Digital Commons Network^™

Understanding The Role Of Entropy In Designing High-Performance Thermoelectrics, Subrata Ghosh, Soongyu Kwon, Wenjie Li, Dipika Mandal, Amin Nozariasbmarz, Marcia Ahn, Sumanta K. Karan, Allison M. Beese, Yi Xia, Shashank Priya, Bed Poudel

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The design of high-entropy alloys is effective in lowering thermal conductivity but often reduces carrier mobility, thereby limiting electrical transport properties. Understanding the relationship among configurational entropy, thermal conductivity, and carrier mobility in high-entropy alloys is critical for enhancing thermoelectric performance. We demonstrate that a systematic and substantial increase in configurational entropy in half-Heusler alloys leads to an asymptotic reduction of lattice thermal conductivity. The reduced phonon group velocity and enhanced phonon scattering induced by atomic-scale chemical disorder result in a low lattice thermal conductivity of 2 watts per meter per kelvin at room temperature, with an achievable minimum of …

Comprehensive Study On Explainable Artificial Intelligence For Enhanced Decision-Making, Eman Taher, Wessam H. El-Behaidy, Doaa S. Elzanfaly

Computer Science

Artificial Intelligence (AI) models are often criticized for their black-box nature, particularly in high-stakes domains such as finance, healthcare, and business decision-making, where transparency, accountability, and trust are essential. As machine learning advances with more complex architectures, including deep neural networks and ensemble models, the need for explainability becomes increasingly critical. This study focuses on Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) as a key approach to enhance interpretability in classification, regression, and clustering tasks that serve as the foundation of data-driven analytical systems. XAI methods such as SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations), LIME (Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations), and Integrated Gradients provide a means …

Design And Implementation Of Cyber Risk Management In The Indonesian Aviation Sector Based On Nist Csf And Iso/Iec 27002:2022, Annisa Aulia Budianti Qurota'aini, Ira Rosianal Hikmah, Yulial Hikmah

Jurnal Vokasi Indonesia

As technology usage increases, cyberspace in Indonesia has developed significantly, including in Vital Information Infrastructure (VII) sectors such as aviation. However, this advancement introduces potential cyber threats that can disrupt operations. This research aims to design a systematic cyber risk management framework for a navigation authority within the Indonesian aviation sector using the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF) as the primary standard. This research also utilizes national aviation regulations, Center for Internet Security Controls (CIS Controls) v8.0, and ISO/IEC 27002:2022 as supporting frameworks. The research employs a qualitative descriptive approach, gathering data through field observations, …

An Evaluation Of The “Police Response To Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Operations” Online Training Program, Anthony Galante, Leila Halawi

Publications

This study evaluates the impact of the “Police Response to Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Operations” online training program of officers from the Daytona Beach Police Department (DBPD). By measuring the effectiveness of the training through pretest and posttest assessments and considering variables such as educational background, length of service, and rank, this research underscores the training’s potential to enhance UAS response capabilities. Employing a self-selection sampling method, the study engaged 82 voluntary participants from the DBPD, revealing significant improvement across all groups in UAS knowledge and confidence levels. Despite limitations, these findings offer compelling evidence of the training’s efficacy and advocate …

Analysis Of Construction Safety Costs In Girder Erection Work On Toll Road Projects To Reduce Risks And Construction Accident Costs, Aditya Daniar Wicaksono, Rossy Armyn Machfudiyanto

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

The construction of toll roads, as part of Indonesia’s National Strategic Projects, plays a crucial role in enhancing mobility and economic competitiveness. Girder erection work constitutes one of the most critical phases in toll road bridge construction, characterized by high safety risks due to confined workspaces, technical complexity, and suboptimal risk management practices. This study aims to analyze construction safety costs in girder erection work to reduce risks and construction accident costs. The research process includes hazard identification, effective risk control analysis, risk impact valuation, and cost-benefit analysis of safety investments. The methods employed consist of secondary data analysis, risk …

Experimental Studies Of Compressive Strength Of Sustainable Concrete With Partial Cement Substitution Using Palm Oil Boiler Ash, Daral Suraedi, Jessica Sjah, Nuraziz Handika, Saffanah Fasya Aulia, Karmenita Olivia Edwardo

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

This study investigates the mechanical performance of sustainable concrete incorporating Palm Oil Boiler Ash (POBA) as a partial cement replacement. As the construction sector seeks to reduce CO₂ emissions and manage agro-industrial waste, POBA emerges as a promising supplementary cementitious material due to its pozzolanic potential and abundance in palm oil–producing regions such as Indonesia.Concrete specimens were prepared with POBA substitution levels ranging from approximately 10% to 30% by weight of cement, in combination with nanosilica and a polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizer to enhance performance. The mix design was developed in accordance with ACI 211 guidelines to maintain comparable workability …

