Engineering Commons^™

Enhanced Air Hockey Robot Performance Through Adaptive Control Algorithm Using Ai-Based Hierarchical Decision Architecture, Ayham Majed Salim

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis presents the development of an intelligent air hockey robot that combines precise mechanical design, computer vision, and adaptive control within an AI-based hierarchical decision architecture. The system integrates synchronized stepper motors, high-speed image processing, and a real-time decision framework to achieve competitive gameplay performance. The robot detects the puck using adaptive HSV color segmentation, supported by dynamic calibration that maintains accuracy under different lighting conditions. A two-stage trajectory prediction model, based on exponential decay velocity estimation, enables anticipation of puck motion and improves response time during fast gameplay.

At the decision level, a fuzzy-logic supervisor governs the robot’s …

Integrated Optimization And Data-Driven Modeling For Seawater Intrusion Mitigation And Prediction, Assaad Hassan Kassem

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Seawater intrusion (SWI) threatens the reliability of coastal groundwater especially in hyper-arid settings, where climatic stress and pumping accelerate salinization. This dissertation advances two complementary approaches to managing SWI: Part A optimizes mitigation measures, hydraulic (pumping/injection) and physical barriers (cutoff walls, subsurface dams) on benchmark models; Part B predicts SWI in the hyper-arid Fujairah (UAE) coastal aquifer using total dissolved solids (TDS) as a proxy, through machine learning-based models, spatially and dynamically. A bibliometric synthesis first maps the evolution of SWI models and mitigation strategies, identifying gaps that motivate the subsequent methodological developments. Part A employs the classical Henry problem …

Data Cleaning With Excel, Rubab Shahzad

Day Family Research Lab Workshop Series

This workshop will delve into the importance of cleaning research data and why clean data is an important part of the larger research data lifecycle. This session will also provide an overview of data cleaning and preprocessing using Microsoft Excel including a hands-on demonstration.

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Development And Characterization Of Sustainable Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites With Date Palm Agro-Residues As Reinforcement, Ansar Kareem

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) are extensively used in various industrial applications owing to their exceptional mechanical, material, and tribological properties. This led to the development of AMCs with every possible aluminum alloy as matrix, incorporated with various reinforcement materials to achieve desired material properties. There has been an increasing trend in the utilization of agricultural and industrial waste products as reinforcement material in AMCs. Date palm trees produce huge quantity of agricultural waste in different forms. Usually, these wastes are burned or disposed of in landfills which cause environmental pollution. Date palm agro-wastes can be incinerated to produce date palm …

Enhancing The Energy Efficiency Of Co2-Rich Amine Solution Regeneration Through Innovative Catalyst And Advanced Membrane Module System, Muhammad Waseem

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Global warming, which is mostly caused by greenhouse gas emissions, is rapidly becoming a serious issue. Prospective technology for capturing CO2 from point source pollution has recently received a lot of interest. Carbon capture and storage (CCS), particularly through amine-based absorption methods, is one of the most developed industrial processes for capturing anthropogenic and natural CO2. Although amine-based absorption remains the most mature technology for industrial CO2 capture, yet its largescale deployment is hindered by the high energy requirement of solvent regeneration. To address this challenge, we explored both catalytic and membrane-assisted approaches to improve the efficiency of CO2 desorption …

Microstrip Antenna Design Based On Ai And Machine Learning, Waleed Mohamed Sha Moulavi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Microstrip patch antennas (MPAs) rely on precise impedance matching for efficient power transfer between the antenna and feed line. This is often achieved using a number of different techniques, one of which is the quarter-wavelength transformer (QWT). However, optimizing the width of the QWT presents significant computational and analytical challenges due to the unknown antenna impedance and the absence of explicit design relationships. This thesis aims to overcome these limitations by developing and comparatively evaluating artificial intelligence (AI) models for QWT width optimization. Methods involved Random Forest (RF) and a novel Probabilistic Deep Neural Network (PDNN) on a custom dataset …

