Engineering Commons^™

Printable Biodegradable Hydrogel For Skin Wound Dressing Using Inkjet Printing Technology, Maria G. Yanez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Chronic wounds are becoming more frequent. Foot ulcers affect approximately 10% - 15% of patients with diabetes throughout their lifetimes, and by 2025, it is estimated the prevalence of diabetes will be 250 million people in the worldwide. There is increased potential for patients with peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease to suffer more foot injuries. These conditions reduce the normal pain sensations and healing of minor traumas, allowing the development of chronic non-healing ulcers, often preceding lower-extremity amputation. These types of wounds are very difficult to treat and sometimes take months or even years to heal because of many …

Recovering Magnesium Hydroxide And Sodium Chloride From Zero Discharge Desalination Concentrate Streams, Alemayehu Asfaw Yetayew

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

UTEP and Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies have been demonstrating and commercializing the Zero Discharge Desalination (ZDD) technology as part of a three year project sponsored by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. ZDD is able to achieve up to 98% recovery by desalinating brackish groundwater. ZDD is typically comprised of a reverse osmosis (RO) or nanofiltration (NF) system and a unique variation of electrodialysis called electrodialysis metathesis (EDM). The ZDD technology increases the yield of fresh water from water supplies that contain enough CaSO4 to cause precipitation problems when the water is treated with RO or NF alone. The EDM …

Ionization In Diesel Combustion For On-Board Diagnostics And Engine Control, Tamer Hassan Badawy

Wayne State University Dissertations

Diesel engines have been known for their high thermal efficiency and specific power output, but there is concern about engine-out NOx and particulate matter emissions. To meet the current emission standards, advanced diesel engines are fitted with electronically controlled fuel injection systems and sophisticated and expensive after-treatment devices. Further improvements are still needed to meet future goals in better fuel economy and the more stringent emission standards. In order to meet these goals, there is a need for the control of the combustion process to reduce engine-out emissions in real-time and reduce the demand on the after-treatment devices. This requires …

Engineering Novel Terpene Production Platforms In The Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Xun Zhuang

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

The chemical diversity and biological activities of terpene and terpenoids have served in the development of new flavors, fragrances, medicines and pesticides. While terpenes are made predominantly by plants and microbes in small amounts and as components of complex mixtures, chemical synthesis of terpenes remains technically challenging, costly and inefficient. In this dissertation, methods to create new yeast lines possessing a dispensable mevalonate biosynthetic pathway wherein carbon flux can be diverted to build any chemical class of terpene product are described. The ability of this line to generate diterpenes was next investigated. Using a 5.5 L fed bath fermentation system, …

Transformations, Bioavailability And Toxicity Of Manufactured Zno Nanomaterials In Wastewter, Sewwandi Rathnayake

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

In order to properly evaluate the ecological and human health risks of ZnO Manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) released to the environment, it is critical to understand the likely transformation products in the wastewater treatment process and in soils receiving biosolids. To address this critical knowledge gap, we examined the transformation reactions of 30 nm ZnO MNMs in single component and multi-component systems, with phosphate and natural organic matter (NOM). We also assessed the influence of nano ZnO transformation on the bioavailability, and toxicity of ZnO transformation products to Triticum aestivum. The data revealed that ZnO MNMs react with phosphate at …

Design And Practical Application Of An Innovative, Pneumatically Latched Valve, Cheng Y. Lin, Jennifer G. Michaeli, Nathan J. Luetke

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

This article explains the design and fabrication of an innovative five-port, two-position (5/2), pneumatically latched valve. The initial application to repeatedly and automatically lift a mechanical cover or gate was presented as part of an undergraduate student project in the Mechanical Engineering Technology Program's Automation and Controls course in the Department of Engineering Technology at Old Dominion University. Valve operation, including self-latching, utilizes mechanical means only. The valve does not require any electrical power, electronic sensors, or controller, which makes it an energy-saving device. For light-duty operation, a bellows foot-air pump is used for air supply. A single activation of …

Orientation Invariant Ecg-Based Stethoscope Tracking For Heart Auscultation Training On Augmented Standardized Patients, Nahom Kidane, Salim Chemlal, Jiang Li, Frederic D. Mckenzie, Tom Hubbard

Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering Faculty Publications

Auscultation, the act of listening to the heart and lung sounds, can reveal substantial information about patients’ health and other cardiac-related problems; therefore, competent training can be a key for accurate and reliable diagnosis. Standardized patients (SPs), who are healthy individuals trained to portray real patients, have been extensively used for such training and other medical teaching techniques; however, the range of symptoms and conditions they can simulate remains limited since they are only patient actors. In this work, we describe a novel tracking method for placing virtual symptoms in correct auscultation areas based on recorded ECG signals with various …

