Digital Commons Network^™

Artificial Intelligence Enabled Machinery Fault Detection And Diagnosis Using Vibro-Acoustic Signals, Srinivasa Rao Ippili

Theses and Dissertations--Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

In various industries, the early detection of faults in rotating machinery is crucial to prevent system failures and ensure customer satisfaction. Typically, vibration measurement and diagnosis are employed for fault detection, but this process faces challenges in automation due to the complexity of installing and maintaining accelerometers, particularly in end-of-line quality control or pre-installed machinery health assessments. Acoustic signals, as a form of mechanical wave, offer an alternative for monitoring machinery while in operation. Unlike accelerometers, acoustic transducers are non-contact and easy to set up, enabling real-time data collection without interrupting equipment operation. However, utilizing acoustic signals in manufacturing poses …

Microstructure-Based Modeling And Simulation Via A Nonlocal Multiphysics Discrete Approach, Donglai Liu

Theses and Dissertations--Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Many structures in engineering are subject to multiphysics loadings or environment. Computational modeling plays a significant role to predict or evaluate the performance of these structures, especially in the scenarios where the experimental investigation is cumbersome or prohibitively expensive. Microstructure-based modeling incorporates the information of microstructures of materials in numerical models, which can provide insights about the relationship between microstructures and mate- rial properties. This research developed a microstructure-based modeling framework for coupling diffusion-deformation simulation of solids. The model is based on a recent developed meshfree method referred to as lattice particle method in the literature. In the developed model, …

Multiscale Fiber Remodeling In The Heart Using A Finite Element Framework, Mohammad Mehri

Theses and Dissertations--Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The organization of myofibers and extra cellular matrix within the myocardium plays a significant role in defining cardiac function. When pathological events occur, such as myocardial infarction (MI) or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), this organization can become disrupted, leading to alteration in pumping performance. The current study proposes a multiscale finite element (FE) framework to determine realistic fiber distributions in the left ventricle (LV). This is achieved by implementing a stress-based fiber reorientation law, which seeks to align the fibers with local traction vectors, such that contractile force and load bearing capabilities are maximized. By utilizing the total stress (passive and …

Characterization Of Heterogeneous Material Architectures Through X-Ray Computed Micro-Tomography, Cameron Brewer

Theses and Dissertations--Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Low-density carbon-phenolic composites, such as phenolic impregnated carbon ablator (PICA), possess meso-, micro-, and nano-pores making the structure of the resin difficult to characterize. X-ray Computed Tomography (XRCT) is a widely ac- cepted method for characterizing the carbon fiber preform, yet this technique is often insufficient for visualizing the resin because of its minimal attenuation of the incident x-ray beam. Phase Contrast Retrieval (PCR) reconstruction considers not only the linear attenuation coefficient, but also the refractive indices of the constituent materials. This research leverages phase contrast tomography to characterize the meso- and micro-structure of the porous resin phase with a …

Using Inertial Measurement Units (Imus) To Assess Fatigue-Related Changes In Running: Applications In Training Load Management, Reiley Thomas Bergin

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

The inertial measurement unit (IMU) is the most researched wearable technology in running. Yet, few studies have validated IMU-derived measures against accepted laboratory standards, such as three-dimensional (3D) motion capture and force plates. IMUs have the potential to provide information that can guide training load management decisions; however, no study has explored their capability to assess fatigue-related changes in running across consecutive days of training. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to evaluate the validity and reliability of IMU-derived measures and assess their capability for detecting fatigue-related changes in running in the days following an intensified training bout. The …

Cell-Based Cardiac Repair And The Natural Cardiac Healing In Regenerative Adult Mammal, Hsuan Peng

