Diabetes-Induced Mitral Valve Degeneration: Tissue-Engineered Solutions And Antioxidant Therapy,
2025
Clemson University
Diabetes-Induced Mitral Valve Degeneration: Tissue-Engineered Solutions And Antioxidant Therapy, Samantha Hahn
All Theses
Mitral valve (MV) fibrosis is a progressive pathological condition characterized by leaflet thickening and stiffening, ultimately compromising valve function. This process is accelerated in diabetes, where chronic hyperglycemia elevates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and alters the mechanics of the extracellular matrix (ECM), collectively promoting the activation of valvular interstitial cells (VICs). Under healthy conditions, VICs maintain a quiescent, fibroblast-like phenotype responsible for sustaining ECM homeostasis. However, pathological biochemical cues or mechanical stress drive VICs toward a myofibroblast phenotype. While this transformation is essential for short-term repair, its persistence contributes to maladaptive MV remodeling and fibrosis. Diabetic stressors may be mitigated …
Mitral Annular Calcification In Diabetes: Valvular Interstitial Cells, Antioxidant Therapy, And Tissue Engineering Approaches,
2025
Clemson University
Mitral Annular Calcification In Diabetes: Valvular Interstitial Cells, Antioxidant Therapy, And Tissue Engineering Approaches, Raleigh J. Keenan
All Theses
Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a chronic, progressive, and degenerative condition that impairs mitral valve function and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The mitral annulus is a saddle-shaped, fibrous structure that is primarily composed of collagen and elastin. The annulus also contains interspersed lipids that are involved in cellular metabolism, as well as inflammatory and osteogenic signaling. These lipids increase the annulus’ susceptibility to calcification, under conditions that increase mechanical stress (hypertension) and promote atherosclerosis (diabetes mellitus). These conditions intensify calcification by promoting the activation of valvular interstitial cells (VICs), increasing fibrosis, and inducing osteogenic differentiation. Although it is …
Strategic Enhancement Of Biofuel Production Using Bacillus Subtilis As A Model Organism: A Dual Approach Of Gene Essentiality Mapping And Optimization,
2025
East Tennessee State University
Strategic Enhancement Of Biofuel Production Using Bacillus Subtilis As A Model Organism: A Dual Approach Of Gene Essentiality Mapping And Optimization, Angela A. Zebede
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
With rising global demand for renewable energy, enhancing microbial platforms for biofuel production is vital. This study engineered Bacillus subtilis to improve resilience to solvent stress by targeting membrane lipid biosynthesis pathways essential for integrity. Growth curve analysis (OD₆₀₀) showed that phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) knockout strains grew significantly slower than wild type (168), indicating the importance of these lipids under stress. Laurdan fluorescence spectroscopy was used to assess membrane properties. Generalized polarization (GP) analysis revealed a concentration-dependent reduction in membrane order upon 1%–2% 1-butanol exposure. GP values declined progressively from control to 2% treatment, reflecting increased membrane fluidity …
Scientific Characterization Of Historic Mortars Dating From The 15th-Century Of A Historical Building In Algeria: A Case Study,
2025
University of Science and Technology Houari Boumedienne, USTHB, Algiers, Algeria
Scientific Characterization Of Historic Mortars Dating From The 15th-Century Of A Historical Building In Algeria: A Case Study, M. E. Belgacem, N. Rabahi-Touloum, R. Neves, Y. Ouldkhaoua
Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies
This research investigates the historic mortars (Aggregate/Binder (A/B) ratio) of a historical patrimony building, dating from the 15th century, in Algeria, for restoration purposes. It is well known that thorough characterization is essential for successful restoration. To this end, several techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), optical microscope were used to characterize the historic mortars. A mechanical test was used to characterize the compressive strength of a historic mortar. For a comprehensive characterization, A/B ratios were estimated using both Digital Image Analyses (DIA) and chemical analyses. The results obtained provided clear information on …
