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Background: Cardioversion is the treatment of choice in an unstable patient with arrhythmia. It requires analgesia and sedation, which is usually given via intravenous route. However, when there is a failure to get vascular access, alternatives routes to intravenous (IV) sedation and analgesia are needed. Case Presentation: A 59 year old male patient was presented to the emergency department (ED) complaining of chest pain and palpitation. His electrocardiogram (ECG) showed new onset rapid narrow complex atrial fibrillation, which then converted to wide complex tachycardia. Initially, the patient remained hemodynamically stable, but his blood pressure dropped, when cardioversion was indicated. In this case, intranasal (IN) and intraosseous (IO) routes were used, both of which are uncommon to be used for sedation in an unstable patient. The sedatives bioavailability and dosage via non intravenous (non-IV) routes are not commonly used, hence, literature was reviewed to find out the appropriate sedative dosage via non-IV routes specifically in IN and IO route for moderate sedation in ED, to facilitate procedures like cardioversion. Conclusion: It was believed that IN and IO routes are good alternatives to intravenous routes when timely vascular access can't be secured and when emergency medication administration is required. [SJEMed 2024; 5(2.000): 156-161]

Abstract Background PPHN is a common cause of neonatal respiratory failure and is still a serious condition and associated with high mortality. Objectives To compare the demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes in neonates with PHHN who underwent ECMO and survived compared to neonates with PHHN who underwent ECMO and died. Methods We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline and searched ProQuest, Medline, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, Wiley online library, Scopus and Nature for studies on the development of PPHN in neonates who underwent ECMO, published from January 1, 2010 to May 31, 2023, with English language restriction. Results Of the 5689 papers that were identified, 134 articles were included in the systematic review. Studies involving 1814 neonates with PPHN who were placed on ECMO were analyzed (1218 survived and 594 died). Neonates in the PPHN group who died had lower proportion of normal spontaneous vaginal delivery (6.4% vs 1.8%; p value > 0.05) and lower Apgar scores at 1 min and 5 min [i.e., low Apgar score: 1.5% vs 0.5%, moderately abnormal Apgar score: 10.3% vs 1.2% and reassuring Apgar score: 4% vs 2.3%; p value = 0.039] compared to those who survived. Neonates who had PPHN and died had higher proportion of medical comorbidities such as omphalocele (0.7% vs 4.7%), systemic hypotension (1% vs 2.5%), infection with Herpes simplex virus (0.4% vs 2.2%) or Bordetella pertussis (0.7% vs 2%); p = 0.042. Neonates with PPHN in the death group were more likely to present due to congenital diaphragmatic hernia (25.5% vs 47.3%), neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (4.2% vs 13.5%), meconium aspiration syndrome (8% vs 12.1%), pneumonia (1.6% vs 8.4%), sepsis (1.5% vs 8.2%) and alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins (0.1% vs 4.4%); p = 0.019. Neonates with PPHN who died needed a longer median time of mechanical ventilation (15 days, IQR 10 to 27 vs. 10 days, IQR 7 to 28; p = 0.024) and ECMO use (9.2 days, IQR 3.9 to 13.5 vs. 6 days, IQR 3 to 12.5; p = 0.033), and a shorter median duration of hospital stay (23 days, IQR 12.5 to 46 vs. 58.5 days, IQR 28.2 to 60.7; p = 0.000) compared to the neonates with PPHN who survived. ECMO-related complications such as chylothorax (1% vs 2.7%), intracranial bleeding (1.2% vs 1.7%) and catheter-related infections (0% vs 0.3%) were more frequent in the group of neonates with PPHN who died (p = 0.031). Conclusion ECMO in the neonates with PPHN who failed supportive cardiorespiratory care and conventional therapies has been successfully utilized with a neonatal survival rate of 67.1%. Mortality in neonates with PPHN who underwent ECMO was highest in cases born via the caesarean delivery mode or neonates who had lower Apgar scores at birth. Fatality rate in neonates with PPHN who underwent ECMO was the highest in patients with higher rate of specific medical comorbidities (omphalocele, systemic hypotension and infection with Herpes simplex virus or Bordetella pertussis) or cases who had PPHN due to higher rate of specific etiologies (congenital diaphragmatic hernia, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and meconium aspiration syndrome). Neonates with PPHN who died may need a longer time of mechanical ventilation and ECMO use and a shorter duration of hospital stay; and may experience higher frequency of ECMO-related complications (chylothorax, intracranial bleeding and catheter-related infections) in comparison with the neonates with PPHN who survived.

Abstract Valve control for patients feeding saline is a sensitive issue. Such a valve is used to control the amount of important fluid entering the body. In this paper, we present an intelligent method based on fuzzy logic (FL) to deliver drugs and nutrients to patients through intravenous catheters. The proposed method is called intelligent saline controlling valve (ISCV) and relies on three inputs and two outputs. Specifically, the fluid’s drip, pressure, and the number of available bubbles are the three-valve inputs that control the two outputs which are the opening and closing. In other words, the ISCV controls the feeding saline for medical purposes. The obtained results show the success of the proposed method.

Traditional multilevel inverter designs often face complexity challenges, prompting the need for a simplified solution. This study introduces and evaluates the performance of a Modified Packed U-Cells (MPUC) inverter in the realm of multilevel inverter technology. The study addresses challenges associated with conventional multilevel inverters and proposes the MPUC inverter as a solution to simplify the design complexity. The MPUC inverter, utilizing three DC sources and eight switches, presents a groundbreaking thirteen-level output waveform. The primary focus lies in assessing the inverter's performance in terms of Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and output voltage. Utilizing MATLAB/Simulink, the inverter's performance is evaluated with and without Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) strategies. The results reveal a notable reduction in THD, from 26.25% to 9.91% post-filtering when PWM is not employed. Various multi-carrier Level-Shifted PWM strategies, including PDPWM, PODPWM, APODPWM, and COPWM, are explored to enhance output waveform smoothness and efficiency. Unequal Carrier strategies, specifically UEAPDPWM and UEAPODPWM, emerge as superior in THD management at different frequency ranges. The study further incorporates real-time hardware implementation of the proposed 13-level MPUC topology, highlighting the success of the UEAPD-PWM strategy in improving waveform quality. The research aims to establish a multilevel inverter design protocol meeting international standards and emphasizes the pivotal role of PWM techniques in enhancing waveform quality. This comprehensive evaluation contributes to advancing the field of multilevel inverter technology and sets a benchmark for future research in this domain.

