This paper proposes a novel meta-heuristic optimization algorithm called the fine-tuning meta-heuristic algorithm (FTMA) for solving global optimization problems. In this algorithm, the solutions are fine-tuned using the fundamental steps in meta-heuristic optimization, namely, exploration, exploitation, and randomization, in such a way that if one step improves the solution, then it is unnecessary to execute the remaining steps. The performance of the proposed FTMA has been compared with that of five other optimization algorithms over ten benchmark test functions. Nine of them are well-known and already exist in the literature, while the tenth one is proposed by the authors and introduced in this article. One test trial was shown to check the performance of each algorithm, and the other test for 30 trials to measure the statistical results of the performance of the proposed algorithm against the others. Results confirm that the proposed FTMA global optimization algorithm has a competing performance in comparison with its counterparts in terms of speed and evading the local minima.
Health and environmental factors as well as operational difficulties are major challenges facing the development of an anaerobic digestion process. Some of these problems relate to the use of sludge collected from primary and secondary clarifier units in wastewater treatment plants for laboratory purposes.
The present study addresses the preparation of sludge for laboratory purposes by using a mixture that consists of the digested sludge, which is less pathogenic, compared to the collected sludge from the primary or secondary clarifier, and food wastes. The sludge has been tested experimentally for 19 and 32 days under mesophilic conditions. The results show a steady methane production rate from the anaerobic dig
... Show MoreConstruction is a complicated process that takes place in an almost uncontrollable environment. Although projects can be carefully planned in advance in principle, there is a chance that unforeseen events and crises can disrupt these plans, affecting project development. Because the initial investment expenditures in construction projects are so large, they may be quickly influenced by crises, resulting in significant financial losses. The 2014 financial crisis was one of the most prominent crises that Iraq faced, which significantly impacted various activities in general and the construction industry in particular. Despite the importance of crisis management systems, the researchers found a great lack of local studies l
... Show MoreDespite the vast areas occupied by deserts in the world, it is still far from the civilized development and development of the other regions, so they became semi-neglected areas that extend to the hand of urbanization only in specific places and for special purposes, due to the harsh natural conditions surrounding it and to the accuracy The ecological balance in it became the greatest enemy of human beings in the desert areas is the same person who paved the way for increased intervention in the exploitation of natural resources and increase the demand for them to drain seriously affect the impact and still on the environmental and climatic conditions and thus living for the inhabitants of these Areas. The main potential for deve
... Show MoreAn immunological technique was investigated for the detection of human semen in forensic analysis.This technique included a preparation of anti-human seminal plasma antibodies, by immunizing rabbits with treated human semen. The human semen was treated with an acid to prevent cross reactivity with other human body fluids. The antibody produced was tested against different animal,s seminal fluid samples (dog, goat ,sheep, cow) and human body fluids( saliva, blood , vaginal fluid, ear wax and human semen). It was found that using this developed technique was only selectively responsed with human semen . The prepered kit was evaluated and tested in Forensic laboratory- Ministry of Health. Finally, results were obtained in a c
... Show MoreThe study of cooperative education is important not only for researchers but also for those interested in studying educational methods, such as university professors, teachers in schools, and all educational institutions. This is because of its effectiveness in teaching students, developing their skills, developing their ideas and employing them in the study and finding appropriate solutions to the questions posed by the teacher. It also helps in instilling a spirit of cooperation among the students by dividing them into groups to achieve the desired goals. The aim of the study is to clarify how important it is for teachers to use cooperative education in addressing the educational, social and psychological aspects when teaching stu
... Show MoreIraqi kaolin was used for the preparation and characterization of NaY zeolite for biodiesel production via esterification reaction. Oleic acid was used usually as a typical simulated feedstock of high acid number for the esterification reaction.
The chemical composition for the prepared Nay zeolite is as following: (Ca2.6Na1.K0.1)(Al6.3Si17.7)O48.16H2O, the silica to alumina ratio in the prepared catalyst was found equal to 2.6 and Na2O content was 12.26 wt. %, with relative crystallinity equal to 147.4 % obtained by the X-ray diffraction. The surface area result shows that the prepared catalyst has 330 m2
... Show MoreThe primary objective of this study was to identify the mechanisms for the development and propagation of longitudinal cracks that initiate at the surface of composite pavement. In this study the finite element program ANSYS version (5.4) was used and the model worked out using this program has the ability to analyze a composite pavement structure of different layer properties. Also, the aim of this study was modeling and analyzing of the composite pavement structure with the physical presence of crack induced in concrete underlying layer. The results obtained indicates that increasing the thickness of the asphalt layer tends to decrease the stress intensity factor, which may be attributed to the rapidly decrease of horizontal tensile st
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