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Performance Prediction For Hub-Based Swarms, Puneet Jain Dec 2024

Performance Prediction For Hub-Based Swarms, Puneet Jain

Theses and Dissertations

Optimization problems lie at the core of improving performance in various tasks, ranging from day-to-day work scheduling to coordinating robots in a warehouse fulfillment center. Distributed swarm systems provide a robust and adaptive solution approach to many optimization problems. Instead of using one really sophisticated agent, multiple smaller less sophisticated agents can provide the flexibility to evaluate more options and still provide a "good" answer. This dissertation uses graphs to model, analyze, and simulate swarm behavior, primarily to predict the time-to-converge (TTC) and success probability. First, we use a bipartite model for the distributed best-of-N problem, and show how the …


Assessing Coincidence Of Satellite Acquisitions And Flood Events To Predict Suitability For Flood Map Synthesis, Lyle Dale Prince Dec 2024

Assessing Coincidence Of Satellite Acquisitions And Flood Events To Predict Suitability For Flood Map Synthesis, Lyle Dale Prince

Theses and Dissertations

Flooding is a global problem that impacts people, communities, and governments every year. Better understanding of flooding in an area can enable improved emergency response before a flood hits. Flood maps are a crucial tool to translate what for most is an abstract flow, into a more understandable and actionable representation of who and what are at risk. Satellite based flood maps are a useful tool that has potentially global applications. We developed methods to determine which areas are suitable for generating satellite-based synthetic flood maps. For our processes we used Forecasting Inundation Extents using REOF analysis (FIER): a data-driven …


A Comparison Of Rfssw And Rsw For Automotive Manufacturing, Damon Michael Gale Dec 2024

A Comparison Of Rfssw And Rsw For Automotive Manufacturing, Damon Michael Gale

Theses and Dissertations

Historically, automotive body panels have been made of steel and joined by a process called resistance spot welding (RSW). However, in efforts to reduce vehicle weight to improve the energy efficiency of the vehicle, automotive manufactures have begun substituting aluminum in place of steel. While aluminum can be joined with RSW, a myriad of challenges arise from doing so. These challenges result in less consistent weld quality and accelerated electrode wear. Refill friction stir spot welding (RFSSW) is an emerging joining technology that could replace RSW as it is believed to be capable of creating superior joints in thin sheet …


Site Amplification In The Salt Lake Valley, Utah, During The 2020 Magna Earthquake, Blair A. Hanson Dec 2024

Site Amplification In The Salt Lake Valley, Utah, During The 2020 Magna Earthquake, Blair A. Hanson

Theses and Dissertations

Site amplification in the Salt Lake Valley, Utah, has been a focus for both geologists and engineers due to its complex geology and seismic vulnerability. This study utilizes data from the 2020 Magna Earthquake to analyze site amplification from previously unavailable strong ground motion data. Ground motion data from the University of Utah Regional Seismic Network and the National Strong Motion Project, combined with extensive soil profiles, was analyzed using the program DEEPSOIL. The study compares computed motions with measured motions, revealing differences in site amplification across the Salt Lake Valley. Notably, the highest amplification was observed at longer periods …


Discharge-To-Water Level Conversion Using Monthly Duration Curves (Dwl-Mdc): Enhancing The Utility Of The Geoglows Ecmwf Hydrological Model, Darlly Judith Rojas Lesmes Dec 2024

Discharge-To-Water Level Conversion Using Monthly Duration Curves (Dwl-Mdc): Enhancing The Utility Of The Geoglows Ecmwf Hydrological Model, Darlly Judith Rojas Lesmes

Theses and Dissertations

Flood early warning systems are crucial for disaster risk reduction strategies, enabling communities to take timely action against threats. However, the effectiveness of these systems depends on accurate and timely hydrological data, particularly river discharge and water level measurements. Unfortunately, many regions, face significant challenges in obtaining hydrological data, especially discharge data due to outdated rating curves, high equipment costs, and logistical constraints. Water level measurements, by contrast, offer reduced uncertainty and are often more accessible, providing an alternative for hydrological modeling in data-scarce regions. To address these limitations, we developed and validated the Discharge-to-Water Level Conversion Using Monthly Duration …


