Engineering Commons^™

Reconfigurable Modular Soft Robots With Modulating Stiffness And Versatile Task Capabilities, Joshua Knospler, Wei Xue, Mitja Trkov

Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering Departmental Research

Soft robots have revolutionized machine interactions with humans and the environment to enable safe operations. The fixed morphology of these soft robots dictates their mechanical performance, including strength and stiffness, which limits their task range and applications. Proposed here are modular, reconfigurable soft robots with the capabilities of changing their morphology and adjusting their stiffness to perform versatile object handling and planar or spatial operational tasks. The reconfiguration and tunable interconnectivity between the elemental soft, pneumatically driven actuation units is made possible through integrated permanent magnets with coils. The proposed concept of attaching/detaching actuators enables these robots to be easily …

Final Report - A Field Deployable Wall-Climbing Robot For Bridge Inspection Using Vision And Impact Sounding Techniques, Jizhong Xiao, Ejup Hoxha, David Kirakosian

Project AS-6

This project developed two wall-climbing robots and two omni-directional ground robots for automated data collection on both horizontal and vertical surfaces of concrete structures. These robots are equipped with non-destructive evaluation (NDE) sensors, including ground penetrating radar (GPR), impact sounding (IS) and impact echo (IE) devices. Utilizing a vision-based positioning system powered by simultaneous localization and mapping (V-SLAM), the robots tag NDE data with real-time pose information, significantly accelerating the data collection process and enhancing the accuracy of defect mapping. While effective at detecting shallow defects, impact sounding is highly sensitive to ambient noise and unsuitable for identifying deeper flaws. …

Investigation Of Piezocone Dissipation Test Interpretation In Clay Accounting For Vertical And Horizontal Porewater Pressure Dissipation With A Large Deformation Axisymmetric Penetration Model, Diane Moug, Andrew Huffman, Jason T. Dejong

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The piezocone (CPTu) dissipation test is used to characterize how the applied load from the penetrating cone is distributed between the soil and pore fluid during both penetrometer advancement and when penetration is paused. The coefficient of consolidation is often estimated from CPTu dissipation tests by interpreting the rate of excess porewater pressure (∆u) decay to static conditions during a pause in cone penetration. Most CPTu dissipation test interpretation methods are based on Terzaghi consolidation theory for ∆u dissipation at the cone shoulder (u₂ position) or cone face (u₁ position) and assume that radial ∆u dissipation dominates the …

Pltl Develops Scholars For Majors In The Built-Environment​, Shpat Halili, Calvin O. Walters Jr.

Publications and Research

The National Science Foundation S-STEM program at NYC College of Technology (City Tech), Developing an Ecosystem of STEM success for Built Environment Scholars (Award Number 2150432), focuses on supporting and developing scholars in the majors relating to the Built Environment. The proposed project includes the expansion of Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) at City Tech. The PLTL model creates a supportive learning environment and supplements the faculty-centered classroom with student-led and student-oriented workshops. At City Tech, existing workshops provide curricular support in statics and mathematics. The PLTL program benefits promising first-year STEM students, and the S-STEM program utilizes the PLTL model …

Utilization Of Iron Fillings Solid Waste For Optimum Biodiesel Production, Fady Ihab Bayoumy Eng., Ahmed Osman Ahmed Dr., David W. Rooney Dr., Mai H. Roushdy

Chemical Engineering

This study explores the innovative application of iron filings solid waste, a byproduct from mechanical workshops, as a heterogeneous catalyst in the production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil. Focusing on sustainability and waste valorization, the research presents a dual-benefit approach: addressing the environmental issue of solid waste disposal while contributing to the renewable energy sector. Particle size distribution analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Thermal analysis (TG-DTA), and FTIR analysis were used to characterize the iron filings. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to guide a series of experiments that were conducted to …

Combustion-Induced Endothermic Process In Carbon Dots Synthesized On Magnetite Nanoparticle Substrate, Khalid Zouhri, Luke J. Snyder, Michael Mcfarland, Parker O. Laubie, K. A. Shiral Fernando, Christopher E. Bunker

