bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The binary-outcome detection loophole
Authors: Cope Thomas
Published: July 2021

The detection loophole problem arises when quantum devices fail to provide an output for some runs. If treating these devices in a device-independent manner, failure to include the unsuccessful runs in the output statistics can lead to an adversary falsifying security i.e. Bell inequality violation. If the devices fail with too high frequency, known as the detection threshold, then no security is possible, as the full statistics cannot violate a Bell inequality. In this work we provide an intuitive local hidden-variable strategy that the devices may use to falsify any two-party, binary-outcome no-signalling distribution up to a threshold of 2(m
A + m
B − 8)/(m
A
m
B − 16), where m
A, m
B refer to the number of available inputs choices to the two parties. This value is the largest analytically predicted lower bound for no-signalling distributions. We strongly conjecture it gives the true detection threshold for m
A = m
B, and for computationally tractable scenarios we provide the Bell inequality which verifies this. We also prove that a non-trivial detection threshold remains, even when allowing one party an arbitrary number of input choices.
Analysis of different date palm parts for char production
Authors: Falamarz Tahir Aola Hussein , Al-Ani Faris Hammoodi , Jawad Al-Obaidy Abdul Hameed Muhammed
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study is to investigate the suitability of date palm tree’s different parts residues for char production. There is a arising interest in producing renewable energy form different type of waste, one of the most important sources are agriculture waste since it’s a continuously demand-based industry with a future insight. Iraq is one of the leading countries that contain the highest number of date palm trees, which lead to a high amount of unused waste. Different parts of the date palm tree were analysed to understand its potential availability for energy use. The cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin were estimated for the different date palm tree parts. Carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen were also determined and carbon percentage found to promising in all the parts. FTIR and TGA were done with the different parts to detect its chemical bounds and how the mass material changes when applied to heat in a different atmosphere, the thermal decomposition was observed to 600 C. Heating value was found up to 20.3 MJ/kg. The volatile matter had a range of 75.2 – 82.1 %. According to the data gathered and the tests were done it was found that date palm trunk and stones might be a sustainable source for energy productions.
Assessment of heavy metal pollution of plants grown adjacent to power generators in Ramadi city
Authors: Al-Heety Lina F.D. , Hasan Omar M. , Mohammed Salah Al-Heety Emad A.
Published: July 2021

Tree leaves are a useful tool for environmental quality monitoring and heavy metal soil pollution assessment. This study aimed to assess the possibility of heavy metals’ accumulation in the leaves of urban plants as a biological indicator of soil pollution. The plant leaf and soil samples were collected from 51 sites adjacent to power generators in Ramadi-Iraq. Six common plant species, namely, Albizia lebbeck, Conocarpus lancifolius, Dodonaea viscosa, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Ficus microcarpa, and Ziziphus spina-christi were selected. The highest heavy metal content was found in
Conocarpus viscosa
leaves followed by
Dodonaea viscosa
. These two plants have a significant difference (p<0.05) in the heavy metal content compared to other plants. The total average of plant heavy metal concentration was as follows: Mn (45.23), Cu (12.49), Ni (7.55), Pb (6.49), Cr (6.37), Co (2.04), Cd (0.57) mg per kg. Concentrations of heavy metals in leaves have the trend as Mn> Cu> Ni> Pb> Cr> Co> Cd, whereas, the heavy metal bioaccumulation factor (ACF) in plants follows by the order: Zn> Cu> Cd> Mn> Co> Pb> Ni> Cr. A high concentration of cobalt, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and lead are found in the plant leaves compared to the Food and Agriculture Organization / World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) permissible values. This supports the claim that the leaves of the plant can be used as a good indicator of heavy metal accumulation.
Urban acupuncture as an approach for reviving
Authors: Salman Kabas Abdul Hameed , Hussein Shaimaa Hameed
Published: July 2021

Urban design strategies and theories represent the first starting point for the processes of developing and improving the urban, social, cultural and political environment, as it is an important factor to solve the problems of urban context and environments, but these strategies take many years and high economic costs, so the theory of urban acupuncture appeared, which works on introducing small interventions with less time and budget, and all this is done by analysing the city and identifying the points and places that need treatment (such as treating the patient’s body by analysing the location of the defect and the disease). Therefore, the research problem lies in the lack of knowledge about linking urban acupuncture with the revival of the area. The aim of the research is to improve and revive these important points in the city (acupuncture points) that cause this improvement to spread. In this research, acupuncture will be presented and how this medical technology is inspired and used in the field of urban architecture, where the research consists of three main important topics: The first topic includes the history and types of acupuncture. The second topic includes the historical origin of the urban acupuncture as well as its definition, and the most important theorists of this concept, its foundations and levels. The third topic includes the revival of the city in terms of definition and levels.
Effect of ejector design parameters on flow structure inside the mixing chamber
Authors: Al-Manea Ahmed , Al-Jadir Thaer
Published: July 2021

