Digital Commons Network^™

The Road To Regulation: A Literature Review Of The Influences On The Updated Silica Standards, Skye M. Medcraft

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Silica is a hazardous compound that poses a risk to human health resulting from dust creating activities across various industries. Several agencies, including OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) and MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) have adopted regulatory oversight of silica exposure in the workplace. As more research has been conducted on silica exposure, the health effects are becoming better described, which has led to the creation and updating of exposure regulations to protect worker health. The objective of this literature study is to review the data presented to the Department of Labor and discuss how the factors that …

Mbse For Process Analytical Technology- Bwon Analysis Case Study, Arnaldo Garcia Cervantes

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions from industrial sources, particularly Benzene, present significant environmental and public health challenges. Regulatory frameworks, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Benzene Waste Operations NESHAP (BWON), mandate strict monitoring of control devices, specifically carbon adsorption canisters, to prevent emission breakthrough. However, current industry practices rely heavily on manual Method 21 testing, a labor-intensive process that creates lagging indicators and increases the risk of non-compliance events. This thesis proposes the design and development of an on-line, automated fugitive emissions monitoring system tailored for carbon canisters using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). Utilizing the Object-Oriented System Engineering Method …

Calibration Of Low-Cost Pm2.5 Sensors Using Data Continuously Generated At A Reference Station In El Paso, Texas, Brenda Lizbeth Hernandez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Low-cost sensors (LCS) offer a cost-effective way to expand air-quality monitoring networks, but they require strong calibration methods to ensure reliable performance under changing environmental conditions. In this study, Clarity LCSs were co-located with a state reference monitor for 6 months to evaluate fixed-time (2-, 3-, 4-, and 6-week) and rolling (2- and 3-week) calibration approaches. A multivariate regression model using PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and relative humidity was used to generate calibration coefficients for a “base sensor.” Data from two additional sensors were normalized to the base unit using linear regression, and their calibration coefficients were applied across the network. …

Image And Signal Processing Methods For Clinical Decision Support: Reference-Based Lung Segmentation On Chest X-Rays And Ecg-Based Study Of Acute Hyperkalemia Using Machine Learning, Basavarajaiah Shanmukhayya Totada

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Study-I: An Image Processing Pipeline for Reference Guided Lung Region Detection in Chest Radiographs with Shape Similarity Matching Accurate and reliable segmentation of the lung region in chest X-ray (CXR) images is essential for computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems, particularly in the early detection and monitoring of lung disorders. Traditional segmentation techniques often rely on manual annotations, limiting scalability and adaptability. The proposed reference-guided approach selects the most similar healthy CXRs dynamically, ensuring flexibility while benefiting from dataset-specific reference images. Building upon prior approaches that utilize shape similarity-based selection and SIFT-flow, this study introduces a fully automated segmentation pipeline that …

Enabling Scalable Camera-Based Streamflow Monitoring With Serverless Cloud Computing, Sajan Neupane

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This thesis introduces a modern and automated method for monitoring rivers and streams using cameras and cloud-based software tools. Traditional monitoring methods often rely on sensors placed directly in the water, which can be expensive, hard to install, and difficult to maintain, especially in remote or rough terrain. In contrast, this approach uses cameras to observe water flow from a distance, offering a safer and more cost-effective alternative. However, camera systems come with their own challenges, such as collecting large amounts of image data, transferring it reliably from the field, and analyzing it quickly enough to be useful. This research …

Feasibility And Potential Of Electric Air Taxis For Long Distance Airport Access/Egress Trips, Atul Subedi

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Getting to the airport is often one of the most stressful parts of a trip, especially for people who live far from the airport. In the United States, many travelers live more than an hour’s drive from a major airport, and their choices such as driving, using public transit, or paying for ride-hailing can be time-consuming, expensive, and inconvenient. A new technology, Electric Air Taxis (EATs), is being developed as a potential solution. These small, battery-powered aircraft could offer faster, cleaner, and more direct connections to airports. However, the success of EATs depends not only on the technology itself but …

Utilizing Diatoms In Wastewater Treatment For Pollutant Removal, Ceaira D. Howard

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Wastewater treatment systems are increasingly challenged by a complex mix of pollutants including excess nutrients, organic dyes, and persistent chemicals like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Conventional treatment technologies often struggle to effectively and affordably remove these contaminants. This study explores the use of two diatom species, Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Navicula cryptocephala var. veneta, both single-celled microalgae with silica-based cell walls, as an environmentally sustainable approach to tertiary wastewater treatment. Diatoms offer dual functionality through surface adsorption properties and metabolic flexibilities, making them promising candidates for integrated treatment strategies.

