Erbil Polytechnic University

This study evaluates the performance of self-compacting geopolymer concrete (SCGC) incorporating fly ash (FA), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), and recycled concrete aggregates (RCA). Five SCGC mixtures with varying RCA content (0

Herein, we study the exact soliton solution of the conformable cubic-quintic nonlinear non-paraxial pulse propagation equation for ultrashort pulse dynamics in the nonlinear optical world. While a considerable amount of research has focused on integer-order nonlinear models, relatively little has been done on solutions containing conformable fractional derivatives that have the potential to accurately represent dissipative optical systems. The main goal here is to compute complete families of exact traveling wave solutions from the generalized exponential rational function method (GERFM), and to study their stability. Using GERFM with specialized auxiliary function parameters, we effectively identify eight unique solution families covering various soliton structures expressed via hyperbolic and trigonometric functions. This results in various wave propagation behaviors that are validated in graphical representations in either a two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) framework. Specifically, variations in the conformable derivative order parameter τ exert a strong influence on soliton amplitude, width, and propagation velocity, demonstrating the superior capability of the conformable framework to model realistic dissipative effects compared to classical models. The gain spectrum characterization of steady-state solutions confirms the stability regions by analysis of their modulation instability. These are direct applications for generating dispersion-managed optical fiber communication systems, ultrafast laser pulse engineering, and nonlinear photonic devices. The originality of this work is that it applies GERFM in a complete manner with existing techniques on the conformable non-paraxial model, and provides a broad solution repository not encountered in the literature, promoting both theoretical and practical knowledge of nonlinear fiber optics.

In this research, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were produced through an environmentally friendly approach, utilizing a methanol-based extract derived from orange peels, a plentiful and sustainable fruit byproduct. The synthesized AuNPs were comprehensively characterized using UV-Vis, XRD, FT-IR, DLS, and TEM techniques. The optimum synthesis conditions were established by evaluating the influence of precursor concentration, reaction temperature, and time. The synthesized powder displayed a FCC crystal arrangement, with an average size of 28.7 nm, and a spherical shape, as verified through TEM analysis. The antibacterial performance of the biosynthesized AuNPs was assessed on six bacterial strains, showing strong strain-specific inhibition, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 62.5 µg/mL against S. aureus. Moreover, their photocatalytic potential was demonstrated through the efficient degradation of rhodamine b and methyl orange under UV irradiation, with maximum degradation efficiencies of 94.3

This study investigates the natural radioactivity levels in soil samples and evaluates the associated radiological risks in the Qaladiza district, Kurdistan region, Iraq. A total of sixty-one soil samples were collected from nine locations and categorized into three groups (A, B, and other sites). The samples were analyzed using a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector to determine the activity concentrations and estimate potential radiological hazards. The mean activity concentrations were found to be 72.77 ± 3.20 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, 26.43 ± 0.69 Bq kg−1 for 232Th, and 312.20 ± 4.96 Bq kg−1 for 4⁰K in site A. In site B, the mean levels of activity concentrations were 51.31 ± 2.81 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, 29.31 ± 0.84 Bq kg−1 for 232Th, and 402.37 ± 5.51 Bq kg−1 for 4⁰K. At other sites, averages were 29.66 ± 2.25 Bq kg−1, 14.54 ± 0.51 Bq kg−1, and 244.45 ± 4.98 for 226Ra, 232Th, and 4⁰K, respectively. The average activity of 226Ra in both sites A and B exceeded the global average. The average values for radium equivalent, annual effective dose, and external and internal hazard indices were all within international safety limits. However, absorbed dose rates at site A exceeded the global average. The average of the excess lifetime cancer risk was below the global benchmark but several samples within A and B sites exceeded threshold values. The average value of annual equivalent gonadal dose was higher than the worldwide limit at A and B sites. This work emphasizes the possible radiation risk related to natural radioactivity concentrations in the soil of Qaladiza regions to evaluate precious facts for safety and public health.

CRISPR-Cas genome-editing technologies have emerged as powerful tools for precise DNA and RNA modulation, offering promising therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This review critically evaluates current CRISPR/Cas applications in neurodegeneration, with emphasis on mechanistic insights, therapeutic outcomes, and translational feasibility. Preclinical and early translational studies demonstrate that CRISPR-Cas platforms can correct pathogenic mutations, suppress toxic gene expression, and restore neuronal function. Advanced modalities, including base and prime editing, CRISPRi/a, and RNA-targeting Cas systems, improve precision and reduce genomic damage, which is particularly advantageous in post-mitotic neurons. Emerging CRISPR-based diagnostics (e.g., SHERLOCK and DETECTR), AI-assisted sgRNA design, and machine-learning approaches for predicting off-target effects further enhance the safety, stratification, and monitoring of CRISPR therapeutics. In parallel, patient-derived brain organoids and assembloids provide scalable human-relevant platforms for mechanistic studies and preclinical validation. Despite this progress, major challenges remain, including efficient delivery across the blood-brain barrier, immune responses, long-term safety, and ethical and regulatory considerations. Overall, CRISPR-Cas technologies hold strong potential as disease-modifying interventions for neurodegenerative disorders, provided that advances in delivery systems, artificial intelligence integration, and regulatory oversight continue to evolve toward clinical translation.