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In the present study, an eco-friendly method for the preparation of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) is demonstrated using hydrothermal treatment of laurel leaves. The optical and structural characteristics of the prepared CQDs are investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron (XPS), fluorescent and UV-visible spectroscopies, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor designed and modified with CQDs is capable of detecting formaldehyde vapors in the presence of other interfering chemical-vapor analytes. The changes in the frequency of the QCM sensor are linearly correlated with the injected formaldehyde concentrations. The sensing properties of formaldehyde, including sensitivity and reversibility, are investigated. Detection of formaldehyde in the presence of humidity is carefully discussed for home or workplace room environment use. The adsorption kinetics of various VOCs vapors are also calculated and discussed.

Background Affordable conventional semen analysis remains a fundamental procedure to be performed routinely during the diagnosis of male infertility. Advanced semen analyses provide valuable clinical insights in treatment-related decision-making, but these are highly expensive and lack universal standardization. This study aimed at determining the relationship between conventional semen parameters, measured with assistance of computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA), and a set of advanced semen tests. Basic semen analysis (n = 124) was performed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Sperm DNA fragmentation and intracellular superoxide (O2−•) levels were assessed by flow cytometry. Seminal plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity were measured by spectrophotometry. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results Semen pH correlated negatively with TBARS (p < 0.01). The proportions of total and progressively motile as well as rapid spermatozoa correlated positively with CAT activity (p < 0.05). Sperm viability correlated negatively with both O2−• (p < 0.05) and DNA fragmentation (p = 0.01), while normal morphology correlated negatively with O2−• levels (p < 0.05) and positively with CAT activity (p < 0.05). Straight-line velocity (VCL) and average-path velocity (VAP) correlated negatively with both O2−• (p < 0.01) and TBARS (p < 0.01). Amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) correlated negatively with O2−• (p < 0.01) and DNA fragmentation (p < 0.01), while its correlation with SOD activity was positive (p < 0.05). Conclusion The results obtained from this study support the validity of some CASA parameters as sensitive indicators of changes in sperm oxidative status and DNA integrity. Predicting advanced from conventional parameters through the building of linear regression models should be considered for future studies.

This study aimed at determining the influence of adding silicon dioxide nanoparticles (nano-SiOEighty heat-polymerized acrylic resin disks were constructed and relined by using auto-polymerized acrylic soft liners (COE-SOFT, GC Co., Tokyo, Japan). The specimens were categorized into two groups according to the tests conducted. Group A was composed of 40 specimens for evaluating antifungal activity, and Group B was composed of 40 specimens for testing surface roughness and contact angle. Each group was subcategorized into four subgroups (In comparison with the unmodified group, the 0.25% and the 0.5% nano-SiOThe addition of 0.25% and 0.5% nano-SiO

International audience; Through the years, laser shock peening became a treatment of choice in the aerospace industry to prolong the life of certain critical pieces. Water flow is commonly used as a confinement to improve the process capability but some applications cannot allow for water presence in the area of interest. In a previous article, an alternative to the water confinement was presented, a flexible polymer confinement was used and demonstrated the production of pressures equivalent to the water configuration treatment. However, laser parameters have been restricted to a wavelength in the visible range at 532 nm. In this paper, the study is extended to 1064 nm which is commonly used in LSP applications and with two different pulse durations. A 1064 nm near infra-red laser is used to do pressure characterization of shots with polymer confinement through Velocity Interferometer System for Any Reflector (VISAR) measurements coupled with Finite Element Modelling on Abaqus software. The results show that the pressures produced by the confinement is slightly lower with the 1064 nm wavelength, similar to what is observed with the classic water confined regime when switching from 532 nm to a near infra-red wavelength. Nevertheless, the high level of pressure produced by laser shock under the polymer confinement configuration allows for the treatment of common types of metal alloys used in the aerospace industry. Although the use of such a confinement has yet to be applicable to peening setups, it has already uses in some single shot configurations such as LasAT where it allows the avoidance of the water flow optimization.

Carbon dots (CDs) have been synthesized hydrothermally from fresh potatoes for the detection of pyridine (PDI) in aqueous solution. The synthesized CDs have been characterized by UV–visible spectrophotometer, FTIR, TEM, and fluorescence measurements. They have a small size of around 11 nm and show a blue emission under UV excitation. The CDs were found to be passivated when mixed with PDI, hence we utilize them as PDI -optical sensor. The detection limit of the of the sensor equals 0.21 µM, which is lower than similar fluorescent sensors in the literature, based on carbon dots synthesized from other sources.

