bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bond the Gap between Academic and Industry Requirements for Undergraduate Civil Engineering Students in Iraq
Authors: Naji Zaher Mohammed , Dakhil Ammar , Jasim Samer Al 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
In the last twenty years, civil engineering industry has been improved significantly due to the expanded use of technology and innovations in project management. This progress represented as a challenge to universities to provide competence engineers with the right capabilities to be fit in the new job requirements and able to lead this industry to the new era. As this problem considered a global issue, it has a particular situation in Iraq. This resulted from the sharp change in the Iraqi construction industry after recent political change in 2003. This study aims to investigate the current industry expectation from graduated civil engineers and compare it with actual competences that engineers learned from their study in Iraqi universities. This research implements both a qualitative and quantitative approach to collect valuable and reliable data. This has been achieved by sending an online questionnaire to senior engineers working for both public and private organizations. In addition, another set of questions send to students to evaluate their knowledge to identify the gap. This study identified a considerable gap between current civil engineering education and industry expectation, which mainly resulted in project management skills. This gap needs to be addressed in the near future to make sure that Iraqi civil engineers maintain their chances to get hired from foreign companies and be able to lead the Iraqi construction industry to the global market.
Factors effecting on the compressive and tensile strength of reactive powder concrete made with local materials
Authors: Chkheiwer A H , Kadim J A 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) represent as one of the most concrete progressive development so that it can be improved the strength, durability, reliability, and resilience of the concrete structures. The availability of local materials play the main role in the major step in making the economic mix jobs by saving their materials and effort and decrease the concrete cost. So in this paper, the parameters including the curing regimes, of sand gradation, binder type, and content, and steel fiber content were investigated to show their effect on concrete’s compressive strength. The obtained results showed that the curing regime that consists of 5 days (2 days at 60°, 3 days at 80°) given the highest strength than other curing regimes. Finer sand, Silica Fume, steel fibers cause a considerable increasing in compression strength. Various relationship were obtained illustrating the effect of studied parameters with concrete strength.
The Evaluation of Khorasan Razavi Range for the construction of wind power plants through multi-criteria decision making in GIS environment
Authors: Alhameedah A Sh , Shad R , Ghaemi M 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The purpose of this research was to determine the suitable location of wind power plants in Khorasan Razavi province according to the climate criteria and conditions (wind speed, prevailing wind speed, pressure and temperature), geography (elevation, slope), socioeconomic factors (distance, distance from the cities and distance from the villages), environmental factors (distance from protected areas, land use and distance from the river) and geology (distance from faults). The process has been carried out in the geographical information system environment using the analytical hierarchical process. Based on the role and effect of these factors, a map of the Effective Factors was prepared in ArcGIS10.6 environments. The weight of the criteria was determined by the Analytical Hierarchy Process Analysis (AHP) method in the EC2000 software environment. The ArcGIS10.6 software was used for spatial modelling, analysis and overlaying the different layers. The final map of suitable wind power plants was carried out in four different classes (very suitable, suitable, somewhat suitable and unsuitable). The results showed that 10.37% (1239871 ha) of the area was identified as very suitable for construction, including areas in the northwest of the province (around Sabzevar) and relatively slightly in the southeast (around Taibad) and eastern area (around Sarakhs). The results also showed that the GIS, as a decision support system in building a power plant, can be used to prepare data and prioritize experts’ models and opinions regarding various factors in choosing the appropriate location for an effective wind power plant.
The Role of Cooling Degree Days on determining the insulation of building Envelop in a hot climate (Iraqi cities as an example)
Authors: Hassan Susan Abed 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Last decades witnessed rise in global average temperature for cities, consequently with the problem of rising needs for energy results from the growth of populations in cities. Recent studies concentrated on degree days method to calculate energy consumption for buildings, the main problem of this research is the role of cooling degree days on determining insulation of buildings envelope in a hot climate and for Iraqi cities as an example. The research aims to determine insulation of buildings envelope according to cooling degree days which reduce energy consumption; the results showed that there were differences in cooling degree days for main Iraqis cities, and there was an effect of buildings envelope insulation on cooling energy lost, the insulation for walls reduced consumption energy by 70-80%. Also, the insulation for ceiling reduced consumption energy by 65%, as compared to the same building materials without insulation.
