The Brother Joseph W. Stander Symposium recognizes and celebrates academic excellence in undergraduate and graduate education. This annual event provides an opportunity for students from all disciplines to showcase their intellectual and artistic accomplishments. The Stander Symposium represents the Marianist tradition of education through community and is the principal campus-wide event in which faculty and students actualize our mission to be a "community of learners."
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Advanced Image Processing for Automatic Pipeline Right-Of-Way Threat Detection
Chen Cui, Paheding Sidike, Yakov Diskin, Binu M. Nair, and Sai B. Arigela
Rapid advances made in the area of camera and sensor technology has enabled the use of video acquisition systems to monitor the right-of-way of pipelines. Huge amount of data is thus made available for analysis. However, it would be very expensive to employ analysts to scan through the data and identify threats to the right-of-way in the vast amount of wide area imagery. This warrants the deployment of an automated mechanism that is able to detect threats to the right-of-way and send out warnings in the event of detection of a threat. A novel algorithmic framework for the robust detection and classification of objects on pipeline right-of-way (ROW) is designed in four directions: visibility improvement, context-based segmentation, change detection, and part-based object recognition. In the first part of the framework, an adaptive image enhancement algorithm is utilized to improve the visibility of aerial imagery the can aid in threat detection. In this technique, a nonlinear transfer function is developed to achieve the enhancement process for the extremely non-uniform lighting conditions. In the second of the proposed scheme, the context-based segmentation is developed to eliminate regions from imagery that are not considered to be a threat to the pipeline. This segmentation algorithm allows to accelerate threat identification and improve object detection rate. Thirdly, a volumetric change detection algorithm utilizing dense point cloud representation flags changes in consecutive flights. The last phase of the framework is an efficient part-based object recognition model. This technique employs parts of the object with specific feature representative to characterize objects, which is robust to detect objects in partial occlusions and appearance variations. In other words, it is a stricter pre-trained classifier that searches imagery for specific targets that are considered threats. The classifier outputs location of threats and the severity of threat to pipeline.
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Advancing Segmentation Techniques for Rigid-Body Shape-Changing Mechanism Design Specific to Variable Geometry Extrusion Dies
Bingjue Li
This research is part of a larger project on designing extrusion dies that create parts with complex variation in cross section. The research presented is on segmentation theory, the realization of a set of rigid bodies and joints that best approximate a set of curves that define a shape change. These curves differ from each other by a combination of planar displacement, shape variation, and notable differences in arc length. Among various shape-changing technologies, rigid-body mechanisms composed of traditional machine elements offer many advantages including carrying large loads while achieving large displacements. Although some of the theory for synthesizing rigid-body shape-changing mechanisms is well established, segmentation that utilizes a significant number of prismatic joints remains to be addressed and is the contribution of this work. Additional examples of applications of the developed theory include airfoils, car seats, and light reflectors that can alter their shapes during use.
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A Geometric Study of the Discharge Port Used in Scroll Compressors
Yu Lang
A scroll compression has become the prevalent technology used air-conditioning and refrigeration systems. The compression chamber consists of two spiral shaped vanes that form pairs of chambers. A crankshaft imposes an orbital translation on one of the vanes, which reduces the volume of the chambers, thereby compressing the gas trapped within the chamber. A hole is placed at the center of the fixed spiral. The moving spiral will uncover the hole, which serves as an exhaust port. This project studies the exhaust flow area as a function of crank angle. Additionally, the project assesses the sensitivity of the exhaust flow area to the defining spiral parameters, along with the size and placement of the port.
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A Hero's Journey: Aegean's Destiny
Olivia Ullery
A young woman named Aegean is summoned by the Oracle of her village to go on a journey to defeat an evil civilization at the center of the Three Villages. Though Aegean is independent, strong-willed, and assertive, she does not know her way. With the accompaniment of Maeve, a woman warrior, and Fumito, a cloistered sage, Aegean has a model of femininity and a model of masculinity to guide her in creating her own identity. They face perils on their quest, such as deadly creatures, private struggles – even death. Yet, while they travel they learn about the history of the ancient evil that resides in the Center and the battle that awaits them at the end of their hero’s journey.
