Engineering Commons^™

Exploring Machine Learning Techniques To Improve Peptide Identification, Fawad Kirmani

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this work is to improve proteotypic peptide prediction with lower pro- cessing time and better efficiency. Proteotypic peptides are the peptides in protein sequence that can be confidently observed by mass-spectrometry based proteomics. One of the widely used method for identifying peptides is tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The peptides that need to be identified are compared with the accurate mass and elution time (AMT) tag database. The AMT tag database helps in reducing the processing time and increases the accuracy of the identified peptides. Prediction of proteotypic peptides has seen a rapid improvement in recent years for …

Characterization Of The Spatial And Temporal Changes In River Geometry And Sand Load With Field Data Analysis And 1d Numerical Modeling, Zeyad Ayoob Sulaiman

Theses and Dissertations

The quantification of the changes in channel geometry and sand load that have occurred on the Missouri River after engineering works and that characterize the Altamaha River in the fluvial-tidal transition zone is the main objective of this research. Dam construction and channelization on the Missouri River resulted in flow regulation, sediment shortage by dam reservoir trapping, channel straightening and narrowing. Quantifying the morphodynamic response of the Lower Missouri River to these engineering projects at short and long-time scales is a difficult problem that we approach with the analysis of the available field data and with the aid of a …

Topological Conduction And Investigation On Multi Occurrence Of Dirac Cone, Mustahseen Mobashwer Indaleeb

Theses and Dissertations

The unique phenomena in acoustic metamaterial at the Dirac-like cone, and at the exceptional spawning ring could transform the field of engineering with multiple new applications that were never possible before. Localized conical dispersion called Dirac cone at the Brillouin Zone boundaries are the well-known phenomena demonstrated by photonics and phononic metamaterials. However, Dirac cone-like dispersion at the center of the Brillouin zone (where wave number, k = 0) [1] is rare and only happens due to accidental degeneracy at finite frequencies in two-dimensional periodic crystals (PCs), with or without microarchitectures. Accidental degeneracies are generally the ‘sweet spots’ where the …

Investigation Of The Mechanical Behavior Of Non-Conventional Laminates: Anisotropy Of Tensile Strength In Coupons With Quasi-Isotropic Stiffness Characteristics, Israel Oluwatunmise Ayodele

Theses and Dissertations

Advanced composites have emerged as viable structural solutions over the years and have therefore become implemented in several applications, notably aerospace structures. In modern aircraft structures, they have been gradually introduced to both secondary and primary components. Laminated composites used in such applications have generally been restricted to those with straight fibers, that are aligned to only a handful of pre-selected fiber orientations; 0˚, 45˚, 90˚ and -45˚. Recent advances in the technology of laminated composites have however indicated the possibility to harness significantly higher structural gains by allowing the use of other fiber orientations, and even implementing curvilinear fibers …

Turning Up Antitumor Immunity Against Breast Cancer, Johnie Hodge

Theses and Dissertations

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in spite of significant advances in treatment and emphasis on early diagnosis. While treatment of localized disease is often successful, metastatic breast cancer, especially of the triple negative molecular subtype, carries a much poorer prognosis. The significant role of the immune system in the progression from localized to metastatic disease is becoming more and more appreciated. Tumor escape from immune surveillance and immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment have become therapeutic targets in addition to the traditional goals of directly killing …

Ultrasonic Analysis And Tools For Quantitative Material State Awarness Of Engineered Materials, Subir Patra

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this research is to devise new methods and tools to generate real time awareness of the material state of composite and metallic structures through ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and structural health monitoring (SHM) at its very early stage of failure. To device new methodology it is also important to verify the method through virtual experiments and hence computational NDE is getting popular in the recent years. In this thesis, while experimental methodology is developed to understand the material state at its early stage of failure, a new peridynamic based Peri-Elastodynamic (PED) computational method is also developed for …

Numerical Modeling Of Submarine Minibasin Flow And Morphodynamics, Elena Bastianon

Theses and Dissertations

Intraslope basins, or minibasins, are important morphological features of the continental slope in both modern and ancient sedimentary systems. Minibasins have an elliptical or spherical shape with a steep inlet or proximal zone followed by an almost horizontal basin floor, and an overflow zone near the downstream basin lip. These basins are filled with sediment transported by successive events of turbidity currents and other types of submarine flows. The work presented here focuses on turbidity current sedimentation in intraslope minibasins, which is often described in terms of the ‘fill-and- spill’ conceptual model. The ‘fill-and-spill’ model has been used previously to …

The Restoration Of The Nile River And Its Delta, Egypt. Numerical Modeling, Basim Mohammed Naseef Al-Zaidi

