bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coordinated X-ray and UV absorption within the accretion disk wind of the active galactic nucleus PG 1126-041
Authors: Giustini M. , Rodríguez Hidalgo P. , Reeves J. N. , Matzeu G. , Braito V. , Eracleous M. , Chartas G. , Schartel N. , Vignali C. , Hall P. B. , Waters T. , Ponti G. , Proga D. , Dadina M. , Cappi M. , Miniutti G. , de Vries L.
Published: September 2023

Context. Accretion disk winds launched close to supermassive black holes (SMBHs) are a viable mechanism providing feedback between the SMBH and the host galaxy.

Aims. We aim to characterize the X-ray properties of the inner accretion disk wind of the nearby active galactic nucleus PG 1126-041 and to study its connection with the UV-absorbing wind.

Methods. We performed a spectroscopic analysis of eight XMM-Newton observations of PG 1126-041 taken between 2004 and 2015, using both phenomenological models and the most advanced accretion disk wind models available. For half of the data set, we were able to compare the X-ray analysis results with the results of quasi-simultaneous, high-resolution, spectroscopic UV observations taken with the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph on board the Hubble Space Telescope.

Results. The X-ray spectra of PG 1126-041 are complex and absorbed by ionized material, which is highly variable on multiple timescales, sometimes as short as 11 days. Accretion disk wind models can account for most of the X-ray spectral complexity of PG 1126-041, with the addition of massive clumps, represented by a partially covering absorber. Variations in column density (NH ∼ 5 − 20 × 1022 cm−2) of the partially covering absorber drive the observed X-ray spectral variability of PG 1126-041. The absorption from the X-ray partially covering gas and from the blueshifted C IV troughs appear to vary in a coordinated way.

Conclusions. The line of sight toward PG 1126-041 offers a privileged view through a highly dynamic nuclear wind originating on inner accretion disk scales, making the source a very promising candidate for future detailed studies of the physics of accretion disk winds around SMBHs.
The gravitational force field of proto-pancakes
Authors: Saga Shohei , Colombi Stéphane , Taruya Atsushi
Published: September 2023

It is well known that the first structures that form from small fluctuations in a self-gravitating, collisionless, and initially smooth cold dark matter (CDM) fluid are pancakes. We studied the gravitational force generated by such pancakes just after shell crossing and have found a simple analytical formula for the force along the collapse direction, which can be applied to both the single- and multi-stream regimes. We tested the formula on the early growth of CDM proto-haloes seeded by two or three crossed sine waves. Adopting the high-order Lagrangian perturbation theory (LPT) solution as a proxy for the dynamics, we confirm that our analytical prediction agrees well with the exact solution computed via a direct resolution of the Poisson equation, as long as the local caustic structure remains sufficiently one-dimensional. These results are further confirmed by comparisons of the LPT predictions performed this way to measurements in Vlasov simulations performed with the public code ColDICE. We also show that the component of the force orthogonal to the collapse direction preserves its single-stream nature – it does not change qualitatively before or after the collapse – allowing sufficiently high-order LPT acceleration to be used to approximate it accurately as long as the LPT series converges. As expected, solving the Poisson equation on the density field generated with LPT displacement provides a more accurate force than the LPT acceleration itself, as a direct consequence of the faster convergence of the LPT series for the positions than for the accelerations. This may provide a clue as to how we can improve standard LPT predictions. Our investigations represent a very needed first step in the study of gravitational dynamics in the multi-stream regime analytically: we estimate, at the leading order in time and space, the proper backreaction on the gravitational field inside the pancakes.
Speeding up the GENGA N-body integrator on consumer-grade graphics cards
Authors: Brasser R. , Grimm S. L. , Hatalova P. , Stadel J. G.
Published: September 2023

Context. Graphics processing unit (GPU) computing has become popular due to the enormous calculation potential that can be harvested from a single card. The N-body integrator Gravitational ENcounters with GPU Acceleration (GENGA) is built to harvest the computing power from such cards, but it suffers a severe performance penalty on consumer-grade Nvidia GPUs due to their artificially truncated double precision performance.

Aims. We aim to speed up GENGA on consumer-grade cards by harvesting their high single-precision performance.

Methods. We modified GENGA to have the option to compute the mutual long-distance forces between bodies in single precision and tested this with five experiments. First, we ran a high number of simulations with similar initial conditions of on average 6600 fully self-gravitating planetesimals in both single and double precision to establish whether the outcomes were statistically different. These simulations were run on Tesla K20 cards. We supplemented this test with simulations that (i) began with a mixture of planetesimals and planetary embryos, (ii) planetesimal-driven giant planet migration, and (iii) terrestrial planet formation with a dissipating gas disc. All of these simulations served to determine the accuracy of energy and angular momentum conservation under various scenarios with single and double precision forces. Second, we ran the same simulation beginning with 40 000 self-gravitating planetesimals using both single and double precision forces on a variety of consumer-grade and Tesla GPUs to measure the performance boost of computing the long-range forces in single precision.

