Engineering Commons^™

Computational Design Of Nanoporous Materials For The Adsorption Of Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, Daniel D. Mottern

Dissertations

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of chemicals that have seen wide usage due to their fluorinated carbon backbone. The presence of strong C-F bonds in the backbone lends PFAS molecules high thermal and chemical stability, as well as strong hydrophobicity and lipophobicity. This combination of properties has led to heavy use of PFAS as surfactants, non-stick coatings, and aqueous foam forming films and flame retardants. However, these properties bring their own consequences. The high chemical and thermal stability of PFAS renders them persistent, with the C-F bonds resisting naturally occurring forms of degradation. Existing forms of …

Bio-Papcz: Corn Starch-Based Composite Bioplastic Reinforced With Pineapple Leaf Fiber (Palf), Zinc Oxide (Zno), And Polyvinyl Alcohol (Pva), Marvin C. Caya, Shervin Austin C. Huang, Jovar Khalel J. Maghari, Ruel M. Levida

Sinaya: A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students

Plastic pollution poses a serious global threat, as petroleum-based plastics persist for centuries, and their surging production of over 450 million tons overwhelms ecosystems (Ritchie et al., 2023). Using a quantitative experimental research design, the study examined the effects of varying concentrations of cornstarch-based bioplastic reinforced with pineapple leaf fiber (PALF), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and zinc oxide (ZnO) on the bioplastic’s tensile strength and soil degradability. Sample C2 (ZnO 3.0 %w/w; PVA 9.0 %w/w) demonstrated the optimal tensile properties with a tensile strength of 0.76 MPa and an elongation at break of 6.40%, which was attributed to the addition of …

Tests Without Borders: A Global Approach To Measuring Visualization Literacy, Olivia A. Guess

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Visualization literacy assessments shape how we understand people's ability to interpret data, yet most existing instruments embed Western datasets and assumptions that limit their relevance for global audiences. This thesis argues that because data is personal, assessments must also be culturally grounded. We introduce a unified framework for adapting the Mini-VLAT into 22 regionally responsive short-form assessments, each retaining the structure of the original test while incorporating datasets and scenarios tailored to specific regions around the world. To demonstrate how such adaptations can be customized and validated, we present a detailed case study of a Ghana-adapted Mini-VLAT, developed in collaboration …

Developing A Waste-To-Energy Assessment Framework Integrating Engineering And Policy Dimensions Using A Triple Bottom Line Approach, Izech Brian O. Edwin, King Harold A. Recto

Electronics, Computer, and Communications Engineering Faculty Publications

The management of municipal solid waste (MSW) in swiftly urbanizing Philippine cities has emerged as a critical concern in both energy and governance. Dependence on landfills is approaching critical thresholds as disposal sites near saturation, transportation costs escalate, and host communities increasingly resist garbage transfers. In response, this study proposes a comprehensive Waste-to-Energy (WtE) assessment framework that integrates engineering evaluation with policy and stakeholder analysis to support sustainable decision- making.

Using Baguio City as a case study, the framework applies a Triple Bottom Line (TBL) approach to evaluate three waste management scenarios: (1) current landfill-dominated practices, (2) engineered landfill with …

Data-Driven Evaluation Of Sustainable Waste-To-Energy Pathways For Intelligent Urban Systems, Izech Brian O. Edwin, King Harold A. Recto

Electronics, Computer, and Communications Engineering Faculty Publications

The handling of municipal solid waste (MSW) in swiftly urbanizing Philippine cities poses intricate energy and governance challenges. In Baguio City, reliance on landfills has reached critical levels due to diminishing capacity, rising transport costs, and opposition to trash transfers by nearby LGUs. Although shaped by unique topographical and governance constraints, Baguio’s situation reflects issues faced by other rapidly growing Philippine cities; therefore, analyzing it offers insights for national MSW decision-making. This study applies a triple bottom line (TBL) framework to assess three management scenarios: (1) Status Quo, where all MSW is landfilled with no energy recovery; (2) Landfill with …

Engineering Risk And Indigenous Resilience Toward Intelligent Decision Support For Mining In Ancestral Lands, Izech Brian O. Edwin, King Harold A. Recto

Electronics, Computer, and Communications Engineering Faculty Publications

Mining within ancestral territories reveals an ongoing conflict between technical viability and Indigenous consent. This collaborative study, conducted by an engineering scholar and a policy researcher of Indigenous heritage in Benguet among the Ibaloi and Kankanaey peoples, investigates how risk transparency and policy alignment can bridge existing divides, while formulating principles applicable to other Indigenous mining contexts. The study provides an initial evaluation of the feasibility of a proposed large-scale mining operation within a risk-informed, data-driven governance framework. Three elements of engineering risk were assessed utilizing literature-derived and proxy parameters: (1) Land degradation is indicated by a Soil Productivity Index …

A Comparative Analysis Of Complete Streets And Multimodal Transport Approaches: Implications For Sustainable Urban Mobility In Lincoln, And Global Contexts, Oliva Richard Kilyenyi

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Movement of people and goods in urban areas through different modes of transportation including walking, cycling, public transit and by autos is termed as urban mobility. Urban mobility presents significant environmental, social, and economic challenges for cities worldwide as they grapple with the impacts of conventional transportation systems, particularly in North America context where car-centric planning approaches has dominated urban developments since 1950s. Car-centric dominance is 80% in North American Metropolitan areas (Manaugh et al., 2015). The impacts of these conventional systems include greenhouse gas emission emissions contributing approximately 24% of global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, air pollution …

2025 - The Sixth Annual Fall Symposium Of Student Scholars

Symposium of Student Scholars Program Books

The full program book from the Fall 2025 Symposium of Student Scholars, held in November 2025. Includes abstracts from the presentations and posters.

Spatially Mapped Statewide Estimated Potential Evapotranspiration Using An Efficient Surface Interpolation Method: A Case Study Of South Carolina, Sudhanshu S. Panda, Devendra M. Amatya, Ka Kit Liu, Augustine Muwamba, Timothy J. Callahan

Journal of South Carolina Water Resources

Potential evapotranspiration (PET) exhibits substantial spatial and temporal variability across large landscapes, necessitating site-specific estimation for accurate environmental and water resource assessments. However, obtaining PET or ET data for specific locations across an entire state remains challenging due to the limited number of weather stations and associated environmental datasets. This study aimed to develop an automated geospatial modeling framework to map PET distribution across South Carolina, USA, using PET estimated by the temperature-based Hargreaves–Samani (H–S) method with daily weather data from 59 NOAA stations. Because the accuracy of spatial interpolation depends on both the target variable and the desired spatial …

Assessing Marpol Annex V Port Reception Facilities Of The National Port Of Liberia (Freeport Of Monrovia), Barbara Wade Cummings

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Marine Environmental Protection : An Investigation Into Existing Global Laws Addressing Marine Plastic Pollution, Maryland De Castro

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

An Assessment Of The Impact Of Illegal Sand Mining On The Coastline Of Liberia, Alphena J. Logan

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

An Analysis Of Renewable Energy Capture Utilization For Mpulungu Harbour, Dorica Nayame

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Preparedness And Response To Oil And Biofuel Spills : A Case Study Of The Western Indian Ocean, Soifoine Abdillah

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Mosquito Classification And Explainability From Image Data Via Deep Learning Techniques, Farhat Binte Azam

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on Earth, responsible for more human deaths annually than any other species. Mosquito-borne illnesses continue to pose severe risks to global health. In 2015 alone, there were an estimated 214 million malaria cases worldwide. Similarly, a 2016 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that Puerto Rico’s Department of Health received over 62,500 suspected cases of Zika, with 29,345 confirmed positive cases. In 2019, Southeast Asia experienced its worst dengue outbreak in recorded history. Of the approximately 4,500 mosquito species distributed across 34 genera, …

Links Of Intensification Chemical Weathering And Nickel Enrichment With Volcanism In The North China Plate Around The Permian-Triassic Boundary, Wang Ye, Ye Chengzhuo, Zhang Tong, Yang Minfang, Zhou Kai, Zhang Peixin, Yang Yuzhu, Zhang Chu, Lu Jing

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The North China Plate serves as a pivotal region for deciphering the mechanisms underlying the links of volcanism and paleoenvironmental-climatic upheavals around the Permian-Triassic Boundary (PTB). The dramatic environmental perturbations during this period are closely linked to large-scale volcanic eruptions of the Siberian Traps Large Igneous Province (STLIP). These eruptions triggered global warming, extreme chemical weathering events, and mass extinctions, marking a significant turning point in the evolution of the Earth system.Methods This study investigated the Sunjiagou and Liujiagou formations in the WY-U-01H borehole in the Qinshui Basin, North China Plate. Using the chemical index of alteration (CIA), …

Global Representative Metallogenic Models And Geophysical Exploration Methods Of Sylvite: Current Research Status And Prospects, Qu Ping, Yue Hangyu, Huang Xiaobing, Song Jiong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Sylvite serves as a strategic mineral resource that plays a significant role in ensuring food safety and sustainable agricultural development, with approximately 90% of global potash resources used for potassium fertilizer production. However, developing countries such as China have long faced the challenges of heavy dependence on potash imports and insufficient potash resource continuity. Such a supply and demand framework causes China to speed up research on potash metallogenic patterns and technical innovations in potash exploration. This will help overcome resource bottlenecks. Objective This study presented a systematic summary of global potash metallogenic models and investigated the approaches of …

Empirical Methods For Support System Design In Deep Serpentinite Excavations: A Critical Evaluation, Anas Driouch, Redouane Oubah, Abdelaziz Lahmili, Latifa Ouadif

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Underground mining excavations in fragile serpentinite rock masses represent a significant challenge today. The complicated features of these rock formations, especially at great depths, make it difficult to classify them using commonly employed methods. This paper focuses on the application of empirical methods for the classification of serpentinite rock masses and the design of support systems in underground mining excavations. Specifically, it concerns an access tunnel excavated entirely in serpentinite at a depth of 460 m. Geomechanical classification systems indicate that the Tunnelling Quality Index (Q-system) and Rock Mass Rating (RMR) evaluate serpentinites as rock masses of exceptionally poor to …

Facilitating The Move Towards A Wellbeing Economy Through Supporting Infrastructure: A Review Of Frontrunner Countries, Henry Bartelet, Vincent De Gooyert

Quantitative Methods and Information Technology Faculty Publications

As more governments seek to shift beyond gross domestic product (GDP) as the dominant measure of progress, the concept of a “wellbeing economy” has gained traction. This approach prioritizes human and environmental wellbeing through broader, more holistic policy frameworks. A central question in this transition is what the implications of shifts to a wellbeing economy are for infrastructure investments. In this study, we identify four frontrunner governments, Bhutan, Scotland, New Zealand, and Wales, that have formally adopted wellbeing economy principles. We analyse how each operationalizes the concept and assess the resulting implications for infrastructure planning and investment. Despite shared goals, …

Effect Of Clays On The Spontaneous Imbibition Behavior Of Surfactant Solutions In Shale Oil Reservoirs, Ning Xu, Yanling Wang, Baojun Bai, Chuanbao Zhang, Shizhang Cui, Yu Zhang, Di Li, Wenjing Shi, Wenhui Ding

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Surfactant-enhanced spontaneous imbibition is a proven method of enhancing oil recovery from shale reservoirs. However, a significant knowledge gap concerning the impact of clay minerals on surfactant-enhanced imbibition in shale reservoirs remains. Therefore, this study first analyzed the mineral composition and pore structure of the shale reservoirs. Subsequently, three surfactants were selected for spontaneous imbibition experiments. The influence of various clay minerals on the surfactant imbibition was assessed by considering various properties of the imbibition system. The results showed that the shale pores primarily consisted of macropores (44.03%) and mesopores (43.94%). Surfactants enhance the imbibition recovery by altering the wettability …

Assessing Solar Radiation Patterns In Sarawak Using Measured Data And The Hargreaves-Samani Model For Photovoltaic Systems Application, Chun Yong Soo, Xian Hwa Chan, Wan Mohamad Husni Wan Mokhtar, Ahmad Rujhan Mohd Rais

Makara Journal of Technology

This study evaluates the Hargreaves-Samani model for estimating solar radiation in five locations in Sarawak: Bintulu, Kapit, Sri Aman, Kuching, and Miri (Subis), using minimum and maximum temperatures as key inputs. Analysis reveals stable minimum temperatures (19.7 °C to 28.8 °C), supporting consistent solar radiation patterns favorable for Photovoltaic (PV) performance. Miri (Subis) recorded the highest daily maximum temperature of 44.8 °C, while Kuching had the lowest at 24.7 °C, highlighting significant regional climatic variability. Analysis also indicates strong solar potential in Bintulu, Kapit, Sri Aman, Kuching, and Miri, with radiation peaking at 7.5 kWh/m², though seasonal variations impact PV …

Land8fire: A Complete Study On Wildfire Segmentation Through Comprehensive Review, Human-Annotated Multispectral Dataset, And Extensive Benchmarking, Anh Tran, Minh Tran, Esteban Marti, Jackson Cothren, Chase Rainwater, Sandra Eksioglu, Ngan Le

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Early and accurate wildfire detection is critical for minimizing environmental damage and ensuring a timely response. However, existing satellite-based wildfire datasets suffer from limitations such as coarse ground truth, poor spectral coverage, and class imbalance, which hinder progress in developing robust segmentation models. In this paper, we introduce Land8Fire, a new large-scale wildfire segmentation dataset composed of over 20,000 multispectral image patches derived from Landsat 8 and manually annotated for high-quality fire masks. Building on the ActiveFire dataset, Land8Fire improves ground truth reliability and offers predefined splits for consistent benchmarking. We evaluate a range of state-of-the-art convolutional and transformer-based models, …

Visceral, Neural, And Immunotoxicity Of Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: A Mini Review, Pietro Martano, Samira Mahdi, Tong Zhou, Yasmin Barazandegan, Rebecca Iha, Hannah Do, Joel Burken, Paul Ki-Souk Nam, Qingbo Yang, Ruipu Mu

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have gained significant attention due to their widespread distribution in the environment and potential adverse health effects. While ingestion, especially through contaminated drinking water, is considered the primary route of human exposure, recent research suggests that other pathways, such as inhalation and dermal absorption, also play a significant role. This review provides a concise overview of the toxicological impacts of both legacy and emerging PFASs, such as GenX and perfluoro butane sulfonic acid (PFBS), with a particular focus on their effects on the liver, kidneys, and immune and nervous systems, based on findings from recent …

Life Cycle Assessment Of The Cultivation Of Lettuce In A Hydroponic System Using The Nutrient Film Technique, Raquel Jordan

All Theses

Hydroponic systems are an emerging method of soilless crop cultivation typically done inside a greenhouse where nutrients are delivered dissolved in water rather than being supplied from the soil. Potential benefits of hydroponic systems include reduced irrigation requirements, higher crop yield per area, and the ability to grow crops year-round in nontraditional areas such as urban settings, cold climates, and sites with contaminated soil. However, hydroponic systems tend to have high energy requirements for lighting and climate control, which can yield significant environmental impacts. To explore the environmental impacts of cultivating lettuce in a nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic system, …

Green Energy Production Using A Hydro-Generator In An Underground Mine Water Pumping Station – Case Study, Andrzej Chmiela, Beata Barszczowska, Eugeniusz Krause, Arkadiusz Kulawik, Adam Smolinski

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The paper analyses the experience of almost one year of production of “green” electricity by a hydro-generator using a constant water drop in the pits of mine water pumping stations. The main technical, economic and environmental parameters obtained by the applied technical and organisational system are presented. Equipping the mine water pumping station with a hydro-generator proved to be a good investment. The investment offers a relatively low risk with a relatively low initial outlay and a relatively short payback period of about 4 years. The innovative use of typical but modern elements in an atypical operating environment has not …

Assessing The Living Conditions Of Mining-Induced Resettled Persons: The Case Of Ahafo South Resettlement Communities, Ghana, Jonathan Zinzi Ayitey, Mustapha Okyere, Frank Gyamfi-Yeboah

Journal of Sustainable Mining

This study examines the living conditions of mining-affected persons in the Ahafo South Mining Communities in Ghana using Cernea’s Impoverishment Risks and Reconstruction (IRR) model. Employing a case study design, data for the study was obtained through a combination of semi-structured interviews and close-ended questionnaires administered to ninety (90) respondents in the Ntotroso and OLA resettlement communities in the Asutifi North District, Ghana. The results show a complex mix of outcomes of mining-induced displacement and resettlement of the resettled population. While an analysis of resettlement impacts found a high level of satisfaction among the resettled population with housing provision, road …

Exploring The Interactions Between Mining And Climate Change: A Bibliometric Analysis, Artatrana Mishra, Sarat Chandra Sahu, Manish Yadav, Nitin Kumar Singh

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The increasing demand for minerals has placed huge pressure on the mining industry to increase production, which consequently affects the environment, and, thus, contributes to climate change. Coal extraction has been reported to be a major contributor to global CO₂ emissions, mainly due to the burning of fossil fuels. As a consequence, the frequency and severity of extreme climatic events have also increased throughout the world. Mining is essential for the development of society but contributes to climate change. On the contrary, extreme weather events and rising temperatures associated with climate change affect the overall productivity of mining companies. …

Investing Hysteresis In Floodplain Dynamics Of Lakes In The Middle St. Johns River Using Sentinel-1 Sar Imagery, Keenan Hubbard

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Floodplain dynamics are often complex, with hysteresis potentially affecting the temporal relationship between flood stage and flood extent during subsequent inundation phases. This study leverages Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery to map flood extent in the Middle St. Johns River Lake floodplains and examine the presence of hysteresis during flood events. SAR scenes corresponding to river gauge readings were analyzed from the rising and falling limbs of a flood hydrograph. By comparing these flood maps, we assess differences in inundated areas at equivalent water levels during each stage of the flood event. The findings aim to enhance flood monitoring …

Towards Metrology 4.0 In Developing Countries’ Manufacturing Industries, Jailos Nzumile

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

A systematic literature review was conducted to unveil the status of the digital transformation of metrology in developing countries, as they are lagging in utilising fourth industrial revolution (IR4.0) technologies to transform manufacturing industries. A PRISMA technique was employed using various keywords to identify, screen, and select the relevant literature. Forty publications were selected for the review, mainly discussing IR 4.0 technologies in metrological operations. The results indicate that the digital transformation of metrology has yet to be initiated in developing countries. However, the employment of IR4.0 technologies in advancing metrological operations in manufacturing industries is mostly discussed in the …

Fuzzy Logic-Based Decision Support System For Adoption Of Industry 4.0 Predictive Maintenance By Manufacturing Industries, Fred E. Peter

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

In the context of Industry 4.0, predictive maintenance enhances operational efficiency by optimizing processes, minimizing downtime, and improving cost-effectiveness. However, implementing predictive maintenance requires a systematic approach due to its complexity. This study collected expert input from 15 food and beverage manufacturing industries located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, using a purposive sampling technique. Six representatives were selected from each industry, and their opinions were analyzed using MATLAB 7.6 through a fuzzy logic inference system. The analysis focused on key factors influencing Industry 4.0 technology adoption for predictive maintenance, including adoption intention (strategic decision, equipment data, perceived benefit) and perceived …