Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Growing Beef Cattle On Native Pasture Oversown With The Legume Fine-Stem Stylo In Subtropical Australia, K G. Rickert, G M. Mckeon, J H. Prinsen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Fine-stem stylo (FSS), Stylosanthes guianensis var. lntermedia, is a perennial legume suitable for sowing into native Heteropogon contortus pastures on well-drained soils in southeastern Queensland. A grazing system is described that aims to maintain a productive FSS pasture and grow steers to 480 kg live weight at 27 months of age. This goal requires gains of 300 kg/steer in 20 months after weaning. Results from a short-term field study of the system were analyzed for long-term repeatabil­ity using a simple model that predicted animal production from stocking rate and weather records. The system was studied near Gayndah, Queensland, on 11.3 …

Hot Hands Or Chance Happenings? A Simulation-Based Approach For Wnba Teams, Ruben Jimenez

Master's Theses

The hot hand is a polarizing topic in basketball analytics: fans, stakeholders, and even players themselves assert confidently their belief or disbelief in the idea that players who perform well will continue to do so over an extended period of time. Statistical research has been conducted since as early as 1985 to attempt to disprove or prove the existence of this phenomenon. More recent works have refuted the earliest objections to the hot hand’s existence, with conclusions aided by robust simulation techniques. In this work, we compare hypothesis tests using multiple simulation techniques to explore the hot hand at the …

Spatial Simulation Modeling As A Tool In Multiple-Use Management Of Renewable-Resource Systems, R C. Jump, G.M Van Dyne

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A conceptual model was developed using a modified-state variable approach, which involved the recognition and suitable description of specific objectives, processes, and situations considered relevant to the simulation of ecosystem dynamics. Six primary ecosystem subsystems were selected: terrestrial abiotic, floral and fauna, aquatic abiotic and biotic, and topographic land use. These subsystems are embodied by a geographic structure defined as an ecological response unit (ERU). Subsystem characteristics of an ERU are considered homogenous, but between ER Us the characteristics may differ greatly. A set of ER Us may be arranged into any mosaic pattern, a quality that affords a unique …

Exploration Of Extended Chemical Reaction Networks, Ramiro Santos

Theses and Dissertations

Chemical Reaction Networks (CRNs) is a well-established model for analyzing distributed and concurrent systems. A central problem studied across CRNs is the reachability problem, which asks whether a target configuration can be obtained from a given initial configuration through a sequence of valid transitions. Classical CRNs are highly expressive but not Turing-universal; their reachability problem is Ackermann-complete, indicating extremely high computational complexity that nevertheless falls short of full universality.

In this thesis, we study Extended Models of Chemical Reaction Networks in which the dynamics of the system are modified. We analyze these models through two fundamental questions. First, simulation, we …

Open Multi-Agent Systems: The Free-Range-Zoo Framework And Moasei Competition, Ceferino J. Patino Iv

School of Computing: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The field of multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) has made significant strides in addressing sequential decision-making problems under uncertainty. However, traditional MARL frameworks assume closed-world settings with fixed agent sets, static task distributions, and unchanging environment dynamics. This thesis presents two complementary contributions that advance the state of open-world multi-agent systems research: (1) the free-range-zoo framework, an open-source environment suite for MARL in open environments featuring dynamic agent populations, evolving task sets, and changing operational frames; and (2) the MOASEI Competition, an international benchmarking event that leverages free-range-zoo to evaluate how artificial agents handle openness in complex, partially observable domains. The …

Machine Learning Based Models For Simulation And Analysis Of Bulk Earth Melt System, Abin Shakya

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Understanding the segregation of bulk Earth melt systems into metallic (core) and silicate (mantle) phases under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions is central to modeling Earth’s interior, yet relevant experimental and computational studies remain limited. This work develops a machine learning–based simulation pipeline that iteratively couples first-principles (quantum mechanical) calculations with neural network training to generate high-fidelity force fields. Using major-element Fe–Mg–Si–O melt systems, with and without H and N, as testbeds, we demonstrate that this framework enables large-scale molecular dynamics simulations at near first-principles accuracy. We further introduce a sequence of phase identification methods, progressing from statistical binning of elemental …

