Engineering Commons^™

Development Of A Light-Based Platform To Assess Cervical Mucus Barrier Function And Physical Mucus Properties, Elizabeth J. Buzbee

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, yet current clinical tools for predicting its risk lack specificity and reliability. Cervical mucus plays a crucial role in maintaining pregnancy by forming a barrier that protects the uterus against infection. This study investigates the use of laser speckle rheology as a noninvasive technique to assess cervical mucus biomechanics. Synthetic cervical mucus was fabricated at varying hydration levels and tested using a conventional rheometer that confirmed that the mechanical properties of the synthetic mucus samples were representative of physiological cervical mucus. These results were compared to the complex …

On The H-Property For Step-Graphons: Residual Case, Wanting Gao

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

We investigate the H-property for step-graphons. Specifically, we sample graphs Gn on n nodes from a step-graphon and evaluate the probability that Gn has a Hamiltonian decomposition in the asymptotic regime as n → ∞. It has been shown in Belabbas and Chen (2023); Belabbas et al. (2021) that for almost all step-graphons, this probability converges to either zero or one. We focus in this paper on the residual case where the zero-one law does not apply. We show that the limit of the probability still exists and provide an explicit expression of it. We present a complete proof of …

Utilization Of Imidazolium Ionic Liquids For Enhanced Oil Recovery In Harsh Emirati Tight Carbonate Oil Reservoirs, Noran Hussein Mousa

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

In response to the increasing global demand for energy and the limitations of traditional chemical oil recovery methods. This study explores the potential of imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) as enhanced oil recovery (EOR) agents for Emirati tight oil reservoirs. Four ILs—C10mimCl, C12mimCl, C12mimBF4, and C16mimBr—were evaluated for their effects on interfacial tension (IFT), wettability, emulsification, and rheological properties under reservoir conditions. Experiments conducted at varying temperatures (up to 110°C), IL concentrations (100–3000 ppm), and salinities demonstrated that longer alkyl chain ILs, particularly C16mimBr, effectively reduced IFT by >99% and improved wettability by lowering contact angles up to 15.37°. Statistical modeling …

Development And Application Of Low-Cost Carbon Dioxide Sensors In An Urban Environment, David Coghiel

Theses - ALL

Advancements in sensor technology have made air quality monitoring platforms more user-friendly, compact, and affordable. This provides new opportunities to monitor areas of interest in environments previously not investigated. The existing elevated I-81 Viaduct that runs through downtown Syracuse, NY is being demolished to be reconstructed as a ground level community grid. The goal of the study was to develop a network of low-cost air quality sensor units to monitor concentrations of carbon dioxide along the viaduct prior to its reconstruction. Multiple low-cost carbon dioxide sensors were purchased and tested under laboratory and field conditions to determine applicability for continuous …

Managing Happiness In The Mexican Maquiladora Industry: A Turnover Management Challenge, Claudia M. Burgos Cruz, Reyna Virginia Barragan Quintero, Angel Contreras Cruz

Engineering and Technology Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study explores a turnover management case by implementing exploratory Human-Centered Design (HCD) strategies, combining a collaborative tool in a Mexican maquiladora in Tecate, Baja California. To reduce turnover, the tool was designed, prototyped, and tested to foster the emotional well-being of employees, enhance employee engagement, and promote a sense of belonging in the workplace. The company leaders and managers were trained to use the HCD prototypes, such as the Happiness Dashboard, a visual feedback system using emojis to collect data during regular shifts, and the Gemba Walks, a method for collecting information through observing and interacting with workers. Organizational …

Factors Affecting Dissolved Organic Matter Concentrations And Its Long-Term Change In Adirondack, Ny, Lakes., Amos Kiplimo Bungei

Theses - ALL

Lakes in Europe and North America have experienced increases in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations over the past few decades, a phenomenon called “browning”. Dissolved organic matter is a mixture of reduced organic compounds, such as humic and fulvic acids, derived from allochthonous organic matter from the watershed and autochthonous organic matter sources produced within surface waters. The long-term browning of lakes has far-reaching ecological consequences. First, changes in the attenuation of light and heat penetration affect thermal stratification, oxygen concentration gradient, biogeochemical cycling, and primary production in lake systems. Increases in colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) can shift the …

