Abstract: Modelling of the earth's surface and evaluation of
urban environment, with 3D models, is an important research topic.
New stereo capabilities of high resolution optical satellites images,
such as the tri-stereo mode of Pleiades, combined with new image
matching algorithms, are now available and can be applied in urban
area analysis. In addition, photogrammetry software packages gained
new, more efficient matching algorithms, such as SGM, as well as
improved filters to deal with shadow areas, can achieve more dense
and more precise results.
This paper describes a comparison between 3D data extracted
from tri-stereo and dual stereo satellite images, combined with pixel
based matching and Wallis filter. The aim was to improve the
accuracy of 3D models especially in urban areas, in order to assess if
satellite images are appropriate for a rapid evaluation of urban
environments.
The results showed that 3D models achieved by Pleiades tri-stereo
outperformed, both in terms of accuracy and detail, the result
obtained from a Geo-eye pair. The assessment was made with
reference digital surface models derived from high resolution aerial
photography. This could mean that tri-stereo images can be
successfully used for the proposed urban change analyses.
Abstract: Solar energy is a good option among renewable
energy resources due to its easy availability and abundance. The
simplest and most efficient way to utilize solar energy is to convert it
into thermal energy and this can be done with the help of solar
collectors. The thermal performance of such collectors is poor due to
less heat transfer from the collector surface to air. In this work,
experimental investigations of single pass solar air heater having
triangular duct and provided with roughness element on the underside
of the absorber plate. V-shaped ribs are used for investigation having
three different values of relative roughness pitch (p/e) ranges from 4-
16 for a fixed value of angle of attack (α), relative roughness height
(e/Dh) and a relative gap distance (d/x) values are 60°, 0.044 and 0.60
respectively. Result shows that considerable augmentation in heat
transfer has been obtained by providing roughness.
Abstract: The use OF adhesive anchors for wooden constructions is an efficient technology to connect and design timber members in new timber structures and to rehabilitate the damaged structural members of historical buildings. Due to the lack of standard regulation in this specific area of structural design, designers’ choices are still supported by test analysis that enables knowledge, and the prediction, of the structural behaviour of glued in rod joints. The paper outlines an experimental research activity aimed at identifying the tensile resistance capacity of several new adhesive joint prototypes made of epoxy resin, steel bar and timber, Oak and Douglas Fir species. The development of new adhesive connectors has been carried out by using epoxy to glue stainless steel bars into pre-drilled holes, characterised by smooth and rough internal surfaces, in timber samples. The realization of a threaded contact surface using a specific drill bit has led to an improved bond between wood and epoxy. The applied changes have also reduced the cost of the joints’ production. The paper presents the results of this parametric analysis and a Finite Element analysis that enables identification and study of the internal stress distribution in the proposed adhesive anchors.
Abstract: The dielectric properties and ionic conductivity of
novel "ceramic state" polymer electrolytes for high capacity lithium
battery are characterized by Radio frequency and Microwave
methods in two broad frequency ranges from 50 Hz to 20 KHz and 4
GHz to 40 GHz. This innovative solid polymer electrolyte which is
highly ionic conductive (10-3 S/cm at room temperature) from -40oC
to +150oC can be used in any battery application. Such polymer
exhibits properties more like a ceramic rather than polymer. The
various applied measurement methods produced accurate dielectric
results for comprehensive analysis of electrochemical properties and
ion transportation mechanism of this newly invented polymer
electrolyte. Two techniques and instruments employing air gap
measurement by Capacitance Bridge and in-waveguide measurement
by vector network analyzer are applied to measure the complex
dielectric spectra. The complex dielectric spectra are used to
determine the complex alternating current electrical conductivity and
thus the ionic conductivity.
Abstract: This study was conducted in the area of Vlora Bay,
Albania. Data about Sea Turtles Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas,
belonging to two periods of time (1984 – 1991; 2008 – 2014) are
given. All data gathered were analyzed using recent methodologies.
