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 t
... Show MoreIraq is highly dependent on international markets to provide food for its residents. As imported food prices are highly dependent on crude oil prices in global markets, any shock in oil prices will have an impact on food consumption in the country. As a result, it is essential to study the demand for imported food at every time period. To the best of our knowledge as researchers, as not even a single study is available in the literature, this paper is considered the first to study the demand for imported food groups in Iraq. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to estimate demand elasticities for several imported food categories in Iraq. This study uses an Almost Ideal Demand System model to analyze the demand for imported f
... Show MoreAlongside the development of high-speed rail, rail flaw detection is of great importance to ensure railway safety, especially for improving the speed and load of the train. Several conventional inspection methods such as visual, acoustic, and electromagnetic inspection have been introduced in the past. However, these methods have several challenges in terms of detection speed and accuracy. Combined inspection methods have emerged as a promising approach to overcome these limitations. Nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques in conjunction with artificial intelligence approaches have tremendous potential and viability because it is highly possible to improve the detection accuracy which has been proven in various conventional nondestr
... Show MoreThe synthesis and characterization of Schiff base and the complexities of metal ions and the evaluation of its antioxidant activities against 1.1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) will compared with standard natural antioxidants and ascorbic acid. These prepared materials gave results are due exhibit excellent radical scavenging activities for all complexes with new prepared from reaction Schiff base and metal ions for [ Mn(II), Zn (II), Cd(II), Pd(II) and Hg(II) ]. The complexes prepared characterization by spectral methods (ultraviolet visible, infrared and mass spectra) will be identified in addition to the element micro analysis, (F.A.A.), magnetic sensitivity. The molar conductance values indicated that the complexes derived from Mn(II)
... Show MoreThe Iraqi sports journalism has paid great attention to sports events through press coverage of all its forms and arts, especially the coverage of the World Cup of football which is one of the most watched events in the world. Thousands of journals are preparing for the immediate coverage of such event which is a daunting task in itself. Newspapers have devoted a wider space to this great event in its pages as well as the weakly sports newspapers work on issuing a daily special issue. The importance of this research sheds light on the coverage of major events such as World Cup in Iraqi newspapers. The topic is new
... Show MoreThe principal forms of radiation dosage for humans from spontaneous radiation material are being recognized as radon and its progenitors in the interior environment. Radiation-related health risks are caused by radon in water supply, which can be inhaled or ingested. Materials and Methods: The solid-state CR-39 nuclear trace detectors method was using in this research for measuring accumulation of radioactivity in water supply in different locations of Iraq's southwest corner of Baghdad. In Baghdad district, 42 samples were selected from 14 regions (3 samples out of each region) and put in dosimeters for 50 days. Results: The mean radon concentration was 49.75 Bq/m3, that is lower than the internationally recognized limit of 1100 Bq /m3. Th
... Show MoreThe purpose of this paper is to develop a hybrid conceptual model for building information modelling (BIM) adoption in facilities management (FM) through the integration of the technology task fit (TTF) and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) theories. The study also aims to identify the influence factors of BIM adoption and usage in FM and identify gaps in the existing literature and to provide a holistic picture of recent research in technology acceptance and adoption in the construction industry and FM sector.