Engineering Commons^™

In Memoriam - Nora Sabelli: Master Orchestrator Of Grant Programs And Mentor For Advancing The Interdisciplinary Learning Sciences Field, Eric Hamilton, Jeremy Roschelle, Roy Pea, Barbara Means, Louis Gomez, Kim Gomez, Nancy Butler Songer

Education Division Scholarship

On Friday, September 6, 2024, the learning sciences field lost a giant in Dr. Nora Sabelli, 87 years old, a personal mentor to many researchers and an inspiration to so many learning scientists and STEM leaders. Nora’s first professional career was as a computational chemist, and later she became a passionate leader in research for improving STEM education. Nora’s time as a senior program officer at the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Education and Human Resources (EHR) directorate was legendary; she was a force of nature who reshaped funding priorities for stronger science and a stronger connection of science to education …

Critical Components Of Successful Cross-Race Mentoring Relationships: Perspectives Of Mentees And Mentors, Sylvia L. Mendez, Jennifer A. Tygret, Anneke Bruwer, Comas Haynes

The Qualitative Report

This intrinsic case study (Stake, 1995) explores the critical components of successful cross-race mentoring relationships from the mentees and mentors involved in the Increasing Minority Presence within Academia through Continuous Training (IMPACT) mentoring program. Stakeholders across academia need to better understand what facilitates successful cross-race mentoring, due to the underrepresentation of senior and emeriti faculty of color in engineering. Interviews with 16 Black engineering faculty mentees and 14 primarily White emeriti mentors were analyzed inductively and resulted in three interconnected themes: (a) self-awareness and empathy create trusting, honest conversations; (b) mentee career advancement must be core to the relationship; and …

Feasibility And Acceptability Of The Mazi Umntanakho Digital Tool In South African Settings: A Qualitative Evaluation, Catherine E. Draper, Caylee J. Cook, Elizabeth A. Ankrah, Jesus A. Beltran, Franceli L. Cibrian, Kimberley D. Lakes, Hanna Mofid, Lucretia Williams, Gillian R. Hayes

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

To address the need for interventions targeting social emotional development and mental health of young children in South Africa, the Mazi Umntanakho (‘know your child’) digital tool was co-designed, and piloted with caregivers and 3–5-year-old children involved in home visiting programmes promoting early childhood development. The aim of this study was to qualitatively evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of this tool in four urban and four rural low-income communities, from the perspective of home visitors and caregivers. Focus groups were conducted with home visitors (n = 117) and caregivers (n = 72). Issues relating to the feasibility of …

A Bayesian Network For Business Uncertainties In Coal Mining Industry, Firman Risqul Fidry, Iwan Vanany, Jerry Dwi Trijoyo Purnomo

Journal of Sustainable Mining

In recent years, business uncertainty in the coal mining industry has increased along with increasing global energy demand and carbon emission reduction policies. Not much research has been done on business uncertainty in the coal mining industry based on modelling. This study aimed to develop a model for business uncertainty in the coal mining industry using a Bayesian network approach. The Indonesian coal mining industry was utilized as a case study to develop the proposed model. Two dimensions and nine factors were identified and structured based on a literature review and rigorous interviews with three interviewees from three companies. Each …

Acknowledgement Of Reviewers

Journal of Sustainable Mining

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of The Un Watercourses Convention On The Development Of A Policy Design In The Nile River Basin, Zienab Ali Abdelhady

Theses and Dissertations

The adoption in 1997 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Non-navigational Uses of International Watercourses (UN Watercourses Convention or UNWC) marked a milestone in the codification and progressive development of international water law. Similarly, the signature in 2010 by the majority of the Nile Basin states of the Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) was a major step towards a permanent legal and institutional framework as well as a significant shift from the currently applicable legal regime in the basin. The research concludes that the principles enshrined in the UNWC can assist future regional treaty …

Investigating Nanomaterials For Improved Barrier Properties In Food Packaging, Alice Njolke Mafe, Great Iruoghene Edo, Patrick Othuke Akpoghelie, Ebuka Chukwuma Umelo, Endurance Fegor Isoje, Ufuoma Augustina Igbuku, Arthur Efeoghene Athan Essaghah

Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Sustainability in Engineering Sciences

