Engineering Commons^™

Effect Of Vehicular Electrification On Transportation Emissions In Florida, Shreya Sapkota Dhakal

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Vehicular emissions from fuel-based passenger cars emit an array of gases and particles that are detrimental for human health and the environment. In that regard, electric vehicles (EVs) present a viable, sustainable solution. This study investigated the impact of electrification of passenger cars on air quality in Florida, in five major urban counties namely Miami-Dade, Duval, Hillsborough, Orange, and Leon. Between 2018 and 2022, these counties experienced a significant increase of 219.50 ± 52.32% in EV adoption, coupled with a 11.55 ± 6.13% decrease in fuel-based vehicle usage. Herein, we characterize five pollutants primarily generated from fuel-based passenger vehicles- carbon …

Identification Of Barriers And Drivers In The Adoption Of Sustainable Construction Practices In The Turkish Construction Industry: Exploratory Factor Analysis, Tülay Çivici, Mustafa Serhan Ünlütürk

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Although the importance of sustainability in the construction industry has been emphasised by many researchers and endorsed by many authorities, it is clear that the practices in the industry still need to be improved. The primary issue for adopting sustainable practices in the construction industry is identifying the barriers and drivers. For this reason, the study analysed the literature to identify the critical barriers and incentives for adopting sustainable practices in the construction industry. In light of the information from the literature, the necessary barriers and motivators in adopting sustainable practices in the construction industry were determined, and a questionnaire …

Impact Assessment Of Multipoint Video Distribution Systems On Satellite Signal Reception, Ali Karaki, Hiba Abdallah, Mohammed Al-Husseini, Hamza Issa

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

This work analyzes the potential interference impact on Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites stemming from Multipoint Video Distribution System (MVDS) transmissions, specifically examining side lobe radiation within Lebanon. Through simulations and analysis of antenna emission patterns, the study measures how varying MVDS power outputs affect the carrier-to-noise (C/N) ratio at the satellite receiver. Results reveal a significant impairment of signal quality, showing the C/N falling to -2.3 dB with an MVDS power level of 0 dBW under current system parameters. To counter this interference, a potential two-phase mitigation strategy is presented and its effectiveness considered. The study contributes to improving …

The Royal Academy Of Engineering, Uk And The Enriching Of Engineering Education Training And Practice Programme In Sub-Saharan Africa, Bavo B. Nyichomba

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This paper elucidates initiatives taken by the Royal Academy of Engineering, UK, to overcome barriers in education and training in Sub-Sahara African higher learning engineering institutions. The said barriers include mismatches of curriculum, ineffectual teaching and learning and little exposure of academic staff to engineering practice. In order to overcome such barriers, the Royal Academy of Engineering established the two programmes in the region. The first one, Enriching Engineering Education Programme (EEEP) from 2014/15 to 2015/16 where the University of Dar es Salaam coordinated this programme as a hub for East African universities namely; Makerere University (Uganda), Moi University (Kenya), …

Strategies For Overcoming Product Certification Challenges Faced By Food Manufacturing Small And Medium Enterprises In Tanzania, Peresi M. Bulemo

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Tanzania face significant regulatory challenges within bureaucratic, costly, and centralized environments. These challenges contribute to an increase in unregistered enterprises and substandard products in the market. This study aimed to address the challenges SMEs encounter in obtaining product certification to improve their product quality and market competitiveness. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative research through surveys, interviews, and document analysis, with respondents from the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO), and SMEs in the food manufacturing sector. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and JASP. Findings revealed …

Prospects Of Clean Cooking Energy In Africa - Transition Pathways And Implications, Joseph H. Kihedu Dr.

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Despite abundant renewable energy resources, African countries still suffer from energy poverty, particularly in cooking. Up to 2022, about 74% of the African population had no access to clean cooking energy. With focus to Sub-Saharan African population, 90% has no access to clean cooking energy which decrease by 7% when kerosene is included. Traditional cooking, which involves the use of charcoal and firewood, is associated with health problems, environmental degradation, socioeconomic issues, and gender inequality. Transitioning to clean cooking energy not only promises significant health benefits but also offers opportunities for sustainable economic development and environmental preservation. In this study, …

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 …

Potential Use Of Pump As Turbine Coupled To Self-Excited Induction Generator For Micro-Hydro Cooking And Cooling Applications, Emanuel J. Nyirenda

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Clean cooking and efficient cooling in developing countries have recently become areas of great focus. Further, the environmental impact of flooding in high-capacity hydroelectric plants has become a major concern. As a result, there is growing emphasis on developing sustainable and decentralized energy solutions, focusing on the potential of micro-hydro systems, especially in rural and remote areas. Although there are several alternative energy generation methods, their application is not straightforward. One of the latest technologies under research is using pumps as turbines coupled to an induction generator. This paper explores through a rigorous experimental approach the possibility of using a …

