Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Groundwater Modeling Of The Ogallala Aquifer: Use Of Machine Learning For Model Parameterization And Sustainability Assessment, Tewodros Aboret Tilahun

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Addressing groundwater depletion problems in heterogeneous aquifer systems is a challenge. The heterogeneous Ogallala Aquifer, a critical source of groundwater in the central United States, has undergone decades of decline in water levels due to pumping. This project aims to build a robust groundwater model to evaluate optimal scenarios for sustainable use of the groundwater resource within a section of the Ogallala aquifer located in the Middle Republican Natural Resources District (MRNRD). This study follows a comprehensive approach involving parameterization, construction, and optimization. The model is parametrized using hydraulic conductivity and recharge values obtained from a random forest-based machine learning …

Leveraging Generative Ai For Sustainable Farm Management Techniques Correspond To Optimization And Agricultural Efficiency Prediction, Samira Samrose

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Sustainable farm management practice is a multifaceted challenge. Uncovering the optimal state for production while reduction of environmental negative impacts and guaranteed inter-generational assets supervision needs balanced management. Also, considering lots of different factors (cost, profit, employment etc), the agricultural based management technique requires rigorous concentration. In this project machine learning models are applied to develop, achieve and improve the farm management techniques. This experiment ensures the resultant impacts being environment friendly and necessary resource availability and efficiency. Predicting the type of crop and rotational recommendations will disclose potentiality of productive agricultural based farming. Additionally, this project is designed to …

Frameworks For The Techno-Economic Assessment Of Membrane-Based Bioprocessing Platforms, Juan Jose Romero Conde

All Dissertations

This dissertation describes developing and implementing computational frameworks for simulating and optimizing purification processes in the biopharmaceutical industry. The framework performs techno-economic analyses to establish value propositions for new process alternatives, especially membrane technologies. Initially, the focus is developing a framework capable of simulating monoclonal antibody (mAb) capture using membrane and resin media in multi-column chromatography (MCC) platforms for continuous manufacturing. Subsequently, the impact of capture MCC is compared against other intensification strategies in established mAb manufacturing facilities. Finally, the framework application expands to simulate the purification of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for gene therapy.

Chapter 2 details the framework …

Segac: Sample Efficient Generalized Actor Critic For The Stochastic On-Time Arrival Problem, Honglian Guo, Zhi He, Wenda Sheng, Zhiguang Cao, Yingjie Zhou, Weinan Gao

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

This paper studies the problem in transportation networks and introduces a novel reinforcement learning-based algorithm, namely. Different from almost all canonical sota solutions, which are usually computationally expensive and lack generalizability to unforeseen destination nodes, segac offers the following appealing characteristics. segac updates the ego vehicle’s navigation policy in a sample efficient manner, reduces the variance of both value network and policy network during training, and is automatically adaptive to new destinations. Furthermore, the pre-trained segac policy network enables its real-time decision-making ability within seconds, outperforming state-of-the-art sota algorithms in simulations across various transportation networks. We also successfully deploy segac …

Optimization Of A Plate Beam System For Energy Harvesting Using A Piezoelectric Material, Jose Manuel Almendros Espantaleon

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

With a continuously growing demand for power, driven by the need to reduce our environmental footprint, this research provides an examination of the potential of energy harvesting with smart materials technology and its practical applications. The energy harvesting system considered here works on generating energy through vibrations of a piezoelectric material beam which will undergo sustained vibrations due to flow of air over its surface. It is assumed that sustained limit cycle oscillations of this system will occur at the flutter velocity. This research creates an optimization framework to obtain the best values of parameters that will result in the …

Cellulosic Rich Biomass Production With Optimized Process Parameters By Using Glycerol Pretreatment For Biofuels Applications, Muhammad Sulaiman, Hamayoun Mahmood, Haris M. Khan, Tanveer Iqbal, Nehar U. Khan, Muhammad M. Abbas, Mohammad Nur-E-Alam, Manzoore E. M. Soudagar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In this work, we conduct acidified aqueous glycerol pre-treatment (AAG) on rice husks (RH) and utilize the response surface methodology (RSM) to assess the impact of pre-treatment parameters. The primary objective of this research is to optimize the parameters to maximize the cellulose content within RH. The parameters under consideration encompassed temperature (ranging from 80 to 110 °C), retention time (spanning 15 to 45 min), and biomass loading (varying from 5 to 10 wt. %). To achieve this optimization, we perform the Box-Behnken Design (BBD) within the framework of RSM. Additionally, we scrutinize the interactive effects of these parameters on …

