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

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

2025-03-25T09:10:24+00:00

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.

Habitat – Residence as a Subject Regulating the Subjectivity of Natural Persons in Civil – Legal Relations

2025-03-19T16:10:58+00:00

Habitat – residence is a subject important for regulating the subjectivity of natural persons in civil law. Namely, in addition to the personal name and citizenship, habitat - residence is an attribute of a natural person. So with the help of this subject, natural persons have the opportunity to effectuate their subjectivity, ie in other words to be parties in civil - legal relations. Thus habitat – residence also appears as a means of individualizing natural persons in civil law. In the positive legislation of the Republic of North Macedonia there is a Law on registration of the habitat and residence of citizens. The goal of this paper is to research and perform scientific processing to the extent necessary for the habitat, ie residence in accordance with this legal text, from the aspect of civil law, but also to offer appropriate remarks and suggestions, in order to improve of the existing law and more consistent and comprehensive application of the same. Hence I think except the theoretical dimension of this paper, will be of great benefit to practitioners, which emphasizes the practical side of this paper.

The Use of Computers in the Teaching-learning Process Some Time Ago and Nowadays

2025-03-08T10:37:25+00:00

Information and Communication Technology’s development and the gradual implementation of computers as a teaching aid in educational institutions impose the need for additional instructions for classroom teachers regarding the computers’ use while working with children. Both the computer and its use in the teaching- learning process offer numerous opportunities, but it is important to choose those opportunities that will improve the educational process with the computer’s proper use and will motivate students to acquire new teaching content.

The Role of Arts Engagement in Mitigating Stress among University Students: A Literature Review

2025-03-05T06:39:08+00:00

This study explores the role of arts engagement in mitigating stress among undergraduate students, with a specific focus on both global and Chinese educational contexts. Stress in higher education is a pervasive issue, exacerbated by academic pressures, financial constraints, and cultural expectations. In China, these challenges are compounded by systemic factors such as the competitive Gaokao system and deeply ingrained Confucian values, which emphasize academic excellence and family honor, often at the expense of individual well-being. While Western literature extensively examines stress management strategies, such as mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapies, these interventions often lack cultural resonance in non-Western settings. Through a systematic review methodology adhering to PRISMA guidelines, this study synthesizes findings from empirical research on arts-based interventions, including music therapy, visual arts workshops, and calligraphy. Evidence indicates that these interventions significantly reduce stress by addressing cognitive, emotional, and physiological stress responses. Music therapy demonstrates efficacy in lowering cortisol levels and promoting relaxation through activation of the parasympathetic nervous system.

Visual arts provide cognitive distraction and emotional expression, reducing anxiety and fostering a sense of control. In Chinese contexts, traditional practices like calligraphy enhance mindfulness and align with cultural values of harmony and introspection, making them particularly effective stress management tools. The analysis highlights cultural differences in arts engagement practices. While Western interventions prioritize individuality and self-expression, Chinese approaches emphasize discipline and societal harmony, aligning with collective cultural norms. Despite their effectiveness, challenges such as methodological inconsistencies, cultural biases, and underrepresentation of non-Western practices in the literature limit the generalizability of findings.This study concludes that arts engagement offers a versatile and culturally adaptable strategy for stress management in higher education. By integrating arts-based interventions into academic settings, universities can promote holistic well-being and address culturally specific needs. Future research should focus on addressing methodological gaps, enhancing cultural inclusivity, and exploring the long-term impacts of arts engagement on student stress reduction.

Impacts of Authentic Assessments in Biology on the Learning of Grade 11 Students

2025-01-30T23:33:36+00:00

Authentic assessments were used during the Covid-19 lockdown but since the educational environment is returning to its usual configuration, such assessments appear to be still useful in learning biology. To prove this claim, this research aimed to determine the impacts of authentic assessments in biology on Grade 11 students as well as to determine the students’ perceptions about authentic assessments. One hundred two (102) Filipino students at a public high school for SY 2022-2023 made up the participants which comprised the three (3) sections of the STEAM curriculum. This involved a qualitative design where observations were documented following the impacts identified by previous authors. On student perceptions, responses in the interview were subjected to thematic analysis. In poem writing, the impacts include cognition activation and development, vocabulary and literacy skills improvement, and self-expression. Comic strip’s impact is promotion of scientific literacy. Improvement of scientific skills is the impact for brochure making, modeling, role playing, case study analysis, infographics and mind mapping. Results show that students' perceptions are favorable. With the results, teachers are encouraged to prepare more authentic assessments in biology teaching. Likewise, this study should be carried out across other academic disciplines.