Digital Commons Network^™

Investigating Stromal Cell-Mediated Biomechanics For Angiogenesis And Reperfusion In A 3d Microfluidic Model For Ischemic Vascular Disease, Vaishali Bala

ETDs from 2020-2029

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects millions worldwide, causing tissue ischemia and impaired healing due to insufficient blood flow. Current therapeutic strategies to promote revascularization remain limited, largely because the mechanical regulation of angiogenesis is poorly understood. While biochemical growth factors like VEGF have been extensively studied, the role of mechanical forces generated by stromal cells in the perivascular matrix remains underexplored. This dissertation investigated how stromal cell contractility drives vascular growth through mechanotransduction pathways and modulation of endothelial cell-cell junctions. Using 3D fibrin or fibrin-collagen-I-based microtissues and compartmentalized microfluidic devices, we characterized the mechanical phenotypes of multiple fibroblast populations and …

Understanding Mobility Limitations And Public Transportation Accessibility For People With Disabilities, Jada Meria Stringer

ETDs from 2020-2029

Mobility for people with disabilities (PWDs) depends on both the availability of transportation and public services and the accessibility of these systems. The presence of public transportation systems does not ensure usability. Vehicles, infrastructure, and the built environment must be designed to accommodate diverse physical, sensory, cognitive, and other needs. PWDs must also be able to navigate public buildings and surrounding spaces safely and comfortably. This thesis examines mobility limitations for PWDs in India and the United States, focusing on accessibility along the full mobility chain. A review of existing literature provides context on accessibility policies, design standards, and the …

Photocrosslinkable Morin-Loaded Gelatin-G-Gma Composite Hydrogel For Accelerating Burn Wound Healing: In Vitro And In Vivo Assessments, Samar A. Salim

Nanotechnology Research Centre

The impaired skin regeneration, scarring, and delayed healing make the management of burn injuries a challenging task. We designed a photopolymerized hydrogel of gelatin-grafted with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) for burn management applications. Hydrogel was incorporated with Morin, a plant flavonoid that was originally isolated from the Moraceae family, with known anti-antioxidant and antifibrotic activities. The physicochemical characterization of the resultant hydrogel, including its gelation time and swelling properties, was conducted. The characterization results indicated that the hydrogel development was successful, exhibiting well-established porosity, as evidenced by the SEM images. In vivo evaluation demonstrated improved tissue regeneration characterized by enhanced collagen …

Advances In Research On Co2 Corrosion Mechanisms, Modification, And Application Of Cements For Injection Wells In Geologic Co2 Sequestration, Hao Feng, Zhang Zongfeng, Wang Hongmin, Du Shuai, Huang Da, Yang Xuefeng, Wang Kexin, Zhang Yu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background and Merhod The wellbore integrity of CO₂ injection wells plays a critical role in maintaining the long-term safe operation of geologic CO₂ sequestration (GCS) projects. Well cement serves as the foremost wellbore integrity barrier, and its durability under GCS has emerged as a hot research topic both at home and abroad. This study systematically reviews the advances in research on the chemical corrosion mechanism of well cement under the operating conditions of GCS, technologies for cement modification for enhanced resistance to CO₂ corrosion, and non-Portland cement systems. Furthermore, the directions for the future development of well …

Numerical Simulation Of Co2 Sequestration Combined With Enhanced Geothermal Energy Extraction In Deep Saline Aquifers, Xie Zehao, Zhang Liehui, Zhao Yulong, Cao Cheng, Kou Zuhao, Zhang Deping, Li Jinlong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objectives and Methods Deep saline aquifers represent ideal spaces for geologic CO₂ sequestration while also featuring high geothermal gradients and abundant geothermal resources. The combination of CO₂ sequestration and geothermal energy extraction holds great significance for enhancing the CO₂ sequestration effect and achieving integrated resource development of deep saline aquifers. Therefore, this study proposed a development approach that combined CO₂ sequestration with geothermal energy extraction in deep saline aquifers and established a thermo-hydro-chemical coupling numerical simulation model of the gas-water two-phase flow. Accordingly, it explored the optimal injection mode, production and injection well patterns, and injection …