Effect of Nano-Silica and Micro Steel Fiber on Compressive Strength Development of Fly Ash Geopolymer Paste Cured Under Ambient Temperature
Authors: Hadi Noor S. , Salman Wissam D. , Safie Mahdi Oleiwi S 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
This paper present the development on compressive strength of fly ash geopolymer paste under effectiveness of nano-silica and micro steel fiber. Twelve geopolymer paste mixes under two series, the first series with replacement (0% to 1.4%) by increment (0.2%) of binder by nano-silica and using the optimum concentration of nano silica in second series with addition (0.5% to 2%) by increment (0.5%) of micro steel fiber. The mixes were using fly ash as binder with Sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions as the alkali activators. (Na2SiO3 to NaOH) ratio was (2.0) with molarity of sodium hydroxide (10 M), and the specimens cured under room temperature (35 ± 2)°c. Results Show that the compressive strength of fly ash geopolymer paste can be improved as high as 76.5MPa at 28 days by add 0.8% nano silica and 1% micro steel fiber which were the optimum proportion that caused noteworthy improvement of compressive strength.
Investigating the influence of cement replacement by high volume of GGBS and PFA on the mechanical performance of cement mortar
Authors: Shubbar Ali Abdulhussein , Al-Shaer Ali , AlKizwini Rasha Salah , Hashim Khalid , Hawesah Hayder Al , Sadique Monower 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The technique of replacing the cement with other alternative materials focus on the production of materials with similar performance and reduced environmental impacts relative to traditional cement. The main aim of this study is to investigate the effect of replacing the cement content with high volume of GGBS and PFA on the mechanical performance of cement mortar. Three mixtures were prepared with different percentages of GGBS and PFA (40%, 60% and 80%) as replacement of cement along with other mixture that made with 100% cement as a control mixture. In order to evaluate the performance of the cement mortars, compressive strength test after 7, 14 and 28 days of curing was used. The results indicated that after 7 days of curing, the increase of GGBS and PFA contents caused a reduction in the compressive strength in comparison with the control mixture. After 28 days of curing, the results indicated that the mixture incorporated 80% GGBS and PFA has higher compressive strength relative to the control mixture. Such findings will significantly contribute in reducing the cost of the produced mortar by reducing the amount of used cement and this consequently reduce the cement demands/manufacturing. Less production of cement will reduce the CO2 emissions of the cement industry.
Solid Waste Situation in Thi-Qar Governorate
Authors: Ethaib Saleem 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
This study aims to provide an overview of the current status of solid waste in Thi-Qar governorate by a case study of five cities in this governorate. The five cities are namely: Al-Nassriya, Al-Shatra, Al-Rifai, Suk Al-Shoyokh, and Al-Chibayish. In general, the results revealed that the average generation rate of domestic solid waste was 0.85 Kg/capita/day in the study area. The organic waste was found the major components of municipal waste and it exceeded 60% of waste composition. All dumping sites in the aforementioned cities are uncontrolled dumpsite, their design not suitable, and do not work according to proper operating standards. There are no landfills or dumping sites specified for disposal the non-municipal waste. The investigations showed the presence of potential health risks and negative environmental aspects of solid waste handling in Thi-Qar governorate due to improper handling of collection, transfer, and disposal of solid waste. Thus, developing a master plan for integrated solid waste management is prerequisite to overcome the difficulties solid waste management sector in Thi-Qar governorate.
