Digital Commons Network^™

Multi-Level Energy Optimization For Connected And Automated Vehicles: From Cooperative Multi-Vehicle Control To Individual Powertrain Management, Pruthwiraj Santhosh

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The transportation sector currently accounts for nearly 30% of global energy consumption, necessitating urgent advancements in vehicle efficiency to meet Net Zero targets. Leveraging connectivity and automation, this dissertation proposes and validates methodologies to reduce the energy consumption of light-duty vehicles at both fleet and individual levels.

First, a validation framework is developed to bridge the “simulation-to-real world” gap in Cooperative Automated Vehicle (CAV) research. Moving beyond virtual simulations, the study establishes a methodology for physically validating centralized control architectures via a custom Cellular V2X network. By synchronizing vehicle-powertrain models with physical test vehicles, the framework successfully orchestrates complex arterial …

Application Of Passive Samplers For Exploring Remedial Progress In The Torch Lake Aoc And Interlake Variability Of Pcbs, Cailin B. Bishop

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

This study evaluates changes in dissolved polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in Torch Lake, Michigan, an Area of Concern shaped by decades of legacy contamination and evolving restoration policy. Passive samplers deployed across sites and seasons (2024–2025) show total PCB concentrations ranging from below detection to 110 pg/L (mean = 16.8 pg/L), representing an approximate 90% decline since 2005. Comparisons with regional reference lakes indicate no statistically significant difference (p = 0.84), suggesting concentrations may approach background atmospheric levels despite continued variability. Congener profiles indicate a shift toward lower-chlorinated PCBs, though interpretation of higher-chlorinated congeners is limited by slow sorption kinetics. …

Performance Comparison Of A Low Mass Vibratory Lunar Surface Compactor In Vacuum Versus Atmosphere, Robin D. Austerberry

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

As space agencies prepare to return to the moon, an emphasis is being placed on establishing a sustained human presence that requires permanent structures and supporting infrastructure, making site preparation a critical factor. Michigan Technological University’s Planetary Surface Technology Development Lab has developed a novel low-mass surface compaction tool for use on a site preparation vehicle in collaboration with Colorado School of Mines. Testing in vacuum is necessary to simulate a relevant environment, which is required to increase the technology readiness level of this tool to TRL 5. Testing concluded significant interactions between the presence of atmosphere and other factors. …

Minimizing Snow Loss On Fixed Tilt Solar Pv Installations Through Frame Material Selection And Installation Layout, David B. Wallis

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

This thesis investigates the effects of frame material selection, module orientation and module gaps on photovoltaic energy production in a snowy environment. These factors are easily implemented in new PV installations at minimal or no extra cost. These experiments are installed as fixed tilt arrays at 35° with DC current, DC voltage, and meteorological monitoring. The frame material and module gap experiments both produced actionable results. In the frame material experiment, consistent event level energy production gains resulted in seasonal production gains favoring aluminum framed modules. In the module gap experiment energy gains are independent of atmospheric conditions. The orientation …

Aqueous Iron Electrowinning: From Electrolyte Engineering To The Unexplored Potential Of Acetate Systems, Chodwell N. Verenga

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Iron electrowinning and electrodeposition sit at the intersection of classical metallurgy and developing sustainable manufacturing. With the iron and steel industry responsible for 7 - 9% of global CO₂ emissions, low-temperature electrochemical pathways for iron production have garnered significant research interest. This review examines the fundamental electrochemical principles governing iron deposition, the thermodynamic constraints imposed by the iron-water system, and the kinetic challenges posed by the parasitic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The three key electrolyte systems are objectively evaluated: acidic sulfate and chloride electrolytes, alkaline suspension electrolytes and water-in-salt electrolytes. Their operating parameters, faradaic efficiencies, energy consumption and deposit characteristics …

Adaptive Machine Learning Framework For Microstructural Optimization And Mechanical Performance Prediction In Steels, Henry Adekola Haffner

