bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of biochar addition on the strength and microstructural characteristics of cement pastes
Authors: Kovács Pavel , Pokorný Jaroslav , Šál Jiří , Ševčík Radek 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Nowadays, many branches of civil engineering begin to suffer from the lack of natural high-quality resources. The cement industry is one of the main consumers of such raw materials and, moreover, significantly contributes to global warming by the release of high amounts of carbon dioxide. In this sense, the incorporation of supplementary cementitious materials may help to reduce global environmental impacts of cement production. This paper is focused on the influence of the partial Portland cement replacement using a biochar. Basic material properties of both Portland cement and biochar were analysed. On hardened samples of cement pastes cured under water for 27 days, physical, mechanical and mineralogical properties were determined using several instrumental techniques. Experimental data showed the gradual decrease of bending and compressive strengths with the increasing replacement of Portland cement, however, significant lightening of produced pastes was achieved and thus the cement pastes additive with appropriate amounts of biochar may find usage in specific industrial applications.
Innovation in the area of transportation of powdery matters. Elevator conveyors, Redler chain conveyors and Metal spiral conveyors
Authors: Fiala Jan , Lapka Miroslav , Mikoláš Milan , Jun Jan Fiala 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The article points out the problems occurring on transport routes within the transfer of mined materials on technological lines for mineral processing, finds possible solutions in increasing the service lifespan of individual parts and in the field of maintenance helps to protect the health at work of employees of mining organizations and their suppliers. It contains the issue of the operation of technological line as one large unit, which combines innovative solutions with the use of modern materials, increasing service lifespan, reducing repair costs and reducing the frequency of repairs – especially those that are cyclically recurring. All this helps to eliminate the number of accidents and this is the reason why it protects the operator of the technological line. Ultimately, maintenance costs become more efficient despite relatively higher acquisition costs in the initial phase.
Influence of Long-Term Aging on HMA Made with Gel and Sol Asphalt Cements
Authors: Aldoski Ziyad N. , Al-Hadidy Abdul-Rahim Ibrahim , Rashed Abdullah M. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of long term ageing (LTA) on the performance traits of dense graded asphalt mixes (DGAMs) made from gel and sol asphalt cement binders. The LTA was adopted at 85 °C and between four and eight days using forced draft oven to reproduce the in-service aging that occurs over many years in the field. The performance assays contains: Marshall traits, tensile and compressive strength under wetting and drying conditions, bending strength at zero and -10°C, cohesion at 60°C, tensile strength ratio, and recovered strength index were adopted on DGAMs. A mechanistically-design tool was explored for estimating the enhancement in paving life or thickness reduction of DGAMs and base course for similar service life caused from LTA of DGAMs. Assays results notified that the LTA increases DGAMs strength towards: (1) rutting; (2) moisture sensitivity; (3) cracking; and (4) cohesion failure. In addition, it was found that sol asphalt cement performs slightly better than gel asphalt cement, especially in the case of moisture susceptibility and flexural strength properties.
Reducing Rutting in Flexible Pavement Using Specified Polymers with HMA
Authors: Al-Jumaili Mohammed Abbas , Al-Jameel Hamid A. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Iraqi roads mainly suffer from rutting distresses which resulting from extremely axle loading and high difference in temperature between seasons and even in day and night for the same day. Different types of modifier polymer have been inserted into asphalt materials to enhance the characteristics of asphalt concrete mixture as a whole. Thus, this paper has generally been dedicated to investigate the effect of using two types of polymers; Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) on the rutting distress. Accordingly, five ratios (4%, 6%, 8% and 10%) of SBS and HDPE have been used as a percentage of total mix in order to get the optimum influence of each ratio. Hence, the best ratios for surface (Type III A) layer are 8% HDPE and 6% SBS; whereas these ratios for binder layer are 6% HDPE and 2% SBS. The results indicate that the reduction in rutting percent are (72% and 65%) for HDPE and SBS for each type of additives at 40°C. Accordingly, this means these types of polymers have a significant role in reduction of rutting in surfacing and binder layers.
