Digital Commons Network^™

The Dynamics Of Word-Of-Mouth Marketing: An Agent-Based Modeling Approach To Message Credibility And Consumer Engagement, Ali Nasirzonouzi, Carlos Gershenson

Northeast Journal of Complex Systems (NEJCS)

Word-of-mouth (WOM) marketing is a critical factor in the dissemination of information and adoption of products in social networks. This paper investigates the impact of two important factors message credibility and consumer engagement on WOM adoption dynamics using agent-based modeling (ABM). This study proposes a simple qualitative model to investigate how these factors influence adoption rates through both broadcast communication and peer-to-peer influence by simulating interactions on a spatially clustered network.

The findings show that increased message credibility significantly boosts adoption, achieving a balance between broadcast and social mechanisms. Also, consumer engagement primarily affects the adoption mechanism, shifting the effect …

Magnetic Nanoparticles: Synthesis And Applications In Life Sciences, Kishore Chand, Erick Salvador Vasquez

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are multifunctional materials with superparamagnetic properties and tunable surface chemistries, making them valuable across diverse fields, such as biomedicine, environmental remediation, and agriculture. This review examines recent advancements in MNP synthesis, encompassing chemical, physical, and environmentally friendly methods while highlighting improvements in size, morphology, and composition control that enhance application-specific performance and environmental sustainability. The review discusses various architectures, including single-core, core–shell, hybrid composites, and stimuli–responsive systems, with an emphasis on their stability, scalability, and functionalization potential. In biomedical applications, MNPs show promise in targeted drug delivery, magnetic hyperthermia, and magnetic resonance imaging contrast enhancement, where biocompatibility, …

The New Reality For The Material Handling Industry, Sunderesh S. Heragu

International Material Handling Research Colloquium

No abstract provided.

Development Of Mechanical Transfer Station For Automated Transport Robots, Stefan Galka

International Material Handling Research Colloquium

No abstract provided.

A Comprehensive Review Of Carbonation In Supplementary Cementitious Concrete: Factors Affecting, Measurement Methods, And Challenges, Mariam Farouk Ghazy, Metwally Abd Allah Abd Elaty, Esraa Samir Abdeljalil

Journal of Engineering Research

Abstract-After water, concrete is the most widely used material on the planet. Accelerated carbonation treatment is an effective approach of reducing carbon emission in the concrete industry. Such carbonation process converts gaseous CO2 into carbonated minerals. This review provided a special focus on internal and external variables affecting carbonation depth. Internal variables such as mixture components, External variables such as adding pozzolanic materials such as fly ash, and slag were examined systematically, temperature, pressure, and CO2 concentration. The effect of accelerated carbonation curing on the compressive strength of concrete at early ages, both positive and negative influences were identified. …

An Eulerian-Pfem Approach To Model Transient Capillary Forces On Moving Contact Lines Of Spreading Liquid Drops: Applications In Hydraulic And Fluid Dynamics, Elaf N. Mahrous, Syed Yousufuddin, Muhammad Saleem Professor, Mohammed N. Iqbal, Muhammad T. Bin-Saleem

Journal of Engineering Research

This study addresses the complexities of simulating multiphase flows, particularly the dynamics of droplet behaviour on solid substrates, which are influenced by intricate capillary interactions. Despite advancements in fixed-grid and moving-grid methodologies, there remains a critical gap in accurately modelling transient phenomena and dissipative forces at the solid-liquid interface. We introduce a novel Eulerian-particle finite element method (PFEM) framework that captures the transient capillary forces associated with the movement of contact lines in liquid droplet spreading scenarios. Through a numerical assessment of three established dissipative force models—Jiang’s, Bracke’s, and Seeberg’s we identify Jiang's model as the most effective and stable …

Reduction Of Volatile Acidity Of Grape Wines By Immobilized Lipase, Azamhon Kh. Khasanov, Barno A. Abdullaeva, Xasan T. Khasanov

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The aim of this work is to study the enzymatic transformation of acetic acid into ethyl acetate by immobilized lipases of the fungus Rhizopus microsporus UzLT-1 obtained on the basis of silica gel and phosphatidylethanolamine to reduce the content of volatile acids in grape wines. In the work, a preparation of lipase from the fungus Rhizopus microspores was used. Lipolytic activity was measured by photocolorimetric method using rhodamine 6G as a chromophore agent. The catalytic property of lipolytic enzymes from the fungus Rh.microsporus immobilized on the surface of silica gel coated with polyamides and modified cephalin in aqueous-alcoholic media was …

Anhydrous Ammonia As A Hydrogen Carrier Fuel For Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Cole Anthony Wilhelm