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All the Single Ladies: Romantic Partnering and Its Influence on the Self-Esteem of Female College Students
Kate A. Marrero
As college students understand and vocalize their needs, supports, and decisions, they begin to believe in their own choices and build confidence and self-esteem. Early on in their undergraduate years, many female students define themselves by their social relationships and cannot separate themselves from whom they are associated with. Thus, those in a committed romantic relationship may have more validation and support for fostering self-esteem than those who are not romantically involved. The current study seeks to understand the relationship between 250undergraduate female students’ levels of self-esteem and romantic partnerships, and projected changes if the relationship status were to change. Quantitative methodology will allow for a comparison of group averages and make supported judgments about whether or not there is a correlation between being in a romantic relationship and self-esteem in young female undergraduates. With the study findings, further research can dive deeper into the identity development of female students on college campuses and create more effective support systems for them.
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A Look at Ohio's Past: A Focus on Ordovician and Silurian Period Fossils Found in the Dayton Area
Ashley Pantona Price, Katherine Burkman, Danielle Moon
Ohio has a rich geologic history involving the Paleozoic era, specifically the Ordovician and Silurian periods of time for the southwestern part of the state. Ohio was once covered with tropical seas, the evidence for which are the marine fossils found in the limestones, dolomites, and shale rocks in the area. This research project involves a comparison of fossils and geological history of Clifton Gorge, Germantown MetroPark and other parks in the Dayton area. This project also includes a guide for educators on how to engage students through the connection of real world experiences at the high school level using the Ohio Model Curricula (Next Generation Science Standards) and local geology
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A Momentum Growth Rate Model for Selected 4 Digit Industrial Groupings 2002-2012
Sam Girouard, Ben Rudman
This study is concerned with the development of momentum models that can be used to determine the portfolio weighting for industry classifications below the search level. Using Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS) data on revenue and gross operating profit at the 4 digit SIC code level,five and ten year compound annual growth rates (CAGR) are calculated for a small sample (10) of industry groups. Higher rates of growth in the most recent 5 years compared to the 10 year period will be considered a positive momentum factor. The hypothesis to be to tested is that 4 digit SIC codes with higher momemntum factors will have (1) more stocks ouperforming the sector which they are located in and/or (2) a larger number of stocks with extremely higher returns i.e. beyond the 95th percentile. Since WRDS provides data on all the stocks within a 4 digit SIC code, the distribution of returns can easily be determined.
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An Empirical Analysis of the Relationship Between S&P Sector Price Movements and Industrial Production
Dimitri Tsiribas
In this study I want to extend the empirical research of the Chen, Ross, and Roll in the late 1980’s by reexamining the relationship between industrial activity and the stock market.* My approach differs from theirs in that I will use the 10 S&P 500 sectors rather than the overall market indexes to analyze price movements. My period of analysis will be 2002-2013, with 2013 an out-of-sample period. Within the sample period, there are 3 distinct market phases that can be clearly identified. First, there is the upswing period of 2002-2007. Next, there is the downswing period of 2008-1st quarter 2009. Finally, there is the rebound/upswing period from 2nd quarter 2009 through 2012. Monthly, quarterly, and yearly data will be analyzed. In this study I want to test the hypothesis that sector price movements are directly related to industrial activity. I plan to measure industrial activity in 3 different ways: 1. Industrial Production (IP) 2. Industrial Capacity Utilization (ICU) 3. Manufacturing Production (MP) Using regression analysis, and running the regressions over monthly, quarterly, and yearly data, I plan to utilize the following linear models: 1. Rst = a + b IPt 2. Rst = a + b ICUt 3. Rst = a + b MPt The hypothesis test is b > 0 and the t stat > 2.
