Digital Commons Network^™

Investigating Changes In Hydroclimate, Land Cover, And Evapotranspiration Across The Great Salt Lake Basin And Its Major Subbasins, Bhuwan Ghimire

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The Great Salt Lake (GSL) is a lake of environmental and economic importance for Utah, and in recent years lake levels have declined to critically low levels. The lake level is dependent on the balance between the inflow and outflow. Inflow into the lake is governed primarily by the streamflow originating from the Bear, Weber and Jordan River basins (GSL subbasins), direct precipitation over the lake and groundwater entering into the lake. The GSL is a terminal lake, with outflow via evaporation from the lake.

In this study, we examined hydrologic processes within the river basins that relate to streamflow …

Uv-A Light And Heat-Activated Antimicrobial And Biodegradable Materials For Food Packaging And Preservation, Michael J. Bodily

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Current food packaging materials are often non-biodegradable and harmful for ingestion, which poses a threat to the environment and public health. Thus far, the dangers of microbial contamination of food on human health have outweighed the risks associated with using these conventional packaging plastics. A possible solution to these issues is to use a combination of innovative materials and microbial inactivation methods that can potentially both reduce plastic waste and combat harmful microorganisms. In this study, two antimicrobial, biodegradable composites were developed and tested for their ability to inactivate two types of bacterium, Escherichia coli K12 and Listeria innocua, …

A Systems Engineering Approach For Mitigating Space Debris In Earth's Orbital Regimes, Manuel Soto

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Space debris in Earth's orbital regimes is a complex threat that originates with human space activity and is maintained by Earth's gravitational force. Space debris poses the risk of colliding with and destroying operational space assets. These collisions, in turn, pose the risk of compounding space debris fragments by turning operational space entities involved in collisions into additional space debris. In other words, the space debris impact does not end with a fragment colliding with a space entity. Instead, the collision is a new space-debris birth since the entities colliding are likely to become multiple fragments. Depending on the collision's …

A Digital Twin Approach To Job Shop Scheduling: Simulation And Optimization In Anylogic, Alan Alejandro Corral Lopez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

In complex manufacturing environments such as job shops, machine breakdowns and maintenance activities can significantly disrupt production flow, leading to delays, bottlenecks, and reduced throughput. This thesis presents the development of a digital twin for a job shop system using AnyLogic simulation software to evaluate the effectiveness of fallback routing logic, where jobs are dynamically rerouted to alternative machines when primary machines are unavailable due to scheduled and unscheduled events. The digital twin replicates real-world job shop conditions, incorporating variable job sequences, machine-specific processing times, and both preventive and corrective maintenance schedules. Two scenarios were compared: a baseline configuration with …

Locked Dimerized Cxcl12 Exerts Radiosensitizing Effects In Head And Neck Cancer, Oscar Villarreal Espinosa, Musaddiq Awan, Abdullah A. Memon, Anne Frei, Jamie Foeckler, Rachel Kuehn, Jennifer Bruening, Becky Massey, Stuart J. Wong, Monica Shukla, Julia Kasprzak, Amit Joshi, Michael B. Dwinell, Heather A. Himburg, Joseph Zenga

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) presents significant treatment challenges, particularly in cases unrelated to human papillomavirus (HPV). The chemokine receptor CXCR4, interacting with its ligand CXCL12, plays a crucial role in tumor proliferation, metastasis, and treatment resistance. This study explores the therapeutic potential of engineered monomeric and dimerized CXCL12 variants (CXCL121 and CXCL122, respectively) in HNSCC and evaluates potential additive effects when combined with radiation therapy.

Methods

Clinical HNSCC biopsies were evaluated for CXCR4 expression in both previously untreated and radiorecurrent disease. HNSCC cell lines were then treated with combinations of CXCL12 variants and radiotherapy and interrogated …

Involvement Of Long Non-Coding Rna (Lncrna) Malat1 In Shear Stress Regulated Adipocyte Differentiation, Justin Caron, Marjan Ghanbariabdolmaleki, Madison Marino, Chong Qiu, Bo Wang, Michael Mak, Shue Wang

