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Cradle To Gate Simple Life Cycle Assessment Of Biodiesel Production In Indonesi, Akhmad Hidayatno, Teuku Yuri M. Zagloel, Widodo Wahyu Purwanto, Carissa Carissa, Lindi Anggraini

Makara Journal of Technology

The focus of this research is to analyze potential environmental impact in the supply chain of palm oil biodiesel industries. Simple Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is applied to analyze impacts, produced by the three main units in the supply chain of Palm-Oil-based Biodiesel, which are Palm Plantation, CPO mill, and Biodiesel Plant. We developed LCA calculation model using spreadsheet software, used to assess a number of input scenarios to evaluate the best scenario, in variation of: land quality, land area and the rate of clearing, land clearing technique and type of the original land. The biggest potential environmental impact is …

Producing Biodiesel From Microalgae Grown In Municipal Wastewater From Dover, Nh, Brian Mcconnell

Inquiry Journal 2011

No abstract provided.

On-Board Monitoring Of Engine Oil, Ryan James Clark

Masters Theses

Engine oil condition was quantified in a diesel engine through direct, real-time measurements of lubricant properties using an on-board oil-condition sensor. The sensor measures the lubricant temperature, density, dynamic viscosity and dielectric constant. Comparative bench-top experiments using ASTM methods or equivalent techniques validated the accuracy and precision of the lubricant property measurements from the oil-condition sensor for a specific temperature range. Bench-top experiments were also used to establish correlations between fuel contamination levels and changes in lubricant properties.

Through engine experiments, the change in the lubricant properties with respect to operating time was quantified. A correlation was found between the …

De Novo Gene Synthesis By Rapid Polymerase Chain Assembly Coupled With Immunoaffinity Purification: A Novel Process And Workstation, Joel R. Termaat

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The de novo synthesis of genes is emerging as a powerful tool in biotechnology. The ability to synthesize genes of any desired sequence opens the door to seemingly unlimited research possibilities. Major advances have been made recently in de novo gene synthesis, with Polymerase Chain Assembly (PCA) routinely used to construct functional sequences from short single-stranded oligonucleotides. However, current PCA techniques are lacking in speed and fidelity. Additionally, substantial undesired reactants/products are present in the final reaction. A novel process and accompanying workstation has been developed that incorporates rapid PCA synthesis coupled with subsequent affinity purification of the synthesis mixture. …

Polygonal Spatial Clustering, Deepti Joshi

School of Computing: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Clustering, the process of grouping together similar objects, is a fundamental task in data mining to help perform knowledge discovery in large datasets.  With the growing number of sensor networks, geospatial satellites, global positioning devices, and human networks tremendous amounts of spatio-temporal data that measure the state of the planet Earth are being collected every day.  This large amount of spatio-temporal data has increased the need for efficient spatial data mining techniques.  Furthermore, most of the anthropogenic objects in space are represented using polygons, for example – counties, census tracts, and watersheds.  Therefore, it is important to develop data mining …

Role Of The 3'Lghrr In Tcdd-Induced Suppression Of The Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain, Jayharsh L. Panchal, Eric J. Romer, David Ellis, Tharu Fernando, Courtney E. W. Sulentic

Celebration of Undergraduate & Graduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities Materials

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) inhibits antibody secretion and immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) expression. Our previous work has shown that a possible mechanism for inhibition of IgH expression could be inhibition of the 3’IgH regulatory region (3’IgHRR). The 3’IgHRR has four enhancer regions (hs3a; hs1,2; hs3b; hs4) which are purported to control IgH gene expression. Previously we demonstrated a sensitive inhibition by TCDD of LPS-induced 3’IgHRR activity which is correlated with an inhibition of LPS-induced hs1,2 enhancer activity; however, the hs4 enhancer showed TCDD-induced activation following the co-treatment of TCDD and LPS. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to determine if …

Numerical Prediction Of The Haemodynamic Impact Of Coronary Stent Implantation, Jonathan Murphy

