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This paper aimed at utilizing GIS software in calculating pavement condition index (PCI) values, using four different interpolation methods: IDW, spline, trend and kriging. The case study covers four major streets in Nablus city with a total length of about 6.50 km. The PCI values were calculated using the ASTM conventional method. The four streets were divided into equal 100-meter sections. The PCI values were also calculated for each point of defect in both directions of the streets. The results of the four methods (point by point of defects) were compared manually with the conventional method (ASTM procedure). The results showed that the spline method had a strong correlation with the conventional method in terms of multiple R and R-square calculation (multiple R for left 0.918, right 0.947 and R2 for left 0.843, right 0.897). This method also fitted the data better than the other methods, as seen from the linear regression model results, in addition to producing the minimum error value. The results indicated that by identifying the PCI value, it would be possible to select the proper pavement maintenance and corresponding cost for each point of defect. This in turn would help in prioritizing pavement sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since March 5, 2020, the West Bank has faced a real crisis due to the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. It has infected 581,678 people and caused 5,382 deaths so far, which has resulted in negative impacts on public health and other aspects of daily life. Based on the data provided by the Palestinian Ministry of Health, we inferred the spatial distribution patterns of the pandemic condition in different communities using Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis for pattern and clustering by studying the impact of urban factors on the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Ten urban factors were selected (i.e., population, population density, aging ratio, the hierarchy of services, health services, land use, commercial services, road density, green areas, and open spaces) to check their relation to pandemic severity using a linear model, where five factors showed a globally-significant relation. Then, the Geographically Weighted Regression' model (GWR) was adopted to define their unevenly distributed effects in the urban areas on the northwest bank. Among the five factors, the population factor has the most significant impact on the epidemic situation with a positive correlation. However, a negative correlation has been stated between the area of commercial services per person, population density, hierarchy of services, and health services. Finally, we provide recommendations that coordinate various urban factors to mitigate the pandemic spread. This paper will help decision-makers plan and develop different areas in Palestine and worldwide by better understanding the transmission, occurrence, and diffusion of the COVID-19 pandemic in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]