This review examines the potential of nanomaterials in revolutionizing food packaging, focusing on their role in enhancing barrier properties and extending the shelf life of packaged foods. Traditional packaging materials often fall short in effectively protecting against oxygen, moisture, and UV light, resulting in diminished food quality and shorter shelf life. Nanomaterials, including nanoclays, metal oxide nanoparticles (e.g., ZnO, TiO₂), carbon-based nanomaterials (e.g., graphene, carbon nanotubes), and biodegradable options like cellulose nanocrystals, have emerged as promising solutions. These materials offer exceptional gas and moisture barrier properties, antimicrobial effects, and UV protection capabilities. The review provides an in-depth exploration of various …

Indoor Localization With Ensemble Machine Learning Via Visible Light Communication Channels, Alzahraa M. Ghonim, Wessam M. Salama

Journal of Engineering Research

An indoor localization system based on received signal strength, visible light communication (VLC) and several machine learning approaches is proposed in this paper. Our proposed framework is divided into two strategies. The first one is consisting of gathering our dataset based on MATLAB software to create indoor VLC channel model. While the second phase is depending on training the gained dataset using ensemble machine learning models. Specifically, random forest, decision tree and gradient boosting models. In order to evaluate the robustness of the proposed framework, several evaluation metrics are applied, specifically, training time, testing time, classification accuracy (CA), area under …

Use Of Activated Palm Kernel Shells On Adsorption Of Heavy Metals (Cu2+ And Pb2+) From Contaminated Wastewater, Edwin N. Richard

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This research aimed to evaluate the adsorption capacity of low-cost agricultural waste adsorbent-activated palm kernel shells (APKS) for the removal of Pb2+ and Cu2+ ions from synthetic wastewater that had the concentration of copper and lead ions comparable to that of waste produced in Tanzanian research and teaching laboratories. This study was carried out in batch and continuous column adsorption reactors. The study examined the influence of particle size (0.71 mm–2.36 mm), pH (4.5–8.6), adsorbent dose (5–20 mg/L) and initial concentration Ci (1.93– 4 mg/l) on APKS adsorption removal efficiency. The batch results indicated that under alkali conditions (pH 8.4 …

Sustainable Clay Brick Manufacturing: A Review Of Mechanical Properties, Firing Technologies, Emissions, And Control Strategies, I. S. Eldeeb, Ayman Bakry, Ahmed M. Nasr, E. A. Showaib

Journal of Engineering Research

The clay brick industry, a cornerstone of global construction, faces increasing pressure to mitigate its substantial environmental footprint and improve the sustainability of its practices. The energy-intensive firing process, often reliant on coal combustion, generates significant atmospheric emissions, contributing to climate change and local air pollution. Furthermore, achieving desired mechanical properties in the final product is essential for ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of buildings. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the chemical and thermodynamic processes governing clay brick firing, exploring their influence on both emissions and the final product's mechanical strength, durability, and water absorption. We examine …

Rotating Burlap For Improved Solar Still Performance: An Experimental Investigation, Alsaied Khalil, Mohamed Abdelgaied, Amir Nasr

Journal of Engineering Research

This experimental study investigates the performance of a modified solar still that utilizes a rotating burlap cloth to enhance water evaporation and productivity. Conducted in Tanta, Egypt within a hot desert climate, the system was designed with a 31° angle to maximize solar energy absorption. A 12V DC motor was employed to maintain continuous rotation of the burlap, ensuring consistent contact with the water surface and promoting enhanced evaporation. The modified system achieved a peak water temperature of 89.4°C, resulting in a total water output of 1.547 liters per day, which translates to 4.56 liters per square meter per day—an …

Turbulent Structures In Coupled Wind-Wave Flows, Cerrina Mouchref

Dissertations and Theses

The interactions between wind and waves in offshore environments are complex and have yet to be fully understood. Analyzing these interactions is motivated by an increased interest in climate modeling and the deployment of offshore construction, such as offshore wind farms. In this study, experiments are performed in a wind tunnel using particle image velocimetry (PIV) to analyze wind-wave interactions over various wave and wind speeds. The addition of the wave, a moving boundary, leads to the use of Reynolds triple decomposition in order to separate the turbulent and wave-phase coherent fluctuations. A curvilinear coordinate system was used to analyze …

Mitigating The Impacts Of Future Climate Change On Urban Infrastructure In Alabama Through Updating Precipitation Intensity-Duration-Frequency (Idf) Curves, Kofi Ntow Opare

All ETDs from UAB

Climate change is set to profoundly impact urban infrastructure, causing increased flooding and storm damage, necessitating the reevaluation and adaptation of design methodologies to account for increasing precipitation extremes. This dissertation aims to enhance the resilience of urban infrastructure in Alabama by updating Precipitation Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) curves, which are crucial for designing stormwater management systems, drainage networks, and flood control structures. Traditional IDF curves, derived from historical rainfall data, operate under the assumption of stationarity, an assumption increasingly invalidated by climate change. This research employs the Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) distribution and compares the efficacy of L-moments and Generalized Maximum …

