Digital Commons Network^™

Crisis Observatory: Extracting Credible Signals During A Crisis In The Age Of Llms, Kuan-Chieh Lo, Pranav Maneriker, Sriram Sai Ganesh, Dominik Winecki, Kelly Garrett, Ayaz Hyder, Arnab Nandi, Valerie Shalin, Shannon A. Bowen Ph.D., Amit Sheth, Srinivasan Parthasarathy

Publications

Systems for crisis response have required several different models for the analysis of unstructured text, such as identifying needs, locations, topics, routing, and matching of needs with available responders. Large Language Models (LLMs) have replaced task-specific models across various language processing tasks. However, LLMs are known to be limited by their training data, collected before the crisis. In this demo, we explore the use of LLMs for crisis response scenarios with rapidly evolving information environments. We show how the augmentation of these models with external reliable sources of crisis-specific information can help build adaptive systems for response. The demonstration video …

Fabrication Of Multimodal Anion Exchange Membrane For Chromatographic Purification Of Full Adeno-Associated Viral Capsids, Xiaolei Hao, Sumith Ranil Wickramasinghe, Xianghong Qian

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

A multi-modal anion exchange ligand 2-methyl-phenylimidazole has been successfully functionalized on highly porous electrospun regenerated cellulose membrane substrate for the separation of full and empty adeno-associated viral (AAV) capsids. The functionalized membrane has an average pore size of 0.5 mu m and exhibits both charge and hydrophobic functionality. The ligand is able to distinguish the subtle physio-chemical differences between the full and empty viral capsids. The multi-modal anion exchange membrane is able to separate the full capsids from affinity-captured mammalian AAV2 using both gradient and two-step elution methods with superior performance. A full capsid recovery of 72.9% at 85.3% purity …

Harmonic Mitigation In Unbalanced Grids Using Hybrid Pso-Ga Tuned Pr Controller For Two-Level Spwm Inverter, Pema Dorji, Taimoor Muzaffar Gondal, Stefan Lachowicz, Octavian Bass

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study proposes an integrated control–optimization framework for harmonic mitigation in two-level, grid-connected inverters with battery energy storage operating under unbalanced grid conditions. A proportional–resonant controller in the stationary (Formula presented.) frame and a proportional–integral controller in the synchronous (Formula presented.) frame are compared, with controller gains optimized using PSO, GA, and a hybrid PSO–GA approach. The hybrid method achieves superior trade-offs among THD, convergence speed, and computational effort. For the PR controller, hybrid PSO–GA reduces THD to 1.07%, satisfying IEEE 1547 and IEC 61727 standards, while for the PI controller it achieves 2.70%, outperforming standalone PSO (4.12%) and GA …

Mine Tailings As A Sustainable Filler For Asphalt Binder–Mastics: A Review, Daniel O. Oguntayo, Nuha S. Mashaan, Sanjay K. Shukla

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Sustainability has become a primary focus on a global scale. However, there is a threat to sustainable development due to the substantial generation of waste from urbanization and industrialization. Particularly, the accumulation of mine tailings is a problem, an industrial waste by-product from the mining sector. To support sustainable development and promote circular economy, it is imperative to utilize the materials in the production of asphalt mastics. This review examines the performance of mining waste-modified asphalt binder–mastic to create an idea of what tailings might be used for in subsequent studies. This review contributes to knowledge by consolidating research efforts …

The Role Of Atmospheric Turbulence On Cloud Droplet Distribution And Droplet Impaction On An Airfoil, Arash Shad, Hashnayne Ahmed, ‪Nadim Zgheib, S. Balachandar, S. A. Sherif

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

We conduct turbulence-informed Euler–Lagrange simulations of droplet-laden flow to examine the effects of atmospheric turbulence on droplet impingement characteristics on a NACA 0012 airfoil. We implement statistical overloading, whereby we inject millions of droplets, ranging in diameter from 1 to 160 microns, upstream of the airfoil at an average streamwise velocity of 120 m/s. Within a fraction of a second, these droplets would have either impinged on the airfoil or continued downstream. While the incoming air flow is maintained uniform, droplet injection is informed by ambient turbulence, affecting both the droplet velocity distribution as well as the size-dependent preferential concentration …

Cost-Optimized Energy Management For Urban Multi-Story Residential Buildings With Community Energy Sharing And Flexible Ev Charging, Nishadi Weerasinghe Mudiyanselage, Asma Aziz, Bassam Al-Hanahi, Iftekhar Ahmad

