Engineering Commons^™

Intelligent Decision-Making Method In Imbalanced Air Combat Based On Asymmetric Self-Play, Wei Zheng, Jiahao Tang, Xiaoping Xiong, Xin Fan

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To solve the problem of strategy convergence caused by role homogenization in traditional self-play for imbalanced air combat, an intelligent decision-making method based on asymmetric selfplay was proposed. This method decoupled tactics from control by employing a hierarchical reinforcement learning framework and designed differentiated reward functions for advantaged and disadvantaged sides. Bidirectional independent policy pools were constructed to promote the co-evolution of strategies. The proximal policy optimization algorithm was utilized to train the model. Experiments in 1v1 weapon-imbalanced and 2v1 numerically-imbalanced scenarios demonstrate that compared to symmetric self-play, the proposed method increases the kill rate of the advantaged …

Agent-Based Pathfinding Method For Indoor Fire Emergency Evacuation, Ao Tian, Jianqin Zhang, Zheng Wen, Chaonan Hu, Hong Zhao, Bo Shen

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To improve emergency evacuation efficiency and reduce casualties in dynamic fire scenarios, a real-time path re-planning method based on agents and dynamic A* algorithm framework is proposed. The behavior and actions of the agent is modeled. A reward function is designed, and an agent-based evacuation framework is constructed. Based on fire simulation data, a dynamic cost network involving parameters such as thermal radiation, smoke visibility, and CO concentration is constructed to achieve spatiotemporally continuous modeling of fire environments. By optimizing the composite cost function through dynamic weight allocation, combined with an improved heuristic function and dynamic search mechanism, local …

A Semantic Knowledge-Enhanced Assessment Method For Spectrum Effectiveness Of Low Earth Orbit Constellations, Yiqing Liu, Qiuyang Zhang, Chunyu Liu, Yao Xue, Zhiwei Wei, Yan Feng

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: In order to scientifically assess the spectrum effectiveness of low earth orbit constellations, the problems of insufficient adaptability of the traditional assessment framework and inaccurate estimation of KPIs under sparse data conditions were solved, a semantic knowledge-enhanced assessment method for spectrum effectiveness of low earth orbit constellations was proposed. A comprehensive multi-level, all band, and multi-dimensional spectrum effectiveness assessment framework covering link level, system level, geographical level, and service application level was constructed. A KPI intelligent prediction agent model integrating semantic knowledge and machine learning was proposed to quantify text-like design parameters using SentenceTransformer, so as to rapidly …

Simulation Method For Multi-Crew Construction Processes Based On Large Language Model-Powered Agent, Yifan Wang, Bin Yang, Congjun Wang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Traditional construction simulation methods typically rely on predefined rules or static scheduling mechanisms, making it difficult to simulate interactive decision-making under complex constraints by dynamically adapting multi-crew construction scenarios. As a result, workforce idleness caused by process dependencies and spatial occupation fails to be solved. A simulation method for multicrew construction processes based on a LLM-powered agent was proposed. The distributed crew agents endowed with construction scenario understanding and reasoning capabilities were constructed, as well as a centralized project manager agent. A “single-manager and multiple-crew” decision-making mechanism for multi-agent interaction in construction was designed. Autonomous decision-making and coordination mechanism …

Comprehensive Review Of Lithium Extraction Processes With Economic And Environmental Analysis, Shayan Abrishami, Maryam Gonbadi, Yasaman Boroumand, Mahsa Golmohammadi, Mehdi Narimani, Amin Sarmadi, Chase Matthews, Humberto Estay, Mehdi Khiadani, Amir Razmjou

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The growing need for lithium, primarily driven by the expanding electric car market and increasing energy storage requirements, has created a significant demand for sustainable and efficient lithium extraction techniques. This comprehensive review examines the current state and prospects of lithium extraction technologies from both hard-rock and brine sources, offering an enviro-economic perspective on various production methods. While several reviews have attempted to cover lithium extraction in various aspects, our work specifically focuses on the processes of lithium extraction from different sources. We systematically evaluate traditional hard-rock extraction processes, including sulfating, alkali, chlorination, and carbonizing methods, detailing their mechanisms, efficiencies, …

Protecting ‘Punks’: The Shortcomings Of The Prison Rape Elimination Act, Rachel Goldsmith

Binghamton University Undergraduate Journal

Prisoner-on-prisoner sexual abuse is widespread in US male prisons, with inmates “turning each other out” by sexually assaulting each other. While the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) received unanimous support in Congress in 2003, motivated by the Human Rights Watch Report “No Escape: Male Rape in Prisons,” scholars argue that the PREA fails to protect prisoners from prison rape: for example, its standards may be ineffective or criminalize consensual sex between prisoners. This essay will examine the shortcomings of the PREA, drawing on current legal scholarship, and propose solutions to enhance the law's effectiveness in protecting prisoners. The US government …

Identify Top Journals, Ibis Anette Moreno-Lozano Phd.

