Abstract: Planetary gear-cam mechanisms (PGCMs) are mechanisms that combine planetary gears and cams. Despite the fact that these systems have the ability to achieve a wide variety of periodic motions of the output link, they have received little attention. To generate and classify PGCMs, structural properties must first be identified. The classification of gear-cam mechanisms is studied, as are their functional, structural, and graph representations. PGCMs are classified based on their number of degrees of freedom, number of links, and joint types. They are synthesized utilizing the spanning tree-based approach to build the entire set of gear-cam graphs. The relation between graphs and PGCMs is investigated and many graph fundamentals are converted into PGCMs. The atlas of five-vertex graphs is obtained, allowing the development of a large number of mechanisms. The precise results of the 5-link PGCM graphs have been confirmed to be 12. The application and significance of this approach in producing a variety of non-uniform motions, developing better alternatives, and creating new designs for variable-speed output mechanisms are demonstrated.

Abstract: One of the main problems in the city of Diwaniyah is finding suitable places for burying waste. Geographic Information System (GIS) is an appropriate tool used for this purpose. The city of Diwaniyah, like other Iraqi governorates, is not equipped with an organized system for burying urban waste. The main objective of this study is to find the optimal site for the landfill in Al-Diwaniyah City. For this purpose, and by using the multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) known as the Analytical Hierarchy (AHP) in the GIS environment, eleven criteria were presented in the first phase according to international determinants and standards and in line with Iraqi standards. The environment, which is (river, slope, agricultural land use, groundwater, railways, power line, roads, soil types, city center, gas pipeline, and villages) through which a map was developed and produced for each standard using several tools and models in GIS environment, in the second phase, we resorted to the capacity improvement program matrix to assess the weights of the eleven criteria. The study concluded two landfill sites Using the spatial analysis tool "Weight Overlay", the first site is located at coordinate UTM (502241.5, 3537336.2) east of the city, with an area of about 18.89 km2, while the second site is located at coordinate UTM (503371, 3528215.7) to the south of the city, with an area of about 20.64 km2.

Abstract: The current study examines the impact of mixing methods in enhancing the coagulation – flocculation process. Two types of coagulants: Aluminum Sulfate Hydrate {Al2(SO4)3.16H2O} and Magnesium Chloride {MgCl2}) were used. The polyacrylamide {(C3H5)n} utilized as flocculent aid. A fully baffled mixing tank agitated with retreat curve impellers rotates in range of 60-105 rpm with 15 rpm as increment step and mixing time for 600 sec was used in present study. The present investigation includes two methodologies: first one based on numerical solution using MIXSIM 2.0, ANSYS Fluent, while the second based on experimental work. The Kaolin particles were utilized to represent the suspensions collides in natural raw water. The image analysis technique was involved to determine the surface area of producing flocs. The results establish that the most appropriate impeller rotational speed for flocculation process is in the range of 90 and 105 rpm for alum coagulant. The maximum surface area of floc is 3.252 mm2 produced at 60 rpm with 240 sec of mixing time. The maximum final floc surface area is 1.91mm2 at 90 rpm and 600 sec of mixing time. For magnesium chloride coagulant the max surface area of floce was 1.19 mm2 produced at 75 rpm and 360 sec of mixing time, the best impeller rotation speed was 75 rpm that produced the final surface area of floc which is 0.783 after 600 sec of mixing tank. These types of floc is appropriate for sedimentation process to be followed by normal procedure of drinking water treatment.

Abstract: This article delves into the intricate dynamics of groundwater flow within duct systems, ‎examining both critical and sub-critical flow conditions. Employing mathematical models, ‎sophisticated potential methodologies, numerical simulations, and flow net analysis, the ‎research investigates the behaviour of the phreatic surface under varying flow coefficients ‎  and slope angles . Noteworthy discoveries include the significant influence of the flow ‎coefficient on the curvature and deflection of the phreatic surface, with higher m values ‎resulting in steeper slopes. Additionally, the study emphasizes that changes in slope angle θ ‎impact the interface's shape, leading to variations in flow depth‏.‏‎ Innovative visualizations ‎incorporating streamlines and velocity potential contours offer insights into flow patterns, ‎recirculation zones, and potential turbulence areas. These critical finding supply essential insights for enhancing environmental strategies, optimizing water resource management, and improving the efficiency of fluid systems. The study emphasises how important it is to use flow net analysis and thoroughly investigate critical and sub-critical flow scenarios in order to handle issues related to groundwater management and sustainability. Stakeholder can enhance their capacity for fluid system optimization by applying these analytical tools, leading to improved environmental outcomes and informed decision-making.

