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Using clean energy sources instead of traditional methods of energy production is important to tackle global warming and climate change. As in the rest cities of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, the national electricity outage crisis continues in Duhok Governorate and the production of energy via different sources is still needed. This paper studies the simulation of two different types of solar energy systems on school roofs using the Homer Pro software. The first is a grid-connected system and the second, is an off-grid system for six different regions of Duhok Governorate, using the solar radiation data for each site. Our findings confirm the preference for on-grid PV over an off-grid PV system at all sites. As the cost of energy in USD per kWh in both grid-tied and stand-alone models varies from one region to another, which is as follows: Amedi (0.089, 0.339), Kani Masi (0.091, 0.0338), Bamarni (0.093, 0.338), Mangesh (0.095, 0.349), Semel (0.107, 0.341), and Akre (0.127, 0.347). The net present cost NPC in both grid-connected and grid-independent for 160 kW PV systems is as follows: Kani Masi ($217303, $260504), Amedi ($217621, $260710), Bamarni ($219007, $260587), Mangesh ($220167, $261239), Semel ($227566, $261222), and finally Akre ($238671, $262203).

This study was conducted in the farm of the Department of Animal Production, college of Agriculture –Tikrit University for the duration of 19/11/2021 to 23/12/2021. The aim this to study the effect of colour plumage and breeding system on the traits reproductive of Japanese quail Use in this experiment 180 A quail bird of age 21 Days were divided into two groups according to the colour of plumage 90 brown bird and 90 Black birds, each group divided that was raised in two breeding systems (batteries and floor). each breeding systems Contain 45 bird and is divided into three replicates, each replicate contains 15 the bird, and the sex ratio was used 2:1. The results showed no significant effect of plumage color and breeding system on the hatchability from total eggs, hatchability from fertilized eggs, fertility rate, embryonic mortality, superiority of brown quails over blacks in the weight of the first egg, while black quails outperformed brown ones in weight at maturity sexual.

Sixty Balb/c mice (Mus musculus) were used in the present study. It was conducted out in the animal house of the Department of Biology/College of Education for Women. The mice were infected with Entamoeba histolytica isolated from positive stool samples obtained from children in pediatric hospital in Kirkuk city governorate followed by treatment with aqueous extract of Cyperus rotundus and Thymus serpyllum. Results revealed a significant increase of P < 0.05 in immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G,, and immunoglobulin M antibody levels among infected mice when it was compared with the control and treated groups of aqueous extracts of studied plant. This indicates the efficacy of these extracts as treatment.

BackgroundFemale genital schistosomiasis (FGS) is a neglected and disabling gynecological disease that can result from infection with the parasitic trematode Schistosoma haematobium. Accurate diagnosis of FGS is crucial for effective case management, surveillance and control. However, current methods for diagnosis and morbidity assessment can be inaccessible to those at need, labour intensive, costly and unreliable. Molecular techniques such as PCR can be used to reliably diagnose FGS via the detection of Schistosoma DNA using cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) samples as well as lesser-invasive vaginal self-swab (VSS) and cervical self-swab samples. PCR is, however, currently unsuited for use in most endemic settings. As such, in this study, we assessed the use of a rapid and portable S. haematobium recombinase polymerase amplification (Sh-RPA) isothermal molecular diagnostic assay, coupled with simplified sample preparation methodologies, to detect S. haematobium DNA using CVL and VSS samples provided by patients in Zambia.Methodology/principal findingsVSS and CVL samples were screened for FGS using a previously developed Sh-RPA assay. DNA was isolated from VSS and CVL samples using the QIAamp Mini kit (n = 603 and 527, respectively). DNA was also isolated from CVL samples using two rapid and portable DNA extraction methods: 1) the SpeedXtract Nucleic Acid Kit (n = 223) and 2) the Extracta DNA Tissue Prep Kit (n = 136). Diagnostic performance of the Sh-RPA using VSS DNA extacts (QIAamp Mini kit) as well as CVL DNA extracts (QIAamp Mini kit, SpeedXtract Nucleic Acid Kit and Extracta DNA Tissue Prep Kit) was then compared to a real-time PCR reference test. Results suggest that optimal performance may be achieved when the Sh-RPA is used with PuVSS samples (sensitivity 93.3%; specificity 96.6%), however no comparisons between different DNA extraction methods using VSS samples could be carried out within this study. When using CVL samples, sensitivity of the Sh-RPA ranged between 71.4 and 85.7 across all three DNA extraction methods when compared to real-time PCR using CVL samples prepared using the QIAamp Mini kit. Interestingly, of these three DNA extraction methods, the rapid and portable SpeedXtract method had the greatest sensitivity and specificity (85.7% and 98.1%, respectively). Specificity of the Sh-RPA was >91% across all comparisons.Conclusions/significanceThese results supplement previous findings, highlighting that the use of genital self-swab sampling for diagnosing FGS should be explored further whilst also demonstrating that rapid and portable DNA isolation methods can be used to detect S. haematobium DNA within clinical samples using RPA. Although further development and assessment is needed, it was concluded that the Sh-RPA, coupled with simplified sample preparation, shows excellent promise as a rapid and sensitive diagnostic tool capable of diagnosing FGS at the point-of-care in resource-poor schistosomiasis-endemic settings.