Acoustofluidics-Based Intracellular Nanoparticle Delivery, Zhishang Li, Zhenhua Tian, Jason N. Belling, Joseph Rich, Haodong Zhu, Zhehan Ma, Hunter Bachman, Liang Shen, Yaosi Liang, Xiolin Qi, Liv K. Heidenreich, Yao Gong, Shujie Yang, Wenfen Zhang, Peiran Zhang, Yingchun Fu, Yibin Ying, Steven J. Jonas, Yanbin Li, Paul S. Weiss, Tony J. Huang Dec 2024

Acoustofluidics-Based Intracellular Nanoparticle Delivery, Zhishang Li, Zhenhua Tian, Jason N. Belling, Joseph Rich, Haodong Zhu, Zhehan Ma, Hunter Bachman, Liang Shen, Yaosi Liang, Xiolin Qi, Liv K. Heidenreich, Yao Gong, Shujie Yang, Wenfen Zhang, Peiran Zhang, Yingchun Fu, Yibin Ying, Steven J. Jonas, Yanbin Li, Paul S. Weiss, Tony J. Huang

Faculty Publications

Controlled intracellular delivery of biomolecular cargo is critical for developing targeted therapeutics and cell reprogramming. Conventional delivery approaches (e.g., endocytosis of nano-vectors, microinjection, and electroporation) usually require time-consuming uptake processes, labor-intensive operations, and/or costly specialized equipment. Here, we present an acoustofluidics-based intracellular delivery approach capable of effectively delivering various functional nanomaterials to multiple cell types (e.g., adherent and suspension cancer cells). By tuning the standing acoustic waves in a glass capillary, our approach can push cells in flow to the capillary wall and enhance membrane permeability by increasing membrane stress to deform cells via acoustic radiation forces. Moreover, by coating …


Climate Change Impacts On Dryland Ecosystems, Tanner Tainui Aiono Dec 2024

Climate Change Impacts On Dryland Ecosystems, Tanner Tainui Aiono

Theses and Dissertations

Dryland ecosystems are some of the most prevalent ecosystems on Earth and have recently shown stress indicators from climate change. These water-limited systems are vulnerable to increases in temperature and changes in precipitation, especially when looking at carbon cycling dynamics across biological sol crusts and vegetation mortality patterns. This dissertation aims to 1) evaluate how precipitation dynamics, vegetation location, and microclimate conditions influence biological soil crust carbon conditions, and 2) evaluate how topographic influences drive patterns of plant mortality during prolonged drought on the Colorado Plateau. Using high-resolution monitoring of long-term NEE chambers, we found that intermediately disturbed biocrusts are …


The Impact Of Positive-To-Negative Teacher Interaction Ratio On Student Performance, Naomi L. Phillips Dec 2024

The Impact Of Positive-To-Negative Teacher Interaction Ratio On Student Performance, Naomi L. Phillips

Theses and Dissertations

Challenging behavior is a growing problem for teachers. Praise has been promoted as a positive strategy for addressing problem behavior. The ratio of praise-to-correction (positive-to-negative) may be important to the effectiveness of praise. A 4:1 ratio has been recommended as optimal to improve student performance. This ratio has never been experimentally tested. There is little known of the feasibility and social validity for maintaining a high positive-to-negative ratio. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a 4:1 positive-to-negative ratio (PNR) on problem behavior and academic performance of junior high students with an intellectual disability classification in …


Development Of Sensing Capabilities For Agricultural Robotics, Carter Noh Dec 2024

Development Of Sensing Capabilities For Agricultural Robotics, Carter Noh

Theses and Dissertations

Agricultural robotics is a rapidly growing industry with the possibility to revolutionize food production. Agricultural robots often require custom sensing solutions to perform specific tasks. Developing the appropriate sensing capabilities for an application is therefore an important step in the automation process. In this thesis I present two case studies in developing sensing capabilities for agricultural robotics applications. First, I introduce a sensor that can provide simultaneous measurements of force and position. The sensor was developed to enable high-throughput measurement of maize stalk stiffness on a robot platform. It uses multiple sets of strain gauges on a cantilever beam to …


