Engineering Commons^™

The Baltic Bear Trap Wargame, Connor Crookham

Space and Defense

Modern military education increasingly relies on experiential tools that allow students to explore the complexity of contemporary conflict in ways that lectures and readings alone cannot achieve. Nowhere is this more evident than in the emerging emphasis on multi-domain operations, integrated deterrence, and the blurred boundaries between competition and armed conflict. The Baltic Bear Trap wargame was developed as a student design project to meet this instructional need, offering a structured environment in which players must think, plan, and act as operational-level decision makers confronting a deteriorating security situation in the Nordic–Baltic region. Built for use at the Swedish Defense …

A Cislunar Economic Forecast Under Public-Private Partnership, Naisha Chirag Naik

Space and Defense

Cislunar space, spanning Earth’s orbit to the Moon, has emerged as a new frontier due to its strategic, scientific, and economic potential, with growing involvement from global powers, governments, and private entities diversifying the market. Unlike the first lunar space race, which saw a spike in activity amongst two countries followed by “silence,” the current cislunar era is hallmarked by a growing mix of public agencies, private companies, and international actors seeking to gain a foothold in what could be the foundation for a long-term space economy. While cislunar space was historically only an interest for superpowers, recent years have …

Autonomous Navigation In Cislunar Satellites, Heith Johnson

Space and Defense

Cislunar space—the region between Earth’s geosynchronous orbit (about 36,000 kilometers from Earth) and the Moon (roughly 384,000 kilometers away)—is becoming a critical frontier for future space exploration and commercialization.1 This zone includes the Moon’s orbit, transfer orbits, and the Earth-Moon Lagrange points. Additionally, as more nations and corporations launch lunar missions and establish long-term infrastructure, cislunar space is increasingly becoming a strategic focus for exploration, logistics, and transportation.

Planetary Defense As The Ethico-Legal Gateway For International Space Security, Evie Kendal

Space and Defense

Following the news in late 2024 that there was a city-killer asteroid on a possible collision course with Earth, many members of the public were shocked to learn there was no reliable global plan for managing such asteroidal and cometary impact hazards. While calculations of Asteroid 2024 YR4’s trajectory were further refined to exclude the previously reported 2-3% chance of collision in 2032, this event highlighted a major security threat: the lack of a globally coordinated, appropriately resourced, and politically supported planetary defense strategy (Gibney, 2025). In so doing, it also provided an opportunity for security experts to consider the …

Space-Based Missile Defense With Early Interceptor Launch Strategies, William Priedhorsky, James Wells

Space and Defense

There is renewed interest in space-based boost-phase intercept (SBPI) for missile defense against ICBMs of near-peer adversaries. We discuss SBPI in the context of other missile defense approaches, and address one of its challenges, which is the expense of fielding a large enough constellation of interceptors in space to counter even a small number of ICBMs. We develop an early-launch approach that could substantively reduce the required density of interceptors. Because every second matters in boost-phase defense, early launch of interceptors can significantly increase the reach of each interceptor. Early launch would require interceptors that have highly throttleable motors. Our …

Golden Dome: Seeking Space Security, Namrata Goswami

Space and Defense

The “Golden Dome” initiative [formerly Iron Dome] was announced by President Donald Trump on January 27, 2025, signifying a transformative shift in global space security policy. It fundamentally questions long-standing assumptions about deterrence, national vulnerability to missile attacks, and the role of space in strategic defense. More importantly, it emerges at a moment of acute strategic transition: the erosion of Cold War arms control frameworks, the rapid advancement of hypersonic and orbital delivery systems, and the growing integration of space into warfighting doctrines. Launched via a presidential memorandum in January 2025, Golden Dome calls for a layered missile defense system …

Space & Defense Vol. 17 No. 1 Editor's Note, Damon Coletta

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Space & Defense Vol. 17 No. 1 Table Of Contents, Space & Defense

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Space & Defense Vol. 17 No. 1 Front Matter, Space & Defense

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

Space & Defense Volume 17 Issue 1 Summer 2026 (Whole Issue), Space & Defense

Space and Defense

No abstract provided.

The Instability And Unsustainability Of Our Planned, Or Imagined Media Future, Thom Gencarelli

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

In the face of the growth and planned growth of industrial developments in artificial intelligence, embodied AI, immersive media/virtual reality, and the fintech industry and cryptocurrencies – and the energy requirements for each of these and all of them together – this paper examines the question of whether the plans for growth and future development in these areas is probable, possible, problematic, or impossible.  Additionally, the examination is situated atop both state-based and criminal threats to use the Internet and mobile Internet to wreak havoc and instability.

