Advanced Engineering Days (AED)

Development of plastic scintillator with thermal polymerization

2023-12-16T13:05:23+00:00

In this study, development of a lastic scintillator based on polystyrene and doped with 1,4-bis[2-(phenyloxazole)]-benzene (POP) and 2,5 diphenyloxazole (PPO) was produced using the thermal polymerization process is studied. Plastic scintillators are used for the detection of radiation and they are vital for the radiation safety and protection. Thermal polymerization was used and the monomer were used after removal of retarder via alumina. The scintillation was confirmed with the radiation detector.

Mathematical correlations of machine learning, which is a component of artificial intelligence

2023-12-16T13:08:01+00:00

Artificial intelligence can be explained as a mathematical phenomenon. Artificial intelligence comes together from systems that imitate human intelligence. Driverless cars, robots, vacuum cleaners, games are used in automated trading, corporate resource management. In general; robots and unmanned aircraft can be produced with artificial intelligence. The main basis that creates artificial intelligence is mathematics. Machine Learning has also become an indispensable part of our lives today as a sub-branch of artificial intelligence. In this study, the literature review was conducted and the studies about Machine Learning were mentioned. The findings obtained by establishing mathematical correlations are explained.

Determination of long-term water surface level change in lakes by integration of UAV and satellite data and future estimation with ARIMA

2023-12-16T13:10:33+00:00

Lakes are the largest element of freshwater bodies on the Earth's surface and play an important role in the Earth's water cycle. Inland water bodies, such as natural lakes and human-made reservoirs, are vital for supplying drinking water. Some saltwater lakes, such as Lake Burdur, are not used for drinking water but are home to endangered animal and plant species. Accurate and regular monitoring of inland water bodies and estimation of future water levels are crucial for ecological conservation and management of water resources. In this study, the water surface level (WSL) changes in Lake Burdur, a Ramsar site, between 1984 and 2022 were investigated by integrating the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) obtained by Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and shoreline information obtained from Landsat mission. In addition, annual water level elevation changes between 2022 and 2040 were estimated with the AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) time series analysis model. As a result of the study, correlation between water level and reference data was determined with r= 0.999 and an average error margin of 31 cm. In the future forecast obtained with the ARIMA model, it is seen that the water level height decreases to 830,61 m.

Analysis of bus accidents by use of geographic information systems

2023-12-16T13:12:54+00:00

In today's modern world, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play an important role in effectively processing intricate location data. This multi-purpose technology is successful in collecting, storing, processing and managing location-related data in various fields such as City Information Systems, Traffic Information Systems, Vehicle Tracking Information Systems and Map Information Systems. Its applications contain multiple sectors, greatly improving our lives and providing solutions to numerous challenges. Notably, GIS holds promise in metropolises where high population density and excessive vehicle use cause traffic congestion and accidents. The process begins with the compilation of historical accident data, creating datasets for meaningful analysis. This analysis reveals accident-prone locations, paving the way for targeted improvements and accident reduction. Considering Istanbul, a metropolis where daily public transportation served 8,095,092 passengers in 2023, faced an average of 45 bus accidents per day. In this study, it is examined how GIS can be combined with public transportation analysis and what kind of improvements can be made to prevent these accidents.

GIS-based analysis approach for metro and bus integration in public transportation

2023-12-16T13:15:36+00:00

In metropolitan cities, public transportation is always a sign of civilization. Geographic information Systems (GIS) aided map-based applications play an important role in studies on public transportation. Within the scope of this study, Istanbul Transportation payment system data, all trip data and public transportation routes are evaluated together. Integration and optimization studies have been carried out between buses and metros with the use of these data sets. Study; the route started by importing the stops, routes and timetables for all modes into the Visum simulation model. All fare systems applied in Istanbul were integrated into the model separately. District-based analyses were made for the randomly selected day of May 22, 2023, and passenger movements were analyzed in hourly breakdowns. The movements of 7,693,856 daily trips made by a total of 4,414,292 passengers were examined. Analyzes of the current model and actual trip values were performed. Hourly-based travel analyses were realized. It has shown that GIS can be used efficiently in integrated transportation for Istanbul.

