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12th International Conference On Business, Technology And Innovation 2023, University For Business And Technology - Ubt

UBT International Conference

Welcome to IC – UBT 2023

UBT Annual International Conference is the 12th international interdisciplinary peer reviewed conference which publishes works of the scientists as well as practitioners in the area where UBT is active in Education, Research and Development. The UBT aims to implement an integrated strategy to establish itself as an internationally competitive, research-intensive university, committed to the transfer of knowledge and the provision of a world-class education to the most talented students from all background. The main perspective of the conference is to connect the scientists and practitioners from different disciplines in the same place and make …

International Conference On Civil Engineering And Infrastructure, University For Business And Technology - Ubt

UBT International Conference

UBT Annual International Conference is the 12th international interdisciplinary peer reviewed conference which publishes works of the scientists as well as practitioners in the area where UBT is active in Education, Research and Development. The UBT aims to implement an integrated strategy to establish itself as an internationally competitive, research-intensive university, committed to the transfer of knowledge and the provision of a world-class education to the most talented students from all background. The main perspective of the conference is to connect the scientists and practitioners from different disciplines in the same place and make them be aware of the recent …

Leaching Properties Of Fly Ash From Duvha Power Station In South Afric, Jabulani Veloso De Matsimbe, Megersa Melo De Dinka, David Caetano Olukanni, Innocent Oliveira Musonda

UBT International Conference

Fly ash and phosphogypsum are abundantly available in South Africa. However, landfilled industrial waste materials interact with the environment leading to groundwater, air, and soil pollution. This study aims to determine and quantify the heavy metal concentrations in fly ash from the Duvha power station and compare the results with US EPA regulatory limits. The TCLP and ICP-MS methods are used for leachate measurements. The results showed that the fly ash can be considered non-hazardous since the amounts of toxic elements such as Hg, Pb, Cu, Cd, Zn, Ni, As, P, Co, Se, and Mn are below the US EPA …

Distance Protection And The Importance Of Precision Measuring Equipment, Qendresa Syla

UBT International Conference

As we know short circuits are an inevitable phenomenon for the electrical power system. These damages must be quickly detected by the relay protection system and the damaged part must be isolated quickly. The defense of a line is of particular importance. When a defense system is designed, a compromise must be made between economics and performance, independence and security, complexity and simplicity, accuracy and speed.

From a technical point of view, the correct performance of the relay protection has been of particular importance over the years. It is not desirable for a node of the system to be taken …

Efficient Energy Building And Pollution Control, Afrim Syla

UBT International Conference

The purpose of the Research paper is through the development of new integrated low energy building solutions entirely based on extensive energy savings and renewable energy supply to meet the society’s demands of 2030 and beyond for zero energy buildings. This is an attempt to develop a working definition for Zero Energy Building, which can be used by the participants in the research paper to focus their research and their development of new technologies. Secondly, the working definition might also be used as basis for a discussion of ”Near Zero Energy Building” definition for future energy regulations in Kosovo that …

Evaluating The Impact Of Demand-Side Response In Kosovo During The Energy Crisis: What Can We Learn?, Arven Syla, Avni Alidemaj, Martin Patel

UBT International Conference

The energy crisis in Europe due to war between Ukraine and Russia has led to a unprecedented situation. The volatility in gas supplies and prices has driven the wholesale electricity prices to increase enormously. Fortunately, this crisis has prompted many European countries to prioritise energy sector and advance green agendas. While the efforts to mitigate the energy crisis has primarily focused on the supply side (i.e., subsidies to energy suppliers), less attention has been paid to the demand-side. In this study, we examine how Kosovo managed the electricity crisis and consider the impact of demand-side. We analyze the data of …

The New Epbd Directive A Case Study Of A Renovation Of A Country House In Kosovo, Kliton Bylykbashi, Besar Veseli, Visar Krelani

UBT International Conference

With the "green houses" directive, the European Union intends to reduce GHG emissions by 55% to 2030 compared to 1990 levels and achieve zero emissions by 2050. Reducing emissions of polluting gases and fighting global warming are two objectives of the utmost importance for Europe, pursued through a policy that encourages the ecological transition. One of the most discussed interventions in this sense is the so-called Green Homes Directive or the EPBD Directive which aims to gradually eliminate buildings with inadequate energy performance by promoting the redevelopment of energy-intensive buildings. How can Kosovo respond to this objective at this moment? …

