Southern Technical University

Background Pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis and is highly aggressive and deadly. Most pancreatic cancer diagnoses are adenocarcinomas, which account for more than 90 % of all cases. Developing effective therapeutic strategies requires an understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with pancreatic cancer progression. Small nucleolar RNA 64 (SNORA64) was presented as a predictive marker for pancreatic cancer stages in our previous study. SNORA64 showed a gradual loss of its expression throughout the carcinogenesis process, and it inhibited metastasis by interfering with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this study, we investigated the role of SNORA64 on an intrinsic apoptotic pathway in pancreatic cancers by using human pancreatic cell line derived from adenocarcinoma PK-8 with SNORA64 knockdown and the scramble to compare with. Methods QPCR techniques used to measure the gene expression level of apoptosis related genes and cell viability assay using trypan blue exclusion are implanted in this study as investigational methods. Results Pk-8 SNORA64 knockdown shows a significant low expression of tumor suppressor P53 in contrast to the scramble control cell line. Pk-8 SNORA64 knockdown shows significantly high expression of anti-apoptotic genes B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (BCl2) and B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (BCL-Xl) in contrast to the scramble control cell line. Conversely, the pro-apoptotic genes BH3 interacting domain death agonist (BID), BCL2 Associated X (BAX), and BCL2 homologous antagonist/killer (BAK) show significantly low expression compared to the scramble control. However, there is no change in the expression of BAD and BIM in Pk-8 with SNORA64 knockdown compared to the scrambled control cell line. Furthermore, the Pk-8 with SNORA64 knockdown shows a significant high proliferation rate and viability percentage compared to the scramble control cell line. Conclusion The downregulation of SNORA64 affects apoptosis pathways by manipulating pro- and anti-apoptotic gene regulators. The SNORA64 interactions with apoptotic inhibitor molecules and downregulation of pro-apoptotic molecules significantly sustain cellular viability. Therefore; SNORA64 may serve as a sensitizer to apoptosis-inducing therapies.

A modern bio-inspired optimization algorithm, namely Coot Bird Optimization (COBO), is proposed and displayed in this paper to investigate the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) of Positive Output Super Lift Luo (POSLL) DC-DC converter for control of the proposed photovoltaic (PV) power system. The effectiveness of this suggested algorithm is evaluated. The goal of the optimization problem is to reduce the rising time, settling time, and ripple of the POSLL converter's output voltage in response to step changes in input voltage with the connected load. To improve control performance, the gain parameters of the Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller are tuned using the MPPT proposed optimization technique. The MPPT algorithm has been developed to prove an efficient present optimization algorithm for solving optimization problem.

A Separately Excited DC (SEDC) motor is widely used in process industries and automotive applications because of its fast response and high reliability. This paper presents the optimal tuning of a PID controller for an SEDC motor using two nature-inspired optimizers: the Modified Camel Traveling Algorithm (MCTA) and the Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO). Each algorithm is applied independently to minimize the Integral of Time-Weighted Absolute Error (ITAE) in the MATLAB/Simulink environment, while a conventional trial-and-error PID serves as the baseline. Controller performance is evaluated using convergence profiles and time-domain indices (rise time, settling time, and overshoot) under reference changes and load disturbances. Both optimizers improve the transient response compared with the baseline; across all tests, TLBO achieves the lowest ITAE and slightly shorter rise and settling times, whereas MCTA remains competitive. The findings provide clear comparative insights and practical guidance for selecting between TLBO and MCTA in SEDC speed control applications.

Abstract Preheating is crucial in welding high-strength steels as it reduces the risk of cold cracking, manages residual stresses, and improves the mechanical properties of welded joints. This study examines various preheating techniques and their effects on the temperature field, residual stress distribution, and deformation behavior in high-strength steel welding. The specific procedures for enhancing it are discussed in this paper, focusing mainly on preheating, controlled heat input during welding, and additionally heat treatment of the welded joint. Through experimental analysis, the optimal preheating temperatures and methods for different steel grades, including S960QL and S1100M, are determined. The results indicate that preheating significantly lowers residual stress, prevents brittle fractures, and enhances overall weld quality.

