Engineering Group (21) at IgMin Research

This paper presents a Technical and Economic Feasibility Study of proposed Pumped Storage Power Plants (PSPPs) at KM (Kuda Oya, Mul Oya), KMG (Kuda Oya, Mul Oya, Gurugal Oya), KG (Kuda Oya, Gurugal Oya), and Dambagasthalawa. Sri Lanka aims to transition away from a coal-dominant electricity sector within the next decade, aligning with sustainability goals outlined by the United Nations. In pursuit of affordable and clean energy sustainability, the Sri Lankan government has opted to shift its long-term energy policy towards renewable sources, de...parting from fossil fuels. Despite this shift, a significant portion of Sri Lanka's electricity consumption—approximately 600 MW from oil and 900 MW from coal—persists. The country now aims to source 80% of its energy from renewable sources, necessitating a focus on underutilized opportunities. In selecting the best candidate sites for Pumped Storage Power Plant (PSPP) design, comprehensive hydrological and sedimentation studies play a pivotal role. In this endeavor, we endeavor to re-rank the selected candidate sites for pumped storage power plants considering technical & financial feasibility by conducting comprehensive hydrological and sedimentation studies. These studies are pivotal for assessing the feasibility and long-term viability of potential sites, aiming to select the most sustainable candidate site in every aspect. Therefore, the primary objective of this research is to conduct a thorough hydrologic study of the proposed KMG and Dambagastalawa pump storage power plants, focusing on identifying potential energy-saving opportunities in pumping when these plants operate as open-loop systems. This study will analyze the hydrology of the upper ponds of the Kuda Oya, Mul Oya, and Gurugal Oya (KMG) pump storage power plants, and the Dambagastalawa Oya pump storage power plant, assessing the potential reduction in pumping energy. Such insights are essential for optimizing the design and operation of PSPPs to ensure economic viability and sustainable energy generation. Furthermore, this research addresses the importance of studying sedimentation in both the upper and lower ponds of the KMG and Dambagastalawa pump storage power plants. Sedimentation calculations will be performed to determine reservoir lifetimes, offering critical insights into the long-term feasibility and maintenance requirements of these projects. The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable guidance to policymakers, investors, and PSPP designers in selecting the most suitable sites for addressing Sri Lanka's peak power demands and urgent electricity needs. By emphasizing the significance of hydrological and sedimentation studies, this research underscores the importance of thorough site assessment in optimizing the design and operation of Pumped Storage Power Plants. Read more

The types and concentrations of gas hydrates collected from four different geological sites were analyzed using high-resolution angular dispersive X-ray powder diffraction, with synchrotron radiation as the source. Measurements were taken across a temperature range of 80 to 300 K and a pressure range of 0.1 to 80 MPa. All four gas hydrate samples showed the presence of three mixed crystal structures: structures I, II, and H. Additionally, the ice Ih structure was inherently present in all the natural gas hydrate minerals. The variation in the t...ypes and concentrations of gas hydrates can be attributed to the diversity of natural gases at different geographic locations.Read more

This paper presents an in-depth Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the Lukala Cement Plant, highlighting the environmental impacts associated with cement production. The cement industry, as one of the largest emitters of CO2, raises major sustainability concerns, particularly due to the deleterious effects on climate and public health. The objectives of this research include not only assessing greenhouse gas emissions but also identifying concrete methods to reduce these impacts. The study reveals that the Lukala Cement Plant emits approximately 57...9,130 tons of CO₂ per year, mainly from the decarbonation of limestone (67%) and the clinkerization process (33%). These figures far exceed regulatory thresholds, highlighting the urgency of rapid and effective intervention to mitigate these emissions. The LCA identified the most polluting production steps, including extraction, grinding, and clinkerization, paving the way for targeted and strategic improvements. Opportunities for optimization were identified, including the use of less pure limestone, the integration of recycled materials, and the transition to renewable energy sources for the clinkerization process. This research is crucial in the current context of the fight against climate change. As a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, the cement industry must imperatively adopt sustainable practices. LCA provides a robust methodology to quantify environmental impacts and identify appropriate solutions. The results of this study can be applied to other cement plants around the world, serving as a model for other carbon-intensive industries. Future research should explore the integration of innovative technologies, such as carbon capture and storage, and the use of alternative materials in cement production. This study highlights the importance of immediate and coordinated action to transform the cement industry into a sustainable sector, ensuring economic profitability while protecting the environment for future generations. Commitment to environmentally responsible production practices is not only desirable but also essential to ensuring a sustainable future.Read more

The theoretical concept of photonic quantum nonlocality cannot be implemented physically because of the quantum Rayleigh scattering of single photons. A distinction needs to be made between the correlation of individual, single measurements of pure states and the correlation of the measured ensembles of mixed states. The correlation operator of Pauli vector operators delivers the same probabilities of correlated detections of photons for both independent and multi-photon states as for ‘entangled’ states of photons. As single-photon ...sources are not needed, the design and implementation of quantum computing operations and other devices will be significantly streamlined.Read more

Traditionally, in lecture courses on General Physics, the example of waves propagating on the water surface is used for the qualitative description of wave phenomena. At the same time, in corresponding laboratory courses, there are almost no quantitative tasks on the same topic, the purpose of which would be to measure the surface wave characteristics. The reason for this difference must be associated with the complexity of the physical mechanism of generation and propagation of waves on the water surface. In this work, a laboratory problem has... been developed to measure the group velocity of circular waves traveling on the water surface. It uses a standard laboratory water tank equipped with a surface wave generator. The proposed experiment offers an opportunity for quantitative measurement of surface wave characteristics, a dispute of only qualitative observations of wave phenomena commonly found in current curricula, due to the introduction of two improvements. First, to produce the water waves’ rich in-contrast representations on a screen, the optimal generator amplitude is specially set for each experiment; and second, to measure the group wavelength, the device magnification is preliminary calculated based on the laws of geometric optics. The tests carried out have shown that the relative accuracy of these measurements is quite acceptable: within a few percent. The introduction of the problem of surface waves on water into the General Physics laboratory workshop for engineering specialties of technical universities will contribute to improving the quality of mastering the subject by students.Read more

Issues of maintenance of manufacture adaptability are considered in the article on an example of roller squeezing machines; recommendations to increase the manufacture adaptability of designs are offered. The geometry and kinematics of the attachment points of the base plate of a vertical-type squeezing roller machine are considered.

