Estimation of Radiation Dose from Most Common Pediatrics Radiographic Examinations within Main Central Hospitals in Najaf City, Iraq

          تضمنت هذه الدراسة تقييم جرعة الدخول الاشعاعية المستلمة من قبل المرضى الاطفال الذين يجرون بعض فحص التصوير الطبي للصدر، البطن، والجمجمة. تمت الدراسة في مستشفيين رئيسيين في محافظة النجف حيث تضمنت الدراسة ثلاثة اجهزة شعاعية للتصوير الطبي. تم تقسيم عينة الدراسة الى اربعة فئات عمرية 0-1 , 1-5 , 5-10   و10-15 سنة. اجريت الحسابات باستخدام عوامل التعرض الاشعاعي والتي تشمل فرق الجهد والتيار الكهربائي لأنبوبة الاشعة السينية والمسافة بين مركز الاشعة وسطح جلد المريض بالإضافة الى عمر المريض. وقد حسبت جرعة الدخول الاشعاعية لكل من الفحص الامامي الخلفي للصدر والبطن والجمجمة. وتم تحليل النتائج ومقارنتها مع الحدود المسموحة دوليا لكل فحص شعاعي. وقد وجدت الدراسة ان الجرعة الاشعاعية الناتجة عن أي فحص تزداد بزيادة عمر الطفل.  وقد سجلت المستشفى رقم 1 بجهازها رقم 2 اقل الجرع الاشعاعية حيث كانت جرع الدخول الاشعاعية لها 19.93-67.66 ملي كري لأشعة الصدر، 39.03-82.63 ملي كري لأشعة البطن، و35.47-94.27 ملي كري لفحص الجمجمة. بينما اعلى الجرع الاشعاعية سجلت في المستشفى رقم 2 بالجهاز ذو الرقم 1 وكما يلي: بالنسبة لأشعة الصدر كانت اقل جرعة247.51 ملي كري واعلى جرعة 2393.12 ملي كري، ولأشعة البطن كانت اقل جرعة 269.05 ملي كري واعلى جرعة 5106.15 ملي كري، اما لأشعة الجمجمة كانت اقل جرعة 430.96 ملي كري والاعلى كانت 3072.77 ملي كري. وقد استنتجت الدراسة ان معظم الجرع الاشعاعية المسجلة للأطفال ضمن الحدود المسموح بها دوليا مع بعض القيم اعلى من ذلك.In this study the Entrance Surface Dose (ESD) received by pediatrics patients undergoing chest, abdomen and skull X-ray examinations was estimated. The study was conducted in two hospitals in Najaf city where three radiographic systems were considered. The study participants were classified into four age groups 0-1 ,  1-5 ,  5-10  and  10-15  years. Calculations were performed using exposure factors, kVp, mAs and focal-skin distance, together with patient data age. The ESD was calculated for the involved patients who underwent an Antero-posterior (AP) chest, abdomen and skull X-ray examination. The resulted data were analyzed and compared with international dose references. For all studied radiographic examinations and all X-ray machines, the ESD increases with age. The lowest recorded radiation dose was from hospital 1 machine 2. In this facility ESD ranged from 19.93  µGy to  67.66  µGy for chest X-ray, from  39.03  µGy to  82.63  µGy for abdomen (AP), and from  35.47  µGy to  94.27  µGy for skull (AP). In contrast the highest dose levels are recorded from hospital 2 machine 1; the minimum ESD for chest X-ray is 247.51  µGy and the maximum is  2393.12  µGy; for abdomen X-ray the lowest ESD is  269.05  µGy and the highest value is  5106.15  µGy; and for skull X-ray minimum values is  430.96  µGy and the maximum value is  3072.77  µGy. In conclusion, for the considered pediatrics examinations, most of ESD values are within the international acceptable level and some are higher >100%

An adaptive clustering and classification algorithm for Twitter data streaming in Apache Spark

On-going big data from social networks sites alike Twitter or Facebook has been an entrancing hotspot for investigation by researchers in current decades as a result of various aspects including up-to-date-ness, accessibility and popularity; however anyway there may be a trade off in accuracy. Moreover, clustering of twitter data has caught the attention of researchers. As such, an algorithm which can cluster data within a lesser computational time, especially for data streaming is needed. The presented adaptive clustering and classification algorithm is used for data streaming in Apache spark to overcome the existing problems is processed in two phases. In the first phase, the input pre-processed twitter data is viably clustered utilizing an Improved Fuzzy C-means clustering and the proposed clustering is additionally improved by an Adaptive Particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Further the clustered data streaming is assessed utilizing spark engine. In the second phase, the input pre-processed Higgs data is classified utilizing the modified support vector machine (MSVM) classifier with grid search optimization. At long last the optimized information is assessed in spark engine and the assessed esteem is utilized to discover an accomplished confusion matrix. The proposed work is utilizing Twitter dataset and Higgs dataset for the data streaming in Apache Spark. The computational examinations exhibit the superiority ofpresented approach comparing with the existing methods in terms of precision, recall, F-score, convergence, ROC curve and accuracy