Scenarioxp: A Complete Scenario-Based Testing Framework For The Exploration And Exploitation Of Autonomous Vehicle Validation Scenarios, Quentin Goss

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Today is an age of exciting emerging technology where cutting-edge research in autonomous vehicles (AVs) reduces the active human participation in driving and extends awareness beyond human limitations of perception and reaction, improving driving safety and quality of the user experience as a result. The ever-increasing complexity of these autonomous systems poses many challenges towards the validation and verification (V\&V) of these complex systems under time and resource constraints, as the use of artificial intelligence and also the intricacy of the operating environment means that these systems are also black-box and non-deterministic. Scenario-based V\&V testing of such systems, which involves …

Research On Uav Path Planning Method Based On Collision Free Trajectory, Jun Xie, Qi Zhang, Yanyun Peng, Haonan Shi, Dongyang Li, Xi Liu

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: In view of the problems of poor quality, long time consumption, and low efficiency of the autonomous path planning method for unmanned aerial vehicles, a path planning method for unmanned aerial vehicles based on a collision-free trajectory was proposed. Under the premise of uncertainty, the time-related virtual points and collision threshold were set; the obstacle was modeled as a rectangle; the interest points around the rectangle were defined. The uncertainty optimization model between the unmanned aerial vehicles and the obstacle was established, so as to obtain the allowable edge of the collision-free trajectory of the unmanned aerial vehicles. The …

A Scalable Iteration Of The Horizon Simulation Framework Using Multithreading Techniques, Jason E. Beals

Master's Theses

The Horizon Simulation Framework (HSF) occupies a unique space in the modern aerospace modeling landscape, enabling flexible, modular modeling of mission-level agent behavior through an object-oriented, hierarchical design. HSF's hallmark breadth-first search scheduling algorithm explores a "multiverse" of possible mission execution pathways, enabling exhaustive evaluation of schedule combinations against user-defined heuristics.

As aerospace systems become increasingly complex, HSF faces critical challenges in establishing verifiable, deterministic behavior. The framework's core scheduling algorithm had not undergone systematic validation, leaving questions about temporal consistency, state management correctness, and reproducibility across different program executions. Furthermore, the exponential growth of schedule combinations creates computational bottlenecks …

A Virtual-Reality-Based Dental Simulator For Endodontics With Automated Formative Feedback, Yousef Salah Abo El Ela

Theses and Dissertations

Advancements in virtual reality (VR) and haptic technology are transforming the landscape of medical and dental education, offering new avenues for safe, immersive, and repeatable training experiences. Within dentistry, endodontics presents unique challenges for preclinical education due to anatomical complexity, limited access to extracted teeth, ethical concerns, and the shortcomings of conventional plastic models. Despite endodontics specific plastic teeth being available, they fall short of replicating the hardness of real extracted teeth, are relatively costly compared to generic plastic teeth, and are ultimately a disposable item which makes them inadequate as a sustainable long-term solution. Extracted teeth do a much …

Utilizing Computer Modeling To Optimize Electric Fields Within Xenon Time Projection Chambers, Miles Meloni

Honors Theses

XENONnT is a physics experiment designed with the goal of detecting dark matter particles. The detector is a time projection chamber; a series of charged electrodes creates an electric field, surrounding a central body filled with liquid and gaseous xenon. Photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), positioned on either end of the chamber, serve to detect light signals. We seek to minimize the root mean square of the electric field norms experienced by the PMTs. This quantity corresponds to the variance in the electric field observed by the PMTs. Establishing a consistent electric field is important to maintaining these sensitive components. The electric …

Ai-Enabled Digital Twins And Optimization Workflows For Accelerator Control, M. Yadav, A. Seryi, B. Terzic, J. Bird, J. Delayen, K. Makino, K. Ahmed, L. Van Riesen-Haupt, Q. Su, S. De Silva, S. Hossain, T. Griffin, T. Satogata

