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e-Assessment provides solutions to some problems encountered in dental students' evaluation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the experience of a limited-resources dental school with e-assessment provided through an open-source learning management system (LMS). Data about users' access and types of e-assessment activities at the Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Egypt, were obtained from the web-based LMS Moodle. A questionnaire developed to assess students' perceptions of the e-assessment was also sent to students registered in two courses (undergraduate and postgraduate) with the same instructor. The results showed that most e-courses at the school had one form of e-assessment (82%) and, of these, 16.7% had summative assessment activities. There were significant differences among departments in the number of e-courses with e-assessment. One-quarter of e-courses with e-assessment used Moodle quizzes. Of 285 students registered in the two courses that included the questionnaire, 170 responded (response rate=59.6%). The responding students positively perceived the impact of e-assessment on learning and its reliability and security, whereas technical issues and related stresses were negatively perceived. This study suggests that e-assessment can be used at minimal cost in dental schools with limited resources and large class sizes with the least demands on faculty members and teaching staff time. For these schools, an open-source LMS such as Moodle provides formative e-assessment not available otherwise and accommodates various question formats and varying levels of instructors' technical skills. These students seemed to have a positive impression of the e-assessment although technical problems and related stresses are issues that need to be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the prevalence and risk factors for development of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) in children attending special needs schools in India. The participants were 395 children aged 12-15 years with disabilities in learning, communication, physical function, and/or development. A questionnaire was designed in order to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics, oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and risk factors for NCCLs. The chi-square test, bivariate analysis, and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Presence of NCCLs was associated with use of toothpowder or other materials for teeth cleaning, use of harder toothbrushes, use of a horizontal scrub technique for toothbrushing, consumption of a vegetarian diet, and greater consumption of lemon. The overall prevalence of NCCLs was 22.7%. Most lesions involved minimal loss of contour or defects <1 mm in depth. The prevalence of non-carious cervical lesions was slightly higher than the global average. Effective policies should be developed for oral health care among children attending special needs schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study used partial diallel cross among ten triticale genotypes ( BEAGLE , ERONGA, FAHAD , POLLMER , LIRON , HUI/TUB , CENT/1715 , BW32-1 , SN64/EER , CMH80) and to evaluate the hybrids and estimates heterosis , and their general and specific combining ability. The studied characters were the followings ; number of days from planting to 75% flowering and maturity , spikes per square meter , plant height , number of grains/spike , weight of 1000 grains , grains yield , biological yield , protein content , ash content , gluten content and pelshenke test. F1 hybrids, F1 and parents differed significantly at 1% probability level for all studied characters. (BEAGLE×HUI/TUB) and (BEAGLE × BW32-1) and (ERONGA×BW32-1) and (ERONGA×SN64/EER) and (HUI/TUB × SN64/EER) and (FAHAD× CMH80) hybrids gave highest heterosis values calculated as deviation of F1 from the mid parents , and (BEAGLE × HUI /TUB) and (FAHAD×CMH80) hybrids gave highest heterosis values calculated as deviation of F1 from the best parent for most studied characters except for plant height , biological yield , ash content , dry gluten content and pelshenke test. General and specific combining ability mean squares differed significantly for most characters except for number of days to 75% flowering and number of tillers and spikes/plant , grain yield , biological yield and wet gluten content for general combining ability and spike length , number of grains/spike , grain weight of 1000 , ash content , dry gluten content and pelshenke test for specific general combining ability. Parents differed in their general combining ability effects and ERONGA genotype showed significant effects in desired direction for flowering and maturity , plant height and protein and ash content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ureteric stone is quite common; management involve medical and surgical intervention. Surgically the uretroscope is the most commonly used instrument. Objectives This study was done to demonstrate the safety and efficacy to fragment and remove ureteral calculi with an ureteroscope using Holmium laser and render patients stone free with a single procedure without the need for ureteral stenting. Methods One hundred and twelve patients aged between 4 to 63 years, who proved to have ureteric stones regardless the size or location of those stones, where subjected to ureteroscopy procedure under spinal or general anesthesia, and Holmium laser was used to fragment the stones. Results The majority (92.86%) of those patients was stone free with single session, no stent was left. Conclusion The stone can be disintegrated and achieving stone free state in single session and no stent was needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with chromium chloride, CrCl3.6H2O (2mg kg-1 basal diet) on the performance and immune response of broiler chickens under heat stress condition (25-43°C). A total of 80 