Engineering Commons^™

Predicting Crises On The African Frontier Stock Markets With Investor Sentiment Indicators: A Machine Learning Approach, David Korsah, Lord Mensah

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

This study examined the predictive ability of machine learning algorithms in identifying crises within African stock markets. The study employed seven distinct machine-learning models, analyzing historical stock prices from eight stock markets, three major sentiment indicators, and the exchange rates of local currencies against the US dollar, with each data spanning from May 1, 2007, to April 1, 2023. Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) emerged as the most effective algorithm for predicting crises. Historical stock prices and exchange rates were identified as the most critical features for prediction. On the sentiment side, investors’ perceptions of potential volatility on the S&P 500, …

A Conceptual View Of Data For Decision-Oriented Databases: A Knowledge-Driven Approach, Sung-Kwan Kim, Wenjun Wang, Seunghyun Kim

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

Typical database design goes through three levels of data modeling: conceptual modeling, logical modeling, and physical modeling. In particular, conceptual modeling is important since it captures and documents user data requirements. Conceptual modeling serves as a blueprint for designing a database by defining information content to be included in a database. Presently, decision-oriented databases have no well-accepted conceptual modeling approach to apply. While some use conceptual modeling approaches for transaction-oriented databases such as the ER (Entity-Relationship) model, they are not well-suited for decision-oriented databases. It is hard to map from the ER Model to decision-oriented data models. Others attempt to …

Preventive Health Care Information Seeking Behaviors Among Baby Boomers In Taiwan, Alexander N. Chen, Michael J. Rubach, Tracy Suter, Hsin Ke Lu, Mark E. Mcmurtrey

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

Preventive health care is widely acknowledged as one of the most effective ways to reduce medical costs and enhance people's health. Preventive health care information (PHCI) is a crucial component. This study examines the PHCI-seeking behaviors of Taiwanese baby boomers. The study found some support for the idea that the preferred media used influenced the likelihood of Information seeking behavior. People with good health conditions were found to be more likely to seek PHCI, while people with greater health care needs sought out PHCI less frequently. The study examined social influences, which were found to be important. Three different types …

Pedagogy In The Age Of Ai: Exploring Generative Ai For Higher Education, Alison Munsch Phd

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents transformative opportunities for higher education, enabling personalized learning, enhanced student engagement, and efficient pedagogical practices. This tutorial-style article guides educators in integrating generative AI into their classrooms through hands-on activities, practical strategies, and reflective exercises. It explores the capabilities of AI tools such as ChatGPT, their applications across disciplines, and the ethical considerations for their use. By cultivating critical thinking and fostering student readiness for AI-driven futures, this article underscores the transformative potential of generative AI in higher education with an emphasis on the academic areas of business analytics, information systems, and computer science.

Surviving And Thriving In The Hybrid Cloud: A Review Of The Current Cloud Computing Landscape, Peter Munsch, Alison Munsch

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

Background and Purpose

Both academic and industry institutions have increasingly migrated essential services to public cloud providers (e.g., Microsoft, AWS, Google) with mixed outcomes. Some industry leaders attempted to fully replace their on-premises data centers with public cloud services, a move not advised without thorough performance and cost analyses (Potel, 2023). Despite some organizations pulling back from the “Cloud First” strategy, the public cloud services market continued to grow, with revenue increasing by approximately 20% year-over-year since 2020 and surpassing half a trillion dollars in 2022 (IDC Worldwide Semiannual Public Cloud Services Tracker, 2H 2022). Cloud technologists suggested that hybrid …

Predicting Global Healthcare Supply Chain Delays: A Machine Learning Approach Leveraging Country-Level Logistics Metrics, Jeevan Sai Gali, Nima Molavi, Sepideh Alavi

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

In global healthcare logistics, ensuring the timely delivery of medical commodities is critical, particularly in low- and middle-income countries characterized by infrastructural limitations and operational uncertainties. This research introduces an advanced, data-driven predictive framework designed to forecast delivery delays by synthesizing granular, internal shipment-level data from the USAID Global Health Supply Chain Program (GHSC-PSM) with external country-level logistics capabilities indicators derived from the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI). Rather than relying on retrospective trend analyses, this study employs machine learning algorithms such as Random Forest, XGBoost, Support Vector Machines (SVM), and Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) to detect …

A Comprehensive Academic And Industrial Survey Of Blockchain Technology For The Energy Sector Using Fuzzy Einstein Decision-Making, Umit Cali, Annabelle Lee, Barry Hayes, Claudio Lima, D. Jonathan Sebastian-Cardenas, David Flynn, Emre Kantar, Farrokh Rahimi, Kaung Si Thu, Marco Pasetti, Marthe Fogstad Dynge, Merlinda Andoni, Muhammet Deveci, Murat Kuzlu, Raquel Alanso, Kim-Kwang Raymond Choo, Sambeet Mishra, Shammya Shananda Saha, Sonam Norbu, Srinikhil Gourisetti, Ugur Halden, Vahid Hosseinezhad, Valentin Robu

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

The global energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation driven by decarbonization and digitalization, leading to the emergence of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) — particularly blockchain — as a promising tool for enhancing transparency, security, and efficiency in modern power systems. This study aims to provide a comprehensive academic and industrial survey of blockchain applications in the energy sector and develop a robust decision-making framework to identify and prioritize the most promising real-world use cases based on multidisciplinary criteria. A three-stage methodology was adopted: (i) a literature and market review encompassing over 300 academic publications and commercial blockchain initiatives in …

Insider Threat Agent: A Behavioral Based Zero Trust Access Control Using Machine Learning Agent, Michael Fojude

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Hybrid work, cloud adoption, and freely available AI‑enabled attack tools have exposed critical weaknesses in perimeter‑centric security. Current breach reports attribute more than one‑third of incidents to insider misuse or credential compromise, yet many organizations still depend on static Role‑ or Attribute‑Based Access Control that neither verifies intent continuously nor adapts to subtle behavioral change. This research addresses that gap by designing and validating a behavioral based Zero Trust Access Control (ZTAC) Agent. A five‑year enterprise log Dataset was extracted and cleansed to establish a high‑fidelity baseline of normal user behavior. Feature engineering captured temporal regularity (login sequence, session duration), …

Integrated Qfd-Triz Optimization Method For Satellite Solar Array Design In Cost-Sensitive Environment, Hongyi Zhang, Liang Su

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

With the rapid evolution of commercial space markets in the new space era, satellite design philosophy is transitioning from "performance supremacy" toward "cost-effectiveness priority." This research concentrates on solar arrays, a critical component representing 15%-20% of satellite costs, addressing limitations in traditional design methodologies that inadequately coordinate user requirements and lack systematic frameworks for cost-performance collaborative optimization. We propose a solar array optimization methodology predicated on the integration of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ). This methodology incorporates cost dimensions through an extended QFD matrix, employs TRIZ to resolve technical contradictions, and develops a …

Suas Agricultural Aerial Application Operational Field Test, David Thirtyacre, Joseph Cerreta, Scott S. Burgess

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

One of the most promising uses of aerial applications by a sUAS is on small farms where traditional crewed aerial applicators were not practical due to the limited size of the operations. This controlled field test aimed to assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of using a sUAS spreading system compared to the traditional manual application of weed killer and fertilizer on cranberry bogs in Western Washington that were less than 10 acres. The aerial application took place over two separate days as scheduled by the farmer for maximum product efficiency. A total of sixty-three flights were necessary to apply the …

Bibliometric Analysis With R Biblioshiny On Safety Behavior In Aviation, Büşra Yıldırım, İnan Eryılmaz, Ahmet Karacan, Nusret Erceylan

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Safety behaviors in aviation are not limited to technical knowledge and skills in ensuring the safety of flight operations, but also include the attitudes, decision-making processes and collaborations of individuals and teams. In this context, in this study, a bibliometric analysis of publication and citation trends, key concepts and interactions of studies in the field was conducted to identify current and potential trends in aviation and safety behavior-based research, and to explore the intersections between safety behavior and aviation studies and the areas waiting to be explored. The bibliometric analysis using the RStudio-based Biblioshiny program was conducted on 1065 articles …

Insights In Adaptation: Examining Self-Reflection Strategies Of Job Seekers With Visual Impairments In India, Akshay Kolgar Nayak, Yash Prakash, Sampath Jayarathna, Hae-Na Lee, Vikas Ashok