Abstract: Several approaches for detecting isomorphism in kinematic chains have been developed in recent literature. If two kinematic chains have a 1-1 correspondence and their incidences are maintained, they are isomorphic. In this work, a matrix-based method for identifying isomorphism is presented. The new method is based on fundamental circuits, vertex degrees, and spanning trees. A unique identifier for isomorphic graphs is proposed. Two graphs are isomorphic if their isomorphic identification numbers have the same value. This reduces the structural isomorphism test to a comparison of the isomorphic identification numbers of the two graphs under consideration. Regardless of vertex labeling of the graphs, which is problematic in other ways, similar isomorphic identification numbers are generated for isomorphic graphs. The new method is a comprehensive, systematic way for detecting isomorphism during the synthesis of kinematic chains. Isomorphic graphs are identified regardless of graph representation. The new approach is verified by the atlas of 6-link 2- degree of freedom planetary gear mechanisms (PGMs), the atlas of 5-link 2-degree of freedom planetary geared cam mechanisms (PGCMs) as well as some PGMs and PGCMs.

Abstract: In reality, there are a number of tiny contact asperities on the contact surface, which may be seen at the micro/ nano scales. The total mechanical behavior is the product of all asperities that are involved during the contact. There are still a lot of unresolved issues in the study of contact and dry friction behavior of rough surfaces because of the variety of surface topography, complexity of the contact scale, and nonlinearity of the constitutive materials. The complexity of the friction mechanism and its misunderstood nature pose significant challenges in this study. This paper provides a comprehensive review of typical dry friction behaviors observed at the micro- and nanoscales. The significance of surface roughness, the role of contact mechanics, and the impact of experimental and theoretical approaches in modeling and simulation have been examined at this study. Additionally, the manuscript highlights the crucial role of proximal probing techniques, particularly the Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) technique.

Abstract: The dissipation of excessive heat flux is presently a significant issue that needs to be addressed due to the use of microdevices in fields such as nuclear energy, electronic devices, aerospace engineering, building engineering, and more. Because their increased heat transfer and compact size, microchannel cooling systems have become an effective way to manage the temperature of microdevices and equipment upgrades. However, due to the increasing demands placed on microdevices for thermal load, controlling the temperature, and conserving energy, efficient heat exchangers, in particular microchannels, are attracting a growing amount of interest. A key passive technique for successfully increasing the heat transfer of the microchannel cooling system and improving the performance of microchannels is channel shape optimization. Therefore, the characteristics of microchannel geometry from prior research has been reviewed, categorized, and summed up in this article. The analysis focuses primarily on structural features and microchannel geometry attributes that enhance the impact of pressure drop and heat transfer. It also presents the relationship between boiling heat transfer and the geometrical features of microchannel flow and discusses the potential study directions for microchannel geometry design. The current review of microchannels will provide researchers working on these microchannel components with specialized expertise. In an effort to improve the impact of heat transfer, this study reviews, categorizes, and summarizes the characteristics of prior studies' microchannel geometry.