Day Family Research Lab Workshop Series

No abstract provided.

Ai Applications In Assessing Risk For Periodontal Disease: A Systematic Review, Grant O. Korte, Claudia M. Tellez Freitas

Annual Research Symposium

Objectives:

The goal of this systematic review is to examine the impact of using artificial intelligence (AI) to predict a patient’s risk level for periodontal disease by analyzing proven systemic health diseases linked to periodontitis. This is being done by primarily focusing on prevention and early diagnosis using machine learning programs that have been proven effective in other fields of periodontitis research.

Methods:

To conduct this study, a comprehensive literature review of journals published after 2020 was performed through four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Dentistry and Oral Science Source. The search was completed in adherence …

Understanding Software Engineering Practices And Tools In Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Students, Prisha Bhatia, Ramzey Burdette, Titilayo Oshinowo, Michelle Jarvie-Eggart, Stephanos Matsumoto

Michigan Tech Publications

Though software development has increasingly become a part of modern engineering practice, even outside of computing, we lack a sufficiently deep understanding of how engineers in many disciplines learn and use software engineering practices and tools (SEPTs). SEPTs include, but extend beyond, programming itself, consisting of practices (e.g., unit testing) and tools (e.g., version control software) that support the design, implementation, or maintenance of software. While many disciplines outside of computing teach programming in their undergraduate curricula, little is known about how these disciplines use, teach, or adopt SEPTs. We thus conducted an exploratory qualitative study on SEPTs among undergraduate …

Leaching Of Manganese Using Bio-Solubilized Iron Reductant To Prevent Manganese Carbonate Formation, Palas Kamlakar Borkar, Neha Sharma, Atharva Rane, Kwabena Boafo, Timothy Eisele

Michigan Tech Publications

A mixed culture of metal-reducing microorganisms was used to dissolve iron, which was then utilized as a reductant to extract manganese in a 250 mL two-stage bioleaching system. In this two-stage configuration, CO2 generation associated with microbial metabolism occurs in the iron-reduction stage, while MnO2 reduction is confined to a separate manganese-leaching stage, thereby minimizing manganese carbonate formation. The results demonstrated that the two-stage system effectively maintained Fe²⁺ availability, enhancing manganese dissolution while mitigating loss of manganese through manganese carbonate (MnCO3) formation. In contrast, a single-stage bioleaching approach, where microorganisms directly reduced manganese oxides, led to significant MnCO3 precipitation, …

Effect Of Degree Of Saturation On The Liquefaction Resistance Of Non-Plastic And Low-Plastic Soils, Kayla Rae Sorenson

Dissertations and Theses

Liquefaction and cyclic softening of fine-grained soils pose a significant hazard during earthquakes, yet the cyclic behavior of transitional soils such as silts remains poorly understood. Existing empirical liquefaction evaluation frameworks and ground improvement techniques are largely developed for sands and are not directly applicable to silts, particularly beneath existing infrastructure where conventional mitigation methods are often impractical or cost prohibitive. This knowledge gap is critical in regions such as the Pacific Northwest, where young, loosely deposited silts are prevalent and susceptible to seismic loading.

Microbially induced desaturation (MID) has emerged in recent years as a promising, minimally invasive ground …

Flow Over A Cylinder With A Small Triangular Bump, Jack Elliott, Alex Nielson, Barton L. Smith

Integrated Engineering Department Publications

The surface pressure distribution over a circular cylinder with a small, full-span, triangular bump is examined. The geometry of the bump is an isosceles triangle, the height of which is varied from 1.33 % to 5.33 % of the diameter of the cylinder and positioned between 60° and 120°. The Reynolds number (Re=V∞ D/ν, where V∞ is the velocity of the freestream, D is the diameter of the cylinder and ν is the kinematic viscosity) is varied between 1.1×105 and 1.8×105. The lift and drag are estimated through the surface integral of pressure over the cylinder. The results show that …

Prediction Of Thyroid Disease Based On Machine Learning Algorithms, Tuqa Ahmed Elbillihy, Eman Abdelhalim, Mohamed Ashour, Hala B. Nafea

