Flexural behavior of steel concrete composite beam with web openings and strengthened by CFRP laminates

The present study is aiming to investigate the structural behavior of simply supported composite beams in which a concrete slab is connected withsteel beam by headed stud shear connector or by using epoxy layer as a shear connector. The main variables are the locations and numbers of web openings and methods of strengthening by CFRP laminates or by steel plate. During the test, samples were loaded by one or two line load across the width of the concrete slab; deflection and strain at mid-span were observed versus load.In the theoretical investigation, the tested samples were numerically modeled and then analyzed using the finite element method. The numerical models were carried out in three dimensions by software package (ANSYS V 12.1). Parametric studies were carried out to investigate the effect of opening diameters, opening locations, methods of strengthening, compressive strength of concrete onthe behavior of composite beams.The results show that the web openings decrease the strength of composite beams in the range of (5-15) % and the deflection of experimental tests show ductile behavior for all beams and increased ductility for strengthened beams

A study of the effects of work-family conflict, family-work conflict, and work-life balance on Saudi female teachers’ performance in the public education sector with job satisfaction as a moderator

Purpose: The main objective of this paper is to investigate the effects of work-family conflict, family-work conflict, and work-life balance on female teachers in the public education sector in Saudi Arabia as well as to analyze the impact of job satisfaction as a moderator for the independent variables. Methodology: This paper is based on quantitative research methods that included a survey of employees. The constructs of work-family conflict, family-work conflict, and work-life balance were formed using the bivariate and correlation analysis done in SPSS. A scatterplot was used to identify the relationships between the moderating factor of job satisfaction with the independent variables. Finally, multiple regression was done to understand the impact of work-family conflict, family-work conflict, and work-life balance on employee performance among female Saudi teachers in the public education sector. A linear regression analysis was applied to test the research hypotheses. Findings: The results showed that there is a positive and highly significant impact on employee performance by work-life balance and job satisfaction, whereas there is a positive but not significant effect when it comes to work-family conflict. However, family-work conflict revealed a significant negative impact on employee performance

Self-Care Management of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension for Pregnant Women Attending Primary Health Care Centers at Kirkuk City.

Abstract:-Objective (s) : Assessing self-care management of pregnancy induced hypertension for pregnant women attending primary health care centers at Kirkuk city. And to finding out relationship between self-care management of pregnancy induced hypertension and some socio demographic such as( age , educational level , socio economic status , body mass index).Methodology : A descriptive study non-probability (purposive) conducted on 100 pregnant women were selected from five typical primary health care centers The study was conducted ( from 27 Jan to 31 October 2015). The questionnaire consisted of four main parts including :Socio demographic characteristic such as( age , educational level , socio economic status , body mass index) , medical history of pregnant women and the family, reproductive history, self-care management for pregnant women. The analysis of data was performed through the application of descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: The findings of the study indicated that (26%) were in the age group(30-34) years and (46%) were primary school graduates, and (83%) were from low level of socio economic status , was 56% of pregnant women suffer from obesity. The study finding showed that there is no significant association between self-care management for pregnant women with socio demographic characteristics and body mass index (BMI)Conclusions: The study concludes that the level of pregnant women about self-care management toward pregnancy induced hypertension was " Moderate "Recommendations: The study recommended to increased awareness of pregnant women about pregnancy complications especially pregnancy induced hypertension through educational programs. Further studies are recommended to research about increasing awareness to self-care management toward pregnancy induced hypertension and its effect on maternal and fetal health.Keywords: Self-care, Pregnancy induced hypertension, Pregnant women, Primary health care___________________________

Enhancement of A Sustainable Performance of Prismatic and Non-Prismatic Plane Concrete Frame Under Static Load

هذا البحث يتحرى عمليا تقليل الغازات المنبعثة من الهيكل الخرساني المستوي عن طريق تقليل كمية الخرسانة نتيجة استخدام مقاطع غير منشوريه (المدببة) تحت حمل ساكن. الدراسة تتضمن صب ثلاث هياكل خراسانية ذو مقاومة اعتيادية. هيكلان مستويان بمقاطع عرضية غير منشوريه بالأعمدة والعتبة وهيكل خرساني بمقاطع منشوريه. جميع الهياكل فحصت تحت حمل ساكن عن طريق تسليط حملين مركزين على العتبة. النتائج بينت تحسن في اداء الهيكل الخرساني عند استخدام مقاطع غير منشوريه وزيادة في سعة تحمل الهيكل وبنفس كمية الخرسانة المستخدمة، لذلك كلفة المشروع والغازات المنبعثة يمكن تقليلها باستخدام مقاطع غير منشوريه. الحمل الاقصى للهيكل الخرساني ذو مقاطع غير منشوريه بالأعمدة والعتبة تزداد بمقدار 25% و16% على التوالي. استخدام مقاطع غير منشورية (الاعمدة والعتبة) يقلل صلادة الهيكل الخرساني ويحسن خصائص فشل القص ويجعله اقل هشاشة.This research investigates experimentally the reduction of gases emitted from a plane concrete frame by reducing the amount of concrete due to the use of non-prismatic cross-sections. The study includes casting three frames using normal-strength concrete. Two plane frames with non-prismatic cross-sections of the columns and beam and one frame with prismatic cross-sections. The amount of concrete used for all three specimens is the same. The frame was tested under static load by two concentrated loads on the beam. The results showed that the use of non-prismatic sections improves the performance of the concrete frame and increases the load capacity of the frame in the same amount of concrete, so the cost of the project and the gases emitted can be reduced through the use of non-prismatic sections. The ultimate load of the non-prismatic concrete frame with columns and beam increases by 25% and 16%, respectively. Using non-prismatic sections decreases the frame\u27s stiffness (at beam and columns) and using non-prismatic sections in the beam, the frame\u27s shear failure is improved and less fragile than the prismatic sectional frame

The effect of Valsalva maneuver on diastolic filling indices in patients with essential hypertension.

Background: Left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction are considered to be an important risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in asymptomatic hypertensive patients. At the bedside, left ventricular geometric remodeling and diastolic dysfunction in hypertension can not be diagnosed without echocardiography which is a useful adjunct to the medical history, physical examination, ECG, and chest radiography. Hence, it provides an opportunity for good management and prognosis of what appears to be preclinical hypertensive complication.  Subjects and Methods: 127 subjects with essential hypertension of either sex attending echo unit were subjected to medical history, clinical examination, physical measurements, ECG, M-mode and Doppler echocardiography. They were classified as 46 treated hypertensives where they were on regular antihypertensive medication, and 81 untreated hypertensive patients. In addition, they were sex and age matched to 39 healthy subjects who served as control group.  Results: The results of this study revealed that hypertensive patients especially those with stage II hypertension were prone to develop left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) of concentric geometric pattern and diastolic dysfunction. However, small percentage of those patients found to have diastolic dysfunction despite they were without LVH. In addition, Doppler echocardiography clarify that hypertensives with abnormal transmitral inflow profile; of left ventricular impaired relaxation pattern suffered left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Moreover, in this study there was no evidence of  pseudonormal transmitral inflow filling pattern which is excluded after Valsalva maneuver. Conclusion: There is a strong association between left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction which was more common in patients with stage II hypertension. However, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is usually follows left ventricular hypertrophy, but it still may proceed especially in those patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) of concentric geometric pattern. In addition, left ventricle diastolic dysfunction is not necessary coincide with the development of systolic dysfunction, namely normal ejection fraction and fractional shortening

AH jump as predictor for successful Ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT)

Background: Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is the commonest regular supraventricular tachyarrhythmia. Ablation in the area of slow pathway (SP) has been successfully implemented in every day clinical electrophysiological practice for more than 20 years. Although the procedure is generally regarded as effective and safe, data on long-term effects and predictors of success or failure are incomplete. Objectives: This study was designated to prove that AH interval is an electrophysiological parameter which serves as a predictor for successful AVNRT ablation. Methods: While performing an electrophysiological study using a programmed atrial stimulation, thirty nine (39) patients (25 female and 14 males) with a mean age 51 ± 16.7 years with AVNRT were assessed and underwent AVNRT radiofrequency ablation using diagnostic and ablation catheters inserted via the right femoral veins. This study was performed during the period from February, 2013 to march, 2014 at the unit of Electrophysiogy in Leipzig heart center. Results: Acute successful AVNRT ablation was achieved in 39 (100%) patients, including 23 (59%) with slow pathway (SP) ablation and 16 (41%) with SP modification. Patients with SP modification were younger male, had faster AVNRT cycle length, and had more frequent isoproterenol usage before ablation. During six months follow-up period, all patients experienced no AVNRT recurrences. . Conclusions: AH jump served as predictor for successful Ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia with a better outcome

Melatonin Attenuates Upregulation of Duox1 and Duox2 and Protects against Lung Injury following Chest Irradiation in Rats

Objective: The Lung is one of the most radiosensitive organs of the body. The infiltration of macrophages and lymphocytes into the lung is mediated via the stimulation of T-helper 2 cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-13, which play a key role in the development of fibrosis. It is likely that these cytokines induce chronic oxidative damage and inflammation through the upregulation of Duox1 and Duox2, which can increase the risk of late effects of ionizing radiation (IR) such as fibrosis and carcinogenesis. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the possible increase of IL-4 and IL-13 levels, as well as their downstream genes such as IL4ra1, IL13ra2, Duox1, and Duox2. Materials and Methods: In this experimental animal study, male rats were divided into 4 groups: i. Control, ii. Melatonin-treated, iii. Radiation, and iv. Melatonin (100 mg/kg) plus radiation. Rats were irradiated with 15 Gy 60Co gamma rays and then sacrificed after 67 days. The expressions of IL4ra1, IL13ra2, Duox1, and Duox2, as well as the levels of IL-4 and IL-13, were evaluated. The histopathological changes such as the infiltration of inflammatory cells, edema, and fibrosis were also examined. Moreover, the protective effect of melatonin on these parameters was also determined. Results: Results showed a 1.5-fold increase in the level of IL-4, a 5-fold increase in the expression of IL4ra1, and a 3-fold increase in the expressions of Duox1 and Duox2. However, results showed no change for IL-13 and no detectable expression of IL13ra2. This was associated with increased infiltration of macrophages, lymphocytes, and mast cells. Melatonin treatment before irradiation completely reversed these changes. Conclusion: This study has shown the upregulation of IL-4-IL4ra1-Duox2 signaling pathway following lung irradiation. It is possible that melatonin protects against IR-induced lung injury via the downregulation of this pathway and attenuation of inflammatory cells infiltration. © 2019 Royan Institute (ACECR). All rights reserved

REVISION OF THE GENUS XYLOCOPALATREILLE, 1802 (HYMENOPTERA,APIDAE) WITH A NEW RECORD OF SPECIES IN IRAQ

In this study, the genus XylocopaLatreille, 1802(Hymenoptera: Apidae) was revised. There were 4 species registered in our investigations:X.hottentottaSmith, 1854; X. olivieriLepeletier, 1841; X.pubescensSpinola, 1838 and X. valgaGerstäcker, 1872, the first species was described as being found for the first time for the insect fauna of Iraq, which were obtained from Solanum melogena L. flowers. Key to thespecies was constructed and supported by figures of the main diagnostic characters and some morphological features, illustrated and compared with other species, which are recorded in the current survey

Two Decades of Global Progress in Authorized Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products: An Emerging Revolution in Therapeutic Strategies

The introduction of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) to the global pharma market has been revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry and has opened new routes for treating various types of cancers and incurable diseases. In the past two decades, a noticeable part of clinical practices has been devoting progressively to these products. The first step to develop such an ATMP product is to be familiar with other approved products to obtain a general view about this industry trend. The present paper depicts an overall perspective of approved ATMPs in different countries, while reflecting the degree of their success in a clinical point of view and highlighting their main safety issues and also related market size as a whole. In this regard, published articles regarding safety, efficacy, and market size of approved ATMPs were reviewed using the search engines PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. For some products which the related papers were not available, data on the relevant company website were referenced. In this descriptive study, we have introduced and classified approved cell, gene, and tissue engineering-based products by different regulatory agencies, along with their characteristics, manufacturer, indication, approval date, related regulatory agency, dosage, product description, price and published data about their safety and efficacy. In addition, to gain insights about the commercial situation of each product, we have gathered accessible sale reports and market size information that pertain to some of these products