Engineering Commons^™

Control, Localization, And Shock Optimization Of Icosahedral Tensegrity Systems, Brett Layer

Theses and Dissertations

Exploring the design space of tensegrity systems is the basis of the work presented in this thesis. The areas explored as part of this research include the optimization of tensegrity structures to minimize the size of a tensegrity structure given payload shock constraints, and the control and locomotion of an icosahedral tensegrity system using movable masses and using an accelerometer in conjunction with leveraging geometrical knowledge of an icosahedral tensegrity system to localize the system after the system moves. In the optimization design space, a simplified model was created to represent an icosahedral tensegrity structure. This was done by assuming …

Sustainable Sensing With Paper Microfluidics: Applications In Health, Environment, And Food Safety, Sanjay Kumar, Jyoti B. Kaushal, Heow Pueh Lee

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Faculty Publications

This manuscript offers a concise overview of paper microfluidics, emphasizing its sustainable sensing applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and food safety. Researchers have developed innovative sensing platforms for detecting pathogens, pollutants, and contaminants by leveraging the paper’s unique properties, such as biodegradability and affordability. These portable, low-cost sensors facilitate rapid diagnostics and on-site analysis, making them invaluable tools for resource-limited settings. This review discusses the fabrication techniques, principles, and applications of paper microfluidics, showcasing its potential to address pressing challenges and enhance human health and environmental sustainability.

Modeling And Optimization Of Time Delay Unit Network Architectures For Reducing Complexity Of Ultra- Wideband Phased Antenna Arrays, Daniel A. Ramirez

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a systematic technique for modeling and optimization of the hierarchical time delay unit (TDU) architectures of ultra-wideband (UWB) phased antenna arrays (PAAs). The first major contribution of this dissertation is the optimization of a linear PAA by casting the problem in the standard form of integer linear programming (ILP) optimization with an objective function that targets minimizing the total number of TDUs within the RF feed network fanout while maintaining phase error and manufacturability constraints. This optimization can significantly reduce the cost, power, and complexity of UWB PAAs in contrast to prior methods that iteratively converge on …

Performance Analysis Of Underground-To-Aboveground Communication In Agricultural Iot Networks, Irfana Ilyas Manzil

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis investigates the potential of LoRa, a low-power, wide-area networking technology, for establishing reliable communication between underground sensors and aboveground infrastructure. We comprehensively analyze LoRa's performance in both single-hop and multi-hop configurations, considering the impact of diverse environmental factors such as soil composition, moisture content, underground transmission distance, and path loss on signal propagation. We delve into the crucial role of the spreading factor (SF) within the LoRa communication system, analyzing its influence on network performance. Furthermore, we develop a comprehensive mathematical model for bit error rate (BER) under various channel conditions, including additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and …

Method For Separating Individual Cathode-Active Materials From Li-Ion Batteries, Lei Pan, Tinuade Ololade Folayan, Jeffrey S. Spangenberger, Bryant J. Polzin

Michigan Tech Patents

Method of separating individual cathode active materials from a mixture of cathode active materials by froth flotation has been developed. They are based on using appropriate chemical reagents that selectively hydrophobize individual cathode active materials to be recovered, so that they can be collected by air bubbles used in flotation and separated from other mixtures. The chemical reagents are amphiphilic molecules with specialized head groups have a strong affinity to metal elements on surfaces of cathode materials. This method enables a separation of individual cathode active material from a mixture of cathode active materials.

Implications Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Management Of Municipal Solid Waste And Medical Waste: A Comparative Review Of Selected Countries, Ahmed Osama Daoud Dr., Hoda Elattar Eng., Gaber Abdelatif Eng., Karim M. Morsy, Robert W. Peters, Mohamed K. Mostafa Dr.

Civil Engineering

No abstract provided.

