Engineering Commons^™

Network Economics-Based Crowdsourcing In Online Social Networks, Natasha S. Kubiak

Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

This thesis addresses the challenge of user recruitment by various competing marketing agencies (MAs) in Online Social Networks. A labor economics approach, following the principles of contract theory, is devised to enable MAs to reveal the potential of each participating user to contribute a personalized level of quality and quantity of information to the crowdsourcing process. The MAs objective is to maximize their personal benefit, i.e., total utility obtained, given its budget. The latter optimization problem is formulated as a Generalized Colonel Blotto (GCB) game among the MAs, where each MA aims at incentivizing each user to report its information. …

Improved Experimental Validation Of An Electromagnetic Subcell Model For Narrow Slots With Depth, Michael Anthony Illescas

Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

The coupling of electromagnetic (EM) energy into a system can disrupt operation of essential electronics present within it. Metal enclosures are used to shield these systems from potentially harmful electromagnetic interference (EMI). Seams and gaps in such metal enclosures are minimized but unavoidable for reasons such as maintenance and repair. These seams and gaps create an entry point for EM energy to couple into the system. Entry points are often modeled by EM analysts as narrow slots defined by their length, width, and depth. The depth of these slots can become significant compared to the wavelength, introducing resonances associated with …

Automated Sensing Methods In Soft Stretchable Sensors For Soft Robotic Gripper, Prosenjit Kumar Ghosh

Electrical Engineering Theses

A soft robot is made from deformable and flexible materials such as silicone, rubber, polymers, etc. Soft robotics is a rapidly evolving field where the human-robot-interaction and bio-inspired design align. The physical characteristics such as highly deformable material and dexterity make soft robots widely applicable. A soft robotic gripper is a robotic hand that acts like a human hand and grasps any object. The most common applications of soft robotics grippers are gripping and locomotion in sensitive applications where high dynamic and sensitivity are essential. Nowadays, soft robotics grippers are used without any sensing method and feedback as it is …

Study Of Lipophilicity And Adme Properties Of 1,9-Diazaphenothiazines With Anticancer Action, Beata Morak-Młodawska, Małgorzata Jeleń, Emilia Martula, Rafał Korlacki

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

Lipophilicity is one of the key properties of a potential drug that determines the solubility, the ability to penetrate through cell barriers, and transport to the molecular target. It affects pharmacokinetic processes such as adsorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME). The 10-substituted 1,9-diazaphenothiazines show promising if not impressive in vitro anticancer potential, which is associated with the activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway connected with to induction BAX, forming a channel in MOMP and releasing cytochrome c for the activation of caspases 9 and 3. In this publication, the lipophilicity of previously obtained 1,9-diazaphenothiazines was determined theoretically using various computer programs …

Study Of Lipophilicity And Adme Properties Of 1,9-Diazaphenothiazines With Anticancer Action, Beata Morak-Młodawska, Małgorzata Jeleń, Emilia Martula, Rafał Korlacki

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

Lipophilicity is one of the key properties of a potential drug that determines the solubility, the ability to penetrate through cell barriers, and transport to the molecular target. It affects pharmacokinetic processes such as adsorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME). The 10-substituted 1,9-diazaphenothiazines show promising if not impressive in vitro anticancer potential, which is associated with the activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway connected with to induction BAX, forming a channel in MOMP and releasing cytochrome c for the activation of caspases 9 and 3. In this publication, the lipophilicity of previously obtained 1,9-diazaphenothiazines was determined theoretically using various computer programs …

Bodyslam: Feasibility Of Tracking Human Kinematics With Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (Slam), Sepehr Laal

Dissertations and Theses

We evaluated a new wearable technology that fuses inertial sensors and cameras for tracking human kinematics. These devices use on-board simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithms to localize the camera within the environment. Significance of this technology is in its potential to overcome many of the limitations of the other dominant technologies. Our results demonstrate this system often attains an estimated orientation error of less than 1° and a position error of less than 4cm as compared to a robotic arm. This demonstrates that SLAM's accuracy is adequate for many practical applications for tracking human kinematics.

Multiple Access Techniques Enabling Diverse Wireless Services, Mehmet Mert Şahin

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The growing interest in diverse wireless applications such as virtual reality (VR), digital twin, ultra-massive broadband communication (u-MBB) has led the cellular industry to look for new multiple accessing schemes and new signal processing techniques for utilization of next-generation wireless technologies. Throughout the PhD duration, different studies are performed in regards to dual-functional and interference robust multiple accessing and control of electromagnetic radiation for cognitive radio systems. Firstly, a novel concept on non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), which is the coexistence of different waveform structures in the same resource elements is proposed. Secondly, a novel JCR waveform is proposed to serve …

Stabilizing Control Schemes For Grid-Connected Hybrid Pv-Energy Storage Systems, Indra Narayana Bhogaraju

