Involved for over thirty years in the politics of Iraq, Ali A. Allawi was a long-time opposition leader against the Baathist regime. In the post-Saddam years he has held important government ...positions and participated in crucial national decisions and events. In this book, the former Minister of Defense and Finance draws on his unique personal experience, extensive relationships with members of the main political groups and parties in Iraq, and deep understanding of the history and society of his country to answer the baffling questions that persist about its current crises. What really led the United States to invade Iraq, and why have events failed to unfold as planned?
The Occupation of Iraqexamines what the United States did and didn't know at the time of the invasion, the reasons for the confused and contradictory policies that were enacted, and the emergence of the Iraqi political class during the difficult transition process. The book tracks the growth of the insurgency and illuminates the complex relationships among Sunnis, Shias, and Kurds. Bringing the discussion forward to the reconfiguration of political forces in 2006, Allawi provides in these pages the clearest view to date of the modern history of Iraq and the invasion that changed its course in unpredicted ways.
In the present work, the bulk nuclear properties and features of some of the excited states in the neutron-rich even–even
46−54
Ca isotopes have been investigated. In order to identify the magicity ...and the existence of new magic numbers in these isotopes, the shell model and Hartree–Fock–Bogoliubov method were implemented based on Skyrme parameterizations. In particular, root-mean-square charge radius, binding energies, one- and two-neutron separation energies, pairing gaps, reduced transition probabilities, excitation energies, energy levels, and quadrupole deformation parameters have been investigated. The calculated results were compared with available experimental data.
Stream-flow forecasting is a crucial task for hydrological science. Throughout the literature, traditional and artificial intelligence models have been applied to this task. An attempt to explore and ...develop better expert models is an ongoing endeavor for this hydrological application. In addition, the accuracy of modeling, confidence and practicality of the model are the other significant problems that need to be considered. Accordingly, this study investigates modern non-tuned machine learning data-driven approach, namely extreme learning machine (ELM). This data-driven approach is containing single layer feedforward neural network that selects the input variables randomly and determine the output weights systematically. To demonstrate the reliability and the effectiveness, one-step-ahead stream-flow forecasting based on three time-scale pattern (daily, mean weekly and mean monthly) for Johor river, Malaysia, were implemented. Artificial neural network (ANN) model is used for comparison and evaluation. The results indicated ELM approach superior the ANN model level accuracies and time consuming in addition to precision forecasting in tropical zone. In measureable terms, the dominance of ELM model over ANN model was indicated in accordance with coefficient determination (
R
2
) root-mean-square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE). The results were obtained for example the daily time scale
R
2
= 0.94 and 0.90, RMSE = 2.78 and 11.63, and MAE = 0.10 and 0.43, for ELM and ANN models respectively.
Reliable prediction of evaporative losses from reservoirs is an essential component of reservoir management and operation. Conventional models generally used for evaporation prediction have a number ...of drawbacks as they are based on several assumptions. A novel approach called the co-active neuro-fuzzy inference system (CANFIS) is proposed in this study for the modeling of evaporation from meteorological variables. CANFIS provides a center-weighted set rather than global weight sets for predictor-predictand relationship mapping and thus it can provide a higher prediction accuracy. In the present study, adjustments are made in the back-propagation algorithm of CANFIS for automatic updating of membership rules and further enhancement of its prediction accuracy. The predictive ability of the CANFIS model is validated with three well-established artificial intelligence (AI) models. Different statistical metrics are computed to investigate the prediction efficacy. The results reveal higher accuracy of the CANFIS model in predicting evaporation compared to the other AI models. CANFIS is found to be capable of modeling evaporation from mean temperature and relative humidity only, with a Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.93, which is much higher than that of the other models. Furthermore, CANFIS improves the prediction accuracy by 9.2-55.4% compared to the other AI models.
In the present work, the features of some excited states in some even-even 14-26O isotopes have been investigated. The aim is to predict the evaluated existence of magic numbers in these isotopes ...using shell model and Hartree-Fock Bogoliubov method based on SLy4, SkC, SkD Skyrme parameterizations. In particular, root mean square radius, binding energies, one and two neutron separation energies, pairing gaps, transition probabilities, excitation energies, energy levels, transition densities and quadrupole deformation parameters have been investigated. The results are compared with the available experimental data.
Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a modern infectious disease, first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. The etiology is via severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 ...(SARS‐CoV‐2), in a pandemic manner. The study aimed to compare between RT‐PCR and rapid anti‐gene tests for COVID‐19 with regard to sensitivity and specificity.
Methods
This is a cohort hospital‐based study done during the period of July to September 2020. Both rapid anti‐gene test kit (SARS‐CoV‐2) and RT‐qPCR were used for the detection of COVID‐19 in suspected cases.
