Engineering Commons^™

Implementing Super-Resolution Of Non-Stationary Tides With Wavelets: An Introduction To Cwt_Multi, Matthew Lobo, David A. Jay, Silvia Innocenti, Stefan A. Talke, Steven Dykstra, Pascal Matte

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Tides are often non-stationary due to non-astronomical influences. Investigating variable tidal properties implies a tradeoff between separating adjacent frequencies (using long analysis windows) and resolving their time variations (short windows). Previous continuous wavelet transform (CWT) tidal methods resolved tidal species. Here, we present CWT_Multi, a Matlab code that: a) uses CWT linearity (via the “Response Coefficient Method”) to implement super-resolution (Munk and Hasselman 1964); b) provides a Munk-Hasselman constituent-selection criterion; and c) introduces an objective, time-variable form of inference (“dynamic inference”) based on time-varying data properties. CWT_Multi resolves tidal species on time-scales of days and multiple constituents per species with …

Exploratory Analysis Of Factors Affecting Home Delivery Returns, Michael Bronson, Miguel Figliozzi, Ali Riahi Samani, Sabya Mishra

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

E-commerce and house deliveries have experienced a rapid growth in the last two decades. The return of online shopping products is an undesirable side effect of online shopping that has not been properly studied in the transportation literature. Utilizing binary logit models, this research answers two novel research questions focusing on the online shopping channel: (i) What household characteristics are associated with a higher or lower propensity to return online purchases? and (ii) What type of products contribute to positive return delivery rates? To answer these questions models are developed using data collected from a household online survey of e-commerce …

New Online Approach For Real-Time Precise Point Positioning Gnss Processing, Maha Fekry Elrewiny, Fawzi H. Zarzoura, Mahmoud El-Mewafi

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Real-time precise point positioning (PPP) is a promising technique for accurate position services. The merging of many systems is intended to increase real-time PPP performance. With a rising number of available satellites and progressively increased quality of real-time accurate products of satellite clocks and orbits, Platforms such as CSRS-PPP, AUSPOS, Magic-GNSS, Trimble, and PPP-MANS are reshaping the landscape of embedded solutions in a variety of sectors. the performance of real-time PPP must be tested on a regular basis. This article examines the benefits and drawbacks of real-time PPP, emphasizing its potential for high accuracy, fast decision-making, and easy interaction with …

An Updated Analytical Method For Predicting The Bracing Behavior Of Z-Purlin Supported Standing Seam Diaphragm Systems, Michael W. Seek

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Roof systems utilizing Z-purlins as a secondary member supporting a standing seam panel system are used extensively by the metal building industry. The Z-purlins rely on the diaphragm action in the standing seam panel system to provide lateral support and transfer forces to anchorages. The behavior of the standing seam system is highly nonlinear making prediction of the interaction between the Z-purlin and the standing seam system difficult. To better understand the behavior of the interaction between the purlins and the panel system, a series of non-linear shell finite element models were developed based on the test results of simple …

The Seasonality And Climate Predictability Of The Frequency Of Extreme Flood Events Across The Contiguous United States, Ololade S. Alonge

Dissertations and Theses

This paper investigates the seasonality of the frequency of extreme flood events across the United States (US) and outlines the impact of large-scale climate on its spatio-temporal variability. The analysis was conducted on 317 stream gages from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Hydro-Climatic Data Network (HDCN) over a period of 68 years (1950-2017), resulting in the estimation of the counts of extreme floods (defined as the number of days in each month when the streamflow is greater than the 95^th percentile of daily distribution) and the determination of the Markham’s seasonality index for it. 97% of the stations …

Urban Freight Transportation: The Interaction Of Home Deliveries In Cities, Carla A. Tejada

Dissertations and Theses

The movement of freight in urban areas is a key factor in the sustainable development of cities. If managed correctly, it can potentiate economic growth and support urban lifestyles. Nevertheless, the movement of goods in cities is usually in conflict with other urban flows and is generally perceived as having more negative externalities, above all for environmental and social sustainability. While the first focuses on measuring the impact on the environment, the latter focuses on measuring the impacts of business decisions on people. The main goal of this dissertation is to study the relationship that urban goods movements, mainly residential …

Predicting Florida's Extreme Wind Events: A Deep Learning Approach, Irene Josephat Byemerwa

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Extreme wind events, such as hurricanes and tropical storms, have devastating impacts on infrastructure, economy, and public safety in Florida. Traditional predictive methods, linear regression, logistic regression, and autoregressive integrated moving-average (ARIMA) models have limitations in accounting for non-stationarity and nonlinearity in meteorological data, leading to less accurate predictions. The primary objective of this study is to leverage the capabilities of deep learning algorithms, specifically, Feedforward Neural Networks (FFNNs), to develop a predictive model that outperforms traditional predictive methods in forecasting extreme wind events in Florida. The deep learning model was trained, validated, and tested using historical wind speed data …

Quantifying Geogrid Reinforcement Mechanism In Roadway Performance Using Cyclic Plate Load (Cpl) Test, G.S. Ellithy, A. Crippa

Publications

For decades, geogrids have been used successfully to improve performance in both paved and unpaved roadway construction. Even though the current state of practice differentiates between the design methodology incorporating geogrids in paved and unpaved roadways, the true improvement contribution of geogrids is to the base layer, or to the layer that is placed directly on top of it. It has been established that the three reinforcement mechanisms by which geogrids enhance roadway performance are: lateral restraint, bearing capacity increase and membrane tension support. In order to quantify these mechanisms and their contribution to the roadway performance improvement, two Cyclic …

Development Of Polymeric Sorbents As Reusable Filtration Systems For Remediation Of Pfas Contaminated Water, E. Molly Frazar

Theses and Dissertations--Chemical and Materials Engineering

Decades of use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a multitude of consumer and industry-based products have led to a devastating amount of soil and water contamination. Although these chemicals and compounds possess advantageous qualities – such as that of PFAS in the role of fire-fighting foams that have no doubt saved countless lives and homes, we must take responsibility for the anthropogenic hazards that threaten our global health. This entails being able to cost-effectively remediate problems created in the past from overuse of toxic substances that could negatively impact our future, and in this case, the future of …

A Sustainable Ultrafiltration Of Sub-20 Nm Nanoparticles In Water And Isopropanol: Experiments, Theory And Machine Learning, Jie Mcatee

Theses and Dissertations

This research focused on ultrafiltration (UF) for particles down to 2 nm against membranes with larger pore size in water and IPA, which has the potential to save up to 90% of energy. This study developed electrospray (ES) - scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) method to fast and effective measure retention efficiencies for small particles (ZnS, Au and PSL) on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polycarbonate (PCTE) in different liquids. Theoretical models that could quantitatively explain the experimental results for small particles in medium-polarity organic solvents were also developed. Results showed that the highest efficiency was up to ~80% …

Multiscale Evaluation Of The Effect Of Deicing Agents And Environmental Conditions On The Performance Of Asphalt Pavements In Cold Regions, Maryam Mihandoust

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Removal Of Disinfection Byproducts In Drinking Water Using Biological Filtration, Peng Dai

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Drinking water disinfection is essential to protecting public health from waterborne diseases. However, the reaction of disinfectants with natural organic matter (NOM) can form carcinogenic disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Drinking water treatment facilities employ precursor control and alternative disinfectants to minimize regulated DBPs formation to comply with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines. Despite their efficacy, some limitations have been observed during the application, such as increased cost of enhanced coagulation, high demand for sludge disposal, inconsistency in precursor removal, and formation of more toxic unregulated and unknown DBPs. Therefore, it is important to develop more efficient and safe strategies for DBPs …

Performance And Durability Assessment Of Concrete Bridge Deck Sealants, Bipin Adhikari

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Electronic Waste As Synthetic Aggregate For Portland Cement Concrete, Md Shafaul Islam

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Lightweight concrete has grown in popularity in the building industry in recent years. Due to its environmental and economic benefits, the construction sector favors using lightweight concrete in applications allowed by the technical specifications. On the other hand, electronics waste (e-waste) is the world’s most rapidly growing waste problem. Given the scale and the volume of global concrete construction, incorporating e-waste as a lightweight concrete construction material can potentially reduce sending electronic waste to landfills, which is an environmental benefit. Additionally, it will help with saving the consumption of virgin aggregates. This study was undertaken to determine the feasibility of …

