bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A literature survey of all volatiles from healthy human breath and bodily fluids: the human volatilome
Authors: Drabińska Natalia , Flynn Cheryl , Ratcliffe Norman , Belluomo Ilaria , Myridakis Antonis , Gould Oliver , Fois Matteo , Smart Amy , Devine Terry , Costello Ben De Lacy
Published: March 2021

This paper comprises an updated version of the 2014 review which reported 1846 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) identified from healthy humans. In total over 900 additional VOCs have been reported since the 2014 review and the VOCs from semen have been added. The numbers of VOCs found in breath and the other bodily fluids are: blood 379, breath 1488, faeces 443, milk 290, saliva 549, semen 196, skin 623 and urine 444. Compounds were assigned CAS registry numbers and named according to a common convention where possible. The compounds have been included in a single table with the source reference(s) for each VOC, an update on our 2014 paper. VOCs have also been grouped into tables according to their chemical class or functionality to permit easy comparison. Careful use of the database is needed, as a number of the identified VOCs only have level 2—putative assignment, and only a small fraction of the reported VOCs have been validated by standards. Some clear differences are observed, for instance, a lack of esters in urine with a high number in faeces and breath. However, the lack of compounds from matrices such a semen and milk compared to breath for example could be due to the techniques used or reflect the intensity of effort e.g. there are few publications on VOCs from milk and semen compared to a large number for breath. The large number of volatiles reported from skin is partly due to the methodologies used, e.g. by collecting skin sebum (with dissolved VOCs and semi VOCs) onto glass beads or cotton pads and then heating to a high temperature to desorb VOCs. All compounds have been included as reported (unless there was a clear discrepancy between name and chemical structure), but there may be some mistaken assignations arising from the original publications, particularly for isomers. It is the authors’ intention that this work will not only be a useful database of VOCs listed in the literature but will stimulate further study of VOCs from healthy individuals; for example more work is required to confirm the identification of these VOCs adhering to the principles outlined in the metabolomics standards initiative. Establishing a list of volatiles emanating from healthy individuals and increased understanding of VOC metabolic pathways is an important step for differentiating between diseases using VOCs.
Numerical study of the compression property for Aluminium-based (Al-4% Cu) reinforced with different carbide particulates
Authors: Kahlol Kadhim K. , Aldhaidhawi M , Najee M
Published: March 2021

The compression characteristic of an (AL-4% CU) alloy reinforced with different particles (boron carbide, silicon carbide, and titanium carbide) was numerically studied. For this purpose, a model was performed using COMSOL Multiphysics 4.1. Hence, three samples were selected and reinforced with carbide particles equal to 20 microns’ in diameter and then compared with that one not reinforced. An axial load of 20 Newton was applied for all samples from both sides. The results showed that the alloy (AL-4% CU) reinforced with boron carbide particles has the highest compressive resistance compared to the other reinforced particles. The elongation of boron carbide, silicon carbide and titanium carbide particles were 1x10−7mm, (1.3*10−7 mm) and (1.5*10−7 mm) respectively, while it was (5.5*10−8 mm) for not unreinforced particles.
Simulation of Energy Efficiency Measures for the Residential Building Stock: A Case Study in the Semi-Arid Region
Authors: Salih Kawar , Ledesma Gabriela , Saeed Zaid O.
Published: March 2021

Global energy use has risen due to increased demands and inefficient grids in developing countries. Energy saving is detrimental in countries in which their energy supply capacity is lower than their demand. Energy Efficiency Measures (EEMs) can easily be incorporated in new buildings; however, existing buildings have limitations in geometry, orientation, and materiality which restrict their applicability. This research analyses the efficiency of applying several EEMs in the residential stock in hot semi-arid regions to reduce their energy demand. A typical residential house in Duhok, Iraq was selected as a case study. The EMMs efficiency was analysed using building energy simulation. As heating and cooling loads have similar contributions to the house thermal demand -with 56% and 44% respectively, the potential energy reduction considered both loads simultaneously. The optimal combination of EEMs can reduce the thermal load by 48.7%, while individual passive measures can only reduce the thermal load up to 16%. In urban scale, the energy reduction potential presented in this paper would represent a shift from a heating-dominated scenario to a cooling-dominated one. This in turn would aid in decreasing the energy demand during winter months in which the largest energy shortages in the city are registered.
Comparison of pier bridge design between AASHTO and Chinese codes
Authors: Aziz Hussein Yousif , Sultan Hussein Kareem , Abbas Basim Jabar , Alkateeb Raid Tarik
Published: March 2021