Prediction Of Satellite Temperature During An Orbit Of A Cubesat, Michael Reynolds

Honors Theses

This thesis develops a thermal-simulation strategy for predicting CubeSat component temperatures, applied to Jag-Sat-1, a CubeSat developed at the University of South Alabama and deployed from the International Space Station in 2022. The orbit was reconstructed from two-line element (TLE) data using simplified general perturbations (SGP4) propagation, and spacecraft attitude was recovered from onboard gyroscope measurements. Sunlight, penumbra, and umbra intervals were computed geometrically, and the external radiative environment — direct solar, Earth infrared, and albedo heat fluxes — was modeled using orientation-dependent view factors. These time-varying fluxes drove a transient finite-element thermal simulation of the full satellite geometry in …

Anomaly Management In Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: A Systematic Literature Review, Ivan Tan Wei Han, Christopher M. Poskitt, Lingxiao Jiang, Lwin Khin Shar

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly deployed in safety-critical applications such as logistics, surveillance, disaster response, and urban air mobility. While their autonomy enables powerful capabilities, it also introduces vulnerabilities due to hardware faults, software defects, communication failures, and adversarial interference. This survey presents a comprehensive review of research studies closely related to UAV anomalies published between 2015 and 2025, covering 111 papers from academic and industrial sources. We introduce a unified five-pillar taxonomy—anomaly generation, prevention, detection, recovery, and analysis—that organizes existing work across the full anomaly management lifecycle. In contrast to prior surveys that focus primarily on detection algorithms, …

Experimental-Motion-Driven Cfd Investigation Of Slosh Dynamics In Propellant Tanks Of Spacecraft And Launch Vehicles, Priyanshu Savaliya

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Liquid sloshing in partially filled propellant tanks can generate transient forces and moments that affect spacecraft and launch vehicle stability, guidance, and control. This research develops a one-way experimental-to-Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) integration framework to investigate free-surface slosh behavior under realistic excitation conditions.

The overarching goal of this thesis is to develop and evaluate a one-way experimental-motion-driven computational framework for predicting liquid slosh response in a partially filled cylindrical tank. Rather than relying on idealized sinusoidal inputs, this work uses experimentally measured actuator-feedback motion as the prescribed excitation for high-fidelity CFD. The central objective is to establish the experimental and …

Comparative Evaluation Of Similarity Metrics For Multi-Vendor Origin–Destination Matrix Comparison: A Case Study Using Data From Three Probe Data Vendors In Arkansas, Sagar Silwal

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The proliferation of commercial probe data vendors has posed both opportunities and challenges for transportation agencies regarding the choice of reliable vehicle probe data for decision making purposes. Probe data is a form of passive mobility data representing a small fraction of the traveling population. Vendors aggregate mobility data from different sources including GPS enabled smartphones, telematics systems, and connected vehicles. They possess unique data collection methodologies, sampling mechanisms, and expansion algorithms which introduce variability in derived traffic performance measures like speed and volume. The overall objective of this work is to assess similarities and differences among probe data vendors …

Hsv-1 Us3 Hijacks Conserved Actin Regulatory Complexes To Drive F-Actin Remodeling, Md Imran Hossain, Md Arifuzzaman, Md Mehedi Hasan, Seung Jong Park, Leila Rahimian, Ojasvi Dutta, Vladimir Chouljenko, Harikrishnan Mohan, Reza Ghavimi, Konstantin G. Kousoulas

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

The herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) US3 is a multifunctional serine/threonine kinase that promotes HSV-1 replication and spread. But its role and the mechanisms by which US3 regulates actin cytoskeletal remodeling remain poorly defined. We combined flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS), protein complex mapping, and machine learning to characterize US3-mediated F-actin dynamics. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy showed that wild-type HSV-1 induces significant F-actin remodeling, while the ΔUS3 mutant displays F-actin levels comparable to uninfected cells, identifying US3 as a key regulator. IP-MS identified 47 high-confidence US3 interactors enriched in conserved actin regulatory complexes, including Arp2/3 nucleation machinery, …

Improving Urban Search And Rescue Team Coordination Through Adaptive Context Awareness, Daniel Reyes Duran

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Modern multi-agent Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) operations heavily rely on mobile geospatial Common Operating Pictures (COPs) to maintain team coordination and Situational Awareness (SA). However, the proliferation of high-frequency sensor telemetry at the tactical edge has introduced a data saturation paradox challenge: while information theoretically drives informed decision-making, unmanaged data surges induce increased operator cognitive overload and alert fatigue on mobile End-User Devices (EUDs), while downstream data-broadcasting models inherently strain edge processing and viewport environments.