Assessing Changes In Emissions And Atmospheric Deposition Of Sulfur Dioxide And Nitrogen Oxides Under Policies To Decarbonize The Electricity Sector In The Us, Qasim Mehdi

Theses - ALL

In the United States, power generation significantly contributes to emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, two precursors to atmospheric reactive nitrogen and sulfur deposition. In this thesis, I explore the prospective changes associated with the decarbonization of the electricity sector in atmospheric emissions and deposition of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and ammonia (NH3), and the implications of these alterations for shifts in patterns of interstate air pollutant transport and exceedances of critical loads of nitrogen and sulfur deposition impacting the growth and mortality of tree species in the coterminous U.S. While existing research provides some understanding of …

In-Silico Investigation Of Claudin-16 Self Assembly In Tight Junctions, Baqi Ozomata Atimah

Theses - ALL

Claudin-16 is a member of the Claudin family of proteins, which play a critical role in establishing paracellular permeability within tight junctions between cells. Claudin-16 exhibits diverse properties related to ion selectivity, tissue development, and barrier function. Depending on the context, claudins create channels that permit the passage of specific ions through the paracellular space or form barriers that restrict ion movement. This study focuses on the self-assembly of the human claudin-16 protein, which is essential for ion reabsorption and the proper functioning of the kidney. Molecular simulations were employed to investigate the interactions within dimerized claudin-16 and to elucidate …

Understanding Shell Adhesion Mechanics For Soft Gripper Design, Chenxu Zhao

Dissertations - ALL

This dissertation investigates the adhesion mechanics of hyperelastic hemispherical shells with finite thicknesses undergoing large deformation against rigid planar substrates. By integrating theoretical modeling, numerical simulations, and experimental validation, a comprehensive understanding of the adherence-detachment behavior of soft elastomeric shell structures is established. The study also applies these insights to the design of soft robotic grippers based on tunable adhesion. To understand the dry adhesion of a free soft shell against a rigid substrate, first, a graphical-numerical modeling framework based on the energy approach is developed and used to predict shell adhesion with a wide range of surface energy, thickness, …

Retracted: Enhancing Project Tracking Through Microsoft Power Platform Automation: A Case-Based Study Using Power Bi, Pirsab R. Attar, Quadri Ibad Ali, Arif Varsi, Khalid Sayed, Sameer Usmangani Sayyad

AUIQ Technical Engineering Science

Microsoft Power BI and Power Automate enhances project tracking by improving data accuracy, reducing manual effort, and delivering timely insights. The automation-driven approach leads to significant time savings and fewer reporting errors, contributing to more efficient and informed project management. Despite the availability of digital tools, there is limited research on unified frameworks that combine automation, data visualization, and real-time feedback for holistic project management. This study addresses this gap by evaluating an integrated system applied to a real-world project over one fiscal year, offering practical insights and measurable outcomes. Present study explores how Power BI enhances data accuracy and …

A Framework For Establishing An Automated Traffic Violation Detection System In New Assiut City Using Ordinary Cctv Units, Mahmoud Owais, Ali Shehata, Abdou Shaband, Ghada S. Moussa

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Violating traffic rules in transport networks is a genuine concern for operators as it is one of the most important causes of fatal accidents. With the increasing number of residents in the new cities in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the incompleteness of the transportation system in those cities, including traffic signs, light signals, and control points, the possibility of committing such violations increases. The study aims to propose the framework for establishing an intelligent monitoring system in the new city of Assiut consisting of high-resolution cameras optimally distributed on the traffic network points in the city. They will …

Multi-Modal Mri For The Pre-Clinical Evaluation Of Hiv-Linked Changes In The Central Nervous System, Gabriel Gauthier

Theses & Dissertations

Though the inception of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) has fundamentally changed the life expectancy of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients, accessibility and outcomes vary enormously along demographic lines. Even for people living with HIV (PLWH) with perfect access and adherence to anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs), modern treatment plans are fundamentally unable to secure complete viral remission for patients. The cause of this perpetual infection is the persistence of viral reservoirs in the central nervous system (CNS), hidden beyond the reach of modern ARVs, leaving patients to deal with lifelong medication side-effects and risks of developing HIV-associated neurodegenerative disorders (HAND). Despite improving outcomes …

