Engineering Commons^™

Lace Network Firmware: A Polarfire Fpga Network For Data Routing And Command Interfacing In Space Applications, Kade C. Howes

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Modern small spacecraft rely on powerful yet efficient onboard compute devices to process data from sensors in real-time due to tight power and volume constraints. This work explores a new compute device system built from PolarFire Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), which are power-efficient, reprogrammable chips well-suited for space applications. The system connects via a central controller FPGA with one or multiple companion processing FPGAs, allowing sensor data to be quickly received and shared across the network. Standardized data formats and interfaces increase compatibility with spacecraft computers. By simplifying data handling and using high-speed communication links, this architecture makes it easier …

Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting From Roadways: Challenges, Advances, And Future Directions, Heba Mohamed Gaber, Mohamed Abdel-Raheem

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

As the global demand for renewable energy intensifies, piezoelectric energy harvesting from roadways has emerged as a promising avenue for sustainable power generation. This systematic literature review analyzes 61 peer-reviewed studies to assess the feasibility, performance, and potential of integrating piezoelectric systems into roadway infrastructure. While technology faces challenges, such as high installation costs, limited energy output, and a scarcity of thorough economic evaluations, findings suggest it holds considerable promise as a supplementary renewable energy source. The review analyzes the operational characteristics and efficiencies of various piezoelectric transducers, identifies key factors influencing system performance, and evaluates recent technological advances. It …

Advancements In Sinkhole Remediation: Field Data-Driven Sinkhole Grout Volume Prediction Model Via Machine Learning-Based Regression Analysis, Bubryur Kim, Yuvaraj Natarajan, K. R. Sri Preethaa, V. Danushkumar, Ryan Shamet, Jiannan Chen, Rui Xie, Timothy Copeland, Boo Hyun Nam, Jinwoo An

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Sinkhole formation poses a significant geohazard in karst regions, where unpredictable subsurface erosion often necessitates costly grouting for stabilization. Accurate estimation of grout volume remains a persistent challenge due to spatial variability, site-specific conditions, and the limitations of traditional empirical methods. This study introduces a novel machine learning-based regression model for grout volume prediction that integrates cone penetration test (CPT)-derived Sinkhole Resistance Ratio (SRR) values, spatial correlations between CPT and grouting points (GPs), and field-recorded grout volumes from six sinkhole sites in Florida. Three data transformation methods, the Proximal Allocation Method (PAM), the Equitable Distribution Method (EDM), and the Threshold-based …

Investigating The Correlation And Synergy Of Artificial Intelligence Techniques, Construction Technologies, And Their Key Benefits, Fareed Salih, Islam H. El-Adaway

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Despite its reputation as one of the least digitized sectors, the construction industry increasingly adopts artificial intelligence (AI) and construction technologies. However, previous research has not adequately explored the benefits of AI techniques and construction technologies nor the correlations between them. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap. To this end, the authors used a multistep research methodology. First, a systematic literature review of studies published between 1985 and 2022 was conducted to identify AI techniques and construction technologies. Second, content and frequency analysis were performed to determine the benefits associated with AI and technology adoption. Finally, a survey …

Friction And Texture Evaluation Of Asphalt-Based Binders As Alternatives To Epoxy-Based High-Friction Surface Treatments, Alireza Roshan, Magdy Abdelrahman

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

High-friction surface treatment (HFST) is a safety-focused pavement treatment that restores and maintains pavement friction to reduce road accidents. Traditional epoxy-based HFSTs, while widely used, face challenges such as high costs, potential compatibility issues with the substrate pavement, and long-term durability under specific conditions. This study investigates asphalt-based alternative HFST, which is compatible with various pavement types and cost-effective and versatile solutions for a wider range of pavement applications. Performance and friction testing, including the British pendulum test, British wheel test, and dynamic friction test, were performed to examine the coefficient of friction (COF) before and after polishing with a …

Nonlinear Flow Structures From The Interaction Of Internal Waves With Topography, Matthew R. Klema, S. Karan Venayagamoorthy

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper presents numerical simulations of the interaction of first-mode internal waves with a topographic edge at the intermediate scale, O (100) m, with a focus on the evolution of flow structures. Flow structure variation and evolution is explored through direct modifications to the amplitude of the internal wave interacting with topographic features of varying wave-topographic slope (g/s), height of the topography to the total domain depth (ht/d), and the wave Froude number (Fr = U0/cph), where g is the internal wave slope, s is the topographic slope, ht is the height of the topography, d is the simulation depth, …

