Yasir M. Saeed; Karrar Al-Lami; Franz Rad
Abstract
The overwhelming costs of maintenance for reinforced concrete structures due to steel corrosion have motivated researchers to look for alternatives. One of the promising alternatives is Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP). Among FRP materials, Carbon FRP (CFRP) is the most attractive material for prestressed ...
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The overwhelming costs of maintenance for reinforced concrete structures due to steel corrosion have motivated researchers to look for alternatives. One of the promising alternatives is Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP). Among FRP materials, Carbon FRP (CFRP) is the most attractive material for prestressed concrete members due to its high tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. Previous studies investigated the use of CFRP in prestressed concrete through experimental tests and theoretical analysis. However, there is a significant need for more experimental data to develop an accurate model that can accurately predict the behavior of CFRP prestressed concrete beams. In the current study, experimental flexural tests were conducted on four prestressed concrete beams pre-tensioned with CFRP rods. The length of the beams was 4,270 mm, and the cross-sectional dimensions were 138 x 250 mm. All the beams were subjected to four-point loading with an initial five cycles of loading and unloading before a monotonic loading until failure. Their performance was analyzed, and based on the results a theoretical model was proposed. It was found that the slippage of CFRP at the ends significantly affect the flexural behavior and failure modes of the beams. Additionally, theoretical models must account for CFRP slippage at the ends to accurately predict the flexural response of CFRP prestressed concrete beams. When a slippage reduction factor was used in the proposed theoretical model, the results had a good agreement with the experimental tests. Future research may focus on testing the theoretical model with more data from experimental studies.
Muhanad D. Hashim Almawlawe; Hassan Hamed Naji; Iyad Hamid A. Al-Umari; Musa Hadi Wali
Abstract
In photovoltaic (PV) systems, conventional boost converters (CBCs) face limitations at high-duty cycles, including low voltage conversion ratio (VCR), high voltage stress, and reduced efficiency. While magnetic coupling components can enhance VCR, they introduce drawbacks such as reduced power rating ...
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In photovoltaic (PV) systems, conventional boost converters (CBCs) face limitations at high-duty cycles, including low voltage conversion ratio (VCR), high voltage stress, and reduced efficiency. While magnetic coupling components can enhance VCR, they introduce drawbacks such as reduced power rating and leakage current. To overcome these challenges, this paper proposes the flying capacitor boost converter (FCBC) as an alternative for PV systems. We analyze the performance of CBCs, FCBCs, and multilevel boost converters through MATLAB/SIMULINK simulations. The results demonstrate that the FCBC achieves a significantly higher VCR, requiring a smaller inductor size and potentially exhibiting a smoother output voltage compared to the CBC. Furthermore, the paper explores the trade-offs in complexity and cost associated with the FCBC, highlighting its advantages for high-voltage applications. Future research will focus on a comprehensive analysis of efficiency, control complexity, and the scaling of FCBCs to higher levels.
Saif M. Abbas; Ayad M. Takhakh; Jumaa S. Chiad; Borhen Louhichi
Abstract
Introduction: Osseointegration is a particular kind of prosthesis that is inserted a short titanium rod or screw into the bone surgically and joined to the prosthetic limb. Experimental part: This study looked at a patient's gait analysis with above-knee amputation wearing an osseointegration prosthesis ...
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Introduction: Osseointegration is a particular kind of prosthesis that is inserted a short titanium rod or screw into the bone surgically and joined to the prosthetic limb. Experimental part: This study looked at a patient's gait analysis with above-knee amputation wearing an osseointegration prosthesis implant when walking above a force plate. Evaluated the mechanical and fatigue properties of a Ti13Nb13Zr alloy implant. Theoretical part: Drawing and analysis of a femoral bone model with an osseointegration implant using Ansys Workbench 17.2. Results and discussion: The results of the tensile testing showed an ultimate tensile strength of 553 MPa, an average yield strength of 480 MPa, an elongation of 19.66%, and a Young's modulus of 2.73 GPa. Furthermore, a compressive strength of 1010 MPa and a compression yield strength of 700 MPa were found by compression testing. The results of fatigue testing, which were displayed as S-N curves, highlighted the alloy's time-dependent fatigue behavior by showing decreasing fatigue strength with an increase in cycles. The force plate showed a maximum force of 600 N was reported. A strong safety margin was shown by Finite Element Analysis in the bone containing the implant, with safety factors often more than 5 and low deformation (2.4 mm) appropriate for prosthetic uses. A good static design was confirmed by the Von-Mises stress distribution, which was primarily below 46 MPa. Conclusion: Comprehensive results confirm the mechanical feasibility of the Ti13Nb13Zr alloy for prosthetic applications and offer important new information for improving prosthetic design, guaranteeing durability, and improving safety in practical applications.
