Engineering Commons^™

Employing Frequency Independent Structure For Ultra-Wide Band Antenna, Hassan Ali Ragheb, Mostafa Salah

Electrical Engineering

The paper presents a novel and compact design for an ultra-wideband antenna based on frequency independent ethos. It consists of a Log-Periodic monopole structure with specific angle for the radiating patch with a defected ground plane. The antenna is fed using microstrip line feed and is designed on an FR4 substrate with a thickness of 1.6 mm, a relative permittivity of 4.4, and a loss tangent of 0.02. The Finite Element Method (FEM) of the Ansoft HFSS software is used during the design process. The proposed antenna covers the frequency range from 5.3 GHz up to 14 GHz for multiple …

No Difference In Pullout Strength Between A Bio-Inductive Implant And A Semitendinosus Tendon Graft In A Biomechanical Study Of Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Repair Augmentation, Austin Wetzler, Sean Mcmillan, Erik Brewer, Aakash Patel, Samuel Handy, Merrick Wetzler

Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences Departmental Research

Purpose: To compare the pullout strength of a bio-inductive implant (BI) used to augment a medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) repair with the pullout strength of semitendinosus graft in a biomechanical cadaveric model. Methods: Six matched pairs of cadavers (12 knees) were used in the biomechanical testing comparing semitendinosus tendon (Semi-T) versus a BI. The Semi-T was harvested from 1 of the matched pairs. A standard double-bundle technique using 2 sockets in the upper two-thirds of the patella 15 mm apart was performed. After docking of the graft into the patella, the patella was dissected free of soft tissues and potted …

Integrated Rules Classifier For Predicting Pathogenic Non-Synonymous Single Nucleotide Variants In Human, Ahmed Barakat Hosseny, Marwa Said Hassan, A A. Shalan, Shymaa Khamis, M I. Dessouky

Basic Science Engineering

The most prevalent kind of genetic variants in humans are non-synonymous single nucleotide variants (nsSNVs). Several prediction tools have been launched to forecast the effect of amino acid substitutes on human protein function. These tools sort variants as pathogenic or neutral. We developed an Integrated Rules Classifier (Integration Score through JRip “ISTJRip”), which integrates the four individual tools that are publicly available; iFish, Mutation Assessor, FATHMM, and SIFT-based on the JRip machine learning technique. Additionally, we compared the ISTJRip approach with the other three created integration classifiers; Integration Score through J48 “ISTJ48”, Integration Score through RF “ISTRF”, and Integration …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Cellulose Microfibril-Reinforced Polyvinyl Alcohol Biodegradable Composites, Fatemeh Mahdiyeh-Boroujeni, Gabriella Fioravanti, Ronald Kander

School of Design and Engineering Papers

The pursuit of an environmentally sustainable manufacturing process requires the substitution of less damaging and recyclable solutions for harmful reagents. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of using cellulose microfibrils synthesized via different hydrolysis reactions as reinforcing agents in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) at varying concentrations. The investigation explores the morphology, thermal properties, and chemical behavior of the cellulose particles. The cellulose microfibrils (CMFs) produced using citric acid exhibited the highest yield and aspect ratio. Notably, particles from organic acids demonstrated greater thermal stability, with oxalic acid-derived particles displaying the maximum thermal degradation temperature. Subsequently, cast films of PVA reinforced …

Effects Of Electrode Materials And Potential Gradient On Electro-Osmotic Consolidation For Marine Clayey Soils, Haihui Jin, Lei Zhang, Binghui Wang, Chen Fang, Liyan Wang

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

This study conducted experimental investigations into the effects of electrode material and potential gradient on the effectiveness of electro-osmotic consolidation (EO) in strengthening soft soils. Seven laboratory tests were conducted on high-water-content marine clayey soils through EO. In these experimental tests, four different types of electrodes made of steel, copper, aluminum, and composite carbon fiber (CCF) were employed in four tests each to evaluate the consolidation effectiveness. Additionally, four tests, one was the comparitive study for different eletrode materials, were carried out to determine the optimal gradient for the EO using CCF electrode. Several critical properties of the tested soils …

