bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental Investigation of Phase Change Material as an Insulator in Hollow Brick Wall
Authors: Abbas Hayder M , Jalil Jalal M , Ahmed Sabah T 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this paper, an experimental study has been conducted for using a PCM as a thermal insulation material in a south wall of a room. Two identical cubic rooms were fabricated from sandwich panels except for the south wall (test wall) was built as an Iraqi domestic wall. South wall orientation was chosen as the test wall due to the significant amount of solar radiation falling on it so that the study compared two test walls, a wall without PCM or not treated wall (NTW) and a wall embedded with PCM or treated wall (TW). The results show that using PCM in TW will increase the time lag by 1 hour and decrease the inner surface wall and room temperature by about 2.7 °C compared with NTW.
Kinematic Analysis of Underactuated Robotic Finger Design
Authors: Mohammed R Ahmed , Soud Wafa Abd , Baqer Ihsan A 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper presents a kinematic analysis of a novel underactuated robotic finger design. The design finger is a development of an index finger of the Ottobock hand. Namely, it consists of three phalanges with 3-degrees of freedom. A four-bar mechanism was used to make the finger self-adaptive with the grasped object. The Solidworks software was used to create the design, and the ANSYS software was used to analyze the design. The kinematic equations of the novel design are derived to get the optimum values of the links dimension that achieved the optimum grasping force by using the genetic algorithm. The normal force was measured by using the grasping force measuring mechanism. The models were manufactured using a 3D printer with hard Polylactic acid (PLA) printing material. The contact points’ normal force between phalanxes and grasping force measuring mechanism was measured using a load cell. The experimental results of the normal force of the finger were closed to the theoretical results.
Mitigating the Volume of Inflow and Infiltration Entering the Sewage Network during the Storm of the Trunk Sewage Line (A Case Study in Karbala-Iraq)
Authors: Htif Khawlah A , Nile Basim k , Mohammed Hussein Ali 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Managing rainwater in light of climate variability is one of the most difficult problems facing urban areas in the world. Heavy rainfall contributes to increased infiltration of rainwater and effluent (RDII) into the sewage systems, which leads to system overflow and thus increased environmental pollution. This study aims at reducing the volume of surface runoff and thus reducing the volume of inflow and infiltration that enters the sewage network during the storm of the main sewage line of Karbala city. To investigate the extent to which the proposed solution would mitigate floods in the study area, the rainwater Management Model [SWMM] used data density for hourly precipitation from 2016 - 2019. The results indicate that the size of the flood was reduced to more than 75%, while the flood time decreased from 38 hours to 8 hours. The overload limit was reduced from 25 manholes to 5 manholes reduced (80%), and the excess duration were reduced by 55%. Total sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) 95m3 and area flooding 633m2. This analysis is expected to provide a comprehensive solution to mitigate sewage flooding during a storm and provide support to decision-makers to reduce environmental and health problems during heavy rains.
Effect of Natural Fillers on the Tensile and Flexural Properties of PMMA used in Denture Manufacture
Authors: Jassam Ahmed , Mohammed Farag Mahel , Hamad Hassan M 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe mechanical properties of the dental are very important in order to make the proper selection of the right material to be used by the dentist. The effect of natural filler on the mechanical properties of PMMA used for denture manufacture has been investigated. Three natural materials, which are Siwak, Pomegranate, and Olive, are selected. The filler is prepared by grinding the material and sieving it to get the filler with a grain size of 50, 75, and 100 μm for each. The filler is added with three weight fractions in which become four parameters with three levels. Using the standard Taguchi’s array L9 (43). S/N ratio and ANOVA are used to determine the optimum process parameters with their significant factor. The results show that the optimal parameters combination with their levels for higher modulus of elasticity appear by using grain size of 75 μm with (0.6% Olive, 0.6% Pomegranate, and 0.9% Siwak) filler weight fraction. Whereas for the tensile strength and bending strength at (100 μm, with (0.6% Olive, 1.2% Pomegranate and 0.9% Siwak)) and 75 μm, with (0.9% Olive, 0.6% Pomegranate and 0.9% Siwak) respectively. The Siwak filler has the most significant influence on the mechanical properties with contribution ranged from (25-52) %, followed by pomegranate filler. The grain size affects tensile strength more than the other mechanical properties. The experimental and predicted results are very close, with errors not exceed 4%.
