Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is inflammation of the sacroiliac joints and spine, associated with clinical symptoms such as pain and stiffness in the vertebral column, after which, in a considerable number of individuals, new bone growth occurs. Objective: The current research study attempted to find out whether the presence of SNPs in TNF receptor [TNFRSF1A (rs767455), TNFRSF1B (rs1061622)] encoding genes could influence patients' outcomes to etanercept in a specimen of Iraqi AS patients. Patients and methods: Sixty patients with established AS receiving only etanercept were selected to be enrolled in this research with a mean age of 40.75 ± 8.67 years, 51 patients of them were males and only 9 patients were females. Patients were classed as "responders" if just obtained a BASDAI 50 clinical response and as "non-responders" if they can't achieve a BASDAI 50 clinical elaboration after at least 6 months treatment. After PCR products amplification of purified blood DNA, TNF receptor (TNFRSF1A and TNFRSF1B) genes SNPs were established by Sanger sequencing. Results: The analysis of this study expressed that there was a significant incidence of TT genotype of rs1061622 (P = 0.022) in responder group, whereas the TG genotype of the same SNP was considerably present in the group that did not respond (P = 0.002). Finally, a non-significant difference existed in alleles and genotypes frequency between responder and non-responder groups of rs767455 SNP in TNFRSF1A gene. Conclusions: The wild TT genotype of rs1061622 predicts etanercept responsiveness in ankylosing spondylitis patients. The TG genotype of the same SNP increases the probability of non-responding
-convex sets and -convex functions, which are considered as an important class of generalized convex sets and convex functions, have been introduced and studied by Youness [5] and other researchers. This class has recently extended, by Youness, to strongly -convex sets and strongly -convex functions. In these generalized classes, the definitions of the classical convex sets and convex functions are relaxed and introduced with respect to a mapping . In this paper, new properties of strongly -convex sets are presented. We define strongly -convex hull, strongly -convex cone, and strongly -convex cone hull and we proof some of their properties. Some examples to illustrate the aforementioned concepts and to cl
... Show MoreAn intelligent software defined network (ISDN) based on an intelligent controller can manage and control the network in a remarkable way. In this article, a methodology is proposed to estimate the packet flow at the sensing plane in the software defined network-Internet of Things based on a partial recurrent spike neural network (PRSNN) congestion controller, to predict the next step ahead of packet flow and thus, reduce the congestion that may occur. That is, the proposed model (spike ISDN-IoT) is enhanced with a congestion controller. This controller works as a proactive controller in the proposed model. In addition, we propose another intelligent clustering controller based on an artificial neural network, which operates as a reactive co
... Show MoreFaintly continuous (FC) functions, entitled faintly S-continuous and faintly δS-continuous functions have been introduced and investigated via a -open and -open sets. Several characterizations and properties of faintly S-continuous and faintly -Continuous functions were obtained. In addition, relationships between faintly s- Continuous and faintly S-continuous function and other forms of FC function were investigated. Also, it is shown that every faintly S-continuous is weakly S-continuous. The Convers is shown to be satisfied only if the co-domain of the function is almost regular.
This research is devoted to design and implement a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system (SCADA) for monitoring and controlling the corrosion of a carbon steel pipe buried in soil. A smart technique equipped with a microcontroller, a collection of sensors and a communication system was applied to monitor and control the operation of an ICCP process for a carbon steel pipe. The integration of the built hardware, LabVIEW graphical programming and PC interface produces an effective SCADA system for two types of control namely: a Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) that supports a closed loop, and a traditional open loop control. Through this work, under environmental temperature of 30°C, an evaluation and comparison were done for
... Show MoreThis study aims to formulate an alternative solution for Formalin for preserving fish as study specimens for long periods. The main reason for finding a solution instead of formalin is to get rid of the negative effects of this solution on those who work with it, as well as to better preserve the bodies of fish. Hence, three new solutions were proposed to replace formalin. Thus, Formalin, in turn, may enter the composition of a small part of these solutions to give better results and for long periods of keeping specimens. All solutions prepared in this study participated in being acidic as in formalin. Two solutions succeeded in compensating for the use of formalin in preserving fish
Several recent approaches focused on the developing of traditional systems to measure the costs to meet the new environmental requirements, including Attributes Based Costing (ABCII). It is method of accounting is based on measuring the costs according to the Attributes that the product is designed on this basis and according to achievement levels of all the Attribute of the product attributes. This research provides the knowledge foundations of this approach and its role in the market-oriented compared to the Activity based costing as shown in steps to be followed to apply for this Approach. The research problem in the attempt to reach the most accurate Approach in the measurement of the cost of products from th
... Show MoreMany researchers used different methods in their investigations to enhance the heat transfer coefficient, one of these methods is using porous medium. Heat transfer process inside closed and open cavities filled with a fluid-saturated porous media has a considerable importance in different engineering applications, such as compact heat exchangers, nuclear reactors and solar collectors. So, the present paper comprises a review on natural, forced, and combined convection heat transfer inside a porous cavity with and without driven lid. Most of the researchers on this specific subject studied the effect of many parameters on the heat transfer and fluid field inside a porous cavity, like the angle of inclination, the presenc
... Show MoreThe aim of the current study is to identify the level of goal conflict with twelfth-grade students in South Sharqiah/ Sultanate of Oman according to gender and specialization. The study used the descriptive method. A scale of (28) items was developed and divided into six dimensions: time pressure, goal achievement, limit of power, limit of budget, incompatible strategies, and unclear task. To validate the scale, it was piloted (40) students. The scale was administered to a sample of (402) students (209) males in the Governorate of South Sharqiah. The results showed that the conflict level was high in “unclear task”, and an average conflict level in “limit of power”. Other dimensions (goal achievement, time pressure, limit of powe
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