Digital Commons Network^™

Synthesis And Characterization Of Titanium Nitride–Carbon Composites And Their Use In Lithium-Ion Batteries, Helia M. Morales Ramirez, Horacio Vieyra, David A. Sanchez, Elizabeth M. Fletes, Michael Odlyzko, Timothy P. Lodge, Victoria Padilla-Gainza, Mataz Alcoutlabi, Jason Parsons

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

This work focuses on the synthesis of titanium nitride–carbon (TiN–carbon) composites by the thermal decomposition of a titanyl phthalocyanine (TiN(TD)) precursor into TiN. The synthesis of TiN was also performed using the sol-gel method (TiN(SG)) of an alkoxide/urea. The structure and morphology of the TiN–carbon and its precursors were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, EDS, and XPS. The FTIR results confirmed the presence of the titanium phthalocyanine (TiOPC) complex, while the XRD data corroborated the decomposition of TiOPC into TiN. The resultant TiN exhibited a cubic structure with the FM3-M lattice, aligning with the crystal system of the synthesized …

Bioaerosol Size As A Potential Determinant Of Airborne E. Coli Viability Under Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation And Ozone Disinfection, Weixing Hao, Yue-Wern Huang, Yang Wang

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) and ozone disinfection are crucial methods for mitigating the airborne transmission of pathogenic microorganisms in high-risk settings, particularly with the emergence of respiratory viral pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 and avian influenza viruses. This study quantitatively investigates the influence of UVGI and ozone on the viability of E. coli in bioaerosols, with a particular focus on how E. coli viability depends on the size of the bioaerosols, a critical factor that determines deposition patterns within the human respiratory system and the evolution of bioaerosols in indoor environments. This study used a controlled small-scale laboratory chamber where E. …

Impulse, Spring 2024, Jill Fier, Micayla Standish, Jerome J. Lohr College Of Engineering

Impulse (Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering Publication)

2 | Kurt Cogswell Retirement
4 | Nadim Wehbe Retirement
6 | George Hamer Retirement
8 | Basu Receives Career Award
9 | New Faculty
10 | Celebration of Faculty Excellence
11 | Lohr College of Engineering Awards
12 | Vern Schaefer Distinguished Engineer
14 | Mike Headley Distinguished Engineer
16 | Transportation Center Funding
18 | SDSU Welcomes Papua New Guinea Students
21 | Robotics Team Going to World Competition
22 | Engineering Students in Fine Arts
24 | By the Numbers
26 | Concrete Program’s First Graduate
28 | Noah Nielsen Headed to U.S. Space Force
30 | …

Novel Nano-Binders Treating Alzheimer’S Disease, Katie Ching, Sophie Criscione

Bioengineering Senior Theses

The objective of our project is to engineer exosomes to be an effective therapeutic agent as a possible new treatment option for the neurodegenerative disease, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Among the various causes of AD, we are focusing on treating the pathogenesis linked to the build-up of amyloid-beta plaques in the brain, which disrupts neural connections and ultimately kills nerve cells. Currently, the most widely available treatment options for AD only provide symptomatic relief and targeting amyloid plaques in the brain is a promising new therapeutic approach in the field. Even the partial clearance of plaques could significantly improve the prognosis …

Skin Phantom Development For Electrophysiological Wearable Device Testing, Rohan Sodha, Kiet Vu, Jonathan Nguy

Bioengineering Senior Theses

This senior design project aimed to develop a skin phantom suitable for testing electrophysiological wearable devices. Our skin phantom consisted of a porous paper PDMS as the epithelial layer, initially paired with agarose gel as the tissue layer, and later with gelatin based on comparative analysis. Through rigorous experimentation and leveraging data from the IT’IS Foundation’s interactive database, we identified that gelatin exhibited superior electrical properties compared to agarose, making it a more effective medium for replicating human tissue. Our work not only validated the use of paper PDMS with both agarose and gelatin but also demonstrated that gelatin's lower …

Engineering Transcriptional Regulation For Cell-Based Therapies., Matthias Recktenwald, Evan Hutt, Leah Davis, James Macaulay, Nichole M. Daringer, Peter Galie, Mary Staehle, Sebastian Vega

Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences Departmental Research

A major aim in the field of synthetic biology is developing tools capable of responding to user-defined inputs by activating therapeutically relevant cellular functions. Gene transcription and regulation in response to external stimuli are some of the most powerful and versatile of these cellular functions being explored. Motivated by the success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies, transmembrane receptor-based platforms have been embraced for their ability to sense extracellular ligands and to subsequently activate intracellular signal transduction. The integration of transmembrane receptors with transcriptional activation platforms has not yet achieved its full potential. Transient expression of plasmid DNA is …

Wrack Lines Volume 24, Number 1, Spring/Summer 2024, Gract Cajski, Paul Choiniere, Maggie Cozens, Owen Placido, Judy Benson

Wrack Lines

"Natural Effects: Tales of Our Dynamic Environment" is the theme of this issue, with articles about a research project using GoPro cameras on oyster cages; the exploding population of black sea bass in Long Island Sound; three research projects in Connecticut salt marshes; a children's book illustrator and author and her book about kelp farming; and a living shoreline project in Old Saybrook, CT.

Santa Clara Magazine, Volume 65 Number 1, Spring 2024, Santa Clara University

Santa Clara Magazine

14 - A CAMPUS ON THE RISE Six new buildings on campus aren’t the only changes brought by a successful $1 billion fundraising campaign. Lauren Loftus & Leslie Griffy

20 - HUMAN AT HEART How Santa Clara University is distinguishing itself as a leader in human-focused health care innovation. Lauren Loftus

26 - SHEPHERDING INNOVATION How wonder, and God, can make us better scientists. Brother Guy Consolmagno, S.J.

30 - THE CO-OP Santa Clara University has long been a bastion of interdisciplinary learning. A new fund is taking cross-collaboration to new heights. SCM Staff

34 - MAKE AI THE BEST …

Nuerogen: Eeg And Near-Infared Stimulation Control System, Michael Kreienkamp, Olivia Mcconaghy

Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Theses

People suffering from neurodegenerative diseases need a viable option to help slow the progression of their symptoms and improve remaining cognitive function because brain problems can greatly limit basic body function such as balance, movement, talking, breathing, and heart function which steadily declines quality of life. Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) is an experimental treatment that has shown promise in helping slow or stop the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

This year, we were able to extend the preliminary exploratory work of the senior design groups from the past two years and build upon it to make a more flexible and reliable research …

Diagnosing Discharge Events Within A Novel Miniature Simplified Coaxial Ion Trap Mass Analyzer, David Virgil Sirbescu-Stanley

Masters Theses

Mass spectrometry is a technique that organizes material samples by mass to reveal their chemical composition by forming a spectrum. Since their invention, ion trap mass spectrometers have undergone significant enhancements. This work, funded by the National Science Foundation and in collaboration with Brigham Young University, the Simplified Coaxial Ion Trap (SCIT), attempts to simplify ion trap geometry and combine three ion traps into one device. Successful demonstration of the SCIT functionality could reduce costs, reduce manufacturing complexity, and shrink total instrument volume. At the same time, trapping capacity and analytical efficiency will be increased. However, as discussed within, challenges …

Mechanistic Empirical Design Of Flexible Pavements For Biopolymer Treated Soils, Vishweshwaran M

Theses and Dissertations

Cognizing the contamination effects of chemical soil modifiers on soil and groundwater, the assessment of the ability of biopolymers to improve the engineering properties of soils has gained attention in the last decade. As a soil additive, biopolymers have the potential to solve the trilemma of sustainability, price and soil suitability. Two polysaccharides and two protein biopolymers have been adopted in this study to enhance the geotechnical properties of fine-grained soils.

