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System Identification and Control Modeling of 6-Rotor Unmanned Air Craft for Wildfire Spread Monitoring
No full textWildfires are natural occurrences that have been significantly acknowledged as devastating natural disasters globally. The fuel type, temperature, wind and humidity are some of the elements that directly affect the orientation and propagation of the fire in the area. For tracking and monitoring purposes, traditional methods on the ground and in the air constitute great safety risks, especially considering unpredictable fire behavior. Therefore, there is an increasing need for novel options for field monitoring approaches to minimize risk to reach real-time information. The technology to reduce the impacts of wildfires involves the use of aerial unmanned systems in order to leverage efficient mapping and real-time surveillance. This thesis aims to identify the system dynamics and develop a control strategy for tracking wildfire spread in vast green areas using the DJI Matrice 600 Professional 6-rotor unmanned air vehicle (UAV). Flight data is collected to identify and generate the mathematical model of the aircraft in each axis motion. Dynamic identification is conducted through a time-domain dataset in the Matlab toolbox, driving the Model Predictive Control algorithm. Sensory information is processed on a high-level onboard computer running a Robot Operating System (ROS). In this work, we contribute system identification, modeling, and control for commercial grade drones. MPC is implemented as the preferred model to resolve proper flight routes for UAV missions. For position control, the linearized dynamics of the air vehicle has been deployed at the core. Through both experiment and simulation studies, the proposed autonomous aerial vehicle's performance has been demonstrated. Aerial wildfire monitoring in high-risk areas can be carried out without human intervention using the proposed technique, which is considered achievable
Strategies for Targeting and Isolating Cryptic Natural Products from Plants: Isolation and Structural Determination of piperholdripine and raduladioxanolide
No full textArchives of empirical data of medicinal herb usage can be found in ancient civilizations, but the start of the 19th century brought about the beginning of rational drug discovery from plants with Friedrich Sertürne's 1817 publication on the isolation, structure, and pharmaceutical effects of morphine. The so-called “waste" products of plants were sought after in the fields of medicine, agriculture, materials science, and ecological studies. This paper focuses on the strategies of isolation of “cryptic" natural products. Cryptic natural products represent a treasure trove of untapped potential. A cryptic natural product may be a minor component, only exist in certain individuals in a species, or require specific conditions to be generated. These specialized metabolites are often observed through their function or are hypothesized to exist based on the biosynthetic gene clusters. However, mining the genome of a multi-cellular organism, often on a cell-to-cell level, is an extremely difficult process. While other experiments focus on function, the actual isolation of a cryptic natural product, especially one that exists as a minor component or only functions in a synergistic system, can be difficult and time consuming. Chapter 2 focuses on the isolation of cryptic natural products through their function. Using 1H NMR resonance networking in correlation with bioactivity allows for the targeted isolation of bioactive metabolites. The structural information provided by the 1H NMR resonances allow for separations to be completed without a bioassay study at each step. This chapter describes using this method to isolate a novel cryptic natural product that shows high growth inhibition against S. cerevisiae. Chapter 3 demonstrates using untargeted metabolomic analysis to explore chemical heritability in Piper scintillans. A chemical heritability experiment requires the comparison of the chemical profiles of wild-type species. This chapter focuses on the annotation of the chemotype-defining masses. Chapter 4 offers proof that this untargeted/targeted method can lead to the isolation of a novel cryptic natural product. While these methods prove observing cryptic natural products can be accomplished, the isolation and full characterization can be difficult. Chapter 5 explores the potential of using single crystal x-ray diffraction to increase the rate of structure elucidation. The crystal sponge method and co-crystallization have potential to determine the absolute structure of hard to crystallize or liquid natural products. This chapter explores the methods, as well as future work to improve the chance of guest intake. Changing isolation strategies to increase the chance of isolated cryptic natural products is a common endeavor. These strategies use multivariate analysis to target compounds of interest, decreasing the amount of time and material necessary for isolation
Improving Asphalt Concrete Mixtures' Resistance to Studded Tires and Chains Wear