Extracting Speech Content From High-Amplitude Background Machine Noise, Curtis L. Garner Dec 2024

Extracting Speech Content From High-Amplitude Background Machine Noise, Curtis L. Garner

Theses and Dissertations

The research presented in this dissertation aims to address the need for improved communication between heavy machinery operators and external personnel, aiming to improve safety and efficiency by overcoming the communication barriers posed by equipment noise and cab insulation. The primary purpose of this research was to develop a hands-free communication system that allows the operator to hear speech from outside the cab without requiring any personal communication devices like radios or headsets. Key objectives included effective speech extraction from ambient noise and accurate estimation of the location of the speaker. Operating without active user control, the system emphasizes clarity …


Applications Of Phosphorus Geochemistry To Utah Lake, Jacob Barry Taggart Dec 2024

Applications Of Phosphorus Geochemistry To Utah Lake, Jacob Barry Taggart

Theses and Dissertations

This compilation of studies provides an examination of phosphorus dynamics in the suspended solids, water column, and lakebed sediments of Utah Lake, a large, shallow, and phosphorus-rich water body. The first study introduces a novel phosphorus microfractionation (P-MF) method designed for small samples of suspended solids and sediments. This method reveals that suspended solids in Utah Lake can have a significantly higher phosphorus content across most fractions compared to lakebed sediments, highlighting the importance of considering suspended solids in nutrient management strategies. The second study analyzes historical phosphorus mass and concentrations, demonstrating that water column phosphorus levels have remained stable …


The Learner's Experience Using Augmented Reality, Michael Lionel Atkinson Dec 2024

The Learner's Experience Using Augmented Reality, Michael Lionel Atkinson

Theses and Dissertations

Augmented reality (AR) is a promising learning tool that has the potential to improve learning experiences in unique ways. While AR has been extensively studied in terms of learning outcomes, relatively little has been researched about the qualitative aspect of the learner experience and how that may inform better instruction. This multi-article, journal-ready dissertation addresses this gap. The first article is a review of the literature on what researchers have learned about AR in learning, systematically identifying six areas that appear salient yet underrepresented in the literature. The second article expands further upon this theme by conducting a qualitative study …


Drainage Area Limitations Of Single Watershed, Peak Flow Estimates From Nrcs Methods, Timothy Alexander Maughan Dec 2024

Drainage Area Limitations Of Single Watershed, Peak Flow Estimates From Nrcs Methods, Timothy Alexander Maughan

Theses and Dissertations

Most roadway design sections of state Departments of Transportation predict peak flow for culvert design using Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) TR-20 methodology. Even though the approach is more than 50 years old, there is no clear guideline for how large a single watershed drainage area may be while remaining appropriate for predicting peak discharge with this method. Our objective is to identify the drainage area where TR-20 peak flow predictions significantly deviate from flow frequency predictions. We aim to recommend to the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) a range of basin drainage areas appropriate for predicting peak flow using …


Traveling-Wave Vibration Control And Comparison Of Individuals With Insomnia And Good Sleepers Using Eeg Spectral Power And Sample Entropy, Joseph T. Lecheminant Dec 2024

Traveling-Wave Vibration Control And Comparison Of Individuals With Insomnia And Good Sleepers Using Eeg Spectral Power And Sample Entropy, Joseph T. Lecheminant

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the intersection of whole-body vibration (WBV) and neurophysiological analysis to improve sleep quality and understanding of insomnia. The work is divided into two primary areas: the development of a novel traveling-wave vibration system for sleep enhancement and the analysis of electroencephalography (EEG) metrics in individuals with insomnia versus good sleepers. A vibrating sleep system capable of generating programmable traveling-wave patterns is designed and prototyped. Through iterative development and user trials, the system enables highly controlled mechanical stimulation in the form of traveling-wave vibration. Key advancements include independent amplitude and speed modulation and customizable wave patterns. Simple wave …


