Digital Commons Network^™

Comparative Evaluation Of Conventional And Sustainable Concrete Protective Coatings: Performance, Economic, And Environmental, Andro Ebrahim

Theses and Dissertations

Concrete structures are highly susceptible to deterioration from environmental, chemical, and mechanical factors, making protective coatings essential for ensuring durability and reducing maintenance demands. This study aims to compare and evaluate conventional and innovative coating systems for concrete protection across three dimensions—technical performance, environmental sustainability, and life cycle cost efficiency—and to assess whether coatings often regarded or marketed as sustainable genuinely achieve sustainability across these three pillars. Four representative coatings were selected for assessment: epoxy solvent-based, epoxy solvent-free, acrylic water-based, and cementitious. Technical performance was examined through laboratory testing, expert interviews, and multiple real project cases, providing a comprehensive understanding …

Clear And Concise: Technical Writing For Biological Engineers, Abigail S. Engelberth

Purdue University Press Books

Clear and Concise: Technical Writing for Biological Engineers is a practical guide designed to help students and early career engineers communicate their work with clarity and confidence. Drawing on years of teaching experience, Abigail S. Engelberth breaks down the essentials of technical writing into approachable steps, showing readers how to organize ideas, present data effectively, and write reports that meet professional standards.

Rather than overwhelming readers with theory, the book focuses on real-world application. It includes examples, checklists, and strategies for common engineering documents including formal and memo-style lab reports. Special attention is given to visuals, formatting, and the role …

Growing Plants On The Moon: How Mizuna Roots And Organic Matter Spark Microbial Metabolism, Stefani Capasso Villanueva, Nupur Kulkarni

Student Research Symposium (SRS)

Establishing functional plant–microbe systems in extraterrestrial substrates is critical for sustainable lunar agriculture. We tested whether manure amendment and Mizuna mustard (Brassica rapa var. japonica) rhizosphere activity enhance the metabolic potential of a lunar regolith simulant (LHS-1). Plants were grown in four treatments: Unplanted manure-amended regolith (LRM), planted manure-amended regolith (LRMP), planted unamended regolith (LRP), and soil controls. Plant height and community-level physiological profiles (CLPP; Biolog EcoPlates) were measured to assess growth and metabolic diversity. Mizuna grew best in soil, with modest improvements in LRMP compared to LRP, though regolith treatment differences were not statistically significant. CLPP revealed the highest …

Intravascular Ultrasound Is More Accurate Than Angiography In Arteriovenous Vascular Access Lesions, James W. Decker, Dima Banihani, Curtis Honshideler, Saran Lotfollahzadeh, David Jasen Wu Wong, Alik Farber, Jeffrey J. Siracuse, Najia Idrees, Laura Dember, Mohammad Bader, Suvranu Ganguli, Vijaya Kolachalama, Tarek Shazly

Faculty Publications

Background:

Conventional angiography remains the standard diagnostic modality for arteriovenous (AV) access dysfunction in hemodialysis patients, but its geometric accuracy is limited. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) offers superior lesion detection, yet its absolute measurement accuracy remains uncertain. Using three-dimensional (3D) printed vascular conduits as reference standards, we assessed the accuracy of IVUS versus angiography, hypothesizing that complex conduit geometry, quantified by Gaussian curvature, would exacerbate angiographic error.

Methods

Clinically relevant AV access geometries were modeled with computer-aided design (CAD) and fabricated using 3D printing. Lumen diameters were measured by contrast angiography and IVUS and compared with CAD dimensions. Conduit geometry was …

In Situ Detection Of Dead Cells From Live Cells Via A Dc Plus Low Frequency Ac Resistive Pulse Sensor, Jiang Zhe, Ge Zhang, Joseph Ketchum, Ashely Wong

