Digital Commons Network^™

Performance Evaluation Of Managed Switch Configurations For Secure And Efficient Plc-Based Industrial Automation Networks, Ahmed Salama

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This thesis explores how managed switches can improve network performance and security in PLC-based industrial systems. Using simulations in GNS3 and Cisco Packet Tracer, and packet analysis via Wireshark, the study compares unmanaged and managed switch configurations. Redundancy protocols, particularly STP and RSTP, are evaluated under failure scenarios. Results show that RSTP offers faster recovery times, making it more suitable for time-sensitive environments. Additionally, managed switch features like VLANs, port security, and MAC filtering significantly reduce vulnerabilities and improve network segmentation. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating both cybersecurity and redundancy in industrial network design as systems move toward …

Transient Thermal Finite Element Simulation For Process Modeling In Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing, Satya Sai Kumar Pilli

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

This thesis presents the development of a transient thermal framework for Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) created using ANSYS Workbench. This study aims to understand the inherent properties and thermal behavior of WAAM by using the Finite Element (FE) simulation technique to reduce the need for experiments. Specifically, the transient thermal WAAM simulation framework uses the heat source Goldak model to understand the thermal behavior for a given voltage, initial temperature, and travel speed during the process to predict process temperature. The outcomes of this thesis aim to significantly decrease material waste and repetitive experiments and accelerate production process design …

Nebraska Water Center Annual Report 2025

Nebraska Water Center: Administrative Materials

Training Nebraska's future water professionals, research publications, water sciences laboratory impact and know your well curriculums and community impact

Nanomaterial-Enabled Enhancements In Thylakoid-Based Biofuel Cells, Amit Sarode, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Thylakoid-based photosynthetic biofuel cells (TBFCs) harness the inherent light-driven electron transfer pathways of photosynthesis to enable sustainable solar-to-electrical energy conversion. While TBFCs offer a unique route toward biohybrid energy systems, their practical deployment is hindered by sluggish electron transfer kinetics, unstable redox mediators, and inefficient interfacing between biological and electrode components. This review critically examines recent advances in TBFCs, with a focus on three key surface engineering strategies: (i) incorporation of nanostructured materials to enhance electrode conductivity and surface area; (ii) application of redox mediators to facilitate charge transfer between photosynthetic proteins and electrodes; and (iii) functional exploitation of individual …

Frozen Commons: Food Security And Food Sovereignty In Rural Alaskan Communities And Tribes, Catey Selby, Weiwei Mo

Honors Theses and Capstones

This project explored the challenges, needs, and potential solutions related to food security and food sovereignty in rural Alaskan communities. These communities have long relied on traditional subsistence practices like fishing, hunting, and foraging, but those practices have been increasingly affected by climate change, regulatory restrictions, and commercial overfishing. Key issues identified included shorter hunting seasons, changes in animal migration, unsafe ice conditions, habitat loss, complex land ownership, and permitting barriers. Large-scale commercial fisheries also put additional pressure on subsistence resources, reducing access to traditional food sources.

The project focused on identifying key stakeholders—such as government agencies, tribal organizations, and …

Optimization Of Small-Scale Bioreactors For Increased Pdna Production And Yield, Laura M. Hills

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Maritime Digitalization And Decarbonization: A Sustainable Future, World Maritime University, Korea Research Institute Of Ships And Ocean Engineering, Korea Maritime Institute

Books

The book with the title “Maritime Digitalization and Decarbonization: A Sustainable Future” is the second major outcome following the publication of the Proceedings of WMU Maritime Week (WMW) 2024.

The purpose of WMU Maritime Week 2024 (WMW) was to convene experts from diverse sectors to discuss contemporary maritime issues, generate practical and academic insights, and contribute to the advancement of the international maritime community. Following the success of WMW 2024, the aim is to deliver a top-notch annual conference in the maritime field, producing practical and academic outputs through in-depth discussions of critical contemporary issues in the maritime field. …

Characterization Of Cancer Cell Migration Through Brain Vascular Endothelium Model, Malak Taysser Al-Noubani

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

One of the hallmarks of cancer is increased vessel growth to feed the tumor’s rapid expansion. The newly formed blood vessels are immature and often leaky due to structural and functional abnormalities. This leads to ineffective anti-cancer drug delivery and provides tumor cells with additional opportunities to metastasize. We propose to develop an in vitro vascular endothelium model and introduce aggressive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells to mimic the tumor environment, utilizing a Transwell migration assay. The impact of TNBC cells on vessel permeability will be assessed by staining for tight junction proteins, and the migratory capabilities of TNBC cells …

