Search results for: Hassan Youssef Mohamed
1628 The Effects of Expanding the Generosity of the Statutory Sick Leave Insurance: The Case of a French Reform
Authors: Mohamed Ali Benhalima, Nathon Elbaz, Malik Koubi
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This paper evaluates an expansion of employer-mandated sick leave insurance in the French private sector. We use a difference-in-differences method in which control groups are defined according to the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) employees belong to. Indeed, thanks to complementary insurance provided by CBAs, employees were not affected the same way by the reform. We find significant effects of the reform on sick leave spells lasting at least 7 days, consistently with the reform target. The effects on spells’ duration and frequency are positive and more pronounced for women than for men, for whom the effect on frequency tends to be slightly negative. The effects are also more pronounced for executives and supervisors than less qualified categories.Keywords: sickness absence, collective agreements, daily sickness benefits, labor economics
Procedia PDF Downloads 3531627 Adsorption of Phenol and 4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid onto Functional Materials
Authors: Mourad Makhlouf, Omar Bouchher, Messabih Sidi Mohamed, Benrachedi Khaled
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The objective of this study was to investigate the removal of two organic pollutants; 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid) and phenol from synthetic wastewater by the adsorption on mesoporous materials. In this context, the aim of this work is to study the adsorption of organic compounds phenol and 4AHB on MCM-41 and FSM-16 non-grafted (NG) and other grafted (G) by trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS). The results of phenol and 4AHB adsorption in aqueous solution show that the adsorption capacity tends to increase after grafting in relation to the increase in hydrophobicity. The materials are distinguished by a higher adsorption capacity to the other NG materials. The difference in the phenol is 14.43% (MCM-41), 14.55% (FSM-16), and 16.72% (MCM-41), 13.57% (FSM-16) in the 4AHB. Our adsorption results show that the grafted materials by TMCS are good adsorbent at 25 °C.Keywords: MCM-41, FSM-16, TMCS, phenol, 4AHB
Procedia PDF Downloads 2741626 An Application-Driven Procedure for Optimal Signal Digitization of Automotive-Grade Ultrasonic Sensors
Authors: Mohamed Shawki Elamir, Heinrich Gotzig, Raoul Zoellner, Patrick Maeder
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In this work, a methodology is presented for identifying the optimal digitization parameters for the analog signal of ultrasonic sensors. These digitization parameters are the resolution of the analog to digital conversion and the sampling rate. This is accomplished through the derivation of characteristic curves based on Fano inequality and the calculation of the mutual information content over a given dataset. The mutual information is calculated between the examples in the dataset and the corresponding variation in the feature that needs to be estimated. The optimal parameters are identified in a manner that ensures optimal estimation performance while preventing inefficiency in using unnecessarily powerful analog to digital converters.Keywords: analog to digital conversion, digitization, sampling rate, ultrasonic
Procedia PDF Downloads 2071625 Inverse Heat Transfer Analysis of a Melting Furnace Using Levenberg-Marquardt Method
Authors: Mohamed Hafid, Marcel Lacroix
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This study presents a simple inverse heat transfer procedure for predicting the wall erosion and the time-varying thickness of the protective bank that covers the inside surface of the refractory brick wall of a melting furnace. The direct problem is solved by using the Finite-Volume model. The melting/solidification process is modeled using the enthalpy method. The inverse procedure rests on the Levenberg-Marquardt method combined with the Broyden method. The effect of the location of the temperature sensors and of the measurement noise on the inverse predictions is investigated. Recommendations are made concerning the location of the temperature sensor.Keywords: melting furnace, inverse heat transfer, enthalpy method, levenberg–marquardt method
Procedia PDF Downloads 3241624 Enhancing of Biogas Production from Slaughterhouse and Dairy Farm Waste with Pasteurization
Authors: Mahmoud Hassan Onsa, Saadelnour Abdueljabbar Adam
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Wastes from slaughterhouses in most towns in Sudan are often poorly managed and sometimes discharged into adjoining streams due to poor implementation of standards, thus causing environmental and public health hazards and also there is a large amount of manure from dairy farms. This paper presents solution of organic waste from cow dairy farms and slaughterhouse the anaerobic digestion and biogas production. The paper presents the findings of experimental investigation of biogas production with and without pasteurization using cow manure, blood and rumen content were mixed at two proportions, 72.3% manure, 21.7%, rumen content and 6% blood for bio digester1with 62% dry matter at the beginning and without pasteurization and 72.3% manure, 21.7%, rumen content and 6% blood for bio-digester2 with 10% dry matter and pasteurization. The paper analyses the quantitative and qualitative composition of biogas: gas content, the concentration of methane. The highest biogas output 2.9 mL/g dry matter/day (from bio-digester2) together with a high quality biogas of 87.4% methane content which is useful for combustion and energy production and healthy bio-fertilizer but biodigester1 gave 1.68 mL/g dry matter/day with methane content 85% which is useful for combustion, energy production and can be considered as new technology of dryer bio-digesters.Keywords: anaerobic digestion, bio-digester, blood, cow manure, rumen content
