Digital Commons Network^™

Development Of Intelligent Stimuli-Responsive Biomaterials And Nanodevices, Shuo Yang

Doctoral Dissertations

"Structural DNA nanotechnology utilizes DNA molecules as building blocks to fabricate ordered artificial nanostructures at the molecular level. Among all DNA-based techniques, DNA origami has been considered as one of the most powerful tools for constructing artificial nanostructures with excellent programmability and addressability. Currently, most DNA origami nanostructures are static and do not have the ability to response to environmental stimulation. The development of environmental-responsive DNA origami nanostructures is a critical step towards the realization of intelligent dynamic DNA origami-based nanodevices. This research focuses on the design and fabrication process of both static and dynamic DNA origami nanostructures and their …

Studying The Effects Of New Additive Materials For The Improvement Of The Capacity And Cycle Life Performance Of The Lead-Acid Battery, Julian Kosacki

Doctoral Dissertations

"Lead-acid batteries are an established technology with nearly 99% recyclability; however, lead-acid batteries produce only 40% of their theoretical capacity due to poor active mass utilization and PbSO4 pore blockage, and the longevity of the batteries is hampered by secondary reactions during the cycle life such as corrosion and gassing.

Lead-acid batteries were investigated and improved through several different approaches: an alternative electrolyte to mitigate secondary reactions, graphite additives to improve positive active mass (PAM) utilization, and dispersant additives to help the industrial pasting process.

The thermodynamics and chemical reactions of a commercial electrolyte replacement called Tydrolyte^TM were investigated …

Layer-To-Layer Feedback Control For Direct Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing, Michelle Gegel

Doctoral Dissertations

"Additive manufacturing (AM) has garnered much attention in recent years, some calling it the fourth industrial revolution. It was first used to create rapid prototypes, although recent efforts have been made to advance the technology towards production of functional parts. This requires advancement in the materials used in AM, as well as the ability to produce quality parts repeatably. More specifically, direct energy deposition (DED) of metal powders is a process capable of producing and repairing parts with complex geometries; however, it is not widely used in industry due to challenges with quality control. In this process, metal powder is …

Cyclic Sequential Adsorption Desorption/Thermal-Catalytic Oxidation Of Volatile Organic Compounds: Material Development, Process Advancement/Improvement, And Numerical Modeling, Simulation And Optimization, Busuyi Ojo Adebayo

Doctoral Dissertations

"Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of useful organic chemicals but when emitted have contributed to air pollution. They affect human health, cause environmental degradation and contaminate our waters and soils, so they need to be controlled. When they exist in dilute concentrations, abatement becomes challenging, thus requiring advanced abatement methods, e.g., sequential adsorption desorption/thermal-catalytic oxidation process. The overall goal of this research was to abate dilute streams of VOCs via the process. The specific objectives were to 1) develop novel adsorbent/catalyst dual-function materials (DFMs) for the process, 2) improve the operability of a one-bed-one-column reactor configuration for the …

Hydromechanical Stress And Internal Erosion Under Earthen Structures, Kerry Allen Magner

Doctoral Dissertations

"Dam failures by seepage and internal erosion have reportedly been attributed to up to 40% of all dam failures in the United States. Backwards piping erosion either through the embankment or foundation soils has been reported to be the major contributing method to seepage and internal erosion dam failures. This proposed research is motivated by the lack of understanding of the complex stress regimes associated with internal erosion in cohesionless soils under earthen structures. The overall goal of this research is to provide a fundamental understanding of internal erosion and the hydromechanical stress conditions necessary for the initiation and continuation …

Common Raven Nesting And Spatial Distancing On Power Lines In Southeast Idaho, Usa, Quinn R. Shurtliff, Jericho C. Whiting

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Common raven (Corvus corax; raven) abundance and distribution have increased in western North America in recent decades, facilitated by anthropogenic subsidies and other environmental changes. Electrical power transmission line structures provide nesting substrates for ravens. When these structures transect landscapes where natural nest substrates are limited, they may facilitate raven predation on eggs and juveniles of sensitive avian and reptile species. Little information is available regarding raven nest density trends on adjacent power lines or how raven territorial behavior influences spatial partitioning of nests, and hence, nest density. This knowledge would be valuable for managers of sensitive prey …

