bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forecasting Models of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cumulative Confirmed Cases Using a Hybrid Genetic Programming Method
Authors: Salpasaranis Konstantinos , Stylianakis Vasilios
Published: February 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diffusion process, starting in China, caused more than 4600 lives until June 2020 and became a major threat to global public health systems. In Greece, the phenomenon started on February 2020 and it is still being developed. This paper presents the implementation of a hybrid Genetic Programming (hGP) method in finding fitting models of the Coronavirus (COVID 19) for the cumulative confirmed cases in China for the first saturation level until May 2020 and it proposes forecasting models for Greece before summer tourist season. The specific hGP method encapsulates the use of some well-known diffusion models for forecasting purposes, epidemiological models and produces time dependent models with high performance statistical indices. A retrospective study confirmed the excellent forecasting performance of the method until 3 June 2020.
Potentials of Processed Palm Kernel Shell Ash (Local Stabilizer) and Model Prediction of CBR and UCS Values of Ntak Clayey Soils in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Assam S. A. , Agunwamba J. C.
Published: February 2022

It is very essential to improve on the study of stabilization, as we investigate the potential of Processed Palm Kernel Shell Ash (PPKSA) as a Local stabilizer in stabilizing clay soil. The ever-increasing cost of construction materials in Nigeria and other developing countries has created the need for improved research into locally and readily available materials and also on how to convert these local materials such as Palm Kernel Shell Ash for use in construction and soil improvement. To achieve this; soil samples were collected from Ntak – Uyo, Akwa Ibom State classified as an A-2-5 soil on AASHTO and CL on UNIFIED SYSTEM of classification, were sieved and passed through sieve No. 36. It was then stabilized with (2-7%) Processed Palm Kernel Shell Ash (PPKSA) by weight of the dry soil. The investigation includes evaluation of the engineering and geotechnical properties of the soil.

The results obtained shows that the increase in PPKSA content at 4.5% increase the Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) by 16.74%, Maximum Dry Density (MDD) by 1.89 gm/cm3, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) by 433.12 kN/m2, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) by 55% for unsoak and 36% for soak while there was a significant reduction in the value of Liquid Limit (LL) by 30.92% and Plasticity Index (PI) by 10%. The predictive models were developed, and these models showed a good correlation with experimental results in the control tests as they possess a reasonable significant difference and a strong relationship between the measured and predicted values.

The study concluded that PPKSA can be used to improve the properties of soil for construction purposes and 4.5% PPKSA content was observed to yield maximum improvement for OMC, MDD, CBR and UCS values.
Geotechnical Characteristics of Regolith Derived from Nanka Formation, Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Chibuzor Stella Nwaife , Okoyeh Elizabeth lfeyinwa , Egboka Boniface Chukwukadibia Ezeanyaoha
Published: February 2022

Regolith derived from Nanka Formation; Southeast Nigeria was evaluated for their geotechnical characteristics. The methods of investigations include Fieldwork experiment and laboratory analysis of water and soil samples. The result of hydraulic parameters of the soil at 1meter, 2 meters depth and drilled cuttings from boreholes revealed permeability average values of 1.29E-05(cm/s) and 9.15E-6(cm/s), hydraulic conductivity average value of 1.27E-04(cm/s) and 8.93E-05(cm/s). Drilled cuttings from three boreholes revealed permeability average value of 8.15E-06(m/s), 2.68E-06(m/s) and 6.20E-06, hydraulic conductivity average values of 8.90E-03(m/s), 2.92E-03(m/s) and 6.75E-3(m/s).These values indicate permeable soil with high hydraulic conductivity typical of silty-clay and sand. The permeability/hydraulic conductivity accounts for the high infiltration/percolation of water into the soil. Infiltration of water through the soil initiates geochemical reactions and dissolution mineral which leaves the soil loose and unconsolidated. Geotechnical characteristics show low to medium plasticity and a liquid limit average of 42.36 and 35.45, indicating the capacity of the soil to absorb moisture and expand, bulk density average value of 1.90 mg/m3and compaction test of maximum dry density average value of 1.80 g/cm3 at an optimum water content average of 12.89% indicate low density. Shear strength components of cohesion values range from 0 to 55KN/m2 with average value of 25 KN/m2 and friction angle values range from 7° to 25° suggesting low cohesion and angle of internal friction. This is attributed to the low clay content and the cohesive force is not enough to sustain the soil. Field experiments of cone penetration test of in-situ results indicate a weak and incompetent soil material that is unstable and vulnerable to erosion. The finding would be relevant in soil mechanics problems.
Double Beam Energy Harvester Based on PZT Piezoelectrics
Authors: Rangel Renato , Sobrinho José , Silva Alan , Souto Cícero , Ries Andreas
Published: February 2022

