The dynamic behavior of laced reinforced concrete (LRC) T‐beams could give high‐energy absorption capabilities without significantly affecting the cost, which was offered through a combination of high strength and ductile response. In this paper, LRC T‐beams, composed of inclined continuous reinforcement on each side of the beam, were investigated to maintain high deformations as predicted in blast resistance. The beams were tested under four‐point loading to create pure bending zones and obtain the ultimate flexural capacities. Transverse reinforcement using lacing reinforcement and conventional vertical stirrups were compared in terms of deformation, strain, and toughness changes of the tested beams. The inclination angles of the used lacing reinforcement with respect to the longitudinal reinforcement were 45° and 60°. The lacing reinforcement was efficient and participated actively in resisting the bending moments and shear forces at the same time. For the same diameter of lacing reinforcement, the 60° inclination angle imposed more ductility before failure than beams with lacing reinforcement of a 45° inclination angle. Moreover, the lacing bar diameter was more effective in improving the load‐carrying capacities when using the inclination angle of 45°. A finite element (FE) model was developed and validated using the experimental results based on the measured deformations and strains to conduct a parametric study. The investigated parameters included the effect of the arrangements of the applied loads, laced rebar diameter, inclination angle, tension reinforcement ratio, and concrete strength.
This paper proposes a novel method for generating True Random Numbers (TRNs) using electromechanical switches. The proposed generator is implemented using an FPGA board. The system utilizes the phenomenon of electromechanical switch bounce to produce a randomly fluctuated signal that is used to trigger a counter to generate a binary random number. Compared to other true random number generation methods, the proposed approach features a high degree of randomness using a simple circuit that can be easily built using off-the-shelf components. The proposed system is implemented using a commercial relay circuit connected to an FPGA board that is used to process and record the generated random sequences. Applying statistical testing on the exp
... Show MoreDespite extensive investigations, an effective treatment for sepsis remains elusive and a better understanding of the inflammatory response to infection is required to identify potential new targets for therapy. In this study we have used RNAi technology to show, for the first time, that the inducible lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 2 (LPCAT2) plays a key role in macrophage inflammatory gene expression in response to stimulation with bacterial ligands. Using siRNA- or shRNA-mediated knockdown, we demonstrate that, in contrast to the constitutive LPCAT1, LPCAT2 is required for macrophage cytokine gene expression and release in response to TLR4 and TLR2 ligand stimulation but not for TLR-independent stimuli. In addition, cells transfe
... Show MoreAbstract The results showed that after treating <italic>C. albicans</italic> with Artemisinin (0.104 mg/ml) for 3 hours the number of <italic>C. albicans</italic> decreased and affected the morphology hyphae and growth of <italic>Candida</italic> compared with Fluconazole (150 mg/ml) and control (infected mice). The biomarker levels in the tongue showed high levels of MDA and TGFβ (623±1.5pg/ml, 586.1±0.13pg/ml respectively) in (infected mice with fungi). IL-37 was recorded high level (49.21±0.21pg/ml) in (Neoral +Fungi + artemisinin + fluconazole) compared with negative control. The finding biomarker levels in stomach showed high levels of MDA and IL-37 (533.8±1.9, 69.76±0.39pg/ml) in (Neor
... Show MoreThis study evaluated the functional response of the larva of the predator Chrysoperla carnea by offering varying densities of cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) . Results showed conformity with type–II functional response, where the number of prey killed approaches asymptote hyperbolically as prey density increases (declining proportion of prey killed or the inverse density dependent) till it reached the stability stage determined by handling time and predator satiation. Also, the values of attack rate and handling time changed with age progress for both predator and prey. It has been observed an increase in the attack rate and reduction in handling time with the progress of the predator age when feeding on a particular nymphal in
... Show MoreQuadrotors are coming up as an attractive platform for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) research, due to the simplicity of their structure and maintenance, their ability to hover, and their vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability. With the vast advancements in small-size sensors, actuators, and processors, researchers are now focusing on developing mini UAV’s to be used in both research and commercial applications. This work presents a detailed mathematical nonlinear dynamic model of the quadrotor which is formulated using the Newton-Euler method. Although the quadrotor is a 6 DOF under-actuated system, the derived rotational subsystem is fully actuated, while the translational subsystem is under-actuated. The der
... Show MoreThis paper presents an experimental study of cooling photovoltaic (PV) panels using evaporative cooling. Underground (geothermal energy) water used to extract heat from it during cooling and cleaning of PV panels. An experimental test rig was constructed and tested under hot and dusty climate conditions in Baghdad. An active cooling system was used with auxiliary an underground water tank to provide cold water as a coolant over both PV surfaces to reduce its temperature. The cellulose pad has been arranged on the back surface and sprays cooling on the front side. Two identical PV panels modules used: without cooling and evaporative water cooling. The experiments are comprised of four cases: Case (I): backside cooling, Ca
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