bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of Ternary Corncob Ash and Anthill Soil Concrete in Sulfate Solutions
Authors: Kamau John , Ahmed Ash
Published: February 2022

Durability of concrete has been defined as its ability to withstand deterioration after it has been exposed to the environment of its intended use. This work examined the performance of ternary Corncob Ash (CCA) and Anthill Soil (AHS) concrete in sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) and combined Na2SO4 and MgSO4 solutions. Bar specimens for elongation tests and cubes for strength deterioration tests were cast using combined CCA and AHS at the 5% replacement, which was earlier on reported to have achieved the highest compressive strength, as well as at the 30% replacement. From the findings, it was concluded that at the 5% replacement, the ternary mix could be used with an advantage over 100% cement concrete in MgSO4 environments.
Monitoring Students’ Perceptions in an App Inventor School Course
Authors: Panselinas Giorgos , Fragkoulaki Efi , Angelidakis Nikolaos , Papadakis Stavros , Tzagkarakis Eleytherios , Manassakis Vassileios
Published: February 2022

MIT App Inventor is a block-based programming environment for children and teenagers that sets a “low floor” for allowing creative app building while engaging students in complex computational thinking activities. The present study aims at (a) monitoring students’ perceptions on ‘popularity’ and ‘perceived difficulty’ of certain activities/lessons through the implementation of an App Inventor course in a Greek lower high school, (b) detecting any course design or activity/lesson plan and implementation factors that affected students’ perceptions and finally (c) evaluating their experience with App Inventor in contrast with their previous experience with MicroWorlds Pro and Scratch. Our study confirms students’ positive perceptions such as positive task value beliefs and self-efficacy, identifies features of successful “resources learning” in competence-based learning and finally offers a students’ comparison between App Inventor, MicroWorlds Pro and Scratch.
Perceptions of Informatics Teachers Regarding the Use of Block and Text Programming Environments
Authors: Karaliopoulou Margarita , Apostolakis Ioannis , Kanidis Evangelos
Published: February 2022

In this paper we investigate teachers’ perceptions regarding the use of block and text programming environments in the class. The survey targets teachers of informatics in primary and secondary schools in Greece and attempts to answer research questions regarding the suggested duration of block-based programming practice and the difficulty of students’ transition from block-based to text-based programming. In contrast to the majority of research works that consider students’ opinions, in this paper we investigate the perceptions of their teachers and take advantage of their experience on the taught subject. Although the curriculum mandated by the Ministry of Education provides no specific directive, teachers agreed that block-based environments are appropriate introductory tools to programming. One of the primary tasks of this work was to determine the recommended age for students to move from block-based to text-based programming. The analysis of the collected data clearly indicated a specific age for this transition: teachers believe that students in primary school and the lower secondary school (ICSED levels 1 and 2 respectively) should use a block-based programming environment and should be introduced to text-based programming during the upper secondary school (ICSED level 3), after the age of 14. The findings of this study can be useful when designing new Informatics curricula for the secondary education, all-over the world.
Introduction to Robotics for Novice Users: A Case Study from Summer Schools in Greece
Authors: Polykalas Spyros. E. , Prezerakos George N. , Vlachos Kyriakos G. , Oikonomou Konstantinos
Published: February 2022

The paper conveys experiences and conclusions from the organization of three summer schools aiming at introducing novice users to robotics programming. Issues related to teaching material, teaching approaches, challenges in the classroom and participant's acceptance are all examined in dedicated sections of the paper. The teaching staff’s impressions as well as the conclusions drawn from the course evaluation by the participants show that the robots can be successfully employed for introducing novice users, especially schoolchildren, to software development as well as robotic principles.
An Implementation of the Cloud Based School
Authors: Belesiotis Vasilios S. , Alexopoulos Constantinos P.
Published: February 2022

Recently, cloud computing switched from being an experimental technology assisting everyday users through various cloud based applications. In a similar fashion, the use of cloud computing can improve the logistic infrastructure of the school computer labs and promote the introduction of innovative educational practices to the teaching of computer science related courses, as well as courses of different disciplines. Due to the economic crisis faced by many European countries, Greece included, the cost of continuously upgrading school computer labs, in order to follow the latest technological trends, is forbidden. Cloud computing provides an affordable solution to this problem by enabling the reuse of the existing computer equipment of the school computer labs and investing exclusively to the cloud computing infrastructure, an investment which is much lower than that of upgrading all school computer labs. This article presents a proposal of an implementation of the cloud computing based school. The conducted experiments indicated that this implementation could support the teaching process with respect to Computer Science, Information and Communication Technologies applications for Secondary and Primary Education schools.
Students’ Attitudes towards Discovery Learning / Constructivistic Approach using Computers as Cognitive Tools in Higher Mathematics Education
Authors: Korres Konstantinos
Published: February 2022

