Digital Commons Network^™

The Role Of Micromobility In The Changing Urban Mobility Landscape, Mostafa Jafarzadehfadaki

All ETDs from UAB

The growing prevalence of micromobility has significantly impacted urban mo-‎bility, offering a sustainable and convenient alternative for short trips in urban settings. ‎As cities grapple with increasing congestion, pollution, and the demand for efficient ‎mobility solutions, micromobility options like e-scooters and e-bikes have emerged as ‎popular modes of transportation, particularly in densely populated areas. While earlier ‎research has contributed to understanding micromobility and its impact on urban set-‎tings, significant knowledge gaps still exist. Therefore, a comprehensive study is neces-‎sary to explore the multifaceted dimensions of e-scooter adoption, usage patterns of mi-‎cromobility, and their implications for urban transportation systems and traffic …

Prompt Engineering Principles For Generative Ai Use In Extension, Paul A. Hill, Lendel K. Narine, Aubree L. Miller

Journal of Extension

The prevalence of Generative AI (GenAI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) is increasing rapidly. For Extension professionals, the utilization of prompt engineering is key to leveraging GenAI and LLMs effectively. Prompt engineering involves crafting prompts that elicit desired LLM responses. This article discusses prompt engineering principles, providing examples and guidance. The application of prompt engineering in Extension is explored, showcasing its potential to enhance programs, deliver personalized advice, engage audiences, and disseminate research-based information. By learning prompt engineering skills, Extension professionals can harness the power of GenAI and LLMs, enhancing their ability to address complex challenges in the 21st century.

Cyber Threat Intelligence Sharing In Nigeria, Muhammad Abubakar Nainna, Julian Bass, Lee Speakman

Communications of the IIMA

Cybersecurity challenges are common in Nigeria. Sharing cyber threat intelligence is essential in addressing the extensive challenges posed by cyber threats. It also helps in meeting regulatory compliance. There are a range of impediments that prevent cyber threat intelligence sharing. We hypothesise that we want to maximise this cyber threat intelligence sharing to resist malicious attackers. Therefore, this research investigates factors influencing threat intelligence sharing in Nigeria's cyber security practitioners. To achieve this aim, we conducted research interviews with 14 cyber security practitioners using a semi-structured, open-ended interview guide, which was recorded and transcribed. We analysed the data using an …

A Marine Knowledge System For Ocean Affairs: Integrating Data, Evaluating Usage, And Enabling Sustainable Marine Management, Yu-Jen Pan

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

This study presents the evolution and assessment of the Marine Knowledge Education System (MKES), designed to improve user acceptance among students in professional marine science courses in Taiwan. The MKES leverages real-world maritime cases from the General Coast Guard Administration and is built upon existing technologies like cloud services, social networks, and data analysis tools. The technology acceptance model (TAM) provides the theoretical underpinning for the assessment of user confidence. Data was collected from 190 participants through purposive sampling. Path analysis confirmed all hypothesized relationships within the TAM with statistical significance (p < 0.001). Additionally, paired-sample t-tests revealed a significant increase in student acceptance of the MKES after integrating it into the marine science curriculum. These findings underscore the capacity of the MKES as a digital learning tool to enrich course pedagogy and improve student learning outcomes, thereby offering valuable support in advancing the education of professional marine managers.

Sustainable Mobility, Shams Tanvir

Mavs Open Press Open Educational Resources - Archive

This textbook and OER material cover tools and basic knowledge required to prepare transportation engineers and planners to contribute towards a carbon-neutral mobility future. The goal of the textbook is to train engineering students on existing tools and policy levers that can be used to incorporate emerging transportation technologies in a sustainable, equitable, and efficient manner.

Fundamentals Of Math, Physics, And Statistics For Future Transportation Professionals, Anurag Pande, Peyton Ratto, Ahmed Farid

Mavs Open Press Open Educational Resources - Archive

This textbook and OER material cover tools and basic knowledge required to master the prerequisite essentials of physics, mathematics, and statistics applied in transportation engineering. The textbook modules are intended for students with undergraduate degrees in planning and other less technical fields who are interested in pursuing transportation careers where background engineering knowledge is required.

