Digital Commons Network^™

Functional Characterization Of Abcc8 Mutations Potentially Linked To The Transition From Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia To Diabetes, Hao Zhang

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels, composed of the SUR1 and Kir6.2 subunits encoded by the ABCC8 and KCNJ11 genes, are critical regulators of membrane excitability and insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells. Gain-of-function (GOF) mutations in these genes cause neonatal diabetes mellitus through impaired insulin secretion and persistent hyperglycemia, whereas loss-of-function (LOF) mutations lead to congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) with hypoglycemia due to β-cell hyperexcitability. I have addressed a paradoxical form of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) arising from KATP mutations, in which patients transition from CHI to glucose intolerance later in life. My experiments indicate that many KATP mutations associated with …

Evaluating The Performance Of The Primary Heat Exchanger In A Sco2 Brayton Cycle While Firing Solid Fuels, Brian Jeffrey Schooff

Theses and Dissertations

The sCO2 closed-loop Brayton cycle is an alternative to the standard steam-Rankine cycle for generating electrical power from a heat source. The sCO2 Brayton cycle is advantageous because it can be more efficient, use less water, and have smaller turbomachinery than the steam-Rankine cycle. While there are several research groups advancing the technology necessary to utilize the sCO2 Brayton cycle on an industrial scale, none of these groups use solid fuel combustion as the heat source. A Brigham Young University-led project developed and tested a pilot-scale sCO2 Brayton cycle unit (1.6 MWth) using natural gas, pulverized coal, and pulverized biomass …

Tests Without Borders: A Global Approach To Measuring Visualization Literacy, Olivia A. Guess

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Visualization literacy assessments shape how we understand people's ability to interpret data, yet most existing instruments embed Western datasets and assumptions that limit their relevance for global audiences. This thesis argues that because data is personal, assessments must also be culturally grounded. We introduce a unified framework for adapting the Mini-VLAT into 22 regionally responsive short-form assessments, each retaining the structure of the original test while incorporating datasets and scenarios tailored to specific regions around the world. To demonstrate how such adaptations can be customized and validated, we present a detailed case study of a Ghana-adapted Mini-VLAT, developed in collaboration …

Trustworthy Ai: Prohibited Practices, Ethical Principles, And The Identification Of Problems, Anna Karmańska

Journal of Global Awareness

The following considerations arise from the study of texts of documents of a legal nature and from the author’s judgments. They do not present the results of the author’s own empirical research; however, they constitute a factual study that is important for their undertaking in the next step. Having given concern but also hopes for AI, the author focuses her attention on issues that, not only in her opinion, have a strong bearing on the preservation of humanity in a digital environment and at the same time with technocratic features. These issues (prohibited practices, high-risk systems, and ethics) related to …

Cavitation On Superhydrophobic Propellers, John Tyson Danby

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the impact of superhydrophobic (SH) surface treatments on the cavitation behavior of small-scale marine propellers. Cavitation, the formation of vapor cavities in liquid due to local pressure reductions, can lead to efficiency losses, noise, and structural damage in marine propulsion systems. Although SH surfaces have shown promise in reducing drag and altering nucleation behavior in static or low-speed flow contexts, their effect on cavitation onset in rapidly rotating propellers remains underexplored. To address this, eight 1-inch aluminum propellers were tested, including variations in pitch, solidity, and blade number. Each design was produced in two versions: one treated …

Cyclic Testing Of Special Moment Frame Connections With Buckling-Restrained Fuse Plates, Jeremiah John Merrell

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents the development and evaluation of a new special steel moment frame connection that employs replaceable buckling-restrained fuse plates that can enhance seismic performance and post-earthquake repairability. A total of eight unique specimens were tested on two series of beam-to-column subassemblies (W36 and W24) to investigate connection behavior under cyclic loading. The experiments examined the influence of fuse plate geometry, bolt configuration, and buckling-restraints on strength, ductility, and deformation capacity. Results indicated that the buckling-restraint washers and bolts were effective at preventing out-of-plane buckling. Specimen M1.5 was successful in meeting the AISC 341-22 qualifications requirements for special moment …

Validation Of A Mesh-Based Computational Fluid Dynamics Model, The Generataion Of Reference Wake Mixing Data, And A Preliminary Comparison To A Lagrangian Vortex Based Model, Justin Don Hawkins

