Engineering Commons^™

Kinetics, Thermodynamics, And Biological Characterizations Of Hydrolysates Enzymatically Produced From Proteins Extracted From Microalgae, Hebah Al Amodi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis aims to explore the use of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-L (ZIF-L) as a support for immobilizing alcalase and its potency in producing protein hydrolysates. ZIF-L was synthesized at room temperature using an aqueous solution, and alcalase was immobilized through adsorption batch experiment. The successful immobilization of alcalase on ZIF-L was confirmed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The maximum adsorption capacity of alcalase on ZIF-L was determined to be 672.1 ± 5.5 mg g-1 at 40°C using an initial protein concentration of 5 mg mL-1. Adsorption equilibrium data suggested …

Data Security In The Apple Ecosystem: An Evaluation, Kayrene Woods

Cybersecurity Undergraduate Research Showcase

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of data security within the Apple ecosystem, focusing on the company’s privacy policies, user perceptions, and the effectiveness of its App Store review processes. Employing an interdisciplinary methodology, the research examines Apple’s commitment to data protection, emphasizing transparency and user trust. A survey of user experiences revealed varying levels of engagement and understanding of Apple’s privacy practices, with only 32.8% of respondents having read the Privacy Policy and mixed opinions on its clarity. Additionally, concerns persist about third-party app security, with 39.7% of users expressing apprehension and skepticism about Apple’s App Store review process. …

Analysis, Design, And Experimental Validation Of The Thermal Subsystem Of Alainsat-1 Cubesat, Ameereh Seyedzadeh

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis investigates the thermal management techniques of AlAinSat-1 during extremely harsh space conditions. It presents a comprehensive analysis of its thermal behavior using numerical techniques and validates the CubeSat's survivability in space via experimental testing. AlAinSat-1 is a nanocube-shaped satellite carrying Earth observation payloads, including RITA (Remote Sensing and Interference Detector with Radiometry and Vegetation Analysis) and Locana. Understanding how the CubeSat behaves in harsh space conditions and maintains thermal stability during its mission is critical to its success. The main aim of this study is to employ finite element analysis (FEA) techniques to simulate the thermal behavior of …

Design And Implementation Of Attitude Control System For Gnssas 6u Cubesat, Anoud Nasser Alkatheeri

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis presents the design and simulation of the Attitude Control System (ACS) for the GNSSaS 6U CubeSat, developed by the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) at UAE University. The CubeSat's mission is to enhance GNSS signal accuracy, which requires precise attitude control to achieve this objective. The ACS utilizes magnetorquers and reaction wheels for actuation. The primary objective of this thesis is to design an ACS that fulfills the mission’s performance requirements, including maintaining pointing accuracy in both fine and medium pointing modes. To achieve this, a comprehensive disturbance analysis was conducted, leading to the selection of …

Motivating Sustainability Through The State Of Biologically Inspired Design, Bryan Watson

Sustainability Conference

There are multiple arguements for sustainability, but one that resonates with environmentalists and the public alike is the need for preservation to all us to discovery natural solutions to our problems. Common examples often given include medical discoveries, unique mechanisms, and new materials. This presentation focuses on two ideas to motivate sustainability. First, what is the current state of biologically inspired design? Is there more to learn from nature? To answer these questions, recent research is presented which examined 660 Biologically Inspired Design samples from three data sources: Google Scholar, Google News, and the Asknature.org “Innovations” database. The data were …

Sustainable Flight Training Schools And Their Role To Meet Net Zero Targets, Eva Maleviti

Sustainability Conference

This presentation is part of a wider research project to identify the elements that must be considered regarding flight training schools’ role in aviation sustainability. Net Zero Pathways and goals, emission schemes, design specifications, and sustainable fuels are some of the most popular changes for airlines and manufacturers. Flight training schools must be at the forefront of promoting aviation sustainability to tomorrow’s professionals. The ICAO Carbon Offsetting Requirement Scheme for International Airlines (CORSIA) relies heavily on the firm and reliable information in the operators’ system. Proper emission calculation requires flight crews to feed valid and accurate flight information data. Hence, …

Design Of A Safe And Sustainable Airplane For Future, Henil Patel, Carlie Vogt, Matthew Talty, Jemimah Davies, Kyle Smothers, Mellisa Pritchet

Sustainability Conference

As a part of Airplane Preliminary Design course, this Design Note estimates the capabilities, performance, and stability behaviors of our conceptual airplane design, Boeing 7S7 – Sanctum prior to proceeding to the preliminary stage. This aircraft seeks to create a solution to achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2050 and increasing the safety measures. The design of this aircraft uses various analytical methods such as the DAPCA IV model, other methods were derived from design books. This design involved the use of software such as CATIA, VSP, SURFACES, Microsoft Excel, and Python. Results demonstrates that this aircraft is able to fly …

Security Vulnerabilities In Mobile Operating Systems Used In Iot Devices: An Examination Of Current Challenges And Countermeasures, Isain Cortes Jr.

