Digital Commons Network^™

Real-Time Non-Photorealistic Rendering Method For Black And White Comic Style In Games And Animation, Yan Hu, Lizhe Chen, Hanna Xie, Yuyao Ge, Shun Zhou, Xingquan Cai

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To address the issues of high resource consumption and lengthy workflow in general nonphotorealistic, this paper proposes a real-time non-photorealistic rendering method for black and white comic style in games and animation. A specialized lighting model is designed to highlight the main environmental light and the grayscale grading of diffuse reflection based on the analysis of the lighting model effect. The pre-processing of the scene is achieved by merging the various components of the lighting model. A screen space three-phase edge detection method is proposed to sequentially perform depth edge detection, normal edge detection, and color edge detection on …

Insight Into Complexity: Novel Information Theoretic Analysis Of Spatiotemporal Interactions, Humayra Tasnim

Computer Science ETDs

Complex systems are comprised of different components. Interactions and associations among these components define the functionality of the system. For example, T cells must directly interact with virally infected cells to kill them. This research characterizes the most relevant components of complex systems by analyzing interacting relationships using information theoretic measures. It emphasizes the importance of spatial and temporal dynamics, which occur when components share spatial proximities or temporal sequences. Novel information theoretic analyses are proposed for quantifying the degree of association among system components, which is key to defining the spatiotemporal dynamics. One focus of this work is the …

3d Printing Of Local New Mexican Soil Material: Improving Durability Properties By Assessing Traditional Methods Towards Alternative Sustainable Construction, Daiquiri Devon Zozaya

Civil Engineering ETDs

3D printing (3DP), or additive manufacturing, represents a dynamic and swiftly advancing manufacturing method in which diverse materials are deposited layer by layer through computer-controlled processes, creating intricate geometries. This technology has demonstrated success in various construction applications, including the construction of bridges, bus stop stations, and even residential homes. Nonetheless, the predominant application of 3DP in construction relies heavily on cement due to its robustness, convenience, and ease of use. Regrettably, the cement sector is a substantial source of greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for approximately 8% of worldwide CO₂ emissions. Investigating all facets of carbon emissions reduction is …

Available Building Technology As A Tool For Developing Construction And Structure Systems., J. Q. . Nader Ibrahim Ismael

Journal of Engineering Research

The research aims to study the impact of available building technology in each era in the development of the constructional thought and implementation techniques used and its impact on the development of different types of buildings, through the emergence of different types of buildings and the development of buildings types in terms of shape and height, through the development of building materials used Whether construction materials or finishing materials, as well as used construction techniques and equipment, and the impact of all on the development of construction thought and construction systems through different eras . The research also represents an …

Using Recycled Materials Towards Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Building In Hot Regions – A Review, Mai W. Madkour Hosny A. Dewer, And Shaimaa M. Refaat

Journal of Engineering Research

Due to population growth and increased urban activity, there is a rise in waste production, which poses health and environmental risks. Additionally, the extraction and transportation of natural resources to places of employment require significant energy consumption, and the world has therefore moved to seek new alternatives away from traditional construction methods by recycling building materials such as concrete, brick, glass, wood, etc., or using new building materials such as rice straw, plastics, corks, etc., taking into account architectural design. The research is aimed at demonstrating that recycled materials have the potential to perform a better environmental performance by preserving …

Heritage Preservation In Egyptian Villages And Centers, Azza Elsakka Ahmed Abdalwahaab , Ebtehal Fady Shareef

Journal of Engineering Research

Heritage holds deep significance as a collective memory and a source of pride for any society. However, in today's world, it has evolved beyond its symbolic status and emerged as a crucial factor in human development across various dimensions. Preserving and restoring heritage has thus become an urgent issue that demands extensive cooperation between governments, international society, and community associations.