Renewable energy is a sustainable source of energy that never ends. Ejectors are reliable devices as they rely on solar energy to run. Ejectors can be used as an alternative to compressors in refrigeration systems or provide vacuum zones in various applications. Ejectors have no moving parts, compact, and stable operation. However, they have lower efficiency at the current time. There may be opportunities to improve ejector efficiency under some conditions and develop a thorough understanding of the impact of their design parameters. This paper presents the numerical simulations CFD study to investigate the effect of various design parameters on the flow structure inside an ejector. This was achieved by modelling a variable ejector geometry with the ideal gas flow. This is a CFD study with new approaches. The numerical model has been validated by conducting different meshing levels. Three mesh size has been suggested, and the medium size was considered. The results showed that the secondary inlet with a diameter of 90 mm resulted in a reduction with the generated vortices compared to the Model I result. Also, the effect of changing the diffuser throat to 45 mm in Model II, has shown improvement in reducing vortices.
Branding for cities: the case study of Baghdad
Authors: Al-Hinkawi Wahda Sh. , Zedan Sheren K.
Published: July 2021

Cities pass through growth stages of distinction and deterioration. Many cities that have emerged distinctly in terms of their urban and economic characteristics may witness stages of deterioration and the loss of their competitiveness. This research clarifies the issues involved in the treatment of cities as brands used to gain competitive advantage and thus sustainable growth, unlike traditional development strategies that have proven no longer as productive as before. The research raises a question about the components of city branding and the most important sustainable strategies for branding a contemporary city as well as their impact on its competitiveness. To answer this question, it develops a comprehensive theoretical framework for the concept of city branding as sustainable development approach, and determines the most important strategies to achieve it. Four strategies are presented; differentiation, creative city, experience city and tourism city. Finally, indicators have been extracted that can be applied to make Baghdad a competitive city through the sustainability of its cultural branding.
Sustainable stormwater management using rain gardens in urban areas
Authors: Alyaseri I , Zhou J , Morgan S
Published: July 2021

Stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflows in urban areas are the leading causes of flood and water quality degradation. Green infrastructures (GI) were introduced to treat stormwater runoff onsite to reduce these effects. A project was conducted in St. Louis, Missouri, US to assess the impact of installing one type of GIs (rain gardens) on the volume reduction of stormwater runoff from urban streets served by a combined sewer system. The rain gardens were installed in a six-block area between late 2013 to early 2014. After separating stormwater runoff flow from base flow in the sewer system, rain gardens efficiency was evaluated based on comparing the pre-installation condition in 2011/2012 and the post-installation condition in 2014. A reduction in the volume of stormwater runoff by installing the rain gardens was significant only at two sites. However, analysis was hampered by the high variability of the flow data and the difficulty in measuring flows in the sewers. For this type of field experiment, it is important to develop advanced flow measurement devices to overcome the problems of high variation in data and pay high attention to selecting the proper statistical tests to evaluate the stormwater runoff reduction.
Radioactivity Assessment in the Sediments Samples of Tigris River, Baghdad, Iraq
Authors: Amin Sahar A , Al-Ani Rana R , Ghazi Ahmed N , Mohammed MTA
Published: July 2021

Seasonal monitoring of the natural radon levels was done for sediment samples picked from particular locations over the Tigris River in Baghdad city area for the whole year 2018. CR-39 passive detector was used for detecting alpha activity in the sediment samples of the 20 g mass. The alpha (α) activities from radon were found to be comparatively higher during the dry season and lower during the rainfalls season. The radium content of the samples was the highest in site4 sediment samples (south Baghdad) is likely because of the outcome of great human activities particularly Al-Dora oil refinery. The variations in radon levels were possibly referred to the type of the collected sediment samples and human activities that influence the river environs. The determining radon levels in the most investigated sediment samples were within the recommended world average values.
Spatiotemporal assessment of meteorological drought using satellite-based precipitation data over Iraq
Authors: Awchi T A , Suliman A H
Published: July 2021

Iraq is a semi-arid country, which suffers the impact of recurrent droughts. However, studies related to the characterization of drought and risk evaluation in Iraq are scarce due to the lack of accurate climatic datasets. The present work seeks to examine the feasibility of utilizing Precipitation Data based on Remotely Sensed information from satellites (PDRS) in Iraq to monitor droughts. Two monthly PDRS are collected, namely CHIRPS for the period 1983-2016, and TRMM for the period 1998-2017 were used to calculate the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) for various timescales (SPI-3, SPI-6, and SPI-12) of different climate zones in the region. The findings obtained have been checked using data from sparsely scattered ground meteorological stations (GS). Although the PDRS was found to be capable of capturing estimated precipitation by GS data at different climatic zone, the two PDRS products demonstrated different responses to GS data. While the TRMM revealed a strong correlation for the droughts estimated with GS data, the CHIRPS data showed a milder correlation with the GS data. Besides, good consistency was observed in the time series of SPIs calculated with GS and PDRS data. Overall, the TRMM was found to measure the dry classes more accurately while CHIRPS was found to be better at various dry and wet classes in Temporal Coincidence (TC) terms. In addition, the TRMM – SPI data showed a better correlation in detecting the drought characteristics for Z-I and Z-II, however, the CHIRPS revealed a stronger correlation for Z-III. The findings suggested the suitability of TRMM precipitation for drought analysis and monitoring in Iraq Zones I and II, and the use of CHIRPS precipitation data for Z-III.
Carbon dioxide capture using nonwoven activated carbon nanofiber
Authors: Waisi B I , Majeed J T , Majeed N S
Published: July 2021

