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Title: WASTE DERIVED ACTIVATED CARBON MATERIALS FOR LANDFILL GAS PURIFICATION.
Creator: Thomas, Ryan, Lashaki, Masoud Jahandar, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: The potential of paper waste-derived activated carbon was investigated for the removal of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from landfill gas. Activated carbon materials were prepared by carbonizing paper waste followed by acid treatment to remove ash, mixing with aqueous phase potassium hydroxide, and activation via microwave heating. Activated samples were tested using thermogravimetric analysis to determine their equilibrium uptake of carbon dioxide. The adsorbent materials were modified...
Show moreThe potential of paper waste-derived activated carbon was investigated for the removal of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from landfill gas. Activated carbon materials were prepared by carbonizing paper waste followed by acid treatment to remove ash, mixing with aqueous phase potassium hydroxide, and activation via microwave heating. Activated samples were tested using thermogravimetric analysis to determine their equilibrium uptake of carbon dioxide. The adsorbent materials were modified with both tetraethylenepentamine and diethanolamine to potentially increase the carbon dioxide uptake, however, all the modified samples had a performance significantly worse than their unmodified counterparts. Adsorbent screening was conducted in conditions mimicking that of landfill gas, namely temperature of 40 °C and 40% carbon dioxide in nitrogen. Performant samples were identified as those achieving uptakes greater than 3 wt.%. The best performing sample achieved an uptake of 5.03 wt.% and maintained 97% of its uptake during 100 successive adsorption-desorption cycles. Column-breakthrough experiments demonstrated that the final candidate achieved complete removal of both carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, suggesting viability for larger scale landfill gas purification.
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014106
Subject Headings: Landfill gases--Purification, Carbon, Activated, Adsorption
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: FIELD EXPERIMENT OF MIXED TRAFFIC – HUMAN DRIVER INTERACTION BETWEEN ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) AND HUMAN DRIVERS.
Creator: Natrajan, Swarna Lexmi, Kan, David, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Mainstream vehicles sold today are equipped with the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) known as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). ACC automatically adjusts speeds and maintains a safe following distance with the preceding vehicle. This enables partial automation by automating longitudinal car-following. Despite the ever-increasing market penetration, ACC-equipped vehicles will likely operate in a mixed environment with other human-driven vehicles first. However, the traffic flow impact of...
Show moreMainstream vehicles sold today are equipped with the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) known as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). ACC automatically adjusts speeds and maintains a safe following distance with the preceding vehicle. This enables partial automation by automating longitudinal car-following. Despite the ever-increasing market penetration, ACC-equipped vehicles will likely operate in a mixed environment with other human-driven vehicles first. However, the traffic flow impact of human driver behavior when following ACC-equipped vehicles is largely unknown, and it is uncertain whether this deserves special consideration when modeling human driver behavior near ACC enabled vehicles. This study conducted a preliminary real-world experiment on a freeway (a portion of Interstate 95) and an urban arterial (a portion of state route A1A) to investigate the human driver behavior with and without the presence of vehicles in ACC mode as the leaders. This unbiased experiment was conducted in naturalistic traffic conditions. Results from the field experiments demonstrate that in a mixed environment with ACC-equipped vehicles as leaders, the human driven vehicles as the follower adopt similar headway, spacing, and acceleration on both freeway and arterial, with no statistically significant difference. The only exception is when traveling at speeds below 15 mph on urban arterials, where human drivers adopt significantly larger spacing while following ACC-enabled vehicles. We expect that findings from these field experiments will provide important initial insights to future research on human driver car following models in a mixed traffic environment and dedicated lanes for automated vehicles.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014190
Subject Headings: Driver assistance systems, Automated vehicles, Automobile drivers--Behavior--Evaluation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: COMPARISON OF FUNDAMENTAL DIAGRAMS FOR TRAFFIC FLOW BETWEEN INTERNAL COMBUSTION VEHICLES AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATION AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE.
Creator: Yagantekin, Kemal Ulas, Kan, David, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Adaptive cruise control (ACC) system is the first widely offered automated functionality that regulates the longitudinal movement of the vehicle using onboard radar sensors, and they can maintain a safe following distance with the preceding vehicle. In most of the field experiments with ACC-equipped vehicles conducted with internal combustion engine vehicles, there is still a gap in research on how the automation systems such as ACC combined with electric powertrains will influence the...