Theses and Dissertations

Three things are accomplished in this work. First, a verified wind turbine model is developed for both turbulent and non-turbulent flows. The verified model is created using AMR-Wind, a mesh-based CFD solver which uses an actuator line model to represent the turbine blades. Second, a database of turbine forces and wake data is compiled using the verified wake model. This data is collected for simulations of two turbines operating in close proximity to one another in various configurations. When the wake of one turbine interacts with another, wake mixing occurs. Wake mixing affects turbine performance and is important for predicting …

Enhancing Fuel Performance Of Molten Salt Reactors Through Improved Thermophysical Property Data, High-Fidelity Simulation, And Advanced Control Strategies, Jackson Seth Ivory

Theses and Dissertations

The deployment of molten salt reactors (MSRs) as next-generation nuclear technology requires accurate thermophysical property data, validated system models, and advanced control strategies to ensure safe and economically competitive operation. This dissertation, Enhancing Fuel Performance of Molten Salt Reactors Through Improved Thermophysical Property Data, High-Fidelity Simulation, and Advanced Control Strategies, integrates experimental measurements, thermal hydraulic simulation, and model predictive control (MPC) to enhance understanding of MSR fuel behavior under steady state and transient conditions. New density and heat capacity measurements of UF4-FLiNaK molten salts were obtained using Archimedean and differential scanning calorimetry methods, respectively, to address critical gaps for fueled …

Utah Lake From Space: Analysis Of Sentinel 2 And Modis Data Shows Spatiotemporal Trends And Patterns In Chlorophyll-A, Turbidity, And Temperature, Kaylee Brook Tanner

Theses and Dissertations

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a serious and growing risk to waterbodies around the world. Excessive algal growth, especially when it involves cyanobacteria, impairs the functioning of aquatic ecosystems and threatens the health of humans and animals using the water. There is currently great interest in developing effective prevention and mitigation strategies for these blooms, particularly in ecologically and economically vital freshwater lakes. Such development, however, requires detailed understanding of HAB drivers and dynamics, which can be highly complex and difficult to characterize. High-frequency, high-resolution imagery from earth observation satellites provides spatially and temporally comprehensive data on global lakes--data which …

Assessment Of The Melt Quality Of A 30% Scrap Adc12 Aluminium Alloy Using The Inclusion And Fluidity Measurement Instrument (Ifmi) With Mullite Ceramic Filters, Gusti Ruri Ruri Lestari, Sandya Ananda Riswan, Muhammad Anis, Ahmad Ashari, Paramita Vidya Ayuningtyas, Bambang Suharno Prof, Donanta Dhaneswara

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

The increasing demand for sustainable practices in the metal casting industry has driven the use of recycled aluminum alloys such as ADC12. However, the addition of aluminum scrap tends to increase oxide inclusions, which reduce melt fluidity and compromise casting quality. This study utilizes the Inclusion and Fluidity Measurement Instrument (IFMI), equipped with mullite ceramic filters, to assess the melt quality of ADC12 aluminum alloy containing 30% scrap. Fluidity and inclusion characteristics were evaluated at five pouring temperatures (660°C, 680°C, 700°C, 720°C, and 740°C). The results show that fluidity increased with temperature, reaching a peak of 84.6 g·s⁻¹ at 740°C, …

An Overview Of Biomass-Derived Graphene Oxide And Its Characteristics For Future Sustainable Applications, Afif Wardana, Ahmad Nabil Shahab, Donanta Dhaneswara, Nofrijon Sofyan

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

The production of graphene oxide (GO) from biomass presents considerable promise as a sustainable alternative substitute for traditional semiconductors. Biomass waste, abundant and often underutilized worldwide, is distinguished by its high carbon content and regenerative characteristics, rendering it an optimal resource for sustainable material production. By heating its biopolymers, lignocellulosic biomass can be used as a new material to make graphene, which forms three-dimensional turbostratic crystallites. These crystallites, composed of partially defective aromatic carbon sheets with graphite-like characteristics, make it easier to create GO with specialized functions for cutting-edge applications. Its capability underscores the revolutionary potential of biomass waste in …

Morphological Test Of Areca Nut Fiber Ceramic Membrane Using Scanning Electron Microscopy Energy Dispersive X-Ray Mapping Spectroscopy, Amelia Marzain, Siti Umi Kalsum, Marhadi Marhadi, Ahmad Nabil Shahab

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

This study investigates the potential of ceramic membranes derived from areca nut fiber as a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable material for the removal of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) from groundwater. Two types of membranes were fabricated: one without activation and one chemically activated using 10% sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The morphological and elemental characteristics of both membranes were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping. The concentrations of Fe and Mn before and after treatment were measured using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The NaOH-activated membrane exhibited a more porous surface structure and higher oxygen content, …