Dendrimer Gel Nanoparticles With Dual-Targeting Of Upar And Ribonucleotide Reductase R2 Influence Necrosis, Apoptosis, And Cell Cycle Arrest In Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, Hsin Yin Chuang, Yue-Wern Huang, Hu Yang

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype with limited treatment options due to the absence of estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) receptors. We previously developed highly adaptable polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer-based gel nanoparticles (GDP-uPA/GTI) with dual-targeting capabilities against urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and ribonucleotide reductase R2 (R2) to achieve selective antitumor effects. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanisms of GDP-uPA/GTI-induced tumor inhibition. In vivo, GDP-uPA/GTI significantly downregulated R2 expression and activated caspase 8 and caspase 3, indicating caspase-dependent apoptosis. Histological evaluation of major organs revealed no observable toxicity. …

Design Principles For Customer‑Engaging Digital Service Systems: An Action Research Study, Keng Siau, Xiaofeng Chen, Xin Tan

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Digital services represent a business approach employed by organizations to operate in the digital environment. However, systematic development guidelines for developing quality digital service systems are lacking in the literature. The authors identified four general challenges for developing and implementing customer-engaging digital service systems (CEDSS). By employing the method of canonical action research in a digital service system project, they derived 10 design principles for developing high-quality CEDSS. They empirically evaluated the design principles in the development project and through follow-up focus group sessions. The design principles provide applicable and actionable guidelines for the development of CEDSS.

Bone Void Filler Materials For Augmentation In Comminuted Fractures: A Comprehensive Review, S. Sina Mohammadi, Sunjeev S. Phull, B. Sonny Bal, Mark R. Towler

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Comminuted fractures, characterized by multiple bone fragments, present significant challenges in orthopedic surgery. Effective treatment often requires augmentation techniques to enhance fixation stability and promote bone regeneration. This review explores the application of bone void filler materials, including autografts, allografts, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and synthetic bone substitutes such as calcium phosphate ceramics and bioactive glass, in managing comminuted fractures. Autografts are the gold standard due to their superior osteogenic potential but are limited by donor site morbidity and availability. Allografts mitigate these issues but face concerns regarding immunogenicity and reduced biological activity. PMMA, widely used for structural augmentation, provides immediate …

Quicklime-Based Self-Healing Concrete For Bridge Deck Applications, Mehrnoosh Nazari

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials in the world. However, over time, it can crack and deteriorate, especially on roads and bridges exposed to harsh weather and deicing salts. Inspired by the long-lasting durability of ancient Roman concrete, this study explores the self-healing capabilities of concrete incorporating quicklime (calcium oxide) aggregates to extend the service life of bridge decks. For this purpose, three concrete mixtures were developed using local materials: one without quicklime (C-Q 0%) and two with 2% (C-Q 2%) and 4% quicklime (C-Q 4%). These mixtures were tested for fresh properties, strength, durability, and …

Analysis Of Progressive Failure From Hydrofracturing Tests In Boise Sandstone, Alejandra Sanchez Arizmendi

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Sealed borehole laboratory hydrofracturing tests with acoustic emission monitoring were used to investigate the acoustic emission activity, damage thresholds, progressive failure, and tensile strength as a function of injection rate for twenty Boise Sandstone specimens. Four injection rates 15.7, 31.4, 62.8, and 125.6 mL/minute were used in the testing.

Increasing the injection rate initially increased and then decreased acoustic emission activity. The highest injection rate resulted in the lowest number of AE hits. The acoustic emission data was collected via two ultrasonic sensors. The highest average AE hits at the 31.4 mL/min injection rate was 613 and the lowest average …

Integrating Neural Control And Finite Element Muscle Modeling: A Predictive Neuromusculoskeletal Framework For Investigating Neurodegenerative Disease, Colton Babcock

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disrupt the interplay between neural control and musculoskeletal function, leading to progressive motor decline and loss of force control and production. Traditional experimental and clinical approaches are limited in their ability to capture the multiscale, nonlinear mechanisms driving these impairments. This dissertation presents a novel predictive neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) modeling framework that integrates physiologically accurate motor neuron dynamics with three-dimensional finite element (FE) muscle models. Using subject-specific muscle geometry and fiber architecture of the tibialis anterior, the model simulates realistic force generation under both healthy and ALS-affected conditions. The neural component incorporates a …