Memory loss is becoming an increasingly significant health problem, largely due to Alzheimer's disease (AD), which disrupts the brain in several ways, including causing inflammation and weakening the body's defenses. This study explores the potential of medicinal plants as a source of novel therapeutic agents for AD.First, we tested various plant extracts against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in vitro, following molecular docking simulations with key AD-related protein targets such as MAO-B, P-gp, GSK-3β, and CD14. Rosemary extract was found to be the most inhibitory towards AChE. The compounds found in rosemary (oleanolic acid), sage (pinocembrin), and cinnamon (italicene) showed promise in potentially binding to MAO-B. These chemicals may interact with a key protein in the brain and alter the production and removal of amyloid-β. Luteolin (from rosemary), myricetin (from sage), chamigrene, and italicene (from cinnamon) exhibited potential for inhibiting tau aggregation. Additionally, ursolic acid found in rosemary, sage, and chamigrene from cinnamon could modulate CD14 activity.For the first time, our findings shed light on the intricate interplay between neuroinflammation, neuroprotective mechanisms, and the immune system's role in AD. Further research is needed to validate the in vivo efficacy and safety of these plant-derived compounds, as well as their interactions with key protein targets, which could lead to the development of novel AD therapeutics.

To mitigate the environmental effects of burning fossil fuels for power generation, clean, self-renewing, and efficient technologies are being developed and used. Photovoltaics have received attention during the last decades to supplement conventional power production systems. Photovoltaic technology has advanced in the eyes of developers, policymakers, and investors due to the consistently falling costs of photovoltaic panels and improving control systems. Moreover, the efficiency of the photovoltaic is being taken care of by controlling temperature and inventing effective and economical ways of cleaning the panel surfaces. One of the solutions that can minimize the effect of temperature is the floating photovoltaic (FPV). In this study, a techno-economic feasibility study is conducted for constructing 1.0 MW capacity grid-connected FPV power plant in Saudi Arabia. Three locations (Riyadh, Mecca, and Bisha) are chosen where the FPV plants can be installed in water bodies. Meteorological data were obtained from PVSyst software, which is used for simulation purposes. Furthermore, FPV power plants are expected to reduce the evaporation rate from water bodies. The simulation study found the LCOE of 0.053, 0.057, and 0.063 $/KWh for Riyadh, Mecca, and Bisha; respectively. The FPV systems will reduce GHG emissions annually by 390,000 tCO2 at each site.

Abstract In this research nylon fibers wastes (NF) were fabricated into porous sheet using a phase inversion technique to be utilized as an adsorbent materials for Congo red dye (CR). The fabricated sheet denoted as NS was characterized using FTIR and XRD. The surface studies of the adsorbent materials using SEM and BET analysis reveals a highly pores structure with an average pore volume 0.61 cc/g and BET surface area of 767 m2/g. The adsorption studies of fabricated NS were employed into CR at different parameters as pH, effect of time and dye concentration. The adsorption isotherm and kinetic studies were more fit to Langmuir and pseudo second order models. The maximum adsorption capacity qmax reached 188 mg/g with removal percentage of 95 for CR concentration of 400 mg/L at pH 6 and 0.025 g NS dose for 10 ml CR solution. The regeneration study reveals a prominent adsorption behavior of NS with removal % of 88.6 for CR (300 mg/L) after four adsorption desorption cycles. Effect of incorporation of NaonFil Clay to NS was studied using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) modeling and reveals that 98.4% removal of CR could be achieved by using 19.35% wt. of fiber with 8.2 g/L dose and zero clay, thus at a predetermined parameters studies of NanoFil clay embedded into NS, there are no significant effect for %R for CR.

Background Seclusion is a restrictive practice that many healthcare services are trying to reduce. Previous studies have sought to identify predictors of seclusion initiation, but few have investigated factors associated with adverse outcomes after seclusion termination. Aims To assess the factors that predict an adverse outcome within 24 h of seclusion termination. Method In a cohort study of individuals secluded in psychiatric intensive care units, we investigated factors associated with any of the following outcomes: actual violence, attempted violence, or reinitiation of seclusion within 24 h of seclusion termination. Among the seclusion episodes that were initiated between 29 March 2018 and 4 March 2019, we investigated the exposures of medication cooperation, seclusion duration, termination out of working hours, involvement of medical staff in the final seclusion review, lack of insight, and agitation or irritability. In a mixed-effects logistic regression model, associations between each exposure and the outcome were calculated. Odds ratios were calculated unadjusted and adjusted for demographic and clinical variables. Results We identified 254 seclusion episodes from 122 individuals (40 female, 82 male), of which 106 (41.7%) had an adverse outcome within 24 h of seclusion termination. Agitation or irritability was associated with an adverse outcome, odds ratio 1.92 (95% CI 1.03 to 3.56, P = 0.04), but there was no statistically significant association with any of the other exposures, although confidence intervals were broad. Conclusions Agitation or irritability in the hours preceding termination of seclusion may predict an adverse outcome. The study was not powered to detect other potentially clinically significant factors.

The study was an investigation of tertiary classroom student presenters’ use of language, gesture, positioning and movement in the lesson. Teaching and learning in the classroom is a multi-semiotic experience and the current study provides the insights into their distinct pedagogies. Raised comprehension of semiotization and resemiotization has multiplied the responsibilities of both teachers and students. 12 teachers and 320 student presenters’ use of semiotic resources at tertiary level had been investigated quantitatively and qualitatively through thematic analysis. The semiotic resources of language, gesture and the use of space through the positioning and movement of teachers and students have been discussed in relation to the pedagogy they realise, which require insinuations in teaching and learning both.

Abstract Background Most anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries which are common in violent sports require anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) to restore knee joint stabilization. Rectus femoris (RF) and vastus intermedius (VI) weakness are among the notable changes after ACLR. This weakness can be hazardous to the patient as it could decrease functional activity and thus increases the chances of re-injury. The objectives of the current study were to measure the (RF) thickness, (VI) thickness and the total (RF + VI) thickness on (ACL) reconstructed limb and the non-reconstructed limb of athletes using ultrasound and to compare the results pre-operatively and 6–8 months post-operative. Results The reconstructed limb showed a significant decrease in (RF), (VI) and the total thickness in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd measurements compared to that of non- reconstructed limb post-operatively. In both limbs, the decrease of (VI) thickness was significantly higher than (RF) thickness in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd measurements (p

Abstract Cloud computing is the most widely adapted computing model to process scientific workloads in remote servers accessed through the internet. In the IaaS cloud, the virtual machine (VM) is the execution unit that processes the user workloads. Virtualization enables the execution of multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single physical machine (PM). Virtual machine placement (VMP) strategically assigns VMs to suitable physical devices within a data center. From the cloud provider's perspective, the virtual machine must be placed optimally to reduce resource wastage to aid economic revenue and develop green data centres. Cloud providers need an efficient methodology to minimize resource wastage, power consumption, and network transmission delay. This paper uses NSGA-III, a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm, to simultaneously reduce the mentioned objectives to obtain a non-dominated solution. The performance metrics (Overall Nondominated Vector Generation and Spacing) of the proposed NSGA-III algorithm is compared with other multi-objective algorithms, namely VEGA, MOGA, SPEA, and NSGA-II. It is observed that the proposed algorithm performs 7% better that the existing algorithm in terms of ONVG and 12% better results in terms of spacing. ANOVA and DMRT statistical tests are used to cross-validate the results.

