Engineering Commons^™

A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment Between A Metered Dose Inhaler And Electric Nebulizer, Brandon Goulet, Lars E. Olson, Brooke K. Mayer

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Life cycle assessment (LCA) evaluates the environmental impact of a product based on the materials and processes used to manufacture the item as well as the item’s use and disposal. The objective of this LCA was to evaluate and compare the environmental impact of a metered dose inhaler, specifically the Proventil® HFA inhaler (Merk & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA), and an electric nebulizer, specifically the DeVilbiss Pulmo-Aide® nebulizer (DeVilbiss, Port Washington, NY, USA). GaBi LCA software was used to model the global warming potential (GWP) of each product by using substantiated data and well-justified assumptions for the components, manufacturing, …

College Of Engineering News, Georgia Southern University

College of Engineering & Computing: News & Publications (2010-2023)

• Manufacturers Education Foundation Presents Scholarship Funds to Georgia Southern
• CEIT Hosts Fries Lecture

Two Dimensional Layered Materials And Heterostructures, A Surface Science Investigation And Characterization, Yujing Ma

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The isolation of single layers of van der Waals materials has shown that their properties can be significantly different compared to their bulk counterparts. These observations, illustrates the importance of interface interactions for determining the materials properties even in weakly interacting materials and raise the question if materials properties of single layer van der Waals materials can be controlled by appropriate hetero-interfaces. To study interface effects in monolayer systems, surface science techniques, such as photoemission spectroscopy and scanning probe microscopy/spectroscopy, are ideally suited. However, before these characterization methods can be employed, approaches for the synthesis of hetero-van der Waals systems …

Orientation Dependent Compression Behavior Of Co35Ni35Al30 Single Crystals, Peizhen Li, Haluk E. Karaca, Yury I. Chumlyakov

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

The shape memory effect (SME) and superelasticity (SE) behavior of homogenized Co₃₅Ni₃₅Al₃₀ single crystals were systematically characterized along the [100], [110] and [111] orientations under compression. The shape memory behavior of CoNiAl was found to be highly orientation and stress/temperature dependent. Maximum compressive recoverable strains were 3.98 % in [110], 3 % in [100] and 0.30 % in [111] orientations, respectively. The Co₃₅Ni₃₅Al₃₀ demonstrated a very high superelastic temperature window of more than 350 °C along the [100] and [110] orientations. Moreover, two-way shape memory effect with very low thermal …

Visual Multiple Target Tracking From A Descending Aerial Platform, Parker C. Lusk, Randal Beard

Student Works

A real-time visual multiple target tracker is demonstrated onboard a descending multirotor. Measurements of moving ground targets are generated using the Kanade-Lucas-Tomasi (KLT) tracking method. Homography-based image registration is used to align the measurements into the same coordinate frame, allowing for the detection of independently moving objects. The recently developed Recursive-RANSAC algorithm uses the visual measurements to estimate targets in clutter. Altitude-dependent tuning increases track continuity and coverage during the descent of the vehicle. The algorithm requires no operator interaction and increases the situation awareness of the unmanned aerial system. Real-time tracking efficiency is analyzed on GPUs and CPUs. Tracking …

Conference Program, Pierre Monsan, Magali Remaud-Simeon

Enzyme Engineering XXIV

No abstract provided.

Computational Redesign Of Transaminase Active Site, Elisa Lanfranchi, Hein J. Wijma, Dick B. Janssen, Carlos J. Ramírez, Madhurya Lutikurti

Enzyme Engineering XXIV

Aminotransferases are widely exploited in simple as well as more elaborate multi-enzymatic cascade reactions as an environmentally friendly alternative to transition metal catalysis. However, efficient selective conversion of numerous targets is a great limitation to date [1]. Attempts to improve substrate scope have been undertaken by generation and screening of large mutant libraries, which is very time-consuming and raises costs concerns [2]. Recent approaches explored the use of molecular docking of demanding substrates, followed by energy minimization and/or MD simulations [1;3]. Still, the best results have been obtained by extensive mutagenesis and screening.

Please click Additional Files below to see …

Grasp Evaluation Method For Applying Static Loads Leading To Beam Failure, Mahyar Abdeetedal, Mehrdad Kermani Ph.D., P.Eng.

Electrical and Computer Engineering Publications

This paper deals with the problem of purposefully failing or yielding an object by a robotic gripper. We propose a grasp quality measure fabricated for robotic harvesting in which picking a crop from its stem is desired. The proposed metric characterizes a suitable grasp configuration for systematically controlling the failure behavior of an object to break it at the desired location while avoiding damage on other areas. Our approach is based on failure task information and gripper wrench insertion capability. Failure task definition is accomplished using failure theories. Gripper wrench insertion capability is formulated by modeling the friction between the …

Development And Grasp Analysis Of A Sensorized Underactuated Finger, Mahyar Abdeetedal, Mehrdad Kermani Ph.D., P.Eng.

