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Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive benign fibroinflammatory condition involving repeated episodes of pancreatic inflammation, which lead to fibrotic tissue replacement and subsequent pancreatic insufficiency. A lifetime risk of developing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in patients with chronic pancreatitis is reported to be 1.5%-4%. However, diagnosis of PDAC in patients with CP can be challenging, in part due to overlapping imaging features. In rare instances, pancreatic parenchymal calcifications that are typically associated with chronic pancreatitis may diminish in the case of a developing PDAC. In this article, we present a patient with chronic pancreatitis in whom calcifications decreased at the time of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma diagnosis, as compared to prior CT imaging. The unique imaging features of “diminishing calcifications” associated with a hypoattenuating lesion can potentially be a useful sign of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and may aid in early diagnosis and prompt treatment intervention.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease characterized by the presence and growth of endometrial glands and stroma outside of the uterine cavity. The pathogenesis is unclear, but a common theory attributes the condition to retrograde menstruation into the peritoneal cavity via the fallopian tubes. Hormonal influence causes these ectopic tissues to undergo cyclical bleeding, resulting in subsequent inflammation and scar tissue formation; however, it can affect postmenopausal women. In rare instances, endometriotic lesions can obstruct the ureter and result in hydroureteronephrosis and subsequent loss of renal function. This condition presents with nonspecific symptoms and is known as an often-silent disease, resulting in challenging and delayed preoperative diagnosis. In this article, we report the case of an asymptomatic 65-year old female who was diagnosed with deep pelvic endometriosis, which obstructed the right distal ureter. We focus on optimizing diagnosis and management through the application of radiological imaging modalities, specifically computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The widespread utilization of direct current (DC) motors in real-life engineering applications has led to the need for precise speed control, making controllers a crucial aspect of DC motor systems. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers have been widely adopted due to their simplicity and effectiveness. However, recent advancements have introduced fractional order PID (FOPID) controllers that offer improved control performance for complex systems with nonlinear dynamics. To fully leverage FOPID controller’s benefits, an efficient tuning method is essential. In this study, we propose artificial rabbits optimization (ARO) algorithm with enhanced strategies, called IARO, to optimize the FOPID controller for DC motor speed regulation. The IARO algorithm incorporates an adaptive local search (ALS) mechanism and an experience-based perturbed learning (EPL) strategy, addressing the shortcomings of ARO and providing better exploration–exploitation balance. We validate the superiority of IARO over competitive algorithms on the CEC2020 benchmark functions, showcasing improved solution stability and consistency. The IARO algorithm is then applied to tune the FOPID controller for DC motor speed regulation. The problem is formulated as a constraint minimization task, optimizing the integral of time-weighted absolute error cost function while adhering to critical design requirements. Comparative simulations demonstrate the IARO algorithm’s ability to achieve superior cost function values and faster convergence compared to other algorithms' based FOPID controllers. The IARO-based FOPID controller exhibits enhanced stability, smoother speed response, larger gain margin, and wider bandwidth compared to other reported algorithms. Additionally, a hardware implementation is also conducted to further validate the practical applicability of IARO based design method. The IARO-based FOPID controller showed remarkable accuracy in tracking multi-step reference inputs and robustly rejected external disturbances, outperforming other recent optimization-based controllers. Additionally, the IARO-based PID controller achieved better performance in key time-domain metrics, including lower overshoot, faster rise time, shorter settling time, and minimized peak time.

Adrenal schwannoma is a rare tumor of Schwann cell origin that represents less than 0.2% of all adrenal tumors. These typically benign tumors are most often found in the head, neck, and limbs. However, schwannomas can also rarely occur rarely in the adrenal gland within the retroperitoneal cavity. In the adrenal gland, these tumors arise from the medulla and are difficult to diagnose, often misdiagnosed as other benign or malignant entities. In this article, we report the case of a 43-year-old female with a large left adrenal mass revealed by biopsy to be a schwannoma. We focus on the use of radiological imaging modalities and immunohistochemical analysis to optimize diagnosis and treatment intervention of this rare tumor.

Introduction: Monkeypox (mpox) is an illness caused by the MPX virus and endemic to certain African countries. Historically, sporadic outbreaks have occurred in some non-endemic areas. In 2022, a new variant emerged, clade IIb, causing a global outbreak sustained within sexual networks among men who have sex with men (MSM). To our knowledge, this is the first multi-country study examining mpox epidemiology and clinical features of the 2022–2023 outbreak caused by clade IIb across the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Methods: We analyzed datasets of anonymous mpox case-based reports submitted to the World Health Organization (WHO) from May 2022 to December 2023 in the EMR to describe the cumulative incidence, demographics, transmission routes, and clinical outcomes. Results: By the end of 2022, 95 case reports were submitted to the WHO. The first case of mpox was reported in the United Arab Emirates on May 24, 2022. The highest number of cases were reported from Lebanon (27 confirmed cases). Most cases in the EMR were adult males (92 %), 60 % identifying as MSM, and 10 % living with HIV. Most reported symptoms were rash (95.4 %) and fever (69.6 %). No intensive care unit admissions or deaths were reported. Conclusion: In this study we investigated the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and outcomes of the mpox outbreak related to clade IIb in the EMR. We raise concerns about the accuracy and completeness of the data, given that the number of cases reported to the WHO from EMR countries appears to be significantly lower than the number of cases documented within the region. This discrepancy could impact the reliability of the reported figures and the region's response strategies. Despite these challenges, collaborative efforts across EMR countries have laid the groundwork for effective outbreak response, underscoring the importance of ongoing regional cooperation to enhance future preparedness strategies.

Background: In middle-income countries, costs limit widespred use of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as a strategy for end-stage heart failure. We aim to describe the experience of a LVAD program in a middle-income country in a hub-and-spoke model. Methods: Patients fulfilling strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were referred from different centers in Brazil for LVAD implantation through a philanthropy program financed via a Brazilian Federal Government tax exemption structure. LVAD implantation was performed in a hub-and-spoke model with a single implanting center. Data were collected retrospectively using hospital records and telephone contact with other centers. Patients who received LVAD implants external to the philanthropic program, either at this or other Brazilian centers, were not included. Results: Between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2020, 20 adult patients underwent long-term continuous flow LVAD implantation with decentralization of postimplant patient care in regional centers. Patients were referred from 11 centers from 7 states in Brazil and underwent LVAD implantation through a philanthropy program. The median age was 52.5 years and 85% were Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support profile 3 patients. Two patients had Chagas cardiomyopathy. The overall survival censored for competing risks at 1 and 2 years were 90% and 84%, respectively. Three patients (15%) underwent heart transplantation in the first 2 years after LVAD implantation. Twelve patients returned to their original centers and were followed remotely. Conclusions: This study presents a successful LVAD implantation program in a hub-and-spoke model in Brazil. Centralization of LVAD implantation with decentralization of postimplant patient care in regional centers is feasible and safe, enabling optimal allocation of resources in middle-income countries.