Neutrosophic Model For Measuring And Evaluating The Role Of Digital Transformation In Improving Sustainable Performance Using The Balanced Scorecard In Egyptian Universities, A. A. Salama, Osama Mohamed Mobarez, Mohamed Hamed Elfar, Rafif Alhabib

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

This paper proposes a neutrosophic model for measuring and evaluating the role of digital transformation in improving sustainable performance using the balanced scorecard in Egyptian universities. The model takes into account uncertainty, ambiguity, and incompleteness in the data. The model first calculates the neutrosophic measures of digital transformation and sustainable performance for each university. Then, it uses neutrosophic logic to evaluate the causal relationship between digital transformation and sustainable performance. The results of the analysis can used to identify the digital transformation indicators that have the greatest impact on sustainable performance. This information can then be used to develop strategies …

Experimental Study Of Drag Characteristics And Dust Removal Performance Of A Hybrid Wet-Filter Precipitator, Hang Yi, Zifeng Yang, Deqiang Chang, Xinjiao Tian, Jingxian Liu

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

With their advantages of high dust removal efficiency and low drag characteristics, hybrid wet-filter precipitators have great potential for dust control in coal mines, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, to help fill this knowledge gap, a hybrid wet-filter precipitator consisting of a 40-layer metal filter and a defogger device is designed and a prototype is constructed. Experiments are conducted to investigate its drag characteristics under wind velocities from 0.85 to 5.68 m/s and its dust removal performance under wind velocities of 2 and 4 m/s. On the basis of results with the initial design, …

Gamifying Energy Management: Leveraging Lokalytica Smartmeter For Sustainable Future, Emilio Roman Perez, King Harold A. Recto

Electronics, Computer, and Communications Engineering Faculty Publications

The gamification of software applications has emerged as an effective strategy to enhance user engagement and promote desired behaviors. This paper explores the gamification of the Lokalytica SmartMeter application, an energy management platform that leverages data from meter readings through its users. By incorporating a challenge-based system and a points-based leaderboard, Lokalytica rewards users who reduce their energy consumption. The gamification application of Lokalytica was built using NextJS, a full-stack framework, along with Tailwind CSS and DaisyUI for UI design, MongoDB Atlas for the database, and GitHub for version control, collaboration, and tracking. This paper discusses the development process, the …

Electromagnetic Theory And Applications, 2nd Edition, Nicholas Madamopoulos, George Kliros

Open Educational Resources

This book intends to provide both the fundamentals of Electromagnetics but also some practical applications of the concepts covered. Having taught electromagnetics for several years, the authors feel that many times the field of electromagnetics comes as “old” and often times students do not appreciate the concepts and their importance in everyday applications. The authors intend to accompany the EM concepts with life applications. Hence, students may see the direct impact of the knowledge they acquire through the study of the field of electromagnetics and better appreciate the field.

Reducing Attack Opportunities Through Decentralized Event-Triggered Control, Paul Griffioen, Raffaele Romagnoli, Bruce H. Krogh, Bruno Sinopoli

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

Cyber-physical systems are prevalent in many critical infrastructures and are vulnerable to a variety of attacks from the network. Decentralized control systems are particularly vulnerable since they rely heavily on network communication to achieve their goals. To address network vulnerabilities, we present an event-triggered network connection and communication protocol that minimizes the amount of time agents are connected to the network, reducing the window of opportunity for attacks. This mechanism is a function of only local information and ensures stability for the overall system in attack-free scenarios. Our approach distinguishes itself from current decentralized event-triggered control strategies by considering an …

2024 Summer Proceedings Teuscher Lab, Teuscher Group, Christof Teuscher, Chelsea Ogbede, Lauren Sanday, Sofia Vargas, Artem Arefev

altREU Projects

How will computation evolve in the coming years? What problems can be tackled using artificial intelligence, in a world increasingly driven by data? And how can that data be used to better inform our decisions as a society? In this unique collection of research projects, each chapter represents a distinct work undertaken by a single individual or a group of students as part of the altREU program led by Christof Teuscher. The projects, rooted in applications of artificial intelligence and innovative computation techniques, examine impactful solutions to numerous pressing challenges affecting communities around the world.

