Engineering Commons^™

Characterizing The Viscoelastic Behavior Of Pdms/Pdps Copolymers, Mark E. Small

Mechanical Engineering ETDs

Viscoelasticity is the property of materials that exhibits both viscous and elastic characteristics when undergoing deformation. In polymeric materials, the mechani- cal behavior is dominated by this viscoelastic phenomenon. Creating computational models for these materials can be quite complicated due to their frequency depen- dent and temperature dependent material properties. The research presented in this paper will use state of the art methods to fully develop a material model for a filled polydimethylsiloxane-polydiphenynlsiloxane (PDMS/PDPS) copolymer foam that has yet to be characterized. Mechanical properties of PDMS/PDPS copoly- mers are currently being studied to assess engineering performance, and to provide accurate …

Material Effects On Strawbale Wall Seismic Capacity, Margaret Ackerson, Mckenna Williams

Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering Senior Theses

Strawbale construction is a sustainable, viable alternative to conventional building practices. As a newly introduced appendix to the International Residential Code (IRC), the strawbale construction requirements may benefit from further evaluation and possible refinement. Such evaluation and refinement may lead towards code change proposals that will improve the provisions and make strawbale construction safer and more accessible to the general public. This seismic test series addressed the effect of mesh wire type on ductility and the validity of the existing wall slenderness limits. The tests focused on slender walls dominated by flexural deformations. Welded wire mesh wall performed better than …

Human Biomechanics Ii Course Project, Abdelaziz Mohammad

Best Integrated Writing

Mohammad tested Human Arm Module PASCO ME-6807A, in order to determine some of the biomechanical characteristics, such as force, tension, instantaneous angular velocity, and acceleration vs. angular position required for various movements and arm positions in space.

Powerplaylist: A Collaborative Web Application That Aims To Give Everyone A Voice, Sara Cassella, Alexander Polatnick, Kristen Ronhovde

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

PowerPlaylist is a client-server based online collaborative playlist that allows guests of a party to have private access to the hosts playlist. Guests can access the queue of songs, request songs, or up-vote or down-vote songs already requested by other guests. Before PowerPlaylist, there was no musical platform that allowed guests at an event to express his or her opinions on what music should be played without distracting the host or DJ. This web application platform solves that problem while requiring little authentication, and not requiring any software downloads in order to be used. PowerPlaylist aims to give every guest …

Virtual Reality Rhythm Game, Joshua Yi, Jordan Lai

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

Virtual reality headsets such as the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift bring robust virtual reality technology in the hands of consumers. However, virtual reality technology is still a very new and unexplored domain with a dearth of compelling software that takes advantage of what virtual reality has to offer. Current rhythm games on the virtual reality platform lack a sense of immersion for the player. These games also require players to remain stationary during gameplay. Our solution is a game where players have to hit musical notes that appear in a trail around them. The trail will move in different …

Droplet-Microfluidic Device For The Characterization Of Perfluorinated Emulsions, Daniel Horvath, Nam Ahn Tran

Bioengineering Senior Theses

Microfluidics is being used throughout academia and industry today to perform large numbers of experiments with extremely small volumes of fluids. By doing this, those that study microfluidics hope to raise through-put, lower cost and limit the environmental impact of scientific research.2 Complementing the increased use of microfluidics, the use of perfluorinated emulsions in the field of droplet-based microfluidics is also experiencing large growth.3 However, many of the products available today are either proprietary and/or poorly understood. While some chemical structures are known, some of the most scientifically intriguing perfluorinated oils and surfactants do not have their chemical structures or …

Engineering Synthetic Antibody By Expanded Genetic Code, Elizabeth Batiuk, Tracy Nguyen, Casey Kiyohara

Bioengineering Senior Theses

Antibodies are extensively used in research for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes because of their unrivaled specificity and biomarker binding strengths.1 Currently, monoclonal antibodies are most commonly used because of their production consistency and purity.1 However, there are significant ethical and economic challenges associated with producing monoclonal antibodies.¹ Synthetic antibodies provide a promising alternative to monoclonal antibodies in both clinical and research applications.²

Our proposed synthetic antibody system incorporates 3,4-dihydroxy-l-phenylalanine (L-DOPA), an unnatural amino acid used to increase binding affinity, into a peptide sequence specific for the prostate specific antigen (PSA), a biomarker for prostate cancer. This addition is …

Design Of A Single Family Home And Rooftop Rainwater Catchment System In Nepal Using Earthbag Technology, Makena Wong, Olivia Carreon, Nabila Farah Franco

Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering Senior Theses

After the devastating April 2015 Gorkha earthquake in Nepal, entire villages were destroyed and remain unbuilt. In addition, rural subsistence farmers in the village of Takure, Nepal are struggling to provide for their families due to a long seasonal dry season from October to May.8 In order to address this crisis, this team designed and implemented a simple earthbag house with a rooftop rainwater catchment system for homeless villagers in Takure. This single-family house design aimed to address Takure’s most urgent needs by being seismically-resistant, locally sourced, economically feasible, and sustainable. The project also created valuable benefits for the Takure …

Method Of Inhibiting Nitrosation Of An Aqueous Amine Solution Used In A Process Of Removing Carbon Dioxide From A Flue Gas, Joseph Eugene Remias, Payal Chandan, Kunlei Liu

Center for Applied Energy Research Faculty Patents

A method is provided for inhibiting nitrosation of an aqueous amine solution used in a process of removing carbon dioxide from a flue gas. That method includes a step of adding an effective amount of an antioxidant to the aqueous amine solution being circulated between an absorber and a stripper of a carbon dioxide capture system.

Intuitive Error Space Exploration Of Medical Image Data In Clinical Daily Routine, Christina Gillmann, Pablo Arbeláez, José Tiberio Hernández Peñaloza, Hans Hagen, Thomas Wischgoll

Computer Science and Engineering Faculty Publications

Medical image data can be affected by several image errors. These errors can lead to uncertain or wrong diagnosis in clinical daily routine. A large variety of image error metrics are available that target different aspects of image quality forming a highdimensional error space, which cannot be reviewed trivially. To solve this problem, this paper presents a novel error space exploration technique that is suitable for clinical daily routine. Therefore, the clinical workflow for reviewing medical data is extended by error space cluster information, that can be explored by user-defined selections. The presented tool was applied to two real-world datasets …

Vital Sensory Kit For Use With Telemedicine In Developing Countries, Alejandra Pacheco, Jose Hernandez, Antonio Maldonado-Liu, Natalie Arrizon

Interdisciplinary Design Senior Theses

In many developing countries, a large percentage of the population lacks access to adequate healthcare. This is especially true in India where close to 70% of the population lives in rural areas and has little to no access to hospitals or clinics. People living in rural India often times cannot afford to pay to see a doctor should they need to make the journey to a hospital. Telemedicine, a breakthrough in the past couple decades, has broken down the barrier between the patient and the physician. It has slowly been implemented in India to make doctors more available to patients …

Front Dynamics Of Elliptical Gravity Currents On A Uniform Slope, S. J. Zhu, ‪Nadim Zgheib, S. Balachandar, A. Ooi

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

In the present investigation, we report data from direct numerical simulations of elliptical, finite release, Boussinesq gravity currents propagating down a uniform slope. The study comprises a series of simulations of elliptical gravity currents on a range of slope angles. The shape parameters are varied to study the effects of the initial cross-sectional aspect ratio (Λ0) and mean height to lock radius ratio (Γ) on the dynamics of the gravity current. It is found that the long-time development of the current spatial mass distribution is influenced by its initial shape at smaller slope angles (θ=5∘ and 10∘) whereas the long-time …

Design And Implementation Of A Direct/Indirect Hybrid Trust Model For Secure Authentication In A Mobile Ad Hoc Network, Immanuel Amirtharaj, Eric Bonilla, Parker Newton

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

We investigated the problem of cryptographic key authentication in a mobile ad hoc network (MANET). Using the theory of digital trust, we propose an authentication scheme for MANETs that includes a hybrid trust model between the direct and indirect approaches. Our hybrid trust model supplies trust data to a decentralized web of trust in order to authenticate nodes in a MANET. We ran some simulations of our authentication scheme to verify its security and investigate potential trust threshold values. Also, we designed and implemented a proof-of-concept iOS application that implements our authentication scheme. Some future work includes investing several implications …

Ehras: Electronic Healthcare Record Management For Ad Hoc Settlements, Jack Kingsman, Evan Paul, Max Werner

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

Providing reliable and accurate healthcare to refugees in an ad hoc setting can be challenging for a variety of reasons, and most settlements currently utilize little to no record keeping for patients. EHRaS, our mobile-first electronic healthcare record management system, can provide an inexpensive electronic healthcare record (EHR) solution that is flexible in last-mile applications where infrastructure and technical support is at a minimum. By utilizing NFC technology, novel caching practices, and an extensible interface, our system not only securely identifies patients and authorizes staff to access sensitive medical data, but generally provides a competitive, low-overhead alternative to other open …

Cmag: Iot Baby Monitor, Xiaoting Liu, Kyle Takeuchi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Theses