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An Empirical Analysis of the Relationship Between S&P Sector Price Movements and Industrial Production
Dimitri Tsiribas
In this study I want to extend the empirical research of the Chen, Ross, and Roll in the late 1980’s by reexamining the relationship between industrial activity and the stock market.* My approach differs from theirs in that I will use the 10 S&P 500 sectors rather than the overall market indexes to analyze price movements. My period of analysis will be 2002-2013, with 2013 an out-of-sample period. Within the sample period, there are 3 distinct market phases that can be clearly identified. First, there is the upswing period of 2002-2007. Next, there is the downswing period of 2008-1st quarter 2009. Finally, there is the rebound/upswing period from 2nd quarter 2009 through 2012. Monthly, quarterly, and yearly data will be analyzed. In this study I want to test the hypothesis that sector price movements are directly related to industrial activity. I plan to measure industrial activity in 3 different ways: 1. Industrial Production (IP) 2. Industrial Capacity Utilization (ICU) 3. Manufacturing Production (MP) Using regression analysis, and running the regressions over monthly, quarterly, and yearly data, I plan to utilize the following linear models: 1. Rst = a + b IPt 2. Rst = a + b ICUt 3. Rst = a + b MPt The hypothesis test is b > 0 and the t stat > 2.
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An Empirical Study of the Relationship Between Stock Market Price Movements and Macro Financial Conditions, 2001-2013
Brandon Capicotto
Since the early 90's, a number of financial condition indexes have been developed to determine future movementsin the non-financial sectors of the economy. In this study, I use the Kansas City Federal Reserve's index of financial Stress (KCFSI) to study the relationship between market and sector price movements and macro financial conditions. The periods of analysis are :(1)2001-2012), (2) 2003-2007,(3) 2009-2012). The long run period includes two recessions and two sustained periods of economic growth. The two short run periods represent economic rebound periods after the recessions. Using uni-variate regression models regress KCFSI on Spy, the S&P 500 ETF, as well as 10 S&P sector ETF's. Monthly data is used in the regressions. Since increases in KCFSI indicate greater financial stress, I will test the hypothesis that an inverse relationship exists between KCFSI and the market price indexes i.e., the slope coefficient b is < than 0. 2013 will be used as the out of sample forecasting period.
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An Empirical Study of the Relationship Between Stock Market Price Movements and Macro Financial Conditions, 2001-2013
Brandon Capicotto
Since the early 90's, a number of financial condition indexes have been developed to determine future movementsin the non-financial sectors of the economy. In this study, I use the Kansas City Federal Reserve's index of financial Stress (KCFSI) to study the relationship between market and sector price movements and macro financial conditions. The periods of analysis are :(1)2001-2012), (2) 2003-2007,(3) 2009-2012). The long run period includes two recessions and two sustained periods of economic growth. The two short run periods represent economic rebound periods after the recessions. Using uni-variate regression models regress KCFSI on Spy, the S&P 500 ETF, as well as 10 S&P sector ETF's. Monthly data is used in the regressions. Since increases in KCFSI indicate greater financial stress, I will test the hypothesis that an inverse relationship exists between KCFSI and the market price indexes i.e., the slope coefficient b is < than 0. 2013 will be used as the out of sample forecasting period.
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An Interactive Robust Artificial Intelligence-based Defense Electro Robot (RAIDER) using a Pan-Tilt-Zoom Camera
Andrew Braun, Binu Nair, Chen Cui, Paheding Sidike, Solomon Duning, Theus Aspiras, Yakov Diskin
The Vision Lab’s Robust Artificial Intelligence-based Defense Electro Robot (RAIDER) is an integrated electro-mechanical system equipped with an onboard processor and numerous imaging sensors. The RAIDER is built upon the Clearpath Husky A200 mobile base. In a multidisciplinary effort, the newly constructed robotic body houses the onboard laptop, GPU processor, LAN, IP cameras, and Kinect sensors. In our previous experiments and efforts, we shown the capability of computing a 3D model of the surrounding scene from motion imagery. We have tested autonomous navigation algorithms in which the RAIDER was to follow a particular person in a crowded environment. Algorithmic enhancements have integrated the 3D depth information into the person-tracking technique to allow for following a person around sharp corners. These navigation and controls algorithms call for an accurate face detection and recognition system as well as a human body detection and recognition system. Additionally, we have integrated a Play Station 2 wireless controller to remotely maneuver the RAIDER and activate various autonomy modes. In this poster, we present our latest effort in integrating face detection with the Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) base of an Axis camera. Positioned on top of the RAIDER, the PTZ-base will allow for the RAIDER to mimic a human’s ability to “look around” or “follow a person with only the eyes,” specifically without physically turning the robotic body. The face detection algorithm provides the location of a face within the images, the PTZ is constantly tracking the face and adjusting to keep it in the center of the image. Additional RAIDER projects work on integrating a speaker system that would vocalizes pre-defined phrases triggered by the recognition of specific persons. This would allow the RAIDER to vocalize “Hello” to people trained into its recognition system. These new artificial-intelligence RAIDER innovations create a more interactive human-like robotic system.
