Embedded State Estimation For Optimization Of Cislunar Space Domain Awareness Constellation Design, Thomas Henry Clareson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The traffic in cislunar space is expected to increase over the coming years, leading to a higher likelihood of conjunction events among active satellites, orbital debris, and non-cooperative satellites. This increase necessitates enhanced space domain awareness (SDA) capabilities that include state estimation for targets of interest. Both Earth surface-based and space-based observation platforms in geosynchronous orbit or below face challenges such as range, exclusion, and occlusion that hinder observation. Motivated by the need to place space-based observers in the cislunar space regime to overcome these challenges, this paper proposes a cislunar SDA constellation design and analysis framework that integrates state …

Reconceptualizing South Asia: Bangladeshi Literature And The Politics Of Representation, Qazi Arka Rahman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

I explore Bangladeshi literature’s specificity and contributions in the context South Asia. This project expands the existing oeuvre of South Asian literary and postcolonial studies by bringing Bangladeshi literature into current debates on nation, nationality, and identity. I investigate the role of literary texts in developing a national ethos by doing analysis of twentieth to twenty-first-century Bangladeshi novels – in English and Bangla – to argue the necessity of developing a temporal understanding of South Asia rather than a spatial one. The dissertation demonstrates how Bangladeshi novels have contributed to and subverted the idea of “imagined community” following Bangladesh’s independence …

Measuring And Modeling Riparian Wetland Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity, Nutrient Concentrations And Shallow Groundwater Dynamics In An Appalachian Mixed Land Use Catchment, Bidisha Faruque Abesh

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The paucity of research on accurate predictions of saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), spatiotemporal analysis of nutrient concentrations relative to water source types (stream and shallow groundwater (SGW)), water flow directions, and land use in riparian wetlands of Appalachian mixed land use catchments underscored the need for this study. Additionally, the lack of SGW flow simulations and stream-SGW interactions using three-dimensional (3D) numerical models (i.e., MODFLOW) in these riparian wetlands further highlighted the research gap. Observed data including soil properties, Ksat, surface water (SW) and SGW levels, and nutrient concentrations, including nitrate (NO3-N), nitrite (NO2-N), ammonium (NH4-N), orthophosphate (PO43-P), total nitrogen …

Development Of Probabilistic Dynamic Model Building And Bayesian Machine Learning Approaches, Samuel Oladayo Adeyemo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract

Development of Probabilistic Dynamic Model Building and Bayesian Machine Learning Approaches

Samuel Adeyemo

The recent years have seen a tremendous increase in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for the development of data-driven mathematical models needed for performing real-time optimization, model-based control, performance optimization, dynamic data reconciliation, and process performance monitoring. However, the development of data-driven models is faced with some challenges including lack of model interpretability, sensitivity of algorithm to noise in training data, limited extrapolation capabilities and violation of conservation laws. Drawing motivation from these existing gaps, this work aims to develop robust …

Machine Learning-Driven Quantification Of Co₂ Plume Dynamics At Ibdp Sites Using Microseismic Data, Ikponmwosa Bright Iyegbekedo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis delves into the utilization of machine learning methodologies to quantify the spatial extent of CO₂ plumes by leveraging microseismic data obtained from the Illinois Basin Decatur Project (IBDP) site spanning November 2011 to June 2018. This initiative, focused on the geological sequestration of carbon dioxide, furnishes a unique and comprehensive dataset comprising well logs, microseismic activity records, and CO₂ injection metrics, all crucial for quantifying the subsurface CO₂ saturation plume dynamics. The primary objective is to forecast the temporal evolution of CO₂ saturation plumes in the subsurface, a critical undertaking for ensuring both the environmental integrity and operational …

Low Power Remote Sensing System For Ceramic Thermocouples, Syed Khaleduzzaman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The ceramic thermocouple sensor is a promising alternative to traditional thermocouple due to their corrosion resistance and cost-effective manufacturing. Currently, no electronic Interface or Integrated Circuit solution is commercially available which can be used to interface these thermocouples at low-cost and low power for accurate temperature measurement. An electronic system is needed to use these ceramic sensors which consumes less amount of power for an extensive period of time with remote monitoring option.