Show moreAdaptive cruise control (ACC) system is the first widely offered automated functionality that regulates the longitudinal movement of the vehicle using onboard radar sensors, and they can maintain a safe following distance with the preceding vehicle. In most of the field experiments with ACC-equipped vehicles conducted with internal combustion engine vehicles, there is still a gap in research on how the automation systems such as ACC combined with electric powertrains will influence the traffic flow be examined. This study refined and recalibrated an ACC car-following model for EVs and integrated it into AIMSUN to realistically simulate ACC-equipped vehicles and their impact on the fundamental diagram of traffic flow. Simulations were conducted for various ACC market penetrations, and fundamental diagrams were constructed for those market penetrations using detector measurements at various locations along the simulated segment. Overall, the capacity and the jam density increase as the EV with ACC market penetration rises. EVs with ACC can achieve higher capacities compared to ICEs with ACC.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014202
Subject Headings: Traffic flow, Automated vehicles, Electric vehicles
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: INVESTIGATING THE POTENTIAL OF AMINE-GRAFTED SILICA MATERIALS FOR SIMULTANEOUS REMOVAL OF CARBON DIOXIDE, WATER VAPOR, AND HYDROGEN SULFIDE FROM LANDFILL GAS.
Creator: Lam, Dung, Lashaki, Masoud Jahandar, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Amine-grafted silica (i.e., aminosilicas) was investigated for single-stage landfill gas purification via simultaneous removal of CO2, H2S, and water vapor. Aminosilica materials were synthesized by covalent triamine grafting onto mesoporous silica with custom amounts of water and amine. Screening adsorption experiments were completed in dry 30 vol.% CO2 in N2 at 40 °C and assessed using thermogravimetric analysis. Materials with equilibrium CO2 uptakes greater than 1.5 mmol/g were chosen for...
Show moreAmine-grafted silica (i.e., aminosilicas) was investigated for single-stage landfill gas purification via simultaneous removal of CO2, H2S, and water vapor. Aminosilica materials were synthesized by covalent triamine grafting onto mesoporous silica with custom amounts of water and amine. Screening adsorption experiments were completed in dry 30 vol.% CO2 in N2 at 40 °C and assessed using thermogravimetric analysis. Materials with equilibrium CO2 uptakes greater than 1.5 mmol/g were chosen for CO2 adsorption kinetics assessments. The highest-performing aminosilica achieved fast CO2 adsorption by reaching 80% of its equilibrium uptake in one minute. This material also maintained 100% of its initial CO2 uptake when subjected to rigorous 100-cycle testing. It underwent column-breakthrough tests in the presence of different dry and humid gas streams containing CO2, H2S, and water vapor, and achieved concurrent and complete (100%) removal of all target impurities. The results suggest that aminosilicas can purify landfill gas in a single stage.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014182
Subject Headings: Gases--Purification, Landfill gases--Purification
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON WAVE BREAKING AND TRANSMISSION IN SUBMERGED ARTIFICIAL REEFS.
Creator: Raju, Rahul Dev, Arockiasamy, Madasamy, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Artificial reefs are coastal structures built to improve marine life and prevent beach erosion. During earlier days artificial reefs were constructed for recreational fishing using discarded scraps and waste materials. Later on, ships were scuttled for constructing artificial reefs. Artificial reefs dissipate the energy of the wave by making the wave break over the reef. The artificial reefs used for coastal protection are usually in submerged condition as this condition does not affect the...
Show moreArtificial reefs are coastal structures built to improve marine life and prevent beach erosion. During earlier days artificial reefs were constructed for recreational fishing using discarded scraps and waste materials. Later on, ships were scuttled for constructing artificial reefs. Artificial reefs dissipate the energy of the wave by making the wave break over the reef. The artificial reefs used for coastal protection are usually in submerged condition as this condition does not affect the aesthetic beauty of the beach. Wave transmission decides the efficiency of submerged-detached artificial reef in protecting the beach from the incoming waves. The efficiency of submerged detached coastal protection structures in protecting the beach is usually measured in terms of wave transmission coefficient. The experimental investigation in the present study is carried out for submerged two-dimensional impermeable and permeable reefs for three water depths. The crest width of the reefs considered for the experimental studies are 60 cm and 20 cm. The permeable artificial reefs are made up of oyster shells in Nylon bags and biodegradable bags. The water levels considered for the study are 35 cm, 34 cm, and 33 cm. The effect of pore space between the oyster shells, crest width, water depth and wave parameters on the wave transmission coefficient for submerged impermeable and permeable artificial reefs are studied experimentally. The wave transmission coefficient is calculated for submerged impermeable and permeable reefs for different water levels and crest widths. Based on the results of the present experimental studies, it is logical to conclude that both submerged impermeable and permeable artificial reefs contribute to a significant extent to the attenuation of the incident wave.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014241
Subject Headings: Artificial reefs, Water waves, Ocean waves
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Support for Regional Community Anaerobic Digestion for Organic Waste Diversion.
