Journal of Engineering

The combination of quantum materials into electrochemical systems provides a novel
procedure in advanced energy storage technology. This study focused on the use of magic
angle twisted bilayer graphene (MATBG); a material known for its unconventional
superconductivity and superfluid stiffness scaling at cryogenic temperatures suitable for
enhancing battery interfaces under room temperature conditions. By exploiting the
quantum capacitance of MATBG and incorporating it in an adapted Poisson-Nernst-Planck
(PNP) theoretical framework, this study achieved substantial and remarkable
improvements in interfacial energetics and charge-transfer kinetics. Explicitly, the modified
PNP model showed a 50% reduction in interfacial potential gradients (from 8.2×10³ mol/m⁴
to 2.7×10³ mol/m⁴) and a 60% decrease in charge-transfer resistance (Rct), as confirmed by
Nyquist plot analysis. Experimentally, MATBG-integrated battery cells display a threefold
increase in exchange current density (j0) compared to normal or conventional cells, along
with a substantial reduction in voltage hysteresis (0.07 V vs. 0.22 V in control systems)
during cycling. These improvements are linked to the unique electronic characteristic of
MATBG, which facilitates efficient redistribution of charges and eradicates kinetic problems
at the electrode-electrolyte interface. These findings highlight and present the potential of
MATBG as a high-performance quantum-electrochemical interface, which enables high-rate
battery operation with improved energy stability and efficiency. This work bridges quantum
material physics with practical electrochemistry and also opens a novel technique for
designing next-generation energy storage systems that leverage quantum-engineered
interfaces.

Ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) made from Zn²⁺ ion-selective membranes were synthesized
for use as potentiometric electrochemical sensors for water pollution detection with heavy
metals for the first time. The electrode consisted of Zn²⁺ ions as an ion exchanger and
polyvinyl chloride and tris (2-ethylhexyl) phosphate as a plasticizer. The response
properties of this electrode, UV-visible spectra of the sample, calibration curve, lifetime, limit
of detection, linear range, and pH effect were studied. The limit of detection (LOD) for Zn²⁺
was 0.891 ppm, the correlation coefficient was about 0.983, the lifetime was approximately
25 days, and the linear range was from 0.153 × 10−4 ???????? 1.07 × 10−4. The best sensitivity was
observed at the pH range of 5–10. It offers a robust, rapid potentiometric sensor for zinc in
field water. The system's small size, inexpensive materials, and ability to measure speed and
accuracy make it ideal. An interesting characteristic of the sensor was that a short time was
required to reach the equilibrium potential.

Efficient design of weaving sections is critical for maintaining smooth traffic flow on urban
arterial roads. This study investigates optimal weaving lengths (WL) for improving traffic
flow efficiency using two weaving sections located on Malik Mahmud Ring Road in
Sulaymaniyah City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, as a case study. Traffic and geometric data were
collected through drone footage and processed using data from Sky Viewer to extract
detailed vehicle trajectories. A calibrated and validated microsimulation model was
developed in PTV VISSIM 2024 to replicate real-world traffic conditions. A full factorial
experimental design tested the effects of WL, mainline traffic volume, and weaving volume
on section performance. The results demonstrated that WL significantly influences both
capacity and level of service (LOS). Shorter sections constrained lane-changing maneuvers,
while longer sections enhanced throughput and improved LOS; however, excessive length
beyond 750 m for Section A and 350 m for Section B yielded diminishing returns. Regression
analysis confirmed that the interaction between WL and volume ratio (VR) positively and
significantly affected capacity, while higher VRs independently reduced efficiency. Section A
achieved a stronger model fit (R² = 0.771) compared to Section B (R² = 0.650), reflecting
site-specific geometric and traffic characteristics. The findings suggest that WLs of
approximately 750 m for Section A and 350 m for Section B represent optimal design values
for balancing roadway capacity and operational efficiency. This research provides a
methodological framework for capacity estimation in weaving sections and offers practical
insights for transportation planners and engineers in developing urban contexts.

The urban fabric of contemporary cities is experiencing a decline in spatial memory and
collective identity as a result of rapid transformations in urban form and behavior. This
research is based on the hypothesis that the continuity and spatial integration of the
morphological structure enhance spatial perception and belonging, and that this
interconnectedness forms the basis for reviving urban identity. The study adopts an
analytical-comparative approach that combines digital spatial analysis using DepthmapX
and social analysis through a field survey of residents. This approach compares three
historic cities that represent different patterns of spatial memory revival: Fez, which
preserved the coherence of its organic fabric and historical continuity; Sarajevo, which
rebuilt its collective symbols through the restoration of monuments and public squares; and
Aleppo, which demonstrated limited continuity in morphological structure but a strong
presence of symbolic and functional memory. The hypothesis was tested by analyzing the
relationship between spatial integration indicators and the axes of perception and belonging
in the questionnaire, confirming the interconnectedness between urban form and social
practice as a mechanism for reviving spatial memory. The study proposes a participatory
design framework that integrates digital tools with community data to enhance the
continuity of urban memory and identity in contemporary historic cities, emphasizing that
reviving spatial memory is a fundamental approach to sustainable urban development and
future conservation policies.

Biomimicry is a newly emerging science that relies on inspiration and innovation to solve
human problems by studying the systems, forms, and relationships found in nature. This
research examines more than 50 studies, each addressing the concept of biomimicry in a
specific field. Despite the novelty of this concept, it still requires detailed and extensive
studies to achieve comprehensive sustainability in architectural designs. This research aims
to build a comprehensive theoretical framework for sustainable biomimicry mechanisms in
architecture. Accordingly, the concept of biomimicry in architectural design will be
addressed on two levels. The first includes the concept within the field of architecture: the
exterior structure, high-rise buildings, and interior design, as well as the concept of urban
mimicry in urban environments and projects, and concepts of biomechanical design. The
second level examines the impact of this concept in making these projects more energy- and
resource-efficient, achieving environmental balance, and thus achieving more sustainable
projects. The research concludes that the most important axes of these mechanisms include:
biological analysis as a basis for architectural design; biomimicry as a philosophical
approach that understands nature as a complex, closed system; smart cities and high-rise
buildings; and smart materials and technologies, including green buildings. Achieving design
aesthetics and environmental balance, and a future-oriented educational approach by
integrating biology and architecture with biomechanical design curricula and training future
generations to draw inspiration from nature in solving problems.

Kindergarten architecture plays an important role in shaping children’s perception and
learning. However, many designs still fail to systematically translate educational theories
into tangible spatial solutions. This gap highlights the research problem addressed in the
present study as the absence of integrated architectural indicators that connect children’s
perceptual development, learning styles and philosophical ideas with the design of
kindergartens. The aim of the paper is to develop a consistent set of design indicators which
could lead to the creation of a captivating learning environment by the architects as well as
the educators. In the methodological approach, the study determines six types of learning
styles: cognitive, social, sensorimotor, cooperative and play-based learning. It resorts to a
literature-based synthesis of theories of perception and learning with focus on the
preoperational stage, simultaneously incorporating the philosophical and pedagogical work
of the theorists who first began to explore the concepts, namely, Froebel, Montessori,
Decroly, McMillan and Dewey. All these theoretical considerations resulted in the
development of a set of abstract architectural indicators that have the priority to provide the
basis of their practical application to the kindergarten environment. Such indicators were
applied to Šmartno Kindergarten to demonstrate how abstract concepts can be translated
into architectural practices. The research concluded that subjecting the kindergarten design
to the theories of perception and learning promotes the curiosity, creativity and the overall
development of children, in addition to supplying the architects or the designers with
pragmatic guidelines for early-childhood design.

This work prepared new composite (Ag2O/AC) used as adsorbent and oxidation from
activated carbon (AC) prepared from Upholstery waste (UW) by carbonization and
precipitation methods by hydrated 5% silver nitrate (AgNO3) by Photo Oxidation Batch
Reactor (POBR) to organic elimination from refinery wastewater (RWW) through a batch
technique and compared between them on activated carbon. The FTIR, FE-SEM, EDX and
BET analyses were used to characterize the physicochemical properties of the AC and
Ag2O/AC samples. The removal efficiency of organic contaminants was inspected under four
working conditions: dose (0.2-1 g), pH (3-9), agitation speed (100-300 rpm), and contact
time (30-120 min). The removal efficiency under various working conditions was studied to
assess the surface efficiency of organic removal on prepared activated carbon and new
composite and compare them with the largest organic removal efficiency were 99.6 % and
74.6 % of Ag2O/AC and AC at 1 g, pH3 , 300 rpm and 120 min respectively, obtained with
Ag2O/AC, which presented a superior adsorption efficiency for organic removal in refinery
wastewater.

One of the biggest problems facing the construction sector throughout the globe is financial
risks. This is especially true for building projects in Iraq. These hazards often result in
project delays and budgetary constraints. The goal of this research is to find the reasons
behind financial hazards. A questionnaire was used to discover and extract sub-factors. A
probability and effect matrix was also used to provide a quantitative study of these
parameters. We also utilized the relative relevance index to rank the hazards. The study's
findings revealed that eight factors significantly influenced the project, categorized as high
risk: inaccurate cost estimates, delayed client payment processes, clients' financial
instability, material price fluctuations, change orders, corruption, strong political
opposition, and operations in hazardous areas. This research will help those who work on
building projects, such as owners, contractors, engineers, and decision-makers, figure out
what causes financial hazards. It will also help them build a useful risk management strategy
to lessen the impact of these risks on future construction projects. It also cuts down on time
and money lost on projects and makes them better and more long-lasting.