To resolve these constraints, this dissertation presents a context-aware Value of Information (VoI) data-management framework integrated directly with a custom, event-driven Android Team Awareness …

Coupled Effects Of Sub-Atmospheric Pressure And Surface Structures On Pool Boiling Performance And Hysteresis Pathways, Mohammad Ishraq Hossain

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The increasing power density of microelectronics has created a need for cooling technologies capable of maintaining low operating temperatures. Sub-atmospheric pool boiling of water is promising because reducing saturation pressure lowers the boiling temperature, enabling two phase cooling within electronics-relevant temperature limits. However, reduced pressure also affects CHF, HTC, and post-CHF recovery. In this work, pool boiling experiments were conducted on flat copper, microchannel copper, and micro-pin-fin copper surfaces over 10–100 kPa to examine the coupled effects of pressure and surface structure. CHF and HTC increased with pressure, while structured surfaces enhanced both relative to flat copper. Surface structure dominated …

Waste Material Utilization In Civil Engineering Applications: Advances, Challenges, And Future Directions—A Scoping Review, Chathurika Dassanayake, Nuha S. Mashaan, Ridmi Galagedara

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This PRISMA-guided scoping review examines the use of waste materials in civil engineering as a sustainable approach to reducing environmental impacts, conserving natural resources, and supporting circular economy principles. The rapid growth of urbanization, industrialization, mining, and agricultural activities generates large amounts of waste materials, including fly ash, ground granulated blast-furnace slag, bauxite residue, mining tailings, waste rock, acid-mine drainage sludge, waste plastics, post-consumer vulcanized rubber, recycled construction materials, and agricultural ashes. The disposal of these materials often creates serious environmental and land-use problems, making their reuse increasingly important. In this context, civil engineering is one of the most promising …

Vehicle Autonomy To Ecosystem Intelligence: A Systematic Review Of Dynamic Vision Architectures In Surface Mining Operations, Nana Yaa Damtewaa Anti, Samuel Frimpong, Muhammad Azeem Raza

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Autonomous Haulage Systems (AHS) have significantly transformed surface mining operations by improving safety, productivity, and operational consistency. Currently, AHS predominantly rely on vehicle-centric perception architectures. Onboard LiDAR, radar, cameras, and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) perform sensing, interpretation, and decision-making within individual systems. These processes enable collision avoidance and path tracking. However, they are limited in their ability to consider the broader, dynamic mining environment characterized by dust, terrain degradation, geotechnical instability, heterogeneous traffic, and rapidly evolving operational conditions. This paper presents a systematic review of dynamic vision systems of AHS in surface mining. It critically analyzes the transition from …

Multi-Parametric Nonlinear Programming For Lossy Lmp Sensitivity Analysis Using Outer Progressive Cuts, Yuhan Huang, Tao Ding, Chenggang Mu, Rui Bo, Pengwei Du

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Accurate sensitivity analysis of locational marginal price (LMP) is crucial for risk hedging and market management. This paper proposes multiparametric nonlinear programming for sensitivity analysis of LMP with nonlinear network loss, also known as lossy LMP. Global analytical solutions for lossy LMP and the corresponding critical regions are derived. An outer progressive cut algorithm is developed to constrain the network loss error within a specific range for the whole parametric domain. Case studies show the improved accuracy over methods with lossless or fixed loss factors, and a two-order-of-magnitude online speedup over Monte Carlo methods while maintaining lower total computational time.

Incorporating Network-Level Friction Data Into Kytc’S Pavement Resurfacing Prioritization Process, P. Gayle Marks, Jon Wilcoxson, Bryan Gibson

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) currently prioritizes pavement resurfacing projects based on pavement condition ratings, Laser Crack Measurement System (LCMS) data, and District-level input. Although pavement friction is a consideration, KYTC has not had friction data available for the entire state-maintained road network. In 2020, the Cabinet retained a consultant to collect continuous pavement friction data along the state’s road network using a Sideway-force Coefficient Routine Investigation Machine (SCRIM), and Kentucky is now one of a few states that maintains a continuous pavement friction management program. This report discusses efforts to integrate data on road friction into the Enhanced Pavement …

Cohesive Zone Modelling Of Fiber–Matrix Interface In Composite Materials, Arjun Myadam