Doctoral Dissertations

Evolution of microstructures, such as polygonal ferrite, acicular ferrite, bainite, and martensite, plays a pivotal role in determining the final microstructural and mechanical properties of steel products. Given the established inter-relationship between processing parameters, microstructure, properties, and performance, precise control of phase transformation is essential to achieve pre-determined properties. To understand transformation routes in different steel grades, time-temperature-transformation (TTT) and continuous-cooling-transformation (CCT) diagrams are necessary and can be described using the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov equation and Scheil’s additivity rule. This study presents a comprehensive computational framework for predicting and optimizing microstructure and mechanical properties in advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) using adaptive machine …

Advancing Coal Rib Support Design Through The Integration Of Field Studies And Numerical Simulations, Alper Kirmaci

Doctoral Dissertations

Coal rib stability remains a major safety concern in U.S. underground coal mines, with rib failure-related injuries and fatalities still occurring. A key challenge is the lack of a standardized methodology for designing rib support systems that can address varying geological conditions. As a result, many mines rely on trial-and-error or traditional practices, leading to inconsistent designs. This research aims to develop a systematic methodology for rib support design to improve coal rib stability in U.S. mining operations.

The study consists of: i) field monitoring in active room-and-pillar coal mines, ii) in-situ pull-out tests on coal ribs, iii) numerical model …

Accelerating Circular Economy Transition For A Sustainable Built Environment: A Systems-Based Framework, Radwa Walid Yassin Eissa

Doctoral Dissertations

"The Circular Economy (CE) has gained momentum as a transformative framework for steering the construction value chain towards greater sustainability. However, this transition requires shifts in production and consumption patterns, adoption of circular business models, and the replacement of linear practices. Despite growing interest, CE adoption in construction faces persistent challenges, including sectoral fragmentation, lack of integrated governance frameworks, and limited coordination among stakeholders. This dissertation aims to accelerate the CE transition in the built environment through a multi-scale, interdisciplinary approach spanning five modules: (1) Module 1 develops a construction value chain-structured portfolio of CE strategies and assesses their implementation; …

Bond Graph And Extended Generalized Average Method With Applications In Cyber-Physical Systems And Power Electronics, Arnold Anthony Fernandes

Doctoral Dissertations

"This research examines two applications of control theory. The first application considers the bond graph (BG) modeling technique, which is used to develop the MATLAB structural analysis toolbox (MATSAT), an open-source toolbox for sensor placement and qualitative system analysis that considers the observability and fault-detection capabilities of multi-domain cyberphysical systems. The toolbox provides information on redundant sensors, guiding the system designer in cost and security trade-offs. The toolbox uses traditional BG causality assignment procedures. Additionally, MATSAT provides optimal causality assignment methods that perform significantly better at assigning causality to BGs with increased junctions, sources, and simple meshes, without encountering causality …

Deep Learning And Computer Vision-Based Modeling For A Real-Time Traffic Congestion Monitoring Framework, Neil Dustin Benedict A. Agner, Angelo B. Dela Cruz, Aster Benedict A. Mangabat, Raphael B. Alampay, Patricia Angela R. Abu

Ateneo Laboratory for Intelligent Visual Environments

As intelligent traffic systems evolve to manage complex urban mobility, conventional congestion estimation techniques, such as the time-windowed Volume-to-Capacity (V/C) ratio, fail to capture capture the real-time traffic situation. Because these methods rely on vehicles crossing a specific point, they often fail to register stopped cars, creating a ‘zero flow’ paradox where complete gridlock is incorrectly categorized as an empty, free-flowing road. To address these limitations, this study proposes an end-to-end computer vision framework utilizing the Real-Time DEtection TRansformer (RT-DETR) model to quantify vehicle volume and immediately classify a roadway’s Level of Service (LOS) through spatial density. In processing video …

Unveiling Microplastic Removal And Characteristics In Wastewater From Two Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facilities In Indonesia, Nurul Setiadewi, Prayatni Soewondo, Cynthia Henny

