Atmospheric and anthropogenic deterioration of the İvriz rock monument: Ereğli-Konya,Central Anatolia,Turkey

Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment - The aim of this study is to determine the extent of deterioration of the limestone on which the İvriz rock monument is engraved. This...     

Poly(azomethine-imide)s containing siloxane moities: Optical,thermal, mechanical,and morphological properties

A new series of poly(azomethine-imide)s having siloxane moities in backbone was prepared using different dianhydrides.Thermal, optical, and morphological properties of these polymers were clarified. Also, bulky  CO and  CF₃ group effects and meta or para-substituted aldeyhde effects on the mentioned properties were evaluated. The structural characterization of poly(azomethine-imide)s was carried out using a FT-IR spectroscopy. The optical properties of the polymers were performed via an UV–Vis spectrophotometer. Optical band gap of the poly(imide)s containing azomethine was calculated between 2.20 and 2.33 eV. Thermal behavior of poly(azomethine-imide)s was also studied using TG-DTA, DSC, and DMA techniques. The onset degradation temperature and percentage char values of the polyimides were found in the range from 429 to 545 °C and 22 to 35%, respectively. Thermal stability results demonstrated that benzophenone bearing poly(azomethine-imide)s have higher onset temperature, percentage char, and the glass transition temperature than poly(azomethine-imide)s derived from hexafluoroisopropylidene. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137, 48364.     

Neural network and fuzzy logic-based hybrid attitude controller designs of a fixed-wing UAV

Neural Computing and Applications - In this paper, a mini unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is planned to be used in applications such as spraying pesticide and weed control in agricultural areas....     

BiLSTM and dynamic fuzzy AHP-GA method for procedural game level generation

Neural Computing and Applications - The use of games in daily life, especially in education, has been in an incline during the COVID-2019 pandemic. Thus, game-based learning environments have...     

Durability of concrete incorporating non-ground blast furnace slag and bottom ash as fine aggregate

The paper presents investigation of how the usage of bottom ash (BA), granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS), and combination of both of these materials as fine aggregate in concrete affects the concrete durability. To assess durability characteristics of concrete, durability tests were conducted and the results were evaluated comparing with reference concrete. Three series concrete were produced. GBFS, BA and GBFS+BA are replaced the 3–7 mm-sized aggregate. Five test groups were constituted with the replacement percentages as 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% in each series. These by-products were used as non-ground form in the concrete. Durability properties of the concretes were compared in order to study the possible advantages of different replacement ratios. According to results, GBFS and BA affects some durability properties of concrete positively in case of it is used as fine aggregate. Resistance to high temperature and surface abrasion are positively affected properties. Capillarity, drying-wetting and freezing-thawing resistance of the concrete can be accepted to some extent. Properties of by-products and its replacement ratio are controlling the influence level and direction. Comparison of the SEM images and test results show that chemical and physical properties of GBFS and BA are the main factors affecting the concrete durability. It is concluded that it is possible to produce durable concrete by using GBFS and BA as fine aggregate.     

The challenge of change for innovation in construction: A North Cyprus perspective

A vision of change for innovation within the perspective of revaluing the construction industry is essential to develop a culture of self-sustaining improvement, mutual recognition, respect and support in the long term in North Cyprus. The research attempts to put forward a case for a restructuring of the construction sector in order to deliver a step in change in quality of output and to realise maximum value to all clients, stakeholders and end users. The main objective of this study is to (1) determine current innovation practices and identify key issues that contribute to successful implementation (2) assess the existence and severity of barriers to change for innovation (3) propose solutions for overcoming barriers to change for innovation in construction industry and develop a framework to revaluate the construction industry. The research includes an extensive literature study, interviews with managers on the challenge of change for innovation in construction, analysis of this information to develop findings, and extending these to present the key strategic issues that could be targeted for revaluing the construction industry. The paper commences on understanding the firms’ own processes and detecting their weaknesses and strengths, determining the strategies and actions that should be made in the short term to adopt innovation practices and helping the North Cyprus construction industry to learn as a whole. The paper concludes how the drivers of change for innovation can offer benefits to construction firms in North Cyprus if appropriate strategies are adopted.