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Multi-story residential buildings present distinct challenges for demand-side management due to shared infrastructure, diverse occupant behaviors, and complex load profiles. Although demand-side management strategies are well established in industrial sectors, their application in high-density residential communities remains limited. This study proposes a cost-optimized energy management framework for urban multi-story apartment buildings, integrating rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) generation, shared battery energy storage, and flexible electric vehicle (EV) charging. A Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model is developed to simulate 24 h energy operations across nine architecturally identical apartments equipped with the same set of smart appliances but exhibiting varied usage patterns to …

Comparative Fire Hazards Of Lithium-Ion Battery Chemistries: Linking Thermal Behavior, Gas Toxicity, And State-Of-Charge To Composite Risk Profiles, Aamir Iqbal, Ashish Kakoria, Syed Talha Riaz, Jingmin Xu, Robert Illango Pushparaj, Guang Xu

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) are widely used in electric vehicles (EVs) for their high energy density. However, their fire safety causes concerns because of the toxic gases emission and the challenge to extinguish. The type and quantity of toxic gases released during battery fires remain among the least studied hazards, with limited data available despite their serious health risks. This study examines the thermal and gaseous emission behavior of LIB cells after thermal runaway (TR). Five cell types, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), Lithium Titanate (LTO), and three Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt oxide (NMC). The three NMC variants share the same base …

Ded Printing Process Modeling Using Metal Matrix Composites: In-Situ Feedstock Mixing With Variable Compositions And Empirical Validation, Muhammad Arif Mahmood, Sabin Mihai, Diana Chioibasu, Andrei C. Popescu, Frank Liou

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Directed Energy Deposition (DED) is a promising technology for producing metal matrix composites (MMXCs), but precise control over deposited layer dimensions, particularly in multi-material systems, remains difficult to achieve due to the complex interdependence of operating parameters such as laser parameters, feedstock flow rate, and beam energy attenuation. To address these problems, this work proposes an analytical model that predicts the width, height, and depth of the deposited layers using mixed feedstock compositions in-situ, with a focus on Inconel-718 and TiC MMXCs. The model takes into account variables such as laser power, feedstock density, and mixing ratios to improve layer …

Bending Fatigue In Additively Manufactured Metals: A Review Of Current Research And Future Directions, Md Bahar Uddin, Sriram Praneeth Isanaka, Frank Liou

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Metal additive manufacturing (MAM), also referred to as 3D printing, has proven remarkable in the fabrication of complex metal components in multiple sectors. However, the assessment of this revolutionary process through bending fatigue is frequently impeded due to concerns about mechanical and physical conditions of the printed components. The unique layer-by-layer production process results in varied microstructures, anisotropy, and intrinsic defects that considerably differ from traditionally manufactured wrought metals. This review article aims to integrate and evaluate historical and contemporary research on the bending fatigue of additively manufactured materials. More specifically, the impact of process parameters, build orientation, surface conditions, …

Powder Bed Fusion Of Stainless Steel 304l-Nbc Nanocomposite Produced By Ball Milling Method Using A Laser Beam, Khalid Hussain Solangi, Junaid Iqbal Bhatti, Irfan Ali Tunio, Imdad Ali Memon, Temoor Abbas Larik, Lianyi Chen

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Metal powders with uniformly dispersed nanoparticles, suitable shape, and size for additive manufacturing (AM) processes are highly demanded. However, it is difficult to manufacture metal matrix nanocomposite powders (MMNCs) with uniform dispersion of nanoparticles, optimized shape, and size. This study used high-energy ball milling to disperse NbC nanoparticles with an average length of 400 nm (ex-situ reinforcement) in a Stainless Steel (SS) 304 L matrix. In detail, SS304L-5wt% NbC powders were ball-milled from 4 to 10 h. The results showed that the milled powder particles experienced significant cold-welding during the milling time of 4–6 h, with a wide size distribution. …

