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The response of fuzzy electronics to ionizing radiation
Get PDFSmall satellites such as CubeSats operate under environmental constraints that are outside of typical commercial specifications. Such constraints include the ability to operate over an extended temperature range and during exposure to ionizing radiation. Nevertheless, commercial technologies are being implemented in CubeSat spacecraft because of the low-cost, low-power, and space savings requirements often achievable with advanced microelectronics [1]. Due to flexibility and the ability to handle uncertainty, fuzzy logic is viable for satellite control while meeting the strict design requirements of a CubeSat. This work evaluates the response of fuzzy control logic to ionizing radiation and compares the response to that of conventional systems. Fuzzy logic operates on multiple truth values which vary within the range of 0 and 1, as opposed to Boolean logic’s precise, two-variable system. Fuzzy systems utilize “if-then” statements, known as membership functions. These allow for terms such as “moderately” or “slightly,” to be utilized, permitting flexibility within the system. As such, fuzzy logic shows promise in robotics and mechanical control systems due to the ability to handle uncertainty and non-linearity. Thus, fuzzy logic electronics are a candidate for small satellite control mechanisms, creating the potential for radiation hardened control systems that take advantage of the low-power and space savings achievable by modern electronics technologies. A common effect of ionizing radiation is single event effects (SEEs). SEEs generally result in erroneous transient behavior following the interaction of single ionizing particles with semiconductors. Little is known about the response of fuzzy logic systems to such effects. This work aims to evaluate the effects of SEE on a fuzzy logic small satellite attitude controller, describe the mechanisms of vulnerability, and compares the response to standard controller designs
Improving alternative fuel efficiency with water injection
Get PDFAlternative fuel internal combustion engines (ICEs) have been increasing in popularity as the harmful effects of pollution and the need for a sustainable energy source are becoming more apparent. Two alternative fuels, E85 and hydrogen gas, are considered in this study. These fuels are renewable and have less emissions than traditional fuels, but there are many inherent disadvantages to their use. Water injection could alleviate some of the issues that plague these fuels. To test this, a Briggs and Stratton Baja engine was used, with and without water injection. Gasoline with water injection showed better performance than without: the power with water injection was 10.26 hp while the power without injection was 10.35 hp. Further tests with E85 were planned, but due to equipment malfunctions, these tests could not be performed. Instead of experimental test results, theoretical curves for E85 were found. E85 had a performance that was 80% of gasoline’s. Adding water injection increased E85’s performance to 92% of gasoline’s performance. These results show that water injection is capable of increasing engine performance. It is possible that the benefits of water injection could also apply to hydrogen fuel. Implementation of water injection in a hydrogen fuel ICE would alleviate some of the issues that are inherent in these systems, allowing for improvements in design and operation. Water injection could increase the viability of alternative fuel ICEs
No more blurred lines: Tennesseans deserve high quality sexual assault education
Get PDFThis study seeks to build on pre-existing literature about the impact that bystander intervention training has on deterring sexual assault from occurring on college campuses. Anderson and Whiston’s 2005 study revealed that sexual assault trainings were more effective if a bystander approach was taken and a good relationship among the presenters and recipients was established. The psychology department at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga created a course dedicated to implementing the Empower the Bystander training (Johnson et al. 2015) for the undergraduate population in the fall of 2017. A peer led-program, this course educates participants on how to be empowered bystanders against sexual assault. While the presentation introduced the myths and realities of rape culture and the importance of critical consciousness, an extended presentation focusing on raising critical consciousness was necessary. To address these limitations, this paper provides a standard for Empowering the Bystander presenters and develops a presentation expansion centered around critical consciousness raising
Comparison of psychological states of runners within urban and rural environments
Get PDFWith the research on persons health and well being increasing within the past years, new questions have emerged on if certain environments can also benefit along with exercise. This study looked at the different psychological states of endurance runners as they run in urban environments and transition into rural settings. The results of this study showed significant differences between urban and rural environments. Also showed increased focus going downhill in nature and greater inward attention while moving uphill in nature. With the findings from this study, it explains why runners choose to run or train where they do
The role of stressors and academic competence in adolescent depression by race
Get PDFThis study used a sample of 260 African American and European American adolescents to investigate whether adolescents\u27 perceptions of academic competence serve as a mediator of the relationship between different interpersonal stressors and depression symptoms, and whether the utility of this model changes with race. The association between exposure to violence and depression symptoms was mediated by academic competence, and race moderated the indirect paths from both discrimination experiences and violence exposure to depression. In addition to the significant differences by race, there was a significant indirect effect for African Americans exposed to violence. These findings suggest that African American adolescents may be more vulnerable to the effects of exposure to certain stressors, particularly discrimination and violence
Prevalence assessment of the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis across two habitat types in East Tennessee
