Pub Date : 2023-04-27DOI: 10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137797
Jared Macshane, A. Ahmadinia
Hiking trail maps are typically created manually by survey, a time-consuming process. This process is expensive and must be repeated over time to improve accuracy. This paper proposed an inexpensive, automatic, and accurate trail network generation method from anonymous public GPS data utilizing a growing self-organizing map (GSOM). This technique does not rely on sequential GPS traces to learn network topology, unlike other approaches. Tuning several hyper-parameters can adjust this process for datasets and networks with unique characteristics. Reconstruction and adaption are also possible based on newly acquired data sources. Constructed trail maps, trained on publicly available GPS data, are compared against a ground truth map from Open Street Map (OSM). Performance is evaluated based on completeness, accuracy, and topological correctness. Testing on sparse networks with minimal GPS noise suggests favorable performance.
{"title":"AI Assisted Trail Map Generation based on Public GPS Data","authors":"Jared Macshane, A. Ahmadinia","doi":"10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137797","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137797","url":null,"abstract":"Hiking trail maps are typically created manually by survey, a time-consuming process. This process is expensive and must be repeated over time to improve accuracy. This paper proposed an inexpensive, automatic, and accurate trail network generation method from anonymous public GPS data utilizing a growing self-organizing map (GSOM). This technique does not rely on sequential GPS traces to learn network topology, unlike other approaches. Tuning several hyper-parameters can adjust this process for datasets and networks with unique characteristics. Reconstruction and adaption are also possible based on newly acquired data sources. Constructed trail maps, trained on publicly available GPS data, are compared against a ground truth map from Open Street Map (OSM). Performance is evaluated based on completeness, accuracy, and topological correctness. Testing on sparse networks with minimal GPS noise suggests favorable performance.","PeriodicalId":267464,"journal":{"name":"2023 Systems and Information Engineering Design Symposium (SIEDS)","volume":"22 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133783116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-27DOI: 10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137831
Ethan A. Gerlach, Arthur Hoang, Saffiata Kamara, Anwar Longi, Derek A. Sprincis, Ethan W. Thurmond, Boyang Lu, G. Louis
This capstone project aims to modify and finalize an existing hydroponic crop cultivation (HCC) system, called the "Fold-out-Farm," to operate on a floating platform in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that are susceptible to food insecurity due to natural and economic factors. Specifically, when SIDS are hit by natural disasters, crops and agricultural infrastructure can be severely damaged, causing many people to suffer from a lack of both food access and job opportunity. The Fold-out-Farm is completely self-sufficient – it has its own water collection system, solar-based power generation, and on-board growing pods. The unit can float to combat disaster consequences from incidents such as hurricanes. Specifically, the project is working to add a rainwater harvesting system and validate the structural integrity of the unit during a flood. The farm is designed to use off-the-shelf nutrient solutions to grow a variety of crops and the team will find the most suitable option. The team will also expand the market niche for the HCC system by determining the optimal use for the product in urban food deserts, refugee camps, and rooftop gardens. The approach taken has involved communication and research to understand the needs of those who could benefit from a Fold-out-Farm, as well as various testing methods for crops and structure of the unit. Testing has been done through expert surveys, estimation of structural performance, simulation software analysis, and evaluation of crop yield from the unit relative to a control crop grown in soil. Results will be continuously measured, first in testing the system’s ability to deliver water, sun and nutrients to growing modules, its crop yield, and stability in an open water test in the Rivanna river, and finally when presenting the design to sponsors and potential users. Future researchers may build upon these findings to further improve the unit and its potential use to ensure that it is understandable and acceptable to the communities who will be using it. The project will have a market-ready product capable of reducing food insecurity in SIDS and potentially in urban food deserts, refugee camps and rooftop gardens in land scarce areas.
