Engineering Commons^™

Tissue-Like Fracture Toughness And Stress–Relaxation Ability In Pva-Agar-Based Hydrogels For Biomedical Applications, Ismael Lamas Jr., Bhuvana L. Chandrashekar, Cláudia C. Biguetti, Mohammad R. Islam

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Soft tissues exhibit remarkable stretchability, fracture toughness, and stress–relaxation ability. They possess a large water content to support cellular processes. Mimicking such a combination of mechanical and physical properties in hydrogels is important for tissue engineering applications but remains challenging. This work aims to develop a hydrogel that can combine excellent mechanical properties with cellular viability. The research focused on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/agar double-network (DN) hydrogels, fabricated by thermal gelation and freeze–thawing methods. Their mechanical properties were characterized through tension, compression, fracture, and stress–relaxation tests, and their cellular viability was measured through cytotoxicity tests. The results show that the PVA/agar …

Effect Of Gelam Wood And Rice Husk Composition With Molding Pressure On The Combustion Performance Of Biopellets, Rachmat Subagyo, Rudi Siswanto, Ma’Ruf Ma’Ruf, Mastiadi Tamjidillah, Abdul Ghofur, Femiana Gapsari, M. Zainul Rusdi, Azie Aprianto, Wardoyo Wardoyo, Naila Salsabila

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

This study investigates the effects of gelam wood (Melaleuca leucadendron) and rice husk composition in biopellet production, focusing on compaction pressures of 60, 80, and 100 kg/cm². Five biomass ratios (G100–RH0, G80–RH20, G60–RH40, G50–RH50, G0–RH100) were tested for moisture, ash, fixed carbon, volatile matter, calorific value, ignition time, burning rate, and combustion temperature. Results showed that moisture content ranged from 0.98% (G0–RH100, 60 kg/cm²) to 12.28% (G100–RH0, 80 kg/cm²), while ash content varied between 2.47% (G100–RH0, 60 kg/cm²) and 20.93% (G0–RH100, 80 kg/cm²). The highest calorific value reached 3968 cal/g (G100–RH0, 60–80 kg/cm²), though below the SNI 8675:2018 minimum of …

Spatiotemporal Deep Learning To Forecast Storm Surge Water Levels And Storm Trajectory: Case Study Hurricane Harvey, Junqin Hou, Muhammad K. Akbar, Manar D. Samad, Lizhi Ouyang

Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Faculty Research

No abstract provided.

Insights Into The Construction Of The Oruanui Magma Reservoir From A Comparison Of Zircon Hosted In Plagioclase And Whole-Rock, Tyler D. Schlieder, Kari M. Cooper, Adam J.R. Kent, Darren Gravley, Chad Deering, Seth Rubin, Adelicia Johnson

Michigan Tech Publications

Silicic magmatic systems play a critical role in the evolution of continental crust, and their eruptions could pose significant hazard to modern civilization. However, the processes of silicic magma storage and assembly prior to eruption are not well understood. We report new ²³⁸U-²³⁰Th ages and trace-element data for both rims and interiors of zircons separated from whole-rock (WR) samples and from bulk plagioclase separates from the 25.4 ka Oruanui eruption, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand. These data provide petrologic context and a more complete record of zircon crystallization than previous analyses of whole-rock hosted zircon interiors. In …

Non-Invasive Wearables In Pediatric Healthcare: A Comprehensive Review Of Uses And Implications, Kyra-Angela Magsayo, Seyedeh F. Khatami Firoozabadi

Pacific Faculty Work

Wearable technology is rapidly evolving, with increasing efforts to integrate a wide range of sensors capable of capturing real-time physiological and behavioral health data from users. These devices have shown significant promise in supporting health monitoring and promoting well-being by providing continuous, objective feedback based on data analytics. Importantly, they enable early detection of potential health issues, allowing for timely intervention and more personalized healthcare. While a wide variety of commercially available wearable devices are designed for adults—tracking metrics such as physical activity, heart rate, body temperature, electrocardiograms (ECG), and oxygen saturation—there remains a notable gap in the availability and …

