Engineering Commons^™

Lead In Drinking Water And The Effectiveness Of Point-Of-Use Filtration, Donald Hopper

Honors Theses

Lead in drinking water has been proven harmful to human health and is an ongoing problem in the state of Mississippi. The goal of this thesis is to analyze lead contamination data in Mississippi, its implications, and possible short-term solutions for remediation. This was done through community outreach events and voluntary sampling in the Jackson, MS area, analyzing published data from the Mississippi State Department of Health, and conducting controlled sampling and testing in Lafayette County, MS.

Community engagement events were executed in which researchers informed citizens in the Jackson, MS area about the impacts of lead in drinking water …

Design Of An Orientation Device For Valve Bodies With Blowout Compatibility For Slug Detection, Annie Richardson

Honors Theses

The Parker Hannifin plant in Batesville, MS, is a manufacturing plant that specializes in A/C and hydraulic tube and hose assemblies that support heavy machinery in the agriculture, logistics and construction industries. Customers place unique orders where the tube size, bending configurations, and adaptors vary widely. Some tubes require valve bodies where the customer can charge the A/C system once it has been assembled. A pierce and press machine is used to pierce the tube and place the valve body in the hole. Many tubes have asymmetric blocks at the end of the tube, with valve bodies placed at customer-requested …

A Comparison Of Neural Activity For Peripersonal And Extrapersonal Viewing In Real And Virtual Environments, Olivia Eustice

Honors Theses

This study involved a series of tests comparing the similarities and differences in neural activity at a subject’s peripheral and extrapersonal space in the real environment and virtual reality. We hypothesized that there would be similar brain activity at each of these environments depending on the focal distance of an object from the participant. Peripheral space is the visual space that is a reachable distance from a person. It has an overall neural pattern in the dorsal stream of the brain. Extrapersonal space is the visual space that does not directly surround a person and cannot be directly acted on. …

Investigatin Actin-Myosin Mechanics To Model Heart Disease Using Fluorescence Microscopy And Optical Trapping, Justin Edward Reynolds

Honors Theses

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a hereditary disease in which the myocardium becomes hypertrophied, making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood. HCM is commonly caused by a mutation in the β-cardiac myosin II heavy chain. Myosin is a motor protein that facilitates muscle contraction by converting chemical energy from ATP hydrolysis into mechanical work and concomitantly moving along actin filaments. Optical tweezers have been used previously to analyze single myosin biophysical properties; however, myosin does not work as a single unit within the heart. Multiple myosin interacts to displace actin filaments and do not have the same properties …

Delaying Flow Separation Using Piezoelectric Actuators, Kenechukwu Okoye

Honors Theses

Flow separation causes aircraft to experience an increase in drag degrading their aviation performance. The goal of the study was to delay flow separation on an airfoil by embedding a high-frequency translational piezoelectric actuator along the surface of the airfoil. This study investigated the extent to which the high-frequency translational piezoelectric actuator displaces the flow separation downstream or prevents it altogether utilizing a fog-based flow visualization experiment. The actuators with two actuation surfaces were embedded on the suction surface of an Eppler 862 airfoil model and placed in a low-speed wind tunnel. Dry ice fog streams were injected into the …

High Powered Rocketry Emphasizing Dual-Deployment Recovery Systems, Mckayla J. Hoskin

Honors College Theses

This paper outlines the overall project completed by MACH during the 2019-2020 school year to fulfill the requirements for EGR 498 and EGR 499 as well as the honors thesis requirements. The scope of the paper covers the design and construction of a high powered rocket as per the requirements set by the NASA Student Launch Competition, with a focus on components of dual-deployment recovery systems. Brainstorming, design, optimization, testing, re-design, and components of a high powered rocket are all discussed, though final testing remains incomplete due to complications from COVID-19. Simulation results and launch predictions are included to compensate …

From Branches To Fibers - Investigating F-Actin Networks With Biochemistry And Mathematical Modeling, Melissa A. Riddle

Senior Honors Projects, 2020-current

F-actin networks have different structures throughout the cell depending on their location or mechanical role. For example, at the leading edge of a migrating cell, F-actin is organized in a region called the lamellipodia as a branched network responsible for pushing the membrane outwards. Behind the lamellipodia is a lamellar actin network where focal adhesions and stress fibers originate, and then within the cell cortex, actin is arranged in a gel-like network. Stress fibers are an important organization of F-actin and how they arise from either the branched lamellipodia network or the gel-like cortex network is poorly understood. Our approach …

Applying Lean Manufacturing Principles At Vip Cinema: Standardizing Hardware Assembly Workstations, Cameron Koch

