Engineering Commons^™

Towards An Iot-Enabled Digital Earth For Sdgs: The Data Quality Challenge, Msb Syed, Paula Kelly, Paul Stacey, Damon Berry

Articles

Digital Earth (DE), a technology offering real-time visualisation of Earth's processes, has shown promising results in aiding decision-making for a sustainable world, raising awareness about individual impacts on our planet, and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) agenda. However, both DE and SDGs face a common obstacle: Data Quality (DQ). This review investigates the challenge of DQ in the context of DE for SDGs and explores how IoT can address this challenge and extend the reach of DE to support SDGs. Furthermore, the study discusses three core aspects; first, the potential of IoT as a data source …

Lessons Learned From Global Experiences Of Urban Competitiveness To Improve The Humanization Of Egyptian Cities, Asmaa Mostafa Elshamy

Journal of Engineering Research

This study explores the intricate relationship between urban competitiveness and urban humanization in the context of global capital cities and Cairo. By examining key indicators and conducting comprehensive statistical analyses, the study highlights the significance of prioritizing sustainable and inclusive urban development strategies that foster economic growth, social cohesion, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. The findings emphasize the critical role of governments and policymakers in shaping vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable urban environments that prioritize the well-being and aspirations of residents. Drawing upon global best practices and lessons learned, the study offers valuable recommendations to enhance the urban competitiveness and humanization …

Pig Butchering In Cybersecurity: A Modern Social Engineering Threat, Sharon L. Burton, Pamela D. Moore

Publications

Pig butchering is an escalating cybersecurity threat that exploits social engineering to build trust and execute financial fraud. The relevance of this research problem lies in the growing incidence and sophistication of these scams, which have severe financial and psychological impacts on victims. The main purpose of this research is to uncover the methods used in pig butchering scams and their impact on individuals and businesses. The research focuses on digital platforms such as social media, dating apps, and professional networking sites, chosen for their wide user bases and the ease of establishing personal connections. The study period encompasses recent …

Santa Clara Magazine, Volume 65 Number 2, Fall 2024 [Print Issue 62:2], Santa Clara University

Santa Clara Magazine

12 - INCREASING ACCESS Discerning one’s dream requires a whole set of experiences based on community, opportunity, and, yes, cash. Leslie Griffy

16 - UNPACKING UTOPIA It seems like billionaire-backed utopias are popping up all over the map. What does it take to build a perfect city? Lauren Loftus

22 - A WEALTH OF WELL-BEING In his new book, Professor Meir Statman explores a holistic approach to financial and life well-being. Leslie Griffy

26 - A WOMAN'S PLACE Despite being denied access to the priesthood, Catholic women find new ways to lead. Leslie Griffy

Moving Beyond Photovoltaics: Advancing And Scaling Concentrated Solar Power For The Future Of Energy, Tucker Donahue

Portugal: Sustainability and Environmental Justice

This paper examines solar energy technologies, starting with photovoltaic (PV) systems, and then thoroughly evaluates Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), a newer technology that uses mirrors to focus sunlight onto a receiver. The paper includes a breakdown of the four types of CSP: Parabolic Trough Collectors (PTC), Solar Power Towers (SPT), Linear Fresnel Reflectors (LFR), and Solar Parabolic Dishes (SPD). Furthermore, the paper separates the CSP processes: collection, transfer, and storage of energy. Two case studies are included in this study: a small-scale CSP system in Portugal and a large-scale project in Italy. The paper discusses key recent improvements in parabolic …

Feasibility Of Creating A Non-Profit And Nongovernmental Organization Cybersecurity Incident Dataset Repository Using Osint, Stanley Mierzwa, Iassen Christov

Center for Cybersecurity

Organizations of all types are prone to cybersecurity and information security attacks. Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are not exempt from using information technology solutions and, thus, have been the recipient victims of cyber attackers. There exist many areas and venues where data are collected to report back annually on the status and numbers of cybersecurity attacks against many sectors of our society. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) catalogs sixteen critical sectors that are considered vital to the United States. However, finding where the NPO and NGO community should reside with …

Feasibility Study Of Oyster Shell Filtration Media For Stormwater Pollutants Removal, Sadiq Omer

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The depletion of resources has raised interest in reusing or incorporating by-products into alternative materials. In the effort for net zero emissions, waste reduction, and a circular economy, it is crucial to reinvent the alternative utilization strategy for by-products as construction materials sustainably. This research examines the alternative utilization strategy for oyster shell by-products in regular stormwater pollutant removal best management practices (BMPs).

Numerous research has examined the utilization of oyster shell waste as a construction material in Asia and Europe, specifically focusing on the physical properties of crushed oyster shells as alternatives for aggregates. No studies have been identified …

Conversion Of Fish Waste Oil Into Biofuel: An Experimental Study, Mahmoud A. Mohamed, Hany A. Elazab, Mamdouh A. Gadalla, Fatma A. Ashour

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Egypt is famous for its fish wealth, given its large coasts and freshwater resources, especially of Nile Tilapia and Mugilid fish. It was estimated that domestic fish production increased from 889 thousand tonnes in 2005 to 1620 thousand tonnes in 2016. Thousands of tonnes of fish are consumed yearly, generating substantial amounts of fish waste and residues. Some 26% of the fish consumed is a typical waste. Fish wastes have a significant role in many processes and applications. They are used as feedstock for producing fish meals, a major by-product of fish waste oil. Fish oil is extracted for medical …

Experimental Examination Of Enhanced Nanoceramic-Based Self-Cleaning Sprays For High-Efficiency Hydrophobic Photovoltaic Panels, Iman El-Mahallawi, Merna Abdrabo, Ahmed Elkaseer Prof., Engy Elshazly, Mohamed S. El-Deab

Renewable Mechanical Energy

Dust deposition poses a significant challenge in the implementation of photovoltaic panels (PV) especially in hot and dusty environments, such as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This issue leads to progressive degradation of PV efficiency and output power. In this context, this research work aims to improve PV performance by developing self-cleaning sprays as a preventative solution. Different concentrations of SnO2 and TiO2 nanoceramics were dispersed in isopropyl alcohol solvent to reduce the mixture’s viscosity and facilitate smooth spraying on solar panels, whose efficiency was continually assessed in outdoor conditions. Although less commonly used for this application, …

Glycerol-Free Biodiesel Via Catalytic Interesterification: A Pathway To A Netzero Biodiesel Industry, Nessren Farrag, Omar Youssef Youssef, Esraa Khaled, Omar Aboelazayem

Chemical Engineering

Conventional biodiesel manufacturing uses alcohol as an acyl acceptor, resulting in glycerol as a side product. The increased demand for biodiesel has led to the production of a substantial surplus of glycerol, exceeding the market need. Consequently, glycerol is now being regarded as a byproduct, and in some cases, even as waste. The present study aims to suggest an economically viable and ecologically friendly approach for maintaining the viability of the biodiesel sector. This involves generating an alternative byproduct of higher value, rather than glycerol. Triacetin is produced through the interesterification of triglycerides with methyl acetate, and is a beneficial …

Version 1 Noaa-20/Omps Nadir Mapper Total Column So2 Product: Continuation Of Nasa Long-Term Global Data Record, Can Li, Nickolay A. Krotkov, Joanna Joiner, Vitali Fioletov, Chris Mclinden, Debora Griffin, Peter J.T. Leonard, Simon Carn, Colin Seftor, Alexander Vasilkov

Michigan Tech Publications

For nearly 2 decades, the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) aboard the NASA Aura spacecraft (launched in 2004) and the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS) aboard the NASA/NOAA Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) satellite (launched in 2011) have been providing global monitoring of SO2 column densities from both anthropogenic and volcanic activities. Here, we describe the version-1 NOAA-20 (N20)/OMPS SO2 product (10.5067/OMPS/OMPS_N20_NMSO2_PCA_L2_Step1.1, Li et al., 2023), aimed at extending the long-term climate data record. To achieve this goal, we apply a principal component analysis (PCA) retrieval technique, also used for the OMI and SNPP/OMPS SO2 products, to N20/OMPS. For volcanic …

Anomalous Transaction Detection In Bank Credit Card Data Using Machine Learning, Lerdinia Varaidzo Mapepa, Jerremiah Musariwa, Lucia Makwasha, Samuel Mugijima

African Conference on Information Systems and Technology

Illegal money changers pose a number of risks to the financial system, including but not limited to money laundering, fraud, and other under-the-carpet dealings intended to frustrate regulatory efforts for financial integrity. The efficiency and accuracy of anti-money laundering (AML) measures using machine learning (ML) models in the detection of suspicious patterns in bank card transactions are investigated in this paper. The key focus will be to develop an efficient machine learning framework that should be proficient in underlining main transactions dealing with illegal money changers and other similar fraudulent activities. The features indicative of illicit behaviour are determined by …

Application Of Haines And Terbrugge Chart For Suitable Slope Angles – A Case Study Of Artisanal And Small-Scale Mining, Carol Mgiba, Steven Rupprecht

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Significant hazards in Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) are rock failure and slope collapse caused by overly steep pit walls, poor mine design and water pressure. There is a lack of expertise and capital in ASM. Providing a simple and cost-effective slope stability analysis and designing systems that can mitigate the risk of slope collapse is essential. This article aims to assess whether stability charts and estimations can be used to establish suitable slope angles to mitigate the overwhelming cases of slope collapse in ASM. The Bieniawski’s Rock Mass Rating system and Heins and Terbrugge stability chart were used to …

Common Ground Newsletter Fall 2024, Missouri University Of Science And Technology

Common Ground

-Internship Experiences

-Lady Softball Trio

-Summer Camps

-Design Teams

Cyber Threat Intelligence Sharing In Nigeria, Muhammad Abubakar Nainna, Julian Bass, Lee Speakman

Communications of the IIMA

Cybersecurity challenges are common in Nigeria. Sharing cyber threat intelligence is essential in addressing the extensive challenges posed by cyber threats. It also helps in meeting regulatory compliance. There are a range of impediments that prevent cyber threat intelligence sharing. We hypothesise that we want to maximise this cyber threat intelligence sharing to resist malicious attackers. Therefore, this research investigates factors influencing threat intelligence sharing in Nigeria's cyber security practitioners. To achieve this aim, we conducted research interviews with 14 cyber security practitioners using a semi-structured, open-ended interview guide, which was recorded and transcribed. We analysed the data using an …

Utilizing Deep Learning In Smart Glass System To Assist The Blind And Visually Impaired, Asmaa A. Hekal, Mohamed S. Sharaf, Ahmed A. Sayed, Ibrahim R. Abdelrahman, Ahmed A. Salem, Ahmed M. Elhussieny, Saeed Y. Kouta, Eman S. Abass

Future Engineering Journal

This paper presents a groundbreaking assistive technology designed to empower visually impaired individuals in their daily lives. With an estimated global population of 2.2 billion facing visual impairments, addressing the challenges they encounter is of paramount importance. The research introduces a comprehensive electronic device integrating advanced computer vision and deep learning techniques. The system incorporates real-time object detection, robust facial recognition, and precise currency denomination identification. Powered by a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B+ and an ESP32-CAM Development Board, the device offers users unparalleled environmental awareness. Utilizing YOLOv4-tiny for object detection and a hybrid face recognition model combining HaarCascades, Histogram …

Reducing Attack Opportunities Through Decentralized Event-Triggered Control, Paul Griffioen, Raffaele Romagnoli, Bruce H. Krogh, Bruno Sinopoli

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

Cyber-physical systems are prevalent in many critical infrastructures and are vulnerable to a variety of attacks from the network. Decentralized control systems are particularly vulnerable since they rely heavily on network communication to achieve their goals. To address network vulnerabilities, we present an event-triggered network connection and communication protocol that minimizes the amount of time agents are connected to the network, reducing the window of opportunity for attacks. This mechanism is a function of only local information and ensures stability for the overall system in attack-free scenarios. Our approach distinguishes itself from current decentralized event-triggered control strategies by considering an …

An Analysis Of Electrical Energy Resilience Technologies As Applied To Air Force Operations, Eric D. Danko

Theses and Dissertations

An analysis of 46 Resilient Energy Devices and Technology Concepts was conducted to determine their suitability for use in supporting Air Force Operations both at home station and abroad. The research consisted of two endeavors: an extensive literature review and a rank-ordering matrix. The dual nature of the efforts was designed to maximize usability and understanding for the End User, who may not be familiar with some principles of energy technologies, resilience, or design. The results showed the superiority of novel Solid (Metal) Fuels and Lead-Acid Batteries for Energy Storage and Thermoelectric Generators, Solar Photovoltaic Panels, Geothermal Extraction, Diesel Generators, …

Verifying An Improved Intermittent Water Distribution Network Analysis Method Based On Epa-Swmm, Dondu Sarisen, Raziyeh Farmani, David W. Watkins, Brian Barkdoll, Brian Rivers, Chao Zhang, Fayyaz Ali Memon

Michigan Tech Publications

Modelling Intermittent Water Supply (IWS) presents challenges, as traditional hydraulic methods based on EPANET are often inadequate due to their inability to simulate the network filling process. While EPA-SWMM (EPA’s Storm Water Management Model)-based methods enhance IWS analysis, they remain network-specific and lack universal applicability. This study aims to calibrate and verify an improved EPA-SWMM-based model on a 6 m × 5 m laboratory-scale IWS. Experiments were conducted to capture flow rate data from demand nodes under various conditions. The EPA-SWMM model, based on uncontrolled outlets with flow rate varying by pressure, was calibrated using, an automated procedure that integrated …

Value Of Electrical Heavy Civil Machinery In The American Construction Industry, Kaston Wong

Construction Management

Every day the construction industry is releasing an unhealthy amount of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The consequences may seem trivial at first because the planet is slowly deteriorating, and it is not easily discernable on a day-to-day basis; however, similar to constantly taking care of one’s home, one must take care of the planet. On the other hand, the difference between degradation of a home and planet is that the pollution released into the world is irreversible; therefore, we need to be even more conscientious of the environment. As the construction industry continues to grow, the need for heavy …

Remote Sensing Assessment Of Ionospheric Total Electron Content Over Thanjavur Gps Station Geomagnetic 2.91 N 152.22 E, Veera Kumar Maheswaran

Theses and Dissertations

A Global Positioning System (GPS) station for ionosphere studies was established during December 2019 in Thanjavur (Geographic 10.72◦ E, 79.01◦ N, Geomagnetic 2.91◦ N, 152.22◦ E). The study involved analysing Total Electron Content (TEC) data and correcting biases to estimate Slant Total Electron Content (STEC). STEC was then converted to Vertical Total Electron Content (VTEC), useful for space weather, navigation, surveying, and environmental monitoring.

During the course of our study, this Thanjavur station witnessed a Annular Solar eclipse of Dec-26, 2019. The Solar eclipses can impact ionospheric conditions, causing VTEC depletion. This study shows how the near-earth environment changes during …

Sustainable Valorization Of Woody And Herbaceous Biomass For Energy And Environmental Applications, Subramaniyasharma S

Theses and Dissertations

Pyrolysis is a thermochemical conversion method to produce gas and liquid fuels from lignocellulosic biomass. This process involves the thermal decomposition of organic compounds without oxygen. The vapors formed are rapidly condensed to yield a liquid product called bio-oil and a solid product called biochar.

In the present study, Sesame indicum (SI) (herbaceous agro residue) and Prosopis julifora (PJ) (woody biomass weed) were chosen as feedstocks for the pyrolysis process and the respective solid and liquid products were collected and characterized. The proportion of biomass pyrolysis products is significantly influenced by biomass composition and process conditions such as temperature, heating …

Utilization Of Solar And Wind Power-Generation Systems In The Mining Industry: Recent Trends And Future Prospects, Elaheh Mohammadi Valikandi, Yosoon Choi

Journal of Sustainable Mining

In recent years, the mining industry has faced many challenges, such as rising demand, fluctuating energy prices, increasing energy consumption due to declining ore grades, and environmental concerns. According to the Paris Agreement, countries worldwide must focus on decarbonizing their economies to mitigate the global average surface temperature growth. This paper reviews how renewable energy, specifically photovoltaic and wind power systems, can be used to tackle some of these challenges. Operating mines globally, like the South Deep gold mine in South Africa and the MA'ADEN Alumina Refinery in Saudi Arabia, and abandoned mines, such as former coal mines in the …

Thermomechanical Analysis Of Biomass Plastic Composite (Bpc), Solomon Chijioke Madu, Victor Sunday Aigbodion, Ikechukwu Ike-Eze

Makara Journal of Technology

High-performance electrical insulation material can be manufactured using biomass plastic composite (BPC), which is a new type of composite material that is either made up of one or a combination of natural plant fibers/particulates, such as bamboo, cellulose fiber, rice husks, or hemp, and thermoplastic granules. In this study, the BPC composite material that was developed comprised polyethylene (PE), rice husk, and oyster shell. The results of the study showed a significant optimal improvement in the morphological, thermodynamic, and mechanical properties during the addition of 20% to 30% biomass particulates (i.e., rice husk and oyster shell). The thermogravimetric analysis, storage …

Mathematical Modelling Of The Solar Drying Of Apricot, Sarvar Rejabov, Botir Shukurillayevich Usmonov, Asqar Artikov, Komil Usmanov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

Agricultural products provide significant growth in export earnings for many countries and provide food globally. Fruits and vegetables are perishable foods due to their high moisture content. Therefore, most agricultural products require post-harvest processing such as drying to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables and maintain nutrient quality. Solar drying is widely used for this purpose. Ambient temperature, humidity and solar radiation affect the drying time and quality of agricultural products, especially apricots, in solar dryers. The experiments were carried out in the same place (Tashkent, Uzbekistan) and in the same time interval. When the mass of apricots …

A Technical Review On Reservoir Sedimentation And Their Mitigation Strategies, Sadique Khan

AUIQ Technical Engineering Science

Sedimentation in reservoirs is a critical concern of the 21^st century which has affected the sustainability and functionality of water retaining structures. This technical review paper on reservoir sedimentation provides a comprehensive analysis of their causes, mechanisms, and their mitigation/control techniques. The paper starts with sedimentation in the reservoir at a global scale focusing on natural (Soil Erosion) and anthropogenic (man-made) factors such as deforestation, land clearing for agricultural purposes, and urbanization contributing to sedimentation in the reservoir. The origin of sediment is heavily influenced by topographical features, with origins located far-reach, mid-reach and near the reservoir. The sedimentation …

Production And Characterization Of Bio-Oil From Camelthorn Plant Using Slow Pyrolysis, Attia Attia Prof., Dina Aboelela Dr., Habibatallah Saleh Eng., Yasser Elhenawy Prof., Thokozani Majozi Prof., Mohamed Bassyouni Prof.

Biochemical Engineering

In this study, slow pyrolysis of the camelthorn plant process was conducted to produce bio-oil, biochar, and gas. The pyrolysis process was conducted between 400 and 550 °C under pressure 10 bar using a fixed bed reactor. The pyrolysis products were bio-oil, biogas, and biochar. These products were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) model, gas analyzer, chromatographic analysis using GC–MS, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The GC–MS results demonstrated composition of bio-oil, detecting several organic substances including levoglucosan, furan, acetic acid, phenol, and long-chain hydrocarbon. To further understand the chemical composition of bio-oil, FT-IR spectroscopy was conducted to determine functional groups. …

Development And Testing Of Small-Scale Flash Dryer For Maize Bran, Eden Ngowi

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Sun drying is the most common technique used to dry various food products due to its economic convenience. However, it is not effective owing to its unreliable nature leading to microbial deterioration and aflatoxin contamination of food. In Tanzania, about 1.3 million tonnes of maize bran are at risk of deterioration annually due to improper drying. The aim of this study was to design, fabricate and test an efficient small-scale flash dryer for maize bran. Using principles of material and energy balance, a small-scale flash dryer with a throughput of 500 kg of dry product per hour was designed resulting …

‘‘Domicilelessness’’ And Livelihoods In Urban Areas: Case Of Maasai In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Ombeni Swai

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The study aimed at demonstrating Maasai migration into Dar es Salaam urban areas and their challenges in accessing accommodation. Methodologically, the study deployed secondary data analysis following a descriptive research design. Furthermore, this study was conducted through both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The study was conducted from 2018 to 2022 of which a random sample of 100 (N=100) was targeted. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 16). Findings: The Maasai means of accommodation are divided into four main categories: completed houses (6%), under-construction sites (39%), halfway constructed and abandoned structures (31%), and …

Exploring The Transformation Of Sustainable Collective Spaces: A Study From Mlalakuwa Informal Settlement, Jacob Lutta

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

A major challenge in collective space transformation is addressing the complexity of informal urbanisation in developing countries. Using a case study approach, this paper examines the concerns related to a particular informal settlement's sustainable collective space transformation. One of the key findings is that the absence of formal rules and regulations in the development of informal settlements in combination with land-grabbing leads to the absence of open spaces that could be used collectively. It is observed that sustainability in urban development is another body of critical thought that integrates several streams of current urban elements and embodies various conceptions of …