bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The low permeability of the Earth’s Precambrian crust
Authors: Ferguson Grant , McIntosh Jennifer , Warr Oliver , Sherwood Lollar Barbara
Published: September 2023

The large volume of deep groundwater in the Precambrian crust has only recently been understood to be relatively hydrogeologically isolated from the rest of the hydrologic cycle. The paucity of permeability measurements in Precambrian crust below 1.3 km is a barrier to modeling fluid flow and solute transport in these low porosity and permeability deep environments. Whether permeability-depth relationships derived from measurements shallower than 1.3 km can be extended to greater depths in unclear. Similarly, application of a widely-used permeability-depth relationship from prograde metamorphic and geothermal systems to deep Precambrian rocks may not be appropriate. Here, we constrain permeabilities for Precambrian crust to depths of 3.3 km based on fluid residence times estimated from noble gas analyses. Our analysis shows no statistically significant relationship between permeability and depth where only samples below 1 km are considered, challenging previous assumptions of exponential decay. Additionally, we show that estimated permeabilities at depths >1 km are at least an order of magnitude lower than some previous estimates and possibly much lower. As a consequence, water and solute fluxes at these depths will be extremely limited, imposing important controls on elemental cycling, distribution of subsurface microbial life and connections with the near-surface water cycle.
A-site defective La2−xCuO4 perovskite-type oxides for efficient oxidation of cyclohexylbenzene
Authors: Xiao Yanlin , Zhong Lingyu , Fan Guoli , Li Feng
Published: September 2023

A-site defective La2−xCuO4 perovskites exhibited excellent catalytic performance for the oxidation of cyclohexylbenzene to cyclohexylbenzene-1-hydroperoxide.
Delocalized CS decorates a 3D sp2-hybridized carbon skeleton for superior charge transfer kinetics of anodes
Authors: Wang Fei , Liu Zhendong , Xiang Zhijie , Zhang Chengzhi , Lu Anbang , Qi Fulai , Tan Jun , Liu Jinshui
Published: September 2023

Delocalized CS decorated carbon materials (CS/HCSs) promote spatial π-electron conjugation and the formation of spatial C–C hybridization. The CS/HCSs delivered fast 3D charge transfer for superior performance in rechargeble batteries.
High-sulfated derivative of polysaccharide fromUlva pertusaimproves Adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome by suppressing oxidative stress
Authors: Wan Yuzhou , Wang Shaopeng , Chen Kexu , Liu Lin , Wang Xiaoqian , Zhang Bo , Hu Lin , Liu Shunmei , Zhao Tingting , Qi Huimin
Published: September 2023

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is characterized by proteinuria, hyperlipidemia, and hypoalbuminemia.
KI-mediated three-component annelation for the regioselective synthesis of angular azolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives
Authors: Guo Yimei , Sun Zhenhua , He Xiaodan , Cao Penghui , Fan Guangping , Gao Qinghe
Published: September 2023

A straightforward and regioselective avenue to angular azolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives via the three-component cyclization of aldehydes and α-aminoazoles with cycloketones.
A reaction-based scenario for fluorescence probing of Au(iii) ions in human cells and plants
Authors: Eren Merve Çevik , Eren Ahmet , Dartar Suay , Kaya Beraat Umur , Üçüncü Muhammed , Varlikli Canan , Karakaya Hüseyin Çağlar , Emrullahoğlu Mustafa
Published: September 2023

In the presence of gold ions, a BODIPY construct with an extended π-conjugation transforms into a new structure with a relatively short π-system, which can be monitored as distinct changes in the color of the emission in plants and human cells.
A review of polymers in sulfide-based hybrid solid-state electrolytes for all-solid-state lithium batteries
Authors: Kim Minjae , Seo Junhyeok , Suba Jeanie Pearl Dizon , Cho Kuk Young
Published: September 2023

The practical application of hybrid solid-state electrolytes involves the incorporation of polymers. This review focuses on the fabrication process of sheet-type solid-state electrolytes utilizing appropriate polymer binders.
Controlling the efficient and ultralong room-temperature phosphorescence of 9H-dibenzo[a,c]carbazole derivatives for erasable light printing
Authors: Cai Wei , Zuo Lingqi , Feng Shiya , Hu Pengtao , Wei Hengshan , Zhang Zhexian , Wu Hongru , Wang Leyu , Wang Yuhai , Shi Guang , Xu Bingjia
Published: September 2023

Two polymer systems containing 9H-dibenzo[a,c]carbazole derivatives showed phosphorescence quantum yields and lifetimes of up to 13.5% and 3.01 s after photoactivation.
Amidinoquinoxaline N-oxides: synthesis and activity against anaerobic bacteria
Authors: Gruber Nadia , Fernández-Canigia Liliana , Kilimciler Natalia B. , Stipa Pierluigi , Bisceglia Juan A. , García María B. , Gonzalez Maglio Daniel H. , Paz Mariela L. , Orelli Liliana R.
Published: September 2023