Dissertations - ALL

In the years since humans realized that our actions could have profoundly harsh effects on the environment, we have been searching for ways to minimize our impacts, while also maintaining the same standard of living. One of the actions with such effects is power generation using fossil fuels, which has long been the largest source of energy. While efforts should be made to improve the efficiency of these power generation plants, we should also work to identify alternative opportunities for power generation without the use of fossil fuels. Some of these opportunities include hydroelectric, photovoltaic, wind, nuclear, and the combustion …

Poly(Pyridinium Salt)S Containing 9,9-Bis(4- Aminophenyl)Fluorene Moieties With Various Organic Counterions Exhibiting Both Lyotropic Liquid-Crystalline And Light-Emitting Properties, Pradip K. Bhowmik, David King, Haesook Han, Andras F. Wacha, Matti Knaapila

Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Research

Main-chain conjugated and non-conjugated polyelectrolytes are an important class of materials that have many technological applications ranging from fire-retardant materials to carbon-nanotube composites, nonlinear optical materials, electrochromic materials for smart windows, and optical sensors for biomolecules. Here, we describe a series of poly(pyridinium salt)s-fluorene containing 9,9-bis(4-aminophenyl)fluorene moieties with various organic counterions that were synthesized using ring-transmutation polymerization and metathesis reactions, which are non-conjugated polyelectrolytes. Their chemical structures were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), proton (1H) and fluorine 19 (19F) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers, and elemental analysis. They exhibited polyelectrolytic behavior in dimethyl sulfoxide. Their lyotropic liquid-crystalline phases were …

Grades Are Bugs, Jordan Freitas

Computer Science Faculty Works

This paper argues that grades are bugs in our educational system, undermining desired behaviors and outcomes. Grades were introduced into higher education for purposes directly at odds with the goals of inclusive pedagogy today, as well as the neuroscience of human motivation and learning. Students enter computer science programs from increasingly varied backgrounds and experiences, and face a rapidly evolving landscape of prospective career paths while higher education costs in the United States are ever increasing. Computer science educators have a responsibility to adapt and carefully re-examine typical approaches to all aspects of the learning environments we build and curricula …

Corrosion Mitigation And Monitoring Of Bridge Tendons And Failure Forecasting Of Wastewater Force Mains, Stanley Chike Agbakansi

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Corrosion remains a significant threat to civil infrastructure, resulting in costly repairsand potential structural failures. This dissertation addresses three critical aspects of corrosion: mitigation and monitoring of post-tensioned bridge tendons, and failure forecasting of wastewater force mains due to internal corrosion.

First, the research investigates the effectiveness of corrosion inhibitors (CIs) applied via pressure injection (impregnation) in post-tensioned tendons. The protective mechanisms and long-term performance of various inhibitors were evaluated to identify the most effective formulations. Among the tested inhibitors, MCI-2020 — a water-based, migratory, mixed-type corrosion inhibitor — demonstrated the most promising results, showing excellent corrosion protection while preserving …

Considerations For Implementing Ai In Warehousing Environments, Irma Adams, Nicolas Iman, Natalie S. Cherbaka

International Material Handling Research Colloquium

No abstract provided.

Acceptability Of The Proposed Congestion Charging System In The Central Business District Of Baguio City, Philippines, Ericka Renee A. Lanigt, Sandra S. Samantela, Ma. Catriona E. Devanadera, Casper Boongaling Agaton

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

The City Government of Baguio is proposing a congestion charging system in the Central Business District (CBD) to address the ongoing issue of traffic congestion in the city. Although it is an effective tool, low public acceptability hinders its implementation. This study aims to assess Baguio City residents' acceptability regarding the CBD's congestion charging system. Specifically, it seeks to (1) identify the factors that influence residents’ acceptability of the proposed system, (2) evaluate whether there is a significant difference in acceptability across different road users (private vehicles, public transportation, cycling, and walking), and (3) provide recommendations for transportation policy planning …

A Practical Approach To Forward Space Allocation, Russell D. Meller, Chuck R. Grissom

International Material Handling Research Colloquium

No abstract provided.

Price-Based Dispatch In Engineered Truckload Trucking Networks, Don Taylor

International Material Handling Research Colloquium

No abstract provided.

The Genesis Of Throughput Models For Automated Warehouse Systems - A Drama In Three Acts, Michael Walz, Timo Lehmann, Felix Rauscher, Christophe Senger, Kai Furmans, Michael Eder, Simon Schaffer, Philipp Trost, Maximilian Wagner, Georg Kartnig Prof.

International Material Handling Research Colloquium

No abstract provided.

Advancements In Human Action Recognition In Manual Material Handling Using Machine Learning, Jesus Jimenez, Joni Mccawley, Francis A. Mendez Mediavilla, Abhimanyu Sharotry

International Material Handling Research Colloquium

No abstract provided.

