This thesis studies the relationship between the internal characteristics of the site, based on an existing set of artifacts, abandoned concrete railroad trestles, and external views of them. The project establishes orthogonal and non-orthogonal geometries in re-developing this urban site creating buildings that relate to the site, surroundings, and themselves. The physical, structural connections and spatial relationships reconcile the superimposition of geometries. Ultimately every decision in the project returns to the analysis of the site allowing for different buildings, people, and environments to interact as a single entity. / Master of Architecture

Following the DWH oil spill event, crude oil reaching the shoreline of Gulf of Mexico produced petroleum oil deposit with a range of distinct geometries, including sphere tar balls and horizontal tar sheets. Numerical models were developed based on the Deep Water Horizon oil spill conditions to evaluate the influence of deposit geometry on long term persistence of residual NAPL oil. Two extreme deposit geometries were modeled in this study: the horizontal tar sheet and the spherical tar ball. Both two-dimensional modeling approach and three-dimensional modeling approach were applied to compare two contrasting geometries. The two-dimensional model results showed that sheet geometry deposits exhibited a greater obstruction to groundwater flow relative to the spherical deposits and induced a larger sulfate reducing zone downgradient of the NAPL source, resulting in significantly greater sulfate-based biodegradation of benzene. Three-dimensional models were constructed to assess the influence of key geometry parameters on oil deposit fate and persistence. Three parameters affecting deposit's geometric structure were recognized, including the upper horizontal area of the sheet deposit, the thickness of the sheet deposit, and the radius of the sphere deposit. The three-dimensional model results suggested that thickness of the sheet deposit and radius of the sphere deposit were important geometry factors impacting the fate and long term persistence of residual NAPL oil in the coastal environment. However, the influence of deposit geometry differed depending on the solubility of the different NAPL components. When high solubility compound and low solubility compound both exist in the oil deposit, the influence of deposit geometry on benzene degradation was significant, while the influence on naphthalene was almost negligible. / Master of Science

We examined the effects of periodic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer applications on the O horizon and mineral soil in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations over a 12-year period. To accomplish this, we used 9 experimental sites located across the south, which were grouped using the CRIFF Classification System. Group 1—CRIFF A, B (poorly-drained Ultisols); group 2—CRIFF C, D, G (sandy Spodosols and Entisols); and group 3—CRIFF E, F (well-drained Ultisols). Fertilization rates were 135, 202, and 269 kg N ha-1 at 4 years application frequency. This resulted in a cumulative N application rate of 540, 808, and 1076 kg ha-1. P was added at 10% of the N rate. Fertilization increased the mass, N content, and P content of the O horizon in all soil groups. Fertilization did not impact mineral soil N. No significant increases in total N trends were observed to a depth of 1 m. Likewise, total inorganic N (NH4+ + NO3-) was not affected by fertilization. These results suggest that N fertilization will have little effect on long-term soil N availability regardless of soil types. In contrast, fertilization increased extractable P in soil CRIFF groups 1, 2, and 3 by 26, 60, and 4 kg P ha-1 respectively suggesting potential for long-term soil P availability and site quality improvement. However, the low extractable P in soil group 3 implies additional fertilization with P for the next rotation for sites included into this soil group. / Master of Science

