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Reverse Engineering the AGM-158C for Adaptation to Multidomain Operation
No full textIn a 2008 Request for Proposal, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency of the United States Department of Defense (DoD), sought a vehicle which operates in low-medium altitude flight and in submergence. The capability of approaching a target from the air or sea domain and transitioning between said domains may provide redundancy against detection and tracking in each individual domain. As advances in anti-aircraft and anti-submersible capability increase respectively, the innate advantages of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may be exploited for a modern mission profile. Due to its proven functionality, low observability, and large size, this research focuses on adapting the Lockheed Martin AGM-158C LRASM cruise missile to the aforementioned profile. To adapt this missile to a multidomain mission, it must first be reverse engineered. The missile shell was modeled utilizing photogrammetry on CAD software SolidWorks. As the missile must operate in multiple fluids, the shell was input into fluid simulation software Ansys Fluent to compare fluid performance. The coefficient of frontal/form drag was obtained in air and water across the multidomain mission profile and used to calculate a force of drag and subsequent propulsive force of the missile. The missile’s internal components, such as the engine and fuel, were extrapolated utilizing substantiated publicly available information, and when necessary, from similar platforms. The results of reverse engineering the AGM-158C indicate a fuselage which can accommodate a sufficient mass and volume increase of additional hardware, beyond the stock missile’s systems, via a reduction in payload and fuel. The fluid simulations of the shell provide the frontal drag coefficient of the AGM-158C across its operational profile. These drag coefficients align with, and are substantiated by, comparable missiles such as the BGM-109 Tomahawk and a NASA cruise missile model, with the AGM-158C showing lower drag in air. This research continues to imply that the AGM-158C may be capable of adaptation to multidomain operation. Continued research may produce a completely new category of military platform. A vehicle which can indeed operate in air and submerged may present cost savings, strategic advantages, and an additional deterrent to the U.S. DoD.The Undergraduate Honors Committee at The Ohio State UniversityNo embargoAcademic Major: Mechanical Engineerin
Reimagining CGM Systems for Preventative Prediabetes Care – Buzz CGM System
Full text linkPrediabetes and type 2 diabetes are becoming increasingly prevalent within the United States. However, research shows a lack of education about preventative treatments as well as a lack of motivation among patients to adopt those treatments. The Buzz Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System works to help prediabetics understand their condition, learn how to manage it, and acts as a motivational tool to promote proactive management of the disease.
Research for this project began with a prompt from Battelle with a focus on exploring potential applications for implantable systems. From there I began secondary research looking into different types of media, existing technologies, as well as different conditions for application. After significant secondary research, I began looking further into diabetes. I completed surveys with responses from over 100 diabetic patients. After the surveys, I conducted multiple interviews with diabetics, therapists, and healthcare workers. With the information collected from the surveys and interviews, I run multiple formative assessments to test my findings and ideas for possible interventions. Through that research, I concluded that there is a lack of education as well as a lack of motivation among prediabetic and type 2 patients with respect to preventative treatments. Based on the insights I discovered through this research, I designed the system called Buzz.
Buzz has both physical and digital components that work hand in hand. The reusable applicator was designed with sustainability in mind, and generates less waste than currently available products. The transmitter worn by the patient is equipped with an e-ink display controlled from the Buzz app, and displays graphics to express the patient’s style. The Buzz app also allows a user to view live glucose levels, set goals, earn rewards, customize the e-ink display, and interact with friends and other members of the prediabetic community.