Creator: Sharmin, Sumaiya, Meeroff, Daniel E., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: As the global population is increasing, the generation of various waste materials (fats, oils and grease, fruit waste etc.) is increasing, which when landfilled, takes up valuable landfill space. Anaerobic digestion techniques have been developed that potentially convert these waste materials into energy and fertilizer, thus reducing landfill demand. It has been hypothesized that addition of high strength organic waste to conventional wastewater sludge can enhance the generation of onsite...
Show moreAs the global population is increasing, the generation of various waste materials (fats, oils and grease, fruit waste etc.) is increasing, which when landfilled, takes up valuable landfill space. Anaerobic digestion techniques have been developed that potentially convert these waste materials into energy and fertilizer, thus reducing landfill demand. It has been hypothesized that addition of high strength organic waste to conventional wastewater sludge can enhance the generation of onsite biogas at wastewater treatment plants, to meet the energy requirements of the plant partially or fully. To determine the anaerobic biodegradability of fats, oils and grease and fruit waste residuals, lab scale ultimate digestibility tests were conducted for a period of 63 days under mesophilic conditions. High strength organic wastes, thickened waste activated sludge and inoculum were mixed at 9 different ratios, and the mixtures were incubated in 500 mL serum bottles. After 63 days, the highest methane yield of 280 mL/gVS and 243 mL/gVS were obtained with mixtures containing 10% FOG with 10% red apples and 10% FOG only respectively whereas the methane yield of inoculum was only 8 mL/gVS. Preliminary cost analyses were conducted using the laboratory derived data
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014297
Subject Headings: Sewage disposal plants--Management, Sewage--Purification--Anaerobic treatment, Biogas
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF HEAVY TRUCK FLOW OUTSIDE INTERMODAL FACILITIES WHILE CONSIDERING TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: A PROOF OF CONCEPT.
Creator: Jaya, Jayisha Das, Kaisar, Evangelos I., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Intermodal facilities, including port operations, play a significant role in the economic framework of the United States by making substantial contributions to the country's GDP, but face challenges managing increased freight volumes. However, increased transportation time within port facilities leads to higher costs, emissions, and impacts on efficiency and sustainability. This thesis aims to develop a concept of operations (ConOps) for improving the efficiency of heavy truck movement...
Show moreIntermodal facilities, including port operations, play a significant role in the economic framework of the United States by making substantial contributions to the country's GDP, but face challenges managing increased freight volumes. However, increased transportation time within port facilities leads to higher costs, emissions, and impacts on efficiency and sustainability. This thesis aims to develop a concept of operations (ConOps) for improving the efficiency of heavy truck movement outside ports, with goals of reducing congestion, considering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and addressing issues faced by the truck drivers. The study proposes integrating technological solutions to streamline heavy truck traffic at intermodal port facilities, including scheduled truck arrivals and departures, truck stop and rest areas near ports, real-time traffic information, implementation of dedicated truck lanes, and autonomous truck platooning. The focus is improving communication, efficiency, and safety for trucking companies, operations managers, and truck drivers. Using microsimulation modeling in PTV VISSIM (2023), a traffic impact study is also conducted, focusing on a case study near the Port of Miami. A base scenario is developed to represent current traffic conditions, and additional scenarios are implemented to evaluate different strategies, such as dedicated and exclusive truck lanes, freeway lane restrictions, and autonomous truck platooning. Simulation findings emphasize the positive impact of these strategies on travel times and delays, and forecast scenarios account for increased truck volumes. Dedicated truck lanes and truck platooning demonstrate promising results in reducing congestion and improving overall traffic flow. This research supports decision-making for government officials and logistics service providers in sustainable and efficient intermodal freight planning. The study also suggests opportunities for future extensions, including emerging technologies and tailored solutions for different port locations and contexts.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014253
Subject Headings: Intermodal transportation, Containerization, Freight and freightage--Environmental aspects
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: FIELD EXPERIMENT ON THE CAPACITY IMPACT OF VEHICLE AUTOMATION ON ELECTRIC VEHICLES (EVS) – CASE STUDY OF ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC).
Creator: Majumder, Tasnim Anika, Kan, David, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Today’s mainstream vehicles are partially automated via an Advanced Driver Assistance Feature (ADAS) known as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). ACC relies on data from onboard sensors to automatically adjust speed to maintain a safe following distance with the preceding vehicle. Contrary to expectations for automated vehicles, ACC may reduce capacity at bottlenecks because its delayed response and limited initial acceleration during queue discharge could increase the average headway. Fortunately...
