Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 30 of 239
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Fundamentals Of Vehicle Modeling For Mobility And Maneuver, Jordan Whitson
Fundamentals Of Vehicle Modeling For Mobility And Maneuver, Jordan Whitson
All ETDs from UAB
The direction of research for off-road ground vehicles is an ever-growing interdisciplinary field. The strategies and modeling methods range from simple terramechanics mathematical models to complex terramechanics that involve the use of high-performance computing (HPC) systems with varying vehicle metric and performance analysis and information extraction. Current advanced methods based on terrain properties and dynamic models utilize conventional performance metrics that have been supported through decades of research. As automated driving systems (ADS) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) research and development progress, more complexities are unraveled and present the need for novel directions of research. Whereas on-road vehicles have the …
Mechanical Behaviors Of Additively Manufactured Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites, Yu-Chao Shih
Mechanical Behaviors Of Additively Manufactured Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites, Yu-Chao Shih
All ETDs from UAB
Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are advantageous in small-batch manufacturing and prototyping functional parts, due to their cost-effectiveness and customizability. Using fiber-reinforced plastic composites (FRP) in extrusion-based AM can significantly improve the mechanical properties compared to neat thermoplastic. However, the two-fold anisotropy introduced by the multiple constituent materials and the layer-by-layer mesostructure can introduce undesired structural weaknesses. Investigating the mechanical behavior and failure mechanism is the key to understanding the synergistic effect of the constituents in FRP and assessing the structural integrity of AM-made FRP. This research work aims to experimentally, analytically, and numerically assess the mechanical behaviors of AM composite …
Electromechanical Mapping Of The In Vivo Porcine Heart And Stomach, Haley Nesmith Patton
Electromechanical Mapping Of The In Vivo Porcine Heart And Stomach, Haley Nesmith Patton
All ETDs from UAB
Electrical excitation and mechanical function are integral to the physiologic activity of both the heart and stomach. Electrical depolarization through the myocardium triggers contraction in the heart. When normal sequences of electrical activity are disturbed, the heart’s mechanical function may also be disturbed, affecting its ability to pump blood effectively, sometimes fatally. Similarly, electrical waves called slow waves initiate gastric peristalsis. Abnormalities in slow wave propagation patterns can disturb the stomach’s ability to mechanically process gastric contents, sometimes resulting in delayed gastric emptying, nausea, and vomiting. The relationship between mechanical function and electrophysiology is not unidirectional, though. Mechanical stimuli can …
The Efficiency Impact Of Gershgorin Circle Theorem For Feature Extraction In Computer Vision And Biomedical Signal Analysis, Sahaj Anilbhai Patel
The Efficiency Impact Of Gershgorin Circle Theorem For Feature Extraction In Computer Vision And Biomedical Signal Analysis, Sahaj Anilbhai Patel
All ETDs from UAB
In graph theory, a fundamental problem arises when signals or images are transformed into graphs where they are subsequently represented in the form of matrices, typically as Adjacency or Laplacian matrices. As the number of the samples increases, the dimensionality of these matrices also increases, leading to the "curse of dimensionality." This increase in dimensionality poses significant computational challenges, particularly in biomedical signal analysis or computer vision applications, where the computational efficiency of large-scale data is crucial. Traditional methods of feature extraction and then clustering become computationally intensive and less effective in handling of high-dimensional data, underscoring the need for …
Development And Evaluation Of A Nanomatrix Coated Stent Using A Vascular Sheet With Atherosclerosis Model, Xixi Zhang
Development And Evaluation Of A Nanomatrix Coated Stent Using A Vascular Sheet With Atherosclerosis Model, Xixi Zhang
All ETDs from UAB
While cardiovascular stent technology has considerable advances, there are hurdles to overcome due to the dysfunctional stented arteries which fail to maintain vascular homeostasis. Current stent designs ignored the significance of promoting functional artery healing (pro-healing). Therefore, we developed a pro-healing nanomatrix coating for stent. Previous studies investigated its effect on individual vascular cell type. In natural artery, there are multiple vascular cell types that strongly affect stent performance. Thus, an in vitro vascular double-layer (VDL) system was used to observe stent effects on different vascular cell types. And the pro-healing ability and mechanism of the nanomatrix coated stent were …
