Engineering Commons^™

Low-Power Sensor Design And Fusion To Edge Devices For High-Speed Object Detection And Enhanced Soldier Situational Awareness, Scott Patrick Wood

Theses and Dissertations

Threat detection and physiological monitoring of soldiers from fused sensor data collected in real time is currently limited to running deep neural networks with substantial computing needs. The lack of data acquisition from sensor readings and efficient detection of novel enemy signatures motivates the need for a low-power, low-cost, wireless multisensor fusion computing system. We propose the current trends in Internet of Things to deploy a chargeable, wireless multi-channel acquisition system that can be interfaced to a high speed, Single Board Computer (SBC) such as the NVIDIA Jetson Orin capable of running object detection models, such as YOLOv7-tiny to enable …

A Panel Data Regression Model For Defense Merger And Acquisition Activity, Corey D. Mack, Clay Koschnick, Michael Brown, Jonathan D. Ritschel, Brandon M. Lucas

Faculty Publications

Excerpt: This paper examines the relationship between a prime contractor's financial health and its mergers and acquisitions (M&A) spending in the defense industry. It aims to provide models that give the United States Department of Defense (DoD) indications of future M&A activity, informing decision-makers and contributing to ensuring competitive markets that benefit the consumer.

The results show a significant relationship between efficiency and M&A spending, indicating that companies with lower efficiency tend to spend more on M&As. However, there was no significant relationship between M&A spending and a company's profitability or solvency. These results were consistent with previous research and …

Performance Studies Of An Axial Flow Waterjet Pump Using An Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes Model, Stephen E. Monroe, Junfeng Wang, Chunlei Liang

Northeast Journal of Complex Systems (NEJCS)

In this study, an Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) model is demonstrated its suitability for studying the flow and performance of open marine propellers and waterjet pumps. First, the accuracy of the URANS model is validated by studying turbulent flow past counter-rotating propellers (CRPs). Specifically, experimental data from Miller (1976) is employed for comparison against the URANS results. Subsequently, URANS is used to study the flow and performance of an Office of Naval Research (ONR) axial flow waterjet pump (AxWJ-2). Due to the large number of degrees of freedom for both simulations, parallel computations over 80 cores are performed. For the …

A Marine Knowledge System For Ocean Affairs: Integrating Data, Evaluating Usage, And Enabling Sustainable Marine Management, Yu-Jen Pan

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

This study presents the evolution and assessment of the Marine Knowledge Education System (MKES), designed to improve user acceptance among students in professional marine science courses in Taiwan. The MKES leverages real-world maritime cases from the General Coast Guard Administration and is built upon existing technologies like cloud services, social networks, and data analysis tools. The technology acceptance model (TAM) provides the theoretical underpinning for the assessment of user confidence. Data was collected from 190 participants through purposive sampling. Path analysis confirmed all hypothesized relationships within the TAM with statistical significance (p < 0.001). Additionally, paired-sample t-tests revealed a significant increase in student acceptance of the MKES after integrating it into the marine science curriculum. These findings underscore the capacity of the MKES as a digital learning tool to enrich course pedagogy and improve student learning outcomes, thereby offering valuable support in advancing the education of professional marine managers.

Improved Parameters Of Anand Model And Advanced Fea Technique For Low-Cycle Fatigue Life: Finite Element Analysis Models For Pb-Free Solder And Pb Solder In Real Life Ball Gird Ally Package, Hamidreza Nahavandi

Dissertations and Theses

The present study uses the finite element method to evaluate the fatigue life of solder joints of plastic ball grid array packages (PBGA) under thermal-cycling conditions. A Series of precise 3D FE models for solder joints of plastic ball grid array packages is created to improve reliability prediction accuracy. Damage parameters are obtained from the FEA results and used to estimate solder balls’ thermal fatigue life. The Coffin-Manson equation is employed. The predicted thermal fatigue lives are discussed in detail.

