Engineering Commons^™

Preparation And Evaluation Of Aripiprazole-Loaded Ph-Modulated Solid Dispersion Via Hot-Melt Extrusion Technology, Haley Mcfall

Honors Theses

The objective of this study was to prepare aripiprazole (ARI)-loaded solid dispersions (SDs) to enhance solubility and dissolution via hot-melt extrusion (HME) technology. ARI was chosen due to its poorly water-soluble properties. Solubility screenings of various polymers and acidifiers were performed to select appropriate excipients for the SD. Succinic acid (SA) and Kollidon 12 PF (PVP) were selected as the acidifier and the polymer, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis were used to determine the miscibility, interactions, and thermal stability of the drug and selected excipients. MODDE 8.0 is a design of experiment software that was implemented to produce …

Concussion In Women's Soccer: A Prescriptive Analysis Of Force Loading During Heading, James Michael Robinson

Honors Theses

Women's soccer has the highest incidence of concussion among female sports. However, there has been relatively little research investigating the immediate and cumulative effects of soccer heading on brain injury, especially among youth. In an effort to better understand concussion in the often-underserved population of women high school soccer players, we investigated, both quantitatively and qualitatively, the nature of force loading during heading of a soccer ball. Data was collected from the Oxford High School Women's Varsity Soccer Team using X2 Biosystems' xPatch, which measures force loading magnitude and direction with six degrees of linear and rotational freedom using a …

An Evaluation Of The Relationship Between Sigma-1 And Sigma-2 Receptors And The Endocannabinoid System, Jenn Miller

Honors Theses

Within the past two decades, sigma receptors have become a popular area for research. Although much has been learned about their structure, subtypes, and functions; there is still much to be learned. Consisting of two receptor subtypes (sigma-1 and sigma-2), it has been discovered that sigma receptor ligands potentiate the analgesic effects of both opiates and cannabinoids, though the exact mechanism and sigma subtype on which this occurs is still unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine if potentiation of opiates and cannabinoids occurs through sigma-1 or sigma-2 receptor signaling. Tetrad assays were performed for: 1. Morphine, an …

The Creation Of Instructional Video Tutorials For Chemical Engineering Process Simulation Software, Nishal Bhikha

Honors Theses

Process simulation software is rapidly becoming a necessity in today's world. Often, learning how to use such a complex tool can be difficult and can take a significant period of time. This thesis outlines efforts to aid in the instruction of this type of software at the University of Mississippi.

Supersonic Combustion Ramjet: Analysis On Fuel Options, Stephanie Barone

Honors Theses

This report focuses on different fuel options available to use for scramjet engines. The advantages and disadvantages of JP-7, JP-8, and hydrogen fuels are covered, also the effectiveness and requirements for each fuel are discussed. The recent history of the scramjet engine is included as well as its advantages and disadvantages. An explanation of what each fuel option encompasses and engineering analysis for each fuel are shown. The equations presented for the parametric analysis are shown as functions of the freestream Mach number, with the combustion Mach number as a parameter. The results can be seen for the theoretical possibilities …

The Efficient Recovery Of Deleted Data From Nand Flash Memory, Lisa Diercks

Honors Program Theses

NAND flash memory is used in flash drives, smart phones, and memory cards for digital cameras. While there are ways to recover data from deleted memory, there are no universal or efficient ways to recover data from NAND flash memory. When a user clicks “delete” on a file in this type of memory, the file is not necessarily deleted, but may just be hidden. This means these files are still on the chip, but are inaccessible through normal means. The ability to recover this lost data could help computer forensic examiners during investigations and corporations working to use secure deletion …

The Influence Of Operational Resources And Activities On Indirect Personnel Costs: A Multilevel Modeling Approach, Bradley C. Boehmke, Alan W. Johnson, Edward D. White, Jeffery D. Weir, Mark A. Gallagher

Faculty Publications

Indirect activities often represent an underemphasized, yet significant, contributing source of costs for organizations. In order to manage indirect costs, organizations must understand how these costs behave relative to changes in operational resources and activities. This is of particular interest to the Air Force and its sister services, because recent and projected reductions in defense spending are forcing reductions in their operational variables, and insufficient research exists to help them understand how this may influence indirect costs. Furthermore, although academic research on indirect costs has advanced the knowledge behind the modeling and behavior of indirect costs, significant gaps in the …