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

A nonlinear stabilizing control scheme based on Lyapunov theory is proposed for a grid- connected hybrid photovoltaic (PV)/ battery/supercapacitor (SC) system. The system dynamics is developed in the stationary reference frame, and the state-space model of the system is derived and used to formulate the Lyapunov function (LF) candidate. The global asymptotic stability of the LF-based controller is discussed in detail. The real-time implementation feasibility of the proposed control scheme is validated through hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) studies of a grid- connected hybrid system under solar energy generation and grid load variations. To address the issue of digital computational time that leads …

Creating A Power System For A Robot, Nolan Hays

Scholars Week

I will be describing the process of creating the power system for the robot that will be competing in the 2023 IEEE Hardware Competition.

Effective Utilization Of Battery-Supercapacitor Hybrid Energy Storage Systems In Dc Nano-Grids, Seyyed Ali Ghorashi Khalil Abadi

Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

This PhD dissertation proposes novel control strategies to improve the flexibility and reliability of DC nanogrids by utilizing battery-supercapacitor hybrid energy storage systems (HESSs). The dissertation is divided into five sections, each addressing a specific challenge in DC nanogrids and proposing unique control strategies to overcome them. The proposed strategies include an adaptive control system for multiple nanogrids, a distributed power management strategy for a grid-connected DC nano-grid, a model predictive control strategy to improve voltage quality and stability in islanded DC nanogrids, a cloud HESS technology to improve voltage stability in clustered DC nanogrids, and a method of electric …

Beirut Arab University - Faculty Of Engineering - Newsletter Issue 0, Faculty Of Engineering, Beirut Arab University

Engineering Newsletters

No abstract provided.

Inter-Abled And Adaptable Arcade Controls And Cabinet, Emma Berry, Raquel Macias

Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Theses

A considerable void exists in the digital gaming space, with a distinct lack of feasible control solutions for disabled gamers. The project aims to bridge this gap via a proof-of-concept arcade machine with interchangeable control surfaces, each catering to a different physical disability. In particular, the control boards aim to address the lack of accessibility of individuals with arthritis, as well as those with the use of only a single arm. To such an end, we design and implement STM32-based controllers which connect and interact directly with the host computer. Despite technical hardships, our results show that comprehensive control solutions …

Biomimicry In Solar Energy Applications, Terrin Cramer, Yicheng Kang, Ryan Ogino

Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Theses

While solar power is one of the leading renewable energy sources today, current solar farms produce an amount of byproduct heat that is contributing to rising global temperatures and the deaths of many birds. Furthermore, solar panels that use water as a coolant through a sprinkler system use up a great amount of water that could be allocated somewhere else. Our project seeks to address both of these issues through a biomimetic design. Drawing inspiration from the ghost plant, our proposed solar panel cooling system is expected to reduce the amount of byproduct heat produced by panels, increase the overall …

Air Conditioner Fail Safe Detector, Jonathan Li

Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Theses

Air Conditioners are essential to human life. In an age of sudden temperature changes, moving systems, particularly HVAC (Heat Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems, are the primary source to physically and financially protect the health of all workers, employees, and students. Air Conditioners are prone to mechanical and electrical malfunction/breakdown due to excessive use. Regular maintenance and service intervals are helpful but do not guarantee free-malfunction systems. When the systems break down, especially commercial systems, the repair cost can be highly expensive and time-consuming. Can we detect early signs of potential problems in the systems to minimize the repair cost …

Project Hermes: The Socially Assistive Tour-Guiding Robot, Aly Khater, Justin Sun, Fernando Camou

Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Theses

With the reduced amount of availability of a labor force for non-technical tasks, service robotics has grown to be used in place of human labor to handle these tasks. There have been various studies on the impact of using robotics in a sociological context. The use of service robots in a social and labor environment recognizes the need of cohesive Human-Robot Interaction (HRI). In this senior design project, we delve into the thought process of using a service robot in place of a human for tasks that are normally reserved for humans. These tasks outline design considerations when performing emotional-centric …

Theia: The Handheld Eye-Tracking Interface For All, Christian Garcia, Edward Ghazarossian, Pranav Grover

Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Theses

Eye tracking is a burgeoning technology that has found applications in market research, accessibility, and as an add-on to games. However, this technology still has room to grow in the consumer space, where touchscreens, keyboards, and mice dominate our interactions with technology. Interfaces that are primarily controlled using eye tracking are less common, and are not found in a handheld form factor. This paper explores the possibility of creating a handheld device that is primarily controlled using eye tracking. Our proposed system performs real-time filtering on eye tracking inputs in order to improve the accuracy and usability of the device. …

Investigating The Use Of Recurrent Neural Networks In Modeling Guitar Distortion Effects, Caleb Koch, Scott Hawley, Andrew Fyfe

