Digital Commons Network^™

Algorithmic Optimization Of Filter Bank: Harnessing Rapid Convergence And Its Applications, Keerthana B

Theses and Dissertations

A novel optimization framework is proposed for the design of both uniform and non-uniform filter banks, aimed at improving the accuracy and computational efficiency of biomedical signal classification tasks, with a particular emphasis on the detection of sleep disorders and Alzheimer’s disease. The proposed algorithm is grounded in multirate signal processing theory and aims to achieve Near Perfect Reconstruction (NPR) with minimal computational overhead. The process begins with the optimization of a uniform cosine-modulated filter bank (CMFB), achieved through iterative frequency-domain analysis and parameter tuning.

This is followed by the derivation of a non-uniform filter bank via selective merging of …

The Effect Of Transformer Based Pre-Trained Language Models On Biomedical Relation Extractions, Eman Saad, Sherif Kishk, Amr Ali-Eldin, Ahmed I. Saleh

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Biomedical relation extraction represents a critical advancement in healthcare research. As the volume of biomedical publications continues to grow exponentially, efficient extraction of entity relationships has become essential for accelerating knowledge discovery, drug development, and precision medicine initiatives. The field has evolved from focusing on simple binary relations, such as Protein-Protein Interactions (PPI), which are fundamental to understanding cellular processes and therapeutic development, to addressing more complex multi-class classification challenges like Drug-Drug Interactions (DDI) and Chemical-Protein Interactions (CPI).Pre-trained language models have become the cornerstone of modern approaches of extracting biomedical relations. Models like BioBERT, PubMedBERT, and SciBERT, along with general-purpose …

Retracted: Solving Time-Fractional Nonlinear Variable-Order Delay Pdes Using Feedforward Neural Networks, Hala S. Alruhaili, Adel S. Hussain, Abdullah M. S. Ajlouni, Funda Türk, Emad A. Az-Zo’Bi, Mohammad A. Tashtoush

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

This study presents an innovative application of Feedforward Neural Networks ‘FNNs’ to solve Variable-Order Fractional Partial Differential Equations ‘VO-FPDEs’ with time delays. Utilizing the Caputo definition, the variable-order fractional derivatives are approximated in terms of integer-order derivatives. The problem is reformulated as a system of partial differential equations with delay terms, which is then addressed using ‘FNNs’ to achieve explicit approximate solutions. Comprehensive error and convergence analyses validate the method’s precision and reliability. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is highlighted through numerical examples, with graphical and tabular representations showcasing minimal absolute errors and robust convergence. These results demonstrate the …

A Predictive Framework For Early Detection And Personalised Monitoring Of Parkinson’S Disease Using Artificial Intelligence And Large Language Models, Priyadharshini S

Theses and Dissertations

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a multifaceted and progressive neurodegenerative disorder that presents a spectrum of motor and non-motor symptoms. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective disease management and improved patient outcomes, yet remains clinically challenging due to symptom overlap and diagnostic limitations. This thesis proposes a comprehensive and interpretable artificial intelligence (AI)-driven diagnostic framework that aims to transform the early detection, personalised monitoring, and treatment recommendation process for PD. The proposed solution integrates deep learning, radiomics, evolutionary optimisation, and large language models (LLMs), ensuring a highly accurate and clinically adaptable system.

The research begins by analysing T2-weighted 3D …

An Acoustofluidic Device For Sample Preparation And Detection Of Small Extracellular Vesicles, Jessica F. Liu, Jianping Xia, Joseph Rich, Shuaiguo Zhao, Kaichun Yang, Brandon Lu, Ying Chen, Tiffany Wen Ye, Tony Jun Huang

Faculty Publications

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have emerged as powerful vectors for liquid biopsy, offering a noninvasive window into the dynamic physiological and pathological states of the body. However, to fully leverage the clinical potential of sEV biomarkers, it is imperative to develop robust and efficient technologies for their isolation and analysis. In this study, we introduce a novel sharp-edge acoustofluidic platform designed for rapid and effective sample preparation, coupled with sensitive detection of specific sEV populations based on their surface markers. Our approach utilizes acoustically activated sharp-edge microstructures to concentrate bead-bound sEVs within the microfluidic device, facilitating immediate visualization by fluorescence …

Advancing Eye-Gaze Writing Systems With Computer Vision, And Dynamic Text Suggestions, Walid Abdallah Shobaki