Harnessing The Mechanical And Gelation Behavior Of Tyramine-Substituted Silk Fibroin Bioinks Through Integration Into A Modular And Low-Cost 3d Bioprinting Platform, Sourjjadeepta Biswas

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

3D printing has become an indispensable tool in research labs across the globe. Yet, when it comes to bioprinting with custom or sensitive bioinks, accessible options remain limited. Commercial systems are often prohibitively expensive and restricted to proprietary materials, while DIY setups frequently lack the precision and compatibility needed for biologically relevant printing. Moreover, tunable bioinks that align with real-world biological constraints are still hard to come by. To address these gaps, we developed a modular, low-cost bioprinting platform tailored for tyramine-substituted silk fibroin (TA-SF) hydrogels-biocompatible materials known for their rapid gelation, tunable stiffness, and potential to support cell differentiation …

A Machine Learning Approach To Estimating Agricultural Return Flows: A Case Study Of The Twin Falls Canal Company In Idaho, Kendra Alise Figgins

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Idaho is the third largest water user in the United States due to its extensive agriculture industry (Murray, 2018). Irrigation has allowed farmers to take advantage of the warm climate and rich soils of the Eastern Snake River Plain to develop one of the nation’s most productive agricultural regions. This area now contains one-third of Idaho’s irrigated acres (Idaho Department of Water Resources, 2024). It also contains critical hydrologic connections between the Snake River and the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer.

Farming practices in Idaho have gradually shifted over time. Warming temperatures and increased irrigation efficiency are allowing an expansion of …

Sustainability Assessment Of Ground Improvement Techniques: A Life Cycle Analysis Of Lime, Cement, Geopolymers And Biopolymers For Roadway Application, Jillian R. Frost

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Ground improvement design (GID) is a vital part of constructing safe, long-lasting infrastructure. Traditionally, this is done with a chemical additive such as lime or cement that is mixed with in-situ soil to improve soil parameters such as compressibility, and strength. These stabilizers produce high amounts of carbon emissions. As a response, engineers and researchers are beginning to develop new stabilization methods using biopolymers and geopolymers in hopes of achieving comparable soil stability results as well as reduced environmental impacts.

This thesis work integrates a life-cycle analysis (LCA) and life-cycle-cost-analysis (LCCA) framework to evaluate and compare four soil stabilizer types: …

The Effect Of Loading Conditions And Specimen Size On The Tensile Strength Of Ring-Shaped Specimens, Kolby Scott Mcclure

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This study introduces a custom-built direct tension testing apparatus designed for ring-shaped rock specimens. The apparatus applies a uniform axial load to the inner surface of the ring and is compatible with standard geotechnical testing equipment. Using this device, 176 granite specimens sourced from Horseshoe Bend, Idaho, were tested under three configurations: Brazilian, indirect ring tension, and direct ring tension. Only specimens exhibiting valid diametrical splitting failure modes (126 out of 176) were included in the final analysis. Direct tension tests yielded the lowest tensile strengths, followed by Brazilian tests, with indirect tension tests producing the highest values. While scatter …

Feasibility Of Small-Modular Reactors In Hybrid Energy Systems, Taylor Reid

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This thesis evaluates the feasibility of integrating next-generation nuclear technology into hybrid energy systems, framing the analysis within the guidelines suggested by the World Energy Council’s, Energy Trilemma. The trilemma seeks to balance energy security, economics/equity and sustainability. To this end, a computer model was created to illustrate how the limitations of intermittent renewables, like wind and solar (PV), can be addressed when they are combined with a baseload provided by a next-generation nuclear Small Modular Reactor (SMR). The baseload power provided by nuclear energy can smooth the variability of wind or solar power, while simultaneously offsetting the cost of …

Evaluation Of High Concentration Dissolved Oxygen Delivery On Wastewater Treatment Plant Performance, Gregor Ethan R. Posadas

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Microorganisms are used in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to transform constituents and depend on dissolved oxygen (DO) for growth. Limitations in traditional treatment methods pose inefficiencies in performance relative to constituent removal. This study involved monitoring the performance of a selected WWTP located in Greenleaf, Idaho that was retrofitted with a high concentration DO delivery system. The WWTP was selected due to its small scale (classified as a minor discharge facility with a design flow <1 MGD) and capability of being retrofitted with a high concentration DO delivery system proprietary to BioSolution Holdings Co., Ltd. This study aimed to monitor the effects of delivering higher DO concentrations in the WWTP in conjunction with validating the performance and function of the retrofitted high concentration DO delivery system. The performance of the selected WWTP was monitored over the course of one year to capture seasonal fluctuations.