Physics Faculty Publications

We propose to develop advanced ML models, such as physics informed neural network (PINN) based surrogate models, to accurately represent accelerator phase space transport. These surrogate models will enable precise diagnosis and prediction of beam phase space evolution along the beamline, facilitating real-time control and optimization. The developed models will be tested using the Upgraded Injector Test Facility (UITF) at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab), providing a pathway toward ML-driven enhanced diagnostics and beamline control in operational accelerator environments. The primary aim will be to facilitate this by developing machine learning models that outperform traditional simulations in speed and …

Cyber-Physical Framework For Smart Paint Manufacturing: Hybrid Integration Of Plc And Recipe Management Simulation, Stephen A. Michael, Anas M. Atieh, Emmanuel Nkwocha, Nathir A. Rawashdeh

Michigan Tech Publications

This study investigates the implementation of Industry 4.0 paradigms in the context of smart paint manufacturing, focusing on process control and recipe management through the integration of Ignition SCADA, a Siemens programmable logic controller (PLC), and a MySQL Workbench database. The developed architecture employs Ignition as an interoperable communication interface that facilitates bidirectional data exchange between the PLC and the database, thereby establishing a cyber-physical system for automated monitoring and control. The digital recipe management module formalizes paint formulations into parameterized datasets specifying paint and solvent ingredient ratios, process variables, and operational constraints, which are executed autonomously by the control …

Universal Systems Simulation Via Constraint Hypergraphs With Applications To Digital Twins, John Morris

All Dissertations

The characterization of systems encompasses a variety of modeling frameworks designed to capture specific behaviors and components of various system domains. Whatever the framework, the core elements of a system representation are the information of the system and a description of how that information is related. The relations in deterministic systems are functions, which, when composed to form executable processes, can be used to simulate system data. A declarative modeling framework is one that encodes mechanisms for preparing these simulations within the model structure, allowing an external agent to form the execution processes required for a given context. To date, …

Robustness Of Network Inference Algorithms Under Network Class Misspecification, Roberto Ceja

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Inferring phylogenies in the presence of hybridization remains a difficult problem. As a result, many current methods for reconstructing phylogenetic networks are restricted to a simple class of networks known as level-1. This restriction arises from theoretical considerations rather than empirical evidence, with real data possibly arising from complex networks. In this work, we evaluate the robustness of two level-1 network inference methods, SNaQ and NANUQ+, through a simulation study, when the input data originates from a more complex network. Specifically, we investigate whether these methods can accurately recover important features of the true species network, such as the circular …

Predicting Simulation Times For Multiphase Thermal-Hydraulic Models, Andrew Yule, Andrew Taylor

SMU Data Science Review

Addressing the challenge of computationally intensive OLGA

simulations in the oil and gas industry, a machine learning framework is

developed for accurate runtime prediction. A specialized feature extraction

pipeline identifies key parameters—such as simulation time, time step,

number of branches, and section count—from OLGA input files that serve as

high-impact predictors. Multiple predictive models, including regression,

tree-based ensembles, and neural networks, are implemented to validate

accuracy and robustness. Results reveal that prioritizing simulations based on

predicted runtimes optimizes licensing resources and reduces operational

costs, making real-time scheduling more efficient. This research demonstrates

the effectiveness of data-driven runtime prediction in enhancing …

(Si15-121) Analyzing Seitr Tuberculosis Transmission Model Using Caputo–Fabrizio Fractional Derivative With Diverse Contact Rates, S. S. Sumaiya Banu, T. Gunasekar, S. Manikandan, Kamalendra Kumar, M. Suba

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

In the modern age, tuberculosis remains a pressing global health concern. Our study introduces and evaluates the SEITR pandemic TB transmission model, dividing the population into five compartments to explore distinct characteristics relevant to our investigation. Additionally, we delve into the application of fractional calculus. Through the Laplace transform method, we derive series solutions for all compartments, ensuring their existence and uniqueness. We also investigate the reproduction number of the tuberculosis epidemic model, examining how varying contact rates impact disease spread. We apply the predictor-corrector method for the Caputo-Fabrizio fractional derivative to verify the accuracy of our approach. This accurately …

Research On The Truth, Function And Common Principles Of Simulation, Haohua Xu, Bin Xiao, Yunhao Cui