Abstract Background: With blood glucose self-monitoring, patients may assess how well their glucose level is controlled, and change their treatment plan as advised by their physicians. The development and increasing availability of different devices that are readily accessible plays a significant role in glycemic control and prevention of complications through early recognition with proper practice. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study includes patients with diabetes attending Khartoum North Diabetes and Endocrinology Hospital and was carried out in April–July 2021 using convenient sampling via questionnaires obtained and filled by data collectors through interviews. Data analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: Out of 125 total patients, 82 had prior basic knowledge about glucose self-monitoring devices. Twenty-four patients were using it regularly, and only seven were using it daily. Fifty-one patients had never used any device before. Fifty-five patients owned a device, and the rest borrowed or used devices available at healthcare centers or clinics, pharmacies, relatives' or neighbors' devices. Factors hindering the use of devices included financial difficulties and lack of education. Most frequent users had a stable occupation. Just below half of the patients using devices had good practice techniques with significant association with higher level of education. The rest had poor practice technique that was associated with lower level of education. Conclusion: Utilization of glucose self-monitoring devices is prevalent among patients with diabetes. However, many challenges require attention to facilitate ongoing self-use with proper practice inline with education and access.

Objective. To investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of ethanolic Mangifera indica (M. indica) seed extract on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Methods. Forty-eight albino rats weighing (100–150 g) were used for hepatoprotective and toxicity experiments. Antioxidant activity was determined using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The toxicity of M. indica seeds on the liver was evaluated by examining wellness parameters, body weight, and liver histological sections. The protective effects of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of seed extract on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity were investigated by evaluating hematological, renal, and liver function parameters, body weight, and liver histological sections. Results. The antioxidant activity of the M. indica ethanolic extract was (92 ± 0.03 RSA %) compared with (91 ± 0.01 RSA %) of propyl gallate, and the IC50 was (8.3 ± 0.01 µg/ml) and (14.1 ± 0.01 µg/ml). No changes were observed in the health indicators, body weights, and liver histological sections following oral administration of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of M. indica seed extracts. Treatment with M. indica seed extract significantly reduced alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), blood sugar, and urea levels compared with those in the CCl4-treated group. Conclusion. The IC50 of the M. indica ethanolic extract was 8.3 µg/ml, and the M. indica extract is a potential source of natural antioxidants that protect against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.

Background: Depression is the most common psychological problem suffered by women after hysterectomy and is linked to postoperative complications, negative perceptions about body image, femininity, sexual desire, youth, level of energy, and activity, as well as the inability to have children. Methods: A descriptive (Cross-Sectional) design is used in the present study to assess the level of depression among women's after hysterectomy. A Non-probability (purposive) sample consists of sixty women's. The current study was conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Consultant Unit at Al-Zahra Teaching Hospital within Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf Health Directorate in Iraq. Results: Most women after hysterectomy have mild levels of depression (47%). Conclusion:The study found that most women after hysterectomy have depression. Recommendations: Enhancing the psychological and emotional condition of women after hysterectomy by nursing professionals Additionally, coordination between the consultant in obstetrics and Gynecology and the hospital's Department of Psychiatry is needed to reduce depression. And providing an effective discharge plan for women with hysterectomy, including a follow-up visit schedule, the required examinations, and referral numbers for each type of expected complaint after hysterectomy, especially psychological complaints.

This study investigated the effectiveness of nanoparticles and chemical inducers in managing onion white rot caused by Sclerotium cepivorum. The pathogen severely threatens onion cultivation, resulting in significant yield losses and economic setbacks. Traditional fungicides, though effective, raise environmental concerns, prompting a shift toward eco-friendly alternatives. In this study, four S. cepivorum isolates were utilized, each exhibiting varying degrees of pathogenicity, with the third isolate from Abu-Hamad demonstrating the highest potency. During the in vitro studies, three nanoparticles (NPs) were investigated, including Fe3O4 NPs, Cu NPs, and ZnO NPs, which demonstrated the potential to inhibit mycelial growth, with salicylic acid and Fe3O4 NPs exhibiting synergistic effects. In vivo, these nanoparticles reduced the disease incidence and severity, with Fe3O4 NPs at 1000–1400 ppm resulting in 65.0–80.0% incidence and 80.0–90.0% severity. ZnO NPs had the most positive impact on the chlorophyll content, while Cu NPs had minimal effects. At 1000 ppm, Fe3O4 NPs had variable effects on the phenolic compounds (total: 6.28, free: 4.81, related: 2.59), while ZnO NPs caused minor fluctuations (total: 3.60, free: 1.82, related: 1.73). For the chemical inducers, salicylic acid reduced the disease (10.0% incidence, 25.0% to 10.0% severity) and promoted growth, and it elevated the chlorophyll values and enhanced the phenolic compounds in infected onions. Potassium phosphate dibasic (PDP) had mixed effects, and ascorbic acid showed limited efficacy toward disease reduction. However, PDP at 1400 ppm and ascorbic acid at 1000 ppm elevated the chlorophyll values and enhanced the phenolic compounds. Furthermore, this study extended to traditional fungicides, highlighting their inhibitory effects on S. cepivorum. This research provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of these approaches, emphasizing their potential in eco-friendly onion white rot management.

This paper investigates the history of Arab feminism. It traces how those women came from different parts of Arab world and how they developed their awareness towards women's issues, though they do not call themselves as 'feminists' at the beginning. The paper aims to study the history of feminism in the Arab world. To show the struggle of the first Arab women feminists. To focus on the crucial issues of women's concern. The paper uses feminist approach as it concerns with women's important issues. The study traces how the Arab feminism started in Egypt and then the other parts of Arab World as Egypt has been the first Arab country to get its independence from the British rule. The concern for women issues started first in the national level as struggle for their independence and after the independence the struggle changed to women issues. The paper concluded by stating that the struggle of Arab women's feminist discourse advocated to significant women's problems like education, work, and the right for suffrage. They also confronted by other troubles, such as breaking out of gender segregation.

