Engineering Commons^™

Segmentation Of Pulmonary Nodules In Computed Tomography Using A Regression Neural Network Approach And Its Application To The Lung Image Database Consortium And Image Database Resource Initiative Dataset, Temesguen Messay, Russell C. Hardie, Timothy R. Tuinstra

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

We present new pulmonary nodule segmentation algorithms for computed tomography (CT). These include a fully-automated (FA) system, a semi-automated (SA) system, and a hybrid system. Like most traditional systems, the new FA system requires only a single user-supplied cue point. On the other hand, the SA system represents a new algorithm class requiring 8 user-supplied control points. This does increase the burden on the user, but we show that the resulting system is highly robust and can handle a variety of challenging cases. The proposed hybrid system starts with the FA system. If improved segmentation results are needed, the SA …

Design And Development Of Two Component Hydrogel Ejector For Three-Dimensional Cell Growth, Thomas Dunkle, Jessica Deschamps, Connie Dam

Honors Scholar Theses

Hydrogels are useful in wound healing, drug delivery, and tissue engineering applications, but the available methods of injecting them quickly and noninvasively are limited. The medical industry does not yet have access to an all-purpose device that can quickly synthesize hydrogels of different shapes and sizes. Many synthesis procedures that have been developed result in the formation of amorphous hydrogels. While generally useful, amorphous hydrogels exhibit limited capability in tissue engineering applications, especially due to their viscous properties. This endeavor aims to modulate the appropriate gelation parameters, optimize the injection process, and create a prototype that allows for the extrusion …

Reducing Radio Frequency Susceptibilities In Commercial-Off-The-Shelf Camera Equipment For Use In Electromagnetic Compatibility Testing, Kevin Mainini

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Technical Testing and Analysis Center (TTAC) Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory performs electromagnetic compatibility testing on various radiation detection units. These tests require remote viewing of the equipment’s display to monitor its compliance with national and international standards. The Commercial-Off-the-Shelf (COTS) camera equipment that is used to monitor the displays exhibits radio frequency susceptibilities causing issues when determining the actual susceptibilities of the device under test. In order to mitigate this issue, a COTS camera was placed in two common test positions and cycled through three angled orientations with various radio frequency shielding methods applied. The development of …

Evaluating The Level Of Harmonic Distortion In A Typical Distribution Feeder, Wessen S. Bogale

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Steady-state analysis of electrical power systems is largely based on linear and sinusoidal AC circuits which allow the concept of impedance, phasors and well-defined power quantities (i.e., real, reactive and apparent powers). In reality, however, the electric load which was once composed of linear elements (e.g., induction motors, incandescent lighting, etc …) is becoming more and more nonlinear due to the wide-spread use of electronic components such as fluorescent lighting and variable-frequency drives that power the majority of electric motors. As a consequence, the current drawn by such devices is often distorted, thus containing a number of high frequency harmonics …

Semi-Automated Switching Regulator Modeling Method And Tool, Michael Heath Leonard

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents the results of research targeted at automating the behavioral modeling process for switching voltage regulators. These regulators are commonly used in many application areas including discrete use in larger systems, integrated in a System on a Chip (SoC), or as the primary use case for a design. When used in an integrated system these regulators can be a significant force in slowing down simulations. A common method for removing this slowdown is to use a behavioral model of the switching regulator.

Creating behavioral models can be very time consuming and requires expertise.

The thesis discussion begins by …

Circularly Polarized Solar Antenna For Airborne Communication Nodes, Oisin O’Conchubhair, Adam Narbudowicz, Patrick Mcevoy, Max Ammann

Articles

A circularly polarized solar cell antenna consisting of four sequentially rotated printed inverted-F antennas is proposed. Four multicrystalline silicon solar cells act as the ground plane and the antenna is suitable for low power airborne communication nodes and wireless sensor networks. The antenna design was developed to allow 100% insolation of the cells when directly facing a light source. The low-profile antenna minimises shadowing of the solar cell for oblique angle insolation.

Long Term Synchronization Of Wireless Sensors, Priyanka Madhushri

Research Horizons Day Posters

No abstract provided.

Solar Light Perfect Absorbers Using Cascade Cavity Metal-Dielectric Layer Structures, Jinnan Chen

Research Horizons Day Posters

No abstract provided.

Remotely Controlling The Department Of Electrical And Computer Engineering Smart Kart, William Isaac Daniel

Research Horizons Day Posters

No abstract provided.