Evaluation Al-Safeena and Sayed Jawda Intersections in Kerbala City
Authors: Al-Murshidy Huda M. , Ewadh Hussein A. , Almuhanna Raid R. A. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Increase of traffic volumes at intersections is one of the significant reasons that cause congestion. The current study aims to analyze, assess and improve traffic performance of (Al-Safeena roundabout) and (Sayed Jawda intersection) in Kerbala city. In order to implement these goals, data of the traffic volume and geometric layout for (Al-Safeena roundabout) and (Sayed Jawda intersection) are manually collected. To achieve the traffic analysis process, (SIDRA version 7) traffic program was used. Al-Safeena intersection improved by adding a new lane for each approach, this reduce the delay times, fuel consumption, and stops. This process will reduce ratio of volume to capacity (v/c) to value 0.7 and the delay rate value to 15.3 sec and LOS to C. On other hand, traffic operation at Sayed Jawda intersection is relatively enhanced by dividing the width of approach to four lanes, however, level of service is not upgraded satisfactorily. Change Sayed Jawda intersection to roundabout reduces the value of v/c to 0.8, and the value of average delay to 24 sec and LOS C.
Air-entrainment as an alternative to polypropylene fibers and its effect on the compressive strength of concrete at high temperatures
Authors: Holan J , Novák J , Štefan R 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Although much research has been done in the area of the fire response of concrete in the past decades, only few studies are focused on the mechanical properties of air-entrained concrete at high temperatures. This paper presents preliminary results of an experimental investigation focused on the effect of air-entrainment on the compressive strength of concrete at various high temperatures. Within the scope of this work, heat treatments and compression tests have been performed on reference and air-entrained concrete specimens. The results obtained from the experiments have been analysed and show that the air entrainment seems to have an adverse effect on the compressive strength of the concrete at high temperatures when exposed for a prolonged period of time.
Methods of lighting of concrete structures for high-speed camera measurement
Authors: Trtík T , Chylík R , Fládr J , Štoller J , Broukalová I 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
In extensive research, damage to concrete panels by explosion is investigated. For detailed monitoring of particular phases of explosion, exploitation of a high-speed camera is intended. The paper presents testing of possibilities of lighting of the scene at detonation with explosive agents. Four alternatives of agents were tested – three varying amounts of aluminium powder and argon. Paper presents results of the tests – intensity of lighting for tested variants, delay between ignition of lighting agent and the main detonation, and evaluates convenience of tested explosive agents for illuminating of the scene captured by high-speed camera.
Potentially serious alcohol–medication interactions and falls in community-dwelling older adults: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Holton Alice , Boland Fiona , Gallagher Paul , Fahey Tom , Moriarty Frank , Kenny Rose Anne , Cousins Gráinne 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the association between potentially serious alcohol–medication interactions (POSAMINO criteria), hypothesised to increase the risk of falls in older adults, and falls in community-dwelling older adults at two and 4 years follow-up.DesignA prospective cohort study.SettingThe Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing.SubjectsA total of 1,457 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years, with a complete alcohol and regular medication data to allow for the application of the POSAMINO criteria.OutcomesSelf-reported falls at 2 and 4 years follow-up, any falls (yes/no), injurious falls (yes/no) and number of falls (count variable).ResultsThe number of participants who reported falling since their baseline interview at 2 and 4 years were 357 (24%) and 608 (41.8%), respectively; 145 (10%) reported an injurious fall at 2 years and 268 (18%) at 4 years. Median (IQR) number of falls was 1 (1–2) at 2 years and 2 (1–3) at 4 years. Exposure to CNS POSAMINO criteria, hypothesised to increase the risk of falls due primarily to increased sedation, was associated with a significantly increased risk for falling (adjusted relative risk (RR) 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21–1.88) and for injurious falls (adjusted RR 1.62, 95% CI: 1.03–2.55) at 4 years. These equate to an absolute risk of 19% for falling (95% CI: 5–33%) and 8% for injurious falls (95% CI, 4–20%) at 4 years.ConclusionsAssessment and management strategies to prevent falls in community-dwelling older adults should consider patients’ alcohol consumption alongside their assessment of patient medications, particularly among those receiving CNS agents.
