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Banks argue that the services quality (SQ) and customer engagement (CE) need to embrace mobile applications(m-apps) like any other significant business asset in the bank. In order to succeed, banks need to improve customers' actual usage (AU) of m-apps. This study proposes a model to identify SQ factors that contribute to the CE for improving AU for m-apps. It examined the direct and indirect impacts of SQ and CE on improving AU for m-apps. Simple random sampling was used with customers who had used m-apps as questionnaire respondents (total N=369). All hypotheses were tested using (PLS-SEM). Data collection from a questionnaire of 369 customers from 13 Jordanian commercial banks was used to examine the research model. The results of the study indicate that CE has a significant and direct impact and partially mediates between factors of SQ, namely content, responsiveness, ease of use, and perceived usefulness on improving AU for m-apps. Moreover, this study suggested that, if banks intend to promote their SQ and CE, they must continuously improve their AU for m-apps.

The poverty-stricken population cannot withstand the shocks of global warming and can hardly pay the soaring expenditure of fossil fuels whose reservoirs are already approaching the threshold limit. These adventures guided the researchers towards water oxidation as a source of energy. In this study, a metal-organic framework (MOF)-based material was fabricated and catalyzed the lethargic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The synthesized material is characterized with different analytical techniques to confirm structural, morphological and textural properties. Its huge surface area (87 m2/g) rendered it a promising material to carry the OER. It exhibited shallow onset potential that is, 1.40 V vs. RHE and displayed an exceptionally low overpotential of 1.42 V vs. RHE to reach the benchmark current density (10 mA/cm2) with remarkably small Tafel slope that is, 34 mV/dec. It surpassed the state of the art electrocatalyst for OER, that is, IrO2 and RuO2 in efficiency as well as in stability.

Lung cancer is one of the most lethal cancers which is causing up to 3 million deaths annually worldwide. Therefore, management of lung cancer needs searching for new chemopreventive agents. This work was designed to inspect the chemopreventive potential of different extracts prepared from branches and leaves of Synadenium grantii for screening their effects on lung cancer cells (A549), then the most active extract was used for combating lung cancer induced in animal model. The in vitro results showed that, the methanolic extract was the most active extract against A549 cells with a notable cytotoxicity activity (IC50: 4.30±0.44 µg/ml), which was close to the activity of standard drug, doxorubicin (IC50: 3.50±0.40 µg/ml). The results of the in vivo experiment, revealed that in B(a)P-treated group, aspartate (AST) and alanine (ALT) transaminase activities as well as the levels of urea, creatinine, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and Phosphotylinosital 3 Kinase (PI3K) were significantly increased comparing to control group. However, treatment with S. grantii ameliorated the increase in these parameters in both after- and before-treatment groups comparing with B(a)P-treated group. This improvement in biochemical results were also supported by improving in morphological and histopathological injuries induced by B(a)P, which indicated that methanolic extract of S. grantii has a chemoprevention effect on lung cancer.

Background: Pelvic pain is the most frequently intrauterine device (IUD) associated complications. Aim of work: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of core muscles strengthening exercises on the pelvic pain caused by IUD. Methods: 30 women complained of pelvic pain after IUD insertion were participated in this study. They were divided into two groups, equal in number. Group (A) received core muscles strengthening exercises and supportive advice (as heating application, hot cinnamon drinks & diaphragmatic breathing) at the painful episodes. Group (B) received the same supportive advice as group (A) at the painful episodes. Both groups were assessed before and after treatment period (10 weeks) for pain degree by visual analogue scale (VAS) and menstrual pain severity by verbal multidimensional scoring scale (VMSS) to assess pain severity experienced through the activities of daily living. Results: The results of this study revealed that, there was a significant decrease in VAS and VMSS values post treatment in group (A) compared with that pre treatment values, while there was no significant difference between pre and post treatment values in VAS and VMSS in group (B). when comparing both groups there was a significant decrease in the post treatment values of VAS and in the median values of VMSS of group (A) compared with that of group (B). Conclusion: Core muscles strengthening exercises is considered as an effective modality in reducing pelvic pain caused by IUD.

The orbital error is one of the errors in GPS which affect the accuracy of GPS positioning. In this research GPS broadcast, ultra-rapid, rapid and precise satellite ephemerides are used for processing different baseline lengths among some CORS stations by using the Trimble Business Center software (TBC) and different satellite ephemerides (NRCan ultra-rapid, NRCan rapid and IGS final) are tested in CSRS-PPP online application at the same CORS stations. In this research, when using TBC software for processing the different baseline lengths by using the different satellite ephemerides and compared the coordinates of CORS stations which obtained from the different satellite ephemerides with each other. The results showed that the best satellite ephemerides closest to rapid and final satellite ephemerides are the ultra-rapid (00 UTC) and ultra-rapid (06 UTC). When processing the same CORS stations which used at TBC on CSRSPPP online application by using the different satellite ephemerides it is found also that the NRCan ultra-rapid closest to final satellite ephemerides.

