HS Publishing
Not a member yet
614 research outputs found
Sort by
Improvement of Multi-criteria Evaluation Tools by AHP-ELECTRE II Hybridization; Application to Drilling
No full textElimination and Reality Choices (ELECTRE II) and Hierarchical Decision Process Analysis (HDPA) methods are widely used in decision support. Although they are effective in many cases, they are not without their limitations. The AHP method is sometimes considered to be compensatory. As for the ELECTRE II method, it lacks rigorous tools for setting the weights of the decision criteria. To overcome these limitations, we have developed a hybrid method, AHP-ELECTRE II, which combines these two approaches. This AHP-ELECTRE II hybrid combines the advantages of both methods. In this way, we have been able to put in place a procedure that allows criteria to be weighted appropriately using the technique of binary comparison between criteria in accordance with the requirements of the AHP method. This comparison is made by the decision-maker, enabling him to determine the relative weights of the criteria objectively. We then used the weights of the criteria obtained to aggregate performance using the ELECTRE II method. This enabled us to deal with the interactions between the criteria and to rank the alternatives according to how well they met the criteria defined. In our study, we applied this hybrid method to didactic problems, which enabled us to obtain satisfactory results by taking better account of the decision-maker's preferences. We used it to evaluate areas suitable for drilling, simultaneously taking into account indicators of accessibility, potential and exploitable water.The advantage of this hybrid approach is that it combines the analytical rigour of AHP with ELECTRE II's ability to handle interactions between criteria, providing a more complete method that is suited to complex multi-criteria decision support problems. 
Electromagnetic Metasurfaces: A Review
No full textMetasurfaces, engineered materials that can manipulate electromagnetic waves, have garnered significant attention due to their versatile applications, particularly in wireless communications and energy harvesting. This review examines recent advancements in metasurfaces, with a specific focus on their application in Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces (IRS) and energy harvesting systems. Split Ring Resonators (SRRs) have been widely used as meta-atoms due to their ability to exhibit negative permeability and permittivity at specific resonance frequencies. This paper discusses the design, performance, and challenges associated with these metasurfaces and how they contribute to the development of advanced wireless systems and sustainable energy solutions. We also explore the potential of metasurfaces in addressing the challenges posed by energy-hungry wireless devices and the need for efficient energy harvesting techniques
A Proposal of a Hetero Junction Bipolar Phototransistor
No full textA hetero junction bipolar phototransistor is proposed in this short communication by adding a second n-Si junction in reverse bias to the already proposed photodiodes on intrinsic semiconductor materials. The transistor having the nano-GaAs emitter can function in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum
A People’s Accessible Explanation of the Shroud Body Image Formation
No full textThis article aims to offer a clear and accessible explanation of how the body image on the Shroud of Turin may have formed. We propose that this image likely resulted from an interaction between the man of the Shroud, identified as the Nazarene, and the linen cloth in which he was wrapped. In the tomb environment, the only plausible source of such interaction was the body itself, specifically the small amount of thermal energy it still retained. This energy, although limited, could have triggered a probabilistic (stochastic) process that resulted in the image’s formation, though only after a significant delay, possibly years or decades. We draw a parallel with biological responses (in the humans case) to very low energy by radiation, where effects appear stochastically and after a long latency period. Now (in the Turin Shroud case) the available energy was so minimal, that only a stochastic process would be feasible, excluding other mechanisms. We believe this hypothesis provides the most natural and scientifically grounded explanation for the formation of the body image on the Shroud. Even William Ockham's philosophical razor and Aristotle's logical thinking agree with the above mechanism
Aloe Vera - Sustainable Building Material
No full textMagical plants Aloe vera, known as the “queen of medicinal plants”1 even after several hundred years, was highly valued in numerous cultural areas for its medicinal and therapeutic properties, but was rarely used as a building material. Studies in this area are only known in the paint industry. Today it is mainly used for skin diseases, for cosmetic purposes and as a medicine with a laxative effect. In the course of the 20th century, this versatile plant was further observed. You can find many products on the market that are based on aloe vera. Juices and gels are offered, but Aloe Vera is almost only used in cosmetics and alternative medicine with “promising success”. You can read a lot about companies that are already dealing with aloe vera and selling such products. It is precisely because of its wide range of biological activities and physiological properties that aloe has received more and more attention in science, including here in this project. About fifteen years ago, over 5 million liters of aloe vera simple concentrate were produced and marketed annually in the United States alone. This project only uses 1 to 2 plants. From this American quantity, around 1,500 different aloe-containing products were manufactured and offered. In this project only 3 to a maximum of 5. In Europe there were a total of around 350 to 400 products that contained aloe vera extracts. In this project, not only the composition of the most important active ingredients and their applications are important, but also their bioactive effects and toxicological assessments were developed. In this study, aloe vera is not further investigated for its medical or pharmacological successes, but in a completely different direction. Success is not promised, but it is worth further investigation. Aloe vera is not only a plant with healing properties, but also a sustainable building material. An alternative to conventional building materials is discovered here
Analysis of Monsoonal Rainfall Patterns and Anomalies using NASA POWER Data and the Mann-Kendall Test in Northeast India
