Abstract:

Toxoplasma gondii can be described as one of the most efficient parasites in terms of adaptation to the host tissues. Indeed, it has a broad host spectrum, and passes through three developmental stages in its life cycle: the tachyzoite, the tissue cyst, and the oocyst. Trophozoites and tissue cysts, the asexual stages, can survive in a range of intermediate hosts, including humans and mammals. Conversely, T. gondii only generates sexual gametes (oocysts) in felids following the predation of intermediate hosts that are infected. T. gondii can live in its hosts for extended periods of time without exhibiting any symptoms. One of the most significant infectious diseases that affects people globally, toxoplasmosis causes 1.20 million disabilities per year. Additionally, vertically transmitted, toxoplasmosis may be the source of multiple defects in infants, including epilepsy, autism spectrum disorders, hydrocephalus, microcephaly, deafness, miscarriage or stillbirth, delayed postnatal motor development during the first year of life, and deafness. The clinical outcome could be greatly improved by early infection diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this paper was to provide an overview of the life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii, the repercussions of infection for mothers, and the harmful effects of toxoplasmosis on women's reproductive system.

Keywords : Toxoplasma gondii; Toxoplasmosis; Maternal health; Infertility; Review

Abstract:

This research examined the important properties of different types of crude oil with varying specific gravities. Five types of crude oil were used: Basra, Khana, and Kirkuk, Kut, and Al-Dora refinery crude oil. The measured properties included API, sulfur content, water and sediments, kinematic viscosity, water content, salt content, and atmospheric distillation. The study concluded that Kut crude oil is the heaviest type among the selected samples, while Khana crude oil is the lightest. Khana crude oil had the lowest sulfur content, while Kut crude oil had the highest. Kut crude oil also had a higher salt content, while Al-Dora refinery crude oil had the lowest. Only Kut crude oil showed a noticeable amount of water content. The water and sediments percentages by volume were equal in Kut, Basra, and Kirkuk crudes, which were higher than those in both Khana and Al-Dora crudes. The initial boiling point of Khana crude oil was the lowest among the selected samples.

Keywords: Wind energy; Vertical Axis Wind Turbine; H-Type VAWT; Aerodynamic Performance.

Abstract:

Wind energy is a widely adopted form of renewable energy, serving as an alternative to fossil fuels. It harnesses the potential energy in wind through the rotation of turbines, which then converts mechanical energy into electrical energy via connection to an electrical generator. The primary goal of this experimental study is to enhance the efficiency of the H-Type Darrieus Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (HT-VAWT) by integrating with cavity blades. This addition aims to address the inherent weakness of low torque in the Darrius turbine, thereby improving the overall performance of the VAWT.  The proposed model was fabricated using a 3D printing machine and tested in a low-speed wind tunnel with varying wind speeds (5, 8, and 10 m/s). Experimental tests were conducted at the Fluid Mechanics Laboratory of the University of Baghdad, College of Engineering, and Department of Mechanical Engineering. The obtained results from the experiments demonstrate that adding cavity blades enhances the rotational speed and performance of the H-Type Darrius VAWT. Higher wind speeds, particularly at 10 m/s, significantly improve turbine performance compared to lower speeds. The rotational speed increases with higher upstream air velocity. Combining cavity blades with the H-Type airfoil boosts the wind turbine's overall performance, resulting in increased power generation and higher power coefficient. The concluded results give good agreement with the published previous works.

Keywords:  Wind energy; Vertical Axis Wind Turbine; H-Type VAWT; Aerodynamic Performance.