{"title":"A Floating Farm for Hydroponic Crop Cultivation in Small Island Developing States1","authors":"Ethan A. Gerlach, Arthur Hoang, Saffiata Kamara, Anwar Longi, Derek A. Sprincis, Ethan W. Thurmond, Boyang Lu, G. Louis","doi":"10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137831","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137831","url":null,"abstract":"This capstone project aims to modify and finalize an existing hydroponic crop cultivation (HCC) system, called the \"Fold-out-Farm,\" to operate on a floating platform in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that are susceptible to food insecurity due to natural and economic factors. Specifically, when SIDS are hit by natural disasters, crops and agricultural infrastructure can be severely damaged, causing many people to suffer from a lack of both food access and job opportunity. The Fold-out-Farm is completely self-sufficient – it has its own water collection system, solar-based power generation, and on-board growing pods. The unit can float to combat disaster consequences from incidents such as hurricanes. Specifically, the project is working to add a rainwater harvesting system and validate the structural integrity of the unit during a flood. The farm is designed to use off-the-shelf nutrient solutions to grow a variety of crops and the team will find the most suitable option. The team will also expand the market niche for the HCC system by determining the optimal use for the product in urban food deserts, refugee camps, and rooftop gardens. The approach taken has involved communication and research to understand the needs of those who could benefit from a Fold-out-Farm, as well as various testing methods for crops and structure of the unit. Testing has been done through expert surveys, estimation of structural performance, simulation software analysis, and evaluation of crop yield from the unit relative to a control crop grown in soil. Results will be continuously measured, first in testing the system’s ability to deliver water, sun and nutrients to growing modules, its crop yield, and stability in an open water test in the Rivanna river, and finally when presenting the design to sponsors and potential users. Future researchers may build upon these findings to further improve the unit and its potential use to ensure that it is understandable and acceptable to the communities who will be using it. The project will have a market-ready product capable of reducing food insecurity in SIDS and potentially in urban food deserts, refugee camps and rooftop gardens in land scarce areas.","PeriodicalId":267464,"journal":{"name":"2023 Systems and Information Engineering Design Symposium (SIEDS)","volume":"48 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134569863","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-27DOI: 10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137773
Marla Rain Moock, Belle Williams, Professor Jonathan Bender
Many universities across the country are challenged with aging infrastructures, some of which are over a hundred years old and lack vital documentation. Among these, water dispersal systems are particularly susceptible to failures. Water inefficiencies, leaks, and flooding can negatively impact an operating college campus and those who inhabit it. This research project aims to examine the factors that contribute to leaks and bottlenecks in older universities’ water dispersal systems, propose risk mitigation measures, and recommend preventative actions, while also providing a method for campuses to log their water distribution system if there are missing maps to easily isolate and locate valves and potential problem areas within the system. The formulation of this scientific methodology was centered on the premises of Sweet Briar College, serving as a case study and tailored in accordance with its distinct needs. The methodology focuses on three primary sections: a comprehensive GIS (Geographic Information System) overview of the current water distribution system of the campus, the identification of feasible preventative maintenance measures, and the development of a framework for the prompt detection of leaks in the foreseeable future. This scientific methodology provides a roadmap for universities to assess and address their aging water distribution systems, ensuring their efficient and safe operation for years to come.