Modeling Synaptic Dysfunction As Neural Contagion: A Graph-Based Sedr Framework For Simulating Signal Spread, Michelle Marfo, Dr. Padmanabhan Seshaiyer, Alonso Ogueda-Oliva

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Modeling Social Isolation: A Data-Driven Index Function Design And Implementation, Jeremis N. Morales Morales, Carmen Caiseda, Phyllis Muniu, Joshua Atsu, Folashade B. Agusto

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Hybrid Stol Aircraft Designed For Short Urban Operations, Toby Emch

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Modern aircraft transportation requires security checkpoints, large terminals, and expansive runways to move people. However, what if we could place an airport anywhere, reducing land area, noise, and cost? Our design takes advantage of distributed electric propulsion powered by a hybrid engine to take off and land a STOL transport aircraft in a short distance. Our design process includes calculation of constraints, lift calculation using a blown lift takeoff, and verification of stability coefficients. Using a high-lift wing design, the aircraft supports a battery and fuel weight while keeping the required thrust low. It supports up to 7 passengers and …

Asteroid Mining: The Next Big Thing Or A Gimmick?, Aashman Gupta

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Asteroid mining, a sci-fi concept that is rapidly emerging as a potential cornerstone for humanity's expansion into space. This paper explores the economic, technological, and legal challenges of asteroid mining, by examining its feasibility, potential benefits, and other challenges that could hinder its development. Some argue that mining asteroids could provide essential resources and reduce dependency on Earth leading to sustainable space colonization, but critical challenges still remain. Through a review and rational comparison of recent advancements and setbacks, this paper presents an analysis of the potential of asteroid mining; findings suggest that while asteroid mining holds significant potential for …

Boeing 787 Freighter Conversion: Structural Redesign And Enhanced Cargo Operation, Darien Lopez

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

With the continued expansion of global supply chains, demand for airfreight is rapidly increasing. As older cargo aircraft approach the end of their service life, the Boeing 787 freighter variant emerges as an ideal candidate to address this growing market demand. To facilitate its conversion from passenger to freighter configuration, modifications included the addition of a cargo door and adjustments to the cabin floor, allowing for efficient cargo loading operations. The structural components, including stringers and longerons, were specifically sized and strategically positioned in both the cargo door section and throughout the rest of the fuselage to accommodate the anticipated …

Experimental Investigation: Performance Of Ranque-Hilsch Vortex Tubes Under Various Surface Boundary Conditions, Ahmad Al-Najjar

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The Ranque–Hilsch vortex tube (RHVT) is a passive thermos-fluid device that splits compressed gas into simultaneous cold and hot streams through strong swirling flow inside a slender tube, without moving parts. This study experimentally examines how external boundary conditions applied to the tube wall influence RHVT performance. Three wall conditions were imposed: (i) externally cooled (cooling), (ii) externally heated (heating), and (iii) adiabatic (insulated). Tests were conducted with air over an inlet pressure range of 2–6 bar. The primary objective was to understand the extent to which wall thermal condition modifies temperature separation and energy efficiency. Performance was quantified using …

A Hybrid Data Assimilation Approach For Parameter Estimation In Dynamical Systems, Xuejian Li

Math Department Colloquium Series

In this talk, we present a hybrid data assimilation (DA) method that integrates continuous data assimilation (CDA) with particle filtering to estimate parameters in dynamical systems. Parameter estimation in such systems is particularly challenging because it involves both determining the parameters and estimating the often high-dimensional physical state. To address this difficulty, we decouple the estimation of states and parameters by employing CDA for state estimation and particle filtering for parameter estimation, with information exchanged alternately between the two. This hybrid framework leverages the strengths of CDA in handling high-dimensional state estimation and the efficiency of particle filters in estimating …

The Science And Economics Of 3d-Printed Filament Recycling, Michael Domingo, Dane Freund, John Mcswiggin, Adam Meadows

