bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of corrosion resistance and dimensional change of the high copper dental amalgam by Al2O3 additions.
Authors: Haydar H. J. , Al-Deen Jamal , Abdul-Husien Malik
Published: August 2021

the main goal of this present investigation is to study the effect of the (Al2O3) addition on corrosion resistance and dimensional change of the high copper dental amalgam. One alloy has been prepared via casting composed of silver (47%), tin (30%), copper (22%), and zinc (1%). (Al2O3) addition is added in distinct percentages of the (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2) wt.%. Specimens were prepared according to ADA specification No. 1. The specimens have been stored at 37±1 C° using a chamber prepared for this purpose. corrosion resistance improved with addition from 0.5% to 2% (Al2O3) and observed that dimensional change of amalgam improved after (Al2O3) additions.
Designing and Manufacturing of Home Automation Monitoring System Using Internet of Things Technology
Authors: Omran Mustafa A , Saad Wasan K , Hamza Bashar J , Al-Baghdadi Ahmed F
Published: August 2021

Home Automation System (HAS) has seen an increase in popularity as developments in connectivity and information technology. A Smart Home (SH) is a form of advanced applications for the Internet of Things (IoT) that allows users to track and manage their electronic devices through the internet. This paper describes an affordable, secure, WiFi- based smart home or home automation system, that enables the monitoring of home devices by homeowners at local and remote locations. The Arduino Mega 2560 and Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ were used to configuring the server automation framework. Further, various sensors were used to observe current, voltages, humidity, temperature, movement, flame, smoke, gas, doors and other household conditions. The proposed automation system can monitor home conditions via the Blynk IoT Platform for both Android or IOS.
Evaluation the microstructure, physical, magnetic and electrical properties of Al/Fe3O4 + Ni hybrid nanocomposite
Authors: Jiaad Suaad M , Salman Khansaa D , Hussein Ahmed A
Published: August 2021

This paper aims to study the physical, electrical, magnetic properties and microstructural analysis of aluminum matrix incorporated with different amounts of Fe3O4 at (2,4,6,8 and 10wt.%) with a constant amount of Ni at 2wt.%. Al/Fe3O4 +Ni hybrid nanocomposites specimens were prepared using the powder metallurgy method. Aluminum matrix nanocomposites (AMNCs) are important alloys because of their high strength, wear resistance, and lightweight, which enables them to be used in different thermal environments in a variety of applications including automotive, electronics, and aerospace. Many examinations, including Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM)) analysis, were performed on the specimens in this study to determine the microstructure and phases of the nanocomposites, and study important properties such as density, porosity, magnetic and electrical properties, to evaluate these properties of the hybrid nanocomposites. FESEM analysis revealed that Fe3O4 and Ni nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed in the Al matrix in this study. The results of these tests showed that increasing the weight percentage of Fe3O4 and constant weight percentage of Ni nanoparticles decreases the porosity and increases the density and increases saturation magnetization (Ms) as well as improved electrical properties.
Surface modification of carbon steel by electrodeposit composite coating for improving erosion-corrosion resistance: a review
Authors: Salih Ekbal M. S. , Al–Juboori Haydar A.H. , Al-Hamdani Nadheer R. A.
Published: August 2021

This paper included an explanation of one of the methods of protection from corrosion, as it dealt with the use of electroplating technology by using solid ceramic particles embedded in chromium on carbon steel as a base material as an effective way to increase the service life of fluid-carrying tubes, considering that they are exposed to a joint effect of chemical and physical action. The formation of composite coatings on carbon steel and the factors affecting the success of these coatings in addition to a group of studies that dealt with these factors and their impact on increasing the resistance to conditions surrounding the metal represented by resistance to chemical corrosion in the presence of erosion (such as the concentration of solid particles in the paint solution, the temperature of the paint solution, the effect of The current density on the quality of the coatings and the effect of the thermal treatment on the coatings). The current density, the concentration of solid particles and the temperature have the greatest influence in determining the efficiency of the composite coatings.
Manufacture of shape memory alloys NiTi and NiTiCu by casting method and studying the effect of adding the copper element in different proportions to the binary alloy on the microstructure, phase transformations and conductivity
Authors: Salman Khansaa Dawood
Published: August 2021

