Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (E-Journal)
Not a member yet
915 research outputs found
Sort by
Investigating Olive Waste Ash as a Sustainable Additive in Rigid Pavement Design
Get PDFOne of the effective solutions to help the environment, which is of great importance, is the possibility of reusing organic waste. Effective recycling of waste can contribute to environmental preservation. This study was conducted to examine the potential use of olive waste ash (OWA) as an additive to improve the performance of rigid pavements. In this research, olive waste ash was added to the concrete mix in quantities of 3, 6, 9, and 12 percent by weight of cement. The results of laboratory tests showed that adding 3 percent of OWA, despite an 8 percent reduction in compressive strength (which is less significant in concrete used for rigid pavements), led to an increase in tensile strength, which plays a key role in improving the performance of rigid concrete pavements. On the other hand, the use of this additive increased the air void percentage in the concrete mix, which improves the concrete surface’s resistance to freeze-thaw cycles. Therefore, using small amounts of this waste, in addition to increasing the service life of rigid concrete pavements, plays a beneficial role in helping the environment and reducing the costs of disposal of organic and agricultural waste
Influence of Ground Improvement Techniques on Liquefaction Potential in Seismic Zones
Get PDFThis study investigates the effectiveness of advanced ground improvement techniques in mitigating soil liquefaction in seismic areas of Iraq. A comprehensive experimental and numerical framework was employed, incorporating methods such as injection grouting (using nano-silica and cement), retaining walls, dynamic compaction, and chemical stabilization with fly ash and the results demonstrated significant improvements in the Factor of Safety (FS), shear strength, and dynamic soil response post-treatment. Nano-silica grouting exhibited the highest enhancement in liquefaction resistance, particularly under high seismic intensities, followed by retaining walls and cement grouting. Numerical simulations using GeoStudio and OpenSees provided predictive models of soil behavior under various seismic scenarios, confirming the effectiveness of the treatments in reducing shear strain, improving damping, and minimizing pore water pressure buildup and these findings offer practical insights for designing resilient infrastructure in seismic-prone regions and establish a robust foundation for future geotechnical applications
Assessing Medical Device Risks in Radiology Departments: A Critical Review
Get PDFBackground: This study explores radiologists’ perceptions of risks associated with medical devices in radiology departments within hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Given the increasing use of advanced medical technologies and devices in the healthcare sector, it is important to understand how healthcare professionals, particularly radiologists, perceive and manage these risks.
Methods: A total of 257 radiologists from hospitals across Saudi Arabia participated in the study. Data were collected through a self-administered online questionnaire designed to assess their perceptions of risk management practices and the effectiveness of current risk control measures in radiology departments. The data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to identify key trends and insights regarding the management of risks associated with medical devices in radiology.
Results: The results indicate that while most radiologists perceive their department's risk management systems to be effective, several areas need improvement. Many participants reported that formal risk management systems and committees are in place to oversee the control of medical device risks, but there are challenges in terms of policy clarity and the overall effectiveness of MoH regulations. Furthermore, predictive risk models were found to be used more frequently for electrical and overwork risks, while radiation dose risks were addressed less frequently.
