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• 121. [Article] Demand Forcasting: Efficacy of Support Vector Machines

  The purpose of this class was to develop an hourly demand forecast for 2017 based on on the previous demand and temperature data of the ISO NE region. There was no specified method to create the model, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Demand Forcasting: Efficacy of Support Vector Machines Author: Slay, Tylor Year: 2017 The purpose of this class was to develop an hourly demand forecast for 2017 based on on the previous demand and temperature data of the ISO NE region. There was no specified method to create the model, and the majority of the work was to be done outside of class. The class was supposed to coincide with the Global Energy Forecasting Competition (GefCOM) to drive innovations and competition. However, the class stated weeks into the competition leaving the students behind in both time and understanding. The forecasting method chosen for this report was a Support Vector Machine (SVM) based on the mean hourly demand that factored in various time-series information such as: day-of-month, weekday, week-of-month, and month. The mean demand was chosen to reduce the error introduced by attempting to predict the weather as well as the demand. While the final results for the SVM model were not extraordinary by any means. It was still shown to be an affective tool for time-series forecasting. This report does deviate from the majority of the class due to an error in the registration for the competition. Since this reports forecasts would not be seen by anyone other than in class. Nearly all of the competition deliverables were chosen to be either the previous years demand or it’s mean hourly demand. It was evident that many of the models developed through the term were not good, therefore it seemed reasonable to simple use the previous years data as a place holder until a better model could be developed. Title: Demand Forcasting: Efficacy of Support Vector Machines Author: Slay, Tylor Year: 2017 The purpose of this class was to develop an hourly demand forecast for 2017 based on on the previous demand and temperature data of the ISO NE region. There was no specified method to create the model, and the majority of the work was to be done outside of class. The class was supposed to coincide with the Global Energy Forecasting Competition (GefCOM) to drive innovations and competition. However, the class stated weeks into the competition leaving the students behind in both time and understanding. The forecasting method chosen for this report was a Support Vector Machine (SVM) based on the mean hourly demand that factored in various time-series information such as: day-of-month, weekday, week-of-month, and month. The mean demand was chosen to reduce the error introduced by attempting to predict the weather as well as the demand. While the final results for the SVM model were not extraordinary by any means. It was still shown to be an affective tool for time-series forecasting. This report does deviate from the majority of the class due to an error in the registration for the competition. Since this reports forecasts would not be seen by anyone other than in class. Nearly all of the competition deliverables were chosen to be either the previous years demand or it’s mean hourly demand. It was evident that many of the models developed through the term were not good, therefore it seemed reasonable to simple use the previous years data as a place holder until a better model could be developed. Close

• 122. [Article] Engineered Mushing Cooker

  This project revolves around building methanol cookers for dog mushers in the Iditarod and for the Denali Park Ranger Kennel in Denali National Park, Alaska. Traditional cookers are bulky, slow to burn, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Engineered Mushing Cooker Author: Ritter, Aimee Year: 2016 This project revolves around building methanol cookers for dog mushers in the Iditarod and for the Denali Park Ranger Kennel in Denali National Park, Alaska. Traditional cookers are bulky, slow to burn, and use up a lot of fuel. Our goal has been to revolutionize the way mushing cookers look and perform. Our cookers are built to pack well in the sleds, heat up to 3 gallons of snowmelt, perform in arctic climates, use methanol (specifically HEET) for fuel, and be lightweight. A traditional cooker would use 3 to 4 bottles or more of HEET (36-48+oz.) and take at least 1 hour to heat up 3 gallons of water to the temperature needed to warm up frozen dog food. Our design takes 30 minutes and uses 2 to 3 bottles of HEET (24-36 oz). Additionally, it is square, making it easier to pack in a sled. The picture below shows the final product of the cooker that we sent to the musher Lisbet Norris for use in the 2016 Iditarod. Title: Engineered Mushing Cooker Author: Ritter, Aimee Year: 2016 This project revolves around building methanol cookers for dog mushers in the Iditarod and for the Denali Park Ranger Kennel in Denali National Park, Alaska. Traditional cookers are bulky, slow to burn, and use up a lot of fuel. Our goal has been to revolutionize the way mushing cookers look and perform. Our cookers are built to pack well in the sleds, heat up to 3 gallons of snowmelt, perform in arctic climates, use methanol (specifically HEET) for fuel, and be lightweight. A traditional cooker would use 3 to 4 bottles or more of HEET (36-48+oz.) and take at least 1 hour to heat up 3 gallons of water to the temperature needed to warm up frozen dog food. Our design takes 30 minutes and uses 2 to 3 bottles of HEET (24-36 oz). Additionally, it is square, making it easier to pack in a sled. The picture below shows the final product of the cooker that we sent to the musher Lisbet Norris for use in the 2016 Iditarod. Close