Cellular Air Quality Sensors With Lora Backchannel A Robust Sensor Suited For Remote Deployment In Harsh Environments, Joseph R. Miera Dec 2024

Cellular Air Quality Sensors With Lora Backchannel A Robust Sensor Suited For Remote Deployment In Harsh Environments, Joseph R. Miera

Theses and Dissertations

Air quality significantly impacts health and overall quality of life, making its measurement essential. However, most affordable air quality devices are designed only for use within WiFi range and cannot handle extreme temperatures, limiting their usefulness for people in remote or extreme environments, such as regions with harsh winter climates. This limitation is concerning, as winter often brings worse air quality due to temperature inversions that trap pollutants and increase fuel burning for heating. Inversion is a problem as close to home as Utah Valley, and as far away as Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Most low-cost air quality sensors are not built …


Modalities And Meaning: Instructor Adaptation And Student Spiritual Formation Across Higher Education Learning Environments, Stephanie D. Sorensen Dec 2024

Modalities And Meaning: Instructor Adaptation And Student Spiritual Formation Across Higher Education Learning Environments, Stephanie D. Sorensen

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the dynamic instructor and student experiences inherent in the evolving modalities of higher education. The first article synthesizes qualitative research about the challenges and successes faced by instructors transitioning to online learning environments, especially in their interactions with content and learners. Emphasizing the importance of support for instructors and institutions, it sets the stage for understanding the nuanced experience of online teaching. The second article presents an exploratory case study of a religious education professor teaching across four modalities. His experience emphasized adaptive strategies and underscored the pivotal role of instructor preparation. Findings revealed the instructor's proactive …


Physics-Informed Transfer Learning For Process Control, Samuel Arce Munoz Dec 2024

Physics-Informed Transfer Learning For Process Control, Samuel Arce Munoz

Theses and Dissertations

In the realm of process control, managing complex systems with limited prior knowledge presents significant challenges, particularly in environments where traditional mechanistic models are either unavailable or computationally prohibitive. This work explores the integration of deep transfer learning with system identification and Model Predictive Control (MPC) to develop control strategies that are both data-efficient and computationally streamlined. Initially, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks are employed to create approximate MPC controllers by leveraging transfer learning from a source system to a target system, demonstrating that transfer learning can achieve comparable performance to traditional MPC methods with reduced training data. Building upon …


Securing Legacy Multivalue Pick Systems Modernized By Restful Web Service Apis, Jacob S. Lee Dec 2024

Securing Legacy Multivalue Pick Systems Modernized By Restful Web Service Apis, Jacob S. Lee

Theses and Dissertations

With more applications accessible on the Web, organizations with mission-critical legacy systems have had to find a way to stay relevant and competitive by modernizing with RESTful APIs. REST architecture, serving as a guideline rather than a strict protocol, offers significant advantages in terms of scalability, flexibility, and independence; however, its widespread adoption has also led to notable security vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Additionally, there is not one all-encompassing security testing methodology to follow when testing RESTful APIs. For this reason, a new security testing methodology was developed for legacy MultiValue Pick systems that implement the REST API component, MVConnect. The …


The Assessment Of Liquefaction Surface Ejecta Predictions On A New Large Dataset From The 2012 Emilia Romagna, Italy Earthquakes, Holten T. Flinders Dec 2024

The Assessment Of Liquefaction Surface Ejecta Predictions On A New Large Dataset From The 2012 Emilia Romagna, Italy Earthquakes, Holten T. Flinders

Theses and Dissertations

The presence of a non-liquefied crust overlying a liquefied layer has been found to have a significant effect on sand ejecta and surficial liquefaction damage, as observed by Ishihara (1985). Following the 2010-2011 Canterbury seismic sequence in New Zealand, almost no foundation deformation occurred in areas with liquefaction susceptible soils overlain by at least a 3 m-thick crust [3]. In contrast, the 2012 Emilia-Romagna earthquake in Italy provided surface evidence of liquefaction despite 6- to 10 m-thick crusts. Several researchers have proposed liquefaction prediction models [e.g. LPI [6], Ishihara Curves [8], LSN [9], LPIISH [10] and the methods proposed by …