Computational Investigation Of The Role Of 3d Genome Architecture In The Lifecycle Of The Malaria Parasite,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Computational Investigation Of The Role Of 3d Genome Architecture In The Lifecycle Of The Malaria Parasite, Srish Maulik
College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program
Malaria, a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, is responsible for more than a half a million deaths per year, the vast majority of which occur in central Africa. The parasite undergoes an incredibly complex cell molecular transformation as it transitions from living in mosquitoes to living in humans with different sets of genes being activated or silenced in order to evade the immune system of the host. Understanding how its genome guides this transition is critical for developing adequate treatments. In this project, we aim to develop a computational framework for investigating the role of the three …
A Novel Scaffold-Based Model For Stage Ii Pressure Injury Simulation: Protocol Development And Future Directions In Tissue Engineering,
2025
Duquesne University
A Novel Scaffold-Based Model For Stage Ii Pressure Injury Simulation: Protocol Development And Future Directions In Tissue Engineering, Skyler B. Wrubleski
Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Symposium
This study developed a 3D tissue-engineered scaffold to mimic human sacral skin for modeling pressure injuries. The scaffold consisted of a composite hydrogel of sodium alginate, gelatin, and tannic acid, crosslinked with calcium chloride. Swelling tests showed moderate hydration capacity, while wound mimic formation using a custom 3D-printed apparatus produced consistent morphology and dimensions comparable to human dermal tissue. The scaffold maintained structural integrity under prolonged compressive forces, demonstrating viability for pressure injury studies. Future work will incorporate a bilayer model with keratinocytes and fibroblasts and introduce elastin to enhance elasticity and mechanical properties. This approach aims to improve in …
Nonlinear Analytical Models Of The Seismically Isolated ``Frame-Boiler'' System With Cantilever-Type Hysteresis Dampers,
2025
CKTI-VIBROSEISM Co. Ltd., Saint-Petersburg, Gzhatskaya str., 9, 195251, Russian Federation
Nonlinear Analytical Models Of The Seismically Isolated ``Frame-Boiler'' System With Cantilever-Type Hysteresis Dampers, Aleksandr Mikhailovich Anushchenko, Dmitrii Evgenievich Bondarev, Aleksandr Yurievich Schukin
Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies
This study shows results of development of the ``frame-boiler'' system with hysteresis dampers analytical model. Hysteresis dampers are used as boiler antiseismic bracing. It is noted that simplified analytical models are necessary at the stage of preliminary iterative calculations, when a CAE-modeling is impractical due to significant time costs. The authors have proposed 2 options of analytical models: 2-mass model and 3-mass model. The differential equations of motion for each model are written below. The results of the calculation for seismic impacts are compared with the finite element model. It is shown that 3-mass model gives good match of results …
Advancing Sustainable Structural Solutions: Hemp Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (Hfrp) Reinforcement Bars For Concrete Applications Through Material Selection, Simulation, And Pathways For Future Development,
2025
Assistant Professor, Department of Engineering & Sustainable Technologies, Frostburg State University, Frostburg, MD, USA
Advancing Sustainable Structural Solutions: Hemp Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (Hfrp) Reinforcement Bars For Concrete Applications Through Material Selection, Simulation, And Pathways For Future Development, Thomas Cadenazzi, Busra Keles
Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies
This paper investigates innovative Hemp Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (HFRP) rebars as a sustainable alternative to conventional Carbon Steel (CS) and Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebars used as reinforcement in concrete structures. The feasibility of HFRP rebars is assessed, focusing on mechanical properties and sustainability advantages. A virtual tensile test on a modeled M19 HFRP rebar, conducted using Autodesk's Fusion 360, demonstrates tensile strength comparable to CS 235 and greater environmental sustainability than GFRP, despite a slight reduction in stiffness. The study also considers the potential of graphene fiber integration to enhance mechanical properties, underscoring HFRP's adaptability. Findings suggest that HFRP rebars, …
