Engineering Commons^™

A Comparative Study For 2d And 3d Computer-Aided Diagnosis Methods For Solitary Pulmonary Nodules, Chinson Yeh, Jen-Feng Wang, Ming-Ting Wu, Chen-Wen Yen, Mark L. Nagurka, Chen-Liang Lin

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Many computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) methods, including 2D and 3D approaches, have been proposed for solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs). However, the detection and diagnosis of SPNs remain challenging in many clinical circumstances. One goal of this work is to investigate the relative diagnostic accuracy of 2D and 3D methods. An additional goal is to develop a two-stage approach that combines the simplicity of 2D and the accuracy of 3D methods. The experimental results show statistically significant differences between the diagnostic accuracy of 2D and 3D methods. The results also show that with a very minor drop in diagnostic performance the two-stage …

A Vowel-Stress Emotional Speech Analysis Method, Charlie Cullen, Brian Vaughan, Spyros Kousidis

Conference papers

The analysis of speech, particularly for emotional content, is an open area of current research. This paper documents the development of a vowel-stress analysis framework for emotional speech, which is intended to provide suitable assessment of the assets obtained in terms of their prosodic attributes. The consideration of different levels of vowel-stress provides means by which the salient points of a signal may be analysed in terms of their overall priority to the listener. The prosodic attributes of these events can thus be assessed in terms of their overall significance, in an effort to provide a means of categorising the …

A Real-Time Framework For Video Time And Pitch Scale Modification, Ivan Damnjanovic, Dan Barry, David Dorran, Josh Reiss

Conference papers

A framework is presented which addresses the issues related to the real-time implementation of synchronised video and audio time-scale and pitch-scale modification algorithms. It allows for seamless real-time transition between continually varying, independent time-scale and pitch-scale parameters arising as a result of manual or automatic intervention. We illuminate the problems which arise in a real-time context as well as provide novel solutions to prevent artefacts, minimise latency, and improve synchronisation. The time and pitch scaling approach is based on a modified phase vocoder with optional phase locking and an integrated transient detector which enables high quality transient preservation in real-time. …

Detailed Seismic Evaluation Of Bridges On And Over The Parkways In Western Kentucky, Jian Xie, Issam E. Harik, Tong Zhao

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report outlines a rating system and details an evaluation procedure for the seismic evaluation of highway bridges. These processes are later used to investigate the structural integrity of selected highway bridges on and over the parkways in Western Kentucky. A total of 349 bridges were rated with the bridge ranking system, and 17 were selected for detailed seismic evaluation.

The capacity/demand ratio method developed by the Federal Highway Administration is employed for the detailed evaluation of bridges. The evaluation involves creating three-dimensional finite element models for all 17 bridges. Dynamic analysis is performed for a projected 250-year event. Among …

Seismic Evaluation And Ranking Of Embankments For Bridges On And Over The Parkways In Western Kentucky, Han Shan Ding, Issam E. Harik, Ching Chiaw Choo

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study represents one of the Seismic Evaluation of Bridges on and over the Parkways in Western Kentucky investigative series. The effort is focused on the seismic vulnerability of bridge embankments against slope instability and liquefaction potential. An evaluation and rating procedure is presented to assist in identifying and prioritizing bridge embankments that are susceptible to failure due to projected seismic events.

To expedite the process, the algorithm titled Seismic Assessment System for Bridges (SASB) was programmed. Three hundred and eight-nine (389) bridge embankments (parallel bridges included) along the five western Kentucky parkways – Audubon, Pennyrile, Purchase, Western Kentucky, and …

Seismic Evaluation Of Bridges On And Over The Parkways In Western Kentucky – Summary Report, Ching Chiaw Choo, Jian Xie, Tong Zhao, Jindong Hu, Hanshan Ding, Zhenming Wang, Baoping Shi, Abheetha Peiris, Issam E. Harik, Edward W. Woolery

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report (KTC-07-02/SPR246-02-1F) provides an overall summary on the seismic investigative study performed on bridges on/over the five parkways in Western Kentucky. The comprehensive study was further divided into the followings tasks, each reported separately as follows:

(1) The first report of this study (KTC-07-03/SRP246-02-2F) involved data collection and field inspection of bridges on/over the parkways. The resulting inventory contains data of three hundred fifty-one (351) bridges on/over the parkways, detailing their construction type, soil profile, present condition, etc.

