This research aims to introduce a new technique-off-site and self-form segmental concrete masonry arches fabrication, without the need of construction formwork or centering. The innovative construction method in the current study encompasses two construction materials forms the self-form masonry arches, wedge-shape plain concrete voussoirs, and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. The employment of CFRP fabrics was for two main reasons: bonding the voussoirs and forming the masonry arches. In addition, CFRP proved to be efficient for strengthening the extrados of the arch rings under service loadings. An experimental test was conducted on four sophisticated masonry arch specimens. The research parameters were the Keystone thic

The study investigated the behaviour of asphalt concrete mixes for aggregate gradations, according to the Iraqi specification using the Bailey method designed by an Excel spreadsheet. In mixing aggregates with varying gradations (coarse and fine aggregate), The Bailey method is a systematic methodology that offers aggregate interlocking as the backbone of the framework and a controlled gradation to complete the blends. Six types of gradation are used according to the bailey method considered in this study. Two-course prepared Asphalt Concrete Wearing and Asphalt Concrete binder, the Nominal Maximum Aggregate Sizes (NMAS) of the mixtures are 19 and 12.5 mm, respectively. The total number of specimens was 240 for both layers (15 samp

Portland cement is considered the most involved product in environmental pollution. It is responsible for about 10% of global CO2 emissions [1]. Limestone dust is a by-product of limestone plants and it is produced in thousands of tons annually as waste material. To fulfill sustainability requirements, concrete production is recommended to reduce Portland cement usage with the use of alternative or waste materials. The production of sustainable high strength concrete by using nanomaterials is one of the aims of this study. Limestone dust in 12, 16, and 20% by weight of cement replaced cement in this study. The study was divided into two parts: the first was devoted to the investigation of the best percentage of replacement of waste

As an alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), the alkali-activated binders have been developed with better technical characteristics and more extended durability. The Alkali-Activated Iraqi Natural Pozzolans (AANP) could produce geopolymer cementation building materials and make them ecologically acceptable. The primary advantage of geopolymer cement is that it has a lower environmental effect that contributes to it. The engineering characteristics of geopolymer concrete produced using activated Iraqi natural Pozzolan are summarized in this research. The mechanical properties, modulus of elasticity, and ultrasonic pulse velocity of various concrete mixes were determined via experimental study. The impact of essential variables like w

The main objectives of this study were investigating the effects of the maximum size of coarse Attapulgite aggregate and micro steel fiber content on fresh and some mechanical properties of steel fibers reinforced lightweight self-compacting concrete (SFLWSCC). Two series of mixes were used depending on maximum aggregate size (12.5 and 19) mm, for each series three different steel fibers content were used (0.5 %, 1%, and 1.5%). To evaluate the fresh properties, tests of slump flow, T500 mm, V funnel time, and J ring were carried out. Tests of compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural tensile strength, and calculated equilibrium density were done to evaluate mechanical properties. For reference mixes, the

Huge efforts are being made to control the spread and impacts of the coronavirus pandemic using vaccines. However, willingness to be vaccinated depends on factors beyond the availability of vaccines. The aim of this study was three-folded: to assess children’s rates of COVID-19 Vaccination as reported by parents, to explore parents’ attitudes towards children’s COVID-19 vaccination, and to examine the factors associated with parents’ hesitancy towards children’s vaccination in several countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR).

The present study aimed to assess the impact of seed Rhizobia treatment and potyvirus inoculation on bacterial nodulation and nitrogen fixation in cowpeas. The plants were infected with the virus two weeks post-germination. Nodules were present on the roots of plants treated with Rhizobia; however, almost no nodules were detected on untreated plants. The average number of nodules per plant on virus-inoculated plants was significantly lower than the average number per noninoculated plant. The virus caused a substantial decrease in the weight of nodules also. The study revealed that the presence of Rhizobia resulted in a significant rise in nitrogen content in the foliage. Specifically, the nitrogen percentage increased from 1.29% in plants n

The international standing has an impact on the strategic importance of the country in its relations with other regional and international countries. The strategic position of Taiwan has an impact on the US-Chinese relations, as it is one of the most important issues that raise dispute between the two countries. The while the Chinese consider Taiwan is an ancient legacy of their republic, and an integral part of it, the Americans consider it as an area linking the U.S. to the Asia-Pacific region, through which it intends to help its allies (Japan and South Korea). Moreover, Taiwan has huge economic importance as it is one of the largest manufacturers of electronic chips and semiconductors. This fact represents one of the most important issu

The growth curves of the children are the most commonly used tools to assess the general welfare of society. Particularity child being one of the pillars to develop society; through these tools, we can path a child's growth physiology. The Centile line is of the important tools to build these curves, which give an accurate interpretation of the information society, also respond with illustration variable age. To build standard growth curves for BMI, we use BMI as an index. LMSP method used for finding the Centile line which depends on four curves represents Median, Coefficient of Variation, Skews, and Kurtosis. These can be obtained by modeling four parameters as nonparametric Smoothing functions for the illustration variable. Ma