Research Progress And Prospects Of Full Flowsheet Coal-Based Ccus, Sang Shuxun, Liu Shiqi, Zheng Sijian, Huang Fansheng, Liu Tong, Chen Siming, Zhou Xiaozhi, Han Sijie, Tian Yuchen, Xiang Wenxin, Bai Yansong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The engineering-oriented, full flowsheet coal-based carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology is the key to efficient, clean coal utilization and carbon emission reduction. It represents a major technology that is urgently needed to ensure the energy security of China and achieve the strategic goals of peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality of the country. Based on previous research efforts of the authors’ team, this study reviews the current status of this technology, reveals its integration mechanisms, and attempts to establish a pattern and scheme for CCUS cluster deployment in coal energy bases. Furthermore, it discusses the future …

Statistical Analysis Of Log Transformation Effectiveness In Air Traffic Movement Forecasting During Covid-19 In South Africa, John Lehlaka Masekoameng

Journal of Aviation Technology and Engineering

This study evaluates the effectiveness of log transformation in enhancing multiple regression models used to forecast air traffic movements (ATMs) in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using 60 monthly observations from October 2016 to September 2021, the analysis incorporates variables such as revenue, lockdown levels, COVID-19 metrics, exchange rates, gross domestic product, and population. Two models are compared: one using raw ATMs and another with log-transformed ATMs as the dependent variable.

While the untransformed model shows stronger explanatory power (R² = 0.904, adjusted R² = 0.891) compared to the log-transformed model (R² = 0.772, adjusted R² = 0.741), the …

Climate Change Impact On Cooling Energy Demand Of Major Airports In Nigeria, Abdullah C. Salihu, Yahaya Z. Ibrahim, Rukayyat Abdulkarim, Emmanuel I. Aruya

Journal of Aviation Technology and Engineering

Rising global temperatures due to climate change are intensifying the cooling energy demands of critical infrastructure, including airports. This study assesses the impact of climate change on the cooling energy needs of five major international airports in Nigeria (Abuja, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, and Port Harcourt) using cooling degree days (CDDs) derived from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) multi-model ensemble climate projections. Monthly and annual CDD calculated with a base temperature of 18°C were obtained from the World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal (CCKP) at a spatial resolution of 25 km × 25 km. Percentage changes in CDD were analyzed …

Advanced Qualification Program Assessments In Aviation Higher Education: A Theoretical Framework, Jorge L. D. Albelo Ph.D., Victor M. Fraticelli Rivera Ph.D.

Journal of Aviation Technology and Engineering

This study investigates the integration of an Advanced Qualification Program (AQP)-centered approach into aviation higher education, aiming to refine assessment methods and enhance the educational experience of future aviation professionals. Guided by research questions exploring the strengths, limitations, key characteristics, and potential improvements of AQP-centered assessments, the study reveals a strong consensus among students and faculty. The AQP model, traditionally an alternative to conventional pilot training under 14 CFR Parts 121 and 135, offers a structured, industry-relevant framework emphasizing clear evaluation processes, multilevel knowledge and skill assessments, and high academic performance. Findings indicate that effective AQP assessments balance theoretical knowledge, …

Integrating Human Factors, Technology, And Mental Health: A Mixed-Methods Framework For Aviation Maintenance Safety In The Philippines, Arthur Dela Peña

Journal of Aviation Technology and Engineering

A complex interaction of human factors, mental health, organizational dynamics, and emerging technologies influences aviation maintenance safety in the Philippines. This study aims to develop an integrated framework to address these aspects and reduce maintenance-related errors. Using a mixed-methods approach based on Creswell’s pragmatic paradigm, the research surveyed 200 participants, including aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs), supervisors, and managers, and conducted in-depth interviews and focus groups. Quantitative analysis revealed that fatigue was a significant contributor to maintenance errors, accounting for 45% of recorded incidents and exhibiting a strong correlation with error rates (r = 0.71, p = 0.005). Incorporating human factors …

