Research Title: Effect of size of holes on Flexural response of strengthened concrete beams with CFRP rope

Author: Ala Taleb Obaidat, Published Year: 2024

Civil Engineering-Architecture-Urban Planning Congress (CAUSummit 2024), Antalya (Turkiye)

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: The electro-mechanical pipe systems that run through longitudinal or transverse holes in the secondary reinforced concrete (RC) beams can enhance the maximum floor height of the building. In this work, the effect of longitudinal hole size on the flexural behavior of RC beams has been studied experimentally. Furthermore, studies were conducted to determine whether carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) may enhance the flexural response of hollow-sectioned reinforced concrete (RC) beams. The ultimate load and related deflections were reduced by the holes, regardless of their size. Regardless of the size of the hole and the CFRP arrangement, the application of CFRP increased the ultimate loads and cracking loads of beams by a maximum of 22% and 14%, respectively. Every tested solid beam exhibited flexural shear behavior. In the end, using CFRP rope for strengthening led to a 22% increase in energy dissipation; however, as the hole's size increased, this increase reduced.

Keywords: Holes, CFRP rope, ultimate load, cracking load, energy dissipation, Ductility, Stiffness.

Research Title: Effect of size of holes on Flexural response of strengthened concrete beams with CFRP rope

Author: Ala Taleb Obaidat, Published Year: 2024

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Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: The electro-mechanical pipe systems that run through longitudinal or transverse holes in the secondary reinforced concrete (RC) beams can enhance the maximum floor height of the building. In this work, the effect of longitudinal hole size on the flexural behavior of RC beams has been studied experimentally. Furthermore, studies were conducted to determine whether carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) may enhance the flexural response of hollow-sectioned reinforced concrete (RC) beams. The ultimate load and related deflections were reduced by the holes, regardless of their size. Regardless of the size of the hole and the CFRP arrangement, the application of CFRP increased the ultimate loads and cracking loads of beams by a maximum of 22% and 14%, respectively. Every tested solid beam exhibited flexural shear behavior. In the end, using CFRP rope for strengthening led to a 22% increase in energy dissipation; however, as the hole's size increased, this increase reduced.

Keywords: Holes, CFRP rope, ultimate load, cracking load, energy dissipation, Ductility, Stiffness.

Research Title: Flexural behavior of RC beams incorporating recycled concrete aggregate and reclaimed asphalt pavement exposed to elevated temperatures

Author: Ala Taleb Obaidat, Published Year: 2024

Results in Engineering , Volume 22 , June 202

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: Reducing the environmental footprint of concrete is one of the most effective methods to mitigate climate change since cement production contributes to about 8 % of global CO2 emissions. This paper presents an experimental investigation into the strength and flexural performance of reinforced concrete (RC) beams incorporating natural aggregate (NA), recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), and reclaimed asphalt pavement concrete (RAP) at normal and elevated temperatures. The NA was replaced by RAP at three replacement ratios of 40 %, 60 % and 80 %. Additionally, there were four mixes of 80 % RCA-20 % RAP, 60 % RCA-40 % RAP, 40 % RCA-60 % RAP, and 20 % RCA-80 % RAP. A total of 16 beams (L: 1400 mm, W: 150 mm, H: 250 mm) and 128 cylinders (H: 200 m, D: 100 mm) were tested to evaluate the flexural capacity and material strength. Eight RC beams were tested after exposure to a temperature of 600 °C for 3 h. The compressive strength, ultimate flexural load, and mid-span deflection were measured. The results showed that temperature has an adverse effect on the s compressive strength, flexural load capacity, and deflection of RC beams. Specimens made with the RAP and RCA combination showed a significant loss in their load-carrying capacity under elevated temperature by (55 %–65 %), while the temperature effect was relatively less severe in specimens made with high RAP replacement of NA. Increasing the RAP percentage increased the reduction of flexural capacity in RCA-RAP mixes by (3 %–10 %), while in NA-RAP mixes, the effect is similar except for 60 % RAP, which has a smaller reduction compared to 40 % and 80 % RAP.