The identity of the city is shaped over a long period of time and is developed according to needs of growing population over years. The population and urban growth along with adoption of mechanisms of urbanization and western settlements can lead to city losing its own identity. This paper attempts to establish a methodology for exploring physical aspects of local identity, to determine actual uniqueness of physical environment of district to make cities stand out and continues across their own heritage. For achieving this aim, the current study proposes a method for investigating local identity using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Both space syntax and personal observations are combined to analyze several physical aspects related to local identity of Souk Al-Khawajat district. Mansoura is known for its unique features in terms of origin, location, cultural and social interactions, where Souk Al-Khawajat is a representative of its oldest identity. The results reveal usefulness of space syntax and observation in comprehensively analyzing several aspects of local identity of district under study. It could be concluded that Souk Al-Khawajat represents an excellent model of how local identity changes over time due to possible shift in social, political, economic and cultural values and priorities. Keywords: Reading space, Space syntax, Observation, Local identity

International audience; In the current work, we elaborate upon a beam mechanics-based discrete dynamics approach for the computation of the dispersion characteristics of periodic structures. Within that scope, we compute the higher order asymptotic expansion of the forces and moments developed within beam structural elements upon dynamic loads. Thereafter, we employ the obtained results to compute the dispersion characteristics of one- and two-dimensional periodic media. In the one-dimensional space, we demonstrate that single unit-cell equilibrium can provide the fundamental low-frequency band diagram structure, which can be approximated by non-dispersive Cauchy media formulations. However, we show that the discrete dynamics method can access the higher frequency modes by considering multiple unit-cell systems for the dynamic equilibrium, frequency ranges that cannot be accessed by simplified formulations. We extend the analysis into two-dimensional space computing with the dispersion attributes of square lattice structures. Thereupon, we demonstrate that the discrete dynamics dispersion results compare well with that obtained using Bloch theorem computations. We show that a high-order expansion of the inner element forces and moments of the structures is required for the higher wave propagation modes to be accurately represented, in contrast to the shear and the longitudinal mode, which can be captured using a lower, fourth-order expansion of its inner dynamic forces and moments. The provided results can serve as a reference analysis for the computation of the dispersion characteristics of periodic structural systems with the use of discrete element dynamics.

Obesity is one of the 21st century’s most serious global health challenges. It has reached an alarming rate of increase in Egypt. This paper aims at understanding the possible impact of the built environment (BE) on adult obesity, on the neighborhood level. A cross-sectional study has been applied on two neighborhoods with different BE characteristics. Body mass index (BMI) were gathered from the Family Healthcare Unit and an on-site questionnaire (n = 309). BE features were documented using the Irvine-Minnesota Inventory. Then, data were analyzed using the State of Place™ Index. A survey was conducted to understand residents’ walking patterns and perception towards the BE. A logistic regression model was applied to analyze the survey results. Findings showed that a higher State of Place™ Index was associated with lower rates of adult overweight/obesity. Connectivity, form, traffic safety, and aesthetics were variables of considerable importance in the two study areas. The model showed that active means of transport and safety at night were two extra urban determinants that have a positive impact on BMI. All these factors may be what ultimately influences BMI. This paper paves the way for other researchers concerned with the possible impact of the BE on overweight/obesity. Keywords: Alexandria, Adults, Body mass index (BMI), Built environment (BE), Obesity, Overweight

The structural, elastic, electronic, magnetic and thermodynamic properties of Co2TaGa full-Heusler alloy are investigated using density functional theory-based full-potential linearized augmented plane waves method. Our results present Co2TaGa full-Heusler in CuHg2Ti-type structure FM phase that is mechanically and dynamically stable at pressure. The negative formation energy of Co2TaGa is −1.516 eV that can be synthesized experimentally. The electronic properties of 3d transition metal-based full-Heusler compound Co2TaGa are calculated within Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof generalized gradient approximation. Co2TaGa is predicted to be half-metallic ferrimagnet with an indirect band gap and 100% spin polarization. The calculated total magnetic moment is 2 μB, which is mainly determined by Co partial moment, and total spin magnetic moment is in conformity with Slater–Pauling rule Mt that gives a simple function of valence electrons number, Zt, formulated as Mt = Zt − 18.

