Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic rheumatic inflammatory disease affecting mainly the spine and sacroiliac joints. Since the copper-to-zinc ratio (Cu/Zn) indicates an inflammatory response, the change in ratio is expected to correlate with axSpA. This study compared levels of Cu/Zn in the serum of axSpA patients. Serum samples were obtained from 53 patients with axSpA divided according to biological treatment into cohorts A and B, and 28 healthy control as cohort C. Serum levels of Cu and Zn were determined first by a fully automated chemistry analyzer TC-Matrix Plus, then the ratio was obtained. The elevated serum Cu concentration means of cohort B (189.32 ± 13.808 µg/dL) compared to cohort A (168.85 ± 7.244 µg/dL) a

We study the physics of flow due to the interaction between a viscous dipole and boundaries that permit slip. This includes partial and free slip, and interactions near corners. The problem is investigated by using a two relaxation time lattice Boltzmann equation with moment-based boundary conditions. Navier-slip conditions, which involve gradients of the velocity, are formulated and applied locally. The implementation of free-slip conditions with the moment-based approach is discussed. Collision angles of 0°, 30°, and 45° are investigated. Stable simulations are shown for Reynolds numbers between 625 and 10 000 and various slip lengths. Vorticity generation on the wall is shown to be affected by slip length, angle of incidence,

To enhance the structural performance of concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns, various strengthening techniques have been proposed, including the use of internal steel stiffeners, external wrapping with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets, and embedded steel elements. However, the behavior of concrete-filled stainless-steel tube (CFSST) columns remains insufficiently explored. This study numerically investigates the axial performance of square CFSST columns internally strengthened with embedded I-section steel profiles under biaxial eccentric loading. Finite element (FE) simulations were conducted using ABAQUS v. 6.2, and the developed models were validated against experimental results from the literature. A comprehen

The investigation of determining solutions for the Diophantine equation  over the Gaussian integer ring for the specific case of  is discussed. The discussion includes various preliminary results later used to build the resolvent theory of the Diophantine equation studied. Our findings show the existence of infinitely many solutions. Since the analytical method used here is based on simple algebraic properties, it can be easily generalized to study the behavior and the conditions for the existence of solutions to other Diophantine equations, allowing a deeper understanding, even when no general solution is known.

This work presents the use of laser diode in the fiber distributed data interface FDDI networks. FDDI uses optical fiber as a transmission media. This solves the problems resulted from the EMI, and noise. In addition it increases the security of transmission. A network with a ring topology consists of three computers was designed and implemented. The timed token protocol was used to achieve and control the process of communication over the ring. Nonreturn to zero inversion (NRZI) modulation was carried out as a part of the physical (PHY) sublayer. The optical system consists of a laser diode with wavelength of 820 nm and 2.5 mW maximum output power as a source, optical fiber as a channel, and positive intrinsic negative (PIN) photodiode

Background: Gasoline constituents and its derivatives had many hazardous effects on the general health of humans. Thus, gasoline stations workers may be affected by different types of related diseases.This study was conducted to assess selected salivary elements and their relation with dental caries, oral hygiene status and periodontal diseases among gasoline stations workers in comparison with individuals have no regular exposure to gasoline. Materials and methods: The study group consists of thirty male subjects with an age range (33-39) years who worked in different gasoline stations in different areas of Baghdad city and thirty persons that matching in age and gender and not exposed to gasoline were selected as a control group. Dental c

Abstract: Polarization beam splitter (PBS) integrated waveguides are the key components in the receiver of quantum key distribution (QKD) systems. Their function is to analyze the polarization of polarized light and separate the transverse-electric (TE) and transverse-magnetic (TM) polarizations into different waveguides. In this paper, a performance study of polarization beam splitters based on horizontal slot waveguide has been investigated for a wavelength of . PBS based on horizontal slot waveguide structure shows a polarization extinction ratio for quasi-TE and quasi-TM modes larger than  with insertion loss below  and a bandwidth of . Also, the fabrication tolerance of the structure is analyzed.<

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular complications such as ischemic heart disease, heart failure, sudden death, atrial fibrillation, and stroke. A proper non-expensive tool is required for detection of this pathology. Different electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria were investigated; however, the results were conflicting regarding the accuracy of these criteria. OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of three electrocardiographic criteria in diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy in adult patients with hypertension using echocardiography as a reference test. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a hospital-based cross sectional observational study which included 340 adult patients with a his

Background: Lead-acid battery workers are at higher risk for systemic diseases as well as oral diseases like dental caries. The aim of this study was to assess selected salivary antioxidants and their relation with dental caries among lead acid battery factory workers in comparison with non-exposed group. Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 35 subjects aged 35-45 year-old who worked in Babylon lead acid battery factory in Baghdad city and matching group that not exposed to lead were selected as a control. Dental caries severity was recorded by using DMFS index, stimulated salivary samples were collected and analyzed for the measurement of salivary antioxidants (uric acid, total protein, catalase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes

The current research aims to determine the role of strategic leadership in achieving organizational excellence. In this context the sample of the research consist of 123 managers .The research problem can be summarized as {what is the role of strategic leadership in achieving organizational excellence}which resulted in a number of sub-questions and its goal was to explain the theoretical philosophy and intellectual expositions of this variables because of they are vital variables imposed by the current situation. To achieve research objectives we had use the questionnaire as a tool to collect data and information after verifying the validity and dependency of the measures. A number of statistical techniques and tools had been use