Using PAVER Software to Evaluate Pavement Condition Index of Highway Segment in the North Sector of Najaf City (Case Study)
Authors: Shubber Khawla H.H. , Noamman Mahdi Mohammed 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Current paper present part of comprehensive case study for urban highway networks of north sector of Najaf city located 161 km Southwest of Baghdad the capital of Iraq. The main goals of current paper are to evaluation pavement condition index denoted as (PCI). Values of PCI acting a main factor on depending maintenance of pavement, selecting economic alternative, increasing development of engineers and technician’s capabilities, in order to reach the best maintenance management process and achieve the best riding level with lowest costs and the shortest travel time. PAVER software uses surveying data to calculate pavement condition index which should be within rating from zero, which mean pavement in failed condition, to 100, that mean excellent pavement condition. Pavement’s condition is providing predicting its maintenance and Rehabilitation requirements. Free issue of PAVER 5.2 software was used to calculate values of PCI for a minor arterial urban highway in north sector of Najaf city, that is the Najaf-Karbala highway located from Al-Askarain Tunnel intersection to the end of Al-Nidaa district, with length (8011m). Manual geometric and types of distresses survey was depended instead of using assessment technologies to consider the type, degree of severity, of distresses for sample unites along the highway. As a results of implementing PAVER 5.2 software depending on field survey data collection, PCI value is equal to 80. That’s mean this part of the selected study section was in good situation.
Innovation of Analytical Software for Financing Construction Projects: Infrastructure Projects in Iraq as a Case Study
Authors: Raheem Saja Hadi , Al-Zwainy Faiq M.S. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This study includes application of an Analytical Software system to explain the financing methods applied in infrastructure projects in Iraq and highlight the importance of the tax in support the Iraqi economy by knowing the percentage of its contribution in supporting the financing of infrastructure projects. The proposed program is flexible, and easy to use. It enables the users adding and managing unlimited number of projects as well as any related information. The information obtained from this research can be used by the government policy maker and regulators and thus develop better understanding of the application and implementation of tax system in Iraq. It is concluded that the tax system leads to make tax revenues contribute to solving 70% of financing problems if applied in infrastructure projects, and therefore the contribution of government funding be 30%.
Traffic Assignment of Al-Kufa City Using TransCAD
Authors: Al-Duhaidahawi Zainab Salam , Almuhanna Raid R. A. , Yahya Abdabas Ahmed , Al-Jameel Hamid A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractModern urban cities around the world suffer from high congestions due to high daily trips for different purposes. Al-Kufa city has a lot of congested roads in its road network. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the current traffic situation. Firstly, the number of links and nodes has been counted using GIS software. These links represent major and minor arterials. The collected data include flow, speed and geometric characteristics for each link and node in the network. The traffic assignment model (Stochastic User Equilibrium) in TransCAD software was adopted in this study. The results indicated that the value (v/c) for most of these roads is more than one which indicated congested roads.
The Performance of Slag Containing Engineered Cementitious Composites
Authors: Booya Emad , Adesina Adeyemi , Gorospe Karla , Das Sreekanta 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) is a type of fibre reinforced cement-based composite that is used in different construction applications. The use of fly ash in these composites improves tensile strain capacity, multiple cracking behaviour, and durability. However, fly ash is in short supply as many countries are in an effort to phase-out fossil fuels, and are eliminating coal plants. An alternative to fly ash is slag. In contrast to fly ash, the supply of slag is expected to be sustained. Hence, many industries have considered substituting fly ash with slag in the production of ECC. This study was designed to determine the mechanical, and permeability of ECC mixtures containing fly ash and slag. The study contained a total of four mixtures. Two of the mixtures had the ratio of supplementary cementitious materials to cement of 2.2 and two more mixtures had supplementary cementitious materials to cement ratio of 1.2. The water to binder ratio was the same for all mixtures. Test results showed that slag blends improved the mechanical and permeability characteristics.
