International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR)

Nanowax Application that Increases Stain Resistance as Well as Brightness in Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

Hasan Gokdag — Sat, 10 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Polishing ceramic tiles enhances both aesthetics and durability by smoothing surfaces, improving light reflection, and facilitating cleaning. This process involves mechanical abrasion and chemical treatments, where surfaces are sanded and polished using specialized machines and compounds. The porosity structure of ceramics is critical for polishing quality, as it affects stain resistance and gloss. This study investigates the efficacy of Nanowax, a colloidal silica-based coating, in improving stain resistance and brightness by tailoring particle sizes to surface porosity. Results show that smaller particle sizes enhance gloss and stain resistance, particularly for ceramics with small pores, as evaluated per ISO 10545-14 standards.

A Machine Learning-Based Predictive Framework for Patent Infringement Detection: Enhancing Intellectual Property Protection Through Hybrid Ensemble Models

Kang Jin Gang, Ang Ling Weay — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Patent infringement poses significant risks to innovation and economic growth. Traditional intellectual property (IP) protection methods are often reactive, expensive, and inefficient for large-scale patent management. This study introduces an optimized machine learning framework designed to predict patent infringements proactively. The research evaluates the performance of Random Forest, Support Vector Machines (SVM), and Logistic Regression on a curated dataset enriched with patent citations, legal status, and family size. The study employs Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) to address class imbalance and Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) for feature selection. A novel hybrid ensemble model integrating Random Forest and SVM is developed, achieving 75% precision, 95% recall, and an F1-score of 84%, outperforming baseline models. The findings contribute to IP management by offering a scalable predictive framework that minimizes litigation costs and enhances proactive infringement detection.

China’s National Image through the Lens of Belt and Road: A Qualitative Analysis of Global Perceptions

Chen Yanyan, Lee Khiam Jin — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the two viewpoints of China's national image—self-formation and external-formation—within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Through qualitative data gathered from 24 semi-structured interviews with participants from 15 nations, the research highlights four thematic domains that shape views on China: political, economic, socio-cultural, and adaptive approaches. Results indicate that although China employs the BRI to showcase soft power and leadership focused on development, global perceptions are still mixed, shaped by media narratives, geopolitical conflicts, and cultural gaps. The research indicates a more sophisticated and equitable approach in China's image-enhancement activities.

Artificial Intelligence as a Vector of Pedagogical Transformation: Challenges and Opportunities for the Moroccan Education System

Amal Sallaki, Youssef Nait Belaid — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of education, highlighting its potential to personalize learning, improve pedagogical efficiency, and promote inclusion in the Moroccan educational system. It is generally recognized that AI holds significant potential to transform various sectors, including education. Technologies such as virtual tutors, automated assessment systems, and adaptive learning platforms are already being developed and implemented at different scales. However, a crucial question remains: how can artificial intelligence be effectively and ethically integrated into pedagogical practices to improve educational outcomes and make education more inclusive and equitable, particularly in the Moroccan context? This question is essential as it aims to identify practical and ethical solutions to overcome contemporary educational challenges. Effective integration of AI can potentially transform traditional teaching methods, improve the quality of education, and make it more accessible to all students, regardless of their socio-economic background. The article employs an argumentative and analytical approach. It presents a theoretical framework based on key concepts such as personalized learning, automated assessment, and intelligent collaboration. It also includes a literature review and analyzes concrete examples of AI application in the Moroccan educational context.

The structure of the article is divided into three main sections: the first presents the theoretical framework and key concepts, the second analyzes the Moroccan educational context and evaluates the relevance of the theoretical concepts, and the third offers a detailed exploration of practical examples of AI use in Moroccan education. The main conclusions of the article show that the integration of AI in education opens up new perspectives for personalized learning, improving pedagogical efficiency, and promoting inclusion. Concrete examples demonstrate that virtual tutors, adaptive learning platforms, and automated assessment systems can transform educational practices, improve student outcomes, and make education more accessible. The results highlight the importance of AI in profoundly transforming education in Morocco. By offering personalized learning pathways, assistance tools for students with specific needs, and automated assessment systems, AI makes learning more effective and engaging.

However, it is crucial to address ethical and practical challenges to ensure responsible and beneficial integration of AI in the educational system. A responsible and thoughtful approach is essential to ensure that AI is deployed ethically and beneficially for all learners. By continuing to invest in research and development and promoting responsible use of AI, Morocco can create an educational future where every student has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

Design of Hot Marshall Asphalt Concrete Mixes by Using Cinder Aggregates for Construction of Sealed Layer of Low Volume Roads in Mbeya Tanzania

Ally Seleman Mwita, Duwa Hamisi Chengula, Joseph John Msambichaka — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The availability of high quality aggregates for production of hot Marshall Asphalt (HMA) mixes for construction of sealed surfacing layer that meet specified standards are becoming scarce. The use of locally available marginal materials shows challenges of not meeting engineering properties for construction of surfacing layers of Low Volume Roads (LVRs). This study investigated stability, flow and volumetric properties of the blended marginal natural cinder aggregates and sand to produce HMA mixes for construction of sealed surfacing layers of low volume roads and 60/70 asphalt was used as binder to aggregates. The 60/70 asphalt binder was sourced from local supplier in Dar es Salaam, natural cinder was sourced from Ituha area and sand materials were sourced from Mbalizi area in Mbeya Region. Physical properties of 60/70 asphalt materials, physical and mechanical properties of natural cinder aggregates and sand were determined under laboratory condition.

The tests performed for 60/70 asphalt binder includes; ductility, penetration, flash point, viscosity and softening point. The test results from characterization of 60/70 asphalt binder indicated that all properties met the requirement to be used for HMA mixes for construction of sealed surfacing layer of low volume roads. The mechanical properties tests performed for natural cinder aggregates and sand includes TFV and ACV. The test results indicated that only sand satisfied requirement for TFV. Blending process of natural cinder aggregates and sand was conducted in order to meet gradation specification of AC20. The results of TFV and ACV for blended aggregates satisfied requirements for HMA mixes for construction of sealed surfacing layers of low volume roads in Mbeya Region Tanzania.

The results of volumetric properties, flow and stability test conducted for HMA mixes are 9.2% optimum asphalt content, 5.5% air voids, 21.6% VMA, 13kN stability and 3 mm flow. It is indicating that optimum asphalt content, void properties, stability and flow met the requirement as HMA materials for the construction of surfacing layers of LVRs in Mbeya Region Tanzania, although the optimum asphalt content is at higher side due to high porosity of cinder aggregate materials. From the results of this study, it is recommended that cinder aggregate materials should be blended with high quality aggregates in order to increase mechanical properties of cinder blended aggregates for hot mix asphalt concretes. It is also recommended that filler materials to be used in order to reduce porosity of cinder aggregate materials which will reduce amount of asphalt contents for HMA mixes.