The development of the Albanian wood industry and the correlation of the main strategic business factors
In Albania, numerous studies have been conducted on various business categories; however, there is limited or no evidence regarding strategic management within the wood industry. Over the years, this industry has undergone significant changes. Business owners report that their operations are continuously evolving, necessitating shifts in their operational models to: 1) improve efficiency, 2) reduce complexity, and 3) lower costs. The research was conducted in the Tirana and Durrës districts, with data collected from wood processing companies. A total of 30 questionnaires were processed, followed by statistical analysis. The study revealed the following findings: 1) In terms of product development, companies identified the creation of new products as a strong factor; 2) Operational management remains in its early stages, but its significance is well recognized; 3) Key areas of operations management are being implemented, though inventory management and innovation remain underdeveloped; 4) Although companies aspire to market leadership, they primarily follow customer demands, lacking innovation as a competitive advantage; 5) Regarding technology, 70% of companies cited the acquisition of new machinery as a crucial factor; 6) The generation of new product ideas faces obstacles, particularly in the financial sector and due to regional developments; 7)There is a strong correlation between improved customer service and quick response times in product distribution; 8) Companies have not yet achieved the level of synchronization necessary for optimal supply chain management; 9)Firms should focus on gathering feedback from both suppliers and customers to enhance their systems. This analysis highlights the need for greater innovation, technology investment, and operational management improvements in Albania's wood industry to remain competitive in an evolving market.
Copyright (c) 2024 Advanced Engineering Science
Learning transformation and virtual interaction through ChatGPT in Albanian higher education
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 in higher 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. The study includes 311 students from both bachelor's and master's programs. Importantly, the questionnaire encompasses students from various Albanian universities, including both public and private institutions. Overall, the study contributes valuable insights into the impact and potential of ChatGPT in higher education, paving the way for informed decision-making and future research in this dynamic field.
Influence of antimony doping on structural, morphological and optical properties of CuO powders
In this study, pure and antimony (Sb) doped CuO nano and micro powders were produced by chemical bath deposition (CBD) technique. Their structural, morphological, elemental and optical properties were examined using XRD, SEM, EDX and UV-Vis techniques. According to crystallographic structure analysis, the pure and Sb doped CuO powders were obtained in monoclinic phase. The crystallite size of the powders decreased with the Sb concentration. The FE-SEM images clearly show that flower-like structures in both pure and Sb doped CuO powders were grown. Moreover, the EDX spectra show that the peak intensity of Sb increases upon increasing doping concentration of Sb. The band gap energy value of the powders increased from 1.58 eV to 1.95 eV with increased Sb concentration in CuO. In addition, the key optical parameters such as refractive index, extinction coefficient, and both real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant were calculated.
Investigation of the effect of Isparta pumice on the unconfined compressive strength and swelling pressure of clay
This study investigates the effect of pumice, known as Karakaya pumice, and taken from the Isparta-Gölcük region, on clay’s unconfined compressive strength and swelling pressure. For this purpose, the physical and index properties of the clay and pumice were determined and then 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% pumice by weight were mixed with clay. Standard compaction tests were performed on clay, pumice, and clay-pumice mixture. With these experiments, the effect of pumice on compaction parameters was evaluated. Samples were prepared under optimum water content and maximum dry unit weight conditions to conduct unconfined compressive strength and swelling tests. The results show that as the pumice additive ratio increased up to 30%, the unconfined compressive strength also increased. However, it was observed that when the additive ratio exceeded 30%, the unconfined compressive strength decreased. The results of the swelling pressure test indicate that as the amount of pumice in the mixture increases, the swelling pressure decreases. It has been determined that Isparta pumice can effectively stabilize compacted clay, reducing its swelling pressure and increasing its unconfined compressive strength. The recommended rate for adding pumice to the clay is 30%.
Leveraging SVD for efficient image compression and robust digital watermarking
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.
Approximation of surface urban heat island (SUHI) effect over four populated cities of Andhra Pradesh state of India using ground and satellite data
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.