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A Novel, Elastically-Based, Regenerative Break and Launch Assist Mechanism
Joshua Nieman
This project involves a spring-based mechanical regenerative brake and launch assist system to increase vehicle fuel economy. When a vehicle slows, traditional brakes waste the kinetic energy by dissipating it to the environment as heat. Regenerative brakes, by comparison, store this energy for later use. A novel mechanical system has been designed that stores the energy in a spring and then uses that energy to later propel the vehicle. Hybrid electric vehicles have a successful electrical regenerative braking system but it is only beneficial for hybrid and electric vehicles, about 3% of the market. The proposed mechanical system could be incorporated in the design of most conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines. Preliminary estimations predict fuel efficiency improvements between 5-10% in the city. The modeling, mechanism design, optimization, and a dynamic simulation validate further investigation of the concept.
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A Novel High Quality Factor Tunable Band-stop Filter for Microwave Applications
Hailing Yue
A band-stop filter is used to remove a narrow band of frequencies from the signal path of a receiver or a transmitter. For a conventional notch filter, the maximum attenuation (notch depth) occurs at a single frequency midway between the specified edges (3dB) of the lower and upper pass-bands, and the selectivity can be described as the ratio of the notch depth to the bandwidth between the edges of the pass-bands. The unloaded quality factor Q (Qu) of the filter's resonators limits both notch depth and selectivity. This proposal suggests an optimized version of varactor-tuned microwave band-stop filter designed using a novel inductive spiral signal line incorporated with shunt varactors featuring an expected Qu of ~110 and notch depth of ~30dB at center frequencies from 2GHz to 8GHz.
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An Undivided Heart: How Mary Unites What Sin Divides According to John Paul II's Theology of the Body
Ann M. Michalica
Today, personhood is often threatened by the tendency to divide the human person into two contrasting parts: body and soul. Many times, this causes the human person to be reduced to a disembodied spiritual being or a disposable object rather than a whole person called to love and be loved. In his teachings known as the Theology of the Body, John Paul II uses a personalistic approach to illuminate the human person as the integration of body and soul. Scripturally based, Theology of the Body is the study of God’s reflection in the human body and human sexuality. Using John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and the Catholic Church's four Marian dogmas, this thesis will illustrate how the Blessed Virgin Mary gives humanity knowledge of the body as a personalistic integration of flesh and spirit intended for a self-giving relationship with both God and man.
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A Performance Analysis of Concentrated Portfolios of High Quality Stocks over the Highly Volatile Market Period of 2007 – 2013
Dede Ferry
A number of investment managers use high quality stocks as a key to their investment strategy. In this study I want to look at the relative performance of concentrated portfolios (25-30 stocks) of high quality stocks compared to the S&P 500 (i.e. the benchmark portfolio). Using the S&P’s quality ratings of A- through A+, I developed the following concentrated portfolios: (1) Mega Large Cap (2) Large Cap and (3) Mid-Cap. Two time periods are evaluated performance wise: (1) 12-31-07 – 12-31-13 and (2) 3-31-09 – 12-31-13. The 07-13 time interval includes the steep down swing period in the market which occurred during 2008 and the first part of 2009. Due to the housing crisis, the economy was also in free fall in the same period of time. The 09-13 time interval represents a highly volatile but strong up swing, period of the market. In this study I use the following portfolio weighting strategies to develop the returns to the concentrated portfolios: (1) market value weight (2) equal dollar weight (3) relative strength – momentum weight and (4) relative strength – concentrated weight.