Harnessing The Power Of Amphoterically Modified Chitosan Coagulants For Enhanced Polyester Microplastic Fibre Removal From Water, Nimesha Thathsarani, Mohadeseh Najafi, Mehdi Khiadani, Muhammad Rizwan Azhar, Masoumeh Zargar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Microplastic fibre (MPF) is the dominant type of microplastic present in water treatment plants’ influent. Coagulation–flocculation followed by sedimentation effectively removes microplastics during pre-treatment; however, conventional inorganic coagulants produce high sludge volume, causing secondary pollution. Chitosan offers a greener alternative but is limited by poor solubility and low molecular weight. In this study, two amphoteric modifications were successfully incorporated into Chitosan, including CMC-CTA, synthesised by modifying carboxymethyl Chitosan (CMC) with 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CTA); and CMC-g-PDMC, synthesised by grafting poly[(2-methacryloyloxyethyl) trimethyl ammonium chloride] (PDMC) onto CMC. Their coagulation performance for MPF removal was assessed by turbidity measurement. The effects …

Microstructural And Mechanical Characterization Of Aa6082 /Sic/Al2o3 Hybrid Nano Composite Fabricated By Ultrasonic Assisted Stir Casting, Anasmon Koderi Valappil

Theses

The utilization of aluminium alloys has increased rapidly in past decades due to the increasing demand for lightweight and high-performance materials. Among the popular aluminium alloys, AA6082 is widely favoured for its excellent combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability. Most previous work, however, has concentrated on either on micro scale reinforcement or on single ceramic particles, leaving very few experimental studies on the use of hybrid nano reinforcement in AA6082. Therefore, to further enhance its mechanical properties without compromising its inherent advantages, hybrid metal matrix composites were developed using various nano particulates as reinforcements. In this current study, AA6082-based …

Groundwater Quality And Health Risk Assessment In The Fujairah Region Using Hydrogeochemical, Statistical, And Spatial Approaches, Mohammed Khaled Alawlaqi

Theses

Groundwater is a valuable resource in the arid climate of the United Arab Emirates, where growing population, agricultural, and industrial activities are putting increasing pressure on the limited groundwater reserves. This work investigates the hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater in the Fujairah region to assess water quality and potential health risks. A total of 64 groundwater samples were collected from the Eastern Shallow Aquifer (ESA) and the Ophiolite aquifer in the study area and were analyzed for physicochemical parameters, major ions, and trace metals. Hydrogeochemical methods such as Piper, Gibbs, Chadha, and Schoeller diagrams were used to identify water types and …

باستخدام مجموعة بيانات متعددة من الطائرات بدون طيار Yolo البحث والإنقاذ البحري القائم على في ظروف الطقس الصعبة, Aysha Ali Alshebli

Theses

Object detection models, powered by deep learning and computer vision, are revolutionizing marine search and rescue (SAR). By analyzing aerial imagery and live drone footage, these systems automatically identify critical targets like survivors, life rafts, and debris across vast and treacherous ocean areas. This capability enhances operational efficiency by reducing human workload and accelerating response times, even in challenging conditions such as poor light, high seas, or cluttered backgrounds. The result is continuous monitoring, faster decision-making, and a significantly improved probability of successful rescue.

Departing from prior methodologies, YOLO introduced a paradigm shift through its single-shot architecture, which concurrently predicts …

Core-Scale Study Of Miscible Co2 Foam–Oil Interactions, Kuvonchbek Abdirakhmonov

Theses

Foam is currently the most effective means for gas mobility control in a variety of geo-energy applications, including enhanced oil recovery (EOR), carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and aquifer/soil remediation. This study investigates the mobility control of miscible CO₂ foam in the presence of oil.

The primary objective is to quantify the impact of oil on CO₂ foam behavior under miscible conditions, specifically examining foam stability, strength, and flow regimes as influenced by oil composition and reservoir permeability. While most oils destabilize foam, few studies explore the coarsening mechanisms of CO₂ foam in the presence of miscible oils, which …

Investigation Of Mechanical Performance And Metallurgical Characteristics Of Titanium Grade 2 Tube-To-Tubesheet Joints, Ahmad Hussein Al Tamimi

Theses

Tube-to-tubesheet joints, an integral component of shell and tube heat exchangers, are known for their vulnerability to leakage problems at the joint region due to mechanical and chemical factors coupled with fabrication techniques involved in creating these joints. An ideal condition of manufacturing process parameters and geometrical variables required to produce tube-to-tubesheet joints is highly desired. One of the most promising candidate materials to fabricate tube-to-tubesheet joints is titanium or titanium alloys due to their excellent strength and resistance to corrosion. The present study investigates the structural integrity of three categories of Titanium Grade 2 based tube-to-tubesheet joints comprising of …

Enhanced Air Hockey Robot Performance Through Adaptive Control Algorithim Using Ai-Based Hierarechal Decicion Archeticture, Ayham Majed Salim

Theses

This thesis presents the development of an intelligent air hockey robot that combines precise mechanical design, computer vision, and adaptive control within an AI-based hierarchical decision architecture. The system integrates synchronized stepper motors, high-speed image processing, and a real-time decision framework to achieve competitive gameplay performance. The robot detects the puck using adaptive HSV color segmentation, supported by dynamic calibration that maintains accuracy under different lighting conditions. A two-stage trajectory prediction model, based on exponential decay velocity estimation, enables anticipation of puck motion and improves response time during fast gameplay.