Development of microextraction methods for the determination of sulfamethoxazole in water and biological samples: modelling, optimization and verification by central composite design

This study aimed to preconcentration of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in water and biological samples. Ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (UA-DLLME) and ultrasound-assisted dispersive solid-phase microextraction (UA-DSPME) methods paired with spectrophotometry were applied to extraction and preconcentration of SMX. ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles were prepared as adsorbent in UA-DSPME method by hydrothermal method. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique showed that the adsorbent had symmetrical, bullet-shaped particles with uniform size. The results of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed the successful synthesis of the ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles. Effective parameters in extraction, including ultrasonication time, disperser solvent volume, adsorbent amount, extraction solvent volume, eluent volume, and pH were investigated and optimized. The practical and optimal conditions of the process were determined by the central composite design (CCD). The optimal conditions were 0.024 g of adsorbent, 535 µL of disperser solvent volume, 7.5 min of ultrasonication time, 235 µL of eluent volume, pH of 5, and 185 µL of extraction solvent volume. Linear ranges and detection limits were 20–1,200 μg L−1 and 6 μg L−1 for UA-DSPME and 10–800 μg L−1 and 3 μg L−1 for UA-DLLME. Relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 4% were obtained for UA-DSPME and UA-DLLME methods. The reusability showed that the ZnFe2O4 adsorbent could extract SMX up to five cycles of adsorption/desorption without significant reduction in its efficiency. Also, interference studies showed that the presence of different cations and anions did not significantly interfere in the extraction of SMX. The outcomes of real-time samples analysis showed that the extraction of SMX for both methods was in the range of 92.44%–99.12%. The results showed the developed methods are simple, sensitive, and suitable for SMX preconcentration in environmental water and biological samples

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Summary Background Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. Methods We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung’s disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. Findings We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung’s disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middleincome countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in lowincome countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. Interpretation Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between lowincome, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030

Première étude au Qatar pour mettre en évidence la forte présence de légionelles dans les tours de refroidissement

Legionella spp. is transmitted from water to humans by aerosol-generating devices, including cooling towers (CTs). There have not been published reports about Legionella in these systems in Qatar. Ten CTs in Qatar University were sampled on a monthly basis. Bacteria were recovered from 90 water samples by filtration and concentration. Legionella DNA copy number (CN) was assessed by quantitative RT-PCR. Legionella DNA was detected in 100% of the samples. The bacterial counts ranged from 0.006 to 199.56 CFU/mL, and critical counts were found in 51 (56.7 %) samples. Moreover, 7 (7.8%) samples showed a count of more than 100 CFU/mL. The highest counts were found in the months of May and June. These results suggest that this organism is found in high number in tested CTs, presenting a potential health risk to the local population. 1 2017, World Health Organization. All rights reserved.Funding: This research was funded by an Undergraduate Research Experience Program grant (# UREP 15 - 014 - 3 - 005) from the Qatar National Research Fund (Qatar Foundation). Competing interests: None declared.تنتقل بكتيريا الفيلقية من الماء إلى البشر عن طريق أجهزة توليد الرذاذ، ومنها أبراج التبريد. ولا توجد أي تقارير منشورة بشأن بكتيريا الفيلقية في هذه النظم في قطر. وجرى اختيار 10 أبراج تبريد في جامعة قطر على أساس شهري. كما تم استخراج البكتيريا من 90 عينة مائية بواسطة الترشيح والتركيز. وقيّم عدد نسخ الحمض الخلوي الصبغي لبكتيريا الفيلقية باستخدام تحليلRT-PCR. واكتشفت البكتيريا الفيلقية في 100% من العينات. وتراوح تعداد البكتيريا من 0.006 إلى 199.56 وحدة مكونة لمستعمرات/ ملليمتر، وكذلك عثر على تعدادات حرجة في 51 عينة (56.7%). وفضلاً على ذلك. أظهرت سبع عينات (7.8 %) تعداداً أكبر من 100 وحدة مكونة لمستعمرات/ ملليمتر. واكتشفت أعلى التعدادات في مايو ويونيو. وتشير هذه النتائج إلى وجود هذا الكائن في عدد كبير من أبراج التبريد المختبرة، مما يطرح مخاطر صحية محتملة على السكان المحليين.RÉSUMÉ Les Legionella spp se transmettent de l’eau à l’homme par les dispositifs générateurs d’aérosols, notamment les tours de refroidissement. Aucun rapport n’a été publié sur la présence de légionelles dans ces systèmes au Qatar. Des prélèvements mensuels ont été effectués dans dix tours de refroidissement de l’Université du Qatar. Des bactéries ont été retrouvées dans 90 échantillons d’eau par filtration et concentration. Le nombre de copies de l’ADN des Legionella a été évalué par PCR quantitative en temps réel. L’ADN des Legionella a été détecté dans 100 % des échantillons. La numération bactérienne était comprise entre 0,006 et 199,56 CFU/mL et des numérations critiques ont été constatées dans 51 échantillons (56,7 %). En outre, 7 échantillons (7,8 %) présentaient une numération supérieure à 100 CFU/mL. Les numérations les plus élevées ont été relevées aux mois de mai et de juin. Ces résultats semblent indiquer que cet organisme est présent en grand nombre dans les tours de refroidissement ayant fait l’objet de prélèvements, ce qui constitue un risque sanitaire potentiel pour la population locale.Scopu

Multi-Agent Variational Approach for Robotics: A Bio-Inspired Perspective

This study proposes an adaptable, bio-inspired optimization algorithm for Multi-Agent Space Exploration. The recommended approach combines a parameterized Aquila Optimizer, a bio-inspired technology, with deterministic Multi-Agent Exploration. Stochastic factors are integrated into the Aquila Optimizer to enhance the algorithms efficiency. The architecture, called the Multi-Agent Exploration-Parameterized Aquila Optimizer (MAE-PAO), starts by using deterministic MAE to assess the cost and utility values of nearby cells encircling the agents. A parameterized Aquila Optimizer is then used to further increase the exploration pace. The effectiveness of the proposed MAE-PAO methodology is verified through extended simulations in various environmental conditions. The algorithm viability is further evaluated by comparing the results with those of the contemporary CME-Aquila Optimizer (CME-AO) and the Whale Optimizer. The comparison adequately considers various performance parameters, such as the percentage of the map explored, the number of unsuccessful runs, and the time needed to explore the map. The comparisons are performed on numerous maps simulating different scenarios. A detailed statistical analysis is performed to check the efficacy of the algorithm. We conclude that the proposed algorithms average rate of exploration does not deviate much compared to contemporary algorithms. The same idea is checked for exploration time. Thus, we conclude that the results obtained for the proposed MAE-PAO algorithm provide significant advantages in terms of enhanced map exploration with lower execution times and nearly no failed runs.Funding Agencies|King Saud University [RSPD2023R704]; King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia</p

Recent Advances in Harris Hawks Optimization : A Comparative Study and Applications

The Harris hawk optimizer is a recent population-based metaheuristics algorithm that simulates the hunting behavior of hawks. This swarm-based optimizer performs the optimization procedure using a novel way of exploration and exploitation and the multiphases of search. In this review research, we focused on the applications and developments of the recent well-established robust optimizer Harris hawk optimizer (HHO) as one of the most popular swarm-based techniques of 2020. Moreover, several experiments were carried out to prove the powerfulness and effectivness of HHO compared with nine other state-of-art algorithms using Congress on Evolutionary Computation (CEC2005) and CEC2017. The literature review paper includes deep insight about possible future directions and possible ideas worth investigations regarding the new variants of the HHO algorithm and its widespread applications.Funding Agencies|Deanship of Scientific Research at Umm Al-Qura University [22UQU4320277DSR07]</p

Improved prairie dog optimization algorithm by dwarf mongoose optimization algorithm for optimization problems

Recently, optimization problems have been revised in many domains, and they need powerful search methods to address them. In this paper, a novel hybrid optimization algorithm is proposed to solve various benchmark functions, which is called IPDOA. The proposed method is based on enhancing the search process of the Prairie Dog Optimization Algorithm (PDOA) by using the primary updating mechanism of the Dwarf Mongoose Optimization Algorithm (DMOA). The main aim of the proposed IPDOA is to avoid the main weaknesses of the original methods; these weaknesses are poor convergence ability, the imbalance between the search process, and premature convergence. Experiments are conducted on 23 standard benchmark functions, and the results are compared with similar methods from the literature. The results are recorded in terms of the best, worst, and average fitness function, showing that the proposed method is more vital to deal with various problems than other methods

The prevalence of Middle East respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in livestock and temporal relation to locations and seasons

Background: The Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) has been reported for the first time infecting a human being since 2012. The WHO was notified of 27 countries have reported cases of MERS, the majority of these cases occur in the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Dromedary camels are likely to be the main source of Middle East respiratory syndrome virus (MERS-CoV) infection in humans. Methods: MERS-CoV infection rates among camels in livestock markets and slaughterhouses were investigated in Saudi Arabia. A total of 698 nasal swabs were collected and examined with Rapid assay and rtRT-PCR. Ten MERS-CoV positive samples were subjected to full genomic sequencing. In addition, the sensitivity and specificity of the Rapid immunochromatographic assay (BioNote, South Korea) was evaluated as a diagnostic tool for MERS-CoV compared to rtRT-PCR. Results: The results showed a high percentage of dromedaries (56.4%) had evidence for nasal MERS-CoV infection. Phylogenetic analysis of the ten MERS-CoV isolates showed that the sequences were closely related to the other MERS-CoV strains recovered from camels and human cases. Moreover, the results showed that 195 samples were positive for MERS-CoV by rapid assay compared to 394 positive samples of rtRT-PCR, which showed low rapid assay sensitivity (49.49%) while, the specificity were found to be 100%. Conclusion: These findings indicate that these sites are a highly-hazardous to zoonotic diseases. Keywords: MERS, Slaughterhouses, Livestock markets, Saudi Arabi