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Wind speed changes from one region to another due to several influencing variables. In this article, a software method has been proposed to determine the future wind speed at any time and under any conditions. Neural Networks were used with engineering data regarding the method of education, training algorithms, and different activation functions between the input and output layers, each according to the nature of the data that would be generated. Backpropagation Neural was used with three variables chosen to be the inputs for the learning and training network (wind speed, humidity, and time), which are considered the most important in determining the proposed or expected speed at the relevant time and place. The hidden layer consists of 10 neurons, which are determined according to the precision of output. After comparing the measurements from the weather system with the expected values, a very tiny percentage of error was found since these readings are regarded as acceptable and aid in the problem-solving process for running companies and researchers. The error rate recorded in this work ranged between (3 * 10-3 and 3 * 10-5), and the average number of attempts for the training and examination process reached 33 attempts, as it is known that neural networks carry out the training process based on specific mathematical functions and closed loops that depend on the lowest possible error rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current article investigated the possibility of enhancing the solar distiller performance joined with the photovoltaic/thermal solar collector by increasing the absorption of solar radiation through the use of black dye. Two identical systems were built, the first system is a conventional double-slope solar distiller, while the other is a modified version that combines a PV/thermal solar collector with a double-slope solar distiller. The effect of the black dye and the water depth in the basin on the solar distiller's performance has been studied. The results showed that the modified system works well in cold winter conditions in comparison with hot summer conditions. The results also showed that the water depth inside the distiller basin effectively affects the output of the system. The system achieved better performance when the water depth was 3 cm in the still basin than when the water depth was 5 cm. The total production and efficiency of the improved distiller at the water height of 3 cm at the basin with adding the black dye in February were 1.378%, and 22.02% respectively. while for the conventional model, the total productivity and efficiency were 0.348 liter/day and 5.31% respectively for the same conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are several factors for vehicle accidents during driving such as drivers' negligence, drowsiness, and fatigue. These accidents can be avoided, if drivers are warned in time. Moreover, recent developments in computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) have helped to monitor drivers and alert them in case they are not concentrating on driving. The AI techniques can extract relevant features from expressions of driver's face, such as eye closure, yawning, and head movements to infer the level of sleepiness. In addition, they can acquire biological signals from the driver's body, and indications from the vehicle behavior. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the detection techniques of drowsiness and fatigue of drivers using machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL). The current techniques for this application are classified into four categories: image- or video-based analysis during the driving, biological signal analysis for drivers, vehicle movement analysis, and hybrid techniques. A review of supervised techniques is presented for detecting fatigue and drowsiness on different datasets, with a comparison of the various techniques in terms of pros and cons. Results are presented in terms of accuracy of detection for each technique. The results are discussed according to the recent problems and challenges in this field. The paper also highlights the applicability and reliability of the different techniques. Furthermore, some suggestions are presented for the future work in the field of driver drowsiness detection (DDD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we used response surface methodology to determine the best conditions for leachate treatment using coagulation–flocculation (CF) with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). The leachate is collected in a public landfill of the Fez City in Morocco. Hence, the central composite design was employed to optimise the values of the input parameters, namely pH, calcium hydroxide (CH) concentration, fast stirring time and slow stirring time. Additionally, turbidity, absorbance and sludge volume, which all characterize the leachate treatment efficiency, are considered in this study as