Engineering Commons^™

Multiscale 3d Whole Joint Cellular And Molecular Mapping Reveals Disease-Specific Neurovascular Plasticity Underlying The Structure-Pain Relationship, Peng Chen, Jiaxin Chai, Abirami Soundararajan, R. Glenn Hepfer, Benjamin Kheyfets, Jiaxin Hu, Ishraq Alshanqiti, Swarnalakshmi Raman, Ikue Tosa, Jun Tae Huh, Matthew Yee, Brooke J. Damon, Shangping Wang, Yu Shin Kim, Man-Kyo Chung, Mildred C. Embree, Janice S. Lee, Tong Ye, Hai Yao

Publications

Understanding musculoskeletal joints from a 3D multiscale perspective, from molecular to anatomical levels, is essential for resolving the confounding relationships between structure and pain, elucidating mechanisms regulating joint health and diseases, and developing new treatment strategies. Here, a musculoskeletal joint immunostaining and clearing (MUSIC) method specifically developed to overcome key challenges of immunostaining and optical clearing of intact joints are introduced. Coupled with large-field light sheet microscopy, this approach achieves 3D high-resolution, microscale neurovascular mapping within the context of whole-joint anatomy without the need for image coregistration across various joints, including temporomandibular joints, knees, and spines, and multiple species, including …

Harnessing Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution In Α-Fe2o3/2h–Mos2 Heterojunction: A Theoretical And Experimental Study On Electronic Modulation And Basal Plane Activation, Mohamed Sayed, Ossama Metwalli, Sameh O. Abdellatif, Kai Yin, Mohamed Saber, Ahmed Khalil, Hossam Abdelwahan

Electrical Engineering

Hydrogen production through water electrolysis is a promising method for storing renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the efficiency and stability of hydrogen production electrodes remain challenging issues. In this study, we present a rationally designed α-Fe2O3/2H–MoS2 heterojunction that unlocks the electrocatalytic potential of the inert basal plane of the semiconducting 2H–MoS2 phase. The heterostructure, synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method, features α-Fe2O3 nanocubes anchored onto flowerlike 2H–MoS2 nanosheets. The electrochemical performance of the α-Fe2O3/2H–MoS2 heterojunction electrode was evaluated by linear sweep voltammetry, Tafel polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results showed that the α-Fe2O3/2H–MoS2 electrode exhibited lower …

Photochemical And Electrochemical Assessment Of Uio-66-Nh₂/G-C₃N₄ Thin-Film Heterostructures As Potential Candidates For Hydrogen Evolution: An Experimental Study Augmented By Dft Insights, Nour Abouseada, Maryam Galal, Sameh O. Abdellatif, Khaled Kirah

Electrical Engineering

The global shift towards carbon-neutral energy systems has catalyzed an intensified focus on sustainable hydrogen production, with photo and electrochemical water splitting emerging as a particularly promising pathway. This study elucidates the design, simulation, and synthesis of advanced photo and electrocatalytic materials tailored for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), concentrating on heterostructures formed by zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)— specifically, UiO-66 and its amine-functionalized derivative, UiO-66-NH₂—in conjunction with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄). Employing density functional theory (DFT) simulations, we pre-screened the electronic properties of the MOFs, revealing that amine functionalization significantly narrows the bandgap and optimizes band alignment, thereby enhancing photocatalytic …

Truck Drivers And Autonomous Trucks: A Topic Modeling Analysis Of Truck Driver Posts, Noah Britt, Amy M. Schuster, Shubham Agrawal, Chu-Hsiang Chang, Jenna A. Van Fossen, Elizabeth A. Mack, Sheila R. Cotten

Publications

Social media provides a rich, alternative data source to interviews or survey-based research to study hard-to-reach populations (e.g., truck drivers, because of their transient work structure and unique subculture). This study uses public social media posts from the largest trucking forum in the United States to examine truck drivers’ views on autonomous trucks (ATs), which are poised to transform the trucking industry. We expand on traditional qualitative strategies of analyzing social media data by combining newer methods, including BERT-based topic modeling, sentiment analysis, stance detection, emotion analysis, topic similarity, and location analysis through a social interaction network, to analyze a …

Analysis And Simulation Of The Effect Of Voids In Dually Reinforced Particle And Short Fiber Composites, Matthew Mckinley Luci