Sustainability Conference

In recent years, 3D printing has grown rapidly, both in homes and commercially. This has led to increased demand for plastic filaments, many of which contribute to plastic waste. This project explores the potential of recycling household plastics into 3D printing filament, promoting sustainability and creating a circular economy. Materials like PLA, PETG, ABS, and polypropylene can be recycled or even composted. Existing research has shown that recycled filaments can maintain comparable tensile strength to their virgin counterparts, depending on the recycling process. Furthermore, implementing circular economy practices for plastics could save billions annually by mitigating pollution and reducing landfill …

Localized Nuclear Utility For Erau Environmental Improvement, Timothy Schroeder, Jacob Blanton, Christopher Anderson

Sustainability Conference

The reliance of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) on energy supplied by Florida Power & Light (FPL), which currently draws large amounts of power from fossil fuel sources, is continuously suboptimal both environmentally and financially. This study proposes assessing the feasibility of deploying a campus scale nuclear reactor tailored to ERAU’s power consumption profile. This serves as a path toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting dependence on external fossil fuel generation. The methods used are primarily literature review(s), and numerical analysis on comparable use cases. The literature reviews focused on design theory and yield of nuclear reactors on a …

Aura Aero, A Perspective On Sustainability And Resilience, Mattia Padulo

Sustainability Conference

Since its foundation, AURA AERO has committed to tackle aviation related environmental impacts, through an incremental industrial approach that has allowed the company to become the first fully fledged aircraft manufacturer among the new players in the field of Advanced Air Mobility. AURA AERO product policy has been gradually shaped to scale-up towards bigger, smarter, greener products, and is now enriched by unmanned technologies, as an adaptation to newer societal demands induced by the current geopolitical context. The presentation will give an update on the latest company and product developments, and particularly those related to the INTEGRAL E - the …

Jet Impingement And Vortex/Swirl Cooling Of Different Inlet And Outlet Geometrical Configurations For Turbine Blade Leading Edge Cooling, Irfan Ahmad Sheikh

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Gas turbine blades operate in extreme environments, exposed directly to high-temperature combustion gases that cause severe thermal stresses, weaken material integrity, and may lead to structural failure. Proper cooling is crucial to lower blade temperatures, reduce thermal stresses, prevent failure, and improve overall engine efficiency. This work presents a detailed numerical study of various cooling configurations by applying two advanced leading-edge cooling methods, jet impingement and swirl cooling, across different inlet mass flow rates and jet Reynolds numbers (Rej) ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 to evaluate their cooling performance.

Several advanced leading-edge cooling configurations are proposed and …

Hybrid Multi-Layer Sandwich Beams Using 3d Printing Technology With Energy Absorption Features, Hour Ali Alhefeiti

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This study explores the use of additive manufacturing (AM) technology to create sandwich composite structures, focusing on the manufacturing process, testing, and anticipated impact. The rising cost of manufacturing prototypes using conventional methods has led to the exploration of 3D printing as a viable alternative. The research problem addresses the challenges in manufacturing sandwich composites and the need for automation across the civil, mechanical, aerospace, and aviation industries. The study aims to investigate 3D-printed sandwich composite structures and compare experimental, finite-element analysis, and theoretical results. The proposed methodology includes preparing a CAD model with five different core infill patterns (Cross …

International Conference On Civil Engineering And Infrastructure, University For Business And Technology (Ubt) In Kosovo

UBT International Conference

UBT Annual International Conference is the 14th international interdisciplinary peer reviewed conference which publishes works of the scientists as well as practitioners in the area where UBT is active in Education, Research and Development. The UBT aims to implement an integrated strategy to establish itself as an internationally competitive, research-intensive university, committed to the transfer of knowledge and the provision of a world-class education to the most talented students from all background. The main perspective of the conference is to connect the scientists and practitioners from different disciplines in the same place and make them be aware of the recent …