Reactive Capture And Conversion Of Co2 Into Hydrogen Over Bifunctional Structured Ce1-Xcoxnio3/Ca Perovskite-Type Oxide Monoliths, Khaled Baamran, Shane Lawson, Ali A. Rownaghi, Fateme Rezaei

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies are pivotal for transitioning to a net-zero economy by 2050. In particular, conversion of captured CO₂ to marketable chemicals and fuels appears to be a sustainable approach to not only curb greenhouse emissions but also transform wastes like CO₂ into useful products through storage of renewable energy in chemical bonds. Bifunctional materials (BFMs) composed of adsorbents and catalysts have shown promise in reactive capture and conversion of CO₂ at high temperatures. In this study, we extend the application of 3D printing technology to formulate a novel set of BFMs composed …

Dielectric Permittivity Of Pzt 95/5 Ferroelectric Ceramics And 0.27pin-Pmn-0.26pt Single Crystals Under Pulsed High Electric Fields, Sergey I. Shkuratov, Jason Baird, Vladimir G. Antipov, Christopher S. Lynch

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The dependence of the dielectric permittivity of ferroelectric materials on electric field magnitude impacts the performance of ferroelectric devices. In a ferroelectric generator, a shock wave travels through the ferroelectric element and depolarizes it, and surface charges are released from the element electrodes, resulting in the generation of a megawatt power level for several microseconds. The dielectric properties of the compressed and uncompressed zones of the ferroelectric element affect the generated voltage and energy. The results of previous studies indicate that the low-field dielectric permittivity of poled Pb0.99(Zr0.95Ti0.05)0.98Nb0.02O3 (PZT 95/5) ferroelectrics in the uncompressed zone differs significantly from the high-field …

Impacts Of Farrowing Pen Design, Season, And Sow Parity On Litter Performance And Piglet Mortality, Verônica Madeira Pacheco, Tami M. Brown-Bandl, Gary A. Rohrer, Rafael Vieira De Sousa, Luciane Silva Martello

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Piglet mortality during lactation is a significant concern in swine production, influenced by complex interactions involving sow, piglet, environmental, and management factors. While crushing by the sow may be the ultimate cause of piglet mortality, there are many factors influencing the outcome, including parity, thermal stress, and animal housing systems. New farrowing systems are continuously being developed; however, it is difficult for producers to make decisions without any scientific basis. This study aimed to assess the impact of different farrowing pen layouts on piglet performance, considering parity and season. A total of 546 sows and 9123 piglets were monitored across …

Fibrin Glue Acutely Blocks Distal Muscle Contraction After Confirmed Polyethylene Glycol Nerve Fusion: An Animal Study., Alec H Fisher, Parker H Johnsen, Andrew Simon, Cameron J Burns, Vineeth Romiyo, Elliot B Bodofsky, Sebastian Vega, David A Fuller

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a synthetic, biodegradable, and hyperosmotic material promising in the treatment of acute peripheral nerve injuries. Our team set out to investigate the impact of fibrin glue upon PEG fusion in a rat model.

METHODS: Eighteen rats underwent sciatic nerve transection and PEG fusion. Electrophysiologic testing was performed to measure nerve function and distal muscle twitch. Fibrin glue was applied and testing repeated. Due to preliminary findings, fibrin glue was applied to an uncut nerve in five rodents and testing was conducted before and after glue application. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare median values …

Implantation Of A Capsular Tension Ring During Cataract Surgery Attenuates Predicted Remodeling Of The Post-Surgical Lens Capsule Along The Visual Axis, Kurt A. Ameku, Caleb C. Berggren, Ryan M. Pedrigi

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

Introduction: Cataract surgery permanently alters the mechanical environment of the lens capsule by placing a hole in the anterior portion and implanting an intraocular lens (IOL) that has a very different geometry from the native lens. We hypothesized that implant configuration and mechanical interactions with the post-surgical lens capsule play a key role in determining long-term fibrotic remodeling.