Graduate Theses - Mechanical Engineering

This thesis investigates dual-reinforced polymer composites tailored for flywheel energy storage, combining short, chopped carbon fibers for load bearing with iron particulates for multifunctionality. A unified experimental–computational workflow was developed: tensile coupons were fabricated and tested, machine compliance was quantified using neat resin and removed from all curves, and elastic moduli were extracted with robust MATLAB routines. Parallel finite-element models in ANSYS 2023R reproduced the dog-bone geometry with standardized meshing, named selections, and displacement-controlled loading. Four material states—neat resin, resin and iron, resin and short carbon fiber, and the iron and fiber hybrid— were evaluated. Results show carbon fibers dominate …

Electromigration In Eutectic Gold-Tin (80au20sn-Wt%) Solder Joints, Whit Vinson, David Huitink

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Eutectic gold-tin solder joints (80Au20Snwt%) with a diameter of 300 mu m diameter were subjected to electromigration (EM) conditions of 10,000-20,000 A/cm2 in the ambient temperature range of 125-215 degrees C. The present work examines a set of 36 experimental test runs using two different test coupons (18 runs with each coupon type and a total of 90 joints tested). Seven of the 36 coupons survived the maximum test duration period of 500 h. One coupon type created a linear electric current pathway through two lengths of 254-mu m-diameter copper wire connected by a single gold-tin joint. The other coupon …

Few-Layered Conductive Graphene Foams For Electrical Transdifferentiation Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Into Schwann Cell-Like Phenotypes, Ekin G. Simsar, Peifu Cheng, Tugce Dogruel, Maxsam Donta, Juhyung Jung, Naomi A. Asante, Donald S. Sakaguchi, Surya K. Mallapragada, Piran R. Kidambi, Metin Uz

Chemical & Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

This study investigates the potential of few-layered conductive graphene foams as 3D platforms for the electrical transdifferentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into Schwann cell (SC)-like phenotypes for peripheral nerve injury (PNI) treatment. The 3D graphene foams (3D-GF) are cytocompatible with MSCs and created a favorable microenvironment for the cells to attach, grow, proliferate, and transdifferentiate. We demonstrated that MSCs cultured within 3D-GF can be transdifferentiated into SC-like phenotypes using the synergistic effects of electrical stimulation and 3D porous and conductive structure. Our immunocytochemistry and gene expression analyses showed the expression of Schwann cell markers and enhanced secretion of growth …

Modern Significance And Development Trends In The Production Of Vegetable Oils, Umidjon Ruziev, F.O. Qosimov, M.K. Shodiev

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This article provides a comprehensive analytical review of the current state of the global vegetable oil production market. It describes the diversity of raw materials supplied, which includes both traditional and emerging fat sources. The paper also describes the technological stages of production, emphasizing modern innovations that contribute to more efficient, high-quality, and safe production. The article also covers global trends by comparing production dynamics between countries, highlighting regions with the highest rates of production growth and explaining the reasons for their competitive advantages. Particular attention is paid to environmental and socio-economic aspects, including sustainable land use, certification, carbon footprint, …

Examining The Perception Of Maritime Instructors In Upskilling And Reskilling Seafarers Towards Decarbonization, Michelle Margallo

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Human Element And Emerging Technologies : Imo Efforts To Address The Impact Of Digitalization In The Context Of Automation On Board, Eduardo Matías Hidalgo Bassi

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Living Shoreline Prioritization And Hydrodynamic Habitat Suitability Models For Restoration In The Indian River Lagoon And Lake Worth Lagoon, Florida, Kelly M. Kibler, Melinda J. Donnelly, Vincent Encomio, Madison Giuntoli, Manisha Thenuwara, Brice Bennett, Laura Andrade Barron, Mariam Sonbol, Wynter Raine Seppala, Namritha Ramakrishnan, Jennifer Jordan Báez, Beth Orlando, Irene Arpayoglou, Melissa Meisenburg

Indian River Lagoon Shorelines

The spatial dataset: UCF_shorelinemodel_IRL_LWL.shp, was created with support from the Indian River Lagoon National Estuaries Program and Florida Sea Grant. These projects cumulatively led to creation of a living shoreline restoration prioritization model and hydrodynamic habitat suitability models for 1,550 km (963 miles) of estuarine shorelines in Indian River Lagoon and Lake Worth Lagoon.

The dataset presented herein includes:

1. shoreline data from >15,000 transects collected in the field,
2. shoreline wave climate data created through hydrodynamic modeling and frequency analysis of historic data,
3. categorization of potential risk for shoreline boat wake impact,
4. persistence of seagrass within 210 m of the shoreline, …

The Impact Of Relative Bridge Width On Highway Crashes In Nebraska, Mujahid Ali Bahadur

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This research examines how bridge width relative to the approach roadway affects crash occurrence on Nebraska highways. The Nebraska Department of Transportation-(NDOT) Bridge Design Manual sets minimum bridge widths based on roadway classification, traffic projections, and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ (AASHTO) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) criteria. While these guidelines ensure structural and functional adequacy, they do not incorporate safety performance analyses based on crash data. This leaves an important gap in understanding how bridge and approach roadway width decisions influence safety outcomes.