Amidinoquinoxaline N-oxides 1 show high antianaerobic activity, with CIM significantly lower than metronidazole in six cases, along with low cytotoxicity and promising ADME profiles. These nitrones represent a promising alternative to metronidazole.
pH-Sensitive nanodiamond co-delivery of retinal and doxorubicin boosts breast cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Cui Jicheng , Hu Bo , Fu Yuejun , Xu Zhengkun , Li Yingqi
Published: September 2023

A NPA@D system, which provides a potential platform for cancer therapy, is prepared based on ATR and DOX simultaneously loaded on nanodiamonds.
Lateral electric field switching in thin ferroelectric nematic liquid crystal cells
Authors: Hsiao Yu-Tung , Nys Inge , Neyts Kristiaan
Published: September 2023

Permanent polarization orients antiparallel to the rubbing direction or parallel to the electric field.
Synthesis and characterization of fluorescent gold clusters encapsulated in PNIPAM and PAAM hydrogels for selective detection of mercury in water
Authors: Monti Gustavo A. , Pino Gustavo A. , Acevedo Diego
Published: September 2023

AuNCs supported on PNIPAM and PAAM polymer matrices were synthesized and characterized. Nanomaterials are selective and sensitive to detect mercury in water by fluorescence.
Synchronization of Boolean networks with chaos‐driving and its application in image cryptosystem
Authors: Yan Peng‐Fei , Zhang Hao , Zhang Chuan , Chang Rui‐Yun , Sun Yu‐Jie
Published: September 2023

This paper proposes a Boolean network model with high dimensional chaos driving and investigates the synchronization of the chaos‐driven Boolean network with a semi‐tensor product. In order to protect the privacy and ensure the security of image transmission, the synchronization results are utilized in the image cryptosystem to achieve compression and encryption. First, the driving chaos system is coupled with multiple local systems and synchronized with the transmitted encrypted signals. Second, the Boolean network is driven and synchronized with derived chaos signals. Finally, images are encrypted and compressed with chaos‐driven Boolean network signals in the transmitter, and then decrypted and recovered with synchronized chaos and Boolean network signals in the recipient. Because of the complexities of high dimensional chaos and Boolean network, the proposed cryptosystem has good security in the secure communication and image process.
The inner dust shell of Betelgeuse seen with high-angular-resolution polarimetry
Authors: Haubois X. , van Holstein R. G. , Milli J. , Pinte C. , López-Ariste A. , Mathias Ph. , Kervella P. , Perrin G. , Montargès M.
Published: September 2023

Context. The characteristics of the innermost layer of dust winds from red supergiants have not been identified. In 2019–2020, Betelgeuse exhibited an important dimming event that has been partially attributed to dust formation, highlighting the importance of understanding dust properties in the first stellar radii from the photosphere.

Aims. We aim to detect and characterize the inner dust environment of Betelgeuse at high spatial resolution.

Methods. We obtained SPHERE/ZIMPOL and SPHERE/IRDIS linear polarimetric observations from January 2019, before the dimming event, and compared them to a grid of synthetic radiative transfer models.

Results. We detect a structure that is relatively centro-symmetric with a 60 mas diameter (1.3–1.4 stellar diameter). We computed synthetic images using radiative transfer modeling assuming a spherical dust shell composed of MgSiO3 grains. We find that most of the data are best reproduced with a dust shell whose outer radius is approximately 10 AU (i.e., ~2 stellar radii) and a maximum grain size in the 0.4–0.6 µm range. These results are close to the ones we obtained from 2013 NACO/SAMPOL data, indicating that the shell radius and grain size can show some stability for at least 6 yr despite morphological changes of the dust shell. The residuals after the subtraction of the best-fitting centro-symmetric model suggest complex asymmetric density structures and photospheric effects.
Silica Fume Influence on Behavior of Expansive Soil
Authors: Mohammed Adnan Q. , Mehsin Alyaa R. , Al-Hadidi Maysam Th.
Published: September 2023

In this investigation, silica fume (SF) was used as an additive material to study its influence on the characteristics of expansive soil. The soil used in this research was prepared in a lab by mingling bentonite (50 percent by soil dry weight) with natural soil. According to (USCS), the prepared soil was classified as (CH) with a liquid limit of 67.5 percent and a plastic limit of 29.3%. Expansive soil was mixed with different percentages of (SF), (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13%), and experiments were conducted for treated and untreated soil to examine the impact of (SF) on Atterberg's limits, compressibility, swelling, and shear strength parameters. The outcome of this test shows that the use of silica fume raised Atterberg's limits (L.L, P.L, and P.I) and lowered compressibility and swelling percentage, as well as shear strength parameters (c,φ), were altered by increasing the angle of internal friction (φ), and decreased the cohesion (c). From these results, it is concluded that (SF) has a positive effect as an additive material to enhance the geotechnical properties of expansive soil.
Enhancement of Clay Compressibility and Strength Using Nano Magnesium Oxide
Authors: Sadiq Areej S. , Fattah Mohammed Y. , Aswad Mohammed F.
Published: September 2023

