Engineering Commons^™

Designing An Adjustable And Transportable Staircase, Allison Currey

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

People climb stairs every day, whether it is at work, a store, or at home; however, there are populations such as people who are elderly, with pathologies, with Parkinson’s disease, or have suffered from a stroke that see climbing the stairs as a challenging task and it decreases their mobility and quality of life. Factors such as muscle weakness, strategy, and balance have been previously investigated in these populations during stair climbing. However, few studies have researched how stair climb ability, balance, and perception of difficulty are influenced by step height. The objective of this thesis is to design a …

Accelerating Reinforcement Learning With Prioritized Experience Replay For Maze Game, Chaoshun Hu, Mehesh Kuklani, Paul Panek

SMU Data Science Review

In this paper we implemented two ways of improving the performance of reinforcement learning algorithms. We proposed a new equation to prioritize transition samples to improve model accuracy, and by deploying a generalized solver of randomly-generated two-dimensional mazes on a distributed computing platform, our dual-network model is available to others for further research and development. Reinforcement Learning is concerned with identifying the optimal sequence of actions for an agent to take in order to reach an objective to achieve the highest score in the future. Complex situations can lead to computational challenges in terms of both finding the best answer …

Establishing A Content Taxonomy For The Coherent Study Of Engineering In P-12 Schools, Greg Strimel, Tanner Huffman, Michael Grubbs, Eunhye Kim, Jamie Gurganus

Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research (J-PEER)

Engineering education has increasingly become an area of interest at the P-12 level, yet attempts to align engineering knowledge, skills, and habits to existing elementary and secondary educational programming have been parochial in nature (e.g., for a specific context, grade, or initiative). Consequently, a need exists to establish a coherent P-12 content framework for engineering teaching and learning, which would serve as both an epistemological foundation for the subject and a guide for the design of developmentally appropriate educational standards, performance expectations, learning progressions, and assessments. A comprehensive framework for P-12 engineering education would include a compelling rationale and vision …

2020 - The Twenty-Fourth Annual Symposium Of Student Scholars

Symposium of Student Scholars Program Books

The full program book from the Twenty-fourth Annual Symposium of Student Scholars, held on April 16, 2020. Includes abstracts from the presentations and posters.

A System Dynamic Model For Application Of Blockchain In The United States Electricity Sector, Oluwafemi Ezekiel Oyeniran

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Business and Technology at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree Master of Science by Oluwafemi Ezekiel Oyeniran on April 14, 2020.

Does The Use Of Simulation Significantly Impact Students’ Perceptions Of Their Air Traffic Control Knowledge And Skill?, Meron Lindenfeld, Jeanne Radigan, Michael Figuccio

Journal of Aviation Technology and Engineering

Simulation has served as an instructional supplement in education and training within various fields such as nursing, business, and flight training. Prior research studies have documented its usefulness. Simulation-based lessons have also been used for air traffic control (ATC) training, but little research has been conducted on the usefulness of simulation in this application. This study measured the level of influence that ATC simulation had on students’ perception of their ATC knowledge and skill level and their commitment to a career in ATC.

Data were collected by surveying students at four institutions of higher education after they completed ATC courses …

Capturing Children With Autism’S Engagement In Engineering Practices: A Focus On Problem Scoping, Hoda Ehsan, Monica E. Cardella

Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research (J-PEER)

In the last two decades, pre-college engineering education has increased, with research on pre-college engineering education emerging as a nascent field. However, limited research, if any, has considered aspects of engineering thinking of children with neurodiversity. In line with calls for broadening participation in engineering education, consideration of neurodiverse children is critical. Among various neurodiverse conditions, the number of children with autism is rapidly growing. In addition, studies have shown that individuals with autism have the potential to perform well in activities that require systematizing abilities. Engineering is one such activity. Prior research has provided evidence of the importance of …

Exploring The Mentoring Needs Of Early- And Mid-Career Urm Engineering Faculty: A Phenomenological Study, Sylvia Mendez, Jennifer A. Tygret, Valerie Martin Conley, Comas Haynes, Rosario Gerhardt