Thanks to unique properties, such as light weight, good biocompatibility, high strength, and relatively low cost, shape memory alloys are of interest to researchers. In this work alloys NiTi and NiTiCu with different weight percents were made from the copper element using the casting method by (VAR) furnace. Where the elements were melted at (1350°C) without a crucible to obtain best alloys of high purity, and after that the manufactured ingots were cooled with ice water to obtain the best homogeneity. The melting process was followed by the annealing process by an electric furnace at (750°C). After completing the manufacturing process, specimens were prepared for microscopic and mechanical tests, and wires were drawn for the purpose of electrical testing. Several tests and examinations were carried out to ensure that the alloys manufactured are SMAs. The microscopic examinations that were performed via OM showed that the copper element is uniformly distributed within a NiTi matrix. The results showed FESEM that the microstructure is symmetric and homogeneous, and also showed phase (TI 002) and (Ti2Ni) and some defects. DSC examination showed the initial and final degrees of the austenite and martensite phase. In addition, the results of DSC showed that the best stable alloys are alloy NiTi and NiTiCu-3 and that the hysterical loop decreases with an increase in the percentage of copper. The results of the shape memory effect showed that the best SME was (88.98%) for alloy NiTiCu-3. As for the microhardness, it increased when the copper element was increased, so the maximum hardness of the specimen was at 2 wt.% Cu, and it seemed to decrease with the increase in the copper element. The electrical test that was performed using the 4T sensing method of wires showed that the conductivity value increases with the increase in ratio of Cu with the decrease in the resistance. The best conductivity ratio was for alloy NiTiCu-3 where the conduction ratio was 24096.4 (Ω.Cm)−1 and it had the lowest resistivity 41.5 (Ω.Cm)10−6. Strain rate was tested and the resistivity, so the increase in the strain rate was observed with the increase in the copper element and the decrease in the resistivity.
Surface modification of Zirconium based alloys for bio application by Micro-arc oxidation process: A Review
Authors: Salman Maysam Abbood , Haleem Ali Hubi , Awad Samir Hamid
Published: August 2021

Because of their superior mechanical properties, metal implants are the ideal choice for long-term reconstruction of hard tissues like the hip and knee joints. Zr and its alloys are widely recognized as biocompatible metal implants because of the self-regulating oxide coating that prevents the surface from corrosion and restricts ion release. The Osseo incorporation of these critical elements requires surface modification. The surface of metal implants is modified via micro-arc oxidation (MAO). The goal of this study is to give a summary of contemporary Micro-arc oxidation (MAO) research on zirconium and related alloys in biometal implants.
Cloud based automatic street lighting control system
Authors: Younis Manal Fadhil , Salim Sarah Sadeq
Published: August 2021

Conventional street lighting control systems is manual control, light sensitive control, and simple timing control while energy consumption and operators are unable to monitor street lights, that significantly disrupts management and maintenance. This work is based on the idea of maximize the maintaining and minimize an energy loss. Much of the energy produced daytime is saved in a solar cell and then will use to glow street lights throughout the night. The system also provides an energy-efficient operation mode by adapting the automated method. The lights switch on/off automatically according to vehicle movement or day/night sensor as well as to reduce management cost and monitor status information for each street lighting unit. In this paper two sensors are utilized that are Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) sensor to signalize a day/night time and Infrared Obstacle (IR) sensors to discover the movement on the street. Arduino microcontroller is utilized as a brain to control the street lighting system. In the other hand sensors data are analyzed and stored in Thingspeak cloud after are sent by Arduino UNO. Experimental results show that the system is stable and reliable as it can be applied as a model system.
Using Geotextile to Reduce the Required Thickness of Sub Base Layer of the Road and Improvement in CBR Value
Authors: Laziz Muhmood Abdulbasit Abdu , khudhur Rafaa Mohammed
Published: August 2021

Soil fabrics (geotextiles) are a permeable textile structural composition, and are mainly use in civil engineering applications associated with soil, rocks, or water. The American specifications (ASTM-D1316) indicated in the definition of this type of fabrics that they are use in some installations for civil and structural engineering, as the traffic increases day by day, many road related problems happen. Due to the heavy volume and heavy traffic the roads were damage very early, to avoid such a situation, we can use the geotextile.

Geotextiles can be roughly in to two-type woven and nonwoven, in this research, non-woven (geotextile-50 pressed) was use in the work. The effect of geotextile sheets on improving the load-settlement characters of five-layered soil (three-layer clay, two-layer recycle concrete aggregate); moreover, the use of geotextiles has been study to reduce the required thickness of the sub-base layer of the road. Given the widespread use of bearing testing rate in the projects of road construction, it has used this test in this research, it was a test California bearing ratio (CBR) on the soil of five layers including the rubble of recycled concrete layer recycled (RCA) in the top (sub base)) and the clay soil place bottom(subgrade)

These tests were conduct different the situations, including the use of test geotextile and test not use geotextile. In this research, the performance of nonwoven geotextiles, interconnect between the soft subgrade and the sub-base of the recycle of the recycle concrete aggregate (RCA) in the flexible paving system was good as the Geotextiles improve and increase the CBR value about (20%) of the road layers as well as the geotextile worked on reduce permeability about (50%).

