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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

The Effects Of A Reduced Force Aerial Bucket Control On Upper Extremity Muscular Demands As Assessed With Surface Electromyography, Casey D. Garces Oct 2017

The Effects Of A Reduced Force Aerial Bucket Control On Upper Extremity Muscular Demands As Assessed With Surface Electromyography, Casey D. Garces

Master's Theses (2009 -)

A common control for operating aerial bucket trucks for utility companies in North America is called a pistol grip control. Based upon many anecdotal reports of forearm muscle fatigue from workers using this control, Prof. Richard Marklin began an EPRI-sponsored study in 2016 using EMG to determine muscle fatigue of workers while they used the pistol grip. Muscle activity recorded by EMG is a measure of the magnitude of muscle force under controlled conditions. This study confirmed the reports of muscle fatigue in extensor digitorum communis (EDC) muscle in the right forearm. The next phase of the study was to …


Elucidating The Mechanical, Structural, Functional, And Molecular Mechanisms Involved In Irreversible Vascular Changes In Aortic Coarctation, Brandon Wegter Oct 2017

Elucidating The Mechanical, Structural, Functional, And Molecular Mechanisms Involved In Irreversible Vascular Changes In Aortic Coarctation, Brandon Wegter

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a constriction of the thoracic aorta and is one of the most common congenital cardiovascular defects. Treatment by surgical correction has saved the lives of thousands of children, but many still have a reduced lifespan due to hypertension. Previous results using our novel rabbit model showed that the current treatment guideline of a 20 mmHg blood pressure gradient (BPG) induces irreversible vascular changes, which persisted despite correction. Preliminary data of the downregulation of natriuretic peptide receptor C (NPR-C) in proximal aortic tissue of human patients with CoA serves as the possible underlying mechanism for …


Collapsible Silicone Tubes: An In Vitro Model For Tracheal Traction, Kevin D. Garman Oct 2017

Collapsible Silicone Tubes: An In Vitro Model For Tracheal Traction, Kevin D. Garman

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent episodes of airway collapse and airflow limitation during sleep. Fragmented sleep and reductions in blood oxygen saturation lead to several comorbidities, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease. Longitudinal forces (tracheal traction) acting on the soft tissues surrounding the upper airway have been proposed to play a significant role in stabilizing the airway and preventing collapse. However, the relative contribution of longitudinal forces as compared to other factors that affect airway stability (airway geometry, tissue properties, muscle activity) remains unclear. This in-vitro study aimed to investigate to what extent longitudinal forces can …


Performance Analysis Of Constant Speed Local Abstacle Avoidance Controller Using A Mpc Algorithym On Granular Terrain, Nicholas Haraus Oct 2017

Performance Analysis Of Constant Speed Local Abstacle Avoidance Controller Using A Mpc Algorithym On Granular Terrain, Nicholas Haraus

Master's Theses (2009 -)

A Model Predictive Control (MPC) LIDAR-based constant speed local obstacle avoidance algorithm has been implemented on rigid terrain and granular terrain in Chrono to examine the robustness of this control method. Provided LIDAR data as well as a target location, a vehicle can route itself around obstacles as it encounters them and arrive at an end goal via an optimal route. This research is one important step towards eventual implementation of autonomous vehicles capable of navigating on all terrains. Using Chrono, a multibody physics API, this controller has been tested on a complex multibody physics HMMWV model representing the plant …


Construction And Characterization Of A Single Stage Dual Diaphragm Gas Gun, Nathaniel Steven Helminiak Oct 2017

Construction And Characterization Of A Single Stage Dual Diaphragm Gas Gun, Nathaniel Steven Helminiak

Master's Theses (2009 -)

In the interest of studying the propagation of shock waves, this work sets out to design, construct, and characterize a pneumatic accelerator that performs high-velocity flyer plate impact tests. A single stage gas gun with a dual diaphragm breach allows for a non-volatile, reliable experimental testing platform for shock phenomena. This remotely operated gas gun utilizes compressed nitrogen to launch projectiles down a 14 foot long, 2 inch diameter bore barrel, which subsequently impacts a target material of interest. A dual diaphragm firing mechanism allows the 4.5 liter breech to reach a total pressure differential of 10ksi before accelerating projectiles …


Effects Of Random Oscillations On Balance Control In Healthy Young Adults, Jacob Van Dehy Oct 2017

Effects Of Random Oscillations On Balance Control In Healthy Young Adults, Jacob Van Dehy

Master's Theses (2009 -)

In human walking, balance control is managed through proactive changes in spatio-temporal parameters of stepping [1]. It has been suggested that continuous disruptions to healthy young adult balance cause greater changes to overall variability of these parameters than a shift in the mean stepping parameters [2]. This suggests that walking may be occurring in a more reactive manner, modulating to maintain balance without increasing the mean significantly. Work using continuous oscillations to treadmill walking suggest there is an interplay between the predictability of a signal used to disrupt subject balance and the degree to which compensation occurs [3]. To determine …


