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Item A line-profile based double partial fusion method for acquiring planning CT of oversized patients in radiation treatment(American Association of Physicists in Medicine, 2012-03-08) Wu, Huanmei; Zhao, Qingya; Cao, Minsong; Das, Indra; Engineering Technology, School of Engineering and TechnologyTrue 3D CT dataset for treatment planning of an oversized patient is difficult to acquire due to the bore size and field of view (FOV) reconstruction. This project aims to provide a simple approach to reconstruct true CT data for oversize patients using CT scanner with limited FOV by acquiring double partial CT (left and right side) images. An efficient line profile-based method has been developed to minimize the difference of the CT numbers in the overlapping region between the right and left images and to generate a complete true 3D CT dataset in the natural state. New image processing modules have been developed and integrated to the Insight Segmentation & Registration Toolkit (ITK 3.6) package. For example, different modules for image cropping, line profile generation, line profile matching, and optimized partial image fusion have been developed. The algorithm has been implemented for images containing the bony structure of the spine and tested on 3D CT planning datasets from both phantom and real patients with satisfactory results in both cases. The proposed optimized line profile-based partial registration method provides a simple and accurate method for acquiring a complete true 3D CT dataset for an oversized patient using CT scanning with small bore size, that can be used for accurate treatment planning.Item Modeling and Control of A Combined Wind-Solar Microgrid(IEEE, 2014) Shen, Dan; Izadian, Afshin; Department of Engineering Technology, School of Engineering and TechnologyThis paper introduces a standalone hybrid power generation system consisting of solar and wind power sources and a DC load. A supervisory control unit, designed to execute maximum power point tracking (MPPT), is introduced to maximize the simultaneous energy harvesting from overall power generation under different climatic conditions. Two contingencies are considered and categorized according to the power generation from each energy source, and the load requirement. Simulation results demonstrate effectiveness of the controllers and functionality of the maximum power point tracking algorithm in each operating condition for both solar and wind power sources.Item Adaptive-optics Optical Coherence Tomography Processing Using a Graphics Processing Unit(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, 2014) Shafer, Brandon A.; Kriske, Jeffery E.; Kocaoglu, Omer P.; Turner, Timothy L.; Liu, Zhuolin; Lee, John J.; Miller, Donald T.; Department of Engineering Technology, School of Engineering and TechnologyGraphics processing units are increasingly being used for scientific computing for their powerful parallel processing abilities, and moderate price compared to super computers and computing grids. In this paper we have used a general purpose graphics processing unit to process adaptive-optics optical coherence tomography (AOOCT) images in real time. Increasing the processing speed of AOOCT is an essential step in moving the super high resolution technology closer to clinical viability.Item Development of Renovation Techniques for Medium and Large Diameter Water Transmission Pipes(Elsevier, 2014) Bae, C.; Kim, J.; Choi, D.; Koo, Dan; Kim, J.; Department of Engineering Technology, School of Engineering and TechnologySmart lining System was developed to restore and improve water quality, hydraulic, and structural function of water large transmission pipes through the construction of the high quality lining in the study. Smart lining System consists of smart cleaning, smart spray-on lining, and smart CIPP2+. Smart cleaning is the pre-process of lining process, and could ensure SSPC SP-10 and surface roughness 50 μm(Rz) as the quality of surface preparation for the lining by removing effectively deposited slime, residual lining, tuberculation, graphitization of pipe wall with the high pressure water jet, mechanical scraper, and air spin-head blasting equipment step by step.Item Understanding gender differences in Online Learning(IEEE, 2014) Little-Wiles, Julie; Fernandez, Eugenia; Fox, Patricia; Department of Engineering Technology, School of Engineering and TechnologyAs virtual learning has become increasingly more popular and even more common within both two and four-year institutions, the question of student engagement within these courses remains a critical factor for both administrators and faculty. Determining how students respond and participate in online courses has been studied to some degree, but what has not specifically been addressed is the factor of gender. So simply asked: Does gender play a significant role in how students engage with online courses? This question directed a two year study that sought to determine if gender does play a role in the engagement and student success in one online sophomore-level ethical decision-making course taught at the School of Engineering and Technology at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. This paper will outline the various phases of the project including initial set-up and planning, the pilot study, and then the full launch to all sections each semester. The data examined includes students' gender, total site activity and usage, total site visits, chat room activity, message activity, course letter grade, and course letter grade percentage earned. Basic demographics will be determined and statistical analysis will be performed at each stage of the study with a final conclusion drawn at the end of the two years. This two-year study is organized into four phases. Currently, phases one and two are complete with phase two, the pilot study, garnering some interesting results for the research team. Phase three, the full launch to all sections in two semesters, is now underway and the researchers hope the full launch will determine if the pilot results were correct or if a larger sample provides a clearer determination in regards to gender.Item Student Performance in First Year, Mathematics, and Physics Courses: Implications for Success in the Study of Electrical and Computer Engineering(IEEE, 2014-10) Simpson, Jane; Fernandez, Eugenia; Department of Engineering Technology, School of Engineering and TechnologyMathematics and physics courses are recognized as a crucial foundation for the study of engineering, and often are prerequisite courses for the basic engineering curriculum. But how does performance in these prerequisite courses affect student performance in engineering courses? This study evaluated the relationship between grades in prerequisite math and physics courses and grades in subsequent electrical engineering courses. Where significant relationships were found, additional