Geotextile also worked to separate or (isolate) two materials that are not alike, such as two soil layers with different properties, such as separating the subgrade layer from the subbase layer.
Using Cooling System for Increasing the Efficiency of Solar Cell
Authors: Sultan Teba Nassir , Farhan Mansour S. , Salim ALRikabi Haider TH.
Published: August 2021

According to future predictions, reliance will be largely on solar panels to provide electrical energy. Given its importance, the factors that maintain or increase its efficiency must be studied. Among the factors that reduce its efficiency are temperature, shade, dust and many others. The effect of the temperature on the performance and efficiency of a photovoltaic (pv) panel is the one of the main important facing the renewable energy, especially in hot regions, e g. South part of iraq. The high temperature to which the pv module is exposed in hot weather reduces the open circuit voltage and the efficiency. In this work, use two methods for cooling, namely water cooling and air cooling. The first method of cooling was air cooling by using dc fan that placed in the back of pv module. While the second method water cooling divided in two techniques, the first technique done by using two pieces of aluminum for cooling (water cooling blocks) placed in the rear of pv module and the second technique of water cooling by using copper perforated tube for spraying water placed in the front of pv module. The average of experimental results shows that the use of technique spraying water cooling are highest enhancement in efficiency than others techniques (water cooling blocks and dc fan) and more effective at high pv temperatures.
Cefepime electronic structure, optical, spectroscopic, and the effect of water molecules on its physical properties
Authors: Abdulsattar Mudar Ahmed , Almaroof Nooruldeen Mudher
Published: August 2021

Cefepime is a fourth-generation antibiotic with the Stoichiometry C19H24N6O5S2. It is a 1.5 nm molecule. The electronic structure and related spectroscopic properties of cefepime are discussed in the present work. The thermodynamic interaction of the cefepime molecule with water molecules is also discussed. Density functional theory at the B3LYP/6-311G** level is used. Results show good agreement with available structural experimental results such as bond lengths. The iso-electrostatic potential energy shows the position of positive and negative potentials. The HOMO-LUMO energy gap is increased to more than 4 eV due to interaction with water molecules. The highest peak in the experimental IR spectrum (1773 cm−1) is confined between the calculated cefepime highest peak at (1694.4 cm−1) and the hydrated cefepime molecules at (1819-1823 cm−1). Many other evaluated properties such as Raman spectrum, dipole moment, Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy of interaction with water do not have experimentally measured values. The most stable Gibbs free energy is when cefepime interacts with two H2O molecules.
The behavior of eco-friendly self – compacting concrete partially utilized ultra-fine eggshell powder waste
Authors: Aadi Ayad S , Sor Nadhim Hamah , Mohammed Ahmed Ali
Published: August 2021

From food wastes, there are many materials that can be used as building materials like eggshells. This paper examined the effect of ultra-fine eggshell powder (UFESP) as a partial cement replacement by (0–25% with 5% increments) in weight on fresh and compressive strength of sustainable Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) with a constant water to binder ratio and binder content of 0.38 and 450 kg/m3, respectively. All mixes were tested for fresh properties of slump flow diameter and time, V-funnel time, L-box height ratio, dry density and compressive strength. The results of fresh properties for all mixtures satisfied the requirements recommended by EFNARC for SCC. However, the compressive strength of SCC mixes increased by the addition of UFESP up to 15% compared to the control mixture, then decreased and recorded 42 MPa for the mix containing 25% of UFESP. Meanwhile, the dry density decreased as UFESP utilization increased in the mixtures.
Experimental and theoretical analysis of heat transfer in a solar collector storage
Authors: Al-Dayyeni Hadi R. , Khudhayer Wisam J. , Karatas Cihan , Kanbar Jaber Mustafa Wahby , Jalel Hasan T.
Published: August 2021

The current research includes a practical study of the thermal performance of solar collector integral storage system (ISCS) in which different types of heat exchangers are immersed in its enclosure for comparison. The first type is a straight tube heat exchanger (ST) and the other is a heat exchanger in the form of a coiled tube (CT). The effect of single and double glass layers and fluid flow rates inside the heat exchanger on the natural convection heat transfer of ISCS system is experimentally evaluated by determining the temperature difference of inlet and outlet water through the heat exchanger immersed into the ISCS enclosure, the temperature distribution inside the enclosure, the ISCS efficiency, and the amount of thermal storage during evening times. Three sets of experiments are performed for a different water flow rates (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 Lpm) inside the heat exchanger that is immersed in the thermally insulated enclosure and different glassing layers. The first set represents the presence of a heat exchanger in the form of a straight tube with a single glass was layer on the top face of the enclosure that is called (STSG). The second set uses a coiled tube heat exchanger with a single glass on the upper side of the enclosure and it’s named as (CTSG). The last set of experiments is represented by a heat exchanger in the form of a coiled tube with a double glass on the upper face of the enclosure and it’s abbreviated as (CTDG). At water flow rate of 1 Lpm, the CTDG exhibited higher temperature difference (28 °C and 19.9 °C than (19.4 and 11.4 °C) for CTSG and (12 and 7.3°C) for STSG during day and night times, respectively. The results reveal that the thermal efficiency (84.5 - 77.8 %) of the (CTDG) case at water flow rate of 2.5 Lpm was higher than the efficiency (68.8 - 56.6%) of (CTSG) case and that (41.7 - 39.7%) of STSG) case during day and night times, respectively. It was also observed that the internal energy exceeds the amount of solar radiation during the day and provides a thermal storage at night due to the complete isolation of the collector. The temperature measurements near the tube allow the calculation of the Rayleigh number during the heat transfer process, and empirical relationships haves been deduced for each set of experiments between the Nusselt number and the Rayleigh number.
Determination the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for the NH-38-2 Al-Najaf Plateau, Iraq with the Assistance of the Remote Sensing Technology
Authors: Alkatib Aseel A
Published: August 2021

