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Finding the optimum conductor's pattern for unequally spaced grounding grids can be achieved by using empirical formulas or optimization techniques. Empirical formulas give an approximate solution depending on human experience and never cover the entire search space. On the other hand, the optimization techniques generally require a significant effort and time. To overcome the previous issues, this paper presents a closed-form solution based on optimized results. The main motivation behind this formula is the comprehensive study carried out by the authors to find optimum location of grounding grid conductors over different areas. In that work, particle swarm optimization technique (PSO) has been adapted with combined integration matrix method (CIMM) to facilitate the study. In this paper, the results obtained previously were summarized in the proposed formula. The proposed formula gives the optimum design of unequally grounding grids by specifying the conductor's locations as percentage of the side length for square and rectangular shapes. As long as the side length and the number of conductors are given, the location of each conductor as a percentage of the side length can be obtained. The effect of adding driven rods and the stratified soil conditions on the results of the optimized design were investigated. The validity of the proposed closed-form solution was verified experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic inguinodynia is considered the most disabling complications post-inguinal hernia repair. A novel technique (All-in-One Mesh Hernioplasty) is viable for whole cases of the primary inguinal hernia which utilizes a smaller pre-cut mesh covering whole weak regions of the inguinal canal and is wrapped by a fibro-cremasteric sheath to avoid contact between the prosthesis and neural structures. The present study aimed to compare the outcomes of the Lichtenstein technique and the All-in-One Mesh Hernioplasty technique. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 80 patients with a primary inguinal hernia in the Department of General Surgery, Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt, from January 2018 to January 2020. The patients were categorized equally into 2 groups: group A, involving 40 patients repaired by Lichtenstein technique and group B, involving 40 patients repaired by All-in-One Mesh Hernioplast technique. Results: There was no significant variation (P> 0.05) among the two groups concerning demographic and clinical presentation. There was no significant variation (P> 0.05) among them as regards wound hematoma, infection, seroma, scrotal edema, and urine retention. Chronic groin pain, persistent numbness, and foreign body sensation were less in group B than in group A and this variation was statistically significant (P=0.003), while there was no significant variation (P> 0.05) between them in hospital stay, time of return to work or normal activity, and mean postoperative follow-up. Conclusions: All-in-One Mesh Hernioplasty is a safe and effective technique in repairing the primary inguinal hernia with less postoperative chronic inguinal pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Engineering Sciences is the property of Faculty of Engineering - Assiut University 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.)

Many studies have demonstrated that treatment with NSAIDs reduces the incidence and mortality of a wide range of tumors. The anticarcinogenic effects of NSAIDs are primarily attributed to their COX-2 inhibitory activity. However, increasing evidence suggests the involvement of molecular targets other than COX in the anti-proliferative effects and induction of apoptosis of selective COX-2 inhibitors such as telomerase enzyme. Telomerase has been found to be activated in more than 80% of human cancers and, therefore, can be considered as a potential marker for tumorigenesis. In this work, the drug-likeness of 14 reported 5,5-diphenylimidazolidine-2,4-diones, as potential COX-2 inhibitors, was calculated using Molsoft program and 10 of the tested compounds showed acceptable drug-likeness scores. Compound 3 which showed good COX-2 inhibitory activity is not expected to show acceptable pharmacokinetic profile according to the low drug-likeness score obtained (-0.11). However, the less potent compounds 10 and 13 showed the best drug-likeness scores 0.70 and 0.86, respectively. Docking of compound 13 into telomerase enzyme active site, showed three strong hydrogen bonds with the conserved aminoacids (LYS 406, & LYS 189 and ASP 343) and hence, can provide proper telomerase inhibition and consequently promising antitumor activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Retained hemothorax is a serious problem that can lead to empyema or fibro-thorax. Evacuation of the retained hemothorax is commonly performed via open thoracotomy. This randomized study was conducted to represent our center's expertise with this issue, we compared the outcomes of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) against open