Effective collaboration in a team is a crucial skill. When people interact together to perform physical tasks, they rely on gestures to convey instructions. This thesis explores gestures as means to assess physical collaborative task understanding. This research proposes a framework to represent, compare, and assess gestures’ morphology, semantics, and pragmatics, as opposed to traditional approaches that rely mostly on the gestures’ physical appearance. By leveraging this framework, functionally equivalent gestures can be identified and compared. In addition, a metric to assess the quality of assimilation of physical instructions is computed from gesture matchings, which acts as a proxy metric for task understanding based on gestural analysis. The correlations between this proposed metric and three other task understanding proxy metrics were obtained. Our framework was evaluated through three user studies in which participants completed shared tasks remotely: block assembly, origami, and ultrasound training. The results indicate that the proposed metric acts as a good estimator for task understanding. Moreover, this metric provides task understanding insights in scenarios where other proxy metrics show inconsistencies. Thereby, the approach presented in this research acts as a first step towards assessing task understanding in physical collaborative scenarios through the analysis of gestures.

The macroscopic chemistry method for modelling non-equilibrium reacting gas flows with the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method is developed and tested. In the macroscopic method, the calculation of chemical reactions is decoupled from the DSMC collision routine. The number of reaction events that must be performed in a cell is calculated with macroscopic rate expressions. These expressions use local macroscopic information such as kinetic temperatures and density. The macroscopic method is applied to a symmetrical diatomic gas. For each dissociation event, a single diatom is selected with a probability based on internal energy and is dissociated into two atoms. For each recombination event, two atoms are selected at random and replaced by a single diatom. To account for the dissociation energy, the thermal energies of all particles in the cell are adjusted. The macroscopic method differs from conventional collision-based DSMC chemistry procedures, where reactions are performed as an integral part of the collision routine. The most important advantage offered by the macroscopic method is that it can utilise reaction rates that are any function of the macroscopic flow conditions. It therefore allows DSMC chemistry calculations to be performed using rate expressions for which no conventional chemistry model may exist. Given the accuracy and flexibility of the macroscopic method, it has significant potential for modelling reacting non-equilibrium gas flows. The macroscopic method is tested by performing DSMC calculations and comparing the results to those obtained using conventional DSMC chemistry models and experimental data. The macroscopic method gives density profiles in good agreement with experimental data in the chemical relaxation region downstream of a strong shock. Within the shock where strongly non-equilibrium conditions prevail, the macroscopic method provides good agreement with a conventional chemistry model. For the flow over a blunt axisymmetric cylinder, which also exhibits strongly non-equilibrium conditions, the macroscopic method also gives reasonable agreement with conventional chemistry models. The ability of the macroscopic method to utilise any rate expression is demonstrated by using a two-temperature rate model that accounts for dissociation-vibration coupling effects that are important in non-equilibrium reacting flows. Relative to the case without dissociation-vibration coupling, the macroscopic method with the two-temperature model gives reduced dissociation rates in vibrationally cold flows, as expected. Also, for the blunt cylinder flow, the two-temperature model gives reduced surface heat fluxes, as expected. The macroscopic method is also tested with a number density dependent form of the equilibrium constant. For zero-dimensional chemical relaxation, the resulting relaxation histories are in good agreement with those provided by an exact Runge-Kutta solution of the relaxation behaviour. Reviews of basic DSMC procedures and conventional DSMC chemistry models are also given. A method for obtaining the variable hard sphere parameters for collisions between particles of different species is given. Borgnakke-Larsen schemes for modelling internal energy exchange are examined in detail. Both continuous rotational and quantised vibrational energy modes are considered. Detailed derivations of viscosity and collision rate expressions for the generalised hard sphere model of Hassan and Hash [Phys. Fluids 5, 738 (1993)] and the modified version of Macrossan and Lilley [J. Thermophys. Heat Transfer 17, 289 (2003)] are also given.

