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Abstract Piercing sucking pests are destructive to many strategic crops all over the world. Botanical pesticides can be used to control these pests. A new withanolide derivative 3 named sominone A ((20R,22R)-1α,3β,20,27-tetrahydroxywitha-5,24-dienolide) was isolated from the alkaloid fraction of the whole plant of Withania somnifera. In addition, there are three known compounds named withasomine 1, methyl isoferulate 2, and coagulin Q 4 were also isolated. The structures of isolated compounds were identified using different spectroscopic methods such as 1D, 2D NMR, and HRESIMS spectroscopy. The alkaloid fraction and the four isolated compounds were tested for their pesticidal activity against four piercing sucking pests (Aphis craccivora Koch, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius, Nezara viridula Linnaeus, and Tetranychus urticae Koch) that attack many strategic crops under laboratory conditions, along with azadirachtin (Okios 3.2% EC) as a positive control. The results showed that the alkaloid compound (withasomine 1) was the most toxic to A. craccivora, B. tabaci, N. viridula, and T. urticae, with LC50 values of 15.44, 36.61, 85.11, and 128.28 ppm, respectively, compared with the control. Withanolide compounds had moderate effects on all tested pests. Biochemical parameters of six enzymes; α-esterase, β-esterase, chitinase, acetylcholinesterase, glutathione-S-transferase, and peroxidase of A. craccivora were estimated at the LC50 value of the most potent compound, withasomine 1 and the values were 38.83, 72.86, 31.45, 506.4, 2.62, and 251.0, respectively. The results demonstrated that all enzymes activity levels were increased compared with the control except a remarkable inhibition in AChE enzyme level was observed compared with control. Therefore, the alkaloid fraction of W. somnifera is a promising extract that contains many active compounds that can be used as a natural pesticide against many harmful pests in agriculture crops. Graphical Abstract

Hazem Helmy Glaucoma and Optic Nerve Disease Department, Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Giza, EgyptCorrespondence: Hazem HelmyGlaucoma and Optic Nerve Disease Department, Research Institute of Ophthalmology, 2 El Ahram Street, Giza, 12577, EgyptTel +201224004991; +2022315228Email hazem.helmy@yahoo.comPurpose: To assess the 10-year effects of early phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) patients with cataract.Patients and Methods: This prospective cohort study included 102 eyes of 102 patients with PACG. All patients had coexisting cataracts compromising vision. Patients underwent phacoemulsification and foldable IOL implantation. The main outcome measures were anterior chamber depth (ACD), angle width, value of intraocular pressure (IOP), and number of medications needed postoperatively and during follow-up.Results: Half (53%) of the patients were female, with ages ranging from 55 to 73 with a mean of 59.82± 5.19 years. Mean IOP decreased significantly from 22.15± 2.08 mmHg at baseline to 14.08± 2.13 mmHg postoperatively (p˂ 0.05). The ACD increased from 2.2± 0.21 preoperatively to 3.73± 0.25 postoperatively (p˂0.001). Nasal angle width increased postoperatively to 40.05± 2.09 compared to the preoperative value of 16.02± 2.08 (p˂0.001). Temporal angle width increased from 13.05± 2.07 to 41.9600± 1.94 (p˂0.001). Anti-glaucoma treatment significantly decreased postoperatively (p˂0.001). A significant positive correlation was detected between ACD and angle width, while a negative correlation was detected between IOP and both ACD and angle width (p˂0.001). There was also a significant negative correlation between postoperative angle width and IOP (p˂0.001). Preoperative lens thickness was positively correlated with preoperative IOP and number of medications, while it was negatively correlated with preoperative AC depth and angle width. Preoperative lens thickness positively correlated with postoperative IOP and medications. Complete and qualified success was achieved in 69.65% and 30.4% of cases, respectively, while 2.9% failed to be controlled. Visual acuity significantly improved from 0.17± 0.1 to 0.9± 0.08 (p˂0.001). All parameters showed high stability throughout the follow-up period.Conclusion: Phacoemulsification with IOL implantation is a safe and effective early modality for long-term control of IOP in PACG patients with coexisting cataract. The effects can persist for at least 10 years.Keywords: primary angle closure glaucoma, early phacoemulsification, anterior chamber depth, angle width, UBM