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences

Heart failure (HF) following myocardial infarction (MI) remains a significant global health concern, with the initial ischemic injury often leading to microvascular damage and infarct expansion, exacerbating the overall cardiac impairment. Despite extensive research, there are currently no effective therapies to limit myocardial damage post-MI, resulting in a substantial number of patients progressing to HF. Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising approach to modulate cardiac injury and promote healing. However, clinical trials have shown only modest success, underscoring the need for improved strategies to enhance efficacy. Additionally, the lack of significant ventricular regeneration highlights the necessity of targeting …

Examining The Feasibility Of Implementing Farm To School Programs In Rural Kentucky Schools: Barriers And Successes Of Initiating Programming As Identified Through Teacher’S Observations, Christina Wilson

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Farm to School (FTS) programs provide experiential learning opportunities to children that have the potential to shape eating patterns and, in turn, improve health and learning outcomes. Participation in FTS programs in Kentucky is growing. However, programming varies widely across schools, and few have an edible school garden. This study examined the feasibility of establishing an edible school garden while incorporating FTS programming by evaluating teachers' observations and experiences. Six rural Kentucky schools were selected to receive a $5,000 grant to initiate an edible school garden and incorporate FTS programming. A Qualtrics survey measured six categories regarding implementation. The results …

Assessing Endophyte Frequency Distributions And The Effect Of Epichloë Brachyelytri In The Chemotypic And Genotypic Diversity Of Brachyelytrum Erectum, Rachel Ann Sneed

Theses and Dissertations--Plant Pathology

Seed-transmissible epichloid fungal endophytes are best known for their roles as defensive mutualists in cool-season grasses. Historically, the discovery of fungal endophytes was driven by investigations of plant toxicity to livestock, followed by extensive study of their alkaloids and protection against insects and nematodes. Epichloae can produce four classes of alkaloids: ergot alkaloids, lolines (saturated aminopyrrolizidines), indole–diterpenes, and peramine. It is increasingly evident that these hereditary symbionts have much more diverse chemical profiles both in individual populations and between them. To this end, differences in chemotypic profiles of these symbionts may translate to different evolutionary and environmental advantages across plant …

Communicating Climate Change: Adaptive Silviculture In Central Appalachian Kentucky, Logan Baker

Theses and Dissertations--Forestry and Natural Resources

Climate change communication is an emerging field that requires a multidisciplinary understanding of both climate and social science. Communicating with underrepresented woodland owners about climate change, specifically climate change adaptation in forestry applications, necessitates appropriately adjusted approaches. In Central Appalachian Kentucky, outreach with underrepresented woodland owners on forest adaptation topics has not been examined in depth. The recent establishment of an Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change research site in the University of Kentucky’s Robinson Forest has created an opportunity to generate regionally specific climate adaptation information for Appalachian Kentucky forests. It is imperative to investigate how best to approach communicating …

Autism In Agricultural Education: A Case Study Of An Adolescent With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Their Parent On Career And Technical Education, Grace Miller

Theses and Dissertations--Community & Leadership Development

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a unique and often misunderstood diagnosis. Little is known about the experiences of adolescents with ASD. As students with ASD graduate high school, many are under- and unemployed. Career and technical education (CTE) in U.S. schools is intended to prepare all students for careers post-secondary. Agricultural education is one of the predominate career clusters within CTE. This qualitative single case study sought to create a platform for both a student and their parent to share their experiences in agricultural education and CTE. Participants were an adolescent with ASD who had taken at least one year …

Utilizing Isotope Tracing To Assess Land Use Implications To Tap And Stream Water Chemistry, Katrina Alexis Mcfadden

Theses and Dissertations--Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

Water quality is an issue that continues to be worsened by extreme flooding, specifically in Eastern Kentucky. The most recent 2022 flooding event in Eastern Kentucky resulted in loss of human life, over $23.3 billion in damaged infrastructure, and impaired human health. Infrastructure failures, such as leaky pipes, are a growing challenge in these regions as rebuilding has occurred. Therefore, the goal of this project was to evaluate water quality in two of the counties most impacted by the 2022 flood in Kentucky, Breathitt and Perry Counties, using sulfur isotopes as a novel tracer to identify potentially failures in distribution …