The macroscopic chemistry method for modelling non-equilibrium reacting gas flows with the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method is developed and tested. In the macroscopic method, the calculation of chemical reactions is decoupled from the DSMC collision routine. The number of reaction events that must be performed in a cell is calculated with macroscopic rate expressions. These expressions use local macroscopic information such as kinetic temperatures and density. The macroscopic method is applied to a symmetrical diatomic gas. For each dissociation event, a single diatom is selected with a probability based on internal energy and is dissociated into two atoms. For each recombination event, two atoms are selected at random and replaced by a single diatom. To account for the dissociation energy, the thermal energies of all particles in the cell are adjusted. The macroscopic method differs from conventional collision-based DSMC chemistry procedures, where reactions are performed as an integral part of the collision routine. The most important advantage offered by the macroscopic method is that it can utilise reaction rates that are any function of the macroscopic flow conditions. It therefore allows DSMC chemistry calculations to be performed using rate expressions for which no conventional chemistry model may exist. Given the accuracy and flexibility of the macroscopic method, it has significant potential for modelling reacting non-equilibrium gas flows. The macroscopic method is tested by performing DSMC calculations and comparing the results to those obtained using conventional DSMC chemistry models and experimental data. The macroscopic method gives density profiles in good agreement with experimental data in the chemical relaxation region downstream of a strong shock. Within the shock where strongly non-equilibrium conditions prevail, the macroscopic method provides good agreement with a conventional chemistry model. For the flow over a blunt axisymmetric cylinder, which also exhibits strongly non-equilibrium conditions, the macroscopic method also gives reasonable agreement with conventional chemistry models. The ability of the macroscopic method to utilise any rate expression is demonstrated by using a two-temperature rate model that accounts for dissociation-vibration coupling effects that are important in non-equilibrium reacting flows. Relative to the case without dissociation-vibration coupling, the macroscopic method with the two-temperature model gives reduced dissociation rates in vibrationally cold flows, as expected. Also, for the blunt cylinder flow, the two-temperature model gives reduced surface heat fluxes, as expected. The macroscopic method is also tested with a number density dependent form of the equilibrium constant. For zero-dimensional chemical relaxation, the resulting relaxation histories are in good agreement with those provided by an exact Runge-Kutta solution of the relaxation behaviour. Reviews of basic DSMC procedures and conventional DSMC chemistry models are also given. A method for obtaining the variable hard sphere parameters for collisions between particles of different species is given. Borgnakke-Larsen schemes for modelling internal energy exchange are examined in detail. Both continuous rotational and quantised vibrational energy modes are considered. Detailed derivations of viscosity and collision rate expressions for the generalised hard sphere model of Hassan and Hash [Phys. Fluids 5, 738 (1993)] and the modified version of Macrossan and Lilley [J. Thermophys. Heat Transfer 17, 289 (2003)] are also given.

The macroscopic chemistry method for modelling non-equilibrium reacting gas flows with the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method is developed and tested. In the macroscopic method, the calculation of chemical reactions is decoupled from the DSMC collision routine. The number of reaction events that must be performed in a cell is calculated with macroscopic rate expressions. These expressions use local macroscopic information such as kinetic temperatures and density. The macroscopic method is applied to a symmetrical diatomic gas. For each dissociation event, a single diatom is selected with a probability based on internal energy and is dissociated into two atoms. For each recombination event, two atoms are selected at random and replaced by a single diatom. To account for the dissociation energy, the thermal energies of all particles in the cell are adjusted. The macroscopic method differs from conventional collision-based DSMC chemistry procedures, where reactions are performed as an integral part of the collision routine. The most important advantage offered by the macroscopic method is that it can utilise reaction rates that are any function of the macroscopic flow conditions. It therefore allows DSMC chemistry calculations to be performed using rate expressions for which no conventional chemistry model may exist. Given the accuracy and flexibility of the macroscopic method, it has significant potential for modelling reacting non-equilibrium gas flows. The macroscopic method is tested by performing DSMC calculations and comparing the results to those obtained using conventional DSMC chemistry models and experimental data. The macroscopic method gives density profiles in good agreement with experimental data in the chemical relaxation region downstream of a strong shock. Within the shock where strongly non-equilibrium conditions prevail, the macroscopic method provides good agreement with a conventional chemistry model. For the flow over a blunt axisymmetric cylinder, which also exhibits strongly non-equilibrium conditions, the macroscopic method also gives reasonable agreement with conventional chemistry models. The ability of the macroscopic method to utilise any rate expression is demonstrated by using a two-temperature rate model that accounts for dissociation-vibration coupling effects that are important in non-equilibrium reacting flows. Relative to the case without dissociation-vibration coupling, the macroscopic method with the two-temperature model gives reduced dissociation rates in vibrationally cold flows, as expected. Also, for the blunt cylinder flow, the two-temperature model gives reduced surface heat fluxes, as expected. The macroscopic method is also tested with a number density dependent form of the equilibrium constant. For zero-dimensional chemical relaxation, the resulting relaxation histories are in good agreement with those provided by an exact Runge-Kutta solution of the relaxation behaviour. Reviews of basic DSMC procedures and conventional DSMC chemistry models are also given. A method for obtaining the variable hard sphere parameters for collisions between particles of different species is given. Borgnakke-Larsen schemes for modelling internal energy exchange are examined in detail. Both continuous rotational and quantised vibrational energy modes are considered. Detailed derivations of viscosity and collision rate expressions for the generalised hard sphere model of Hassan and Hash [Phys. Fluids 5, 738 (1993)] and the modified version of Macrossan and Lilley [J. Thermophys. Heat Transfer 17, 289 (2003)] are also given.