The electrical and optical properties of superalkali (OLi3) and superhalogen (MgF3) doped boron nitride nanocage are investigated. Superalkali and superhalogen are doped physically and substitutionally with boron nitride and its geometrical and optoelectronic properties are analyzed and compared systematically. In the doped nanocage of boron nitride, the linear optical polarizability and nonlinear optical hyperpolarizability increases to a greater extent. The increasing trend of the hyperpolarizability in the nanocage of metal-doped boron nitride depends on the atomicity of superhalogen and superalkali metal. The energy bandgap of HOMO-LUMO also decreases due to the injection of new energy levels in all the doped compounds of boron nitride near the Fermi level. Among different combinations, MgF3 and OLi3 doped with B12N10 found the most reliable combination with enhanced linear and nonlinear optical polarizability. The current clue gives wide applications for boron nitride nanocage in electrical instruments and devices that play an important role in the designing of efficient nonlinear optical materials.

Trauma may be a serious issue around the world; It is additionally the leading cause of death in individuals from 1 to 44 a long time of age. Aim of the study: To clarify the role of lactate clearance in expecting survival after trauma. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was held and included 100 severe trauma patients, and fulfilled the inclusion criteria of the study. Socio-demographic characteristics of patient and trauma related factors such as age, sex, chronic illness and trauma characteristics were inquired about. Examination, investigations, procedures done and patient outcome were carried out to determine the severity of trauma. Serum lactate was sampled at presentation and after 2-4 hours and 4-6 hours and lactate clearance was determined by equation. Results: Our study showed that serum lactate values and lactate clearance in the first 2-4 hours correlates well with the final outcome. Patients who recovered early had a mean admission lactate value of 52.9 mg/dl and lactate clearance of 12.4%, whereas patients who died had a mean admission lactate value of 76.7 mg/dl and lactate clearance of 7.2 %. Conclusion:Serum lactate at the time of admission and lactate clearance at 2 - 4 hours can be a very good prognostic factor in predicting the morbidity and mortality in poly trauma.

Background Pulmonary hypertension is the major cardiac complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Also it is considered as a predictor of mortality independent of the pulmonary obstruction severity. Due to different methods of diagnosis and lack of the gold standard Right heart catheterization (RHC), diagnosis of PH in COPD patients could be missed and hence its treatment may be deficient which could impair the quality of life and lead to poor prognosis. So the aim of this work is to detect the frequency of pulmonary hypertension (PH) among stable COPD patients, and to evaluate the possible correlation of PH with the severity of the disease. Patients and methods This study included 84 stable (COPD) patients with different grades of severity. All patients were subjected to Spirometric Pulmonary function test (PFTs), Electrocardiography (ECG) and Echocardiogram (ECHO). RHC was performed to mild and moderate COPD patients with severe PH diagnosed by Echocardiography. Results PH was found among 33(39.3%) COPD patients; 17 (51.5%), 4 (12.1%) and 12(36.4%) were having mild, moderate and severe PH respectively as diagnosed by ECHO. Out of proportion PH was present in 3 cases only with mild COPD, and 4 cases with moderate COPD. A positive correlation was observed between echocardiography and RHC regarding measurement of mPAP (mmHg) with statistically significant difference (p Conclusion 1-Pulmonary hypertension is a common sequel in COPD patients mostly with moderate severity, and is mainly of mild degree of PH. 2-Small proportion of COPD patients could develop PH disproportionate to the degree of airway obstruction which termed as out of proportion PH. 3-ECHO and even RHC are of crucial importance in detection of PH in patients with COPD in order not to miss cases with out of proportion PH.

Background: Variceal bleeding (VB), the most common lethal complication of cirrhosis, associated with high mortality. Timely prediction of esophageal varices (EV) represents a real challenge for the medical team. This study evaluated the level of plasma soluble CD 163 as a marker of the presence of EVs and to compare it with other noninvasive clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic parameters as well as endoscopy.Methods: This prospective controlled study was conducted on 80 adults. Gp I had no oesophageal varices, gp II had small varices, gp IIIa had large varices, gp IIIb are the same patients of gp IIIa but after eradication of varices and gp IV as healthy controls. Serum samples were assayed for soluble CD 163.Results: soluble CD163 was statistically significant different between controls and all liver cirrhosis. it showed a statistically significant difference between group I and II (p = 0.009) and between group I and IIIa (p < 0.001) and between group II and IIIa (p < 0.001) but, no difference between group IIIa and IIIb (p = 0.179).Conclusion: Serum soluble CD163 is a good noninvasive predictor for the presence of EVs and it may be used for grading of EVs. Its level does not change after esophageal varices eradication.Trial registration: IRB No: 00007589 FWA No: 00015712 The Ethics Committee of the faculty of medicine Alexandria University.Keywords: Hepatic, Cirrhosis, Varices, CD163, Endoscopy, Ultrasonography