the PCC design responses. Using the investigated quadratic model, we were able to establish a perfect relationship between these responses and the four input parameters. In fact, the results of the analysis of variances (p-value < 0.05) show that the four factors, including CH quantity and pH, have a significant impact on the three responses. Moreover, with the help of the desirability function and the isoresponse curves, we succeeded in obtaining the optimal values for pH, CH Concentration and the two stirring times (speed and slow) of 11.5, 13 g L–1, 25 and 11.5 min, respectively. With the use of such optimal conditions allowed, in a control test, for a reliable and efficient pollutant elimination, as measured by turbidity, absorbance reduction at 254 nm, and sludge volume after treatment of the order of 12 NTU, 80%, and 48 ml L–1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hand-dug wells are natural, inexpensive solution to widespread water scarcity; however, they could be contaminated with toxic algae. This study aimed to assess the physicochemical parameters and survey algal species in water from three hand-dug wells in Nassarawa Local Government area of Kano State (11°57'53"N; 8°30'50"E). Water samples were collected during May and June 2021. Temperature, pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) Dissolved oxygen (DO), Turbidity (TBDT), Nitrate and Phosphate were determined according to (APHA, 2005). Algal composition (org/L) and identification were by using the guide of Palmer (1980). Analyses of variance was used to determine significant differences between means at (p<0.05). All parameters were within permissible limits of WHO. Site B (lined with rocks) had the highest mean values of TDS (513.67mg/L), EC (596.70mg/L) and TBDT (4.60mg/L). Mean values for DO and BOD showed significant differences between sites. A total of 430 org/L algae were identified belonging to 13 genera consisting of Cyanophyta (51.1%), Chlorophyta (16.2%) and Bacillariophyta (32.7%). Site A (the oldest and unlined) was the most diverse. Site C (lined with concrete) had the highest total number of organisms (42.3%). Oscillatoria sp., Navicula sp., Phormidium sp and Dictyosphaerium sp. occurred in all sites. Nitszchia, Gomphonema and Fragillaria were the least abundant. Hand-dug wells should be protected and conserved to ensure a sustainable supply of water for various purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial endometritis is the most major cause of mare infertility. This study was carried out to investigate the efficiency of using alternative ways of treatment for endometritis by using selected antibiotics or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or combinations between them. From a total of 46 mares, 39 suffered from endometritis (G1) and 7 were fertile mares (G2). The most commonly isolated bacterial species was E. coli (12 isolates, 30.77%) S. aureus (9 isolates, 23.07%), K. pneumoniae (8 isolates, 20.51%) followed by Strept. equi (7 isolates, 17.95) as single infection and Strept.equi+ E.coli+ K. pneumoniathen (3 isolates, 7.7%) as mixed infection .All isolates were susceptible to the widely used Amikacin and Gentamicin. Before the beginning of treatment, (G1) was subdivided into three groups: 13 mares treated with selected antibiotic (G3), 13 mares treated with PRP (G4), and 13 mares treated with a combination of antibiotics and PRP (G5). Our study recorded a significant increase in nitric oxide (NO), haptoglubine (HB), and malondialdehyde ( MDA) levels in (G1) compared with (G2), with significant decrease in total antioxidant (TAC). We found that the most effective result was detected in G5, which recorded marked decrease in bacteria isolates, significant decrease in NO, HB, polymorphnuclear neutrophils (PMN) and MDA levels. In addition to increase conception rate (92.3%) compared with other groups,we concluded that using selected antibiotics with PRP in the treatment of endometritis was effective in decreasing uterine infection and have a great role in improving immunological status and elevate conception rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coagulation-flocculation is one of the more commonly used techniques for treating industrial effluents. The present work provides the results obtained in the treatment of textile effluent by applying the coagulation-flocculation process with a new reagent derived from cactus Opuntia ficus-indica largely found in Morocco. The objective herein is two-fold: to test the efficiency of this technique and establish the action mechanism of this new biodegradable and natural coagulant. The use of this new cactus-based product has shown a very significant effect on turbidity removal (96%), as well as on sludge production reduction (3.3 mL L-1), compared to other chemical coagulants, such as ferric chloride and aluminum sulfate. Settling time however is relatively long (5 h). To assess the mechanism involved in this coagulation-flocculation, we proceeded with global