Summary: Early phase clinical trials provide an initial evaluation of therapies’ risks and benefits to patients, including safety and tolerability, which typically relies on reporting outcomes by investigator and laboratory assessments. Use of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to inform risks (tolerability) and benefits (improvement in disease symptoms) is more common in later than early phase trials. We convened a two-day expert roundtable covering: (1) the necessity and feasibility of a universal PRO core conceptual model for early phase trials; (2) the practical integration of PROs in early phase trials to inform tolerability assessment, guide dose decisions, or as real-time safety alerts to enhance investigator-reported adverse events. Participants (n = 22) included: patient advocates, regulators, clinicians, statisticians, pharmaceutical representatives, and PRO methodologists working across diverse clinical areas. In this manuscript, we report major recommendations resulting from the roundtable discussions corresponding to each theme. Additionally, we highlight priority areas necessitating further investigation.

Background: Breast cancer (BC) has been increasing in both prevalence and incidence in Lebanon. Knowing the positive impact mammographic screening has on reducing mortality rates, we sought to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and barriers towards BC screening amongst Lebanese women across all districts. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 400 Lebanese women aged 35–75, with no prior or current diagnosis of BC, employing an online questionnaire filled face-to-face with participants to gather sociodemographic data and assess BC history and screening practices. We utilized the Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire (BCSBQ) and Champion Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS) to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and barriers. Results: Findings revealed inadequate attitudes towards general health check-ups (77.5 %) and insufficient BC screening knowledge (56.4 %). Furthermore, 38.5 % encountered obstacles to mammography screening. Education significantly affected BC knowledge. Interestingly, increased knowledge of BC reduced barriers to mammographic screening. Participants with healthcare connections or background exhibited better attitudes towards health check-ups and encountered fewer screening obstacles. Conclusion: This is the first study that endeavors to comprehensively investigate Lebanese women's knowledge, attitudes, and barriers concerning BC screening, encompassing all demographics and regions using validated scales (BCSBQ and CHBMS). Our data highlight the crucial role of education in advocating for early BC screening and the necessity to reevaluate national campaigns, particularly in communication methods, to ensure equitable access to screening across Lebanon.

Sustainability goals include the utilization of renewable energy resources to supply the energy needs in addition to wastewater treatment to satisfy the water demand. Moreover, hydrogen has become a promising energy carrier and green fuel to decarbonize the industrial and transportation sectors. In this context, this research investigates a wind-photovoltaic power plant to produce green hydrogen for hydrogen refueling station and to operate an electrocoagulation water treatment unit in Ostrava, Czech Republic's northeast region. The study conducts a techno-economic analysis through HOMER Pro® software for optimal sizing of the power station components and to investigate the economic indices of the plant. The power station employs photovoltaic panels and wind turbines to supply the required electricity for electrolyzers and electrocoagulation reactors. As an off-grid system, lead acid batteries are utilized to store the surplus electricity. Wind speed and solar irradiation are the key role site dependent parameters that determine the cost of hydrogen, electricity, and wastewater treatment. The simulated model considers the capital, operating, and replacement costs for system components. In the proposed system, 240 kg of hydrogen as well as 720 kWh electrical energy are daily required for the hydrogen refueling station and the electrocoagulation unit, respectively. Accordingly, the power station annually generates 6,997,990 kWh of electrical energy in addition to 85595 kg of green hydrogen. Based on the economic analysis, the project's NPC is determined to be €5.49 M and the levelized cost of Hydrogen (LCH) is 2.89 €/kg excluding compressor unit costs. This value proves the effectiveness of this power system, which encourages the utilization of green hydrogen for fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCVs). Furthermore, emerging electrocoagulation studies produce hydrogen through wastewater treatment, increasing hydrogen production and lowering LCH. Therefore, this study is able to provide practicable methodology support for optimal sizing of the power station components, which is beneficial for industrialization and economic development as well as transition toward sustainability and autonomous energy systems.

Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma is a rare fibrosarcoma variant in which more than half of patients experience local recurrence or metastatic spread. In the current literature, there is limited and nonspecific imaging data, contributing to frequent misdiagnosis and delays in treatment intervention. Given the poor prognosis associated with this malignancy and the high probability of metastases, accurate and prompt diagnoses are critical. In this article, we report the case of a 27-year-old female diagnosed with metastatic sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma following the discovery of a growing palpable mass on her right gluteus maximus muscle. We focus on the use of radiological imaging modalities in optimizing diagnosis and correlate our imaging and pathological findings.

A plasmacytoma is a cancerous growth of abnormal plasma cells that arise within osseous or soft tissue structures. In soft tissue structures, plasmacytomas can present as solitary or multiple masses in the absence of systemic involvement. Solitary plasmacytomas can be subcategorized as extramedullary plasmacytoma (derived from plasma cells located in soft tissues) or osseous plasmacytoma (derived from plasma cells located in the bone marrow). Infrequently, these tumors can arise as extramedullary lesions from the pancreas and present similarly to other tumors, such as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs). In this article, we report the case of a 62-year-old male with a diagnosis of solitary plasmacytoma of the pancreas. We focus on optimizing diagnosis and management through the application of radiological imaging modalities, specifically computed tomography (CT) scans and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scans.

Liposarcomas are infrequent malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin most commonly seen in the extremities. Although infrequent, these can develop as primary lesions in the soft tissue of the kidney, making them difficult to diagnose through imaging modalities alone. Primary renal liposarcomas are associated with poor prognoses, increasing the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis. In extremely rare instances, the tumor can arise directly from the fat in the epicenter of the kidney, disguised as an angiomyolipoma. In this article, we report the case of a 54-year-old female who was diagnosed with a well-differentiated liposarcoma of the kidney and underwent radical nephrectomy. Our objective is to evaluate unique radiological imaging findings and correlate with histopathological analysis to optimize diagnosis

Objective: To evaluate fracture resistance and failure type of coronally rehabilitated primary incisors with EverX Flow or Grandio Core post and core with or without fiber post. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight extracted maxillary primary incisors were root canal treated and obturated with Metapex. The coronal 4-mm of Metapex was removed to create 3-mm intracanal post space. Next, coronal enamel and radicular dentin surfaces were acid-etched, and a bonding agent was applied and light-cured. Based on intracanal post and 2-mm height core buildup materials, specimens were divided equally (n = 12) into 4 groups as follow; Group I (EverX Flow), Group II (Grandio Core), Group III (Fiber post, and EverX Flow), and Group IV(Fiber post and Grandio Core). The coronal restorations were finalized to 4-mm height using G-aenial Anterior composite and specimens were tested for fracture resistance. Force required to induce fracture was recorded and failure type was examined. Results: Fracture resistance of Fiber post and EverX Flow group was statistically significant high than other tested groups. However, fracture resistance of EverX Flow group showed non-statistically significant difference from that of Fiber post and Grandio Core group. Regarding failure type, no specimen presented root fracture, and all failures were favorable and repairable. Conclusion: EverX flow post and core with or without fiber post enhanced fracture resistance of restored primary incisors compared to Grandio Core alone. Clinical relevance: EverX flow post and core system with or without fiber post could be a promising restorative option for severely destructed primary incisors.

Gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis is an unusual fungal infection caused by Basidiobolus ranarum, a saprophytic fungus primarily found in soil and decaying vegetables. Basidiobolomycosis typically presents as a chronic subcutaneous swelling and rarely infects the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, the infrequency of gastrointestinal infections, along with nonspecific clinical symptoms, often results in misdiagnosed cases and delays in treatment. In this article, we report the case of a 68-year-old male with gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis masquerading as metastatic cancer. We focus on the use of radiological imaging modalities and histopathological analysis to optimize the diagnosis and treatment of this rare gastrointestinal infection.

When found in the cecum or rectosigmoid junction, primary colorectal B-cell lymphoma is a rare malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma often associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Due to the nonspecific clinical symptoms, these uncommon tumors are often left undefined or misdiagnosed, resulting in delays in treatment and adverse patient outcomes. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography is the most commonly used medical imaging process for primary colorectal lymphoma, but due to the rarity of this disorder, accurate imaging diagnosis remains a clinical challenge. In this article, we report the case of a 70-year-old male who was diagnosed with primary B-cell lymphoma of the cecum. We focus on improving diagnosis through the utilization of radiological imaging modalities, particularly computed tomography (CT) and fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18-F-FDG PET/CT). While imaging modalities are important in recognizing colonic lymphomas, there are no pathognomonic imaging features for lymphoma; therefore, biopsy remains necessary for diagnostic confirmation.

As the demand for renewable energy sources continues to rise, the integration of solar photovoltaic technology has emerged as a promising solution. But since these panels benefit from only about 15–20% of the radiation falling on them, the current trend has been towards improving the performance of these panels and raising their efficiency to benefit from the greatest possible amount of solar radiation. In this regard, this review presents a thorough examination of the latest advancements in enhancing photovoltaic (PV) systems, with a focus on cooling techniques, concentration methods, spectral splitting filtering, and tracking systems. A comprehensive analysis of both passive and active cooling technologies was presented, where cooling improves the efficiency of the panel to up to 25%, in addition to the possibility of integrating PV modules with thermal collectors to exploit the wasted heat in what is known as Photovoltaic/thermal systems (PV/T). Additionally, the study explores various types of concentrated PV (CPV) systems, such as flat concentrators, compound parabolic concentrators, and Fresnel lenses, which can lead to 10% increase in the panel efficiency. The paper also introduces the concept of spectral splitting filtering, covering reflective and absorptive methods to optimize solar energy utilization, which is considered a new technology cooling method. Furthermore, it delves into tracking systems for PV modules which can cause an increase in efficiency about 20%. The novelty of this review lies in its up-to-date coverage of the latest research and advancements in PV system enhancement. There are several studies that deal with a specific modification to improve the performance of the PV panel, while this study provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art techniques including four different types of modern modifications and analyzes them extensively to reach the best possible configuration, as this review aims to contribute to the continued development of effective and sustainable photovoltaic systems.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a ubiquitous nosocomial pathogen associated with various types of infections in hospitalized patients and different animal species. In the current study, 49 Klebsiella strains isolated from humans, dogs, and cats were investigated using NGS technology. MALDI-TOF failed to identify newly discovered K. variicola and K. quasipneumoniae isolates correctly. MLST analysis revealed different sequence types among K. pneumoniae isolates, and the most frequent STs were ST29, ST219, and ST37. Three ST23 that are generally known as hypervirulent type were identified but they lacked major discriminatory determinants for hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKp). K. pneumoniae isolates showed high diversity, and several isolates from humans and animals were assigned to the same ST and were almost identical. Isolates from humans exhibited more pronounced resistance patterns compared to the animal isolates. High levels of resistance were observed for piperacillin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and cephalosporins, and resistance to carbapenem compounds was only found in isolates of human origin. Three strains of human origin were extensively drug-resistant (XDR). A diverse range of resistance genes primarily confer resistance to beta-lactams., phenicol/quinolone, aminoglycoside, macrolide, sulfonamides, and fosfomycin were identified in silico. However, there were inconsistencies between the phenotypic characterization of isolates and the set of resistance genes detected in silico in this set of Klebsiella isolates. Further research using a larger number of isolates from various sources is necessary to fully comprehend the relationship between the presence of antimicrobial resistance determinants and phenotypic data. It is also necessary to monitor the spread of K. pneumoniae from a One Health perspective in Egypt.

Summary: A wide selection of behavioral assays in systems neuroscience relies on head-fixation protocols to integrate in vivo multi-photon imaging approaches. For this, simultaneous pupillometry and locomotion tracking in head-fixed mice are used to measure behavioral responses and identify neural correlates. Here, we present an open-source protocol for assembling a complete head-fixation system that integrates pupillometry and locomotion-estimated tracking with multi-photon calcium imaging. We include detailed procedures for head-fixation and for data collection. : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

There has been a global surge in the need for commercially accessible plant conditioners that are derived from natural ingredients and are therefore environmentally benign. Currently, sustainable agriculture and minimizing the ecological impact are of great importance. Preparations that contain commonly used humic acids and/or natural amino acids are ideal for meeting these criteria. An investigation was conducted to examine the impact of three plant foliar fertilizers containing humic acid and one fertilizer containing a combination of humic and amino acids on maize crops. By employing the shallow mRNA sequencing technique, we acquired datasets that, once processed, are ideal for investigating the impacts of the foliar fertilizers examined in the study. Five SRA datasets were uploaded to NCBI. These datasets include the TSA (Transcriptome Shotgun Assembly), the contigs that were blasted, mapped, and annotated from the pre-processed datasets, as well as the count table obtained from the RNA-seq read quantification. All of these data are included in the Mendeley database. In the future, the databases will enable the investigation of alterations in plant biochemical processes at the gene expression level.

Background: Olive oil consumption and production are evident among Lebanese households, yet little is known about the knowledge, perceptions, and practices of Lebanese consumers of olive oil. Methods: A total of 610 adolescents and adults who consume olive oil were surveyed using a semi-qualitative questionnaire comprising 47 questions between August 2022 and May 2023. Descriptive analyses of knowledge, perceptions, and practices were conducted in addition to a regression analysis of the predictors of higher knowledge. Results: 610 participants were included (61.0 % aged

This study evaluated the uniaxial tensile strength and bond performance of natural hybrid reinforcement bars. Hybrid FRP combines multiple fibers and matrixes, resulting in a desirable performance. Two types of hybrid bars were tested: one with natural fibers surrounded by glass fiber, and the other with a steel core surrounded by natural fiber and then glass fiber. Thirteen samples were used to assess tensile behavior, with four groups including glass fiber, flax, sisal, and jute fibers. Pull-out behavior testing was conducted on twelve samples, divided into four groups of fiberglass, flax, sisal, and jute. Each group used three types of concrete: normal, high strength, and ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). The results refer to flax samples that had a higher tensile strength and elastic modulus of 143 MPa and 38 GPa, respectively, than samples made of sisal and jute fibres. The hybrid bars with a steel core exhibited a significant improvement in elastic modulus of 206 % in compared to samples made solely from glass, sisal, and jute fibers. On the other hand, the samples with UHPC showed the highest bond strength. The sample U-GFRP with ultra-high-performance concrete showed the highest bond strength 9.32 MPa, while the sample N-GFRP with normal concrete showed the lowest bond strength 5.87 MPa, respectively. However, this study suggests that hybridizing natural fibers can be a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fibers.