Indigenous Technology Futurisms: Reclaiming Mackinac Island In Virtual Reality, Madeline A. Gupta

Library Map Prize

In Indigenous Technology Futurisms: Reclaiming Mackinac Island in Virtual Reality, Madeline A. Gupta introduces a place-based digital storytelling project that uses interactive mapping as the foundation for cultural reconnection and community wellness. Centered on Mackinac Island—ancestral land of the Anishinaabe people—the project features a custom-designed map by an Anishinaabe artist, allowing users to navigate a VR website by selecting specific locations across northern Michigan. Each map point opens into a spatial video experience paired with traditional audio content, including oral histories, poetry, and songs.

The project reframes digital cartography through an Indigenous lens, challenging Western colonial mapping practices that …

Estimating Pedestrian Crossing Times At Scramble Crossings Via Machine Learning And Agent-Based Modeling, Sho Takami

CURE Proceedings

Scramble crosswalks differ from conventional crosswalks in their ability for pedestrians to cross diagonally. This research compares the average crossing times and investigates the walking behaviors that pedestrians adopt to produce the speediest times in the two crosswalk configurations. Identification of the most efficient set of walking behaviors is done through an agent-based model, whereas producing polynomials relating crossing times to the most prominent walking behaviors is done through regression algorithms in machine learning. With the combination of these two approaches, it is revealed that pedestrians must adopt a relaxed walking style to make each crosswalk configuration efficient. Additionally, between …

C 3 An: Custom, Compact And Composite Ai Systems - A Neurosymbolic Approach: 4Th-Generation Evolution Of Intelligent Systems, Amit P. Sheth, Kaushik Roy, Revathy Venkataramanan, Venkatesan Nadimuthu

Publications

Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems continue to evolve rapidly. From the architecture perspective, it is evolving from large, monolithic models trained on massive internet data to complex, multi-component “compound” systems and “agentic” frameworks capable of semi-autonomous decision-making. These systems show immense promise yet face numerous challenges in reliability, consistency, transparency, and alignment with user goals. In this article, we propose Custom, Compact and Composite AI with Neurosymbolic (C3AN) approach, a framework that paves way to 4th-generation of AI that integrates data, knowledge, and human expertise to build robust, intelligent and trustworthy AI systems defined by 14 foundation elements.

Custom emphasizes …

Rheology Of Alumina Suspensions Subjected To Alternating Current Electric Fields For Freeze-Casting, Sivakumar Chithamallu, Ruksana Baby, Jacob L. Jones, Dipankar Ghosh

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Alternating current (AC) electric field can extrinsically tune freeze‐cast microstructure, originating from field‐induced increase in viscosity of ceramic suspensions. However, the changes that occur in a ceramic suspension and rheological behavior, ultimately affecting freeze‐cast microstructure, are not well understood. Moreover, the effects of AC electrokinetic forces and temperature on viscosity need to be decoupled. The viscosity and temperature of ceramic suspensions subjected to AC field and direct heating were measured, revealing that the increase in viscosity is due to AC dielectrophoretic forces rather than field‐induced heating of suspension. The shear thinning behavior of suspensions characterized using a power‐law model reveals …

Synthesis Of Bio-Orthogonal Hydrogels For 3d Cell Culture Via Penicillamine Β-Thiolactone-Mediated Native Chemical Ligation, Kaelin E. Marshall, Matthew E. Currier, Nathan J. Oldenhuis

Honors Theses and Capstones

Many hydrogel systems designed to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) employ thiol-based chemistries with undesirable functional groups, including vinyl sulfones and methacrylates. In downstream applications, any unreacted functional groups are problematic and render hydrogels non-viable for human use. Here, we introduce modifications to the Native Chemical Ligation (NCL) mechanism, exploring the elimination of cytotoxic byproducts and increased reaction rate by using a β-thiolactone. The inclusion of the β-thiolactone results in retention of the thiol within the gel, as well as enhanced kinetics due to the thermodynamic favorability of the ring opening and amide formation. We achieved this by functionalizing 4-arm …

Investigation On The Tribological Properties Of Al2o3-Tic Substrates In Fixed Abrasive Lapping For Data Storage Application, Benjie Fernandez