Many codes are used in different countries to design different constructions including bridges. Using of suitable code is depending on the project requirements and safety. In this paper two different codes are used to design a pier bridge to show the differences and similarities between them in order to use the suitable one according to the needs of this design. The AASHTO code shows more safety compared to the Chinese code except pier design in bending and shear due the conditions in US country which needs more restricted conditions compared with that used in China. This has a considerable effect in Iraq to find the best code to be used because there is no an available special code. Another effect is taken into consideration in this study which is the effect of bridge pier collision due to impact loads which is necessary to show the suitability of the bridge design using the mentioned codes. This effect shows the need of more requirements in the design to be safe and resist the lateral loads effect.
Estimation of Trip Production Rates for Al Adhamiyah District in Baghdad city using Cross-Classification Technique
Authors: Alkaissi Zainab A , Alabbushi Sura Simak
Published: March 2021

Trip generation is the first and the basic component in the four step of urban transportation planning studies. Baghdad city had limited work on this field despite its importance. This research focuses on estimate trip production rates of AL-Adhamiya district in Baghdad city as a case study and determine the household travel characteristics pattern According to the dataset from the field survey taking into consideration the socioeconomic factors. The study area divided into 3 sectors consisting of 28 zones, 2001 form collected by using two basic mechanisms, Household survey and questioner survey, then online survey had been used due to the circumstances that occurred in the country, beginning with the demonstrations down to corona Epidemic, which lead to close the vital facilities such as schools and universities. The collected forms have been processed and analysed by using cross classification Technique. The results of the study are considered as a data presentation that can be used as guidance for the local government agencies and researchers.

Results showed that the trip rate of the Studied Sectors was 5.9 trips/HH with 2001 house hold in the data set and total number of trips (11832), and the trip production effected by family size, age group, income level and car ownership. However, the increase in trip production duo to car ownership is not significantly big duo to the advantage of the study area location and its characteristics, which allows to use the different travel mode available in the districts such as walk and public transportation.
Enhancement Energy Absorption in Flat Slabs Using Slurry Infiltrated Fibrous Concrete
Authors: Ali Al-Salim Nabeel Hasan , Imran Shwalia Ali Sabah , Al-Baghdadi Haider M.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, enhancing the energy absorption by using slurry infiltrated fibrous concrete (SIFCON) in flat slab-column connection is studied. Eight specimens of reinforced concrete slabs identical in reinforcement and dimensions were tested, six of them were casted as a hybrid reinforced concrete slabs [normal strength concrete (N.S.C) and SIFCON] and the remaining two slabs were casted with a N.S.C as control specimens. SIFCON was casted monolithically with a N.S.C with a different thickness by a square shape of side length (0.5 d) at the center of the specimens, once at all the thickness of cross section of the slab (80 mm) and the others at half thickness (40 mm) either at compression or tension face of the slabs. Two types of fiber were used in SIFCON. All specimens were tested under the same condition by applied a vertical load downward through a square column with dimensions of (100*100*200 mm). The results showed that the use of SIFCON increasing the energy absorption for all cases with a varying percentage according to the location of casting SIFCON within the cross section of the slabs and the type of fibers which used in SIFCON. The enhancement in energy absorption due to using SIFCON with a square shape at center of slabs (155 mm) was ranged from 36.04% to 77.37% compared with the control specimens.
Loading Capacity Prediction of Rubberized Reinforced Concrete Continuous Deep Beams
Authors: Kadhim Ali Abdulameer , Kadhim Hayder Mohammed
Published: March 2021

Results of fourteen two-span continuous concrete deep beams were presented and discussed in this research. One sample was designed as a reference to be an ordinary reinforced concrete beam (ORC) while thirteen samples were made of rubberized concrete (RRC). The investigated parameters were the shear span/overall depth ratio (a/h) and the rubber replacement ratio with the fine and coarse aggregate. The volumetric replacement ratios were 0, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of the fine aggregate while the coarse aggregate content was kept constant. The same replacement ratios were used for the coarse aggregate. Two shear span/overall depth ratios were used of 1.66 and 1.33.

All beams showed the main crack formatted diagonally between the intermediate support and the applied load, indicating a shear failure. The excluded results were compared with those calculated by the strut and tie methods (STM) of the American and Euro codes. It was found that the predicted results of the American and European standards were conservative with mean values of experimental/calculated results of 1.29 and 1.24, respectively. Additionally, the effectiveness factors of the STM suggested by different researchers have been examined. It was found that those approaches were incapable to reflect the effects of the size and amount of rubber used in this study. Therefore, another effective factor was recommended to meet the requirements investigated in the current study. A respectable convergence between the predicted and the experimental results was found in which the mean and coefficient of variation values were 1.004 and 1.158%, respectively.
A Novel Emulsion-Based Mixture (EBM) Containing Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag and Waste Alkaline Ca(OH)2 Solution
Authors: Dulaimi Anmar , Shanbara Hayder Kamil , Al-Mansoori Tariq
Published: March 2021

