Abstract: Nic Pizzolatto’s True Detective offers profound
mythological and philosophical ramblings for audiences with literary
sensibilities. An American Sothern Gothic with its Bayon landscape
of the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, where two detectives Rustin Cohle
and Martin Hart begin investigating the isolated murder of Dora
Lange, only to discover an entrenched network of perversion and
corruption, offers an existential outlook. The proposed research paper
shall attempt to investigate the pervasive themes of gothic and
existentialism in the music of the first season of the series.
Abstract: The eccentric connectivity index based on degree and
eccentricity of the vertices of a graph is a widely used graph invariant
in mathematics.
In this paper, we present the explicit eccentric connectivity index,
first and second Zagreb indices for a Corona graph and sub divisionrelated
corona graphs.
Abstract: The Blue Nile Basin is the most important tributary of
the Nile River. Egypt and Sudan are almost dependent on water
originated from the Blue Nile. This multi-dependency creates
conflicts among the three countries Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia
making the management of these conflicts as an international issue.
Good assessment of the water resources of the Blue Nile is an
important to help in managing such conflicts. Hydrological models
are good tool for such assessment. This paper presents a critical
review of the nature and variability of the climate and hydrology of
the Blue Nile Basin as a first step of using hydrological modeling to
assess the water resources of the Blue Nile. Many several attempts
are done to develop basin-scale hydrological modeling on the Blue
Nile. Lumped and semi distributed models used averages of
meteorological inputs and watershed characteristics in hydrological
simulation, to analyze runoff for flood control and water resource
management. Distributed models include the temporal and spatial
variability of catchment conditions and meteorological inputs to
allow better representation of the hydrological process. The main
challenge of all used models was to assess the water resources of the
basin is the shortage of the data needed for models calibration and
validation. It is recommended to use distributed model for their
higher accuracy to cope with the great variability and complexity of
the Blue Nile basin and to collect sufficient data to have more
sophisticated and accurate hydrological modeling.
Abstract: This paper presents two types of microstrip bandpass
filter (BPF) at microwave frequencies. The first one is a tunable BPF
using planar patch resonators based on a varactor diode. The filter is
formed by a triple mode circular patch resonator with two pairs of
slots, in which the varactor diodes are connected. Indeed, this filter is
initially centered at 2.4 GHz; the center frequency of the tunable
patch filter could be tuned up to 1.8 GHz simultaneously with the
bandwidth, reaching high tuning ranges. Lossless simulations were
compared to those considering the substrate dielectric, conductor
losses and the equivalent electrical circuit model of the tuning
element in order to assess their effects. Within these variations,
simulation results showed insertion loss better than 2 dB and return
loss better than 10 dB over the passband. The second structure is a
BPF for ultra-wideband (UWB) applications based on multiple-mode
resonator (MMR) and rectangular-shaped defected ground structure
(DGS). This filter, which is compact size of 25.2 x 3.8 mm2, provides
in the pass band an insertion loss of 0.57 dB and a return loss greater
than 12 dB. The proposed filters presents good performances and the
simulation results are in satisfactory agreement with the
experimentation ones reported elsewhere.
Abstract: Artificial intelligence applications are commonly used
in industry in many fields in parallel with the developments in the
computer technology. In this study, a fire room was prepared for the
resistance of wooden construction elements and with the mechanism
here, the experiments of polished materials were carried out. By
utilizing from the experimental data, an artificial neural network
(ANN) was modelled in order to evaluate the final cross sections of
the wooden samples remaining from the fire. In modelling,
experimental data obtained from the fire room were used. In the
developed system, the first weight of samples (ws-gr), preliminary
cross-section (pcs-mm2), fire time (ft-minute), and fire temperature
(t-oC) as input parameters and final cross-section (fcs-mm2) as output
parameter were taken. When the results obtained from ANN and
experimental data are compared after making statistical analyses, the
data of two groups are determined to be coherent and seen to have no
meaning difference between them. As a result, it is seen that ANN
can be safely used in determining cross sections of wooden materials
after fire and it prevents many disadvantages.
Abstract: Since, it is essential to provide homeless people by the
earthquake with safe, habitable accommodation repairing medium
and slight levels of damage at the connection parts should be
undertaken. In order to prove that a repaired connection was
sufficiently strong, a precast beam to column post tensioned
connection was tested in three phases. In phase one, the middle level
damage was observed at 6% drift at these connections. As a result of
the extra loads applied, little damage was observed. In the last phase,
the four connections tested in the first phase were repaired using
epoxy resin and then retested. The results from the tests on the
repaired precast and the undamaged specimens showed that the
repaired specimens were sufficiently strong, thus proving that repair
to damaged precast beam to column post tensioned connections can
be undertaken.
Abstract: Newly synthesized Polypropylene-g-Polyethylene
glycol polymer was first time used for a compartment-less enzymatic
fuel cell. Working electrodes based on Polypropylene-g-Polyethylene
glycol were operated as unmediated and mediated system (with
ferrocene and gold/cobalt oxide nanoparticles). Glucose oxidase and
bilirubin oxidase was selected as anodic and cathodic enzyme,
respectively. Glucose was used as fuel in a single-compartment and
membrane-less cell. Maximum power density was obtained as 0.65
nW cm-2, 65 nW cm-2 and 23500 nW cm-2 from the unmediated,
ferrocene and gold/cobalt oxide modified polymeric film,
respectively. Power density was calculated to be ~16000 nW cm-2 for
undiluted wastewater sample with gold/cobalt oxide nanoparticles
including system.