A Simulation Framework For Identity And Access Management Based On Internet Of Things Architecture, Vahid Moghaddasi
A Simulation Framework For Identity And Access Management Based On Internet Of Things Architecture, Vahid Moghaddasi
All ETDs from UAB
The swift progression of the Internet of Things (IoT) architecture has revolutionized various industrial processes, including enterprise Identity and Access Management (IAM). This dissertation develops a dynamic process framework for Identity and Access Management based on the Internet of Things architecture. System analysis with Digital Twin simulation explores the integration of IoT devices to enhance IAM in enterprises. Digital Twin is a virtual service that enabled us the creation of a comprehensive digital IAM environment to explore alternative designs. This dissertation begins by providing an overview of IoT architecture and its impact on enterprise IAM. It discusses the challenges enterprises …
A Cold Plasma-Enabled Reduction Process For The Fabrication Of Metallic Nanostructures Onto Polymeric Biomaterials, Gerardo Hernandez-Moreno
A Cold Plasma-Enabled Reduction Process For The Fabrication Of Metallic Nanostructures Onto Polymeric Biomaterials, Gerardo Hernandez-Moreno
All ETDs from UAB
The design and manufacture of novel materials has served as the bedrock for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. There exists a need for more biocompatible implantable materials in the biomedical device space. The approach to developing biomaterials fit for biomedical devices has been focused on decreasing overall physiological interaction with the local environment. However, the development of more biomechanically favorable materials has placed an emphasis on designing materials that display biomimetic and biomechanical properties resembling that of the host tissue at the implant site. As biomaterials engineering has progressed, the race to find materials that interact at the nano- and …
Mechanisms Linking The Circadian Clock To Cardiac Physiology, Lamario J. Williams
Mechanisms Linking The Circadian Clock To Cardiac Physiology, Lamario J. Williams
All ETDs from UAB
Rationale: Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death in America. Many aspects of both cardiovascular physiology (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate) and pathophysiology (e.g., myocardial infarctions, sudden cardiac death) exhibit time-of-day dependent fluctuations (termed diurnal variations). Circadian clocks consist of transcriptional feedback cascades directly modulating expression of genes involved in processes such as metabolism, signaling, and ion transport. Interestingly, genetic deletion of a core circadian clock component in the heart (cardiomyocyte-specific Bmal1 knockout mice) leads to chronic induction of the transcriptional repressor E4 Promoter-Binding Protein 4 (E4BP4) associated with early-onset dilated cardiomyopathy, metabolic inflexibility, and electrophysiologic disturbances. …
Inkjet-Printed Reseroir Computing Network For In Situ Sensor Predictions, Steven D. Gardner
Inkjet-Printed Reseroir Computing Network For In Situ Sensor Predictions, Steven D. Gardner
All ETDs from UAB
The technological achievements made with silicon-based transistors have led to nearly all the computing seen today, complete with benefits such as maximized operating speeds, parallel/tensor processing, minimized power overhead, etc. The silicon electronics industry is foundational to scientific progression with its profound impact on modeling, simulations, and fast/reliable computing. However, silicon-based transistors have evolved to meet their physical limitations and have saturated fields of innovation. New fields in computing outside of silicon-based methods have emerged as exotic materials enter the research domain. The suite of super-performing materials like Graphene, Carbon Nanotubes, and Molybdenum Disulfide have chaotic, non-linear behaviors that make …
Study Of The Processing-Structure-Property Relationship In Recycled Thermoplastic Composites, Carlos Gerardo Angulo Ruiz
Study Of The Processing-Structure-Property Relationship In Recycled Thermoplastic Composites, Carlos Gerardo Angulo Ruiz
All ETDs from UAB