Sharing Science Through Shared Values, Goals, And Stories: An Evidence-Based Approach To Making Science Matter, Bethann Garramon Merkle, Evelyn Valdez-Ward, Priya Shukla, Skylar R. Bayer

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Scientists in and beyond academia face considerable challenges to effectively sharing science, including lack of time and training, systemic disincentives, and the complexity of the modern media/attention landscape. Considering these constraints, 3 achievable shifts in mindset and practice can substantively enhance science communication efforts. Here, we provide evidence-based and experientially informed advice on how to center shared values, articulate science communication goals, and leverage the power of stories to advance our communication goals in connection with the values we share with our stakeholders. In addition to a discussion of relevant, foundational principles in science communication, we provide actionable recommendations and …

Files Cryptography Based On One-Time Pad Algorithm, Ahmad Mohamad Al-Smadi, Ahmad Al-Smadi, Roba Mahmoud Ali Aloglah, Nisrein Abu-Darwish, Ahed Abugabah

All Works

The Vernam-cipher is known as a one-time pad of algorithm that is an unbreakable algorithm because it uses a typically random key equal to the length of data to be coded, and a component of the text is encrypted with an element of the encryption key. In this paper, we propose a novel technique to overcome the obstacles that hinder the use of the Vernam algorithm. First, the Vernam and advance encryption standard AES algorithms are used to encrypt the data as well as to hide the encryption key; Second, a password is placed on the file because of the …

Use Of Factors In Development Estimates: Improving The Cost Analysis Toolkit, Matthew R. Markman, Jonathan D. Ritschel, Edward D. White

Faculty Publications

Factor Estimating is a technique commonly used by defense acquisition analysts to develop cost estimations. However, previous studies developing factors for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase of the life cycle are limited. This research expands the current toolkit for cost analysts by developing cost factors in previously unexplored areas. More specifically, over 400 cost reports are utilized to create new standard cost factors that are delineated by five categories: commodity type, contract type, contractor type, development type, and Service. The factors are developed for those elements that are common in a wide array of projects such as program …

Quantifying The Effects Of Aircraft Engine Upgrades On Operating And Support Costs, Bradford A. Myers, Edward D. White, Jonathan D. Ritschel, R. David Fass

Faculty Publications

For fixed wing aircraft within the U.S. Air Force, Operating and Support (O&S) costs encompass a large portion of total life cycle costs. O&S costs include fuel, maintenance, and engine upgrades. To the authors’ knowledge, no study to date has attempted to empirically quantify the realized effects of new aircraft engines on sustainment costs. Utilizing the Air Force Total Ownership Cost database, they focused on new engines appearing on the C-5s, C-130s, and C-135s. Although narrow in scope, results suggest newer engines have lower fuel costs. Maintenance costs for newer engines were not consistently higher or lower than the engines …

Agile Software Development: Creating A Cost Of Delay Framework For Air Force Software Factories, J. Goljan, Jonathan D. Ritschel, Scott Drylie, Edward D. White

Faculty Publications

The Air Force software development environment is experiencing a paradigm shift. The 2019 Defense Innovation Board concluded that speed and cycle time must become the most important software metrics if the US military is to maintain its advantage over adversaries.¹ This article proposes utilizing a cost-o­f-d­elay (CoD) framework to prioritize projects toward optimizing readiness. Cost-­of-d­elay is defined as the economic impact resulting from a delaying product delivery or, said another way, opportunity cost. In principle, CoD assesses the negative impacts resulting from changes to the priority of a project.

