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Abstract The present study provides an evaluation for the wound healing activity of the ethanolic extract of Thespesia populnea L. bark (EBE) and its successive fractions in two doses level (1&2%), designed for determining the most bioactive fraction and the suitable dose. Furthermore, development of the most convenient formulation for these bioactive fractions through either their direct incorporation into hydrogel formulations or incorporation of chitosan-loaded nanoparticles with these bioactive fractions into hydrogel formulations. The highest excision wound healing activity was observed in petroleum ether (Pet-B) followed by ethyl acetate (Etac-B) fractions at the high dose (2%). The most suitable formulation designed for the Etac-B fraction was found to be the chitosan-loaded nanoparticles incorporated in the hydrogel formulation, while the conventional hydrogel formulation was observed to be the highly acceptable formulation for Pet-B fraction. Further phytochemical studies of the bioactive fractions led to the isolation of many compounds of different chemical classes viz; beta-sitosterol and lupeol acetate isolated from the Pet-B, in addition to cyanidin and delphinidin from the Etac-B. Our results revealed that EBE and its bioactive fractions (Pet-B & Etac-B) could be considered as strong wound healers through their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, in addition to stimulating collagen synthesis.

Abstract The effects of climate change and rapid population growth increase the demand for freshwater, particularly in arid and hyper-arid environments, considering that groundwater is an essential water resource in these regions. The main focus of this research was to generate a groundwater potential map in the Center Eastern Desert, Egypt, using a random forest classification machine learning model. Based on satellite data, geological maps and field survey, fifteen effective features influencing groundwater potentiality were created. These effective features include elevation, slope angle, slope aspect, terrain ruggedness index, curvature, lithology, lineament density, distance from major fractures, topographic wetness index, stream power index, drainage density, rainfall, as well as distance from rivers and channels, soil type and land use/land cover. Collinearity analysis was used for feature selection. A 100 dependent points (57 water points and 43 non-potential mountainous areas) were labeled and classified according to hydrogeological conditions in the three main aquifers (Basement, Nubian and Quaternary Aquifers) in the study area. The random forest algorithm was trained using (70%) of the dependent points. Then, it was validated using (30%) and the hyper-parameters were optimized. Groundwater potential map was predicted and classified as good (5.1%), moderate (0.1%), poor (4.2%) and non-potentiality (90.6%). Sensitivity (92%), F1-score (94%) and accuracy (97%) are validation methods used due to the imbalanced dataset problem. The most important effective features for groundwater potential map were determined based on the random forest and the receiver operating characteristics curve. Groundwater management sustainability was discussed based on the predicted groundwater potential map and aquifer conditions. Therefore, the random forest model is helpful for delineating groundwater potential zones and can be used in similar locations all over the world.

Yeshewas Abaynew,1 Mohammed Hussien2 1School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 2Department of Health Systems Management and Health Economics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Yeshewas AbaynewSchool of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, EthiopiaEmail yag2005@yahoo.comIntroduction: Hypertension is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality and accounts for 13% of all deaths and 7% of the disease burden in the world. Although the importance of controlling hypertension has been recognized for many years, the majority of patients with hypertension remain uncontrolled. Studies indicate a very low adherence to lifestyle modifications among patients in the study area. Hypertensive patients face set of problems associated with adherence to antihypertensive drugs and healthy lifestyle modifications.Objective: The objective of the study was to explore barriers to hypertension treatment and control from healthcare workers’ perspective and experiences at Dessie Referral Hospital, Ethiopia.Methods: Seven healthcare workers actively involved in managing hypertensive individuals at Dessie Referral Hospital were recruited for the study. Participants were purposively selected from outpatient, inpatient, and pharmacy departments. The required data were collected by the principal investigator on exit interviews. An interview guide was developed by reviewing previous literature. Interviews were semi-structured, 8– 20 minutes in duration, and designed to elicit healthcare workers’experiences and perceptions and conducted until data saturation was reached. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed. Each theme was supported by using the participants’ quotes.Results: Three themes emerged. The major barriers impacted patients’ medication adherence and healthy lifestyle modifications were common use of diets during social settings, low level of awareness, lack of resources, misconceptions about hypertension, use of traditional medicines, inadequate physical activities, and high cost of drugs.Conclusion: Patients’ misconceptions about hypertension, common use of diets during festivals, and inadequate physical activities were factors associated with inadequate blood pressure control. Healthcare workers should better understand the problems that hypertensive patients’ face, thus achieving better control.Keywords: hypertension, adherence, healthcare workers, barriers, control, perspective