The adsorption isotherms and kinetic uptakes of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) on fabricated electrospun nonwoven activated carbon nanofiber sheets were investigated at two different temperatures, 308 K and 343 K, over a pressure range of 1 to 7 bar. The activated carbon nanofiber-based on polymer (PAN) precursor was fabricated via electrospinning technique followed by thermal treatment to obtain the carboneous nanofibers. The obtained data of CO2 adsorption isotherm was fitted to various models, including Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin. Based on correlation coefficients, the Langmuir isotherm model presented the best fitting with CO2 adsorption isotherms’ experimental data. Raising the equilibrium adsorption temperature decreased the total amount adsorbed, indicating an exothermic adsorption process of CO2 on CNF and ACNF. It was also observed from the adsorption kinetic data that increasing the flow rate decreased the breakthrough point and the saturation time in the adsorption column. The efficiency of CO2 adsorption on ACNF (82 %) was better than that on nonwoven carbon nanofiber (CNF) (67 %) due to the high specific surface area and pore volume of ACNF (375 m2/g, 0.051 m3/g) comparing to CNF (20 m2/g, 0.0167 m3/g).
The effect of compression ratio on the performance and emission characteristics of C.I. Engine fuelled with corn oil biodiesel blended with diesel fuel.
Authors: Mahmood Abdulrahman Shakir , Qatta Haqi I. , Al-Nuzal Saadi M. D. , Abed Talib Kamil , Hardan Abdulwahab Ahmed
Published: July 2021

The aim of this paper is to study the effect of changing the compression ratio on the performance and emission characteristics of single cylinder, 4-stroke compression ignition (CI) engine running with biodiesel and pure diesel fuel. Corn oil biodiesel blends were prepared viz. B5(5 %), B10 (10 %), B1 (15 %) and B20 (20 %) (by volume). The tests were performed at full load, constant speed 1500 rpm and different compression ratios 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 %. The engine performance like brake thermal efficiency (BTE), brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and emissions of CO, CO2, HC, NOXand smoke opacity for all biodiesel blends were measured. The results showed that on increasing the compression ratios, the BTE increases and BSFC decrease for all types of fuel used, but it was found that for biodiesel blends B5, B10, B15 and B20, the BTE slightly decreased by 2, 4.2, 6.5 and 8.3 % and the BSFC increased by 3.3, 6.3, 9.4 and 13 % respectively, compared to the pure diesel fuel due to the high viscosity and density of biodiesel. With increasing the compression ratio and proportion of biodiesel blend, the emissions of CO, HC and smoke opacity were decreased, at the same time, the CO2and NOXemissions were increased. The highest reduction in the emissions of CO, HC and smoke was found in the B20 biodiesel blend, which was 30, 26 and 23.8 %, respectively, while the same blend showed the highest increase in emissions of CO2and NOX, which were 21 and 25.7 % respectively, compared to pure diesel fuel. Therefore, the biodiesel blend can be used at proportion up to 20 % and blend with diesel fuel in CI engines without any modifications.
New Inorganic Boron Assessment in environmental Samples by Neutron Activation Analysis using CR-39 Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors.
Authors: Al-Nuzal Saadi M D , Najim Jassim M , Flaih Khalid R
Published: July 2021

A new trend in applying nuclear solid-state track detector CR-39 for neutron activation assessment of inorganic boron compounds in environmental samples was established. The nuclear reaction 10B(n, α)7Li was selected for this purpose by using gelatin film for a sample application. It possesses many advantages such as time saving, sensitivity, and reproduciblity, and many related variables were studied. Linearity was found at the range of 1.0 - 12.5 ppm and at 10.0 -250 ppm with different slopes. There were no interfering nuclei among the naturally abundant elements and their isotopes, viz. Al, O, Na, Cl, P, Ca, Si, K, and Cu. It was applied to determine boron in simulated environments and industrial soil and water samples, with recovery within the range of 96-100 %, good precision and accuracy + 1.5 - 3.0 %. The method sensitivity can be enhanced by using longer irradiation time, and few micrograms of boron can be analysed, and hence it is more suitable to be used in the activation analysis system of nuclear reactors.
Effect of biochar amendment on mobility and plant uptake of Zn, Pb and Cd in contaminated soil
Authors: Qasim Bashar , Razzak Alia A , Rasheed Rashed T
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to assess the effect of rice straw biochar application as a soil amendment on the mobility, availability, speciation and plant uptake of Zn, Pb and Cd in contaminated soil. A pot experiment with maize (Zea mays L.) was conducted using different rates 0, 1, 2, and 5% (w/w) of rice straw biochar. The soil pore water properties; pH, EC, and DOC concentration, the dissolved metal concentrations in soil pore water as well as plant metals uptake were determined at the end of the experiment. The BCR sequential extraction procedure was adopted to determine the effect of biochar on speciation and partitioning of the studied metals.

