Middle Level Research Articles

WITHDRAWN: The evaluation model for factors affecting soil quality in waste dumps open-pit coal waste dumps based on fuzzy mathematics

Taking the Hequ open-pit coal mine waste dump as the research object, using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and expert scoring theory, 4 criteria and 25 factors were established, including the evaluation model of soil structure stability, soil water retention capacity, soil fertilizer retention capacity, soil biological activity, and factors affecting soil quality in the waste dumps. Using YAAHP calculation software, the weights of various influencing factors on the soil fertility restoration ability of the waste dumps were determined. Combining a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to determine soil nutrient standards, soil quality evaluation is divided into 5 levels, and the main influencing factors of soil restoration ability in open-pit coal mine waste disposal sites are quantitatively analyzed. The results showed that: The weight of soil fertility in the criterion layer of the evaluation model was the largest (0.548), followed by soil water retention capacity (0.198), soil biological activity (0.140), and soil structural stability (0.114). The weight of organic matter F1 in the factor layer was the highest (0.116). Due to the final evaluation score of the soil recovery ability of the target layer open-pit coal mine waste dumps is 53.584, the soil quality and nutrients of the waste dumps are in the middle level. The main factors of soil resilience are soil fertility and soil organic matter content, to provide management strategies for improving soil quality of dump, accelerating soil reconstruction, and promoting soil ecosystem restoration.

The relationship between perfectionism and self-esteem among trainee doctors

IntroductionPerfectionism is often seen as a beneficial trait for trainee doctors since it means they have high standards and a drive for success. However, it demands a flawless level of performance regardless of one’s physical or mental health and well-being. Consequently, perfectionism is now viewed from a different perspective.ObjectivesWe aimed to study the impact of perfectionism among doctors in training on their self-esteem.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study among trainee doctors. The following psychometric instruments were used: The “Work Addiction Risk Test” and the “Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale”.ResultsWe included 99 doctors in training. Their mean age was 27.6± 2.2 years. The sex ratio (♂/♀) was 0.33. Most participants were single (63.6%) and of middle socioeconomic level (86%). Tobacco use was reported in 6.1% of cases, and alcohol use in 4.1% of cases. Among all participants, 58 % had low or very low self-esteem. The mean score of Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was 30±5.13 and the mean score of the big three perfectionism scale short form was 41.11±13. Higher self-esteem scores was significantly associated with lower self-critical perfectionism scores.ConclusionsOur results point to the negative impact of self-critical perfectionism on self-esteem. In fact, perfectionism can hold you back, both personally and professionally. Perfectionists see their own self-worth as tied to what they achieve, and they believe that others judge them on this as well. They can never live up to the standards they set for themselves, and this can lead to a downward spiral of self-criticism and blame.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

High-throughput sequencing and fatty acid profile analyses of the Black Amur bream (Megalobrama terminalis) reveal variation in dietary niche associated with geographic segregation.

Fish dietary niche is a core focus, and it reflects the diversity of resources, habitats, or environments occupied by a species. However, whether geographic segregation among different populations triggers dietary diversification and concomitant fish niche shift remains unknown. In the present study, we selected the Black Amur bream (Megalobrama terminalis) is a migratory fish species that plays an important role in the material transfer and energy cycling of river ecosystems, inhabiting southern China drainage with multiple geographic populations. Here, we utilized the combined analyses of 18S rDNA high-throughput sequencing in fish gut contents and fatty acid (FA) in muscle tissues to evaluate potential spatial patterns of habitat and resource use for M. terminalis in three rivers of southern China. Our results showed that prey items of the Xijiang (XR) population (Pearl River) exhibited the highest species diversity and richness among the three geographic populations. Moreover, diet composition of M. terminalis was affected by spatial differences associated with geographic segregation. Analyses of FA biomarkers indicated that the highest levels of C16:0, C18:3n-3, and C18:2n-6c were found in Wanquan (WS) population (Wanquan River). The XR population exhibited a distinct FA profile characterized by higher amounts of arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The Moyang (MY) population (Moyang River) acted as the linkage between WS and XR populations and consisted of middle levels of saturated FAs (SFAs) and polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs). The XR population displayed a greater FA niche width compared with WS population. Furthermore, we observed a close positive relationship between the niche width and α-diversity indices of dietary resources for FA proflies. Our study provides valued information to develop different conservation strategies among different populations and improve fisheries management for M. terminalis and other endemic species in local rivers.