Keywords: Flexural behaviorReinforced concrete (RC) beamsRecycled coarse aggregate (RCA)Recycled asphalt paving (RAP)Elevated temperatures

Research Title: Influence of basalt fiber on the rheological and mechanical properties and durability behavior of self-compacting concrete (SCC)

Author: Ala Taleb Obaidat, Published Year: 2024

Fibers, 12(7), 52

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: first_pagesettingsOrder Article Reprints Open AccessArticle Influence of Basalt Fiber on the Rheological and Mechanical Properties and Durability Behavior of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) by Ahmed Ashteyat 1,2,*ORCID,Ala’ Taleb Obaidat 3ORCID,Rahaf Qerba’a 2 andMu’tasim Abdel-Jaber 2,4ORCID 1 Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering in Al-Kharj, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia 2 Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan 3 Civil Engineering Department, Philadelphia University, Amman 19392, Jordan 4 Member of Board of Trustees, Yarmouk University, P.O. Box 566, Irbid 21163, Jordan * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Fibers 2024, 12(7), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib12070052 Submission received: 20 April 2024 / Revised: 1 June 2024 / Accepted: 6 June 2024 / Published: 24 June 2024 Downloadkeyboard_arrow_down Browse Figures Versions Notes Abstract This experimental study presents the influence of basalt fiber on the rheological and mechanical properties and the durability behavior of self-compacting concrete (SCC). In this study, a total of five self-compacting concrete mixtures were prepared: one as a control mix and the other mixes with 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.15%, and 0.2?salt fibers. Slump flow and V-funnel flow tests were employed to assess the influence of basalt fibers on the rheological properties of fresh self-compacting concrete (SCC). Additionally, mechanical properties, including compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength, were analyzed. Furthermore, the mechanical properties were assessed following exposure to elevated temperatures (400 °C and 600 °C) as well as 100 and 200 freeze-thaw (F/T) cycles. Additionally, water absorption and ultrasonic pulse velocity tests were conducted on the SCC mixes after 28 days of curing. The results revealed that the addition of fiber has a significant effect on the rheological properties of fresh SCC mixtures. As the volume of fibers increases, the reduction in rheological properties increases. Basalt fiber had no effect on the compressive strength, while the splitting and flexural strength were significantly enhanced by 33% using basalt fiber. As temperatures and freezing-thawing cycles escalated, the mechanical properties of SCC exhibited a decline. Experimental findings indicated that elevating the temperature to 600 °C resulted in a decrease of over 20% in both the tensile and compressive strengths of SCC. Moreover, the results demonstrated that the incorporation of basalt fibers substantially enhanced the mechanical properties of SCC when subjected to high temperatures and freezing-thawing cycles. In addition, water absorption increased slightly by the incorporation of basalt fiber.

Keywords: SCC; flexural strength; water absorption; basalt fiber; freezing and thawing; high temperature; UPV

Research Title: Behavior of repaired heat-damaged self-compacted concrete slabs with openings using NSM-CFRP strips

Author: Ala Taleb Obaidat, Published Year: 2024

International Journal of Structural Integrity,

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: Abstract Purpose In this experimental investigation, the behavior of strengthened/repaired heat-damaged one-way self-compacted concrete (SCC) slabs with opening utilizing near-surface-mounted-carbon fiber reinforced polymers (NSM-CFRP) strips was explored. Design/methodology/approach CFRP strip configurations, number of strips and inclination were all investigated in this study. For three hours, slabs were exposed to temperatures of 23°C and 500°C. Four-point load was applied to control slabs, enhanced slabs and repaired slabs. Findings The results indicate that exposing the slabs to high temperatures reduces their load capability. The number of strips and angle of inclination around the slab opening have a considerable impact on the performance of the strengthened and/or repaired slabs, according to the experimental results. The load capacity, toughness and ductility index of a strengthened and/or repaired slab with opening increase as the number of CFRP strips increases by 143.8–150.5%, 137.3–149.9% and 122.3–124.5%, respectively. The use of NSM strips around the opening with zero inclination showed higher load compared to the NSM strips around the opening with other angles. Originality/value It is frequently important to construct openings in the slabs for ventilation, electrical supply, and other purposes. Making openings in slabs might affect the structure’s performance since the concrete and reinforcing would be cut off. SCC is a new type of concrete mixture that can fill in all the voids in the formwork with its own weight without the help of external vibration. As a result, it is necessary to reinforce the slab under flexure and increase the flexural strength of the SCC slab. Therefore, this work investigates the effect of using NSM-CFRP strip on the behavior of one way SCC slabs that have been heat-damaged.