(2) In KTC-07-04/SPR246-02-3F, a preliminary seismic evaluation and ranking was performed on all bridges within the inventory. Details of the evaluation …

Site Investigation Of Bridges On And Over The Parkways In Western Kentucky, Jindong Hu, Tong Zhao, Issam E. Harik, Jian Xie

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Determination of the seismic risk of the bridges on and over the parkways in Western Kentucky requires evaluating the current condition of the individual elements of the bridges. Except for culverts, all bridges were visually inspected, photographed and the records were stored in a database. Data of the visual inspection and the photographs were combined to form the completed site inspection forms. Any visually observed deficiencies of the bridge elements were recorded.

A Compact Disc (CD) that includes pictures of the bridges is attached to this report. The site inspection forms of all bridges on and over the parkways in …

Seismic-Hazard Maps And Time Histories For The Commonwealth Of Kentucky, Zhenming Wang, Issam E. Harik, Edward W. Woolery, Baoping Shi, Abheetha Peiris

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The ground-motion hazard maps and time histories for three earthquake scenarios, expected earthquakes, probable earthquakes, and maximum credible earthquakes on the free surface in hard rock (shear-wave velocity >1,500 m/s), were derived using the deterministic seismic hazard analysis. The results are based on (1) historical observations, (2) instrumental records, and (3) current understanding of the earthquake source, recurrence, and ground-motion attenuation relationship in the central United States. It is well understood that there are uncertainties in the ground motion hazard maps because of the uncertainties inherent in parameters such as earthquake location, magnitude, and frequency used in the study. This …

Preliminary Seismic Evaluation And Ranking Of Bridges On And Over The Parkways In Western Kentucky, Jian Xie, Issam E. Harik, Tong Zhao, Jindong Hu

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Five parkways in Western Kentucky are located in the region that is greatly influenced by the New Madrid and Wabash Valley Seismic Zones. This report executes a preliminary screening process, known also as the Seismic Rating System, for bridges on and over parkways in Western Kentucky to identify the seismic vulnerable bridges.

The ranking of bridges derived from this rating system is based on: structural vulnerability, seismic and geotechnical hazards, and bridge importance. There are 349 bridges were ranked with the Seismic Inventory of Bridges (SIB), a user-oriented database program developed according to the Seismic Retrofitting Manual. The bridge ranks …

Technology Scan For Electronic Toll Collection, Joseph D. Crabtree, Candice Y. Wallace, Natasha J. Mamaril

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this project was to identify and assess available technologies and methodologies for electronic toll collection (ETC) and to develop recommendations for the best way(s) to implement toll collection in the Louisville metropolitan area. The intent was to determine which tolling mechanisms maximize efficiency and effectiveness of toll collection while minimizing traffic impacts. This report describes the advantages and disadvantages of tolling, current tolling technologies, the purpose of ETC, and the benefits and costs of ETC. Implementation issues for ETC are discussed, including the location of toll collection facilities, ETC methodologies, interoperability of ETC systems, how to handle …

Equivalent Barge And Flotilla Impact Forces On Bridge Piers, Peng Yuan, Issam E. Harik

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Bridge piers located in navigable inland waterways are designed to resist impact forces from barges and flotillas in addition to other design considerations (e.g., scour, dead and live loads, etc.). The primary design tool for estimating these forces is the AASHTO Guide Specification which provides a simple hand calculation method for determining an “equivalent impact force”. The simplicity comes at a cost of excluding the effect of the pier shape, impact duration, and interaction between barges in a flotilla. The objective of this report is to present a hand calculation method for determining barge or flotilla equivalent static impact forces …

Future Management Strategies For State Maintained Wetlands And Stream Mitigation Sites, Sudhir Palle, Theodore Hopwood Ii

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study was to identify existing wetland/stream mitigation sites owned by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and assess performance of those sites including problems encountered and maintenance costs. Initial work determined that KYTC Districts performed actions to address wetlands/stream mitigation maintenance under the direction and funding support of KYTC Division of Environmental Analysis. KYTC also sought to identify best practices employed by other transportation agencies. A survey of transportation agencies in neighboring states indicated that most significant “best practice” was to obtain wetland management oversight by their state Fish and Wildlife agencies 5 years after the permitting process (Section 404 …

Multi-Barge Flotilla Impact Forces On Bridges, Peng Yuan, Issam E. Harik, Michael T. Davidson

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The current AASHTO equations for barge impact loads are based on scale models of barges, and may not accurately predict impact loads on bridge piers. The results of this study produce more realistic flotilla impact design loads, potentially leading to a reduction in construction costs of bridges over navigable waterways. The objectives of this study are: (1) To conduct theoretical finite element analysis on various types of flotillas impacting bridge piers. The flotillas and the respective barges will be of the type commonly traversing Kentucky’s waterways; and (2) To generate design equations for barge/flotilla impact loads. The study concludes the …