Examination of buildings with different number of floors using non-linear time history analysis according to TBEC-2018 and EC 8 seismic codes
Earthquakes are among the natural disasters that occur on earth and cause loss of life and property. 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. Within the scope of this research, the carrier system; Consisting of a unhollow reinforced concrete shear wall frame system with high ductility 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 modelling 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.
Optimal design, cost analysis and impact of a tracked bifacial PV plant in distribution system
The rapid development in the photovoltaic (PV) sector requires more and more in-depth studies. In this context, this paper presents a techno-economic analysis of a 10 MWp 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, for different scenarios, 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.
Helmholtz equations and their applications in solving physical problems
The Helmholtz equation is a well-known concept in the field of physics, particularly when studying problems involving partial differential equations (PDEs) in both space and time. It is a time-independent form of the wave equation and is derived using the method of separation of variables to simplify the analysis. In this research article, we explore the Helmholtz equation and delve into its physical significance. The Helmholtz equation plays a crucial role in solving various physics problems, such as seismology, electromagnetic radiation, and acoustics. It encompasses a wide range of scenarios encountered in electromagnetics and acoustics and is equivalent to the wave equation under the assumption of a single frequency. In the context of water waves, it emerges when the dependence on depth is removed. This often leads to a transition from the study of water waves to more general scattering problems. By employing a cylindrical eigenfunction expansion, we observe that the modes related to the Helmholtz equation decay rapidly as distance approaches infinity. This property enables us to derive asymptotic results in linear water waves based on findings in acoustic or electromagnetic scattering.
Levels of BTEX and Chlorobenzenes in water samples of White Drin River, Kosovo
In this paper, the concentrations of some volatile organic compounds (VOC) in water samples from the White Drin River (Kosovo) are presented. The White Drin River is one of the largest river in Kosovo and one of the largest in the Balkans. Water of the river could be affected by anthropogenic pollutions that comes mainly by directly discharges of urban wastewaters. The volatile organic pollutants that were analyzed were chlorobenzenes (mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta- and hexachlorobenzene) and BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, ortho-, meta- and para-Xylenes). Water samples were taken in February 2023, at 15 different stations from Drini Waterfall (near Peja to Albanian border). The head space solid phase micro-extraction (HS/SPME) method was used for the extraction and quantitative analysis of chlorobenzenes and BTEX followed by gas chromatography (GC) techniques. This method presents advantages for the analysis of volatile pollutants because it eliminates the use of organic solvents and different sample treatment steps that often lead to erroneous results. The sensitivity and reproducibility of HS is favorable for volatile organic pollutants. The adsorption of organic pollutants was carried out on a polydimethylsiloxane (PS) fiber at a temperature of 50oC for 30 minutes. Desorption process was carried out in the injector of the gas chromatograph at high temperature (250 °C for 10 seconds). The qualitative and quantitative analysis of chlorobenzenes (mono-, di-, three-, tetra-, penta- and hexachlorobenzene) was realized in the GC/ECD apparatus, while the analysis of BTEX was carried out in the GC/FID apparatus. VOC were present almost in all analyzed samples. BTEX presence is related to the high intensity of transport near the river. The presence of chlorobenzenes can be a consequence of urban spills, of cleaning/sanitization processes, as degradation products of other compounds (pesticides, PCBs, etc).
Circular economy in wood processing sector, challenges, opportunities and solutions
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 questionnaire 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.
Evaluation of the worn texture of the region 4 in Tabriz, Iran, with an emphasis on increasing populatability
Today, due to the increase in population and the development of cities in areas where cities do not have enough land for development due to various reasons, such as natural obstacles, worn-out tissues are considered as urban potentials for development, which the ability to plan and provide land and the development of the city exists in these contexts. Therefore, these contexts need to be identified, planned and regulated by rules and laws and implementation. The purpose of the current research is to evaluate the worn-out texture of the 4th region of Tabriz with an emphasis on increasing population. The research method used is a descriptive-analytical method and the desired indicators of residential buildings analysis with GIS. 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.