Emulsion-based mixtures (EBM) attract less interest to use as a structural layer due to the weak mechanical performance, although it has environmental, economic, energy-saving benefits. Ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) activated by waste alkaline Ca(OH)2 solution is used in the present investigation to replace the conventional limestone filler in a new Emulsion-based mixture (EBM). The mechanical properties by means of indirect tensile stiffness modulus test of the EBM with the activated GGBS are examined and compared with those of EBM contained traditional limestone filler. The results indicate that the activated GGBS by waste alkaline Ca(OH)2 solution can enhance the ITSM in both early and mature ages. The hydration products can improve the bond strength inside the new EBM.
Application of SWARA Technique to Find Criteria Weights for Selecting Landfill Site in Baghdad Governorate
Authors: Majeed Raafat Ali , Breesam Hatem Khaleefah
Published: March 2021

In this study, Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) is one of multi-criteria decision-making methods (MCDM). SWARA used to define the weights of main criteria and sub-criteria for selecting landfill sites in Baghdad governorate for municipality solid waste. To control of the environmental pollution and the spread of municipality solid waste in irregular sites, SWARA was used for this matter. The alternative Landfill site selection must be properly selected in terms of environmental, social and geological criteria. The obtained results of this study, the most important criteria for selecting municipality solid waste landfill sites were determined. Based on that, the ranking weights of main criteria and sub-criteria for selecting the landfill site for solid waste in Baghdad governorate were founds.
The Effect of Geometrical characteristics and Space layout on the Efficient Thermal Performance in Residential Apartments
Authors: Younus Al-Mashhadani Shaymaa Salim , Al. Sanjary Hasan Abdulrazzaq Hasan
Published: March 2021

Although many environmental studies contributed to understanding the thermal behaviour of residential buildings, they mostly focused on a set of design strategies that aim to reduce the consumed load by dealing with the building as a whole, without considering the characteristics of the parts and their internal distribution in the residential floor plan. Accordingly, the research aims (within the level of residential towers) to study the effect of the geometrical characteristics and the spatial layout of the apartment represented by the apartment layout system, its openness to the outside, and the geometrical characteristics of its spaces on the efficiency of its thermal performance and the extent of variation between its spaces. To achieve the goal, a thermal simulation was performed using the Ecotect2011 program on a selected sample of 12 apartments for local housing of various projects that cover with their characteristics the variations whose effects are required to be tested within the research objectives. The research came out with a set of conclusions that can give basic indicators to the designer in achieving higher efficiency of the thermal performance of a residential apartment and reducing the variance in the necessary air conditioning load between its spaces.
Methylene Violet Dye Adsorption Using Onion Skins: Kinetics and Isotherm Studies
Authors: Naser Ghazi F , Dakhil Ihsan H , Ali Ahmed H , Taha Alaa H
Published: March 2021

This study examined the use of Onion Skins, an inexpensive adsorbent material, for removing the Methyl Violet dye which represents the main objective by using batch adsorption process to investigate and understand the adsorption behaviour, the kinetics and the equilibrium isotherm using a low-cost adsorbent. The study included the influence of contact time and the dosage of adsorbent experiment. The Onion skins was dried, cleaned and crushed. Batch experiments were applied to study the contact time effect using dye with an initial fifty milligram per litter concentration, and different amounts (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0) gm of adsorbent were used to study the dosage effect. The batch experiment showed a good dye removal with 51.3% during the first 150 min and 54.03% using 1.0 gm of adsorbent. Three kinetics models were applied: Pseudofirst, pseudosecond order and adsorption model for intraparticle diffusion. Pseudosecond and intraparticle diffusion were highly fitted models with a correlation of 0.9998 and 0.9691 respectively. Isotherm study was applied using the Langmuir, Freundlich and BET model, Freundlich model was best fitted model with a correlation of 0.9945, which suggesting a multilayer adsorption.
Study of corrosion products induced under different environmental conditions
Authors: Alhawat Musab , Zinkaah Othman Hameed , Araba Almahdi
Published: March 2021

Corrosion in reinforced concrete structures is mainly governed by materials properties as well as environmental conditions. In this paper, the rust products produced under two different environmental conditions were investigated. In the first group of specimens, corrosion was induced by conducting wetting and drying cycles for about two years, whilst the other group was artificially corroded by impressed a voltage technique. Composition analysis of corrosion products assembled on steel reinforcement was carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), while the main elements existed in corrosion were identified via Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The morphological characterization of tested corrosion was analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results obtained from XRD and SEM at the same level of corrosion showed that lepidocrocite, goethite and magnetite were observed under both types of conditions, whilst akaganeite was only identified under exposure to natural conditions.
Data Mining preparation: Process, Techniques and Major Issues in Data Analysis
Authors: Jassim Mustafa Abdalrassual , Abdulwahid Sarah N.
Published: March 2021