Patterns Matter: Effects Of Customer Spatial Patterns On The Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem, Melissa Tilashalski, Kimberly Ellis, Stanley Griffis, John Bell, Lance Saunders

International Material Handling Research Colloquium

No abstract provided.

Analyzing The Permeability Enhancement Effect Of Hydraulic Slotting For Low-Permeability Coal Seams Based On A Stress-Diffusion-Seepage Coupling Model, Zhang Hongtu, Zhou Tian, Wang Dengke, Li Botao, Luo Yong, Pan Rongsheng, Tang Jiahao, Lu Weiyong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods This study aims to improve the permeability enhancement effect of coal seams for gas drainage. Targeting the soft, low-permeability coal seams with complex gas occurrence conditions in the Baiping mining area and considering the impacts of effective stress, gas migration, actual gas effects, and tortuosity, this study constructed a stress-diffusion-seepage coupling model based on the pore-fracture dual medium assumption. Using the coupling model, this study simulated the variation patterns of gas content in coal seams during gas drainage under varying gas contents and borehole spacings. Through field tests under different permeability enhancement measures and unloaded coal amounts …

Current Status And Future Trends Of Seismic Prediction And Assessment Technology For Coalbed Methane Reservoirs, Wu Haibo, Zhang Pingsong, Xu Shi’Ang, Huang Yaping, Dong Shouhua, Cheng Yan, Li Donghui, Zhang Sheng, Zhang Min

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The seismic prediction and assessment technology for coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs has undergone rapid development for over three decades, playing an indispensable role in CBM exploration. Methods This study reviews the development history and current status of core technologies within the seismic prediction and assessment technical system for CBM reservoirs, including seismic-petrophysical tests, modeling and inversion, seismic wavefield simulation, seismic amplitude versus offset (AVO) inversion and seismic attribute inversion, and integrated seismic prediction of the sweet spot areas of CBM reservoir resources and engineering. Furthermore, this study delves into the impacts and limitations of the characteristics of CBM reservoirs, …

A Method Integrating A Non-Stationary Random Field For Constrained Inversion Of Csamt Data, Dai Qianwei, Guo Luyao, Wu Yun, Xiong Zhexian, Duan Dan, Bao Zhonglin, Wu Hongfei, Hao Fengyun

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The inversion of controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotelluric (CSAMT) data remains challenging due to two key issues: computational efficiency and resolution. To tackle these two issues, especially the over-smoothing effect caused by traditional regularization methods in estimating complex geological structures, this study proposed an improved regularization inversion method to reflect the spatial distribution characteristics of subsurface physical property parameters more accurately. Methods The proposed method was developed using the method for establishing the stochastic partial differential equation (SPDE) based on the Matérn covariance function. By introducing vector fields and the shape parameters of a range ellipse, this method fully considered both …

Development Of Fiber Composite Joints To Improve Folding Of Deployable Arrays, Luke Q. Gardner

Theses and Dissertations

An origami-inspired deployable array, despite being commonly made from rigid materials, must be able to fold into its stowed configuration. This necessitates the employment of discontinuities between the panels of the array and the use of specialized joints to connect them. Compliant joints, with all their typical advantages, are useful in this application. Membrane hinges and lamina-emergent torsional (LET) arrays are two classes of compliant joints, or surrogate folds, which each feature unique benefits and drawbacks. Membrane hinges in principle are simple and flexible, providing a wide range of motion while experiencing little stress. However, perhaps their most robust variation, …

Mechanisms Underlying Differential Helium Enrichment In Shale Gas Of Varying Structural Styles In The Southeastern Sichuan Basin, Xin Zhiyuan, Chen Jianfa, Wang Jie, Ma Yong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Shale gas reservoirs hold considerable helium reserves despite relatively low helium abundance, establishing them as a critical replacement for helium production growth. The southeastern Sichuan Basin exhibits diverse structural styles with varying preservation conditions, leading to an unclear understanding of the distribution characteristics and enrichment patterns of helium in shale gas. Determining the mechanisms behind the differential helium enrichment in shale gas is significant for the effective utilization of helium in shale gas.Methods Focusing on the typical shale gas reservoirs of different structural styles in the southeastern Sichuan Basin, this study explored the mechanisms underlying differential helium accumulation …

A Review Of Plant–Microbe Interactions In The Rhizosphere And The Role Of Root Exudates In Microbiome Engineering, Anagha Wankhade, Emma Wilkinson, David W. Britt, Amita Kaundal