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Adipocyte differentiation plays an important role in bone remodeling due to secretory factors that can directly modulate osteoblast and osteoclast, thus affecting overall bone mass and skeletal integrity. Excessive adipocyte differentiation within the bone marrow microenvironment can lead to decreased bone mass, eventually causing osteoporosis. The mechanical microenvironment of bone marrow, including fluid shear, maintains the balance of adipocyte and osteoblast differentiation during bone remodeling. However, how mechanical cues interact with long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and regulate adipocyte differentiation remains unexplored. In this study, we investigated the mechanosensitive role of lncRNA MALAT1 during mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) adipocyte differentiation. By …

In Vitro Investigation Of Macrophage Functional And Metabolic Modulation, Shelby Nicole Bess

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Macrophages are a subset of immune cells with a variety of functions that are abundant in numerous tumor types such as colorectal and breast cancer. It has been suggested that macrophages may serve an important function as immune mediators in tumor behavior; however, macrophage activity is complex and remains not completely understood. The overall goal of this dissertation was to explore and exploit tumor-associated macrophage phagocytic function and the changes in their interactions with cancer cells in an in vitro mouse model and in 2D and 3D in vitro culture models. First, we wanted to better understand macrophage behavior under …

Real Time Adaptive Control Of A Pid Via Genetic Algorithm Machine Learning Systems, Cemre Tas

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The most common control method that is utilized by all industries across the world is the proportional-integrative-derivative controller (PID) due the relatively low cost and complexity of the system. However, there are draw-backs with PIDs, it is not adaptative to a changing system, so it works on nominal systems, and it starts breaking down when a system begins to have a non-linear response. The method chosen to overcome both is the utilization of machine learning with the use of genetic algorithms.

This method allows any PID system to be capable of adapting in real-time, while not adding significant additional cost …

A Study Of The Impact Of Balancing, Geometric Transformation, Generative Networks, And Roi Techniques In Eye Diseases Classification, Sghaira Hareb Alnuaimi

Theses

Automatic detection of ocular diseases helps medical professionals efficiently identify eye disorders, reduce diagnostic errors, and accelerate diagnoses to prevent blindness. Deep learning has been successfully utilized in various fields, including medical image classification. However, in spite of these advancements, challenges remain in ocular disease classification.

The objective of this work is to address these challenges using data processing, data augmentation in combination with Region of Interest (ROI) techniques. Medical datasets often suffer from scarcity, imbalance, and low-quality images, leading to inaccurate classification. To mitigate these issues, we utilize the ODIR dataset, which contains 7,000 labelled training images for both …

Effect Of The Cao Catalyst Concentration Based On Barnacle Shells (Tetraclita Squamosa) On Biodiesel Production From Coconut Oil, Rinjani Rakasiwi, Sri Rezeki, Nurul Hafiza, Wivina Diah Ivontianti

Makara Journal of Technology

Barnacle shells are a source of the calcium oxide (CaO) catalyst, which is nontoxic, highly alkaline, and biodegradable. This study aims to determine the characteristics and the effect of the CaO catalyst concentration obtained from the calcination of barnacle shell particles at a temperature of 900 ℃ for 2 and 4 h on the transesterification reaction of biodiesel from coconut oil. Transesterification was conducted at 65℃ for 2 h with a methanol/coconut oil molar ratio of 6:1. The concentration of the CaO catalyst was varied (i.e., 1wt%, 3wt%, 5wt%, 7wt%, and 9wt%) for coconut oil. The results of the characterization …

Production Of Potassium-Rich Biofertilizer From Composted Banana Peels And Watermelon Rinds, Neema O. Msuya

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This study investigated the production of biofertilizer from composted banana peels and watermelon rinds, focusing on the mineral content and its impact on plant growth. The process involved characterizing raw materials, producing biofertilizer, analyzing mineral concentrations (potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus), and evaluating its quality through Spiny Amaranth seed growth. A compost bin with three compartments was designed, testing three composting ratios of banana peels to watermelon rinds (2:1, 1:2 and 1:1). Composting was monitored on moisture content, pH, organic matter, and temperature for 37 days. The 1:1 ratio had the lowest temperature (33.45°C) and highest pH (7.08), while the 2:1 …

Determination Of Optimal Parameters For Quality Drying Of Garlic Using The Vibro-Convective Method, Jasur Safarov, Shakhnoza Sultanova, Abdurakhmon Mirkomilov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This article examines the process of drying garlic using a low-temperature vibratory-convective drying system. At the "Service Technology" department of Tashkent State Technical University, a vibratory dryer was developed to ensure high-quality drying of garlic while maximizing the preservation of its biologically active compounds. Through experimental studies, optimal drying parameters were determined, including the degree of moisture removal, process duration, airflow velocity, and vibration acceleration. The results obtained contribute to enhancing the efficiency and quality of garlic drying, which holds practical significance for agricultural producers and consumers interested in healthy nutrition.

