Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluation Of Dotd’S Aggregate Sources Friction Using Laboratory And Accelerated Testing, Sudhir Bharati

LSU Master's Theses

Roadway safety is of utmost importance to the state transportation agencies. One of the major factors of roadway safety that agencies have control over is pavement friction which is affected by aggregate and mixture type. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) currently uses Polished Stone Values (PSV) obtained from the British Pendulum Device to rate its aggregates. These ratings determine the applicability of aggregates for various projects. However, the ratings are inconsistent, posing significant safety and financial risks. The first part of the thesis compares the currently adopted British Wheel Polisher-based Standard Practice for the Accelerated Polishing of …

Impacts Of Morphological Changes On Water Residence Times In River Deltas, Md. Muzahidul Islam

LSU Master's Theses

Coastal river deltas possess substantial socioeconomic and ecological importance and are expected to encounter increasing risks because of global climate change. The long-term sustainability of many deltaic systems is at risk due to a mix of natural and human-induced factors. Deltas are characterized by their continuous reconfiguration of channels and floodplains due to allogenic and autogenic processes. Sediment supply and composition, sea level rise, vegetation, river discharge, and human development may affect the morphological evolution of river deltas. The timescales and patterns of hydrological transport within a river delta are important indicators of ecological function. One such metric, the water …

The Role Of Pharmacy In Supporting Safe And Effective Transitions Of Care, Laressa Bethishou

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Goal To inform pharmacists and pharmacy technicians of the importance of and processes for conducting transitions of care when patients are moving among healthcare settings.
Summary A narrative review of recent events and research into transitions of care (TOCs) — the movement of patients from one healthcare setting to another. To be conducted safely and effectively, the entire patient care team must optimize patient care and communicate up-to-date information among its members. As the medication experts on the healthcare team, pharmacists are well poised to receive and share information that impacts medication use and patient safety. Pharmacy technicians can play …

Nrg Oncology And Particle Therapy Co-Operative Group Patterns Of Practice Survey And Consensus Recommendations On Pencil-Beam Scanning Proton Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy And Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy For Thoracic Malignancies, Wei Liu, Hongying Feng, Paige A Taylor, Minglei Kang, Jiajian Shen, Jun Zhou, Nathan Y Yu, Terence S Sio, Pranshu Mohindra, Joe Y Chang, Jeffrey D Bradley, Ying Xiao, Charles B Simone, Liyong Lin

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and hypofractionation using pencil-beam scanning (PBS) proton therapy (PBSPT) is an attractive option for thoracic malignancies. Combining the advantages of target coverage conformity and critical organ sparing from both PBSPT and SBRT, this new delivery technique has great potential to improve the therapeutic ratio, particularly for tumors near critical organs. Safe and effective implementation of PBSPT SBRT/hypofractionation to treat thoracic malignancies is more challenging than the conventionally fractionated PBSPT because of concerns of amplified uncertainties at the larger dose per fraction. The NRG Oncology and Particle Therapy Cooperative Group Thoracic Subcommittee surveyed proton centers in …

Graph Neural Networks Do Not Always Oversmooth

Defensive Publications Series

Graph neural networks (GNNs) have emerged as powerful tools for processing relational data in applications. However, GNNs suffer from the problem of oversmoothing, the property that the features of all nodes exponentially converge to the same vector over layers, prohibiting the design of deep GNNs. In this work we study oversmoothing in graph convolutional networks (GCNs) by using their Gaussian process (GP) equivalence in the limit of infinitely many hidden features. By generalizing methods from conventional deep neural networks (DNNs), we can describe the distribution of features at the output layer of deep GCNs in terms of a GP: as …

Active Power Sharing Of Thermostat Device With Wax-Actuated Zone Valves, Andrew Chan, Aaron Okano

Defensive Publications Series

This publication describes improved power stealing for thermostats coupled to wax-actuated zone valves. In some implementations, a thermostat that is coupled to a wax-actuated zone valve may further be coupled to a zone controller. In this case, a leakage current from the zone controller is employed to prevent an inrush limiter from discharging and causing a voltage spike. Alternatively, when the thermostat is not coupled to the zone controller, an Active Power Steal (APS) is disabled when the wax-actuated zone valve is in a powered state such that the inrush limiter charges smoothly without a voltage spike.