In order to satisfy the requirements of environmentally friendly construction projects and minimize greenhouse gas emissions, it was necessary to focus on utilizing nanomaterials instead of conventional materials to enhance clay soils; nano Magnesium Oxide was suggested for this study. The compression and unconfined compressive strength tests were achieved to assess the compressibility behavior and strength of silty clay treated using nano magnesium oxide. Additionally, an investigation into the alteration of the clay microstructure was conducted using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) tests. The silty clay utilized in this research is characterized by a compression index 0.23 and an undrained shear strength of 53 kPa. The soil was treated by adding different percentages of nano-MgO (0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, and 0.8%), and the curing period was seven days. The treated soil samples were prepared based on the optimal water content and maximal dry density of the natural soil. The results indicate that utilization of nano Magnesium Oxide leads to a reduction in both values of the index of compression (Cc) and recompression index (Cr), in addition to a decrease in the value of the coefficient of compressibility (av). Also, the test finding for unconfined compressive strength demonstrates a noticeable increase in strength as the percentage of nano-MgO increases, accompanied by a reduction in failure strain. Adding 0.6% (the optimum percentage) of nano Magnesium oxide enhances the strength by about 114% and decreases the value of the compression index by about 36% compared with natural soil.
Enhancement of Open-Ended Pipe Pile Embedded in Sand Using Steel Collar
Authors: Farhood Kholoud Th. , Abdul–Husain Husain A.
Published: September 2023

The open-ended pipe piles are among the piles that are employed the most frequently because of their advantages, including their ease of transport and resistance to driving stress. It is further distinguished by the fact that the soil column formed inside the pile increases the pile capacity. Numerous ideas have been presented forth in the literature to enhance the performance of these piles. In this study, it is suggested that a steel collar be used at its lowest end to enhance the performance of the pile. Ten experimental tests for piles embedded in loose sand soil were carried out to determine the impact of the collar diameter and length concerning the pile diameter and length. Three diameters, 1.5D, 2D, and 3D, and three length ratios: 10, 20, and 30% were employed. The use of a steel collar improves the load capacity of the pile and reduces settlement, according to the data, although the collar with a diameter of 1.5D and a length of 10% had little effect. According to the study, using a collar with a diameter of 2D and a length of 20% is enough to double pile capacity and prevent the overlapping effect of stress bulbs between neighboring piles. As a result, using such a method minimizes the cost of constructing the foundations because of the reduction in the number of piles required.
Characteristics of Pile Models Injected by Low-Pressure-Injection Laboratory Setup for Chemical Improving Loose Sandy Soil
Authors: Mohammed S. M. , Ahmed M. D.
Published: September 2023

The jet grouting method for soil improvement is a novel geotechnical alternative for enhancing problematic soils where traditional foundation designs cannot provide sustainable solutions. The paper methodology was based on improving loose fine sandy soil using silica fume as a chemical additive added (with 10 percent of the cement weight) to the water and Portland cement mixes with different W/C ratios to produce pile models injected by a low-pressure injection laboratory setup that was designed and locally manufactured for this purpose. The setup design was inspired by previous research works, where its performance was validated by systematically performing unconfined compression tests (UCTs) on samples of the laboratory-injected pile models. Based on the UCTs results, high determination coefficient (R2) mathematical models were developed that related the W/C ratios of the injected mixtures to the basic parameters (cohesion, friction angle, and elasticity modulus) of the grouted pile models, validating the laboratory setup injection efficiency.
Utilization of Eco-Friendly Construction and Demolition Waste Materials in Soil Improvement
Authors: Ali Harith E. , Aljuari Khawla A. , Asmel Nabel K.
Published: September 2023

This study comprehensively assesses using Concrete Waste (CW) and Rubber tire Fly Ash (RFA) eco-recycled materials to enhance the mechanical characteristics of cohesive soil obtained from Al-Araby district in Mosul city/Iraq. These materials are added by 3, 6, 9% CW and 6, 12, 18, and 24% of RFA of soil dry weight and passed sieve (No.40), in addition to adding 3, 6, and 9% cement as an activator to soil-RFA mixture. Several techniques have been used, such as mercury intrusion porosimeter, X-ray diffraction, unconfined compressive strength, water retention ability, and axial sample compressibility. In addition, curing period effects on soil-soil-eco-recycled mixtures have been evaluated. Results showed that 18% RFA had been concluded to be the optimal percentage. Also, adding eco-recycled materials exhibited an alteration in soil pore structure distribution from meso to micro-meso pore size for CW and to predominantly micropore size for RFA, and modifying the treated soil compressive strength properties. At the same time, varied effect on maximum dry density has been observed between the development in CW addition and decrement in RFA, accompanied by decrement in soil compressibility and water retained ability for both eco-recycled materials. Also, a 5.5% cement activator addition to the soil-RFA mixture was the optimum cement activator percentage. The curing period tests of soil treated with (CW) and soil-18%RFA-5.5% cement activator reflected cement’s continuous pozzolanic reaction ability in concrete waste additive and cement activator, respectively.
Influence of Incorporating Waste Glass Powder and Fine Waste Plastic Aggregate on Fresh and Hardened Properties of Structural Concrete
Authors: Saleh Abeer M. , Hama Sheelan M.
Published: September 2023