This work presents a new design and performance evaluation of an energy harvester. The generator was built in the form of a double beam mechanical structure on which eight piezoelectric elements were glued and subjected to cyclic tensile and compression loads. Electrical energy is converted from mechanical vibrations generated by machines, by means of a piezoelectric material based on Lead Zirconium Titanate (PZT). Geometric dimensions of the beam structure were optimized by a finite element analysis prior to the practical construction of the device. Simulated and experimental results regarding the generator dynamics and the generated electric voltage are presented and compared. The device was evaluated for different excitations and vibration amplitudes at a frequency of 60 Hz in order to capture vibrational energy from machines at this frequency. Additionally, the generator's performance was evaluated when operating under two different real-world conditions: First, the device mounted on a condenser of an air conditioner, then on a three-phase motor pump. As a load for the piezoelectric generator, an RF circuit transmitted the ambient temperature information to a nearby computer. Correct reception of the ambient temperature value validated the ability to generate electrical power suitable for a low-power circuit. As contribution to the literature, this study demonstrates the ability of a novel piezoelectric generator design, to provide sufficient power for a circuit transmitting information from a sensor. This allows monitoring the state of a machine, using energy dissipated by mechanical vibrations in order to power the electronic systems responsible for sensing.
An R-L Static Var Compensator (SVC)
Authors: Onah A. J. , Ezema E. E. , Egwuatu I. D.
Published: February 2022

Traditional static var compensators (SVCs) employ shunt reactors and capacitors. These standard reactive power shunt elements are controlled to produce rapid and variable reactive power. Power electronic devices like the thyristor etc. are used to switch them in or out of the network to which they are connected in response to system conditions. There are two basic types, namely the thyristor-controlled reactor (TCR), and the thyristor-switched capacitor (TSC). In this paper we wish to investigate a compensator where the reactor or capacitor is replaced by a series connected resistor and reactor (R-L). The performance equations are derived and applied to produce the compensator characteristics for each of the configurations. Their performances are compared, and the contrasts between them displayed. All three configurations are made to achieve unity power factor in a system.
Application of Information and Technology in Supply Chain Management: Case Study of Artificial Intelligence – A Mini Review
Authors: Bui Trong Hieu , Bui Thi Kim Uyen
Published: February 2022

It is wide known that the world has been moving towards a digital future over the years, and Industry 4.0 technologies are considered to be the way of the future. One of the most prominent of these technologies (including Block Chain, Internet of Things, Cloud Computing, Big Data, etc.) is Artificial Intelligence (AI), was introduced to develop and create “thinking machines” that are capable of mimicking, learning, and replacing human intelligence. However, its widespread acceptance as a decision-aid tool, AI has seen limited application in supply chain management (SCM). The purpose of this work is to identify the contributions of AI to SCM through a brief review of the existing literature. Besides, this paper reviews the past record of success in AI applications to SCM and identifies the most subfields of SCM in which to apply AI.
Development and Assessment of Cracking and Sorting Processes of Palm Kernel Nut Machine
Authors: Bakri A. J. , Ajayi T. B. , Oladerin K. O. , Mogbojuri A. O.
Published: February 2022

This paper presents a research on the Development and Assessment of the cracking and sorting processes of palm kernels nuts in a mechanical cracking machine. The palm kernel oil is an important agricultural produce, it has a wide range of usage aside from cooking. In attempt to reduce energy exploitation, in conjunction with the regular high rate of demand for products been extracted from palm kernel nut, the need to improve on the manual method of cracking and sorting became eminent. The mechanical cracker was made up of two units: the cracking and sorting unit. Experimental studies of properties of machine components were considered with the purpose of avoiding fatigue failure and fracture on the palm nuts during the processing duration. The mechanical cracker was designed, fabricated and performance evaluation carried out using locally sourced materials. It was developed with a 5hp electric motor to drive the machine coupled with belts and pulleys. The average data assessment shows a 2.01% of un-cracked nuts, 2.36% of partially cracked nuts, 93.58% of un-cracked nut and 2.05% broken nuts. The cracking-sorting efficiency was estimated at 94% and throughput capacity was determined to be 80kg/h while the overall palm kernel recovery efficiency was 85%. These suggest that the machine is very suitable for separating the palm kernel nuts from the cracked shells clearly and completely.
Effects of Two Pre-Treatment Methods on Water Absorption Property of Polyester-Fibre Composites
Authors: Obianuko Pauline N. , Onuegbu Tessy U.
Published: February 2022

The use of plant fibres as reinforcement in composite materials is finding increasing interest in the automotive and building industry, and the properties of plant fibre composites have been addressed in numerous research studies. The replacement of synthetic fibres with natural fibres in composites is based on their renewable and environmentally friendly nature.