The Qualitative Report

While mentoring has been identified as a valuable resource in recruiting and retaining underrepresented minority (URM) faculty, little research has examined the difference in mentoring needs of early- and mid-career engineering URM faculty members. As these needs can change as they navigate academia and the tenure process, mentors can effectively provide guidance and support only when they have been identified. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to determine the mentoring needs and activities of early- and mid-career URM engineering faculty who participated in the IMPACT mentoring program and how their needs were met (Moustakas, 1994). The IMPACT program and …

Study Of The Therapeutic Effects Of Synchronization-Modulation Of The Na/K Pump On Muscle Fatigue, Jason E. Mast

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

It has been shown that by applying a specially designed oscillating external electric field to a cell membrane that the membrane's sodium/potassium pumps can be synchronized to all work at the same rate. Then by slowly increasing the electric field's frequency the pumps' turnover rate can also be increased. By increasing the pumps' turnover rate, the sodium and potassium concentration gradients can be increased, this type of stimulation is called synchronization-modulation. There are three generations of the synchronization-modulation waveform each with different utilities. In particular, the third generation of synchronization-modulation has the ability to use the energy of the external …

Academic Honesty, Professional Integrity, And Undergraduate Engineering Students: Exploring The Connections, S. Amy Skyles, Jeffrey W. Jennings

Dissertations

One benefit of inculcating professionalism into engineering degree program curricula is a measure of the extent to which future practitioners adopt an engineering code of ethics (Abaté, 2011; Davis, 2006). Studies have indicated more dishonesty among engineering students than other groups of undergraduate learners, but the effects of technology on dishonesty in the classroom was not addressed (Bowers, 1964; McCabe et al., 2012). An explanatory, sequential mixed methods study was designed to explain to what degree course pedagogical practices and attitudes of civil, architectural and environmental engineering students of various academic levels (freshman/sophomore and senior) relate to academic dishonesty. The …

Medication Errors Within The Clinical Setting: A Quality Improvement Project, Gracie Smith, Mary Thornburg, Connor Noble, Breanna Markwell, Sarah Rigsby, Suzi White

2022 Celebration of Student Scholarship - Poster Presentations

During a clinical rotation at a large urban teaching hospital, the occurrence of medication errors noted resulted in negative impacts on patient wellness. Research studies indicate that the U.S. spends more than $40 billion each year as a result of medication errors. A large portion of these medication errors are preventable. A thorough literature review of 40 research studies was conducted to identify issues associated with medication errors. This quality improvement project aims to identify the prevalence of medication errors, their effect on patient wellness, its monetary effects in healthcare, and what preventative interventions can be implemented to prevent such …

Craft Academy Solar Powered Racing (Caspr) Team, Andrew Dorn, Ally Hall, Bryce Watkins, Hayley Milner, Kaleb Trent, Owen Day, Sawyer Putnam, Joyce Stubbs, Steve Stubbs

2022 Celebration of Student Scholarship - Poster Presentations

The ultimate goal of the CASPR team is to build a solar powered car to race in the solar car for the Solar Car Challenge Classic Division, and race in a cross-county race or at the famous Texas Motor Speedway. The car must have taillights, blinkers, headlights, and extra suspension. For the fall semester of 2021, we researched different parts and other solar cars to see what would be the best fit most beneficial. We were able to find all the parts needed for the construction of the car. The Solar Car Challenge website provides some resources to make finding …

Lego Robotics Club, Keith Tran

Honors Program: Expanded Learning Clubs

An after school club focused on problem solving and computational thinking using LEGO Mindstorm EV3.

Santa Clara Magazine, Volume 61 Number 2, Spring 2020 [Print Issue V.61:1], Santa Clara University

Santa Clara Magazine

14 - THE UPSTART How Michael Mondavi ’66 helped get Napa on the wine map. By Ron Hansen.

18 - OF WOMEN AND MEN Emeritus professors dish on their research into wine and women. By Tracy Seipel.

22 - A SIGN OF LIGHT A Jesuit priest finds meaning on death row. By George Williams, S.J.

