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Securing Distributed Energy Resources: A Secure Gateway for Modbus to Solid Communication Using a Raspberry Pi
Get PDFAs distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage systems become more common, securing their communications has become increasingly important. Many of these systems still rely on legacy communication protocols such as Modbus, which were not designed with cybersecurity in mind. This project addresses this challenge by developing a secure communication gateway that allows Modbus RTU devices to interface with decentralized Solid pods, which are personal data storage units that give users control over their information. This system is built on a Raspberry Pi 4, and it translates telemetry data from Modbus into a Solid-compatible format. This approach preserves the functionality of legacy equipment and additionally introduces modern privacy-preserving data ownership concepts into industrial energy telemetry. The work contributes to the broader effort to secure critical infrastructure, particularly in a crucial time of change in the larger energy landscape
Characteristics of Patterned Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge Devices for Ionic Wind Propulsion
Get PDFElectroaerodynamic (EAD) or ionic wind propulsion is a growing area of research for small noiseless low speed aircraft. Previous flight demonstrations and experimentation have revealed that traditional methods of EAD propulsion utilizing corona discharge incur a large drag penalty due to their collector and emitter geometries. Recent publications detail flexible and geometrically conformable surface dielectric barrier discharge devices (SDBD) that could increase thrust and decrease drag as an ion source for an EAD propulsion system. This thesis explores the effects of different electrode sizes and geometries on total SDBD power consumption. SDBDs of a hexagonal, triangular, and square electrode geometry and of three different electrode surface areas were analyzed. All SDBDs discharged at an average ignition voltage of 1.25 kV at 1 kHz and could discharge at frequencies ranging from 0.1 kHz to 2.8 kHz. The power consumption of the hexagonal SDBDs was 8% more efficient as the triangular and square patterned SDBDs and an increase in SDBD electrode surface area revealed to be directly proportional to an increase in SDBD power consumption. Fitting the power consumption data of all SDBDs to an analytical model of SDBD power consumption proposed by Nicholas Wilde from MIT was also attempted
Characterizing Heating and Resistance Properties of Nichrome Burn Wire to be Used in CubeSat Actuation
Get PDFThis thesis investigates the use of Nichrome 60 wire as a burn wire mechanism, commonly utilized in CubeSats and other aerospace engineering applications requiring precise, single-use release systems. The experiment focused on characterizing the thermal and resistive behavior of Nichrome 60 wire under Joule heating conditions. Four wire configurations were tested: 34-gauge and 36-gauge wires, each at lengths of 1 inch and 2 inches. Each configuration was subjected to a constant current until thermal failure occurred. During testing, real-time measurements of electrical resistance and wire temperature were recorded. This data was used to generate resistance vs. temperature profiles for each wire configuration. The resulting plots provide insight into the material behavior of Nichrome 60 wire leading up to failure and offer valuable information for predicting performance in burn wire applications. Additionally, the obtained experimental results were compared to prior research in the field to evaluate consistency and validate observed trends. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the thermal and resistive characteristics of Nichrome 60 and its suitability for controlled release systems, particularly in the context of CubeSat deployment mechanisms
Over-Imitation in Adolescents with Autism Compared with Typically Developing Peers: An Expanded Literature Review
Get PDFAbstract
Background:
Over-imitation, the act of imitating both relevant and irrelevant actions, is a behavior commonly found in human learning and social development. It is often observed in typically developing (TD) children and is believed to play a role in both social and learning development. While the exact motivations behind over-imitation remain a mystery, over-imitation appears to be a socially motivated behavior. Children may over-imitate when they know certain actions are unnecessary, suggesting this behavior stems from social acceptance and norms. In individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), social and communicative behaviors are drastically different from TD individuals. In individuals with ASD, it is even less clear what the motivations behind over-imitation are, as well as how it shows up, particularly in adolescents.
Purpose:
The purpose of this literature review is to synthesize literature relating to imitation, over-imitation, and ASD to better understand how over-imitation shows up in TD adolescents, specifically those aged 15-19. While several studies have focused on young children, there is limited information on how over-imitation occurs in older adolescents. This review will explore that gap and highlight what is currently known while pointing out areas where more research is needed.
Methods:
The University of Arkansas Libraries were searched using key terms such as “over-imitation”, “autism spectrum disorder”, and “over-imitation and learning development”. Some of the main databases used were Taylor and Francis and Science Direct. These articles were selected based on their relevance to my research questions and were taken from no earlier than 2007 to remain relevant. The review focused on literature that discussed social, developmental, and communicative aspects of imitation, with special attention to any findings relating to adolescents.