The satellites and the data that is provided by are an effective way to distinguish the characteristics of agricultural crops, crops density, and the changes that affect the vegetation cover. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) has been widely used in conducting a quantitative assessment of plants that cover the surface of the earth, as it revealed many problems facing the agricultural environment, especially those located in arid or semi-arid areas. This study dealt with analyzing the vegetation cover of the plateau NH-38-2 located in Al-Najaf, Iraq by finding the NDVI using remote sensing technology and Geological Information System (GIS), in addition to finding its value for the study area. The study showed that the vegetation cover is largely non-existent and ranges between (0-1) as the region suffers from desertification, which requires the relevant authorities to rectify the matter by developing projects that will increase the vegetation cover as it helps to improve the environment. In addition, the study showed that there is an area that does not exceed 110 km2 that contains vegetation, which is a very small area compared to the total area under study, which is 15225 km2.
The Effect of α-Particles on Structural, optical and Morphological Properties for Cadmium Selenide Thin Film
Authors: Al Refaei D H , Al Taan L M , Najam L A
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the effect of alpha particles on cadmium selenide thin film properties was invistecated. (CdSe) thin films prepared on glass bases at 50°C and 70°C tempartures, and pH=9 using the chemical bath deposition method. The irradiation was performed on (CdSe) films use the alpha particles source Americium (Am-241) with activity of 50μCi and energy 5.3MeV for a period irradiation of 5 hours. The samples were characterized by using the XRD, FESEM and EDX techniques. The optical measurements have been obtained by using the UV-V spectrophotometer. The results showed that there are effects of alpha particles on the optical and structural properties of the films. It was found that the energy gap increases slightly after the CdSe thin film irradiated, the absorption coefficient (α) is increases with irradiation due to the increase in the energy gap. The structure of the CdSe films has been transformed slightly from the cube structure to the hexagonal structure. The grain size increases with irradiation where the relative density increases clearly. The shape of the CdSe thin film at 70°C is affected by irradiation more over than at 50°C.
Assessment of Multiaxial Fatigue Damage Criteria Based on the Critical Plane Concept in Micro-EHL Line Contact.
Authors: Al-Mayali M F , Albattat Ali , AL – Asadi Hassneen , Sharif K J
Published: August 2021

Micropitting is a fatigue failure phenomenon that concentrates at the surface roughness level between interacting surfaces. This type of surface fatigue is commonly recognized to exist in gears and bearings, where specific film thicknesses are sufficiently low that the rough surfaces run in the EHL condition, where the direct asperity contacts are prominent. This paper is an experimental and theoretical study to investigate a number of fatigue failure theories concerning the multi-axial fatigue models which are depended on a critical plane analysis in the mixed lubrication regime. These failure theories are namely the Findley, the Matake, the Dang Van, McDiarmid and, Fatemi and Socie model, where they are used to perform fatigue investigation for Micro- EHL contacts problem. Numerical analysis to investigate the cumulative damage and fatigue parameter in a Micro- EHL contact is established in this paper. The results of applying failure theories have indicated that the different multiaxial fatigue criteria adopted provide significant results for contact analysis in lubricated conditions, and they are more relevant to the applications of the rough surface Micro-EHL mode.
Design, modeling and FEA analysis of internal symmetric and asymmetric involute spur gears
Authors: Alarazah H A , Abdullah M Q
Published: August 2021

Recently, internal gears become widely used and highly required according to its ability to transmit large torque to weight ratio, high bending strength, smooth transmission, low noise, and low vibration. Therefore, internal gears are strongly recommended in particular “planetary gear transmission systems”. In this paper, internal involute spur gears are designed based on conventional approach of involute gears. Matlab is used to attain the points of internal gear and to get the main parameters of internal tooth profile, these points have been read by AutoCad to have two dimensional tooth profile. Finite element analysis using Ansys is achieved to analyze and compared the strength of three types of internal gears, Symmetric (20° - 20°) that has been chose to be the standard case, Asymmetric (14.5° - 35°) and Corrected Asymmetric (14.5° - 35°). Tetrahedral type patch conforming method with element size1mm have been chose for fine meshing. The internal gear is fixed supported from the outer ring then, 6500 N.m torque is applied at the rotating axis of the pinion. The bending stresses are calculated based on Von-Mises theory using (FEA). Finally, this study is presented to demonstrate the superiority of internal asymmetric tooth and improve and optimize this significant type of gears.
New Fabricated UHMWPEO-PVA Hybrid Nanocomposites Reinforced by GO Nanosheets: Structure and DC Electrical Behaviour
Authors: Aldulaimi Nisreen R. , Al-Bermany Ehssan
Published: August 2021

