Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Design Of Silicon Grating Metasurfaces For Beam Deflecting In Solid-State Light Detecting And Ranging (Lidar), Matthew Baker

Honors Program Theses and Projects

My thesis begins with an overview of LiDAR (Light Detecting and Ranging) and theory for electromagnetic wave propagation. We establish problems that arise from the use of external beam steering components in LiDAR systems. As a possible solution, we introduce the concept of a metasurface with sub-wavelength dimensions. Grating metasurfaces utilize periodicity to change the phase gradient along a surface. Using a row of posts on a substrate, we can confine light towards one side of a structure, deflecting at angles towards a maximum angle determined by the structure’s geometry. These metasurfaces are small enough to be directly incorporated onto …

Simulations Of Magnetar Spin-Down Lifetimes Using Magnetic Braking Models, Sophie Wessel

Honors College Theses

The beginnings of magnetar lifetimes are not very well understood. It is important to improve our understanding of magnetar origins in order to investigate possible evolutionary connections to other classes of NS, such as X-ray dim isolated NSs (XDINSs). Here we follow in the steps of another paper1 in modeling the spin evolution of magnetars, utilizing two avenues of evolution: one involving exponential B-field decay, and the other involving suband super-exponential B-field decay. We replicate the results of the paper, utilizing Monte Carlo methods to generate and evolve synthetic populations of magnetars, which are then compared to the current known …

Current Wind Simulation Techniques, Keegan J. Sims

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Not much exists in the realm of wind simulation. For what does exist involves tornadoes, and even then that is stretched far and few between. Due to this we have a lot of room to explore, and figure things out. How do we simulate real time wind? My capstone project involves a simple wind algorithm, how does it compare to what does currently exist? This paper covers the papers about wind and how it it interacts with objects and itself.

Multiscale Integration Of Receptor-Ligand Dynamics Into Discrete And Continuous Tumor Growth Models With Application To Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Treatment, Romasa Qasim

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor cascade plays a crucial role in the survival and proliferation of tumor cells. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are a class of drugs that inhibit epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs), thereby preventing the downstream signal transduction. Despite their importance, models that link spatial receptor dynamics to tumor growth remain scarce. Further, TKIs act through selective mechanisms, inhibiting active, inactive, or all receptor states, which poses a challenge to traditional modeling approaches.

We propose to numerically study two mathematical models incorporating receptor-dynamics into cancer models to describe the impact of EGFR overexpression and TKIs. The first …

Divergence-Free Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics In A Stream Digital Twin, Austin Hartley

All Theses

Digital Twins (DT) are being explored by the South Carolina (SC) water community to simulate how SC streams will flow at various water levels. Currently, a DT called Gilligan simulates these streams utilizing weakly-incompressible Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH). This method does not strictly enforce incompressibility, which leads to unrealistic water flows and unwanted visual artifacts that require post-processing effects to hide. To address these problems and simulate more realistic water flows, the Gilligan stream logic is updated and a state-of-the-art SPH method that enforces incompressibility—Divergence-Free SPH (DFSPH)—is implemented within the Gilligan framework. DFSPH is able to make use of two …

Designing A Statistical Plan For Measuring Self-Efficacy Using A 2k Factorial Design​, Rachel A. Hart, Eugene H. Thompson

Mathematics, Computer Science & Statistics Presentations

This study focuses on designing a statistical plan that measures the effects of self-efficacy using a 2k factorial design. Specifically, we simulated data on physical, mental, spiritual, and social health, so we could focus on their interaction with self-efficacy. By using ANOVA to see the main and interaction effects, we can see the impact of individual autonomy on health. Our findings show the need for experimental data on the demographic of interest, peri-and post-menopausal women.

