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Highlights Flexible pressure sensors (FPS) are crucial for emerging applications like wearable electronics, human activity monitoring, and soft robotics. This study reports a scalable and cost‐effective approach to fabricate high‐performance piezoresistive FPS based on polyurethane‐silicone rubber (PU‐SR) nanocomposites. The synergistic integration of nitrogen‐doped bamboo‐shaped carbon nanotubes (N‐BCNT) and carbon black (CB) nanofillers within the PU‐SR matrix was achieved via a novel dip‐coating and impregnation method. This technique enabled uniform nanofiller dispersion, enhancing electrical conductivity and mechanical stability. Comprehensive characterization using x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), zeta potential, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and micro‐computed tomography (Micro‐CT) elucidated the structural features and morphological aspects. The optimized N‐BCNT:CB/PU‐SR nanocomposite exhibited exceptional piezoresistive performance, with a sensitivity of 0.4 kPa−1 in the 0–120 kPa range and 0.07 kPa−1 in the 180–1000 kPa range, along with remarkable durability over cyclic loading. When deployed as an electronic skin (e‐skin), the sensor accurately detected various human motions, including finger, wrist, elbow, and knee movements, as well as twisting and stretching actions. This work shows a promising route towards fabricating cost‐effective, flexible, and high‐performance pressure sensors with significant implications for wearable technologies and soft robotics. Hybrid Nanocomposite sensors achieve high sensitivity over a broad pressure range. N‐CNTs and CB enhance piezoresistivity and durability in PU‐SR nanocomposites. Flexible sensors detect multi‐joint human motions accurately. Alternative dip‐coating technique ensures uniform nanofiller distribution. Cost‐efficient sensors design suitable for wearable e‐skin applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted considerable interest due to their potential medicinal applications, including cancer therapy, antibiotic resistance and antibacterial activity. Manufacturing V2O5 NPs is a crucial step in developing these applications, and laser ablation in solution has proven to be a particularly successful technique. Following fabrication, colloidal solutions were analyzed using ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectra, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In this work, XRD study revealed that the produced NPs had an orthorhombic phase. Based on the laser energy, nanosized vanadium pentoxide particles were created by laser irradiating a vanadium bulk submerged in a double deionized water (DDW), resulting in spherical particles with average sizes ranging from 15.4 to 33.8 nm, as shown by TEM micrographs. Conforming to the quantum size concept, the bandgap energy of V2O5 NPs is higher than that of bulk V2O5 due to the decrease in particle size. This study examined the effectiveness of V2O5 NPs against pathogenic bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus as Gram's positive bacteria and Escherichia coli as negative Gram's bacteria. Then, we evaluated anticancer activity of V2O5 NPs against a breast cancer cell line (MCF-7 cells) using MTT assay. The results reveal that the activity of prepared V2O5 NPs against S. aureus is greater than that of E. coli. The findings suggest that prepared NPs can act as an anti-proliferative agent against MCF-7 cells. Subsequently, the produced NPs might be exploited as a future strategy for other biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid technological advancements have created opportunities for new solutions in various industries, including healthcare. One exciting new direction in this field of innovation is the combination of skin-based technologies and augmented reality (AR). These dermatological devices allow for the continuous and non-invasive measurement of vital signs and biomarkers, enabling the real-time diagnosis of anomalies, which have applications in telemedicine, oncology, dermatology, and early diagnostics. Despite its many potential benefits, there is a substantial information vacuum regarding using flexible photonics in conjunction with augmented reality for medical purposes. This review explores the current state of dermal augmented reality and flexible optics in skin-conforming sensing platforms by examining the obstacles faced thus far, including technical hurdles, demanding clinical validation standards, and problems with user acceptance. Our main areas of interest are skills, chiroptical properties, and health platform applications, such as optogenetic pixels, spectroscopic imagers, and optical biosensors. My skin-enhanced spherical dichroism and powerful spherically polarized light enable thorough physical inspection with these augmented reality devices: diabetic tracking, skin cancer diagnosis, and cardiovascular illness: preventative medicine, namely blood pressure screening. We demonstrate how to accomplish early prevention using case studies and emergency detection. Finally, it addresses real-world obstacles that hinder fully realizing these materials' extraordinary potential in advancing proactive and preventative personalized medicine, including technical constraints, clinical validation gaps, and barriers to widespread adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The data referring to the value of direct immunofluorescence on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue (IF-Paraffin) in the diagnosis of renal diseases is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate whether renal biopsies evaluated by routine immunofluorescence on frozen tissue (IF-Frozen) would yield adequate findings to confirm diagnoses when the IF-Paraffin technique was applied. To show immunoglobulins, complement components, and light chains, 55 native renal biopsies were subjected to IF-Paraffin and IF-Frozen staining techniques. The intensity of the staining was compared, and the sensitivity and specificity were calculated. The IF-Paraffin technique showed a sensitivity of 89%, 81%, 86%, 30%, 71%, 60%, and 77% for IgG, IgM, IgA, C1q, C3, κ, and λ, respectively, whereas specificity was 91%, 100%, 100%, 96%, 94%, 98%, and 100%. It showed diagnostic findings in 87% of cases. Compared to cases that