Results:
For this review, 21 peer-reviewed articles were retrieved through a database search of ASHA publications, Taylor & Francis, PubMed, and Science Direct, as well as a manual internet search using Google Scholar. Of these, 11 were primary studies that directly examined imitation or over-imitation behaviors in children and adolescents, either diagnosed with ASD or typically developing. The remaining 10 articles included theoretical reviews, meta-analyses, or conceptual frameworks aligned with the research questions. The included studies spanned seven countries, with a variety of participation age ranges, developmental conditions, and research settings. Across studies, over-imitation was more commonly observed in typically developing adolescents than in adolescents with ASD. Higher rates of over-imitation in typically developing adolescents are often tied to social motivation and emotional regulation.
Over-imitation is a well-documented function of human development that is especially common in typically developing children. While this behavior is often linked to social aspects, it remains unclear as to why this behavior occurs, especially in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Some studies found that children with ASD showed reduced over-imitation, while others showed that they do so similarly to typically developing peers. It is clear that research is very limited on over-imitation in adolescents because this age is so crucial for social development; more research is needed to understand how over-imitation shows up during this time for both teens with ASD and typically developing teens. Understanding this may better support interventions for learning and social skills
Medical Advancements in Type One Diabetes Management Methods: An Expanded Literature Review
Get PDFBackground: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by either a lack of insulin or an insulin sensitivity in the body resulting in an increased blood glucose level. Diabetes can be broken up into two types: type one and type two. Type one diabetes is an autoimmune condition caused by the destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This results in a complete lack of insulin, leading to hyperglycemia. On the contrary, type two diabetes is a condition specified by an acquired sensitivity to insulin over time also resulting in hyperglycemia. There is no cure, but those with diabetes require treatment in order to manage their disease. The style of treatment is different between type one and type two diabetes, and even further, diabetics will have an individualized mode of managing their diabetes to best suit their lifestyle. Since type one diabetics are completely dependent upon insulin therapy to live, preexisting treatment methods and furthering research is imperative. There are new and emerging technologies and devices to aid diabetics in better managing their disease. This results in tighter glucose control, thus reducing the risk of complications from poorly controlled diabetes. For example, neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy can result from constant hyperglycemia in the body. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to make available the methods of treatment needed for diabetics in order to maintain their health.
Purpose: The purpose of this review is to analyze and compile literature about the advancements made and subsequent research for new methods of diabetes management. When speaking on behalf of the nursing profession, it is important for nurses to be aware of diabetes management methods so that they are well suited to provide the appropriate care to diabetic patients in the healthcare setting.
Methods: An expanded literature review was conducted utilizing PubMed. A combination of search terms was used and yielded 158 results. Of those within the last year (2024-2025), 22 journal articles were selected.
Results: Across the various literature sources utilized, studies and findings about advancements in type one diabetes management are found. These advancements show a positive impact on the health of people living with type one diabetes.
Conclusions: Overall findings suggest that type one diabetics have several methods to manage their disease that can best fit their personal health and lifestyle choices. With new and emerging technologies and further research, it can be expected that the realm of diabetes management will grow, thus benefiting those with the disease. This, in turn, impacts the nursing profession in that nurses’ roles and responsibilities of caring for diabetic patients are altered to adapt to these new technologies. This includes becoming proficient in using these new diabetic tools, interpreting data and trends to assist in treatment, and providing patient education to ensure diabetic health amongst patients
Effects of sensor separation on flux calculations in the Eddy Covariance Method.