Cybersecurity Undergraduate Research Showcase

No abstract provided.

Geotechnical Characterization Of Saline Sabkha Soil Of Abu Dhabi, Uae, And Its Stabilization Using Steel Slag And Sodium Silicate, Ahmed Maher Abdulla

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Saline sabkha soil is widely distributed across the Abu Dhabi coastal regions of the UAE. These soils are associated with geotechnical problems that principally emerge from the heterogeneous nature of the soil and its high soluble salt content. Upon exposure to fresh water, the soluble salt dissolves, resulting in loss of the bond that once cemented the soil particles. In addition, the volume occupied by the salt minerals becomes part of the voids between the particles. This process results in a weak and loose soil structure of lower bearing capacity that is ready to collapse upon being subjected to loads. …

Unleaded Fuel For General Aviation, Carolina Anderson, Laura Garcia

Sustainability Conference

The Clean Air Act, passed in the late 1970s, mandating the removal of lead from most fuels due its detrimental effects on public health, yet piston-driven aircraft continue to rely on leaded aviation gas (AvGas 100LL). This fuel remains the last lead-containing fuel regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Lead, added as tetraethyl lead (TEL), enhances octane levels and prevents engine detonation, vital for high-compression aircraft engines. In response to the health effects, regulating bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have tightened lead standards and are assessing the risk posed by AvGas. Research links even low-level lead exposure …

Mitigation Of The Environmental Impacts Of Lithium Extraction And Lithium Battery Manufacturing, Dominick R. Strollo

Sustainability Conference

Lithium extraction and the production methods utilized for lithium-ion batteries can have a large impact on the areas directly surrounding them, and if not mitigated properly, the rest of the world as well. For these batteries to be produced, lithium must be mined and refined from sources all around the world. The main concern of lithium mines is their impact on the water cycle and the surrounding water tables due to the heavy metals involved in the process and the sheer amount of water required. Production of the batteries themselves using the lithium slurry is far less impactful on the …

Automated Solutions For Hydroponic Plant Growth, Sydney Mcclure, Adam Lachguar

Sustainability Conference

Within the past year, Project H.O.M.E. has been focusing on the design and development of a semi-automatic hydroponic system specifically for sustaining plant life in Martian-like conditions. Given the significance of extended space-based travel, where the duration of human life in space is a crucial factor, growing food becomes imperative. This project has integrated electrical engineering and computer science, with features like automated pH testing and sensor-based evaluations. Key functionalities, including timed watering and automatic adjustments, were coded to enhance plant care. Initially, the project’s comprehensive research and strategic planning resulted in detailed blueprints and computer-aided design models for the …

Understanding The Plastic Issue (Poster Presentation), Regan Bossie, Peter Nguyen, John Mcswiggin, Adam Meadows

Sustainability Conference

The Plastic-Free Campus Initiative is an Embry-Riddle initiative advocating for the reduction and elimination of single-use plastics on the Daytona Beach campus.

Our poster presentation aims to highlight current issues and concerns by presenting plastic production trends, quantifying how plastic pollution has affected global ecosystems, and discussing the material characteristics of plastics and their consequences. The poster will provide an overview of the current state of global recycling and will outline key concerns that microplastics, and plastics in general, pose to public health. By presenting the current facts and concerns related to plastic and recycling, we hope to encourage individuals …

Structural Behavior Of Corroded Reinforced Concrete Beam Elements Repaired With Fabric-Reinforced Matrix Composites, Youssef Ibrahim Elmezayen

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Advanced methods for rehabilitation of reinforced concrete (RC) beams with corroded reinforcement were designed and implemented in this research. The nonlinear flexural and shear behaviors of RC beams with corroded reinforcement repaired with fabric-reinforced matrix (FRM) composites were investigated. Numerical simulation models were developed to predict the flexural response of flexure-deficient continuous RC beams before and after repair with FRM composites. A novel sustainable repair solution that involves the use of cement-free geopolymeric matrix reinforced with nonmetallic fabrics was also introduced for rehabilitation of shear-critical RC beams with corroded stirrups. Simplified and easy-to-use analytical approaches were adopted to estimate the …

Utility Of New Remote Sensing Data In Evaluating The Hydrological Response To Land Use And Land Cover Changes, Chithrika Jayamini Alawathugoda