Two-Phase Forced Convection Heat Transfer In Triple-Concentric Tube Heat Exchangers, Milad Majdi

All ETDs from UAB

Heat exchangers are vital devices and are used in many specific applications such as air conditioning, power production, and waste heat recovery. Throughout the year, a large amount of energy is wasted in air conditioning and refrigeration systems in residential and commercial sectors. At the same time, a huge amount of energy (natural gas and electricity) is used in order for water heating to be supplied to our buildings. The present research project is heat transfer analysis of triple-concentric tube heat exchanger as a component of refrigeration cycle in HVAC systems. This novel design will replace conventional air-cooled condenser and …

Development Of An In Vitro, Three-Dimensional Microvasculature Model, Lauren Elizabeth Marshall

All ETDs from UAB

Vascularized in vitro models of breast cancer represent an important advance in preclinical drug testing and development. 3D in vitro tissue models are more physiologically-relevant than 2D cell culture models due to the combination of human cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) in a spatial 3D microarchitecture. Embedding a vasculature within a 3D tissue volume further increases its physiological relevance and enables paracrine cross-talk with other cell types, neovascularization and angiogenesis, size-selective permeability between blood flow and extravascular ECM, delivery of therapeutics and metabolized products to solid tumors, delivery of circulating tumor cells to metastatic sites, and production of growth-promoting and …

Iterative Weighted Average Diffusion As A Novel External Force In The Active Contour Model, Ilya Sergeyevich Mirov

All ETDs from UAB

The active contour model has good performance in boundary extraction for medical images; particularly, Gradient Vector Flow (GVF) active contour model shows good performance at concavity convergence and insensitivity to initialization, yet it is susceptible to edge leaking, deep and narrow concavities, and has some issues handling noisy images. This paper proposes a novel external force, called Iterative Weighted Average Diffusion (IWAD), which used in tandem with parametric active contours, provides superior performance in images with high values of concavity. The image gradient is first turned into an edge image, smoothed, and modified with enhanced corner detection, then the IWAD …

Cyber Physical System For Monitoring And Controlling Loads, Yahya Mohammed Abdelrazek Ibrahim Mohammed

All ETDs from UAB

Bridges represent an important part of the transportation network. Many of these bridges have passed their life cycle and still in service. Monitoring of bridges is a vital component of any maintenance strategy as it can give an early warning if the bridge becomes unsafe. To ensure the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) remains safe for use, we need to control the loads that passed on the bridges. Monitoring loads on the bridges discussed in a significant number of studies, most of them represent the bridge as 1D or 2D elements using some of the finite elements programs. Comparatively, less research …

Energy Analysis Of Solar House Using Simulink And Trnsys, Sandeep Singh Chahal

All ETDs from UAB

As energy consumption increases it is imperative to explore techniques to address energy consumption. The objective of this study is to utilize computer modeling to estimate the total electricity consumption, the total heat load of a two-story building and solar energy generation by a photovoltaic (PV) panel located in Birmingham, AL, using an energy modeling tool called Transient System Simulation Program (TRNSYS) [1]. Simulink/MATLAB [2], a graphical programming environment, was utilized to model commonly used household appliances with a realistic schedule feeder based on daily residential usage. Next, Simulink [2] was utilized to create the model and obtain results of …

Finite Volume Based Fluid-Structure Interaction, Mohamed M. Selim

All ETDs from UAB

Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) is an important topic that needs to be addressed during the design and analysis of air vehicles. The main components of an FSI analysis framework include: 1) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver, 2) computational structural dynamics (CSD) solver, 3) mesh deformation module, and 4) module for data transfer between computational fluid and structural solvers. In this PhD research work a loosely-coupled FSI methodology with all of the above components in a single framework has been developed. An in-house CFD solver has been used for the solution of the fluid dynamics equations. A structural solver has been developed …

Density Functional Theory Calculations On The Doping Sequence Of Mnxfen(1-X)Ge, Jordan C. Ball

Honors Capstones

No abstract provided.

Aconitic Acid, Glycerol And Cinnamic Acid Polyester Characterization For Bone Tissue Engineering, Katie Joanna Hogan

Honors Capstones

No abstract provided.

