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  The Relationship of Primary and Secondary Psychopathy to Different Types of Empathetic Deficits

  Alyssa P. Gretak

  The present study examines the relationship between the constructs of psychopathy and empathy in 180 undergraduate students. This study attempts to address discrepancies in previous research concerning these constructs by assessing a number of different types of empathy concurrently. Participants were asked to complete measures of psychopathy, implicit and explicit cognitive and affective empathy, social desirability, and anxiety. To measure affective implicit empathy, participants listened to a mock news broadcast that is empathy evoking. While listening to the broadcast, the participants wore a heart rate monitor to determine if the individual experienced an increase in heart rate in response to the stimuli. The current study will test the hypotheses that those high in secondary psychopathy will be lower on all empathy measures than those low in psychopathy. In contrast, those high in primary psychopathy will only be lower on the implicit, affective empathy measure. If we find statistically significant results supporting our hypotheses, the current study will expand upon and address the discrepancies of the existing research by assessing implicit affective empathy along with more commonly assessed types of empathy in this research area (Blair, Jones, Clark, & Smith, 1997; Lishner, 2012).

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  The State of El Salvador: Human Rights and Violence in the Post-War Era

  Christine E. Caldera

  During the Salvadoran Civil War (1979-1992), the government of El Salvador knowingly used forms of political violence such as disappearances and torture against the political opposition and other innocent civilians, including women and children. With the signing of the Peace Accords in 1992, El Salvador has since transitioned from an authoritarian regime to a democracy. This project focuses on how the change in regime type influenced the level of repression and respect for human rights in El Salvador. The research analyzes two conflict resolution mechanisms, the Peace Accords and Truth Commission, and the implementation of democratic practices such as elections to understand how these mechanisms influenced the respect and protection of Salvadoran’s physical security rights. The research shows that despite the introduction of democracy, violence remains prevalent in the form of criminal activity and people continue to fear for their personal security as they did during the war.

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  Too Close for Comfort: The Effect of Threatening

  Anissa Jeanette Maffett

  Stereotypes are relied upon to help guide people through their social world. Although typically characterized as unfavorable, stereotypes can serve a number of beneficial functions. Stereotypes allow people to quickly process new information about novel individuals, environments, or events by applying preexisting stereotype-consistent information. Processing new information quickly is essential in novel or unfamiliar situation because it helps determine how to best react. While there are a number of beneficial qualities of stereotypes, a disadvantage of stereotypes is that they can potentially lead to distortions in reality. Stereotypes play an active role in the evaluation of stimuli (e.g., persons), but we know much less about whether stereotypes influence the visual perception of physical stimuli. The current project examines whether people deferentially perceive the distance of physical targets based on whether the target is accompanied by stereotype-based threat. Previous research finds that people evaluate physically threatening stimuli (e.g., spiders, aggressive people) as physically closer than non-threatening stimuli (Cole, Balceitis, & Dunning, 2012). The current study seeks to replicate and extend these findings by examining the role of stereotypes in activating a threat response. The current study will examine this question by looking at the visual perception of distance when presented with threatening stimuli based on stereotype information. Specifically, will participants perceive a confederate participant to be physically closer when that person fits the stereotype of someone who likely has an ostensibly dangerous (and fictitious) disease? It is predicted that participants who are made aware of the threatening status of an individual through stereotypes will perceive that person as physically closer than when the person is not consistent with the stereotypes of a potential disease-carrier. The findings from this experiment have the potential to understand just how influential stereotypes can be in distorting physical reality in our social world.

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  Tower of London Poppy Removal & Distribution Preparation Process

  Emily E. Cooperrider

  More than 880,000 ceramic poppies were created and planted in the moat and surrounding areas of the Tower of London to signify each death in England and Colonies during World War I. This document is a step-by-step guide for carrying out Process Improvement initiative, and tracking the information a Process Improvement Team (PIT) develops. The poppy removal and distribution preparation project needed a plan to remove the 888,246 ceramic poppies planted around the Tower of London, materials for the removal and packaging, calculations for weights and numbers, and job descriptions for over 8,000 volunteers. The poppy installation is to be removed from the Tower Moat by 27 November 2014 in order to allow their worldwide distribution to buyers. The following plan will outline a method of removing the ceramic poppies and the resources necessary to effectively remove the poppies before the mentioned date. It is necessary to reduce the amount of time it takes to remove, clean, and prepare the ceramic poppies for distribution. The planting of the poppies took longer than expected, and because the customers expect the poppies by a certain date, the total process must be more efficient, raise quality, and reduce risk of breakage.

