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Mechanatee: A Biomimetic R.O.V.
Full text linkThe Mechanatee is a Remotely-Operated Vehicle (ROV) meant to discreetly survey Manatee populations in the Indian River Lagoon without disrupting their natural behaviors. Manatees are threatened, local, herbivorous aquatic mammals
Variations and Inaccuracies in Observational and Reanalysis Atmospheric Water Content Data in Tampa, FL
Full text linkReanalysis data is one of many tools for meteorologists in the understanding of severe weather and forecasting. However, some weather parameters are more complicated to create accurate reanalysis models of than others. Two of these parameters are atmospheric water vapor and precipitable water content. Both parameters are crucial to studying and forecasting severe weather, but unfortunately, they are challenging to collect throughout the atmosphere as well as recreate accurate models of these variables. This study seeks to analyze observational and reanalysis data of atmospheric water vapor and precipitable water content and find solutions to the problems discovered
Are You Patronizing Me? Understanding and Identifying the Implications for Benevolent Racism on Inclusion in the Workplace
Full text linkThis study examined the construct of benevolent racism. The purpose of this study was to address the following areas. First, to distinguish benevolent racism in the racism, benevolence, and sexism literature. Second, to examine how minorities experienced benevolent racism in the workplace. Third, to use that data to conduct a quantitative analysis that examined the impact of benevolent racism on work group identification and inclusion. To do so, two studies were conducted. The first study was a qualitative study that conducted interviews which examined how benevolent racism impacted minorities in the workplace. The second study was a quantitative study that examined how benevolent racism influenced work group identification and work group inclusion. This study used a metric that is influenced by study one along with validated metrics for work group identification and work group inclusion. The findings of this study shed light on the mechanisms behind benevolent racism from the perspective of the perpetrator and well as what this construct means for an inclusion climate
FPSO Motion in Synthetic Environments: Stereo-Driven Deep Learning for Wavefield Reconstruction, Motion Analysis, and Mooring System Assessment
No full textThis dissertation presents an integrated synthetic environment for simulating the motion and monitoring the integrity of a moored Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. The central hypothesis is that synthetic data-driven approaches can (1) accurately estimate spatio-temporal wave fields, (2) predict vessel motion, and (3) monitor the integrity of the mooring system—using stereo imagery of the wave field and structure motion, both of which can be acquired in real time. The first study develops a synthetic framework for estimating spatial wave fields using stereo images captured by dual cameras mounted on a moving FPSO. Dynamic sea states and vessel motion are simulated using Blender to generate realistic image sequences, which are processed through the RAFT-Stereo deep learning model to reconstruct wave elevations within a global reference frame. The second study builds upon this foundation by employing the estimated wave fields to predict the motion response of the FPSO using a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) encoder-decoder architecture. This approach enables short-horizon motion forecasting based on visual wave field data, supporting operational awareness and control. The third study introduces a two-step artificial neural network (ANN) model for mooring failure detection. Using synthetic platform motion data, the first ANN classifies whether a failure has occurred in any mooring group, while the second localizes the specific failed line. Feature selection and hyperparameter optimization further enhance classification accuracy
Oral History Interview with Brian Ehrlich, Vice President for Enrollment
No full textIn an interview with Gordon Patterson on July 17, 2025, Brian Ehrlich, Vice President for Enrollment at Florida Institute of Technology, chronicles his extensive career in higher education and provides a comprehensive overview of the university\u27s evolution, particularly in online and off-campus education
An Evaluation of Noncontingent Reinforcement and Additional Treatment Components in the Treatment of Stereotypic Behavior
No full textIndividuals with autism often engage in stereotypic behavior that competes with learning and social skills. Behavior analytic treatment may be implemented to reduce stereotypy. Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) is one treatment that is often effective to reduce stereotypy. However, literature suggests that the use of NCR is contraindicated in some circumstances, as it may compete with the acquisition of new skills or may increase subsequent persistence of stereotypy. This research was designed to expand our knowledge of potential limitations of NCR when combined with other treatments. Study one examined persistence of stereotypy following treatment with NCR with and without response blocking. Overall, persistence was greatest following NCR with response blocking and lowest following NCR. Study two examined the effects of NCR to treat stereotypy on the rate of manding for other alternative items that also compete with stereotypy. Two out of three participants did not mand when NCR was in place. Additionally, study two evaluated subsequent effects of NCR on manding for preferred items after NCR has been removed. Two out of three participants engaged in fewer mands following NCR
Characterizing Human Mobility Patterns in Saudi Arabia Using Cellular Data
Full text linkThe study analyzes human mobility in Saudi Arabia. Using crowd-source data, Riyadh mobility is analyzed to find trends and highlight mobility patterns of individuals in Riyadh. Then, the mobility of Riyadh is compared with that of Jeddah and Dammam in a similar data collection and analysis. Four mobility metrics are utilized: Number of Visited Locations (NLOC), Number of Unique Locations (NULOC), Radius of Gyration (RGYR), and Distance Traveled (DTRV). The results show interesting outcomes about individuals in the three cities. Although these cities are far from each other, they observe the same mobility patterns. These findings have the potential to help policymakers understand how people move around these cities
ADAPT: Attitude Determination And Precision Tracking
Full text linkThis project develops an Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) for Florida Tech’s Satellite Simulator under Dr. Riano-Rios\u27s guidance. The system enables autonomous three-axis orientation control (pitch, roll, and yaw) using sensors and actuators. Testing within a Helmholtz cage will support research, enhance educational experiments, and improve satellite control algorithm validation
SmartStride: Toe-Walking Rehabilitation
Full text linkIdiopathic Toe Walking (ITW) is a condition where individuals persistently walk on their toes, and can lead to long-term gait and muscle issues if left untreated. Current rehab methods lack real-time monitoring and adaptability
Ontogeny of Microbial Community Structure in Different Seagrass Growing Substrates
Full text linkThe Indian River Lagoon (IRL) is a diverse ecosystem, with a wide range of habitats including seagrass and mangrove trees that house economically important fish. It contributes more than $55.4 billion annually to Florida’s economy. Unfortunately, at least 52% of these grass meadows disappeared from IRL since 2010, resulting in a massive decline of economically and ecologically important species. Biochar, a carbon-rich byproduct derived from the pyrolysis of organic materials, has shown promise in terrestrial agriculture for improving soil fertility and microbial activity (Lehmann et al.,2017). Our study aims to accelerate the restoration of seagrass communities in the IRL, ultimately, to restore, revitalize, and sustain a healthy seagrass community