[Archive] Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)

Guitar players have been modifying their guitar tone with audio effects ever since the mid-20th century. Traditionally, these effects have been achieved by passing a guitar signal through a series of electronic circuits which modify the signal to produce the desired audio effect. With advances in computer technology, audio “plugins” have been created to produce audio effects digitally through programming algorithms. More recently, machine learning researchers have been exploring the use of neural networks to replicate and produce audio effects initially created by analog and digital effects units. Recurrent Neural Networks have proven to be exceptional at modeling audio effects …

Geopolitics Of Semiconductor Supply Chains: The Case Of Tsmc, Us-China-Taiwan Relations, And The Covid-19 Crisis, Aditya Sehgal

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

As the demand for more advanced forms of technology continues to grow, so does the global importance and reliance on semiconductors. This research paper examines the impact of semiconductor shortages on both consumer and military production, as well as the geopolitical implications embedded within the global supply chain.

The paper begins by providing an overview of semiconductors, the global semiconductor market, and the impact of COVID-19 on the industry’s supply chain. It also discusses the importance of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) in the industry and its role in addressing semiconductor shortages.

Next, the paper discusses the impact of …

Sharprazor: Automatic Removal Of Hair And Ruler Marks From Dermoscopy Images, Reda Kasmi, Jason Hagerty, Reagan Harris Young, Norsang Lama, Januka Nepal, Jessica Miinch, William V. Stoecker, R. Joe Stanley

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Background: The removal of hair and ruler marks is critical in handcrafted image analysis of dermoscopic skin lesions. No other dermoscopic artifacts cause more problems in segmentation and structure detection. Purpose: The aim of the work is to detect both white and black hair, artifacts and finally inpaint correctly the image. Method: We introduce a new algorithm: SharpRazor, to detect hair and ruler marks and remove them from the image. Our multiple-filter approach detects hairs of varying widths within varying backgrounds, while avoiding detection of vessels and bubbles. The proposed algorithm utilizes grayscale plane modification, hair enhancement, segmentation using tri-directional …

Folding Collision Probability In The Nyquist Folding Receiver, Hunter J. D. Miller

Honors Theses

As the radio-frequency spectrum becomes more crowded, there is a growing need for signal processing technology that can instantaneously interpret an ultra-wideband range of frequencies. Existing conventional systems, however, are not the most efficient solution due to the processing capability limitations of current analog-to-digital converter technology. Specifically, with regard to radars, traditional receivers are required to process large amounts of unused data, wasting time and energy. This project highlights a newer analog-to-information receiver that utilizes compressive sensing which is seeking to overcome these challenges. The innovative technology being evaluated allows users to sample far below the standard Nyquist/Shannon sample rates …

Fast Full-Wave Electromagnetic Forward Solver Based On Deep Conditional Convolutional Autoencoders, Huan Huan Zhang, He Ming Yao, Lijun Jiang, Michael Ng

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This letter proposes a novel deep learning (DL) based fast solver for the electromagnetic forward (EMF) process. This proposed fast full-wave solver for EMF process is designed based on the deep conditional convolutional autoencoder (DCCAE), consisting of a complex-valued deep convolutional encoder network and its corresponding complex-valued deep convolutional decoder network. The encoder network makes use of the input consisting of the incident electromagnetic (EM) wave and the contrast (permittivities) distribution of the target domain, while the corresponding decoder network predicts the total EM field illuminated by the input incident EM wave. The training of the proposed DCCAE solver for …

A Wave Equation-Based Hybridizable Discontinuous Galerkin-Robin Transmission Condition Algorithm For Electromagnetic Problems Analyzing, Xuan Zhang, Shi Min Liu, Ran Zhao, Xiao Chun Li, Jun Fa Mao, Li (Lijun) Jun Jiang, Ping Li

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this work, a wave-equation-based discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method hybridized with the Robin transmission condition (DG-RTC) is developed to solve the frequency-domain electromagnetic (EM) problems. The proposed DG method directly discretizes the vector electric field wave equation in each subdomain, and subsequently, a term named numerical flux is introduced at the subdomain interfaces to connect the solutions between neighboring subdomains. However, the numerical flux depends not only on the electric field E but also on the magnetic field H residing over the interface. Thereby, another equation is essential for solving E and H simultaneously. Realizing that H only situates at …

Computational Design Of Fiber-Optic Probes For Biosensing, Suwarna Karna

Electrical Engineering Theses

This thesis presents a study on the optical characteristics of hollow-core photonic crystal fibers (HC-PCFs) with a band gap cladding structure and their applications in optical fiber sensing. This 800B HC-PCF exhibited excellent optical properties and has a flexible structure, which makes them suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. Finite element simulations and structural optimization designs were conducted using the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique to determine the optimal performance parameters of the 800B HC-PCF. The fiber was further modified using the SPR technique to improve its practical detection capabilities. The performance of the modified fiber was observed …

Design, Simulation, Modeling, And Implementation Of Triboelectric Nanogenerator (Teng) Sensors For Automotive Applications, Sam Ali

Dissertations

Triboelectricity is a promising technique for energy harvesting in which mechanical energy converts to electricity for powering small electronic devices. This method of energy harvesting serves as an alternative to traditional battery power sources and can significantly benefit low-power sensing applications by generating unlimited electrical energy. This study focuses on the development of flexible triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) and energy harvesting devices for various applications in the automotive industry.