La Mise En Visibilité Pratiquée Par/Sur Les Réseaux Socionumériques (Rsn) : Identité Numérique Et Motivations D’Usage Cas Des Jeunes Artistes En Développement D’Agadir En Art Visuel, Abderrahmane Ait Rahou, Nadia Bouaafia, Zohra Zemmit

Dirassat

The objective of this article is to present the results of a qualitative study conducted with around ten artists. The issue addressed is as follows: How are the practices of young artists affected by the visibility carried out by/on social networking sites (SNS)? We start from the premise that an artist's relationship with SNS should be viewed not as a given, but as a construct subject to the influence of factors both intrinsic and extrinsic to the artist. Theoretically, we consider that the sociology of uses provides a suitable analytical framework to frame the normativity of this digital environment alongside …

Design Et Intelligence Artificielle : Esquisse D’Une Logique De Créativité Générative Artificielle, Nada Ouerghi

Dirassat

This article questions the creative process in design compared with that of generative artificial intelligence (GAI), and attempts to define a relationship between creative and generative logic.

As a result, a resonance between the design mindset and AGI is identified, thanks to the poetics and use of the design toolbox borrowed to GAI .

Creative cogeneration reconciles human and machine. But the logic of artificial imagination led to question the future of the designer's profession and calls for a mandatory updating of the designer's profile!

Quantifying Treatment Response To A Macrophage-Targeted Therapy In Combination With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors After Exposure To Conventional Chemotherapy, Shelby N. Bess, Gaven K. Smart, Timothy J. Muldoon

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Conventional chemotherapeutic agents, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), can exert anti-tumor effects through immunogenic cell death (ICD) induction. Researchers have found hallmarks that quantify ICD (such as the translocation of HMGB1 and calreticulin). Although chemotherapeutic agents can induce ICD, they increase the expression of immune checkpoints, limiting their effectiveness. Studies have emphasized the importance of investigating the heterogeneous responses of cells co-localized in a solid tumor (macrophages, tumor cells, etc.) to ICD induction. However, these studies were performed in vivo, which limits the collection of information on cell-cell interactions due to model complexity.

Methods: In this study, we used a …

Quantum Machine And Deep Learning For Medical Image Classification: A Systematic Review Of Trends, Methodologies, And Future Directions, Eman A. Radhi, Mohammed Y. Kamil, Mazin Abed Mohammed

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

Quantum Learning (QL) has emerged as a promising approach to medical image classification, leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to improve the performance and efficiency of machine learning algorithms. This systematic review provides a comprehensive critical assessment of the current status of QL techniques developed for medical image classification, with a specific focus on trends, methodologies, and future directions in this rapidly evolving field. A thorough literature search was conducted across five major databases, resulting in a total of 28 relevant studies published between 2018 and 2024. The studies were analyzed and classified based on the type of quantum algorithm, …

Assessing The Impact Of Internal Flow Dynamics On Detection Region Concentrations Of Low-Cost Optical Particle Counters, Livingstone Quarshie

Theses and Dissertations

Particulate matter (PM) poses significant risks to human health and the environment, making accurate measurement essential for exposure assessment and regulatory decisions. While traditional reference methods provide reliable data, they are often bulky, expensive, and difficult to maintain. Optical Particle Counters (OPCs) offer a cost-effective alternative, commonly used in clean rooms, residential spaces, and personal exposure monitoring. These devices rely on light scattering to measure PM concentrations. However, low cost OPCs face challenges related to calibration and measurement accuracy, requiring careful performance evaluation. This study used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools, CONVERGE Studio and ANSYS Fluent, to simulate a simplified …

Advanced Manufacturing Of Multifunctional Shape Memory Polymer Composites And Self-Healing Systems, John B. Konlan