Methods: We developed the first finite element-growth and remodeling (FE-G&R) model of the post-surgical lens capsule to evaluate how implantation of an IOL with and without a capsular tension ring (CTR) impacted evolving lens capsule mechanics and associated fibrosis over …

Mobilise-D Insights To Estimate Real-World Walking Speed In Multiple Conditions With A Wearable Device, Cameron Kirk, Arne Küderle, M Encarna Micó-Amigo, Tecla Bonci, Anisoara Paraschiv-Ionescu, Martin Ullrich, Abolfazl Soltani, Eran Gazit, Francesca Salis, Lisa Alcock, Kamiar Aminian, Clemens Becker, Stefano Bertuletti, Philip Brown, Ellen Buckley, Alma Cantu, Anne-Elie Carsin, Marco Caruso, Brian Caulfield, Andrea Cereatti, Lorenzo Chiari, Ilaria D'Ascanio, Judith Garcia-Aymerich, Clint Hansen, Jeffrey M Hausdorff, Hugo Hiden, Emily Hume, Alison Keogh, Felix Kluge, Sarah Koch, Walter Maetzler, Dimitrios Megaritis, Arne Mueller, Martijn Niessen, Luca Palmerini, Lars Schwickert, Kirsty Scott, Basil Sharrack, Henrik Sillén, David Singleton, Beatrix Vereijken, Ioannis Vogiatzis, Alison J Yarnall, Lynn Rochester, Claudia Mazzà, Bjoern M Eskofier, Silvia Del Din

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This study aimed to validate a wearable device's walking speed estimation pipeline, considering complexity, speed, and walking bout duration. The goal was to provide recommendations on the use of wearable devices for real-world mobility analysis. Participants with Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Proximal Femoral Fracture, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Congestive Heart Failure, and healthy older adults (n = 97) were monitored in the laboratory and the real-world (2.5 h), using a lower back wearable device. Two walking speed estimation pipelines were validated across 4408/1298 (2.5 h/laboratory) detected walking bouts, compared to 4620/1365 bouts detected by a multi-sensor reference system. In the …

Exploring Forward Scattering Mechanisms In Tio2 With Carbon Quantum Dots: Insights Into Photovoltaic Applications, Mona Samir, Zahraa Ismail, Ahmed M. Agour, Hassan Nageh, Sameh O. Abdellatif

Electrical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Solid State Transformers Are Critical For A Smarter, More Efficient Electrical Grid, Jaron Bono

Research on Capitol Hill

Solid State Transformers are power converters that mimic conventional low frequency transformers for alternating current (AC) electric power distribution. Adopting these transformers will allow us to modernize the electrical power infrastructure for a sustainable and resilient energy future. Compared to conventional transformers, they are:

• Lighter and more compact 
• More efficient 
• Easier to repair 
• Protected against overvoltage 
• Easier to produce at large quantities 
• Compatible with smart electric grids 
• Interfaceable with both alternating and direct current distribution systems and devices 

Smart And Efficient Power Converters Are Required For Today’S Electricity Needs, Luke Andersen

Research on Capitol Hill

The electric grid grows in complexity as it integrates various electrical systems:  

• Renewable energy sources 
• Heavy and light-duty electric vehicles (EVs) 
• EV charging systems 
• Data centers  
• Battery systems 

A.I. May Be Able To Measure The Capacity Of Used Electric Vehicle Batteries, Paul Bradford

Research on Capitol Hill

EV batteries reach the end of their useful lifetime in vehicles around 70-80% of initial capacity. However, many of these batteries can still hold large amounts of energy and can be particularly useful for stationary applications.