Data preparation is an essential stage in data analysis. Many institutions or companies are interested in converting data into pure forms that can be used for scientific and profit purposes. It helps you set goals regarding system capabilities and features or the benefits your company expects from its investment. This purpose creates an immediate need to review and prepare the data to clean the raw data. In this paper, we highlight the importance of data preparation in data analysis and data extraction techniques, in addition to an integrated overview of relevant recent studies dealing with mining methodology, data types diversity, user interaction, and data mining. Finally, we suggest some potential suggestions for future research and development.
Investigation of asphalt binder performance modified with ceramic waste powder
Authors: Ali Atheer Muhammed , Al-Mansoori Tariq
Published: March 2021

The widespread use of industrially produced ceramic in multiple uses around the world has resulted in large quantities of wastes dumped in landfills. Thus, the presence of these quantities of waste materials is a source of concern for environmental pollution. For the purposes of conservation and sustainable construction, recycle and reuse of ceramic wastes are a good and new attempt in this field. This study investigated the effect of various percentages of ceramic waste powder (CWP) on the physical and rheological properties of binders. Two different penetration grades of binder 60/70 and 80/100 were used in this research, and each one was blended with three different percentages of CWP content (3%, 6%, and 9% by weight of binder), to evaluate for such related properties of the ceramic waste powder modified binder (CWPMB). Laboratory tests undertaken included penetration, softening point, viscosity, storage stability, and Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR). To simulate the short-term aging, Rolling Thin Film Oven Test (RTFOT) was conducted after RTFO aging, whereas the long-term aging simulated by Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) test which is used after (PAV) aging, then, evaluated for rutting (G*/sinδ) and fatigue (G*sinδ) factors by conducting the (DSR) test. It found that the addition of CWP enhances the physical properties of the asphalt binders, due to increased viscosity, storage stability, and softening point, as well as decreasing the penetration. The results observed that the high percentages of CWP content can increase G*/sinδ before and after RTFO aging and decrease G*sinδ after PAV aging, which is leading to higher resistance to permanent deformation (rutting and fatigue) of binders. Also, as compared to the 80/100 CWPMB, the results showed that the stiffer 60/70 CWPMB was more resistant to rutting and less resistant to fatigue cracking.
Experimental Study on Torsional Behavior of steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete Members under Pure Torsion
Authors: Mures Jawad K. , Chkheiwer Aqeel H. , Ahmed Mazin. A.
Published: March 2021

An experimental study was conducted on ten steel fiber reinforced concrete specimens with low longitudinal reinforcement ratio to investigate the torsional behavior under pure torsion. The crack patterns, cracking torque, ultimate torsional strength, and torsional ductility, were discussed. The major parameters were the ratio and type of adding steel fiber. The obtained results showed that the cracks width of end hooked steel fiber specimens were wider than the corrugated steel fibers specimens, the cracks width decrease with increase the steel fiber ratio, and the number of cracks of end hooked steel fiber specimens were less than the corrugated steel fibers specimens. In the specimens of mix steel fiber, the width and the number of cracks less and more than other specimens, respectively. The higher percentage of the steel fiber, gives greatest torsional resistance. However, with an increase in the percentage of steel fiber the workability decreases.
Structural Design According to Constructal Theory in Architecture
Authors: Latif Aseel Abdulhaleem , Shahin Bahjat Rashad
Published: March 2021

Constructal theory plays a major role in the conceptual design stage of the structural system in architecture. It provides a conceptual framework for predicting the form depending on natural systems to model those systems geometrically according to the constructal law that works in two directions: the first is towards predicting the general form of the structural system, and the second is the physical application of the law in the process of detailed design of the parts of the system. The aim of this paper is to determine the mechanism adopted in the structural design according to the constructal theory, assuming that the structural design according to the constructal theory achieves high structural efficiency. The paper depends in its theoretical framework on the clarification of the concepts of constructal theory, the mechanism of constructal law work, and then the verification of its compliance with the applicable rules to achieve high efficiency. The paper concludes a set of indicators that can be adopted in assessing the level of structural efficiency - at the level of form and material - of architecturally designed structures according to the constructal theory. The research concluded that constructal theory contributes significantly to research on the origins of living systems, and to employ them in the process of creating the architectural form on one hand, and enhancing the structural efficiency of the structural performance on the other hand.
Application of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) concept to measure the maintenance performance of buildings
Authors: Breesam Hatem Khaleefah , Kadhim Jawad Zahraa Abdul
Published: March 2021