Hardening Interpretable Deep Learning Systems: Investigating Adversarial Threats And Defenses, Eldor Abdukhamidov, Mohammed Abuhamad, Simon S. Woo, Eric Chan-Tin, Tamer Abuhmed

Computer Science: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Deep learning methods have gained increasing attention in various applications due to their outstanding performance. For exploring how this high performance relates to the proper use of data artifacts and the accurate problem formulation of a given task, interpretation models have become a crucial component in developing deep learning-based systems. Interpretation models enable the understanding of the inner workings of deep learning models and offer a sense of security in detecting the misuse of artifacts in the input data. Similar to prediction models, interpretation models are also susceptible to adversarial inputs. This work introduces two attacks, AdvEdge and AdvEdge + …

Functions Of Permanent Grassland In The Process Of Feed Base Optimization Of Dairy Farms From Great Poland Region, P Golinski

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objective of this paper was the determination of permanent grassland functions at optimization of the feed base of dairy farms in the region of Great Poland using linear programming against the background of newly developing conditions of market economy. The important factor leading to significant improvement of financial situation of farms was finding them a model of cattle feeding based on feed from permanent grasslands. However, permanent grasslands in Great Poland, when compared with arable lands, are characterized, in their models, by a low dual value. This can be attributed mainly to a low milk price and low productivity …

Foxann: A Method For Boosting Neural Network Performance, Mahmood A. Jumaah, Yossra H. Ali, Tarik A. Rashid, S. Vimal

Journal of Soft Computing and Computer Applications

Artificial neural networks play a crucial role in machine learning and there is a need to improve their performance. This paper presents FOXANN, a novel classification model that combines the recently developed Fox optimizer with ANN to solve ML problems. Fox optimizer replaces the backpropagation algorithm in ANN; optimizes synaptic weights; and achieves high classification accuracy with a minimum loss, improved model generalization, and interpretability. The performance of FOXANN is evaluated on three standard datasets: Iris Flower, Breast Cancer Wisconsin, and Wine. The results presented in this paper are derived from 100 epochs using 10-fold cross-validation, ensuring that all dataset …

Implementing Selective Signature Scanning To Optimize Malware Detection, Lucas Gray Wilbur

Computer Science Senior Theses

Signature scanning is one of the oldest types of malware detection, and it remains an essential lightweight detection method for many antivirus programs. However, signature scanning has unavoidable limitations, including an inevitably increasing runtime as malware signature databases continually expand. In this paper, we discuss the current state of signature scanning, including usage of the open-source signature scanning tool YARA. We test Zemlyanaya et al’s assertion that scanning only the beginning and end of files can reduce the runtime cost of signature database expansion — while maintaining a high level of accuracy — and find it inaccurate in the case …

Exploring A Fly Ash-Based Grouting Material For Toughening Through In Situ Polymerization Of Acrylamide, Zhang Yuehong, Wang Xiaodong, Wang Hai, Wu Boqiang, Ji Zhongkui, Zhu Shibin, Han Le, Feng Longfei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Efficiently controlling the water inflow (loss) of burnt rocks in the roof of coal mining faces requires grouting reinforcement materials with excellent compressive toughness. Silicate cement-based grouting materials, characterized by low costs, have been extensively applied to grouting reinforcement in coal mines. However, their hardened grout is susceptible to deformation, exhibiting poor toughness. By employing the in-situ polymerization of acrylamide (AM) for toughening, this study investigated the effects of AM, cross-linking agent, initiator, and water-cement ratio on the setting time, swelling capacity, compressive strength, and toughness index of the fly ash-based grouting materials. Furthermore, the microstructures of the hardened grout …

An Innovative Approach On Yao’S Three-Way Decision Model Using Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets For Medical Diagnosis, Wajid Ali, Tanzeela Shaheen, Iftikhar Ul Haq, Florentin Smarandache, Hamza Ghazanfar Toor, Faiza Asif

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

In the realm of medical diagnosis, intuitionistic fuzzy data serves as a valuable tool for representing information that is uncertain and imprecise. Nevertheless, decision-making based on this kind of knowledge can be quite challenging due to the inherent vagueness of the data. To address this issue, we employ power aggregation operators, which prove effective in combining several sources of data, such as expert thoughts and patient information. This allows for a more correct diagnosis; a particularly crucial aspect of medical practice where precise and timely diagnoses can significantly impact medication policy and patient results. In our research, we introduce a …

