Development and evaluation of a novel neural network of PMSM for electric vehicle

This thesis investigates an artificial neural network (ANN)-based field-oriented control (FOC) for a surface-mounted and an interior-mounted permanent magnet synchronous machine (SPMSM and IPMSM). The ANN was trained by using Levenberg-Marquardt and forward accumulation through time algorithm. First, the thesis examines the fundamentals of motor parameters and two aforementioned vector controls, with training algorithms, in detail. Then, the background and various algorithms of Maximum Torque per Ampere (MTPA) and flux weakening (FW) control are undertaken while the following part epitomizes an off-the-shelf component-based electric vehicle (EV) model that is constructed using MATLAB SimPowerSystems and SimDriveline. The proposed control is validated in both simulation and hardware experiment and compared with a PI-based field-oriented control. First, for SPMSM, the results of simulation and hardware experiment show that the maximum operating speed of the proposed control is improved by 48% and 3.5% compared to the PI-based control. For IPMSM, the results show that the proposed control produces less d-axis current than the latter control. Moreover, the control is implemented and simulated in electric vehicle model, which is constructed using SimPowerSystems and SimDriveline library in Simulink by the author with off-the-shelf components. The results show that the proposed controller can be a potential replacement of the existing control schemes, such as PID, fuzzy logic, or others, and provides adequate traction control in EV application (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

The view from mazique (22ad502): the Coles Creek / Plaquemine cultural transition from the perspective of the Natchez Bluffs region of the Lower Mississippi Valley

At AD 1200, in the wake of the Mississippian florescence, the late Woodland occupants of the Lower Mississippi Valley (LMV) underwent a major reorganization of lifeways. Through the selective adoption of new forms of subsistence, settlement, and socio-political organization, Coles Creek culture was succeeded by Plaquemine culture. Current perceptions of this transition are informed principally by studies conducted in the Lower Yazoo and Tensas basins that have produced conflicting models of Plaquemine origins: the External Stimulus model and the Internal Development model. This dissertation contributes an examination of the Coles Creek/Plaquemine transition from the perspective of a third region of the LMV, the Natchez Bluffs. The Mazique site (22Ad502) is a late prehistoric mound and plaza center located in Adams County, Mississippi. Previous archaeological collections recovered here have identified both Coles Creek and Plaquemine components, making Mazique an ideal vantage from which to inspect the changes wrought by the Coles Creek/Plaquemine transition. The primary objective of this research was to determine which model of Plaquemine origins best accounts for the circumstances observed at a single Natchez Bluffs mound and plaza complex by evaluating whether the Coles Creek and Plaquemine settlement strategies employed here were more alike or different using three separate measures: intra-site settlement patterns, subsistence as inferred from vessel forms, and the history of mound construction. In 2012 and 2013, members of the Gulf Coast Survey shovel tested nearly 13 acres of the site and excavated another eight contexts. The results reveal that Mazique represents a remarkably complete Balmoral phase (AD 1000-1100) mound and plaza complex that was abandoned during the Gordon phase (AD 1100-1200), and experienced only ephemeral Plaquemine reoccupation during the Mississippi period (AD 1200-1650). When the intra-site circumstances observed at Mazique are considered from the intra-regional scale of the Natchez Bluffs, the inter-regional scale of the Coles Creek/Plaquemine heartland, and the pan-regional scale of the LMV, it is apparent that neither External Stimulus nor Internal Development offers a unifying explanation of Plaquemine origins. Therefore, I contend that the Coles Creek-Plaquemine transition is more aptly modeled as the convergence of the Coles Creek and Mississippian interaction spheres. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

Pyroclastic evidence of syn-eruptive degassing at the explosive/effusive transition