Novel Biomolecule-Infused Gelatin Injectable For Treatment Of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury, Ananya Tadikonda, Sunjay Anekal, Lena W. Chen, Gabriel Sobczak, Troy Wesson, Carmilya Jackson, Marisa A. Egan, Julie C. Liu, Patrick R. Finnegan, Stacey Halum

School of Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications

Objective

Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) due to recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (RLN) is a major cause of voice disorders. We have recently identified three biomolecules (agrin, acetylcholine, and neuregulin) with the potential to promote reinnervation after RLN injury. This study aimed to determine if a gelatin injectable with the reinnervating biomolecules will induce site-specific amplification of neurotrophic factor release and reinnervation after RLN injury in unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice underwent RLN transection with the following treatment allocations: saline control (N = 16), biomolecule cocktail only (N = 16), and biomolecule-infused gelatin (N = …

09.15.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

• NIH Common Forms
• ORED Field Fest

Experimental And Numerical Investigation On The Effect Of Projectile Mass And Apex Angle On Penetration Depth Into Sandy Soils, Abdul-Rahman K. Osman, Ahmed Elshesheny Dr, Mohamed S. Zahran Dr, Nabil M. Nagy Prof.

Journal of Engineering Research

Projectile penetration in granular soils remains a critical concern in defense engineering and ballistics research. This study presents an experimental and numerical investigation of rigid cone-tip projectile penetration into very dense sand, examining the influence of apex angle and projectile weight on penetration depth. Laboratory experiments were conducted using metallic projectiles with apex angles of 10°, 30°, 60°, and 90° and weights of 2.445, 3.87, 5.33, and 6.81 kg, dropped from a height of 4.295 m into a 500×500×500 mm wooden tank filled with sand to 400 mm height at 95% relative density. Through systematic testing, two empirical correlation …

Enhancement Of The Received Signal Strength In Smart Grid Communication Systems, Doaa Talaat Elsherbiny, Mona Mohamed Shokair Prof., Mohamed Shalaby, Salah Elden Khamis, Sameh A. Napoleon

Journal of Engineering Research

Smart grids are networks that contain intelligence from the generation stage to the distribution stage. These grids can actually have excellent power efficiency and automated control thanks to intelligence. Within smart grids, the communication mechanism is a crucial area of study. There should be a dependable communication system in the smart grid. A comprehensive mathematical model for a communication system within smart grids is derived in this work. Additionally, the simulation findings validate the mathematical model that was derived. Additionally, experiments are being conducted to apply polar convolutional parallel code PCPC to enhance the performance of the suggested communication system. …

Comparative Evaluation Of Change Detection Techniques In New Alamein City Using Sentinel-2 Satellite Imagery, Mohammed Adham Elsharkawy, Hafez Abbas Afify, Samah Ramadan Abo Ramadan

Journal of Engineering Research

The rapid growth and development of newly established cities has created a pressing need for effective tools to monitor and manage land use and land cover changes in these emerging urban centers. Remote sensing and change detection techniques offer valuable capabilities for assessing urban development, making them essential for providing insights into the spatial and temporal dynamics of modern cities, such as New Alamein City. New Alamein city is a newly integrated city located in the heart of the northwestern coast of Egypt, along the international road (Alexandria–Matruh), within the administrative boundaries of Marsa Matruh Governorate. New Alamein city is …

Interference Management For Device-To-Device Communications In Heterogeneous Cellular Networks Using Deep Reinforcement Learningdevice-To-Device Communication; Mmwave Communication; Spectrum Resource Allocation; Deep Reinforcement Learning; Hcns, Suzan Mohamed Shukry