An Analysis Of The Effect Of Temperature On Asphalt Paving In South Dakota, S M Rahat Rashedi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Temperature is an important parameter to consider for asphalt paving since this work is generally susceptible to weather due to outdoor construction. The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) developed working day weather charts in 1998 to address the expected adverse weather days. This thesis investigated the effect of temperature on adverse weather days for asphalt paving and compared them to the value reported in the 1998 SDDOT study. Moreover, the thesis also examined how closely the maximum temperature data from project sites' weekly progress reports (WPR) matched the data from the closest weather stations. When the maximum temperature (TMAX) …

The Effects Of The Preparation Factors On The Properties Of Co2 Capture Sorbent Derived From Local Waste Eggshell, Janjeera Chuanchob, Pornpote Piumsomboon, Benjapon Chalermsinsuwan, Saowaluck Chanchairoek

Applied Environmental Research

In this study, the CaO adsorbent was prepared by using local waste eggshell as a raw material. The influence of preparation parameters including calcination temperature, calcination time and particle size of eggshell powder on the adsorption surface area were investigated. By means of statistically experiment design, the interesting parameters were investigated by a full 23 factorial design. The prepared sorbent material was characterized by X–ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET). The results showed the particle size of eggshell powder greatly affected the BET surface area. By applying the prepared condition of 149 μm in particle …

Evaluation Of E-Waste Generation Through G-Pestle Analysis In The City Of Zamboanga, Philippines: Basis For Management Strategies, Mary Ann Beth L. Kong, Edwin R. De Los Reyes, Francis Dave C. Siacor

Applied Environmental Research

Due to a growth in the production of electronic waste (e-waste), the Philippines, particularly Zamboanga City, a top-tier, highly urbanized city on the Zamboanga Peninsula, is coping with an e-waste problem. Understanding the outside forces influencing e-waste management is necessary for creating effective strategies. With the help of a G-PESTLE analysis (geographical, political, economic, social, technical, legal, and environmental) and recommendations for improvement, this study assessed the city's existing e-waste management situation. The study looks at possibilities and problems, then offers management tactics based on the results. The study employed a hybrid methodology. Using the G-PESTLE analysis framework, the external …

Phosphorus Speciation And Heavy Metal Levels In Ogun River Sediments At Different Anthropogenic Locations In Abeokuta, Ogun State, Olayinka Oluwafunmilayo Olasunbo, Opatoyinbo Oluwabamise Esther, Olujimi Olarenwaju Olusoji, Azeez Jamiu Oladipupo, Oyebanji Adedayo Olamide

Applied Environmental Research

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for phytoplankton growth in water bodies and an important element in biochemical processes. Also, excessive P in river causes eutrophication which endangers aquatic organisms while sediment acts as sink for inorganic and organic pollutants and nutrients. To assess the availability of P and heavy metals (HMs) in Ogun River, surface sediment samples were collected at twelve anthropogenic sites for three months. The surface sediment samples were sequentially extracted to determine five phosphorus fractions [loosely-sorbed P (LS-P), iron-bound P (Fe-P), authigenic apatite, biogenic apatite and CaCO3-bound P (CFA-P), detrital apatite (Det-P) and other inorganic P …

Removal Of Diclofenac In Wastewater By Activated Sludge In Batch And Moving-Bed Biofilm Reactor Experiments, Keletso Chakalisa, Piriyakorn Injai, Kullapa Chanawanno, Panaya Kotchaplai, Pumis Thuptimdang

Applied Environmental Research

This study aimed to determine the diclofenac removal in wastewater by sludge taken from an operating wastewater treatment facility. Laboratory experiments were conducted in two parts: batch and moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) experiments. Results from batch experiments showed that 0.1–2 mg L-1 of diclofenac could be removed more than 80% within 72 h, and the removal efficiency reduced to less than 60% for higher concentrations. The increase in the removal rate from 0.00058 to 0.16527 mg L-1 h-1 was observed when the initial diclofenac concentration increased from 0.1 to 10 mg L-1, respectively. The average first-order rate constants of 24-h …

The Role Of Bacteria And Factors Affecting The Decomposition Of Pollutants In The Biofilter Reactor: A Review, Muliyadi Muliyadi, Purwanto Purwanto, Sri Sumiyati, Sudarno Sudarno, Budiyono Budiyono, Budi Warsito, Hadiyanto Hadiyanto