Background: Great concerns have been obtained for CNS anomalies due to their maternal and fetal morbidities and mortality outcomes. The high prevalence of CNS anomalies has been linked to polyhydramnios in several studies. This study was conducted to evaluate the role of 3D/4D US in the detection of CNS anomalies as compared to other non-CNS anomalies in pregnancy complicated with polyhydramnios.Methods: This was a cohort study conducted at the radiology department of the University Hospital. The study was done on 110 pregnant females diagnosed with polyhydramnios. Regular visits and follow-ups of patients were scheduled till either delivery or termination of pregnancy.Results: The most common fetal anomalies were CNS anomalies detected in 20 patients (18.18%) followed by musculoskeletal anomalies in 6 patients (5.5%) then cardiovascular anomalies in 5 patients (4.5%). Chiari malformation represented the most common malformation affecting about 6 fetuses (5.5%) of all the participants. There was a significant agreement between antenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies as detected by 3D/4D US and postnatal confirmation of the diagnosis.Conclusions: The gold standard technique in the detection of fetal anomalies is 3D/4D ultrasonography with high accuracy, especially in the detection of CNS malformations. Also, the incidence of CNS malformation in pregnant females complicated with polyhydramnios is more than in other non-CNS anomalies.

The goal of this study is to investigate the potential benefits of diffusion weighted echo planer (DWI-EPI) and ultrasonography in differentiation of benign and malignant thyroid nodules in patients referred for fine needle aspiration cytology and correlate the imaging pattern guided by TIRADS classification with their pathological nature.30 patients were included in this study ( 20 females and 10 males), their ages vary from (24 years to 75 years ). All patients were referred from outpatient clinic of Beni-Suef university hospital, starting from 8-2019 to 3-2020. In our study there were 20 patients found with benign nodules and 10 with malignant nodules, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value was calculated for both benign and malignant nodules, there was statistically significant lower ADC value in malignant thyroid nodules (0.7±0.1) compared to benign nodules (2.5±0.9) (P-value

The main objective of this study is to determine factors influencing the adoption and impact of online social networks use in terms of performance among students within public universities in Abu Dhabi. Although various limitations exist, the findings have been encouraging, as it has managed to shed some lights on new variables affecting the use of online social networks. This study proposed an extended model of the Unified Theory of Acceptance & use of Technology (UTAUT) and found that five variables play an important role to determine the performance impact of online social networks namely performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and actual usage, in addition to the significant moderation role that service quality plays in the model which was significant on two relationships and insignificant in the remaining two. The findings of this study can provide policymakers with important insights on how to more successfully incorporate online social networks to improve students’ performance and public university services, and how to encourage the management to ensure that students are more likely to utilize new technologies and thereby enabling better learning outcome, wider reach of services, gives students more control over their daily tasks and enhances their performance.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) exhibit hysteresis in their J-V characteristics, complicating the identification of appropriate electrical models and the determination of the maximum power point. Given the rising prominence of PSCs due to their potential for superior performance, there is a pressing need to address this challenge. Existing solutions in the literature have not fully addressed the hysteresis issue, especially in the context of dynamic modeling. To bridge this gap, this study introduces Artificial Rabbits Optimization (ARO) as an innovative method for optimizing the parameters of an enhanced PSC dynamic model. The proposed model is constructed based on experimental J-V data sets of PSCs, ensuring that it accounts for the hysteresis characteristics observed in both forward and backward scans. The study conducted a rigorous statistical analysis to validate the Modified Two-Diode Model performance with that of the Energy Balance (MTDM_E) optimized using the innovative ARO algorithm. The performance metric utilized for validation was the Root mean square error (RMSE), a widely recognized degree of the differences between values predicted by a model and the values observed. The statistical analysis encompassed 30 independent runs to ensure the robustness and reliability of the results. The summary statistics for the MTDM_E model under the ARO algorithm demonstrated a minimum RMSE of 4.84E−04, a maximum of 6.44E−04, and a mean RMSE of 5.14E−04. The median RMSE was reported as 5.07E−04, with a standard deviation of 3.17E−05, indicating a consistent and tight clustering of results around the mean, which suggests a high level of precision in the model’s performance. Validated using root mean square error (RMSE) across 30 runs, the ARO algorithm showcased superior precision in parameter determination for the MTDM_E model, with a mean RMSE of 5.14E−04, outperforming other algorithms like GWO, PSO, SCA, and SSA. This affirms ARO’s robustness in optimizing solar cell models.

Tinospora bakis (A.Rich.) Miers (Menispermaceae) has traditionally been used to alleviate headaches, rheumatism, mycetoma, and diabetes, among others. Despite its extensive use, the active components of the plant have never been investigated. In this work, a series of furanoditerpenoids (1–18) and five compounds from other classes (19–23) were isolated from T. bakis. Notably, two new compounds were discovered and named: tinobakisin (1) and tinobakiside (10). Their molecular structures were elucidated with NMR, MS, UV, IR, and ECD spectra. Additionally, known compounds (2–9 and 11–23) were corroboratively identified through spectral comparisons with previously reported data, while highlighting and addressing some inaccuracies in the prior literature. Remarkably, compounds 6, 7, 13, and 17 exhibited a superior anti-glycation effect, outperforming established agents like rutin and quercetin in a lab model of protein glycation with glucose. The overall findings suggest that furanoditerpenoids play a crucial role in the antidiabetic properties of T. bakis. This research marks the first comprehensive phytochemical investigation of T. bakis, opening the door for further investigation into furanoditerpenoids and their biological mechanisms.

The goal of th study is to evaluate the role of high‑resolution computed tomography (HRCT) temporal bone in patients with active squamosal chronic otitis media (COM). 30 patients with active squamosal COM underwent preoperative HRCT temporal bone followed by surgery. Their intra‑operative findings were compared and correlated with the radiological findings, to calculate the predictive value of HRCT temporal bone. According to the present study, HRCT was highly sensitive for detecting mastoid pneumatization, soft tissue extension, ossicular erosion, tegmen and sigmoid sinus erosion, and less sensitive for fallopian canal erosion and lateral sinus fistula. It was specific for all these parameters.The present study concludes that HRCT can be recommended not only in cases suspected with potential complications but also in all cases of COM to know the extent of disease, varied pneumatization, and the presence of anatomical variations, which should alert the clinician and guide in surgical approach and treatment plan.

Abstract Background Inadequate pain management after total knee replacement (TKR) prolongs recovery time and increases the risk of postoperative complications. Peripheral nerve fibres blockade has been used as a mode of analgesia after TKR. Femoral nerve block (FNB) is often used to provide postoperative analgesia after TKR. However, FNB causes quadriceps muscle weakness leading to delayed ambulation, patient discomfort and prolonged hospital stay. Nowadays, saphenous nerve block is a relatively new alternative being superior to FNB for providing pure blockage of sensory nerve fibres with preserving quadriceps muscle strength. Results Results of this study showed that leg raising test percentages were significantly higher in group S compared to group F (86.7% versus 43.3% respectively), whereas, time up and go (TUG) test values were significantly lower in group S compared to group F (Mean ±SD values were 22.47 ± 4.93 versus 44.6 ± 4.18 respectively with a p-value < 0.0001). Numerical rating score (NRS) for pain scoring was measured at 30 min after admission to PACU, 3, 6, 12 and 24hrs postoperatively showed no significant differences in both groups F & S (1;(0-2), 1;(1-2), 2;(1-2), 2;(1-2), 2;(2-2) versus 1;(0-2), 1;(1-2), 2;(1-3), 2;(1-2), 2;(2-3) respectively with a p-value 0.42, 0.1, 0.1, 0.49, 0.67). Also, both groups showed no significant difference in cumulative 1st 24hrs Nalbuphine consumption (Mean ±SD were 15.33 ± 7.3 for F group versus 14.33 ± 6.26 for S group with a p-value 0.57). Conclusions Despite the excellent analgesic effect of FNB, saphenous nerve block could be a favorable choice as a mode of analgesia after TKR, as it preserves quadriceps motor strength and promotes early mobilization compared to FNB.