This thesis proposes a low-power electronic remote sensing system that works for ceramic thermocouples. The system consists of three parts. They are battery-operated sensor node electronic circuit, …

Inherently Porous Metal Structures With Sufficient Mechanical Properties Through Direct Writing Of Bio-Based Inks, Havva Eda Aysal

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

There is currently a burgeoning interest in developing 3D printed metal structures with inherent porosity and sufficient mechanical properties for mass customization in the biomedical field. Current approaches for 3D printing of biocompatible metals rely on powder-bed fusion methods which are energy intensive and utilize large amounts of metal powder that is challenging to recycle. In addition, such methods aim on producing dense parts and porosity generation, within the printed part, is challenging due to the complex physics of the melting pool. Here, a relatively new and promising approach is undertaken to study the 3D printing of inherently porous structures …

Modeling And Techno-Economic Optimization Of Microwave Assisted Ammonia Synthesis Processes, Opeyemi Aduragbemi Ogunniyan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Ammonia, which plays a crucial role in agriculture, chemical production, and energy storage applications, has traditionally been produced using the Haber-Bosch (HB) process. However, this well-established technology has significant drawbacks. The HB process requires extremely high pressures (up to 300 bar) and temperatures (400-500°C), making it feasible only for large-scale operations with substantial capital investment. Additionally, the high energy consumption of the HB process contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, raising concerns about its environmental sustainability. This dissertation extensively explores a new low-pressure microwave-assisted process for synthesizing ammonia, demonstrating its economic viability and potential cost-effectiveness compared to the traditional method, …

State Estimation And Economic Analysis For Electrochemical Sensor-Based Corrosion Monitoring, Chandra Sekhar Somayajula

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Coal is currently the third-largest source of electricity production in the U.S. However, renewables are projected to be the primary source of electricity production in the future. Though coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) are rapidly retiring in the U.S., many CFPPs worldwide are expected to stay operational for a while due to factors like easy and cheap access to comparatively inexpensive coal. Therefore, non-renewable sources like coal are still expected to be prevalent and be used to ensure the stability of the electric grid in the foreseeable future. The existing coal-fired power plants generally designed to operate at base-loaded conditions are …

Evaluation Of Probable Maximum Precipitation (Pmp) For West Virginia To Predict Current And Future Pmp & Utilizing Acid Mine Drainage (Amd) Sludge In Reclamation, Grace Katherine Kerr

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis includes two main topics: 1) evaluation of probable maximum precipitation (PMP) for West Virginia to predict current and future PMP, and 2) utilizing acid mine drainage (AMD) sludge as a reclamation plan.

Probable maximum precipitation (PMP) is essential for dam design as well as for the inspection, operation, maintenance, and repairs of these facilities. West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Dam Safety utilizes the 6-hr, 10-mi² (26-km²) PMP established by Hydrometeorological Report (HMR) 51 based on the analysis of extreme rainfall. These PMP are outdated because there have been unaccounted for extreme rainfall events that …

Anti-Listeria Of H2o2-Peroxyacetic Acid Anti-Listeria Efficacy Of A Hydrogen Peroxide-Peroxyacetic Acid Mixer In Bacterial Buffered Solution And On Bell Peppers, Peighton Denae Foster

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study aims to 1) evaluate the efficacy of H₂O₂-peroxyacetic acid (PAA) mixer to inactivate Listeria monocytogenes in 0.1% buffered-peptone-water; 2) evaluate the reduction and mitigation of cross-contamination on peppers. For the study-1, aliquots of 1.0-ml mixer solutions (0.25, 0.50 and 0.84%) were added to the first 3-well of 8-strip-deep-well microplates. Then, the 0.1 ml of 10-fold dilution the Nalidixic-acid-resistant (NaL) L. monocytogenes was added and mixed immediately with a multichannel pipette. After exposure for 0, 5, 15, 30, and up to 120-s, 1 ml of 2×D/E neutralized solution was added to terminate the reaction followed …

The Picture Of (Mental) Health: A Photovoice, Narrative Inquiry, And Critical Participatory Action Approach To Music Major Mental Wellness, Paige Zalman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Higher education is experiencing a mental health epidemic (Venit, 2022). There is unprecedented student demand for psychological services that colleges are unable to meet (Lipson et al., 2019a), leading to high rates of mental illness-related attrition (Koch et al., 2018). Two groups of students at particularly high risk of mental illness-related attrition are students with historically marginalized identities, whether by race, gender, income, or another factor (Eisenberg et al., 2013), and music majors, a group that has been shown to have greater rates of mental illness than students in other majors (Lipson et al., 2016; Spahn et al., 2004). While …