• 123. [Article] Thermal Effects of Microinverter Placement on the Performance of Silicon Photovoltaics

  Typical installation of a microinverter in a plane parallel position on the back side of a monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) panel can lead to differential heating of the PV cells immediately above ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Thermal Effects of Microinverter Placement on the Performance of Silicon Photovoltaics Author: Day, Nicholas U., Reinhart, Chase C., DeBow, Shaun, Smith, Matthew K., Sailor, David J., Johansson, Erik, Wamser, Carl C. Year: 2016 Typical installation of a microinverter in a plane parallel position on the back side of a monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) panel can lead to differential heating of the PV cells immediately above the microinverter by as much as 4 °C. Rotation of the microinverter to a perpendicular position allows the microinverter itself to run cooler by about 4 °C and completely removes the distinctive heat signature on the panels. Because the thermal effects of the microinverters are significant for only two of the 72 cells on the panel, changes in DC power output from the panels are not detectable. However, lower microinverter temperatures increase microinverter efficiency by about 0.65%, such that overall AC power production is increased by about 0.09%. In addition to these small improvements to be gained by the repositioning of microinverters, there are also potential long-term concerns that nonuniform heating may lead to accelerated degradation in the affected area of the panel. Title: Thermal Effects of Microinverter Placement on the Performance of Silicon Photovoltaics Author: Day, Nicholas U., Reinhart, Chase C., DeBow, Shaun, Smith, Matthew K., Sailor, David J., Johansson, Erik, Wamser, Carl C. Year: 2016 Typical installation of a microinverter in a plane parallel position on the back side of a monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) panel can lead to differential heating of the PV cells immediately above the microinverter by as much as 4 °C. Rotation of the microinverter to a perpendicular position allows the microinverter itself to run cooler by about 4 °C and completely removes the distinctive heat signature on the panels. Because the thermal effects of the microinverters are significant for only two of the 72 cells on the panel, changes in DC power output from the panels are not detectable. However, lower microinverter temperatures increase microinverter efficiency by about 0.65%, such that overall AC power production is increased by about 0.09%. In addition to these small improvements to be gained by the repositioning of microinverters, there are also potential long-term concerns that nonuniform heating may lead to accelerated degradation in the affected area of the panel. Close