Diversity In Harmony: Creating The Built Environment’S Future, Doaa Mustafa Hashim Abu Zaid Ahmed Albadri

Journal of Engineering Research

The research paper investigates the relationship between the architectural history , innovative design and artifical intelligence ( AI) in shaping the built environment of the future. It investigates architects' ongoing efforts to push past design limitations using AI, with a focus on the expressive capacity of historical architectural materials. It addresses the transformation nature of generative design, emphasizing an iterative process using AI tools. The research paper makes a link between generative design as well as emerging forms of architecture by referencing the Dancism Movement using AI Midjourney tool. A case study demonstrates DANCISM Movement patterns, redefining high-rise buildings by …

Optimized Gadolinium-Do3a Loading In Raftpolymerized Copolymers For Superior Mr Imaging Of Aging Blood–Brain Barrier, Hunter A. Miller, Aaron Priester, Evan T. Curtis, Krista Hilmas, Ashleigh Abbott, Forrest Kievit, Anthony J. Covertine

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

The development of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) has been pivotal in advancing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), offering enhanced soft tissue contrast without ionizing radiation exposure. Despite their widespread clinical use, the need for improved GBCAs has led to innovations in ligand chemistry and polymer science. We report a novel approach using methacrylate-functionalized DO3A ligands to synthesize a series of copolymers through direct reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. This technique enables precise control over the gadolinium content within the polymers, circumventing the need for subsequent conjugation and purification steps, and facilitates the addition of other components such as targeting ligands. …

A Stable Isotope Study To Investigate Water Movement In The Los Lagos Region Of Southern Chile, Kritan Subedi

Civil Engineering ETDs

The Los Lagos region in southern Chile, located in northwest Patagonia, features rain-fed agricultural lands, glacial lakes, forests, farmlands, and volcanic soils. This study investigates water movement within a micro-basin using stable isotope analysis and hydrological modeling over eight weeks. It aims to develop a conceptual model of water movement by elucidating interactions between precipitation, soil water, and streamflow. Findings highlight the critical role of deeper soil layers in sustaining streamflow during dry spells and indicate that soil acts as a buffer, maintaining hydrological continuity despite variable precipitation. Improved understanding of these dynamics can inform watershed management and water resource …

Chemical And Physical Properties Of Fine Fractions From A Village Proximate To A Uranium Mine: Insights About Soil Health, Mary P. Haley

Nanoscience and Microsystems ETDs

Thousands of abandoned uranium mines (AUM) in Native American tribal lands have not been fully remediated, leaving uranium mine wastes exposed and accessible for potential erosion and transport by wind. Analyzing the metal and organic content of the fine-grained fractions in soils could uncover the impact of mine legacy on the soil health in communities that live in proximity to AUM. This study investigates the physical and chemical properties of the fine-grained fraction (μm) of soils to quantify the effect of heavy metal-bearing particulates on the soil health in the village of Paguate and within the Jackpile-Paguate AUM located on …

Biocompatibility Of Mussel-Inspired Water-Soluble Tissue Adhesives, Aishwarya V. Menon, Amelia A. Putnam-Neep, Caitlin E. Brown, Christa J. Crain, Gert Breur, Sanjeev K. Narayanan, Jonathan Wilker, Julie C. Liu

School of Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications

Wound closure in surgeries is traditionally achieved using invasive methods such as sutures and staples. Adhesion-based wound closure methods such as tissue adhesives, sealants, and hemostats are slowly replacing these methods due to their ease of application. Although several chemistries have been developed and used commercially for wound closure, there is still a need for better tissue adhesives from the point of view of toxicity, wet-adhesion strength, and long-term bonding. Catechol chemistry has shown great promise in developing wet-set adhesives that meet these criteria. Herein, we have studied the biocompatibility of a catechol-based copolymer adhesive, poly([dopamine methacrylamide]-co-[methyl methacrylate]-co-[poly(ethylene glycol) methyl …

Hurricane Vulnerability Of Above Ground Storage Tanks, Santosh Ghimire

LSU Master's Theses

The objectives of this research were to: 1) develop an approach to determine the effectiveness of regional storm surge reduction strategies and structural mitigation measures for aboveground storage tanks (ASTs), and 2) study the feasibility of controlled flotation of ASTs during flood and storm surge events. This study provided a comprehensive risk assessment strategy for regional portfolio of tanks, considering all dominant failure modes relevant to future planning initiatives aimed at reducing AST failures. Additionally, this research contributed a new methodology to prevent AST failures during flooding, offering a potential solution to prevent hazardous spills.