Dasisedu’ Program For Seismic Response History Analysis Of 2d Frame Structures With Different Seismic Protection Systems, Isak Idrizi

UBT International Conference

Over the past decades, a lot of effort has been put in studying the mechanical behavior of various base isolation and energy dissipation devices subjected to a range of extreme design situations. This led to the development of validated theories that can describe the dynamic behavior of various seismic base isolators (with the lead-rubber and friction pendulum isolators being amongst the most prominent types used in USA). The authors of this paper took these developed theories as basis for developing the so called ‘DASISedu’ computer program for interactive simulation of the dynamic behavior of typical planar structures (both multistory building …

New Method Of Proportional Prestress Tendon Line (Mpptl) For Continuous Prestressed Concrete Beams With Non-Concordant Cables, Xhemshir Mulliqi

UBT International Conference

This paper presents a new physically consistent analytical approach for continuous prestressed concrete (PSC) beams with non-concordant tendons — the Method of Proportional Prestress Tendon Line (MPPTL). Unlike traditional approaches (Lin [1], Eurocode 2 [2], CEBFIP [3]), which describe moment redistribution empirically, the MPPTL introduces a physical parameter λ–θₚ that correlates the proportional displacement of the prestress tendon line (compression line) with the development of plastic rotation. The method ensures energy balance between the support and midspan regions, establishing a continuous transition from elastic to plastic behaviour. An upper limit for λₘₐₓ is proposed according to the Eurocode 2 redistribution …

Integrating Seismic Survey Data With Zoning Maps For Enhanced Urban Safety And Structural Resilience, Shemsi Mustafa, Visar Krelani, Besian Sinani, Hazir Çadraku

UBT International Conference

Designing a safe and earthquake-resistant environment in seismically active regions requires detailed consideration of the seismic characteristics of urban areas. This study reviews the current frameworks for earthquake risk resistance in urban areas, highlighting the critical role of integrating seismic survey data with seismic zoning maps. Such integration is essential for designers to enhance resident safety and minimize structural damage. Therefore, it is necessary to holistically integrate seismic, geotechnical, geological, topographic, and design data to provide architects and planners with relevant and practical information for construction and land-use planning. Despite this, many cities in Kosovo, located in active seismic zones, …

Generating Arithmetic And Geometric Sequences In Java: A Mathematical Approach, Anjesa Gashi, Hizer Leka

UBT International Conference

This paper demonstrates how mathematical sequences, particularly arithmetic and geometric sequences, can be implemented in programming using Java arrays. In mathematics, sequences are ordered sets of numbers following a specific pattern, whereas in computer science, these sequences can be implemented as arrays. The main goal is to show the similarities between mathematics and programming. A simple Java program generates arithmetic and geometric arrays automatically, allowing students to visualize patterns and understand how to apply mathematical principles in code. This paper explains the process of writing the Java program and provides examples of output arrays. This approach solidifies the understanding of …

Traınıng And Development Of Varıous Open-Source Artıfıcıal Intellıgence Models For Busıness Process Automatıon, Senada Bushati Hoxha, Besmir Guma

UBT International Conference

AI is reshaping traditional businesses into sustainable operations, so it can be used to optimize resource utilization, automate processes for improved efficiency This study aims to explore the potential of open-source artificial intelligence (AI) models for automating and streamlining business processes. Focusing on a company offering a wide range of digital services (websites, applications, ERP, CRM, marketing), the study develops and trains two different AI models, specific to the needs of the business. The main goal is to create an AI “agent” that can interpret natural language commands and activate pre-configured automations through the n8n platform. These automated operations include …

Data Science Against Human Trafficking: Evidence From North Macedonia, Krenar Mehmeti, Shkurte Luma Osmani, Florinda Imeri, Agon Memeti