Advancing Toward Net-Zero Cities Through Solar Energy Integration - Challenges, Opportunities, And Innovation, Agron Bislimi, Blinera Bislimi

UBT International Conference

In the pursuit of sustainable urbanization, the integration of solar energy systems has emerged as a pivotal strategy. This paper delves into the transition toward net-zero cities by exploring the seamless integration of solar energy systems across the urban spectrum, extending from individual buildings to the broader urban environment. As cities strive for sustainability, the challenges, opportunities, and innovations associated with this integration are critical to shaping future urban landscapes. This study assesses the multifaceted journey of transitioning from conventional energy sources to solar-powered urban solutions, presenting a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced, the opportunities presented, and the innovative …

Analyzing Solar Energy Integration In Smart Grids With A Focus On Demand Response, Energy Management, And Grid Stability, Agron Bislimi, Arbesa Nikaj

UBT International Conference

The integration of solar energy into smart grids has emerged as a pivotal solution to address the pressing challenges of increasing energy demand, environmental concerns, and the need for resilient power distribution. This paper investigates the multifaceted aspects of smart grid integration with a focus on solar energy, encompassing demand response, energy management, and grid stability. Demand response, a cornerstone of modern grid management, is explored in the context of solar energy integration. The dynamic nature of solar power generation necessitates the alignment of energy consumption patterns with availability. Through advanced metering and real-time communication, demand response strategies enable consumers …

Evaluation Of The Oxidation Process Of Steel Fibers In The Presence Of A Potato Dextrose And Calcium Chloride Solution For The Self-Healing Of Cementitious Matrices, Nahúm Gamalier Cayo Chileno, Gabrielle Avelar Silva, Laércio Mesquita Júnior, Saulo Rocha Ferreira, Maria Alves Ferreira, Joaquin Humberto Aquino Rocha, Jacinta Veloso De Carvalho, Gabriele Melo De Andrade

UBT International Conference

The objective of the research was to experimentally examine the corrosion of steel fibers in two media: a solution containing potato dextrose and calcium chloride (S1) (nutrient of the biological agent Oomicetum Pythium aphanidermatum that facilitates the self-healing of cementitious matrices), and water (S2). The corrosion process was accelerated by the Cebelcor method for 15 days, with immersion/emersion cycles of 5 and 19 hours, respectively. The results revealed that the corrosion of the fibers in solution S1 was 10.64% higher than that in S2. Regarding cross-sectional loss, the corroded fibers in S2 showed linear behavior, unlike those in S1, which …

Dynamics Of Simply Supported Beam Members Subject To Vertical Seismic Acceleratio, Francesco Foti, Luca Capacci, Bruno Dal Lago

UBT International Conference

Despite in most cases vertical seismic acceleration is disregarded in practical structural design, mainly due to the uncritical actions of the pertinent load combination, current standards prescribe the structural check of long-span and pre-stressed beam members subjected to vertical acceleration when they are located in high seismic hazard areas. Current design approaches focus on either finite element calculation, which does not provide a logical guidance to the designer for the problem, or, alternatively, on simplified calculations typically assuming lumped masses concentrated at midspan of the horizontal member. The latter approach does provide only an indicative solution affected by arbitrary modelling …

Assesment Of Bicycle Sharing Programs From A User Perspective: Kaybis, Hatice Göçmen Demir, Y .Kağan Demir, Anil Uruç

UBT International Conference

Bicycles are highly preferred as an efficient means of transportation today, particularly in terms of sustainability. There are currently over 1000 Bicycle Sharing Programs (BSPs) worldwide that are organized to promote the use of bicycles with individual or public transportation in an integrated manner. The first implemented BSP in Turkey is known as KAYBIS, and many other cities are also considering or planning similar programs. However, the availability of information and user statistics related to KAYBIS does not clearly indicate the level of adoption of BSP by users.

In this study, the factors influencing users' preferences for KAYBIS were determined …

Splitting Tensile Strength Prediction Using Machine Learning Based Optimization Algorithms, Lukesh Veloso De Parida, Sumedha Melo De Moharana, Sourav Kumar Giri

UBT International Conference

The usage of recycled aggregates in construction materials has received a lot of interest because of its potential to minimize environmental consequences and the loss of natural resources. The prediction of splitting tensile strength, a crucial mechanical attribute determining structural performance, is an integral part of assessing the feasibility of recycled aggregates for construction. Traditional techniques for evaluating the splitting tensile strength of recycled aggregates rely on advanced and time-consuming laboratory testing, which may be costly and inefficient for large- scale applications. This work proposes machine learning-based algorithms for predicting the performance of splitting tensile strength. In this research, 257 …

Comparative Assessment Using Machine Learning Algorithms For Ultimate Bond Strength Estimations, Lukesh Veloso De Parida, Sumedha Melo De Moharana, Sourav Kumar Giri

UBT International Conference

Corrosion-induced bond strength reduction is a critical problem in infrastructure maintenance and repair. This study investigates several machine learning techniques, i.e., SVR, XG Boost, and random forest, for predicting the ultimate bond behavior between corroded reinforcement and concrete. In this study author employed 218 datasets of corroded samples collected from past studies containing input and output parameters used for predicting the models. The model's performance was evaluated and compared using various performance metrics, i.e., MAE, RMSE, MAPE, and MASE. The results show that random forest algorithms can reliably estimate ultimate bond strength with an RMSE value of 1.26 over SVR …

A Parametric Study For The Structural Assessment Of Multi-Ring Masonry Arches Considering Influencing Factors, Nora Al Anssari, Abbas Al Ameeri

UBT International Conference

The use of sustainable materials in construction has become essential due to their positive impact on the environment. In this study, binary and ternary blended mixtures of micro silica fume (SF) and nano silicon dioxide (NS) concrete mixes were employed. In order to investigate the impact of these materials on the mechanical properties and to improve the durability of concrete. Two groups of mixtures, binary and ternary blended mixes, were used as well as the control mix. In the first group, micro-SF was replaced with 3.5% and 7% by mass of ordinary Portland cement. Whereas, in a ternary blended group, …

The Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer Project: The Experimental Development Of An Innovative Technology Towards The Decarbonisation Of Transportation Systems, Rosalba Al Simeone, Antonio Al Monetepara

UBT International Conference

In the recent years, with the rapid development of electric vehicles, the design and evaluation of different solutions for recharging these vehicles have been the subject of numerous studies. Dynamic inductive charging appears as a promising charging solution, offering several advantages: no physical connection with the vehicle, no manipulation by the user during charging, and reduced risk of damage and vandalism of the system. The research path followed two lines of experimentation. One on a large scale which consists of construction of a test track called “Arena del Futuro”, equipped with Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer technology; the track is designed …

International Conference On Energy, University For Business And Technology - Ubt

UBT International Conference

UBT Annual International Conference is the 12th international interdisciplinary peer reviewed conference which publishes works of the scientists as well as practitioners in the area where UBT is active in Education, Research and Development. The UBT aims to implement an integrated strategy to establish itself as an internationally competitive, research-intensive university, committed to the transfer of knowledge and the provision of a world-class education to the most talented students from all background. The main perspective of the conference is to connect the scientists and practitioners from different disciplines in the same place and make them be aware of the recent …

Assessing The Influence Of Cellulosic Pulp Replacement With Polypropylene On Cement Matrix Properties, Ianca Oliveira Borges, Jacinta Veloso De Carvalho, Jhonatan Sales Satiro, Gabriele Melo De Andrade, Marisa Aparecida Pereira, Saulo Rocha Ferreira, Gustavo Henrique Denzin Tonoli

UBT International Conference

Cellulosic pulp is widely used in the production of cement composite due to its sustainable characteristics, availability and low cost. To improve durability and mechanical properties, synthetic fibers such as polypropylene (PP) are added to the matrix. In this study, fiber cements were reinforced with 1.4% PP fibers, replacing Kraft pulp at concentrations of 5% and 10% in relation to the cement mass. The performance of the cementitious composites was evaluated after 28 days age and 200 cycles of accelerated aging. The results showed that the combination of PP fibers with Kraft pine pulp is a viable option for the …