Analysis of security challenges in SCADA systems, a technical review on automated real-time systems

2023-12-16T13:19:35+00:00

Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing concern in many technological areas of the industrial economy. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are particularly vulnerable to cyber-attacks and must be equipped with the appropriate tools and techniques to detect attacks, accurately distinguish them from normal traffic, overcome cyberattacks when they are present and to prevent them from disrupting these systems. The three main goals of IT cybersecurity are confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA), but these three goals have different levels of importance in the technology industry operational (OT), where availability comes before confidentiality and integrity. Cloud cyberattacks are increasing rapidly, posing a major challenge to such systems. One of the layers of security in both IT and OT are honeypots. Honeypots are used as a security layer to mitigate attacks, known attacker techniques, and network and system vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. In this paper, we recommend the use of SCADA honeypots for the early detection of possible malicious intrusions within a network of SCADA devices, where an analysis of SCADA honeypots gives us the opportunity to know which protocols are attacked most often, as well as the behaviors, locations and attackers' intentions. We use an ICS/SCADA honeypot called Conpot, which simulates real ICS/SCADA systems with several ICS protocols and ICS/SCADA PLCs.

ChatGPT in Albanian higher education: Transformation of learning and virtual interaction

2023-12-16T13:22:16+00:00

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education has brought about significant improvements in the efficiency of the educational process, global learning promotion, personalized learning experiences, intelligent content creation, and the optimization of educational management. AI, as a technology, holds great potential in education, particularly in fostering personalized learning tailored to the individual needs and interests of each student. However, the implementation of AI in education presents challenges and ethical considerations, such as data privacy, equitable access to education, and the evolving role of educators. Striking a balance between technology and the essential role of educators is crucial to ensure a focus on holistic student development and preparation for a changing world. Despite the recent introduction of ChatGPT, there is a lack of systematic reviews on its impact on education. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to analyze existing situation on the use of ChatGPT inhiger education in Albania, addressing questions about the state of scientific research, benefits and challenges of implementation, and future trends in the field. An online questionnaire will be proposed and distributed to obtain this information. The collected data will be elaborated on and analyzed.

Applications of the Helmholtz equation

2023-12-16T13:25:30+00:00

In this paper, we are talking about the Helmholtz equation and its physical meaning. Helmholtz equation is used to solve problems in physics such as seismology, electromagnetic radiation, and acoustics. It applies to a wide variety of situations that arise in electromagnetics and acoustics. It is also equivalent to the wave equation assuming a single frequency. In water waves, it arises when we Remove The Depth Dependence. Often there is then a cross over from the study of water waves to the study of scattering problems more generally. Also, if we perform a Cylindrical Eigenfunction Expansion we find that the modes all decay rapidly as distance goes to infinity except for the solutions which satisfy Helmholtz's equation. This means that many asymptotic results in linear water waves can be derived from results in acoustic or electromagnetic scattering.

Electrochemical analysis of corrosion inhibitor synthesized using chlorine organomixture and ammonia

2023-12-16T13:28:07+00:00

The article discusses the physicochemical properties of phosphorus-nitrogen-containing corrosion inhibitors for the oil and gas industry. As a result of the synthesis, corrosion inhibitors of metals were obtained and their level of protection was checked. CEM results were studied.

Protection of buildings on a university campus from lightning strikes

2023-12-16T13:30:39+00:00

This study aims to analyze and propose effective methodologies for lightning protection on university campuses. Lightning strikes can be a potential hazard and can lead to serious consequences for the safety and well-being of members of the university community and the many laboratory and information technology equipment that support the academic process. To meet this challenge, we propose an integral approach that includes advanced meteorological monitoring, advanced warning system, and appropriate building infrastructure to reduce the impact of lightning strikes, through a transient electromagnetic wave propagation analysis model. of lightning in the protective net placed on the terraces of the buildings. By means of this simulated study with the help of the ATPDraw software package, we calculate the values of voltages and discharge currents and do their analysis. Based on the results of this study, it is intended to draw up guidelines and standards for the protection of the university campus from lightning strikes, thus ensuring a safe and stable environment for all participants of this community.