Calcification in lung lesions includes many differential diagnoses and usually indicates a benign course. However, its interpretation is challenging due to many etiologies. Radiological visualization of extensive calcification in bronchogenic carcinoma is not familiar and may cause confusion and misdiagnosis; however, it may be rarely seen and has also been rarely reported. We documented a case of lung adenocarcinoma with extensive calcification in computed tomography (CT) of chest and diagnosed as mucinous adenocarcinoma of the lung by bronchoscopic lung biopsy.

Background Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common problem that is frequently encountered by pediatric healthcare providers. Diagnosis of UTI is often difficult, particularly in critically ill patient and in patients with nonspecific and mild symptoms. Testing for platelet parameters is inexpensive, easily accessible and routinely performed that had been recognized as a hallmark in the diagnosis of platelet activation during infection and inflammatory disorders. Aim To evaluate the value of platelet parameters in the diagnosis of UTI in children in comparison to interleukin-6. Method This case–control study included 88 children; 44 of them had culture proved UTI. In addition 44 age and sex matched healthy children served as a control group. Complete blood picture with emphasis on platelet parameters (mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) and platelet count), C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and interleukin-6 serum levels were done for both groups. We investigated the correlation between platelet parameters, inflammatory biomarkers and the type of organism in children with UTI. Results Platelet parameters were significantly higher in children with UTI in comparison to those of the control group. There was a significant positive correlation between platelet parameters, ESR, CRP and interleukin-6 in children with UTI. MPV & PDW have 90.1% & 88.6% sensitivity and 86.3% & 84.1% specificity respectively for diagnosis of UTI. Platelet parameters are significantly higher in children with gram positive infection. Conclusion Platelet indices could be used as an indicator of UTI in children. It could predict the type of causative organism. Further researches are needed to evaluate its role for detection of recurrence of UTI in high risk children.

Background Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) who have relevant systemic-to-pulmonary shunts will develop pulmonary hypertension (PH) if untreated. With advances in medical research, new biomarkers representing different physiological processes continue to emerge, providing an ever clearer risk profile for patients with PH. Aim To evaluate the role of serum galectin-3 and heart fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) as early predictive biomarkers of PH in children with ventricular septal defect (VSD). Method The study included 50 children with VSD; 24 of them had PH and 25 age and sex matched healthy children serve as a control group. Serum levels of galectin-3, H-FABP and echocardiography evaluation were done for all cases and control subjects. We investigated the correlation between these markers and pulmonary pressure in children with VSD. Results Serum levels of galectin-3 and H-FABP were significantly higher in patients with PH. There was a significant positive correlation between both markers and pulmonary pressure. Galectin-3 and H-FABP have 76%, 60% sensitivity and 80%, 96% specificity respectively for prediction of PH in children with VSD. Conclusion Galectin-3 and H-FABP are promising cardiac biomarker for prediction and risk stratification of PH in children with VSD.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complex clinical condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality and lacking effective management. Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) remains one of the leading causes of AKI in native and transplanted kidneys. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) in the prevention of renal IRI in rats. The study was conducted on male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=72) weighing 250–300 g. Rats were randomly assigned to three main groups: i) Sham-operated control group (n=24); ii) positive control group, in which rats were subjected to IRI and were administered culture media following 4 h of IRI (n=24); and iii) ADSC group (n=24), in which rats were administered 1×106 ADSCs via the tail vein following 4 h of IRI. Each main group was further divided according to the timing after IRI into four equal-sized subgroups. Renal function was tested via the measurement of serum creatinine levels and creatinine clearance. In addition, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined in serum and renal tissue homogenate as an indicator of oxidative stress. Histopathological changes were analyzed in different regions of the kidney, namely the cortex, outer stripe of the outer medulla (OSOM), inner stripe of the outer medulla (ISOM) and inner medulla. In each region, the scoring system considered active injury changes, regenerative changes and chronic changes. The ADSCs were assessed and their differentiation capability was verified. IRI resulted in a significant increase in serum creatinine, serum and tissue MDA levels and a significant reduction in creatinine clearance compared with those in sham-operated rats,. These changes were attenuated by the use of ADSCs. The prominent histopathological changes in the cortex, ISOM and OSOM were reflected in the injury score, which was significantly evident in the positive control group. The use of ADSCs was associated with significantly lowered injury scores at days 1 and 3; however, no significant effect was observed on day 7. These results indicate that the use of ADSCs ameliorates renal injury and dysfunction associated with IRI in rats.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the common sequelae of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Although HCV core protein displayed tumorigenic activities in cell culture and experimental animals, its clinical impact on HCC development in humans is still unclear. We aimed to map differences in the viral core gene sequences in cases (HCC patients) and controls (HCV patients without HCC). Direct sequencing of HCV core gene from 30 HCC patients and 30 controls was done to compare with each other. This study showed that sequences of HCV in patients with HCC differed from those of controls; specifically, one polymorphism at amino acid position 71 was particularly strongly associated with HCC as it was present in 33.3% of patients with HCC compared to only 6.7% of controls. These results highlight that HCV core gene sequence data might provide useful information about the risk of developing HCC.