• 124. [Article] Phenotypic Variation in the Model Organism, Danio Rerio

  Model organisms are used to study evolutionary conserved traits. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are used a model organism because of their highly fecundity, external fertilization, and robust nature, making them ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Phenotypic Variation in the Model Organism, Danio Rerio Author: Champaigne, Rachel D, Brown, Kim H. Year: 2014 Model organisms are used to study evolutionary conserved traits. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are used a model organism because of their highly fecundity, external fertilization, and robust nature, making them highly adaptable to environmental and genetic variation. In an effort to limit data variation that lies outside of topic interest, phenotypic measures of variation must be performed, understood, and taken into consideration for future studies. A common measurement of phenotypic variation in fish is in the maximum (Ucrit) swimming speeds. Inter and intra-strain variation in zebrafish Ucrit swimming speeds will be observed in a swim tunnel. Baseline values will be recorded from ten fish from each of two families in each of three strains: WIK, Tubigan and AB. Environmental variation in zebrafish raised (beginning at one month of age) in tanks with various volumes and densities of fish will also be recorded from each strain. Mitochondrial density in white muscle will be compared in each strain in each condition. Diet, take salinity, pH, temperature, and light exposure will all remain constant for all fish. Title: Phenotypic Variation in the Model Organism, Danio Rerio Author: Champaigne, Rachel D, Brown, Kim H. Year: 2014 Model organisms are used to study evolutionary conserved traits. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are used a model organism because of their highly fecundity, external fertilization, and robust nature, making them highly adaptable to environmental and genetic variation. In an effort to limit data variation that lies outside of topic interest, phenotypic measures of variation must be performed, understood, and taken into consideration for future studies. A common measurement of phenotypic variation in fish is in the maximum (Ucrit) swimming speeds. Inter and intra-strain variation in zebrafish Ucrit swimming speeds will be observed in a swim tunnel. Baseline values will be recorded from ten fish from each of two families in each of three strains: WIK, Tubigan and AB. Environmental variation in zebrafish raised (beginning at one month of age) in tanks with various volumes and densities of fish will also be recorded from each strain. Mitochondrial density in white muscle will be compared in each strain in each condition. Diet, take salinity, pH, temperature, and light exposure will all remain constant for all fish. Close

• 125. [Article] Modeling Microvirus Capsid Protein Evolution Utilizing Metagenomic Sequence Data

  The Microviridae are increasingly becoming recognized as one of the most globally ubiquitous and highly diverse virus families, and as such, provide an advantageous model for studying virus evolution and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Modeling Microvirus Capsid Protein Evolution Utilizing Metagenomic Sequence Data Author: Diemer, Geoffrey S., Stedman, Kenneth M. Year: 2016 The Microviridae are increasingly becoming recognized as one of the most globally ubiquitous and highly diverse virus families, and as such, provide an advantageous model for studying virus evolution and adaptation. Here, we utilize microvirus sequences from diverse physiochemical environments, including novel sequences from a high-temperature acidic lake, to chart the outcome of natural selection in the main structural protein of the virus. Each icosahedral microvirus virion is composed of sixty identical capsid proteins that interact along twofold, threefold and fivefold symmetry axis interfaces to encapsidate a small, circular, single-stranded DNA genome. Viable assembly of the virus is guided by scaffolding proteins, which coordinate inter-subunit contacts between the capsid proteins. Structure-based analysis indicates that amino acid sequence conservation is predominantly localized to the twofold axis interface. While preservation of this quaternary interface appears to be essential, tertiary and secondary structural features of the capsid protein are permissive to considerable sequence variation. Title: Modeling Microvirus Capsid Protein Evolution Utilizing Metagenomic Sequence Data Author: Diemer, Geoffrey S., Stedman, Kenneth M. Year: 2016 The Microviridae are increasingly becoming recognized as one of the most globally ubiquitous and highly diverse virus families, and as such, provide an advantageous model for studying virus evolution and adaptation. Here, we utilize microvirus sequences from diverse physiochemical environments, including novel sequences from a high-temperature acidic lake, to chart the outcome of natural selection in the main structural protein of the virus. Each icosahedral microvirus virion is composed of sixty identical capsid proteins that interact along twofold, threefold and fivefold symmetry axis interfaces to encapsidate a small, circular, single-stranded DNA genome. Viable assembly of the virus is guided by scaffolding proteins, which coordinate inter-subunit contacts between the capsid proteins. Structure-based analysis indicates that amino acid sequence conservation is predominantly localized to the twofold axis interface. While preservation of this quaternary interface appears to be essential, tertiary and secondary structural features of the capsid protein are permissive to considerable sequence variation. Close

• 126. [Article] Comparisons of Linear Regression Models for Properties of Alkaliactivated Binder Concrete

