bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical study with kinematic and kinetic descriptions of the effect of high-heeled shoes in healthy adult females based on gait analysis
Authors: Hamandi Sadiq J. , Ruken Duaa M. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Many women remain unaware of the negative effect of high-heeled shoes and the damage and significant changes they can cause in the human body. Studying the effect of high heels during walking shows biomechanical changes in the person wearing the shoes based on their influence on ankle joints, foot pressure distribution, and muscle activity, and changes in Ground Reaction Forces. This study examined the effects of high heels and smooth-soled court shoes using gait analysis. Experiments were conducted on five healthy volunteers, who were all young women without known diseases or muscle or bone injuries; most were also accustomed to wearing high heels on a daily basis. The volunteers’ average age was 22.4 years, the average height 160 cm, and the average weight 59.8 kg. Three types of high heels were used; each volunteer was thus required to walk barefoot, with 1 cm heels, 5 cm heels, and with 7cm heels.
The result showed that the step length and ankle joint angle decreased as the heel height increased, causing the speed of gait to become slower and the cadence to increase, thus increasing vertical ground reaction force and the moment of the knee joint. Women should be advised not to wear shows with heel heights greater than 5 cm to reduce the injury risk and preserve comfort.
Design of an Intelligent Controller for Myoelectric Prostheses based on Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network
Authors: Raheema M N , Hussain J S , Al-Khazzar A M 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Myoelectric prostheses have been researched widely, and some cases have been implemented to be used by amputees in real life. However, natural control of an active prothesis remains a challenge. This work presents an exploration of an intelligent controller for upper prostheses based on myoelectric signals. A simple intelligent classifier for a small control system is designed and incorporated into a hand prosthesis to be used by the amputees in Iraq and similar developing countries. To achieve this, a Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Networks (MLPNN) classification system is developed. The proposed system uses pattern recognition based on features extracted from eight raw EMG signals collected using a Myo armband. Five different classes of hand gestures are recognised. The system also applies remove silence process and overlapped segmentation to the collected EMG data. Continuous real values that represent class types are sent to the controller to move the prosthesis. This work shows that, by adding appropriate pre-processing, a considerable increase in the accuracy of the proposed MLP classifier can be obtained. The required hardware circuits were assembled and software scripts written to implement the intelligent myoelectric hand prosthesis.
Stress and strain analysis of a new design of cervical intervertebral disc under daily activity
Authors: Asaad Mustafa , Abdul-Sahib Nabeel , Rasheed Mahmood 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Neck pain one of the most common diseases, with intervertebral disc degeneration being one of the main reasons for such pain. As part of developing of a surgical procedure for intervertebral disc replacement (artificial intervertebral disc), a new design of intervertebral disc (cervical vertebra) was created using biomedical steel L 316, for the part fixed on the intervertebral disc, and polyethylene as the intermediate part between the two metals, which also biomedical material. This is designed to absorb and redistribute heavy loads from the vertebrae in a more equal way to reduce pressure; the symmetrical design offers many benefits where the intervertebral replacement is installed in an appropriate manner. Taking into account the different circumstances of surgery, three types of load were considered: the first was compressive, the condition when the neck is at rest and load is completely vertical without any moment; the second was extension, as the head moves upward and force and moment is applied; and the third was flexion, when the head moves downward and opposing force and moment is applied. By using Ansys 18.2, both stress and strain on the artificial intervertebral components were assessed, which showed that, under movement, the stress was much larger than when at rest due to the inflecting of moment on the artificial intervertebral disc. The soft polyethylene section suffered some degeneration and damage; however, the rounded shape of the parts allowed the load to be distributed more regularly, and the maximum value of the stress was seen at flexion at 256 mpa, as compared to 42 and 152 mpa for compression and extension, respectively. The maximum value of the strain at flexion was 0.076 as compared to 0.0689 and 0.00619 for compression and extension, respectively. Comparison between the new design and the currently used ProDisc implant showed that the strain on the former was lower, but that the stress in extension and flexion was higher.
The effects of changing coil radius and tube diameter in the simulation of oil-water separation in a coil tube separator.
Authors: Al-Musawi S , Adnan M S , Bded A S , Jaber H , rashidi f 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Separating oil and water is a frequent task in the oil and gas industry, and new methods and devices are constantly being designed to accomplish this more effectively. One of the most prevalent devices used is the coil tube separator, in which the separation process takes place between the two-phase fluids, each with its own density, utilising eccentricity acceleration and gravity. In this paper, a numerical simulator based on fluid dynamics calculations is used to survey and study the coil tube separator, modelling the two-phase flow using fluent software based on the Eulerian-Eulerian method. The subject variables such as tube diameter and radius of regression are taken as a focus in order to optimise the device’s efficiency and function. For such optimisation, two targets were taken into consideration. The first is pressure flow drop and the second is rate of separation. To attain maximum performance, the pressure drop in this device should be low, while a high rate of separation is required. The research results showed that every variable has an optimum value: from this work, a tube with a 50 mm diameter and a coil with a 500 mm radius are defined as the most appropriate and optimum options.
