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

     Echinococcosis is a common parasitic disease in humans and ruminants; it is considered as a health and economic problem in most parts of the world. The present study aims to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo scolicidal effects of Psidium guajava extracts on the protoscolices from hydatid cysts of Echinococcus granulosus. Protoscolices were aseptically aspirated from the livers of naturally infected sheep. Various concentrations of the extract were used for 6-48hrs. Eosin staining (0.1%) was used to determine the viability of protoscolices. The findings showed that the extract at the concentrations of 100 mg/ml killed 100% protoscolices after 48 hrs. However, the concentrations

Oxidative stress and inflammation are connected to the development of metabolic disorders, such as diabetes. Diabetic-related oxidative stress is caused by the overproduction of oxidative-free radicals, which have been implicated in the mechanism of inflammation and damage to tissues. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of ubiquinone treatment on serum indicators of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA)), inflammation (interleukin 6 (IL-6)), vascular homeostasis (nitric oxide (NO)), and myopathy (myoglobin (MB))  in addition to measuring blood components parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Rats were separated into three groups; negative control group (N), diabetic control group (D), and ubiquinone-treated diabet

The objective of the present study is to determine the anti-obesity effects of Akkermansia munciniphila  on some biometric measurements. 40 patients were divided into two groups, each with 20 patients; G1 group consumed the probiotic of A. munciphila   and G2   consumed placebo capsules. The results  showed significant effects on the body weight (p≤ 0.001), which was reduced by a range of -2.29 to -0.7, whereas non-significant differences were observed in the Waist circumferance  . The study also showed significant differences (p≤0.001) between the two groups in the levels of cholesterol (287 vs. 285 mg/dl) , whereas the level of  Triglyceride  significantly  decrease

     In this paper, we experimentally studied the effects of optical power of semiconductor laser on the electrical properties of silicon diode of an exposed device. The experimental results showed that the laser diode light of different optical powers (2, 3, and 4 mW) had effects on the silicon diode that are somewhat similar to those of thermal treatment. A shift in the current-voltage curve to the left side was also noticed, which led to a non-linear decrease of the barrier voltage of the diode by the effect of laser light. We also reveal a decrease by 344.8 nA/mW in the reverse saturation current of the silicon diode as a result of exposure to laser light. The forward resistance of the silicon diode decreased with

Milling Machining is a widely accepted nontraditional machining technique used to produce parts with complex shapes and configurations. The material is removed in two stages roughing and finishing, the flat end cutter removed the unwanted part of material, then finished by end mill cutter. In milling technique, the role of machining factors such as cutting depth, spindle speed and feed has been studied using Taguchi technique to find its effectiveness on surface roughness.  Practical procedure is done by Taguchi Standard matrix. CNC milling is the most conventional process which is used for removing of material from workpiece to perform the needed shapes. The results and relations indicate that the rate of feed is v

Background: zirconium (Zr) implants are known for having an aesthetically pleasing tooth-like colour Unlike the grey cervical collar that develops over time when titanium (Ti) implants are used in thin gingival biotypes. However, the surface qualities of Zr implants can be further improved. This present study examined using thermal vapour deposition (TVD) to coat Zr implants with germanium (Ge) to improve its physical and chemical characteristics and enhance soft and hard tissue responses. Materials and methods: Zr discs were divided into two groups; the uncoated (control) group was only grit-blasted with alumina particles while the coated (experimental) group was grit-blasted then coated with Ge via TVD. Field emission scanning ele

Stripping is one of the major distresses within asphalt concrete pavements caused due to penetration of water within the interface of asphalt-aggregate matrix. In this work, one grade of asphalt cement (40-50) was mixed with variable percentages of three types of additives (fly ash, fumed silica, and phosphogypsum) to obtained an modified asphalt cement to resist the effect of stripping phenomena .The specimens have been tested for physical properties according to AASHTO. The surface free energy has been measured by using two methods namely, the wilhelmy technique and the Sessile drop method according to NCHRP-104
procedures. Samples of asphalt concrete using different asphalt cement and modified asphalt cement percentages(4.1,4.6 an

The objective of this study is to demonstrate the corrosion behavior of dental alloys Co-Cr-Mo, Ni-Cr-Mo and Ti-Al-V in artificial saliva at pH=4 and 37oC enriched with ethyl alcohol at 8% percentage. The linear and cyclic polarizations were investigated by electrochemical measurements. Laser surface modification was achieved for the three dental alloys to improve corrosion resistance. The results show that corrosion resistance of Co-Cr-Mo and Ni-Cr-Mo alloys only were increased after laser treatment due to the fact that laser radiation has caused a smoother surface, in addition to the decrement in corrosion current densities (icorr) for Co-Cr-Mo and Ni-Cr-Mo alloys and the reverse scan in cyclic polarization became in the wider range of