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Simulation applications are becoming increasingly widespread and have a greater impact, while the theoretical foundation of simulation is relatively weak. This article provides a new definition of simulation by analyzing the common activities of simulation, which can include both virtual and real simulation forms; referring to Popper's three worlds theory, this paper discusses the objective authenticity of simulation from a philosophical perspective; From a methodological perspective, this paper elaborates on the methodological characteristics of simulation as an indirect cognitive object, revealing its significance in integrating human-machine intelligence and promoting knowledge evolution. It also discusses the common principles of simulation, …

Designing The Protocol For An Experimental Flight Simulation Study Encouraging Fuel Efficient Behavior, Thomas S. Reardon

Theses and Dissertations

This study designed and tested an experimental instrument to examine how pilots respond to fuel efficiency feedback in a flight simulator. A standardized flight plan, script, and hardware setup were created using X-Plane 12 software and physical flight simulator hardware. The chosen sortie guided participants from Monterey Regional Airport to Moffett Federal Airfield using instrument flight rules (IFR). The flight script provided step-by-step guidance to ensure consistent behavior across participants. The simulator was mapped to match real cockpit controls and allowed for precise data collection including flight time, altitude, heading, and fuel use. The goal was to support a larger …

Nba Player Types And Salaries: Assessing The Disparities In Pay, Nick Riccardi, Rodney J. Paul

Sport Management - All Scholarship

The purpose of this study was to identify player types that exist in the modern National Basketball Association (NBA), test whether player types are paid differently controlling for performance and other factors and construct successful rosters with cheaper payrolls.
We collected performance statistics and salary data for players and teams across five seasons (2018-19 to 2022-23). Cluster analysis is leveraged to group together player-seasons to identify the player types that exist in the NBA. Linear regression models are run to test for differences in pay by cluster membership while controlling for performance, age, and contractual details. Linear programming simulation models …

Autonomous Uav Swarm Formation Utilizing Gradient-Driven Contour Mapping For Radiation Source Localization, Edgar Amalyan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This thesis presents a drone swarm for radiation mapping to aid source localization. The Department of Energy advocates employing UAVs for this task, but existing approaches remain inefficient and impractical in real-world scenarios. Three custom drones are built and flight-tested. A control algorithm to follow a contour, a constant-intensity path, is designed using a gradient fit. By knowing the source’s direction, the drone swarm can fly in the optimal trajectory at every step, leaving nothing to assumption. A program is created that implements formation flight and autonomous navigation. It is tested via a software-in-the-loop simulation utilizing radiation sources and detectors …

Quantifying The Sensitivity Of Land Use Land Cover Metrics Through Simulation Techniques, Haley Burger

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

As human activities and climate change continue to reshape our landscape, understanding how land use changes over time is becoming increasingly important. Accurate ways to track and analyze these changes are essential for governments, businesses, and communities to make informed decisions. Monitoring agricultural land is particularly critical, as shifts in land use can impact food production and environmental pollutants. One of the primary tools used in the United States to monitor agricultural land is the Cropland Data Layer (CDL), an annual map created by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) from satellite images. While the CDL is highly accurate, …

Current Situation Of Simulation Course Offerings In Colleges And Universities In China And Abroad, Xiaogang Qiu, Zhengqiu Zhu, Kai Xu, Guanghong Gong

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: As fundamental teaching units, courses serve as vital carriers of disciplinary knowledge transmission and critical bridges for converting research outcomes into educational content. The construction of simulation courses plays a pivotal role in developing the simulation discipline. The inaugural "Intelligence+ " symposium on simulation discipline and specialty construction focused on exploring the current state of simulation courses and pedagogy in China while examining future development directions. This report presented the key findings and discussions from the symposium regarding simulation courses and pedagogy. The analysis covered four parts: first, an overview of simulation course offerings and characteristics at European and …

How Multi-Scale Modeling Can Help Examine Social Determinants Of Health And Resulting Disparities, Kyoko Yoshida, Elsje Pienaar, Shalanda A. Bynum, Naomi Chesler, Mitchel J. Colebank, Jessie Heneghan, Nadra Tyus, Jasmine Miller-Kleinhenz, Bruce Y. Lee