Role Of Gravin/Akap12 Variants In Regulating Endothelial Cell Behavior, Ashrifa Ali

Theses and Dissertations

A functional endothelium must maintain an equilibrium among processes such as endothelial cell (EC) migration, barrier function and angiogenesis. The endothelium is constantly exposed to external factors that that result in a complex network of signaling wired to several possible cellular outcomes. A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) have a critical role in regulating cell signaling by providing spatial and temporal control of signaling proteins to increase downstream target specificity. Several studies have linked gravin (also called SSeCKS or AKAP12), an AKAP, to migration, barrier function, and angiogenesis. However, the functional significance of each gravin variant in ECs has not been investigated …

Hole Cleaning And Cuttings Transportation Modelling And Optimization, Foued Badrouchi

Theses and Dissertations

Efficient hole cleaning in drilling operation is essential to ensure optimum rate of penetration. This complex problem involves simultaneous analysis of multiple parameters, including cuttings characteristics, fluid rheology and the geometry of the annulus space. For instance, accurate calculations of the equivalent circulation density (ECD) requires the effect of the mud density increase due to the cuttings’ concentration to be considered, which itself is a function of the settling velocity and the rate of penetration (ROP). Analytical models, lab experiments and numerical simulations have been used to determine the optimum flow rate for efficient hole cleaning. Most of these models …

Development Of A Dynamic Force Sensor, Olusola Andrew Bolaniran

Theses and Dissertations

Sensors are employed for various applications in different industries. Chief of these applications is in the process and equipment monitoring. Most sensors used in the equipment monitoring are mostly after-market devices. This research answered the question of how can we include the condition monitoring of equipment into the design phase of the equipment. This research developed a dynamic force sensor using a PolyVinyliDene Fluoride (PVDF) film. The piezoelectric film attached to a fixed-fixed substrate which serves to support film and the properties of which the sensor equations were based. The sensor was tested in the laboratory by subjecting it to …

Developing A Machine Learning Based Approach For Fractured Zone Detection By Using Petrophysical Logs, Haleh Azizi

Theses and Dissertations

Oil reservoirs are divided into three categories: carbonate (fractured), sandstone and unconventional reservoirs. Identification and modeling of fractures in fractured reservoirs are so important due to geomechanical issues, fluid flood simulation and enhanced oil recovery.Image and petrophysical logs are individual tools, run inside oil wells, to achieve physical characteristics of reservoirs, e.g. geological rock types, porosity, and permeability. Fractures could be distinguished using image logs because of their higher resolution. Image logs are an expensive and newly developed tool, so they have run in limited wells, whereas petrophysical logs are usually run inside the wells. Lack of image logs makes …

Landslide Remediation Methodology For Low-Volume Roads In North-Central Pennsylvania, Will Ned Brandenberger

Theses and Dissertations

The study of landslides in north-central Pennsylvania is not well developed, and remediation methodology for landslide-prone and low-volume forest roads in the region can benefit from targeted and innovative engineering design strategies. Rockery walls may be an underutilized remediation methodology for low-volume forest roads in north-central Pennsylvania. Two landslide remediation projects in north-central Pennsylvania within the Lycoming and Sullivan counties can provide valuable insight into the existing methodology associated with low-volume forest road remediation in north-central Pennsylvania and outline a potentially under-utilized methodology that may improve engineering design, construction efficiency, and result quality. A review of the two landslide remediation …

Career Aspirations Of Collegiate Aviation Students, Shayne A. Daku

Theses and Dissertations

Three studies in this dissertation examined the career aspirations of collegiate aviation students: student motivation with respect to career aspirations, military aviation career aspirations, and student perceptions of career pathway programs. Findings from each of these studies are valuable to students pursuing careers in aviation and industry partners seeking to fill pilot positions. Each of these reports highlights the desire of current collegiate aviation students to have a career that supports their values of remaining close and connected to their family and friends. In the first research, aviation graduates report crew base and hourly pay as the most important factors …

The Production Of Bio-Based Chemicals And Materials From Renewable Sources, Ian Foerster