General Background Placenta previa is a major obstetric condition associated with antepartum hemorrhage and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Specific Background Rising cesarean section rates and increasing maternal age have contributed to higher reported cases, particularly in high-risk hospital settings. Knowledge Gap Limited region-specific data are available regarding placenta previa prevalence and maternal risk factors among women undergoing cesarean delivery in Iraq. Aims This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of placenta previa and identify associated maternal risk factors among cesarean deliveries in AL-Muthanna and AL-Diwaniya, Iraq. Results A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 300 cesarean deliveries identified placenta previa in 15% of cases, with advanced maternal age, multiple previous cesarean sections, high parity, elevated body mass index, anterior placental location, and comorbidities showing significant associations. Novelty This study provides stratified regional evidence linking surgical history and maternal characteristics to placenta previa within a high-cesarean population. Implications Early identification of high-risk women may support tailored antenatal surveillance and surgical planning to reduce maternal complications. Keywords: Placenta Previa, Cesarean Section, Maternal Age, Obstetric Risk Factors, Pregnancy Complications Key Findings Highlights: Placenta previa was identified in a notable proportion of cesarean deliveries within the study population. Advanced maternal age and repeated surgical deliveries showed strong statistical associations. Stratified analysis clarified maternal and placental characteristics linked to higher clinical risk.

In this study, a comparative thermal performance analysis was conducted on three roof configurations under the hot climate of Iraq/Basra to evaluate their potential contribution to Nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) objectives. The first two models incorporated Phase Change Materials (PCM) with different melting points (24°C and 29°C) arranged in varying sequences, while the third model represented a traditional roof with EPS insulation and concrete. Annual simulations using Design Builder program assessed the impact of PCM layer arrangements on indoor thermal regulation and cooling energy demand reduction. Results demonstrated that the PCM-based roofs significantly reduced indoor temperature fluctuations compared to the traditional roof, directly translating to substantial reductions in cooling energy requirements a critical factor for nZEB feasibility in hot regions. The configuration with PCM29 on top followed by PCM24 proved most effective, consistently maintaining indoor temperatures within a narrower and more comfortable range with daily averages 32.7°C, thereby minimizing the need for active cooling. In stark contrast, the traditional roof exhibited higher variability with peaks exceeding 42°C, indicating significantly greater cooling loads. These findings highlight that strategic optimization of PCM layer arrangement in roofs is a highly effective passive cooling strategy. This approach not only enhances occupant comfort but also dramatically reduces building cooling energy consumption, representing a vital step towards achieving nearly zero energy building performance in energy-intensive arid climates.

Diffusion Absorption Refrigeration (DAR) systems offer a sustainable alternative to vapor compression refrigeration by utilizing thermal energy instead of mechanical work, making them well-suited for renewable energy applications and waste heat recovery. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of DAR systems, incorporating a statistical evaluation of various research aspects. It focuses on energy sources, alternative working fluids, system configurations, and their impact on the coefficient of performance (COP) and operating temperature. The evolution of DAR technology is traced from early theoretical models to recent experimental developments, supported by a bibliometric study that highlights key research trends, contributing countries, and periods of increased academic activity. The review assesses DAR performance in terms of efficiency improvements, integration of renewable energy, and the use of alternative working fluids. Bibliometric data indicate a growing research interest since 1990, with a notable peak in 2019, and significant contributions from China, India, Germany, and the United States. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for further research into advanced working fluids, the integration of thermal energy storage to enhance stability, and the development of computational models for optimized design and performance. Addressing these challenges will help advance DAR technology as a viable, sustainable cooling solution, supporting innovation and contributing to global energy sustainability.