Design Of A Passive Ankle Prosthesis With Energy Return That Increases With Increasing Walking Velocity, Alexander J. Folz Oct 2017

Design Of A Passive Ankle Prosthesis With Energy Return That Increases With Increasing Walking Velocity, Alexander J. Folz

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Patients who undergo a transtibial (below the knee) amputation are often met with a difficult decision: selection of a prosthesis. Limitations of currently available prostheses motivate work on a new solution, the EaSY Walk, a passive device that mimics two key aspects of the natural ankle: non-linear rotational stiffness through implementation of a stiffening flexure mechanism and rotational work output that varies as a function of walking velocity to propel the user forward. To achieve the latter, a strategy to convert the maximum available translational energy acquired from deflection along the leg into rotational energy about the ankle joint through …


An Analysis Of Testing Variables In Rapid Compression Machine Experiments, Jenna Ezzell Jul 2017

An Analysis Of Testing Variables In Rapid Compression Machine Experiments, Jenna Ezzell

Master's Theses (2009 -)

There have been discrepancies noted with regards to experimental data from rapid compression machines (RCM). When data is compared from different RCM facilities, the ignition delay times are inconsistent when inspecting any particular temperature. Currently in publications, if these datasets are compared, the discrepancy is said to be due to heat loss, however this issue has yet to be examined more thoroughly. To determine what the root cause of this discrepancy is, four different fake RCM facilities were created and simulated. There were also different sets of initial conditions used to determine how this may affect the data. They were …


Development Of An Optimal Controller And Validation Test Stand For Fuel Efficient Engine Operation, Jack G. Rehn Iii Jul 2017

Development Of An Optimal Controller And Validation Test Stand For Fuel Efficient Engine Operation, Jack G. Rehn Iii

Master's Theses (2009 -)

There are numerous motivations for improvements in automotive fuel efficiency. As concerns over the environment grow at a rate unmatched by hybrid and electric automotive technologies, the need for reductions in fuel consumed by current road vehicles has never been more present. Studies have shown that a major cause of poor fuel consumption in automobiles is improper driving behavior, which cannot be mitigated by purely technological means. The emergence of autonomous driving technologies has provided an opportunity to alleviate this inefficiency by removing the necessity of a driver. Before autonomous technology can be relied upon to reduce gasoline consumption on …


Development Of Kinematic Templates For Automatic Pronunciation Assessment Using Acoustic-To-Articulatory Inversion, Deriq K. Jones Jul 2017

Development Of Kinematic Templates For Automatic Pronunciation Assessment Using Acoustic-To-Articulatory Inversion, Deriq K. Jones

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Computer-aided pronunciation training (CAPT) is a subcategory of computer-aided language learning (CALL) that deals with the correction of mispronunciation during language learning. For a CAPT system to be effective, it must provide useful and informative feedback that is comprehensive, qualitative, quantitative, and corrective. While the majority of modern systems address the first 3 aspects of feedback, most of these systems do not provide corrective feedback. As part of the National Science Foundation (NSF) funded study “RI: Small: Speaker Independent Acoustic-Articulator Inversion for Pronunciation Assessment”, the Marquette Speech and Swallowing Lab and Marquette Speech and Signal Processing Lab are conducting a …


Deep Neural Networks As Time Series Forecasters Of Energy Demand, Gregory Merkel Jul 2017

Deep Neural Networks As Time Series Forecasters Of Energy Demand, Gregory Merkel

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Short-term load forecasting is important for the day-to-day operation of natural gas utilities. Traditionally, short-term load forecasting of natural gas is done using linear regression, autoregressive integrated moving average models, and artificial neural networks. Many purchasing and operating decisions are made using these forecasts, and there can be high cost to both natural gas utilities and their customers if the short-term load forecast is inaccurate. Therefore, the GasDay lab continues to explore new ways to make better forecasts. Recently, deep neural networks (DNNs) have emerged as a powerful tool in machine learning problems. DNNs have been shown to greatly outperform …


Pore Resolved Simulations Of Char Particle Gasification, Greg Hingwah Fong Jul 2017

Pore Resolved Simulations Of Char Particle Gasification, Greg Hingwah Fong

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Coal is a significant source of energy in today’s world and many studies have been conducted in order to better understand and optimize its use. To address greenhouse effects associated with coal combustion, cleaner methods for harnessing its energy are being explored. One such method is gasification, a process which converts coal into syngas, a mixture consisting primarily of H2 and CO. Syngas can be used to generate electricity or to produce hydrocarbons that can be used as fuels. To better understand and optimize the process, simulations can be used to study the gasification of individual porous char particles that …