Nasogastric Tube Insertion Aid, Lauren S. Ark, Angela D. Biezins, Zachary B. Crum, Claire E. Nodine, Morgan N. Pope, Natsumi L. Shudo

Biomedical Engineering

The Nasogastric Tube Insertion Aid project, developed under the sponsorship of the BiCEP Program at California Polytechnic State University, aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of nasogastric (NG) tube placement. This initiative was inspired by challenges observed during the BiCEP summer program, where difficulties in NG tube insertions led to multiple attempts, increased patient discomfort, and serious medical risks, including lung punctures and brain trauma. The project's goal was to design an insertion aid that improves placement accuracy while being cost-effective and user-friendly for medical professionals. The device features an external tensioning mechanism that allows controlled deflection of the …

Enhancing Ammonium And Bicarbonate Tolerance In Chlorella Sorokiniana Through Ems-Induced Mutagenesis, Wentao Yang

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

This study explores the enhancement of ammonium and bicarbonate tolerance in Chlorella sorokiniana via EMS-induced mutagenesis, aimed at improving the microalgae's resilience and growth under high-stress conditions of elevated NH4+ and HCO3 concentrations. By mutating C. sorokiniana using EMS, we developed mutant strains capable of thriving in conditions that are inhibitory to the wild type strain. The successful adaptation of these strains demonstrates a significant increase in biomass production and tolerance to environmental stressors, highlighting the potential of EMS mutagenesis in industrial algal applications for sustainable biofuel production and environmental remediation.

Exploring The Potential Of Neutrosophic Topological Spaces In Computer Science, A. A. Salama, Huda E. Khalid, Ahmed K. Essa, Ahmed G. Mabrouk

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

Neutrosophic topological spaces (NTS) offer a novel framework for uncertainty modeling by incorporating degrees of truth, indeterminacy, and falsity. This paper investigates the potential applications of NTS in computer science. We provide background on neutrosophic sets and their extension to topological spaces. We then explore how NTS could be used for uncertainty modeling in data analysis (e.g., handling noisy data in sensor networks), pattern recognition (e.g., improving image classification with imprecise features), and information retrieval (e.g., enhancing search results by considering relevance uncertainty). We discuss the challenges associated with applying NTS and highlight promising areas for future research, such as …

Design Frameworks For Ventilative Cooling: Perceptions From Building Design Practitioners In Ireland And The United Kingdom, Maha Sohail, Adam O'Donovan, Paul D. O'Sullivan

Publications

The global increase in building cooling demands poses a challenge for designers striving for net zero energy consumption. The prevalent use of mechanical cooling underscores the necessity for designers to consider Ventilative Cooling as a viable alternative in the early stages of building design. This paper presents findings from an exploratory survey and semi-structured interviews of industry experts in Ireland and the United Kingdom about their design processes and experienced-based approaches to designing Ventilative Cooling. The findings suggest that the pre-design stage has the same influence for promoting ventilative cooling strategies as the schematic and detailed design stages for practitioners, …

A Data-Driven Framework For Analyzing And Predicting Social Media Engagement During Rumor Propagation, Joseph E. Faza

Master's Theses

The spread of rumors on social media has become a significant concern, as platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter) enable rapid dissemination of unverified information. These rumors can shape public perception and behavior, making it crucial to understand the dynamics of their spread. The main objective of this study is to explore how users interact with rumor-related tweets and identify key factors that predict tweet engagement. By analyzing tweets from seven different rumor events, this research aims to uncover patterns in user engagement and provide insights into the spread of misinformation. The study utilized a dataset of tweets from …

Neutrosophic Model For Measuring And Evaluating The Role Of Digital Transformation In Improving Sustainable Performance Using The Balanced Scorecard In Egyptian Universities, A. A. Salama, Osama Mohamed Mobarez, Mohamed Hamed Elfar, Rafif Alhabib

