Engineering Commons^™

Parameter-Efficient Multimodal Adaptation: Ocr-Integrated Lora For Textvqa And Captioning, Karthik Ganesh Malini

Master's Theses

Vision-Language Models (VLMs) have emerged as transformative technologies for multimodal AI, yet they face significant hurdles in processing text-rich images required for enterprise applications like document understanding, medical imaging, and industrial inspection. Current VLMs struggle with accurate text extraction and reasoning, often exhibiting high hallucination rates and poor Optical Character Recognition (OCR) token utilization. To address these limitations, this research presents a comprehensive framework for optimizing parameter-efficient Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA) fine-tuning strategies on state-of-the-art architectures, including LLaVA-1.5 and BLIVA-FlanT5. Our methodology integrates enhanced OCR token utilization, faithful caption generation, and specific hallucination mitigation techniques. We employ a multi-dimensional evaluation protocol …

Graph Based Planning With Guarantees, Trazon Tyrik Jimerson

Mechanical Engineering ETDs

This thesis presents two graph-based methods with formal guarantees for motion planning and routing. First, the invariant-set motion planner (ISMP), which uses constraint admissible positive invariant (CAPI) sets of closed-loop dynamics, is adapted for spacecraft attitude planning to avoid moving keep-out zones. Contributions include time bounds for maneuvers via exponential stability, a single-stage reachability graph from one-step backward reachable CAPI sets, and its multi-stage expansion to certify node safety over time. Simulations verify safe attitude control with moving obstacles. Second, we formulate a convex optimization problem over a network for evacuation planning with operational constraints such as helicopter capacity and …

Real-Time Frequency Tuning Of Kinetic Energy Harvesters Via System Mass Adjustment, Rahul Adhikari

Mechanical Engineering ETDs

This research presents a method for real-time frequency tuning of piezoelectric kinetic energy harvesters through system-mass adjustment. Custom 3D-printed proof masses with cavity arrays were used to redistribute solid or liquid mass, enabling controlled modification of resonant frequency. Experimental studies using microparticles and liquids—including water, silicone oil, and sodium polytungstate—demonstrated an achievable tuning range of 115.27 Hz with sub-hertz resolution (< 0.1 Hz), confirming precise and repeatable frequency control. Finite-element modeling guided design optimization, while a microfluidic channel system enabled automated liquid filling for real-time operation. A MATLAB-based EH_Tuning application was developed to visualize and predict frequency responses. The combined …

Design And Development Of Evacuated Photovoltaic-Thermal Systems For Efficient Cogeneration Of Heat And Electricity, Behnam Roshanzadeh

Mechanical Engineering ETDs

In conventional PV systems, most of the solar energy is dissipated into the environment as heat. Accordingly, hybrid Photovoltaic-thermal systems have been developed to utilize the waste heat from PV cells for various thermal applications. However, most PVT systems suffer from low thermal performance compared to solar thermal collectors, as the absorber plate in PVT systems is partially or fully covered by PV cells. This dissertation focuses on improving the thermal performance of PVT systems by introducing the evacuated PVT systems.

An evacuated-tube PVT system was designed and simulated for domestic hot water supply. The evacuated-tube PVT system demonstrated 40% …

Design And Evaluation Of The Influence Of Mutual Induction On Microbial Electrolysis Cell Performance And Biogas Production, Ashley L. Blackwell

Civil Engineering ETDs

Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) present a pathway for energy recovery in wastewater treatment by converting organic substrates into methane or hydrogen. Traditional MEC designs typically rely on physical electrode contacts and expensive materials, which restrict their scalability. This study introduces the first induction-based MEC that uses mutual inductance between an external copper wrap and an internal coil to generate a fluctuating electrical potential, removing the need for expensive electrodes. The induction-stimulated reactor showed faster total organic carbon removal and a higher CH4/CO2 ratio compared to a conventional anaerobic digester, indicating improved carbon-to-methane conversion, although total gas yield remained similar. Microbial …

Analysis Of Heat Transfer And Pressure Drops Associated With Twisted Tube Heat Exchangers, Braden Foderaro

Nuclear Engineering ETDs

Several studies have been done on the effects of twisted tubes in heat exchangers, including the correlations that relate the flow parameters to the heat transfer and pressure drop experienced. These studies are new, with the earliest being performed in 1982. As such, there are many correlations covering only certain flow parameters and geometrical configurations such as the Reynolds number and modified Froude number.