Characterizing Temperature-Dependent Properties Of Fat For Improving High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Simulations, Brian Easthope

Theses and Dissertations

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that relies on the precise delivery of acoustic energy to ablate diseased tissue. The presence of subcutaneous fat can significantly alter focal accuracy and treatment efficiency due to its distinct thermal and acoustic behavior. This study characterized the temperature-dependent thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, specific heat capacity, acoustic attenuation, and acoustic velocity of human subcutaneous fat to improve pretreatment modeling for HIFU therapies. Measurements were performed using a dual needle probe for thermal conductivity and diffusivity, differential scanning calorimetry for specific heat capacity, radiation force balance for attenuation, and through-transmission methods for …

2d-Nanosilicate Carriers For Sustained Delivery Of Vaccine Components, Chih Yun Liu

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Laponite® 2D Nanosilicates (NS) are disc-shaped platelets (~30 nm diameter, ~1 nm thick) with positively charged edges and negatively charged faces, capable of loading proteins, drugs, and nucleic acids via electrostatic interactions to form a house-of-cards gel that sequesters cargo. Here, we evaluated NS for sustained delivery of antigens and Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists to extend germinal center duration and enhance antibody quality. The model antigen ovalbumin (OVA) was adsorbed onto NS at acidic pH in a ~1:1 ratio, with partial unfolding that remained stable at physiological pH. NS-OVA complexes were efficiently internalized by dendritic cells, with uptake driven primarily …

Automated Spectrum Analysis And Radionuclide Identification For Robot-Based Gamma Probes, Kennedy Ochieng Mengoh Alila

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Gamma spectroscopy is a technique used for the detection and identification of nuclear materials. Gamma-ray emission by radio nuclides is detected using scintillation detectors or semiconductor detectors such as NaI and CZT. Robot-based gamma probes enable radiation measurements in large areas and hard-to-reach cluttered hazardous environments, which significantly reduces radiation risks to personnel. The robotic probes require automated on-board gamma spectrum analysis and capabilities with platforms (unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned ground vehicle systems) which use Robot Operating System (ROS). The aim of this thesis was to develop a method of an automated spectral analysis and isotope identification for robot-based …

Quantum Sensing Of Magnetic And Thermal Fields Using Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers On Spoof Surface Plasmon Waveguides, Maxwell Stonham

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in nanodiamonds are solid-state quantum defects capable of detecting magnetic fields and temperature at the nanoscale with high spatial resolution and optical addressability at room temperature. Their spin-dependent fluorescence enables optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR), a technique widely used for quantum sensing. However, enhancing optical readout efficiency remains a critical challenge for scalable integration and various methods can be used to improve this.

This thesis explores a hybrid quantum sensing platform that integrates NV-based sensing with spoof surface plasmon waveguides designed to enhance optical excitation and emission efficiency through localized spoof plasmon modes supported by subwavelength corrugated …

Inelastic Behavior Of Three-Story Buildings With Concrete-Filled Composite Plate Shear Walls Subjected To Wind Loads, Joshua John Blom

Theses and Dissertations

Although elastic design of the main wind force resisting system in a building is the conventional approach it is not always desirable. In this study, nonlinear static and dynamic analyses are used to predict the inelastic behavior of a three-story building with concrete-filled composite plate shear walls subjected to wind loads. To explore the potential for inelastic design, two types of planar composite shear wall buildings are examined: individual shear walls designed using an elastic approach, and coupled shear wall pairs designed using an inelastic approach adopted from seismic design provisions. Nonlinear static "pushover" analyses are run using an assumed …

Experimental Testing Of Axially Loaded Fuse Plates Without Continuous Buckling Restraint, Rebekah Elizabeth Higgins

Theses and Dissertations

Current seismic design practice is to design structures to avoid collapse and protect life. Buildings are designed to resist seismic loading through strength and ductility. In moment frames, this ductility traditionally comes from inelastic deformation of beams. Moment frame connections move inelastic deformation away from the column and allow a plastic hinge to form in the beam. This plastic hinge prevents collapse but leaves the building difficult to repair. Some proprietary moment frame connections address this issue with replaceable fuse plate connections. These fuse plate connections move the plastic hinge out of the beam and into the replaceable fuse, allowing …

Measuring And Modeling Nonlinear Vibrations In Structures With Mechanical Joints, Suzanna Gilbert