This paper analyses the discovery learning / constuctivistic approach using cognitive tools in higher Mathematics education and focuses on electronic worksheets designed and implemented in Mathematica. The approach was applied at the University of Piraeus. Students from the Department of Statistics and Insurance Sciences participated in the research. The paper focuses on empirical research results on students’ attitudes towards the approach, concerning the cognitive tool used (Mathematica), the approach’s discovery learning and constructivistic characteristics and the development of higher order thinking skills supported by the approach. Regarding factors that could influence students’ attitudes, gender and experience in using computers are investigated. This paper uses quantitative methods in analyzing data collected via the use of a questionnaire and the research approaches used are the descriptive / investigative and the correlational approach.
Universally Designed Educational Material for Students with and without Disabilities: Would Its Development Be Possible without the Contribution of IT Applications?
Authors: Gkyrtis Konstantinos , Gelastopoulou Maria , Kourbetis Vassilis
Published: February 2022

The Institute of Educational Policy, seeking to realize inclusive policies and practices planned the project: “Design and Development of Universally Accessible Educational Material.” Its objectives are the development of universally designed digital educational materials for nursery primary and secondary school students with disabilities or special educational needs. The project focuses on developing new open source digital educational material and software for special education in Greece, adopting and using the popular platform OpenEdX of asynchronous e-learning that allows the organization of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), aimed at distance learning and training of the teachers of general and special education.
Educational Multi-Sensory Game for Students with Mental Retardation
Authors: Alexopoulou Alexandra , Kastampolidou Kalliopi , Bobori Catherine
Published: February 2022

In this paper a game has been developed using the Scratch platform and its aim is to lighten the learning difficulties resulting from Mental Retardation (intellectual disability) and enhance the students’ understanding. Through the use of a multi – sensory method, an alternative way of teaching is proposed suitable for students who need a differentiated education. Basic meanings are explained in a theoretical level, as well as the steps followed for the design of the game.
Visual Programming Tools Implementation for Educational Cultural Heritage Promotion
Authors: Moustaka Eleni , Plerou Antonia
Published: February 2022

Nowadays, mobile devices are considered to be a powerful and portable tool for assisting people dealing with daily life issues. With the advance of mobile technology, the issue of mobile learning has been broadly explored in e-learning research. Several researchers and educators use pedagogical and technical strengths of mobile technology into learning environments. In this paper, an educational mobile-based application is described in order to promote Corfu’s Old town cultural heritage. The proposed educational mobile based application was pilot-tested in forty-five postgraduate students at Ionian University during cultural heritage courses. The students used a mobile-based educational environment in order to augment their heritage cultural perception and knowledge. The case study results suggest an enhanced perception of the educational content as well as a significantly increased acceptance of the education approach within the role of mobile technology in higher education.
Recycled Glass Concrete: Coarse and Fine Aggregates
Authors: Gerges Najib Nicolas , Issa Camille Amine , Fawaz Samer Ahmad , Jabbour Jacques , Jreige Johnny , Yacoub Aiman
Published: February 2022

Conventional concrete aggregate consists of sand (fine aggregate) and various sizes and shapes of gravel or stones (coarse aggregate). However, there is a growing interest in substituting alternative aggregate materials, largely as a potential use for recycled materials. While there is significant research on many different materials for aggregate substitutes such as granulated coal ash, blast furnace slag or various solid wastes including fiberglass waste materials, granulated plastics, paper and wood products or wastes, sintered sludge pellets and others. Recycled waste glasses were used as coarse and fine aggregates replacement in concrete.  Coarse aggregates were replaced with Green Bottles coarse aggregates at third, half, two thirds, and 100% replacement ratios. The replacement of a third coarse aggregate was established as being the most suitable for retaining the properties of the concrete mix design. As for fine aggregates, in order to account for the numbers of variables and clearly establish a bench mark, the sand grading, color of glass, source of waste glass (bottles and non-bottles), and design mix strength were used as parameters. Fine aggregates from green, brown, and transparent bottles in addition to clear window waste glass were used. Concrete properties were tested in fresh and hardened states. The incorporation of glass sand regardless of the ratios of replacement showed no significant influence on fresh or mechanical properties of concrete except for the case of transparent bottles. Transparent bottles due to the wide source of obtainability have introduced a non-uniform factor that caused discrepancy compared to the rest of the group.
Reconstruction Algorithm of Calibration Map for RPT Techniques in Quadrilateral Bubble Column Reactor Using MCNPX Code
Authors: Mohd Yunos Mohd Amirul Syafiq , Usang Mark Dennis Anak , Ithnin Hanafi , Hussain Siti Aslina , Yusoff Hamdan Mohamed , Sipaun Susan
Published: February 2022