Conclusion: The study reveals a generally positive perception of risk management practices among radiologists in Saudi Arabia, but gaps remain in policy clarity, risk prediction practices, and implementation. The results suggest that improving communication, improving the effectiveness of risk management policies, and increasing training and awareness of healthcare professionals could help mitigate risks associated with medical devices in radiology departments. These improvements could lead to safer healthcare environments and better patient outcomes
Ensemble-SMOTE Model to Evaluate Air Quality in the Industrial Area in Chavara
Get PDFAir quality is a critical environmental concern, particularly in industrial areas where emissions from factories can significantly impact the health of nearby populations. This study focuses on evaluating the air quality on pollutants like SO2, NO2, PM10, and SPM in the Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited (KMML) industrial area in Chavara, Kerala, India. To predict air quality indicators accurately, the researchers used a combination of artificial intelligence techniques. By comparing error metrics across different approaches, they identified the optimal method for accurate predictions. The study employed machine learning algorithms and SMOTE to predict Air Quality Index (AQI) levels. The ensemble SMOTE method outperformed individual classifiers like KNN, SVM, DT, RF, and GaussianNB, achieving higher accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score, indicating its effectiveness in predicting AQI levels. The study also highlighted the importance of data preprocessing and balancing for improved prediction accuracy
The Predictive Value of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio for Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis and Distinguishing Between Complicated and Uncomplicated Appendicitis at King Abdul-Aziz Medical City-Jeddah
Get PDFBackground: The study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in diagnosing acute appendicitis and distinguishing between complicated and uncomplicated cases at King Abdul-Aziz Medical City-Jeddah.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study reviewed data from adult patients who underwent appendectomy between 2018 and 2023. Data were collected from electronic medical records and included demographic information, clinical presentation, laboratory results (including NLR, PLR, CRP, and total bilirubin levels), surgical history, and histopathological findings. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics, Chi-squared test (χ2), and Mann-Whitney tests to compare variables between groups, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The study included 387 participants with a mean age of 33.4 ± 12.78 years, ranging from 18 to 98 years. The cohort was predominantly male (223 males, 57.6%). The most common clinical sign was right lower quadrant tenderness (332 participants, 85.8%). Blood tests showed a mean total bilirubin level of 14.88 ± 10.82, mean WBC 12.73 ± 5.49 with mean neutrophil 9.18 ± 4.05. Mean platelet count was 287.96 ± 118.05. The mean NLR was 6.65 ± 5.87, and the mean PLR was 186.86 ± 115.67. NLR and PLR were significantly higher among complicated appendicitis with (p=<0.01) and (p=<0.05) respectively. Approximately half of the participants had a modified Alvarado score of 4-6 (49.1%). Most patients (359, 92.8%) underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. The majority of hospital stays were under one week (368 participants, 95.1%). Complications were reported in 16 participants, including infections (7 cases), perforation (1 case), bleeding (1 case), abdominal collection (3 cases), pelvic collection and abscess (2 cases), ileus (1 case), sepsis and pulmonary embolism (1 case).
Conclusion: NLR and PLR demonstrated a significant relationship and effectively differentiate between complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis. However, further studies are still needed to refine diagnostic tools for appendicitis
Emerging Biomarkers for Diagnosing Autoimmune Diseases
Get PDFAutoimmune diseases represent a complex group of disorders characterized by an aberrant immune response, leading to tissue damage and dysfunction. Traditional diagnostic methods often rely on clinical symptoms and a limited panel of serological tests, which may not capture the full spectrum of the disease, particularly in early stages. Recent advances in the field of immunology and molecular biology have paved the way for the discovery of emerging biomarkers, which hold the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and facilitate early intervention. By investigating a range of biological samples, including blood, saliva, and tissue biopsies, researchers are uncovering novel protein signatures, genetic polymorphisms, and autoantibodies that may serve as reliable indicators of autoimmune conditions. The integration of emerging biomarkers into clinical practice could transform the diagnostic landscape for autoimmune diseases, allowing for more personalized treatment strategies. Current research focuses on specific biomarkers associated with common autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. This study aims to synthesize existing literature and experimental findings on potential biomarkers, assess their sensitivity and specificity, and evaluate their role in distinguishing between different autoimmune conditions. By highlighting the most promising avenues for biomarker research, this study contribute to the development of targeted diagnostic tools that can improve patient outcomes and facilitate a more nuanced understanding of autoimmune disease mechanisms
The Use of 3D Imaging Techniques for Improved Urological Surgical Outcomes