Applied Environmental Research

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are considered an entrance pathways for microplastic (MP) pollution in aquatic environments. This study reveals the removal and characteristics of MPs in wastewater from two municipal WWTPs in Indonesia. The influent contained 17.1 ± 5.65 particles L-1 (WWTP A) and 15.45 ± 4.31 particles L-1 (WWTP B), whereas the effluent contained 1.41 ± 0.01 and 1.5 ± 0.16 particles L-1. The removal efficiency was 91.75% for WWTP A and 90.32% for WWTP B, with no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). WWTP A employed advanced treatment units, whereas WWTP B used a conventional pond-based system. MPs were …

Assessment Of The Influence Of Human Activities On The Occurrence Of Forest Fires In Thailand Via Multiple Linear Regression (Mlr), Sittipong Ruktamatakul, Jirarat Insuk, Benjaporn Pinwongpet, Sarisa Ruktametakul, Pornpis Yimprayoon

Applied Environmental Research

Forest fires represent one of the most critical environmental challenges in Thailand, with impacts varying depending on forest type, fuel characteristics, terrain conditions, fire intensity, and the frequency of fire occurrence on the same landscape. While forest fires can contribute to ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, and the depletion of natural resources, such effects are not uniformly severe across all forest ecosystems. Understanding the human-induced factors contributing to forest fire occurrence is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies and promoting sustainable forest management. This study aimed to identify the anthropogenic factors influencing forest fire areas in Thailand via multiple linear regression …

Fabrication Of Acid-Modified Corn Plant By-Product-Based Biochar For Efficient Adsorption Of Sulfamethoxazole From Aqueous Solutions, Thi An Hang Nguyen, Thi Duyen Le, Thi Hang Bui

Applied Environmental Research

Antibiotic pollution is of great interest owing to growing concerns about antibiotic resistance worldwide. This study aims to fabricate acid-modified biochar (CBM-A) from corn plant byproducts (CRs) for sulfamethoxazole (SMX) adsorption in aqueous solutions. CBM-A was synthesized via pyrolysis at 700 °C and modified with 14% H3PO4. Kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics were investigated in combination with material characterization to elucidate the adsorption behaviors and mechanisms. The results showed that pyrolysis and acid modification effectively enhanced SMX adsorption by CR because of the increased number of binding groups, specific surface area, and porosity. SMX adsorption on CBM-A was optimized at a …

Blue Carbon Stock Assessment And Climate Resilience Potential Of Mangrove Forest In Hung Thang Commune, Vietnam, Hla Phong Ko, Pham Hong Tinh, Nguyen Thuy Duong

Applied Environmental Research

Mangrove forests are vital blue carbon sinks that contribute to climate change mitigation and coastal resilience. This study assessed the carbon stock and spatial‒temporal dynamics of a mangrove forest in Hung Thang commune, Hai Phong Province, Vietnam, via a combination of field measurements, soil organic carbon (SOC) analysis, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)-based remote sensing models. The results revealed that mangroves in the Hung Thang community store an average of 87.42 tC ha-1, with SOC accounting for approximately 19% of the total carbon. A generalized additive model (GAM) analysis revealed a consistent increase in carbon stocks between 1996 and …

Heavy Metals And Organic Carbon In Sediments Of Seagrass Sediments Of Trang Province, Thailand, Siriporn Pradit, Pornthep Wirachwong, Thongchai Nitiratsuwan, Sujaree Bureekul, Supraewpan Lohalaksanadech, Thawanrat Kobkeatthawin, Monticha Jirajaras, Prakrit Noppradit, Sanya Sirivithayapakorn

Applied Environmental Research

In this study, the accumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, and Pb) in water, suspended sediments, sediments, and seagrass in Kalase Bay, Trang Province, Thailand, during the 2024 dry season was investigated. These findings indicate that the enrichment factor (EF) for all the metals was less than 1, suggesting that anthropogenic contamination is not a significant concern in the area. The translocation factor (TF) values were less than 1 for all the metals except Cu, whose TF was greater than 1; however, these values were not statistically significant, indicating limited phytoextraction capacity. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) values for …