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) has appeared as a significant study field integrated with much research in the last two decades. In response to the widespread use of this technology in numerous applications, such as military operations, medical care, automated processes, urban domain and so on. WSN handles conditions where it is challenging or impossible for humans to perform measurement tasks physically and effectively. WSNs are fast-expanding networks incorporating many data communications streams. A WSN is made up of a wide amount of economic sensing device nodes with low energy requirements that have been irregularly placed in a particular region. These sensor node devices periodically sense data and record values before sending them to the sink node (or base station) through other sensor nodes. Some concerns should be addressed, such as preserving the sensor nodes' activity and load balancing as much as possible by wisely distributing the overall energy and the significant duplication problem of generated data where some sensor nodes in the monitor region may provide similar data. These are the WSN's most fundament l issues, necessitating the development of new routing and clustering algorithms. Research has proposed several routing algorithms to respond to these challenges and several optimization methods to decide the best route between the broadcaster and reception nodes. LEACH and its various versions with hierarchical clustering are widely utilized to reduce energy consumption, optimize performance, and lengthen the network's longevity. In this survey, We present an in-depth evaluation of LEACH descendant clustering protocols to respond to the previous challenges. We suggest several optimization methods to decide the best route between the broadcaster and reception nodes. Our qualitatively comparative study and analysis organize LEACH-based routing algorithms into five categories: algorithms for optimizing CH selection, algorithms for optimizing data transmission, algorithms for optimizing both CH selection & data transmission, algorithms executed by fuzzy logic approach, and algorithms that use external energy sources to maximize network energy. Moreover, the survey compares these clustered routing techniques based on these criteria. An examination of algorithms is provided, including information on their goals, categories, strategies, assessments, effectiveness, advantages, and disadvantages. This survey gives academics technical guidance regarding the best way to improve algorithms for routing. The publication concludes with suggestions for additional areas of WSN to investigate.

Introduction: University students are particularly susceptible to mental health issues. The association between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and mental health in this population remains inconclusive. To address this gap, we studied the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and mental health aspects: depression, anxiety, and stress, among a sample of university students in Lebanon. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using an online survey. The survey included the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) to evaluate symptoms of depression and anxiety, the Perceived Stress Score (PSS) to assess stress levels, and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) to measure adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Socio-demographic and lifestyle-related questions were also assessed. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted. Results: 200 students were included: 64 % being females, 58.5 % studying in private universities, and 69.5 % being seniors. The mean PHQ4-anxiety subscale was 3.61 (out of a total of 6) and 71.5 % of the sample met the criteria for anxiety diagnosis; the mean PHQ4-depression subscale was 4.04 (out of a total of 6) and 77 % of the sample met the criteria for depression diagnosis, and mean PSS was 21.18 (out of a total of 39). The mean MEDAS was 6.42 (out of a total of 14). There was a significant inverse association between MEDAS scores and anxiety (β=-0.110, 95 %CI: -0.196; -0.024) and between MEDAS and PSS (β=-0.327, 95 %CI: -0.546; -0.107). There was no association between MEDAS and depression. Conclusion: We found poor mental health and low adherence to the Mediterranean Diet among university students. Higher adherence to the Mediterranean Diet was associated with lower anxiety and stress levels. Randomized trials are needed to confirm our findings.

To assess the optimisation impact on the trajectory towards sustainable Computed Tomography (CT) imaging practices, technical parameters, and volume computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol) were collected for abdominal pain and diverticulitis/appendicitis clinical indications at Salamniya Medical Complex before and after optimisation of imaging protocol. Post-optimisation evaluation revealed a significant reduction in CTDIvol, accompanied by a total reduction of 100 kg in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions and an annual cost savings of 20 $. These changes positively influence social, environmental, and economic pillars of sustainability, respectively. The long-term optimisation across multiple hospitals will support the transition towards sustainable CT imaging practices in Bahrain.

In the context of global efforts to mitigate climate change by pursuing sustainable energy sources, wind energy has emerged as a critical contributor. However, the wind energy industry faces substantial challenges in maintaining and preserving the integrity of wind turbine blades. Timely and accurate detection and classification of blade faults, encompassing issues such as cracks, erosion, and ice buildup, are imperative to uphold wind turbines' ongoing efficiency and safety. This study introduces an inventive approach that amalgamates hyperspectral imaging and 3D Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to augment the precision and efficiency of wind turbine blade fault detection and classification. Hyperspectral imaging is harnessed to capture comprehensive spectral information from blade surfaces, facilitating exact fault identification. The process is streamlined through Incremental Principal Component Analysis (IPCA), reducing data dimensions while maintaining integrity. The 3D CNN model demonstrates remarkable performance, achieving high accuracy in detecting all fault categories in full-band hyperspectral images. The model retains high accuracy even with dimensionality reduction to 20 spectral bands. The reduced processing time of the 20-band image enhances the practicality of real-world applications, thereby reducing downtime and maintenance expenditures. This research represents a significant advancement in wind turbine blade inspection, contributing to the sustainability and dependability of wind energy systems and furthering the cause of a cleaner and more sustainable energy future as part of the broader fight against climate change.

This paper addresses the pressing concern of traffic safety by focusing on the optimization of vehicle cruise control systems. While traditional control techniques have been widely employed, their design procedures can be time-consuming and suboptimal. To overcome these limitations, metaheuristic algorithms have been introduced as promising solutions for complex optimization problems. In this study, an improved Runge Kutta optimizer (IRUN) is developed and applied to enhance the control performance of a real PID plus second-order derivative (RPIDD2) controller for vehicle cruise control systems. The IRUN optimizer incorporates advanced strategies such as quadratic interpolation, Laplacian segment mutation, Levy flight, and information-sharing-based local search mechanisms. By integrating these strategies, the IRUN algorithm demonstrates enhanced optimization capabilities, making it well-suited for tuning the controller. The proposed approach utilizes a master–slave system, where the ideal reference model sets the desired response and the RPIDD2 controller adjusts its parameters accordingly. The integral of the square error is employed as the objective function to evaluate the control system's performance. Statistical analyses, convergence analyses, and stability evaluations and robustness analysis are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the IRUN-based RPIDD2 controller. Comparative studies are conducted against established approaches using PID, fractional-order PID (FOPID), and RPIDD2 controllers, showcasing the superiority and effectiveness of the proposed approach. Overall, this paper presents a comprehensive study on enhancing the time-domain performance and stability of vehicle cruise control systems, providing significant improvements in control accuracy and efficiency. The subsequent sections delve into the proposed approach, experimental setup, and obtained results, further emphasizing the significance and potential impact of this research.

