Modeling of Meteorological Parameters for United Arab Emirates

There has been an increasing world interest in clean renewable energies (mainly solar radiation and wind energies) due to the minimal environmental problems resulting from their uses. The continuous depletion of traditional and conventional energy resources and the growing world concern about the environment have led to an extensive research and development efforts in order to improve the energy conversion efficiencies and economics of utilization solar energy devices. However, it is important to identify the potential of available energy resources on the site where renewable energy is to be utilized. Meteorological information is critical to the assessment of the energy resources available and to the performance of many different types of renewable energy systems. Potential of the renewable energy available is strongly influenced by climatic factors such as air temperature, relative humidity, sunshine duration and natural energy supply. Solar radiation is strongly weather dependent. In the United Arab Emirates weather conditions are monitored by meteorological stations across the country and weather data are collected by various meteorological agencies

Improved Droop Controller for Distributed Generation Inverters in Islanded AC Microgrids

Stability in island microgrids is crucial for efficient power distribution among distributed generation (DG) inverters. Conventional droop control, while effective in power sharing, poses challenges with voltage stability due to frequency and voltage deviations resulting from changing load power. Such deviations can lead to system instability, impacting power flows within each inverter. Therefore, this paper introduces a proposed droop control approach that effectively tackles the issues of frequency and voltage deviation, aiming to restore them to their rated values and significantly enhance transient response in power flows among inverters. The novel method incorporates integrating controllers for frequency and voltage, coupled with the utilization of virtual impedances. These virtual impedances, comprising virtual positive/negative-sequence impedance (VPI/VNI) loops at the fundamental frequency and a virtual harmonic impedance (VHI) loop at harmonic frequencies, play a crucial role in overcoming mismatched line impedance conditions, ultimately improving overall system performance. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and outstanding performance of inverters operating in parallel within an island AC microgrid. The proposed approach ensures stable voltage and frequency levels in all operational states, regardless of varying load conditions

SMART BUILDING ENERGY MODEL USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

This paper presents a Smart Building Energy Model of Residential Building using Artificial Neural Network model (ANN) to assist architects and engineers in selecting the optimum alternative design of building envelope parameters such that external wall and roof insulation material types and window types that minimizes the cost of energy consumption of a residential building to transform it to a green building. Up to 1540 Simulations using different material thickness and conductivity values of material insulation properties and windows types are carried out in eQuest software for simulation.. The simulations results are implemented to create an artificial neural network inverse model (ANN) with Matlab/Simulink and the performance is investigated. The results from the artificial neural network outputs and the corresponding eQuest simulation outputs were found very close. In addition, the Mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) is equal to 0.49% , demonstrating a best correlation between outputs and target value, the results show a great solution with good accuracy to predict the energy consumption of residential building for several other building envelope optimization parameters.

Shariah Screening methodologies: SAC-SC vs DJIM Comparative study and impact assessment on their performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare between two screening methodologies in terms of applied methods and the impact assessment. Other than this the paper measures the performance of screened stocks in terms of risk & return and compare it to the conventional onesDesign/methodology/approach – The methods used are a combination of archival and bibliographic research based on some previously published articles. Also the papers use secondary data from published reports.Findings – The paper identifies the impact assessment of the screening methodologies and how investors will not sacrifice part of their returns in order to achieve their moral and ethical values.Originality/value – Many studies compared the two screening indices in term of methodologies; however this paper investigates and uses a quantitative analysis on the impact and performance of the screening methodologies. Furthermore it compares the stages of screening between Shariah Advisory Council of Securities commission (SAC-SC) and Dow Jones Islamic Market Index (DJIM)Keywords – screening, methodologies, impact assessmentPaper type – comparative case stud

Antibacterial Effect of Nano-based Intra-canal Medicaments against Enterococcus Faecalis