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Land use and land-cover (LULC) changes have profound impacts on hydrological responses, influencing both runoff dynamics and flood risks. This study focuses on two contrasting environments undergoing rapid LULC transformations: the arid Wadi Ham watershed in the UAE and the tropical Imphal watershed in India. The study addresses the need for accurate LULC data in hydrological modeling, particularly in climate-sensitive regions where changes in land use are accelerating. The primary objective of this research was to assess the impact of LULC changes on the hydrological behavior of the Wadi Ham and Imphal watersheds. It aimed to elucidate how these changes …

An Open Approach To Clinical Study Recruitment Automation, Andrew Bouras, Andrew Bouras, Dhruv Patel, Rahul Kataria

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Objective: To present an innovative Patient Recruitment Automation System that leverages open standards and promotes open data in clinical research. Background: Patient recruitment for clinical studies faces challenges in efficiency, data security, and regulatory compliance. These issues can delay research timelines and impact healthcare advancements. Methods: We developed a system that integrates with Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems to identify potential participants using predefined criteria. The platform employs Azure-based infrastructure with advanced data protection techniques, ensuring HIPAA compliance. It features an automated screening process using adaptive questionnaires and a communication module for participant engagement. Results: The system demonstrates improved efficiency …

Use Of Electrical Bone Growth Stimulators In High-Risk Patients Following Spinal Fusion, Soumya Malhotra, Khavir Sharieff

HCA-NSU MD Research Day

Title: Use of Electrical Bone Growth Stimulators in High-Risk Patients Following Spinal Fusion Authors: Soumya Malhotra, BA., MS1 & Khavir Sharieff, DO, MBA2 1Class of 2027, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, FL 2Assistant Professor of Surgery, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tampa Bay, FLNova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the advantages of EBGSs following high-risk spinal fusions. Background: Pseudarthrosis is a condition where bones fail to fuse after an injury or surgery. It causes significant …

Performance Evaluation Of Geopolymer Concrete Masonry Units And Geopolymer Masonry Mortars Incorporating Recycled Aggregates, Elen Abuowda

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Sustainable construction materials have been commonly adopted to replace primary components in concrete, namely cement and natural aggregates. Yet, the combined effect of utilizing geopolymers and recycled aggregates in masonry, one of the oldest construction products and methods in the world, has not been widely investigated. Therefore, this thesis evaluates the feasibility of utilizing recycled aggregates in slag-fly ash blended geopolymer concrete masonry units and mortars for masonry wall construction applications. A blend of slag and fly ash served as the precursor binding material. A sodium-based alkaline solution was employed to activate the blended binder. Natural aggregates were substituted with …

Training An Ai To Detect Injection Attacks Using A Hands On Approach, Aedan Tredinnick

Cybersecurity Undergraduate Research Showcase

This paper presents a practical approach to training an AI model to detect injection attacks, focusing on the creation of a manufactured dataset via structured hands-on methods. By establishing a vulnerable web server using XAMPP and DVWA (Damn Vulnerable Web Application), the research aims to simulate various injection attacks and capture relevant network traffic data. The paper discusses the methodology of data collection, AI model development, and performance evaluation.

Biocorrosion Analysis Via Multiscale Time Series Analysis, Victor Hugo Mendoza Vejar, Eliseo Hernandez Martinez, Hector Puebla

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Study Of Different Treatment Strategies In Epidemic Models Using Nonlinear Model Predictive Control, Hector Puebla, Luis A. Ricardez-Sandoval, Priti Kumar Roy

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Harvesting Modulation In Three Species Food Chains Using A Robust Control Approach, Hector Puebla, Mariana Rodriguez-Jara, Priti Kumar Roy

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Development Of A Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring Technique Using Phase-Space-Reconstruction And 2-D Fourier Series Current Waveform Features, Motaz Abu Sbeitan

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The growing need for energy and efficient energy control has emphasized the importance of tracking appliance-level energy usage. The capability of Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) to separate energy usage data per appliance from a single measurement provides a practical solution. This thesis explores developing a novel NILM method using Phase-Space Reconstruction (PSR) and 2-D Fourier Series to enhance feature extraction from the steady-state current waveforms. Existing NILM techniques frequently encounter accuracy challenges caused by overlapping power signatures of appliances and complex operational states. The proposed method is designed to efficiently capture the steady-state characteristics of electrical appliances. It is evaluated …

The Use Of Puffed Rice Biomaterial As An Insulation Layer: Characterization And Simulation Study, Nicolas Monje Mejia