Modification Of Gas Atomized Metal Powders Through Mechanical Chemical Bonding Technique, Philip Thomas Mallory

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Additive Manufacturing (AM) has become popular for commercial applications where high-performance parts can now be created, tested, and modified more efficiently thus expediting the design process. Because of its relatively easy access today a lot of research and improvements are coming out yearly for improved AM machines and the material used. At WVU, a new way of modifying as-receive commercial gas-atomized metal powders used in AM has been developed using Mechanical Chemical Bonding (MCB) methodology which uses high rotational blades to create an environment where it increases the particle-on-particle interaction. During this high energetic process all irregular shaped particles, with …

Fluid-Rock And Fluid-Steel Interaction In Geothermal Energy Development In The Appalachain Basin, Samuel H. Bowman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The ever-increasing demand for clean energy requires creative solutions. In the United States, unconventional energy sources such as geothermal are conventionally limited to the western half of the country. The Appalachian Basin in the Eastern United States is one such possible creative solution, although the comparatively low temperature gradient presents a significant challenge to delivering economically feasible geothermal energy. An emerging technology is enhanced geothermal systems, these are engineered reservoirs where a working fluid (typically water) is cycled between the subsurface energy source and the energy collection facility at the surface. The liquid water interacts with the geothermal reservoir rock …

Reconstructing Δ14c Production Events Using Tree Rings: Does Tree Physiology Affect Estimates Of Atmospheric Δ14c?, Meagan Rory Walker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Cosmic rays and solar energetic particles (SEP) bombard the Earth’s geomagnetic field, posing a threat to satellites, space stations, and human space exploration. These rays and particles also produce radiocarbon (¹⁴C) in Earth’s atmosphere, thus records of past ¹⁴C concentration in the atmosphere may be indicative of past cosmic and solar activity. Rapid increases in the concentration of atmospheric radiocarbon ¹⁴C, (Miyake events) first identified in tree rings, are thought to be a result of solar eruptive activity triggering the release of solar energetic particles, though the precise nature of past events remains unresolved. The first …

Building Better Biofuel Crops: A Field Evaluation Of Transgenic Populus Modified To Improve Feedstock Performance For Bioenergy Use, Molli Elisabeth Coombs

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A transition away from fossil fuel use is necessary for the future of energy production, and biofuels are a renewable energy option that can mitigate the impacts of fossil fuels through lowered carbon emissions and possible carbon sequestration. In order to successfully compete with fossil fuels, the production of biofuels must be sustainable and cost effective. Populus species are a biofuel crop used for bioenergy conversion from lignocellulosic biomass that have been proposed for use in feedstock plantations on marginal lands, which would avoid competition with agricultural production. Two challenges of feedstock production being faced are recalcitrance to chemical processing, …

Exploring Early Childhood Educators’ Attitudes About Addiction And Their Association With Student-Teacher Relationships, Megan E. Mikesell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This project aimed to address significant gaps in literature around addiction-related attitudes by identifying early childhood educators’ addiction-related attitudes and how these attitudes associate with their relationships with students who come from homes with addiction. A sample of 501 ECEs completed an online survey which included the Public Attitudes About Addiction Survey (PAAS; a 54-item measure used to identify a person’s beliefs about addiction across five models), the Student-Teacher Relationship Scale (STRS; a 15-item scale used to measure the level of closeness and conflict), and various demographic and community questions. Path analysis revealed that both moral and nature aligned attitudes …

Mechanisms Of Pulmonary Inflammation And Lung Function Decline After Ultrafine Carbon Black And Ozone Inhalation Co-Exposure, Nairrita Majumder

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Air pollution is a mixture of particulate matter, gaseous substances, and other contaminant, yet most of the studies have addressed single exposure outcomes. The effect of environmental toxicants in lung adverse outcomes can be evaluated by studying the co-exposure scenario. The impact of co-exposures is not well addressed in susceptible populations like patients suffering from acute lung injury, asthma, and fibrosis. Without such knowledge it would be difficult to establish a safe exposure limit for mitigating environmental burden in patients and public. The main goal of this study was to understand the effect of ultrafine particle and ozone co-exposure in …

