Digital Commons Network^™

Toray Plastics Rigging Project, Adam Lurgio, Benjamin Prew, Brandon Cipolla, Carl Bennett, Jiacheng Kang

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

The Extended Bridge Bar Rotor Removal System was developed to provide a safe, structurally validated, and repeatable method for removing a 1,940lbs grinder rotor within a confined industrial cell at Toray Plastics. The existing removal process relied on vertical lifting and indirect maneuvering methods that increased risk exposure and operational variability. Manufacturer recommendations specified side extraction; however, the current configuration did not provide controlled lateral motion. The objective of this project was to design a lifting system capable of providing controlled three-axis motion while integrating with existing facility I-beams and remaining under a defined cost constraint. The final design consists …

Performance Evaluation Of Recycled Aged Rubber Modified Asphalt Mixtures With Soybean Oil Rejuvenator, Kwadwo Ampadu Boateng, Meng Wu, Dongzhao Jin, Dayo Sunkami Olatunde, Zhanping You

Michigan Tech Publications

This study evaluates the performance of recycled, long-term-aged rubber-modified asphalt (RMA) mixtures rejuvenated with soybean oil. Crumb rubber is widely used in asphalt mixtures for its ability to enhance elasticity, crack resistance, and durability. However, long-term aging leads to oxidative hardening, increased stiffness, and reduced cracking resistance, creating a need for effective rejuvenation strategies. To simulate extended field aging, plant-produced RMA mixtures were conditioned at 85 °C for five and ten days and subsequently treated with 10% soybean oil by binder weight. Mechanical performance was assessed using the Disc-Shaped Compact Tension test, Indirect Tensile Asphalt Cracking Test, Hamburg Wheel Tracking …

Methodology For The Autonomous Deployment Of Capsules From An Underwater Host, Jack Stadtman, Emily Lopez, Matthew Gutekunst, Anthony Caruso, Gianluca Calgaro

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

This project, conducted in collaboration with the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), focuses on the design and development of a seafloor-resident system capable of autonomously deploying multiple unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) capsules. The primary objective was to create a low-cost, reliable, and negatively buoyant launcher that can store, select, and deploy capsules in a controlled sequence while maintaining stability and ensuring effective communication from a remote control station.

The final design consists of a tripod-style launcher integrating three main subsystems: a rotating top cap for capsule selection, a cylindrical holding drum for multi-capsule storage, and a bottom electronics and ballast …

Uuv Recovery System & Test Fixture, Nicholas Dinatale, Zachary Mcbrine, Kenny Sposato, David Ferreira, Connor Theroux

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

This report presents the final design, fabrication, and validation of a Mechanical Securing Arm System (MSAS) and associated test fixture for recovering an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) into a submerged, launch-tube-like structure. Sponsored by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), the project addressed the need for a reliable, low cost, scalable, and mechanically simple UUV recovery method while also reducing hydrodynamic interference caused by the existing tow tank armature setup.

A structured engineering design process was followed, beginning with literature and patent research, customer requirement development, engineering specification generation, and concept evaluation. The team generated 150 total concepts, with 30 …

Re: Conditional Approval Letter For Final Silver Bow Creek Conservation Area (Sbcca) Construction Quality Assurance Plan And Draft Final Silver Bow Creek Conservation Area (Sbcca) Construction Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan (Dated April 7, 2026), Emma Rott

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Aquaculture Ecosystem Modeling Aeration Efficiency Optimization Using Cfd, Gabriela Reyes Gomez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) is developing the Intelligent and Resource Efficient Pond Aquaculture (IREPA) project, which aims to improve aquaculture management through the integration of predictive models and automated technologies. This approach seeks to transition traditional practices toward data-driven systems capable of supporting informed decision-making for aeration management.