For all turtles captured (as by catch), the Curve Carapace Length
(CCL) and Curved Carapace Width (CCW) were measured. These
data were statistically analyzed, where the mean was 67.11 cm for
CCL and 57.57 cm for CCW of all individuals studied (n=13). All
untagged individuals of marine turtles were tagged using metallic
tags (Stockbrand’s titanium tag) with an Albanian address. Sex was
determined and resulted that 45.4% of individuals were females,
27.3% males and 27.3% juveniles. All turtles were studied for the
presence of the epibionts. The area of Vlora Bay is used from marine
turtles (Caretta caretta) as a migratory corridor to pass from
Mediterranean to the northern part of the Adriatic Sea.
Abstract: In this study was monitored the population of the
European Pond Turtle, Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758) in the area
of Narta Lagoon, Vlora Bay (Albania), from August to October 2014.
A total of 54 individuals of E. orbicularis were studied using
different methodologies. Curved Carapace Length (CCL), Plastron
Length (PL) and Curved Carapace Width (CCW) were measured for
each individual of E. orbicularis and were statistically analyzed. All
captured turtles were separated in seven different size – classes based
on their carapace length (CCL). Each individual of E. orbicularis was
marked by notching the carapace (marginal scutes). Form all
individuals captured resulted that 37 were females (68.5%), 14 males
(25.9%), 3 juveniles (5.5%), while 18 individuals of E. orbicularis
were recaptured for the first and some for the second time.
Abstract: Teachers can play a huge role in encouraging students
to use computers and can affect students’ attitudes towards
computers. So understanding teachers’ beliefs and their use of
computers is an important way to create effective motivational
systems for teachers to use computers in the classroom in an effective
way. A qualitative study (6 focus group) was carried out among
Saudi High school teachers, both male and female, to examine their
attitudes towards computers and to find out their computer skills and
usage. The study showed a gender differences in that females were
less likely to attend computer workshops, females also had less
computer skills, and they have more negative attitudes towards
computers than males. Also the study found that low computer skills
in the classroom made students unlikely to have the lessons presented
using computers. Furthermore, the study found some factors that
effected teachers’ attitudes towards computers. These factors were
computer experience and confidence as much having skills and good
experience in computer use, the role and importance of computers
had become in their life and in teaching as well.
Abstract: In this paper, two options of anodic alumina barrier
layer thinning have been demonstrated. The approaches varied with
the duration of the voltage step. It was found that too long step of the
barrier layer thinning process leads to chemical etching of the
nanopores on their top. At the bottoms pores are not fully opened
what is disadvantageous for further applications in nanofabrication.
On the other hand, while the duration of the voltage step is controlled
by the current density (value of the current density cannot exceed
75% of the value recorded during previous voltage step) the pores are
fully opened. However, pores at the bottom obtained with this
procedure have smaller diameter, nevertheless this procedure
provides electric contact between the bare aluminum (substrate) and
electrolyte, what is suitable for template assisted electrodeposition,
one of the most cost-efficient synthesis method in nanotechnology.
Abstract: This paper presents an adaptive thermal comfort
model study in the tropical country of Malaysia. A number of
researchers have been interested in applying the adaptive thermal
comfort model to different climates throughout the world, but so far
no study has been performed in Malaysia. For the use as a thermal
comfort model, which better applies to hot and humid climates, the
adaptive thermal comfort model was developed as part of this
research by using the collected results from a large field study in six
lecture halls with 178 students. The relationship between the
operative temperature and behavioral adaptations was determined. In
the developed adaptive model, the acceptable indoor neutral
temperatures lay within the range of 23.9-26.0C, with outdoor
temperatures ranging between 27.0-34.6C. The most comfortable
temperature for students in lecture hall was 25.7C.
Abstract: The study of the electrical signals produced by neural
activities of human brain is called Electroencephalography. In this
paper, we propose an automatic and efficient EEG signal
classification approach. The proposed approach is used to classify the
EEG signal into two classes: epileptic seizure or not. In the proposed
approach, we start with extracting the features by applying Discrete
Wavelet Transform (DWT) in order to decompose the EEG signals
into sub-bands. These features, extracted from details and
approximation coefficients of DWT sub-bands, are used as input to
Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The classification is based on
reducing the feature dimension using PCA and deriving the supportvectors
using Support Vector Machine (SVM). The experimental are
performed on real and standard dataset. A very high level of
classification accuracy is obtained in the result of classification.
