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Go to Editorial ManagerPoly(vinyl chloride) photodecomposition films that contains melamine Schiff base (0.5% by weight) as photostabilizers upon preservation with an ultraviolet light (UV) was investigated. The photodecomposition rate constant was reduced significantly in existence of melamine Schiff base compared to PVC (blank). The Schiff base 1 was found to most effective additive in PVC photostabilization films. Photodecomposition rate content for PVC films containing Schiff base 1 was found to be 5 × 10-3 sec-1 compared to 8.7 × 10-3 sec-1 for blank film. Ultraviolet radiation aging behaviors of PVC films were studied through leaching test by measuring the degree of migration. The surface morphology of PVC films was inspected by scanning electron microscope.
Accurately identifying the kind and amount of dissolved metal salts in wastewater used in oil refining processes is an iconic feature of ultraviolet and visible absorption spectroscopy. This method relies on the dissolved metal salts' ability to absorb light at certain wavelengths after reacting with it. The experiments were conducted in a lab setting with a broadband source (200-800 nm) to measure the absorbance of dissolved element salts and precisely identify the lowest concentration up to 2 ppm. A mixture of the mineral salts from oil refining operations was prepared and diluted to different concentrations using a standard solution. This allowed us to study and compare this result with the absorbance behavior of the wastewater from the Al-Dora Refinery. The two results reinforced that we can accurately estimate the detection parameters for the lowest water contamination. These materials are lead nitrate (PbNO3), phenol, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), sodium chloride (NaCl2), sulfide (SO4), and nitrate (NO3). At wavelengths of 340, 404, and 741 nm, the concentrations (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100) ppm were found, and for the concentration of 10ppm, the absorbance (0.15323, 0.15326, and 0.14685) was found, respectively. The process that has been tested with varying concentrations is considered and simulates the variation in river water concentrations caused by the river's water level and flow rate changes by the effect of rain abundance and thawing. It is fast, accurate data analysis, and a lower cost compared with the other chemical analysis and conventional methods.
Due to the Kurdistan regional government-KRG district mission potential towards huge solar energy power generation plant investments by global investors, a genuine study is required to explore the impact of PV-panels installation angles on power generation gain within all seasons duration as the KRG located in four season area which, affect the annual total power gain due to daylight duration effect in each season. The proposed study was conducted within a duration of “513” days utilizing three PV tilt installation angle tests of “ 30⁰, 35⁰, and 40⁰ ” with “ 545 watts single side PV plates” selecting the Erbil district area gaining a crucial role in maximizing energy output for comparison, Results presented a significant variation in power gain due to deviations in annual effective daylight duration effectively mostly a reduction in cold seasons within 25%-37.7% drops compared to the hot season, while the sunset and sunrise duration presented a significant influence of 5%-10% drops in power generated. The season change shows a significant influence of weather variation in each calendar on power gain annually. The installation orientation angle impact presented divergence in production within the cold season only. Process output can potentially unlock a novelty awareness of the investors toward innovative yield project optimization in the area as it will affect the annual power purchasing influence and production divergence with interest.
In term of sustainable practices, recycling plays a crucial role, particularly in the construction industry where the disposal of old structures generates significant waste. Recycling old concrete not only reduces the need for new natural resources but also eliminate waste accumulation. Numerous research study the behaviors of recycled aggregate concretes, practically focusing on the long term behaviours. A large number of studies have demonstrated that concrete made from recycled aggregate exhibits poorer long-term characteristics in comparison to aggregate from nature concrete. The long-term behaviour can be affected by three factor which is creep, shrinkage and tension stiffening. Greater management of these variables can enhance the RAC's long-term properties. The review will specifically focus on the influence of time dependent parameters i.e., creep, shrinkage, and loss of tension stiffening with time. Furthermore, it will explore the long-term deflection predicted from code used for deflection prediction, considering three codes: ACI, EC2, and the CSA code. The purpose of this paper is to enhance the understanding of long-term deflection of recycled aggregate concrete beam and evaluate the effectiveness of various factors that impact their structural performance.
This paper proposes robust control for three models of the linear inverted pendulum (one mass linear inverted pendulum model, two masses linear inverted pendulum model and three masses linear inverted pendulum model) which represents the upper, middle and lower body of a bipedal walking robot. The bipedal walking robot is built of light-weight and hard Aluminum sheets with 2 mm thickness. The minimum phase system and non-minimum phase system are studied and investigated for inverted pendulum models. The bipedal walking robot is programmed by Arduino microcontroller UNO. A MATLAB Simulink system is built to embrace the theoretical work. The results showed that one linear inverted pendulum is the worst performance, worst noise rejection and the worst set point tracking to the zero moment point. But two masses linear inverted pendulum models and three masses linear inverted pendulum model have a better performance, a better high-frequency noise rejection characteristic and better set-point tracking to the zero moment point.
This paper provides a comprehensive overview of microfluidic device (MFD) manufacturing processes. The review starts with an introduction elucidating the significance and advantages of MFDs. Subsequently, a brief description of the materials employed in MFD fabrication is presented. The manufacturing process used to create MFDs is then thoroughly examined, with a focus on the application of laser technology.
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The research proposed a developed methodology for evaluation the system performance in uncertainty associated with traditional modelling methodology is focused on either load L or resistance R variability, but not both. A two-dimensional (2D) fuzzy set (traditional model), represent with the one dimension for universe of discourse (in x-direction) and the second dimension of his membership degree (in y-direction), is not full sufficient to handle both, load and resistance variation of system performance. The theoretical principle basis of this research is based on development of the three dimensional (3D) of fuzzy set that includes system performance variability in load and resistance from two dimensional. The proposed methodology (traditional model) extends the acceptance level of partial performance of system concept to a 3D-dimantion representation. This representation allows to capturing the changing of preferences of decision makers in load and resistance. The major objective of the research is to proposed the original methodology for evaluate system performance and management that is capable of; (a) addressing uncertainty caused by load and resistance variability and ambiguity; (b) integrating objective and subjective evaluation; and (c) assisting system performance management decision making based on a more detailed certainty evaluation of load and resistance variability. The study proposed two models for fuzzy reliability performance indexes: first traditional model included (I) 2D fuzzy reliability-vulnerability Rv index, (II) 2D fuzzy robustness Ro index; the second developed model (i) 3D fuzzy reliability-vulnerability Rv index, (ii) 3D fuzzy robustness Ro index; and comparing between them. These indexes have the capability of evaluating the operational performance of complex systems. Proposed methodology is illustrated by using the Al-Wathba Water Supply System (WWSS) as a case study.
Flexible and rigid pavements are commonly built for airport pavements to support the moving loads of aircraft during the pavement design life. Airport pavements represent a cornerstone of the aviation world. Their condition profoundly impacts safety, operational efficiency, airport capacity, and financial well-being. These meticulously engineered surfaces must withstand the immense stresses generated by aircraft during takeoff, landing, and taxiing. At the planning stage, the pavement structure, materials, aircraft loads, environmental conditions, and pavement damage models should be evaluated. Comparing with road pavement design, airport pavement structural design is unique in terms of the traffic loads supported by pavements with high load magnitude, significant tire pressure, and dynamic traffic conditions. Over time, deterioration stemming from environmental exposure, aircraft loading, and other factors becomes inevitable. This study aims to explore the various factors influencing airport pavement performance, review the existing methodologies for pavement design and maintenance, and propose enhancements to current practices to ensure long-term durability and safety of airport pavements. This study aims to explore the various factors influencing airport pavement performance, review the existing methodologies for pavement design and maintenance, and propose enhancements to current practices to ensure long-term durability and safety of airport pavements.
Face recognition and identification have recently become the most widely employed biometric authentication technologies, especially for access to persons and other security purposes. It represents one of the most significant pattern recognition technologies that uses characteristics included in facial images or videos to detect the identity of individuals. However, most of the traditional facial algorithms have faced limitations in identification and verification accuracy. As a result, this paper presents a sophisticated system for face identification adopting a novel algorithm of deep learning, namely, You Only Look Once version 8 (YOLOv8). This system can detect the face identity of different individuals with different positions with high accuracy. The YOLOv8 model has been trained for several target face images classified as training and validation images of 1190 and 255, respectively. The experimental results show a significant improvement in face identification accuracy of 99% of mean average precision, which outperforms many state-of-the-art face identification techniques.
The Ilizarov system is a form of external fixation device utilized by medical professionals to aid patients who have sustained injuries from accidents, bone shortening, or nonunion of the bone. The device is fixed onto the long bone of the patient and is adjusted according to the nature of the injury. Ilizarov's techniques are minimal invasiveness, not aggressive, spare tissues and involve little blood loss. It consists of wires that are secured to a modular circular frame and then tightened. The Ilizarov fixator is a valuable tool for treating acute fractures, especially in cases where there is bone loss and compromised soft tissue. Several studies have aimed to improve the effectiveness of Ilizarov fixation through modifications to its frame components, such as ring diameter, transosseous element diameter, ring separation, transosseous element count in each ring, and number of rings, as well as the type of transosseous element employed, including wires, full-pins, or half-pins. Furthermore, positioning of transosseous elements at the correct crossing angle without damaging the nerves and vessels while considering the intricacy of bone deformities. Recent advancements in Ilizarov fixation will be thoroughly reviewed in this manuscript, with a particular focus on improving the stiffness of the entire frame. The main objective of this review is to pinpoint the optimal configurations, with a particular focus on stiffness, in order to foster stability and ensure a successful recuperation.
In this paper, the efficiency of six different types of corrosion inhibitors used in Basrah drinking water tanks was assessed using a potentiostatic test method. The mechanism of adsorption of silicate and phosphate inhibitors in AISI 316 stainless steel surfaces and the effects of different water components in inhibitors are discussed in detail. The values of corrosion rate obtained from the Potentiostatic test showed that the protection against corrosion in the presence of inhibitors is better compared to the case of absence of inhibitors. The results of the six types of corrosion inhibitors tested showed that the inhibitory efficacy is higher below the temperatures 45oC, but when raise the temperature above 45oC the inhibitory efficiency becomes to decrease. Also, the test results indicated that the corrosion inhibitor involves silicate products provided more inhibited efficiency compared to the phosphate inhibitor alone or used the combined silicate/phosphate corrosion inhibitor. The inspection of the surface of the tested samples using optical methods shows that the pitting corrosion is demonstrated on the specimen surfaces after testing with or without inhibitors.
The interest in the Eye-tracking technology field dramatically grew up in the last two decades for different purposes and applications like keeping the focus of where the person is looking, how his pupils and irises are reacting for a variety of actions, etc. The resulted data can deliver an extraordinary amount of information about the user when it's interlocked through advanced data analysis systems, it may show information concerned with the user’s age, gender, biometric identity, interests, etc. This paper is concerned about eye motion tracking as an unadulterated tool for different applications in any field required. The improvements in this area of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) with eye-tracking techniques allow large opportunities to develop algorithms and applications. In this paper number of models were proposed based on Convolutional neural network (CNN) have been designed, and then the most powerful and accurate model was chosen. The dataset used for the training process (for 16 screen points) consists of 2800 training images and 800 test images (with an average of 175 training images and 50 test images for each spot on the screen of the 16 spots), and it can be collected by the user of any application based on this model. The highest accuracy achieved by the best model was (91.25%) and the minimum loss was (0.23%). The best model consists of (11) layers (4 convolutions, 4 Max pooling, and 3 Dense). Python 3.7 was used to implement the algorithms, KERAS framework for the deep learning algorithms, Visual studio code as an Integrated Development Environment (IDE), and Anaconda navigator for downloading the different libraries. The model was trained with data that can be gathered using cameras of laptops or PCs and without the necessity of special and expensive equipment, also It can be trained for any single eye, depending on application requirements.
The separation of water from crude oil emulsions is a critical and complex challenge in petroleum production and processing. Water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions increase viscosity, pose corrosion risks, reduce refining efficiency, and raise significant environmental concerns. Traditional separation methods often struggle with stable emulsions containing small droplets due to limitations in cost, environmental impact, and effectiveness. Electro-coalescence demulsification has emerged as a promising technique that applies electric fields to enhance droplet coalescence, facilitating efficient water removal. This comprehensive review examines the influence of electrode geometry on electro-coalescence systems in depth, synthesizes key findings from numerous studies, and provides a detailed analysis of electrode spacing calculations, critical conditions for effective demulsification, and optimal operational parameters. By exploring these aspects comprehensively, the review offers insights into how electrode design affects demulsification efficiency, guiding future advancements in crude oil processing and contributing to more sustainable practices in the petroleum industry.
Soil’s characteristics are essential for the successful design of projects such as airports runway and flexible pavement. CBR (California Bering Ratio) is one of the significant soil characteristics for highways and airports projects. Thus, the CBR property can be used to determine the subgrade reaction of soil through correlations. Many of the soil geotechnical parameters such as compaction characteristics (Maximum Dry Density, MDD; Optimum Moisture Content, OMC), and consistency parameters (Liquid Limit, LL; Plastic Limit, PL; Plasticity Index, PI) can be in charge of changes that happen in soil CBR value. Soaked and/or non-soaked conditions of soils also affect CBR value. Hence, testing soils in a laboratory for CBR calculation is time-consuming that needs notable effort. Therefore, this study aims to generate some useful correlations for soil’s CBR with compaction and consistency parameters for 85 samples of fine-grained soils. The study trials were applied on natural soil samples of various places in Sulaimani Governorate, Northern Iraq. Statistical analysis has been carried out by using SPSS software (Version 28). Soaked CBR is counted, which is important for conditions such as rural roads that remain prone to water for few days. Based on the statistical analysis, there is a significant correlation between LL, PL, PI, MDD, and OMC with CBR as the dependent variable as a single variable equation with R2 of 0.7673, 0.5423, 0.5192, 0.6489, and 0.51, respectively. In addition, the highest value of R2 correlation was obtained between CBR value with consistency and compaction properties as a multiple regression equation with R2 of 0.82. The obtained equations for correlation purposes are successfully achieved and can be used, notably, to estimate CBR value.
Normal concrete is weak against tensile strength, has low ductility and also insignificant resistance to cracking. The addition of diverse types of fibers at specific proportions can enhance the mechanical properties as well as the durability. Discrete fiber, which is commonly used, have many disadvantages such as balling the fiber, random distribution, and limitation of the used Vf ratio. Based on this vision, a new technique was discovered, enhancing concrete by textile-fiber to avoid all the problems mentioned above. This paper presents all important consequence and conclusions obtained from previous studies on how to strengthen concrete with two-dimensional and three-dimensional textile-fibers, and focuses on the flexural behavior of concrete members. The results indicate that there was an improvement in flexural strength, deformation capacity, and toughness with different load conditions when using different types of textile-fiber. It was observed that the effect of textile-fibers would increase when this fiber was coated by epoxy. In TRC system, there is a significant impact on the number of textile-fiber layers used.
Diabetes is a long-term medical condition that impacts the way your body converts food into energy, it has the potential to lead to several severe health complications, such as heart disease, stroke, vision impairment, kidney issues, and nerve damage. Nevertheless, individuals with diabetes can lead extended and healthy lives with effective management. The goal of diabetes treatment is to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range. So Glucose measurement is an important part of diabetes management. It allows people with diabetes to track their blood sugar levels and make adjustments to their diet and medication as needed. Morning fasting blood glucose typically falls within the range of (70 mg/dL) to (110 mg/dL), while after a meal, blood glucose levels should ideally be below (140 mg/dL). In this proposed work an Arduino-based noninvasive glucose measurement device is proposed. Non-invasive glucose measurement devices do not require the user to prick their finger to draw blood. A Red Laser (RL) technique, is employed, this method surpasses the other invasive approach and non-invasive methods in terms of superiority. Since invasive techniques can be painful and expensive. This paper describes a new way to measure blood sugar levels without having to prick your finger. The method uses a red laser to shine light through the skin and measure how much the light is bent. The amount of bending tells the device how much sugar is in the blood. Numerous tests and experimental outcomes have been produced to demonstrate the exceptional accuracy of the proposed method.
The indemnification of uncertainty and disturbance which is added to non-linear systems by an Integral Sliding Mode Controller (ISMC) design. the key target of this paper is designing a sturdy controller to observe the performance of a 2-link robot. The nonlinearity in mechanical systems is a shared issue that the researchers are facing in formulating control systems for it. The best solution to this problem is a design Sliding Mode Controller (SMC) for controlling a nonlinear system. In the current paper, 2-link robot is studied which suffering from disturbances and parameter uncertainty and coulomb friction as additional to friction inertia of the system for each link. firstly, Classical Sliding Mode Controller (CSMC) is designed and then Integral Sliding Mode Controller (ISMC). As known, CSMC includes two phases: reaching phase and sliding phase. SMC is suffering from the known phenomenon as "chattering" which is supposed as a critical case and unsuitable characteristic. chattering is described as a curvy movement span the switching surface. In the current study, the chattering is attenuated by employing a saturation function alternative of a sign function. Although SMC can be considered as a good way of controlling nonlinear systems. Where it continues to suffer from the long settling time as undesired features. ISMC is a good method can be employed for reducing the settling time and controlling a nonlinear system. ISMC is easy, robust execution and supposes as an active and strong technique. The most significant advantage in ISMC designing, the reaching phase is canceled that considered a major part of designing classical SMC. The 2 link Robot system was used for proving the performance of CSMC and ISMC algorithms. The outcomes received from the simulations utilizing the ISMC and CSMC which fulfilled asymptotic stability for the system. In comparative between CSMC and ISMC. ISMC is better than CSMC in the good performance of tracking the desired position with less time. Finally, MATLAB2019a software package has relied upon this work.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that severely impacts cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and reasoning, ultimately affecting daily life. Early and accurate detection is crucial for timely intervention and management. Traditional diagnostic methods, including neuroimaging and cognitive assessments, can be expensive and time-consuming, necessitating more accessible and efficient alternatives. This study aims to develop an automated and efficient deep learning-based detection system that uses Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to accurately classify AD and healthy individuals. A Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model was designed to extract meaningful features from preprocessed EEG data. The architecture consists of convolutional layers with max pooling, dropout regularization, and fully connected layers to improve classification accuracy. The model was trained and evaluated on a comprehensive EEG dataset, using key performance metrics such as accuracy, recall, precision, and F1-score. The proposed CNN model achieved a high classification accuracy of 94.56%, a low loss of 0.2162, and an AUC value of 0.93828, demonstrating superior classification capability. The results indicate that the model effectively distinguishes between AD and healthy individuals, outperforming several state-of-the-art approaches. The findings highlight the potential of deep learning-based EEG analysis for AD detection, providing an accessible and cost-effective tool for early diagnosis. The high accuracy of the proposed CNN model suggests that it can assist medical professionals in making well-informed decisions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Lung cancer is the most common dangerous disease that, if treated late, can lead to death. It is more likely to be treated if successfully discovered at an early stage before it worsens. Distinguishing the size, shape, and location of lymphatic nodes can identify the spread of the disease around these nodes. Thus, identifying lung cancer at the early stage is remarkably helpful for doctors. Lung cancer can be diagnosed successfully by expert doctors; however, their limited experience may lead to misdiagnosis and cause medical issues in patients. In the line of computer-assisted systems, many methods and strategies can be used to predict the cancer malignancy level that plays a significant role to provide precise abnormality detection. In this paper, the use of modern learning machine-based approaches was explored. More than 70 state-of-the-art articles (from 2019 to 2024) were extensively explored to highlight the different machine learning and deep learning (DL) techniques of different models used for the detection, classification, and prediction of cancerous lung tumors. The efficient model of Tiny DL must be built to assist physicians who are working in rural medical centers for swift and rapid diagnosis of lung cancer. The combination of lightweight Convolutional Neural Networks and limited resources could produce a portable model with low computational cost that has the ability to substitute the skill and experience of doctors needed in urgent cases.
