Automated Productivity Models for Earthmoving Operations

Earthmoving operations have significant importance, particularly for civil infrastructure projects. The performance of these operations should be monitored regularly to support timely recognition of undesirable productivity variances. Although productivity assessment occupies high importance in earthmoving operations, it does not provide sufficient information to assist project managers in taking the necessary actions in a timely manner. Assessment only is not capable of identifying problems encountered in these operations and their causes. Many studies recognized conditions and related factors that influence productivity of earthmoving operations. These conditions are mainly project-specific and vary from one project to another. Most of reported work in the literature focused on assessment rather than analysis of productivity. This study presents three integrated models that automate productivity measurement and analysis processes with capabilities to detect different adverse conditions that influence the productivity of earthmoving operations. The models exploit innovations in wireless and remote sensing technologies to provide project managers, contractors, and decision makers with a near-real-time automated productivity measurement and analysis. The developed models account for various uncertainties associated with earthmoving projects. The first model introduces a fuzzy-based standardization for customizing the configuration of onsite data acquisition systems for earthmoving operations. While the second model consists of two interrelated modules. The first is a customized automated data acquisition module, where a variety of sensors, smart boards, and microcontrollers are used to automate the data acquisition process. This module encompasses onsite fixed unit and a set of portable units attached to each truck used in the earthmoving fleet. The fixed unit is a communication gateway (Meshlium®), which has integrated MySQL database with data processing capabilities. Each mobile unit consists of a microcontroller equipped with a smart board that hosts a GPS module as well as a number of sensors such as accelerometer, temperature and humidity sensors, load cell and automated weather station. The second is a productivity measurement and analysis module, which processes and analyzes the data collected automatically in the first module. It automates the analysis process using data mining and machine learning techniques; providing a near-real-time web-based visualized representation of measurement and analysis outcomes. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was used to model productivity losses due to the existence of different influencing conditions. Laboratory and field work was conducted in the development and validation processes of the developed models. The work encompassed field and scaled laboratory experiments. The laboratory experiments were conducted in an open to sky terrace to allow for a reliable access to GPS satellites. Also, to make a direct connection between the data communication gateway (Meshlium®), initially installed on a PC computer to observe the received data latency. The laboratory experiments unitized 1:24 scaled loader and dumping truck to simulate loading, hauling and dumping operations. The truck was instrumented with the microcontroller equipped with an accelerometer, GPS module, load cell, and soil water content sensor. Thirty simulated earthmoving cycles were conducted using the scaled equipment. The collected data was recorded in a micro secure digital (SD) card in a comma separated value (CSV) format. The field work was carried out in the city of Saint-Laurent, Montreal, Quebec, Canada using a passenger vehicle to mimic the hauling truck operational modes. Fifteen Field simulated earthmoving cycles were performed. In this work two roads with different surface conditions, but of equal length (1150 m) represented the haul and return roads. These two roads were selected to validate the developed road condition analysis algorithm and to study the model’s capability in determining the consequences of adverse road conditions on the haul and return durations and thus on the tuck and fleet productivity. The data collected from the lab experiments and field work was used as input for the developed model. The developed model has shown perfect recognition of the state of truck throughout the fifteen field simulated earthmoving cycles. The developed road condition analysis algorithm has demonstrated an accuracy of 83.3% and 82.6% in recognizing road bumps and potholes, respectively. Also, the results indicated tiny variances in measuring the durations compared with actual durations using time laps displayed on a smart cell telephone; with an average invalidity percentage AIP% of 1.89 % and 1.33% for the joint hauling and return duration and total cycle duration, respectively

Characteristics of Accounting Information Systems and their Impact on the Development of Corporate Financial Performance: Evidence from Jordan

The objective of this study was to uncover the characteristics of accounting information systems and their impact on the development of corporate financial performance evidence from Jordan. In order to achieve the objective of this study, the researcher applied the study tools: Measurement of the characteristics of accounting information systems and the measure of development of corporate financial performance. To confirm their psychometric properties, on a random sample of (271). The results of the study showed that the characteristics of accounting information systems as well as the development of corporate financial performance came at (average) level. The results of the study showed a positive effect on the characteristics of the accounting information systems (TA, TB, TC, TD) on the development of financial performance in the Jordanian industrial companies by (55%). The effect is in the order (TD, TB, TC and finally TA) Keywords: Financial Performance, (AISs), Jordanian industrial Shareholding Companies.

