Engineering Commons^™

Leveraging Network Science For Customer Segmentation And Product Recommendation, Ali Nasirzonouzi

Northeast Journal of Complex Systems (NEJCS)

The rapid growth in e-commerce has forced the development and implementation of enhanced customer segmentation and recommendation systems, improving business results and improving customer experience. Traditional approaches, such as RFM analysis and clustering algorithms like K-means, are very helpful in many situations but usually fail to catch complex interdependencies among customers and products. This paper proposes a new approach using network science methodologies, a bipartite graph model, toward the advancement of customer segmentation and product recommendation. It implements a bipartite graph of customers and products using the "Online Retail II" dataset and proceeds with community detection, segmenting customers into unique …

Volatility Modelling In Garch Frameworks: A Comparative Analysis Of Non-Gaussian Error Distributions With Skewed Parameters., Olatunbosun Adewale Akanbi, Timothy Olabisi Olatayo, Abass Ishola Taiwo

Al-Bahir

Forecasting volatility in financial time series remains challenging due to their asymmetric nature and excess kurtosis. This study evaluates and compares the performance of four variant of GARCH models incorporating skewed non-Gaussian error innovation distribution. The performances of these GARCH family of models under the skewed error innovation distributions were evaluated for three different unique data sets to have a more robust assessment of the performance of these skewed error innovation distributions. This study leverage on daily closing prices of Bitcoin, Naira to Dollar Exchange rates and daily Nigeria All Share Index between January 1, 2015 and January 26, 2024. …

Integrating Neural Networks For Predictive Torque Control And Obstacle Avoidance In Autonomous Robot, Viswanath Kodali, Harsha Vardhan Borra, Kiran P

Northeast Journal of Complex Systems (NEJCS)

In the field of robotics, precise motion control and accurate computation of joint forces are critical for ensuring optimal performance. Traditional methods, such as using the Jacobian matrix for joint angle determination and Euler-Lagrange equations for torque computation, are reliable but computationally intensive, making them less suitable for real-time applications. This paper presents an advanced approach to improving the productivity and efficiency of a 3-Degree of Freedom (DOF) robotic arm by utilizing Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The proposed system dynamically predicts joint angles and torque, enabling faster and more efficient motion control.

To address the challenge of obstacle avoidance in …

Grnn-Fa Hybrid Model For Predicting The Useful Life Of Dump Truck Tyres, Festus Kunkyin-Saadaari, Alfred Kesseh, Victor Kwaku Agadzie

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The useful life of dump truck tyres is crucial for optimising economic efficiency and safety in mining operations. This study employs advanced hybrid models, including a generalised regression neural network (GRNN) combined with an artificial bee colony (ABC), ant colony optimisation (ACO), and firefly algorithm (FA), to predict tyre life at Perseus Mining Ghana Limited to enhance prediction accuracy. Sensitivity analysis using simple linear regression (SLR) identified tread depth as the most influential factor, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9638. Among the models, GRNN-FA demonstrated superior performance, achieving the highest correlation coefficient (r = 0.9586) and lowest mean squared error …

02.10.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

Community Engagement Recognition

Multimodal Search On A Line, Jared Coleman, Dmitry Ivanov, Evangelos Kranakis, Danny Krizanc, Oscar Morales Ponce

Computer Science Faculty Works

Inspired by the diverse set of technologies used in underground object detection and imaging, we introduce a novel multimodal linear search problem whereby a single searcher starts at the origin and must find a target that can only be detected when the searcher moves through its location using the correct of p possible search modes. The target’s location, its distance d from the origin, and the correct search mode are all initially unknown to the searcher. We prove tight upper and lower bounds on the competitive ratio for this problem. Specifically, we show that when p is odd, the optimal …

Inclusive Space For Everyone Door Sign (Printable 8.5 X 11 Inch), Joan H. Robinson

Open Educational Resources

This is a printable 8.5 x 11 inch door sign for faculty, staff, and administrators to let people know it is an inclusive space for everyone. For improved visibility, print with a color printer and cut along the dotted line.

