Engineering Commons^™

Techno-Economic Analysis Of Captive Solar Power Systems For Tanzania’S Manufacturing Sector: Barriers, Opportunities, And Feasibility, Edson Uhale, Sarah P. Ayeng'o

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This study provides a comprehensive techno-economic analysis of the barriers, opportunities, and feasibility of adopting captive solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Tanzania’s industrial manufacturing sector. Despite Tanzania’s high solar irradiation potential, averaging 4.5 to 7.0 kWh/m²/day, the uptake of captive solar systems remains minimal, with only 2.3 percent of surveyed firms currently using solar energy, primarily for non-productive uses such as security lighting. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 43 manufacturing firms in the Dar es Salaam and Pwani regions through structured questionnaires, supported by PVSyst simulations and financial modelling to assess two system configurations: grid-connected PV systems …

The Use Of Local Materials For The Interior Quality Of Swahili Building Design In Tanzania, Luiana Makundi, Jacob Lutta

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Swahili architecture in Tanzania is recognized by spatial capacity to adapt environmental changes. This research explores the role of locally available materials in shaping the interior quality by focusing on functional, aesthetic appeal and supporting sustainable environment. A mixed-methods approach was applied which, involves field surveys, case study and interviews with different local professionals in building industry. Dar-es-Salaam was used as a case study area that was critically analysed to identify construction practices and applications of local materials in building interior spaces. A particular focus was placed on materials durability, aesthetic, ecological, environmental balance and thermal efficiency which seems to …

Combined Optimisation Of Machining Parameters, Tool Wear, Dimensional Errors And Quality Deviations In Multi-Pass Turning Operations, Mussa I. Mgwatu

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Measurements of on-line tool wear and part dimensional accuracy in machining operations are not readily available in machining shop floor because they involve higher investment such that the decisions of tool wear and part quality for intermediate cutting passes cannot be justified. This paper demonstrates how the optimisation of machining parameters can be made together with tool wear and part quality for turning operations. Two optimisation models were developed for maximum material removal rate and minimum production cost. A theoretical framework was initially presented before the two models were formulated. Input data for the models were adopted from previous studies …

A Proposed Urban Branding Strategy As Sustainable Urban Regeneration Policy, A Case Study Of Burj-Al Burullus City, Dalia S. Shebl, Kariman A. Shawky

Mansoura Engineering Journal

This study examines the importance of a branding strategy that can be applied in Burj Al-Burullus city to promote and catalyze cultural heritage branding and invest in these facilities for economic and tourism purposes. By measuring the indicators of how urban branding may be achieved. Burj Al-Burullus city is empirically examined using Identity-Based Approach. Based on profound theoretical and analytical studies, the branding concept was studied and analyzed composing a list of indicators for tangible and intangible elements that illustrate the urban branding value of cities. Followed by an analysis of Burj Al-Burullus city using GIS and city data base …

A Digital Twin Framework For Real-Time Energy Optimization: A Simulated Case Study Of The Podium Office Building, New Cairo, Egypt, Maha Fawzy Aly Anber

Mansoura Engineering Journal

The growing demand for smarter and more energy-efficient buildings has led to increasing interest in digital twin (DT) technology for building operation and management. This paper presents a DT framework developed to improve the energy performance of the Podium Office Building in Cairo Festival City, New Cairo, Egypt. A detailed EnergyPlus model, supported by Python-based tools (eppy and pyEnergyPlus), was used to test three HVAC control strategies: a baseline fixed schedule, a real-time DT-informed strategy, and a predictive optimization approach. By integrating local climate data and realistic occupancy patterns, the study assesses energy savings, CO₂ reductions, and indoor comfort improvements. …

3d-Dnn Ion-Eg Model Applications For Ionospheric Characterization Over Egypt: Mans Cors Case Study Of Vtec Variability And Nmf2/Hmf2 Mapping (2020-2024), Ismail Zaher, Zaki Zeidan, Mostafa Rabah, Mahmoud El-Mewafi

Mansoura Engineering Journal

This study introduces an operational evaluation of a deep learning–driven ionospheric modeling system tailored for Egypt, designed to overcome the limitations of conventional empirical approaches in data-sparse regions. The 3D-DNN Ion-EG model was trained on 737,110 COSMIC-2 radio occultation profiles (2020–2024), integrating spatial temporal coordinates with geophysical drivers to generate high-resolution threedimensional electron density distributions. Validation against the MANS CORS station (Mansoura University) demonstrated strong predictive skill (R2 = 0.9337; r = 0.970) under independent testing. Performance analysis across diverse geophysical regimes confirmed the model’s advantage in capturing storm-time and solar-driven disturbances, surpassing empirical models that perform best only under …

Using Machine Learning To Predict Women At Risk Having A Child With Congenital Heart Defects, Amany M. Abdo Prof., Asmaa M. Mosallam Ms., Laila M. Abdelhamid Assoc.Prof.

