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Massive improvements in the thermophysical properties of nanofluids over conventional fluids have led to the rapid evolution of using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in the field of heat transfer. In this study, the heat transfer and entropy generation abilities of MWCNTs/GNPs hybrid nanofluids were explored. Experiments on forced convective flow through a brass microtube with 300 µm inner diameter and 0.27 m in length were performed under uniform heat flux. MWCNTs/GNPs hybrid nanofluids were developed by adding 0.035 wt.% GNPs to MWCNTs water-based nanofluids with mass fractions of 0.075−0.125 wt.%. The range of the Reynolds number in this experiment was maintained at Re = 200−500. Results showed that the conventional approach for predicting the heat transfer coefficient was applicable for microtubes. The heat transfer coefficient increased markedly with the use of MWCNTs and MWCNTs/GNPs nanofluids, with increased pressure dropping by 12.4%. Results further showed a reduction by 37.5% in the total entropy generation rate in microtubes for hybrid nanofluids. Overall, MWCNTs/GNPs hybrid nanofluids can be used as alternative fluids in cooling systems for thermal applications.

Straw is the part of the stem (or stubble) of certain grasses, known as "straw cereals", and is most often a by-product or waste product of cereal production. In northern Algeria, it is produced in all cereal growing regions. It is generally used for animal feed. In this study, straw waste is used as a bio-material for thermal insulation in bioclimatic constructions and especially in geothermal applications, and the thermal insulation needs in a geothermal system is discussed. Furthermore, thermal performance of wheat straw aggregates bio-based material is tested for several thicknesses until stable results are achieved, using conduction heat transfer tests or heating flat plate. This method is based on the temperature difference measuring across the sample (inlet and outlet) and finally, compared it with other commercial geothermal insulation materials. Obtained results give us an idea of the energy gains to be expected from the bio-based materials manufacture to be used in geothermal systems comparing to conventional materials. It is noted that, the optimum thickness of the insulation material based on straw is 2cm, giving a temperature gradient around 9°C versus 16°C for conventional materials. Straw organic waste material is a promising candidate as an alternative insulating material for low-carbon and green buildings targets. Which are in line with the objectives set by the Algerian government as part of the fight against climate change, in particular the development of renewable energies, the promotion of energy efficiency as well as clean technologies and waste recycling.

This study combines the metaheuristic algorithm Transient Search Optimization (TSO) with the Levy flight distribution to find the optimal proportional-integral (PI) controllers for robust operation of islanded microgrids. The first step is to use the response surface methodology (RSM) to empirically express the multi-objective function. This function includes the transient variations of the terminal voltages of the microgrids. To demonstrate the efficacy of the hybrid Levyflight and TSO (LTSO), a benchmark microgrid system undergoes rigorous testing under different operational scenarios: i) transitioning the system into autonomous mode by disconnecting from the main grid; ii) adapting to varying load conditions while isolated; and iii) responding to a 3-phase fault while operating in islanded mode. Numerous simulations are run to verify the suggested methodology, employing conventional data extracted from the PSCAD/EMTDC software. The study’s findings are further reinforced through a comparative analysis with established optimization techniques such as the least mean and the square root of exponential approaches, the enhanced block-sparse adaptive Bayesian algorithm, the adaptive-width generalized correntropy diffusion algorithm, the sunflower optimization algorithm, the Coot bird metaheuristic optimizer, and particle swarm optimization. The results collectively underscore the superiority of the LTSO algorithm in enhancing the transient response of the terminal voltages of islanded microgrids, thereby offering a promising avenue for optimizing the control and stability of such systems.