See also: 11 x 17 inch door sign.

Strength And Durability Characteristics Of Mortar Containing Fine Glass Powders As Partial Substitute Of Cement, Deepa Paul, Bindhu K.R, G. M. Sadiqul Islam, Bindhu K. R.

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

A recent trend in construction involves the application of high-strength mortar which consumes a high quantity of cement. The present study aims at producing a sustainable mortar utilising waste glass powders (GP) as a partial substitute for cement in mortar. GP grains having different particle sizes in equal proportions were carried out in the mortar mix for improved packing. After realising the cementing properties of GP particles from the microanalyses like micron-size, silica-rich, reactive, and thermal resistance, mechanical and durability aspects of the mortar composite with manufactured sand as a fine aggregate were examined. The mechanical properties of the mortar …

Flight Crew And Aviation Sustainability, Eva Maleviti

Publications

Sustainable Development

The concept of sustainable development was defined in the World Commission on Environment and Development’s (WCED) 1987 Brundtland Report ‘’Our Common Future’’. The Brundtland Commission aimed to help world nations towards sustainable development. Then, sustainable development became an essential concept in the vocabulary of politicians, practitioners, and planners.

Rapid Prediction Of Coastal Flooding With Deep Neural Networks, Ali Shahabi, Navid Tahvildari

Graduate Student Government Association Research Conference

With the increasing impact of climate change and relative sea level rise, low-lying coastal communities face growing risks from extreme storm tides and recurrent nuisance flooding. Thus, timely and reliable predictions of coastal water levels are critical to resilience in vulnerable coastal areas. Over the past decade, enormous efforts have been made to utilize machine learning (ML) based data-driven models for the emulation and prediction of storm tides. However, flood advisory systems still rely on running computationally demanding real-time hydrodynamic models. because developing highly reliable ML-based models suitable for real-time forecasting and capable of capturing any surge levels is challenging. …

Optimized Hiv/Aids Resource Allocation In Ohio: A Linear Programming Approach, Godfred Ahenkroa Kesse

Data Science and Data Mining

This study employs a linear and integer programming approach to optimize HIV resource allocation in Ohio, aiming to minimize new infections and enhance the impact of limited resources. With the advances in HIV prevention and treatment, Ohio faces challenges in addressing disparities in access to healthcare, particularly among high-risk populations. The proposed model integrates data on infection rates, transmission patterns, demographic factors, and cost-effectiveness to provide a decision-support framework for policymakers. Using epidemiological data and equity constraints, the model prioritizes high-risk regions and populations while ensuring fair resource distribution. Results indicate that increased funding allocations significantly enhance the potential to …

Biobased Acrylate Composites With Enhanced Strength For Additive Manufacturing, Nicole Wagner, Joseph Mcwherter

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

With the expanding use of polymers in additive manufacturing, sustainable resins for use in vat photopolymerization are required to reduce their environmental impact. One promising approach to achieve this is to incorporate biobased fillers that replace the acrylates in photopolymer resins as ‘green’ alternatives. In this study, photopolymer composites consisting of a methacrylate resin with varying calcium carbonate powder content between 0 and 50 wt.% were investigated. A digital light processing technique was used to fabricate tensile test specimens for mechanical testing. Good printability, dimensional accuracy, and good interlayer adhesion were observed for composite resin formulations that incorporated calcium carbonate …

Application Of Cementitious Materials And Fiber Reinforcement To Enhance Lime Stabilization For Nebraska Shale Soils, Jongwan Eun, Seunghee Kim, Chung R. Song, Laith Ibdah, Kenaz Owusu

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

Lime stabilization is a widely used technique to improve weak subgrades; however, its effectiveness under freeze-thaw cycles remains a critical challenge. This study investigates the incorporation of cementitious materials and fiber to enhance the mechanical properties and environmental resistance of lime-stabilized soils under such conditions. Two types of soil, gray shale (plasticity index of 37.8) and clay soil (plasticity index of 19.0) from Nebraska, were used. Stabilization mixtures included lime dosages of 0%, 3%, and 6% by weight, combined with either 10% fly ash or 3% and 6% cement by weight, and 0% and 1% fiber. The experimental program comprised …