Results. We find that there are no statistical differences when simulations are run with the gravitational forces in single or double precision that can be attributed to the force prescription rather than stochastic effects. The accumulations in uncertainty in energy are almost identical when running with single or double precision long-range forces. However, the uncertainty in the angular momentum using single rather than double precision long-range forces is about two orders of magnitude greater, but still very low. Running the simulations in single precision on consumer-grade cards decreases running time by a factor of three and becomes within a factor of three of a Tesla A100 GPU. Additional tuning speeds up the simulation by a factor of two across all types of cards.

Conclusions. The option to compute the long-range forces in single precision in GENGA when using consumer-grade GPUs dramatically improves performance at a little penalty to accuracy. There is an additional environmental benefit because it reduces energy usage.
The GAPS Programme at TNG
Authors: Sozzetti A. , Pinamonti M. , Damasso M. , Desidera S. , Biazzo K. , Bonomo A. S. , Nardiello D. , Gratton R. , Lanza A. F. , Malavolta L. , Giacobbe P. , Affer L. , Bignamini A. , Borsa F. , Boschin W. , Brogi M. , Cabona L. , Claudi R. , Covino E. , Di Fabrizio L. , Ghedina A. , Harutyunyan A. , Knapic C. , Maldonado J. , Maggio A. , Mancini L. , Mantovan G. , Marzari F. , Messina S. , Micela G. , Molinari E. , Montalto M. , Naponiello L. , Pagano I. , Pedani M. , Piotto G. , Poretti E. , Scandariato G. , Silvotti R. , Turrini D.
Published: September 2023

The nearby mid-K dwarf HIP 66074 was recently identified as host to a candidate super-Jupiter companion on a ∼300 day, almost edge-on, orbit, based on Gaia Data Release 3 (DR3) astrometry. Initial attempts at confirming the planetary nature of the signal based on publicly available radial-velocity (RV) observations uncovered an intriguing conundrum: the inferred RV semi-amplitude appears to be a factor of 15 smaller than the one predicted based on the Gaia solution (corresponding to a 7-MJup companion on a close to edge-on orbit). We present the results of intensive RV monitoring of HIP 66074 with the HARPS-N spectrograph. We detected the companion at the Gaia period, but with an extremely eccentric orbit (e = 0.948 ± 0.004), a semi-amplitude K = 93.9−7.0+9.4 m s−1, and a minimum mass mb sin ib = 0.79 ± 0.05 MJup. We used detailed simulations of Gaia astrometry with the DR3 time-span to show that the conundrum can be fully resolved by taking into account the combination of the initially sub-optimal RV sampling and systematic biases in the Gaia astrometric solution, which include an underestimation of the eccentricity and incorrect identification of orbital inclination, which has turned out to correspond to a close to face-on configuration (i ≲ 13°). With an estimated mass in the approximate range of 3 − 7 MJup, we find that HIP 66074b (≡Gaia-3b) is the first exoplanet candidate astrometrically detected by Gaia to be successfully confirmed based on RV follow-up observations.
PulsarX: A new pulsar searching package
Authors: Men Yunpeng , Barr Ewan , Clark Colin J. , Carli Emma , Desvignes Gregory
Published: September 2023

Context. Pulsar surveys with modern radio telescopes are becoming increasingly computationally demanding. This is particularly true for wide field-of-view pulsar surveys with radio interferometers and those conducted in real or quasi-real time. These demands result in data analysis bottlenecks that can limit the parameter space covered by the surveys and diminish their scientific return.

Aims. In this paper we address the computational challenge of ‘candidate folding’ in pulsar searching, presenting a novel, efficient approach designed to optimise the simultaneous folding of large numbers of pulsar candidates. We provide a complete folding pipeline appropriate for large-scale pulsar surveys that includes radio frequency interference mitigation, de-dispersion, folding, and parameter optimisation.

Methods. By leveraging the fast discrete dispersion measure transform (FDMT) algorithm, we have developed an optimised and cache-friendly implementation that we term the pruned FDMT (pFDMT). This implementation is specifically designed for candidate folding scenarios where the candidates are broadly distributed in dispersion measure space. The pFDMT approach efficiently reuses intermediate processing results and prunes the unused computation paths, resulting in a significant reduction in arithmetic operations. In addition, we propose a novel folding algorithm based on the Tikhonov-regularised least squares method that can improve the time resolution of the pulsar profile.

Results. We present the performance of its real-world application as an integral part of two major pulsar search projects conducted with the MeerKAT telescope: the MPIfR-MeerKAT Galactic Plane Survey (MMGPS) and the Transients and Pulsars with MeerKAT (TRAPUM) project. In our processing of approximately 500 candidates, the theoretical number of de-dispersion operations can be reduced by a factor of around 50 when compared to brute-force de-dispersion, which scales with the number of candidates.
Assessment of Soil and Water Properties in the Central Marshes Southern Iraq
Authors: Kareem Riyam R. , Jahanger Zuhair K.
Published: September 2023

