Digital Commons Network^™

Intravital Optical Imaging Of Peripheral Nerve Injury Response, Igor Luzhansky

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Peripheral nerve injuries in animal models require imaging approaches that can reveal the dynamic, multiscale process of regeneration over time without disrupting repair mechanisms. Traditional methods lack the ability to visualize cellular behavior and matrix remodeling continuously. We present an imaging technique based on an implantable nerve window and fluorescent labeling, enabling high-resolution, longitudinal cellular-scale observation of peripheral nerve regeneration in living mice. We first evaluated near-infrared fluorophore-conjugated fibrin as a transient marker for early regenerative tissue within nerve guidance conduits. Imaging performed upon surgical re-exposure of the nerve revealed the incorporation of fibrin into early-stage regenerative cables, with gradual …

Large-Scale Modeling And Inference Of Non-Stationary Brain Dynamics, Addison Schwamb

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Neural modeling has long been a tool for understanding the brain's function, in both healthy subjects and those experiencing neural pathologies. These models have captured structures in the brain ranging in spatial scale from the subcellular level to the whole-brain level, and processes ranging in temporal scale from milliseconds to multiple hours. Currently, however, there are very few dynamical systems models of whole-brain activity, and the modeling methodologies that do exist rely on neural data modalities which are impractical for use in clinical settings. At the same time, a wealth of data is being generated by patients undergoing clinical monitoring. …

Multimodal Representation Learning For Geospatial Soundscape Mapping, Subash Khanal

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Sound is one of the fundamental senses that helps us reason about our environment. There exists an intricate relationship between the visual appearance of a location and the distribution of sounds present there. We propose leveraging this relationship to formulate the task of soundscape mapping—predicting the most probable distribution of sounds that could be perceived at a given geographic location, as observed in its overhead imagery. To support research on this task, we curated a comprehensive dataset, GeoSound, which consists of geotagged audio recordings from various sources, paired with both low- and high-resolution overhead imagery. We approach the soundscape mapping …

Faster, Higher, Stronger: Modern Methodologies For The Calibration, Exploration, And Utilization Of Agent-Based Models, David O'Gara

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Increases in computing power and availability have led to the widespread use and adoption of agent-based models (ABMs) in the physical, biological, and social sciences. At their core, ABMs represent a novel paradigm for scientific inquiry: their micro-level specification allows for the simulation of the individual components of a system which yields a deeper understanding of dynamic processes such as contagion and adaptive decision-making when used appropriately. However, several hurdles exist when attempting to use ABMs to their full potential. In this thesis, we will explore and address several challenges in designing and utilizing ABMs, with a focus on applying …

Development, Numerical Simulation, And Optimization Of Quiet Supersonic Transport Aircraft And Extension Of The Wray-Agarwal Algebraic Transition Model To Include Compressibility And Crossflow Effects, Dean Ryan-Simmons

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

In the first part of this thesis, the goal of the research is to implement and extend multi fidelity methods for conceptual design and optimization of a commercial supersonic transport (SST). Most modern commercial aircraft operate at a cruise condition between Mach 0.7 and 0.9, as this is the optimal trade-off of flight efficiency, operational cost, and adherence of noise regulations for overland travel. Advancements in aviation propulsion fuel efficiency and design materials suggests a primary restraint on commercial supersonic transport is noise regulations. At speeds above Mach 1, the shock waves generated by the airframe are strong enough to …

A Control Theoretic Approach To The Stochastic Multi-Armed Bandit Problem With Applications In Hyperparameter Optimization, Jonathan Gornet

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Decision-making under uncertainty is a fundamental problem encountered frequently in many real-world applications. This challenge has been rigorously formulated as the Stochastic Multi-Armed Bandit (SMAB) problem, which consists of a learner interacting with an environment. For each interaction, the learner selects an action and then receives a reward from the environment based on the chosen action. The learner's objective is to maximize the accumulated reward over a set number of rounds. This thesis addresses the SMAB problem by leveraging the field of Control Theory and dynamical systems. We specifically focus on a SMAB environment where the rewards are the output …

Relationships Between Household Economic Distress And Child Mental Health: Determinants, Mechanisms, And Interventions, Yuanyuan Yang