Procedia PDF Downloads 7271623 Does Mirror Therapy Improve Motor Recovery After Stroke? A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Hassan Abo Salem, Guo Feng, Xiaolin Huang
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The objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of mirror therapy on motor recovery and functional abilities after stroke. The following databases were searched from inception to May 2014: Cochrane Stroke, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PsycINFO, and PEDro. Two reviewers independently screened and selected all randomized controlled trials that evaluate the effect of mirror therapy in stroke rehabilitation.12 randomized controlled trials studies met the inclusion criteria; 10 studies utilized the effect of mirror therapy for the upper limb and 2 studies for the lower limb. Mirror therapy had a positive effect on motor recover and function; however, we found no consistent influence on activity of daily living, Spasticity and balance. This meta-analysis suggests that, Mirror therapy has additional effect on motor recovery but has a small positive effect on functional abilities after stroke. Further high-quality studies with greater statistical power are required in order to accurately determine the effectiveness of mirror therapy following stroke.Keywords: mirror therapy, motor recovery, stroke, balance
Procedia PDF Downloads 5521622 Low Intake of Aspartame Induced Weight Gain and Damage of Brain and Liver Cells in Weanling Syrian Hamsters
Authors: Magda I. Hassan
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This paper aims to investigate the health effects of aspartame on weanling male hamsters. 20 Golden Syrian hamsters drank only water (control) or water with 6, 11, and 18 mg aspartame/kg of body weight per day for 42 days. Food intake, weight gain, glucose blood level, and lipid profile were determined at the end of the experiment. The animals were sacrificed and histopathological examination of organs (liver, brain and heart) was done. Results revealed that animals in Asp.groups consumed significantly larger amount of food than the control (13.4±5.9, 8.6±2.5 and 8.8±3.0 vs 4.2±2.5 g/day, in succession). Hamsters in the control group showed higher total cholesterol and HDL levels than hamsters in aspartame 6, 11, 18 groups (160±19 vs 101±13, 130±22, 141±15 mg/dl & 144±9 vs 120±12, 118±13, 99±17 respectively (P<0•05)). The control group showed a glucose concentration below those of aspartame groups, indicating no effect of aspartame on glucose blood level. While, there were no significant differences in the triglycerides and LDL levels between control group and Asp.groups. Histopathological changes were observed, especially in brain and liver cells. Aspartame increases appetite and weight gain of young hamsters. Therefore, FDA should reconsider the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of aspartame for children.Keywords: aspartame, brain, food intake, hamsters
Procedia PDF Downloads 2851621 Phytochemical Screening, and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Red Millipede (Trigoniulus corallinus)
Authors: Y. B. Idris, M. Sirajo, L. G. Hassan, T. Izuagie, T. Muktar, I. Lawal, A. U. Abubakar
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This study investigates the extraction, phytochemical composition, and antimicrobial activity of bioactive compounds from red millipedes using three different solvents: n-Hexane, Chloroform, and Methanol. The largest yield was obtained from the methanol extract, which had percentage yields of 0.8%, 2.2%, and 5.6%, respectively. Terpenoids and sterols were found in all extracts according to preliminary zoochemical screening, but only the methanol extract included saponins and phenols. With a maximum zone of inhibition of 9 mm at 1000 µg/ml, antimicrobial susceptibility tests revealed that the methanol extract had the strongest antibacterial activity, especially against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Significant activity was also shown by the n-hexane extract, although the chloroform extract had only mild antibacterial activity. Tests for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) verified that the methanol extract was more effective than the other extracts, particularly against S. aureus and S. typhi. None of the extracts, nonetheless, showed any discernible antifungal action. The potential of red millipede extracts, especially those based on methanol, as a source of antimicrobial chemicals for use in the future is highlighted by this work.Keywords: millipedes, defensive extraction, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bacterial concentration (MBC)
Procedia PDF Downloads 121620 Reviewing the Relation of Language and Minorities' Rights
Authors: Mohsen Davarzani, Ehsan Lame, Mohammad Taghi Hassan Zadeh
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Language is considered as a powerful and outstanding feature of ethnicity. However, humiliating and prohibiting using human language is one the most heinous and brutal acts in the form of racism. In other words, racism can be a product of physiological humiliations and discrimination, such as skin color, and can also be resulted from ethnic humiliation and discrimination such as language, customs and so on. Ethnic and racial discrimination is one of the main problems of the world that minorities and occasionally the majority have suffered from. Nowadays, few states can be found in which all individuals and its citizens are of the same race and ethnicity, culture and language. In these countries, referred to as the multinational states, (eg, Iran, Switzerland, India, etc.), there are the communities and groups which have their own linguistic, cultural and historical characteristics. Characteristics of human rights issues, diversity of issues and plurality of meanings indicate that they appear in various aspects. The states are obliged to respect, as per national and international obligations, the rights of all citizens from different angles, especially different groups that require special attention in order of the particular aspects such as ethnicity, religious and political minorities, children, women, workers, unions and in case the states are in breach of any of these items, they are faced with challenges in local, regional or international fields.Keywords: law, language, minorities, ethnicity