Analog Filter Design System Using Mathematica And System Modeler, Tatjana Samardzic

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Analog filters are an essential part of modern electronics; however, their design, realization and verification can be arduous and time consuming. This project describes a Mathematica and SystemModeler platform for automated, fast analog filter design and simulation. The platform consists of two key components: I.SystemModeler library of first and second order low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-stop filters based on some of the most popular filter topologies: Sallen-Key, Tow-Thomas, State Variable, Multiple Feedback, Bainter and Boctor circuits and II.Mathematica package based on Butterworth, Chebyshev and elliptic frequency response approximations and different filter topologies.

Overcoming Fundamental Barriers In Photovoltaic And Terahertz Generation, Chao Zhou

Open Access Theses

Several fundamental barriers limit the performance of opto-electronic conversion processes below 100%. Two specific examples of current technological interest include photovoltaic conversion of sunlight into electricity (i.e., solar cells), and terahertz generation from optical sources. In particular, solar cells are limited not only by the Carnot limit associated with the second law (approximately 86% at room temperature), but also by radiative recombination, non-reciprocity, carrier thermalization, and sub-bandgap losses. In the case of terahertz generation, the typical process of difference frequency generation relies on two input optical waves with only a small difference between them to generate the desired output; however, …

Disc Golf Locator, Christian Wallenfelsz, Shane Gamble, Noah Sanor, Brandon Linhart

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research

Disc golf is a game similar to traditional golf where players throw small plastic discs into chain-link nets. Disc golf courses cover several acres containing lakes, small wooded areas, large bushes, and grassy fields. It is not uncommon to accidentally throw a golf disc into the woods or bushes, so it is the goal of this project to create a device to locate the disc and make suggestions for the player to improve performance. A small device will be attached the disc which will track its location and flight characteristics. The device will contain a GPS receiver, an inertial measurement …

Secondary Re-Use Of Batteries From Electric Vehicles For Building Integrated Photo-Voltaic (Bipv) Applications, Fintan Mcloughlin, Michael Conlon

Reports

PV Crops is evaluating the use of battery technologies such as Vanadium Redox within Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) applications. However, their inclusion into BIPV systems will inevitably raise the overall costs of such systems. As a result, PV Crops is looking at other measures in parallel to help lower the costs associated with such systems. One particular area of interest is the potential secondary re-use of battery technology from Electric Vehicle (EV) market as a way of mitigating high costs of such systems as well as a means of encouraging battery recycling.

The global installed capacity for Photovoltaic’s (PV) connected …

Iocean Rgb Sensor, Mark Mcneff, Archit Mendiratta

Electrical Engineering

The goal of this project is to create an accurate ocean color sensor that will communicate effectively with an iPhone. The device will take ocean color measurements at its current location and provide these measurements to the user for scientific study of the variability of ocean color across the globe. The data gathered by the device will also provide ground-truthing of satellite ocean color measurements.

Group Decisions In Value Management, Christiono Utomo, Farida Murti, Arazi Idrus

Makara Journal of Technology

This research deals with a technique to expedite group decision making during the selection of technical solutions for value management process. Selection of a solution from a set of alternatives is facilitated by evaluating using multicriteria decision making techniques. During the process, every possible solution is rated on criteria of function and cost. Function deals more with quality than with quantity, and cost can be calculated based on the theoretical time value of money. Decision-making techniques based on satisfying games are applied to determine the relative function and cost of solutions and hence their relative value. The functions were determined …

Seebeck Coefficient Of Soi Layer Induced By Phonon Transport, Faiz Salleh, Takuro Oda, Yuhei Suzuki, Yoshinari Kamakura, Hiroya Ikeda

Makara Journal of Technology

The Seebeck coefficient of a patterned Si wire on P-doped SOI (Si-on-insulator) layer with a carrier concentration of 1018 cm-3 was measured near room temperature. The Seebeck coefficient is found to be smaller than that in the SOI layer and to be closer to the calculated Seebeck coefficient including the electronic contribution. The decrease in the Seebeck coefficient of Si wire is likely to occur due to the elimination of the contribution of phonon drag part. From the theoretical calculation of scattering rates by considering the scattering processes in phonon system, it is considered that an increase in phonon-boundary scattering …

Construction Of A Novel Method Of Measuring Thermal Conductivity For Nanostructures, Hiroya Ikeda, Shoma Yoshida, Yuhei Suzuki, Veerappan Manimuthu, Faiz Salleh, Fujio Kuwahara, Masaru Shimomura, Kenji Murakami

Makara Journal of Technology

With the aim of characterizing the thermal conduction in a nanometer-scaled materials, we have constructed a novel method on the basis of an ac calorimetric method. In this method, periodic sample heating is performed by light irradiation and the corresponding periodic temperature is detected by infrared irradiative thermometer. This makes us measure the thermal diffusivity out of contact with the objective sample. In the present study, we confirm to measure the thermal diffusivity of bulk Si and Cu by this non-contact method with halogen-lamp irradiation. In determining the thermal diffusivity from the relationship between distance deviation and delay time, the …