Theses and Dissertations

The construction of the High Aswan Dam significantly reduced the flood flows and the sediment supply to the Egyptian portion of the Nile River. Consequences of this changes in river hydrology are diffuse channel bed erosion in the upstream part of the river, in- channel sedimentation in the downstream part of the system, delta recession, habitat deterioration, wetlands loss, water pollution, and environmental problems. The feasibility of a Nile River-Delta restoration project with controlled flow releases and sediment augmentations at Aswan is here investigated with the aid of site-specific one-dimensional morphodynamic models. The water source for the restoration project, based …

Ku-Band Ag Channel Modeling, Albert Smith

Theses and Dissertations

With the rise in use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), there is a need for safe and reliable integration into existing infrastructure. A proposed system for beyond line of sight control links for UAS is a Ku-band air-to-satellite communication system. To ensure this proposed system does not interfere with existing terrestrial infrastructure that operates in the Ku band, an examination of the Ku-band air-to-ground channel is required. The focus of this thesis is the modeling of the Ku-band AG channel. Tests consisting of transmitting a single tone continuous wave signal were conducted with a signal generator onboard NASA’s Viking S-3 …

Experimental Investigation Of Two-Phase (Gas/Liquid) Flow In Intermediate Sized, Horizontal And Inclined Pipes, Noble C. Anumbe

Theses and Dissertations

Multiphase flow models and correlations are indispensable tools for the design and operation of vital flow systems that power various industries. The development, validation and tuning of these flow models & correlations depend on the availability of reliable and accurate data. This dissertation reports on an experimental campaign that not only generated crucial two-phase flow data but also evaluated the effect of inclination angle on several flow parameters of interest. The report details the experimental investigation of upward, adiabatic, co-current two-phase (gas/liquid) flow through a 101.6 mm inner diameter (ID) pipe. Experimental data for the investigation were acquired using an …

Three-Way Catalysts In Passive Selective Catalytic Reduction Systems, Calvin Thomas

Theses and Dissertations

Conventional gasoline-powered engines operate with a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio (AFR), but greater fuel economy is achieved in lean burn engines by increasing the AFR. The primary drawback to these engines is the nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions, which cannot be reduced over a conventional three-way catalyst (TWC). Passive selective catalytic reduction (SCR) is a promising approach for the control of NOX emissions in lean burn systems. By periodically decreasing the AFR to fuel-rich levels, ammonia (NH3) can be produced over a TWC and stored on a downstream SCR catalyst for the reduction of NOX during normal lean operation. While passive SCR …

Identification Of The Mechanisms Through Which Botanicals Attenuate Pathogenesis Of Human Diseases, Esraah Alharris

Theses and Dissertations

Plant products have been used for a long time in treatment of diseases. In fact, more than half of approved medicines are derived from plants or other natural products. Even though the synthetic drugs are effective in treating many human diseases, there is no cure against several clinical disorders. Moreover, a significant number of diseases can be prevented thereby causing less burden on societal healthcare costs as well as promoting healthy lifestyles. Thus, botanicals offer a unique opportunity to explore novel compounds to prevent and treat various clinical disorders as well as understand their mode of action so that new …

Inference Framework For Model Update And Development, Xiao Lin

Theses and Dissertations

Computational models play an important role in scientific discovery and engineering design. However, developing computational models is challenging, since the process always follows a path contaminated with errors and uncertainties. The uncertainties and errors inherent in computational models are the result of many factors, including experimental uncertainties, model structure inadequacies, uncertainties in model parameters and initial conditions, as well as errors due to numerical discretizations. To realize the full potential in applications it is critical to systematically and economically reduce the uncertainties inherent in all computational models.

Efficient Design Optimization Methodology For Nonconventional Laminated Thin-Walled Composite Structures, Mazen Albazzan

Theses and Dissertations

Structural designers seek the best possible design of a structure that optimally meets the requirements of a specific application. The measure of the quality of the final design can often be related to specific stiffness and strength of the structure. Because of their superior mechanical and environmental properties compared to traditional metals, fiberreinforced composite materials have earned a widespread acceptance for different structural applications. The tailoring potential of composites to achieve high specific stiffness and strength has promoted them as promising candidates for constructing lightweight structures. From that aspect, designers have tackled the problem of designing composite laminates, which is …

A Comprehensive Reengineering Of The Hospital Emergency Triage System, Nicholas D. Boltin

Theses and Dissertations

Hospital emergency triage and specifically Mass Casualty Incidents (MCIs) are of major concern with regard to treatment and patient outcomes. Traditional emergency department triage models are oversimplified and often lead to over/under triaging of patients. Furthermore, triage models do not account for the full spectrum of different types of MCIs which often results in misclassification. In this thesis, we begin by looking at traditional triage models currently being used in hospital systems and identify several shortcomings of using these models within the context of a chemical related MCI. I will then move to describe a new approach to creating a …