Procedia PDF Downloads 4181619 Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol by Fe-Doped Tio2 under Solar Simulated Light
Authors: Mohamed Gar Alalm, Shinichi Ookawara, Ahmed Tawfik
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In the present work, photocatalytic oxidation of phenol by iron (Fe+2) doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) was studied. The source of irradiation was solar simulated light under measured UV flux. The effect of light intensity, pH, catalyst loading, and initial concentration of phenol were investigated. The maximum removal of phenol at optimum conditions was 78%. The optimum pH was 5.3. The most effective degradation occurred when the catalyst dosage was 600 mg/L. increasing the initial concentration of phenol decreased the degradation efficiency due to the deactivation of active sites by additional intermediates. Phenol photocatalytic degradation moderately fitted to the pseudo-first order kinetic equation approximated from Langmuir–Hinshelwood model.Keywords: phenol, photocatalytic, solar, titanium dioxide
Procedia PDF Downloads 4041618 Metabolic Syndrome and Mental Health in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Patient
Authors: Hassan Shahmiri Barzoki
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Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an abnormal physiologic and psychological reaction in person with severe traumatic history. In recent studies, the relationship between PTSD and some other disease apparently unrelated to psychological situations, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, has been revealed. Thus, the aim of this study was to survey the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and mental health in PTSD patients. Methods: The research design was retrospective cohort study. Subjects were consisted of 142 Iran-Iraq war veterans with PTSD (age: 40-60 years), and the control group was consisted of 153 veterans without PTSD. Data was collected using questionnaires, physical exams and laboratory tests. Results: Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 45.1%in PTSD group and 17% in control group. In addition, blood pressure, triglyceride and fasting blood sugar in PTSD group were significantly higher than control group (p<0.05). Also, PTSD patients had significant high rates of psychiatric disorders. Conclusion: PTSD patients are more prone to metabolic syndrome and psychiatric disorders than control group.Keywords: mental health, metabolic syndrome, post traumatic stress disorder, patient
Procedia PDF Downloads 921617 A Novel Bio-ceramic Using Hyperthermia for Bone Cancer Therapy, Ferro-substituted Silicate Calcium Materials
Authors: hassan gheisari
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Ferro silicate calcium nano particles are prepared through the sol-gel method using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a chelating agent. The powder, as prepared, is annealed at three different temperatures (900 ºC, 1000 ºC, and 1100 ºC) for 3 h. The XRD patterns of the samples indicate broad peaks, and the full width at half maximum decreased with increasing annealing temperature. FTIR spectra of the samples confirm the presence of metal - oxygen complexes within the structure. The average particle size obtained from PSA curve demonstrates ultrafine particles. SEM micrographs indicate the particles synthesized have spherical morphology. The saturation magnetization (Ms) and remnant magnetization (Mr) of the samples show dependence on particle size and crystallinity of the samples. The highest saturation magnetization is achieved for the sample annealed at 1100 ºC having maximum average particle size. The high saturation magnetization of the samples suggests the present method is suitable for obtaining nano particles magnetic ferro bioceramic, which is desirable for practical applications such as hyperthermia bone cancer therapy.Keywords: hyperthermia, bone cancer, bio ceramic; magnetic materials; sol– gel, silicate calcium
Procedia PDF Downloads 731616 Ferro-Substituted Silicate Calcium Materials, a Novel Bio-Ceramic Using Hyperthermia for Bone Cancer Therapy
Authors: Hassan Gheisari
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Ferro silicate calcium nano particles are prepared through the sol-gel method using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a chelating agent. The powder as prepared is annealed at three different temperatures (900 ºC, 1000 ºC and 1100 ºC) for 3 h. The XRD patterns of the samples indicate broad peaks and the full width at half maximum decreased with increasing annealing temperature. FTIR spectra of the samples confirm the presence of metal - oxygen complexes within the structure. The average particle size obtained from PSA curve demonstrates ultrafine particles. SEM micrographs indicate the particles synthesized have spherical morphology. The saturation magnetization (Ms) and remnant magnetization (Mr) of the samples show dependence on particle size and crystallinity of the samples. The highest saturation magnetization is achieved for the sample annealed at 1100 ºC having maximum average particle size. The high saturation magnetization of the samples suggests the present method is suitable for obtaining nano particles magnetic ferro bioceramic which is desirable for practical applications such as hyperthermia bone cancer therapy.Keywords: hyperthermia, bone cancer, bio ceramic, magnetic materials, sol– gel, silicate calcium
Procedia PDF Downloads 3081615 Selection of Endophytcs Fungi Isolated from Date Palm, Halotolerants and Productors of Secondary Metabolite
Authors: Fadila Mohamed Mahmoud., Derkaoui I., Krimi Z.