To test the trophic flexibilities of diatoms, P. tricornutum was …

Evaluating Use Of Multiple Hydrologic Storage Indicators To Enhance Streamflow Forecasting, Reza Morovati

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Accurate seasonal streamflow forecasts are essential for managing water resources in the western United States, where much of the water supply depends on snow accumulation and melt. Water managers, farmers, and communities rely on these forecasts to plan for water use, prepare for droughts, and protect the environment. However, traditional forecasting methods often do not fully use all the available information about how water is stored in the landscape, such as in snowpacks, soil moisture, and groundwater. This can limit the accuracy of predictions and make water management more difficult.

This study aimed to improve streamflow forecasts by explicitly including …

Unveiling The Interactions Between The Antibiotic Resistome And Microplastics Influenced By Trace Elements And Ppcps In Wastewater Treatment Plants, Tahira Tasneem Rahman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global concern, and wastewater treatment plants play a critical role in controlling its spread. These facilities process water containing microplastics (small plastic particles), trace elements like copper and zinc, and chemicals from everyday products like pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Together, these pollutants may contribute to the survival and spread of bacteria containing antibiotic resistance genes, but their combined effects are not fully understood. This study investigated how these pollutants behave and interact in wastewater treatment plants using two approaches: direct monitoring of real treatment plants and controlled lab experiments using synthetic wastewater. Results showed …

Extending Touch: Investigating Sensorimotor Integration, Cognitive Workload, And Presence With Neuro-Haptic Feedback In Virtual Reality, Aliyah Khadijah Shell

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Sensory feedback from the hand is fundamental for the coordination of fine motor skills and overall sensorimotor function. Impaired somatosensation during task execution has been associated with the development of inaccurate motor plans, which can hinder motor learning. Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool for motor rehabilitation; however, most VR-based interventions overlook the critical role of tactile feedback in motor control. The absence of touch feedback, which is integral to conventional rehabilitation and training, may limit the full therapeutic potential of VR. Integrating functionally relevant neurostimulation based haptic feedback (neuro-haptic feedback) into VR-based interventions may enhance functional …

Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Design And Resin Engineering For Hybrid Piezoelectric Ceramic Composites, Joshua Zahn Renaldo Dantzler

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Chapter I:This chapter investigates Barium Titanate (BTO)-epoxy composites reinforced with 3D-printed zirconia triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) scaffolds. Gyroid and Primitive lattices fabricated by digital light processing (DLP) were compared with a bulk composite. The Primitive architecture showed the greatest improvement, with an elastic modulus ~ 20% higher than the Gyroid and ~ 5% higher than the bulk. Normalized piezoelectric coefficients increased substantially, with d33 enhanced by ~ 2750% and g33 enhanced by ~ 120% relative to the bulk. Under cyclic loading, the Primitive lattice generated specific voltages ~ 575% greater than the bulk and ~ 60% greater than the …

Further Insights Into The Network Link Outlier Factor's (Nlof) Light-Load Penalty, Sunday Oluwaleke Ogundele

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This research investigates the performance of the Network Link Outlier Factor with Most Likely Links (NLOF:MLL), under varying network load conditions. Earlier studies reported that the NLOF:MLL algorithm experienced a noticeable drop in fault-localization accuracy when operating in lightly loaded networks. To further examine this limitation, 240 experiments were carried out to observe how the algorithm responds as overall network load increases. The evaluation focused on the classification performance metrics: precision, recall, and F1-score. The results show that NLOF:MLL’s effectiveness improves as network load increases but that the rate of improvement slows progressively, eventually stabilizing in a pattern consistent with …

Decoupling Piezoelectric And Pyroelectric Effects In Anisotropic Polymer-Ceramic Lattices Produced Via Fused Filament Fabrication, Sofia Alexandra Perez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This thesis investigates how multi-material fused filament fabrication (FFF) can be used to engineer lattice structures that decouple piezoelectric and pyroelectric responses within a single polymer–ceramic composite. A hybrid ABS–BaTiO3/PLA lattice—referred to as the Hybrid PIZCAL—was designed to direct mechanical strain along the Z-axis while suppressing deformation in the transverse directions. After thermal poling, the lattice exhibited a 293% increase in Z-axis voltage sensitivity compared to a monolithic ABS–BaTiO3 cube and significantly reduced off-axis electromechanical output. Finite element simulations and directional compression testing confirmed that geometric anisotropy and material zoning produce strong, axis-selective piezoelectric behavior. The second part of this …

Gpu-Based Electromagnetic Microwave Tomography For Brain Imaging And Stroke Detection, Pablo Sotelo Torres