This research aims to create green concrete with acceptable characteristics by recycling glass and plastic waste together. Cement was partially replaced with a 15% waste glass powder by weight mixture and fine aggregates with a 5% waste plastic crushed mixture. According to the findings, adding glass alone to concrete enhanced its qualities, such as compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, energy capacity, and bond strength, compared to a reference sample. The splitting tensile strength increases with replaced cement by 15% glass by 5.4%. When replacing fine aggregate with 5% fine plastic, splitting strength decreases by 5.4%. Flexural strength increased by 1.6% when adding 15% glass to the reference mixture. On the other hand, replacing sand with plastic for concrete with 15% glass powder led to some properties of concrete being affected downwards.
Effect of Finesse and Type of Aggregate on Flowability and Mechanical Properties of Foamed Concrete
Authors: Al-Ani Husam K. K. , Hilal Ameer A. , Hama Sheelan M.
Published: September 2023

This work’s goal is to investigate the influence of the type and size of fine aggregate on the characteristics of foamed concrete. Foamed concrete was produced, and its fresh and mechanical characteristics were investigated. It was found that the spread diameter decreased when the foam was added to mixes. With regards to sand grading, when the grading of sand decreased, the diameter of the flow decreased also. Strength improved for fineness sand and enabled the production of uniform and pore distribution, which enhanced the foamed concrete's strength. The increase in compressive strength reflects the other properties of concrete, like tensile strength, that also improved.
Comparison Between the Effects of Straight And Hook Steel Fibers on Fresh and Hardened Characteristics of Concrete
Authors: Salman Ban A. , Hassan Rafea F.
Published: September 2023

This research looked into how steel fiber type and concentration influence Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete (SFRC) mechanical properties. According to tests, the percentage of steel fibers in SFRC is directly related to compressive, flexural, splitting tensile, and direct tensile strength. Straight and hooked steel fibers with the same aspect ratio, 13 mm in length and 0.2 mm in width of straight steel fibers, and 35 mm long and 0.55 mm wide hook-end steel fibers were utilized. Three different percentages of fiber were used: 0.5, 1, and 1.5% by volume. Seven variants of concrete with different types and different percentages of steel fiber were created and evaluated. At 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% fiber content, the compressive strength of a cube reinforced with hook steel fibers increased by 1.41, 11.52, and 20.81%, respectively, while the compressive strength of a cube reinforced with straight steel fibers increased by 7.27 and 20%, and 21.4% for the same percentages of steel hooked fiber. This indicates that the straight steel fibers are more effective than the hook steel fibers when increasing the compressive strength of the (SFRC). This means that (pressure force increases, albeit gradually). The concrete's splitting tensile strength may be significantly increased by introducing straight and hook steel fiber into the mixture. The tensile strength is improved by (52.78, 69.44, 122.22%) and (44.44, 62.8, 94.44%) when compared to the control concrete sample. Straight steel fibers increased flexural strength by (44.23, 61.54, 86.54%) compared to the control sample, and hook steel fibers increased flexural strength by (11.54, 28.85, 55.77%). When straight fibers are introduced to the control concrete sample, the direct tensile strength increases by about (54.17, 87.5, 162.5) %, and when hook fibers are added, the direct tensile strength increases by (45.83, 75, and 150%).
Effect of Recycled Aggregate Concrete and Steel Fibers on the Strength of Self-Compacting Concrete
Authors: Abdulhaleem Khamees N. , Van Mohammed R. , Hamada Hussein M. , Humada A. M. , Majdi Ali
Published: September 2023

The accumulation of waste materials in landfills without treatment threatens public health and the environment. The quantity of solid waste continually increases, causing environmental pollution. One of these wastes that should receive scientific treatment is concrete waste. The use of concrete waste as fine or coarse aggregate in self-compacting concrete (SCC) is one of the useful solutions to this problem. This study aims to reuse concrete waste as coarse aggregate in the production of SCC and find out the influence of different steel fiber contents on the strength of SCC. The steel fibers (SF) were used to reinforce SCC in three different volumes (0, 0.5, and 1 % of concrete volume), and the recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) was used to replace natural coarse aggregate (NCA) in five replacement levels of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%. The compressive and tensile strengths of the SCC specimens in the hardened state were determined. The results of the experimental study refer to the steel fiber having a positive effect on the enhancement of mechanical properties, particularly the tensile strength of SCC. The addition of 50% recycled aggregates in the concrete mix contributed to increasing the compressive strength by about 20%. Therefore, it can be said that the dual use of recycled aggregates with steel fibers produced concrete with high specifications compared to ordinary concrete. Another positive effect lies in the disposal of concrete waste, which contributes to an economic return in addition to reducing the effect on the environment.
Predicting Optimum Content of Eggshell Ash for Best Mechanical and Structural Properties of Concrete
Authors: Hama Shaho M. , Alfahdawi Ibrahim H. , Hama Sheelan M.
Published: September 2023