A Single Sign-On Mechanism For Pre-Boot Authentication Integrated With Bitlocker* Pre-Boot Pin Feature, Hp Inc

Defensive Publications Series

The protection of a business’s data is a primary concern and in many cases this is done with Microsoft BitLocker*. Unfortunately, there are a wide variety of physical attacks that could be performed to potentially leak the BitLocker* keys or allow exfiltration of the data. Two examples are:

• TPM Bus Snooping where they keys are read as they are transferred across the bus
• “Cold-Boot” attacks where a memory freezing technique is used to access the contents of DRAM (including but not limited to BitLocker* decryption key and other potentially sensitive data on the PC)

The standard mitigation for these types …

Systems And Methods For Improved Image Stabilization, Ajit Ninan

Defensive Publications Series

A method for improved image stabilization may include shifting image data from a memory device integrated with a display device, where the image data represents motion of the display device and corresponds with a time of capture of the image data; analyzing the image data via a processor to determine a stabilization correction to apply to the image data, analyzing including, determining the stabilization correction to correct for a displacement of at least a portion of the image data; applying the determined stabilization correction to the image data stored in the memory device to achieve stabilized image data; and outputting …

Patterning Methods For 3d Liquid Crystal Polarization Hologram Optical Elements, Kellie Shaw

Defensive Publications Series

A method of forming a 3D liquid crystal polarization hologram optical element includes irradiating a liquid crystal composition with linearly polarized light, polymerizing the liquid crystal composition, and aligning liquid crystal polymers within the liquid crystal composition along predetermined orientations, where the aligning includes a process selected from point-by-point patterning, slit-by-slit patterning, layer-by-layer patterning, and volumetric patterning.

Reducing Internal Electronic Noise In Electronic Devices, Shengyin Ding, Mike Derer

Defensive Publications Series

This publication describes systems and techniques to reduce internal electronic noise in electronic devices. In aspects, an electronic device includes one or more microphones that are mounted to a surface of an internal structure and a fastener assembly having a screw, an isolation bracket, and a washer. The washer can be utilized at an interface between at least two hardware components in the electronic device, such as the screw, the isolation bracket, and/or the structure on which the one or more microphones are mounted. The washer can reduce electronic noises (“e-noise”) and vibrations commonly found in electronic devices and can …

"A Life Altering And Special Journey": The Lasting Impact Of Mindfulness On Semester-Long Study Abroad Participants, Ana Conboy, Kevin Clancy

Journal of Contemplative and Holistic Education

Education abroad is held up as a high-impact practice with the potential to engage college and university students in a transformative learning experience (Kuh, 2008). The Institute for International Education (IIE) reports that 347,099 U.S. students received academic credit for study abroad during the 2018-2019 academic school year (IIE). Extensive research into student learning gains abroad have demonstrated that developing student metacognition, or one’s ability to be intentionally self-reflective, is central to transformative learning in the study abroad experience (Vande Berg et al., 2012; Zull, 2012). Consequently, international educators are continually searching for pedagogies (praxis) to facilitate metacognitive learning within …

A Mixed Methods Acceptability And Feasibility Study Of A Patient-Initiated Approach To Increasing Weight Communication In Primary Care, Jocelyn E. Remmert, Leon Mccrea, Nicole T. Crane, Adam Gilden, Meghan L. Butryn

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Background: Weight discussions between patients and physicians can have a positive impact on patients’ health, yet they occur infrequently in primary care. No study to date has promoted patient-initiated weight discussions. This study aimed to test the feasibility, acceptability, and explore trends of the effect of a waiting room-based pamphlet intervention to promote patient-initiated weight discussions.

Methods: Adults (n=60) with overweight or obesity attending a primary care appointment were recruited from the waiting room and randomized to receive the intervention pamphlet or to a non-intervention control condition. All participants attended their appointment and completed post-appointment assessments.

Results: Three …

Case Report Of A Brief Modular Anxiety Intervention For Integrated Primary Care: Addressing Clinician Feasibility Concerns And Barriers To Using Manualized Treatments, Katherine Buckheit, Robyn L. Shepardson, Luke Mitzel, Risa B. Weisberg, Stephen A. Maisto, Jennifer Funderburk

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Individuals with anxiety symptoms commonly present in primary care settings and prefer behavioral health (versus pharmacotherapy) treatment, but behavioral health interventions are underutilized. Primary care behavioral health (PCBH) models, in which embedded behavioral health providers deliver behavioral treatment in primary care, may help address the gap in provision of anxiety treatment. However, evidence-based anxiety treatment options feasible for delivery in primary care are limited, and clinicians often report concerns about using manualized interventions. Recent recommendations by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force to increase anxiety screening among adults in primary care may result in increased identification of individuals with anxiety …