Doctoral

Arterial restenosis limits the effectiveness of coronary stenting. Restenosis is caused by excessive tissue growth which is stimulated by arterial injury and alterations to the arterial WSS. The altered WSS results from stent-induced disturbances to the natural haelnodynamics of the artery. Recent numerical studies have predcted only minor digerences in altered WSS between different stent designs using a commonly employed threshold assessment technique. While it is possible that there are only minor differences, it is more likely that the assessment technique is incapable of fully elucidating the altered WSS created by stent implantation. This thesis proposes a methodology that involves …

Optimal Mobile It Location Based On Ergonomics, Kyle Saginus

Master's Theses (2009 -)

U.S. and Canadian electric utility companies are in the process of integrating mobile computers into their fleet vehicle cabs. The placement of the mobile computer in the vehicle cab could have a significant effect on biomechanical loading, performance, and subjective assessment. The objective of this research is to determine the best location to place a mobile computer in a truck cab.

In this experiment, four locations of mobile computers in a truck cab were selected and tested in a laboratory study to determine how location affected muscle activity of the lower back and shoulders; joint angles of the shoulders, elbows, …

Addressing Water Quality Issues In Rural Cameroon With Household Biosand Filters, Laine Klopfensten, Laura Petrasky, Valerie Winton, Jeff Brown

Publications

This paper describes an ongoing collaboration between the Hope College student chapter of Engineers Without Borders – USA and the rural community of Nkuv in the Northwest Province of Cameroon related to improving drinking water quality using Manz biosand filters. The collaboration began in 2006 and focused on developing a community-based construction and distribution model for household water treatment units. Results from microbiology testing of the constructed filters indicate that this water treatment method is effective for improving water quality in rural areas. The results also highlight the need for ongoing assessment and adapting community education programs to provide necessary …

Leaching Of Potential Hazardous Elements Of Coal Cleaning Rejects, Luis F.O. Silva, Maria Izquierdo, Xavier Querol, Robert B. Finkelman, Marcos L.S. Oliveira, Marcus Wollenschlager, Mark R. Towler, Rafael Pérez-López, Felipe Macias

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The geochemical characteristics of coal cleaning rejects (CCR) in Santa Catarina State, Brazil, were investigated. Around 3.5 million ton/ year of coal waste are dumped in Santa Catarina State. Coal beneficiation by froth flotation results in large amounts of CCR composed of coaly and mineral matter, the latter characterized by the occurrence of sulphide minerals and a broad array of leachable elements. The total and leachable contents of more than 60 elements were analyzed. Atmospheric exposure promotes sulphide oxidation that releases substantial sulphate loads as well as Ca²⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl- and Al^{3+ …}

Fitting Model Parameters To Patient Data Automatically Through Evolutionary Computation, Michael Wesley Sagan

Master's Theses (2009 -)

The Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Engineering Center (O.R.E.C) has been studying two conditions which can wreak havoc on the human body's balance control system. The conditions being studied are cerebral palsy (CP) and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. A greater understanding of postural deficits in children with these conditions and the causes for these conditions may help researchers achieve better interventions and treatments [3]. A tool used to characterize postural stability is a bi-planar postural stability model. This model is designed where 10 parameter values have to be adjusted until the simulated data is statistically the same …

Ergonomic Analysis Of Garment Industry Using Posture Evaluation Index (Pei) In Virtual Environment, Erlinda Muslim, Boy Nurtjahyo, Romadhani Ardi

Makara Journal of Technology

Ergonomic Analysis of Garment Industry using Posture Evaluation Index (PEI) in Virtual Environment. This research tried to study, in a virtual environment, the ergonomics of four divisions in garment industry: cutting division, sewing division, button division, and finishing division. Variables that influence the working conditions in each division are different; depend on the real situations that happened. The purpose is to assess the real working conditions based on ergonomics study using Posture Evaluation Index (PEI). PEI integrates the scores of low back analysis (LBA), ovako working posture (OWAS), and rapid upper limb assessment (RULA). Analysis phase was done using digital …