A Computer Vision-Based Method For Tack Coat Coverage Inspection Using Drone-Collected Images, Aida Da Silva

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Tack coat is a thin asphalt applied between the existing surface and asphalt overlay during road rehabilitation. The uniformity of tack coat coverage plays a vital role in providing adhesive bonding between the two layers in the pavement structures. To ensure tack coat uniformity, the current practice primarily relies on manual inspection during construction by field experts. This process is time-consuming and tedious, and the results can be subjective and error-prone. Drones have emerged as a non-destructive sensing technology in the construction industry for many inspection practices. Unlike other non-destructive inspection technologies, drones offer benefits ranging from accelerating data collection …

Application Of Metagenomic And Molecular Microbiology Techniques To Elucidate Sources Of Fecal Pollution And Anthropogenic Antibiotic Resistance Genes To Surface Water: A Step Towards A “One Health” Approach To Watershed Management, Mehedi Hasan Tarek

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The use of fecal indicator bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, is a widely established regulatory and monitoring practice to detect surface water contamination associated with fecal pollution. However, the detection or quantification of fecal indicator bacteria alone does not accurately inform the sources of fecal pollution. The development of molecular and metagenomic methods that target the DNA of microorganisms has resulted in a host of new tools for monitoring fecal pollution and its sources, as well as for understanding emerging microbial threats, such as antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial resistance is a critical “One Health” challenge presenting a high risk to …

Laboratory Experimentation And Numerical Modeling To Enhance Drainage In Geotextile Tubes, Jonah G. Tyson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Laboratory Experimentation and Numerical Modeling to Enhance Drainage in Geotextile Tubes

Jonah G. Tyson

Geotextile fabrics are commonly used in the dewatering and filtration of high-water content geomaterials. Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) sludge is a geomaterial and has increasing production volumes in West Virginia. The WVDEP has large sludge storage sites for dewatering and long-term disposal. Currently the AMD is treated then transferred by pumping the material into geobags for long-term disposal in tubular shape geotextile bags that dewater the sludge. The current design of the geobags limit the pathways for the water to filter out due to the …

Shear Bond Strength Comparison Of Bioceramics To Root Dentin., Yasmin Alma Hoffman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to compare the push-out bond strength of four bioceramic materials to root dentin that are used during regenerative endodontics. The bioceramics being tested are: 1. Biodentine®(Septodont); 2. EndoSequence BC Putty Fast Set® (Brasseler); 3. NeoPutty® (Avalon Biomed); and 4. ProRoot MTA White® (Dentsply). A high bond strength of a bioceramic material to root dentin will provide excellent seal. An improved seal may correlate with less potential for contamination of the pulp space that is undergoing regenerative activity. This in turn will lead to long-term clinical success. The null hypothesis is that there is …

Assessment Of Regional Bike And Pedestrian Equity In Transportation Plans, Drew Reiter

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

While community involvement is legally required as a crucial part of the planning process, historically the traditional state-centric approaches to transportation planning have led to the underrepresentation of transportation-disadvantaged individuals in the process and, thus, to automobile-oriented regions. Planning practices for small urban and rural areas especially, which often lack funding and other resources, have generally overlooked accessible pedestrian, bicycling, and multimodal infrastructure and facilities, resulting in underdeveloped and poorly connected networks. I conducted a social equity evaluation of the regional planning, investment prioritization, and programming processes for pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure using the case study of Monongalia County, West …

Understanding Emerging Travel Behavior In New York City, Md Amdad Hossen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Many large cities face significant challenges in providing safe, economical, equitable, reliable, and efficient mobility services. Moreover, mobility service options have been changing unprecedentedly due to the advent of emerging mobility services. Understanding the impacts of emerging mobility services (e.g., for-hire vehicles, bike sharing) on other travel modes (e.g., transit, non-motorized modes, personal car) and evolving travel behavior is critical to promote sustainable modes for urban residents and reduce auto-dependency. New York City (NYC) has been conducting annual mobility survey since 2017 to understand the emerging travel behavior and mode choice characteristics. This dataset presents a unique opportunity for conducting …