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Carbon Fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are widely used in aerospace, automotive, and structural applications due to their high specific strength, stiffness, and design flexibility. Their mechanical performance is critically governed by the fiber–matrix interface which controls stress transfer and directly influences damage initiation, crack propagation, and fracture behaviour. The interface properties are quantified through the Interfacial Shear Strength (IFSS) and fracture energy, both serving as key indicators of composite integrity. Effective interfacial bonding is therefore essential to the composite’s strength. Nanoscale fiber surface modifications provide a promising approach to enhance interfacial bonding and can also impart multifunctionality. These multifunctionalities can …

Enhancing Virtual Reality Cockpit Procedure Training With Haptic Feedback, Christian K. Jaedicke

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Pilot training is time-consuming and costly, and not all phases require full-flight simulators or actual aircraft. Virtual reality (VR) offers a potential means to reduce cost and duration while supporting practical cockpit procedure training. While prior research in the VR domain suggests that providing haptic feedback can support training of muscular control and increase perceived immersion, it remains unclear whether haptic feedback improves spatial cognition in an unfamiliar VR environment. This study examined whether haptic feedback and cockpit complexity affected response time and position error under limited-visibility, time-constrained conditions in a VR cockpit environment (i.e., a quasi-blindfold cockpit check).

Grounded …

Static Analysis-Based Android Malware Detection (2021–2026): A Systematic Survey And Taxonomy, Ali Hussein Mohammed Ali, Musaab Riyadh Abdulrazzaq

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Android malware is not only increasing in size and sophistication but is also a challenge to be detected on a large scale. Static analysis is popular due to its ability to detect malware without running applications or tracing run-time events. However, features, datasets, labeling methods, and assessment methodology differ, which makes studying performance difficult. This is a systematic study of 78 peer reviewed articles written between 2021 and 2026 regarding the Android malware detection by static analysis. In each of the studies, the current survey cover the following feature source, feature representation and engineering, learning paradigms, datasets and labeling methods, …

Guided Mind Mapping For Enhancing Spatial Thinking In First-Year Architectural Design Studios, Noor Ayad Rashid, Mustafa Kamil Al-Khafaji

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Spatial thinking constitutes a core cognitive ability in early architectural design education, enabling students to interpret, organize, and transform spatial relationships into coherent architectural configurations. Despite its importance, studio practice often indicates that first-year students rely on surface-level representation rather than engaging in structured spatial reasoning, which leads to fragmented compositions and weak spatial coherence. Accordingly, this study investigates the following research question: To what extent can guided mind mapping support the development of spatial thinking in early architectural design studios? A quasi-experimental design was adopted to examine the impact of structured visual–cognitive guidance on students' spatial reasoning. The study …

Multiaxial Stress And Deformation Analysis In Mechanical Structures Under Variable Dynamic Loads, Aqeel Naeem Fareed Al-Khafaji

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Piping supports in gas and process facilities in Iraq are routinely exposed to operational vibration and moderate seismic actions, creating multiaxial, variable dynamic loads that are not fully captured by conventional uniaxial, static design checks. Welded brackets, in particular, are prone to local stress concentration and fatigue at weld toes. This study aims to quantify the multiaxial stress and deformation response of a welded steel pipeline support bracket under variable dynamic loading and to assess the implications for structural integrity and design practice. It was demonstrated by the development and validation of a three-dimensional finite element model of a bracket-pipe …

Enhancement Of Tribological Behavior Of Rotating Bearings Using Advanced Ceramic Compounds Via Thermal Spray Techniques, Amjid Shihab Abdul Jaleel

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Rotating machines constitute the main part of the most important industrial sectors in Iraq such as oil and gas production, power generation, and manufacturing. The harsh operating conditions however, in the form of high temperatures, corrosive agents and abrasive particulates are causes of premature failure of crucial components such as journal bearings. This study examines the improvement of tribological characteristics of normal steel journal bearings using superior ceramic coating using thermal spray. In particular, atmospheric plasma spray (APS) was used to deposit Alumina-Titania (Al₂O₃–TiO₂) and Zirconia (ZrO₂)coating on A106 Grade B carbon …

Enhancement Of Gas Turbine Efficiency By Using Recuperator And Intercooler Systems, Mohammed Saad Kamil

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

High power density and operational flexibility make gas turbines an indispensable part of contemporary energy conversion systems. However, in the simple cycle configuration, the thermal efficiency is generally low because the exhaust heat loss is large and the compression work is high. The current investigation is focused on enhancing the thermal efficiency of a gas turbine by the introduction of two augmentation schemes, namely a recuperator and an intercooler. A numerical and thermal simulation study was carried out to model the gas turbine cycle based on the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Simplicity and Modified cycles Performance of simple …