Cenozoic Tectono-Stratigraphic Evolution And Petroleum System Of The Eastern Cordillera Foothills And Adjacent Basins (Colombia), Essam Saeid

Theses and Dissertations

New gravity, magnetic, well and 3D seismic data provides a better understanding of regional structures and tectonic movement affecting the petroleum system and sedimentary history of an important region of oil production in the Foothills of the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia. To the south the Garzón fault was previously interpreted as a right-lateral strikeslip fault. New seismic, well, and gravity data demonstrate that this fault is also a low-angle (12–17 degrees) Andean fault that thrusts PreCambrian basement 10 to 17 km northwestward over Miocene rocks of the Upper Magdalena Valley (UMV) in a prospective footwall anticline. New geophysical data as …

Role Of Mammary Microenvironment In Promoting Left-Right Differences In Tumor Progression, Metastasis, And Therapeutic Response, Huda Issa Atiya

Theses and Dissertations

Metastasis is the main cause of death in breast cancer patients; however, there are currently no treatments available to treat or prevent metastasis. This is in part because regulators of metastasis are not yet fully understood. Over the past century researchers began to study metastasis regulators by different hypotheses, such as the seed and soil hypothesis which focuses on studying the role of cancer cells, the seeds, and the tissue microenvironment, the soil, in regulating metastasis. Although lots of studies have focused on the microenvironment of metastatic sites and their roles in regulating metastasis, limited studies have focused on the …

Nox Formation In Syngas/Air Combustion, Nazli Asgari

Theses and Dissertations

Syngas is a reliable energy source derived from the gasification of coal and other solid fuels. The feedstock type and the production process of syngas can affect the composition of syngas. Gas turbines utilizing high hydrogen content (HHC) fuels like syngas for power generation applications need to meet stringent pollutant emission standards, particularly with respect to nitrogen oxides (NOx). For gas turbine conditions, reliable experimental data, especially at high-pressure, is necessary for both generating accurate NOx prediction models and improving reaction pathways regarding the NOx chemistry. In this study, NOx formation in post-flame gases of syngas combustion at different conditions …

Novel Topologies Based Rf Filtering Components And Methodologies For Wireless Communication System, Wei Jiang

Theses and Dissertations

Driven by the rapid progress of wireless communication technology in the past several decades, multiple generations of cellular technologies have been developed, deployed, and adopted to provide more convenient communication services to users. Nowadays, the personal hand-held devices, supporting multiple wireless standards, have been a multimedia terminal encompassing elements and functions such as video callers, Internet connectivity, home appliances remote controller, GPS, TV reception, and beyond. In order to accommodate a variety of wireless standards in a single device without imposing a substantial increase in cost and size, current and future RF transceiver front-ends should be designed with more attention. …

Photovoltaic Inverter Control To Sustain High Quality Of Service, Yan Chen

Theses and Dissertations

The increasing penetration of distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) generation presents both challenges and opportunities for distribution systems. The intermittent nature of solar irradiance may lead to power quality degradation. At the same time, PV inverters –if properly designed and operated– can be used to improve power quality. The goal of this dissertation is to develop power flow optimization methods for power distribution networks with high penetration of PV generation. The approaches proposed in this dissertation have been tested using the modified version of the IEEE 34-node distribution system and the IEEE 123-node distribution system, as well as the validated model …

Stabilization Of Silicon And Germanium Based High Capacity Anodes For Lithium Ion Batteries, Kuber Mishra

Theses and Dissertations

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been the driver of the widespread application of portable electronics. As the electronic devices have been more powerful and versatile, the pressing demand for higher energy density batteries have led the extensive explorations of novel materials for high capacity electrodes. Despite several breakthroughs in literature, the current state of art LIBs still uses the battery chemistry developed in early 1990s.The keys challenges for switching to other high capacity electrodes have been high cost, non-linear scalability and poorer electrochemical performance. This dissertation focusses on development of high capacity electrodes in order to increase the energy density of …

Ontology-Guided Pre-Release Inference Disruption, Mark Stephen Daniels

Theses and Dissertations

We investigate privacy violations occurring when non-confidential patient data is combined with medical domain ontologies to disclose a patient’s protected health information (PHI). We propose a framework that detects privacy violations and eliminates undesired inferences. Our inference channel removal process is based on controlling the release of the data items that lead to undesired inferences. These data items are either blocked from release or generalized to eliminate the disclosure of the PHI. We show that our method is sound and complete. Soundness means the only inference paths generated logically follow from released data and corresponding domain knowledge. Completeness means we …

Design, Synthesis, And Characterization Of Monometallic And Bimetallic Catalysts, Sonia Eskandari