The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of two chemical pre-treatment methods on the water absorption property of polyester-fibre composites. Fully grown kenaf (hibiscus cannabalis) bast fibres were manually retted from the stalk, washed, and cut into short fibre lengths of about 10 cm. One portion of the fibres was pre-treated with 5% pbw NaOH solution before immersing it in glacial acetic acid and then in acetic anhydride. The second portion was pre-treated with 5%pbw of NaOH and 0.125% of KMnO4 in acetone. The third portion of fibres was untreated to serve as control. The ground fibre was incorporated into ortho unsaturated polyester and cast with Teflon square shaped mould. The cured samples were weighed and immersed in water at room temperature until no further gain in weight was observed. The SEM of the fibres and the composites was taken. The results showed that the acetylation pre-treatment method reduced the water absorption property of the composites by a minimum of 46.0% across all fibre volume fractions while the permanganate pre-treatment reduced it by at least 25.5%. Chemical pre-treatment of fibres can therefore
Vision, Challenges and Future Perspectives of Low Constrained Devices IOT Operating Systems: A Systematic Mapping Review
Authors: Rounaq Sumera , Iqbal Muhammad
Published: February 2022

Now the far-fetched reality has become true with the prominence of IOT (Internet of Things) technology. Various individual devices get connected with each other to establish communication. These devices are built on a microcontroller which is responsible to receive and send information. These devices are very small and appropriate Operating Systems are required on the basis of particular device architecture, scheduling methods, network technologies and programming models. IOT Operating Systems are enormously facilitating low constrained devices to deliver their throughput efficiently in a timely manner. This concept helped a lot in emergence of IOT, which has translated our physical world into a digital cyber world. IOT devices consumes less power, less memory and less energy, therefore they need appropriate Operating Systems to act as interfaces. Low constrained Operating Systems are especially designed to provide support to these low constrained devices. Many researches have been conducted to discuss Operating Systems for these low constrained devices. In this study, capsulization of Internet of Things and its building blocks, architecture of IOT Operating System and network stack architecture of state-of -the art IOT Operating Systems such as Contiki, Tiny OS, Free RTOS, RIOT, Zephyr and Mbed OS is investigated. Moreover this, detailed overview of related work is presented with the comparative analysis of this study with the existing surveys. In addition, open research areas are discussed with recommendations.
Using Cellular Automata as a Basis for Procedural Generation of Organic Cities
Authors: Temuçin Melek B. , Kocabaş İlker , Oğuz Kaya
Published: February 2022

Procedural content generation (PCG) methods are commonly employed in computer games, simulations, and other related industries. While these methods are used for levels, terrains, stories and missions, their usage for procedural city generation is relatively rare because cities are heterogeneous structures with different components such as roads, layouts and buildings that depend on and affect each other. Additionally, ancient cities grew organically to areas that are safe and to those that provide food and water. This resulted in cities that do not have apparent regular patterns, such as rectangular building blocks. We propose an approach that uses cellular automata (CA) that generates clusters of areas. The CA is repeated for each cluster to hierarchically create different levels of the city. This procedure creates an organic city layout with fractal properties. The layout specifies the building blocks, main roads, and foliage. We also present a set of methods that can transform this layout into a three-dimensional model of the city. The results are promising; cities can be created in under a minute with minimal required input, and the resulting virtual city looks organic, rather than an algorithmic layout that has repeating patterns.
Optimal Sizing of a PV System in Golpayegan, Iran Using Thermal Modeling-based Load Demand
Authors: Zare A. , Iqbal M. T.
Published: February 2022

This paper introduces the design and analysis of a Photovoltaic (PV) system to supply the residential load of a house in Golpayegan, Iran. The paper’s procedure is the house's thermal modeling employing BEopt software to estimate the load data and then collect the primary meteorological data such as solar irradiance and temperature for the selected site. After these preliminary steps, system optimization for PV/grid and PV/diesel/battery models are developed using the HOMER software. The optimization found that the PV array required capacities are 5.17 kW and 6.19 kW, producing 9,346 kWh/yr and 11,196 kWh/yr for standalone and grid-connected PV systems, respectively. The results indicate that solar energy utilization is an attractive option for grid-connected and standalone PV systems, of which the net present costs (NPC) of each system are 12,180 US$, 40,618 US$, respectively. The system analyses show that adopting either a PV/grid or PV/diesel/battery system causes a reduction in not only dependency on fossil fuel but also in CO2 emission.
Introducing Secondary Education Students to Programming through Sound Alerts
Authors: Sklirou Theofani S. , Andreopoulou Areti , Georgaki Anastasia , Tselikas Nikolaos D.
Published: February 2022

It is considered hard to teach programming in secondary education while achieving the aims of curriculum. However, when teaching is supported by suitable methodologies, learning can be ameliorated. Under this premise, this paper discusses different teaching approaches to programming in secondary education and examines the potential benefit of sound-alerts as a complementary teaching tool. Such alerts were created by pairing different sound stimuli to specific programming actions and operations. Both the selection of the sound stimuli, as well as the potential impact of the use of sound alerts on programming are evaluated through subjective studies. Results showed that participants preferred synthesized to natural (pre-recorded) stimuli for all types of alerts. It was also revealed that users prefer sound-alerts associated to pending actions, errors, successful code execution, conditional statements and code looping over alerts highlighting the step-by-step execution of the code. Finally, the test results showed that students understand both the meaning and the use of code commands more clearly when they use a sound-enriched programming environment instead of a conventional one. These results were the motivation for the initial creation of an audio and voice messages’ data base and the initial design of a new comprehensive educational tool using sound.
Experimental Study of Twin Connected Pipe Jets
Authors: Sourav Shams , Rifat Ashraful Hossain , Nayeem Muhammed Hasnain Kabir , Ali Md. Abu Taher
Published: February 2022