Impact of ridge–furrow water harvesting system on faba bean (Vicia faba L.) production under rainfed conditions in Matrouh, Egypt

AbstractIn the North Western Coastal Zone (NWCZ) of Egypt, low rainfall results in poor crop production. Different techniques should be examined to enhance the crop yield productivity and increase the water use efficiency. The ridge–furrow water harvesting system (RFWHS) is examined under the rainfed conditions in the NWCZ of Egypt over the two growing seasons of 2012/2013 and 2013/2014. Two ridge:furrow ratios of 120:60 and 60:60cm ridge:furrow were used and compared to the conventional cultivation in a flat plot. The RFWHS was combined with different plant densities produced from three different row spacing (i.e., 20, 30, 60cm). The faba bean yield was highly influenced by the ridge:furrow ratio, the seed yield was increased by 47% and 128.2% when the 60:60cm ridge:furrow ratio was used as compared to the conventional cultivation in the first and second seasons, respectively. The row spacing of 30cm apart produced the highest seed yield of 491.1kg/ha in the first season and 261.3kg/ha in the second season as compared to 20cm and 60cm row spacing. The water use efficiency followed the same pattern as that of seed yield; it was the highest for the 60:60cm ridge:furrow ratio and the highest for the 30cm row spacing. It is concluded that the RFWHS can be used effectively in increasing faba bean production and maximizing water use efficiency in limited rainfall areas

Prediction Equation for Spirometric Parameters in Cairo Governorate Adult Population

Context: Spirometry is the most common one used in assessing, diagnosing, and managing patients with different lung diseases. Prediction equations developed in one set of the population may not apply to a different set of populations.Aim: This work aimed to develop prediction equations for spirometry pulmonary function parameters in a sample of the adult Egyptian population in the Cairo governorate. The secondary aim was to compare our derived equations of pulmonary function with international reference figures used in our spirometric lab facilities. Methods: This observational cross-sectional population-based study was carried out at Embaba Chest Hospital upon 610 normal healthy subjects, aged between 20 - 45 years old. All subjects were subjected to history, clinical examination, and pulmonary function tests. These subjects were randomly selected in a cluster from registration records in different official health care facilities or community health centers. Subjects from records were invited by calling through land phone, cell phone, or e-mails. This study compared the international reference figures of mean predicted spirometry values with our derived predicted values of lung function parameters. Results: The predicted equations for FEV1 were [(3.429+(-0.028*Age)+(-0.017*weight)+(0.018*height)], and [1.238+(-0.005*Age)+(- 0.006*weight)+(0.014*height)] for males and females respectively. The predicted equations for FVC were [4.556+(-0.016*Age)+(- 0.012*weight)+(0.01*height)], and [2.494+(-0.009*Age)+(-0.005*weight)+(0.0100*height)] for males and females respectively. It was found that the Egyptian predicted mean values were within the lower limit of normal LLN and upper limit of normal ULN when each of these prediction equations was used. These results were higher than US population with regards to FEV1 4.089(0.498) Vs 3.88(0.04) [p<0.001] in males, but non-significant in females 2.865 (0.171) Vs2.85 (0.33) [p0.449]. FVC was found statistically higher in Egyptian population in female gender 3.513(0.164) Vs 3.36(0.33) [p<0.001] and non-significant difference in males 4.743(0.31) Vs 4.74(0.36) [p0.932] compared to US population. Besides, there were considerable differences between Omani and Jordanian populations and Egyptian populations, on the other hand regarding FEV1 and FEF 25-75% in the male gender. Conclusion: The Linear regression equations had a direct linear correlation with height and inverse linear correlation with age. The implemented reference values utilized in our lab's facilities are particularly suited to the present study’s derived predicted lung function equation. In addition, equations had diverse determination coefficients from those reported by authors in adult Omani and Jordanian populations