How Do Governments Combat Jihad Online?, Noah Cook

Honors College Theses

Since the September 11th, 2001 attacks, jihadist groups like ISIS, al-Qaeda, and al-Shabaab have used the internet as a tool for recruitment, radicalization, and propaganda dissemination. Since then, governments, non-governmental organizations, and private companies have developed strategies to combat jihadism on the internet. This paper examines how these actors have worked to mitigate the digital jihadist footprint and its effects by analyzing three main approaches to countering violent Islamist extremism on the internet: counter narrative initiatives, awareness-raising programs, and content removals. This paper finds that each of these methods has its own strengths and weaknesses. Counter narrative campaigns show the …

Dynamic Flood Risk Assessment For Transportation Infrastructure In Fresno, Ca, Yushin Ahn, Fayzul Pasha

Mineta Transportation Institute

Urban roadway flooding in flat metropolitan environments often shows up as small areas of standing water rather than large, flowing floods. In low-gradient urban environments, subtle micro-topographic features—such as pavement crowns, curbs, and localized depressions—often control where surface water accumulates following rainfall. Accurately identifying these localized ponding areas is important for roadway flood screening and infrastructure management. This study develops a LiDAR-based depression mapping framework to identify roadway segments susceptible to surface ponding in flat urban environments. High-resolution airborne LiDAR datasets were used to generate detailed elevation maps (down to less than a foot in resolution) from ground-classified point clouds …

A Longitudinal Study Of Achilles Tendon Adaptation In Ncaa Division I Female Gymnasts: Associations With Menstrual Status, Birth Control Use, Pain, Limb Dominance, And Training Exposure, Mattie Jane Hyde

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This longitudinal study evaluated Achilles tendon (AT) thickness in 22 NCAA Division I (DI) female gymnasts across three consecutive seasons in relation to menstruation, birth control use, pain, limb dominance, training week, and year of collegiate competition. Weekly ultrasound and athlete survey data were analyzed using mixed-effects models for absolute AT thickness and change in thickness from baseline measurements. Associations were primarily characterized by interactions rather than uniform effects of individual predictors. A Pain × Limb Dominance × Week × Year interaction was associated with both thickness outcomes across season-specific and combined analyses, with relationship directions varying by limb, season …

Techno-Economic Analysis Of Implementing Carbon Capture And Storage (Ccs) At The Punagaya 2×100 Mw Coal Power Plant, Ricky Andreas Kristianto Siringoringo, Rahma Muthia, Widodo Wahyu Purwanto

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

The increase in greenhouse gases due to the combustion of fossil fuels is one of the major drivers of global warming and consequently drives the development of low-carbon technologies such as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). The aim of this study is to evaluate the technical and economical feasibility of the implementation of CCS technology in the Punagaya Subcritical Coal-Fired Power Plant (CFPP) 2×100 MW as a part of the energy transition strategy towards Net Zero Emissions (NZE) 2060. The simulation was carried out using Aspen HYSYS software, including coal combustion, CO₂ capture through MDEA-PZ solvent, dehydration, transportation, and storage …

Pathways And Strategies For Intelligent Economy To Drive High-Quality Development, Yiming Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The intelligent economy is a new economic model driven by artificial intelligence, representing a revolutionary shift in the technological-economic paradigm that promotes qualitative advancement in production factors, production functions, and production models. Through data-driven approaches, human-machine collaboration, cross-sector integration, and co-creation and sharing, the intelligent economy empowers high-quality development. In response to the transformations brought by the intelligent economy in terms of technology, factors, industries, ecosystems, and governance, systematic measures should be taken across scientific innovation, factor allocation, industrial transformation, ecosystem building, and governance systems to foster the emergence of new forms of the intelligent economy and inject strong momentum …

Theoretical Analysis And Promotion Path Of Coordinated Digital-Intelligent And Green Transformation In Manufacturing Industry, Chaokai Xue, Xiaohui Qu, Laijun Wang, Yifan Yang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The coordinated digital-intelligent and green transformation in the manufacturing industry serves as a key lever for accelerating the sector’s progress towards intelligence, greenization, and integration. This study defines the connotation and key characteristics of the coordinated digital-intelligent and green transformation, constructs a theoretical analysis framework, identifies its current status and challenges, and proposes a promotion pathway based on above work. Drawing upon theories from digital economics, environmental economics, and industrial economics, this study develops an analytical framework characterized by scenario-driven dynamics, technology-enabled transformation, organizational collaboration, and environmental support. It further proposes actionable pathways, including enhancing scenario supply capacity, accelerating the …

Field Research And Policy Recommendations On Coordinated Digital-Intelligent And Green Transformation Of China’S Traditional Manufacturing Industry—Evidence From Key Traditional Manufacturing Industries In Shandong Province, Dingding Xiao, Peng Hui, Shaoni Liu, Xinxin Du, Laijun Wang, Guilong Zhu, Wenbo Guo

