bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of alkali activated paver blocks for medium traffic conditions using industrial wastes and prediction of compressive strength using random forest algorithm
Authors: Ganesh A. Chithambar , Mohana R. , Loganathan Parthiban , Kumar Vinod M. , Kırgız Mehmet Serkan , Nagaprasad N. , Ramaswamy Krishnaraj
Published: September 2023

Geopolymer is an environment friendly construction material that could be synthesized using either the natural source or the industrial byproducts such as flyash and GGBS. The characteristics of the Geopolymer rely on the proportion of the flyash and GGBS and the concentration of the activator solution used. In this research work, the effect of partial replacement of flyash with GGBS in proportions such as 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% is investigated. Also Molarity of NaOH are tested from 8 to 14 M and both the parameters are optimized. In this optimized Geopolymer concrete, the utilization of iron slag as a partial substitute for river sand in various proportions such as 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 35, 40 and 45% are investigated. The optimized Geopolymer concrete with iron slag is investigated for its performance as a paver block with incorporation of banana fiber in proportions such as 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 and is compared with conventional cement concrete paver block. The results show that there is a significant enhancement in the properties of Geopolymer concrete with the different levels of optimization and the utilization of natural banana fiber. The developed sustainable paver block was found to with stand medium traffic conditions as per IS 15658:2006. Further this study employed random forest (RF) algorithm for the prediction of compressive strength of geopolymer concrete specimens for the variable parameters such as molarity of alkaline solution, Flyash/GGBS ratio and partial replacement of river sand with iron slag. The performance evaluation parameters represented high accuracy of developed RF model. This research work unleashes a heft potential of Geopolymer concrete to develop economical eco-friendly sustainable paver blocks to the society through mitigation of environmental strain on the ecosystem.
A new discovery of the bioluminescent terrestrial snail genus Phuphania (Gastropoda: Dyakiidae)
Authors: Pholyotha Arthit , Yano Daichi , Mizuno Gaku , Sutcharit Chirasak , Tongkerd Piyoros , Oba Yuichi , Panha Somsak
Published: September 2023

The mysterious world of the bioluminescent molluscs in terrestrial ecosystems is mesmerizing, but Quantula striata was previously the only terrestrial mollusc known to be luminescent. Here, we document the new discovery of bioluminescence in four land snails, namely Phuphania crossei, P. globosa, P. carinata, and P. costata. Our observations establish clearly that these four species of Phuphania produce a continuous greenish light from the light-emitting cells located within the mantle and the foot, and that its bright luminescence is intracellular and is not due to any luminous secretion. Although both Quantula and Phuphania can produce a green light, the luminescence patterns are different. The luminescence displayed by Quantula is rhythmical blinking or flashing, while Phuphania glows continuously. In addition, the bioluminescence in Q. weinkauffiana is confirmed, which is similar to that in the related species, Q. striata.
Strong ethanol- and frequency-dependent ecological interactions in a community of wine-fermenting yeasts
Authors: Lax Simon , Gore Jeff
Published: September 2023

Natural wine fermentation depends on a complex consortium of native microorganisms rather than inoculation of industrial yeast strains. While this diversity of yeasts can result in an increased repertoire of wine flavors and aromas, it can also result in the inhibition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is uniquely able to complete fermentation. Understanding how yeast species interact with each other within the wine-fermenting community and disentangling ecological interactions from environmental impacts on growth rates, is key to developing synthetic communities that can provide the sensory benefits of natural fermentation while lowering the risk of stuck ferments. Here, we co-culture all pairwise combinations of five commonly isolated wine-fermenting yeasts and show that competitive outcomes are a strong function of ethanol concentration, with frequency-dependent bistable interactions common at low alcohol and an increasingly transitive competitive hierarchy developing as alcohol increases. We also show that pairwise outcomes are predictive of five-species community outcomes, and that frequency dependence in pairwise interactions propagates to alternative states in the full community, highlighting the importance of species abundance as well as composition. We also observe that monoculture growth rates are only weakly predictive of competitive success, highlighting the need to incorporate ecological interactions when designing synthetic fermenting communities.
Minimum conditions for accurate modeling of urea production via co-electrolysis
Authors: Urrego-Ortiz Ricardo , Builes Santiago , Illas Francesc , Bromley Stefan T. , Figueiredo Marta Costa , Calle-Vallejo Federico
Published: September 2023

Co-electrolysis of carbon oxides and nitrogen oxides promise to simultaneously help restore the balance of the C and N cycles while producing valuable chemicals such as urea. However, co-electrolysis processes are still largely inefficient and numerous knowledge voids persist. Here, we provide a solid thermodynamic basis for modelling urea production via co-electrolysis. First, we determine the energetics of aqueous urea produced under electrochemical conditions based on experimental data, which enables an accurate assessment of equilibrium potentials and overpotentials. Next, we use density functional theory (DFT) calculations to model various co-electrolysis reactions producing urea. The calculated reaction free energies deviate significantly from experimental values for well-known GGA, meta-GGA and hybrid functionals. These deviations stem from errors in the DFT-calculated energies of molecular reactants and products. In particular, the error for urea is approximately -0.25 ± 0.10 eV. Finally, we show that all these errors introduce large inconsistencies in the calculated free-energy diagrams of urea production via co-electrolysis, such that gas-phase corrections are strongly advised.
Bright and dark Talbot pulse trains on a chip
Authors: Wu Jiaye , Clementi Marco , Nitiss Edgars , Hu Jianqi , Lafforgue Christian , Brès Camille-Sophie
Published: September 2023