<p>Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) is one of the most significant advancements in surgical techniques in the past three decades. It provides benefits of reduced infection risks and shortened recovery time over open surgery as well as improved dexterity, stereoscopic vision, and ergonomic console over laparoscopic surgery. The prevalence of RAS systems has increased over years and is expected to grow even larger. However, the major concerns of RAS are the technical difficulty and the system complexity, which can result in long learning time and impose extra cognitive workload and stress on the operating room. Human Factor and Ergonomics (HFE) perspective is critical to patient safety and relevant researches have long provided methods to improve surgical outcomes. Yet, limited studies especially using objective measurements, have been done in the RAS environment. </p> <p> </p> <p>With advances in wearable sensing technology and data analytics, the applications of physiological measures in HFE have been ever increasing. Physiological measures are objective and real-time, free of some main limitations in subjective measures. Eye tracker as a minimally-intrusive and continuous measuring device can provide both physiological and behavioral metrics. These metrics have been found sensitive to changes in workload in various domains. Meanwhile, electroencephalography (EEG) signals capture electrical activity in the cerebral cortex and can reflect cognitive processes that are difficult to assess with other objective measures. Both techniques have the potential to help address some of the challenges in RAS.</p> <p> </p> <p>In this study, eight RAS trainees participated in a 3-month long experiment. In total, they completed 26 robotic skills simulation sessions. In each session, participants performed up to 12 simulated RAS exercises with varying levels of difficulty. For Research Question I, correlation and mixed effect analyses were conducted to explore the relationships between eye tracking metrics and workload. Machine learning classifiers were used to determine the sensitivity of differentiating low and high workload with eye tracking metrics. For Research Question II, two eye tracking metrics and one EEG metric were used to explain participants’ performance changes between consecutive sessions. Correlation and ANOVA analyses were conducted to examine whether variations in performance had significant relationships with variations in objective metrics. Classification models were built to examine the capability of objective metrics in predicting improvement during RAS training. </p> <p> </p> <p>In Research Question I, pupil diameter and gaze entropy distinguished between different task difficulty levels, and both metrics increased as the level of difficulty increased. Yet only gaze entropy was correlated with subjective workload measurement. The classification model achieved an average accuracy of 89.3% in predicting workload levels. In Research Question II, variations in gaze entropy and engagement index were negatively correlated with variations in task performance. Both metrics tended to decrease when performance increased. The classification model achieved an average accuracy of 68.5% in predicting improvements.</p> <p> </p> <p>Eye tracking metrics can measure both task workload and perceived workload during simulated RAS training. It can potentially be used for real-time monitoring of workload in RAS procedure to identify task contributors to high workload and provide insights for training. When combined with EEG, the objective metrics can explain the performance changes during RAS training, and help estimate room for improvements.</p>

In 2011, the Deep River Portage-Burns Waterway Watershed was identified as a priority in the Northwest Indiana watershed management framework by the Northwester Indiana Regional Planning Committee. 319 grant cost-share programs were initiated in effort of maintaining and restoring the health of Deep River Portage-Burns Waterway Watershed. A watershed management plans have been developed for this watershed which proposed the implementation of vegetated filter strips (VFS) as an option. In this thesis work, the effectiveness of VFS as a best management practice (BMP) for the Deep River system was evaluated using a hydrological model scheme. <div><br></div><div>In this research, a Nonpoint Source Pollution and Erosion Comparison Tool (NSPECT) model and a Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model were constructed with required watershed characteristic data and climate data. The initial hydrologic and nutrient parameters of the SWAT model were further calibrated using SWAT Calibration and Uncertainty Programs (SWAT_CUP) with historical flow and nutrient data in a two-stage calibration process. The calibrated parameters were validated to accurately simulate the field condition and preserved in SWAT model for effectiveness analysis of BMP implementations. </div><div><br></div><div>To evaluate the effectiveness of VFS as a BMP, four different scenarios of VFS implementations along the Turkey Creek was simulated with the calibrated SWAT model. With the implementation of VFS in the tributary subbasin of Turkey Creek, the annual total phosphorus (TP) of the VFS implemented subbasin was reduced by 1.60% to 78.95% and the annual TP of downstream subbasins were reduced by 0.09% to 55.42%. Daily percentage of TP reductions ranged from 0% to 90.3% on the VFS implemented subbasin. Annual TP reductions of the four scenarios ranged from 28.11 kg to 465.01 kg.<br></div>