This study investigates the effectiveness of different aerator configurations on hydrodynamic circulation and dissolved oxygen (DO) distribution in aquaculture ponds using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A model was developed in ANSYS Fluent, where the aerator was represented using a power-based formulation and implemented as a moving wall boundary condition. Dissolved …

Diabetic Nephropathy Masquerading As Systemic Disease: The Critical Role Of Renal Biopsy In A Young Uninsured Woman With Nephrotic Syndrome, Yolanda V. Gutierrez, Alexis Vargas Del Toro, Cristina Kochi Yamamoto, Jose Loayza Pintado, Andres Suarez-Parraga

School of Medicine Publications

Nephrotic syndrome can have overlapping features across multiple diseases, making diagnosis difficult without tissue confirmation. We describe a 30-year-old uninsured Hispanic woman with type 1 diabetes, hypertension, and CKD3B who presented with nephrotic syndrome, sepsis, and progressive muscle weakness. Her pleural effusions, periorbital changes, elevated free light chains, and dysphagia raised concern for systemic conditions such as amyloidosis or polymyositis, especially given inconsistent outpatient follow-up. Because her management would differ significantly depending on the underlying cause and due to the high risk of loss to follow-up, a renal biopsy was pursued. Serologic studies were unremarkable, and biopsy ultimately confirmed diabetic …

Neural Mechanisms Underlying Jung’S Active Imagination: A Review And Hypothesis, Charles R. Fox

Journal of Conscious Evolution

Active imagination is a key technique of Jungian analysis. Despite its centrality, and its potential importance beyond Jungian psychology to the area of systems neuroscience, psychology, and consciousness studies, there are no known neurological mechanisms underlying this psychological phenomenon. There is a history of using the types of mental imagery used in active imagination to explore consciousness. The development and use of active imagination is briefly reviewed, and a case is developed that the neurology underlying active imagination would be fruitfully explored by considering it a special case of mystical experience. Active imagination primarily uses the right hemisphere processing of …

Evaluation, Development And Optimization Of Rail Inspection Programs As Utilized On A Romer Absolute Arm, Andrew Harris, Alexander Travison, Noah Dorgan

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

The purpose of this project is to enhance current Quality Assurance (QA) methods for inspecting Hexagon’s X-Beam and Z-Bar components. This is achieved through Hexagon’s proprietary Dimensional Measuring Interface Standard (PC-DMIS) software to develop a modular and parametric inspection script with an application across many part variants. The programs are deployed on the machine shop floor to validate specimens as they come out of the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine. By identifying dimensional inconsistencies early, the system prevents defective parts from progressing to subsequent manufacturing stages. The resulting parametric script can inspect three parts with a single program for both …

Methodology For Camouflaged Underwater Storage, Megan Hebert, Jacob Langlois, Bryson Malaby, Abigail Szumita

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

This University of Rhode Island Mechanical Engineering Capstone project was completed by Megan Hebert, Abby Szumita, Jake Langlois, and Bryson Malaby, and sponsored by Priscilla Kloewer of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC). We designed an underwater storage container that is hidden from sonar detection, and capable of housing a device inside of it, such as a data collection device or a torpedo. This device sits at the bottom of the ocean and must deploy the object it houses after one year. Throughout this report, we will show our research, design, process, and information from the lifecycle of progress for …

Fast Heating Test System, Karl Gruseck, Landin Lessard, Riley Nicholls, Jd Mickel, Nicholas Plants, Peter Scangas

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

This project aims to develop a burner system to test insensitive munitions for our client, Joe Livolsi, representing NOSSA and the US Navy. The main objective is to substitute the existing process of burning huge amounts of jet fuel with more environmentally friendly propane burners. To do that successfully, we had to adhere to extremely high military standards that called for the fire to be at least 800 degrees Celsius and have at least 550 degrees Celsius within 30 seconds of ignition. Also, the height of the fire should exceed 1 meter, and the entire design should not exceed a …

Advanced Optimization And Integration Of Gas Turbine For Centrifugal Nuclear Thermal Rocket, Cameron Gillette, John Bulter-Basner, Isaiah Smith, Aidan Hefele, Cal Mohoney, Christopher Peters

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Projects

This project focused on the design, analysis, and optimization of a gas turbine intended to drive the Centrifugal Fuel Element (CFE) in a Centrifugal Nuclear Thermal Rocket (CNTR) system. The primary objective was to develop a turbine capable of achieving rotational speeds approaching 10,000 RPM while operating within the geometric and experimental constraints of a laboratory-scale model. Achieving this rotational speed is critical to maintaining proper containment of liquid nuclear fuel and enabling efficient propulsion performance.