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

This paper proposes a neutrosophic model for measuring and evaluating the role of digital transformation in improving sustainable performance using the balanced scorecard in Egyptian universities. The model takes into account uncertainty, ambiguity, and incompleteness in the data. The model first calculates the neutrosophic measures of digital transformation and sustainable performance for each university. Then, it uses neutrosophic logic to evaluate the causal relationship between digital transformation and sustainable performance. The results of the analysis can used to identify the digital transformation indicators that have the greatest impact on sustainable performance. This information can then be used to develop strategies …

A New Air-Assisted Flare Tip Design For Managing Gas Flare Emissions (Cfd Analysis), Ahmed A. Maaroof, Joseph D. Smith, Mohammed H.S. Zangana

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Recently, flares have been considered as a major source of air pollution from the petroleum refining industry. The United Nations has instigated an international effort related to the management of flare emissions to reduce the global warming impact related to flaring. Eliminating or removing the need for gas flares is difficult because these devices are generally used as safety devices to allow the combustion of flammable gases in a controlled fashion which supports safe operation. However, reducing flaring is generally possible using well-designed, efficiently operated flare equipment. In general, flare performance can be enhanced following the API-521 methodology and using …

Altered Cortical Activity During A Finger Tap In People With Stroke, Priya Balasubramanian, Roxanne P. Deleon, Dylan B. Snyder, Scott A. Beardsley, Allison S. Hyngstrom, Brian D. Schmit

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

This study describes electroencephalography (EEG) measurements during a simple finger movement in people with stroke to understand how temporal patterns of cortical activation and network connectivity align with prolonged muscle contraction at the end of a task. We investigated changes in the EEG temporal patterns in the beta band (13–26 Hz) of people with chronic stroke (N = 10, 7 F/3 M) and controls (N = 10, 7 F/3 M), during and after a cued movement of the index finger. We quantified the change in beta band EEG power relative to baseline as activation at each electrode and …

Development Of Tissue-Engineered Model Of Fibrotic Scarring After Spinal Cord Injury To Study Astrocyte Activation And Neurite Outgrowth In Vitro, Nikolas Ala-Kokko, Inha Baek, Younghye Song

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI) are debilitating injuries affecting twenty-seven million people worldwide and cause functional impairments. Despite decades of research and medical advancements, current treatment options for SCI remain limited, in part due to the complex pathophysiology of spinal cord lesions including cellular transformation and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Recent studies have increased focus on fibrotic scarring after SCI, and yet much remains unclear about the impact of fibrotic scarring on SCI lesion progression. Here, using collagen and decellularized spinal cord-based composite hydrogels, a three-dimensional (3D) cell culture model mimicking the fibrous core of spinal cord lesions was implemented …

Value Of Electrical Heavy Civil Machinery In The American Construction Industry, Kaston Wong

Construction Management

Every day the construction industry is releasing an unhealthy amount of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The consequences may seem trivial at first because the planet is slowly deteriorating, and it is not easily discernable on a day-to-day basis; however, similar to constantly taking care of one’s home, one must take care of the planet. On the other hand, the difference between degradation of a home and planet is that the pollution released into the world is irreversible; therefore, we need to be even more conscientious of the environment. As the construction industry continues to grow, the need for heavy …

Building Services Engineering September/October 2024

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Spot, Zone And Overcoat Painting Of Steel Bridges, Christopher Goff, Sudhir Palle

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Over the past 25 – 30 years, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has replaced lead-based coatings on many bridges, often with zinc-based systems. But many of these coating systems are now degrading and reaching the ends of their service lives. Historically, KYTC has relied entirely on remove-and-replace painting, however, given the programmatic costs associated with remove-and-replace painting and constraints imposed by limited funding, the agency needs to explore more economical options, such as spot, zone, and overcoat painting. This report discusses use cases for spot, zone, and overcoat painting and lays out guidelines staff can use to determine what method …

A Micromagnetic Study Of Skyrmions In Thin-Film Multilayered Ferromagnetic Materials, Nicholas J. Dubicki