Design guidelines such as API …

Bio-Inspired Robotic Framework For Spatiotemporal Analyses In Environmental Monitoring Applications, Maliha Kabir

Electrical Engineering Theses

Frequent fluctuations in the environment's temperature and climate significantly impact our crop fields. Floods and droughts occur in different places in different seasons, which is very unusual and affects the crops' health and productivity. During these calamities, they are also not able to monitor their crop fields. However, if it is possible by providing farmers with information about their fields' conditions like temperature, pressure, and soil moisture, we can help them assess environmental conditions for specific areas. This data can also aid farmers in determining the appropriate amounts of fertilizers and pesticides to apply to their crops and which crops …

Geospatial And How It's Used By Casfer, Eduardo A. Castillo, Olatunde D. Akanbi, Vibha S. Mandayam, Erika I. Barcelos, Roger H. French

Student Scholarship

Project CASFER has a goal to develop the next generation of decarbonized nitrogen based fertilizer. They want to do this by

• Capturing nitrogen from waste, recycling the nitrogen, then producing and distributing CASFER fertilizers to farmers. 

CASFER is made up of 5 different universities that all work together to make up CASFER, Texas Tech University, Case Western University, FAMU, Georgia tech, and MIT.

Experimentally Verified Effective Doping Model For Lactate And Troponin Ofet Biosensors Using Machine Learning Algorithm, Sameh O. Abdellatif, Hana Masalam, Salma Ahmed

Electrical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Chemical Kinetic Investigation: Exploring The Impact Of Various Concentrations Of Hho Gas With A 40% Biodiesel/Diesel Blend On Hcci Combustion, Mai H. Aboubakr, Medhat Elkelawy Prof. Dr, Eng., Hagar Alm-Eldin Bastawissi, Ayman Refat Abd Elbar

Journal of Engineering Research

This study uses the Chemkin software program to evaluate the effect of different quantities of oxyhydrogen gas [HHO] added to 40% biodiesel and diesel mix [B40], including B40, B40+5HHO, B40+10HHO, and B40+15HHO, on the HCCI combustion process's efficiency. The information collected includes cylinder pressure, cylinder temperature, accumulated gas phase heat release, heat loss rate, UHC, and mole fractions of O2, CO, CO2, diesel [NC7H16], biodiesel [C5H10O2], and oxyhydrogen [H2O]. The finding is that, when compared to a blend of biodiesel and diesel, using oxyhydrogen in the biodiesel/diesel mix boosts the properties of the HCCI engine.

Exploring The Influence Of Various Factors, Including Initial Temperatures, Equivalence Ratios, And Different Biodiesel/Diesel Blend Ratios, On Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (Hcci) Combustion, Mai H. Aboubakr, Medhat Elkelawy Prof. Dr, Eng., Hagar Alm-Eldin Bastawissi, Ayman Refat Abd Elbar

Journal of Engineering Research

This paper discusses the impact of three study cases that change with different values: the first case is four initial temperature values [313, 323, 333, and 343 K], the second case is three equivalence ratios [0.2, 0.3, and 0.4], and the third case uses various concentrations of biodiesel and diesel mixes [D100, B20, B40, B60, B80, and B100]. The purpose is to use the Chemkin software program to determine the effectiveness of each case in the HCCI combustion process. The results included cylinder pressure, cylinder temperature, accumulated gas phase heat release, heat loss rate, UHC, and mole fractions of O …

Robust Quantitative Photoacoustic Imaging For Colorectal Cancer Treatment Monitoring, Sitai Kou

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in the United States and the incidence among population under 50 years old has been increasing for the past decade. Contrary to obvious vascular and morphological structures in pre-treatment colorectal cancer, during treatment and post-treatment colorectal cancer tissue often contains fibrosis and edema in tumor bed. These complications cause difficulties in evaluating tissue response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy with MRI and endoscopy, leading to unnecessary resection of rectum, which increases healthcare cost and impacts patient quality of life. Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is a promising tool for observing blood distribution in …

A Systematic Approach For Evaluating And Selecting Healthcare Waste Treatment Devices Using Owcm-Codas And Triangular Neutrosophic Sets, Asmaa Elsayed, Bilal Arain

