Engineering Commons^™

Tunable Dual-Phase Dual-Drug Delivery System Using A Plga Microparticle/Pva Hydrogel Composite, Timothy John Eck

Theses and Dissertations

Current drug-eluting coatings have demonstrated controlled long-term, sustained release but have only tried to mitigate short-term burst release as a negative side effect. For applications like wound healing, there is a need for a drug-eluting coating which is adjustable in both short- and long-term release, independent of each other. We present a tunable dual-phase dual-drug delivery coating composed of drug-loaded polymer microparticles and drug-loaded hydrogel which can control short term and long term release individually in this study. This coating was created using lidocaine and dexamethasone encapsulated in poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) particles combined with lidocaine- and dexamethasone-loaded poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel. Hydrogel drug …

Optimal Aoi For Systems With Queueing Delay In Both Forward And Backward Directions, Chih-Chun Wang

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technical Reports

Age-Of-Information (AoI) is a metric that focuses directly on the application-layer objectives, and a canonical AoI minimization problem is the update-through-queues models. Existing results in this direction fall into two categories: The open-loop setting for which the sender is oblivious of the packet departure time, versus the closed-loop setting for which the decision is based on instantaneous Acknowledgment (ACK). Neither setting perfectly reflects modern networked systems, which almost always rely on feedback that experiences some delay. Motivated by this observation, this work subjects the ACK traffic to a second queue so that the closed-loop decision is made based on delayed …

Controlling The Broadband Enhanced Light Chirality With L-Shaped Dielectric Metamaterials, Ufuk Kilic, Matthew Hilfiker, Shawn Wimer, Alexander Ruder, Eva Schubert, Mathias Schubert, Christos Argyropoulos

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

The inherently weak chiroptical responses of natural materials limit their usage for controlling and enhancing chiral light-matter interactions. Recently, several nanostructures with subwavelength scale dimensions were demonstrated, mainly due to the advent of nanofabrication technologies, as a potential alternative to efficiently enhance chirality. However, the intrinsic lossy nature of metals and the inherent narrowband response of dielectric planar thin films or metasurface structures pose severe limitations toward the practical realization of broadband and tailorable chiral systems. Here, we tackle these problems by designing all-dielectric silicon-based L-shaped optical metamaterials based on tilted nanopillars that exhibit broadband and enhanced chiroptical response in …

Production Of Mrna Vaccine For Influenza, Christina Miller

Honors Theses

The objective of this project is to design a process to produce an mRNA influenza vaccine that serves as an alternative to conventional influenza vaccines, replacing current options with innovative mRNA technologies. Given that older populations are most likely to follow up on immunizations consistently, and the increasing average age worldwide, the market for this project appears to be expanding in the next 80 years. Additionally, experts predict more frequent mutations and outbreaks of viral disease from a variety of factors including globalization and global temperature trends. Rapid response to these viral outbreaks will continue to be as, or even …

Systems, Models, And Simulation For Novel Microfabrication Of Silicon Carbide And Metal Mesh Filters, Hunter R. J. Stevenson

Theses and Dissertations

As the boundaries of Moore's Law rapidly approach, research is increasingly turning to exotic materials and metamaterials to advance the capabilities of electronic and micromechanical systems. This thesis presents systems, models, and simulation techniques for novel microfabrication in the realms of silicon carbide (SiC) and metal mesh filters. Through the unification of femtosecond laser pulses, high numerical aperture (NA) objective lenses, and system power and motion control, a system capable of achieving arbitrary 3D features without line-of-sight with aspect ratios up to 109:1 in SiC is developed. Additionally, a model of a direct-write femtosecond-laser-ablation fabricated metal mesh filter (MMF) is …

Development Of Novel Analytical Methods For The Investigation Of Mammalian Tissues And Cells, Grace A. Binder

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation endeavors to advance the frontiers of analytical chemistry by addressing critical challenges across three distinct chapters. In the first chapter, the focus is on the evaluation of digestion methods for the analysis of trace metals in mammalian tissues and the Standard Reference Material NIST 1577c. The primary goal is to optimize methodologies, laying the groundwork for reliable trace metal analysis and furthering our understanding of their roles in biological systems.

