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Lithospheric Drip And Mantle Thermal Upwelling Beneath Central Asia And The Southern Great Plains Of North America: Evidence From Receiver Function Imaging, Yangyang Liao

Doctoral Dissertations

"Investigating the depth of mantle transition zone (MTZ) discontinuities provides insights into mantle dynamics, including regional-scale downwelling of mantle lithosphere (i.e., lithospheric drip) and upwelling of thermal materials (i.e., mantle plume). In our study, we employ receiver functions to image the 410 km (d410) and 660 km (d660) mantle discontinuities and to ascertain thickness of the MTZ beneath Central Asia and the Great Plains in United States. The findings unveil a significantly thickened transition zone, exhibiting an average thickness of 284 km beneath East Sayan. When considered alongside geochemical observations, our results indicate that the descent of the lithosphere is …

Exploring Seismic Anisotropy In The Crust And Mantle Of The Tibetan Plateau And Analyzing Seismic Velocity Variations In Yellowstone, Cong Shen

Doctoral Dissertations

"Seismology is a scientific discipline that utilizes seismic waves to investigate the deep structures within the Earth's interior, which are otherwise inaccessible to direct observation by humans. These seismic waves can be categorized into two types: body waves and surface waves, each with distinct propagation modes and behaviors, carrying valuable information about their travel paths. The first paper concentrates on the analysis and inversion of body waves produced by large seismic events. It employs shear wave splitting and receiver function methods to explore the geodynamic structure of the south-central Tibetan Plateau, near the plate boundary. The investigation covers the depth …

Improving Syngas Quality In A Downdraft Biomass Gasifier With Blended Feedstocks, Rania Almusafir

Doctoral Dissertations

"Biomass gasification is the greatest potential renewable energy source and will play an important role in the energy mix of the future. To achieve a high quality of produced synthesis gas (syngas) in the gasification system, the syngas cleaning and cooling processes pose challenges. The main objectives of the present work are advancing the knowledge of the gasification process and producing syngas in the studied pilot-scale downdraft biomass gasifier.

A Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) has been developed and utilized to experimentally investigate the impact of biomass feedstock diversity on the performance of the gasification process of hardwood (HW), softwood (SW) pellets, …

Processing-Microstructure-Properties Relationships In Additively Manufactured Zrb2-Sic Ceramics, Marharyta Lakusta

Doctoral Dissertations

"The study explores the pressure less sintering (PS) and chemical compatibility of ZrB₂-30 vol.%SiC produced by additive manufacturing (AM) with CO₂. The oxidation kinetics and scale microstructures were compared for ZrB₂-SiC made by hot pressing (HP) and by AM coupled with PS. All specimens exhibited parabolic oxidation kinetics. The difference in oxidation behavior becomes evident at temperatures of 1100-1400°C (200-900h). Oxidation rates increased as grain size increased. Similar oxide scale morphologies were observed in both CO₂ and air, with an outer borosilicate layer and an inner porous ZrO₂ layer containing partially oxidized …

Highly Dipole-Parallel Aligned Nonlinear Optical Organic Molecular Crystalline Materials: Rational Design, Experimental And Theoretical Studies Of Supramolecular Structures And Non-Covalent Interactions, Harmeet Singh Bhoday

Doctoral Dissertations

Highly dipole-parallel aligned donor-acceptor substituted organic molecules are attractive for a wide array of applications, including nonlinear optics. However, only a limited number of crystals are known to adopt polar non-centrosymmetric space groups. The concepts guiding the fabrication of these polar materials have been described. The study focused on unsymmetrical donor-acceptor substituted azines and butadiene's. An improved design over (MeO, Y)-azines led to the realization of three crystals perfectly aligned in dipole parallel orientation for (PhO, Y)-azines with Y = Cl, Br, I, and one nearly perfectly aligned crystal for Y = F (Paper I). The unique bonding properties associated …

The Stability Of The Deadlift Three Repetition Maximum, Stuart N. Guppy, Tsuyoshi Nagatani, Wayne C. K. Poon, Kristina L. Kendall, Jason P. Lake, G. Gregory Haff

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study investigated the stability of three repetition maximum (3RM) strength during the deadlift. Eleven participants performed four testing sessions comprising a one repetition maximum test and 3RM tests separated by 48 h. Preparedness was assessed before each testing session using countermovement jumps and by measuring barbell velocity during each set of deadlifts. Trivial statistically significant differences were determined for the 3RM between T1 and both T2 (p = 0.012; ES [95% CI] = −0.1 [−0.58, 0.41]) and T3 (p = 0.027; ES [95% CI] = −0.09 [−0.57, −0.43]). No significant differences were noted between T2 and T3 …