Employing Interactive Architecture Techniques In Architectural Design Methodologies To Retrieve Ancient Egyptian Identity, Dina Elwy Aly Hamed Hussein Dr. Lobna Abd-Allah Abd-Elfattah Agha , Dr. Azza Sobhi Ragab Elsakka

Journal of Engineering Research

Architectural projects often rely on modern technologies like smart architecture and environmental treatments, neglecting the principles and philosophy that reflect civilization, ideas, culture, and traditions. This leads to short-lived buildings that depend on these technologies without any purpose of preserving them. Technicians must constantly renew technology to improve production and without benefits, as threats of superior artificial intelligence have been warned, that autonomous machines may perform tasks without programmers understanding how to reach this level. Instead of relying solely on environmental or smart technology, we should make technology serve the design idea rather than relying solely on it. Considering this, …

The Effect Of Lighting In Color In The Interior Space Of The Residential Unit, Abd Elbary Eldininy Abd Elbary Eldininy

Journal of Engineering Research

ABSTRACT: Humanity is spending more and more time indoors, both at work and at home - with studies showing that we now spend 87% of our lives indoors. Residential environ ments both positively affect the mood and well-being of its occupants, just as places with poor and uncomfortable lighting and colors can make life miserable. This is why we are interested in this issue. The importance of knowing the issues of lighting and colors in order to obtain a well thought-out interior design. The interior designer has the ability to control in the quality of lighting of various types, artificial …

Green Facade Strategy To Mitigate Heat Islands, Arch. Aya Gamal Abdel Hamid Muhammad Prof. Mai Wahba Madkour... Dr. Rania Elghamry Ashmawy Tolba Elakab

Journal of Engineering Research

In the beginning of the twentieth century and the occurrence of the economic crisis that accompanied by a climate crisis, that one of its indicators the rise in temperatures and the formation of hot zones, especially in crowded cities, including Cairo in particular, as it is considered one of the crowded cities in the world, and this noticeable rise in temperatures in Some areas where hot zones form are called heat islands. This results because of the nature of the urban environment, which has a high building density, little natural landscape, and human and industrial activities that has a negative …

Light Structure Building Technology Towards Sustainable Environmental Design, Sally El-Sayed Prof. Dr. Mai Wahba Madkour2, Prof. Dr. Marwa Ahmed Kamer El-Dawla3

Journal of Engineering Research

The building and construction industry is one of the most important sectors globally , as it plays a vital role in providing housing and infrastructure that meets the needs of various communities , However , this industry is considered one of the largest contributors of negative environmental impacts in terms of consuming huge amounts of natural resources in an unsustainable manner and a subsequent increase in energy consumption .Therefore, it was necessary to find solutions and explore for new and sustainable construction methods to alleviate these problems .This research paper will focus on the use of light buildings and their …

Available Building Technology As A Tool For Developing Construction And Structure Systems., J. Q. . Nader Ibrahim Ismael

Journal of Engineering Research

The research aims to study the impact of available building technology in each era in the development of the constructional thought and implementation techniques used and its impact on the development of different types of buildings, through the emergence of different types of buildings and the development of buildings types in terms of shape and height, through the development of building materials used Whether construction materials or finishing materials, as well as used construction techniques and equipment, and the impact of all on the development of construction thought and construction systems through different eras . The research also represents an …

Increasing Occupancy Rates In Coastal Tourism Development At The Regional Level In Support Of A Sustainable Quality Of Life In Egypt, عبدالرحمن محمد عبدالقادر موسي

Journal of Engineering Research

إن استغلال الفراغات التي تمثل أكثر من 80% من مساحة المنتجعات السياحية الساحلية في الأنشطة الرياضية والترفيهية والثقافية والاجتماعية وتوفير الخدمات المختلفة عن طريق دعم الخدمات الإلكترونية التي تساعد الزائرين في قضاء وقت أكبر بتلك القري السياحية، مع تعلم السباحة وركوب الدرجات والتجديف والتسلق وركوب الخيل دعما لجودة الحياة ، حيث التمتع بالهواء المتجدد القادم من البحر بعيدا عن التلوث والضوضاء، ولزيادة الاستفادة والدعم يتم توفير وحدات فندقة لغير الملاك لزيادة الزوار والاتفاق مع المدارس والجامعات لتنشيط تلك الرحلات للشواطئ وممارسة الأنشطة المميزة لهؤلاء الشباب والاستفادة من الخدمات الجيدة والفراغات الصحية والهواء المتجدد وتعلم الرياضات الشاطئية المفيدة وذلك الاتجاه من …