Intracanal medicaments have been thought as an important step in killing the bacteria in root canals. The application of nanoparticles in the medication applied between visits was supposed to improve its antibacterial effect. With the introduction of nanotechnology in dentistry, intracanal medicaments could become more effective against bacteria. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of silver nanoparticles incorporated with Calcium hydroxide and Nano Chitosan intracanal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis biofilms formed on root dentin. Materials and methods: 40 extracted human single rooted permanent teeth were selected; samples were randomly divided into three equal experimental groups eight samples each according to the intracanal medicament used. Group 1 (n=8) Calcium hydroxide with nano silver intracanal medicament was used, group 2 (n=8) Nano chitosan intracanal medicament was used, group 3 (n=8) Nano conventional Calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament was used and two control groups eight samples each (n=8). After inoculation with Enterococcus Faecalis, teeth were injected different intracanal medicaments for 7 days then evaluation of dead and live bacteria percentage was done using Confocal LASER Microscope. Results: Reduction of Enterococcus faecalis mean percentages were significantly higher in groups 1 and 2 than group 3 regardless the root level and different root regions except the coronal region. Conclusion: Nano silver and nano Chitosan provide promising antibacterial effect which was proved by Confocal LASER Microscop

Organizational conflict and its management: A theoretical analysis

يعتبر موضوع الصراع التنظيمي من المواضيع الجاذبة لكل من الباحثين الآكاديميين والمسييرين المحترفين في مجال إدارة الأعمال، وذلك نظرا للدور الأساسي الذي يساهم به في تحسين بيئة العمل. إظافة الى الأثر الذي يسببه على العلاقة بين العمال، وبين العمال ومسؤوليهم.  وعلى هذا الأساس فإن هذه الورقة البحثية تسعى الى مناقشة عامة لموضوع الصراع التنظيمي من خلال التركيز على كل من مفهومه، المصادر التي تسبب وقوعه، ومراحل تضخمه.  كما أن هذا المقال يهدف الى دراسة أساليب إدارة الصراع التنظيمي بين الأفراد، ويسلط الضوء كذلك على الدور المهم الذي يجب على إدارة المنظمات أن تلعبه في حالات وقوع الصراع التنظيمي ولماذا.The subject of organizational conflict has attracted the attention of both academic researches and professional managers in the field of business due to its significant contribution to the wellbeing of the work environment.  As well as the effect it causes to the relationship between employees, and between staff and their supervisors.  Therefore, this paper aims to discuss in general the topic of organizational conflict by focusing on its definition, sources that generate it, and its escalation phases.  Furthermore, this article debates the styles of managing conflict between individuals, and highlights the important role that organization’s management should play in conflict situations and why

Effect of peat, compost, and charcoal on transport of fipronil in clay loam soil and sandy clay loam soil

This study used 30 cm long packed by 3 kg soil columns to explore the effects of peat, compost, and charcoal at 5% on the movement of fipronil (99.9 % purity) in clay loam soil and sandy clay loam soil. The soil columns were preconditioned with calcium chloride solution (0.01 M) before applying the pesticide and potassium iodide. Potassium iodide solution (0.2 M) was added at a rate of 10 mL as a water tracer and a quantity of fipronil solution (10 µg g-1soil) was applied on the soil surface of each column. Next, fipronil was leached from the soil columns with a calcium chloride solution (0.1 M) and the leachates were collected and analyzed. The results show that water tracer I- leached fast in soil columns. The breakthrough curve of fipronil appeared from leachates of soil columns after iodide for a while, indicating that fipronil is a moderate or lower mobile compound depending on type of soil and type of soil amendments. In general, adding soil amendments (peat, compost, and charcoal) to clay loam soil and sandy clay loam soil resulted in improved fipronil adsorption and decreased the amount of fipronil that leached into groundwater. This study is very useful for preserving groundwater from pollution, especially in the Middle East due to the lack of water sources

Capacity Building of Females Governmental Secondary School Teachers in Abha City For Crises Management & First Aid