Keywords: slab with opening,slef compacted concrete, carbon fiber reinforced polymers, ,

Research Title: Enhanced Agile Methodology for Ontology Development in E-Learning Environments

Author: Mohammad Taye, Published Year: 2024

International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM, 18

Faculty: Information Technology

Abstract: This study explores the use of agile approaches to the creation of ontologies for e-learning, evaluating the benefits and drawbacks as well as the impact on information display. Traditional strategies conflict with the need to fulfill the ever-evolving expectations of users and adapt to the ever-changing features of e-learning environments. The challenge aims to encourage cooperation and versatility in the creation of ontologies for e-learning through the use of Agile standards. Because they make it simpler to organize relationships and statistics, ontologies are vital elements in e-mastering domain names due to the fact that they permit adaptive knowledge of structures and individualized learning experiences. Agile ontology engineering approaches are proposed as a choice for one’s problems, emphasizing flexibility and response. This study highlights the need to work together with customers and incorporate their input into the advent of ontologies. It notably emphasizes using established feedback loops and cooperation with e-learning platform companies. The sensible usefulness and effectiveness of agile methodology for ontology development (AMOD) in e-learning settings are shown through validation efforts in real-global conditions.

Keywords: ontology, e-learning, learning management system (LMS), ontology engineering, semantic web, agile methodology

Research Title: Prevalence of Giardia Assemblages Among Equines in Jordan

Author: Marwan Abu-Halaweh, Published Year: 2017

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 57

Faculty: Science

Abstract: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 400 equines holdings (326 horses and 74 donkeys) samples to determine the prevalence of Giardia assemblages A, B and E in Jordan. Identifying the Giardia assemblages was carried out using ELISA as a screening test and PCR-RFLP targeting Beta giardin loci. In addition, PCR targeting triose phosphate isomerase gene (tpi) specific for assemblage A and B were used as confirmatory. 34 samples tested positive by ELISA for Giardia with an apparent prevalence of 8.5%. The PCR-RFLP test confirmed Giardia assemblages in 30 of the 34 ELISA-positive samples giving a true prevalence of 7.7% (95% CI; 4.8-10.1). Of the 30 positive animals/holdings, 18, 4 and 8 had assemblage A, B and E. Assemblage A was significantly (p < 0.05) more prevalent when compared to assemblages B and E. The total infection rates of Giardia, assemblage B and E were significantly (p < 0.05, Chi-square) higher in donkeys 14.8%, 2.7%, 5.5% compared to horses 5.8%, 0.6%, 1.2%, respectively. Analysis of risk factors revealed that only season was significantly associated with the different Giardia assemblages. Autumn (OR = 0.09) was associated with Giardia infection regardless of the assemblage type as reducing factor. The odds of infection of assemblage A and E increased in winter (OR = 6.8) and spring (OR = 4.5), respectively. Giardia assemblages A, B, and E infect both horses and donkeys in Jordan with potential impact on human and animal health and the odds of infections is significantly associated with season.

Keywords: Prevalance, Giardia, PCR, ELISA

Research Title: A combined immunodeficiency with severe infections, inflammation and allergy caused by ARPC1B deficiency

Author: Marwan Abu-Halaweh, Published Year: 2019

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 143 (6)

Faculty: Science

Abstract: Recently, a novel syndrome of combined immunodeficiency, allergy, and“auto”inflammation caused by mutations in the ARPC1B gene has been reported.1–4Analysis of patient-derived hematopoietic cells has shown a defect in actin polymerization,which resulted in a wide range of clinical manifestations and immunologic-hematologicfeatures. We report on the immunologic, cellular, and molecular phenotypes in 14 patientswith biallelic ARPC1B mutations and variable clinical presentations (Fig 1, A and B; seeFig E1, A, and Table E1 in this article’s Online Repository at www.jacionline.org; for casedescriptions, see this article’s Online Repository at www.jacionline.org), helping to delineatethe broad spectrum of this novel disease and presenting unreported insights into cell-intrinsicdefects involving regulatory T (Treg) cells and natural killer (NK) cells, potential players inthe immune dysregulation and susceptibility to viral infections observed in these patients.The disease-causing variants are diverse and scattered throughout the gene (Fig E1, B; TableE1). Patient (P) 4, P12, and P14 have Nepalese ancestry and share the same variant,suggesting a founder mutation. In all patient samples tested, ARPC1B protein wasundetectable by Western blotting and we identified an increased—although variable—expression of the ARPC1A isoform (see Fig E2 in this article’s Online Repository atwww.jacionline.org).

Keywords: PID, Inflammation, ARC1B deficency, whole Exome

Research Title: Seroprevalences of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in Jordanian women who had a recent spontaneous abortion

Author: Marwan Abu-Halaweh, Published Year: 2021

evista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária , 30 (3)

Faculty: Science

Abstract: This cross-sectional study investigatesToxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum among 445 recently spontaneouslyaborted (RSA) Jordanian women using ELISA and indirect fluorescent antibody (at a cut-off value of 1/200) tests,respectively. The type of hospital, age, cat and dog contacts, raw and barbecued meat and wild plant consumption,number of abortions, and stillbirths were tested as independent variables using univariate and multivariate logisticregression analyses. The true seroprevalences were 22.1% for T. gondii-IgG, 22.7% for N. caninum-IgG, 2.6% forT. gondii-IgM, 10.6% for N. caninum-IgM, 0% for T. gondii-IgG and IgM, 6.7% for N. caninum-IgG and IgM, and 4.6%and 0% for both parasite IgG and IgM, respectively. T. gondii-IgM-seropositivity was associated with the number ofabortions with odds ratios (OR) of 2.4 and eating barbecued meat (OR = 0.12).N. caninum-IgG-seropositivity wasassociated with having a dog in the house (OR = 2.6), and with stillbirth (OR = 0.1). N. caninum-IgM was associatedwith visiting a private-hospital (OR = 2.7). RSA Jordanian women are equally exposed to both parasites withsignificantly (p < 0.05) higher seroprevalence of N. caninum-IgM compared to T. gondii-IgM suggestive of activeinfections among RSA women in Jordan.Keywords: Toxplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, seroprevalence, risk factors, abortion, Jordan

Keywords: Toxplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, seroprevalence, risk factors, abortion, Jordan

Research Title: Quadruplex qPCR for detection and discrimination of C. Coli, C. fetus, and C. Jejuni from other Campylobacter species in chicken and sheep meat

Author: Marwan Abu-Halaweh, Published Year: 2024

Faculty: Science

Abstract: Campylobacter is gram-negative bacteria considered the predominant genera isolated from poultry samples and associated with gastroenteritis. Due to the problems in conventional cultural methods of time-consuming and technically demanding requirements, a rapid and feasible method for their identification and discrimination of the closely related spp. Including Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter fetus, and Campylobacter jejuni is needed. This study analyzes the chicken and sheep meats samples (n = 125) using culture and pre-enrichment-based Quadraplex real-time PCR by targeting OrfA, CstA, HipO, and 16 S rRNA genes of C. coli, C. fetus, C. jejuni and Campylobacter spp. Respectively. The analysis of 125 chicken and sheep meat samples by culture and real-time PCR showed high concordance between the results of the two methods. The present study show high prevalence of Campylobacter species (35% and 32% from chicken and meat respectively) of which C. jejuni were the most abundant. Reaction efficiencies were between 90 and 110%, and detect as low as 8.9 fg in C. jejuni. The need for quick detection and discrimination methods in sheep and chicken meat can be met using the described Quadraplex real-time PCR methodology.

Keywords: real time PCR. Campylobacter, Detection, Discrimination