Enhancing Quality of life (QoL) in cities through achieving a livable and sustainable environment has become one of the imperatives of modern planning and of increasing concern to the public; this term nowadays is linked to the rapid urbanization process in cities especially among the less developing nations. Livability is a concept related to human well-being. Therefore, creating livable streets that enhance safety, comfort, and social relations is one of the main goals among all planners and policy makers. A major threat to quality of life is the high volume of vehicle traffic which is associated with different physical, health, social and environmental consequences. Keywords: Livability, Residential streets, Planning regulations, Livable streets, Statistical analysis

Background: Accurate, timely and accessible health care data play an important role in the planning, development and maintenance of health care services.Aim of Study: This study was undertaken to assess the quality of medical records documentation in three healthcare facilities, two of them in Kafr El-Sheikh City (Kafr El-Sheikh General Hospital and El Obor Health Insurance Hospital) and the third one in El-Mahalla El-Kubra City (El-Mahalla El-Kubra General Hospital, Gharbia Governerate).Subjects and Methods: The medical record sample calcu-lated was (200) record sample from El-Mahalla El-Kubra General Hospital, (300) record sample from Kafr El-Sheikh General Hospital and (350) record sample from El Obor Health Insurance Hospital. The calculated record sample for each hospital was selected from the discharge logs of "2017" using the systematic random sampling method.Results: General consent form and discharge summary sheet were completely absent from the medical records of El-Obor Health Insurance Hospital. Almost all documentation assessment items of patient identification part were present in more than two third of checked records in El-Obor Health Insurance Hospital. The documentation assessment items of front sheet and discharge summary sheet were not present in more than the half of reviewed records at Kafr El-Sheikh General Hospital. Recording of clinical progress notes daily was not present in more than two third of reviewed records in the three hospitals. Recording of nursing progress notes within each shift was present in the majority of reviewed records (80%) in the three studied hospitals.Conclusion: There was considerable variations between the three studied hospitals according to documentation quality.

Polyaniline nanotubes (PANI-NTs) were prepared by a green approach via the aniline oxidation using ammonium peroxydisulfate as an oxidant in the presence of methyl orange (MO) as a structure-guiding agent without any acid for the dual removal of anionic and cationic dyes from aqueous solutions. The structure, morphology and the physicochemical properties of the synthesized PANI-NTs were examined by different techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), UV–vis spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The TEM image reveals the nanotubular morphology of the synthesized PANI. The prepared PANI-NTs were effectively used for dual adsorption of anionic acid green (AG) and cationic methylene blue (MB) dyes from aqueous medium. The effect of various parameters was studied to optimize the conditions of the adsorption process. The obtained results indicated that the optimum pH for adsorbing MB and AG dyes are 9.0 and 3.0, respectively. Based on the kinetic studies, the sorption dynamics followed the second-order model. In addition, the equilibrium data of the anionic and cationic dyes’ adsorption were fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm. Furthermore, the maximum monolayer capacity, (qmax), for MB and AG was calculated from the Langmuir model to be 91.1 and 58 mg g−1, respectively. The thermodynamic study showed that the adsorption process of MB onto PANI-NTs is spontaneous, feasible and exothermic process. The regeneration study indicated that PANI-NTs can be reused for multiple dye adsorption cycles. Therefore, the synthesized PANI-NTs can be considered as a highly efficient adsorbent for both of anionic and cationic dyes from aqueous medium.

Mesoporous silica KIT-6 was chemically modified using 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane (3-MPTS) via post-grafting method to prepare functionalized mesoporous KIT-6-SO3H with highly acidic ‒SO3H groups. Thin layers of KIT-6-SO3H coating onto quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) electrodes are employed as a meso-KIT-6-QCM sensor for the adsorptive removal of Pd(II), Cd(II) and Cs(I) ions with a high detection sensitivity. From ICP-OES measurements, the calculated adsorption capacity (Qe) values are much coincide with that obtained from QCM sensor. Due to the synergetic cooperation between high surface area, large pore volumes and active ‒SO3H groups, KIT-6-SO3H exhibited a remarkable adsorption capacity for metal ions. The effect of initial solution pH on the metal ions uptake was carefully studied. Kinetics and isotherm studies further reveal that adsorption of metal ions by KIT-6-SO3H obeys second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm, respectively.