Temporal Talbot effect, the intriguing phenomenon of the self-imaging of optical pulse trains, is extensively investigated using macroscopic components. However, the ability to manipulate pulse trains, either bright or dark, through the Talbot effect on integrated photonic chips to replace bulky instruments has rarely been reported. Here, we design and experimentally demonstrate a proof-of-principle integrated silicon nitride device capable of imprinting the Talbot phase relation onto in-phase optical combs and generating the two-fold self-images at the output. We show that the GHz-repetition-rate bright and dark pulse trains can be doubled without affecting their spectra as a key feature of the temporal Talbot effect. The designed chip can be electrically tuned to switch between pass-through and repetition-rate-multiplication outputs and is compatible with other related frequencies. The results of this work lay the foundations for the large-scale system-on-chip photonic integration of Talbot-based pulse multipliers, enabling the on-chip flexible up-scaling of pulse trains’ repetition rate without altering their amplitude spectra.
U.S. cities’ integration and evaluation of equity considerations into climate action plans
Authors: Caggiano Holly , Kocakuşak Diren , Kumar Pranay , Tier Melissa O.
Published: September 2023

While cities in the United States play an active role developing and implementing climate policy, urban centers are often sites of socio-spatial inequity. Thus, we explore how cities grapple with these inequities in their Climate Action Plans (CAPs). While CAPs can empower cities to engage in equitable planning practices that prioritize marginalized communities, little empirical research examines how equity goals are measured and evaluated. We find that among large U.S. cities with CAPs, less than one third include measurable indicators to evaluate progress towards achieving equity goals. Across climate adaptation and mitigation planning, nineteen cities consider equity goals as they relate to ten thematic areas, six outcomes, and five dimensions of equity. We suggest ways forward for cities to develop, implement, and measure a diverse and holistic set of equity indicators to use in their climate planning efforts and beyond.
Low-temperature hysteresis broadening emerging from domain-wall creep dynamics in a two-phase competing system
Authors: Matsuura Keisuke , Nishizawa Yo , Kinoshita Yuto , Kurumaji Takashi , Miyake Atsushi , Oike Hiroshi , Tokunaga Masashi , Tokura Yoshinori , Kagawa Fumitaka
Published: September 2023

Hysteretic behaviour accompanies any first-order phase transition, forming a basis for many applications. However, its quantitative understanding remains challenging, and even a qualitative understanding of pronounced hysteresis broadening at low temperature, which is often observed in magnetic-field-induced first-order phase transition materials, is unclear. Here, we show that such pronounced hysteresis broadening emerges if the phase-front velocity during the first-order phase transition exhibits an activated behaviour as a function of both temperature and magnetic field. This is demonstrated by using real-space magnetic imaging techniques, for the magnetic-field-induced first-order phase transition between antiferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic phases in (Fe0.95Zn0.05)2Mo3O8. When combined with the Kolmogorov-Avrami-Ishibashi model, the observed activated temperature- and field-dependences of the growth velocity of the emerging antiferromagnetic domain quantitatively reproduce the pronounced hysteresis broadening. Furthermore, the same approach also reproduces the field-sweep-rate dependence of the transition field observed in the experiment. Our findings thus provide a quantitative and comprehensive understanding of pronounced hysteresis broadening from the microscopic perspective of domain growth.
Record low Antarctic sea ice coverage indicates a new sea ice state
Authors: Purich Ariaan , Doddridge Edward W.
Published: September 2023

In February 2023, Antarctic sea ice set a record minimum; there have now been three record-breaking low sea ice summers in seven years. Following the summer minimum, circumpolar Antarctic sea ice coverage remained exceptionally low during the autumn and winter advance, leading to the largest negative areal extent anomalies observed over the satellite era. Here, we show the confluence of Southern Ocean subsurface warming and record minima and suggest that ocean warming has played a role in pushing Antarctic sea ice into a new low-extent state. In addition, this new state exhibits different seasonal persistence characteristics, suggesting that the underlying processes controlling Antarctic sea ice coverage may have altered.
A lanthanide luminescent sensor for the detection of 4-nitrophenol in aqueous media
Authors: Song Xue-Qin , Song Fu-Qiang , Zhang Pei , Li Juan
Published: September 2023

We present herein a new hydrostable lanthanide intercycle, which could act as a new luminescent sensor for 4-NP in water media.
The fascinating story of axial ligand dependent spectroscopy and redox-properties in iron(ii) phthalocyanines
Authors: Ziegler Christopher J. , Nemykin Victor N.
Published: September 2023