The main purpose of this paper is to design a robust second order sliding mode controller that can deal with uncertain nonlinear systems. This controller can keep the main advantages of the first order sliding mode controller, such as the ability to make the system asymptotically stable by forcing the error and its derivatives to have a zero value, the simplicity in the operation, and the robustness in the existence of perturbations. In spite of the features that characterize the first order sliding mode controller (1 SMC), it still suffers from the unwanted phenomenon “chattering”, which originates from a discontinuous control part (sign function). In this context, saturation function can be used instead of sign function to reduce this problematic chattering. Different from the saturation function method, the second order sliding mode controller can be used to overcome the chattering; suffered by the first order sliding mode controller and to retain the stability and performance of the system. In this paper, the twisting and the super twisting second-order algorithms of the sliding mode controller were used, and their results were compared with the first order sliding mode controller. So, this subject focused on the chattering problem who suffers from it the 1 SMC and try to reduce it by using the 2 SMC, the uncertain pendulum system was adopted in this work for the purpose of checking the three controllers. The simulations results showed that the second order sliding mode controller has the ability to reduce both the chattering magnitude and the steady state error and achieve an asymptotically stable system. The results were obtained by using MATLAB programming.
Specimens with the structure of a face-centered cubic were produced using several sets of printing conditions. An experimental testing is conducted to carefully evaluate the microstructural analysis and compressive strength of this structure. The results include the measurement of mechanical properties, such as the peak stress. Fused deposition modeling is employed for the additive manufacturing of experimental specimens made from shape memory polymer thermoplastic polyurethane (MM-3520). We take into account the impact of printing factors on lattice structures, such as layer thickness, printing temperature, and printing speed. Analyzing the microstructure of the printed specimens exhibits that the specimens with highest printing temperature, lowest printing speed and thinner printing layer have better layers adhesion and lower porosities. All the mechanical tests are performed on specimens with the same structure and at a relatively constant density. Among the tested printing parameters, using a layer height of 0.1 mm, a printing temperature of 230 °C, and a printing speed of 20 mm/s yields the highest strength in the specimens. However, specimens printed with a layer height of 0.2 mm, a printing temperature of 220 °C, and a printing speed of 30 mm/s also exhibit good strength, albeit slightly lower than the maximum values. Additionally, when using these specific settings (0.3 mm – 210 °C – 40 mm/s), the mechanical qualities are minimized, yet the stress-strain curves exhibit characteristics similar to elastomers.
This work involved two major parts: the first one is the experimental part which included treatment of scoliosis deformity by manufacturing thoracolumbosacral orthosis, measuring the cobb angle of deformity, measuring the gait cycle data and walk path for both legs and suggesting a composite material to improve the mechanical properties of the orthosis and finally the interface pressure between trunk and orthosis is measured for twelve points covering of the total TLSO surface area by using f-socket devise. The second part of this study is the numerical simulation part during which the stresses are calculated using Ansys software for calculating stresses due to interface pressure loading boundary condition. The result shows no deference in gait cycle phases but the clear difference noted in walking path due to deviate center of mass, maximum pressure recorded left thoracic region with 900KPa due to correct spinal deformity while the minimum pressure recorded at right chest with l40KPa because of it is tissue region and Maximum value of stress was recorded at the left thoracic region with 2.81MPa due to Maximum interface pressure at this point.
Heritage buildings are part of the connection between the past and the present. By paying attention to their occupancy, we keep the present and future generations in touch with what our ancestors achieved, hence sustaining them being part of the living heritage. Restoration and renovation procedures must be carried out to make them capable of meeting contemporary needs, However, it is essential to recognize the architectural characteristics that resonate with long term occupants. This research focuses on the effect of design characteristics on the psychological relationship between heritage buildings and their occupants, through case studies of two heritage buildings in Baghdad. The first is the previous Theological college building of Al al-Bayt University of the 1920s, now the College of education for girls, and the second is the 19th century Ottoman Al-Qishla building. The study relies on conducting a questionnaire for the occupants about their response to design characteristics of each building. The questionnaire concluded that the design characteristics of the heritage building have a significant impact on the psychological response of its occupants. The majority of respondents indicated that characteristics such as clarity of function, clarity of elements, sense of security, privacy, and flexibility, were satisfactory. The majority of respondents expressed appreciation for heritage buildings, as well as positive evaluations and appreciation for the reflection of the past in these buildings, indicating that “architectural characteristics of the heritage building” has a significant impact on the psychological connection felt by the occupants of the heritage building.
Recently, considering polymer composite in manufacturing of mechanical parts can be caused a fatigue failure due to the very long time of exposure to cyclic loading and may at environmental temperatures higher than their glass transition temperature; therefore, in this paper, a comprehensive investigation for bending fatigue behavior at room and elevated temperatures equal to 60 °C, 70°C, and 80 °C will be done. Rotating bending test machine was manufactured for this purpose supplied with a connected furnace to perform fatigue tests at elevated temperatures. The obtained results appeared that the increase in applied stress and temperature caused a clear reduction in fatigue life; also the addition of carbon nanotubes enhanced the fatigue life at different temperatures by 183%, 205%, 218%, and 240%, respectively while the addition of short carbon fibers improved fatigue life by 324%, 351%, 387%, and 415%, respectively. As well as, Polyamide 6,6/carbon fiber composite appeared fatigue limit at temperatures equal to 20°C and 60°C and stresses approximately equal to 55 MPa and 38 MPa respectively.