هدف البحث الى:- 1- التعرف على مستوى التفکیر الایجابی ومستوى الطموح لدى مدرسی ومدرسات التربیة البدنیة فی محافظة نینوى. 2- التعرف على مستوى التفکیر الایجابی ومستوى الطموح لدى مدرسی ومدرسات التربیة البدنیة فی محافظة نینوى تبعا لمتغیرات الجنس (ذکور – اناث). 3- التعرف على العلاقة بین التفکیر الایجابی ومستوى الطموح لدى مدرسی ومدرسات التربیة البدنیة فی محافظة نینوى. واستخدم الباحث المنهج الوصفی بالأسلوب المسحی والارتباطی لملاءمته وطبیعة البحث.ویتمثل مجتمع البحث الأصلی من (518) مدرس ومدرسة , واشتملت عینة الدراسة على (239) مدرس ومدرسة وتم اختیار العینة بالطریقة العمدیة., واستخدم الباحث برنامج الحاسوب الآلی ( SPSS ). وتوصل الباحث الى النتائج الاتیة:- 1-یتسم التفکیر الایجابی لدى مدرسی ومدرسات التربیة البدنیة فی محافظة نینوى بالمستوى المرتفع. 2-یتسم مستوى الطموح لدى مدرسی ومدرسات التربیة البدنیة فی محافظة نینوى بالمستوى المرتفع. 3-یتسم التفکیر الایجابی ومستوى الطموح لدى مدرسی التربیة البدنیة بالمستوى المرتفع , تبعا لمتغیرات الجنس (ذکور - اناث). 4-توجد علاقة بین التفکیر الایجابی ومستوى الطموح لدى مدرسی ومدرسات التربیة البدنیة فی محافظة نینوى. التوصیات والمقترحات :- 1- حث المدرسین والمدرسات فی مدیریات التربیة التابعین لوزارة التربیة والنشاط الریاضی المدرسی على القیام بتنظیم المحاضرات التثقیفیة حول مفهومی التفکیر الایجابی ومستوى الطموح. 2- إجراء دراسة مماثة لشرائح اخرى فی المجتمع من (موظفین, اساتذة الجامعة, محامین). 3-.اجراء دراسة مماثلة للتعرف على العلاقة بین لتفکیر الایجابی بمنغیرات اخرى مثل (دافعیة الانجاز, السعادة, التوافق الذاتی)

يتناول هذا البحث قسماً من المعيار الأول من المعايير النَّصِّيَّة السَّبعة التي نادى بها (دي بوجراند)، ويتمثّل هذا القسم بالسبك المعجمي الذي أسهم إسهاماً واضحاً في ترابط نصوص أطواق الذهب متجاوزاً الترابط الشكلي إلى الترابط الدلالي، واعتمد هذا البحث على وسيلتي السبك المعجمي وهما: التَّكرار، والمصاحبة المعجمية.

Abstract Background Epistaxis is defined as bleeding that originates from the nasal cavity. Considered as one of the most common ENT emergencies, epistaxis is estimated to account for 0.5% of all emergency department visits and up to one-third of all otolaryngology-related emergency department encounters. Nasal bleeding is the most common ENT emergency in the USA. According to the site of bleeding, it can be divided into anterior or posterior. The prevalence of epistaxis was noted to be 35.5% among the children of the participants in a survey conducted in Saudi Arabia in 2019. A cross-sectional study done in Saudi Arabia found that 27% of the participants experienced nasal bleeding. However, the Saudi population’s knowledge about emergency epistaxis management is inadequate. Increased awareness and education about first aid management of epistaxis can improve knowledge and recall among the general population. On the other hand, a study conducted in 2020 showed good knowledge among the Saudi Arabian population about epistaxis management. In most of the cases, epistaxis occurs in an out-of-the-hospital setting. Thus, it is very important for the general population to understand and know some first aid measures for epistaxis. Objective To assess the level of awareness regarding epistaxis first aid management at schools in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia. Results A total of 75.9% of the teachers in this study correctly reported that they would apply nasal compression in case of a nosebleed. When asked how they would try to stop the bleeding, 58.1% reported that they would keep the head tilted forward and 55.8% stated that they could put ice on the head or nose. Overall, 53.7% knew that they should go to the emergency in case the nosebleed continued for more than 10 min. Only 49.5% reported that they would block the nose with tissue or gauze, and 11.9% knew the compression time to be 6–10 min. A total of 61(15.5%) teachers in this study had good awareness regarding the first aid of epistaxis, while 333 (84.5%) had poor awareness levels. Conclusion Nearly two thirds of the teachers were knowledgeable regarding epistaxis and its management, despite the fact that less than half of them had not attended any training or courses in related areas. The lowest awareness was regarding the method and duration of nasal compression. Higher awareness was observed among young male teachers, those teaching scientific subjects, and those who had received information.

To examine the structural, optoelectronic, thermodynamic, and thermoelectric properties of KBaTh (Th = Sb, Bi) half-Heuslers, we used the full potential, linearized augmented plane wave (FP_LAPW) approach as in the Wien2K simulator. Generalized gradient approximation (GGA), technique, was used for the structural optimization. Mechanical stability and ductility were inherent characteristics of the studied KBaTh (Th = Sb, Bi). Having band gaps of 1.31 eV and 1.20 eV for the KBaTh (Th = Sb, Bi) compounds, they have a semiconducting character. The KBaTh (Th = Sb, Bi) compounds are suggested for use in optoelectronic devices based on studies of their optical characteristics. Thermoelectric properties were investigated using the Boltzmann transport provided by the BoltzTraP software. Since the acquired figures of merit (ZT) values for the KBaTh (Th = Sb, Bi) compounds are all almost equal to one at room temperature, this demonstrates that these substances can be used in thermoelectric devices. Additionally, we used the Slack method to determine the lattice thermal conductivity of KBaTh (Th = Sb, Bi). Our research shows that the half-Heusler compounds under investigation increase actuator response time and hence can be considered as good materials for actuators.