The Central Marshes are one of southern Iraq's most important wetlands and ecosystems. A study on evaluating soil quality and water quality in terms of chemical properties at certain sites in the southern Iraqi Central Marshes has been conducted to investigate their types and suitability for enhancing the agricultural reality of most field crops. Soil and water samples were collected from 15 sites and transferred to the laboratory. In the lab, the following parameters were determined: electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved salts (TDS), organic materials (OM), pH, gypsum, and total sulfate content (SO3). The tests conducted on the samples indicated that it could be said that the soil of the Central Marshes is dark blackish-gray silty clay or clayey silt soil and revealed that most of the southern marshlands are suitable for planting different crops. Analysis of the results may have a role in designing and planning upcoming projects such as construction and agriculture, which would have to enlighten the decision maker.
Evaluation of the Bearing Capacity of the Board Pile in Collapsible Soil using A Laboratory Model
Authors: Mohsen Abeer H. , Albusoda Bushra S.
Published: September 2023

The pile’s ultimate capacity or failure load must be computed by some criteria using load-settlement curve data gathered during the pile load test. Many scholars have proposed several approaches for evaluating the pile’s ultimate capacity in the past. This study compared different failure criteria to predict the ultimate load capacity for piles with two different lengths-to-diameter ratios embedded in gypseous soil with gypsum content of 60% under soaked and unsoaked conditions. Two types of piles were used. Floating pile and end-bearing pile. Davisson, Brinch Hansen’s 80 percent, Chin-Kondner, Mazurkiewicz’s, and Brinch Hansen’s 90 methods that were used in this study predict a higher value of the ultimate pile capacity, whereas the Decourt Extrapolation method gave fluctuated value. Fuller and Hoy’s, Butler and Hoy’s methods give far away value from realistic. On the other hand, Shen’s, ASTM, Terzaghi, and DeBeer’s methods predicted an acceptable and realistic value. The failure criterion of (15%D) where (D) is pile diameter according to(ASTM D-1143) was adopted in this type of soil.
Effect of Machine Foundation Stresses on Gravity Retaining Wall Using FEM
Authors: Hassan Fatima M. , Zakraia Waad A.
Published: September 2023

The dynamic reaction of the natural type of retaining wall is quite complex. Wall development and pressure rely upon the reaction of the soil underneath a retaining wall and the reaction of the backfill. The greater part of the present knowledge of the dynamic reaction of the wall has originated from the model test and numerical analysis. This paper aims to know the behavior of the retaining wall and the backfill. Also, under the effect of machine foundation, numerical modeling is used concerning a method of finite element. Two amplitudes of machine foundation subjected to three frequencies were used. The model used in the finite element was the linear elastic model (LE) for foundation and the Mohr-Coulomb model (MC) for soil. The results of this analysis for the amplitude of 25 kPa, the lateral displacement was 75% more than the active for the case of the amplitude of 40 kPa, the lateral displacement was 125% more than the active, and for the case of the velocity of 30 mm /sec very far higher than the maximum permissible velocity is 2.5 mm/sec and the acceleration was decreased by 52% between machine foundation and retaining wall.
Enhancing the ability of the square footing to resist positive and negative eccentric-inclined loading using an inclined skirt
Authors: Salah Alhalbusi Ghazwan , Al-Saidi A’amal A.H.
Published: September 2023

Laboratory model tests were performed to investigate the behavior of shallow and inclined skirted foundations placed on sandy soil with R.D%=30 and the extent of the impact of the positive and negative eccentric-inclined loading effect on them. To achieve the experimental tests it was used a box of (600*600)mm cross-sectional and 600mm in height and a square footing of (50*50)mm and 10mm in thickness attached to the skirt with Ds=0.5B and various an angle of (10°,20°,30°). The results showed that using skirts leads to a significant improvement in load-carrying capacity and decreased settlement in addition when the skirt angle increased, the ultimate load improved. load-carrying capacity decreased with increasing eccentricity and load inclination For load inclination (Beta) 15° when the eccentricity changed from e=0.15B to e=0.05B the load improvement percentages were (323.2% to 263%) and (214% to 220%) and settlement reduction factor was (83% to 78%) and (62% to 58%) for positive and negative eccentric-inclined loading, respectively also the result showed the effect of positive on the reduction of soil-bearing capacity is more than negative. Increasing eccentricity increases the improvement percentage for positive eccentric-inclined load and decreases for the case of negative eccentric-inclined load. Increased skirt angle will increase the Improvement factor (IR) When the skirt angle increased from 10° to 30° for an improved foundation with load angles of 5°, 10°, and 15° the improvement factor (IR) increased from (2.53, 2.51, 2.4) to (3.45, 3.65, 3.97) and (2.43, 2.58, 2.54) to (4, 4.63, 5.3) for both negative and positive eccentric-inclined load respectively and settlement reduction factor for load angle 15° and skirt angle increase from 10° to 30° were 34% and 27% for positive and negative eccentric-inclined load respectively. the (IR) for positive eccentric-inclined load is more than the negative eccentric-inclined load for all cases, in addition, the skirt angle of 30° showed a significant improvement in the improvement factor (IR).
The Influence of Polypropylene Fiber and Silica Fume on the Mechanical Properties of No-Fine Concrete with Recycled Aggregate
Authors: Fawzi Ruaa Q. , Awad Hadeel K.
Published: September 2023