Results showed that the application of biochar is significantly increased the plant shoots biomass by 94.5% with 5% biochar rates compared to untreated soil. Similarly, the soil pore water properties pH, EC, and DOC concentration were also increased with biochar addition compared to untreated soil. The dissolved metal concentrations were decreased in soil pore water with the increasing of biochar rates by 92%, 81.5%, and 90% for Zn, Pb and Cd, respectively at 5% biochar rate. In the same trend, the plant metals uptake reduced significantly with the increasing of biochar dose. Compared to untreated soil, the BCR sequential extraction showed that the biochar addition induced the transformation of the exchangeable metal fractions to oxidizable and residual fractions. These results confirmed the ability of rice straw biochar to immobilize the studied metals and therefore reducing their bioavailability and their uptake by plant.
Removing of fat residues from domestic kitchen wastewater by synthetic filter of saw dust
Authors: Al-Hiyaly Sedik A.K. , Ali Zena H. , Alobiady Abid Al-Hameed M.J.
Published: July 2021

Domestic kitchen wastewater contains significant quantities of fat residues that may insist in blocking home and municipal sewers. This work was designed to remove fat residues from domestic kitchen wastewater using synthetic sawdust filter. Five samples were examined, where the first one was a control. Synthetic filter contained sawdust was used as a removal of fat residues from four different samples of domestic kitchen wastewater. The obtained results showed that the synthetic sawdust filter could remove highest quantities of fat residues having removing capacity ranging from 80.7 ± 5.6 % in sample 1 to 88.5 ± 5.8 % in sample 4. Also, it was found that the mean value of pH, Electric conductivity (EC) and Total dissolved solid (TDS) of domestic kitchen wastewater were significantly affected by filtration process compared with those of control sample. The mean value of pH ranged from 6.61 ± 0.32 in sample 4 to 6.9 ± 0.54 in sample 2. E.C. mean value was varied from 1400.2 ± 262.8 μS/cm in sample 4 to 2100.4 ± 426.5μS/cm in sample 2 while mean value of T.D.S. was lying between 1123.0 ±.142.3 mg/L in sample 4 and 1347.0 ± 210.6 mg/L in sample 2. It seems clearly that sawdust synthetic filter was not affected when it was used for several times with different kitchen wastewater samples and this finding would suggest that this synthetic filter may work efficiently and subsequently may have no significant effects on sewer obstruction phenomena. In addition, all examined wastewater variables (pH, EC, and TDS) in all sample were significantly declined.
Studying some of mechanical properties and microstructure analysis for cement mortar using waste of depolymerized Polyethylene terephthalate by using bubble column technique
Authors: Hameed Amjed M. , Alzuhairi Mohammed , Ibrahim Sarmad Imad
Published: July 2021

In this study, the density and compressive strength together with microstructural analysis of cement mortar by partial replacement of fine aggregate with the powder of Polyethylene terephthalate PET depolymerized by using bubble column technique has been studied. The powder of depolymerized Polyethylene terephthalate DPET was used with four different contents of 1%, 3%, 6%, and 9% by weight of fine aggregate. The destructive compressive strength test was prepared once it reaches ages 7 and 28 days of curing. Before that, the density of mortar determines at some samples for both ages. The lightweight modification mortar was set with ratios of 0.48 for water to binder and 1:2.75 for the cement to sand. After completing specific tests, the data of the result presented that the density of the modification cement mortars drops when using DPET powder as fine aggregate. The compressive strength of the modification cement mortars with DPET powder was slightly decreased with the increase of DPET powder percent. The microstructure of the modification cement mortar containing DPET powder showed that DPET particles plug the holes.
Implementation of hierarchically porous zeolite-polymer membrane for Chromium ions removal
Authors: Abdullah M , Al-Jubouri S
Published: July 2021

This work deals with the preparation of a zeolite/polymer flat sheet membrane with hierarchical porosity and ion-exchange properties. The performance of the prepared membrane was examined by the removal of chromium ions from simulated wastewater. A NaY zeolite (crystal size of 745.8 nm) was prepared by conventional hydrothermal treatment and fabricated with polyethersulfone (15% PES) in dimethylformamide (DMF) to obtain an ion-exchange ultrafiltration membrane. The permeate flux was enhanced by increasing the zeolite content within the membrane texture indicating increasing the hydrophilicity of the prepared membranes and constructing a hierarchically porous system. A membrane containing 0.8% zeolite gave the higher %Rejection of chromium ions (about 83.2%) for an initial chromium ion concentration of 150 ppm and trans-membrane pressure of 1 bar.
Synthesis of geopolymer for the removal of hazardous waste: a review
Authors: Al-husseiny Rasha A. , Ebrahim Shahlaa E.
Published: July 2021