Assessment Of The Geometric Potential Of The Rubber Tree Fruit Endocarp As A Reinforcing Element In Cement-Based Matrices, Fernanda Al Resende, Saulo Rocha Ferreira, Rodolfo Giacomim Mendes De Andrade

UBT International Conference

The use of plant residues in cement matrices shows promise. The endocarp of the rubber tree fruit is a plant residue that may have the potential to be used in the production of cementitious composites. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the geometric potential of the rubber tree fruit endocarp as a reinforcing element in cement-based matrices. The waste was collected on the UFLA campus. The endocarps were subjected to treatments in hot water (80°C) and in an alkaline solution containing Ca(OH)2. To evaluate the potential of the endocarp as a reinforcing element, the specimens containing treated …

Energy Transition In Support Of Climate Conditions For Renewable Energy Sources, Vehbi Sofiu, Sami Gashi, Besar Veseli, Armend Ymeri, Muhaxherin Sofiu

UBT International Conference

The global perspective with its energy components offers an exploration of the advanced technological potential related to the benefits of the energy transition in renewable energy sources. The stability of the energy system integrated in pan-European markets with the concept of flexible and efficient generating capacities guarantees unified functionality of the energy system. The paper deals with the transition of the energy strategy with classical generation with an outdated system towards the path of reducing CO2 emissions with deep transformation of electricity generation with renewable energy sources. In this paper, the European directive related to the decarburizations of the generating …

Possibilities Of Utilizing The Potential Of Solar Energy In Kosovo, Nexhmi Krasniqi, Armend Ymeri, Blinera Bislimi

UBT International Conference

Solar energy aims to revolutionize energy production by harnessing the sun's sustainable power. Global concerns about climate change, energy security and the limited nature of fossil fuels continue to escalate, and we can rightly say that renewable energy sources have gained significant importance in Kosovo as well. Solar energy, in particular, is being targeted as a promising solution due to its practical and inexhaustible nature and environmentally friendly impact. Electricity production through photovoltaic (PV) systems is mainly intended to be connected to the grid in primary or secondary distribution because these small-scale producers cannot be connected to the grid directly. …

Urban Wastewater Before And After Treatment At The Plant Of Skenderaj, Sami Gashi, Vehbi Sofiu, Shkëlzim Ukaj, Besar Veseli

UBT International Conference

Wastewater and atmospheric treatment are of particular importance for agriculture and for the well-being of citizens so that after treatment they can be placed in a healthy way in nature. In this paper, we have analyzed some basic physicochemical parameters of urban wastewater of Skenderaj, untreated atmospheric water before entering the plant and after treatment of these waters, which after reaching the degree of purity from 80 to 85%, the water flows into Klina River. In this paper, we have reflected detailed data on how wastewater undergoes changes in the parameters that we analyzed after its treatment and this was …

Physical And Mechanical Characterization Of Gypsum Matrix Bio-Composite, Laércio Mesquita Júnior, Nahúm Gamalier Cayo Chileno, Gabriele Melo De Andrade, Jacinta Veloso De Carvalho, Bruna Lopes Alvarenga, Saulo Rocha Ferreira

UBT International Conference

The present research aims to assess the physical and mechanical characteristics of gypsum-based bio-composites reinforced with Eucalyptus urophylla wood particles. Bio-composites with volume additions of 0%, 25%, and 50% were produced and evaluated. The results of the mechanical tests showed a statistically significant difference among the treatments, with the bio-composite with a 25% particle addition achieving a flexural strength of 2.81 Mpa and a compressive strength of 3.62 Mpa. There was a significant decrease in apparent density as the particle addition increased, with the composite with a 50% particle addition having a density of 0.71 g/cm³. All the results met …

The New European Directive Epbd (Energy Performance Of Building Directive) And The Added Value Of The Photovoltaic System, Kliton Bylykbashi, Besar Veseli, Shqiprim Ahmeti, Vehbi Sofiu, Luca Rubini

UBT International Conference

With the "green houses" directive, the European Union intends to reduce harmful gasses emissions by 55% to 2030 compared to 1990 levels and achieve zero emissions by 2050, with the aim of redeveloping the European building stock and improving its efficiency energy.