Polymer-graphene-based nanocomposites are promising to subject for engineering and industrial. This investigation focused on fabricated new nanocomposites from polyethylene oxide (UHMWPEO) with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with various loading ratios. In addition, the influence of graphene oxide nanosheets (GO) contribution was significant enhanced the electrical properties. Three different loading ratios of both polymers were applied with the addition of GO to synthesis new six samples using the solution-sonication-casting method as UHMWPEO: PVA: GO (87:12:1, 74.5:24.5:1, and 63:36:1 wt. %). Rang of characterizations was applied such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra that presented showed strong interfacial connections formed between the blended polymers in the matrix and GO nanosheets in the nanocomposites and the optical microscopy (OM) images exhibited fine homogeneity of the polymer matrix and excellent dispersal of the GO in the matrix of polymers. The DC electrical conductivity showed notable improvement of (PEO - PVA) blended polymer form (2.34663 * 10−17) (Ω.cm)−1 up to (3.00327*10−10) of nanocomposites. The findings are promising that could grow various applications such as sensors, solar cells, IR, electrical and microwave absorption panels.
Influence of waste glass powder and crushed cobblestone on mechanical properties of concrete
Authors: Al-Lebban Maher F. , Alhabbobi Alaa M. , Talib Ameer Gh. , Jabal Qusay A.
Published: August 2021

This research includes the study of the mechanical properties of normal concrete and concrete made of waste aggregates, such as stress-strain behavior and flexural strength. The waste aggregate contains fine waste glass powder and waste crushed boulders (cobblestone type) as coarse aggregate. The stress-strain behavior shows higher values of compressive strength and modulus of elasticity and larger area under stress-strain curve comparing with ordinary concrete which is containing ordinary aggregates. Also, the flexural strength is increased when using waste aggregates. The most benefit of this study is the cost decrease of concrete and clean environment by using waste materials in addition to higher values of compressive and flexural strengths. Total replacement of normal aggregate with waste aggregate gives the largest area under stress-strain curve. Compressive strength is increased from 36.4 MPa for control mix to 43.1 MPa for total replacement. The modulus of elasticity was about 30.6GPa for waste aggregate concrete of total replacement whereas in the normal aggregate concrete it was 26.4 GPa. In normal concrete, larger area under stress-strain diagram for waste aggregate concrete is achieved and that means higher toughness concrete. Also, high strength concrete is achieved by 75% and 100% replacement of normal aggregate with waste glass and cobblestone, respectively. The study includes the freezing-thawing cycles effect on concrete and the results show higher strength by using crushed glass and cobblestone aggregates. The aim of this study is to improve mechanical properties of concrete and durability of concrete to freezing and thawing by using waste glass aggregate and crushed cobblestone.
Studying the behavior of the concrete mixture with wheat straw as part of the cement
Authors: Al-Kadhim Hameed Mohammed Abd , Razzq Alzerjawi Ahlam K. , Mahdi Zaid Abdulzahra
Published: August 2021

This paper is an experimental study that was made on the effects of using Wheat Straw Ash (WSA) as a partial replacement of cement in the concrete mixture. The control specimens with ordinary portland cement (OPC) were made and in other specimens, cement was replaced with 10%, 15%, and 20% of WSA by weight of the cement. Wheat straw locally available was burned to ash in a controlled manner in the oven, which was used in this study. The destructive tests included the compressive strength, modulus of rupture, and splitting tensile strength were carried out on the concrete mixture using WSA at a different percentage of cement replacement and were and compared with control specimens. The tests result gained show that the compressive strength decreases when surrogating cement with WSA. While the modulus of rupture increase with 10 % WSA also, the splitting tensile strength increase with 15 % WSA.
A comparative analysis of BIM standards and guidelines between UK and USA
Authors: Ibrahim Mwafaq Yousif , Al-Kazzaz Dhuha Abdulgani
Published: August 2021

Architectural projects, carried out by the public sector in Iraq using traditional methods suffer from lots of problems such as the inaccurate estimation of time and cost, and the poor cooperation among project team members. To tackle these problems, it is important to benefit from the experiences of the pioneering countries in this field such as the UK and USA. These countries kept pace with digital development and established new systems in construction, namely Building Information Modelling (BIM). This paper investigates the similarities and differences between the BIM standards and guidelines in the UK and USA. The findings of this comparative analysis can build a knowledge base for establishing BIM standards in Iraq. The paper identified the similar aspects to be adopted in the Iraqi standard of BIM, such as the design techniques, the designers’ roles and responsibilities, and some aspects in the information management. In addition, their differences are distinguished, which indicate the specificity of BIM application in each country. For the different aspects, the Iraqi BIM standard can either adopt the descriptions of the UK or USA such as the method of structuring design data, or reflect the Iraqi specificity such as the national library of BIM.
Using of geographical information system and water quality index for evaluation of groundwater quality in the Dammam Zone, Faddak farm, Karbala, Iraq
Authors: Abed E H , Hassan W H , Faisal A AH
Published: August 2021