The quest for sustainable materials and manufacturing techniques has spurred research into distinct composite materials that utilizes recycled thermoplastics in combination with natural hemp fibers and recycled carbon fibers. This dissertation delves into the processing of recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE) with hemp fiber and separately, with recycled carbon fiber (rCF), scrutinizing their suitability as environmentally friendly and economically viable materials. The study focuses on distinct processing methods used for hemp fiber and recycled carbon fiber: compression molding with hemp mats as well as extrusion compression molding, additive manufacturing, and injection molding for recycled carbon fiber, while the recycled carbon fiber …
Conceptual Architecture For Digital Twin Implementation In A Smart City Framework, Wesley Conwell
Conceptual Architecture For Digital Twin Implementation In A Smart City Framework, Wesley Conwell
All ETDs from UAB
More than 9 billion people are expected to live on the planet in 2050, about two-thirds in cities. This substantial population growth in urban areas increases demands on cities' resources, services, and infrastructure. Hence, many cities leverage intelligent technologies to ensure urban communities' efficiency in integrating massive infrastructure components and services. Cities define this reconstruction of their operational framework as a smart city. Effective resource consumption management in a smart city integrative structure presents a problem with solutions concerning the distribution of city services. This dissertation aims to establish a conceptual framework to effectively manage resource consumption in a smart …
Analytical Methods Using Cardiac Mri To Assess Systolic And Diastolic Ventricular Function, Muhammad Rifqi Aufan
Analytical Methods Using Cardiac Mri To Assess Systolic And Diastolic Ventricular Function, Muhammad Rifqi Aufan
All ETDs from UAB
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has proven invaluable for clinical and research investigations due to its minimal invasiveness and excellent measurement precision and reproducibility. In particular, Cardiac MRI (CMR) is a powerful tool for evaluating anatomical and functional properties of the left ventricle (LV). In this study, two aspects of CMR applications of the LV are investigated: 1) assessment of diastolic function by quantifying LV stiffness index and related properties as a representation of intrinsic myocardium properties in patients with diastolic dysfunction and 2) evaluation of systolic function by relating myocardial strain and LV geometrical configuration with ejection fraction (EF). The …
Analytical Fundamentals For Advancing Aero-Road/Terrain Multibody Morphing Dynamics And Stability Of Autonomous Utility Truck In Hazardous Environments, Parth Y. Patel
All ETDs from UAB
Severe weather conditions have steadily increased over the last two decades. Therefore, the safety of the rescue and repair team is of paramount importance while they attend to emergencies due to these severe weather conditions. Utility trucks are the first responders in these extreme climate and weather situations for cutting trees to restore traffic, recovering life beings from destroyed properties, repairing electric posts, and restoring power. Such trucks with morphing capabilities of the boom equipment can increase the possibility of road accidents in several ways and create hazardous situations on the roads and off-road conditions while moving and performing critical …
Impacts Of Transportation Network Companies On Urban Congestion In A Medium-Sized City, Furat Shakir Salman
Impacts Of Transportation Network Companies On Urban Congestion In A Medium-Sized City, Furat Shakir Salman
All ETDs from UAB
The rise of ride-hailing and on-demand transportation services offered by Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) (such as Uber and Lyft) has been one of the key factors contributing to the growth of shared mobility services in recent years. The presence of contradictory findings on the impacts of TNCs necessitates the undertaking of an investigation into the shifts in mode choice that occur in the context of TNC services and their impacts on urban congestion. As a result of difficulties in gathering TNCs field data, it is still not possible to fully assess the impact of these services on urban congestion. Moreover, …
Renal Proximal Tubule Tissue Chips For Disease Modeling And Drug Toxicity Testing, Leslie Donoghue
Renal Proximal Tubule Tissue Chips For Disease Modeling And Drug Toxicity Testing, Leslie Donoghue
All ETDs from UAB
The current pathway for drug discovery is associated with costs of $2.55 billion and between 10-15 years of development for a single drug to reach the market. The challenges in predicting drug toxicities and efficacies are attributed to inherent species differences in drug-metabolizing enzyme activities and cell-type-specific sensitivities to toxicants. Organs-on-a-chip are an emerging technology in disease modeling and screening therapeutics to address discrepancies between animal models and human clinical trials. They utilize tissue engineering, fluid mechanics, and biomaterials to replicate in vivo architectures and functions of complex organs and tissues. Herein, the effect of pressure and stretch on bioengineered …