A Biomedical Device for Early Detection of Symptoms of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer Disease (AD)
Authors: Ahmed Qayssar A , Al-Neami Auns Q H 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The present study aims to design and implement a biomedical device helps in the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer disease (AD). It is an electronic device that provides information helps in the early diagnosis of people suffering from (MCI) in current time which may develop into (AD) in the future. The design was based on the event related potential (ERP) principles with audio stimulation, by acquiring the stimulated brain waves from (P3 and P4) regions in the parietal lobs. The audio stimulated signals that pass through a series of amplifications with gain of approximately 880x and filtering processes and then recoded as sound waves to be analyzed by MATLAB resulting in a final wave that helps in the diagnosis of (MCI) or (AD).
Gain and Noise Figure Analysis of Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier Based on Double Pass Configuration Using Forward Pumping
Authors: Awsaj Mohammed K , Goktas H Haldun , Yucel Murat , Awsaj Mahmood K 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this paper, gain and noise figure of Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA) is analyzed based on double pass with Wave Selective Coupler (WSC). The main contribution in this study the use of a (WSC) to eliminate the residual pump power out of the signal and attain optimal result in L-band. This method decreases the self-saturation effect of ASE. Also, the study shows the effect on input and output signal power in L-band Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers with pump power using forward pumping. Moreover, the researchers analyzed the high-yield behavior and characterization details of the new double-pass EDFA with WSC. Finally, the study shows the effects of pump power on gain and noise figure with input and output signal power in L-band at 1590 nm.
Conventional and Fuzzy Control for First Order Plus Dead Time Process Using Different Tuning Methods
Authors: Mousa Al-zobai Khalid M , Makki Dalya S 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This research discusses the performance of closed loop control system to control the first order process with dead time which represents most of the chemical processes. Proportional, proportional integral and proportional integral derivative controls were used to characterize the performance of the closed loop. Fuzzy logic control as advanced strategy was used to improve the characteristic of the response. Different tuning methods (Cohen-Coon, Ziegler Nichols and internal model) were used for tuning the controllers. The results showed that the fuzzy control greatly improves the performance of the closed loop system because the rise in the controlled variable is arrested more quickly, and it returns rapidly to the original value with little or no oscillation. Hence, the system is more stable with Fuzzy control.
Electro-Kinetic Removal (EKR) of Heavy Metals from Contaminated Soil using Palm Fibers and Organic Material
Authors: Ajjam S , Karbool M 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The heavy metals that are contaminating the soil considered a global problem and especially in Iraq. One of the latest techniques is EKR that can hand a senior promise to clean the contaminated soil with heavy metals. Iraq is the top country in terms of the number of palm trees and the dates that are produced each year, which eliminates thousands of tons of waste are eliminated. This study involves, firstly, mediating an EKR off-site pilot study of impact assessment of the organic material in the soil at a pH of 3. Regent HNO3 and diluted NaOH were chosen to set the samples of distilled water, reaching the desired pH value. Secondly, test the capacity of date palm fibers (DPF) as a low cost, obtainable, and eco-friendly invert osmosis blocker. In this pH 3, organic removal of copper is more active than without the organic material of the same ph; 50 %, 47%, on the way. However, it was concluded that in Iraq, the utilization of organic materials and fibers of the palm are available at low cost, and materials of eco-friendly have succeeded to improve the removal of copper method in the EKR Reactor; via raising the efficiency of copper (%R) removal to be around 50%.