UBT International Conference

Human trafficking is a severe yet often underreported crime in North Macedonia. With the rapid growth of technology and communication platforms, traffickers have shifted recruitment and exploitation strategies online. This project explores the patterns and trends of human trafficking in Republic of North Macedonia through and through the lens of using Data Mining and Different visual analytics. By using a structured dataset containing Victim demographics, the types of exploitation, recruitment methods and other different attributes, the analysis is Focused on identifying vulnerable groups, especially the individuals of age 18-25 and underage minors. Advanced visualizations have revealed the distribution of trafficking …

The Challenges Of The Digital Transformation Of A Hospital According To The Trends Of Innovative Technological Development, Vehebi Sofiu, Faton Kabashi, Lamir Shkurti, Mirlinda Reqica, Mirlinda Selimaj, Greta Ahma

UBT International Conference

This research discusses the process of managing and digitally transforming a hospital by integrating advanced technologies. The focus of this transformation is patient care and the protection of institutional data through the implementation of Block chain technology to enhance security measures. The goal of this topic is to take preventive measures against information security breaches and cyber threats. The transformation model addresses institutional deficiencies in managing healthcare information and patient records through electronic records. Additionally, it advances technological development to align the use of artificial intelligence with medical care infrastructure. This technology enables training for staff involved in hospital communication, …

Cogeneration Of Energy, Marigona Krasniqi

UBT International Conference

Cogeneration is the process of producing electricity and thermal energy at the same time. Generating energy through this process means using only one energy source, which results in higher energy efficiency. In the energy crisis the world is facing, cogeneration is being considered as a promising alternative for reducing environmental pollution, increasing energy security, supporting the energy transition and economic stability. This paper will describe the cogeneration process and its role in the energy sector, how cogeneration affects energy efficiency and what are the main benefits of this process.

Analytical Design Of Continuous Prestressed Concrete Beams – Methodology, Example, And Comparison With A Simply Supported Beam, Xhemshir Mulliqi

UBT International Conference

This paper presents a complete analytical procedure for continuous prestressed concrete beams (two spans 15 + 15 m). The analysis covers moment distribution, loadbalancing method, prestress losses, thrust-line geometry, and shear verification in accordance with Eurocode 2. Continuity reduces positive bending moments in the spans to approximately wL²/24 while introducing negative moments over the internal support of about wL²/12 , compared to wL²/8 for a simply supported beam. An affine correction of the tendon profile allows fine adjustment of the thrust line without altering the equivalent load wₚ. A practical design example and comparison with numerical FEM results are provided.

The Use Of Artıfıcıal Intellıgence For Fake News Detectıon, Altina Salihu, Diellza Berisha

UBT International Conference

The phenomenon of fake news has become a global concern, directly influencing democratic processes, social perceptions, and public security. Detecting fake news represents a critical challenge for computer science, where Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers advanced solutions through Natural Language Processing (NLP) and text classification techniques. This paper analyzes and compares the main approaches used in this field, ranging from traditional machine learning models such as Naive Bayes and Support Vector Machines (SVM) to modern deep learning architectures like Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), BERT, and GPT-based models. Furthermore, it discusses widely adopted datasets such as FakeNewsNet and LIAR, which serve as …

An Empirical Analysis Of Requirements For An Automated Elearning Platform: The Case Of Teachers In Kosova, Bleona Çitaku, Faton Kabashi, Lamir Shkurti, Mirlinda Selimaj

UBT International Conference

This paper examines the need for developing an automated e-learning platform that supports adaptive learning for students in Kosovo. Using a mixed-methods approach—both quantitative and qualitative—the responses of 50 teachers were analyzed to understand their perceptions and the challenges associated with using platforms such as Google Classroom, Moodle, and Zoom. The findings indicate that, although there is significant potential to enhance teaching practices, key obstacles remain, including low student engagement and technological difficulties. The study suggests the development of a personalized platform powered by artificial intelligence to improve student participation and the overall effectiveness of distance learning.