thoracotomy in managing post-traumatic retained clotted hemothorax. Methods This prospective randomized research was conducted on sixty cases with posttraumatic remaining clots of at least 500 ml or at least one-third of haemothorax that cannot be evacuated by a chest tube after 72 h of first intervention, as detected by computed tomography imaging who underwent open thoracotomy or VATS in the management of posttraumatic retained clotted hemothorax. Cases were allocated to equal groups; group A: cases who underwent VATS and group B: cases who underwent open thoracotomy. Results Preoperative intercostal chest tube (ICT) placement period was insignificantly different between the two groups. Group A had a significantly lesser post-operative amount of ICT drainage, and ICT was removed after significantly fewer days than in group B (P value

Background& Aim: Several treatment forms have been utilized to remove the pain following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids and local anaesthetics, however none has elucidated harmonious effectiveness. So, this study aimed to estimate the effectiveness of intraperitoneal (IP) lidocaine with tenoxicam on relieving the pain and bowel recovery post LC. Methods: A prospective clinical trial was performed in the General Surgery department, Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt, between March 2019-March 2020. Such study was done on 126 patients suffered from chronic calcular cholecystitis categorized into two groups: Group (A): patients underwent LC without IP lidocaine or tenoxicam and Group (B): patients underwent LC with IP lidocaine and tenoxicam. Results: There was no significant variations among both groups concerning demographic and clinical characteristics. Furthermore, there was no significant variations concerning operation time or anesthesia time. Pain control satisfaction score (PCSS) was significantly higher in Group B. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was significantly lower at Group B from two-six hours with no significant variation at eight & 12 hours at rest or movement. The time of 1st demanded analgesia was earlier in Group A and total analgesia dosage was significantly higher between Group A. Group B was significantly shorter concerning bowel sound/h, oral intake/h, ambulation/h, and hospital stay/day. The shoulder pain and nausea were significantly correlating with Group A and also vomit was higher in Group A but not statistically significant. Conclusions: IP lidocaine with tenoxicam administration is a viable alternative when seeking to alleviate postoperative pain among patients undergoing LC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: many investigations emerged in the last decades and contribute towards a diagnosis of unsure appendicitis; they are valuable to the emergency general surgeons. This study aims to assess the role of laboratory markers (bilirubin and phospholipase A2) individually or combined with Computed Tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of grey zone appendicitis (Alvarado Score 5-6). Methods: This prospective Randomized controlled trial included all 310 patients admitted with right iliac fossa (RIF) pain who had Alvarado Score 5-6 (intermediate risk of appendicitis). All underwent full laboratory investigations including serum total bilirubin and phospholipase A2. All are underwent CT scan and classified into group A with normal CT but with persistent right iliac fossa pain and group B with proved acute appendicitis by CT. All cases underwent a laparoscopic or open appendectomy. Other causes of hyperbilirubine-mia are excluded among the patients. Results: Among the 310 patients, a laparoscopic appendectomy was performed in 300 cases (97%), and an open ap-pendectomy was performed in 10 cases (3%). Bilirubin had equal specificity and sensitivity with phospholipase A2(26.47% &40.94% respectively), but when combined together, the sensitivity and specificity rise(38.40 % & 32.35%).the accuracy of diagnosis of early appendicitis with serum bilirubin and phospholipase A2 assessment is 39.35%.both serum bilirubin and phospholipase A2 has a strong positive predictive value for early appendicitis. Conclusion: high bilirubin and phospholipase A2 are a statistically significant diagnostic markers for early acute appendicitis and should be combined with CT in diagnosis of unsure cases of acute appendicitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background- Aim: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been considered as the procedure of choice for symptomatic cholelithiasis. Previous abdominal surgery is clarified to have a high rate of conversion and attributed to dense adhesion. So, the present investigation was directed to estimate the probability and safety of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy among the patients who had previous upper abdominal surgery. Methods: A prospective clinical trial was carried on 48 patients presented with symptomatic gallstone disease with history of previous upper abdominal surgery underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The