Seasonal Wastewater Monitoring And Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment Of Escherichia Coli In A University Wastewater System, Pathum Thani, Central Thailand, Natsima Tokhun, Natagarn Tongphanpharn, Weerawat Ounsaneha, Montip Jankeaw, Wiriyabhorn Klomsungcharoen, Patsara Wongsudi, Yawanart Ngamnon, Cheerawit Rattanapan, Kwang Mo Yang

Applied Environmental Research

In this study, the physicochemical properties of wastewater were characterized, and a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) of E. coli was conducted in the wastewater treatment system of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University, under the Royal Patronage, Pathum Thani, Thailand (VRU-SciTech). This study was conducted because the current water-quality assessment does not include the QMRA or evaluate the occupa-tional and incidental public risk of infection. Over a one-year monitoring period, this study quantified wastewater generation (~6.09 L person-1 day-1; ~3.21 × 103 m3 year-1) and analyzed its physicochemical parameters and E. coli concentrations. High concentrations …

Performance And Mechanisms Of Activated Natural Coagulants For Efficient Microcystis Removal Via Coagulation–Flocculation In Thailand, Apiradee Sukmilin, Peangtawan Phonmat, Ratcha Chaichana

Applied Environmental Research

Thailand produces fruit peels and seeds rich in natural polymers, which can serve as eco-friendly coagulants to control algal blooms. In this study, banana peel (Musa spp.), orange peel (Citrus sinensis), basil seed (Ocimum basilicum) mucilage, and chia seed (Salvia hispanica) mucilage were used. These activated natural coagulants with aluminum were compared with nonactivated and commercial coagulants (ferric sulfate, ferrous sulfate, and polyaluminum chloride) for Microcystis removal. Phytochemical composition analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) analysis were conducted. The results revealed that banana and orange peels contain phenolic compounds, …

Metal–Organic Frameworks : Opportunities And Challenges In Nutrient Recovery, Suchana Amnuaychaichana, Chi-Wang Li, Pongsak (Lek) Noophan, Sumeth Wongkiew

Applied Environmental Research

Nutrient recovery from waste streams is a critical strategy for promoting sustainable agriculture and mitigating environmental degradation. Essential nutrients commonly present in organic waste and wastewater, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, can be reclaimed and reintegrated into agricultural systems. Metal‒organic frameworks (MOFs), which are composed of metal clusters coordinated with organic ligands, have emerged as promising materials for adsorption and have the potential for nutrient recovery and pollutant removal because of their high porosity, large surface area, and tunable physicochemical properties. These attributes enable MOFs to serve in diverse applications, including heavy metal adsorption, organic pollutant degradation, and nutrient transformations. …

Exploring Consumers’ Intention And Behavior In The Circular Economy : Evidence From Vietnam, Tuan Hoang Nguyen, Vo Minh Thang Phan

Applied Environmental Research

This study aims to address the key gaps in understanding the factors influencing the intention–behavior relationship of consumers in the context of the circular economy (CE). Grounded in the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this research extends the framework by integrating social pressure, attitudes toward green consumption, and the availability of CE products as crucial components that shape intention and behavior. Data were collected from 603 Vietnamese consumers and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results confirm the core TPB constructs, with perceived behavioral control emerging as the most influential factor. Notably, attitude toward green consumption …

Tree Composition And Carbon Sequestration Potential Of A University Campus In Bangkok, Thailand, Chaiwat Boonpeng, Pawanrat Butrid Butrid, Marisa Pischom, Satatip Noikrad

Applied Environmental Research

Trees play important roles in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption and climate change mitigation. The objective of this study was to assess tree characteristics and carbon sequestration potential at Ramkhamhaeng University (Hua Mak Campus), Bangkok, Thailand. Tree attributes, including species composition, abundance, diameter at breast height (DBH), and tree height, were recorded. Tree biomass, carbon storage, and CO2 sequestration were estimated using appropriate allometric equations. A total of 2,149 trees were recorded in the study area, corresponding to a tree density of 45.8 trees ha-1. The tree community was dominated by the palm family (Arecaceae), while Terminalia ivorensis was the …