Abstract: For the protection of historic city identity and providing a sustainable benefit to its buildings,the strategy of conserving heritage buildings in old cities through their reuse is complex and crucial.The most appropriate mechanism for reuse is the most widely used mechanism for preserving and enhancing the values of heritage buildings.To extend the physical and functional life of heritage buildings and avoid the damage that may be caused as a result of wrong decisions,this study assists decision-makers in making the best decision more accurately, quickly,and effectively to reuse heritage buildings.Due to the lack of knowledge of the criteria and indicators that affect the most appropriate reuse process on a large scale and the extent to which they affect the process of selecting the most appropriate use,this paper aims to extract such criteria and indicators and prove their effectiveness in the process of selecting the most appropriate reuse of heritage buildings in old cities.The procedure of the study includes three phases:the 1st phase analyzes previous related studies and international charters,then extracts the most important criteria and indicators;the 2nd phase deals with expert interviews to provide a criteria assessment according to significance;and the 3rd phase applies these criteria and indicators to historic buildings in Mosul's old city to evaluate the possibility of their use.Adecision-making methodology(AHP)is applied using Microsoft Excel.The methodology was applied to Ziyadah House and Suleiman Al-Sayegh House.In the results,the application to arrange the optimal alternatives showed that the Ziadah house got the highest value,while the Al-Sayegh house got the lowest value.

Abstract: This study reveals the increase in heat transfer using passive and active techniques for BFS. Backward- facing step (BFS) flow is one example of a representative model for separation flows which has been noted in its applications in engine flows, vehicles, condensers, heat transfer systems, and flow around structures, aerodynamic flows. To learn about the importance of backward-facing step flow from a theoretical and engineering perspective, this work provides a comprehensive review of heat transfer and flow results of forced convection flow with passive and active techniques in a channel containing flow separation and subsequent reconnection. The objective of the research was to give a synopsis of the effects of several parameters, such as the Prandtl number, Reynolds number, nanoparticle volume fraction, Hartmann number, tilt angle, buoyancy force, and Coriolis force. The objective of the research was to give a synopsis of the effects of several parameters, such as the Prandtl number, Reynolds number, nanoparticle volume fraction, Hartmann number, tilt angle, buoyancy force, and Coriolis force.

Abstract: The emergence and spread of digital technology in architectural design and professional practice has resulted in a restructuring of architectural education. Different approaches have emerged to integrate digital design into architectural curricula. This paper aims to identify accredited digital design courses and the nature of the content provided to enhance students’ knowledge and skills. The research problem revealed the diverse and different ways to integrate digital design into architectural education curricula in general, and there is no clear vision of the knowledge content of digital design courses. The research questions were determined to investigate the main aspects of digital design courses, the types of knowledge provided, and the levels of knowledge provision for these courses. To answer the questions, the study adopted a conceptual analysis of the published literature on university experiences in teaching digital design courses. The content of these courses was analyzed and revealed that the types of provided content ranges from preparing design projects at different scales, conducting exercises on implementing digital models, or presenting purely theoretical knowledge. The levels of implementing computer technology in teaching digital design range from representative, formative, generative, performative, and manufacturing levels. The relationships between traditional design education and digital design education are found in three ways: the digital design education replaces the traditional design education, the parallel application of both traditional and digital design paths or adopting digital design education later after traditional design education.

Abstract: Fuels based on petroleum have been used for many years. However, as the world strives to protect the environment, clean and renewable energy is becoming more sought after. Diesel fuel can be replaced with biodiesel and alcohol. One of the advantages of these fuels is that they are renewable and locally produced. This study prepared different fuel mixes using pure Iraqi diesel as a reference and an air-cooled, single-cylinder, compression-ignition diesel engine. In this study, an experimental investigation is conducted to introduce biofuel-heavy alcohol blends as alternatives to Iraqi high-sulfur diesel. In order to produce D80B20, diesel, and biodiesel made from used cooking oil were combined. Higher alcohols (hexanol and butanol) were also added to this mixture in a 10% ratio. The engine was operated at a speed of 2500 rpm and with various loads ranging from 4 kW to 10 kW to assess its exhaust emissions. In comparison to diesel, CO levels in exhaust emissions were reduced by 29.23%, 23.59%, and 13.85%, respectively, in the tested blends, while CO2 levels were raised by 23.26%, 16.86%, and8.56%, respectively. Reductions of 25.88%, 42.35%, and 11.76%, were observed in HC concentrations. D80B10HEX10 and D80B10BU10 showed reductions of 5.7% and 3.8% in NOx emissions, while an increase of 3.5% was observed using D80B20.

