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Articles 1 - 30 of 42
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Let’S Face It: The Effect Of Orthognathic Surgery On Facial Recognition Algorithm Analysis, Carolyn Bradford Dragon
Let’S Face It: The Effect Of Orthognathic Surgery On Facial Recognition Algorithm Analysis, Carolyn Bradford Dragon
Theses and Dissertations
Aim: To evaluate the ability of a publicly available facial recognition application program interface (API) to calculate similarity scores for pre- and post-surgical photographs of patients undergoing orthognathic surgeries. Our primary objective was to identify which surgical procedure(s) had the greatest effect(s) on similarity score.
Methods: Standard treatment progress photographs for 25 retrospectively identified, orthodontic-orthognathic patients were analyzed using the API to calculate similarity scores between the pre- and post-surgical photographs. Photographs from two pre-surgical timepoints were compared as controls. Both relaxed and smiling photographs were included in the study to assess for the added impact of facial pose on …
Optimizing Nasal Cannulas For Infants Using Computational Fluid Dynamics, Ahmad El-Achwah Mr.
Optimizing Nasal Cannulas For Infants Using Computational Fluid Dynamics, Ahmad El-Achwah Mr.
Theses and Dissertations
Aerosolized medications can potentially be delivered to the lungs of infants through a nasal cannula interface. However, nose-to-lung delivery technologies currently allow for ~1% of the loaded dose to reach an infant’s lungs. Conventional dry powder inhalers (DPI) are superior to other types of inhalers in many ways. However, passive DPIs that operate based on user inhalation and require large volumes of airflow are not applicable to infants. To overcome this challenge, positive pressure DPIs have been developed that enable aerosol delivery to infants. Unless an adequate nasal interface is used with these devices, a significant amount of drug will …
Modeling The Peak Absorption Of Meh-Ppv In Various Solvents Using Density Functional Theory, Corell H. Moore
Modeling The Peak Absorption Of Meh-Ppv In Various Solvents Using Density Functional Theory, Corell H. Moore
Theses and Dissertations
Density Functional Theory (DFT) and time-dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) are powerful tools for modeling orbital energy in conjugated molecules and have been useful tools for research in organic photovoltaics. In this work, DFT is first used to explain the red shift in the absorption spectrum and increased absorption observed in MEH-PPV. Initially, the modeling of the red-shift in the absorption peak of MEH-PPV is studied using Gaussian 03 software with the global hybrid functional B3LYP for exchange-correlation and the 6-31G basis set. DFT and TD-DFT are used to separately study the effects of polymer chain length, carbon-carbon double-bond stretching, …
Modeling Electrospun Fibrous Materials, Sina Hassanpouryousefi
Modeling Electrospun Fibrous Materials, Sina Hassanpouryousefi
Theses and Dissertations
Electrospinning has been the focus of countless studies for the past decades for applications, including but not limited to, filtration, tissue engineering, and catalysis. Electrospinning is a one-step process for producing nano- and/or micro-fibrous materials with diameters ranging typically from 50 to 5000 nm. The simulation algorithm presented here is based on a novel mass-spring-damper (MSD) approach devised to incorporate the mechanical properties of the fibers in predicting the formation and morphology of the electrospun fibers as they travel from the needle toward the collector, and as they deposit on the substrate. This work is the first to develop a …
The Evaluation Of An Android Permission Management System Based On Crowdsourcing, Pulkit Rustgi
The Evaluation Of An Android Permission Management System Based On Crowdsourcing, Pulkit Rustgi
Theses and Dissertations
Mobile and web application security, particularly concerning the area of data privacy, has received much attention from the public in recent years. Most applications are installed without disclosing full information to users and clearly stating what they have access to. This often raises concerns when users become aware of unnecessary information being collected or stored. Unfortunately, most users have little to no technical knowledge in regard to what permissions should be granted and can only rely on their intuition and past experiences to make relatively uninformed decisions. DroidNet, a crowdsource based Android recommendation tool and framework, is a proposed avenue …
