Engineering Commons^™

Developing A New Storage Format And A Warp-Based Spmv Kernel For Configuration Interaction Sparse Matrices On The Gpu†, Mohammed Mahmoud, Mark Hoffmann, Hassan Reza

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Sparse matrix-vector multiplication (SpMV) can be used to solve diverse-scaled linear systems and eigenvalue problems that exist in numerous, and varying scientific applications. One of the scientific applications that SpMV is involved in is known as Configuration Interaction (CI). CI is a linear method for solving the nonrelativistic Schrödinger equation for quantum chemical multi-electron systems, and it can deal with the ground state as well as multiple excited states. In this paper, we have developed a hybrid approach in order to deal with CI sparse matrices. The proposed model includes a newly-developed hybrid format for storing CI sparse matrices on …

In Vivo, Real-Time Spectroscopic Assessment Of Contusion-Based Spinal Cord Injury In A Rat Model, Kyle Kelly Bishop

Theses - ALL

The goal of this study was to (1) develop a methodology for real-time, in vivo probing of chemical and physical changes in spinal cords and (2) compare these changes in the immediate aftermath of a localized contusive injury to uninjured spinal cords. Raman spectroscopy images were obtained on in vivo spinal cords that had been surgically exposed between T9 and T10. A total of six rats were studied in two n=3 groups of injured and uninjured control animals. A single 830 nm laser of 100 um round spot size was either spatially scanned across the cord or held at a …

Homotypic And Heterotypic Self-Assembly Of Claudin Family Of Tight Junction Proteins, Lisa Danielle Nguyen

Theses - ALL

Tight junctions, found in all epithelial cells, are selective barriers that restrict the diffusion of ions and molecules within the paracellular space. They are important for maintaining cell polarity as well as for compartmentalization and establishing homeostasis within the human body. Tight junctions are comprised of complex protein assemblies. Within this protein assemble are a family of transmembrane proteins known as claudins that play a crucial role in establishing the tight junction network. Claudins are also influential in controlling the tight junction permeability. When mutations or malfunctioning occurs within a claudin gene, tight junction function is impaired. Disruption of their …

Fabrication Of 3d Tissue Constructs Using Standing Post Platform, Kantaphon Suddhapas

Theses - ALL

3D tissue constructs offer a simplified model that mimics the in vivo tissues. Standing post platform has been established in this study to fabricate 3D tissues with a variety of shapes. Non-fouling PDMS molds cast from ABS templates were seeded by cell-laden collagen type I scaffolds. The scaffolds were aggregated to form the tissues within 24 hours. Human fibroblast, hiPSC-CM, and hiPSC-MSC tissue rings were successfully fabricated with this standing post platform. Ring contracture of fibroblasts and hiPSC-MSCs was observed and compared with different collagen density, different cell seeding density, and different cell culture concentration. In addition, the tissue constructs …

Measuring Atmospheric Dry Deposition To Urban Surfaces, Alexander J. Johnson

Theses - ALL

Surrogate surfaces are used to measure atmospheric dry deposition of contaminants, and are sometimes designed intentionally with simple geometry to estimate the lower limit of the flux to any surface. However, most surrogate surfaces have a small collection area: long periods of dry weather may be needed to obtain sufficient deposited contaminants to be detected and quantified, and such exposure periods may not be common in wet climates. In this study, two relatively large surrogate surfaces—disks with surface areas > 1 m2—were designed to measure dry deposition of F-, Cl-, SO42-, and NO3- in Syracuse, NY. Results indicate that good reproducibility …

Molecular Dynamics Study On The Structure, Dynamics And Stress Response Of Dilute Micellar Systems In Uniaxial Extensional Deformation, Kelechi Okoroafor

Dissertations - ALL

Micellar structures have been proposed for potential application in hydrotropy, biomimetics, dispersion and emulsification, enhanced oil recovery, detergency, templating, drug delivery, personal care products, drag reduction, nanoscale reaction vessels, therapeutic gene delivery, bio-catalysis and so on. Though several studies exist, there still remains a gap in the current knowledge on structural response of single micelles in solution to uniaxial extensional flow deformation. These knowledge gaps are possibly due to the inability of traditional experimental studies to investigate micellar properties at the time- and length-scale pertinent to self-assembly and micellar dynamics. To this end, this work aims to utilise coarse-grained molecular …

Sustainability Benefits Analysis Of Cybermanufacturing Systems, Zhengyi Song

Dissertations - ALL

Confronted with growing sustainability awareness, mounting environmental pressure, meeting modern customers’ demand and the need to develop stronger market competitiveness, the manufacturing industry is striving to address sustainability-related issues in manufacturing. A new manufacturing system called CyberManufacturing System (CMS) has a great potential in addressing sustainability issues by handling manufacturing tasks differently and better than traditional manufacturing systems. CMS is an advanced manufacturing system where physical components are fully integrated and seamlessly networked with computational processes. The recent developments in Internet of Things, Cloud Computing, Fog Computing, Service-Oriented Technologies, etc., all contribute to the development of CMS. Under the context …

Horizontal Integration In The Port Industry In China Challenges And Outlook, Jiren Chen

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Shanghai Aviation Hub Logistics Competitiveness, Tuo Chen

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Knowledge Enriched Computational Model To Support Lifecycle Activities Of Computational Models In Smart Manufacturing, Heng Zhang

Dissertations - ALL

Due to the needs in supporting lifecycle activities of computational models in Smart Manufacturing (SM), a Knowledge Enriched Computational Model (KECM) is proposed in this dissertation to capture and integrate domain knowledge with standardized computational models. The KECM captures domain knowledge into information model(s), physics-based model(s), and rationales. To support model development in a distributed environment, the KECM can be used as the medium for formal information sharing between model developers. A case study has been developed to demonstrate the utilization of the KECM in supporting the construction of a Bayesian Network model. To support the deployment of computational models …

Breaking Symmetry: A Study Of Novel Phenomena In Asymmetric Nanoplasmonic Systems, Matthew Scott Davis

Dissertations - ALL

Offering tailorable optical properties not achievable with symmetric or periodic optical materials, chiral, weakly disordered, deterministic aperiodic, quasiperiodic and random structures make up a new wave of asymmetric optical systems demonstrating unprecedented control of light compared to their periodic counterparts in areas such as random lasing, imaging, and bio-sensing. The governing physics of asymmetric systems is, however, not as analytically intuitive and computationally straightforward as periodic or highly symmetric systems, and thus the availability of simple analytic and computational design tools has made periodic systems an attractive option for many optical applications. For example, plasmonic systems consisting of periodic arrays …

Evaluating Baseflow Recession Behavior Using The Integrated Hydrologic Model Parflow, Emily Gaub

Theses - ALL

Hydrologists have long studied the rate of streamflow recession as a means of understanding watershed properties. Historically, recession events were lumped together for analysis. However, more recent work has shown that individual recession events behave differently, and additional insights can be gained by evaluating events individually. The analysis of individual recession events has been shown to be a valuable tool for examining hydrologic processes in large watersheds, however its connection to hydrologic models has not been thoroughly explored. We used the integrated hydrologic model ParFlow to systematically explore the drivers of baseflow recession curves. Using ParFlow we demonstrated that the …

Seasonal Patterns Of Total And Methyl Mercury Concentrations In Ground And Surface Waters In Natural And Restored Freshwater Wetlands In Northern New York, Ting Wang

Theses - ALL

Among mercury species, methylmercury (MeHg) strongly bioaccumulates and biomagnifies in aquatic food chains, generally controlling the exposure that threatens human and wildlife health. Wetlands are important environments for biogeochemical transformations of Hg, as reducing conditions and wetting/drying cycles promote the production of MeHg. In recent years, nearly half of freshwater wetlands have been lost. In response, there has been an effort to restore freshwater wetlands to improve the ecosystem services they provide. Although wetlands are important landscape features that supply MeHg to downstream aquatic ecosystems, there have been few studies comparing the processing of Hg in restored wetlands with natural …

Structural Evolution Of Molybdenum Disulfide Prepared By Atomic Layer Deposition For Realization Of Large Scale Films In Microelectronic Applications, Steven Letourneau, Elton Graugnard

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) films are attractive materials for electronic and optoelectronic devices, but the temperatures used in the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of these materials are too high for device integration. Recently, a low-temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD) process was demonstrated for growth of MoS₂ films at 200 °C using MoF₆ and H₂S. However, the as-deposited films were amorphous and required annealing to obtain the desired layered structure. The MoS₂ films were sulfur-deficient; however, after annealing the crystallinity improved. To study the structure of these films and the process by which they crystallize, …

Shock Tube And Mid-Ir Laser Absorption Study Of Combustion Kinetics, Shirin Jouzdani

Dissertations - ALL

This thesis focuses on the experimental characterization of the combustion properties of representative alternative fuels. Specifically, a shock tube and direct laser absorption systems are used to investigate the ignition and pyrolysis processes of target fuels. The research problem is motivated by concern about climate change and diminishing fossil fuels. There is a need to develop advanced combustion systems and use more alternative fuels. Innovative designs of combustion systems characterized by lower emissions and higher efficiencies can be facilitated by validated models of the chemical processes involved in combustion. The development of such validated models relies on extensive experimental measurements …

Hybrid Electric Distributed Propulsion For Vertical Takeoff And Landing Aircraft, Andrew Voss Welles

Dissertations - ALL

This research effort explores the interactions between aerodynamics and hybridelectric power system (HEPS) design and control for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft applications. Specifically, this research focuses on embedded distributed electric propulsion systems, for which the aerodynamic forces and moments are inextricably linked to power input.

