Response of Skirted Foundations Resting on Dry Medium Dense Sand

Experimental model tests were carried out to study the response of skirted foundation resting on dry sand.  The experiments were performed in a large soil container (1000  1000 mm in cross section and 800 mm in height).  Skirts with three different lengths (L) varied from 0.5D to 1.5D was attached to the edge of shallow circular foundations having three different diameters (D=60, 90 and 120 mm). Different parameters have been studied; these parameters involve skirt length, foundation size and skirt conditions. Skirts with open end and closed end were used. The relative density was kept constant and equals to 60%. The case of foundation without skirt (L=0) was initially tested and set as a reference for comparison purpose. From the results of experimental tests, it was found that the skirt modifies the load-settlement behaviour, increasing the load carrying capacity and reducing the foundation settlement. The results also indicate that load carrying capacity of skirted foundation increases with increase skirt length as well as foundation size. The results show that using skirt with closed end brought a considerable increase in load carrying capacity than that of open end

The association between quality of habitual diet and mental health status among Iraqi women attending primary health care centers

Background: Recent evidence suggests a role for diet quality in the common mental disorders depression and anxiety. Objective. We aimed to investigate the association between diet quality, dietary patterns, and the common mental disorders in Iraqi females. Methods: a cross-sectional study, in 400 females whom attended to the five main primary health care centers (PHCCs) in Baghdad. It was applied a special certified survey for assessment of the normal diet, and the anxiety plus depression scale to assess the mental status of patients. Results were analysed by ANOVA and Multivariate analysis to adjust for the effect of other variables, P<0.05 was considered significant.   Results: a healthy diet that was high in vegetable content decrease depressive symptoms (P=0.009) and was not associated with anxiety (P=0.761), while high fat intake increased anxiety (P=0.038) and there was no relation with depression (P=0.674). For diary products intake the results were, P=0.381 for depression and P=0.041 for anxiety). Conclusions: Females with healthy wealthy nutritional status were less likely to be depressed, whereas a higher intake of fatty and  unhealthy foods was associated with increased anxiety