Radioactive Particle Tracking (RPT) is non-invasive evaluation technique capable of visualising and tracking the motion of the identified phase in bubble column reactor. The single radioactive particle emits ?-ray, and its movement in the column is tracked with the aid of arrays radiation detectors. In this study, Monte Carlo approach was programmed to reconstruct the particle tracer position so-called calibration map. The iterative reconstruction algorithms is used to generate and calculate the 2600 coordinates of calibration map from the number of photon counts from the ten NaI scintillation detectors. To validate the simulation precision, a spiral trajectory of radioactive particle inside the bubble column region consist of 84 grid point locations of the particle were applied. Calibration algorithm was developed for radioactive isotopes Au-198 and Sc-46 particle position verification and determination of statistical uncertainty from the introduction of a various number of primary photon emission. The result of the studies proved that higher number of particles used in the algorithm for position reconstruction gives more accuracy and we found that the Sc-46 obtain more accurate calculation and shows low statistical level than Au-198 particle. The outcome of this simulation based on random sampling from Monte Carlo N-Particle Extended (MCNPX) demonstrated that the calibration map could successfully be implemented in RPT technique to observe the dynamic movement of radioactive particle which represents the tracked media in the quadrilateral bubble column.
Performance assessment of synthesized conductive additive on lead acid battery formation
Authors: Byraboina Madhava Rao , Pidikiti Nagendra Babu , Kosaraju Sreenivas , Kurivella Suryanarayana Murthy , Mandava Jagadish
Published: February 2022

The present study mainly focuses on the plate preparation and the usage of the synthesized conductive additive (Barium MetaPlumbate BaPbO3). Formation efficiency and cycle life of the plates with different additives were evaluated. The formation efficiency of the pasted positive plates of the lead-acid battery was greatly enhanced by BaPbO3 addition during the paste preparation. The effects of loading level of the additives on formation efficiency and plate performance were examined in detail by SEM, XRD, and Gravimetric, Electro Chemical Analyzer techniques.
Increasing Food Safety Through the use of Information Technology
Authors: Kote Dhonat
Published: February 2022

In recent years more and more attention has been given to food safety. Food products that we consume in our daily life, if they are not controlled and manufactured on the basis of standard safety standards, then they can become a source of risk to the health of consumers. In this paper we will analyze how, through the use of information systems in agriculture, we can increase food preservation for agricultural products. The proposed system on our side has several key advantages that make it suitable for application in the agricultural sector and low-income developing countries. First, it is a system which has low management and maintenance costs; secondly, it is very simple in use; and thirdly, it can provide accurate, real-time data for farmers, policymakers and consumers. Through the sensors, the farmer receives detailed data on the condition of the products he cultivates and furthermore the consumer is informed about the origin and the process of producing the products they will consume. The use of such systems not only enhances food safety and product competitiveness but also makes farms more efficient and effective. Moreover, the information gathered from these systems can also be used by policy makers to carry out actions related to subsidies and to combat informality.
Use of CNG as Autofuel in Nigeria
Authors: Ubani Chikwendu , Ikpaisong Ubong
Published: February 2022

Natural gas is a clean-burning, safe fuel that can save you money at the pump while benefitting the environment and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on petroleum. It is a naturally occurring mixture of gaseous hydrocarbon, non-gaseous non-hydrocarbons and gaseous non-hydrocarbons found in underground reservoir rocks either on its own (non-associated gas) or in association with crude oil (associated gas). Natural gas is today accepted as one of the best sources of energy for the world and for the future because of its environmentally-friendly nature compared to other kinds of fossil fuels. Nigeria is ranked as the seventh most natural gas endowed nation in the world and relaxes on number one spot in Africa as she seats on about one hundred and eighty-eight trillion cubic feet of natural gas deposits.Current opportunities to utilize gas in Nigeria include: Gas to reinjection schemes, Gas to power schemes, Gas to petrochemicals (as feedstock), LNG-Liquefied Natural Gas, LPG- Liquefied Petroleum Gas, and CNG- Compressed Natural Gas. The use of CNG as auto fuel in Nigeria presents so much benefits as have been highlighted in this paper with emphasis on the economic advantage. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is a product of compressing natural gas to one hundredth the volume it occupies at standard atmospheric pressure.A comprehensive economic analysis to determine the cost savings from driving a car on CNG against PMS considered the case of a motorist who covers an average of 100 km every day in the approximately thirty days that make a month was employed. Results established that running a car on CNG amounts to saving N1 143 daily and N34 284 monthly, the cost of converting the car from PMS - driven to CNG - driven is recovered before the end of the sixth month. From the sixth month to the end of the first year, savings of N211 402 is made. Savings of N411 408 is enjoyed each year after the first year.Running vehicles on CNG will greatly reduce the friction and troubles encountered in importing fuel into the country. This will also cut down largely the hardly available foreign exchange expended in bringing in PMS for fuelling vehicles. To this end, the Nigerian Government should as a matter of national development ensure legal and regulatory framework encompassing both technical and commercial aspects for natural gas utilization in Nigeria. Worthy of note is the aspect of gas gathering, gas transmission and distribution which will further encourage the planting of CNG refuelling stations that will serve the expected large fleet of natural gas vehicles. Currently, Green Gas Limited, a joint venture between Nigeria Gas Company (NGC) a Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and NIPCO Plc. that has nine operational CNG refuelling stations and others under construction is the only company driving the CNG revolution in the country.
Dissipation Kinetics of Tebuconazole Residues in Grape
Authors: Mai Sofiana , Ninga Ederina , Mukaj Mimoza , Liti Anisa , Cara Magdalena
Published: February 2022