Hazem Helmy Glaucoma Unit, Glaucoma and Optic Nerve Disease Department, Research Institute of Ophthalmology; RIO, Giza, EgyptCorrespondence: Hazem Helmy 48, Palm City Katameya, EgyptTel +20 201288882616Email hazem.helmy@yahoo.comIntroduction: Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) is a challenging disease that needs to be surgically managed with more innovative methods. Conventional incisional surgery, such as goniotomy and trabeculotomy, has a primary high success rate, but does not seem to be a very effective treatment in advanced stages.Design: A prospective clinical case study.Purpose: To qualify the outcome, in terms of success rate, of goniotomy combined with trabeculotomy as a surgical option to treat eyes affected by PCG with a corneal diameter larger than 14 mm.Patients and Methods: This study included 50 eyes of 50 patients diagnosed with PCG with corneal diameter larger than 14 mm who underwent ab interno goniotomy combined with ab externo trabeculotomy. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured preoperatively and 24 months postoperatively. A statistical analysis was performed to detect correlations between the success rate and corneal diameter, preoperative IOP, age of onset, axial length, and consanguinity. The main outcome was reduction in IOP; secondary outcomes were factors affecting the success rate, complications, and the need for additional surgical intervention to control IOP.Results: The mean age of the patients was 18.86± 9.94 months. Males made up 52% of cases and females 48% of cases. Positive consanguinity was present in 38% of cases. Axial length ranged between 20 and 22 mm, with a mean of 20.98± 0.8 mm. Mean preoperative IOP was 29.56± 3.36 mmHg, which decreased postoperatively to 12.6± 2.5, 14.1± 3.2, 16.8± 5.5, 14.4± 2.3, 14.3± 1.6, 14.3± 1.6, 14.3± 1.6, 14.3± 1.7, and 14.3± 1.7 mmHg at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24 months respectively (p˂0.001). Use of medical treatment was decreased from 2.7± 0.4 preoperatively to 1.4± 0.7 postoperatively (p˂0.001). Hyphema was the only complication that appeared, occurring in 47% of cases. The success rate was 94%. Complete success (IOP < 21 mmHg without treatment) was achieved in 70% of cases, 24% were considered a qualified success (IOP < 21 mmHg with treatment), while failure was documented in 6% of cases (IOP > 21 mmHg with treatment). The success rate was significantly related to preoperative IOP, corneal diameter, axial length, consanguinity, and age of onset (p˂0.001). All cases were followed for 24 months.Conclusion: Ab interno goniotomy combined with ab externo trabeculotomy improves the success rate of buphthalmos surgery. A significant correlation was detected between success rate and preoperative IOP, corneal diameter, axial length, consanguinity, and age of onset.Keywords: primary congenital glaucoma, intraocular pressure, corneal diameter, trabeculotomy, goniotomy

Hazem Helmy,1 Omar Hashem2 1Glaucoma and Optic Nerve Disease Department, Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Giza, Egypt; 2Cornea and Refractive Surgery Department, Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Giza, EgyptCorrespondence: Hazem Helmy Email hazem.helmy@yahoo.comBackground: Corneal refractive surgery is widely used worldwide. Myopia is the most common reason for laser-assisted corneal refractive surgery (LASIK) and one of the risk factors for glaucoma. Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement becomes variable postoperatively as the results are affected by the decrease in corneal thickness and biomechanics. This prospective clinical case study attempted to establish a simple correction formula for the calculation of IOP in post-LASIK myopic patients.Methods: This study included 300 eyes of 150 patients with myopia and myopic astigmatism as a refractive error who underwent LASIK. IOP was measured preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative corneal thickness as well as ablation depth were measured. Statistical analysis was performed to detect the relationship between ablation depth and change in IOP. An attempt was made to construct a correction formula for the calculation of post-LASIK IOP.Results: The age of the patients ranged between 18 and 50 (mean ± SD 34.78± 8.8) years. The spherical equivalent of refractive error ranged between − 1.5 and − 10 diopters. The mean IOP decreased significantly from 15.72± 2.37 mmHg preoperatively to 11.71± 2.24 mmHg postoperatively, with a mean difference of 4± 1.75 mmHg (p˂0.001). A positive correlation was detected between corneal thickness and IOP difference among patients both preoperatively and postoperatively (p˂0.001). A positive correlation was identified between ablation depth and IOP change (p˂0.001). The correction formula for IOP was established: Real IOP=4+0.7(preoperative IOP)− 0.3(ablation depth).Conclusion: IOP measurements change after corneal refractive surgery with LASIK. A corrected formula may be a good option for the proper calculation of post-LASIK IOP.Keywords: intraocular pressure calculation, post-LASIK glaucoma, Goldmann applanation tonometry, glaucoma, laser in situ keratomileusis