Buzz - take the sting out of prediabetes!Battelle Memorial InstituteNo embargoAcademic Major: Industrial Desig
Development of Low-Cost Direct Recycling Process for Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes
No full textWith the continuous expansion of electric vehicles (EVs), the importance of recycling lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is becoming increasingly critical to maintain a sustainable future. By recovering valuable materials including lithium, cobalt, and nickel, LIB recycling minimizes waste and pollution, reducing the cost and ecological footprint of battery production. Traditional recycling technologies are designed to extract these valuable metals from spent cathode materials, resulting in lower-valued forms. Alternatively, direct cathode recycling aims to recover and rejuvenate functional cathode materials by repairing, rather than dismantling, the spent cathode. Although previous studies have covered the direct recycling of the prevalent cathode LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 (NMC111) into its original structures, little work has investigated the upcycling of aged NMC111 into newly developing lithium and manganese-rich (LMR) cathodes. The goal of this thesis is to optimize the process of directly upcycling NMC111 cathode materials sourced from end-of-life EV battery cells, generating advanced LMR cathodes with higher energy efficiency at a lower cost. To conduct the upcycling process, a sample of NMC111 cathode powder was prepared using a ball mill, followed by acid leaching and lithium reintroduction through oven sintering. Current results demonstrate that the performance of upcycled LMR cathodes falls short of the minimum capacity criteria required to match the effectiveness of commercially available LMR cathodes. Electrochemical analysis suggests that the upcycled samples display a hybrid combination of NMC111 and LMR properties, indicating the incomplete dissolution of the original NMC111 structures.A three-year embargo was granted for this item.Academic Major: Mechanical Engineerin
State of Charge Estimation of Lithium-Ion Battery Cells Using an Extended Kalman Filter with Optimized OCV Modeling for use in Electric Vehicles
Full text linkThe Battery Management System (BMS) performs various tasks in order to ensure the safe and reliable operation of lithium-ion battery packs in electric vehicles (EVs). One of the primary functions of the BMS is to perform state estimation to describe the condition of the cells. Of these states, state of charge (SOC) defines how much capacity is left in a cell, and more in generally in the pack. Due to the complex electrochemical characteristics of batteries, the SOC cannot be directly measured. As a result, it must be estimated with respect to the current, voltage, and temperature of the cell to fully capture the state. The most general form of SOC estimation is Coulomb counting, however this method lacks the complexity required for intense systems, such as EVs. As such, a model based approach using the battery equivalent circuit model (ECM) of the cell is better. Using this model, a Kalman filter may be implemented for better approximation, accounting for the effects of current, voltage, and temperature on the cell while being highly adaptable to changes as well. The goal of this research is to quantify the trade offs between model complexity and SOC estimation accuracy by optimizing the ECM for SOC estimation. This study will focus specifically on an algorithm for a Samsung INR21700-50G battery cell. The impact of first- and second-order ECMs alongside polynomial approximations for ECM parameters used in the linear and extended Kalman filters will be analyzed. To do so, the ECM parameters will be approximated as polynomials through Matlab and validated against experimental data in Matlab, Simulink, and Gt-Suite. Multiple profiles will be tested to model multiple operating conditions of the cell. This will help determine which combination performs best for the required uses by comparing the root mean square (RMS) error and a statistical analysis of the terminal voltage prediction alongside simulation time. Currently, the results show using an extended Kalman filter with an first-order EMC and an OCV approximation in the fifth-order with respect to SOC and second-order in temperature provides the best results compared to the other polynomials. These results also show a comparative analysis on how effective each iteration of the Kalman filter is when given the set of profiles. Specifically, these results show the large difference in accuracy when assuming linearity and when allowing for nonlinear approximations. Implementing the developed algorithm into a BMS will allow for accurate and quick estimation of SOC for the cell. These results will push forward more effective modes of SOC estimation and help provide a gateway for estimating SOC on a module and pack level.No embargoAcademic Major: Mechanical Engineerin
Characteristics of Active Home-to-School Transportation Among Children Living in North Macedonia: WHO COSI Rounds 5 and 6
No full textThe Republic of North Macedonia is located in the Balkan region with a population of around 2 million inhabitants. North Macedonia has a rich history with influences from the Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and other ex-Yugoslavian nations. Mirroring other regions of Europe, childhood obesity rates have increased throughout the years, with North Macedonia being regularly above the European average. Physical activity plays a central role in childhood obesity, and active transport to school is a broadly practiced, consistent measure that contributes to childhood activity across Europe. To explore characteristics of active home-to-school transportation over time in North Macedonia, we used the Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI). COSI was founded in 2006 due to growing concern about obesity rates in Europe as a project under the World Health Organization (WHO). North Macedonia joined COSI in the second round in 2009. COSI is a nationally representative survey aimed at collecting health information from students, their schools, and their parents. From secondary analysis, we hypothesized that personal characteristics (ex. sex, BMI) and built environment (ex. parental perceived safety, distance) would be significant predictors on whether children engaged in active round-trip school transportation in Round 5 (2019) and Round 6 (2022) of COSI. Using combined data from Rounds 5 and 6 (n=5413), a multivariate logistic regression model was used to assess the association of children’s personal characteristics, family characteristics, built environment, and active living behaviors on their use of round-trip active transportation, while simultaneously controlling for the effect of all covariates. For the purposes of multivariate logistic regression analyses, responses to the round-trip transportation item were dichotomized as active and inactive. Results of the multiple logistic regression models were reported in adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical significance was set at p<0.01 a priori. Personal characteristics and active living behaviors did not significantly predict whether students were involved in active transport as built environment and family characteristics did.A one-year embargo was granted for this item.Academic Major: Biomedical Scienc
Video Analysis of Engagement Behaviors Associated with Socially Assistive Robot Activities for Long-Term Care Residents
No full textBackground: People living with dementia (PLwD) who reside in long term care (LTC) have decreased social engagement and are at risk for apathy. Apathy is associated with poor health outcomes and few interventions have been tested to decrease apathy in this population. The use of socially assistive robots (SAR) may promote engagement in PLwD and decrease apathy. The aim of this study is to describe the association of SAR activity type with level of engagement in PLwD residing in LTC.