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Date palm is a plant which presents a very good adaptation to the difficult conditions of the environment in particular to the drought and saline stress even at high temperatures. This adaptation is related on the biology of the plant and to the presence of a microflora endophyte which live inside its tissues. Fifteen endophytics fungi isolated from date palm were tested in vitro in the presence of various NaCl concentrations to select halotolerantes isolates. These same endophytes were tested for their colonizing capacity by the description of the production of secondary metabolites more particularly the enzymes (pectinases, proteases, and phosphorylases), and the production of antibiotics and growth hormones. Significant difference was observed between the isolates with respect to the tests carried out.Keywords: Date palm, Halotolerantes, endophyte, Secondary metabolites.
Procedia PDF Downloads 5191614 The Kafrah Dam (The Oldest Dam in History)
Authors: Mohamed Bekhit Gad Khalil
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This dam is the oldest dam in history. It was built by the ancient Egyptian around (2650 B.C) control flooding. It is believed to have been built between the third and fourth dynasties .It contains the oldest dam in history. Many studies have been conducted for the dam. This report was prepared under my supervision and in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The dam was re-documented and photographed again. The dam on the northern side Consists of irregularly shaped stones of varying sizes used randomly. Sand and soil fill the gaps between the stones. creating layers to form the body of the dam. The eastern. side of the dam Consists of a series of regular shaped stones that have been cut and constructed into a stepped pyramid-like structure with width of (15,7) meters and height of (10) meters. The surface has significant erosion and wear on the stones due to weather Conditions. which has resulted in deep cavities in most of the stone blocks forming the surface.Keywords: ministry of tourism and antiquities, excavations, registration, documentation
Procedia PDF Downloads 321613 Experimental Investigation of the Aeroacoustics Field for a Rectangular Jet Impinging on a Slotted Plate: Stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry Measurement before and after the Plate
Authors: Nour Eldin Afyouni, Hassan Assoum, Kamel Abed-Meraim, Anas Sakout
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The acoustic of an impinging jet holds significant importance in the engineering field. In HVAC systems, the jet impingement, in some cases, generates noise that destroys acoustic comfort. This paper presents an experimental study of a rectangular air jet impinging on a slotted plate to investigate the correlation between sound emission and turbulence dynamics. The experiment was conducted with an impact ratio L/H = 4 and a Reynolds number Re = 4700. The survey shows that coherent structures within the impinging jet are responsible for self-sustaining tone production. To achieve this, a specific experimental setup consisting of two simultaneous Stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry (S-PIV) measurements was developed to track vortical structures both before and after the plate, in addition to acoustic measurements. The results reveal a significant correlation between acoustic waves and the passage of coherent structures. Variations in the arrangement of vortical structures between the upstream and downstream sides of the plate were observed. This analysis of flow dynamics can enhance our understanding of slot noise.Keywords: impinging jet, coherent structures, SPIV, aeroacoustics
Procedia PDF Downloads 831612 Biodegradation of Cellulosic Materials by Marine Fungi Isolated from South Corniche of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Fuad Ameen, Mohamed Moslem, Sarfaraz Hadi
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Twenty-eight fungal isolates belonging to 12 genera were derived from debris, sediment and water samples collected from Avicennia marina stands 25km south of Jeddah city on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. Eight of these isolates were found to be able to grow in association cellulosic waste materials under in vitro conditions in the absence of any carbon source. Isolates were further tested for their potential to degrade paper and clothes wastes by co-cultivation under aeration on a rotary shaker. These fungi accumulated significantly higher biomass, produced ligninolytic and cellulase enzymes, and liberated larger volumes of CO2. These observations indicated that the selected isolates were able to break down and consume the waste materials.Keywords: biodegradation, enzyme activity, waste materials, mangrove
Procedia PDF Downloads 5651611 Effect of Fuel Type on Design Parameters and Atomization Process for Pressure Swirl Atomizer and Dual Orifice Atomizer for High Bypass Turbofan Engine
Authors: Mohamed K. Khalil, Mohamed S. Ragab