University Research

Differentiation and detection of live and dead cells are critical for assessing cell viability in biomedical research, evaluating drug efficacy, and monitoring cytotoxicity in therapeutic applications. We present a microfluidic sensor that consists of two successive resistive pulse sensing channels. An excitation signal composed of a low-frequency AC (75 kHz) component and a DC bias was used to measure four key parameters. Through the AC measurement, differences in cell impedance causes variations in phase angle and voltage peak. From the DC measurement, cell size can be inferred from the resistive pulse magnitude, and the cell’s zeta potential is represented by …

Uav-Deployable Open-Source Sensor Nodes For Spatial And Temporal In Situ Water Quality Monitoring And Mapping, Matthew Burnett, Mohamed Abdelwahab, Joud N. Satme, Austin Downey, Gabriel Barahona Smith, Antonio Fonce, Jasim Imran

Faculty Publications

Cost efficient, spatially resolved water quality monitoring is essential for managing pollution and protecting aquatic ecosystems. This study presents a low-cost (approximately USD 200), open-source, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-deployable in situ sensor node for real-time assessment of surface-water conditions. The system integrates sensors for pH, turbidity, temperature, and total dissolved solids (TDSs), with onboard data logging and real-time clock (RTC) synchronization. Bench validation of the sensor package yielded mean absolute percentage errors of 1.34% for pH, 5.23% for TDS, and 0.81% for temperature, and the device operated continuously for 42 h. Field deployment demonstrated its ability to resolve spatial gradients, …

A Comprehensive Review Of Food Waste Management In Attaining Sdg 12.3 Goals: Insights From Asian Countries, Ping Hu, Lotifa Tamanna Toma, Ashraful Alam, Md. Tanvir Ahmmed, Md. Jahidul Islam, Kazi Farhana, Marjia Sultana, Miraj Ahmed Bhuiyan

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Food waste is one of the most important world-wide challenges whose environmental, economic and social impacts have far-reaching effects that include contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, resources depletion as well as the rising levels of food insecurity. These problems are further intensified in Asia due to high rate of urbanization, population growth, changing dietary habits, and lack of waste management facilities. These conditions complicate the fact that countries are increasingly struggling to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3, which is to ensure that by 2030, half of the world has dropped per-capita food waste, and food losses …

Structural And Mechanical Properties Facilitate Shock Wave Damping By Helmet-Like Orbital Hoods In Snapping Shrimp, Mia Kazel, Rebekah E. Cammack, Alexandra C.N. Kingston, Ahmed A. Alshareef, Tarek Shazly, Daniel Isaac Speiser

Faculty Publications

Snapping shrimp damp the shock waves they produce and use as weapons with a helmet-like structure termed the orbital hood. Here, we ask how structural and material properties contribute to shock wave damping by orbital hoods in Alpheus heterochaelis. Using tensile mechanical testing, we find orbital hoods are approximately half as stiff as carapace and have twice the capacity for viscous energy dissipation. Microstructural features probably contribute to tissue-specific mechanical properties: the endocuticles of orbital hoods have almost twice as many lamellae as those of carapaces despite being half as thick, suggesting a mechanism for enhanced material mobility underlying …

Cationic Poly(Glucosamine)-Based Polymers Bind To Glycans With Varying Affinity Facilitating Transport Across The Glycocalyx Of Endothelial Cells, Claire Bridges, Lu Fu, Dan Wang, James D. Sterling, Susanna Liang, Shenda M. Baker, Jonathan Yeow, Megan S. Lord

Business and Information Technology Faculty Research & Creative Works

Natural polysaccharides, such as chitosan, offer promising avenues for drug delivery due to their cytocompatibility and ability to interact with cell surfaces. However, the endothelial glycocalyx, a glycan-rich extracellular matrix, presents a barrier that must be navigated for effective intracellular delivery. This study investigates how cationic poly(glucosamine)-based polymers, functionalized with guanidinium or ammonium groups, interact with key glycocalyx components including hyaluronan (HA) and heparan sulfate (HS). We demonstrate that these cationic polymers form tunable biomolecular condensates with glycans, with stronger binding observed for sulfated glycans, HS and heparin, than unsulfated HA. Derivatized chitosan polymers with varied cationic side chains exhibit …