The Efficacy Of Wetland Treatment Systems Used To Treat Runoff Mixtures From Different Landscapes Across Kentucky, Emily Nottingham

Theses and Dissertations--Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

The overarching goal was to improve our understanding of the cumulative effect of increased use and occurrence of commonly detected contaminants of potential concern (CPCs) on nitrogen (N) transformation processes in wetlands. The central hypothesis was that those various mixtures of nutrients and CPCs entering treatment wetlands impact N removal pathways. The first study assessed the current state of the literature on the implications to N removal in wetlands in the presence of pesticides and antibiotics. 181 primary studies were identified. Removal efficiencies for nitrate varied widely across the studies, with CPCs impacting microbial communities. A knowledge gap remains in …

Establishing A Future-Proof Framework For Ai Regulation: Balancing Ethics, Transparency, And Innovation, Marcia Narine Weldon, Gabrielle Thomas, Lauren Skidmore

Transactions: The Tennessee Journal of Business Law

No abstract provided.

Testing The Test: Questioning The Role Of High-Stakes Standardized Testing In Education, Raul Valcarcel

Student Works

No abstract provided.

Regulation Of An Industry Created Without Regulation: Implications Of The Cftc’S Attempt To Oversee Crypto’S, Natalie H. Lucciola

Student Works

No abstract provided.

Reforming State Policies On Sex Education Through Local Elections: Navigating The Intersection Of Parental Rights And The Fourteenth Amendment, Alyssa Duffy

Student Works

No abstract provided.

Access And Opportunity For All: How New Jersey’S Current Educational System Disenfranchises Students, And How School Choice Vouchers And Scholarships Would Help Students Succeed, Bernadette Menendez

Student Works

No abstract provided.

The Feedback Loop: A Critical Race Theory Interpretation Of The Relationship Between Compensatory Damages And Environmental Justice, Amelia Hadar

Student Works

No abstract provided.

Balancing The Scales: Harnessing The Power Of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) In Healthcare Fraud Detection While Navigating Ai’S Perils, Ally Winter

Student Works

No abstract provided.

Development Of Functional Plasmonic Nanoceria For The Ultrasensitive Detection Of Ebola Glycoprotein, Carissa A. Sutton

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Infectious diseases have been increasing in both severity and prevalence, leading to increasing economic burdens and health concerns. Ebola hemorrhagic fever is an infectious disease that is both highly communicable and highly fatal. Current detection methods for the virus have high specificity and sensitivity but have long and/or complicated procedures that do not allow for early virus detection in highly affected areas. Compared to the lengthy procedure of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), real-time RT-PCR is more time-efficient; however, specificity and sensitivity are reduced. Since early detection of the virus is the only way to increase survival rates, sensitive detection …

University Of Central Florida Graduate Catalog, 2024 - 2025, University Of Central Florida

UCF Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Waking The Nightmare: Understanding The Relationship Between Trauma And Sleep In Children, Jacklyn Ewald

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

This clinical dissertation expands upon previous research investigating the impact of trauma on children’s sleep quality. Prior research utilized subjective reports of trauma’s impact on sleep in children or objective measures which studied a specific traumatic event. This study used objective measures through cardiopulmonary coupling to study sleep in children with trauma exposure. Participants completed a questionnaire which included the Pediatric Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Related Life Events Screener (PEARLS) or Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) questionnaire, Pediatric quality of life scale, the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire, and demographic information. Trauma was defined by endorsement of any items on the …

Demystifying The Hosting Infrastructure Of The Free Content Web: A Security Perspective, Mohammed Alqadhi

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

This dissertation delves into the security of free content websites, a crucial internet component that presents significant security challenges due to their susceptibility to exploitation by malicious actors. While prior research has highlighted the security disparities between free and premium content websites, it has not delved into the underlying causes. This study aims to address this gap by examining the security infrastructure of free content websites. The research commences with an analysis of the content management systems (CMSs) employed by these websites and their role. Data from 1,562 websites encompassing free and premium categories is collected to identify CMS usage …