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

Healthcare is a fundamental aspect of human life, impacting individuals, communities, and societies. Investing in healthcare infrastructure, services, and education is essential for fostering a healthy, thriving population. Healthcare waste management is a critical aspect of public health, and it requires a concerted effort from healthcare facilities, governments, and communities to ensure that waste is managed in a way that minimizes risks to human health and the environment. This paper proposes a hybrid methodology combining the Opinion Weight Criteria Method (OWCM) and the Combinative Distance-Based Assessment (CODAS) within the framework of Triangular Neutrosophic Sets (TNS) to evaluate and select the …

Review Of Geopolymer Technology, Barriers And Limitations, Abdullah Kadhim, Bushra Salman Mankhi, Muslim Al-Bujasim

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Sustainability in Engineering Sciences

Geopolymers are kind of inorganic polymeric green materials, which are considered alternatives to some traditional cementitious materials. Geopolymerisation involves reaction between amount of solid materials rich of high reactive amorphous or semi-amorphous silica and alumina in the existence of alkaline medium (Na₂O or K₂O) to formulate tri-dimensional alumina-silicate polymeric strong network. The present research is targeting to review Geopolymer technology and the major barriers and limitations that impede the implementation and development of Geopolymer technology. The review based on the reports, statistics and the opinions of the construction industry stakeholders, in addition to the past literatures …

Designing A Model For Conservation Agricultural Extension In Western Iran, Mosayeb Gholami, Amirhossien Alibaygi, Abdolhamid Papzan

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Sustainability in Engineering Sciences

Conservation agriculture is seen as a new solution to environmental degradation and unsusainable water and soil resources. Since the adoption rate for conservation agriculture in Iran is not high, there is a need to design an extension model in this field. The aim of this study was to design an extension model for conservation agriculture in Kermanshah Province, located in the west of Iran. The study involved two groups: experts in conservation agriculture selected via purposeful sampling with a wide range of expertise, and farmers from Ravansar and Sonqor townships in Kermanshah Province, selected through a multistage clustering technique. The …

Crisis Management In Tourism Complexes With Emphasis On Sustainable Development Approach Case Study: Jihad Daneshghahi Tourism Complex In Kermanshah, Iran, Aeizh Azmi

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Sustainability in Engineering Sciences

Problem statement: Crisis management in tourist complexes can play a crucial role in increasing tourist attraction and mitigating damages resulting from natural hazards. The Jihad University Tourism Complex in Kermanshah is a tourist destination, and this study aims to present a crisis management model for this complex.

Question: What should be the crisis management model for the Jihad University Tourism Complex in Kermanshah?

Objective: This study aimed to propose a crisis management model for the Jihad University Tourism Complex in Kermanshah.

Methods: A questionnaire was used to collect research data. Approximately 50 individuals were selected as the research population and …

Closing The Phosphorus Loop With Green Infrastructure: Removal And Recovery Using Amended Soils And 3d-Printed Material, Colin Wilson

Dissertations (1934 -)

Phosphorus (P) is a life-essential element aiding the deterioration of water quality. Stormwater runoff transports nonpoint source P pollution to waterbodies, contributing to excessive P loading which may result in eutrophication. Green infrastructure (GI) is implemented to solve stormwater runoff pollution, but the P removal performance of these systems is variable. Moreover, P is arguably being unsustainably mined for fertilizer production and animal feed supplements to support demand from increasing global populations. This dissertation explored advancing the circular P economy utilizing additive manufacturing and GI soil amendments to remove and recover P from stormwater runoff. Laboratory-scale batch experiments were used …

Performance And Environmental Assessment Of Biochar-Based Membranes Synthesized From Traditional And Eco-Friendly Solvents, Abelline Katusiime Fionah, Isaac Oluk, Laura Brady, Diana M. Byrne, Isabel Escobar

UK CARES Faculty Publications

Water contamination resulting from coal spills is one of the largest environmental problems affecting communities in the Appalachia Region of the United States. This coal slurry contains potentially toxic substances, such as hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and coal cleaning chemicals, and its leakage into water bodies (lakes, rivers, and aquifers) can lead to adverse health effects not only for freshwater bodies and plant life but also for humans. This study focused on two major experiments. The first experiment involved the use of biochar to create a biochar–polysulfone (BC-PSf) flat-sheet multifunctional membrane to remove organic contaminants, and the other major experiment compared …

