Engineering Commons^™

Hierarchical Anomaly Detection For Time Series Data, Ryan E. Sperl

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

With the rise of Big Data and the Internet of Things, there is an increasing availability of large volumes of real-time streaming data. Unusual occurrences in the underlying system will be reflected in these streams, but any human analysis will quickly become out of date. There is a need for automatic analysis of streaming data capable of identifying these anomalous behaviors as they occur, to give ample time to react. In order to handle many high-velocity data streams, detectors must minimize the processing requirements per value. In this thesis, we have developed a novel anomaly detection method which makes use …

Corrections To ‘‘Glaciernet: A Deep-Learning Approach For Debris-Covered Glacier Mapping’’, Zhiyuan Xie, Umesh K. Haritashya, Vijayan K. Asari, Brennan W. Young, Michael P. Bishop, Jeffrey S. Kargel

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

In the above article [1], Figure 2 was incorrect. Unfortunately, we mixed the color label of "CONV $\to $ BN $\to $ ReLu" and "Unpooling" in the CNN structure section of Figure 2. The color label of "CONV $\to $ BN $\to $ ReLu" should be orange while the color label of "Unpooling" should be green. Also, the word "Decoder" is misspelled. That same figure with the same error is also used for the graphic abstract. The corrected figure is given here. None of the sections in the figure is modified. The only change is in the color label of …

Evaluation Of Cyclo Olefin Polymer As Sabot Material For High-Density Projectiles, Estebanne Tarango

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Assuring the integrity of spacecraft and its occupants are a priority in the field of space exploration. Micrometeoroids and orbital debris are one of the primary threats that affect spacecraft materials due to the high kinetic energies involved with hypervelocity impacts. Improvement of projectile launching capabilities prompts the investigation of adequate materials for the manufacturing of sabots able to carry high-density projectiles without catastrophic failure. Polycarbonate (PC) has been the chosen material by the Hypervelocity Team at White Sands Test Facility for sabots on the 0.50 caliber launcher; however, there is a material constraint when the projectile becomes significantly dense …

Mechanically Activated Combustion Synthesis Of Niobium Silicide Based Composites, Reina Trevino

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Niobium silicide-based composites are promising materials for high-temperature structural applications, such as gas turbines, but their implementation is hindered by the lack of effective processing methods. Self-propagating high-temperature synThesis (SHS) is an attractive method for fabrication of advanced materials. However, it is difficult to perform SHS of niobium silicides because the melting point of Nb is higher than the combustion temperature, which greatly inhibits Nb-Si reaction. To ignite an Nb/Si mixture and obtain Nb5Si3, the desired phase in niobium silicides, either preheating or mechanical activation of the mixture is necessary. This problem becomes even more critical in the SHS of …

The Dynamic Transition Of A Vertical Take-Off And Landing Drone, Luis Carlos Calvo Jr.

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, are small pilotless aircrafts that are remotely controlled through a ground control station. They have increased in popularity because of their applications and the advantages that each UAV can provide based on their need. There are many types of UAVs, but this study focuses on a type of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAV that is known as the Albatross UAV. This UAV was manufactured by a company known as Applied Aeronautics, and configurations were made to change the fixed-wing (FW) UAV to a VTOL UAV. This study was done to find methodologies to simulate …

Design And Operability Of A Pressurized Oxy-Combustion System, Mehrin Chowdhury

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Fossil fuel powers more than two-thirds of the world’s electricity, a significant share of which is derived from coal power plants. Despite coal being an abundant and energy-rich fuel, the major halt to its progress is greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases are detrimental to the environment. The search for clean fossil fuel leads to the oxy-combustion process. Oxy-fuel combustion produces sequestrable carbon dioxide as exhaust. Pressurization makes carbon capture more accessible and more energy-efficient. Pressurized oxy-combustion cycles can achieve theoretically high thermal efficiencies along with a 90% carbon capture rate. Additionally, the high energy density allows smaller turbomachinery and save …

The Study Of Non-Permanent Tattoo Ink Using Nano Silver Compounds And Untact 3d Printing Technology, Jisu Lee

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Due to a recent epidemic of COVID 19, the possibility of 3D tattoo printing technology using the Internet of Things (IoT) control system developed in a non-face-to-face contact process was identified. A non-surgical tattoo process and hygiene safety differentiated with silver tattoo ink was used to solve the health problems arising from the surgical tattoo process and to identify 3D tattoo printing techniques through a non-personal contact concept. During the tattoo processing, the image selected by the customer is sent to a designated printer via an IoT control system in a separate location. A piston-type extruder (PTE) printing technique was …