Biological Engineering Student Research

Microbial interactions within the rhizosphere are fundamental to plant health, influencing nutrient availability, stress tolerance, and pathogen resistance. Beneficial microbes, such as plant growth-promoting microbes (PGPMs), including bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi, enhance plant resilience through mechanisms like nutrient solubilization, phytohormone production, and pathogen suppression via antimicrobial compounds and siderophores. Root exudates, composed of sugars, organic acids, and secondary metabolites, act as chemoattractants that shape the rhizosphere microbiome by recruiting beneficial microbes. Microbial metabolites can, in turn, modulate plant physiology and exudate profiles, thereby reinforcing mutualistic interactions. Stress conditions alter exudate composition, enabling plants to attract specific microbes that aid in …

Throughput Of Ascon Compared With Popular Iot Encryption Algorithms, Mitchel R. Harvey (Ryan), Andrew M. Kaiser, Garrett W. Hoiness

Military Cyber Affairs

No abstract provided.

Using Blockchain Technology To Help Secure America's Defense Critical Infrastructure, Vimal Buck, Aerin Krebs, Brynn Hillard, Jakob Gerha, Joseph Lutma, Srikar Maduposu, Ted Allen

Military Cyber Affairs

Critical water infrastructure in the United States faces increasing cybersecurity threats from state-sponsored actors, with potentially devastating consequences for national security, economic stability, and public health. (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, 2025). This infrastructure supports defense critical assets and is actively being targeted by various state-sponsored hacking groups, which poses a major concern for civilians and military alike. K. Herath (personal communication, February 24, 2025) reported being aware of two attacks on Ohio water systems during his tenure as Cybersecurity Strategic Advisor to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.

Water is essential to everyday life and defense and presents as a high-value …

Quantifying Adversary Military Forces’ Susceptibility To Cognitive Attacks, Bonnie Rushing, Cole Nelson, Shouhuai Xu, Christofer “Raven” O’Keefe, Olga Karpoyan

Military Cyber Affairs

This paper introduces a method to quantify international populations’ susceptibility to cyber cognitive attacks using press freedom and media trust metrics. We present the Cognitive Influence Calculator, a tool that estimates susceptibility (𝑆) based on Press Freedom Scores (PFS) and media trust levels. Findings show that while authoritarian regimes are harder to reach, successful cognitive attacks have greater impacts due to higher trust in state-controlled narratives. Using U.S. wargaming data and international trust metrics, we compute susceptibility scores for the U.S., Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Results show an inverse relationship between PFS and media susceptibility, with local/allied …

Understanding Russia’S Cyber Policies, Strategies, And Doctrines, Bryan Hancock, Hanh Nguyen, Olga Karpoyan, Ekzhin Ear, Shouhuai Xu

Military Cyber Affairs

This study analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of Russia’s cyber policies, strategies, and doctrines through a systematic set of attributes, leading to key insights: (i) Russia has proactively adapted its cyber policies, strategies, and doctrines to its evolving environment; (ii) Russia actively conducts cognitive warfare, but remains equally vulnerable to it; and (iii) Russia’s cyber posture faces significant challenges, including a limited technological base, shortage of skilled personnel, and restrictive approach to information control, all of which undermine the effectiveness of its strategies. These insights offer valuable implications for US Cyber Command and the Department of Defense.

Characterizing Cyberattacks Against Operational Technology Infrastructures Through The Lens Of Attack Flows, Sherman Kettner, Caleb Chang, Ekzhin Ear, Shouhuai Xu

Military Cyber Affairs

Operational Technology (OT) infrastructures play a critical role in modern society and economy. However, their increasing connectivity with public networks such as the Internet has made them vulnerable to cyberattacks, much like traditional Information Technology (IT) systems. In particular, cyberattacks against OT infrastructures remain relatively underexplored and little understood. In this paper, we aim to deepen our understanding of cyberattacks against OT infrastructures. For this purpose, we propose a methodology, including novel cybersecurity metrics to analyze the attack flows of these attacks in an end-to-end fashion, which allows us to draw useful insights. We demonstrate the utility of the methodology …

Contaminant Removal Of Printed 7xxx Aluminum Using The Additive Friction Stir Deposition Process, Jacob Jason Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

The development of contaminant-free additive friction stir deposition (AFSD) using 7xxx series aluminum alloys represents a significant advancement in solid-state additive manufacturing. The removal of graphite and other contaminants allows AFSD to more effectively move forward into the production space. This work demonstrates how contaminant-free depositions were made more feasible. This was accomplished via novel tool designs. These novel designs reduced process forces sufficiently that 7xxx aluminum alloys were able to be printed on commercial and research AFSD machines. Internal features such as draft angles and diffusers/chamfers help to significantly reduce actuator forces. This work also demonstrates how external tool …