Journal of Engineering Research

Integrating Device-to-Device (D2D) communication into Heterogeneous Cellular Networks (HCNs) augmented with Millimeter Wave (mmWave) technology presents a compelling approach to fulfill the escalating demands for ultra-high data throughput in next-generation wireless systems. Although these advancements significantly improve data transmission efficiency and network scalability, the coexistence of D2D and cellular users within a shared spectral environment triggers considerable interference, complicating network coordination. To mitigate this, the interference scenario is modeled as a unified optimization task involving mode selection and resource allocation, aiming to enhance the aggregate system throughput while adhering to strict SINR constraints for both communication tiers. To tackle this …

Effect Of A Small Control Rod On The Aerodynamic Forces And Wake Structure Of Side-By-Side Cylinders At Moderate Reynolds Number, M. M. Mosallem

Journal of Engineering Research

The unsteady wake interaction between two side-by-side circular cylinders often leads to significant vortex shedding and fluctuating aerodynamic forces. This numerical study investigates the effect of a small passive control rod with a rod-to-cylinder diameter ratio d/D = 0.07 on the wake dynamics and aerodynamic forces of two side-by-side circular cylinders. Two configurations are explored: one where the control rod is placed directly behind the cylinders (x/D = 0), and another where it is located downstream (x/D = 0.5). The two cylinders are arranged with a center-to-center spacing ratio T/D = 1.25. The simulations were …

Analyzing Temporal Morphometric Changes In River Nile's Forced Bends Via Rs/Gis Methods: A Case Study Of The Damietta Branch In Egypt, Reham Abdel-Bar Aborahma, Ibrahim Rashwa, Asaad Matter Armanuos

Journal of Engineering Research

River Nile, among the world's longest rivers, features the crucial Damietta branch in Egypt, serving as a vital irrigation source and navigation pathway from Cairo to the Mediterranean Sea. Post the Aswan High Dam's construction, significant morphological shifts occurred in this branch, particularly impacting sedimentation and erosive patterns, notably at river bends. This study investigates the long-term morphometric evolution of six forced bends along the Damietta branch of the Nile River from 1987 to 2015 using remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) techniques. Three image classification methods—onscreen digitizing, maximum likelihood classification, and histogram thresholding—were compared for shoreline delineation …

Design And Performance Analysis Of A Frequency-Reconfigurable Rectangular Patch Antenna With Dual-Slot Defected Ground Structure For Gsm Band, Sara Abdelbaset, Ashraf Khalaf, Amr Hussien, Ahmed A. Kabeel

Journal of Engineering Research

In this paper, an innovative frequency-tunable rectangular patch antenna is presented, featuring interlaced circular and U-shaped narrow slots, combined with a rectangular-shaped defected ground structure (DGS). This design is specifically developed to produce radiation patterns similar to those of traditional dipole antennas. The integration of the rectangular DGS with three RF varactor diodes, along with two equivalent microstrip conductors, enables a tunable operating frequency band that ranges from 1.08 GHz to 1.7 GHz, achieving a total bandwidth of 0.62 GHz. The DC biasing network connected to the three RF varactor diodes is utilized to finely tune and adjust the resonance …

Morphological Changes Downstream Beni-Suef Bridge On The Nile River In Egypt, Muhammad Ahmad Abdul-Muttalib, Ahmed Moustafa Moussa, Gamal Helmy Elsaeed, Suzan Ahmed Mohammed

Journal of Engineering Research

The construction of the Beni-Suef bridge, spanning 550 meters over the Nile River, resulted in sediment accumulation and hindered navigation. This study investigates the causes of the morphodynamic changes and explores the impact of dredging as a mitigation measure through the area which extended approximately 2.6 kilometers downstream the bridge. A one-dimensional numerical model (HEC-RAS) was employed, utilizing bathymetric surveyed cross-sections from 1982, 2002, and 2004, along with discharge data from downstream Assuit Barrage and water levels from upstream Delta Barrage as boundary inputs. The model was calibrated and validated using measured water and bed levels. Sediment properties and bed …