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Upon close examination in this study, the feasibility of utilizing puffed rice as an insulation layer for construction is explored. Regions that are warm and receive direct sunlight experience heightened temperatures, which can lead to structures trapping excessive heat, resulting in increased cooling demands, energy consumption, and higher costs all around. As revealed via findings from research conducted over time, puffed rice showcases immense prospects when employed as insulation considering its high level of percolation coupled with low thermal conductivity rates. Conversely, conventional materials tend to have better-quality properties like greater compressive strength than what one sees here, along with …

Design Of Mathematical Model For Surface Roughness: Optimizing Rsm Through Process Parameters In Machining, Mevludin Shabani, Xhemajl Mehmeti

UBT International Conference

This research paper presents the design of mathematical model aimed at optimizing surface roughness, with a specific focus on the mean width of surface profile peaks (Rsm) during turning operations. It identifies cutting speed and feed rate as critical factors influencing Rsm, highlighting that feed rate exerts the most significant impact on surface quality. Increased feed rates result in coarser finishes due to greater distances between the cutting tool's contact points, whereas lower feed rates yield smoother surfaces. The study also explores how variations in feed rate can affect machining stability, leading to issues such as vibration, tool engagement challenges, …

Innovative Use Of Load Cell Technology For Analyzing Strength Of Plastic Shopping Bags: A Case Study, Ylli Rexhaj, Redon Rexhepi, Fidan Smaili

UBT International Conference

Load cells are essential components in modern measurement systems, widely utilized across various industries for precise force and weight measurements. This article presents the application of load cell technology in industry and in the testing field. In our project, an SC133 aluminum load cell with a highprecision weight sensor capable of measuring up to 20 kg was used. The load cell is mounted as a cantilever beam in a specially designed construction to ensure the testing of plastic bags and is connected through a microcontroller. The HX711 signal amplifier module was used, and data were monitored through an LCD screen …

Comparative Evaluation Of Microcontrollers For Real-Time Heart Rate Monitoring And Tachycardia/Bradycardia Detection, Arxhend Jetullahu, Luan Mulaku, Saranda Demolli

UBT International Conference

A surge in the yearning for portable gadgets related to healthcare has ignited a coupling of microchip controllers with models from the realm of machine learning, aimed at the task of immediate health observation. It's quite paramount, specifically in the context of identifying irregularities in heart rate, like tachycardia—where the heart races unusually fast—and bradycardia, an instance of a sluggish heartbeat. The neat thing is that this study takes a stab at contrasting the effectiveness among three popular microcontroller types—the ESP32, the Raspberry Pi, and the Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense—in terms of real-time tracking of heartbeats and spotting any …

Using Object-Based Classification To Estimate Built-Up Density In An Urban Environment: A Case Study In Ferizaj, Kosova, Pajtim Zariqi, Lena Halounova

UBT International Conference

In this research, built-up density is quantified in Ferizaj’s urban setting through object-based classification on Planet Imagery (0.5m) acquired in 2019. The identification of homogeneous urban features is done by using ArcGIS Pro software and Mean Shift Segmentation. This segmentation is rather useful in the identification of clusters by incorporating the spatial and spectral characteristics that distinguish builtup and non-built-up regions. Training samples were obtained from satellite imagery and aerial images collected in 2019 with equal distribution of samples in the classification. Object-based classification has major benefits over pixel-based techniques in using spatial context and minimizing misclassification in urban areas. …

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic Characterization Of Raw And Thermally Treated Clays From Albania, Sidorela Vishkulli, Ilda Tole, Sonila Vito, Maria Hoxhaj, Ilirjana Boci

UBT International Conference

There is growing interest in using thermally treated clays as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in construction. The suitability of the clays as SCMs varies according to their origin and composition. Clay minerals undergo several changes when heated, including dehydration, dehydroxylation, structural collapse, and new phases formation. This paper aims to evaluate the structural changes and modifications induced by thermal treatment of some selected clays from Albania. After grinding and sieving, the selected clays are treated thermally for one hour in different temperature values, ranging from 550 to 750°C. The raw and treated clays are analysed with FTIR spectrometer in order …

Expectations And Satisfaction Of Clients Who Collaborate With Architects For Interior Design, Ramadan Topuzi, Erblina Asani, Rrahim Sejdiu, Bujar Jashari, Agron Bajraktari

UBT International Conference

The study analyzes the needs, expectations and satisfaction of customers; considering the design skills of architects in the time of rapid technological developments and innovations, for the creation of an interior environment as attractive as possible. The study considers data from 230 respondents through questionnaires structured for this purpose, through purposive sampling as a non-probability sampling approach. The data were analyzed according to averages by grouping the respondents according to professions. The results show different levels of expectations regarding the time it takes to realize the design and the expected deadlines for the completion of the entire project. The design …