This study examines the causes of time delays and cost overruns in a selection of thirty post-disaster reconstruction projects in Iraq. Although delay factors have been studied in many countries and contexts, little data exists from countries under the conditions characterizing Iraq during the last 10-15 years. A case study approach was used, with thirty construction projects of different types and sizes selected from the Baghdad region. Project data was gathered from a survey which was used to build statistical relationships between time and cost delay ratios and delay factors in post disaster projects. The most important delay factors identified were contractor failure, redesigning of designs/plans and change orders, security issues, selection of low-price bids, weather factors, and owner failures. Some of these are in line with findings from similar studies in other countries and regions, but some are unique to the Iraqi project sample, such as security issues and low-price bid selection. While many studies have examined factors causing delays and cost overruns, this study offers unique insights into factors that need to be considered when implementing projects for post disaster emergency reconstruction in areas impacted by wars and terrorism.
Coupling reaction of 4-nitroaniline with 3-aminobenzoic acid provided the corresponding bidentate azo ligand. The prepared ligand was identified by Microelemental Analysis, 1H-NMR, FT-IR, and UV-Vis spectroscopic techniques. Treatment of the prepared ligand with Y(III) and La(III) metal ions in 1:3 M:L ratio in aqueous ethanol at optimum pH yielded a series of neutral complexes with the general formula of [M(L)3]. The prepared complexes were characterized by flame atomic absorption, Elemental Analysis (C, H, N), FT-IR, and UV-Vis spectroscopic methods, as well as conductivity measurements. The nature of the complexes formed were studied following the mole ratio and continuous variation methods; Beer's law obeyed over a concentration range o
... Show MoreStaphylococcus haemolyticus is one of the most frequently isolated coagulase-negative staphylococci. The ability to form biofilm is considered as one of the most important virulence factors of coagulase negative staphylococci. There is only limited knowledge of the nature of S. haemolyticus biofilms. This study was aimed at evaluating the ability of S. haemolyticus strains to produce biofilm in the presence of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs). The biological synthesis of nanoparticles is an environmentally friendly approach for large-scale production of nanoparticles. Copper oxide nanoparticles were produced in the current study from the S. haemolyticus viable cell filtrate. UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffra
... Show MoreIn this study, high quality ZnO/Ag-NPs thin transparent and conductive film coatings were fabricated
In this research, a group of complexes were prepared which were derived from Schiff base ligands, which is called (1E,1'E)-1,1'-(1,2-phenylene)bis(N-(2,4-dichlorophenyl) methanimine) (L) with ortho-phenanthroline (o-phen).The prepared complexes areM(II) [Co(II),Ni(II),Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II),and Hg(II)].A range of spectroscopic and technical techniques have been used to characterizethese materials, including:The FTIR, 1H-NMR, LC-Mass Spectrum, UV-Visbale, molar conductance, and magnaticmoment, atomic absorbtion, chlorid contents. Spectral results obtainedare showen that (ortho-phen) and (L) behave as neutral coordinating to the central metal ion by the donatingatoms(N2)of the both compounds. The geometry sha
... Show MoreIncremental Sheet Metal Forming (ISMF) is a modern sheet metal forming technology which offers the possibility of manufacturing 3D complex parts of thin sheet metals using the CNC milling machine. The surface quality is a very important aspect in any manufacturing process. Therefore, this study focuses on the resultant residual stresses by forming parameters, namely; (tool shape, step over, feed rate, and slope angle) using Taguchi method for the products formed by single point incremental forming process (SPIF). For evaluating the surface quality, practical experiments to produce pyramid like shape have been implemented on aluminum sheets (AA1050) for thickness (0.9) mm. Three types of tool shape used in this work, the spherical tool ga
... Show MoreThe [2-aminobenzothiazole]was reacted with [2,4,6 triyhydroxy-acetophenon monohydrate] to give a new ligand [2-N-2,4,6-trihydroxyacetophenonyliden benzothiazole] [H3L]. This ligand was reacted with metal ions ( CoII, NiII,CuII and ZnII) in methanol as solvent with ( 1:2 ) metal : ligand ratio to give a series of new complexes with general formula [ M(H2L)2],(where:M= CoII, NiII ,CuIIand, ZnII).All compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods ( I.R , U.V – vis,HPLC) atomic absorption, along with chloride content and conductivity measurements. According to the data of these measurements we suggested a tetrahedral
The paper presents the design of a system consisting of a solar panel with Single Input/Multiple Outputs (DC-DC) Buck Converter by using Simulink dialogue box tools in MATLAB software package for simulation the system. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technique depending on Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm is used to control the output power of the converter and increase the efficiency of the system. The characteristics of the MSX-60 PV module is chosen in design of the system, whereas the electrical characteristics (P-V, I-V and P-I curves) for the module are achieved, that is affected by the solar radiation and temperature variations. The proposed design module has been found to be stable for any change in atmospheric tempera
... Show MoreDenture bases are fabricated routinely using Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) acrylic resin. Yet, it is commonly known for its major drawbacks such as insufficient strength and ductility. The purpose of this study was to improve the performance of PMMA acrylic resin as a denture base material by reinforcement with surface treated lithium disilicate glass ceramic powder. The ceramic powder was prepared by grinding and sieving IPS e.max CAD MT blocks. Then, the powder was surface treated with an organosilane coupling agent (TMSPM) and added to PMMA in amount of 1%, 3%, 5% and 7% by weight. Characterizations of the powder was done by particle size analysis, XRD and FTIR. Transverse strength, Impact strength, Shore D hardness and surface roughn
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Facing industrial companies many pressures and challenges due to rapid changes in the business environment of contemporary, which requires them to do their performance look more inclusive rather than limiting performance evaluation on the financial perspective in spite of its importance, prompting companies to rethink their reality competitive through the adoption of methodologies and new philosophies to manage competitiveness of total quality management, and re-engineering of production processes, and knowledge management,... etc., as This study framework cognitive and practical "to evaluate the performance of a company Diyala General Electric Industries and how to rehabilitate