Water is the most essential material on Earth; any pollution of water can have adverse effects on living beings. Today, the elimination of harmful pollutants from water is one of the most critical concerns; in this respect, the application of a minimum quantity of chemicals or the use of natural substances for pollutant elimination is of serious importance. This review discusses the study work that is carried out on adsorbent synthesis from different natural Substances, such as (kaolinite, metakaolin, fly ash, etc). This adsorbent is known as geopolymer. An attention to the geopolymer was paid to its specific three-dimensional network structure, with defined pore sizes. The review shall include the elemental and sorts of materials used in the creation of adsorbents and the impact of parameters like as (pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, temperature and initial concentration) on the adsorption capacity of hazardous waste. In addition to enhance the adsorption characteristics of natural substances and producing high-quality adsorbents, different synthesis techniques have been produced. One of the most successful methods is to precipitate nanoparticles on the geopolymer surface. This development would improve the adsorbent surface area, mechanical strength and resistance to chemical compounds, by means of that improving its ability for adsorption of contaminants.
Reuse Wastewater By Using Water Evaluation And Planning (WEAP) (Ramadi City–Case Study)
Authors: Abdulhameed Isam M. , Sulaiman Sadeq O. , Najm Abu Baker A.
Published: July 2021

Managing water resources is important with the increasing population, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. It is necessary to treat wastewater and greywater to saving more water amount and increase agriculture density. The current study forecasts the amounts of wastewater and greywater for Ramadi city during the next years (2020-2040). Also, the study proposes the possibility of reusing these amounts as a renewable water resource. These liquid wastes consist of 99.9% water and only 0.1% of solids. The study proposes using the treated wastewater to plant a green belt around the city to reduce the impact of dust storms and use the greywater in irrigating vegetables and fruits. The study was used water evaluation and planning (WEAP) to evaluating water amounts and reused wastewater in the current and future years. The results were indicated the domestic water returns for the current year to Euphrates River is 63 million m
3/year, with 11.7 million m
3/year of greywater, which covers about 22% of Ramadi irrigation requirements. The future domestic water would increase by about 24% to reach 78.4 million m
3/year at 2030 and 95.5 million m
3/year at 2040, while the greywater rising to 21 million m
3/year in 2030, and 34.3 million m
3/year in 2040.
Performance Evaluation of Al-Karkh Water Treatment Plant Using Model-driven and Data-Driven Models
Authors: Khudhair Basim Hussein , Alsaqqar Awatif Soaded , Jbbar Rehab Karim
Published: July 2021

There is a great operational risk to control the day-to-day management in water treatment plants, so water companies are looking for solutions to predict how the treatment processes may be improved due to the increased pressure to remain competitive. This study focused on the mathematical modeling of water treatment processes with the primary motivation to provide tools that can be used to predict the performance of the treatment to enable better control of uncertainty and risk. This research included choosing the most important variables affecting quality standards using the correlation test. According to this test, it was found that the important parameters of raw water: Total Hardness, Calcium, Magnesium, Total Solids, Nitrite, Nitrates, Ammonia, and Silica are to be used to construct the specific model, while pH, Fluoride, Aluminium, Nitrite, Nitrate, Ammonia, Silica, and Orthophosphate of the treated water were eliminated from the analysis. For modeling the coagulation and flocculation process temperature, Alkalinity and pH of raw water were the depended variables of the model. As for the modeling process turbidity of the treated water was used as the output variable. In general, the linear models including model-driven type, (Multivariate multiple regression, MMR and Multiple linear regression, MLR) have slightly higher prediction efficiencies than the, data-driven type (artificial neural network, ANNM). The coefficients of determination (R2) reached 66 to 85% for the MMR and MLR models and 65 to 81% for the ANN models.
Biodecolorization of methylene blue using aspergillus consortium
Authors: Karaghool Haneen A. Kh.
Published: July 2021

To establish sustainable circular ecosystems, the immense knowledge of different fungal strains as pure and mixed isolates and application them in biodecolorization of dye-laden wastewater is required. In this study, the biodecolorization of methylene blue (MB) dye was investigated by using mixed microfungal strains of
Aspergillus consortium consisting of Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus
. The experiments were conducted in batch-mode. Analytical measurements were performed by UV-VIS spectroscopy. Optimization of operating conditions was carried out in order to achieve the optimal biodecolorization of methylene blue dye (MB). Furthermore, the results illustrated that 36 hrs., 30°C, 9, 2g/L and 150mg/L for incubation time, temperature, initial pH, fungal inoculum size and MB dye concentration, respectively, were chosen as the optimum conditions with the maximum biodecolorization of MB dye was 92%.
Potential of herbal extracts to avoid the bacterial infection of Enterobacter cloacae in common carp, Cyprinus carpio L.
Authors: Al-Niaeem K S , Resen A K , Al-Haider S M
Published: July 2021

The study shows the possibility of herbal aqueous extracts to avoid the infection caused byEnterobacter cloacaein the common carp. TheE. cloacaevaccinated on agar plates wherever placed to the filter discs, which were intended by filtration of the aqueous extracts (Six herbal species and four concentrations 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%) ofCurcuma longa(Turmeric),Panax ginseng(Ginseng),Cinnamomum zeilanicum(Cinnamon),Thymus vulgaris(Thyme leaves),Olea europaea(Olive leaves),Eugenia caryophyllata(Clove). The herbal extracts inhibit the growth ofE. cloacaein the highest concentrations (22 mm inhibition zone in 25%) withC. longawhich appears to be the most efficient one, whereas the clove was the least efficient. The current study indicates that attainable and inexpensive herbal extracts may be efficient natural agents for preventing infection ofE. cloacaein fish, and they also have been compared with some antibiotics. Furthermore, a study is required in order to carry out the herbal extracts and to detect the proper practice used in aquaculture.
Efficiency evaluation of alcohol extract of Eriobotrya japonica on some biological aspects of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius, 1889) and Aphis gossypii (Glover, 1877)
Authors: Kathiar Sahar A. , Kathiar Soolaf A. , ALwash Bushra M
Published: July 2021