Multi-Agent Optimization Of Non-Cooperative Multimodal Mobility Systems, Md Nafees Fuad Rafi

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

While multimodal mobility systems have the potential to bring benefits to travelers, drivers, environment, and traffic congestion, such systems typically involve multiple non-cooperative decision-makers who may selfishly optimize their own objectives without considering the overall system benefits. This paper aims to investigate market-based interactions of key stakeholders (i.e., service providers, drivers, and travelers) in the context of multimodal transportation (MT) systems. We propose a unified mathematical modeling framework to capture the decentralized travelers and drivers' decision-making process and balance the spatial demand and supply by locational service pricing. Such a model allows analyses of the impact of decentralized decision-making on …

Effects Of Premixing On Emissions And Flame Stabilization For A High-Pressure Reacting Jet In Crossflow, Penelope Torres Serrano

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The effects of fuel premixing on the emissions and flame stabilization characteristics of a high-pressure, axially staged combustion system are experimentally examined. The experimental facility is split into two major components. The main stage provides a high-pressure, high-temperature crossflow that is consistent for all test conditions, and the axial stage provides the reacting jet-in-crossflow, where the flame temperature is varied by equivalence ratio sweep. Methane is injected through the axial stage into a high-speed vitiated crossflow under varying conditions, ranging premixing states, for various equivalence ratios. Experimentally, it is observed that NOx emissions increase with equivalence ratio and decrease under …

Design And Development Of A Real-Time Autonomous Uav Swarm Control System, Berk Cetinsaya

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This dissertation focuses on advancing control systems and path planning techniques for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), particularly in drone swarm operations and real-time digital twin (DT) integration. The research addresses key challenges in scalability, real-time responsiveness, and system adaptability to improve the efficiency and situational awareness of UAV systems. A comprehensive review of existing methods highlights the importance of swarm intelligence and nature-inspired algorithms. The study introduces a real-time DT that integrates multiple drone video feeds into a unified 3D environment. Additionally, the Camera-based Adaptive Line Formation and Dynamic Leader-Following Optimization (CALF-DLFO) strategy enhances drone swarm coverage and reduces update …

Hydrogen Cryo-Adsorption In Silica Aerogel: Analytical Model Of Adsorption In Porous Media And Experimental Validation, Adil Riahi

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Hydrogen has incontestably gained attention as one of the best alternative energy sources to fossil fuels due to its volatility, abundance and eco-friendly attributes. The classical methods for hydrogen storage in its gaseous or liquid forms such as high-pressure tanks or cryogenic temperatures display several challenges. Hence, the need to come up with innovative methods to store and transport it is imminent. Comparative studies have demonstrated that material-based hydrogen storage has proven promising in enhancing energy efficiency. However, material selectivity is the missing part of the puzzle to achieve optimal hydrogen storage performance. This dissertation introduces a novel material for …

High-Performance, Energy-Efficient, And Scalable Accelerator Design For Emerging Machine Learning Applications, Lingxiang Yin

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The use of machine learning (ML) is pervasive in numerous application domains, such as autonomous driving, scientific computing, robotics, and among others. However, the continuous growth of ML model complexity and data size is posing unprecedented computation and communication demands on current computing systems, especially in the era of large language models. The problem is further compounded by unstructured data and technology limitations.

To address these challenges, this dissertation research explores novel accelerator designs tailored for a wide range of machine learning applications. First, this research investigates a flexible communication fabric that can enable efficient training for deep learning applications …

Dordt University 2024-25 Catalog, Dordt University. Registrar's Office

Academic Catalogs

Academic Catalog for 2024-25

Iere Annual Report 2024, Erin Largo-Wight, Nicole Lowe, Kelly Rhoden, Abbey Townsend, Ruby Cox

Annual Reports

2024 Annual Report of the Institute for Environmental Research and Education