Through an optimization procedure using Minitab software, the optimum waste eggshells-ash powder (WESP) content is used in reinforced concrete. The following percentages of WESP, 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5%, and 15%, have partially replaced natural fine aggregate. With increasing WWESP, it was discovered that compressive strength, elastic modulus, impact-resisting, and bonding strength between steel bar and concrete increased for WWESP% up to 7.5%. The optimal WESP content was optimized using the Minitab software to be 3.64%.
Finite Element Analysis of Axially Loaded GFRP-Reinforced Concrete Hollow Square Columns
Authors: Hussein Hussein A. , Said AbdulMuttailb I.
Published: September 2023

Hollow concrete columns are often employed in bridge constructions because of their lighter weight and effective section characteristics. In addition, to reduce the issue of steel reinforcement corrosion and create a strong and light construction, hollow section columns are also reinforced with bars made of fiber-reinforced polymer. This research aimed to analyze the effect of GFRP (glass fiber reinforced polymer) on the compression strength of hollow square concrete columns under an axial concentric load. The finite element application ABAQUS 2019 version was used to simulate a finite element model, calibrated utilizing experimental data from previous studies for various geometric models of concrete and material specifications of the reinforcement. The findings of the experimental studies and the finite element model exhibit excellent agreement. Finally, according to the parametric study's results, A parametric analysis is done to assess the impact of changing reinforcement ratio, spacing between the ties, inner-to-outer section width ratio, and a comparison with steel reinforcement. The computational results clearly show how an Increased longitudinal GFRP reinforcement ratio improves the columns' bearing capability, but when compared to steel reinforcement, it provides less bearing capability. For the optimum outcome with hollow square concrete columns, it is advised to adopt the limit of the i/o between 0.27 and 0.38. In addition, changing the spacing between stirrups was shown not to significantly impact the capacity for axial load in hollow square concrete columns.
Exploring Factors Contributing to Crash Injury Severity at Al-Diwaniyh City Streets: Random Parameter Ordered Probit Model Technique
Authors: Al-Gharabi Amjad H. , Zubaidi Hamsa , Das Subasish
Published: September 2023

Traffic crashes are among the problems that affect societies because the losses caused by these crashes directly impact the citizen due to the psychological suffering it leaves. Therefore, care must be taken, and strenuous efforts must be made in order to reduce the percentage of crash victims and losses. Depending on the characteristics of the local transportation environment, the study outcomes of traffic crash data may differ. Therefore, in order to comprehend the factors that contribute to and are involved in traffic crashes in Iraq, it is important to concentrate on the city's unique characteristics. So, the purpose of this study is to pinpoint the contributing factors that substantially impact how serious traffic crashes are in Al-diwaniya City for the years (2017-2022). RStudio was used to examine complex interactions and assess the fundamental elements that influence the severity of the crash by applying the ordered Probit model, the random parameter ordered Probit model and the marginal effect of the significant factors. The results showed a random parameter ordered Probit model well performed over the ordered Probit model. Moreover, many statistically significant variables were found to impact how severe the injury is, like road features, vehicle characteristics, crash cause, crash reason, time distribution, and crash type. Addressing these contributing factors through effective policies and programs promoting safe driving practices can create safer roads for everyone.
The Effect of One-Way Urban Street on Traffic Operation Performance
Authors: Alkaissi Zainab Ahmed
Published: September 2023

Traffic congestion has become a serious problem affecting citizens' daily life. Many adopted strategies are studied and applied to alleviate this problem and reduce traffic pressure on street networks. Some are costly, and others are unsuccessful in solving the problem due to higher demand. The one-way traffic movement with circulation modification is adopted in this work which promotes the capacity of streets to sustain higher demand. The study area is identified with the most congested signalized intersection (Al-Nakhala, Al-Sakhara, and Beirut) along the urban corridor. The obtained results suggest using one-way traffic movement with a circulation network that significantly improves traffic operation and reduces congestion to a great extent. Control delays of selected signalized intersections are reduced from about 95%, and v/c is reduced to 0.69 (Al-Nakhala), 0.59 (Al-Sakhara), and 0.99 (Beirut) intersections. The results of modified traffic movement show excessive delays are not experienced, and the traffic movement modification ensures the sufficiency of the signalized corridor to accommodate the traffic demand. The traffic one-way movement can solve the problem of traffic congestion in the study area and improve the level of service from (F) to (A) and (B).
Evaluation of Pedestrian Facilities in Al-Najaf City
Authors: sadeq Hayder Ismael , Al-Jameel Hamid Athab
Published: September 2023

Less attention to pedestrian facilities significantly affects traffic flow, such as side friction and delay. It was noted that a high interaction, in Al-Najaf city, with the vehicular stream by pedestrians resulted in a reduction in the performance of this urban road network with high pedestrian interactions. Compared to vehicular movements, pedestrians continuously interact with each other and their surrounding environment, constantly changing characteristics and direction. This study aims to evaluate Al-Najaf City pedestrian facilities (Footbridges). The number and location of these bridges were investigated in 2010 and 2022 using Arc GIS10.5. Furthermore, some specific sites have been selected to indicate the intensity of interaction between the pedestrian and traffic flow. The results showed a significant lack of pedestrian footbridges in the city with high pedestrian interaction (side friction) in the selected sites.
Impact of Engine Oil as a Rejuvenator on the Properties of RAP Containing Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Hameed Mohammed A. , Al-Hdabi Abbas
Published: September 2023