X-Ray Tube Anode Balance Analysis And Vacuum Balancer Parameter Optimization, Matthew Malak Jul 2017

X-Ray Tube Anode Balance Analysis And Vacuum Balancer Parameter Optimization, Matthew Malak

Master's Theses (2009 -)

A manufacturing facility is introducing the company's first straddle mount liquid metal spiral groove bearing (SGB) on a rotating anode x-ray tube. In a manufacturing environment, it is critical that processes are robust and timely to drive down costs while also responding to market demand for improvement. There is currently a lot of variation in the anode balance process. Furthermore, there are repeatability questions surrounding the new balancing system that is used in this anode balance process. To better understand the characteristics of the new liquid metal SGB anode and the effects of measurement system variation, the measurement system will …


An Improved Method Of Arsenic (Iii) Removal By Reverse Osmosis Membrane, Yizhi Hou Jul 2017

An Improved Method Of Arsenic (Iii) Removal By Reverse Osmosis Membrane, Yizhi Hou

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Arsenic is a Group 1 carcinogen as there is abundant research to support that ingestion of arsenic in drinking water and food can lead to liver, lung, kidney, or bladder cancer in humans. The recommend World Health Organization (WHO) arsenic standard in drinking water is 10 µg/L, while the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of arsenic in drinking water is 10 µg/L. Globally, at least 40 million people face more than 10 µg/L arsenic contamination in their drinking water. As(III) (trivalent state, such as arsenite), and As(V) (pentavalent state, such as arsenates) are the dominant arsenic forms …


A Parametric Investigation And Optimization Of A Cylindrical Explosive Charge, Logan Ellsworth Beaver Jul 2017

A Parametric Investigation And Optimization Of A Cylindrical Explosive Charge, Logan Ellsworth Beaver

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Explosive device design has a wide impact in the space, manufacturing, military, and mining industries. As a step toward computer assisted design of explosives, an optimization framework was developed using the Design Analysis Kit for Optimization and Terrascale Applications (Dakota). This software was coupled with the hydrocode CTH. This framework was applied to three exploding cylinder models, two in 1D and one in 2D. Gradient descent, dividing rectangles, and a genetic algorithm were each applied to the one-dimensional models. Parametric studies were performed as a basis for comparison with the optimization algorithms, as well as qualifying the 1D model's accuracy. …


Evaluating Wall Shear Stress Indices To Uncover Stimuli For Restenosis And Malapposition In Stented Coronary Arteries, Ali A. Aleiou Jul 2017

Evaluating Wall Shear Stress Indices To Uncover Stimuli For Restenosis And Malapposition In Stented Coronary Arteries, Ali A. Aleiou

Master's Theses (2009 -)

The cause of coronary artery neointimal thickening leading to restenosis in ~10% of drug-eluting stents is unknown. Although research suggests adverse values of traditional wall shear stress (WSS) indices may contribute, studies to date have not accounted for stent geometry, which dictates local WSS patterns influencing drug concentration. Recently proposed WSS indices such as WSS variability and WSS exposure time (WSSET) may shed further light on restenosis or, the opposite effect, resorption. The objective of this investigation was to locally evaluate traditional and recently proposed post-stenting metrics and their respective impact on restenosis or resorption. This study used de-identified data …


Adaptive Control Of Joystick Steering In Recreational Boats, John Bayless Jul 2017

Adaptive Control Of Joystick Steering In Recreational Boats, John Bayless

Master's Theses (2009 -)

This thesis addresses the challenge of commissioning recreational boats with joystick control when the boat’s physical parameters are not known. The research was conducted by following a model-based, systems engineering approach which leveraged MATLAB simulations and scale-model physical testing. The outcome of the research is a working methodology using L1 Adaptive Control which provides fast adaption in a way that could reduce the cost of commissioning recreational boats with joystick control, improve the robustness of the final design, and potentially expand the accessible market to new boat types.


Evaluating The Bond Behavior Between Frp And Grooved Concrete Specimens Using Single Shear Pull Out Test, John Omboko Apr 2017

Evaluating The Bond Behavior Between Frp And Grooved Concrete Specimens Using Single Shear Pull Out Test, John Omboko

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Surface preparation affects the bond behavior between Fiber Reinforcing Polymer (FRP) composite material and concrete. In this research, a special type of surface preparation known as grooving, which involves cutting transverse grooves, is conducted on concrete blocks (specimens) that are categorized as either Unfilled (U) or Filled (F). This idea is to ascertain how the grooves affect the strength of FRP-bonded-concrete specimen. These two categories are then benchmarked to control (C) specimens which do not have grooves on them. Category U specimens only have the epoxy applied on the concrete surface while category F specimens have epoxy applied on both …