Blockchain has received a lot of attention in financial technology, as it combines many computer technologies, including data storage, point-to-point transmission, and consensus mechanisms, as it is considered a decentralized technology for managing transactions and data that has been developed. The study aimed to demonstrate the impact of the use of blockchain technology on the financial performance of investment projects developed by the Ministry of Sports. We used the descriptive approach (survey study method) as an appropriate method to achieve the objectives of the study due to the suitability of its procedures. The participants in the study included some leaders of the Ministry of Sports and experts in the field of sports investment, as well as some leaders working in the directorates of youth and sports, and some members of the board of directors of the Olympic Committee, sports federations, sports clubs, and youth centers. The study sample was selected in a deliberate way based on the categories of the study population. There were 300 participants in the study, and the researchers used two questionnaires as tools to collect the data. The results revealed a lack of the use of blockchain technology at the Ministry of Sports and a low level of financial performance at the Ministry of Sports. With a correlation between the level of financial performance and the use of blockchain technology, the level of the financial performance of the investment projects developed by the Ministry of Sports could be predicted based on the use of blockchain technology. Finally, the study also provides insight into political implications, limitations, and future directions.

Mohammed Hussien,1 Muluken Azage2 1Department of Health Systems Management and Health Economics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; 2Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Mohammed HussienDepartment of Health Systems Management and Health Economics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box: 79, Bahir Dar, 6000, EthiopiaTel +251 588209834Email muhamedun@gmail.comPurpose: A growing number of low- and middle-income countries are implementing small-scale community-based health insurance schemes to tackle the burdens posed by direct out-of-pocket payments. Apart from a few successful experiences, such schemes suffer from the problem of persistent low membership which could be attributed to either initial low enrollment or low renewal rate. However, there is a lack of comprehensive information on the factors that influence subscribers’ policy renewal decisions. Hence, we systematically synthesize information to answer the review question ”what are the barriers and facilitators of community-based health insurance policy renewal in low and middle-income countries?”.Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Hinari electronic databases in line with the PRISMA guidelines. Our search was limited to studies published from January 2005 to February 2020 in the English language. Additional studies and grey literature were searched using Google Scholar. We included quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies in the review. We assessed the methodological quality of the studies using standardized appraisal tools. The findings were synthesized inductively using a thematic analysis approach.Results: Our searches retrieved 2386 records among which 27 were included in the review. The thematic synthesis identified six major themes that influence the decision to renew scheme policy: socio-demographic factors; scheme-related awareness and understanding; participation in scheme and other voluntary groupings, need and benefit factors; health-care quality; and scheme operation and policy.Conclusion: Lower socioeconomic status, poor quality of health care, lack of benefit from the scheme, lack of trust in scheme management, and dissatisfaction with scheme services are important barriers for community-based health insurance policy renewal. Better education, understanding the principles of the scheme, active participation in the scheme, and long-term illness experience of member households facilitate renewal decisions. These are important areas of intervention for governments and other relevant stakeholders to retain members and maintain the sustainability of the schemes.Registration: The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews (ID = CRD42020168971).Keywords: universal health coverage, community-based health insurance, barriers and facilitators, renewal, low- and middle-income countries

Mohammed Hussien,1 Ahmed Muhye,2 Fantu Abebe,3,4 Fentie Ambaw3 1Department of Health Systems Management and Health Economics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; 2Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dire-Dawa University, Dire-Dawa, Ethiopia; 3School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; 4Jhpiego Corporation, Ethiopia Country Office, Bahir Dar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Mohammed Hussien P.O. Box: 79, Bahir Dar, 6000, EthiopiaTel +251588209834Email muhamedun@gmail.comPurpose: Hypertension is becoming a global epidemic in all population groups. For its effective management and control, patients should have enhanced self-management skills and get adequate support from care providers. Although the quality of health care is critical in enhancing self-management behaviors of patients with hypertension, the issue has not been fully explored in the Ethiopian context. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the experience of hypertensive patients on the quality of health care and the self-management practice in a public hospital in North-west Ethiopia.Patients and Methods: This qualitative study involves a phenomenological approach. Participants were hypertension patients who are on treatment follow-up. They were recruited purposively with maximum variation approach. Eleven in-depth interviews and two key informant interviews were undertaken using a semi-structured interview guide with hypertensive patients and nurses respectively. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and then analyzed thematically by the investigators.Results: The analysis identified two main themes and seven sub-themes. The first theme “experience in self-management practice” describes medication adherence, lifestyle modification, and self-monitoring of blood pressure. The second theme “experience in the quality of health care” discusses access to health services, patient-centered care, behavior of health care providers, and time and patient flow management.Conclusion: The self-management practice of hypertensive patients is sub-optimal. Although several individual patient issues were identified, facility-level problems are mainly responsible for poor self-management practice. The main facility-level barriers, as reported by participants, include shortage of medicines, high cost of medicines, busyness of doctors due to high patient load, lack of appropriate education and counseling services, poor patient-provider interaction, and long waiting times. Intervention areas should focus on providing appropriate training for health care providers to enhance the patient–provider relationship. Improving the supply of hypertensive medications is also paramount for better medication adherence.Keywords: hypertension, self-management, health care quality, patient experience