had both IF-Paraffin and IF-Frozen staining techniques, 43 of 55 showed either equal intensity for the diagnostic immunoglobulin/complement or a little difference. Direct immunofluorescence on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections cannot replace immunofluorescence on frozen sections in the assessment of renal biopsies, but may be a "salvage technique" when frozen tissue is insufficient or unavailable and must be interpreted with great caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study deposited zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures were prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique on porous silicon (PS) substrates that were prepared via photoelectrochemical etching of silicon n-type (100). The study investigated the influence of laser energy on various characteristics of the fabricated devices, including their optical, morphological, structural, electrical, and photodetector features. The X-ray diffraction results indicate a dominant broad diffraction peak at 69.14°, and the ZnO phase aligns with the hexagonal wurtzite structure. The field emission scanning electron microscopy micrograph illustrates that porous silicon has a sponge-like fashion, while ZnO nanostructures have spherical grains distributed randomly and grow larger with laser energy. The optical characteristics of the manufactured samples were examined using techniques that include UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectrometry, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The findings indicated that decreased laser energy led to a blue shift in the energy gap. The reflectivity of the produced samples decreased after the deposition of a zinc oxide layer over porous silicon. The photoluminescence examination showed the presence of four distinct emission peaks, namely, UV, violet-blue, blue, and green, consequent to coating a ZnO layer onto the porous silicon substrate. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that ZnO thin films deposited on porous silicon cause surface oxidation and produced a new peak at 455.2 cm−1 related to the Zn–O stretching band. The current density–voltage properties of the fabricated devices in the absence and presence of white light were investigated as a function of laser energy. The ZnO NPs/PS/n-Si photoreactors displayed rectifier features and had outstanding spectral responsivity from ultraviolet to near-infrared. Moreover, the fabricated photoreactor showed the most prominent external quantum efficiency (EQE) in the UV region. The results of this study are of great importance to the advancement of photodetectors and optoelectronic devices based on ZnO and porous silicon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of three minimally invasive (MI) techniques in removing deep dentin carious lesions. Forty extracted carious molars were treated by conventional rotary excavation (control), chemomechanical caries removal agent (Brix 3000), ultrasonic abrasion (WOODPECKER, GUILIN, China); and Er, Cr: YSGG laser ablation (BIOLASE San Clemente, CA, USA). The assessments include; the excavation time, DIAGNOdent pen, Raman spectroscopy, Vickers microhardness, and scanning electron microscope combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX). The rotary method recorded the shortest excavation time (p < 0.001), Brix 3000 gel was the slowest. DIAGNOdent pen values ranged between 14 and 18 in the remaining dentin and laser-ablated surfaces recorded the lowest reading (p < 0.001). The Ca:P ratios of the remaining dentin were close to sound dentin after all excavation methods; however, it was higher in the ultrasonic technique (p < 0.05). The bur-excavated dentin showed higher phosphate and lower matrix contents with higher tissue hardness that was comparable to sound dentin indicating the non-selectiveness of this technique in removing the potentially repairable dentin tissue. In contrast, the MI techniques exhibited lower phosphate and higher organic contents associated with lower microhardness in the deeper dentin layers. This was associated with smooth residual dentin without smearing and patent dentinal tubules. This study supports the efficiency of using MI methods in caries removal as conservative alternatives to rotary excavation, providing a promising strategy for the clinical dental practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of common semiconductors with porous materials has the potential to augment the splitting of electrons and holes, hence increasing the efficiency of photodetectors. In the current study, we present the efficient fabrication of photodetectors consisting of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) and macroporous structures via the pulsed laser deposition technique. The structure, surface morphology, and optical properties of V2O5 nanostructures embedded in porous silicon were examined using an X-ray diffractometer, a field emission scanning electron microscope, and a UV–Vis–NIR diffuse reflectance spectrophotometer, photoluminescence emission spectra, and Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy. The findings indicate that the V2O5 nanostructure exhibits an orthorhombic crystal structure, which tends to align along the (001) plane. These nanostructures were distributed on porous silicon surfaces, mainly within the pores, which range in size from 52.4 nm to 106.5 nm. The level of pore filling varies depending on the laser energy used, ranging from partial to almost complete filling. The room-temperature photoluminescence peaks of V2O5 nanostructure/porous silicon possess four distinct spectra characterized by their maximum emission wavelengths of around 461 nm and 664 nm.However, the electrical and spectral responsivity properties were measured before and after introducing V2O5 nanostructures into porous silicon. The ideality factor of porous silicon has decreased after embedding V2O5 nanostructure in porous silicon. The deposition of V2O5 nanostructures into porous silicon resulted in a significant rise in spectrum responsivity, particularly at a wavelength of 471 nm. Moreover, the spectral responsivity exhibited a rising trend with increasing laser energy, reaching a maximum value of 0.31 A/W. The external quantum efficiency found its highest value at 78.93% when more incredible laser energy was used. The V2O5 