current study was carried out in the department of General Surgery, Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt through the interval from February 2019 to February 2020. Results: The mean age of the studied patients was 47.78±11.68 years. Most of them presented with biliary colic (81.25%) and the mean operative time was 144.22±9.5 minutes. Three cases were converted to open with (6.25%) conversion rate. The mean hospital stay was 2.8±1.1 days. The morbidity rate was (4.16%) in the form of wound infection in three cases, bile leakage from cystic duct in one case, paralytic ileus in two cases, and umbilical hernia in two cases. No cases were clarified with a bile duct injury or postoperative bleeding and there was no blood transfusion required. No mortality was reported. Conclusions: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a feasible and safe treatment for the symptomatic gallstone disease in the selected patients with previous upper abdominal surgery. However, appropriate preoperative preparations, patients' assessment, careful intraoperative techniques, and well-experienced surgeon are mandatory for good outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing novel natural fiber thermoplastic composites is twofold effective. The Added-value of local agricultural wastes is enhanced and the environmental burden is reduced by less use of imported synthetic fibers and more recycling of agricultural waste. Material selection, parametric optimization, and characterization of biodegradable natural fiber thermoplastic composites with flame retardant properties are carried out in this work. Thermoplastic matrix is linear aliphatic low-density Polyethylene PE. [0–30 wt%] natural fibers of locally produced jute, corn silk, and Bagasse are used for reinforcing. Fibers are cut to different lengths after being alkali-treated. 16–24 % ammonium polyphosphate APP is used for fire retarding at different loadings. A coupling agent is added to link the polymer matrix with the fiber. 3% Ferric Stearate is used for biodegradability activation. The samples are produced using a compounding kneader at 180 °C. Mechanical, water absorption, and flame-retardant properties are characterized. The biodegradability index, which is an indication to what extent the products manufactured from the composite are eco-friendly, is being measured. Jute composites show the highest mechanical properties of 11 MPa ultimate strength and 8 GPa modulus of elasticity, whereas the corn silk composites have better performance of V-2 according to the UL94 flame retardancy test. Water absorption of 15% fiber content is reduced to 1%.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Visfatin is an adipocytokine with insulin-like action and it's closely related to the amount of visceral fats. The objective of our study was to evaluate serum visfatin levels among women with PCOS. Also, to evaluate the association between serum visfatin and cardio-metabolic risk factors as well as clinicmorphological features of PCOS. Methods: Case control study enrolled 120 women diagnosed with PCOS and 80 healthy control women. PCOS cases were stratified according to their fasting plasma glucose (FPG) into three subgroups: those with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Serum visfatin levels (ng/ml) were assessed by ELISA. Results: Our results revealed higher values of cardio-metabolic risks; total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), fasting serum insulin (FSI), HbA1c, HOMA-IR, and FPG in PCOS compared to healthy women. In addition, compared with healthy women (28.66 ± 10.63), PCOS patients (87.98 ± 17.96) had significantly higher levels of serum visfatin. Among PCOS group, T2DM patients (119.59 ± 14.52) had significantly higher levels of serum visfatin compared to IGT (81.03 ± 15.81) and NGT (85.09 ± 11.01). Receiver operating characteristic analyses revealed that serum visfatin was a useful biomarker discriminating PCOS from control, the AUC was 0.989 with sensitivity = 99.2%, specificity = 99.8%, Additionally, the sensitivities and the specificities of visfatin in differentiating T2DM from NGT were (93.3% and 98.2%). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that androstenedione, LH, free androgen index and ovarian volume were the main predictors of visfatin levels among PCOS. Conclusion: Serum visfatin levels could discriminate PCOS from healthy control and T2DM from NGT PCOS women. Moreover, vesfatin was positive correlated to cardio-metabolic risk factors. Interestingly, the sensitivity and specificity power of vesfatin were high. Thus, it could be early predicting of cardiometabolic risks among PCOS women and might be useful in therapeutic intervention in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent chalcogenide-alkali metal Se80Te8(NaCl)12 semiconducting thin films of 750 nm thickness are deposited onto glass substrates by thermal evaporation method. The effect of the thermal annealing on structure and optical properties are investigated. The amorphous-to-crystalline phase transformation in the powdered sample is