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Application of a Cobalt Porphyrin and Catalyst in microbial Fuel Cells
Weilong Wang
A microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a renewable energy device in which microorganisms consume organic matters to generate electricity. These devices have potential utility in wastewater treatment facilities to dually clean the water and generate part of the electricity needed for water treatment. The last decade has seen tremendous advancement in MFC technology, but many challenges remain, particularly with improving performance and efficiency of cathodes. The cathode reduces oxygen to water and traditionally has utilized precious metals as the primary catalytic compound. In these studies, the precious metal in the cathode has been replaced with alternative catalysts, cobalt porphyrins. Porphyrins may serve as an effective, low cost oxygen reducing catalyst capable of operating in air-cathode MFCs. Here, a cobalt-porphyrin complex compounded with carbon black support (porphyrin/C) was fabricated into an air-cathode for the MFC and its performance was tested. Various porphyrin loading densities were investigated in order to determine the optimal catalyst loading as determined by power production in MFCs. The cathodes were further examined by polarization curves and voltammetry tests to exam electrochemical performance of the cathodes.
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A Room Full of Rocking Chairs: Urban Appalachian Student Experiences in Community College
Rana Peake
Urban Appalachian college students (UACS) face cultural and institutional barriers that impact their ability to persist and complete college. Designed to explore UACS experiences at a large urban community college, this study provides insight into Appalachian culture and identity as they impact their success in higher education. UACSs are more likely to come from a low-income family, and be the first in their family to attend college. First-generation college students more often lack the social and cultural capital needed to successfully navigate college, further increasing the risk of failure (Bradbury, 2009). Colleges and universities must seek out ways to improve the campus environment to reflect the needs and values of the students they serve and develop support systems that nurture the development of cultural capital needed to be successful in college and beyond (Oldfield, 2007).
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A Semi-Empirical Prediction Model for the Discharge Line Temperature of Hermetic Compressors
Chen Guan
Predicting the discharge line temperature (DLT) of air conditioning and refrigeration compressors is important to ensure sufficient lubricant properties and proper performance of components that are positioned in the exhaust stream.Numerous comprehensive prediction models have been developed with excellent accuracy, but require many details of a particular compressor. This paper assesses various DLT prediction methods that do not compressor-specific parameters. It presents a semi-empirical model with a accuracy that significantly exceeds the other established methods. The model is applied to both traditional refrigeration and vapor-injected, economizer cycles. Lastly, a study was conducted to determine the relationship between the accuracy of the model and number of experimental points used to produce the model.
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A Social Justice Learning and Living Community Service Project
Maggie Cook, Pam Malone, Kelsey Radabaugh
Through a Social Justice Living and Learning Community Project, researchers were given the opportunity to feed numerous families across the Dayton area. They worked with Food bank Inc. to help sort and repackage donated food to give to families in need. The Food bank provides food for approximately 70,000 different people annually.
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Assessing Aesthetic Preferences for Faces with Measures of Ocular Gaze
Hannah L. Lieber, Ashley Ann Marshall, Madeleine L. Schneider, Paulina E. Rosequist, Margaret Wedell
Though one may assume that the reactions to two nearly identical works of art would be similar, the medium in which art is presented can influence an individual’s perception of the work (Locher et al., 2006). The present study evaluates aesthetic preferences for faces, specifically, relating to those influenced by art; this is done by comparing reactions when viewing classic portraits and photographic renderings of those portraits. Simultaneously portraits and photographs of faces, matched for variables such as gender, artistic medium, ethnicity, face shape, facial hair, hair color, eye color, and facial position (full or profile), are shown to participants while the participant is wearing an eye-tracker, which measures aesthetic pleasingness, based on points of interests on the portraits and photographs. Participants were assigned to one of two conditions; in Condition A, participants were asked which image they found more aesthetically pleasing, while in Condition B, participants were asked which image they would be more likely to purchase. We hypothesize that measures of ocular gaze (i.e., visual scan paths, fixation times, and pupil dilations) assessed by eye-tracking equipment will demonstrate that eye-scanning movements and eye-fixations will focus more on features of the portraits than on similar features in the photographs. This data should also correlate with the subjective ratings completed in an earlier experiment that measured subjective responses alone. In addition, participants should respond similarly in both conditions; portraits that are high in aesthetic pleasingness should also be high in likelihood of purchase. Results from this research have implications in marketing and product development, particularly in the realm of art. In addition, we have a better understanding of what is commonly considered “art” and how that consideration adds to perceived value. The comparison of the physiological measures and the subjective ratings allows for a better understanding of the relationship between body and mind.