The design process began with the evaluation of two initial turbine concepts: the Coriolis turbine and the J-blade turbine. Each design utilized a different …

Automated Analysis Of Radiation Oncology Incident Reports Using Large Language Models, Nathan A. Dobranski

LSU Master's Theses

Patient safety incident reporting in radiation oncology requires expert analysis that is time-intensive and subject to variability. This thesis presents the development and technical validation of a locally deployed large language model (LLM) system for automated incident report analysis across multiple cancer centers. The system was designed for automated summarization and taxonomy assignment of Radiation Oncology Incident Learning System (RO-ILS) reports, operating entirely on local infrastructure to preserve patient privacy. A two-round, multi-rater evaluation methodology was employed, incorporating 600 total expert evaluations from two academic cancer centers. Round 1 established baseline performance using Mistral 7B and Mixtral 8x7B models with …

Syrah: A Pipeline To Maximize Spatial Transcriptomics Data Output, Carolyn Brewster, Frederick G Mann, Blair Benham-Pyle, Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Spatial analysis of gene expression patterns has been a key technique for revealing the potential functions of genes. Traditionally, these analyses conducted using in-situ hybridizations and other labor-intensive protocols were constrained to examining only a few candidate genes per sample. However, the advent of spatial transcriptomic techniques like Slide-seqV2 has transformed this field, enabling massively parallel exploration of gene expression patterns within their tissue contexts by pairing spatial locations with RNA sequencing. Despite its potential, Slide-seqV2 datasets often produce fewer usable reads than expected. We have identified that a significant source of errors in the technology stems from the chemical …

The Intersection Of Religion & Politics In The United States: Analyses At The Federal And State Level, Cristina Melissa Pimenta

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

This project examines the intersection of religion and politics in the United States, particularly concerning Christian Nationalism. Existing scholarship has linked the religio-political ideology to several culturally relevant issues, including xenophobia and nativism, racism, homophobia and transphobia, and anti-vaccine rhetoric. My dissertation continues this research by exploring the impact of Christian Nationalism on reproductive rights and, in turn, on gender equality. I assert that as the saliency of Christian Nationalism in the United States has increased, gender equality has decreased. I also argue that the higher the saliency of Christian Nationalism in an individual state, the lower the gender equality …

Teaching Isixhosa As A First Additional Language In Former Model C Schools: Implications For Educator Experiences In The Harry Gwala District, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, Lundi Nomlala, Lwandile Ncam

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

This paper explored educators' experiences of teaching isiXhosa as First Additional Language (FAL) in former Model C schools in the Harry Gwala District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study aimed to understand practical teaching approaches that enhance linguistic diversity and improve IsiXhosa proficiency while addressing systemic challenges. A qualitative case study design was employed, using semi-structured interviews with five IsiXhosa FAL teachers across three schools. The findings revealed the need for partnerships between schools and communities, curriculum revision, including mentorship and professional development for teachers, collaborative learning, and the effective use of technology. However, challenges such as unequal language recognition, insufficient …

Obesity And Cardiometabolic Risks In Thai Children: A Comprehensive Cross-Sectional Analysis, Nitiroj Bongkotwilawan, Nantika Paiboon, Therdpong Tempark, Orapa Suteerojntrakool, Chansuda Bongsebandhu-Phubhakdi

Journal of Health Research

Background: Childhood overweight and obesity are increasing globally, posing significant cardiometabolic risks. Despite extensive studies in developed countries, data on the prevalence and risk profiles of cardiometabolic abnormalities in children from Southeast Asia remain limited