Design thickness catalogues were developed for a three-layered flexible pavement using 3D finite element analysis (FEA) and layered elastic analysis. The catalogue aims to provide structurally reliable thickness values …

Experimental, Computational, And Machine Learning Methods For Prediction Of Residual Stresses In Laser Additive Manufacturing: A Critical Review, Sung Heng Wu, Usman Tariq, Ranjit Joy, Todd Sparks, Aaron Flood, Frank W. Liou

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In recent decades, laser additive manufacturing has seen rapid development and has been applied to various fields, including the aerospace, automotive, and biomedical industries. However, the residual stresses that form during the manufacturing process can lead to defects in the printed parts, such as distortion and cracking. Therefore, accurately predicting residual stresses is crucial for preventing part failure and ensuring product quality. This critical review covers the fundamental aspects and formation mechanisms of residual stresses. It also extensively discusses the prediction of residual stresses utilizing experimental, computational, and machine learning methods. Finally, the review addresses the challenges and future directions …

Towards A Wearable Device For Measuring Impedance Plethysmography Of The Radial Artery, Pritom Chowdhury

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

Recent advancements in bioimpedance technology have demonstrated significant promise in the application of cardiac health monitoring. This research explores the design and development of a forearm-based wearable bioimpedance device for non-invasive measurement of heart rate and respiratory rate at an accuracy level comparable to medical-grade monitors. It utilizes a tetrapolar electrode configuration to analyze bioimpedance changes in the radial artery due to blood flow.

An ongoing aspect of this work involves the preliminary development of an embedded framework intended to integrate signal generation, acquisition, and processing within the device to achieve compact and efficient system design, anticipated to contribute to …

Passenger Traits That Predict The Bystander Intervention Model Steps During An Inflight Assault On A Flight Attendant, Michael Pettit

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Every major U.S. airline has experienced a violent inflight assault on one of their flight attendants. The problem is becoming more widespread, but industry leaders have few coping strategies. The first step toward addressing the issue is understanding the various aspects of the event, including the actions of other passengers (bystanders) who may witness the assault. There is ample literature on bystander reactions to similar events such as bullying, medical emergencies, injuries, and violent attacks, but none dedicated to a flight attendant assault or passenger reactions to it.

At the core of bystander action is the bystander effect, which postulates …

Implementation Of Path Planning Methods To Detect And Avoid Gps Signal Degradation In Urban Environments, Ayush Raminedi

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

In the modern world, various missions are being carried out under the assistance of autonomous flight vehicles due to their ability to operate in a wide range of flight conditions. Regardless, these autonomous vehicles are prone to GPS signal loss in urban environments due to obstructions that cause scintillation, multi-path, and shadowing. These effects that decrease the GPS functionality can deteriorate the accuracy of GPS positioning causing losses in signal tracking leading to a decrease in navigation performance. These effects are modeled into the simulation environment and are used as part of the path planning algorithm to provide better navigation …

Starfish: A Compact, Biomimetic, And Adaptive Shape Memory Alloy Orbital Debris Remover, Katelyn Branaman

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

This thesis aims to turn the tides on the orbital debris issue through the fabrication and demonstration of a compact, biomimetic, and adaptive shape memory alloy actuated orbital debris remover. The design, referred to as Starfish, is discussed in detail along with its fabrication process and object capture ability. A hard skeleton crafted from PETG was combined with shape memory alloy wires and extension springs to create a biomimetic structure that operates similar to the human hand, capable of gripping a wide range of objects. Relevant simulations were performed and discussed, the iterative fabrication process used to create each component …

Myoelectric Robotic Hand To Play Guitar, Oliver Garcia , '24

Senior Theses, Projects, and Awards

Around 5.6 million people in the US have had an amputation or were born with limb difference. Some of these people find prostheses to be useful devices that allow them to perform desired activities that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to carry out. One form of prosthetic that, as far as I have found, has not been developed, is one for fretting chords on a guitar. Such a prosthetic would require multiple degrees of freedom for each finger, fine motor control, as well as quick actuation and signal interpretation. Most general purpose robotic prostheses today are either far too …

Enhanced Carbohydrate-Based Plastic Performance By Incorporating Cerium-Based Metal-Organic Framework For Food Packaging Application, Shima Jafarzadeh, Mitra Golgoli, Maryam Azizi-Lalabadi, Javad Farahbakhsh, Mehrdad Forough, Navid Rabiee, Masoumeh Zargar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The development of biodegradable active packaging films with hydrophobic characteristics is vital for extending the shelf life of food and reducing the reliance on petroleum-based plastics. In this study, novel hydrophobic cerium-based metal-organic framework (Ce-MOF) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized. The Ce-MOF nanoparticles were then incorporated into the cassava starch matrix at varying concentrations (0.5 %, 1.5 %, 3 %, and 4 % w/w of total solid) to fabricate cassava-based active packaging films via the solution casting technique. The influence of Ce-MOF on the morphology, thermal attributes, and physicochemical properties of the cassava film was subsequently determined through further analyses. Biomedical …