{"title":"Creating a Comprehensive Survey and Preventative Maintenance Plan for Water Piping Infrastructure on a Historic College Campus*","authors":"Marla Rain Moock, Belle Williams, Professor Jonathan Bender","doi":"10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137773","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137773","url":null,"abstract":"Many universities across the country are challenged with aging infrastructures, some of which are over a hundred years old and lack vital documentation. Among these, water dispersal systems are particularly susceptible to failures. Water inefficiencies, leaks, and flooding can negatively impact an operating college campus and those who inhabit it. This research project aims to examine the factors that contribute to leaks and bottlenecks in older universities’ water dispersal systems, propose risk mitigation measures, and recommend preventative actions, while also providing a method for campuses to log their water distribution system if there are missing maps to easily isolate and locate valves and potential problem areas within the system. The formulation of this scientific methodology was centered on the premises of Sweet Briar College, serving as a case study and tailored in accordance with its distinct needs. The methodology focuses on three primary sections: a comprehensive GIS (Geographic Information System) overview of the current water distribution system of the campus, the identification of feasible preventative maintenance measures, and the development of a framework for the prompt detection of leaks in the foreseeable future. This scientific methodology provides a roadmap for universities to assess and address their aging water distribution systems, ensuring their efficient and safe operation for years to come.","PeriodicalId":267464,"journal":{"name":"2023 Systems and Information Engineering Design Symposium (SIEDS)","volume":"14 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122696314","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-27DOI: 10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137780
Golnoosh Toosi, M. M. Ahmadi
The quality of a product or process is an important issue for both customers and producers. The quality could be defined as a linear relationship between the response variable (s) and explanatory variable (s), which is called a linear profile. Another essential concept in quality control is the adaptation of quality specifications with customers' standards. The proper tool to measure customers' specifications is process capability indices (PCIs). To find the PCIs for profiles, the profile parameters should be estimated. These parameters can be estimated using classic estimators. However, in the presence of outliers, the classic estimators do not estimate the parameters accurately. Therefore, the performance of the classic indices using classic estimators is appropriate only in the absence of contamination. In this research, robust estimate methods such as M-estimator and LR-weighted MCD estimators are used to propose robust PCIs for multivariate linear profiles. The proposed robust indices include Cpm and MCpc for a multivariate linear model. The performance of the proposed robust PCIs is compared with the classic PCIs in the absence and presence of contamination. The result of simulation studies shows that robust PCIs perform better than classic PCIs in the presence of outliers. In the absence of contamination, the robust PCIs perform as accurately as classic PCIs. The proposed PCIs using LR-weighted MCD outperform the M-estimator method in all considered contamination scenarios.
{"title":"Robust Process Capability Indices for Multivariate Linear Profiles","authors":"Golnoosh Toosi, M. M. Ahmadi","doi":"10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137780","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137780","url":null,"abstract":"The quality of a product or process is an important issue for both customers and producers. The quality could be defined as a linear relationship between the response variable (s) and explanatory variable (s), which is called a linear profile. Another essential concept in quality control is the adaptation of quality specifications with customers' standards. The proper tool to measure customers' specifications is process capability indices (PCIs). To find the PCIs for profiles, the profile parameters should be estimated. These parameters can be estimated using classic estimators. However, in the presence of outliers, the classic estimators do not estimate the parameters accurately. Therefore, the performance of the classic indices using classic estimators is appropriate only in the absence of contamination. In this research, robust estimate methods such as M-estimator and LR-weighted MCD estimators are used to propose robust PCIs for multivariate linear profiles. The proposed robust indices include Cpm and MCpc for a multivariate linear model. The performance of the proposed robust PCIs is compared with the classic PCIs in the absence and presence of contamination. The result of simulation studies shows that robust PCIs perform better than classic PCIs in the presence of outliers. In the absence of contamination, the robust PCIs perform as accurately as classic PCIs. The proposed PCIs using LR-weighted MCD outperform the M-estimator method in all considered contamination scenarios.","PeriodicalId":267464,"journal":{"name":"2023 Systems and Information Engineering Design Symposium (SIEDS)","volume":"33 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128654973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-27DOI: 10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137827
Sarah R. Stanley, B. Kuhr
Simulation of neural circuits in the brain has been the focus of research from several academic disciplines. In this paper, preliminary comparisons are made between brain activity and turbulent fluid flow. The interplay correlation is drawn from the mathematics of turbulent flow in fluid dynamics, and action potential from FMRI mapping of the brain. The results are drawn from the correlation of the analysis of kinetic energy in the two processes. This work requires heavy analysis of FMRI mapping data, to strengthen the interplay correlation. The results from this study may be able to inform more accurate physical models, and thus more accurate and robust simulations of the brain
