Engineering Commons^™

In Vitro Microfluidics System For Mechanobiologic Investigations, Michael A. Daanen

Honors Theses

Mechanobiology is an emerging field that aims to study the relationships between mechanical forces and cellular behavior. Such mechanobiological relationships are especially critical in the cardiovascular system, where endothelial cells lining the vasculature align in response to fluid shear stresses from blood flow (Sinha, 2016). Implanted flow devices, diabetes, chronic hypertension, and various other diseases and pathophysiologies alter vessel geometries and flow dynamics. Such alterations impact fluid shear stress and endothelial cell behavior, leading to microcirculatory dysfunction, vessel leakage, and organ failure (Poredos, 2021; Papadaki, 1999; Leitschuh, 1987). To simulate dysfunctional endothelial cell behavior in vitro and evaluate novel therapeutic …

A Novel Low-Complex Optimized Resource Allocation Algorithm Using Gwo Optimization Technique In Energy Scavenging For Wban, M. Samir Abou El-Seoud, Amira Olazan, Albashir A. Youssef

Computer Science

In wireless body area networks (WBANs) powered by energy scavenging, effectively managing renewable energy is critical to ensuring delay-sensitive services. This paper proposes a novel low-complex optimized resource allocation algorithm using the Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) technique to allocate resources, specifically energy and communication channels, and maximize user utility while guaranteeing the worst-case delay. To achieve this, firstly, a formulation of a user utility optimization problem that accounts for the stochastic nature of energy scavenging and consumption without requiring prior knowledge of these processes is performed. Utilizing GWO optimization techniques, optimization problems broke down into four sub-problems: battery management, collection …

Integrated Valuation Of The Ecological, Social And Economic Benefits Provided By A Multifunctional Nature-Based Solution, Laura Costadone, Shan Zhang

ODU Articles

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) offer multifunctional approaches to address climate change and environmental challenges, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional gray infrastructure. Despite their promise, widespread adoption remains limited, in part due to an incomplete understanding of their full costs and benefits relative to conventional infrastructure. Traditional benefit–cost analyses often overlook non-monetized benefits and the interconnected ecosystem services provided by NbS. This study introduces a methodological approach to quantify both the physical and monetary value of ecosystem services and co-benefits delivered by an NbS project. We applied an integrated valuation framework to a case study in Virginia Beach, VA, USA, where …

The Genetic Role Of The Dopamine Receptor D4 Gene, Zayden Hill

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects over 22 million Americans today. Typically, ADHD is first presented during childhood, the exact cause of ADHD is unknown. Genetic mutations, such as those in the DRD4 gene on chromosome 11, have been linked to ADHD. This gene encodes for dopamine receptor D4, which inhibits adenylyl cyclase, an enzyme involved in cell signaling. A missense mutation in DRD4 could hinder the receptor function, contributing to inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity--core symptoms of ADHD. Epigenetics also plays a role in ADHD development and symptomology. Maternal omega-3 supplementation has been linked to …

Field-Based Device To Test Possible Concussions, Lauren Powers, Samantha Davy, Jianna Truppi

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) are injuries to the brain caused by an outside force from car accidents, falls, and strikes to the head. TBI’s make up 30% of injury related deaths in the US. The market for screening TBI’s was deemed profitable, thus research and development (R&D) was done to create a field-based device. This device targets the demographic of patients with less access to important TBI care, like DIII and high school athletes. It also targets the demographic of people injured in motor vehicle accidents. This inexpensive field-based device is designed to tell a first responder or athletic trainer, …

The Genetic Role Of Pcsk 1, Lisbeth Aquino

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type 1 (PCSK 1) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder associated with severe digestive issues, delayed puberty, and obesity. The cause of this genetic mutation occurs when a person inherits two copies of an autosomal recessive gene. Recessive traits are more common in families who marry close relatives. When the PCSK 1 gene is negatively impacted, it can impair the enzyme function, worsening the disease. As the gene is being mutated, it can create other mutations such as N309K, RCV001374497-rs143209024, and c.1095 + 1G > A. The N309K gene affects the active site of an enzyme that causes …