This thesis attempts to cover flow regimes and tube geometries not yet studied and yield correlations. Data are gathered from heat exchangers featuring twisted tubes with water as the working fluid. It is noticed that the …

Dynamic Admittance Parameterization For Non-Prehensile Multi-Robot Transport With Optimal Coordinated Planning, Calvin J. Stahoviak

Computer Science ETDs

The Dynamic Admittance Parameterization of Non-Prehensile Multi-Robot Trans- port with Optimal Coordinated Planning (DYNAMO) architecture offers a practical framework for cooperative payload transportation using two robots equipped with nonholonomic mobile bases and four-degree-of-freedom manipulators. Coordinated mobile manipulation is a difficult problem in robotics, and the non-prehensile case is even more challenging than its prehensile counterpart because the robot bases and the payload are dynamically coupled. DYNAMO adapts arm motion in response to interaction forces and generates coordinated base trajectories that account for this coupling. Robust payload transport is achieved through the combination of opti- mal planning and adaptive compliant control, …

Irregularities In The Dynamics Of Large Networks: Cases On Social Networks And The Internet, Dheeman Saha, Abdullah Mueen, Shuang Luan, Afsah Anwar, Yangsun Hong

Computer Science ETDs

Dynamic networks capture evolving relationships among entities, and irregularities in their behavior often signal significant events. This dissertation investigates such irregularities across social and infrastructural networks. First, we analyze Twitter (prior to its rebranding to X) to characterize influencers, introducing a follower-overlap similarity measure that identifies micro-influencers beyond content-based methods.

We then examine election-related irregularities by comparing suspended and non-suspended accounts during the 2020 U.S. presidential election, revealing behavioral patterns linked to misinformation and coordinated manipulation.

Next, we develop an algorithm to infer post-specific diffusion networks, reconstructing who-saw-from-whom pathways for tweets at scale. This method uncovers structural differences in diffusion …

Recreating Fiber Recruitment With Fiber Recruitment Using Additive Manufacturing, Natalia D. Mciver

Biomedical Engineering ETDs

Injured ligaments are often repaired with tendon grafts which may over or under constrain the joint; there is a need for an artificial graft option with the mechanical properties of a native ligament. Crimped fibers within ligaments allow for recruitment which means the viscoelastic properties of stress relaxation and creep are not inversely related. A feasibility study using ACLs and large-scale crimp models to study viscoelasticity, led to an in-depth analysis of the scapholunate interosseous ligament. Using the Modified Kelvin spring-dashpot model, for describing viscoelasticity with a variable stiffness property (time dependent fiber recruitment), we defined the relationship between creep …

Development Of An Artificial Intelligence Web Based System For Classification Of Tomatoes Disease, Joshua Sokowonci Mommoh, Etinosa Noma-Osaghe, Vera Nimo Timai, Odike Arnold Uchechi, Solomon Obhenbhen Ibharunujele, Blessing Godday

Mansoura Engineering Journal

The development of this platform addresses the challenges associated with traditional tomato disease detection methods as well as the challenges of current machine learning and deep learning models in accurately detecting tomato diseases. Conventional methods of tomato disease diagnosis typically rely on expert evaluation but are time-consuming and susceptible to human mistakes. Incorrect diagnoses of certain diseases could lead to poor control measures, resulting in decreased agricultural productivity. In this research, the PlantVillage dataset, comprising 18,160 tomato leaf images distributed across 10 classes, was used to train two machine learning models, namely, Inception-ResNetV2 and Inception V3. The models were configured, …

Metamaterial-Based Microstrip Antenna For Safe Detection Of Tiny Breast Tumors, Shrouk E. El-Sawy, Mohamed G. Abdelfattah, Nihal F.F. Areed, Ahmed Shaban Samra

Mansoura Engineering Journal

This study describes the construction of a compact microstrip patch antenna (MPA) with a triangular-shaped metamaterial layer for the safe detection of tiny breast tumors at 2.4 GHz. The metamaterial considerably improves the antenna's gain and directivity when compared to typical designs that do not include it, resulting in improved detection performance. The radiating patch of proposed antenna measures 29.3 × 38 × 1.6 mm and has been tested through simulations and experimental tests, exhibiting successful tumor identification in a realistic breast phantom. The results of both calculations and testing demonstrate a sensitivity of 6.643 dB/mm, allowing for precise detection …

Experimental Investigation On Thermal And Exergetic Performance Improvement Of A Half-Cylindrical Solar Still Using Pcm And Reflectors, Ahmed Saad Soliman, Ping Cheng, Ahmed A. Sultan, Osama Abdelrehim, Asmaa Khater, Mohamed A. Sultan