This effort begins by characterizing the performance of two similar embedded propulsion systems using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). From this initial analysis, a wind tunnel model is constructed and the systems are tested across the operating conditions required to characterize the performance of a VTOL aircraft, where 0 deg ≤ α ≤ 90 …

A Digital Dilemma | College Of Engineering, Usu College Of Engineering

College of Engineering News

In the United States, we’ve accumulated an estimated 500 million specimens of animals, plants, bugs and mushrooms.

Direct Synthesis Of Radioactive Nanoparticles Involving Neutrons, Carlos Henry Castano Giraldo, Maria Camila Garcia Toro, Brian Michael Mills

Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

A method to synthesize radioactive nanoparticles includes the production of metallic and multimetallic nanoparticles in a single step by providing an aqueous solution of the metal precursor, and irradiating the aqueous solution thereby producing nanoparticles. The obtained nanoparticles include one or more radioactive isotopes of gold, such as 198Au and 199Au as well as radioisotopes of silver when the obtained nanoparticles are bimetallic. The aqueous solution is irradiated in a radiation field that includes neutrons and gamma rays. The radiation field may be provided by a nuclear reactor. The aqueous solution may include silver, and bimetallic nanoparticles may be produced. …

A Study Of Bus High-Resolution Gps Speed Data Accuracy, Miguel Figliozzi, Nicholas B. Stoll

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The recent availability of high-frequency transit (HFT) GPS data for buses has allowed the estimation of detailed bus-travel speed profiles between bus stops. HFT data are defined as data comprising GPS vehicle trajectory recorded at or less than 5 s intervals. With HFT data it is now possible to measure changes in bus speed at specific locations of interest, such as intersections, ramps, crosswalks, and so on. Previous research efforts have not compared GPS-based bus speeds with general traffic speeds at specific locations between stops. This research fills this knowledge gap, utilizing accurate stationary radar speed data as a baseline …

Characterization Of Grain-Size Distribution, Thermal Conductivity, And Gas Diffusivity In Variably Saturated Binary Sand Mixtures, T.K.K. Chamindu Deepagoda, Kathleen Smits, J.R.R.N. Jayarathne, Benjamin M. Wallen, Timothy J. Clough

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications - Archive

Characterization of differently textured porous materials, as well as different volumetric porous media mixtures, in relation to mass and heat transport is vital for many engineering and research applications. Functional relations describing physical (e.g., grain-size distribution, total porosity), thermal, and gas diffusion properties of porous media and mixtures are necessary to optimize the design of porous systems that involve heat and gas transport processes. However, only a limited number of studies provide characterization of soil physical, thermal, and gas diffusion properties and the functional relationships of these properties under varying soil water contents, especially for soil mixtures, complicating optimization efforts. …

Student Wins The “Earth Champions Contest” Video Contest | Sustainable Waste-To-Bioproducts Engineering Center, Usu College Of Engineering

College of Engineering News

Biological Engineering student video of capstone design project won the “Earth Champions Contest” sponsored by the Resources for Future Generations (RFG).

A Perceptual Comparison Of “Black Box” Modeling Algorithms For Nonlinear Audio Systems, Paul G. Mayo

Student Theses

Nonlinear systems identification is a widespread topic of interest, particularly within the audio industry, as these techniques are employed to synthesize black box models of nonlinear audio effects. Given the myriad approaches to black box modeling, questions arise as to whether an “optimal” approach exists, or one that achieves valid subjective results as a model with minimal computational expense. This thesis uses ABX listening tests to compare black box models of three hardware audio effects using two popular nonlinear implementations, along with two proposed modified implementations. Models were constructed in the Hammerstein form using sine sweeps and a novel measurement …

Bree's Diagram Of A Functionally Graded Thick-Walled Cylinder Under Thermo-Mechanical Loading Considering Nonlinear Kinematic Hardening, Mohsen Damadam, Reza Moheimani, Hamid Dalir

School of Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

n this paper, elasto-plastic analysis of a thick-walled cylinder made of functionally graded materials (FGMs) subjected to constant internal pressure and cyclic temperature gradient loading is carried out using MATLAB. The material is assumed to be isotropic and independent of tem- perature with constant Poisson's ratio and the material properties vary radially based on a power law volume function relation. The Von Mises’ yield criterion and the Armstrong-Frederick non- linear kinematic hardening model were implemented in this investigation. To obtain the incre- mental plastic strain, return mapping algorithm (RMA) was used. At the end, the Bree's inter- action diagram is …

Development Of Self-Healing Mechanisms For Asphalt Pavements, Max Abelardo Aguirre Deras