Improved Myocardial Infarct Repair Via Cardiac Tissue Engineering And Modified Rna, Lu Wang
Improved Myocardial Infarct Repair Via Cardiac Tissue Engineering And Modified Rna, Lu Wang
All ETDs from UAB
Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in the United States and the world. Myocardial infarction (MI) happens when there is an occlusion in the blood vessel. Cardiomyocytes (CM) die quickly after MI and are replaced by a fibrotic scar. Since adult mammalian cardiomyocytes have a limited capacity to regenerate, the damages induced by MI usually deteriorate into more severe symptoms such as heart failure. In order to achieve regeneration of the cardiomyocytes, numerous therapies have been proposed, including cellular therapy and CM cell cycle re-entry. During this dissertation study, we focused on improving myocardial infarct repair via cardiac …
Investigation Of Fish Gelatin/Polycaprolactone Nanofibrous Materials Alternating Field Electrospinning Fabrication And Characterization, Hannah A. Lacy
Investigation Of Fish Gelatin/Polycaprolactone Nanofibrous Materials Alternating Field Electrospinning Fabrication And Characterization, Hannah A. Lacy
All ETDs from UAB
As human needs and purposes continue to evolve, it has become crucial that the materials with which we address these new applications and challenges evolve in stride. Specifically, the medical field’s need for advanced materials has led to the drive for biomaterial synthesis and processing methods which produce adaptable material characteristics to satisfy application specific needs. Research response has been to expand viable natural/ synthetic biomaterial resources, design innovative nanofiber fabrication techniques with high levels of productivity, ease of access, and cost efficiency, and explore crosslinking and surface treatments/modifications to enhance material characteristics for improved performance. This research employs select …
A Value-Based Modeling Framework For Solar Energy Utilization And Monitoring, Muslat A. Alanizi
A Value-Based Modeling Framework For Solar Energy Utilization And Monitoring, Muslat A. Alanizi
All ETDs from UAB
We have developed and presented a value-based modeling (VBM) framework for optimal solar energy utilization and monitoring. Our model adopts a universal approach that prioritizes values to ensuring a comprehensive analysis of solar energy systems by recognizing the complexities and intricacies of the renewable energy landscape. To determine the robustness and applicability of our VBM framework, we subjected it to a real-world test through a detailed case study focusing on Net-Metering Monitoring System. This validation reinforced the model's efficacy and showcased its potential as a dynamic tool for decision-making in solar energy. Using Shannon's entropy method, we recorded the optimal …
Mechanotransduction Signaling On Ovarian Cancer Results In Increased Proliferation, Migration, And Chemoresistance In 2d And 3d In Vitro And In Vivo Models, Molly Buckley
All ETDs from UAB
Mechanical forces imparted on an ovarian tumor have recently been shown to have a grave impact on cancer development, progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance. The forces present include compression throughout the tumor, intrinsic and extrinsic shear stresses from ascitic fluid present in the peritoneal cavity as well as blood flow through the tumor via leaky and disorganized vessels created through tumor angiogenesis, and tension at the tumor periphery because of the constantly growing mass. Studies of the signaling pathways impacted by these mechanical forces could give great insight into new therapeu-tic targets for ovarian cancer, however, these studies have been severely …
Electromechanical Mechanisms Of Electromigration - Novel Approaches, Raghavendra Rao Morusupalli
Electromechanical Mechanisms Of Electromigration - Novel Approaches, Raghavendra Rao Morusupalli
All ETDs from UAB
Reliability of today’s interconnect lines in microelectronic devices is critical to product lifetime. The metal interconnects are carriers of large current densities and mechanical stresses, which can cause void formation or metal extrusion into the passivation leading to failure. The modeling and simulation of stress evolution caused by electromigration in interconnect lines and vias can provide a means for predicting the time to failure of the device. Reliability and performance are equally important in the microelectronics industry of today. Product lifetimes are expected to be as high as 10 to 15 years of service. A typical microprocessor has millions of …