Transitioning into the realm of immunomodulation, the second chapter elucidates immune response, disease and treatment through the optimization and discovery of STING modulators, utilizing the luciferase assay for …

Chatting With Online Agent, Guoxi Robert Zhang

Honors Theses

This study investigates trust in AI-generated language fluency. Participants engaged with both human and AI-generated content, varying in fluency. Findings were to favor trust in fluent human and AI interactions over disfluent ones. Understanding fluency's impact can inform AI design and encourage critical thinking when dealing with AI-generated content. By using qualitative analysis of think-aloud reports, we examined strategies that people use to assess texts labeled as human-generated and AI-generated content.

1st Person Ev With Electronic Differential, Tessa Biondo

Honors Theses

The First Person EV with Electronic Differential for Vehicle Dynamics Analysis project makes a significant leap forward in the exploration of electric vehicle (EV) stability and performance enhancement. Lead by a team of skilled electrical engineering students under the guidance of WMU’s associate Professor Dr. Sandun Kuruppu, this project aims to improve EV stability by optimizing power and torque distribution between wheels using an electronic differential system. The project encompasses the design and assembly of a 1/7^th scale custom electric vehicle, capable of remote control via a first-person view (FPV) camera and modified USB wheel and pedal assembly. The …

Ssnet: Exploiting Spatial Information For Tobacco Stem Impurity Detection With Hyperspectral Imaging, Chao Zhou, Zhenye Li, Dongyi Wang, Sheng Xue, Tingting Zhu, Chao Ni

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Tobacco stems are a critical component in cigarette production in China. However, accurately and promptly identifying impurities in tobacco stems remains a challenge with current deep learning methods, often failing to meet industry standards. This study introduces the Spectral-Spatial Network (SSNet), which is specifically optimized for rapid and precise detection of impurities in tobacco stems, leveraging spatial information in hyperspectral imaging. Designed to align with the high-speed requirements of industrial processing, SSNet effectively overcomes the complexities associated with analyzing hyperspectral data. The integration of spatial information particularly enhances recognition accuracy, especially in areas affected by fringe patterns. Our experiments reveal …

Microplastics Fouling Mitigation In Forward Osmosis Membranes By The Molecular Assembly Of Sulfobetaine Zwitterion, Javad Farahbakhsh, Mitra Golgoli, Mehdi Khiadani, Amir Razmjou, Masoumeh Zargar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Forward osmosis (FO) membranes have potential for the efficient water and wastewater treatment applications. However, their development has faced significant challenges due to their fouling propensity. In this study, FO membranes modified with sulfobetaine zwitterions (i.e., [2-(Methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium hydroxide) were fabricated and used for the first time to address microplastic (MP) fouling issue. Water flux, reverse salt flux (RSF), fouling, and flux recovery were evaluated for the membranes loaded with different quantities of the zwitterions ranging from 0.25 % to 2 %. The developed membranes were tested over 49 h with feed solutions containing polyethylene MPs and bovine serum albumin …

Analysis, Design, And Validation Of The Structural System Of Alainsat-1 Cubesat, Abdalla Saad Elshaal

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis presents the process of conducting structural analysis on AlAinSat-1 CubeSat through numerical solutions using Siemens NX. AlAinSat-1 is a 3U remote-sensing CubeSat equipped with two Earth observation payloads and is scheduled for launch using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. To ensure the mission's success and its ability to endure the launch environment, several scenarios must be analyzed. For the AlAinSat-1 model, the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) method is employed, covering four types of structural analyses: modal, quasi-static, buckling, and random vibration analyses. The workflow cycle includes idealization, meshing, assembly, applying connections and boundary conditions, and finally, running simulations using …

Synthesis And Structure-Property Relationships Of Sustainable Nanostructured Materials Towards Energy And Environment Applications, Nizamudeen Alungal Cherupurakal

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This doctoral research aims to advance clean energy technologies by developing specialized nanostructured materials. The study covers significant research themes, each forming separate sections in the thesis, explaining the important role of nanostructures in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of energy devices and photocatalytic technologies. The enduring effort toward stabilizing and improving the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) has stirred the solar research community to follow innovative approaches. The primary objective of the research is centered on electrode materials design, which improves photoanodes' light-harvesting efficiency (LHE). To improve the Photoanode of DSSCs, a Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) derived porous photoanodes …