Dissertations

Magnetic skyrmions are topologically protected, localized, nanoscale spin textures in non-centrosymmetric thin ferromagnetic materials and heterostructures. At present they are of great interest to physicists for potential applications in information technology due to their particle-like properties and stability. In a system of multiple thin ferromagnetic layers, the stray field interaction was typically treated with various simplifications and approximations. It is shown that extensive analysis of the micromagnetic equations leads to an exact representation of the stray field interaction energy in the form of layer interaction kernels, a so-called 'finite thickness' representation. This formulation reveals the competition between perpendicular magnetic anisotropy …

Investigation On Production, Kinetic Modelling, Downstream Processing, And Characterization Of Microbial Dextran Using Sucrose-Rich Alternate Feedstocks, Sameeha Syed Ar

Theses and Dissertations

Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPS) synthesized by microorganisms have a wide range of applications from thickener agents in the field of food to formulations in the field of pharmaceuticals. Owing to their rheological, structural, and physicochemical characteristics in addition to its biodegradability, low antigenicity, antioxidant activities, etc., several EPS have gained research focus in recent years. Dextran is one such example of EPS, which is synthesized by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). However, its production is limited to utilization of sucrose medium with a yield of 0.3-0.4 g dextran/ g sucrose. Hence, this thesis work focuses on dextran production using sucrose-rich alternate feedstocks …

Experimental Investigation And Evaluation Of Mechanical Properties And Microstructural Characterization On Chromium Molybdenum Steel Processed Through Laser Based Welding, Rakesh S

Theses and Dissertations

Creep Strength Enhanced Ferritic (CSEF) martensitic modified 9Cr-1Mo (P91) steel is extensively employed in fast breeder nuclear reactors and thermal power plants owing to its superior resistance to thermal fatigue and oxidation corrosion compared with other low-alloy steels. Despite its excellent high-temperature performance, the weldability of this steel remains a critical concern.

Conventional arc welding processes generate excessive heat input and complex thermal cycles, resulting in heterogeneous microstructures, retention of δ-ferrite, and subsequent degradation in service life. In contrast, high energy density beam welding techniques such as laser and electron beam welding offer precise thermal control and minimal heat-affected zones …

An Adaptive Hybrid Deep Learning Architecture For Providing Guaranteed Qos In 5g Cellular Networks, Rajilal Mv Ms

Theses and Dissertations

Wireless network systems must have effective resource allocation, particularly in the context of 5G networks when flexibility is needed to meet a range of network requirements. Resource allocation is essential in cellular network contexts to guarantee equitable access to customers, partners, and cellular service users. Since resource distribution determines network performance, it offers significant advantages when executed well. One of the biggest issues with 5G technology is resource allocation, particularly when it comes to the Quality of Service (QoS) for various applications. Resources in wireless networks include items like channels, power, and spectrum; these must all be apportioned according to …

Utilization Of Solar And Wind Power-Generation Systems In The Mining Industry: Recent Trends And Future Prospects, Elaheh Mohammadi Valikandi, Yosoon Choi

Journal of Sustainable Mining

In recent years, the mining industry has faced many challenges, such as rising demand, fluctuating energy prices, increasing energy consumption due to declining ore grades, and environmental concerns. According to the Paris Agreement, countries worldwide must focus on decarbonizing their economies to mitigate the global average surface temperature growth. This paper reviews how renewable energy, specifically photovoltaic and wind power systems, can be used to tackle some of these challenges. Operating mines globally, like the South Deep gold mine in South Africa and the MA'ADEN Alumina Refinery in Saudi Arabia, and abandoned mines, such as former coal mines in the …

Analysis Of Isotopic Effects On Hydrogen Oxidation, Jacob Carter Wilde

Theses and Dissertations

Tritium generation presents a significant hazard during operation of nuclear reactors and necessitates safety precautions in the case of a combustion incident. Accurate kinetic models should inform these safety precautions, however, reliable tritium data do not exist to generate such models. This work focuses on laminar flame speed, which is an important component of kinetic models. Current estimates based on established kinetic theories and experimental measurements of the other isotopes of hydrogen predict tritium to have a flame speed approximately 70% that of standard protium over a broad range of stoichiometries at one atmosphere in air. These estimates are based …