Significant changes in WWTP constituent treatment induced by higher DO concentrations were observed at various points within the treatment processes. Monitored parameters included DO, temperature, …

Harnessing Bioscaffold-Coupled Stimulation Through Electroactive Graphene Foam For Enhanced Cellular And Mechanical Responses: Applications In Cartilage Tissue Engineering, Mone't Sawyer

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of joint degeneration, with limited treatment options that fail to restore native cartilage. Tissue engineering offers a promising strategy by combining cells, scaffolds, and bioactive cues to regenerate functional tissue, though challenges remain in developing systems that integrate and precisely control these signals in three-dimensional environments. This work establishes a scaffold-coupled electrical stimulation (ES) platform using electroactive graphene foam (GF) to modulate cellular and mechanical responses relevant to cartilage tissue engineering. Custom stereolithography-printed bioreactors were developed to deliver low-voltage biphasic square waves (20–60 mVpp, 1 kHz) directly to GF scaffolds under submerged culture, maintaining waveform …

Stimulation And Recording Interfaces For Data Transmission To And From A Micro Neural Stimulation Device, Morgan Riley

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Advancements in neuromodulation for treating neurological disorders increasingly rely on selective peripheral nerve stimulation rather than whole-nerve activation. Traditional approaches engage all fascicles, causing off-target effects such as involuntary muscle contractions and pain. To address these challenges, this research proposes a minimally invasive microdevice that integrates wireless galvanic impulse communication with an epineural multi-contact nerve cuff. This design facilitates high-throughput, low-power stimulation, recording, and data transfer. Development efforts include optimizing neural stimulation protocols, validating deep tissue galvanic transmission, and fabricating a multi-channel nerve cuff for stable electrode–tissue interfacing. In parallel, custom depth-controlled intramuscular arrays enable high-density electromyography (EMG) recording during …

Lstm Network-Based Scheme For Automatic Characterization Of Power Quality Disturbances, Akram Elmitwally, Mohamed Nader

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Recognition of power quality (PQ) troubles is a critical task in the electrical power industry. Most previous works solve the classification problem using separate feature extraction phase and classification phase. Each phase has its own techniques, and consumes a computation time. This study proposes to utilize the long short-term memory (LSTM) network as a deep learning model to classify the PQ events in one shot. The LSTM network uses its particular processing to classify a PQ event signal directly by reading its time-sequence data. Then, a dedicated post-classification algorithm (PCA) extracts start time, end time, duration, amplitude, and total harmonic …

The Road To Regulation: A Literature Review Of The Influences On The Updated Silica Standards, Skye M. Medcraft

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Silica is a hazardous compound that poses a risk to human health resulting from dust creating activities across various industries. Several agencies, including OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) and MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) have adopted regulatory oversight of silica exposure in the workplace. As more research has been conducted on silica exposure, the health effects are becoming better described, which has led to the creation and updating of exposure regulations to protect worker health. The objective of this literature study is to review the data presented to the Department of Labor and discuss how the factors that …

Design And Testing Of A Vr Escape Room Game For Philippine Martial Law History, Eric Cesar Vidal, Jr., Johanna Marion R. Torres, Jesus Alvaro Pato, Kenneth King L. Ko

Department of Information Systems & Computer Science Faculty Publications

This paper presents a Virtual Reality Educational Escape Room game where players learn about the highly divisive Martial Law period in Philippine history. We describe the game’s general design and the results of a user test to evaluate the game in terms of VR presence, immersion, and overall usability.