Introduction Cirrhosis as a pathological term has some criteria known to be common in all cases of liver cirrhosis. Esophageal varices are portosystemic collaterals arising in the submucosa of the lower esophagus because of portal hypertension. Portal hypertension is defined as hepatic venous pressure gradient greater than 5 mmHg that arises often as a sequelae of mesenchymal dysfunction in a cirrhotic liver. This study was carried out on 120 personnel divided into three groups: group A included 50 cases of liver cirrhosis with esophageal varices, group B consisted of 50 cases of cirrhosis without esophageal varices, and group C had 20 healthy volunteers a control group. Patients and methods DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of the study participants. Genotyping of the HO1 413A>T promoter SNP (rs2071746) was performed using TaqMan SNP genotyping assay according to the manufacturer's protocol by RQ-PCR. Results Patients carrying T allele of HO1 promoter were found to have 5.46-fold increased risk of esophageal varices development than patients with cirrhosis carrying A allele. T allele was significantly higher in cirrhotics with esophageal varices compared with those without esophageal varices (P

Background : Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been found to infect peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), using them as a reservoir, which might contribute to the development of resistance to treatment. Objectives : To study hepatitis virus C (HCV) RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with chronic HCV infection, and explore the relationship between the HCV RNA in the PBMCs and response to interferon (IFN) therapy. Methods : Twenty-five patients with chronic viral hepatitis C were included. The HCV RNA in PBMCs and serum was detected after 12 weeks of initializing interferon treatment, at the end of treatment, and 24 week and 1 year follow up after the end of the treatment. At the end of the treatment course, patients who were found to have positive PCR test for HCV RNA in PBMCs were subdivided into two groups, one group continues to receive IFN therapy while the other group stops. The HCV RNA in PBMCs and serum was detected by RT-PCR using the Amplicor HCV 2.0 assay. Results : All patients had negative serum PCR test for HCV RNA at the end of treatment, nevertheless HCV RNA was detected in PBMCs of approximately 32% of these patients. Patients who tested positively for HCV RNA in PBMCs at the end of treatment had an overall significantly higher relapse rate (50%) when compared with patients who tested negatively for HCV RNA in both serum and PBMCs at the end of treatment (6%). Patients with positive HCV RNA in their PBMCs who continue to receive interferon based treatment for further six months had a lower relapse rate (25%) when compared with similar patients who stopped interferon treatment at the 48th week (75%). Conclusion : Detection of HCV RNA in PBMCs may be important to assess the virological response to interferon treatment and to predict relapse after antiviral therapy and may be taken as a reference to formulate the duration of antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis C. KEYWORDS Chronic hepatitis C; HCV RNA; PBMCs; Antiviral therapy

There are two recognized methods for the evaluation of the remaining strength of cables based on internal inspection findings and testing results, NCHRP Report 534 Guidelines (Report 534) and the BTC method. Report 534 provides visual-based assessments of the corrsion on wire surface. The Guidelines assign a proportion of the cable cross-section to each of the stage of corrosion observed in the wedge openings. The evaluation of Report 534 then proceeds with the evaluation of remaining strength based on wire sample test results and the hypothized proportions of the stages of corrosion in the cable cross-section. The BTC method provides a reliability-based evaluation of the remaining strength and residual service life of cables. The method includes random sampling without regard to wire appearance, mechanical testing of wire samples, determining the probability of broken and cracked wires, and fracture-based analysis of cracked wires. The probabilistic-based method forecasts the residual life of the cable by predecting the increasing rate of detrioration and strength degradation. The BTC method is published in the latest FHWA Primer for the Inspection and Strength Evaluation of Suspension Bridge Cables. The BTC method is currently being applied alongside Report 534 Guidelines at the Forth Road Bridge in Scotland. The dual application of the two methods provides the bridge owners with high level of confidence in the estimated cable strength.