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  Transformational Learning-Improving Estimating

  Lacey E. Engle, Laura E. Stroyne

  Two students from the University of Dayton, one Chemical Engineering and one Industrial Engineering Technology major, were selected as charter students to partake in an 8 week internship abroad in London, England. The students would be working at Tryzens Group, an ecommerce solutions company. In this internship, the students were to use the classroom knowledge gained from their Lean Six Sigma course, and apply it to an unfamiliar process. This internship/project was the last step in receiving a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification. Tryzens Group is an international company delivering ecommerce solutions. Their systems drive business performance and multichannel retail experience for leading companies world-wide. A sharp increase in popularity of the company drove Tryzens to expand rapidly. They now have offices in the United Kingdom, India, and Bulgaria. Since growing, Tryzens has struggled with providing accurate requirement estimations. This project was focused on improving Tryzens’ estimation process.

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  #TrendingNow: Social Media Use and its Effect on First Year Millennial Students Interpersonal Relationships during College Transition

  Meghan Mettling

  Constantly connected to one another via various forms of technology, Millennial generation of students interact with one another in new ways, which represents a challenge and an opportunity for higher education professionals to reach out to students and help them to connect to campus and to one another. The purpose of this quantitative study is to find out how first year Millennial students at a mid-size private institution used social media during their first semester on campus to connect and form relationships with peers, faculty, and staff in the campus community. Data was collected via a survey sent to a random sample of first year residential students. Data analysis showed a positive correlation between students who used social media to connect to others in the campus community during their first semester and a positive social adjustment to college.. Higher education practitioners may use the results of this research to design new and innovative practices for connecting electronically with first year students during the college transition process and increasing second year retention rates.

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  Under Pressure? The Relationship Between Reciprocity, Intimacy, and Obligation in Self-Disclosure

  Juile L. Prosser

  Studies of self-disclosure conducted in the lab report that individuals report greater liking for those who disclose highly intimate information; whereas field studies report that individuals report greater liking for those who disclose information of lower intimacy. One possible explanation for such inconsistent findings is that laboratory studies typically create a scenario where the recipient of self-disclosed information is expected and obligated to reciprocate. Field studies, however, remove the obligation for the participant to reciprocate, thus creating an unbiased evaluation. Thus far, research has not directly compared the level of intimacy with whether the participant is obligated to respond or not (the participant’s role), nor has it examined how these factors influence a participant’s willingness to respond when given the choice to do so. The current study examines the effects of self-disclosure on liking when level of intimacy and participants’ roles are manipulated in a lab setting. Participants are given the opportunity to evaluate an individual based on a vignette of high or low intimate content. The interactive effects of participant role and intimacy level on reports of interpersonal liking as well as the role of perceived similarity with the disclosing target will be examined.

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  Understanding the Role of the Common Core State Standards in Catholic Education

  Annemarie Fisher

  In 2009, the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) revolutionized academic standards, providing a format adopted by states across America that focused on raising Math and English Language Arts standards as preparation for colleges and careers. In conjunction with the adoption and implementation of the CCSS across the United States, Catholic schools have worked towards the strengthening and advancement of their own educational systems. This thesis first examines the background of the CCSS, including implementation and professional development, as well as the opposition regarding the standards. The paper presents an overview of the history of academic standards in Catholic education and then explores the current role of the CCSS in Catholic schools. Through interviews with teachers, principals, and superintendents in Catholic education, this study examines how two archdioceses understood and implemented the standards.

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  Variable Extrusion Dies that Exhibit Significant Change in Exit Area

  Heather M. Smith

  Conventional polymer extrusion is a common manufacturing process in which plastic resin is melted and pulled through a fixed-geometry die plate to produce a shape. This process creates long parts with a uniform cross-sectional area, including pipes, molding, and window frames. Shape-changing dies would expand the capabilities of extrusion by allowing the cross-sectional area to change over the length of the extruded part. This would allow for parts manufactured more quickly and at a lower tooling cost, as compared to other processes such as injection molding. A constant extruder screw speed is desired throughout the process due to the pellets being melted by friction within the screw. As the area of the orifice changes throughout the extrusion, problems arise which may be pacified by varying the line speed, or tracking differences between the final shape and the exit area of the part. The goal of this project is to design a series of variable extrusion dies that exhibit significant changes in area. Three types of die were created, each evaluating a different strategy, including bypass ports and shape modifying features beyond the die exit. The dies have recently been produced, installed, and tested to evaluate the various features of each design.

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  Where Do I Belong? LGBT Experiences in On-Campus Housing

  Chelsie W. Fuller

  Studies have shown that for many who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and/or Queer (LGBTQ) students, navigating through higher education is a difficult task full of opposition and challenges preventing them from achieving their full academic potential. While these challenges present themselves through several outlets on campus, Housing and facilities is one of the main areas that have the potential to challenge and educate students as they connect their learning experiences to their living realities. For students who are feeling that they do not belong, or that there is no “space” for them, navigating higher education and the campus culture can be all the more difficult. Taking a closer look at the ways in which residence halls and on-campus living facilities impact the experiences for students identifying as LGBTQ could help to show exactly how student affairs professionals and campus administrators can go about making useful changes to support these students. Interviewing students who identify as LGBTQ and gauging their experiences within on-campus housing may shed some light on whether there is a correlation between the experience of LGBTQ students, and their choice to continue to live within on-campus housing. Findings of this qualitative study may help student affairs practitioners identify common student experiences and how they relate to retaining students to live in on-campus housing.