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius, 1889) and the cotton aphids Aphis gossypii are serious pests that are causing damage to the Broccoli (Brassicca oleracea) crop; therefore, this research was conducted to study the effect of the alcohol extract of loquat Eriobotrya japonica at three concentrations 5%, 10% and 15% on the population density of these two pests in a field in Baghdad/Iraq. The total phenol compounds have been detected. The results revealed that the alcohol extract of loquat had an efficient reduction against the whitefly and aphid pests. All the loquat alcohol extract concentrations had the same effects in the reduction of aphid and whitefly density.
Monitoring of Phytoplankton in the Artificial Lake: Comparison Study
Authors: Kadeem Z J , Hassan F M , Al Obaidy A H M J
Published: July 2021

The current study was carried out to study phytoplankton in Lake of Baghdad Touristic Island from July 2019 to February 2020 to predict the Lake’s environmental change. Monthly samples were taken from the surface water from four sampling sites in the Lake and the results were presented as dry and wet seasons. A total of 180 algal taxa was identified with the dominancy of diatoms. The highest total cell number of phytoplankton was recorded at the fourth site with 303.85×104 cells/L in dry season 2019, while the lowest was 93.72× 104 cell/L in the third site during the dry season 2019. The diatoms dominancy is still higher than 90%, while the Cyclotella spp percentage reduced from 90% to less than 5% in this study. Achananthes spp percentage became raised >7% in comparison with a previous study in 1989. These results showed the dominancy of diatoms among other algal taxa. They reduced the total number of Chlorohyceae and Cyanophyceace in the Lake, which indicates the stability of environmental conditions and good lake management.
Study of the Biological Diversity of Benthic algae in the Tigris River, Baghdad - Iraq
Authors: Ahmad Hind Ibrahem
Published: July 2021

The present work included a study of benthic algae on two substrates: rocks and clay on a section of the Tigris River at the Al-Atifiyah site in the fall of 2018. The result of this study was recorded 89 species belong to 50 genus of benthic algae on both substrates and composed of Bacillariophyceae (59.6%, 61.2%), Chlorophyceae (25.8%, 20.4%) and Cyanophyceae (14.5%, 18.3%) respectively on epilithic and epipelic algae. The present study was recorded the highest total algae cell density (1173.2 cells *103/cm2) on epilithic algae while the lowest total algae cell density was recorded on epipelic algae (76.95 cells *103/gm). For measure diversity, four indices of diversity are used: Margalef index, Shannon and Weaver Index, Evenness Index and Simpsons Index. The study showed that benthic algal communities are of high diversity with different distribution and spread of adherent algae on different natural surfaces in the aquatic environment. 62 species of epilithic algae were recorded belonging to 39 genus, while epipelic algae were recorded 49 species belonging to 34 genus. Bacillariophyceae was recorded the highest number of species compared with other classes of benthic algae (59.6%, 61.2%) respectively on epilithic and epipelic Chlorophyceae recorded second ordered after diatoms in importance 25.8%, 20.4%, Cyanophyceae recorded third orders 14.5%, 18.3% respectively on epilithic and epipelic algae.
Meta-analysis of controlled studies on minimally interrupted vs. continuous use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: van Vugt Stijn P G , Westra Sjoerd W , Volleberg Rick H J A , Hannink Gerjon , Nakamura Rena , de Asmundis Carlo , Chierchia Gian-Battista , Navarese Eliano P , Brouwer Marc A
Published: July 2021

Aims

At present, there are no guideline recommendations for minimally interrupted use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (mi-NOAC) during catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF). Current evidence is predominantly based on observational studies, with continuous use of vitamin K antagonist in the control arm. This quantitative summary reflects the first high-level evidence on contemporary regimens, with continuous NOAC use (c-NOAC) as the current gold standard.

Methods and results

Meta-analysis (Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science) on prospective, controlled studies comparing contemporary mi-NOAC (without bridging) with c-NOAC. Net adverse clinical events (major bleeding, thrombo-embolic events) were the primary outcome. In addition, we analysed total bleeding, minor bleeding, and silent cerebral embolism.

Eight studies (six randomized, two observational) with 2168 patients were summarized. The primary endpoint occurred in 1.0% (18/1835): 1.1% (11/1005) vs. 0.8% (7/830) for the mi-NOAC and c-NOAC groups, respectively; odds ratio (OR) 1.20 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49–2.92, P = 0.64]. The OR for total bleeding on mi-NOAC was 1.26 (95% CI 0.97–1.63, P = 0.07). ORs for minor bleeding and silent cerebral embolism were 1.17 (95% CI 0.80–1.70, P = 0.34) and 2.62 (95% CI 0.54–12.61, P = 0.12), respectively.