No-Fines Concrete is a type of concrete produced without fine aggregate or sand. Because of its high porosity, it allows rainwater to seep into the ground, directly replenishing the groundwater aquifer. With a design load of three tons, no-fine concrete can be utilized as pavement for rural roads. Additionally, this type of concrete can be utilized as a sub-base material in both flexible and rigid pavements. Aside from No-Fines Concrete's permeability properties, asphalt overlays are another option. This research studied the impact of silica fume and polypropylene fiber on the properties of no-fine concrete with recycled aggregate. The ratios of cement to aggregate and water to cement were 1:4 and 0.3, respectively. The recycled aggregate was demolished reactive powder concrete used in percentages of 10, 20, and 30% as a substitution for coarse aggregate by volume. The recycled aggregate percentage of 10% was the optimal percentage as it showed the least adverse effect on the no-fine concrete mixes. The polypropylene fiber was then added to the no-fine concrete mixes with 10% recycled aggregate in the percentages of 0.5, 1, and 1.5% by volume. The optimum percentage of polypropylene fiber was 0.5%, which improved the mechanical properties of no-fine concrete. Silica fume was used as a partial substitution for cement at a percentage of 10% and added to no-fine concrete mix with 10% recycled aggregate. The results show that using 10% silica fume and 0.5% polypropylene fiber with 10% recycled aggregate increased the splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, compressive strength, and modulus of elasticity by (22.54 and 40.32%), (22.22 and 35%), (21 and 35.37%), and (22 and 38.19%) compared to reference mix (NC) and the no-fine concrete mix with 10% recycled aggregate (RNC10), respectively. In comparison, the dry density was higher by (1.34%) than RNC10 and lower by (0.68%) than NC.
Effect of Recycled Aggregate Concrete and Steel Fibers on the Fresh Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete
Authors: Mohammed Van R. , Abdulhaleem Khamees N. , Hamada Hussein M. , Humada Ali M. , Majdi Ali
Published: September 2023

Globally, the amount of solid waste is constantly increasing, and its disposal is one of the critical issues in recent research studies. Concrete waste includes the rubble of demolished buildings, whether old buildings or those that have been subjected to earthquakes, etc. This research project aims to improve sustainability in the construction industry by recycling and reusing coarse aggregate that was previously used in concrete buildings. The objective is to utilize this recycled material to produce self-compacting concrete (SCC) and assess its performance in its fresh state. By finding new ways to repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste, this research contributes to developing environmentally friendly practices and reducing the industry's carbon footprint. Furthermore, evaluating the performance of the recycled coarse aggregate in SCC will provide insights into its potential for future use in construction projects, which could ultimately lead to cost savings and improved efficiency in the industry. Recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) was used as a substitute for the natural coarse aggregate (NCA) with volume ratios of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%, and steel fibers (SF) were added to the concrete with different volumes ratios (0, 0.5, and 1 %). Workability tests such as slump flow, V-funnel, and L-box tests were carried out for the mixtures in their fresh state. In general, the results of the experimental work showed that the fresh properties indicated that almost all SCC mixtures were within the specified range, as stated in EFNARC requirements.
Experimental Study on the Behavior of Axially Loaded Reinforced Concrete Square Columns Strengthened with SIFCON Shell
Authors: Adnan Noor , Alwash Nameer A. , Kadhum Mohammed M.
Published: September 2023

Slurry infiltrated fiber concrete (SIFCON) is an advanced generation of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) with higher fiber content. SIFCON offers excellent potential for use in areas that require high ductility and impact resistance, particularly when designing seismic retrofits and repairing or strengthening structural reinforced concrete members. This study investigated the behavior of square normal strength concrete (NSC) columns of grade M35 strengthened with SIFCON shell and compared them with unstrengthen NSC. The effect of different SIFCON shell thicknesses (2 and 3) cm, fiber type and volume fraction (4 and 6%), and tie spacing (8 and 16) cm were studied. The fiber types employed were polypropylene and hooked-end steel fiber. Eleven columns were cast and tested for the current investigation in two groups, where the first group (control specimens) consists of two unstrengthen NSC columns and one square NSC column strengthened with a 2 cm SIFCON shell with a 6% steel fiber ratio. The second group comprises eight NSC columns strengthened with a hybrid fiber SIFCON shell. The NSC square columns had dimensions of (8x8x80) cm. 3 cm SIFCON shell thickness was observed to evolve the strengthen columns' load-carrying capacity and energy absorption. The maximum load achieved is about 223% as compared with unstrengthened NSC columns. The energy absorption was about 16 times that of the control. At the same time, the stiffness of strengthened columns is less than that of NSC columns.
Hybrid Curved Precast Deep Beams Composed Partially from Concrete Made with Recycled Concrete Aggregate
Authors: Shakir Qasim M. , Alghazali Asmaa F.
Published: September 2023