Speaker-Specific Adaptation Of Maeda Synthesis Parameters For Auditory Feedback, Joseph Vonderhaar Apr 2017

Speaker-Specific Adaptation Of Maeda Synthesis Parameters For Auditory Feedback, Joseph Vonderhaar

Master's Theses (2009 -)

The Real-time Articulatory Speech Synthesizer (RASS) is a research tool in the Marquette Speech and Swallowing lab that simultaneously collects acoustic and articulatory data from human participants. The system is used to study acoustic-to-articulatory inversion, articulatory-to-acoustic synthesis mapping, and the effects of real-time acoustic feedback. Electromagnetic Articulography (EMA) is utilized to collect position data via sensors placed in a subject’s mouth. These kinematic data are then converted into a set of synthesis parameters that controls an articulatory speech synthesizer, which in turn generates an acoustic waveform matching the associated kinematics. Independently from RASS, the synthesized acoustic waveform can be further …


Developing An Imaging Biomarker To Detect Aberrant Brain Connectivity In Individual Patients, Esther Cox Apr 2017

Developing An Imaging Biomarker To Detect Aberrant Brain Connectivity In Individual Patients, Esther Cox

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Resting state functional MRI (rsfMRI) has been proven to be a valuable tool in clinical applications such as pre-surgical mapping, but there is not yet a functional and usable algorithm that can be used by physicians in a clinical setting to evaluate an individual patient for diseases and aberrant brain connectivity. If a physician wants to evaluate a patient in this way, the rsfMRI data must be looked at “by hand,” i.e. the physician must manually evaluate the data and identify the functional ICN’s and whether they are normal or aberrant. An algorithm that would automate this process and supplement …


Network-On-Chip Based H.264 Video Decoder On A Field Programmable Gate Array, Ian Barge Apr 2017

Network-On-Chip Based H.264 Video Decoder On A Field Programmable Gate Array, Ian Barge

Master's Theses (2009 -)

This thesis develops the first fully network-on-chip (NoC) based h.264 video decoder implemented in real hardware on a field programmable gate array (FPGA). This thesis starts with an overview of the h.264 video coding standard and an introduction to the NoC communication paradigm. Following this, a series of processing elements (PEs) are developed which implement the component algorithms making up the h.264 video decoder. These PEs, described primarily in VHDL with some Verilog and C, are then mapped to an NoC which is generated using the CONNECT NoC generation tool. To demonstrate the scalability of the proposed NoC based design, …


Biosolids-Derived Biochar For Micropollutant Removal From Wastewater, Lee Kimbell Apr 2017

Biosolids-Derived Biochar For Micropollutant Removal From Wastewater, Lee Kimbell

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Trace organic compounds including antibiotics, hormones, pharmaceuticals and personal care products are discharged to the environment with liquid and solid effluent streams from water resource recovery facilities. These compounds are referred to as micropollutants, and can have negative impacts in receiving waters. Current wastewater treatment processes are not specifically designed to remove micropollutants, and many of these compounds are recalcitrant to conventional treatment technologies. Triclosan (TCS) was selected as a representative micropollutant in this study due to frequent detection in liquid effluents, residual biosolids, and surface waters. Pyrolysis - the thermochemical decomposition of organic matter at elevated temperatures in the …


Characterization Of The Shock Wave Structure In Water, Emilie Teitz Apr 2017

Characterization Of The Shock Wave Structure In Water, Emilie Teitz

Master's Theses (2009 -)

The scientific community is interested in furthering the understanding of shock wave structures in water, given its implications in a wide range of applications; from researching how shock waves penetrate unwanted body tissues to studying how humans respond to blast waves. Shock wave research on water has existed for over five decades. Previous studies have investigated the shock response of water at pressures ranging from 1 to 70 GPa using flyer plate experiments. This report differs from previously published experiments in that the water was loaded to shock pressures ranging from 0.36 to 0.70 GPa. The experiment also utilized tap …


Java Server Reliability In The Presence Of Failures, Rich Coe Apr 2017

Java Server Reliability In The Presence Of Failures, Rich Coe

Master's Theses (2009 -)

A design for the separation of a server interface and work processing. Numerous sources, Tanenbaum (Tanenbaum Modern Operating Systems, 493), Goscinski (Goscinski Distributed operating systems, 203), and Birman (Birman Reliable distributed systems, 265), all discuss the concept of Two-Phase Commit, where a coordinator directs one or more processes to perform a transaction. If the transaction or any of the processes fail, the coordinator can decide how to proceed by either retrying or aborting the request. The popular web browser Chrome utilizes a separate process for each tab displayed. Should the rendering and display of a web page cause a crash, …