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Accurately diagnosing thyroid disease remains a challenge in medicine, necessitating the use of reliable computational techniques for early detection and categorization. Using a dataset of 3164 patient records, this study applies machine learning algorithms to create a computer-aided thyroid disease diagnosis system. The data set includes demographic information, clinical indicators, and thyroid function test results. To improve model performance, the study focuses on preprocessing approaches such as data cleaning, normalization, and feature selection. The use of feature engineering techniques to determine the most predictive characteristics associated with thyroid problems is highlighted. Five machine learning classifiers—Random Forest, K-Nearest Neighbors, Support Vector …

Seismic Behavior Of Slender Cable-Supported Braced Frame Structures, Aya Aboelnaga, Mohamed Mortagi, Mohamed E. El Madawy, A.H.A. Abdelrahman, M. Naguib

Mansoura Engineering Journal

This research investigates advanced strategies to enhance the seismic performance and global stability of slender steel frames by integrating cable-supported and braced systems. To address these challenges, the study develops finite element (FE) models of multi-story slender frames in SAP2000, incorporating both cable-supported configurations and diagonal bracing systems. Nonlinear time-history analyses are performed using selected earthquake ground motions to evaluate structural response, inter-story drift, and mode shape behavior. Results highlight the efficiency of cablesupported frames in controlling lateral displacements and redistributing forces, while also emphasizing the role of bracing in providing additional stiffness. The findings demonstrate that guided frames with …

Hardness Of (Hf,Ti,W,Zr)B2/(Hf,Ti,W,Zr)C-Based Ceramics With Varying Wb Content, Suzana Filipović, William G. Fahrenholtz, Gregory E. Hilmas, Nina Obradović, Stefano Curtarolo

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Compositionally complex (Hf,Ti,Zr,W)B₂/(Hf,Ti,Zr,W)C-based ceramics were produced with different boride and carbide phase contents by varying the C/B₄C molar ratio used in boro/carbothermal reduction. A monoboride phase based on WB was detected in all compositions. As the C/B₄C ratio was varied, the WB content decreased from 23.7 vol% for a C/B₄C ratio of 6.0–15.3 vol% for a C/B₄C ratio of 10.3. Further increases in the C/B₄C ratio increased the WB content. The monoboride phase contained mainly W and Ti in a solid solution with the nominal composition of (W …

Rheological Modification Of Alkali-Activated Slag Mortar: Roles Of Sodium Gluconate Retarder And Dispersants, Tae Yong Shin, Seongho Han, Ryong You, Yubin Jun, Jae Hong Kim

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Alkali-activated materials have emerged as promising low-carbon alternatives to ordinary Portland cement-based binders; however, their practical application is strictly limited by rapid setting and poor workability. To address these challenges, this study proposes an evaluation methodology combining setting time measurement, cloud point tests for chemical stability, and wide-range rheological analysis. While conventional superplasticizers like polycarboxylate ether (PCE) proved unstable in high-alkaline environments, cloud point tests revealed that polynaphthalene sulfonate (PNS) and butyl acrylate (BA) exhibited superior chemical stability. Notably, BA was identified as a novel and effective dispersant in 3.5 M KOH-activated systems, reducing yield stress of fresh mortar by …

Neuproio: A Dual-Action Solid Drug Nanoparticle Topical Formulation For Simultaneous Intraocular Pressure Reduction And Neuroprotection For Glaucoma, Lei Xu, Mu Li, Lin Qi, Tzu Chen Wang, Dong Liu, Vimalin Jeyalatha Mani, Hsin Yin Chuang, Qingbo Yang, Ruipu Mu, Samira Mahdi, Da Huang, Honglan Shi, Yang Hu, Hu Yang

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, primarily due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) that damages the retina and optic nerve. Most topical glaucoma treatments focus solely on IOP-lowering without direct neuroprotection, as drug delivery to the posterior eye is challenging. Here, we developed NeuProIO, a dual-action solid drug nanoparticle (NP) eye drop for simultaneous IOP reduction and neuroprotection. Using flash nanoprecipitation in a multi-inlet vortex mixer, we fabricated the first NeuProIO solid drug NPs incorporating the repurposed neuroprotective agent maprotiline (MAP) and the IOP-lowering agent betaxolol (BX), forming MAP/BX NPs for synergistic glaucoma treatment. The NeuProIO improved stability …

Advanced Design Topics For The Engineering Of Agricultural And Mechanical Equipment, Robert M. Stwalley Iii, Roger Tormoehlen