Construction labor productivity is a fundamental piece of information for estimating, budgeting, and scheduling a construction project. The current practice to estimate construction labor p...

Imaging studies suggest potential changes to the classification and assessment of inflammatory musculoskeletal lupus. This is important because of the burden of disease but the potential for new targeted therapies.Using our current classification and treatment, musculoskeletal symptoms continue to impact significantly on quality of life and work disability. Ultrasound and MRI studies suggested that new approaches to the diagnosis, classification, and evaluation of these symptoms are needed. Many patients with pain but no synovitis have ultrasound-proven joint and tendon inflammation but would not qualify for clinical trials or score highly on disease activity instruments. MRI studies show that erosions are more common than previously thought and may have a different pathogenesis than RA. Immunology studies suggest differences from other autoimmune synovitis, with a complex role for type I interferons. A wide range of biologic therapies appear more consistently effective for arthritis than some other manifestations.Changes to the selection of patients for therapy and stratification using musculoskeletal imaging may offer new approaches to clinical trials and the routine care of systemic lupus erythematosus patients with inflammatory musculoskeletal symptoms. Outcomes may thereby be improved using existing therapies. There are significant knowledge gaps that must be addressed to achieve these potential improved outcomes.

Background: The description of polymorphisms in many of the key immunoregulatory molecules involved in the rejection process has offered a possible explanation for the individual variation in susceptibility to rejection and differences in allograft survival independent of the many known contributory factors. The aim of this work is to study the impact of IL-10 cytokine gene polymorphism on renal transplant clinical course and outcome. Methods: This work studied 50 transplant recipients maintained on sirolimus based immunosuppression for IL-10 cytokine gene polymorphisms. After transplantation patients were divided into two groups. Group (A) patients (12 patients) received sirolimus, tacrolimus and steroid, while Group (B) patients (38 patients) received sirolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and steroid. Results were correlated with acute and chronic rejection episodes as well as graft and patient outcome. Results: In our study, we found no impact of IL-10 on incidence and degree of acute rejection episodes, incidence of chronic allograft nephropathy, pathological changes in protocol biopsies, graft function and graft and patient survivals. Conclusion: From this work, we can conclude that the potential impact of IL-10 cytokine gene polymorphisms on renal transplant clinical course and outcome have shown no influence, and probably other genes rather than IL-10 could be involved as key molecules for graft function.

We present a novel instrumentation scheme for measuring the two-dimensional distribution of spectral reflectance based on the spectral imaging technique. It takes digital spectral images of a test sample using a LED-based monochromatic integrating sphere source and a monochrome CCD camera. We developed a calibration algorithm to assign the digital counts of the images to the reflectance values at each wavelength. The measurement uncertainty is evaluated to be less than 1.5% (k = 2) for high-reflectance samples (with reflectance ≥0.4) and less than 3% (k = 2) for low-reflectance samples (with reflectance

people to express their interactive relationship with life, and the rapid change taking place in Egyptian society in recent years is similar to previous periods experienced by many European countries And America, where the graffiti style appeared and was used by young people in both cases to express their ideas, and a strong influence of the graffiti movement is observed on the design of clothes internationally and in the Arab world from the beginning of its appearance until now, and as a result of this, the application of the graffiti style in designing clothes helps to create designs closer to the thought of young people, and helps me Designing products that contain decorative elements and vocabulary that approach their ideas, and are easy for them to accept and purchase. That is why graffiti drawings can be considered an entry point for understanding and analyzing the needs of young people and their ways of thinking, with the aim of designing their clothes and at the same time it can be used in designing clothes for this relatively large group in the Egyptian and Arab market. However, making use of graffiti drawings in designing clothes requires a special method of application, due to the difference in the nature of the fabrics, which are the medium used in the manufacture of clothes from the walls that represent the medium used in drawing graffiti, which requires different solutions to preserve the spirit of graffiti when transferred on the cloth. Also, the works of gravity are often fast and spur of the moment as they carry an increased amount of freedom of expression, which requires special treatment of it when designing it, and for this this research seeks to study and analyze the history of graffiti and the philosophy of its patrons as well as contemporary Arab graffiti drawings to use in designing youth clothes In order to achieve resistance to the difficulties of using graffiti drawings in the design of well-known clothes. The clothes, inspired by international and Arab graffiti drawings, were distinguished by very bright colors that attract attention and its modern and youthful spirit that clearly dominates the form of design, as the letters and words were used extensively, and most of them were executed in the style of silkscreen printing, digital printing and stencils. However, the application of the graffiti style in designing clothes faces difficulty in formulating the bold spirit that characterizes graffiti works in design ideas that can be applied in the manufacture of clothing, and some works come out in their ideas on the values ​​and customs of society, and the presence of restrictions on the use of words, especially Arabic in designing clothes Some of them are religious, some are social, in addition to psychological restrictions, as well as the difficulty of implementing graffiti ideas in its abstract form on fabrics because the medium in graffiti drawings differs from the medium used in clothe