Utilizing Waste Rocks From Phosphate Mining In Jordan As Concrete Aggregates, Tamer Eljufout, Fadi Alhomaidat

Open Initiatives Grant Funded Publications-Archive

This study investigates the potential of replacing natural aggregates in concrete with aggregates obtained from Phosphate Mine Waste (PMW) rocks in Jordan. Several tests were conducted to determine the PMW rocks’ chemical, physical, and mechanical properties according to ASTM standards. A comprehensive experimental investigation was conducted, involving thirty-six concrete cylinder specimens, to evaluate the strength and durability properties of concrete made with PMW rocks compared to concrete made with natural limestone aggregates. The tested aggregates of PMW rocks consist mainly of quartz, dolomite, montmorillonite, and flu- orapatite. Their physical and mechanical properties were found to be similar to the natural …

Back To The Future: A Case For The Resurgence Of Approximation Theory For Enabling Data Driven “Intelligence”, Michael Dominic Ciocco

Theses and Dissertations

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has exploded into mainstream consciousness with commercial investments exceeding $90 billion in the last year alone. Inasmuch as consumer-facing applications such ChatGPT offer astounding access to algorithms that were hitherto restricted to academic research labs, public focus of attention on AI has created an avalanche of misinformation. The nexus of investor-driven hype, “surprising” inaccuracies in the answers provided by AI models – now anthropomorphically labeled as “hallucinations”, and impending legislation by well-meaning and concerned governments has resulted in a crisis of confidence in the science of AI. The primary driver for AI’s recent growth is the convergence …

Autonomous Image-Based Corrosion Detection In Steel Structures Using Deep Learning, Amrita Das, Sattar Dorafshan, Naima Kaabouch

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Steel structures are susceptible to corrosion due to their exposure to the environment. Currently used non-destructive techniques require inspector involvement. Inaccessibility of the defective part may lead to unnoticed corrosion, allowing the corrosion to propagate and cause catastrophic structural failure over time. Autonomous corrosion detection is essential for mitigating these problems. This study investigated the effect of the type of encoder–decoder neural network and the training strategy that works the best to automate the segmentation of corroded pixels in visual images. Models using pre-trained DesnseNet121 and EfficientNetB7 backbones yielded 96.78% and 98.5% average pixel-level accuracy, respectively. Deeper EffiecientNetB7 performed the …

A Pilot Study Comparing Muscle Activation And Kinematic Parameters Between Professional And Non-Professional Tennis Players, Anton S. Petrenko

Masters Theses

Tennis, a widely played sport across various age and skill groups, prompts continual skill improvement among competitive players seeking a competitive edge. This study explores two approaches for enhancing playing style: motion capture (MoCap) and surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals. The study addresses a gap in simultaneous examination of MoCap and entire dominant leg muscle activation, particularly concerning the influence of skill level and gender on various tennis strokes. To fill this void, the research records and analyzes MoCap and dominant leg sEMG data during serves and strokes on both court sides. The hypothesis posits differences in muscle activation and body …

Effects Of An Indole Derivative On Cell Proliferation, Transfection, And Alternative Splicing In Production Of Lentiviral Vectors By Transient Co-Transfection, Nataly Carolina Mier, Donald Keith Roper

Biological Engineering Faculty Publications

Lentiviral vectors derived from human immunodeficiency virus type I are widely used to deliver functional gene copies to mammalian cells for research and gene therapies. Post-transcriptional splicing of lentiviral vector transgene in transduced host and transfected producer cells presents barriers to widespread application of lentiviral vector-based therapies. The present study examined effects of indole derivative compound IDC16 on splicing of lentiviral vector transcripts in producer cells and corresponding yield of infectious lentiviral vectors. Indole IDC16 was shown previously to modify alternative splicing in human immunodeficiency virus type I. Human embryonic kidney 293T cells were transiently transfected by 3^rd generation …

Effects Of Periodic Sequential Arrangement Of Subscale Miura-Foldcore Under Quasi-Static Compression, Chase Mortensen, Devin Nielsen, S. Z.H. Shah, Juhyeong Lee