Show moreToday’s mainstream vehicles are partially automated via an Advanced Driver Assistance Feature (ADAS) known as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). ACC relies on data from onboard sensors to automatically adjust speed to maintain a safe following distance with the preceding vehicle. Contrary to expectations for automated vehicles, ACC may reduce capacity at bottlenecks because its delayed response and limited initial acceleration during queue discharge could increase the average headway. Fortunately, when ACC is paired with fully electric vehicles (EVs), EV’s unique powertrain characteristics such as instantaneous torque and aggressive regenerative braking could allow ACC to adopt shorter headways and accelerate more swiftly to maintain shorter headways during queue discharge, therefore reverse the negative impact on capacity. This has been verified in a series of car following field experiments. Field experiments demonstrate that EVs with ACC can achieve a capacity as high as 3333 veh/hr/lane when cruising in steady state conditions at typical freeway speeds (60 mph and 55 mph) and arterial speeds (45 mph and 35 mph). Furthermore, speed fluctuations and disturbances that may come from queues forming at or near the bottleneck do not reduce the capacity, unlike ACC-equipped internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, making ACC-equipped EVs outperform ICE vehicles with ACC, as well as human drivers.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014283
Subject Headings: Automated vehicles, Electric vehicles, Adaptive control systems
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: FIELD EXPERIMENTS ON ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) CAR FOLLOWING BEHAVIOR – IMPACT OF LANE CHANGES ON CAPACITY.
Creator: Khan, Md Mahede Hasan, Kan, David, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Today’s mainstream vehicles are partially automated via an advanced driver assistance feature (ADAS) known as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). ACC uses data from on-board sensors to automatically adjust speed to maintain a safe following distance with the preceding vehicle. Contrary to expectations, ICE vehicles equipped with ACC may reduce capacity at bottlenecks because its delayed response and limited initial acceleration during queue discharge could increase the average headway. On the...
Show moreToday’s mainstream vehicles are partially automated via an advanced driver assistance feature (ADAS) known as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). ACC uses data from on-board sensors to automatically adjust speed to maintain a safe following distance with the preceding vehicle. Contrary to expectations, ICE vehicles equipped with ACC may reduce capacity at bottlenecks because its delayed response and limited initial acceleration during queue discharge could increase the average headway. On the other hand, ACC equipped EVs can potentially mitigate this effect for having ready torque and quicker acceleration. However, this has not been investigated for cases when lane changers enter from the adjacent lane. ACC could respond differently under these conditions, and this car following behavior is often referred as receiving lane change car following. Carefully planned field experiments on lane change car following demonstrate that lane changes and the subsequent receiving lane change car following from ICE vehicles equipped with ACC increases the gap unless the lane changer and the target lane traffic have identical or similar speeds for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and ACC in the EVs doesn’t increase the gap after lane change increasing capacity for merging compared to ICE vehicles. For ICE, this trend also correlates with the selected ACC gap, with larger gap selection resulting in longer gap following the lane change maneuver and the receiving lane change car following in response. Larger gap setting shows better results after lane change for EVs.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014276
Subject Headings: Automated vehicles, Automobile driving--Lane changing
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: MULTISPECTRAL UAS BASED COASTAL CHANGE DETECTION METHODS.
Creator: Rajkumar, Monica, Nagarajan, Sudhagar, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Coastal landscape plays a vital role in reflecting various natural processes. Vegetation resource management improves the quality of life above the surface of the earth. Due to factors such as climatic change, urban development, and global warming, monitoring the coastal region as well as its vegetation has indeed become a challenge to mankind. The purpose of the study is to propose an effective low-cost methodology to monitor the 120- acre Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area ...
Show moreCoastal landscape plays a vital role in reflecting various natural processes. Vegetation resource management improves the quality of life above the surface of the earth. Due to factors such as climatic change, urban development, and global warming, monitoring the coastal region as well as its vegetation has indeed become a challenge to mankind. The purpose of the study is to propose an effective low-cost methodology to monitor the 120- acre Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (ONA) located in Jupiter, Florida (USA) using Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Imagery deployed with RedEdge Micasense Multispectral sensor having five bands. Since, UAS provides high resolution imagery at lower altitudes, it has a lot of potential for variety of applications. This research aims to (1) Automate the extraction of shoreline and coastline through Modified Normalized Difference Index (MNDI), thereby comparing it with the manually digitized shoreline using transect-based analysis (2) Automate the volume change computation, as the area has been affected due to various natural and anthropogenic factors in the past few decades. (3) Perform shoreline change detection for the time period 1953 to 2021 (4) Develop an algorithm to differentiate ground and non-ground points along the shore region and generate Digital Terrain Model (DTM) (5) Land use and Land cover (LULC) mapping using different band combinations and compare its result using deep learning approach.