This paper introduces a Web Recommendation Framework based on the usage history to be applied for Site Modification as one of the applications of Web Usage Mining (WUM) that is applicable for online business and marketing applications. The framework focuses on the three main interdependent tasks for performing WUM which are Preprocessing, Pattern Discovery and Pattern Analysis. In Preprocessing, we remove all irrelevant users’ requests from the web server log file leading to log reduction followed by users’ identification then sessions’ identification. We take into consideration the ambiguity found in some researches concerning the HTTP common methods. In Pattern Discovery, we extract Association Rules that can be used to relate pages that are most often referenced together in a single server session and may not be directly connected to one another via hyperlinks. In Pattern Analysis, we analyze the set of generated rules independent of the website’s topology to extract valid set of rules that achieves highest coverage for the dataset. Our experimental results confirmed that calculating association rules coverage in our case study can lead to the best rules to be provided as recommendations that can help Web designers to restructure their Web site, Web applications or even portals to better serve Web customers. General Terms Web Mining, Web Usage Mining

Construction is a labor-intensive industry. Therefore, construction labor productivity is of critical importance to the profitability of most construction projects. Many construction industry sectors have been experiencing chronic problems such as poor management, inferior working conditions, and insufficient quality. Many researchers have identified these problems as factors that affect construction productivity and will affect a company’s performance and the overall economy of the country. This paper aims to identify, investigate, and rank factors perceived to affect construction labor productivity in the Egyptian construction context with respect to their relative importance. To achieve this objective, practitioners and experts comprising a statistically representative sample were invited to participate in a structured questionnaire survey. The questionnaire comprised 30 productivity factors that were classified under the following three primary categories: (1) human/labor, (2) industrial, and ...

Background and objectives Hyperlipidemia has been embroiled in atherosclerosis, which is the primary factor of heart disease and stroke. An important aim in the pivotal restrain of atherosclerosis awaits an affordable and safe drug that will fundamentally confirm to have a great effect where treatment is decisive. Humans have been served by a variety of drugs extracted from a natural source, and the most of these cures were provided by higher plants. Materials and methods The aim of this study is to investigate and assess the hypolipidemic effect of Euphorbia lathyris L. extracts on high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rats, and it shows a scientific proof for expansion of E. lathyris L. as a prospect naturalistic oral hypolipidemic drug. Rats were administrated orally with cholesterol in a dose of 100 mg/1 ml olive oil/1 kg five times a week for 12 consecutive weeks. This was accomplished by assessing the activities of particular biochemical parameters associated with liver functions in tissue of high-fat-diet group when compared with those of control one. Liver function tests, included aspartate aminotransferases; alanine and alkaline phosphatases; antioxidants and oxidative stress biomarkers, such as glutathione, catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase; total antioxidant capacity; nitric oxide; and lipid peroxide. In addition, lipid profile (cholesterol, total lipid, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglyceride) were also evaluated. Moreover, histological examination of liver, heart, and kidney was done to prove the biochemical outcomes. Results and conclusion The present findings strongly clarify defects in all biochemical measurements, such as increase in the malondialdehyde level and liver function enzyme activities. However, reductions in enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant in liver of hyperlipidemic rats were marked. On the contrary, treatment of hyperlipidemic rats with low and high dose of methanol and petroleum ether extract of E. lathyris natural product proved to have ameliorating effects in all biochemical parameters under investigation. The previous biochemical observations were also accompanied by histopathological examinations of the heart, liver, and kidney sections, which showed significant recovery of hepatocytes and amelioration in histological architectures of heart and kidney. It could be concluded that the two extracts of E. lathyris showed improvement in liver function enzyme activities, oxidant–antioxidant biomarkers, and lipid profile activities in liver of high-fat-diet rats.