Iron phthalocyanines play crucial fundamental and applied roles ranging from bulk colorants to components of advanced materials. In this mini-review, we discuss the influence of axial ligand identity on spectroscopic and redox properties of iron(ii) phthalocyanines.
Reaction microenvironment control in membrane electrode assemblies for CO2 electrolysis
Authors: Yan Chuanchuan , Gao Dunfeng , Velasco-Vélez Juan-Jesús , Wang Guoxiong
Published: September 2023

This perspective discusses the latest achievements in activity and selectivity control in CO2 electrolysis by tuning reaction microenvironments.
In situ crosslinked Schiff base biohydrogels containing Carica papaya peel extract: application in the packaging of fresh berries
Authors: Dalei Ganeswar , Das Swagat Kumar , Mohapatra Susri Sangita , Das Subhraseema
Published: September 2023

Although endowed with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, fruit peel is often regarded as waste.
Near-infrared luminescence and high thermal stability of Rb2NaScF6:Cr3+ phosphor for spectroscopy applications
Authors: Chu Lingxiang , Qin Yi , Yang Tao , Wan Jing , Zhou Qiang , Tang Huaijun , Ye Yanqing , Wang Zhengliang
Published: September 2023

A comprehensive investigation of a chromium-doped near-infrared fluoride phosphor with desired anti-thermal quenching behavior.
Fabrication of highly efficient encapsulated SnO2@alginate beads as regenerative nanosorbents for anionic dye pollutants removal from aqueous solution
Authors: Borah Shikha Jyoti , Gupta Akanksha , Dubey Kashyap Kumar , Kumar Vinod
Published: September 2023

SnO2 nano-adsorbents encapsulated in alginate beads for the removal of anionic dyes.
A Prussian blue analog as a decorporation agent for the simultaneous removal of cesium and reactive oxygen species
Authors: Xue Tingyu , Liu Fang , Lu Bin , Dong Qingrong , Zhao Bin , Chen Tianqing , Zhang Kun , Li Jianguo , Du Jiangfeng
Published: September 2023

CuFe nanoparticles as decorporation agents for simultaneous removal of cesium and reactive oxygen species.
Correction: Green synthesis and characterization of Ag nanoparticles in a phytic acid/ascorbic acid/sodium hydroxide system and their application in the electrochemical detection of H2O2
Authors: Niu Baolong , Wang Hong , Zhang Yanwei , Nie Bin , Wang Huifang , Lian Xiaojie , Li Wenfeng
Published: September 2023

Correction for ‘Green synthesis and characterization of Ag nanoparticles in a phytic acid/ascorbic acid/sodium hydroxide system and their application in the electrochemical detection of H2O2’ by Baolong Niu et al., New J. Chem., 2023, 47, 8797–8808, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2NJ06332H.
Recent advances in computational studies on Cu-catalyzed aerobic reactions: cooperation of copper catalysts and dioxygen
Authors: Jiang Yuan-Ye , Chen Chao
Published: September 2023

This review summarizes the advances in computational studies on Cu-catalyzed aerobic reactions and focuses on the cooperation mechanisms of copper complexes and dioxygen.
Rational design and recent advancements of addictives engineering in ASnI3 tin-based perovskite solar cells: insights from experiments and computational
Authors: Ulfa Maria , Permatasari Fitri Aulia , Rus Yahdi Bin , Idayanti Novrita , Iskandar Ferry
Published: September 2023

Additive engineering in tin-based perovskite solar cells. Insight from the experiment and computational.
Theoretical treatment of complex coacervate core micelles: structure and pH-induced disassembly
Authors: Debais Gabriel , Missoni Leandro L. , Perez Sirkin Yamila A. , Tagliazucchi Mario
Published: September 2023

The structure, dimensions and pH-triggered disassembly of complex coacervate core micelles (soft nanostructures formed by the assembly of a block copolymer and an oppositely charged homopolymer) were studied with a molecular theory.
Likelihood function modelling of radar targets under high‐speed observation
Authors: Zhang YongQiang , Song ZhiYong , Lan ChuJun
Published: September 2023

The likelihood ratio function of the target plays a crucial role in applications such as tracking before detection (TBD). In the framework of random finite sets, the performance of radar target TBD based on particle filters is limited by the performance of the likelihood ratio function. Traditional likelihood ratio functions only consider the likelihood ratio between the target and background noise, thus requiring a high signal‐to‐noise (SNR) ratio for the input signal. In scenarios where the observation time interval is extremely short, there exists a strong autocorrelation between the complex amplitudes of the radar target at different time instants. Based on this characteristic, an autoregressive model is utilized to establish the autocorrelation of the target complex amplitudes and update the target's complex amplitudes using a Kalman filter. The likelihood ratio is derived from the model and it is compared with the traditional likelihood ratio under pulse‐Doppler radar. This comparison aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed likelihood ratio. Due to the fact that this likelihood ratio only requires the extraction of the complex amplitudes of the target scattering centre, without the need to extract the energy around the scattering centre like traditional point spread function methods, the algorithm complexity is greatly reduced, enabling real‐time operation of the proposed method.
Vulnerability assessment of cyber‐physical power systems considering failure propagation: A percolation‐based approach
Authors: Tu Teng , Liao Yingqi , Li Xue , Wang Liwei , Zhang Fang , Guo Xuan
Published: September 2023

Due to the increasing interdependencies of power networks (PNs) and communication networks (CNs) in cyber‐physical power systems (CPPSs), the interdependent networks tend to be more vulnerable since failures could propagate recursively between the two networks. However, there is little study on the vulnerability analysis of CPPSs considering unexpected disruptive events or adversarial attacks. Despite being a useful tool for evaluating cascading failures in interdependent networks, the topology‐based percolation theory does not apply to CPPSs as neglecting the propagation dynamics and power flow characteristics. To this end, this paper improves the percolation theory by modelling the failure propagation mechanism to assess the vulnerability of CPPSs. Firstly, a percolation‐based failure propagation simulator (PFPS) is developed, wherein the virus‐caused propagation dynamics of the cyber layer, flow‐based failure propagation mode of the physical layer, and multi‐state interdependences between the cyber layer and physical layer are incorporated. By considering the nodal states and flow‐related operating states, percolation equations and termination conditions of PFPS are formulated. Based on the calculation results of PFPS, metrics in terms of topological integrity, power supply reliability, and failure probability are constructed to quantify both system and component vulnerability. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by the test CPPSs.
Lung segmentation in chest X‐ray image using multi‐interaction feature fusion network
Authors: Xu Xuebin , Lei Meng , Liu Dehua , Wang Muyu , Lu Longbin
Published: September 2023

Lung segmentation is an essential step in a computer‐aided diagnosis system for chest radiographs. The lung parenchyma is first segmented in pulmonary computer‐aided diagnosis systems to remove the interference of non‐lung regions while increasing the effectiveness of the subsequent work. Nevertheless, most medical image segmentation methods nowadays use U‐Net and its variants. These variant networks perform poorly in segmentation to detect smaller structures and cannot accurately segment boundary regions. A multi‐interaction feature fusion network model based on Kiu‐Net is presented in this paper to address this problem. Specifically, U‐Net and Ki‐Net are first utilized to extract high‐level and detailed features of chest images, respectively. Then, cross‐residual fusion modules are employed in the network encoding stage to obtain complementary features from these two networks. Second, the global information module is introduced to guarantee the segmented region's integrity. Finally, in the network decoding stage, the multi‐interaction module is presented, which allows to interact with multiple kinds of information, such as global contextual information, branching features, and fused features, to obtain more practical information. The performance of the proposed model was assessed on both the Montgomery County (MC) and Shenzhen datasets, demonstrating its superiority over existing methods according to the experimental results.
Bidirectional push–pull/H‐bridge converter for low‐voltage energy storage system
Authors: Oh Yun‐Gyeong , Kwon Owon , Kwon Jung‐Min
Published: September 2023

A bidirectional push–pull/H‐bridge DC/DC converter for a low‐voltage energy storage system is proposed in this paper. It comprises the push–pull converter, the phase‐shifted H‐bridge converter, and the transformer. The push–pull converter is connected to the low‐voltage side, and it is controlled by 0.5 fixed duty ratio. The phase‐shifted H‐bridge converter is connected to the high‐voltage side, and it is controlled by an extended phase shift scheme with zero voltage switching (ZVS). Compared with the conventional dual active bridge (DAB) DC/DC converter, the proposed converter has a simple structure—there are only two power switches with a common ground and simple gate‐driving circuits in the low‐voltage side. The 600‐W laboratory prototype was developed to confirm the theoretical analysis and the validity of the proposed converter.
An improved standalone photovoltaic system with hybrid dual integral sliding mode and model predictive control for MPPT
Authors: Priyadarshi Neeraj , Sanjeevikumar P. , Bhaskar M. S. , Azam Farooque , Muyeen S. M.
Published: September 2023

In this research paper, a double diode model‐based photovoltaic (PV) system with a proposed hybrid dual integral sliding mode control (DISMC) and model predictive control (MPC) based maximum power point tracker (MPPT) has been started for a standalone power system. Compared with the single diode model, the advanced model dual diode provides accurate maximum power point (MPP) estimation with high velocity and more searching efficiency. It also delivers the extrapolation of current‐voltage characteristics of the photovoltaic system under any weather situation. Compared to classical sliding mode control (SMC) and dual integral sliding mode controller (DISMC) based MPPT, the proposed hybrid dual integral sliding mode controller (DISMC) and model predictive control (MPC) MPPT provide high, robust behavior with minimized steady‐state error. A high gain multilevel boost converter is employed, which provides an output voltage directly proportional to the level number. Moreover, the predictive model controller extracts peak power from the PV module by predicting errors in further sampling periods and switching pulses. The proposed hybrid MPPT method provides a fixed switching frequency of a high gain multilevel boost converter under varying environmental and loading conditions. Practical responses justify the capability of advanced MPPT control using the dSPACEDS1104 platform.
Strengthening the Slope Beneath Bashtapia Castle at the Highest Expected Tigris River Level
Authors: Al-Rahal Tareq H. , Ali Harith E.
Published: September 2023