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of chitosan coating silver nanoparticles to enhance the growth performance and immune status of broilers without inducing oxidative stress-related pathological lesions in any organs or leaving residues of silver in the edible parts. Five clusters of Cobb one-day-old chicks (n = 10/group in each replication) were given oral therapy, once a week for 36 days as follows: (1) distilled water, (2, 3) 0.5- and 5 ppm silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), respectively, (4, 5) 0.5- and 5 ppm chitosan/silver nanoconjugates (CS/Ag-NCs), respectively. The results demonstrated a marked elevation in the body weight gain with a decline in the food conversion ratio and marked improvement in feeding and drinking behavior of all nanoparticles treated groups, but higher in CS/Ag-NCs groups than AgNPs groups and control group. In contrast to the 0.5 ppm AgNPs receiving group, the group receiving 5 ppm AgNPs noticed remarkable histological changes in some organs, including the liver, kidneys, spleen, and heart. Moreover, the administration of CS/Ag-NCs at two dosage levels didn’t influence any histological changes. The AgNPs groups’ antibody titers against the ND and AI viruses were almost identical to those of the control group. Otherwise, CS/Ag-NCs groups recorded the highest antibody titers. Additionally, there was a significant increase in silver content in most edible organs of AgNPs groups at a dosage level of 5 ppm. Otherwise, the coating of AgNPs by CSNPs could decrease the aggregation of silver in the biological organs. Thus, we recommend utilizing 0.5 ppm CS/Ag-NCs in broiler farms to promote their growth performance and strengthen their immune defense.

Abstract The debate about which surgical technique for tonsillectomy could be superior over another is continuous. Tonsillectomy techniques are classified into cold and hot procedures. In cold techniques, no heat is used; they include dissection, guillotine, microdebrider, harmonic scalpel, and cryosurgery. Hot techniques include electrocautery, coblation, radio frequency, and laser. In Egypt, the used methods are cold dissection, electrocautery, cold dissection with electrocautery hemostasis, coblation, and less commonly laser. In this study, we described the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. Hot techniques have shorter operative time and less intraoperative bleeding, while cold dissection technique has less postoperative pain and less postoperative complications especially secondary hemorrhage, with more rapid wound healing. However, coblation technique may have less pain in the first few hours postoperatively relative to cold technique. Electrocautery technique is the most painful method with delayed wound healing. Laser technique is nearly equivalent to electrocautery with slightly less pain. Cold dissection technique is less costly when compared to other techniques. Family satisfaction after tonsillectomy is dependent mainly on less postoperative pain and rapid recovery. Cold dissection is still considered the gold standard technique. Caution should be taken on using hot techniques especially when used for dissection, and the trainee surgeons should become familiar with cold dissection before shifting to other tonsillectomy techniques. From this study, we can say that hot techniques should not be used except after mastering the cold dissection tonsillectomy; also, the new advanced techniques can be reserved for high-risk patients such as having bleeding disorders.

BackgroundEndemic African malaria vectors are poorly adapted to typical urban ecologies. However, Anopheles stephensi, an urban malaria vector formerly confined to South Asia and the Persian Gulf, was recently detected in Africa and may change the epidemiology of malaria across the continent. Little is known about the public health implications of An. stephensi in Africa. This study is designed to assess the relative importance of household exposure to An. stephensi and endemic malaria vectors for malaria risk in urban Sudan and Ethiopia.MethodsCase-control studies will be conducted in 3 urban settings (2 in Sudan, 1 in Ethiopia) to assess the association between presence of An. stephensi in and around households and malaria. Cases, defined as individuals positive for Plasmodium falciparum and/or P. vivax by microscopy/rapid diagnostic test (RDT), and controls, defined as age-matched individuals negative for P. falciparum and/or P. vivax by microscopy/RDT, will be recruited from public health facilities. Both household surveys and entomological surveillance for adult and immature mosquitoes will be conducted at participant homes within 48 hours of enrolment. Adult and immature mosquitoes will be identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Conditional logistic regression will be used to estimate the association between presence of An. stephensi and malaria status, adjusted for co-occurrence of other malaria vectors and participant gender.ConclusionsFindings from this study will provide evidence of the relative importance of An. stephensi for malaria burden in urban African settings, shedding light on the need for future intervention planning and policy development.