Revitalizing Quranic and Fiqh Education: The Endeavor of An-Najah Ihya’ As-Sunnah Foundation

The purpose of this community devotion program is as follows: 1) improve the ability to read the Qur'an and memorize Surah Al-Kahfi verses 1-7, 2) teach theory and practice in the implementation of prayer, as well as 3) provide the theories and introductions about mahram to pupils at the middle school level. The method used in community service at the An-Najah Foundation is Community-Based Research (CBR), a collaboration between the community and higher education institutions, with an action-oriented approach and application of service learning to support social movements to create social justice. The results of this activity in the first cycle show that most students still have difficulties understanding and following the activities carried out because the materials taught are still new to them. However, after the second cycle, the results show that: 1) average students can read the Quran and memorize Surah Al-Kahfi paragraphs 1-7, 2) average students understand the theory and practice of prayer, and 3) average students have an understanding of the theories and knowledge of Mahram.

Investigating Critical Thinking in ELT Textbooks: A Systematic Literature Review of Textbook Evaluation Studies

The pivotal role of critical thinking and its integration in English language education are synthesised through systematic literature reviews and meta-analysis studies in the areas of pedagogical interventions, teaching methods, and assessment methods. However, there is little evidence of systematic literature review on the integration of critical thinking into English language teaching materials such as textbooks. In this study, 41 empirical textbook evaluation studies published between 2010 and 2021 were reviewed from critical thinking perspective. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of English textbook evaluations on critical thinking integration, to identify critical thinking frameworks applied, and to look for possible research gaps among the studies. An extensive literature search was conducted by applying Xiao and Watson’s (2017) eight-step systematic literature review method. From a collection of 41 empirical studies, this review focuses on such four aspects as applied critical thinking frameworks, findings, recommendations, and the language levels and content areas of the textbooks studied. The results revealed that (1) Bloom’s Taxonomy and Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy were most frequently applied critical thinking frameworks, (2) integration of higher-order thinking skills in textbooks was less common than lower-order thinking skills, (3) textbook assessment occurred primarily at the middle and high school levels more than at other levels, and (4) methodological considerations regarding the reliability and validity of the coding process in textbook content analysis received little attention. This study contributes a synthesised literature background of English textbook evaluation with recommendations for methodological improvements in future studies.

Organizational Resilience Crisis Management Relationship on Hospitality Businesses

Purpose –The main subject of the research is the relationship between organizational resilience and crisis management. Organizational resilience, which is handled with its planned and adaptive dimensions, is referred to as the capacity that enables organizations to survive in harsh environmental conditions and to manage the crises encountered, is often on the agenda with crisis management. On the other hand, crisis management, which covers the processes before, during and after the crisis and is the subject of many researches in the literature, also underlines the organizational resilience in these processes. It is aimed that this research will contribute to the literature, since the studies examining the relationship between these two related concepts are few in quantity. The small number of studies examining the subject on hospitality businesses makes this research unique.Design/methodology/approach –The universe of the research consists of top and middle level managers in 5-star hospitality businesses located in Ankara. Quantitative research method was used as the data collection method in the study, in which a sample of 193 managers was reached, and data were collected with these managers in 27 hospitality businesses through a semi-structured questionnaire.Findings–In line with the findings, it was determined that there is a relationship between the concepts and that organizational resilience has an effect on pre-and post-crisis periods on the other hand, crisis period has an impact on adaptive resilience.Discussion–Based on the results of the research, it has been deduced from the literature that organizational resilience is a higher-frame concept than crisis management at the same time, the concepts are intertwined and complementary in management process and that organizational resilience, in practice, must have certain requirements, especially experience in managing crises, and organizations that want to operate in the long term should not ignore resilience.

Predicting the impacts of urban development on urban thermal environment using machine learning algorithms in Nanjing, China

The urban thermal environment undergoes significant influences from changes in land use/land cover (LULC). This article uses CA-ANN and ANN algorithms to forecast LULC and changes in the urban thermal environment in Nanjing for the years 2030 and 2040. It investigates the interplay between LULC changes, land surface temperature (LST), and the urban thermal field variance index (UTFVI). The findings reveal that urban land exhibited a significant expansion trend from 2000 to 2019, reaching 1083.43 km2 in 2019. The forecast indicates that urban land may increase by 8.79% and 10.92% by 2030 and 2040, respectively. Conversely, vegetation and bare land may decrease. The LST is likely to continue to rise, accompanied by a significant expansion of the high temperature range and a contraction of the low temperature range. By 2030 and 2040, the area with LST<20 °C is likely to decrease by 2.17% and 3.19%, while the area with LST>30 °C is likely to expand by 5.68% and 8.08%, respectively. The UTFVI area of urban land may decrease at none and middle levels but may notably expand at stronger and strongest levels. The areas with UTFVI at none, weak, and middle levels show a declining trend, while the increase in UTFVI at the strong level may exceed 46.29% and the strongest level of UTFVI may continue to expand. This study offers new insights into urban sustainable development and thermal environment governance.