The long-term performance of traditional solar panels can be affected by various climate conditions, resulting in issues such as decreased power output, interconnector failure, and cell fracture. Unfortunately, traditional modules are not repairable, and often the entire unit must be replaced, even if the failure is due only to a single component. In this work, conventional encapsulation methods are investigated, and a novel solar panel design approach is introduced. This innovative approach enables easy and direct access to individual components, thereby enabling the convenient carrying out of repairs, upgrades, and modifications. The proposed module configuration is composed of a double-layer structure. The initial layer functions as a protective glass cover while the second layer is made up of solar cells that are attached to a printed circuit board (PCB) that can endure high temperatures. These two layers are combined within an aluminum frame that can be opened for accessibility. To test the effectiveness of this new encapsulation technique, an experimental study was conducted. It was revealed through this experimental study that the dark and illuminated current–voltage characteristics are not affected when applying the new encapsulation technique. Furthermore, a theoretical thermal analysis was conducted in order to compare the performance of the proposed module with that of a conventional module. According to the thermal analysis, the proposed encapsulation method should result in slightly higher thermal stress on the solar cells compared with conventional encapsulation. Nonetheless, the proposed methodology offers advantages in terms of reliability and reparability. Thus, implementing the presented design can help conserve natural resources and reduce production costs.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are third-generation photovoltaic technology that has gained a lot of attention due to its technological and economic advantages. The PSCs are characterized with low cost, high absorption, long carrier diffusion length, and low fabrication temperature. To model the performance of PSCs, a new dynamic model is proposed to track the cells hysteresis by adding a variable voltage capacitor to the single, double, and triple diode models. The aim with adding the variable capacitor is to emulate the effect of charge accumulation at the interfaces of the device. Three modified models are presented based on one or more variable capacitors at single, double, and triple diode models. Where, the triple diode model with third order variable voltage capacitor model is the best among all models by 74.9% enhancement in comparison with single diode model. Also, the Equilibrium optimization algorithm (EOA) is proposed to determine the parameters of the proposed dynamic model based on the triple diode model. In comparison with the experimental data, for both forward and reverse scans, the findings showed that the suggested model accurately reflects cell performance. Added to that, the EOA finds well the optimal model parameters considering the root mean square as primary objective function. Based on the simulation results, it was proved that the proposed model gives very close results to reality.

Background: The impact of the acquisition of Toxoplasmosis from the environment through ingestion of oocyst from the soil, food, or water contamination remains worrisome worldwide. Objective: This study aimed to apply the molecular method for the detection of the occurrence of Toxoplasma oocysts by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from different soil samples in Duhok province, Kurdistan region of Iraq. Materials and Methods: In this study, the occurrence of soil contamination with Toxoplasma gondii oocysts was recorded in different Duhok City’s areas by collecting 144 soil samples from different places. Results: Only seven samples (4.86%) were identified as T. gondii oocysts using microscopical identification and confirmed at the molecular level via PCR analysis using a fragment of 122 bp as a target of B1 gene. No significant difference was observed among soil types; parks showed the highest percentage 2.77%, followed by playgrounds (1.38%), whereas rubbish dumps accounted for 0.96%. Conclusion: The current study showed, a low percentage of T. gondii oocysts are recorded in soil samples as compared with other studies worldwide, but there is still the risk of infection among people who ramble at these places remains, especially among children who play with soil at these places.

We presented an interpolation method for solving weakly singular Volterra integral equations of the second kind (SVK2). The method based on the barycentric Lagrange interpolation.. For the chosen nodes of the two singular kernel variables, we created two rules that confirm that the denominator of the kernel will never become zero or have an imaginary value. The product of four matrices, one of which is the square coefficients matrix of the barycentric functions, expresses both the unknown and data functions. The singular kernel is interpolated twice with to its two variables. Furthermore, the kernel is represented by five matrices: two of which are the monomial basis of the kernel's variables, and one matrix expresses the kernel's values at the two sets of nodes for the kernel's variables. Without using the collocation approach, we get the matrix of the unknown coefficients by substituting the interpolated solution into the integral equation to obtain an equivalent algebraic system. By solving the algebraic system, we get the interpolated solution. We solved five examples, two for non-singular equations and three for weakly singular equations. By adopting lower interpolation degrees, the interpolated solutions for non-singular equations are shown to be equal to the exact ones, whereas, for singular equations, they are found to strongly converge to the exact ones and are superior to those obtained by other cited methods. This ensures the proposed method's uniqueness and high accuracy.

Wheat stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is a destructive disease that causes significant yield losses in wheat production worldwide, including in Egypt. The use of biocontrol agents is among the best eco-friendly management strategies to control this disease, as they are more sustainable and environmentally friendly than traditional chemical control methods. In a comparative analysis, antioxidant enzyme activity and various management approaches were compared with two bacterial biocontrol agents, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas putida. This study showed the remarkable efficacy of endophytic bacteria, B. subtilis and P. putida, in mitigating wheat stripe rust infection across three wheat varieties, namely Misr1, Gimmeiza11, and Sids12. B. subtilis exhibited superior performance compared to P. putida, resulting in infection types of 1 and 2.66, respectively, following inoculation. The highest reduction rate was observed with Tilit fungicide (500 ppm), followed by B. subtilis and Salicylic acid (1000 ppm), respectively. Variations in wheat varieties’ response to Pst infection were observed, with Misr1 exhibiting the lowest infection and Sids12 showing high susceptibility. Among the tested inducers, Salicylic acid demonstrated the greatest reduction in disease infection, followed by Indole acetic acid, while Oxalic acid exhibited the lowest decrease. Additionally, the study evaluated the activities of five antioxidant enzymes, including Catalase, Ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POX), in the wheat-stripe rust interaction under different integrated management approaches. The wheat variety Misr1 treated with Tilit (500 ppm), B. subtilis, Salicylic acid, Montoro (500 ppm), and P. putida exhibited the highest increase in all enzymatic activities. These findings provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of B. subtilis and P. putida as biocontrol agents for wheat stripe rust control in Egypt, emphasizing their potential role in sustainable, integrated, and environmentally friendly management practices.

HCC, the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer, presents a substantial global health challenge due to its high mortality and limited therapeutic options. This review delves into the potential of cancer vaccines as a novel therapeutic avenue for HCC. We examine the various categories of cancer vaccines, including peptide-based, dendritic cell-based, viral vector-based, DNA, and mRNA vaccines, and their potential application in HCC management. This review also addresses the inherent challenges in vaccine development, such as tumor heterogeneity and the need for identifying tumor-specific antigens. We underscore the role of cancer vaccines in reshaping the immune environment within HCC, fostering durable immune memory, and their potential in combination therapies. The review also evaluates clinical trials and emphasizes the necessity for more extensive research to optimize vaccine design and patient selection criteria. We conclude with future perspectives, highlighting the significance of personalized therapies, innovative antigen delivery platforms, immune modulatory agents, and predictive biomarkers in revolutionizing HCC treatment. Simple Summary: This review explores the potential of cancer vaccines as a promising therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a prevalent and deadly liver cancer. The authors discuss various types of cancer vaccines, their challenges, and their role in modulating the immune response within HCC. They also highlight clinical trials and future perspectives, emphasizing the importance of personalized therapies, novel antigen delivery platforms, and predictive biomarkers. The findings from this research could significantly impact the research community by providing a comprehensive understanding of the current state of cancer vaccines for HCC, thereby guiding future research and potentially transforming HCC treatment strategies.