Abstract: Stoichiometric (NiTa) superalloys have lately acquired acceptability as an alternative to traditional current-generation alloys for applications requiring biomaterials. This is because to the high melting points and corrosion resistance of Ni and Ta. Nickel-based superalloys are highly prized in particular technological applications due to their outstanding mechanical properties that need heat and corrosion resistance. They are utilized to resist applications at temperatures above 80% of their initial melting points more than any other family of technical alloys. Due to tantalum's high melting point and ability to store and release electric charges, high-tech industries are interested in it. During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, electronics have become a requirement of daily existence. Many materials still corrode and are not heat resistant, including those used in heat exchangers, steam boiler tubes, missile and airplane parts, turbine engine parts, and other elements. According to research, NiTa alloys perform better in terms of mechanical and tribological qualities than a number of typical alloys. Finally, this research is provided in order to assess how NiTa alloy has evolved. in order to increase the rigid dynamic structure's sensitivity to vibration.

Abstract: PMMA (poly methyl methacrylate), a well-known polymer of the methacrylate family, is widely utilized in biomedicine, particularly in odonatological applications like artificial teeth, dentures and denture bases, obturators, provisional or permanent crowns, and so on. The outstanding qualities of PMMA, such as its beauty, low density, and changeable mechanical properties, make it an ideal option for use in dentistry. The use of hybrid nanofillers comprising of zinc and zirconium oxides (ZrO2:ZnO) with PMMA and the investigation of the resulting changes in mechanical properties, compared to the addition of natural nano powder represented by nano bran (nB), was studied. The effect of introducing bran powder after turning it into a nanomaterial into PMMA and studying the change in mechanical characteristics was investigated. The use of these components lowers the cost of polymer formulations, allowing for the development of new biodegradable formulations and greatly lowering the environmental load on nature after using consumer items made from them. The bran powder material was added in different weight ratios (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%,10% and 12%), as well as ZrO2: ZnO as a hybrid nanofiller, which were added in the same proportions compared to the pure resin. An increase in the compressive strength was observed to reach its highest value at 206 Mpa of nB compared to the ZrO2:ZnO where it was 140 Mpa. As well as concerning flexibility, an increase in the elastic strength was observed where it was for ZrO2:ZnO and Bran respectively 68 Mpa and 88.98 Mpa compared to pure PMMA.

Abstract: Contemporary hospitals may be recognized by a large variety of activities, not only delivery of care but also some concerns, such as the satisfaction level of users. This research investigates the relationship between outpatient department (OPD) design elements and medical staff satisfaction and performance, especially in light of the pandemic since 2020. A mixed-method approach was used to gather doctors' and nurses' perspectives at two hospitals in Sulaimani City. This involved an EBD questionnaire and a modified AEDET checklist where respondents filled out a 39-item questionnaire at the hospitals' OPD. The results highlight the importance of the interior environment's quality in promoting the satisfaction of medical staff. The results from the medical staff surveys showed that most medical staff expressed satisfaction with the indoor design elements, and three factors, infection control, interior appearance, and comfort and control, were essential to creating a satisfactory indoor environment. A negative correlation of some demographic information, such as practical experience and educational attainment, with medical staff satisfaction was revealed. The findings suggest that investigating the views of the medical staff can indicate the level of significance of various elements that increase their satisfaction and performance, contribute to the general body of knowledge, and inform design decisions.

Abstract: Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems are extensively employed for space heating and cooling, particularly in multi-story buildings where outdoor units are discreetly placed behind aluminum louvers for architectural considerations. However, these metal louvers can hinder ventilation and heat rejection of the VRF air-conditioning outdoor unit, adversely affecting system performance. This impact manifests in elevated suction temperatures, increased energy consumption, and a diminished coefficient of system performance due to hot air recirculation behind the louvers. Additionally, the expelled hot discharge air from outdoor units rises, increasing the suction air temperature for the upper floors' VRF system. This numerical analysis study investigates the impact of louver tilt angle and opening ratio factors on the thermal performance of VRF air conditioners when installed on building balconies. The objective is to optimize louver designs for concealing condensing units, thereby enhancing overall performance and minimizing power consumption. Two proposed louver designs, incorporating varying tilt angles and opening ratios, are presented as solutions and compared with the existing design. The optimal solution to alleviate the unintended "stuck and stack effects" in the current design involves a proposed modification. The first option suggests decreasing the louver's tilt angle to 20° while maintaining a 60% opening ratio to lower suction temperatures and improve thermal performance. Additionally, increasing the louver opening ratio to 80% effectively reduces air recirculation, providing an alternative solution to optimize the overall performance of the VRF system. Comparisons with previous studies underscore local climate variations and operational disparities, emphasizing the need for tailored louver designs specific to environmental conditions.

