Improving construction materials management practices in construction sites

Construction Materials Management is a vital function for improving productivity in construction projects. Poor materials management can often affect the overall construction time, quality and budget. Currently, the construction material management practice in Somalia is believed to be poorly performed. Lack of standardized construction materials management system is one of the key issues facing by the building industry in Mogadishu-Somalia. The aim of this study was to investigate the current practices of material management at construction sites in Mogadishu-Somalia. A questionnaire survey study design was used to explore construction materials management practices. Fifty questionnaires were distributed to project managers, project engineers, site engineers, engineer, and foreman, and they were received and analysed. The following data analysis techniques were used: descriptive statistics were conducted to report sample characteristics, reliability and validity analyses were performed to confirm robustness of the instrument, graphical presentation such as bar charts were developed, and finally Average Mean Index Scale were constructed. The study results reveals that, 46.7% of respondent’s organization obtain materials for sites without site requisition by site engineer provisions, while 28.9% of respondent’s organization procure materials for sites with site requisition by project manager provisions and 13.3% of respondent’s organization procure materials for site by engineer. The results indicated that currently there is no standardized and computerized construction materials management system applied in Somalia. The researcher concluded that all contracting companies are interested in using some techniques of managing construction materials such as creating and updating database for materials categories from local and international suppliers. Finally, researcher recommends to use computerized construction materials management systems to reduce effort and time, and to achieve more accurate results

1 x 4 array antenna for wireless local area network (WLAN)

In this project, a 1 x 4 wide band rectangular patch array antenna proposed and designed at frequency 2.4GHz for Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) applications. The antenna will be designed using optimization and study of features. To construct the desired antenna, some strategies for optimizing the Microstrip Patch Antenna are investigated and executed. An antenna array is a radiating system, which consists of individual radiators and elements. Each of this radiator, while functioning has its own induction field. The elements are placed so closely that each one lies in the neighboring one’s induction field. Therefore, the radiation pattern produced by them, would be the vector sum of the individual one When designing these antennas, keep in mind the spacing between the elements as well as the length of the elements in relation to the wavelength. Microstrip patch array antenna developed still face problem with low gain , narrow bandwidth , high complexity and low efficiency therefore, this project proposes 1x4 microstrip patch array antenna that suitable for wireless local area network (WLAN) and provides less complexity, high gain, large bandwidth by using defected ground structure(DGS) technique and slots that suitable point to point communication system. The goal of this research is to create an antenna with higher gain, higher directivity, a wider bandwidth, and good efficiency using array antenna techniques, to propose array antenna that have wide bands using defected ground method and to compare the antenna performance using different techniques. The goal of this project can theoretically be achieved by using a high-quality substrate such as RT Duroid 5870, which has a low relative permittivity or dielectric constant and a higher substrate that will maximize bandwidth. but in this project using FR-4 substrate, which does not have high quality and high dielectric constant finally achieved high performance result using array antenna techniques and parametric studied. This is because the bandwidth of a Rectangular Microstrip Patch Array Antenna is determined by the dielectric constant and the substrate height. The antenna's efficiency will be improved by a low loss-tangent. The patch array also has a better directivity than the single patch. All the simulation design process has been conducted by using CST Studio Suite Software. The 1 x 4 microstrip patch array antenna has simulated gain of 6.33dBi at 2.4 GHz with the wide bandwidth 514MHz and efficiency more than 72%. Therefore The expected result from this project is achieved which was a high gain, better directivity, larger bandwidth and high efficiency

MODEL PEMBELAJARAN INQUIRI\ud SEBUAH ALTERNATIF DALAM PEMBELAJARAN PAI

slamic Education (PAI) is a complex activity that not only focuses on the cognitive aspects, but also affective and psychomotor aspects. Islamic Education aims to shape the behavior and personality in accordance with the principles and Islam concepts in realizing moral values and religion as the foundation of national education goals. But all the goals it will not work if the learning processes of student difficulty in capturing the lessons given by the teacher, instead of teachers have not been able to solve students’ learning difficulties. Therefore, we need a model of learning that can help address the difficulties teachers implementing the task of teaching and students’ learning difficulties. One of them by applying the inquiry learning model. The learning model is designed to engage students in learning that really happened “student centered”. Inquiry means to know how to find out things and to know how to solve problem. The inquiry learning model has six basic steps: 1) orientation, 2) acceptance and definition of the problem, 3) the development of hypotheses, 4) collecting data, 5) hypothesis testing, and 6) conclusion.\ud Key word: Islamic education, the learning inquiry model