Towards Effective Academia-Industry Collaborations: The Case Of Higher Learning Institutions In Tanzania, Fatuma S. Ikuja

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Industries are the main consumers of products from higher learning institutions (HLIs); graduates for employment and research outputs for socio-economic development. Research outputs from HLIs are commercialized as services or products facilitated by academia-industry collaborations. The collaborations are expected to address mismatch between labour market needs and HLIs’ products, which has resulted in graduates’ employability challenges. Despite their importance, effective academia-industry collaborations remain challenging. This study explores the effectiveness of Academia-Industry collaborations established by HLIs in implementing the Higher Education Economic Transformation (HEET) project (2021-2026) in Tanzania. One of the project objectives is to build functional linkages between industry and …

Fuzzy-Ahp Based Decision Support System For The Selection Of Optimal Maintenance Strategy For Meter Gauge Railway Infrastructure: A Review, Hamisi J. Maulid

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

There are many uncertainties and complexities associated with maintaining Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) infrastructure, which calls for a methodical approach to decision-making. The development and application of a fuzzy-AHP-based decision support system (DSS) to select the optimal maintenance strategy for the MGR are presented in this study. The review covers research from 2013 to 2023 and focusses on the use of Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy-AHP) techniques in railway infrastructure maintenance. To manage the inherent uncertainties and subjective judgements involved in maintenance decision-making, the Fuzzy-AHP methodology combines fuzzy logic with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). …

Evaluation Of Thermal And Emission Performances Of Briquettes Produced From Carbonized Corn Cob And Corn Husk, Karina S. Motani

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The Mozambican agro-industrial sector relies heavily on various crops, with maize being the most significant. During processing, substantial waste is generated, which is often discarded as organic matter or burned, contributing to environmental pollution and the loss of potential energy resources. This study evaluated the thermal and emission performance of briquettes made from carbonized corn cob (CCC) and carbonized corn husk (CCH), using cashew nut skin as a binder for clean cooking applications. The briquettes were assessed against firewood and charcoal as control fuels, focusing on several energy performance parameters: water boiling time (WBT), combustion index (CI), thermal efficiency (TE), …

The Impacts Of Renewable Energy Sources: A Review On Grid Inertia And Frequency Regulation, Sospeter Gabriel

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The power system is gradually transitioning into low inertia due to integrating substantial intermittency quantity of converter-based renewable energy sources, such as wind and photovoltaic power, into the current power grid network. This integration presents significant inertia and frequency control challenges to the network as a result of a decrease in the percentage of synchronous generators. Moreover, faster frequency deviations are posed by the mismatch between the supply and demand during contingencies, which creates difficulties in preserving the frequency stability of the power system. This research explores the impacts of renewable energy sources (RESs) on grid inertia and frequency management …

Calibration Of Measurement Tools In The Experimental Test Rig For Hydropower Performance Evaluation, Ombeni J. Mdee

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The demonstration of a typical hydropower plant requires the development of a test rig with the installation of tools to measure the performance parameters. The measurement tools require a calibration process to improve the quality of recorded data. This study involved the calibration of traditional and automated measurement tools connected to the hydropower test rig through an Arduino microprocessor. The automated measurement tools included a pressure transducer, flow meter, digital tachometer, and torque transducer, while traditional measurement tools, including a pressure gauge, concrete water tank, contact tachometer, and force lever arm balance, were connected in the same test rig during …

Review On Gas-To-Liquids Conversion Technology: Lessons From Case Studies And Potential Strategies For Implementation In Tanzania, Joseph H. Kihedu

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This review paper explores the transformative potential of Gas-to- Liquids (GTL) technology for harnessing Tanzania's vast natural gas resources. With significant discoveries of natural gas reserves totalling up to 57 Tcf in fields such as Songosongo, Mnazi Bay, Block 1, 2, 3 and 4. Tanzania is positioned to leverage GTL technology to convert these resources into high-value liquid fuels like gasoline, diesel and naphtha. Review of GTL process, its products and applications has been done. By analysing successful GTL projects globally and drawing lessons applicable to Tanzania, this paper provides strategic recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to foster GTL development. …

Root Cause Analysis Of Performance Degradation For An Xyz Thermal Power Plant In Tanzania, Simon I. Marandu

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Thermal power plants in Tanzania have been experiencing performance degradation, typically arising from component and subsystem failures, which contribute to power system instability and unreliability. This paper presents a case study of the root causes of performance degradation of an XYZ thermal power plant. The study was conducted by reviewing plant documentations, including maintenance and operational data logbooks, and by standardising the approach through the adoption of ISO 14224:2016 for maintenance and reliability data exchange. Data evaluation was carried out using principal component analysis and scree plot analytical techniques to enhance the depth and accuracy of root cause identification. Additionally, …

The New Reality For The Material Handling Industry, Sunderesh S. Heragu

International Material Handling Research Colloquium

No abstract provided.