This study has been achieved using Geo-Studio Finite Element Software in two sections. First, to study the changes in pore water pressure (PWP) within the soil layers below Bashtapia Castle at different water levels of the river Tigris. The effect of these changes was in focus to check the slope stability of the Castle. On the other hand, the second section was to increase the safety factor using slope reinforcement using different spacings and lengths of the anchor’s rods. Modeling output showed that the factor of safety (FS) decreased from 2.83 to 0.838 when the water level raised from 0 to 7 m above the bottom slope layer. Accordingly, anchor bars were introduced in the model, and the safety factor increased. The slope layers were treated and strengthened using reinforcing anchor bars at different lengths and numbers. In general, the analysis results showed the positive effect of reinforcing bars on the stability of the castle slope. The FS of the slope castle increases with the increased length and number of anchors to a certain value, and then there is no effect of this increase on the FS value.
Seismic Hazard Assessment in Machine Foundation Design: A Review Study
Authors: Noman Bilal Jabbar , Albuaoda Bushra S.
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a comprehensive review of seismic hazard assessment in machine foundation design and highlights key research directions for future studies. The review includes a detailed analysis of existing literature, that covers a wide range of subjects associated with seismic analysis and design of machine foundations. It begins with an overview of the seismic hazard assessment evaluation procedure and the various factors that influence it, such as soil properties, machine stiffness, and earthquake excitation. Then it discusses the key challenges associated with the design and seismic analysis of machine foundations, including the impact of dynamic loads and soil-structure interaction. Following the analysis of the current research, the paper identifies several important research directions for future studies. These include the development of more accurate seismic hazard assessment methodologies, using sophisticated numerical modeling methods. The paper also emphasizes the need for more comprehensive experimental studies to validate the numerical models and better understand the behavior of machine foundations under seismic loads. In brief, the paper provides a comprehensive review of the current state of knowledge in seismic hazard assessment in machine foundation design and highlights the importance of future research to proceed in this field.
Assessment of Bearing Capacity and Settlement Characteristics of Organic Soil Reinforced by Crushed Concrete and Sodium Silicate Columns
Authors: Norie Ali H. , Ahmed Mahmood D.
Published: September 2023

Organic soil has a high content of water and compressibility. This paper sheds light on organic soil and improving its shear resistance through the use of stone columns to strengthen the shear resistance and reduce precipitation. Four columns of crushed concrete were used after mixing them with 9% sodium silicate, and this ratio was chosen after several laboratory tests to determine the ideal ratio. The ideal curing period gives the highest compressive strength for crushed concrete mixed with sodium silicate. The experiment was conducted several times with untreated soil, then the soil was treated with untreated loamy columns, and it showed an improvement rate of 423% compared to unimproved soil. Then, columns based on a base were used. The improvement rate has reached 700% of the unimproved soil, considering the use of the same test conditions and the same percentage of sodium silicate, in addition to using similar diameters and lengths of columns.
Concrete Mix Strength and Permeability with Various Supplementary Cementitious Materials
Authors: Allah Shereen J. Saif , Kassim Muayad M. , Salman Ghazwan A.
Published: September 2023

In order to reduce the amount of cement required, improve workability, mechanical properties, and durability, and have a positive environmental impact, supplementary cementitious materials are frequently utilized as a partial replacement for cement in concrete mixes. In this experimental investigation, the effects of employing waterproof and supplemental cementitious materials such as flyash, silica fume, and nano silica along with a water reduction agent were examined to increase the effectiveness and performance of concrete. The cement employed in this investigation, sulfate-resistant Portland cement, was partially substituted by the supplemental cementing components mentioned earlier to create concrete with a w/b ratio of (0.30-0.35) and C35 compressive strength. Thirteen various concrete mixtures were designed and tested at 28 days of age for compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, water sorptivity, absorption, and penetration depth under pressure. To enhance the dependability of the outcomes, three samples were evaluated, and their mean value was recorded. According to the research, mixing the chemicals with concrete resulted in a brand new substance that may meet the rising need for construction materials. All of the materials utilized in this study, with the exception of Water Proof, also showed good resistance to water absorption and strength improvement.
Categorization and Quantification of Construction Waste of Commercial Buildings in Iraq
Authors: Atabi Kadhum L. , Reig-Cerdá Lucía , Colomer-Mendoza Francisco J.
Published: September 2023

The construction sector has a significant and direct relationship with the development and growth of countries. Meanwhile, the population growth and the massive expansion of buildings and infrastructure projects keep up with living standards, generating more construction waste. Knowing the categorization for the CDW is very important to get better information about the waste and to have a proper plan to manage these wastes during the construction process. This study aims to categorize and quantify the CDW produced during the construction of a commercial building in Iraq, with a total floor area of 900 m2 (A three-story building with 300 m2 for each story). Data acquisition for this study took approximately two years. It concludes that soil waste represents 86.75% of total waste produced during the construction of the building, with the remaining 13.25 % mainly composed of brick (47.03%), followed by concrete (19.27%), mortar (10.65%), ceramics and marble (6.68%), gypsum (4.88%), steel (3.08%), wood (2.37%), and subbase (2.02%).
Behavior of Recycled Aggregate Concrete Slender Column under Concentric Axial Loading
Authors: Ali F. A. , Hasan Q. A. , Mohammed D. H.
Published: September 2023

