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Real-Time Structural Feature Mapping for Manufacturing-Driven Topology Optimization
No full textTopology optimization is a computational method widely used in structural design to distribute material within a defined design space to maximize performance objectives such as stiffness, weight reduction, or energy efficiency. Though it has proven to be a powerful tool for structural design, its widespread adoption is still hampered as it is computationally intensive, requiring significant processing power and time, particularly for large-scale, high-resolution problems. Additionally, the optimized designs often result in complex, organic shapes that, while theoretically optimal, are difficult to manufacture using conventional methods and fail to align with industry preferences for simpler geometries. This research proposes a real-time structural analysis framework that performs live geometric primitive extraction concurrently with topology optimization. Rather than treating primitive detection as a post-processing step, this approach continuously analyzes the evolving topology during optimization to identify and classify structural primitives, including junctions (T-junctions, X-junctions, Y-junctions, L-junctions), beam segments (main beams, connectors, secondary members), and connection endpoints. The framework employs computer vision techniques, including binary thresholding, morphological skeletonization, junction clustering through neighbor analysis, and contour-based connection tracing. By integrating this analysis directly into the optimization loop, the system provides real-time visualization of structural evolution, immediate quantification of design complexity through junction counts and connectivity metrics, and establishes a foundation for future manufacturing-aware optimization where primitive-based constraints could guide designs toward manufacturability.A three-year embargo was granted for this item.Academic Major: Mechanical Engineerin
Council on Academic Affairs: Minutes (September 03, 2025)
No full textMinutes from the Council on Academic Affairs' meeting on September 03, 2025
The Moritz Briefing (October 2025)
Get PDFAn occasional newsletter highlighting recent activities and achievements of the Moritz Faculty.Note: Issue number is incorrect in document. Please use information from item metadata for citation
Council on Academic Affairs: Minutes (October 01, 2025)
No full textMinutes from the Council on Academic Affairs' meeting on October 01, 2025
Time Series Interbranch Dynamics in Agenda-Setting Behavior
No full textAn intriguing gauge of political power in the United States is how the branches of government interact in their agenda-setting behaviors. Through examining these relationships, we can determine if a branch “leads” or “follows” remaining actors in terms of deciding which topics should receive greater attention. Despite the significant implications of being able to shape the policy agenda, the impact that each branch holds on others is understudied and lacks empirical evidence. In limited prior analyses, the conclusion generally seems to be upheld that the President holds the greatest power in agenda-setting; however, more recent studies have suggested a more intertwined relationship. We claim that the direction of influence is complex, and dependent on the specific policy area. Further, we claim that the media -- often referred to as the “fourth branch” -- holds considerable influence. To determine the level of interaction between actors and the direction of influence in different policy areas, we gathered data from the Comparative Agendas Project on State of the Union addresses, Congressional bills, Supreme Court cases, and the New York Times Index. Our data includes an extensive list of nineteen policy topics and spans from 1947 to 2009. To measure the significance of relationships, we develop three approaches -- Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds tests, Toda-Yamamoto Causality tests, and Generalized Impulse Response Functions (GIRFs) for each topic. Ultimately, we find that it is rare for an actor to be the sole leader in a policy topic, and instead find several cases of multidirectional causality as well as no systematic leadership. Challenging historical notions, we find that the President lacks sole leadership of any policy area. Additionally, we find a general lack of activity from the Supreme Court.American Institutions and Methodology LabUndergraduate Research Apprenticeship ProgramUndergraduate Research ScholarshipNo embargoAcademic Major: MathematicsAcademic Major: Statistic
Review: Emperor John II Komnenos: Rebuilding New Rome 1118-1143, by Maximilian C. G. Lau
No full textAn Investigation of Observed Practice Behaviors, Self-Reported Practice Habits, and Musical Performance Achievement of High School String Players
No full textThe purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between the observed practice behaviors, self-reported practice habits, and musical performance achievement of high school string players. This study is a replication and extension of a similar study by Miksza (2007). Participants were video recorded practicing an adaptation of Miksza’s etude on three consecutive days for 25 minutes. Participants performed the etude before and after each practice session to serve as a pre- and posttest. At the end of each session, participants self-reported their practice efficiency. Participants self-reported their home practice habits via a survey following the posttest on the third day. Performances were evaluated using objective and subjective measures, and videos of practice sessions were analyzed to determine frequency counts of practice behaviors. Self-reported practice habits indicated that participants practiced very infrequently and for relatively short durations. The strategies repeat measure and repeat section had the highest mean frequency counts, with other behaviors observed much less. Significant relationships were found between some observed strategies and performance (repeat section, segmentation, slowing, use of metronome, and playing duration). Performance was also significantly related to self-reports of practice duration and frequency. Participants taking private lessons received significantly higher performance ratings throughout the study. Participants’ ratings of daily practice efficiency were highly correlated with their Day One performance; the strength of these relationships decreased each day. The results of this study have several important implications for music teachers and provide insights into the practice habits of high school string players.No embargoAcademic Major: Music - EducationAcademic Major: Music - Performance (orchestral instruments
Applying Performed Culture Approach to Podcasting: Learner Perception and Engagement with an Audio-only Chinese Language Podcast
Get PDFAudio podcasting, by allowing people to access learning materials on the go, can be an ideal technology for promoting foreign language learning. However, the existing audio podcasts for beginning-level Chinese language learners focus more on presenting information than promoting listener participation in intercultural communication. To explore an alternative, this study experimented with developing a podcast that demands constant participation by applying the core principles of the Performed Culture Approach (PCA). An investigation of learner perception and engagement with the podcast reveals learner preferences for language learning environments, which have important implications for innovating foreign language curricula