User Evaluation Of A Virtual Patient For Philippine Medical Education, Ma. Mercedes T. Rodrigo, Samantha Castaneda, James Alvir Maclin V. Alaan, Paolo Santino P. Caoile

Department of Information Systems & Computer Science Faculty Publications

Caladrius is a virtual patient system designed for use in Philippine medical schools. It responds to the need for medical interview training, for greater variety in teaching-learning strategies, and for culturally appropriate technologies. It has two versions: a text-only version whose interface is similar to a chat interface, and an audio version that accepts speech input and responds with speech output. In a prior test of Caladrius, users requested improved audio response time and the inclusion of different patient personalities. A subsequent version of Caladrius was created to comply with these requests. As much of the lag was attributable to …

Investigating The Performance Of Fibre Reinforced Plastic Repairs To Timber Marine Civil Structures At His Majesty’S Naval Base Devonport, Anna G. Walther

The Plymouth Student Scientist

This paper explores Fibre Reinforced Plastics (FRPs) as a composite repair method to restore and enhance mechanical properties of timber marine civil structures within the context of His Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Devonport. To support this, timber composite specimens were manufactured and subjected to flexural and compressive strength tests. Comparisons are made to literature sources for initial predictions, in addition to hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models on SolidWorks. Data demonstrates that FRPs can be used as a cost-effective and beneficial method of repairing timber marine structures. Experimental data demonstrates an ability to restore compressive strength parallel to …

Mechanical Properties Of Sintered Lunar Regolith Simulant Lhs-1 When Moulded Under Different Temperatures And Time At Constant Pressure, Jasper Stevens

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Humans are returning to the Moon for the first time since 1972. And when they arrive, In-Situ resource Utilisation (ISRU), the philosophy of using local materials and resources will be required to help maintain a more permanent presence on the Moon. Lunar regolith is the homogenous layer of inorganic ‘soil’ that covers nearly the entire Lunar surface, making it the most readily available material for ISRU. This report investigates the effect of changing time and temperature applied to samples of lunar regolith simulant LHS-1 formed as freestanding samples under constant pressure, before sintering into a consolidated sample. Compressive testing on …

Application And Suitability Of Using Paraffin Wax In A Thermal Store For Residential Buildings In The Uk, Cameron Edwards

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Heating costs and pressure to reduce carbon emissions are rapidly increasing. A possible solution is the implementation of efficient energy storage systems for UK residential buildings. Paraffin wax-based thermal energy storage offers a promising solution due to its low-cost, high-energy density, and long-term stability. However, its low thermal conductivity significantly reduces its practicality. Multiple upgrades, such as implementing highly conductive particles and nanotubes, have been previously studied but lack the inclusion of cost-effectiveness and real-world feasibility. This paper reviews current research and develops a numerical model using the Enthalpy method and a 2D finite difference approach, utilised in Python. It …

Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Moulding (Vartm): Can Ultrasonic Vibration Decrease Fill Time, Increase Composite Properties, And Reduce Void Formation, Iulia D. Precup

The Plymouth Student Scientist

This study investigated the potential of ultrasonic vibration (28 kHz) to optimize the Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Moulding (VARTM) process. The aim was to assess whether introducing ultrasonic vibration during the resin infusion phase could reduce fill time, improve mechanical properties, and minimize void formation in glass fibre-reinforced polyester composites. Two flexible tooling systems were compared: a reusable silicone membrane and a traditional vacuum bag. Composite plates were manufactured with and without ultrasonic vibration for both systems. Fill time was observed, and post-cured samples were subjected to mechanical testing for flexural modulus, flexural strength, and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS). Void content …

Scaling Wind Farm Layout Optimisation To Meet Uk Energy Demands, Grace Richardson

The Plymouth Student Scientist

This research aims to explore the Wind Farm Layout Optimisation Problem (WFLOP) through both single- and multi-objective optimisation, to show that it can be used to create farm layouts that provide enough power for all homes in the UK. We highlight the intricacies of the problem, including the application of different algorithms and models, and the challenges of scaling the models to achieve optimal results. We employ both a Hill Climbing Algorithm (HCA) and an evolutionary algorithm (NSGA-II) to obtain wind farm layouts, and compare these to the well-known results proposed by Mosetti et al. Moreover, we present a novel …

Design And Validation Of An Industrial Out-Of-Plane Permeability Test Rig Of Fibre Preforms For The Development Of Next Generation Aircraft Structures, Callum Park

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Despite composites comprising 50% of modern aircraft structures, the absence of a standardised method for measuring out-of-plane permeability frequently results in manufacturing defects in early-development aerospace components, directly impacting safety, manufacturing efficiency and costs. This study aimed to address this gap, by designing and commissioning a compact, vacuum-assisted, mass flow test rig, capable of evaluating the saturated out-of-plane permeability of a variety of materials. This design incorporated learnings from theory, previous studies and discussions with industry experts. E-glass, a Metyx unidirectional carbon and the Teijin ITS55 carbon were investigated, where E-glass exhibited the highest permeability of 1.88E-12m², while …