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Atomizers are used in many engineering applications including diesel engines, petrol engines and spray combustion in furnaces as well as gas turbine engines. These atomizers are used to increase the specific surface area of the fuel, which achieve a high rate of fuel mixing and evaporation. In all combustion systems reduction in mean drop size is a challenge which has many advantages since it leads to rapid and easier ignition, higher volumetric heat release rate, wider burning range and lower exhaust concentrations of the pollutant emissions. Pressure atomizers have a different configuration for design such as swirl atomizer (simplex), dual orifice, spill return, plain orifice, duplex and fan spray. Simplex pressure atomizers are the most common type of all. Among all types of atomizers, pressure swirl types resemble a special category since they differ in quality of atomization, the reliability of operation, simplicity of construction and low expenditure of energy. But, the disadvantages of these atomizers are that they require very high injection pressure and have low discharge coefficient owing to the fact that the air core covers the majority of the atomizer orifice. To overcome these problems, dual orifice atomizer was designed. This paper proposes a detailed mathematical model design procedure for both pressure swirl atomizer (Simplex) and dual orifice atomizer, examines the effects of varying fuel type and makes a clear comparison between the two types. Using five types of fuel (JP-5, JA1, JP-4, Diesel and Bio-Diesel) as a case study, reveal the effect of changing fuel type and its properties on atomizers design and spray characteristics. Which effect on combustion process parameters; Sauter Mean Diameter (SMD), spray cone angle and sheet thickness with varying the discharge coefficient from 0.27 to 0.35 during takeoff for high bypass turbofan engines. The spray atomizer performance of the pressure swirl fuel injector was compared to the dual orifice fuel injector at the same differential pressure and discharge coefficient using Excel. The results are analyzed and handled to form the final reliability results for fuel injectors in high bypass turbofan engines. The results show that the Sauter Mean Diameter (SMD) in dual orifice atomizer is larger than Sauter Mean Diameter (SMD) in pressure swirl atomizer, the film thickness (h) in dual orifice atomizer is less than the film thickness (h) in pressure swirl atomizer. The Spray Cone Angle (α) in pressure swirl atomizer is larger than Spray Cone Angle (α) in dual orifice atomizer.Keywords: gas turbine engines, atomization process, Sauter mean diameter, JP-5
Procedia PDF Downloads 1651610 Implantology Failure: Epidemiological Survey among Tunisian Dentists
Authors: Faten Khanfir, Mohamed Tlili, Ali Medeb Hamrouni, Raki Selmi, M. S. Khalfi, Faten Ben Amor
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Introduction: dental implant failure is a major concern for the clinician and the patient. Objectives: The aim of our study is to investigate the way in which 100 Tunisian dentists carried implant treatment for their patients from the early phase of planning and selection of patients to the placement of the implant in order to look for the implant failure factors. Results: significant correlations were found between failure rates > 5 and their corresponding factors as the number of implants placed (p = 0.001<0, 05), smoking (0.046 <0.05), unbalanced diabetes (0.03<0.05), aseptic protocol (= 0.004< 0.05) and the drilling speed (0,002<0.05) Conclusion: It seems that the number of implant placed, smoking, diabetes, aseptic protocol, and the drilling speed may contribute to dental implant failure.Keywords: failure, implants, survey, risk, osseointegration
Procedia PDF Downloads 1831609 Electrochemical Radiofrequency Scanning Tunneling Microscopy Measurements for Fingerprinting Single Electron Transfer Processes
Authors: Abhishek Kumar, Mohamed Awadein, Georg Gramse, Luyang Song, He Sun, Wolfgang Schofberger, Stefan Müllegger
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Electron transfer is a crucial part of chemical reactions which drive everyday processes. With the help of an electro-chemical radio frequency scanning tunneling microscopy (EC-RF-STM) setup, we are observing single electron mediated oxidation-reduction processes in molecules like ferrocene and transition metal corroles. Combining the techniques of scanning microwave microscopy and cyclic voltammetry allows us to monitor such processes with attoampere sensitivity. A systematic study of such phenomena would be critical to understanding the nano-scale behavior of catalysts, molecular sensors, and batteries relevant to the development of novel material and energy applications.Keywords: radiofrequency, STM, cyclic voltammetry, ferrocene
Procedia PDF Downloads 4801608 Investigation on Mechanical Properties of a Composite Material of Olive Flour Wood with a Polymer Matrix
Authors: Slim Souissi, Mohamed Ben Amar, Nesrine Bouhamed, Pierre Marechal
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The bio-composites development from biodegradable materials and natural fibers has a growing interest in the science of composite materials. The present work was conducted as part of a cooperation project between the Sfax University and the Havre University. This work consists in developing and monitoring the properties of a composite material of olive flour wood with a polymer matrix (urea formaldehyde). For this, ultrasonic non-destructive and destructive methods of characterization were used to optimize the mechanical and acoustic properties of the studied material based on the elaboration parameters.Keywords: bio-composite, olive flour wood, polymer matrix, ultrasonic methods, mechanical properties