Au@Tio2 Nanocomposites Synthesized By X-Ray Radiolysis As Potential Radiosensitizers, Maria C. Molina Higgins
Au@Tio2 Nanocomposites Synthesized By X-Ray Radiolysis As Potential Radiosensitizers, Maria C. Molina Higgins
Theses and Dissertations
Radiosensitization is a novel targeted therapy strategy where chemical compounds are being explored to enhance the sensitivity of the tissue to the effects of ionizing radiation. Among the different radiosensitizers alternatives, nanomaterials have shown promising results by enhancing tumor injury through the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this work, Gold-supported titania (Au@TiO2) nanocomposites were synthesized through an innovative strategy using X-ray irradiation, and their potential as radiosensitizers was investigated. Radiosensitization of Au@TiO2 nanocomposites was assessed by monitoring the decomposition of Methylene Blue (MB) under X-ray irradiation in the presence of the nanomaterial. …
Resonant Acoustic Wave Assisted Spin-Transfer-Torque Switching Of Nanomagnets, Austin R. Roe
Resonant Acoustic Wave Assisted Spin-Transfer-Torque Switching Of Nanomagnets, Austin R. Roe
Theses and Dissertations
We studied the possibility of achieving an order of magnitude reduction in the energy dissipation needed to write bits in perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions (p-MTJs) by simulating the magnetization dynamics under a combination of resonant surface acoustic waves (r-SAW) and spin-transfer-torque (STT). The magnetization dynamics were simulated using the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation under macrospin assumption with the inclusion of thermal noise. We studied such r-SAW assisted STT switching of nanomagnets for both in-plane elliptical and circular perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) nanomagnets and show that while thermal noise affects switching probability in in-plane nanomagnets, the PMA nanomagnets are relatively robust to the …
Electric Load Forecasting Using Long Short-Term Memory Algorithm, Tianshu Yang
Electric Load Forecasting Using Long Short-Term Memory Algorithm, Tianshu Yang
Theses and Dissertations
Abstract
Power system load forecasting refers to the study or uses a mathematical method to process
past and future loads systematically, taking into account important system operating
characteristics, capacity expansion decisions, natural conditions, and social impacts, to
meet specific accuracy requirements. Dependence of this, determine the load value at a
specific moment in the future. Improving the level of load forecasting technology is
conducive to the planned power management, which is conducive to rationally arranging
the grid operation mode and unit maintenance plan, and is conducive to formulating
reasonable power supply construction plans and facilitating power improvement, and
improve the …
Compositional Analysis Of Cerium And Cesium In Rapid Setting Cement As An Immobilization Agent For Nuclear Waste, Riyadh M. Motny
Compositional Analysis Of Cerium And Cesium In Rapid Setting Cement As An Immobilization Agent For Nuclear Waste, Riyadh M. Motny
Theses and Dissertations
A feasibility of rapid setting cement (RSC) as an agent of immobilization for certain elements such as fission products or radioactive materials was explored. Cerium (Ce) and cesium (Cs) have been selected as a surrogate for U and/or Pu and fission products, respectively, in this study in three phases. In Phase I, RSC was evaluated for physical properties (e.g., porosity, density, pH values, etc.) using two groups methods—the cement powder at different concentrations of Ce (2 – 10 wt%) with deionized water (DIW) and artificial seawater (ASW). The results showed that the final setting time and compressive strength of RSC …
Optically Transparent Antennas And Filters For Smart City Communication, Ryan B. Green
Optically Transparent Antennas And Filters For Smart City Communication, Ryan B. Green
Theses and Dissertations
Incremental usage of mobile devices demand a new generation of wireless networks (5G) to provide faster data rates, more reliable coverage, monitor city infrastructure usage, and increase network capacity. The frequencies proposed for the upcoming 5G network would result in shorter broadcast distances and network dead zones, countered by incorporating transparent antennas into glass high rises. Transparent antennas possess, however a major challenge: low gain. This lower gain can be countered by means of employing antennas in an antenna array, boosting the gain and even giving the array the ability to beam form for the upcoming 5G network. The 5G …