Youth Unemployment in Kenya

Young people have been greatly affected by unemployment which has led them to criminal activities as they try to earn a living. This research article seeks to explore the status of youth unemployment in Kenya, with reference to Kondele sub-county, Kisumu County of Kenya. The descriptive survey research design was employed in this treatise to determine the influence of World Vision International organization labor practices on youth unemployment in the aforementioned area, as well as the country at large. The study population comprised of the middle level employees working at World Vision International in Kisumu County. The population also comprised of the youth in Kondele Sub-county, Kisumu County. The selection of middle-level employees at World Vision International in Kisumu County as the population for the study is justified by their pivotal role in organizational operations. Middle-level employees form a crucial link between top-level management and front-line staff, often overseeing critical functions and decision-making processes. In the context of this research article, the focus was on the 77 mid-tier employees of World Vision International located in Kisumu County. Based on the research findings, it was recommended that World Vision International should identify emerging industries in the region and design skills training programs that equip youth with the specific competencies and knowledge required for these sectors. This will enhance their employability in growing fields and promote economic diversification.

Molecular identification of Sinonovacula constricta, Sinonovacula rivularis and their interspecific hybrids using microsatellite markers

The razor clam Sinonovacula constricta, is one of the most commercially important cultured bivalves in China and Southeast Asia, while S. rivularis is its closer relatives discovered more than a decade ago. In order to obtain offspring with faster growth rate and stronger salt tolerance of S. constricta and S. rivularis, interspecific hybrids were produced, and the hybridity of the interspecific hybrids was confirmed by microsatellite markers. Microsatellite markers exhibit a high potential for transfer through cross-amplification in related species, and the transferability of 48 pairs of microsatellite marker primers from S. constricta were assessed in S. rivularis. Here, 24 universal microsatellite markers were successfully amplified in S. rivularis, of which 18 were polymorphic with the allele number from 2 to 5. The genetic diversity of two razor clams evaluated by 18 polymorphic microsatellite markers indicated that two species were both above the middle level, with a relatively higher genetic diversity, while S. constricta showed higher genetic diversity than S. rivularis according to the genetic parameters of Na, Ho, He and PIC. Furthermore, a total of two species-specific microsatellite markers were screened, which could be used for quick genetic identification of S. constricta, S. rivularis and their hybrids. The results suggest the induced interspecific hybrids are true hybrids between S. constricta and S. rivularis, which provide a basis for breeding, subsequent protection, and germplasm resources utilization of the razor clams.

TRAINING SPECIALISTS OF SECONDARY VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AT THE MARI STATE UNIVERSITY: HISTORY AND MODERNITY

The relevance of the study is determined by the importance of studying the specifics of implementing secondary vocational education in higher education institutions on the example of the Mari State University. The purpose of the study is to consider the trajectory of training middle–level specialists in a higher education institution on the example of the Mari State University as a modern educational trend. Materials and methods. When writing the article, both general scientific (analysis, description) and special historical methods (historical-comparative, historical-statistical) were used. The use of various methods makes it possible to carry out a qualitative analysis and generalization of information about secondary vocational education at the Mari State University and its branch. The work is based primarily on the analysis of previously unknown archival documents extracted from the funds of the Council of Ministers of the Mari ASSR, the State Archive of the Republic of Mari El and the funds of the Museum of the Mari Agrarian College. Materials from published sources and scientific literature on the problems of secondary vocational education were also used. Study results. In the modern domestic research field, there are not enough works considering training of middle–level specialists at a classical university, as well as the multifaceted history of the Mari Agricultural College – the “forge of personnel for the Mari Nonblack Soil Zone.” The work uses previously unpublished documents on the activities of the Mari Agricultural College from the fund of the State Archive of the Republic of Mari El and the funds of the archive and the museum of the Mari Agricultural College (branch) of the Mari State University, as well as modern statistical data on secondary vocational education at the Mari State University. Conclusions. It is concluded that secondary vocational education in the university structure is an important component for any developing higher education institution. The Mari State University, engaged in training middle-level specialists at faculties, institutes and its branch, maintains its status as a multi-level educational institution and confirms the importance of secondary vocational education in the Russian education system.