Experimental Investigation: the optimum asphalt content and grading for PFC mixtures using local materials
Authors: Abbood Abdul-Kareem N. , Alfatlawi Thair J M , Hussein Safa A. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Permeable pavement is widely used to improve the water circulation systems in urban areas. The advantages of using permeable pavement include the storage of rainwater, reduction of runoff, out-flow delay and reduction of peak discharge. Permeable friction course (PFC) is mixed as a thin surface layer of asphalt pavement in order to achieve environmental and safety benefits. This mixture creates a surface course of a permeable compacted mix of aggregates, consisting of sand, binder, and asphalt, that is blended hot in the mixing stage. The aim of this research is to determine the best characteristics of such permeable mixtures. In this study, three aggregate distributions of minimum, medium, and maximum specifications are utilised to select the best proportions of asphalt cement for a porous asphalt surface. The results show that the medium gradation meets the requirements and can thus be considered the best gradient. The optimal binder content is found to be 6.3% for permeable asphalt mixtures
A Study of The Effect of Loaded Pile Groups on Neighboring Fuel Storage Tanks
Authors: Hasan Abdulameer Qasim , Qasim Rafi. M. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This work examines the interaction between two neighbouring structures, a fuel storage tank and a nearby pile group when the pile group is placed under static loads with different loading conditions related to the tank status (empty, half full, and full). Due to the role of soil in transferring load between embedded neighbouring structures, this study deals with soil-structure interaction by assuming that the soil displays nonlinear behaviour. The major factors which play a significant role in the response of the fuel storage tank were thus considered; these factors were defined as the maximum bending moment along the tank wall, the maximum shear force along the tank wall, the hoop stress in all rings of the tank, the maximum pressure distribution along the tank wall, and the maximum lateral displacement along the tank wall. The influence of the distance between these structures on bending moment, shear force, and hoop stresses in the fuel storage tank were also studied. The results suggest that the case of a full liquid storage tank represents a critical state that must be considered when assessing the structural behaviour of the storage tank.
Reduced Permanent Deformation of Asphalt Pavement by Enhancing Aggregate Gradation
Authors: Abedali Abdulhaq Hadi , Jebur Yasir Mohammed 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Permanent deformation (rutting Phenomena) of asphalt mixes is considered as one of the major forms of distress that affects the performance of flexible pavement structures. Many factors can cause permanent deformation to occur in asphalt mixtures, but aggregate gradation is one of the key factors responsible for this deterioration.
In this study, aggregate structure was designed using the Bailey method. Eight aggregate gradations were used to analyze their effect on rutting resistance of asphalt mixtures. Three additional mixes were then designed using Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) as a modifier to improve the rutting resistance. Three percentages of SBS, namely (2 %, 4 % and 6 %) by weight of asphalt cement, were mixed for 60 min at a temperature of 180°C using a shear mixer with a rotation speed of 3000 rpm.
The asphalt mixtures were subjected to rutting test using a wheel tracking device at an air void level of 4% corresponding to optimum asphalt content. The results showed that the Bailey method maintained good resistance to permanent deformation as compared to conventional mixes. Overall, mixes with coarser gradation (Bailey Parameter, CACUW, greater than 95 %) and 4% SBS modified asphalt produced more resistance to rutting.
Structural Behaviour of Slender PVC Composite Columns Filled with Concrete
Authors: Raheemah Murtaza Allawi , Resan Sa’ad Fahad 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
In this study, the performance of slender PVC-concrete columns was investigated using variables including concrete filling compressive strength, column slenderness ratio, and PVC section compactness ratio. The specimens were subjected to uniaxial compression in two loading modes; in the first mode, a PVC tube was utilised to enhance the concrete core as a composite element, and in the second mode, a PVC tube was utilised to confine the concrete core only. Nine PVC-concrete sections with different polyvinyl chloride tube characteristics and different filled concrete compressive strengths were considered in several fabricated slender PVC-concrete columns. The column lengths were varied so that overall column buckling could be investigated. The results showed that the composite mode columns exhibited more strength improvement than those in confined mode. Experimentally predicated effective flexural stiffness was thus normalised in terms of filling concrete stiffness and PVC tube stiffness, and the normalised results indicated that effective flexural stiffness depends on the mode (confining or composite), PVC and filling concrete strength, and column slenderness ratio.