Direct Solar-Energy Powered Hydrothermal Treatment To Promote Biomethane Production From Anaerobic Digestion Of Rice Processing Waste, Kainat Rahnuma

Student Theses and Dissertations

Hydrolysis is a slow and energy-intensive process and a rate-limiting step in anaerobic digestion (AD). This research investigates performance strategies for integrating hydrothermal treatment (HT) with AD. HT-AD systems were less economically viable than AD-only options because of the high energy consumption of HT. Therefore, we used solar energy to conduct HT via either solar cookers or solar panels. The HT method significantly improved digestion performance, reducing the lag phase from 60 to 24 h, and increasing overall yield. Hydrothermally treated rice, rice bran, and rice hulls produced 22,932 mL, 13,136 mL, and 1283 mL, respectively. However, untreated rice, rice …

Fostering Engineering Identities And Attitudes Through Place-Conscious Learning Introduction, Rebekah Hammack, Miracle Moonga, Nicholas Lux, Paul Gannon

Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research (J-PEER)

Limited research focuses on how participating in place-conscious engineering affects students’ engineering identities and attitudes toward engineering. This explanatory sequential mixed methods study investigated the effect of engaging elementary school students in place-conscious engineering activities on their engineering identities and attitudes toward engineering. Twenty fourth grade students enrolled in a rural elementary school in the northwestern United States completed two place-conscious engineering activities: (1) after a local wildfire polluted the air with smoke and made it unhealthy for breathing, students designed and built air filters to prevent smoke from entering the homes of affected families residing in a nearby community, …

When Disasters Trigger Cyber Vulnerabilities: Mapping Physical-Digital Interdependencies In Critical Infrastructure Systems, Dikshya Panta, Sicheng Wang, Aditya Sapkota, Prakash Ranganathan

Faculty Publications

Critical infrastructure (CI) systems such as power, water, communications, and emergency services are increasingly exposed to compound risks in which natural disasters and cyber incidents interact and amplify one another. Traditional risk assessments often isolate physical and digital threats, overlooking the cascading dependencies that emerge when operational stress, emergency reconfiguration, and adversarial exploitation coincide. This study conducts a 2019–2025 scoping review and introduces a Geographic Information System (GIS) driven six-stage disaster cyber compounding framework that characterizes, maps, and operationalizes compound risk across interdependent CI sectors. The framework integrates a common operating picture, analytic situational understanding, exposure mapping, threat-fingerprint encoding, detection …

Raw Data Files Contributing To "Changes In Apoe And Timp-1 Expression Correlate With Outer Blood-Retinal Barrier Disruption In An In Vitro Model Of Retinal Aging", Elizabeth Vargis

Browse all Datasets

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Unfortunately, the early stages of this disease are poorly understood, which has led to limited treatment options. Investigating normal changes in tissues eventually affected by AMD can further elucidate the mechanisms of disease progression and lead to novel therapeutic targets. The primary cell layer affected in AMD is the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which forms the outer blood-retinal barrier (oBRB). Beneath the RPE lies Bruch’s membrane, a proteinaceous layer that naturally thickens and stiffens with age. These changes to Bruch’s membrane are also implicated in RPE dysfunction and AMD …

Biopcm-Integrated Smart Façade For Hospitals: Thermal Performance Across Floor Levels In A Hot-Arid Climate, Aia A. Qindil, Esraa Elazab, Mohamed M. Shawky Abou Liela

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Hospitals are among the most energy-intensive building types because they operate around the clock and must maintain strict indoor environmental conditions, especially in hot-arid climates. Improving their performance calls for façade solutions that can store thermal energy effectively and help cut carbon emissions. This study evaluates the use of macro-encapsulated BioPCM® within the south façade of a high-rise hospital in Mansoura, Egypt, using dynamic simulations in DesignBuilder (EnergyPlus). The analysis focuses on two vertical levels, the third floor as a typical ward and the seventh floor as a rooftop ward, to investigate how elevation influences PCM performance, an aspect rarely …