Assessment Framework For Bim-Digital Twin Readiness In The Construction Industry, Aljawharah A. Alnaser, Ali Hassan Ali, Haytham H. Elmousalami, Ahmed Elyamany, Ahmed Gouda Mohamed

Civil Engineering

No abstract provided.

Assessment Framework For Bim-Digital Twin Readiness In The Construction Industry, Ahmed Gouda Mohamed

Civil Engineering

This study introduces a pioneering structural equation modeling (SEM)-based framework to assess BIM-DT adoption readiness in sustainable construction. The research’s approach delves into the intricate correlation between key success factors (KSFs) and sustainable parameters (SPs), fostering BIM-DT deployment. This interdisciplinary perspective provides a holistic understanding of the impact of KSFs on BIM-DT adoption. The research aims to identify KSFs and parameters, prioritize their relative weights for BIM-DT implementation, analyze KSFs and SPs correlations, and offer practical insights into the findings. The results revealed the importance of sustainability considerations in BIM-DT adoption, with cost optimization and resource management playing pivotal roles. …

Effects Of Organic Surface Contamination On The Mass Accommodation Coefficient Of Water: A Molecular Dynamics Study, Jordan Hartfield, Eric Bird, Zhi Liang

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The mass accommodation coefficient (MAC), a parameter that quantifies the possibility of a phase change to occur at a liquid-vapor interface, can strongly affect the evaporation and condensation rates at a liquid surface. Due to the various challenges in experimental determination of the MAC, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been widely used to study the MAC on liquid surfaces with no impurities or contaminations. However, experimental studies show that airborne hydrocarbons from various sources can adsorb on liquid surfaces and alter the liquid surface properties. In this work, therefore, we study the effects of organic surface contamination, which is immiscible …

Electron Trajectories And Critical Current In A Two-Dimensional Planar Magnetically Insulated Crossed-Field Gap, Xiaojun Zhu, Jack K. Wright, N. R. Sree Harsha, Jim Browning, Allen L. Garner

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The critical current in a one-dimensional (1D) crossed-field gap is defined by the transition from a cycloidal flow to a near-Brillouin (nB) state characterized by electron flow orthogonal to both the electric and magnetic fields and uniform virtual cathode formation. Motivated by recent studies on space-charge-limited current in non-magnetic diodes, we assess the meaning of critical current in a magentically insulated two-dimensional (2D) planar crossed-field geometry. Particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations demonstrate that binary behavior between a laminar and turbulent state does not occur in 2D because the virtual cathode is nonuniform. Rather than a distinct nB state above the critical current …

Untapped Potential Of Scrap Brass Alloy: A New Frontier In The Use Of Brass-Based Photocathodes For Stable And Durable Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting, Rahma Leil, Mohamed Mahrous Abodouh, Nasir Javed, Sneha Sreekumar, Haydee Pacheco, Nada Tarek, Deirdre M. O’Carroll, Nageh K. Allam

Faculty Journal Articles

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a promising way to produce green hydrogen. However, one of the bottlenecks in realizing scalable green hydrogen production systems is the inability to identify and fabricate earth abundant, stable, and durable photocathodes. The main challenges with the reported photocathodes so far are their instability in aqueous solutions and the use of precious unabundant materials. To this end, the use of scrap materials to fabricate highly stable photocathodes would solve the two main challenges. Herein, scrap brass alloys with different zinc contents were used to fabricate photocathodes for photoelectrochemical green hydrogen production. The scrap brass alloy …

Electron Effective Mass In Gan Revisited: New Insights From Terahertz And Mid-Infrared Optical Hall Effect, Nerijus Armakavicius, Sean Knight, Philipp Kühne, Vallery Stanishev, Dat Q. Tran, Steffen Richter, Alexis Papamichail, Megan Stokey, Preston Sorensen, Ufuk Kilic, Mathias Schubert, Plamen P. Paskov, Vanya Darakchieva