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The coordinated digital-intelligent and green transformation of traditional manufacturing is an important pathway for upgrading traditional industries and accelerating the development of a modern industrial system. Based on field research involving more than 20 representative enterprises in Shandong Province across automobile manufacturing, coal processing, textiles, and petrochemicals, this study systematically examines the practical progress, typical models, major constraints, and policy needs associated with this transformation. The findings show that China’s traditional manufacturing sector is shifting from isolated upgrading to system integration, from production-focused transformation to full life-cycle coordination, and from individual-enterprise initiatives to industrial-chain collaboration. Nevertheless, it still faces insufficient …

Impact Of In-Cabin Human Machine Interface Designs On Passenger Trust In Urban Air Mobility, Ricole A. Johnson, Erika E. Gallegos

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

Urban Air Mobility (UAM) presents a promising solution for alleviating urban traffic congestion and enhancing transportation efficiency. However, the widespread acceptance of UAM, particularly sustained ridership of autonomous passenger air vehicles (PAVs), is contingent upon addressing critical human factors for building passenger trust, especially in the absence of a human pilot. This paper evaluates how different in-cabin human-machine interface (HMI) designs affect passenger trust in the aircraft and in-cabin display, situation awareness, and pilot preferences. Forty participants, equally split between early and late technology adopters, completed two simulated flights: a baseline flight with no HMI and a second flight featuring …

Instructional Fidelity In Virtual Flight: Applying A Structured Learning Model For Vr-Based Pilot Training, Lindsay Gouedy, Bryce Jarrell, Mary Fendley, Brandon Wolf

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

As immersive training technologies reshape the future of aviation education, this study explores the impact of integrating Virtual Reality (VR) into a structured instructional model for B-52 pilot training. With the development and implementation of the I-BUFF (Integrated B-52 Unit Flight Familiarization) model, an innovative framework built upon the 4C/ID (Four Component Instructional Design) and SEEV (Salience, Effort, Expectancy, Value) models, this research evaluates whether structured VR environments improve training transfer and accelerate task proficiency for in-air refueling tasks. A sample of 233 pilot trainees was assessed across three groups: traditional training (non-VR unstructured), VR semi-structured, and VR fully structured …

The Role Of User Experience In Virtual Reality Flight Training: A Comparison With Pc-Based Simulation, Tianxin Zhang, Christina M. Frederick, Barbara Chaparro

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

The current project explores how user experience (UX) in virtual reality (VR) flight simulation influences both cognitive learning outcomes and procedural skill acquisition when compared to traditional desktop-based simulation.. Using a quasi-transfer of training design, 48 student pilots were randomly assigned to VR, Desktop, or Control groups and trained on the Chandelle maneuver. UX was measured with the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ), while training effectiveness was evaluated through a post-training knowledge test and recorded maneuver performance on a high-fidelity flight training device. Results indicated that the VR group reported significantly higher UX scores in Attractiveness, Stimulation, and Novelty, and showed …

Utilising Video Recordings To Assess Student Pilot Performance: An Exploratory Study During A Simulated Training Flight, Bradley Moncion, Shi Cao, Allison Lynch, Suzanne K. Kearns, Elizabeth Irving, Ewa Niechwiej-Szwedo

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

In ab initio flight training, the quality of the feedback a flight instructor provides their student is essential to their success. While other high-performance and safety-critical industries have incorporated the use of video recordings into training and assessments, the aviation industry generally has not. There are some studies addressing the potential benefits of video recordings in training professional pilots, but there is a lack of research at the ab initio level. In this study, five flight instructors assessed the performance of student pilots conducting a simulated training flight using a 4-point marking scale. The flights instructors were then tasked with …

Global Trends In Coordinated Digital-Intelligent And Green Transformation Of Manufacturing: Experience And Implications, Haiping Zhao, Yaxin Zhao, Lingshuo Song, Ling Jian, Jun Wang, Shuwei Zang, Xiujie Wu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The coordinated digital-intelligent and green transformation of manufacturing is emerging as a major direction for advancing the transformation and upgrading of the global manufacturing sector and reshaping industrial competitive advantages. This study systematically analyzes the evolution of this transformation worldwide, the transformation pathways adopted by different economies, and the strategic priorities of key industries. It then examines Germany, the United States, and Japan as representative cases to illustrate their respective approaches and practices. Drawing on China’s existing development foundations and current shortcomings, the study puts forward corresponding policy recommendations. The findings reveal that the global coordinated transformation has progressively moved …