Multiphase Droplet Interactions With A Single Fiber, Noor M. Farhan
Multiphase Droplet Interactions With A Single Fiber, Noor M. Farhan
Theses and Dissertations
Abstract
Multiphase Droplet Interactions with a Single Fiber
By: Noor M. Farhan
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Virginia Commonwealth University, 2019
Director: Hooman V. Tafreshi,
Professor, Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering
Formulating the physics of droplet adhesion to a fiber is interesting intellectually and important industrially. A typical example of a droplet–fiber system in nature is the dew droplets on spider webs, where droplets first precipitate and grow on the fibers, but they eventually fall when they become too heavy. Obviously, quantifying the force …
Group Decision-Making, Edward Cook
Group Decision-Making, Edward Cook
Theses and Dissertations
The present work explores improvements in group decision-making. It begins with a practical example using state-of-the-art techniques for a complex, high-risk decision. We show how these techniques can reveal a better alternative. Although we created an improved decision process, decision-makers were apt to protect their own organizations instead of the project. This tendency was reduced over the course of the decision-making process but inspired the first conceptual component of this work.
The first concept describes the “Cost of Conflict” that can arise in a group decision, using game theory to represent the non-cooperative approach and comparing the outcome to the …
Load Scheduling With Maximum Demand And Time Of Use Pricing For Microgrids, Hayder O. Alwan
Load Scheduling With Maximum Demand And Time Of Use Pricing For Microgrids, Hayder O. Alwan
Theses and Dissertations
Several demand side management (DSM) techniques and algorithms have been used in the literature. These algorithms show that by adopting DSM and Time-of-Use (TOU) price tariffs; electricity cost significantly decreases, and optimal load scheduling is achieved. However, the purpose of the DSM is to not only lower the electricity cost, but also to avoid the peak load even if the electricity prices low. To address this concern, this dissertation starts with a brief literature review on the existing DSM algorithms and schemes. These algorithms can be suitable for Direct Load Control (DLC) schemes, Demand Response (DR), and load scheduling strategies. …
Cell Type And Substrate Dependence Of Fibronectin Properties And Mechanotransduction, Navpreet S. Saini
Cell Type And Substrate Dependence Of Fibronectin Properties And Mechanotransduction, Navpreet S. Saini
Theses and Dissertations
Fibronectin is an important protein that is able to bind to other fibronectin molecules and to cell surface receptors. In doing so, the interactions fibronectin can perform is important for the processes of cell migration and tissue formation. Understanding the properties of fibronectin and fibril assembly is useful for areas such as wound healing, where fibronectin molecules are assembled to protect the tissue and to perform other tasks. Because of these reasons, it is important to understand how fibronectin is assembled and how its properties affect the fibril assembly, which in return affects the way the cell matrix operates. Previously …
Differential Mobility Classifiers In The Non-Ideal Assembly, Thamir Alsharifi
Differential Mobility Classifiers In The Non-Ideal Assembly, Thamir Alsharifi
Theses and Dissertations
The differential mobility classifier (DMC) is one of the core components in electrical mobility particle sizers for sizing sub-micrometer particles. Designing the DMC requires knowledge of the geometrical and constructional imperfection (or tolerance). Studying the effects of geometrical imperfection on the performance of the DMC is necessary to provide manufacturing tolerance and it helps to predict the performance of geometrically imperfect classifiers, as well as providing a calibration curve for the DMC. This thesis was accomplished via studying the cylindrical classifier and the parallel plate classifier. The numerical model was built using the most recent versions of COMSOL Multiphysics® …
Engineering Of Earth-Abundant Electrochemical Catalysts, Dylan D. Rodene
Engineering Of Earth-Abundant Electrochemical Catalysts, Dylan D. Rodene
Theses and Dissertations