Two parallel pipe jets of 20 mm diameter were placed 1.2 mm diameter apart and were connected by a 4 mm wide channel all along the central plane of the jets. The mean velocity flow field of the jets was investigated for three Reynolds number 16300, 34400 and 49200. The Reynolds number was based on the exit velocity of the jets and jet diameter. The experiment was performed in an air jet facility and yaw meter was used for measurement of mean velocity and its direction. Their variations along the longitudinal, transverse, and lateral directions have been analyzed. A significant change of the jet flow field is observed near the exit of the jet. The combined effect of the jets diminishes the presence of recirculation region at the immediate exit rather enhances the energy and momentum transfer between their individual flow fields. Static pressure and kinetic energy distribution are also studied and a momentous variations have been noticed with varying Reynolds number.
Camshaftless Technology on Internal Engines
Authors: Pham Van Viet
Published: February 2022

Along with the development of internal combustion engines, camshafts have also been developed to optimize engine performance. In all types of internal combustion engines, the crankshaft is connected to the camshaft via a toothed belt, chain or pinion. When the crankshaft turns, the camshaft spins and opens and closes the intake and exhaust valve respectively. However, in this non-camshaft engine technology, each intake and exhaust valve will be integrated with an electronically controlled hydraulic pump unit. This system provides a unique ability to independently control intake and exhaust valves. For any engine load, load and discharge times can be programmed independently. The decision system is based on driving conditions, used to maximize performance or minimize fuel consumption and emissions. This allows a greater degree of control over the engine which in turn provides significant performance benefits. This article presents reviews of camshaftless technology developed by VALEO. It is a system that uses solenoid valves to open and close the valve. The solenoid valve will be mounted right on top of the valve inside the engine. The author can see that the technology using this electronic control valve will help reduce the fuel consumption of the engine.
Mathematical Model for Predicting the Winnowing Efficiency of Bambara Groundnut Sheller
Authors: Ossom Inimfon Samuel , Alonge Akindele Folarin , Umani Kingsley Charles , Bassey Edidiong J.
Published: February 2022

A mathematical model for predicting the winnowing efficiency of bambara groundnut sheller was developed. The regression equation for model simulation was developed using Least Square Method. The model was verified and validated by fitting it into established experimental data from winnowing efficiency of already existed Bambara groundnut sheller. The result revealed that the fitted model correlated well with the experimental data with R-square value of 0.99. The winnowing efficiency obtained from the predicted model was approximately the same values with the experimental values. Therefore, the model equation was considered to be reasonably good for predicting the winnowing efficiency of bambara groundnut sheller for known values of moisture content and blower speed.
Testing Causality and Cointegration of Savings and Investment In Ghana
Authors: Otoo Henry , Appiah Sampson Takyi , Buabeng Albert , Apodei M.
Published: February 2022

This paper sought to identify the causal relationship between saving and investment in Ghana as these econometric indicators serve as a measure for the economic development and wellbeing of developing countries. Annual time series of Saving and Investment in Ghana spanning from 1980 to 2017 were considered. First, the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) and the Elliott-Rothenberg-Stock (ERS) tests are carried out to determine the integration order of saving and investment data series. The Johansen's trace and maximum eigenvalue tests for cointegration were performed to ascertain the level of cointegration which suggested a long-run relationship between the saving and investment in Ghana despite potential deviations in the short-run. Finally, the Granger Causality test suggested saving as having a causal relationship with investment, while the reverse indicated no relationship. The study, therefore, recommended intensifying saving, both at the national and household level as a crucial direction for consideration if Ghana intends to finance her investments rather than relying mostly on foreign aid.
Protonic Magnetic Resonance Properties of the Hard Rocks Fracture Zones in the Department of Donga
Authors: Yalo Euloge Nicaise , Akokponhoué Bertrand Houngnigbo , Youan Ta Marc
Published: February 2022

The Donga Department is located in the northwest of Benin in an area made up of crystalline and crystallophyllic basement rocks where most of the groundwater resources are found in the area of weathered and conductive fractures. The carrying out of drilling campaigns in this department are often crowned with a significant number of negative boreholes (<0.7m3 /h) due to the poor choice of sites for drilling. This leads to situations of difficulties in supplying drinking water, or even more frequent shortages during the dry season. The objective of this study is to use geophysical methods characterize the fractured basement areas, with a view to improving the implantations and the sustainable management of the aquifers they contain. The application of the Protonic Magnetic Resonance (PMR) method made it possible to determine the hydrogeological properties of the fracture zones. As a result, the determination of the hydrodynamic properties shows that the WPMR, T2* and Sy values in 5 different localities of the study area are between 4 and 13% respectively, between 150 and 212.5 ms and between 2.3 and 8.2%. The minimum height of the water slide is 820 mm and the maximum height is estimated at 3672 mm for a water reserve of up to 2313 mm in the Donga gneisses. It emerges from this study that in the department of Donga the PMR water content is also a function of the particle size. T2* of the fractured zone.
Machine Learning Algorithmic Study of the Naira Exchange Rate
Authors: Kabari Ledisi Giok , Chigoziri Marcus B. , Eneotu Joseph
Published: February 2022