Investigation The Effect Of Integrating Solar Desalination Systems With Firefighting Networks For Coastal Cities, Ramy Elramy, Mohamed Mahgoub, Mohamed Abdelgaied, Ayman Refat Abd Elbar

Journal of Engineering Research

This study investigates integrating solar desalination systems with seawater-based firefighting networks as a sustainable solution for coastal cities facing freshwater scarcity. This study evaluates technical feasibility, economic impact, and operational performance by comparing conventional seawater firefighting infrastructure with systems utilizing desalinated water produced via solar energy. The methodology includes a detailed component and cost analysis of both systems, supported by experimental pump performance tests using varying salt concentrations and seawater. Results indicate that desalinated water systems offer significant economic savings—approximately 48.82%—due to reduced corrosion, lower maintenance demands, and improved pump efficiency. Experimental findings also show that increased salinity accelerates cavitation …

Evaluating The Role Of Building Information Modeling (Bim) In Minimizing Delays And Reducing Costs In Construction Projects, Hussein Elsayed Mohamed Ismail, Mohammad Ahmad Mohammad Abdulhadi

Journal of Engineering Research

The implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) as a construction industry technology delivers extensive effects on project duration and financial management. This investigation examines BIM as a technology specifically designed to cut down construction project delays and decrease expenditures. The scholarly review of existing research material through a secondary approach allows this study to identify BIM's major value contributions.

The implementation of BIM technology enables project schedules to reach improved accuracy which results in a reduction of project delays by 15-25% because of its automation features and effective clash detection and real-time coordination benefits. The application of building information modeling …

Investigation Of Activated Carbon From Rice Waste Using Superheated Steam, Wael Abdelmoez, Jehan Tolba, Hiroyuki Yoshida, Sherif Ahmed Kamal

Journal of Engineering Research

Activated carbon is essential in many industries and applications, especially in removing odor and color in sewage treatment plants. The most common activated carbon used is generated from coconut shells, which are difficult to obtain in many countries, especially in the Middle East, as coconut trees do not grow in the environment there; therefore, it was essential to find local alternatives from the national agricultural waste. This study presents the investigation of activated carbon from rice husks using superheated steam in a rotary kiln. The effect of thermal activation on the porosity of the activated rice husks at different temperatures …

Evaluation Of Coal Properties Used In A Cement Plant, Geun-Seong Lee, Farrukh B. Erkinov, Mastura Kh. Aripova

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Coal is not only a heat source for clinker burning but also the coal ash after combustion plays a large role in the quality of clinker mixed with hot meals in the kiln. Since the properties of coal vary depending on the coalification and environment in which it was sedimented, the quality of coal supplying to cement plant can change greatly depending on the coal seam even if it is from the same coal mine. Therefore, the coal used in a cement plant should have its properties measured accurately through representative sampling whenever it is supplied to the plant, and …

Barriers To Learning Exposure In Construction 4.0: Perspectives From Built-Environment Students, Olajide Julius Faremi, Habeeb Abiodun Arowolo

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

The ongoing digital transformation of the construction industry, known as Construction 4.0, requires students in built-environment programs to gain adequate exposure to emerging technologies. Despite this need, many faces significant barriers to meaningful engagement. This study explores the factors limiting students’ learning experiences related to Construction 4.0 in Nigerian universities and polytechnics. Using a stratified random sampling method, 154 students from one university and one polytechnic were surveyed through a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, relative importance index, and the Mann-Whitney test. Results identify key obstacles such as limited peer collaboration, insufficient funding and resources, and weak …

Assessing The Impact Of Nigerian Seaports’ Operational Performance On The Construction Sector’S Contribution To Gdp, Ismail Gbolahan Dere, Joel Ademola Ojekunle

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

The construction sector in Nigeria relies heavily on imported materials; however, inefficiencies and frequent delays at the seaports have led to increased costs, significantly affecting the sector’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This study examines the relationship between the operational performance of Nigerian seaports and the GDP contribution of the construction sector. Secondary data on GDP and port performance indicators were obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), covering the period from 2011 to 2023. The analysis employed descriptive and inferential statistics methods, including regression and Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA). …