This study aims to evaluate the groundwater quality for irrigation purpose in the Dammam formation, Faddak farm, Karbala governorate. Set of physical and chemical parameters included the concentrations of cations and anions were measured in the water samples taken from seven wells in the region under consideration. Results have been analyzed with aid of geographical information system (GIS) by application of “Inverse Distance Weighted, IDW” interpolation method. The plotted maps proved that the groundwater in the study area can classify as “slightly brackish water” because the total dissolved salts ranged from 1000 to 300 mg/L. Also, the sulfate and chloride ions have relatively very high values with arrangement of cations of Na+ > Ca2+ > K+ > Mg2+ and anions of SO42- > Cl-> HCO3-> NO3-. The calculated values of Irrigation water quality index (IWQI) was greater than zero and less than 40; so, the water can identify as “severe restriction, SR”. Therefore, this water can’t be used for irrigation purpose and can be applied only for the soil with high hydraulic conductivity which popular property for study area.
Watershed basins delineation using GIS and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) to the region NI-38-14 Karbala-Al-Najaf Plateau, Iraq
Authors: Kareem Hayder H , Alkatib Aseel A , Mahdi Waseem H.
Published: August 2021

The available watersheds in the vast lands need extraction and determination in order to benefit from them and estimate the quantities of water supplied by these watersheds. The satellite image is uploaded to the NI-38-14 Karbala-Al-Najaf plateau from the USGU website in the form of a Digital Elevation Model (DEM). GIS technology is used to calculate the morphometric properties and output them in the form of tables and cartographic models. The water networks of the geographical plateau NI-38-14 located between the administrative borders of the provinces of Al-Najaf and Karbala in Iraq are devised by extracting a topographic map of the area and calculating the areas of the watersheds and their perimeters. The topographic map showed great variations in the level of the earth’s surface, as the heights of the area ranged between 20m and 120m. The number of watersheds extracted in the Karbala-Al-Najaf plateau is 150 watersheds with different areas, the large area is about 4882 km2, while the small area is about 1 km2, and between those areas there are various areas. The largest recorded watershed circumference reached 580km in area (4882 km2), while the lowest recorded perimeter is 8km for the area (1 km2).
Maximum surface settlement prediction in EPB TBM tunneling using soft computing techniques
Authors: Samadi H , Hassanpour J , Farrokh E
Published: August 2021

Earth pressure balance (EPB) TBMs are commonly used for soft ground tunneling in urban areas. In metro tunnels’ excavation, designing a comprehensive monitoring system to control surface settlement is essential to prevent damage to surface structures. The present study aims to develop new prediction models to estimate the ground surface settlement using two soft computing techniques, SVM and ANN-MLP, and a multiple variable regression model to develop the new empirical formulas. The TBM operational parameters collected from the Tehran metro line 6, South extension (TML6-SE) project have been applied to confirm the provided models. In the data analysis process, the relationships between various parameters (torque index, thrust index, and earth pressure) and the ground surface settlement are investigated. Moreover, several statistical evaluation criteria are implemented to evaluate the performance of the developed models. The results show that the predicted values are in good agreement with the real data. The results can be used for similar ground and TBM tunneling conditions.
FDM analysis of earth dams – end of construction and water seepage (case study: Ivshan Iran dam)
Authors: Ramsheh F A , Rashiddel A , Dias D
Published: August 2021

In this research, the Ivshan earth dam was modeled with the finite difference method (FDM) for staged construction and water seepage. A maximum settlement was 100 cm in the numerical model when construction was complete, and it occurred in the middle of the dam’s height. Also, the FDM results showed consistency with field observations of the deformation instrument (inclinometer). After the reservoir’s initial filling, the pore water pressure ratio changes were investigated for the dam’s central axis. The results of the numerical model show relative stability in terms of pore water pressure ratio. The arching ratio is also obtained in the dam’s central axis for both construction and initial filling. The lowest values of the arching ratio in the central axis of the core at the end of construction and initial filling are 0.81 and 0.80, respectively, which occurred at the height of about 41 meters and about two thirds of the height of the dam embankment. Finally, the Factor of Safety of the dam at the end of construction and initial dewatering was investigated, and the results showed the stability of the earth dam.
Utilising PET Bottle Fibers in the production of Concrete
Authors: Rasheed Laith Sh. , Alyhya Wajde S. , Kadhim Sawsan K.
Published: August 2021

This study attempts to apply the concept of sustainability by reducing the environmental pollution of plastic waste, especially Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) that are used in production soft drinks bottles. The plastic bottles were collected, roughened) Roughen the surface by using a metal clip after exposing it to heat, and then place it on smooth surfaces) and shredded into fibres of specific size and shape with an aspect ratio (L/D) of 34.5. Various proportions of PET (i.e. 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%) have been used in the production of ordinary concrete. The influence of PET fibers on the properties of concrete was studied, such as workability, compressive and splitting tensile strengths. Furthermore, the shear characteristics of continuous reinforced concrete deep beams with dimensions of (150×300×2000) mm produced from such concrete were also investigated. For all percentage of replacements, The fresh property, compressive strength, and tensile strength of PET fibre encapsulated cement concrete were investigated. With the addition of plastic fibre, compressive strength increased marginally, but tensile strength measurements showed a substantial improvement over the control specimen. it has been found that there was an apparent impact of waste plastic fibers on the structural behavior of the investigated beams in terms of its brittleness. The increase in the ultimate load capacity With the increase in the percentage of fiber until a percentage(1%), then it begins to decrease after this percentage of continuous deep beams refers to the use of waste plastic fibers to improve the tensile properties of concrete and to limit the spread and width of cracks within the structure.
Repairing of one-way reinforced concrete slab using externally CNC perforated steel plate. Theoretical study.
Authors: Ubaid Hassan Muhammad , Al-Habbobi Alaa M
Published: August 2021

