Identifying and articulating a research topic and related problems are important processes for novice researchers. However, some novice researchers have trouble in these processes due to their low domain knowledge, low structural knowledge, insufficient metacognition, or insufficient information access skills. This study addressed these problems by developing an information base tool using strategies and tools investigated by previous studies. The tool includes conceptual modeling, guided search, experimental variables and relationships examination, note-taking, suggestion, file import, and review features. The tool was populated with relevant information to permit testing and formative evaluation by novice researchers. Expert reviewers evaluated the effects of each feature of the tool on scaffolding individuals who have low domain knowledge or low structural knowledge and supplementing individuals who have insufficient metacognition or insufficient information access skills. The reviewers commonly agreed that specific components of the tool would be effective in scaffolding individuals who have low domain knowledge or low structural knowledge, or supplementing individuals who have insufficient information access skills. / Ph. D.

Microalgae are photosynthetic organisms considered to be one of the most promising high-value chemicals and biofuel-producing organisms. However, there are several challenges for the widespread implementation of industrial processes using microalgae. The work presented in this dissertation proposes solutions to the different challenges involving the use of microalgae as microbial cell factories. To investigate the application of anaerobic digestion as a way to generate nutrients for microbial growth, salmon offal was used as substrate for anaerobic digestion, and soil from a flooded run-off pond on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, VA. A fast reduction in volatile solids and the short-chain fatty acid production profile is favorable for the growth of microalgae. A novel algae strain Scenedesmus sp. A6 was isolated from a decorative waterfountain in a hotel in Madison, IN. Mixotrophic growth trials were conducted using wastewater from the salmon offal digestion, that demostrated the A6 isolate grows six times faster in the wastewater then autotrophically. Bioassays of ethanolic cell extracts of A6 cultures demonstrated antimicrobial activity against E. coli cells at concentrations above 50 µg/ml. Genome sequencing and assembly revealed multiple copies of genes involved with acetate and ammonia metabolism, and several genes involved with secondary metabolite synthesis. An alternative to the high capital investment of photobioreactors for the cultivation of microalgae is the use of open-source and open-hardware bioreactor controller. Here, the concept of an open-hardwate bioreactor control called ``BioBrain'' is introduced. The BioBrain device is based on the Arduino Mega micro-controller board, and is capable of monitoring and controlling culture conditions during simple strain characterization studies, with an estimated construction cost of less than $800 USD. Finally, a new primer design tool for the ligation-independant cloning technique 𝜆-PCR was developed called lambdaPrimeR. The contributions of this work are the discovery and development of different tools that can overcome the challenges of the use of microalgae as microbial cell factories in industrial processes. / Ph. D. / Microalgae are single-celled organisms capable of photosynthesis and have the potential to revolutionize fuel and high-value chemical production. However, the high process costs involving the cultivation and biomass harvesting of these organisms limits the number of industrial applications of microalgae. Therefore, reduction of the overall costs of any process involving microalgae is vital for the widespread use of these organisms in industry. On this dissertation, I explore different approaches to tackle the challenges of using microalgae as a high-value chemicals cell factories. First, the use of anaerobic digestion of salmon offal to generate low-cost nutrients for algae growth is successfully demonstrated, with the discovery of a novel algae isolate Scenedesmus sp. A6, capable of very robust growth on the anaerobic digestion wastewater. Further characterization of this novel isolate showed that it has antimicrobial activity against E. coli cells. Therefore, the Scenedesmus sp. A6 isolate has the potential to be used as a high-value chemical cell factory. Reduction in equipment and instrumentation costs was also achieved by the design and construction of an open-hardware and open-source bioreactor controller device called the “BioBrain”, and a low-cost modular bubble column photobioreactor called “The Big Large Tube”. Together, these two devices represent a significant reduction in equipment costs for the cultivation of microalgae. Finally, an open-source Bioinformatics tool called “lambdaPrimeR” was developed to facilitate the use of a novel Genetic Engineering technique called λ-PCR, that has the potential to make genetic engineering of microalgae much easier.