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross-308) were assigned to two treatment groups according to a completely randomized design. Each treatment consisted of four equal replicates, each contained ten chicks. Chicks were fed on basal diets supplemented with different concentrations of chromium (0 and 2 mg kg-1 CrCl3) from 1 to 35 days of age. Chromium supplementation as feed additives resulted in a slightly lower rectal temperature, and significantly (P<0.05) lower respiration rate for the broiler chickens received diet supplemented with chromium compared to the control (0 mg kg-1 CrCl3). Dietary chromium supplementation increased final body weight (BW) at the end of the production period (5 weeks). Average weight gain was significantly (P<0.05) higher in chickens fed on chromium supplemented diet. Feed intake was not influenced by dietary chromium supplementation, however, the efficiency of feed conversion was improved (P<0.05) in chromium supplemented chickens. Furthermore, dressing percentage was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Cr-treated chickens compared to control chickens. Chromium supplementation significantly (P<0.05) improved the immune response to Newcastle Disease Virus vaccine (NDV). The present results suggest that dietary chromium supplementation provides a good nutritional management approach to ameliorate heat stress induced depression in production performance and immune response of broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been general arguments regarding the compatibility between Islamic siyar (Islamic international law) and conventional international law, and these arguments have generated some scholarly endeavours touching on the comparative evaluation of various aspects of Islamic international law and modern international law such as international human rights law and international law of armed conflict. Not much has been written on the contribution of the Islamic diplomatic law to the principles of international diplomatic law. Therefore, this article seeks to examine the justifications and the principles of diplomatic immunity under Islamic law with a view to confirming whether they are compatible with the principles of international diplomatic law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to study the effect of friction time on the microstructure and mechanical properties of alumina 0, 25, 50 wt% yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) composite and 6061 aluminium alloy joints formed by friction welding. The alumina-YSZ composites were prepared through slip casting in plaster of Paris molds (POP) and subsequently sintered at 1600°C, while the aluminium rods were machined down using a lathe machine to the dimension required. The welding process was carried out under different rotational speeds and friction times, while friction force (0.5 ton-force) was kept constant. Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the interface of the joints structure. The experimental results showed that the friction time has a significant effect on joint structure and mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of a robot to plan its own motion seems pivotal to its autonomy, and that is why the motion planning has become part and parcel of modern intelligent robotics. In this paper, about 100 research are reviewed and briefly described to identify and classify the amount of the existing work for each motion planning approach. Meanwhile, around 200 research were used to determine the percentage of the application of each approach. The paper includes comparative tables and charts showing the application frequency of each approach in the last 30 years. Finally, some open areas and challenging topics are presented based on the reviewed papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori is the major cause of active chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers in humans and has been linked to gastric carcinoma and lymphoma. The vacuolating cytotoxin vacA and cag pathogenicity island (cag PAI) are two identified virulence factors that are considered to have an important role in the pathogenesis of H. pylori infection. The aim of this study is to investigate the H. pylori vacA alleles in Iranian patients with peptic ulcer disease. In order to investigate this, biopsy specimens were obtained from 84 patients with gastric ulcer, gastritis, and duodenal ulcer. DNA extraction and PCR were used to detect the presence or absence of glmM, cagA and to assess the polymorphism of vacA. Of the 77 glmM PCR-positive biopsy specimens, 55 (71%) had the vacA signal sequence genotype s1, and 22 (29%) had subtype s2. vacA mid-region analysis revealed that 31 (40%) were vacA m1 and 46 (60%) were m2. The presence of the cagA gene correlated with vacA signal sequence type s1, whereas type s2 was predominantly found in cagA-negative samples (P < 0.001). Thus, the detection of vacA and cagA, virulence markers described in several clinical outcomes may be used to help the treatment and prevention of H. pylori in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional study was aimed to identify the predictors of medication noncompliance in hypertensive patients. The study was conducted at the Family Medicine Clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, which is a university-based teaching hospital. All hypertensive patients aged 40 or over-registered from January to June 2004, who had been on treatment for at least 3 months, were screened. Previously validated self-administered questionnaires were used to assess the compliance and psychosocial factors. A total of 240 hypertensive patients were recruited in the study. Of these, 55.8% were noncompliant to medication. Logistic regression showed that age (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 0.96; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.92–0.997; P: 0.035), patient satisfaction (adjusted OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.93–0.998; P: 0.036) and medication barrier (adjusted OR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.91–0.987; P: 0.009) were significant predictors of medication noncompliance. Therefore, younger age, poor patient satisfaction and medication barrier were identified as independent psychosocial predictors of medication noncompliant in hypertensive patients.Journal of Human Hypertension (2006) 20, 23–29. doi:10.1038/sj.jhh.1001930; published online 22 September 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which evaluated management-related factors that could have an effect on the Labor Management Relationship (LRM) in the manufacturing firm in Sri Lanka. List of management-related factors that affect LRM; Definition of LRM; Effects of management-related factors in the organizational context from the perspective of managers.