This research has four objectives: (1) evaluate crash frequency across different …

Comparative Fire Hazards Of Lithium-Ion Battery Chemistries: Linking Thermal Behavior, Gas Toxicity, And State-Of-Charge To Composite Risk Profiles, Aamir Iqbal, Ashish Kakoria, Syed Talha Riaz, Jingmin Xu, Robert Illango Pushparaj, Guang Xu

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) are widely used in electric vehicles (EVs) for their high energy density. However, their fire safety causes concerns because of the toxic gases emission and the challenge to extinguish. The type and quantity of toxic gases released during battery fires remain among the least studied hazards, with limited data available despite their serious health risks. This study examines the thermal and gaseous emission behavior of LIB cells after thermal runaway (TR). Five cell types, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), Lithium Titanate (LTO), and three Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt oxide (NMC). The three NMC variants share the same base …

Energy-Harvesting Concurrent Lora Mesh With Timing Offsets For Underground Mine Emergency Communications, Hilary Kelechi Anabi, Samuel Frimpong, Sanjay Madria

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Underground mine emergencies destroy communication infrastructure when situational awareness is most critical. Current systems rely on centralized network infrastructure, which fails during emergencies when miners are trapped and require rescue coordination. This paper proposes an energy-harvesting LoRa mesh network that addresses self-powered operation, interference management, and adaptive physical layer optimization under severe underground propagation conditions. A dual-antenna architecture separates RF energy harvesting (860 MHz) from LoRa communication (915 MHz), enabling continuous operation with supercapacitor storage. The core contribution is a decentralized scheduler that derives optimal timing offsets by modeling concurrent transmissions as a Poisson collision process, exploiting LoRa's capture effect …

Advancing Transportation Decarbonization Through Electrification: Insights From Transit And Rideshare Scenarios, Ajay Ghimire

Theses (2016-Present)

The transportation sector remains a major source of criteria pollutants globally, with passenger vehicles contributing significantly to energy demand. While electric vehicles (EVs) offer a promising path toward energy efficiency, few studies have evaluated their impact at the metropolitan scale using integrated, high-fidelity modeling frameworks. This study investigates the energy implications of rideshare electrification in the Houston metropolitan area using a multi-stage simulation workflow. Travel demand is modeled using POLARIS, an agent-based, activity-based framework; vehicle trajectories are translated into second-by-second speed profiles using SVTrip; and energy consumption and criteria pollutant emissions are estimated using the Autonomie vehicle simulation platform. The …

Ded Printing Process Modeling Using Metal Matrix Composites: In-Situ Feedstock Mixing With Variable Compositions And Empirical Validation, Muhammad Arif Mahmood, Sabin Mihai, Diana Chioibasu, Andrei C. Popescu, Frank Liou

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Directed Energy Deposition (DED) is a promising technology for producing metal matrix composites (MMXCs), but precise control over deposited layer dimensions, particularly in multi-material systems, remains difficult to achieve due to the complex interdependence of operating parameters such as laser parameters, feedstock flow rate, and beam energy attenuation. To address these problems, this work proposes an analytical model that predicts the width, height, and depth of the deposited layers using mixed feedstock compositions in-situ, with a focus on Inconel-718 and TiC MMXCs. The model takes into account variables such as laser power, feedstock density, and mixing ratios to improve layer …

Bending Fatigue In Additively Manufactured Metals: A Review Of Current Research And Future Directions, Md Bahar Uddin, Sriram Praneeth Isanaka, Frank Liou

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Metal additive manufacturing (MAM), also referred to as 3D printing, has proven remarkable in the fabrication of complex metal components in multiple sectors. However, the assessment of this revolutionary process through bending fatigue is frequently impeded due to concerns about mechanical and physical conditions of the printed components. The unique layer-by-layer production process results in varied microstructures, anisotropy, and intrinsic defects that considerably differ from traditionally manufactured wrought metals. This review article aims to integrate and evaluate historical and contemporary research on the bending fatigue of additively manufactured materials. More specifically, the impact of process parameters, build orientation, surface conditions, …

Powder Bed Fusion Of Stainless Steel 304l-Nbc Nanocomposite Produced By Ball Milling Method Using A Laser Beam, Khalid Hussain Solangi, Junaid Iqbal Bhatti, Irfan Ali Tunio, Imdad Ali Memon, Temoor Abbas Larik, Lianyi Chen