The Impact of Taxes on Prices and Production in Jordan

Purpose:  This study aims to demonstrate the impact of taxes on prices and production in Jordan.   Theoretical framework:  Study problem lies in asking the following questions Does the tax system in Jordan serve the economic aspects? Does the tax in Jordan affect the economic aspect? Is the tax in Jordan fair? Is there an impact of the tax on prices in Jordan? Is there an impact of the tax on production in Jordan? What is the effect of taxes on consumer speeding on necessary versus luxury goods? What is the impact of higher taxes on personal income of consumers? The effect of Lower taxes on the economy and disposable income? What is the alternative for governments to increase their income other than direct higher tax system? What is the effect of various government entities; such as financial, administrative, and social corruption on Jordan economy?   Design/methodology/approach:  Researchers used standard analysis method and vector error correction model for the period (2011-2020), and used the profit margin ratio indicator as a representative indicator for production and prices.   Findings:  Results showed a long-term causal relationship between prices and production; from one side and direct and indirect taxes; from the other side and that relationship between short-term deviations and long-term reliability is corrected at a rate of (3%) per year. Results showed a negative significant impact of indirect taxes on price competitiveness; in the long term which was reinforced by the variance components’ analysis and response function’s test. Results also showed an insignificant impact of direct and indirect taxes on price competitiveness; in the short term.   Research, Practical & Social implications:  Demonstrating the impact of taxes on prices and production in Jordan. As well as, discussing the governmental tax and income.   Originality/value:  The importance of study stems from research topic, since taxes have multiple effects on various areas in society which can be divided into scientific and practical importance

The optimal sequence of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in adjuvant treatment of breast cancer

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The optimal time sequences for chemotherapy and radiation therapy after breast surgery for patients with breast cancer remains unknown. Most of published studies were done for early breast cancer patients. However, in Egypt advanced stages were the common presentation. This retrospective analysis aimed to assess the optimum sequence for our population.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>267 eligible patients planned to receive adjuvant chemotherapy [FAC] and radiotherapy. Majority of patients (87.6%) underwent modified radical mastectomy while, 12.4% had conservative surgery.</p> <p>We divided the patients into 3 groups according to the sequence of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Sixty-seven patients (25.1%) received postoperative radiotherapy before chemotherapy [group A]. One hundred and fifty patients (56.2%) were treated in a sandwich scheme (group B), which means that 3 chemotherapy cycles were given prior to radiotherapy followed by 3 further chemotherapy cycles. A group of 50 patients (18.7%) was treated sequentially (group C), which means that radiotherapy was supplied after finishing the last chemotherapy cycle. Patients' characteristics are balanced between different groups.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Disease free survival was estimated at 2.5 years, and it was 83.5%, 82.3% and 80% for patient receiving radiation before chemotherapy [group A], sandwich [group B] and after finishing chemotherapy [group C] respectively (p > 0.5). Grade 2 pneumonitis, which necessitates treatment with steroid, was detected in 3.4% of our patients, while grade 2 radiation dermatitis was 17.6%. There are no clinical significant differences between different groups regarded pulmonary or skin toxicities.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Regarding disease free survival and treatment toxicities, in our study, we did not find any significant difference between the different radiotherapy and chemotherapy sequences.</p

The Impact of Activity-Based Costing Systems on Cost Reduction During Pandemic. An Example of an Industrial Company Listed on the Amman Stock Exchange

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of an activity-based costing system on cost reduction during the COVID-19 pandemic. An example of ASE.   Theoretical framework: a 42-item work-related cost scale and a 10-item cost reduction scale were applied to a random sample of 261 workers working in ASE.   Design/methodology/approach: The results show a positive impact and correlation between an activity-based costing system and cost reductions during the COVID-19 pandemic.   Results and recommendations: The study recommends enhancing the professional qualifications of financial managers, heads of accounting departments and accountants in Jordanian industrial companies by attending various professional courses

The impact of increased body mass index on the outcomes after valve replacement

Background: The association between obesity and the outcomes of surgery is controversial. This study aimed to assess the effect of body mass index (BMI) on early and late morbidity and mortality after valve replacement surgery. Methods: The study was conducted on 100 valve replacement patients from 2020 to 2022. The patients were divided according to BMI into two groups: patients with morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 35) (Group A: n = 50) and patients who had BMI&lt; 35 (Group B.; n = 50). Results: Hospital (9.43 ± 5.93 vs. 7.25 ± 4.05 days, P= 0.034), ICU length of stay (7.32 ± 5.67 vs. 4.52 ± 3.24 days, P= 0.003), and duration of mechanical ventilation (3.58 ± 2.54 vs. 2.342 ± 2.05 days, P= 0.008) were significantly higher in Group A. There was no significant difference in postoperative mortality between both groups (P= 0.678). There was no significant difference in morbidity and mortality after a 3-month follow-up. Hemoglobin was significantly lower in Group A (P =0.034), with no difference in postoperative laboratory investigations. Conclusions: Morbid obesity was not associated with increased mortality after valve replacement surgery; however, it could increase the duration of ventilation, ICU, and hospital stay