High-volume traffic with ultra-heavy axle loads combined with extremely hot weather conditions increases the propagation of rutting in flexible pavement road networks. Several studies suggested using nanomaterials in asphalt modification to delay the deterioration of asphalt pavement. The current work aims to improve the resistance of hot mix asphalt (HMA) to rutting by incorporating Nano Silica (NS) in specific concentrations. NS was blended into asphalt mixtures in concentrations of 2, 4, and 6% by weight of the binder. The behavior of asphalt mixtures subjected to aging was investigated at different stages (short-term and long-term aging). The performance characteristics of the asphalt mixtures were evaluated using the Marshall stability, flow, and wheel tracking tests. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) was utilized to understand the microstructure changes of modified asphalt and estimate the dispersion of NS within the asphalt. The results revealed that using NS–asphalt mixtures as a surface layer in paving construction improved pavement performance by increasing stability, volumetric characteristics, and rutting resistance before and after aging. The FESEM images showed adequate dispersion of NS particles in the mixture. Results indicated that adding 4% of NS to asphalt mixtures effectively enhanced the pavement’s performance and rutting resistance. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-SP2023-09-01 Full Text: PDF
The aim of this research is to adopt a close range photogrammetric approach to evaluate the pavement surface condition, and compare the results with visual measurements. This research is carried out on the road of Baghdad University campus in AL-Jaderiyiah for evaluating the scaling, surface texture for Portland cement concrete and rutting, surface texture for asphalt concrete pavement. Eighty five stereo images of pavement distresses were captured perpendicular to the surface using a DSLR camera. Photogrammetric process was carried out by using ERDAS IMAGINE V.8.4. The results were modeled by using a relationship between the photogrammetric and visual techniques and selected the highest coefficient of determinatio
... Show MoreThis research aims to determine the importance of the role that agile leadership plays in supporting programs and areas of investment in human capital, as it is the most important type of capital that the organization possesses and achieves returns that are many times the cost it bears, due to its rare and valuable characteristics. Through six behaviours: (humility behaviour, calm behaviour, wisdom behaviour, patience behaviour, objectivity behaviour, trust behaviour). As for investment in human capital, it was measured through its four elements (skills, knowledge, capabilities, experiences). Despite this, the researched organizations suffer from a decrease in awareness of the importance of this type of investment and the role of
... Show MoreArtificial intelligence (AI) is entering many fields of life nowadays. One of these fields is biometric authentication. Palm print recognition is considered a fundamental aspect of biometric identification systems due to the inherent stability, reliability, and uniqueness of palm print features, coupled with their non-invasive nature. In this paper, we develop an approach to identify individuals from palm print image recognition using Orange software in which a hybrid of AI methods: Deep Learning (DL) and traditional Machine Learning (ML) methods are used to enhance the overall performance metrics. The system comprises of three stages: pre-processing, feature extraction, and feature classification or matching. The SqueezeNet deep le
... Show MoreContemporary art has been widely affected by technology, and ceramics production is no exception. As an ancient art that originates from clay and other humble materials found in the ground, ceramics is considered one of the most adaptable art forms. Once it is realised how flexible ceramics as a material is, it can be easily altered into endless forms and shapes. Therefore, it is vital for ceramics practitioners to find a relationship between this wonderful material and the media of contemporary art, culture and modelling software or technology in general so that they can take their deformable art pieces to a whole new level. Such a relationship is worth investigating. Thus, for the purposes of this research, several ceramic pieces were
... Show MoreThe most important topics that constitute the aesthetic and substantive aspect of the theatrical performance represented by the spatial environment of the presentation and the proposed virtual place that contains the technical and artistic elements of the presentation and highlights the strength of influence on it. In light of the above, the researchers divided the topic into four chapters.
The first chapter contained (the methodological framework), which included the research problem with regard to the directing treatments between the directors in establishing or creating theatrical venue, the importance of the research and the aim of the research, and the limits of the research to conclude the chapter by defining the terms.
... Show MoreGiven the importance of possessing the digital competence (DC) required by the technological age, whether for teachers or students and even communities and governments, educational institutions in most countries have sought to benefit from modern technologies brought about by the technological revolution in developing learning and teaching and using modern technologies in providing educational services to learners. Since university students will have the doors to work opened in all fields, the research aims to know their level of DC in artificial intelligence (AI) applications and systems utilizing machine learning (ML) techniques. The descriptive approach was used, as the research community consisted of students from the University
... Show MoreArtificial intelligence (AI) is entering many fields of life nowadays. One of these fields is biometric authentication. Palm print recognition is considered a fundamental aspect of biometric identification systems due to the inherent stability, reliability, and uniqueness of palm print features, coupled with their non-invasive nature. In this paper, we develop an approach to identify individuals from palm print image recognition using Orange software in which a hybrid of AI methods: Deep Learning (DL) and traditional Machine Learning (ML) methods are used to enhance the overall performance metrics. The system comprises of three stages: pre-processing, feature extraction, and feature classification or matching. The SqueezeNet deep le
... Show MoreBackground This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of once-daily liraglutide as an add-on to oral antidiabetics (OADs) on glycemic control and body weight in obese patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods A total of 27 obese T2D patients who received 7 months (0.6 mg/day for the first month, 1.2 mg/day for 3 months, and 1.8 mg/day for 3 months) of liraglutide treatment as an add-on to OADs were included. Data on body weight (kg), fasting plasma glucose (FPG, mg/dL), postprandial glucose (PPG, mg/dL), and HbA1c (%), were recorded. Results Liraglutide doses of 1.2 mg/day and 1.8 mg/day were associated with significant decreases in body weight (by 8.0% and 11.9%, respectively, p < 0.01 for each) and HbA1c (by 20.0
... Show MoreThe purpose of this paper is to identifying some of the physical, kinetic and electrical capabilities of the working muscles of patients with simple hemiplegic cerebral palsy, preparation of special exercises (rehabilitation and water) accompanied by symmetrical electrical stimulation in the rehabilitation of working muscles for patients with simple hemiplegic cerebral palsy, and identifying the effect of exercises, especially (rehabilitation and water), accompanied by symmetrical electrical stimulation, on some physical, kinetic and electrical capabilities in rehabilitating working muscles for patients with simple hemiplegic cerebral palsy. The researcher used the experimental approach with a one-group design with two pre and post-tests du
... Show MoreHuge efforts are being made to control the spread and impacts of the coronavirus pandemic using vaccines. However, willingness to be vaccinated depends on factors beyond the availability of vaccines. The aim of this study was three-folded: to assess children’s rates of COVID-19 Vaccination as reported by parents, to explore parents’ attitudes towards children’s COVID-19 vaccination, and to examine the factors associated with parents’ hesitancy towards children’s vaccination in several countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR).