48440 research outputs found
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A Technoeconomic And Environmental Analysis On M2X
No full textMethane contributes to the continuing and growing problem of climate change. M2X Energy has created a solution that reduces the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere while also turning a profit using their gas-to-methanol reformer or skid unit. This study aims to determine the economics of operating the skid units at flare sites across the United States, the amount of CO2 being reduced through the operation of the skid units, the cost/profit of reducing CO2, compare it to already existing technologies, and create a sensitivity analysis of the skid unit. Results show that the skid units can prevent 28.5 million metric tons of CO2 per year while profiting on average of 54$ per metric ton of CO2 avoided, giving a total NPV that can be achieved at 12.7 billion USD
Overcoming Language Barriers in the Manufacturing Workplace
No full textOver the last three decades, the number of workers in Iceland's manufacturing environments who do not speak Icelandic has substantially increased. This is the case at Norðurál, one of the largest aluminum producers in Iceland and our community partner for this project. Norðurál was concerned that language barriers might be causing miscommunications in their workplace, potentially leading to inefficiencies, social divisions, and safety risks. Through a series of surveys and semi-structured interviews with over 100 Norðurál employees at all levels, we gathered information about language barriers and communication. Based on our findings, we recommended five strategies that Norðurál might use to increase accessibility and workplace efficiency by addressing language barriers in the workplace
Investigating M. abscessus genomes
No full textMycobacterium abscessus is a Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) that affects patients with chronic lung conditions. Phage therapy is being explored as an alternative to treat M. abscessus, but the distribution of different phage defense systems poses a major difficulty in finding common lytic phages for treatment. The goal of the project is to explore the distribution of phage defense systems across multiple M. abscessus strains. For 79 strains, phage defense data were gathered and used to construct dendrograms. Common defense systems found were AbiAlpha, CBASS, and Dnd (DNA degradation). The dendrograms showed that defense systems that were commonly found were vertically transferred while phage defense systems that were variable across genomes were horizontally transferred
Conserving Chácara Culture: The Search for a Modern Solution
No full textThe indigenous Ngäbe people of Panama face severe threats to the traditional practice of chácara making. Poverty, marginalization, limited technology, and the time-consuming nature of traditional plant fiber processing methods result in the decline of such traditions. We constructed several prototypes of a pita leaf fiber extractor, which is the primary material used for chácara making. We collaborated with Oteima University and the Ngäbe to develop technologically appropriate prototypes that fit within their cultural, financial, and material constraints. While our prototypes were less successful than traditional methods, they were well-received by the Ngäbe. Our prototypes provided an opportunity for the Ngäbe people and Oteima University to continue developing new technology
Enhancing Alzheimer's Care at Christopher House Through Sensory Stimulation Interventions
No full textAs we age, our senses deteriorate and become less responsive. In those with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), numerous senses, including vision, hearing, smell, touch, and taste become severely impaired. Prior studies have shown that these sensory impairments may prompt various behavioral and psychological symptoms and exacerbate cognitive decline. Thus, engaging in meaningful and intentional sensory activities to stimulate these senses is instrumental. Unfortunately, these sensory activities are often underutilized at dementia nursing facilities, thus leaving residents at severe risk of sensory deprivation. As part of this project, we proposed to introduce sensory stimulation interventions to the Brookside dementia unit at Christopher House, a nursing facility in Worcester, Massachusetts. To achieve this, we conducted 3 in-depth interviews with staff at Christopher House and 17 interviews with sensory and Alzheimer’s experts worldwide to identify gaps and best practices. In addition, we performed a systematic review of 20 multisensory studies, including randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies, between 2000 and 2024 to seek evidence-based practices. Our findings underscored the significance of personalization, meaning and purpose, intentional engagement, consistency, direct attention, sensory overload, and staff training when designing and facilitating these activities. We summarized these findings in the form of a 3D pilot render of a multisensory room and a personalized sensory handbook for activities staff. In sum, our findings revealed the remarkable potential of sensory interventions to revolutionize AD care
Developing an Autonomous Drone for Avalanche Search and Rescue
No full textWhile state-of-the-art beacon technology has been developed to aid in current avalanche search and rescue strategies, there is still a need to reduce search time in order to increase the amount of live rescues. In an effort to create an efficient alternative to ground team search and rescue, the MQP team has developed a drone that can autonomously locate buried targets using Pieps beacon technology and a three phase search that mirrors industry-standard techniques. The created prototype has been analyzed for operational safety, predictability, accuracy, and reliability through a series of flight tests. Overall, the system is designed as a supplemental tool for rescue teams that can assist in search and rescue efforts