Increasing Accuracy Of Dietary Assessments By Regular-Shape Recognition And Photogrammetry, Ihsan K. Hakima

All ETDs from UAB

There is interest in determining the amount of food consumed during dietary studies using technology. Interviews of patients and/or participants can result in inaccuracies in reported food intake. Using food journals or diaries can be more accurate, but depends on participants' motivation to record food intake during meals. Technology can make it easier to record food intake. Previous work utilizing technology has included using single images and a virtual model for food estimation, projecting a circular light on the image to use as a reference, and using a device with a laser to determine distance. Another method uses a wearable …

Constructal Alkaline Membrane Fuel Cell (Amfc) Design, E. M. Sommer, J. V. C. Vargas, Lauber De Souza Martins, J. C. Ordonez

Faculty Publications

This paper introduces a structured procedure to optimize the internal structure (relative sizes, spacing) and external shape (aspect ratios) of a single alkaline membrane fuel cell so that net power is maximized. The optimization of flow geometry is conducted for the smallest (elemental) level of a fuel cell stack, i.e., the single alkaline membrane fuel cell, which is modeled as a unidirectional flow system. The polarization curve, total and net power, and efficiency are obtained as functions of temperature, pressure, electrolyte solution concentration (KOH), geometry and operating parameters. The optimization is subjected to fixed total volume. There are two levels …

Mechanical Properties Of The Growth Plate In A Rat Model Of Obesity, Patrick Neil Estep

All ETDs from UAB

The other group (group 2) of 50 women received the same intervention with heel QUS

Electrospun Polycaprolactone Scaffolds: Mechanical Properties, Alignment Quantification, And Topology Induced Gene Expression, Timothy John Fee

All ETDs from UAB

Producing tissue engineering scaffolds which mimic the structure and mechanical properties of the native extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important challenge in developing synthetic tissue replacements. Electrospinning is a frequently used technique to fabricate 3D nanofibrous scaffolds which match the dimensions of the fibrous elements of ECM. However, the mechanical behavior of electrospun materials is complex and challenging to predict. To aid in understanding the mechanical properties of electrospun materials, a microtensile testing platform was developed. This platform was used to quantify the mechanical properties of arrays of individual electrospun nanofibers. Additionally, this device permitted optical strain recording to visualize …

Evaluation Of The Anchor Bolt Clearance Discrepancies Apply For Any Anchor Bolt Connections, Ahmed Mohamed Abdelkhalek Mohamed Ahmed

All ETDs from UAB

The clearance distance (a.k.a. stand-off distance) of the anchor bolt for double-nut moment joints is the distance between the bottom of the leveling nut and the top of concrete foundation. Previous research has investigated the effect of different loading conditions on the behavior of anchor bolts that have uniform stand-off distances. However, there currently are no studies in the technical literature that have investigated the behavior of anchor bolts with uneven stand-off distances. In the past, uneven stand-off distances have resulted from topographical limitations and leveling practices during construction. The anchor bolt stand-off distance discrepancy imposes an irregular stress distribution …

Time-Functional Material Processes For Energy Absorption In Carbon Fiber- And Aramid Fiber-Based Polyurea-Epoxy Systems In Design Of High Impact Structural Systems, Jorge Cacciatore

All ETDs from UAB

The brittle nature of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (widely used in retrofitting and rehabilitation of damaged structures) stems from the mechanical properties of its binding polymer. Often, amorphous, 3-D cross-linked, thermoset resins are used as the matrix of the CFRP composite. Due to highly cross-linked arrangement of molecules, stiff epoxy matrix results in various brittle failure modes of the composite, manifested through crack propagation and fiber breakage. Various approaches to improve toughness of epoxy resins have been investigated with the intention of increasing the overall toughness of FRP composites. Rubber- and thermoplastic-toughening methods have been shown to increase fracture toughness …

Development And Evaluation Of Formulations For Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems, Carlos Arturo Carmona-Moran

All ETDs from UAB

Delivering drugs through the skin reduces side effects and avoids first pass drug metabolism. This is especially advantageous for drugs with associated side effects due to oral administration such as the case of diclofenac sodium; a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for the treatment of symptomatic pain of joints due to osteoarthritis. However, transdermal delivery of diclofenac relies on the use of topical formulations that require constant application and are inconvenient for daily activities. These factors reduce patient compliance and diminish the efficacy of transdermal delivery of diclofenac. Improving transdermal delivery of diclofenac in joints or extremities requires developing novel …

Establishing And Organ Culture To Study Scleral Collagen Remodeling In Myopia, Sarah Baldivia