Due to marketing and legislative pressures, Pb-free solder is fast becoming a reality in electronic manufacturing. The industry has concluded …

Smart Toys For Sensing And Soothing Distress In Pediatric Patients, Jonathan Daniel Bonilla

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

This thesis develops and evaluates child-centered technologies to support remote monitoring of pediatric patients, with an emphasis on childhood cancer and pediatric chronic pain. For these and many other health conditions, current therapies tend to focus on treating physical symptoms yet neglect the psycho-emotional aspects of managing the illness. However, such mental states play a major role in recovery. Research has shown that cancer patients with better mental health have better prognoses, higher possibilities of remission, and faster healing processes, while chronic pain patients with better mental health report lower levels of pain. To enable more personalized, continuous, and scalable …

Sustainable Mobility, Shams Tanvir

Mavs Open Press Open Educational Resources - Archive

This textbook and OER material cover tools and basic knowledge required to prepare transportation engineers and planners to contribute towards a carbon-neutral mobility future. The goal of the textbook is to train engineering students on existing tools and policy levers that can be used to incorporate emerging transportation technologies in a sustainable, equitable, and efficient manner.

Fundamentals Of Math, Physics, And Statistics For Future Transportation Professionals, Anurag Pande, Peyton Ratto, Ahmed Farid

Mavs Open Press Open Educational Resources - Archive

This textbook and OER material cover tools and basic knowledge required to master the prerequisite essentials of physics, mathematics, and statistics applied in transportation engineering. The textbook modules are intended for students with undergraduate degrees in planning and other less technical fields who are interested in pursuing transportation careers where background engineering knowledge is required.

Finite Element Analysis Of The Bearing Component Of Total Ankle Replacement Implants During The Stance Phase Of The Gait Cycle, S J. Hazelwood, Mohammad N. Noori, Naudereh B. Noori, Timothy S. Jain, Amanda Anderson, Joseph Rencis

Biomedical Engineering

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is a motion-preserving treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis. An effective tool for analyzing these implants’ mechanical performance and longevity in silico is finite element analysis (FEA). An FEA in ABAQUS was used to statically analyze the mechanical behavior of the ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) bearing component at varying dorsiflexion/plantarflexion ankle angles and axial loading conditions during the stance phase of the gait cycle for a single cycle. The von Mises stress and contact pressure were examined on the articulating surface of the bearing component in two newly installed fixed-bearing TAA implants (Wright Medical INBONE II and Exactech …

09.03.2024 Orsp Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

RED Talk

OpenScholar website opportunity

William Magee Institute for Student Wellbeing

Boosting Steam Tolerance And Electrochemical Performance Of An La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2,Fe0.8O3− Δ-Based Air Electrode For Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cells, Lei Wu, Jiqiang Sun, Huiyang Qi, Baofeng Tu, Chunyan Xiong, Fanglin Chen, Peng Qiu

Faculty Publications

La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.2Fe_0.8O_3−δ (LSCF) is the state-of-the-art air electrode material for solid oxide electrochemical cells using oxide-ion electrolytes, yet its application in proton ceramic electrochemical cells (PCCs) remains limited, mainly attributed to its instability under operating conditions of high temperature and high humidity. To address this issue, coating a PrCoO_3−δ (PCO) catalyst onto the LSCF scaffold has been evaluated in this study. The introduction of the PCO coating not only enhances the LSCF electrode's electrochemical performance but also significantly improves its steam tolerance by preventing direct contact between steam and …

Assessment Of Efficiencies Of Different Additives To Improve Cbr Value For The Highway Industry, Ahmed H. El-Bosraty Eng., Ahmed M. Ebid Dr., M. Bahr Prof.

Future Engineering Journal

The structural design of flexible or rigid paving layers depends on the strength of the foundation soil, which is expressed by the California Bearing Ratio (CBR). Soil strengthening and improvement techniques vary according to the type of soil, whether it is granular or cohesive. This study is concerned with evaluating the efficiency of three techniques used to improve the properties of granular soil, the first by using natural fibers, the second by using synthetic fibers, and the third by mixing with powders. The study methodology relies on reviewing, studying, classifying and comparing the previously published work in this context to …

Utilizing Deep Learning In Smart Glass System To Assist The Blind And Visually Impaired, Asmaa A. Hekal, Mohamed S. Sharaf, Ahmed A. Sayed, Ibrahim R. Abdelrahman, Ahmed A. Salem, Ahmed M. Elhussieny, Saeed Y. Kouta, Eman S. Abass

Future Engineering Journal

This paper presents a groundbreaking assistive technology designed to empower visually impaired individuals in their daily lives. With an estimated global population of 2.2 billion facing visual impairments, addressing the challenges they encounter is of paramount importance. The research introduces a comprehensive electronic device integrating advanced computer vision and deep learning techniques. The system incorporates real-time object detection, robust facial recognition, and precise currency denomination identification. Powered by a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B+ and an ESP32-CAM Development Board, the device offers users unparalleled environmental awareness. Utilizing YOLOv4-tiny for object detection and a hybrid face recognition model combining HaarCascades, Histogram …

Luminescent Coupling In Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells: The Advantages Of Perovskite And Luminescent Coupling In Photovoltaics, Briana Dokken

Senior Seminars and Capstones

Multijunction or tandem solar cells are made of multiple semiconductor light absorbing layers. Having multiple absorber layers in a solar cell allows it to absorb a larger range of the solar spectrum. When electrons recombine (relax to a lower energy state) in the top layer of a tandem solar cell, they can emit luminescent photons that are absorbed by the bottom layer of the cell. This process is called luminescent coupling, and it can be used to enhance the performance of photovoltaic cells. Another strategy to increase solar cell performance is to use perovskite as the absorber layer material. Currently, …

Strategies To Mitigate Electrostatic Charging During Coffee Grinding, Joshua Méndez Harper, Robin E. Bumbaugh, Christopher H. Hendon

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Summary: Coffee grinding generates electrostatically charged particles, causing clumping, spark discharge, and beyond. When brewing, the particle aggregates affect liquid-solid surface accessibility, leading to variable extraction quality. Here, we study four charge mitigation strategies. De-electrification is readily achieved by adding small amounts of water to whole beans or by bombarding the grounds with ions produced from a high-voltage ionizer. While these techniques helped reduce visible mess, only water inclusion was found to impact coffee extracts prepared as espresso. Wetting whole beans with less than 0.05 mL/g resulted in a marked shift in particle size distribution, by preventing clump formation and …

Methods For Efficient Computation Of Neutron Multiplicity Distributions And Snm Sample Characterization, Jawad Ribhi Moussa

Nuclear Engineering ETDs

This dissertation advances neutron multiplicity counting (NMC) by developing a hierarchy of computational methods that combine deterministic and stochastic techniques with modern machine learning for improved special nuclear material (SNM) characterization. A system state-updating Monte Carlo method is introduced in addition to a dynamic point kinetic model based on a backward Master equation (BME) formulation. These models, along with newly developed distribution reconstruction methods, enable more efficient computation of neutron count distributions in a fixed detector time-gate. NMC limitations associated with finite-size and neutron phase effects are also addressed by extending the BME model to account for time-gated neutron count …

Evaluating Fine Tuned Deep Learning Models For Real-Time Earthquake Damage Assessment With Drone-Based Images, Furkan Kizilay, Mina R. Narman, Hwapyeong Song, Husnu S. Narman, Cumhur Cosgun, Ammar Alzarrad

Computer Sciences and Electrical Engineering Faculty Research

Earthquakes pose a significant threat to life and property worldwide. Rapid and accurate assessment of earthquake damage is crucial for effective disaster response efforts. This study investigates the feasibility of employing deep learning models for damage detection using drone imagery. We explore the adaptation of models like VGG16 for object detection through transfer learning and compare their performance to established object detection architectures like YOLOv8 (You Only Look Once) and Detectron2. Our evaluation, based on various metrics including mAP, mAP50, and recall, demonstrates the superior performance of YOLOv8 in detecting damaged buildings within drone imagery, particularly for cases with moderate …

Forgotten Topological Index And Its Properties On Neutrosophic Graphs, G. Vetrivel, M. Mullai, R. Buvaneshwari

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

Topological indices play a significant role in crisp, fuzzy graphs and their real-life application. But to avoid the vagueness in the final result, these indices should be dealt with in the neutrosophic environment since it consolidates the uncertain quantity or values of an event in the name of "indeterminacy membership". Except for the wiener index, no other indices are introduced under the neutrosophic graphical setting. In this article, we consider the forgotten topological index (ToI) and the Edge forgotten index in the 3-valued logic neutrosophic graph and came up with some important theorem results and applications.