Simulation, design, and control of dynamical systems play an important role in numerous scientific and industrial tasks. The need for detailed models leads to large-scale dynamical systems, posing tremendous computational difficulties when employed in numerical simulations. In order to overcome these challenges, we perform model reduction, replacing the large-scale dynamics with high-fidelity reduced representations. There exist a plethora of methods for reduced order modeling of linear systems, including the Iterative Rational Krylov Algorithm (IRKA), Balanced Truncation (BT), and Hankel Norm Approximation. However, these methods generally target stable systems and the approximation is performed over an infinite time horizon. If we are interested in a finite horizon reduced model, we utilize techniques such as Time-limited Balanced Truncation (TLBT) and Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD). In this dissertation we establish interpolation-based optimality conditions over a finite horizon and develop an algorithm, Finite Horizon IRKA (FHIRKA), that produces a locally optimal reduced model on a specified time-interval. Nonetheless, the quantities being interpolated and the interpolant are not the same as in the infinite horizon case. Numerical experiments comparing FHIRKA to other algorithms further support our theoretical results. Next, we discuss model reduction for nonlinear dynamical systems. For models with unstructured nonlinearities, POD is the method of choice. However, POD is input dependent and not optimal with respect to the output. Thus, we use operator splitting to integrate the best features of system theoretic approaches with trajectory based methods such as POD in order to mitigate the effect of the control inputs for the approximation of nonlinear dynamical systems. We reduce the linear terms with system theoretic methods and the nonlinear terms terms via POD. Evolving the linear and nonlinear terms separately yields the reduced operator splitting solution. We present an error analysis for this method, as well as numerical results that illustrate the effectiveness of our approach. While in this dissertation we only pursue the splitting of linear and nonlinear terms, this approach can be implemented with Quadratic Bilinear IRKA or Balanced Truncation for Quadratic Bilinear systems to further diminish the input dependence of the reduced order modeling. / Doctor of Philosophy / Simulation, design, and control of dynamical systems play an important role in numerous scientific and industrial tasks such as signal propagation in the nervous system, heat dissipation, electrical circuits and semiconductor devices, synthesis of interconnects, prediction of major weather events, spread of fires, fluid dynamics, machine learning, and many other applications. The need for detailed models leads to large-scale dynamical systems, posing tremendous computational difficulties when applied in numerical simulations. In order to overcome these challenges, we perform model reduction, replacing the large-scale dynamics with high-fidelity reduced representations. Reduced order modeling helps us to avoid the outstanding burden on computational resources. Numerous model reduction techniques exist for linear models over an infinite horizon. However, in practice we usually are interested in reducing a model over a specific time interval. In this dissertation, given a reduced order, we present a method that finds the best local approximation of a dynamical system over a finite horizon. We present both theoretical and numerical evidence that supports the proposed method. We also develop an algorithm that integrates operator splitting with model reduction to solve nonlinear models more efficiently while preserving a high level of accuracy.

The rapid escalation in plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and their uncoordinated charging patterns pose several challenges in distribution system operation. Some of the undesirable effects include overloading of transformers, rapid voltage fluctuations, and over/under voltages. While this compromises the consumer power quality, it also puts on extra stress on the local voltage control devices. These challenges demand a well-coordinated and power network-aware charging approach for PEVs in a community. This paper formulates a realtime electric vehicle charging scheduling problem as a mixed-integer linear program (MILP). The problem is to be solved by an aggregator that provides charging services in a residential community. The proposed formulation maximizes the profit of the aggregator, enhancing the utilization of available infrastructure. With prior knowledge of load demand and hourly electricity prices, the algorithm uses a moving time horizon optimization approach, allowing an unknown number of arriving vehicles. In this realistic setting, the proposed framework ensures that power system constraints are satisfied and guarantees the desired PEV charging level within the stipulated time. Numerical tests on an IEEE 13-node feeder system demonstrate the computational and performance superiority of the proposed MILP technique. / M.S. / There is an enhanced rate of global warming due to emissions and increased usage of fossil fuels in the transportation sector. As a feasible solution, electrification of transportation has become a necessary step towards an environment-friendly future. The escalation in plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) has increased the impact on loading and voltage fluctuations in the distribution grid due to uncoordinated charging. This puts on extra stress on the grid system and compromises the system performance. As a measure to control the vehicle charging in a residential setup, a real-time optimal charging scheduling algorithm is developed which is implemented at the neighborhood level. To increase the charging performance with the limited available resources, an aggregator is introduced. The charging profit is maximized as the PEV charging problem is solved optimally by the aggregator. This facilitates the reduction in night-time grid congestion and maximization of number of PEVs getting charged with limited dependency on communication to avoid long delays in charging control. The proposed technique guarantees the complete charging of the selected PEVs in the stipulated time while considering the power grid operational constraints. It also reduces the impact of peak load demand by flattening the base load demand curve. To demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed mixed integer linear programming optimization algorithm, numerical tests for an IEEE 13 node feeder are performed. The results are discussed to give an outlook on the balance between system and user requirements by meeting the demand of the PEV users.