Bear Claw – An Assistive Grip Device, Brandon Daniels, Nathaniel Neville

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

Globally, there are over one million spinal cord injuries (SCI) every year. Out of all trauma patients admitted to US hospitals in that time frame, 3.7% suffer from an SCI with the highest at-risk demographic being males aged 20 to 29. Low-cervical spinal injuries (C5 to C8) make up a large portion of these injuries, which can vastly affect motor control throughout the whole arm in addition to the total functionality of body control below the chest. These patients are wheelchair users and many live with limited control of their arms.

The Bear Claw addresses the daily challenges of gross …

Veritas Brand Guidelines Book, Matteo Lopergolo

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

This project followed the development of a comprehensive visual identity standard for the fictitious brand, Veritas International Airlines. The project demonstrated the designer’s thorough understanding of visual identity systems and the application of design principles to create a cohesive and effective brand representation. The designer transformed a basic logo into a fully realized visual identity system, culminating in the creation of a brand standards guide booklet which effectively communicated the brand's identity. A brand standards book ensures consistent use of a brand’s visual and messaging elements, detailing guidelines for logos, colors, typography, and tone. The designer elevated and refined the …

Arduino Based Game Console With Built In Screen, Mekhi Edwards

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

As video games today become more sophisticated, the technological demand they place on gaming consoles increases. Portable consoles like Nintendo’s Game Boy Advance are a thing of the past due to the increase in base requirements needed to run games properly. The Arduino Based Game Console with Built in Screen brings back a retro vibe while running a modern processor that can handle the strain of sophisticated games. The Arduino Based Game Console with Built in Screen has two joysticks, a 7 by 5 inch housing and a display of 4 by 3 inches. The console currently includes one game …

The Bear Paw Wide-Grip, Nathan Couture, Vincent Lin, Manuel Urena, Brandon Daniels

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) affect millions worldwide every year. Injuries in the low cervical region (C5-C8), significantly limit hand function, grip strength, and range of motion. The Bear Paw addresses these impairments by developing a variable assistive grip device with a personalized fit for those with low cervical SCI. This work adopts a unique approach centered around functionality and autonomy with minimal hand movement requirements.

The Bear Paw includes a Wide-Grip prototype that supports users in performing activities of everyday life, such as dressing, shopping, and preparing food. This device is designed with an extra finger on the lateral side, …

Echo-Location Helmet, Nathan Couture, Manuel Urena, Fernando Ibanez Marcos, Donny Mcinnis, Harrison Ullucci, Mekhi Edwards

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

Vision loss affects approximately 50 million Americans annually, ranging from partial impairment to complete blindness. The Echo-Location Helmet is designed to assist individuals with visual impairments by providing real-time spatial awareness. The helmet delivers sufficient information to enable users to navigate unfamiliar environments with greater confidence.

The Echo-Location Helmet was constructed using ultrasonic sensors, visual processing, and speech output, integrated through development software and artificial intelligence (AI). The system employs hardware components such as an Arduino microcontroller, a serial camera, ultrasonic sensors, and an MP3 player to detect and alert the user. This provides users with an easy way to …

Harlem Baking Co., Carm Reed, Julia Tyras, Matteo Lopergolo

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

Harlem Baking Co. (HBC) is a business located in New York City that handmakes "Little Jars of Happiness." Their desserts come in a variety of flavors (from New York cheesecake to chocolate lava cake) and are baked inside reusable Jars. The team was tasked with redesigning their logo and packaging in partnership with Dr. Jeff Binczyk's marketing class, and designed a website, fridge wrap, and AD campaign. HBC was also kind enough to send samples of their desserts for a photoshoot, which resulted in some amazing photos that are currently on display in their current ads.