In recent years, manufacturing enterprises have faced overall ϐinancial stress due to market conditions and new forms of positive development. Excessive inter-company loans have led to the rupture of the capital chain among enterprises, resulting in developmental challenges. Studying the ϐlow of funds between enterprises, it is observed that ϐinancial risks bear similarities to the spread of infectious diseases like SARS. This paper employs the MATLAB data analysis environment, Python data analysis tools, and the SEIRS dynamic time-varying e...pidemiological model to investigate systemic risk transmission among enterprises. The analysis reveals that high-risk transmission rates, low-risk immunity rates, and low-risk isolation rates contribute to the rapid and uncontrollable spread of systemic risks among enterprises. Consequently, recommendations are made to strengthen market supervision, government intervention, and national regulation to ensure the safety of manufacturing enterprises.Read more

The study focuses on investigating the behavior of Electric Power Systems (EPS) during desynchronization from a synchronous area, its stability in island mode operation, and its synchronization with Continental Europe (CE). The primary aim is to ensure and maintain the stability and reliable operation of self–operating individual EPSs by analyzing the technical requirements and prequalification procedures for Frequency Containment Reserves (FCR) and Load Frequency Control (LFC) reserves.The study employed numerical simulations to analyze ...the behavior of isolated EPSs after losing a certain amount of active power, to ensure reliable operation and avoid the effects of Under Frequency Load Shedding (UFLS). It examined the technical requirements for LFC reserve units, such as the ability to remain connected to the network during disturbances and provide necessary support. The research investigated the procedures for prequalifying reserve units to provide FCR and LFC services.This investigation contributes to ensuring that EPSs operate reliably during desynchronization and that reserve providers meet the necessary technical and operational standards.Read more

The satellite-to-ground laser communication link plays a crucial role in addressing the technical bottleneck of high-speed information transmission between satellite and ground networks. However, the impact of atmospheric channel conditions poses challenges to the link performance. To overcome these challenges, this paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the characteristics and influencing factors of the satellite-to-ground laser communication link. It summarizes methods for optimizing the transmission performance of the link and proposes a...pproaches for optimizing, monitoring, and predicting the link performance through factors such as the optimization of ground station quantity and location, link availability, link transmission quality, and adaptive coding and modulation. These methods enable the optimization of the transmission performance of the satellite-to-ground laser communication link, thus significantly contributing to the realization of high-speed and reliable laser communication between satellite and ground networks.Read more

Studies of Mars missions over the past thirty years lacked credible cost estimates, so the total mass of materiel delivered to Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) was typically used as a rough measure of relative mission cost because the complexity of the mission was thought to be roughly proportional to the initial mass in LEO (IMLEO). Historically, high launch costs led to large investments in space hardware development which led to high space mission costs. Reducing mass became the central theme of space mission engineering. We are now entering a new era ...where launch costs no longer have the impact that they would have two decades ago. Launch costs are coming down to the point where we must ask ourselves whether it now makes sense to bring ascent propellants and life support resources from Earth (with higher reliability as a bonus), as opposed to using in situ propellant production and cycling of life support resources.This paper compares various options for bringing ascent propellants and life support resources from Earth vs. developing in situ. In short, it examines the “take it or make it” options for both technologies. For ISPP, the answer is clear: Mars ISPP is not worth the investment when launch costs are low. For life support, the most robust option is to bring life survival resources from Earth, and only use cycling to upgrade the quality of life for the crew.Read more

The global move towards Electric Vehicles (EVs) marks a crucial step towards sustainable transportation. However, effectively integrating EVs into the current infrastructure demands more than technological advancements. One of the key challenges is optimizing the routing of EVs to minimize costs and environmental impact. This editorial examines the role of Machine Learning (ML) in addressing the electric vehicle routing problem (ESVRP), highlighting its potential to transform cost optimization and sustainability in transportation. Routing is a ...fundamental part of transportation logistics, influencing efficiency, cost, and environmental impact. While traditional internal combustion engine vehicles have established routing systems, EVs present unique challenges such as limited battery capacity, longer refueling times, and fewer charging stations. These factors require advanced routing solutions that can dynamically adapt to various constraints.Read more

This study explores the imperative to modernize cloud computing in response to evolving technological landscapes and business demands. The research examines key areas requiring urgent attention to maintain competitive edge and operational efficiency in the digital era. We investigate the critical need for data center upgrades to accommodate emerging technologies and increased workloads. The study also delves into enhanced security measures and data privacy compliance protocols necessary to protect sensitive information in an increasingly comple...x threat environment. Furthermore, we analyze strategies to meet the growing demand for performance and scalability, ensuring that cloud infrastructure can adapt to fluctuating business needs. The research emphasizes the importance of maintaining system reliability to minimize downtime and maximize productivity. Additionally, we explore the potential of hybrid cloud integration to enable innovation and reduce costs. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in modernizing cloud computing, offering insights for organizations seeking to optimize their cloud strategies. Key findings highlight the significance of proactive infrastructure management, the adoption of advanced security frameworks, and the implementation of flexible, scalable architectures. This research contributes to the body of knowledge on cloud computing modernization, serving as a valuable resource for IT professionals, business leaders, and researchers in the field.Read more

In this paper, we present a deep CNN-based approach for multi-class classification of three-dimensional (3-D) objects using phase-only digital holographic information. The 3-D objects considered for the multi-class (four-class) classification task are ‘triangle-square’, ‘circle-square’, ‘square-triangle’, and ‘triangle-circle’. The 3-D object ‘triangle-square’ is considered for Class-1 and the remaining 3-D objects ‘circle-square’, ‘square-circle’, and ‘tr...iangle-circle’ are considered for Class-2, Class-3, and Class-4. The digital holograms of 3-D objects were created using the two-step Phase-Shifting Digital Holography (PSDH) technique and were computationally post-processed to obtain phase-only digital holographic data. Subsequently, a deep CNN was trained on a phase-only image dataset consisting of 2880 images to produce the results. The loss and accuracy curves are presented to validate the performance of the model. Additionally, the results are validated using metrics such as the confusion matrix, classification report, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, and precision-recall curve.Read more

An experimental investigation was carried out to study the effect of circular cross-holes on the failure behavior of unidirectional glass fiber reinforced with unsaturated polyester resin composites, varying cross-ply laminates that were subjected to axial tensile load. This paper deals with the effects of the circular notch and the number of plies on nominal tensile and net tensile strengths. Tensile strengths were investigated for composites with cross-ply([0/90]. [90°/0°/90°] and [0°/90°/0°].90°), orientation and ...varying the laminate layers with a central hole, and effects of volume fraction and number of ply on mechanical properties for un-notched (smooth) and notched specimens were also studied. The results showed that increasing the number of plies has a marginal effect on tensile strength values. The fraction of volume has significant effects and for increasing the number of plies about 9% decreases in nominal tensile strength and about 11% decrease in the net tensile strength was observed. The same results were obtained with finite element analysis.Read more

Based on the recent study of the Third Thumb at the University of Cambridge, one profound question is arising: Do human beings and the human body need a Third Thumb? This article introduces briefly motor augmentation and human augmentation emerging in decades compared to human enhancement, then focuses on three concerns deriving from the methodology of engineering system design including the relationship of system and part, main function and auxiliary function, and engineering system evolution and human evolution, so as to discuss the coordinat...ion between the human body and artificial parts generated by wearable interactive technology employed in motor augmentation.Read more

Pneumonia is described as an acute infection of lung tissue produced by one or more bacteria, and Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is a deadly virus that affects the lungs of the human body. The symptoms of COVID-19 disease are closely related to pneumonia. In this work, we identify the patients of pneumonia and coronavirus from chest X-ray images. We used a convolutional neural network for spatial feature learning from X-ray images. We experimented with pneumonia and coronavirus X-ray images in the Kaggle dataset. Pneumonia and corona patients a...re classified using a feed-forward neural network and hybrid models (CNN+SVM, CNN+RF, and CNN+Xgboost). The experimental findings on the Pneumonia dataset demonstrate that CNN detects Pneumonia patients with 99.47% recall. The overall experiments on COVID-19 x-ray images show that CNN detected the COVID-19 and pneumonia with 95.45% accuracy.Read more