Theses and Dissertations

Many assembled structures have bolted or riveted joints. Aside from providing a convenient method of assembly, mechanical joints have an important effect on the structure's dynamic response to its environment. Friction and microslip within the joints help to damp out unwanted vibration. However, the joints also introduce nonlinearity into the response. Most notably, the natural vibrational modes of the structure no longer have constant natural frequencies and damping ratios. Rather, they shift as a function of vibration amplitude. Several methods exist to characterize the dynamics of nonlinear systems, yet they are generally validated on simple benchmark structures, and many still …

Lattice Thermal Transport Beyond The Quasiparticle Approximation: Nontrivial Spectral Competition Between Three- And Four-Phonon Interactions, Yi Xia

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The breakdown of the quasiparticle approximation (QPA) for phonons in strongly anharmonic materials necessitates advanced first-principles frameworks for accurate lattice dynamics and thermal transport predictions. We develop a comprehensive beyond-quasiparticle approximation (BQPA) approach incorporating both three- (3ph) and four-phonon (4ph) interactions and apply it to investigate lattice thermal conductivity (κL) in MgO, PbTe, and AgCl – materials that span a broad spectrum of anharmonicity, from weak to severe anharmonic regimes with overdamped phonons. We reveal that while BQPA consistently increases κL relative to QPA due to phonon softening when considering only 3ph interactions, the inclusion of additional 4ph interactions hardens …

Retracted: Fuzzy Backstepping Approach To Stabilizing Fuzzy Parabolic Partial Differential Equations, Zainab John, Fadhel S. Fadhel, Samsul Ariffin Abdul Karim, Teh Yuan Ying

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

In this work,\floatquery[-14pc]AU: Please provide ORCID ID for remaining authors. we study the solvability and stability of the fuzzy reaction-diffusion equation and the fuzzy diffusion equation with nonhomogeneous boundary conditions. Firstly, we derive the fuzzy exact solutions by converting the nonhomogeneous boundary condition to a homogeneous condition, then we prove the instability of the solution by using simulation approach with the help of Maple program. From this, we have decided to implement the fuzzy backstepping approach to developed the stabilization of the fuzzy parabolic partial differential equations. By using this approach together with the generalized Hukuhara (gH) derivative, we were …

Irregularities In The Dynamics Of Large Networks: Cases On Social Networks And The Internet, Dheeman Saha, Abdullah Mueen, Shuang Luan, Afsah Anwar, Yangsun Hong

Computer Science ETDs

Dynamic networks capture evolving relationships among entities, and irregularities in their behavior often signal significant events. This dissertation investigates such irregularities across social and infrastructural networks. First, we analyze Twitter (prior to its rebranding to X) to characterize influencers, introducing a follower-overlap similarity measure that identifies micro-influencers beyond content-based methods.

We then examine election-related irregularities by comparing suspended and non-suspended accounts during the 2020 U.S. presidential election, revealing behavioral patterns linked to misinformation and coordinated manipulation.

Next, we develop an algorithm to infer post-specific diffusion networks, reconstructing who-saw-from-whom pathways for tweets at scale. This method uncovers structural differences in diffusion …

Experimental Investigation On Thermal And Exergetic Performance Improvement Of A Half-Cylindrical Solar Still Using Pcm And Reflectors, Ahmed Saad Soliman, Ping Cheng, Ahmed A. Sultan, Osama Abdelrehim, Asmaa Khater, Mohamed A. Sultan

Mansoura Engineering Journal

This study explores the potential of enhancing solar still performance by integrating a corrugated absorber with phase change material (PCM) and a reflector. The study aims to improve water yield, extend operation beyond sunset, and boost thermal and exergy efficiencies compared to a conventional flat absorber. Experiments were carried out on flat, corrugated, and corrugated-with-PCM absorbers, both with and without reflectors, to evaluate the effect of each modification. The results show that using a reflector with a flat absorber improved daily productivity by 22%. A corrugated absorber increased accumulated productivity by 38%, and when combined with a reflector, the improvement …

Recovery Of High Energy-Value Materials From Mine Wastewater, Zainab Nasrullah

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

The increasing global demand for high-energy-value materials (HEVM), such as rare earth elements (REEs), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and lithium (Li), coupled with their limited availability and environmental concerns associated with traditional mining methods, necessitates the development of alternative and sustainable recovery strategies. Wastewater streams from industrial processes, mining operations, and electronic waste treatment represent untapped reservoirs of these valuable materials. Research is proposed to develop sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable methods for selectively recovering HEVM from mine wastewater (Berkeley Pit, Montana). Two innovative approaches, the adsorption process using functionalized adsorbent and solvent extraction (SX) using organic or hydrophobic …