Tebuconazole residues were determined on grapes treated with minimal and maximal recommended concentrations. The grapes samples were collected randomly after 1, 5, 10, 15 days after last application, extracted using the ethyl acetate method, and finally analyzed with a gas chromatograph instrument. The method was validated, and performance criteria complied with legislation requirements. Recovery data was over 90%, the limit of quantification Limit of Quantification was smaller than maximum residue limit and linearity ? 20%. According to the maximum residue limit, the degradation of Tebuconazole for the recommended concentrations applied dissipated between 10 and 15 after the last treatment.
Development of Reward Mechanism for Proxy Marketers Engaged in E-Commerce Platforms
Authors: Stephen Bliss U. , Ozuomba Simeon , Eyibo Idongesit E.
Published: February 2022

A reward model/mechanism for proxy marketer-based e-commerce/e-shopping system was developed in this work. The system comprised of two modules, the shopping module which has an online shop and virtual warehouse; and the reward module. The online shop and virtual warehouse are used to manage the products on the e-commerce system, the reward mechanism is used to manage the reward paid to the proxy marketer. Proxy marketers have been introduced into online shopping to extend their market reach and increase their market share. The proxy marketers are organized in a unilevel multilevel market structure. The work offers three types of rewards: transaction reward which is paid to three generations from the proxy marketer who made the transaction; trust reward which is based on the trustworthiness rating of proxy marketer for a transaction; and turnover reward which is paid for transaction that is up to the amount stipulated for the reward. The various levels of reward were designed to total fifty percent of the profit made per transaction in order to attain sustainability of the network. The work proves that with a sustainable reward mechanism, proxy marketers can be incorporated into an e-commerce platform in a way that betters the profitability of such e-commerce platforms as compared to standalone e-shopping ones.
A Novel DRAM Cell Structure with Parasitic Storage Capacitance for SoCs on SoI Wafer in 65nm Planar MOS Technology
Authors: Malleshaiah G. V. , Srinivasaiah H. C.
Published: February 2022

A novel 65nm Dynamic Random access memory (DRAM) cell, namely capacitor less RectFET based DRAM cell (CLRDC)  is explored in silicon-on-insulator (SoI) wafer for embedded-DRAM (eDRAM) for system-on-chip (SoC), applications with Rectangular FET (RectFET) as its pass-transistor (PT). This CLRDC exploits its parasitic surround buried oxide capacitance (SBC) of SoI-wafer around RectFET (source) for realizing its ‘charge storage capacitance (Cs). For Cs=30fF (femtoFarad) target, it’s found to need an area factor of 4.3µm2 with 5nm thick SoI buried-oxide. This SoI wafer is explored to yield a capacitance density Cbuox=6.91 fF/µm2. The DC parameters of the PT are found to be very sensitive to process anneal temperature (Ta) and so are its DC characteristics too. A 2% increase in the Ta from a nominal 1000oC has resulted in an increase of 30% and 1.1% in the RectFET’s leakage (Idsat-off=I-off) and on-state (Idsat-on=I-on) currents respectively. The CLRDC cell transfer ratio T is also found to be a function of small signal frequency (f), Ta, and source/drain bias voltages Vs/Vd, respectively. And finally the retention characteristics of this CLRDC is again found to be a function of I-off and I-on currents of RectFET, when studied at RectFET’s (drain) supply voltage VDD=1.2V.
Level of Vitamin D, TNF-Alpha and Calcium in Patients with Dengue Fever, Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever and Dengue Shock Syndrome
Authors: Javed Rabail
Published: February 2022

Background: Vitamin D has been widely studied for its beneficial role in treating different diseases. Dengue epidemic has affected many house hold since last decade. Vitamin D seems a gate through in its treatment as it inhibits Th1 cytokine activities, responsible for the development of dengue complications.Objective: To determine the levels of vitamin D, TNF- ? and calcium in patients with variation of dengue fever stages.Methods: A cross sectional analytical study conducted on dengue confirmed patients (fever, hemorrhagic, shock) admitted in tertiary care hospitals of Lahore (IRBNo.1165). After obtaining informed consent the study objectives were explained to the patients and data collected. Patients were classified into three groups (a) dengue fever (DF)  (b) dengue hemorrhagic fever(DHF) and (c) dengue shock syndrome (DSS) (40+30+10 cases). Serum from 5cc blood was stored at –20? C until analysis. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.Results: The study was conducted in 4 hospitals of Lahore on 80 NS1confirmed cases (age: 5-70 years). The age difference, vitamin D and calcium levels were significant (p-values 0.030, 0.047 and 0.003 respectively). Calcium levels were lowest in DSS and significantly lower than DHF patients. Vitamin D levels were higher among those with higher severity of disease with p-value 0.031. The patients did not have significantly different TNF ? levels. There were 90.0% of DSS cases that had TNF ? levels > 100, (p-value 0.109).Conclusion: High levels of TNF-alpha are associated with dengue complications regardless of vitamin D levels and severity of disease.
Parametric Study on the Response of Composite Single Piles to Lateral Load by Numerical Simulation (FDM)
Authors: Owino Alex Otieno , Hossain Zakaria , Shiau Jim
Published: February 2022