A comparative study on the lateral displacement response of short monopiles with different plug materials

2023-12-16T13:32:42+00:00

Today wind energy is regarded as a major source in the energy market and power generation. An offshore wind turbine is supported by a stable platform located above the ocean surface, together with a combination of rotor-nacelle-tower structure and the foundation. In the most often used system, the tower is fixed onto the monopile foundation by a transition piece. Monopiles are large-scale steel pipes that are often driven into the seabed by impact; their typical dimensions range from 8 m to 10 m in diameter, 30 m to 40 m in length, and weigh as much as 1000 tons. In this study, a small-scale monopile foundation with different plug materials is modeled using the Plaxis 3D finite element software.

Lymph nodes and their role in immunity

2023-12-16T13:34:43+00:00

Lymph nodes play crucial role in the immune system cell development and response. The spleen, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue and lymph nodes are the secondary (peripheral) lymphoid organs, but they constitute the immune system. It is known that lymph nodes in the class of secondary (peripheral) lymphoid organs with different functions have different shapes (round, oval or bean-shaped). Lymph nodes connected to each other by lymphatic vessels are located in different regions (thorax, axilla, abdomen, inguinal region and neck region). Lymph nodes are important to generate immune response against foreign molecules in our body. In this proceeding study, we will be reviewing the lymph nodes and their functions in the immunity.

Exploration of the Pb-Zn deposit using IP/Resistivity methods: A case study in Sudöşeği (Simav-Kütahya)

2023-12-16T13:39:18+00:00

The investigation of Pb-Zn deposits holds significant importance in fulfilling the worldwide need for lead and zinc, crucial elements utilized in a wide range of industries, including battery manufacturing and construction. Preliminary geological investigations conducted in the Sudöşeği region of Simav-Kütahya have revealed the existence of favorable conditions conducive to the occurrence of Pb-Zn mineralization. The Sudöşeği region located in Simav-Kütahya has been recognized as a highly prospective area for the occurrence of lead-zinc (Pb-Zn) mineral deposits. This study utilizes the induced polarization (IP) and resistivity methods to effectively characterize subsurface geological structures and evaluate the potential for a Pb-Zn deposit. Geophysical techniques provide valuable insights into the variations in conductivity and chargeability of the subsurface, thereby assisting in the identification of mineralized zones. The results of our study demonstrate noteworthy associations between atypical IP and resistivity patterns and established geological characteristics, thereby confirming the efficacy of this integrated methodology in the field of mineral exploration. Chargeability values were observed in profile L 100, which is one of the profiles where geophysical methods were employed. These values were identified as potential indicators of mineralization. This case study exemplifies the significant role played by IP and resistivity methods in the identification of Pb-Zn deposits, highlighting their effectiveness in improving resource assessment and extraction strategies.

Examination of buildings with different number of floors using non-linear time history analysis according to TBEC-2018 and EC 8 seismic codes

2023-12-16T13:41:15+00:00

As a result of the earthquakes that have occurred on the earth from the past to the present, the issue of earthquake performance of structures has come to the fore in structural and earthquake engineering. In Turkey, with the Turkish Seismic Code (TSC-2007) conditions were defined for the first time in the regulation for the evaluation and reinforcement of existing structures. Within the scope of this research, the carrier system; Consisting of a unhollow reinforced concrete shear wall frame system with high ductility, located in the 1st degree seismic zone, having the same floor formwork plan; The seismic performance evaluation of 10, 15 and 20 storey existing reinforced concrete buildings was made by using nonlinear time history analysis according to Turkish Building Earthquake Code 2018 (TBEC-2018) and Eurocode 8 (EC 8) earthquake codes. Within the scope of the study, SAP200 (v25) computer software was used for modeling of the structures and performance analysis. In scope of the data obtained, it has been determined that TBEC-2018 is on the safer side compared to Eurocode 8.