Development Of A Deep Neural Network Model To Predict Pm2.5 Concentrations Based On Key Factors Affecting Air Pollution In Bangkok, Natsuda Klinklan, Tanawut Poothong, Nuttiwut Areeratphitak, Viganda Varabuntoonvit

Applied Environmental Research

PM2.5 is a significant air pollution concern in Thailand, particularly in urban areas such as Bangkok, where the 24-hour average concentration frequently exceeds national ambient air quality standards during severe seasonal episodes. Road transportation is the primary source of PM2.5 in Bangkok, accounting for 73% of total emissions, according to the Pollution Control Department. In this study, a predictive modeling framework is developed to investigate the relationship between vehicle count and the mass concentration of PM2.5 from vehicular exhaust emissions. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs) are employed for vehicle detection and counting, whereas a long short-term …

Effects Of The Psb-To-Ow Ratio And Light Intensity On Biogas Composition During Phototrophic-Assisted Anaerobic Fermentation Of Organic Waste, Kridsana Jirasansawat, Sirilak Prasertkulsak, Nitiwist Teangthai

Applied Environmental Research

The integration of phototrophic processes into anaerobic fermentation offers a promising strategy for improving biogas quality; however, the combined effects of the photosynthetic bacteria-to-organic waste (PSB-to-OW) ratio and light intensity remain unclear. In this study, the photosynthetic bacteria (PSB)-assisted anaerobic fermentation of municipal organic waste under varying PSB-to-OW ratios and light intensities was evaluated. An optimal PSB-to-OW ratio of 1:2 resulted in significantly higher CH4 concentrations and lower CO2 and H2S concentrations than the other tested ratios did (p < 0.05). At this ratio, moderate illumination (2000 lx) resulted in the highest CH4 concentration (68.2 ± 0.3%), compared with 1000 lx (61.5 ± 0.4%) and 4000 lx (63.1 ± 0.5%). Under illumination, the CO2 and H2S concentrations were lower than those under dark conditions, indicating a more favorable biogas composition. Kinetic analysis indicated that CO2 and H2S exhibited apparent first-order behavior under illumination, with the highest rates occurring at 2000 lx (kH2S = 0.093 day-1; kCO2 = 0.059 day-1), suggesting light-dependent transformation processes. Metagenomic analysis revealed a microbial community dominated by sulfide-oxidizing (Chlorobium sp.), photoheterotrophic (Rhodopseudomonas sp.), and syntrophic bacteria, supporting coupled carbon conversion and sulfur transformation. Overall, optimization of the …

Efficiently Stowed Flashers With Uniform-Thickness Panels Based On Non-Developable Origami, Larry L. Howell, Robert J. Lang, Specer P. Magleby, Davis Wing

Faculty Publications

We present the mathematical construction of a deployable flasher pattern with near-uniform nonzero thickness in the deployed form and efficient face-to-face packing in the stowed form. We demonstrate its fabrication, deployment, and stowage. The results facilitate the design and manufacture of deployable systems with panels whose substantial thickness is dictated by the end application, with particular utility for space systems.

Improving Efficiency In Noma Schemes Having Inter-User Interference Using Mechanism Design, Zory Marantz

Publications and Research

Modern wireless systems utilize non-orthogonal multiple access to increase their rate capacities; however, the efficiency of the individual utility defined in bits per Joule has yet to be considered. Multiple variations of non-orthogonal multiple access have the interference of the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio as a function of the received power from multiple other users due to code implementations that are non-orthogonal or non-ideal cancellation in successive-interference-cancellation methods. Game theoretic concepts are used to improve user bits-per-Joule performance. Previous solutions increment transmit power and are not based on closed form systematic methods. The mechanism design presented here led to a non-cooperative Nash …

Automation And Habitat Development For A Space Based Marine Life Environment, Logan Trimmer, Alexander Hang

Harrisburg University Other Works

This project was a cross-collaboration between the Environmental Sciences and Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics programs for the company Monolith Space.