Numerical Analysis of Under-Reamed Pile Subjected to Dynamic Loading in Sandy Soil
Authors: Jebur M M , Ahmed M D , Karkush M O 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Under-reamed piles are piles with enlarged bases, which may be single bulb or multi bulbs. Such piles are suitable for resisting considerable soil movement of filed up ground, soft clay, and loose sand and have the advantages of increasing the soil strength and decreasing the displacement. In the present study, the finite element method was used to analyse the performance of a single pile with under-reamed bulbs of different shapes, that is, single cone, double cone, and half and full sphere, embedded in homogeneous, poorly graded sandy soil. The model of under-reamed pile was made of reinforced concrete and the bulb located at the middle of the embedded length of the pile. The dynamic load applied on the piles is a vertical harmonic load produced from the vibration of machine fixed on the pile cap and the results analysed using PLAXIS 3D software. The Moher-Coulomb model was used to simulate the behaviour of the soil and the linear elastic model was used for simulating the behaviour of the pile material. The load-settlement curve was obtained from the analysis of different patterns of the under-reamed pile, and the results showed a reduction in the settlement by 1,670% when using a single cone. The single cone gives the best results in comparison with other shapes of under-reamed bulbs.
Effects of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) and aggregate gradation on permanent deformation of asphalt concrete pavement
Authors: Ezzat Estabraq N. , Abed Alaa H. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Rutting, stripping and fatigue represent serious distresses which lead to complete failure of the pavement. These distresses could minimize the performance of asphalt pavements. In Iraq, under the influence of repeated vehicle loading, high temperature at summer days and water damage, specific requirements are needed to control the quality of highway materials especially asphalt binder since some of the distresses are related with asphalt binder and can be controlled by modifying asphalt with several modifiers in order to increase the durability of the pavement and to reduce the effect of rutting and moisture damage. The main objective of this research is to study the effects of using hybrid elastomer and plastomer polymers modifiers and aggregate gradation on the asphalt mixture resistance to rutting. In this study, different types and concentration of polymers are used. 1% and 3% of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) were added for both control asphalt binder and asphalt modified with 3% Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS). To evaluate rutting depth, roller compactor and wheel-track devices test were used in this paper.
Non-parametric Multi-criteria Optimisation of Park and Ride Facility Locations
Authors: Alghazali Huda , Attya Hussein , Al-Busaltan Shakir 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A significant increase in car ownership has been recognised as one of the main reasons for traffic congestion, especially in city centres. Park-and-ride (P&R) facilities are often included as parts of a multimode transportation strategy, featuring car parks where users can switch to public transportation to carry on their journeys; they have thus long been used as an effective solution to mitigating congestion issues without affecting traffic demand. Feasible locations of park-and-ride facilities are thus of crucial importance not only for users, but also local authorities and the environment. Many factors of different importance affect the optimal locations of P&R facilities, which further complicates the process of decision making. In order to systemise the process of criteria weighting, a non-parametric approach is thus used in this paper to test three key aspects of the P&R facility localisation process. These are user coverage, accessibility from major roads, and area availability. An Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to develop a resilient weighting system that can be updated for each case, and the case study used in this research is the Iraqi city of Kerbala. The results show that that the AHP method is a powerful technique for evaluating and comparing the influence of multiple factors on each other and on the final outcome. The paper concludes with a discussion of the findings, practical implications, research limitations and future research directions.
Prediction of plywood deformation under the impact of windborne debris using Taguchi method
Authors: Al-Kubaisi O , Mohotti D , Al-Qassag O 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Windstorms and tornados can cause severe damages to different structure types regardless the materials they have been made of. These damages are caused both by the extreme wind velocity and any flying debris within the wind field. Windborne debris is classified based on shape and aerodynamical properties into three types: compact, rod, and plate-like debris. According to both American and Australian Standards, the performance of any structural element is to be tested under the impact of rod-like debris. Plywood is used globally to create both structural and non-structural elements such as doors and window shutters, and thus, in this study, a numerical simulation of rod-like debris was conducted using LS-DYNA to study the effect of debris impact velocity on the deformation of a plywood plate. In this way, the effect of the plate thickness and modulus of elasticity on the deformation were also investigated. Taguchi Method was adopted to make the simulation more robust and reduce the required computational time and costs. The results showed that as the debris impact velocity increased, both the deformation of the plywood plate at penetration and the residual kinetic energy of the debris increased. However, for the same plate thickness and debris impact velocity, as the modulus of elasticity increased, the deformation of the plate at the point of penetration decreased.