The high demand for building digital libraries by non-experts requires a simplified modeling process and rapid generation of digital libraries. To enable rapid generation, digital libraries should be modeled with descriptive languages. A visual modeling tool would be helpful to non-experts so they may model a digital library without knowing the theoretical foundations and the syntactical details of the descriptive language. In this thesis, we describe the design and implementation of a domain-specific visual modeling tool, 5SGraph, aimed at modeling digital libraries. 5SGraph is based on a metamodel that describes digital libraries using the 5S theory. The output from 5SGraph is a digital library model that is an instance of the metamodel, expressed in the 5S description language (5SL). 5SGraph presents the metamodel in a structured toolbox, and provides a top-down visual building environment for designers. The visual proximity of the metamodel and instance model facilitates requirements gathering and simplifies the modeling process. Furthermore, 5SGraph maintains semantic constraints specified by the 5S metamodel and enforces these constraints over the instance model to ensure semantic consistency and correctness. 5SGraph enables component reuse to reduce the time and efforts of designers. The results from a pilot usability test confirm the usefulness of 5SGraph. / Master of Science

Long-term declines in salmonid populations observed in California Central Valley have prompted efforts to enhance the understanding of how environmental stressors impact sensitive species. Bifenthrin, a current-use insecticide, has been consistently detected throughout the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (Delta) and has been linked to detrimental effects in salmon. Traditionally, aqueous concentration is used in toxicological studies to evaluate the effects of pesticides on aquatic organisms, which assumes that concentration of the toxicant in water is a valid surrogate for dose. The critical body residue approach was established as an improved technique for assessing toxicity of hydrophobic contaminants, but there is a lack of data to support the application of this method in assessing risk of contaminant exposure in the environment. The current study creates a response spectrum model (RSM) demonstrating the relationship between internal residue and effects observed in Chinook Salmon from laboratory-based exposures. To develop the RSM, a series of behavioral and physiological endpoints were measured using bifenthrin-dosed Chinook Salmon to use with previously generated mortality data for incorporation in the model. The most sensitive endpoints were locomotion and shoaling behavior, followed by anxiety, growth, swim performance, upper thermal sensitivity, olfactory response, and lethality. The RSM endpoints were compared to bifenthrin residues in field-collected juvenile Chinook Salmon collected in 2019-2020 as part of our earlier studies. We found bifenthrin tissue residues were at similar levels to the most sensitive endpoints featured in the RSM, suggesting that bifenthrin exposure in the field is likely to cause behavioral effects to salmon as they out-migrate through the Delta. The developed RSM is a tool that could be used by water quality managers to evaluate the extent to which bifenthrin exposure may impact behavior and performance in juvenile salmon, providing a field-based verification of its effects on outmigration.

This thesis investigates the current state of tool wear prediction models in machining, focusing on their limitations in accurately incorporating the complex dynamics of cutting fluids and their industrial applicability. It proposes a comprehensive evaluation framework to classify and evaluate a wide range of models, including empirical, physical, computational, and data-driven models. The study identifies the key limitations and strengths of each model category. It proposes enhancements by integrating advanced fluid dynamics and predictive modeling techniques to improve tool wear predictions' accuracy and industrial applicability. A structured literature review was conducted to investigate and evaluate existing tool wear models and their integration with cutting fluid dynamics. This review included defining search criteria, selecting relevant studies, and assessing their quality and relevance. The study uses thematic analysis and model evaluation frameworks to classify and evaluate the models, leading to the identification of critical limitations and strengths. The literature review and model evaluation findings revealed that empirical models, while simple and quick to implement, showed moderate accuracy and limited fluid dynamics integration. Physical models provided high accuracy in specific conditions but were computationally intensive. Computational models, particularly those using techniques like Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD), offered detailed insights and high accuracy but required significant computational resources. Data-driven models demonstrated exceptional predictive capabilities and comprehensive fluid dynamics integration but relied heavily on data availability and quality.  The proposed enhancements include introducing non-linear elements into empirical models, incorporating simplified fluid models or empirical correlations into physical models, exploring reduced-order models (ROMs) or surrogate models for computational models, and developing robust data preprocessing and augmentation techniques for data-driven models. These enhancements aim to improve the accuracy and applicability of tool wear models in industrial machining processes, ultimately contributing to more efficient and cost-effective machining operations. The study emphasizes the importance of a systematic and holistic approach to model evaluation and enhancement. Future research should focus on validating these proposed enhancements through empirical studies and real-world applications, ensuring their relevance and robustness in diverse industrial settings. This research offers significant potential to advance tool wear modeling, providing valuable insights for both academia and industry.