Investigation of stone deterioration in Gaziantep Historical Gümrük Inn

2023-12-16T13:43:42+00:00

In traditional stone structures, the strength value and durability of the stone are important in terms of transferring the structure to future generations. It is important for the structures to determine the deterioration and causes of the deterioration on the surface of the stone as a result of climatic and external factors and to offer solutions. In this study, the deterioration of the Histroical Gümrük Inn in Gaziantep is discussed. In this context, the deterioration was visually examined, classified and analyzed as physical, chemical, biological and anthropogenic. It is aimed that the data obtained from the study will be the basis for the conservation projects to be carried out in the coming years.

Investigation of stone deterioration in Gaziantep Kumandan Fountain

2023-12-16T13:46:05+00:00

In traditional stone structures, the strength value and durability of the stone are important in terms of transferring the structure to future generations. It is important for the structures to determine the deterioration and causes of the deterioration on the surface of the stone as a result of climatic and external factors and to offer solutions. In this study, the deterioration of the Commander Fountain in Gaziantep is discussed. In this context, the deterioration was visually examined, classified and analyzed as physical, chemical, biological and anthropogenic. It is aimed that the data obtained from the study will be the basis for the conservation projects to be carried out in the coming years.

The impact of alternative fuels to diesel in reducing pollution from vehicles

2023-12-16T13:48:39+00:00

The main source of energy for vehicles is currently internal combustion engines. These engines emit the main pollutants carbon oxide, carbon dioxide, hidrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and particles matters into the atmosphere. The biggest polluter of nitrogen oxides and particles are diesel engines. For this purpose, the addition of alternative fuels ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, and Fisher-tropsch fuel to conventional diesel fuel in the amount of 5-15% has been studied, to see their impact on the reduction of carbon dioxide and pollution. For this, the analytical method of carbon dioxide calculation, experimental data from the literature and experimental measurements of the opacity coefficient were used. From the obtained results, it results that in reduction of CO₂ affect more the fuels B15 up to 11.5%, M-15 up to 9%, FT 15 up to 7.5% and E-15 up to 6%. Also, M 15 has the greatest impact on the reduction of particles and nitrogen oxides with a reduction of 45% and 30% respectively, followed by E 15 with 30% and 20% and B15 and FT15 with 30% and 25%. Experimental measurements of the opacity coefficient confirm that the use of M15 and E15 fuels reduces pollution by 35% and 25%.

Estimation of surface urban heat island (SUHI) effect over four populated cities of Andhra Pradesh state of India

2023-12-16T13:50:11+00:00

This work reports the probable effect of population ingress in generating urban heat islands over four cities of Andhra Pradesh state of India. We identified twenty-six UHIs and chose four UHIs based on the population data. The period from 1961 to 1990 was selected as the reference period, and 2003 to 2020 was selected as the study period to determine the deviations in mean temperatures. We framed a methodology to filter and select the UHIs to know the effect of SUHI using online resources for data and plots that are free of cost and user-friendly. One out of four UHIs exhibited a stronger deviation in night-time temperatures than in day-time temperatures. We observed that the rise in population equally contributes to the temperature deviations over the long term in the selected areas. We conclude that the population ingress may influence land surface temperatures and induce the SUHI effect.

Investigation of headway distribution of traffic dominated by motorcycles

2023-12-16T13:53:49+00:00

The use of lower class vehicles such as two or three wheelers have become the preferred urban transport in some developing countries. However, most of the traffic theories adopted are from developed countries where cars are prevalent. The headway probability distribution models can be used to describe vehicle-to-vehicle interactions. Most of these distributions are parametric and makes an underlining assumption about the data. A case study was conducted to investigate the performance of the different probability distributions that best describes the vehicle to vehicle interaction of motorcycle dominated road in Bida, Niger state Nigeria. The different parametric distributions and non-parametric distribution (Kernel) of the data were tested for the goodness-of-fit. The test results indicate that the kernel distribution fits best with improved P-values which in turn gives a better description for the headways than other distribution models considered. This study can serve as a foundation for developing generalized headway models in developing countries.