Abstract: An emerging networking technique called fog computing extends cloud computing capabilities to the edge network's borders. It is employed to get around the limitations of cloud computing, like latency and bandwidth problems. Fog computing is suitable for IoT systems and applications that require real-time processing, reliable network access, low latency, and strong security. In this work, the objective is to design and implement a fog computing environment to simulate the behavior of a multi-user healthcare application, which represents the monitoring of elderly care homes in Mosul city. Several algorithms were employed to examine the effects of load balancing inside fog computing networks. These algorithms are Random, Round-Robin, and the modified Throttled algorithm, which is modified by adding an extra management layer to be more suitable for fog computing networks. The response time results obtained from implementing this modified method were superior to those of the random algorithm and closely resembled the response time results of the round-robin algorithm. In case QoS1 with 25 clients, the result was (0.246037794) second without the load balancing algorithm, (0.124323358) second in the Random algorithm, (0.115641477) second in the Round-Robin algorithm, and (0.114981575) second for the modified throttled algorithm. thus, making it applicable for fog computing networks and cloud computing networks.

Abstract: A bridge is one of the most important structures of man-made construction intended to enable passage across a gap, such as a river, valley, intersection, etc. The bridges can be provided for many purposes, such as facilitating water movement, individuals, vehicles, and railroads. The selection of the bridge's site should consider equity, effectiveness, efficiency, societal benefits, and economic ones. In structural engineering, prestressing methods are frequently used to improve structural components and systems' load-carrying capacity and serviceability. Increases in service loads or the end of a structure's useful life necessitate frequent maintenance and repair work. It is possible to reinforce and repair both steel and concrete buildings. The primary goal of this work is to provide a review of the literature on the assessment of prestressed concrete box girder bridges under static loads as well as investigate the strengthening methods employed by researchers to reinforce prestressed concrete box girder bridges.

Abstract: The behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) members with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars has been the focus of several studies in previous years. However, a study to investigate the behavior of reactive powder concrete (RPC) columns reinforced with GFRP bars (GFRP-RPC) has not been conducted. This study aimed to study the structural behavior of circular columns fully reinforced with GFRP bars and hoops or spirals. In the present study, the behavior of GFRP-RPC circular columns under axial load is studied with the effect of four variables: longitudinal reinforcement ratio, transverse reinforcement ratio, transverse reinforcement configuration (hoops vs. spirals), and type of longitudinal reinforcement (GFRP, steel, and hybrid). Twenty circular columns with a diameter of 150 mm and a height of 1000 mm were cast and tested, divided into seven groups. Results discuss failure modes, axial load capacity, deformations (displacement and strains), and ductility. Test results indicate that the load capacity of the columns increased by ranging from approximately 46 to 56.25% when the longitudinal reinforcement ratio increased from 1.77 to 3.55%, also increased the transverse reinforcement ratio from 1.24 to 2.48% enhanced the load capacity ranging from approximately 5.13 to 19.1%. Moreover, the nominal capacity of GFRP-RPC columns was compared with the design equations so, the results were verified.