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

Electron effective mass is a fundamental material parameter defining the free charge carrier transport properties, but it is very challenging to be experimentally determined at high temperatures relevant to device operation. In this work, we obtain the electron effective mass parameters in a Si-doped GaN bulk substrate and epitaxial layers from terahertz (THz) and mid-infrared (MIR) optical Hall effect (OHE) measurements in the temperature range of 38–340 K. The OHE data are analyzed using the well-accepted Drude model to account for the free charge carrier contributions. A strong temperature dependence of the electron effective mass parameter in both bulk and …

Machine Learning Algorithms In Photovoltaics: Evaluating Accuracy And Computational Cost Across Datasets Of Different Generations, Sizes, And Complexities, Omar Elsaban, Muath Alkadi, Saif Qaid, Abdullah Ahmed, Sameh O. Abdellatif

Electrical Engineering

This paper evaluates the compatibility of five different machine learning (ML) algorithms for analyzing datasets extracted from solar cell devices. The selected ML algorithms span a range of complexity, from linear regression and polynomial regression models to random forest (RF), neural network, and a hybrid version of the latter two. The algorithms underwent testing with and without hyperparameter optimization to tune the model parameters. The study investigated the expected increased computational cost resulting from hyperparameter optimization, with improved ML accuracy. Additionally, five distinct datasets were utilized to measure the performance of the ML models across different dataset characteristics, including dataset …

Aerospace Vehicle Navigation And Control System Comprising Terrestrial Illumination Matching Module For Determining Aerospace Vehicle Position And Attitude, Liberty M. Shockley, Robert A. Bettinger

AFIT Patents

The present invention relates to an aerospace vehicle navigation and control system comprising a terrestrial illumination matching module for determining spacecraft position and attitude. The method permits aerospace vehicle position and attitude determinations using terrestrial lights using an Earth-pointing camera without the need of a dedicated sensor to track stars, the sun, or the horizon. Thus, a module for making such determinations can easily and inexpensively be made onboard an aerospace vehicle if an Earth-pointing sensor, such as a camera, is present.

Retraction Notice To “High Density Conductive Lifepo4 Cathode With Enhanced High-Rate And High Temperature Performance” [Mater. Chem. Phys. 232 (2019) 367–373, (S0254058419304110), (10.1016/J.Matchemphys.2019.05.014)], David Seung-Hyun Lee, Won Bin Im, Xinhua Liang

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. The Editor-in-Chief found that the corresponding author of this article submitted the manuscript to the journal without the consent of the two individuals named as "co-authors", using invented email addresses to impersonate them. In addition, based on the raw materials presented to the journal by the second co-author and the Editor-in-Chief's own investigation, the Editor-in-Chief believes that some results in the paper are fabricated. Based on these two findings, the Editor-in-Chief has decided to retract the …

Heterologous Expression Of Arabidopsis Laccase2, Laccase4 And Peroxidase52 Driven Under Developing Xylem Specific Promoter Dx15 Improves Saccharification In Populus, Yogesh Ahlawat, Ajaya K. Biswal, Sarahani Harun, Anne E. Harman-Ware, Crissa Doeppke, Nisha Sharma, Chandrashekhar P. Joshi, Bertrand B. Hankoua

Michigan Tech Publications

Background: Secondary cell wall holds considerable potential as it has gained immense momentum to replace the lignocellulosic feedstock into fuels. Lignin one of the components of secondary cell wall tightly holds the polysaccharides thereby enhancing the recalcitrance and complexity in the biomass. Laccases (LAC) and peroxidases (PRX) are the major phenyl-oxidases playing key functions during the polymerization of monolignols into lignin. Yet, the functions of laccase and peroxidases gene families remained largely unknown. Hence, the objective of this conducted study is to understand the role of specific LAC and PRX in Populus wood formation and to further investigate how the …

Polymerizing Actin Regulates Myosin-Independent Mechanosensing By Modulating Actin Elasticity And Flow Fluctuation, Nikhil Mittal, Etienne Michels, Kathleen Pakenas, Shaina P. Royer-Weeden, Sangyoon J. Han