An Innovative Approach On Yao’S Three-Way Decision Model Using Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets For Medical Diagnosis, Wajid Ali, Tanzeela Shaheen, Iftikhar Ul Haq, Florentin Smarandache, Hamza Ghazanfar Toor, Faiza Asif

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

In the realm of medical diagnosis, intuitionistic fuzzy data serves as a valuable tool for representing information that is uncertain and imprecise. Nevertheless, decision-making based on this kind of knowledge can be quite challenging due to the inherent vagueness of the data. To address this issue, we employ power aggregation operators, which prove effective in combining several sources of data, such as expert thoughts and patient information. This allows for a more correct diagnosis; a particularly crucial aspect of medical practice where precise and timely diagnoses can significantly impact medication policy and patient results. In our research, we introduce a …

Sequential Optimization For Stressor-Informed Test Planning Through Integration Of Experimental And Simulated Data, Jacob Brecheisen

Data Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

This technical report details an innovative approach in reliability engineering aimed at maximizing system durability through a synergistic use of physical experimentation and computer-based modeling. Our methodology explores the efficient design and analysis of computer experiments and physical tests to facilitate accelerated reliability growth, while leveraging a sequential integration of data from these two distinct sources: costly physical experiments, characterized by random errors, and inexpensive computer simulations, marked by inherent systematic errors. The key innovation lies in the adoption of a closed-loop design and analysis method. This method begins by identifying a viable subset of important environmental stressors—such as temperature, …

The Mathematics Of Financial Portfolio Optimization Incorporating Environmental, Social, And Governance Score Information, Ian Driskill

Master's Theses

We numerically investigate the effects that Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores have on portfolio optimization with Modern Portfolio Theory assumptions and how ESG scores correlate with the market returns of a rated company's stock. Additionally, we review and analyze a research paper published in the Journal of Financial Economics regarding ESG investing titled “Responsible investing: The ESG-efficient frontier” by Pedersen, Fitzgibbons, and Lukasz. Our overall goal is provide insight for socially responsible inclined investors, to help them understand what ESG scores tell us and how those scores may effect their overall investment returns."

Optimization Of Xrf Experimental Protocol For Bruker Picofox, Tyler Ashcraft

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The research performed was to improve the precision and accuracy of sample measurements made with the Bruker Picofox X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The initial method of sample preparation using a 10 μL drop spotted onto an acrylic plate and then drying in an oven at 80˚C produced inconsistent results even when processing replicates or the same sample multiples times. Multiple experiments were conducted to determine the effects of different sample preparation conditions on the resulting accuracy. The conditions tested were drop size, plate composition, and drying temperature. For each experiment an internal standard (gallium) was used at concentrations similar to that …

Assessing Extant Methods For Generating G-Optimal Designs And A Novel Methodology To Compute The G-Score Of A Candidate Design, Hyrum John Hansen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Experimental designs are used by scientists to allocate treatments such that statistical inference is appropriate. Most traditional experimental designs have mathematical properties that make them desirable under certain conditions. Optimal experimental designs are those where the researcher can exercise total control over the treatment levels to maximize a chosen mathematical property. As is common in literature, the experimental design is represented as a matrix where each column represents a variable, and each row represents a trial. We define a function that takes as input the design matrix and outputs its score. We then algorithmically adjust each entry until a design …

Cost-Risk Analysis Of The Ercot Region Using Modern Portfolio Theory, Megan Sickinger

Master's Theses

In this work, we study the use of modern portfolio theory in a cost-risk analysis of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). Based upon the risk-return concepts of modern portfolio theory, we develop an n-asset minimization problem to create a risk-cost frontier of portfolios of technologies within the ERCOT electricity region. The levelized cost of electricity for each technology in the region is a step in evaluating the expected cost of the portfolio, and the historical data of cost factors estimate the variance of cost for each technology. In addition, there are several constraints in our minimization problem to …

Optimization Pump As Turbine Coupled To A Self-Excited Induction Generator Using Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm, Emanuel J. Nyirenda