{"title":"Neural Circuit Representation Through the Interplay Correlation of Turbulent Fluid Flow and Action Potential from FMRI Mapping","authors":"Sarah R. Stanley, B. Kuhr","doi":"10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137827","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137827","url":null,"abstract":"Simulation of neural circuits in the brain has been the focus of research from several academic disciplines. In this paper, preliminary comparisons are made between brain activity and turbulent fluid flow. The interplay correlation is drawn from the mathematics of turbulent flow in fluid dynamics, and action potential from FMRI mapping of the brain. The results are drawn from the correlation of the analysis of kinetic energy in the two processes. This work requires heavy analysis of FMRI mapping data, to strengthen the interplay correlation. The results from this study may be able to inform more accurate physical models, and thus more accurate and robust simulations of the brain","PeriodicalId":267464,"journal":{"name":"2023 Systems and Information Engineering Design Symposium (SIEDS)","volume":"24 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116039308","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-27DOI: 10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137790
Mallory R. Poff, Sirena C. Hargrove-Leak
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the agriculture industry in the United States accounts for 11% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Some of these emissions are due to the refrigeration and transportation needs of agricultural products; therefore, it would be beneficial to utilize renewable energy for these functions. This study focuses on the design and implementation of a solar-powered mobile cooling unit to power refrigerated storage and transportation units, specifically for small-scale farming. To inform the design process, small-scale farmers were engaged as potential stakeholders to learn about their current practices and opportunities to create value for them with a mobile cooling unit. A series of experiments were conducted to understand the performance capabilities of the Internal Cooling System and the Solar Battery System. Temperature studies were run to ensure that desirable temperatures could be achieved and maintained within the unit. These were conducted in different weather conditions to quantify external impacts. It was shown that desired temperatures could be achieved and maintained, and that a solar-powered system would be able to serve as the power source for a mobile cooling unit.
{"title":"Solar-Powered Refrigerator on Wheels: An Engineering Design Challenge","authors":"Mallory R. Poff, Sirena C. Hargrove-Leak","doi":"10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137790","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137790","url":null,"abstract":"According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the agriculture industry in the United States accounts for 11% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Some of these emissions are due to the refrigeration and transportation needs of agricultural products; therefore, it would be beneficial to utilize renewable energy for these functions. This study focuses on the design and implementation of a solar-powered mobile cooling unit to power refrigerated storage and transportation units, specifically for small-scale farming. To inform the design process, small-scale farmers were engaged as potential stakeholders to learn about their current practices and opportunities to create value for them with a mobile cooling unit. A series of experiments were conducted to understand the performance capabilities of the Internal Cooling System and the Solar Battery System. Temperature studies were run to ensure that desirable temperatures could be achieved and maintained within the unit. These were conducted in different weather conditions to quantify external impacts. It was shown that desired temperatures could be achieved and maintained, and that a solar-powered system would be able to serve as the power source for a mobile cooling unit.","PeriodicalId":267464,"journal":{"name":"2023 Systems and Information Engineering Design Symposium (SIEDS)","volume":"118 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114329774","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-27DOI: 10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137792
Shreyas Bera, Liam Glenn, Abhay Raghavan, Emma Meno, Tyler Cody, P. Beling
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are increasingly being used in cyber operations. Because of techniques like adversarial learning, the performance of network defenses can degrade quickly. Thus, there is an increasing need for adaptable, dynamic network defenses. Correspondingly, there has been a rise in the use of reconfiguration schemes like moving target defense in software-defined networks. However, moving target defense methods target individual adversaries and rely on an in-depth understanding of an adversary’s utility function. In contrast, domain adaptation theory suggests that learning agents are sensitive to distributional changes in their inputs, regardless of their utilities. In this paper, we identify several kinds of network changes that deter adversaries by exploiting vulnerabilities in their learned assumptions. We use an open source network attack simulator, NASim, to conduct experiments on reinforcement learning (RL)based penetration testers. We measure the time-to-relearn in order to compare the efficacy of different network changes at deterring adversaries. We find that by focusing on shifting the learning domain as a defensive strategy, we are able to degrade the performance of multiple adversaries simultaneously. With our methodology, cyber defenders have tools that allow them to raise the sophistication and cost needed by adversaries to remain a threat to network operations over time.