A techno-economic analysis of a single-axis tracked bifacial photovoltaic plant connected in Albanian distribution system

2023-12-16T13:56:18+00:00

This paper presents a techno-economic analysis of a 10 MWp photovoltaic (PV) plant installed in the south-west of Albania. To increase its performance, a single-axis solar tracking system with bifacial modules has been chosen. Moreover, the optimal design and sizing of the PV plant is determined through software, considering various factors. In this context, the results show that the annual yield of the on-grid PV system will be 1,670 kWh/kWp. In the same vein, the calculations present that the internal rate of return IRR is 20.6%, which indicates that the project will have a positive return on the investment value. Meanwhile the payback period of the investment is 4.8 years, which is considered as an investment that provides high income. These values are quite attractive for investors. On the other hand, the impact of this PV system on the distribution system parameters has been studied. While an improvement is seen in the voltage levels of the nodes, some of the lines and transformers show technical losses due to their loading.

Obtaining and testing results of PF-1 brand corrosion inhibitor obtained based on the processing of chlorinated organic waste used in the oil and gas industry

2023-12-16T13:59:13+00:00

The article examines the physical and chemical properties of corrosion inhibitors obtained on the basis of the processing of organochlorine waste for the oil and gas industry. Corrosion inhibitors of metals were obtained as a result of the synthesis and their level of protection was checked. The results of IR and NMR spectra were studied.

Evaluating the performance of object-based machine learning and deep learning models in classifying different maize genotypes with multispectral UAV imagery

2023-12-16T14:05:20+00:00

Modern remote sensing technologies play a critical role in agricultural applications, especially in recent years with the advances in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies and artificial intelligence. Remotely sensed imagery is an invaluable data source for sustainable agricultural activities, such as precision agriculture. This study evaluates a comparative analysis of the performance of machine learning (ML) and deep learning models in classifying 12 different maize genotopies from multispectral UAV images. In this context, ortho mosaic and canopy height model obtained from UAV-mounted multispectral camera of the study area in Kirazca Agricultural Enterprise located in Arifiye district of Sakarya province were used as a main dataset. The object-based classification results show that the overall accuracy (OA) of the crop maps produced with the Rotation Forest (RotFor) and Canonical Correlation Forest algorithms was approximately 80%, while the OA value was 74.18% for Support Vector Machine algorithm. On the other hand, the popular U-Net model outperformed the ML-based models with an OA value of 97.61%. Individual class accuracy analyses revealed that the RotFor algorithm attained F-score values exceeding 90% for only 2 maize genotypes (i.e., Com. Sw. and Com. Ar.), whereas F-score values calculated with the U-Net model surpassed 95% for all 12 genotypes.

3D modelling of cultural heritage with point cloud generation by integrating UAV and terrestrial photogrammetry techniques

2023-12-16T14:09:12+00:00

In today's context, the preservation of cultural heritage, its transmission to future generations, and the archival in the digital environment for architectural restoration have gained momentum beyond traditional methods. In architectural restoration, surveying involves scaling and documenting the current state of structures, examining the urban design, and providing a basis for restoration projects. Photogrammetry is a commonly used method in documenting cultural heritage. In this study, UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and terrestrial photogrammetry methods were integrated for the purpose of creating a 3D point cloud and modelling a historical building in the Yıldız Technical University Davutpaşa Campus. The building, formerly the Mızraklı Süvari Alayı Koğuşu belonging to the military, has been restored as a guesthouse. In this context, for the application of terrestrial photogrammetry in the study, 11 survey marks were established surrounding the guesthouse facades. Additionally, 205 control points were set for the facades, and a geodetic network was established in the study area for the geodetic measurements of control points. Subsequently, 554 photos were taken for the facades with an overlap ratio of 80%. For roof modelling, aerial photogrammetry was used, and 33 roof images were obtained using DJI Zenmuse P1 as the UAV. All acquired data were processed in Agisoft Metashape software to generate a 3D model. The accuracy of the results was evaluated by comparing them with ground truth values, assessing the usability of the methods in surveying studies.