Progress, Experience, And Recommendations From Pilot Programs For Coordinated Digital-Intelligent And Green Transformation In Ten Regions Of China, Yingtong Chen, Yupeng Shi, Bin Li, Xue Niu, Qiang Ji, Lin Xiang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Coordinated digital-intelligent and green transformation is an important pathway for advancing high-quality manufacturing development. Focusing on the first batch of comprehensive pilot programs for coordinated digital and green transformation launched in 2023, this study combines literature review, text analysis, and comparative case analysis to examine the practices and phased outcomes of ten pilot regions. It identifies three pathways—digital-enabled green transformation, green-driven digital transformation, and integrated digital-green development—and summarizes key experiences in institutional design, infrastructure restructuring, platform innovation, and tool empowerment. The findings show that the pilot regions have adopted differentiated approaches based on their industrial foundations, resource endowments, and development …

Development Assessment And Strategic Recommendations For Integrated Digital-Intelligent And Green Technology In China’S Manufacturing Industry, Hongyan Zhang, Yuting Peng, Yajing Sun, Peng Zhou, Yanfei Zhao, Xiangjun Yang, Chao Zhang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The manufacturing industry is currently under the dual pressure of coordinated digital–intelligent and green transformation, and promoting the deep integration of these two dimensions has become a strategic choice for enhancing industrial competitiveness. Clarifying the current status and future directions of convergence technologies that integrate digital intelligence and green development can help optimize the coordinated transformation pathways for manufacturing, thereby providing strong support for high-quality economic development. Therefore, this study focuses on the technological foundation underpinning the transformation, delineating the development landscape of integrated digital-intelligent and green technologies in manufacturing industry from a patent perspective. The study analyzes the current …

Critical Core Technology Breakthroughs In Large-Scale Models: Industrialization Strategies And Policy Implications, Zhongqi Wu, Yinshan Liu, Tao Dai, Xiaolong Zheng

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

As a pivotal direction for breakthroughs in key core technologies within the artificial intelligence domain, large-scale models hold strategic significance in securing national scientific and technological sovereignty. This study employs a multidimensional framework encompassing “technological breakthroughs, industrial transformation, and governance policies” to systematically investigate the developmental trajectories and industrialization bottlenecks of large-scale models. At the technological level, while large-scale models exhibit exponential growth in parameter scale and computing power demands, they face critical challenges including the scarcity of high-quality data, insufficient transfer learning capabilities, and reliability-explainability trade-offs. Industrially, these models are reshaping the global industrial chain landscape through a dual-track …

Evolutionary Trajectory Of Ai And Robotics Integration, Jiannan Zhu, Jianfeng Guo, Siyao Liu, Qi Cao

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics is a cornerstone for the intelligent transformation of the physical world. This study conducts a systematic analysis of over 230,000 publications from the Web of Science and WIPO databases between 1982 and 2025 to dissect the evolutionary trajectory of AI and robotics integration since the 20th century. The findings identify four distinct developmental stages—independent exploration, functional coupling, primary intelligence, and intelligent symbiosis—while delineating the key technological breakthroughs and paradigm characteristics of each phase. Furthermore, seven core research thrusts are distilled, including motion planning and autonomous decision-making and perception & environmental understanding. An …

The Self-Aware Room: A Framework For Operational Self-Awareness In Evolvable Blended Environments, David B. Smith

Publications and Research

The Self-Aware Room (SAR) is a room-scale research environment developed within the larger Balanced Blended Space and Blended Reality Performance System research trajectory. Rather than treating the room as a conventional “smart” environment composed of fixed automation technologies, SAR approaches it as an evolvable blended environment made from physical, virtual, conceptual, sensory, computational, and performative relationships. Its defining feature is not any particular sensor, model, or output device, but the set of transformations through which physical activity becomes structured observation, bounded representation, interpreted state, governed decision, and mediated response.

This paper develops the conceptual and methodological foundations of SAR as …

Rickettsia Africae Discovered In A Short-Term Urban Traveller To South Africa: A Case Report, Zunairah Sikder

Binghamton University Undergraduate Journal

Rickettsia Africae is a pathogen that causes African tick-bite fever (ATBF). Transmission typically occurs from ticks within the Central and South African regions. Previous studies suggested that ATBF is not uncommon amongst travelers to rural sub-Saharan Africa, especially during the rainy months of November through April. However, this case report highlights a woman who contracted ATBF in novel conditions. The 70-year-old woman reported travelling strictly to and from the local church and hotel for her four-day stay in July. After returning to America, the patient experienced extreme irritation on her arm, as well as complaints of headaches. She presented to …

A Message From The Managing Editor, Carissa Bayack

Binghamton University Undergraduate Journal

A message from the 2025-2026 Managing Editor of the Binghamton University Undergraduate Journal, Carissa Bayack.