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Carbon dots are synthesized alone and in the presence of commercial magnetite nanoparticles using a simple hydrothermal reaction. The spectroscopic and structural characteristics of CDot and CDot–magnetite materials are presented and their behaviors under combustion conditions are studied. A careful examination of their combustion behaviors reveals interesting results for the CDot–magnetite material: it undergoes early catalytic combustion at ~200°C and a strong endothermic process that quenches combustion. By investigating the physical mixtures of pre-formed CDots and magnetite and the starting material ascorbic acid and magnetite, it is determined that the strong endothermic behavior requires intimate interactions between the carbon source …

Modeling And Forecasting Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (Cyanohabs) In Lake Pontchartrain, Shekhar Mahat

LSU Master's Theses

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) frequently occur in coastal waters worldwide, adversely affecting economies, human health, aquatic ecosystems, and recreational activities. Lake Pontchartrain, an oligohaline estuary, experienced frequent HABs from 2018 to 2023. While NOAA’s NCCOS and USEPA’s CyAN currently monitor cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) in coastal, freshwater, and riverine systems, there is a notable lack of systems monitoring phycocyanin concentrations in the lake. This thesis utilizes satellite remote sensing environmental stressors to model and predict CyanoHABs in Lake Pontchartrain using machine learning techniques. A key focus of this study is assessing the forecasting capabilities of the random forest method …

Expanding The Horizon: Blockchain Technology Beyond The Bounds Of Cryptocurrency, Hassan Azhar

SMU Data Science Review

Blockchain technology has extended beyond its initial role as the infrastructure for cryptocurrencies to transform various industries with its decentralized and transparent ledger system. This paper examines the broad spectrum of blockchain applications beyond cryptocurrency. It explores its potential to innovate and drive change across finance, supply chain management, healthcare, real estate, and voting systems. We review recent literature, detail specific use cases, and discuss blockchain's challenges and opportunities, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of its transformative impact. Integrating emerging technologies, scalability, regulatory considerations, and energy consumption are critical challenges to its adoption. Our findings underscore the need for …

Protectnic - Smartnic Ransomware Detection, Arnav Choudhury, Eason Liu, Anson Xu

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

Ransomware, a form of malware that restricts access to data until a ransom is paid, accounts for 20% of all cyber crimes. Although companies and organizations often require their personnel to take training for awareness of such bad actors, social engineering is constantly evolving and ransomware slips through the cracks every year. In this paper, we suggest a system that would help detect ransomware using a Smart Network Interface Card (SmartNIC) which runs machine learning algorithms to detect ransomware before it enters the system. This relieves computers in the network of the burden of detecting malware, freeing CPU capacity to …

Design And Implementation Of Non-Isolated High Gain Dc-Dc Converter For Photovoltaic Application, Rajesh R

Theses and Dissertations

Fossil fuel-based power plants emit 25% of greenhouse gases and 40% of carbon emissions globally. Therefore, several countries focus on deploying RES-based electricity production (such as solar and wind). As per the International Energy Agency report, solar PV might be the lowest-cost option for generating electricity in the future. Solar energy is highly emission-free, but it is still a key challenge in procuring the maximum amount of energy from solar PV due to its non–linear characteristics. Therefore, a DC-DC converter must integrate with solar PV to increase the output voltage level. Many existing topologies exist in the literature, but the …

Connection-Saving Gate Assignment: A Computational Approach, Rob Mailley

Computer Science Senior Theses

The growth of the commercial aviation industry has yielded many interesting problems in the field of Operations Research, many of which are now able to be solved as both technology and mathematical optimization improve. A particularly interesting problem in airport operations re- search is the Aircraft Gate Assignment Problem (AGAP), which seeks to create a feasible match- ing between planes and flights at an airport. This problem is well-suited to modeling with Integer Programming, and has attracted research since the 1970s. Researchers of the AGAP have considered many different objectives, ranging from airline-focused objectives to more passenger-focused objective functions. In …

Revealing Long Vehicle Dynamics: A Comprehensive Journey From Visualization Tools For Heavy Vehicles To Conversion Factors And Public Transit Performance Analysis, Eren Yuksel

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Over the past few decades, there has been an increasing fascination with Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) technology, particularly in the realm of data collection and traffic management. Thanks to the possibilities unlocked by ITS and CAV technology, traffic data collection now serves a diverse array of safety and mobility applications, delivering real-time or near-real-time information for both road users and transportation professionals.

