Two dimensional meso-scale concrete modeling was used in finite element analysis of plain concrete beam subjected to bending. The plane stress 4-noded quadrilateral elements were utilized to model coarse aggregate, cement mortar. The effect of aggregate fraction distribution, and pores percent of the total area – resulting from air voids entrapped in concrete during placement on the behavior of plain concrete beam in flexural was detected. Aggregate size fractions were randomly distributed across the profile area of the beam. Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) was employed to treat the discontinuities problems result from double phases of concrete and cracking that faced during the finite element analysis of concrete beam. Cracking was initiated at a small notch located at the middle of the bottom face of the concrete beam. The response of plain concrete beam subjected to pure bending via two point load application was detected using (XFEM) analysis of meso-scale concrete model. Assuming full bond between aggregate particles, and mortar at interfacial zone, the flexural strength of plain concrete beam is increased when aggregate particles size is increased, so that bending and shear stress were affected by void percentage and aggregate particles distribution. The maximum deflection at midspan was increased when the aggregate particles size decreases.
This paper concerns with openness concept in contemporary learning environment, which ranges from physical characters to its relation with learning efficiency and its output. Previous literatures differ to clear the effect of openness on the engagement between learner within themselves, and with this kind of spaces. Engagement means: active participation, the ability of making dialogue, self-reflection and the ability to explore and communicate with them and
within learning space. Research roblem was: The lack of knowledge about the effect of Openness on learner engagement with learning spaces. The two concepts were applied on three types of learning spaces in the Department of the Architectu
In current research Copper was employed for preparing a ternary system of Al–Si alloy in different (0.2–2.5 wt. %) the best was taken is (1.5%wt) of copper that circumstances of solidification for improving the mechanical performance of the available in aluminium alloy. Cast iron molds were prepared to obtain tensile strength testing specimens. Alloys were prepared by employing gas furnaces. The molten metal was poured into a preheated cast-iron mold. The obtained alloy structures were studied using an X-ray diffractometer and optical microscopy. The mechanical performance of the prepared alloys was examined under the influence of different hardening conditions in both heat and non-heat-treated conditions. The outcomes showed at the
... Show MoreThe subject of the listen to the voice of the customer of topics relatively new in management thought, as it won the attention of many organizations of different types, because it is important to achieve success and to continue and superiority to them, so there is a need to study this term in the Iraqi organizations and try to diagnose the implementation of the study sample to listen voice of the Customer and its
... Show MoreBackground: Tobacco smoking and tuberculosis (TB) are two major public health problems; Associations between smoking and tuberculosis including death from tuberculosis have been reported , A reduction in smoking could be expected to have a significant impact on TB incidence and prevalence .
Objectives: to assess the effect of smoking on tuberculosis.
Methods: This study was conducted from June 2011 to June 2012 in 200 patients, adult ( aged 17 years and more), newly diagnosed patients of pulmonary tuberculosis, at the chest and Respiratory Disease Specialized Center in Baghdad. Demographic data, presenting symptoms, data on smoking, and recurrence of disease were compared. Information on smoking status, tobacco smoking was collecte
Peak ground acceleration (PGA) is one of the critical factors that affect the determination of earthquake intensity. PGA is generally utilized to describe ground motion in a particular zone and is able to efficiently predict the parameters of site ground motion for the design of engineering structures. Therefore, novel models are developed to forecast PGA in the case of the Iraqi database, which utilizes the particle swarm optimization (PSO) approach. A data set of 187 historical ground-motion recordings in Iraq’s tectonic regions was used to build the explicit proposed models. The proposed PGA models relate to different seismic parameters, including the magnitude of the earthquake (Mw), average shear-wave velocity (VS30), focal depth (FD
... Show MoreThe In this experimental study, natural stone powder was utilized to improve a cohesive soil’s compaction and strength properties. According to the significant availability of limestone in the globe, it has been chosen for the purpose of the study, in addition to considering the existing rock industry massive waste. Stone powder was used in percentages of 4, 8, 12, 16% replaced from the soil weight in dry state. Some of cohesive soil’s consistency, shear, and compaction properties were depicted after improvement. The outcomes yielded in significant amendments in the experimented geotechnical properties after stone powder addition considering 60 days curing period. Cohesion and friction angle were notably increased by
... Show MoreBackground: Infection with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) leads to activation of T-helper cells (Th-1 and Th-2) which are involved in the synthesis and release of different cytokines which may lead to endothelial dysfunction. Objectives: To evaluate the endothelial function in patients with acute toxoplasmosis. Methods: This case-control study involved 31 patients with toxoplasmosis aged 19 - 47 years matched with 20 healthy subjects. Anti-T. gondii antibody (IgG, IgM, IgA) was determined by direct antigen-antibody reaction. Interleukin-6(IL-6), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and human malondialdehyde (MDA) serum levels were measured. Results: IgM, IgG and IgA levels were high in the infected patients compared with controls (P < 0.01). Furthermore, IL-
... Show MoreBackground: The objectives of this study are to evaluate the effect of addition of Multi-Wall Carbon Nano Tubes (MWCNTs) of different concentrations (0.05 mg.mL-1,0.25 mg.mL-1,0.5 mg.mL-1and1 mg.mL-1) on dimethyl sulphoxide DMSO and distilled water (DW) on tooth enamel. It intends to evaluate enamel microhardness in (Kg. m-2) pre and post the application of Multi-Wall Carbon Nano Tubes (MWCNTs). Materials and Methods: Thirty specimens prepared for the present study to measure the hardness of the enamel. Results: The results showed that a significant increase in the enamel microhardness for groups 0.05 mg/mL (group B), 0.25 mg/mL (group C), 0.5 mg/mL (group D) and 1 mg/mL (group E) compared with control group (group A) in dimethyl sulphoxi
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