Theses and Dissertations

Eye gaze writing, a novel interaction modality, has the potential to revolutionize communication for individuals with limited mobility. In our research, we investigated the deep learning algorithms efficiency for real-time eye gaze writing. We have compared many algorithms' performance in many computer vision areas, such as object detection in which we used first YOLOv8, the second algorithm SSD, and the third algorithm is Faster R-CNN, the second computer vision area is the image segmentation in which we used DeepLab and U-Net, and the last computer vision area is self-supervised learning we have used SimCLR algorithm. By evaluating these models on …

Aeroponic System Optimization For Butterhead Lettuce Growth And Future Sustainability Using Flow Blurring Atomization: An Overview, Taylor J. Johnson

Beyond: Undergraduate Research Journal

The global population has grown by 6 billion people over the last century and is trending toward 9.7 billion people by the year 2050. Agriculture accounts for 70% of global fresh water usage. Technology must be developed to accommodate the increase of food production demanded by the growing global population and the subsequent increase in water usage. Aeroponic technology is a water-efficient vertical farming technology that can reduce water usage by 90% by suspending plant roots in air within a controlled chamber and supplying atomized droplets of a water-nutrient solution directly to the roots.

This study simultaneously tests six droplet …

Design & Development Of Efficient Biometric Authentication And Key Agreement Schemes For Wireless Body Area Network, Aarthi S

Theses and Dissertations

Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) play a vital role in continuous health monitoring, where sensitive biometric and physiological data must be protected from privacy breaches and emerging quantum-based threats. Conventional security mechanisms are often inadequate due to resource constraints, scalability issues, and vulnerability to advanced attacks. To address these challenges, this research proposes a lightweight, scalable, and future-proof security framework tailored for WBAN applications, focusing on secure communication, privacy preservation, and quantum resilience.

An anonymous Certificate-Based Signcryption–Mutual Authentication and Key Agreement (CBS-MAKE) protocol is introduced to secure extra-body communications while ensuring patient anonymity. The protocol integrates Elliptic Curve Cryptography with …

Theoretical And Experimental Investigation Of Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation: Characterizing Elastin-Like-Polypeptides, Adam D. Quintana

Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs

This dissertation develops and validates a semi-empirical Flory–Huggins-based interaction model, combined with Cahn–Hilliard simulations, for predicting multi-component liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) in elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) systems. Equilibrium droplet compositions, measured using a PDMS-based microfluidic device, enabled direct parameterization of interaction coefficients. The model was applied to generate phase diagrams and assess composition dependence in ternary mixtures. Cahn–Hilliard simulations were conducted to explore potential phase morphologies under different interfacial conditions. Multi-component Lattice Boltzmann simulations were implemented to model droplet morphology evolution under varying interfacial and diffusive parameters, reproducing experimentally relevant morphologies. A three-phase wetting study revealed conditions for selective wetting and …

Soft Hexapod Robot With Tendon-Driven Continuum Legs For Internal Infrastructure Inspection, Setayesh Yavari

LSU Master's Theses

The need for robotic systems capable of operating in confined, hazardous, or complex environments has driven interest in soft and legged platforms for industrial inspection and structural integrity assessment. This thesis presents the design and fabrication of a tentacle-like, soft-legged hexapod robot, which uses six cable-stiffened, pre-curved, tendon-driven continuum robot (TDCR) legs. These biologically inspired legs are designed to offer a balance between compliance and control, enabling the robot to navigate unstructured terrains and potentially grasp cylindrical structures such as pipes. The design phase involved the development and comparison of multiple leg geometries using CAD modeling and finite element analysis …

Exploring The Effect Of Led-To-Photodetector Spacing On Subcutaneous Photoplethysmography For Continuous Blood Pressure Measurement, Dario Cabal, Brian Nguyen, David B. Green, Kevin Kilgore, Varun Thakkar, Michael J. Fu, Steve J. Majerus

Student Scholarship

Photoplethysmography (PPG) is widely used to measure heart rate, blood oxygenation, and more recently, blood pressure. Implanted PPG systems offer the possibility to measure similar real-time measures of cardiovascular health, however, the detection method may vary due to a lack of capillary vessels for PPG sensors to observe in muscle tissue. To improve volumetric blood detection in large muscles, without relying on the capillary density of skin, a flexible PPG sensor was developed. The sensor included multiple spacing of illuminating infrared (IR) light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a single IR photodetector. This arrangement was expected to enable detection of blood …

The Potential Of Microbial Fuel Cells As A Dual Solution For Sustainable Wastewater Treatment And Energy Generation: A Case Study, Shajjadur Rahman Shajid, Monjur Mourshed, Md. Golam Kibria, Bahman Shabani

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Student Publications and Presentations