Get PDFThe integration of 3D imaging techniques in urology has revolutionized the surgical landscape, enhancing pre-operative planning and intraoperative navigation. These advanced imaging modalities, including 3D ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans, allow for precise visualization of the patient's anatomy, enabling surgeons to identify critical structures and pathology with greater accuracy. By providing a detailed spatial understanding, 3D imaging helps in reducing surgical complications, minimizing collateral damage to surrounding tissues, and ultimately improving patient outcomes. Additionally, the use of 3D reconstructions can facilitate better communication among the surgical team, streamlining the workflow during complex procedures such as nephrectomies, prostatectomies, and tumor resections. Furthermore, the application of 3D imaging techniques extends beyond the operating room, impacting post-operative assessments and long-term follow-up care. Enhanced imaging allows for more accurate monitoring of surgical sites and emerging complications, such as infections or recurrences. The capability to create patient-specific models from real anatomical data also aids in training and education, providing new avenues for skill acquisition among urology residents and fellows. As technology continues to advance, the incorporation of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in conjunction with 3D imaging holds promise for further elevating the standards of care in urology, leading to better surgical precision and improved patient satisfaction
The Impact of Leukemia on Child Development: A Holistic Approach to Care
Get PDFLeukemia, as a prevalent form of childhood cancer, significantly affects not only the physical health of young patients but also their emotional and developmental growth. The diagnosis and treatment can lead to a variety of challenges, including disruptions in learning, social interactions, and emotional well-being. Children may experience fatigue, anxiety, and changes in self-esteem due to prolonged treatments like chemotherapy and frequent hospitalizations. These factors can contribute to difficulties in educational settings, necessitating tailored support that addresses both academic needs and emotional resilience. A holistic approach to care emphasizes the importance of integrating physical, emotional, and social support systems for children battling leukemia. This includes multidisciplinary treatment plans involving pediatric oncologists, nurses, psychologists, and educators to ensure comprehensive care. Programs that focus on therapeutic play, psychosocial support, and educational accommodations can enhance the overall well-being of these children. Furthermore, involving families in the care process fosters a supportive environment, promoting better coping strategies and a sense of normalcy amidst their challenging journey
Increasing Surface Hardness and Corrosion Resistance of AISI 410 Stainless Steel by Forming a Diamond-Like Carbon Thin Film
Get PDFAISI 410 stainless steel plays an important role in many engineering fields. The annealing process of this material will increase toughness. But this process will also reduce the hardness of the material. Plasma chemical vapor deposition was carried out to increase the surface hardness and corrosion resistance of AISI 410 stainless steel. In this study, the raw material was tested for metallography, hardness, and corrosion resistance. Then an annealing process was carried out on the raw material. The annealed material was also observed for metallography, hardness, and corrosion resistance. Furthermore, on the annealed material, the plasma chemical vapor deposition process was carried out with pressure variations of 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, and 1.6 mbar. Next, the material was tested for metallography with a scanning electron microscope to measure the layer thickness. The formation of diamond-like carbon was confirmed by the Raman Spectroscopy test. Annealed followed by plasma chemical vapor deposition processed AISI 410 stainless steel also tested for hardness and corrosion. The results showed that the annealed AISI 410 stainless steel underwent a phase change from martensite and retained austenite to ferrite and pearlite. The annealed raw material experienced a decrease in hardness and corrosion rate. After the annealed material was processed by plasma chemical vapor deposition, The thickness of the surface layer increased with increasing pressure. Along with that, the hardness and corrosion resistance increased
Topological Tunability Of Low-Dimensional Quantum Materials Under External Fields
Get PDFThe tunability of topological phases in low-dimensional quantum materials under external fields has emerged as a transformative strategy for designing next-generation quantum and nanoelectronic devices. This study systematically investigates the influence of electric fields, magnetic fields, mechanical strain, and multi-field coupling on the topological properties of two-dimensional (2D) quantum systems. Using a combination of ab initio density functional theory (DFT), tight-binding models, and experimental probes such as angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and SQUID magnetometry, we demonstrate the controllable transition between trivial and topological phases, modulation of bandgaps, and induction of Weyl and Dirac nodes under symmetry-breaking perturbations. Special emphasis is placed on the synergistic effects arising from dual or hybrid external fields. We also highlight how strain and pressure serve as non-destructive tools for phase tuning. Our results not only underscore the fundamental physics behind field-induced topological transitions but also offer a design blueprint for quantum field-effect transistors, spintronic and valleytronic devices, and topologically protected logic units. This tunability opens exciting avenues in reconfigurable quantum technologies where material properties can be dynamically tailored in real time