In order to build roads in more sustainable and environmentally friendly ways, reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) must be used in large quantities. Using RAP, new asphalt can be produced with a small amount of raw materials, thus reducing the energy required to extract and refine new materials and the waste generated from demolishing old asphalt pavements. The high stiffness of RAP mixtures can make it difficult to use RAP in amounts greater than 30%. Several methods can be used to overcome this difficulty, one of which is the addition of rejuvenating agents. Therefore, this study investigated the possibility of using pure engine oil (PEO), studied its effect as a regenerating agent for RAP, and determined the optimal percentage of PEO. Three percentages of RAP were used to demonstrate the viability of using high percentages of RAP in the asphalt mixture: 25%, 50%, and 75%. In addition, four PEO percentages were tested, namely 2, 4, 6, and 8%, to determine the ideal amount that helps the RAP regain its properties. The research revealed that RAP is appropriate for hot asphalt mixtures, producing results that outperformed the virgin mixture. Furthermore, the optimal PEO percentage ranged between 4% and 6%. This study concluded that employing RAP in significant quantities in addition to PEO while sustainably building roads is feasible.
Investigating the Risk Factors on Crash Severity for Selected Risky Roads in Al-Diwaniyah City by Utilizing a Binary Probit Model
Authors: Al-Zubaidi Manal G. , Zubaidi Hamsa , Al-Humeidawi Bassim H.
Published: September 2023

Traffic crashes are one of the main reasons for the deaths of many people and the loss of property. Road safety is a crucial aspect of transportation that aims to prevent crashes and injuries on the road, and several contributing factors affect it. In this study, the binary probit model using the N-Logit software was applied to crash-related data to examine the contribution of several variables to severe crash outcomes in Al-Diwaniyah City. Crash severity (the dependent variable) in this study is a dichotomous variable with two categories, severe and non-severe. Because of the binary nature of this dependent variable, a binary probit model was found suitable. Out of 37 independent variables obtained from Al-Diwaniyah Hospital traffic crash reports between 2014 and 2021 and from fieldwork to evaluate the pavement surface condition using the pavement condition index (PCI), six were statistically significantly associated with severe crashes. These factors include driver age, spring and summer seasons, pavement surface conditions, pedestrian collisions, and multi-vehicle crashes. Some proposals were also recommended to reduce traffic crashes, such as using median barriers to regulate pedestrian crossing, managing a proper number of lanes in the roads to avoid congestion due to a large number of vehicles, assessing the condition of the pavement surface annually at least, to identify pavement defects and conduct appropriate maintenance. Therefore, governments and transportation agencies must prioritize regular pavement condition evaluation as part of their maintenance programs for roads and highways. In conclusion, road safety is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach involving various stakeholders such as government agencies, law enforcement agencies, vehicle manufacturers, drivers, pedestrians, and other road users.
Effect of Quality and Quantity of Locally Produced Filler on Moisture Damage Hot Asphaltic Mixtures
Authors: Alabady Haider F. A. , Abed Alaa H.
Published: September 2023

The modern road network is of the most important requirements of the present life. The filler is regarded as one of its major components, and it has great importance in the mixture. When improving its properties and specifications, the hot mixing properties of the asphalt mix are improved . The results of the tests conducted for this research showed that the addition of 1.5% H.L to the control mixture led to a significant increase in the stability of Marshall and air voids, with a rise in (20.4 and 7%), respectively, with an increase in the optimum asphalt content. Moreover, the increase in the tensile strength ratio (TSR) was at the same rate and amounted to 13.6% when compared to the control mixture. The mixtures containing cement kiln dust also led to an increase in the stability of Marshall and air voids. The most significant increase was when replacing it by 50% (23.5 and 6%), respectively, with an increase in the asphalt content. The ratio of indirect tensile strength to tensile strength when CKD is 25% and 50% increases by (6.4% and 12.3%) respectively. These properties deteriorate when the cement kiln dust content increases or hydrated lime increases.
An Impact of Traffic Characteristics on Crash Frequency
Authors: Al-Nuaimi Atheer , Jameel Abeer K.
Published: September 2023

With the development of roads, modes of transportation were also developed, and increasing numbers of those modes and routes were needed. This increase brought into focus many problems of the highway system. One of the most important concerns in the highway networks is road safety, which requires various studies to be carried out to reduce crash causalities. One of the factors that affect road safety is the traffic characteristics. This includes average daily traffic, operating speed, traffic density, and heavy vehicles percentage. This study focused on the effect of average daily traffic and heavy vehicles percentage on crash frequency. The old Baghdad – Baquba rural road, a two-lane, two-way road, was chosen for this study. This study used two sets of data (traffic characteristics and crash data). Generalized linear regression models were utilized to develop a model that reflects the effect of the average daily traffic and heavy vehicles percentage on crash frequency. The results showed a positive correlation between average daily traffic and crash frequency and between heavy vehicles percentage and crash frequency.
Effect of Repeated Traffic Loads on Most Significant Distresses of Flexible Pavement
Authors: Alwan Duaa S.
Published: September 2023