In this study, we discuss various machine learning algorithms and architectures suitable for the Nigerian Naira exchange rate forecast. Our analyses were focused on the exchange rates of the British Pounds, US Dollars and the Euro against the Naira. The exchange rate data was sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria. The performances of the algorithms were evaluated using Mean Squared Error, Root Mean Squared Error, Mean Absolute Error and the coefficient of determination (R-Squared score). Finally, we compared the performances of these algorithms in forecasting the exchange rates.
Corrosion of AISI 316 Stainless Steel Embedded in Sustainable Concrete made with Sugar Cane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) Exposed to Marine Environment
Authors: Baltazar-Zamora Miguel Angel , Landa-Sánchez Abigail , Landa-Ruiz Laura , Ariza-Figueroa Hilda , Gallego-Quintana Pedro , Ramírez-García Aldo , Croche René , Márquez-Montero Sabino
Published: February 2022

This research evaluates of the electrochemical behavior of steel bars of the AISI 316 and AISI 1018 embedded in sustainable concrete with partial replacement of CPC 30R by Sugar Cane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) and Silica Fume (SF). The electrochemical techniques used to evaluate the corrosion were half-cell potential or Ecorr -ASTM C-876-15- and the Linear Polarization Resistance Technique (LPR) - ASTM G59-. Ecorr and Icorr results indicate after more than 300 days of exposure to the marine environment (3.5% NaCl solution), a high resistance of AISI 316 steel, with Ecorr values lower than -200 mV indicating a 10% probability of corrosion, and a level of negligible corrosion, with values less than 0.1 µA/cm2 in the three mixtures, with sustainable concrete values slightly lower. The results indicate a resistance of more of almost 100 times greater than AISI 316 steel compared to the results obtained in AISI 1018 steel.
Opportunity and Challenge of Vietnamese Fleets in the Consideration of International Factors
Authors: Ha Thieu Sang , Nguyen Phuoc Quy Phong , Nguyen Thi Cam Huyen
Published: February 2022

In order to support shipping enterprises to overcome the difficult period, gradually improve the capacity and market share of goods transport of Vietnamese shipping enterprises, under the guidance of the Government and the Ministry of Transport. The Vietnam Maritime Administration researched and developed a project to improve the market share capacity of Vietnamese import and export shipping enterprises. The project focuses on two main objectives: From now to 2015, support Vietnamese shipping enterprises to overcome difficulties and restore production; In the period after 2016, step by step raise the capacity and market share of transporting import and export goods of Vietnamese shipping enterprises. The project offers a number of solutions to win the market share for Vietnamese fleets in transporting import and export goods of state corporations such as coal, minerals, food ... recommendations on financial and taxation for businesses. The Government Office and a number of other ministries agreed that it was necessary to develop a mechanism to support Vietnamese shipping enterprises to improve their market share of cargo transport in accordance with the Resolution of the 4th Conference. on the Vietnam Sea Strategy to the year 2020.
Affecting Factors to the Efficiency in the Container Shipping
Authors: Nguyen Manh Hung , Chung Nghia , Ha Thieu Sang
Published: February 2022

Vietnam currently has 39 container shipping ships with a total tonnage of about 30,000 TUE; Vinalines has 11 ships. Thus, Vietnam's container fleet annually transports between 1.2 and 1.3 million TUE. Thus, compared with the total volume of imports and exports through the port each year about 18 million TUE, the container fleet of Vietnam is less than 10%. According to the report of the Vietnam Maritime Administration, up to now, Vietnam's fleet has 1,568 ships with a total tonnage of about 7.8 million tons, ranking 4th in ASEAN (after Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia) and 30th In the world. The average age of Vietnam's fleet is currently 15.6, younger than 5.2 years of the world (20.8 years old). The structure of Vietnam's fleet has also grown towards specialization, especially, Vietnam's container fleet has grown quite well from 19 ships (2013) to 39 ships (2019).
Airborne System for Pipeline Surveillance Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Benyeogor Mbadiwe Samuel , Olatunbosun Adeboye , Kumar Sushant
Published: February 2022

Our work involves the development of a quadcopter Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system with remote sensors onboard for monitoring oil and gas pipelines. Two Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) sensors were used for LPG gas leakage detection. The Multiwii software is used to control, track and simulate the 3D motion of the UAV in flight. Using this device, experimental data from field tests were analyzed with MATLAB. Results reveal that the developed system has performed as expected. Thus, our device can be used to enhance asset monitoring and operational safety in the oil industry.
Diagnosing Diabetes Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Orukwo Joy Oyinye , Kabari Ledisi Giok
Published: February 2022