This investigation investigates the structural behavior of slender reinforced concrete RC containing different RCA replacement portions in addition to the slenderness effect. To perform this, eight (8) slender RC columns with two main types of transverse reinforcement (ties and spiral reinforcement) and three recycled coarse aggregate RCA replacement percentages (25, 50, and 100%) were modeled and subjected to axial concentric loading. The gathered experimental results are monitored and analyzed to better estimate the structural characteristics of the RC slender column (The ultimate carrying load, first cracking load, load-displacement curve, and load-strain response). The results showed that replacing NCA with (25, 50, and 100%) of RCA reduced the ultimate capacity of tied RC columns by (13.41, 14.07, and 23.33%), respectively, and reduced their first cracking load values by (19.64, 15.96, 22.50%), respectively. The reduction in ultimate load capacity and the first cracking load were (4.10, 17.33, 22.63%) and (12.26, 23.15, 25.00%) for spirally RC columns, respectively. Spiral transverse reinforcement slightly increases the carrying load capacity compared to tie reinforcement. It delays the fast propagation of the first cracking load, furthers the effect of spiral reinforcement in improving the deformation capacity, reducing the longitudinal and lateral mid-height strains, and developing the flexural stiffness of the load-displacement curve.
Experimental Studies on the Fire Flame Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beams with Construction Joints
Authors: Abbood Ahmed A. , Kharnoob Majid M.
Published: September 2023

This study was experimentally investigated experimentally, investigating the effect of such mechanical properties and deflection behavior on the performance of reinforced concrete beams with construction joints exposed to fire flame. These beams were built using a slanted connection at a 45° angle in the middle of the beams. Four beams were for a wide temperature range (25–800°C) for the fire flames used on the concrete beams. Two temperature levels (600°C and 800°C) were chosen, with (1 and 2) hrs. period time, respectively. One beam wasn't burnt (Reference specimen). When put through a fire, flexural strength drastically decreased. The experimental program's results suggested the worst effect on construction joint beam for temperature 800°C with 2 hrs. period time because that heating reduces the bonds between two surfaces in the joint and makes like slip and disconnect between the joint after exposure to load. After 1 and 2 hours in a fire at 600°C, the residual flexural strength was 85% and 72%, respectively, whereas, after 1 and 2 hours in a fire at 800°C, it was 41% and 28%, this is showed that the stiffness of beam its decrease when exposed to fire flam with raising temperature and time and increase the deformation by cracks that appear on the beams. It was noticed that the load-deflection relation to beams exposed to fire flame is flat, representing softer load-deflection behavior than that of the control beam.
Mitigation of Reflection Cracking in Asphalt Concrete Overlay on Rigid Pavements
Authors: Ajool Yasmin S. , Allawi Abbas A. , Kalil Amjad H.
Published: September 2023

Reflective cracking is one of the primary forms of deterioration in pavements. It is widespread when Asphalt concrete (AC) overlays are built over a rigid pavement with discontinuities on its surface. Thus, this research work aims to reduce reflection cracks in asphalt concrete overlay on the rigid pavement. Asphalt Concrete (AC) slab specimens were prepared in three thicknesses (4, 5, and 6 cm). All these specimens were by testing machine designed and manufactured at the Engineering Consulting Office of the University of Baghdad to examine for the number of cycles and loads needed to propagate the reflection cracking in the asphalt concert mixture at three temperatures (20, 30, and 30°C). It was noticed that the higher thickness AC mixtures increased the reflection cracking performance life of the AC overlay. Also, it was found that the number of crack initiation and failure cycles increased as the temperature increased. In contrast, the increased temperature decreased the required load to crack initiation and failure load in the sample.
Effect of Emulsified Asphalt on Expansive Soil Strength and Swelling
Authors: Thajeel Jawad K. , Shaia Hussein A. , Al-Mamoori Sohaib K. , Almurshedi Alaa D.
Published: September 2023

Some clay soils classified as extended soils threaten the structures resting on them. Many additives are available to improve the properties of expanded soils. This study tries to investigate the consequences of wetting-drying cycles on the swelling behavior of modified expansive clayey soils under laboratory conditions by modifying expansive clayey soil samples using emulsified asphalt. Five different percentages of emulsified asphalt were used: (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10) %. The natural and treatment soils were tested for classification, specific gravity, compaction characteristics, free swell and swell pressure, consolidation, and compressive strength. The liquid limit and plasticity index have been lowered by adding Emulsified Asphalt. After that, the effects of Emulsified Asphalt on undrained shear strength characteristics (cohesion and friction angle) have been studied. The results revealed that when the emulsified asphalt content was increased to 10%, the swelling pressure and swelling potential decreased by 58 and 78 %, respectively. The swell and shrink improvement factor for the 10% emulsified asphalt addition is always larger than 75%. As the duration of wetting-drying cycles increased, the swelling pressure and swelling potential values were also reduced. The plastic limit, on the other hand, increased as the Emulsified Asphalt content increased. Increasing the amount of Emulsified Asphalt increased the maximum dry unit weight values, whereas the optimum water contents increased. It was concluded that emulsified asphalt stabilization may be useful for expansive clay as it improves compressive shear strength.
Appraisal of Asphalt Mixtures’ Cracking Resistance Modified with Waste Aluminum Scrap Powder (WASP) at Intermediate Temperatures
Authors: Al-Obaidi Mahmood K. , Abed Alaa H.
Published: September 2023

