D’24 Projects…
#1 – MICROPLASTICS
The contamination of the natural environment by microplastics (MPs) is growing on an unprecedented scale, making it as important a concern as climate change itself. MPs have contaminated oceans, rivers, lakes, agricultural lands, and are even found in appreciable quantities in the atmosphere. Due to the small size of MPs, they can easily accumulate in the environment and become incorporated into different trophic levels, posing a risk to the health of aquatic ecosystems. The global effort made in recent years to understand the magnitude of the plastic pollution problem has primarily focused on monitoring seas, oceans, estuaries, coastal areas, and rivers. However, degradation strategies for the elimination of MPs have not been thoroughly investigated, and the efficiency of degradation is low. Among all the ways to prevent the arrival of MPs in the natural environment, the wastewater treatment process is undoubtedly the most important point for reducing emissions. Wastewater treatment plants currently lack a system for the removal of MPs, and this project proposes to study an efficient system for the removal of MPs in treatment plants through a photocatalytic process.
#2 – MANUFACTURING FOR CIRCULAR ECONOMY
This project aims to find more sustainable industrial manufacturing processes, in a way that contributes to mitigating the effects of climate change and ensures maximum access time to the planet’s limited natural resources. This has become a priority objective for many countries and organizations. This need has been reflected in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 ‘Responsible consumption and production’. This priority objective is linked to the digital transition, which, applied to industry, aims to digitize the production model in order to promote more sustainable and inclusive growth. This is also the basis of the Industry 4.0 concept: a vision of manufacturing with all its processes interconnected through the Internet of Things, with a simplified, field-oriented user interface, with real-time information that speeds up decision-making at any level.
#3 – COASTAL STRUCTURES ON SANDY BOTTOMS
The subsidence of coastal structures on sandy bottoms is a widespread problem. These structures (breakwater breakwaters and/or concrete blocks) are aimed at defending the coast and creating sheltered areas in port facilities. Inadequate design and maintenance of coastal protection breakwaters can cause structural failure, leading to ruin of the work. The damage can be not only functional or structural, but also catastrophic. They can lead to the total ruin of the work or to very high-cost overruns, such as the failure of the caisson breakwater in the Port of Barcelona in 2001. The physical phenomena that can cause this damage are scour and liquefaction. Induced scour in bridge piers has been studied for many years. But it was not until the late 1990s when researchers showed interest in this issue in coastal structures. Liquefaction is normally induced by waves. This can be residual (due to the overpressure accumulated in the ground by the continuous passage of the waves) or “momentary” (during the passage of the troughs of the waves). To date, there have not been many laboratory simulations to analyze the behavior of coastal structures due to subsidence on sandy bottoms and this needs to be addressed by the project team. The objective of this project is to study the sinking of blocks in sandy bottoms and to simulate their behavior in the laboratory setting using a test channel.
#4 – ESCAPE ROOM
High school students from diverse backgrounds face several challenges when it comes to pursuing further studies: limited access to information or guidance, familiar or cultural context, personal circumstances, or financial constraints for instance. Thus, it would be convenient to find ways to create projects to inspire them to study more, foster curiosity and a sense of purpose.
By creating an engaging and hands-on learning experience, such a project could spark curiosity and inspire students to explore the field of engineering further. Certain groups could potentially benefit the most from the development of such a project to foster interest in engineering education:
- Undecided students: students who are uncertain about their future career paths could benefit greatly from the project. It could provide them with a hands-on introduction to engineering concepts, helping them gauge their interest and aptitude for the field.
- Students at risk of dropping out their studies: by offering a fun and educational activity in a non-traditional setting, it would be possible to increase their interest in engineering and re-engage them with learning.
- Underrepresented groups: historically underrepresented groups in engineering, such as women and minority students, could also benefit from it. By providing an inclusive and engaging experience, it would be possible to encourage these students to explore engineering as a viable career option.
#5 – TELEMONITORING
Respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are common chronic diseases that affect millions of people worldwide. Telemonitoring of patients with respiratory conditions using IoT devices is an emerging area of research that has the potential to improve the quality of care for patients and reduce healthcare costs, especially in our post-COVID19 world. Spanish hospitals and healthcare facilities, including those in Andalucia, could make good use of aggregated data collected by IoT devices from people suffering from respiratory illness and help reduce acute episodes. IoT devices can be useful for telemonitoring patients in a variety of ways: a) pulse oximeters can be used to measure the oxygen saturation level in the blood; b) spirometers and peak flow meters are useful for measuring lung function; c) wearable devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers that can monitor a patient’s heart rate, activity level, and sleep patterns; d) smart inhalers with sensors can track medication usage and remind patients when it’s time to take their medication; and e) environmental sensors allow monitoring air quality, temperature, and humidity in a patient’s home. Collecting and aggregating data from all these tools could help doctors and patients come up with better monitoring, timely advice, and interventions and with overall better response to both chronic and acute conditions.
#6 – EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR FABRICATING MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS IN A FAB LAB
The proposed project, set against the vibrant cultural backdrop of Cadiz, Andalusia, aims to embark on the initial analysis and design phase of an educational program. This program will focus on the creation of musical instruments within the unique setting of a Fab Lab. Recognizing the deep cultural roots of music in Andalusia, the project seeks to lay the foundation for a comprehensive program that combines technology, craftsmanship, and cultural celebration. In the culturally rich region of Cadiz, many young individuals, especially those at risk of exclusion, lack access to educational opportunities that resonate with the profound musical heritage of Andalusia. This project addresses this gap by initiating the design phase of an educational program that will explore the possibilities of creating diverse musical instruments using Fab Lab resources.
