Enhancing asphalt binder performance against anticipated distresses is a critical focus in pavement engineering. This study investigates the synergistic influence of nano titanium dioxide (NT) and nano zinc oxide (NZ) on asphalt binder performance. Nine NT:NZ combinations (1:1 to 3:3) were prepared with 1–3% by binder weight, in addition to a reference binder (RB). The performance test program included; conventional tests (penetration, softening point, viscosity, and ductility), Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) for performance grading, Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) for rutting evaluation, and Linear Amplitude Sweep (LAS) for fatigue resistance. Furthermore, Statistical analysis (ANOVA) was performed to determine the significance of nanomaterial interactions, and a cost–performance evaluation assessed economic feasibility. The results revealed that the combined use of these types of NM increased binder stiffness and resistance to aging. Additionally, the high-temperature PG grade increased from 70°C to 76°C for all NM-modified asphalt binders, except for the combinations of 1% NT and 1% NZ, as well as the (1:2) binder. On the other hand, MSCR results showed a reduction of up to 32% in non-recoverable creep compliance (Jnr3.2), whereas the LAS test verified extended fatigue life at a 2.5% strain level for low dosages of the NM combination, i.e., (1:1). The 1:1 NT:NZ blend exhibited the highest cost–performance efficiency, providing a balanced improvement in rutting and fatigue resistance. Overall, the synergistic incorporation of NT and NZ significantly enhanced the binder performance, offering practical insights for selecting nanomaterials in sustainable pavement engineering.
Visceral leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease on the rise in different regions of Iraq, especially in areas with poor hygiene and among refugee populations. The effectiveness of existing chemotherapy for leishmaniasis is constrained by its high toxicity, cost, and the development of drug resistance. The current research examined various concentrations (ranging from 125 to 1000 μM) of lupeol to evaluate its ability to boost the generation of nitric oxide, which has anti-leishmanial properties, in an ex-vivo macrophage model. Griess assay was used to detect the nitric oxide (NO) production in Leishmania donovani infected U937 cell-line macrophages along 24 and 48 hours post treated. The nitric oxide concentration was signifi
... Show MoreThis investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of using Hydrated lime as a (partial substitute) by weight of filler (lime stone powder) with five consecutive percentage namely (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0) % by means of aggregate treatment, by introducing dry lime on dry and 2–3% Saturated surface aggregate on both wearing and binder coarse. Marshall design method, indirect tensile test and permanent deformation under repeated loading of Pneumatic repeated load system at full range of temperature (20, 40, 60) C0 were examined The study revealed that the use of 2.0% and 1.5 % of dry and wet replacement extend the pavement characteristics by improving the Marshall properties and increasing the TSR%. Finally, increase permanent
... Show MoreFresh water resources in terms of water quality is a crucial issue worldwide. In Egypt, the Nile River is the main source of fresh water in the country and monitoring its water quality is a major task on governments and research levels. In the present case study, the physical, chemical and algal distribution in Nile River was monitored over two seasons (winter and summer) in 2019. The aims of the study were to check the seasonal variation among the different water parameters and also to check the correlations between those parameters. Water samples were collected from the Nile in Cairo governorate in EGYPT. The different physiochemical and microbiological properties in water samples were assessed. The studied parameters were included: te
... Show MoreThis research examines the impact of cornering on the aerodynamic forces and stability of a Nissan Versa (Almera) passenger sedan car by introducing novel modifications. These modifications included single inverted wings with end plates as a front spoiler, double‐element inverted wings with end plates as a rear spoiler, and incorporating the ground as a diffuser under the car trunk. The goal is to enhance the performance and stability of conventional passenger cars. To ensure the accuracy of the numerical data, the study utilized multiple methodologies to model the turbulence model, ultimately selecting the most suitable option. This involved comparing numerical data with wind tunnel experimental d
Crystalline silicon (c-Si) has low optical absorption due to its high surface reflection of incident light. Nanotexturing of c-Si which produces black silicon (b-Si) offers a promising solution. In this work, effect of H2O2 concentrations towards surface morphological and optical properties of b-Si fabricated by two-step silver-assisted wet chemical etching (Ag-based two-step MACE) for potential photovoltaic (PV) applications is presented. The method involves a 30 s deposition of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in an aqueous solution of AgNO3:HF (5:6) and an optimized etching in HF:H2O2:DI H2O solution under 0.62 M, 1.85 M, 2.47 M, and 3.7 M concentrations of H2O<
... Show MoreMaterials recycling has a significant economic and environmental impact; as a result, steel, aluminium, plastic, and other recyclable materials have been pushed for use in construction materials. One of these recyclable materials is the crumb rubber, has been considered as a pavement component. The general behaviour of the composite rubber-hot mix asphalt system would be varied from that of the conventional rubber free mix. In this review, desirable characteristics of hot mix asphalt are highlighted first. Also, effect of gradation and the main types of rubber are specified. Afterward, many studies that considered the crumb rubber as a waste product and its associated mixture and modifiers are reviewed. The factors affect the crumb
... Show MoreIn this study, a system of nonthermal plasma that was operated under atmospheric pressure and was powered by argon gas was employed. The particular plasma properties are affected by changes in the Ar gas flow ranges from 0.5 to 2.5 l/min, product by stream of the plasma jet that is utilized. By using the aforementioned method generated from AC and DC. After placing Ar gas as the cathode, which represents the negative pole, flows toward the anode, which is represented by a tiny metal plate of Zn measuring 6 × 1 cm2 in size, with a submerged part of 4 cm2 long, with both types of current employed having a high voltage of 13.5 kV and the frequency of AC was 30 kHz, we measured these variable parameters. It has been shown that when argon f
... Show MoreThe present study was set to demonstrate the prevalence of toxoplasmosis infection and its effects on patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) through determining their serum levels of anti-dsDNA and IL-18 antibodies. For this purpose, the sera from 132 SLE and/or toxoplasmosis patients and 30 healthy women, were collected. The study sample was divided into four groups of SLE, toxoplasmosis, SLE coinfected with toxoplasmosis, and healthy control. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were examined for all the samples using ELISA kit. The results showed a high mean level of anti-Toxoplasma IgG among SLE patients coinfected with toxoplasmosis (104.8792±12.31585pg/ml) in comparison to that in toxoplasmosis patients (91.1705±12.577
... Show MoreThe aim of this study is to compare the effects of three methods: problem-based learning (PBL), PBL with lecture method, and conventional teaching on the understanding of thermodynamics, group work and self-directed learning skills among physics undergraduates. The actual sample size comprises of 122 students, who were selected randomly from the Physics Department, College of Education in Iraq, for academic year 2011-2012. In this study, the pre and posttest were done and the instruments were administered to the students for data collection. Inferential statistics were employed to analyze data. The independent variables were the PBL, the PBL with lecture method, and the conventional teaching. Dependent variables of statistical analysis were
... Show More