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013931
Subject Headings: Coastal zone management--Florida, Jupiter Inlet Light (Fla.), Multispectral imaging, Drone aircraft, ArcGIS
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: REGULARIZATION MODELS FOR IMPUTATION OF MISSING PRECIPITATION DATA.
Creator: Azad, Anika, Teegavarapu, Ramesh S. V., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: This study focuses on developing optimization models to estimate missing precipitation data at twenty-two sites within Kentucky State. Various optimization formulations and regularization models are explored in this context. The performance of these models is evaluated using a range of performance measures and error metrics for handling missing records. The findings revealed that regularization models performed better than optimization models. This superiority is attributed to their ability...
Show moreThis study focuses on developing optimization models to estimate missing precipitation data at twenty-two sites within Kentucky State. Various optimization formulations and regularization models are explored in this context. The performance of these models is evaluated using a range of performance measures and error metrics for handling missing records. The findings revealed that regularization models performed better than optimization models. This superiority is attributed to their ability to reduce model complexity while enhancing overall performance. The study underscores the significance of regularization techniques in improving the accuracy and efficiency of precipitation data estimation.
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Date Issued: 2024
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014432
Subject Headings: Rain and rainfall, Precipitation (Meteorology), Missing data (Statistics), Machine learning
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: ESTIMATING MISSING PRECIPITATION RECORDS USING TREE-BASED APPROACHES.
Creator: Nguyen, Thu, Teegavarapu, Ramesh S. V., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Missing rainfall records happens frequently in many areas, and making precipitation estimation has been a challenge due to the spatial-temporal variability of the parameter. Model tree (MT), regression tree (RT), and ensemble approach models were developed and evaluated for estimating missing precipitation values in this research study. The selection of stations using correlation coefficient and similar distribution, and variation of data used to build the model were applied in this study....
Show moreMissing rainfall records happens frequently in many areas, and making precipitation estimation has been a challenge due to the spatial-temporal variability of the parameter. Model tree (MT), regression tree (RT), and ensemble approach models were developed and evaluated for estimating missing precipitation values in this research study. The selection of stations using correlation coefficient and similar distribution, and variation of data used to build the model were applied in this study. Proposed models were developed and tested using daily rainfall data from 1971 to 2016 at twenty-two stations in Kentucky, U.S.A. The model results were analyzed and evaluated using error and performance measures. The results indicated that MT-based and ensemble models produce a better estimation of missing rainfall than regression trees. The MT-based model was able to estimate missing rainfall accurately without needing objective selection of stations and using minimal calibration data to build the model.
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Date Issued: 2024
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014414
Subject Headings: Precipitation (Meteorology), Estimating techniques, Missing data (Statistics)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: DEVELOPMENT OF GIS-BASED ONLINE WATERSHED DASHBOARD FOR CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FLORIDA.
Creator: Zare, Saeid Naghadehi, Nagarajan, Sudhagar, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: This thesis presents the development of an innovative Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Interactive Online Watershed Dashboard aimed at flood risk assessment and mitigation in Charlotte County, Florida. The research leverages advanced GIS techniques, including flood inundation simulations using CASCADE 2001, integrating LiDAR DEM data and GIS layers such as impervious surfaces, waterbodies, and soil characteristics to model flood behavior in 61 inundation probability scenarios. Key...
Show moreThis thesis presents the development of an innovative Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Interactive Online Watershed Dashboard aimed at flood risk assessment and mitigation in Charlotte County, Florida. The research leverages advanced GIS techniques, including flood inundation simulations using CASCADE 2001, integrating LiDAR DEM data and GIS layers such as impervious surfaces, waterbodies, and soil characteristics to model flood behavior in 61 inundation probability scenarios. Key results include detailed flood inundation probability maps categorizing risk levels based on Z-scores, providing actionable insights for flood risk management and emergency planning. Spatial analysis reveals demographic vulnerabilities, with population density and ethnic compositions intersecting flood vulnerability. The study assesses flood impacts on transportation infrastructure and prioritizes critical facilities for resilience strategies. The dashboard's design integrates diverse datasets and analytical results, allowing users to interactively explore flood risk scenarios, critical infrastructure vulnerabilities, and demographic impacts. This research contributes essential tools for informed decision-making, enhancing flood resilience and disaster preparedness in Charlotte County, Florida.