Abdulqadir Bayz Hammadamin; Jestin Nordin
Abstract
Architectural Education (AE), as a multidisciplinary realm of knowledge, has undergone diverse pedagogical transformations, incorporating different learning theories and concerns to adapt to the evolving educational landscape and the escalating demand for a sustainable built environment. This comprehensive ...
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Architectural Education (AE), as a multidisciplinary realm of knowledge, has undergone diverse pedagogical transformations, incorporating different learning theories and concerns to adapt to the evolving educational landscape and the escalating demand for a sustainable built environment. This comprehensive investigation of the literature intends to present the most dominant challenges and examine trends in AE in the first few decades of the twenty-first century. The review framework applied by the authors is the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The authors searched keywords in the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases, investigating ninety-six articles published between 2000 and 2023, and implementing the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The analysis of the relevant articles has provided valuable insights into research intention, revealing several main themes in the AE: learning approaches, technology innovation, sustainability, history, students’ experience and performance, architecture design and design studio, society concerns, computer application in AE, architecture curriculum, and Building Information Modelling (BIM). The review also found that researchers identify the efficiency of several teaching strategies primarily used at architectural schools including experiential, online, e-learning, and blended learning. This interpretation of predominant architectural issues and learning challenges will significantly enhance the learning environment by providing guidelines for integrating advanced technological tools, effective learning methodologies, and practical experience. International collaboration among academic staff in the field of architecture is crucial for the thorough evaluation of literature on the AE. Engaging architecture professionals from around the world will effectively help overcome linguistic and societal barriers. The study suggests that more research on art, social context, and the physical built environment is crucial for enhancing AE.
Muthana H. Abdul Hussein; Nabel Kadum Abd-Ali; Abdussalam Ali Ahmed
Abstract
The current work represents a practical study with the aim of getting the best design for hard rubber recipes by controlling materials that increase this property. Rubber recipes were prepared consisting of several materials, such as natural rubber, zinc oxide, and stearic acid, in addition to the accelerator ...
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The current work represents a practical study with the aim of getting the best design for hard rubber recipes by controlling materials that increase this property. Rubber recipes were prepared consisting of several materials, such as natural rubber, zinc oxide, and stearic acid, in addition to the accelerator and vulcanizing agent sulfur, which was added in multiple proportions 10, 20, 30 parts per hundred rubbers (PPHR). Also, recipes were prepared for the same previous ingredients with an increased percentage of Zinc oxide to 150 PPHR to demonstrate the effect of this material on the hardness property. Some laboratory tests were conducted to investigate the mechanical behavior of these recipes, such as hardness, tension, and Rebound (resilience) tests. The recipe with sulfur 30 pphr gave an acceptable indication in hardness and tensile test with values 98 IRHD and 35 MPa respectively. The same recipe in the rebound test was not the best but was an acceptable result, while the recipe with sulfur 10 pphr was the best in resilience test results (25%). Other rubber recipes with zinc oxide at 150 PPHR gave acceptable results especially in recipes with sulfur at 30 PPHR. Two forms of the composite plate covered with a hard rubber recipe may result in an external bonding process of individual plates and a vulcanized plate with a hard rubber recipe in a thermal press. The final hard rubber recipes may be used in other applications as an alternative material to withstand various stresses with specific properties.
Rasha Muthana; Nora Ahmed Mohammed; Amir Aboubakr Shaker Mohmoud
Abstract
Steganography is essential in modern cryptography and communications, enhancing the security and confidentiality of sensitive data exchanges. It has become an interesting tool because not only have security requirements for secret messages become stronger, but video has also become more popular. This ...
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Steganography is essential in modern cryptography and communications, enhancing the security and confidentiality of sensitive data exchanges. It has become an interesting tool because not only have security requirements for secret messages become stronger, but video has also become more popular. This paper introduces an advanced method combining sequence-to-sequence transformer models for speech recognition, RC4 encryption, and the Least Significant Bit (LSB) technique for data embedding in videos. The approach securely embeds audio messages within video streams, ensuring that even if detected, the data remains inaccessible without the decryption key. Our methodology includes converting audio to text, encrypting it, and embedding the encrypted data into video files, with a subsequent recovery process that preserves the original audio's emotional and tonal qualities. Evaluations using the UCF101 dataset confirm the method's effectiveness in maintaining video quality, with minimal visual distortion, and robust data security. This research provides a secure framework for covert communication, with potential applications in areas requiring high-level data privacy.