characterization by infrared (IR) spectroscopy and zeta potential measurements on the cactus. These measurements indicated that the colloids associated with the cactus material are negatively charged (at pH = 10.0). The IR spectroscopy analyses revealed in this new material the presence of aromatic groups, such as phenols and aromatic proteins, thus suggesting that Moroccan cactus Opuntia ficus-indica rely on a different mechanism than a chemical reagent like metallic salts. The cactus effect likely occurs through a flocculation reaction of a large concentration of metallic hydroxides by tannin molecules of cactus material combined with a "sweep coagulation" mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate and enhance the performance of data transmission using a hybrid underwater and terrestrial system with low‐complexity linear equalization. Due to the low speed, salinity, water depth, pH degree, and water temperature variations, underwater acoustic communication has become one of the most challenging technologies in the world. The most common linear equalizers are the Linear Zero Forcing (LZF), and Linear Minimum Mean Square Error (LMMSE) equalizers. The LZF equalizer suffers from the noise enhancement problem, while the LMMSE equalizer requires the value of the operating Signal‐to‐Noise Ratio (SNR) to work, correctly, which increases the computational complexity. In addition, this paper presents a low‐complexity equalization scheme to overcome the drawbacks associated with the LZF, and LMMSE equalizers. The proposed equalizer is called the Joint Low‐Complexity Regularized LZF equalizer, which depends on a fixed regularization parameter to minimize the noise enhancement phenomenon caused by the LZF equalizer. The proposed equalizer does not need the estimation of the SNR, and the computational complexity is reduced due to the utilization of the banded‐matrix approximation. The proposed equalizer is implemented based on the Single‐Input‐Single‐Output configuration for Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) using the Discrete Cosine Transform. The obtained simulation results show that the proposed equalizer outperforms different equalizers for the same channel conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was carried out at Shandaweel Agricultural Research Station, Sohag, Egypt to study the effects of deficit irrigation and harvesting dates on yield and water productivity of three sugar beet varieties. A split split block design with three replications was used. Main blokes were assigned to three irrigation water regimes (100%, 85%, and 70% of water requirement).The sub blots were occupied by three harvesting dates (180, 195 and 210 days). Sub- sub plots were comprised three sugar beet varieties namely (RAVEL, SV1841and SA1686). Results indicated that reducing water supply reduced roots, sugar and biomass yields but increased water use efficiency (WUE). Increasing harvesting date increased roots and sugar yields but reduced biomass yield. Roots, sugar and biomass yields of RAVEL and SA1686 varieties were almost comparable but higher than those of SV1841 variety. The highest sugar WUE was obtained from SA1686 at 70% WR treatment under 210 days harvesting date followed by RAVEL variety at 70 % WR and 210 day harvesting date. Results clarified that cultivating either RAVEL or SA1686 variety with 70% of water requirement and for 210 growing days under Upper Egypt conditions optimized roots and sugar yields and WUE of sugar beets [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stored-product pests attack cereal grains and legume seeds post-harvest. They not only damage the grain but also decrease its weight and quality. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the bioactivity of resin powders extracted from Pistacia lentiscus L. bark, Boswellia carterii birdwood bark, and Elettaria cardamomum seeds against two of themost important stored-product pests, Sitophilus granarius (L.) and Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val. We used three bioassay methods, repellent effect, reduction of progeny, and grain weight loss and investigated the effects of the powders on the life cycles of the insects. Wheat grains were mixed with the three botanical powders separately, at different concentrations (3, 5, 7, and 10%w/w). Sitophilus granarius and T. confusum were fed these mixtures. Repellent activity was examined after 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h. The E. cardamomum powder displayed the maximum repellent activity (100%) against both S. granarius and T. confusum after 24 h at 3% concentration. The P . lentiscus powder reached maximum repellent activity (80 %) against S. granarius and T. confusum at 7 % concentration after 12 h and 24 h, respectively. The B. carterii powder achieved maximum repellent activity against S. granarius and T. confusum (73.3%and 86.7%) at 10%concentration after 24 h and 12 h, respectively. No progeny was produced in grains treated with 3 % P . lentiscus powder, 7 % E. cardamomum powder, or 7 % B. carterii powder. Thus, protection against both beetles started from3%concentrationwhen P . lentiscus powder was used and from 7 % and 10 % (against S. granarius and T. confusum, respectively) when E. cardamomum powder was used.A7% B. carterii concentration completely saved the grains from S. granarius damage, and a 10 % concentration offered 99.5 % protection against T. confusum. However, all tested powders significantly affected all the studied parameters (life cycle and grain weight loss). The results show that the three botanical powders provide high repellent activity against S. granarius and T. confusum, which might be useful in protecting stored grains from these insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Kuwait, per capita consumption of poultry meat was 64.4 kg/cap/yr from 2004 to 2016. This indicates the high demand for poultry meat in Kuwait, which cannot be met by local production alone. The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) has conducted poultry research projects into high-quality and added-value poultry products, which could be utilised to enhance competitiveness in Kuwait production systems. Their scientific achievements include developing broiler and layer feed rations, improving FCR of broilers from 2.0 to 1.4, production of high-quality broilers, strict biosecurity measures on farm and enhanced diversity of poultry products, such as meat and eggs from Arabi chickens, quail and ducks. However, more work is needed in the areas of poultry feed and added-value product technology. In addition, technology transfer of KISR Intellectual property (IP) and knowledge to the poultry industry is necessary. The goal of this paper was to show the major achievements of KISR poultry research; identify gaps and propose solutions to improve production and enhance local industry competitiveness, in addition to conservation of the endangered avian species: Falcons and Houbara. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Sheep; mortality; morbidity; young lambs; colostrum; survey study EN Sheep mortality morbidity young lambs colostrum survey study INTRODUCTION One of the serious problems that affect the sheep industry in Kuwait is the high mortality rate of newborn lambs. In addition, lambs feeding on high quality colostrum helped these lambs to have more chances for survival, since colostrum is the only source for antibodies and nutrition for newborn lambs. Mastitis in ewes was reported to reduce serum Igs in ewes and consequently, in the colostrum (Chirstley et al., 2003; Lascelles, 1979); ewes in the present study were free of mastitis. [Extracted from the article]

In this paper, a simple chemical method is reported for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using β‐1,4 poly D‐glucosamine as stabilizer agent and their application towards electrocatalytical determination of p‐nitrophenol (p‐NP). The formation of β‐1,4 poly D‐glucosamine capped silver nanoparticles was confirmed using UV‐Vis spectroscopy, Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic activity of the β‐1,4 poly D‐glucosamine capped silver nanoparticles modified graphite carbon electrode (β 1,4 p‐DGA‐AgNPs/GrCE) towards p‐NP was studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV), AC electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and amperometric (i–t) studies. Typically, the obtained results were compared with those for unmodified graphite carbon. The results clearly reveal that the end prepared sensor has high electrocatalytic activity for p‐NP reduction. From the DPV results, (β 1,4 p‐DGA‐AgNPs/GrCE) was concluded as viable sensor for the electrochemical determination of p‐NP in a linear range from 1.0×10−6 to 1.0×10−4 mol L−1. The minimum calculated concentration that can be detected by the proposed electrode is 6.0×10−7 mol L−1 in terms of the detection limit ((3×σ)/P). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arab Universities Journal of Agricultural Sciences is the property of Arab Universities Union of Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Electrocoagulation (EC) was carried out using a laboratory-scale system for the treatment of tannery wastewater (TWW). Statistical experimental design was applied to investigate the effect of various operating parameters (OP) including initial pH, electrode material (EM), and effluent load (EL). Analysis of variance showed that the proposed models fitted well with the removal of COD and TSS; high coefficient of determination values were obtained (R2 > 0.99). The results show that the EL was an important factor affecting pollutant removal from TWW. COD and TSS removals are principally controlled by EL and initial pH. However, EM has no significant effect on TSS removal and its effect on COD removal is contracted at neutral pH medium. The treatment of TWW with an EL = Eff.am (COD0: 5634 mg l−1, TSS0: 910 mg l−1, and Cr0: 75 mg l−1) at neutral pH allows removal of more than 64%, 96%, and 99% of COD, TSS, and chromium, respectively, as well as a significant color reduction. Working at 68 mA and after 15 min of electrolysis process time, under optimal OP, the EC reactor operational cost is 2.01 US$ m−3. EC technique coupled to an equalization basin could be recommended as an effective process on TWW treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Soil Sciences & Agricultural Engineering is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Animal & Poultry Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Summary: Fulminant hepatic failure is a life‐threatening disease. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) can cause fulminant hepatic failure and death in about 0.2% of cases. Extensive destruction of infected hepatocytes by immune‐mediated lysis is thought to be the cause. We aimed to evaluate the use of steroid therapy in children with fulminant HAV. This study included 33 children with fulminant HAV in two groups. Steroid group: comprised of 18 children who received prednisolone (1 mg/kg/d) or its equivalent dose of methylprednisolone, and the nonsteroid group: comprised another 15 children who did not receive steroid therapy. Age and sex were matched for both groups (P > .05), and they were comparable regarding baseline clinical and laboratory characteristics. Of the steroid group, 15 patients survived and 3 died, while in the nonsteroid group, 4 patients survived and 11 died (P = .001). Of the living patients, 15 of 19 (78.9%) received steroids while only 3 of 14 (21.4%) of the dead patients received steroids (P = .001). Stepwise regression analysis showed that steroid therapy was the only independent variable associated with recovery (P = .001). Steroid therapy in children with fulminant HAV associated significantly with improved outcome and survival. Future studies on a larger population size are strongly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global food security is continuously being haunted by the rapid increase in population and drastic climate changes. Drought stress (DS) negatively affects the soil fertility and plant growth. Drought often induces cell dehydration and ultimately inhibits cell expansion and division, leaf size, stem elongation, root proliferation, disturbed stomatal oscillations, plant water and nutrient uptake. Biochar (BC), being a carbon-rich material, ameliorates the adverse effects of drought on plants. BC is a carbonrich (65-90%) solid product of biomass pyrolysis that contains numerous pores and oxygen functional groups and aromatic surfaces. BC application modifies microbial habitats by improving the soil's physical properties. Additionally, BC porosity can decrease soil bulk density and improve soil aeration conditions. BC can increase the available water contents that influence nutrient accessibility to microbial cells. BC application increases the plant growth, biomass and yield of crops under water deficit conditions. It also enhances nutrient uptake, photosynthesis and modifies gas exchange characteristics in plants growing under water paucity. Additionally, it improves the physical, biological properties and water holding capacity of the soil. Keeping in view the tremendous importance of BC, this review highlights its potential in mitigating the DS in plants and sums up by revealing future prospects regarding its role in improvement of soils. Overall, this review can contribute towards the better understanding of the BC-mediated tolerance mechanisms in plants under low water availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of ginger ( GN) and its nanoparticles ( GNNP) on growth, cognition, immunity and prevention of motile Aeromonas septicaemia ( MAS) in Cyprinus carpio fingerlings. Fish were divided into five groups fed diet 1 (control; no additives), diet 2 (0.5 g of GN), 3 (1 g of GN), 4 (0.5 g of GNNP) and 5 (1 g of GNNP) per kg feed for 30 days. In the behavioural test, fish were individually placed in a foraging maze to evaluate their cognition capability and feeding behaviour. At the end of feeding period, fish fed GN and GNNP showed significant better final weight than the controls. GN and GNNP significantly increased total protein, globulin and lysozyme, whereas 1 g GNNP group was the highest. One gram of GN, 0.5 g and 1 g GNNP enhanced cognition capability, while GN and GNNP increased percentage of fish fed in the maze. Brain acetylcholinesterase was significantly decreased than control in 1 g GN group. GNNP succeeded in the prevention of MAS more than GN, because no mortalities and 100% relative percentage survival ( RPS) were detected in 1 and 0.5 g GNNP and 1 g GN per kg feed, while fish fed 0.5 g GN showed 20% mortalities and 71.4 RPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Soil Sciences & Agricultural Engineering is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Soil Sciences & Agricultural Engineering is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Assiut Journal of Agricultural Sciences