Glass multilayer bonding for high density interconnect substrates

The aim of this research was the investigation of bonding borosilicate glass sheets, its trade mark CMZ, 100μm thickness, to create multilayer substrates capable of supporting high-density electrical interconnections. CMZ glass was chosen as it has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is close to that of silicon, thereby minimising thermal stresses in assemblies generated by manufacturing processes or service conditions. Two different methods of bonding the glass were used in this study; pressure assisted low temperature bonding (PALTB), and water glass bonding, using Sodium Trisilicate (Na2Si3O7) solution. These two bonding methods have already been applied in electronics manufacturing applications, such as silicon wafer bonding and multichip modules (MCMs). However, glass-to-glass bonding is a relatively new subject and this study is an attempt to standardise bonding processes. Additionally, the concept of using glass as a multilayer substrate provides a foundation for further exploration by other investigators. Initial tests that were carried out before standardising the procedures for these two methods showed that a two-stage bonding process provided optimum results. A preliminary stage commenced by placing the cleaned (using Decon 90 solution) samples in a vacuum oven for 15 minutes, then heating at 100oC for 1hr. The permanent stage was then achieved by heating the samples in a conventional oven at temperatures from 200 to 400oC, for different periods. At this stage, the main difference between the two methods was the application of pressure (1-2MPa) during heating of the PALTB samples. To evaluate the quality of the bonds, qualitative tests such as visual, optical microscope and dye penetrant were used. In addition, to estimate the strength and the rigidity of the interlayer bonds, two quantitative tests, comprising of deflection under cyclic stresses and crack opening were used. Thermal cycling and humidity tests were also used to assess resistance of the bonds to environmental effects. The results showed that heating to 100oC was insufficient to enhance the bonds, as occasionally a sudden increase of deflection was observed indicating slippage/delamination. These bonds were enhanced during the permanent bonding stage by heating to 300oC in PALTB, under a pressure of 1-2MPa. The crack-opening test showed that the delamination distances of the bonds in the permanent stage were lower than that for preliminary bonding in both bonding methods. The delamination distances from the crack opening tests were used to calculate the strain energy release rate (GIC) and fracture toughness (KIC) values of the interlayers. The results showed that the KIC values of the permanent PALTB and water glass interlayers were higher than 1MPa.m0.5, while the KIC value of the CMZ glass, determined by linear elastic fracture mechanics, was around 0.8MPa.m0.5. The optical observations revealed that the prepared bonded sheets did not delaminate or break after thermal cycling and humidity tests

Evaluating the Level of Electronic Supervision Practices in Arab Schools in Israel from the Point of View of School Principals and Teachers

This study aimed at evaluating the level of electronic supervision practices, in Arab schools in Israel, from the point of view of school principals and teachers. To achieve the study objective; the researcher used a questionnaire divided into two dimensions. It applied to a random sample consisted of (114) principals and teachers, during the first academic semester 2020/2021. The study findings showed that the degree of the requirements for applying electronic supervision in Arab schools in Israel, from the viewpoint of school principals and teachers, came in a medium degree. Moreover, the level of electronic supervisory practices, in Arab schools in Israel, from the viewpoint of school principals and teachers, came in a medium degree. Key words: electronic supervision practices, Arab schools, Israel, school principals, teachers. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/12-9-04 Publication date:March 31st 202

Pengaruh Equity Market Timing Terhadap Struktur Modal Dengan Variabel Moderasi Financial Distress