Exploring The Effects Of Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control In Mitigating Traffic Congestion, Georges M. Arnaout

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The aim of this research is to examine the impact of CACC (Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control) equipped vehicles on traffic-flow characteristics of a multilane highway system. The research identifies how CACC vehicles affect the dynamics of traffic flow on a road network and demonstrates the potential benefits of reducing traffic congestion due to stop-and-go traffic conditions. An agent-based traffic simulation model is developed specifically to examine the effect of these intelligent vehicles on the traffic flow dynamics. Traffic performance metrics characterizing the evolution of traffic congestion throughout the road network, are analyzed. Different CACC penetration levels are studied.

The positive …

A Method To Improve The Sustainment Of Systems Based On Probability And Consequences, Michael Ashton Gaintner

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The FROST Method is presented which improves the efficiency of long-term sustainment of hardware systems. The FROST Method makes sustainment and scheduling decisions based on the minimization of the expected value of current and future costs. This differs from current methods which tend to base decisions not on the expected value of costs, but on the expected inventory demand found through projections using data which is often inaccurate.

Distributions are used to account for randomness and inaccuracy in inputs such as failure rates and vendor-claimed dates for end of production. A Monte Carlo technique is then used to convert these …

Modeling The Contagion Effect Of Foreclosures Within The Real Estate Market By Use Of Agent-Based Modeling And Simulation, Marshall William Gangel

Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Over the last several years, the US financial and real estate markets have experienced a significant recession. During this downturn, the number of real estate foreclosures rose drastically. Recent studies have empirically demonstrated a reduction in real estate values due to foreclosures. The observed reduction in the average value of real estate properties has been labeled the foreclosure contagion effect. The foreclosure contagion effect impacts healthy neighboring properties that surround the foreclosed property as a function of time and distance.

This study uses an agent-based modeling and simulation (ABMS} approach to explore the contagion effect of foreclosures. For this research, …

Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Of Transonic Airfoil Sections Using Multiobjective Optimization And Computational Intelligence Tools, Amit A. Kulkarni

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The design of transonic airfoils for civil aviation applications has been a major engineering challenge in the last fifty years. This design problem arises due to the need to limit shock wave drag at a given transonic speed. In recent years, the requirement to reduce the levels of aircraft noise has started to affect the airfoil design process. The multidisciplinary aerodynamic shape optimization problem is treated in this thesis using a multi-objective approach. The objectives correspond to the design of transonic airfoil sections with low drag during cruise and low trailing edge noise levels during the approach condition. The optimization …

Analysis Of Airport Security Screening Checkpoints Using Queuing Networks And Discrete Event Simulation: A Theoretical And Empirical Approach, Stephen Louis Dorton

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

This study utilized discrete event simulation (DES) and queuing networks to investigate the effects of baggage volume and alarm rate at the Security Screening Checkpoint (SSCP) of a small origin and destination airport. A Jackson queuing network was considered for a theoretical assessment to SSCP performance. A DES model using Arena version 12 was utilized for an empirical approach. Data was collected from both literature and by manual collection methods. Manual data was collected during the peak operating time of 6am-7am local time at the airport being modeled. The simulation model was verified and validated qualitatively and quantitatively by statistical …

Ultimate Compression After Impact Load Prediction In Graphite/Epoxy Coupons Using Neural Network And Multivariate Statistical Analyses, Alexandre David Grégoire

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The goal of this research was to accurately predict the ultimate compressive load of impact damaged graphite/epoxy coupons using a Kohonen self-organizing map (SOM) neural network and multivariate statistical regression analysis (MSRA). An optimized use of these data treatment tools allowed the generation of a simple, physically understandable equation that predicts the ultimate failure load of an impacted damaged coupon based uniquely on the acoustic emissions it emits at low proof loads. Acoustic emission (AE) data were collected using two 150 kHz resonant transducers which detected and recorded the AE activity given off during compression to failure of thirty-four impacted …