Brown School Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Economic inequality has grown dramatically worldwide, creating serious problems for children and families. At the same time, child and adolescent mental health problems have reached crisis levels, yet many of them cannot access treatment. Researchers have studied how economic inequality affects mental and behavioral health, but most of this work focuses on adults rather than children. This dissertation used recent data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (2019 and 2021 waves) to unpack the complex relationships between household economic distress and child mental health across multiple levels, including individual, family, school, and community factors in the United States. This …

Re: Comment Letter For Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (Bpsou) Draft 2024 Site-Wide Surface Water Monitoring Data Summary Report (Dated May 30, 2025), Emma Rott

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

The Implications Of Insecure Use Of Fonts Against Pdf Documents And Web Pages, Junjie Xiong, Mingkui Wei, Xiao Han, Zhuo Lu, Yao Liu

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper identifies the importance of the safe use of fonts in web and document security. We find multiple attack surfaces that can be exploited by an adversary using malicious fonts. We conduct a comprehensive evaluation of Portable Document Format (PDF) documents collected from the real world to investigate how an attacker can bypass PDF signatures. We further evaluate the potential security threats that an attacker can bring to web-based emails. Our study shows that various security issues may be caused by the inappropriate use of fonts, which are nevertheless overlooked in the past years. As such, guidelines promoting the …

Performance Analysis Of Multivariable Control Structures Applied To A Neutral Point Clamped Converter In Pv Systems, Renato Santana Ribeiro Junior, Eubis Pereira Machado, Damásio Fernandes Júnior, Tárcio André Dos Santos Barros, Flavio Bezerra Costa

Michigan Tech Publications

This paper addresses the challenges encountered by grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems, including the stochastic behavior of the system, harmonic distortion, and variations in grid impedance. To this end, an in-depth technical and pedagogical analysis of three linear multivariable current control strategies is performed: proportional-integral (PI), proportional-resonant (PR), and deadbeat (DB). The study contributes to theoretical formulations, detailed system modeling, and controller tuning procedures, promoting a comprehensive understanding of their structures and performance. The strategies are investigated and compared in both the rotating ((Formula presented.)) and stationary ((Formula presented.)) reference frames, offering a broad perspective on system behavior under various operating …

Instability Of The Octahedral Symmetry In Si8o12h8 And Ge8o12h8: A Consequence Of The Pseudo-Jahn–Teller Effect, Jules Tshishimbi Muya, Arnout Ceulemans, Carol A. Parish

Chemistry Faculty Publications

The symmetry breaking in octahedral silsesquioxane and its germanium analogues (Si8O12H8 and Ge8O12H8) has been investigated using the M06-2X/6-31++G(3df, 3pd) method and group theory. Both structures undergo  symmetry breaking, characterized by pseudo-Jahn−Teller stabilization energies of 0.22 kcal/mol for Si-POSS and 9.82 kcal/mol for Ge-POSS. Under the influence of the pseudo-Jahn–Teller effect, the distortion vector involves the vibrational a2g mode with imaginary frequency. The distortion forces in Oh-POSS are predominantly localized on the oxygen atoms and driven by the coupling between the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (a1g) and the highest occupied molecular orbital (a2g). The symmetry breaking is attributed to a …

Design And Evaluation Of An Electromagnetic Band Gap Structure For Self-Interference Reduction In Mmwave Full-Duplex Systems, Adewale Kehinde Oladeinde

Dissertations and Theses

Full-duplex (FD) wireless is a new technology that allows a device to transmit and receive at the same time and on the same frequency band. It has the potential to double the capacity and spectral efficiency of a wireless link compared to the family of conventional half-duplex wireless systems. The key challenge in implementing FD wireless communication is self-interference (SI): a node's transmitting signal generates significant interference to its receiver. Several previous studies have demonstrated the potential to reduce SI and develop FD radios; however, these studies are mostly limited to sub-6 GHz systems. Previous and on-going research explored various …

Advancing Autonomous Swarm Behavior In A Simulated Anti-Access Area Denial Environment, Chad Macwilkinson, Lance E. Champagne, Phillip M. Lacasse

Faculty Publications

This study proposes the application of a four dimensional framework of autonomy to a weapon swarm of high subsonic cruise missiles.