Markov decision process is a dynamic programming algorithm that can be used to solve an optimization problem. It was used in applications like robotics, radar tracking, medical treatments, and decision-making. In the existing literature, the researcher only targets a few applications area of MDP. However, this work surveyed the Markov decision process’s application in various regions for solving optimization problems. In a survey, we compared optimization techniques based on MDP. We performed a comparative analysis of past work of other r...esearchers in the last few years based on a few parameters. These parameters are focused on the proposed problem, the proposed methodology for solving an optimization problem, and the results and outcomes of the optimization technique in solving a specific problem. Reinforcement learning is an emerging machine learning domain based on the Markov decision process. In this work, we conclude that the MDP-based approach is most widely used when deciding on the current state in some environments to move to the next state.Read more

Exchangers are thoroughly used equipment for heat transfer. These equipment play a climacteric role in variegated business administration and buildings by providing heat exchange between two fluids. However, over time, exchangers can be subject to variegated problems such as contamination and sediment build-up. This can diminish heat transfer efficiency, leading to energy waste and equipment malfunctions. Calcification is a problem that comes off when water becomes saturated with hard minerals and exceeds the solubility of these minerals. These... minerals precipitate as a consequence of water evaporation or chemical reactions and form a solid layer called limestone. Limescale can bring variegated problems in homes, business administration, and water transportation systems. Lime accumulates on heat transfer superficies, reducing the superficies area of ​​these superficies. This reduces the superficies area available for heat transfer and inhibits heat transfer. The thermal conductivity of lime is lower than water. Scale, which is the formation of a scale layer on heat transfer superficies, reduces the thermal conductivity of these superficies and prevents heat transfer. This study focuses on the types of contamination in heat exchangers, the effect of contamination on heat transfer and other factors, and methods of clogging.Read more

The experimental team has developed a technology of step-by-step low-temperature diffusion doping of gadolinium and scandium into silicon that allows the clusters of impurity atoms to be uniformly distributed throughout the entire bulk of the silicon material. It was shown that, unlike the samples obtained under the high-temperature diffusion doping technology, in the samples obtained under the novel technology the team had detected any surface erosion or formation of alloys and silicide in the near-surface region. The authors have revealed inc...reased thermostability and radiation resistance of silicon samples dotted with clusters of impurity atoms of gadolinium and scandium.The authors have conducted comprehensive studies by using the techniques of tagged atoms, autoradiography, measurement of conductivity and Hall effect, isothermal relaxation of capacitance and current of diffusion, solubility, and electrophysical properties of scandium in silicon under various doping conditions and for a wide temperature range (1100 ÷ 1250 0С). Diffusion parameters, solubility and acceptor nature of scandium in silicon as well as thermal stability of silicon doped with gadolinium and scandium impurity atoms have been established.Read more

African countries with no globally recognized auto manufacturing factories are flooded with the most modern automobiles as soon as they are commercialized in the absence of commensurate skilled local auto mechanics across the continent. In the wake of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme in Abuja Nigeria, the first set of luxurious buses purchased ended up as junks within a short period of operation largely due to lack of technician competency. The continuous patronage of a few multinational workshop garages like Toyota, Honda, Kia Motors, etc is... hindering the transport agencies from breaking even. This paper is therefore aimed at evaluating the state of bus auto-mechanics and technicians in Nigeria for sustainable hybrid buses for effective BRT in the country. Google search engine was used to source secondary data from dedicated transport and energy-related sites like National Research Council (NRC) Agora Verkehrswende and GIZ, Smart city study, USDoT, and Africa Transport Solution, for the current paradigm shift in automobile energy management. Participatory surveys were carried out in two major motor mechanic villages that house over two hundred (200) workshops. The study reveals that there is a yawning gap between the societal ideal auto-mechanic expectations and the operational woe realities. This work becomes very relevant in view of global urbanization and the crusade for Hybrid Bus Rapid Transit (HBRT) in urban mobility as a panacea to COP28 carbon emission reduction. It is recommended that policymakers in urban transportation at all levels should ensure the certification and re-training of the motor mechanics to be able to maintain those imported modern buses while investing in ITS-based road infrastructure for sustainable BRT in their countryRead more

In materials science, the integrity and completeness of datasets are critical for robust predictive modeling. Unfortunately, material datasets frequently contain missing values due to factors such as measurement errors, data non-availability, or experimental limitations, which can significantly undermine the accuracy of property predictions. To tackle this challenge, we introduce an optimized K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) imputation method, augmented with Deep Neural Network (DNN) modeling, to enhance the accuracy of predicting material properties.... Our study compares the performance of our Enhanced KNN method against traditional imputation techniques—mean imputation and Multiple Imputation by Chained Equations (MICE). The results indicate that our Enhanced KNN method achieves a superior R² score of 0.973, which represents a significant improvement of 0.227 over Mean imputation, 0.141 over MICE, and 0.044 over KNN imputation. This enhancement not only boosts the data integrity but also preserves the statistical characteristics essential for reliable predictions in materials science.Read more

Slip and fall injuries and fatalities continue to be a significant problem at work and in the community. Water is the most common contaminant that reduces traction on floors and other walkway surfaces resulting in a slip and fall event. This project investigated 10 common flooring surfaces to assess their slip resistance when dry vs wet and coated vs uncoated. Investigators used the English XL Variable Incidence Tribometer to measure slip resistance under all conditions. Results revealed a significant (p - value < 0.05) loss of slip resistan...ce when wet vs dry. Investigators also found significant (p - value < 0.05) increases in traction when using a coating under wet conditions. Researchers support the use of coatings for floors and walkway surfaces that increase traction and reduce the chances of slip and fall events under all conditions.Read more

In single colloidal nanocrystals of narrow-gap semiconductors PbS and InSb, current instability in the form of quasi-periodic spikes and current resonance peaks was studied by measuring on a scanning probe microscope and analyzing Current-Voltage Characteristics (CVC). The observed phenomena are explained in models of the wave de Broglie process and Bloch oscillations. Statistically, the percentages of such samples and the parameters of oscillations on the current-voltage characteristic are higher, the larger the size quantization parameter, de...termined by the de Broglie wavelength. A possible practical use is the generation and recording of terahertz radiation modulated by ultrashort pulses.Read more

This work represents a part of a larger work, aimed at evaluating the fouling behavior of different flat polymeric membranes for low-pressure applications when placed in contact with industrial wastewater (IWW). To design and understand the operation of a membrane process it is essential to know the fouling mechanisms.Commercial PVDF and PS membranes were tested under static conditions. The reduction in membrane flux was calculated, before and after the fouling tests. Parameters such as membrane material, pore size, solids concentration, partic...le size, pH, temperature, flow rate, and pressure were studied to identify the fouling behavior of the membrane.The strong adhesion of organic molecules on the membrane surface develops a resistance to pore blockage which allows a significant decrease in the flow of clean water.It is important to note that membranes of the same material, PVDF, but with different pore size (0.2 and 0.5 mm), and membranes of different materials, PVDF and PS, but with the same pore size (0.2 mm) were tested to study the trend of surface fouling to predict it and/or design surface modifications of the membranes employed.A morphological analysis of the membranes was carried out to understand the fouling mechanism, the fouling times, and the nature of the block that determines the reduction of flow through the membrane itself.Roughness measurements reveal that roughness goes up to 120 minutes of immersing time in wastewater, but after 4 hours it returns to initial value but with a significant decrease of flux to water.Understanding the relationship between flux decline, morphology, and roughness role is key to preventing fouling and studying a valid method to clean the membrane.Read more