  Concrete with alkali-activated binder (AAB) is increasingly considered as a better alternative to conventional portland cement (PC) concrete due to its superior sustainable and green properties. In order ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Comparisons of Linear Regression Models for Properties of Alkaliactivated Binder Concrete Author: Kar, Arkamitra, Halabe, Udaya B., Ray, Indrajit, Unnikrishnan, Avinash Year: 2015 Concrete with alkali-activated binder (AAB) is increasingly considered as a better alternative to conventional portland cement (PC) concrete due to its superior sustainable and green properties. In order to promote the practical usage of AAB concrete, a previous study by the present authors proposed models on correlations among their mechanical and nondestructive properties. The present study extends the previous knowledge by proposing new improved models using linear regressions to predict compressive strengths and modulus of elasticity from ultrasonic pulse velocities. The models are developed for both unstressed and stressed AAB concrete with different curing temperatures. The accuracies of the models are compared with both sum of squares due to errors (SSE) and R2 depending on the type of equations; and the new models are found to be more accurate compared to the previous models. Title: Comparisons of Linear Regression Models for Properties of Alkaliactivated Binder Concrete Author: Kar, Arkamitra, Halabe, Udaya B., Ray, Indrajit, Unnikrishnan, Avinash Year: 2015 Concrete with alkali-activated binder (AAB) is increasingly considered as a better alternative to conventional portland cement (PC) concrete due to its superior sustainable and green properties. In order to promote the practical usage of AAB concrete, a previous study by the present authors proposed models on correlations among their mechanical and nondestructive properties. The present study extends the previous knowledge by proposing new improved models using linear regressions to predict compressive strengths and modulus of elasticity from ultrasonic pulse velocities. The models are developed for both unstressed and stressed AAB concrete with different curing temperatures. The accuracies of the models are compared with both sum of squares due to errors (SSE) and R2 depending on the type of equations; and the new models are found to be more accurate compared to the previous models. Close

• 127. [Article] Reversible Control of the Magnetization of Fe₃O₄ via Lithium Ions

  In this report, a reversible control of Fe₃O₄ saturated magnetization by Li ions is demonstrated. A miniature Li ion battery (LIB) was assembled using a Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle layer as the active cathode. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Reversible Control of the Magnetization of Fe₃O₄ via Lithium Ions Author: Wei, Guodong, Wei, Lin, Wang, Dong, Tian, Yufeng, Chen, Yanxue, Yan, Shishen, Mei, Liangmo, Jiao, Jun Year: 2017 In this report, a reversible control of Fe₃O₄ saturated magnetization by Li ions is demonstrated. A miniature Li ion battery (LIB) was assembled using a Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle layer as the active cathode. A stable magnetism modulation is realized by a nondestructive electrochemical process in which the lithium insertion results in a valence change and partial redistribution of Fe cations in the crystal structure. The relation between the discharge voltage and the chemical phases were studied by ex situ X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurement. In a suitable discharge potential range, a reversible control of Fe₃O₄ saturated magnetization was obtained without structural damage to the magnetic electrode. The experimental results indicate by further optimizing the LIB's performance, a large reversible change in magnetization could be realized at room temperature, suggesting the potential for future practical applications. Title: Reversible Control of the Magnetization of Fe₃O₄ via Lithium Ions Author: Wei, Guodong, Wei, Lin, Wang, Dong, Tian, Yufeng, Chen, Yanxue, Yan, Shishen, Mei, Liangmo, Jiao, Jun Year: 2017 In this report, a reversible control of Fe₃O₄ saturated magnetization by Li ions is demonstrated. A miniature Li ion battery (LIB) was assembled using a Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle layer as the active cathode. A stable magnetism modulation is realized by a nondestructive electrochemical process in which the lithium insertion results in a valence change and partial redistribution of Fe cations in the crystal structure. The relation between the discharge voltage and the chemical phases were studied by ex situ X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurement. In a suitable discharge potential range, a reversible control of Fe₃O₄ saturated magnetization was obtained without structural damage to the magnetic electrode. The experimental results indicate by further optimizing the LIB's performance, a large reversible change in magnetization could be realized at room temperature, suggesting the potential for future practical applications. Close