Results
A total of 148 cases were tested using both the RT‐qPCR and rapid test. Twenty‐nine (19.6%) of these cases had positive results for RT‐qPCR and 119 (80.4%) were negative, whereas 52 (35.1%) patients were positive to rapid anti‐gene test and 96 (64.9%) of them negative. The sensitivity of the rapid test was 37.9%, the specificity was 65.5% and the accuracy was 64.44%. Rapid IgG test was positive in 47 (31.8) of cases. Although, rapid IgM test was positive in 18 (12.2%). The rapid IgG test was more sensitive than rapid IgM (Sensitivity 34.48% vs. 3.45%), but it was less specific than rapid IgM test (Specificity 68.91% vs. 85.71%).
Conclusion
We cannot consider rapid anti‐gene test alone as a diagnostic method for COVID‐19. We should also conduct RT‐PCR test and other investigations like imaging CT scan of chest to confirm the diagnosis. The rapid IgG test is more sensitive than rapid IgM, but it was less specific.
A total of 148 cases were tested using both the RT‐qPCR and rapid test. Twenty‐nine (19.6%) of these cases had positive results for RT‐qPCR and 119 (80.4%) were negative, whereas 52 (35.1%) patients were positive to rapid anti‐gene test and 96 (64.9%) of them negative. The sensitivity of the rapid test was 37.9%, the specificity was 65.5% and the accuracy was 64.44%. Rapid IgG test was positive in 47(31.8) of cases. Although, rapid IgM test was positive in 18 (12.2%). The rapid IgG test was very sensitive than rapid IgM (Sensitivity 34.48% vs. 3.45%), but it was less specific than rapid IgM test (Specificity 68.91% vs. 85.71%).
Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease have multiple alterations of thyroid hormone metabolism in the absence of concurrent thyroid disease. These may include elevated basal TSH values, ...which may transiently increase to greater than 10 mU/liter, blunted TSH response to TRH, diminished or absent TSH diurnal rhythm, altered TSH glycosylation, and impaired TSH and TRH clearance rates. In addition, serum total and free T3 and T4 values may be reduced, free rT3 levels are elevated while total values are normal, serum binding protein concentrations may be altered, and disease-specific inhibitors reduce serum T4 binding .Objective:. To assess the prevalence of hypothyroidism and u/s abnormalities of thyroid gland in patients with chronic kidney disease at different levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and their association with age , sex and duration of chronic renal failure . cross sectional study.Patients and Method: a cross sectional study total of 50 patients who seek medical advice in Baghdad teaching hospital (29 male , 21 female) , the mean of their age was 60, with established chronic kidney disease were categorized into five groups according to the stages of chronic kidney disease . Full clinical, biochemical ( includes blood urea , serum creatinine , total T3, total T4 , TSH ) , thyroid ultrasonography studies were performed to all patients in this study. Risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking and family history of CKD were also recorded. Type of treatment of CKD whether conservative or renal replacement therapy (in form of peritoneal or hemodialysis) were also.Results:- From a total of 50 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD ), eight patients had hypothyroidism (16 %) , three patients from stage 4 CKD and five patients from stage 5 CKD . Twelve patients from study sample had abnormalities in thyroid ultrasonography (24%) , one patient from stage 2 CKD , three patients from stage 3 CKD ,three patients from stage 4 CKD and five patients from stage 5 CKD . Thyroid ultrasound abnormalities includes six patients with simple goiter and six patients with multinodular goiter .From those eight patients with hypothyroidism , six patients were males (75%) and two patients were females (25%) .Regarding 12 patients with thyroid u/s abnormalities , five patients were male (41.6%) and seven patients were female (58.4%).Statistical analysis showed a significant association between drop in GFR and drop in thyroid function, from 13 patients in stage 4 CKD , three patients (23.07%) had hypothyroidism , and from 23 patients in stage 5 CKD , five patients (21.739%) had hypothyroidism .Conclusion:- reduced glomerular filtration rate was associated with an increased prevalence of hypothyroidism, with many subclinical cases. Future studies are needed to determine the potential adverse effects of subclinical and clinical hypothyroidism in persons with chronic kidney disease.
Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease have multiple alterations of thyroid hormone metabolism in the absence of concurrent thyroid disease. These may include elevated basal TSH values, ...which may transiently increase to greater than 10 mU/liter, blunted TSH response to TRH, diminished or absent TSH diurnal rhythm, altered TSH glycosylation, and impaired TSH and TRH clearance rates. In addition, serum total and free T3 and T4 values may be reduced, free rT3 levels are elevated while total values are normal, serum binding protein concentrations may be altered, and disease-specific inhibitors reduce serum T4 binding . Objective:. To assess the prevalence of hypothyroidism and u/s abnormalities of thyroid gland in patients with chronic kidney disease at different levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and their association with age , sex and duration of chronic renal failure . cross sectional study. Patients and Method: a cross sectional study total of 50 patients who seek medical advice in Baghdad teaching hospital (29 male , 21 female) , the mean of their age was 60, with established chronic kidney disease were categorized into five groups according to the stages of chronic kidney disease . Full clinical, biochemical ( includes blood urea , serum creatinine , total T3, total T4 , TSH ) , thyroid ultrasonography studies were performed to all patients in this study. Risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking and family history of CKD were also recorded. Type of treatment of CKD whether conservative or renal replacement therapy (in form of peritoneal or hemodialysis) were also. Results:- From a total of 50 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD ), eight patients had hypothyroidism (16 %) , three patients from stage 4 CKD and five patients from stage 5 CKD . Twelve patients from study sample had abnormalities in thyroid ultrasonography (24%) , one patient from stage 2 CKD , three patients from stage 3 CKD ,three patients from stage 4 CKD and five patients from stage 5 CKD . Thyroid ultrasound abnormalities includes six patients with simple goiter and six patients with multinodular goiter .From those eight patients with hypothyroidism , six patients were males (75%) and two patients were females (25%) .Regarding 12 patients with thyroid u/s abnormalities , five patients were male (41.6%) and seven patients were female (58.4%).Statistical analysis showed a significant association between drop in GFR and drop in thyroid function, from 13 patients in stage 4 CKD , three patients (23.07%) had hypothyroidism , and from 23 patients in stage 5 CKD , five patients (21.739%) had hypothyroidism . Conclusion:- reduced glomerular filtration rate was associated with an increased prevalence of hypothyroidism, with many subclinical cases. Future studies are needed to determine the potential adverse effects of subclinical and clinical hypothyroidism in persons with chronic kidney disease.
Background: Patients on maintenance hemodialysis are at increased risk of infection with parentally transmitted viral agents. In recent years a high prevalence of hepatitis G virus infection among ...end stage renal diseases and chronic hemodialysis patients has been well documented.Objectives: To assess the percentage and risk factors of HGV in hemodialysis patients, and to evaluate the clinical consequences of HGV in this population.Patients and methods: Fifty (50) patients with chronic renal failure who underwent maintenance hemodialysis. Patients were currently attending hemodialysis department of Baghdad teaching hospital during the period of October 2011 to January 2012, compared to forty one (41) healthy blood donors who underwent a full blood screening tests collected from blood bank. Aged matched as a control group. Anti-Hepatitis G antibodies (IgM and IgG) were detected using enzyme linked immunosorbant assay and HGV-RNA was determined by RT-PCR.Results: Hepatitis G virus -IgM and HGV-IgG were detected in 26 patients (52%) and in 36 patients (72%) respectively. HGV-RNA was detected in 16 patients (32%). Furthermore, nine (18%) patients revealed HGV-RNA bands and gave a positive HGV-IgM. Hepatitis G virus was significantly associated with the history and numbers of blood pints intake among hemodialysis patients, while there were no association with the hemodialysis duration, history of renal transplant nor with raised liver enzymes.Conclusions: Our results showed that hemodialysis patients carry the risk for HGV infection as a major possibility of parenteral transmission, especially by transfusion of blood and blood components. Decisions to screen blood supplies for a transfusion-transmitted infection agent should be based on sufficient benefits for recipients.
Background: There is an epidemic of several non communicable diseases and metabolic abnormalities in humans including hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia, low high density lipoprotein cholesterol, ...microalbuminurea, and insulin resistance. These diseases and metabolic abnormalities have been collectively classified as metabolic syndrome and are closely associated with type 2 diabetes and other health problems including death. objectives: To investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among type 2 diabetic patients in Baghdad teaching hospital,the frequency, and distribution of risk factors according to gender groups in our studied patients with metabolic syndrome in order to have an idea of the commonest possibly treated and prevented risk factors to decrease morbidity and mortality of metabolic syndrome. Patients and methods: A cross sectional study was done during the period 1st March 2011 till the 1st of March 2012, a sample of 220 patients with diabetes mellitus who accepted to take part in this study was recruited. All patients were subjected to clinical examination and laboratory tests according to the updated ATP111 criteria, in which we measured blood pressure,waist circumference, fasting blood sugar, fasting high density lipoprotein level and fasting triglyceride level, these data were analyzed by Statistical package for social science version 18. Results: There were 220 patients with mean age of (54.52± 9.5), male to female ratio 1.4, metabolic syndrome was present in 41.8% (92) and 58.2% (128) had no metabolic syndrome . The frequency of positive risk factors in association with metabolic syndrome were, for the waist circumference 114 patients (51.8%), high triglyceride level 65 patients (25.5%), low high density lipoprotein level 10 patients (4.5%), hypertension ≥ 130/85 mmHg 117 patients(53.15%) and fasting blood sugar 220 patients (100%). Conclusions: The study showed that metabolic syndrome prevalence still an important factor for the morbidity and mortality of Iraqi patient in spite of its low prevalence compared to other similar studies. Key Words: metabolic syndrome,type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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