This paper entails a detailed numerical and parametric study on the lateral behavior of piles in foundation designs. Single-piles are one of the major components of a foundation as they act as the primary component in the transmission of the weights above the structure into the ground for stability to be attained. For this reason, a detailed study on the influence generated on the p-y curves is mandatory to create a numerically valid model for use in the process of foundation design without much ado. Modeling procedure under consideration employs the use of the finite difference method (FMD) embedded in FLAC2D. FDM is used to implement a solution to the coded input for example soil and pile element parameters. The model validation process done in this paper involves the variation of some of the critical parameters such as the variation on the type of soil in the area under consideration. Next, modification of the elastic modulus of the given soil as a check on the cohesiveness, change on the loading velocity at the top of the pile, a variation of the pile material stiffness and the difference of the pile eccentricity. The results obtained from the p-y curves generated from the parameters undergo sifting through for any effects on the ultimate loading capacity of the pile to the allowed design loading limits upon full structural installation. This variation is necessary for the approval of the validity of the model in engineering design. The parametric study from this study shows that the structure is of functional strength and a tolerable factor of safety.
Erythemal UV Dose Rate Spatial Distribution using Ozone Monitoring Instrument Satellite Data over Egypt
Authors: El-Nobi Eman Fouad
Published: February 2022

The spatial distribution of Erythemal Ultraviolet Dose Rate (EUV) at noon in mW/m2 observations gotten from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) are presented over Egypt covering the geographical domain (22.5°–31.5°N, 25.5°–35.5°E) during twelve  year from 2005 to 2016. With the end goal of mapping contour, with a spatial resolution of 1°×1° the results illustrated by monthly, seasonally and all period contour maps indicate high similarity of EUV in all years. Monthly correlation (R2) relationship between EUV and Latitude also estimated in simple linear form. High R2 was found in December and January (97%) were low one was found in July (53%). In the frame of the variability, Egypt was considered as an average area; the box-whisker plots were created for average monthly and annual values of EUV. The monthly mean of EUV values are lower in the winter months (December to February) 116.17±2.30 mW/m2 compared to those in the summer months (June to August) 282.36±2.87 mW/m2. The annual mean of EUV values are lower in 2015 (204.15±60.41 mW/m2) and higher in 2013 (213.13±60.34 mW/m2).
Transient Stability Analysis of a System of Two Machines Connected to an Infinite Bus
Authors: Onah Aniagboso John
Published: February 2022

Abstract The term large disturbance is often used in place of system collapse. It is the process by which the series of events accompanying voltage instability, frequency instability, and transient instability leads to a blackout or abnormally low voltages in a significant part of the power system. Large disturbance may be due to tripping of the lines on an account of fault or increase in load than the available supply. Transient stability deals with the effect of large and sudden disturbances in the system, while steady-state Stability deals with the effect of small disturbances in the system. Small disturbance can be a change in the gain of the automatic voltage regulator in the excitation system of a large generating unit. This paper studies the effect of a large disturbance in a power system. The system is represented by a two-machine system connected to an infinite bus. This study involves the effects of the fault on the speed of the rotor of the synchronous generator. Two cases were investigated: firstly, when fault occurred on a bus, and secondly, when fault occurred on the middle of a line. The conditions of the network before, during and after the fault are established in this paper. The equal area criterion was applied to the swing curves obtained to predict the critical clearing time of the system. The critical clearing time was found to lie between 0.20s and 0.225s if the fault occurred on the bus, and lies between 0.245s and 0.355s if the fault occurred at the middle of a line. Thus the system is more transiently stable in the second case than in the first. Machine 1 was less stable in the first case, while machine 2 was less stable in the second case. The critical clearing time is essential to the design of proper relaying schemes for fault clearing.
Biogas Production from Tannery Liquid Waste
Authors: Elamin Aisha Elawad Mohamed , Gasmelseed Gurashi Abdalla
Published: February 2022

This study investigated the possibility of producing biogas from tannery waste water (liming and deliming liquors) in Al-Amatounj Tannery in Khartoum. The study is based on laboratory analysis and experimental works which have been took place through a pilot scale anaerobic sequencing batch reactor (ASBR), which’s designed for the digestion process for biogas production. Experiments verified that the biogas production rates were mainly affected by operating temperature, pH, and substrate concentration. Two experiments were carried out in the range of temperature 35–40°C. The gas produced was measured by the liquid displacement system. Meanwhile, the highest biogas yields were 72% of CH4 and 28% of CO2. The production of biogas from 20 L tannery waste water with 100 g yeast , 0.0215m3, and the biogas was generated after three days. The results from this research work are considered as providing useful information and operational parameters and that promotion is more successful with efficient anaerobic codigestion.
Backscattered Electrons Spectra and Angular Distributions: Simulations with EGS5
Authors: Kahane Sylvian
Published: February 2022