Exposure to Welding Fumes, Hexavalent Chromium, or Nickel and Risk of Lung Cancer
Authors: Pesch Beate , Kendzia Benjamin , Pohlabeln Hermann , Ahrens Wolfgang , Wichmann Heinz-Erich , Siemiatycki Jack , Taeger Dirk , Zschiesche Wolfgang , Behrens Thomas , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Brüning Thomas 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
To investigate the risk of lung cancer after exposure to welding fumes, hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), and nickel, we analyzed 3,418 lung cancer cases and 3,488 controls among men from 2 German case-control studies (1988–1996). We developed a welding-process exposure matrix from measurements of these agents, and this was linked with welding histories from a job-specific questionnaire to calculate cumulative exposure variables. Logistic regression models were fitted to estimate odds ratios with confidence intervals conditional on study, and they adjusted for age, smoking, and working in other at-risk occupations. Additionally, we mutually adjusted for the other exposure variables under study. Overall, 800 cases and 645 controls ever worked as regular or occasional welders. Odds ratios for lung cancer with high exposure were 1.55 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17, 2.05; median, 1.8 mg/m3 × years) for welding fumes, 1.85 (95% CI: 1.35, 2.54; median, 1.4 μg/m3 × years) for Cr(VI), and 1.60 (95% CI: 1.21, 2.12; median, 9 μg/m3 × years) for nickel. Risk estimates increased with increasing cumulative exposure to welding fumes and with increasing exposure duration for Cr(VI) and nickel. Our results showed that welding fumes, Cr(VI), and nickel might contribute independently to the excess lung cancer risk associated with welding. However, quantitative exposure assessment remains challenging.
Computational identification of mutator-derived lncRNA signatures of genome instability for improving the clinical outcome of cancers: a case study in breast cancer
Authors: Bao Siqi , Zhao Hengqiang , Yuan Jian , Fan Dandan , Zhang Zicheng , Su Jianzhong , Zhou Meng 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Emerging evidence revealed the critical roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in maintaining genomic instability. However, identification of genome instability-associated lncRNAs and their clinical significance in cancers remain largely unexplored. Here, we developed a mutator hypothesis-derived computational frame combining lncRNA expression profiles and somatic mutation profiles in a tumor genome and identified 128 novel genomic instability-associated lncRNAs in breast cancer as a case study. We then identified a genome instability-derived two lncRNA-based gene signature (GILncSig) that stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups with significantly different outcome and was further validated in multiple independent patient cohorts. Furthermore, the GILncSig correlated with genomic mutation rate in both ovarian cancer and breast cancer, indicating its potential as a measurement of the degree of genome instability. The GILncSig was able to divide TP53 wide-type patients into two risk groups, with the low-risk group showing significantly improved outcome and the high-risk group showing no significant difference compared with those with TP53 mutation. In summary, this study provided a critical approach and resource for further studies examining the role of lncRNAs in genome instability and introduced a potential new avenue for identifying genomic instability-associated cancer biomarkers.
Marsupial versus placental: assessing the evolutionary changes in the scapula of didelphids and sigmodontines
Authors: Bubadué Jamile M , Hendges Carla D , Cherem Jorge J , Cerezer Felipe O , Falconí Tania P , Graipel Maurício E , Cáceres Nilton C 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
It is not a new concept that marsupials and placentals are distant and distinct clades among mammals. In South America, these animals coexist, occupy similar niches and, in some cases, are similar in appearance. This is especially true with respect to the locomotor categories of smaller rodents belonging to the family Cricetidae or, more specifically, the subfamily Sigmodontinae, compared with the marsupials of the Didelphidae family. In this study, we have investigated both the similarities and the differences between the two clades by examining locomotion-dependent adaptation, a crucial survival mechanism that has affected the morphology of both clades. We applied geometric morphometrics to quantify the shape of the scapula, which is a very adaptable structure. We found similar morphological adaptations between the clades, especially with respect to adaptation to life in trees. Moreover, Didelphidae are influenced by phylogenetic history to a greater extent than Sigmodontinae with regard to variation of scapula shape and allometry. These differences can be explained by the greater degree of body size variation that exists within the Didelphidae. Didelphidae have an ancient evolutionary history in South America compared with the Sigmodontinae, which have undergone a very successful and rapid diversification more recently.
