Introduction and Aim: Beta-thalassemia is a serious inherited genetic disorder and an increasing health burden globally. Beta -thalassemia is caused by genetic globin abnormalities within the hemoglobin beta (HBB) gene. This study aimed to characterize the HBB gene mutations in beta -thalassemia among southern Iraqi patients. Materials and Methods: The study included 30 beta -thalassemia patients referred to the Thi-Qar Center for Genetic Diseases, Iraq and 15 control samples from a random group of apparently healthy individuals. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood sample collected from each individual. The DNA was amplified for specific regions of the HBB gene and the amplified products sequenced. The sequences generated were analysed for mutations using sequence analysis tools. Results: Molecular analysis revealed several mutations in the HBB gene including translocation, deletion and substitution mutations in the population tested positive for the beta -thalassemia trait. Conclusion: Thalassemia major is a serious concern in southern Iraq and therefore this study emphasizes a need for complete mutation profiling of the beta -globin gene as a strategy for screening of carriers within the population. Such examinations could be useful in pre-marital genetic counseling and for undertaking prevention and treatment measures.
This study reports the formation, characterisation and biological evaluation of a Schiff base ligand and its corresponding metal complexes. The Schiff base ligand (HL) was prepared through a condensation reaction involving isonicotinohydrazide and N'-((1R,2R,4R,5S, E)-2,4-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3-azabi cyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-ylidene) isonicotinohydrazide (M) in EtOH solvent and (3-5) drops of conc. HCl. The interaction of HL with selected metal chlorides including Mn(+2), Co(+2), Ni(+2), Cu(+2) and Zn(+2) in a 2:1 (L:M) mole ratio resulted in the synthesis of complexes with the general formula [M(HL)Cl2] (where: M = Mn(+2),Co(+2) and Ni(+2)) and [M`(HL)Cl2] (where M` = Cu(+2) and Zn(+2)). The characterisation of the prepared compounds w
... Show MoreThis study is a numerical investigation of the performance of reinforced concrete (RC) columns after fire exposure. This study aims to investigate the effect of introducing lateral ties and using the RC jacket on improving post-fire behavior of these columns, the effect of the duration of the fire on ultimate load of columns. The analysis was performed through ABAQUS, a 3D – non-linear finite element program. 4 m tall lengthening square RC column with a cross- section of 0.4 m × 0.4 m was used as a test specimen. The RC column was reinforced by 4Ø28 mm longitudinal bars bonded by steel tie bars of Ø10 mm spaced at 400 mm. The firing temperature was increased to 60
In the present work, a density functional theory (DFT) calculation to simulate reduced graphene oxide (rGO) hybrid with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle's sensitivity to NO2 gas is performed. In comparison with the experiment, DFT calculations give acceptable results to available bond lengths, lattice parameters, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy gaps, Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, entropy, etc. to ZnO, rGO, and ZnO/rGO hybrid. ZnO and rGO show n-type and p-type semiconductor behavior, respectively. The formed p-n heterojunction between rGO and ZnO is of the staggering gap type. Results show that rGO increases the sensitivity of ZnO to NO2 gas as they form a hybrid. ZnO/rGO hybrid has a higher number of vacancies that can b
... Show MorePower-electronic converters are essential elements for the effective interconnection of renewable energy sources to the power grid, as well as to include energy storage units, vehicle charging stations, microgrids, etc. Converter models that provide an accurate representation of their wideband operation and interconnection with other active and passive grid components and systems are necessary for reliable steady state and transient analyses during normal or abnormal grid operating conditions. This paper introduces two Laplace domain-based approaches to model buck and boost DC-DC converters for electromagnetic transient studies. The first approach is an analytical one, where the converter is represented by a two-port admittance model via mo
... Show MoreThis study presented an endeavour to integrate the value chain activities with the Balanced Scorecard for a comprehensive evaluation of an organization’s strategic performance. It also demonstrated the connection and the integration of the activities of the value chain with the Balanced Scorecard. The financial measurement was linked with non-financial measurement by integrating these techniques to achieve an appropriate performance that supports all aspects of the organizational performance. Consequently, the research problem in this study emerged, which is due to the concentration of many organizations on the measurement of financial performance. Notably, the latter caused the decline of some organizations from the competitive market. T
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