Background: Appendicectomy is a common procedure in children. Regional anaesthesia helps reduce requirements for opioids and hospital stay and enhances recovery. Laparoscopic-assisted Transversus Abdominus Plane block (L-TAP) was shown to be efficient and potentially superior to port site infiltration (PSI); however, this was not previously studied in paediatric appendicitis. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of L-TAP compared to PSI in children undergoing laparoscopic appendicectomy (LA). Methods: A single-blinded RCT was performed to compare L-TAP to PSI with 0.25% plain bupivacaine at the end of an LA. Patients aged 6–16 years diagnosed with uncomplicated acute appendicitis (AAST grade 1) were randomised to either group in a 1:1 fashion. Complicated appendicitis, open or Lap-converted to open appendicectomies, were excluded. Outcome measures included the total amount and number of doses of opiates and clonidine required, length of stay (LOS), and visual analogue score (VAS) of pain. Results: 49 patients in the PSI group and 41 in the L-TAP group were included; the mean age was 11.3 ± 2.4 years. There was no significant difference in age and weight between the groups. One patient in each group required opioid-based patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) in the theatre recovery room; however, on retrospective review, this was not clinically warranted. Seven patients in each group required morphine while in recovery (p = 0.4). There was no significant difference in total morphine (PSI 0.12 vs L-TAP 0.04 mg/kg body weight, p = 0.1) and clonidine (PSI 0.57 vs L-TAP 0.59 micro gm/kg body weight, p = 0.5) requirement during the hospital stay. Patients in the L-TAP group had two hours shorter LOS than the PSI group (38.0 ± 3.9 vs 39.7 ± 4.1, p = 0.38). There was no significant difference in VAS scores. Conclusion: There was no difference between L-TAP and PSI. L-TAP was feasible, easy to earn, and safe. We recommend that it be considered in clinical protocols and local guidelines as part of the peri-operative analgesia regimen, especially when ultra-sound guided blocks are unavailable. Overall, patients with uncomplicated appendicitis who undergo LA have low VAS scores and require mostly simple analgesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections pose significant global health concerns, contributing to chronic liver diseases. Blood transfusion is identified as a potential route for the transmission of these viruses, necessitating effective screening strategies for blood donors. The aim of this study was to assess the significance of nucleic acid testing (NAT) in detecting HBV and HCV infections among blood donors who initially tested negative in serological tests. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections among blood donors in Hail. Methods: A total of 23,954 records were retrieved from voluntary blood donors at Hail Regional Laboratory and Blood Bank from January 2020 to April 2023. Chi-squared tests were used to assess the association between the serological and NAT results, while t-tests were employed to compare the means of continuous variables. Results: Numbers of the reactive ELISA serological methods or screening were 36 (0.15%) for HBs Ag, 931 (3.6%) for HBcAb, 57 (0.23%) for HBsAb, and finally, 57 (0.23%) for HCV Ab. Seroprevalence was low, with a prevalence rate of 0.15% for HBV and 0.23% for HCV. The study compared serological and nucleic acid testing results for hepatitis B and C infections; a small percentage (0.01%) showed reactive NAT results, indicating early acute infections that may have been missed by serological testing alone. Conclusions: The study concludes that incorporating NAT into blood screening protocols is crucial for enhancing early infection detection and reducing risk of transfusion-transmitted infections. Low seroprevalence rate suggests effectiveness of existing preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Corneal ectasia following Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) remains a relatively rare but significant complication; however, its onset can range from a few weeks to many years. This case report presents the earliest known onset of bilateral corneal ectasia after PRK in the absence of predictable preoperative risk factors. A 21-year-old male with stable refraction and no family history of keratoconus underwent an uneventful PRK for myopic astigmatism. Despite normal preoperative corneal tomography, bilateral ectasia was diagnosed within one week after surgery. This case emphasises the potential for rapid onset of corneal ectasia following PRK and highlights the importance of patient counseling regarding this early complication.