Pestle Analysis Of A Seaplane Transport Network In Greece, Dimitrios V. Siskos, Alexander Maravas, Jordan Karatzas

Publications

Seaplane operations connect remote areas, promote tourism, and provide unique transportation solutions. After many years of preparations, commercial seaplane operations on a network of 100 water airports and 200 waterways in Greece are about to commence. The network can serve the needs of 1.6 million permanent residents of the Greek islands, the inhabitants of the mainland, and over 35 million annual tourists. This paper aims to conduct a PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental) analysis to identify the factors that have delayed operations and those that will affect the success of future operations. As such, 26 factors are …

Optimizing Underground Construction And Plan Management For The Mong Duong Coal Mine, Vietnam, Phi Hung Nguyen, Thi Kim Thanh Nguyen, Duc Hung Pham, Quang Phuc Le, Thai Tien Dung Vu

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Mong Duong mine’s output objective is 1.5 million tons, which requires approximately 10,000 m of tunnel excavation each year. Because of the complicated geological features, the actual work is vastly different, necessitating regular changes in design and technical approaches, as well as plans for material supply, money, and staff. On the other hand, office personnel visit the construction site to update the work status after each report, and the department head and board of directors make choices on development and execution. This process takes time because it is carried out manually. As a result, a solution to support the optimization …

Spatiotemporal Variation Of Vegetation Cover In Mining Areas Of Ysr Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh Using Remote Sensing And Gis, Vinod Kumar Yarlanki, Prudhvi Raj Muppala, Prem Kumar Yasam, Balaji Gollapudi, Sumanth Moddu, Appanna Besta

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The spatiotemporal variation of vegetation cover in the mining areas of YSR Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, using Remote Sensing and GIS techniques. By focusing on the years 2014, 2018, and 2023, the analysis provides insights into changes observed in water bodies, bare soil, sparse vegetation, moderate vegetation, and dense vegetation. The results reveal dynamic trends in land cover categories, highlighting the environmental impact of mining activities in the region. A significant decline in water bodies is observed, with the area reducing from 3.48 km² in 2014 to 1.91km² in 2023. This decrease raises concerns about the potential degradation …

Assessing The Perception Gap: Mining Impacts From Community And Company Perspectives In Nigeria, Ikechukwu Mbachu

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The study intends to evaluate how mining companies and their host communities perceive the impacts of mining operations and to ascertain if there are significant differences in how both parties perceive the impacts of mining in Nigeria. The study was carried out in twelve states in Nigeria and covered the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Data was collected through a questionnaire and interviews carried out separately with community members and company representatives. The study investigated ten categories of mining impacts such as socioeconomic, environmental, health, physical and so on. To gauge the perceptions of the respondents on the different impact …

Effect Of Depth And Particle Size On Spontaneous Combustion Of Coal In Deep Underground Mines Of Jharia Coalfield, Debashish Mishra, D.P. Mishra, N K Mohalik, S K Ray, J K Pandey

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Since their inception, the deep mines have faced the challenges of spontaneous heating and fire. The study examines the impact of coal seam depth and particle size on the spontaneous combustion of coal. A spontaneous heating study of seven coal samples shows moisture, volatile matter, and ash do not exhibit any clear trend except for fixed carbon, which shows a direct relationship. However, crossing point temperature (CPT) and thermo-gravimetric (TG_ignition) temperature reveal an inverse relationship between spontaneous combustion and the depth of the coal seam. Five size ranges: < 106, 106–212, 212–425, 425–2000, and 0–212 µm are studied, which displayed an increase in mean specific surface area (SSA) by 87% and a decrease in …

Leveraging Intrinsic Properties For Classification Of Coal Seams Towards Spontaneous Combustion Proclivity And Predicting Susceptibility Using Machine Learning: Smart And Sustainable Mining Approach, Siddhartha Agarwal, Pradeep K. Gautam, Yuhao Zou, Rishabh Dwivedi, D.C. Panigrahi, C. Dagli, Atul Singh

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Mine fires and other hazards caused by spontaneous coal combustion are a pervasive and longstanding issue in Jharia coalfields, India. This study proposes a novel approach to classify coal seams based on their propensity to spontaneous combustion using the intrinsic properties of 30 coal samples from different seams. This method eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming experimental determinations of susceptibility indices (SI) such as crossing point temperature (CPT), critical air blast (CAB), and differential thermal analysis (DTA). All clustering models, viz. hierarchical, k-means, and multidimensional scaling, aptly classify coal seams into three categories: highly risky, medium risky, and low …