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

This study presents experimental and numerical investigations on the quasi-static compressive responses of various subscale Miura-foldcore composites. A series of quasi-static compression tests were conducted on standard Miura foldcore specimens fabricated using carbon/epoxy woven fabric prepregs. Representative volume element (RVE) models, incorporating periodic boundary conditions (PBCs), were developed to predict the size-dependent compressive response of subscale Miura foldcores. The effective properties of the carbon/epoxy woven fabric composite used in this study were calculated using the NASA multiscale analysis tool (NASMAT) via two-step homogenization process. The FE model exhibited comparable agreement with experimental results, showcasing variations of less than 7% and …

Visionarium, June 2024, Full Issue

International Journal of Emerging and Disruptive Innovation in Education : VISIONARIUM

No abstract provided.

Do You Know Where Your Games Come From? Artificial Intelligence And Game Development, Andrew Begemann

International Journal of Emerging and Disruptive Innovation in Education : VISIONARIUM

ABSTRACT

This paper was written to explore the possible effects of artificial intelligence being implemented in the design pipeline of video game development. In it, we will explore a history of artificial intelligence, from its early imaginings in books and philosophy, to its current iterations, such as ChatGPT and other popular engines like Midjourney and Stable diffusion. We will also discuss steps in game development so as to understand where the potential implementations of artificial intelligence can, will, or does occur. Following those explanations, we will explore the three methodologies of Marxism, Psychoanalysis, and Cultural Studies as ways of examining …

Ai Integration In Cultural Heritage Conservation – Ethical Considerations And The Human Imperative, Kholoud Ghaith

International Journal of Emerging and Disruptive Innovation in Education : VISIONARIUM

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the conservation of cultural heritage marks a significant transformation in preservation methodologies, heralding both innovative solutions and complex ethical dilemmas. This article undertakes a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted role AI plays in the conservation and restoration of cultural artifacts, buildings, and sites, underscoring the irreplaceable value of human skills and ethical judgment in this domain. Through an analysis of current research, case studies, and insights from professionals in the field, the paper elucidates how AI technologies—encompassing machine learning algorithms, digital twinning, and predictive maintenance—can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of conservation efforts. …

Embracing The Irreplaceable: The Role Of Neurodiversity In Cultivating Human-Ai Symbiosis In Education, Piper Hutson

International Journal of Emerging and Disruptive Innovation in Education : VISIONARIUM

This study investigates the indispensable role of human skills—such as empathy, ethical judgment, and nuanced understanding—in the development and application of artificial intelligence (AI) within higher education, highlighting the unique contributions of neurodivergent perspectives in creating a symbiotic human-AI relationship. Drawing upon research that evidences the superior performance of diverse teams in creativity and innovation, the paper argues for the integration of neurodiversity into AI development as a means to address the philosophy of 'fearing the Other,' thereby mitigating biases and fostering ethical AI interactions. The technology sector's adoption of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, including biopsychosocial interventions and …

Leveraging Human-In-The-Loop Engagement Through Ai In Web Design Education: A Case Study On Adapting To Dynamic Client Requirements, Jason D. Lively

International Journal of Emerging and Disruptive Innovation in Education : VISIONARIUM

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within educational frameworks, particularly in disciplines such as web design and development, represents a significant evolution in pedagogical strategies. This article examines a unique educational setup where students, while engaging in a web design class, utilize AI tools for text, image, and code creation within a simulated real-world scenario involving a client—dubbed "Chef Cookie Cutter". This simulated client interaction introduces unpredictability through mid-assignment requirement changes, thereby mimicking the dynamic nature of real-world web development projects. The focus of this case study is the critical role of human-in-the-loop (HITL) engagement in AI-assisted assignments, where students' …

Absent Presence: The Human Influence In Ai-Generated Content In The Age Of Technoculture, Kathi Vosevich, James Hutson

International Journal of Emerging and Disruptive Innovation in Education : VISIONARIUM

In recent years, the field of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly under the banner of generative AI (GAI), has made unprecedented advancements, pushing the boundaries of what was traditionally considered within the realm of human capability. AI systems have not only matched but also surpassed human proficiency in various tasks, sparking widespread discussions about their significant impact across multiple fields, including the arts and humanities. This paper considers the profound implications of AI's rapid progress and explores the concept of "Absent Presence" within the context of Derrida and Technoculture, particularly as illustrated in the arts and humanities. Drawing parallels with renowned …

Forward

International Journal of Emerging and Disruptive Innovation in Education : VISIONARIUM

No abstract provided.