Evaluation Of A Novel Non-Penetrating Electrode For Use In Dna Vaccination, Amy Donate, Domenico Coppola, Yolmari Cruz, Richard Heller

Bioelectrics Publications

Current progress in the development of vaccines has decreased the incidence of fatal and non-fatal infections and increased longevity. However, new technologies need to be developed to combat an emerging generation of infectious diseases. DNA vaccination has been demonstrated to have great potential for use with a wide variety of diseases. Alone, this technology does not generate a significant immune response for vaccination, but combined with delivery by electroporation (EP), can enhance plasmid expression and immunity. Most EP systems, while effective, can be invasive and painful making them less desirable for use in vaccination. Our lab recently developed a non-invasive …

Modeling And Validation Of A Fault Mitigation Method In Induction Motor-Drive Systems Using Magnetic Equivalent Circuits, Shaohua Suo

Master's Theses (2009 -)

In this thesis, a fault mitigation method for delta-connected induction motor-drive systems under a two-phase open-delta faulty operating condition is analyzed and verified. More specifically, this fault mitigation technique can provide a set of almost balanced motor line currents, and significantly reduce torque ripples, even when the machine runs under the aforementioned two-phase open-delta faulty operating condition. This condition is analyzed using a Magnetic Equivalent Circuit (MEC) model. This model is developed for a delta-connected induction motor which is coupled to its drive system, including the fault mitigation controller. That is, the MEC model is linked to its associated PWM …

Design And Demonstration Of A Miniature Lidar System For Rover Applications, Benjamin Robinson

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Public awareness of harmful human environmental effects such as global warming has increased greatly in recent years and researchers have increased their efforts in gaining more knowledge about the Earth's atmosphere. Natural and man-made processes pose threats lo the environment and human life, so knowledge of all atmospheric processes is necessary. Ozone and aerosols are important factors in many atmospheric processes and active remote sensing techniques provide a way lo analyze their quantity and distribution.

A compact ground-based lidar system for a robotic platform meant for atmospheric aerosol measurements was designed, tested, and evaluated. The system will eventually be deployed …

Nurturing Systems Thinking: Developing A Framework Based On The Human Factors Analysis And Classification System (Hfacs) To Improve Systems Development Processes, Arjun Vijayanarayanan

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Large systems engineering projects have an astonishingly high failure rate. The reasons hypothesized for such a high failure rate include the neglect of nonsalient system elements such as social and human or organizational aspects of systems. Social and human factors have long been known to be critical elements of systems that are frequently ignored (e.g., Goguen, 1994). Systems engineering processes can benefit and be improved by effective utilization of a framework that helps developers expand their attention and efforts beyond the salient aspects of the system and the development process. In the aviation field, the Human Factors Analysis and Classification …

Evaluation System Design And Academic Performance Analysis Using Clustering And Simulation, Volkan Cakir

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The starting point of this study was to understand the possible causes of evaluation system change in a military academic environment. With that motivation the objectives of this study were defined as examining student profiles in a military academy, establishing the nature of academic performance, comparing student groups that were identified by course scores, analyzing student performance changes over time and developing a manageable evaluation system and curriculum by comparing different scenarios.

An analysis was performed on the literature on academic performance prediction, cluster analysis methodologies and their development, and specifically summarized cluster analytic academic performance studies where these two …

Towards An Organizational Strategic Vitality Theory: A Study Of A Public Sector Board Of Directors, Keith L. Woodman

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Boards of directors govern practically all organizations of significant size in the public and private sector. Improving the understanding of how boards function is critical because when boards fail, the results can be devastating. Little is understood about the functioning of boards of directors in the public sector, which accounts for a significant amount of the gross national product of the world's economy. The author observed a public sector board of directors for one year. Using the grounded theory research method to analyze the observations, he generated a theory of organizational strategic vitality that describes how a board of directors …