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as SIDS, is the leading cause of mortality in infants from one month to one year of age. We propose a video-based baby monitoring system with Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities to help shorten the response time of SIDS cases. Using a video amplification technique developed at MIT dubbed “Eulerian Magnification” to amplify subtle movements we can compare pixel color differences in frames for breathing detection in a recorded video of a baby. In the event that abnormal movement is detected from the baby an alarm will be generated to notify the parents or …

Reactive Stepping With Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation In Response To Forward-Directed Perturbations, Alexander J. Hunt, Brooke M. Odle, Lisa M. Lombardo, Musa L. Audu, Ronald J. Triolo

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Implanted motor system neuroprostheses can be effective at increasing personal mobility of persons paralyzed by spinal cord injuries. However, currently available neural stimulation systems for standing employ patterns of constant activation and are unreactive to changing postural demands. Methods: In this work, we developed a closed-loop controller for detecting forward-directed body disturbances and initiating a stabilizing step in a person with spinal cord injury. Forward-directed pulls at the waist were detected with three body-mounted triaxial accelerometers. A finite state machine was designed and tested to trigger a postural response and apply stimulation to appropriate muscles so as to produce …

Optimal Charging Scheduler For Electric Vehicles On The Florida Turnpike, Florida Solar Energy Center, Zhihua Qu

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This project developed a methodology to simulate and analyze roadway traffic patterns and expected penetration and timing of electric vehicles (EVs) with application directed toward the requirements for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) siting and purchasing/leasing at turnpike plazas. The project also developed a wireless-communication-based driver-assistance application that would optimize the location and timing of charging for individual drivers as well as efficiency of the overall charging network. The first steps of the project were to develop the systematic methodology for analyzing expected penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) and their impacts on the overall transportation infrastructure. An analytical model consisting …

Pro-Resume: The Infographic Resume Builder, Ivy Wu, Kyra Wayne, Sanika Lakka, Tanisha Rai

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

Scoring an interview is a challenge for any job seeker these days, thus having a unique and well-organized resume is crucial to grab a recruiter’s attention. Online resume builders such as ResumeNow and VisualizeMe have been created to help users build resumes; however, their templates are lacking in quantity, customizability, and in some instances, even legibility. Thus, our team set out to create an infographic online resume builder, a web application that allows its users to build, organize, and beautify their resumes to aid them in their job search. Our system allows for easy integration with their LinkedIn profiles so …

Real Time Analysis Of Eye Gaze Data, Nathan Ng, Andrew Wei

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

Eye Tracking is an up and coming form of technology that allows the analysis of human interaction and attention patterns. This can be extremely useful in multiple aspects such as the automotive industry, the medical field, gaming industries, and schools and universities. But what hasn't been done yet is the real time analysis of that data. In this document, we propose to bridge the gap between raw data gathered from the Tobii Pro X3-120 Eye Tracker and the real time analysis of that data. Doing so will unlock untapped potential in the form of dynamic applications and real time experiment …

Visions For The Field By A Pioneer, Vladimir Mironov

Biofabrication for Hierarchical in Vitro Tissue Models

Only Presentation No Abstract

Intelligent Coordination And Automation For Smart Home Accessories, Alexander Choulos, Tian Zhang

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

Smarthome accessories are rapidly becoming more popular. Although many companies are making devices to take advantage of this market, most of the created smart devices are actually unintelligent. Currently, these smart home devices require meticulous, tedious configuration to get any sort of enhanced usability over their analog counterparts. We propose building a general model using machine learning and data science to automatically learn a user's smart accessory usage to predict their configuration. We have identified the requirements, collected data, recognized the risks, implemented the system, and have met the goals we set out to accomplish.

Variable Drive Vehicle, Christopher Clark, Michael D'Arrigo, Graham Mcclone, Joseph Sahyoun

Mechanical Engineering Senior Theses

The versatility of current rovers and exploratory vehicles is limited by a single drive system. The Variable Drive Vehicle (VDV) employs a actuated systemcapable of switching between wheeled and tracked drive modes. This allows the vehicle to travel quickly and efficiently over smooth terrain and to traverse more arduous terrain by switching between these two systems. The small scale prototype built over the course of this project is equipped with two modular wheel driven track units to demonstrate the viability of the system. Electric linear actuators and servo motors allow for simple control and a smooth transition between each drive …

Real-Time Classification Of Biomedical Signals, Parkinson’S Analytical Model, Abolfazl Saghafi

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The reach of technological innovation continues to grow, changing all industries as it evolves. In healthcare, technology is increasingly playing a role in almost all processes, from patient registration to data monitoring, from lab tests to self-care tools. The increase in the amount and diversity of generated clinical data requires development of new technologies and procedures capable of integrating and analyzing the BIG generated information as well as providing support in their interpretation.