Electrical and Computer Engineering Publications

No abstract provided.

Boom And Bust Carbon-Nitrogen Dynamics During Reforestation, Anthony J. Parolari, Megan L. Mobley, Allan R. Bacon, Gabriel Katul, Daniel Deb. Richter, Amilcare Porporato

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Legacies of historical land use strongly shape contemporary ecosystem dynamics. In old-field secondary forests, tree growth embodies a legacy of soil changes affected by previous cultivation. Three patterns of biomass accumulation during reforestation have been hypothesized previously, including monotonic to steady state, non-monotonic with a single peak then decay to steady state, and multiple oscillations around the steady state. In this paper, the conditions leading to the emergence of these patterns is analyzed. Using observations and models, we demonstrate that divergent reforestation patterns can be explained by contrasting time-scales in ecosystem carbon-nitrogen cycles that are influenced by land use legacies. …

Polar Exploration (University Focus) Research Into Smart Materials Continues At The University Of Dublin With The Development Of Methods To Record And Present Data To Demonstrate The Magnetorheological Effect When A Magnetic Field Is Applied To A Mr Elastomer Sample, Dave Gorman, Niall Murphy, Ray Ekins

Conference Papers

Research into methods to record and present data to demonstrate the Magnetorheological effect when a magnetic field is applied to a Magnetorheological Elastomer sample. By Dave Gorman, Niall Murphy and Ray Ekins, Technological University Dublin, Republic of Ireland A Magnetorheological Elastomer (MRE) is an example of a smart material as it undergoes a change in its physical properties when in the presece of an external magnetic field. This change in properties is known as the Magnetorheological (MR) effect and the manner in which it is achieved and reported, is of critical importance to the future development of MRE-based components. To …

Material Characterization Of Intermetallic Compound Formation With Respect To Thermosonic Bonding Duration, Mahin Khan

Mechanical Engineering Master's Theses

Intermetallic Metallic Compounds (IMCs) formation is a common cause for wire bond failures. This research studied the effect of US vibration duration on IMC formation and growth in Copper-Aluminum (Cu-Al) wire bonded samples. Wire bonded samples, using 2.5 mil (63.5 μm) thick Palladium coated Copper wire, is ultrasonically bonded on a 2 cm thick Aluminum (1”x1”) coupon. Segmented bonding technique using 200 gf force and 220 gf force are applied during segment 1 and segment 2 of the bonding respectively. Ultrasonic (US) vibration frequency of 115-117 khz and a bonding temperature of 175°C is used. A pair of 5 samples …

Students Reaching For The Stars Become The Next Generation Of International Leaders, Robert J. Twiggs

Robert "Bob" Twiggs STEM Education Collection

A PowerPoint Presentation created by Professor Bob Twiggs titled "Students reaching for the stars become the next generation of International Leaders" on September 22, 2017.

Students Reaching For The Stars Become The Next Generation Of International Leaders: Pucp 100 Year Anniversary - Part 1, Robert J. Twiggs

Robert "Bob" Twiggs STEM Education Collection

A PowerPoint Presentation created by Professor Bob Twiggs titled "Students reaching for the stars become the next generation of International Leaders: PUCP 100 Year Anniversary" from September 22, 2017.

Students Reaching For The Stars Become The Next Generation Of International Leaders: Pucp 100 Year Anniversary - Part 2, Robert J. Twiggs

Robert "Bob" Twiggs STEM Education Collection

A PowerPoint Presentation created by Professor Bob Twiggs titled "Students reaching for the stars become the next generation of International Leaders: PUCP 100 Year Anniversary" from Saptember 22, 2017.

Relationships Between Access To Mobile Devices, Student Self-Directed Learning, And Achievement, Scott R. Bartholomew, Ed Reeve, Raymond Veon, Wade Goodridge, Victor Lee, Louis Nadelson

Faculty Publications

Today’s students are growing up in a world of constant connectivity, instant information, and ever-changing technological advancements. The increasingly ubiquitous nature of mobile devices among K–12 students has led many to argue for and against the inclusion of these devices in K–12 classrooms. Arguments in favor cite instant access to information and collaboration with others as positive affordances that enable student self-directed learning. In this study, 706 middle school students from 18 technology and engineering education classes worked in groups of 2–3 to complete an openended engineering design challenge. Students completed design portfolios and constructed prototypes in response to the …