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Date Issued: 2024
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014437
Subject Headings: Watersheds, Dashboards (Management information systems), Geographic information systems, Floods--Risk assessment
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: AUTOMATIC DETECTION OF BUILDING DAMAGE CAUSED BY HURRICANE ON FLORIDA COASTAL AREA FROM AERIAL IMAGES.
Creator: Gyegyiri, Joseph, Su, Hongbo, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Rapid response and efficient damage assessment are life-or-death matters in the wake of natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes. These events wreak havoc on infrastructure and properties and, most critically, endanger human lives. The timely and effective allocation of resources during such crises is imperative, necessitating meticulous planning based on the extent of damage incurred. This research presents an approach to automating the damage assessment using pre/post-disaster...
Show moreRapid response and efficient damage assessment are life-or-death matters in the wake of natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes. These events wreak havoc on infrastructure and properties and, most critically, endanger human lives. The timely and effective allocation of resources during such crises is imperative, necessitating meticulous planning based on the extent of damage incurred. This research presents an approach to automating the damage assessment using pre/post-disaster aerial images and computer vision. Recent advancements in disaster response strategies have encouraged researchers to harness the power of satellite and aerial imagery to assess the aftermath. Usually, due to the different characteristics between training datasets and available datasets in times of disasters, retraining the model to improve detection accuracy has been the norm, even though it is time and resource intensive. Our method surpasses conventional solutions and requires no retraining or fine-tuning on disaster-specific data. An existing model was retrained and improved on a diverse building damage dataset and demonstrably generalizes to new disaster scenarios. Having achieved higher performances compared to state of the art models, we determines our models real world applicability by using Hurricane Ian as our potent study grounds.
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Date Issued: 2024
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014427
Subject Headings: Remote-sensing images, Natural disasters, Natural disasters--Data processing
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: DEVELOPING AMINE-MODIFIED SILICA MATERIALS FOR CARBON DIOXIDE CAPTURE FROM DIFFERENT GAS STREAMS.
Creator: Ahmadian, Amirjavad Hosseini, Lashaki, Masoud Jahandar, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: The atmospheric concentration of CO2 increased from 320 to 425 parts per million by volume (ppmv; 0.0425 vol.%) between 1960 and 2024. Sample CO2 reduction strategies include shifting to renewable energy sources and employing CO2 capture. CO2 capture from the air (also known as direct air capture; DAC) has recently received increased attention. CO2 has the potential to act as an asphyxiant at high concentrations, particularly in enclosed environments (e.g., spacecraft, submarines), requiring...
Show moreThe atmospheric concentration of CO2 increased from 320 to 425 parts per million by volume (ppmv; 0.0425 vol.%) between 1960 and 2024. Sample CO2 reduction strategies include shifting to renewable energy sources and employing CO2 capture. CO2 capture from the air (also known as direct air capture; DAC) has recently received increased attention. CO2 has the potential to act as an asphyxiant at high concentrations, particularly in enclosed environments (e.g., spacecraft, submarines), requiring air revitalization to remove CO2. Hence, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration determined a permissible exposure limit of 5,000 ppmv CO2 (0.5 vol.%) throughout an 8-hour work shift. Considering the trace levels of CO2 and the presence of humidity in DAC and air revitalization applications, similar materials can be developed for implementation in both cases. CO2 capture involving amine-functionalized silica materials (“aminosilicas”) can achieve high CO2 uptakes at low concentrations due to high selectivity. Additionally, moisture in CO2-laden gases enhances the CO2 uptake and stability of aminosilicas. Therefore, this research investigated the potential of aminosilicas for removing CO2 from dilute streams, including DAC and air revitalization applications. Aminosilicas were produced using mesoporous silica supports with different particle sizes that were modified with tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) or branched polyethylenimine (PEI) with different molecular weights (600, 1200, and 1800), or grafted with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS). The performance of aminosilicas was assessed to determine equilibrium CO2 adsorption capacity, adsorption kinetics, and cyclic stability.
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Date Issued: 2024
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014479
Subject Headings: Carbon dioxide mitigation, Adsorption
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: INTEGRATING GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS AND TRAFFIC SIMULATION TO MODEL FLOOD IMPACTS IN RURAL AREAS.