In this thesis, friction stir channeling (FSC) and its process parameters influence on geometry, surface quality and productivity are explored. The probe of the friction stir processing (FSP) tool used to perform these tests was a modified submerged bobbin tool made of MP 159 Co-Ni alloy. The body was made from H13 tool steel. To find the optimal channel conditions for a targeted range of process parameters, multiple 6061 aluminum samples were prepared with a U shape guide to test the effects of different spindle speeds and feed rates. Using a gantry-type computer numerical control (CNC) friction stir welding (FSW) machine, the aluminum coupons were subjected to calibration experiments, force control tests, and an increased production rate to test these effects. It was found through experimentation that the programmed feed rates, spindle speeds and forces produced by the machine had an impact on the channel geometry. It was determined from the force-controlled setup that 8.46 mm/s at 750 RPM was the best combination of results for the four conditions tested on a CNC friction stir processing-machine. It was then tested at 10.58 mm/s at 800 RPM, which had comparable results with the best combination of input parameters from the force-controlled runs which demonstrates the utility of the process in high production settings. Finally, a proof-of-concept experiment was performed on a robotic arm outfitted with a FSW holder, showing acceptable results. This is a validation of its future implementation in the manufacturing of large parts for lightweight, aerospace, and automotive applications.

2025 / Lung cancer continues to maintain its notorious status as the leading cause of all cancer related deaths worldwide, emphasizing the importance of early screenings, detections, and treatments. Though there has been tremendous progress in the field of interventional bronchoscopy, there is an unmet clinical need to accurately target a tumor to collect a biopsy sample in the lung periphery. Soft robots offer an advantage to traditional bronchoscopes as they are safer, cheaper, and have readily scalable designs. The proposed soft robotic needle steering system for bronchoscopy consists of a millimeter-scale dual-origami bellow system with distal dexterity and robotic control over the tools for biopsy collection in the lung periphery. To fabricate the soft inflatable bellows, we use heat and pressure to selectively bond 2D patterned layers which allows for linear expansion during pressurization. To validate the design of the needle steering system, a series of bench-top experiments to characterize dexterity, blocked force, and tissue puncture capabilities were completed. This robot demonstrated steering capabilities of ≈80º bi-directionally and sufficient force to puncture simulated lung tissue and tumors in various orientations. The needle steering system was integrated with the continuum robot body to construct our fully soft robotic bronchoscope, and a series of in-vitro puncture tests were performed. The robot was able to teleoperatively navigate through the in-vitro lung model to successfully puncture simulated lung tumors. / 2027-01-28T00:00:00Z