In Situ Synthesis, Characterization And Photocatalytic Efficacy Of Silver-Enhanced Mxene And Graphene Nanocomposites, Kishore Chand, M. Mustafa Azeem, Muhammad Nazim Lakhan, Mukhtiar Ahmed, Muhammad Jehanzaib Aslam, Ahmer Hussain Shah

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The emergence of 2D materials has significantly expanded the wide range of nanomaterials with diverse applications. Notably, their high conductivity, catalytic efficiency, and hydrophobicity have fueled heightened research interests for water treatment applications. This research aimed to investigate the synthesis and characterization of MXene and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites with silver nanoparticles (Ag) for enhanced catalytic activity in the decomposition of Direct Blue-24 dye. In this study, we employed well-established methods, previously documented in the literature, to prepare two distinct nanocomposites. Novel nanocomposites, namely reduced graphene oxide–silver nanoparticles (rGO–Ag) and MXene–silver nanoparticles (MXene–Ag), were synthesized using the hydrothermal and …

Teaching Learning Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 1, Sastra Deemed To Be University

TLC Newsletter

No abstract provided.

In Situ Synthesis, Characterization And Photocatalytic Efficacy Of Silver-Enhanced Mxene And Graphene Nanocomposites, Kishore Chand, M. Mustafa Azeem, Muhammad Nazim Lakhan, Mukhtiar Ahmed, Muhammad Jehanzaib Aslam, Ahmer Hussain Shah

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The emergence of 2D materials has significantly expanded the wide range of nanomaterials with diverse applications. Notably, their high conductivity, catalytic efficiency, and hydrophobicity have fueled heightened research interests for water treatment applications. This research aimed to investigate the synthesis and characterization of MXene and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites with silver nanoparticles (Ag) for enhanced catalytic activity in the decomposition of Direct Blue-24 dye. In this study, we employed well-established methods, previously documented in the literature, to prepare two distinct nanocomposites. Novel nanocomposites, namely reduced graphene oxide–silver nanoparticles (rGO–Ag) and MXene–silver nanoparticles (MXene–Ag), were synthesized using the hydrothermal and …

Development Of A Rule-Based Monitoring System For Autonomous Heavy Equipment Safety, Amirpooya Shirazi

Department of Construction Engineering and Management: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Roadway construction work zones are constantly exposed to interactions among construction equipment, workers, and vehicles. Furthermore, ensuring safety in these areas is considered a challenging task due to the complexity of the environment. As shown in the rising trend of fatal accidents in roadway work zones, current OSHA regulations in construction safety are insufficient in effectively detecting unsafe situations and mitigating the risks. Furthermore, best practices, such as internal traffic control planning (ITCP), exhibit critical limitations requiring continuous monitoring of active work zones as well as adjustments to the site coordination plans due to the dynamic nature of work zone …

Explainable Artificial Intelligence: Methods And Evaluation, Gayane Grigoryan

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A wide array of techniques within explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) have been developed to measure the importance of features in machine learning models. A notable portion of these methods draws upon principles of cooperative game theory (CGT), with the Shapley value emerging as a widely used solution concept. Despite the rising prominence of the Shapley value, other promising solutions from cooperative game theory—such as the Nucleolus, Banzhaf power index, Shapley-Shubik power index, and solutions to conflicting claims problems—have been comparatively overlooked, even though they hold significant potential. In this dissertation, multiple XAI methods based on these other CGT solutions are …

Safe And Efficient Operation Of Mobile Robots In Indoor Environments: A User-Centric Shared Control System With High-Level Navigation Capabilities, Ahmet Saglam

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Hospitalization and isolation can be a traumatic experience for immunocompromised children, especially because they are separated from their families and friends. Social robots have been proposed as a way to improve the quality of care for children hospitalized in isolation by providing alternative means of social interaction and support. Remote control of such robots in a hospital setting, particularly where safety is a major concern, can be a daunting task for young patients.

This dissertation introduces a multilevel shared control system for mobile robots, specifically companion robots in hospital-like indoor spaces. The system integrates user inputs with algorithmic semi-autonomous control …