Hussein H. Alaydamee; Abdalrazzaq Abdzaid Alkaabi; Dhuha J. Hussein; Ali H. Abbar
Abstract
This study delves into electrocoagulation for removing copper and cadmium from synthetic water, exploring both individual and binary removal. Employing the Box‒Behnken design method, the research fine-tuned process operating factors including current density (10 to 50 mA/cm2), starting pH (3 to 7), ...
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This study delves into electrocoagulation for removing copper and cadmium from synthetic water, exploring both individual and binary removal. Employing the Box‒Behnken design method, the research fine-tuned process operating factors including current density (10 to 50 mA/cm2), starting pH (3 to 7), and metal ion concentration (100 to 300 ppm). Optimal conditions for single-element systems yielded 99.02% copper removal (pH value of 5.63, current density value of 50 Am-2, copper concentration 100 ppm) and 98.45% cadmium removal (pH 6.15, current density 50 A/m2, cadmium concentration 124 ppm). Findings underscored the substantial current density impact on removal efficiency, surpassing the effect of pH and metal ion concentration. Notably, the current played a more pivotal role in cadmium removal than in copper removal. A robust R2 analysis of variance (98.85% for Cu and 99.50% for Cd) confirmed the satisfactory agreement between the second-order regression model and the experimental data, affirming the optimization validity of the electrocoagulation process. In binary systems, copper presence hindered cadmium removal, reducing efficiency from 63.63% to 50.91%. Conversely, the inhibitory effect on copper removal was comparatively lower due to copper's stronger selectivity towards Al(OH)3.
Ahmed A. Ameen; Ayad M. Takhakh; Abdalla Abdal-hay
Abstract
Shape memory polymer (SMP) is a material that has the ability to recover its original shape from a temporary (deformed) shape by applying external stimuli. The smart scaffold based on SMP is used to enhance delivery, load bearing, and tissue defect filling. Therefore, specimens with the structure of ...
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Shape memory polymer (SMP) is a material that has the ability to recover its original shape from a temporary (deformed) shape by applying external stimuli. The smart scaffold based on SMP is used to enhance delivery, load bearing, and tissue defect filling. Therefore, specimens with the structure of the face-centered cubic were produced under various printing conditions to characterize their effects on the mechanical properties. Fused deposition modeling is utilized to construct the specimens of shape memory thermoplastic polyurethane (MM-3520). Printing parameters with different levels were used in specimen fabrication, including layer thicknesses of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mm, printing temperatures of 210, 220, and 230 ° C, and printing speeds of 20, 30, and 40 mm/sec. We performed the microstructural analysis under a microscope to examine the impact of printing factors on lattice structures. Then there is the compression test, which evaluates mechanical properties such as linear elastic stiffness, collapse stress, plateau stiffness, and densification stress. Analyzing the microstructure of the printed specimens exhibits that the specimens with the highest printing temperature, the lowest printing speed, and a thinner printing layer have better layer adhesion and lower porosities. As well, figures and main effect plots revealed that the specimens printed with a layer height of 0.1mm, a printing temperature of 230 ° C, and a printing speed of 20 mm/s had compressive strengths of 0.6129±0.062, 0.6018±0.106, and 0.6082±0.078 MPa, respectively. These are the highest results in terms of strength compared to other levels of parameters.
Aseel Ghazwan; Hayder Hamzah
Abstract
Abstract: Microwave diathermy (MD) improves knee osteoarthritis pain and function. However, non-adherence to this therapy remains a major concern. The equipment is expensive and requires substantial deployment; thus, it's only available in professional physiotherapy facilities. Consequently, the practicality ...
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Abstract: Microwave diathermy (MD) improves knee osteoarthritis pain and function. However, non-adherence to this therapy remains a major concern. The equipment is expensive and requires substantial deployment; thus, it's only available in professional physiotherapy facilities. Consequently, the practicality and widespread applicability of this heating therapy are limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to present a new modality treatment of MD specialized for knee joints by developing an applicator that operates at 433.78 MHz with high quality factor (~6000), for localized heating using a re-entrant microwave cavity (RMC). RMC was designed and simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics®4.4. Simulation results have shown the capability of this heating system to develop localized heating at the knee joint and peri-articular structures with a very high-power absorption rate. ~95% of the delivered power to the applicator has been absorbed by the knee joint owing to its high-quality factor. The relatively small volume over which the electric energy is focused makes it an attractive and viable candidate for manufacturing as a small and portable device to be available for patients to use it at home.