Improving Asphalt Binder Properties Using Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate and Natural Liquid Rubber
Authors: Ashour A S , Kareem M M , Al-Baiati Mohammad N 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This paper investigates adding two types of polymer to asphalt binder in different proportions to demonstrate the effect of their mechanical properties on the asphalt. A 10% addition of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is used in this research with different percentages of liquid natural rubber (LNR at 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%). The natural rubber chemically is heated to increase the surface area to achieve the best penetration and to overcome phase separation issues caused by the difference in the densities of the rubber and asphalt. The asphalt tests showed improvement in the structures and viscosity, with a reduced softening point and improvements in temperature susceptibility with increases in the natural rubber ratio. The FTIR spectroscopy confirmed that the asphalt modification is a physical process, and other tests showed an increase in the asphalt binder resistance at low temperatures.
A Study of Pedestrian Traffic Safety at Three-leg Unsignalized Intersections
Authors: Neham Sahar S. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The damage caused by vehicle-pedestrian traffic accidents is no less than that caused by vehicle-vehicle traffic accidents in terms of the health, economic, psychological, and social effects on both individuals and the community, especially in urban areas. However, poor reporting of pedestrian crashes causing injury and fatality to traffic officials has created a loss of authenticity in the data on pedestrian traffic accidents, thus necessitating study of the causes of these incidents to help inform developments in pedestrian traffic safety. This research uses a sustainable strategy to examine traffic conflicts or “near-crash” scenarios to study pedestrian traffic safety rather than waiting for traffic accidents to happen. Data on six types of pedestrian traffic conflict were collected at selected sites in Baghdad, Karbala, and Babylon based on a case study of three-legs unsignalized intersections. The results showed that the third type of pedestrian traffic conflict (PC3) was the most dangerous in terms of the value of Severity Rate, particularly in approach No.16 in the city of Karbala. The developed models also showed that exponential relationships offer explanations of the relationships between hourly pedestrian traffic conflict/approaches and pedestrian delays or conflict, with the coefficient of determination for these ranging between 0.7133 and 0.8966.
Using Internal Framed Steel Stiffening Ribs as an Alternative Technique for Torsional Strengthening of RC Box Beams
Authors: Muhammed Sabah H. , Aziz Ali Hameed 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
There is little research on internal torsional strengthening of box beams. This study uses internal framed steel stiffening ribs (FSSRs) as an alternative technique for torsional strengthening of reinforced self-compacting concrete (SCC) box beams. These FSSRs have been fabricated to a square shape of size equal to the internal dimensions of the box beam specimens, specified cross-section, and shear connectors on four sides. Four specimens of reinforced SCC were tested up to failure under the effect of pure torsion; one was a reference specimen without strengthening (designated as 1NR) and the other three (designated as 2N1OF, 3N3OF, and 4N5OF) were strengthened with one, three, and five FSSRs, respectively. Specimens had dimensions of 2100×300×300 mm for length (L), width (W), and height (H), respectively. The effect of FSSRs, and their number, on torsional capacity were studied, as was the application of torque-angle of twist relation at end, quarter and mid span. Results show that the ultimate torsional strength capacity is increased significantly by 32.7 %, 59.2 %, and 93.9 % for specimens 2N1OF, 3N3OF, and 4N5OF, respectively as compared with the reference specimen, 1NR. The presence of FSSRs tends to reduce deformation of specimens: deformation decreases with increase in the number of FSSRs. It is concluded that the torsional strength capacity of reinforced SCC box beams can be enhanced by use of internal FSSRs as in this study. The extent of enhancement depends mainly on the number of internal FSSRs deployed.
Developing a Comprehensive Digital Library Using Airport Geographic Information Systems (AGIS)
Authors: Ibraheem Asma Thamir , Hammodat Waseem Wathiq 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
GIS can provide airport management staff with visual pavement information and powerful analysis tools. The spatial information managed by GIS can ensure the accumulation of valid data concerning the attributes of airport pavement. Based on the principles and general implementation process of GIS, and the characteristics of airport pavement management, this paper describes the implementation process of GIS for planning and design of Erbil airport.
To organize the spatial entities effectively, several layers were set according to the characteristics of spatial entities. The spatial database was established, and then the function design of GIS software is presented including map exploration, map location, spatial query, rendering style and output of map.
Airports are finding that integrated geographic information systems (AGIS) can help them to better manage both air-and ground-side operations. In this paper we present a representative case study of the AGIS for Erbil International Airport buildings and pavements. The study generated results in the form of a multi-layer map, whereby each layer has information that contains a comprehensive database.
There are two primary types of pavement utilized in the construction of runways, taxiways and aprons for modern airports. These are classified generally as rigid pavement and flexible pavement, each involving a different approach of analysis, design and construction. The choice of which to use depends upon local conditions, construction difficulties and economics. Consequently, a comparative study of each type of pavement was made to find the most suitable pavement structure for Erbil International Airport (AIAP). The digital library for Erbil International Airport includes general information about aircraft noise pollution and its effect on the surrounding area of the flight track, generating a noise pollution map.