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Advancing bridge structural health monitoring using artificial intelligence
No full textContinuous structural health monitoring (SHM) systems are essential for the effective management of bridges, enabling real-time assessment of structural conditions and early damage detection. While these systems have proven effective, handling the vast amount of data generated over time presents challenges. Recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) offer solutions to enhance damage detection, classification, and condition assessment. However, classifying damage remains difficult due to the limited availability of labeled data from damaged bridges. To address this, Transfer Learning (TL), a subset of ML, offers a promising approach. TL allows models trained on large datasets from different domains, such as other bridges or simulation data, to be adapted for specific bridge monitoring tasks. This technique helps overcome data scarcity and improves the accuracy of damage classification across various bridge structures. Ongoing research demonstrates how ML and TL address key challenges, leading to more effective and reliable bridge health monitoring, ultimately ensuring safety and longevity
Mechanical Characterization of Ramie and Jute Textile-Reinforced Mortars
No full textThis study explores the mechanical properties of mortars reinforced with ramie and jute textiles. The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of these natural fibers as sustainable reinforcement materials, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fibers in construction applications. The textiles are treated to improve their bonding with the mortar matrix and then integrated into the mix. Mechanical tests, including tensile strength assessments through direct tensile tests, are performed to determine the effectiveness of the reinforcement. The findings reveal that the inclusion of ramie and jute textiles significantly improves the mechanical properties of the mortars compared to unreinforced samples. Treated fibers show enhanced adhesion to the matrix, resulting in better load distribution and increased resistance to cracking. Overall, the ramie-TRM composite exhibited superior ductile behavior, with high strength (\u3e35%) and elongation (\u3e30%) in comparison with the jute-TRM composit
A Comparative Study of Optimization Algorithms: Ant Colony Optimization vs Simulated Annealing
No full textThis paper presents a comparative study of two prominent optimization algorithms, Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) and Simulated Annealing (SA), specifically in the context of solving the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP). The TSP is a well-known combinatorial optimization problem that looks for the quickest path to travel between a set of cities exactly once and back to the starting point. ACO uses pheromone trails to gradually converge towards the best path while exploring potential solutions. It is inspired by the foraging behavior of ants. On the other hand, SA uses a probabilistic method to break out from local minima and arrive at a close to ideal solution, taking inspiration from the annealing process in metallurgy. Both algorithms are used in the study on different TSP instances in order to assess how well they perform in terms of computational efficiency, convergence speed, and solution quality. The outcomes of the experiments show that although SA exhibits strong convergence properties for smaller instances of TSP, ACO efficiently explores complex solution spaces and frequently produces better results. By highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of each algorithm, this study helps practitioners and researchers choose the best optimization strategies for the TSP. In the end, this research adds to the continuing conversation about metaheuristic algorithms and how to use them to solve optimization problems in the real world, especially in the areas of logistics and route planning
Implementation of IoT Hub and Digital Twins at UBT Smart and Self-Sustainable City
No full textThe rapid advancement of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies has the potential to revolutionize urban infrastructure, making cities more efficient, sustainable, and livable. This paper presents the implementation of an IoT hub integrated with digital twin technologies in the development of UBT Smart and Self-Sustainable City. The IoT hub serves as the central platform for gathering, processing, and analyzing data from a wide range of connected devices and sensors installed throughout the city. These devices monitor key urban systems such as energy usage, water management, transportation networks, waste management, and environmental conditions in real-time. By creating digital twins—virtual replicas of physical assets such as buildings, utilities, and public spaces—the city can simulate, analyze, and optimize its operations, making informed decisions on resource allocation and urban planning. The digital twin technology enables predictive maintenance, enhances the management of urban infrastructure, and contributes to minimizing environmental impacts. Additionally, the integration of renewable energy sources and smart grid systems ensures energy efficiency and sustainability. The UBT Smart City is designed to be self-sustainable, relying on advanced IoT systems to create a more resilient, eco-friendly environment. The deployment of IoT and digital twin technology offers a robust framework for achieving sustainability goals, reducing carbon footprints, and improving the overall quality of life for its residents. This paper explores the technical aspects of the IoT hub implementation, the role of digital twins in smart city management, and the benefits these technologies bring in creating a sustainable urban ecosystem. Keywords: IoT hub, digital twins, smart city, self-sustainable city, urban infrastructure, predictive maintenance, sustainability
Graph Database Applications in Social Network Analysis: Unraveling Interconnected Data and Interactions
No full textThis study examines the use of graph databases in social network analysis, emphasizing the complex interactions and relationships that define these dynamic settings. Large volumes of interconnected data are produced by social networks, and traditional relational databases frequently find it difficult to effectively manage and query complex relationships. Graph databases offer a more user-friendly and effective framework for encapsulating the complexity of social interactions because they can represent entities as nodes and relationships as edges. This study investigates various graph database technologies and their effectiveness in modeling social network data, examining key use cases such as community detection, influence propagation, and sentiment analysis. Finally, this study emphasizes how important graph databases are to social network analysis. It suggests intriguing prospects for further research into how individuals interact and connect within social networks by exhibiting their useful applications and benefits
Initial tests of the limestone that will be used for the production of lime at the New Kosova Lime Factory