With the rising demand for fresh and ready-to-eat foods, antimicrobial packaging has been developed to control or prevent microbial growth as well as maintain food quality and safety. Chitosan is an advanced biomaterial for antimicrobial packaging to meet the growing needs of safe and biodegradable packaging. The application of natural essential oils as antimicrobial agents effectively controls the growth of spoilage and pathogenic microbes. Thus, chitosan edible coatings and films incorporated with essential oils have expanded the general applications of antimicrobial packaging in food products. This review summarized the effect of essential oils on modifying the physicochemical characteristics of chitosan-based films. Notably, the antimicrobial efficacy of the developed composite films or coatings was highlighted. The advances in the preparation methods and application of chitosan films were also discussed. Broadly, this review will promote the potential applications of chitosan-essential oils composite films or coatings in antimicrobial packaging for food preservation. [Display omitted] • This review presented advances in chitosan films containing essential oils (EOs). • Various methods for the preparation of chitosan films were discussed. • EOs can modify the physical and mechanical properties of chitosan films. • Chitosan films incorporated with EOs exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity. • These films or coatings have potential applications in extending food shelf-life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• First report of the effect of high-intensity ultrasound (HIU) on baobab fruit pulp. • HIU enhanced cloudiness and lowers 5-hydroxymethylfurfural than thermal processing. • HIU increased the individual phenolic content and ascorbic acid retention. • HIU significantly improved α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitions. • HIU improvements were dependant on power intensity and time combinations. Effect of high-intensity ultrasound (HIU) compared with thermal treatments on baobab fruit pulp (BFP) quality and bioactive properties were investigated. HIU treatments, particularly at intensities of 687.5 W/cm2 for 5 min, and 344 W/cm2 for 15 min significantly (p < 0.05) increased the cloudiness index, ascorbic acid (AA) retention, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant capacity besides a more potent α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition relative to thermally treated samples. Moreover, the physicochemical parameters, colour index, and browning index were maintained with HIU besides lower 5-hydroxymethylfurfural values than thermal processing. HPLC analysis revealed that the content of most phenolic compounds was the highest in HIU treatments besides a 235–256% increase in procyanidin C 1 compared with control samples. The AA retention following HIU treatments was 87.62–102.86% compared to 30.47–61.90% in thermally treated samples. Our analyses portrayed ultrasound as a feasible alternative to conventional thermal processing of BFP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In our work, we described and proposed a novel LC-MS/MS based approach for early lung cancer screening based on the VOC marker. Through this approach, two key volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used in the early screening and diagnosis of lung cancer were determined as 3-hydroxy-2-butanone and 2-pentanone. 3-hydroxy-2-butanone in the human body was found for the first time to be derived from the sugar metabolism of oral bacteria and we found a correlation between the bacteria that metabolize 3-hydroxy-2-butanone and lung cancer. (1) Background: lung cancer is the world's deadliest cancer, but early diagnosis helps to improve the cure rate and thus reduce the mortality rate. Annual low-dose computed tomography (LD-CT) screening is an efficient lung cancer-screening program for a high-risk population. However, LD-CT has often been characterized by a higher degree of false-positive results. To meet these challenges, a volatolomic approach, in particular, the breath volatile organic compounds (VOCs) fingerprint analysis, has recently received increased attention for its application in early lung cancer screening thanks to its convenience, non-invasiveness, and being well tolerated by patients. (2) Methods: a LC-MS/MS-based volatolomics analysis was carried out according to P/N 5046800 standard based breath analysis of VOC as novel cancer biomarkers for distinguishing early-stage lung cancer from the healthy control group. The discriminatory accuracy of identified VOCs was assessed using subject work characterization and a random forest risk prediction model. (3) Results: the proposed technique has good performance compared with existing approaches, the differences between the exhaled VOCs of the early lung cancer patients before operation, three to seven days after the operation, as well as four to six weeks after operation under fasting and 1 h after the meal were compared with the healthy controls. The results showed that only 1 h after a meal, the concentration of seven VOCs, including 3-hydroxy-2-butanone (TG-4), glycolaldehyde (TG-7), 2-pentanone (TG-8), acrolein (TG-11), nonaldehyde (TG-19), decanal (TG-20), and crotonaldehyde (TG-22), differ significantly between lung cancer patients and control, with the invasive adenocarcinoma of the lung (IAC) having the most significant difference. (4) Conclusions: this novel, non-invasive approach can improve the detection rate of early lung cancer, and LC-MS/MS-based breath analysis could be a promising method for clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit had received growing attention for its myriad nutritional and medicinal benefits, including those from its polyphenol-rich profile and powerful antioxidant activity. The current study evaluated the bioaccessibility of phenolic constituents and antioxidant capacity of baobab fruit pulp (BFP) and its byproduct, the baobab fruit shell (BFS), upon in vitro digestion. In general, the in vitro digestion reduced phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity; however, several flavonoids, particularly quercetin, proanthocyanidin, proanthocyanidins B 1 and B 2 were highly bioaccessible. Specifically, a significant increase in the bioaccessibility of proanthocyanidins (173%) in BFS was observed following gastric digestion, possibly due to hydrolysis of proanthocyanidin isomers. Moreover, a significantly higher bioaccessibility of proanthocyanidin B 2 (170%) and quercetin (304%) in BFP, and proanthocyanidin (363%) in BFS was also observed following intestinal digestion probably due to pancreatin effect on the complex food matrix or the depolymerisation of insoluble proanthocyanidin and quercetin conjugates induced by the increase in pH. A considerable α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition in all samples (>50% inhibition) were observed following the in vitro digestion. Hence, both BFP and BFS are good sources of bioaccessible polyphenolics that could be utilised as ingredients in functional foods. • Baobab fruit pulp and its byproduct were subjected to in vitro digestion. • The digestion has a reducing effect on phenolic constituents and antioxidant capacity. • Gastric and intestinal digestion steps increased proanthocyanidins bioaccessibility. • A considerable α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was achieved. • Techniques such as microencapsulation could be used to increase bioaccessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of renewable energy brings numerous advantages including reduction of power transmission cost and minimization of the global warming problems. The investigation of the influencing operational parameters as well as optimization of the solar energy system is the key factors to enhance the power conversion efficiency. The different optimization methods in solar energy applications have been utilized to improve performance efficiency. However, the development of optimal methods under the intermittent nature of solar energy resources remains key issues to be explored. Therefore, this paper presents a comprehensive review of the main generic objectives of optimization in renewable energy systems, such as solar energy systems. Moreover, this study introduces the most recent intelligent optimization methods used in solar energy systems with regard to its functions, constraints, research gaps and contributions. From this review, it can be concluded that the main objectives of optimizations methods are to reduce minimize investment, operation and maintenance costs and emissions to enhance the system reliability. This review also outlines a brief discussion of various challenges and issues of solar energy optimization. Finally, the review delivers some effective future directions toward the development of an efficient and stable solar PV system. • A comprehensive review on the optimization objectives in solar energy systems are explained. • Intelligent control strategies and optimization methods are utilized in solar energy systems. • Optimizations strategies reduce emissions and costs of system into maximizing reliability. • Solar energy systems enhance the output power and minimize the interruptions in the connected load. • This review highlights the challenges on optimization to increase efficient and stable PV system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ASTM C692 directed testing on U-bend samples under mineral wool insulation with a 3.5% chloride solution. • SCC induced on SS304 AR and SE samples as detected by AET. • AE signals were characterized significantly and correlated with SCC. • SCC locations were determined, and its stages were firmly established. • Microstructures visuals revealed single crack in AR and multiple cracks in SE. This study investigates the detection of chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking (CI-SCC) in SS304 stainless steel using the acoustic emission technique (AET). Test samples in as-received (AR) and sensitized (SE) conditions were bent into a U-shape according to ASTM G30. These samples were placed on a hot pipe-spool at 90 °C and insulated with mineral wool. Over 28 days, the insulated samples were intermittently wetted with a 3.5 wt% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution using a drip test apparatus in line with ASTM C692. CI-SCC detection was performed by connecting AET to the U-bend samples. Post-test analysis revealed that acoustic emission (AE) signals, such as energy, RA (rise time/amplitude), counts, and average frequency, varied significantly during different SCC stages. Microscopic examination confirmed SCC in both sample types. In SE sample, cracks initiated from corrosion pits and propagated toward neighbouring pits due to compromised integrity from heat sensitization, producing low-energy AE signals. In contrast, AR sample exhibited high-energy emissions, indicating structural differences. Additionally, mineral wool insulation showed a higher water absorption rate as per EN13472, contributing to a corrosive environment. This study can help to estimate AET's