Captain Hook To Space Crook: Towards A Convention On The Suppression Of Space Piracy, Vinita Singh

Fordham International Law Journal

While the commercial future of outer space endeavors is bright, parallels between outer space and the high seas and advances in modern technology suggest Space Piracy will become a real and serious peril to States and their nationals. Because preexisting international law does not adequately empower States to tackle this threat, States must proactively consider adoption of a Convention on the Suppression of Space Piracy. Based on the strengths and weaknesses of applicable law of the sea and criminal aviation law, this work offers draft language for two key provisions of this Convention—a definition of “Space Piracy” and a delineation …

The International Legal Framework Of Oceanic Shipping Of Carbon Dioxide For Permanent Storage, Carolina Arlota And Michael B. Gerrard

Fordham International Law Journal

No abstract provided.

The International Trade Law Implications Of Regulating E-Cigarettes: Lessons From Tobacco Litigation, Genevieve Wilkinson And Elizabeth Sheargold

Fordham International Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Matthew Gaber: Peekaboo, Matthew Gaber, Mohiuddin Ahmed, Helge Janicke

Research Datasets

Cyber-attacks continue to evolve, increasing in frequency and sophistication where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming essential in detecting modern malware. However, the accuracy of AI in malware detection is dependent on the quality of the features it is trained with. Static and dynamic analysis of malware is limited by the widespread use of obfuscation and anti-analysis techniques employed by malware authors, where if an analysis environment is detected the malware will hide its malicious behavior. However, Dynamic Binary Instrumentation (DBI) allows deep and precise control of the malware sample, thereby facilitating the extraction of authentic features from sophisticated and evasive …

Ecu-Mss-2 Dataset, A New Multi-Species Seagrass, Md K. Noman, Syed M. S. Islam, Seyed M. Jalali, Jumana Abu-Khalaf, Paul Lavery

Research Datasets

The "ECU-MSS-2' dataset contains four different habitats, 'Amphibolis' spp (hereafter 'Amphibolis"), 'Halophila' spp (hereafter 'Halophila'), 'Posidonia' spp (hereafter 'Posidonia') and 'Background'. We compiled this image dataset from different sources. The 'Halophila' images were collected by the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, Western Australia.

The 'Amphibolis' 'Background' and 'Posidonia' images were collected by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), Australia. The 'Amphibolis' class includes the seagrass species Amphibolis griffithii and Amphibolis Antarctica. The 'Halophila' class includes Halophila ovalis, while the 'Posidonia' class includes Posidonia sinuosa, Posidonia coriacea, and Posidonia Australis. The 'Background' class includes coral, sand, …

Effect Of Various Irrigation Protocols And Antioxidant Application On Bonding Performance Of Two Adhesive Systems To Coronal Dentin, Nada Omar, Haidy N. Salem, Ahmed Abdou, Lamiaa M. Moharam

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Background: The aim was to evaluate the effect of different irrigation protocols and antioxidants application on the shear bond strength (SBS) of two different adhesive systems to deep coronal dentin at different temperature. Material and Methods: One hundred and twenty human premolar teeth were cut longitudinally in two halves, then the prepared specimens were allocated into four main groups according to the irrigation protocols; Distilled water (control), Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) + Ethylenediamine Tetra-acetic Acid (EDTA), and NaOCl + Editronate (HEDP), two subgroups according to irrigation solutions temperature; 4°C and 37°C, two divisions according to grape seed extract (GSE) application (with …

Under The Influence: Pf Bacteriophage Modulate Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Virulence & Pathogenesis, Amelia Kass Schmidt

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative opportunistic bacterial pathogen which is as ubiquitous in the natural environment as it is within hospital settings, where it is a readily acquired nosocomial pathogen. Bacteriophages, viruses which infect bacteria, are a central component of the arsenal P. aeruginosa leverages to combat the stresses of infecting mammalian hosts. Over 60% of P. aeruginosa clinical isolates are chronically infected with temperate phages within the family of Inoviridae. These phages, referred to as Pf, have a filamentous virion structure which accommodates genome sizes between 10-20kbp. Pf is capable of integration into the bacterial chromosome where they can …

Sudden Oak Death, Jeffrey William Guay

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

A novel set contemporaneously in rural Montana, Sudden Oak Death follows two protagonists, Wade and his teenage daughter Paige. Each are fighting different addictions, as Wade is in alcoholism recovery, and Paige recently came home from a drug treatment program. In order to succeed, Paige must reintegrate herself into public high school, despite suffering from undiagnosed dyslexia. Wade is raising his family as a single father, and struggles to maintain his emotional stability in the face of his own recovery.