Honors Theses

This paper will explore the benefits of standardization and consistency in a manufacturing setting by demonstrating the value of improved tooling and organization. “Lean Manufacturing” is the broad term used to describe key principles that can be applied to most businesses to reduce waste and increase efficiency. This ideology’s theme is to maximize customer value while minimizing waste. The purpose of its adoption is to transform managers and operators into experts of identifying the deficiencies in many manufacturing and assembly processes and implementing changes that can lead to enormous improvements in takt time, production output, and ultimately, profitability. At VIP …

A Study Of The Marketing Analysis Concerning Mind The Gap: A Wall-Bed Space Saving Platform, Brenna Johnson

Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to conduct a marketing analysis on the capstone project concerning the product titled Mind the Gap. The thesis will explore the potential industries that could be entered and marketing strategies that would be implemented if the Mind the Gap product was mass produced and either sold online or through brick and mortar locations. Outlined in this research is an analysis of the competitive landscape, potential target markets, situational aspects concerning this product, and the resulting recommended marketing mix. The Mind the Gap is centered around a practical and efficient process which has a goal …

Comparative Analysis Of Simulation Models Of The Production Of Ethylbenzene, Osariemen Imafidon

Honors Theses

Process Engineering is all about making sure a raw material can become the desired product with as little variation as possible, while achieving the customer's specifications. Many equipment used for chemical processes cannot be physically inspected during operation at steady state, hence, the need for simulation software. The objective of this study was to compare the results of three different simulation packages to evaluate their efficacy within process design.

This study focused on the economic analysis of the production of Ethylbenzene using various models. The base case variables were inputted into each model to simulate the calculations for a fully …

Comparative Analysis And Dynamic Response Of Garolites Under Temperature Spectrum Using Low Velocity Impact Test, Birendra Chaudhary

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the dynamic response of three different grades of garolites under the temperature spectrum. High-Temperature G-11 Sheet (HTG), Impact Resistance Garolite E-glass (HIG), and Economical Garolite (EG) were tested using an Instron Dynatup 8250 impact tester. Three specimens were used for all three composites and were tested at 6 different temperatures, -10^oC, 25^oC, 50^oC, 100^oC, 150^oC and 200^oC using the Low-Velocity Impact Machine with 20 Kip punch shear load cell. The results showed that HIG had the highest resistance to punch …

Implementation Of A Computer-Vision System As A Supportive Diagnostic Tool For Parkinson’S Disease, Diego Machado Reyes

Honors Theses

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, affecting nearly 1 million people in the US and it is predicted that the number will keep increasing. Parkinson’s disease is difficult to diagnose due to its similarity with other diseases that share the parkinsonian symptoms and the subjectivity of its assessment, thus increasing the probabilities of misdiagnosis. Therefore, it is relevant to develop diagnostic tools that are quantitatively based and monitoring tools to improve the patient’s quality of life. Computer-based assessment systems have shown to be successful in this field through diverse approaches that can be classified into two main …

Product Realization Capstone: Element Proof Safety Steps For Willie Price Lab School, Catherine Thomas, Allan Heuerman, Jared Mumme

Honors Theses

The purpose of this document is to describe the process we took to complete our capstone which paired the Center for Manufacturing Excellence with the Willie Price Lab School. The goal of the capstone was to remake step stools for the students of Willie Price, as the last stools failed to withstand weather damage. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, plans were hindered, shifting the goal from actually producing the steps to creating instructions so that a younger Center for Manufacturing class could complete the production at a later date. Standardized Work Instructions, a detailed production plan, and engineering drawings were …

Dynamic Characterization Of Duroprotect, A Fiber-Reinforced Ballistics Composite, Ivy A. Turner

Honors Theses

Dynamic characterization of materials has become increasingly common, as it is important to understand how materials behave under sudden loads. Understanding these properties can aid in material selection for novel designs. DuroProtect, a fiber-reinforced ballistics composite developed by Rӧchling, was tested for its dynamic properties at high strain-rates. The Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) test was used to obtain dynamic properties at high strain-rates under compressive loading conditions. Tests were initially conducted to validate force equilibriums for each sample. The data measured from the strain gages mounted on the incident and transmission bars and the elastic wave propagation theories yields …

Empirical Evaluation Of Vehicle Detection, Tracking And Recognition Algorithms Operating On Real Time Video Feeds, Yunik Tamrakar