Assessment Of Safety Monitoring Indexes Of High Rcc Gravity Dams Considering Hydraulic Fracture, Mohamed Ramdan, Jinsheng Jia Professor, Xu Li Professor

Journal of Engineering Research

High concrete gravity dams, particularly Roller-Compacted Concrete (RCC) types, face long-term safety challenges due to weak interlayer formation and crack propagation. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of safety monitoring indexes for the Guxian high RCC dam (currently under construction in China) using both numerical and theoretical models. A Finite Element Method (FEM) was applied with two approaches: the strength reduction method, which considers weak layers, and the overloading method, which simulates extreme loading without accounting for material degradation. A comparative analysis between these two methods was conducted to determine which more effectively evaluates dam safety under varying conditions. Additionally, …

Employing Machine Learning Regression Models For Performance Prediction Of A Two-Stage Solar Dryer, Hany El-Ghaish, Ahmed Aman, Mohamed Abdelgaied

Journal of Engineering Research

The present manuscript aims to examine the application of artificial intelligence techniques to predict the performance of a two-stage solar dryer system equipped with preheating via two solar air collectors. Three machine learning algorithms, namely Linear Regression, k-Nearest Neighbors, and Multilayer Perceptron, were developed, trained, and evaluated on experimental data to identify the most accurate model for predicting the system's performance throughout the year. The dataset undergoes a preprocessing step including temporal linear augmentation, z-score normalization, and second-degree polynomial feature expansion. The evaluation process utilized several performance indices, including mean square error, mean absolute error, mean absolute percentage error, and …

Flexural Behavior Of Sustainable Concrete Beams Containing Waste Tire Fibers And Recycled Aggregates, Wael M. Montaser Ass.Prof

Journal of Engineering Research

The increasing accumulation of diverse waste materials poses a significant societal challenge, highlighting the importance of developing methods to reuse such waste effectively. One promising solution involves incorporating recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) obtained from demolished concrete into new concrete mixtures. Additionally, tire-derived fibers (TDF), sourced from recycled tires, present an environmentally friendly substitute for conventional reinforcement materials. The integration of RCA with TDF in reinforced concrete beams offers a sustainable approach to enhancing structural performance. This experimental study investigates the flexural performance of reinforced concrete beams containing recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) and tire-derived fibers (TDF). Four mixes with varying RCA …

Design And Implementation Of A Smart Solar Tracking System Using Hydraulic Actuation, Bassem Nashaat Zakher, Mahmoud M. Ramzi, Kirolos A. Amin

Journal of Engineering Research

This research presents the design and implementation of a smart single-axis solar tracking system that introduces a novel integration of hydraulic actuation with minimalistic sensor control. Unlike traditional trackers that rely on multiple light sensors and complex mechanical setups, the proposed system uses a simplified control mechanism driven by a single-point light detection strategy to maintain panel alignment with the sun. The core innovation lies in replacing motor-driven tracking mechanisms with a hydraulic actuator, offering smoother, more durable movement with reduced maintenance. Additionally, the system integrates smart monitoring via Arduino, enabling real-time data processing and decision-making without relying on costly …

The Influence And Firing Of Zircon, Ilmenite, And Magnetite As Partial Sand Replacement On The Properties Of Concrete For Specialized Applications., Samy A. Fawzy

Journal of Engineering Research

This study investigates the impact of partially replacing sand with varying percentages (10%, 20%, 30%, and 50%) of zircon (ZrSiO4), ilmenite (FeTiO3), and magnetite (Fe3O4) on the physical and mechanical properties of concrete. The research focuses on evaluating the compressive strength, density and radiation shielding capabilities of the modified concrete mixtures. The effect of firing concrete cubes(600,900 and 1100 C) with various percentages of the three materials were studied also. The use of these heavy minerals aims to enhance concrete properties for specialized applications such as radiation shielding structures and high-density construction. Results indicate that increasing the replacement percentage of …