LULC mapping accuracy enhancement through multispectral UAV imagery with nDSM integration

2023-12-16T14:11:13+00:00

The requirement of land use and land cover (LULC) maps as a base in large variety of applications make necessary to improve low-cost and high accuracy production methods. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) present cost-effective alternatives for generating LULC maps when compared to traditional methods and stand out with advanced multispectral sensing technologies. This study aims to assess the multi-class LULC mapping performance of multispectral UAVs and enhance it through the integration of auxiliary data sources, in 11-classes study area. Specifically, high-accuracy normalized digital surface model (nDSM) was generated and incorporated into the classification process to enhance overall mapping accuracy. In addition, three different datasets were created with the various combinations of 68 features consisting of texture, spectral and geometric features of the segments. Object-based classification was performed with the Random Forest (RF) machine learning algorithm for all datasets, and dataset 3 (D3), consists of spectral bands + indexes + texture + geometry + nDSM, exhibited the most successful performance with an overall accuracy of 94.16%. The results clearly demonstrated that MS UAV data has high performance in LULC mapping, and NDSM increased the classification accuracy by 5%.

UAV-based rockfall hazard detection via roughness analysis in Karaköprü, Şanlıurfa using photogrammetric point clouds

2023-12-16T14:13:12+00:00

This study focuses on rockfall hazard detection in urban terrain, particularly the Karaköprü district of Şanlıurfa, utilizing UAV-based photogrammetric dense point cloud analysis. The research introduces an innovative approach that combines advanced geospatial technology and roughness analysis to identify and assess rocks situated above ground surfaces, thereby mitigating potential risks to transportation routes and buildings. The methodology involves quantifying surface irregularity using roughness analysis, where the distance between points and their best-fitting planes is computed based on a carefully selected kernel size. The results demonstrate that this approach effectively marks rocks across the study area, albeit with considerations for potential misclassifications. The dataset is derived from a photogrammetric UAV flight, yielding over 77 million three-dimensional points, while manual examination informs the choice of a 30 cm kernel size, later applied to the entire dataset. In summary, this research showcases the potential of UAV-based photogrammetric point cloud analysis to enhance urban safety and infrastructure resilience in sloping terrains, emphasizing the significance of prior knowledge, kernel size selection, and point density for achieving accurate and reliable results. This approach holds promise for safeguarding urban populations and critical infrastructure in similar urban and geological contexts.

Pixel based classification of Lavandula sp. using high resolution UAV orthophotos

2023-12-16T14:15:07+00:00

Lavender, a member of the Lamiaceae family, is a notable plant known for its production of volatile oil. Lavender oil is prized for its antiseptic and antibiotic qualities, as well as its unique aromatic properties, making it a valuable resource in aromatherapy practices. Consequently, closely monitoring lavender plants has become a significant concern. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) offer a valuable solution for this task by providing high-resolution imagery through low-altitude flights and advanced digital cameras. In this study, UAVs were utilized to create orthophotos of a lavender garden. Orthophotos are meticulously corrected aerial images, ensuring consistent scale and distortion-free representation, which makes them ideal for various analytical purposes. The primary objective of the study is pixel based classification of lavender. To enhance lavender plant monitoring, machine learning techniques, specifically Support Vector Machines (SVM) and K-means clustering, were employed for binary classification. These methods were applied to analyze the orthophotos generated by the UAVs, likely to classify different sections or features within the lavender garden. In conclusion SVM provided a higher overall accuracy value for the classification results at both 1 cm and 10 cm resolutions.