Monoclonal Antibody-Mediated Cancer Treatment: Development, Manufacturing And Evaluation, Yingnan Si
Monoclonal Antibody-Mediated Cancer Treatment: Development, Manufacturing And Evaluation, Yingnan Si
All ETDs from UAB
Malignant cancer is one of the greatest threats to human health globally. Conventional (non-targeted) treatments such as chemo-drugs and radiation therapy remain the major choices for cancer patients while always accompanied by severe systemic toxicity/side effects. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) is one of the most successful biomolecules discovered and well investigated as a targeted therapy to treat human disease. This dissertation research was aimed to develop monoclonal antibody-based targeted drugs for cancer treatment, which include antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), liposomal drug and exosome-based drug delivery. Novel targets were discovered, screened and confirmed by proteomics, western blotting and flow cytometry analysis. Cancer cells …
A Framework For Enterprise Systems Based On Process Improvement, Abdulrahman Alharthi
A Framework For Enterprise Systems Based On Process Improvement, Abdulrahman Alharthi
All ETDs from UAB
We introduce a framework for enterprise systems based on process-centered analysis. Because technology has drastically altered many aspects of our lives, such as work, leisure, travel, government, and company interactions worldwide, companies must strategically consider the Internet of Things in order to thrive in the new economy. Tanik and Jololian offered early work in this area, and included an analysis of the T-Strategy introduced by R.T. Yeh et al. in their book “Zero-time.” Our approach builds on this decade-old work, and involves the introduction of information flow analysis to process improvement [1]. We have identified two key points: centralization and …
A Framework For Designing Blockchain Systems In A Smart City Setting, Mohammad Alhefdi
A Framework For Designing Blockchain Systems In A Smart City Setting, Mohammad Alhefdi
All ETDs from UAB
As main characteristics of successful smart cities, the high demand for increased data security and accessibility and citizen engagement mean the role of blockchain technology has begun to increase. Nonetheless, blockchain technology also faces several challenges, which have slowed its adoption. In response, this dissertation introduces a framework for designing blockchain systems in a smart city setting and considers the smart city and blockchain challenges. Researchers have proposed several smart city models that study and analyze the complexity of smart cities to improve city security, functionality, services, and smartness. The proposed information-theoretical modeling approach to generate an innovated blockchain model …
Improving Continuity And Quality Assurance In Internet Of Things Infrastructure Using Blockchain, Hussain A. Alshehri
Improving Continuity And Quality Assurance In Internet Of Things Infrastructure Using Blockchain, Hussain A. Alshehri
All ETDs from UAB
In this research I present a rigorous study on the service continuity and quality assurance using the Internet of Things (IoT). The research aims at identifying risks and improving the risk mitigation tools that are currently in use for improving the IoT performance, and for pushing forward the implementation of IoT in mission critical applications. This objective can be accomplished by identifying the impact of the strategic planning, quality assurance, performance assurance, and risk management on the IoT used in businesses. While the focus is mainly on the business continuity domain, the technical aspects of IoT solutions are also covered. …
Modeling Probabilistic Combinational Optimization Problems On Graphs Using Communication Channel, William Ngambou Djakam
Modeling Probabilistic Combinational Optimization Problems On Graphs Using Communication Channel, William Ngambou Djakam
All ETDs from UAB
This thesis studies Combinatorial Optimization Problems (COPs) on graphs that integrate uncertainty in the problem definition. We focus on Probabilistic Combinatorial Optimization Problems (PCOPs), where uncertainty is associated with the presence or absence of subsets of vertices that describe the problem. In general, combinatorial optimization problems are formulated as a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model. This process aims to convert elements of decision-making into variables considering related constraints and choosing an objective function. In such cases, it is recommended to define an objective function that is a linear function with linear constraints. Also, when practical problems are formulated as …
How Does Loss Of Pulsatility Lead To Non-Surgical Bleeding In Continuous Flow Ventricular Assist Device Patterns, Khahn Tu Nguyen