An Automated Integrated Web-Based Smart Tool For Open Stope Design, Yerkezhan Madenova, Fidelis Suorineni, Shuai Xu

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The Stability Graph is a widely used tool for the design of open stopes in underground mining. Many users of the Stability Graph still apply this design method manually. Although the manual approach has benefits, using multiple graphs and stability number computation charts for each stope surface is time-consuming, even for the experienced mining engineer. Current practice in the use of the method also limits data sharing. This paper presents a StopeSoft web-based tool for open stope stability prediction that is developed on the basis of the Stability Graph method and is available at openstope.com. StopeSoft incorporates flexibility in terms …

Crime Theory Informed Agent-Based Modeling For Crime Prediction And Patrolling Route Optimization, Shohreh Moradi

Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering Dissertations - Archive

Crime reduction remains a global priority, demanding both accurate modeling of criminal dynamics and efficient allocation of scarce policing resources. To address these needs, this study presents a two‐fold framework that (1) simulates street‐level crime patterns using an agent‐based model (ABM) grounded in Routine Activity Theory (RAT), Rational Choice Theory (RCT), and Crime Pattern Theory (CPT), and (2) optimizes patrol routing through a time-dependent, multi‐visit mixed‐integer linear programming (MILP) formulation.

In the first component, we integrate real‐world crime, environmental, and census data to reproduce realistic offender, citizen, and Police behaviors, capturing where and when robbery, burglary, and larceny occur across …

Vision Of Nuclear Power Deployment In Latin America And The Caribbean: A Focus On Small Modular Reactors And The Regional Experience Of Central Argentina De Elementos Modulares, Alejandra Loreto Alfaro, Florencia Rentería, Camila Araujo

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Increasing the number of nuclear power reactors in the Latin American and Caribbean region presents technical, financial, regulatory, and environmental challenges. Focused on fostering economic stability, growth, and human capacity development, the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) emerges as a key aspect in the region’s energy landscape. The emergence of SMRs represents an opportunity for multidisciplinary cooperation among different sectors. To comprehensively address the challenges related to the protection of nuclear facilities in the region, the Tlatelolco Treaty and the Non-Proliferation Treaty should be strengthened as legally binding instruments to enforce the safety and safeguarding principles integral to the …

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment Of Conventional Open-Cut Pipeline Replacement With Trenchless Cured-In-Place Pipe Renewal Method For Wastewater Applications Using Midpoint Approach, Eesha Nilesh Karkhanis

Civil Engineering Theses - Archive

Underground infrastructure development has a significant impact on society, leading to continuous technological advancements. With the rising environmental concerns, novel technology is leaning towards adapting to sustainable practices for pipeline rehabilitation. Conducting a comparative study of environmental impacts produced by pipe renewal and replacement processes is a vital step towards sustainable development of underground infrastructure. Open-cut Pipeline Replacement (OCPR) is the conventional method used for pipeline rehabilitation, which involves the excavation of the ground surface to place a new pipe underground or replace an existing one. This process includes the trenching of ground, followed by surface reinstatement through backfill. The …

Assessment Of Metal Contamination And Potential Health Risk Of Roadside Vegetables Along The Sayre Highway, Province Of Bukidnon, Philippines, John R.N. Labajo, Junesa U. Cristobal, Myrna G. Pabiona

Applied Environmental Research

This study assessed heavy metal contamination in roadside vegetables (Ipomoea batatas and Moringa oleifera) across five urbanized localities in Bukidnon, Philippines, and evaluated potential human health risks. Metal concentrations (Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, and Zn) were analyzed via atomic absorption spectro-photometry and compared against FAO/WHO maximum permissible limits. The results revealed severe contamination, with Mn (575.27–862.17 mg kg-1) and Fe (256.46–706.68 mg kg-1) dominating natural soil mineralogy (Adtuyon series) and anthropogenic inputs. Toxic Cr (16.20–21.93 mg kg-1) exceeded permissible limits by nine and a half times in Quezon. Health risk assessments revealed negligible noncarcinogenic risks (THQ …

Spatial Distribution And Potential Ecological Risk Of Microplastics In Surface Sediments Of The Inner Gulf Of Thailand, Sarayut Suanluang, Pathompong Vibhatabandhu, Sarawut Srithongouthai