Conclusion

This synopsis provides a quantitative synthesis of high-level evidence on a contemporary strategy of mi-NOAC in CA for AF, and overall clinical outcomes were not different from continuous NOAC use. Despite preprocedural interruption, there was no sign of lower bleeding rates. Additional higher volume datasets are warranted for more precise treatment effect estimations of this everyday alternative anticoagulation strategy in AF ablation.
Basis of the persistence of capsule-negative Streptococcus suis in porcine endocarditis inferred from comparative genomics
Authors: Tohya Mari , Dozaki Shinichi , Ishida-Kuroki Kasumi , Watanabe Takayasu , Sekizaki Tsutomu
Published: July 2021

The capsule (cap) of Streptococcus suis is an anti-phagocytic element and is one of the major virulence factors. However, we have found cap-positive and cap-negative isolates in porcine endocarditis. Here, we compared genome sequences of multiple cap-negative isolates with those of a cap-positive isolate from a single endocarditis. Cap-positive and cap-negative isolates from the same pig were phylogenetically closest compared with those from other pigs. Some of cap-negative isolates from the same pig showed different mutations in capsular polysaccharide synthesis (cps) genes, suggesting that these isolates arisen in pigs after infection. Different mutations in whole-genomes were also found among isolates with identical mutations in cps genes, indicating that mutations in cps genes and the whole-genome occurred independently. Since cap-negative isolates are rarely found in lesions of other diseases, these results suggest that endocarditis lesions may simply favored cap-negative mutants to survive the niches, leading to their persistence in the lesions.
NAD+-targeting by bacteria: an emerging weapon in pathogenesis
Authors: Roussin Morgane , Salcedo Suzana P
Published: July 2021

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a major cofactor in redox reactions in all life-forms. A stable level of NAD+ is vital to ensure cellular homeostasis. Some pathogens can modulate NAD+ metabolism to their advantage and even utilize or cleave NAD+ from the host using specialized effectors known as ADP-ribosyltransferase toxins and NADases, leading to energy store depletion, immune evasion or even cell death. This review explores recent advances in the field of bacterial NAD+-targeting toxins, highlighting the relevance of NAD+ modulation as an emerging pathogenesis strategy. In addition, we discuss the role of specific NAD+-targeting toxins in niche colonization and bacterial lifestyle as components of toxin/antitoxin systems and key players in interbacterial competition. Understanding the mechanisms of toxicity, regulation and secretion of these toxins will provide interesting leads in the search for new antimicrobial treatments in the fight against infectious diseases.
Worker Empowerment, Collective Labour Rights and Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights
Authors: Arabadjieva Kalina
Published: July 2021

This article proposes a normative, moral justification for the protection of collective labour rights as aspects of the right to freedom of association under Article 11 European Convention on Human Rights. A justification of this kind has so far been largely absent from the reasoning of the European Court of Human Rights , which has referred more frequently to international labour rights instruments in respect of some of the developments in its case-law on collective labour rights. The article argues that Article 11 should be interpreted also by reference to a particular theoretical account of the right to freedom of association as a moral right, which emphasises the role of freedom of association in enabling individuals to meet on more equal terms the power of those whose decisions affect them, and thus to participate in determining the circumstances of their life. According to this account, certain collective labour rights necessarily derive from the right to freedom of association.
Introduction to the Special Section “Economic Catch-up by Latecomers”
Authors: Chen Jin , Lee Keun , Malerba Franco
Published: July 2021

This is an Introduction to the ICC Special Section on "Economic Catch-up by Latecomers" in which the main themes are discussed and the papers of the Special Section are presented. Some general considerations close the Introduction.
Trade-offs and uncertainties in Northeast Pacific herring fisheries: ecosystem modelling and management strategy evaluation
Authors: Surma Szymon , Pitcher Tony J , Pakhomov Evgeny A
Published: July 2021

Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) plays an important and multifaceted role in the Northeast Pacific as a forage fish in coastal ecosystems, target species for commercial fisheries, and culturally significant subsistence resource for coastal communities. This study comparatively evaluated herring fisheries management strategy performance relative to ecological and socioeconomic objectives. Management strategy evaluation employed a mass-balanced ecosystem operating model and accounted for parameter uncertainty, stock assessment error, and strategy implementation error through Monte Carlo resampling. Results revealed a notable trade-off between stable herring catches and high biomasses of herring and several predators. Herring biomass control point values influenced this trade-off more than harvest control rule form. All British Columbia and Alaska strategies yielded similar ecological and socioeconomic impacts relative to the unfished herring baseline. Precautionary strategies recommended for forage fish combined high ecosystem benefits and socioeconomic costs. Reducing fishing mortality fourfold within an existing strategy suggested a possible compromise solution to this trade-off. However, ecological impacts of all strategies were sensitive to operating model parameter uncertainty, stock assessment error, and strategy implementation error, with the potential for undesirable ecosystem states across all strategies. This study suggests trade-offs among management objectives should be considered in pursuing ecosystem-based fisheries management for forage fish.
Shifting baselines of cetacean conservation in Europe
Authors: Bearzi Giovanni , Reeves Randall R
Published: July 2021

