and how they apply to educators in the chemical sciences, with the emphasis on supporting visually impaired students; it will illustrate a case study of training students in adopting digital accessibility good practices in order to enable a culture change of greater inclusivity for the next generation; and finally illustrate low cost laboratory adaptations …

Re: Final Blacktail Creek Groundwater Hydraulic Control System Pre-Design Investigation Evaluation Report, Josh Bryson

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

2025 Final Butte Reduction Works (Brw) Smelter Area Mine Waste Remediation And Contaminated Groundwater Hydraulic Control Site Quality Assurance Project Plan (Qapp) For Microbial Analysis And Biotreatability Study, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Executive Functioning, Diabetes Distress, And Diabetes Management Among Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes: Youth And Parent Perspectives, Allison Choe, Emily M. Fredericks, Dana L. Albright, Joyce M. Lee, Julie M. Sturza, Hurley O. Riley, Niko Kaciroti, Katherine W. Bauer, Allison L. Miller

Health Services and Informatics Research

Objective: Most adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) do not achieve recommended glycemic targets, placing them at risk for long-term complications. Executive functioning (EF), or the cognitive processes that support goal-directed action and management of behavior, emotion, and cognition, is proposed to support effective T1D management and contribute to glycemic stability. We sought to examine associations of EF with T1D management behaviors and diabetes-related distress in adolescents with T1D.

Methods: Participants were 13–17-year-olds (M = 15.44, SD = 1.38 years) from a randomized controlled trial (N = 88). We conducted secondary analyses of preintervention data. Youth and their …

2025 Final Butte Reduction Works (Brw) Smelter Area Mine Waste Remediation And Contaminated Groundwater Hydraulic Control Site Phase Iii Quality Assurance Project Plan (Qapp), Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

2025 Final Butte Reduction Works (Brw) Smelter Area Mine Waste Remediation And Contaminated Groundwater Hydraulic Control Site Phase Iii Quality Assurance Project Plan (Qapp), Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

2025 Final Butte Reduction Works (Brw) Smelter Area Mine Waste Remediation And Contaminated Groundwater Hydraulic Control Site Quality Assurance Project Plan (Qapp) For Microbial Analysis And Biotreatability Study, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Investigation Of Methane Content And Sorption Properties Of Lignite Deposits, Marcin Karbownik

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Methane is one of the main greenhouse gases (GHG) affecting climate change, and proper quantification of the amount of its emissions to the atmosphere is crucial. The basic parameter for determining the potential amounts of naturally occurring methane in coal for both hard coal and lignite is the methane content. Determination of the methane content of lignite for open-pit mines is not commonly used and required as there is no possibility of its accumulation in the mine workings, as is the case for underground hard coal mines. In this article, two research areas for open-pit lignite mines were analyzed in …

Poisson Lindley-Quasi Xgamma Distribution For Count Data: Properties And Applications, Seth Borbye, Suleman Nasiru, Kingsley Kuwubasamni Ajongba, Sampson Wiredu

Al-Bahir

The literature contains innumerable probability distributions for modeling over-dispersion and under-dispersion count datasets from various fields of study. However, some of these proposed distributions are inadequate due to empirical or theoretical characteristics. Therefore, minimizing information loss during modeling has prompted the demand to modify the classical discrete distributions. A new two-parameter count distribution is proposed by combining Poisson and Lindley-quasi XGamma distributions via a continuous mixture technique. Some statistical properties have been derived and studied, including factorial moments, raw moments, probability generating function, moment generating function, characteristic function, mean, variance, dispersion index, skewness, and kurtosis. The shape of the PMF …

Perceived And Recorded Temperature In Aircraft Cabins During 143 Flights, Matthew Nicholls, Peter Vink

Journal of Aviation Technology and Engineering

This essay reports on the perceived and recorded temperature in aircraft cabins during 143 flights. In each flight, passengers reported their experience. They recorded temperature and humidity after boarding and one hour later. The reports show that fewer than half of the passengers perceived the temperature as “good.” Most passengers (39%) perceived it as hot, and some (17%) perceived it as cold. Comparing the temperatures with guidelines shows that 18% of the recorded temperatures in the cabin were empirically too hot and 2% empirically too cold. The differences between passengers in what they perceive as a good temperature are large, …

Draft Final 2025 Residential Metals Abatement Program (Rmap) Quality Assurance Project Plan (Qapp) Annual Update (Non-Residential Parcels And Residential Daycares), Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Draft Final 2025 Residential Metals Abatement Program (Rmap) Quality Assurance Project Plan (Qapp) Annual Update (Residential Parcels), Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.