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi praktik equity market timing dalam penentuan struktur modal perusahaan yang terdaftar di BEI. Penelitian ini mencoba melakukan analisis lebih mendalam terkait dengan praktik equity market timing dengan cara menggunakan variabel moderasi financial distress dan mengidentifikasi efisiensi pasar selama periode observasi. Penelitian ini menggunakan analisis regresi data panel dan moderating regressions analysis (MRA) untuk mengetahui pengaruh equity market timing terhadap struktur modal. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa praktik equity market timing tidak dilakukan oleh perusahaan jika hanya mempertimbangkan mispricing. Praktik equity market timing dilakukan oleh perusahaan jika kondisi keuangan mendekati titik financial distress. Temuan ini memberikan implikasi bahwa perusahaan memiliki kecenderungan untuk menggunakan dana investor untuk melunasi hutang bukan investasi. Hal ini sangat penting diketahui oleh investor untuk lebih berhati hati dalam menilai saham perusahaan. Saham dengan nilai baik belum mencerminkan kesehatan keuangan perusahaan karena adanya pengaruh moderasi financial distress. The objective of this study is to identify the use of Equity Market Timing by company managers in making an ideal composition pf capital structure after the crisis of 2008. This study tries to make a deeper analysis on Equity Market Timing by using a moderating variable and identifying market efficiency so an empirical evidence that represents the real condition is obtained. Therefore, financial data were analyzed using panel data regression to examine the relationship between Equity Market Timing and Capital Structure. The moderating effect of this relationship was analyzed using Moderating Regression Analysis (MRA). The Result of this study finds the empirical evidence that Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) is appropriate with the requirement if effcient market in weak form. This finding becomes the main reason for mispricing does not happen and indicates that manager use the equity not for investment but for overcoming financial distress. This empirical evidence is very important for investor in considering the financial health firms to avoid low return from their portofolio. A high market value of equity is not a positive signal for investors due to the moderating effect of financial distress

Histological assessment of blood cockles (Anadara granosa) using different stains and fixatives.

Blood cockles (Anadara granosa) or locally known as ‘kerang’ are mollusc belonging to Bivalvia class. It is an important fisheries commodity and a delicacy in Malaysia. In RMK-9, one of the objectives of Malaysia’s aquaculture industries is to maximize the production of bivalves up to 130,000 MT per year, which includes cockles, green mussels, clams and oysters. Cockles become one of the important bivalves cultured in Malaysia as it had very good market value in Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. According to Phillips and Muttarasin (1985), 80% of the cockles marketed in Thailand were imported from Malaysia. In spite of the diversity and its economic importance, the knowledge of bivalves specifically cockle medicine should be developed in order to meet the requirement of diagnostic work which is necessary in determining the cause of diseases infecting the animals. Up to date, there is no comprehensive information of the histology of cockles. Thus, this study was undertaken to provide basic histological descriptions of normal and anomalies microstructures in Anadara granosa by using different fixatures and stains. Forty live cockles were divided into two groups; one group was fixed with Davidson solution and the other fixed with 10% buffered formalin. The tissues were then processed for 18 hours, and later embedded with paraffin wax and sectioned at 5 µm thickness. There were stained with four stains namely, Haematoxylin and Eosin, Masson’s Trichome, Periodic Acid Schiff’s and Van Gieson’s stains. The sections were evaluated under a computer attached-compound light microscope at low and high magnification. The organs were assessed for microscopic structures staining affinity (Cox et al., 2006). Haematoxylin and Eosin stain was considered the better stain to be used for mantle, foot complex and haemocytes tissues. Combination of Haematoxylin and Eosin and Periodic Acid Schiff’s stains can be used to stain digestive system and palp. Gills could be stained with Masson’s Trichome and Van Gieson’s, while for gonads Masson’s Trichome would be the preferred choice. Van Gieson’s on the other hand, was the choice for foreign body detection. Gills of cockles could be divided into three parts: frontal, intermediate and abfrontal zone similar to Mytella falcate (David et al., 2008). The intermediate zone have a homogenous densely stained structure embedded in the filament which highly indicative that it provided supportive frame to the frontal zone

The Reality of Using E-Learning in Arab Schools in Israel from the Parents' Point of View

This study aimed at identifying the reality of using e-learning in Arab schools in Israel from the parents' point of view. A total of eighty eight (88) questionnaires were distributed through e- mail and Whats App application, and one eighty two (82) were completed and returned. The questionnaire consisted of (44) items divided into two fields (the reality of using of electronic curricula, and the reality of electronic technical facilities), and questionnaire applied to a random sample consisted of (82) parents, during the first academic semester 2020/2021. The study findings showed that the reality of using electronic curricula in Arab schools in Israel from the parents' point of view came in medium degree. Also the findings showed that the reality of the electronic technical facilities used in Arab schools in Israel from the parents' point of view came in medium degree. Keywords: E-Learning, Arab Schools, Israel, Parents. DOI: 10.7176/IKM/11-1-04 Publication date: January 31st 202