Feasibility Analysis For The Implementation Of An Anaerobic Digestion System In The City Of Pittsburgh, Pa, Gianna L. Kolencik

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The current study is investigating the feasibility of an anaerobic digestion system

in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at the old State Correctional Institute (SCI-Pittsburgh)

located at 1922 Westhall St. This location is immediately upstream of the Allegheny

County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) along the Ohio River. Municipal solid waste

from ALCOSAN may be used as the main form of feedstock. ALCOSAN produced

roughly 36,500 tons of dry sludge in the reporting year 2023-2024. Based on the volume

of dry sludge from ALCOSAN it is estimated that an anaerobic digestion system could

yield approximately 29,930,000 kWh of energy, which is enough to power over …

Mechanical Engineering Senior Design Capstone Modine Engineering: Collapsible Hvac Coil Expansion Table, Austin M. Hipskind

Honors Theses

For the Mechanical Engineering Senior Design class, teams of seniors were asked to find a sponsor company willing to provide a problem they were experiencing at a local plant. Using the skills gained throughout college, they were asked to go through a standardized problem-solving method to develop a solution for the sponsor company. I was teamed with Fernando Arellano and Henry Lindsey to work with Modine Engineering on creating a modular and collapsible table for use with large, custom-designed coils. This table would have to hold large, heavy coils during the expansion process. Modine requested a 3D design, the cost …

Algorithms & Design Behind Autonomous Uavs And Ugvs Coordinated System, Aashish Dhakal

Honors Theses

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), when coordinated effectively, offer substantial potential for automating large-scale tasks—from search and rescue operations to precision agriculture. However, synchronizing these autonomous systems remains challenging, especially in time-sensitive missions requiring precision. This thesis investigates the design and algorithmic coordination of autonomous UAVs and UGVs, examining both single-vehicle scenarios and multi-agent (swarming) approaches. Using the Robot Operating System (ROS) as a communication backbone, I integrate GPS positioning with computer vision techniques through OpenCV, enabling accurate localization and object detection. During the development phase, I validate my methods using ArduPilot Software-in-the-Loop (SITL) simulations within …

Opmed Seal: Engineering A Rapid-Response Biodegradable Device For Hemorrhage Control And Infection Prevention In Abdominal Trauma, Paula M. Cabrera, Wesley Stephen Murphy

Honors Theses

Abdominal gunshot wounds are amongst the deadliest injuries encountered in combat and remote emergency settings. For military medics and first responders, the challenge lies in controlling internal bleeding and preventing infection before patients can reach surgical care-often within a narrow window of time known as the “golden hour”. Currently available field treatments are either too slow, not designed for internal wounds, or fail to provide antimicrobial protection. To address this gap, our team developed OpMed Seal: a compact, dual-syringe delivery system that deploys a biodegradable, antibiotic-infused hydrogel directly into abdominal injuries. The system is designed for rapid hemorrhage control, localized …

From Concept To Light: Manufacturing A Dual-Purpose Bedside Lamp And Book Organizer, Nicole Goulet

Honors Theses

This report features the design, development, engineering changes, and manufacturing of the Bedside Lamp, a hand-made multi-purpose lamp, book holder, and charging hub. The investigation began with research and a market analysis on current lamp designs and a discussion about what features would set the lamp apart. This led to the design of the lamp and construction of multiple prototypes for proof of concept.

A manufacturing process was then designed to demonstrate the steps to start up an efficient and cost-effective production line. This process included obtaining raw materials, cutting them into the necessary parts, and assembling everything to create …

Mechatronic System Mobility Enhancement Device For Patient With Cerebral Palsy, Tori N. Saenz

Honors Theses

The primary objective of this project was to design and fabricate the electronic, power, and control systems for a mobility device oriented around the needs of a young man with cerebral palsy, named Lane Bryant. This project was completed during the Mechanical Engineering Capstone Senior Design Experience. A separate group completed the design and fabrication of the wheelchair’s ergonomic and structural elements. Research on the typical operation of existing electric wheelchairs was completed to form a baseline of operating parameters. Observations from a previous wheelchair for Lane, called the Wild Thing, guided many design choices. The power supply was designed …