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Significant changes in the digital employment landscape, driven by rapid technological advancements and the COVID-19 pandemic, have introduced new opportunities for blind and visually impaired (BVI) individuals in developing countries like India. However, a significant portion of the BVI population in India remains unemployed despite extensive accessibility advancements and job search interventions. Therefore, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 BVI persons who were either pursuing or recently sought employment in the digital industry. Our findings reveal that despite gaining digital literacy and extensive training, BVI individuals struggle to meet industry requirements for fulfilling job openings. While they engage in self-reflection …

Safeguard Cyberspace In Ransomware Era: Risk Analysis & Cyber Insurance, Li Huang

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

The increasing frequency and severity of ransomware attacks pose significant challenges for organizational cybersecurity. Fragmentation across disciplines in cyber defense has created practical gaps in the development of the necessary capabilities needed to address rapidly evolving cyber threats. This study explores the impact of ransomware attacks and the evolving role of cyber insurance as a proactive cybersecurity partner. Bridging the gap between actuarial science and cyber risk management, it proposes an interdisciplinary framework that quantifies the impact of ransomware and integrates cyber insurance into cybersecurity strategies.

The primary contribution of this study is methodology. We present a framework that remains …

The Space Rescue Professional: Operationalizing Guardians For The Future, Benjamin Johnis, Robert Bettinger, James Dean

Faculty Publications

The escalating competition in space exploration demands a dedicated space rescue capability. This article argues for the establishment of a space rescue professional (SRP) career field within the Department of Defense and the US Space Force. By harnessing existing US Air Force combat rescue expertise and partnering with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Space Force can rapidly develop a robust SRP program with the warrant officer corps as its backbone. This article addresses a critical gap in national space policy to outline a cost-effective dual-service training pipeline and SRP operational roles. Such an investment safeguards astronauts, bolsters US …

Adopting Association Rule Learning For Detecting And Ranking Influential Users On Hashtags, Layal Abu Daher, Islam Elkabani, Rashed Zantout

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

Social Media platforms are networks of relationships in which users are considered as nodes in a graph and relationships between users are considered edges. These graphs symbolize online groups or communities. It has been a challenge for researchers to study the evolution of such communities due to their rapid and dynamic development. The contribution of our work is twofold: (i) studying the effectiveness of a set of Direct and Indirect Influence Measures that identify the factors that urges users to participate in certain communities; (ii) proposing an Association Rule Mining technique to identify influential users on a dataset of a …

Designed For Limb Loss: An Artificial Intelligence-Based Bionic Prosthetic Arm Transition From Simulation To Reality, Amira J. Zaylaa Dr., Imane Haidar, Ziad Doughan, Mohammad Moumnieh, Hamza Mrad, Ali M. Haidar

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

Limb or organ loss of human remains challenging especially in the world of incessant reliance on touch-based screens and tasks. Thereby, patients can barely withstand and cope with the augmenting restrictions that they encounter due to this loss. Modern means and technologies, such as advanced and artificial parts reduced restrictions on patients with disabilities or a lost limb or organ. Hand prostheses, for instance, provided a powerful tool for improving the functional capabilities of human limbs, thereby improving the quality of life of the user. However, patients using prosthetic arms are still encountering numerous problems, such as, suffering from intact …

Citizen And Technology: The Core In Developing Human-Centric Smart Cities, Mohammed Ali Berawi, Mustika Sari, Perdana Miraj

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

As urbanization continues to grow, the development of smart cities has become a pivotal strategy for addressing the complex challenges of modern urban living. These cities harness advanced technologies like the artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Digital Twin to optimize city operations, improve sustainability, and enhance the quality of life for their residents. However, the success of smart cities should not be measured by the sheer quantity of hardware and software implemented but rather by the quality of life they create for the people who live and work within them. In other words, smart cities must prioritize …

Assessment Of Parking Facilities In Public Areas: The Case Of Keffi Town, Ayodeji Solomon Olatunji, Enogela Ahmed John, Adeyemi Adewumi Adedeji, Muhammed Loko Mikaila

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

The absence of adequate parking facilities in residential and public areas remains a significant issue in developing countries, often disrupting economic activities and environmental quality. In Keffi town, the increasing demand for parking exceeds the available supply, leading to congestion and inefficiency. This study evaluates the current public parking facilities, focusing on provision levels, infrastructure conditions, and management frameworks. Primary data were gathered using structured questionnaires and direct observations, with 328 valid responses analyzed through descriptive statistics. Results indicate that prolonged vehicle stays exacerbate congestion, such as at Nasarawa State University (32.8%) and Federal Medical Centre (29.1%). Parallel parking dominates …