Personalized Quiz Maker: Novel Feature For Alby Learning Management System, Lys Kang , '24

Senior Theses, Projects, and Awards

This report details the development of a personalized quiz feature for the Alby learning management platform, designed to enhance student learning by generating quizzes tailored to individual performance data. The project involved creating an algorithm to analyze dynamic student data and identify areas for improvement and then using OpenAI's GPT-4 to generate the multiple choice quizzes with elaborative feedback. Developed as a serverless application with AWS tools, the feature operates independently from the main platform. Despite the absence of applicable professional standards and constraints like limited data availability, the project met its functional requirements, demonstrating the potential to improve educational …

A Study Of The Effect Of Preparation Parameters On The Mechanical Properties Of Freeze-Dried Gelatin-Elastin-Hyaluronate Scaffolds, Mansour Qamash

Master's Theses (2009 -)

This thesis is dedicated to a detailed study of changes in the properties of Gelatin-Elastin-Hyaluronate (GEH) tissue engineering scaffold resulting from changes in preparation parameters. More specifically, utilizing a combination of foaming and freeze-drying techniques, this research investigates the effects of different parameters, including agitation speed, duration time, and chilling temperature on the scaffold’s structural integrity, porosity, and mechanical properties. The methodology involves a carefully calibrated process in which the scaffold matrix is initially prepared by incorporating 8% gelatin, 2% elastin, and 0.5% hyaluronate (w/v) into a homogenous aqueous solution, followed by controlled agitation and subsequent freezing at designated temperatures. …

Surgical Navigation In Image-Guided Transoral Robotic Surgery, Yuan Shi

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a minimally invasive approach in treating head and neck cancers and has demonstrated improved surgical outcomes with reduced morbidity when compared to traditional open surgery. However, the lack of haptic feedback makes it more difficult to assess the tumor extent and locate critical structures (e.g., artery and nerves). In standard-of-care TORS, preoperative imaging is used as guidance; however, it becomes inaccurate intraoperatively: the patient’s neck is hyper-extended, surgical instruments are introduced, and soft tissues deform significantly. As a result, the surgeon is required to mentally predict intraoperative deformation, which can lead to bleeding complications and …

2024 (Spring) Ensi Informer Magazine, Morehead State University. Engineering Sciences Department

ENSI Informer Magazine Archive

The ENSI Informer Magazine published in the spring of 2024.

Optimising The Fashion E-Commerce Journey: A Data-Driven Approach To Customer Retention, Hasna Luthfiana Fadhila, Vynska Amalia Permadi, Sylvert Prian Tahalea

Knowledge Engineering and Data Science

A fashion e-commerce company offers a wide range of products from domestic and international brands that are popular with young people. However, there has been an increase in non-organically acquired customers, many of whom do not return to make repeat purchases. This has led to a higher customer churn rate, with a significant proportion of non-organically sourced customers failing to become repeat purchasers. Consequently, a churn analysis and prediction model were developed to address this issue. This paper employs the Recency, Frequency, and Monetary (RFM) framework for churn analysis and prediction. The framework is underpinned by three key dimensions: last …

Valorization Of The Polymeric Constituents In Plastic Wastes Through Thermo-Chemical Processes By Using Viable Metal Oxides Additives, Labeeb Hamad Ali

Dissertations

The rapid accumulation of different types of plastic waste necessitates the development of effective and economically viable waste management operations. Such a process should ideally not only mitigate associated environmental burdens but also recycle and recover value-added products. Through incineration or pyrolysis, thermal processing has emerged as a mainstream approach to waste management of the ever-increasing loads of different categorized plastic wastes. Throughout the work of the thesis, we have utilized a multitude of complementary techniques spanning material characterizations, catalysis, kinetic modelling, and density functional theory (DFT) to comprehend the complex chemistry that underpins catalytic chemical recycling of plastic wastes. …

Formate Dehydrogenase Immobilized On Metal Organic Framework For Enhanced Conversion Of Co2 To Formate, Shadeera Rouf