Transition And Instability Characteristics Of The Separated Shear Layer Formed At Low Reynolds Number Over Three-Dimensional Irregular Rough Surface, Ganesh Kt Mr

Theses and Dissertations

The present experimental work investigates the effects of irregularly roughened surfaces and imposed streamwise pressure gradients on the topological, transitional, and instability characteristics of the laminar separated shear layer (SSL). Experiments are conducted in the low-speed wind tunnel for 𝑅𝑒𝑡=30000, based on the thickness of the airfoil model, t, and freestream turbulence intensity, fst = 0.8%. The airfoil model used in this study features a semicircular leading edge followed by a constant-thickness flat portion and a pitchable trailing-edge flap. Test conditions include two rough surfaces: sandblasted (SB) and sand-deposited (SD), and flap deflections: 𝛽=−30° and 𝛽=+30°, imposing adverse (APG) and …

Crashes And Injuries On Rural Roads In Alaska - Toward A Better Understanding Of Rural Safety Issues Through Linked Data, Nathan Belz

CSET Project Reports

In this study, motor-vehicle crash records (MVCD) are linked with hospital-based trauma data from the Alaska Trauma Registry (AKTR) using a probabilistic method using open-source record linkage software (FRIL) with the aim of developing a more comprehensive and accurate depiction of transportation-related injuries across the state. The study achieved a successful match for 66% of AKTR cases using demographic, temporal, and geographic identifiers. Injury classifications from both datasets were harmonized through a reclassification scheme to evaluate the accuracy and completeness of MVCD reporting relative to trauma data. Key findings reveal that while most records were either adequately classified or slightly …

Developing A Prototype Of A Smart-Lighting System For Isolated Rural Intersections: Phase 2, Vinod Vasudevan, Mohammad Heidari Kapourchali

CSET Project Reports

Rural intersections are high-risk locations for road users. Particularly, during the nighttime, lower traffic volumes make it difficult for drivers to discern an intersection despite traffic signs. The lack of alertness may lead to severe crashes. An effective way to reduce the likelihood of crashes at isolated intersections is to warn road users of the intersection in advance. A smart-lighting system can detect approaching vehicles using sensors to illuminate the intersection. In the first phase of this project, we developed a prototype of a demand-responsive light. This report documents the second phase of development and deployment of a smart-lighting system …

Geotechnical Investigation Of Sand Flow Slides, Haines, Alaska, Christopher Kalev

Engineering

The Lutak Spur (LS) - a prominent glacio-deltaic landform located near Haines, Alaska - formed during the retreat of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet during the Last Glacial Maximum. This study evaluates its geologic evolution, soil development, and hydrologic-slope stability response to a December 2020 atmospheric river (AR) event, which triggered multiple slope failures. Geologic mapping and interpretation of previous work suggest that the LS formed as an ice­ contact kame delta at the margin of a retreating valley glacier. Following deglaciation, post­ glacial isostatic adjustment and sea-level changes exposed the LS surface, allowing for the development of Spodosols with iron-cemented …

Effect Of Climate Change On Arctic Water Quality, Karki Sarthak

Engineering

Climate change is fundamentally altering Arctic hydrological systems, impacting water quality and posing challenges for communities dependent on these vulnerable sources. This study examines water quality trends across three distinct Arctic contexts: (1) Arctic glaciers, (2) the Yukon River Basin (YRB), encompassing a five-year dataset (2019-2023) of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), sulfate, and stable water isotopes (δ2H, δ18O, and d-excess) across varying permafrost regions and seasons, and (3) Shishmaref, Alaska, where a washeteria-based drinking water system is affected by environmental and seasonal changes triggered by climate change and coastal erosion. By addressing both regional hydrology and community-specific challenges, the study …

Developing A Deep Learning Model For Detection Of Spontaneous Combustion In Open Pit Coal Mines, Jatin Juneja

Engineering

Spontaneous combustion in coal mines have been a concern for miners all over the world, particularly in China, the USA and India. If allowed to establish over a large area it can become a serious environmental concern. It is important to detect it at initial stages and isolate affected coal seam to quench fire. Monitoring combustion in spoil piles of abandoned and artisanal coal mines is even more difficult due to lack of access to regulating authorities. By using Deep Learning Neural Networks, Convolutional Neural Network models can be trained to detect spontaneous combustion. These scans can be made more …