Measuring maintenance performance is necessary to ensure that maintenance achieves the required goals and to enhance the preservation of the building, as most government institutions rely on traditional financial measurement methods to measure performance and this is not sufficient, as the social and environmental aspect play a prominent role in improving work performance, preserving the environment and achieving user satisfaction. This study aims to find out the applicability of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) methodology to measure maintenance performance of government buildings in Iraq. A questionnaire was conducted for professionals in the field of building maintenance. Analysis of the questionnaire that was answered by (75) engineers revealed that the most influential factors in applying the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) methodology; are the quality and age of work and its impact on the environment, income (wages), the raw materials used in the work, user satisfaction, the age and quality of the building, management quality, the financial performance of the company. Also, the indicators that can be applied locally according to the questionnaire are; occupational safety practices, professional development, materials, contribution to the field of unemployment problems, transportation, the indirect economic impact on society, human rights (child labour), product responsibility (user’s safety), suppliers, security aspects, transparency, products, and services. We found that the most important obstacles that hinder performance measurement, are multiple and conflicting priorities and objectives. Three case studies were taken for government building maintenance projects, to obtain more accurate and realistic data for the factors and indicators obtained from the questionnaire, by analysing case studies, we find that the most important factors are; They are the age, build quality, quality, working life and its impact on the environment and financial performance. Also, the indicators that are most applicable to local institutions; are occupational safety practices, human rights (child labour), product liability, professional development, and participation in the field of unemployment, materials, and transportation. Therefore, it can be said that the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) methodology can be applied in measuring the maintenance performance of government buildings in Iraq, thus developing the reality of government building maintenance developed.
Studying and evaluating the capacity of parking at commercial street in Amara city, Iraq
Authors: Shnewer Fadhil M , Handhal Mohammed M , Al. Saedi Ali Salah J.
Published: March 2021

Studying and evaluating the parking is an important step in keeping up with the rapid development of parking. The present study aims to evaluate the parking capacity at one of the commercial streets in Amara city (Dijlah Street). The present study based on data that collected using special survey papers related to the parking. The collected data applied field work in order to observe and draw the actual layout for each park. Each park was planned to four cases of vehicle stall layout (90°, 60°, 45° and 30°) according to the global standards in order to obtain the designed capacity. The evaluation was implemented by comparing the actual parking situation and the new planning for each park. The current study indicates that all parking located at Dijlah Street (16 parks) are planned with a random approach for vehicles stalling. The general configuration of those parking is not plan with a constant system. From management point of view, the study presented the true guide line for parking planning, therefore; the competent authorities could be taken advantage of the study.
Effect of Height and Surface Roughness of a Broad Crested Weir on the Discharge Coefficient: Experimental Study
Authors: Alboresha Rafid , Hatem Uday
Published: March 2021

Weir is usually incorporated as control or regulation devices in hydraulic systems, with flow measurement as their secondary. It is normally intended for use in the field and thus to regulate broad discharges. Broad-Crested weir is among the oldest common weir types. In this paper, the effect of height and surface roughness for different Board Crested weirs models were studied on discharge coefficient (Cd) in a horizontal open channel. In the crest of the weir, certain materials may be combined with concrete (e.g., boulders) or may be used as cladding to minimize the effect of water overflow (e.g. stone). The weir surface should not be considered smooth in this case, and the discharge coefficient (Cd) must be re-estimated. For these purposes, laboratory flume was used to study the effect of height and surface roughness on the discharge coefficients with four of the different weir models dimensions of the concrete blocks. In this study, the flow conditions were considered to be free water flow and the viscosity effect was neglected. In all cases, the weir height effect was directly proportional to the discharge coefficient while the surface roughness effect was found to be inversely proportional to the coefficient Cd of the case study.
Numerical Analysis on the Effect of Slot Width on the Design of Vertical Slot Fishways
Authors: Hameed Iman H. , Hilo Ali N.
Published: March 2021

An accurately designed fishway plays an important role in dimensioning migration issues of fish and assists in allowing fish to meet their life cycle’s essential necessities. ANSYS FLUENT was used to study the effect of changing slot width on the velocity, turbulence kinetic energy, and head difference (Δh) in water level inside the fishway. The turbulence model was used to predict the local zone turbulence inside the fishway. Using a previously designed model suggested by Zhang in 2017, this study investigated the influence of the change of the slot width for five values, 0.2, 0.25,0.3,0.4, and 0.5 m. The velocity value obtained for 0.2 m slot width (bo), which represented 10% from pool width (B), was 1.57 m/s. While, for a slot width of 0.5 m which represented 25% from pool width, the velocity value was 1.59 m/s with high turbulence regions inside the pools due to the increase in the velocity of the flow. The best flow velocity obtained was 1.23 m/s. This value was obtained when using a 0.3 m value for the slot width. The turbulence kinetic energy for this value of the slot width was 0.08 m
2;/s
2;. Therefore, the value of 0.3 m of the slot width was considered as the optimum value for the examined vertical slot fishway design. The optimum ratio of the slot width to the pool width (bo/B) was 15%.
Comparative Experimental Investigation of Flexure and Shear Strength in Hybrid - Trapezoidal Reinforced Concrete Sections
Authors: Sada Majid Jafar , Resan Sa’ad Fahad
Published: March 2021