Green Architecture Strategies To Achieve Sustainability In Buildings, Azza Sobhi Ragab Elsakka J. Q. Assos., Menna Ashraf Saeid Ali

Journal of Engineering Research

في الوقت الحالي توجد حاجة مُلحة لتطبيق معايير الاستدامة التي تعني المحافظة على الموارد الحالية و استخدامها بحيث لا تقل استفادة الأجيال القادمة من تلك الموارد ، و للاستدامة عدة جوانب لتطبيقها أحد تلك التطبيقات هي العمارة الخضراء ، العمارة الخضراء مرت بعدة مراحل بدءاً من القرن السابع عشر ( منذ العصر العثماني الاسلامي ) من خلال وجود بعض الأساليب الغير مباشرة في التصميم التي توفر التهوية و الإضاءة الطبيعية و حتى عصرنا هذا، حيث وُجد تقييم لأداء المبنى الأخضر من حيث أسلوب التصميم و الإنشاء بحيث لا يؤثر على البيئة تأثير سلبي و ما زال التطوير مستمر في إنشاء …

Enhancing Daylight Using Sustainable Natural Lighting Techniques In Modern Architecture, سارة حسني شعلان أ.م.د/ لبني عبد الفتاح أغا

Journal of Engineering Research

Natural lighting is one of the basic criteria for the architectural design process. It is one of the most important data that contributes to the design of architectural spaces and the manifestation of aesthetic values. In light of the global technological development and the scientific and information revolution, the role of the architect comes in highlighting the importance of natural lighting and its positive role in human biology, and reducing effort and psychological pressure in the event of Its use is an alternative to artificial lighting, as it increases human efficiency and achievement at work, in addition to giving a …

The Impact Of Green Infrastructure On Urban Heat Island Phenomenon In Existing Cities, Neveen Youssef Azmy Basant Elsayed Abu-Farrag, Walaa Abou El-Haggag Mehanna

Journal of Engineering Research

Rapid urbanization and overpopulation, along with a lack of green space, led to an increase in air temperature, lowering the rate of thermal comfort in dense urban areas, decreasing air quality, and increasing the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon, particularly in existing cities. As a result, the research aims to reduce the UHI effect and improve the thermal performance of existing Egyptian cities by adopting green infrastructure (GI) principles and demonstrating their effectiveness on the UHI phenomenon. This research concentrates on the UHI phenomenon as one of the environmental issues facing urbanization and includes a review of green infrastructure (GI) …

Optimizing Fenestration Systems In Residential Buildings: A Parametric Analysis Of Egyptian Energy Codes' Impact On Thermal Comfort, Wafik El-Menshawi Ali F. Bakr , Amira A.Fathi

Journal of Engineering Research

- Fenestration systems, such as windows, doors, and skylights, play a crucial role in improving thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption in buildings. In Egypt, the energy code establishes standards for fenestration systems to promote energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction. Residential buildings account for a significant portion of total energy consumption, making the optimization of fenestration systems essential. This research focuses on studying the optimization of fenestration systems in Egyptian residential buildings through parametric analysis, considering energy standards and their impact on total energy gain and thermal comfort. The paper examines existing energy codes for fenestration systems and explores …

Towards Green Cities As An Approach To Achieve Climate Change Adaptation, Noha H. Hefnawy Nouran M. Ibrahim

Journal of Engineering Research

Climate change is a complicated problem and there is an urgent need for climate change adaptation. Cities are the primary drivers of social, economic, and technical progress. Green Cities are cities that show high environmental performance relative to adapting risks derived from climate change while maximizing the economic and social co-benefits. The Authors adopted a data collection strategy to review the issues, and difficulties caused by climate change and how green cities could assist in addressing them, then adopted a case study analysis to analyze the strategies used by Sharm El Sheikh in the transition to green city. The study …

Using Recycled Materials Towards Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Building In Hot Regions – A Review, Mai W. Madkour Hosny A. Dewer, And Shaimaa M. Refaat

Journal of Engineering Research

Due to population growth and increased urban activity, there is a rise in waste production, which poses health and environmental risks. Additionally, the extraction and transportation of natural resources to places of employment require significant energy consumption, and the world has therefore moved to seek new alternatives away from traditional construction methods by recycling building materials such as concrete, brick, glass, wood, etc., or using new building materials such as rice straw, plastics, corks, etc., taking into account architectural design. The research is aimed at demonstrating that recycled materials have the potential to perform a better environmental performance by preserving …