Evaluation and Empirical Research on Teachers’ Information Literacy in the Context of Smart Education

The development of smart education has led to the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence with education. It is a prerequisite for teachers to have high information literacy for conducting education and teaching work. This study conducted a questionnaire survey on 412 teachers in a certain area. The results showed that teachers’ information literacy is above the middle level, and there are significant differences in information literacy between teaching experience and educational background. The evaluation showed that information ethics, information awareness, and information application have a significant positive impact on professional development, and information knowledge and information awareness have a positive predictive effect on information ethics.

From Return to Normal to a “New Normal”? A Call to Revive Music Teacher Motivation and Reflection

What might the field of music education do to learn, grow, and reinvent itself as we emerge from COVID-19 and virtual learning? Implied in the “return to normal” discourse, permeating all areas of music education in the year or more following virtual learning is the felt need to keep going and return to music education as usual. Yet significant changes, both positive and negative, occurred during virtual learning and music teachers have not received adequate time to reflect and consider new possibilities. In this article, I reject the idea of “return to normal” and call for a “new normal.” While this new normal might take many forms, I offer one possibility for middle level general music focused on student (as well as teacher) motivation. As music educators, we face a potentially exciting time to re-envision the future of music education—but only if we pause, reflect, and imagine a “new normal.”

Effect of Mentorship on Performance of Mission Hospitals in Kenya

Purpose: Those who employ creative leadership tend to do so by creating conditions which promote creativity. Creating such conditions are described as psychological, material, and/or social supports that trigger, enable, and sustain creative thinking in others. The study sought to establish the effect of mentorship creative leadership practice on performance of mission hospitals in Kenya and to establish the moderating effect of perceived organizational support on the effect of mentorship creative leadership practice on performance of mission hospitals in Kenya.&#x0D; Methodology: The study was grounded on servant leadership theory and Transactional Leadership Theory. The cross-sectional survey design was used as the study design with the positivist philosophy also being adopted. The sample populations comprised 285 Mission hospital staff at middle or lower levels of employment selected through census. Questionnaire was the main data collection instruments. This was tested for validity and reliability before being used for the study. Collected data was analyzed quantitatively using SPSS 24th version software and was presented in the form of descriptive and inferential results. Descriptive statistics involved percentages, means and means of Standard deviations while inferential involved linear regression analysis. The study results were presented through use of tables and figures&#x0D; Findings: The findings of the study underscore the substantial influence of effective mentorship in enhancing both individual and organizational performance in the context of Mission hospitals in Kenya. The strong agreement among respondents on the various aspects of mentorship, combined with the significant statistical correlation between mentorship and improved hospital performance, underscores the value of investing in robust mentorship programs. Perceived organizational support moderates the effect of mentorship on performance of Mission hospitals in Kenya.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that healthcare institutions prioritize the development and enhancement of mentorship programs. These programs should focus on leadership development, skill acquisition, and professional growth, tailored to the diverse needs of individual employees. From the study, Mentorship could explain upto 63.1% of the performance of mission hospitals in Kenya. This study therefore recommends further study on other factors affecting performance of mission hospitals in Kenya.

Ozone risk assessment of common cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.) clones and effects of Seiridium cardinale infection

Cupressus sempervirens is a relevant species in the Mediterranean for its cultural, economic and landscape value. This species is threatened by Seiridium cardinale, the causal agent of the cypress canker disease (CCD). The effects of biotic stressors on O3 risk assessment are unknown and a comprehensive O3 risk assessment in C. sempervirens is missing. To fill these gaps, two clones of C. sempervirens, one resistant (Clone R) and one susceptible to CCD (Clone S), were subjected to three levels of O3 (Ambient Air - AA; 1.5 × AA; 2.0 × AA) for two consecutive years in an O3-free-air controlled exposure facility and artificially inoculated with S. cardinale. Both the exposure- (AOT40) and flux-based (PODy) indices were tested. We found that PODy performed better than AOT40 to assess O3 effects on biomass and the critical level for a 4% biomass loss was 2.51 mmol/m2 POD2. However, significant O3 dose-response relationships were not found for the inoculated cypresses because the combination of middle level O3 (1.5 × AA) and inoculation stimulated a biomass growth in Clone S as hormetic response. Moreover, we found a different inter-clonal response to both stressors with a statistically significant reduction of total and belowground biomass following O3, and lower root biomass in Clone S than in Clone R following pathogen infection. In summary, Clone R was more resistant to O3, and inoculation altered O3 risk via an hormetic effect on biomass. These results warrant further studies on how biotic stressors affect O3 responses and risk assessment.