Print, Pattern, Stick: Low–Cost Gecko–Inspired Adhesives Using Embedded Diffraction Structures, Motaz Hassan, Oluwafemi Fayomi, Ajay Mahajan, Joshua Faust

University Research

Gecko-inspired adhesives offer strong, reversible, and directionally tunable adhesion, yet fabrication methods often depend on cleanroom lithography or proprietary molds, limiting scalability and accessibility. This study presents a low-cost, modular fabrication strategy combining high-resolution digital light processing 3D printing with 1000 lines/mm optical diffraction gratings to create hierarchical elastomeric adhesives. The resulting structures feature macroscale micropillars and embedded sub-micron surface topography, enabling effective contact splitting without advanced microfabrication. Mechanical testing reveals a nonlinear increase in shear performance with contact area, with maximum shear forces exceeding 80 N at 103.2 cm2. Peel testing across varied angles and surface areas demonstrates anisotropic …

Green Technology: A Systematic Review Of Ai And Iot Solutions For A Sustainable Future, Nesma Abd El-Mawla, Mohamed A. Berbar, Nawal A. El-Fishawy, Mohamed A. El-Rashidy, Mahmoud Badawy

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Green technology offers a solution to the pressing environmental crisis. It can change the structure and generation of waste so as not to harm the earth, and people can become environmentally friendly. To address complex environmental challenges like climate change and pollution, innovative Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions are essential. These technologies can help optimize resource use, reduce waste, and promote sustainable development. However, it's crucial to balance economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection when implementing green technologies. This survey paper systematically examines the landscape of Green Technology, focusing on its pivotal components: Measures of …

Challenges And Opportunities In Lentivirus Viral Vector Manufacturing For In Vivo Applications, Eduardo Barbieri, Caryn Heldt

Michigan Tech Publications

The clinical success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies has revolutionized oncology, yet the high costs and logistical complexities of ex vivo manufacturing remain significant barriers to global patient access. In vivo cell therapy, which involves the direct injection of lentiviral vectors (LVVs) to engineer cells within the patient’s body, offers a promising, cost-effective alternative. However, transitioning from ex vivo to in vivo applications necessitates a fundamental shift in LVV biomanufacturing to ensure safety and efficacy. This paper examines the critical bottlenecks in the current LVV production landscape. In upstream processing, we explore LVV particle assembly and maturation mechanisms, …

Mycelium-Based Composites Using Minimally Processed Industrial Hemp Biomass: Impact Of Species And Feedstock Ratio On Mechanical Performance Compared To Polystyrene Packaging, Radika Bhaskar, Tanisha Rutledge, Kevin Trangone, Oneal Latimore

School of Design and Engineering Papers

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs\) are formed from lignocellulosic substrates and biopolymer matrices derived from fungal mycelium. Due to their low fossil energy demand and biodegradability, MBCs represent a versatile and sustainable material suitable for a range of applications, with increasing interest focused on packaging. Hemp fibers are an example of natural fibers with great promise as a substrate to improve the mechanical properties of MBCs. However, the separation of bast and hurd fiber requires processing and commercial-scale facilities that are logistically challenging and may be cost-prohibitive. Here, the potential for minimally processed hemp, with no separation of fibers, is evaluated for …

Cellular Therapy For The Treatment Of Ischemic Limb Disease, Akazha Nicole Green

ETDs from 2020-2029

Ischemic limb disease continues to pose major clinical challenges. The effect of this disease causes restricted blood flow, which is followed by a limited ability to regenerate in the vascular tissues. The purpose of this study is to address the current limitations in producing large-scale generation of Smooth Muscle Cells (SMCs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and then assessing their potential therapeutic efficiency individually and in combination with endothelial cells (ECs) for vascular repair. A dynamic three-dimensional (3D) culture system was integrated with a two- dimensional (2D) expansion to enhance cell culture yield while maintaining contractile marker …