Theses and Dissertations

Supported catalysts are used extensively in a variety of heterogeneously catalyzed reactions for industrial processes. Techniques for preparing supported noble metal catalysts are typically chosen to achieve high metal dispersions in order to obtain high activity for a given metal loading. Enhancing the catalytic performance of heterogeneous catalysts can be done by increasing active site count as well as modification of the physico-chemical characteristics of the catalyst material. For supported metal nanoparticles this can be achieved by decreasing particle size, thus increasing dispersion or metal utilization on the surface of the particles, while modification of metal properties can be attained …

Manufacturing Feature Recognition With 2d Convolutional Neural Networks, Yang Shi

Theses and Dissertations

Feature recognition is a critical sub-discipline of CAD/CAM that focuses on the design and implementation of algorithms for automated identification of manufacturing features. The development of feature recognition methods has been active for more than two decades for academic research. However, in this domain, there are still many drawbacks that hinder its practical applications, such as lack of robustness, inability to learn, limited domain of features, and computational complexity. The most critical one is the difficulty of recognizing interacting features, which arises from the fact that feature interactions change the boundaries that are indispensable for characterizing a feature. This research …

Novel Wideband Ebg Structures For Isolation Improvement Between Cosite Antennas, Paul John Czeresko Iii

Theses and Dissertations

As the number of installed antennas increases on a structure, the available real estate to do so without each antenna interfering with the others diminishes. Electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structures are one way to mitigate this cosite interference with compact antenna installations. While a host of EBG structures and types (3-D, planar etc.) have been proposed and studied historically, it has been found that planar EBG structures tend to provide very narrow bandwidths for both antenna design and cosite interference reduction. This research focuses on the design of EBG structures intended to achieve greater than 20 dB of isolation improvement …

High Temperature Compression Creep Of U3si2, Emil Angelo Cahanap Mercado

Theses and Dissertations

As a result of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster in 2011, a push for increasing the safety of nuclear power plants was made through research grants funded through the United States Department of Energy via the Accident Tolerant Fuels (ATF) campaign. One of the focuses of the campaign is improving the accident tolerance of nuclear fuel during a loss of coolant accident.

A promising set of being researched from the ATF is Silicon Carbide (SiC) composite cladding and Uranium Silicide (U3Si2) fuel pellets. Under high temperatures, stresses, and times the creep deformation can play an important factor in pellet to …

Role Of Bed Design Characteristics On The Effective Thermal Conductivity Of A Structured Adsorbent, Pravin Bosco Charles Antony Amalraj

Theses and Dissertations

This work evaluates the role of different design variables on the effective thermal conduction of a structured adsorbent bed for its possible application in a temperature swing adsorption (TSA) process. The structured adsorbent bed is represented by eight parallel layers of intercalated smooth and corrugated foils of a metal support coated with 13X zeolite resulting in the formation of parallel triangular channels. The variables investigated include the thickness of the adsorbent coating, thickness of the metal, nature of contacts between smooth and corrugated foils, type of metal, presence and magnitude of an air gap between the foils, difference in alignment …

Modulation Of Amyloid-Β Aggregation Via Small Molecules And Glycine Zipper Alterations, Steven Zebulon Vance

Theses and Dissertations

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of neurodegenerative disease. Nationally, AD is the 6th leading cause of death and the only top 10 killer of Americans that cannot be slowed, cured, or prevented. AD is characterized by the deposition of extracellular plaques of aggregated amyloid-β protein (Aβ). Aβ originates from the amyloid precursor protein (APP), a transmembrane protein that is cleaved to form a short and inert protein fragment called Aβ. However, Aβ undergoes a nucleation process wherein aggregates from soluble oligomers to insoluble fibrils are formed. While uncertainty remains as to the exact mechanism, studies have associated …

Bytecode-Based Multiple Condition Coverage: An Initial Investigation, Srujana Bollina

Theses and Dissertations

Masking occurs when one condition prevents another condition from influencing the output of a Boolean expression. Logic-based adequacy criteria such as Multiple Condition Coverage (MCC) are designed to overcome masking at the within-expression level, but can offer no guarantees about masking in subsequent expressions. As a result, a Boolean expression written as a single complex statement will yield test cases that are more likely to overcome masking than when the expression is written as series of simple statements. Many approaches to automated analysis and test case generation for Java systems operate not on the source code representation of code, but …

Combinatorial Study Of Oxidation Catalysts: Uncovering Synthesis-Structure-Activity Relationships, Kathleen B. Mingle

Theses and Dissertations

High throughput experimentation (HTE) in catalysis has proven useful in expediting materials discovery via parallelized synthesis, characterization, and testing of candidate materials. However, even in a high-throughput manner, the combinatorial explosion of relevant parameters far exceeds our ability to study. To further complicate the problem, a large time investment and great deal of characterization is often required to build an in-depth understanding of catalytic materials. It follows that the field of heterogeneous catalysis is rich with examples of catalytic systems that have been developed using trial and error efforts for which a lot is known but context is lacking. Techniques …