Development Of A Stable And Buffered Reference Electrode For Binary Molten Chlorides Salts, Carlos Mejia, Nicholas Christensen, Ricardo Rodriguez Ceron, Devin Rappleye Dec 2024

Development Of A Stable And Buffered Reference Electrode For Binary Molten Chlorides Salts, Carlos Mejia, Nicholas Christensen, Ricardo Rodriguez Ceron, Devin Rappleye

Faculty Publications

The development of stable and buffered reference electrodes (REs) is crucial for molten salt electrochemistry, particularly in pyrochemical processing, such as electrorefining. These REs must maintain a stable potential to ensure precise control over electrorefining processes by preventing unwanted shifts in the potential that could lead to impurity deposition. This study evaluated metal chlorides and metal oxides as potential candidates for REs, with their stability assessed via electrochemical methods over extended durations. While metal chloride-based REs exhibited stable potential behavior over time, their response followed the Nernst equation, leading to potential shifts with varying concentrations of oxidized species. Metal oxide-based …


Understanding The Role Of The Heat Transfer Coefficient Between Tool/Workpiece Interface During Friction Stir Welding, Matthew Goodson Dec 2024

Understanding The Role Of The Heat Transfer Coefficient Between Tool/Workpiece Interface During Friction Stir Welding, Matthew Goodson

Theses and Dissertations

The heat transfer coefficient is a key parameter in modeling friction stir welding and has yet to be measured experimentally. The importance of this parameter was shown through validating friction stir models on both sides of the tool/workpiece interface. Both a transient plunge and a steady state model were validated by matching experimental temperatures. The steady state tool temperatures were matched (with in 2.5%), but the steady state workpiece temperatures were off by around 20%. The transient model of the FSW plunge showed the effect of varying the ℎ𝑊/𝑇 on workpiece temperatures and tool temperatures. Two methods were looked at …


Journal Of Response To Writing 10(2) Dec 2024

Journal Of Response To Writing 10(2)

Journal of Response to Writing

No abstract provided.


Making Video Feedback For The First Time: A Case Study, Dan Martin Dec 2024

Making Video Feedback For The First Time: A Case Study, Dan Martin

Journal of Response to Writing

This paper examines some of the labor three professors from three different disciplines needed to exert to produce effective VF on student writing for the first time. The research on VF demonstrates that students want more video comments but the labor to learn how to make VF has not been fully identified. I completed a case study with three professors to collect data. I interviewed the professors at the beginning, middle, and end of the study. After transcribing and coding the interviews, I identified where the professors exerted a significant amount of labor to make VF for the first time. …


Developing A Learner-Centered Response To Writing Through A Graduate Course In Writing-Across-The-Curriculum, Faqryza Ab Latif, Kristin Winet Dec 2024

Developing A Learner-Centered Response To Writing Through A Graduate Course In Writing-Across-The-Curriculum, Faqryza Ab Latif, Kristin Winet

Journal of Response to Writing

Although writing-across-the-curriculum (WAC) programs have been commonplace since the 1970s, the focus has largely been at the level of assessment and programmatic development and less on the instructors, particularly graduate teaching assistants (TAs) who adopt these practices. In this article, we describe a pilot WAC graduate-level course in writing pedagogy that our institution developed as part of our recent membership in the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL). We also share how one science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduate student revised her approach to assignment design, feedback, and assessment for a general education course and …


Soil Biogeography And Community Assembly In Polar Regions, Jesse Jorna Nov 2024

Soil Biogeography And Community Assembly In Polar Regions, Jesse Jorna

Theses and Dissertations

The polar regions provide community ecologists with natural microcosms, that include reduced species diversity, steep environmental gradients and limited human perturbance. Soil biodiversity in the polar regions is poorly understood, and the driving forces behind community compositions can range in scale from glacial forces 20,000 years ago to the impact of a researcher's footstep. Here, we present the results of an investigation of the driving factors behind biodiversity in Arctic and Antarctic soils, with specific attention to the role of community assembly processes. We suggest a framework for investigating the effects of inter-bacterial community processes like facilitation and argue for …


