The aim of this study is to compare the effects of three methods: problem-based learning (PBL), PBL with lecture method, and conventional teaching on the understanding of thermodynamics, group work and self-directed learning skills among physics undergraduates. The actual sample size comprises of 122 students, who were selected randomly from the Physics Department, College of Education in Iraq, for academic year 2011-2012. In this study, the pre and posttest were done and the instruments were administered to the students for data collection. Inferential statistics were employed to analyze data. The independent variables were the PBL, the PBL with lecture method, and the conventional teaching. Dependent variables of statistical analysis were

Abstract 

This paper presents an intelligent model reference adaptive control (MRAC) utilizing a self-recurrent wavelet neural network (SRWNN) to control nonlinear systems. The proposed SRWNN is an improved version of a previously reported wavelet neural network (WNN). In particular, this improvement was achieved by adopting two modifications to the original WNN structure. These modifications include, firstly, the utilization of a specific initialization phase to improve the convergence to the optimal weight values, and secondly, the inclusion of self-feedback weights to the wavelons of the wavelet layer. Furthermore, an on-line training procedure was proposed to enhance the control per

Some aspects of population dynamics of both corbicula species inhabiting intertidal zone of
shatt al-Arab are described. These informations are explained in accordance with the possible
occurrence of competition between the two related species.

Background: Ideal root canal obturation depends on many factors; one of them is good sealing of root canal without pores. The aim of this study was to determine the radiographic density of GuttaFlow® 2 with different obturation techniques using spiral computed tomography. Materials and Methods: Forty palatal roots of permanent maxillary first molar were used in this study. Following working length determination, root canal was prepared using rotary PROTAPER universal system. They were randomly divided into four groups of 10 roots each, the groups are Conventional lateral condensation with Apexit Plus sealer, Conventional lateral condensation with GuttaFlow® 2 as a sealer, Soft Core Regular with GuttaFlow® 2 as a sealer and singl

Abstract

        This research aims to evaluate the application of the inspectors general of global indicators offices according to the axles (leadership, strategy and planning, employees, partners and resources, process management) and through the assumption main research which states that (there is an application for global indicators to evaluate performance in the offices of the ministries under study) which are subdivided into five sub-hypotheses according to the classification and division of the five axes of the checklist.

The researchers have taken refuge in the process of assessing the performance of the check list which included global i

Background/purpose: Dental implantology involves different treatments that have been used in conjunction with dental implant surgery to increase implant stability and bone regeneration process. Photobiomodulation( PBM) can be one of these techniques. The objective of this study was to evaluate the bone density around implants. Materials and methods: in this study, 10 individuals had 20 implants inserted in the posterior of their mandibles. each patient received two implants the left side served as the control whereas the right side served as the study group with a diode laser (same patients). measurements were made for each implant. Measurements were obtained using cone-

Background: The formation of white spot lesions around fixed orthodontic attachments is a common complication during and after fixed orthodontic treatment, which hinders the result of a successfully completed orthodontic treatment. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the Caries Infiltrant (ICON®) on prevention of caries on the smooth enamel surface when applied alone or combined with conventional adhesives. Materials and methods: Seventy eight human premolar enamel discs were randomly assigned to six groups (n=13). The discs were etched and treated with resins of different monomer content forming the following groups: (1)Untreated etched samples served as the negative control, (2) ICON® (DMG), (3) Adper™ S

Background: The marginal fit is the most characteristic that closely related to the longevity or success of a restoration, which is absolutely affected by the fabrication technique. The objective of present in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of four different CAD/CAM systems on the marginal fit of lithiµm disilicate all ceramic crowns. Materials and Methods: Adentoform tooth of a right mandibular first molar was prepared to receive all ceramic crown restoration with deep chamfer finishing line (1mm) and axial reduction convergence angle of 6 degree, dentoform model duplicated to have Nickel-Chromiµm master die. Thirty two stone dies produce from master die and distributed randomly in to four groups (8 dies for each group) accor

The present study is concern with the interaction between the naidid worms diversity and the species of aquatic plant within which the worms found . For this purpose, two species of aquatic plant were used, Ceratophyllum demersum and Eichhornia crassipes. 12 samples of aquatic plants were collected , as one sample monthly for a period from September 2012 to September 2013 from different site on Tigris river within Baghdad City. From C. demersum, 1428 individuals, were sorted during the study period, related to 17 species. 12 species of subfamily Naidinae which are Chaetogaster limnaei , C. diastrophus , Ophidonais serpentine , Dero ( Dero) digitata. , D.(D.) evelinae , Nais pseudobtosa , N.simplex, N.stolci , N.Paradalis , N.elingiu