Honors Theses

A traffic surveillance camera system is an important part of an intelligent transportation system.(Zhang et al., 2013) This system is capable of performing useful object detections on the incoming feed. These detected objects can then be used for tracking purposes which forms the basis for monitoring important traffic data such as collisions, vehicle count, pedestrian count and so on. Furthermore, other additional information such as the weather conditions, time of day as well as date can also be extracted from a live feed. (Sun et al., 2004) Different algorithms can yield different results for any given video input. Not only …

Product Realization Capstone: Using Project Management To Optimize Manufacturing Of Charcuterie Boards, Megan Staffieri

Honors Theses

The purpose of this project was to successfully create 36 charcuterie boards with varying designs during a two-week production period using principles of project management and manufacturing. In the initiation phase, the needs and requirements were assessed according to the project definition. During the planning phase, a work breakdown structure was created, material was researched, a budget was developed, and an initial risk assessment was performed. During the executing phase, the initial designs were prototyped before production began. The controlling phase was done in conjunction with the executing phase. The controlling phase monitored the project management plan and recorded the …

Utilizing The Product Development Process To Bring An Idea From Concept To Production, Sydney Ferguson, Jackson Sneed

Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to document and discuss the five-stage product development process starting with defining a problem and resulting in manufacturing a final product for sale as it was implemented in the Portable Fire Pit Center for Manufacturing Excellence Senior Capstone Project. This project was carried out over the course of the Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 semesters by a team consisting of three Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering majors and two Undergraduate Accountancy majors. The ultimate goal of the project was to carry out a full production run of the Portable Fire Pit outputting fifteen units meeting retail …

Enriching The Stem System, Cierra Desmaratti

COD Library Student Research and Award Symposium

This project is about the driving factors behind the lack of women and minorities in the STEM field. As I acquired a deeper understanding of the harmful misconceptions and stereotypes that play a huge role in this, I decided to compose a research presentation that featured not only the causes of the problem but solutions for how to increase diversity at College of DuPage. The presentation highlights solutions that will empower young women and minorities to feel validated and supported in the STEM field.

Faculty Sponsor: Tom Carter

Characterization Of Photoacoustic Flow Cytometry Signals, Craig Benzinger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Photoacoustic flow cytometry has been utilized to clinically determine the presence of melanoma circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Further investigation was conducted into the morphology of detection signals and how they could be manipulated to allow for further classification. Novel features were extracted from waveforms that appear to have strong classification ability. Neural networks were also used to determine classification potential and the creation of feature mapping for future unsupervised classification. Detections were expanded from single waves to a time dependent multiwave event. Waveforms were also determined to be of non-parametric distribution, allowing for classification by neural network but not allowing …

Pilot Study Exploring The Effect Of Targeted Cox-2 Inhibition In Macrophages Responding To Neuronal Injury; Promoting Enhanced Axonal Regeneration, Alyssa Brauckmann

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Celecoxib nanoemulsion (CXB-NE) has been developed as a macrophage targeted analgesics by Dr. Janjic and her team at Duquesne University, (Janjic et al, 2018; Liu et al, 2020; Saleem et al, 2019b; Vasudeva et al, 2014). The CXB-NE nanoemulsion carrying a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory (NSAID) inhibitor of COX-2 activity result in a reduction in PGE2 expression in macrophages. Using CXB-NE in rats that have peripheral nerve injury constricting the sciatic nerve relieves hypersensitivity, a pain-like behavior. The treatment also decreases inflammation associated with this chronic constriction injury (Janjic et al, 2018; Saleem et al, 2019b; Stevens et al, 2019). In this …

Identification Of Human Adrenal Carcinoma Cells Using Photoacoustic Flow Cytometry, Alexis Stahl

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With consistently high mortality rates in patients with adrenal cancer, lack of early detection and diagnosis are an ever increasing problem in fighting the deadly disease. Currently, very few patients are diagnosed with adrenal cancer within the early stages due to the absence of symptoms until large tumors are formed, which is in most cases is fatal. Because of this, early detection equipment is crucial to optimizing the survival rate in patients. We studied the absorbance wavelength of human adrenal carcinoma cells, as well as the minimum cell concentration needed in samples using photoacoustic flow cytometry (PAFC). PAFC generates ultrasonic …

The Artificial Leaf: An Investigation Into The Sociotechnical Integration Of New Solar Energy Innovations, Alexandra K. Treml, Jamie M. Mears