Applied Environmental Research

The findings showed that several types of bacteria can help biodegrade organic pollutants, such as Comamonadacea, which can biodegrade volatile fatty acids and aromatic compounds. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria can biodegrade ammonium. Burkholderiales can biodegrade ferric ions and hydrogen. Comamonas testosteroni is able to biodegrade nitrates. Pseudomonas taiwanensis, Acinetobacter guillouiae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae can reduce copper, chromium and zinc levels. Azolla biomass reduces strontium. Rhodospirillum sp. can biodegrade cadmium, mercury, lead, and nickel. Gallionella ferruginea and Leptothrix sp. can biodegrade arsenic and manganese. Gracilaria sp. can biodegrade aluminum, chromium, and zinc. Desulfovibrio sp. can …

Analysis Of Pervious Oyster Shell Habitat (Posh) Unit Performance Using Computational Fluid Dynamics, Lauren E. Cope

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, pervious oyster shell habitat (POSH) units have been developed and deployed as part of living shoreline projects in Northeast Florida. POSH units are modular artificial oyster reef structures made from cement and recycled oyster shells. POSH units aim to attenuate wave energy, trap sediment, restore salt marsh habitat, and improve oyster recruitment. Previous studies demonstrated the units’ ability to attract oyster larvae and reduce shoreline bed stress in some areas. This paper looks to further understand the effect of POSH unit placement on bed stress under boat wake conditions using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Results indicated that …

Extracting Road Surface Marking Features From Aerial Images Using Deep Learning, Michael Kimollo

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The traffic and roadway safety agencies spend significant efforts each year collecting roadway data, including lane configurations and other road surface marking data, such as areas with school zone markings, sidewalks, left turns, right turns, bicycle lanes, etc., for safety analysis and planning purposes. The current manual data collection methods pose significant operational and quality control challenges as they are costly and prone to errors. In addition to that the manual data collection is labor intensive and takes too much time involving high equipment costs, questionable data accuracy guarantees, and concerns about the safety of the crew.

This study aims …

Exploring Of User Experience And Evaluating Mobility Benefits Of Micromobility Systems And Golf Carts: Case Study Of Florida, Kabhabhela C. Bukuru

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Micromobility devices and golf carts (GCs)/Low speed vehicles(LSVs) are urban transportation solutions that provide short-distance travel options, including first- and last-mile trips. They mostly operate at speeds of 15 mi/h to 35 mi/h. The micromobility devices include e-scooters and e-bikes. The micromobility devices and golfcarts are increasing rapidly in the transportation system, and thus, it is necessary to explore their various factors. The objective of this study is to explore the user experience and evaluate the mobility benefits of the micromobility systems in Florida.

A survey was conducted in various cities with a substantial user base of micromobility devices. Various …

A Framework For Assessing Environmental Incidents In Coastal Areas: A Case Study In The Southeastern Coastal Area Of Vietnam, Cuong Le Tan, Phuoc Nguyen Van, Quan Nguyen Hong, Loan Tran Thi Diem, Minh Tran Thanh

Applied Environmental Research

As developing dynamic regions, coastal areas have a high potential for environmental incidents, especially chemical spills, which may permanently threaten livelihoods and coastal ecosystems. Establishing an appropriate methodological framework for assessing environmental incidents in coastal areas, ensuring increased predictability and minimising potential consequences is a trend of interest to scientists. In this study, the environmental risk assessment model was applied to develop a framework for assessing environmental incidents in coastal areas due to chemical spills from the mainland based on hazard, exposure and vulnerability factors (i.e., sensitivity and adaptability). Using the multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) method approach, suitable criteria, their …

Life Cycle Assessment Of Plastic Resin: A Case Study Of The Petrochemical Industry In Thailand For The Production Of Hdpe Resin, Natthapong Wichaiutcha, Abhishek Dutta, Orathai Chavalparit

Applied Environmental Research

Life cycle sustainability is an important tool for assessing product performance based on the three pillars of environment, economy and society. This study examined the life cycle impact, cost and social implications of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resin. Environmental assessment revealed nonrenewable energy as the greatest impact followed by carcinogens, respiratory inorganics and global warming while economically, the operational cost of HDPE resin production was significantly highest. The social impact assessment following the United Nation Environmental Programme (UNEP)/ Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) guidelines demonstrated optimal performance for all indicators except for gender ratio and disabled employee criteria which …