Considering that most asphalt concrete pavement distresses are fracture-related, evaluating and quantifying mix fracture properties is essential to improved pavement design. Therefore, the first step of the study, a pre-development phase, determines the optimal value for adding waste aluminum scrap powder (WASP) with a fraction size of 2.36-0.075 mm to mixes. Based on previous digital image analysis (DIA), AlDoz and AlNibaa’e aggregates were selected from seven central, northern, and southern Iraq sources. The second post-development phase studies the testing factors of a reliable and practical semi-circular bending (SCB) test for assessing asphalt concrete mixture fracture properties at intermediate service temperatures. The development and calibration of the Marshall System into the SCB-Tester, which switched from analog to digital and computerized control, accurately predicted reference and modified mix fracture characteristics at 50.8 mm/min. Three notch lengths (25, 32, and 38) mm were selected to be studied. Five percentages of WASP (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5) percent were added by weight to the entire mix and compared to the reference mixture. Results indicate that 1.5% WASP decreases fracture severity and stiffen AlNibaa’e and AlDoz mixes. Increased fracture strength and toughness of modified mixes relative to the reference may dramatically increase asphalt concrete fracture resistance. Even though a higher evaluation for AlNibaa’e mixes than AlDoz with an expected difference, the impact of modifying appears to be an effective influence for AlDoz mixes with determination factors (R2) of 0.9788 and 0.9889 than that of AlNibaa’e modified coarse and fine mixes, which have R2 of 0.8535 and 0.8461, respectively.
Estimating Base Saturation Flow Rate for Selected Signalized Intersections in Al-Najaf City
Authors: Al-Mosawi Ulla G. , Al-jameel Hamid A.
Published: September 2023

The correct saturation flow rates for the specific circumstances must be used to calculate delays and the level of Service at intersections. As a result of a lack of local data, practitioners would often use default values from overseas software developers. Base saturation flow rate is an important factor for timing traffic signals. Despite the 1, 900 pc/h/ln number suggested by the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM), the base saturation flow rate differs from city to city, dependent on the local driving habits and traffic conditions. As a result, it's crucial to estimate, given the local climate. As a result, erroneous decisions may be made that have incorrect results. This study attempts to estimate the base saturation flow rate in Al-Najaf City. The following situations were observed: Turning movement (through or right); Gradient (Up and down); Number of through lanes; and Speed limit (60 and 80 km/h). The mean headway from a total of 9931 through moving vehicles from 187 lineups was calculated to be 1.55. The basic saturation flow rate was therefore determined to be 2, 323 pc/h/ln. This result is substantially higher than the 1, 900 pc/h/ln proposed by the HCM, but it is comparable to results from other nations with similar traffic conditions and driving habits. The results show significant differences between the saturation flow rates when the conditions of the movements are different in terms of the above characteristics. Recommendations are made regarding the most appropriate values to use under different conditions.
Evaluation of Solid Waste Management in Al- Samawah City
Authors: Naser Mohammed A. , Al-Tuwayyij Husham
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study was to look into the evaluation of waste disposal stages (collection, storing, treatment, transporting, and landfilling) in addition to additional variables, including financial status, population size, and the technical methods employed to identify relationships with the handling of waste using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The AL-Samawah municipality's waste management wasn't staged due to no sorting and treatment processes, and the work was limited to solid waste collection and transportation. The landfill stage was carried out in a manner that did not preserve the environment and was limited to dumping waste on the earth's surface or digging a shallow trench into which waste was placed and backfilled. It is evident through costs, as collection and transportation costs account for 95% of total waste management costs. Working families generated more waste than non-working families, ranging from 3 to 15%, due to their reliance on fast food wrapped in plastic and cork containers, which generates more waste. The regression equations were created to predict the dumping cost based on the dependent variables: transportation and collection. The R2 values were 0.77.
System Configuration Evaluation for a Province-Wide Clinical Information System Using the eSafety Checklist
Authors: Sutton Reed T. , Dhillon-Chattha Pritma , Kumagai Jason , Pitamber Tiffany , Meurer David P.
Published: September 2023

Background According to Digital Health Canada 2013 eSafety Guidelines, an estimated one-third of patient safety incidents following implementation of clinical information systems (CISs) are technology-related. An eSafety checklist was previously developed to improve CIS safety by providing a comprehensive listing of system-agnostic, evidence-based configuration recommendations.

Objectives We sought to use the checklist to support safe initial configuration of a provincial system-wide CIS (Alberta, Canada), referred to as Connect Care.