Optimization Of Surface Integrity And Fatigue Life In Hard Turning Of K110 Tool Steel, Y. A. Mashal, Mohamed G. Yousef, M. H. El-Axir

Journal of Engineering Research

The influence of various machining process parameters on surface integrity elements (e.g. surface roughness and surface residual stress) and fatigue life of hard metals is an important area of engineering. This study investigates the effect of various turning parameters on the surface integrity and fatigue life of K110 hard tool steel. The determination of residual stress was performed by a non-destructive testing technique using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The experimental work extended to perform fatigue experiments using rotary bending machine which was designed and manufactured to assess the fatigue behavior under rotating bending stresses. In this investigation, single optimization of …

Coumarin/Nitrogen-Bearing Heterocyclic Hybridloaded Electrospun Pmma/Pvp Nanofibrous Scaffolds For Accelerating Topical Wound Healing Rates: Synthesis And In Vitro Bio-Evaluation, Samar A. Salim, Mohamed Ali, Tasneem Abed, El Badawy Kamoun

Nanotechnology Research Centre

Coumarin-nitrogen heterocyclic compounds (e.g. quinoline, acridine, and phthalazine) were synthesized by facile reactions and elucidated by FTIR, 1H, and 13C-NMR analyses, which showed consistency with the expected structures. Coumarin-quinoline (drug A)- and coumarin-acridine (drug B)-loaded electrospun PMMA/PVP nanofibrous scaffolds were fabricated using electrospinning techniques. Results showed a successful PMMA/PVP blend, which formed the matrix that was used as the main scaffold for drug loading/release. The drugs (A and B) were encapsulated within the matrix as verified by IR and SEM results. Bio-evaluation through cytotoxicity and anticancer screening was conducted using the MTT assay against lung fibroblast (Wi-38), colon carcinoma (Caco-2), …

Development Of A Water Temperature Modeling Platform To Support Short- And Long-Term Water Temperature Management In Reservoir-River Systems, Michael Deas, Yung-Hsin Sun, John Degeorge, Benjamin T. Saenz, Thomas A. Evans, Scott Burdick-Yahya, Stephen Andrews, Jeff Schuyler, William Candy, Lin Zheng, Scott Wells, Multiple Additional Authors

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) supports water temperature management for fishery species protection in downstream river reaches below Central Valley Project (CVP) reservoirs in the Sacramento, American, and Stanislaus River systems. The Water Temperature Modeling Platform (WTMP) Project was initiated to modernize and enhance modeling capabilities to predict summer–fall water temperature through reservoir cold water pool management using temperature control facilities designed for temperature management. The WTMP supports forecasts, historical analyses, and long-term planning efforts and advances previous modeling approaches by using an integrated modeling platform. This platform includes a data management system that acquires …

Road Performance Evaluation Of Preventive Maintenance Techniques For Asphalt Pavements, Fansheng Kong, Yalong Li, Ruilin Wang, Xing Hu, Miao Yu, Dongzhao Jin

Michigan Tech Publications

Preventive maintenance treatments are widely applied to asphalt pavements to mitigate deterioration and extend service life. This study evaluated four common technologies: a high-elasticity ultra-thin overlay, an Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA)-10 thin overlay, micro-surfacing (MS-III), and a chip seal. Laboratory testing focused on skid resistance, surface texture, and low-temperature cracking resistance. Skid resistance was measured with a tire–pavement dynamic friction analyzer under controlled load and speed, while surface macrotexture was assessed using a laser scanner. Low-temperature cracking resistance was determined through three-point bending beam tests at −10 °C. The results showed that chip seal achieved the highest initial friction and …

Superhydrophobic Cerium-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks/Polymer Nanofibers For Water Treatment, Samar A. Salim, Hani Nasser Abdelhamid,

Nanotechnology Research Centre

No abstract provided.