Integration Of Multispectral Face Recognition And Multi-Ptz Camera Automated Surveillance For Security Applications, Chung-Hao Chen, Yi Yao, Hong Chang, Andreas Koschan, Mongi Abidi

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Due to increasing security concerns, a complete security system should consist of two major components, a computer-based face-recognition system and a real-time automated video surveillance system. A computer-based face-recognition system can be used in gate access control for identity authentication. In recent studies, multispectral imaging and fusion of multispectral narrow-band images in the visible spectrum have been employed and proven to enhance the recognition performance over conventional broad-band images, especially when the illumination changes. Thus, we present an automated method that specifies the optimal spectral ranges under the given illumination. Experimental results verify the consistent performance of our algorithm via …

Resilience Experiments On The Gpeni Testbed, Egemen K. Çetinkaya, Dongsheng Zhang, Mohammed J. F. Alenazi, Yufei Cheng, Parker Riley, James P. G. Sterbenz

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

A Methodology To Consolidate Transit Stops For Enhancing Transit Users Travel Times, Mohammad Nurul Hassan

Theses

This study develops a methodology to consolidate transit stops. It develops a mathematical model and a program which takes stop consolidation decision(s) according to users travel time savings and desired accessibility. The model iterates until the users travels time savings are maximized. The study tests this mathematical model in different hypothetical scenarios. Six factors (distance between stops, passengers’ activity, average cruising speed, and maximum walkable distance, frequency of service and percentage of decreased passengers) with multiple levels were set to build the scenarios. Three responses (percentage of consolidated stops, percentage of travel time savings and percentage of operating …

Investigation Of The Mechanical Behavior Of I-Shaped Steel Beams Strengthened By Mechanically-Fastened Frp Laminates, Hothifa Nayef Rojob

Theses

Retrofitting and strengthening of steel structures have gained significant importance due to the highly increasing number of deteriorated steel structures in many places around the globe. The conventional method of retrofitting or strengthening of steel structures by replacing steel members or attaching additional external steel plates are usually time-consuming, corrodible, and a cumbersome task. Many of the drawbacks of the conventional retrofitting systems can be overcome through the use of Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) due to their high strength-to-weight ratio. Furthermore, FRP materials are corrosion resistant, which makes them more durable especially when environmental deterioration is a concern. In recent …

Effect Of Vortex Hotspots On The Radio-Frequency Surface Resistance Of Superconductors, A. Gurevich, G. Ciovati

Physics Faculty Publications

We present detailed experimental and theoretical investigations of hotspots produced by trapped vortex bundles and their effect on the radio-frequency (rf) surface resistance Rs of superconductors at low temperatures. Our measurements of Rs, combined with the temperature mapping and laser scanning of a 2.36-mm-thick Nb plate incorporated into a 3.3-GHz Nb resonator cavity cooled by the superfluid He at 2 K, revealed spatial scales and temperature distributions of hotspots and showed that they can be moved or split by thermal gradients produced by the scanning laser beam. These results, along with the observed hysteretic field dependence of Rs which can …

Emerging Technologies For Evolving Systems: Socio-Technical, Cyber And Big Data, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

A Comment On Coordination Of Inventory And Transportation Managements In A Two-Level Supply Chain, Dinçer Konur

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this comment, a possibly useful and very related reference, which is not included in Kang and Kim (2010), is highlighted. The reference may be of interest to the researchers studying similar problems. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Augmented Cognition In Human System Interaction Through Coupled Action Of Body Sensor Network And Agent Based Modeling, Siddhartha Agarwal, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This research proposes a conceptual model to make significant progress in augmented cognition. We intend to design a generic architecture to improve the collective situational awareness (SA) of a team of soldiers on the battlefield during combat effects, and cultural communications. It also establishes a training outline for future landscapes of a similar nature by providing convincing feedback. It will serve as architecture of a model, based on the current laboratory framework. This involves data analysis of the feedback from the neurophysiological body sensors (heart rate, skin temperature, breathing rate and others) placed on a wearable immersive training vest. It …

Type-2 Fuzzy Clustering And A Type-2 Fuzzy Inference Neural Network For The Prediction Of Short-Term Interest Rates, David Enke, Nijat Mehdiyev