Background: Antimicrobial Resistance, a global concern, worsened with the COVID-19 pandemic that caused a surge of critically ill patients, increased antimicrobial consumption, and the spread of infections with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASP) aim to optimize antimicrobial utilization to fight resistance. We aim to describe the ASP experience and to study antimicrobial consumption and MDRO rates among COVID-19 patients at a tertiary care center in Beirut. Methods: We compiled the ASP interventions, defined as ASP team recommendations, from January 2019 until December 2021. Data on antimicrobial consumption, expressed as a defined daily dose (DDD) per 100 patient days, was collected per quarter for all antimicrobials and restricted antimicrobials per ASP guidance. Our primary objective was to report on the ASP experience, and the secondary objective was to reflect on the rates of MDROs among hospitalized COVID-19 patients with respiratory or bloodstream bacterial co-infections between March 2020 and September 2021. Results: 9922 ASP interventions were documented during this study period, with a noticeable correlation between COVID-19 surges in Lebanon and the number of ASP interventions. Acceptance rates for these recommendations improved over time, with a noticeable decrease in the proportion of interventions related to de-escalation and discontinuation of broad-spectrum antimicrobials. We noted an increase in all antimicrobial consumption after the onset of the pandemic, peaking in Q4 2020 (142.8 DDD of anti-infectives/100 patient days) and Q1 2021 (79.1 DDD of restricted anti-infectives/100 patient days). As expected, MDROs, particularly ESKAPE organisms (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae) accounted for 24% of isolates obtained from this cohort. Conclusion: This study highlights the experience of the ASP as we adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ASP team maintained its operations and continued to monitor antibiotic consumption and provide recommendations to limit antibiotic misuse in an effort to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on antimicrobial resistance.

Objective: To report the microbiological profile of the pathogens implicated in blood stream infections (BSI) in hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and to examine the risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) causing BSI. Patients and Methods: Between March 2020 and September 2021, 1647 patients were hospitalized with COVID-19 at the American University of Beirut. From 85 patients, 299 positive blood cultures were reported to the Infection Control and Prevention Program. The BSI was defined as 1 positive blood culture for bacterial or fungal pathogens. The following organisms were considered MDROs: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales spp., carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MDR Acinetobacter baumannii only susceptible to colistin or tigecycline, and Candida auris. Results: We identified 99 true positive BSI events. Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 38.4 %, followed by Gram-positive bacteria (37.4%), and fungi (24.2%). The most isolated species were Candida spp. (23%), 3 of which were C. auris, followed by Enterobacterales spp. (13%), Enterococcus spp. (12%), S. aureus (9%), P. aeruginosa (9%), and A. baumannii (3%). The MDROs represented 26% of the events. The overall mortality rate was 78%. The time to acquisition of BSI in patients with MDROs was significantly longer compared with that of non-MDROs (20.2 days vs 11.2 days). And there was a significantly shorter time from acquisition of BSI to mortality between MDROs and non-MDROs (1.5 vs 8.3 days). Conclusion: Rigorous infection prevention and control measures and antimicrobial stewardship are important to prevent antimicrobial resistance progression, especially in low-resource settings.

Background: Despite multiple reports of increased incidence of bacterial respiratory tract infections following COVID-19 globally, the microbiology is not yet fully elucidated. In this study, we describe the microbiology of bacterial infections and the prevalence of multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) which includes both non-ventilated hospital acquired pneumonia (NVHAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). To our knowledge, this is the first study that compares the microbiology of VAP and NVHAP in COVID-19 patients. Methods: This is a longitudinal retrospective cohort study conducted at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), a tertiary-care centre in Lebanon. Adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 and concurrent bacterial respiratory infections with an identifiable causative organism who were hospitalized between March 2020 and September 2021 were included. Bacterial isolates identified in hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) were divided into 3 groups based on the time of acquisition of pneumonia after admission: hospital day 3–14, 15–28 and 29–42. Results: Out of 1674 patients admitted with COVID-19, 159 (9.5%) developed one or more respiratory infections with an identifiable causative organism. Overall, Gram-negative bacteria were predominant (84%) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was the most common pathogen, particularly in HAP. Among 231 obtained isolates, 59 (26%) were MDROs, seen in higher proportion in HAP, especially among patients with prolonged hospital stay (> 4 weeks). Non-fermenter Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) (OR = 3.52, p-value

Sheet metal blanking process is a manufacturing process that is widely used in sheet metal forming and particularly in the electronics and automotive industries. The outcome and quality of the blanked parts are affected by various parameters such as the blanking clearance, the sheet metal mechanical properties and the wear of tools. However, experimental campaigns to assess the effects of these parameters on the process outcome can be prohibitively expensive for the industry. As a result, numerical simulation of the blanking process is becoming increasingly important to gain insight into the process and study these effects.The present paper provides a novel finite element (FE) simulation procedure to predict the complete blanking cycle including sheet metal cutting, sheet metal springback, punch penetration in die, and stripping phases. A blanking force curve showing the punch force at all phases can thus be obtained. The commercial finite element code ABAQUS® has been chosen to develop this procedure using ABAQUS/Explicit® code for the cutting phase and ABAQUS/Standard® code for the remaining phases. Based on this procedure, the influence of the blanking clearance on the punch force-displacement curve and on the cut edge quality has been studied. The obtained results have been compared to previous literature results and experimental findings.

The extensive and indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides in agriculture has led to adverse effects on human health, environmental pollution, and the emergence of pesticide-resistant pests. To mitigate these challenges, the development of environmentally friendly alternatives is crucial, with biopesticides emerging as promising solutions such as peptides. Legume seeds naturally contain diverse insecticidal peptides or proteins to combat pest attacks. One such peptide is PA1b (Pea Albumin 1, subunit b), a 37 amino acid extracted from pea seeds (Pisum sativum). PA1b has shown significant potential in controlling cereal weevils (Sitophilus spp.), a major pest of stored cereals. Here, we screened PA1b-like peptides in five wild seeds of vetches (Vicia sativa subsp. sativa) from the Middle East. Using a comprehensive set of biochemical, biological, and molecular techniques, we characterized different PA1b homologs and assessed their toxicity and expression profiles. Our results reveal that PA1b homolog from Vicia sativa subsp. sativa originating from turkey displays outstanding insecticidal activity against Sitophilus oryzae through binding to the receptor site found in the midgut of the insect. Moreover, it exhibits a strong cytotoxic effect against Sf9 cells. This cysteine-rich peptide shows sequence identity and the same hydrophobic pole as AG41, a tenfold more toxic isoform of PA1b from Medicago truncatula. Such observations pave the way for the development of bioinsecticides, with PA1b-like peptides as lead compounds.