Spatial Estimation For Gas Flaring And Natural Gas Waste From Oil Production Using Remote Sensing And Gis Techniques, Hisham M. Jawad Al Sharaa

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This study aims to provide a comprehensive geospatial gas flaring intensity and emission doses analysis throughout oil production areas in Iraq based on remote sensing and GIS-based interpolation methods. Satellite image and spatial data were combined to create a map of flaring locations, refinery locations, and associated CO₂-equivalent emissions. The results show that there is a clear spatial variation in the intensity of the emissions ranging from northern regions towards the oil fields in the south near Basra, Rumaila and West Qurna, where refinery density and high flaring activities are observed. Interpolation modelling suggests that the majority of …

Ai-Enhanced Heat Transfer Optimization In Magnetic Bio-Nanofluids, Hasan Attyah Shaboot

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This study presents a hybrid Artificial Intelligence–Computational Fluid Dynamics (AI-CFD) framework for optimizing heat transfer in magnetic bio-nanofluids subjected to external magnetic fields. Magnetic bio-nanofluids, composed of biocompatible base fluids containing superparamagnetic nanoparticles, exhibit tunable thermal and flow behavior, making them promising for biomedical and micro-cooling applications. Conventional optimization methods based on experiments or brute-force CFD are computationally expensive and limited in exploring the full design space. To overcome these challenges, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) surrogate model was developed to predict two key performance indicators, the Nusselt number and the friction factor, with high accuracy (R² > 0.997). The …

Quality Of Life Indicators In Historic Urban Spaces: A Case Study Of Al-Mustansiriya Madrasa, Baghdad / Iraq, Israa H. Karam Ali, Shireen I. Khazaal

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Historic urban spaces play a central role in shaping social interaction, environmental comfort, and collective identity in cities with deep cultural heritage. Despite this importance, empirical assessments of their performance in terms of Quality of Life (QoL) from the perspective of contemporary users remain limited, particularly in the context of Baghdad. This study examines Quality of Life indicators within a historic urban space through a case study of Al-Mustansiriya Madrasa, one of Baghdad's most prominent historic educational complexes. A descriptive–analytical approach was adopted, integrating a structured questionnaire survey, systematic on-site observation, and spatial analysis based on Space Syntax techniques. The …

Optimization Of Bearing Design In Centrifugal Pumps Using Finite Element And Experimental Methods: Application At South Refineries Company, Basra, Mohammed Hasab Naser Al-Mtasher

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

In the study, nonlinear vibration and thermo-mechanical characteristics of centrifugal pump bearings utilized in the cooling tower system of South Refineries Company (Basra) were properly examined using a combined experimental and numerical method. The intent of the study was to learn the impact of misalignment, the nature of the lubrication film, and thermal gradients on the stability of the operation of these bearings and their service life under realistic industry environment conditions. Finite element model (FEM) was constructed and tested on the basis of real field data obtained at the working pumps that allowed realistic distribution of stress and temperature. …

Evaluation Of A Vortex Flow Device On A Center Pivot Irrigation System, Ankit Chandra, Derek M. Heeren, Tyler Smith

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

This study presents the first independent field evaluation of a passive vortex flow device designed to reduce hydraulic friction in pressurized irrigation systems. Experiments were conducted on a full-scale, groundwater-fed center pivot irrigation system at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension, and Education Center (ENREEC). A paired comparison approach was used to quantify differences in flow rate, energy consumption, and pressure distribution along the pivot lateral under baseline (no device) and treatment (device installed) conditions. Results showed negligible change in system flow rate (621 vs. 618 gpm) and energy consumption (~1.2% difference), consistent with expectations for pressure-regulated irrigation systems. However, the …

Exploiting Uncertainty Of Computational Methodology In Optimizing User Interface In Human-Computer Interaction, Nada Mohamed, Alshaimaa A. Tantawy

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

Human-computer interaction (HCI) evaluation and optimization of user interfaces (UIs) constitute a complex multi-criteria decision-making challenge, marked by conflicting evaluation dimensions, subjective expert judgments, and inherent uncertainty in user experience assessment. Traditional evaluation approaches, such as heuristic expert reviews and user satisfaction surveys, rely on sharp, binary classifications that fail to capture the gradual and overlapping nature of human cognitive and affective states. This limitation necessitates a more robust uncertainty-aware methodology that can model the true complexity of HCI evaluation. This paper proposes a hybrid mathematical model that integrates various Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques of Entropy, and Simple Additive …