The integration of ITS and CAV technology is crucial for the creation of safer, more reliable, and sustainable transportation environments. As traffic-related data collection, analysis, and visualization form essential components of this …

A Simple Sandwich Electrochemical Immunosensor For Rapid Detection Of The Alzheimer’S Disease Biomarker Tau Protein, Mingzhu Yang, Yihong Chen, Hongyu Sun, Dujuan Li, Yanbin Li

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

As a typical biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease, rapid and specific detection of tau protein can help improve the early diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. In this study, a simple sandwich electrochemical immunosensor was developed for rapid detection of tau protein. Primary monoclonal antibodies (mAb1) against the middle domain of tau protein (amino acids 189–195) were immobilized on the gold electrode surface through a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of 3,3′-dithiobis (sulfosuccinimidyl propionate) (DTSSP). Then the tau protein was captured through the specific adsorption between the antigen and the antibody, resulting in a change in the impedance. Secondary monoclonal antibodies (mAb2) against …

The Santa Clara, 2024-05-28, Santa Clara University

The Santa Clara

No abstract provided.

Advancing Objective Mobile Device Use Measurement Inchildren Ages 6–11 Through Built-In Device Sensors: A Proof-Of-Concept Study, Olivia L. Finnegan, Robert Glenn Weaver Med, Phd, Hongpeng Yang, James W. White, Srihari Nelakuditi, Zifei Zhong, Rahul Ghosal Ph.D., Yan Tong, Aliye B. Cepni, Elizabeth L. Adams, Sarah Burkart Mph, Ph.D., Michael W. Beets Med, Mph, Phd, Bridget Armstrong Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Mobile devices (e.g., tablets and smartphones) have been rapidly integrated into the lives of children and have impacted howchildren engage with digital media. The portability of these devices allows for sporadic, on-demand interaction, reducing theaccuracy of self-report estimates of mobile device use. Passive sensing applications objectively monitor time spent on a givendevice but are unable to identify who is using the device, a significant limitation in child screen time research. Behavioralbiometric authentication, using embedded mobile device sensors to continuously authenticate users, could be applied toaddress this limitation. This study examined the preliminary accuracy of machine learning models trained on iPad …

Design Of Multi-Objective Optimization Algorithms For Vlsi Floor Planning, Srinivasan B

Theses and Dissertations

VLSI floorplanning is a key design step that determines the optimal placement of circuit modules to minimize chip area, wire length, and heat generation. Existing swarm intelligence–based metaheuristics improve area and wire length but often ignore thermal effects.

To address this, the Multi-Objective Firefly Optimization–based Floorplanning (MOFO-FP) technique is introduced, using a Heat-Aware Firefly Optimization (HAFO) algorithm that minimizes heat, space, and wire length under fixed outline constraints. Each firefly represents a floorplan, with brightness indicating solution quality; dimmer fireflies move toward brighter ones to find optimal placements.

A second method, the Hybridized Multicriteria Ant Colony and …

Recent Advance In Electrochemical Dehalogenative Deuteration, Peng-Fei Li, Guang-Sheng Kou, Li-Ping Qi, You-Ai Qiu

Journal of Electrochemistry

In recent years, the incorporation of deuterium atoms into organic compounds has emerged as a vital focus in the development of pharmaceutical molecules. This trend is driven by the increasing recognition of the significance of compounds containing deuterium atoms across various domains, including materials and biopharmaceuticals, where they have found widespread applications in mechanistic studies within the realms of chemistry and biology. Meanwhile, organic electrochemistry, as a relatively environmentally friendly catalytic mode with broad adaptability to redox reactions, has emerged as a crucial alternative to traditional halogen-deuterium exchange in the context of the reduction deuteration of halides. This approach circumvents …

Comparison Of Ligands In Palladium-Catalyzed Electrochemical Allyl 4-Pyridinylation, Wei-Jie Ding, Chun-Hui Yang, Zhong-Tao Feng, Shi-Rong Lu, Xu Cheng

Journal of Electrochemistry

4-CN-pyridine is a widely applied 4-pyridinylation reagent for diverse transformations. Conventionally, the reaction proceeds via an open-shell radical cross-coupling pathway. Following our previous study, in this work, we report the Pd-catalyzed allyl 4-pyrinylation reaction under electrochemical conditions. The reaction proceeds via radical-polar crossover pathway in which the role of phosphine ligand in reactivity and selectivity was extensively investigated.