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Self-healing mechanisms, such as microcapsules or hollow-fibers, filled with an asphalt rejuvenator present an emerging technology that would enhance an asphalt mixture’s resistance to cracking damage caused by vehicular and environmental loading. The objectives of this study were to: (a) Evaluate the effects of asphalt rejuvenators on hot-mix asphalt mixtures in order to test its effects on the fundamental engineering properties of the mixtures at high and intermediate temperatures; (b) Develop a synthesis procedure for production of microcapsules and hollow-fibers containing an asphalt rejuvenator; (c) Evaluate the self-healing efficiency of double-walled microcapsules and hollow-fibers filled with an asphalt rejuvenator, through …

A Study On Reduction Of Harmonic Distortion Caused By Ac Arc Furnaces, Venkata Mani Gadiraju

LSU Master's Theses

In AC arc furnaces, arc ignition is stabilized by inductors which are connected across its supply lines. They cause power factor degradation in the system. When furnaces are modelled as linear RL load, the arc nonlinearity reduces the impact of this degradation to a significant extent. Furnace Power factor is improved by the DC voltage on the arc. In this research study, power factor of AC furnaces is estimated on the assumption that DC voltage on the arc is constant and furnace operates in steady state. Primary objective of this research was to determine the power factor of the furnace …

Evaluation Of Site Variability And Its Application In Design, Abu Hakim Muhammad Hasan Faisal

LSU Master's Theses

Geotechnical characterization has an important role in engineering geology as well as in implementation of any project. There are several variables and uncertainties involved in characterizing a project site. Four different sources of uncertainties represent the characterization of geotechnical variability, which include spatial variability, measurement error, statistical error and model bias. Spatial variability is expressed in terms of the mean, variance, and scale of fluctuation. Several statistical techniques such as the Gauge R & R, which includes X-Bar/R and ANOVA, and the Second Moment can be applied to compute site variability in terms of the coefficient of variations. Measurement error …

Direct Quantification Of Deubiquitinating Enzyme Activity In Single Intact Cells, Nora Safabakhsh

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Challenges in drug efficacy occur during the treatment of most types of cancer due to the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment. This has led to the development of personalized medicine. Due to the clinical success of the proteasome inhibitors Bortezomib and Carfilzomib in treatment of multiple myeloma, interest has shifted towards molecularly-targeted chemotherapeutics for ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) are an essential part of this pathway which have been found to promote Bortezomib resistance in multiple myeloma patients. Unfortunately, there is a lack of specific, high throughput biochemical assays to characterize DUB activity in patient samples before and after …

Development Strategies For A Fractured, Heavy Oil Reservoir - Results From Numerical Simulations, German Albertovich Abzaletdinov

LSU Master's Theses

This research is focused on studying reservoir “N” in the Yarega heavy oilfield (YHOF) for development strategies and production optimization. YHOF is a naturally fractured heavy oil field where only very recently SAGD technology has been introduced. The motivation for this research is derived from the fact that SAGD employed in this field has so far resulted in early steam breakthrough leading to producer abandonment and new drilling, thus increasing costs. This study explores numerically different static and dynamic reservoir characterization models (single porosity versus dual porosity systems), and subsequent pressure-production history matched reservoir simulation for understanding heat and mass …

A Psychopathological Approach To Safety Engineering In Ai And Agi, Vahid Behzadan, Arslan Munir, Roman V. Yampolskiy

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

The complexity of dynamics in AI techniques is already approaching that of complex adaptive systems, thus curtailing the feasibility of formal controllability and reachability analysis in the context of AI safety. It follows that the envisioned instances of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) will also suffer from challenges of complexity. To tackle such issues, we propose the modeling of deleterious behaviors in AI and AGI as psychological disorders, thereby enabling the employment of psychopathological approaches to analysis and control of misbehaviors. Accordingly, we present a discussion on the feasibility of the psychopathological approaches to AI safety, and propose general directions for …

From E-911 To Ng-911: Overview And Challenges In Ecuador, Danilo Corral-De-Witt, Enrique V. Carrera, Jose A. Matamoros-Vargas, Sergio Munoz-Romero, Jose Luis Rojo-Alvarez, Kemal Tepe

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

For years, emergency attendance institutions in Ecuador worked separately and not all of them had a 24/7 service, resulting in duplicated efforts, a waste of the scarce resources, and an absence of generalized technology. In 2012, Ecuador created an Integrated Security Service, called ECU 911, to address the need of an emergency service articulating all the first response institutions. The ECU 911 relies on the Enhanced 911 technology, having a countrywide presence. Since then, Ecuador has implemented 16 public-safety answering points and 11 decentralized operative rooms, covering all Ecuadorian territory and serving to a population of about 17 million people. …