The structural behavior of the hybrid reinforced concrete beams of the trapezoidal section is investigated in this paper. This study aims mainly to investigate the interaction effect of hybrid concrete compressive strength for section has geometry variation upon beam strength characteristics. Throughout the considered experimental program, 10 simply supported reinforced concrete beams were prepared and tested using a four-point load setting. All specimens had equal cross-sectional area. These specimens were divided into two groups, each group contain 5 beams. The first group deals with flexural behavior and the second group concerned with shear behavior. In addition to hybrid compressive strength considerations, two types of concrete with different compressive strengths of (25 and 50 MPa) were used and three trapezoidal geometries with different alignment side angles (75, 80, and 85) are adopted. The experimental testing showed that the effectiveness of the hybrid trapezoidal force formation maintained the strength of the samples decreased more than the hybrid effect force. As for the flexural behavior, the ultimate strength decreased by (2.82%) and the deflection increased by (56.81%) with respect to rectangular specimens. For shear behavior, the ultimate load was close or identical to the control specimens with deflection increment ranging from (9% to 60%) with respect rectangular specimen. The effect of area distribution within section (section shape sides orientation) was clearly on the first crack load where the angle (80) recorded a highest value of crack load.
Speech Enhancement Algorithm Based on a Hybrid Estimator
Authors: Mahmmod Basheera M. , Abdulhussain Sadiq H. , Naser Marwah A. , Alsabah Muntadher , Mustafina Jamila
Published: March 2021

Speech is the essential way to interact between humans or between human and machine. However, it is always contaminated with different types of environment noise. Therefore, speech enhancement algorithms (SEA) have appeared as a significant approach in speech processing filed to suppress background noise and return back the original speech signal. In this paper, a new efficient two-stage SEA with low distortion is proposed based on minimum mean square error sense. The estimation of clean signal is performed by taking the advantages of Laplacian speech and noise modeling based on orthogonal transform (Discrete Krawtchouk-Tchebichef transform) coefficients distribution. The Discrete Krawtchouk-Tchebichef transform (DKTT) has a high energy compaction and provides a high matching between Laplacian density and its coefficients distribution that affects positively on reducing residual noise without sacrificing speech components. Moreover, a cascade combination of hybrid speech estimator is proposed by using two stages filters (non-linear and linear) based on DKTT domain to lessen the residual noise effectively without distorting the speech signal. The linear estimator is considered as a post processing filter that reinforces the suppression of noise by regenerate speech components. To this end, the output results have been compared with existing work in terms of different quality and intelligibility measures. The comparative evaluation confirms the superior achievements of the proposed SEA in various noisy environments. The improvement ratio of the presented algorithm in terms of PESQ measure are 5.8% and 1.8% for white and babble noise environments, respectively. In addition, the improvement ratio of the presented algorithm in terms of OVL measure are 15.7% and 9.8% for white and babble noise environments, respectively.
Design Temperatures for Composite Concrete-Steel Girders: A-Verification of the Finite Element Model
Authors: Mussa Faten I. , Abid Sallal R. , Tayşi Nildem
Published: March 2021

Based on experimental records from a composite beam with a steel section and topping concrete flange, a finite element thermal analysis model was conducted and verified. The experimental beam was provided with 14 embedded and surface temperature sensors inside the concrete flange and on the steel section. The temperature records from the experimental beam were collected for two winter months. The finite element thermal model was conducted to simulate the thermal response of composite beams under the influence of open-field thermal conditions. The model solves for the conduction of heat in concrete and steel considering the different boundary conditions that include; solar radiation, reflected radiation, temperature of air and the speed of the ambient air. To verify the introduced thermal model, the predicted temperatures at the 14 thermocouples were compared with the experimental ones along the 24 hours of three days with different weather conditions. The comparisons showed that for the three days, the model could capture the temperature-time behavior accurately for all thermocouples with moderately low average absolute errors of 0.4 to 2.0 °C. Another notice was that the maximum errors in the steel section were higher than in concrete.
Design Temperatures for Composite Concrete-Steel Girders: B-Case Study
Authors: Mussa Faten I. , Abid Sallal R. , Tayşi Nildem
Published: March 2021

Long-term metrological records for Adana city, which is located in the Mediterranean region in Turkey, were facilitated in this study together with a verified finite element thermal model. The aim of this study is to investigate the sectional temperature gradients in concrete-steel composite bridge girders. Solar radiation and air temperature history of more than 50 years was used, and a practical-size typical composite bridge girder was modeled for six selected months that represent the conditions of the four seasons in Adana. The analysis showed that the behaviors of positive vertical and lateral temperature gradients in summer were completely different from those in winter, while the negative temperature gradients exhibited similar sectional distributions in all seasons. The results also showed that the maximum vertical temperature gradient occurred in summer, while the maximum lateral temperature gradient occurred in winter. The maximum positive vertical gradients occurred at the top concrete surface in summer and within the steel web in winter. For the investigated conditions, the recorded maximum positive vertical gradients in summer and winter were approximately 15.0 and 12.2 °C, respectively, while the maximum positive lateral temperature gradients in summer and winter were approximately 6.1 and 10.9 °C, respectively.
Enhancement of Ti by carbon Nanotubes addition for bone repair
Authors: Hassan Wetaify Ahmed Rajih , Radhi Safaa Hashim , Abdullah Firas Fouad
Published: March 2021