Phonon-Drag Contribution To Seebeck Coefficient Of Ge-On-Insulator Substrate Fabricated By Wafer Bonding Process, Veerappan Manimuthu, Shoma Yoshida, Yuhei Suzuki, Faiz Salleh, Mukannan Arivanandhan, Yoshinari Kamakura, Yasuhiro Hayakawa, Hiroya Ikeda

Makara Journal of Technology

In order to build high-sensitivity infrared photodetectors using SiGe nanowires, we investigate the thermoelectric characteristics of Ge-on-insulator (GOI) layers as a reference for SiGe. We fabricate p-type GOI substrates with an impurity concentration of 1016-1018cm-3 by a wafer-bonding process using Ge and oxidized Si wafers. Annealing treatment is performed in order to further increase the bonding strength of Ge/SiO2 interface. We measure the Seebeck coefficient in the temperature range of 290-350 K. The Seebeck coefficient of the GOI layers is very close to the theoretical value for Ge, calculated on the basis of carrier transport. Hence, there is a small …

Fiber Optic Ring Resonator Sensor Detection Technique Based On Spectral Intensity Integration, Purnomo Sidi Priambodo, Sasono Rahardjo, Gunawan Witjaksono, Djoko Hartanto

Makara Journal of Technology

Resonant field phenomenon in optical ring resonator has been a major theme for various studies and can be used for various sensor applications. The spectral response shape changes are subjects to be discussed and analyzed for detection in optical sensor system. The spectral response changes are caused by various factors ranging from refractive index of the surrounding medium, medium loss due to absorption and scattering, and coupling variation between waveguides. These optical phenomena are mostly used for bio-sensor applications, since it is free from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and non-physically destructive. In this paper, we discuss our current research in developing …

The Effects Of The Types Of Milk (Cow, Goat, Soya) And Enzymes (Rennet, Papain, Bromelain) Toward Cheddar Cheese Production, Ariestya Arlene, Anastasia Prima Kristijarti, Ivana Ardelia

Makara Journal of Technology

The objectives of this research are to study the effects of different types of milk and enzymes toward the yield and quality (moisture, ash, protein, fat content, and texture) of cheddar cheese and the interaction between those two variables during the process. The types of milk are cow, goat, and soya milk, while the types of enzymes are rennet, papain, and bromelain enzymes. Regarding the procedure, the milk is first pasteurized before CaCl2 and Lactobacillus lactis that acts as the acidifier starter as much as 0.2% (w/v) and 0.5% of the milk volume are added respectively. The amount of enzyme …

Hazard-Driven Drivers’ Behaviours Towards Vehicle-To-Median Safe Distances, Martha Leni Siregar

Makara Journal of Technology

A median is required for a two-way road to separate traffic from opposing lanes and to prevent head-on collisions. However, studies indicate that medians are also perceived as hazards which need to be avoided during driving. This hazard perception is manifested in drivers’ changing behavior towards various types of medians along the driving lanes inform of their tendency to allow various safe distances to the medians. The Indonesian Highway Capacity Manual (IHCM) does not differentiate between types of medians and the influence on the drivers’ choice of safe margin to the medians. Therefore, this study looks into how the existence …

Energy And Exergy Analysis Of Kalina Cycle For The Utilization Of Waste Heat In Brine Water For Indonesian Geothermal Field, Nasruddin Nasruddin, Agus Noor Sidiq, Abdulmajeed Mohamad, Rama Usvika

Makara Journal of Technology

The utilization of waste heat in a power plant system—which would otherwise be released back to the environment—in order to produce additional power increases the efficiency of the system itself. The purpose of this study is to present an energy and exergy analysis of Kalina Cycle System (KCS) 11, which is proposed to be utilized to generate additional electric power from the waste heat contained in geothermal brine water available in the Lahendong Geothermal power plant site in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. A modeling application on energy and exergy system is used to study the design of thermal system which uses …

Development Of Superconducting Spoke Cavities For High-Velocity Applications, Christopher Shawn Hopper

Physics Theses & Dissertations

To date, superconducting spoke cavities have been designed, developed, and tested for particle velocities up to β0 ~ 0.6, but there is a growing interest in possible applications of spoke cavities for high-velocity applications. The first task is to explore the design parameter space for low-frequency, high-velocity, single- and double-spoke superconducting cavities in order to determine how each design parameter affects the electromagnetic properties, in particular the surface electromagnetic fields and the shunt impedance. Once an electromagnetically optimized, high-velocity spoke cavity is designed, there are several other characteristics that need to be investigated. These include multipacting scenarios, higher-order mode excitation …