Abstract: A steady-state effect analysis of enhancing the cooling performance of a photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) collector using a damper that changes the flow direction with the multi-flow channel is investigated numerically and experimentally. The study aims to improve the electrical efficiency of PV/T systems with turbulent generation to increase exchange between absorbent panels and airflow with less pressure drop. The effect of different mass flux rates (MFR) of (0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, and 0.08) kg/s, and various solar flux of (600, 800, and 1000)W/m^2 on solar cell (PV) temperature and PV/T system performance is studied under indoor test conditions. The results indicated that the air temperature is inversely proportional to the air MFR, and the overall efficiency highly depends on the air MFR and solar flux intensity. In addition, the experiment result shows that the higher value at air MFR (0.04-0.08)kg/s, solar flux (1000 W/m^2) for electrical, thermal, and overall efficiency are (17.03%, 74.14%, and 90.4%), respectively. Moreover, The percentage output power its (28.44%) by (15.93) W leads to pioneering results compared to previous studies

Abstract: Introduction: Osseointegration are a particular kind of prosthesis that is inserted a short titanium rod or screw into the bone surgically and joined to the prosthetic limb.Experimental part: This study looked at a patient's gait analysis with above-knee amputation wearing osseointegration prosthesis implant when walking above force plate. Evaluated the mechanical and fatigue properties of a Ti13Nb13Zr alloy implant.Theoretical part: Drawing and analysis a femoral bone model with an osseointegration implant using Ansys Workbench 17.2.Results and discussion: The results of the tensile testing showed an ultimate tensile strength of 553 MPa, average yield strength of 480 MPa, an elongation of 19.66%, and a Young's modulus of 2.73 GPa. Furthermore, a compressive strength of 1010 MPa and compression yield strength of 700 MPa were found by compression testing. The results of fatigue testing, which were displayed as S-N curves, highlighted the alloy's time-dependent fatigue behavior by showing decreasing fatigue strength with an increase in cycles. Force plate showed amaximum force of 600 N was reported. A strong safety margin was shown by Finite Element Analysis in the bone containing the implant, with safety factors often more than 5 and low deformation (2.4 mm) appropriate for prosthetic uses. A good static design was confirmed by the Von-Mises stress distribution, which was primarily below 46 MPa.Conclusion: Comprehensive results confirm the mechanical feasibility of the Ti13Nb13Zr alloy for prosthetic applications and offer important new information for improving prosthetic design, guaranteeing durability, and improving safety in practical applications.

Abstract: Electric storage systems like solar systems and electric vehicles use batteries for storing electricity due to their simplicity, efficiency, considerably small size, and dispatchability. These batteries operate on the principle of charging/discharging and require equalization for voltage balance, especially in series-connected batteries. In this research, a novel technique is presented for enhancing batteries’ voltage equalization, which is based on the variable duty cycle, D, of pulse width modulation (PWM) in the dynamic capacitor technique. This method controls two energy storage elements: an inductor and a dynamic capacitor via variable D of PWM. The presented technique was implemented on lead-acid batteries connected in series using MATLAB/Simulink. The simulation results showed that increasing D to 80% can reduce the equalizing process time from 500 seconds to just 125 seconds, with voltage differences decreasing from 800mV to just 2.2mV, equalized by 99.98%. For comparison, a well-known fixed switched-capacitor technique was used, and results showed that variation of D had no effect even after 500 seconds of the equalizing process, and the batteries’ terminal difference voltages still were above 220mV (less than 72% equalizing). Thus, the presented technique demonstrates superior performance, highlighting the significant contribution of variable duty cycle PWM in balancing batteries’ terminal voltages.

Abstract: Incorporating crumbed rubber into asphalt binder or asphalt concrete mixes has become increasingly common in recent years. Researchers have looked into how well this additive can improve both the modified bitumen and the modified asphalt mix. With the growing usage of rubber crumb modifiers in asphalt mixtures, the significance of certain asphalt qualities has been recognized. This has opened up more opportunities for a thorough examination of their rheological and physical properties. The asphalt-rubber binder's performance was often impacted by the amount of crumb rubber and the blending circumstances. In this study, a new method, the Steam Aging Technique (SAT), was utilized to study the attributes of the rubber-enhanced bitumen, which was aged throughout Bitumen’s service. The primary goal of this research was to investigate the influence of traditional aging methods compared to the steam aging method, and the possibility of using the latter as an alternative test to traditional methods. Overall, physical test results showed notable increases in softening point and rotational viscosity and a decrease in penetration value for vapor-aged bitumen contrasted to non-aged bitumen. This research used a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and a temperature sweep test (TS) method to study rutting under control strain mode. The effectiveness of the use of steam aging has been observed and the possibility of using it as an alternative to the conventional aging methods available was investigated. It was found that there was a great convergence in the results extracted from the steam aging device with an addition rate of 5, 10, and 15% and an aging time of 45 minutes with the results extracted from the rotary kiln device, except for the 20% addition rate, which gave a difference in values.

