bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of image style transfer algorithm based on CycleGAN
Authors: Xie Weiran 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
In response to the current problems of uneven quality of images generated by the CycleGAN algorithm, low learning efficiency, instability of training models, and insufficient diversity in generation quality, as well as the violation of perception and aesthetics between images and humans after transfer. This article proposes a CycleGAN model that can generate images with better quality and fuller colors to address the aforementioned issues. This model incorporates a globally connected residual network with self-attention mechanism and improves the network structure of the generator and discriminator to improve the quality of generated images and solve the training imbalance problem caused by the original model. This article uses deep learning frameworks based on Python 3.8, Pytorch 1.10.0, and cuda 1.11.0 for experimental training. The experimental results show that the improved CycleGAN model generates better image quality and higher color saturation. Adding self-attention mechanism can indeed better grasp the degree of restoration of original image details and produce more realistic effects. However, further exploration is needed in terms of training efficiency and generated image clarity.
Optimizing gypseous soils permeability utilizing clayey soils, both treated and untreated
Authors: Hussein Al Watar Zainulabdeen , Al-Kifae Abdulaziz A 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The main problem of gypseous soils is the solubility. These soils possess essential engineering characteristics and remain durable when dry. However, saturation due to rainy weather or increased water table will lead to drains out of the content minerals. Such a case makes buildings erected upon such soils are susceptible to collapse. This study investigates the suitability of clayey soils for improving gypseous soil. Two soil samples, designated as Soil I (gypsum concentration: 35.4%) and Soil II (gypsum content: 12.3%), were collected from Al Najaf City, Iraq, and subjected to laboratory testing. This study explores the use of inexpensive, locally available clayey soil to improve the engineering properties of gypseous soils, thereby mitigating the negative effects of wetting. The testing program included measurements of soil permeability, total dissolved solids (TDS) content, and electrical conductivity (EC). The testing procedure used to assess the impact of soil treatment with varying clayey soil content on permeability characteristics, tests were conducted on both treated and untreated soil samples. Leaching procedure applied on the samples for 5 days to examine changes in the parameters. Initial test results revealed variations in data collected from the tested soils. However, these variations progressively diminished, suggesting that clayey soil is a viable material for modifying the inherent permeability of gypseous soils. As testing continued, the data converged towards constant values.
Strength Performance of Soft Clayey soil Solidified by Slag- Fly Ash – Metakaolin Based Geopolymer
Authors: Al Khafaji Aliaa E. , Waily Maki J. , Jawad Zahraa F. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of geopolymer materials as an additive to the engineering properties of weak clay soils. Various geotechnical laboratory tests were performed on both stabilized and natural soils. Geopolymer components (slag, fly ash, and metakoline) were added at varying rates, and two molarity activation solutions (8 and 10) were used for all mixtures with three ages: 24 hours, 7 days, and 14 days. The unconfined shear test findings revealed that when adding geopolymer with a molarity of 8 to soil with a water content of 22%, within 24 hours, 7 days, and 14 days, the indirect shear strength rises, correspondingly 322.30, 681.60, and 768.94 kPa. The unconfined shear test findings revealed that mixtures with a molarity of 10 and soil with a water content of 22% increased the strength within 24 hours, 7 days, and 14 days, respectively. 417.76, 1044.73, and 1290 kPa. The mixtures with a molarity of 8 and soil with a water content of 24% enhance the strength within 24 hours, 7 days, and 14 days, in that order. 157.23 kPa, 382.73 kpa, and 398.72 kPa. UCS test findings revealed that applying geopolymer with a molarity of 10 to soil with a water content of 24% increased the indirect shear strength within 24 hours, 7 days, and 14 days, respectively. 316.41, 470.17, and 1150.53 kPa. As a result, geopolymer materials have been shown to enhance the characteristics of clay soils in geotechnical applications.
Experimental Investigation on Effect of metakaolin on Strength of Sandy Soils
Authors: Abbas Kareem Ammar , Shaban Alaa M 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Geotechnical engineers face a great deal of difficulty while developing a structure’s foundation weak soil layers. As a result, scientists turn to adding chemical or pozzolanic additives to weak sandy soil in order to improve its characteristics. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of adding metakaolin as pozzolanic materials to loose poorly graded sandy soils to improve their strength and stiffness. In order to accomplish this aim, a series of laboratory experiments were carried out as part of experimental work to ascertain the qualities of the soil. Four different replacement percentages of the metakaolin (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) by the weight of the treated soil were used, along with three different curing durations (1, 3 and 7) days. With the addition of 10% of Metakaolin the strength of stabilized sample increase by (7.5%) and with the addition of 15% of Metakaolin the stiffness of stabilized sample increase by (77%). Therefore, 10% metakaolin content for optimum strength and 15% for optimum stiffness, according to the results. and the optimum duration for curing is three days.