The goal of this project was to design an autonomous system to be able to track qualities of water in an aquaculture system designed to be sent to space.

Sustainable Paper Production From Date Palm And Reed Leaves Through The Valorization Of Agricultural Waste Products, Imane Belyamani, Alreem Alameri, Jacqueline Soghman

All Works

The environmental consequences of wood-based paper production, including greenhouse gas emissions, have accelerated the search for sustainable alternatives. This study investigates the use of reed and date palm fibers as eco-friendly raw materials for paper production, focusing on starch's influence on their thermal, structural, and mechanical properties. Reed fibers exhibited a higher pulp yield (58.2 %) and lower lignin content (7.8 %) compared to date palm fibers (55.9 % yield, 14.1 % lignin), contributing to papers with smoother textures and greater flexibility. The incorporation of starch into both fiber types resulted in notable performance improvements, though the effects were more …

Artificial Neural Network Based Protection For Dc Bus Using Solid State Dc Breaker, Eswaraiah Giddalur, Askani Jaya Laxmi

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Low voltage Direct Current (LVDC) microgrids have been extensively used as a hopeful technology with high access to distributed energy resources (DERs) and DC loads, due to the absence of multiple conversions. A high amplitude Fault current together with the vulnerability of electronic devices, poses a great challenge to the line protection in LVDC microgrids. Electromechanical switches are slow and take long tripping time to clear the short circuit fault. Power electronic circuit breakers are used to achieve fast fault interruption recent progress in areas like machine learning and natural language processing have affected nearly every assiduity and area of …

Design Of An Economic Order Quantity–Based Dashboard For Vaccine Packaging Inventory Management, Hadi Susanto, Susmitha Canny, Alexandra Elizabeth Callistha, Shakira Dwi Purwandari, Naila Davina Aurelia

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Background: Timely availability of vaccine packaging is critical to pharmaceutical supply chain reliability, as packaging materials play a key role in maintaining cold chain integrity during distribution. Inadequate availability of packaging materials can disrupt vaccine delivery even when finished vaccines are ready for shipment. The case company faces frequent delivery delays, insufficient safety stock, and irregular replenishment of vaccine packaging materials, which have jeopardized the organization’s target of achieving a 90% on-time delivery rate.

Objective: To design and evaluate an Economic Order Quantity (EOQ)–based inventory dashboard for vaccine packaging that standardizes ordering decisions and strengthens stock visibility in pharmaceutical distribution …

Probing Proficiency-Related Neural Representations With Pca And Ica, Onila R. Narayana Mudalige Don

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

How proficiency-related information is represented in task fMRI depends not only on the data themselves, but on the representational lens used to summarize them. This thesis examines second-language (L2) proficiency as a problem of representational organization rather than as a simple classification exercise. Using task fMRI from adult language learners performing semantic animacy judgments in their native language (L1) and second language (L2), I derive shared low-dimensional network representations with principal component analysis (PCA) and independent component analysis (ICA), then evaluate those representations under matched leakage-controlled decoding pipelines.

Across analyses, the central comparison is between representational frameworks rather than between …

Beyond The Meter: Frameworks For Evaluating The Broad Spectrum Of Microgrid Benefits, Elias Henderson

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Community-scale microgrids can create a range of social benefits. These include resilient electricity, cleaner air, decarbonization, and economic development, alongside more qualitative values like energy sovereignty and community self-determination. Many such benefits, however, are illegible to California’s market and regulatory frameworks. This thesis traces this disconnect, with particular attention to grid-edge communities in Northern California.

Microgrid benefits are classified as monetized, modeled, or incommensurable according to their inclusion/exclusion in existing regulatory and revenue mechanisms. To explore each category, a mixed-methods analytic approach is employed, pairing Tribal and stakeholder interviews with the development of a microgrid valuation calculator. This tool is …