Comparative Analysis Of Life Cycle Assessment Of Traditional And Contemporary Timber Buildings,
2025
Bursa Uludağ AND University, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Department of Architecture, Görükle, Nilüfer, Bursa, Türkiye
Comparative Analysis Of Life Cycle Assessment Of Traditional And Contemporary Timber Buildings, Sadık Akşar, Gökçe Tuna
Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies
Wood has long been used as a primary building material, but with the Industrial Revolution and the spread of multi-story structures, its structural limitations became evident. In the 21st century, engineered timber products have reintroduced wood as a sustainable alternative, offering advantages such as lightness, rapid assembly, and recyclability. At the same time, buildings are responsible for significant environmental impacts, making assessment methods essential. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is one of the most widely used tools for evaluating these impacts across all stages of a building’s life cycle. This study applies LCA to timber construction systems, focusing on both traditional …
Sustainable Paving Block Development: Utilizing Rejected Coal As Filler And Assessing Its Impact On Paving Block’S Properties,
2025
Department of Physics, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia AND Surfactant and Bioenergy Research Center (SBRC), IPB University Baranangsiang Campus, Jl Raya Pajajaran Bogor 16153
Sustainable Paving Block Development: Utilizing Rejected Coal As Filler And Assessing Its Impact On Paving Block’S Properties, Siti Nikmatin, Allen Kurniawan, Heriansyah Putra, Rima Fitria Adiati, Riawan Ma’Ruf, Dwi Arso Yedi Irwanto
Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies
This study investigated the potential use of rejected coal as a fine aggregate filler in paving block production. Comprehensive characterization of the rejected coal was conducted, including toxicity, physical, chemical, and mineralogical analyses of the coal. The results showed that the rejected coal met environmental safety standards (TCLP) and had suitable properties as an aggregate. Paving blocks were produced by incorporating different proportions of rejected coal fillers and were tested for compressive strength, water absorption, and density. The optimal mix with 35% rejected coal filler as a replacement of stone ash achieved a compressive strength of 14.61 MPa, water absorption …
Numerical Comparative Study Of The Thermal Performance And Load-Bearing Capacity Of Hollow Clay Bricks Used In Construction In Libya,
2025
Sabratha University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sabratha 26.27.151, Libya
Numerical Comparative Study Of The Thermal Performance And Load-Bearing Capacity Of Hollow Clay Bricks Used In Construction In Libya, Osama Lawej, Mahmoud Ahmed, Ismael Ehtiwesh
Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies
The optimization of structural and thermal performance in building components is a key challenge in sustainable construction, particularly in hot climate regions like Libya. Hollow clay bricks are widely used due to their local availability and affordability; however, their internal geometry is often not optimized for thermal resistance or mechanical integrity. This study addresses this gap by numerically investigating the effect of cavity geometry on the load-bearing capacity and thermal insulation performance of hollow clay bricks. Three configurations were analyzed, including two commercial designs from the Libyan market and a newly proposed arched cavity design. Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations …
Developing A Modular Circular Wall Over-Clad System For Facade Thermal Upgrade In Deep Energy Retrofit,
2025
Principle Investigator/Author Drive 0 Project Ireland AND School of Architecture and Built Environment, Technical University of Dublin, Ireland
Developing A Modular Circular Wall Over-Clad System For Facade Thermal Upgrade In Deep Energy Retrofit, Patrick Daly
Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies
The EU has implemented several policy and legislative initiatives aimed at decarbonisation and circularity transition of the Built Environment including a strategy for large scale renovation of the building / housing stock. Modularised construction solutions are argued to be a potential acceleration pathway toward this objective. Yet there remains issues and challenges in implementing such strategies in a complex and heterogeneous stock and sector. This research investigates this decarbonisation pathway, examining the feasibility and potential of applying a modularised construction over-clad system, based on advanced circularity, in the deep energy retrofit of social housing. The research is based on a …