• 128. [Article] The Impact of a Large-Scale Climate Event on Antarctic Ecosystem Processes

  Extreme climate and weather events, such as a drought, hurricanes, or ice storms, can strongly imprint ecosystem processing and may alter ecosystem structure. Ecosystems in extreme environments are particularly ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Impact of a Large-Scale Climate Event on Antarctic Ecosystem Processes Author: Fountain, Andrew G., Saba, Grace, Adams, Byron, Doran, Peter, Fraser, William, Gooseff, Michael N., Obryk, Maciej K., Priscu, John Charles, Stammerjohn, Sharon, Virginia, Ross A. Year: 2016 Extreme climate and weather events, such as a drought, hurricanes, or ice storms, can strongly imprint ecosystem processing and may alter ecosystem structure. Ecosystems in extreme environments are particularly vulnerable because of their adaptation to severe limitations in energy, water, or nutrients. The vulnerability can be expressed as a relatively long-lasting ecosystem response to a small or brief change in environmental conditions. Such an event occurred in Antarctica and affected two vastly different ecosystems: a marine-dominated coastal system and a terrestrial polar desert. Both sites experienced winds that warmed air temperatures above the 0°C threshold, resulting in extensive snow and ice melt and triggering a series of cascading effects through the ecosystems that are continuing to play out more than a decade later. This highlights the sensitivity of Antarctic ecosystems to warming events, which should occur more frequently in the future with global climate warming. Title: The Impact of a Large-Scale Climate Event on Antarctic Ecosystem Processes Author: Fountain, Andrew G., Saba, Grace, Adams, Byron, Doran, Peter, Fraser, William, Gooseff, Michael N., Obryk, Maciej K., Priscu, John Charles, Stammerjohn, Sharon, Virginia, Ross A. Year: 2016 Extreme climate and weather events, such as a drought, hurricanes, or ice storms, can strongly imprint ecosystem processing and may alter ecosystem structure. Ecosystems in extreme environments are particularly vulnerable because of their adaptation to severe limitations in energy, water, or nutrients. The vulnerability can be expressed as a relatively long-lasting ecosystem response to a small or brief change in environmental conditions. Such an event occurred in Antarctica and affected two vastly different ecosystems: a marine-dominated coastal system and a terrestrial polar desert. Both sites experienced winds that warmed air temperatures above the 0°C threshold, resulting in extensive snow and ice melt and triggering a series of cascading effects through the ecosystems that are continuing to play out more than a decade later. This highlights the sensitivity of Antarctic ecosystems to warming events, which should occur more frequently in the future with global climate warming. Close