A Product Development Process From Concept To Production: Smartphone Projector, Ross G. Cohen, Piper G. Thomas

Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate the production and documentation of the SmartPhone Projector Capstone for the Center of Manufacturing Excellence (CME). This document follows the production development from the beginning Spring 2024 problem definition all the way to the Fall of 2024 final product. This project was completed by a team of five undergraduate students, including an accounting major, finance major, biomedical engineering major, and two mechanical engineering majors. The goal of this project was to design and build a SmartPhone projector, then carry out a full production run located on the CME shop floor. To begin …

Exploring Manufacturing Techniques For Small-Scale Metal Fabrication And How They Can Be Optimized For Efficiency, Precision, And Scalability To Produce A Fire Pit, Henry W. Potter

Honors Theses

This thesis explores manufacturing techniques for small-scale metal fabrication, using a fire pit production as a case study to optimize efficiency, precision, and scalability. The study examines the challenges of small-scale manufacturing and analyzes alternative manufacturing techniques for cutting, joining, and surface finishing. Data was gathered through a case study involving the design and production of a fire pit. The manufacturing process included cutting, rolling, joining, and surface finishing. Alternative techniques, such as laser cutting and a paint sprayer, were compared to the methods used in the project. It was concluded that alternate methods offered improvements in efficiency, precision, and …

Murray Grading Method: Impacts On Student Self-Efficacy, Stephanie E. Handford

Honors Theses

Pre-existing assessment methods in engineering lack the ability to ensure student mastery of material, simulate real world situations, and often have ambiguity in the valuation of grades. The goal of this study is to eliminate or reduce those shortcomings by evaluating the effectiveness of a modified no-partial-credit assessment method, the Murray Grading Method. Historical data alongside an introductory statics course cohort provided data for how the Murray Grading Method impacted student grades, course opinion, self-efficacy, and study methods. The Murray Grading Method demonstrated little to no changes in course grade averages while significantly improving the lowest grades, thus increasing the …

Civil Engineering Capstone Building Design And Seismic Analysis, Ander P. Mcdade

Honors Theses

The building for the University of Mississippi civil engineering senior design class was designed and analyzed. The building is in Oxford Mississippi. The current address according to the Lafayette Parcel is 825 Sisk Avenue Suite 200. The floor plan, column, and beam design were performed based on engineering judgment and industry standards. The dead, live, snow, rain, and roof live loads were calculated to be 13.3, 50, 20, 27.51, and 20 psf respectively. The building model was created in SAP2000, which was used to generate all loads and load combinations. An analysis was performed to determine the critical loads on …

Production Of Sustainable Liquid Fuel From Waste Polymeric Materials Via Thermal Pyrolysis, Md. Sabbir Ahmed, Selim Reja, Sk Md Ali Zaker Shawon, Farhana Nazmin, Abdullah Mohammad Sarjish, Yousuf Ali, M. Azizur R. Khan, M. Jasim Uddin, Md. Wasikur Rahman

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

The widespread use of polymeric materials has become an environmental threat as they are durable and nonbiodegradable in nature, which is directly responsible for severe ecological consequences. Thermal pyrolysis offers a sustainable and efficient approach to converting these polymeric waste materials into liquid fuel, which is also referred to as pyrolysis oil (PO). In this study, a novel method was developed for producing oil from a composite of waste polymers that include vehicle tires, tubes, and medical waste. A fixed-bed stainless steel reactor is used to thermally breakdown the waste polymeric feedstock (300–750°C) in an inert environment. The PO was …

An Adaptation Of Nonlinear Aerodynamic Models For Non-Traditional Control Effectors, Christian R. Bolander, Douglas F. Hunsaker

Engineering Education Faculty Publications

This paper presents the development of a novel aerodynamic model tailored for the Bio-Inspired Rotating Empennage (BIRE), a non-traditional fixed-wing aircraft empennage inspired by avian flight. The BIRE replaces the conventional vertical stabilizer with an extra degree of freedom for the horizontal stabilizer, which is allowed to rotate about the body-fixed x axis. This empennage is similar to the tail of a bird, and allows control of both longitudinal and lateral moments. However, such a design introduces complex nonlinear longitudinal and lateral aerodynamic interactions, not typically accounted for in most fixed-wing aircraft aerodynamic models below stall. This work presents a …