is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Modeling irrigation water management was done using Yield-Stress model. Simulation of yield and water consumptive use was done for seven crops: cotton, maize, soybean, wheat, faba bean, clover and onion using field data obtained from "Resource Management Activities". These experiments were done at Beni Sweif governorate, Middle Egypt from 1997 to 2002. The model was used in re-scheduling irrigation to save water. Furthermore, field data on wheat planted in two sites (El-Monfia and Demitte in 2005/06 growing season) with the application of full irrigation were obtained from the Benchmark Project by ARC/ICARDA was used to calibrate Yield-Stress model. Then the model was validated using deficit irrigation treatments. The results showed that the model was able to predict the yield and water consumptive use with high degree of accuracy. Running the model under deficit irrigation and re-scheduling irrigation resulted in saving a considerable amount of irrigation water, with low yield losses. The results indicated that after studying the depletion of readily available water from root zone, the model can be used as water management tool, resulted in saving substantial irrigation water amount, with low yield losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel vanadium oxodiperoxocomplexes [CHN][VO(O)L]·2HO and [CHN] [VO(O)L]·2HO were synthesized, where L = pyridine ( 1), 2-methylpyridine ( 2) and 4-methylpyridine ( 3), using CTAB and 16-2-16 as cationic gemini surfactant. All complexes were characterized by H-NMR, IR spectroscopy, XRD, DSC-TGA analyses and TEM. The diesel fuel desulfurization catalyzed by vanadium peroxocomplexes in bi-phase system was investigated in various solvents. The complexes manifested high catalytic activity and selectivity in removal of sulfur compounds. Graphical Abstract: Novel vanadium oxodiperoxocomplexes [CHN][VO(O)L]·2HO and [CHN][VO(O)L]·2HO were synthesized, where L = pyridine ( 1), 2-methylpyridine ( 2) and4-methylpyridine ( 3), using CTAB and 16-2-16 as cationic gemini surfactant. All complexes were characterized by 1H-NMR, IR spectroscopy, XRD, DSC-TGA analyses and TEM. The diesel fuel desulfurization catalyzed by vanadium peroxocomplexes in bi-phase system was investigated in various solvents. The complexes manifested high catalytic activity and selectivity in removal of sulfur compounds.[Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The present study aimed to assess the dietary fat intake and blood fatty acid status of healthy Norwegian men and women living in Bergen whose habitual diet is known to be high in long-chain omega-3 fat. Methods Healthy men ( n = 41) and women ( n = 40) aged 20-50 years who were regular blood donors completed 7-day food diaries and their nutrient intake was analysed by Norwegian food database software, kbs, version 4.9 ( kostberegningssystem; University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway). Blood samples were obtained before blood donation and assessed for the fatty acid composition of plasma triglycerides and cholesterol esters, phosphatidylcholine, and red cell phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Results There was no difference in dietary fat intake between men and women. Total and saturated fat intakes exceeded the upper limits of the recommendations of the National Nutrition Council of Norway. Although polyunsaturated fat intake was close to the lower limit of the recommended level, the intake varied greatly among individuals, partly as a result of the use of supplementary fish oil. Moreover, the proportional fatty acid composition of plasma and red cell lipids was similar between men and women. Enrichment of docosahexaenoic acid in red cell phosphatidylethanolamine was found in fish oil users. Conclusions The results of the present study provide a snapshot of the current nutritional status of healthy Norwegian adults. Moreover, the detailed blood fatty acid composition of men and women whose habitual diet constitutes high long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fat as well as saturated fat could be used as reference value for population studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented on a case study of a 40-year-old woman who was diagnosed with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) after undergoing allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Measurements of natural radioactivity in drinking water have been performed in many parts of the world, mostly for assessment of the doses and risk resulting from consuming water. A study of the radionuclide and chemical components in groundwater from Beni Suef Governate, Egypt has been carried out. Fifty water samples were analyzed by gamma ray spectroscopy to determine the Ra, Th, and K concentrations; major elements, pH, alkalinity, and conductivity were also measured. The specific activity values ranged from 0.008 to 0.040 Bq/l for Ra, from 0.003 to 0.019 Bq/l for Th, and from 0.025 to 0.344 