Technology
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AI for unlocking ancient mysteries
While a debate is ongoing on whether the Nobel prize awarded to AI related studies make sense, there have been other major discoveries in the field of archaeology. The ancient Nazca Lines in Peru that have long fascinated archaeologists and researchers with their enigmatic geoglyphs has now some new glyphs added to the list. In…
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Fractals programming
Fractals are intricate geometric patterns that exhibit self-similarity across various scales. They are created by repeating a simple process, leading to complex structures often found in nature, such as snowflakes, coastlines, and tree branches. The concept of fractals challenges traditional notions of geometry, as they possess non-integer dimensions, meaning their detail increases infinitely with magnification.…
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Traditional units of land measurement
Land measurement is a crucial aspect of agricultural practices and cultural heritage across the globe. Traditional units of land measurement vary by region, reflecting local customs, agricultural needs, and historical contexts. These units are not merely numerical values; they embody the relationship between people and the land they cultivate. China In China, the mu is…
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Possibility of Marburg virus outbreak
The Marburg virus, a highly virulent pathogen belonging to the Filoviridae family alongside the Ebola virus, has re-emerged in recent years, triggering outbreaks that remind the world of its lethality. This virus, responsible for Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), causes severe haemorrhagic fever with a mortality rate often exceeding 80%. While MVD is less well-known than…
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AI technology getting Nobel prizes
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made significant strides in recent years, and its impact is now being recognized at the highest levels, including Nobel Prizes in both physics and chemistry in 2024. This marks a turning point, showing how AI is shaping not just computer science but also influencing traditional scientific fields such as biology, medicine,…
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Economics of Akashi-Kaiko bridge
The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, recognized as the world’s longest suspension bridge, spans a total length of 4 kilometers, with a suspended length of 2 kilometers. This engineering marvel, located in Japan, connects the two primary islands of Honshu and Shikoku. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit this bridge, and as a civil engineer, I can…
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Leaching in water retaining structures
Cement requires water to undergo hydration. However, after hydration is complete, excess water can dissolve the hydration products, causing leaching and weakening the structure. This issue is particularly critical for water-retaining concrete structures. For example, in dams, hydrostatic pressure and water permeability can cause the rapid leaching of these hydration products. This article examines the…
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Elementary analysis for width/height ratio of retaining masonary structure
In masonry construction, one of the key challenges is ensuring the stability of structures against lateral forces, such as those caused by wind, water, or soil pressure. Unlike materials like steel or reinforced concrete, masonry is inherently weak in resisting tensile forces. As a result, masonry structures rely primarily on their weight to counteract these…
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Kites in advancing science experiments
Kites are one of the oldest and most versatile inventions in human history, tracing their origins to ancient China around 2000 years ago. Initially a simple toy or ceremonial object, the kite evolved to play significant roles in military, meteorological, and scientific fields. Early kites were used in military applications, as tools for signalling, measuring…
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Simple analysis of stress on pelvic muscle while riding a bicycle
Cycling is a popular activity that most of us have experienced at some point in our lives. However, if you’ve taken a long break from it and then hopped back on the bike, you may have noticed discomfort or even pain in the pelvic region. This is something I encountered after my recent cycling tour,…