Background: A crisis is a temporary emotional condition wherein one’s usual coping mechanisms have failed in the face of a perceived challenge or threat. First aid is the assessments and interventions that can be performed by a bystander immediately with minimal or no medical equipments. High school students and teachers lack knowledge regarding the appropriate first aid action to be taken for injuries and common illnesses. Various incorrect practices and myths associated with illnesses and injuries have been reported among students and their teachers. Capacity building is one of the WHO Strategies for improving disaster preparedness for school students and teachers. The aim of this study is to develop the capacity building of female governmental secondary school teachers on how to deal with crises management and first aid. Design: A Quasi experimental Design was used; one group pretest–Post Test Design. Setting: A stratified random sample was used to select secondary schools in Abha. Subjects: A random sample of 100 secondary school teachers was chosen from the selected setting in Abha. Instrumentation: Two structured formats were used to collect data pertinent to the study. The first was a pre/post interviewing questionnaire, and the second was a pre/post observational checklist. Results: 1. the studied sample had higher mean score at post test in relation to knowledge of first aid items. (2. The studied sample had higher satisfactory level of clinical mean score at post test in relation to clinical first aid items and also in relation to mean total clinical score. The studied sample had satisfactory and higher mean score at post test in relation to crisis management items and also in relation to mean total knowledge score. Conclusion: The health education and training program were succeeded to improve the knowledge and skills of school teachers in first aid and dealing with wounds, , burns, shock, bleeding, CPR and fractures and dealing with crisis management.  This improvement was proved statistically. Recommendations: Nurses should highlight the need for disaster safety education; it is evident that disaster has significant impact on school students. The implementation of the health education and training program designed by researchers in similar settings to improve the knowledge and skills of school teachers in first aid and dealing with wounds, burns, shock, bleeding, CPR and fractures and dealing with crisis management. Keywords: Capacity Building, Crises Management, First Ai

Evaluation of Hybrid Prediction Models for Accurate Rate of Penetration (ROP) Prediction in Drilling Operations

The precise prediction of the rate of penetration (ROP) is of utmost importance for optimizing drilling operations and minimizing costs while increasing efficiency. However, the complex and nonlinear nature of the drilling process can pose significant challenges in achieving accurate ROP predictions. To address this challenge, multiple hybrid prediction models have been developed, and their accuracy in ROP prediction has been compared. To accomplish this objective, we created three different hybrid models, including Artificial Neural Network – Genetic Algorithm (ANN-GA), Artificial Neural Network-Particle Swarm Optimization (ANN-PSO), and Support Vector Regression (SVR) to estimate ROP. These models were trained and tested using drilling data collected from surface sensors, including drilling parameters such as weight on bit (WOB), revolutions per minute (RPM), flow rate, ROP, and drilling torque. The hybrid models were able to accurately estimate the ROP for the given drilling conditions and lithologies by utilizing these parameters. Furthermore, the models\u27 accuracy and effectiveness were assessed by training and testing them using the collected drilling data. Upon evaluating the performance of the three algorithms, our study shows that SVR (Support Vector Regression) outperformed ANN (Artificial Neural Network) in accuracy and precision when predicting the target variable. SVR consistently provided more accurate and precise predictions, capturing the underlying patterns in the data effectively. While ANN-GA (Artificial Neural Network with Genetic Algorithm) performed better than ANN-PSO (Artificial Neural Network with Particle Swarm Optimization) in the training dataset, it exhibited lower accuracy during testing. This highlights the importance of evaluating algorithm performance in both training and testing scenarios. The results also emphasize that complexity doesn\u27t always lead to better predictions. SVR offers a promising choice for accurate and reliable predictions, but further research is needed to explore the contrasting performances and optimize these algorithms.https://commons.und.edu/pe-pp/1003/thumbnail.jp

Influence of Oscillating Packing Instrument on Microhardness of Bulk-Fill Composite: In Vitro Study

AIM: This study aimed to assess Vickers microhardness of Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill composite that was packed manually and using oscillating packing device. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two different packing techniques were applied on Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill composite. For each packing technique, ten specimens (6 mm in diameter and 4 mm height) were prepared using a black-shaded Teflon mold. The resin was inserted in a bulk increment either packed manually or using Compothixo oscillating device and then light-cured for 40 s. Microhardness was analyzed at the top and the bottom surfaces. RESULTS: Overall, for both packing techniques, microhardness decreased significantly with the increase of depth. Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill composite when packed either manually or using oscillating device, did not show significant difference neither at the top surfaces of both applied techniques nor at the bottom surfaces of both applied techniques. CONCLUSION: Different packing techniques did not influence the microhardness of Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill composite. &nbsp