Automatic voltage regulators (AVRs) are essential components in electrical systems to maintain stable voltage output, ensuring optimal performance and equipment protection. The effectiveness of AVRs rely on key parameters such as voltage regulation, response time, stability, and efficiency. Integrating controllers with AVRs offers centralized monitoring and regulation, enhancing voltage output efficiency. This study therefore first discusses various controller types which showcase distinctive capabilities based on their tuning strategies and then introduces an intelligent optimization approach using fractional-order proportional-integral-derivative with double derivative (FOPIDD2) controller tailored for AVRs. The study adopts the artificial rabbits optimization (ARO) algorithm, fortified with an adaptive local search (ALS) mechanism and experience-based perturbed learning (EPL) strategy. The modified version (m-ARO) enhances solution diversity and navigational efficacy, resulting in improved optimization quality. The study's core objective is to demonstrate the superior performance of the m-ARO-based FOPIDD2 controller in addressing the multifaceted challenges of AVR control, outperforming conventional techniques in stability, speed of response, robustness, and efficiency. To validate the method's efficacy, a comparative analysis is conducted using existing controllers with different tuning algorithms. Results indicate that the proposed m-ARO-based FOPIDD2 controller achieves superior performance metrics, demonstrating its capability. The study also includes a wider perspective by considering nineteen different controllers, reported in the literature, for comprehensive comparison. Notably, the proposed method exhibits the best stability, further affirming its effectiveness.

Environmental changes profoundly affect PQ disturbances in Hybrid Renewal Energy Systems (HRES). The stand-alone hybrid renewable energy system is increasing its share of the energy sector. This process is now opening doors for research into this area. The power produced by these sources, especially solar and wind systems, depends on environmental conditions. Consequently, these systems behave differently under varying conditions. The research will focus on how these environmental changes can influence disturbances to power quality in the systems. The main focus will be on total harmonic distortion and other related power quality issues, including voltage sag, swell, and changes in current values. The research will be conducted by using MATLAB simulation of the system. The simulation will be tested utilising different environmental conditions, and data will be collected for analysis. The research would reveal which environmental factors will guide the hybrid system more than the other factors. To what extent do these environmental changes influence the PQ disturbances? The major contributing factor was irradiance level in the case of solar power and wind speed concerning wind power. The research will help to improve power supply in a stand-alone HRES.

Purpose: The etiopathogenesis of coronal nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (cNCS), a congenital condition defined by premature fusion of 1 or both coronal sutures, remains largely unknown. Methods: We conducted the largest genome-wide association study of cNCS followed by replication, fine mapping, and functional validation of the most significant region using zebrafish animal model. Results: Genome-wide association study identified 6 independent genome-wide-significant risk alleles, 4 on chromosome 7q21.3 SEM1-DLX5-DLX6 locus, and their combination conferred over 7-fold increased risk of cNCS. The top variants were replicated in an independent cohort and showed pleiotropic effects on brain and facial morphology and bone mineral density. Fine mapping of 7q21.3 identified a craniofacial transcriptional enhancer (eDlx36) within the linkage region of the top variant (rs4727341; odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.48[0.39-0.59]; P = 1.2E−12) that was located in SEM1 intron and enriched in 4 rare risk variants. In zebrafish, the activity of the transfected human eDlx36 enhancer was observed in the frontonasal prominence and calvaria during skull development and was reduced when the 4 rare risk variants were introduced into the sequence. Conclusion: Our findings support a polygenic nature of cNCS risk and functional role of craniofacial enhancers in cNCS susceptibility with potential broader implications for bone health.

Background: Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and severe COVID-19. Interleukin 6 (IL6) is a key mediator of cytokine storm hyperinflammation. However, it is unknown if IL6 is involved in the link between obesity and COVID-19 outcomes. Methods: Observational retrospective research was conducted between September 8, 2020, and September 30, 2021. BMI-varying COVID-19 patient data were collected. Demographic, clinical, radiographic, and laboratory variables were assessed. COVID-19 outcomes were examined in relation to body mass index () and IL6 levels. Results: More than half of the participants (60.4 %) were elderly individuals. A quarter of the study population was non-obese, and 6.6 % had 3rd-degree obesity. Individuals with normal weight and class I obesity had higher IL-6 levels (70.1 % and 75.6 %, respectively). Severe cases were more likely to have higher IL-6 levels than non-severe cases (p

The exploration for effective in-feed additives is growing owing to the global climatic change trend to alleviate the negative effects of heat stress in laying hens. This research assessed the potential of using B-glucan (G) as an antiheat stress agent in Matrouh laying hens subjected to early heat shock programs during the growing period. Factorial design (3 × 3) was used, including 3 levels of heat stress (control, heat shock at 3 d and at 3 d and 8 wk of age) and 3 levels of β-glucan (0, 100, and 200 mg β-glucan /kg diet). During the first 12 wk of egg production (EP), treatments were exposed to heat challenge. The results revealed that heat shock program applications at 3 d and 8 wk of age significantly decreased body weight at 36 wk of age (P < 0.05) and reduced (P < 0.05) feed intake (FI). While significantly (P < 0.05) improved feed conversion ratio (FCR), hemoglobin, RBCs, WBCs, immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and Heat shock protein (HSP70) of the Liver (P < 0.01) as compared with the control group. At the same time, there was a decrease in lymphocyte%, H/L ratio, cortisol, and T3 compared to the thermo-neutral control. When compared to the control group, hens fed a diet containing 200 mg of βG significantly (P < 0.05) improved body weight at 16 wk and final weight at 36 wk, feed conversion (FCR) (g. feed/g. egg mass), hen-day egg production, and egg mass, as well as the digestibility coefficients of crude protein (CP), dry matter (DM), metabolizable energy (ME), and cortisol. The interactions between heat chock programs and βG levels were nonsignificant for the most studied traits except daily feed intake. Therefore, the early heat shock exposure 2 times and supplementation of Β-glucan (βG) at 200 mg/kg diet during the growth period for laying hens that are exposed to heat stress during the reproductive period could improve productive, reproductive performance, HSP70 level and enhance immunity responses.