Mansoura Engineering Journal

This study explores the potential of enhancing solar still performance by integrating a corrugated absorber with phase change material (PCM) and a reflector. The study aims to improve water yield, extend operation beyond sunset, and boost thermal and exergy efficiencies compared to a conventional flat absorber. Experiments were carried out on flat, corrugated, and corrugated-with-PCM absorbers, both with and without reflectors, to evaluate the effect of each modification. The results show that using a reflector with a flat absorber improved daily productivity by 22%. A corrugated absorber increased accumulated productivity by 38%, and when combined with a reflector, the improvement …

Recovery Of High Energy-Value Materials From Mine Wastewater, Zainab Nasrullah

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

The increasing global demand for high-energy-value materials (HEVM), such as rare earth elements (REEs), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and lithium (Li), coupled with their limited availability and environmental concerns associated with traditional mining methods, necessitates the development of alternative and sustainable recovery strategies. Wastewater streams from industrial processes, mining operations, and electronic waste treatment represent untapped reservoirs of these valuable materials. Research is proposed to develop sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable methods for selectively recovering HEVM from mine wastewater (Berkeley Pit, Montana). Two innovative approaches, the adsorption process using functionalized adsorbent and solvent extraction (SX) using organic or hydrophobic …

Geologic And Geochemical Investigation Of The Ruby Graphite Deposit, Mikayla Taylor

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

The Ruby Graphite project (RGP, also known as the Crystal Graphite deposit) is located in the southern Ruby Mountains, Beaverhead County. The deposit contains coarse-grained and highly crystalline graphite, which is a sought-after critical commodity in today’s global economy. The graphite is hosted by high-grade meta-sedimentary and meta-igneous rocks that reached peak metamorphism during the ~ 1.7 Ma Big Sky Orogeny. In this study, samples were collected from outcrops, mine dumps, and new (2023) drill core from the Ground Hog and Bird’s Nest locations. Rock types include calcitic marble, biotite-garnet schist, pegmatite, diopside-rich skarn, altered ultramafic intrusions, and a possible …

Development And Evaluation Of Wireless Monitoring Systems For Touchless Respiratory Monitor Validation, Dustin Marquardt

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

The Touchless Respiratory Monitor (TRM) is a non-invasive system that uses contactless methods to measure respiratory rate and tidal volume. The main technologies employed are LiDAR for tidal volume measurement and a thermal camera for respiratory rate monitoring. These novel methods require validation against established techniques such as capnometry and respiratory inductance plethysmography. Commercial respiratory monitoring equipment is often expensive and dependent on proprietary software, creating barriers to widespread use. To address this, a custom, modular, and low-cost evaluation system was developed to streamline the validation of the TRM. The prototype system integrates a pulse oximeter, capnometer, spirometer, and respiratory …

Recycling Ndfeb Magnets I: Production Of Ree Fluorides By A Novel Lpc Process, Isaac Joseph Cobbinah

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets account for over 60% of global magnet sales and are widely used in high-tech, military, and clean-energy applications (Ormerod, 2022). However, they contain critical rare earth elements such as Nd, Pr, and Dy which poses supply chain and geopolitical risks for country like the United States, which rely extensively on foreign sources. Recycling end-of-life NdFeB magnets provides a sustainable solution that diminishes environmental impact, strengthens supply security, and supports stable domestic production of important rare earth elements. A three-stage process has been developed for recycling the REE-content of NdFeB magnets. While the focus is on neodymium (Nd), …

Production Of Rare Earth Elements By Molten-Salt Electrolysis, Mohammed Moro

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Rare earth elements (REEs) are indispensable, high-value resources that play a crucial role in renewable energy, defense systems and advanced technological systems. REEs are commonly extracted from natural ores or recycled materials such as permanent magnets using hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical techniques. In hydrometallurgy, the REE source is leached with acid, followed by solvent extraction and precipitation steps to obtain rare earth compounds like oxides and fluorides. Pyrometallurgy involves dissolving rare earth compounds in a molten halide bath, followed by high-temperature electrolysis to convert them into metals, which are then recovered at the cathode. This process typically includes melting, refining, and …

Labram Ii Power Equation And Application To Model A Powder System, Layton Bertrand Bahnmiller

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

This thesis validates equations that predict power input with machine data for the LabRAM II resonant acoustic mixer (RAM), an industrial tool for mixing powders used in advanced manufacturing and other applications. While RAM offers unique advantages such as gentle mixing and adaptability for sensitive or heterogeneous blends, the manufacturer’s power equation lacked published experimental validation. To address this gap, a custom constantvolume calorimeter was designed to directly measure the energy imparted during RAM operation under controlled conditions. Finite element analysis and analytical heat transfer models ensured calorimeter assumptions were valid. Calorimetric experiments revealed that the vendor’s power input equation …