Effect of Horizontal Inclination of Lateral Load on Single Pile Behavior Subjected to Seismic Load
Authors: Ali Hussein H. , Majeed Qutaiba G. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
It is important to understand how each pile behaves during an earthquake to ensure building safety. Designing stronger foundations that could resist dynamic earthquake forces is made possible by investigating a response of single piles to seismic analysis. This decreases the risks associated with collapsing buildings and saves lives as well as property. An in-depth study of the single pile behavior under seismic loads helps improve earthquake-resistant infrastructure and enhances disaster resilience. The basic aim of the current study is to understand the effect of lateral load horizontal inclination angle on single pile behavior subjected to seismic load experimentally. A physical model testing was manufactured including a sophisticated shaking table to excite El Centro earthquake to single piles. The soil is sandy soil with a relative density equal to 65%. Lateral load is applied at 0° to 45° and 90° concerning earthquake direction. The results showed that increasing such an angle decreases the single pile’s response according to the load interface mechanism. In addition, increasing such angle from 0o to 45o and 90o decreased maximum lateral displacement by 58.98 and 77.58% respectively while the percentage of such decrement from 45° to 90° is 68.28%.
Remediation of Expansive Soils Utilizing Waste Glass Powder
Authors: Al-Neami Mohammed A. , Nsaif Maha H. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Some types of plastic clay swell significantly when water comes into contact with them and then suffer from shrinkage when they lose water. Buildings built on such soil are exposed to many problems due to the increased uplift forces on the foundation generated by the swell. Traditional methods of stabilizing these soils are costly; therefore, recycled materials are introduced as alternative solutions to enhance the problematic soil due to their low in cost and reasonable engineering properties. In this study, five percentages of waste glass powder WGP (3, 6, 9, 12, and 15%) were mixed with highly expansive clay samples. To clarify the effect of WGP, conventional tests were conducted including specific gravity, Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics and unconfined compressive test. In addition, one-dimensional swell potential test was conducted.
Both liquid limit and plastic index results showed a reduction when WGP was added. This refers to a reduction in the swelling of the soil which was compatible with results of swelling potential.
Moreover, the results showed that Adding WGP has a positive effect on both soil dry density and moisture content. The evaluation of the unconfined shear strength results revealed that 9% WGP can be considered as the optimal percentage to be used to improve the expansive soil as the strength of soil increased to about 60%.
Performance and Economic Cost Evaluation of OT-MSF Desalination Unit Integrated with A Solar Collector for Basrah City Climate, Iraq
Authors: Kareem Salim M. , Sultan Hussien S. , Abood Falah A. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Solar power stands out as the prime choice among renewable energy sources for competing with fossil fuels in desalination due to its ability to utilize both heat and power for the process. This study introduces the concept of employing a parabolic trough solar collector (PTSC) to power a once-through multi-stage flash (OT-MSF) desalination unit in the climate of Basrah city, Iraq. The desalination system comprises two directly coupled sub-systems: the PTSC and the OT-MSF desalination unit. The preheated feed brine water coming from condenser was used as a heat transfer fluid (HTF) for PTSC, which gets heated from solar collector to a desired temperature referred to as the top brine temperature (TBT). Numerical simulations were conducted using EBSILON Professional 16.02 (2022) software to assess the system’s performance under seasonal variations in solar irradiance availability and varying values of TBT. The effects of solar irradiance availability, TBT, mass flowrate of feed brine water, last stage temperature on the economic cost of distillate water was studied. A major finding of the current study can be summarized as follows: The highest distillate output, observed in June, reaches 159.53 kg/sec with TWC of 1.79 $/m3, while the lowest, observed in January, is 83.42 kg/sec and TWC of 2.02 $/m3, when TBT of 112 ˚C and the last stage temperature of 40 ˚C. With a total solar collector area of 130,000 m2, the normalized yield of the distilled water per square meter per day ranges from 55.44 to 106 kg/m2/day. Increasing distillate production and decreasing total water cost (TWC) are observed when the final stage temperature is adjusted to 30°C instead of 40°C. In January, distillate output reaches 93.7 kg/sec, compared to 179 kg/sec in June. While, TWC is recorded at 1.97 $/m3 in January and 1.76 $/m3 in June. Also, it has been observed that with the increment of TBT from 90 °C to 112 °C, the production of distillate water rises from 112.87 kg/s to 161.32 kg/s, while maintaining a constant feed brine water flow rate of 1321.62 kg/s. These findings are very acceptable when compared with an existing literature.