Air Curtains Of Open Refrigerated Display Cases Revisited: A New Technique For Infiltration Rate Measurements, M. Amin, Homayun K. Navaz, D. Dabiri, Ramin T. Faramarzi

Mechanical Engineering Publications

Air curtains are created in open refrigerated vertical display cases for creating an invisible barrier between the cold air inside and the warm air outside the case. A systematic approach is developed to minimize the entrainment and infiltration of warm air into the case by optimizing the performance of an air curtain through adjusting pertinent flow parameters and case geometry. A modular display case was manufactured for the parametric studies. In this modular display case the geometry and flow parameters were changed and the infiltration rate was measured using a new technique, tracer gas method, which could be performed noticeably …

Optimal Controller Synthesis Of Variable-Time Impulsive Problems Using Single Network Adaptive Critics, Xiaohua Wang, S. N. Balakrishnan

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper presents a systematic approach to solve for the optimal control of a variable-time impulsive system. First, optimality condition for a variable-time impulsive system is derived using the calculus of variations method. Next, a single network adaptive critic technique is proposed to numerically solve for the optimal control and the detailed algorithm is presented. Finally, two examples-one linear and one nonlinear-are solved applying the conditions derived and the algorithm proposed. Numerical results demonstrate the power of the neural network based adaptive critic method in solving this class of problems.

Clustering Of Cancer Tissues Using Diffusion Maps And Fuzzy Art With Gene Expression Data, Rui Xu, Steven Damelin, Donald C. Wunsch

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Early detection of a tumor's site of origin is particularly important for cancer diagnosis and treatment. The employment of gene expression profiles for different cancer types or subtypes has already shown significant advantages over traditional cancer classification methods. Here, we apply a neural network clustering theory, Fuzzy ART, to generate the division of cancer samples, which is useful in investigating unknown cancer types or subtypes. On the other hand, we use diffusion maps, which interpret the eigenfunctions of Markov matrices as a system of coordinates on the original data set in order to obtain efficient representation of data geometric descriptions, …

Differential Evolution Particle Swarm Optimization For Digital Filter Design, Bipul Luitel, Ganesh K. Venayagamoorthy

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, swarm and evolutionary algorithms have been applied for the design of digital filters. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) and differential evolution particle swarm optimization (DEPSO) have been used here for the design of linear phase finite impulse response (FIR) filters. Two different fitness functions have been studied and experimented, each having its own significance. The first study considers a fitness function based on the passband and stopband ripple, while the second study considers a fitness function based on the mean squared error between the actual and the ideal filter response. DEPSO seems to be promising tool for FIR …

A Quantum Calculus Formulation Of Dynamic Programming And Ordered Derivatives, John E. Seiffertt Iv, Donald C. Wunsch

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Much recent research activity has focused on the theory and application of quantum calculus. This branch of mathematics continues to find new and useful applications and there is much promise left for investigation into this field. We present a formulation of dynamic programming grounded in the quantum calculus. Our results include the standard dynamic programming induction algorithm which can be interpreted as the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation in the quantum calculus. Furthermore, we show that approximate dynamic programming in quantum calculus is tenable by laying the groundwork for the backpropagation algorithm common in neural network training. In particular, we prove that the …

Towards Spike-Based Speech Processing: A Biologically Plausible Approach To Simple Acoustic Classification, Ismail Uysal, Harsha Sathyendra, John G. Harris

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Shortcomings of automatic speech recognition (ASR) applications are becoming more evident as they are more widely used in real life. The inherent non-stationarity associated with the timing of speech signals as well as the dynamical changes in the environment make the ensuing analysis and recognition extremely difficult. Researchers often turn to biology seeking clues to make better engineered systems, and ASR is no exception with the usage of feature sets such as Mel frequency cepstral coefficients, which employ filter banks similar to cochlear filter banks in frequency distribution and bandwidth. In this paper, we delve deeper into the mechanics of …

Pavement Quality Indicators Study, Cody Kluver, Wayne Jensen

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Investigation Of Asphalt Pavement Analyzer Testing Program In Nebraska, Minki Hong

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Two-Dimensional Computer-Generated Ornamentation Using A User-Driven Global Planning Strategy, Dustin Robert Anderson

Master's Theses

Hand drawn ornamentation, such as floral or geometric patterns, is a tedious and time consuming task that requires much skill and training in ornamental design principles and aesthetics. Ornamental drawings both historically and presently play critical roles in all things from art to architecture; however, little work has been done in exploring their algorithmic and interactive generation. The field of computer graphics offers many algorithmic possibilities for assisting an artist in creating two-dimensional ornamental art. When computers handle the repetition and overall structure of ornament, considerable savings in time and money can result. Today, the few existing computer algorithms used …

Neural Network Models For Solving The Maximum Flow Problem, S. Effati, M. Ranjbar

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

In this paper, two new neural network models for solving the maximum flow problem are presented. The maximum flow problem in networks is formulated as a special type of linear programming problem and it is solved by appropriately defined neural networks. The nonlinear neural networks are able to generate optimal solution for maximum flow problem. We solve neural network models by one of the numerical method. Finally, some numerical examples are provided for the sake of illustration.