Abstract: In this letter, we explore exact solutions for the
Horava-Lifshitz gravity. We use of an extension of this theory with
first order dynamical lapse function. The equations of motion have
been derived in a fully consistent scenario. We assume that there
are some spherically symmetric families of exact solutions of this
extended theory of gravity. We obtain exact solutions and investigate
the singularity structures of these solutions. Specially, an exact
solution with the regular horizon is found.
Abstract: The well been of human beings on construction site is
very important, many man power had been lost through accidents
which kills or make workers physically unfit to carry out construction
activities, these in turn have multiple effects on the whole economy.
Thus it is necessary to put all safety items and regulations in place
before construction activities can commence. This study was carried
out in Ondo state of Nigeria to known and analyse the state of health
and safety of construction workers in the state. The study was done
using first hand observation method, 50 construction project sites
were visited in 10 major towns of Ondo state, questionnaires were
distributed and the results were analysed. The result show that
construction workers are being exposed to a lot of construction site
hazards due to lack of inadequate safety programmes and nonprovision
of appropriate safety materials for workers on site. From the
data gotten for each site visited and the statistical analysis, it can be
concluded that occurrence of accident on construction sites depends
significantly on the available safety facilities on the sites. The result of
the regression statistics show that the level of significant of the
dependence of occurrence of accident on the availability of safety
items on site is 0.0362 which is less than 0.05 maximum significant
level required. Therefore a vital way of sustaining our building
strategy is by given a detail attention to provision of adequate health
and safety items on construction sites which will reduce the
occurrence of accident, loss of man power and death of skilled
workers among others.
Abstract: Interaction between human, location and activity
defines space. In the framework of these relations, space is a
container for current specifications in relations of the 3 mentioned
elements. The change of land utility considered with average
performance range, urban regulations, society requirements etc. will
provide welfare and comfort for citizens. From an engineering view it
is fundamental that choosing a proper location for a specific civil
activity requires evaluation of locations from different perspectives.
The debate of desirable establishment of municipal service elements
in urban regions is one of the most important issues related to urban
planning. In this paper, the research type is applicable based on goal,
and is descriptive and analytical based on nature. Initially existing
terminals in Esfahan are surveyed and then new locations are
presented based on evaluated criteria. In order to evaluate terminals
based on the considered factors, an AHP model is used at first to
estimate weight of different factors and then existing and suggested
locations are evaluated using Arc GIS software and AHP model
results. The results show that existing bus terminals are located in
fairly proper locations. Further results of this study suggest new
locations to establish terminals based on urban criteria.
Abstract: Modern low earth orbit (LEO) satellites that require multi-mission flexibility are highly likely to be repositioned between different operational orbits. While executing this process the satellite may experience high levels of vibration and environmental hazards, exposing the deployed solar panel to dangerous stress levels, fatigue and space debris, hence it is desirable to retract the solar array before satellite repositioning to avoid damage or failure.
A novel concept of deployable/retractable hybrid solar array systemcomposed of both rigid and flexible solar panels arranged within a petal formation, aimed to provide a greater power to volume ratio while dramatically reducing mass and cost is proposed.
Abstract: Sandwich structure composites produced by epoxy
core and aluminium skin were developed as potential building
materials. Interface bonding between core and skin was controlled by
varying kenaf content. Five different weight percentage of kenaf
loading ranging from 10 wt% to 50 wt% were employed in the core
manufacturing in order to study the mechanical properties of the
sandwich composite. Properties of skin aluminium with epoxy were
found to be affected by drying time of the adhesive. Mechanical
behavior of manufactured sandwich composites in relation with
properties of constituent materials was studied. It was found that 30
wt% of kenaf loading contributed to increase the flexural strength and
flexural modulus up to 102 MPa and 32 GPa, respectively. Analysis
were done on the flatwise and edgewise compression test. For
flatwise test, it was found that 30 wt% of fiber loading could
withstand maximum force until 250 kN, with compressive strength
results at 96.94 MPa. However, at edgewise compression test, the
sandwich composite with same fiber loading only can withstand 31
kN of the maximum load with 62 MPa of compressive strength
results.