The paper explores comprehensive Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) wing optimization, integrating aerodynamic and structural techniques. A detailed comparison between the base and optimized modules while considering specifications such as composite material orientation, spar and rib material, deformation, stress, strain, safety factor, and weight. The methodology utilizes material changes for wing weight reduction while maintaining structural integrity. The optimized module (Case 7) balances weight reduction, safety, and structural performance, not...ably shifting from Al 7075 to Al 2024. Structural optimization focuses on changes in Carbon Fiber/Epoxy orientation, leveraging material changes for weight reduction. Constitutive equations and transformation matrices calculate stiffness matrices for the laminate, resulting in a robust wing. This holistic optimization combines low and high-fidelity techniques, addressing UAV wing structural aspects. Outcomes include weight reduction, deformation minimization, fluttering modal deformation and buckling points, an increased factor of safety, and improved strength-to-weight ratio. The research significantly advances aerospace engineering, particularly in UAV design and optimization.Read more

Over the past decades, interest in renewable energy has grown, this is due to the aggravation of climate change. The emerging trend of decarbonization of the world economy, including transport and energy, which are one of the main sources of air pollution with carbon dioxide emissions. The article discusses issues of climate change, decarbonization scenario, a road map for “greening” the economy, and presents a brief analysis of trends in the development of hydrogen energy and the importance of the development of “green”... hydrogen in the world and in Turkmenistan. The main attention is paid to the prospects and scale of development of hydrogen energy to a certain extent will depend on the characteristics of the hydrogen sources proposed for use ­, primary energy sources and hydrogen production technologies, environmental consequences when using different approaches to hydrogen production, expected costs for hydrogen production, potential consumers and volumes of hydrogen consumption within the country and abroad, technologies for storing and delivering hydrogen to consumers, the competitiveness of hydrogen as an energy carrier in the domestic and foreign markets, taking into account all the necessary costs and a potential “transboundary carbon ­tax”.Read more

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been considered a revolutionary and world-changing science, although it is still a young field and has a long way to go before it can be established as a viable theory. Every day, new knowledge is created at an unthinkable speed, and the Big Data Driven World is already upon us. AI has developed a wide range of theories and software tools that have shown remarkable success in addressing difficult and challenging societal problems. However, the field also faces many challenges and drawbacks that have led some peo...ple to view AI with skepticism. One of the main challenges facing AI is the difference between correlation and causation, which plays an important role in AI studies. Additionally, although the term Cybernetics should be a part of AI, it was ignored for many years in AI studies. To address these issues, the Cybernetic Artificial Intelligence (CAI) field has been proposed and analyzed here for the first time. Despite the optimism and enthusiasm surrounding AI, its future may turn out to be a “catastrophic Winter” for the whole world, depending on who controls its development. The only hope for the survival of the planet lies in the quick development of Cybernetic Artificial Intelligence and the Wise Anthropocentric Revolution. The text proposes specific solutions for achieving these two goals. Furthermore, the importance of differentiating between professional/personal ethics and eternal values is highlighted, and their importance in future AI applications is emphasized for solving challenging societal problems. Ultimately, the future of AI heavily depends on accepting certain ethical values.Read more

Many countries have used various strategies in the effort toward transition to alternative energy as a solution in developing renewable energy. Indonesia is the second largest producer of geothermal energy in the world. The potential of Indonesia lies in the Ring of Fire along with 117 active volcanoes, giving Indonesia high geothermal potential. This research aims to reveal and formulate the potential of geothermal as renewable energy in Indonesia as an alternative energy to be used in the future. The methods in this research are qualitative a...nd quantitative. Through the quantitative method, this research will present secondary data from various organizations as well as data from prior research on geothermal potential in the world. While qualitative method will formulate ideas of several geothermal usages from many countries by using comparison from prior research and literature from journals, books, and other publication sources. Qualitative research results will also come from in-depth interviews with stakeholders that have implemented geothermal energy in Indonesia. The result of this research will illustrate the importance of geothermal energy as an alternative renewable energy in Indonesia to replace crude oil resources as the main natural resource in Indonesia. This research recommends the mapping of resources, requiring technology as a breakthrough in processing geothermal energy to take it directly from the reservoir because of its unorthodox classification based on its source as well the cost and benefit impact on the economy related to consumer mapping to detect early the market changes of energy to geothermal.Read more

The article presents a case study on the Investigation of lateral vibrations in the turbine-generator unit 5 of the Inga 2 hydroelectric power plant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Lateral vibrations were experimentally determined using twelve proximity and eddy-current probes, positioned on each measurement plane. The results were analyzed using the Dasylab and R software. Hence, it was observed that the vibration amplitudes of the upper guide bearing, lower guide bearing, and pivot/rotor exceeded acceptable or critical limit values o...f the international vibration standard for a rotating speed between 100-250 rpm. These excesses can lead to rotor mass imbalances, the eccentricity of the rotor axis relative to the rotation axis of the shaft, and the deformation of the coupling shaft between the upper rotor shaft and the turbine rotor shaft. Subsequently, the means and the variances of the vibration amplitudes were evaluated and compared to the reference values of the international standard. The results of the compliance analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the measured amplitudes and the reference values. Thus, it indicates deviations from international specifications.Read more

Energy Valley Optimizer (EVO) is one of the recent metaheuristic algorithms. It draws inspiration from advanced principles in physics related to particle stability and decay modes. This paper presents a new Energy Valley Optimizer (EVO) and levy flights that are hybrid to improve the EVO in solving optimization problems. Levy flight is one of the most important randomization techniques. Fifteen mathematical test functions (five unimodal functions, four multimodal functions, and six composite functions) are solved with the proposed algorithm. We... also compare our results with previous results of metaheuristic algorithms. The statistical results show that the results of the Levy Energy Valley Optimizer (LEVO) outperform other algorithms in almost all mathematical test functions.Read more

The article discusses the methods for determining the maturity of grain and describes its behavior during harvesting, to optimize the selection of the grain moisture state, discusses the requirements for the choice of measurement method and the design of moisture control measuring devices, as well as its high accuracy and the possibility of measuring from field conditions, collection, storage, transportation, and industrial processing and release of finished products of granular materials.The purpose of the study is to improve the efficiency of... control and management of complex technological processes and moisture control devices for granular bulk materials of plant origin through the development of systems for automatic and automated control of the electrophysical characteristics of grain products and to increase the reliability of quantitative and qualitative assessments of production and technological measurement information. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to conduct analytical and experimental studies of the possibility of creating an express method for controlling the moisture content of grain and products of their industrial processing and the development of a moisture meter for automated control of raw material parameters during acceptance and storage at grain processing enterprises. The article discusses the scientific and methodological foundations for measuring the electrophysical characteristics of grain products of agricultural production and the implementation on this basis of the functional subsystem of information support by the Automated Process Control System for Controlling the Mass Ratio of Moisture of Plant Origin Materials. A critical analysis of the current state of the theory and practice of automatic control of electrophysical characteristics of grain products and the identification of the trend of their further development and improvement are carried out. A mathematical model of the interaction of a high-frequency field with a granular material has been constructed, where the influence of the elastic properties of the grain on the electrical characteristics of the electromagnetic wave, which distinguishes its behavior in the field of a high-frequency wave from many other dielectrics, has been substantiated, and the influence of a large number of various disturbing factors has been studied, often the measurement results cannot be applied in the control of the technological process due to the uneliminated error, which is the cause of inaccurate information. Primary measuring transducers of electrophysical parameters of grain products are proposed, and their mathematical models are considered. A functional scheme of the measuring device based on the dielcometric method of moisture control of grain and granular materials has been developed, and metrological characteristics have been given.Read more