Solar energy is the most used renewable energy source. CZTSSe uses earth-abundant elements and has promising optoelectronic properties, resulting in becoming a viable alternative to thin film PV. This work provides design guidelines for CZTSSe-based solar cells, where CZTSSe has a tunable affinity and energy gap. The analysis is based on incorporating a ternary compound material to serve as an electron transport material (ETM). In this regard, CdZnS is a potential candidate that can be utilized as an electron transport layer whose affinity and energy gap can be tuned to adjust the band alignment at the ETL/CZTSSe interface. In order to design a high-efficiency solar cell, one has to tune both the ETL and absorber layers to have a suitable conduction band offset (CBO), thereby minimizing the non-radiative recombination which, in turn, boosts the power conversion efficiency (PCE). Thus, in our presented simulation study, we provide a codesign of alloy compositions of both the CZTSSe photoactive layer and the CdZnS ETL using SCAPS-1D simulation. It is found that using the codesign of alloy compositions of the ternary compound ETL and the absorber enhances the PCE by about 2% and, more importantly, overcomes the main issue in CZTSSe which is its open-circuit voltage (VOC) deficit. Furthermore, upon optimizing the thickness and doping of both the ETL and absorber layer, as well as the bulk defect of the absorber layer, a PCE of 17.16% is attained in this study, while the calibrated PCE based on a previously published experimental work was 12.30%.

Gas sensors that can measure multiple pollutants simultaneously are highly desirable for on-site air pollution monitoring at various scales, both indoor and outdoor. Herein, we introduce a low-cost multi-parameter gas analyzer capable of monitoring multiple gaseous pollutants simultaneously, thus allowing for true analytical measurement. It is a spectral sensor consisting of a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) gas analyzer based on a mid-infrared (MIR) spectrometer. The sensor is as small as 7 × 5 × 2.5 cm3. It was deployed in an open-path configuration within a district-scale climatic chamber (Sense City, Marne-la-Vallée, France) with a volume of 20 × 20 × 8 m3. The setup included a transmitter and a receiver separated by 38 m to enable representative measurements of the entire district domain. We used a car inside the climatic chamber, turning the engine on and off to create time sequences of a pollution source. The results showed that carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor (H2O) were accurately monitored using the spectral sensor, with agreement with the reference analyzers used to record the pollution levels near the car exhaust. Furthermore, the lower detection limits of CO, NO2 and NO were assessed, demonstrating the capability of the sensor to detect these pollutants. Additionally, a preliminary evaluation of the potential of the spectral sensor to screen multiple volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was conducted at the laboratory scale. Overall, the results demonstrated the potential of the proposed multi-parameter spectral gas sensor in on-site gaseous pollution monitoring.

Background: RIFLE,KDIGO and AKIN has been used for diagnosis and grading of AKI (acute kidney injury). The introduction of renal biopsy transformed the landscape for diagnosis and management of glomerular diseases. While the clinical classifications described above provide clinicians with a working-diagnosis, renal biopsy is typically required for definitive diagnosis. Objectives: Evaluation of incidence of acute kidney injury cases and their renal biopsies results in Beni-Suef university hospital. Patients and Methods: Our study include 63 Egyptian patients developed acute kidney injury presenting to internal medicine outpatient clinic and in patient of Beni-Suef University Hospital through one year from October 2018 to October 2019. Results: On histopathological examination renal biopsies, generallythe most common pathological finding in renal biopsies of patients with AKI in the study was focal segmental glomerulosclerosis 13(20%) these result was approved by followed by global glomerulosclerosis9(14%), Lupus nephritis IV 8(13%), acute tubular injury, diabetic nodular glomeruloscelerosis, Membranous N each one 4(6%). In diabetic group (7) the commonest pathology detected was Diabetic nodular glomeruloscelerosis 4(36%)with marked Interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA). In hypertensive patients(29) the commonest pathology detected was Global GS8(28%) then Focal segmental glomeruloscelerosis6(20%). In SLE group (12) Lupus nephritis class VI 6(50%) followed by Lupus nephritis class III 4(33%).In apparent healthy patients the predominant pathology was Focal segmental glomeruloscelerosis26%followed by Global GS18.5%followed by membranous nephropathy (14.8%).

Based on the transfer matrix method valley-spin caloritronic transport properties of ferromagnetic silicene superlattice are investigated theoretically under ac-field effect of various frequencies. The purpose of this work is to describe resolved thermoelectric parameters such as (charge, spin and valley) Seebeck and Peltier coefficients and electronic thermal conductance, by photon-assisted tunneling probability bases. An oscillatory behavior is resulted for all investigated thermoelectric parameters in this investigation. These oscillations might be due to photon assisted tunneling. The improved values of charge, spin, valley power factors might be due to quantum confinement effect, which leads to enhancements of charge, spin, valley figure of merits as indicated from the obtained results. Also, results show that ferromagnetic silicene superlattice is good to use as energy harvesting thermoelectric nanodevice (Seebeck coefficient), and may be used as nanoelectronic devices cooler (Peltier coefficient). So, this present research shows that ferromagnetic silicene superlattice is good promising for flexible thermoelectric power generation.

Background: L. sativum, are traditionally used for the treatment of various diseases and thought to have medicinal value. Isolates from many part of the world is now multidrug resistant. Therefore, there is an urgent need to look for and test an alternative herbal drug. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of L. Sativum seed extract against multi drug resistant (MDR) and sensitive Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates. Subjects and Methods: An ethanolic and aqueous stock extracts were prepared from L. sativum seed plant then serial dilutions were prepared and the obtained concentrations (50, 25, 12.5 and 6.2 mg/ml) were tested against 30 multidrug-resistant and 35 sensitive clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa using wells diffusion method. Results: It was found that L. sativum seed extracts had antimicrobial activity against MDR and sensitive isolates at different concentrations of 100, 50 and 25 according to the mean ± SD (standard deviation) of the maximum zones of inhibition. The total number of isolates that were sensitive to both extracts were 49/130 (37%) which represented 17/60 (28.3%) MDR and 32/70 (45.7%) sensitive isolates. The aqueous extract exhibited more inhibitory effect than ethanolic extract 43 (66%) vs. 6 (9%) against the examined isolates (n=65). Conclusion: The study concluded that the L. sativum extracts had an antibacterial activity against the susceptible and MDR isolates which may enable it to be used an alternative treatment for medicinal purposes.