Purdue University Press Books

Off-road equipment designs contend with some unusual challenges and environmental conditions that are not seen by standard on-road vehicles. Advanced Design Topics for the Engineering of Agricultural and Mechanical Equipment offers design topic reviews related to areas that need special consideration within off-road applications. CAN-BUS systems, soil compaction, composite bearings, field welding practices, and weld strength in bending applications are examined, among other subjects. Providing comprehensive coverage of these matters with the current state-of-the-art technologies and best practices as they relate to equipment design for the agricultural, construction, forestry, and mining industries, this book is well-aligned with collegiate advanced agricultural …

Mechanized Tube Well Installation, Robert M. Stwalley Iii, Grace L. Baldwin Kan-Uge, Roger Tormoehlen

Purdue University Press Books

Mechanized Tube Well Installation provides detailed information on the design development of a mechanized means to install shallow tube wells using a hydraulic driver attached to a small vehicle. This book explores the creation of this technique through the merging of available components, selection of the components, testing of the assembly, and the driving of wells. It also provides comprehensive coverage of state-of-the-art engineering, technology, and best practices as they relate to driving water wells for human consumption, animal care, and irrigation. Mechanized Tube Well Installation is well-aligned with collegiate humanitarian aid, environmental and natural resources engineering, and agricultural equipment …

Applied Research In Field Crop Pathology For Indiana, 2023, Darcy E. P. Telenko, Sujoung Shim

Purdue University Press Books

Applied Research in Field Crop Pathology for Indiana, 2023 serves as a summary of the applied field crop pathology research trials conducted in 2023 under the direction of the Purdue Field Crop Pathology program in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Purdue University. In Indiana, there are more than 57,600 farms, 16,000 crop producers, and 900 certified crop advisers, Extension educators, and crop-protection industry representatives who manage more than 11.4 million crop-production acres with a total value of $6.3 billion annually. There are more than twenty diseases affecting corn, soybeans, and wheat that may decrease crop production and …

Sustainable Construction Materials In The Middle East: Model Development For Materials Selection, Taha Ahmed Omar Madu

Theses and Dissertations

The construction industry, a major driver of economic development in the Middle East, is simultaneously a leading contributor to carbon emissions, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. Amid rapid urbanization in countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, the adoption of sustainable construction materials has emerged as a critical strategy for mitigating environmental and societal impacts while advancing regional development objectives. This thesis is organized along two interrelated directions: first, it delivers a comprehensive assessment of the current adoption, challenges, and opportunities associated with the use of sustainable construction materials across the three target countries; second, it …

Scalable And Fault-Tolerant Network Architectures For Real-Time Video Transmission In Industrial Networked Control Systems, Moustafa Awad

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis addresses the challenge of transporting supervisory video alongside time-critical control traffic in industrial Networked Control Systems (NCS) without violating stringent real-time constraints. A simple yet scalable network architecture is developed and evaluated for a plant-level deployment comprising three interconnected workcells with sensors, controllers, actuators, and cameras. The design explicitly accommodates bandwidth-intensive video streams while preserving the responsiveness of watchdog/control traffic. Analytical delay modeling decomposes end-to-end latency into transmission, propagation, processing, and queuing components, and Riverbed-based simulations are used to validate the model under realistic mixed-traffic conditions. A traffic-engineering strategy - phase-shifting supervisory camera transmissions - effectively desynchronizes frame …

Development Of A Novel Innovative Umbrella Falsework System For Concrete Slabs, Abdelazem Hashim

Theses and Dissertations

Formwork is one of the major elements that contribute to the cost and duration of concrete building projects. This is why optimizing such an element can lead to huge savings to all parties involved in the construction projects. With contractors facing huge challenges in such a competitive industry and employers seeking the least price and least duration for their projects, contractors are constantly under the obligations of finding the best alternatives to deliver their projects in terms of both time and money. Therefore, the main aim of this research project is to develop a falsework system, where the falsework system …

Inspect: Intelligent Node-Based System For Ifc Processing And Evaluation, With Conversational Tool Support —Llmassisted Natural Language Ifc Querying, Basel Abdelshaheid

Theses and Dissertations

Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) enables the open exchange of Building Information Models, yet effective validation of real-world IFC deliveries remains challenging. Project models frequently contain incomplete, inconsistent, or incorrectly exported metadata, and explicit IFC relationships are often missing or degraded during conversion from proprietary formats. Many validation questions are inherently spatial, including connectivity, containment, proximity, and clashes, and therefore cannot be answered reliably from properties alone. As a result, federated model validation is often slow, fragmented across tools, and dependent on specialized IFC expertise.