Naglaa A El-Sherbiny,1 Hatem Samir Shehata,2 Hanan Amer,2 Alaa Elmazny,2 Mohamed Masoud,1 Hanan Helmy,2 Nevin M Shalaby2 1Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Faiyum, Egypt; 2Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt Background: The reported prevalence of headache disorders in Arab regions varies considerably between countries. This may be due to a lack of standardized survey instruments that capture the prevalence. Purpose of the study: Our goal was to construct and validate a structured headache questionnaire for Arabic-speaking headache patients to be used as an epidemiological survey instrument. Methods: We developed a culturally adapted interviewer-administered questionnaire in Arabic language comprising two sets of questions. The first set included personal and sociodemographic data together with a screening question regarding the presence of headaches over the last year. The second set was designed to define the type and pattern of headaches according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria (for subjects with “yes” answers on the screening question). Validation process took place in two phases through probability random sampling selected from 1,221 headache subjects collected in an epidemiological survey 3 (n=70) and 6 months (n=232) later. A detailed assessment of patients’ headaches was performed by neurologists (blinded from the questionnaire diagnosis) who clinically assessed the patients’ headache. Results: The validity of the questionnaire was tested in 232 subjects with a mean age of 41.2±10.9 years, 72.8% of whom were females. The mean time to complete the questionnaire was 8.4±1.7 minutes. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.903 (95% confidence interval: 0.875–0.925), the Cronbach κ coefficient was 0.775 (95% confidence interval: 0.682–0.837), and the percentage of agreement was 84.5%.Conclusion: Our results support the use of this comprehensive questionnaire as a valid tool for headache assessment among Arabic-speaking patients. Keywords: Arabic, Egypt, headache, questionnaire, validation

Hazem Helmy,1 Mahmoud Leila,2 Ahmed Atef Zaki3 1Department of Glaucoma and Optic Nerve Diseases, 2Retina Department, 3Corneal Diseases Department, Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Cairo, Egypt Purpose: We aimed to assess corneal biomechanics using the ocular response analyzer in patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG), and to evaluate the relationship between corneal biomechanics and visual field loss. Methods: This was a prospective observational case series including patients with bilateral asymmetric NTG. For all patients, corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), CH - CRF difference, and central corneal thickness values were matched against the mean deviation (MD) of the visual field and the cup/disc ratio. For paired-eye comparison in each patient, both eyes were categorized into a better-eyes group and a worse-eyes group according to lower and higher corneal-compensated intraocular pressure readings, respectively. Statistical analysis was carried out with the independent-samples Student’s t-test, and the level of statistical significance was set at 0.05. Correlation was assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: The study included 240 eyes of 120 patients. CH was inversely proportional to the MD in the visual field (P=0.01). CRF in both eyes was inversely proportional to the MD of the visual field (P=0.01). CH - CRF difference was directly proportional to the MD of the visual field (P=0.01). For paired-eye comparison, lower corneal-compensated intraocular pressure was associated with higher CH, higher CRF, smaller cup/disc ratio, and less deterioration of MD of visual field. Conclusion: CH, CRF, and CH - CRF are more powerful predictors of NTG progression than central corneal thickness. Keywords: corneal-compensated intraocular pressure, corneal hysteresis, corneal resistance factor