Various studies have sought to determine the optimal abstinence period after which semen samples should be collected, with many contradictory results reported. Several factors influence the semen microenvironment, and thus potentially sperm parameters. In this study, we focused on the secretions of the prostate, seminal vesicles and the epididymis. Semen samples were obtained from healthy normozoospermic males (n = 16) after 4 day and 4 h periods of ejaculatory abstinence (EA), and standard semen analysis was performed using computer-aided sperm analysis, whereas seminal plasma citric acid, neutral alpha-glucosidase and fructose concentrations were measured using assay kits. Proteomic analyses of seminal plasma proteins were performed using LC-MS/MS. There were significant decreases in total sperm count (P < 0.001), sperm concentration (P < 0.05) and semen volume (P < 0.05) after 4 h compared with 4 days ejaculatory abstinence. Furthermore, increases were observed in total sperm motility (P < 0.05), sperm progressive motility (P < 0.01), average path velocity (P < 0.001) and curvilinear velocity (P < 0.05) after a 4 h abstinence period, accompanied by significant reductions in citric acid (P < 0.05), neutral alpha-glucosidase (P < 0.01) and fructose (P < 0.01) concentrations. In addition, due to the decreased number of spermatozoa, these concentrations translated to a significant decrease in fructose (P < 0.05) per spermatozoon. A total of 2889 proteins were identified, with 24 proteins differentially expressed. These proteins have various roles in cellular processes and may influence the improvement of sperm motility after 4 h of EA. All these factors present in the seminal plasma indicate towards an intrinsic mechanism capitalising on alternative sources of energy for increased metabolic function and subsequent sperm motility.

Objective: This study was done to evaluate the potential toxic effect of aspartame (APS) artificial sweetener after chronic oral administration in rat pups as a model for children that consumption high quantities of different types of sweets and juices from the peddler, regularly and daily. Methods: Twenty-four rat pups were divided equally into three groups. Therapeutic dose group (T1) and double dose group(T2) received 0.08, 0.16 g/kg. body weight(BW), respectively, while control group (C) received distilled water orally for 90 (d)days. Results: The result of present study revealed that there was an increased consumption of food, water and arising nervous signs(aggressive) in T1 and T2 groups comparing with control. The cytogenetic study includes the mitotic index and blast index showing a substantial decline relative to the control one in both treated groups. While the blast index showed a significant reduction(P

The combination of conducting polymers with semiconductors for the fabrication of organic/inorganic hybrid nanocatalysts is one of the most promising research areas for many applications. In this work, the synthesized nanocomposite combines several advantages such as the photoresponse shift from the UV region toward visible light by narrowing the band gap of the semiconductor, magnetic separation ability and dual applications including the catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol (PNP) and the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye. In addition to the core magnetite nanoparticles (NPs), the synthesized nanocomposite contains polypyrrole (PPY) and TiO2 shells that are decorated with silver metal NPs to prevent electron–hole recombination and to enhance the catalytic performance. Indeed, the catalytic PNP reduction experiments reveal that the synthesized nanocomposite exhibits significantly high catalytic activity with a rate constant of 0.1169 min−1. Moreover, the photocatalytic experiments show that the synthesized nanophotocatalyst has a boosting effect toward MB dye degradation under normal daytime visible light irradiation with a rate constant of 6.38 × 10−2 min−1. The synergetic effect between silver NPs, PPY and TiO2 is thought to play a fundamental role in enhancing the photocatalytic activity.