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Alumina titanium-carbide (Al2O3-TiC) or simply AlTiC substrates were widely used in the magnetic recording industry for their superior mechanical and tribological properties. This study investigated the effect of AlTiC substrate properties in slider lapping tribology. Two types of AlTiC substrates, Type-A AlTiC and Type-B AlTiC equipped with an electro lapping guide (ELG), fully functional reader and writer devices were used in the study. Type-A AlTiC was found to have higher hardness and lower coefficient of friction resulting to lower lapping material removal rate and smoother surface finish. The difference in mechanical properties were attributed to the crystal structure and chemical …

Experimental Investigation Of Surfactant Impact On Surfactant-Oil-Brine System For Surfactant Enhanced Oil Recovery, Chananpat Worpattanaluk

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) is a vital technique for improving hydrocarbon extraction efficiency from mature or low-production reservoirs. Among various EOR methods, chemical flooding, particularly surfactant-based EOR, has gained attention due to its ability to reduce interfacial tension (IFT), to alter rock wettability, and to mobilize trapped oil. However, the performance of surfactant systems is highly sensitive to reservoir salinity, temperature, and rock-fluid interactions, leading to surfactant precipitation, adsorption losses, and interfacial tension reduction. Therefore, understanding the effects of salinity, surfactant concentration, and the role of scale inhibitors on the physicochemical stability of surfactant-oil-brine systems is essential for designing robust …

Performance Evaluation Of Strategic Bandwidth Block Assignment For Interference Reduction In High-Density 5g Nr Cell Environments, Pasapong Wongprasert

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Due to the increasing demand for mobile data, mobile network operators (MNOs) typically rely on cell densification to increase capacity. However, doing so also introduces more inter-cell interference (ICI), leading to lower spectral efficiency and making further capacity enhancements challenging. This thesis explores a bandwidth block assignment method for ICI mitigation. The core idea is to divide the bandwidth of an NR carrier into two partially overlapping bandwidth parts (BWPs) to reduce the impact of ICI. By allowing the two BWPs to share the same synchronization signal block (SSB), the same attach and handover configurations can be applied. A modified …

Evaluating Co2 Storage Criteria : Focusing On Thailand's Petroleum Basins For Carbon Storage, Paul Tivere Benjamin

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from large point sources remain central to Thailand’s climate challenge, and geological carbon capture and storage (CCS) is now included in national mitigation plans. However, Thailand still lacks a transparent way to compare candidate saline aquifers and petroleum basins in terms of storage performance, containment, and socio-economic conditions, while allowing for uneven data quality. This thesis develops a Thailand-specific, two-stage framework that combines threshold-based screening with a multi-criteria ranking framework based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Data Confidence Scores (DCS). Twenty-one criteria in three groups (capacity and injectivity, containment, and socio-economic constraints) were …

A Novel Hydrothermal Synthesis Process Of Mil-53(Al) Using Bamboo Biochar As A Sustainable Precursor For Co₂ Adsorption, Pisit Phayutcharoenkun

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Among the numerous MOFs members, MIL-53 (Al) framework is one of the most interesting structures due to the breathing effect and has been widely investigated for hydrogen storage and water treatment. It is built up by the interconnection of infinite trans chains of corner-sharing AlO4(OH)2 octahedral by 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate ligands. MIL-53 crystallizes in a “wine rack” structure (Pnma, a = 17.129(2) Å, b = 6.628(1) Å, c = 12.182(1) Å, α = β = γ = 90°) with large internal pores held open by excess solvent and unreacted ligand in the as-synthesized state. Another challenge is the synthesis process and raw …

Development Of Microfluidic Device To Monitor The Contamination In Drinking Water Using Impedance Spectroscopy, Pornpipat Oupchan

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Microplastic contamination is a growing concern, as microplastics have been found in brain tissue and can enter the body through consumption. The objective of this research is to develop a microfluidic device to monitor microplastic particles by using electrical impedance spectroscopy principles. The device operates based on a flow-through principle. The configuration of electrode consists of copper-based cylindrical electrode with diameter of 300 micrometer and a center-to-center spacing of 2000 micrometer. The electrodes are designed to be replaceable. The microchannel has a rectangular cross-section with a width of 2000 micrometer and a height of 1000 micrometer. The microfluidic device was …

Real-Time Monitoring System For Sedentary Behavior Using Pose-Estimation Approach, Pheng Ou Chea