A Formal Simulation Model For Discrete Rate Simulation, Thomas J. Tracey

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Simulation is an essential tool for virtualizing systems by creating a representative model of real or hypothetical systems and observing how they change over time. Two predominant simulation paradigms include Discrete Event Simulation (DES) and Continuous Simulation, which both have their strengths and weaknesses. DES does not handle continuous state variables, while continuous simulation handles continuous state variables but encounters errors where these variables have discrete changes in their behavior. This difficulty between the two predominant simulation paradigms prompted the creation of a new simulation paradigm to cover this gap: Discrete Rate Simulation (DRS). DRS as a simulation paradigm focuses …

Testing Autonomy: Hybrid Scenario Synthesis, Benjamin E. Hargis

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Hybrid Scenario Synthesis merges static and adaptive techniques to generate interactions that rigorously assess autonomous performance under multi-factor testing. Multifactor scenarios employ multiple individual stimuli to rigorously test system responses in complex settings. Static Scenario Testing involves scripted test cases that simulate specific conditions or events. These scenarios represent typical situations an autonomous system might encounter. The benefits of static testing include early defect detection, focused review by trained experts, and efficiency. In multi-factor scenarios, however, statically defined scenario factors are not able to guarantee meaningful interactions as the presence of other factors may invalidate underlying assumptions regarding the system …

Student Expectations And Outcomes In Virtual Vs In-Person Interprofessional Simulations: A Qualitative Analysis, Padmavathy Ramaswamy, Abbey M Bachmann, Tiffany Champagne-Langabeer, Chasisty L Gilder, Samuel E Neher, Jennifer L Swails

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Health-related programs frequently integrate interprofessional education (IPE) into their training. The COVID-19 pandemic transitioned many IPE programs online, making it essential to assess student expectations and perceived learning outcomes across virtual simulations and in-person settings.

Methods: This qualitative study compared student expectations and self-reported outcomes across in-person and virtual case scenarios at a Texas health science center. Responses to open-ended questions from two data collection periods were analyzed using inductive coding and thematic analysis.

Results: Students from nursing, medicine, dentistry, public health, and informatics participated in each group. Three major themes emerged from this study: communication, teamwork, and …

Emergency Response Digital Twin: Integrating Augmented Reality And Live Position Data With Simulation-Aided Decision-Making In Real-Time, Joseph Fuentes

Theses and Dissertations

With the growing use of simulation across industries, the digital twin remains an underexplored research area, particularly in emergency management and response. Its real-time updating capability is often overlooked due to the misconception that "digital twin" is merely a complex term for simulation. This paper highlights its distinctiveness through an evasion exercise involving two independent entities in a collocated environment. Using a highly integrated virtual environment (HIVE) and internet of things (IoT) devices, we link the physical system with an analytical simulation, demonstrating the impact of lag times in high-pressure scenarios. The computational model leverages agent-based modeling (ABM) and discrete-event …

Dynamic Loading Simulation Method For Large-Scale Spiking Neural Network, Jiawei Shen, Daye Cai, Guoqing Yang, Pan Lü, Hong Li

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To address the problem of high GPU memory requirements in large-scale spiking neural network simulation, a dynamic loading simulation method for large-scale spiking neural networks is proposed. This method uses data movement at the sub-network granularity and utilizes the host memory as a larger memory pool to reduce the limitation of GPU memory on the model simulation scale, enabling large-scale spiking neural network simulation on a single GPU computer. The pipeline acceleration technique is adopted to reduce the impact of data movement on simulation speed. The simulation of a million-scale neural network is achieved in a single GPU experimental …

Comparing In-Person, Standard Telehealth, And Remote Musculoskeletal Examination With A Novel Augmented Reality Exercise Game System: Pilot Cross-Sectional Comparison Study, Richard Wu, Keerthana Chakka, Sara Belko, Ninad Khargonkar, Kevin Desai, Balakrishnan Prabhakaran, Thiru Annaswamy

SKMC Student Presentations and Publications

BACKGROUND: Current telemedicine technologies are not fully optimized for conducting physical examinations. The Virtual Remote Tele-Physical Examination (VIRTEPEX) system, a novel proprietary technology platform using a Microsoft Kinect-based augmented reality game system to track motion and estimate force, has the potential to assist with conducting asynchronous, remote musculoskeletal examinations.

OBJECTIVE: This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of the VIRTEPEX system as a supplement to telehealth musculoskeletal strength assessments.