Citizenship education is the effective educational tool in building a citizen who is able to participate in building his country. This can only come through the educational efforts that teachers make in the classroom. Such a step requires teachers to have knowledge of citizenship education, its principles, and the foundations for its development. Thus, the study aims to examine the degree of social studies teachers' knowledge of the dimensions of citizenship education at the basic education schools in the Sultanate of Oman. It also aims to examine its relationship with a set of variables. The researchers used the quantitative descriptive approach to achieve the objectives of the study. It further adopted a test tool, which consisted in its final form of five areas: citizenship knowledge, rights and duties, national identity, community partnership, and global and digital citizenship. The test was divided later into (38) multiple-choice questions. After verifying the validity and reliability of this tool, it was applied to a sample of (200) male and female teachers. The results of the study have shown that the degree of knowledge of social studies teachers in citizenship education was average, reaching the arithmetic level of (57.67%). Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences in the level of knowledge of social studies teachers of citizenship education with respect to the variables of gender and educational qualification in the fields of citizenship education. Accordingly, the researchers have recommended that the citizenship education course should be included in teacher preparation programs at public and private universities in the Sultanate of Oman. Moreover, the concepts and principles of citizenship education should be included in the school curricula.

Abstract Background Brachial plexus block has substituted general anesthesia in the majority of patients planned for upper limb surgeries as it avoids the undesired effects of the medications used in general anesthesia as well as the stress response associated with airway manipulation. Opioid agonist–antagonists such as nalbuphine are used as adjuvant to improve the anesthetic properties of bupivacaine. Verapamil has an additive effect in brachial plexus blockade in the form of decreasing the consumption of analgesics in the postoperative period with reducing onset time and extending the duration of motor and sensory blockade. The aim of this study is to investigate the adjuvant effect of verapamil versus nalbuphine to 0.5% bupivacaine in brachial plexus block as regards onset, duration of sensory and motor blockade and postoperative analgesic augmentation. The study is randomized, prospective, double-blinded, comparative study where 90 patients subjected to arm, forearm and hand surgeries were randomized into three groups, group A received 30 ml of plain bupivacaine 0.5% plus 2 ml of normal saline, group B received 30 ml of bupivacaine 0.5% plus 2 ml verapamil equivalent to 5 mg, group C received 30 ml of bupivacaine 0.5% plus 10 mg of nalbuphine diluted in 2 ml of normal saline. Results Results of this study showed that group C and group B sensory block time onset was 7.25 ± 1.5 vs. 10.92 ± 3.84 min, P < 0.001 and was shorter than that in group A (13.2 ± 2.66 min). In addition, the motor block onset was (11.10 ± 1.24 vs. 13.50 ± 3.77 min, P < 0.001) shorter than group A (17.16 ± 1.30 min). In group C and group B, sensory block duration was 396 ± 32.17 vs. 355.83 ± 18.48 min, P < 0.001, respectively and was longer than that in group A (321.13 ± 25.08 min). Also, there was prolonged motor block duration in group C and group B recording (338.92 ± 25.2 vs. 302.93 ± 15.24 min, P < 0.001) and was longer than that in group A (280.70 ± 32.35 min). Time of demand of rescue analgesia dose was significantly long in group C and group B (449.53 ± 52.45 vs. 418.13 ± 41.12 min, P < 0.001) and was longer than group A (361.31 ± 21.42 min). Both verapamil and nalbuphine have additive effect to bupivacaine improving the all anesthetic parameters of the block. Conclusion Both drugs produce favorable enhancement of time onset and effective prolongation of duration of sensory and motor blockade and extend the period of postoperative analgesia with superiority to nalbuphine over verapamil.

Current mismatch due to solar cell failure or partial shading of solar panels may cause a reverse biasing of solar cells inside a photovoltaic (PV) module. The reverse-biased cells consume power instead of generating it, resulting in hot spots. To protect the solar cell against the reverse current, we introduce a novel design of a self-protected thin-film crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cell using TCAD simulation. The proposed device achieves two distinct functions where it acts as a regular solar cell at forward bias while it performs as a backward diode upon reverse biasing. The ON-state voltage (VON) of the backward equivalent diode is found to be 0.062 V, which is lower than the value for the Schottky diode usually used as a protective element in a string of solar cells. Furthermore, enhancement techniques to improve the electrical and optical characteristics of the self-protected device are investigated. The proposed solar cell is enhanced by optimizing different design parameters, such as the doping concentration and the layers’ thicknesses. The enhanced cell structure shows an improvement in the short-circuit current density (JSC) and the open-circuit voltage (VOC), and thus an increased power conversion efficiency (PCE) while the VON is increased due to an increase of the JSC. Moreover, the simulation results depict that, by the introduction of an antireflection coating (ARC) layer, the external quantum efficiency (EQE) is enhanced and the PCE is boosted to 22.43%. Although the inclusion of ARC results in increasing VON, it is still lower than the value of VON for the Schottky diode encountered in current protection technology.

The object of the current research manuscript is to analyze the valley-spin thermoelectric properties and Nernst coefficient at two different temperatures for ferromagnetic silicene superlattice. Photon-assisted tunneling probability is used to identify the resolved thermoelectric parameters including (valley, spin, and charge) electronic thermal conductance, Seebeck coefficient, figure of merit, and also electrical conductance and Nernst coefficient. The results show oscillatory behavior to all investigated parameters. The improved data of Seebeck coefficient (valley, spin, and charge) could be because of quantum confinement effect of the present investigated nanodevice. The figure of merit (valley, spin, and charge) attains quite high values with good high thermoelectric efficiency. The enhancement of Nernst coefficient (valley, spin, and charge) might consider Nernst effect is suitable for thermoelectric heat energy conversion system of the present flexible ferromagnetic silicene superlattice. The ferromagnetic silicene superlattice nanodevices are good candidates for flexible renewable energy generation as demonstrated by this analysis.

Despite the rapid growth of Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), the energy consumption caused by wireless communication remains a significant factor in reducing the battery life of power-constrained wireless devices. To reduce the energy consumption, static and adaptive power saving mechanisms have been deployed in WLANs. However, some inherent drawbacks and limitations remain. We have developed the concept of Context-Aware Listen Interval (CALI), in which the wireless network interface, with the aid of a Machine Learning (ML) classification model, sleeps and awakes based on the level of network activity of each application. In this paper we develop the power saving modes of CALI. The experimental results show that CALI consumes up to 75% less power when compared to the currently deployed power saving mechanism on the latest generation of smartphones, and up to 14% less energy when compared to Pyles’ et al. SAPSM power saving approach, which also employs an ML classifier.