The present work presents the results of the experimental investigation of using crushed concrete as recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) and new models of hybrid deep beams. Six specimens of deep beams have been tested under static loads: two specimens as controls and three hybrid specimens with different types of hybridization models for concrete sections (horizontal, curved, and arched). This study aims to search for the optimum distribution of the concrete types for the hybrid deep beams such that the lowest cost is obtained and the RCA obtained from building demolition waste is introduced into the concrete mixes at 100%. The behavior has been tracked by the cracking and failure loads, loading history, crack width, and toughness. It was found that the capacities increased by 7.7, 18.7, 17.2, and 28.2%, respectively, in the horizontal, curved, arched, and arched with inclined stirrups hybrid models compared to the control specimen with RCA. Moreover, toughness was enhanced for the same specimens by 50.9, 71.1, 100.5, and 144.6%, respectively, compared to the control specimen with RCA.
Effect of High RAP Content on Marshal Performance of Hot Asphalt Mixture for Surface and Binder Layers
Authors: Kareem Zynab M. , Abed Alaa H.
Published: September 2023

Recently, the exhaustion of new aggregates and the rising price of " raw materials" have caused the increasing exploitation of "reclaimed asphalt pavement "(RAP) in pavement construction and rehabilitation. It is being reported that the usage of RAP does not only reduce the cost of pavement construction projects due to the less consumption of asphalt and aggregate but also saves land resources and greatly protects the environment, Where the same materials used in the construction of the original highway system can be reused to rebuild, repair and maintain it. Where appropriate, recycled Aggregates and other highway construction materials make a good economy; in the" environmental and engineering' sense, with supply limited and demand increasing, HMA producers have begun the use of "Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement" (RAP) as a value component of the" HMA." For this reason, there is renewed interest in increasing the amount of RAP used in hot mix asphalt (HMA). Although many factors affect the use of RAP in asphalt paving, the two main factors are "Economic savings " and " Environmental benefits." RAP is a useful alternative to raw materials. It reduces the use of virgin aggregates and the amount of "virgin asphalt binder required HMA productions, this study highlight how RAP impacts environmental and economic terms through the use of different percentages of RAP (10, 15, 20, and 25%) from the total weight of the mixture for the surface layer, and the change of (30, 40, 50, and 60%) of the total weight of the mixture for the binder layer used in the "HMA-RAP" composition that was heated at a temperature of “150°C” and then mixed with a total temperature of “170-180°C” plus asphalt at a temperature of “153°C” so the new mixing temperature, obtained at “148- 153 ° C" to obtain the ideal recovery of the reclamation, where the asphalt binder is restored rheological properties as this temperature is considered the recovery point of the asphalt binder. The results of mixing different ratios of RAP in the hot mixture showed that a large amount could be mixed in both layers and does not exceed (20%) in the surface layer and (50%) in the bond layer. This is because the Marshall stability was the highest possible during these ratios. As for increasing or decreasing these ratios, it led to a decrease in Marshall stability. The test results showed that with the increase of the amount of RAP in the mixture asphalt, the optimum value of the asphalt level (OAC) included in the asphalt mixture decreased as the percentage of asphalt used in the surface layer was reduced from (4.9 to 3.92%) When adding 20% of the RAP, and (4.6 to 2.3%) When adding (50%) of the RAP for the binder layer. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in the cost of asphalt, which is included in the asphalt mixture, and the results showed that the mixture stability to the influence of water, changes in temperature, and bonds between new materials (asphalt and aggregate) with RAP material was still good.
Advancements and Challenges in the Use of Cold Mix Asphalt for Sustainable and Cost-Effective Pavement Solutions
Authors: Al-Hashimi Zahraa , Al-Busaltan Shakir , Al-Abbas Bahaa
Published: September 2023

Even with the high advancement of the pavement industry, the use of traditional hot mix asphalt (HMA) for pavement construction and maintenance is associated with high energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and production costs. As a result, researchers and industrial practitioners aspire to use cold mix asphalt (CMA) as an alternative that offers environmental and economic benefits. This paper provides an overview of the advancements and challenges in using CMA for sustainable and cost-effective pavement solutions. The paper reviews portrays, and discloses CMA’s recent benefits, such as reduced energy consumption, lower emissions, and enhanced durability. Additionally, the paper addresses the challenges associated with using CMA, including its limited application areas and potential performance issues. It discusses the strategies being developed to overcome these challenges. Furthermore, the paper concludes with recommendations for the future of research and industry development of CMA to further promotion. Meanwhile, it is finalizing the current sight for using CMA as a sustainable, cost-effective pavement solution.
Investigation of Shear Strength of Subbase-Subgrade Interface with Geosynthetics Reinforcement Utilizing A Large-Scale Direct Shear Test
Authors: Banyhussan Qais S. , hassan Hanan A. , Hamad Badr A.
Published: September 2023