Comprehensive Network Redundancy Implementation And Cybersecurity Hardening Project: Ensuring Resilience And Defending Against Dhcp Starvation, Stp Man-In-The-Middle, And Brute Force Attacks, Seth Shaheen

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

I have created a network topology that contains three Cisco routers, three Cisco switches, and three endpoints. The network has been built using the software GNS-3. The endpoints on the topology include one VPC, one Kali Linux VM, and one Ubuntu Server VM. The main purpose of this network topology is to show the skills I have learned during my tenure at The University of Akron. This will be done by hardening this network to ensure that the network is impervious to cyber-attacks. The Kali Linux VM will act as the attacker on the network and conduct three attacks: STP …

Molecular Behavior Of Silicone Adhesive At Buried Polymer Interface Studied By Molecular Dynamics Simulation And Sum Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy, Yuchen Wu, Ting Lin, Elizabeth Santos, Dongchan Ahn, Ryan Marson, Pranab Sarker, Xiaoyun Chen, Frédéric Gubbels, Nick E. Shephard, Carol Mohler, Tao Wei, Tzu-Chi Kuoc, Zhan Chen

Faculty Publications

Silicones have excellent material properties and are used extensively in many applications, ranging from adhesives and lubricants to electrical insulation. To ensure strong adhesion of silicone adhesives to a wide variety of substrates, silane-based adhesion promotors are typically blended into the silicone adhesive formulation. However, little is known at the molecular level about the true silane adhesion promotion mechanism, which limits the ability to develop even more effective adhesion promoters. To understand the adhesion promotion mechanism of silane molecules at the molecular level, this study has used sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (SFG) to determine the behavior of (3-glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxy silane …

Single-Molecule Orientation Imaging Reveals The Nano-Architecture Of Amyloid Fibrils Undergoing Growth And Decay, Brian Sun, Tianben Ding, Weiyan Zhou, Tara S. Porter, Matthew D. Lew

Electrical & Systems Engineering Publications and Presentations

Amyloid-beta (Aβ42) aggregates are characteristic Alzheimer’s disease signatures, but probing how their nanoscale architectures influence their growth and decay remains challenging using current technologies. Here, we apply time-lapse single-molecule orientation-localization microscopy (SMOLM) to measure the orientations and rotational “wobble” of Nile blue (NB) molecules transiently binding to Aβ42 fibrils. We correlate fibril architectures measured by SMOLM with their growth and decay over the course of 5 to 20 min visualized by single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM). We discover that stable Aβ42 fibrils tend to be well-ordered and signified by well-aligned NB orientations and small wobble. SMOLM also shows that increasing order …

Highly Comparative Time Series Analysis Of Oxygen Saturation And Heart Rate To Predict Respiratory Outcomes In Extremely Preterm Infants, Jiaxing Qui, Juliann M. Di Fiore, Narayanan Krishnamurthi, Premananda Indic, Additional Authors, Prematurity-Related Ventilatory Control (Pre-Vent) Investigators

Electrical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Objective. Highly comparative time series analysis (HCTSA) is a novel approach involving massive feature extraction using publicly available code from many disciplines. The Prematurity-Related Ventilatory Control (Pre-Vent) observational multicenter prospective study collected bedside monitor data from > 700 extremely preterm infants to identify physiologic features that predict respiratory outcomes. Approach. We calculated a subset of 33 HCTSA features on > 7 M 10 min windows of oxygen saturation (SPO2) and heart rate (HR) from the Pre-Vent cohort to quantify predictive performance. This subset included representatives previously identified using unsupervised clustering on > 3500 HCTSA algorithms. We hypothesized that the best HCTSA algorithms would …