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Metal powders with uniformly dispersed nanoparticles, suitable shape, and size for additive manufacturing (AM) processes are highly demanded. However, it is difficult to manufacture metal matrix nanocomposite powders (MMNCs) with uniform dispersion of nanoparticles, optimized shape, and size. This study used high-energy ball milling to disperse NbC nanoparticles with an average length of 400 nm (ex-situ reinforcement) in a Stainless Steel (SS) 304 L matrix. In detail, SS304L-5wt% NbC powders were ball-milled from 4 to 10 h. The results showed that the milled powder particles experienced significant cold-welding during the milling time of 4–6 h, with a wide size distribution. …

Enhanced Air Hockey Robot Performance Through Adaptive Control Algorithim Using Ai-Based Hierarechal Decicion Archeticture, Ayham Majed Salim

Theses

This thesis presents the development of an intelligent air hockey robot that combines precise mechanical design, computer vision, and adaptive control within an AI-based hierarchical decision architecture. The system integrates synchronized stepper motors, high-speed image processing, and a real-time decision framework to achieve competitive gameplay performance. The robot detects the puck using adaptive HSV color segmentation, supported by dynamic calibration that maintains accuracy under different lighting conditions. A two-stage trajectory prediction model, based on exponential decay velocity estimation, enables anticipation of puck motion and improves response time during fast gameplay.

At the decision level, a fuzzy-logic supervisor governs the robot’s …

Development And Characterization Of Sustainable Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites With Date Palm Agro-Residues As Reinforcement, Ansar Kareem

Dissertations

Aluminum Matrix Composites (AMCs) are extensively used in various industrial applications owing to their exceptional mechanical, material, and tribological properties. This led to the development of AMCs with every possible aluminum alloy as matrix, incorporated with various reinforcement materials to achieve desired material properties. There has been an increasing trend in the utilization of agricultural and industrial waste products as reinforcement material in AMCs. Date palm trees produce huge quantity of agricultural waste in different forms. Usually, these wastes are burned or disposed of in landfills which cause environmental pollution. Date palm agro-wastes can be incinerated to produce date palm …

Microstructural And Mechanical Characterization Of Aa6082 /Sic/Al2o3 Hybrid Nano Composite Fabricated By Ultrasonic Assisted Stir Casting, Anasmon Koderi Valappil

Theses

The utilization of aluminium alloys has increased rapidly in past decades due to the increasing demand for lightweight and high-performance materials. Among the popular aluminium alloys, AA6082 is widely favoured for its excellent combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability. Most previous work, however, has concentrated on either on micro scale reinforcement or on single ceramic particles, leaving very few experimental studies on the use of hybrid nano reinforcement in AA6082. Therefore, to further enhance its mechanical properties without compromising its inherent advantages, hybrid metal matrix composites were developed using various nano particulates as reinforcements. In this current study, AA6082-based …

Core-Scale Study Of Miscible Co2 Foam–Oil Interactions, Kuvonchbek Abdirakhmonov

Theses

Foam is currently the most effective means for gas mobility control in a variety of geo-energy applications, including enhanced oil recovery (EOR), carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and aquifer/soil remediation. This study investigates the mobility control of miscible CO₂ foam in the presence of oil.

The primary objective is to quantify the impact of oil on CO₂ foam behavior under miscible conditions, specifically examining foam stability, strength, and flow regimes as influenced by oil composition and reservoir permeability. While most oils destabilize foam, few studies explore the coarsening mechanisms of CO₂ foam in the presence of miscible oils, which …

Investigation Of Mechanical Performance And Metallurgical Characteristics Of Titanium Grade 2 Tube-To-Tubesheet Joints, Ahmad Hussein Al Tamimi

Theses

Tube-to-tubesheet joints, an integral component of shell and tube heat exchangers, are known for their vulnerability to leakage problems at the joint region due to mechanical and chemical factors coupled with fabrication techniques involved in creating these joints. An ideal condition of manufacturing process parameters and geometrical variables required to produce tube-to-tubesheet joints is highly desired. One of the most promising candidate materials to fabricate tube-to-tubesheet joints is titanium or titanium alloys due to their excellent strength and resistance to corrosion. The present study investigates the structural integrity of three categories of Titanium Grade 2 based tube-to-tubesheet joints comprising of …

Fabrication Of Multimodal Anion Exchange Membrane For Chromatographic Purification Of Full Adeno-Associated Viral Capsids, Xiaolei Hao, Sumith Ranil Wickramasinghe, Xianghong Qian