Abstract: The main aim of this research was to investigate a
prototype bamboo shading device. There were two objectives to this
study: first, to investigate the effects of non-chemical treatments on
bamboo shading devices damaged by powder-post beetles and fungi,
and second to develop a prototype bamboo shading device. This
study of the effects of non-chemical treatments on bamboo shading
devices damage by powder-post beetles in the laboratory showed
that, among seven treatments tested, wood vinegar treatment can
protect powder-post beetles better than the original method by up to
92.91%. It was also found that wood vinegar treatment shows the
best performance in fungi protection and works better than the
original method by up to 40%. A second experiment was carried out
by constructing four bamboo shading devices and installing them on
a building for 28 days. All aspects of shading device were
investigated in terms of their beauty, durability, and ease of
construction and assembly. The final prototype was developed from
the lessons learned from the test results. In conclusion, this study
showed the effectiveness of some natural preservatives against insect
and fungi damage, and it also illustrated the characteristics of a
prototype bamboo shading device that can be constructed by rural
workers within one week.
Abstract: The development of Drugs Delivery System (DDS)
has been widely investigated in the last decades. In this paper, first a
general overview of traditional and modern wound dressing is
presented. This is followed by a review of what scientists have done
in the medical environment, focusing on the possibility to develop a
new alternative for DDS through transdermal pathway, aiming to
treat melanoma skin cancer.
Abstract: This paper seeks to analyse the benefits of big data
and more importantly the challenges it pose to the subject of privacy
and data protection. First, the nature of big data will be briefly
deliberated before presenting the potential of big data in the present
days. Afterwards, the issue of privacy and data protection is
highlighted before discussing the challenges of implementing this
issue in big data. In conclusion, the paper will put forward the debate
on the adequacy of the existing legal framework in protecting
personal data in the era of big data.
Abstract: This paper examines how “Zakat” provides fair
income redistribution and aids the struggle against poverty. Providing
fair income redistribution and combating poverty constitutes some of
the fundamental tasks performed by countries all over the world.
Each country seeks a solution for these problems according to their
political, economic and administrative styles through applying
various economic and financial policies. The same situation can be
handled via “zakat” association in Islam. Nowadays, we observe
different versions of “zakat” in developed countries. Applications
such as negative income tax denote merely a different form of
“zakat” that is being applied almost in the same way but under
changed names. However, the minimum values to donate under zakat
(e.g. 85 gr. gold and 40 animals) get altered and various amounts are
put into practice. It might be named as negative income tax instead of
zakat, nonetheless, these applications are based on the Holy Koran
and the hadith released 1400 years ago. Besides, considering the
savage and slavery in the world at those times, we might easily
recognize the true value of the zakat being applied for the first time
then in the Islamic system. Through zakat, governments are able to
transfer incomes to the poor as a means of enabling them achieve the
minimum standard of living required. With regards to who benefits
from the Zakat, an objective and fair criteria was used to determine
who benefits from the zakat contrary to the notion that it was based
on peoples’ own choices. Since the zakat is obligatory, the transfers
do not get forwarded directly but via the government and get
distributed, which requires vast governmental organizations. Through
the application of Zakat, reduced levels of poverty can be achieved
and also ensure the fair income redistribution.
Abstract: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been widely
used as a non-invasive method to measure brain activity, but it is
corrupted by baseline drift noise. Here we present a method to measure
regional cerebral blood flow as a derivative of NIRS output. We
investigate whether, when listening to languages, blood flow can
reasonably localize and represent regional brain activity or not. The
prefrontal blood flow distribution pattern when advanced
second-language listeners listened to a second language (L2) was most
similar to that when listening to their first language (L1) among the
patterns of mean and standard deviation. In experiments with 25
healthy subjects, the maximum blood flow was localized to the left
BA46 of advanced listeners. The blood flow presented is robust to
baseline drift and stably localizes regional brain activity.
Abstract: Random epistemologies and hash tables have garnered
minimal interest from both security experts and experts in the last
several years. In fact, few information theorists would disagree with
the evaluation of expert systems. In our research, we discover how
flip-flop gates can be applied to the study of superpages. Though
such a hypothesis at first glance seems perverse, it is derived from
known results.
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: 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: 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 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: The industrial process adds to engineering wood
products features absent in solid wood, with homogeneous structure
and reduced defects, improved physical and mechanical properties,
bio-deterioration, resistance and better dimensional stability,
improving quality and increasing the reliability of structures wood.
These features combined with using fast-growing trees, make them
environmentally ecological products, ensuring a strong consumer
market. The wood I-joists are manufactured by the industrial profiles
bonding flange and web, an important aspect of the production of
wooden I-beams is the adhesive joint that bonds the web to the
flange. Adhesives can effectively transfer and distribute stresses,
thereby increasing the strength and stiffness of the composite. The
objective of this study is to evaluate different resins in a shear strain
specimens with the aim of analyzing the most efficient resin and
possibility of using national products, reducing the manufacturing
cost. First was conducted a literature review, where established the
geometry and materials generally used, then established and analyzed
8 national resins and produced six specimens for each.