Dissertations

Enzymatic hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) to formate by formate dehydrogenase (FDH) is a promising technology for reducing CO₂ concentrations in an environmentally friendly manner. For practical and economical implementation of the process, however, enhanced reusability of the enzyme is essential, which requires easy separation from the reaction mixture, coupled with sustained stability. One way to achieve this is by using the enzyme in an immobilized form. In this work, the effectiveness of using different metal organic frameworks (MOFs) as promising alternative supports for FDH immobilization has been assessed. A highly stable zirconium-based MOF, UiO66 and its …

Transforming Fermentation Residues From Date Fruit Pomace For The Synthesis Of Bioadsorbent Material In An Integrated Biorefinery Framework, Sabeera Haris

Dissertations

In the pursuit of enhanced waste management solutions, this comprehensive research delves into the untapped potential of Date Fruit Pomace (DFP), an abundant byproduct from the date syrup industry that is currently underutilized, leading to environmental concerns. The study emphasizes the need for proper waste management and valorization strategies to mitigate the environmental impact of DFP and promote sustainability within the date processing industry. The initial phase involves characterizing DFP from Emirati varieties, highlighting its compositional and functional properties. The analysis reveals that DFP is rich in total dietary fiber (45.5%), residual sugars (35.3%), protein (10.6%), ash (4.1%), and fat …

Synthesis And Structure-Property Relationships Of Sustainable Nanostructured Materials Towards Energy And Environment Applications, Nizamudeen Cherupurakal

Dissertations

This doctoral research aims to advance clean energy technologies by developing specialized nanostructured materials. The study covers significant research themes, each forming separate sections in the thesis, explaining the important role of nanostructures in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of energy devices and photocatalytic technologies.

The enduring effort toward stabilizing and improving the efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) has stirred the solar research community to follow innovative approaches. The primary objective of the research is centered on electrode materials design, which improves photoanodes' Light-Harvesting Efficiency (LHE). To improve the Photoanode of DSSCs, a Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) derived porous photoanodes …

Enzymatic Production Of Cyclodextrin Using Cyclodextrin Glycosyltransferase Immobilized In Metal Organic Frameworks (Mofs), Babatunde Azeez Ogunbadejo

Dissertations

Cyclodextrins (CDs) and their derivatives have attracted significant attention in the pharmaceutical, food, and textile industries, which has led to an increased demand for their production. CDs are typically produced by the action of cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase) on starch. Owing to the relatively high cost of enzymes, the economic feasibility of the entire process strongly depends on the effective retention and recycling of CGTase in the reaction system, while maintaining the enzyme’s activity and stability. Previous supports used for this purpose such as silica and hydrogels, have numerous drawbacks, including enzyme leaching, activity loss and significant mass transfer limitations. The …

Toward Electrical Impedance Sensing Surgical Drill For Tissue Boundary Detection, Harshavardhan Devaraj

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Dental implantation is an increasingly common procedure used to treat missing teeth. However, surgical drilling to place the implant poses a high risk of injury to critical anatomy, such as inferior alveolar nerve injury or maxillary sinus perforation. A real-time surgical feedback system sensing proximity of these critical anatomy could reduce injury risks. This dissertation investigates the development of such a system that incorporates an electrical impedance sensor into the tip of a surgical drill.

A simulation framework based on finite element method (FEM) was developed to optimize the sensor as it approached a high impedance boundary. The accuracy of …

Cosolvent Incorporation Modulates The Thermal And Structural Response Of Pnipam/Silyl Methacrylate Copolymers, Jason D. Linn, Fabian A. Rodriguez, Michelle A. Calabrese

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Polymers functionalized with inorganic silane groups have been used in wide-ranging applications due to the silane reactivity, which enables formation of covalently-crosslinked polymeric structures. Utilizing stimuli-responsive polymers in these hybrid systems can lead to smart and tunable behavior for sensing, drug delivery, and optical coatings. Previously, the thermoresponsive polymer poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) functionalized with 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (TMA) has demonstrated unique aqueous self-assembly and optical responses following temperature elevation. Here, we investigate how cosolvent addition, particularly ethanol and N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF), impacts these transition temperatures, optical clouding, and structure formation in NIPAM/TMA copolymers. Versus purely aqueous …