Overview of Joining and Repairing Techniques of Ni-Based Superalloy for Industrial Gas Turbine Applications
Authors: AL-Nafeay Ruaa H , AL-Roubaiy Ahmed O , Omidvar H 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In industrial gas turbine (IGT) engine manufacturing, nickel-based superalloys are used mainly to meet the needs of components of the hot gas pathway. Although these alloys have high-temperature capabilities, the parts are prone to damage during service. The high working temperatures of these engines lead to component degradation due to creep, fatigue, and oxidation reactions; therefore, due to the high cost of newly produced superalloy components, it is usually more cost-effective to repair the damaged parts rather than completely replacing them. Joining and repairing techniques are necessary when manufacturing and repairing these alloys. This article will present an overview of the Ni-based superalloy for industrial gas turbine application by studying the microstructure of Ni-based superalloy, weldability issues, and cracking phenomena. Joining/repairing techniques of Ni-base superalloy with advantages and limitations to each technique are discussed to know a suitable technique for use in the high-temperature application.
Study of Elastic Modulus and Roughness of Porous Alumina Toughened Zirconia
Authors: Ibrahim S N , Zaidan Sh A , Mohammed M A 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Alumina Toughened Zirconia (ATZ) composite with 20 wt% alumina has been prepared by powder compaction method after stabilized zirconia using 3 mol. of yttria to get the 3Y-TZP compound. A graphite additive (0,10,20,30, and 40) wt.% have been added to produce porous ATZ. The composite has been sintered in the air at 1500 °C. The effect of porosity on physical and structural properties have been investigated. Porosity increased, and bulk density decreased with graphite additives increases in the range (7.5-51.7) % and (5.6-2.8) g/cm3 respectively for (3Y-TZP/20 wt% Al2O3) specimens. The porosity effect is apparent by deteriorating the mechanical properties; the diametric strength decreased from 95.7 to 8.7 MPa, while the young modulus decreased from 159.7 to 27.3 GPa with porosity increases. Surface morphology was detected by atomic force microscope (AFM). The average grain size and roughness of 3Y-TZP/20 wt% Al2O3 specimens increased with increasing porosity from 75.44 to 91.9 nm and 2.9 to 18.7 nm, respectively. It was found that porous ATZ was successfully fabricated by using graphite additives. The apparent porosity of 3Y-TZP/20 wt% Al2O3 composite after sintering can be controlled by the amount of graphite content in the powder mixture. The presence of porosity greatly influences physical and microstructural properties.
MWCNTs Addition to Al2O3-SiC Binary Coating Deposited by Plasma Thermal Spray on Low Carbon Steel Substrate
Authors: Jalal Zainab , Al-Sultani Kadhim F , Majdi Hassan Sh 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Coating with alumina and silicon carbide on low alloy steel specimens surface was conducted by using plasma thermal spray technique. The coating was of different percentages of alumina and silicon carbide (75% alumina +25% silicon carbide, 50% alumina + 50% silicon carbide) and then carbon nanotube was added to the mixtures of powder with percentage of 1%. Cyclic hot corrosion test was done after coating and XRD and SEM were performed to all samples after corrosion. Coating thickness was measured by SEM cross-section micrographs. The weight change of bare and coated specimens after 50 hours of corrosion in 67% wt. V2O5 + 33% wt. Na2SO4 at 950 °C was measured. The maximum reduction in weight was shown by specimens coated with 50% wt. alumina +50%wt. silica carbide with addition of 1% carbon nanotube . X-Ray of coated samples indicated that no phase change occurred to the coating materials. Scanning electron microscopy imaging of surface layer clarified that surface layer has relatively moderate porosity and some coating layers contain micro-cracks.