Creator: Reginato, Attilio Junior, Kaisar, Evangelos I., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: This study aims to address the unique challenges of transportation in rural and disconnected communities through innovative data-driven methodologies. The primary methods employed in this research involve Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools and simulation techniques to model and assess the impact of flood zones on rural traffic dynamics. The study recognizes the distinct mobility patterns and limited infrastructure prevalent in rural areas, emphasizing the need for tailored solutions...
Show moreThis study aims to address the unique challenges of transportation in rural and disconnected communities through innovative data-driven methodologies. The primary methods employed in this research involve Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools and simulation techniques to model and assess the impact of flood zones on rural traffic dynamics. The study recognizes the distinct mobility patterns and limited infrastructure prevalent in rural areas, emphasizing the need for tailored solutions to manage flood-induced disruptions. By leveraging GIS tools, the study intends to spatially analyze existing transportation networks, population distribution, flood-prone areas, and key points of interest to formulate a comprehensive understanding of the local context. Simulation-based approaches using the PTV VISSIM platform will be employed to model and assess various flood scenarios and their effects on traffic flow and accessibility. This study’s outcomes aim to contribute valuable insights into improving accessibility, efficiency, and safety in transportation for these underserved areas during flood events. By combining GIS tools and simulation techniques, this research seeks to provide a robust framework for data-driven decision-making and policy formulation in the realm of rural and disconnected community mobility, particularly in the context of flood risks.
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Date Issued: 2024
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014472
Subject Headings: Rural transportation, Geospatial data, Floods, Urban planning
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: AN ASSESSMENT OF WATER-RELATED VULNERABILITY FOR DEVELOPED PROPERTIES IN COASTAL FORT LAUDERDALE.
Creator: Salazar, Stephanya Lotero, Bloetscher, Frederick, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Flooding disasters pose a significant threat worldwide, with 2022 seeing them as the most common type of disaster. In the U.S. alone, four flooding disasters in 2023 cost more than $9.2 billion. Coastal urban areas face increasing threats from flooding disasters due to rising sea levels, changing precipitation patterns, and intensifying extreme weather events. This study focuses on Central Beach, Fort Lauderdale; the area's unique geographical, environmental, historical, and socio-economic...
Show moreFlooding disasters pose a significant threat worldwide, with 2022 seeing them as the most common type of disaster. In the U.S. alone, four flooding disasters in 2023 cost more than $9.2 billion. Coastal urban areas face increasing threats from flooding disasters due to rising sea levels, changing precipitation patterns, and intensifying extreme weather events. This study focuses on Central Beach, Fort Lauderdale; the area's unique geographical, environmental, historical, and socio-economic characteristics make it a prime candidate for this analysis. The research objective is to comprehensively examine the factors contributing to water-related vulnerabilities of developed properties in Central Beach and assess localized impacts using regional models. The methodology involves developing probabilistic flood maps using GIS tools and the Cascade 2001 routing model. The flood scenarios consider groundwater table rise, extreme rainfall, high tides, storm surge, and sea level rise. Results indicate significant inundation risks, particularly for commercial and mobility infrastructure, under storm surge and sea level rise scenarios. The analysis highlights the importance of targeted mitigation efforts to protect these areas and reinforce resilience against future flooding events. The findings contribute valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate flood risks in coastal urban areas.
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Date Issued: 2024
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014484
Subject Headings: Floods, Fort Lauderdale (Fla.), Urban planning
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: EVALUATION OF INFLUENCES OF THE EL NIÑO-SOUTHERN OSCILLATION (ENSO) EVENTS ON CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE EXTREMES AND RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN SOUTH FLORIDA.
Creator: Thakker, Kuntal S., Teegavarapu, Ramesh S. V., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) occurrences have a well-established impact on regional hydroclimatic variability and alterations in crucial climatic factors such as temperature and precipitation. The impact of ENSO on temperature extremes can cause fluctuations in energy consumption, leading to the need for energy utilities to implement more effective management measures. This study aims to evaluate the potential impacts of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events on local temperature...
Show moreEl Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) occurrences have a well-established impact on regional hydroclimatic variability and alterations in crucial climatic factors such as temperature and precipitation. The impact of ENSO on temperature extremes can cause fluctuations in energy consumption, leading to the need for energy utilities to implement more effective management measures. This study aims to evaluate the potential impacts of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events on local temperature patterns & extremes and residential energy usage in South Florida. The region of focus consists of three Counties: Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach. The impact of ENSO occurrences on temperature is assessed by analyzing long-term monthly average, minimum, and maximum temperature data from numerous weather stations in these counties, spanning from 1961 to 2018. The study analyzes variations of monthly electricity usage data acquired from a local power utility company (e.g., Florida Power & Light) and temperature data from 2001 to 2018. Temporal frames that align with the three phases of ENSO (namely warm, cool, and neutral) are employed to assess variations in temperature and energy consumption. Nonparametric hypothesis tests are employed to validate statistically significant variations in temperature and residential energy consumption across the stages of ENSO. This study aims to analyze the potential regional and temporal impacts of ENSO episodes on temperature and residential energy consumption in South Florida. Initial findings indicate that the non-uniform distribution of temperature, affected by El Niño and La Niña occurrences, impacts the amount of energy consumed by households in South Florida.