This study introduces a new method for achieving the robust performance of an isolated microgrid (MG) using an adaptive-width generalized correntropy diffusion algorithm (AWGC-DA). In the approach, the width of the kernel is adjustable, allowing the program to reject misleading input from attackers; the technique may identify attackers using a simple identification rule. The Response Surface Methodology is utilized in combination with three optimization algorithms: the Coot bird metaheuristic optimizer (COOT), the sunflower optimization (SFO), and the particle swarm optimization (PSO) to improve the technique’s effectiveness. To assess the effectiveness of the new technique, a standard microgrid is tested under three different scenarios: (1) disconnected from the utility grid (autonomous status); (2) variations in load while in autonomous status; and (3) a three-phase fault while in autonomous status. In addition, numerous simulations are performed using the PSCAD/EMTDC software to verify the efficacy of the proposed technique. The main contribution of this study is to enhance the system transients by minimizing the overshoots, steady state error, and settling time which increases the efficacy of the autonomous MG process. Finally, to demonstrate its validity, the performance of the suggested approach is compared to that of other methods, including the LMSRE-based adaptive control, EBS-ABA, COOT, SFO, and PSO algorithms. The results confirm that the AWGC-DA method outperforms the other methods regarding the system’s transient response.

The neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid has been linked to significant reproductive damage in mammals. Origanum majorana essential oil (OME) is a natural herbal product used in the management of many diseases due to its strong antioxidant effects. The oil was hydrodistilled from O. Majorana and analyzed using GC/MS then its possible protective mechanisms against IMI-induced reprotoxicity in male rats were investigated. 28-adult male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups as follows: group (1) control group, group (2) OME, group (3) IMI, and group (4) IMI + OME. The treatments were applied daily via oral gavage for 60 days. Remarkable abnormalities in both territorial aggressive and sexual behaviors were observed in IMI-treated rats with a significant elevation of serum FSH and LH as well as altered testicular redox status. Along with inhibition of the testicular expression of StAR and aromatase genes and serum total testosterone in addition to abnormal sperm count, viability, motility, and morphology. Histopathological examination showed severe degeneration and necrosis in both germ cells and Leydig cells with atrophy in most of the seminiferous tubules. Co-administration of OME with IMI notably improved all the above-mentioned studied parameters, and restored rats’ spermatogenesis, sexual behavior, and favorably modulates the levels of both testosterone and gonadotropic hormones via its potent antioxidant effect. These findings support the use of OME as a fertility enhancer and suggest that it could be used to manage pesticide-induced male infertility.

This paper develops a novel methodology for optimal control of islanded microgrids (MGs) based on the coot bird metaheuristic optimizer (CBMO). To this end, the optimum gains for the PI controller are found using the CBMO under a multi-objective optimization framework. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is incorporated into the developed procedure to achieve a compromise solution among the different objectives. To prove the effectiveness of the new proposal, a benchmark MG is tested under various scenarios, 1) isolate the system from the grid (autonomous mode), 2) islanded system exposure to load changes, and 3) islanded system exposure to a 3 phase fault. Extensive simulations are performed to validate the new method taking conventional data from PSCAD/EMTDC software. The validity of the suggested optimizer is proved by comparing its results with that achieved using the LMSRE-based adaptive control, sunflower optimization algorithm (SFO), Ziegler-Nichols method and the particle swarm optimization (PSO) techniques. The article shows the superiority of the suggested CBMO over the LMSRE-based adaptive control, SFO, Ziegler-Nichols and the PSO techniques in the transient responses of the system.

Microgrids take a large part in power networks thanks to their operational and economic benefits. This research introduces a novel implementation of an adaptive proportional plus integral (PI) controller to boost the autonomous microgrid operation efficiency. The least mean and square roots of the exponential algorithm are utilized in the adaptive PI control strategy. The multi-objective function for both sunflower optimization (SFO) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms is obtained by The Response Surface Methodology. The system is evaluated under different environments, which are stated as follows: 1) disconnect the system from the grid (islanding), 2) autonomous system exposure to load variability, and 3) autonomous system exposure to a symmetrical fault. The proposed practicality of the control plan is shown by the data of the simulation, which is extracted from PSCAD/EMTDC software. The strength of the suggested adaptive control is confirmed through matching its results with those obtained using the SFO and PSO based optimal PI controllers.