Get PDFStudded tires and chains are widely used in the United States to provide safer vehicle operating conditions on roads covered with snow or ice. However, they can result in severe damage to the pavement wearing course. The studs and chains wear the pavement surface leaving depressions in the wheel paths which can hold water leading to hydroplaning and significant vehicle dynamics which are both safety issues as well. This thesis examines the effect of studded tires and chains on the open graded friction course mixtures which are the typical wearing course used in Nevada. Previous research has indicated that the economic impact of studded tire use is significant. While some have confirmed that their use is crucial in mitigating costs, others have affirmed that their use costs outweigh the benefits. Literature has shown that the most representative test to evaluate studded tire wear is the Nordic ball mill abrasion test. Other literature suggests that use of Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) mixtures, adopting gradations with larger Nominal Maximum Aggregate Size (NMAS), and using modified binders positively influence mixture resistance to wear. Different tests were performed on mixtures from five different aggregate sources typically by NDOT. These tests included: Specific gravity and absorption, sieve analysis, sand equivalent, fine aggregate durability, Los Angeles abrasion, Hamburg wheel track test (HWTT) with and without studded tires, Cantabro mass loss and Prall tests. The HWTT was performed under three different conditions: Condition 1 consisted of testing OGFC samples in a dry condition and intermediate temperature; Condition 2 consisted of testing OGFC samples in a wet condition and high temperature; and Condition 3 consisted of testing OGFC samples containing both dense and OFGC lifts in a condition and intermediate temperature. Correlation was found between the fine aggregate durability index test and the Prall Abrasion value. Furthermore, significant correlation was found between rut depth resulting from the studded tire at Condition 1 and the rut depth resulting from non-studded tire at Condition 2. Additionally, a relationship was observed between rut depth resulting from studded tire at Condition 2 and the rut depth resulting from non-studded tire at Condition 1. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the HWTT be performed at low temperature. It was also proposed that a common aggregate gradation be used for all sources to make the comparison between them possible. It was suggested not to consider either the Cantabro or the LA abrasion test as an indicator of studded tire wear resistance. The Prall test, used by Alaska Department of Transportation (AkDOT), appears to distinguish the performance among OGFC mixtures the best among the tests used
Characterization and Analysis of a Potential Hidden Geothermal Resource in the Jersey Summit Area, Pershing, and Lander Counties, North-Central Nevada
No full textThe Great Basin region in western North America is known for prolific geothermal activity and has substantial geothermal resource potential due to its favorable tectonic setting. However, a majority of the geothermal systems in this region are most likely hidden, lacking surface manifestations such as hot springs or steam vents. These hidden systems can be challenging to discover using traditional exploration methods, prompting new multidisciplinary approaches that can increase the ability to detect these untapped resources, while decreasing the overall risk associated with geothermal exploration. This study assessed the potential for a higher-temperature (≥130°C) hidden geothermal system in the Jersey Summit area in north-central Nevada. The Jersey Summit area is a complex, tectonically active, interbasinal high, identified as having high potential for a hidden system based on an abundance of Quaternary normal faults and the presence of a major Quaternary accommodation zone between the southward terminating, east-dipping Buffalo Valley normal fault zone and northward terminating, west-dipping Jersey Valley normal fault zone. Fault kinematic and regional stress data indicate a present-day west-northwest directed least principal stress, which in turn suggests that the terminating north-northeast-striking normal fault zones have relatively high slip and dilation tendency and are favorably oriented to promote geothermal fluid flow. Detailed geological mapping (incorporating new high-resolution lidar data), structural analysis, geophysical investigations (gravity, magnetics, and magnetotelluric), and 2-m temperature surveys were employed to identify the most highly prospective areas. These data suggest three particularly promising areas: 1) a broad left step-over in the southern part of the Buffalo Valley fault zone, 2) a left-step in the terminating Jersey Valley fault zone south of Jersey Summit, and 3) a complex hybrid structural setting consisting of fault intersections between terminating strands of both the Buffalo Valley and Jersey Valley fault zones as well as a major east-west striking, down-to-the south fault that transects the adjacent Tobin Range and projects into the accommodation zone toward a small left step in the northernmost segment of the Jersey Valley fault zone. All prospective areas are marked by a subtle 2-m temperature anomaly indicating the potential for geothermal upwelling or outflow along major controlling faults. Local-scale geothermal play fairway analysis was carried out to synthesize previous and newly acquired geological and geophysical datasets, which allowed for vectoring into the most favorable areas for future geothermal development in the Jersey Summit area. Ten sites were selected for temperature gradient drilling based on these analyses. The findings from this project have significant implications, as this detailed study provides a template for initial resource characterization of potential hidden geothermal systems and demonstrates both the regional and local applicability of the geothermal play fairway analysis. Furthermore, it highlights the largely untapped potential for commercial-grade hidden geothermal systems throughout much of the Great Basin region
AIEI Webinar Series: Understanding Potential Revisions to the PG Asphalt Binder Specifications