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Long-term sedentary behavior, defined as extended periods of sitting or inactivity, increases the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems. These risks are often underestimated due to low levels of physical activity. This study proposes the use of You Only Look Once (YOLO)–based pose estimation for dwell-time analysis to monitor sedentary behavior. We examined posture over an entire day to assess prolonged inactivity and encourage individuals to balance energy expenditure with available time—such as engaging in exercise in the early morning or evening according to recommended guidelines. For employees across generations, as well as for vulnerable groups such …

ต้นแบบระบบตรวจจับ คัดแยก และป้องกันภัยจากอากาศยานไร้คนขับขนาดเล็ก, รักษ์ตะวัน พูลสุวรรณ

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

งานวิจัยนี้ได้นำเสนอการออกแบบและความเป็นไปได้ของระบบกระบวนการหลายขั้นตอนแบบครบวงจรสำหรับการตอบโต้โดรน (UAV) โดยใช้แพลตฟอร์ม Software-Defined Radio (SDR) ในกระบวนการแรก การตรวจจับใช้วิดีโอเรดาร์แบบคลื่นต่อเนื่องปรับความถี่ (FMCW) ที่มีความถี่พาหะ 2.4GHz สำหรับการตรวจจับและติดตามเป้าหมายทางอากาศ ระบบย่อยนี้ได้รับการออกแบบมาเพื่อระบุระยะทางและความเร็วของวัตถุที่เข้ามา ขั้นตอนที่สองเกี่ยวข้องกับการจำแนกสัญญาณคลื่นความถี่วิทยุ (RF) โดยใช้โครงข่ายประสาทเทียมแบบคอนโวลูชัน (CNN) เพื่อวิเคราะห์สัญญาณควบคุมและการถ่ายโอนข้อมูลที่ส่งระหว่างโดรนและผู้ควบคุมภายในย่านความถี่ ISM (2.4GHz) ขั้นตอนสุดท้ายคือการทำให้ภัยคุกคามที่ได้รับการยืนยันเป็นกลางโดยใช้เทคนิคการตอบโต้ทางอิเล็กทรอนิกส์สองวิธี วิธีแรกคือการปล่อยสัญญาณรบกวนเพื่อขัดขวางการเชื่อมโยงคำสั่งและการควบคุมในย่านความถี่ ISM (2.4GHz) เพื่อแยกโดรนออกจากผู้ควบคุมได้อย่างมีประสิทธิภาพ ในขณะเดียวกัน ระบบจะทำการหลอก GPS ภายในย่านความถี่ L1 โดยการส่งสัญญาณ GPS L1 จำลองในย่านความถี่ 1.575GHz เพื่อทำให้ตำแหน่งของโดรนสับสน ระบบนี้ได้ทดสอบกับโดรน DJI Mini 4K ที่มีพื้นที่หน้าตัดเรดาร์ 0.01 ตารางเมตร โดยมีผลลัพธ์คือระยะการตรวจจับ 20 เมตร และระยะการรบกวนและการหลอก GPS ที่ 50 เมตร ภายใต้ข้อจำกัดกำลังส่งที่ 20 dB ตามข้อจำกัดของย่านความถี่ ISM

การผลิตเอทานอลจากซังข้าวโพดที่ปรับสภาพด้วยการระเบิดด้วยไอน้ำโดยกระบวนการหมักแบบเชื้อผสม, อิฏฐนิตย์ อินทร์จันทร์