{"title":"Deterring Adversarial Learning in Penetration Testing by Exploiting Domain Adaptation Theory","authors":"Shreyas Bera, Liam Glenn, Abhay Raghavan, Emma Meno, Tyler Cody, P. Beling","doi":"10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137792","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137792","url":null,"abstract":"Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are increasingly being used in cyber operations. Because of techniques like adversarial learning, the performance of network defenses can degrade quickly. Thus, there is an increasing need for adaptable, dynamic network defenses. Correspondingly, there has been a rise in the use of reconfiguration schemes like moving target defense in software-defined networks. However, moving target defense methods target individual adversaries and rely on an in-depth understanding of an adversary’s utility function. In contrast, domain adaptation theory suggests that learning agents are sensitive to distributional changes in their inputs, regardless of their utilities. In this paper, we identify several kinds of network changes that deter adversaries by exploiting vulnerabilities in their learned assumptions. We use an open source network attack simulator, NASim, to conduct experiments on reinforcement learning (RL)based penetration testers. We measure the time-to-relearn in order to compare the efficacy of different network changes at deterring adversaries. We find that by focusing on shifting the learning domain as a defensive strategy, we are able to degrade the performance of multiple adversaries simultaneously. With our methodology, cyber defenders have tools that allow them to raise the sophistication and cost needed by adversaries to remain a threat to network operations over time.","PeriodicalId":267464,"journal":{"name":"2023 Systems and Information Engineering Design Symposium (SIEDS)","volume":"50 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127831163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-27DOI: 10.1109/lindi.2009.5258772
{"title":"Coyright Page","authors":"","doi":"10.1109/lindi.2009.5258772","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1109/lindi.2009.5258772","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":267464,"journal":{"name":"2023 Systems and Information Engineering Design Symposium (SIEDS)","volume":"38 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128371882","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-27DOI: 10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137775
Elizabeth R. Ottinger, Alejandro F. Medina Mora, Kaveena A. Patel, Islay R. Van Dusen, E. Gralla
Large public transportation systems, like that of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), must appropriately locate response personnel to respond quickly to emergencies throughout the Metrorail system. This is particularly challenging in sprawling and congested metropolitan areas like Washington, DC. The aim of this project is to support the WMATA Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) in determining appropriate geographic locations for response personnel with reduced response times to all areas of the Metrorail system. To that end, we developed a simulation model that evaluates response times to emergencies at WMATA Metrorail stations. The model relies on historical data of WMATA emergency incidents to generate probability distributions of incidents, and queries Google Maps application programming interface (API) using Python to provide responder travel times that account for the traffic at that time of day. The user inputs the proposed responder locations (one or several bases) and the tool outputs the response times to a set of emergencies. Resulting response times are then analyzed, visualized, and compared across scenarios, using response time distributions and geographic heat maps, to show response times for the system overall as well as specific stations or geographic areas. In collaboration with the WMATA OEP, we evaluate several scenarios involving moving their current OEP base to a more central location and/or allocating response personnel to different geographic areas. Based on these results, we recommend better locations for WMATA response personnel, which could improve response times by up to 27 minutes or 67% throughout the Metrorail system. While these results are specific to WMATA, the tool could be easily adapted to other public transit systems to support decisions on the location of emergency response personnel.
