THE USE OF SMART GEOMTRY IN ISLAMIC PATTERNS A GENERATIVE APPROACH TO THE RESTORATION OF THE ISLAMIC URBAN AREAS

Geometry is an essential design generator in the Islamic architectural style. Islamic styles are distinct for using the art of geometry in their creative designs. In the Islamic designs, geometry represents the order, harmony and beauty in calculations, scale and proportion. It clearly exists in the design of plans, façade, ornaments and patterns. It expresses many concepts of Islam such as the unity and the oneness of Allah, the perfection and the infinity of creation in the universe, the containments and the continuity. The main proportions of the Islamic style depend on the square proportions(ex: Islamic proportion 1:√2 (Williams, 2006), in which the square is the basic module shape that generates the other geometric forms such as the famous Islamic star, octagonal Islamic rose. In addition, square gives the basic axes and symmetry in the main internal spaces such as the Courtyard in the mosques. So far the role of geometry has been fundamentally dependent in which in it contains, regulates and supports the module of the elements. Islamic geometry and proportions are following special shape grammar rules and relations which should be taken into consideration while the design process or the restoration of historical buildings. One can see the Islamic geometry simple in shape but precisely it is composed of a number of complex relations. And when the rules and the relations increase, the complexity in manipulating the geometry manually increases. That requires more time and effort to execute or modify.Therefore, parametric design strategies are employed to aid in solving this complexity.Parametric design develops the geometry to be more related and dependent. Consequently geometry is introduced in a new smart one. In the traditional CAD software’s, if one of the related geometries is deleted or changed, the modeled relationship may be lost. However, Smart geometry, as well as the parametric design, can convert lines, arcs, shapes, solids, and surfaces into a set of algebraic and geometric constraints that could easily generate those patterns according to a specific relations and proportions. Thus, a number of alternatives are presented to use the most suitable solution in a short time

THE USE OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE TO ENHANCE THE BUILT ENVIRONMENTA STUDY OF THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT

The landscape architecture profession and its role in the planning process in Egypt are not clear and well defined. This led to the production of plans which lacks the existence of an obvious landscape strategy to both existing and new cities. A landscape planning concept which helps to maximize the contribution of the open spaces to the character and appearance of the city; conserve features and areas of historic interest; conserve and enhance existing features of wildlife interest and where appropriate create new habitats; facilitate public enjoyment and recreation in a way which respects the landscape and minimizes its erosion; to provide a linked network of safe, rich and varied open spaces for us all to enjoy and value throughout the city and to promote links with the surrounding countryside. The overall objective of this paper is to produce a set of guidelines for developing a landscape strategy for the Egyptian cities. This aims to ensure that the city’s landscape is adequately protected and cared for, so that its extent, quality, biological diversity and contribution to the character and appearance of the city can be sustained and enriched for the benefit and enjoyment of the people and visitors. As well as addressing the need to restore a balance within the city\u27s landscape, whereby the natural forces of change are managed, the damaging actions of people are limited and a climate is created to encourage the development of good quality landscape design throughout the city. This will be enhanced by using an analytical approach to focus on the city of Alexandria as an example of the Egyptian statues of landscape architecture, reaching the development of a landscape strategy check list

Wind reduction patterns around isolated biomass for wind erosion control in a desertified area of Central Sudan

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of sparse vegetation, feature common in arid zone, to reduce wind force (velocity) and hence protect the surface and regions downwind from drifting sand and their consequences. Respectively 4 (with heights h of 4, 3.2, 2 and 1.66 m), 2 (with h of 3 and 2.5 m) and 3 (with h of 1.04, 0.9 and 0.8 m ) well established single biomass configurations of Leptadenia pyrotechnica trees, Prosopis juliflora trees and Panicum turgidum grass, were selected in the field. Solar powered cup anemometer wind measurements with a data logger system were taken at heights of 0.25 and 0.5 h, at distances 0.5 and 1 h, at four sides of the tree in the prevailing wind direction and perpendicular to it, and additionally at 2, 4 and 6 h windward and leeward. The protection effectiveness of the biomass was calculated as a wind reduction ratio and in terms of objects protection, which was evaluated using the dimensionless protection index (É). The study showed that windward protection provided by Leptadenia and Prosopis at level 0.25h and distance 0.5 h was similar, w ith a wind reduction ratio R0.8, while Panicum showed comparably higher R-values. Even at the 0.5 h level, Panicum showed an R of 0.65 at 0.5 h distance. Leew ard, at 0.25 h level differences were small, R increasing from 0.6/0.7 to 0.8/1 with distance, Leptadenia protecting best. At higher level (0.5 h) at distances 0.5 and 1 h Prosopis gave better protection than the other two at distances 0.5, 1 and 2 h. The research is an exam ple of simple experimental work under difficult environmental conditions in Africa. It was part of studies in which additional attention was paid to quantification aspects under such conditions as well as to the problems it helped solve in the African societies concerned as agrometeorological service