Exploring Opportunities And Challenges Of Adopting Exoskeletons And Exosuits In Construction: Identifying Facilitators, Barriers, And Potential Solutions To Those Barriers, Dilruba Mahmud

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Exoskeletons and exosuits (collectively termed as EXOs) have the potential to reduce the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) by protecting workers from exertion and muscle fatigue due to physically demanding, repetitive, and prolonged work in construction workplaces. However, the use of EXOs in construction is in its infancy, and much knowledge for driving acceptance, adoption, and application of this technology is still lacking. This paper aims to identify the potential facilitators and barriers to adopting EXOs in the construction industry, along with potential solutions to those identified barriers to fostering the adoption of EXOs in construction workplaces through a …

Workflow For Integrating Geomechanics, Hydraulic Fracturing, And Reservoir Simulation To Determine Marcellus Shale Horizontal Well Production Potential, Awadh Aljassasi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The main goal of the study was to accurately predict the production potential of Marcellus shale horizontal well with multistage of hydraulic fractures by incorporating geomechanical factors, gas adsorption, hydraulic fracturing treatment data in the reservoir simulation model. To achieve this goal, core plug measurements, well logs, image logs, hydraulic fracture treatment data, and production data were analyzed, combined, and used to develop a reservoir simulation model. Rocks mechanical properties were estimated from the well logs and then correlated with the core measurement to accurately predict the minimum horizontal stress in the reservoir. Adsorption characteristics, porosity, and permeability were estimated …

Comparative Analysis Of Artificial Intelligence And Numerical Reservoir Simulation In Marcellus Shale Wells, Arya Maher Sattari

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation addresses the limitations of conventional numerical reservoir simulation techniques in the context of unconventional shale plays and proposes the use of data-driven artificial intelligence (AI) models as a promising alternative. Traditional methods, while providing valuable insights, often rely on simplifying assumptions and are constrained by time, resources, and data quality. The research leverages AI models to handle the complexities of shale behavior more effectively, facilitating accurate predictions and optimizations with less resource expenditure.

Two specific methodologies are investigated for this purpose: traditional numerical reservoir simulations using Computer Modelling Group's GEM reservoir simulation software, and an AI-based Shale Analytics …

The Effect Of Different Fracturing Fluids On The Productivity Of Multi-Staged Fractured Marcellus Shale Horizontal Wells, Vida Gyaubea Matey-Korley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

While hydraulic fracturing has undeniably improved the production from oil and gas reservoirs, this technology is not without limitations. The primary hurdles lie in the areas of proppant transport, fluid rheology, and stress management. Despite the extensive research conducted in this domain, there remains a considerable amount of work to be done for comprehensive solutions that account for the complex interactions among fracturing fluid, proppant distribution, and geomechanical conditions. Achieving this will then make room for a holistic and efficient hydraulic fracturing strategy.

This study addresses the above-mentioned problem by examining the impact of fluid type on proppant transport and …

Development And Validation Of Improved Live Load Distribution Factors For Moment In Press-Brake-Formed Steel Tub Girder Bridges, Brook Teklu Woldegabriel

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Press-brake-formed tub girders (PBFTGs) offer innovative solutions for short-span steel bridge applications, possessing efficiency, versatility, and sustainability. These girders are galvanized shallow trapezoidal boxes fabricated from cold-bent structural steel plates. Depending on the design requirements, a concrete deck or other deck options, such as a steel sandwich plate system, can be placed on the girders. The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) extensively researched the steel PBFTG bridge system. As a testament to its potential, the AASHTO Innovation Initiative (AII) recognized it as a 2021 Focus Technology. AII has shown commitment to promoting the adoption of PBFTG among its member …

Exploring The Usage Of Acid Mine Drainage Sludge As A Soil Amendment For Reclaimed Mine Lands, Brady Watters

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a form of water pollution generated when water and oxygen come into contact with sulfide minerals, forming metal ions, sulfuric acid, and sulphates in solution. AMD is characterized by its toxic metals content and low pH, both of which are an environmental concern. The treatment of AMD separates the contaminants into a high-water content sludge. This sludge is a pure waste product under current evaluation for alternative uses as well as improvements to storage and treatment processes. This thesis focused on analyzing the potential for AMD sludge to be used in recently reclaimed lands as …