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are bio-electrochemical systems that harness microorganisms to convert organic pollutants in wastewater directly into electricity, offering a dual solution for sustainable wastewater treatment and renewable energy generation. This paper presents a holistic techno-economic and environmental feasibility assessment of largescale MFC deployment in Dhaka’s industrial zone, Bangladesh, as a relevant case study. Here, treating 100,000 cubic meters of wastewater daily would require a capital investment of approximately USD 500 million, with a total project cost ranging between USD 307.38 million and 1.711 billion, depending on system configurations. This setup has an estimated theoretical energy recovery of 478.4 …

Pd-Based Hydrogen Separation Membranes Synthesized Via A Liquid-Phase Route, Chase W. Thompson

Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs

Palladium (Pd) membranes have gained significant attention for their ability to selectively separate hydrogen, a critical process for clean energy applications such as fuel cells and hydrogen storage. However, challenges such as grain growth, sintering, hydrogen embrittlement, and film uniformity limit their scalability and long-term stability. This thesis focuses on the controlled synthesis, deposition, and stability of Pd nanoparticles to optimize membrane performance for hydrogen separation. This work investigates solution-phase synthesis of Pd nanoparticles, focusing on temperature, precursor concentration, and solvent composition as key variables influencing particle growth and dispersion. Pd membranes were fabricated using nanoparticle deposition onto porous supports, …

Book Review: Building A God, Carl Lee Tolbert

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

No abstract provided.

Approximating Data-Driven Combinatorial Search In The Feature Space: Pwfs, Mehmet Bugrahan Ayanoglu

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents the development and application of a novel feature selection method, Probability Weighted Feature Selection (PWFS), designed to address key challenges in machine learning involving high-dimensional, noisy, or biased datasets. It is a comprehensive exploration of feature selection strategies to enhance the performance, interpretability, and practicality of machine learning models in both engineering systems and educational data mining. PWFS introduces a structured, probabilistic approach to feature selection that adaptively weights features based on their empirical contribution to model performance. This method not only accelerates convergence to near-optimal feature subsets but also enhances flexibility for ensemble learning by encouraging …

Corrosion Behavior Of Mgtizn And Mg4tizn Alloys After Ball Milling And Subsequent Spark Plasma Sintering, Alexander Helmer, Rahul Agrawal, Manoj Mugale, Tushar Borkar, Rajeev Gupta

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Magnesium-containing multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) are promising for lightweight applications due to their low density, high specific strength, and biocompatibility. This study examines two Mg-Ti-Zn alloy compositions, equal molar MgTiZn (TZ) and Mg4TiZn (4TZ), synthesized via ball milling followed by spark plasma sintering, focusing on their microstructures and corrosion behaviors. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy revealed the formation of intermetallic phases, including Ti2Zn and Mg21Zn25 in TZ, while 4TZ exhibited a predominantly Mg-rich phase. Potentiodynamic polarization and immersion tests in 0.1 M NaCl solution showed that both alloys had good corrosion resistance, with values of 3.65 +/- 0.65 mu …

Oscillatory Flow Improves Hydrodynamic Ordering Of Soft Suspensions In Rectangular Channels, Paul C. Millett

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

A computational study is presented that examines the hydrodynamic ordering of soft-particle suspensions within rectangular channels undergoing both steady and oscillatory flow. In these conditions, particles assemble into one-dimensional train-like configurations aligned in the flow direction. The results indicate that oscillatory flow facilitates a significant improvement in the ordering process, particularly for the assembly of multiple side-by-side trains within the channel. Several key parameters are systematically varied, including the Wolmersley number (Wo) representing the oscillatory frequency, the capillary number (Ca) representing the particle deformability, and the particle volume fraction (phi). It is found that optimal ordering occurs for a particular …

Biochar-Based Filtration And Barrier Systems For Urban Stormwater Treatment, Krishna R. Reddy

Stormwater Drainage Conference

Conference that deals a wide range of issues dealing with stormwater drainage. Professor Krishna Reddy of University of Illinois Chicago presented an invited talk titled "Biochar-Based Filtration and Barrier Systems for Urban Stormwater Treatment"

Magnetic Field Enabled Assembly And Propulsion Of Colloidal Particles In A Magnetic Medium, Hashir M. Gauri

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Colloidal particles are nano/micro meter-sized particles dispersed in a fluid medium and serve as diverse building blocks for assembling complex structures. The ease of tunability of the shape, size, and interparticle interactions of colloidal particles facilitates their assembly into rich structures and phases that mirror the assembly process of atomic systems. Often regarded as "big atoms" colloidal particles provide an ideal model system for investigating complex phenomena in condensed matter, such as crystallization and nucleation. While the assembly of colloids under thermodynamic equilibrium has been extensively studied, recent interest has shifted toward exploring colloids in non-equilibrium conditions to create dynamic …