Summary Background Identification of problems associated with kidney transplantation in small weight children is an essential step toward improving graft function and patient survival. Methods This study comprised 63 renal transplant children weighing 25 kg or less at time of renal transplantation. All children have received living-donor renal allotransplant between December 1984 and March 2009. These children were retrospectively evaluated regarding their survival, grafts survival as well as associated risk factors. Results Our patient and graft survival rates at 1, 5 and 10 years were (98.4%, 96.8%, and 96.8%) and (94.9%, 82.6%, and 58.4%), respectively. Significant better graft survival was obtained in cases with non-glomerular etiology of the end-stage renal disease, pre-emptive transplantation and when the aorta was used for arterial vascular anastomosis. Significant worse graft survival was documented among those who experienced pre-transplant hypertension, pre-transplant blood transfusion, post-transplant acute rejection, chronic rejection, hypertension and graft obstruction. Conclusion The outcome of live donor renal transplantation in children weighing 15–25 kg in our locality as a developing country is comparable to other reports. Better graft survival rates might be obtained by adopting pre-emptive transplant policy, avoiding pre-transplant blood transfusions, using aorta for arterial vascular anastomosis in addition to adopting recent tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimens that is associated with reduced incidence of post-transplant acute rejection and graft dysfunction.

A spectroscopic investigation is performed on Nd 3+ doped cadmium-phosphate glasses. The Judd–Ofelt analysis is applied to the glass system in order to evaluate their potential as both glass laser and amplifier materials. The phenomenological Judd–Ofelt parameters Ω (2) , Ω (4) , and Ω (6) are determined, their values are 4.80×10 −20 , 6.18×10 −20 , and 7.14×10 −20 cm −2 , respectively. The quality factor for glass system is 0.86. Predicted radiative decay rates and branching ratios of transitions from Nd 3+ 4 F 3/2 state to the 4 I J manifolds are determined and analyzed. The calculated lifetime of the 4 F 3/2 metastable state of Nd 3+ is 31 μs. The results showed that 4 F 3/2 to 4 I 11/2 transition, with fluorescence at 1056 nm, has the most potential for laser application. Photoluminescence up-conversion under excitation at 488 nm laser light exhibits three emission bands of Nd 3+ ions at 541 (green), 601 (orange), and 677 nm (red). These emission bands are assigned to 4 G 7/2 → 4 I 9/2 , 4 G 7/2 → 4 I 11/2 , and 4 G 7/2 → 4 I 13/2 transitions, respectively. Analysis of luminescence spectra enhances the use of glass system in optical displays, lasers, and optical memory devices.

Within every matter relating to management, organizational performance is the vital instrument in assessing organizational financial and non-financial results, also a technique to compose evaluation with competitors. Performance is the most significant measure in evaluating organizations and their achievements. Hence, the significant contribution of the current study is developing a model which undertaken on examining the impact of quality of work life (QWL) on organizational performance (by using Balanced Scorecards particulary).The current study adopted the descriptive analytical method; it was applied in private Jordanian universities (located in Amman). This study used equal stratified random sample. For primary data, questionnaire was used; so 140 questionnaires were distributed to (140) managers. The questionnaire composed of (24) items of close ended statements. Collected data was analyzed by using different statistical techniques such as descriptive statistics, and multiple regression through the SPSS.This study found that there was a significant statistical impact of Quality of Work-Life (QWL) on Organizational Performance in the Private Jordanian Universities at level (a£ 0.05). The researchers recommend modifying the managerial dimension to get greater effect from Quality of work life on performance, therefore; spending more time and effort on developing, training, motivation through empowerment is essential for all workers.

♦ Background Despite the well-known advantages of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), it continues to be grossly underutilized in many developing countries. However, some developing countries, such as Mexico, use the modality very effectively. In view of this, we started the first CAPD program in Egypt. ♦ Methods Since its start in 1997, our program has treated 33 patients. Straight double-cuffed Tenckhoff catheters were surgically placed in all patients. Twin-bag systems were used. All patients underwent monthly clinical and biochemical assessment and measurement of Kt/V urea. Peritonitis and exit-site infection rates were monitored. ♦ Results Most treated patients were adult and female. Mean age was 31.7 years and mean follow-up duration was 18 months. Peritonitis rate was 1 episode /21.3 months and was easily managed in most patients. Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly isolated organism (24%) but 49% of cases were culture negative. There were no exit-site infections. Mean weekly Kt/V urea was 1.78 ± 0.23. ♦ Conclusion We report the successful development of a small CAPD program in Egypt, made possible by well-established financial support, a motivated team of doctors and nurses, and good patient selection and training.

A method linking pulse energy scale to continuous wave (CW) power scale is described. The connection between CW power and pulse energy is established by generating pulses from CW beam, and correlating the CW signal measured by reference optical power meter and pulsed-signal measured by calorimeter. In this connection CW laser source from which pulses are generated is Nd:YAG laser and the lengths of pulses adjusted are at the order of milliseconds. The realized energy scale is transferred from calorimeter to laser energy meters through using pulsed Nd: YAG laser having one fundamental (at 1064 nm) and two harmonics (at 532 nm and at 365 nm) with nano-second level pulse length.