Diabetes has always been a silent killer and the number of people suffering from it has increased tremendously in the last few decades. More often than not, people continue with their normal lifestyle, unaware that their health is at severe risk and with each passing day diabetes goes undetected. Artificial Neural Networks have become extensively useful in medical diagnosis as it provides a powerful tool to help analyze, model and make sense of complex clinical data. This study developed a diabetes diagnosis system using feed-forward neural network with supervised learning algorithm. The neural network is systematically trained and tested and a success rate of 90% was achieved.
Intensive Improvement of Cementite Synthesis
Authors: Soleymani Amir Peyman , Panjepour Masoud , Meratian Mahmood
Published: February 2022

Cementite extraordinary mechanical properties have drawn the attention of researchers in recent years. But, the limited methods for the production of this material, led to the production of iron with more than 2.1%wt carbon content beside free carbon by simultaneous thermal-mechanical activation of hematite and graphite mixture at 800°C for 6 hours in the present research. Then, a structure with more than 80%wt cementite was obtained through partial melting process at 1180°C for 25 minutes.
Height Adjustable Triangular (HAT) Window Function for Impulse Response Modification of Signal Processing Systems
Authors: Mbachu C. B.
Published: February 2022

A widow function, in signal processing and statistics, is a mathematical function that has zero values outside its chosen interval or limit of sequence, normally symmetric around the middle of the interval. Usually the middle of the window is either maximum or near maximum and tappers smoothly as it moves away to the sides. When another function or sequence of data is mathematically multiplied by the window function it forces the product to assume its nature of zero-value outside the interval and tapering from middle to the sides. Windows are finite functions and their main function is to modify an infinite impulse response sequence so as to make it finite within its chosen interval in system design. Several windows are in existence and they include Hamming, rectangular, Han, Kaiser, Triangular, Blackman, Sine, Blackman-Harris, Gaussian, Doph-Chebyshev and Lanczos, windows. Others are Parzen, Nuttall, flat top, Turkey, windows and many more. The window to apply in the design depends on the characteristics of the signal to be processed, types of system to be implemented and quality of output desired. In this paper, a new window called Height Adjustable triangular (HAT) window function is developed and added to the list of windows for signal processing system designs. The effectiveness of the window is tested by examining its characteristics. The adjustment parameter varies the amplitude or height of the window. Result shows that it is stable and linear.
Height Adjustable Sine (HAS) Window Function for Impulse Response Modification of Signal Processing Systems
Authors: Mbachu C. B.
Published: February 2022

A widow function, in signal processing and statistics, is a mathematical function that has zero values outside its chosen interval or limit of sequence, normally symmetric around the middle of the interval. Usually the middle of the window is either maximum or near maximum and tappers smoothly as it moves away to the sides. When another function or sequence of data is mathematically multiplied by the window function the product assumes the appearance and characteristics of the window function. That is, the product is also zero-valued outside the interval and tapering from middle to the sides. The impulse response data of some systems used in signal processing truncate suddenly when being designed. Window functions convert the sudden truncation of these impulse response data to gradual truncation. Without this gradual truncation the processing system will degrade the integrity of complex signals when they are applied to them; the degradation appears in form of signal distortions. Windows are used to weight these impulse response data so as to reduce the degradation and distortions. Several windows are in existence and they include Hamming, rectangular, Han, Kaiser, Triangular, Blackman, Sine, Blackman-Harris, Gaussian, Doph-Chebyshev and Lanczos, windows. Others are Parzen, Nuttall, flat top, and Turkey, windows and others.  The characteristics of the signal to be processed, types of systems to be implemented and quality of outputs desired determine the best window to weight any particular impulse response data. In this work a new window referred to as Height Adjustable Sine (HAS) window is developed to join the list of the existing windows. The quality of the window is tested by analysing its amplitude, magnitude and phase responses in frequency domain. Result shows that the window is stable and linear.
Possibilities for Improving Energy Efficiency at Water Utility Sector
Authors: Vataj Gjelosh Gjon , Sejfijaj Zenel
Published: February 2022

Energy efficiency plays an important role in all water sectors. Energy is one of the largest operating costs for water system. For water utility systems, energy is needed for transports of raw water, water treatment process, water storage and distribution. Energy usage can vary based on water source, treatment type, facility age, storage capacity, topography, and system size, which encompasses volume produced and service area. Water Companies are well known with importance of reducing energy consumption and costs as a means to optimize overall system performance and to provide a safe water supply. But managing staff of the water system and operators may not be fully aware of the options available to them to manage their energy budget or to identify, prioritize and fund energy improvement projects. By applying energy efficiency, water utility sectors can build a successful energy management program and achieve energy savings. This paper discusses energy issues facing public water utility sector, steps that responsibility personnel can take to understand and reduce their energy use and costs, and funding resources for energy efficiency. Main focus in this paper is to perform possibilities for increasing energy efficiency of the Pumping Station in Milloshevë which supply with raw water Treatment Plant in Shkabaj, Kosovo.
Disaster Risk in Central Asia: Socio-Economic Vulnerability Context and Pilot-Study of Multi-Risk Assessment in a Remote Mountain Area of Kyrgyz Republic
Authors: Umaraliev Ruslan , Moura Rui , Havenith Hans-Balder , Almeida Fernando , Nizamiev Abdurashit G.
Published: February 2022