Abstract In the realm of ever-changing e-commerce, understanding the dynamics of customer online buying behavior (COBB) is pivotal. This study investigates the impact of risk factors—financial risk (FR), time risk (TR), and psychological risk (PR) along with social media advertising (SMA) on COBB with the mediating effect of trust. Grounded on the stimulus–organism–response theory, the research targets diverse segments including students, businessmen, employees, working women, and housewives. To ensure a high response rate, an online questionnaire was distributed via email, WhatsApp, and social media groups of online buyers. Convenience sampling was used to collect primary data from 350 respondents. Data analysis that employed the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, normality testing, and regression analysis, was performed for reliability, validity and hypothesis testing. The findings underscore the significant negative impact of risk factors (FR, TR, PR) on building customer trust and subsequent online shopping behavior. Social media advertising has a positive and significant impact on trust and COBB. Furthermore, trust emerged as a significant determinant of COBB, thereby validating its pivotal role in online consumer decision-making processes. Moreover, trust mediates the relationship between risk factors, SMA and COBB. This study consists of both practical and theoretical contributions, offering insights into the nuanced interplay between risk perceptions, SMA effectiveness, trust dynamics, and COBB. These insights are essential for marketers, policymakers, and researchers navigating the evolving landscape of e-commerce.

Abstract Board gender diversity has garnered significant attention in recent years as a component of internal governance. The automobile industry is a conventional sector characterized by its significant scale and the board of directors has historically been predominantly male. The share of female board members increased due to the rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry, which emerged as a combination of high-tech and traditional cars, in the last two decades. This study examines the relationship between the proportion of female directors and the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of companies in the automotive sector. This study collected data on the proportion of female board members and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings for 50 automotive industry businesses across 13 countries from 2002 to 2022. The findings indicate a positive relationship between the proportion of female serving as directors and the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of automotive industry. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that there was no delay in the favorable correlation between the proportion of female directors and the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of companies in the automotive sector.

Abstract Serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) plays a multifaceted role in cancer progression and treatment resistance. Its importance stems from its role in several cellular functions essential to cancer development, including metabolism, apoptosis, cell survival, and proliferation. In cancer, SGK1 expression is often dysregulated, leading to its overactivation or overexpression in many malignancies. This dysregulation can promote tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis through several mechanisms. We perform a bibliometric analysis to explore the role of SGK1 in cancer in the last ten years. All publications related to this topic were retrieved from the Scopus database. Microsoft Office Excel 2021 and VOSviewer (version 1.6.20) were used for the bibliometric analysis. The filtered search identified 5322 articles published between 2013 and 2023. Regarding research and scientific collaboration in this field, China is in the lead, followed by the USA, Germany, the UK, Japan, and Italy. In summary, SGK1 plays a critical role in cancer by regulating cell survival, proliferation, metabolism, and stemness. Its dysregulation promotes tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. Targeting SGK1 is promising for enhancing cancer treatment efficacy, but further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and develop effective therapeutic strategies. Our study offers significant contributions to the field of cancer research by providing a comprehensive understanding of SGK1's role in cancer biology and highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. These insights can inform future studies and guide the development of novel cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment approaches.

Abstract Food and nutrition security are essential for accomplishing sustainable development goals, and a growing population requires various food sources to address hunger and nutrition. Indigenous vegetables are nutritious, healthy, and adaptable to local conditions, making them a potential food and nutrition security resource. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the nutritional richness of indigenous vegetables by comparing the nutritional content of commonly grown indigenous vegetables like Chenopodium album (Bathua), Coccinia grandis (Telakucha), Amaranthus viridis (Shaknotey), Moringa oleifera (Shojne), Alternanthera philoxeroides (Malancha), and Xanthium strumarium (Ghagra) to BARI Lalshak-1 (Amaranthus tricolor). Shojne violet had the highest lightness (L*), directions (b*), and chroma (c*) of 43.50, 23.69, and 25.02, respectively and telakucha had the highest luminosity (h°) of 114.11. Shaknotey had more moisture (88.97 %) than bathua green (66.62 %) or ghagra (72.55 %). Ghagra had the most chlorophyll a (1.11 mg/g), b (0.65 mg/g), total chlorophyll (2.04 mg/g), ascorbic acid (22.0 mg/100 g), and flavonoids (50.1 mgQE/100 g). Bathua red had significant levels of anthocyanin, carotenoids, and strongest antioxidant activity (IC50 value): 42.9 µg/g, 0.24 mg/g, and 12.4 µg/mL, respectively. Shojne green and telakucha were found rich in phenolic content (136.0 mgGAE/100 g) and β-carotene (2.05 mg/100 g), respectively. Moreover, the studied indigenous vegetables were rich in minerals, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron, with a very high K content (49.4–79.4 mg/g). Correlation matrix and PCA showed that ghagra, shojne, and bathua species were nutritionally superior to others. Therefore, the current findings suggest that ghara, shojne and bathua can become a nutrient-rich indigenous vegetable and improve human nutrition.