Michigan Tech Publications

The stiffness of the extracellular matrix induces differential tension within integrin-based adhesions. However, it has been unclear if the stiffness-dependent differential tension is induced solely by myosin activity. Here, we report that in the absence of myosin contractility, 3T3 fibroblasts still transmit stiffness-dependent differential levels of traction. This myosin-independent differential traction is regulated by polymerizing actin assisted by actin nucleators Arp2/3 and formin where formin has stronger contribution than Arp2/3. Interestingly, we report a four-fold reduction in traction of cells when both Arp2/3 and myosin were inhibited, compared to cells with only myosin inhibition, while there was only a slight …

Physicochemical Characterization Of Metal Organic Framework Materials: A Mini Review, Hussein R. Abid, Muhammad R. Azhar, Stefan Iglauer, Zana H. Rada, Ahmed Al-Yaseri, Alireza Keshavarz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising materials offering exceptional performance across a myriad of applications, attributable to their remarkable physicochemical properties such as regular porosity, crystalline structure, and tailored functional groups. Despite their potential, there is a lack of dedicated reviews that focus on key physicochemical characterizations of MOFs for the beginners and new researchers in the field. This review is written based on our expertise in the synthesis and characterization of MOFs, specifically to provide a right direction for the researcher who is a beginner in this area. In this way, experimental errors can be reduced, and wastage of time …

Myosin-Independent Stiffness Sensing By Fibroblasts Is Regulated By The Viscoelasticity Of Flowing Actin, Nikhil Mittal, Etienne B. Michels, Andrew E. Massey, Yunxiu Qiu, Shaina P. Royer-Weeden, Bryan R. Smith, Alexander X. Cartagena-Rivera, Sangyoon J. Han

Michigan Tech Publications

The stiffness of the extracellular matrix induces differential tension within integrin-based adhesions, triggering differential mechanoresponses. However, it has been unclear if the stiffness-dependent differential tension is induced solely by myosin activity. Here, we report that in the absence of myosin contractility, 3T3 fibroblasts still transmit stiffness-dependent differential levels of traction. This myosin-independent differential traction is regulated by polymerizing actin assisted by actin nucleators Arp2/3 and formin where formin has a stronger contribution than Arp2/3 to both traction and actin flow. Intriguingly, despite only slight changes in F-actin flow speed observed in cells with the combined inhibition of Arp2/3 and myosin …

Unsupervised Blstm-Based Electricity Theft Detection With Training Data Contaminated, Qiushi Liang, Shengjie Zhao, Jiangfan Zhang, Hao Deng

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Electricity theft can cause economic damage and even increase the risk of outage. Recently, many methods have implemented electricity theft detection on smart meter data. However, how to conduct detection on the dataset without any label still remains challenging. In this article, we propose a novel unsupervised two-stage approach under the assumption that the training set is contaminated by attacks. Specifically, the method consists of two stages: (1) a Gaussian mixture model is employed to cluster consumption patterns with respect to different habits of electricity usage, and with the goal of improving the accuracy of the model in the posterior …

Opportunities And Challenges Of Generative Ai In Construction Industry: Focusing On Adoption Of Text-Based Models, Prashnna Ghimire, Kyungki Kim, Manoj Acharya

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Faculty Publications

In the last decade, despite rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) transforming many industry practices, construction largely lags in adoption. Recently, the emergence and rapid adoption of advanced large language models (LLMs) like OpenAI’s GPT, Google’s PaLM, and Meta’s Llama have shown great potential and sparked considerable global interest. However, the current surge lacks a study investigating the opportunities and challenges of implementing Generative AI (GenAI) in the construction sector, creating a critical knowledge gap for researchers and practitioners. This underlines the necessity to explore the prospects and complexities of GenAI integration. Bridging this gap is fundamental to optimizing GenAI’s …