Reflective cracking is a serious issue that Adversely influences the performance and longevity of asphalt overlays over deteriorated pavements. This review Looks for the Technologies which used to reduce the reflection cracks propagation by insert a new Strategies and different design materials. This research dealt with many treatments such as: increasing the layer thickness of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), creating modified asphalt by adding polymers to asphalt, rubberizing asphalt, carbon black, sulfur and other different materials. Geosynthetic materials were studied and analyzed to evaluate their ability to increase the layer tensile strength and minimize the effect of reflection cracks such as geotextiles, geogrids, and Stress Absorbing Membrane Interlayers (SAMI). The research shows that the increasing of overlay asphalt layer thickness leads to durability development. On the other hand, using developed materials like Polymer-Modified Asphalt and Stress Absorbing Membrane Interlayers (SAMI) Strategies leads to increasing the service life of the repaired pavement. The conclusion indicated that the development of overlay asphalt layer thickness and layer reinforcement and applying advanced environmental systems can be improving the pavement performance. These Strategies can produce a perfect solution to prevent or reduce the reflection cracks in rigid and flexible pavement.
A substantial amount of research has been dedicated to improving the efficiency of heat exchangers, which are extensively utilized in electronic equipment, heating and air conditioning systems, space vehicles, thermal power systems, industrial applications, and transportation. Enhancing the efficiency of these devices can lead to significant reductions in materials, cost, and space. Constructal design offers a promising approach to optimizing various heat transfer systems, including electronic packages, by applying the constructal law to achieve optimal configurations. This review aims to examine recent advancements in the application of constructal design theory to heat exchangers and its potential for enhancing thermal performance. The most recent state-of-the-art developments are thoroughly described, along with their evaluating parameters, and recommendations for further research in this field are provided.
A new robust control algorithm is proposed for a class of nonlinear systems represented by a Single Link Manipulator (SLM) system. This algorithm is based on new techniques and methods in order to obtain a controller for the SLM system. First of all, the system is simplified using Variable Transformation Technique (VTT) in order to fit the analysis procedure. Then, a new idea of designing a model reference for the multiple states (n=4) system is presented to correspond the control design. Next, the Lyapunov Stability Analysis (LSA) is used to figure out a proper controller that can compensate the stability and the performance of the SLM system. After that, the Most Valuable Player Algorithm (MVPA) is applied to find the optimal parameters of the proposed controller to accomplish the optimum performance improvement. Finally, it can be concluded that the proposed control algorithm has improved the stability and the performance of the SLM system. In addition, the simulation results show the remarkable effects of the proposed nonlinear controller on the SLM system.
Solar panels are constantly evolving, with changes occurring in the materials used, panel shapes, and the method used to attach solar cells to the panels. Solar radiation consists of two components: photovoltaic energy, which is used to generate electricity via photovoltaic panels, and thermal energy, which, on the other hand, can reduce the efficiency of photovoltaic panels. Thermal photovoltaic panels are a recent breakthrough in the industry as they use light to generate energy and heat to reheat cryogenic liquid for a variety of purposes. One subtype that is gaining popularity is hybrid photovoltaic thermal panels, which are designed to enhance heat use by adding a heat storage medium, with phase change materials being a noteworthy example. Despite their numerous benefits, these materials have limited heat conductivity, necessitating substantial research efforts to improve this attribute. However, most research focus solely on enhancing conductivity without applying the findings to PV panels in a comprehensive manner. This study fills this gap by reviewing the phase change materials accessible locally, picking Iraqi wax, researching additions, selecting micro- particles of aluminum oxide (Al2O3), investigating the mixing procedure, and calculating the ideal mixing ratio (6% additive to wax). The combination is then placed to a normal solar panel, resulting in a hybrid photovoltaic panel with a complicated phase transition material reinforced with aluminum oxide.
Many difficulties were recorded during laser-assisted tattoo removal. But most of them remain unknown. The recent literatures on laser tattoo removal focuses more on removal methods and systems than on side effects, such as temperature increase over tissue and ideal treatment parameters. This study aims to assess the surface temperature in compliance with eyebrow tattoo removal. The study was carried out for 55 patients aged between 22 and 43 years. The treatment was performed using a Nd:YAG laser (1064nm, Phi laser system) with an energy of 1000 mJ, a frequency of 3Hz, and a spot size of 8mm. The surface temperature of the skin during tattoo removal process was measured with a FLIR thermal camera. The results were analyzed by testing the normal state of distribution. The Shapiro-Wilk and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests were used. All patients finished the full treatment of three laser sessions to achieve the goal of total removal. After temperature comparison, the results showed a significant influence of skin nature and patients' age on temperature distribution on skin, as for older patients, the energy absorption increased. Additionally, patients with darker skin tones exhibited greater absorption. The benefit of deepening understanding appeared in the Temperature distribution in the tissues of the affected area and the surrounding area during laser irradiation, as it provides a guiding and reference function for the effect of photothermal therapy.
