48440 research outputs found
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Automation of Photon Emission Analysis: Pipeline for Hardware Security
No full textThis project develops a pipeline to automate the microscopic navigation of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to enable more efficient research in fields of side-channel analysis, especially photon emission microscopy (PEM). We developed our product outside and during laboratory sessions, primarily using Python scripts to interface with the ALPhANOV S-LMS microscope. This included the use of OpenCV for computer vision, in particular visual enhancements, and Vivado. Our approach is integrated with the Vivado tool-chain to receive sufficient information and calculate distances between components after taking measurements of major components, namely combinational logic blocks (CLBs), block random-access memory (BRAM), and digital signal processors (DSPs). We were able to successfully traverse across several clock regions using our automation framework, including over gaps on the board. Moreover, we were able to use this to navigate to a position on the board to successfully observe photon emission from a ring oscillator
Comparison of Light-Frame and CLT Construction
No full textThis project presents a comparison of light-frame and Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) construction for low-rise buildings. To achieve this, a three-unit townhouse was designed, structurally analyzed, and evaluated for construction costs and scheduling. The design, structural modeling, and calculations were conducted in accordance with the Massachusetts State Building Code, and the provisions of the National Design Specification (NDS). Cost and schedule estimates were generated, considering the design specifications and the construction context within the greater Boston area of Massachusetts
Thermal Energy Storage for Ground Source Heat Pumps
No full textGround-source heat pumps are a promising long-term solution to small-scale energy production and seasonal energy storage in homes. Implementing these systems has the potential to decrease the electrical load of HVAC systems and reduce the consumption of fossil fuels. We designed a test rig to investigate ground-source heat pumps specifically for sandy loam soil in Worcester. We created temperature distribution profiles in soil around a single pipe under simulated summer heat storage conditions and various soil moisture contents. We found that at varying moisture levels, the temperature distribution charts showed consistent trends concerning time, radial distance from the pipe, and distance along the pipe. These trends were consistent with current GSHP literature
Culvert Removal and Stream Restoration in Sterling, Massachusetts
No full textBall Brook is a small, intermittent stream in Sterling, MA, that feeds into the Sterling River and eventually the Wachusett Reservoir. The Department of Conservation and Recreation owns a residential property where Ball Brook passes through two culverts and a lengthy section of channelized flow. This project evaluated culvert conditions, channelization effects, and flood risks at the site. Based on the potential for culvert failure, it was recommended to remove both culverts, remove the manmade channel, and widen the streambed
MBTA Beltway Line
No full textThis project proposes a new ring-route subway line for the MBTA to enhance connectivity in the existing Boston public transit system. The engineering design focuses on a route alignment that follows design standards while integrating with the existing MBTA subway lines. The project schedule is divided into three phases, accounting for tunneling and track installation, procurement delays, and risk mitigation. In conjunction with the design and schedule, the budget gives a detailed cost breakdown with contingency and identifies funding sources
Stock Market Simulation 2307
No full textThis project is a seven-week stock market simulation. The goal of this project is to gain knowledge of the stock market and its trends to be able to successfully make a profit during the simulation. This project used current and accurate numbers from the stock market to make the simulation as realistic as possible. Two trading methods were tested: the buy and hold strategy and the day trading strategy. Stock simulations were performed with four selected companies as portfolios and a starting investment of $100,000. Each strategy starts with an identical portfolio. The returns of the simulations were 4.2% (profit) for the Buy and Hold strategy and ‒ 1.5% (loss) for the day trading strategy, respectively. The results from the simulations indicated that the buy and hold strategy was more profitable than the day trading strategy. This project provided the participants with trading experience that will benefit them in future investments
Developing Program Efficiency for a Mutual Aid Organization in Puerto Rico Using Sustainable and Accessible Systems PR C25
No full textMutual aid organizations became widespread across Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria 2017, to support their communities through grassroots peer-based means. Given the challenges around funding and volunteer labor, mutual aid organizations can benefit from accessible and sustainable systems that help maximize efficiency. Our project sought to outline the development process for accessible and sustainable programs at the mutual aid organization Centro de Apoyo Mutuo in Las Carolinas, Caguas through use of participatory observation, interviews, conversations, and workshopping methods. Our findings demonstrate how the implementation of sustainable and accessible solutions proves beneficial to the development and efficiency of mutual aid organizations
CS-Neamtu: Beyond the Visual - enhancing the exploration of the Worcester Art Museum with mobile applications for people with disabilities
No full textIn 2023, two project teams began to improve and develop mobile applications for visually impaired visitors at both the Worcester Art Museum and the EcoTarium (Connors et al., 2024; McGinley et al., 2024). The purpose of these projects was to improve visually impaired visitors' experiences at the respective museum. Both applications created a navigational feature that was able to guide people around the museums. Each of the applications branched out to have a different look and features that worked in tandem with the navigation. Our project team was tasked with unifying the applications through a newly developed centralized mobile application. The project aimed to decrease the overall learning curve for users having to adjust to two different applications. The team looked through the existing applications and revised the Worcester Art Museum app’s GUI so that the applications would match one other. A new container application, called Access Granted, was also developed to help users seamlessly navigate between the two existing apps. Access Granted was created to take in a user’s location and display what accessible apps were available in their vicinity. Access Granted would then give the user the option to navigate to the associated application or download it from the app store. Each of these features was designed so that those with visual impairments could independently navigate public establishments that have otherwise been inaccessible for ages
Steps to a Sustainable Market for Ban Sai Ngam Hmong Handicrafts
No full textThe Ban Sai Ngam Sewing Group consists of 12 Hmong women sewers located in Thailand’s northern province of Phayao. The goal of this project was to empower the Ban Sai Ngam Sewing Group in their economic growth by developing a sustainable model for their handicraft market with modernized design elements and strategies. We conducted interviews with members of the Sewing Group, the owner of a local handicraft company, distributed a survey to potential customers, with varying demographics, and conducted ethnographies in Chiang Rai and Bangkok. We found that the Sewing Group has insufficient income, lacks customer communication skills, and has trouble fitting designs to the contemporary market. The team developed resources to support the Sewing Group’s communication, advertising, and product design needs
Enhancing the Accessibility of Privacy Policies Using Generative AI
No full textThis project addressed the complexity of privacy policies, often inaccessible to users due to their length and technical language. To address this challenge, our team created a generative artificial intelligence (generative AI) WebUI tool for summarizing privacy policies. The tool uses user-specific inputs, including age and education level, to tailor privacy policy summaries to a user’s level of understanding. Furthermore, we incorporated prompt engineering and readability metrics for improved comprehension of privacy policies. The tool was developed and refined based on feedback received from surveying 100 WPI students and beta testing our tool with 5 WPI students. By simplifying privacy policies, this tool empowers users to make informed decisions regarding their digital privacy, and this tool has the opportunity to be further developed by future teams