This research includes the design steps for using solid and perforated steel plate to repair an under reinforcement one-way concrete slab in flexure. All slabs were assumed to be subjected to 85 percent of ultimate load in flexure, therefore the section of the slab to be repairing assumed to be cracked, and the additional external reinforcement represented by the steel plate will be designed according to this assumption and according to the limitations of ACI 318 code specifications. Results of the theoretical calculation indicated that increasing the thickness of the solid plate causes increasing the interface stresses by (72.6%) when replacing the dimensions (width x thickness) of the plate section from (300mm×1mm) to (200mm×1.5mm), while increasing the width of the plate reduces the interface stresses by (48%) when changing dimensions of the plate section to (400mm×0.75mm). Using perforated plate will increase the ductility and reduce the interface shear stresses. Using the plate width to thickness ratio { (bP/dP)=300} will reduce these stresses by (14.8%) when using perforated plate instead of solid one. Increasing the ratio of (bP/dP) lead to reduce the interface shear stresses, as well as reduce the difference between the effect of using solid or perforated steel plates on interface stresses, also when reducing ratio of (bP/dP) the interface shear stress will be increase. Changing the number and diameters of the holes from (10 # 10 mm) to (2 # 50 mm) with keeping the cross-section area of the steel plate constant for both cases increased the resistance of the epoxy nails to the shear stresses that transmitted to them from the axial stresses in the plate by (400%). A new expression is presented in study to calculation the interface shear stress.
Comparative analysis of EC2-04 and ACI318-19 strength provisions for reinforced concrete beams under pure torsion
Authors: Saleh Samoel Mahdi
Published: August 2021

While the EC2-04 and ACI318-19 provisions use almost the same philosophy to evaluate the torsional strength of reinforced concrete beams, some important details and limitations in these two approaches differ greatly. The objective of the present study is to investigate the differences between these codes and their accuracy by how well they estimate the torsional strength of experimentally tested beams. The predicted torsional strengths based on EC2-04 and ACI318-19 approaches were compared with the results of 120 tested reinforced concrete beams under pure torsion. The inclination angle of the concrete compression struts of the idealized space truss model is chosen to be equals to 45°. It was observed that the ACI318-19 approach is more conservative than the EC2-04 approach in predicting the torsional strength of the tested beams. The graphical comparisons of the predicted to tested torsional strength ratios shows that the EC2-04 approach gives approximately normal distribution curve with a peak at a strength ratio of about 0.85.
CLSTMNet: A Deep Learning Model for Intrusion Detection
Authors: Ahmed ISSA Ahmed Sardar , ALBAYRAK Zafer
Published: August 2021

Intrusion detection as well distributed denial of service (DDoS) are vital in ensuring computer network security. Some researchers claim that current approaches cannot meet the requirements of today’s networks are either not workable or sustainable. In a more specific sense, these concerns are related to an increasing number of human interactions, along with reducing levels of detection ability. With our study, a novel deep learning model for intrusion detection is developed for addressing these issues. We proposed a novel deep learning classification algorithm constructed using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) named CLSTMNet. Our proposed model has been implemented and evaluated using the benchmark NSL-KDD datasets. Compared with many conventional machine learning algorithms, the satisfied outcomes have been obtained from our model.
Social discounting, social costs of carbon, and their use in energy system models
Authors: Löffler Konstantin
Published: August 2021

Discounting plays a large role in cost-optimization models, but is nevertheless often only covered in little detail in energy system models. The aim of this paper is to highlight the effects of varying discount rates and social costs of carbon in energy system models with the example of the Global Energy System (GENeSYS-MOD), propagating open debate and transparency about chosen parameters for model applications. In doing so, this paper adds to the academic discourse on socio-economic factors in energy system models and gives an outline to modelers in the field by providing example results. The results show that close-to-zero discount rates that factor in intergenerational equality, total emissions could be reduced by up to 41% until 2050 compared to the baseline discount rate of 5%. This effect is even increased when a carbon price akin to the actual social costs of carbon is chosen. This underlines the importance of the topic, which is, up to now, seldom covered in cost-optimizing energy system models.
Exploding stars not the only source for heavy-element production
Authors: Jarman Sam
Published: August 2021

Exploding stars alone cannot account for the abundance of heavy elements produced by the rapid neutron capture process. So says an international team of researchers
Space agencies announce major Venus missions
Authors: Banks Michael
Published: August 2021

NASA has announced it will send two missions to Venus to study the planet’s atmosphere and geological features.
China successfully lands Zhurong rover on Mars
Authors: Xin Ling
Published: August 2021

China has become the second country after the US to successfully land a spacecraft on the surface of Mars.
Bridging the language divide
Authors: Mehta Pruthvi
Published: August 2021

Pruthvi Mehta says more support should be given to non-native English-speaking scientists who can feel isolated and disadvantaged in what to them is an unfair system
Tax benefits
Authors: McKenzie James
Published: August 2021