Alternative energy research into hydrogen production via water electrolysis addresses environmental and sustainability concerns associated with fossil fuel use. Renewable-powered electrolyzers are foreseen to produce hydrogen if energy and cost requirements are achieved. Electrocatalysts reduce the energy requirements of operating electrolyzers by lowering the reaction kinetics at the electrodes. Platinum group metals (PGMs) tend to be utilized as electrocatalysts but are not readily available and are expensive. Ni1-xMox alloys, as low-cost and earth-abundant transition metal nanoparticles (NPs), are emerging as promising electrocatalyst candidates to replace expensive PGM catalysts in alkaline media. Pure-phase cubic and hexagonal Ni1-x …
Design And Testing Of An Agonist-Antagonist Position-Impedance Controlled Myoelectric Prosthesis, Christopher Aymonin
Design And Testing Of An Agonist-Antagonist Position-Impedance Controlled Myoelectric Prosthesis, Christopher Aymonin
Theses and Dissertations
Intuitive prosthetic control is limited by the inability to easily convey intention and perceive physical requirements of the task. Rather than providing haptic feedback and allowing users to consciously control every component of manipulation, relegating some aspects of control to the device may simplify operation. This study focuses on the development and testing of a control scheme able to identify object stiffness and regulate impedance. The system includes an algorithm to detect the apparent stiffness of an object, a proportional nonlinear EMG control algorithm for interpreting a user’s desired grasp aperture, and an antagonistically acting impedance controller. Performance of a …
The Application Of Index Based, Region Segmentation, And Deep Learning Approaches To Sensor Fusion For Vegetation Detection, David L. Stone
The Application Of Index Based, Region Segmentation, And Deep Learning Approaches To Sensor Fusion For Vegetation Detection, David L. Stone
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis investigates the application of index based, region segmentation, and deep learning methods to the sensor fusion of omnidirectional (O-D) Infrared (IR) sensors, Kinnect sensors, and O-D vision sensors to increase the level of intelligent perception for unmanned robotic platforms. The goals of this work is first to provide a more robust calibration approach and improve the calibration of low resolution and noisy IR O-D cameras. Then our goal was to explore the best approach to sensor fusion for vegetation detection. We looked at index based, region segmentation, and deep learning methods and compared them with a goal of …
Metallic Systems At The Nano And Micro Scale: Bimetallic Nanoparticles As Catalysts And Mcraly Bond Coats In Thermal Barrier Coatings, Kenneth Kane
Theses and Dissertations
The dissertation is split into two parts. The first part will be focused on changes in material properties found at the nanoscale, as miscibility and electronic structure can change significantly with size. The formation of classically-immiscible bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) becomes favorable at the nanoscale and novel catalytic properties can emerge from the bimetallic alloying. The formation of alloyed and non-alloyed BNPs is achieved through pulse laser ablation (PLA) and a significant increase in catalytic activity is observed for both. Recently discovered, the increased activity in the non-alloyed BNPs, deemed multicomponent photocatalysis, is examined and the proposed mechanism discussed. The second …
Multi-Column Neural Networks And Sparse Coding Novel Techniques In Machine Learning, Ammar O. Hoori
Multi-Column Neural Networks And Sparse Coding Novel Techniques In Machine Learning, Ammar O. Hoori
Theses and Dissertations
Accurate and fast machine learning (ML) algorithms are highly vital in artificial intelligence (AI) applications. In complex dataset problems, traditional ML methods such as radial basis function neural network (RBFN), sparse coding (SC) using dictionary learning, and particle swarm optimization (PSO) provide trivial results, large structure, slow training, and/or slow testing. This dissertation introduces four novel ML techniques: the multi-column RBFN network (MCRN), the projected dictionary learning algorithm (PDL) and the multi-column adaptive and non-adaptive particle swarm optimization techniques (MC-APSO and MC-PSO). These novel techniques provide efficient alternatives for traditional ML techniques. Compared to traditional ML techniques, the novel ML …