Purpose – The main purpose of this paper is to analyse the influence of capital efficiency on the economic growth of Bangladesh using the Harrod-Domar (H-D) model. Design/methodology/approach – We use annual data from 1980 to 2019 for this paper. Three steps are taken in the data analysis. First, to check the existence of a unit root, we use the augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test and to determine co-integration among the variables, we use the Johansen-Juselius co-integration test. Next, for long-run estimation, we use the dynamic ordinary least square (DOLS) estimator. The sensitivity of the long-run estimations is further checked by the fully modified OLS (FMOLS) and autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) estimators. Lastly, we use the Granger causality test to determine the long-run causality among the variables. Findings – The long-run co-integration test validates the co-integrating relationship among the variables. DOLS estimations reveal that the economic growth of Bangladesh is negatively associated with the incremental capital output ratio (ICOR), validating the notion that capital efficiency matters for achieving higher economic growth. On average, an increase in ICOR by a unit tends to reduce economic growth in the long term by 0.75 percent. Our results also reveal no significant relationship between savings and economic growth when the model is extended. Finally, causality results indicate unidirectional causality between ICOR and economic growth. Practical implications – Based on the results obtained, we argue that the enhancement of capital productivity could bring efficiency because ICOR is an inverse of capital productivity. Since Bangladesh’s capital productivity is considerably low compared with other neighbouring countries, it is suggested that firms should gradually move towards technological advancement and enhance economies of scale, etc. in the long run. Moreover, policies in favour of continuous skill development programmes could be highly effective in increasing capital productivity given that capital follows a vintage structure. Originality/value – This is the first paper to analyse the economic growth pattern of Bangladesh using the traditional H-D model by incorporating variables such as savings and ICOR and also by relaxing the assumption of time-invariant (i.e. fixed) data of the variables. Moreover, this paper extends the traditional H-D empirical model by introducing key indicators and time breaks for Bangladesh’s economy through a stepwise regression process.

It is imperative to design and operate sustainable solid waste management (SWM) systems in cities based on the results of waste amount and characterization study (WACS). In this work, WACS was conducted and results were used to design an SWM system for an intermediate city of Pakistan. The study revealed that about 110 tons of solid waste per day is generated with a per capita rate of 0.337 kg/day. Around 51.2% of mixed municipal solid waste (MSW) is organic in nature and its non-scientific disposal is resulting in higher greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It was also found that more than 80% of valuables are taken away by the informal sector during the transfer of MSW from the generation source to the dumping site. Ultimate analyses showed that the moisture content (MC) and carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio were 64.23% and 51.14%, respectively. Proximate analysis revealed that moisture and calorific values were 57 % and 3505 BTU/lb., respectively. Based on these results, a material sorting facility (MSF) was proposed, with an estimated investment cost of US $3.64 million. However, the efficiency of the existing collection system is limited to 32 % only. In order to improve the collection efficiency (>90 %), an additional investment of US $1.638 million was estimated with an operations and maintenance (O&M) cost of US $19.25 per ton. Existing non-scientific MSW disposal practices contribute 32,079.61 CO2e tons/year of GHG emissions. The proposed MSF followed by composting is estimated to reduce GHG emissions by 38% to 19,722.38 CO2e tons/year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ascites remains a significant challenge in patients with cirrhosis, posing difficulties in management and affecting prognosis. This review examines the current understanding of ascites, including its underlying mechanisms, symptoms, and treatment options, with a specific focus on the innovative Alfa Pump device. The review begins by discussing traditional approaches to managing ascites while also addressing their limitations and potential complications. It then explores the emergence of the Alfa Pump system, a novel implantable device designed to tackle refractory ascites by continuously draining fluid from the abdomen while minimizing circulatory issues. Through a synthesis of current literature and clinical evidence, this narrative review underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the management of ascites, with a particular emphasis on the evolving role of the Alfa Pump in improving outcomes and quality of life for patients with refractory ascites.