Analytical Study On The Intensity Of Surface Urban Heat Island (Suhi) In Kaduna State, Paul Onibaba, Kolade Victor Otokiti, Oluwabukola Grace Ademola, Temitope Mercy Akanle

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

Urbanization and climate change are significant drivers of rising Land Surface Temperature (LST) and the formation of Urban Heat Islands (UHIs), which have emerged as pressing environmental challenges in recent decades. This study examines the relationship between Land Use/Cover (LU/C) indices and LST in Kaduna, Nigeria, using multi-temporal Landsat imagery spanning five periods from 2001 to 2021. LST values were derived from the Landsat thermal bands, while LU/C dynamics were identified using the Maximum Likelihood Classifier algorithm. LU/C indices—including the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI), Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI), and Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index …

Assessment Of Project Risk Performance Of Selected Mass Housing Infrastructures In Northern Nigeria, Chinedu Chimdi Adindu, Abdulhaqq Onoruoyiza Muhammed, Emmanuel Ashem Egila, Musa Mohammed

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

Mass housing projects in Northern Nigeria often suffer from insufficient risk management, impacting timely delivery, budget adherence, and quality standards. This study assesses risk vulnerabilities in selected mass housing infrastructure projects, focusing on information risks related to roles, responsibilities, scope, requirements, and operations. A mixed-methods approach was employed, with data collected from 465 construction professionals across 20 states, with a 64.58% response rate. Analytical tools, including regression and Pearson correlation, identified critical risks such as underfunding, weak project monitoring and control, and the failure to deliver end-user value. Findings reveal that these risks significantly undermine project outcomes, highlighting the need …

Strategic Knowledge Management Framework For Technology Transfer In Indonesian Joint Operation Construction Projects, Yudha Trimuliadi Suryana, Ayomi Dita Rarasati

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

Joint Operation (JO) construction companies in Indonesia face persistent challenges in technology transfer, including misalignment between advanced technologies and organizational capacities. Knowledge management has been proposed as a strategic solution, but its implementation remains underdeveloped. This study develops a framework to enhance technology transfer in JO construction projects through improved knowledge management practices. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines a literature review with an analytical hierarchy process, fuzzy set theory, and a simple additive weighting method, supported by data from selected respondents involved in the Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project (CP201). Key findings identify knowledge acquisition, utilization, and …

Digital Twin And Cybersecurity In Additive Manufacturing, Lidong Wang

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

Additive manufacturing (AM) has been applied to automotive, aerospace, medical sectors, etc., but there are still challenges such as parts’ porosity, cracks, surface roughness, intrinsic anisotropy, and residual stress because of the high level of thermal gradient. It is significant to conduct the modeling and simulation of the AM process and achieve quality products. Digital Twin (DT) can help AM with forecasting defects/errors through simulation and real-time process monitoring. DT is a concept of Industry 4.0, and its digital structure reflects the real-time behaviors of a cyber-physical or physical system. This paper introduces the progress of DT applications in AM, …

Impact Of Logistics Factors On Procurement Of Construction Materials In Lokoja, Kogi State, Muhammed Etudaiye Ohida, Isa Imam, Araoye Olarinkoye Ajiboye

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

This study investigates the influence of logistics factors on the procurement of construction materials in Lokoja, Kogi State, aiming to identify and rank the critical elements affecting material procurement in building projects. A total of 250 questionnaires were distributed across nineteen neighborhoods in Lokoja using a random sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while the T-test assessed the significance of identified logistics factors. The findings revealed that seventeen logistics factors influence material procurement, with seven factors emerging as the most significant: on-time delivery, transportation challenges, material misdelivery, delivery inaccuracies, order processing, storage capacity limitations, and ineffective information flow. …

Overview Of Nigeria’S Infrastructural Development, Muhammad Onoruiza Audu, Otu Muhammed Adeiza