Bq/l for K. The annual ingestions of these radionuclides, using local consumption rates (average over the whole population) of 1.5 l day, were estimated to be 8.59, 4.86, and 83.47 Bq year for Ra, Th, and K, respectively. The estimated values and weighted means of these radionuclides compare well with the world average. The estimated effective doses from drinking water were found to be 2.4 μSv year (Ra), 1.1 μSv year (Th), and 0.51 μSv year (K). Contribution of these radionuclides to the committed effective dose from 1 year consumption of drinking water is estimated to be only 4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Speech is considered a suitable way of communication for many applications. There are so many motivations to use speech to communicate between humans and machines. Text to speech is the part of speech technology where synthesizers are used to convert raw text into sound. Producing artificial sound was the interest of many researches for decades; that's why we may find many methods and applied techniques to generate speech waveforms. Although there is an increasing interest in speech synthesizing, due to its rapid spread in different domains, for many languages and in different ways, Arabic TTS technology growth is still steady. This paper presents different methods for TTS synthesis and focuses on concatenated speech method. Also the paper clarifies the characteristics of Arabic language and explains in details the requirements for building a text to speech synthesizer. Moreover, this paper starts with an important step for building TTS synthesizer, the letter to sound rules for Arabic language. These rules are the fundamentals for any TTS system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A parallel computing approach to run fast and full-wave electromagnetic simulation of complex structures in Grid Computing environment is presented. In this study, we show how Grid Computing improves speed and/or reliability over that provided by a single computer, while typically being much more cost-effective than single computers of comparable speed or reliability. An efficient monolithic (unique) formulation for the electromagnetic modelling of complex (multi-scale) structures, i.e. structures that exhibit multiple metallic patterns whose sizes cover a large range of scales, is used here. This approach, named the Scale-Changing Technique, is based on the cascade of multi-modal Scale-Changing Networks, each network modelling the electromagnetic coupling between two successive scale levels. These networks can be first computed separately, in an adaptive use of Grid Computing architecture nature, and then cascaded for the global electromagnetic simulation. Based on this technique, a fast computer algorithm was developed and tested in the Grid-Computing environment. For illustration purposes, the electromagnetic analysis of multi-scale structures, applied to phase-shifter elements and an example of infinite passive reflectarray, was carried out. The obtained results have confirmed the effectiveness of such an approach compared with sequential computing. This approach shows very good computation performance while keeping the same accuracy. Besides, this method is very promising for optimizing circuit with multiple design parameters to handle and for the global electromagnetic simulation of multi-scale and/or oer-sized structures. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of raised-cosine filtering on the processing gain of acousto-optic correlators (AOC) in direct-sequence spread-spectrum receivers are considered. For ideal AOCs, analytical expressions are derived for the full roll-off filter characteristics. The results are given in terms of the ratio β of the code rate to the filter bandwidth. For real AOCs, results are obtained from numerical simulation and are compared to previous results obtained for other types of filters. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 1558–1561, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23431 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel metal was loaded in different percentages (7, 10, and 13% w/w) on different supports (H-mordenite, H-ZSM-5, and γ-alumina). The prepared catalyst samples were tested in cyclohexane conversion using microreactor pulse technique. Structure was followed up by XRD analysis. Chemisorption of tert-butylamine (TBA) was adopted for estimating the number of surface acid sites. It was found that all prepared samples displayed cracking activity, being mostly related to the fraction of acid sites remaining on the surface after coverage with supported Ni atoms. H-mordenite-supported samples exhibited mainly isomerization functionality by showing a larger portion of surface acid sites. H-ZSM-5-supported samples showed higher dehydrogenation activity. Agglomeration seemed to be responsible for lower activity of the sample of higher Ni content. The formed NiOOH phase was suggested to be responsible for increased dehydrogenation activity