Geosynthetics are being used to strengthen road pavement. Geosynthetic inclusions improve pavement carrying capacity, maintenance costs, highway service life, reflective cracks, and undesirable large lateral and vertical deformations. The primary purpose of this research is to determine the effectiveness of geosynthetics (geogrids and geotextiles) in stabilizing the subgrade and reinforcing the base course layers in unpaved test sections. Determine the mechanical interaction of subgrade soils (clay and sand) and aggregate road base layers (subbase) with and without reinforcement. Compute the shear strength parameters (cohesion, friction angle, and interface coefficient factor). Therefore, Large-scale direct shear experiments in the laboratory were performed on subbase-subgrade materials with and without geosynthetics, under the applying normal of stresses (25, 50, 75, and 100) kPa, indicating the quantity overburden the pressure in paving. The present research uses a large-scale direct shear apparatus with an up square box (200 mm×200 mm×100 mm) and a bottom rectangular box (200 mm×250 mm×100 mm). A direct shear test was implemented by manufacturing this equipment. The results obtained from experiments showed that biaxial geogrid G1 has the best behavior for both (subbase-clay) and (subbase-sand) and has an interface shear coefficient factor more significant than unity and equal to 1.05 and 1.02, respectively.
Assessment of Reasons for Driver Speeding and Estimation of Penalty Probability
Authors: Al-Rubaee R. H. A. , Shubber A. A. M.
Published: September 2023

Road safety is a global issue that requires a scientific approach to develop safety research methodologies that lead to sound conclusions. Regarding driver behavior and safety, speed is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents, injuries, and deaths. Speed is, therefore, one of the most studied issues related to road safety. The main objective of this study is to identify the frequency and reasons for a driver speeding in Baghdad city. In addition, drivers have been evaluated in terms of penalty probabilities, penalties imposed, and their type. Finally, this paper also investigated drivers' opinions on the effectiveness of such penalties in changing speed behavior. Eight hundred sixteen drivers were the studied sample in Baghdad city for three years. As a result, it was found that about one-third of the drivers were either driving too fast all the time or sometimes. Among the particular reasons, the most common was the rush, not realizing the speed, limits were too low, or the conditions allowed it. Similarly, the chances of getting caught are considered limited. Additionally, half of the penalized drivers said their speed habits changed due to such penalties. A speeding driver is fully aware that they are violating traffic rules. Approximately 80% of the circumstances for speeding behavior were intended. They are unaware of the dangers of speeding, citing speed limits that are too low and that it is customary when road conditions permit.
Enhancement of Rutting Resistance for HMA Pavement Layers by Incorporating with SBS Modified Asphalt and A High Percentage of RAP
Authors: Kareem Zynab M. , Abed Alaa H.
Published: September 2023

The loss of natural resources is one of the growing problems due to the inability to replace these resources on the one hand, and environmental pollution resulting from damage to asphalt pavements on the other hand. So the use of RAP in asphalt mixture has been promoted. The research addressed the inclusion of RAP in bulk and its effect on the resistance of asphalt mixtures to "RUTTING" as one of the most important problems. What mixtures are exposed to during high-temperature cycles where there are four different percentages of RAP (10, 15, 20, 25%), (30, 40, 50, 60%) and (40, 50, 60, 70%) For each of the three paving layers (surface, bond, base) respectively. Four samples were taken at three different temperatures (45, 55, and 70) degrees Celsius of asphalt mixtures for each of the three pavement layers. Various types of asphalt bonds have been used. To evaluate mixtures during the Hamburg Wheel Track test at different temperatures. The results indicated an improvement in the corrosion resistance of the mixture with the inclusion of RAP. The resistance of the asphalt mixture increased when SBS asphalt was used, which improved the mechanical properties of the asphalt mixtures. The experimental results of the Hamburg wheel test also showed a significant improvement in "Rutting Resistance" when RAP was added at its optimum value. For each of the three layers (surface, binder, base), the use of SBS modified asphalt reduces permanent deformation of the asphalt mixture.
Evaluation of Indirect Tensile Strength of an Experimental Highway Section Containing Additives
Authors: Al-Mosawy Rusul F. , Al-Obaedi Jalal T.
Published: September 2023

Many researchers tried to improve asphalt mixtures by substituting small amounts of binder with additives to decrease distress. Since highway pavements are usually subjected to various types of distress due to exposed to high traffic volume and environmental factors. One of the most popular additions in several states is SBS. In recent years, an experimental section within the Basra-Baghdad expressway within Al-Diwaniyah province has been paved using SBS with a length of 1.2 km with different SBS percentages. This paper examines the indirect tensile strength (ITS) of the layers of pavements for sample cores taken from these sections within Al-Diwaniyah. This represents the first local experimental work for the evaluation of using additives for asphalt pavements out of laboratory conditions. So far, the results indicated a substantial increase. The ITS results have been increased by about 25% with an SBS of 6% compared with the case of no additives. Further research work will be followed to examine the rutting resistance for samples taken from the same sites and the tensile strength ratio (TSR).
Evaluation and Analysis of Al-Matar Road (Ring Road) In Al- Najaf City
Authors: Rwadhah Dhuha K. , Al-Jameel Hamid A.
Published: September 2023