Get PDFIn the phase of the idea of compiling the investment plan of the factory for the production of lime, various tests were carried out in order to determine the properties of the raw limestone, from these results the adequate type of technology for the industrial production of lime will be determined, with the main aim that the production of quicklime and hydrated lime is in accordance with the EN 459 standard and also the adequate type of technology for the industrial production of lime will be determined, and these aspects have been ascertained by the tests carried out. From the results of the tests, we have come to the conclusion that the physical, mechanical and mineralogical properties of the raw limestone ensure quality production of lime, as well as the suitable technology is the double-shaft vertical kiln. In the testing phase, the types of fuels for burning of limestone were also studied and it was found that the use of petrol-coke is adequate and has no impact on the quality of the final product, and the same has been determined for use by setting the optional technology for other fuels as well possible for use. The initial and ongoing tests have shown that from the limestone available and the established technology, lime can be produced for various applications and industries. The factory for the production of lime New Kosova Lime is already in the last stage of finalization, and it is expected to be put into operation soon
Comparison between Concrete Column Retrofitting and Steel Jacketing
Get PDFThe project focuses on the strengthening of structural elements, specifically a column in a building being transformed from its current P+1 structure, used for residential purposes, into a new P+2 structure intended to serve as a bookstore and storage space. The analysis begins with the assessment of the current structure in two key aspects: the capacity of the existing column dimensions to accommodate new loads (ductility factor) and the verification of the concrete class through non-destructive testing. After completing the inspection of the current structure, two options are proposed for the central column of the building: concrete retrofitting by increasing the column dimensions using higher-class concrete and a second method applying steel jacketing. Both methods are calculated based on the empirical formulas of EUROCODE 8, and the procedures for applying concrete column retrofitting and steel jacketing are explained in detail. After describing the procedures, the two methods are compared, focusing on the increase in actual dimensions relative to the space occupied by the new column, thus highlighting its impact on the overall structur
Applied cryptography with python
Get PDFCryptography is a key aspect of information security and provides data security. This paper aims to provide a better understanding of cryptography and its application with Python through real life examples. It covers the basics of cryptography, containing information about symmetric and asymmetric encryption methods. Throughout the paper we dive into different encryption methods, from simple to more complex, starting with the Caesar Cipher that has been used by people ever since ancient times, the Reverse Cipher which is one of the simplest encryption methods, all the way to implementing a RSA Algorithm using Python’s cryptography library, always providing knowledge over each of their pros and cons. We’re going to tackle the advanced encryption methods using the cryptography library, specifically the “Fernet” class. This paper showcases the real-world applications of cryptography in modern systems like secure communication between devices and hashing techniques for password encryption, highlighting the importance of cryptography in protecting sensitive information
Automatic Transformer Design Tool Selection in the Online-CADCOM Platform
Get PDFThe paper deals with the extension of the Online-CADCOM platform by incorporating knowledge for transformer design online tools. Calculators like goodcalculators, alfatransformer, jcalc, farnell bulgaria, maddox, 3phaseassociates, voltage-disturbance, omnicalculator, forumelectrical and modules in online platforms like PowerEsim and Webench Power Designer are tested, and their Characterization passports are developed, then added as electronic content. Compulsory and optional criteria for automatic selection of the online transformer design tools are defined and added to the Knowledge-base of Online CADCOM platform. Special attention is given to the capacity of the online tools to generate the SPICE model parameters of the transformer designed which allows the implementation, simulation and test in electronic circuits. The Expert tool supporting decision-making methods such as multicriteria decision-making (MCDA) and multi-attribute utility theory (MAUT) is implemented to select online transformer design tools to satisfy a given specification. Illustrative examples are presented. The study extends the capabilities of the platform Online-CADCOM by assisting engineers and designers with the automatic selection of appropriate online transformer design tools
The Role of Climate Change in Increased Flood Frequency
No full textAccording to the European Environment Agency, extreme weather events pose increasing risks to ecosystems, buildings, infrastructure, and human health. As climate change accelerates, these events are expected to become more frequent and intense, already causing substantial damage and loss. The rise in global temperatures is manifesting in increased rainfall in many regions, particularly in Europe, leading to more frequent flooding. Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), together with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), in 2023, the impacts of climate change continued to be felt across Europe, affecting millions of people through extreme weather events. Regarding hydrological variables in Europe: In 2023, Europe as a whole experienced around 7% more precipitation than the average. Across the European river network, river flows reached record highs for December, with exceptionally high flow in almost a quarter of the network. Throughout the year, one-third of the European river network saw river flows exceed the high flood threshold, while 16% exceeded the severe flood threshold. Also in 2024, many areas in Europe, including the Balkans, experienced intense rainfall that resulted in floods with a return period of over 100 years. This caused significant material damage and, unfortunately, led to the loss of lives across several countries. Kosovo, like other countries in Europe, was faced with frequent floods for many years. In 2021, the floods were considered historic, while in January 2023, the cities of Skenderaj, Mitrovica, Podujeva, Istog and Klina had significant material damage. Only in Skenderaj, the damages from the floods were estimated to be close to 12 million euros. Data from the Institute of Hydrometeorology of Kosovo for the Prishtina region from 2001 to 2023 indicates that the average temperature during this period is 11.3°C, nearly 1°C higher than it was 20 years ago. The average annual rainfall recorded is 659.8 mm, an increase of 70 mm compared to the historical data from 1948 to 1988, which recorded an average of 579 mm. Intense, short-duration rainfalls have become more frequent, especially in urban areas. In June 2024, Pristina experienced a heavy downpour that produced 61.5 mm of rain in just 30 minutes, causing widespread flooding in many parts of the city. Climate change is now highly evident, with floods expected to become more frequent and severe. Immediate action is required in several areas, including expanding green spaces, restricting construction in high-risk zones, building water retention systems to manage initial flood surges, and improving rainwater drainage and discharge infrastructure, integrated with green infrastructure