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The following paper discusses the use of a hybrid model for the prediction of short-term US interest rates. The model consists of a differential evolution-based fuzzy type-2 clustering with a fuzzy type-2 inference neural network, after input preprocessing with multiple regression analysis. The model was applied to forecast the US 3- Month T-bill rates. Promising model performance was obtained as measured using root mean square error. © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

An Approach To Advance Higher Order Cross-Cultural Awareness In Dismounted Soldiers, Siddhartha Agarwal, Gianluca Reale, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Cultural awareness is important for a range of operations from disaster assistance to active conflict. This paper illustrates the application of an acknowledged system of systems (SoS) to train dismounted soldiers in cultural awareness. Such training system is required to not only increase intelligence gathering opportunities but also minimize troop member loss during missions. Moreover, given the increase in the cultural interaction of dismounted soldiers, specific training is needed to raise cultural awareness. In this research an acknowledged (SoS) model of augmented cultural awareness centered on both agent-based simulation and body sensor networks is proposed. The immersive vest developed at …

Extending The Minimal Learning Machine For Pattern Classification, Amauri H.Souza Junior, Francesco Corona, Yoan Miche, Amaury Lendasse, Guilherme A. Barreto

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The Minimal Learning Machine (MLM) Has Been Recently Proposed as a Novel Supervised Learning Method for Regression Problems Aiming at Reconstructing the Mapping between Input and Output Distance Matrices. Estimation of the Response is Then Achieved from the Geometrical Configuration of the Output Points. Thanks to its Comprehensive Formulation, the MLM is Inherently Capable of Dealing with Nonlinear Problems and Multidimensional Output Spaces. in This Paper, We Introduce an Extension of the MLM to Classification Tasks, Thus Providing a Unified Framework for Mult response Regression and Classification Problems. on the Basis of Our Experiments, the MLM Achieves Results that Are …

Data Preprocessing And Model Design For Medicine Problems, Alberto Guillén, Amaury Lendasse, Guilherme Barreto

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Universal Emergence Of Spatially Modulated Structures Induced By Flexoantiferrodistortive Coupling In Multiferroics, Eugene A. Eliseev, Sergei V. Kalinin, Yijia Gu, Maya D. Glinchuk, Victoria V. Khist, For Full List Of Authors, See Publisher's Website.

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

We proved the existence of a universal flexoantiferrodistortive coupling as a necessary complement to the well-known flexoelectric coupling. The coupling is universal for all antiferrodistortive systems and can lead to the formation of incommensurate, spatially modulated phases in multiferroics. Our analysis can provide a self-consistent mesoscopic explanation for a broad range of modulated domain structures observed experimentally in multiferroics.

Microstructure And Mechanical Properties Of Friction Stir Welded Oxide Dispersion Strengthened Alloy, Jiye Wang, Wei Yuan, Rajiv S. Mishra, Indrajit Charit

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Effect of friction stir welding (FSW) on microstructure and mechanical properties of oxide dispersion strengthened alloy MA956 was investigated. Fine grained microstructure was developed in the processed region with slight particle coarsening. Tensile behavior of the processed material was compared with that of the as-received material at room temperature. Results indicated that significant grain refinement during FSW compensated for the reduced particle strengthening contribution and enhanced tensile strength by 145 MPa without loss in ductility. Further analysis indicated a good agreement between experimentally measured yield strength and the strength calculated by Pythagorean superimposition of strengthening contribution in FSWed material. © …

Shared Leadership In Six Sigma Teams From The North Shore-Lij Health System, Brian J. Galli

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The main goal of the research was to identify the relationships that the internal research team environment and external coaching variables had with the degree of shared leadership in the context of Six Sigma teams from the North Shore LIJ Health System. Furthermore, the research ascertained the relationships that these variables had with two performance metrics: a team's ability to complete project deliverables and satisfy customer's requirements. This research also sought to understand additional factors that affected the five variables.

The research found that while shared leadership did not positively change as a team progressed through the phases of the …

Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division Engagement Systems (G) Department Development Of A Plan To Maintain, Expand, And Create Corporate Knowledge, Luis J. Rodriguez

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation presents the implementation of an organizational study in a technical organization that provides basic information for proper decision making to establish, continue, nurture, modify, transfer or terminate a Knowledge Management (KM) practice. Different aspects of an organization influence the capability to create and retain knowledge. Understanding the factors and the environment of the KM problem in an organization is essential for a successful plan and execution of knowledge creation, transfer and retention. The study purpose was to describe the contextual situation of the organization in terms of Human, Structural and Relational Capital; identify critical knowledge for the organization …