Abstract: The 6th version of Universal modeling method for
centrifugal compressor stage calculation is described. Identification
of the new mathematical model was made. As a result of
identification the uniform set of empirical coefficients is received.
The efficiency definition error is 0,86 % at a design point. The
efficiency definition error at five flow rate points (except a point of
the maximum flow rate) is 1,22 %. Several variants of the stage with
3D impellers designed by 6th version program and quasi threedimensional
calculation programs were compared by their gas
dynamic performances CFD (NUMECA FINE TURBO).
Performance comparison demonstrated general principles of design
validity and leads to some design recommendations.
Abstract: Fiber Bragg optic sensor is embedded in composite
material to detect and monitor the damage that occurs in composite
structures. In this paper, we deal with the mode-Ι delamination to
determine the material strength to crack propagation, using the
coupling mode theory and T-matrix method to simulate the FBGs
spectrum for both uniform and non-uniform strain distribution. The
double cantilever beam test is modeled in FEM to determine the
longitudinal strain. Two models are implemented, the first is the
global half model, and the second is the sub-model to represent the
FBGs with higher refined mesh. This method can simulate damage in
composite structures and converting strain to a wavelength shifting in
the FBG spectrum.
Abstract: This study was carried out to evaluate the nutritional
composition of the African River Prawn (Macrobrachium
vollenhovenii) in relation to Chokor (traditional) and Altona
(improved traditional) drying techniques used in the preservation and
processing of prawns by carrying out proximate composition
analysis. The value obtained for the proximate analysis of Chokor
and Altona smoke dried prawns were; Moisture (14.90% and
15.15%), Dry matter (85.10% and 84.85%), Protein (55.80% and
58.87%), Crude fat (1.95% and 1.98%), Crude fibre (21.40% and
13.11%), Carbohydrate (0.54% and 0.54%) and Ash (19.76% and
15.86%) respectively. The proximate mineral composition of Chokor
and Altona smoke dried prawns were; Calcium (5.66% and 4.20%)
and Phosphorus (9. 22% and 6.34%) respectively. Result shows there
was no loss of nutritional value with respect to Chokor and Altona
drying techniques used in the processing of prawns.
Abstract: This study concerned the dynamic behavior of the
wind turbine rotor. Before all we have studied the loads applied to the
rotor, which allows the knowledge their effect on the fatigue, also
studied the rotor with longitudinal crack in order to determine stress,
strain and displacement. Firstly we compared the first six modes
shapes between cracking and uncracking of HAWT rotor. Secondly
we show show evolution of first six natural frequencies with
longitudinal crack propagation. Finally we conclude that the residual
change in the natural frequencies can be used as in shaft crack
diagnosis predictive maintenance.
Abstract: Early detection of breast cancer saves many thousands
of lives each year via application of mammography and genetic
screening and many more lives could be saved if nurses are involved
in breast care screening practices. So, the aim of the study was to
identify nurse's role in early detection of breast cancer through
mammography and genetic screening and its impact on patient's
outcome. In order to achieve this aim, 400 women above 40 years,
asymptomatic were recruited for mammography and genetic
screening. In addition, 50 nurses and 6 technologists were involved in
the study. A descriptive analytical design was used. Five tools were
utilized: sociodemographic, mammographic examination and risk
factors, women's before, during and after mammography, items
relaying to technologists, and items related to nurses were also
obtained. The study finding revealed that 3% of women detected for
malignancy and 7.25% for fibroadenoma. Statistically significant
differences were found between mammography results and age,
family history, genetic screening, exposure to smoke, and using
contraceptive pills. Nurses have insufficient knowledge about
screening tests. Based on these findings the present study
recommended involvement of nurses in breast care which is very
important to in force population about screening practices.