Procedia PDF Downloads 4931607 An Integer Nonlinear Program Proposal for Intermodal Transportation Service Network Design
Authors: Laaziz El Hassan
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The Service Network Design Problem (SNDP) is a tactical issue in freight transportation firms. The existing formulations of the problem for intermodal rail-road transportation were not always adapted to the intermodality in terms of full asset utilization and modal shift reinforcement. The objective of the article is to propose a model having a more compliant formulation with intermodality, including constraints highlighting the imperatives of asset management, reinforcing modal shift from road to rail and reducing, by the way, road mode CO2 emissions. The model is a fixed charged, path based integer nonlinear program. Its objective is to minimize services total cost while ensuring full assets utilization to satisfy freight demand forecast. The model's main feature is that it gives as output both the train sizes and the services frequencies for a planning period. We solved the program using a commercial solver and discussed the numerical results.Keywords: intermodal transport network, service network design, model, nonlinear integer program, path-based, service frequencies, modal shift
Procedia PDF Downloads 1181606 Sol-Gel Synthesis and Optical Characterisation of TiO2 Thin Films for Photovoltaic Application
Authors: Arabi Nour El Houda, Iratni Aicha, Talaighil Razika, Bruno Capoen, Mohamed Bouazaoui
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TiO2 thin films have been prepared by the sol-gel dip-coating technique in order to elaborate antireflective thin films for monocrystalline silicon (mono-Si). The titanium isopropoxyde was chosen as a precursor with hydrochloric acid as a catalyser for preparing a stable solution. The optical properties have been tailored with varying the solution concentration, the withdrawn speed, and the heat-treatment. We showed that using a TiO2 single layer with 64.5 nm in thickness, heat-treated at 450°C or 300°C reduces the mono-Si reflection at a level lower than 3% over the broadband spectral do mains [669-834] nm and [786-1006] nm respectively. Those latter performances are similar to the ones obtained with double layers of low and high refractive index glasses respectively.Keywords: thin film, dip-coating, mono-crystalline silicon, titanium oxide
Procedia PDF Downloads 4381605 Reduction of Speckle Noise in Echocardiographic Images: A Survey
Authors: Fathi Kallel, Saida Khachira, Mohamed Ben Slima, Ahmed Ben Hamida
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Speckle noise is a main characteristic of cardiac ultrasound images, it corresponding to grainy appearance that degrades the image quality. For this reason, the ultrasound images are difficult to use automatically in clinical use, then treatments are required for this type of images. Then a filtering procedure of these images is necessary to eliminate the speckle noise and to improve the quality of ultrasound images which will be then segmented to extract the necessary forms that exist. In this paper, we present the importance of the pre-treatment step for segmentation. This work is applied to cardiac ultrasound images. In a first step, a comparative study of speckle filtering method will be presented and then we use a segmentation algorithm to locate and extract cardiac structures.Keywords: medical image processing, ultrasound images, Speckle noise, image enhancement, speckle filtering, segmentation, snakes
Procedia PDF Downloads 5291604 Tribological Behaviour Improvement of Lubricant Using Copper (II) Oxide Nanoparticles as Additive
Authors: M. A. Hassan, M. H. Sakinah, K. Kadirgama, D. Ramasamy, M. M. Noor, M. M. Rahman
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Tribological properties that include nanoparticles are an alternative to improve the tribological behaviour of lubricating oil, which has been investigated by many researchers for the past few decades. Various nanostructures can be used as additives for tribological improvement. However, this also depends on the characteristics of the nanoparticles. In this study, tribological investigation was performed to examine the effect of CuO nanoparticles on the tribological behaviour of Syntium 800 SL 10W−30. Three parameters used in the analysis using the wear tester (piston ring) were load, revolutions per minute (rpm), and concentration. The specifications of the nanoparticles, such as size, concentration, hardness, and shape, can affect the tribological behaviour of the lubricant. The friction and wear experiment was conducted using a tribo-tester and the Response Surface Methodology method was used to analyse any improvement of the performance. Therefore, two concentrations of 40 nm nanoparticles were used to conduct the experiments, namely, 0.005 wt % and 0.01 wt % and compared with base oil 0 wt % (control). A water bath sonicator was used to disperse the nanoparticles in base oil, while a tribo-tester was used to measure the coefficient of friction and wear rate. In addition, the thermal properties of the nanolubricant were also measured. The results have shown that the thermal conductivity of the nanolubricant was increased when compared with the base oil. Therefore, the results indicated that CuO nanoparticles had improved the tribological behaviour as well as the thermal properties of the nanolubricant oil.Keywords: concentration, improvement, tribological, copper (II) oxide, nano lubricant