A Geological And Geochemical Study Of The Philipsburg Mining District, Granite County, Montana, Celine M. Beaucamp

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

The Philipsburg district, renowned for its rich mining history, has contributed significantly to Montana's mineral production, ranking as the state's second-most productive district. Active from 1865 to the 1980s, it yielded an impressive array of Ag (50-60 million oz), with notable outputs of Au, Zn, Pb, Cu, and battery-grade MnO2. The district features Cordilleran polymetallic veins, some of which are along bedding in Mississippian and Devonian limestone, and others are steeply dipping quartz veins in silicate-rich sedimentary rocks and in the Philipsburg batholith. The veins exhibit a district-wide mineral zonation, marked by Cu- and Ag-rich ores near granite porphyries, with …

Aqueous Geochemistry Drives Microbial Cu, Fe, And Zn Uptake Rates In Yellowstone, A Continental Hydrothermal System, Eva Carolina Andrade-Barahona

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Microbial uptake of trace metal cofactors such as copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) is governed by biogeochemical processes in hydrothermal systems where metal bioavailability varies widely. In situ microbial metal uptake rates were quantified by applying metal stable isotope probing (MSIP) in the Yellowstone hydrothermal system across diverse geochemical conditions in hydrothermal springs. The findings in these studies revealed that pH exerts a dominant influence on microbial copper uptake rate, also enhanced by increased Cu²⁺ ion availability and dissolved oxygen. Microbial iron uptake, in contrast, displayed a broad tolerance to environmental variability, occurring across a pH range of …

Drinking Water Treatment Using Microbial Cellulose Membranes, Benjamin Schreiber

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Access to clean drinking water is a global concern. Existing water filtration technologies require high energy and chemical inputs. They generate a large volume of waste and are not always readily available. This limitation has given rise to the development of sustainable water filtration technologies. This study focused on developing a biodegradable Microbial Cellulose Membrane (MCM) made of bacterial cellulose that is capable of treating a wide variety of pollutants present in environmental water sources. To improve MCM properties for high flux and contaminants removal, they were pre-treated with NaOH (0.25 M). The effect of transmembrane pressure and membrane thickness …

Process Intensification For Rare Earth Elements Adsorption By Resonant Vibratory Mixing (Rvm), Mehran Saddat

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Rare earth elements (REE) are crucial to the advancement of modern technologies. REE applications include electronics, defense systems, wind turbines, catalysts, magnets, and aircraft. Bastnasite, monazite, and xenotime are the primary resources, while the secondary resources, including coal ash, E-waste, and acid mine drainage, are for REE extraction. The primary processing techniques are chemical leaching, ion exchange, chemical precipitation, pyrometallurgy, solvent exchange, biosorption, and adsorption. Adsorption technique is simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, with higher efficiency but at the cost of a longer mixing time. Therefore, there is a pressing need for an optimized mixing technique to improve the adsorption …

Analysing The Impact Of Bi-Directional Application Of Iliceto Shield Wire Scheme For Rural Electrification In Tanzania: A Chalinze-Hale Transmission Line Case Study, Santos Kihwele, Prisca Paul

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Clean energy accessibility including electricity remains a major challenge in Tanzanian villages despite the many efforts made by its government.  The primary obstacle is that these villages are located more than 100 kilometres away from high-voltage to medium-voltage (HV/MV) transformer stations. Therefore, electrifying these villages by conventional method is financially not feasible. One of the low-cost rural electrification techniques that can be used to solve the issue is the "Iliceto Shield Wire Scheme" (ISWS) technology, In Tanzania, the application of ISWS technology seems to be very promising.  However, the technology can be integrated with locally available renewable energy sources ( …

A New Model For Predicting Two-Zone Parameters Based On Geometric Modifications In Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations, Jason B. Metten

Theses and Dissertations

This study uses Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to create a new and improved model for key Two-Zone modeling parameters, 𝜒 and 𝛿2𝑝. It explores how geometric changes to centrifugal compressors impact these modeling parameters. While centrifugal impellers are an important part of many systems, the flow through such impellers is inherently complex, making performance often difficult to predict. There are many approaches for modeling this complex flow environment, one method being the Two-Zone model developed by Dave Japikse. Values for 𝜒 and 𝛿2𝑝 are often determined from data obtained from test rigs or correlations. In this study high-fidelity CFD simulations …

Dem Simulations For Tractive Performance Of Rigid Wheel In Granular Media, Aidan Noah Dickerson