Abstract Background Operating rooms (OR) are noisy places, and proper control of intraoperative noise is advised by health care organizations to avoid its hazardous effects. Finding a smartphone application to measure and control intraoperative annoying sound is necessary. Objective To compare noise levels in Kasr Al Ainy Hospitals’ ORs with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and to investigate their effects on patients. Methods and material Forty patients who underwent surgeries under regional anesthesia at six different theaters enrolled in this observational cohort study. Sound was recorded by TM-102 Sound Level Meter and NoiseCapture app simultaneously. They used to capture the maximum (Max) and minimum (Min) values of A-weighting and average (mean) values in decibel (dB). The 1ry outcome was a comparison of the equivalent sound pressure levels (Leq (A)) measured by TM-102 Sound Level Meter with WHO recommendation (i.e., 40 dB). Results Mean noise levels in different theaters were far away from the WHO recommendations. The mean (Leq (A)) level measured by TM-102 Sound Level Meter was 73.01 (± 5.74) compared to 72.15 (± 6.57) measured by NoiseCapture. These levels exceeded the WHO recommendation by around 1.8 times. Both tools showed a good correlation with no statistically significant differences in all readings. Four distressed patients (66.7%) reported the obstetric theater as the highest noisy OR (78 dB). Conclusions Intraoperative noise levels at Kasr Al Ainy Hospital reached critical values that exceeded the international recommendations. For intraoperative noise monitoring, NoiseCapture smartphone application appeared like a straightforward hand-held software appropriate for this purpose.

This paper aimed to identify the impact of entrepreneurship strategies on achieving sustainable competitive advantage and any statistically significant differences in the level of achieving this advantage and in using entrepreneurship strategies which can be attributed to the company age and product type. To achieve these objectives, the descriptive analytical method was used. The study population was (16) very large companies for food industries consisting of (5416) participants. A sample of 359 participants was selected using the random stratified non-proportional method, and a questionnaire was used to collect the data. Results revealed that the companies pay attention to achieving the sustainable competitive advantage covering all its dimensions as well as to entrepreneurship strategies. There was also a significant difference in the impact of entrepreneurship strategies on sustainable competitive advantage based on the strategies. The most influential one was the dimension of proactiveness strategy, followed by the risk strategy dimension. There were also differences between the level of achieving sustainable competitive advantage according to the company age and product type and the level of applying entrepreneurship strategies according to company age. However, there was no difference in applying these strategies based on the product type. The study proposed a number of recommendations, including the need to enhance the level of achieving sustainable competitive advantage in all its dimensions, especially the efficiency dimension as it was the least achieved. It was also recommended to increase the use of entrepreneurship strategies for their positive impact on achieving the sustainable competitive advantage.

Introduction: Colorectal carcinoma is commonest cancer of gastrointestinal tract. It is represent third cancer in man worldwide beyond lung and prostate cancers. It is fourth cancer in woman beyond breast, lung and uterus cancers. Deaths from colorectal cancer are more in compare with other GIT cancers. Objective: The aim is prove epidemiological and clinical data of colorectal cancer. Method: Our study conducted in Misan Province, Iraq. The data collected from 2013 to 2016. Seventy one patients that found have colorectal cancer. Gender, age, residency, site of cancer, family history, past history, year of onset, smoking history, alcohol intake, presentation, staging and histopathology pattern are get. Results: Prevalence of colon and rectum carcinoma is 3.75%. The most age group affected was 51–60 years as 30.99%. The gender and residency of patients have no effect on cancer percent. Obesity, Family history, cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption risk factors. In 42.25% of patients had family history of cancer. Conclusion: Most common site of colorectal carcinoma left colon, which present in 61.97%. There is increase in new cases detection of colorectal carcinoma from 2013 to 2016. Advanced stages cancer were most common stages description as IIIA, IIIB, IIIC and IV in 12.67%, 16.90%, 19.72% and 15.49%. The common histopathological pattern is differentiated adenocarcinoma as 53.52%. Resumo: Introdução: O carcinoma colorretal é o câncer mais comum do trato gastrointestinal. É o terceiro tipo de câncer mais observado no sexo masculino mundialmente, atrás dos cânceres de pulmão e próstata. É o quarto câncer mais observado no sexo feminino, atrás dos cânceres de mama, pulmão e útero. As mortes por câncer colorretal são mais comuns comparadas a outros cânceres do TGI. Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo é comprovar dados epidemiológicos e clínicos do câncer colorretal. Métodos: Nosso estudo foi conduzido na província de Misan, no Iraque. Os dados foram coletados de 2013 a 2016. Setenta e um pacientes apresentaram câncer colorretal. Sexo, idade, local de residência, local do câncer, história familiar, história pregressa, ano de início, história de tabagismo, etilismo, apresentação, estadiamento e padrão histopatológico foram obtidos. Resultados: A prevalência de carcinoma de cólon e reto é de 3,75%. A faixa etária mais afetada foi de 51 a 60 anos, com 30,99%. O gênero e o local de residência dos pacientes não afetam a porcentagem de ocorrência do câncer. Obesidade, antecedentes familiares, tabagismo e consumo de álcool são fatores de risco. 42,25% dos pacientes tinha história familiar de câncer. Conclusão: O local mais comum de carcinoma colorretal é o cólon esquerdo, com 61,97%. Houve aumento na detecção de novos casos de carcinoma colorretal de 2013 a 2016. Os estágios avançados de câncer mais comuns foram IIIA, IIIB, IIIC e IV em 12,67%, 16,90%, 19,72% e 15,49% dos casos. O padrão histopatológico comum é o adenocarcinoma diferenciado, em 53,52% dos casos. Keywords: Colorectal carcinoma, Misan, Epidemiology, Palavras-chave: Carcinoma colorretal, Misan, Epidemiologia