Influence of wheel diameter difference on their stability against derailment

2023-12-16T14:16:48+00:00

In railway transport, there is a very acute problem of intensive wear of the lateral surface of the tread and wheel flanges. Traffic safety and dynamic loading of rail vehicles largely depend on the technical condition of their running gear. Therefore, this research is devoted to the study of the influence on the stability of the wheel from derailment of deviations in the running gear of cars that inevitably arise during their operation. To assess the impact on the stability of the wheel from derailment, the differences in the diameters of the wheels of one wheelset, as well as the differences in the diameters of the wheels of the wheelsets of one bogie, are considered. A freight car was chosen as the most numerous type of rail vehicle, and a four-axle gondola car was taken among the freight cars. The values of the wheel derailment factor are obtained taking into account the specified deviations of the technical condition of the wheelsets within the existing tolerances in operation.

The application of SVD method in image compression and digital watermarking

2023-12-16T14:18:46+00:00

In terms of digital files, compression is the act of encoding information using fewer bits than what’s found in the original file. When we say image compression, we have in mind an image that has fewer bytes than the original image but has the most important features that describe the original image. So, the aim of image compression is to reduce the image size without degrading image quality below an acceptable threshold. In MATLAB, an image is stored as a matrix. One approach is to apply the Singular Values Decomposition (SVD) to the image matrix. This method is implemented in MATLAB. In order to divide the matrix of the given image into three other matrices in MATLAB, we can use the function svd(). As performance metrics, we can use PSNR and Compression ratio. Digital Watermarking is defined as the process of hiding a piece of digital data in the cover data which is to be protected and extracted later for ownership verification. In an SVD-based watermarking scheme, the singular values of the cover image are modified to embed the watermark data. All tests and experiments are performed using MATLAB as the computing environment and programming language. Also, in the RStudio programming language we can see the implementation of the SVD method in image compression.

Algorithm for determining restrictions on train control

2023-12-16T14:22:50+00:00

One of the priority areas for ensuring the stable and profitable operation of railway transport and its development and improvement is the transition to resource-saving technologies. Optimization of train control modes is one of the most important measures to address the currently pressing problem of saving fuel and energy resources for train traction. The purpose of this study is to develop an algorithm for determining restrictions on train control while complying with safety requirements and timetables. This algorithm must allow calculations to be performed quickly and without significant loss of accuracy, and the results of the calculations must meet the criteria of optimality, safety, and compliance with the train schedule. The information base for the development of the algorithm was the existing mathematical and algorithmic methods for solving isoperimetric problems of finding an optimal solution in the presence of resource restrictions. The proposed calculation method consists of using simplified calculations of the state of the train as a controlled system, without using differential equations of motion, which allows solving problems of finding optimal control almost in real-time. The results of these studies were used to create simulators for training train drivers.

Correlation of core strategic business factors in development of Albanian wood industry

2023-12-16T14:25:28+00:00

In Albania, a number of studies have been done for many different business categories, but there is little or no evidence for strategic management in the wood industry. Over the years, the wood industry in Albania has undergone drastic changes. Company owners say that their business is constantly changing the shape and it is important for them to change the operational model in order to: 1) improve efficiency; 2) reduce complexity; 3) reduce costs; The research was conducted in the district of Tirana and Durres. The data was collected in the wood processing companies and 30 questionnaires were processed in this regard followed by statistical analysis. The study has showed: 1) In terms of the product, companies have considered as a strong factor the development of a new product; 2) Operational management is still in its infancy, but its importance is well appreciated; 3) Most critical areas in operations management are being practiced, except for inventory and innovation. Based on the theoretical framework and the collected data, we find that although the companies aim to be leaders in the market, they are followers of the customer and innovation as a competitive advantage is missing in this field; 4) In terms of technology, 70% of companies accept the purchase of new machines as a very strong factor. 5) The development of new ideas related to the product is also accompanied by obstacles where the financial sector and developments in the region are listed in this direction; 6) The improvement of customer service and quick response in product distribution are strongly correlated; 7) Companies did not achieve the level of synchronization that would be required in an ideal supply chain management; 8) Companies should work on gathering feedback from suppliers and customers and find ways to improve their systems.