Abstract: The current work represents a practical study with the aim of get the best design for hard rubber recipes by controlling materials that increase this property. Rubber recipes were prepared consisting of several materials, such as natural rubber, zinc oxide, and stearic acid, in addition to the accelerator and vulcanizing agent sulfur, which were added in multiple proportions 10, 20, 30 part per hundred rubber (pphr). Also, recipes were prepared for the same previous ingredients with an increased percentage Zinc oxide to 150 pphr to demonstrate the effect of this material on the hardness property. Some laboratory tests were conducted to investigate the mechanical behavior of these recipes, such as hardness, tension, and Rebound (resilience) test. The recipe with sulfur 30 pphr gave an acceptable indication in hardness and tensile test with value 98 IRHD and 35 MPa respectively. Same recipe in rebound test not the best but was acceptable result, while the recipe with sulfur 10 pphr was the best in resilience test results (25%). Other rubber recipes with zinc oxide 150 pphr gave acceptable result specially in recipe with sulfur at 30 pphr. Two form of composite plate covered with hard rubber recipe may result, external bonding process of individual plates and vulcanized plate with hard rubber recipe in thermal press. The final hard rubber recipes may be use in other different applications as an alternative material to withstands against various stresses with specific properties.

Abstract: Architectural Education (AE), as a multidisciplinary realm of knowledge, has undergone diverse pedagogical transformations, incorporating different learning theories and concerns to adapt to the evolving educational landscape and the escalating demand for a sustainable built environment. This comprehensive investigation of the literature intends to present the most dominant challenges and examine trends in AE in the first few decades of the twenty-first century. The review framework applied by the authors is the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The authors searched keywords in the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases, investigating ninety-six articles published between 2000 and 2023, and implementing the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The analysis of the relevant articles has provided valuable insights into research intention, revealing several main themes in the AE:  learning approaches, technology innovation, sustainability, history, students’ experience and performance, architecture design and design studio, society concerns, computer application in AE, architecture curriculum, and Building Information Modelling (BIM). The review also found that researchers identify the efficiency of several teaching strategies primarily used at architectural schools include experiential, online, e-learning, and blended learning. This interpretation of predominant architectural issues and learning challenges will significantly enhance the learning environment by providing guidelines for integrating advanced technological tools, effective learning methodologies and practical experience.  International collaboration among academic staff in the field of architecture is crucial for the thorough evaluation of literature on the AE. Engaging architecture professionals from around the world will effectively help overcome linguistic and societal barriers. The study suggests that more research on art, social context, and the physical built environment is crucial for enhancing AE.

Abstract: The overwhelming costs of maintenance for reinforced concrete structures due to steel corrosion have motivated researchers to look for alternatives. One of the promising alternatives is Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP). Among FRP materials, Carbon FRP (CFRP) is the most attractive material for prestressed concrete members due to its high tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. Previous studies investigated the use of CFRP in prestressed concrete through experimental tests and theoretical analysis. However, there is a significant need for more experimental data to develop an accurate model that can accurately predict the behavior of CFRP prestressed concrete beams. In the current study, experimental flexural tests were conducted on four prestressed concrete beams pre-tensioned with CFRP rods. The length of the beams was 4,270 mm, and the cross-sectional dimensions were 138 x 250 mm. All the beams were subjected to four-point loading with an initial five cycles of loading and unloading before a monotonic loading until failure. Their performance was analyzed, and based on the results a theoretical model was proposed. It was found that the slippage of CFRP at the ends significantly affect the flexural behavior and failure modes of the beams. Additionally, theoretical models must account for CFRP slippage at the ends to accurately predict the flexural response of CFRP prestressed concrete beams. When a slippage reduction factor was used in the proposed theoretical model, the results had a good agreement with the experimental tests. Future research may focus on testing the theoretical model with more data from experimental studies.