This study involves fabricating Ti based materials reinforced by carbon nano-tubes. CNTs were added with weight percentage (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 wt% ) to enhance the mechanical properties of titanium. Some properties were measured for nanocomposites (CNTs/Titanium) such as microhardness, elastic modulus, wear rate in addition to microstructure by SEM. Microhardness was increased for nano-composites, which increased 421 Kg/mm2. The results of elastic modulus shown the decreasing in elastic modulus from 124 GPa to 82 GPa for nanocomposites. Wear rate results exhibited the lower wear rate of nano-composites compared with titanium due to the filling the vacancy in microstructure by CNTs. The scanning electron microscopy images showed that uniform distribution of CNTs in titanium and the lowest defect in microstructure. The good coherence between CNTs and base metal led to good mechanical properties.
Mechanical properties of cryo-rolled commercially pure titanium
Authors: Alobaid B
Published: March 2021

Commercial pure Titanium (CP-Ti) was processed by cryo-rolling with a thickness reduction of 20% and 50% at a cryogenic temperature (T = –196°C). It was found that cryo-rolling to the total reduction of thickness 50% leads to form ultra-fine grains. The results showed that strength and hardness were enhanced by decreasing grain size. Both strength and hardness of the cryo-rolled CP-Ti were noticed higher than as-received material. The mechanical properties of the cryo-rolled 20% and 50% were significantly increased: the yield strength by 9% and 45%, and the ultimate tensile strength by 26% and 60%, respectively, compared to as-received CP-Ti. While the elongation was decreased by 38% and 78% compared with the as-received CP-Ti.
Integration of GIS and BIM in Urban Planning -A Review
Authors: Elsheikh Asser , Alzamili Hadeal H. , Al-Zayadi Sora K. , Alboo-Hassan Ali S.
Published: March 2021

Urban planning is considered one of the most important research spaces currently in existence, as it directly affects the daily life. Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Geographic information system (GIS) became a powerful platform because of their variety individual features and capabilities. But each platform contains weaknesses. In order to overcome these weaknesses, the integration of BIM and GIS must be obtained. So this paper aims to review recent studies that are based on the integration between GIS and BIM technologies in the field of urban planning. Finally, and through what has been reviewed from the studies, the summary showed that the importance of these technologies lies in the many types of their uses in the field of urban planning such as strategic urban planning, site selection, land use, master planning and future planning.
The Effect of Interference of Shallow Foundation on Settlement of Clay Soil
Authors: Altaweel Akram A , Shakir Ressol R
Published: March 2021

As a result of urban development, buildings were constructed adjacent to each other due to the limited construction area. As a result of this neighboring of buildings, there are often signs of damage to the structures that indicate a change in the soil’s behavior supporting the structure in terms of bearing capacity and settlement. This paper presents a numerical study using 3D Plaxis application finite element analysis to investigate the effect of the foundation interfering on the settlement of clay soils. This effect is investigated on two types of foundations, a strip foundation of 1 m wide and a square foundation of 1.5 m wide. Three cases of interference and their effect on the settlement are studied, the first case of two adjacent striped foundations, the second case of two adjacent square foundations, and the third case of two adjacent foundations, one of which is striped and the other is square. The study also adopts the imposition of a case study, in which a new building is constructed adjacent to an old building, where the effect of this juxtaposition on the settlement of the foundations of the old building is studied. The investigation results showed that the settlement in the case of adjacent strip foundations increased by 314% over the settlement of the isolated foundation, and the effect ratio decreased non-linearly with the increase in the distance between the two foundations until it fades at a distance of 7B. In the case of adjacent square foundations, the settlement increases by 194% compared to the settlement of the isolated foundation, and the effect ratio decreases non-linearly, with the distance between the two foundations increasing until it fades at a distance of 4B. In the case of a strip foundation adjacent to another square, the settlement of the strip foundation increases by 152% over the settlement of the insulated foundation, while the settlement of the square foundation increases by 164% over the settlement of the insulated basis. The aforementioned results make the option of two adjacent foundations of different types less effective and more acceptable than the two adjacent foundations of the same type. The results of the investigation of a new building adjacent to an old building also show an increase in settlement of up to 177% over the settlement in the isolated building, and also show that when increasing the depth of the foundation of the new building from 1m to 4m that reduces the risks for the old building by 42%.
The deterministic component of the traffic flow intensity
Authors: Boyarshinov M G , Vavilin A S
Published: March 2021