Early fatigue and rutting are among the most common types of road damage due to their main relationship with pavement performance. These damages occur due to excessive loads on the axles of the vehicles or improper design of the mixture in addition to the traditional design methods used in paving designs. Therefore, these premature damages must be avoided for the proper performance and service of the road. In order to overcome some traditional design weaknesses, mechanical-empirical design techniques using software like the ABAQUS program are essential. This program determines the exact stresses, strains, and displacement in asphalt pavement, which is then used to predict rutting and fatigue failures. HMA layers behave like viscoelastic materials in actual field conditions, and temperature variations and loading period influence their mechanical response. This study aims to investigate the ABAQUS software's problem-simulation capabilities and compare the findings to experimental work using the mechanical-empirical approach (E-M) to investigate the most valuable features during temperature change and optimize the design of paving constructions. The results highlighted the significance of the impact that increased loads and temperature changes might have on the performance service life of flexible paving with flexible-viscous layers, where life decreases with increasing loads applied to the pavement surface, where life reduces to 50% of age when the loads are increased to twice the standard load. At the same time, both the vertical stress and the percentage of damage increase with both the change in temperature and with the Temperature increases also result in higher tensile and compressive strain values, which might have an impact on the cost of the paving life cycle. Therefore its impact on future maintenance requirements must be verified.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Groundwater Inundation Vulnerability and Remediation for Infrastructures
Authors: Alsaffar Abdul Kareem K. , Hamed Riyadth , Majeed Zaid H.
Published: September 2023

The rising threat of groundwater inundation, characterized by the elevation of the water table above the ground surface, is increasingly impacting various infrastructure components. This issue has the potential to damage critical infrastructure elements such as building foundations, roads, bridges, and other essential aspects. The intensification of this problem can be linked to the growing frequency of severe weather events, alterations in land use, and increased groundwater withdrawals. This comprehensive review paper seeks to capture the current knowledge base concerning groundwater inundation vulnerability and potential remediation strategies for infrastructure. To achieve this, we performed a thorough literature review encompassing a variety of sources, including peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and technical reports, among others. Our goal is to consolidate the existing understanding of groundwater inundation and its implications for infrastructures and assess the current methodologies for vulnerability evaluation and damage mitigation. Our findings from this review are intended to provide insight into the present state of this field and highlight the significant challenges and promising opportunities for future research.
Experimental Investigation of Energy Dissipation in Ogee Spillway Using New Distributions of Dissipation Blocks
Authors: Al-Fatlawi Mohammed , Al-Shuker Abdulhassan
Published: September 2023

Ogee spillway is the most important structure used to get rid of excess water during flood. Scouring phenomenon occurring in the downstream region due to high energy dissapation is an envitable. This study aims to reduce the amount of scour occurred at the downstream stilling basin of the ogee spillway by using three dissipation energy blocks namely as baffle, triangle and stepped blocks. A new distribution was proposed for each type of dissipated block, which varied between one row, two rows, and three rows. The flow and scour experimental tests were carried out under Froude numbers ranging from 2.5 to 8.5. During the tests, sequent depths and transverse velocities distribution were measured. The results showed that the used blocks appeared with good results in minimizing flow velocities and sediment scouring within the stilling basin in accordance with proposed distributions, especially with the range of Froude number 4.5-8.5. Also, The stepped block is characterized by reducing the flow velocities compared to the baffle block and triangle block, as it can be seen that there is a decrease in velocities up to 0.85% for all used distributions (A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, and C1).
Using CFD Modeling to Simulate the Control of the Propagation of Salt Wedge using Inclined Roughness Elements
Authors: Badr Safa H. , Azzubaidi Riyadh Z.
Published: September 2023

This research aims to simulate and use Computational Fluid Dynamics, CFD, to control the propagation of salt wedges. The flume has a cross-section of 25 cm in height and 7.5 cm in width with a length of 6 m and a zero slope. The simulated model is used to investigate the use of inclined roughness elements to control the propagation of salt wedges. The elements are blocks of 2 cm by 3 cm cross-sections having an inclined face in the direction of the flow, with a length of 2 and 3 cm. These elements were installed in two rows at both sides of the bed of the flume with variable spacing between them in the direction of the flow, and their centerline is inclined by an angle of 30 degrees in the direction of the flow. The simulation model was validated by comparing its output with a published laboratory experiment. Ten CFD model runs were conducted under two different discharges and five different spacing between the inclined roughness elements. The used discharges are 30 l/min and 45.3 l/min, and the spacing between elements was 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 cm. The results demonstrated a good relationship between the obtained model runs and the observations of the laboratory experience under the same conditions. The result showed that when no roughness elements were used, the propagation of the salt wedge extended to 3.9 and 3.1 m at a discharge of 30 l/min and 45.31 l/min, respectively. The propagation of the salt wedge is reduced as the spacing increases to some limit and then starts to decrease when you use roughness elements. At the maximum applied discharge of 45.3 l/min, the propagation of the salt wedge was reduced by 82, 84, and 85% when the spacing between the blocks is 3, 6, and 9 cm, respectively. The percentage of reduction in the propagation of the salt wedge starts to reduce to 79% and 75% as the spacing between the blocks is increased to 12 and 15 cm, respectively. When the discharge is 30 l/min, the propagation of the salt wedge is reduced by 76, 74, and 78% at a spacing of 3, 6, and 9 cm, respectively. At the same time, the propagation is reduced by 58% at 12 cm and 53% as the spacing is increased to 12 and 15 cm.
Evaluation of Green Spaces in Hilla City According to Green Network Concept
Authors: Najm Ayat N. , Al Khafaji Rashaa M.
Published: September 2023