Human-Bear Conflict In North America (1880-2020): A Comprehensive Analysis Of Patterns, Outcomes And Interactions, Cody Robert Miller Nov 2024

Human-Bear Conflict In North America (1880-2020): A Comprehensive Analysis Of Patterns, Outcomes And Interactions, Cody Robert Miller

Theses and Dissertations

Human-bear (Ursus spp.) conflict (HBC) is an important issue facing wildlife managers across North America. It is essential that we understand the factors associated with HBCs in North America so that wildlife managers can make appropriate, science-based recommendations about how to avoid, and if necessary, survive such incidents. To that end, we present this comprehensive analysis of > 2,100 HBCs in the United States and Canada, ranging from 1880 to the present. This analysis includes the three native North American bear species: black bears (Ursus americanus), grizzly bears (U. arctos), and polar bears (U. maritimus) and assesses the role that twelve …


Effect Of Roadway Lighting On Safety In Utah, Samuel Lewis Runyan Nov 2024

Effect Of Roadway Lighting On Safety In Utah, Samuel Lewis Runyan

Theses and Dissertations

A significant portion of severe crashes and severe crashes involving vulnerable road users, 29 percent and 39 percent respectively, occur at night in Utah, despite roughly only 25 percent of traffic occurring at night. Nighttime crash causes are less understood than daytime crashes as there are fewer nighttime crashes, but it is generally assumed that increasing street lighting can help mitigate these crashes. To test this assumption, the Utah Department of Transportation was interested in developing Crash Modification Factors (CMFs) specific to the state of Utah which correlate the quantity and quality of light to crash outcomes, to observe how …


Aircraft Control, Collision Avoidance, And Remote Autonomy In Scenarios With Ground Radar Information, Jaron Charles Ellingson Nov 2024

Aircraft Control, Collision Avoidance, And Remote Autonomy In Scenarios With Ground Radar Information, Jaron Charles Ellingson

Theses and Dissertations

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) have become integral to various modern applications, including package delivery, security, medicine, and recreation. The autonomous operation of UAS significantly enhances their utility by improving performance and reducing operator workload, enabling collaborative missions such as boundary detection, border protection, and target tracking. To ensure safe integration of UAS, more work needs to be done in the areas of control, estimation, collision avoidance, path planning, hardware implementation, and autonomous practices in general. For this dissertation we chose to focus on the critical areas of control, collision avoidance, and remote autonomy. Our research is motivated by the need …


Implementing The Safe System Approach At Intersections In Utah, Ian Patrick Macgregor Nov 2024

Implementing The Safe System Approach At Intersections In Utah, Ian Patrick Macgregor

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the principles and elements of the Safe System Approach, a new paradigm in roadway safety. A compendium of practice was created to determine recommendations on how to implement the Safe System Approach at intersections and observe how other jurisdictions are implementing it. Several strategies identified include the Safe Systems at Intersections (SSI) methodology, Safe System Alignment Frameworks, Vision Zero communities, incorporating the Safe System Approach into the Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) or Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), mandating the Safe System Approach be considered in all projects, and the Organizational Safety Culture Self-Assessment. These policies do …


Computational Study Of The Evolution Of The Grain Boundary Network During Anisotropic Grain Growth, Jose Nino Nov 2024

Computational Study Of The Evolution Of The Grain Boundary Network During Anisotropic Grain Growth, Jose Nino

Theses and Dissertations

The grain boundary network (GBN) of polycrystalline materials changes during grain growth, affecting the material's properties. This research presents the results of fully anisotropic grain growth simulations. We perform simulations using three GB energy functions: an energy function that considers a GB's 5 degrees of freedom, the Read-Shockley model, and isotropic. We analyze the impact of these energy functions on the morphological evolution and various microstructural statistics, such as crystallographic texture and triple junction distribution. The results demonstrate that while individual grain evolution varies with GB energy function, certain microstructural statistics reach similar steady states across different models. In addition, …