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 270 Thai children aged 6–13 years, recruited from primary schools in Bangkok. Anthropometric measurements were performed to determine weight, height, and BMI. Blood pressure and fasting blood samples were analyzed for lipid profiles, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) levels. Participants were categorized into normal weight, overweight, and obese groups based on BMI standard deviation scores (SDS). …

Kajian Dari Perspektlf Hak-Hak Perempuan Tentang Perkawinan Campuran, Mutiara Hikmah

Jurnal Hukum & Pembangunan

Abstract

Gagasan Pengadilan Pemllihan Umum Dalam Perspektlf Sejarah Hukum Penyelenggaraan Pemilu 1999, Satya Arinanto

Jurnal Hukum & Pembangunan

Abstract

A Case Study Of Faculty Perspectives On Teaching Across Borders, Lucy Matthews, Diane R. Edmondson, Tammy Bahmanziari

Atlantic Marketing Journal

This study explores the differences between faculty who have and have not led study abroad programs at a southeastern U.S. public university. Using survey responses from 133 faculty members, the research examines professional and motivational variables that influence participation. Findings reveal that those who have led study abroad programs tend to be satisfied with their experiences, report higher perceptions of student cultural competency gains, and are more likely to recommend such programs to peers. Additionally, experiential learning emerged as a central theme, with faculty highlighting the pedagogical value of immersive global education. Barriers to participation were also investigated. The study …

Five Strategic Categories Ai Is Transforming Marketing, Ryan Matthews

Atlantic Marketing Journal

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a revolutionary technology that provides tools and methodologies to expand marketings impact. AI enables companies to better understand customer needs, preferences, and behaviors to personalize an approach to different market verticals and segments. AI has become a significant factor influencing how businesses interact and retain the attention of customers. Customers increasingly have an appetite for a highly personalized interaction. AI-driven data approaches and innovative technologies are increasing personalization and efficiency. AI is a revolutionary tool that enables marketing to grow beyond traditional limitations. Understanding the correct tool is vital for marketing executives, whether they are obtaining …

Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines For Postspinal Hypotension In Pregnant Women, Grace Mackey

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Postspinal hypotension (PSH) in pregnant women undergoing a cesarean delivery is a common yet significant problem for the safety of the mother and fetus. The physiological effects of a spinal injection may compromise uteroplacental flow, predisposing the fetus to hypoxia and acidosis. Maternal consequences of prolonged hypotension include unstable hemodynamics, loss of consciousness, and nausea. Historically, healthcare providers have used crystalloid preloads and reactive phenylephrine boluses to correct hypotension. However, recent evidence suggests that these interventions have limited effectiveness. Thorough research led to the development of clinical guidelines that propose providing a 500 mL 6% hydroxyethyl starch preload or …

Implementation Of Evidenced Based Practice Guidelines For Reducing Emergence Delirium In Elderly Patients Undergoing A Total Hip Replacement, Luke D. Kleinfelder

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

A total hip replacement is a common surgery for the elderly population, as it is a successful treatment option for hip fractures and end-stage osteoarthritis, a common condition associated with aging. Recovery from surgery is critical, and any postoperative complication can delay recovery, increase cost, lengthen hospital stay, and lead to a poorer long-term surgical outcome. One of the most common and severe postoperative complications for elderly patients following general anesthesia is emergence delirium. Traditional practice focuses on treating the symptoms of emergence delirium reactively instead of proactively and lacks standardized guidelines. Recent literature found a promising decrease in the …

Proposed Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines For Using Esmolol To Blunt The Sympathetic Stress Response To Laryngoscopy And Intubation, Maya Kurdi

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

Direct laryngoscopy (DL) and endotracheal intubation (ETI) are standard procedures performed during general anesthetic induction, which provoke a sympathetic stress response that can result in intraoperative hemodynamic instability. Traditional agents like lidocaine and fentanyl, commonly used to mitigate the stress response, have limitations and can lead to adverse effects. Recent literature suggests that esmolol, an ultra-short-acting, cardio-selective beta-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist, may be an effective alternative due to its rapid onset, short duration, and minimal side effects. This final scholarly project (FSP) aims to develop evidence-based practice guidelines for using esmolol as an adjunctive induction agent. A systematic literature review …

