ARO-THE SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF KOYA UNIVERSITY

Thermal Dynamics in Optical Networks

Abdulrazak A. Mohammed — 2024-07-25

The signal distribution of any fiber-optic network system is an important factor in optical communication, which determines the quality of the optical signal transmission. One of the important effects is the temperature degrees; that effect is on the main parameters of optical communication (of which the fiber optic is the main part). The main material in fiber optics is glass. And as is well known, temperature has a strong effect on the glass, especially the core of fiber optics, because the structure of fiber optics contains several glass layers with different refractive indexes. Hence, in the present article, the effect of temperature on the optical signal and other components of the optical network system has been analyzed and studied. The analysis includes aberration, dispersion, and distortion of the optical network communication signal. The result has been discussed and analyzed for variables in the BW of the spectral when the temperature changed.

New Thiazole Derivatives

Rebaz A. Omer — 2024-07-25

While bacterial superbugs have garnered much attention, the rise of antifungal resistance poses a growing threat. This study explores the potential of newly synthesized 2,5-Bis(3,4 Dialkoxy Phenyl) Thiazolo[5,4-d] Thiazoles (DATTn compounds) as antifungal agents. Notably, DATTn compounds demonstrated significant fungicidal activity against Candida albicans, a major fungal pathogen, whereas remaining largely ineffective against common bacterial strains, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In silico docking simulations using Schrödinger suites unveiled the molecular basis for this selectivity, revealing strong interactions between DATTn molecules and a crucial fungal protein (Portion Data Bank ID: 8JZN) in C. albicans. These findings highlight the potential of DATTn compounds as promising leads for the development of novel antifungal therapies, particularly in light of escalating drug resistance concerns.

Assessment of Radioactivity in Building Materials

Adeeb O. Jafir — 2024-07-25

This research investigates the radioactivity levels of various rock types used in construction within the Kurdistan region and assesses their potential impact on human health, the measurements were performed using an HPGe gamma-ray spectrometer. The measured activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K radionuclides varied from ND (Chromitite) to 78.68 ± 4.54 Bq/kg (Marly Limestone), ND (Chromitite) to 109.52 ± 10.23 Bq/kg (Mudstone), and ND (Chromitite) to 2973.6 ± 152.1 Bq/kg (Claystone), respectively. The obtained Raeq values for all rock samples are well below the UNSCEAR, 2008 recommended value of 370 Bq/kg. 71.43% of DR, 66.66% of E_out, 71.43% of E_in, 100% of Hinand H_out, 71.43% of ELCR_out, 71.43% of ELCR_in, and 100% of activity utilization index of the rock samples are well below the recommended values declared by UNSCEAR, 2008. The radioactivity level of rock types that are prepared as building materials should be assessed by the producers and considered by the users to reduce the overall cancer risk. The outcomes of the RESRAD-BUILD computer code indicate that the maximum external and inhalation doses were calculated to be 19.7 and 0.105 μSv for R7 and R1 samples, respectively, over a period of 70 years.

Toward Optimizing Coarse Aggregate Types and Sizes in High-strength Concrete

Madeh Hamakareem — 2024-07-25

The development of very effective coarse aggregate types and sizes can lead to a rapid increase in the production of high strengthconcrete (HSC). This research investigates the effects of five different coarse aggregate types and a range of maximum coarse aggregate sizes on the mechanical properties of concrete through experimental tests and numerical analysis. The workability of fresh concrete is examined using the slump cone test, whereas the mechanical performance of hardened concrete is assessed through compressive strength and splitting tensile strength tests. The experimental results are compared to the predicted results from the codes and design guidelines to assess their predictions. Both coarse aggregate types and sizes show a significant influence on the mechanical properties of HSC performance, especially the compressive strength of HSC, which could be increased on average by 25%. Moreover, the predictions of splitting tensile strength using the ACI 318 and ACI 363 equations are not very accurate, particularly at a high strength range. Therefore, this study develops a new equation for predicting splitting tensile strength based on both experimental test results conducted in this research and a significant amount of data collected from the literature. Evaluation metrics, including R2, RMSE, MAPE, and MAE, demonstrate the superior accuracy of the proposed equation compared to the design guidelines equations. The findings of this research can contribute toward the optimization of aggregate type and size in concrete mix design for enhanced performance and provide valuable insights into the relationship between compressive and splitting tensile strengths in HSC.