Geologic And Geochemical Investigation Of The Ruby Graphite Deposit, Mikayla Taylor

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

The Ruby Graphite project (RGP, also known as the Crystal Graphite deposit) is located in the southern Ruby Mountains, Beaverhead County. The deposit contains coarse-grained and highly crystalline graphite, which is a sought-after critical commodity in today’s global economy. The graphite is hosted by high-grade meta-sedimentary and meta-igneous rocks that reached peak metamorphism during the ~ 1.7 Ma Big Sky Orogeny. In this study, samples were collected from outcrops, mine dumps, and new (2023) drill core from the Ground Hog and Bird’s Nest locations. Rock types include calcitic marble, biotite-garnet schist, pegmatite, diopside-rich skarn, altered ultramafic intrusions, and a possible …

Recycling Ndfeb Magnets I: Production Of Ree Fluorides By A Novel Lpc Process, Isaac Joseph Cobbinah

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets account for over 60% of global magnet sales and are widely used in high-tech, military, and clean-energy applications (Ormerod, 2022). However, they contain critical rare earth elements such as Nd, Pr, and Dy which poses supply chain and geopolitical risks for country like the United States, which rely extensively on foreign sources. Recycling end-of-life NdFeB magnets provides a sustainable solution that diminishes environmental impact, strengthens supply security, and supports stable domestic production of important rare earth elements. A three-stage process has been developed for recycling the REE-content of NdFeB magnets. While the focus is on neodymium (Nd), …

Labram Ii Power Equation And Application To Model A Powder System, Layton Bertrand Bahnmiller

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

This thesis validates equations that predict power input with machine data for the LabRAM II resonant acoustic mixer (RAM), an industrial tool for mixing powders used in advanced manufacturing and other applications. While RAM offers unique advantages such as gentle mixing and adaptability for sensitive or heterogeneous blends, the manufacturer’s power equation lacked published experimental validation. To address this gap, a custom constantvolume calorimeter was designed to directly measure the energy imparted during RAM operation under controlled conditions. Finite element analysis and analytical heat transfer models ensured calorimeter assumptions were valid. Calorimetric experiments revealed that the vendor’s power input equation …

Aqueous Geochemistry Drives Microbial Cu, Fe, And Zn Uptake Rates In Yellowstone, A Continental Hydrothermal System, Eva Carolina Andrade-Barahona

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Microbial uptake of trace metal cofactors such as copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) is governed by biogeochemical processes in hydrothermal systems where metal bioavailability varies widely. In situ microbial metal uptake rates were quantified by applying metal stable isotope probing (MSIP) in the Yellowstone hydrothermal system across diverse geochemical conditions in hydrothermal springs. The findings in these studies revealed that pH exerts a dominant influence on microbial copper uptake rate, also enhanced by increased Cu²⁺ ion availability and dissolved oxygen. Microbial iron uptake, in contrast, displayed a broad tolerance to environmental variability, occurring across a pH range of …

Drinking Water Treatment Using Microbial Cellulose Membranes, Benjamin Schreiber

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Access to clean drinking water is a global concern. Existing water filtration technologies require high energy and chemical inputs. They generate a large volume of waste and are not always readily available. This limitation has given rise to the development of sustainable water filtration technologies. This study focused on developing a biodegradable Microbial Cellulose Membrane (MCM) made of bacterial cellulose that is capable of treating a wide variety of pollutants present in environmental water sources. To improve MCM properties for high flux and contaminants removal, they were pre-treated with NaOH (0.25 M). The effect of transmembrane pressure and membrane thickness …

Process Intensification For Rare Earth Elements Adsorption By Resonant Vibratory Mixing (Rvm), Mehran Saddat

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Rare earth elements (REE) are crucial to the advancement of modern technologies. REE applications include electronics, defense systems, wind turbines, catalysts, magnets, and aircraft. Bastnasite, monazite, and xenotime are the primary resources, while the secondary resources, including coal ash, E-waste, and acid mine drainage, are for REE extraction. The primary processing techniques are chemical leaching, ion exchange, chemical precipitation, pyrometallurgy, solvent exchange, biosorption, and adsorption. Adsorption technique is simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, with higher efficiency but at the cost of a longer mixing time. Therefore, there is a pressing need for an optimized mixing technique to improve the adsorption …