Nowadays, the prevailing housing development trend is gated communities. This trend has been one of the most widespread pattern of development in the last quarter of the twentieth century across the globe as well as in Egypt. Gated communities are built with a variety of sizes and types that differ from country to another, city to another, and from the gated community itself to another. To date, there are hundreds of gated residential communities that are developed across the Egyptian cities with a quite number of residents who prefer to live in those gated residential communities over the ordinary neighborhood. This study attempts to investigate the reason of residents' preference to gated over the non-gated residential areas of Alexandria city, what they are searching in this new trend?This paper argues that each resident prefers living in gated communities searching for certain values, which could be sense of community, or prestige, or lifestyle, or security. Focusing on the perspective of residents of Alexandria toward gated communities, this paper uses a methodology based on observation and qualitative exploration through a questionnaire. The findings show that the ‘life style’ is main value associated with the preferences of residents to live in such communities in Alexandria. Keywords: Gated communities, Residents of Alexandria city, Residential preferences, Residential neighborhoods

This paper aims at predicting the future urban growth and its impact on the Yemeni city of Ibb. It adopts a combined urban simulation model using both Cellular Automata (CA) and Fuzzy Set, integrated in a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) platform. The research methodology includes three main stages: (1) preparation of historical data on land uses (2003, 2013), (2) simulation of data using urban simulation models (CA & Fuzzy set) in LanduseSim software environment, and (3) visualizing data. The model was validated using the pixel matching method for both the simulation map and actual map for the year of 2013. The match ratio was 93.76% for all layers and 89.40% for the urban layer. Accordingly, the final simulation was completed to the year 2033. The results show a horizontal distribution of urban growth with a high percentage of increase in urban areas; from 28.41% in 2013 to 43.11% in 2033. This increase occurs at the expense of agricultural and natural land. The study recommends a reconsideration of the the city expansion strategies by decision makers in government in order to ensure ecological balance. Keywords: Urban growth, GIS, Cellular automata, Fuzzy, Ibb city, Yemen

Background: Fibroscan has recently been investigated as a new technique in the assessment of fibrosis of the liver in many diseases.Aim of Study: Was to evaluate the role of fibroscan in assessment of liver steatosis and fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes and NAFLD.Patients and Methods: The study population consisted of 40 patients with type 2 diabetes and 20 patients with obesity as controls. Patients with type 2 diabetes were divided into two groups: Group IA patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity and group IB patients with type 2 diabetes without obesity. Correlation between steatosis and fibrosis and disease was analyzed.Results: Steatosis of patients with type 2 diabetes was significantly higher compared to those of controls (p=0.042) further more patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity had higher level of steatosis than those without obesity. Also, patients with type 2 DM and obesity had higher levels of fibrosis than controls (p=0.023).Conclusion: Diabetic patients with insulin resistance (IR) and obesity have high prevalence of NAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis and we can use fibroscan for assessment of fibrosis and steatosis in those patients.

The development of new catalytic transformations with easy separation and recyclability is essential in chemical synthesis. An efficient heterogeneous catalytic system composed of a conducting polymer, polypyrrole (PPy), deposited on cotton fabric support, and decorated with silver nanoparticles is described. Such ternary composites can be used in environmental issues, such as water-pollution treatment. The model reduction of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol with sodium borohydride was investigated by means of UV–visible spectroscopy. The reaction was catalyzed even by PPy alone and the catalytic effect was strongly enhanced by silver nanoparticles. It obeys the first-order kinetics. The catalytic effect increases with the catalyst dose due to increased number of catalytic sites. This also applies to the increased content of silver. The elevated temperature as well as the reduced polarity of the reaction medium have negative effect on the catalyst performance. The catalysts can be reused several times while maintaining good efficiency. The ternary composites are thus good candidates for the catalytic reductive removal of toxic compounds from water.

Urbanization and climate change are likely to aggravate the flood risk especially in the developing regions where these are also lack of resources. Risk assessment at the local scale can be seen as an important tool to assist the decision makers to identify and prioritize development, preparedness, and emergency. This paper introduces an integrated framework to assess urban pluvial flood risk, taking into consideration the available coping capacity arrangements as the coping capacity is considered to be the main factor to control the risk impact. The presented framework incorporates the pluvial flood inundation model; the building and social vulnerabilities indices; and coping capacity indicators to identify the risk level in the urban areas and to test the different scenarios for the disaster risk reduction measures. The proposed risk assessment framework has been applied to the city of Alexandria, located in northern Egypt, as there is an increase in pluvial floods in the city causing economic and human losses. A risk map for Almontaza district has been prepared to reveal the risk level for each block, this map can be used for the planning purposes. The introduced framework can increase the efficiency of the preparedness and emergency plans; it can also help the planners to direct the available development resources to the priority areas.

Pollution caused by organic dyes is of serious environmental and health concern to the population. Dyes are widely used in textile coloring applications. In the present work, cotton textile was coated with a conducting polymer, polypyrrole (PPy), in situ during the oxidative polymerization of pyrrole. The resulting materials were utilized as easily separated and recyclable adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) as a model of cationic dyes in alkaline solutions. It showed also some affinity to remove Acid Green 25 as an anionic dye in acidic medium. The adsorption was assessed by monitoring the decrease in dye concentration by UV–Visible absorption spectroscopy. The influence of various parameters such as initial dye concentration, contact time, pH, temperature, and adsorbent dose on the adsorption process was studied. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Freundlich isotherm model were found to describe the adsorption process. The thermodynamic study revealed that the adsorption of MB by PPy was feasible, spontaneous, and exothermic process. Investigation of the substrate regeneration revealed that PPy deposited on cotton textile can be reused for dye adsorption several times with good efficiency and it allows for the recovery of MB for recycling purposes.

Background: Recently, it has been demonstrated that anemia may be an etiological factor in development of micro-vascular complication in type 2 D.M. patients.Objective: Evaluation of the relation between anemia and microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods: 100 patients were included in the study. They were selected from wards of Internal Medicine Department and Outpatient Endocrinology Clinic in Tanta University Hospital during the period from February 2016 to August 2016. They divided into two groups, Group (I): 50 patients DM type 2 without anemia. Group (II): 50 patients DM type 2 with anemia (Hb level >10gm/dl). Inclusion criteria: Patients diagnosed to have type 2DM, anemia with (Hb level >10gm/dl) in Group (II). Exclusion criteria: Type 1 DM or other types of diabetes, patients with obvious cause of anemia e.g. hemo-lytic anemia, aplastic anemia, acute blood loss, severe infection, collagen disease. Chronic illness e.g. severely impaired liver functions (AST or ALT more than 2 upper limit of normal), end stage renal disease. All patients were subjected to: History taking after providing a written informed consent. Full clinical examination including; anthropometric parameters {weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI)}. Upon recruitment, all patients underwent comprehensive assessment of diabetes-related microvascular complications as following: Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) was assessed by professional ophthalmol-ogists, diabetic nephropathy was assessed according to 24hr albumin collection in urine. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy was diagnosed by: The presence of typical symptoms and compatible finding from neurological examination or. History of treatment for neuropathy. Laboratory investigations includ-ing: Fasting and 2 hour post prandial blood glucose. HbA1C, complete blood count, blood urea, serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate. 24 hour collection of urine albumin liver function tests. Erythrocyte Sedimentation rate (ESR). C Reactive Protein (CRP) complete iron profile and abdomino-pelvic ultrasound.Results: Comparison between the 2 studied groups showed that 24% of Group I (DM without anemia) had neuropat hy while 100% of Group II (DM with anemia) had neuropathy with statistical significance (p-value

Objective To determine the effect of short (4 h) and long (4 days) abstinence periods on sperm quality based on functional and biochemical parameters in a population of normozoospermic men. Methods Two semen samples were collected in succession from potentially fertile, normozoospermic men (n = 100) after an abstinence period of 4 days and 4 h respectively. The mean values of semen volume, pH, viscosity, sperm concentration, percentage of total and progressively motile sperm, sperm kinematics/velocity, normal morphology, acrosome status, DNA fragmentation, intracellular superoxide (O 2 −• ) levels and seminal antioxidant status were compared between the two abstinence duration groups. Results A significant increase in total and progressive motility and velocity parameter values were observed after short abstinence compared with long abstinence periods. Sperm DNA fragmentation and intracellular O 2 −• levels were not significantly different between the two abstinence periods. Despite the decrease in semen volume, sperm concentration and total sperm number after short abstinence periods, all mean values of the conventional semen parameters remained above the lower reference limits as reported by the WHO. Conclusion The data from this most comprehensive study of its kind challenges the generally accepted guidelines of the prolonged abstinence periods since the results show that 4 h of sexual abstinence yielded significantly better sperm samples from a functional point of view. Although this study was performed on normozoospermic men, future studies with infertile men might yield similar findings that could lead to employing short abstinence as a strategy to improve the outcome of ART and fertility preservation.

Carbon quantum dots/polyaniline (CQDs/PANI) nanocomposite was successfully prepared by in-situ polymerization of aniline. CQDs were synthesized hydrothermally from gelatin with a diameter size of 4.2 nm and a 17% quantum yield. FTIR, UV–vis absorption, fluorescence spectrophotometer, XRD, TEM, XPS and lifetime decay were used to characterize the obtained nanocomposite. The formation of PANI revealed a high quenching effect on CQDs where the TEM images showed that the formed CQDs were greatly embedded in PANI matrix. In this study, CQDs/PANI nanocomposite was used for the detection of picric acid (PA) in the range 0.37–1.42 μM with a low detection limit (LOD) of 0.056 μM. The prepared sensor showed good enhancement and sensitivity towards PA in comparison to pristine CQDs and other nanostructured materials. The mechanism of PA detection has been studied where it was observed that PA is electrostatically interacted to the nanocomposite through – OH group of PA and the protonated PANI salt formed in CQDs/PANI nanocomposite by fluorescence resonance energy transfer applications. The proposed CQDs/PANI sensor was then utilized in real water samples and successfully determined the different amounts of PA spiked into tap water.

The informal settlements of the Global South are the least prepared for the pandemic of COVID-19 since basic needs such as water, toilets, sewers, drainage, waste collection, and secure and adequate housing are already in short supply or non-existent. Further, space constraints, violence, and overcrowding in slums make physical distancing and self-quarantine impractical, and the rapid spread of an infection highly likely. Residents of informal settlements are also economically vulnerable during any COVID-19 responses. Any responses to COVID-19 that do not recognize these realities will further jeopardize the survival of large segments of the urban population globally. Most top-down strategies to arrest an infectious disease will likely ignore the often-robust social groups and knowledge that already exist in many slums. Here, we offer a set of practice and policy suggestions that aim to (1) dampen the spread of COVID-19 based on the latest available science, (2) improve the likelihood of medical care for the urban poor whether or not they get infected, and (3) provide economic, social, and physical improvements and protections to the urban poor, including migrants, slum communities, and their residents, that can improve their long-term well-being. Immediate measures to protect residents of urban informal settlements, the homeless, those living in precarious settlements, and the entire population from COVID-19 include the following: (1) institute informal settlements/slum emergency planning committees in every urban informal settlement; (2) apply an immediate moratorium on evictions; (3) provide an immediate guarantee of payments to the poor; (4) immediately train and deploy community health workers; (5) immediately meet Sphere Humanitarian standards for water, sanitation, and hygiene; (6) provide immediate food assistance; (7) develop and implement a solid waste collection strategy; and (8) implement immediately a plan for mobility and health care. Lessons have been learned from earlier pandemics such as HIV and epidemics such as Ebola. They can be applied here. At the same time, the opportunity exists for public health, public administration, international aid, NGOs, and community groups to innovate beyond disaster response and move toward long-term plans.

In this article, acid green (AG) dye played a dual pivotal role. The first role is as a structure-guiding agent and a soft template for the acid-free synthesis of polyaniline hollow nanotubes (PANI-HNTs) while the second role is as a target dye to be removed as a model of anionic dyes, alongside methylene blue (MB) as a model of cationic dyes. After characterization using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms (BET), and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy techniques, the prepared PANI-HNTs were exploited for the adsorption of basic MB dye and acidic AG dye from aqueous media. To optimize the adsorption process, the effects of different variables, such as adsorbent dose, contact time and pH, were studied. Due to the structural differences between the MB and AG dyes, the obtained data revealed that the best pH for the medium for optimal adsorption was 9.0 and 3.0, respectively. The rapid sorption dynamics were found to proceed in a second-order kinetic model and the equilibrium data for the adsorption of MB and AG dyes were fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm. The maximum monolayer capacity, qmax, for MB and AG was calculated from the Langmuir model and equalled 69.4 and 57.8 mg g−1, respectively. A thermodynamic study revealed that the adsorption of MB by PANI-HNTs was a feasible, spontaneous, and exothermic process. Investigation of the substrate regeneration revealed that PANI-HNTs can be reused for dye adsorption several times. Therefore, the synthesized PANI-NTs are highly efficient for the dual removal of basic and acidic dyes. TEM images showed that PANI-HNTs were formed with an external and internal diameter of 50–60 nm and 5–10 nm, respectively.

Improving outdoor human thermal comfort could be considered as one of the most important targets for achieving successful open space designs. In hot arid climate, residential neighborhoods are responsible for the high request of energy to provide cooling needs for the occupantsâ comfort. The main problem is the non-responsive contemporary urban design to human thermal comfort and energy. In this context, this paper aims at testing specific landscape parameters that could enhance outdoor human thermal comfort. The study is limited to the microclimate at urban open space and will be conducted in New Borg El-Arab (hot arid city according to Middleton and others [1], Alexandria, Egypt). The adopted methodology is based on the use of ENVI-met 4.0 software to measure four thermal indices (air temperature, relative humidity, MRT and PMV) and assess outdoor human thermal comfort in an existing neighborhood. In addition, different design scenarios that emphasize different landscape elements were also assessed. The results of this analysis depict changing street networks, landscape design and materials could enhance the level of thermal comfort in the urban open spaces. Keywords: Thermal comfort, Urban design, Hot arid climate, Simulation methods, Envi-met

In this article, palladium (Pd) nanoparticles were deposited on a smart surface composed of a synthetic polymer, a natural polymer and a magnetic inorganic material, polyaniline (PANI), chitosan (CS) and magnetite (Fe3O4), respectively to form Pd@PANI-CS-Fe3O4 nanocomposite. The parent magnetic nanocomposite was prepared via in situ polymerization of aniline in the presence of CS. Exploitation of the polymerization side product, ferrous chloride (FeCl2), produced Fe3O4 that imparted the nanocomposite with magnetic character. Pd nanoparticles were then stabilized @ the nanocomposite via reduction of Pd ions. X-ray electron diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) as well as energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) were employed to characterize Pd@PANI-CS-Fe3O4 nanocomposite. In addition, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) was used to investigate the magnetic property of Pd@PANI-CS-Fe3O4 nanocomposite. The reduction of the toxic 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to a safer form, 4-amino phenol (4-AP), was employed to examine the catalytic efficacy of Pd@PANI-CS-Fe3O4 nanocomposite as a heterogenous nanocatalyst. Pd@PANI-CS-Fe3O4 represented a high kinetic rate up to 0.222 min−1.

Purpose Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) cytokine stimulates growth, differentiation, and function of myeloid progenitors. We aimed to study the role of GM-CSF gene expression, its protein, and antibodies in patients with acute myeloid leukemia/myelodysplastic syndromes (AML/MDS) and their correlation to disease behavior and treatment outcome. The study included 50 Egyptian patients with AML/MDS in addition to 20 healthy volunteers as control subjects. Patients and Methods Assessment of GM-CSF gene expression was performed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. GM-CSF proteins and antibodies were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results There was significant decrease in GM-CSF gene expression ( P = .008), increase in serum level of GM-CSF protein ( P = .0001), and increase in anti–GM-CSF antibodies ( P = .001) in patients with AML/MDS compared with healthy control subjects. In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between serum levels of GM-CSF protein and initial peripheral blood blasts, percentage as well as response to therapy. Conclusion Any alteration in GM-CSF gene expression could have implications in leukemogenesis. In addition, GM-CSF protein serum levels could be used to predict outcome of therapy. GM-CSF antibodies may also play a role in the pathogenesis of AML/MDS. The use of these GM-CSF parameters for disease monitoring and as markers of disease activity needs further research.

A simple, precise and cost effective conductometric method was developed for determination of betahistine dihydrochloride and heptaminol hydrochloride in pure form and pharmaceutical formulations. The method is based on the precipitation of chloride ions present in cited drugs with silver ions, yielding silver chloride, the conductance of the solution is measured as a function of the volume of titrant. Effect of solvent, reagent concentration, temperature were studied and evaluated. The suggested method was applied for determination of betahistine dihydrochloride and heptaminol hydrochloride in pure forms and pharmaceutical preparations. The described procedure allowed the determination of betahistine dihydrochloride and heptaminol hydrochloride in the range of 2-10mg/ml and 2-13mg /ml respectively.The molar ratio was (2:1),(1:1) (drug:reagent) between betahistine dihydrochloride and heptaminol hydrochloride with silver nitrate respectively. The suggested procedure was applied successfully to the analysis of these drugs in their pharmaceutical formulations, and the results obtained were in agreement with those given by the official methods