potential in assessing damage severity and preventing failures in thermally insulated systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Polar HPD-500 resin exhibited the best adsorption/desorption capacity. • Ultrasound increased adsorption/desorption capacity and reduced the equilibrium time. • Optimum conditions: HPST (540 W, 5 min) at 25 °C and 80% ethanol as desorption solvent. • Ultrasound increased flavonoid contents by 2–3-fold and enhanced antioxidant capacity. • Ultrasound reduced the total sugar and acid contents in the extract by 5–8-fold. This work described the purification and enrichment of flavonoids from baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit pulp (BFP) by ultrasound-assisted adsorption/desorption procedure using macroporous resins. Four resins were tested and HPD-500 polar resin exhibited the best adsorption/desorption properties. Based on preliminary experiments and literature reports, the effects of various ultrasonic conditions including high power short time (HPST, 540 W for 5 min), medium power medium time (MPMT, 270 W for 15 min) and low power long time (LPLT, 45 W for 30 min) as well as different temperatures (T = 25–45 °C) on the adsorption of Total Flavonoids Content (TFC) were investigated in comparison with orbital shaking/no sonication (NS). Also, the effect of ultrasound on the desorption capacity and recovery of TFC was determined at different concentrations of ethanol (30–100%). Remarkably, ultrasonic treatment significantly increased the adsorption/desorption capacity and recovery and shortened the equilibrium time. The pseudo-second-order kinetic and Freundlich isotherm models better delineated the adsorption process under ultrasound. Moreover, the adsorption process was both spontaneous and thermodynamically favourable with physical adsorption and multilinear intraparticle diffusion being the predominant mechanisms of the whole process. HPST treatment at 25 °C with 80% ethanol as the desorption solvent most noticeably enhanced the adsorption/desorption of flavonoids and contributed to the highest recovery of TFC, Total Phenolic Content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity in addition to a 5–8-fold reduction in total sugar and acid contents when compared with NS treatment. Moreover, HPLC analysis revealed that the content of nine out of thirteen phenolic compounds from the HPST treatment was the highest, and the individual flavonoids content increased by 2–3-fold compared with the other treatments. Our analyses suggested that ultrasound can be employed as a practical approach to intensify the adsorption and desorption of functional compounds in BFP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased surface area of reservoir rock due to the presence of clays and the catalytic impact of clays are known to enhance the in-situ combustion (ISC) performance. But the basics behind these mechanisms are still unknown. Six one-dimensional (1-D) combustion tube experiments were conducted on three different crude oil samples. Each crude oil was evaluated with two combustion tube runs; sand-oil and sand-clay-oil mixtures to study the effect of clay on combustion performance. Then, Thermogravimetric Analysis/Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TGA/DSC) was run at isothermal conditions by ramping up the temperature using the combustion tube temperature. The activation energy and the heat of combustion were calculated empirically. The quality of the produced oil samples was determined through viscosity measurement and saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes (SARA) fractionation. To better understand the fuel formation mechanism, the compositional variations in SARA fractions have been analyzed through Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). Further, asphaltenes surfaces were visualized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and the Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The combustion tube experimental result shows that saturates fractions have been decreased in displaced oil since saturates are consumed as an ignitor during ISC. The aromatics fraction has been significantly increased in produced oil, which helps to increase the mobility of displaced oil through viscosity reduction. Moreover, the amount of asphaltenes in produced oil decreased due to fuel formation reactions. In the presence of clays, the cribriform structures were formed on asphaltenes surface and aid the combustion process by increasing the surface area of asphaltenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 outbreak created one of the largest pandemics globally, with the world health organization (WHO) declaring several measures, including restriction of movement to curtail the spread of the virus. Reducing food waste is critical to achieving healthy nutrition and sustainability in food systems. In this regard, private households have consistently been regarded as key actors in food waste generation. Hence, this study examined the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on food waste in homes. A total of 1098 respondents were asked questions on how the pandemic affected their food preparation and consumption pattern, food purchasing and food waste. Compared with the situation before COVID19, there is a significant increase in kitchen spending and bread-making at home. Moreover, food waste generation and the frequency of eating out and food purchasing were reduced. Waste generation was higher in bakery products, left-over foods, and fruits and vegetables. Respondents suggested prudent meal preparation and consumption, increased awareness, and food purchasing restrictions as measures to reduce food waste. Overall, the pandemic has led to more stringent planning in household spendings and attitudinal changes regarding food preparation and consumption, resulting in a significant reduction in food waste and may have contributed to curtailing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]