Project Curl Brand Identity & Website Design, Mallary Robert, Danitza Ramos-Perez

Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium

This project was completed in collaboration with a JWU student from the entrepreneurship program as part of the Design Team I class. The objective was to develop a brand identity and fully designed website prototype for ProjectCurl, a startup focused on providing affordable and unique hair care solutions for college students with curly hair using a personalized hair quiz to recommend products.

The project covered the full branding process, including logo development, wireframing, and the creation of a comprehensive website prototype. Throughout both the branding and website process, there was consistent feedback and rounds of revisions, which allowed the design …

Exploring Large Language Models For Summarizing And Interpreting An Online Brain Tumor Support Forum, Christy Muasher-Kerwin, M. Courtney Hughes, Michelle L. Foster, Ibrahiim Al Azher, Hamed Alhoori

Faculty Articles, Papers, and Other Scholarship

Objective

Methods

Comparison Of Dynamic Mode Decomposition With Other Data-Driven Models For Lung Cancer Incidence Rate Prediction, L. Raymond Guo, Jifu Tan, M. Courtney Hughes

Faculty Articles, Papers, and Other Scholarship

Introduction: Public health data analysis is critical to understanding disease trends. Existing analysis methods struggle with the complexity of public health data, which includes both location and time factors. Machine learning offers powerful tools but can be computationally expensive and require specialized knowledge. Dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) is an alternative that offers efficient analysis with fewer resources. This study explores applying DMD in public health using lung cancer data and compares it with other machine learning models.

Methods: We analyzed lung cancer incidence data (2000–2021) from 1,013 US counties. Machine learning models (random forest, gradient boosting machine, support vector machine) …

Investigation Of Subsurface Thermal Radiation Phenomena In Fibrous Thermal Protection Systems, Colby L. Gore

Theses and Dissertations--Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education

Atmospheric re-entry induces intense thermal stress upon vehicles through a high-enthalpy boundary layer that encompasses the craft. To protect these vehicles, numerous insulative methods, known as thermal protection systems (TPS), are deployed to protect the craft during re-entry. The TPS materials insulate the craft from intense thermal transmission that would terminate a mission. In hypersonic environments, vast temperature gradients exist, enforcing the exponential effect of thermal radiation. However, TPS materials are commonly low-density fibrous materials that allow for the potential to be penetrated by thermal radiation. A series of arc-jet tests was completed to replicate enhanced radiative conditions in a …

Machine Learning Applications In Epigenomics And Its Association With Health And Disease, Trevor Doherty

Doctoral

Epigenetic modifications can lead to altered phenotypes without a change in the DNA sequence itself. Disrupted gene expression regulated by epigenetic processes can result in cancers, autoimmune diseases and various other maladies. Machine learning (ML) involves the use of algorithms and models which are trained to learn patterns in data, and has demonstrated remarkable success in solving diverse, complex challenges. Epigenomic studies, such as those that use DNA methylation (DNAm) data, increasingly make use of ML techniques to process extremely high dimensional data obtained from high throughput platforms e.g., DNAm arrays. These datasets suffer from the curse of dimensionality, increased …

Heuristic Approaches For Coordination Of Heterogeneous Robotic Systems In Harvesting Automation With Size Constraints, Hyeseon Lee

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

This thesis presents the development of path planning algorithms for the coordination of heterogeneous robotic systems while considering size constraints. The objective is to generate practical and efficient solutions for real-world applications. The use of heterogeneous collaborative robots is beneficial in many applications, such as transportation operations in warehouses or manufacturing environments, surveillance, and monitoring, and task allocation and path planning are critical techniques that need to be addressed to deploy in real-world applications. This research focuses on automating lavender harvesting, where robots with varying capabilities must collaboratively navigate complex field layouts to efficiently complete harvesting tasks.

The problem considers …

Review And Development Of Centralized Engineering Tool Frameworks To Enhance Productivity And Bridge Gaps In Current Engineering Processes, Elijah M. Sierra

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

This thesis aims to tackle some of the inefficiencies with the current methods of engineering. The issues are specifically the inefficient iteration processes between preliminary design and detail level design, a lack of centralized resources, and poor project organization and management. The thesis provides a case study on the current tools that solve this issue and then presents a new proof of concept framework for an engineering tool. This tool addresses these issues by unifying calculators, databases, external tools, and project management systems under one modular platform.