Unique Two-Way Field Probe Concept Utilizing A Geodesic Sphere And Quad-Rotor, Travis A. Albee

Theses and Dissertations

Surveying the test volume of a radar range normally involves utilizing an antenna field probe to measure the electromagnetic field in that volume of space. Today, field probes vary in size and shape and can be difficult and time consuming to setup. They also have a limited range of motion due to their support structure and translational mechanism, which also has scattering mechanisms that can perturb the field they are measuring. Field probes are useful, but because of these shortcomings they can provide limited characterization of the field illuminating the measurement area. Leveraging quad-rotor technology, coupled with a two-way probe …

Urban Environment Navigation With Real-Time Data Utilizing Computer Vision, Inertial, And Gps Sensors, Johnathan L. Rohde

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to obtain a navigation solution that used real data, in a degraded or denied global positioning system (GPS) environment, from low cost commercial o the shelf sensors. The sensors that were integrated together were a commercial inertial measurement unit (IMU), monocular camera computer vision algorithm, and GPS. Furthermore, the monocular camera computer vision algorithm had to be robust enough to handle any camera orientation that was presented to it. This research develops a visual odometry 2-D zero velocity measurement that is derived by both the features points that are extracted from a monocular camera …

Gate-Level Commercial Microelectronics Verification With Standard Cell Recognition, Leleia A. Hsia

Theses and Dissertations

Within the past two decades, the problem of counterfeit hardware has gained significant attention within the Department of Defense (DoD). Counterfeit electronics compromise national security systems as they may fail to meet durability requirements and/or contain malicious circuits [6, 16, 17]. This necessitates the development of methods to detect counterfeit electronics and prevent the counterfeit electronics from entering DoD systems. The DARPA TRUST program was established to address the need to verify integrated circuit (IC) electronics. This research describes the development of standard cell recognition (SCR) software intended to resolve conflicts in prior TRUST related applications of commercial software to …

Materials Characterization And Microelectronic Implementation Of Metal-Insulator Transition Materials And Phase Change Materials, Alexander H. Gwin

Theses and Dissertations

Vanadium dioxide (VO²) is a metal-insulator transition (MIT) material, and germanium telluride (GeTe) is a phase change material (PCM), both of which undergo several orders of magnitude increase in electrical conductivity from room temperature to their transition temperatures. They are candidates for many important technologies, including ultra-fast electronic memory, optical switches and filters, and active layers in terahertz metamaterials, among others. The physical mechanisms causing the phase transitions in these materials are explained and investigated experimentally. These materials were incorporated into six types of microelectronic devices, which were designed, fabricated, and tested at the Air Force Institute of …

Initial Implementation And Testing Of A Tightly-Coupled Imu/Pseudolite System, James E. C. Kawecki

Theses and Dissertations

Currently, the 746th Test Squadrons (746th TS) Central Inertial and GPS Test Facility (CIGTF) operates one of the most accurate truth reference systems, called the CIGTF Reference System (CRS). CIGTF will be replacing the CRS with a new references system called UHARS (Ultra High Accuracy Reference System). UHARS will differ from CRS by adding the ability to use a non-GPS pseudolite system, as a new measurement source. This research effort describes the design of the extended Kalman filter which is developed in AFIT's SPIDER filter framework which implements a tightly-coupled pseudolite/INS filter.

Characterizing Multiple Wireless Sensor Networks For Large-Scale Radio Tomography, Tan Van

Theses and Dissertations

Radio Tomographic Imaging (RTI) is an emerging Device-Free Passive Localization (DFPL) technology that uses a collection of cheap wireless transceivers to form a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN). Unlike device-based active localization, DFPL does not require a target of interest to be wearing any kind of device. The basic concept of RTI utilizes the changes in Received Signal Strength (RSS) between the links of each transceiver to create an attenuation image of the area. This image can then be used for target detection, tracking, and localization. Each transceiver in the WSN must transmit sequentially to prevent collisions. This is not a …

Dense Point-Cloud Representation Of A Scene Using Monocular Vision, Yakov Diskin, Vijayan K. Asari

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

We present a three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction system designed to support various autonomous navigation applications. The system presented focuses on the 3-D reconstruction of a scene using only a single moving camera. Utilizing video frames captured at different points in time allows us to determine the depths of a scene. In this way, the system can be used to construct a point-cloud model of its unknown surroundings.

We present the step-by-step methodology and analysis used in developing the 3-D reconstruction technique.

We present a reconstruction framework that generates a primitive point cloud, which is computed based on feature matching and depth …