METHODS: In this cross-sectional pilot study, 12 study participants with upper extremity pain and/or weakness underwent strength evaluations for four upper extremity movements using in-person, telehealth, VIRTEPEX, and composite (telehealth plus VIRTEPEX) …

Collision-Induced Absorption Spectra Of N₂ And Ch₄, Ryan M. Johnson, Peter F. Bernath, Brant Billinghurst, Jianbao Zhao

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Collision-induced spectra are essential for radiative transfer modeling of Titan's atmosphere. We present experimental spectra of nitrogen–methane mixtures with an accompanying fit of N₂-CH₄ collision-induced absorption in the 30–400 cm⁻¹ region at about 130 K. We found a peak absorption of 2.30 × 10⁻⁵ cm⁻¹ amagat⁻² at 75 cm⁻¹ and a secondary peak of 1.35 × 10⁻⁵ c⁻¹ amagat⁻² at 206.5 cm⁻¹, which agrees with previous studies. Our work does not support the suggestion that N₂-CH₄ CIA in the far-infrared should be increased by about 50%, as suggested by spectroscopic modeling of Titan using data from A. Borysow & C. …

From Walking To Parkour: A Structured Survey Of Rl For Dynamic Skills In Legged Robots, Christopher Allred, Chandler Justice, Rosario Scalise, Yan Gu, Jonathan Clark, Mario Harper, Jason Pusey

Computer Science Student Research

This survey reviews recent advances in applying reinforcement learning (RL) to enable dynamic and ballistic motions in legged robots, including running, jumping, stair climbing, and parkour. Focusing on high-agility behaviors that challenge traditional control frameworks, we categorize foundational locomotion tasks and highlight the RL methods, such as Proximal Policy Optimization, curriculum learning, and hybrid model-based strategies that have proven effective. We discuss the key challenges in transferring learned policies to real-world robots, managing uncertainty, and integrating perception and proprioception. Drawing from over 150 recent works, we provide a structured taxonomy of objectives, algorithms, and platforms, and identify trends in simulation …

Am I As Effective At Identifying Emotions As Artificial Intelligence? A Comparative Study Of Emotional Recognition, Traci R. Grove, Alexandra T. Lucas, Maryann Martin, Cathleen M. Deckers, Lulu Sherif Mahmood, Nicole Danaher-Garcia, Mark W. Scerbo, Suzan Kardong-Edgren, Janice C. Palaganas

Psychology Faculty Publications

Background

Learning conversations, or dialogues aimed at deepening understanding and reflection, are deeply influenced by emotions. Effective communication is influenced by emotional intelligence - the ability to recognize, understand, and manage both one’s own and others’ emotions. While advances in artificial intelligence (AI) offer new tools for emotion recognition, these technologies still struggle with accurately interpreting subtle and culturally diverse emotional expressions, sparking debate about their reliability and effectiveness. This article provides a comparative analysis of human versus AI recognition of emotions during an end-of-course reflective learning conversation.

Methods

Emotions during a structured post-conference debriefing were analyzed and coded by …

System Dynamics With Insight Maker, Steven D'Alessandro, Fons Wijnhoven

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This book offers a practical, model-driven pathway for reasoning about uncertain futures in business and public policy using system dynamics with Insight Maker. It begins by motivating why historical data alone often fail to predict social change, and it introduces the core language of system dynamics—stocks, flows, feedbacks, delays, and auxiliary variables—alongside the complementary use of agent-based modeling. Through business-relevant cases (e.g., park management trade-offs, epidemic–economy interactions, and industry competition), the book demonstrates how non-linear structure generates counter-intuitive dynamics, why scenario analysis is essential, and how to translate causal loop diagrams into stock-and-flow simulations. Readers are guided step-by-step to build, …

A New Simulation Framework For Analyzing Neutrosophic Data In Experimental Design, Muhammad Aslam, Nasrullah Khan, Florentin Smarandache