Numerical Study Of Pressure Fluctuations Due To A Mach 6 Turbulent Boundary Layer, Lian Duan, Meelan M. Choudhari

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Direct numerical simulations (DNS) are used to examine the pressure fluctuations generated by a Mach 6 turbulent boundary layer with nominal freestream Mach number of 6 and Reynolds number of Reτ ≈ 464. The emphasis is on comparing the primarily vortical pressure signal at the wall with the acoustic freestream signal under higher Mach number conditions. Moreover, the Mach-number dependence of pressure signals is demonstrated by comparing the current results with those of a supersonic boundary layer at Mach 2.5 and Reτ ≈ 510. It is found that the freestream pressure intensity exhibits a strong Mach number dependence, irrespective of …

Method And Apparatus For Adaptive Scatter Correction, Xin Liu, J. Hsieh, X. Wu

Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

A CT system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening to receive an object to be scanned, an x-ray source configured to project an x-ray beam toward the object having a primary intensity, a detector configured to detect high frequency electromagnetic energy passing through the object and output imaging data, and a data acquisition system (DAS) connected to the detector and configured to receive the imaging data. The system also includes a computer programmed to obtain image projection data of the object from the DAS, correct the projection data using a scatter function that is based at least on a …

Thermo-Elasto-Plastic Behavior Of Biaxially Loaded Steel Beam-Columns Inducing Those From World Trade Center Towers, Yanhong Zhao

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

An experimental and theoretical investigation into the behavior of biaxially loaded steel beam-columns is conducted including the effects of high temperature. Systems of materially nonlinear differential equations of beam-column equilibrium are first formulated for both ambient and high temperature conditions. An iterative finite integral procedure is formulated and programmed to solve the governing differential equations. To check the validity of the theoretically predicted behavior and strength of the beam-columns, a series of forty-two laboratory tests are conducted at both ambient and high temperature up to 950°F. Upon achieving a good agreement between the predicted beam-column behavior and that observed in …

Effect Of Microwave Heating On The Migration Of Additives From Ps, Pp And Pet Container Into Food Simulants, Ruoyin Cai

Theses

Microwave food packaging has become a tremendous element in the food manufacturing process. The purpose of any food packaging regulations concerned with the safety of the food is to control and limit the migration of substances from the packaging into the food. The main objective of this thesis is to test three different microwaving packaging materials that are the most common material in the market, viz. polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), migrated into four food simulant solutions. Four different simulant solutions were used based on the food type and FDA recommendations and regulations. These food simulants include …

Reducing Radiation Dose To The Female Breast During Conventional And Dedicated Breast Computed Tomography, Franco Rupcich

Dissertations (1934 -)

The purpose of this study was to quantify the effectiveness of techniques intended to reduce dose to the breast during CT coronary angiography (CTCA) scans with respect to task-based image quality, and to evaluate the effectiveness of optimal energy weighting in improving contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and thus the potential for reducing breast dose, during energy-resolved dedicated breast CT.

A database quantifying organ dose for several radiosensitive organs irradiated during CTCA, including the breast, was generated using Monte Carlo simulations. This database facilitates estimation of organ-specific dose deposited during CTCA protocols using arbitrary x-ray spectra or tube-current modulation schemes without the …

Vascular Changes In Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Application To Restenosis After Stenting, Hongfeng Wang

Dissertations (1934 -)

Stents used to decrease cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are prone to increased rates of restenosis. The mechanisms are incompletely elucidated, but low wall shear stress (WSS) and altered intracellular signaling likely contribute. We tested the hypothesis that neointimal hyperplasia (NH) after bare-metal stenting is due to vascular remodeling (enhanced formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), increased downstream vascular resistance (DVR), and decreased WSS), and that decreasing AGEs with ALT-711 (Alagebrium) mitigates this response.

Stents were implanted into the abdominal aorta of Zucker lean (ZL), obese (ZO), and diabetic (ZD) rats. After 21 days, the …

Predictive Pattern Discovery In Dynamic Data Systems, Wenjing Zhang

Dissertations (1934 -)

This dissertation presents novel methods for analyzing nonlinear time series in dynamic systems. The purpose of the newly developed methods is to address the event prediction problem through modeling of predictive patterns. Firstly, a novel categorization mechanism is introduced to characterize different underlying states in the system. A new hybrid method was developed utilizing both generative and discriminative models to address the event prediction problem through optimization in multivariate systems.

Secondly, in addition to modeling temporal dynamics, a Bayesian approach is employed to model the first-order Markov behavior in the multivariate data sequences. Experimental evaluations demonstrated superior performance over conventional …