Measuring Rheological Properties Of Cement Pastes: Most Common Techniques, Procedures And Challenges, Dimitri Feys, Rolands Cepuritis, Stefan Jacobsen, Karel Lesage, Egor Secrieru, Ammar Yahia

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The Science of Rheology is Increasingly Used to Describe the Properties of Fresh Cement Paste. Compared to Standard Workability Tests, Rheological Properties Allow for More Fundamental Investigation, More Precise Phenomenological Description of Flow Properties and Serve as Input for Numerical Simulations. Standard Commercially Available Rheometers Are Typically Used to Perform Those Measurements. However, the Results of the Measurement Depend on the Geometry, Testing Procedure and a Number of Potential Artefacts. This Technical Letter Describes the Most Common Techniques and Procedures Used to Assess the Rheological Properties of Cement Paste, as Well as Challenges during Measurements and Actions to Counter These …

Delivery Of Antioxidant And Anti-Inflammatory Agents For Tissue Engineered Vascular Grafts, Kenyatta S. Washington, Chris A. Bashur

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Faculty Publications

The treatment of patients with severe coronary and peripheral artery disease represents a significant clinical need, especially for those patients that require a bypass graft and do not have viable veins for autologous grafting. Tissue engineering is being investigated to generate an alternative graft. While tissue engineering requires surgical intervention, the release of pharmacological agents is also an important part of many tissue engineering strategies. Delivery of these agents offers the potential to overcome the major concerns for graft patency and viability. These concerns are related to an extended inflammatory response and its impact on vascular cells such as endothelial …

Improvement Of Phylogenetic Method To Analyze Compositional Heterogeneity, Zehua Zhang, Kecheng Guo, Gaofeng Pan, Jijun Tang, Fei Guo

Faculty Publications

Background: Phylogenetic analysis is a key way to understand current research in the biological processes and detect theory in evolution of natural selection. The evolutionary relationship between species is generally reflected in the form of phylogenetic trees. Many methods for constructing phylogenetic trees, are based on the optimization criteria. We extract the biological data via modeling features, and then compare these characteristics to study the biological evolution between species.

Results: Here, we use maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference method to establish phylogenetic trees; multi-chain Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling method can be used to select optimal phylogenetic tree, resolving local …

Ambiance-Dependent Agglomeration And Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Response Of Self-Assembled Silver Nanoparticles For Plasmonic Photovoltaic Devices, Jephias Gwamuri, Ragavendran Venkatesan, Mehdi Sadatgol, Jeyanthinath Mayandi, Durdo O. Guney, Joshua M. Pearce

Department of Materials Science and Engineering Publications

The agglomeration/dewetting process of thin silver films provides a scalable method of obtaining self-assembled nanoparticles (SANPs) for plasmonics-based thin-film solar photovoltaic (PV) devices. We show the effect of annealing ambiance on silver SANP average size, particle/cluster finite shape, substrate area coverage/particle distribution, and how these physical parameters influence optical properties and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) responses of SANPs. Statistical analysis performed indicates that generally Ag SANPs processed in the presence of a gas (argon and nitrogen) ambiance tend to have smaller average size particles compared to those processed under vacuum. Optical properties are observed to be highly dependent on particle …

Development And Large Scale Manufacturing Of Exosome-Based Therapeutics, Konstantin Konstantinov

Integrated Continuous Biomanufacturing III

No abstract provided.

2017, October - Recommendations To Address The Expansion Of Seawater Intrusion In The Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin

Monterey County Water Resources Agency Water Reports

This report provides a discussion of the current knowledge and related background information surrounding seawater intrusion pathways and potential impacts thereof on the Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin. The report also serves as a body of evidence to catalogue the findings used to support the six recommendations presented. Each recommendation can be implemented on its own or in concert with the others, and the relative importance of each is discussed individually in this report. However, the recommendations are conceptualized as a comprehensive solution that, along with continued operation of projects that have been constructed for the same purpose, have the strongest …

Delivering A Toolbox Of Flexible Platforms For Clinical And Commercial Bioprocessing Production: ‘Defining The Business Drivers For Development And Implementation’, Mark Brower, David Pollard

Integrated Continuous Biomanufacturing III

Despite the growing success, the biopharmaceutical industry continues to face competitive challenges from multiple sources. The cost pressures include evolving reimbursement, global competition and loss of drug exclusivity. As a result, there is a significant drive to boost the overall productivity of bio therapeutic programs by shortening development timelines and lowering both development and production costs, while maintaining product quality. Low cost production solutions must be aggressively pursued due to the large number of drug candidates in development, and their relatively high dosing requirements. The industry is facing an expanding range of modalities such as bispecifics and nanobodies, that provide …

Swedish Transportation Officials Visit Usu’S Electric Vehicle And Roadway Research Facility | College Of Engineering, Usu College Of Engineering

College of Engineering News

Authorities from the Swedish Transport Administration were in Logan on Sept. 18 to see the latest electrified vehicle and roadway research underway at Utah State University.