In the second of a series of articles on how to start and fund a business, James McKenzie looks at government tax incentives, which can be more useful than they first sound
Keep your guard up
Authors: Sauriol Adrian “Bunny”
Published: August 2021

In response to Robert P Crease’s Critical Point article “Combat robotics” (May p22), which discusses the physics of robots designed for BattleBots competitions – including one that ended up in an unusual position.
Cashing in
Authors: Atkins Chris
Published: August 2021

Radio astronomy is clearly an expensive business
Making the switch
Authors: Zobaer M S
Published: August 2021

Changing career path can be daunting but there are big rewards for those who are brave enough to switch. M S Zobaer describes his unexpected journey from dusty plasmas to neuroscience
Sporting chance
Authors: Hiscott Laura
Published: August 2021

With the Olympic Games due to get under way in Tokyo this month, Laura Hiscott brings you 10 physics-related sporting questions about the 10 different events in the decathlon – one of the highlights of the athletics programme.
A-87 Regional Cerebral Blood Flow in Self-Reported Somatic Anxiety
Authors: McDonald Bailey E , Spagna Samantha C , Parker Brittany D , Golden Charles , Willeumier Kristen , Amen Daniel
Published: August 2021

Objective

To identify regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) differences between individuals who self-reported either low or high symptoms of somatic anxiety.

Method

Individuals who reported low levels of somatic anxiety (0-20th percentile;n = 8962,Mage = 39.2,39.2% female,62.6% Caucasian) and individuals who reported high levels of somatic anxiety (80-100th percentile;n = 6427,Mage = 40.9,39.0% female,69.5% Caucasian) were selected from a deidentified adult clinical outpatient database. Those with comorbid diagnoses were included. Significant differences (alpha = 0.001) were found for age [t(15387) = 6.3], and race [χ2(15) = 119.4] between groups and therefore were controlled.

Results

Significant rCBF differences were noted bilaterally in the frontal lobe [left: F(1,15,384) = 16.4; right: F(1,15,384) = 13.2] and motor-sensory strip [left: F(1,15,384) = 4.3; right: F(1,15,384) = 5.1]. Group means comparisons indicated higher perfusion in the frontal lobe of the high levels of somatic anxiety group. Lower perfusion was found in the motor sensory strip of the high levels of somatic anxiety group. No significant differences were found bilaterally in the cerebellum, limbic system, basal ganglia, vermis, or occipital, parietal, or temporal lobes.

Conclusion

Results indicated that individuals who report higher levels of somatic anxiety have higher perfusion in the frontal lobes and lower perfusion motor-sensory strip. Previous literature SPECT studies have found a link between individuals with panic disorder and increased activity in the right medial and superior frontal lobes. No research was found for anxiety in the motor-sensory strip. Limitations included the reliance on self-report measures of anxiety in place of clinical measures and the potential mediating effect of medication on somatic symptoms. Future research should examine perfusion in the motor-sensory strip, use clinical measures of anxiety, and control for mediation use.
A-97 Headache before and after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Acute-to-Subacute Outcomes in Patients with no Headache, Pre-Existing Headache, and Post-Traumatic Headache
Authors: Karr Justin E , Williams Michael W , Iverson Grant L , Huang Sheng-Jean , Yang Chi-Cheng
Published: August 2021

Objective

Patients who experience a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) may have a headache condition preceding injury, develop a post-traumatic headache after injury, or experience headache neither before nor after injury. This study examined whether MTBI patients with no headache, pre-existing headache, and post-traumatic headache differed in acute-to-subacute outcomes.

Method

Patients with MTBI were recruited from an outpatient neurosurgery clinic in Taipei, Taiwan after emergency department referral (N = 291; 40.2% men; M = 37.9 ± 13.9 years-old; Mdn = 7 days-since-injury, range = 0–21), completing neuropsychological tests of attention, memory, and verbal fluency and questionnaires evaluating depression, anxiety, and post-concussion symptoms. Participants with no headache (reported neither pre- or post-injury), pre-existing headache (reported pre-injury headache, of whom some reported worsened post-injury headache), and post-traumatic headache (denied pre-injury headache, reported post-injury headache) were compared using non-parametric ANCOVA, controlling for gender and days-since-injury.

Results

Neuropsychological test performances did not differ between headache groups. Participants with pre-injury headache and post-traumatic headache had greater change in self-reported physical (F = 25.52, p < 0.011, η2 = 0.15) and cognitive symptoms (F = 3.74, p = 0.025, η2 = 0.03) than participants with no headache. Participants with pre-injury headache reported worse post-injury anxiety symptoms than participants with post-traumatic headache (F = 12.02, p < 0.011, η2 = 0.08).

Conclusion(s)

Participants with pre-injury and post-traumatic headache did not differ in outcome within 21 days of injury but had worse self-reported physical and cognitive symptoms than participants with no headache. Most participants with pre-injury headache experienced worsened headache following MTBI (53.7%). Future research is needed to assess whether more specific headache subtypes are differentially associated with MTBI outcome.