American Football Internal Helmet Padding Material And Design Testing, Spencer J. Pigman

Honors Thesis

Football helmets have evolved significantly to improve player safety and reduce the risk of concussions and traumatic brain injuries. Early leather designs offered minimal protection, while modern helmets use advanced materials to absorb and distribute impact forces more effectively. To support ongoing helmet safety research, a custom 3D-printed headform modeled from a human scan was equipped with a WitMotion BWT901BLECL5.0 accelerometer and used in controlled drop tests. The study evaluated various internal padding materials including spray foam, two sizes of bubble wrap, Oobleck, scrub sponges, KTOESHEO foam, Hijelyn air pillows, and the standard padding from a Riddell Victor youth helmet. …

Direct Computations Of Spatially Resolved Viscoelastic Moduli Of Biomolecular Condensates, Liwen Gu

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Biomolecular condensates are viscoelastic materials formed by liquid-liquid phase separations (LLPS) of biopolymers. In this study, we develop a modified graph Laplacian-based collective model to characterize viscoelastic heterogeneity within condensates based on results of lattice-based Metropolis Monte Carlo (MMC) simulations. By integrating random graph models and simulations of A1-LCD, a type of intrinsically disordered protein, we examine how network topology influences storage modulus, loss modulus, crossover frequency, and relaxation time spectra. Our results reveal a strong correlation between topological features and mechanical response, with the condensate interior exhibiting higher stiffness and faster relaxation than the interface. The relaxation spectra provide …

Designing An Economically Viable Off-Grid Photovoltaic System Considering The Battery Discharge Rate, Ahmed S. Abdelrazek, Eslam Mohamed Ahmed, Mahmoud Elsisi, Mokhtar Said

Mansoura Engineering Journal

The primary significance of harnessing power from clean and renewable sources lies in the fact that numerous rural areas are far from the utility system. Among the renewable energy technologies catering to power needs in residential areas is the solar photovoltaic (PV) system. Despite the potential of PV technology and the abundant sun radiation exposure in Hurghada, Egypt, there is a lack of empirical studies evaluating the feasibility of off-grid power production using this system. A notable aspect of this study is the consideration of the discharge rate of the battery for sizing the off-grid system, involving the distribution of …

Egyptian Government Actions To Implement A Green, Smart, Secured And Sustainable City In Africa, Egypt To Host Cop27, Enas Samir, Eman Metwally

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Smart cities are essential for addressing globalization, urban overpopulation, and urban growth. This paper discusses the Egyptian government's strategies, policies, and procedures for transforming Sharm-Elsheikh city into a green, smart, safe, secured, and sustainable city. The research aims to learn from COP28 and export an action plan to convert the city from a touristic to a smart green, secure, and sustainable city. The main research question is how COP27 in Egypt will become the COP of implementation, and the hypothesis is that the current mindset for managing economic files may not be suitable for the new economic orientations.

Computational Models Of Vocal Fold Lesions: Analysis Of Fluid-Structure Interaction, Manoela Rocha Neves

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The biomechanical and aerodynamic behaviors of the vocal folds (VFs) during phonation are heavily influenced by their structural composition and pathological changes. These conditions can induce localized stiffening that disrupts vibratory symmetry and alters airflow resistance. Previous research has lacked the integration of VF lesions in computational simulations using anatomically accurate models, limiting the understanding of their effects in phonation and potential contribution to voice disorders. Addressing this gap, this thesis develops a fluid-structure interaction (FSI) model of a realistic two-layered VF structure with lesions, comparing airflow patterns, structural deformations, and vibration profiles in both healthy and diseased cases.

The …

The Effects Of Internet Service Criteria On Institutional Performance, Mohammed Naji, Sivadass Thiruchelvam, Mohammed Khudari

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

Internet service today greatly affects individuals, companies, and organizations around the world, as the Internet contributes to many things such as facilitating procedures, reducing effort, and saving time. The instability of the Internet system is a major obstacle to the successful implementation of institutional plans, leading to many workflow problems, including delays in providing services to citizens and insufficient communication between the components of the institution. It also leads to a lack of information needed for decision-making, which negatively affects customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. There is a gap in the literature regarding the evaluation of the relationships between Internet …