Information Systems

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are heart malformations present at birth, affecting heart function and circulation, and are a leading cause of infant mortality. CHD can result from genetic, environmental, and maternal health factors, making early detection essential. Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention, reducing risks like heart failure or stroke. In countries like Egypt, CHD often remains undiagnosed due to limited healthcare resources. Artificial intelligence (AI) can improve early detection by analyzing risk factors. This study presents a predictive model for CHD using maternal and paternal health factors. Data was collected from 571 families: 260 with a CHD-affected child and …

A Proposed Model For Assessing The Impact Of Sustainable Practices On The Affordability Of Affordable Housing In Egypt Using Ahp, Ayman M Zakaria Eraqi, Omnia Nagy Abd El-Hafez, Amany Nagy Abd El-Hafez

HBRC Journal

Amid rising inflation and a housing crisis in Egypt, this research develops a model to assess the affordability of sustainable housing for low- and middle-income groups by integrating environmental, social, and economic sustainability criteria. The research methodology used Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate the relative weights of sustainability criteria in housing projects. Based on their impact on construction costs, these criteria were classified by experts into five main groups: Design Criteria (preliminary studies, initial cost, environmental planning), Neighborhood Criteria (location, design, management), Social and Cultural Criteria (privacy and safety), Natural Resource Sustainability (water, energy), Housing Unit Criteria (design and …

Evaluating Traffic Safety And Geometric Characteristics Using Machine Learning Ensemble Techniques: A Case Study Of Egyptian Rural Multi-Lane Divided Roads, Sania R. Elagamy, Ahmed N. Awaad, Usama E. Shahdah, Sherif M. El-Badawy, Marwa E. Elbany, Eman K. Ali

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Crash prediction models are essential for evaluating traffic safety by analyzing crash occurrence, frequency, or severity. Recently, machine learning techniques have gained prominence in statistical regression modeling and data analysis. This study assesses the effectiveness of machine learning in predicting crashes on Egyptian rural multi-lane divided roads using limited regional data. Supervised machine learning ensemble techniques were applied to predict crash-prone segments (classification) and estimate the total number of crashes per segment (regression). A comparative analysis aims to identify the most suitable method. The Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) addressed data imbalance, while K-means Clustering (KC) enhanced regression model accuracy, …

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 …

Methods For The Discovery Of Antibodies Toward Junin Virus Utilizing Yeast Surface Display, Jonathon E. Corral

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The importance of this study is to perform antibody discovery as a means to derive novel preventative and therapeutic antibody countermeasures against the Junín virus, to alleviate the potential risk of a global pandemic. The purpose of this methodological study was to develop a protocol that utilizes yeast surface display to discover antibodies, from naïve human antibody libraries, that can bind the Junín Virus antigen. The methodology of yeast surface display employs the galactose-inducible GAL1 promoter to synthesize and express antibody proteins bound to the Aga2p and Aga1p and anchored to the cell wall by glycosyl phosphatidylinositol motif (GPI). The …

Development Of An Iot-Based Energy Theft Detection System For A Single-Phase Smart Meter, Ojo Julius Oladele, Funso Kehinde Ariyo, Samson Oladayo Ayanlade, Ayooluwa Peter Adeagbo, Ismail Adeniyi Adeleke

Al-Bahir

Electricity theft causes annual global losses exceeding $96 billion, severely impacting distribution networks. This paper presents a novel IoT-based system integrating current differential sensing, physical tamper detection, and edge-cloud analytics to detect energy theft in single-phase smart meters. The design employs three ACS712 current sensors to monitor Kirchhoff-compliant current flow at the grid pole, meter input, and load output, coupled with a PIR sensor for cabinet intrusion. A SIM800L GSM module enables real-time theft alerts and remote disconnection, while closed-loop control autonomously restores power after tamper resolution — a feature absent in prior GSM-only systems. An Android application provides geotagged …

Application Of Adversarial Volumetric Cnns To 3d Face Generation Using Latent Space Gaussian Embeddings, Ali Raad Abdulkareem, Marwa Jabberi, Islem Jarraya, Tarek M. Hamdani, Khmaies Ouahada, Adel M. Alimi

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

Although 3D face generation is extensively studied in computer vision, most existing methods prioritize reconstructing 3D geometry from available 2D or 3D inputs rather than generating novel faces directly from latent representations. To bridge this gap, we present the application of Adversarial Volumetric Convolutional Neural Networks (AVCNN), a tailored adaptation of the vanilla 3D Generative Adversarial Network (3D-GAN), to 3D face generation using latent space Gaussian embeddings. We first assemble a custom 3D facial dataset to provide the requisite facial characteristics and to ensure sufficient coverage of geometric variation across identities. The generator, implemented as a decoder, maps latent space …