Background: Lymphomas represent a biologically and clinically heterogeneous group of neoplasms. They have historically and clinically been divided into two groups, Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). This study aimed to identify patterns in lymphomas in Misan city, Iraq, and evaluate the characteristics of this disease. Methods: A retrospective, observational, single-center study was conducted at Al-Shifaa Oncology Center, Al-Sadder Teaching Hospital, Misan city, Iraq, between 1 April 2016 and 30 April 2018. A total of 80 Misanian participants (48 (60%) men and 32 (40%) women) who had lymphoma were involved in this study. The sources of information were patient files, histopathology reports, and patients’ oncologist reports. Results: The mean age (±SD) of participants was 36 ±12.8 years. The male to female ratio was 1.5:1. NHL cases were three times more prevalent than HL. The most frequent stage at presentation was stage IV, in 34 (42.5%) participants. The classical subtypes of HL were present in 14 (70%) of HL cases. The diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) subtype was the most common NHL subtype, being recorded for 44 (73.3%) of participants. Conclusion: Lymphomas were more frequent in men. NHL was more common than HL; one HL case was diagnosed for every three NHL cases. The most common histopathology of HL was mixed cellularity, while DLBCL was the most common subtype of NHL. Most cases presented at an advanced stage, resulting in a late diagnosis.

Introduction: High serum resistin levels are associated with the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The objectives of this study were to determine the serum concentrations of resistin in children that present with chronic renal failure (CRF) and end stage renal disease (ESRD), in order to examine the impact of hemodialysis (HD) on serum resistin levels, and to determine if a correlation exists between resistin and growth retardation in patients with CRF. Methods: This case control study was undertaken in the pediatric hemodialysis unit of the Benha and Menoufia University hospitals from April 2014 to March 2015. The case group consisted of 50 patients with CRF aged from 6-18 years (25 of them under HD and 25 of them under conservative treatment) and 30 healthy children who constituted the control group. Urea, creatinine, and serum resistin were measured before and after the HD session for patients with CRF who are already under HD. Results: A highly significant difference was found between the resistin levels in the two groups with mean level of 20.2 ± 7.58 ng/ml in the patient case group as compared to 4.9 ± 1.72 ng/ml in the control group. This highly significant difference found in the resistin level differed according to the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) stage of progression as patients on regular HD had resistin levels with a mean of 24.6 ± 7.28 ng/ml while the CKD patients under conservative treatment have resistin level mean of 15.6 ± 4.72 ng/ml. there was a highly significant difference in resistin levels before HD (mean = 24.6 ± 7.28) and after hemodialysis (mean = 14.7 ± 5.2). Conclusion: Patients with CRF experienced higher than normal resistin levels as compared to the case control group and it was found that patients on HD had more elevated levels of resistin than did those patients who were on conservative treatment. HD treatments were found to be capable of lowering a patient’s resistin levels. A highly significant negative correlation was found between serum resistin levels and the two contributing factors of total body weight and body mass index (BMI) as well as demonstrating a significant negative correlation between serum resistin levels and height percentiles.