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Date Issued: 2024
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014493
Subject Headings: Energy consumption, Florida, South, Climate change, El Niño Current, La Niña Current
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: ARIAL PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND LIDAR POINT CLOUD REGISTRATION USING DEEP LEARNING.
Creator: Mandal, Anil Kumar, Yong, Yan, Su, Hongbo, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: This research develops a new pipeline for large-scale point cloud registration by integrating chunked-based data processing within feature-based deep learning models to align aerial LiDAR and UAV photogrammetric data. By processing data in manageable chunks, this approach optimizes memory usage while retaining the spatial continuity essential for precise alignment across expansive datasets. Three models—DeepGMR, FMR, and PointNetLK—were evaluated within this framework, demonstrating the...
Show moreThis research develops a new pipeline for large-scale point cloud registration by integrating chunked-based data processing within feature-based deep learning models to align aerial LiDAR and UAV photogrammetric data. By processing data in manageable chunks, this approach optimizes memory usage while retaining the spatial continuity essential for precise alignment across expansive datasets. Three models—DeepGMR, FMR, and PointNetLK—were evaluated within this framework, demonstrating the pipeline’s robustness in handling datasets with up to 49.73 million points. The models achieved average epoch times of 35 seconds for DeepGMR, 112 seconds for FMR, and 333 seconds for PointNetLK. Accuracy in alignment was also reliable, with rotation errors averaging 2.955, 1.966, and 1.918 degrees, and translation errors at 0.174, 0.191, and 0.175 meters, respectively. This scalable, high-performance pipeline offers a practical solution for spatial data processing, making it suitable for applications that require precise alignment in large, cross-source datasets, such as mapping, urban planning, and environmental analysis.
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Date Issued: 2024
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014538
Subject Headings: Deep learning (Machine learning), Photogrammetry, Three-dimensional modeling
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A NEW MIXED TRAFFIC SCENARIO: INTERACTION OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION VEHICLES AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES. A CASE STUDY FOR ADAPTIVE CRUISECONTROL (ACC) ON FREEWAY BOTTLENECK CAPACITY.
Creator: Abdullah, Sheikh Muhammad Habib, Kan, David, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Fully electric vehicles (EVs) have gained significant popularity and countries such as Norway are leading the world with over 90% EV market share in new car sales. However, older internal combustion engine (ICE) powered vehicles currently on today’s roads are expected to continue to operate until the end of their life cycle. As a result, a mixed vehicle fleet is expected to persist in the coming decade. Unfortunately, there has been an underlying assumption that the traditional internal...
Show moreFully electric vehicles (EVs) have gained significant popularity and countries such as Norway are leading the world with over 90% EV market share in new car sales. However, older internal combustion engine (ICE) powered vehicles currently on today’s roads are expected to continue to operate until the end of their life cycle. As a result, a mixed vehicle fleet is expected to persist in the coming decade. Unfortunately, there has been an underlying assumption that the traditional internal combustion vehicles are expected to exhibit the same driving behavior when electrified vehicles are introduced in the mixed traffic fleet. Unlike ICE powered vehicles, EVs deliver immediate and strong deceleration via regenerative braking, and this could cause disturbances when the less capable ICE vehicles are following. These differences in driving dynamics may translate to substantial impacts to roadway capacity, especially when mixed with human driven ICE powered vehicles. Although ACC equipped EVs can adopt shorter headways and react quickly to speed changes, potentially improving roadway capacity, our empirically validated simulation study on ACC with ICE and electric powertrain suggestion that the increase in market penetration of EVs could result in greater capacity but mostly at higher EV market penetrations, because EVs mostly interact with other EVs and there would not be many ICE vehicles following EVs undergoing rapid regenerative braking. Conversely, at low market penetrations, there are numerous ICE vehicles interacting with a few EVs that undergo rapid deceleration, causing disturbances and negating the potential capacity benefit of EVs.
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Date Issued: 2024
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014513
Subject Headings: Automobile driving on highways, Electric vehicles, Internal combustion engine vehicles
Format: Document (PDF)

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