The failure to translate evidence into clinical practice has been repeatedly highlighted. This failure is partly attributed to disregarding the context within which healthcare is delivered. The aim of this thesis was to develop and psychometrically evaluate the Context Assessment for Community Health (COACH) tool, and, through that process, provide opportunities to measure aspects of context perceived to be important for Knowledge Translation (KT) interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). All four studies in this thesis were mainly undertaken in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam during 2008–2014. Study II, however, was also conducted in four other LMICs (Bangladesh, Nicaragua, South Africa, and Uganda). Study I employed inductive content analysis of 16 focus group discussions to explore the influence of context in a community-based facilitation intervention in Vietnam. Studies II and III reported on the development of the COACH tool and assessment of its psychometric properties. Study IV used the COACH tool in a survey among health workers in Vietnam. To date, three sources of evidence regarding validity of the COACH tool have been provided, that is, test content, response processes, and internal instrument structure, with promising psychometric characteristics. The COACH tool could be used as means of characterizing aspects of context ahead of KT interventions, for tailoring KT strategies, and for further understanding of the results of KT interventions. / Context Assessment for Community Health

Qu’est-ce qui nous pousse à utiliser un outil, et pourquoi un outil est-il accepté ou rejeté par un utilisateur ? Cette thèse propose d’étudier la question de l’acceptabilité (i.e. l'intention a priori d’utiliser un outil avant une utilisation) et surtout de l’acceptation (i.e. la décision ou l’intention d’utiliser un outil après une utilisation réelle), en l’examinant sous l’angle des aspects cognitifsde l’utilisation d’outils. Après une revue de la littérature sur ce sujet, qui recense 142 critères de l’acceptation, nous proposons une nouvelle grille de lecture théorique en classant les critères présents dans la littérature en quatre catégorie de critères : l’utilité, la facilité, l’esthétique et un dernier critère regroupant les différences contextuelles et individuelles de l’utilisateur. Suite ànotre partie théorique, qui explore également le domaine des outils cognitifs, les mécanismes de la prise de décision dans l’utilisation d’outils et le rôle de la métacognition, des résultats expérimentaux sont également présentés. Dans un premier ensemble d’expériences, les participants sont face à des outils physiques qui varient selon différents critères (utilité, facilitéet esthétisme). Nous nous intéressons aux différences qu’il existe entre les phases d’acceptabilité (exposition à court terme) et d’acceptation (exposition à long terme), notamment dans les représentations qu’ont les utilisateurs des outils, et si les préférences des utilisateurs sont guidées par des critères propres à l’outil. Les résultats montrent qu’il existe une hiérarchiedes critères. Dans la phase d’acceptabilité, c’est le critère de la facilité qui a la plus grande influence. En revanche, dans la phase de l’acceptation, c’est le critère de l’utilité qui a une plus grande influence, que ça soit en terme de préférence (classement des outils) ou de temps passé sur l’outil. L’esthétique n’a aucune influence sur les choix des utilisateurs. Dans un second ensemble d’expériences, nous étudions l’influence des performances pour différentes fonctions cognitives dans l’utilisation d’outils. Des participants sont exposés à des outils cognitifs qui assistent différentes fonctions cognitives (mémoire, attention visuelle, prise de décision). Nous avons cherché à savoir dans quelles fonctions cognitives les utilisateurs préfèrent être assistés, et si ces préférences sont rationnelles, à savoir si elles sont en lien avec leurs performances ou la méta-représentation de leurs performances dans ces mêmes fonctions cognitives. On observe que l’outil assistant la mémoire de travail est largement préféré, mais qu’il existe des profils d’utilisateurs, certains préférant être assisté en attention visuelle ou en prise de décision. Cette préférence est basée sur la méta-représentation de la performance, et non sur la performance enelle-même. Les résultats montrent en effet que plus les sujets estiment qu’ils sont mauvais dans une fonction cognitive, plus ils vont utiliser un outil qui assiste cette même fonction cognitive, et ce indépendamment de leurs performances réelles dans cette fonction cognitive. Enfin, une discussion générale étudie l’impact des résultats obtenus dans cette thèse. Dans cette dernièrepartie du manuscrit, nous proposons de réfléchir et de conclure sur les conséquences et les implications de nos résultats, et nous avançons des perspectives et des questionnements sur les évolutions futures des questions liées à l’acceptation de l’outil. / What drives us to use a tool, and why is a tool accepted or rejected by a user? This thesis proposes to study the question of acceptability (i.e. the a priori intention to use a tool, before use) and especially of the acceptance (i.e. the decision or the intention to use a tool, after real use), from the perspective of cognitive aspects of tool use. After a review of the literature onthis subject, which lists 142 criteria of acceptance, we propose a new theoretical reading grid by classifying the criteria present in the literature in four categories of criteria: Utility, ease of use, aesthetic and a final criterion, social, contextual and individual differences. Following our theoretical part, which also explores the field of cognitive tools, the mechanisms of decision making in the use of tools and the role of metacognition, experimental results are also presented. In a first set of experiments, participants are faced with physical tools that vary according to different criteria (utility, ease of use and aesthetics). We are interested in the differences between acceptability and acceptance phases and by criteria specific to the tool which guide user representations of tools and user preferences. The results show that there is a hierarchy of criteria. In the acceptability phase, it is the ease of use criterion that has the greatest influence. On the other hand, in the acceptance phase, the criterion of utility has a greater influence, whether in terms of preference (ranking position) or time spent on the tool. Aesthetics has no influence on user choices. In a second set of experiments, we study the influence of performances for different cognitive functions in the use of tools. Participants are exposed to cognitive tools that support different cognitive functions (memory, selective visual attention,decision making). We have sought to know in which cognitive functions users prefer to be assisted, and whether these preferences are rational, i.e. whether they are related to their performance or the meta-representation of their performance in these same cognitive functions. In the results, we observe that the tool assisting the working memory is widely preferred, butthat there are user profiles, some preferring to be assisted in visual attention or decision making. This preference is based on the meta-representation of the performance, and not on the performance itself. The results show that the more the subjects feel that they are bad in a cognitive function, the more they will use a tool that assists this same cognitive function, regardless of their actual performance in this cognitive function. Finally, a general discussion studies the impact of the results obtained in this thesis. In this last part of the manuscript, we propose to reflect and conclude on the consequences and the implications of our results, and we propose perspectives and questions on the future evolutions of the questions related to the acceptance of the tool.