The purpose of the present study is to compare numerical Monte Carlo simulations of backscattering of electrons, mainly in the keV range, with available experimental data. The final goal is to assess the ability of the Monte Carlo code to predict viable results, in view of the complexity and difficulty of performing experimental measurements. A specific code for simulating electrons backscattering was developed, based on the EGS5 electron-photon transport routines. The code was parallelized very efficiently for a common memory configuration. Simulation results for the backscattering coefficient h, the energy spectrum dh/dq, and the angle dependent energy spectrum dh/dqdW were obtained. Comparing with experiments shows agreement from very good to fair, especially in regions of high q (energy) values. For low values of q there are not experimental results due to difficulties in measurements. Hence, the Monte Carlo program can provide good estimates, in the range of energies from tens of keV up to 100-200 keV.
Monitoring Change in Biodiversity of Kingdom Animalia Though Composite Indices at the Jungchon Stream, Korea
Authors: Huh Man Kyu
Published: February 2022

Species diversity varies dramatically among regions and among localities within regions.This study is to investigate the biodiversity of animal kingdoms at four regions on the Jungchon Stream in Korea. Mammals accounted for nine taxa for four seasons within the studied areas. Invertebrates exhibited the greatest species diversity with 17 taxa identified, followed by birds (Aves) (15 taxa). The mean numbers of species were 40 taxa within the St. A, 40 taxa within the St. B, 41 taxa within the St. C, and 44 taxa within the St. D. Many individuals of fish and invertebrates were found in this area because the abundant food and water supply by junction of two rivers.The mean of Shannon-Weaver index (H´) of diversity for mammals was varied from 1.170 (St. D) to 2.002 (St. A).St. A was also considerable high H´ in birds andreptiles/amphibians. Berger-Parker’s index (BPI) for mammalswas varied from 0.201 (Station A) to 0.294 (Station C).For the community as a whole, the values of ß-diversity were the low (from 0.170 for St. D to 0.232 for St. C). Clustering of four stations, using the NJ algorithm, was performed based on the matrix of calculated distances. Four stations of the Jungchon Stream were well separated each other.
As-Used Materials for Marine Industry
Authors: Dong Thi Minh Hao , Le Van Vang
Published: February 2022

In the strategy of marine economic development, the maritime sector plays an important role, in which seaports are the nucleus of development, the focal point for receiving and transporting import and export goods and circulating to all regions of the country. Shipping now accounts for 90% of the volume of imports and exports and part of the goods to regions, the main artery in the system of transportation and distribution of goods of the economy. The maritime industry and the world are developing and developing both in terms of quality, quality and modernity. Special welds between the various types of materials always have a number of problems that need to be addressed in order to improve the quality of welding and the life of the equipment. This paper presents and classifies the materials used in the maritime industry.
A Report of the Impacts of Pollutants on Maritime Operation in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Xuan Phuong , Dong Van Huong
Published: February 2022

The article focuses on synthesis and production of adsorbents to collect oil spills using available and surplus raw materials in agriculture. Research on the manufacture of oil sorbent based on the combination of polyurethane and agricultural by-product is conducted. Nowadays, waste by-products are partly composted, partly used as feed for the remaining cattle that is disposed of in the environment or burned out. This wall is the cause of severe environmental pollution. Therefore, using this waste straw combined with polyurethane to make oil absorbing materials to treat oil pollution at sea is a feasible, scientific and practical option, contributing to minimizing environmental pollution as well as promoting the development of agriculture. Thus, with the current strategy of marine economic development and strong waterway transportation, it will lead to serious environmental pollution if we need specific solutions to solve the problem of neglect. Application of adsorbent material to absorb oil and heavy metals from waste water of transport fleet is part of the strategy of sustainable economic development.
Optimization Opportunities in Nigeria Telecoms Terrestrial Network - A Review
Authors: Akinyemi Toluwanimi Oluwadara , Ramonu Olayinka John
Published: February 2022

This study investigates into the possibilities and opportunities in Nigeria telecoms terrestrial network. The current backbone network map of two mobile telecommunication operators in Nigeria have been analysed for the purpose of determining the suitable fibre network coverage. A proposal has been drawn on the workability of a single national fibre network coverage resulting to increased quality of services at a lower cost to the consumers.
Stabilizing Nitrous Oxide in Strong Nitric Acid for Industrial Purposes
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed Mohammed , Mustafa Hamid Mohamed , Abdalla Babiker Karama
Published: February 2022