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

A multi-modal anion exchange ligand 2-methyl-phenylimidazole has been successfully functionalized on highly porous electrospun regenerated cellulose membrane substrate for the separation of full and empty adeno-associated viral (AAV) capsids. The functionalized membrane has an average pore size of 0.5 mu m and exhibits both charge and hydrophobic functionality. The ligand is able to distinguish the subtle physio-chemical differences between the full and empty viral capsids. The multi-modal anion exchange membrane is able to separate the full capsids from affinity-captured mammalian AAV2 using both gradient and two-step elution methods with superior performance. A full capsid recovery of 72.9% at 85.3% purity …

Characterizing Piezoelectric-Blended Polydimethylsiloxane For Use As A Mechanoelectrical Responsive Cell Culture Substrate, Alexis P. Applequist, Lance D. Cordes, Lais A. Ferreira, Kartik Balachandran

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this study, we developed a piezoelectric-polydimethylsiloxane (pz-PDMS) composite by blending poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) with PDMS to create a biocompatible, mechanoelectrical responsive material. The pz-PDMS was synthesized with varying piezoelectric concentrations (0%, 1%, 3%, and 5%) and characterized for visual properties, mechanical properties, mechanoelectrical sensitivity, and biocompatibility. Compression testing showed no significant change in mechanical strength with the addition of piezoelectric particles, while mechanolectrical sensitivity testing revealed a non-linear increase in voltage response, with 5% pz-PDMS producing the highest sensitivity. Fatigue testing demonstrated no change in sensitivity after 7 days of cyclic displacement. Additionally, microcantilever experiments demonstrated the high fidelity …

Towards Automated And Explainable Insider Threat Response In Electronic Health Records: A Role-Aware Machine Learning Framework, Luca Lippi Ornstil

Master's Theses

Healthcare remains a prime target for cyberattacks, with insider misuse and credential compromise posing major risks to Electronic Health Records (EHRs). This thesis introduces a role-aware, explainable anomaly detection and response framework integrated with OpenEMR to address post-authentication threats. Four models—Local Outlier Factor (LOF), Isolation Forest, Autoencoder, and Graph Neural Network (GNN)—detect behavioral deviations across temporal, device, and role-based features, with LOF serving as the primary runtime detector. A configurable policy engine maps anomaly severity to proportional actions, from email alerts to read-only restrictions or account suspension, all reversible and auditable. Evaluation on real EHR logs shows the system’s operational …

Enhanced The Simultaneous Recovery/Extraction Of Combined Heavy Metals Of Lead And Vanadium From Synthetic Wastewater Using An Emulsion Liquid Membrane (Elm) With Nanoparticles And Ionic Liquid, Qusay Al-Obaidi, Nora Yehia Selem, Oumaima Karai, Kaoutar Benabderazak, Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Recovery/extracting of a combination of lead (Pb(II)) and vanadium (V(V)) ions from wastewater has been enhanced by an emulsion liquid membrane with the presence of magnesium oxide (MgO) or aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles (20–50 nm size range) in the internal/stripping phase (W1) and ionic liquid ([OMIM] PF6) in the organic/oil phase (O). The study found that the recovery/extraction batch time was shortened, enhancing emulsion extraction efficiency and stability. Furthermore, the study outcomes extend the ELM separation techniques to industrial-scale pollutant recovery/extraction applications, especially heavy metal ions, from industrial effluent. The percentage of Pb(II) recovery/extraction was increased …

Integrating Environmental Impact Assessment Into International Shipping Governance : A Bbnj-Pssa Synergy Framework, Thi Thuy Linh Pham

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Occupational Safety In Fishing Vessels : A Comparative Analysis Of Namibia, South Africa And Mozambique In The Sadc Region, Fiina Ndakulilwa Twiihaleni Shaanika

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Comprehensive Overview Of Chronic Wound Infections And Current Treatment Methods, Sarah Fakher, David J. Westenberg

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Chronic wound infections pose significant healthcare challenges due to persistent biofilms, antibiotic resistance, and impaired healing pathways. These wounds are characterized by prolonged inflammation, microbial colonization, and disrupted tissue regeneration, leading to substantial morbidity and healthcare costs. This article reviews current knowledge on chronic wound types, their pathophysiology, and the mechanisms underlying biofilm formation to examine the latest advancements in antimicrobial-based strategies aimed at addressing these challenges. It highlights how diverse materials and technologies have been engineered to improve infection management, enhance tissue regeneration, and overcome the limitations of traditional treatments as well as advances that leverage innovations such as …