Objective This study aimed to compare the biomechanics of three-point shooting between elite Iraqi basketball players and international players, in order to identify key biomechanical differences that may impact shooting performance. Methods A total of 80 male basketball players participated in the study (40 elite Iraqi players and 40 international elite players). Kinematic data were collected using advanced motion analysis systems, force plates, and high-speed video analysis. The measured variables included joint angles, angular velocity, release speed, ball release angle, and ground reaction forces during three-point shooting. Each player performed 20 consecutive shots under controlled conditions. Group comparisons were conducted using st

By unusual method for separating two isomers of a substituted nitro-coumarin using a soxhlet extractor and in controlling temperature to get a selective nitration reaction, several new Schiff base coumarins were synthesized from nitro coumarins as starting material, which were reduced by Fe in glacial acetic acid to produce corresponding amino coumarin derivatives. Then the latter was reacted with different aromatic aldehydes to produce the desired Schiff bases derivatives. After characterization by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR) and Carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (C-NMR), all these compounds were evaluated as potential Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Agents.

In order to promote sustainable steel-concrete composite structures, special shear connectors that can facilitate deconstruction are needed. A lockbolt demountable shear connector (LB-DSC), including a grout-filled steel tube embedded in the concrete slab and fastened to a geometrically compatible partial-thread bolt, which is bolted on the steel section's top flange of a composite beam, was proposed. The main drawback of previous similar demountable bolts is the sudden slip of the bolt inside its hole. This bolt has a locked conical seat lug that is secured inside a predrilled compatible counter-sunk hole in the steel section's flange to provide a non-slip bolt-flange connection. Deconstruction is achieved by demounting the tube from the t

This study investigates the characterization and mechanical performance of Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) mixtures modified with two types of polymers: styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) and high-molecular-weight polyethylene (PE). Neat asphalt cement PG 64-16 was modified using a higher content of SBS and PE at concentrations of 6%, 7%, and 8% by weight of asphalt through the dry blending method to produce Highly Modified Asphalts (HiMA). The physical and rheological properties of the modified binders were evaluated using penetration, softening point, rotational viscosity, and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests. Also, their phase compatibility and morphological changes were evaluated using the storage stability testing and scanning electron

This article presents the results of an experimental investigation of using carbon fiber–reinforced polymer sheets to enhance the behavior of reinforced concrete deep beams with large web openings in shear spans. A set of 18 specimens were fabricated and tested up to a failure to evaluate the structural performance in terms of cracking, deformation, and load-carrying capacity. All tested specimens were with 1500-mm length, 500-mm cross-sectional deep, and 150-mm wide. Parameters that studied were opening size, opening location, and the strengthening factor. Two deep beams were implemented as control specimens without opening and without strengthening. Eight deep beams were fabricated with openings but without strengthening, while