The nitrous oxide is determined by the content of (NOx) in the strong nitric acid, the increase of nitrous oxide by the way of either acid decomposition or temperature modification[1], [2] influence the safe production of military products and environmental pollutions[3]. The required specifications of the acids should meet the requirement of desired industry and safety during the transportations from site to site and storage. If the specifications (nitrous oxide) changed rapidly during transportation, decomposition takes place. It is believed that the Sudanese ambient temperature plays the main role. The strong nitric acid that has been stored for long time and transferred away will thermally and catalytically decompose and specifications will change. This study aims to develop a set of preliminary guide lines and recommendations for stabilizing the nitrous oxide (HNO2) in strong nitric acid. The equilibrium relations between acids systems (Nitrous oxide NOx expressed by "nitrous acid HNO2 concentration" and strong nitric acid HNO3) were reviewed and explained. The effects of Sudan ambient temperatures on acceleration of nitrous oxide (HNO2) in strong nitric acid, determine the optimum cooling temperature to slow the decomposition and to stabilize the nitrous oxide were investigated. This is done through incubation of three samples of strong nitric acid (97.5%) at the temperatures 20°C, 25°C and 30°C. Laboratory analysis was done to observe the nitrous oxide exit rate as function of temperatures, concentration of strong nitric acid within four days, Table I, II, III and Fig. 2, 4, 6 show the obtained experimental data. A noticeable increase of nitrous oxide at respective temperatures (20 0C, 25 0C, 30 0C) at the beginning was observed then the curve levels after three days’ incubation. It is concluded that (200C) is the higher temperature at which the strong nitric acid is either stored or transported. Hence it is the optimum temperature to slow the decomposition and stabilize the nitrous oxide. Recommendations for checking Strong Nitric Acid storage tank, transportation system design and design of a conventional jacket heat exchanger to cool nitric acid from (40 0C to 20 0C) were made.
Experimental investigation of the performance and emission characteristics of a CI engine equipped with a modified truncated cone piston crown operated on diesel and shea-butter biodiesel
Authors: Towoju Olumide Adewole , Dare Ademola A. , Fashogbon Samson K.
Published: February 2022

Biodiesels and Improved combustion chamber design have better in-cylinder air motion which positioned them to offer increased advantages in addressing the major concern of high emission and low thermal efficiency of compression ignition engines. This study therefore investigated the impact of Shea-butter biodiesel and redesigned combustion chamber on the performance and emission characteristics of a compression ignition engine. Biodiesel was prepared from Shea-butter using the standard process. Experiments were conducted on a Yoshita-165F engine operated on a blend of AGO and Shea-butter biodiesel and then Yoshita-165F engine equipped with a truncated cone piston crown with a cone base-angle of 40° modified from the standard piston, operated on a blend of AGO and Shea-butter to determine the engines’ performance characteristics using a TQ TD115 MKH Absorption Dynamometer. The performance and emission characteristic of the engine witnessed an improvement with the use of the truncated cone piston crown with a cone base-angle of 40°. This was also observed with AGO/Shea-butter biodiesel blend as fuel and was particularly well pronounced when utilized as a fuel for the truncated cone piston crown equipped engine. Compression ignition engine equipped with the modified piston and operated on AGO/Shea-butter biodiesel led to improvement in performance.
Parameter Optimization, Uncertainty Estimation and Sensitivity Analysis in Hydrological Modeling
Authors: Kherde Rajesh VijayKumar , Sawant Priyadarshi H.
Published: February 2022

This paper describes the application of Monte-Carlo simulations for parameter optimization, uncertainty estimation and sensitivity analysis using hydrological model developed by author [8] for Wardha River basin, Maharashtra, India. The Monte Carlo simulations revealed that the average values of parameters for the local optima of the calibration period seem to give good fit to the data and performance measure (NSE) does not differ significantly from the local optima of the respective calibration years. It is interesting to notice that, if the Monte Carlo simulations are carried out all over again, it generate yet another set of random numbers as realizations of model parameters. However the model objective function (NSE) differs mere by 0.1% by running the new set of realizations and the local optimum parameter values are close to the earlier local optima. It seems that the model structure is in agreement with the ‘‘equifinality’’ or ‘‘non-uniqueness’’ concept as many different parameter sets give good fit to the data. However particular area of the parameter space is observed to be dominant in fitting the available observations, this is in contradiction to Beven’s theory behind rejecting the idea of optimum parameter set.
Credit Card Fraud Detection System in Commercial Sites
Authors: Akinbohun Folake , Atanlogun Sunday Kolawole
Published: February 2022

In modern retail market, electronic commerce has rapidly gained a lot of attention and also provides instantaneous transactions. In electronic commerce, credit card has become the most important means of payment due to fast development in information technology around the world. The objective of the paper is to develop a credit card fraud detection system in commercial sites. It is designed as a web based application in which transition state model was adopted for the research process. PHP (Hypertext Pre-Processor) is used for application development and MySQL to generate databases. The result shows that the system performance is performing to its task and therefore recommended to electronic commerce owners to ensure data integrity and security of their customers.
Evaluation of Composite Material used in the Wings of Typical Airplane based on Stress Analysis
Authors: Mohammed Tawfeeq W. , Taha Dalmn Yaseen , Abdul-Ilah Rafal R.
Published: February 2022