on H-ZSM-5 samples and increased cracking activity on γ-alumina-supported samples of higher Ni content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickens are the most popular poultry worldwide and are now used for both meat and egg production. There is only a sporadic information in the literature on chicken taxonomy; and there is a lack of a single concise document that deals with different issues related to this important topic. The present document contains detailed information on the tree taxonomy of chickens. In addition, process of domestication and its effect on chicken genetic diversity, physiology and behaviour are also discussed. The major conclusions are as follows: 1) Chickens are classified as: order: Galliformes, family: Phasianidae, genus: Gallus (junglefowl). Four species of junglefowl are recognized. These are: a) Gallus gallus (red junglefowl), b) Gallus varius (green junglefowl), c) Gallus sonneratii (grey junglefowl) and d) Gallus lafayetii (Ceylon junglefowl). The current chickens that are used for both meat and egg production commercially are domesticated fowl and are the descendants of the red junglefowl species. 2) Domestication process is a complicated one and involves intensive breeding and selection programmes. During this process, genetic diversity is still maintained, yet reduced, so careful attention is needed in the future to maintain the diversity of specialized chicken species. 3) Domestication resulted in basic changes in the behaviour, physiology and production of the bird, but still there are some similarities between the ancestor and the current chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a study that investigates the simultaneous effect of product and service quality on consumers' intentions to purchase an automobile. Several hypotheses are examined on the relationships among service quality, service satisfaction, product quality, and customer loyalty. This paper nicely integrates service quality with product quality and consumer effects. In this paper the researchers examine the effects of product quality and after-sale service on consumers' intentions to repurchase vehicles from the original dealer. There is strong evidence in the marketing and operations management literatures to suggest that these two factors are key determinants of consumers' purchase intentions. Also, since there is also a strong positive relationship between how satisfied customers are with their cars and how satisfied they are with service incidents at the dealer, their use of the dealer's service facilities increase. The strong relationship between quality perceptions and customer loyalty implies that manufacturers should be interested in building higher quality products to retain their customers. The relationship between customer satisfaction and the repurchase intentions suggests the importance of selecting dealers that will reinforce their quality image through their service performance.

We examine the relationship between quality, represented by consumer ratings, and quality-related activities by the customer, represented by maintenance activities in the automotive industry. Based on several converging theoretical perspectives, we present and test a model relating vehicle initial quality ratings to consumers' routine maintenance. Three types of data were collected for the study: (1) vehicle service records at a local dealership, (2) primary data from a survey of vehicle owners, and (3) Consumer Reports data on quality ratings and initial purchase prices. The results of a structural equation analysis of the proposed model indicate a significant link between quality and customers' quality behavior. This link has important strategic implications for both automotive manufacturers and distributors, particularly as "leasing" becomes more prevalent in the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The grafting of hydrophilic monomers such as acrylic acid (AAc), acrylamide (AAm), and its mixture onto hydrophobic polymer such as Nylon 6 (Ny 6) films results in graft copolymers exhibiting hydrophilic properties as well as good swelling behavior. It was found that the variation of the experimental parameters of the grafting process has no effect on the hydrophilic properties of the film. The water uptake appears to reflect predominantly the percentage of PAAm and or PAAc in the membranes. The alkali-treated films possess higher hydrophilic properties than the alkali untreated ones. Also, it was found that the moisture regain of the grafted Ny 6 has a higher value than the irradiated ones. The thermal and mechanical properties of the grafted films were also investigated. The prepared membranes of Nylon 6 grafted with acrylic acid, acrylamide, and their comonomers can be successfully used as cation-exchange membranes, which are suitable for different practical applications, especially for the separation of some selected heavy metals and radioactive waste in wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]