{"title":"Locating Emergency Response Facilities in the Metrorail System: A Decision Support Tool","authors":"Elizabeth R. Ottinger, Alejandro F. Medina Mora, Kaveena A. Patel, Islay R. Van Dusen, E. Gralla","doi":"10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137775","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137775","url":null,"abstract":"Large public transportation systems, like that of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), must appropriately locate response personnel to respond quickly to emergencies throughout the Metrorail system. This is particularly challenging in sprawling and congested metropolitan areas like Washington, DC. The aim of this project is to support the WMATA Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) in determining appropriate geographic locations for response personnel with reduced response times to all areas of the Metrorail system. To that end, we developed a simulation model that evaluates response times to emergencies at WMATA Metrorail stations. The model relies on historical data of WMATA emergency incidents to generate probability distributions of incidents, and queries Google Maps application programming interface (API) using Python to provide responder travel times that account for the traffic at that time of day. The user inputs the proposed responder locations (one or several bases) and the tool outputs the response times to a set of emergencies. Resulting response times are then analyzed, visualized, and compared across scenarios, using response time distributions and geographic heat maps, to show response times for the system overall as well as specific stations or geographic areas. In collaboration with the WMATA OEP, we evaluate several scenarios involving moving their current OEP base to a more central location and/or allocating response personnel to different geographic areas. Based on these results, we recommend better locations for WMATA response personnel, which could improve response times by up to 27 minutes or 67% throughout the Metrorail system. While these results are specific to WMATA, the tool could be easily adapted to other public transit systems to support decisions on the location of emergency response personnel.","PeriodicalId":267464,"journal":{"name":"2023 Systems and Information Engineering Design Symposium (SIEDS)","volume":"30 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131240429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-04-27DOI: 10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137901
Henry Agyemang, Sonith Riem, Samantha DiRenzo, Jonathan Ring, Jonathan T. Su
Elon University has committed to composting food waste, however currently this process requires biweekly visits from CompostNow: a company that takes compost from the community and turns it into fertilizer. Reducing the weight of the waste will result in fewer trips and therefore a reduction in carbon emissions for the composting process; according to U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, every pound of food thrown away equates to 3.8 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. The current process being used by Elon University requires compost to be stored in individual cans which hold 200 pounds each. Our analysis of the current composting process reveals potential for savings in cost and emissions. Since compost is comprised of 40-60% water, due to its high-water content, liquid removal from the compost would result in a more efficient process. Therefore, our team proposes a way to reduce the amount of water in compost which will in turn result in a reduction of costs for Elon University. Through observational visits, we established a process flow model of Lakeside dining hall. This included both pre-consumer and post-consumer waste. This model was used to identify potential sizes and locations for compaction as well as to specify our user needs. We additionally performed research into state-of-the-art compaction units as well as user preferences. Regulations and standards for liquid leachate disposal were also reviewed for potential effects on operations. Process flow information was used to specify and design a solution to reduce the weight of compostable food waste. We anticipate that the successful incorporation of this compaction technology into Elon University dining operations will result in decreased cost and carbon emissions associated with composting.
{"title":"Improved Food Waste Processing Through Water Removal in a University Dining Hall","authors":"Henry Agyemang, Sonith Riem, Samantha DiRenzo, Jonathan Ring, Jonathan T. Su","doi":"10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137901","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1109/SIEDS58326.2023.10137901","url":null,"abstract":"Elon University has committed to composting food waste, however currently this process requires biweekly visits from CompostNow: a company that takes compost from the community and turns it into fertilizer. Reducing the weight of the waste will result in fewer trips and therefore a reduction in carbon emissions for the composting process; according to U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, every pound of food thrown away equates to 3.8 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. The current process being used by Elon University requires compost to be stored in individual cans which hold 200 pounds each. Our analysis of the current composting process reveals potential for savings in cost and emissions. Since compost is comprised of 40-60% water, due to its high-water content, liquid removal from the compost would result in a more efficient process. Therefore, our team proposes a way to reduce the amount of water in compost which will in turn result in a reduction of costs for Elon University. Through observational visits, we established a process flow model of Lakeside dining hall. This included both pre-consumer and post-consumer waste. This model was used to identify potential sizes and locations for compaction as well as to specify our user needs. We additionally performed research into state-of-the-art compaction units as well as user preferences. Regulations and standards for liquid leachate disposal were also reviewed for potential effects on operations. Process flow information was used to specify and design a solution to reduce the weight of compostable food waste. We anticipate that the successful incorporation of this compaction technology into Elon University dining operations will result in decreased cost and carbon emissions associated with composting.","PeriodicalId":267464,"journal":{"name":"2023 Systems and Information Engineering Design Symposium (SIEDS)","volume":"45 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132655605","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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