Get PDFRice production contributes approximately 8% of global anthropogenic methane emissions. Methane (CH4) is a powerful greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 28 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2) which makes it important to monitor for understanding and mitigating its contribution to climate change. The Eddy Covariance (EC) method is used to monitor greenhouse gas emissions such as CO2, CH4, etc. As part of the EC method, the instruments on the EC towers are used to record the gas concentrations in the atmosphere; these concentrations are then run in the EddyPro software to be able to analyze the collected data. This study examines the methane emissions from a commercial rice field in Lonoke, Arkansas on July 06, 2022, and evaluates the effect of sensor separation values on corrected fluxes from EddyPro. A spectral analysis was done with the spectral correction factor in EddyPro using the method described by Moncrieff et al (1997) method. It was found that the methane fluxes were higher in the morning, dipped around 6:00 am, remained low during the day, and went up again later in the afternoon. The methane emission patterns were also influenced by atmospheric conditions. The sensor separation correction, applied during data processing, significantly affected CH₄ flux estimates, with greater horizontal separation leading to larger correction factors. In contrast, vertical sensor separation had minimal impact on final flux values compared to horizontal separation. Canopy height also had minimal impact on corrected methane fluxes. The findings emphasize the importance of careful sensor separation and tower setup measurements in EC studies. Small errors in measurement configuration can introduce notable biases, affecting data accuracy and interpretation
Artificial Intelligence in Immigration Law: A Practical Solution for Business Owners
Get PDFThis thesis investigates the capabilities of artificial intelligence in immigration law, specifically through the development of a generative pre-trained transformer (GPT). This thesis aimed to create a GPT tailored to small businesses in the Northwest Arkansas region while offering industry-specific guidance in transportation, food, and manufacturing. The development and improvement of this GPT demonstrate the abilities of artificial intelligence in assisting small businesses navigate the legal field surrounding immigration law, providing immense cost and time savings
The Games Kids Play: Determining Concussion Risk of Playground Sports
Get PDFPlayground games play a very vital role in child development, but they have been shown to present significant risks of injury, particularly concussion injuries. Supervisors of playground games or recreational sports may lack comprehensive knowledge of concussion protocols, potentially resulting in undiagnosed pediatric concussion, which can be critical to the child’s long-term health. This study aims to identify which playground games or recreational sports pose the highest risk for injury, specifically concussions, and highlights the importance of concussion prevention training for all school personnel to minimize potential health risks for children. The methodology involved the identification of injuries from playground and recreational activities in children aged 5 to 18 years old using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) operated by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. A nine-year dataset was analyzed under a specific narrative to identify mechanisms of injury. The most frequent injuries resulting from playground and recreational activities included fractures (25.4%), strains and sprains (24.8%), contusions (12.6%), internal organ injuries (7.4%) and concussions (6.4%). Particularly for concussion injuries, 52% occurred during dodgeball and 32% during kickball. The primary mechanisms of injury identified were being struck by an object or another player (63.7%) and falls (26.7%). After analyzing the results, it is evident that implementing concussion protocols and prevention training for school personnel is indispensable. Although concussions did not rank as the leading injury, the 6.4% incidence rate still represents a significant number of children affected by this injury in these activities. Incorporating concussion protocols and training would increase supervisors’ awareness and understanding of the risks that may significantly reduce the likelihood of long-term health consequences in children
Unheard Dissonance: An Examination of Disability Representation in Horn Repertoire
Get PDFIn recent years, diversity has come to the forefront of many discussions within western art music. Several organizations have been founded to promote the inclusion and representation of musicians of various genders, races, backgrounds, and ethnic roups, but disability is often left out of these conversations. Due to the barriers continually faced by composers and musicians with disabilities, their voices are seldom heard within horn repertoire. However, several works for horn exist which represent disability programmatically, both by disabled and non-disabled composers. In this presentation, I will examine the musical representations of disability in these works as it relates to the current social progress of the disabled community. Through interviews with composers, historical research, and musical analysis, I will place these works within a modern framework of disability studies and examine their impacts on perceptions of disability in a broader societal context
Unbridled Healing: Identifying the Barriers of Equine-Assisted Therapy
Get PDFDespite the documented benefits of equine-assisted therapy (EAT) for mental health conditions, this complementary approach remains underutilized. This qualitative study investigated barriers preventing wider EAT implementation by examining challenges faced by clients, facilities, and volunteers. Data collected through open-ended surveys from 33 participants and the researcher\u27s autoethnographic observations revealed eight common barriers: Accessibility (48 mentions), Money (43), Time (30), Awareness (23), Physical Factors (13), Relationships (13), Risk (13), and Weather (7). Clients identified financial constraints as their primary barrier, particularly insurance limitations. Facilitators struggled most with accessibility challenges, including lack of resources, trained staff, suitable horses, and appropriate facilities. Volunteers faced significant time constraints and communication difficulties. Novel findings included communication issues for volunteers, relationship barriers affecting retention, physical limitations to participation, and weather-related constraints affecting all stakeholder groups. The study\u27s findings support advocacy efforts to address these barriers and potentially expand EAT access to more diverse populations