Sustainable Design In Open Service Campus Areas (The American University In Cairo As A Model), مصطفى منصور عبد المجي أ.م.د. زينب لطفى عبدالحكيم خليفة

Journal of Engineering Research

إن الجامعات المستدامة تعد اتجاهاً مستقبلياً معاصراً لابد أن تحرص مؤسسات التعليم العالي على تبني مبادئه، ووضع خارطة طريق مستقبلية، وتتطلب استدامة الجامعات مواجهة الكثير من التحديات الجغرافية لضمان توفير بيئة آمنه ومريحة مع الحد الأدنى من الهدر، وإيلاء اهتمام خاص لاحتياجات الطلاب وجميع العاملين بالجامعة، والقدرة على تخطيط وإدارة الحيزات الخدمية المفتوحة بها وإقامة المنشآت المستدامة.

Agile Vs Waterfall As An Approach For Effective Management Practices In Fit Out Projects (Preferences Of Project Managers), Moutaz M. El Baz 1

Journal of Engineering Research

Optimum time, cost & quality are the key objectives in managing fit-out projects. Waterfall and Agile are the most common approaches for achieving the project objectives. To determine the optimal managerial approach for fit-out projects, it was essential to study the project life cycle & phases, waterfall & agile methodologies & phases and the project management performance indicators. To achieve the research goals, a data gathering/analysis performed among three steps. Firstly, by performing qualitative research through semi-structured interviews with project management experts to verify the research hypothesis. Secondly, through studying the project & project management life cycle, phases and characteristics …

Improving Home Designs For Disease Prevention In Gated Communities And Satisfying Living Space Needs In Egypt: A Post-Pandemic Living Assessment, A. Moustafa Kamel Neveen Youssef Azmy, Shahira Sharaf Eldin

Journal of Engineering Research

Abstract Pandemics such as SARS and COVID-19 have highlighted the importance of preventing and controlling diseases. Virus transmission in residential buildings, especially multi-unit apartment complexes, has prompted calls for innovative housing designs. While Western countries prioritize physical and mental health in residential building design, China focuses on comfort, aesthetics, appearance, and lifestyle.

Studying The Problems Of Delayed Receipt Of University Buildings In Egypt During The Corona Pandemic, أ.د / مروه قمر الدولة أ.د / لبنى أغا

Journal of Engineering Research

على الرغم من وجود العديد من الدراسات السابقة في مجال تأخير مشاريع البناء. إلا أن هناك أبحاث محدودة جدًا تتناول تأثير كورونا على عوامل تأخر مشاريع البناء. وعليه فإن هذا البحث يتناول آراء المتخصصين حول تأثير جائحة كورونا على العوامل المسببة للتأخير في عملية البناء في مصر. ومن المتوقع أن تساهم نتائج هذا البحث في دراسة العوامل المسببة لهذا التأخير ومحاولة تقديم بعض التوصيات التي تساهم في وضع الخطط المستقبلية لمواجهة الظروف الاستثنائية المماثلة، يهدف هذا البحث إلى قياس أهمية العوامل المسببة للتأخير في عمليات البناء في مصر على مستوى المباني الجامعية بعد جائحة كورونا، وللوصول الى ذلك الهدف اتخذت …

The Design Of The Outer Casing Is Compatible With The Hot Climate Environment, حازم عز الدين قاسم نوبى محمد حسن مصطفى محمد سيد

Journal of Engineering Research

تعتبر المبانى العالية أحد أقل أنماط المبانى توافقاً مع البيئة والمناخ، وذلك بسبب إنعزالها عن النسيج العمرانى المحيط وتعرضها للعديد من العوامل المناخية بشكل أكبر من المبانى المنخفضة، لذا يعتبر الغلاف الخارجى هو العنصر الأهم فى تصميم المبنى العالي لكونه بمثابة الجدار الفاصل بين البيئة الخارجية ذات الظروف المناخية القاسية وبين البيئة الداخلية التى يجب الوصول فيها لراحة المستخدم الحرارية، حيث يعد الغلاف الخارجى هو المسئول عن ما يقرب من 60% من إجمالى الطاقة التى يستهلكها المبنى العالى وذلك فى أعمال التبريد والتهوية الصناعية [1].