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  Wright B Flyer Silver Bird Replica Senior Design Project

  Domenic M. Miccinilli, Matthew R. Pulfer, Denton G. Sagerman, Alex M. Watt, Seth D. Wieging

  The Wright Model B Flyer was one of the first piloted aircraft produced by the Wright brothers in 1910. Wright B Flyer Incorporated specializes in fully functional Wright Model B replicas. The Silver Bird was an aircraft designed and manufactured by the company back in 2007. Unfortunately, the plane and its two pilots were lost due to a welding failure that caused the propeller malfunction. The company has since commissioned another model to be designed and built. The overarching goal of this research is to verify the existing design and perform sensitivity studies to see if the performance can be improved given certain model constraints. Thus far, engineering drawings, as well as 3D models were used to extract crucial dimensions and aerodynamic locations. Other considerations including, but not limited to, airfoil design, constraint analysis, weight buildup, and CG envelope have also been investigated. Test pilots have flown the model to compare the flight characteristics of the simulated aircraft to the previous Silver Bird. The pilots’ feedback, input from other Wright B Flyer Inc. personnel, and flight test data comparisons have been used to evaluate the accuracy of the model. Further investigations will involve looking into various geometric changes to the model and analyzing the effect of these deltas on various flight parameters. These cause and effect results will impact the future design of the Silver Bird, as Wright B Model Inc. looks to build a more effective and transportable model that encompasses the original Wright B Silver Bird model.

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  3D Anomaly Detection using Structure from Motion

  Yakov Diskin

  We present a 3D anomaly detection technique designed to support various applications in changing environmental conditions. The novelty of the work lies in our approach of creating an illumination invariant system tasked with detecting anomalies in a changing environment. Previous efforts have focused on image enhancement techniques that manipulate the intensity values of the image to create a more controlled and unnatural illumination. Since most applications require detecting anomalies in a scene irrespective of the time of day, (lighting conditions or weather conditions present at the time of the frame capture), image enhancement algorithms fail to suppress the illumination differences enough for Background Model (BM) subtraction to be effective. A more effective anomaly detection technique utilizes the 3D scene reconstruction capabilities of structure from motion to create a 3D background model of the environment. By rotating and computing the projectile of the 3D model, pervious work has been shown to effectively eliminate the background by subtracting the newly capture dataset from the BM projectile leaving only the anomalies within the scene. Although previous techniques have proven to work in some cases, these techniques fail when the illumination significantly changes between the capture of the datasets. Our approach completely eliminates the illumination challenges from the anomaly detection problem. The algorithm is based on our previous work in which we have shown a capability to reconstruct a surrounding environment in near real-time speeds. The algorithm, namely Dense Point-cloud Representation (DPR), allows for a 3D reconstruction of a scene using only a single moving camera. Utilizing the 3D models, we compute the volumetric changes between two reconstructed scenes. We measure the success of our technique by evaluating the detection outputs, false alarm rate and computational expense when comparing the two state of the art anomaly detection techniques.

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  A Computer Based Detection of Lung Nodules in Chest

  Barath Narayanan

  Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancerous disease in the United States. Lung cancer usually exhibits its presence with the formation of pulmonary nodules. Nodules are round or oval-shaped growth present in the lung. Chest radiographs are used by radiologists to detect and treat such nodules, but nodules are quite difficult to detect with human eye and are sometimes misinterpreted with lesions present. Thus, automated analysis of such data is very essential and would be of valuable help in lung cancer screening. A new Computer Aided Detection (CAD) system in chest radiography is proposed in this paper. The algorithmic steps of the CAD system include: (i) local contrast enhancement of chest radiographs; (ii) automated anatomical segmentation; (iii) detection of nodule candidates; (iv) feature extraction; (v) candidate classification. In this research, we present facets of the proposed algorithm using a publically available dataset and we explore new set of features and other classifiers. The publically available dataset was created by Lung Image Database Consortium (LIDC) and Image Database Resource Initiative (IDRI). LIDC-IDRI dataset is comprised of 276 patient chest radiographs containing nodules of various types and sizes. The centroids of the nodules are provided by at least one of four board certified radiologists. Local contrast enhancement of chest radiographs is achieved using a Gaussian low pass filter. Automated anatomical segmentation is performed using an active shape model. Potential candidate nodules can then be determined by using an adaptive distance –based threshold algorithm limited to the delineated lung fields. Later, a set of features are computed for each potential candidate. Based on those tailored features, a learning based system such as neural network can be used to classify the candidates into true or false positives. This CAD system could serve as an express way for processing an x-ray and would aid in providing a second opinion to radiologists.

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  Advanced Image Processing for Automatic Pipeline Right-Of-Way Threat Detection

  Chen Cui, Paheding Sidike, Yakov Diskin, Binu M. Nair, 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 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.