This research has focused on the evaluation of raw materials that used in the wings of modern airplane. These materials either would be fiberglass, carbon-fiber or aramid based composites like Kevlar. These common materials have been selected and evaluated depending on experimental data obtained from mechanical tests. These tests include: hardness, tensile strength and bending stress. The tests based on ASTM standards for mechanical properties. The results show increasing in the hardness value of graphite-epoxy by 9% comparing with that of fiberglass and by 18% comparing with that of Kevlar-epoxy. The results also show an increasing in the maximum tensile strength of graphite-epoxy by 2.9 times to that of fiberglass and by 5.5 times to that of Kevlar-epoxy. Furthermore, the results of bending stress test show increasing of the maximum strength of Kevlar-epoxy by 30% comparing to that of glass fiber and by 75% comparing to that of graphite-epoxy.
A Review on Biodegradation and Biotransformation of Explosive Chemicals
Authors: Ndibe Thankgod Ositadinma , Benjamin Benthai , Eugene Winnie Chuno , Usman Johnson John
Published: February 2022

Military training activities as well as manufacturing and decommissioning operations, lead to the generation of large quantities of explosive chemicals. Detonation and disposal of these explosive chemicals contaminate soil and ground water, thus posing a threat to living organisms and natural resources. The most commonly used explosives in artillery shells, bombs, grenades and other munitions are 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT), Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and Octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX). Due to their recalcitrant nature, toxicity and persistence in the environment, the study of their biodegradation and biotransformation is paramount. This paper reviews the chemistry, fate, degradation and transformation of this explosive chemicals in the natural environment. Emphasis is placed on TNT, RDX and HMX. This review will help scientists to adopt strategies and develop optimum biological treatment scheme for the in situ bioremediation of explosives-contaminated soil especially at firing/impact ranges.
Overview of Fuels used for Marine Diesel Engines
Authors: Le Van Vang
Published: February 2022

In the future, when traditional fuels are exhausted, biofuels are the alternative candidate. The more developed the world, the greater the demand for fuel, while the natural resources are not unlimited. Therefore, the search for a new fuel source is more plentiful, more sustainable, less polluting, greenhouse effect and environmentally friendly as well as an opportunity to manage natural resources. In the maritime industry, most of the ships currently are using diesel engines as a propulsion device for propeller spinning, hybrid generators or other equipment. The main solution is to accelerate the research and deployment of applications into practical exploitation and encourage the use of biofuels. To enhance the building of material foundations, the training of human resources, the improvement of the system of policies, legal documents and the enhancement of international cooperation in biofuels development, raising public awareness. on the development of biofuels.
Preparation and Characterization of Activated Carbon from Poplar Sawdust by Chemical Activation: Comparison of Different Activating Agents and Carbonization Temperature
Authors: Ateş Funda , Özcan Öznur
Published: February 2022

Activated carbons were prepared from poplar sawdust by chemical activation using ZnCl2, H3PO4 or KOH. The influence of activating agents, carbonization temperatures ranging from 500 ºC to 800 ºC, and mass ratio of chemical agent to precursor (1:1 and 2:1) on the porosity of activated carbons were studied. The properties of the carbons were characterized by adsorption/desorption of nitrogen to determine the BET areas, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). It was determined that the surface morphology and textural characteristics of activated carbons vary depending on the carbonization temperature or chemical agent. Maximum surface areas were obtained at carbonization temperatures of 500, 700 and 800 ºC for H3PO4, KOH and ZnCl2 activation, respectively. The activated carbons prepared using ZnCl2 and H3PO4 activation had a higher BET surface area (nearly 1100 m2/g) than that of the KOH activation (761 m2/g). This study also presents a comparison of mechanisms of activating agents and carbonization temperature. As a result of the experimental studies, positive results were obtained, and the production of activated carbon with a high surface area was conducted.
Computer Based Method to Automatically Identify the Regions of Intracerebral Haemorrhage on Diffusion Weighted Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Shanbhag Supriya Santosh , Udupi G. R. , Ranganath K.
Published: February 2022

In recent times several methods for automated diagnostic systems have been proposed to overcome the problems faced due to large number of patients, and the necessity of having high accuracy when dealing with a human life. Traditional way of examining the Diffusion Weighted (DW) brain images of the subjects with Intracerebral Haemorrhage (ICH) involves the inspection of specific features, by a human observer. Present work makes an effort to develop a computer based method to automatically identify the regions of ICH on DW brain images of the ICH subjects, and thereby help in transforming the conventional qualitative investigative criteria into a quantitative feature classification problem. In this direction feature extraction techniques, namely Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) and Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) are employed to provide description of the significant properties of the DW brain images. Subsequently, K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) method of image classification is employed to analyze the properties of the extracted features. The maximum classification efficiency of the KNN classifier for the correct output classification of the ICH subjects using DCT method is obtained as 71.50% for k value = 1.00, and using DWT method is obtained as 90.00% for k value = 9.00, respectively. Results imply that the technique proposed in the present work could positively be helpful in the fast diagnosis of the ICH subjects, even in the absence of a medical expert.