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.
The present paper focuses on the nature of the different interactions between cometary nucleus and tail with solar wind. The dynamics of the comet will impose many features that provide unique behavior of the comet when entering the solar system. These features are reviewed in this paper and few investigations are made. The calculations made in this work represent the analysis and interpretation of the different features of the comet, such as perihelion and eccentricity dependence on the gas production rate, and the dependence of the latter on the composition of the comet nucleus. The dependences of the heliocentric, bow shock, contact surface, and stand-off distances with gas production rate for many types of comets that cover linear and n
... Show MoreThe aim of the present work is concerned with the effect of ?-irradiation on PM-355 with absorbed dose of (30-160Mrad) range. This polymer is evaluated spectrophotometrically for use as high dose dosimeters. The absorption spectra of irradiated samples showed radiation induced absorption changes. There is an increment in absorption proportional with absorbed dose. This increment is attributed to interfaces traps which, are formed by irradiation. Calibration curve was drawn .The linear relation was found in calibration curve, and dosimeter range was determined from the linear part. The linearity in response curve suggested that PM-355 could be used as dosimeter within (30-160Mrad) rang. Energy gap shift was used as a second tool to determin
... Show MoreThis is a survey study that presents recent researches concerning factional controllers. It presents several types of fractional order controllers, which are extensions to their integer order counterparts. The fractional order PID controller has a dominant importance, so thirty-one paper are presented for this controller. The remaining types of controllers are presented according to the number of papers that handle them; they are fractional order sliding mode controller (nine papers), fuzzy fractional order sliding mode controller (five papers), fractional order lag-lead compensator (three papers), fractional order state feedback controller (three papers), fractional order fuzzy logic controller (three papers). Finally,
... Show MoreThe isomerization of n-hexane on platinum loaded acidic zeolite was studied at atmospheric pressure, H2/nC6 molar ratios of 1-4 and temperature range of 240-270ºC. The measured kinetic data were fitted to an equation based on the bifunctional mechanism and by using independently obtained dehydrogenation and adsorption data. The activation energies of protonation (ΔHpro) and the elementary isomerization step (Eact,iso) and as well as the corresponding preexponential factor were simultaneously determined. The observed values of both ΔHpro and Eact,iso are in agreement with the results of quantum-chemical calculations.
The present study is considered a pioneer investigation that deal with the terrestrial brown garden snail Cornu aspersum (Müller), in Iraq. Cornu aspersum however is considered an exotic species in many parts of the world ,The species is most probably infiltrates with plants transferred from one place to another. The species has gained importance in many ways. Nutritionally, the species is consumed as food item in many countries, but in other cases it is considered as pest for the damage it causes when feeding on valuable plant shoots. It also has medical importance for its role and ability in healing wounds, burns and remedy of other skin problems. This snail species however may act as a vector for some parasitic nematodes that
... Show MoreBackground: Spices and herbs have been used by many cultures to enhance the flavor and aroma of food and for their medicinal value. Black cardamom is one of these spices widely used in cooking because of its unique taste and powerful flavor. The aim of study was to test the effect of black cardamom on Mutans Streptococci in comparison to chlorhexidine gluconate (0.2%) and de-ionized water. Materials and methods: Dried fruits of black cardamom were extracted by using alcohol (70% ethanol). Saliva was collected from seven volunteers. Agar well technique with different concentrations of black cardamom extracts was used to test the sensitivities of Mutans Streptococci, as well black cardamom extracts effect on viable counts of Mutans Streptococ
... Show MoreABSTRACT Background: One of the challenges to use chlorhexidine is its effect on the amount of microleakage after restoration; however, use of the materials with antibacterial properties after tooth preparation and before restoration has been widespread. The objective of this, in-vitro, study was to evaluate the influence of consepsis (chlorhexidine gloconate disinfectant) application on microleakage in class II cavities restored with light cured composite using universal adhesive system; etch and rinse technique –self etch technique. Materials and Methods: Forty class II cavities were prepared on mesial and distal surfaces of 20 non-carious mandibular third molars. The cavities were divided into four groups; (n =10 for each group).
... Show MoreBackground: Herbs are being widely explored to discover alternatives to synthetic antibacterial agents.Small Cardamom often referred to as queen of spices because of its very pleasant aroma and taste, have a history as old as human race. Most people use cardamom as a spice and are largely unaware of its numerous health benefits. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of water and alcoholic cardamom extracts on sensitivities, growth, and adherence of Mutans streptococci in vitro. Materials and Methods: In this study, saliva was collected from ten volunteers (College students 18-22 years). Agar well technique was used to study the sensitivities of Mutans streptococci to different concentrations of s
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