The 2010 eruption of Merapi (Java, Indonesia) initiated with an uncharacteristic explosion, followed by rapid lava dome growth and collapse, all of which generated deadly pyroclastic density currents (PDCs). PDC samples from the initial explosion on October 26th were collected from several locations surrounding the edifice. Plagioclase phenocrysts represent the primary component of the dominant ash mode due to the elutriation of the finer ash fraction during PDC transport. Secondary electron images of 45 phenocrysts were taken using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) to examine preserved glass coatings on phenocrysts, which represent the interstitial melt within the magma at the point of fragmentation. Using these images, the bubble number densities (BNDs) were determined, and the decompression rate meter of Toramaru (2006) was used to calculate the decompression rate during the initial explosion of the 2010 Merapi eruption. Calculated decompression rates range from 6.08x10^7 Pa/s to 1.4x10^8 Pa/s. Decompression rates have shown to correlate with eruption column height; therefore Merapi’s rates should be similar to those of other Vulcanian explosions, because the eruption column was 8-9 km in height. Sakurajima volcano (Japan) experienced decompression rates from 7.0 × 10^3 to 7.8 × 10^4 Pa/s during the later phase of the fall 2011 Vulcanian explosions. Plinian explosions, such as at the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo and the 1980 eruption of St. Helens had much higher column heights compared to the initial 2010 Merapi explosion; 35 km, 19 km, and 8-9 km, respectively, but decompression rates in a comparative range (10^8 Pa/s). Higher decompression rates during the 2010 initial explosion at Merapi likely resulted from increased overpressure in the shallow conduit, as revealed through previous geochemical analyses of the erupted crystals Results indicate that decompression rates may be underestimated for Vulcanian explosions. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

Effects of an intermediate-scale wind disturbance on mixed pinus-hardwood stands

All forest ecosystems are subject to natural disturbances that influence development and succession. Forest disturbances are typically classified based on severity and spatial extent with events ranging from small, single-tree gaps to large, stand replacing disturbances. Intermediate-scale disturbances occur along the gradient between the two endpoints. On 20 April 2011 in Lawrence County, AL, an EF1 tornado tracked 5 km, leaving a patchwork mosaic of disturbed areas that included multiple mixed Pinus-hardwood stands. The objectives of this thesis were to describe the effects of intermediate-scale wind disturbance on forest composition, structure, succession, and development, and to compare and contrast the effects of silvicultural entries to those of natural disturbance. The storm disproportionately removed large Pinus stems, and effectively accelerated succession and promoted hardwood dominance. The ISD created understory light levels in the disturbed neighborhoods that were significantly higher than pre-disturbance conditions after five growing seasons. Similar to the naturally disturbed stands, the intermediate treatments also accelerated succession by preferentially removing Pinus canopy stems and promoting Quercus dominance. This study addresses the gap in our understanding of the effects of intermediate-scale wind disturbance on composition, structure, succession, development, biodiversity, and sub-canopy light regimes in mixed Pinus-hardwood systems. This study will serve as a reference point for natural disturbance-based management in this forest type. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

Positive psychology intervention for girls with conduct problems: a single-case time-series design

Background: Juvenile offenders with psychopathic traits are more likely to have problems in institutional settings and commit more violent and damaging offenses following release, as well as be faced with problems (e.g., lost educational opportunities, drug use) that impede their functioning as young adults. There has been a paucity of interventions focusing on treating youth offenders with psychopathic traits. The Positive Psychology Intervention (PPI; Salekin, 2010) was designed to fulfil this purpose. The current study aimed to examine the effectiveness of PPI in reducing psychopathic traits in a sample of female juvenile offenders. Method: The participants were eight 15-18-year-old adolescent girls with conduct problems placed in a secure residential facility. The PPI was implemented and outcome measures were assessed pre and post-intervention, as well as weekly during the baseline and treatment phases. Group effects and single-case data were examined. Results: As predicted, there was a group reduction in psychopathic traits and increase in positive affect post-intervention. Examining the single-case data found that the PPI demonstrated significant effects for participants with certain characteristics (e.g., having stayed longer in the facility). Conclusions: The PPI appears promising in reducing psychopathic traits and enhancing positive affect in this sample of adolescent girls with conduct problems. The effects for the single case data were not as strong as that of the group level findings. Potential methodological reasons for this are discussed. In addition, ways to adapt sessions of the PPI to further enhance the effectiveness of treatment for adolescent girls with psychopathic traits are outlined. Keywords: psychopathy, positive affect, intervention, adolescence (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