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria’s infrastructural development from 2014 to 2023, focusing on significant achievements and recurring challenges. The study examines key projects in transportation, energy, and housing, such as the Abuja-Kaduna and Lagos-Ibadan railways, the Azura-Edo Power Plant, and urban road upgrades. Persistent issues, including insufficient funding, regulatory inefficiencies, regional disparities, and security challenges, are also assessed. Using a mixed-methods approach that incorporates a literature review, data analysis, and stakeholder perspectives, the research evaluates the social and economic effects of these initiatives. The findings provide strategic recommendations to improve infrastructure quality and accessibility, promote sustainable practices, …

The Boris Experience: Evaluating Omnichannel Returns And Repurchase Intention, Jianliang Hao, Robert G. Richey Jr., Tyler R. Morgan, Ian M. Slazinik

Faculty Publications

Researchers have examined the influence of the factors on reducing return rates in retailing over the years. However, the returns experience is often an overlooked way to drive customer engagement and repeat sales in the now ubiquitous omnichannel setting. The focus on returns prevention in existing research overshadows management’s need to understand better the comprehensive mechanics linking the customer in-store return experience with their repurchase actions. Recognizing the need to bridge different stages of the returns management process, this research aims to explore the facilitators and barriers of in-store return activities.

The Role Of Customers In Strategic Information Technology (It) Initiatives, Siddharth Aggarwal

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study focused on a small organization in the United States of America. The organization has IT departments that cater to the IT needs of its internal and external customers through IT products and services. Such organizations run full life cycles of product management and product development and often face off with situations to prioritize the use of their limited resources. Ideally, organizations focus on strategic IT initiatives that might be in the company's and its customers' best interest. However, instances occur when IT-driven initiatives lose that focus and might end up diverting resources toward the latest shiny technology and …

The Role Of Qa Automation In Eliminating Waste In Project Teams, Ejiro Esiri

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

This study explores the impact of Quality Assurance (QA) automation on reducing waste in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) projects within enterprise organizations. Manual QA processes often result in bugs and defects that negatively affect project quality and business outcomes. Although automated QA testing promises improved accuracy and fewer errors, its implementation and effectiveness in SEO projects have yet to be thoroughly researched. This study uses qualitative research methods, including surveys of SEO professionals, QA specialists, and project managers in enterprise organizations, to examine how automated QA testing influences the performance and outcomes of SEO projects. The results show that companies …

Everyone Brings Something To The Table: A Culturally Sustaining Analysis Of Teacher Candidates’ Mixed Reality Teaching Simulations, Erin Scott

Faculty Publications

Discussions of HBCU students’ content knowledge have centered around developing high impact, asset-based approaches to learning (Williams et al, 2022). So, HBCU teacher preparation providers (TPPs) can also focus efforts on culturally sustaining approaches to developing candidates’ content knowledge and researching how high impact practices, like teaching simulations, can help prepare candidates for classrooms. This exploratory case study uses critical cases (n=2); findings suggest candidates have a developing understanding of content, which forms a solid basis for increasing their knowledge. MRTSs are addressed as a potential high impact, culturally sustaining practice for building candidates’ content knowledge. Further, HBCU TPPs can …

Forecasting Nigerian Stock Market Volatilities Using Bagging And Ensemble Averaging, Godknows Isenah

CBN Journal of Applied Statistics (JAS)

This paper using bagged GARCH-type model, with ensemble averaging estimators models and compares the forecast performances to those of some classical GARCH type models. Using Mean Absolute Forecast Error (MAFE) and Root Mean Squared Forecast Error (RMSFE) as forecast-error measures, the results shows bagging ensemble based methods to out-perform the alternative volatility models. The study recommended that volatility estimates obtained via bagged ensemble methods should be used as inputs to facilitate financial operations such as derivatives pricing, risk hedging, computations of Value-at-Risk (VaR) estimates, and for financial decision making.

Striking A Balance: Market Shock & Responses In Automotive Components Manufacturing, Emma Lane Mcgahey

All Theses

This thesis examines the effects of extreme market shocks on supply chain dynamics within the automotive industry. Through an analysis of demand data from an automotive manufacturer to its component suppliers (January 2018 to May 2024), the study investigates the relationship between market shocks and supply chain responses, providing insights into how auto components inventory management handles downstream responses to market shocks. With supporting public data—from FRED, BLS, and the U.S. Census Bureau resources—we explore two primary relationships: the impact of market shocks on the Average Standard Deviation of Demand (SDO) and the effect of demand variability on expedited pricing …