The Kyrgyz Republic, as well as other countries of Central Asia, is highly exposed to natural-environmental hazards, which continues undermining efforts to achieve sustainable development. National disaster risk assessment procedures in Central Asian countries are mainly based on the evaluation of hazards without a detailed analysis of vulnerability and resilience. Additionally, the available practices of hazard assessments are mostly based on a zone-by-zone approach, which would make it difficult to develop a comparative assessment of facilities located in the same hazard zone. This situation hampers the efforts of the local governments to effectively plan and implement disaster risk reduction (DRR) actions when they cannot differentiate the individual facilities according to the risk level in order to focus the existing capacity (which is usually very limited) on increasing the resilience and reducing the vulnerability of the facilities with the highest risk. For improvement of DRR practices, the quantitative comprehensive approach of risk analysis applied in this study is used for risk assessment of educational institutions in one of the most seismically active and most disaster-prone mountain regions of Central Asia - the Alay valley, a wide intermontane valley situated in between the two biggest mountain systems in Asia: Tian Shan and Pamir. The developed multidisciplinary study suggests that the quantitative multi-risk assessment approach - can play a crucial role in understanding risks and can significantly improve the quality of disaster risk reduction planning.
Electrochemical Evaluation of Galvanized Steel and AISI 1018 as Reinforcement in a Soil Type MH
Authors: Baltazar-Zamora Miguel Angel , Landa-Ruiz Laura , Rivera Yazmin , Croche René
Published: February 2022

This work presents the electrochemical evaluation of bars of Galvanized Steel and AISI 1018 with 3/8” and ½” of diameter, this bars are commonly used for the construction of elements based on Soils Mechanically Reinforced (SMR), the bars were buried in a fine soil predominant in the region of Xalapa City, Ver., México, soil classified in the USCS (Unified Soil Classification System) as a high plasticity silt (MH). Corrosion evaluation was conducted by monitoring the corrosion potential Ecorr and corrosion rate, Icorr, using techniques half-cell potential according to the standard ASTM C-876-15 and Linear Polarization Resistance (LPR), respectively. The experimental setup simulates the real conditions when the steel is used as reinforcement in structures of SMR, where they remain buried throughout the useful life of the structure. The results of the first 110 days of exposure show that the Galvanized Steel bars have a better corrosion performance compared to the AISI 1018 steel regardless of their diameter.
Evaluation of the Current Land Registration System in the Gaza Strip
Authors: El-Hallaq Maher A. , El-Sheikh Eid Mahmoud I.
Published: February 2022

The increasing demand on land in Palestine has been significantly increasing from time to time by the ever rapidly growing need of the human and livestock population. It may be  known that there are some troubles facing the decision makers regarding managing and utilizing the available data in some of the governmental organizations, especially in the Gaza Strip. In addition to, what the local residents in it are facing in identifying their land properties' borders and what the municipalities are facing regarding maps and drawings. Moreover, the Gaza Strip suffers from the lack of advanced techniques that may help and support land registration such as GIS technology. Palestinian Land Authority, PLA, in the Gaza Strip starts using GIS since 2007, and that is limited by the dealings that are being accomplished, as it is all about just drawing the piece of land and recording its owner's name, in addition to the basic data regarding to the land itself and its owner. This study aims to evaluate the currently-used system for land registry in the Gaza Strip. It is concluded that this system for land information, in general, and land registry, in particular, is extremely traditional and mainly paper based procedure. It is strongly recommended to be developed in order to reflect the changes occurred regarding land information management.
New Thermodynamics: Temperature, Sun’s Insolation, Thermal, and Blackbody Radiation
Authors: Mayhew Kent W.
Published: February 2022

The various relationships between the temperature’s witnessed here on Earth, the Sun’s isolation, thermal energy and blackbody radiation are all poorly understood. Herein, the interrelations are examined, and a new theory concerning their relationships is presented. This also puts limitations upon temperature being related to a system’s thermal energy density. It also gives new insights into why inferences based upon infrared spectrometry, do not match those associated with heat capacities. Furthermore, new understandings concerning the inelastic nature of both intermolecular and intramolecular collisions will be proposed. This all will have profound implications to our understanding of thermodynamics, such as what is blackbody radiation, thermal radiation, and temperature, cumulating in profound implications concerning how we view global warming.
Technological Review of Tubular Daylight Guide System from 1982 to 2020
Authors: Malet-Damour Bruno , Bigot Dimitri , Boyer Harry
Published: February 2022