Faculty Publications

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people live, work, and play, and the wider set of factors (e.g., social and economic systems and policies) that shape a person’s daily life. SDOH can differ significantly across communities and populations, having positive impacts for some and negative impacts for others. Ultimately, this results in differences in health and disease distribution, that are known as health disparities. Despite the known impacts of SDOH and calls to characterize, address, reduce, and eliminate health disparities, they persist and, in some cases, have worsened. To address this challenge, a session at the …

La Vitesse De Sechage Au Champ Des Foins De Prairies Permanentes Application Aux Prairies De Fauche Des Alpes Du Nord Francaises, P Fleury, I Philippot, B Jeannin

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Notre objectif est de determiner Jes conditions climatiques necessaires au sechage des differents types de vegetation des prairies permanentes fauchees des Alpes du Nord frarn;aises, en fonction des pratiques de fenaison.

Regression Models To Assess Adapatation Of Annual Medics (Medicago Spp.) In Semi-Arid Subtropical Australia, N M. Clarkson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Annual medics improve production and quality of herbage in winter and are naturalised in inland eastern Australia to lat. 24° S. In southern inland Queensland (lat. 24 to 29 °S, mean annual rain 500 to 800 mm with two-thirds in summer), pro­ductivity of the summer-growing grass pasture is limited by rainfall and soil N in summer, and by low temperature and frost in winter. Thus, I tested medic as a self-regenerating win­ter forage component. Because rainfall is highly variable in our region, I also used rainfall over the past 120 years to estimate the production of medics and so provide …

Enhancing Fishnet For Wireless Network Simulation, Cameron J. Mcclure-Coleman

Computer Science and Software Engineering

This report documents the senior project focused on enhancing the Fishnet network simulation library used in Cal Poly’s CPE 464 (Introduction to Computer Networks) course. The primary goal was to implement features for simulating wireless networks and introducing discrete-event simulation (DES) capabilities to increase computational efficiency. These enhancements aim to better support the curriculum transition as Cal Poly switches from quarters to semesters. The project successfully established foundational components for wireless network simulation, including node positioning in three-dimensional space, signal propagation modeling, multiple interface nodes, and wireless collision domains. While the complete implementation of discrete-event simulation and YAML configuration features …

Statistical Investigations Of Strategies In The Game Ecosystem, Dylan Li

Master's Theses

This work provides a probability-based analysis of strategies in the board game Ecosystem. Ecosystem is a turn-based multiplayer tiling game, where players take turns picking a wildlife card from a limited pool of cards then placing that card on their personal 4x5 grid. The objective of the game is to place the wildlife cards to maximize your score, as each card’s scoring condition depends on the presence or absence of certain cards surrounding it. The goal of this project is to determine optimal strategies for tiling your grid using techniques such as simulation to find optimal grid arrangements and clustering …

A Critical Evaluation Of The Criticisms Against Neutrosophic Statistical Methods, Muhammad Aslam, Abdulrahman Alaita, Florentin Smarandache

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

Neutrosophic statistical analysis has gained attention for incorporating the degree of indeterminacy when analyzing imprecise and interval data under uncertainty–-an aspect often overlooked by classical statistics, fuzzy statistical analysis, and interval statistics. Recently, critical discussions have emerged regarding the use and applications of neutrosophic statistics, with some questioning its usefulness and validity. In this paper, we present a critical assessment of the existing literature, focusing on areas where misunderstandings and misinterpretations of neutrosophic statistical methods have occurred. We also examine flawed comparisons made between the results of neutrosophic statistics and interval statistics. Furthermore, substantial issues have been identified in the …

Agent-Based Modeling: Introduction And Actuarial Applications, Rick Gorvett

Mathematics and Economics Faculty Working Papers

Agent-based modeling (ABM) has become an important and valued approach to modeling complex systems. In this paper, I advocate for actuaries to recognize the complex systems-nature of socioeconomic and risk processes and for ABM models to become a regular resource in our actuarial toolkits. These models allow for the observation of potential macro-behavior emerging from the underlying agent-level micro-activity and characteristics. Therefore, ABM models can provide significant insight into the quantification of risk and the identification of optimal strategies. This paper is an introduction and guide to ABM models, and it includes several case studies to illustrate their utility.