The study is organized into four projects. In the first project, various polymeric materials were used to investigate the performance of different TENGs. Four designs (D1, D2, D3, and D4) of flexible …

Quantized State Simulation Of Electrical Power Systems, Joseph Micah Hood

Theses and Dissertations

An alternative is proposed to the current state-of-the-art simulation methods for the transient simulation of electrical power systems. The proposed method combines the Latency Insertion Method (LIM), the Quantized Discrete Event Specification (QDEVS), and the Quantized State System (QSS) method of integration. Using LIM, the power system state equations are decoupled in a way that allows the formulation of the system into a QDEVS-compliant model, which can then be directly solved with various QSS integration techniques. This combination of methods is called the Quantized DEVS-LIM method, or simply, QDL. A key feature of QDL is the asynchronous updates of all …

Coordinated Location And Capacity Planning Of Fast Charging Stations For Electric Vehicles Using Multi Objective Approach, Asna Madathodika

Dissertations

With the growing concerns on the energy depletion and CO₂ emissions, electric vehicles (EVs) have marked a new paradigm in the transport sector. Installation of publicly accessible charging stations (CS), namely fast CSs are crucial for the large-scale deployment of EVs. However, randomly placing CSs without prior research affect EV owners, CS operators and grid operators. For instance, the location and size of charging stations affect the accessibility and convenience of EV users since users prefer charging stations that are easier to access without much traffic congestion in road networks. At the same time station should offer good service …

Robotic Arm Extrusion End Effector, Nicholas Viamin, David Blouin, Savannah Hunt, Nico Figueroa

Interdisciplinary Design Senior Theses

This senior design project aims to enhance the capabilities of the Rotrics AIO Desktop Arm (Dexarm) by designing and implementing an extrusion device capable of smooth and consistent extrusion for 3D printing applications. The project focused on ensuring safety, affordability, and ease-of-use for users, while achieving precise control over the extrusion process. Various mechanical and electrical components were carefully selected to ensure compatibility with the Dexarm and to provide optimal performance. To maintain safety, extensive testing and risk assessments were conducted to minimize any potential hazards associated with the extrusion process. To achieve smooth and consistent extrusion, precise control mechanisms …

Neurogen: Eeg And Near-Infrared Light Stimulation Control System, Arnold Nieto, Jaylinn Solis, Matthew Tamanaha

Interdisciplinary Design Senior Theses

Light stimulation or transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) therapy has been shown to be effective when treating patients suffering neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. While there is currently no cure, light stimulation can help alleviate symptoms for those patient’s suffering from these diseases. With this in mind, the senior design team from last year began a prototype hybrid electroencephalography (EEG) and tPBM device. They implemented a specific wavelength of 810 nanometer (nm) near-infrared (NIR) light emitting diodes (LEDs), with a 16 channel EEG headset from OpenBCI. The device was intended to serve as a potential research tool, with a …

High-Performance Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Power Modules Enabled By Advanced Two-Phase Mini-Channel Cooling, Bo Tian

Theses and Dissertations

There is a widespread need for high performance wide bandgap power modules in both commercial and military applications. However, given the rapid advancements of wide bandgap power module technology, conventional cooling solutions have not kept up and do not provide the thermal management performance needed for high power density. Based on the two-phase cooling approach, two-phase microchannels operating at low fluid flow rates with low pressure drops have huge potential in enabling higher power density applications. Several studies have illustrated the potential great advantages of two-phase cooling compared to single-phase cooling in terms of maximum device temperature, spatial thermal distribution …

Deep Learning Based Fault Diagnosis And Prognosis For Bearing, Guangxing Niu

Theses and Dissertations

Rolling element bearings are critical components in industrial rotating machines. Faults and failures of bearings can cause degradation of machine performance or even a catastrophe. Therefore, it is significant work to perform bearing fault diagnosis and prognosis (FDP) reliably and effectively. Diagnosis aims to detect and estimate the fault state of bearing in real-time. Prognosis aims to conduct a long-term prediction to predict the fault evolution and estimate the remaining useful life (RUL) of the bearing.

Deep learning (DL) based FDP methods have become an important branch of bearing FDP methods due to their powerful capabilities in feature automatic learning, …