Investigation of the Effect of Wire Electrical Discharge Machining on the Fracture Toughness of Aluminum-Boron Carbide Composite
Authors: Al-Ethari Haydar , Fadhil Zahraa 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Aluminum metal matrix composites reinforced by ceramic particles have a wide acceptance in engineering applications due to their mechanical and physical properties. One of the major challenges in machining these composites by the conventional machining operations is the presence of the abrasive particles, which affects the tool life and the required surface finish. Electro discharge machining process is widely used instead of conventional methods to overcome these challenges. Therefore, it is essential to study the influence of the electro-discharge machining on its fracture toughness, as it is the most important structural integrity indicator in the wide range applications of the studied composites. In this work, all samples were prepared by the stir casting method with using a squeezing pressure during the solidification. Samples were reinforced by (0, 2, 4, and 6wt %) of B4C particles with a size of 0.387μm. The fracture toughness studied were based on the stress intensity factor, determined experimentally by using compact tensile test and numerically using the finite element method. The fracture toughness improvement was recorded for the samples containing 4wt% of B4C.
Preparation and Characterization of CuO/MgO Nano Particles using Sol-Gel Technique
Authors: Yassen D A , Othman F M , Hamead A A Abdul 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Copper oxide CuO and Magnesium oxide MgO are considered among the most promising oxides in the current development. Nanocomposite particles NCPs of MgO-CuO were synthesized by using the sol-gel method. The copper (II) nitrate trihydrate 0.1M and Magnesium nitrate hexahydrate 0.1M solvents were mixed at a 1:1 ratio and the gel was formed at a temperature of 80 °C, then dried calcined at 500 °C for different time (3, 5, and 7 hours). The CuO/MgO particles were characterized by particle size analyzer (PZA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and apparent density. The result of x-ray diffraction proved the phases purity of the composite particles. On the other hand, FESEM images proved nanoparticles embedded in the MgO-CuO matrix with a particle size of 33.5 –63.27 nm. Moreover, the density for the above samples was 0.699, 0.721, and 0.755 g/cm3 respectively. It increases with increasing the calcined time. This stimulates the growth of crystals CuO/MgO which exhibits excellent catalytic activity for the advanced application.
Advantages of cryogenic machining technique over without-coolant and with-coolant machining on SS316
Authors: Karthik Rao M C , Malghan Rashmi L , Shettigar Arun Kumar , Herbert Mervin A , Rao Shrikantha S 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The analysis concentrated towards the influence of speed of the spindle along with a cryogenic (LN2) cooling technique in treating SS316 using CNC (Computerized numerical control) milling machine. An comparative study path was set and anlyised among three states i.e. Dry (Without coolant), wet (With coolant) and cryogenic (With liquid LN2) machining using coated carbide inserts. The coolant used in case of wet machining was water-soluble, referred to as cutting fluid. The experimental range falls in 3 different levels of spindle speed (SS), such as low level (1000 rpm), medium level (2000 rpm), and high level (3000 rpm), respectively. Meanwhile, feed rate (FR) and depth of cut (DOC) were reserved steadily with 450 mm min−1, 1 mm separately. This vital focus is towards cryogenic (LN2) machining effects and its perception of machinability on SS316, such as tool wear –TW (μm), cutting force–CF (N), cutting temperature–CT (ºC) and surface roughness–Ra (μm). The experiments were conducted and documented with cryogenic (LN2) techniques to establish the fairness and practicability of the method to compare with without-coolant (dry) and with-coolant (wet) machining. The attained statistical results in comparison of LN2 method over without-coolant and with-coolant machining concerned to test cases for CF- Fx (N), CT (ºC), Ra (μm) and FW (μm) are 53.21%–34.20%, 65.88%–44.51%, 75.43%–44.27%, & 59.76%–23.10%, respectively.
Generalized Poisson distributions for systems with two-particle interactions
Authors: Hameeda M , Plastino Angelo , Rocca M C 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In a cosmological context, observational best fits for galaxies’ distributions in the Universe have been tackled by recourse to different distribution functions. We provide here arguments favoring the formulation of a rather general distribution function (DF), of Poisson origin, describing galaxy clustering. The DF should be useful irrespective of distances or temperatures. We will be discussing distribution function for gravitational interactions.