Theoretical Framework: This study was guided by Cohen-Mansfield’s Comprehensive Process Model of Group Engagement. It describes the relationship between attributes of the environment, person, and stimuli and a person’s engagement level and behavior when involved in group activity.
Methods: This is a sub-analysis of video data collected during a randomized clinical trial testing the effect of SAR activities on apathy. The sample consists of older adults with dementia residing in LTC in Columbus, OH and Nashville, TN. Participants were randomized to control or partnered robot activities. There were seven different robot activities with either dog (n=3) or humanoid robot (n=4). Robot sessions were recorded and coded for behavioral analysis using Noldus software.
Results: The results represent 37 robot intervention sessions from 4 participants across 2 LTCs. Sessions were an average length of 39:21.89 minutes. Behavioral analysis of video data showed that the fishing activity resulted in the greatest level of positive behavioral engagement with an average of 443.74 seconds per session. The music activity was associated with the greatest level of negative behavioral engagement with an average of 143.4 seconds per session.
Discussion: SAR activities were successful at promoting positive behavioral engagement. This is central to the prevention and treatment of apathy. Additionally, activities with higher levels of collaboration were more successful at eliciting positive engagement behaviors.R01AG06268501A1 - Impact of a Novel Socially Assistive Robotic Architecture on Engaging Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Related Dementia in Long Term Care Settings, (PI: Sarkar, Tate)A five-year embargo was granted for this item.Academic Major: Nursin
FLOW Stream Monitoring: Nonprofit Water Quality Management
Full text linkCourse Code: ENR 4900.01This project focused on FLOW's stream quality monitoring program and public outreach events, addressing organizational methods and prioritizing FLOW's volunteer efforts. The goal was to develop a solution that integrates and prioritizes volunteer work to improve FLOW's volunteer management process and public outreach. This project required collaboration, research, and iterative development to achieve functional and meaningful final products.
The final products include: a list of prioritized tributaries and recommended sampling frequency based on various attributes; educational brochures, stickers, and social media for FLOW's MacroFest; an instructional video on SaltWatch for volunteers, and Google Forms and Google Sheets to collect , sort, and organize sampling and volunteer data. Products incorporate Google platforms, and visual materials to enhance FLOW's capacity to perform the organization's functions in stream quality management and outreach. Throughout the development process, we utilized Google Sheets, Google Forms, and Canva to ensure accuracy, feasibility, and user-friendliness. Our design considerations focused on usability and ability to be replicated for future sampling seasons, making the product both practical and innovative.Academic Major: Environmental ScienceAcademic Major: Forestry, Fisheries and WildlifeAcademic Major: Natural Resource Managemen
NextPath: Evolving Digital Financial Planning with Personalized Self-Service
No full textBusiness, Society, and International Relations (The Ohio State University Denman Undergraduate Research Forum)Despite the rise of digital banking, Huntington Bank does not currently provide a strong digital financial planning solution for its Personal Bank clients. While Huntington is known for its high-quality customer service, its digitally-originated customers, who often prefer self-service options, lack personalized support when managing complex financial decisions. Many of these customers may not want to speak with a human advisor but still need guidance tailored to their individual goals. To help Huntington evolve its approach and deepen relationships with digitally-originated customers, I explored a different perspective on customer service by studying Nordstrom, a retail store reowned for its unique method of customer service. Known for its high-touch service, Nordstrom provides a model for blending personalization with efficiency. By applying these principles, I aimed to create a digital financial planning experience that offers structured support while maintaining user independence.
To understand a digital tool can provide structured guidance without losing personalization, I went through surveys and interviews with Nordstrom employees and uncovered Nordstrom’s 5-Point Selling Standard, a framework that allows employees to adapt to customer needs while maintaining efficiency. I analyzed how their approach to service could inform a self-guided yet supportive financial planning tool. Applying these insights, I designed NextPath, a financial planning tool prototyped in Figma, prioritizing simplicity, flexibility, and personalization.
Integrated into Huntington’s current digital applications, NextPath bridges the gap between self-service and expert guidance as it starts with a standard course that adjusts dynamically over time. The Ask feature, a feature that emulates asking an advisor a question, slides over seamlessly and allows users to personalize their plan without losing their place. Visuals like charts and pictures helps users stay engaged, and follow-up notifications provide ongoing support, keeping them accountable to their plan.