Catalyzing Communities Of Research Rigour Champions, Audrey C Brumback, William X Q Ngiam, Dana M Lapato, David B Allison, Christin L Daniels, Michael Dougherty, Haley F Hazlett, Kara L Kerr, Susan Pusek, Naomi Schrag

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

The biomedical sciences must maintain and enhance a research culture that prioritizes rigour and transparency. The US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke convened a workshop entitled 'Catalyzing Communities of Research Rigor Champions' that brought together a diverse group of leaders in promoting research rigour and transparency (identified as 'rigour champions') to discuss strategies, barriers and resources for catalyzing technical, cultural and educational changes in the biomedical sciences. This article summarizes 2 days of panels and discussions and provides an overview of critical barriers to research rigour, perspectives behind reform initiatives and considerations for stakeholders across science. Additionally, we …

Bradykinin Receptor Expression And Bradykinin-Mediated Sensitization Of Human Sensory Neurons, Jiwon Yi, Zachariah Bertels, John Smith Del Rosario, Allie J. Widman, Richard A. Slivicki, Maria Payne, Henry M. Susser, Bryan A. Copits, Robert W. Gereau 4th

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Bradykinin is a peptide implicated in inflammatory pain in both humans and rodents. In rodent sensory neurons, activation of B1 and B2 bradykinin receptors induces neuronal hyperexcitability. Recent evidence suggests that human and rodent dorsal root ganglia (DRG), which contain the cell bodies of sensory neurons, differ in the expression and function of key GPCRs and ion channels; whether bradykinin receptor expression and function are conserved across species has not been studied in depth. In this study, we used human DRG tissue from organ donors to provide a detailed characterization of bradykinin receptor expression and bradykinin-induced changes in the excitability …

A Vehicle-Bridge Interaction Model Considering Contact Patch Size And Vehicle Self-Generated Excitation – A Theoretical Study, Zhenhua Shi, Yahya M. Mohammed, Nasim Uddin, Genda Chen

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper presents an improved theoretical damped single-axle vehicle-bridge dynamic interaction model to consider the effect of the contact patch size and motor-induced vehicle excitation. The contact patch issue is critical as it determines the minimum time step for simulation and maximum identifiable frequency, while the inclusion of the motor-induced vehicle excitation benefits the design of autonomous self-driven rather than towed vehicles. Estimations of the contact patch size for both the pneumatic tire and solid wheel scenarios are discussed. The contact patch responses, which degenerate into contact point responses when the contact patch size is assumed to be infinitely small, …

The Hydration, Microstructure, And Mechanical Properties Of Vaterite Calcined Clay Cement (Vc³), Yaqiang Li, Yue Li, Hongyan Ma, Jiaqi Li

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Limestone (calcite) calcined clay cement (LC3) is a promising low-CO2 binder, but the low activity of calcite cannot compensate the reduction in clinker factor, resulting in low one-day strength and limiting its broad applications. As recent carbon capture and utilization technologies allow scalable production of vaterite, a more reactive CaCO3 polymorph, we overcome the challenge by introducing vaterite calcined clay cement (VC3), inspired by the vaterite-calcite phase change. In the present study, VC3 exhibits higher compressive strengths and faster hydration than LC3. Compared to hydrated LC3, hydrated VC3 exhibits increased amount of hemi- and mono-carboaluminate formation and decreased amount of …

Performance Of Smart Shear Keys In Concrete Bridges Under Tsunami Loading: An Experimental Study, Haibin Zhang, Xinzhe Yuan, Genda Chen, Pedro Lomonaco

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Bridges have recently been exposed to an increasing number of natural hazards such as earthquakes and tsunamis. These extreme events have resulted in transverse offsets, overturning moments, and even dropping-off of superstructures due to their weak connection to substructures. These outcomes are potentially prevented or mitigated by developing and deploying sliding, modular, adaptive, replaceable, and two-dimensional (SMART) shear keys as fuse elements between superstructures and substructures. The novelty of SMART shear keys is to enable an adaptive control of both the force and displacement of bridges under different types of loads. In this study, the performance of SMART shear keys …