No full textAASHTO M320, the PG Asphalt Binder Specifcation is over 30 years old, starting frst as a provisional specifcation (MP1) and growing into a full standard. When it was developed, it was based on asphalt binders that were commonly available in the late 1980s and early 1990s; binders often produced from single source crudes using conventional refning techniques. Since then, crude slates, refning and blending techniques, and additives/modifers available have evolved in type and use such that the asphalt binders produced in 2024 may be diferent enough from the asphalt binders produced in 1994 that it would be prudent to take another look at the PG system to see if any revisions are needed. This presentation will discuss the findings of recent national research that propose revisions to the PG Asphalt Binder Specification to address the issues and products in use today.Federal Highway Administratio
2023 Nevada Middle School Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS): Sexual and Gender Minority Special Report
No full textThis surveillance project was partially supported by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC-PS18-1807). Supplemental funding was also provided by the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health
Design Optimization of Fully Digital, Wideband FMCW-Based Ground Penetrating Radar System
Get PDFSince its invention, ground penetrating radar (GPR) has been widely used in civilian and military settings. GPR is, in general, always used to detect subsurface objects. Some examples of detected objects could be: rebar in concrete, boulders, landmines, air pockets or voids, geological horizons, and humans under avalanches. The primary selling point of GPR is its ability to peer under the Earth’s surface without having to dig to see what is beneath it. Though it has many possible applications, there are limitations to its development: high cost, complex structures, power consumption, difficult data interpretation, and licensing frequencies to operate on. Therefore, novel ideas are needed to reduce the burden of these constraints. In this thesis, a novel approach to the design of a traditional frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) GPR is presented. First, the principles of GPR and FMCW are introduced. Second, the steps taken to develop a working FMCW radar. Putting budget above all else, a powerful system was developed that was novel, fast, accurate, flexible, and relatively low in cost. As a result of using third-party equipment, the radar had to be developed with a high sampling analog-to-digital converter as well as without a trigger signal leading to unique computational issues. Third, the GPR prototype was tested in a controlled environment. This consisted of a wooden crate with a metal guide rail moving the GPR antennas. To better grasp the concepts at work, a look into how Maxwell’s equations govern electromagnetic interactions and the creation of a GPR simulation with MATLAB was also done
Correlation Analysis of Roadway Light Levels, Hard Braking, and Crashes
Get PDFThis study analyzed three primary datasets to investigate the correlation between street lighting illuminance, vehicle braking behavior, and crashes on urban and suburban roadways in Washoe County, Nevada. The first dataset, Street Lighting Illuminance Data, collected from March through December 2020, provides comprehensive illumination data for all urban and suburban roads within Washoe County which mainly consisted of the Reno and Sparks Truckee Meadows area. The second dataset, Washoe County, Nevada, urban and suburban Wejo Speed Connected Vehicle Dataset, collected from March 1 through March 16, 2021, provides detailed vehicle trajectory information, from which acceleration and deceleration data were extracted using a Python script. Positive values indicated acceleration, while negative values denoted deceleration. The third dataset, Washoe County, Nevada, urban and suburban traffic crash dataset, collected from the Nevada Crash Reporting System for years 2013-2017, provides detailed vehicle crash information for the same study area. A sequential methodology was employed to overlay the illumination levels with the deceleration and vehicle crash data. This involved defining a 100-foot, 300-foot, and 500-foot diameter buffer at the center of intersections and a 120-foot perpendicular buffer from the centerline of the roadway segment, along the 1/4-mile long roadway segments within the study area, where illumination, deceleration, and crash data were analyzed concurrently. The study further refined its analysis by employing Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques for visualizing the relationship between ambient illumination levels and hard braking events. This visualization facilitated an initial understanding of the potential correlation between the two variables. Subsequently, a coefficient to quantify the relationships. The study findings suggest a moderate to strong positive correlation between average illumination and nighttime crashes at both intersections and roadway segments. The findings also suggest a negligible to weak positive correlation between average illumination and hard braking events at intersections and roadway segments. This insight can be important for urban planning and traffic safety studies. One of the three main contributions of this study lies in its establishment of criteria for evaluating hard braking through the analysis of multi-second vehicle trajectory data. This new criteria does not contradict already established definitions for hard braking but instead complements these definitions by allowing multi-second data to more easily be evaluated and included in the research. Additionally, another main contribution of this study is the correlation analysis between the three datasets- lighting, hard braking events, and vehicle crashes. The last main contribution of this study is identifying that there is a negligible to weak positive correlation between average illumination levels and hard braking events. Such findings are significant for the formulation of traffic safety initiatives and the improvement of urban road lighting policies. By analyzing the relationships between roadway illumination, hard braking, and crashes, this research offers critical insights that can inform the development of targeted improvements aimed at enhancing traffic safety and urban driving conditions