Nickel-Catalyzed Α-Arylation Of Α-Cyanoacetates Enabled By Electrochemistry, Zi-Meng Li, Zhang-Jian Li, Anat Milo, Ping Fang, Tian-Sheng Mei

Journal of Electrochemistry

β-Amino acids have a wide range of applications in the field of pharmaceuticals. Utilizing a combination strategy of nickel catalysis and paired electrolysis, a catalytic α-arylation protocol of carbonyl compounds has been developed. This protocol affords various a-aryl-a-cyanoacetates, which can be reduced to high-value-added α-aryl-β-amino acids. The cross-coupling reaction of electron-deficient aryl bromides with a-cyanoacetates achieves the expected products with good yields and functional group compatibility under mild conditions. Excessive electron-richness in initial aryl bromides facilitates the self-coupling of desired products. DFT calculations confirm that the presence of electron-rich aryl substitutions decreases the reduction potentials of the product anions, making …

Digitally Beamformed 2d Scanning Phased Array Radar For Networked Unmanned Air Vehicle Detection And Tracking, Carson Reed Brown

Theses and Dissertations

Radar systems vary significantly in size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) characteristics with many high SWaP-C models being inaccessible to consumers. Recognizing this, we have engineered an effective but low SWaP-C networked radar system tailored for detecting and tracking unmanned air vehicle (UAV) traffic. Using field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and custom-designed printed circuit boards (PCBs), our system achieves remarkable efficiency without compromising performance. We use patch antennas for our transmitter and in our 4x4 receiver array. With our low SWaP-C system we have successfully concluded outdoor range testing, detecting corner reflector targets at a remarkable 10dB above our noise floor …

Impact Of Polymer Structure In Polyurethane Topcoats On Anti-Icing Properties, Donghyeon Lee, Junho Park, Min Ji Woo, Juhyeong Lee, Joung-Man Park, Hyung Mi Lim, Tae Kyung Lee, Seong Baek Yang, Sang Yong Nam, Dong-Jun Kwon

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Icing on the topcoat layer of structures or mobility systems can be a factor leading to functional failures or accidents. Material engineering approach to prevent icing involves creating hydrophobic surfaces. In this study, it was confirmed that the method of controlling the structure of polymers using solvents to adjust surface hydrophobicity and ice prevention effects is effective. Polyurethane (PU) topcoats are primarily used on the exterior of mobility devices; therefore, structure of PU was manipulated using xylene. Through the adjustment of the ratio between PU and xylene, changes in the curing enthalpy and crystal structure were observed, which led to …

Investigating The Relationship Between Hypoxia, Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, And The Optical Redox Ratio In Response To Radiation Therapy, Jesse D. Ivers, Nagavenkatasai Puvvada, Charles M. Quick, Narasimhan Rajaram

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Significance

Radiation resistance is a major contributor to cancer treatment failure and is likely driven by multiple pathways. Multivariate visualization that preserves the spatial co-localization of factors could aid in understanding mechanisms of resistance and identifying biomarkers of response.

Aim

We aim to investigate the spatial and temporal relationship between hypoxia, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1α), and metabolism in response to radiation therapy in two cell lines of known radiation resistance and sensitivity.

Approach

Two-photon excited fluorescence and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy were used to quantify the optical redox ratio (ORR) and NAD(P)H fluorescent lifetime and bound fraction in frozen tumor …

A Data Integration Framework Of Additive Manufacturing Based On Fair Principles, Kristen J. Hernandez, Erika I. Barcelos, Jayvic C. Jimenez, Arafath Nihar, Pawan K. Tripathi, Roger H. French, Laura S. Bruckman

Faculty Scholarship

Abstract: Laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF) is a popular additive manufacturing (AM) process with rich data sets coming from both in situ and ex situ sources. Data derived from multiple measurement modalities in an AM process capture unique features but often have different encoding methods; the challenge of data registration is not directly intuitive. In this work, we address the challenge of data registration between multiple modalities. Large data spaces must be organized in a machine-compatible method to maximize scientific output. FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) principles are required to overcome challenges associated with data at various scales. FAIRified data …

Mobile Robot Path Planning Optimization Problem Using Multi- Objective Genetic Algorithm, Suresh Ks

Theses and Dissertations

Mobile Robot Path Planning problem (MRPPP) is the most prominent research area employed in different real-time environments. The research domain of robotics offers abundant opportunities for researchers in various engineering fields with different dimensions. The automation of physical movements of the robots with intelligence to make dynamic decisions for interacting with the environment opens up a lot of challenges to the research community.