Robotic System With Tactile-Enabled Leaf Tracking For High-Resolution Hyperspectral Imaging Device For Autonomous Corn Leaf Phenotyping In Controlled Environments, Xuan Li, Ziling Chen, Raghava Uppuluri, Pokuang Zhou, Tianzhang Zhao, Darrell Zachary Good, Yu She, Jian Jin

School of Industrial Engineering Faculty Publications

Hyperspectral imaging of individual corn leaves provides valuable data for analyzing nutrient content and diagnosing diseases. However, existing leaf-level imaging techniques face challenges such as low spatial resolution and labor-intensive processes. To address these limitations, this study developed a robotic system integrated with a high-resolution line-scanning hyperspectral imaging device to autonomously scan a corn leaf. The hyperspectral imaging device used a vision-based tactile sensor for active leaf tracking throughout the scanning process, ensuring high image quality. Additionally, the device incorporated an in-hand leaf manipulation mechanism that ensured the leaf was properly positioned on the tactile sensing area at the start …

Enhancement Of Spin Transport Properties In Angled-Channel Graphene Spin Valves Via Hybrid Spin Drift-Diffusion, Samuel Olson, Kaleb Hood, Otto Zietz, Jun Jiao

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Graphene has promise as a channel connecting separate units of large-scale spintronic circuits owing to its outstanding theoretical spin transport properties. However, spin transport properties of experimental devices consistently fall short of theoretical estimates due to impacts from the substrate, electrodes, or defects in the graphene itself. In this study, we fabricate both traditional non-local spin valves (NLSVs) and novel hybrid drift-diffusion spin valves (HDDSVs) to explore the impact of charge current and AC spin injection efficiency on spin transport. HDDSVs feature channel branches that allow investigation of charge-based spin drift enhancement compared to diffusion-only configurations. We investigate the modulation …

A Feasibility Study Into The Usability And Application Of An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle For Aircraft Inspection And Quality Assurance Inspections, Reece P. Bhave

Journal of Aviation Technology and Engineering

The global aviation industry is often characterized as one of the safest modes of transportation in the modern world. With an abundance of quality assurance inspections and checks to determine operations safety, modern-day commercial aircraft that are utilized for passenger and cargo flights are held to a higher safety standard defined by regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States of America and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency in the European Union. While these quality standards are maintained via a series of inspections, checks, and preventative maintenance procedures, they are limited to only visual or …

Comparison Of Liu-Type Estimator For Multicollinearity In Fuzzy Logistic Regression Model, Ayad Habib Shemail, Ahmed Razzaq Al-Lami, Amal Hadi Rashid

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

This article addresses the fuzzy logistic regression model under conditions of multicollinearity, which causes instability and inflated variance in parameter estimation. In this model, both the response variable and parameters are represented as fuzzy triangular numbers. To overcome the multicollinearity problem, various Liu-type estimators were employed: Fuzzy Maximum Likelihood Estimators (FMLE), Fuzzy Logistic Ridge Estimators (FLRE), Fuzzy Logistic Liu Estimators (FLLE), Fuzzy Logistic Liu-type Estimators (FLLTE), and Fuzzy Logistic Liu-type Parameter Estimators (FLLTPE). Through simulations with various sample sizes and application to real fuzzy data on kidney failure, model performance was evaluated using mean square error (MSE) and goodness of …

Software Engineering Approach To Enhancing Privacy Protection: Automated Face Blurring Using Deep Learning In Arab Social Media, Yasmin Makki Mohialden, Nadia Mahmood Hussien, Mostafa Abdulghafoor Mohammed

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

In the age of digital media, securing personal identities in shared material, especially on social media, has become a significant challenge. This research leverages software engineering to automate face blurring in photographs of Arab social media personalities. It proposes a system that integrates sophisticated deep-learning algorithms with standard image processing within a robust software architecture. This modular system is scalable, maintainable, and compatible with digital media platforms. Gaussian blur is applied to protect privacy once convolutional neural networks (CNNs) identify faces. The system’s efficiency and accuracy are enhanced by OpenCV and NumPy. In experiments, this system consistently identifies and blurs …