Procedia PDF Downloads 4381603 Lightweight Cryptographically Generated Address for IPv6 Neighbor Discovery
Authors: Amjed Sid Ahmed, Rosilah Hassan, Nor Effendy Othman
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Limited functioning of the Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) has necessitated the development of the Internetworking Protocol next generation (IPng) to curb the challenges. Indeed, the IPng is also referred to as the Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) and includes the Neighbor Discovery Protocol (NDP). The latter performs the role of Address Auto-configuration, Router Discovery (RD), and Neighbor Discovery (ND). Furthermore, the role of the NDP entails redirecting the service, detecting the duplicate address, and detecting the unreachable services. Despite the fact that there is an NDP’s assumption regarding the existence of trust the links’ nodes, several crucial attacks may affect the Protocol. Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) therefore has recommended implementation of Secure Neighbor Discovery Protocol (SEND) to tackle safety issues in NDP. The SEND protocol is mainly used for validation of address rights, malicious response inhibiting techniques and finally router certification procedures. For routine running of these tasks, SEND utilizes on the following options, Cryptographically Generated Address (CGA), RSA Signature, Nonce and Timestamp option. CGA is produced at extra high costs making it the most notable disadvantage of SEND. In this paper a clear description of the constituents of CGA, its operation and also recommendations for improvements in its generation are given.Keywords: CGA, IPv6, NDP, SEND
Procedia PDF Downloads 3851602 Comfort Evaluation of Summer Knitted Clothes of Tencel and Cotton Fabrics
Authors: Mona Mohamed Shawkt Ragab, Heba Mohamed Darwish
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Context: Comfort properties of garments are crucial for the wearer, and with the increasing demand for cotton fabric, there is a need to explore alternative fabrics that can offer similar or superior comfort properties. This study focuses on comparing the comfort properties of tencel/cotton single jersey fabric and cotton single jersey fabric, with the aim of identifying fabrics that are more suitable for summer clothes. Research Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the comfort properties of tencel/cotton single jersey fabric and cotton single jersey fabric, with the goal of identifying fabrics that can serve as alternatives to cotton, considering their comfort properties for summer clothing. Methodology: An experimental, analytical approach was employed in this study. Two circular knitting machines were used to produce the fabrics, one with a 24 inches gauge and the other with a 28 inches gauge. Both fabrics were knitted with three different loop lengths (3.05 mm, 2.9 mm, and 2.6 mm) to obtain loose, medium, and tight fabrics for evaluation. Various comfort properties, including air permeability, water vapor permeability, wickability, and thermal resistance, were measured for both fabric types. Findings: The study found a significant difference in comfort properties between tencel/cotton single jersey fabric and cotton single jersey fabric. Tencel/cotton fabric exhibited higher air permeability, water vapor permeability, and wickability compared to cotton fabric. These findings suggest that tencel fabric is more suitable for summer clothes due to its superior ventilation and absorption properties. Theoretical Importance: This study contributes to the exploration of alternative fabrics to cotton by evaluating their comfort properties. By identifying fabrics that offer better comfort properties than cotton, particularly in terms of water usage, the study provides valuable insights into sustainable fabric choices for the fashion industry. Data Collection and Analysis Procedures: The comfort properties of the fabrics were measured using appropriate testing methods. Paired comparison t-tests were conducted to determine the significant differences between tencel/cotton fabric and cotton fabric in the measured properties. Correlation coefficients were also calculated to examine the relationships between the factors under study. Question Addressed: The study addresses the question of whether tencel/cotton single jersey fabric can serve as an alternative to cotton fabric for summer clothes, considering their comfort properties. Conclusion: The study concludes that tencel/cotton single jersey fabric offers superior comfort properties compared to cotton single jersey fabric, making it a suitable alternative for summer clothes. The findings also highlight the importance of considering fabric properties, such as air permeability, water vapor permeability, and wickability, when selecting materials for garments to enhance wearer comfort. This research contributes to the search for sustainable alternatives to cotton and provides valuable insights for the fashion industry in making informed fabric choices.Keywords: comfort properties, cotton fabric, tencel fabric, single jersey