achieved by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) heat treatment. The X-ray diffraction studies show that the as-prepared film is amorphous while the annealed films exhibit crystalline phases. The crystallite grain size decreases as the annealing temperature increases. The transmission spectra are measured in the wavelength range of the incident photons from 250 to 2500 nm. The films show highly transparence reaching about 90% in the visible and infrared regions. The refractive index of the films is calculated using the Swanepoel method based on the generation of the envelopes of the interference maxima and minima of the optical transmission spectrum. It progressively decreases with the incident wavelength representing the behavior of the normal dispersion of the film material. The effect of the annealing temperature on the refractive index is studied. The absorption mechanism of the films referred to indirect allowed transition. Optical band gap ranging from 1.60 to 1.45 eV is favorable for photovoltaics applications. With increasing the annealing temperature, both the optical band gap and the single-oscillator energy decrease while the energy of localized state increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 12-week growth study was carried out to investigate the effects of water salinity (10 and 15 ppt) and dietary sodium chloride, NaCl supplementation (0, 3 and 6% NaCl) levels on growth performance, survival rate and blood components of juvenile of Nile tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus. The results indicated that final live body weight, daily growth rate, relative growth and specific growth significantly (P<0.001) affected with water salinity, also feed conversion was significantly (P<0.001) improved. Final live body weight and growth rate increased in fish group reared at low water salinity level when compared with fish group reared at the high water salinity. Serum total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transaminase (ALT), glucose and total lipids concentration insignificantly affected with water salinity. Uric acid and serum creatinine concentration significantly (P<0.001) affected with water salinity. Red blood cells and white blood cells counts increased significantly (P<0.001) with increasing salinity level in pond water, while lymphocytes, monocytes and neutrophil cells insignificantly affected with water salinity. Live body weight, daily weight gain, relative growth rate and specific growth rate, significantly (P<0.001) affected with NaCl supplementation. Fish group fed diets supplemented with 3% NaCl recorded final body and daily gain higher by 11.18 and 25.58% when compared with those fed diet without supplementation, while fish fed diets supplemented with 6% NaCl recorded 4.95 and 18.6%, respectively. Fish group fed diets supplemented with 3% NaCl recorded the best survival rate. Daily feed intake affected significantly (P<0.001) with NaCl supplementation, while feed conversion ratio insignificantly affected with NaCl supplementation. Fish group fed diet supplemented with 3% NaCl recorded higher glucose concentration than the other experimental groups, while this group recorded lower plasma creatinine and uric acid. The obtained results indicated that salinity is a key factor in controlling growth of Nile tilapia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Mechanical ventilation is widely used in neonates presenting with respiratory distress; however, it is not without complications. Early weaning of neonates is vital however the process of extubation is difficult to determine precisely. The use of lung ultrasound in neonates is recently accepted as a reliable tool in the assessment of several lung conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the use of lung ultrasound score as a quantitative method to assist in the decision of weaning mechanically ventilated neonates. Results The study was conducted on 40 neonates admitted to the NICU with different causes of respiratory distress needing respiratory support by mechanical ventilation. Lung ultrasound was performed using a linear superficial probe at least three times, at admission, before switching mechanical ventilation mode and before weaning. The initial lung ultrasound score for all patients was between 9 and 36 (mean 25 ± 6.97, median 26) with the 11 patients initiated on Sync. Intermittent ventilation (SIMV) showing significantly lower scores than those initiated on assist/control ventilation (ACV). Patients successfully switched from ACV to SIMV showed significantly lower scores than those who failed. Patients successfully weaned from SIMV showed significantly lower scores than those who failed. ROC analysis showed a cut-off score of ≤ 14 had 85% sensitivity and 100% specificity for a successful switch between ACV to SIMV. It also showed that a score ≤ 6 had 87.5% sensitivity and 100% specificity for successful extubation. Conclusion The use of quantitative lung ultrasound scores in assessment of mechanically ventilated neonates shows a great potential in aiding the process of weaning.