At the decision level, a fuzzy-logic supervisor governs the robot’s …

Microstrip Antenna Design Based On Ai And Machine Learning, Waleed Mohamed Sha Moulavi

Theses

Microstrip patch antennas (MPAs) rely on precise impedance matching for efficient power transfer between the antenna and feed line. This is often achieved using a number of different techniques, one of which is the quarter-wavelength transformer (QWT). While commercial electromagnetic (EM) solvers offer robust optimization capabilities, they often operate as "black boxes" without providing physical insights into parameter interdependencies. Furthermore, this thesis focuses on the specific scenario where the antenna input impedance is purely real. To address the lack of explicit design relationships for these specific conditions, this thesis develops and comparatively evaluates artificial intelligence (AI) models for QWT width …

Rehabilitation Of Reinforced Concrete Columns Pre-Damaged By Corrosion Using Advanced Composite Materials, Feras Farid Abu Obaida

Dissertations

Reinforced concrete (RC) columns exposed to aggressive environments are highly susceptible to corrosion-induced deterioration, resulting in significant reductions in load-carrying capacity. This research investigates the structural performance of RC circular short columns with varying levels of corrosion damage and evaluates the effectiveness of two composite-based repair techniques, namely carbon fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (C-FRCM) and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (C-FRP) composites, combined with concrete cover replacement. The study aims to establish these methods as practical solutions for rehabilitating corrosion-damaged columns under concentric and eccentric loading conditions. The experimental program included 30 RC column specimens tested in two phases. Phase I involved thirteen …

Generation Expansion Planning: Transitioning Toward Decarbonization With A Focus On Reliability And Dunkelflaute, Taraneh Ghanbarzadeh, Daryoush Habibi, S. M.Muslem Uddin, Asma Aziz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Modern power systems increasingly rely on variable renewable energy sources, supported by energy storage systems and gas power plants, to meet decarbonization targets. However, the high penetration of renewables introduces significant uncertainty due to their weather-dependent nature, posing challenges to system reliability. This paper proposes a probabilistic, multi-level generation expansion planning framework that integrates reliability assessments, with a particular emphasis on the role of energy storage systems. A novel probabilistic approach is also introduced to model the Dunkelflaute phenomenon and evaluate its impact on system reliability. Additionally, the study explores the influence of regulatory mechanisms — referred to as embedded …

An Analysis Of Renewable Energy Capture Utilization For Mpulungu Harbour, Dorica Nayame

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Green Shipping Corridors In West Africa : Overcoming Barriers And Unlocking Opportunities For Maritime Decarbonization, Bismark Owoahene Acheampong

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Marine Environmental Protection : An Investigation Into Existing Global Laws Addressing Marine Plastic Pollution, Maryland De Castro

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Decarbonization And Climate Justice : Challenges And The Effect On Shipowners, Sofiana Kontouri

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

An Analysis Of The Legal And Policy Challenges For Developing Countries In Implementing The Imo’S 2023 Ghg Strategy : A Case Study Of South Africa And Indonesia, Mduduzi Godson Qwabe

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Decarbonization Of The Fishing Fleet In The Galapagos Islands : Governance Challenges And Opportunities For Implementing Renewable Energy Sources, Byron Eduardo Robles Romero

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Problem Of Noise Pollution In Chinese Waters : Can The Current National Legal Framework Tackle The Problem?, Zhou Wang

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Preparedness And Response To Oil And Biofuel Spills : A Case Study Of The Western Indian Ocean, Soifoine Abdillah

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Assessment Of Recreational Safety Protocols In Philippine Beaches And Resorts : A Coast Guard Perspective, Jazzyneth Cacnio

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Maritime Risk Management Of Methanol Bunkering : Study On Key Points Of Ship Supervision And Inspection, Baozhong Li

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.