Box Packaging Waste Reduction By Largest Area First Fit Algorithm And Minimum Cuboid Estimation Of Irregular Shape Products, Jimmy Kwon, Sungmin Kwon

Journal of Applied Packaging Research

Nowadays, packaging waste is a prevalent issue due to the increase in deliveries from online shopping. In this research paper, a new approach to the issue of cardboard box packaging waste is proposed by selecting an optimal box that will contain both regular and irregular products while minimizing wasted volume. The method can be utilized so that packaging workers can select an appropriate, yet sustainable box. For computing a minimal cuboid of irregular objects, the system setup with two cameras is prepared to capture the overhead and sideview images, estimating the box's width, depth, and height in pixels. The proposed …

Deficiencies In Safe Practices By Pilots Operating General Aviation Aircraft In Weather Conducive For Icing, Douglas Boyd Phd, Thomas Guinn Phd

Journal of Aviation Technology and Engineering

Introduction: Flights of general aviation aircraft in icing conditions pose safety hazards especially since few airplanes are equipped with ice protection systems (FIKI). Herein, we sought to answer the following questions not previously addressed: (i) Has the general aviation icing-related accident rate declined over time? (ii) Which phase(s) of flight lead(s) to the highest fraction of fatal accidents? (iii) Do general aviation pilots adhere to safe practices when operating in forecasted icing?

Methods: Retrospectively, icing-related accidents were per the National Transportation Safety Board database. Prospectively, non-FIKI single-engine airplanes, operating in forecasted icing, were tracked (January–March 2023) using FlightAwareR. Presumptive icing …

Intelligent Optimization Method Of Cloud Manufacturing Swarm Based On Incomplete Information Game, Kunpeng Zhang, Yan Wang, Zhicheng Ji

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: In the process of cloud manufacturing, the incomplete information status and the mutual competition and restriction relationship between cloud platform operator and demander lead to the difficult choice of manufacturing services. A cloud manufacturing swarm intelligent optimization method based on incomplete information game model is proposed. A static game model based on incomplete information is established for the interest competition between demand-side and cloud platform, with the goal of rationally pursuing the maximization of their own revenue function. The competition rules between demand-side and cloud platform are proposed, which are introduced into nature through Harsanyi transformation and converted into …

Hyper-Heuristic Approach With K-Means Clustering For Inter-Cell Scheduling, Yanlin Zhao, Yunna Tian

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: According to the actual production situation of China's manufacturing industry, a hyperheuristic algorithm based on K-means clustering is proposed for inter-cell scheduling problem of flexible job-shop. K-means clustering is applied to group entities with similar attributes into the corresponding work cluster decision blocks, and the ant colony algorithm is used to select heuristic rules for each decision block. The optimal scheduling solutions are generated by using corresponding heuristic rules for scheduling of entities in each decision block. Computational results show that, the computational granularity is properly increased by the form of decision blocks, and the computational efficiency of the …

Distributed Energy Management Strategy Of Microgrid Based On Master-Slave Game, Miaomiao Ma, Hao Wang, Lipeng Dong, Xiangjie Liu

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Under the operation mode of power market, based on two-layer master-slave game, a distributed energy management strategy for the microgrid is proposed to tackle the conflict between the overall optimal operation of renewable microgrid and the maximum profit of each investor. To fully consider the balance between energy supply and demand, the concept of power trading agent is introduced, and an integrated demand response strategy based on consumer satisfaction and adjustable load is proposed on the user side. Considering the initiative and decision-making ability of power supply and load, the decision-making game model is established with power trading agent …

Optimization Of Urban Traffic Microsimulation Model For Carbon Emission Reduction, Bo Liu, Jianxin Lin, Yini Liu, Dong Zhang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To assess the environmental benefits of transportation management or control strategies, a method to effectively integrate the micro-traffic simulation model and the micro-vehicle emission model is proposed. VISSIM platform is used to build a case micro traffic simulation model. K-means clustering method is used to divide the driving behavior into 4 types based on the acceleration and deceleration characteristics of different speed intervals of the trajectory data, and the global parameters of the simulation model are calibrated based on the driving characteristics, which quantitatively describe the total sensitivity of the parameters and the sensitivity of the interactions between the …