06.03.2024 Orsp Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

Center for Population Studies, NSF Postdoc Berg, Quinn Appointed to HEPAP, Smitherman migraine research

A Study On The Effects Of Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty Implants’ Surface Morphology Via Finite Element Analysis, Scott Hazelwood, Peter J. Hunt, Mohammad Noori, Naudereh B. Noori, Wael A. Altabey

Biomedical Engineering

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most commonly performed orthopedic surgeries, with nearly one million performed in 2020 in the United States alone. Changing patient demographics, predominately indicated by increases in younger, more active, and more obese patients undergoing TKA, poses a challenge to orthopedic surgeons as these factors present a greater risk of long-term complications. Historically, cemented TKA has been the gold standard for fixation, but long-term aseptic loosening continues to be a risk for cemented implants. Cementless TKA, which relies on the surface morphology of a porous coating for biologic fixation of implant to bone, may …

Noninvasive Technique For Measuring Cardiac Output, Grace E. Kolar, Rachel Simonton, Eli Strohecker

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

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Gender-Based Service Quality Evaluation Of Multimodal Public Transportation In Dki Jakarta, Mohammad Owais, Jachrizal Sumabrata, Nahry Yusuf

Smart City

In DKI Jakarta, despite the extensive infrastructure development, there has been a significant decline in the usage of public transportation. This can be attributed to the inadequate quality of the services provided. Various studies have highlighted the significance of evaluating the quality of service in public transportation to ensure passenger satisfaction and attract new users. However, there is no agreement on the most effective methodology and suitable indicators for conducting such analyses. In addition, there is a growing recognition of the importance of promoting gender equality in multimodal public transportation (MMPT) and understanding gender differences and perceptions of MMPT services. …

Study Of Factors Influencing Traffic Violations In Jakarta: Perspective Of The Theory Of Planned Behavior (Tpb) In The Implementation Of Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement (Etle), Khobat Dewa Ruci, Sutanto Soehodho, R. Jachrizal Sumabrata

Smart City

Transportation safety in Indonesia reflects its culture and modernity, but the high rate of traffic accidents indicates significant challenges. Data from IRSMS and Polda Metro Jaya reveal an increase in accidents and traffic violations, reinforcing the need for effective law enforcement. The implementation of ETLE, supported by Law No. 22 of 2009 on Road Traffic and Transportation and Law No. 19 of 2016 on Electronic Information and Transactions, is a strategic effort to improve law enforcement. However, its effectiveness in Jakarta context still requires in-depth evaluation. This thesis focuses on the psychological factors in the use of ETLE using the …

The Distribution Of Schools Not Served By Brt Trans Semarang In Semarang City, Nanda Iryani Intan Sari, Sutanto Soehodho, R. Jachrizal Sumabrata

Smart City

For developing countries, the implementation of sustainable transportation systems is crucial to involve substantial investments. Mobility in Indonesia can have an impact on both origin and destination areas. This research aims to determine the distribution of schools that are not served in the city of Semarang. Consequently, an identification can be made to formulate a recommendation for the development of operational routes for the BRT Trans Semarang to enhance connectivity between other transportation modes on routes with high demand. A quantitative descriptive analysis was performed to assess BRT Trans Semarang through utilizing government documents, news, and official websites, followed by …

Assessment Of An Assumed Strain-Based Triangular Membrane Element, Abdelhak Kherfi, Kamel Zouggar, Khelifa Guerraiche, Djemaa Guerraiche, Antar Tahiri

Emirates Journal for Engineering Research

This paper presents a novel triangular strain-based element designed to address plane stress and strain, axisymmetric, and dynamic problems. The proposed element has four nodes, three of which are located at the vertices and one of which is located at the midpoint of the diagonal. The corner nodes have three essential external degrees of freedom (u, v, θ), while the central node has two degrees of freedom (u, v) on one of the triangle edges. A static condensation-based treatment of the central node is employed to streamline the model and reduce computational overhead. This triangular element …