Theses and Dissertations

Accurately predicting vehicle mobility in granular media is essential for evaluating off-road mobility in agriculture, defense, and planetary exploration. Traditional empirical models often fail in capturing complex micromechanics of soil deformation, especially under dynamic conditions such as high slips and maneuvering. This study demonstrates the value of the discrete element method (DEM) in modeling wheel-soil interactions with higher fidelity. Using Altair EDEM and pre-calibrated GEMM materials, simulations were conducted for a range of forward (-5.9% to 54.8%) and side slip angles (3°, 6°, 12°) in dry sand. DEM enabled detailed analysis of sinkage, traction forces, and lateral loads, revealing trends …

Evaluating Three Lightweight Airfield Matting Systems Under F-35b Aircraft Loading, Brett D. Cobb

Theses and Dissertations

Aircraft matting has been in service since WWII. It has provided a maneuverable substrate to allow aircraft forward operations to take place in austere environments. AM2 is the main matting system that has been used for generations. In recent years, the need for a lightweight matting system has come to the forefront of the matting community. This is not only to improve the maneuverability, but also the shipping restrictions. This research is on three different light weight matting systems above subgrade with two CBR values (i.e., 6 and 25). A specially designed load cart was adopted to simulate F-35B loading. …

Use Of Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy For Estimating Soil Chemical, Physical, And Hydrological Properties In Mississippi And Texas, Kanthake Yasas Bandara Gamagedara

Theses and Dissertations

Accurate and efficient estimation of soil properties is essential for advancing sustainable agriculture, water management, and soil survey applications. Traditional laboratory methods and pedotransfer functions (PTFs) are widely used but are often constrained by high costs, time requirements, and limited scalability. As an alternative, mid-infrared (MIR) and visible–near-infrared (vis–NIR) spectroscopy provide cost-effective, rapid, and non-destructive approaches for soil analysis. However, variability among spectrometer types, geographic regions, and soil scanning conditions poses challenges to model transferability and generalizability. This dissertation evaluated strategies to overcome these challenges and enhance the prediction of soil chemical, physical, and hydrological properties in Mississippi and Texas. …

Electrospun Nanofiber Creation With Varying Polymer-Solvent Combinations For Air Filtration, Lancaster Jace Hill

Theses and Dissertations

This study aims to analyze various polymer-solvent combinations for electrospun creation of nanofiber media and to determine the best-suited solution for lab-grade electrospinning. Suitable solutions allow for controlled morphology of fiber diameters and for efficiency of media creation. The principal variables are solvent, concentration, and voltage. Humidity and temperature play a secondary variable role. The solution must withstand an electric field of ≤30 kV and be insoluble in water to maintain desired morphology and structure. Manipulation of the solutions and variables allow for fiber diameter optimization and beading minimization. High temperature filter applications require efficiency in intense heat and preservation …

Electrochemical Detection Of No And Ca2+ During Cold Atmospheric Plasma Treatment Of Acute Wounds: Sensor Selectivity And Stability In The Plasma-Bio-System, Jonathan E. Thomas, Kristina Pattison, Suneel Kumar, Gagana Karkada, Duncan Trosan, Aunic Goodin, Jason Rainone, Dnyaneshwari Rananavare, Vandana Miller, Francois Berthiaume, Katharina Stapelmann

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

Cold atmospheric plasmas (CAP) are a versatile tool in medical applications like wound healing. Its therapeutic benefits are partially attributed to the generation of biologically active reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). Characterization of RONS, however, typically only occurs after treatment. Here we report the first real-time in situ detection of CAP-generated nitric oxide (NO), and the simultaneous detection of cellular calcium ions (Ca²⁺) release using electrochemical sensors during CAP treatment of murine wounds. In vivo, NO rose rapidly within the first minute of CAP treatment but accumulated less overall than in PBS, reflecting reactions with wound-bed targets. In situ …

Technological Disruption And Regulatory Response: The Case Of Decentralised Finance, Jakub Wisła, Jolanta Bartoszewska

Journal of Banking and Financial Economics

This article examines responses to the regulatory challenges posed by decentralised finance (DeFi), a fast-evolving domain of blockchain-based financial innovation. It investigates the factors shaping divergent regulatory strategies, with a focus on the European Union’s comprehensive cryptoasset framework and selected comparative insights. Adopting a qualitative legal methodology – combining doctrinal-functional analysis, multivocal literature review, and two case studies – the authors explore how regulatory responses are influenced by three key variables: legal tradition, the financial function performed by blockchain-based solutions, and the level of technological and institutional autonomy. The case studies – Bitcoin as a payment instrument and cryptoassets as …