Timber connections were prepared using glulam from tropical plantation species, focusing on key properties for dowel-type joints with half threaded bolts without nuts: Bolt bearing strength and bolt withdrawal capacity. Tests were performed according to ASTM standards. Three half-threaded bolt diameters (12 mm, 16 mm, and 20 mm) were tested in two loading directions, parallel and perpendicular to the grain, with 12 replicates for each configuration. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) using Design Expert Software was applied to optimize bolt diameter for both loading directions. Results showed that bolt bearing strength was higher in perpendicular loading, with the 12 mm bolt achieving 16.6 N/mm², compared to 6.01 N/mm² in parallel loading. Withdrawal capacities varied, with the 16 mm bolt showing the highest capacity in perpendicular loading at 54.2 kN. The study demonstrates that the 16 mm bolt exhibited the optimal diameter-to-embedment length ratio compared to 12 mm and 20 mm bolts, resulting in the highest withdrawal capacity. Consequently, the 16 mm bolt represented the best balance for achieving maximum withdrawal capacity. The optimization suggests using a 16 mm bolt for parallel loading to the grain and a 14 mm bolt for perpendicular loading.

A landslide triggered by heavy rainfall occurred in the Al-Husainiyyah Junior High School area on April 26th, 2023. The landslide damaged the nearby access roads, the existing retaining wall, and a futsal court threatening the safety of the teachers and students in conducting the learning activities that especially require open areas. Thus, this community service aims to provide a cantilever wall design with geofoam as an innovative lightweight backfill material to reinforce the slope and repair the damaged structures. Field surveying and numerical analysis were then conducted to understand the current slope and soil conditions and to analyze the stability of the slope and retaining wall. The results show that a cantilever wall with a total height of 1.8 m supported by a strauss pile row with a diameter of 0.4 m, 4 m in length, and 2.5 m in spacing could increase the stability of the slope.

Hidroponik sebagai metode urban farming mampu memenuhi kebutuhan sayuran segar di Indonesia. Budidaya tanaman hidroponik memiliki banyak keunggulan, antara lain tidak memerlukan lahan luas, bebas pestisida, tanaman lebih steril, dan tidak mudah terkena penyakit karena tidak menggunakan tanah. Keasaman larutan (pH) adalah parameter penting dalam budidaya hidroponik, karena mempengaruhi kemampuan tanaman menyerap unsur hara. Selain pH, kepekatan larutan nutrisi yang dinyatakan dalam Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) dengan satuan ppm juga perlu dikendalikan karena menyuplai nutrisi yang dibutuhkan tanaman. Dalam penelitian ini, pengendalian pH dan TDS menggunakan machine learning dengan metode regresi linear berganda serta teknologi edge computing dan cloud computing. Edge computing memungkinkan pemrosesan data real-time di perangkat sensor hidroponik, sedangkan cloud computing menyediakan kapasitas penyimpanan dan pemrosesan besar. Kombinasi kedua teknologi ini memungkinkan sistem pengendalian yang efisien, scalable, dan dapat diakses dari mana saja oleh petani. Berdasarkan hasil pengendalian via cloud, persamaan regresi untuk pengendalian TDS mampu bekerja dengan baik dengan akurasi 98,73% pada tandon 60 liter dan 95,95% pada tandon 100 liter. Selain itu, persamaan regresi untuk pengendalian pH juga bekerja dengan baik dengan akurasi 99,28% pada tandon 60 liter dan 99,69% pada tandon 100 liter. Abstract Hydroponics, as an urban farming method, can meet the demand for fresh vegetables in Indonesia. Hydroponic plant cultivation has many advantages, including not requiring large land areas, being pesticide-free, producing more sterile plants, and being less susceptible to disease since it does not use soil. The acidity of the solution (pH) is a crucial parameter in hydroponic cultivation because it affects the plant's ability to absorb nutrients. Besides pH, the concentration of the nutrient solution, expressed in Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in ppm, also needs to be controlled as it supplies the nutrients required by plants. In this study, the control of pH and TDS utilizes machine learning with a multiple linear regression method and edge computing and cloud computing technologies. Edge computing allows real-time data processing at the hydroponic system's sensor devices, while cloud computing provides large storage and processing capacities. The combination of these technologies enables an efficient, scalable control system accessible to farmers from anywhere. Based on cloud control results, the regression equations for TDS control were found to be adequate and perform well with an accuracy of 98.73% for a 60-liter tank and 95.95% for a 100-liter tank. Additionally, the regression equations for pH control were also adequate and performed well with an accuracy of 99.28% for a 60-liter tank and 99.69% for a 100-liter tank.