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

As a way of accelerating the deployment of affordable and clean renewable energy generation technologies, applying a pump working as a turbine coupled to a self-excited induction generator is gaining popularity in various areas including energy recovery and micro hydro systems. However, it is currently challenging to predict the performance of the PAT-SEIG system and there is no agreed-upon rule on the selection of the appropriate system to be installed at a particular site. This paper has presented multi-objective optimization to select the best operating point of the PAT-SEIG system. The results show that the peak efficiencies for the PAT …

Uconn Baseball Reliever Lane Optimization Tool, Jason Bartholomew

Honors Scholar Theses

The building of a tool to be utilized by UConn’s Division I baseball team that will generate a game plan for when different relievers should be used against different parts of the opponent’s lineup to achieve the lowest total expected value of runs allowed for the remainder of the game based on game situations and matchup probabilities. The tool will also examine and determine situations that may be vital enough to the outcome of the game to bring in a better reliever normally saved for later in the game.

Modeling And Numerical Analysis Of The Cholesteric Landau-De Gennes Model, Andrew L. Hicks

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This thesis gives an analysis of modeling and numerical issues in the Landau-de Gennes (LdG) model of nematic liquid crystals (LCs) with cholesteric effects. We derive various time-step restrictions for a (weighted) $L^2$ gradient flow scheme to be energy decreasing. Furthermore, we prove a mesh size restriction, for finite element discretizations, that is critical to avoid spurious numerical artifacts in discrete minimizers that is not well-known in the LC literature, particularly when simulating cholesteric LCs that exhibit ``twist''. Furthermore, we perform a computational exploration of the model and present several numerical simulations in 3-D, on both slab geometries and spherical …

Milp Modeling Of Matrix Multiplication: Cryptanalysis Of Klein And Prince, Murat Burhan İlter, Ali Aydın Selçuk

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

Mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) techniques are widely used in cryptanalysis, aiding in the discovery of optimal linear and differential characteristics. This paper delves into the analysis of block ciphers KLEIN and PRINCE using MILP, specifically calculating the best linear and differential characteristics for reduced-round versions. Both ciphers employ matrix multiplication in their diffusion layers, which we model using multiple XOR operations. To this end, we propose two novel MILP models for multiple XOR operations, which use fewer variables and constraints, proving to be more efficient than standard methods for XOR modeling. For differential cryptanalysis, we identify characteristics with a probability …

Determining Critical Nodes In Optimal Cost Attacks On Networked Infrastructures, Ishfaq Ahmad, Addison Clark, Muhammad Ali, Hansheng Lei, David Ferris, Alex Aved

Informatics and Engineering Systems Faculty Publications

A wide range of critical infrastructures are connected via wide area networks as well as the Internet-of-Thing (IoT). Apart from natural disasters, these infrastructures, providing services such as electricity, water, gas, and Internet, are vulnerable to terrorist attacks. Clearly, damages to these infrastructures can have dire consequences on economics, health services, security and safety, and various business sectors. An infrastructure network can be represented as a directed graph in which nodes and edges denote operation entities and dependencies between entities, respectively. A knowledgeable attacker who plans to harm the system would aim to use the minimum amount of effort, cost, …

Improved Binary Differential Evolution With Dimensionality Reduction Mechanism And Binary Stochastic Search For Feature Selection, Behrouz Ahadzadeh, Moloud Abdar, Fatemeh Safara, Leyla Aghaei, Seyedali Mirjalili, Abbas Khosravi, Salvador García, Fakhri Karray, U. Rajendra Acharya

Machine Learning Faculty Publications

Computer systems store massive amounts of data with numerous features, leading to the need to extract the most important features for better classification in a wide variety of applications. Poor performance of various machine learning algorithms may be caused by unimportant features that increase the time and memory required to build a classifier. Feature selection (FS) is one of the efficient approaches to reducing the unimportant features. This paper, therefore, presents a new FS, named BDE-BSS-DR, that utilizes Binary Differential Evolution (BDE), Binary Stochastic Search (BSS) algorithm, and Dimensionality Reduction (DR) mechanism. The BSS algorithm increases the search capability of …

Reinforcement Learning For Optimal Kicking Actions In Humanoid Robotics: Advancing Robotic Autonomy And Versatility, Suresh Dodda, Sathish Kumar Chintala, Sukender Reddy Mallreddy, Sharath Chandra Macha, Yashwanth Vasa, Sapan Bharadwaj Bonala, Navin Kamuni, Sujatha Alla

