Scholarly Works @ SHSU
Scholarly Works @ SHSU is a digital service that collects, preserves, and distributes digital material. Repositories are important tools for preserving an organization's legacy; they facilitate digital preservation and scholarly communication.
Communities in Scholarly Works @ SHSU
Select a community to browse its collections.
- Research, creative, and scholarly works created by the university community organized by area.
- Research centers and institutes supporting scholarly and creative activities across the university.
- Materials produced by SHSU departments.
Recent Submissions
Assessing the Feasibility of Portable Solar Charging Systems for Electric Vehicles: A Sustainable Approach to Alleviate Grid Load
(Institute for Homeland Security, 2024-08) Karan, Ebrahim
The global rise in electric vehicle (EV) adoption is creating significant challenges for existing electricity grids, particularly during peak charging periods. Integrating renewable energy sources, such as portable solar charging systems, offers a promising solution. This research assesses the feasibility of portable solar charging systems for EVs, focusing on solar panel efficiency, energy consumption, and cost analysis. Our findings reveal that although advancements in solar technology have significantly improved efficiency, the current portable solar technology, exemplified by a 200W solar blanket, cannot fully meet the energy demand of EVs on campus. Nonetheless, future improvements in solar efficiency and economies of scale could enhance feasibility. A case study of Houston, Texas, and surrounding counties highlights the rapid increase in EV registrations and underscores the need for sustainable energy solutions. Sensitivity analysis indicates that factors such as capital costs, carbon pricing, and interest rates significantly impact the economic viability of solar-powered EV charging systems. By promoting solar energy integration and optimizing EV charging infrastructure, we can reduce grid dependency and enhance environmental sustainability. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of solar-powered EVs and underscores the importance of continued research and technological advancements in this field.
Enhancing Crisis Resilience in Healthcare Supply Chains: A Strategic and Tactical Framework for Crisis Management Readiness Assessment
(Institute for Homeland Security, 2024-08) Yang, Willow; Zelbst, Pamela
This research aims to equip Texas healthcare organizations with the necessary tools and insights to enhance the resilience of their supply chains. This includes understanding vulnerabilities, developing resilience strategies, establishing a Supplier Risk Assessment Scorecard, and finding the right balance between efficiency and resilience. We begin by categorizing medical supplies and equipment into four groups: operational supplies, clinical supplies, durable medical equipment and devices, and biologicals, pharmaceuticals, and nutritional supplies, highlighting their unique supply chain characteristics. Then, we provide a detailed examination of the inherent vulnerabilities within healthcare supply chains, including over-reliance on global suppliers, supply chain complexity and lack of transparency, just-in-time inventory management practices, and logistical challenges posed by the global scope of sourcing and distribution. Multiple strategies to enhance the resilience of healthcare supply chains are proposed, including the identification and prioritization of critical supplies, diversification of supply sources, collaboration among healthcare organizations, what-if scenario planning, and supply network mapping. These strategies aim to establish a supply chain that is both responsive and robust, capable of withstanding sudden demands and disruptions. A significant contribution of this paper is the introduction of a Supplier Risk Assessment Scorecard, which helps healthcare organizations evaluate and mitigate risks associated with their suppliers. This tool is crucial for maintaining supply chain integrity and reliability. Finally, the paper discusses the critical balance between resiliency and efficiency in supply chain management.
Comprehensive Strategies for Workplace Violence Prevention: Ensuring Safety and Compliance from a Texas Perspective
(Institute for Homeland Security, 2024-08) Munoz, Griselda Y.
This report comprehensively examines the development and implementation of Workplace Violence Prevention Programs (WVPPs) across various sectors. It addresses the critical need to mitigate workplace violence, which ranges from verbal threats to physical assaults. The report aims to provide organizations with a structured approach to reducing risks and promoting a safe working environment.
Risk and Rewards: Artificial Intelligence and Critical Infrastructure
(Institute for Homeland Security, 2024-08) Nodeland, Brooke
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly used by both public and private sector partners to advance cybersecurity best practice, however, the threat posed by these, and other contemporary threats cannot be understated. The threats posed by AI can be observed every day in email fraud, phishing attacks, and other types of malicious intrusion, with the potential for significant threats to more victims through larger scale attacks. There is further concern about AI tools being leveraged to directly target industrial critical infrastructures, including transportation, pipelines, energy, and other services whose networks are increasingly interconnected (Rinalidi, Peerenboom, & Kelly, 2001). Additionally, cyber threats from actors both foreign and domestic aimed at undermining public trust in government institutions, social cohesion, and the democratic process (Department of Homeland Security, 2023). Combined, these threats have the potential to wreak havoc on the American way of life.
Water and Wastewater Systems: An Appraisal of the Cyber Risks and Threats Facing this Critical Infrastructure
(Institute for Homeland Security, 2024-08) Shashidhar, Narasimha K; Varol, Cihan
The stability and national security of our country is very strongly correlated with the robustness of our water and wastewater systems. The health, well-being, technological advances, and prosperity of our nation is intricately tied to our country’s ability to prevent water-borne, communicable pathogens, and associated diseases, protecting our precious natural resources, and in general to maintaining and protecting our flourishing natural environment. It is self-evident, therefore, that we pay utmost attention to the threats and risks that the systems encapsulating the water and wastewater treatment facilities face on a regular basis. The economic disasters that befall our country as a result of an ill-secured water infrastructure are catastrophic and the costs dire. Given the myriad avenues of attack on this critical infrastructure such as denial of service, injection of noxious chemicals, subverting SCADA systems, our broad goal in this project is to conduct an appraisal of the cyber risks and threats facing this critical national infrastructure.