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The need for multifunctional light weight structures for engineering applications is on the rise. Multifunctional composites are desired because of their ability to combine multiple functionalities into one structure. The advantages of a high strength-to-weight ratio of multifunctional composites make them desirable and suitable for use in energy-efficient applications. Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) have attracted interest over the past several decades because of their multifunctional nature. They have found use in many applications such as aerospace, satellites, automobiles, textiles, and biomedical devices, where lightweight and multifunctionality are key. The self-healing nature of most SMPs makes them suitable for use in lightweight …

A Comparison And Investigation Of 2d Axisymmetric And 3d Models For The Wave Augmented Varicose Explosions Atomizer, Caleb Miller

Senior Honors Theses

Atomization of non-Newtonian, high-viscosity fluids is a challenging task with many applications. One method of atomizing these types of flows is the Wave Augmented Varicose Explosions (WAVE) atomizer. Using this framework, the study establishes an analysis methodology, investigates the relationship between 2D axisymmetric (2DA) and 3D models, and provides analysis of geometric, non-geometric, and non-dimensional parameter influences on the atomizer characterization in 2DA models. The study found that 2DA models can provide viable predictions of certain 3D model characteristics, established several mathematical models for parameter relationships among 2DA models, and identified certain metrics as inadequate predictors of atomizer characteristics in …

Uta Datathon 2025 Challenges (Archive), Rubab Shahzad, Srinivasa Sai Abhijit Challapalli, Ghanbarian Behzad, Mei Yang, Clivin Geju, Zecil Yogeshkumar Jain, Jay Mahavirkumar Shah, Sai Nikhitha Chandana

2025 Datathon Challenges-Archive

Timed and Model Challenges from the UTA Datathon 2025

An Approach To Model Uncertainty In Fluid Behaviour With Navier-Stokes Equations In Neutrosophic Environment, Muhammad Saeed, Attia Hameed, Neha Andaleeb Khalid, Muhammad Salman Habib

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

The complex discipline of fluid dynamics examines the behavior of fluids and their interactions with adjacent objects. The Navier-Stokes equations are very important for explaining how fluids move, but they are not linear and often give answers that depend on the starting point and the boundaries. Modeling fluid behavior is challenging due to the inherently chaotic and unpredictable character of fluid dynamics. To deal with unknown or uncertain values in this research, we used neutrosophic logic to look at the Navier-Stokes equations in a new way. Neosophic logic permits the existence of values that are partially true and partially false; …

Revisiting Bipolar Neutrosophic Graph And Interval-Valued Neutrosophic Graph, Takaaki Fujita

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

Graph theory explores networks composed of nodes (vertices) and their connections (edges). A graph class is a collection of graphs that share common structural properties, defined by specific rules or constraints. This paper examines various models of uncertain graphs, including Fuzzy, Intuitionistic Fuzzy , Neutrosophic, Turiyam Neutrosophic, and Plithogenic Graphs. In particular, this study focuses on Bipolar Graphs and Interval-valued Graphs, analyzing them within the frameworks of Fuzzy, Neutrosophic, Turiyam Neutrosophic, and Plithogenic Graphs.

Leveraging Hypersoft Set To Optimize Livestock In The Era Of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Alaa Salem, Mona Mohamed, Nebojsa Bacanin, Mohamed Abouhawwash

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

Due to urbanization and industrialization, rapid global change and the potential loss of arable land, agricultural output must rise in production levels and harvest, distribute, and use resources more efficiently. It is believed that using technology on livestock would help meet the expanding population's demand for food. Internet of Things (IoT) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) integration in conventional farming has transformed operations, providing farmers with greater productivity, improved decision-making, and sustainability. We assume that there are enough UAVs to cover the entire pasture, and our goal is to identify the best UAVs. Accordingly, determining the best type of UAVs …

Contact Graphs In Fuzzy And Neutrosophic Graphs, Takaaki Fujita

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

Graph Theory is a branch of mathematics dedicated to studying graphs, which depict relationships between objects through vertices and edges. A significant focus in this field is the study of contact graphs, where vertices correspond to sets, and edges represent intersections between those sets. To better model uncertainties in real-world situations, several graph types---such as fuzzy, neutrosophic, and Plithogenic graphs---have been developed. This paper investigates the concept of contact graphs within these frameworks, offering insights into their behavior under various uncertain conditions.