The Role Of Kras In Mechanosensing In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Krista M. Powell
The Role Of Kras In Mechanosensing In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Krista M. Powell
Theses and Dissertations
Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer related death worldwide, with more than 1.6 million fatalities each year. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 80-85% of all lung cancers, with KRAS being one of the most prevalent oncogenic driver mutations. Therapeutic approaches for KRAS-mutated NSCLC have been extensively explored due to the US National Cancer Institute RAS Initiative, but methods of directly targeting KRAS or downstream effectors, such as MEK, still have poor results. Previous reports have shown that KRAS-mutated NSCLC activate distinct receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) depending on the epithelial or mesenchymal state. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) …
Designing Biomimetic Implant Surfaces To Promote Osseointegration Under Osteoporotic Conditions By Revitalizing Mechanisms Coupling Bone Resorption To Formation, Ethan M. Lotz
Theses and Dissertations
In cases of compromised bone remodeling like osteoporosis, insufficient osseointegration occurs and results in implant failure. Implant retention relies on proper secondary fixation, which is developed during bone remodeling. This process is disrupted in metastatic bone diseases like osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is characterized low bone mass and bone strength resulting from either accelerated osteoclast-mediated bone resorption or impaired osteoblast-mediated bone formation. These two processes are not independent phenomena. In fact, osteoporosis can be viewed as a breakdown of the cellular communication connecting bone resorption to bone formation. Because bone remodeling occurs at temporally generated specific anatomical sites and at different times, …
Computational And Experimental Investigation On The Wetting Behavior Of Droplet-Fiber Systems, Hossain Aziz
Computational And Experimental Investigation On The Wetting Behavior Of Droplet-Fiber Systems, Hossain Aziz
Theses and Dissertations
Interaction of a liquid droplet and a fiber or layer of fibers is ubiquitous in nature and in a variety of industrial applications. It plays a crucial role in fog harvesting, coalescence filtration, membrane desalination, self-cleaning and fiber based microfluidics, among many others. This work presents a quantitative investigation on the interactions of a droplet with a fiber or layers of fibers. More precisely, the present work is focused on 1) predicting the effects of fiber’s size and material on its ability to withhold a droplet against external forces and on the liquid residue left on the fiber after the …
Cold X-Ray Effects On Satellite Solar Panels In Orbit, Myles Fogleman
Cold X-Ray Effects On Satellite Solar Panels In Orbit, Myles Fogleman
Theses and Dissertations
An exo-atmospheric nuclear detonation releases up to 80 percent of its’ energy as X-rays. Satellite’s solar cells and their protective coatings are vulnerable to low energy X-ray radiation. Cold X-rays (~1-1.5 keV) are absorbed close to the surface of materials causing the blow-off and rapid formation of Warm Dense Plasmas (WDPs), particularly in a gap between the unshielded active elements of solar cells. To understand how WDPs are created, it is necessary to investigate the power density distribution produced by cold X-rays for typical solar panel surface materials. The Monte Carlo stepping model implemented in the GEANT4 software toolkit is …
Assessment Of Access Methods For Mobile Maps For Individuals Who Are Blind Or Visually Impaired, David Parker
Assessment Of Access Methods For Mobile Maps For Individuals Who Are Blind Or Visually Impaired, David Parker
Theses and Dissertations
When people go to a mall, museums, or other such locations they tend to rely on maps to find their way around. However, for people who are blind or visually impaired (BVI) maps are not easily accessible and they depend on other means, such as a guide, to get around. Research has only just begun to investigate providing maps for people who are BVI on touch screen devices. Many different types of feedback have been used: audio (sound), tactile (touch), audio-tactile, and multitouch. Some research has been conducted on the benefit of using multiple fingers (multitouch) and has found conflicting …
Capillary Forces In Partially Saturated Thin Fibrous Media, Ali Moghadam