Background: Physical inactivity is a significant public health issue affecting working adults because it can increase the risk of noncommunicable diseases. Objectives: The objective is to determine the outcomes of a multi-component workplace environmental intervention that incorporated physical activity self-regulation (PASR) to promote physical activity (PA) among employees. Materials and Methods: This was a 6-month intervention with a two-group, parallel, quasi-experimental study. A total of 11 workplaces were randomly assigned to intervention group (IG) or control group (CG) using a 1:1 allocation ratio. In each group, 84 eligible participants were recruited. The IG was exposed to the organizational support and the PA support components throughout the study. The PASR Scale, International PA Questionnaire, and pedometer were used to measure the outcome at the baseline, 3rd-month, and 6th-month follow-ups, respectively. The repeated measures-analysis of variance analysis was used to determine the changes in the PASR skills, MET-min/week, and step/week over time. Results: The IG had 75 participants (51 females and 24 males) and the CG had 73 participants (52 females and 21 males) at the 6th-month follow-up. Despite there was no statistically significant difference in the outcomes between groups over time, the IG showed significant improvements in total PASR (ηp2 = 0.021), goal setting (ηp2 = 0.024), total MET-min/week (ηp2 = 0.031), housework-related PA (ηp2 = 0.101), and step/week (ηp2 = 0.827) throughout this intervention. Conclusion: This intervention was found to be effective in improving the PASR skills, MET-min/week, and step/week of IG participants. Meanwhile, because some effect sizes were small, these findings should be interpreted with caution.

Abstract Background In Sarawak, 252 300 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases have been recorded with 1 619 fatalities in 2021, compared to only 1 117 cases in 2020. Since Sarawak is geographically separated from Peninsular Malaysia and half of its population resides in rural districts where medical resources are limited, the analysis of spatiotemporal heterogeneity of disease incidence rates and their relationship with socio-demographic factors are crucial in understanding the spread of the disease in Sarawak. Methods The spatial dependence of district-wise incidence rates is investigated using spatial autocorrelation analysis with two orders of contiguity weights for various pandemic waves. Nine determinants are chosen from 14 covariates of socio-demographic factors via elastic net regression and recursive partitioning. The relationships between incidence rates and socio-demographic factors are examined using ordinary least squares, spatial lag and spatial error models, and geographically weighted regression. Results In the first 8 months of 2021, COVID-19 severely affected Sarawak’s central region, which was followed by the southern region in the next 2 months. In the third wave, based on second-order spatial weights, the incidence rate in a district is most strongly influenced by its neighboring districts’ rate, although the variance of incidence rates is best explained by local regression coefficient estimates of socio-demographic factors in the first wave. It is discovered that the percentage of households with garbage collection facilities, population density and the proportion of male in the population are positively associated with the increase in COVID-19 incidence rates. Conclusion This research provides useful insights for the State Government and public health authorities to critically incorporate socio-demographic characteristics of local communities into evidence-based decision-making for altering disease monitoring and response plans. Policymakers can make well-informed judgments and implement targeted interventions by having an in-depth understanding of the spatial patterns and relationships between COVID-19 incidence rates and socio-demographic characteristics. This will effectively help in mitigating the spread of the disease.

Hypertension has been recognised as an important public health issue, affecting paediatric population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its relationship with obesity among different ethnic, gender primary school children in Kuching division, Sarawak. It was a cross-sectional study using multistage sampling. Data was collected using anthropometric equipment and digital blood pressure monitor. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20. A total of 1314 respondents participated. 36.9% of the respondents were overweight and obese, 31% were overfat and obese, 29% had abnormal waist circumference and 32.8% had abnormal waist-height ratio (WHtR). About 22.1% of the respondents were found to be in pre-hypertension and hypertension stage. There were significant differences in overweight and obese, overfat and obese, WHtR between males and females. Indigenous Sarawak reported to have the highest number of hypertensive at risk, overweight and obese, overfat and obese, abnormal waist circumference and WHtR. Those respondents who were hypertensive were found to be overweight and obese, overfat and obese, with abnormal waist circumference and WHtR. Screening of potential risk factors at a young age would help to reduce the incidents of chronic disease in the adulthood. Blood pressure measurement should be included in the routine physical examination, to identify high risk children for further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]