Modeling And Analysis Of Hybrid Traffic Flow Considering Actual Behavior Of Platoon, Xi Wang, Xiujian Yang, Xiaohan Jia, Shenyi Wang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To explore the effect of actual behavior of autonomous vehicular platoon on traffic flow, aiming at the hybrid traffic flow mixed with predecessor following(PF) platoon which is modeled according to the actual control strategy, a hybrid traffic flow model is established based on cellular automata(CA) modeling method. Simulation analysis shows that the effect of platoon characteristics such as time headway, market penetration, platoon size, and control gains on hybrid traffic flow presents coupling and nonlinear properties. The spatiotemporal behavior of hybrid traffic flow with different platoon characteristics is generally much different. Reducing time headway or increasing platoon market penetration …

Dynamic Path Planning For Mobile Robot Based On Rrt* And Dynamic Window Approach, Rui Zhang, Li Zhou, Zhengyang Liu

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: A dynamic path planning method combining RRT* and dynamic window approach(DWA) is proposed to realize the obstacle avoidance of mobile robot in complex environment of dynamic obstacles. Improved RRT* algorithm is used to generate the global optimal safe path based on the known environment information. By eliminating the dangerous nodes generated by RRT* algorithm, the security of global path is ensured. Greedy algorithm is used to remove the redundant nodes in the path to reduce the length of global path. DWA is used to track along the global optimal path planned by the improved RRT* algorithm. When static obstacles …

Collaborative Navigation Method For 5g Cluster Uav Based On Configuration Optimization, Chao Gao, Zheng Huang, Xuan Zhao, Hongxing Wang, Tao Long

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: The existing range based cooperative navigation methods for clustered UAVs generally ignore the impact of space configuration on positioning and energy determination, which makes it difficult to obtain the accurate navigation and positioning results. In view of this, a collaborative navigation method is proposed for 5G clustered UAVs based on spatial configuration optimization. The relative ranging error model of UAVs based on 5G signals in complex environments is constructed, and the optimization strategy for collaborative navigation nodes is established based on the minimum geometric division of precision(GDOP) criterion to achieve the real-time optimization of collaborative navigation spatial configuration; A …

A Multi-Uav Collaborative Priority Coverage Search Algorithm, Xiang Yu, Qianrui Deng, Sirui Duan, Chen Jiang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: For the challenges such as large disaster area, uneven distribution of key areas and limited rescue time in emergency rescue, a multi-UAV collaborative priority coverage search algorithm is proposed. The search area is rasterized, and each grid is probabilistically labeled according to the disaster prediction information. The search area is divided into sub-regions of similar size and equal number of UAVs by K-means++ algorithm, and the search starting point of each sub-region is determined based on the clustering center, so that the multiple UAVs can carry out the partition cooperative search of the whole area. The score of each …

Incremental Image Dehazing Algorithm Based On Multiple Transfer Attention, Jinyang Wei, Keping Wang, Yi Yang, Shumin Fei

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: In order to improve the processing ability of the depth-neural network dehazing algorithm to the supplementary data set, and to make the network differently process the image features of different importance to improve the dehazing ability of the network, an incremental dehazing algorithm based on multiple migration of attention is proposed. The teacher's attention generation network in the form of Encoder-Decoder extracts the multiple attention of labels and haze, which is used it as the label of the characteristic migration media network to constrain the network training to form the migration media attention as close as possible to the …

W/V-Band Propagation Modeling, Nolan Rebernick

Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

Enhancing the accuracy of atmospheric loss modeling holds the potential to significantly refine estimations of received power, thereby enhancing the overall quality of satellite communication links. This study aims to pioneer and validate an innovative modeling framework to reliably predict atmospheric attenuation along satellite-to-ground propagation paths, particularly focusing on portions of the W-band (81-86 GHz) and V-band (71-76 GHz). By leveraging meteorological data, this approach will encompass various weather scenarios, including clear skies, cloud cover, and diverse forms of precipitation. Utilizing the generated time domain data, the research aims to construct complementary cumulative distribution functions, enabling the analysis of satellite …

Sustainability In Civil And Construction Engineering, Connotations, Paradigms, And Perceptions, Xiaomei Wang