Cyber Threat Analysis (CTA) in current conflicts focuses on identifying, monitoring, and assessing potential cyber threats. The main objective is to understand how the parties to the conflict use information and network technologies to conduct warfare, espionage, disinformation, or attacks on digital infrastructure. This analysis includes the identification of actors involved in conflicts and their targets in cyberspace, as well as the analysis of techniques and tools used in cyber activities. The aim of the article is to identify the role of c...yber threat analysis in the context of two current conflicts - the war in Ukraine and the Hamas attack on Israel. The article describes the essence of cyber threat analysis. The research problem focuses on identifying and understanding the role of cyber threat analysis in these conflicts and their potential consequences for international security and regional stability. Through the analysis of reports, online sources, and scientific literature, the article aims to familiarize readers with the role of cyber threat analysis in the context of these conflicts and to propose possible strategies for cyber risk management in the face of contemporary armed conflicts. The results of the analysis of cyber threats (CTA) in current conflicts include the identification of specific actors operating in cyberspace, their modus operandi, their objectives, and the techniques and tools used. In addition, the analysis can reveal existing vulnerabilities in digital security and areas that are particularly vulnerable to attacks. To sum up, it is necessary to create recommendations and directions for changes regarding the strengthening of digital security measures, such as software updates, implementation of network security, and increasing staff awareness of cyber threats. In addition, the CTA may suggest the need for better international cooperation to combat cyber threats and the need to develop strategies to prevent and respond to cyber-attacks.Read more

Reconstruction of pulverized coal boilers BKZ (Barnaul Boiler Plant, steam productivity 160 t/h, pressure 100 kgf/cm2, fuel: natural gas/fuel oil) with steam productivity of 160 t/h, converted to gas combustion, and an increased load capacity to 210 t/h, has been carried out. As part of the boiler modernization, a chemical water treatment system was reconstructed, significantly improving the quality of feedwater: hardness not exceeding 0.3-0.5 µeq/kg; SiO2 not exceeding 18 µg/kg, and electrical conductivity Х=0.6-1.0 µS/cm. T...he previously used phosphate regime for boiler water was replaced with a chelant-based regimen using trilon B. During operation, widespread damage to the screen tubes occurred. Circulation tests were conducted on one of the boilers, and an analysis of internal deposits was performed.It was determined that water circulation in the side screen is stable, and its velocities correspond to calculated values. The main cause of metal ruptures in the screen tube is metal corrosion, as well as local overheating of the wall caused by the formation of a steam layer due to the detachment of internal deposits.Read more

The “System for Detecting Moving Objects Using 3D LiDAR Technology” introduces a groundbreaking method for precisely identifying and tracking dynamic entities within a given environment. By harnessing the capabilities of advanced 3D LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, the system constructs intricate three-dimensional maps of the surroundings using laser beams. Through continuous analysis of the evolving data, the system adeptly discerns and monitors the movement of objects within its designated area. What sets this syste...m apart is its innovative integration of a multi-sensor approach, combining LiDAR data with inputs from various other sensor modalities. This fusion of data not only enhances accuracy but also significantly boosts the system’s adaptability, ensuring robust performance even in challenging environmental conditions characterized by low visibility or erratic movement patterns. This pioneering approach fundamentally improves the precision and reliability of moving object detection, thereby offering a valuable solution for a diverse array of applications, including autonomous vehicles, surveillance, and robotics.Read more

This case study investigates the implementation of Virtual Reality (VR) technology in facilities management Competency-Based Training (CBT) within one of Singapore’s leading facilities and township management companies. Traditionally, workplace training in facility management has relied heavily on lecture-based methods, often resulting in insufficient preparation and a high turnover rate among newly onboarded staff. To address this challenge, this study explores the conversion of training materials into VR-based courseware, enabling immer...sive and interactive learning experiences.Two groups of newly onboarded staff underwent either traditional lecture-based or VR training sessions. Results indicate that those trained using VR exhibited a better comprehension of the material and higher levels of motivation compared to their counterparts in the traditional lecture-based group. However, it was noted that VR training carries the risk of cybersickness, with some participants reporting symptoms such as dizziness. To mitigate this issue, insights from existing literature on cybersickness are incorporated to enhance future VR training materials.This paper studies the application of VR in Facilities Management Competency-based training within the discourse of Industrie 5.0, the latest evolution of industrial technology that emphasizes human-machine collaboration and smart technologies such as VR. By leveraging VR technology for training purposes, this initiative aligns with the principles of Industrie 5.0, fostering innovation and efficiency in facility management practices. Overall, this research underscores the potential of VR in revolutionizing training methodologies within the practices of facilities management while addressing associated challenges to ensure optimal learning outcomes.Read more

Sri Lanka is facing an energy crisis due to insufficient exploitation of renewable energy resources and high reliance on imported fossil fuels. Building-integrated PV (BIPV) systems are one approach that provides various benefits in countries with limited land areas and congested metropolitan regions for ensuring energy security. This study was conducted to evaluate the rooftop solar PV capacity and yearly electricity generation potential in selected provinces in Sri Lanka. The study found 115 km2 of rooftop area for solar PV installation in fo...ur Sri Lankan provinces; Sabaragamuwa, Western, Northern, and North Central with approximately 25 GW of solar PV installation capacity could lead to annual electricity generation of 45 TWh which could reduce carbon emissions by 20 million tCO2 per year.Read more

The purpose of this article is to propose a model of an electric-fired brick oven, with the aim of eliminating the imperfections presented by traditional brick ovens. To complete this study, we used the concepts of heat transfer, and material resistance, as well as those of computer-aided mechanical design.Deemed satisfactory, the results found give a yield of 94.5% and a cooking time of 7.29 hours based on 2000 bricks cooked.

The operating experience of mechanical seals shows that as a result of angular deformations of the rings, the wear of the contact surfaces along the radius is uneven. When designing mechanical seals, it is necessary to calculate the amount of expected leakage through the seal, friction power consumption, as well as the possible durability of the unit. These calculated dependencies and estimates are obtained based on the constructed mechanical seal model. In the area of hydrodynamic load support in the case of a confusor joint or a converging fi...lm, the slope of the pressure diagram is such that a decrease in the film thickness increases the hydrodynamic support. This is referred to as enabling stable non-contact sealing operation. The execution of the rubbing surfaces of the interface of the end pair should ensure the formation of the calculated confusor shape of the sealing gap in all modes of operation and axisymmetric pressure fields during the rotation of the rotor.Read more