Get PDFIn light of the biodiversity crisis facing amphibian populations globally, studies investigating the pathogenic amphibian fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) are a foremost priority for biologists. Understanding effects of habitat variation on Bd prevalence is important for identifying populations that are most at risk and can help to inform management decisions. Using American Bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) and Green Frogs (Lithobates clamitans) as study organisms, this research sought to investigate how prevalence of Bd varies between natural wetlands and urban retention ponds in East Tennessee while also examining relevant habitat factors and morphometrics. A total of 373 frogs were sampled across six retention ponds and six wetlands distributed evenly between two basin level hydrologic unit codes. Of the frogs sampled, 11 tested positive for Bd. These data provide new insights into the status of Bd prevalence and distribution in Tennessee and provide information useful in future conservation and remediation efforts
Data-fused urban mobility applications for smart cities
Get PDFThough vehicles are becoming more advanced with added safety feature technology, we must still rely on our own instincts and senses to make decisions. This thesis presents two applications that can be utilized by drivers, passengers, or pedestrians and allow a wider range of visibility during commutes. The first application uses the concept of see-through technology to assist the driver with a real-time augmented view of a traffic scene that in reality may be blocked by the vehicle in front. The second application presents a mobile application that utilizes two sources to gather the user\u27s location information, one using absolute location from a Global Positioning System (GPS) enabled device and the other from merging the concepts of computer vision, object detection, and mono-vision depth calculation, and place each instance of an identified object on the mapping application. Currently, mapping items such as stores, accidents, and traffic conditions are very common, but this application takes into account the location of individual users to give a holistic view of people instead of places
Racial Bias in Offender Identification
Get PDFThis study was examined whether there is a bias to attribute criminal activities more to one race than another. Participants read scenarios of different crimes (bank robbery, fraud, and murder) and rated the likelihood that the perpetrator of each crime was Black, White, or Hispanic. As anticipated, the perpetrators were overwhelmingly identified as male. Results also found a strong interaction between race of perpetrator and type of crime. Blacks were more likely identified as the perpetrator of the violent crimes of murder and bank robbery and Whites were more likely identified as the perpetrator of the non-violent crime, fraud. These results suggest that Black-as-criminal and Black-as-violent perceptions exist. Further research should investigate which descriptor terms and racialized language trigger stereotypes
To Post or Not to Post: Perceptions of Appropriateness on Social Media
Get PDFThis study compares how undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty members rate social media posts based on appropriateness, employability, and responsibility. Previous research suggests that students have different views on what is acceptable to post on social media. Student status and age were studied to see if they had an effect on what is considered as appropriate social media posts, with the hypothesis that graduate students would view social media posts more negatively than undergraduate students. 409 participants were given a survey including mock Instagram and Twitter posts relating to alcohol, work, and/or school. Participants rated each Instagram image or tweet based on appropriateness, employability, and responsibility. Graduate students reported Instagram photos, and school and work related tweets as more inappropriate, lower employability scores on school related tweets, and lower responsibility scores on work related tweets. When participants were grouped together by age, 18 to 25 year olds viewed social media posts more positively than other age groups. These findings supported the hypothesis, and suggest that college students should consider different perceptions of social media in light of their future employment
Does Gendered Language Have an Effect on You?
Get PDFPromoting gender equality has never been more relevant and important in today’s society. Language can be seen as a mirror of social structures (Matheson & Kristiansen, 1987). In the English language there is gendered language that is exclusively for males (e.g. he, him), exclusive for females (e.g. she, her), and gendered-neutral language (e.g. you, them). The gender-exclusive language uses on gendered-pronoun (he or she), yet refers to an opposite gender or gender-neutral description (e.g., fireman vs. firefighter). This study will evaluate how men’s and women’s (participants) perceptions of gender-exclusive versus gender-inclusive language by means of job advertisements affect their decision to apply for a job. Researchers suggest that ostracism, rejection, and discrimination are negative effects of individuals who experience gender exclusive language. Stout and Dasgupta (2011) argue that even when individuals aren’t directly ostracized, but who’s ingroup may be the receptor of these actions, their sense of belonging, motivation, and behavior is threatened. Social exclusion is a painful experience; so much that it activates the same areas in the brain associated with physical pain (Eisenberger, Lieberman, Williams, 2003). It also causes psychological unsympathetic reactions like depression, loneliness, anxiety, frustration, invisibility, and helplessness (Williams, Cheung, & Choi, 2000). The English that is spoken today commonly use male-exclusive language in many cases were gender-inclusive or female-inclusive language would be more appropriate and correct. This common practice is often seen in the work professional workplace. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of the use of gendered-language on participants such as using he to indicate males and she to indicate females. The sample will consist of undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. We will measure the extent to which participants perceive job advertisement language as sexist, and their subsequent feelings of ostracism, motivation, and identification with regard to the job