The provision advanced by the European Commission has been included in the Fit for 55 reform package and has the objective of acting as a priority on the 15% of the most energy-intensive buildings (located in energy class G) for each Member State; in Italy there are approximately 1.8 million residential buildings, out of a total of 12 …

Exploring Current Trends, Innovations, And Advancements In Wind Energy, As Well As Its Potential And Future Prospect, Agron Bislimi, Rrezarta Hajrizi, Arbesa Nikaj

UBT International Conference

This research delves deep into the realm of wind energy, meticulously examining its ever-changing landscape characterized by current trends, groundbreaking innovations, and remarkable advancements. The study sheds light on the dynamic path wind energy has taken, from its historical roots to its present state, while also casting a forward-looking gaze at its potential and prospective future contributions.

The investigation encompasses a comprehensive analysis of the latest trends shaping the wind energy sector. It showcases how these trends reflect the evolving needs of our energy systems and the measures being taken to meet them. Additionally, the paper explores how technological innovations …

Historic Solar Thermal Development, Drita Qerimi, Ardita Jusaj

UBT International Conference

Renewable Energy Sources (RES) are the object of ever-increasing interest in their use in recent years. The main cause of this interest rise lies in the warning about the depletion of conventional energy sources on the planet: fuel, natural gas, coal and the end of uranium reserves. By contrast, RES-s can be considered inexhaustible sources of energy at the human scale, as they use natural energy flows from the sun. Another reason for developing renewable energy sources is the uneven distribution of conventional energy sources on the planet, along with their uneven consumption. And, maybe the important reason is the …

Smart Self - Learning Adaptive Modeling Buildings And Their Impact On Creation Of The Smart Cities In Kosovo, Challenges And Opportunities, Fuat Pallaska, Visar Hoxha

UBT International Conference

The scope of this study is to research or to find the tools for the modeling buildings and simulation on creating the models of smart houses and sustainability and their impact on the whole buildings systems and technologies for better and smarter living conditions for community. Increasing the Energy efficiency and improving the new capacity technologies for Building modeling systems and facilities should create the conditions for the Smart Cities tools and technology and this application in the practice, using the smart modeling systems such as (BIM - modeling) or others adaptive and self-learning buildings. Deepest analyzing Models used for …

The Impact Of Renewable Energy Sources And Their Impact On The Energy System, Rexhep Shaqiri, Vezir Rexhepi

UBT International Conference

The power system of Kosovo is a compact and integrated structure at the hierarchical level. It plays an important role in the process of transmission and distribution of energy to consumers. Based on this importance analysis is necessary in order to estimate the medium and long-term plans of the production of electricity and development of the power generation plants. With the implementation of Distributed Generation (DG) in the distribution power system, there are many issues that need to be addressed and analyzed, as the impacts can be significant on the operation and stability of the distribution system. When DG is …

The New Nzeb Homes Set By Europe And A Case Study: A Farmhouse With Zero Energy Consumption, Kliton Bylykbashi, Besar Veseli, Shqiprim Ahmeti, Vehbi Sofiu, Luca Rubini

UBT International Conference

With the new EPBD directive, the European Union has announced the way forward for the construction of new buildings and the renovation of old ones. Kosovo, although not part of the European Union, does not want to fail in the sensitive issues of energy efficiency. In this article, a ZEB model building will be presented, consisting of an excellent passive system (well-insulated walls and windows) combined with a heat pump hybrid, with radiant floor heating, integrated with a photovoltaic system and batteries. The building will also have an electric vehicle charging system, so the photovoltaic system will be overrated. The …

Digitizing Heritage: A Bim-Based Approach To Preserving The “Prishtina District Energy Facility's Chimney Stack”, F. H. Selmani, Driton Ibrahimi

UBT International Conference

In the realm of architectural conservation and the digital transformation of the construction industry, Building Information Modeling (BIM) plays a pivotal role in preserving historical landmarks. This paper delves into the practical application of BIM for the revitalization of architectural heritage, focusing on the renowned Chimney Stack at the Prishtina District Energy Facility in Kosovo. Through an in-depth case study, this research explores how BIM facilitates the digitization of existing structures, shedding light on its manifold benefits, challenges, and limitations. Utilizing archival data, qualitative analysis, and a systematic BIM-based digitization process, this study demonstrates how BIM enhances efficiency, safety, sustainability, …