How Does Loss Of Pulsatility Lead To Non-Surgical Bleeding In Continuous Flow Ventricular Assist Device Patterns, Khahn Tu Nguyen
All ETDs from UAB
The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of diminished pulsatility associat-ed with Continuous Flow Ventricular Assist Devices (CF-VADs) on endothelial respons-es of pro-angiogenic/proinflammatory soluble factors and von Willebrand Factor (vWF). Non-surgical bleeding is one of the most common adverse events after CF-VAD implan-tation and is a major cause of morbidity in patients supported by CF-VAD therapy. Alt-hough the exact mechanisms remain unclear, development of arteriovenous malfor-mations (AVMs) and acquired von Willebrand factor syndrome (AVWS) are widely be-lieved to be major risk factors. Another challenge with the study of pulsatility is that pre-clinical studies to understand how …
Investigation Of Zinc Aluminate As A Refractory Material, Somnath Mandal
Investigation Of Zinc Aluminate As A Refractory Material, Somnath Mandal
All ETDs from UAB
As used chrome-based refractories may contain toxic Cr6+, the chrome-free phas-es qandilite (Mg2TiO4) and zinc aluminate (ZnAl2O4, gahnite) are being considered which are known to enhance thermomechanical properties and slag corrosion resistance. The pore generation and deleterious expansion during in situ Mg2TiO4 and ZnAl2O4 for-mation can limit their amount in a refractory composition. Hence, preformed, dense ag-gregates are desirable. Dilatometric studies revealed that when dead burned magnesia (DBM) is combined with industrial anatase instead of rutile, it expanded less (1% versus 7.2%) and the reaction occurred earlier (965℃ compared to 1120℃). The anatase-based qandilite aggregate had 0% porosity and a …
Biomanufacturing Of Micro-Myocardial Tissue Through Suspension Differentiation With Improved Yields, Purity, And Quality, Asher M. Kahn-Krell
Biomanufacturing Of Micro-Myocardial Tissue Through Suspension Differentiation With Improved Yields, Purity, And Quality, Asher M. Kahn-Krell
All ETDs from UAB
Despite major advances in revascularization and drug therapy for post-myocardial infarction (MI) heart failure (HF), heart transplantation remains the only curative therapy to prevent progressive and debilitating disease. Researchers have long sought a replenishable and expandable source of cardiomyocytes (CMs), the primary functional cell in the heart muscle, for a broad array of applications related to the treatment of HF ranging from direct implantation to high throughput drug testing. The lack of cell cycle activity and cell division in adult CMs prevented the development of an expandable primary cell line. However, with the discovery of high efficiency stem cell differentiation …
Modeling Local Heat-Exposure Vulnerability And Canopy-Level Thermal Comfort In Different Urban-Vegetation Morphology, Samain Sabrin
Modeling Local Heat-Exposure Vulnerability And Canopy-Level Thermal Comfort In Different Urban-Vegetation Morphology, Samain Sabrin
All ETDs from UAB
Globally, most cities experience Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) phenomena which increase the heat accumulation rate within city areas compared to the suburban and rural areas. In addition, poor air quality results in a higher prevalence of heat-related mortalities-morbidities and acute respiratory diseases. Vulnerability to UHIs impacts and air pollution varying in neighborhood scale is a function of factors including temperature pattern, the concentration of major air pollutants, land surface characteristics, socioeconomic factors, vulnerable age groups, and people's susceptibility to heat and pollution. Therefore, identifying vulnerability becomes crucial to adapt to changing climate and plan for mitigation strategies. Chapter one proposes …
Spectrum-Efficient High-Density Data Communication For Wireless Sensor Networks, Md. Kamal Hossain
Spectrum-Efficient High-Density Data Communication For Wireless Sensor Networks, Md. Kamal Hossain
All ETDs from UAB
Spectrum-efficient data telemetry is critically important in high-density wireless sensor networks. The rapid expansion of the sensor network has generated a large volume of data on the limited bandwidth and brought new challenges, including transmission bottlenecks, latency, and congestion. The existing wireless technologies cannot support the proliferation of sensor devices for the limitations of spectrum and resources, including computational power, memory, and feature size that hinder the deployment of sophisticated signal processing. To overcome these limitations, orthogonal pulse-based telemetry provides an excellent alternative with reduced complexity, data compression, and efficient transmission. However, the number of data channels also limits the …