Investigation the Properties of Waste Plastic Fiber Concrete Modified with HP-570 Super-Plasticizer
Authors: Al-Hussaini Osama M. , AL-Baghdadi Waseem H. , Al-Labban Salama N. , Jabal Qusay A. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Recycling plastic waste has always been vital for sustainability, besides exploiting that waste to improve the mechanical properties of concrete mixtures which contribute effectively in the field of civil engineering applications. In this research, the enhancement of compressive, tensile and flexural strength of concrete mixtures was explored using both adding plastic fibers and HP-570 super-plasticizer. Plastic waste, as fibers, was mixed with an Ordinary Portland cement for a total volume of concrete of 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2%, then the HP-570 super-plasticizer was added and the procedure was re-done. At the age of 28 days of curing, the compression strength was increased by (13.2%) while both tensile and flexural strengths were increased significantly by (117.4%) and (207.5%) respectively when using the plastic as fiber with 2%. Further improvement was gained by adding the HP-570 super-plasticizer for the concrete mixture.
Mechanical Properties of Polyester Matrix Composites Reinforced with Waste Marble Particles
Authors: Abdulkader Niveen Jamal , Abdula Aseel Mahmood , Ahmed Sura Salim 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In this study a preparation of composite materials with a polyester base reinforced by low cost industrial waste and weight fraction from of powder (1,3,5,7,9) % wt of marble particles prepared by manually technique. Mechanical properties have been studied and discussed. The results showed that the new composite materials supported by marble particle gave high results in resistance to hardness, bending and tensile strength compared to the based matrix. This is due to the presence of marble particle, which reduces the concentration of stresses of the base material, and as a result reduces the growth of cracks on the base material. Therefore, the mechanical properties increase with adding of the reinforced particles.
Optimizing Study of Some Factors That Influence the Performance of Valve Trays in Crude Oil Distillation Towers
Authors: Matrood Ghufran J. , Al-Gaban Ahmed M. , Yousif Hussain M. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Valve trays play an important role in the productivity of crude oil distillation towers. The performance efficiency of these valves depends on their erosion-corrosion and fouling corrosion. In this research, NiCrAlY powder with constituents of different ratios of Molybdenum (Mo) was used as a deposited coating layer on the surface of 446 stainless steel. The scanning electron microscope and XRD were used to study the microstructure of the coating layer. Microhardness test was carried out to evaluate coating layer hardness. Erosion – corrosion test was performed to evaluate the performance of the coating layer under an aggressive medium of glass sand and a mixture of sulphuric acid and hydrochloric acid. Contact angle test was carried out to evaluate the contact angle of coated and uncoated samples. Taguchi / ANOVA technique was used to tabulate data and to optimize the results. The results showed that the coating layer containing 4% Mo exhibit high erosion-corrosion resistance and good contact angle, which improving the fouling resistance of the samples under working conditions.
Human Facial Aggressive Detection System Based on Facial-Width-to-Height Ratio
Authors: Hasan Tabreer T. , Issa Abbas H. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Recent researches have shown closely related evidence between the human individual social behavior and precisely measurable facial features. The Facial-width-to-height ratio (FWHR) has become quite an interesting topic concerning human aggressive behavior. Recent studies presented evidence showing that the precise measurement of FWHR can be used to predict human aggressive behavior based on facial landmark extraction. In this paper, the Facial-width-to-height ratio is extracted and analyzed among men, women, and children using the recently presented Convolutional Experts Constrained Local Model (CE-CLM). Then, extracted features are used to train the Numeral Virtual Generalizing Random Access Memory (NVG-RAM) pattern recognition technique. The results show promising clues in depending on this feature extraction method for the Facial-width-to-height ratio, and depending on SVG-RAM classifier for aggressive behavior. Moreover, the proposed method is less susceptible to facial rotation error ensuring accurate FWHR extraction.