nanostructure/porous silicon device fabricated in this work, consisting of a V2O5 nanostructure integrated with porous silicon, has remarkable potential as a high-efficiency photodetector in several photoelectronic technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe utilization of molten salts in heat transfer applications, specifically within shell-and-tube heat exchangers, has garnered significant attention for its potential in sustainable energy solutions. this study employs advanced machine learning algorithms, including decision tree regressor, support vector regressor, extreme gradient boosting, and random forest, to not only predict the heat transfer behavior of molten salts but also unravel the complex mechanisms underlying this process. Achieving a remarkable accuracy score of 0.985, the Support Vector Regressor leads the predictive models, closely followed by random forest (0.982), Decision Tree Regressor (0.974), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (0.965). The incorporation of Shapley Additive exPlanations values accentuates the Reynolds number’s pivotal role, elucidating a robust correlation with the Nusselt value. These insights transcend mere prediction, offering a profound understanding that can significantly impact the design and optimization of molten salt heat exchangers. The applications of molten salts extend across various sectors, including concentrated solar energy and thermal storage, solidifying their position as a versatile and effective solution in the pursuit of sustainable and efficient energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis study underscores the critical role of heat transfer modeling in the design and optimization of heat exchangers, recognizing the challenges posed by traditional numerical methods. To address the need for more efficient alternatives, machine learning emerges as a promising solution, leveraging its capacity to unravel intricate relationships in heat transfer processes. The research focuses on forced convection heat transfer involving nanoparticles (specifically TiO2, Al2O3, and Cu) dispersed in water, employing the Lagrangian–Eulerian approach under turbulent flow conditions with a constant surface heat flux. Machine-learning techniques, namely extreme gradient boosting, support vector regression, and tree regression are employed to predict heat transfer outcomes based on collected data. The achieved results exhibit promising accuracy levels, with eXtreme gradient boosting, support vector regression, and tree regression algorithm models demonstrating impressive accuracies of 91%, 91%, and 94%, respectively. The mean absolute errors for these machine-learning models were recorded as 1.07, 7.24, and 3.74. This research serves as a demonstration of the potential of machine-learning methodologies in modeling complex physical systems, as evidenced by their efficiency in capturing the behavior of nanofluids under various conditions. The obtained accuracy and low mean absolute error values indicate the robustness of these machine-learning models in predicting heat transfer results. The implications of these findings are substantial for the field of heat exchanger design and optimization. The study suggests that machine-learning techniques offer a more efficient and cost-effective approach compared to traditional numerical simulations. By leveraging the capabilities of these models, there is potential for enhanced accuracy and efficiency in the design and optimization processes of heat exchangers, contributing to advancements in thermal engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis study presents a new model for effective thermal management of a channel with elastic sinusoidal obstacles and pulsating multiple nano-jet impingements. The channel was cooled by alumina Al2O3 in various forms (platelets, blades, cylinders, and bricks) and water as a basic fluid. A hybrid nanofluid (multi-wall carbon nanotube-Fe3O4) was also used. The governing equations were solved using the finite volume method. Results were recorded for Reynolds numbers (Re = 350), Strouhal numbers (St = 0.01–1), pulse amplitude (A = 0.25–1), and the number of slots (Nj = 1–13). The results showed that the cooling efficiency was improved by using pulsating flow by 24.383%. It was also noted that using sinusoidal elastic obstacles improved the heat transfer rate by 8.344%. In addition, the number of slots affected the heat transfer rate, increasing it to 259.983%. The results obtained from this study demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design, which incorporates elastic sinusoidal obstacles and pulsating multiple nano-jet impingements, in significantly improving thermal management performance and reliability. These advancements hold great importance in various industrial and consumer applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transformer oil is used to maintain the core and winding of the transformer. The main tasks of transformer oil as an industrial oil are insulation and cooling of a transformer. In the current study, the thermophysical and thermal properties of transformer oil nanofluid with volume percentages of 0.017% and 0.56% have been experimentally investigated which improves the performance of the base fluid due to the high thermal conductivity coefficient of carbon nanotubes compared to transformer oil. Ultrasonic baths and chemically functionalizing techniques were utilized in a two-step process to create nanofluids, which were stabilized by these techniques. In a double-tube carbon steel heat exchanger, the nanofluids were employed, and the thermal characteristics of the base fluid and nanofluids were evaluated. The findings indicated that the effective thermal conductivity improves with increasing temperature and CNT concentration, reaching its maximum value at a temperature of 45 °C in a volume fraction of 0.56. Observations showed that the heat transfer coefficient rose with rising Reynolds number and volume percentage, whereas the friction factor reduced when the hot fluid flowed at an intake temperature of 80 °C compared to the nanofluid in the outer tube. The flow rates for the nanofluids were calculated to be 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 lit/s, and 0.18 lit/s for the hot fluid, respectively. As a general conclusion, carbon nanotubes have a very