UB - University at Buffalo, The State University of New York

Research Topic:
Intermittent Correction Servo: a general model for self-paced aiming and tracking movements

Research Description:
The main goal of this research was to propose a general model indicating a group of concepts for explaining how the relationships of speed-accuracy tradeoffs (RSATs) in hand-control movements result from our motor system. The general model, developed based on the feedback concepts of control theory, states that while performing hand-control movements, humans behave like an intermittent correction servo associated with four proposed motor properties. To validate the general model, five experiments were designed and conducted to answer the four research questions related to the model and to validate a self-paced aiming movement model and a self-paced tracking movement model both developed according to the general model and programmed as two simulations for predicting the RSATs. Analyses of the experiments and statistically comparisons of the experimental and the simulated RSATs answered the four research questions and validated the two self-paced models as well as the general model, providing a good understanding of human motor system in hand control movements.

Research Topic:
Delivery of Critical Items in a Disaster Response Scenario

Research Description:
Humanitarian relief is a key operation after a disaster for people who are stranded in affected areas and cannot get basic supplies for daily living. The common strategy used by relief agencies is to send vehicles to distribute critical supplies to those areas through the available transportation network. However, congestion and inaccessibility are usual factors to affect relief logistics. The HAZUS software is employed to simulate the impact of an earthquake disaster, including its impact on the resultant states of the transportation network. Then, a multi-criteria decision making model is used to determine the best logistics plan. A distinguishing feature of my research is to consider the needs of human survivability.

Research Topic: Computer Aided Design and Fabrication of Complex Tissue Scaffolds

Research Description:
In the research, a novel computer aided bio-degradation model is proposed to control bio-degradation by varying the geometry of micro-patterned structures. Based on Fick’s diffusion theory and a modified finite element method, degradation of micro-patterned structures is modeled. Modeling bio-degradation in tissue engineering enables a tool providing total degradation time, degraded material amount and intermediate geometry of a micro-structure. Material release kinetics over time is controlled by varying structure geometry and micro-pattern architecture. Various patterns, dimensions and bio-materials are simulated and their intermediate geometries are obtained. Sample micro-pattern structure is fabricated and degraded for comparison purpose. Alginate scaffolds with complex internal architecture and external geometry are bio-mimetically designed and fabricated by free-form surfaces for controlled protein and growth factor release kinetics. Localized proteins or growth factors are incorporated in a way to release them choreographed over a time period to improve wound healing or tissue generation. Material release kinetics is controlled by varying protein and growth factor distribution over the scaffold geometry, the design parameters and hence the porosity over the scaffold according to a predetermined release profile.

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Note: for those who are ISE Ph.D. candidates, you are welcome to contact Dapeng Cao (dcao@buffalo.edu) anytime for adding or updating your information.