26 - FIRE AND WINE As the climate changes, what’s next for wine remains murky. By Tracy Seipel.

Program And Proceedings: Nebraska Academy Of Sciences 1880–2020, 140th Anniversary Year, One Hundred-Thirtieth Annual Meeting

Nebraska Academy of Sciences: Programs and Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Spring 2020, Joëlle Walls

The Investigator Research Magazine

Dear readers,

We are proud to present the spring issue of The Investigator, giving you an inside look into the varied research and scholarly activities taking place at Kennesaw State.

In a new interview, President Pamela Whitten discusses KSU's growing research reputation and lessons learned from her own experiences as a researcher and mentor. Similarly, our cover story follows three First-Year Scholars as they explore the possibilities of research in Martin Hudson's lab through a new Office of Undergraduate Research initiative.

This publication would not have been possible without the contributions of the editorial team, including undergraduates Kaelyn Ireland, Geena …

Seismic Evaluation And Optimization Of Reinforced Concrete Multistory Building, Ahmed Abdallah

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the Elmer R. Smith College of Business and Technology at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree Master of Science by Ahmed Abdallah in April of 2020.

Effect Of Multinational Projects On Engineering Students Through A Summer Exposure Research Program, Mehul S. Raval, Tolga Kaya

School of Computer Science & Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper studies and quantifies the impact of active learning experienced through multinational projects. The hypothesis was engineering education delivered through Active Learning in multicultural environment improves student competencies. The investigation captures the impact of international exposure program in developing global competencies of the modern engineer. The paper shows positive trends in the development of domain and life skills of engineering students. Post-survey after six months of completion of the program revealed that the program was valuable to students and their motivation increased.

The Professional Constructor, Full Issue, Volume 45, Number 01

The Professional Constructor

No abstract provided.

Supercavitation Capabilities On A Submarine, Adam Vu

Georgia College Student Research Events

Submarines have shaped the way wars have been fought and have been influential in our understanding of fluid dynamics. In the past, supercavitation has been implemented to an idea that has been used to significantly increase the velocity of torpedoes in Chinese and Russian submarines. An example of this is the Russian VA-111 Shkval torpedo. The idea being that if your torpedo is expelling a gas out of the nose cone region, creating a boundary layer between the water and the torpedo, the torpedo will be facing much less resistance relative to when it was traveling in water alone. This …

The Participatory Approach For Waterfront Development In Mediterranean Countries. A Case Study Of Tripoli, Lebanon Waterfront, Sima El-Cheikh

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

Public waterfronts are considered an important touristic target in coastal cities. The development of these spaces is affected by many social, economic and political issues. Public participation has been an important tool for communities to influence the making of public spaces. This research aims to develop a participatory approach for waterfront development in Mediterranean countries by studying people behavior and activities on public waterfronts and investigating the socio-economic factors that influence the usage of these areas. It is a bottom-up approach that analyzes how activities emerged from people needs. This research is a mixture of qualitative and quantitative approaches that …

Psychological And Physiological Effects Of Integrating Building Envelopes With Parametric Patterns In Office Workers, Ahmed Rashwan

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

The building envelope has become an active element that allows the building to interact with the context of the surrounding environment. The integration of the envelope with architectural design patterns significantly affects the efficiency of the working environment space in the office buildings, where the resulting effect of this integration plays an important role in providing daylighting, visibility and view; which affects the comfort, performance and productivity of users in an office space. This research study aims to identify the physiological and psychological effects on office employees resulting from the integration of the building envelope and openings with one of …

Retrieving Memories Of Alexandria's Past By Revitalizing The Heritage Of Kom El-Dekka, Dina Nassar, Riham Ragheb

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

Across the history of dealing with problems of increasing poverty in historic city centers of developing countries, studies have indicated high levels of demand and strong support for urban revitalization projects compared to other solutions such as; relocation or clearance and redevelopment. In such historic inner city centers, heritage can become a driver for development. Revitalization projects that demonstrate a concern for affordability for less wealthy citizens has become the best alternative to meet the needs of the citizens and small businesses in such deteriorated areas in old city centers. Preparing Alexandria for the 21st century has to take into …