Fatigue Crack Length Estimation Using Acoustic Emissions Technique-Based Convolutional Neural Networks, Asaad Migot, Ahmed Saaudi, Roshan Joseph, Victor Giurgiutiu

Faculty Publications

Fatigue crack propagation is a critical failure mechanism in engineering structures, requiring meticulous monitoring for timely maintenance. This research introduces a deep learning framework for estimating fatigue fracture length in metallic plates through acoustic emission (AE) signals. AE waveforms recorded during crack growth are transformed into time-frequency images using the Choi–Williams distribution. First, a clustering system is developed to analyze the distribution of the AE image-based dataset. This system employs a CNN-based model to extract features from the input images. The AE dataset is then divided into three categories according to fatigue lengths using the K-means algorithm. Principal Component Analysis …

A Critical Appraisal On The Injury Susceptibility Of Underground Metalliferous Mine Workers: Application Of Logistic Regression Model, Sudip Das, Falguni Sarkar, P.S. Paul, B.K. Pal

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The aim of this study is to analyze the occupational injury data of Indian underground metalliferous mines for scrutinizing the injury proneness of different groups of mine workers. In this context, injury records from 2011 to 2022 were obtained from underground metalliferous mines situated at Eastern part of India. The data were characterized and segregated based on different individual and workplace level variables. The workplace injury is categorized as ‘no injury’ and ‘all injury’. Subsequently, Frequency and Classification Based analysis (FCBA), Standardized Injury Rate (SIR) analysis and Logistic Regression Model (LRM) analysis were performed sequentially (FCBA-SIR-LRM) to predict the susceptibility …

Assessing The Student Awareness To Age Friendly Design: The Case Of Ain Shams University- Architecture Students, Shorouk Saleh Ali Kabel, Samah Mohamed Elsayed Atteia Elkhateb, Rowaida M. O. Mohamed Rashed, Wesam M. El-Bardisy

HBRC Journal

With Egypt’s rapid urbanization and projected demographic shift, where individuals aged 60 and above are expected to constitute more than 15% of the population by 2050, addressing the needs of older adults in urban design has become increasingly urgent. Despite global recognition of the importance of age-friendly design, its integration into Egyptian architectural education remains limited, particularly concerning accessibility, safety, and inclusivity.

This study evaluates the level of awareness of Age-Friendly Design (AFD) principles among architecture students at Ain Shams University using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected through an online questionnaire assessing students’ familiarity with the concept, while …

Place Personality And User Behaviour: Insights From Cairo’S Streets, Sara Sabahy, Zeina Elzein, Doaa Abouelmagd

HBRC Journal

A place’s personality is beyond the sum of its characteristics. It’s how people perceive it on a human level, hoping for a better understanding and seeking connection. This study aims to understand how people connect with public spaces to enhance the quality of urban life.

A place’s personality extends beyond its physical attributes—it reflects how people emotionally perceive and connect with it. This study investigates the relationship between the perceived personality of urban streets and users’ behaviour to enhance the quality of urban life in Cairo. Focusing on Downtown Cairo and New Cairo, it addresses a gap in destination personality …

Evaluating The Fate And Variability Of Soil Organic Carbon And Nitrogen Species Under Conservation Practices In The Raccoon River Watershed, Zhonglong Zhang, May Wu

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study evaluates the fate and variability of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and nitrogen species using the latest version of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool– Carbon (SWAT-C) and assesses how conservation practices influence their dynamics in the Raccoon River Watershed (RRW). Dominated by intensive agricultural pro- duction, the RRW is a significant contributor of sediment and nutrient loads to local rivers and the Mississippi River. This SWAT-C model simulates the export of SOC and nitrogen species and evaluates their responses under varying management scenarios. Model calibration was performed for streamflow, sediment, nitrate, total nitrogen, and organic carbon with …

