Pandemic COVID-19 is a contagious disease affecting more than 200 countries, territories, and regions. Recently, Iraq is one of the countries that have immensely suffered from this outbreak. The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) is also prone to the disease. Until now, more than 23,000 confirmed cases have been recorded in the region. Since the onset of the COVID-19 in Wuhan, based on epidemiological modelling, researchers have used various models to predict the future of the epidemic and the time of peak, yielding diverse numbers in different countries. This study aims to estimate the basic reproductive number [R₀] for COVID-19 in KRI, using the standard SIR (Susceptible-Infected-Removed) epidemic model. A system of non

One of the most severe problems with flexible asphalt pavements is permanent deformation in the form of rutting. Accordingly, the practice of adding fiber elements to asphalt mix to improve performance under dynamic loading has grown significantly in order to prevent rutting distress and ensure a safe and long-lasting road surface. This paper explores the effects of a combination of ceramic fiber (CF), a low-cost, easily available mineral fiber, and thermal insulator fiber reinforced to enhance the Marshall properties and increase the rutting resistance of asphalt mixes at high temperatures. Asphalt mixtures with 0%, 0.75%, 1.5%, and 2.25% CF content were prepared, and Marshall stability and wheel tracking tests were employed to stu

In real conditions of structures, foundations like retaining walls, industrial machines and platforms in offshore areas are commonly subjected to eccentrically inclined loads. This type of loading significantly affects the overall stability of shallow foundations due to exposing the foundation into two components of loads (horizontal and vertical) and consequently reduces the bearing capacity.

Based on a numerical analysis performed using finite element software (Plaxis 3D Foundation), the behavior of model strip foundation rested on dry sand under the effect of eccentric inclined loads with different embedment ratios (D/B) ranging from (0-1) has been explored. The results display that, the bearing capacity of st

      This research concern to analyse and simulate the temperature distribution in the spot welding joints using tungsten arc welding shielded with inert gas (TIG Spot) for the aluminum-magnesium alloy type  (5052-O).

      The effect of and the quantity of the heat input that enter the weld zone has been investigated welding current, welding time and arc length on temperature distribution. The finite element method (by utilizing programme ANSYS 5.4) is presented  the temperature distribution in a circular weld pool and the weld pool penetration (depth of welding) through the top sheet ,across the interface into the lower sheet forming a weld spot.   &nbs

The Internet is providing vital communications between millions of individuals. It is also more and more utilized as one of the commerce tools; thus, security is of high importance for securing communications and protecting vital information. Cryptography algorithms are essential in the field of security. Brute force attacks are the major Data Encryption Standard attacks. This is the main reason that warranted the need to use the improved structure of the Data Encryption Standard algorithm. This paper proposes a new, improved structure for Data Encryption Standard to make it secure and immune to attacks. The improved structure of Data Encryption Standard was accomplished using standard Data Encryption Standard with a new way of two key gene

The shear strength of soil is one of the most important soil properties that should be identified before any foundation design. The presence of gypseous soil exacerbates foundation problems. In this research, an approach to forecasting shear strength parameters of gypseous soils based on basic soil properties was created using Artificial Neural Networks. Two models were built to forecast the cohesion and the angle of internal friction. Nine basic soil properties were used as inputs to both models for they were considered to have the most significant impact on soil shear strength, namely: depth, gypsum content, passing sieve no.200, liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index, water content, dry unit weight, and initial

Prediction of accurate values of residual entropy (SR) is necessary step for the
calculation of the entropy. In this paper, different equations of state were tested for the
available 2791 experimental data points of 20 pure superheated vapor compounds (14
pure nonpolar compounds + 6 pure polar compounds). The Average Absolute
Deviation (AAD) for SR of 2791 experimental data points of the all 20 pure
compounds (nonpolar and polar) when using equations of Lee-Kesler, Peng-
Robinson, Virial truncated to second and to third terms, and Soave-Redlich-Kwong
were 4.0591, 4.5849, 4.9686, 5.0350, and 4.3084 J/mol.K respectively. It was found
from these results that the Lee-Kesler equation was the best (more accurate) one

This study aims to model the flank wear prediction equation in metal cutting, depending on the workpiece material properties and almost cutting conditions. A new method of energy transferred solution between the cutting tool and workpiece was introduced through the flow stress of chip formation by using the Johnson-Cook model. To investigate this model, an orthogonal cutting test coupled with finite element analysis was carried out to solve this model and finding a wear coefficient of cutting 6061-T6 aluminum and the given carbide tool.

In the present work a modification was made on three equations to represent the
experiment data which results for Iraqi petroleum and natural asphalt. The equations
have been developed for estimating the chemical composition and physical properties
of asphalt cement at different temperature and aging time. The standard deviations of
all equations were calculated.
The modified correlation related to the aging time and temperature with penetration
index and durability index of aged petroleum and natural asphalts were developed.
The first equation represents the relationship between the durability index with aging
time and temperature.

log_e(DI)=a₁+0.0123(2log_e T