Why Are Fairness Concerns So Important? Lessons From A Last-Mile Transportation System, Yiwei Chen, Hai Wang

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

The Last-Mile Problem refers to the provision of travel service for passengers from the nearest public transportation node to the final destination. The Last-Mile Transportation System (LMTS), which has recently emerged, provides on-demand last-mile transportation service for passengers. We consider an LMTS that consists of two types of passengers, regular-type passengers and special-type passengers (e.g., seniors, disabled people). The valuation of the last-mile service for special-type passengers is statistically higher than the one for regular-type passengers. Passengers incur disutility from waiting for the last-mile service. In this paper, we explore two fairness constraints on special-type passengers: (1) the fare for …

Construction Of Electrically Heated Pavement Using Recycled Waste Rubber Tires, Islam M. Radwan, Mohamed Abdel-Raheem

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Accumulated snow on roads presents a dual risk of accidents and financial losses. Conventional de-icing methods, which rely on chemicals, salt, and heavy machinery, are unsustainable and detrimental to both the environment and infrastructure. Furthermore, they demand significant labor and pose hazards in densely populated areas. In response, heated pavement systems such as hydronic and electrically conductive concrete (ECON) have gained traction for mitigating snow accumulation on roads. However, the use of carbon fiber and carbon black in ECON raises costs and depletes valuable resources. This research introduces an inventive and sustainable approach to address snow accumulation on rigid pavements …

Pilot Study: Initial Investigation Suggests Differences In Emt-Associated Gene Expression In Breast Tumor Regions, Kylie L. King, Hamed Abdollahi, Zoe Dinkel, Alannah Akins, Homayoun Valafar, Heather Dunn

Faculty Publications

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype and disproportionately affects African American women. The development of breast cancer is highly associated with interactions between tumor cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM), and recent research suggests that cellular components of the ECM vary between racial groups. This pilot study aimed to evaluate gene expression in TNBC samples from patients who identified as African American and Caucasian using traditional statistical methods and emerging Machine Learning (ML) approaches. ML enables the analysis of complex datasets and the extraction of useful information from small datasets. We selected four regions of interest …

Sustainability Transformation For Healthcare Facilities Following Net Zero Model, Esraa Elmitainy

Theses and Dissertations

The healthcare industry is a field undergoing huge development. Focused on SDG 3 “Good Health and Well-being”, the healthcare industry, as the main health service provider, was marked by experts as a sector that should lead sustainable development by example. The current work aims to formulate a sustainability rating system for new and existing healthcare facilities to encourage the Egyptian healthcare industry to move towards sustainability according to net zero concepts. Additionally, the transition to net zero waste is investigated though experimental work to test the possibility of utilizing sterilized medical waste in cement-based bricks.

The rating system starts with …

Reinforcing Polymer Flooding System With Dendritic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles For Improved Oil Recovery, Di Li, Yanling Wang, Baojun Bai, Ning Xu, Wenjing Shi, Yu Zhang, Wenhui Ding, Peixu Ma, Zan Gao

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSNs), characterized by a high specific surface area and abundant hydroxyl groups, offer a promising approach to enhancing the performance of amphiphilic polymers in challenging enhanced oil recovery (EOR) conditions. In this study, DMSNs were successfully synthesized, and systematically evaluated for their impact on the solution properties of a betaine amphiphilic polymer (PADC). The unique "flower-like" mesoporous structure of DMSNs provided approximately 7-fold higher surface area than conventional SiO2, facilitating enhanced polymer-nanoparticle interactions. The DMSN/PADC composite system exhibited significantly improved viscosity, salt resistance, thermal tolerance, and shear resistance compared to PADC and SiO2/PADC systems. Quantum chemical …

In Memoriam - Nora Sabelli: Master Orchestrator Of Grant Programs And Mentor For Advancing The Interdisciplinary Learning Sciences Field, Eric Hamilton, Jeremy Roschelle, Roy Pea, Barbara Means, Louis Gomez, Kim Gomez, Nancy Butler Songer

Education Division Scholarship

On Friday, September 6, 2024, the learning sciences field lost a giant in Dr. Nora Sabelli, 87 years old, a personal mentor to many researchers and an inspiration to so many learning scientists and STEM leaders. Nora’s first professional career was as a computational chemist, and later she became a passionate leader in research for improving STEM education. Nora’s time as a senior program officer at the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Education and Human Resources (EHR) directorate was legendary; she was a force of nature who reshaped funding priorities for stronger science and a stronger connection of science to education …

New Insights Into Controlling The Functional Properties Of Tin Oxide-Based Materials, Alexandra Kuriganova, Nina Smirnova

Journal of Electrochemistry

Development of methodologies for fabrications of nanostructured materials that provide control over their microstructural features and compositions represents a fundamental step in the advancement of technologies for productions of materials with well-defined functional properties. Pulse electrolysis, a top-down electrochemical approach, has been demonstrated to be a viable method for producing nanostructured materials with a particular efficacy in the synthesis of tin oxides. This method allows for significant control over the composition and shape of the resulting tin oxides particles by modifying the anionic composition of the aqueous electrolyte, obviating the need for additional capping agents in the synthesis process and …

A Cnt Intercalated Co Porphyrin-Based Metal Organic Framework Catalyst For Oxygen Reduction Reaction, Pei-Pei He, Jin-Hua Shi, Xiao-Yu Li, Ming-Jie Liu, Zhou Fang, Jing He, Zhong-Jian Li, Xin-Sheng Peng, Qing-Gang He

Journal of Electrochemistry

The poor electronic conductivity of metal-organic framework (MOF) materials hinders their direct application in the field of electrocatalysis in fuel cells. Herein, we proposed a strategy of embedding carbon nanotubes (CNTs) during the growth process of MOF crystals, synthesizing a metalloporphyrin-based MOF catalyst TCPPCo-MOF-CNT with a unique CNT-intercalated MOF structure. Physical characterization revealed that the CNTs enhance the overall conductivity while retaining the original characteristics of the MOF and metalloporphyrin. Simultaneously, the insertion of CNTs generated adequate mesopores and created a hierarchical porous structure that enhances mass transfer efficiency. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis confirmed that the C atom in CNT …

Nanostructured Graphitic Carbon Nitride For Photocatalytic And Electrochemical Applications, Muhammad Abdul Qadeer, Iqra Fareed, Asif Hussaine, Muhammad Asim Farid, Sadia Nazir, Faheem K. Butt, Ji-Jun Zou, Muhammad Tahir, Shang-Feng Du

Journal of Electrochemistry

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) exhibits great mechanical as well as thermal characteristics, making it a valuable material for use in photoelectric conversion devices, an accelerator for synthesis of organic compounds, an electrolyte for fuel cell applications or power sources, and a hydrogen storage substance and a fluorescence detector. It is fabricated using different methods, and there is a variety of morphologies and nanostructures such as zero to three dimensions that have been designed for different purposes. There are many reports about g-C₃N₄ in recent years, but a comprehensive review which covers nanostructure dimensions …

01.27.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

Data Science for Addiction Research

UM research and related activities as a new presidential administration transition occurs

Study On Ratio Of Cutting Height To Caving Height For Efficient Top-Coal Recovery In Extra Thick And Gently Inclined Coal Seam – A Case Study Of Seam 7 Ha Lam Coal Mine, Vietnam, Duc Hung Pham, Tien Dung Le, Phi Hung Nguyen, Van Quan Pham