Theoretical Analysis Of Mir-Based Differential Photoacoustic Spectroscopy For Noninvasive Glucose Sensing, Tasnim Ahmed, Khan Mahmud, Md Rejvi Kaysir, Shazzad Rassel, Dayan Ban

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research

Diabetes is a developing global health concern that cannot be cured, necessitating frequent blood glucose monitoring and dietary management. Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) in the mid-infrared (MIR) region has recently emerged as a viable noninvasive blood glucose monitoring technique. However, MIR-PAS confronts significant challenges: (i) Water absorption, which reduces light penetration, and (ii) interference from other blood components. This paper systematically analyzes the background of photoacoustic signal generation and proposes a differential PAS (DPAS) in the MIR region for removing the background signals arising from water and other interfering components of blood, which improves the overall detection sensitivity. A detailed mathematical …

Polystyrene Nanoplastics As Pfas Carriers And Their Interactions With Zwitterionic Phospholipid Membranes, Jiahuiyu Fang, Tongxuan Qiao, Pranab Sarker, Xiaoxue Qin, Size Zheng, Mark J. Uline, Tao Wei

Faculty Publications

The co-occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and nanoplastics (NPs) poses a synergistic threat to environmental and human health, yet the molecular mechanisms governing PFAS–NP complexation and membrane interactions remain unclear. Using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated the adsorption of neutral polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and anionic perfluorinated compounds (perfluorooctanoic acid, PFOA, and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, PFOS) on polystyrene NPs (3.1 and 6.7 nm) and their interactions with 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) membranes. Polystyrene NPs act as carriers, transporting PFAS molecules to the lipid/water interface, where PFAS attachment modifies NP interfacial behavior. PFAS adsorption on the NP surface is driven by …

Noninvasive Condition Monitoring For Eccentricity Fault Detection In Large Hydro Generators, Atena Tazikeh Lemeski, Di̇dem Tekgün, Ozan Keysan, Kemal Leblebi̇ci̇oğlu, Murat Göl

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

Eccentricity faults in electric machines remain a critical concern, as they generate uneven magnetic forces that increase vibration and noise, ultimately raising the risk of premature motor failure. This study proposes a method for the early detection of dynamic eccentricity (DE) faults in hydropower plants through an advanced optimization-based parameter identification technique integrated with finite element analysis (FEA). Finite element modeling (FEM) is first used to analyze an existing salient-pole synchronous generator (SPSG) from a hydroelectric power plant in Türkiye. The effects of DE faults on the SPSG’s magnetic equivalent circuit parameters are then examined under various fault severities. A …

A Deep Learning Model For Accurate Tomato Leaf Disease Identification, Maheen Shahzad, Muhammad Abdullah Javed, Erum Ashraf, Hafiz Ishfaq Ahmad, Sabeen Masood

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

Recent advances in machine learning and deep learning have greatly improved how we detect plant diseases, making diagnoses more accurate, faster, and easier to scale. However, many existing solutions depend on large, pretrained models that need powerful hardware, which limits their use in the field, especially in areas with limited resources. To tackle this, we designed a custom lightweight convolutional neural network (CNN) built from scratch using 20,000 carefully selected images from the PlantVillage tomato dataset. Our model uses Squeeze-and-Excitation (SE) blocks and Swish activation functions to boost performance, reaching an accuracy of 97.7% while using far fewer computing resources …

A Novel Approach To Maximum Weighted Traffic Flow Method For Effective Signal Control, Zülal Hi̇lal Yildiz Budak, Seyi̇t Alperen Çeltek, Aki̇f Durdu

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

Traffic signal management is a critical challenge due to its environmental, economic, and public health impacts. The maximum weighted flow method (MaxWeightedFlow) was developed to optimize traffic flow at isolated and coordinated urban intersections. This study proposes a new method, the novel MaxWeightedFlow, which includes two key strategies to enhance the classical approach. The first strategy reduces computational burden by estimating vehicle approach times based on instantaneous speeds, improving real-time performance. The second employs regression analysis to optimize the alpha parameter, representing the vehicle waiting coefficient. The proposed approach, the novel MaxWeightedFlow, was evaluated using real-world traffic data from Kilis, …