Measuring Public Spaces Identity In Jeddah Corniche, Walaa El- Sayed Yoseph

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

Jeddah; as an Arabian city; has a unique inherited social image in its public spaces. Over long generations, Arabs used to head to the deserted areas, away from inhabited zones or along the coastal lines to spend a social time with their families and friends, practicing some outdoor recreational activities, as hunting, barbecuing, or picnicking. This inherited social image moved into open public spaces inside Arabian cities. Architecturally, it is required a delicate design that reflects this unique character and responds to its requirements. Since the 1970s, Jeddah Corniche development is according to universal style, regardless this special character of …

Potentials For Creative Urban Development At Kom El-Dekka- Alexandria, Dina Nassar, Riham Ragheb

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

Can Alexandria lead a future as its bright past? To raise this question, it is important to understand its past and present. Alexandria is a Mediterranean city and the second largest city in Egypt after Cairo. It was home to the Ancient Pharos Lighthouse and Library of Alexandria. Alexandria was once, not only the center of its region, but of the entire world. Now, merely any physical evidence of this history exists. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Alexandria became known as a cosmopolitan center of Mediterranean culture, economy and trade. These unique layers of cultural identity are …

Performance Improvement Plan In Building Processaccording To Quality Leaders And Quality Improvement Tools And Techniques, Khaled El-Daghar

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

The purpose of the study is to apply quality improvement tools and techniques to find out the root causes of performance problems in the building process. Performance refers to the way people do their jobs and the results of their works, seeking to solve a performance problem frequently implement a specific intervention, such as training without fully understanding the nature of the problem, or determining whether or not the chosen intervention is likely to succeed. Performance improvement approaches using a systematic methodology to find these root causes, and then implement interventions that applies to specific performance deficits. Performance improvement indicators …

The Impact Of Atriums On Thermal And Daylighting Performance, Kareem S. Galal

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

The energy crisis is one of the main focuses of attention across the world. Atrium spaces have become a main part of most public buildings all over the world, regardless of their environmental aspects. The arguments of a good space, the psychological atmosphere and the impact on energy consumption are the main problems that face any designer, environmental designers in particular. In atrium design, there is more than one aspect to be considered; architectural, functional, economic, environmental, construction and psychological aspects are the main aspects that should be considered in the early design stage. The environmental aspect is the most …

Prospects Of Walkability In City Neighborhoodscase Study: The City Center Of Alexandria, Amira Mohamed Said Ammar

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

Sustainability, livability and quality of life have become widely discussed issues in the literature of urban planning and design. This study primarily aims to investigate the concept of walkability as a part of livability. To draw a wider theoretical framework for this study, it first seeks to define the terms of ‘livability’ and ‘quality of life’. Then, it focuses on the concept of ‘walkability’ as one of the major components of these terms and as a measurable notion in urban design. Thus, this research seeks to identify a set of indicators of walkability in public spaces to be used for …

Historical Edge Assessment: Spatial Comparative Analysis, Nabil Mohareb

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

This paper develops a quantitative analysis method that is capable of examining the urban edges of historic cities with reference to their spatial configuration. This aim provides the opportunity for assessing the current situation of historic urban edges. Accordingly, this assessment will help in developing appropriate regeneration plans for the site. Second, it enhances the process of comparison with other cases, in order to inherit those successful interventions that might fit according to base similarities, such as the spatial configuration, architectural characteristics, or other features, in addition, searching for any repetitive patterns. Assessing the current situation requires the evaluation of …

Spatial Learning Landscape (Sll) In The Campus Of The Digital Age, Marwa Charkas

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

Values controlling campus articulation are mainly rooted in the 'Connectivity' value. Its interpretation exceeds just the physical connections inside the campus to the wider links between the academia and the society. The digital age has thoughtful impacts on the way that every aspect of the life is performing. The campus' shaping values have changed considerably and the connectivity came at the heart of these changes. The way the students are connected to each other's, to their tutors, and even to the place is replaced. In addition, this technological revolution has profoundly wedged the business domain, restructuring the linkage between academia …