An alternating way of replacing the missing teeth involves the use of implants. In implant dentistry, an adequate amount of bone is crucial for the long-term prognosis. Bone volume loss can be caused by congenital, post-traumatic or post-surgical abnormalities, as well as disease processes. In scenarios with a bone defect at a site, where the primary stability of an implant cannot be established or where implant placement is not achievable in the best possible position for subsequent prosthetic therapy, guided bone regeneration before implantation represents the method of choice. During implant placement, a partial discrepancy between the implant’s surface and the socket’s osseous walls frequently leaves the peri-implant region with insufficient bone. It has been shown that barrier membranes can be successfully placed to allow the peri-implant space to be filled with new bone rather than lowering the height of the alveolar ridge to produce a sufficient breadth for implantation.

Abstract Objective Carotid artery web is a possible cause of ischemic stroke, especially in young patients who lack conventional risk factors. The immediate and long‐term outcomes are not well studied. We aimed to determine the association between an ipsilateral carotid web and in‐hospital stroke recurrence. Methods We analyzed data from adult patients admitted with an acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion at a Comprehensive Stroke Center between July 2015 and March 2023. The primary outcome was in‐hospital stroke recurrence and secondary outcome was in‐hospital recurrent LVO. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine the association between ipsilateral carotid web and recurrent ischemic stroke and recurrent LVO. Results Of the 1463 patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion, 27 (1.8%) had an ipsilateral carotid artery web. Patients with carotid web were younger (median age (IQR), 60 years (53–67 years) versus 74 years (62–84 years), P

Introduction Urgent, tailored and equitable action is needed to address the alarming rise in syphilis rates in Canada. In the last decade, the rates of infectious syphilis have increased by 345% in Ontario, Canada. Underserved populations—people who use drugs, un(der)housed individuals and those living in rural and remote areas—face unique social and healthcare challenges that increase their vulnerability to syphilis infections and hinder their access to timely diagnosis and treatment. This study assesses the real-world implementation and effectiveness of using a recently approved syphilis point-of-care test in conjunction with public health outreach to break barriers and bring services to the population at the highest risk.Methods and analysis The Syphilis Rapid Point-of-Care Testing and Immediate Treatment Evaluation (SPRITE) study includes eight public health units in Ontario, Canada. Implementation and evaluation of this rapid ‘test and treat’ outreach model of care will be assessed using the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM)/Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) Framework, following a community-based participatory approach. Network models will be used to estimate the population-level impact of implementing this model of care to curb transmission. Knowledge mobilisation will be assessed using the Reciprocity, Externalities, Access, and Partnership (REAP) Self-Assessment Model.Ethics and dissemination The SPRITE study was approved by the Queen’s University Research Ethics Board (REB) and is to be conducted in accordance with the Canadian Tri-Council Policy Statement V.2 and the latest Seoul revision of the Declaration of Helsinki. Knowledge generated from this study will be mobilised through community-based organisations and the broader public health community.

Background: This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on patients with sickle cell crisis (SCC) using National Inpatient Sample (NIS) data for the year 2020. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted utilizing International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes to identify adults who were admitted with a principal diagnosis of sickle cell crisis. The primary outcomes examined were inpatient mortality, while the secondary outcomes assessed included morbidity, hospital length of stay, and resource utilization. Analyses were conducted with STATA. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses were used to adjust for confounding variables. Results: Of 66,415 adult patients with a primary SCC diagnosis, 875 were identified with a secondary diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. Unadjusted mortality rate was higher for SCC patients with COVID-19 (2.28%) compared to those without (0.33%), with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 8.49 (p = 0.001). They also showed increased odds of developing acute respiratory failure (aOR = 2.37, p = 0.003) and acute kidney injury requiring dialysis (aOR = 8.66, p = 0.034). Additionally, these patients had longer hospital stays by an adjusted mean of 3.30 days (p < 0.001) and incurred higher hospitalization charges by an adjusted mean of USD 35,578 (p = 0.005). Conclusions: The SCC patients with COVID-19 presented higher mortality rates, increased morbidity indicators, longer hospital stays, and substantial economic burdens.

The incidence of male reproductive cancers, including prostate, testicular, and penile cancers, has risen in recent years, raising important health concerns. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men, while penile cancer, though rare, typically affects men over 60. Testicular cancer, with a lifetime risk of about 0.4% in men, is most common among adolescents and young adults, decreasing sharply after the age of 40. Traditional treatments include chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and combinations thereof, but advancements in immunotherapy and monoclonal antibodies are showing promising results, particularly for genitourinary cancers. These therapies, targeting immune checkpoints and tumor-specific antigens, are gaining traction as effective alternatives for resistant cases. This review provides evidence-based recommendations on current and emerging immunotherapy and monoclonal antibody treatments for male reproductive cancers, highlighting future directions to optimize patient outcomes.