Procedia PDF Downloads 741601 The Effectiveness of Environmental Policy Instruments for Promoting Renewable Energy Consumption: Command-and-Control Policies versus Market-Based Policies
Authors: Mahmoud Hassan
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Understanding the impact of market- and non-market-based environmental policy instruments on renewable energy consumption (REC) is crucial for the design and choice of policy packages. This study aims to empirically investigate the effect of environmental policy stringency index (EPS) and its components on REC in 27 OECD countries over the period from 1990 to 2015, and then use the results to identify what the appropriate environmental policy mix should look like. By relying on the two-step system GMM estimator, we provide evidence that increasing environmental policy stringency as a whole promotes renewable energy consumption in these 27 developed economies. Moreover, policymakers are able, through the market- and non-market-based environmental policy instruments, to increase the use of renewable energy. However, not all of these instruments are effective for achieving this goal. The results indicate that R&D subsidies and trading schemes have a positive and significant impact on REC, while taxes, feed-in tariff and emission standards have not a significant effect. Furthermore, R&D subsidies are more effective than trading schemes for stimulating the use of clean energy. These findings proved to be robust across the three alternative panel techniques used.Keywords: environmental policy stringency, renewable energy consumption, two-step system-GMM estimation, linear dynamic panel data model
Procedia PDF Downloads 1801600 ISIS after the Defeat of the Islamic Caliphate: The Rise of Cyber-Jihad
Authors: Spyridon Plakoudas
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After the capture of Al-Raqqah and the defeat of the short-lived Islamic Caliphate in 2017, everyone predicted the end of ISIS. However, ISIS proved far more resilient than initially thought. The militant group quickly regrouped from its defeat and started a low-intensity guerrilla campaign in central Iraq (near Kirkuk and Mosul) and north-eastern Syria (near Deir ez-Zorr). At the same time, ISIS doubled down on its cyber-campaign; actually, ISIS is as active on the cyber-domain as during the peak of its power in 2015. This paper, a spin-off paper from a co-authored book on the Syrian Civil War (due to be published by Rowman and Littlefield), intends to examine how ISIS operates in the cyber-domain and how this "Cyber-Caliphate" under re-construction is associated with its post-2017 strategy. This paper will draw on the discipline of War Studies (with an emphasis on Cyber-Security and Insurgency / Counter-Insurgency) and will benefit from the insights of interviewed experts on the field (e.g., Hassan Hasssan). This paper will explain how the successful operation of ISIS in the cyber-space preserves the myth of the “caliphate” amongst its worldwide followers (against the odds) and sustains the group’s ongoing insurgency in Syria and Iraq; in addition, this paper will suggest how this cyber-threat can be countered best.Keywords: ISIS, cyber-jihad, Syrian Civil War, cyber-terrorism, insurgency and counter-insurgency
Procedia PDF Downloads 1341599 Optimal Design Solution in "The Small Module" Within the Possibilities of Ecology, Environmental Science/Engineering, and Economics
Authors: Hassan Wajid
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We will commend accommodating an environmentally friendly architectural proposal that is extremely common/usual but whose features will make it a sustainable space. In this experiment, the natural and artificial built space is being proposed in such a way that deals with Environmental, Ecological, and Economic Criteria under different climatic conditions. Moreover, the criteria against ecology-environment-economics reflect in the different modules which are being experimented with and analyzed by multiple research groups. The ecological, environmental, and economic services are provided used as units of production side by side, resulting in local job creation and saving resources, for instance, conservation of rainwater, soil formation or protection, less energy consumption to achieve Net Zero, and a stable climate as a whole. The synthesized results from the collected data suggest several aspects to consider when designing buildings for beginning the design process under the supervision of instructors/directors who are responsible for developing curricula and sustainable goals. Hence, the results of the research and the suggestions will benefit the sustainable design through multiple results, heat analysis of different small modules, and comparisons. As a result, it is depleted as the resources are either consumed or the pollution contaminates the resources.Keywords: optimization, ecology, environment, sustainable solution
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