The study focuses on the feasibility of connecting urban green spaces at an urban scale through a network because of the population growth and land use changes at the expense of green areas, which has led to the fragmentation and destabilization of the ecosystem in the Hilla city center in Babylon province /Iraq. The methodology will be according to two stages: first, the current state assessment was used to determine the encroachment of the areas. Secondly, it uses the gravity model and the least-cost path model in GIS to determine the level of interaction between nodes. Therefore, the research hypothesis was that connecting strong nodes to a comprehensive and integrated network increases the strength of the interaction. According to the results, there is no clear hierarchy in the distribution of urban green spaces within Hilla city, with only two levels: locality and urban on the urban level, there is no possibility of establishing a network between green spaces because of three factors: encroached uses mainly the residential, distance between patches and the node weight.
Automation of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Data Collection
Authors: Riley J.B. , Hurdle M.B. , Winn B.A. , Wagoner P.A.
Published: September 2023

A computer assisted data collection system is presented. The system is comprised of a microprocessor with permanent memory, a general purpose interface board capable of analog to digital conversion, and communication ports to collect data from other microprocessors.

Continuous in-line blood gas values and ventilation control parameter values are passed to the microprocessor for storage in an addressable memory location. Analog signals for blood flow, patient temperatures and pressures are also stored and referenced to real time.

This system provides the perfusionist with the following capabilities in the in vivo laboratory and OH surgical suite; minute-by-minute trending of the progress of perfusion, documentation of device and perfusionist performance and patient response to dynamic changes. Physiological transformations and calculations are automatically performed and the microprocessor notifies the perfusionist of user defined alarm situations.

Analysis of the data base created on-line by this system leads to learning situations that improve open heart surgical teamwork, the consistency of patient care, and provides a possible defense against medical legal complication.
Surface Tension Changes of Perfusates: Implications for Gaseous Microemboli during Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Kurusz Mark , Conti Vincent R. , Speer David , Butler Bruce D.
Published: September 2023

Surface tension (ST) analysis was performed on solutions used to prime bubble oxygenators in order to determine what changes, if any, took place during preparation and clinical use of the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit. Samples were taken as follows: crystalloid solution prior to its addition to the circuit; after 5 and 20 minutes of pre-CPB recirculation; after addition of albumin; and post-CPB. ST values, as measured with a Du Nouy tensiometer dropped from 71 dynes/em to values in the mid 60s, with additional decreases (mid 50s) following the albumin. Post-CPB values of plasma derived from centrifugation of perfusate were in the upper 40 dynes/em range. This preCPB drop in ST raises the question of wash-off of defoamer and its possible effect on gaseous microemboli (GME) removal by arterial screen filters. Removal of GME by filtration is dependent, in part, upon ST phenomenon according to the "bubble point" concept and the equation of capillarity. Another concern is the potential removal of defoamer during pre-CPB filtration with subsequent inadequate oxygenator debubbling.
Editorial
Authors: Biberschick Michael
Published: September 2023

Liebe Leserinnen, liebe Leser,

ich freue mich sehr, Ihnen diese Ausgabe der DO präsentieren zu
dürfen und hoffe, dass diese für Sie alle lesenswert, informativ,
interessant und beruflich bereichernd ist.
Speech Outcomes in 5-Year-Old Korean Children with Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Koh Kyung S. , Jung Seungeun , Park Bo Ra , Oh Tae-Suk , Kim Young Chul , Ha Seunghee
Published: September 2023

Background Among the cleft types, bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) generally requires multiple surgical procedures and extended speech therapy to achieve normal speech development. This study aimed to describe speech outcomes in 5-year-old Korean children with BCLP and examine whether normal speech could be achieved before starting school.

Methods The retrospective study analyzed 52 children with complete BCLP who underwent primary palatal surgery at a tertiary medical center. Three speech-language pathologists made perceptual judgments on recordings from a speech follow-up assessment of 5-year-old children. They assessed the children's speech in terms of articulation, speech intelligibility, resonance, and voice using the Cleft Audit Protocol for Speech-Augmented-Korean Modification.

Results The results indicated that at the age of five, 65 to 70% of children with BCLP presented articulation and resonance within normal or acceptable ranges. Further, seven children with BCLP (13.5%) needed both additional speech therapy and palatal surgery for persistent velopharyngeal insufficiency and speech problems even at the age of five.

Conclusion This study confirmed that routine follow-up speech assessments are essential as a substantial number of children with BCLP require secondary surgical procedures and extended speech therapy to achieve normal speech development.