Omar Anwer Nafea; Turkan Ahmed Khaleel
Abstract
An emerging networking technique called fog computing extends cloud computing capabilities to the edge network's borders. It is employed to get around the limitations of cloud computing, like latency and bandwidth problems. Fog computing is suitable for IoT systems and applications that require real-time ...
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An emerging networking technique called fog computing extends cloud computing capabilities to the edge network's borders. It is employed to get around the limitations of cloud computing, like latency and bandwidth problems. Fog computing is suitable for IoT systems and applications that require real-time processing, reliable network access, low latency, and strong security. In this work, the objective is to design and implement a fog computing environment to simulate the behavior of a multi-user healthcare application, which represents the monitoring of elderly care homes in Mosul city. Several algorithms were employed to examine the effects of load balancing inside fog computing networks. These algorithms are Random, Round-Robin, and the modified Throttled algorithm, which is modified by adding an extra management layer to be more suitable for fog computing networks. The response time results obtained from implementing this modified method were superior to those of the random algorithm and closely resembled the response time results of the round-robin algorithm. In case QoS1 with 25 clients, the result was (0.246037794) second without the load balancing algorithm, (0.124323358) second in the Random algorithm, (0.115641477) second in the Round-Robin algorithm, and (0.114981575) second for the modified throttled algorithm. thus, making it applicable for fog computing networks and cloud computing networks.
Yasser Arab; Aimi Zahirah Zulkarnain; Maryam Saeed
Abstract
Physical disability makes it hard for a person to take a walk, run, watch closely, and do other usual life tasks. Similarly, being mischievous is something that is expected to be part of a child’s nature. Fun encourages all children to have an opportunity to be united with others of the ...
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Physical disability makes it hard for a person to take a walk, run, watch closely, and do other usual life tasks. Similarly, being mischievous is something that is expected to be part of a child’s nature. Fun encourages all children to have an opportunity to be united with others of the same age. The analysis of various types and elements of physical disabilities in children including the rationale of play therapy, enables to identify the significance of the program to their development. Play therapy is highlighted among other strategies to be used in enhancing inclusivity while gaining the interest of a child, thus increasing the overall result and experience of a child-oriented program. This research will focus on evaluating the use of play therapy to create better ergonomics and an atmosphere that is friendly to children with physical disabilities, particularly through the use of architectural design strategies. The study will be conducted by interviewing professionals in play therapy and reviewing and analysis of the literature to see what the building design features include. A case study on the precedent buildings shows the different types of rooms and design strategies for play therapy in them through factors like layout, wayfinding, ventilation, lighting, and outdoor and indoor play areas. Thus, the research results in the core design parameters to be considered while designing the center that will be used in the provision of the play therapy program for children with physical disabilities.
Fouad Jalal Mahmood
Abstract
Contemporary hospitals may be recognized by a large variety of activities, not only delivery of care but also some concerns, such as the satisfaction level of users. This research investigates the relationship between outpatient department (OPD) design elements and medical staff satisfaction and performance, ...
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Contemporary hospitals may be recognized by a large variety of activities, not only delivery of care but also some concerns, such as the satisfaction level of users. This research investigates the relationship between outpatient department (OPD) design elements and medical staff satisfaction and performance, especially in light of the pandemic since 2020. A mixed-method approach was used to gather doctors' and nurses' perspectives at two hospitals in Sulaimani City. This involved an EBD questionnaire and a modified AEDET checklist where respondents filled out a 39-item questionnaire at the hospitals' OPD. The results highlight the importance of the interior environment's quality in promoting the satisfaction of medical staff. The results from the medical staff surveys showed that most medical staff expressed satisfaction with the indoor design elements, and three factors, infection control, interior appearance, and comfort and control, were essential to creating a satisfactory indoor environment. A negative correlation of some demographic information, such as practical experience and educational attainment, with medical staff satisfaction was revealed. The findings suggest that investigating the views of the medical staff can indicate the level of significance of various elements that increase their satisfaction and performance, contribute to the general body of knowledge, and inform design decisions.
Mohammed Hazim Mohammed; Rania Al-Nawasir; Basim H. Al-Humeidawi; Fatin F. Aziz
Abstract
The exploitation of locally available and abundant natural resources such as silica sand and its use as a supplementary cementitious material in the production of grout used in semi-flexible pavement (SFP) surfaces is of paramount importance in reducing transportation costs and emissions, contributing ...