Horizon: Zero Dawn (2017) är ett spel som berättar en hel berättelse genom miljö och indexikalt berättande. De tekniker som spelet använder för detta har i denna analys identifierats och analyserats för att förstå hur och när de används. Analysen ären fallstudie av en teorikonsumerande karaktär som fokuserar på definitionerna av indexikalt berättande och miljöberättande men den har sin grund i semiotisk analys. I analysen hittades tre olika kategorier av indexer eller miljöer som används i spelet för att förmedla olika viktig information. Analysen kom även fram till att spelet använde sig av en struktur som liknade detektivberättelser i hur de levererade information till spelaren. Då detta är den enda analysen av denna karaktär så behövs det nu bara fler studier som gör liknande analyser av andra spel för att bekräfta de resultat som hittades i denna analys.

A method for integrating multisensor data for the purpose of track initiation using horizon infrared and radar data is proposed. This multisensor track initiation (MSTI) method extends contemporary data fusion techniques so as to address the problem of missing measurements. The missing measurement phenomenon occurs due to a variety of reasons, the foremost of which is variation in sensor detection performance due to environmental factors. The proposed MSTI method requires only the results of spatial feature tests that are performed on sensor data sequences. The formation of data sequences and the derivation of feature tests to integrate horizon radar and infrared data of differing resolutions is addressed. Results are presented that detail the performance of the MSTI technique when operating on simulated data. It is shown that the statistical performance of the MSTI technique is better than or equal to that of the AND algorithm for a representative set of scenarios. The sensitivity of the MSTI method to variations in assumed feature test and data sequence statistics is also addressed. / Ph. D.

This project is an investigation of qualitative space, a space that is more subtly defined than by street number or rigidly specified edges. A qualitative space is one that engages the imagination in the act of understanding. This urban room is an open, unrestricted space in the middle of the city, defined on 3 sides by a group of auditoriums. The space maintains and enhances the role of the site within the city, a place that can accomodate festivals and gatherings. / Master of Architecture

This exploratory and descriptive study provides an increased understanding of the topics being explored in both published research and industry reporting in the field of educational technology. Although literature in the field is plentiful, the task of synthesizing the information for practical use is a massive undertaking. Latent semantic analysis was used to review journal abstracts from ten highly respected journals and the New Media Consortium Horizon Reports to identify trends within the publications. As part of the analysis, 25 topics and technologies were identified in the combined corpus of academic journals and Horizon Reports. The journals tended to focus on pedagogical issues whereas the Horizon Reports tended to focus on technological aspects in education. In addition to differences between publication types, trends over time are also described. Findings may assist researchers, practitioners, administrators, and policy makers with decision-making in their respective educational areas.

The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill resulted in the accidental release of millions of barrels of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). Photo-induced toxicity following co-exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one mechanism by which polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from oil spills may exert toxicity. Blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) are an important commercial and ecological resource in the Gulf of Mexico and their largely transparent larvae may make them sensitive to PAH photo-induced toxicity. Mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus), an important fishery resource, have positively buoyant, transparent eggs. These characteristics may result in mahi-mahi embryos being at particular risk from photo-induced toxicity. Red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) and speckled seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) are both important fishery resources in the GoM. They spawn near-shore and produce positively buoyant embryos that hatch into larvae in about 24 h. The goal of this body of work was to determine whether exposure to UV as natural sunlight enhances the toxicity of crude oil to early lifestage GoM species. Larval and embryonic organisms were exposed to several dilutions of water accommodated fractions (WAF) from several different oils collected in the field under chain of custody during the 2010 spill and two to three gradations of natural sunlight in a factorial design. Here, we report that co-exposure to natural sunlight and oil significantly reduced larval survival and embryo hatch compared to exposure to oil alone.