Abstract: The impact of higher temperatures on the qualities of normal-strength mortar containing Iraqi bentonite powder (BP) as a partial substation of cement was examined in the present research. The bentonite concrete was made by replacing cement with bentonite in weight ratio of 5 and 10%. A strength test (compressive strength) was performed, and the durability performance (mass loss) and absorption were performed and discussed. The results showed that samples containing bentonite outperformed the control mix regarding heat endurance. The flowability of the mixture decreased by 15% and 25% for 5% and 10%BP, respectively. Bentonite-containing concrete had a lower compressive strength than the control mix at ambient temperature and at 300 o C by 22.8% and 38.9, respectively for 5%BP and 10.5% and 24.8%, respectively for 10%BP. But at 600 o C, the compressive strength of mixes containing BP is higher than that of the control mix by 33% and 49.5% for 5% and 10%BP, and it had good resistance to water absorption at all temperature levels. A somewhat significant color change was noted for mortar compositions with higher BP ratios. A color change was observed from gray to pink for samples containing BP.

Abstract: The utilisation of UAV imagery for the creation of digital maps is a compelling subject within the domains of photogrammetry and remote sensing. This work introduces a hierarchical method for automating the process of building extracting and outlining using images captured by drones. The flight plan should be initially planned to provide about 60-70% overlap to guarantee thorough coverage and precise image matching. The altitude of the drone should be adjusted based on the intended resolution to achieve a balance between capturing fine details and covering a larger region. Next, the technique of photogrammetric image matching was utilised to generate orthophotos and the Digital Surface Model (DSM). Moreover, the Digital Terrain Model (DTM) was extracted from the DSM to differentiate non-ground objects, including buildings. Subsequently, building segments were identified by applying a threshold to the difference between the Digital Surface Model (DSM) and the Digital Terrain Model (DTM), enabling accurate extraction of building segments. Finally, building polygons were generated involving two stages: coarse and refined, considering the least squares adjustment process to guarantee accuracy and detail. The proposed method was applied on drone images captured on the campus of Al-Muthanna University in the southwest of Iraq. The qualitative and quantitative investigation indicated that the building polygons obtained were highly promising with approximately one-meter geometric accuracy. Nevertheless, accurately differentiating between buildings and other human-made structures (such as tents) and resolving issues related to mismatching errors still posed significant difficulties, highlighting the need for additional investigation and development.

Abstract: The Kinetics study of drug release is an essential requirement to examine the capability of the drug formulation to modulate with the typical drug release profile. In the present work, hence, Weibull model and other traditional drug release models are selected to investigate the release of tablets prepared using different drying techniques in a simulated abdominal solution. These tablets are prepared using electromagnetic microwave irradiation tablet (MVT), convective drying (CVT), freeze drying (FRT), vacuum drying (VAT), and that without drying process (NDT). This study aims to compare the Weibull models with other conventional drug release models in inspecting the kinetics of the drug release of all tablets. These models are the Zero-Order, Higuchi, First-Order, Hixson-Crowell, and Korsmeyer-Peppas. This work delves into the best kinetic model that defined the tablets' release mechanisms including the new multi-component tablets (MVT), to ensure their releases are on appropriate behavior. The results show that the Weibull model is the best model to present the release profile of all tablets except for MVT and VAT tablets, while Higuchi gets the optimal model. Among the conventional models, Higuchi, Korsmeyer-Peppas, and Hixon-Crowell are the best conventional models that fit all types of tablets. Based on the Weibull model factor, non-Fickian diffusion is the dominant release mechanism for NDT and VAT. Though Fick diffusion controls the drug release mechanism of FTR, CVT, and MVT tablets. Additionally, three modified models were created and found to be more convenient to denote the release of the formulated tablets with very high accuracy.