Two Chromatographic Methods for the Determination of Some Antimigraine Drugs

Two stability indicating chromatographic methods were proposed for the determination of almotriptan, eletriptan, and rizatriptan, in presence of their acid degradation products. The first method is a quantitative densitometric thin layer chromatography. The developing systems were; acetonitrile: methanol: dichloromethane: ammonia (10:6:3:1 v/v), ethyl acetate: methanol: ammonia (15:4:1 v/v), and methanol: acetonitrile: ammonia (9:4:1 v/v) for almotriptan, eletriptan and rizatriptan respectively. The TLC plates were scanned at 235 nm. Linear relationships were obtained over concentration ranges (5–50 μg/spot) for almotriptan and rizatriptan, and (5–60 μg/spot) for eletriptan. The second method based on the separation and determination of the studied drugs, using RP-HPLC technique. The separation was achieved on C18 Hypersil column, elution was carried out using phosphate buffer pH 3: methanol: acetonitrile (2: 1:1 v/v) at flow rate 2 mL/min and UV detection at 235 nm. Linear relationships were obtained over concentration ranges (10–200 μg/mL) for almotriptan and eletriptan, and (10–180 μg/mL) for rizatriptan. The chromatographic methods were successfully applied for the determination of each of the studied drugs in pure form, tablet form, and in laboratory prepared mixtures with their acid degradation products

Utilization of High Volume Fraction of Binary Combinations of Supplementary Cementitious Materials in the Production of Reactive Powder Concrete

The reactive powder concrete (RPC) is one of the special concrete types that characteristics with high cement content which means high production cost and CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. Therefore, to enhance the environment as well as to develop green RPC, alternatives to cement, such as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) were used. Limited studies addressed the use of a high volume fraction of SCMs as a binary combination in the production of RPC. Thus, this study aims to replace a high percentage of cement (50%) with binary combinations of silica fume (SF), type F fly ash (FA) and metakaolin (MK). The experimental program included two phases. In phase one, two groups (SF+FA and MK+FA) were cast without steel fibers. Based on group performance in the first phase, one group was chosen to be used with steel fibers in the second phase. The flow rate, compressive and flexural strengths, density, ultrasonic pulse velocity and dynamic modulus of elasticity tests were conducted. The phase one results showed that SF+FA combination mixtures had better performance than MK+FA mixtures thus they were selected to be used in the second phase (with the addition of 1% volumetric fraction micro steel fibers). Results indicated that it is possible to produce sustainable RPC in which the cement can be replaced with 30% SF and 20% FA (the total replacement is 50%) in the presence of 1% steel fibers with a remarkable enhancement in compressive strength and flexural strength reached up to 44% and 10%, respectively

Origin of profunda femoris artery and its circumflex femoral branches: anatomical variations and clinical significance

Background: Knowledge of the anatomical variations of the profunda femoris artery and its circumflex branches is important during angiographic diagnostic procedures as well as during performing surgery in the femoral region. The aim of this study was to examine the original sites, distances and variations of the profunda femoris artery and its circumflex branches. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University from October, 2011 to May, 2013 after the approval of the medical ethical committee. Dissections of 90 femoral triangles of 25 male and 20 female adult human cadavers were performed to demonstrate the origin and distribution of the profunda femoris artery and its circumflex branches. Results: The profunda femoris artery mostly originated from the posterolateral aspect of the femoral artery in 42% of male limbs and in 42.5% of female limbs, from the posterior side in 24% of male and 27.5% of female limbs, from the lateral side in 20% of males and female limbs and from the posteromedial aspect in 14% of male limbs and in 7.5% of female limbs. The mean distance of origin of profunda femoris artery from the midpoint of inguinal ligament was 51.5 ± 1.9 mm in right male, 49.7 ± 1.9 mm in left male, 48.5 ± 2.2 mm in right female and 48.9 ± 2.2 mm in left female limbs. The medial and lateral circumflex arteries originated mostly from the profunda femoris artery (60% in males; 57.7% in females) at a mean distance of 18.6 ± 2.1 mm and 20.2 ± 2.2 mm in right male, 19.6 ± 1.9 mm and 22.5 ± 2.3 mm in left male, 18.8 ± 2.7 mm and 21 ± 2.6 mm in right female and 19.1 ± 2.1 mm and 21.7 ± 2.6 mm in left female limbs, respectively. The original incidence of the medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries from the femoral artery including the common trunk was 40% in male and 42.3% in female limbs. Conclusions: Awareness of the original sites and distances of the profunda femoris artery and its circumflex femoral branches will allow the surgeon to define the vascular pattern before performing any invasive procedure and to avoid unexpected iatrogenic injuries

Evaluation of the Impact of Different Management Methods on Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Their Predators in Citrus Orchards