Within just one human lifetime, the underlying motivation to conserve whales, dolphins and porpoises has shifted from being purely practical and anthropogenic to something much broader, reflecting a desire to protect populations as well as individual animals. In European waters, cetacean conservation currently tends to focus on direct and obvious threats, whereas those originating from widespread human encroachment and consumption patterns tend to be overlooked, even when they are pervasive enough to seriously affect cetacean populations. Cetacean habitat and prey rarely benefit from actual protection (including within Marine Protected Areas), while only moderate and often nominal protection is granted to the cetaceans, without clear conservation baselines and quantitative recovery targets. Meanwhile, historical baselines of cetacean diversity, abundance and distribution appear to be shifting, and the memory of past culling campaigns is fading. Here, we argue that cetacean conservation should go beyond just avoiding further population decline or warding off the extinction of single species. Allowing only the most opportunistic and resilient species to persist, often by merely attempting to mitigate direct mortality (e.g. bycatch in fishing gear), should not pass for actual cetacean conservation. We should strive instead for the full recovery of multiple species throughout their historical ranges.
High Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum K13 Mutations in Rwanda Is Associated With Slow Parasite Clearance After Treatment With Artemether-Lumefantrine
Authors: Straimer Judith , Gandhi Preetam , Renner Katalin Csermak , Schmitt Esther K
Published: July 2021

In Southeast Asia, mutations in the Plasmodium falciparum K13 gene have led to delayed parasite clearance and treatment failures in patients with malaria receiving artemisinin combination therapies. Until recently, relevant K13 mutations had been mostly absent from Africa. Between 2018 and 2019, a phase 2 clinical study with 186 patients was conducted in Mali, Gabon, Ghana, Uganda, and Rwanda. Patients with malaria were randomized and treated with artemether-lumefantrine or cipargamin. Here we report an allele frequency of 22% for R561H in Rwanda and associated delayed parasite clearance. Notwithstanding, efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine remained high in Rwanda, with a 94.4% polymerase chain reaction–corrected cure rate.
Patient coaching in secondary care: healthcare professionals’ views on target group, intervention and coach profile
Authors: Alders Irène M R , Van Dulmen Sandra , Smits Carolien H M , Marcus-Varwijk Anne Esther , Groen-Van de Ven Leontine , Brand Paul L P
Published: July 2021

Background

Not all patients are able to communicate effectively during consultations with medical specialists. Patient coaching has shown to be effective for enhancing communication.

Objective

We aimed to get healthcare professionals’ views on target groups for patient coaching, on supportive elements in patient coaching and on the necessary qualifications and profile of a patient coach, to further our knowledge on the concept of patient coaching as supportive intervention for patients in consultations with medical specialists.

Methods

We chose a qualitative research design and interviewed 18 healthcare professionals (six medical specialists, four family physicians, four community nurses and four nurse specialists/physician assistants) and analysed the verbatim transcripts using Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven. After a short introduction of the global concept of patient coaching and presentation of patients’ perceived barriers, two interviewers structured the interview around three research questions: which patients could benefit from a patient coach, what should such a coach do and who could act like such a coach?

Results

Participants describe patients who could benefit from patient coaching as generally vulnerable (e.g. older age, insufficiently accompanied, lower socioeconomic status, co-morbidity and cognitive problems) but also patients who are situationally vulnerable (e.g. elicited by bad news). Patient coaching should comprise emotional and instrumental support, aiming at reducing stress and improving the processing of medical information. Patient coaching should start from the patient’s home and include preparing questions, navigating to and in the hospital, recording information during the consultation, checking understanding and recalling information. Patient coaches should have at least basic medical knowledge and a higher education.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals believe that patient coaching by a trained professional with medical knowledge could be beneficial to patients who are stressed when visiting a medical specialist. Future research should involve the views of patients on patient coaching, focus on investigating to what extent patient coaching is able to reduce stress and support a patient in processing medical information and the preferred patient coach’s profile.
Impact of changing reimbursement criteria on the use of fluoroquinolones in Belgium
Authors: Vermeulen Helene , Coenen Samuel , Hens Niel , Bruyndonckx Robin
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The criteria for the reimbursement of fluoroquinolones changed in Belgium on 1 May 2018. This study aims to quantify the difference in fluoroquinolone use after this change, and to assess the timing and persistence of this effect, both in terms of total reimbursed fluoroquinolone use and its relative proportion.

Methods

Longitudinal reimbursement data on fluoroquinolone use in the Belgian community from January 2017 to November 2018 were analysed to identify a change in reimbursed fluoroquinolone use expressed in DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID), using a set of non-linear mixed models including change-points. In addition, longitudinal data on the relative proportion of prescribed fluoroquinolones from January 2017 to December 2018 were analysed to identify a change in the relative proportion of prescribed fluoroquinolones using generalized estimation equations including change-points.

Results

Fluoroquinolone use dropped significantly immediately after the change in reimbursement criteria, from 2.21 DID (95% CI: 2.03–2.38) to 0.52 DID (95% CI: 0.48–0.56) and from 9.14% (95% CI: 8.75%–9.56%) to 6.52% (95% CI: 6.04%–7.04%). The observed decrease in fluoroquinolone use persisted over time.

Conclusions

While fluoroquinolone use was still above the target of 5% after the change in reimbursement criteria, its implementation helped to lower fluoroquinolone use in Belgium.