Optimization Of Vanillin Production From Lignin Using Catalytic Depolymerization Over A Cuo/Al2o3 Catalyst, Sirawit Sangnak, Arthit Neramittagapong, Sutasinee Neramittagapong, Somnuk Theerakulpisut, Pongsert Sriprom

Applied Environmental Research

The optimal conditions for vanillin production from lignin depolymerization using CuO/Al2O3 catalysts were determined by combining Box-Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM). Independent variables, including temperature (80–140 °C), NaOH loading (0.5–1.5 g), time (30–90 min), and catalyst weight (0.5–1.5 g), were investigated to determine the optimal conditions, with the concentration of vanillin being the dependent variable. A CuO/Al2O3 catalyst was prepared by impregnation method. The vanillin obtained from the reaction was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The maximum obtained vanillin concentration of 59.14 mg·L-1 was achieved with a temperature of 80 °C, a reaction time of 90 …

Utilizing Wasteaware Benchmark Indicators To Improve Municipal Solid Waste Management In Northern Thailand, Sujitra Vassanadumrongdee, Ridthipat Kallayanapattharasit, Arisara Lekkham, Pattayaporn Unroj

Applied Environmental Research

Primarily responsible for waste collection and disposal, local governments in northern Thailand face significant obstacles in managing waste. Mixing infectious, hazardous and general waste, over-utilizing incinerators and implementing environmentally improper disposal methods all contribute to burgeoning volumes of waste with adverse environmental and health impacts. The objectives of this study are to use the Wasteaware benchmark indicators (WABIs) to assess the effectiveness and sustainability of the waste management of Wiengthoeng Sub-district Municipality (WSM), to identify advantages and disadvantages of its system and offer fact-based recommendations for improvement. Pertinent data was obtained through interviews of governmental authorities, community members and private …

Estimation Of Respiratory Disease Burden Attributed To Particulate Matter From Biomass Burning In Northern Thailand Using 1-Km Resolution Maiac-Aod, Anuttara Hongthong, Kampol Nanthapong, Thongchai Kanabkaew

Applied Environmental Research

The upper northern Thailand suffers from air pollution due to open burning, which has been known for a long time. It was also found that different respiratory diseases were attributed to air pollution, especially particulate matter. This study estimated the health impacts attributed to PM10 between 2014 and 2016 using the burden of disease in terms of the disability adjusted life year (DALYs). The spatial correlation was evaluated based on applicable remote sensing data using the geographically weighted regression (GWR) model. The average measured PM10 concentrations for the summer and annual periods between 2014 and 2016 were 73 and 89 …

Microplastic Contamination In The Coastal Environment: A Case Study From The Mae Klong River, Samut Songkhram, Pattraporn Chaisanguansuk, Suphak Ploenbuppa, Thitiphan Assawincharoenkij, Sumet Phantuwongraj, Akkaneewut Jiraphinyakul

Applied Environmental Research

To investigate the microplastic contamination in the coastal area in Samut Songkhram, we collected sediment samples from six locations in mangrove forests along the Mae Klong River estuary (MK) and the nearby Khlong Khon canal (KK). The microplastics were extracted by ZnCl2 density separation and subsequently H2O2 digestion. The microplastic abundance and physical properties, including their size, color, and shape, were determined under the binocular microscope. The selected microplastic samples were analyzed by µ-FTIR spectroscopy to identify their polymer types. Microplastic concentrations were c. 580 and 1690 items kg-1 d.w. in the samples from MK and KK. The lower microplastic …

Groundwater Potential Mapping At Highly Populated Sub-Districts Of Thimphu District Using Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process, Thongley Thongley, Tshering Choki, Kuenzang Choden

Applied Environmental Research

Groundwater is important when there is an insufficient spring water supply for daily needs. The population growth and expansion of the cities demand more water. Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and facing water shortage in recent times due to urban expansion and population growth. This study aims to find the potential area for groundwater using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process. The factors used for this study are elevation, slope, curvature, topographic wetness index, drainage density, normalized difference vegetation index, distance from fault density, rainfall distribution map, soil texture map, and drainage density. The rating for the factors and …