Today’s cadet leader is tomorrow’s officer, a professional capable of integrating knowledge and solving complex problems in a full-scale war with incomplete information, being a leader and authority for the personnel. Most of the time, cadets study in study groups using traditional technology, which is not enough to form a professional cadet leader. With the advent of computer technology, students’ and cadets’ motivation to learn using traditional teaching methods has paradoxically begun to decline rapidly. The problem o...f the quality of training of military specialists for the needs of communication and cybersecurity units is not reflected in the publications reviewed. However, significant progress has been made in the use of computer technology as the basis of training tools for ground forces units. Similar training complexes are actively used in NATO member states in the military education system in the training of air force pilots (navigators). Therefore, the author chose the improvement of the educational process at the Department of Combat Use of Communication Units in combination with the methodology of professional-business game for the development of a cadet leader in professional training courses (L-1B) of the tactical level of military education as the direction of research. The purpose of the study and the article is to substantiate the conceptual view of the department in the need to build a computerized training complex for training officers of leaders in professional training courses (L-1B) of the tactical level of military education, capable of using communication units based on computer games. Fragments of the game mechanics of stimulating the interest and motivation of cadets to study, for example, electronic shooting range, and learning Morse code, are considered. Game mechanics is a proof of a professional business game in the course of the discipline: Combat use of military communication systems and complexes of the course of professional military education (professional course of tactical level L1B).Read more

Fractals are complex structures that repeat themselves at several scales. Nature exhibits these in many forms like snowflakes, mountains, coastlines, the human brain/lungs/ nervous system, and many more. It appears that these are nature’s organic way of growth. Thus, there is an underlying science that works to grow or create these self-similar patterns. In this work, tin oxide-based fractals have been grown under laboratory conditions and applied to a gas-sensing field. The facile growth methodology successfully grows fractals on a large... scale. The tin oxide fractals have unique basic building units that connect and grow in different directions. These tin oxide fractals have successfully sensed ethanol vapors in the range of 20 ppm to 100 ppm. The best sensing response has also detected ethanol vapors as low as 10 ppm at room temperature with response and recovery times of 18 ± 3 s and 22 ± 5 s, respectively. The best sensing response recorded for such sensors was under 12 s. The characteristic fractal growth is attributed as the defining factor that enhances ethanol sensing at room temperature.Read more

The pervasive Internet of Things (IoT) integration has revolutionized industries such as medicine, environmental care, and urban development. The synergy between IoT devices and 5G cellular networks has further accelerated this transformation, providing ultra-high data rates and ultra-low latency. This connectivity enables various applications, including remote surgery, autonomous driving, virtual reality gaming, and AI-driven smart manufacturing. However, IoT devices’ real-time and high-volume messaging nature exposes them to potential m...alicious attacks. The implementation of encryption in such networks is challenging due to the constraints of IoT devices, including limited memory, storage, and processing bandwidth. In a previous work [1], we proposed an ongoing key construction process, introducing a pivotal pool to enhance network security. The protocol is designed with a probability analysis to ensure the existence of a shared key between any pair of IoT devices, with the predefined probability set by the system designer. However, our earlier model faced vulnerabilities such as the “parking lot attack” and physical attacks on devices, as highlighted in the conclusion section. We present a complementary solution to address these issues, fortifying our previous protocol against cyber threats. Our approach involves the implementation of an internal Certification Authority (CA) that issues certificates for each IoT device before joining the network.Furthermore, all encryption keys are distributed by the primary IoT device using the Unix OS ‘passwd’ mechanism. If a device “disappears,” all encryption keys are promptly replaced, ensuring continuous resilience against potential security breaches. This enhanced protocol establishes a robust security framework for IoT networks, safeguarding against internal and external threats.Read more

The current study examines the impact of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education in Saudi Arabia, specifically focusing on the roles of university teachers and students’ learning outcomes. It investigates the transformation of teaching practices, and the challenges faced by university teachers during AI integration, and identifies opportunities for collaboration and innovation. A quantitative research method using a survey questionnaire was employed to gather data and inform practical recommendations. The findings ind...icate that university teachers recognize the potential benefits of AI in education, but also highlight the need to address challenges for effective implementation. Participants perceive AI as a tool that enables more creative and engaging teaching methods, automates tasks, and brings about changes in teaching approaches. Difficulties in utilizing AI effectively and adapting to new teaching methods were identified. AI also offers opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and creating engaging learning environments. There were slight variations in perspectives based on gender and current role, with female university teachers and teaching assistants/professors perceiving higher impact and opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Participants with higher AI expertise perceived a greater impact of AI and fewer challenges. Those who aligned with the educational purposes of AI saw greater impact and opportunities for collaboration while acknowledging usage difficulties.Read more

The governing equations for the shear stress corresponding to some magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) motions of a large class of rate-type fluids are brought to light. In rectangular domains, the governing equations of velocity and shear stress are identical as form. The provided governing equations can be used to solve motion problems of such fluids when shear stress is prescribed on the boundary. For illustration, the motion in an infinite circular cylinder with shear stress on the boundary is discussed.

This paper tackles the vital issue of missing value imputation in data preprocessing, where traditional techniques like zero, mean, and KNN imputation fall short in capturing intricate data relationships. This often results in suboptimal outcomes, and discarding records with missing values leads to significant information loss. Our innovative approach leverages advanced transformer models renowned for handling sequential data. The proposed predictive framework trains a transformer model to predict missing values, yielding a marked improvement i...n imputation accuracy. Comparative analysis against traditional methods—zero, mean, and KNN imputation—consistently favors our transformer model. Importantly, LSTM validation further underscores the superior performance of our approach. In hourly data, our model achieves a remarkable R2 score of 0.96, surpassing KNN imputation by 0.195. For daily data, the R2 score of 0.806 outperforms KNN imputation by 0.015 and exhibits a notable superiority of 0.25 over mean imputation. Additionally, in monthly data, the proposed model’s R2 score of 0.796 excels, showcasing a significant improvement of 0.1 over mean imputation. These compelling results highlight the proposed model’s ability to capture underlying patterns, offering valuable insights for enhancing missing values imputation in data analyses.Read more

Sarcasm, a standard social media message, delivers the opposite meaning through irony or teasing. Unfortunately, identifying sarcasm in written text is difficult in natural language processing. The work aims to create an effective sarcasm detection model for social media text data, with possible applications in sentiment analysis, social media analytics, and online reputation management. A hybrid Deep learning strategy is used to construct an effective sarcasm detection model for written content on social media networks. The design emphasizes f...eature extraction, selection, and neural network application. Limited research exists on detecting sarcasm in human speech compared to emotion recognition. The study recommends using Word2Vec or TF-IDF for feature extraction to address memory and temporal constraints. Use feature selection techniques like PCA or LDA to enhance model performance by selecting relevant features. A Capsule Neural Network (CNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) collect contextual information and sequential dependencies in textual material. We evaluate Reddit datasets with labelled sarcasm data using metrics like Accuracy. Our hybrid method gets 95.60% accuracy on Reddit.Read more

With the development of science and technology, almost everyone uses 3C (Computer, Communication, and Consumer Electronics) products and can search for information online, play games, chat with others, etc. at any time. Coupled with the impact of the pandemic, school teachers and students cannot go to school and can only use online teaching and distance learning. This requires teachers to quickly learn the relevant knowledge of using information technology for teaching, such as the operation of equipment, online teaching, etc. Establishment of ...meeting rooms. To this day, the Ministry of Education actively promotes digital teaching in primary and secondary schools based on international trends and domestic policy developments. The paper introduced the policy and current state of the application of educational technology in Taiwan.Read more

