Reflection cracking in asphalt concrete (AC) overlays is a common form of pavement deterioration that occurs when underlying cracks and joints in the pavement structure propagate through an overlay due to thermal and traffic-induced movement, ultimately degrading the pavement’s lifespan and performance. This study aims to determine how alterations in overlay thickness and temperature conditions, the incorporation of chopped fibers, and the use of geotextiles influence the overlay’s capacity to postpone the occurrence of reflection cracking. To achieve the above objective, a total of 36 prism specimens were prepared and tested using an overlay testing machine (OTM). The variables considered in this study were the thickness of the overlay (40, 50, and 60 mm), temperature (20, 30, and 40 °C), mix type (reference mix and mix modified with 10% chopped fibers by weight of asphalt cement), and the inclusion of geotextile fabric at two positions (one-third of the depth from the base and at the bottom). The research outcomes revealed that a decreased temperature and thicker overlay led to a higher resistance to crack initiation and full propagation, as indicated by the values of critical fracture energy (Gc) and crack progression rate (CPR). Furthermore, the study observed the enhanced crack resistance of overlays in the presence of geotextiles, whether at the bottom or one-third of the depth from the bottom, with superior performance of the former. Despite a slight enhancement in certain properties, the incorporation of chopped fibers in the overlays did not substantially improve the overall performance compared to the reference specimens. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the variables that influence the ability of AC overlays to mitigate reflection cracking. These findings will aid engineers and designers in making informed decisions regarding overlay design and construction.
Coronavirus 2 is the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which leads to severe acute respiratory illness. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been linked to leukocyte infiltration and chemokine activation during inflammatory responses. Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP) family are thought to dampen the proinflammatory effects of these MMPs. The molecular pathways of lung fibrosis are mediated by MMPs and TIMPs. In this study, we sought to investigate the probable link between MMPs, specifically MMP-3, TIMP-2, and COVID-19. The study included 58 COVID-19 patients and 30 apparently healthy individuals matched in terms of age and sex. Multiplex real- time PCR was used to detect the ORF1ab, E, and N genes of
... Show MoreSimple, precise and economic batch and flow injection analysis (FIA)-spectrophotometric methods have been established for simultaneous determination of salbutamol sulfate (SLB) in bulk powder and pharmaceutical forms. Both methods based on diazotization coupling reaction of SLB with another drug compound (sulfadimidine) as a safe and green diazotization agent in alkaline medium. At 444 nm, the maximum absorption of the orange azo-dye product was observed. A thorough investigation of all chemical and physical factors was conducted for batch and FIA procedures to achieve high sensitivity. Under the optimized experimental variables, SLB obeys Beer’s law in the concentration range of 0.25-4 and 10-100 μg/mL with limits of detection of 0.0
... Show MoreThe current work is focused on the rock typing and flow unit classification for reservoir characterization in carbonate reservoir, a Yamama Reservoir in south of Iraq (Ratawi Field) has been selected, and the study is depending on the logs and cores data from five wells which penetrate Yamama formation. Yamama Reservoir was divided into twenty flow units and rock types, depending on the Microfacies and Electrofacies Character, the well logs pattern, Porosity–Water saturation relationship, flow zone indicator (FZI) method, capillary pressure analysis, and Porosity–Permeability relationship (R35) and cluster analysis method. Four rock types and groups have been identified in the Yamama formation de
Pathogenic microorganisms from hospitals, communities, and the environment remain great threats to human health. The increasing concern about antibiotic resistance has also necessitated the search for robust alternatives. Therefore, this study aims to isolate, screen and evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from a soil sample taken from northern, western and eastern parts of Kelana Jaya Lake against four antibiotics (gentamycin, tetracycline, ampicillin, and penicillin) on a Mueller-Hinton Agar media plate. Pseudomonas identification was done by using API 20 kit. Disc diffusion was employed as well as the oxidase test. From the positive oxidase result, the isolated bacteria were identified as Burkhold
... Show MoreOrganogel as a system was to estimate its capacity to delay and slow the drug release in the duodenum. The gelators, 12HSA (12-hydroxystearic acid), span 60. span 40 were used; the castor oil (CO) and anise oil (AO) also represented the liquid phase. To achieve the goal of this work was by using diclofenac sodium (DS). Organogels specifications were by estimating thermal attitude using tabletop rheology and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The organogel strength study was by applying oscillatory rheology tests the amplitude sweep and the frequency sweep. Realizing the morphology of the organogel was done utilizing an optical microscope. CO and AO binding capacity was also manifested. The transition temperatures for all organogels
... Show MoreDuring infection, T. gondii disseminates by the circulatory system and establishes chronic infection in several organs. Almost third of humans, immunosuppressed individuals such as HIV/AIDS patients, cancer patients, and organ transplant recipients are exposed to toxoplasmosis. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the possibility that Toxoplasma infection could be a risk factor for COVID-19 patients and its possible correlation with C-reactive protein and ferritin. Overall 220 patients referred to the Al Furat General Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq were enrolled from 2020–2021. All serum samples were tested for T. gondii immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) antibodies, C-reactive protein and ferritin levels. In patients with COVID-19, the results
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