The tool consists of one central GUI with multiple independent modules such as …

Foreign Object Detection System Development Using Edge Devices Integrated With Quadcopter Autonomous Tracking, Chi-Chia Huang, Ching-Hung Lee

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

This study proposes an all-weather autonomous foreign-object detection system capable of operating in low-light environments. We used a highly mobile quadcopter equipped with an edge-computing device as the inspection platform. On the software side, we integrated a low-light image enhancement model, a path-tracking algorithm, and a foreign object detection model to achieve rapid object detection. A lightweight, low-light image-enhancement model reduces the need for additional lighting equipment, thereby enabling reliable detection under low-light conditions. The path-tracking algorithm integrates a lightweight semantic segmentation model with traditional image-processing techniques to establish flight paths efficiently and reliably. The foreign-object detection component employs state-of-the-art …

Optimization Of Underactuated Ship Sliding Mode Controller Based On The Ddpg Algorithm, Lin Ma, Mingzhe Qi, Shicai Chen, Hongwei Bian, Jian Zhang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Due to the development of ship intelligence, the demand for precise controllers is increasing day by day. In traditional design, the trial-and-error method often leads to the use of inaccurate controller parameters, causing oscillations when environmental disturbances are present. To address these issues, this study introduces deep learning to optimize the controller parameters, particularly those used for sliding mode controllers in underactuated ships. We adopt the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) algorithm based on the Actor Critic framework. By freely setting the reward function to match the control objective, the trained model can output more accurate controller parameters, with the …

Experiments On Aluminum Alloy Additive Layer Waam Lamination Using The Arc Current Reduction Technique, Jukkapun Greebmalai, Eakkachai Warinsiriruk, Chao-Hsiang Hsiao, Yin-Tien Wang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Recent advancements in additive manufacturing have been propelled by innovations in processes, materials, and fabrication techniques. This study specifically focuses on the optimizing Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) within the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) process. The goal is to build laminated layers using aluminum alloy from the five-thousand series. In this research, a novel technique is introduced that employs a reduced arc-current during the additive layer progress for aluminum alloys, along with a double pulse current in the GMAW process to enhance weldability. The material used for addition is ER5356 aluminum wire, which is applied to an Al-5083 …

An Optimization Model For Supporting Bunkering Decisions In Bulk Shipping, Chung-Cheng Lu, Hui-Chieh Li, Hung-Yu Chen

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

This study addresses a bunkering optimization problem for bulk shipping carriers that explores route deviation to find optimal bunkering locations and amounts. A mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model is developed to determine optimal bunkering decisions that minimize total operating costs, including total daily operating costs, bunkering costs, port charges and surcharges, while observing time window constraints at loading/unloading ports. The proposed model is evaluated using instances generated from real data provided by H company with its operational headquarters in Taipei, Taiwan, which operates a fleet of handysize ships in East and South Asia. The results indicate that optimization models …

Assessment Of Coastal Navigation Safety: A Case Study Of Boka Bay With Stakeholder Perspectives, Ivan Mraković, Rino Bošnjak

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

The navigational safety of Boka Bay, i.e., a critical maritime area along the Adriatic coast, is of great importance owing to its ecological sensitivity, diverse marine traffic, and significant economic activity. This study provides a comprehensive assessment by analyzing the perspectives of various stakeholders, including seafarers, local pilots, skippers, regulatory authorities, and others engaged in maritime activities within the bay. Using a structured questionnaire survey, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected in formats such as descriptive responses, Yes/No choices, and Likert scale ratings, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of navigational practices and challenges. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, …

A Hybrid Model To Assess Commercial Port Resilience In Taiwan, Po-Hsing Tseng, James J.H. Liou