Self-Propulsion Of Leidenfrost Drops Between Non-Parallel Structures, Cheng Luo, Manjarik Mrinal, Xiang Wang

Mechanical and Aerospace Faculty Publications - Archive

In this work, we explored self-propulsion of a Leidenfrost drop between non-parallel structures. A theoretical model was first developed to determine conditions for liquid drops to start moving away from the corner of two non-parallel plates. These conditions were then simplified for the case of a Leidenfrost drop. Furthermore, ejection speeds and travel distances of Leidenfrost drops were derived using a scaling law. Subsequently, the theoretical models were validated by experiments. Finally, three new devices have been developed to manipulate Leidenfrost drops in different ways.

Usu Opens State-Of-The-Art Idea Factory For Aggie Engineers | College Of Engineering, Usu College Of Engineering

College of Engineering News

The College of Engineering at Utah State University is debuting its brand new Idea Factory, a state-of-the-art design and fabrication facility on the Logan campus.

Assessing Situation Awareness In Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, Haydee M. Cuevas, Marisa Aguiar

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential utility of the Situation Awareness Linked Indicators Adapted to Novel Tasks (SALIANT) methodology as an assessment tool in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations. Eighteen participants completed a UAS scenario (port security) as part of nine two-person crews (pilot and sensor operator). Subject matter experts mapped the naturally occurring team behaviors in the UAS scenario to create a SALIANT checklist, which was then used to rate participants’ SA. Results showed the SALIANT methodology was able to discriminate differences in SA behaviors among the UAS crews. Results also revealed significant correlations between …

Detecting And Assessing Collision Potential Of Aircraft And Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Suas) By Visual Observers, Samuel M. Vance, Ryan J. Wallace, Jon M. Loffi, Jamey D. Jacob, Jared C. Dunlap, Taylor A. Mitchell

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Visual observers are used to assist the Remote Pilot with maintaining sight of the unmanned aircraft as well as scanning the surrounding airspace for potential collision hazards. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of visual observers in detecting an intruding general aviation aircraft approaching the small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) operations area. The study sought to determine the effectiveness of sUAS visual observers in detecting a general aviation aircraft collision hazard with a sUAS. Ten participants were asked to perform visual observer duties in support of a sUAS operation. Participants were asked to indicate when they …

Oxidation Of Uc: An In-Situ High Temperature Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy Study, Claudia Gasparrini, Michael J.D. Rushton, William E. Lee, Renaud Podor, Denis Horlait, Olivier Fiquet

Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics: Materials for Extreme Environment Applications IV

Uranium carbide (UC) has the potential to be used as fuel in Generation IV nuclear reactors thanks to its higher metal atom density and better thermal conductivity when compared to the most commonly used fuel: uranium dioxide (UO₂) [1]. Although UC offers improved properties during operation, it needs to be converted into an oxide form after usage as it is reactive and potentially pyrophoric [2] in oxidising environments. Previous oxidation studies on UC, performed over a range of oxygen atmospheres and temperatures, suggest different mechanisms lead to the formation of either a protective or a pulverised non-protective oxide …

Potency And Cytotoxicity Of A Novel Gallium-Containing Mesoporous Bioactive Glass/Chitosan Composite Scaffold As Hemostatic Agents, Sara Pourshahrestani, Ehsan Zeimaran, Nahrizul Adib Kadri, Nicola Gargiulo, Hassan Mahmood Jindal, Sangeetha Vasudevaraj Naveen, Shamala Devi Sekaran, Tunku Kamarul, Mark R. Towler

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Chitosan-based hemostats are promising candidates for immediate hemorrhage control. However, they have some disadvantages and require further improvement to achieve the desired hemostatic efficiency. Here, a series of 1% Ga2O3-containing mesoporous bioactive glass-chitosan composite scaffolds (Ga-MBG/CHT) were constructed by the lyophilization process and the effect of various concentrations of Ga-MBG (10, 30, and 50 wt %) on the hemostatic function of the CHT scaffold was assessed as compared to that of Celox Rapid gauze (CXR), a current commercially available chitosan-coated hemostatic gauze. The prepared scaffolds exhibited >79% porosity and showed increased water uptake compared to that in CXR. The results …