Effects of Intercropping and Nitrogen Application on Soil Fertility and Microbial Communities in Peanut Rhizosphere Soil

The intercropping of peanuts and sugarcane is a sustainable planting model that deserves in-depth research. For this study, two variables, i.e., intercropping status (peanut monocropping or sugarcane/peanut intercropping) and the level of nitrogen fertilization (low, medium, or high), were evaluated to analyze the effects of intercropping and nitrogen application on soil fertility and microbial communities in peanut rhizosphere soil. These analyses revealed that higher nitrogen application led to increased total nitrogen (TN), available nitrogen (AN), and soil organic matter (OM) levels in rhizosphere soil for both monocropped and intercropped peanuts, with a decrease in pH. Monocropped peanuts had higher TN, total phosphorus (TP), and total potassium (TK) levels compared to intercropped peanuts at the same nitrogen level but lower AN content and pH levels. The diversity of microbial communities in the rhizosphere soil of intercropped peanuts was significantly higher than that of monocropped peanuts under high levels of nitrogen fertilizer application. Higher levels of Gemmatimonadetes abundance were observed in intercropping rhizosphere soil, compared to that associated with peanut monocropping under low, middle, and high levels of nitrogen fertilizer application, whereas the opposite trend was observed for Chloroflexi abundance. Nitrospira abundance levels rose gradually in the monocropping treatment group, whereas the opposite trend was evident under intercropping conditions. Further analyses of nitrogen cycle-related genes demonstrated higher levels of nitrogen conversion cycle activity in intercropping peanut rhizosphere soil under low nitrogen levels, whereas nitrogen transformation cycle activity levels were higher in monocropping peanut rhizosphere soil under high levels of nitrogen amendment. It can be concluded that intercropping and nitrogen fertilizer application change the physical and chemical properties of soil, thus affecting the diversity and function of soil microbial communities in the peanut rhizosphere. These results offer a theoretical foundation for more efficient sugarcane/peanut intercropping systems.

Pedagogical approach of grade 7 teachers in teaching the learning competency of integers

This research addresses the intricate challenges of teaching integers in middle school mathematics. Focusing on grade 7 teachers, the study explores strategies to enhance integers' teaching-learning competency, revealing nuanced approaches employed by three teachers. Through qualitative methods, specifically in-depth interviews, the research uses an exploratory approach to unravel the underlying strategies shaping the teaching of integers. Key findings underscore integers as a formidable learning competency for grade 7 students, particularly in operations like addition and subtraction. The most effective pedagogical approach, encapsulated in the 3Rs — Reaching, Representing, Recommending — involves drill exercises for foundational concepts, integrating manipulatives like algebra tiles and coloured tiles, and advocating for continuous manipulative use with persistent drill exercises and integrating technology. These identified themes emphasize the need for a uniform understanding among teachers during discussions to ensure a cohesive and effective teaching strategy. Recognizing these strategies is crucial for addressing the existing learning gap and advancing grade 7 students' competency in dealing with integers. The research contributes valuable insights to the academic discourse, offering effective pedagogical practices and fostering a more robust foundation for mathematical understanding at the middle school level.

Abstract P375: Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Socioeconomic Status Indices in Young Adults in Latin America: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Background: Metabolic syndrome components in children and adolescents have gained attention in low- and middle-income countries due to variability in their effects and measures across socioeconomic status (SES) determinants. Socioeconomic disparities have been studied related to health, and this fact still poses a serious challenge that raises concerns, especially in low-and middle-income countries, where the classification of the population relies on different determinants from wealthier countries. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to illustrate the effects of measures of metabolic syndrome components across SES in Latin American (LA) young adults. Methods: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Lilacs (Bireme), Embase and Scopus for LA studies published before September 2023. Included studies were those with participants aged 6-19 years in whom metabolic syndrome (MS) components were analyzed across SES in LA. The quality of observational studies was assessed using the adapted New Castle Ottawa quality tool. Blood pressure, abdominal obesity, body mass index, body fat, glucose levels and insulin resistance data were synthesized, and a random effect model was used to measure the collective effect of overweight/obesity and lipid profile on higher SES levels compared with middle and low SES levels. The protocol of this review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews database (registration number: CRD42020222378) and was developed following PRISMA statements. Results: Sixty-three eligible articles (n=255, 521 participants) from nine LA countries were selected. SES definitions were used in 41 studies from five countries with similar criteria. Obesity and overweight (odds ratio: 1.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.18-1.96) and altered lipid profiles were significantly associated with higher SES compared to lower SES. However, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were lower in patients with a lower SES. The heterogeneity observed could be explained by age, sex, nutrition patterns, standardized cardiometabolic measures, and temporally collected data due to rapid transitions in LA countries. Conclusions: Cardiometabolic components may be associated with higher SES in LA countries. As national SES definitions have been used around LA countries to classify populations, this definition needs to be standardized around LA countries to guide national programs to intensify cardiovascular health and prevent detrimental effects in young people.