T.D.G.S., “Tubular Daylight Guidance Systems”, are natural lighting processes based on the transport of light. In 1990, they were judged by Littlefair as the most innovative technology in daylighting [1]. From 1982 to 2020, this paper is a state of the art on the different processes of tubular daylight guide systems. The key words used to carry out the census are light pipe; light tube; light guide; sun pipes; solar pipes; solar light pipes; daylight pipes; tubular skylight; sun scoop; tubular daylighting device; tubular daylight guide systems; mirrored light pipe. A classification by type of process is proposed (collection, transport or diffusion) for each technology identified in the literature.
Fractal Dimension Analysis of Aluminum Corrosion Roughness by Electrochemical and Optical Methods
Authors: Menchaca-Campos Elsa Carmina , Villalba-Enciso Erika Rocio , Juarez-Nuñez Victor , Flores-Dominguez Miriam , Mayorga-Cruz Darwin , Tapia Rene Guardian , Uruchurtu-Chavarin Jorge
Published: February 2022

Fractal dimension is a versatile method to study and evaluate corrosion from the point of view of metallic conditions, namely: surface roughness, electrochemical measurements and microscopy images. Aluminum corrodes at different rates, under different pH electrolytes with or without the presence of chloride ions. In this work, corrosion and the surface roughness for aluminum corrosion at different pH electrolytes: acid, with and without chlorides, neutral and basic solutions, were obtained. It was measured and obtained using electrochemical and optic techniques. The results of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Noise Measurements (ENM), Digital Holographic Microscopy (DHM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrographs and their respective Fractal Dimension analysis were obtained.. For the different experimental techniques and conditions, fractal dimension was obtained and presented, reflecting the surface condition of aluminum corrosion as a function of pH solution.
Study on the Spatial Radiation Characteristic by Adjusting the Violin Sound Post
Authors: Nishimura Yuya , Minami Rin Ema , Nishimura Sohei
Published: February 2022

Violins were invented in the 16th century in Italy, many methods of manufacturing and adjusting have been developed. Certain violins are highly valued from a cultural perspective as well as for their high sound quality. However, Violin repairers have carried on techniques that have largely been transmitted verbally from generation to generation, so there is a little detailed documentation. Much research has been done to elucidate manufacturing technology and materials used for these valuable violins. This study aims to support the passing down of certain techniques from an acoustic engineering perspective. Many elements defining the timbre, but this study will be focusing on the sound post and the bridge. By clarifying the relationship of adjusting the sound post to the Spatial Radiation Characteristic, we will estimate the ideal position of the sound post and attempt to present the results in the form of a graph.
CPW - Fed Microstrip Monopole Antenna Employing Inverted Quad L Shaped Stubs with Symmetrical Slotted Rectangular Ring Ground Planes for GPS/PCS/UMTS and UWB Applications
Authors: Raviteja G. Viswanadh , Sarath T. , Vinethra Naidu M. , Baka Vikash S. , Sudheer K.
Published: February 2022

In this research article, a simple and compact dual-band microstrip monopole antenna is discussed. A CPW feed is given to patch consisting of rectangular coplanar ground sheets on either side, truncated their centers with smaller rectangular sheets giving the shape of rectangular rings. The proposed antenna is designed using FR4 epoxy substrate having dielectric constant 4.4 and thickness 1.6mm. The main element in the antenna is four inverted L shaped stubs which govern the impedance bandwidth of the antenna. Simulations are carried out using HFSS software. The S11 plot for the proposed antenna showed dual-band characteristics with a lower band ranging from 1.09GHz to 2.33 GHz (1.24 GHz bandwidth) and the upper band covering 3.01 GHz to 10.738 GHz (7.728 GHz bandwidth). The proposed antenna bandwidth ranges of the proposed antenna will be covering the GPS, PCS and UMTS applications for lower band and UWB applications for upper band. The antenna exhibited a peak of 3.01 dB and 4.54 dB at 1.89 GHz and 9.45 GHz. Simulations are carried and all the important findings are plotted.
Impact of Operational Research on Performance Control of a Project in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Nica Ionut
Published: February 2022

The explosive development of the human society in contrast to the limited character of resources determines the need for successful implementation of mathematic models in the decision-making process concerning the use of available resources. The oil industry includes a series of global processes such as mining, extraction, refining, transport (road, rail, ship and pipeline) and oil products. The products of this industry with the highest degree of utilization are gasoline and diesel but the portfolio is much broader, kerosene, bitumen, fuel and raw materials for other chemicals such as solvents, pesticides, fertilizers and materials plastic. The oil industry comprises three major areas: "upstream" extraction; refining - "midstream" and transportation and marketing of downstream products. In most cases refining is considered to be part of downstream, Oil and petroleum products are essential for many industries and their importance is vital in maintaining and developing the industrial area in the current configuration.