The current study presents the cellar spiders genus Nita Huber & El-Hennawy, 2007 (Araneae, Pholcidae) as the first record for Iraq spider fauna, this genus represented by the species Nita elsaff Huber & El-Hennawy, 2007 were identified based on morphological characteristics and DNA sequence data. A short morphological description is also presented for cellar spiders listed in Iraq; including this species in addition to Artema Atlanta Walckenaer, 1837.
This research explores the use of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) as a conductive medium for sodium ions in sodium‐ion batteries, presenting a possible alternative to traditional lithium‐ion battery technology. The researchers prepare SPEs with varying molecular weight ratios of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and sodium tetrafluoroborate (NaBF4) using a solution casting method with dimethyl formamide as the solvent. Through optical absorbance measurements, we identified the PAN:NaBF4 (80:20) SPE composition as having the lowest energy band gap value (4.48 eV). This composition also exhibits high thermal stability based on thermogravimetric analysis results. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy re
... Show MoreNew sports technologies have highlighted the importance of perceptual – cognitive training in order to optimize performance in sports e.g., dynamic team sport such as basketball. Augmented motor reality AMR is a new training model based on realistic movement combined with interactive virtual cues that may be useful to enhance spatial orientation and decision making. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an AMR-based training program on spatial awareness and skill-based decision making in youth basketball players. Twenty-four male young basketball players aged 15.2±0.8 years were randomized to the experimental group n=12, receiving AMR training, and control group n=12, performing conventional practice. The interventi
... Show MoreThis case–control study aimed to investigate the relationship between the hypoxia‐related biomarker hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)–associated markers E‐cadherin (E‐CAD) and N‐cadherin (N‐CAD) in saliva among smokers and nonsmokers with and without periodontitis and to assess their association with clinical periodontal parameters.
A case–control study was conducted, including 88 participants equally a
This study presents the design, modeling, and experimental evaluation of a three-level electro-hydraulic elevator system controlled by a Delta DVP-20SX2 Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) equipped with an integrated Proportional–Integral–Derivative (PID) module. The PLC, programmed in Ladder Logic using ISPSoft 2.46, regulates cabin motion across all three levels. A detailed MATLAB/Simulink model was developed, incorporating three PID controllers: one for displacement regulation via a proportional directional control valve and two for dynamic pressure regulation using a proportional pressure relief valve. Conventional PID parameters were initially tuned using the trial-and-error method based on time-domain performance indices a
... Show MoreLaboratory studies were conducted at the biological control unit, college of Agriculture, University of Baghdad to evaluate some biological aspects of the predator Chilocorus bipustulatus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), which is considered one of the most important predators on many insect pests, especially the scale insect, Parlatoria blanchardi, (Homoptera: Diaspididae) on date palms. The results showed that biological parameters of the predator were varied according to different degree of temperature. Egg incubation period was significantly different and reached to 7.5 and 5.44 day at 25 and 30°C respectively, Fertility was the same 100% at both temperature degrees. Larval growth periods were 17.41 and 16.12 day as well as the mortality
... Show MoreBACKGROUND: Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a proangiogenic factor that exerts different effects over stem cell survival growth, apoptosis, and adhesion. Its impact on leukemogenesis has been established by many studies. AIM: This study aimed to determine the effect of plasma HGF activity on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients at presentation and after remission. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional prospective study of 30 newly-diagnosed, adult, and AML patients. All patients received the 7+3 treatment protocol. Patients’ clinical data were taken at presentation, and patients were followed up for 6 months to evaluate the clinical status. Plasma HGF levels were estimated by ELISA based methods in the pa
... Show MoreObjective: To measure the serum levels of Fetuin-A, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), and ferritin in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19in Baghdad, Iraq. Moreover, to determine these biomarkers' cut-off valuesthat differentiate between severely ill patients and control subjects. Methods: This case-control study was done from 15 September to the end of December 2021 and involved a review of the files and collectionof blood samples from patients (n=45, group1) hospitalized in COVID-19 treatment centersbecause of severe symptoms compared tohealthy subjects as controls (n=44, group2). Results: Fetuin-A serum levels were not statistically different between patients and controls. In contrast, IMA and ferritin levels were significan
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