Branch Mathematics and Statistics Faculty and Staff Publications

A recent simulation-based classical analysis has been developed for interval data. However, a review of the literature indicates that these existing simulations have notable limitations and fail to conform to the neutrosophic statistical framework. In this paper, we propose a novel simulation process designed to analyze neutrosophic data within an appropriate and rigorous neutrosophic framework. We demonstrate that the proposed simulation is more comprehensive and aligns closely with the principles of neutrosophic theory. The results will be obtained through simulation and compared with those of existing methods, with the expectation that the proposed approach provides substantial improvements and is better …

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

Branch Mathematics and Statistics Faculty and Staff Publications

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 …

Theory And Applications Surrounding Markov Chains, Joseph J. Quisito Jr., Gallean Brown, Elijah Yoder

Capstone Showcase

This capstone project explores the Markov Chain – a mathematical model used to describe systems that transition between states based on probabilities. It begins by introducing the fundamental concepts, including transition matrices, state classifications, and stationary distributions. The paper then applies Markov Chain theory to real-world scenarios, such as simulating Snakes and Ladders games, predicting soccer match outcomes for Manchester United, and generating texts from movie lines. Finally, it discusses key findings, challenges, and potential areas for future research in the field.

Simulation Of Annpet For Neural Network Training And System Performance Benchmarking, Pete Martone

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Monte Carlo (MC) simulations are often used to provide insight into complex physical phenomenon. They can generate realistic results without the necessity to construct costly and complex apparatus. The ultimate value of these simulations depend on how accurately the physics can be modeled and if a sufficient volume can be produced to account for statistical variance. In medical imaging device development, MC simulations of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanners have typically been used to model the performance of new systems. The imaging group in the Department of Radiology have developed a unique detector design for a pre- clinical PET scanner …

Linking Empirical Data And Numerical Simulation To Characterize Dynamic Fire Behavior Associated With Interacting Firelines, Marta Sergeevna Jerebets

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Understanding fuel pattern-fire process relationships is key for predicting fire behavior and effects with follow-on benefits to proactive fire management and model validation. To characterize dynamic fire behavior, this thesis leverages empirical data and numerical simulation through two complementary studies.

In the first study, longwave thermal sensors aboard unmanned aerial systems (UAS) were used to capture fine-scale fire behavior in two experimental grass burns. A novel paired design was used to quantify the effects of fuel arrangement on fire behavior with 3.66 m diameter treatments cut to a height of 0.15 m. The treatments ephemerally reduced fire rate of spread …

Mean From Median Estimation In Longitudinal Meta-Analysis Of Quality Of Life In Radiation Oncology Patients, Harlan R. Sayles

Theses & Dissertations

Meta-analysis of longitudinal data, where some of the studies report results with means and standard errors while others use medians and ranges, is a complex analytical problem with several challenges which must be overcome. Existing methods for estimating means from medians and either ranges, interquartile ranges, or both have not previously been evaluated in a longitudinal setting. In this work, a simulation study was used to estimate mean bias, between studies variance bias, and coverage of confidence intervals in a longitudinal setting. A second simulation study estimated the variance of meta-analysis results from a given set of studies that may …

Mathematical Modelling Of Disease Outbreak, Favour Christian, Matthew Molloy

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Establishing a model framework for more research necessitates a thorough understanding of the causes, distribution, prevalence, and evolution of infectious illnesses. The main mathematical concept used in this modelling simulation is ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The purpose of this study was to investigate the significance of the many criteria linked to a zombie virus spread. The zombie framework provides an accessible and relatively simple representation of the nature of infectious disease spread, allowing for tractable assumptions and the development of more complex situations.