Analysing The Impact Of Bi-Directional Application Of Iliceto Shield Wire Scheme For Rural Electrification In Tanzania: A Chalinze-Hale Transmission Line Case Study, Santos Kihwele, Prisca Paul

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Clean energy accessibility including electricity remains a major challenge in Tanzanian villages despite the many efforts made by its government.  The primary obstacle is that these villages are located more than 100 kilometres away from high-voltage to medium-voltage (HV/MV) transformer stations. Therefore, electrifying these villages by conventional method is financially not feasible. One of the low-cost rural electrification techniques that can be used to solve the issue is the "Iliceto Shield Wire Scheme" (ISWS) technology, In Tanzania, the application of ISWS technology seems to be very promising.  However, the technology can be integrated with locally available renewable energy sources ( …

Leveraging Google Earth Engine For Computationally Efficient Pixel-Level Analysis And Vector Delineation From Satellite Data., Rishita Garg

Theses and Dissertations

Analyzing large-scale, high-resolution satellite imagery is a computationally intensive task requiring time and computing resources. This can be accelerated using cloud computing platforms such as Google Earth Engine (GEE) where computational and storage requirements can be scaled based on demand. However, cloud-based platforms for processing high-resolution imagery remain underutilized in environmental applications such as agriculture, and forest health. This thesis explored the application of GEE to two geospatial problems in agricultural conservation and disease mapping in forestry: 1) Extraction of agricultural field boundaries from Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, for use in conservation, precision agriculture, land management, and organization, etc., and 2) …

Use Of Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy For Estimating Soil Chemical, Physical, And Hydrological Properties In Mississippi And Texas, Kanthake Yasas Bandara Gamagedara

Theses and Dissertations

Accurate and efficient estimation of soil properties is essential for advancing sustainable agriculture, water management, and soil survey applications. Traditional laboratory methods and pedotransfer functions (PTFs) are widely used but are often constrained by high costs, time requirements, and limited scalability. As an alternative, mid-infrared (MIR) and visible–near-infrared (vis–NIR) spectroscopy provide cost-effective, rapid, and non-destructive approaches for soil analysis. However, variability among spectrometer types, geographic regions, and soil scanning conditions poses challenges to model transferability and generalizability. This dissertation evaluated strategies to overcome these challenges and enhance the prediction of soil chemical, physical, and hydrological properties in Mississippi and Texas. …

Improving Road Safety Through Multimodal Deep Learning For Driver Drowsiness Detection, Hadel A. Hussain, Mohammed A. Subhi, Ahmed S. Al Tmeme, Ahmed D. Radhi, Marwan Ali Albahar

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

One of the most common causes of road accidents globally is driver drowsiness and it needs solutions that are reliable and can be applicable in numerous real-life situations. We present this paper with the aim of developing a deep-learning system that is capable of reliably detecting drowsiness in diverse and varied conditions across different drivers, environments, and sensor types. Our system is known as Multimodal Attention Network (MMAN), which combines information of eye and head movement, heart-rate and breathing pattern, and vehicle-dynamics signal. MMAN has a gradient-reversal layer that enables the layer to be domain-adaptive such that it does not …

Portable Skin Imaging Light-Box For Clinical Grade Skin Scans, Kayandra Lewis, Cayden Skidmore, Komi Atitsogbe Golo

Senior Design Project For Engineers

This project focuses on designing and developing a modular, portable skin-imaging light box to improve the consistency and accuracy of smartphone-based dermatological imaging. As AI-driven skin assessment tools grow in capability, a major limitation remains the variability in lighting, angle, and color fidelity in user-captured photos. To address this challenge, the team created a fold-flat, low-cost light box that attaches securely to a wide range of smartphones and provides uniform, high-CRI illumination suitable for clinical-grade analysis. Research into lighting technologies, human factors, smartphone specifications, and AI diagnostic tools guided the engineering decisions, ensuring the design aligned with real-world telemedicine and …

A Review Of Bioactive Compounds Of Caesalpinia Sappan: Pre- And Post-Harvest Effect, Annisa Lugina Rachman, Santi Rosniawaty, Syariful Mubarok, Cucu Suherman, Yudithia Maxiselly

Jurnal Kultivasi

Sappanwood (Caesalpinia sappan L.) is a shrub or small tree that thrives in tropical regions and has been widely distributed across various areas. It has long been used as a natural dye in textiles, cosmetics, and herbal beverages due to its content of various bioactive compounds. This literature review discusses the secondary metabolites in sappanwood, their health benefits, and strategies to enhance product quality through pre-harvest and post-harvest treatments. This literature review was conducted by searching for relevant journals on Google Scholar using relevant keywords. Sappanwood contains diverse secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolics, anthraquinones, triterpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, and tannins, with …