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Since 2021, international commercial ports have faced unprecedented challenges (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic, Suez Canal congestion), impacting daily life, work, human well-being, properties, the environment, and socio-economic activities. The adaptation capability resilience of international commercial ports to respond to external changes has become crucial. This study develops an expert knowledge-based hybrid multi-criteria decision-making model integrating Best-Worst Method (BWM), Rough Dombi Aggregator, and Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) to evaluate port resilience capabilities, using Taiwan's international commercial ports as a case study. We propose four evaluation dimensions encompassing 13 indicators: detection capability, resistance capability, resource integration capability, and recovery capability. The BWM determined …

An Evaluation Of The Possibility And Effectiveness Of Renewable Energy In Container Terminal At Jinhae New Port, Min-Seop Sim, Yul-Seong Kim, Chang-Hee Lee

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

The international goals of combating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are driving container terminal operators to adopt renewable energy solutions. This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of introducing renewable energy and eco-fuels for energy independence at the Jinhae New Port Container Terminal, South Korea. Using portfolio analysis, eight renewable energy technologies (solar power, solar thermal energy, wind energy, hydropower, marine energy, geothermal energy, bioenergy, and waste-to-energy) and seven eco-friendly fuels (electricity, liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen fuel cells, ammonia fuel cells, bioenergy, and hybrid systems) were assessed. Survey data from stakeholders identified solar, wind, and …

Global Spectral Clustering Of Temporally Stable Pixels For Epics Identification, Validation, And Hyperspectral Assignment For Satellite Calibration, Juliana Maria Fajardo Rueda

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Refinement Of Trend-To-Trend Cross Calibration Total Uncertainties Utilizing Extended Pseudo Invariant Calibration Sites (Epics) Global Temporally Stable Target, Minura Samaranayake

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cross-calibration is an essential technique for calibrating Earth Observation satellite sensors, which involves taking nearly simultaneous images of a ground target to compare uncalibrated sensor to a well-calibrated reference sensor. This study introduces the hyperspectral Trend-to-Trend (T2T) cross-calibration technique utilizing EPICS Cluster 13 Global Temporally Stable (Cluster 13-GTS) as the calibration target, offering better temporal stability than previous targets used in T2T cross-calibration by an absolute difference of 0.4%, between coefficients of variation across all bands excluding CA band. A multispectral sensor-specific normalized hyperspectral profile was developed using the EO-1 Hyperion hyperspectral profile over Cluster 13-GTS to improve Spectral Band …

Exploring Research And Tools In Ai Security: A Systematic Mapping Study, Sidhant Narula, Mohammad Ghasemigol, Javier Carnerero-Cano, Amanda Minnich, Emil Lupu, Daniel Takabi

School of Cybersecurity Faculty Publications

With the pervasive integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in various facets of modern technology, the importance of AI security has been thrust into the spotlight. The field is rapidly evolving, with new challenges and solutions emerging at a swift pace. However, the breadth and depth of AI security research have not been comprehensively mapped in recent times, presenting a crucial need for an extensive review and synthesis of existing literature. Given the increasing reliance on AI in critical domains such as healthcare, finance, and national security, ensuring the resilience and trustworthiness of these systems is imperative. This survey fulfills the …

Leaf-Based Varietal Categorization Of Sweetpotato (Ipomoea Batatas L. Lam.), A Potentially Healthful Vegetable, Using Image Processing And K-Means Clustering, Shahidul Islam, Md Towfiqur Rahman, Md Hamidul Rahman, Abdul Momin

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas Lam) leaves contain higher concentrations of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and carotenoids that are remarkable in health promotion. However, the nutrient content in sweetpotato leaves varies from variety to variety, and leaf shape and color are the key identifying factors for the varietal classification of sweetpotatoes. So, detecting sweetpotato leaves is essential for the in-situ identification of sweetpotato varieties and for developing intelligent agricultural systems. This study aimed to create a leaf-shape-based varietal classification technique for sweetpotato using image processing techniques coupled with a K-means clustering algorithm. 38 leaf images (RGB) of two sweetpotato cultivars were collected …