To evaluate the effectiveness of eco-friendly treatments based on detergents classified as non-hazardous and black soap on the pest Tetranychus urticae Koch 1836, and their predators (Euseius stipulatus Athias-Henriot, 1960, Typhlodromus sp., Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, 1957), different treatments were applied to citrus orchards planted with Valencia late (Orange) in the Mechraa Belksiri region of Morocco (T0 = control experiment; T1 = spirodiclofen 0.5 L/Ha; T2 = 125 L/Ha (5%) of black soap; T3 = detergent; 4 L/Ha of Oni product + 2 L/Ha of Tide product). The results obtained during the whole monitoring period indicated that the three treatments used, namely spirodiclofen, black soap, and detergents, ensured a reduction in the rate of population of the pest T. urticae compared to the untreated plot. In the untreated plot, the average was 45.01 A± 4.90 mobile forms, while the plot treated with spirodiclofen it was only 21.10 C ± 2.71, the black soap 31.49 B ± 3.35, and in the plot treated with detergents, the average was similar to that obtained by spirodiclofen (22.90 C ± 2.18). On the predators (E. stipulatus, P. persimilis, and Typhlodropmus sp.), the black soap and the treatment with detergents were less harmful compared to the chemical spirodiclofen

Evaluation of the Impact of Different Management Methods on Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Their Predators in Citrus Orchards

To evaluate the effectiveness of eco-friendly treatments based on detergents classified as non-hazardous and black soap on the pest Tetranychus urticae Koch 1836, and their predators (Euseius stipulatus Athias-Henriot, 1960, Typhlodromus sp., Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, 1957), different treatments were applied to citrus orchards planted with Valencia late (Orange) in the Mechraa Belksiri region of Morocco (T0 = control experiment; T1 = spirodiclofen 0.5 L/Ha; T2 = 125 L/Ha (5%) of black soap; T3 = detergent; 4 L/Ha of Oni product + 2 L/Ha of Tide product). The results obtained during the whole monitoring period indicated that the three treatments used, namely spirodiclofen, black soap, and detergents, ensured a reduction in the rate of population of the pest T. urticae compared to the untreated plot. In the untreated plot, the average was 45.01 A± 4.90 mobile forms, while the plot treated with spirodiclofen it was only 21.10 C ± 2.71, the black soap 31.49 B ± 3.35, and in the plot treated with detergents, the average was similar to that obtained by spirodiclofen (22.90 C ± 2.18). On the predators (E. stipulatus, P. persimilis, and Typhlodropmus sp.), the black soap and the treatment with detergents were less harmful compared to the chemical spirodiclofen

Evolution of second trimester low implanted placenta to previa at term: a prospective cohort study

Background: The objective of this study is to identify the percentage of low implanted placenta (LIP) at second trimester of pregnancy and identify the risk factors of its persistence to placenta previa (PP) at term.Methods: Through a registered prospective cohort study conducted at tertiary hospital in Upper Egypt, authors screened all pregnant ladies comes to present facility for antenatal second trimester USG between 18-24 weeks gestation. All participants interviewed for detailed risk factors of placenta previa. Those diagnosed to have a LIP (≤1.5 cm from the internal os) had had TVS to confirm the exact distance between the lower edge of the placenta and the internal os. Serial USG had been done every 4 weeks up to delivery to measure the same distance. The primary outcome was the percentage of LIP at 18-24 weeks. Logistic regression analysis was performed to predict the risk factors for PP at term.Results: Through screening of 1000 pregnant lady, LIP had been identified in (52 cases) 5.2% of pregnant women between 18-24 weeks. This percentage dropped gradually to reach 1.3% at 36 weeks of gestation and at time of delivery. The logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the distance between the internal os and the lower edge of the placenta between 18-24 weeks was the single significant variable associated with PP at term (p<0.001, odds ratio 0.319, 95% CI 0.20-0.50). However, excluding the distance from the regression model demonstrated other risk factors as previous miscarriage, previous cesarean section (CS), and history of multiple pregnancies and history of previous PP.Conclusions: About 5.0% of pregnant women have LIP at the second trimester of pregnancy (18-24 weeks) and only 25.0 % of them remain placenta previa at term. A cut-off value of 10 mm between the internal os and the lower edge of the placenta is the most important predictor of development of PP

A Model for Maintenance Planning and Process Quality Control Optimization Based on EWMA and CUSUM Control Charts

The performance of a production system is highly dependent on the smooth operation of various equipment and processes. Thus, reducing failures of the equipment and processes in a cost-effective manner improves overall performance; this is often achieved by carrying out maintenance and quality control policies. In this study, an integrated optimization method that addresses both maintenance strategies and quality control practices is proposed using an exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) chart, in which both corrective and preventive maintenance policies are considered. The integrated model has been proposed to find optimal decision variables of both the process quality decision parameters and the optimal interval of preventive maintenance (i.e., Ns, Hs, L, λ, and t_PM) to result in overall optimal expected hourly total system costs. A case study is then utilized to investigate the impact of cost criteria on the proposed integrated model and to compare the proposed model with a model using the cumulative sum (CUSUM) control chart. The improved model outputs indicate that there is a reduction of 34.6% in the total expected costs compared with those of the other model using the CUSUM chart. Finally, an analysis of sensitivity to present the effectiveness of the model parameters and the main variables in the overall costs of the system is provided