A variety of approaches are employed to solve the Mobile Robot Path Planning Problem (MRPP), which is to derive a feasible collision-free path to reach the destination from the given starting point by avoiding obstacles. The solution …

Passive Mechanical Properties Of Cardiac And Arterial Tissue: A Paired Comparison Study In A Calf Model, Ola Alsaadi, Jieyang Zhang, Masod Sadipour, Ali N. Azadani

DU Undergraduate Research Journal Archive

Purpose: The mechanical behavior of heart tissue plays a crucial role in elucidating cardiac physiology and pathophysiology. Accurate measurement of the mechanical properties of cardiac and arterial tissues is indispensable for advancing computer simulations and developing medical devices. This study aimed to assess the passive mechanical properties of cardiac and arterial tissue in a calf model using a paired comparison method.

Methods: A planar biaxial stretching device was used to determine the mechanical characteristics of 84 square specimens obtained from 14 different anatomical regions. Cauchy stress-Green strain curves were constructed for each anatomical area, and a Fung-type constitutive …

Double Acting Liberation Of Ni And Co In The Pre-Treatment Process To Increase Recovery Of Nickel From Low-Grade Nickel Laterite, Eni Febriana, Muhamad Irham Mulyadi, Wahyu Mayangsari, Januar Irawan, Iwan Setiawan, Ahmad Maksum, Florentinus Firdiyono, Soesaptri Oediyani, Agus Budi Prasetyo, Johny W. Soedarsono

Journal of Sustainable Mining

This study highlights the effectiveness of employing double-acting liberation to release Ni and Co from the complex phases of the low-grade nickel laterite. It includes the addition of concentrated sulphuric acid and NaF as well as the heat treatment prior to roasting and leaching processes to improve the destruction of the complex phases contained. The finding describes that dehydration of iron sulfate and decomposition of the lizardite at a lower temperature, 270°C, were occurred in the pre-treatment process, followed by hematite formation in the roasting process. It subsequently accelerated Ni and Co extraction in the pregnant solution and omitted Fe …

Synthesis Of Geopolymer Using Coal Fly Ash And Corn Stover, Anu Paneru

Master's Theses

The development of each nation is dependent on its infrastructure, and nations are competing with others in infrastructure, especially in the construction of roadways, since they play a vital role in the economic and social development of the nation. The conventional materials used for road construction are cement and asphalt, which pose significant environmental challenges. This thesis explores the potential of fly ash (FA) and corn stover (CS) in synthesizing geopolymer, as an alternative material for the construction of roads. The study examines the impact of FA and CS percentages and the particle sizes of CS on the compressive strength, …

Comparing Proliferation Rates And Collagen Production Of Cells Treated With Cuhars, Katie Elizabeth Mckenzie

Master's Theses

Cartilage is the padding in joints that protects the bones and aids in motion. Problems with the cartilage in the knee can be caused by mechanical damage or diseases like osteoarthritis. Chondrocytes make cartilage. The objective of this study is to determine the doubling time of chondrocytes per passage. I also want to determine the base amount of collagen-II created by chondrocytes as they age. I also want to determine how long it takes CuHARS to break down in different cell medias. Chondrocytes, human dermal fibroblasts, and CRL 2303 cells were grown and cultured for over a year. During that …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

A Preliminary Study Of Coalbed Methane Adsorption At Fractal Interfaces, Jin Yi, Li Yani, Song Huibo, Zhao Mengyu, Yang Yunhang, Chen Zenan

Coal Geology & Exploration

The adsorption and desorption mechanisms of coalbed methane (CBM) are foundational for revealing CBM accumulation mechanisms and achieving efficient CBM exploitation. Studies have indicated that coal reservoirs exhibit complex pore structures with fractal features, significantly influencing CBM adsorption at pore-solid interfaces. Based on a comparative analysis of several common adsorption models for gas-solid interfaces and a summary of their characteristics and applicable conditions, this study suggests that all these adsorption models still rely on the stationary assumption of adsorption selectivity for the description and application of CBM adsorption behavior at fractal interfaces while overlooking the scale invariance of the adsorption …