Environmental and economic dispatching strategy for power system with the complementary combination of wind-solar-hydro-thermal-storage multiple sources

The linkage, coordination, and complementary cooperation of energy supply can improve the efficiency of transportation and utilization. At present, the level of new energy consumption needs to be improved, the coordination of the source network load storage link is insufficient, and the insufficient complementarity of various types of power sources in the power system. This article fully explores the differences and complementarities of various types of wind-solar-hydro-thermal-storage power sources, a hierarchical environmental and economic dispatch model for the power system has been established. Among them, the upper level model takes the flexible consumption of new energy as the optimization goal, the middle level model uses a combination of hydropower station and energy storage to minimizes the fluctuation variance and peak-to-valley difference of the net load curve, the lower level model aims to achieve optimal environmental and economic benefits of the power system, comprehensively considers the coal consumption cost, startup and shutdown cost, energy storage operation cost, and pollutant emissions of thermal power units, determines the startup and shutdown mode and output power of thermal power units. Finally, an improved IEEE 6-machine 30-node system is used as an example for simulation analysis, the results show that after applying the proposed hierarchical environmental and economic dispatch strategy of the power system, the fluctuation variance and the peak-to-valley difference of the net load curve have been reduced by 46.3% and 31.5%, respectively, and the environmental and economic benefits of the system is improved by 5.1% compared with the traditional economic dispatch strategy. It can meet the requirements of energy system cleaning and decarbonization while improving the operation economy, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed environmental economic dispatch model.

Spatiotemporal clustering of dam settlement monitoring using instrumentation data (case study: Eyvashan Earth Dam)

The integrity of monitoring data is important for studying the amount and location of deformation in earth dams. In this research, the meeting of the Eyvashan Earth Dam was analyzed using the results of precision instruments over a period of eight years during three periods of construction, first impoundment, and exploitation. To verify the accuracy of the results, the numerical model of the largest section of the dam was constructed with Plaxis software and analyzed according to the Mohr–Coulomb behavior model. The results showed that since the beginning of construction, the occurrence of settlements in the core of the dam has been increasing, and with the passage of time, settlements reach a constant value in the operation phase. The maximum settlement of the dam core at the end of the construction stage was 809 mm, which was equal to 1.2% of the dam height in the middle level. Additionally, an approach based on spatiotemporal clustering has been presented to improve the interpretability of the settlement behavior of earth dams. Clustering analysis of spatiotemporal data is used as a measure to determine the similarity of settlements and to select relevant data. Therefore, k-means clustering algorithms and two-step clustering were used to determine the displacement of earth dams. By comparing the correlation results, the proposed method of detecting settlement areas using a spatiotemporal clustering model can be considered a reliable method for monitoring the settlement of earth dams.

The role of strategic Renewal in organizational immunity - analytical research in the Iraqi Ministry of Education

The current study aims to demonstrate the role of strategic renewal in enhancing organizational immunity through strategic renewal mechanisms represented by (Reanimating, Rejuvenation, Venturing, and restructuring). The main idea of this study relates to the extent to which organizations’ immunity is achieved through strategic Renewal mechanisms, by measuring these dimensions with Organizational immunity represented by organizational learning, organizational memory, and organizational DNA. The study population was the headquarters of the Iraqi Ministry of Education, and the sample included (330) individuals from the upper, middle, and lower leadership levels. Several statistical methods were used to deal with the results of the questionnaire, especially the simple correlation coefficient (Pearson) and descriptive analysis methods using (SPSS.v23, AMOS.v25). The most important conclusion of the study was the presence of a clear and significant impact of strategic Renewal in building and designing the immune system of organizations.