Neutrosophic Model For Measuring And Evaluating The Role Of Digital Transformation In Improving Sustainable Performance Using The Balanced Scorecard In Egyptian Universities, A. A. Salama, Osama Mohamed Mobarez, Mohamed Hamed Elfar, Rafif Alhabib

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

This paper proposes a neutrosophic model for measuring and evaluating the role of digital transformation in improving sustainable performance using the balanced scorecard in Egyptian universities. The model takes into account uncertainty, ambiguity, and incompleteness in the data. The model first calculates the neutrosophic measures of digital transformation and sustainable performance for each university. Then, it uses neutrosophic logic to evaluate the causal relationship between digital transformation and sustainable performance. The results of the analysis can used to identify the digital transformation indicators that have the greatest impact on sustainable performance. This information can then be used to develop strategies …

Some Operations On Neutrosophic Hypersoft Matrices And Their Applications, Jayasudha J, Raghavi S

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

This paper aims to extend the concept of Neutrosophic Hypersoft Matrix (NHSM) theory. NHSM is the matrix representation of a Neutrosophic Hypersoft Set (NHSS), where NHSS is the combination of a Neutrosophic set and a Hypersoft set. An NHSS can be stored in computer memory using the matrix notion, which is very useful and applicable. Based on NHSM, we provide some new notions (operations) such as NHS-sub-matrix, Equal NHSM, Null NHSM, Universal NHSM, Complement NHSM, NH-choice matrix (NHCM), product of NHCM and combined NHCM along with examples and characterizations. Additionally, we develop an NHSM algorithm using a value matrix, grace …

Climate Change Prediction Model Using Mcdm Technique Based On Neutrosophic Soft Functions With Aggregate Operators, Kainat Muniba, Muhammad Naveed Jafar, Asma Riffat, Jawaria Mukhtar, Adeel Saleem

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

The increasing impact of climate change necessitates innovative approaches in modeling and prediction to mitigate its adverse effects. This paper introduces a novel methodology integrating Neutrosophic Soft Functions (NSFs) into climate change prediction frameworks. NSFs, a hybrid of Neutrosophic Set Theory and Soft Set Theory, provide a flexible framework for handling uncertain and imprecise information inherent in climate data. This study explores the application of NSFs in capturing the complex interplay of various climatic variables, including temperature, precipitation, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of climate change predictions. By incorporating NSFs into existing predictive models, such …

Exploring The Potential Of Neutrosophic Topological Spaces In Computer Science, A. A. Salama, Huda E. Khalid, Ahmed K. Essa, Ahmed G. Mabrouk

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

Neutrosophic topological spaces (NTS) offer a novel framework for uncertainty modeling by incorporating degrees of truth, indeterminacy, and falsity. This paper investigates the potential applications of NTS in computer science. We provide background on neutrosophic sets and their extension to topological spaces. We then explore how NTS could be used for uncertainty modeling in data analysis (e.g., handling noisy data in sensor networks), pattern recognition (e.g., improving image classification with imprecise features), and information retrieval (e.g., enhancing search results by considering relevance uncertainty). We discuss the challenges associated with applying NTS and highlight promising areas for future research, such as …

Self-Replication Via Tile Self-Assembly, Andrew Alseth, Daniel Hader, Matthew J. Patitz

Computer Science and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this paper we present a model containing modifications to the Signal-passing Tile Assembly Model (STAM), a tile-based self-assembly model whose tiles are capable of activating and deactivating glues based on the binding of other glues. These modifications consist of an extension to 3D, the ability of tiles to form “flexible” bonds that allow bound tiles to rotate relative to each other, and allowing tiles of multiple shapes within the same system. We call this new model the STAM*, and we present a series of constructions within it that are capable of self-replicating behavior. Namely, the input seed assemblies to …