Background Organophosphorus (OP) compound poisoning is a common, serious health problem that results in more than 250 000 deaths yearly worldwide, according to WHO estimates. Traditional use of atropine and oxime has failed to reduce the attendant morbidity and mortality. Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of magnesium sulfate and intravenous lipid emulsions versus the traditional standard of care - atropine and oxime - on butyrylcholineesterase enzyme (BuChE) activity and find whether there is a correlation between the enzyme level and muscle activity Methods Adult female rats were used to study intermediate syndrome and a sublethal toxic dose of dimethoate (60 mg/kg) was used for induction of OP toxicity. Assessment of BuChE level, evaluation of De Bleecker score for muscle activity, and repetitive nerve stimulation test were carried out in all groups. Results The mean BuChE serum level was significantly reduced in the OP-intoxicated group compared with the normal control group. Significant improvement was recorded in the groups treated with oxime and intralipid emulsion. The De Bleecker scale showed elevated scores in all treated groups, and the best result was with oxime and magnesium sulfate. Regarding electrophysiological findings, the most frequently found were repetitive firing after single nerve stimulation and decrement response after repetitive nerve stimulation. Conclusion This study highlighted possible new trends that could prove beneficial in the management of OP poisoning and in improving the degree of muscle weakness and its impact on respiratory muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of the as-prepared and thermal annealed Ag10As30S60 chalcogenide glass is characterized using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves recorded at four different heating rates are analyzed to determine the glass and crystallization transition temperatures, thermal stability and enthalpy release. Two separated crystallization peaks are observed in the DSC curves. XRD results indicate the precipitation of AgAsS4 crystal phase is responsible for the first peak. Numerous phases with S8 dominant phase are accountable for the second peak. The crystallization kinetics such as the activation energy for the crystallization (Ec), the frequency factor (Ko) and the crystallization rate constant K are determined for each crystallization stage. The results show that the crystallization rate constant for the first crystallization stage is about six times larger than that of the second crystallization step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mental and psychological health of adolescents in general and prospective medical students in particular is a priority area to investigate as it affects wellbeing of the future doctors. Objectives: The current research was conducted to screen first year medical students accepted for enrollment at Alexandria Faculty of Medicine to identify those with a high probability of having psychological distress before the start of academic courses as well as explore the sources of stress among them.Methods.A cross sectional survey of 779 high school graduates accepted for admission to Alexandria Faculty of medicine was conducted. Participants were approached on the days of obligatory pre-enrollment medical examination. The translated Arabic version of DASS 21 questionnaire was used to screen students for three negative emotional symptoms namely depression, anxiety and stress. Inquiry about age, sex, residency and type of high school was added. Results: More than a tenth of studied medical students (12.6%) suffered from severe or profound stress and 29.1% of them had mild to moderate stress. Moreover, one fifth (20%) of studied students were severely anxious and less than one third (29.3%) had mild to moderate anxiety. Severe and profound depression was diagnosed among 14.3% of students whereas, 18.7% them were moderately depressed. No association was found between any of studied negative emotional symptoms and the students' educational background or their residency. Conclusion: Nearly half of the prospective medical students might have some sort of psychological distress before starting their study in the Faculty of Medicine. They should be investigated to verify diagnosis and start intervention to minimize its adverse effects on academic performance and advancement at the faculty. Stress management courses should be considered for all medical students. Keywords: Psychological distress, Prospective medical students, Adolescents' psychological health, Depression, Anxiety, Stress

