The research dealt with the effect of Kut Barrage on the geomorphological processes and the natural environment system in the course of the Tigris between the cities of Al-Ahrar and Kut in central Iraq. It was clear from the research the contribution of Kut Barrage in changing the surface runoff system between the front and back of the barrage, as well as changing the type of processes and the prevailing geomorphic forms, as the sedimentation activates the front of the barrage and erosion at its back, which affected the change in the morphology of the river, sediment retention at the front of the barrage, the burial of the bottom and reducing the validity of the stream. This also affects the efficiency of the barrage’s work and coastal erosion in the downstream environment and prevents the formation of the delta in the Arab Gulf, and the high levels and the accumulation of water mass in front of the barrage increases the possibility of activating earthquakes in the presence of tectonically active structures. Environmentally, the barrage affects the rise in the level of groundwater at the front of the barrage and its decrease at the back, and the qualitative characteristics of groundwater and surface water are negatively affected, which is reflected in natural habitats and aquatic life, in addition to the flooding and collapse of banks and soil salinization, which affects the infrastructure of the city and the neighboring agricultural lands, and the research predicts the possibility of the collapse of the barrage and the resulting effects.
Copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles were synthesized through the thermal decomposition of a copper(II) Schiff-base complex. The complex was formed by reacting cupric acetate with a Schiff base in a 2:1 metal-to-ligand ratio. The Schiff base itself was synthesized via the condensation of benzidine and 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde in the presence of glacial acetic acid. This newly synthesized symmetric Schiff base served as the ligand for the Cu(II) metal ion complex. The ligand and its complex were characterized using several spectroscopic methods, including FTIR, UV-vis, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, CHNS, and AAS, along with TGA, molar conductivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The CuO nanoparticles were produced by thermally decomposing the
... Show MoreBackground: It's believed that HBD-3 is involved in the tissue remodeling process of articular cartilage. Also, HBD-3 has anti-inflammatory properties. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assay human beta-defensine-3 (HBD-3) in serum from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and investigate its correlation with proinflammatory cytokines. Methods: In this case-control study, fifty-eight RA patients were aged 20–65 years, and 29 age-matched healthy subjects (HS) had no inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The disease activity score-28 joint erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) was used to measure RA activity. CRP, ACPA, HBD-3, TNF-α, and IL-1β were assessed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique (ELISA). Res
... Show MoreThe dynamic behavior of laced reinforced concrete (LRC) T‐beams could give high‐energy absorption capabilities without significantly affecting the cost, which was offered through a combination of high strength and ductile response. In this paper, LRC T‐beams, composed of inclined continuous reinforcement on each side of the beam, were investigated to maintain high deformations as predicted in blast resistance. The beams were tested under four‐point loading to create pure bending zones and obtain the ultimate flexural capacities. Transverse reinforcement using lacing reinforcement and conventional vertical stirrups were compared in terms of deformation, strain, and toughness changes of the tes