Evaluating Mixed Reality Technology For Tracking Hand Motion For Shoulder Rehabilitation Assessment*, Sergio A. Salinas, Katarina Grolinger, Marie-Eve Lebel, Ana Luisa Trejos

Electrical and Computer Engineering Publications

Shoulder injuries and conditions are common musculoskeletal complaints that can limit a patient’s range of motion and daily activities. Recently, serious games and mixed reality technologies, such as the HoloLens, have been proposed for shoulder rehabilitation. However, it is unclear if this technology accurately tracks 3D hand movementsfor reporting therapy-related kinematic metrics. This paper presents accuracy and repeatability tests of the HoloLens 2 in tracking hand movements, and its potential for shoulder rehabilitation assessment. Comparisons were made between index fingertip, palm, and wrist movements captured by the HoloLens 2 and an Aurora electromagnetic system, which was used as the ground …

Improving The Cooling Time Of Twisted Coiled Actuators In Soft Robotics, Alex Lizotte, Parisa Daemi, Brendan Difabio, Ana Luisa Trejos

Electrical and Computer Engineering Publications

Fabric cooling channels for twisted coiled actuators (TCAs) were recently proposed to achieve the required response times for motion assistance in a manner suitable for soft wearable robotic devices. While previous work demonstratedthat the fabric channel reduced the cooling time by 42% in comparison to the same TCA without the cooling channel, the TCAs were still not cooled quickly enough to support human motion. Therefore, in this paper, two variations to the channel are proposed to further reduce the cooling time of the TCAs. The variations include unsealing the inlet and adding vents along the length of the channel to …

Further Evaluations Of A Didactic Cpu Visual Simulator (Cpuvsim), Renato Cortinovis, Tamer Mohamed Abdellatif, Devender Goyal, Luiz Fernando Capretz

Electrical and Computer Engineering Publications

This paper discusses further evaluations of the educational effectiveness of an existing CPU visual simulator (CPUVSIM). The CPUVSIM, as an Open Educational Resource, has been iteratively improved over a number of years following an Open Pedagogy approach, and was designed to enhance novices’ understanding of computer operation and mapping from high-level code to assembly language. The literature reports previous evaluations of the simulator, at K12 and undergraduate level, conducted from the perspectives of both developers and students, albeit with a limited sample size and primarily through qualitative methods. This paper describes additional evaluation activities designed to provide a more comprehensive …

Birmingham Inventors, Ashley S. Mcguire

Patent Coloring Books

Patent coloring book

2024 Safety Belt Usage Survey In Kentucky, Erin Lammers-Staats, Derek Young, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

No abstract provided.

Experimental Study Of Drag Characteristics And Dust Removal Performance Of A Hybrid Wet-Filter Precipitator, Hang Yi, Zifeng Yang, Deqiang Chang, Xinjiao Tian, Jingxian Liu

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

With their advantages of high dust removal efficiency and low drag characteristics, hybrid wet-filter precipitators have great potential for dust control in coal mines, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, to help fill this knowledge gap, a hybrid wet-filter precipitator consisting of a 40-layer metal filter and a defogger device is designed and a prototype is constructed. Experiments are conducted to investigate its drag characteristics under wind velocities from 0.85 to 5.68 m/s and its dust removal performance under wind velocities of 2 and 4 m/s. On the basis of results with the initial design, …

Assessment Of Dune Change Using Historical Aerial And Satellite Photos, Topographic Surveys, And Wave Data At Toro Creek Beach, Owen D. Emerson

Master's Theses

Coastal sand dunes play an important role in the littoral processes of California’s coastline. Functioning as both source and sink for sand, these dunes often protect coastal infrastructure and provide a buffer between anthropogenic development and coastal forces. At Toro Creek Beach, north of Morro Bay California, recent extreme winter storms have raised concerns about the erosion of the sand dunes that front California State Highway 1. This thesis attempts to characterize the historical growth and recession patterns of the Toro Creek dunes since 1977, the dune movement over the 2023-2024 winter seasons, the wave forcings behind recent high erosion …