Parenting Practices And Support Towards Learning On Kindergarteners’ Behavioral And Social-Emotional Outcomes, Natalie J. Cassady

Honors Capstones

The relationship between parents and children have been found to be predictive of children’s socialization. Children’s behavior and social interactions are significant factors that shape their school experiences, which may be influenced by parents’ involvement and support towards their child’s education. This investigation studies the influence of parenting practices and parental support for learning on children’s internalizing and externalizing behaviors, inattention, and social competence. This study uses data from 181 kindergarten students, in which caregivers and teachers completed various questionnaires regarding aspects of specific parenting behavior, types of parental involvement, and children’s social skills and behavior. Using multiple linear regression …

Horses And The Negative Impact From Humans, Gabrielle Hayes

Student Projects

This reflection paper addresses my Capstone Project question of "How can I use the printmaking technique of carving woodblocks to create medium and large-scale poster-like pieces to address my theme about horses and the human caused issues they have encountered over time?". Through an exploration of technique and process of woodblock carving and reduction I create four pieces to by shown in the 2026 BFA Exhibition Show. An additional 30x40 inch print was achieved, but not on display. Using reductive and multiple 12x16 inch woodblocks I achieve colorful and impactful prints that show the underlying cruelty of horses through "corrective …

The Expansion And Push For Competitive Gaming, Theresa T. Hoang

Honors Capstones

Competitive gaming, also known as eSports, is a rapidly growing industry that brings millions of views and streams every day. New games are constantly being created as well. This paper serves to discuss and go over how s Esports got so big and spread so rapidly. It will touch upon the current status of Esports. Namely, it will touch on the status of esports on the collegiate level. Then, it will go over how everything started: the idea of Esports sprouting and the start of its spread. It will go over Esports on the national and international stage(s). Lastly, this …

Portable Humidity Chamber, Calvin Wright, Ian Heilers, Sam Taylor

Honors Capstones

This engineering project, sponsored by Crandall Stats and Sensors, focuses on improving the ability to test product performance under controlled environmental conditions by designing a portable humidity chamber capable of maintaining a stable relative humidity between 20 and 80 percent with a tolerance of ±0.5 percent. Consistent humidity is crucial for evaluating how moisture influences material properties, product reliability, and long-term durability in real production environments. Because Crandall conducts testing across multiple facility locations, the chamber must also be lightweight, transportable, and easy for operators to use without specialized training. Developing such a system provides the company with a valuable …

Two Sides Of The Same Cycle: Understanding The Experiences Of Domestic Violence Survivors And Perpetrators, Avery M. Blevins

Honors Theses

Domestic violence has been a prevalent concern throughout society for many years but has recently begun to cumulate awareness from policymakers, people in the community, and individuals in service professions. There have been various changes made to the way that we define and understand domestic violence which has further led to the need to explore and educate on this concern. This paper aims to understand the experiences of both survivors and perpetrators that led to such violent circumstances. This creates a more multifaceted understanding of domestic violence and aids in implementing effective resources to both prevent and intervene in violent …

Soma: Exploring Touch As Performance And Performance As Therapy, Erica Pamson

Expressive Therapies Theses

This project investigated the role of touch within a performative context and its potential as a creative intervention within Expressive Arts Therapy. Grounded in phenomenology and intersubjectivity, the study draws on Expressive Arts Therapy (EXAT) and Performance Art frameworks that position meaning as emerging through embodied, co-created experience. Existing literature identifies touch as a primary mode of perception and communication, essential to both physical and emotional well-being, while also noting its increasing absence and regulation within contemporary Western culture. Performance art literature further highlights the body as both medium and site of relational exchange, often dissolving boundaries between performer and …