Reanalysis And (Near) Real-Time Inversion Of Deformation Observations At Alaskan Volcanoes, Mario Fernando Angarita Vargas

Geosciences

Forecasting volcanic eruptions remains challenging due to the complexity and limited understand­ing of volcanic processes. However, recent studies have shown that integrating multidisciplinary data from past eruptions can improve forecasts for monitored volcanoes. The PREEVENTS project addresses this challenge identifying patterns prior, during or following volcanic eruptions on mul­tidisciplinary data. The project considers four disciplines: Geodesy, Petrology, Seismology and Gas/Geochemistry. This dissertation contributes with two novel tools to analyze geodetic data. The first tool exploits the amplitude from SAR imagery to quantify morphology changes during erup­tions. The tool has been verified with a synthetic case and validated with a dome …

The Wnba And Activism: A Case Study Of Power Of The Dream, Jakki Padilla

Communication

This thesis looks at how WNBA players used their platform to stand up for social and political change during the 2020-2021 season. This research focuses on the documentary Power of the Dream (Porter, 2024), which follows the Atlanta Dream and other WNBA players during a time of a global pandemic, racial injustice, and an election year. Guided by public relations scholars Bernays (1961), Curtain and Gaither (2007), Ciszek (2015) for my methodology. By using the Cultural-Economic Model (CEM) (Ciszek, 2015) and understanding their five interconnected components to guide understanding of activism in sports. By using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, …

Alaska Earthquake Center Quarterly Review January-March 2025, Heather Mcfarlin, Will Dienstfrey, Alexandra Farrell, Beth Grassi, Stephen Holtkamp, Nate Murphy, Elisabeth Nadin, Carolyn Parcheta, Angelica Stabs, Michael West

Alaska Earthquake Center Reports

This series of technical quarterly reports from the Alaska Earthquake Center (AEC) includes detailed summaries and updates on Alaska seismicity, the AEC seismic network and stations, fieldwork, our online presence, public outreach, and lists publications and presentations by AEC staff. Multiple AEC staff members contributed to this report.

A Contemporary Approach For Exploring The Influence Of Detoxification And Standardization Of Traditional Metallopharmaceutical Product Pharmacological And Toxicological Aspects, Malarvizhi K

Theses and Dissertations

Polyherbomineral formulation possess unique medicinal properties due to the presence of metals and minerals as integral part, as processed in addition to specific herbals. There is an increased interest in metallopharmaceuticals in clinical and research areas, because of their immense therapeutic efficiency towards multiple diseases and evidence for non-toxic claim. Sivanar Amirtham is one of the polyherbomineral Siddha medicine recommended for the treatment of various respiratory diseases and other ailments including antidote therapy for poisonous bites. The present research work attempted for standardization of Sivanar Amirtham preparation as per the traditional standard protocols (including the detoxification process of raw materials) …

Magnetic Molecularly Imprinted Polymers For Quercetin Adsorption: Fabrication, Characterization, And Application, Vinitha Ug

Theses and Dissertations

A highly selective Magnetic Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MMIP) was developed for the detection and purification of Quercetin. The Density Functional Theory was utilized for the selection of suitable monomers based on binding energy interaction between quercetin and monomers (Acrylamide, Acrylonitrile, Methacrylic Acid). From computational studies, Acrylamide was selected as a suitable monomer for the synthesis of MMIP. Under ultrasound irradiation both quercetin and naringin imprinted materials MMIP-Q and MMIP-N were fabricated.

Compared to ultrasound-assisted synthesis, Microwave Synthesis provides uniform heat transfer throughout the reaction solution, which enables uniformity in the size of synthesised material, increases the yield of material and …

Design And Development Of Deep Learning Based Generic Platform For Promoting Precision Agriculture, Srilakshmi A

Theses and Dissertations

Precision agriculture also referred as precision farming or smart farming, is an innovative approach to agricultural management that leverages technology and data to optimize various aspects of the farming process. This approach aims to make farming more effective, sustainable, and profitable by affording farmers with the application tools and information they need to make more informed decisions.