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Each year, an estimated 795,000 people in the U.S. suffer a stroke, with approximately 610,000 being first-time cases. Of these, 87% are ischemic strokes, while the remaining 13% are hemorrhagic. Current imaging methods, such as Computed Tomography (CT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), provide useful information into brain tissue properties; while each technique has its advantages, they remain expensive, non-portable, and often too slow for emergency bedside or in-ambulance use. Electromagnetic Microwave Tomography (EMT) offers a promising alternative: an affordable, portable, rapid, and safe method for stroke detection. By contrasting dielectric properties between healthy and affected …

Nanotechnology Strategies For Endometrium Health: Are We On The Right Track?, Victoria Herrera, Dana Tarab-Ravski, Subhash Chauhan, Nikesh Narang, Mohammad Mirazul Islam, Dan Peer, Rajendra Prasad, Murali Yallapu

School of Medicine Publications

The endometrium is a vital mucosal tissue which undergoes cyclical regeneration, differentiation, and remodeling upon hormonal, cellular, and molecular signaling networks. Dysregulation of these processes can trigger a range of pathological conditions including chronic inflammatory disorders, hyperplastic lesions, malignancies, and infertility, necessitating the need for effective therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, we are still dependent on conventional treatment modalities which are often constrained by inefficient drug biodistribution, systemic toxicity, and emergence of therapeutic resistance. Recently, nanomedicines have gained tremendous attention in human healthcare, because they not only diagnose the disease but also deliver therapeutic agents to the targeted site without affecting healthy …

Wearable Triboelectric Nanogenerators Based Sensors For Human Cardiovascular Monitoring: Progress And Perspectives, Mashrufa Akther, Andrea K. Quezada, Md. Arafat Hossain, Julia I. Salas, Md. Mahmud Alam, Mohammed Jasim Uddin

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Cardiovascular conditions remain the leading cause of death worldwide, driving a critical need for non-invasive, continuous, and dependable health monitoring results. Triboelectric nanogenerators have emerged as a groundbreaking technology enabling self-powered wearable sensors that convert natural biomechanical energy, such as heartbeat, pulse wave, and body motion, into electrical signals. The paper reviews the recent progress and development in TENG-based wearable sensors for cardiovascular monitoring, with a focus on monitoring particular and clinical healthcare. The working principles, advanced materials, structural designs, and integration with wireless data transmission, machine literacy, and bio-signal processing technologies are explored in this article. Operations, including heart …

Process Intensification Of Essential Oils Extraction Using Instantaneous Controlled Pressure Drop Technology, Muhammad Hassnain, Mohammed Ilyas Khaledi, Muhammad Rizwan Azhar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Essential oils (EOs) are volatile, hydrophobic compounds derived from plants, widely used in food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and fragrance industries for their bioactive potential and associated health benefits. Traditional EO extraction methods are limited by low yields, long processing times, and thermal degradation of sensitive bioactive compounds. Instantaneous Controlled Pressure Drop (CID) technology is an advanced intensification method to overcome these challenges by applying compression-decompression cycles and modifying plant structure to enhance heat and mass transfer. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of CID technology and outlines its mechanism and principles. It compiles global research on CID applied to different plants …

Biopolymer-Based Membranes And Their Application In Per- And Polyfluorinated Substances Removal: Perspective Review, Roham Ghanbari, Ratish Permala, Stefan Iglauer, Masoumeh Zargar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Over the past 2 decades, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have attracted considerable attention due to their widespread occurrence and adverse effects on both the environment and human health. PFAS possess strong carbon‑fluorine bonds that confer exceptional chemical stability and resistance to natural degradation; their fluorinated chains are highly hydrophobic and oleophobic, while their polar functional groups contribute to amphiphilic behavior and water solubility. Certain PFAS thus pose serious risks to living organisms, especially mammals. Membrane filtration is recognized as a particularly effective technique, achieving removal efficiencies greater than 99 % for long-chain-PFAS (including anionic, cationic, and zwitterionic PFAS molecules). …

Design Of Tertiary Z-Scheme Cuo–Zno@Mxene Photocatalyst With Superior Visible-Light Activity For Decomposition Of Nanoplastics, Ahmad Najafidoust, Javad Farahbakhsh, Roham Ghanbari, Mohadeseh Najafi, Alireza Keshavarz, Stefan Iglauer, Masoumeh Zargar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Plastic pollution has resulted in the widespread accumulation of nanoplastics (NPs) in aquatic environments, highlighting the need for innovative remediation strategies. In this study, a tertiary z-scheme CuO–ZnO/MXene nanocomposite was developed for the visible-light-assisted degradation of polyethylene-based NPs. ZnO particles were doped with 8 % CuO to form a p-n type heterojunction, and the resulting CuO–ZnO nanoparticles were anchored onto two-dimensional MXene sheets through a sono-precipitation dispersion method, forming a ternary z-scheme photocatalyst with enhanced surface area. The composite exhibited a low electron-hole recombination rate and a tunable band gap (~2.55 eV), enabling efficient visible-light absorption. Under visible light irradiation, …