Senior Honors Projects, 2020-current

Increasing global demand, combined with the volatility of fossil fuels, has called for a large-scale increase in renewable energy production. Photovoltaics hold significant potential, but by nature, solar energy is intermittent and lacks dispatchability. Researchers around the world are working to create innovative solutions that utilize semiconductors found in solar cell technologies in new ways. This project harnesses photoelectrochemical water-splitting, which uses light energy to dissociate water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. When the water-splitting device is submerged in saltwater and illuminated by sunlight, oxygen and hydrogen gas are produced on opposite surfaces, and can be either released or stored …

Beaver Creek Restorative Design Using Engineering In Nature, Lindsay M. Levatino

Senior Honors Projects, 2020-current

Stream restoration work can be instrumental for the wellbeing of an ecosystem. Located in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia is Beaver Creek, a well-known spot for fly-fishing due to its pristine water conditions and open surroundings. In order to maintain these conditions, a 100-foot stretch of Beaver Creek needed to be restored to prevent further erosion, stabilize the banks, and enhance the natural habitats. The project involved excavating a sediment island, filling in an eroded bank, building a cross vane, and adding stakes. Local stakeholders came together to complete this project contributing their expertise, equipment, and time. The construction was …

College Of Engineering Senior Design Competition Spring 2020, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas

Fred and Harriet Cox Senior Design Competition Projects

Part of every UNLV engineering student’s academic experience, the senior design project stimulates engineering innovation and entrepreneurship. Each student in their senior year chooses, plans, designs, and prototypes a product in this required element of the curriculum. A capstone to the student’s educational career, the senior design project encourages the student to use everything learned in the engineering program to create a practical, real world solution to an engineering challenge. The senior design competition helps focus the senior students in increasing the quality and potential for commercial application for their design projects. Judges from local industry evaluate the projects on …

Artificial Stupidity: Data We Need To Make Machines Our Equals, Michaël Trazzi, Roman V. Yampolskiy

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

AI must understand human limitations to provide good service and safe interactions. Standardized data on human limits would be valuable in many domains but is not available. The data science community has to work on collecting and aggregating such data in a common and widely available format, so that any AI researcher can easily look up the applicable limit measurements for their latest project. AI must understand human limitations to provide good service and safe interactions. Standardized data on human limits would be valuable in many domains but is not available. Data science community has to work on collecting and …

College Of Engineering News, Georgia Southern University

College of Engineering & Computing: News & Publications (2010-2023)

• DoD CySP Awards 3 GS Students

Automating 35mm Photographic Film Digitization: X-Y Table Capture System Design And Assessment, Michael J. Bennett

Published Works

35mm still image formats are some of the most abundant photographic film types in cultural heritage collections. However, their special handling needs coupled with high resolution digital capture requirements have traditionally posed logistical constraints with regard to the formats’ digitization at scale. Through the use of a programmable X-Y table camera capture system, both slide and strip 35mm photographic film can be digitized in an automated fashion following Federal Agencies Digitization Guidelines (FADGI).

How Predictable Is Space Exploration?, Michael Christopher Howell

Theses and Dissertations

Recent research has suggested that progress in technological domains often improves in an exponential manner. The traditional method to model this increase in capability has been to fit a model with time or effort as an independent variable and then extrapolate the trend (Moore, 1965, Wright, 1936, Magee et al., 2014). Although other methods have been used as well (Nagy et al, 2013). While effective, these methods are not the only way to forecast such trends and they have their own limitations. Recent research has indicated that a potentially useful approach for modeling technological improvement is time series analysis. I …

Biomaterials For Bone Regeneration: Tunable Structural And Mechanical Characteristics, Anwer Mhanawee

Theses and Dissertations

Tissue engineering is a promising alternative treatment for damaged tissues. In bone regeneration, bone graft replacements can be made from different biomaterials (basically ceramic and polymer) and used for different treatment purposes. In the first section of this dissertation, the Compression test results showed that its modulus of elasticity depends on its porosity. Also, we developed a testing method to measure the swelling force of the material during expansion due to liquid absorption. The maximum swelling force was found to be proportional to the material modulus. In the second part, we successfully design, fabricate and characterize a novel expandable bone …

Elicitation And Aggregation Of Data In Knowledge Intensive Crowdsourcing, Dohoon Kim

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

With the significant advance of internet and connectivity, crowdsourcing gained more popularity and various crowdsourcing platforms emerged. This project focuses on knowledge-intensive crowdsourcing, in which agents are presented with the tasks that require certain knowledge in domain. Knowledge-intensive crowdsourcing requires agents to have experiences on the specific domain. With the constraint of resources and its trait as sourcing from crowd, platform is likely to draw agents with different levels of expertise and knowledge and asking same task can result in bad performance. Some agents can give better information when they are asked with more general question or more knowledge-specific task …