Precision agriculture combines elements of agriculture, technology, and data science to enhance crop production, and resource utilization. Precision agriculture techniques can be highly effective in leaf disease detection within crop fields. Machine learning has been developed incredibly across multiple domains and shown it …

Factors Influencing The Performance Of Farmer-Producer Organizations (Fpos) And Their Societal Impact In Tamil Nadu, Arjune S

Theses and Dissertations

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are formed mainly for the farmers to have better institutional access to acquire them. They are also under the inspiration of the director's abstinence and the incentive of getting more money. These are socio-psychological individual differences and thus of importance to markets, the perception of markets, and market relevance of group interaction. Self-esteem, attitude to participation in group activities, and willingness to participate in these types of activities are of some significance for his/her performance because they have an effect on their performance afterward.

Farmer social empowerment increased but not farmer economic empowerment did so much …

Facile Fabrication Of Protein-Polysaccharide Conjugate Multifilament Nerve Guidance Conduit For Peripheral Nerve Regeneration, Preethy Amruthavarshini R

Theses and Dissertations

Long segmental defects in peripheral nerves impair sensory and motor function by disrupting neural impulse transmission. End-to-end autologous grafting with proper fascicular complementation has demonstrated functional recovery per the Medical Research Council Classification (MRCC). However, obtaining donor nerve tissue exceeding 30 mm remains a significant challenge. Artificial hollow conduits serve as an alternative but are limited to defects smaller than 30 mm due to inadequate innervation across the lumen.

Multichannel nerve guidance conduits (mNGCs) have emerged as a promising solution by enhancing fascicular complementation similar to autografts. This study presents a two-step approach for fabricating nerve conduits with precise fascicular …

3d Bioprinting On Electrospun Nanofibrous Scaffolds To Fabricate Myocardial Patches, Muthu Parkkavi S

Theses and Dissertations

Tissue-engineered three-dimensional (3D) myocardial patches offer superior and innovative treatment strategy for myocardial infarction (MI). Among the various scaffold fabrication techniques, electrospinning and 3D bioprinting have received great attention due to their ability to recreate native cardiac tissue mimetic characteristics. Despite several advantages, electrospun nanofibers have limitations in cell delivery due to random cell seeding, while bioprinting faces challenges in creating hydrogel constructs with ideal mechanical properties capable of supporting cardiac contraction/relaxation cycle. Hence in this work, hybrid myocardial patches were developed by converging electrospinning and bioprinting techniques.

Electrospinning of PLCL:PEOz (B73, 7:3 blend of poly-L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone (PLCL) and polyethyl oxazoline …

Detailed Modelling And Analysis Of A Shake Table Comprising Hybrid Actuation And Load-Balancing Mechanism, Xavier Reni Prasad

Theses and Dissertations

Catastrophic earthquakes endanger human lives by severely damaging critical infrastructure such as nuclear plants, bio-laboratories, and bridges. Developing earthquake-resistant structures is vital to mitigate these risks. Shake tables replicate recorded earthquake ground motions to assess structural performance. This research presents a novel three-legged, six degrees of freedom (6-DOF) hybrid shake table with a cost-effective design and decoupled motion control, offering a viable alternative to conventional six-legged models.

This architecture effectively decouples actuator motions by employing hydraulic actuators for 3-DOF spatial movement and electromechanical actuators for 3-DOF planar motion. Servo-hydraulic actuators support the static payload against gravity, while lightweight electromechanical actuators …

Structural Response Of Rc Columns Strengthened Using Bfrp Based Bfegc System – Under Fire And Cooling Regime, Ruba P

Theses and Dissertations

Retrofitting fire-damaged columns is essential for restoring structural integrity. This study evaluates the effectiveness of BFRP based Basalt fiber Engineered Geopolymer Composites (BFEGC). The performance of basalt fiber wrapping and BFEGC was tested for fire protection system and retrofitted system. An optimal BFEGC mix achieved a compressive strength of 55.34 MPa, with split tensile strength, flexural strength, and strain hardening behaviour of 15.5 MPa, 5.13 MPa, and 6% respectively.

Microstructural analysis was accessed for the optimum mix. Durability tests include water absorption, sorptivity, and RCPT which confirmed compliance with standards. Thermo gravimetry analysis (TGA) shows the minimal weight loss of …