Early Detection Of Asthma Via Enhanced Resolution Of Small Airways Using Ultra-Low Frequency Impulse Oscillometry, Christopher M. Aguilar

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Examination of lung function for diagnosis and monitoring of diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma can be performed with a variety of pulmonary function testing (PFT) techniques. The most commonly prescribed of these procedures are spirometry and whole-body plethysmography. However, these active participation tests depend on forced breathing maneuvers, may be physically exhausting, might not produce enough information, and are susceptible to being subject-dependent. In contrast, passive PFT approaches such as the forced oscillation technique (FOT) and the impulse oscillometry system (IOS) are increasingly being utilized for measuring lung mechanics because they require only minimal participation, …

Low Weight Design Of A Pressure-Fed System For A Small Payload Launch Vehicle, Lucero Buendia

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites have become of great interests to aerospace industries because of their low-cost, lightweight and their tailorable mechanical properties. In aerospace structures, for example, heavy metals have been used in cryogenic fuel and oxidizer tanks for over 50 years. However, weight savings can be substantial if materials such as composites are used instead. From Delta IV heavy-lift launch vehicle it is known that cryogenic composite tanks can save approximately up to 30% of weight in fuel and oxidizer tanks. Although there is a wealth of studies in the mechanical behavior of composites at room temperature, …

Thermoanalytical Studies On The Decomposition Of Energetic Ionic Liquids, Alan Esparza

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Hydrazine has been extensively used as a propellant for space applications for more than half a century. However, its hazardous characteristics cause high storage and handling costs. For this reason, the search for alternatives, the so-called “green monopropellants,” is of great interest. Most green monopropellants are mixtures of an oxidizer and a fuel, and several ionic liquids (ILs) have been proposed for this application. Among them, hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN) and 2-hydroxylethylhydrazinium nitrate (HEHN) are promising oxidizer and fuel, respectively. The objective of the present work was to clarify the decomposition kinetics of both HAN and HEHN, using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), …

The Study Of The Mouse Schlafen Family Members As Mediators Of Antiviral Activity, Julia Fernanda Hernandez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The Schlafen family of proteins was first characterized in 1988, and since then evidence of their relevance in different physiological and pathological situations have been accumulating although at a slow pace. Hence, the biological roles of these proteins remain ill-defined. The expression of these proteins is positively regulated by type 1 interferons, constituting a component of the innate immune response. Functions of these proteins vary from regulation of cell proliferation to restriction of viral infections. Recent studies have implicated SLFN11 and SLFN13 as inhibitors of HIV-1 infection2-4. The mechanism of action of SLFN11 resides in its capacity to regulate the …

Development Of The Payload System And Obc Microcontroller Coding For A Cubic Satellite Performing An Additive Self-Repair Experiment In Space, Eduardo Macias-Zugasti

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Additive manufacturing, which is also known as three-dimensional printing, in space is one of the most promising technologies advancing current capabilities for in-orbit space manufacturing and assembly. Additive manufacturing contributes to the reduction of cost per kilogram and number of launches, thus facilitating extraterrestrial colonization and deep-space exploration. The state of the art includes advancing efforts inside the International Space Station (ISS). However, the ISS is a controlled environment and, to the best of our knowledge, no spacecraft or satellite has performed additive manufacturing tasks in the extreme environment of outer space. In this work a 1U CubeSat named Orbital …

Machine Learning Analysis To Characterize Phase Variations In Laser Propagation Through Deep Turbulence, Luis Fernando Rodriguez Sanchez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The present Dissertation is focused on the analysis of the atmospheric conditions of a turbulent environmental system and its effects on the diffraction of a laser beam that moves through it. The study is based on the optical communication of two labs placed at the summit of two mountains located in Maui, Hawaii. The emitter system is located at the Mauna Loa mountain and the receiver at the Haleakala. The distance between both mountains is 150 km. The emitter system is at a height of 3.1 km and the receiver at 3.4 km. The maritime environment at the location experiences …