To that extent, this dissertation focuses on the analysis and processing of biomedical signals, specifically brain and heart signals, using advanced machine learning techniques. That is, the …

On The Relative Positioning Of Mobile Devices Through Bluetooth Analysis, Karsten Andersen, Matt Gibson

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

Currently, there is no way to accurately track a mobile devices position in a given space without the use of GPS or WiFi. This means that people who are interested in understanding where they currently are in relationship to other people or landmarks and do not have access to these technologies are not able to get accurate location information. In many cases, GPS and WiFi fail to provide the accuracy required to provide useful information as well.

Our solution is a software layer that utilizes existing bluetooth hardware to create a highly accurate relative positioning system. The software layer utilizes …

Shot Clock, Kory Bartlett, Farzad Fred Feyzi

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

The sports sector has experienced major growth over the past couple of decades and is anticipated to grow even faster in the foreseeable future, especially as media technology continues to advance and access to sports games continues to increase. As the audience of sports enthusiast and observers expands, more people may miss the most recent and interesting sporting events from the previous night. Many websites have attempted to serve these groups, but they have become cluttered with articles or short-clips that hold little to no significance to the sporting outcome. These websites have begun to get away from the simple …

Anthrolink: Phased Antenna Arrays And Applications In Wireless Connectivity, Jonathan Lee, Srinivaas Sekaran

Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Theses

Anthrolink is a next generation communication system that has the potential to connect the next 3 billion individuals to the Internet. It uses phased patch antenna arrays and a simple phasing and weighting algorithm for beam switching at 5.8 GHz. End-to end system validates key components of a potential 5G network that supports IoT topologies of the future.

Using a sequence of an RF oscillator, beam-forming Butler matrix, an RF switch, and custom beam-switching algorithms, a proof-of-concept communication system is produced. This is verified by four independent and separate receiver endpoints that detect RF signals by way of DC output. …

Benefits From Constructability Reviews, Nikiforos Stamatiadis, Roy Sturgill, Kiriakos Amiridis

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Constructability review is a process used during project design to infuse construction knowledge into the design process. There is industry impetus encouraging early construction involvement in project development. State transportation agencies often have to abide by legislation restricting these procurement methods leaving construability review as the only opportunity for early construction involvement. Staffing and budgetary constraints lead to state transportation agencies being very cautious in the practices and processes they implement that seemingly lie outside the main missions of project development and delivery. Without straightforward and documented savings of constructability review processes, these methods may also be eliminated. After streamlining …

Mechanical Characterization Of Polymer Concrete With Nanomaterials, Alaeddin Douba

Civil Engineering ETDs

Nanomaterials are defined by those whose characteristic length scale lies within the nanometer scale. Their extreme dimension achieves extraordinary mechanical properties superior to other micro and macro additives. The introduction of nanotechnology to Civil Engineering utilizes low volume inclusions of nanomaterials to alter the properties of conventionally used bulk materials. Polymer Concrete (PC) where epoxy polymer binders replace cement binders, has become a common repair material among many other application and often can be considered an alternative to Portland cement concrete (PCC). PC is often used in bridge deck overlays, manholes, machine foundations and repairs. Its diverse chemical composition and …

An Expert System For Local Flood Response Coordination And Training, Xiaoyin Zhang, Gary Moynihan, Andrew Ernest, Joseph Gutenson

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Flood response is an essential component of flood management to rescue people, reduce property loss, and limit the impact to the environment. Effective flood response depends on a sound coordination structure with unified responsibilities, smooth communications, and scalable response plans. An efficient coordination system, including command and management structures, is built on a thorough understanding of the responsibilities and actions of each role for delivering the response core capabilities. Collecting, sharing, using, and handling the knowledge require great efforts in knowledge management. To further enhance such efforts, an expert system for local flood response coordination and training (LFRS) was developed …

Thermophysical Properties Of Thin Fibers Via Photothermal Quantum Dot Fluorescence Spectral Shape-Based Thermometry, Troy Munro, Liwang Liu, Heng Ban, Christ Glorieux

Faculty Publications

To improve predictions of composite behavior under thermal loads, there is a need to measure the axial thermophysical properties of thin fibers. Current methods to accomplish this have prohibitively long lead times due to extensive sample preparation. This work details the use of quantum dots thermomarkers to measure the surface temperature of thin fibers in a non-contact manner and determine the fibers’ thermal diffusivity. Neural networks are trained on extracting the temperature of a sample from fluorescence spectra in calibrated, steady-state conditions, based on different spectral features such as peak intensity and peak wavelength. The trained neural networks are then …