Saint-Gobain Abrasives: Optimizing the Finishing Process in Bond Plant 7
No full textThe objective of this project was to collect data, identify bottlenecks, and develop solutions to improve the efficiency of the finishing process of the Large Diameter Cut-off (LDCO) wheels at Saint-Gobain. This project informed Saint-Gobain on the feasibility of integrating automation into their LDCO finishing line and ultimately reduce waste in the finishing process. Saint-Gobain's LDCO wheels require a finishing operation to ream the inner diameter, add pin holes, smooth the outer diameter, ensure the wheel is balanced, and speed test the wheel. Not all LDCO wheels go through every step of this process. During this project our team utilized value-stream mapping, axiomatic design, the implementation of lean six sigma principles, time-studies, 5S, facilities planning, and a time value of money analysis. Our results included implementing an alignment laser on the drill press, creating a kanban system for work in progress (WIP), running a 5S project for the entire line, and re-organizing one of their tools walls to facilitate a more efficient workflow. Additionally, through time-studies and observations along with industrial engineering concepts we have learned, we analyzed the efficiency of the process and how it could be improved. We concluded that the process would benefit from more standardization and organization. To improve this, we wrote standard operating procedures (SOPs) for every operation, as well as creating a 5S audit that management can implement to ensure the operators keep the cells clean and organized. Finally, we also recommended that management eventually look into turning the LDCO finishing line into an automated cell. In Saint-Gobain, there is a different production line that is automated. An analysis of our time studies provides evidence that an investment in the automation of the line would be valuable to the company
Handheld Safety Assessment Device (HSAD), inspired by the Sonic Screwdriver from 'Doctor Who'
No full textThe Handheld Safety Assessment Device (HSAD) is a multi-sensor, battery-powered prototype designed for personal safety and environmental assessment. Inspired by the adaptability of the Sonic Screwdriver from Doctor Who, the HSAD integrates sensors for detecting hazardous gases, temperature, humidity, ultraviolet light, ionizing radiation, live wires, and sound. Built around a Raspberry Pi Pico W, it utilizes MicroPython for sensor management and user interaction. The project involved sensor selection and integration, PCB and enclosure design, firmware development, and reflow soldering to create a functional and compact safety tool
Soggy-free Food Container
No full textThis project aimed to explore and evaluate potential improvements to popular takeout food containers, specifically to maintain the crispiness of fried foods. The team conducted research, designed and analyzed data from experimentation, and virtually simulated the conditions in a takeout container to understand the thermodynamic processes by which the crispiness of food is affected. Experimental variables included container material, ventilation types, desiccant types, and desiccant amounts. Results indicated bagasse, a sugar cane biproduct, as the best performing material in reducing relative humidity within the container. Bagasse containers were then altered with different forms of ventilation and desiccants, resulting in subtle positive differences in the performance of containers with certain modifications. When testing different ventilation methods, cutting small holes in the lid of the container also had the best results as opposed to cutting slits and flaps. The best-performing modifications were combined into one container and tested against an unmodified bagasse container. A consumer survey was then conducted to assess the modified container’s effectiveness, indicating a preference for the modifications. Participant testing assessed food crispness over time based on participant feedback. The data gathered from experimentation and consumer testing supports the best modifications made to a takeout container to keep food crispy including creating holes in the lid to provide proper ventilation and adding clay desiccants with the bagasse container material. These ideas should be further explored to gather more data by testing alternative variables that apply to the thermodynamics of takeout containers
Design of a Wireless EMG/ECG Device with Applications in Myoelectric Prostheses Control
No full textThis project encompasses the design of a wireless biosignal acquisition system to capture and transmit electromyogram (EMG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. Additionally, it analyzes electrode placement automation techniques for EMG using electrode arrays. For the device, a system was developed using four electrodes, analog circuitry, Nordic nRF52840 microcontrollers and MATLAB. The EMG and ECG signals are processed using analog circuitry, digitized with a microcontroller, and sent via Bluetooth low energy (BLE) to a PC to be processed into viewable data. Through system development and data collection, alternative design approaches were explored, including the use of an all-in-one front end acquisition IC, the use of a wired 24-bit ADC, and other power supply options. Our results demonstrated a functional wireless biosignal acquisition system using a 12-bit ADC, though further optimization in noise reduction, sampling precision, and power management can enhance its performance for future wearable biomedical applications. To optimize EMG electrode placement for myoelectric prostheses, a MATLAB workflow was developed and tested using existing electrode array data from Liberating Technologies Incorporated. Flexion and extension scores were calculated to indicate best locations for isolated recording of flexion and extension contraction