Published data on tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in camels worldwide have been collected to provide an overview of the global prevalence and species diversity of camelid TBPs. Several TBPs have been detected in dromedary camels, raising concerns regarding their role as natural or maintenance hosts for tick-borne pathogens. Insubstantial evidence exists regarding the natural infection of camels with Babesia spp., Theileria spp., Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia spp., particularly because most of the camels were considered healthy at the time of sampling. Based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, a pooled prevalence of 35.3% (95% CI: 22.6–48.1%) was estimated for Anaplasma, which was the most frequently tested TBP in dromedaries, and DNA of Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma centrale, Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma platys, and A. platys-like were isolated, of which ruminants and dogs are reservoirs. Similarly, the estimated pooled prevalence for the two piroplasmid genera; Babesia and Theileria was approximately equal (10–12%) regardless of the detection method (microscopy or PCR testing). Nevertheless, Babesia caballi, Theileria equi, and Theileria annulata DNA have frequently been detected in camels but they have not yet been proven to be natural hosts. Scarce data detected Babesia microti, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) DNA in blood of dromedaries, although ticks of the genus Ixodes are distributed in limited areas where dromedaries are raised. Interestingly, a pooled seroprevalence of 47.7% (26.3–69.2%) was estimated for Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, and viral RNA was detected in dromedary blood; however, their contribution to maintain the viral transmission cycles requires further experimental investigation. The substantially low incidence and scarcity of data on Rickettsia and Ehrlichia species could imply that camels were accidentally infected. In contrast, camels may play a role in the spread of Coxiella burnetii, which is primarily transmitted through the inhalation of aerosols emitted by diseased animals and contaminated environments. Bactrian camels showed no symptoms due to the examined TBPs, meanwhile, clinical disease was seen in alpacas infected with A. phagocytophilum. Similar to dromedaries, accidental tick bites may be the cause of TBP DNA found in the blood of Bactrian camels.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted economies and food systems globally, leading to substantial consequences on food waste, which is also influenced by political and economic factors. To date, information on the attitudes and behaviors of households regarding food waste generation in developing countries like Lebanon, witnessing a multifaceted economic and COVID-19 crisis, is scarce. Previous studies reported that around one third of the food produced in Lebanon gets lost or wasted. This study aims to update the attitudes and behaviors determining household food waste in Lebanon in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and unprecedented economic crisis. Methods: Participants (n = 1251) from the five governorates of the country filled out a structured questionnaire composed of 3 sections and 31 questions. The variable “eat everything prepared” was used as a proxy for food waste. The effects of different socio-behavioral and demographic characteristics on household food waste generation in the country were estimated using a Logistic regression on STATA. Results: Most participants (69%) reported that the economic crisis had a greater impact on their food shopping and eating behaviors compared to the COVID-19 pandemic. In comparison, 65% reported that their household food waste generation did not change because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and 47% reported that their household food waste generation decreased because of the economic crisis. Employment status, income, educational level, and the number of householders did not affect food waste generation. Feelings of guilt, thinking of ways to use leftovers, and frequent preparation of more dishes were negatively associated with food waste generation while eating out and buying special offers showed the opposite effect. Conclusion: Our findings provide a better understanding of more effective community-based food waste-related interventions in Lebanon. Future research is still needed to explain the medium and long-term effects of COVID-19 and the economic crisis on food waste-related behaviors in the country since the behavioral changes uncovered in the current study might be temporary during the pandemic and the economic crisis and not permanent. This issue should be verified in the future using longitudinal surveys.

A significant quantity of cement is necessary for the production of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). However, some environmental issues are associated with cement production. The worldwide agricultural growth increases ash from agricultural waste (AW). Furthermore, industrial waste (IW) generated throughout the stone-cutting and processing has increased due to the growing demand for granite stone in construction. This research conducted a unique study that involved comparing the use of sugarcane leaf ash (SLA) as AW and granite dust (GD) as IW as partial substitutes for cement in the production of eco-friendly UHPC. The effect of employing SLA and GD with replacement ratios ranging from 20% to 50% on the mechanical and transport properties of UHPC was studied. In addition, this research investigated the effectiveness of partial replacement of natural fine aggregate (NFA) by recycled fine aggregate (RFA) with ratios ranging from 25% to 100% on the UHPC qualities. Moreover, the effect of elevated temperatures on the UHPC and the microstructural examination were investigated. Results demonstrated that the optimum replacement ratio of SLA or GD from cement was 20%, showing the best mechanical characteristics of the UHPC. For example, after 28 days of casting, the compressive strength increased by 12.16% and 8.44% when SLA and GD were added to the UHPC mix, respectively. Additionally, the 25% replacement ratio of RFA from NFA presented the best mechanical and transport properties of the UHPC. The mixes containing SLA positively affected the UHPC higher than those containing GD.

Introduction: Targeting the alternative complement pathway (AP) is an attractive therapeutic strategy because of its role in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) pathophysiology. Iptacopan (LNP023), a proximal complement inhibitor that specifically binds to factor B and inhibits the AP, reduced proteinuria and attenuated AP activation in a Phase 2 study of patients with IgAN, thereby supporting the rationale for its evaluation in a Phase 3 study. Methods: APPLAUSE-IgAN (NCT04578834) is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, Phase 3 study enrolling approximately 450 adult patients (aged ≥18 years) with biopsy-confirmed primary IgAN at high risk of progression to kidney failure despite optimal supportive treatment. Eligible patients receiving stable and maximally tolerated doses of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) will be randomized 1:1 to either iptacopan 200 mg or placebo twice daily for a 24-month treatment period. A prespecified interim analysis (IA) will be performed when approximately 250 patients from the main study population complete the 9-month visit. The primary objective is to demonstrate superiority of iptacopan over placebo in reducing 24-hour urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) at the IA and demonstrate the superiority of iptacopan over placebo in slowing the rate of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline (total eGFR slope) estimated over 24 months at study completion. The effect of iptacopan on patient-reported outcomes, safety, and tolerability will be evaluated as secondary outcomes. Conclusions: APPLAUSE-IgAN will evaluate the benefits and safety of iptacopan, a novel targeted therapy for IgAN, in reducing complement-mediated kidney damage and thus slowing or preventing disease progression.

Lack of attention is a chronic behavior in ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Our goal is to develop a reliable method for the detection of inattention with high accuracy and low time consumption to be used in real time neurofeedback. The new applied methods for inattention in children are EMD (Empirical Mode Decomposition) with difference time series (Dt) and MRA (Multi Resolution Analysis). EMD is a method of breaking down a signal into ‘modes’ (IMFs) representing its different frequency components. Furthermore, MRA strikes balance between temporal and frequency resolution through localizing the EEG signal in frequency domain of interest (beta range) by wavelet decomposition or EMD and then retains time domain information using FD. As the results demonstrate, in intermediate and severe level cases of inattention, EMD_Dt technique is the most accurate. In mild level cases of inattention MRA (wavelet + FD) technique performance is better than EMD_Dt. However, the time consumption of the MRA (wavelet + FD) technique is fifteen times larger than EMD_Dt technique. EMD_Dt is the best technique as it requires less processing time which is the most important factor in neurofeedback, furthermore, clinician concerned more with severe and intermediate level of inattention to be treated.

This study investigates the utilisation of a combination of a few materials with various ratios, such as ferrosilicon (FS), recycled steel fibres (RSFs) resulting from waste tires and recycled granite (RG), to enhance the mechanical behaviour of ultra-high-strength concrete (UHSC). FS is a novel material that may be utilised as a partial replacement for the cement generated from the industrial waste product of FS alloy. The replacement ratios of FS used in this study are 10%, 20% and 30%. In addition to RSFs resulting from waste tires with ratios by volume of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%, RG with replacement ratios of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% from natural dolomite are used. The outcomes are represented in slump values, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity. Microstructure analysis is also conducted to demonstrate the details of FS. Results reveal that the relatively better ratios to obtain high mechanical properties are 50% replacement of RG from natural dolomite and 20% replacement of FS from cement. The compressive strength of this mixture increases by about 11.11% over that of its reference mixture. The inclusion of RSFs obviates the brittle failure pattern of the tested cylinders, and a ductile failure occurs.