Theses and Dissertations

Widespread concern with the impacts of global emissions and climate change plays an active role in driving global renewable markets, developing scientific research communities, and setting environmental pollution regulations. Efforts to confront this rise in global emissions are primarily focused on the reduction and replacement of non-renewable fuels and materials. It has become increasingly apparent that reducing global greenhouse gas emissions will require more than just the replacement of fossil fuels, but the development of technologies to convert a diverse set of renewable feedstocks into fuels, chemicals, and materials.The goal of the work documented herein, was to expand the breadth …

An Evaluation Of Ci Asteroid Regolith As A Plant Growth Medium For Space Crop Production, Steven Jon Russell

Theses and Dissertations

Asteroids are small, undifferentiated bodies that materialized during the formation epoch of the solar system. With a concerted effort to establish a long-term presence in space, crewed missions to asteroids should not be ignored. A critical aspect of human missions is self-sustainability, primarily growing crops via in-situ resource utilization. CI carbonaceous asteroids are a primitive type of asteroid that retain elements found during that early solar system formation. More importantly, the regolith on these asteroids contains soluble elemental nutrients, such as phosphorous and potassium, that crops can use for growth and development. This thesis focuses on the ability of CI …

Airframe And Power Plant Certificate Continued Education Requirements And Renewals, Robert Teal

Theses and Dissertations

The aviation industry is growing and estimated to continue to grow over the next ten years, to a point where passenger travel will almost double. With industry growth new aircraft will be introduced employing rapidly advancing technology, and larger commercial fleets will demand a growth in the aircraft maintenance workforce. As the baby boomer generation approaches retirement there is a greater need for aviation maintenance technicians. An intern approach to fewer mechanics and major changes in technology is to implement requirements for continued education and certification renewals for Airframe and power plant mechanics. This policy would mirror that of other …

Performance And Motivation Of Pre- And Early-Career Professional Pilots, Nicholas David Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

The path from student pilot to professional aviator is lengthy, expensive and full of obstacles (Philips, 2016, Wilson & Daku, 2016). An individual pilot’s motivations to persevere and ultimately succeed within this field are yet to be clearly defined. Two motivation theories, Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) (Bandura, 1986) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT) (Deci & Ryan, 1985) may inform our understanding the connection between motivation and performance. Through three studies of a program of research, the researcher investigated relationships between distinct types of motivation and performance within the applied discipline of Aviation and Airline Pilot career performance. To begin the research, …

Closing The Loop In Life Support Systems For Spaceflight And Habitation: Reutilization Of Human Excrement Through Recovery Of Potable Water And Reclamation Of Waste Materials For In-Space Additive Manufacturing, Brittany Zimmerman

Theses and Dissertations

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) solicited a need for a simplified, low-temperature, and robust method for recovery of water from human solid metabolic waste. A solution is investigated, and benchtop testing is performed to prove developmental feasibility utilizing an ionomer-membrane based dehydration approach for potable water recovery. Testing is implemented with synthetic fecal matter, wet wipes, dry wipes, and nitrite gloves to inform system design. The benchtop, closed-system, dehydration testing pulls together a trade space of materials to compare efficacy of designs.

The system aims to recover upwards of 80% of the water content in the human excrement. …

Multi-Level Resource Sharing Framework Using Collaborative Fog Environment For Smart Cities, Tariq Qayyum, Zouheir Trabelsi, Asad Waqar Malik, Kadhim Hayawi

All Works

No abstract provided.

A Moral Influenza: An Historical Archaeological Investigation Of The Prohibition Era In The United States 1920-1933, Kelli Michele Casias

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

The following exploration of National Alcohol Prohibition in the United States employs an interdisciplinary approach to understand the impetus of the large-scale defiance of liquor laws and to identify the physical manifestations of the social process of mass resistance in the archaeological record. Historical documentation, newspaper publications, oral histories, landscape analysis of road development in Montana, and an archaeological survey of a mountain homestead site where manufacturer of illicit alcohol took place are used to contextualize the Prohibition Era from the perspective of the offender. The research goals of this work are varied and include documentation of the archaeological footprint …