Hydrodynamic Evaluation of Hemrin Dam Reservoir: Morphological Examination
Authors: Mohammed Fayadh Al-dahhan Noor , Rashid Al-Juhaishi Mohammed 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Hemrin Dam reservoir, located in the Diyala River region of Iraq, is a vital component of the water management system, providing flood control, irrigation, and electricity generation. This study presents a meticulous analysis of the dam’s engineering specifications and its hydraulic behavior through the utilization of HEC-RAS software. In order to enhance its role in future protection from risks and achieve public benefit, and using the hydrological program HEC-RAS 6.4.1, a hydraulic simulation model was developed, with the help of climatic data for the study area, and field measurements of the reservoir were established. The boundary conditions of the model are suitable for the discharge parameters and with the help of flow charts, to ensure a complete analysis and evaluation process for various flow states. Using statistical parameters, the model’s performance was verified over a period of three years, and the results showed complete agreement between the simulation and verification results. The process of analyzing the depth, velocity and heights of the water surface inside the dam reservoir revealed the complete characteristics and various geological changes throughout the year of the study area. The results of the study demonstrated the efficiency of the dam in storing large quantities of water, by achieving a maximum water depth of 2.4 metres. The importance of the current study lies in clarifying the reality of the hydraulic behavior of the dam’s reservoir area, with the importance of its effective role in control and storage.
Observation the Operational Problems of Karbala Water Treatment Plant by Using GPS-X Program
Authors: Majid Salam Shahad , Jasim Mohammed Al-Saadi Riyadh , Al-Baidani Jabbar H. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Three districts in the Karbala governorate are served by the Karbala-Al-Muwahid water treatment plant (WTP): the Aoun district, the Al-Husseiniyah district, and portions of the city center. Monthly laboratory tests were collected for this study in order to evaluate the plant’s performance over the 2022–2023 period. Turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, pH, T.D.S., and other characteristics were assessed These parameters were chosen as they have the most influence on water quality. For the same study period, monthly data on influent and effluent flow rates were also collected. The plant’s operational performance was simulated and calibrated using the GPS-X software. Based on varying discharge levels, four scenarios were developed that included the maximum, minimum, and average discharges. In a different scenario, a filter was added during the forty-ninth phase of rise. The outcomes of these scenarios complied with Iraqi regulations and helped the plant save energy. In the case of the forty-first visit, water productivity was increased by adding a second filter to speed up the filtration process. The results showed that the facility was operating at an appropriate level and that the water quality was suitable for consumption in Iraq.
Effect of (LECA) as a Partial Replacement on Some Properties of Glass Fiber Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete Exposed to Fire Flame
Authors: Hassan Ghanem Hiba , Khaled Awad Hadeel 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This study evaluates fresh and hardened glass fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete (GFRSCC) characteristics. This study used 594 kg/m3 binder in self-compacting concrete. Four GFRSCC concrete mixes were conducted utilizing LECA in place of coarse aggregate at volumetric replacement ratios of (0, 20, 40, and 60) %. Fresh concrete characteristics were tested using (slump flow, V-funnel, L-Box, and segregation index) tests. Hardened concrete is tested after 7, 28, and 56 days of cure. These tests measure compressive, splitting, and flexural strengths. The results show that LECA content increases workability. Compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strengths fall significantly compared to the reference mixture as LECA percentage increases. Compressive strength decreased the most at 60% LECA, with (50.86, 43.25, and 36.63) % declines at 7, 28, and 56 days, respectively. Flexural strength decreased (46.56, 38.14, and 33.98) % at 7, 28, and 56 days, respectively. Splitting tensile strength decreased (54.68, 48.90, and 45.97) % at 7, 28, and 56 days, respectively. After being burned at (300, 500, and 700) °C, the specimens cooled gradually before being tested again. Strength retention after burning improved with the increase of LECA replacement in the mixture. After burning at 700 °C, residual compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strengths were (28.43, 30.21, 31.36, and 34.22) % and (16.89, 28.16, 39.27, and 51.97) % and (15.94, 27.7, 39.72, and 50.32) % for replacement ratios of (0, 20, 40, and 60) %, respectively.
Large-scale microstructure modelling of an additively manufactured part using cellular automata
Authors: Zinovieva O , Zinoviev A , Gokcekaya O , Tang Y 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This study represents the first attempt, to our knowledge, to simulate the grain structure of a laser powder bed fusion printed metal part exceeding 1,000 mm3 in volume using a workstation. Utilising our in-house cellular automata finite difference code with OpenMP for parallelisation, the model predictions closely align with experimental observations. The implemented model shows promising capabilities for estimating microstructures with reasonable accuracy and could serve as a powerful tool for digital manufacturing.