Circular economy toward a sustainable concept in the wood processing sector in Albania

2023-12-16T14:27:29+00:00

Economic circulation is a concept that is closely aligning with sustainability. For this reason, various stakeholders strive to collaborate in defining basic concepts, analyzing key issues, and directing solutions to these problems. In this study, we have attempted to address the challenges of the wood processing sector in Albania concerning the increase in the use of wooden products and the potential export of these products. During the last years, the concept of the circular economy has taken an important role in the literature, as well as in the production sector all over the world. Saying this, in Albania we are facing the same problem. The concept of the circular economy in our country was introduced lately. The companies that operate in the wood processing sector must step forward from a linear economy to a circular one as soon as possible. This material presents some information collected based on interviews conducted with some of the wood processing companies in Albania. For this study we prepared a closed answer questionary in order to have a simple analysis of the results gathered. As a result of this interview, skills and competencies supporting the transformation to circular business models were presented. The companies need some innovative design idea for the reuse of their basic products.

Algebra and its applications in technical and engineering problems

2023-12-16T14:29:45+00:00

This work deals with the emergence of Algebra and its applications in technical and engineering problems. History of algebra goes back to antiquity. Obviously, her appearance was caused directly connected with the first astronomical and other calculations, anyway using natural numbers and arithmetic operations. The history of algebra confirmed such original recordings, found among samples of writing of the earliest civilizations. Algebra is one of the most important disciplines in mathematics, which at first glance may seem complex and distant from everyday life. However, in fact, algebra is an integral part of our reality and has wide practical applications in a variety of situations. Algebra allows you to solve various problems: from simple arithmetic operations to solving complex equations and systems of equations. It helps us deal with unknown quantities and establish relationships between different variables. Without algebra, we would not be able to effectively solve problems related to finance, science, engineering, and even everyday problems such as budgeting or calculating travel times.

Quality of irrigation water in the region of In Salah, South Algeria

2023-12-16T14:31:18+00:00

Water is a vital element for the survival of all living things on a planetary scale. It is also a priority factor for any socio-economic activity. The Algerian Sahara, which covers 2/3 of the country's surface area and extends over more than 2 million km², contains significant groundwater resources stored in two major aquifers: the Intercontinental Aquifer (CI) and the Terminal Complex (CT). The intercontinental aquifer covers most of the northern Sahara. The In Salah region is part of the western hydrogeologic sub-basin of the intercontinental aquifer and forms its southeastern boundary. Groundwater deserves special attention in the global debate on the sustainable use of natural resources. The problem of groundwater salinity, caused by various human and natural factors, causes serious irrigation problems. Groundwater is the only source of water for date palms in the In Salah region. The results from physico-chemical analysis show that the groundwater presents a poor quality with very high salinity. The continental intermediate aquifer represents the main source of irrigation, in which boreholes (FS40 and FS38) are located, but this will not be possible in the future, so it is necessary to think about integrated water management to conserve resources. In this study, the salinity and sodium content of two different boreholes in the In Salah area were calculated.

Increasing the efficiency of worn-out urban fabric areas with an emphasis on the segmentation of buildings in the 4th district of Tabriz in Iran

2023-12-16T14:33:24+00:00

Today, residential units are the most important building blocks of cities, which occupy larger land in comparison with other uses. In the dilapidated context, the majority of the existing land use is dedicated to residential plots, but the existing dwellings in this context are not very efficient and even fail to respond to the residents' need for housing as a place of residence and peace. The purpose of the current research is to investigate the effectiveness of increasing the efficiency of the worn-out urban fabric areas with emphasis on the segmentation of buildings in the 4th area of Tabriz, which ends at Ostad Jafari Street from the north and Qods Street from the south. The research method used is a descriptive-analytical method and ArcGIS 10.8.1 software was also used to analyze the desired indicators (area, quality of buildings, orientation of residential parts, and compatibility of parts) of the range. The results of the research showed that in terms of the efficiency of building parts, they are in an unfavorable condition, and the criteria compiled for the modification of these structures will lead to an increase in the efficiency of buildings and residential parts compared to the situation before the intervention.