http://hdl.handle.net/10453/30054 2026-06-11T07:10:03Z http://hdl.handle.net/10453/195302 Title: VariGen: Controllable Image Generation Via Personalized Diffusion Framework Authors: Cai, M; Huang, Z; Li, Y; Kong, L; Chen, G Abstract: Diffusion models have achieved remarkable progress in text-to-image generation, enabling the rise of personalized models. A key challenge in personalized generation is to provide users with precise control while ensuring high fidelity to the content. To address this, we introduce VariGen: a framework that empowers users to achieve fine-grained, layout-controllable personalized image generation. VariGen employs the Variational Detail-Aware Feature Extractor to capture intricate details from reference subjects and the Dual Layout Control Mechanism to integrate layout specifications seamlessly into the generation process. We demonstrate that VariGen achieves superior performance through extensive experimentation, offering unparalleled creative freedom and fidelity. To our knowledge, this is the first work to enable users to 'create anything, anywhere' with such precision and flexibility. 2025-10-21T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10453/195301 Title: A Data-Driven Roadmapping Framework for Resilient Disaster Management Authors: Cetindamar, D; Geum, Y; Phaal, R Abstract: <jats:p>This paper proposes a novel data-driven roadmapping (DD-R) framework to improve stakeholder coordination across disaster management (DM) phases. The framework positions data as a dynamic, unifying element within roadmapping to address fragmentation in traditional DM. The framework is illustrated and tested for its applicability in disaster contexts through analysis of the 2023 Türkiye Earthquake. The case analysis demonstrates the potential of the framework for strengthening stakeholder collaborations that are key to enabling agile resource orchestration, inclusive decision-making, and social innovation. Policymakers and practitioners are encouraged to adopt this integrative approach to strengthen adaptive capacities through integrated data flows, providing a scalable tool for building collaborative resilience. The paper concludes with a summary of the study's contributions, its limitations, and suggestions for future research.</jats:p> http://hdl.handle.net/10453/195300 Title: Implementing a Dynamic Roadmap Management System by Incorporating Emerging Digital Platforms Authors: Farrukh, C; Routley, M; Cetindamar, D; Baktir, E; Demir, C 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10453/195299 Title: Enhanced dewatering of municipal activated sludge using aluminum formate: Performance and mechanisms Authors: Chen, C; Guo, Y; Lu, Y; Zhang, X; Nghiem, LD; Liu, Q Abstract: The efficient dewatering of municipal activated sludge (MAS) remains a critical challenge, primarily due to the intricate water-binding forces within extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and pore blockage of sludge colloids. Conventional agents like polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and aluminum sulfate (AS) offer limited effectiveness due to the instability of hydrolyzed aluminum species and the aggregation of sludge colloids that block pores. To tackle this problem, this study introduced aluminum formate (AF) as a novel conditioner, with AF agents synthesized at various HCOOH/Al molar ratios (1.5-4.0). Among these, AF-2.5 (with an HCOOH/Al molar ratio of 2.5) demonstrated optimal performance, remarkably reducing water content (WC) from 85.3 ± 2.3 % to 43.3 ± 2.1 %, capillary suction time (CST) from 89.5 ± 2.0 s to 8.9 ± 1.5 s, and bound water content from 2.09 ± 0.3 g/g dry solids (DS) to 0.53 ± 0.2 g/g DS. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the formate anions in AF play a crucial role in stabilizing the highly charged Keggin-Al<inf>13</inf> species during hydrolysis. This stabilization enables multiple synergistic effects: enhanced charge neutralization, the formation of a structural skeleton, and disruption of EPS. The three-dimensional (3D) porous structure of AF promotes water release while effectively preventing pore clogging. Tafel analysis further revealed that AF-2.5 exhibited the lowest corrosion current (1 ×10^-9A/cm²), significantly outperforming PAC and AS (∼1 ×10^-8 A/cm²), indicating superior corrosion resistance and reducing the risk of infrastructure degradation. This research highlights AF-2.5 as a sustainable alternative to traditional agents, offering both superior dewatering efficiency and excellent ecological compatibility. 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z