Distribution System Reliability Evaluation Considering Protection Coordination Using Petri Nets, Rani Kumari, Bhukya Krishna Naick

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

Maintaining reliable and high-quality power delivery becomes increasingly complex with expanding power grids. The lack of protection coordination poses a significant threat, compromising overall system reliability. This research addresses this challenge by proposing a method for coordinating protective devices within the distribution system, specifically during network faults. The proposed approach utilizes a stochastic timed Petri net (STPN) based methodology to model protective device coordination across various fault scenarios. This technique effectively captures the dynamic behavior and interactions of protective equipment, allowing for the anticipation of potential disturbances. This proactive insight facilitates preventative measures to address prewarning situations, thereby preventing cascading …

From Uncertainty To Lucidity: Awareness Neutrosophic Kähler-Einstein Innovative Evaluator Methodological In Era Of Green Artificial Intelligence, Mona Mohamed, Ahmed M. Ali

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

The rapid development of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) is a double-edged sword. On the positive side, Large Language Models (LLMs) of Gen AI as chatbot considered intelligent friend. Due to its potential to stimulate the maturation of ideas and cultivate fundamental general abilities like problem-solving and critical thinking. The advancement of Gen AI continued after that, moving from “chatbots” to “AI agents” that carry out multi-step activities in addition to responding to queries.

Regarding the downside, the terminology of “Red AI” era brought about by generative AI is marked by a performance at any expense that puts pressure on …

Simulation Study On Nh3 Combustion And NoX Emissions Under Gas Turbine-Relevant Conditions, Kumeesha Arumawadu, Braxton Wiggins, Ziyu Wang

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Student Publications and Presentations

Ammonia (NH₃) is a zero-carbon fuel and an attractive hydrogen (H₂) carrier for gas turbine power generation due to its high energy density, ease of storage, and transportation. This study numerically investigates NH₃/air combustion using a hybrid Well-Stirred Reactor (WSR) and Plug Flow Reactor (PFR) model in Cantera at pressures of 1–20 atm, temperatures of 1850–2150 K, and equivalence ratios (ϕ) of 0.7–1.2. The effects of pressure, equivalence ratio, and temperature on NH₃ conversion and NO formation are examined. Results show that NH₃ exhibits a non-monotonic conversion curve with pressure after the …

Volumetric Wear Analysis Of Polyethylene Orthopedic Liners Using Point Clouds, Gabriel Landi

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

In vivo wear of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) orthopedic bearings represents a major problem in shoulder and knee arthroplasty, with significant amounts of devices failing due to the complication itself, and even more due to associated reasons for retrieval, including aseptic loosening. However, quantification of UHMWPE wear has largely been limited to linear and in vitro volumetric analyses, obscuring the understanding of the amount of clinically relevant material loss. This study proposes new methods to measure articular, rim, and backside surfaces of retrieved shoulder and knee UHMWPE liners, centered around the coordinate measuring machine (CMM)-based collection of high density …

Securing U.S. Leadership In Agentic Ai Literacy And Adoption: U.S. Vs Chinese Government Policies And Initiatives, Satyadhar Joshi

Harrisburg University Other Works

This paper conducts a comparative analysis of U.S. and Chinese frameworks for AI literacy and adoption, with focus on agentic AI and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) systems capable of autonomous reasoning and execution. We examine national policies, educational integration, governance structures, and technological roadmaps, employing both qualitative review and quantitative modeling. Mathematical formulations include multi-dimensional literacy scoring, Bass diffusion models for adoption dynamics, risk assessment functions, regulatory effectiveness indices, competitiveness metrics, and optimization frameworks for resource allocation. Our analysis reveals divergent paradigms: the U.S. Favors decentralized, innovation-driven approaches with emphasis on interoperability and public-private collaboration; while China pursues centralized, state-led …