Performance Study Of A Woody Downdraft Gasifier: Numerical Investigation And Experimental Validation, Md Sanowar Hossain, Showmitro Bhowmik, Mujahidul Islam Riad, Md Golam Kibria, Barun K. Das, Sanjay Paul

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Biomass gasification is an established and widely utilized renewable energy system. The research work aims to develop and construct a downdraft gasifier to investigate gasifier performance. The gasifier’s performance and cold gas efficiency were calculated for three volumetric airflow rates: 7.16 m3/h, 5.97 m3/h, and 4.78 m3/h. The efficiency was found maximum of 69.6% for an airflow rate of 7.16 m3/h. The oxidation zone and neck region of the gasifier reactor had the maximum recorded temperatures of 845 °C and 823 °C for Swietenia macrophylla (SM) and Mangifera indica (MI), respectively. A two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model for a …

Biochar As Additive And Modifier In Bitumen And Asphalt Mixtures, Chathurika Dassanayake, Nuha S. Mashaan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Incorporating biochar into pavement materials is a novel and environmentally sustainable approach that aligns with global sustainability goals and advances greener pavement technologies. Studies have shown that biochar significantly enhances the strength, durability, and stability of pavements, while also contributing to sustainability by lowering the carbon footprint associated with traditional construction materials. Additionally, the incorporation of biochar contributes to the sustainability of asphalt engineering by reducing reliance on petroleum-based products and promoting the valorization of biomass. The primary objective of this review is to critically evaluate and synthesize existing research on the use of biochar in bitumen and asphalt mixtures, …

Development Of A Handy Tool For The Selection Of Urban Stormwater Best Management Practices, Aaron T. Kenny

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The City of Norfolk, Virginia faces substantial stormwater management challenges due to shallow groundwater, tidal influence, dense urban development, and limited right-of-way. These constraints limit the applicability of many Best Management Practices (BMPs) and require the early identification of feasible practices before detailed hydrologic modeling. This thesis introduces a decision-support tool that quickly and systematically identifies and prioritizes BMPs that are both feasible and well-suited to Norfolk’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program, streamlining early-stage selection and saving time and resources.

The tool implements a two-stage methodology. First, feasibility gates are applied using catalog attributes derived from the Virginia …

On The Scalability Of Anisotropic Mesh Adaptation On Distributed And Shared Memory Architectures For Numerical Approximations, Kevin Mark Garner Jr.

Computer Science Theses & Dissertations

Mesh generation is a critical component in numerical approximations of Partial Differential Equations (PDEs). One such example includes Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), as CFD simulations in turn are crucial for applications in many industries, such as personalized healthcare and the design of aerospace vehicles. Generating high quality meshes for large-scale CFD problems presents a significant bottleneck in the CFD workflow. This dissertation proposes “fast,” parallel 3D mesh generation methodologies that are designed to leverage the concurrency offered by emerging High-Performance Computing (HPC) architectures. First, a distributed memory method is presented that integrates a sequential state-of-the-art isotropic, advancing front local reconnection-based …

Simulation Of Stress, Deformation, And Vibration In Unlubricated Ball Bearings At Varying Rotational Speeds, Billy Dwiki, Moh. Hartono

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

Bearings are critical components in rotating machinery, and their performance is highly influenced by operational factors such as rotational speed, load, and lubrication. This study aims to analyze the deformation, stress, and dynamic behavior of SAE 52100 bearings under dry operating conditions at various rotational speeds, as well as to propose mitigation strategies for high-speed industrial applications. A finite element simulation was conducted using ANSYS R19.2 to evaluate the total deformation, equivalent elastic strain, Von Mises stress, and vibrational characteristics of a 6204-type SAE 52100 bearing. The simulations were performed across a speed range of 600 to 2000 RPM under …

Thermophysical, Rheological And Wear Resistance Of Canola Oil Biolubricant With Calcium Carbonate Additive Nanoparticle As Coolant In Cnc Machining, Alfandi Jaelani, Poppy Puspitasari, Diki Dwi Pramono, Alief Muhammad, Muhammad Kozin, Muhammad Kashif