Bioactivity of CaSiO3 and Porecalin-CaSiO3 Composites Prepared by Sol-Gel Method for Dental Applications
Authors: Hamza Asawer Mohsen , Alshaibani Eman Jabber Abed , Rajaa Abbas R. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In this study, the bioactivity of CaSiO3 and Porecalin-CaSiO3 composites have been investigated utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy-Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). CaSiO3 and P-CaSiO3 are prepared by Sol-Gel method for different weight percentages of CaSiO3 (P90CS10, P80CS20 and P70CS30 wt. %). The in vitro bioactive properties have been carried out by immersed the powder and sintered samples on different compositions in simulated body fluids at 32 day to evaluate their bioactivity. Ca/P ratio have been calculated through EDS measurements. Structural characterization revealed the amorphous phase of CaSiO3 when heated at 700 °C and phase transition to the crystalline phase when heated at 950 °C, where pseudowollastonite (α-CaSiO3) and Ca2(SiO4) phases have been appeared. CaSiO3 showed better bioactive ability in comparison with its composites. In general, the bioactivity increases with increasing the CaSiO3 time of immersion in stimulated body fluid (SBF). The closest value to the stoichiometric hydroxyapatite, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 has been observed with P70CS30 sintered specimen where Ca/P was 1.694.
Social gradient of self-rated health in older people—the moderating/mediating role of sense of community
Authors: Lai Eric T C , Yu Ruby , Woo Jean 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundSocial gradients of self-rated health (SRH) of older people are evident in various settings. However, it is not clear whether improving older people’s sense of community (SoC) could mitigate the social gradient.MethodsPeople aged above 60 in five residential districts of Hong Kong were sampled using multistage sampling (n = 1,793). SoC was measured using the validated eight-item Brief Sense of Community Scale, with each item on a five-point Likert scale, forming a score from 8 to 40. SRH was considered as dichotomous (poor/not poor). Socioeconomic status (SES) was operationalised as monthly income, highest education attainment and self-rated disposable income (defined as whether the older person feel he/she has sufficient income). Causal mediation analysis using four-way decomposition was used to assess whether SoC mediates/moderates the association of SES and poor SRH.ResultsA social gradient of poor SRH by all measures of SES was observed [adjusted relative risk (RR) per standard deviation income increase = 0.92; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.88–0.97; RR comparing lowest to highest education= 1.77; 95% CI: 1.48–2.11; RR comparing very insufficient to very sufficient disposable income = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.48–2.05]. Causal mediation analysis showed that SoC interacts with the association of education and SRH, with higher the SoC, stronger the education gradient.ConclusionsOur findings showed a social gradient of SRH in the older population in Hong Kong. This relationship was moderated by SoC, for which higher SoC is related to stronger SES–SRH gradient.
Testing for similarity of binary efficacy–toxicity responses
Authors: Möllenhoff Kathrin , Dette Holger , Bretz Frank 
Published: December 2020

SummaryClinical trials often aim to compare two groups of patients for efficacy and/or toxicity depending on covariates such as dose. Examples include the comparison of populations from different geographic regions or age classes or, alternatively, of different treatment groups. Similarity of these groups can be claimed if the difference in average outcome is below a certain margin over the entire covariate range. In this article, we consider the problem of testing for similarity in the case that efficacy and toxicity are measured as binary outcome variables. We develop a new test for the assessment of similarity of two groups for a single binary endpoint. Our approach is based on estimating the maximal deviation between the curves describing the responses of the two groups, followed by a parametric bootstrap test. Further, using a two-dimensional Gumbel-type model we develop methodology to establish similarity for (correlated) binary efficacy–toxicity outcomes. We investigate the operating characteristics of the proposed methodology by means of a simulation study and present a case study as an illustration.