Due to the instability and irregular of national electric power supplied to residence sector in Iraq for long term history, attracted researchers interest to strive for solutions, and associated challenge dry and very hot summer season in Iraq on air conditioning application, A test room full size prototype was constructed in Baghdad, its size 33.5m3, the room is built from very good thermal insulation Autoclave Aerated Concrete AAC with white panted Concrete roof, test room is exposed to solar radiation during entire day, thermal energy shifted by time using thermal energy storage TES containing PCM, PCM is soft paraffin its phase inversion temperature (29 to 27)°C, thermal energy was shifted from night timing by cooling down TES (Discharging PCM) to peak time 11:00 am to 02:00 pm, the testes were carried out over entire summer season April to October, the results showed thermal energy can shift to by any quantity and time based on mass of PCM and enthalpy, electrical energy saved at peak time 52.5% of total power spent over season 2.7KW/day, Only 27% of electric energy utilized to discharge PCM during night, about 43% of heat lose is sourced from exposed roof, melting and solidification of PCM temperature must be within indoor comfort range 23 to 28 ?C to release or absorb the latent heat 41kJ/kg.
Basrah is the richest town and the economic capital of Iraq. It suffers from lack of drinking water. This project is a dream to supply drinking water to Basrah citizens within WHO standards. Water should pass sedimentation and filtration stages before interring reverse osmosis unit. The design is carried out using lewaplus2 software. Several parameters should be selected in the design step membrane type, number of stages, number per element in each stage, and the recovery percentage. An optimization is carried out using Minitab ver. 18 for the acceptable limit of TDS and minimum cost and it was found that the optimum conditions were 52% for first stage, the numbers of vessels are 20 for both the first and second stage. In addition, results showed that the pressure and the total dissolved solid increase with increasing the recovery while parameters like the feed flow rate per vessel, the power, and the cost are decreasing with the recovery. Mathematical model described the cost was conducted and statistical study was also done to ensure the results.
Pick and place system is one of the significant employments of modern robots utilized in industrial environments. The objective of this research is to make a comparison of time sequences by combining multiple axes of sequences. A pick-place system implemented with pneumatic linear double-acting cylinders to applicator in automated systems processes for manufacturing. The challenge of 3-axes movement control was achieved using the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) controller such that the merging between two or three axes was achieved according to the selected sequence of the program. The outcomes show the contrasted sequences and the reference in a constant velocity. The main variable parameter is the number of steps for each sequence. The combination of two axes has developed the sequence and reduced in number of sequences for a path. At last, one of the important factors in moving products industry is the smooth product’s movement, because any high speed might cause a vibration in the system and lead to a decreased positioning accuracy.
The purpose of this research is to manufacture and test adjustable sockets for below-knee amputation. This article studies using the pnuematic–pads for adjustable sockets. The manufacturing of an adjustable socket with pneumatic pads goes through several stages: In the theoretical design of the adjustable socket, the suggested materials were studied for the pneumatic pads, tubes, and pneumatic pump which should be suitable for the suggested application. In the experimental work, using composite materials for manufacturing the socket consisting of perlon and resin to achieve the rigid shape and required flexibility for the prosthetic user with the pneumatic pads. After assembling the adjustable socket parts, the pneumatic pads, the pump and the tubes, the socket were tested for several times on the patient. In the last stage, the pressure between the socket and the residual limb was measured using F-socket, and it was found that the results were: anterior (160kPa), lateral (167kPa), posterior (153kPa) and medial (348kPa). By comparing these results with what was previously studied, the pressure between the socket and the residual limb is within the acceptable range. The design provides good suspension and more adaptability to the change in stump volume. A posative feedback was given by the patient who used the prosthetic patient for several days as a trial to measure its safety and comfortablty.
One of the most common causes of mortality worldwide is Lung cancer, an early diagnosis crucial for a patient’s survival and recovery. Automated segmentation of lung lesions in chest CT has become a pre-eminent focal point for research, particularly with the development of hybrid methods combining traditional image processing with advanced deep learning methods such as CNN. These hybrid approaches aim to minimize individual methods limitations by controlling their merge strengths to enhance segmentation efficiency, precision, and clinical utility. This review comprehensively analyzes different hybrid techniques, such as deep learning improved by rule-based systems, multi-scale feature extraction, and ensemble learning. As well as inspect their clinical effect, particularly in improving diagnostic accuracy and optimizing treatment procedures. Despite their possibility, these approaches still face significant challenges, such as computational complexity, data requirements, and the requirement for explainable AI (XAI). Upcoming advancements in lung lesion segmentation will focus on refining these models to achieve faster processing, improved accuracy, and integration with diagnostic tools to protect transparency and ethical considerations.
