Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by hepatic fat accumulation in individuals consuming little or no alcohol, has become highly prevalent globally. Oxidative stress plays a central role in instigating inflammation and cell death pathways driving NAFLD progression. This case–control study aimed to elucidate the association between circulating levels of the pivotal non-enzymatic antioxidants – coenzyme Q10 and vitamins E and C – and liver injury parameters among 60 Iraqi NAFLD patients versus 30 healthy controls. NAFLD diagnosis entailed over 5% hepatic steatosis on ultrasound excluding other etiologies. Patients spanned three age groups: 20–29, 30–39, and 40–49. Substantially diminished antioxidant levels concurrent with elevated alkaline phosphatase enzyme were unveiled in NAFLD patients relative to controls (all
Modern automation robotics have replaced many human workers in industrial factories around the globe. The robotic arms are used for several manufacturing applications, and their responses required optimal control. In this paper, a robust approach of optimal position control for a DC motor in the robotic arm system is proposed. The general component of the automation system is first introduced. The mathematical model and the corresponding transfer functions of a DC motor in the robotic arm system are presented. The investigations of using DC motor in the robotic arm system without controller lead to poor system performance. Therefore, the analysis and design of a Proportional plus Integration plus Divertive (PID) controller is illustrated.
... Show MorePurpose: To compare the antibacterial-enhancing efficacy of aloe vera and honey in salicylic acid topical formulations against acne. Method: Six formulations containing 5 % salicylic acid were developed as creams and gels as follows: Formulations S, V and H were creams containing salicylic acid alone (S), salicylic acid with 28 % aloe vera (V), and salicylic acid with 10 % honey (H). Formulations J, M, and B were gels containing salicylic acid alone (J), salicylic acid with aloe vera 20 % (M) and salicylic acid with 12 % honey (B). Each formula was evaluated for colour, odour, pH, viscosity, spreadability, and stability under different temperatures (25, 30, and 60oC) and times (1 hour, 1 day, and 1 week). Furthermore, antibacterial
... Show MoreExcessive water production is a persistent challenge in oil and gas wells, with polymer and gel solutions commonly employed for water control. This study investigates the rheological behaviour of cross-linked polyacrylamide gels and their impact on water shutoff treatment in gas wells. Rheological measurements, coreflooding experiments using Berea sandstone samples, and micromodel flow visualizations were conducted to evaluate gel performance. Results showed that during water injection, the water residual resistance factor ( Frrw ) decreases with increasing flow rates, mainly due to gel shear thinning behaviour and reduced residual gas saturation. Higher polymer concentrations in the gel enhance water permeability reduction. In contrast, un
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The complete genome sequence of bacteriophage VPUSM 8 against O1 El Tor Inaba
Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis (SD) are common skin disorders affecting the scalp and extending to other body sites in the case of SD. They are associated with pruritus and scaling, causing an esthetical disturbance in the population affected. Treatment of such conditions involves using a variety of drugs for long terms, thus optimizing drug formulation is essential to improve therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. Conventional topical formulations like shampoos and creams have been widely used but their use is associated with disadvantages. To overcome such effects, novel topical nanotechnology-based formulations are currently under investigation. In the following article, we highlight recently published formulatio
... Show MoreSnS has been widely used in photoelectric devices due to its special band gap of 1.2-1.5 eV. Here, we reported on the fabrication of SnS nanosheets and the effect of synthesis condition together with heat treatment on its physical properties. The obtained band gap of the SnS nanosheets is in the rage of 1.37-1.41 eV. It was found that the photo-current density of a thin film comprised of SnS nanosheets could be enhanced significantly by annealing treatment. The maximum photo-current density of the stack structure of FTO/SnS/CdS/Pt was high as 389.5 mu A cm(-2), rendering its potential application in high efficiency solar hydrogen production.
This study focuses on the impact of technology on creating a dystopian world as presented by the English playwright Caryl Churchill in her play A Number (2002). This dramatic work came as a reaction to the most crucial and valuable turning point in the scientific achievements of human engineering, namely, the cloning of the sheep called Dolly. Therefore, A Number is a play that presents an analytical stage for imagining the biotechnological and scientific future. This dramatic vignette captures the playwright’s fears towards the abnormal progress of technology and science and how far such technological progress affects human relationships and identity. It also portrays how technological progress results in the feeling of a lack of
... Show MoreThe advancements in horizontal drilling combined with hydraulic fracturing have been historically proven as the most viable technologies in the exploitation of unconventional resources (e.g., shale and tight gas reservoirs). However, the number of fractures, well timing, and arrangement pattern can have a significant impact on the project economy. Therefore, such design and operating parameters need to be efficiently optimized for obtaining the best production performance from unconventional gas reservoirs. In this study, the process of selecting the optimal number of fractures was conducted on a section of a tight gas reservoir model (based on data from the Whicher Range (WR) tight gas field in Western Australia). Then, the optimal number
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