Enhancing Pricing Practices Of Subcontractors: A Comparative Analysis Using Simulation Modeling, Muaz O. Ahmed, Islam H. El-Adaway, Kalyn T. Coatney

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The construction industry often relies on subcontracting, where subcontractors bid for portions of a project before general contractors bid for the entire project in a process referred to as multi-stage bidding (MSG). MSG can be complex, and winning bidders may be burdened with underestimating their bids and encountering the winner's curse. Despite various studies investigating this issue, further research is necessary to examine bidding strategies for subcontractors. This paper addresses this research need by exploring and comparing how bidding strategies based on reinforcement learning and game theory could aid subcontractors in mitigating the winner's curse in MSG. The authors used …

Studying Contribution Of Associated Stakeholders In Risk Control Of Modularized Construction Under Different Project Delivery Methods: A Graph-Restricted Cooperative Games Approach, Mohamad Abdul Nabi, Islam H. El-Adaway

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Modularization is associated with various project benefits including cost savings, schedule reduction, improved quality, among others. However, successful implementation of modular projects requires early collaboration and proactive management of various associated risks. Both project communication structures and early engagement of all project stakeholders have a great impact on risk mitigation efficiency in modular construction. The goal of this paper is to study the stakeholders' contribution in risk control of modular construction projects under different delivery methods. To this end, the authors followed a multistep methodology including (1) literature analysis to assign 17 modular risks among the various project stakeholders; (2) …

Predicting High-Impact Research In The Construction Engineering And Management Domain Using Computational Machine Learning, Islam H. El-Adaway, Gasser G. Ali, Muaz O. Ahmed, Radwa Eissa, Mohamad Abdul Nabi, Tamima Elbashbishy, Ramy Khalef

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Construction engineering and management (CEM) domain covers multiple evolving sub-disciplines and directions. To understand those directions, numerous research efforts have conducted scientometric analysis of publications to explore their significance and impact. Despite their valuable insights, such research endeavors have been limited to exploratory analyses, whereas no previous attempt has been conducted to predict the future impact of research in CEM. This study fills this knowledge gap by performing a predictive analysis of citation metrics of publications in CEM using machine learning (ML). The developed model was trained on a dataset of 93,868 publications using an XGBoost algorithm. Testing showed that …

Risk-Reward Allocation Among Integrated Project Delivery Method Stakeholders: A Gamified Cooperative Data Simulation Approach, Radwa Eissa, Mohamad Abdul Nabi, Islam H. El-Adaway

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Integrated project delivery (IPD) method is associated with numerous benefits, including enhanced project performance, collaboration, and information sharing among project stakeholders. However, the lack of adequate incentive and reward mechanisms is still considered as the main reason for slowing down the adoption of IPD. As such, the goal of this paper is to identify a fair and efficient risk pool distribution among IPD project stakeholders. The adopted methodology included (1) assigning the risks associated with each stakeholder, (2) computing valuations for all possible subset coalitions among IPD project stakeholders that reflect their risk control capabilities as well as their coordination …

Understanding Of Risky Determinants Affecting The Success Of Design-Build Airport Projects Using Computational Clustering Techniques, Ramy Khalef, Islam El-Adaway

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The current delivery practices of airport projects are traditionally outdated, lacking innovative and modern techniques which provide overall better cost, schedule, among other performance metrics. Design-build (DB) is an alternative and viable option for the effective delivery of airport projects. Previous studies have lacked in focusing on studying the determinants that affect the success of DB airport projects. This study aims to fill this gap. The goal of this research is to explore these determinants by computationally analyzing the perception of relevant experts. This goal is achieved by: (1) developing a survey to gather valid data on the likelihood of …

Circular Economy Strategies For Reducing Embodied Carbon In Us Commercial Building Stocks: A System Dynamics Modeling Approach, Radwa Eissa, Islam H. El-Adaway

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Environmental concerns over embodied carbon - which is generated during the extraction, transportation, manufacturing, construction, and disposal of building materials - have been increasing as the industry shifts to renewable energy and grid decarbonization efforts prevail. Commercial buildings, a rapidly growing sector and a major source of embodied carbon, can contribute immensely to the national climate goals by transitioning into a circular economy (CE). Nevertheless, embodied carbon research is rather dispersed, with sparse data on the actual impact of different CE strategies and how they scale on nationwide commercial building stocks. To address this research need, the goal of this …