Bridges are one of Baghdad’s most important infrastructure elements, today they are not
only for crossing the river and connecting Karkh and Rusafa, but serve as strategic tools to
ease traffic congestion resulting from population density and rapid urbanization. With a
population exceeding eight million and a growing number of vehicles, maintaining and
sustaining bridges through continuous monitoring and inspection has become essential. Yet
the current inspection process faces many challenges. This research aims to identify factors
hindering optimal bridge inspection and to provide solutions for improved inspection
performance. These challenges stem from managerial, technological, economic and
environmental issues, reducing reliability and efficiency. The study used literature review,
interviews and a questionnaire completed by 65 experts and academics, with 50 responses
statistically analyzed (mean, standard deviation, Cronbach’s alpha, Relative Importance
Index). Findings show that the main managerial challenges are a lack of qualified technical
leadership (RII = 91.2 %) and neglect of bridges for long periods (RII = 85.2 %). Technical
constraints include a lack of analytical capacity, a shortage of competent inspectors and
limited funds for modern inspection equipment. Further barriers include traffic congestion,
poor coordination with stakeholders and environmental issues such as moisture-induced
corrosion. Addressing these challenges requires strengthening management oversight,
building inspection capacity, securing adequate funding, improving coordination with traffic
management and incorporating environmental considerations to enhance inspection
effectiveness and extend bridge life.

Since seismic reflection data produce comprehensive subsurface images that reveal
geological structures likely to contain minerals, oil, and gas, they are essential for resource
exploitation. When paired with well logs, these data enable seismic and petrophysical
assessments that lower drilling risks and boost efficiency. Wireline logs from five wells and
seismic coverage of the Nasiriyah oil field (Dhi-Qar Governorate), processed with
Schlumberger software, were used to characterize the Yamama reservoir. Synthetic
seismograms connected reservoir tops to seismic data; however, resistivity and gamma logs
helped with correlation and sequence delineation. Wells' correlation described the
migration routes of hydrocarbons and reservoir carbonates.
Potential sweet spots were found using models that showed heterogeneity and anisotropy in the
reservoir's lateral and vertical variations. Units YB3 and YC were defined as the primary
production layers, based on borehole data analyzed in Techlog, Petrel, Kingdom, and Didger.
Results confirm seismic methods enhance exploration success and guide future hydrocarbon
recovery.

In this study, the combined effect of fiber orientation and loading frequency on tension
tension fatigue behavior of woven Kevlar/epoxy laminates was examined. Specimens with
fiber orientations of 0°, 23°, and 45° were fabricated via hand lay-up and tested according to
ASTM D3039 and ASTM D3479 standards. Static tensile tests with ultimate tensile strengths
(UTS) of 276.1 MPa (0°), 159.2 MPa (23°), and 185.81 MPa (45°) showed clear orientation
dependence. Fatigue stresses were normalized using (σmax/UTS), Fatigue experiments were
conducted at stress levels ranging from 55%to 90% of (UTS) and at two loading frequencies,
5 and 15 Hz. and the results were interpreted through normalized S–N curves, Basquin
regression fits, ANCOVA, life reduction ratio (LRR), and SEM fractography. Increasing the
loading frequency displayed reduced fatigue lives at all orientations. The 0° laminate
experienced the most consistent frequency effect, with a mean LRR of 0.446 (95% CI: 0.381
0.511). In contrast, the 23° and 45° laminates showed smaller and more stress-dependent
reductions, with mean LRR values of 0.186 (95% CI: 0.060–0.312) and 0.162 (95% CI: 0.041
0.284), respectively. ANCOVA results displayed no statistically significant frequency-induced
slope differences (p > 0.05) for any orientation, indicating that the fatigue-life decay rate
remained unchanged. However, intercept-level effects were practically large at 0° (partial η²
= 0.313) and 23° (partial η² = 0.229), reflecting frequency-dependent reductions in fatigue
strength. SEM observations also supported these observations, showing more extensive
matrix cracking and fiber pull-out at higher frequency. Overall, woven Kevlar/epoxy
laminates demonstrated strong anisotropic fatigue behavior, with fiber orientation serving
as the dominant factor and frequency acting as a secondary yet influential parameter.

The paper presents the design and modeling of a twenty-channel, bidirectional WDM-PON
architecture with IM/DD for the 5G fronthaul in C-RAN systems. The proposed architecture
is fully compliant with the ITU-T G-series Supplement 66 requirements on next-generation
fronthaul interfaces. Each channel has a data-carrying bit rate of 25 Gbps, thus yielding a
total capacity of 500 Gbps for the entire system. The entire design has been simulated in
OptiSystem V.22. The analysis of the BER for different lengths of fiber and continuous wave
laser power conditions provides the performance evaluation. Through simulation results, it
can be confirmed that the system conforms to the F1 and Fx functional split specifications
that are under consideration for split options 1 through 7a, using 25 Gbps in each direction.
The results also indicate that the system can work efficiently over 11.5 km of bidirectional
single-mode fiber without any need for DSP or optical amplifiers. The simplicity, low cost,
and conformance to the standard fronthaul requirements make the proposed WDM-PON
configuration a very strong candidate for the deployment of short-reach 5G fronthaul
applications, featuring high-capacity, bidirectional connectivity, and reliable performance in
C-RAN operational environments.