ARHGAP24 inhibits cell proliferation and cell cycle progression and induces apoptosis of lung cancer via a STAT6-WWP2-p27 axis
Authors: Wang Lei , Shen Saie , Xiao Haibo , Ding Fangbao , Wang Mingsong , Li Guoqing , Hu Fengqing 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Rho GTPase-activating proteins (RhoGAPs) have been reported to be of great importance in the initiation and development of many different cancers. However, their biological roles and regulatory mechanisms in lung cancer development and progression are poorly defined. Real-time PCR or western blotting analysis was used to detect Rho GTPase-activating protein 24 (ARHGAP24), WWP2, p27, p-STAT6 and STAT6 expression levels as well as the activity of RhoA and Rac1 in lung cancer. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle were measured by CCK-8 and flow cytometry analysis. Tumor growth of lung cancer cells was measured using a nude mouse xenograft experiment model in vivo. The correlation between WWP2 and p27 was measured by co-immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination analysis. We found that ARHGAP24 expression was lower in lung cancer tissues collected from the The Cancer Genome Atlas and independent hospital database. Overexpression of ARHGAP24 significantly suppressed cell proliferation and the activity of RhoA and Rac1, induced cell apoptosis and arrested cell cycle at the G0–G1 phase. ARHGAP24 overexpression also inhibited tumor growth in nude mice, whereas knockdown of ARHGAP24 significantly promoted cell proliferation and WWP2 expression and inhibited cell cycle arrest at G1 phase through activating STAT6 signaling. ARHGAP24 overexpression inhibited WWP2 overexpression-induced cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and the decreased p27 expression. Moreover, WWP2 was found interacted with p27, and WWP2 overexpression promoted the ubiquitination of p27. In conclusion, our findings suggest that ARHGAP24 inhibits cell proliferation and cell cycle progression and induces cell apoptosis of lung cancer via a STAT6-WWP2-p27 axis.
Extensive Connectivity Between the Medial Pulvinar and the Cortex Revealed in the Marmoset Monkey
Authors: Homman-Ludiye Jihane , Mundinano Inaki Carril , Kwan William C , Bourne James A 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe medial pulvinar (PM) is a multimodal associative thalamic nucleus, recently evolved in primates. PM participates in integrative and modulatory functions, including directed attention, and consistently exhibits alterations in disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. Despite essential cognitive functions, the cortical inputs to the PM have not been systematically investigated. To date, less than 20 cortices have been demonstrated to project to PM. The goal of this study was to establish a comprehensive map of the cortical afferents to PM in the marmoset monkey. Using a magnetic resonance imaging-guided injection approach, we reveal 62 discrete cortices projecting to the adult marmoset PM. We confirmed previously reported connections and identified further projections from discrete cortices across the temporal, parietal, retrosplenial-cingulate, prefrontal, and orbital lobes. These regions encompass areas recipient of PM efferents, demonstrating the reciprocity of the PM-cortical connectivity. Moreover, our results indicate that PM neurones projecting to distinct cortices are intermingled and form multimodal cell clusters. This microunit organization, believed to facilitate cross-modal integration, contrasts with the large functional subdivisions usually observed in thalamic nuclei. Altogether, we provide the first comprehensive map of PM cortical afferents, an essential stepping stone in expanding our knowledge of PM and its function.