This study provides a novel way to detect duplicate questions in the Stack Overflow community, posing a daunting problem in natural language processing. Our proposed method leverages the power of deep learning by seamlessly merging Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks to capture both local nuances and long-term relationships inherent in textual input. Word embeddings, notably Google’s Word2Vec and GloVe, raise the bar for text representation to new heights. Extensive studies on the Stack Overflow ...dataset demonstrate the usefulness of our approach, generating excellent results. The combination of CNN and LSTM models improves performance while streamlining preprocessing, establishing our technology as a viable piece in the arsenal for duplicate question detection. Aside from Stack Overflow, our technique has promise for various question-and-answer platforms, providing a robust solution for finding similar questions and paving the path for advances in natural language processing.Read more

By measurements on single nanocrystals of indium antimonide in the interelectrode nanogap of a scanning probe microscope, current-voltage characteristics with quasiperiodic current pulsations, are explained in the model of Bloch oscillations in a perfect nanocrystal, and individual sharp peaks - conductivity resonances, explained in the model of quantum-size limitation of the wave process of electron transport in a deep potential hole. The mutual influence of radiation from two statistical ensembles of nanocrystals from the same batch was exper...imentally studied and established. It is assumed that this radiation is entangled photons. It is proposed to use nanocrystals in nanoelectronics as a single-electron memristor, a single-photon bolometer, and a source of microwave radiation.Read more

The aim of the study is to develop a methodology for a professional-business game for the development of a cadet leader in professional training courses (L-1B) of the tactical level of military education on the example of teaching the discipline “Combat use of military communication systems and complexes”. After all, the most important prerequisite for the combat potential of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is a comprehensively trained officer-leader, his consciousness, knowledge, skills, military-technical qualifications, creative and ...innovative activity, developed emotional and volitional sphere of the psyche, beliefs, motivation, and ideals. The article summarizes the research on the state of development of a cadet leader in Ukraine. In the context of a full-scale war, there is a need to strengthen the development of the personality of a cadet leader (a future officer of the tactical level of military education). Today’s cadet-leader is tomorrow’s officer-leader, capable of integrating knowledge and solving complex problems in new or unfamiliar environments with incomplete or limited information, being a leader and authority for the personnel. Therefore, the scientific and practical task arises to consider aspects of the development of the personality of a cadet leader and to modernize the process of his development, for example, in the courses of professional military education L-1B (tactical level of military education) in terms of the disciplines of the Department of Combat Use of Communication Units. The periodization of cadets’ adaptation to the new educational space and service activities is considered, the optimal period of leader growth is determined, and the mechanism itself is proposed. The article separately identifies the key tasks for the selection of academic staff and admission to the educational process. The methodology of the professional and business game for the development of a cadet leader in professional training courses (L-1B) of the tactical level of military education is developed on the example of teaching the discipline “Combat use of military communication systems and complexes”. The scientific novelty of the work is the improved educational process of training and development of a cadet leader in professional training courses (L-1B) of the tactical level of military education by reformatting group classes in the traditional format into a professional business game for the positions of officers with the introduction of typical and atypical (force majeure) training tasks for cadets in everyday activities in new or unfamiliar environments in the presence of incomplete or limited information.Read more

The contemporary landscape of higher education resonates with the dynamic interplay of globalization’s monumental forces, cultural diversity, and transformative educational paradigms. This scholarly inquiry navigates the complex terrain of higher education institutions (HEIs) within the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), unraveling the intricate tapestry of educational challenges amidst globalization’s pervasive influence. The research embarks on an odyssey through a holistic examination of HEIs’ responses to global fo...rces, aiming to decipher the transformative journey and its implications for societal transformation. Globalization, a multifaceted phenomenon, has revolutionized higher education, driving a shift from traditional to diversified pedagogical models. However, this transformative journey presents a myriad of challenges and opportunities for HEIs. The study underscores the pivotal role of internationalization and cultural inclusivity in reshaping the educational landscape. Challenges faced by HEIs in adapting to globalized learning environments, reluctance to embrace cultural diversity, and limitations in fostering cross-cultural competencies among students emerge as focal points. This research contributes a novel perspective by delineating the barriers hindering the internationalization of educational settings, offering insights into strategies for fostering inclusive learning environments. Emphasizing the significance of embracing cultural diversity, the study recommends recalibrating institutional policies and practices. These findings resonate beyond academic discourse, influencing practical implications for real-world educational settings. In conclusion, this research emphasizes the imperative for HEIs to adapt and innovate in response to globalization, fostering inclusive learning environments to equip students with the requisite skills for navigating a diverse, interconnected world. Leveraging these insights, institutions can contribute to societal transformation and the holistic development of students, shaping a future aligned with global competencies and enriched cultural understanding.Read more

The use of polycarboxylate ether superplasticizer PCE in the preparation of mortars and concretes influences the hydration kinetics and the amount of total heat released. This leads to a modification of certain properties of the mortar, namely workability, calorimetry and mechanical resistance. In this study two ether polycarboxylate superplasticizers with different chemical structures were used; they were incorporated at different dosages into a standardized cement-based mortar. The objective of this work is to study the effectiveness of these... superplasticizers and to select the most compatible product with cement and the most suitable for use according to the climates of the country. The impact of superplasticizers on fresh cement was studied by measuring the Marsh cone flow time and calorimetric measurement. In the hardened state, the mechanical properties were provided by measuring the compressive strength. The results show that low dosages of ether polycarboxylate superplasticizer promote grain hydration and produce more heat. On the other hand, high dosages delay the contact of the cement grains with the mixing water and cause a reduction in the final heat released and a delay in setting. The ether polycarboxylate superplasticizer with high carboxylic density gives the best mechanical resistance compressive at 7 and 28 days.Read more

The textile sector has great relevance in the Brazilian socioeconomic context, generating large volumes of effluents of varied composition, with dyes being one of the most worrying contaminants due to their characteristics of high solubility, harmfulness and low degradability. Among them the Reafix Yellow B8G (ARB8G) dye has an azo nature, harmful to organisms in the aquatic environment. According to Brazilian laws, it is recommended to dispose of waste through incineration or landfill, due to its resistance to biodegradation. One of the method...s for treating effluents is the adsorption of contaminants using materials with adsorption capacity, such as residue from the burning of biomass in boilers (ash). The general objective of this work was to evaluate the adsorption kinetics by contact time of the ARB8G dye by boiler ash. The test was based on mixing the adsorbent material with a dye solution at 75 mg.L-1, at constant temperature and stirring at different time intervals. To quantify the amount of adsorbed dye, the UV-Vis spectrometry method was used. The kinetic test indicated an equilibrium time of 30 minutes, with 100% removal under the tested conditions. From this result and considering that boiler residue is an underutilized and low-cost material, it is concluded that this substance has significant potential to be applied as an alternative material for the treatment of effluents containing dyes.Read more

Semantic segmentation is the most significant deep learning technology. At present, automatic assisted driving (Autopilot) is widely used in real-time driving, but if there is a deviation in object detection in real vehicles, it can easily lead to misjudgment. Turning and even crashing can be quite dangerous. This paper seeks to propose a model for this problem to increase the accuracy of discrimination and improve security. It proposes a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)+ Holistically-Nested Edge Detection (HED) combined with Spatial Pyr...amid Pooling (SPP). Traditionally, CNN is used to detect the shape of objects, and the edge may be ignored. Therefore, adding HED increases the robustness of the edge, and finally adds SPP to obtain modules of different sizes, and strengthen the detection of undetected objects. The research results are trained in the CityScapes street view data set. The accuracy of Class mIoU for small objects reaches 77.51%, and Category mIoU for large objects reaches 89.95%.Read more