Design For Additive Manufacturing: Simultaneous Optimization Of Structural Integrity And Minimal Support Structures, Naresh Ahuja

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

This dissertation addresses two core challenges limiting the widespread application of Topology Optimization (TO): the difficulty in fabricating its complex designs, especially for Additive Manufacturing (AM), and its significant computational costs. It develops a unified design framework that directly embeds AM constraints such as overhang angles and build direction into robust TO formulations. To enhance manufacturability, two distinct methodologies are proposed. Firstly, a Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization (SIMP) framework introduces a three-stage robust optimization algorithm. Secondly, the Geometric Projection Topology Optimization (GPTO) method inherently integrates overhang constraints by controlling individual geometric components and their inclined angles relative to a …

Non-Invasive Near-Field Microwave Sensors For Industrial Internet Of Things Applications, Abirami K

Theses and Dissertations

The industrial sector has been revolutionized by Industrial Revolution 4.0 with the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) which integrates the physical environment using smart sensors and Artificial Intelligence (AI) mechanisms. This demands the design of smart sensors and actuators to improve the quality of services in Industrial IoT (IIoT). The sensor design using the microwave resonating principle has attracted the research and industrial community for portable, non-invasive, non-destructive and hygienic means to evaluate the quality of substances in the food and farming industry. The microwave planar sensor has advantages in terms of low footprint, low cost, and ease …

Exact Solutions Of M-Fractional Complex Ginzburg-Landau Equation Via Two Analytical Methods, Nematollah Kadkhoda, Mojtaba Baymani, Maad M. Mijwil, Mostafa Abotaleb

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

This article investigates the M-fractional complex Ginzburg-Landau (CGL) equationby utilizing the modified simplest equation method and the modified G'G-expansion method. The CGL holds significant importance in the realm of oscillatory phenomena and optical fibers. By implementing a fractional complex transformation, the M-fractional CGL equation is transformed into an ordinary differential equation (ODE).By employing these methodologies, bright periodic solutions, periodic solutions, and dark wave solutions relevant to phenomena witnessed in nonlinear optics or plasma environments are ascertained.It is demonstrated that these methods are very powerful and efficient to solve many fractional differential equations.

Reason for Expression of Concern: …

Challenges And Constraints In Trajectory Planning For Autonomous Robots, Jawad Abdouni, Tarik Jarou, Toufik Mzili, Abderrahim Waga, Karima Bensassi

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

Autonomous mobile robots have revolutionized navigation by operating without human intervention, leveraging advanced data acquisition systems such as cameras, radar, and LIDAR, along with sophisticated planning, localization, and control algorithms. A critical challenge in this domain is path planning: determining optimal trajectories to ensure safe and efficient travel in diverse environments. This paper addresses the need to systematically evaluate trajectory-planning algorithms, whose selection directly impacts navigation performance. We present a comprehensive analysis of various classes of path-planning methods, detailing their advantages, limitations, and application contexts. By comparing these algorithms, we identify key criteria for selecting the most suitable approach for …

Soft-Polymeric Contact Lenses Brands Evaluation According To User Preferences, Lina M. Shaker, Wan Nor Roslam Wan Isahak

AUIQ Technical Engineering Science

The development of soft-polymeric contact lenses (SPCLs) has significantly enhanced vision correction by integrating advanced polymeric materials with optimized optical properties. This study examines the impact of refractive index (RI), oxygen permeability (Dk/t), and water content (EWC%) on visual quality and ocular health, correlating material properties with user-reported experiences. A survey of 5,585 medical SPCL users revealed that 31% experienced ocular fatigue and redness, often linked to optical aberrations and replacement frequency. Notably, commercially available SPCLs exhibit RI values ranging from 1.37 to 1.43, deviating from the natural ocular tissue RI (∼1.33), which contributes to light distortions and reduced visual …

Internet Of Things In Sustainable Agriculture Systems, Ataguba E. Hillary, Ayodeji A. Okubanjo, Nurudeen. S. Lawal, Abisola A. Olayiwola

AUIQ Technical Engineering Science

The agriculture industry has evolved toward intelligent, data-driven processes due to the growing need for food worldwide, environmental sustainability, and effective resource use. A thorough analysis of smart agriculture as a game-changing element of the industry 4.0 revolution is provided in this study, with a focus on the incorporation of Internet of Things (IoT)-based technologies for sustainable farming. To optimize agricultural processes including irrigation, crop health monitoring, climate and weather tracking, animal management, and disease detection, it investigates the functions and uses of smart sensors and IoT devices. The study demonstrates how smart agriculture may meet important issues like food …

Pollution And Biodiversity Loss: A Comprehensive Review Of Impacts And Mechanisms, Great Iruoghene Edo, Agatha Ngukuran Jikah, Patrick Othuke Akpoghelie, Joseph Oghenewogaga Owheruo, Endurance Fegor Isoje, Ufuoma Augustina Igbuku, Arthur Efeoghene Athan Essaghah

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Sustainability in Engineering Sciences

Biodiversity plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and providing essential ecosystem services. However, human activities, including pollution and overexploitation, have led to significant biodiversity loss. Pollution has particularly emerged as a major threat to biodiversity, impacting various species and ecosystems worldwide. This article synthesizes evidence on pollution-driven biodiversity loss, emphasizing industrial, agricultural, and urban sources. We discuss cascading ecosystem impacts and propose mitigation strategies to inform policy making. Overall, the article highlights the importance of addressing the impact of pollution on biodiversity to ensure the preservation of our planet's ecology and the sustainability of our natural resources.

Biosynthesis Of Metallic Nanoparticles Using Plant Extracts: Mechanisms, Advances, And Sustainable Applications, Alice Njolke Mafe, Great Iruoghene Edo, Patrick Othuke Akpoghelie, Endurance Fegor Isoje, Ufuoma Augustina Igbuku, Joseph Oghenewogaga Owheruo, Arthur Efeoghene Athan Essaghah

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Sustainability in Engineering Sciences

Growing concerns over the environmental and health impacts of conventional nanoparticle synthesis have driven a shift toward green, plant-based methods. This review highlights the biosynthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts as a sustainable, economical and non-toxic alternative. Plant-derived phytochemicals such as flavonoids, phenolics, and alkaloids serve dual roles as natural reducing and stabilizing agents, enabling the production of nanoparticles typically ranging between 10 and 100 nm. Several studies have demonstrated up to 80% yield improvement when using optimized extracts from plants like Azadirachta indica and Ocimum sanctum. The review outlines recent progress, including the use of novel botanical sources, …

Especial Linkage To Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Structure To Enhance Its Characteristics, Amamer M. Redwan

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Sustainability in Engineering Sciences

Due to a variety of factors that motivated multiple creativities, modification of poly(vinyl chloride) chemical structure has become a flourishing area of research. The current study acts as a condensed overview of the improvements produced using various methods for adjusting the characteristics of poly(vinyl chloride) that is widely utilized. This study explains and emphasizes, through a brief discussion, the findings of the efforts made in recent decades, even if it does not address all of the issues at hand. The article covers a special linkage to the polymer chemical structure such as using heterocyclic moieties to modify poly(vinyl chloride), C–N …

Development And Characterization Of Pmma/Pvp Nanofiber-Loaded Bioactive Agents With Enhanced Breast Cancer Activity, Samar A. Salim, The British University In Egypt, Esraa Abdelazim, Marwa Abdel Aleem

Nanotechnology Research Centre

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, driving the need for novel effective and less toxic therapeutic agents. This study explores the synthesis and characterization of bioactive compounds: 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-N- (p-tolyl)methanimine (MPTI), N-(4-methylphenyl)benzamide (MPB), and 4-methyl-N-(p-tolyl)benzenesulfonamide (MTS), and their incorporation into a PMMA/PVP polymer matrix for potential anticancer applications. Morphological analysis of the PMMA/PVP-loaded agents via SEM depicts structural modifications in the PMMA/PVP nanofibrous matrix upon incorporation of the bioactive agents. The FTIR analysis of the synthesized compounds before and after loading into the 7PMMA:3PVP nanofibers reveals successful incorporation of MPTI, MPB, and MTS, with characteristic absorption bands …

Chromatography In Analysis And Quality Control Of Oil And Gas Products: Modern Approaches And Prospects, Muborak Akramovna Mirshomilova, Natalia Evgenievna Sheina, Lala Bekirova

Technical science and innovation

Chromatography plays a key role in the analysis and quality control of oil and gas products. Modern chromatographic methods, including gas and liquid chromatography, provide high accuracy, sensitivity and speed of analysis. They allow you to identify impurities, control the composition and compliance of products with standards. The article considers innovative approaches, such as multidimensional chromatography and the use of automated systems. Development prospects are discussed, including integration with AI and digital technologies, which opens up new opportunities to improve the efficiency of quality control in the oil and gas industry. This article considers the role of chromatographic methods in …