Implemention of the personalized system of instruction for the first time by an experienced teacher to one intact eighth grade class

Previous research has shown that both students and teachers are challenged when introduced to a different learning environment. This is a qualitative study that involves a teacher and one intact eighth-grade class using the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). In conjunction with the introduction of PSI, the teacher of this research study participated in a one-day professional development coupled with continuous professional development sessions throughout the duration of the study. The results of this study highlighted favorable results, implementation obstacles, and opportunities for improved implementation of the instructional model. The students were not privy to participation in a full version of the PSI model because of the teaching style of the implementing teacher. The teacher of this study implemented a loose version of the PSI model despite continued professional development and encouragement from the researcher. Despite the lack of implementation from the teacher, the students were able to learn skills that would allow them the opportunity to play a full version of the badminton game. The teacher was challenged with the idea of relinquishing control of student learning. Furthermore, the researcher had a tenuous time with the instructor to embrace all the tenets of the PSI instructional model during every class session. Constructivism, occupational socialization theory, and Model of Teacher Change were used to develop the theoretical framework. The constructivist theory was incorporated evaluating whether the students were able to flourish from previous experiences and past knowledge of net/wall games. The occupational socialization theory was used to help clarify and understand the teachers’ views on teaching students. The Model of Teacher Change was incorporated to determine the level of change associated with a professional development program. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

Predicting intentions to be physically active among volunteer firefighters in rural North Carolina: a study utilizing a modified theory of planned behavior

Background: In 2015, the United States Fire Association (USFA) reported 51% of firefighter deaths were from sudden cardiac incidents. Sudden cardiac death has consistently accounted for the largest share of on-duty firefighter deaths since the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) began gathering firefighter health data in 1977 (USFA, 2015a). Physical activity is a protective factor against cardiovascular disease, but most firefighters do not meet recommended levels of physical activity (Baur, Christophi, Cook & Kales, 2012a). The theory of planned behavior (TPB) offers suggestions for why people do or do not engage in desirable behaviors, such as physical activity, and proposes that the primary determinant for behavior is the intention to perform the behavior (Glanz & Bishop, 2010). This study used the TPB, modified to include past behavior and perceived risk, in an attempt to understand firefighters’ intentions to be physically active. Methods: This study used cross-sectional, descriptive, and predictive correlational research designs using survey methodology (n=123). Findings: Results from logistic regression analyses found that TPB constructs of attitudes, past physical activity behavior, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) were significantly related (p<.05) to intentions to be physically active among volunteer firefighters in rural North Carolina. Past moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise was most strongly related to intentions to be physically active, explaining 35% of the variance. No other factors significantly influenced intentions to be physically active. Body mass index (BMI) of the firefighters classified 35.9% as overweight and 44.4% as obese. Volunteer firefighters in this study did not perceive themselves at a high risk of heart disease, even though statistically 51% of firefighter deaths are from cardiac incidents (Haynes & Stein, 2016). Implications: Data obtained from a second examination should be used to further validate the reliability of the modifications to the TPB and past physical activity scales. The addition of perceived risk to the TPB added little to our understanding of intentions to be physically active, but the relationships among all these variables should be explored more fully by quantitative and qualitative methods. Findings from this study have implications for future intervention development aimed at targeting preventive efforts for volunteer firefighter populations. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

Cognitive heterogeneous sensor platform for human biometric and activity pattern analysis