Understanding Russia’S Cyber Policies, Strategies, And Doctrines, Bryan Hancock, Hanh Nguyen, Olga Karpoyan, Ekzhin Ear, Shouhuai Xu

Military Cyber Affairs

This study analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of Russia’s cyber policies, strategies, and doctrines through a systematic set of attributes, leading to key insights: (i) Russia has proactively adapted its cyber policies, strategies, and doctrines to its evolving environment; (ii) Russia actively conducts cognitive warfare, but remains equally vulnerable to it; and (iii) Russia’s cyber posture faces significant challenges, including a limited technological base, shortage of skilled personnel, and restrictive approach to information control, all of which undermine the effectiveness of its strategies. These insights offer valuable implications for US Cyber Command and the Department of Defense.

The Evolution Of Global Gold And Copper Trade Networks, Oleksandr Hulianskyi

Northeast Journal of Complex Systems (NEJCS)

Gold and copper have emerged as two of the most vital commodities in global trade. Despite serving distinct purposes, their international trade networks reveal interconnected patterns, critical to understanding the dynamics of global economics. This paper studies these attributes and their evolution during the last 36 years for both metals and finds correlations between them. The first part of the research is focused on the sustainability of networks through efficiency and robustness indexes; the second part is dedicated to interconnectedness – the Louvain and Bayesian SBM algorithms, partition, and modularity instruments are used. Community detection algorithms provide valuable insights into …

Comparative Study On Differences In Asphalt Pavement Design Between China And Southern Africa, Wang Qing, Lin Yangyang, Yan Hongxiang, Zhao Bin, Xia Moxuan, Li Ning, Si Wei

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To facilitate the successful implementation of projects in the Southern Africa region and promote the application and internationalization of China ’s standards,this study compared the asphalt pavement design systems,construction materials,design parameters,and structural design methods of both regions based on the main asphalt pavement design specifications currently in use in China and Southern Africa.The results show that among Southern African countries,South Africa has a comprehensive and widely applied standard system,while other Southern African countries adopt more varied and less theoretical standards.In contrast,China ’s standard system is complete and highly practical.Due to differences in regional climates,the selection principles and mechanical requirements for …

Awe Data Status, P.-Dominique Pautet, Anh Phan, Ludger Scherliess, Yucheng Zhao, Jiarong Zhang, Dallin Tucker, Connor Waite, Pedro Sevilla, Russell Kirkham, Harri Latvakoski, Jacob Adams, Keith Paskett

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SDL Presentation on the AWE data status.

Mining Waste Materials In Road Construction, Nuha Mashaan, Bina Yogi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Resource depletion and environmental degradation have resulted from the substantial increase in the use of natural aggregates and construction materials brought on by the growing demand for infrastructure development. Road building using mining waste has become a viable substitute that reduces the buildup of industrial waste while providing ecological and economic advantages. In order to assess the appropriateness of several mining waste materials for use in road building, this study investigates their engineering characteristics. These materials include slag, fly ash, tailings, waste rock, and overburden. To ensure long-term performance in pavement applications, this study evaluates their tensile and compressive strength, …

Removal Of Fluoroquinolones From Water Systems Employing Rice Husk Composited Sponges Via Nanoadsorption, Dalia Kanaa

Theses and Dissertations

A novel nanocomposite of polyvinyl alcohol formaldehyde (PVF) sponge loaded with green zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP) and referred to as (NP-PVF) was fabricated as a potential adsorbent of ciprofloxacin from water. A simple mechanical foaming process was used to synthesize the adsorbent. Rice husk extract was used to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP) for its phytochemicals as reducing agents. A facile and low-energy-dependent extraction method was used that did not require the use of high-temperature annealing. The synthesized nanoparticles showed a maximum UV absorption at 347 nm, which corresponds to a 3.58 eV band gap energy. FTIR confirmed the successful …

Orchestrating Complexity: The Art Of Virtual Leadership In System Modelling, Vijay Kumar Sonawane, Bipllab Roy, Purnendu Bikash Acharjee, Indu Pv

Northeast Journal of Complex Systems (NEJCS)

This paper explores the dynamics of virtual leadership within global remote work environments, focusing on the application of complex system modelling to understand and enhance leadership efficacy. The application of computational modelling has been a regular feature in economics, science and technology fields, however its application in virtual leadership with linkage to sport leadership appears to be a novel concept. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach, this paper incorporates Game Theory as a conceptual framework to make the leadership model more relevant and applicable that can offer simpler understanding of complex play of leadership drivers. The model incorporates five key leadership dimensional …