high potential to improve the thermal performance of transformer oils, which is a serious challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were formed in the present paper, employing a pulsed laser irradiation approach on a pure zinc target surrounding double deionized water. The structure, morphology, chemical bonding, and optical characteristics of prepared ZnO nanoparticles were investigated using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, spectrophotometer, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The nanoparticles have a nanocrystalline structure with a hexagonal wurtzite arrangement and are spherical with diameters ranging from 5 to 60 nm depending on the laser energy. The analysis of ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy shows a blue shift with decreasing laser energy, and the optical energy bandgap increases as particle size decreases. The FTIR spectrum of ZnO nanoparticles identified at 512.37 cm−1 and 448.63 cm−1 was ascribed to Zn–O-Zn stretching vibrations. However, using the agar well diffusion technique, ZnO nanoparticles were tested for their antibacterial properties towards two distinct strains of bacteria. Antibacterial inspection demonstrated that ZnO nanoparticles were most effective against Staphylococcus aureus, followed by Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the anticancer potential treated with the ZnO nanoparticles was evaluated against the ovarian tumor cell line (SKOV-3), as well as the results suggest that the nanoparticles can function against an antiproliferative agent towards SKOV-3 cells. The present work illustrates the promise of biomedical applications of ZnO nanoparticles obtained by laser irradiation in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a group of conditions that include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders, specific learning disorders, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and other disorders. Raising a child with an NDD can be difficult because it affects the social lives of the parents and their relationships. It also requires the parents to develop another set of skills to deal with their child. These factors increase their risk of depression and anxiety. Aim: To measure the prevalence rates of depression and anxiety among parents of children with different NDDs, compare the rates between mothers and fathers, and measure the relevant associated factors. Methodology: This study was a prospective, qualitative, cross-sectional, anonymous questionnaire-based study. The participants were 416 parents of children with NDDs in Saudi Arabia. The sample size was determined using the Richard Geiger equation with a 5% margin of error, a 95% confidence level, and a 50% response distribution. The screening was performed using a validated Arabic version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). These are short and understandable screening tools that assist in identifying and grading the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms. The participants were reached by distributing the questionnaire to parents who followed up with Saudi NDD-related associations, clinics, and psychiatric clinics from November 20 to May 8, 2022. The data were collected, reviewed, and then entered into SPSS 21. Results: In total, 416 parents of children with NDDs in Saudi Arabia participated in the study. We demonstrated that 85.1% of parents of children with NDDs had depression and that 85.8% had anxiety. Mothers and fathers had similar rates of depression and anxiety. No significant difference was found between the type of NDD and rates of depression and anxiety in parents. Conclusion: Children with NDDs affect their parents' mental health in terms of increased rates of depression and anxiety. This increase is not correlated with a specific etiology. Healthcare professionals who care for children with NDDs should also assess parental mental health and seek an early diagnosis of mental illness to ensure that the appropriate interventions are provided for parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteases have various applications in the food, pharmaceutical, medicine, pathogenicity of some pathogenic bacteria, and detergent sectors as well as meeting the needs of approximately 60% of the global enzyme industry, whereas they catalyze the breakdown of protein molecules into peptides and amino acids. Production and purification of protease enzyme by the isolate Escherichia coli AJ55 was scrutinized in the present study. Cultivation optimum conditions, were various complex medium, carbon source, nitrogen source, temperature, pH of the medium, and time of incubation were optimized to enhance the total protease production in shake flask culture of E.coli AJ55. The nutrient broth supplemented with 2% glucose and 2% yeast extract, with a pH of 7.0 and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours, better conditioned for producing the maximum production of protease. Escherichia coli AJ55 proteolytic enzyme was separated and purified using ion-exchange chromatography on a DEAE-Cellulose column and Sephadex G-150 gel after being precipitated with 0-70% saturated ammonium sulfate. Protease that had been partially purified had a yield of 34%, a purification fold of 13.4, an activity of 12.16 U/ml, a protein concentration of 0.005 mg/ml, and a specific activity of 2432 U/mg. By using gel filtration chromatography on a Sephadex G-150 gel, partially purified protease was examined for its ability to cleave the mucin protein. The findings of mucin biodegradation showed that the five fractions of the small peptides were produced after treatment of mucin with partially purified protease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials can be employed in various medicinal industries because of their unique characteristics versus bulk materials. Nanosized particles of Titanium dioxide were fabricated using the laser irradiation technique in this work. After production, the physical properties of Titanium dioxide were identified by Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum, X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Regarding TEM micrographs with various laser energies, the nanoparticles exhibit a spherical appearance, with average diameters ranging from 19 nm to 26 nm based on the laser energy. X-ray diffraction