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Assessing the Energy Requirements of Actuators During Common Automation Tasks
Mohamed Eltaeb
Manufacturing operations is a major consumer of energy, with a large proportion being used to operate motors. The objective of this project is to create principles for the design of automation mechanisms that have reduced energy needs. As part of the project, an experimental study was performed to assess the energy required by industrial actuators for common automation tasks. The energy consumption is mapped to torque, motion and time on task. Using this information, the influence of mechanism architecture and dimensional synthesis of single-degree-of-freedom manufacturing devices can be assessed and design guidelines can be formulated.
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As Stable as the Dollar Stretches: Foreign Aid and Social Stability in Jordan
Jasmine Jordan
After the fall out of the Arab Spring in 2010, most of the countries in the Middle East and North Africa region suffered from extreme political, social, and economical instability. Usually, the citizens of these counties were revolting against the authoritarian regimes that have held power for decades. Jordan stands as the only obvious exception. How has Jordan maintained relative economic stability where others have failed? I have found that it is hard to judge the economic or social stability of Jordan without recognizing the large amounts of foreign aid Jordan has received from the US. This thesis asks what the relationship exist between developmental US foreign aid and political stability in Jordan The basic argument is that foreign aid affects the economic, social, and governmental structure in a country, which decreases unrest in the population and increases political stability. This thesis looks at the relationship between these factors and their influence on each other.
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Behavioral Activation in a Homeless Shelter: An Example of Engaged Scholarship
Zach Glending, Christine Farmer, Jessalyn Crossman, Jacob DeBellis, Stephanie Rodriguez
A Behavioral Activation Program is implemented and evaluated at a homeless shelter. Behavioral Activation, which is based on operant conditioning, refers to “...a therapeutic process that emphasizes structured attempts at engendering increases in overt behaviors that are likely to bring [the person] into contact with reinforcing environmental contingencies and produce corresponding improvements in thoughts, mood, and overall quality of life” (Hopko et al., 2003, p. 700). Guided by the Psycho-Ecological Systems Model (Reeb & Folger, 2013), this interdisciplinary research project utilizes the participatory community action research strategy (Reeb, 2006), the pedagogical technique of service-learning (Reeb, 2010), and multidimensional assessment. Hypotheses are as follows: (1) Outcomes (e.g., employment and recidivism rates) will be superior for men participating in Behavioral Activation, relative to outcomes of shelter guests prior to project implementation. (2) For men participating in Behavioral Activation, there will be improvements in psychosocial functioning (quality of life, hope, self-efficacy for coping, self-esteem, depressed mood, learned helplessness, anxiety, empowerment, social alienation, sense of purpose or meaning, social stigma concerns, job motivation, and inclinations for illegal behavior and substance use), and changes on these variables will predict long-term outcomes. (3) Over time, the shelter’s social climate will be perceived as increasingly more positive by shelter guests and staff. (4) Service-learning students (undergraduate and graduate) who assist with the project will show improvements in civic-related attitudes/beliefs. Behavioral activities include a mix of activities aimed at the enhancement of: (a) empowerment or self-sufficiency (e.g., GED preparation, computer training, job preparation); (b) coping (e.g., stress management, prevention programs); and (c) mood, quality of life, and social skills (e.g., game night). This project, which is supported in part by external funding, received full IRB approval at the University of Dayton, and was implemented in August of 2013.
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Blur Processing Using Double Discrete Wavelet Transform
Yi Zhang
We propose a notion of double discrete wavelet transform (DDWT) that is designed to sparsify the blurred image and the blur kernel simultaneously. DDWT greatly enhances our ability to analyze, detect, and process blur kernels and blurry images—the proposed framework handles both global and spatially varying blur kernels seamlessly, and unifies the treatment of blur caused by object motion, optical defocus, and camera shake. To illustrate the potential of DDWT in computer vision and image processing, we develop example applications in blur kernel estimation, deblurring, and near-blur-invariant image feature extraction.