All ETDs from UAB

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether quantitative ultrasound (QUS)

Utility-Scale Solar Energy Use Optimization By Using A Home Energy Management System, Mustafa A. Syed

All ETDs from UAB

Home energy management systems encourages the users coupled to the grid to modify their electricity consumption in response to fluctuating electricity rates. The purpose of this research is to develop a distributed home energy management system for the end-user to employ in order to minimize costs. Using the home energy management system, the end-user will find and optimal start times for their appliances in response to varying electricity prices. First, the cost for each user and time-constraints for the appliance is modeled. Then, an iterative greedy algorithm is employed by the user to create an appliance schedule. The only variable …

Global Sensitivity Analysis For A Comprehensive Char Conversion Model In Oxy-Fuel Conditions, Troy Michael Holland, Thomas H. Fletcher

Faculty Publications

Oxy-fired coal combustion is a promising potential carbon capture technology. Predictive CFD simulations are valuable tools in evaluating and deploying oxy-fuel and other carbon capture technologies either as retrofit technologies or for new construction. However, accurate predictive simulations require physically realistic submodels with low computational requirements. In particular, comprehensive char oxidation and gasification models have been developed that describe multiple reaction and diffusion processes. This work focuses on the sensitivity of a recent comprehensive char conversion code named CCK, which treats surface oxidation and gasification reactions as well as the processes such as film diffusion, pore diffusion, ash encapsulation, and …

Quantitative Assessment Of Children With Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Adam Graf, Joseph Krzak, Angela Caudill, Ann Flanagan, Peter Smith, Gerald F. Harris

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Assessments of children with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) are typically limited to a physical exam and observations from a clinician during a hospital visit. Often quantitative information such as bone mineral density and outcome questionnaires is obtained, but with the increasing prevalence of motion analysis and other performance type laboratories, there are many other tools available, which could be beneficial to this patient population. These laboratories can provide date supplementary to morphologic and radiographic data that is helpful in tracking changes in the patient’s functional abilities, recover from fracture, and treatment outcomes. This chapter will cover some useful evaluation methods for …

Walker Design For Kinetic Assessment Of Upper Extremity Joint Demands In Children With Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Katherine A. Konop, Kelly M.B. Strifling, Mei Wang, Jeffrey P. Schwab, Jeffrey D. Ackman, Peter A. Smith, Gerald F. Harris

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

Motor Output Variability Impairs Driving Ability In Older Adults, Neha Lodha, Hwasil Moon, Changki Kim, Tanya Onushko, Evangelos A. Christou

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Background: The functional declines with aging relate to deficits in motor control and strength. In this study, we determine whether older adults exhibit impaired driving as a consequence of declines in motor control or strength.

Methods: Young and older adults performed the following tasks: (i) maximum voluntary contractions of ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion; (ii) sinusoidal tracking with isolated ankle dorsiflexion; and (iii) a reactive driving task that required responding to unexpected brake lights of the car ahead. We quantified motor control with ankle force variability, gas position variability, and brake force variability. We quantified reactive driving performance with a combination …

Comparing Offline Decoding Performance In Physiologically Defined Neuronal Classes, Matthew D. Best, Kazutaka Takahashi, Aaron J. Suminski, Christian Ethier, Lee E. Miller, Nicholas G. Hatsopoulos

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Objective: Recently, several studies have documented the presence of a bimodal distribution of spike waveform widths in primary motor cortex. Although narrow and wide spiking neurons, corresponding to the two modes of the distribution, exhibit different response properties, it remains unknown if these differences give rise to differential decoding performance between these two classes of cells. Approach: We used a Gaussian mixture model to classify neurons into narrow and wide physiological classes. Using similar-size, random samples of neurons from these two physiological classes, we trained offline decoding models to predict a variety of movement features. We compared offline …

Decisions Management During Wildland Fires: Accidents Viewed As A Spatiotemporal Inadequacy, Karim Hardy

Publications

Extreme situations as wildland fires are a source of stress and pressure. In such events, decision-makers and incident commanders need to address a specific problem: how to manage time and resources to make meaningful decisions? Current models of accidents that exist to explain and manage catastrophes and disasters are inadequate and insufficient to deal with resources and time pressure due to uncertainty within a complex organization. Current incident response structures are incompetent and impotent to handle effectively a dynamic evolution of space and time in order to bring a situation back to stability adequately.