<div>In this study, the performance of a flood control reservoir called Brookville Reservoir located in the East fork of the Whitewater River Basin, was analyzed using historic and futuristic data. For that purpose, USEPA HSPF software was used to develop the rainfall runoff modelling of the entire Whitewater River Basin up to Brookville, Indiana. Using uncontrolled flow data, the model was calibrated using 35 years of data and validated using 5 years by evaluating the goodness-offit with R2, RMSE, and NSE. Using historic data, the historic performances were accessed initially.</div><div>Using downscaled daily precipitation data obtained from. GCM for the considered region, flows were generated using the calibrated HSPF model. A reservoir operation model was built using the present operating policies. By appending the reservoir simulation model with HSPF model results, performance of the reservoir was assessed for the future conditions.</div>

<p>The aerodynamics of insect flight is not well understood despite it has been extensively investigated with various techniques and methods. Its complexities mainly have two folds: complex flow behavior and intricate wing morphology. The complex flow behavior in insect flight are resulted from flow unsteadiness and three-dimensional effects. However, most of the experimental studies on insect flight were performed with 2D flow measurement techniques whereas the 3D flow measurement techniques are still under developing. Even with the most advanced 3D flow measurement techniques, it is still impossible to measure the flow field closed to the wings and body. On the other hand, the intricate wing morphology complicates the experimental studies with mechanical flapping wings and make mechanical models difficult to mimic the flapping wing motion of insects. Therefore, to understand the authentic flow phenomena and associated aerodynamics of insect flight, it is inevitable to study the actual flying insects. </p> <p>In this thesis, a recently introduced technique of schlieren photography is first tested on free jet of match rockets with a physics based optical flow method to explore its potential of flow quantification of unsteady flow. Then the schlieren photography and optical flow method are adapted to tethered and feely flying houseflies to investigate the complex wake flow and structures. In the end, a particle tracking velocimetry system: Shake the Box system, is utilized to resolve the complex wake flow on a tethered house fly and to acquire some preliminary 3D flow field data</p>

<p>Socially engaged design programs, community development coalitions, and intentional and unintentional design spaces are rich with expertise and thinkers who are developing solutions to very pressing, yet complicated problems. Little research has been conducted on the expertise and sense-making of the community partners who participate in these situations. The goal of this research endeavor is to unpack the ways various community partners make meaning of their design experiences by answering the question: What evidence of system’s thinking can be seen in the way community partners describe their work or context? A qualitative research study was conducted in which three community partners were interviewed at various points during their engagement with socially engaged design programs. They demonstrated their systems thinking ability most strongly across the following domains: differentiate and qualify elements, explore multiple perspectives, consider issues appropriately, recognize systems, identify and characterize relationships. These findings imply that the community partners are not only capable of systems thinking but have the potential to be more deeply involved in <a>developing solutions</a> within these settings. Future studies should investigate systems thinking beyond socially engaged design in formal settings and should consider investigation protocols that more directly surface systems thinking domains. Overall, this study contributes to existing work in systems thinking by calling for a more expansive and inclusive engagement of community partners in socially engaged work.</p>

<p>It was only in the last decade that Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technologies have achieved high-quality levels that enabled comprehensive assessments of individual human brain structure and functions. One of the most important advancements put forth by Thomas Yeo and colleagues in 2011 was the intrinsic functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI) networks which are highly reproducible and feature consistently across different individual brains. This dissertation aims to unravel different characteristics of human brain fcMRI networks, separately through network morphospace and collectively through stochastic block models.</p><p><br></p><p>The quantification of human brain functional (re-)configurations across varying cognitive demands remains an unresolved topic. Such functional reconfigurations are rather subtle at the whole-brain level. Hence, we propose a mesoscopic framework focused on functional networks (FNs) or communities to quantify functional (re-)configurations. To do so, we introduce a 2D network morphospace that relies on two novel mesoscopic metrics, Trapping Efficiency (TE) and Exit Entropy (EE). We use this framework to quantify the Network Configural Breadth across different tasks. Network configural breadth is shown to significantly predict behavioral measures, such as episodic memory, verbal episodic memory, fluid intelligence and general intelligence.</p><p><br></p><p>To properly estimate and assess whole-brain functional connectomes (FCs) is among one of the most challenging tasks in computational neuroscience. Among the steps in constructing large-scale brain networks, thresholding of statistically spurious edge(s) in FCs is the most critical. State-of-the-art thresholding methods are largely ad hoc. Meanwhile, a dominant proportion of the brain connectomics research relies heavily on using a priori set of highly-reproducible human brain functional sub-circuits (functional networks (FNs)) without properly considering whether a given FN is information-theoretically relevant with respect to a given FC. Leveraging recent theoretical developments in Stochastic block model (SBM), we first formally defined and subsequently quantified the level of information-theoretical prominence of a priori set of FNs across different subjects and fMRI task conditions for any given input FC. The main contribution of this work is to provide an automated thresholding method of individuals’ FCs based on prior knowledge of human brain functional sub-circuitry.</p>