Human biometric and activities can be acquired from their motions and postures. Conventional video cameras have many limitations. In this dissertation research our goal is to develop sensor hardware as well as machine learning algorithms/software to achieve motion recognition with low communication bandwidth and processing complexity. We have designed the wireless sensing systems targeting the following two applications: (1) Binary compressive sensing (CS) systems for smart home. The binary sensing systems are designed to obtain the geometric information of human motions for the recognition of indoor activities. CS theory is used in the design of sensor sampling structure. We employ Buffon's Needle model of integral geometry to describe human gait changes, and use Hidden Markov Model (HMM) to extract the statistic features for motion recognition. Pyroelectric Infrared (PIR) sensors are used for human gait recognition. Both passive PIR sensor network and active PIR sensors are developed to detect moving and static thermal targets respectively. Laser sensors are used for gait disorder recognition with metrics of symmetry, coordination, and balance. Fiber optic sensors have been deployed and encoded on the ground for multiple human subject location based on Low density parity check (LDPC) codes. (2) Motion capture system for rehabilitation training. Many patients who suffer from the paralysis can recover body functions by taking appropriate rehabilitation training. This study aims to develop a home-oriented cyber-physical system (CPS) to help the patients improve their motion ability via physical training. The system provides quantitative evaluation for the performed motions. The measures evaluated by the system include the motion style of the legs, the periodicity of the foot trajectory, and the foot balance level. The motions of legs and feet are recorded by the thermal camera, and the plantar pressure is measured by the insole pressure sensors. We have developed algorithms to extract the leg skeletons from the thermal images, and to implement motion auto-segmentation, recognition and analysis for the above mentioned measures. This dissertation explores the frontier of intelligent sensing systems for human motion recognition. We have conducted many experiments to demonstrate the efficiency and capability of our methods and systems. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

Electrical and computer architecture of an autonomous mars sample return rover prototype

Space truly is the final frontier. As man looks to explore beyond the confines of our planet, we use the lessons learned from traveling to the Moon and orbiting in the International Space Station, and we set our sights upon Mars. For decades, Martian probes consisting of orbiters, landers, and even robotic rovers have been sent to study Mars. Their discoveries have yielded a wealth of new scientific knowledge regarding the Martian environment and the secrets it holds. Armed with this knowledge, NASA and others have begun preparations to send humans to Mars with the ultimate goal of colonization and permanent human habitation. The ultimate success of any long term manned mission to Mars will require in situ resource utilization techniques and technologies to both support their stay and make a return trip to Earth viable. A sample return mission to Mars will play a pivotal role in developing these necessary technologies to ensure such an endeavor to be a successful one. This thesis describes an electrical and computer architecture for autonomous robotic applications. The architecture is one that is modular, scalable, and adaptable. These traits are achieved by maximizing commonality and reusability within modules that can be added, removed, or reconfigured within the system. This architecture, called the Modular Architecture for Autonomous Robotic Systems (MAARS), was implemented on the University of Alabama’s Collection and Extraction Rover for Extraterrestrial Samples (CERES). The CERES rover competed in the 2016 NASA Sample Return Robot Challenge where robots were tasked with autonomously finding, collecting, and returning samples to the landing site. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

The effects of the instructional partnership program on teacher academic optimism and collaboration in elementary schools in north central Alabama

Research on teacher academic optimism within the context of elementary schools is relatively scarce. This dearth of research is, in part, because teacher academic optimism is essentially a new construct; therefore, most studies have sought to confirm that academic optimism is a latent construct. The purpose of this study was to examine the links between participation in a collaborative partnership initiative, collaboration among teachers, and teacher academic optimism. Over the past ten years, the Alabama Legislature and the State Department of Education have made many efforts to bring about reform and positive change in schools. To date, there has not been any consistent empirical research exploring the effects of the Instructional Partnership Network (IPN) in Alabama schools, an initiative that was designed to strengthen he instructional leadership within the school. Teachers within sixteen elementary schools within the Tuscaloosa City and the Tuscaloosa County school districts participated in the study. The rationale for this study was that because of the focus of the IPN program to increase leadership and collaboration among teachers and principals, and essentially to create a more collaborative working environment, both teacher collaboration and overall academic optimism among the teachers would increase because of participation in the program. The sample consisted of teachers from eight schools from Tuscaloosa City and teachers from eight schools from Tuscaloosa County. The participants completed a survey with questions used to measure academic optimism, collaboration, and perceptions of the Instructional Partnership Network program. It was found that while teacher academic optimism was not significantly higher in IPN schools as compared to non-IPN schools, perceptions about collaboration with colleagues was significantly higher in IPN schools as compared to non-IPN schools. Furthermore, there was a statistically significantly positive correlation between teacher perceptions of the implementation of IPN and both academic optimism and teacher collaboration. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries