Digital Commons Network^™

Evorgcn: Harnessing Esm-2 Evolutionary Embeddings With Relational Gcns For High-Fidelity Protein-Protein Interaction Prediction, Mohit Kunder

Master's Projects

Accurately predicting protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is essential for understanding cellular function and advancing biomedical discovery. We model PPIs as graphs, where nodes represent proteins and edges denote interactions. Using interaction data from the STRING database, we use two samples of it, namely the benchmark datasets—SH27K and SH148K—filtered by confidence score and annotated by interaction mode (multiple relations). In this project, we present EvoRGCN, a graph-based machine learning framework for PPI prediction that integrates both sequence-level (ESM-2 embeddings) and network-level information. We incorporate various Graph Neural Network architectures, including Graph Convolutional Networks, Graph Attention Networks, and Relational Graph Convolutional Networks. Our …

Metal-Organic Thin Film Coated On Optical Fiber, Nahideh Salehifar

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation explores the development of metal-organic framework (MOF)-based optical fiber sensors for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at low concentrations (parts-per-billion to parts-per-million). In the first part of the study, theoretical calculations were performed using effective medium approximation (EMA) models, including Lorentz–Lorentz, Maxwell–Garnett, and Bruggeman equations, to predict the refractive index changes of MOFs upon gas adsorption. These models were applied to MOFs such as ZIF-7, ZIF-8, ZIF-90, MIL-101(Cr), and HKUST-1 to evaluate their potential for gas sensing.

In the second part of the dissertation, experimental work was conducted to validate the theoretical predictions. MOF-coated optical fibers were fabricated …

Design Of Real-Time And Energy-Efficient Driver Assist Systems Using Electroencephalogram And Neuromorphic Computing, Nathan Alan Lutes

Doctoral Dissertations

Despite the technological breakthroughs in advanced driver assist systems, distracted driving persists as a major challenge to roadway safety. This investigation advances the body of knowledge towards a solution by developing an individualized driver-state detection method using electroencephalogram (EEG) and neuromorphic computing to provide a less invasive and more energy efficient ADAS solution. It furthermore explores the changes in brain functional connectivity under distracted conditions to better understand brain state information that could be used for neuro-feedback intervention systems. The first contribution introduces the concept of using Convolutional Spiking Neural Networks (CSNNs) for recognition of patterns with movement-intention predictive power …

Enhanced Optimization Of Mass Transfer For Carbon Capture And Wastewater Remediation In Algal Systems Through Algorithmic And Bioprocessing Techniques, Peter Ofuje Obidi

Doctoral Dissertations

The scalability and industrial deployment of algal cultivation systems are limited by suboptimal mass transfer, constraining their effectiveness in carbon capture and wastewater remediation. This research investigated these challenges through integrated optimization methodologies that combine algorithmic frameworks with enhanced bioprocessing techniques to enhance efficiency, economy, and scalability. A System-of-Systems (SoS) meta-architecture was developed using genetic algorithms and fuzzy assessor functions to demonstrate a pathway toward cost reduction. Rigorous mechanical and chemical characterizations were quantitatively analyzed to reveal existing optimization strategies and further evaluated the best strategies to use in enhancing mass transfer for improved biomass yield. The work also integrates …

Automation To Autonomy: Temporal Dynamics Of Trust And Visual Attention Allocation Did Not Evolve, Tetsuya Sato, Eric Chancey, Yusuke Yamani

Psychology Faculty Publications

Emerging work environments are expected to implement autonomy that performs various functions without human input. Previous works has shown that trust in automation is negatively correlated with visual attention allocation, indicating that trust is a dynamic construct. Moreover, trust in automation and trust in autonomy appears to evolve in similar ways. However, recent work has demonstrated differences between trust in automation and trust in autonomy within Kaber’s (2018) theoretical framework (Sato et al., 2023b). Yet, it is uncertain whether the development of trust and visual attention allocation differs between automation and autonomy. The present study examined the temporal dynamics of …

Intelligent Tutoring Systems In The Age Of Llm-Based Agentic Frameworks - Adapting Small On-Device Language Models For Fact-Checking And Student Compliance Detection, Evan Vahid Naderi

Honors Undergraduate Theses

As large language models (LLMs) demonstrate increasingly sophisticated language understanding capabilities, they offer transformative potential for educational technology, particularly in developing more responsive intelligent tutoring systems (ITS). To develop these systems, a synthesis that balances theoretical frameworks with practical, cutting-edge, and deployable technology would be useful. This thesis aims to advance the field of ITSs theoretically by viewing the modern advancements in natural language processing within the context of the foundational frameworks important to the fields of self-regulated learning, ITSs, and cognitive agents. Then, building on prior research on the ITS MetaTutor \citep{Azevedo2022}, this research focuses on how functions of …

Your Foot Is Not A Brick: Using A Multi-Segment Foot Model To Explore The Actions Of The Ankle-Foot Complex During Uneven Terrain Gait., Tayler Jon Hoekstra

Dissertations and Theses

The field of biomechanics has seen continued development of models to be used and circumstances to be considered. An increasing number of more complex models for the foot known as multi-segment foot models (MSFMs) have created opportunities to better understand the compensatory motion of this vital portion of human anatomy. This research seeks to utilize one such MSFM model to increase understanding in how human ambulation changes in uneven terrain environments. Unique inner-foot joints defined by the Rizzoli foot model (RFM) were measured for and compared for subjects traversing both even and uneven terrain to quantify joints that experienced significant …

The Pre-Polarization And Concentration Of Cells Near Micro-Electrodes Using Ac Electric Fields Enhances The Electrical Cell Lysis In A Sessile Drop, Kishor Kaphle, Dharmakeerthi Nawarathna

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Cell lysis is the starting step of many biomedical assays. Electric field-based cell lysis is widely used in many applications, including point-of-care (POC) applications, because it provides an easy one-step solution. Many electric field-based lysis methods utilize micro-electrodes to apply short electric pulses across cells. Unfortunately, these cell lysis devices produce relatively low cell lysis efficiency as electric fields do not reach a significant portion of cells in the sample. Additionally, the utility of syringe pumps for flow cells in and out of the microfluidics channel causes cell loss and low throughput cell lysis. To address these critical issues, we …

Mxenes In Biosensing: Enhancing Sensitivity And Flexibility - A Review Of Properties, Applications, And Future Directions, Ali Mohammad Amani, Lobat Tayebi, Ehsan Vafa, Alireza Jahanbin, Milad Abbasi, Ahmed Vaez, Hesam Kamyab, Lalitha Gnanasekaran, Shreeshivadasan Chelliapan

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

MXenes are a novel type of nanostructured material that has received a lot of attention for their potential applications in bioanalysis owing to their unique features. These materials, made from transition metal nitrides, carbides, or carbonitrides, have a number of advantages, including high hydrophilicity, a large surface area, strong metallic conductivity, superior ion transport capabilities, biocompatibility, and low diffusion barriers. Their surfaces are easily manipulated, making them more adaptable for a variety of applications, including biosensing. The outstanding properties of MXenes have attracted researchers of different fields, including renewable energy, fuel cells, supercapacitors, electronics, and catalysis. In the context of …

A Comprehensive Exploration Of 6g Wireless Communication Technologies, Md Nurul Absar Siddiky, Muhammad Enayetur Rahman, Md. Shahriar Uzzal, H. M. Dipu Kabir

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

As the telecommunications landscape braces for the post-5G era, this paper embarks on delineating the foundational pillars and pioneering visions that define the trajectory toward 6G wireless communication systems. Recognizing the insatiable demand for higher data rates, enhanced connectivity, and broader network coverage, we unravel the evolution from the existing 5G infrastructure to the nascent 6G framework, setting the stage for transformative advancements anticipated in the 2030s. Our discourse navigates through the intricate architecture of 6G, highlighting the paradigm shifts toward superconvergence, non-IP-based networking protocols, and information-centric networks, all underpinned by a robust 360-degree cybersecurity and privacy-by-engineering design. Delving into …

Incorporating Insulin Into Alginate-Chitosan 3d-Printed Scaffolds: A Comprehensive Study On Structure, Mechanics, And Biocompatibility For Cartilage Tissue Engineering, Afsaneh Jahani, Mohammad Sagdegh Nourbakhsh, Ali Moradi, Marzieh Mohammadi, Lobat Tayebi

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability worldwide, challenging current treatments to limited cartilage self-healing capacity. Cartilage tissue engineering (CTE) integrates cells, scaffolds, and signaling molecules, with Insulin being utilized as a differentiation biomolecule due to cost-effectiveness, dose-dependent influence on chondrogenesis, suitable biological activity, and ability to activate relevant receptors. Yet, administering differentiation biomolecules through conventional scaffolds poses a persistent challenge. Alginate (Alg) is commonly employed in CTE for its biocompatibility, though it lacks sufficient mechanical properties. Chitosan (Cs), while enhancing scaffold mechanical properties, but does not independently provide optimal support for chondrogenesis. While Alg-Cs scaffolds have garnered attention, challenges …

Optimizing Ai Language Models: A Study Of Chatgpt-4 Vs. Chatgpt-4o, Md Nurul Absar Siddiky, Muhammad Enayetur Rahman, Md Fayaz Bin Hossen, Muhammad Rezaur Rahman, Md. Shahadat Jaman

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper presents a comparative analysis of OpenAI's GPT-4 and its optimized variant, GPT-4o, focusing on their architectural differences, performance, and real-world applications. GPT-4, built upon the Transformer architecture, has set new standards in natural language processing (NLP) with its capacity to generate coherent and contextually relevant text across a wide range of tasks. However, its computational demands, requiring substantial hardware resources, make it less accessible for smaller organizations and real-time applications. In contrast, GPT-4o addresses these challenges by incorporating optimizations such as model compression, parameter pruning, and memory-efficient computation, allowing it to deliver similar performance with significantly lower computational …

Personalized Prediction Of Tumor Recurrence With Image-Guided Physics-Informed Computational Model In High-Grade Gliomas, Walia Farzana, Khan M. Iftekharuddin

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

High grade gliomas are infiltrating tumors characterized by their diffusive invasion and proliferative growth. Across and within patients heterogeneity of tumors makes it challenging to determine tumor spatial extent after surgical resection. Traditionally, tumor growth predictions after surgical resections rely on generalized models and population-based observations, which do not account for individual patient differences. To address this gap, we propose a personalized approach with image-guided computational model (digital twin) that incorporates physics-based modeling to predict tumor recurrence. Our digital twin involves an inverse modeling step, followed by a recurrence model that accounts for varying surgical effects. The physics-guided inverse model …

A Method For Ultrasound Servo Tracking For Puncture Needle, Shitong Ye, Bo Yang, Hao Quan, Shan Liu, Minyu Tang, Jiawei Tian

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Computer-aided surgical navigation technology helps and guides doctors to complete the operation smoothly, which simulates the whole surgical environment with computer technology, and then visualizes the whole operation link in three dimensions. At present, common image-guided surgical techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and X-ray imaging (X-ray) will cause radiation damage to the human body during the imaging process. To address this, we propose a novel Extended Kalman filter-based model that tracks the puncture needle-point using an ultrasound probe. To address the limitations of Kalman filtering methods based on position and velocity, our method of Kalman filtering uses the position …

A Customized Large Single-Piece Bifrontal Implant For Post-Craniectomy Defect Reconstruction: A Case Study, Omid Ghaderzadeh, Ehsan Amirbeyk, Seyed Roholah Ghodsi, Zahra Namazi, Lobat Tayebi

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Background: Large bifrontal defects pose unique reconstruction challenges due to their complex curvature and mechanical requirements. This case demonstrated how computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) enabled precise single-piece polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) implant fabrication, thereby overcoming traditional limitations. Case presentation: A 25-year-old male who had undergone bifrontal decompressive craniectomy suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. The autologous bone flap had been temporarily stored in a subcutaneous fat area of the abdomen for 3 months to preserve its viability. A secondary cranioplasty was then performed using titanium miniplates and self-tapping screws for final fixation. After 2 years, the patient developed empyema and a brain …

Development Of 2d Microfluidics Surface With Low-Frequency Electric Fields For Cell Separation Applications, Madushan Wickramasinghe, Dharmakeerthi Nawarathna

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Cell separation techniques are widely used in many biomedical and clinical applications for the development of screening, diagnosis and therapeutic tests. Current 3D microfluidics-based cell separation methods have limited applications in part due to low throughput and technical complexity. To address these critical needs, we have developed a 2D microfluidics surface which is the miniaturized version of a 3D microfluids cell separation device. Using low-frequency electric fields (1–10 Vpp and 1 kHz–20 MHz), we have first studied dielectrophoresis, AC electro-osmosis and capillary flow within a sessile drop, and finally utilized the results to develop the 2D cell separation surface. Our …

Novel Micro-And Nanoformulations Of Paclitaxel For Targeting Metastatic Breast, Non-Small Cell Lung, And Pancreatic Cancers, Lobat Tayebi, Mehran Alavi

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Nonlinear pharmacokinetics resulting from high lipophilic and low oral bioavailability, and hypersensitivity reactions and hyperlipidemia caused by formulation by Cremophor EL have limited clinical effectiveness of paclitaxel (Taxol). In this way, there is the critical necessity of innovative drug delivery systems (DDSs) to mitigate severe side effects and overcome clinical limitations of paclitaxel. In recent years, various micro- and nanoformulations, specifically polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) and lipid NPs, have been presented and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition, other nanoformulations, such as polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), micelles, liposomes, and mesoporous silica nanoparticles, have shown promising results in vitro …

Cellax Nanoparticles: Taxane Nanoformulations For Solid Tumor Targeting, Lobat Tayebi, Mehran Alavi

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Nanoparticles (NPs), specifically polymer-modified NPs, have illustrated unique therapeutic advantages compared to bulk materials. Cellax NPs have provided a promising approach to cancer therapy by improving drug delivery, targeting the tumor microenvironment, and potentially overcoming drug resistance, all while reducing overall toxicity compared to traditional taxane treatment. By the flash nanoprecipitation (FNP) method, docetaxel and cabazitaxel have been formulated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified-acetylated carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) polymer to increase biocompatibility, bioavailability, specific targeting, and modulate the tumor microenvironment. However, there are some challenges and clinical limitations related to this formulation, encompassing optimum targeted delivery to tumors, overcoming biological barriers, such …

Précis Of The Edge Of Sentience: Risk And Precaution In Humans, Other Animals, And Ai, Jonathan Birch

Animal Sentience

We often face grave practical decisions that seem to hinge on whether a system is sentient. This family of cases includes invertebrate animals, people who are unresponsive after brain injury, fetuses, neural organoids, and now AI technologies. We must decide what to do despite ongoing disagreement about the nature of sentience. In our state of uncertainty, we should pragmatically transform the question from “Is it sentient?” to “Is it a sentience candidate, an investigation priority, or neither?”. When a system is a sentience candidate, it is negligent to fail to consider precautions. We should instead evaluate precautions for their proportionality …

The Effect Of Need For Cognition & Need For Affect On Human Reliance And Artificial Intelligence Interactions, Aliyah Mcgowan

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Abstract

With the increased use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) automations in fields like medical diagnoses and mental health queries, there are concerns regarding an individual’s trust and reliance on the technology. Reliance on AI output may lead an individual to accept inaccurate or incorrect information without further analysis. Trust may influence reliance and trust formation may be a product of affective processing. This study investigated the relationship between Need for Affect (NFA), Need for Cognition (NFC), and trust and reliance on AI interactions. Participants were assessed on the NFA scale for willingness to approach or avoid emotional stimuli, the NFC …

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 …

Impact Of Color, Shape, And Typeface On Visual Attention: An Eye Tracking Study On Brand Logo, Suzayana Rosidah, Fransiskus Xaverius Ivan, Suatmi Murnani, Hafzatin Nurlatifa, Kristian Adi Nugraha, Sunu Wibirama

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

In numerous cases, companies undertake logo redesigns to enhance brand perception. However, little attention has been paid to the impact of each element of the redesigned logo on visual attention and brand perception. To address this research gap, we collected data from eye tracking and self-report questionnaires of 30 participants during exposure to the old and new logos of a prominent bookstore in Indonesia. The results of the questionnaires revealed a significant relationship between the responses concerning color, shape, typeface, and those pertaining to visual attention (p < 0.05). Most participants were able to grasp the value of creativity, flexibility, progress, change, and strength in the new logo shape. The results of eye tracking show that color was the most influential factor that attracted visual attention in old (F(1.5, 43.4) = 14.905, p < 0.05) and new logos (F(1.7, 50) = 34.757, p < 0.05). This study suggests that companies should selectively choose a color scheme of a logo that better attracts the attention of consumers. In addition, our finding is promising as a practical guide for similar research, as well as a case study on how logo redesign affects brand perception and visual attention.

Regulation Of Haemodynamic Variables By Laguerre Polynomials Based Model Predictive Control., Sai Sandeep Boda, Hiren Kumar G. Patel, Khyati D. Mistry

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Purpose: Cardiac output (CO) and Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) are two haemodynamic variables that need regulation in clinical situations, particularly in post-cardiac surgery patients. As it is difficult for clinical personnel to monitor continuously, automatic drug infusion to regulate MAP and CO is recommended and essential in the medical environment. Methods: Two input and two output patient model was used in this work to study the variation of haemodynamic variables in response to the infusion of Dopamine (DP) and Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP) drugs. Model predictive control (MPC) algorithm was exercised here as it was a well-established technique to regulate output …

Enhanced Photocatalytic Reduction Of Cr(Vi) Under Visible Light A Magnetically Separable Tio2-Fe/Fe3o4 Photocatalyst Prepared From Iron Rusty Waste, Khoirunisa Khoirunisa, Novianti Dwi Lestari, Endang Tri Wahyuni, Taufik Abdillah Natsir

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

This research deals with enhancing the visible activity and generating the magnetic property of TiO2 by Fe doping and Fe3O4 impregnation respectively, using rusty iron waste as Fe source. The prepared TiO2-Fe/Fe3O4 photocatalysts were characterized by SR-UV/Visible, FTIR, XRD, and SEM-EDX instruments. The resulting photocatalysts are responsive to visible light and can be separated magnetically and used for photoreduction of Cr (VI) ions. In the photoreduction of Cr(VI) over TiO2-Fe/Fe3O4 photo-catalysts with various amounts of Fe dopant and alteration of Fe3O4 fraction, the photocatalyst mass, irradiation time, and solution pH were optimized. The research results assign that doping Fe to …

High-Binding Affinity Nanobody Against Sars-Cov-2 Xbb.1.5: Computational-Based Protein Engineering, Phoomintara Longsompurana, Napat Kongtaworn, Rungtiva P. Poo-Arporn, Thanyada Rungrotmongkol

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 variant XBB.1.5 has triggered a global health crisis by enhancing viral entry into cells via its spike protein. This study addresses the urgent need to develop neutralizing nanobodies (Nbs) to counteract the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Our aim was to identify a lead Nb and enhance its binding affinity to the receptor-binding motif (RBM) on the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S-protein) using computational methods. A total of 29 Nbs were screened against the XBB.1.5 RBD using the HDOCK server to select a lead Nb. This investigation revealed that Nb_7KGK exhibited the highest binding …

Photodegradation Of Malachite Green Using 2d G-C3n5 Nanosheet: A Promising Metal Free Catalyst, Sonali Biswal, Swayam Aryam Behera, Asima Subhadarshini, P. Ganga Raju Achary, Binita Nanda

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Environmental issues have become more serious these days due to the growth of modern industries. The paper and textile industries, in particular, were heavily dependent on the printing and discharge of dye, which constantly leaked into the water ecology and constituted a serious risk to public health. Organic wastewater treatment and remediation for its associated risks have received a lot of attention lately. This work explored the potential of the g-C3N5 nanostructure as a novel photocatalyst for malachite green degradation in aqueous solution while exposed to visible light. The nanocomposite was fabricated through an ultrasonicate-assisted technique. A number of analysis …

The Effects Of Graphene Nanoplatelets And Microcrystalline Cellulose On The Mechanical Properties Of Fiberglass And Carbon Fiber Composites, Duangjai Srisamut, Nathawat Poopakdee, Warut Thammawichai

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

This study investigated how graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) affect the mechanical properties of epoxy (EP), carbon fiber (CF), and fiberglass (FG) composites. The tensile and flexural properties of GNP-EP and MCC-EP of  varying reinforcement concentrations were examined. Results indicated significant improvements on tensile and flexural properties by GNP and MCC. At 0.1 wt% GNP, tensile and flexural strengths increased by 10% and 21%, while 2.0 wt% improved flexural modulus by 65%. Similarly, 2.0 wt% MCC improved tensile strength, modulus, and flexural modulus by 11%, 11%, and 46%, respectively, and a 26% increase in flexural strength at 1.0 …

Bagasse Lignin For Single-Used Food Packaging Applications: Uv-Barrier, Antioxidant, Migration And Cytotoxicity, Pawarisa Wijaranakul, Bongkot Hararak, Wanwitoo Wanmoolee, Prapudsorn Wannid, Weerawan Laosiripojana

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

This study examined PLA biocomposite films made from organosolv lignin extracted from Thai agro-waste, specifically sugarcane bagasse (BG), to assess their suitability for food packaging, focusing on their physical, thermal, optical, UV-shielding, antioxidant, and migration properties. Extracted BG-lignin exhibited free radical scavenging ability with an EC50 value of 400 µg/ml, reducing DPPH absorbance by 50%. PLA composite films with BG-lignin dosage from 0.1 to 1.0 wt.% were successfully fabricated via conventional blown film extrusion. Addition of BG-lignin at 0.5 wt.% and 1.0 wt.% to PLA films decreased UV transmittance from 90% to 30% and 12%, respectively, without compromising optical clarity. …

Sulfur-Doped Carbon Dots Derived From Caffeine: A Highly Efficient Photocatalyst For Organic Dye Degradation, Ganyaporn Wongwaen, Koranut Dechsri, Praneet Opanasopit, Montri Aiempanakit, Cheewita Suwanchawalit

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Sulfur-doped carbon dots (S-doped CDs) were synthesized via a solvothermal method using caffeine as a carbon precursor and sodium sulfide as a sulfur source. Characterization using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet -visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) confirmed successful sulfur incorporation. TEM revealed a uniform size distribution and graphitic structures, while UV-Vis analysis showed a reduction in the bandgap from 3.29 eV to 3.10 eV, improving light absorption and charge carrier separation. The photocatalytic activity of S-doped CDs was evaluated for indigo carmine (IC) dye degradation under UV irradiation, where 2S-CDs …

Prioritizing Amd Impaired Watersheds For Watershed-Scale Restoration Using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis, James Nicholas Marino

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) remains a significant environmental challenge in coal-mining and hard rock regions like West Virginia, degrading water quality and ecosystem health. Traditional site-specific remediation efforts often prove inefficient in addressing AMD at large scale. This study explores watershed-scale restoration as a more effective solution, leveraging centralized treatment facilities and multi-source pollution management. This study will follow Multi-criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), specifically the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), to develop a structured rubric for grading watersheds. The process involves identifying critical criteria, organizing them into a hierarchy, and generating weights for clusters of criteria through collaboration with decision makers. …