Inter-rater reliability of care home staff’s proxy judgements with residents’ assessments of their own health-related quality of life: an analysis of the PATCH trial EQ-5D data
Authors: Kelly Charlotte , Hulme Claire , Graham Liz , Ellwood Alison , Patel Ismail , Cundill Bonnie , Farrin Amanda , Goodwin Madeline , Hull Karen , Fisher Jill , Forster Anne 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
to compare care staff proxies with care home residents’ self-assessment of their health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods
we assessed the degree of inter-rater reliability between residents and care staff proxies for the EQ-5D-5L index, domains and EQ Visual Analogue Scale at baseline, 3 months and 6 months, collected as part of the PATCH trial. We calculated kappa scores. Interpreted as &lt;0 no agreement, 0–0.2 slight, 0.21–0.60 fair to moderate and &gt;0.6 substantial to almost perfect agreement. Qualitative interviews with care staff and researchers explored the challenges of completing these questions.

Results
over 50% of the HRQoL data from residents was missing at baseline compared with a 100% completion rate by care staff proxies. A fair-to-moderate level of agreement was found for the EQ-5D-5L index. A higher level of agreement was achieved for the EQ-5D-5L domains of mobility and pain. Resident ‘non-completers’ were more likely to: be older, have stayed a longer duration in the care home, have lower Barthel Index and Physical Activity and Mobility in Residential Care (PAM-RC) scores, a greater number of co-morbidities and have joined the trial through consultee agreement. Interviews with staff and researchers indicated that it was easier to rate residents’ mobility levels than other domains, but in general it was difficult to obtain data from residents or to make an accurate proxy judgement for those with dementia.

Conclusions
whilst assessing HRQoL by care staff proxy completion provides a more complete dataset, uncertainty remains as to how representative these values are for different groups of residents within care homes.
Acceptance and commitment therapy for late-life treatment-resistant generalised anxiety disorder: a feasibility study
Authors: Gould Rebecca L , Wetherell Julie Loebach , Kimona Kate , Serfaty Marc A , Jones Rebecca , Graham Christopher D , Lawrence Vanessa , Livingston Gill , Wilkinson Philip , Walters Kate , Le Novere Marie , Leroi Iracema , Barber Robert , Lee Ellen , Cook Jo , Wuthrich Viviana M , Howard Robert J 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most common anxiety disorder in older people. First-line management includes pharmacological and psychological therapies, but many do not find these effective or acceptable. Little is known about how to manage treatment-resistant generalised anxiety disorder (TR-GAD) in older people.

Objectives
To examine the acceptability, feasibility and preliminary estimates of the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for older people with TR-GAD.

Participants
People aged ≥65 years with TR-GAD (defined as not responding to GAD treatment, tolerate it or refused treatment) recruited from primary and secondary care services and the community.

Intervention
Participants received up to 16 one-to-one sessions of ACT, developed specifically for older people with TR-GAD, in addition to usual care.

Measurements
Co-primary outcomes were feasibility (defined as recruitment of ≥32 participants and retention of ≥60% at follow-up) and acceptability (defined as participants attending ≥10 sessions and scoring ≥21/30 on the satisfaction with therapy subscale). Secondary outcomes included measures of anxiety, worry, depression and psychological flexibility (assessed at 0 and 20 weeks).

Results
Thirty-seven participants were recruited, 30 (81%) were retained and 26 (70%) attended ≥10 sessions. A total of 18/30 (60%) participants scored ≥21/30 on the satisfaction with therapy subscale. There was preliminary evidence suggesting that ACT may improve anxiety, depression and psychological flexibility.

Conclusions
There was evidence of good feasibility and acceptability, although satisfaction with therapy scores suggested that further refinement of the intervention may be necessary. Results indicate that a larger-scale randomised controlled trial of ACT for TR-GAD is feasible and warranted.