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 …

Using Scenario-Based Design Activities To Explore Sociotechnical Thinking In Engineering Professionals, James M. Whealan

Master's Theses

Sociotechnical thinking is the ability to recognize the interconnectedness of both technical and non-technical dimensions such as environmental, economic, social, cultural, and political factors. Although traditional engineering curriculum often emphasizes technical knowledge and skills, research suggests that engineering work is inherently sociotechnical. While sociotechnical thinking is a critical engineering skill, relatively little is understood about the nature of it or the different aspects comprised within it. To that end, this study addresses the following research question: What sociotechnical factors do engineering professionals consider in a collaborative scenario-based design activity? To answer this question, we conducted a qualitative study of engineering …

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 …

Feasibility Of Small-Modular Reactors In Hybrid Energy Systems, Taylor Reid

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This thesis evaluates the feasibility of integrating next-generation nuclear technology into hybrid energy systems, framing the analysis within the guidelines suggested by the World Energy Council’s, Energy Trilemma. The trilemma seeks to balance energy security, economics/equity and sustainability. To this end, a computer model was created to illustrate how the limitations of intermittent renewables, like wind and solar (PV), can be addressed when they are combined with a baseload provided by a next-generation nuclear Small Modular Reactor (SMR). The baseload power provided by nuclear energy can smooth the variability of wind or solar power, while simultaneously offsetting the cost of …

The Road To Regulation: A Literature Review Of The Influences On The Updated Silica Standards, Skye M. Medcraft

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Silica is a hazardous compound that poses a risk to human health resulting from dust creating activities across various industries. Several agencies, including OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) and MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) have adopted regulatory oversight of silica exposure in the workplace. As more research has been conducted on silica exposure, the health effects are becoming better described, which has led to the creation and updating of exposure regulations to protect worker health. The objective of this literature study is to review the data presented to the Department of Labor and discuss how the factors that …

Advancing Life Cycle Assessment Of Mass Timber: Environmental Performance, Circular Design And End-Of-Life Strategies, Muzan Williams Ijeoma

All Dissertations

Mass timber has emerged as a leading candidate for low-carbon construction, offering the dual benefits of reduced embodied emissions and biogenic carbon storage. Yet, fully realizing its sustainability potential requires a comprehensive and context-specific understanding of its environmental performance across the entire life cycle, from raw material production to building operation and beyond end-of-life (EoL). This dissertation advances life cycle assessment (LCA) practices for mass timber by addressing critical challenges across multiple phases of its life cycle. This dissertation is comprised of three published papers, and two submitted manuscripts. First, I conducted a critical review and meta-analysis of mass …

Calibration Of Low-Cost Pm2.5 Sensors Using Data Continuously Generated At A Reference Station In El Paso, Texas, Brenda Lizbeth Hernandez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Low-cost sensors (LCS) offer a cost-effective way to expand air-quality monitoring networks, but they require strong calibration methods to ensure reliable performance under changing environmental conditions. In this study, Clarity LCSs were co-located with a state reference monitor for 6 months to evaluate fixed-time (2-, 3-, 4-, and 6-week) and rolling (2- and 3-week) calibration approaches. A multivariate regression model using PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and relative humidity was used to generate calibration coefficients for a “base sensor.” Data from two additional sensors were normalized to the base unit using linear regression, and their calibration coefficients were applied across the network. …

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 …

Ai-Driven Innovations For Sustainable Healthcare Architecture In Developing Countries And Remote Areas: Enhancing Efficiency Through Futuristic Design, Esraa Elazab, Ahmed Eltawil

HBRC Journal

Access to healthcare in developing countries and remote areas remains a critical challenge due to geographic isolation, inadequate infrastructure, and limited medical resources. Communities in these regions face significant barriers in obtaining timely and adequate healthcare services, exacerbating public health issues. In response, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology, offering solutions that enhance healthcare systems by optimizing operational workflows, reducing human error, and improving resource management. When combined with sustainable design principles, AI-driven innovations provide a comprehensive approach to healthcare access and environmental sustainability. This paper presents a conceptual design proposal for a futuristic healthcare station aimed …

The Squeezed Middle: Housing Affordability Challenges, Nazli Dongez, Almula Koksal

HBRC Journal

Neoliberalism has deepened economic inequality, which is now spreading globally. Even though this economic inequality affects mostly lower-income households, international reports show that inequality has spread to the middle-income group. The decline in the purchasing power of the middle-income group has led to the issue of housing affordability, referred to as the squeezed middle-income group. Despite the global scope of this problem, only a limited number of academic studies have conducted a comprehensive assessment. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the problem of housing affordability for the middle-income group. The study employed the systematic literature review method. The Web of …