Long-term evolution of multiple sclerosis iron rim lesions in 7 T MRI
Authors: Dal-Bianco Assunta , Grabner Günther , Kronnerwetter Claudia , Weber Michael , Kornek Barbara , Kasprian Gregor , Berger Thomas , Leutmezer Fritz , Rommer Paulus Stefan , Trattnig Siegfried , Lassmann Hans , Hametner Simon 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Recent data suggest that multiple sclerosis white matter lesions surrounded by a rim of iron containing microglia, termed iron rim lesions, signify patients with more severe disease course and a propensity to develop progressive multiple sclerosis. So far, however, little is known regarding the dynamics of iron rim lesions over long-time follow-up. In a prospective longitudinal cohort study in 33 patients (17 females; 30 relapsing-remitting, three secondary progressive multiple sclerosis; median age 36.6 years (18.6–62.6), we characterized the evolution of iron rim lesions by MRI at 7 T with annual scanning. The longest follow-up was 7 years in a subgroup of eight patients. Median and mean observation period were 1 (0–7) and 2.9 (±2.6) years, respectively. Images were acquired using a fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence fused with iron-sensitive MRI phase data, termed FLAIR-SWI, as well as a magnetization prepared two rapid acquisition gradient echoes, termed MP2RAGE. Volumes and T1 relaxation times of lesions with and without iron rims were assessed by manual segmentation. The pathological substrates of periplaque signal changes outside the iron rims were corroborated by targeted histological analysis on 17 post-mortem cases (10 females; two relapsing-remitting, 13 secondary progressive and two primary progressive multiple sclerosis; median age 66 years (34–88), four of them with available post-mortem 7 T MRI data. We observed 16 nascent iron rim lesions, which mainly formed in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Iron rim lesion fraction was significantly higher in relapsing-remitting than progressive disease (17.8 versus 7.2%; P &lt; 0.001). In secondary progressive multiple sclerosis only, iron rim lesions showed significantly different volume dynamics (P &lt; 0.034) compared with non-rim lesions, which significantly shrank with time in both relapsing-remitting (P &lt; 0.001) and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (P &lt; 0.004). The iron rims themselves gradually diminished with time (P &lt; 0.008). Compared with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, iron rim lesions in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis were significantly more destructive than non-iron rim lesions (P &lt; 0.001), reflected by prolonged lesional T1 relaxation times and by progressively increasing changes ascribed to secondary axonal degeneration in the periplaque white matter. Our study for the first time shows that chronic active lesions in multiple sclerosis patients evolve over many years after their initial formation. The dynamics of iron rim lesions thus provide one explanation for progressive brain damage and disability accrual in patients. Their systematic recording might become useful as a tool for predicting disease progression and monitoring treatment in progressive multiple sclerosis.
SIRT4 is the molecular switch mediating cellular proliferation in colorectal cancer through GLS mediated activation of AKT/GSK3β/CyclinD1 pathway
Authors: Cui Ying , Bai Yibing , Yang Jiani , Yao Yuanfei , Zhang Chunhui , Liu Chao , Shi Jiaqi , Li QingWei , Zhang Jingchun , Lu Xiaolin , Zhang Yanqiao 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Mitochondria-localized sirtuin 4 (SIRT4) is associated with malignant phenotypes in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the molecular mechanisms that drive SIRT4-mediated carcinogenesis are unclear. Initially, we confirmed expression of SIRT4 in CRC through public database and in CRC patient tissues using quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR. We established HCT116 colorectal cells that overexpressed SIRT4 and HT29 cells were transfected with plasmids bearing a small interfering RNA construct to silence SIRT4. Assays to determine the malignant phenotypes (proliferation, invasion and migration) were performed. Xenograft in vivo models were also constructed. A protein interactome network was built using differentially expressed proteins identified using the liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrophotometry, the findings of which were confirmed using co-immunoprecipitation, western blotting and phenotype rescue experiments. Decreased SIRT4 expression was associated with malignant phenotypes in vitro and in vivo. The ribosomal biogenesis pathway was enriched in the interactome network. SIRT4 suppression activated glutaminase, thereby initiating AKT activation. Our research provided novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying CRC, and identified that SIRT4 exerts its antitumor activity in CRC possibly dependent on glutaminase to inhibit proliferation, migration and invasion via the AKT/GSK3β/CyclinD1 pathway.