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

งานวิจัยนี้จึงทำการศึกษาการใช้วัสดุประเภทลิดโนเซลลูโลส ซึ่งสามารถหาได้จากวัสดุเหลือทิ้งทางการเกษตรโดยเลือกใช้ซัง(หรือแกน) ข้าวโพดซึ่งเป็นเศษวัสดุจากข้าวโพดซึ่งมีการเพาะปลูกในปริมาณมากในประเทศไทย ในการปรับสภาพเพื่อใช้เป็นวัตถุดิบในกระบวนการหมักเอทานอล โดยมีจุดประสงค์เพื่อศึกษาสภาวะของการปรับสภาพโดยการระเบิดด้วยไอน้ำและประเมินศักยภาพของซังข้าวโพดบดที่ถูกปรับสภาพในการผลิตเอทานอลด้วยกระบวนการย่อยและหมักพร้อมกัน (Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation; SSF) แกนข้าวโพดถูกบดและร่อนให้มีขนาดอนุภาค 2.0 และ 0.5 มิลลิเมตร จากนั้นนำไปปรับสภาพด้วยการระเบิดด้วยไอน้ำที่อุณหภูมิ 190, 210 และ 230 องศาเซลเซียส เป็นระยะเวลา 6, 13 และ 20 นาที จากนั้นศึกษาผลของสภาวะการปรับสภาพต่อการปลดปล่อยน้ำตาลและการผลิตเอทานอลโดยวัสดุที่ผ่านการปรับสภาพจะถูกนำไปย่อยด้วยเอนไซม์เพื่อเปลี่ยนเซลลูโลสและเฮมิเซลลูโลสเป็นน้ำตาลกลูโคสและไซโลส ก่อนเข้าสู่กระบวนการหมักแบบ โดยใช้เชื้อ Pichia stipitis TISTR 5806 ร่วมกับยีสต์ทางการค้า ผลการศึกษาพบว่า การปรับสภาพที่อุณหภูมิ 210 องศาเซลเซียส เป็นเวลา 13 นาที ความเข้มข้นของกลูโคสสูงสุดเท่ากับ 19.5 กรัมต่อลิตร ที่การใช้ซังข้าวโพดที่มีขนาดอนุภาค 0.5 มิลลิเมตร ปรับสภาพที่อุณหภูมิ 190 องศาเซลเซียส เป็นเวลา 6 นาที ที่ความเข้มข้นของของแข็งร้อยละ 13 (น้ำหนักต่อปริมาตร) ร่วมกับการเติม สามารถผลิตเอทานอลได้ที่ความเข้มข้นสูงสุด 29.4 กรัมต่อลิตร ซึ่งเพิ่มขึ้น 3.7 กรัมต่อลิตรเมื่อเทียบกับการใช้กากน้ำตาลเพียงอย่างเดียว ดังนั้นการเลือกสภาวะที่ใช้ในการปรับสภาพด้วยไอน้ำอย่างเหมาะสมจึงมีบทบาทสำคัญในการลดการเกิดสารยับยั้งระหว่างการปรับสภาพ ส่งผลช่วยเพิ่มประสิทธิภาพการผลิตเอทานอลจากซังข้าวโพด รวมถึงมีศักยภาพที่ดีในการนำไปประยุกต์ใช้ในการกระบวนการหมักเพื่อผลิตสารชีวภาพอื่น ๆ

Solid Loading Effects On The Assembly Of Alumina Particles In Aqueous Suspensions Due To The Dielectrophoretic Forces, Sivakumar Chithamallu, Rohan Kiran Parai, Dipankar Ghosh

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Current work in situ investigated the mechanisms of the interparticle interactions that evolve in dilute aqueous alumina suspensions subjected to alternating current (AC) electric field and the effects of solid loading of suspensions. The interactions were investigated for alumina suspension compositions in the 0.005‒0.04 vol.% solid loading range. Field‐induced interactions evolved via particle motion and dynamic assembly, chain formation parallel to the direction of the applied field and chain growth, chain cross‐linking, and chain thickening. The evolution time of each of those events was rapidly accelerated with solid loading. While chain cross‐linking was negligible in low solid loading suspensions, a …

Understanding Fare Capping In Public Transit: Socioeconomic Predictors And Ridership Outcomes, Maige Majuto

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Fare capping is a transit policy that limits how much a rider pays within a certain period, after which all rides are free for the rest of that period. Fare capping has become a potential strategy to reverse the trend of declining transit ridership, which has been caused by factors like fare increases, service reductions, and shifts in travel behavior. While demographic and socioeconomic characteristics are known to influence ridership, their role in fare capping adoption remains underexplored. This study examines how factors like age, income, race, education, and car ownership affect fare capping adoption at the neighborhood level and …

Multifunctional Nanoscale Pigments: Emerging Risks And Circular Strategies For A Sustainable Future, Ajay Vikram Singh, Preeti Bhardwaj, Vimal Kishore, Sunil Choudhary, Akihiko Hirose, Neha Gupta, Madleen Busse, Swarn Lata Singh, Christopher J. Osgood

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

The substantial penetration of nanoscale pigments into a range of sectors has changed the dynamics of industries such as medical, material science, and many more. Nonetheless, their persistence in the environment and probable adverse impacts on health require that an assessment of such risks be formulated considering the One Health perspective. This viewpoint considers the crossing of boundaries of progress in the nanotechnology of nanoscale pigments with environmental, animal, and human health and emphasizes the significance of collaborative activity. Traditional perspectives explain the distribution of pigment history, while the nanotechnology of today's accessibility poses problems regarding utilization, toxicities, and interactions …