The article examines the priorities and prospects of the road map for the development of renewable energy using the example of Turkmenistan. The main scientific conditions of the goal, objectives, principles of public policy, a heterogeneous class of renewable technologies, the main scientific conditions of the road map for sustainable development, the environmental aspect of climate change, mitigation potential, and costs are presented. The compiled roadmap for the use of renewable energy sources outlines the expected energy, economic, and env...ironmental effects from the use of renewable energy technologies in remote areas from the centralized power line. The author believes that the outlined development roadmap for the use of renewable energy sources will become the basis for drawing up programs in other countries, depending on natural, climatic, and geographical conditions. Thus, the road map for the development of renewable energy sources, the use of local renewable energy resources, can reduce the need for fossil fuels in some cases by up to 80% and will significantly reduce the anthropogenic load on the environment. The introduction of renewable energy sources is one of the most relevant and promising for the development of the desert and the fight against desertification in the Karakum.Read more

The rapid development of wearable technology provides new opportunities for action data processing and classification techniques. Wearable sensors can monitor the physiological and motion signals of the human body in real-time, providing rich data sources for health monitoring, sports analysis, and human-computer interaction. This paper provides a comprehensive review of motion data processing and classification techniques based on wearable sensors, mainly including feature extraction techniques, classification techniques, and future developmen...t and challenges. First, this paper introduces the research background of wearable sensors, emphasizing their important applications in health monitoring, sports analysis, and human-computer interaction. Then, it elaborates on the work content of action data processing and classification techniques, including feature extraction, model construction, and activity recognition. In feature extraction techniques, this paper focuses on the content of shallow feature extraction and deep feature extraction; in classification techniques, it mainly studies traditional machine learning models and deep learning models. Finally, this paper points out the current challenges and prospects for future research directions. Through in-depth discussions of feature extraction techniques and classification techniques for sensor time series data in wearable technology, this paper helps promote the application and development of wearable technology in health monitoring, sports analysis, and human-computer interaction.Index Terms: Activity recognition, Wearable sensor, Feature extraction, ClassificationRead more

Cinema, apart from its entertaining prospect, can flourish knowledge in various fields of daily life and, in particular, in the understanding of the natural world. It could be even embedded in the educational system, at all levels, so as to convey concepts that may be difficult for students in an enjoyable and understandable way. In this mini-review, the educational dimension of the cinema and the related television series is discussed, through the presentation of concepts and phenomena relevant to the natural sciences that have been approached... with characteristic scenes of popular cinema movies of our times. We present case studies from physics and astronomy, mathematics, materials science, and engineering that can be easily embedded in the educational curriculum. Notwithstanding the fact that watching movies cannot replace the traditional educational method, it can pose as an alternative, complementary tool for educators.Read more

The article obtained systematized, scientifically substantiated gross, technical, economic, and environmental energy resource potentials from the introduction and use of solar energy technologies. The technical, economic, and environmental priorities of power plants were assessed in terms of energy efficiency, fuel economy, and the environmental impact per square meter from conversion to thermal and electrical energy in the city of Arkadag.The calculated results are, kWh/m2 per year: gross resource potential of solar energy - 1844.6; the techni...cal potential for conversion into thermal and electrical energy is equal to - 1256.44 and 242.44; economic - 502.6 and 96.98 kg fuel equivalent/m2 per year; environmental reduction in emissions of various harmful substances into the environment when using solar photovoltaic modules in the city of Arkadag will be: with annual electricity generation per m2 - 242.44 kW⋅h, annual fuel consumption savings - 96.96 kg. e., the reduction in emissions will be, kg per year: SO2 – 2.0; NOx – 1.1; CO – 0.14; CH4 – 0.29; CO2 – 155.0; solids – 0.21; when converted into thermal energy per m2 and annual production of 1256.4 kW⋅h, annual fuel savings are 502.6 kg of fuel equivalent; emission reduction will be, kg per year: SO2 – 10.4; NOx – 5.6; CO – 0.73; CH4 – 1.53; CO2 – 803.5; solids – 1.1.Empirical equations (1-5) have been obtained taking into account the gross, technical, economic, and environmental resource potentials of solar energy in the city of Arkadag, it is possible to carry out energy and environmental forecasting when drawing up a feasibility study.Read more

A new design of a fine positioner or high precision driven unit with a large positioning range is proposed for a custom-made in-situ indenter device equipped inside an SEM chamber. The design configuration of the proposed system is size-effective for the confined working area of the SEM chamber. The indentation depths can be precisely varied by controlling the fine positioner driven by a piezoelectric actuator. The main goal is to achieve very deep penetrations toward the bottom layers of tall or large-size scale specimens by single indentation..., without the need for sequential indentations. Thus, the proposed design can eliminate the need for sequential adjustments of the specimen position with respect to the indenter tip as currently being practiced by the researchers. The specimen position adjustment after each indentation heavily depends on the coarse positioner and its accuracy level in a sub-millimeter regime which could result in position errors and unwanted lateral forces in the nanoindentation process. Therefore, the sequential indentations technique could lead to considerable variations in the outcomes of nanoindentation tests done on similar specimens. The proposed design will be realized to deploy in the Continuous Stiffness Measurement (CSM) techniques generally used to evaluate elastic properties as a function of continuous penetration depth with high-frequency loading and unloading cycles.Read more

People are suffering from” data obesity” as a result of the expansion and quick development of various Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and machine learning fields. The management of the current techniques is becoming more challenging due to the data created in the Smart-Health and Fintech service sectors. To provide stable and reliable methods for processing the data, several Machine Learning (ML) techniques were applied. Due to privacy-related issues with the aforementioned two providers, ML cannot fully use the data, whi...ch becomes difficult since it might not give the results that were expected. When the misuse and exploitation of personal data were gaining attention on a global scale and traditional machine learning (CML) was facing difficulties, Google introduced the concept of Federated Learning (FL). In order to enable the cooperative training of machine learning models among several organizations under privacy requirements, federated learning has been a popular research area. The expectation and potential of federated learning in terms of smart-health and fintech services are the main topics of this research.Read more

All professional technical assessment processes are fraught with uncertainty. If a decision is premised upon the result, the decision maker must understand the reliability of the performed assessment. A causal theory application is developed utilizing distinct (linguistic, ordered) terms and continuous (numerical) variables. It uncouples the methods from the result of the assessment obtained and focuses on those aspects that are important to the reliability assessment of the conclusion, not the answer itself. Matrices provide a means of charact...erizing the uncertainty of the methods and information available for each principal issue impacting the reliability. These matrices are determined as paired qualitative assessments of the Quality of the Measures Used and the Quality of Implementation of component description measures. Each is qualified by two to five grades, allowing three, five, seven, or nine quality distinctions for the assessed element. Uncertainty β values are determined for each component of the assessment combined by either an RMS procedure or a weighted average and converting a numerical value back to a consistent linguistic term. This procedure yields a basis for using good judgment while being sensible and reasonably cautious by independently determining the reliability using a carefully considered approach. California State University has assessed seismic retrofit priorities for 56 buildings using this method and has committed to its continuing use as its retrofit priority evaluation tool.Read more