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

Acquiring the necessary skills to perform a work effectively and efficiently requires a significant investment of time and computing power. Previous applications of Reinforcement Learning (RL) for action optimization in humanoid robotics have shown how promising this technology is for moving robotics towards true autonomy and versatility. Therefore, this study offers the first use of RL to create an entirely optimal kicking action for the Alderbaran Nao robot. Kicking motions that were steady, precise, quick, and able to kick farther than any existing RoboCup squad were generated by optimizing for a multi-objective reward function. We demonstrate that the ideal kicking …

Energy Consumption Optimization Of Uav-Assisted Traffic Monitoring Scheme With Tiny Reinforcement Learning, Xiangjie Kong, Chenhao Ni, Gaohui Duan, Guojiang Shen, Yao Yang, Sajal K. Das

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can capture pictures of road conditions in all directions and from different angles by carrying high-definition cameras, which helps gather relevant road data more effectively. However, due to their limited energy capacity, drones face challenges in performing related tasks for an extended period. Therefore, a crucial concern is how to plan the path of UAVs and minimize energy consumption. To address this problem, we propose a multi-agent deep deterministic policy gradient based (MADDPG) algorithm for UAV path planning (MAUP). Considering the energy consumption and memory usage of MAUP, we have conducted optimizations to reduce consumption on …

Assessing Carbon Sequestration Of Mixed Hardwood Forests Through Optimizing Harvesting Strategies And Biomass Utilization For Biochar, Bibek Aryal

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study investigated the long-term carbon stock of central Appalachian mixed hardwood forests under several harvesting strategies. The strategies were optimized to maximize both long-term carbon sequestration and timber supply during harvest using Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) models. Clear-cut (CC), Partial cut (PC), and mixed harvesting methods to unharvested conditions over 190 years were studied. Initially, harvested forests showed lower sequestration rates than unharvested forests but eventually surpassed them, with CC showing the highest rates over time. Younger forests, particularly those aged 85 to 130 years, exhibited peak carbon sequestration rates. Regarding carbon stock, the unharvested scenario initially had the …

Preliminary Study On The Effects Of Vinegar As Pre- Treatment For The Oven-Drying Of Pacific Yellowtail Emperor (Lethrinus Atkinsoni) Fillets, Nurisa A. Suhaili, Rafael S. Jamih, Normina A. Abubakar, Jaro O. Ajik, Merilyn Q. Amlani

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

This study aimed to assess the impact of various vinegar compositions used as pre-treatment for Pacific Yellowtail Emperor (PYE) fillets during the oven-drying process, with a focus on moisture content and optimal drying conditions. Two types of commercially available vinegar, Superior Vinegar and Datu Puti Vinegar, were compared, and different drying temperatures were evaluated. The investigation revealed that the drying temperature significantly influenced the moisture content of the dried PYE fillets. Among the tested temperatures (40°C, 60°C, and 80°C), the most favorable outcome in terms of moisture content was achieved when fillets were dried at 80°C for a duration of …

An Innovative Approach On Yao’S Three-Way Decision Model Using Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets For Medical Diagnosis, Wajid Ali, Tanzeela Shaheen, Iftikhar Ul Haq, Florentin Smarandache, Hamza Ghazanfar Toor, Faiza Asif

Branch Mathematics and Statistics Faculty and Staff Publications

In the realm of medical diagnosis, intuitionistic fuzzy data serves as a valuable tool for representing information that is uncertain and imprecise. Nevertheless, decision-making based on this kind of knowledge can be quite challenging due to the inherent vagueness of the data. To address this issue, we employ power aggregation operators, which prove effective in combining several sources of data, such as expert thoughts and patient information. This allows for a more correct diagnosis; a particularly crucial aspect of medical practice where precise and timely diagnoses can significantly impact medication policy and patient results. In our research, we introduce a …

Classification In Supervised Statistical Learning With The New Weighted Newton-Raphson Method, Toma Debnath

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

In this thesis, the Weighted Newton-Raphson Method (WNRM), an innovative optimization technique, is introduced in statistical supervised learning for categorization and applied to a diabetes predictive model, to find maximum likelihood estimates. The iterative optimization method solves nonlinear systems of equations with singular Jacobian matrices and is a modification of the ordinary Newton-Raphson algorithm. The quadratic convergence of the WNRM, and high efficiency for optimizing nonlinear likelihood functions, whenever singularity in the Jacobians occur allow for an easy inclusion to classical categorization and generalized linear models such as the Logistic Regression model in supervised learning. The WNRM is thoroughly investigated …