Purpose: To study the efficacy, safety and clinical outcome of carbon dioxide DSA during angioplasty procedures for patients with predominant femoropopliteal segment occlusive lesions, aiming to reduce possible allergic reactions and potential nephrotoxicity. Materials and methods: The study included eighteen Egyptian patients in a prospective manner, with evidence of predominant femoropopliteal arterial occlusive disease by Duplex study. All the selected patients had borderline renal functions with serum creatinine levels between 1.5 mg/dL and 2 mg/dL. Every patient was scheduled for a percutaneous endovascular therapy during which CO2 DSA and small volume injections of ICM DSA of the diseased segment and distal arterial tree were done. We analyzed our results emphasizing the technical success, CO2 DSA related complications, allergic reactions and intolerance. We also correlated the amount of contrast injected with the serum creatinine levels as well as the degree of opacification of the diseased segment. Results: We were able to achieve technical success in 88% of our cases except in two patients who had TASC D lesions. The average fluoroscopy time in our study was about 100 min. There were no CO2 related complications or allergic reactions. Five patients were intolerant to CO2 injection related pains and repeated injections were performed with smaller volumes. The injected mean volume of CO2 was 76.1 mL while the mean volume of ICM used per patient was 24 mL. Most patients showed non-significant rise of serum creatinine levels at both samples. Moreover, the results of the “Good” score & the “Fair” score for the CO2 DSA image quality plotted by the interobserver agreement was about 40% & 33% respectively from the total number of patients included in the study. Conclusion: CO2 DSA is a non-nephrotoxic alternative to traditional ICM DSA that could be safely used and well tolerated during endovascular management of lower extremity symptomatic arterial disease. When selectively delivered to the femoropopliteal segment, CO2 provides superior quality images that would cancel or markedly reduce the ICM volume required for prompt visualization and decision making during the revascularization procedure. Keywords: Carbon dioxide, Digital subtraction angiography, Iodinated contrast material, Nephrotoxicity, Peripheral vascular occlusive disease

Composites of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) filled with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized in a ball mill machine. Analysis of the milling products was performed by X-ray diffraction. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that three factors control the thermal stability of this polymer: (1) temperature dependence, (2) heating rate, and (3) ZnO doping percentage. Upon differential thermal analysis, the polymer–ZnO composites exhibited a distinct decomposition behavior from the undoped PVA. The delta of enthalpy of the complex degradation was obviously larger than that of the pure PVA, indicating that the degradation was accompanied by the release of polymer–ZnO links. The observed changes in the infrared spectral features of the composites confirmed specific interactions in the filled polymer matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, a new technique for the analysis of an earthing system is presented. The technique depends on the determination of the electric-field intensity around the earthing system and distribution of the current injected into the soil. The line integral of the electric-field intensity is used to calculate the earthing resistance. The electric-field intensity is calculated by the charge simulation method, where the locations of simulating charges are optimized by using the particle swarm optimization technique. The proposed technique is applicable to simple as well as complex earthing systems. Uniform soil and multilayer soil can be accommodated. The procedure provides accurate computation of earthing system resistance and the voltage profile. The obtained results have been validated by comparison with other analytical and numerical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal degradation kinetics of solid-state D-sucrose and D-glucose were studied using differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. The melting and decomposition process of the two sugars were displayed as endothermic peaks on the DTA curve under nonisothermal conditions. It was noticed that the melting peak temperature of D-glucose was lower than that of the other sugar. For the decomposition processes, the opposite occurred. The decomposition kinetic parameters, such as the decomposition activation energy (Ed) and the frequency factor (Ko), were calculated by employing different approximations. The relative stability of the studied sugars was determined. Molecular mechanics (MM) calculations showed that the optimal geometric structure (OMG) of D-sucrose was at least three orders of magnitude more stable than the molecular geometric (MG) structure. These calculations indicate that the potential energy (PE (kcal mol-1)) of the OMG is about three (1.142 × 103) orders of magnitude lower than the MG structure of the same sugar. So, optimizing the geometry of the molecular structure (OMG) is very important for understanding the stability of this sugar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reported the structure and optical investigations of CdS1−xMnx (x = 0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.10) thin films. The thin films of CdS1−xMnx with different compositions were synthesized using electron beam evaporation method under high vacuum conditions at room temperature. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed the polycrystalline nature of the deposited films. The observed diffraction peaks were well fitted with a hexagonal crystal structure. In addition, the intensity of XRD peaks decreased by increasing the Mn concentration indicating a monotonical deterioration in the crystalline quality by the doping. The (101) plane is the preferential orientation for the crystal growth of the studied films. The film thickness as well as a refractive index were calculated by Swanepoel's method. The direct and indirect electronic transitions were found to be responsible for the high absorption process in the studied films. Furthermore, both direct and indirect bandgaps decreased with increasing the Mn content. Other optical parameters such as optical conductivity, real and imaginary parts of dielectric constant, dispersion energy, and dissipation factor were determined and showed a strong dependence on the Mn content. These findings were discussed in terms of the localized states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calorimetric measurements of chalcogenide Se95−xSb5Inx (x = 0, 6, 8 and 10 at%) alloys are carried out using differential thermal analysis (DTA). The glass forming ability and glass transition are analyzed based on the heating rate dependence. The ability to form crystals is found to be increased with increasing In content indicating the suitably for the anticipated storage. Both the glass transition temperature and the glass transition activation energy increase with increasing In content. The crystallization due to the addition of In to the Se-Sb system is investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The crystallization process is described by two models. These are Johnson-Mehl-Avrami (JMA) model and the empirical Sestak-Berggren (SB) model using an iso-conversional method of the transformation rate. The activation energy of crystallization is found to be increased with increasing In content. Based on the evaluated values of Avrami exponent (n), the crystallization growth is not dimensionally the same for the compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

تهدف الدراسة بالأساس الى التعرف على الدور الوسيط لحوكمة الجامعات الفلسطينية في علاقة التأثير بين التحول الرقمي والابتكار المؤسسي، وللإجابة على التساؤلات البحثية واختبار فرضيات الدراسة وتحقيق أهدافها، اعتمد الباحثون على المنهج الوصفي التحليلي، واستخدام أداة الاستبانة، والتي تم توزيعها على عينة بلغت (90) مفردة ، تم اختيارها بطريقة عشوائية من مجتمع الدراسة المكون من (عميد، نائب عميد، رئيس قسم، مدير دائرة، أعضاء هيئة التدريس /محاسبة /ادارة) في الجامعات الفلسطينية في قطاع غزة، وأظهرت نتائج الدراسة ان المتغير الوسيط حوكمة الجامعات الفلسطينية يتوسط توسط جزئي في علاقة التأثير بين التحول الرقمي والابتكار المؤسسي، مع العلم ان النتائج اظهرت وجود قوة ارتباط موجبة بين التحول الرقمي والابتكار المؤسسي بدون ادخال حوكمة الجامعات الفلسطينية ، كما تبين وجود تأثير إيجابي بين التحول الرقمي وحوكمة الجامعات الفلسطينية حيث أضحت الرقمنة شيء أساسي في العملية التعليمية. وقد أوصت الدراسة بضرورة الاهتمام بوجود بيئة حوكمة جامعية تقنية مرنة وديناميكية تواكب التطور الحاضر والمستقبل، وضرورة تعزيز التحول الرقمي في الجامعات الفلسطينية لمواكبة التقدم التكنولوجي وصولا للابتكار المؤسسي، ومواجهة أي ظروف مستقبلية تؤثر على استمرارية العملية التعليمية.

Introduction: Hematuria has a prevalence rate of 2% to 31% in the population and is therefore a common reason for imaging of the urinary tract. Hematuria has many causes ranging from urinary tract infections to carcinoma. Imaging plays a major role in the investigation of hematuria frequently determining the underlying cause and influencing management. Computed tomography (CT) is increasingly valuable tool for assessing the urinary tract in adults and children. However, its imaging capabilities, while overlapping in some respects, should be considered as complementary, as each technique offers specific advantages and disadvantages both in actual inherent qualities of the technique and in specific patients and with a specific diagnostic question. The use of CT should therefore be tailored to the patient and the clinical question. Aim of the work: Evaluation of CT as imaging techniques for assessment and diagnosis of causes of hematuria and to study the CT features of various etiologies causing it. Patients and Methods: A prospective observational study included 42 cases have hematuria (gross & microscopic) were examined using MDCT. They are presented to the outpatient clinic of the urology and radiology department at Sohag university hospital between September 2015 and September 2018. A written consent was taken from the patients included in the study. An approval was taken from the scientific ethical committee before starting in the protocol of this study. Results: All causes of hematuria of urologic origin were almost covered using multidetector CT that was very conclusive compared to the previous traditional examinations that the patient had. These images have met good acceptance by the referring urologist that was comparable to endoscopic and surgical results, proving that MDCT can give accurate evaluation for hematuria instead of performing multiple traditional studies that may expose the patient to frequent contrast material & to frequent radiation exposure. We recommend CT as an initial investigation of hematuria and appropriate protocol should be tailored for each patient. Conclusion: CT can diagnose wide spectrum of diseases associated with hematuria with good accuracy and considered the initial and comprehensive imaging modality for evaluation of hematuria.