• 129. [Article] Spindle Shaped Virus (SSV) : Mutants and Their Infectivity

  SSV1 is an archaeal virus that infects the thermoacidophile Sulfolobus residing in hot springs. The lemon shaped/spindle-shaped fuselloviruses (SSV) that infect Sulfolobus solfataricus is quite morphologically ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Spindle Shaped Virus (SSV) : Mutants and Their Infectivity Author: Hoang, Thien Year: 2014 SSV1 is an archaeal virus that infects the thermoacidophile Sulfolobus residing in hot springs. The lemon shaped/spindle-shaped fuselloviruses (SSV) that infect Sulfolobus solfataricus is quite morphologically different from almost all other viruses. Because these archaeal viruses live in hot springs with high temperatures and low pH, their genomes and structures have adapted to withstand such harsh conditions. Little research has been done on these extreme viruses, and of the little research, SSV has been the most prominent. Not much is known about the genes that the genome encodes and so I have inserted transposons randomly into genome to determine functionality. The only highly conserved genes whose functions we know for sure are the VP1-3, encoding for the capsids and DNA packaging. I tried to isolate transposons that have inserted into a very small region of the genome, approx. 800bp, but have not had any luck. So far the transposon only inserted into ORFs B-49, F-93, A-132, A-100, and between F-112 and B-49. Title: Spindle Shaped Virus (SSV) : Mutants and Their Infectivity Author: Hoang, Thien Year: 2014 SSV1 is an archaeal virus that infects the thermoacidophile Sulfolobus residing in hot springs. The lemon shaped/spindle-shaped fuselloviruses (SSV) that infect Sulfolobus solfataricus is quite morphologically different from almost all other viruses. Because these archaeal viruses live in hot springs with high temperatures and low pH, their genomes and structures have adapted to withstand such harsh conditions. Little research has been done on these extreme viruses, and of the little research, SSV has been the most prominent. Not much is known about the genes that the genome encodes and so I have inserted transposons randomly into genome to determine functionality. The only highly conserved genes whose functions we know for sure are the VP1-3, encoding for the capsids and DNA packaging. I tried to isolate transposons that have inserted into a very small region of the genome, approx. 800bp, but have not had any luck. So far the transposon only inserted into ORFs B-49, F-93, A-132, A-100, and between F-112 and B-49. Close

• 130. [Article] Centennial Drought Outlook Over the CONUS Using NASA-NEX Downscaled Climate Ensemble

  Drought is a natural hazard developing slowly and affecting large areas which may have severe consequences on society and economy. Due to the effects of climate change, drought is expected to exacerbate ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Centennial Drought Outlook Over the CONUS Using NASA-NEX Downscaled Climate Ensemble Author: Ahmadalipour, Ali, Moradkhani, Hamid, Svoboda, Mark Year: 2017 Drought is a natural hazard developing slowly and affecting large areas which may have severe consequences on society and economy. Due to the effects of climate change, drought is expected to exacerbate in various regions in future. In this study, the impact of climate change on drought characteristics is assessed, and statistical methods are employed to analyse the significance of projections. This is the first study utilizing 21 recently available downscaled global climate models generated by NASA (NEX-GDDP) to evaluate drought projections over various regions across the United States. Drought is investigated through a multi-model dual-index dual-scenario approach to probabilistically analyse drought attributes while characterizing the uncertainty in future drought projections. Standardized Precipitation Index and Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index values at the seasonal scale (3 months) are used to project and analyse meteorological drought conditions from 1950 to 2099 at 0.25° spatial resolution. Two future concentration pathways of RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 are considered for this analysis. Accounting for the combined effects of precipitation and temperature variations reveals a considerable aggravation in severity and extent of future drought in the western United States and a tendency toward more frequent and intense summer droughts across the Contiguous United States. Title: Centennial Drought Outlook Over the CONUS Using NASA-NEX Downscaled Climate Ensemble Author: Ahmadalipour, Ali, Moradkhani, Hamid, Svoboda, Mark Year: 2017 Drought is a natural hazard developing slowly and affecting large areas which may have severe consequences on society and economy. Due to the effects of climate change, drought is expected to exacerbate in various regions in future. In this study, the impact of climate change on drought characteristics is assessed, and statistical methods are employed to analyse the significance of projections. This is the first study utilizing 21 recently available downscaled global climate models generated by NASA (NEX-GDDP) to evaluate drought projections over various regions across the United States. Drought is investigated through a multi-model dual-index dual-scenario approach to probabilistically analyse drought attributes while characterizing the uncertainty in future drought projections. Standardized Precipitation Index and Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index values at the seasonal scale (3 months) are used to project and analyse meteorological drought conditions from 1950 to 2099 at 0.25° spatial resolution. Two future concentration pathways of RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 are considered for this analysis. Accounting for the combined effects of precipitation and temperature variations reveals a considerable aggravation in severity and extent of future drought in the western United States and a tendency toward more frequent and intense summer droughts across the Contiguous United States. Close