Wind turbines are devices that convert the kinetic energy present in the wind into clean, sustainable, and effectively renewable energy that could be used to generate electricity. A Savonius wind turbine is a drag-based vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) that is known to have low noise levels and good starting characteristics even at low wind speeds. Its disadvantage lies in its low efficiency or low coefficient of performance. Exploring ways to increase the coefficient of performance, numerical investigations were carried out on different modified Savonius VAWT configurations, having different curvatures, different overlap percentages, added mini blades, and fitted out with extended surfaces. These investigations were computationally executed on Ansys Fluent™ using the sliding mesh technique. Two-dimensional simulations, on a Bach blade curvature with zero overlap as well as a half-circle and a polynomial curvature with overlap, showed that for a wind speed of 5 m/s and a tip speed ratio of 0.8, the half-circle blade curvature having an overlap of 20% performs best, yielding the highest net (average) coefficient of moment, equal to 0.3065. Results also show that the addition of mini blades to this optimal configuration produces a slight improvement in the coefficient of moment. However, the addition of extended surfaces onto the blades caused the minimum coefficient of moment to be a substantial negative value and thus resulting in a much lower value for the turbine's average coefficient of moment.

ABSTRACT: Encapsulated phytochemicals with augmented therapeutic and nutritional characteristics have become promising alternatives to antimicrobials in the poultry industry. Hence, our key target was to explore the efficacy of liposomal encapsulation, as a novel carrier, for essential oils (LEOs) on growth, digestibility, intestinal microbiota, and bacterial metabolites of broiler chickens. Moreover, the impact of encapsulated EOs on transcription mechanisms targeting the genes encoding digestive enzymes, gut barrier functions and antioxidant potential of broiler chickens was evidenced. Four equal broiler groups were fed 4 basal diets fortified with LEOs (oregano, cinnamon, and clove) at the levels of 0, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg diet. Our findings revealed significant improvement in body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of birds fed higher levels of LEOs. These results came concurrently with increasing the activities of digestive enzymes at both serum and molecular levels and consequently nutrient digestibility (dry matter, ether extract, crude protein, and crude fiber) in these groups. Remarkably, the abundance of beneficial bacteria as well as the bacterial metabolites (valeric acid, butyric acid, propionic acid, acetic acid, and total short-chain fatty acids) was increased, while that of pathogenic ones was reduced following dietary inclusion of LEOs. Of note, the mRNA expression of genes encoding antioxidant stability [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD-1), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX-1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1 (NQO1), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)] as well as barrier functions [mucin-2 (MUC-2)] and tight junction proteins, TJP [junctional adhesion molecule-2 (JAM-2) and occludin] were noticeably upregulated in broilers fortified with 400 mg/kg diet of LEOs. Overall, the present work recommended dietary inclusion of LEOs as beneficial additives for attaining targeted performance, gut health and antioxidant stability in poultry farming

Hollow tubular flange girders (HTFG) overcome the weakness of the conventional I-sections to resist the lateral buckling. This leads to higher capacity, resulting in fewer steel quantities and reducing the carbon emissions from the steel industry. This paper presents a numerical analysis to investigate the behavior of HTFG under bending and validate the AISC design equations. The gain of the bending capacity is found similar in different flange classes but decreases with the reduction of the web class. The capacity for the compact section is higher than the yielding moment, but the section could not be fully yielded. The AISC in slender web is very conservative, unlike for non-compact web. Adjustments of the plastic limit and adaptation in terms of torsion constant are proposed, and the results show good agreement. The reduction of the embodied carbon caused by the material saving after using HTFG is calculated for a case study.

The red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus infest more than nearly 40 palm species around the world. They damage the internal tissues of palms by the larval stage which is the serious stage. Nanoparticles represent a new generation of environmental remediation technologies that can provide cost-effective solution to some of the most challenging environmental clean-up problems. They also help to produce new pesticides. Nanochitosan is used to control the red palm weevil larvae and adults. The results show that it affects the mortality percentage of R. ferrugineus larvae. The mortality percentage increased by increasing the time and concentrations of nanochitosan, since 100% mortality was obtained at the concentration 80000 ppm after (15–20) days time interval. The percentage of mortality of R. ferrugineus female and male showed that the most effective concentration of nanochitosan was 20000 ppm, where 100% mortality was obtained in time interval 10–20 days. In addition, nanochitosan affects the biology of red palm weevil by decreasing pupation percentage, emergence percentage, pupal duration number of eggs/female, hatchability percentage and longevity of males and females as compared to the control. LC50 and Lc25 of nanochitosan disturbs the total protein and total carbohydrates. The activity of enzymes (protease, invertase and amylase) of larvae and adult (males and females) was disordered. We conclude that nanochitosan can be used as a control tool to the red palm weevil.

Biodiesel is considered to be more friendly to the environment than petroleum-based fuels, cheaper and capable for producing greener energy which contributed positively in boosting bio-economy. A new non-edible feedstock utilized from date seed oil was analyzed for the synthesis of eco-friendly biodiesel using newly novel hydroxyapatite heterogeneous catalysts, obtaining from waste camel bones prepared from dried camel bone followed calcination under different temperature. This catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results showed that hydroxyapatite catalyst pore size reduced with increasing the calcination temperature. Optimize biodiesel yield (89 wt%) was achieved through the process of transesterification with optimum reaction conditions of 4 wt% catalyst, oil to ethanol molar ratio of 1:7 and temperature 75 °C for 3 h reaction time. The production of FAME was confirmed by using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC–MS). Fuel properties of fatty acid ethyl ester complied with ASTM D 6751 which indicated that it would be an appropriate alternative form of fuel. As a result, using biodiesel made from waste and untamed resources to develop and implement a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy strategy is commendable. The acceptance and implementation of the green energy method may result in favorable environmental effects, which in turn may lead to better societal and economic growth for biodiesel industry at a larger scale.

Treating bone loss with complex arthroplasty poses a significant challenge for the arthroplasty surgeon. When considering a reconstructive case after pathologic fracture and oncologic excision, a multidisciplinary approach with reliance on arthroplasty principles is critical. An 18-year-old patient presented with a complex acetabular pathologic fracture through a chondroblastoma with a secondary aneurysmal bone cyst. An outside institution performed a biopsy and placed a hip-spanning external fixator. Multidisciplinary planning led to tumor excision, complex acetabular arthroplasty reconstruction including structural bone grafting, and internal fixation. At the third year of follow-up, there was no evidence of mechanical loosening of the hip arthroplasty, reoperation, or tumor recurrence. The structural graft was completely osseointegrated, confirmed by a computed tomography scan obtained at 2 years postoperatively. This report demonstrates an unusual location of chondroblastoma, presenting with acetabular fracture definitively treated with complex multidisciplinary reconstruction leading to an excellent outcome in a young patient.