This challenge is increasingly important for coordination, quality assurance, and information management across disciplines and lifecycle …

Nlp-Based Comparative Assessment Of Clauses Quantifying Risk Transfer In Construction Contracts, Hoda M. Elshamy

Theses and Dissertations

Employers in the construction industry mostly deviate from standard contract forms such as FIDIC and NEC, by introducing alterations to the contract conditions that shift a great portion of risks from the client to the contractor. Originally, these risks were distributed more equitably between all contracting parties in the standards forms. The imbalances in the contractual conditions create fertile ground for conflicts, and if not resolved, will escalate to disputes during the project execution phase, leading to significant cost overruns and time delays. The contractors, therefore, attempt to restore the original balance through making amendments to the communicated contract, through …

Proposed Modifications To The Egyptian Concrete Code Based On A Comprehensive Sustainability Assessment Of Portland Cement Alternatives For Climate Change Mitigation, Yasmin Elhakim

Theses and Dissertations

Climate change is a major challenge facing planet earth today. This phenomenon is foreseen to continue to represent a major concern for decades to come. The construction industry is one of the most polluting sectors worldwide and is considered one of the top greenhouse gas emitters. Egypt, in particular, is one of the most vulnerable countries to the adverse effects of climate change. The construction sector plays a major role in Egypt’s economy, contributing significantly to the national GDP, yet it also represents one of the country’s largest greenhouse gas emitters. However, the Egyptian Concrete Code does not enforce the …

Metal-Free Nitrogen-Enriched Graphitic Carbon Nitride Architectures For Advanced Supercapacitor Energy Storage: Design, Synthesis, And Electrochemical Performance Optimization, Loujain Gamal Mohamed

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This thesis addresses the urgent global requirement for efficient energy storage materials by developing and characterizing advanced graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)-based electrode materials for supercapacitors. A facile, low-cost thermal polymerization method produces 2D nitrogen-rich GCN nanosheets exhibiting excellent electrochemical stability and wide voltage windows, enabling symmetric devices with 19.33 Wh/kg energy density and remarkable cycling stability over 21,000 cycles. To overcome intrinsic limitations of pristine GCN, a 3D/2D metal free composite with bio-derived carbon (Bio-Cx) is synthesized, delivering high capacitance, wide potential windows, and ultrahigh energy density of 53.72 Wh/kg in asymmetric configurations paired with mesoporous nitrogen-doped carbon (MPNDC). …

Clear And Concise: Technical Writing For Biological Engineers, Abigail S. Engelberth

Purdue University Press Books

Clear and Concise: Technical Writing for Biological Engineers is a practical guide designed to help students and early career engineers communicate their work with clarity and confidence. Drawing on years of teaching experience, Abigail S. Engelberth breaks down the essentials of technical writing into approachable steps, showing readers how to organize ideas, present data effectively, and write reports that meet professional standards.

Rather than overwhelming readers with theory, the book focuses on real-world application. It includes examples, checklists, and strategies for common engineering documents including formal and memo-style lab reports. Special attention is given to visuals, formatting, and the role …

Emerging Trends In Photocatalyst-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks For Pfas Degradation, Ahmad Najafidoust, Roham Ghanbari, Javad Farahbakhsh, Ratish Permala, Stefan Iglauer, Masoumeh Zargar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly persistent pollutants in the environment that pose significant health hazards due to their strong chemical resilience and widespread industrial use. Traditional treatment techniques, such as adsorption and reverse osmosis, often struggle with drawbacks like high energy requirements and limited effectiveness against both short- and long-chain PFAS compounds. Among the innovative degradation methods, photocatalysis has gained attention as a viable solution, especially when coupled with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). MOFs are particularly suited for this purpose due to their high surface area, customizable structures, and superior light absorption properties. This review highlights the latest developments …

Flexible Fault-Tolerant Multi-Die Fpga-Based Architectures For Varying Space Environments, Yosof Ali Seif El Din Ali Maklad

Theses and Dissertations

It is well-known fact that spacecraft’s electronic components operate in an extreme harsh and varying space environments, beside changing orbit or passing through Van Allan Belts during orbital course results of radiation levels change. This thesis focuses on SRAM-based FPGA systems on-board of such spacecrafts, that are commonly utilized in space applications’ critical applications due to their capabilities and flexibility to reconfigure, since these systems are vulnerable to frequent negative impacts of ionizing radiation, thus inducing soft and hard errors leading to disastrous failures that could jeopardize the entire spacecraft. The soft errors’ effects are frequent yet can be mitigated, …