Weather Prediction: Improving Accuracy Using Data Mining And Forecasting Techniques, Pedro Marquez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This study is focused to provide the insights of weather to understand the significance of weather changes in any parameter. Weather forecasting contributes to the social and economic welfare in many sections of the society. Weather is extremely difficult to predict because it is a complex and chaotic system. This means that small errors in the initial conditions of a forecast grow rapidly and affect predictability. Nowadays, massive real-time data is being generated by IoT devices, radars, weather stations, and satellites. The need to adopt big data analytics in IoT applications is compelling. These two technologies have already been recognized …

Comparative Performance Of The Nanoscan And The Classic Smps In Determining N95 Filtering Facepiece Efficiency Against Nanoparticles, Clothilde Brochot, Fariborz Haghighat, Ali Bahloul

Études primaires

Nanoparticles are defined as particles with at least one dimension in the range of 1–100 nm. Due to the special properties of nanoparticles, they are used in many workplaces, thus leading to occupational exposure. Filtering facepieces (FFPs) are generally used in these workplaces to reduce the exposure. Many studies have measured FFP efficiency in laboratories using a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS). The aim of this study was to determine whether a NanoScan could be used to measure FFP efficiency against nanoparticles in workplaces for one type of N95 FFP. The results showed that the NanoScan gave maximum penetration and …

Uav Navigation, Tracking, And Interception Using Deep Reinforcement Learning, Ali Alhaj Darwish

All ETDs from UAB

We propose a self-supervised, model-free deep reinforcement learning architecture with cascade reward for unmanned aerial vehicle navigation and target interception in a 3D environment. The first contribution of the dissertation solves the problem of partial observability when non-linear function approximators are used for learning stochastic policies. The second contribution optimizes the problem of maximizing the total expected rewards. The third contribution trains the agent in a photo-realistic environment with a real physics engine. To achieve these goals, a deep Q-network that combines double and dueling architectures is adopted as a value function approximator, and the prioritized experience replays the sample …

Prediction Of The Optimal Catheter Placement Selection For Therapy Infusion To Treat Brain Tumors, Lisa Hope Antoine

All ETDs from UAB

ABSTRACT In 2020, the National Brain Tumor Society reported that physicians would diagnose more than 87,000 new cases of brain tumors. These cases will add to the approximately 700,000 individuals in the United States living with brain and central nervous system tumors. Almost 18,000 of these cases will prove fatal [1]. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) hinders the effective treatment of brain tumors. The task of this barrier is to protect the brain from composition instabilities in blood plasma and shield the brain from agents that may adversely impact brain functionality. However, by performing its tasks the barrier prevents potential effective …

Use Of Connected Vehicle Data In Support Of Signal Control Optimization, Gokmen Pacal

All ETDs from UAB

Traffic control signals are used to assign the right-of-way to traffic movements at intersections. By doing so, they facilitate the orderly movement of vehicles and pedestrians, improve the traffic-handling capacity of intersections and reduce the number of conflicts between movements, thus improving traffic safety. The most widely implemented method of traffic control is the fixed-time signals. Fixed-time traffic controllers use a simple electric mechanism that allow the signals to change at predefined time intervals; however, these simple mechanisms were not able to adjust to changes in traffic demand during the day. To address this issue, contemporary traffic signal controllers are …

Inclusion & Marginalization: How Perceptions Of Design Thinking Pedagogy Influence Computer, Electrical, And Software Engineering Identity, Sarah L. Rodriguez, Erin E. Doran, Rachel E. Friedensen, Elizabeth Martínez-Podolsky, Paul S. Hengesteg

Faculty Publications

Engineering identity plays a vital role in the persistence of engineering students, yet limited research exists on how particular pedagogical approaches influence engineering identity at the college level. This qualitative case study explored how undergraduate student perceptions of design thinking pedagogy influence computer, electrical, and software engineering identity. The study found that design thinking pedagogy reinforces the recognition of an engineering identity, particularly for those from historically marginalized groups (i.e., women, people of color). Intentional implementation, including organization and framing of design thinking pedagogy, was an essential foundation for fostering student interest in the course and connecting to their role …

Traction Characterization Of Tire And Soil Contributions To Slippage On Deformable Terrain, Jordan A. Whitson

All ETDs from UAB

Longitudinal slippage analysis is a focus in terrain mobility for further development of mobility enhancement, power optimization, and safety design. This paper discusses the results of the collection and analysis of a database for tire traction characteristics and tire data conscripted of various literature experimental tests from books, journals, and technical papers. The database is utilized to support analysis and reviews of several tires and their behaviours under locomotion on different soils and deformable terrains to demonstrate the effects of the characteristics for mobility. Many experimental tests exist in literature across the technical world, but a centralized collection would benefit …