This paper presents the development of a compact charge-coupled detector (CCD) spectrometer. We describe the design, concept and characterization of VNIR linear variable edge filter (LVEF)- based mini-spectrometer. The new instrument has been realized for operation in the 300 nm to 850 nm wavelength range. The instrument consists of a linear variable edge filter in front of CCD array. Low-size, light-weight and low-cost could be achieved using the linearly variable filters with no need to use any moving parts for wavelength selection as in the case of commercial spectrometers available in the market. This overview discusses the main components characteristics, the main concept with the main advantages and limitations reported. Experimental characteristics of the LVEFs are described. The mathematical approach to get the position-dependent slit function of the presented prototype spectrometer and its numerical de-convolution solution for a spectrum reconstruction is described. The performance of our prototype instrument is demonstrated by measuring the spectrum of a reference light source.

Background Lung cancer is considered to be one of the most common causes of death among patients with confirmed cancer all over the world. Bronchoscopic diagnosis with ordinary forceps biopsy (FB) is applied primarily for those with endobronchial mass or with suspected visible abnormalities. The small-sized sample is the main limitation for the diagnostic yield by this procedure. Cryoprobe that is mainly used for the cryotherapy purpose has been involved and used nowadays for adequate diagnostic biopsy in patients with suspected endobronchial tumors or lesions. Aim The aim was to compare the flexible cryoprobe with conventional FB regarding diagnostic yield, and to show the feasibility, safety, and possible complications in patients with endobronchial tumor lesions. Patients and methods A total of 40 patients with endoscopically visible lesions were randomized into two groups: group I included 20 patients in whom biopsies were carried out using FB (two samples) and group II included 20 patients in whom biopsies were carried out using cryobiopsy (CB) (one sample). Results There was higher significant diagnostic yield of CB as regards the diameter size, finally diagnosed type of lung cancer and that was diagnosed from the first time bronchoscopy or after redobrochoscopy than FB. Bleeding was the only detected complication during both procedures, but there were no statistically significant difference among both techniques as regards bleeding during procedure, need for hamostatics during the procedure, hemoptysis postprocedure or need for hemostatics postprocedure. Conclusion Endobronchial CB is a safe, successful, and confident technique with superior diagnostic yield compared with ordinary conventional FB mainly because of the larger size and better quality of the obtained specimens’ excellent tissue preservation than that can be used during conventional fiberoptic FB.

Persistent or de novo left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and congestive heart failure following renal transplantation (RT). Our aim was to determine the associations and impact of persistent LVH on RT outcome.We included 72 live-donor renal allograft recipients with mean age of 28.5 years who had evidence of LVH at time of transplantation and had stable functioning grafts 1 year after transplantation. Cardiac status of all recipients was assessed before transplantation and at 1 year after transplantation by echocardiography. Recipients were subdivided into two groups according to persistence or regression of LVH 1 year after transplantation. The first group included 33 patients who had persistent LVH. The second group included 39 patients in whom LVH had regressed (control group). Both groups were closely followed for 10 years.Univariate analysis showed that persistent LVH 1 year after RT was significantly associated with high serum creatinine, higher incidence of medical infection, and acute and chronic rejection. Chronic rejection and infection were the only valid associations on multivariate logistic regression analysis. Patient and graft survival were significantly lower in the persistent LVH group (P = 0.012).Persistent LVH may be associated with higher incidence of medical infection and chronic rejection that worsen the prognosis for renal transplant recipients.

Posttransplantation anemia (PTA) frequently occurs. We aimed to assess the prevalence of anemia at 6 months of transplantation in patients under different protocols of immunosuppression, and to determine the impact of anemia on long-term patient and graft survival. We included 832 renal transplant recipients who were categorized at 6 months according to hemoglobin (Hb) level into two groups: the first group, with Hb >13 g/dl in males and >12 g/dl in females (group I, 385 cases); and the second group, with Hb

Glasses with compositions xBi2O3(75−x)B2O325Li2O3 for 0≤x≤40 mol% have been prepared using the normal melt-quenching technique. The optical absorption and reflection spectra were recorded at room temperature in the wavelength range 190–1100 nm. From the absorption edge studies, the values of the optical band gap (Eopt) and Urbach energy (ΔE) have been evaluated. Optical parameters such as refractive index and complex dielectric constant have been determined. The dispersion of the refractive index is discussed in terms of the single-oscillator Wemple–DiDomenico model. Color parameters and color difference data L*, U*, V*, C*, hue, W, Ye, ΔL*, ΔU*, ΔV*, ΔC*, and ΔE have been calculated.