Quantifying The Role Of Insurance In Tornado-Impacted Community Recovery: A Survey And Simulation-Based Approach, Jie Zhao, Ji Yun Lee, Guirong Grace Yan, Fangjiao Ma

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Insurance against disasters plays a critical role in community recovery by providing policyholders with reliable and timely payments for repairing or reconstructing damaged houses. By allowing homeowners to transfer risk, insurance enables homeowners to address house without experiencing significant financial burdens. Although historical events have highlighted the importance of insurance, its quantitative impact on community recovery, particularly in tornado-impacted communities, is understudied. This study focuses on advancing our understanding of whether sufficiently insured houses can have a positive impact on the recovery of tornado-impacted communities (i.e., the main research question). This paper proposes a two-stage simulation framework to quantitatively evaluate …

A Contractual Approach To Resolving Disputes Arising From Failure To Achieve Green Certification, Bahaa Chammout, Islam H. El-Adaway

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Green Construction Is An Approach To Reducing The Environmental Impact Of Resource-Intensive Construction. Several Certification Systems Have Been Devised And Are Globally Recognized To Provide Green Building Rating Frameworks. While A Building Can Be Designed To Achieve A Green Rating, The Rating Is Achieved Based On The Completed Facility's Actual Measured Performance. There Had Previously Been Limited Attempts To Give An In-Depth Examination Of The Remedies For Unrealized Green Ratings. As Such, This Paper Addresses This Knowledge Gap Using A Multistep Research Methodology. First, The Authors Analyzed And Classified The Nature Of Damages Resulting From Failed Green Certification Under The …

Assessing The Impact Of Skilled Labor Shortages On Project Cost Performance, Tamima S. Elbashbishy, Islam H. El-Adaway

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Over The Past Decade, There Has Been A Notable Increase In Skilled Labor Shortages Within The Construction Industry. This Shortage Has Numerous Negative Consequences On Construction Projects, Such As Delays In Completion, Compromised Quality, And Higher Costs. Therefore, The Goal Of This Paper Is To Examine The Extent Of Skilled Labor Shortages Observed Throughout The Industry And Their Impact On The Cost Performance Of Construction Projects. To Achieve This Goal, The Authors Identified 10 Key Construction Trades That Heavily Rely On Skilled Labor. Subsequently, An Industry Survey Was Conducted To Measure The Extent Of Skilled Labor Shortages, As Well As …

Identifying And Exploring Construction Pm Evolution And Research Directions, Jeffrey S. Russell, Islam H. El-Adaway, Ramy Khalef, Fareed Salih, Gasser Ali

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Project Management (PM) Is The Process Of Organization, Allocation, And Control Of Resources To Achieve A Specific Goal. Previously, PM Focused On Planning And Executing Projects According To Predetermined Objectives, But It Has Evolved To Include The Use Of Technology To Aid In Managing And Delivering Projects. However, No Research Has Provided A Comprehensive Analysis Of This PM Evolution. To Fill This Gap, This Data-Driven Study Conducted A Scientometric Analysis, Using PM-Related Research Papers, To Identify The PM Evolution Along The Holistic Life Cycle Of Its Knowledgebase. The Findings Of This Study Identify Four Distinct PM Phases: PM 1.0, PM …

Predicting Construction Costs Under Uncertain Market Conditions: Probabilistic Forecasting Using Autoregressive Recurrent Networks Based On Deepar, Ghiwa Assaf, Rayan H. Assaad, Islam H. El-Adaway, Mohamad Abdul Nabi

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Projects Often Experience Cost Overruns Due To Market Uncertainty And Price Escalations. Traditional Cost Estimation Methods That Rely On Point Estimation Are Incapable Of Providing Prediction Intervals As Well As Probabilistic Assessment. Thus, There Is Need For An Innovative Approach To Predict The Changes And Uncertainties In Construction Material Costs. This Paper Proposes A Novel Stochastic Model To Estimate Construction Material Costs By Applying Probabilistic Forecasting Using Autoregressive Recurrent Networks. First, Price Data Was Collected For Four Different Construction Materials. Second, Data Was Divided Into A Training Set (Pre-COVID-19) And A Testing Test (Post-COVID-19). Third, The State-Of-The-Art DeepAR Algorithm Was …