The information obtained from enforcement complexes of traffic rules allows determining in real time the traffic flow intensity over long periods of time. The analysis of the obtained dependencies leads to the conclusion that there is a periodic deterministic component in the characteristic of the traffic flow intensity. The using of the smoothing procedure allows one to define the deterministic and stochastic components, which are qualitatively different on workdays and weekends. Statistical indicators of stochastic distributions of traffic flow intensities and random components isolated from them are determined. The estimates of the correspondence of the obtained curves to the normal law of probability distribution were carried out. It is shown that the deterministic components of the traffic flows intensity both on working days and on weekends are similar in shape and location of maximum and minimum values. It seems appropriate to use deterministic components for predicting traffic flows, controlling the operation of traffic lights, monitoring equipment operation, as well as in the reconstruction, design and construction of roads and road facilities.
Minimizing geometric tests in CAAP-systems
Authors: Bozhko A N
Published: March 2021

The article is devoted to modeling geometric obstacles in the assembly of complex products. The problem of minimizing the number of geometric tests is considered. Two assertions about geometric inheritance in the assembly of technical systems are introduced. Based on these assertions, a game-theoretic model has been developed. The model made it possible to minimize the number of geometric tests. It is a game of decision-maker and nature by coloring the vertices of an ordered set in two colors. A classification of ordered sets is proposed. The computational experiment on coloring of ordered sets of each class using different criteria is carried out. The experiment made it possible to determine the optimal criteria for the coloring ordered sets of each class. The use of these criteria allows minimizing the labor intensity of geometric analysis in computer-aided assembly planning.
Experimental study for choosing an active substance in a microcracks detection system in the turbine blade
Authors: Grinkrug M S , Balli M Kara , Tkacheva J I , Novgorodov N A
Published: March 2021

In this work, an experiment was carried out that allows choosing an active substance in the system for early detection of microcracks in the blades of gas turbine engines. The aim of the work is to compare several active substances by measuring the signal generated by each of them at the same temperatures and concentrations of the active substance. A current signal is obtained by applying a voltage between two electrodes placed in a stream of hot gas. The strength of the electric current arising between the electrodes in the hot gas flow depends on the ionization of the gas caused by the active substance. The current signal is the main criterion for choosing an active substance. A study was also carried out on the effect of gas temperature on the strength of the signal caused by the active substance. This experiment is one of the main stages in the creation of a system for detecting microcracks in gas turbine blades.
Radio-frequencies technologies for local communication in cyber-physical environment
Authors: Daudov I M , Gavrilova Zh L , Iakovkina T N
Published: March 2021

The paper is devoted to the Internet of Things which is becoming more popular and, in particular, to wireless connections and technologies. The paper considers two technologies that are currently most widely used on the Internet of Things: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The milestones of their development are considered, as well as advantages and features of each technology. Various devices that employ Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies and their interaction are described. The conclusion about the perspectives of development of Wi-Fi technology is made.
Simulation in the study of operating experience and application of the latest technology for the repair of rod plunger pumps
Authors: Galimullin M L , Khabibullin M Ya , Suleimanov R I
Published: March 2021

Insufficient attention has been paid to the issues of repair and increase of the service life of plunger borehole pumps used in the oil production industry. The oil company Bashneft aims to increase the life and the IRP of borehole pumps. For this purpose, a lot of work has been done to analyze downhole equipment failures across the entire stock of oil wells equipped with sucker rod pumps. To repair the plunger pair of sucker rod pumps, all the documents (a technical task and technical conditions for repairs) were developed and the technological process was prepared. For the fields NGDU Ufaneft and NGDU Krasnokholmneft, the best results were achieved by pumps with a landing group (0.06–0.11), and for NGDU Ishimbayneft-pumps with a landing group (0.03–0.06). When repairing a pump, one can choose a landing group (plunger-cylinder), which will increase the service life of a sucker rod pump that has previously worked out its service life.
Problem solution of optimal pathfinding for the movement of vehicles over rough mountainous areas
Authors: Zhigalov K , Bataev D K-S , Klochkova E , Svirbutovich O A , Ivashchenko G A
Published: March 2021

In recent years, a large number of studies were carried out in the field of finding and constructing the optimal path of movement. However, the task remains relevant due to the emergence of new aspects in this problem. The paper discusses and describes the existing algorithms for finding the shortest path on the graph. The material can be useful in building navigation systems and automated control in terms of the choice of optimal path.
Liable Bluetooth tracking technology for enhancement of location-based services
Authors: Daudov I M , Gavrilova Zh L , Kudashkin V A
Published: March 2021

In recent years, user demand for location-based services has become increasingly urgent. Currently, the main internal positioning technologies include UWB (Ultra-Wide Band), RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), ultrasonic and inertial navigation, optical positioning, Wi-Fi, etc. This article briefly discusses the use of Bluetooth beacons for location, indoor navigation and related algorithms.