Ceramic Waste As Sustainable Material In Self-Compacting Concrete: Experimental Study And Ann Predictive Modeling,
2025
Faculty of Technology, Laboratory of Construction Engineering and Architecture (LGCA), University of Bejaia, 06000 Bejaia, Algeria
Ceramic Waste As Sustainable Material In Self-Compacting Concrete: Experimental Study And Ann Predictive Modeling, Abderrezak Bouziane, Houssam Slimanou, Mohamed Amin Bouzidi, Nedjima Bouzidi
Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies
Recycling of ceramic waste in the construction sector is a promising option for reducing the environmental impacts of the concrete industry. The main objective of this study is the elaboration of a solid predictive model for ceramic waste based self-compacting (SCC) concrete properties, using artificial neural networks (ANN). This further, reduces its environmental impact without compromising satisfactory performance. An experimental approach was adopted with different substitution ratios: 0 to 30 wt% and particle sizes ranging from 3-8 mm and 8-15 mm. Tested properties of modified SCC as compressive strength at 7 and 28 days (fc7, fc28), spread (L), sieve stability …
Comparative Study On The Performance Of Ggbs, Uggbs, And Rha-Incorporated Cement Mortar Mixes,
2025
Research Scholar, School of Construction, NICMAR University, Pune-411025, Maharashtra, India
Comparative Study On The Performance Of Ggbs, Uggbs, And Rha-Incorporated Cement Mortar Mixes, Devansh Goel, Sudarshan D. Kore
Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies
The environmental footprint of cement production has accelerated the pursuit of sustainable alternatives in the construction industry. Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), particularly those derived from industrial and agricultural waste, offer a promising approach to reducing cement consumption while maintaining performance. This study evaluates the fresh and mechanical behavior of binary, ternary, and quaternary cementitious mortar blends incorporating ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), ultrafine GGBS (UGGBS), and rice husk ash (RHA) as partial replacements for cement. A total of 32 mortar mixes were designed with water-to-binder (w/b) ratios ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 and varied replacement levels of RHA (0-20%), GGBS …
Characterization Of Lactobacilli-Containing Catheter Segments Developed By Using Selective Laser Sintered Mold.,
2025
University of Louisville
Characterization Of Lactobacilli-Containing Catheter Segments Developed By Using Selective Laser Sintered Mold., Caden Maners
Master of Engineering Theses
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a major healthcare burden with current prevention strategies offering limited success. This study presents a novel, self-coating biomaterial approach using a silicone-based bioink embedded with thermally sensitive probiotic strains (L. crispatus, L. rhamnosus, and L. reuteri). Catheter segments were fabricated via bio-injection molding using 3D-printed CAD molds. These Lactobacilli, selected for their probiotic and antimicrobial potential, serve as a non- antibiotic strategy to reduce infection risk. These segments were evaluated for mechanical strength (Shore A hardness), thermal stability (TGA/DSC), porosity and bacterial presence (SEM), biofilm formation (crystal-violet assay), as well as mass retention in …
The Utilization Of Basic Oxygen Furnace Slag As Fine Aggregates In Concrete: Physical, Mechanical, And Durability Properties,
2025
Betâo Liz SA, Avenida Almirante Gago Coutinho, Portela 2710-418 Sintra, Portugal
The Utilization Of Basic Oxygen Furnace Slag As Fine Aggregates In Concrete: Physical, Mechanical, And Durability Properties, Hakan Ozkan
Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies
This study examines the feasibility of using basic oxygen furnace slag (BOFS) as an alternative to fine crushed limestone aggregate in concrete. BOFS is sourced from two steel production facilities in Türkiye, designated as I-BOFS and E-BOFS. The experimental results showed that as the E-BOFS aggregate replacement ratio increased, the water-to-cement (w/c) ratio increased to maintain the target workability. The concrete mixtures incorporating E-BOFS exhibited consistent reductions in the compressive strength with an increase in the BOFS ratio. At the same time, I-BOFS maintained higher compressive strength, with only minor losses up to 80% of the substitution ratio. Flexural strength …