Planning Of Detours For Major Construction Projects And Assessing Their Impacts On Traffic Operations, Md Saiful Arif Khan

All ETDs from UAB

Maintenance and Rehabilitation (M&R) works are prevalent in the US highways to preserve an acceptable level of service. In the presence of construction works, detour planning around work zones is often compulsory to carry out the repair works properly and safely while also accommodating the needs of the traveling public. Hence, it becomes important for transportation agencies to develop and implement detour plans that provide diversion options to the road users that minimize their inconvenience and travel delays in the presence of construction works. Thus, evaluating the impact of detouring due to road closure is crucial to corroborate an effective …

Comparison Of Locational Beamforming Algorithms On Audio Targeting, Thomas Bradshaw

Electrical and Computer Engineering

This project uses a digital signal processing algorithm known as beamforming to attempt to isolate an audio signal from nearby interfering audio signals. This is done using an array of microphones and a PC computer.

This project was initially designed to be used in a snore cancellation system. However, this project could also be used in applications such as recording live lectures for distance education as it can remove distractions like rustling papers and whispering students.

Following Distance Coach, Erik Clemens

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Improper following distance reduces a driver's time to respond in emergencies.

• Humans struggle to adjust following distance with speed
• Older vehicles do not include assistive technology

The Following Distance Coach:

• Adjusts appropriate following distance with speed
• Is easy to install in any vehicle
• Allows drivers to focus on other driving tasks
• Alerts drivers if they forget safe habits

Gesture Controlled Drone, Parker Mortensen

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Drones are difficult for beginners to control easily. This causes fewer people to pick up the hobby due to frustration.

This project aims to give users an easier method to pilot a drone by using a familiar controller and integrated functions for actions that are more difficult for a beginner.

Autonomous Weather Quad-Copter, Usu Department Of Electrical And Computer Engineering

Electrical and Computer Engineering

• The purpose of this project is to create an autonomous quad-copter that can collect weather data from user-specified locations and return safely.
• For the scope of this project, the drone will only capture temperature and humidity data with some sensors.
• The user first inputs the coordinates for the drone to start collecting data at, and then the drone scans a in a grid starting from that point.
• After the drone returns from its flight, the data will be displayed on the user’s computer

Biometric Trigger Lock, Tyson Olsen

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Purpose: To provide an intermediate storage option for firearm owners that is portable and accessible.

• 505 accidental firearm deaths in 2013
• Many of these are preventable by better storage solutions
• Many gun owners are in search of a more accessible storage option.
• This is NOT a perfect solution to firearm storage.
• Other methods are still needed for complete security.

Tag Wall Work Order Management, Bryce Halling

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Working in a bike shop, I saw firsthand how inefficient it is for a shop to track work on paper. With commerical software options being very expensive, I decided to make a solution that better suits the needs of shops like the one I worked at.

What Tag Wall is:

• A simplified work order management software.
• A low-cost alternative for shops working on a budget.
• A flexible solution adaptable to many use cases

Wireless Charging Electric Vehicle, Alan Mathias, Austin Waldvogel, Clark Corry, Koby Sullivan

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Create a wireless charging system to charge an electric vehicle each lap as it drives over a charging pad. This vehicle would have competed in the “Gear Up Competition.” In this competition, students design and race an electric vehicle to complete the most laps before the battery depletes.

Android Based Geolocation Application, Esteban Womack, Cayden Anderson

Electrical and Computer Engineering

The objective of our project is to make an app which finds the location of a radio transmitter, a process known as radio geolocation. Radio geolocation is the process of finding a geographical location of a radio frequency transmitter. These transmitters range across the frequency spectrum from cell phone transmission, radio towers, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, walkie talkies, etc.

Portable Hiking Repeater, Jonathan L. Hunt Iii

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Hiking and spending time in the wilderness is a common hobby. But as fun as it may be, much of it is spent out of cell phone reception. While it can be refreshing to have a break from our constant “connected-ness”, if someone is injured or lost without means of communication the results can be deadly.

The Portable Hiking Repeater was designed to mitigate these risks. A repeater is a simple device that receives and retransmits radio signals. By making one small and portable, hikers could easily bring one on their trip and leave it in a strategic location.

Then …