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

Vegetable oil-based cutting fluids are of great importance in supporting green and sustainable manufacturing. This research introduces a new groundbreaking vegetable lubricant formulated with canola oil as the base material, coupled with CaCO3 nanoparticles synthesized from scallop shell waste and used as a cutting fluid in the AISI 1045 CNC machining process steel sprayed with minimum quantity lubrication (MQL). This investigation delves into the thermophysical, rheological, and wear resistance of the developed bio-lubricant. The results of this analysis show density value increased in the canola + CaCO3 0.15% sample by 3.28% of the pure canola sample, as did the viscosity …

Optimizing Zeolite Catalysts For Efficient Ldpe Plastic Waste Pyrolysis, Hilda Porawati, Mazwan Mazwan, Sukadi Sukadi

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

The problem of plastic waste, particularly from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic bags, poses a significant challenge in environmental management due to its non-biodegradable nature and widespread use in daily life. This study evaluates the influence of catalyst types on the characteristics and energy efficiency of liquid fuel products produced from LDPE waste pyrolysis. The three treatments compared were no catalysts, natural zeolite catalyst, and synthetic zeolite catalysts, each subjected to three different temperature variations: 250°C, 300°C, and 350°C. The observed parameters in this study were volume, product mass, cetane index, density, sulfur content, viscosity, flash point, calorific value, and energy …

The Impact Of Pine Resin-Epoxy Ratios On Fire Resistance And Acoustic Performance Of Banana Fiber Composites, Cokorda Istri Putri Kusuma Kencanawati, Dewa Ngakan Ketut Putra Negara, I Gede Andy Andika Parahita

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

Because of their low environmental impact and biodegradability, composite materials derived from natural fibers and resins have drawn interest as sustainable substitutes for synthetic materials in thermal and acoustic applications. Two promising natural components are banana stem fiber and pine resin, but they need to be modified due to their mechanical limitations and flammability. Epoxy resin is commonly used to enhance structural performance; however, its effects on acoustic and fire resistance properties require further investigation. This study examined how different epoxy resin contents affected the sound absorption and fire resistance of composites made from banana stem fiber and pine resin. …

Analysis Of Engine Parameters Of High Composition Palm Oil Biodiesel In Crdi System, Achmad Aminudin, Kelvin Dwi Wardana, Nanang Romandoni, Ahmad Yusril Aminullah, Nur Ihda Farikhatin Nisa, Hari Setiapraja

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

The heavy reliance on fossil fuels has serious consequences, particularly regarding increased greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. In order to obtain cleaner fuel resources and reduce fossil fuel dependence, palm oil biodiesel is added to fossil diesel by volume ratio resulting in B50 and B55 blends. Combustion characteristics, performance, fuel consumption, and emissions were performed in a diesel engine with a 4-cylinder common rail direct injection (CRDI) at different engine speeds (1500, 2000, 2500, and 3000 rpm). Compared to fossil diesel, biodiesel blends exhibit higher density at 855.9 kg/m³ (B55), kinematic viscosity with a value of 5.1 …

Impact Of Cpo And B35 On Diesel Engine Rocker Arm Wear During Long-Term Operation, Fawwaz Aqilah Nurmansyah, Nur Fadilah Rizky Supramono, Muhammad Ikhsan, Erwan Adi Saputro, Wiliandi Saputro

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

The increasing number of motor vehicles has led to higher fossil fuel consumption, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and environmental degradation. As a renewable alternative, biodiesel offers a way to reduce these impacts. Indonesia, with its abundant natural resources, has significant potential for biodiesel production. Crude palm oil (CPO) is a promising feedstock due to its availability and relatively low environmental impact. However, the high costs associated with the transesterification process make direct use of pre-heated CPO an area worth exploring. This study investigates the impact of pre-heated pure CPO compared to B35 ("Dexlite") on rocker arm wear …

Ai-Driven Innovations For Sustainable Healthcare Architecture In Developing Countries And Remote Areas: Enhancing Efficiency Through Futuristic Design, Esraa Elazab, Ahmed Eltawil

HBRC Journal

Access to healthcare in developing countries and remote areas remains a critical challenge due to geographic isolation, inadequate infrastructure, and limited medical resources. Communities in these regions face significant barriers in obtaining timely and adequate healthcare services, exacerbating public health issues. In response, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology, offering solutions that enhance healthcare systems by optimizing operational workflows, reducing human error, and improving resource management. When combined with sustainable design principles, AI-driven innovations provide a comprehensive approach to healthcare access and environmental sustainability. This paper presents a conceptual design proposal for a futuristic healthcare station aimed …