Ice-Templated Zwitterionic Sponge Hydrogels For Stable And Efficient Solar Desalination In High-Salinity Brines, Louis D. Zhang, Yanhui Zhang, Peng Xiao, Chang Zhang

University Research

Solar-driven steam generation (SSG) offers a sustainable pathway for desalination, yet achieving temperature-regulated control over macroporous structures in salt-tolerant hydrogels remains a critical challenge. Here, we report a carbon black-coated PDMAPS sponge hydrogel (PDMAPS-CB-SH) fabricated via an ice-templated polymerization strategy, where the pore size and connectivity are tuned by regulating ice-crystal growth at different prefreezing temperatures. The optimized PDMAPS-CB-SH integrates abundant interconnected pores with the intrinsic antipolyelectrolyte effect of zwitterionic networks, enabling rapid water transport and stable swelling in brines up to 10 wt % NaCl. Upon incorporation of carbon black nanoparticles, the hydrogel evaporator achieves a high evaporation rate …

Biologically-Inspired Multiscale Neuromorphic Architecture, Christian O'Reilly, Ramtin Zand

Publications

This white paper proposes a biologically-inspired multiscale neuromorphic architecture that bridges key gaps between artificial neural networks (ANNs), spiking neural networks (SNNs), and biological neural networks (BNNs). While SNNs offer promising energy efficiency, their broader adoption remains limited by suboptimal performance and the need for novel learning paradigms. To address these challenges, the proposed framework integrates structural and functional principles observed in the brain, including hierarchical organization, sparse and modular connectivity, predictive coding, and diverse neuronal dynamics.

The architecture operates across micro-, meso-, and macro-scales, incorporating neuron-level diversity (e.g., excitatory/inhibitory and principal/support cells), canonical microcircuits (CMCs), and large-scale hierarchical organization. …

Numerical Investigation Of A Dual-Mode Shape Memory Alloy Stent Enabling Secondary Expansion Via Focused Ultrasound: A Potential Strategy For Correcting In-Stent Restenosis, Stephen Asare, Lucinda Duncan, Josiah Owusu-Danquah, Brian L. Davis

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Coronary stent implantation is an invasive procedure performed to correct atherosclerosis. The aftermath of this procedure is identified with neointimal hyperplasia, which contributes to in-stent restenosis (ISR), and thus remains a significant clinical challenge. This study introduces a novel, noninvasive conceptual approach for addressing ISR through the thermal activation of shape memory alloy (SMA) stent using focused ultrasound (FU) in a controlled manner to restore luminal patency. COMSOL Multiphysics and ABAQUS finite element software were employed to perform the numerical modeling to simulate the thermal and mechanical responses of the SMA stent integrated into the arterial wall. After 15 s …

Coe Annual Technical Review 2025, Jianshun Zhang, Bing Dong

SyracuseCoE

No abstract provided.

Optical Fiber Sensors Using Vernier Effect In Cascaded Fiber Interferometers, Zhouchen Wang

Dissertations

The optical Vernier effect has emerged as a powerful tool to enhance the sensitivity of optical fiber interferometer-based sensors, opening new opportunities for developing highly sensitive fiber sensing systems. Optical fiber interferometric sensors based on the Vernier effect are widely used for various applications due to their ultra-compact size, high sensitivity, immunity to electromagnetic interference, electrical isolation, resistance to harsh environments, flexibility, multiplexing capability, and remote operation. The aim of this doctoral thesis was to gain a deeper fundamental understanding of the Vernier effect in optical fiber structures and to develop and investigate a series of novel Vernier effect optical …

The Role Of Spatial Abilities In Stem Learning And The Influence Of Individual Differences, Styliani Malkogeorgou