Building microstructures by welding millions of little bits of metal together: measurement approaches, model validation, and post-build processing
Authors: Levine L E , Schwalbach E J , Zhang F 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Over the past decade, immense, world-wide research and development efforts have attempted to bring additive manufacturing (AM) of metals into broad industrial use. Although major advances in our understanding and control over metal AM have accrued, its practical application has been underwhelming. The slow pace of commercial adoption can be traced to numerous factors, including poor build reproducibility, sensitivity to heterogeneous local processing conditions during the build, complications in developing and validating suitable processing-structure-property-performance (PSPP) simulation capabilities (physics-based models, surrogate models, and machine learning models), the small number of alloys suitable for metal AM, and the need for developing new alloy-specific post-processing protocols. All these factors negatively impact the purely business decision of what manufacturing approach should be used to produce a given component. Computational materials engineering approaches could play a major role in accelerating the adoption of metal AM, but rigorous model validation will be necessary to make this a reality. Here, discussion will focus on development and deployment of measurement approaches for model validation, and methodologies for accelerating development of post-build heat treatment through thermo-kinetic modelling and in situ measurements.
The effect of processing parameters on dislocation density and tensile properties in laser powder bed fusion 316L
Authors: Schreiber M , Brice C , Findley K , Klemm-Toole J , Gockel J 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The processing-structure-properties relationships in laser beam powder bed fusion (PBF-LB) additive manufacturing (AM) are complex with multiple aspects of the processing impacting the microstructure and mechanical properties. Though, the influences of process parameters on strengthening mechanisms are less clear. In this work, laser power, scanning velocity, and hatch spacing were varied to promote PBF-LB 316L microstructures with distinctive thermal histories to vary microstructures and tensile properties. Tensile data were collected for over 100 different processing parameters on a single PBF-LB platform. Across the process parameter matrix yield strength, work hardening behavior, and ductility varied considerably. In this work, the effect of process parameters on initial dislocation density was studied. By quantifying the dislocation density with X-ray diffraction and line profile analysis, a relationship between processing parameters and initial dislocation densities was established. The contribution of dislocation density and other strengthening mechanisms to the yield strength is discussed.
Effect of hot isostatic pressing on the microstructure of laser powder bed fused A20XTM alloy
Authors: Barode J , Bassini E , Aversa A , Manfredi D , Ugues D , Biamino S , Lombardi M , Fino P 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
In the present work, an attempt has been made to do a combined hot isostatic pressing (HIP) & solution treatment in a single-step and the effect of different cooling rates (quenching and annealing) on the microstructure was examined. For a comparison, solution treatment (without HIP) was also analysed. It was observed that HIP treatment was successful in reducing the macro-porosities of the L-PBF part. Although, it was not an efficient treatment for the dissolution of the θ-Al2Cu phase. Furthermore, in both HIP-Quenched and HIP-Annealed treatments a sign of incipient melting was observed along the grain boundaries. Solution treatment without HIP did not show incipient melting.
Integration of spray-formed AISI H13 overspray powder in additive manufacturing to enable a circular ecosystem
Authors: Zwicker M R L , Tiedje N S , Dahmen T , Nadimpalli V K 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Overspray powder is a bi-product of the spray forming process and is commonly considered as scrap material. This study, however, assessed the feasibility of the use of spray-formed AISI H13 overspray as powder feedstock for LPBF as part of a circular economy concept. The overspray powder presented a suitable particle size distribution for LPBF applications and showed the capability of being printed crack free. X-ray diffraction was used to show that ferritic/austenitic overspray powder transformed into a martensitic austenitic microstructure in the as-printed conditions. Furthermore, texture analysis revealed a preferred crystallographic orientation in <100> parallel to the build direction for martensite while the retained austenite presents a preferred orientation in <110> along the build direction.
Microstructured flexible polymer films with embedded phosphor for multifunctional passive radiative cooling
Authors: Wu Yangyang , Zhu Yufu , Nan Feng , Fan Baolu , Lin Yi , Zhang Qianwen , Ma Yalin , Zhou Lei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Passive daytime radiative cooling schemes are of much interest because of their attractive potential to reduce energy consumption. However, the structural conditions for designing and fabricating efficient radiative cooler limit their optical diversity and hinder their practical utilization (e.g. light-emitting cooling panels, smart window systems, smart signboards, or anticounterfeiting). Here, multifunctional passive radiative cooling films are demonstrated by simultaneously implementing speckle image holography disordered microstructures and phosphor particles into the radiative polymer layer. The as-obtained multifunctional film exhibits high total reflectivity in the sunlight region (∼89%) and strong infrared emissivity (∼91%) within the atmospheric window band (8–13 μm), thus achieving subambient cooling of ∼4.1 °C under direct sunlight in a nonvacuum setup. Interestingly, the multifunctional structural films can be acted as light-emitting films under violet or blue illumination and also can be easily patterned by drawing, cutting or pixelating. The multifunctional structured films demonstrated here can be utilized for potential UV resistance, smart window displays, anticounterfeiting cooling systems, roofing materials and certain aesthetic purposes.