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The exploitation of locally available and abundant natural resources such as silica sand and its use as a supplementary cementitious material in the production of grout used in semi-flexible pavement (SFP) surfaces is of paramount importance in reducing transportation costs and emissions, contributing to more sustainable development practices, and reducing the overall environmental impact of cement plants. SFP or injected pavement, is a porous asphalt structure with 25–35% voids, filled with cementitious grout. SFP is distinguished by its robustness, resistance to deformation, and exceptional longevity, enabling it to endure substantial traffic loads and extreme weather conditions, hence offering a strong and dependable road surface that is comparatively simpler to maintain than other road construction types. This study focuses on developing a novel sustainable cementitious grout for SFP by partially substituting traditional cement with quartz silica sand powder (QSP) in different proportions (10%, 20%, and 30%). The grout mixtures were evaluated for flow and mechanical properties. Also, SFP samples were made by adding a 5% SBS modifier to a hot mix porous asphalt (HMPA) and then filling the holes with a predesigned cement-based grout then these samples were assessed for Marshall stability and moisture damage resistance tests. The results demonstrated that replacing cement with more than 10% of QSP reduces compressive strength and stability. This is due to the reduction in workability caused by water absorption in the grout mixture. This, in turn, increases the water-to-cement ratio to achieve the required fluidity, as well as increasing the porosity and decreasing the volume of hydration products. Therefore, this study suggests that 10% of QSP is the optimum replacement ratio as it achieves the required fluidity and increases the compressive strength, stability, and tensile strength ratio by 20.7%, 13.4%, and 12.0% respectively at 28 days of curing compared to the reference grout mixture. This mixture is considered suitable as it combines the properties of durability and environmental objectives by reducing the grinding energy and its use in severe conditions.
Wisam Jasim Kadhim Al-obaidi; Wasim Jamshed
Abstract
The present study examines numerically the combustion, performance, and emissions parameters of diesel engines powered by different grades of diesel. The Diesel-RK software version 4.3.0.189 is used to simulate the combustion process with a multi-zone model. The Iraqi diesel, EN 590, Heavy diesel, ...
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The present study examines numerically the combustion, performance, and emissions parameters of diesel engines powered by different grades of diesel. The Diesel-RK software version 4.3.0.189 is used to simulate the combustion process with a multi-zone model. The Iraqi diesel, EN 590, Heavy diesel, and light diesel are considered. Their energy content, sulfur, cetane number, and other additives are different, hence it's logical to observe different results. The condition of full load point is selected since the air-to-fuel ratio is minimum, hence a better comparison among the fuels is captured. The diesel EN 590 reported a lower ignition delay ( 9.1 deg.) due to the lower cetane number, while it is 10.8, deg. 17.4 deg., and 14.1 deg. for Iraqi diesel, heavy diesel, and light diesel respectively. Compared to other fuels considered the light diesel offered lower fuel consumption and higher thermal efficiency. The results showed less CO2 emissions in the case of light diesel (778.3 kg/kWh), compared to heavy diesel which had an obvious rise in CO2 emissions (817.08 kg/kWh). The difference in the density chemical structure, the results showed that Bosh smoke number (BSN) values of Iraqi, and EN 590 diesel were almost the same at 1.39, and 1.385 respectively, while the BSN of light diesel was slightly higher at 1.44 compared to 1.8 for heavy diesel. The higher NOx levels of about 2400 and 2225 ppm, respectively, were produced by Iraqi and EN 590 diesel. But out of all the fuels, heavy diesel had the lowest NOx rating, at 1000 ppm.The accuracy of the software used is validated with the results of other studies.
Ahmed Remlaoui; Driss Nehari; Benhanifia Kada; Hitech Panchal; Khaled Al-Farhany; Mohamed Al-Dawody
Abstract
This study describes a computational model that simulates the behaviour of a solar-powered desalination system. The model incorporates photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) collectors and direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD). A novel DCMD unit model was established and verified using existing data from the ...
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This study describes a computational model that simulates the behaviour of a solar-powered desalination system. The model incorporates photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) collectors and direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD). A novel DCMD unit model was established and verified using existing data from the literature and the model was incorporated into the TRNSYS library. The effect of feed water mass flow rate and temperature on production was investigated through a parametric analysis. The PVT-DCMD system was modeled, analyzed, and dynamically simulated for the month of June in Algeria using TRNSYS software. Results show that the PVT collector's outlet solar fluid temperature ranges from 20 °C to 85 °C, providing 5000 kJ/hr of useful energy for seawater desalination through a heat exchanger. Meanwhile, the auxiliary heater utilizes around 10,000 kJ/hr of solar energy. The simulation demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of using PVT collectors with a DCMD system for seawater desalination, achieving a distillate production rate of approximately 12 L/hr.m2 of membrane.