Development Of A Self-Cured Alkali-Activated Mortar,
2025
Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Kocaeli University, 41300 Kocaeli, Türkiye
Development Of A Self-Cured Alkali-Activated Mortar, Kübra Ekiz Barış
Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies
Alkali-activated mortars (AAM) can be produced with self-curing (SC), which supplies internal moisture to accelerate alkaline-activation reactions. The aim of using SC is to make AAMs with an early-age strength without any additional curing energy consumption and higher CO2 emissions, and to obtain in-situ practical advantages that enable the large-scale application of AAMs. The previous study produced natural pozzolan-based AAMs by applying energy-intensive heat (HC), microwave (MWC), and hybrid (HC+MWC) curing. This study investigates alternative curing regimes that reduce production energy without compromising material properties. The impacts of air curing (AC), water curing (WC), and SC on the properties were …
Naoh Molarity Effect On Mechanical And Hydrochloric Acid Resistance Of Geopolymer Mortar Based On Slag,
2025
Department of Civil Engineering, Istanbul Aydin University, Istanbul, Türkiye
Naoh Molarity Effect On Mechanical And Hydrochloric Acid Resistance Of Geopolymer Mortar Based On Slag, Mahmoud Ziada, Zahraa Mohammed Kamil Al-Mayali
Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies
The present research investigates the influence of different sodium hydroxide (NaOH) molarities on the mechanical characteristics and hydrochloric acid (HCl) resistance of geopolymer grouts manufactured from ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS). Geopolymer mortars have attracted interest as sustainable substitutes for traditional cementitious materials due to their advantageous environmental effects and enhanced durability features. This study involved the fabrication of geopolymer mortar specimens by altering the NaOH molarity (M) from 6 M to 14 M. The mechanical and physical qualities were assessed using compressive strength, capillary water absorption, flexural strength, slump flow, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) tests. Subsequently, the geopolymer …
Effect Of Expanded Perlite And Exfoliated Vermiculite Aggregate Additives On Water Vapor Permeability Performance Of Cement-Based Lightweight Mortars,
2025
İzmir Katip Çelebi University, Department of Civil Engineering, 35620, İzmir, Türkiye
Effect Of Expanded Perlite And Exfoliated Vermiculite Aggregate Additives On Water Vapor Permeability Performance Of Cement-Based Lightweight Mortars, Lütfullah Gündüz, Şevket Onur Kalkan
Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies
Vapor diffusion is the movement of water vapor molecules through porous materials such as wood, insulation products, and lightweight wall elements due to differences in vapor pressure. Vapor retarders are used to control vapor diffusion through wall sections and surfaces. All building materials provide some resistance to vapor diffusion, and the amount of resistance varies depending on the material's properties. These properties can vary with relative humidity and moisture content, age, temperature, and other factors. Vapor resistance is usually expressed using the inverse term of ``vapor permeability,'' which is the relative ease of vapor diffusion through a material. Water vapor …
Rubber-Modified Self-Compacting Mortar: Evaluating Setting Time And Strength Development,
2025
Department of Civil Engineering, Gaziantep University, 27310, Gaziantep, Türkiye
Rubber-Modified Self-Compacting Mortar: Evaluating Setting Time And Strength Development, Navvar Makansi, Süleyman Ipek, Erhan Güneyisi
Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies
The influence of using crumb rubber (CR) obtained from the second scraping of used tires as fine aggregate in manufacturing self-compacting mortar (SCM) was investigated experimentally in this study. To explore this, natural fine aggregate in SCM mixes was partially replaced with CR at levels ranging from 5% to 25% by total fine aggregate volume. Two mix series, one with a total binder of 500 kg/m3 and the other with a 540 kg/m3 binder, were designed at water-to-binder ratios of 0.40 and 0.33. Ordinary Portland cement (80% by weight) and fly ash (20% by weight) were used to manufacture mortars. …