The impact of alternative fuel on diesel in reducing of pollution from vehicles
The main source of energy for vehicles is currently internal combustion engines. These engines emit the main pollutants carbon oxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, 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%.
Performance analysis and kinematic test of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) over coastal waters of Türkiye
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is essential for current civilization because it is used in many areas such as transportation, construction, agriculture, meteorology, disaster monitoring, risk management, etc. Therefore, developed countries strive to establish their positioning service to use the benefits they provide. BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) is a positioning service developed by China that recently achieved global coverage. Like other GNSS, BDS is subjected to various tests before commissioning. The system's control is the same as other positioning services, and it is tracked by ground control stations. In this context, position dilution of precision (PDOP), pseudorange multipath, and carrier phase signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) performance analysis were carried out with 30 seconds interval BDS data of ZBEU (Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University) GNSS monitor station. BDS's multipath and SNR results were compared with other global positioning services. Single and multi-system precise point positioning (PPP) solutions were examined comparatively using the 2019 and 2023 data of the ZBEU station. In addition, BDS kinematic test results were examined with 1-second interval data of transects along the coast of the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Satellite visibility, PDOP, and positioning performance were analyzed along the offshore survey route. In terms of SNR and multipath, the results showed that the performance of BDS signals was similar to other GNSS. Depending on the satellite visibility change, SPP results in the Mediterranean were better than the Black Sea. It has been observed that BDS PPP results were improved from 2019 to 2023, and achieved almost the same results as other GNSS.
Internet of Things in the development of future businesses in Albania
Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a technology that connects various devices and objects, leading to a digital revolution in different aspects of life. It has the potential to create highly efficient and rewarding smart environments for individuals. The IoT not only impacts our daily lives but also significantly influences how we work and conduct business. IoT, which links people, businesses, and intelligent objects, aims to profoundly alter how we live, work, and interact. It also has the potential to reinvent a wide range of business sectors. The goal of this conceptual paper is to establish a picture of how the IoT can change business models and the methods through which people and organizations produce value. The goal of this conceptual paper is to establish a picture of how the IoE can change business models and the methods through which people and organizations produce value. This article focuses on IoT technology and how it affects businesses, emphasizing how crucial it is for such organizations to be ready for and able to adapt to the changes it brings. It emphasizes the need for businesses and industries to incorporate this technology into their operations to enhance their business models, increase productivity, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. Let's see if SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) in Albania can benefit from the further advancement of IoT, what are the expectations, possibilities, and potential risks that may arise on this journey.
Copyright (c) 2023 Advanced Engineering Science
Simple and low-cost solution method for cobalt doped CuO nanostructured powder
In present work, pure and Co doped nanostructured powder were fabricated by chemical bath deposition method. X-ray analysis reveals that both pure and Co doped CuO have monoclinic crystal structure. After introducing Co2+ ions into the host, the crystalline percentage was decreased. The dislocation density and the microstrain were increased with Co addition. It is observed that pure CuO has nanoplate-assembled structure whereas CuO:Co nanostructured powder has irregular microplate-like particles. Besides, Cu, Co, and O peaks are observed in EDX spectrum. The optical band gap energy reduced from 1.62 to 1.59 eV after CuO doped with Co. The electrical activation energy values were calculated for both pure and Co doped CuO as 0.134 eV and 0.232 eV, respectively.
The effects of additive on photovoltaic performance of Cu2ZnSnS4 promising solar absorbers
In this study, the effect of ethyl cellulose as an additive on the structural, morphological and electrical properties of CZTS thin films was investigated. It was observed that the morphology and characteristically properties improved with the increase of the ethyl cellulose additive ratio. Despite the contribution, no binary and/or ternary phases formed and the formation of CZTS thin films determined by Raman spectroscopy. It was observed that uniformly distributed, continuous and dense granules with a thickness of approximately 1-2 µm were formed, when the surface morphology ratio of the ethyl cellulose-0.9% was submitted. In addition, it was determined from the obtained results that these surface properties contributed positively to the IPCE efficiency measurements. Accordingly, the highest IPCE efficiency was calculated as 10.63%. Finally, the estimation of the optical absorption measurement results is in between 1.37 and 1.60 eV interpreted to be in agreement with the literature values.
The effect of molding and gating system design on hydrogen induced crack defects in steel castings
Hydrogen cracking occurs due to the build-up of gas pressure at inclusions, generally manganese sulfide inclusions. Cracking occurs in the thickest parts of a section, distance to diffuse out to surface is greater, and hydrogen is more likely to get trapped. Casting simulation technology is an most effective method to provide the predicted information on casting defects such as shrinkage, gas entrapment, and non-metallic inclusions. But it is not possible to detect hydrogen-induced defects in steel castings in today's flow and solidification simulation programs. In the study, various moulding and gating system designs have been designed for steel castings in industrial conditions and the effects of gating system design on hydrogen-induced crack defects have been investigated. The flow and solidification of the gating systems of the casting part were simulated by using Novacast flow and solidification program. The study clearly shows that gating system has revealed that it plays a significant role in preventing hydrogen-induced crack defects in steel castings.
Exploration of the Cu-Pb-Zn deposit via using IP/Resistivity methods in Kavşut (Göksun-Kahramanmaraş)
In the domain of mineral exploration, the identification and characterization of economically viable ore deposits are fundamental challenges. Copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) deposits play a crucial role in global metal supply chains, and their exploration demands innovative and reliable methodologies. In this scientific article, we present an inclusive study on the exploration of Cu-Pb-Zn deposits using the induced polarization (IP) and resistivity methods. By combining these geophysical techniques, we aim to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of mineral resource assessment, ultimately contributing to sustainable mining practices and resource management. Türkiye, with its tectonic structure, encompasses significant orogenic belts, and notable ore deposits are found along the well-known Tethys metallogenic belt. Cu-Zn-Pb (polymetallic) mineralization can be found in various areas along this tectonic belt. One such occurrence of polymetallic enrichment is observed southeast of Kavşut (Göksun, Kahramanmaraş-Türkiye), which is also situated within the Tethys metallogenic belt. In this region, the Goksun ophiolites form the basement, overlain by the Malatya Metamorphites with a tectonic contact. The mineralization is predominantly observed in fracture cracks and karstic gaps within carbonate rocks. To investigate the geometry and distribution of this mineralization underground, IP/Resistivity studies were conducted. The results indicate that the sulfide mineralization exhibit a high rechargeability character. Cross-sections, two-dimensional level maps, and 3D maps were generated based on the electrical data acquired, enabling effective planning and coordination for mining operations in the area. This visual information proves invaluable for the mining activities conducted in the region.
Determination of compaction parameters by image analysis technique
In this study, the control of compaction parameters for a stabilized filling material that is used in Granular Subbase (GSB) construction was examined by image analysis. Whether the specimen coming from the field met the GSB conditions was checked, and its void ratio was examined by image analysis. For this process, the specimens that were prepared by mixing epoxy at different ratios were cut from a certain distance. Photographs were taken from the cut pieces using a SONY HSC-400 camera. For this purpose, specimens containing epoxy by 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% were prepared. The ratios of the void found on the cut specimens were calculated. The void ratios that were calculated by using the eglobal formula and those calculated by image processing methods were compared, and the void ratio was determined at an accuracy rate of 86.12% for the specimen that contained epoxy at a ratio of 8%.