Assessing and comprehending the degree of service rendered by diverse transportation infrastructures is of utmost significance for individuals responsible for designing and managing traffic networks. The current study was carried out on the principal urban road named Al-Matar, situated in Al-Najaf City. The methodology involves collecting data regarding the geographic location and implementing traffic surveys, which can include various metrics, including traffic volume, travel time, and free flow speed. The Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) has been designated for evaluating the functional effectiveness of various urban streets. The research findings indicate that the time of travel could be mainly used as an indicator for measuring performance during peak hours or off-peak hours. Additionally, the study observed that U-turns have a significant influence on both travel time and speed. The results indicated the crucial effect of U-turn on the city's operational performance on the ring road.
DFT and SCAPS-1D calculations of FASnI3-based perovskite solar cell using ZnO as an electron transport layer
Authors: El Arfaoui Youssef , Khenfouch Mohammed , Habiballah Nabil
Published: September 2023

In this work, we used both DFT and TDDFT to investigate the structural, electronic and optical properties of the Hybrid Organic-Inorganic FASnI3 perovskite. Indeed, we apply the DFT approach implemented under Quantum Espresso code to investigate and discuss the solar perovskite FASnI3 applying the calculation approximations: GGA-PBE and GGA-PBESol. When applying the PBE approximation, the band structure demonstrates that this perovskite has a direct band gap of (1.36 eV), which agrees well with the results of the existing experiments. The DOS and PDOS have been illustrated and discussed for the two cases. We have also examined including the spin-orbit coupling effect on the band gap of this material, in addition, the optical properties of FASnI3 have been computed and discussed. The band gap and optical properties allowed us to assume that this material could potentially be the best match for photovoltaic use. Further, applying SCAPS software, an n-i-p planar FASnI3 solar perovskite device was modeled and simulated. The device performances have simulated with (ZnO, ZnS, ZnSe, TiO2 and CdS) materials as an Electron Transport Layers. It is found that various factors influencing the device performance such as the thickness of the FASnI3, different ETLs. Moreover, the impact of temperature, the impact of active layer defect level and doping level were also investigated and discussed. The simulation results demonstrates that high efficiency of 28.13% can be produced with a thickness of FASnI3 absorber around 600 nm, and a total defect density of 1014cm−3 with (ZnO) as an ETL at a temperature of 300k. Finally, these theoretical simulation results could pave the path to design and fabricate efficient, lead-free PSCs.
Adaptive cooperative secure control of networked multiple unmanned systems under FDI attacks
Authors: Zhang Yanhui , Mei Di , Xu Yong , Dou Lihua
Published: September 2023

With the expanding applications of multiple unmanned systems in various fields, more and more research attention has been paid to their security. The aim is to enhance the anti-interference ability, ensure their reliability and stability, and better serve human society. This article conducts adaptive cooperative secure tracking consensus of networked multiple unmanned systems subjected to false data injection attacks. From a practical perspective, each unmanned system is modeled using high-order unknown nonlinear discrete-time systems. To reduce the communication bandwidth between agents, a quantizer-based codec mechanism is constructed. This quantizer uses a uniform logarithmic quantizer, combining the advantages of both quantizers. Because the transmission information attached to the false data can affect the accuracy of the decoder, a new adaptive law is added to the decoder to overcome this difficulty. A distributed controller is devised in the backstepping framework. Rigorous mathematical analysis shows that our proposed control algorithms ensure that all signals of the resultant systems remain bounded. Finally, simulation examples reveal the practical utility of the theoretical analysis.
Visualization of Patient-Generated Health Data: A Scoping Review of Dashboard Designs
Authors: Shenvi Edna , Boxwala Aziz , Sittig Dean , Zott Courtney , Lomotan Edwin , Swiger James , Dullabh Prashila
Published: September 2023

Background Patient-centered clinical decision support (PC CDS) aims to assist with tailoring decisions to an individual patient's needs. Patient-generated health data (PGHD), including physiologic measurements captured frequently by automated devices, provide important information for PC CDS. The volume and availability of such PGHD is increasing, but how PGHD should be presented to clinicians to best aid decision-making is unclear.

Objectives Identify best practices in visualizations of physiologic PGHD, for designing a software application as a PC CDS tool.

Methods We performed a scoping review of studies of PGHD dashboards that involved clinician users in design or evaluations. We included only studies that used physiologic PGHD from single patients for usage in decision-making.

Results We screened 468 titles and abstracts, 63 full-text papers, and identified 15 articles to include in our review. Some research primarily sought user input on PGHD presentation; other studies garnered feedback only as a side effort for other objectives (e.g., integration with electronic health records [EHRs]). Development efforts were often in the domains of chronic diseases and collected a mix of physiologic parameters (e.g., blood pressure and heart rate) and activity data. Users' preferences were for data to be presented with statistical summaries and clinical interpretations, alongside other non-PGHD data. Recurrent themes indicated that users desire longitudinal data display, aggregation of multiple data types on the same screen, actionability, and customization. Speed, simplicity, and availability of data for other purposes (e.g., documentation) were key to dashboard adoption. Evaluations were favorable for visualizations using common graphing or table formats, although best practices for implementation have not yet been established.