Optimizing Hy Wet Ball Mill Efficiency Using Response Surface Methodology, Peng Chen, Ying Hou, Hongxu Lv, Ahmed Sobhy

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study uses response surface methodology (RSM) with a central composite design to optimize the HY wet ball mill work index. Key operational parameters—ore quantity, water addition, and media proportion—were systematically investigated. Variance analysis identified these factors as statistically significant (p < 0.0001), with ore quantity exhibiting the strongest influence (F value = 82.67). Optimal conditions (water addition: 1083.880 mL, media filling rate: 40.362%, ore quantity: 1827.130 g) achieved a minimum work index of 10.195 kW h t⁻¹. Validation tests confirmed the model's accuracy, yielding an average work index of 10.168 kW h t⁻¹ (deviation: 0.027 kW h t⁻¹). Compared to single-factor tests, RSM optimization reduced energy consumption by 3.76% (0.3975 kW h t⁻¹), translating to annual savings of $214,000 for a mid-sized processing plant. This demonstrates RSM's efficacy in …

Parametric Analysis Of Water Jet Descaling Efficiency Of Reheated Continuously Cast Thin Slab, Tochukwu P. Ojiako, Mario F. Buchely, Simon Lekakh, Ronald J. O'Malley, Richard Osei, Taha Tayebali

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Efficient oxide scale removal is critical for maintaining surface quality and process efficiency in steel manufacturing. This study optimizes water jet descaling by evaluating the performance of flat and rotary jet nozzles under varying process parameters. Using a combined approach of experimental analysis and computational fluid dynamics, it investigates the influence of pressure (138–275 bar), lead angle (0°, 15°, 25°), working distance (50–100 mm), and spray angle (15°–25°) on descaling efficiency. Findings indicate that flat jet nozzles achieve superior performance at short working distances due to concentrated impact forces, while rotary jet nozzles sustain efficiency over extended distances through dynamic …

Investigation Of Radiation Absorption Behavior Of Banana Leaves And Onion: A Cost-Effective Way Of Radiation Protection, Arpita Datta, Alpana Goel, Shreya Singh

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Shielding of nuclear radiation is an important component of radiation safety aiming to reduce the exposure of ionizing radiation to radiation workers. In the present work, beta and gamma radiation absorption properties of various environmentally friendly natural materials such as onion, banana leaf, and banana stem were investigated with a view to understand their radiation shielding capability. Pure beta source ⁹⁰Sr–⁹⁰Y and gamma sources such as ²⁴¹Am, ¹³⁷Cs and ⁶⁰Co were used to study the attenuation of beta and gamma radiation using these natural materials. Intensity of the emitted radiation was measured by placing …

Membrane Filtration Of Nanoscale Biomaterials: Model System And Membrane Performance Evaluation For Aav2 Viral Vector Clarification And Recovery, Mara Leach, Kearstin Edmonds, Emily Ingram, Rebecca E. Dutch, Ranil Wickramasinghe, Malgorzata Chwatko, Dibakar Bhattacharyya

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

The growing demand for viral vectors as nanoscale therapeutic agents in gene therapy necessitates efficient and scalable purification methods. This study examined the role of nanoscale biomaterials in optimizing viral vector clarification through a model system mimicking real AAV2 crude harvest material. Using lysed HEK293 cells and silica nanoparticles (20 nm) as surrogates for AAV2 crude harvest, we evaluated primary (depth filters) and secondary (membrane-based) filtration processes under different process parameters and solution conditions. These filtration systems were then assessed for their ability to recover nanoscale viral vectors while reducing DNA (without the need for endonuclease treatment), protein, and turbidity. …

Accelerated Aging System For Pinniped Tags, Sean Shermer, Nathan Vasquez, Deekshitha Garige

Undergraduate Scholarship

This project focused on the design of an accelerated aging system intended to evaluate the durability of pinniped identification tags used in marine mammal research. The system was developed in collaboration with the Cal Poly Humboldt Marine Lab and NOAA, under the guidance of Dr. Dawn Goley, to address the limitations of field based durability testing, which is slow, inconsistent, and difficult to reproduce. The primary objective was to create a repeatable laboratory testing framework capable of simulating multiple environmental stressors experienced by pinniped tags. This includes the accelerated tests of UV radiation, mechanical abrasion, temperature cycling and biological fouling. …