The models are designed around a zombie outbreak in which the zombie virus is spread through a …

Wormhole Attack Mitigation In Wireless Network Using Propagation Delay, Harry May, Travis Atkison

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

This paper presents a novel approach for mitigating wormhole attacks on wireless networks using propagation delay timing. The wormhole attack is a persistent security threat that threatens the integrity of network communications, potentially leading to data theft or other malicious activities. While various methods exist for combating wormhole attacks, our approach offers advantages that set it apart. Our approach involves a combination of proactive and reactive measures, harnessing box plot analysis and weighting factor techniques to identify and isolate outlier node links effectively. Unlike traditional methods, our solution not only detects outlier links but also defines dynamic weighting factors, providing …

Dynamics And Interactions Of Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus And Sulphur Cycling In Grazed Pasture, A K. Metherell, C V. Cole, W J. Parton

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

There are close links between the carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus {P) and sulphur (S) cycles. This is especially evident in legume-based pasture in which ahe application of P and S fertilisers are required to achieve saaisfactory levels of N2 fixation and pasture production The dynamics of the nutrient cycles are controlled largely by the rates of pasture production and consumption, and by the rate of decomposition of organic matter. The CENTURY soil organic matter model integrates climate, soil and management driving variables to predict C, N, P and S dynamics. Simulated effecls of P and S fertiliser on nutrient …

A Self Consistent 2d Simulation Of Coherent Synchrotron Radiation Effects On Beam Dynamics, Dallan Duffin

Physics Theses & Dissertations

An increasing interest in high quality and high current electron beams necessitates a thorough understanding and prediction of coherent synchrotron radiation effects. The self-interaction of charged particles in a beam undergoing synchrotron motion is a physically significant process that is all too often computationally intensive with very little analytical results to rely on for the general case. The coherent spectrum of this interaction is of utmost importance to the design of free electron lasers (FELs) and an accurate assessment is imperative for their design. This work presents a novel implementation to the numerical simulation of charged particle beams. The simulation …

Leveraging Propagation Delay For Wormhole Detection In Wireless Networks, Harry May, Travis Atkison

Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice

Detecting and mitigating wormhole attacks in wireless networks remains a critical challenge due to their deceptive nature and potential to compromise network integrity. This paper proposes a novel approach to wormhole detection by leveraging propagation delay analysis between network nodes. Unlike traditional methods that rely on signature-based detection or specialized hardware, our method focuses on analyzing propagation delay timings to identify anomalous behavior indicative of wormhole attacks. The proposed methodology involves collecting propagation delay data in both normal network scenarios and scenarios with inserted malicious wormhole nodes. By comparing these delay timings, our approach aims to differentiate between legitimate network …

Evaluating Livestock Selling Strategies Based On Forage Availability, Lucas D. Parsch, W M. Watts, O J. Loewer, P L. Luster

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The ORAZB simulation model was used to evaluate 4 alternative decision rules to trigger the removal of stocker steers from pasture in order to avoid risk when pasture conditions are suboptimal, Each of the four decision rules was simulated for 8 stocking rates over a 13- year period, Results of the analysis indicated that decision rules which trigger livestock removal based on minimum herbage availability result in shorter grazing periods and higher average daily gain compared with decision rules which trigger removal based on livestock weight loss. Although decision rules based on minimum herbage availability thresholds resulted in the highest …

Modelling As Tool For Grassland Science Progress, N G. Seligman

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Simulation modeling in grassland science has a history of more than 20 years. To dnle it has been distinguished more by its continuing and expanding development than by its success in advancing grassland science and practice. This possibly reflects the phenomenal increase in computer technology compared with the much more modest progress in grassland science. Models have nevertheless been the vehicle for identifiable contributions to grassland theory and there are an increasing number of successful applications in management and policy situations. Expectations for future contributions are more realistic today than in the heady early years, but despite much disillusion, the …

Computer Simulation To Aid The Development, Transfer An Adoption Of Alternative Forage Conservation Systems, C A. Rotz, D R. Buckmaster

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A computer simulation model of forage production, conservation and use was developed to evaluate forage technologies. The model simulates forage losses and quality changes along with the use and costs of machines, structures, labour, fuel, chemicals, etc. Alfalfa and corn produced on the farm arc supplemented with purchased feeds to feed a dairy herd or they are sold. Simulation over many years of weather conditions provides a long-term evaluation of the performance and economics of alternative forage systems. Simulation results provide manufacturers with design-performance constraints which aid the development of new products. Adoption of available forage technology is aided by …