Conclusion Although the literature identified common themes on data display, measures, and usability, more research is needed as PGHD usage grows. Ensuring that care is tailored to individual needs will be important in future development of clinical decision support.
Experience Using Gentian Violet-Free Dyes for Tissue Visualization
Authors: Matano Fumihiro , Murai Yasuo , Nounaka Yohei , Higuchi Tadashi , Mihara Riku , Isayama Koshiro , Morita Akio
Published: September 2023

Background Gentian violet ink is used as a skin marker in various surgical procedures, including neurosurgery. The dye is also used to visualize the edges of blood vessels during bypass surgery. However, gentian violet ink carries the risks of carcinogenicity and venous injury, which causes microvascular thrombosis. In this study, we compare the gentian violet–free dye C.I. Basic Violet 4 (BV4) and gentian violet. The usefulness, in terms of color, and formation of microvascular thrombosis in anastomosis were compared.

Methods We used the gentian violet–free dye in 20 cases involving 3 vascular anastomoses. The bone cutting lines on the bone surface, superior temporal artery, and middle cerebral artery were drawn using BV4 and gentian violet ink.

Results The colors of BV4 and gentian violet ink were similar. No thrombus formation was observed at the vascular anastomosis when using BV4.

Conclusion BV4 can be used similarly to gentian violet ink. No adverse effects such as thrombus formation in microvascular anastomosis were experienced when BV4 was used.
Orbital Arteriovenous Fistula Causing Only Visual Impairment due to Compression of the Optic Nerve by the Dilated Superior Ophthalmic Vein
Authors: Hirano Yudai , Ono Hideaki , Shojima Masaaki , Abe Motoo , Tanishima Takeo , Tamura Akira , Saito Isamu
Published: September 2023

Orbital arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a rare disease, and its standard therapeutic strategy has not been established. A 70-year-old male consulted an ophthalmologist due to a visual field defect in his left eye. Neurological findings showed visual impairment but no symptoms such as exophthalmos, conjunctival congestion, or diplopia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed marked dilation of the left superior ophthalmic vein (SOV). Cerebral angiography revealed an AVF that was limited to the left orbit. The feeder was a branch of the ophthalmic artery that originated from the first portion, and the drainer was the SOV, which was meandering and significantly dilated. Since the only symptom was visual impairment, the etiology was considered to be compression of the optic nerve due to a dilated SOV rather than increased venous pressure. Transvenous embolization via the facial vein was performed, and a visual field examination 1 week after the operation revealed marked improvement. Orbital AVF that develops only with visual impairment is extremely rare. As demonstrated with this case, coil embolization for proper position and reduction of the venous pressure, which relieves compression on the optic nerve, may be useful in improving the visual impairment.
An Overview of Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Parkinsonian Syndromes
Authors: Talman Lauren , Safarpour Delaram
Published: September 2023

Gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction is a common nonmotor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD) as well as other parkinsonian syndromes and may precede the onset of motor symptoms by decades. Involvement of all segments of the GI tract can lead to altered responses to medications and worsened quality of life for patients. While some GI symptoms occur in isolation, others overlap. Therefore, understanding the changes in different segments of the GI tract and how they relate to altered responses to PD treatment can guide both diagnostic and pharmacological interventions. Gut microbiota plays a critical role in immune activity and modulation of the enteric and central nervous systems. Understanding this bidirectional relationship helps to elucidate the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration. This review will describe the current understanding of how GI dysfunction develops in parkinsonian syndromes, common symptoms in PD and related disorders, and available treatments.
Preoperative Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Supratentorial Intra-Axial Brain Tumors: Its Role in Predicting Tumor Histology and Prognosis as well in Surgical Planning and Resection
Authors: Singh Ajay , Jain Gaurav , Sharma Vinod , Singh Shaveta
Published: September 2023

Objective There are a large number of prospective studies that use diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to show the relationship between intracranial tumors and white matter (WM) fibers. We studied the role of DTI in supratentorial intra-axial (ST-IA) tumors of the brain in deciding the surgical approach with maximal resection and minimal or no deficit and in predicting the histological characterization of the tumor and the neurological outcome.

Methods A total of 91 cases of ST-IA tumors were included in our study. The neurological status of the patients was assessed preoperatively, and the tumor volume and DTI pattern were noted radiologically. Surgical plan was decided by the senior consultants of the neurosurgery department taking into consideration the findings of tractography and magnetic resonance imaging. The neurological status and the extent of resection were evaluated postoperatively, and the correlation between histopathology with DTI was studied.

Results Of the 91 patients, 25 had high-grade glioma (HGG), 60 had low-grade glioma (LGG), and 6 were metastatic lesions. Gross total excisions were done mostly in patients with DTI showing displaced fibers and subtotal/partial resections were done mostly in disrupted/infiltrated tracts, which was statistically significant. The correlation between histopathology and tractography revealed that intact/displaced tracts were seen mostly in LGG (79%), whereas 86% of HGG showed disrupted/infiltrated fibers; both were statistically significant.

Conclusion Preoperative DTI in ST-IA brain tumors is an important tool for deciding the appropriate surgical approach for maximal safe resection, thus improving the post-op neurological outcome in patients. It also helps in predicting the tumor histology while also serving as an important prognostication indicator.