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The mechanized longwall top-coal caving technology (LTCC) has been used in Quang Ninh underground coal mines owned by Vietnam National Coal – Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited (Vinacomin). The application of the LTCC technology has achieved significant achievements, contributing to the production of coal for national economy development. The use of LTCC has shown that the top-coal recovery efficiency is directly affected by the sequence of top coal drawing, ratio of cutting height to caving height, and caving span. These parameters, especially for extracting thick and gently inclined coal seam conditions as in the Quang Ninh coal field, have not …

01.21.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

SmartTech MS Advanced Manufacturing Prize

Mileage Rate Increases

Meth Mortality Rate Increases

Sequential Convex Programming Using Safe Flight Corridor For Trajectory Planning Of Uavs, Zhu Wang, Zhenpeng Zhang, Mengtong Zhang, Guangtong Xu

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To address the issues of sensitivity to initial values and weak convergence of sequential convex programming(SCP) based time-optimal trajectory planning for UAVs, a SCP method using safety flight corridor, denoted as SFC-SCP(safe flight corridor-sequential convex programming) is proposed. According to the obstacle avoidance path obtained from the front-end path planning, a safe flight corridor is constructed by forming a convex polygon safe flight area without obstacles for each trajectory point. The non-convex obstacle avoidance constraint is converted into linear inequality constraints to improve convergence ability. The rear-end SCP method is used to transform the nonlinear trajectory optimization problem under …

Task Reallocation Method For Unmanned Swarm Under Adversarial Conditions, Lun Zhang, Mei Yang, Tuo Zhao, Shuiku Zhang, Jian Huang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Heterogeneous unmanned swarms have important potential applications in future wars. However, during the high-intensity confrontation in the battlefield, how to efficiently and quickly redistribute the tasks carried by the damaged agents so that the swarms could successfully complete the mission is a difficult problem that must be addressed in the combat application of unmanned swarms. This paper proposes a task reallocation method named improved CNP-HA (contract net protocol-Hungarian algorithm). Through the allocation mechanism and the bidding mechanism, the method realizes the task reallocation of damaged agents with lower communication cost and faster speed comparing with baseline methods. In the …

Moving Target Velocity Measurement Method Based On Multi-View Observation Optimization Of Uav Image, Yuxin Wu, Zhilong Zhang, Aoxu Liu, Jiangwei Zou, Chuwei Li

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Measuring the position and velocity of moving targets is an important requirement for drone video analysis. In this paper, a moving target localization and velocity estimation algorithm based on least square optimization of UAV multi-view observation images is proposed: the video and corresponding pose parameters obtained by the airborne optoelectronic system are used to establish a line-of-sight model at multiple observation times, it is unified to the WGS-84 coordinate system by coordinate transformation, the position and velocity of the moving target are estimated based on the least squares algorithm. This algorithm does not require laser ranging information between the …

A Visual Servo Precision Assembly Method For Riveting Parts Based On Adaptive Extended Kalman Filtering, Zonggang Li, Yanbo Li, Jianjun Jiao, Yajiang Du

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Aiming at the problems of multiple peg-in-hole riveting parts in industrial production due to the large number of rivets, small gap between rivets and rivet holes, and irregular rivet distribution, resulting in complex assembly process constraints, high assembly accuracy requirements, and difficulty in realizing intelligent riveting process to improve assembly efficiency, a visual servo accurate assembly method of riveting parts based on adaptive extended Kalman filter is proposed. In order to realize the high-precision positioning of riveted parts assembly, on the basis of the traditional extended Kalman filtering, an adaptive noise estimator is introduced to eliminate the influence of …

Research And Realization Of Immersive Skeleton Simulation System, Zining Wang, Shijiang Luo, Weiya Chen, Hanbin Luo

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Skeleton, as one of the sliding sports in Winter Olympic Games, has the characteristics of high speed, complexity and danger. In order to reduce the risk of accidents during sliding, a series of immersive skeleton simulation system is constructed utilizing virtual reality. Based on the point cloud data obtained by laser scanning, the existing track is modeled to build a virtual track stadium and skeleton sliding model in Unreal Engine 4. The data collected by motion capture devices is employed to estimate the centroid of the person and enable glide control input. The simulated skeleton posture is captured and …