Relationships Among Tongue Pressures in Healthy 20-39-Year-Olds in America
Get PDFPurpose: The purpose of this study is to establish normative data for anterior and posterior tongue pressures of twenty-five females and twenty-five males who are monolingual, English-speaking individuals 20-39 years of age in the United States, to determine the presence of sex disparities in tongue pressure and to calculate a ratio of tongue pressure from the anterior (front) and the posterior (back) regions of the tongue. Method: Fifty participants (twenty-five females, twenty-five males; 20�"39 years of age) participated in the investigation. Participants had to fit within the inclusion criteria of monolingual English speaking with no relevant medical diagnosis. The Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) was used to gather tongue pressures from both anterior and posterior positions for three trials. The highest number of the three trials for both anterior and posterior position, or their maximum isometric pressure (MIP), was then put into a ratio. Results: The data collected further supports the research that states the 40-80 kPa is the average range for tongue pressures. The data also found that there were no significant differences between mean MIP anterior (MIPa) and mean MIP posterior (MIPp) between the two sexes. A ratio was created for all 50 participants using the MIP of both anterior and posterior pressures. Conclusion: This thesis adds to the lack of normative research for anterior and posterior tongue pressure and found that there is not a statistically significant difference in female vs male tongue pressure. Anterior tongue pressure is greater than posterior tongue pressure among the general population. The data was used to create a ratio from the anterior and posterior positions that medical professionals can refer to when making clinical decisions for the first time in the current literature
Non-lethal Management of Black Bears to Alleviate Human-Bear Conflicts: Human Education and Hazing with Dogs
No full textBlack bears (Ursus americanus), once extirpated across most of their range in North America, have been a conservation success story. Since the early 1900s, black bear populations have been recovering and reincorporating historical ranges (Beckmann & Lackey, 2008). As black bear populations and occupied range expand, human populations are also expanding into black bear habitat. Urban development within occupied black bear range is leading to increased human-bear conflict. This conflict may involve bears getting into garbage and bird feeders, yet interactions may escalate and include property damage and human injury. As charismatic megafauna, bears elicit a strong emotional response from the public that often demands non-lethal management of bears involved in conflict with humans. These public responses challenge management agencies to find management techniques that will help keep bears at a low level of conflict while keeping the public safe. Management techniques include education and outreach along with physical management of individual bears. With this demand for non-lethal management of bears, I investigated the benefits and costs of education and outreach along with different hazing options for black bears. Reviewing 54 different publications, we found room for both techniques combined to be advantageous to bears and plausible options for management of human-bear conflicts. Furthermore, I studied the use of dogs as a form of hazing for bears. Dogs as a non-lethal management tool is gaining in popularity among agencies that manage bears. There is lack of data on the use of dogs for hazing bears and few published studies compared the use of dogs coupled with less-lethal ammunition or the dogs alone (Beckmann et al., 2004; Leigh & Chamberlain, 2008; Comeau, 2013; Klip 2018). I had the opportunity to investigate how to use dogs to get the best response from bears treated by dogs. I used 3 treatments to apply to bears: 1) releasing dogs off-leash to pursue and potentially make physical contact with the bear, 2) releasing the bear with dogs on-leash to pursue the bear with no potential for contact, and 3) a control group of bears released without dogs involved. After the treatments, I looked at how many days it took an individual bear to return to chronic conflict and the percentage of time treated bears spent in residential areas after release. My study found no significant difference between treatments and the variables examined. Despite the lack of support for the hypotheses presented in this study, dogs have benefits as part of a bear management program. These benefits include opportunities for education and outreach by drawing the public to them, safety for handlers and law enforcement in situations involving an injured human or bear, field assistance for finding injured or orphaned wildlife, dropped collars, or carcass location. Ultimately, this study should provide added information to managers considering incorporating dogs into their human-bear conflict programs