Exploration of the carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn deposit via using IP/Resistivity and ground penetrating radar (GPR) methods in Yahyalı (Kayseri-Türkiye)
In the field of mineral exploration, the identification and characterization of economically viable ore deposits are key challenges. Lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) deposits are of great importance in global metal supply chains, and the exploration of these resources requires innovative and reliable methodologies. Efficient and accurate exploration methods are essential for locating and assessing Pb-Zn deposits. These methods help determine the potential of ore deposits, optimize resource utilization, and support sustainable mining practices. By employing advanced techniques and technologies, mineral exploration endeavors can effectively identify and evaluate Pb-Zn deposits, contributing to the global metal supply chain and ensuring the availability of these critical resources. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the exploration of Pb-Zn deposits using the induced polarization (IP) and resistivity methods. The aim of this study is to improve the accuracy and efficiency of mineral resource assessment in order to contribute to sustainable mining practices and resource management. The Taurus Orogenic Belt is known for its significant Pb-Zn mineralization, and the Aladağ-Zamantı province within this belt has been a major area of mining activities. The Yahyalı Region, located within this belt, exhibits Pb-Zn ore mineralization in Devonian-aged carbonates. Geophysical studies were conducted in the Yahyalı Region using IP/Resistivity and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) methods. Measurements were taken along specific profiles and evaluated in combination to determine the ore geometry and potential in the area. These visual representations provide crucial information for effective planning and coordination of mining operations in the region. The utilization of IP/Resistivity and GPR methods and the generated visual information contribute significantly to the success of mining activities in the Yahyalı Region, facilitating the exploration and extraction of Pb-Zn deposits. By employing innovative geophysical techniques, this study aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of mining practices in this mineral-rich area.
Investigation of the geotechnical properties of lightweight fill ground containing EPS-waste tire
Nowadays, in addition to several classic mechanical improvement methods, lightweight fill materials are used to reduce earthquake and vibration loads acting on the ground, as well as to minimize soil settlements. In recent years, the use of lightweight fill systems in geotechnical engineering has grown more common. In retaining structures, lightweight fill materials are also used to reduce the forces that impact the structure. Likewise, it makes it likable to utilize lightweight fill materials in order to lessen the loads on city center subsurface structures. In this study, the geotechnical properties of the lightweight fill materials which included EPS (Expanded Polystyrene Foam), waste tire, sand and cement materials as lightweight fill material were investigated. The L25 design model relevant to the Taguchi method was applied in the experimental study. The cement/mixture (EPS + waste tire + sand) weight ratios in designs include 8/1, 10/1, 12/1, 14/1, and 16/1. cement/water ratio was kept constant, EPS and waste tire in the mixture were used at rates ranging from 10% to 50% by weight. Unconfined compression, California bearing ratio (CBR), and freeze-thaw cycle tests were performed on the produced specimens, and the 'optimal mixing ratio for lightweight filler was investigated. As a result of the experiments, it was observed that the strength increased as cement ratios in the mixtures increased, whereas the strength reduced when the EPS ratio increased. Taking into consideration the ratios used in the study. Waste tires were found to have no impact on the designs' strength.
Formation of entrance doors in traditional wooden buildings in the city center of Tekirdağ
The fundamental building material of traditional Tekirdag houses is wood. Although the exact building dates are not documented, the remaining wooden carcass structures are mostly from the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, wooden houses are most intensely located in the city center, Pestemalci Street, Iskele Street, Mayadaglı Street, Cehennemdere Street, Sogukkuyu Street, Tintinpinar Street, and its surroundings. In the countryside, it is concentrated in Gazikoy, Guzelkoy, and Ucmakdere. The entrance doors of houses located in the center are retracted by a niche and decorated with varying motifs. The main doors and room doors are simpler in the countryside. The most modified or missing building components are doors in these buildings, which are worn out for different purposes and their number is diminishing day by day. The purpose of this research is to contribute to the inventory studies of wooden structures and building elements that we lose day by day. For this purpose, wooden doors in Tekirdag civil architecture examples were examined in terms of material, design, and construction. Wooden doors belonging to 33 buildings, that are each registered, chosen from central district where wooden structures are clustered, were examined, their building surveys were taken and detailed drawings were rendered.
The development and maintenance of the liver tissue with the help of Kupffer cells
Kupffer cells are a group of star-shaped cells in hepatic sinusoids responsible for the formation of the liver and immunological-inflammatory reactions. Macrophages first begin to improve in the yolk sac and mature into kupffer cells during pregnancy. Kupffer cells are a component of the mononuclear phagocytic system, which plays a considerable role in the repair of liver damage by promoting the secretion of cytokines and chemokines involved in the hepatic and systemic response. In case of a disease situation, kupffer cells become pathologically active from the tolerogenic feature, which can lead to hepatocellular damage. Therefore, as in other components of the immune system, the continuity of proper kupffer cell activity has an important role in maintaining the vitality of the organism. A decrease in the number or loss of function of kupffer cells can lead to inflammatory conditions as a result of pathogen invasion of the liver. This brief review study, it is aimed to examine the research evaluating the functions of kupffer cells in liver development and repair.
Effect of arrangement of masonry infill walls, shear walls and steel bracings on the story drift and stiffness irregularity
Irregularities in structures, such as soft story irregularity, might make them vulnerable under lateral forces such as earthquake. One solution to this problem is a suitable use of infill members. In this study, the effect of masonry infill walls, shear walls and steel bracings on the soft story irregularity and story drift of a 10-story building is evaluated. The building has its first two stories not infilled, and the remaining stories fully infilled with masonry infill walls. Fourteen models of different infill situation divided into three groups were studied. In the first infill group, the 1st and 2nd stories were fully infilled with masonry infill walls, shear walls and steel bracings. In the second infill group, infill members were used in the center of the building. In the third group, infill members were placed in some portions of the exterior surface of the building. Moreover, two more models were developed to overcome the excess of the permissible values of partially infilled models using shear walls by changing the thickness of the shear walls. The models were analyzed using ETABS analyzing software. The results showed that arrangement of infill members has remarkable effect on the soft story irregularity and story drift. They also showed that symmetry in the elevation of the building has great impact on the performance of the building against stiffness irregularity and lateral displacement of the structure. The most applicable solution for the stiffness irregularity and story drift problems in the studied building is partially infilling the exterior surfaces with steel bracings or shear walls. With these infilling methods, the interior parts of the first two stories will be empty and can be used for different purposes since the infilling is only applied in the exterior surfaces of the building.
Functions of uNK cells in endometrium of subfertile and infertile women
Infertility is defined as the lack of ability to get pregnant within one year despite unprotected sexual intercourse. The endometrium is the inner layer of the uterus where the blastocyst attaches and grows. The content of the endometrium and the number of immune system cells therein can be associated with infertility. Most of the lymphoid cells found in the endometrium are uterine natural killer (uNK) cells. This has drawn attention to the immune system in infertility. However, the roles of uNK cells have not yet been fully elucidated. Studies suggest that uNK cells, members of the lymphoid system, may act an important role in implantation and pregnancy. Although the high number of these cells, which are important for implantation and the continuation of pregnancy, is associated with infertility, there are also studies suggesting that there is no relationship between them. In our study, it was aimed to investigate studies examining the relationship of uNK cells with subfertility and infertility. Although peripheral NK cells fight tumor and virus-infected cells, it has been shown that uNK cells do not fight with trophoblasts, they take part a role in the invasion and vascularization process, and their number increases in early pregnancy.
Improving die life under hot forging conditions
The aim of this study, indicate of optimum die life application for using some coating methods of forging die against to wear also as use different die steel and different coating materials. And another aim is decrease in the die costs which occurs wear of the die. Hot forging efficiency in direct proportion to wear of the die. At dies, workpiece is flowing on the die surface during forging processes, at a result of this causes friction between workpiece and surface of the die. At all of cycle, thermal loads and flow friction occur and this situation causes softening of the die as to be thermal. Therefore, surface hardness of the die will decrease. Losing of surface hardness and which occurs friction between die and work piece will negative effect life of the die. As to be die material, three different die steel will be used (DIN 1.2344 (ORVAR® 2 MICRODIZED) and DIN 1.2344 (UNIMAX®) At this time, different coating will be applied. These are FEXOY® and ABP+DIETOX®. As a result of coated operation, will follow cycle time proper die material will be selected.