analysis was conducted to determine minimum grade goals for the prerequisite courses. Relationships were found between five course pairs: calculus II and differential equations; calculus II and physics I (mechanics); physics II (electricity and optics) and circuits analysis II; physics II (electricity and optics) and signals and systems; and circuits analysis II and signals and systems. The results indicate that a grade of C+ or higher in calculus II, and a grade of B- or higher in physics II and circuits analysis II will lead to higher grades in subsequent mathematics, circuits, and signals and systems courses. This information will be used to aid faculty in making decisions about imposing minimum grade requirements.Item Development of a microfluidic gas generator from QQQAN efficient film-based microfabrication method(MicroTAS, 2014-10) Cao, Yuanzhi; Bontrager-Singer, Jacob; Zamani Farahani, Mahmoud R.; Meng, Dennis D.; Yu, Whitney H.; Zhu, Likun; Department of Engineering Technology, School of Engineering and TechnologyWe report the development of a microfluidic gas generator using polymer film-based microfabrication method. The method is time and cost efficient and capable of fabricating microfluidic devices with feature resolution lower than 100 μm. Complicated 3-dimentional devices can be fabricated by aligning and stacking multiple layers of patterned polymer (polystyrene, polycarbonate) films and double-sided tapes which are obtained from a digital craft-cutter. Integrated with functional features like Pt catalyst, the device can generate a variety of gas (O2, H2, etc) through controllable catalytic reaction.Item Thiol-ene hydrogels as desmoplasia-mimetic matrices for modeling pancreatic cancer cell growth, invasion, and drug resistance(Elsevier, 2014-12) Ki, Chang Seok; Lin, Tsai-Yu; Korc, Murray; Lin, Chien-Chi; Department of Engineering Technology, School of Engineering and TechnologyThe development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is heavily influenced by local stromal tissues, or desmoplasia. Biomimetic hydrogels capable of mimicking tumor niches are particularly useful for discovering the role of independent matrix cues on cancer cell development. Here, we report a photo-curable and bio-orthogonal thiol-ene (i.e., cross-linked by mutually reactive norbornene and thiol groups via photoinitiation) hydrogel platform for studying the growth, morphogenesis, drug resistance, and cancer stem cell marker expression in PDAC cells cultured in 3D. The hydrogels were prepared from multi-arm poly(ethylene glycol)-norbornene cross-linked with protease-sensitive peptide to permit cell-mediated matrix remodeling. Collagen 1 fibrils were incorporated into the covalent network while cytokines (e.g., EGF and TGF-β1) were supplemented in the culture media for controlling cell fate. We found that the presence of collagen 1 enhanced cell proliferation and Yes-associated protein (YAP) translocation to cell nuclei. Cytokines and collagen 1 synergistically up-regulated MT1-MMP expression and induced cell spreading, suggestive of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the encapsulated cells. Furthermore, PDAC cells cultured in 3D developed chemo-resistance even in the absence of collagen 1 and cytokines. This phenotype is likely a consequence of the enrichment of pancreatic cancer stem cells that expressed high levels of CD24, sonic hedgehog (SHH), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).Item Selection and Re-Selection in Stochastic Democracy(2015) Schubert, Peter J.; Department of Engineering Technology, School of Engineering and TechnologySelf-governance of space habitats using Stochastic Democracy is objective and corruption-resistant. Prior simulation studies compared Stochasticism with elitism, pure communism, and pure capitalism for long-duration ark ships, demonstrating superior outcomes for all individuals. Additional simulations explored resilience to decimation, and to rapid population growth, such as may be experienced by large space settlements. In this study, the initial population of a hierarchical governing structure is simulated, providing a procedure for start-up on Day 1. Furthermore, rules for re-selection are explored to provide a balance of fresh inputs and experienced leadership. A key tenet of Stochastic Democracy is preclusion of career politicians who can be unduly influenced by campaign contributions and unduly favored by redistricting (“gerrymandering”). However, preserving learning within a governmental hierarchy is valuable, so the re-selection process should include a means by which selected leaders either retain office or advance to greater levels of geographic and population responsibility. Staggering of terms is another important means by which some level of continuity of governance is retained. In this work, several alternatives are explored to provide a sense of the impacts of re-selection rules. It is conceivable that individual communities may vote on referenda which capture their preferences for re-selection rules and duration of terms. In this way, Stochastic Democracy becomes adaptable to the community sociology and to possible future changes in lifespan. This work completes earlier AIAA-published theoretical studies of this novel form of habitat self-governance.Item Empirical Analysis of Water-Main Failure Consequences(Elsevier, 2015) Piratla, Kalyan R.; Yerri, Sreeganesh R.; Yazdekhasti, Sepideh; Cho, Jinsung; Koo, Dan; Matthews, John C.; Department of Engineering Technology, School of Engineering and TechnologyModern urban societies depend greatly on critical lifeline systems such as drinking water supply. Water supply systems in the United States comprise about one million mile length of interconnected pipelines that transport water from sources to consumption points with the support of treatment plants, pumping stations, storage tanks and valves. While depleting freshwater sources in some regions is an alarming concern, supply infrastructure woes exacerbate the problem of meeting supply reliability targets. Evidenced by the “D” or lower grade it has been receiving over the past few ASCE infrastructure report cards, the quality of water supply infrastructure has degraded to an extent where 240,000 water mains fail annually in the U.S. A majority of these failures result in significant economic, environmental and societal consequences. Pro-active rehabilitation of deteriorated infrastructure will avoid these unwarranted failure consequences. This paper employs empirical analysis of the economic, environmental and societal consequences of large-diameter water main failures to estimate their overall impact cost. Data on the impacts of 11 large-diameter water main failures has been gathered and synthesized. The results of this paper will aid in predicting the future water main failure consequences to enable risk-based, long-term capital improvement planning of water supply systems.