Recently, three-dimensional models 3DM in the prosthetics field gained popularity, especially in the context of residual limb shape creation resulting from collecting medical images in Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine DICOM format from a magnetic resonance imaging MRI after image processing accurately. In this study, a three-dimensional model of the residual limb for a patient with transtibial amputation was realized with the integration of artificial intelligence and a computer vision approach demonstrating the benefits of AI segmentation tools and artificial algorithms to generate higher accuracy three-dimensional model before prosthetic socket design or in case of comparison the 3D model generated from MRI with another 3D model generated from another technique, where a residual limb of a 23 years old male patient with amputation in the left leg wearing a prosthetic socket liner, and having 62 kg weight, 168 cm height, with high activity level. The patient was scanned using GE Medical Systems, 1,5 Tesla Signa Excite. MRI images in DICOM format were read to retrieve essential metadata such as pixel spacing and slice thickness. These images were processed to obtain a model that reflects the real shape of the residual limb using a specific algorithm, and the 3D model was extracted using AI segmentation tools. The obtained 3D model result with high resolution proves the potential of the artificial intelligence approach with deep learning to reconstruct 3D models concluding that AI has an instrumental role in medical image analysis, particularly in the areas of organ and tissue classification and segmentation., thus generating automatic and repetitive a 3D model.
This paper presents a dual wide-band band pass filter (DWB-BPF) by using two parallel, symmetrical micro-strip lines loaded by a centered resonator, consisting of a T- and a triangle-shaped geometry, attached at the lower and upper ends, respectively. The filter reveals good performance and both the passbands can be independently controlled by adjusting specific parts of the filter. The proposed BPF is simulated by using CST microwave studio package and the simulated result is verified experimentally with good agreement between the two results. The fabricated prototype BPF demonstrates two passbands located at 2.3 GHz and 6.35 GHz center frequencies with 39% and 23.6% of 3-dB fractional bandwidth (FBW), respectively and a good insertion and return losses. The designed BPF can be targeted for wireless local area network (WLAN), WIFI and satellite communication systems.
Two lasers were utilized for silicon processing using photoelectrochemical etching and laser texturing in order to produce nano/micro structures, respectively. Photoelectrochemical etching process utilizes a CW diode laser of 532 nm wavelength was used to support electrochemical etching for both n-type and p-type conductivity. While laser texturing process was employed using pulsed fiber laser of 1064 nm wavelength. Various characterization methods were devoted to examine silicon micro/nanostructures surfaces produced by lasers. These methods include AFM, SEM and Raman scattering to provide clear evidence about formation of micro/nanostructures abundant at silicon surfaces. Moreover, FTIR analysis for the laser produced silicon surfaces could emphasize whether the resultant silicon surface is hydrophilic or hydrophobic. Image analysis software adopted a side view micro image was used to measure the contact angle between the water droplet and silicon micro/nano-surfaces. It is found that the laser produced silicon nanostructure by photoelectrochemical etching creates a hydrophobic surface and even super hydrophobic with contact angle of 130 degrees for 50 nm average size. In addition, utilizing fiber laser of high repetition rate for laser texturing produces microstructures that are super hydrophilic with contact angle could reach 8 degrees for a surface dimension of 50 μm.
The effects of the repeated solution heat treatment on hardness, tensile strength and microstructure of aluminum were investigated. For this purpose, an alloy of AA6061-T6 was undergo to cyclic solution heat treatment process which is composed of repeated period (10 min) held at 520 °C for 1, 4, 8 and 12 cycles. The hardness was tested for five aging times (as quenching, one week, three weeks, one month and five months) to all cycles (1, 4, 8 and 12) firstly and it is found that the hardness of five months as aging time for all cycles has the best results (90Hv) as compared with others (as quenching, one week, three weeks, and one month), so it was adopted for all cycles to implement the tensile test and the microstructure. Hardness results were improved to Vickers hardness of (90Hv) with increasing of cycles up to 8 cycles then decreasing after that to (45Hv). Tensile results were showed an increment (34%) also for the same group of 8 cycles compared with (17%) and (9%) for 4 and 12 cycles, respectively. Microstructure is revealed that whenever cycles are increased, the precipitate phase in alloy is increased also, thus, it is improved the hardness and tensile strength.
The assessment of prosthetic aortic valves through echocardiography, a pivotal noninvasive tool, encounters challenges, with discordant findings compared to invasive measurements, particularly in transvalvular gradients. To address these complexities, this comprehensive review article explores diverse methodologies and modalities for assessing prosthetic aortic valve performance. As these life-saving devices advance in complexity, the demand for precise and innovative assessment techniques intensifies. This journey through established and emerging modalities aims to inform clinical practice, foster experimental innovation, and enhance patient care in the realm of aortic valve prosthetic assessment. Ultimately, a profound understanding of the hemodynamic milieu engendered by aortic prosthetic valves serves as the cornerstone for optimizing valve design and clinical utility. The primary objective of this comprehensive review is to elucidate, with utmost precision, the multifaceted methodologies employed in the investigation and evaluation of mechanical prosthetic aortic valve.
The present investigation looked at whether the Bailey approach to aggregate gradation could be used to construct Superpave HMA blends. It also looked at how this approach influenced the rutting performance associated with these mixes and compared it to mixes of asphalt created by Superpave gradations. The current research included four aggregate gradations: both fine and coarse gradations for the Superpave and Bailey gradation procedures. The repeated loading test was utilized to assess the rutting performance. The findings indicated that temperature, stress level, and aggregate gradation all had a significant impact on rutting performance. In contrast to the other three gradations, the third mixture gradation exhibited the least amount of non-reversible deformation. It translates to pavement that is more resistant to rutting and less susceptible to it.