Capillary Forces In Partially Saturated Thin Fibrous Media, Ali Moghadam
Theses and Dissertations
Capillarity is often exploited in self-cleaning, drag reducing and fluid absorption/storage (sanitary products) purposes just to name a few. Formulating the underlying physics of capillarity helps future design and development of optimized structures. This work reports on developing computational models to quantify the capillary pressure and capillary forces on the fibrous surfaces. To this end, the current study utilizes a novel mass-spring-damper approach to incorporate the mechanical properties of the fibers in generating virtual fibrous structures that can best represent fibrous membranes. Such virtual fibrous structures are then subjected to a pressure estimation model, developed for the first time in …
Secure State Estimation In The Presence Of False Information Injection Attacks, Maitham Alsalman
Secure State Estimation In The Presence Of False Information Injection Attacks, Maitham Alsalman
Theses and Dissertations
In this dissertation, we first investigate the problem of source location estimation in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) based on quantized data in the presence of false information attacks. Using a Gaussian mixture to model the possible attacks, we develop a maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) to estimate the source location. The Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) for this estimation problem is also derived.
Then, the assumption that the fusion center does not have the knowledge of the attack probability and the attack noise power investigated. We assume that the attack probability and power are random variables which follow certain uniform distributions. We …
Engineering The Alveolar Gas Exchange Barrier With Extracellular Matrix Coatings For Bioengineered Lungs, Bethany M. Young
Engineering The Alveolar Gas Exchange Barrier With Extracellular Matrix Coatings For Bioengineered Lungs, Bethany M. Young
Theses and Dissertations
Lower respiratory diseases are currently the third leading cause of death worldwide. For many end-stage patients with these diseases, there is no cure and a shortage of donor organs available for transplant. A promising solution is to design regenerative scaffolds or complete bioengineered lungs, using decellularized lung tissues as a template for regeneration. Recent advances in the field have made significant strides towards developing a transplantable lung. However, the current technology has not produced a functional lung for in vivo transplant due to immature gas exchange barriers. The mechanisms driving alveolar barrier maturation and role that extracellular matrix (ECM) plays …
Sensor Placement For Damage Localization In Sensor Networks, Fereshteh Firouzi
Sensor Placement For Damage Localization In Sensor Networks, Fereshteh Firouzi
Theses and Dissertations
The objective of this thesis is to formulate and solve the sensor placement problem for damage localization in a sensor network. A Bayesian estimation problem is formulated with the time-of-flight (ToF) measurements. In this model, ToF of lamb waves, which are generated and received by piezoelectric sensors, is the total time for each wave to be transmitted, reflected by the target, and received by the sensor. The ToF of the scattered lamb wave has characteristic information about the target location. By using the measurement model and prior information, the target location is estimated in a centralized sensor network with a …
The Role Of The Mechanical Environment On Cd117+ Endothelial Cell Angiogenesis, Patrick Link
The Role Of The Mechanical Environment On Cd117+ Endothelial Cell Angiogenesis, Patrick Link
Theses and Dissertations
Angiogenesis is a complex process coordinating cell migration, proliferation, and lumen formation. Changes to the microenvironment regulate angiogenesis through mechanotransduction and cytokine signals. In pulmonary hypertension, something in the process becomes abnormal, resulting in changes to the microenvironment and the formation of a glomerulus of dysfunctional capillaries, called a plexiform lesion. Endothelial cells, expressing CD117 (CD117+ EC clones) increase in the plexiform lesions of pulmonary hypertension, independent of pro-angiogenic VEGF signaling. We hypothesize that the mechanical environment and the macromolecular composition of the extracellular matrix, both, contribute to the aberrant angiogenesis. When we changed the mechanical environment, we changed the …