Perceptions of hookah smoking harmfulness: predictors and characteristics among current hookah users

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The influence of smoking on male reproductive parameters in a group of Iraqi subfertile men

Background: Among different air pollutants, cigarette smoke contains toxic chemicals, mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds, which can adversely affect male fertility. In this study, semen parameters and reproductive hormonal concentrations of subfertile smokers were compared with subfertile non-smokers. Objectives: evaluation of the effect of cigarette smoking on male fertility by evaluating several semen parameters as well as some reproductive hormones in a group of smoker and non smokersubfertile Iraqi subjects. Patients and Methods: At the male infertility clinic of Al-yarmuk teaching hospital, Almustanseria medical college, Baghdad, Iraq from the 1st of October 2010 to the end of June 2011, 88 men (49 non-smokers, and 39 smokers) with history of subfertility for at least 1 year were evaluated by medical history, physical examination, semen analyses and reproductive hormonal profile. Results:There was a significant impairment of semen parameters namely sperm count, sperm motility and normal sperm morphology in subfertile smokers (means ± SD were 23±28.01, 11.25±16.96 and 35.41±26.44 respectively as compared to subfertilenon smokers in which means ± SD were 53.67±22.16, 27.04±15.70, 52.04±17.90 respectively and P values were < 0.005 for the 3 parameters with a non significant changes in reproductive hormonal profile between smokers and non smokers. Conclusion: Smoking does affect conventional semen parameters namely sperm count, motility and morphology significantlywith mild non significantchanges in male reproductive hormonal analysis

Short Term Effectiveness of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery in the Management of Brain Arteriovenous Malformation

AIM: To evaluate the short-term effectiveness of Gamma knife radiosurgery as a modality of treatment of brain arteriovenous malformation. METHODS: Sixty-three patients with arteriovenous brain malformations underwent Gamma knife radiosurgery included in this prospective study between April 2017 and September 2018 with clinical and radiological with MRI follow up was done at three months and six months post-Gamma knife radiosurgery. By the end of the 12th-month post-Gamma knife radiosurgery, the patients were re-evaluated using digital subtraction angiography co-registered with M.R.I. During the 12 months follow up, CT scan or MRI was done at any time if any one of the patients᾽ condition deteriorated or developed signs and symptoms of complications. The mean volume of the arteriovenous malformations treated was 26.0 ± 5 cm3 (range 12.5–39.5 cm3) in The Neurosciences Hospital, Baghdad/Iraq. RESULTS: By the end of the 12th month of follow up, the overall obliteration of the arteriovenous malformations was seen in six patients only (9.5%), while shrinkage was noticed in 57 patients (90.5%). Improvement or clinical stability was found in 24 out of 39 patients (61.5%) presented with epilepsy as a chief complaint before Gamma knife radiosurgery and 21 out of 24 patients (87.0%) complained of a headache before Gamma knife radiosurgery. Post-Gamma knife radiosurgery bleeding was found in only three patients (5.0%). CONCLUSION: Even with the short term follow up, Gamma knife radiosurgery has an excellent clinical outcome in most patients with arteriovenous brain malformations. The clinical symptoms like headache and seizure were either diminished or controlled with the same medical treatment dose before Gamma knife radiosurgery. Long term clinical and radiological follow up is recommended

Functional Outcome Following Synthetic Vertebral Body Implantation in the Management of Spinal Disorders

OBJECTIVE: Synthetic vertebral body replacement has been widely used recently to treat different spinal conditions affecting the anterior column. They arrange from trauma, infections, and even tumor conditions. In this study, we assess the functional outcome of this modality in different spinal conditions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six cases operated from October 2010 to December 2017. Twelve patients had spinal type A3 fractures, 11 cases with spinal tuberculosis (TB), and 13 cases with spinal tumors. They were followed clinically for a mean period of 2.4 years. RESULTS: All the cases were approached anteriorly. Seven cases had a post-operative infection. No neurological worsening reported. We had dramatic neurological improvement in all spinal TB cases. Mortality recorded in only 4 cases with metastatic spinal tumor during the mean period of follow-up. Karnofsky performance status scale showed statistically significant change for spinal TB, and tumor cases during the follow-up period, but there was no significant change in cases of spinal type A3 fractures. CONCLUSION: The positive outcome of this surgery makes it recommended for properly selected patients, especially with spinal TB and tumors

Feasibility study of achieving reliable electricity supply using hybrid power system for rural primary schools in Iraq: a case study with umm qasr primary school

Electrical power is considered as a significant part of contemporary life, and an essential element for development. Fossil fuels have been utilized since the beginning of the twentieth century for electricity generation. However, fossil fuels depletion at the escalating pace as well as their formidable negative implications upon ecosystem contributed to increasing interest in harnessing renewable energy sources for producing electric power to meet the growing demand worldwide. In Iraq, the electrical supply is not sufficient to supply 12 hours a day of electricity. Many rural areas, particularly their schools are suffering from the electricity shortage such as Umm Qasr Primary School that located 20 km away from the city centre of Karbala city in the middle of Iraq. In order to overcome this issue, this paper proposes a hybrid system which relies on renewable resources and the local grid to electrify Umm Qasr Primary School. Various combinations of energy resources have been analysed by using HOMER software to estimate an optimum hybrid system. The analysis illustrates that the optimal configuration of the projected system is composed of 22.4 kW PV modules, 59 batteries, and 5738kWh purchased from the local grid which has reduced the net present cost(NPC)from US$163791 the current situation to US$60,420 for the proposed system. The simulation findings also demonstrate that detrimental emissions have been reduced significantly

Developing a New Algorithm to Detect Right Thumb Fingernail in Healthy Human

Due to significant challenges faced by traditional methods of personal identification like fingerprinting, eye scanning, and voice recognition, new techniques are needed. One such approach involves the use of human nail images for identification and access to personal identification programs and electronic patient files. A novel algorithm, which consists of three stages, has been proposed utilizing the HSV color space detection algorithm, grayscale contrast optimization algorithm, nail segmentation, and image smoothing with a Gaussian filter. This method reduces tested image data and preserves the primary image structure, and has the potential to surpass the accuracy of traditional methods, providing an additional layer of security in personal identification programs and electronic patient files. Nail image detection can be conducted remotely and accessed through standard cameras or smartphones, making it a more hygienic and convenient option than physical contact methods such as fingerprinting or eye scanning. Moreover, the use of nail images for personal identification has several other benefits, especially in situations where traditional methods are not feasible, such as in individuals with skin conditions that prevent fingerprinting. The success of the proposed algorithm in detecting nail images for personal identification has implications beyond individual security and can be applied in different fields, including healthcare and forensic science, to improve identification accuracy and prevent fraud. For example, the use of nail images could help prevent identity theft in healthcare settings, where sensitive information is stored and exchanged

Emerging wireless communication technologies in Iraqi government: Exploring cloud, edge, and fog computing

This study aims to structure the implementation of a governmental cloud of things (CoT), edge computing (EC), and fog computing in Iraq in the context of sustainable wireless communication. A base of literature was built that included any challenges, opportunities, and best practices relevant to these innovative technologies to set up the background for this paper. A concept model was created that included core components (cognitive technologies and fog computing), key processes (resource analysis, infrastructure design), and stakeholders (governments, industry, community). A strategic methodology made up of stakeholder involvement, capacity building, and pilot projects was used in the project. Concerning IoT planned deployment and services provision, network infrastructure was put in place to support the devices and a higher level of security measures were recommended. Using scenario hypothesis, MATLAB simulator was employed to simulate data value distribution as well as received power distribution based on different institutions for 12 months. Monitoring and evaluation should be followed to measure performance indicators and effects on this process. Continuously improvement strategies were the highlight of the session which further stimulated innovations. Acquainted projects will be put in the function to extend the range of activities by including additional government agencies, regions, or sectors. Reporting of the collected data and funding will be done with stakeholders to share and pool knowledge

Determinants of private domesticinvestment in Palestine: time series analysis

Purpose–This empirical paper aims to examine the impact of interest rate (IR) and political instability(POLINS) on Palestine’s domestic private investment.Design/methodology/approach–A set of econometric techniques of time series data are adopted to meetthe study objectives. They include regression analysis, unit root tests, cointegration test, ARDL & Bound tests,VAR test and Granger causality test.Findings–The study’s primary results complement the neoclassical approach, which states that the IR isnegatively associated with domestic private investment. The empirical results reveal that there is no long-runrelationship. Also, there is no causality between domestic investment and lending rates. Accordingly, thesefindings alert policymakers to draw a series of steps to minimize the IR at a minimum to stimulate investmentfor improved economic growth and development.Practical implications–There is still no national currency in Palestine. The Palestinian MonetaryAuthority (PMA) is advised to set an appropriate ratio of the IR for the currencies-in-circulation in Palestine forboosting investment and economic development.Originality/value–This paper provides new background information to both policymakers and researcherson the main determinants of investment in Palestine using econometric analysis. Accordingly, this critical issueis required to be examined in Palestine for stimulating investment

The Study of Learning Styles among Medical Students at Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia

The main objectives of this research were to detect types of learning styles (LS), time spending in studying, to know the relation with GPA, and to determine which LS is suitable with teaching style used in the College of Medicine at Majmaah University. The study was cross-sectional self-survey conducted among male and female medical students at College of Medicine at Majmaah city over 6 months. Cluster sampling was used and total participants were 194 students from College of Medicine (males & females). The data was collected using a designed questionnaire and analysis of data was performed by SPSS (V26).This study showed that majority of participants preferred the Visual learning (VL) style (27.79%), the second most used type was Kinesthetic (24.79%), and the least used type was Auditory (24.53%). It also showed that students who prefer VL style score more than students who prefer other learning styles. It was observed that the student who prefers kinesthetic style spent more time in the studying the more use of this type. In Conclusion, The study concluded that the majority of participants were preferred the VL style. It is also showed that student who prefers visual learning style score more than students who prefer other learning styles. It is important to increase awareness of students regarding types of their learning styles and teaching strategies in college during admission

Adrenal Oncocytic Neoplasm with Uncertain Malignant Potential

Adrenal oncocytic neoplasms (AONs) are a rare group of tumours with a somewhat uncertain natural history and clinical behaviour. Out of 46 cases of AON reported to date, 6 cases were histologically classified as neoplasms with uncertain malignant potential. We report the case of a 35-year-old male with an incidentally detected large AON with mostly benign morphology and some characteristics which would make its behaviouruncertain