A systematic method for post-earthquake damage assessment: Case study of the Antep Castle, Türkiye
Although there is no definite information about when and by whom Antep Castle was built, its history dates back 6000 years. The walls of the Antep castle were built in the Byzantine Period in the 6th century AD, and it is the most important structure of Gaziantep with its historical monument value and its significant contribution to the National Struggle in history. The castle was used during the occupation of Antep, and today it has the Heroism and Panorama Museum, which tells about the events that took place during the national struggle. In the earthquakes that took place on February 6, 2023, with an interval of 9 hours, the massive damage to the Antep Castle and its walls caused the castle to become the symbol of the earthquake in Turkey. In order to ensure the sustainability of our cultural heritage, there is a need for a detailed and systematic assessment of the damage assessment of Antep Castle and walls after the earthquake. The main purpose of this study is to discuss the damage observed after the earthquake in the historical Antep Castle and its walls in Gaziantep, Turkey. In the study, literature research, on-site visual examination and tabulation methods were applied. Based on the problems seen in the post-earthquake fortifications in different countries in the world, a table of damage mechanisms was created that can be used as a tool to classify post-earthquake damages on the walls on a geographical basis. The method presented in this study will save a great deal of time, money and effort in the evaluation and rehabilitation of fortifications with cultural and strategic historical importance.
A multivariate statistical assessment of Vein-type U-Th enrichment in Arıklı İgnimbrites
Various geological issues can be resolved using multivariate statistical methods. Mineralization zones have recently been investigated based on geochemical research findings. In this study, enriched U-Th anomalies in the fault zones of Arıklı ignimbrites were statistically evaluated. Magnesite and barite breccias are found in the fault zones of Arıklı ignimbrites. These fault zones also have the highest U-Th enrichment sequences. As a result, among the elements, MnO had the lowest average abundance and Ba had the highest average abundance. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to see the level of relationship between the elements; it was determined that there was a high level of positive correlation between Nb and Th, U and Y. Then a factor analysis was performed. The research yielded seven identified factors. Factor 1 includes many chemical concentrations (SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MgO, CaO, K2O, TiO2, MnO, LOI, As, Cu, Ga, Rb, and Zr). Factor 2 includes P2O5, Nb, Sr, Th, and Y, as well as U-Th elements. As a result, other manganese oxide and trace element contents collaborated to enrich radioactive material.
Simulation with the Mirone application for the construction of marine mechanical waves generated by possible seismic events in the territory of the Adriatic and Ionian seas
In this study, we will present the practical development of some simulations that we have done with the Mirone program for the generation of tsunami waves. These simulations are taken into account for real seismic events that have occurred in the Adriatic and Ionian seas throughout history and the data that have been reported for certain areas. In practical simulations with applications, we have the opportunity to see what is actually expected to happen in such events. We have presented several scenarios and we have also analyzed all the results that we have derived from the calculations and simulations made. We have taken risk assessment scenarios in both our seas and we have also given the effects they will have on the ecology of coastal areas and underwater ecology. A scenario-based method was used to provide a tsunami hazard assessment for the first time in this region. The Ionian-Adriatic region has experienced a sudden economic and tourism boom with an increase in the coastal population and the development of large free time zones in recent years and more so in parts of coastal cities that are only a few meters above sea level. sea making them future targets of a large-scale disaster, even if the height of the tsunami wave is moderate. Various simulations and specific professional programs have been used to develop the measurements. For the calculation of the tsunami wave, the basic methods of calculating the wave have been taken into account. Some special analysis needs to be continued in further studies of the composition of the Albanian coast which may reveal some influential factors in the calculations obtained. At the end of the study are presented at the most endangered areas and a plan has been made for precautionary measures that can be taken by Civil Emergencies.