https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145210 2026-06-10T11:22:21Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146877 Title: Developing an immersive learning environment for engineering education and re-skilling, using metaverse technologies Abstract: Industry 4.0 and 5.0 demand engineers with higher-order competencies, that can be difficult to cultivate through traditional lecture-based instruction alone. Immersive technologies offer potential solutions, yet existing research has focused on single-user applications, leaving collaborative metaverse affordances relatively underexplored. The absence of structured frameworks for developing metaverse educational environments further hinders adoption. This thesis investigates metaverse-based learning environments for educational outcomes within manufacturing. The research addresses three gaps: the lack of structured frameworks, the limited exploration of how immersive technologies can support learning of complex interdependent concepts, and the underutilisation of multi-user collaborative affordances. The MITE (Metaverse Immersive Training Environment) framework was developed, integrating Design Thinking with educational models including TPACK, Constructive Alignment, and the 5E instructional model. The framework was validated through a proof-of-concept prototype targeting Quality Assurance and Process Layout Optimisation. These topics exemplify the interconnected nature of modern manufacturing yet are typically taught in isolation. The prototype integrates both disciplines within a collaborative virtual manufacturing environment, enabling realtime collaboration with complex scenarios. A comparative evaluation study compared Learning Outcomes (LOs) between those receiving the metaverse experience and traditional instruction alone. Results indicated that the metaverse group outperformed the traditional group across all measures: mean knowledge scores of 44.69 compared to 41.04 out of 60, greater confidence gains, and completion rates of 84% compared to 63%. The effect size of 0.44 exceeds the average effect of educational interventions, representing a practically significant improvement in LOs and engagement. This research contributes a replicable framework for developing metaverse-based learning environments, empirical evidence supporting immersive collaborative learning for complex engineering topics, and demonstrates the value of multi-user metaverse over single-user VR in developing teamwork and systems thinking competencies demanded by Industry 4.0 and 5.0. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145392 Title: Development of a PMMA/TiO2/LO nanocomposite for aquatic environments Abstract: Structures and vessels exposed to water are susceptible to corrosion and fouling due to multiple factors such as the complex biology present in these environments. Hence, it is important that new materials are investigated, combining durability and anti-fouling properties. To tackle this, the work in this project investigated a nanocomposite material, that consisted of a polymethyl methacrylate matrix and titanium dioxide nanoparticles encasing linseed oil as the dispersed phase. The development of the material and evaluation of its durability, anti-fouling properties and leaching of ions into the environment were the main objectives of this project. Samples were prepared using the doctor blade technique, applying a film containing 8.6, 14.8 and 28.3 wt% titanium dioxide nanoparticles on to glass substrates. To assess the durability of the material, salt-spray testing was conducted to simulate environmental conditions while leaching testing was carried out in deionised water. Prior to the salt-spray testing, the weight, wettability and surface roughness of the samples were assessed. These properties were also assessed just after the salt-spray testing and after two weeks. Optical microscopy was conducted to assess the self- healing capabilities of the material. The results showed that contact angle as well as the surface roughness of the nanocomposite increased with an increase in wt% of the nanoparticles. After salt-spray testing, the contact angle decreased while the surface roughness increased. This trend continued after the two weeks were allowed to assess any self-healing. It was noted that the nanocomposite was prone to degradation as well as showing significant adherence issues. Trends towards self-healing properties were noted within the 28.3 wt% samples that underwent both salt-spray testing as well as the leaching testing, but this was not conclusive. The liquid from leaching testing was extracted and analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The leaching testing indicated that the 28.3 wt% samples leached less than 1 ng/mL of titanium ions. The anti-fouling tests conducted involved assessing the growth inhibition of the nanocomposite against both marine and freshwater algae. All the samples exhibited anti-fouling properties that were not significantly different to PMMA. They showed sufficient growth inhibition against the freshwater algae while being less effective against the marine algae, showing differing results for the latter. The material developed was not durable as would be necessary for the aquatic environment. However, the nanocomposite provided good anti-fouling properties while keeping Ti ion leaching into the environment below the threshold. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145301 Title: Characterisation of hydrogen engine combustion and mitigation of knock in dual-fuel operations Abstract: Over the past decades, significant efforts have been focused on reducing fossil fuel dependency by promoting sustainable energy sources. Recently, major corporations have shifted their attention to H2 as a fuel for internal combustion engines, as the development of H2 fuel cells has not progressed as rapidly as expected. H2, with its higher calorific value and carbon-free molecular composition, offers a promising clean fuel alternative. However, the limited H2 infrastructure necessitates the continued development of dual-fuel combustion. This dissertation focuses on H2 combustion characterisation and improving the performance of existing dual-fuel engines by leveraging the thermodynamic properties of fuels. H2 combustion characterisation was performed utilising in-cylinder pressure measurements obtained through experimental testing. These in-cylinder pressure measurements were processed using LabVIEW software to analyse key combustion parameters such as the rate of heat release and combustion duration. These parameters were subsequently compared to those obtained from conventional fuels. Accurate determination of the air-fuel ratio during lean operation is critical. This was achieved through simultaneous and separate measurements of fuel and airflow rates. To address the pulsating airflow, a critical flow orifice was designed and incorporated into the setup based on choked flow theory, which depends solely on upstream conditions. The major highlight of this combustion characterisation investigation is the high brake thermal efficiency of 23% achieved by H2 under λ3 mixture, compared to the 21% obtained with stoichiometric petrol testing at wide open throttle. A cryogenic setup was developed specifically for liquid natural gas injection to enhance combustion and mitigate engine knock in dual-fuel engines. However, due to safety constraints, experimentation with liquid natural gas was substituted with injections of liquid nitrogen and liquid propane. This approach aims to reduce intake air temperatures, thereby mitigating engine knock. Temperature measurements during liquid nitrogen injection revealed a reduction of approximately 45 °C at a 60% substitution ratio with vapour propane. Liquid propane injection resulted in temperature reductions of 4 °C and 7 °C at 60% and 70% substitution ratios, respectively. Across all substitution ratios and intake conditions tested, the use of liquid dual-fuel injection consistently decreased the maximum amplitude of pressure oscillations, indicating improved knock resistance. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145300 Title: Development of embedded systems for a smart and sustainable industry 5.0 Abstract: Embedded electronic systems are at the heart of enabling and emerging digital technologies in Industry 4.0 and 5.0. The emergence of Industry 5.0 as a paradigm seeks to reframe industrial systems into a broader context to emphasise human-centricity, environmental sustainability and resilience. A review of literature reveals limited guidance on how the Industry 5.0 vision and its values are to be integrated into the design of embedded systems to uphold these three pillars. This work aims to support the implementation path of Industry 5.0 by adopting and implementing a suitable design methodology for embedded systems in Industry 5.0. To address this gap, the hypothesis presented is that the Value-Sensitive Design (VSD) methodology can provide a systematic means of guiding embedded systems development for Industry 5.0. Towards this hypothesis this work identifies and adopts the Value-Sensitive Design (VSD) methodology as a structured process to elicit, translate and implement the Industry 5.0 vision into embedded hardware design. In doing so, design values for embedded systems in Industry 5.0 are presented and a stakeholder analysis is performed. Combining literature with a Delphi study involving a panel of Industry 5.0 experts, fifteen key Industry 5.0 themes and fourteen design values for Industry 5.0 are defined. These values were the basis towards fifty-one design requirements for embedded systems design in Industry 5.0. These requirements are subsequently evaluated through a mixed-methods empirical study involving embedded systems engineers while additionally examining the challenges, implications and awareness around Industry 5.0. An embedded system prototype re-design is then carried out using the outcomes of the VSD process to propose tangible technical specifications. This re-design provides examples of implementing such specifications and their resulting trade-offs, which corroborate the feedback received by the group of embedded systems engineers which participated. The outcomes of the VSD process contributed to Industry 5.0 design values and hence technical specifications according to the paradigm’s objectives. This provides evidence in support of the proposed hypothesis and are a foundation towards additional comparative studies and in-depth technical and value evaluations. These will be constructive to the development of Industry 5.0 designer tools and recommendations to better prepare current and future embedded systems designers for the requirements of Industry 5.0. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z