Expanding The Horizons Of Nonagonal Neutrosophic Numbers As A Versatile Framework For Decision-Making And Scientific Applications In Covid-19, Muhammad Naveed Jafar, Kainat Muniba, Hamiden Abd El-Wahed Khalifa, Fahd Jarad

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

In this article, the concept of nonagonal neutrosophic numbers has been introducing in the disjunctive frame of reference. We also proposed the dependency and independency of membership function in regards to nonagonal neutrosophic number. We also introduce a new score function and its computation also formulated in a distinct rational viewpoint. We developed the concept of weighted arithmetic averaging operator and weighted geometric averaging operator for nonagonal neutrosophic numbers. It will open new doors for MCDM and develop the concept with new approaches. Additionally, we analyze the effect of COVID-19 for different ages.

Assessing The Sustainable Blockchain-Metaverse-Iot Platform In The Healthcare Industry: An Intelligent Decision Support Model, Ibrahim M. Hezam, Ahmed M. Ali, Ibrahim A. Hameed, Karam Sallam, Mohamed Abdel-Basset

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

Healthcare services must fulfill patients' desires for secure data sharing and high accessibility. Blockchain technology, through blockchain platforms (BPs), can overcome healthcare challenges. This study develops a decision-making methodology for selecting the best BP, by integrating blockchain with IoT and Metaverse, the proposed approach ensures data integrity, quality, privacy and security, secure data sharing, and interoperability. The decision-making methodology uses the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodology to handle conflicting criteria. Two MCDM methods are used in this study: CRiteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) for weight computation, and Ranking of Alternatives with Weights of Criterion (RAWEC) for alternative ranking. To deal …

Appraisal Of Uncertainty-Driven Financial Performance: Bringing Multi-Criteria Decision Making Techniques With Neutrosophic Theory, Mona Mohamed, Nurhan Alaa, Eman Sayed

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

Evaluating financial performance is essential yet challenging due to various factors, including ambiguity, insufficient information, and conflicting evaluation criteria. Conventional Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) techniques often struggle to manage these complexities effectively. To address these limitations and enhance financial performance assessments, this research proposes an innovative approach integrating Single-Valued Neutrosophic Sets (SVNS) with established MCDM methodologies. SVNS uniquely manages uncertainty by concurrently quantifying degrees of truth, indeterminacy, and falsity within financial data. This research specifically employs entropy-based weighting methods integrated with Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS) and Multi-Objective Optimization by Ratio Analysis (MOORA) methodologies in the SVNS environment to systematically rank enterprises …

A Novel Neutrosophic Decision-Making Approach For Optimizing Metaverse Headphone Design: Balancing Technical Performance And User Emotional Needs, Mai Mohamed, Amira Salam, Karam Sallam, Bilal Arain

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

The concept of the metaverse, which combines various technologies to create a wide range of virtual experiences, has gained significant popularity in recent years. To fully engage in these metaverse environments, users rely on access devices such as virtual reality (VR) headsets and smartphones for augmented reality (AR). These devices must be lightweight, compact, and user-friendly to ensure comfort and enhance customer satisfaction. There is a growing focus on innovating and designing products that not only meet technical requirements but also address the emotional needs of users, ultimately improving the overall experience. Selecting the ideal design for Metaverse headphones is …

A Comprehensive Intelligent Traffic Monitoring System Based On A Novel Integration Of Neutrosophic Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Techniques, Mai Mohamed, Amira Salam, Rana Muhammad Zulqarnain, Muhammad Gulistan

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

With the spread of road accidents and traffic congestion that costs countries and governments a lot of money in addition to the loss of human lives, and since traditional methods of monitoring traffic have not been as effective as desired, attention has been drawn to the search for more effective solutions to the problem of monitoring and regulating traffic. With the spread of technology and the Internet of Things, UAVs have emerged as a promising tool for monitoring traffic, as they can fly for a sufficient period and operate in difficult climatic conditions, in addition to their ability to monitor …

Nash Equilibrium Solutions For Continuous Static Games Under Neutrosophic Environment, M. G. Brikaa

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

Neutrosophic set theory plays an important role in dealing with the impreciseness and inconsistency in data encountered in solving real life problems. This paper presents a novel approach to solving a new class of continuous static games within a neutrosophic framework. In the proposed methodology, the neutrosophic continuous static games are redefined into two separate crisp problems: the lower problem and the upper problem. The study further establishes the necessary conditions for determining equilibrium strategies in neutrosophic continuous static games. To demonstrate its effectiveness and practical applicability, the proposed method is validated through a numerical example.