results from combined Anatase and Rutile crystal structures in the prepared nanoparticles to indicate the production of Titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The FTIR analysis showed that the O-Ti-O mode includes a peak at approximately 480–550 cm − 1 . In this study, the antibacterial efficacy of Titanium dioxide nanoparticles was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as well as anticancer assay against prostate cancer cell line (PC-3 cells). The result shows that the effectiveness of prepared nanoparticles against S. aureus is more significant than that in E. coli, and the findings indicate the ability of prepared nanoparticles as an antiproliferative agent against PC-3 cells. In conclusion, the prepared nanoparticles could be used as a future strategy for further biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keratin is a fibrous, insoluble structural protein that is highly cross-linked with hydrophobic, hydrogen, and disulfide bonds. Keratinases are enzymes that belong to the category of serine hydrolases that are capable of breaking down keratin. The results of the determination of the better fermentation system showed that the production of keratinase from local A.terreus A13 isolate by submerged fermentation (SmF) system was the best system to give the highest specific activity (113.4 U/mg) of keratinase compared with solid-state fermentation (SSF). The optimum conditions for keratinase production by SmF, were determined via cultivation conditions, including carbon source, nitrogen source, temperature, pH of the medium, and time of incubation were optimized to enhance the production of total keratinase production in a culture of A.terreus A13 with incubator shaker. The highest product of total keratinase was achieved in feather broth with 2 % sucrose, and 0.5 % soya bean, with a pH of 5.5 at 28 °C for 8 days. Separation and purification of keratinase from a local isolate of A.terreus A13 was done by precipitating with 0-75 % saturated ammonium sulfate, then by ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Cellulose column and sephadex G-150 gel. Partially purified keratinase gave an activity of 5.1 U/ml, protein concentration of 0.004 mg/ml, and specific activity of 1275 U/mg with purification fold of 4.96 and 49 % as yield. The aim of the present study was to optimize the production of keratinase from A. terreus A13, cultivated using optimum conditions, and its use for the biodegradation of feathers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, SnO2 nanoparticles were fabricated using laser ablation in water and characterized using ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD results showed that the fabricated nanoparticles had a tetragonal crystal structure. TEM micrographs revealed that the nanoparticles were spherical, with average sizes ranging from 10 to 50 nm, depending on the laser energy used. The band gap energy of the SnO2 nanoparticles was found to increase with decreasing particle size. The antibacterial activity of the SnO2 nanoparticles was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and the results showed that the nanoparticles were more effective against S. aureus. In addition, the anticancer activity of the SnO2 nanoparticles was tested against the lung cancer cell line A549 cells, and the findings suggest that the nanoparticles can act as an anti-proliferative agent against A549 cells. This study reveals that SnO2 nanoparticles that are synthesized by laser ablation in water could be a future strategy for other biomedical applications such as antifungal, antiviral, and immune modulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a mathematical model for the electrokinetic and Darcy's resistance of Williamson fluid in an electroosmotic pumping environment. The zeta potential at walls aids in peristaltic movement, and porous dissipation is incorporated into this modulation by the Williamson fluid's material parameters. Through the use of Debye-Huckel approximations, long wavelengths, and low Reynolds numbers, the model equations are simplified. Mathematica software is used to produce analytical and numerical results, and plots and analyses are done using the included parameters on physical quantities of interest. This study has various practical applications, such as modifying belt resistance in laboratory drainage testing and improving pipeline design. It could also potentially aid in the development of blood filtration and purification techniques and optimize drug delivery systems that utilize fluids. It is observed that the modified Darcy's law is more accurate for porosity effects in electroosmotic peristaltic channels and results in higher shear stress at the channel wall compared to Darcy's law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keratinases are enzymes belonging to the serine hydrolases group which are capable of degradation of keratin, an insoluble and fibrous structural protein widely cross-linked with hydrogen, disulfide, and hydrophobic bonds. Attempts to find new sources of enzymes and amino acids for fundamental knowledge of enzyme evolution, structure‐function relationships, catalysis mechanisms of enzymes, and even for the identification of novel protein folds. In this study, seventy-nine samples were collected from different places in the University of Baghdad, and the best isolate for amino acid production by feathers degradation was by using Streptomyces venezuelae AZ15. The best fermentation system and the optimum culture conditions for amino acid production from feathers as substrate utilizing S. venezuelae AZ15 were elucidated. Using feathers as a substrate, the results showed that the submerged fermentation (SmF) system was the best to give the highest yield of amino acid. Furthermore, the highest yield of total amino acid was gained in feather broth supplemented with 2% glucose and 0.5 % ammonium nitrate, with a pH of 6.0 at 37 °C for 8 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The cytokine interleukin-15 is widely known for helping natural killer cells and CD8 T cells development and maintain homeostasis, but recent research reveals that IL-15 also mediates the antiviral responses of both cell types during an active immune response. Aim of the study: study Interleukin-15 gene expression in vaccinated individuals (Pfizer Sinopharm