Applied Environmental Research

The global surge in plastic usage during the COVID–19 pandemic raised concerns about increased microplastic (MP) contamination in aquatic environments. This study assessed the abundance, characteristics, and ecological risk of MPs in surface sediments of the inner Gulf of Thailand during the post–COVID–19 period (April 2021). The sediment samples were analyzed via density separation, stereomicroscopic examination, and polymer identification via micro–FTIR. The mean MP abundance was 196.07 ± 85.60 pieces kg-1, with concentrations ranging from 73.08 to 351.19 pieces kg-1. PTFE and PP were the dominant polymer types, comprising 50% and 32% of all the MPs, respectively. Fibers (34%) and …

Health Risk Assessment Of Copper Exposure Through Hand-To-Mouth Activities In The Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing Industry, Adisorn Phungkum, Worawat Meevasana, Khanidtha Marungrueang

Applied Environmental Research

This study aims to evaluate the occupational exposure levels of copper (Cu) among workers in a battery manufacturing facility by analyzing the Cu concentrations on hand surfaces at three distinct time periods: before work (BW), before lunch (BL), and after work (AW). A total of 30 workers involved in 13 different workstations or tasks—such as battery cell preparation, spot welding, soldering, and labeling—were included in the study to reflect diverse exposure scenarios. Surface wipe sampling was conducted according to NIOSH Method 9102, and the Cu concentrations were quantified via inductively coupled plasma‒mass spectrometry (ICP‒MS). Additionally, the hazard quotient (HQ) was …

Spatial Estimation Of Trophic State For Reservoir Using Ground Monitoring And Remote Sensing Data, Thong Nguyen Hoang, Van Tran Thi

Applied Environmental Research

Nutrient pollution, also known as eutrophication, is a severe environmental problem that leads to harmful algal blooms in water bodies and affects water supplies for human use. This study aims to determine the trophic state of the reservoir based on the trophic state index (TSI) calculated from ground monitoring data of Secchi depth (SD), total phosphorus (TP), and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) obtained from 35 points in 2 survey periods during the late rainy season to early dry season 2012–2013 and May 2023. In addition, we combined remote sensing data to spatially estimate the eutrophication situation across the reservoir through correlation analysis …

Assessment Of The Carbon Stock Of Trees In Selected Urban Green Spaces Of Davao City, Philippines, Daiseree Cuabo, Yves P.M. Montero, Daryl S. Salas, John P.M. Viernes

Applied Environmental Research

The combined impacts of deforestation, tree cover loss, and urbanization in urban and suburban areas significantly reduce the capacity of natural carbon sinks to sequester and store carbon. Hence, this study assessed the aboveground biomass (AGB) and carbon stock of trees in the selected green spaces of Davao City. A purposive sampling technique was employed in placing quadrats, with data collected from 27 plots categorized by size. AGB was estimated via an allometric equation, and aboveground carbon (AGC) was derived from the AGB values. A total of 358 individual trees from 25 species, 24 genera, and 13 families were documented. …

Investigation And Health Risk Assessment Of Indoor And Outdoor Nitrogen Dioxide At Preschools In Haze Areas Of Lampang Province And Industrial Areas Of Rayong Province, Thailand, Susira Bootdee, Sawaeng Kawichai, Suganya Phantu, Sopittaporn Sillapapiromsuk

Applied Environmental Research

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a major indoor air pollutant and a significant ambient air contaminant associated with health effects, especially for students and teachers who attend schools in the areas of traffic, roads and industry. This study aims to assess the impacts of NO2 exposure on the health of students in haze and industrial areas from November 2023 to March 2024. Researchers utilized tube-type passive samplers to collect indoor and outdoor NO2 samples, which were subsequently analyzed via spectrophotometry. The results revealed that the weekly mean indoor and outdoor NO2 concentrations in the haze areas (HA1–HA5) ranged between 4.4–29.0 and …

Drone Medical Package Delivery For Improved Transportation And Better Patient Outcomes Final Implementation Report, Amro El-Adle, Madeline Alden, Yin-Hsuen Chen, Melissa Davidson

Information Technology & Decision Sciences Faculty Publications

The Drone Medical Package Delivery for Improved Transportation and Better Patient Outcomes planning and prototyping grant involves five partners, including Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission (A-NPDC), Riverside Health System, Old Dominion University (ODU), Virginia Institute for Spaceflight & Autonomy (VISA), Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), and DroneUp. The partners worked together to address access, safety, reliability and sustainability for medical and emergency response package delivery via drone, specifically, where the use of aerial drones could lead to better patient outcomes and improved safety and emergency response.

The goal of the project was to develop an operational prototype that woul evolve into …