Many phenomena determining the microstructure of a tool steel and consequently the properties of the material, are governed by multicomponent diffusion. The diffusion driven reactions that take place during, for example, tempering of a hot-work tool steel or when the microstructure develops during hot isostatic pressing of cold-work tool steel, are dependent on the types and amounts of alloying elements. In order for computational methods to be usable, these alloying effects need to be understood and incorporated in the models. In this work the influence of some typical tool steel alloying elements on the coarsening behavior of precipitates is investigated. Experimental coarsening studies are performed and the impact of the diffusion mobility descriptions and the thermodynamic descriptions are investigated by means of DICTRA coarsening calculations. The kinetic descriptions for diffusion in the body centered-cubic phase in the case of the chromium-iron-vanadium system and the chromium-iron-molybdenum system are improved by assessments of diffusion mobility parameters, and are shown to have a large impact on the calculated coarsening rate for vanadium-rich and molybdenum-rich precipitates. The effect of cobalt is examined by a coarsening experiment for vanandiumrich carbides and by a diffusion couple experiment for the investigation of the vanadium interdiffusion. The presence of cobalt is experimentally shown to have retarding effect on the coarsening rate of the carbides, but not on the vanadium diffusion. The coarsening rate of nitrogen-rich precipitates is compared to the coarsening rate of carbon-rich precipitates, and a lower coarsening rate for nitrides compared to carbides can be confirmed. Correlation between coarsening calculations and experiments is obtained suggesting that the thermodynamic description of the two systems is the underlaying reason for the different coarsening rates. Further, calculations utilizing the DICTRA software are combined with experimental investigations in order to study the possibility to apply computational methods for compound material development and explore application areas for high nitrogen alloyed tool steels produced by powder metallurgy. / <p>QC 20121011</p>