Masters

Students’ decisions to pursue education and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are shaped by an interplay of cognitive, social, and motivational factors. Spatial ability is among the most reliable predictors of STEM success, yet less is known about how it relates to students’ STEM attitudes and aspirations, and whether visuospatial working memory (VSWM) explains this relationship. This study tested the hypotheses that (a) stronger spatial abilities and VSWM would be associated with more positive STEM attitudes and stronger STEM aspirations, and (b) VSWM would mediate the relationship between spatial abilities and STEM attitudes/aspirations, while examining the influence …

Artificial Neural Network Model For Predicting Fatigue Endurance Limit Of Hot Mix Asphalt Using Uniaxial Tension–Compression Tests, Prashanta Kumar Acharjee, Mayzan Isied, Mena I. Souliman, Sameer Jung Karkl, Tanvir Ahmed, Gokhan Saygili

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Fatigue is one of the major distresses occurring in asphalt concrete pavement. Repeated traffic loading causes escalated structural damage which results in the formation of cracks. There is a strain level below which the Hot Mix Asphalt goes under fatigue failure, and it is called endurance limit. In this study, a predictive model is developed to predict endurance limit strain values by using artificial neural network. Uniaxial tension-compression fatigue test results conducted under NCHRP Project 9–44 A were utilized in the model development process. An equation is also extracted from the model along which gives the exact values as the …

Efficiency Evaluation Of Different Methods For Nitrogen Removal In Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants: An Integrative Review, Cristiane G. Ferrarezzi, Juliana Canto Duarte

The School of Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering (SEE) Graduate Student Publications

Domestic wastewaters present high nitrogen levels due to the urea and ammonia, which are excreted into urine. Municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) normally face some challenges in keeping their treated wastewater at a low total nitrogen concentration, since the majority of their wastewater is domestic. Low nitrogen levels in the treated wastewater are important to avoid increasing eutrophication of the receptor body, which receives the treated wastewater. This work presents an integrative review considering studies related to denitrification in domestic WWTPs published from January 1st, 2018, to April 30th, 2023. This review aims to identify the most effective methods for …

Humanity Is Evolving Its Consciousness: The Role Of Archetypal Energies As Guides During An Unfolding Weeding Out And Alignment Process, Carroy U. Ferguson

Psychology Faculty Publication Series

Humanity is evolving its consciousness at individual and collective levels.  Given these seemingly tumultuous times, as of this writing (January 2026), to make such a statement may sound like a strange thing to say.  However, I suggest that if you are alive today and if you are reading these words, these are the very times for which you were born—to assist Humanity as it evolves its consciousness with your unique gifts, whatever they may be.  That is, this period of our individual and collective human being-ness may be characterized as an unfolding period of weeding out and alignment with the …

Multifunctional Green Wall Systems For Greywater Treatment And Hygrothermal Regulation In Egypt, Laila Ossama Mohamed Elhusseiny Abdelsalam

Theses and Dissertations

Increasing environmental concerns regarding climate change and the intensifying challenge of water scarcity in Egypt necessitate the development of innovative, sustainable, and resource-efficient strategies for wastewater reuse. In the built environment, greywater constitutes a significant, relatively low-contaminant wastewater stream that, if treated to comply with Egyptian Codes and relevant international standards, can be safely reused for non-potable applications such as irrigation, landscaping, and building services. This research investigates the efficacy of an integrated green wall panel system, installed on building façades, for decentralized greywater treatment under Egypt’s climatic and environmental conditions, while simultaneously enhancing hygrothermal performance to reduce building energy …

A Virtual-Reality-Based Dental Simulator For Endodontics With Automated Formative Feedback, Yousef Salah Abo El Ela

Theses and Dissertations

Advancements in virtual reality (VR) and haptic technology are transforming the landscape of medical and dental education, offering new avenues for safe, immersive, and repeatable training experiences. Within dentistry, endodontics presents unique challenges for preclinical education due to anatomical complexity, limited access to extracted teeth, ethical concerns, and the shortcomings of conventional plastic models. Despite endodontics specific plastic teeth being available, they fall short of replicating the hardness of real extracted teeth, are relatively costly compared to generic plastic teeth, and are ultimately a disposable item which makes them inadequate as a sustainable long-term solution. Extracted teeth do a much …