Mechanisms Of T Helper Cell Modulation In A Simulated Space Radiation Environment, Asma Rizvi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Exposure to solar particle events (SPEs) poses the most serious threat to astronaut health. Due to this radiation environment, exploration of the solar system beyond Earth’s orbit entails many risks for the crew on these deep space missions. Depression or dysfunction of the immune system is a major concern due to its high radio-sensitivity; potential consequences include overwhelming infection, development of cancer, fibrosis, and poor wound healing. Astronauts are also exposed to low dose/low dose rate (LDR) radiation. A three month stay at the international space station exposes them to ~ 0.05 Gy of radiation.

C57BL/6 mice received LDR gamma-radiation …

A Case-Study Based Course On "Device Evaluation And Fda Approval", Kristen O'Halloran Cardinal

Biomedical Engineering

Preclinical evaluation of new devices and therapies is an integral part of research and development in the medical device industry, and the regulatory process for FDA approval is a major driving force behind much that goes on in a company setting. A large number of graduating biomedical engineers enter this medical device industry or a related environment upon graduation from our institution. Although these engineers are equipped to address many of the technical challenges that will arise, there is currently limited formal training in or exposure to the regulatory process that is required to bring new devices to market. Knowledge …

Experimental Concrete Coating Application On The Median Barrier Of I-65 In Louisville, Rick Younce, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Sudhir Palle

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of this research were to evaluate the experimental protective coating that was applied to approximately 1,200 linear feet of concrete median barrier along the paving project on a section of I 65 between mile points 131.289 and 136.421 in downtown Louisville.

The project was completed generally in accordance with the specifications and special notes. This experimental project is the first trial of concrete coatings identified under KYSPR 05-271 Coatings, Sealants and Fillers to Address Bridge Concrete Deterioration and Aesthetics-Phase 1. The coatings systems identified under that study were intended to provide improved protection and aesthetics for reinforced concrete. …

Mimo Beam-Forming With Neural Network Channel Prediction Trained By A Novel Pso-Ea-Depso Algorithm, Chris G. Potter, Ganesh K. Venayagamoorthy, Kurt Louis Kosbar

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A new hybrid algorithm based on particle swarm optimization (PSO), evolutionary algorithm (EA), and differential evolution (DE) is presented for training a recurrent neural network (RNN) for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channel prediction. The hybrid algorithm is shown to be superior in performance to PSO and differential evolution PSO (DEPSO) for different channel environments. The received signal-to-noise ratio is derived for un-coded and beam-forming MIMO systems to see how the RNN error affects the performance. This error is shown to deteriorate the accuracy of the weak singular modes, making beam-forming more desirable. Bit error rate simulations are performed to validate these …

On The Ergodic Capacity Of Mimo Triply Selective Rayleigh Fading Channels, Chengshan Xiao, Y. Rosa Zheng

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The ergodic capacity is investigated for triply selective MIMO Rayleigh fading channels. A mathematical formula is derived for the ergodic capacity in the case when the channel state information is known to the receiver but unknown to the transmitter. A closed-form formula is derived that quantifies the effect of the frequency-selective fading on the ergodic capacity into an intersymbol interference (ISI) degradation factor. Different from the existing conclusion that the frequency-selective fading channel has the same ergodic capacity as the frequency flat fading channel, we show that the discrete-time inter-tap correlated frequency selective fading channel has smaller ergodic capacity than …

Synthesis Of Double-Input Dc-Dc Converters Using A Single-Pole Triple-Throw Switch As A Building Block, Karteek Gummi, Mehdi Ferdowsi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Hybridizing power electronic systems using an energy storage unit has gained popularity in transportation and power system applications. This task has traditionally been performed by using several independent power electronic converters. Multi-input converters, due to their reduced part count and improved efficiency, seem to be an advantageous option to replace the conventional converters. A few multi-input converter topologies have been reported in the literature; however, there is not a systematic approach to derive them. Furthermore, all possible topologies are not completely explored and it is difficult to derive new converters from the existing topologies. Hence, in this paper, a systematic …

Building Benchmarks, James D. Sterling

Business and Information Technology Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.