Disabling Injustice In The Higher Education Classroom, Daniel W. Eadens, Danielle M. Eadens, Christopher Lanterman

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

This chapter explores perspectives in higher education classrooms, specifically the need for social justice in education through inclusive and universal design/ universal design for learning (UD/UDL). The authors contacted colleagues regarding what worked to change paradigms and perspectives around issues of social justice and advocacy in classrooms. Three themes emerged, mirroring those of the literature reviewed: scholarly strategies, structured activities, and amplifying marginalized voices. The authors also discuss how accessible and inclusive approaches disable injustice and ableism in higher education classrooms by recognizing disability as an element of diversity and the need for inclusive approaches on college campuses and beyond. …

Complicity And Lesser Evils: A Tale Of Two Lawyers, David Luban

Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works

Government lawyers and other public officials sometimes face an excruciating moral dilemma: to stay on the job or to quit, when the government is one they find morally abhorrent. Staying may make them complicit in evil policies; it also runs the danger of inuring them to wrongdoing, just as their presence on the job helps inure others. At the same time, staying may be their only opportunity to mitigate those policies – to make evils into lesser evils – and to uphold the rule of law when it is under assault. This Article explores that dilemma in a stark form: …

Trade, Economy, And Work: A Shared Agenda For A Stronger Economic Future, Alvaro Santos, Christopher Wilson

Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works

The economies of the United States and Mexico have become inextricably linked. For both countries, the other is their top trading partner, with an annual value of $616.38 billion in 2019. Beyond cross-border trade, however, our global competitiveness is linked due to the depth of manufacturing integration. As a result, job creation and export growth are largely regional enterprises. Well over a billion dollars in commerce crosses the border each day, and the GDP of the six Mexican and four U.S. border states is larger than the GDP of all but the three largest countries in the world.

The new …

Hannah Arendt Meets Qanon: Conspiracy, Ideology, And The Collapse Of Common Sense, David Luban

Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works

A June 2020 survey found one in four Americans agreeing that “powerful people intentionally planned the coronavirus outbreak.” In fall 2020, seven percent said they believe the elaborate and grotesque mythology of QAnon; another eleven percent were unsure whether they believe it. November and December 2020 found tens of millions of Americans believing in election-theft plots that would require superhuman levels of coordination and secrecy among dozens, perhaps hundreds, of otherwise-unconnected and unidentified miscreants.

Conspiracy theories are nothing new, and they raise a question that preoccupied Hannah Arendt in The Origins of Totalitarianism: whatever happened to common sense? Arendt …

Screening Of The Small Molecule Library Of Meinox Enables The Identification Of Anticancer Compounds In Pathologically Distinct Cancers, Aynura Mammadova, Ari̇f Mermer, Fati̇h Kocabaş

Turkish Journal of Biology

Small molecules are widely used for the modulation of the molecular basis of diseases. This makes them the perfect tool for discovering and developing new therapeutics. In this work, we have established a library of small molecules in house and characterized its molecular and druglike properties. We have shown that most small molecules have molecular weights less than 450. They have pharmaceutically relevant cLogP, cLogS, and druglikeness value distributions. In addition, Meinox's small molecule library contained small molecules with polar surface areas that are less than 60 square angstroms, suggesting their potent ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Meinox's small …

Phylostat: A Web-Based Tool To Analyze Paralogous Clade Divergencein Phylogenetic Trees, Eli̇f Özçeli̇k, Nurdan Kuru, Ogün Adebali̇

Turkish Journal of Biology

Phylogenetic trees are useful tools to infer evolutionary relationships between genetic entities. Phylogenetics enables not only evolution-based gene clustering but also the assignment of gene duplication and deletion events to the nodes when coupled with statistical approaches such as bootstrapping. However, extensive gene duplication and deletion events bring along a challenge in interpreting phylogenetic trees and require manual inference. In particular, there has been no robust method of determining whether one of the paralog clades systematically shows higher divergence following the gene duplication event as a sign of functional divergence. Here, we provide Phylostat, a graphical user interface that enables …