and AstraZeneca vaccines) and critical cases infected with COVID-19 in Iraqi individuals, for the purpose of investigating the role of IL - 15 gene in determining the immune response in vaccinated individuals (Pfizer - AstraZeneca-Sinopharm vaccines) and COVID-19 patients. Study design: This study was conducted between the period from January and March 2022. A total number of 179 (male and female) blood samples were collected from Ibn AI-Khatib Hospital and health centers (AL-Sindibad health center, AL Rasheed health center and other places). Immunological assay for evaluation of anti-COVID-19 IgG and IgM was accomplished by ELISA technique. Molecular analysis was achieved by real time PCR to confirm our results by detecting of IL-15 gene levels. Results: Showed that the Sinopharm, BioNTech and AstraZeneca vaccines groups exhibited the highest neutralization potential compared to the unvaccinated controls. The results indicated that Sinopharm vaccines generally induced the highest amounts of SARS-CoV-2 reactive IgM and IgG compared to other vaccines (7.31 ± 1.52) IgM and (38.84 ± 26.35) IgG P -value (0.001). The critical patient showed a highly significant difference between males and females of IgM P- value (0.002). The patients had the highest IgM production in males. The Sinopharm vaccine had the highest productivity of IgG in the two groups compared to Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccine. The critical patient, Sinopharm vaccine and AstraZeneca vaccine showed significant difference between (41-70) (21-40) groups of IgM. The critical patient showed a highly significant difference between males and females of IgG P- value (0.006). The patients had the highest IgG production in males. The critical patient and Pfizer vaccine showed significant difference between (41-70) (21-40) groups of IgG. The IL-15 gene showed no effect with COVID-19. Conclusion: The study showed that Pfizer, Sinopharm and AstraZeneca vaccines produced IgM and IgG against COVID-19 in terms of age and gender compared to the unvaccinated individuals, with no effect of the booster dose compared to the second dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nuclear size radii, density distributions and elastic electron scattering charge form factors for Fluorine isotopes ( 17,19,20,24,26F) were studied using the radial wave functions (WF) of harmonic-oscillator (HO) potential and free mean field described by spherical Hankel functions (SHF) for the core and the valence parts, respectively for all aforementioned isotopes. The parameters for HO potential (size parameter 𝑏) and SHF were chosen to regenerate the available experimental size radii. It was found that using spherical Hankel functions in our work improved the calculated results quantities in comparison with empirical data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current study was conducted in the poultry field of the Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kufa from 22/10/2021 to 25/11/2021 (35 days) to evaluate the efficiency of fermented local corn on the productive performance of broiler. 300 chicks of one day old hybrid Ross 308 with primary weight of 39g were used. Chicks were obtained from private Anwar hatchery in Babylon province then raised in closed house divided into pens with 3m² for each and distributed randomly on 5 treatments with three replicates for each treatment (60 chicks for each treatment and 20 for each replicate). Treatments were prepared as follows: T1: Imported corn, T2; Unfermented local corn, T3; Replacing fermented local corn instead of imported corn in a ratio of 50%, T4; Replacing fermented local corn instead of imported corn in a ratio of 75% and T5; Replacing fermented local corn instead of imported corn in a ratio of 100%. The outcome indicated that fermenting local corn by Saccharomyces cerevisiae (1g.kg-1 corn for 24h) was improved the nutritional value of corn particularly crude protein and fat as well as decreasing aflatoxin B1 to very low level. Replacing fermented local corn in a ratio of 50 or 75% instead of imported corn was gave close results for final body weight, total weight gain, total feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compare to imported corn. While, the results of using fermented local corn (T2) was reduced values significantly (P≤0.05) between treatments for most studied characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate any mutation in efflux pump genes (SdeB, SdeY, HasF) in Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens) isolated from UTI, wound and sputum samples and compared them with global genes in NCBI. These genes play an important role in resistance against different types of antibiotics by a mechanism called efflux pump. Identification of bacteria was done according to morphological and biochemical tests and VITEK-2 compact system. 24% of all samples contained this bacterium. After DNA extraction, efflux pump genes were amplified by using specific primers. All isolates of S. marcescens were found to have these genes. Sequencing results of these genes depicted mutations which were different from global sequences in NCBI. Later, sequences of these genes were documented in NCBI under accession numbers: Serratia marcescens ASH-2 SdeB GenBank: LC647797.1, Serratia marcescens ASH-4 SdeY GenBank: LC647799.1 and Serratia marcescens ASH-1 Hasf GenBank: LC647796.1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Escherichia coli is one of the significant bacteria that belongs to Enterobacteriaceae bacteria family, which found in human intestinal tracts. Several Escherichia coli clone have been known to be extremely virulent and multidrug resistant. Escherichia coli poses a significant public health challenge for Iraq. Objectives: The current study aimed to cleavage the mucin protein by partial purified protease enzyme produced by pathogenic Escherichia coli bacteria. Materials and methods: This study was conducted on isolates of Escherichia coli bacteria that isolated from stool of people with gastroenteritis and diarrhoea. These isolates were examined on skim milk agar medium in order to screening of protease enzyme. Escherichia coli A29 was efficient isolate for protease production. The protease enzyme was purified by ion exchange (CM-Cellulose column) and gel filtration chromatography (Sephacryl S-300) after