Self-service tools often prioritize automation at the expense of meaningful guidance. NextPath challenges this assumption by proving that digital financial planning can be both intuitive and supportive. It can assist Huntington with deepening relationships with their digitally-originated customers, making financial planning more accessible while ensuring users feel confident and in control.No embargoAcademic Major: Industrial Desig
Metabolic Adaptations in Cereibacter sphaeroides: Bypassing Pyruvate Carboxylase for Carbon Assimilation
No full textCentral carbon metabolism is a network of biochemical pathways encompassing intermediates and reactions that every carbon substrate must pass through to become cellular material. The entry point into this network varies by substrate, thereby determining the pathways used to replenish essential metabolite pools. Cereibacter sphaeroides serves as a model microorganism for studying energy metabolism and carbon assimilation due to its versatile growth modes and metabolic pathways.
Pyruvate carboxylase, encoded by the pycA gene (rsp_2090) in C. sphaeroides 2.4.1, is of particular interest given its role in carboxylating pyruvate to form oxaloacetate, a precursor metabolite and branching point for biosynthetic pathways. Substrates such as lactate require pyruvate carboxylase to synthesize oxaloacetate, which is essential for producing certain amino acids and pyrimidines. However, succinate as a substrate can bypass pyruvate carboxylase as oxaloacetate is synthesized through fumarate and malate.
Using succinate as a carbon substrate, it was possible to isolate the in-frame pycA deletion mutant CSΔpycAHB through assembly PCR and homologous recombination. As expected, CSΔpycAHB was unable to grow with media containing L-lactate as the carbon source. However, after prolonged incubation with L-lactate, suppression was observed, as the culture reached a final optical density comparable to the wild type. Upon re-inoculation into L-lactate medium, growth resumed even after intermediate transfer to succinate, suggesting genetic suppression. Two independent suppressors were isolated using succinate medium plates and surprisingly these two suppressor strains exhibited different growth patterns. Although they were derived from the same parent strain, the doubling time of suppressor HBΔsupp12/24-2 with succinate during phototrophic growth was 1.7-fold longer than HBΔsupp12/24-1 and wild type, allowing to consider the existence of more than one bypass.
These findings give insight into the metabolic flexibility of C. sphaeroides and its ability to adapt to the loss of pyruvate carboxylase through different bypasses or mechanisms. Understanding these metabolic adaptations is crucial for comprehending microbial resilience and has broader implications for metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, and biofuel production.No embargoAcademic Major: Microbiolog
Unlocking the potential of nutrient-dependent regulation of Wnt signaling pathway and lipid metabolism in intestinal cells
No full textAging diminishes the body's ability to regenerate tissues, a decline particularly significant in the gastrointestinal tract where it increases susceptibility to damage and chronic diseases like colorectal cancer. Effective tissue regeneration is crucial for maintaining intestinal homeostasis and preventing disease, yet the underlying regulatory mechanisms, especially how they are influenced by nutrient availability, remain only partly understood. The Wnt signaling pathway plays a key role in driving cell proliferation and is essential for stem cell function. This study explores the role of Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (Scd) enzymes, which may mediate the Wnt signaling. Understanding these interactions may offer new therapeutic avenues for age-related regenerative decline and colorectal cancer. To examine how the inhibition of Scd enzymes affects stem cell function and proliferation, both pharmacological inhibition in vitro and in vivo approaches were utilized, including studies on intestinal crypts, organoids, and fibroblast cell lines. Nutrient availability and dietary content were also varied to assess the role of dietary modulation on the regulation of Scds and Wnt signaling. The key findings of this study indicate that pharmacological inhibition of Scds in vitro in fibroblast cells reduces the proliferation and function of intestinal stem cells, as evidenced by a decrease in organoid formation from the intestinal crypt cells. Additionally, deletion of Scd genes in mice resulted in decreased β-catenin activation, which impaired Wnt signaling. This emphasizes the potential role of Scd enzymes in the modulation of the Wnt signaling pathway. Specifically, the inhibition of Scd specifically reduced the activation of the Wnt-2b and Wnt-3a ligands, indicating that Scd has a selective effect on these Wnt ligands. Dietary modulation further revealed that a monounsaturated fatty acid-rich diet enhanced Wnt signaling in vivo, while nutrient deprivation suppressed Wnt signaling, highlighting a dietary link to regulation of Wnt activity.A five-year embargo was granted for this item.Academic Major: Chemistr