Theses and Dissertations

Over the last four decades, the concept of sustainability has evolved significantly, gaining prominence since the Brundtland report in 1987. Operating at the intersection of built and natural environments, Civil and Construction Engineering (CCE) projects and designs inherently impact the natural surroundings. In this context, the concept of sustainability serves not only as a guiding principle to mitigate depletion but also as a pathway to achieving balance among diverse societal needs so every creature can survive and thrive. Despite considerable efforts in this domain, the definition of sustainability within the CCE discipline remains elusive. Paradoxically, the popularity and vagueness of …

Development Of Zr(Iv) Mof-Enabled Nerve Agent Electrochemical Hydrolysis Sensors, Tyler James Marlar

Theses and Dissertations

Nerve agents are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and among the most toxic chemical warfare agents ever synthesized. Detection of these chemicals is critical for the protection of populations and strategic resources. G-series nerve agents are volatile compounds. V-series nerve agents are persistent phosphonothioate compounds. Persistent nerve agents do not readily volatilize and can contaminate environmental resources for extended periods. While nerve agents are inherently non-electroactive, they can be hydrolyzed to electroactive products compatible with electrochemical sensing. Zr(IV) MOFs are next-generation nanoporous materials, which have been shown to rapidly catalyze nerve agent hydrolysis. In this work, the catalytic processes of MOF-808, a specific …

Path Planning Rapid Algorithm Based On Modified Rrt* For Unmanned Surface Vessel, Zhaozhen Jiang, Wenlong Wang, Wenqi Sun

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Aiming at the weak purposiveness of rapidly exploring random tree algorithm in USV path planning, a modified rapid algorithm is proposed. The artificial potential field method is improved and the force analysis in four directions is added to comprehensively calculate the resultant force on USV. The calculation method of steering angle is redefined to avoid entering the local optimal trap and can reach the target point smoothly to obtain an initial path. The initial path is used to set the random point sampling area of rapidly exploring random tree algorithm. By reducing the probability of random points generated in …

Ensemble-Learning Model Based Ultimate Moment Prediction Of Reinforced Concrete Members Strengthened By Uhpc, Woubishet Zewdu Taffese, Yanping Zhu, Genda Chen

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Data-driven model development brings new approaches to solve conventional civil engineering problems, which are usually considered and answered by experimental, analytical, and numerical methods. This study aims to develop an ensemble learning model (i.e., XGBoost: eXtreme Gradient Boosting) to predict ultimate moment of reinforced concrete (RC) members strengthened by a newly developed concrete technology – ultrahigh performance concrete (UHPC). The study considered two scenarios, incorporating eighteen and seventeen features, with one feature modification involving the transformation of width and height to the cross-sectional area of RC members. Incorporating three substrate damage levels, two substrate surface treatments preceding UHPC strengthening, and …

Spatial Correspondence Of Cortical Activity Measured With Whole Head Fnirs And Fmri Toward Clinical Use Within Subject, Anthony Zinos, Julie C. Wagner, Scott A. Beardsley, Wei-Liang Chen, Lisa Conant, Marsha Malloy, Joseph Heffernan, Brendan Quirk, Robert W. Prost, Mohit Maheshwari, Jeffrey Sugar, Harry T. Whelan

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) both measure the hemodynamic response, and so both imaging modalities are expected to have a strong correspondence in regions of cortex adjacent to the scalp. To assess whether fNIRS can be used clinically in a manner similar to fMRI, 22 healthy adult participants underwent same-day fMRI and whole-head fNIRS testing while they performed separate motor (finger tapping) and visual (flashing checkerboard) tasks. Analyses were conducted within and across subjects for each imaging approach, and regions of significant task-related activity were compared on the cortical surface. The spatial correspondence between …

Detection Of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals In Personal Care Products Using A Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane-Based Hybrid Material, Aarthi K

Theses and Dissertations

Personal care products (cosmetics) are a diverse group of goods, that includes all the essential routines including the personal hygiene products used in our day-to-day life. It contains a variety of ingredients in its formulation, including preservatives, flavor, UV filters, and other additives. Few of the chemicals utilized are found to impair human health and have serious environmental impacts. The major chemicals include parabens, triclosan, oxybenzone, phthalates, heavy metals, fragrances, etc, Though the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has set the usage limits for the chemicals used, exposure to these chemicals from multiple products may exceed the exposure limit. …