Methods The checklist was applied to 13 Connect Care modules in three successive phases. First, the checklist was adapted to an abbreviated high-priority version. Second, demonstrations of each module were recorded. Finally, independent evaluation of each recording was conducted by two eSafety evaluators using the abbreviated eSafety checklist.

Results All modules achieved greater than 72% compliance, with an average of 84%. Overall, 273 opportunities for improvement were identified, with four major areas or themes emerging: (1) inconsistent date and time, (2) unclear patient identification, (3) ineffective alert system, and (4) insufficient decision support. These opportunities were forwarded to the appropriate build teams for review and implementation.

Conclusion This work is the first to utilize the eSafety checklist in a real-world CIS, which will become one of the largest in Canada. The checklist has shown clinical applicability in identifying gaps in CIS configuration and should be considered for use in future and pre-existing CISs.
An economic analysis of crop diversification and dynamics of cropping pattern in Karnataka, India
Authors: Felix K.Thomas , Ramappa K. B.
Published: September 2023

The extent and nature of crop diversification and dynamics of cropping pattern in Karnataka state has been analyzed using secondary data collected from different publish sources of Directorate of Economics and Statistics (DES), Bangalore, Karnataka from a period of 1998–99 to 2020–21 (i.e., 23 years). Composite Entropy Index (CEI), double log model and Markov chain analysis were applied to assess the determinants of crop diversification and dynamics of cropping pattern in Karnataka. Results of C.E.I indicates that Kodagu, Dakshina kannada, Yadgir, Udupi and Shivamogga has low crop diversification. Although Karnataka’s crop diversification values show a positive trend but its coefficient value is almost zero. It shows that there is a threat for Karnataka’s crop diversification. The transition probability matrix diagram indicated that although cereals and millet groups occupied a larger share in terms of area under crops, it has a negative net gain in the probability of area retention. Double log model results revealed that the variable like MSP of coarse cereal, percentage of gross irrigated area to net irrigated area, credit inflow in to agricultural sector by the scheduled commercial bank and length of national highways are influencing the crop diversification positively. Therefore, the establishment of fundamental infrastructure, such as reliable irrigation water supply, access to credit, and well-developed transportation networks, is a crucial prerequisite for creating favorable conditions to promote agricultural development and crop diversification. These parameters have been identified as influential factors that shape the nature and extent of crop diversification. By addressing these infrastructure needs, it becomes possible to foster an environment conducive to agricultural growth and facilitate the process of diversification.
Impact of school values on mass media preference and usage: a study of a private university in North Central, Nigeria
Authors: Mkperedem Abigail Affiong , Oye Joseph Adeniyi , Etta-Oyong Stephen Otu , Adedayo Ruth Adefunke , Ayomide Ibrahim Abdul-Lateef , Afolabi Abiodun Olawale , Abang Cyril , Erondu Udochukwu Iheanacho , Olusegun Daniel Ilesanmi , Asemokhai Oluwatosin Alexandra , Okonta Omebere Winifred
Published: September 2023

Research on communications has consistently demonstrated that mass media is predicted to have a strong influence on students’ behavior and their overall disposition to academic performance. However, how school values influence media preference and use is less well investigated. This study investigated whether school values influence media preference and the purpose of using media in a private university in North Central, Nigeria in Nigeria. The study adopted a triangulating type of mixed method research design and stratified sampling technique in recruiting 390 respondents. Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 22 was used in analysing the returned questionnaires, while five (5) in-depth interviews were content analyzed. The study used both the descriptive and inferential methods of data analysis. The findings of the study revealed a decline in the reading of print media. The study also found that there was a positive relationship between school values and media preference. Further, findings revealed a non-existing relationship between the purpose for using mass media and school values. The study concluded that though, mass media, students, and the broad social system (university) are all interconnected, general institutional core values may not necessarily be upheld as individual values as reflected in the different purposes for using media by students’. The study recommends that lecturers should recommend print media sections for academic work.
Towards resilient neighbourhood governance: social tensions in Shanghai’s gated communities before and during the pandemic
Authors: He Jinliao , Zhang Yuan , Yi Zhenzhen
Published: September 2023

Great attention has recently been drawn to the discussion of the resilience of neighbourhood governance as part of the response to threats such as pandemics and climate change. This article conceptualises resilient neighbourhood governance by highlighting the importance of the historical development of collaborative governance in the response mechanism during crises. The social tensions in three typical gated communities in Shanghai before and during the pandemic were empirically investigated through an event system analysis, and the findings suggest that a counterbalance game is co-played by the stakeholders within the triangular state–market–society structure in neighbourhood governance. Whereas state power, represented by the street office and residential committee, held a dominant position in the monitoring of nonstate organisations and mitigated conflicts between society and the market, civic participation, which was less conspicuous in daily management, played a substantial role in maintaining basic order and the supply of life necessities during COVID-19. The market functioned by providing professional services and transmitting information between residents and local governmental agencies. This study helps policymakers, community managers, urban planners, and urban studies researchers to form a more thorough understanding of the resilience of neighbourhood governance in both everyday life and during crisis management.