precipitated by ammonium sulphite saturation of 80%. Characterization for protease enzyme was done for effect of pH and temperature on activity and stability. The next step was treatment of protease (19250 U/mg) with mucin (0.11 mg/ml) and passed across the Sephacryl S-300 column. Results: The results showed that the purification of protease by these chromatography techniques was given specific activity of 19250 U/mg, purification fold 4.94 and yield 49. The maximum activity for purified protease was at pH 6.0 (77.527 U/ml) and pH stability for enzyme activity was between 5.5 and 9, while the optimum temperature was 37°C (77.7 U/ml) and the stability for activity was kept between 15 and 50°C. Conclusion: The protease was cleavage of mucin for 3 peaks which represent fragments of mucin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Attendees will be able to identify research gaps pertaining to palliative care that exist in the current psychiatric contexts of psychedelic assisted therapy. 2. Attendees will be able to evaluate current strategies aimed at addressing research gaps pertaining to palliative care that exist in the current psychiatric contexts of psychedelic assisted therapy. Current ongoing trials pf Psychedelic Assisted Therapy are integrating palliative care core principles with a goal of addressing palliative care-oriented constructs beyond limited traditional psychiatric diagnoses, offering PAT in outpatient palliative care and hospice settings, enrolling frail adults typically excluded from psychiatric studies, and using community resources to recruit diverse patients into trials. Emerging evidence from pilot studies and small randomized controlled trials suggests that psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) may improve anxiety, depression and existential distress in persons facing serious illness. However, the psychiatric setting in which these trials have been conducted limits generalization to and implementation in palliative care (PC) populations. Our goal through this interactive session is to review core design elements of clinical trials of PAT that have expanded beyond the psychiatric paradigm and describe opportunities and challenges for future research to integrate PAT within existing PC delivery models. We will detail three ongoing trials of psilocybin led by palliative care clinician researchers for patients with life-limiting illness, focusing on a core element for each trial: 1) Trial #1 utilizes palliative care interdisciplinary team members to address "total pain" earlier in the course of a disease, focuses on the treatment of existential distress, and integrates spiritually-integrated psychedelic therapy into routine outpatient palliative care; 2) Trial #2 incorporates PAT into hospice care to address demoralization in terminally ill patients 3) Trial #3 will address the lack of representation in psychedelic studies by integrating community informed strategies to ensure participants are racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically representative of patients facing serious cancer in the US. Current ongoing trials are integrating palliative care core principles with a goal of addressing palliative care-oriented constructs beyond psychiatric diagnoses (e.g., "total pain" and existential distress), offering PAT in outpatient palliative care and hospice settings, enrolling frail adults typically excluded from psychiatric studies, and using community resources to recruit diverse patients into trials. Managing Suffering and Distress Existential / Humanities / Spirituality / Religion [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we define the bivariate new sequence of integral type operators which is denote by Hn(f(t, t); x, y) to approximation the functions in the spaces Ca ([0, ∞) × [0, ∞)), a > 0 and define a generalization of this sequence depends on a natural number S denote it by Hn, s(f; x, y) to get a better order of approximation by the sequence Hn, s(f; x, y). Firstly, we study some approximation properties for these sequences. Then, we discuss the simultaneous approximation for the r-th order partial derivatives for the sequence Hn, s(f; x, y). Also, we illustrate the order of approximation by Voronovskaja-type theorem. Finally, we demonstrate the convergence of the sequence Hn, s(f(t, t); x, y) to the function f by given some numerical examples and compare the numerical results obtained with the numerical results occurs from the sequence Hn(f; x, y). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells have dominated the photovoltaic industry for decades. However, due to high reflectivity and the presence of numerous types of surface contaminants, the solar cell only absorbs a limited amount of the incident solar radiation. To improve the efficiency of the solar cell, anti-reflection and self-cleaning coatings must be applied to the surface. The main objective of this work is to synthesize an amorphous carbon nitride CNx thin film as a novel dual-function anti-reflection coating (ARC) for c-Si solar cells. The CNx film was synthesized by the RF magnetron sputtering technique and characterized by different chemical, structural, and optical analysis techniques. The performance of CNx film was investigated via measuring the reflectance, photoelectric conversion efficiency, and external quantum efficiency. The minimum reflectance was 0.3% at 550 nm wavelength, and the external quantum efficiency achieved was more than 90% within the broad wavelength range. The open circuit voltage and short circuit current density that have been achieved are 578 mV and 33.85 mAcm−2, respectively. Finally, a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 13.05% was achieved with the coated c-Si solar cell in comparison with 5.52% for the uncoated c-Si solar cell. This study shows that CNx films have promising application potential as an efficient ARC for c-Si solar cells as compared to traditional ARC materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Neonatal jaundice is characterized by a yellowish coloration of the skin and sclera of newborn infants and elevated serum bilirubin levels. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the knowledge, practices and attitudes of primigravidas in Diyala province of Iraq regarding neonatal jaundice. Material and Methods: A questionnaire was applied to 165 women who were primigravidas between January 1, 2022 and March 31, 2022 in hospitals and health centers to evaluate their knowledge, practices and attitudes about neonatal jaundice. Results: Although 71.4% of the women knew the two signs of neonatal jaundice, 78.8% of them did not know any of the dangerous signs of neonatal jaundice. 28.4% of women knew that there are two effective treatment methods for the treatment of neonatal jaundice. 57.6% of the women were not aware of any of the severe complications of neonatal jaundice. Conclusion: Most of the primigravida in this study decided to visit physicians when their babies have jaundice without using traditional treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates the approach to enhance the thermal management of battery cell module by attaching number of inverted triangular cavity to its casing. A sinusoidal heating is considered to battery cell module or a left wall of the cavity. The sinusoidal heated region is considered to be a function of amplitude ratio. The objective is to transfer the heat from module using natural convection process. The enhanced heat transfer is possible by adopting hybrid nanofluid in a triangular cavity due to its improved thermophysical properties. Thus, the investigation on natural convection heat transfer, fluid flow, and irreversibility within an inverted right-angled triangular porous cavity is conducted. Numerical results are obtained through an own-house FORTRAN coding, that uses the streamfunction–vorticity algorithm. The numerical results are derived for various values with Rayleigh number (103-106\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$${10}^{3}-{10}^{6}$$\end{document}), Darcy number (10-5-10-1)\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$${10}^{-5}-{10}^{-1})$$\end{document}, Hartmann number (0-50)\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$$0-50)$$\end{document}, amplitude ratio (0.0-0.9\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$$0.0-0.9$$\end{document}) and volume fraction of nanoparticles (0.01-0.04\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$$0.01-0.04$$\end{document}), respectively. The irreversibility and flow results are compared with the various hybrid nanofluids. The study indicates that opting inverted right-angled triangular cavity rather than a square shape leads to an improvement in heat transfer. Accordingly, this inverted right-angled triangular cavity natural convective cooling can be considered as optimum design with the battery cell module for improved thermal management.Graphical abstract: The study investigates the approach to enhance the thermal management of battery cell module by attaching number of inverted triangular cavity to its casing. A sinusoidal heating is considered to battery cell module or a left wall of the cavity. The sinusoidal heated region is considered to be a function of amplitude ratio. The objective is to transfer the heat from module using natural convection process. The enhanced heat transfer is possible by adopting hybrid nanofluid in a triangular cavity due to its improved thermophysical properties. Thus, the investigation on natural convection heat transfer, fluid flow, and irreversibility within an inverted right-angled triangular porous cavity is conducted. Numerical results are obtained through an own-house FORTRAN coding, that uses the streamfunction–vorticity algorithm. The numerical results are derived for various values with Rayleigh number (103-106\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$${10}^{3}-{10}^{6}$$\end{document}), Darcy number (10-5-10-1)\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$${10}^{-5}-{10}^{-1})$$\end{document}, Hartmann number (0-50)\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$$0-50)$$\end{document}, amplitude ratio (0.0-0.9\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$$0.0-0.9$$\end{document}) and volume fraction of nanoparticles (0.01-0.04\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{wasysym}\usepackage{amsfonts}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{upgreek}\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}\begin{document}$$0.01-0.04$$\end{document}), respectively. The irreversibility and flow results are compared with the various hybrid nanofluids. The study indicates that opting inverted right-angled triangular cavity rather than a square shape leads to an improvement in heat transfer. Accordingly, this inverted right-angled triangular cavity natural convective cooling can be considered as optimum design with the battery cell module for improved thermal management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed to find the most common causative agents relates to skin ulceration in most common fish farming (ponds and cages) affects Cyprinus carpio in Wasit province harvested from three different regions. The laboratory isolation and detection of bacteria in this study was carried out in medical laboratory techniques in Middle Technical University and Central Public Health Laboratory in Baghdad from September to December 2020. For this study 240 infected common carp Cyprinus carpio L. were used, 120 samples from cages and 120 samples from ponds. Samples were taken from three regions, which represented the north, central, and south of the governorate. Samples from skin ulcers were taken from affected areas in the body of the fish, skin, gills and fins, then transporting to the laboratory to perform bacterial culture. The present study illustrates that the common causative agent of ulceration in fish skin, gills and fins was bacteria with most detected bacteria were Aeromonas hydrophila (56.7%) in cages and (37.5%) in ponds, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (40.83%) in cages and (35.08%) in ponds, and Citrobacter freundii (41.66%) in cages and (25.8%) in ponds through the months including in this study. In conclusion, the most important pathogenic bacteria related to skin ulceration in both cages and ponds in all three locations in Wasit province were Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Citrobacter freundii. The infection rate was higher in cages compared to ponds because of increase pollution by sewage and organic compound and due to stress condition resulting from higher stoking density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]