No full textUnderstanding the variability of monsoonal rainfall is vital for assessing climatic patterns and their implications on agriculture and water resources in Northeast India—a region characterized by complex topography and high rainfall variability. This study investigates long-term trends and anomalies in rainfall across Northeast India using NASA POWER (DAV) point-based precipitation data. The Mann–Kendall (MK) test, ITA and Sen’s slope estimator were applied to detect and quantify monotonic trends and sub-trends in rainfall time series, while rainfall anomalies were computed to assess monsoonal rainfall variability. Results indicate spatial variation, with increasing monsoon rainfall trends observed in the northeastern states as per the statistical analysis and ITA plot. While the monsoonal rainfall anomalies shows both wet and dry periods amongst the states indicating the variation of rainfall patterns in the region. These findings can further enhance understanding of regional rainfall dynamics and provide a scientific basis for improving climate adaptation and water resource management in Northeast India
Dental Caries and the Quality of Life Amongst Older Adults in Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Study
No full textThe present study aimed to investigate the current Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) among older adults and to explore any correlations between dental caries and OHRQoL in Southern Vietnam. A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted was conducted among 2,700 elderly respondents (aged 60 years or older) using a cluster sampling design. A face-to-face questionnaire survey and a dental examination were used to evaluate the prevalence of dental caries. Further, the Vietnamese version of OHIP-14 (OHIP-14VN) was used to measure OHRQoL of older adults. The percentage of older adults with dental caries was 32.3%. Results show that older adults with dental caries had significantly higher physical pain and physical disability than those without dental caries. In conclusion, dental caries is a common disease that affects the quality of life among older people in Southern Vietnam. The current study suggested that dental caries should be a priority in daily and regular healthcare under a health promotion program in Vietnam
School and Teacher Factors Influencing School Performances in Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) Examinations
No full textUganda’s education system has long been examination-oriented, with candidates from Central Uganda (CU) consistently outperforming those from Northern Uganda (NU) in national exams, including UCE. This study examined school and teacher factors influencing Student Performance Index (SPI) in UCE to inform strategies for educational improvement. Using a cross-sectional, parallel, and descriptive survey design with causal-comparative and correlational-regression methods, data was gathered through questionnaires, interviews, and document reviews from 80 teachers, 140 students, 72 leaders, 12 parents, and 10 Key Informants in 36 traditional secondary schools. Analysis employed ANOVA, T-Test, multivariate, and multiple regression techniques. Findings showed that schools in both regions had well-equipped libraries, laboratories, and instructional materials, and teachers had similar qualifications and teaching styles. However, CU teachers employed more effective classroom discipline methods, leading to better student behaviour. CU leaders motivated teachers and students, encouraged self-regulated learning, mobilised parents more successfully, and ensured optimal resource use—resulting in higher academic performance. In contrast, NU schools faced challenges in motivation, discipline, and parental engagement. The study recommends motivating teachers and learners, enhancing parental contributions, and fostering self-regulated learning among NU students to address issues of discipline and academic effort, thereby improving overall performance
Mapping the Supply and Trading Chain of Processed Fish in Ghana: A Case of National Fish Processors and Traders Association Utilizing the “Ahotor” Improved Fish Processing Oven
No full textThis study maps the supply and trading chain of processed fish in Ghana, with a specific focus on fish processors and traders who utilize the Ahotor improved fish processing oven. The primary objective is to examine the supply chain structure, from coastal processing hubs to final markets, by analyzing the roles of key stakeholders, product flows, and prevailing challenges. The geographic scope of the research covers Ghana's major coastal and fishing-dependent areas such as the Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, Volta, and Western regions, with data collected from 193 respondents. The findings highlight a value chain dominated by women, who constitute 96.9% of the surveyed processors and traders with the majority being middle-aged and possessing significant trading experience. The most commonly processed fish are small pelagic species, with Sardinella (82.4%), Scombridae: Atlantic and Chub Mackerel (79.3%), Long Herrings (56.5%), and Anchovy (56.0%) being the most frequent. The supply chain is structured around coastal processing hubs where fish is smoked, dried, or salted before distribution. Marketing strategies are predominantly wholesale (50.3%) or a combination of wholesale and retail (43.5%). Distribution is largely domestic, with most sales occurring within the region of production (49.1%) or other regions of Ghana (36.6%). The Ashanti Region (51.0%) stands out as the most significant domestic market outside the production zones. Regional exports are also present, though on a smaller scale, primarily targeting neighbouring countries like Togo (16.7%) and Benin (2.0%). Key challenges confronting the supply chain include the high cost of transportation, declining fish availability, limited infrastructure and price volatility among others. Recommendations emphasize the need for targeted capacity-building programs, technology adoption, and gender-responsive interventions to sustain the sector. Supporting women's entrepreneurship, improving infrastructure, and promoting value addition are proposed as pathways to enhance the livelihoods of processors and traders, strengthen food security, and expand economic opportunities within Ghana's fisheries sector
Community Colleges and the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement
No full textThis study examines the practices of U.S. community (two-year) colleges earning the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement. Community colleges are not widely represented in the Elective Classification. In keeping with each state’s charge of workforce and economic development and training, community colleges focus on teaching as compared to four-year universities conducting research. Using thematic analysis, the study found four themes across the 26 colleges earning the prestigious designation from 2006-2024. The study documents the practices of institutionalized service-learning and community engagement at community colleges achieving the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement and interprets the findings through a conceptual framework of Institutional Logics focusing on Bureaucratic/State and Market Logics as key obstacles to expanded participation by the colleges. A much-needed future research agenda on service-learning and community engagement within the two-year college sector is proposed framed in Institutional Logics