8413 research outputs found
Sort by
Evaluation of Recycled Plastics in Asphalt Mixtures
No full textThis study investigates the feasibility of incorporating Modified Post-Consumer Plastic (MPCP) as a performance-enhancing additive in asphalt mixtures. Two phases of laboratory testing and analysis were conducted to evaluate the rheological, mechanical, and economic impacts of MPCP modification compared to traditional control and fiber-modified mixtures.In Phase I, asphalt binders were modified with 10% and 20% MPCP by weight of binder, and their effects on binder properties and mixture performance were evaluated. The 10% MPCP dosage showed improved high-temperature rutting resistance with limited elastic benefit, while the 20% dosage resulted in phase separation and poor low-temperature performance. Mixtures containing 20% and 40% Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) were tested for cracking (CTindex), rutting (HWTT), dynamic modulus, and moisture susceptibility. The results revealed that MPCP increased mixture stiffness and improved rutting resistance, but often reduced cracking resistance, particularly in 20% RAP mixtures.
Phase II focused on optimizing MPCP performance by pairing it with a softer base binder (PG 58-28) at 10% dosage and evaluating mixtures containing 20% RAP. A comprehensive set of tests, including Ideal-CT, HWTT, dynamic modulus, flexural fatigue, flow number, and mechanistic-empirical (M-E) modeling, was used to assess cracking and rutting performance. The PG 58-28 MPCP (L) mixture demonstrated comparable cracking and rutting resistance to PG 64-22 Control, and significantly improved fatigue life in thin pavement structures (3-inch AC) under low and high-speed conditions. However, the benefits diminished in thicker pavements (6-inch AC), where the stiffer control mixture showed better resistance to rutting and lower life-cycle costs under braking loads. Additionally, the PG 64-22 Fiber mixture surpassed the other mixtures in rutting resistance but exhibited comparable fatigue resistance to the PG 64-22 Control.
Life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) indicated that MPCP mixtures offer economic advantages in applications where fatigue performance is critical. These findings suggest MPCP is best suited for pavements with thin asphalt layers or where cracking is the primary mode of distress regardless of speed or braking conditions (10 mph with braking and 60 mph without braking) as simulated for the mechanistic-empirical analysis in this study
Engineering a light responsive MMP system for enhanced proteolytic control
No full textMatrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a zinc dependent family of over 20 enzymes that play a significant role in degrading components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). When overproduced, these enzymes can cause a myriad of health complications, such as inflammation, tissue degradation, and are associated with the weakening of the ECM. The scope of this project is to design a light-controlled MMP-3cd (MMP-3 catalytic domain) protein system using a range of protein engineering tools, such as yeast surface display, photocleavable protein (PhoCl), and the SpyTag-SpyCatcher system. This thesis gives a detailed explanation of the protein production and purification process of PhoCl/SpyC in BL21 Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells, the expression of SpyTag-MMP-3cd-SpyTag constructs on EBY100 yeast surface display cells, and the modulation of MMP-3cd enzymatic activity through inhibition and reactivation utilizing PhoCl binding and cleaving mechanisms. This design has experimental and clinical benefits over the use of lone MMPs due to a greater degree of spatiotemporal control and fluorescent tracking opportunity via PhoCl. The protein system has shown promise in effectively controlling MMP activity and could serve as the basis for deeper research and experimentation on MMPs. Additionally, this system is highly modular and can be adjusted for the use and study of other proteins, leading to a deeper understanding of the enzyme family’s function and mechanistic aspects, or to the development of therapeutics that could contribute to treating related health conditions
Stress, Wool Cortisol, and Wool Quality: An Investigation of Seasonal Wool Cortisol Levels and Wool Quality Traits in Extensively Managed Merino Ewes
No full textClimate change, shifting consumer expectations, and a growing global populationare exerting unprecedented pressures on livestock production systems. This thesis
examines the physiological stress response of extensively managed Merino ewes, utilizing
wool cortisol concentrations as a biomarker, and assesses its relationship with wool quality
traits and reproductive performance. Wool samples from 111 Merino ewes were collected
and segmented to represent four critical production timepoints: lambing, turnout, early
breeding, and mid-gestation. Cortisol was extracted from wool segments and quantified via
enzyme-linked immunoglobulin assay. Wool segments were found to have variable levels
of cortisol, demonstrating a downward trend corresponding with the yearly production
cycle. The highest cortisol level was observed at lambing, and the lowest during mid-
gestation. Elevated cortisol levels were correlated with reduced fiber diameter, i.e.,
increased fineness, indicating that stress may alter wool quality. These findings offer
practical implications for improving welfare and production outcomes in sheep managed
under extensive conditions
Affective Reading - Teacher's Guide
No full textThis document guides instructors on how to teach concepts on affective reading to college students
Top Secret! In-Class Assignments
No full textThree in class exercises, collectively called "Top Secret!", include instructions for students to complete the exercises. Ideally used within a digital whiteboard
Capsule Toy Rain Cloud
No full textWorks comprise a 3d printed sculptural installation and ink on paper drawing, stylistically aligned with Neo-pop and superflat. A 2 channel, 50 minute soundtrack is played through two sculptures using exciter speakers.My show deliberately blurs the physical and digital, Incorporating a life size 3d printed figure and immersive audio. These plastic materials are the center, creating the "digital grotesque," incorporating 3D printing failures "spaghetti.