A Structured Project-Risk Management And Life Cycle Framework For Complex Systems: Ship Repair And Maintenance (Sr&M) Projects, Michael Craig Plumb

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation contributes to insights regarding the implications of using Project Risk Management (PRM) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in managing projects for a complex system. The PRM approach apprehends many forms of risk both internal and external within a given project and assists the manager in determining the level of importance of each individual project phase and component to optimize project success. The life cycle approach to project management is used with short-term limitations with respect to a product's life cycle over several years. The literature discusses many tools and techniques that assist project managers in implementing optimal solutions, …

Experimental Investigation Of Natural Fiber Reinforced Composite, Irene Samy Fahim

Theses and Dissertations

There is a growing use of polymers in different applications worldwide. This phenomenon resulted in an enormous increase in the amount of plastic waste. These wastes have significant impacts on the environment including pollution and depletion of resources. Recycling plastic waste and reusing it helps in alleviating environmental degradation. The amount of recycled plastics all over the world not utilized is huge. U.S.A recycled 5.7% of the total plastics generated and Western Europe recycled 39% of total amount of plastics consumed [1]. This research studies the potential usage of virgin and recycled polymer reinforced with natural fiber such as rice …

Locally Delicious Kids Worm Bin, Delo Freitas, Kusondra King, Dylan Child

Undergraduate Scholarship

The project outlined in this page is a small and manageable worm bin designed so that kids ages eight to twelve can recreate it, without the help of their parents, following the instructions. Giving a child the opportunity to build a worm bin enables them to get hands-on experience with composting and sustainable living, and allows them to see waste transformed into something useful! After the projects have been finished and released, material regarding the details of the various projects will be compiled and published tentatively due out Fall 2011. The design outlined below is a product of Onycophora, a …

Locally Delicious Solar Oven For Kids, Shelly Dean, Matthew Mccammon, Josue Candelario, Jill Hauck

Undergraduate Scholarship

We were in Engr205 Introduction to Design and were working for Locally Delicious to design a solar oven that children ages 8-12 could build and use independently. This design took place at Cal Poly Humboldt in the United States. We were encouraged to "think out of the solar box" and create something more original than an aluminum foil covered shoe box. We wanted to get the children thinking about the food they eat and how they can be in control of their diet. After doing research on solar ovens, solar materials, the capabilities of children ages 8-12, and the transfer …

Dynamics Of Hyporheic Flow And Heat Transport Across A Bed-To-Bank Continuum In A Large Regulated River, Katelyn E. Gerecht, M. Bayani Cardenas, Andrew J. Guswa, Audrey H. Sawyer, John D. Nowinski, Travis E. Swanson

Engineering: Faculty Publications

The lower Colorado River (LCR) near Austin, Texas is heavily regulated for hydropower generation. Daily water releases from a dam located 23 km upstream of our study site in the LCR caused the stage to fluctuate by more than 1.5 m about a mean depth of 1.3 m. As a result, the river switches from gaining to losing over a dam storage-release cycle, driving exchange between river water and groundwater. We assessed the hydrologic impacts of this by simultaneous temperature and head monitoring across a bed-to-bank transect. River-groundwater exchange flux is largest close to the bank and decreases away from …

Detecting Cracked Rotors Using Auxiliary Harmonic Excitation, Jerzy T. Sawicki, Michael I. Friswell, Zbigniew Kulesza, Adam C. Wroblewski, John D. Lekki

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Cracked rotors are not only important from a practical and economic viewpoint, they also exhibit interesting dynamics. This paper investigates the modelling and analysis of machines with breathing cracks, which open and close due to the self-weight of the rotor, producing a parametric excitation. After reviewing the modelling of cracked rotors, the paper analyses the use of auxiliary excitation of the shaft, often implemented using active magnetic bearings to detect cracks. Applying a sinusoidal excitation generates response frequencies that are combinations of the rotor spin speed and excitation frequency. Previously this system was analysed using multiple scales analysis; this paper …