Copper Metal Organic Framework-Based Nanomaterial For Non-Enzymatic Glucose Electrochemical Sensor, Sameha Mohamed Sadek

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the development of non-enzymatic glucose sensors by engineering advanced electrode materials based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Conventional enzymatic glucose sensors, although widely used, suffer from inherent limitations, including poor long-term stability, narrow operating conditions, and sensitivity to environmental factors, due to their reliance on biological enzymes. Non-enzymatic sensors offer a more robust alternative by enabling direct electrochemical oxidation of glucose on engineered electrode surfaces. MOFs represent a highly tunable class of hybrid materials with structural and chemical features that are ideal for sensor applications, including a high surface area, tailored porosity, and excellent thermal and chemical stability. …

Mechanical Characterization And Modeling Of Rat Myocardia Under The Influence Of Epirubicin, Abdallah Mahmoud Alkhaiyat

Theses and Dissertations

Cancer remains a predominant health challenge that is responsible for a significant portion of global morbidity and mortality. Epirubicin (EPI), a chemotherapeutic anti-cancer drug, has shown remarkable efficacy in combating various malignancies. However, it is known to have undesirable side effects on the heart, collectively referred to as cardiotoxicity. This research investigates the adverse effects of chemotherapy on cardiac contractility through an in vitro examination of the mechanics of healthy and infarcted animal heart tissues. Electrically stimulated slices of rat ventricular tissue were tested using an isometric force measurement tissue bath. The tissue slices were subjected to uniaxial stretching, allowing …

Whole Earth Machines: Human-Machine Communication For A Green Transition, Klaus Bruhn Jensen

Human-Machine Communication

The climate crisis of the 21st century represents an existential risk to humanity and biodiversity, posing essential questions of how communication may serve to coordinate mitigation of and adaptation to climate change. One recent response has been massive investments by governments and corporations in systems providing feedback on the state of Earth— Whole Earth Machines (WEMs). For human-machine communication (HMC) studies, WEMs invite sustained engagement with communication infrastructures as a key constituent of research agendas, beyond the interface encounters at the center of many HMC studies to date. The article presents a conceptualization and operationalization of WEMs as critical infrastructures …

Conserved Chromatin Programs Orchestrate Cardiac Cell States In Health And Disease And Drive Cardiomyocyte Proliferation After Injury, Xiaoxiao Geng

ETDs from 2020-2029

Chromatin structure is a central regulator of gene expression and cellular identity, yet the chromatin structural factors driving cardiac disease and regeneration remain incompletely defined. This dissertation investigates how modulation of chromatin architecture shapes pathological and regenerative cardiac phenotypes through integrated single-cell transcriptomic, epigenomic, and functional analyses. To determine whether chromatin structural regulators distinguish healthy from diseased cardiac states, we curated a comprehensive list of chromatin structural genes and applied it to single-nuclei RNA sequencing datasets from human hearts with and without dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Chromatin structural gene expression effectively stratified cardiomyocyte and fibroblast populations by disease status. Diseased cardiomyocytes …

Iron-Involved Orr Electrocatalysts Under The Lens Of In-Situ/Operando Mössbauer Spectroscopy, Sumbal Farid, Jun-Hu Wang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Exploring cost-effective and efficient catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) poses a significant challenge, especially in the pursuit of alternatives to precious metals like platinum. Significant advancements have driven electrochemists to develop efficient ORR catalysts using abundant materials, particularly iron (Fe)-based, known for their exceptional performance in ORR. While the crucial function of Fe in boosting ORR catalytic activity is recognized, the connection between material attributes and catalytic performance remains enigmatic. Understanding the dynamic processes involved in oxygen electrocatalysis is paramount for designing precious-metals-free ORR electrocatalysts. Mössbauer spectroscopy stands out as a powerful technique for deciphering the structural characteristics of …