Abstract Background In arid and hyper arid regions, flash floods directly affect human life and ecosystem balance through soil erosion and sediment exchange between different watersheds. The present study provides an integrated approach using remote sensing and geophysical data, multiple thematic layers, and field investigations to mitigate the flash flood hazard and explore the groundwater potentiality in Sharm El Sheikh area, Egypt, where devastating flash flood hazards and shortage in water supply are critical problems against the development of the touristic city. Results A new flood hazard index (FHI) is introduced using the morphometric parameters and multiple thematic layers for the investigated hydrographic basins. The FHI ranges between 55.2 (low) and 73 (very high). The resulted surface runoff from a single event (59 mm/day) reached up to 7.96 mm while the total runoff volume reached up to 20.23 (106) m3 representing about 13.5 % of the total rainfall. Hydrogeologically, the Miocene sediments represent the main aquifer, which is cut by four recognized faults providing opportunities for enhanced groundwater recharge. The integrated geophysical datasets (aeromagnetic and vertical electrical sounding) and borehole data indicate that the subsurface sedimentary succession reaches up to 200 m of Quaternary and Miocene sediments. Conclusions The present study introduces a comprehensive system to mitigate floods and increase the opportunity of groundwater recharge that could protect and enhance the environment under arid conditions. The presented approach can be applied in any arid and hyper arid regions with the same conditions. Graphical abstract

Cities around the world increasingly recognize the need to build on their resilience to deal with converging forces such as disasters, environmental degradation, urban sprawl, and climate change. Given the significance of critical infrastructure networks (CINs) for maintaining the quality of life in buildings and communities, improving their resilience is of high importance to governors, planners, and policymakers. Therefore, this study is proposed to spatially analyze the resilience of CINs in Saudi Arabia and to develop a holistic resilience framework for buildings and communities. The research method of this study involves a case study of Najran, including a collection of CIN data, history of natural disasters, and future potential hazards. The data were compiled to list the basic parameters required for the development of resilience criteria. Overall results show that CINs in the city of Najran were performing below average compared with the measurement criteria. The study highlights the need to make improvements in terms of the robustness, redundancy, and flexibility of the CINs in the city. Moreover, this paper proposes a holistic framework of key aspects of resilient criteria that need to be taken into account by the city governor, policymakers, and developer bodies for better management of available infrastructure and its development in future years.

Despite the role of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in plant tolerance to chilling stress having been widely discussed in the seedling stage, very little information is clear regarding its implication in chilling tolerance during the reproductive stage of the plant. Here, we investigated the influence of GABA (1 and 2mM) as a foliar application on tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Super Marmande) subjected to chilling stress (5°C for 6h/day) for 5 successive days during the flowering stage. The results indicated that applied GABA differentially influenced leaf pigment composition by decreasing the chlorophyll a/b ratio and increasing the anthocyanin relative to total chlorophyll. However, carotenoids were not affected in both GABA-treated and non-treated stressed plants. Root tissues significantly exhibited an increase in thermo-tolerance in GABA-treated plants. Furthermore, applied GABA substantially alleviated the chilling-induced oxidative damage by protecting cell membrane integrity and reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2. This positive effect of GABA was associated with enhancing the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Conversely, a downregulation of peroxidase (POX) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was observed under chilling stress which indicates its relevance in phenol metabolism. Interesting correlations were obtained between GABA-induced upregulation of sugar metabolism coinciding with altering secondary metabolism, activities of antioxidant enzymes, and maintaining the integrity of plastids’ ultrastructure Eventually, applied GABA especially at 2mM improved the fruit yield and could be recommended to mitigate the damage of chilling stress in tomato plants.

Background: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a major cause of mortality, yet its epidemiological and outcome data in hospitals from Saudi Arabia are limited. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, risk factors and outcomes of SCA in a teaching hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This retrospective study included all patients aged ≥18 years with SCA who were resuscitated at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between January 1 and December 31, 2016. Data were retrieved from the hospital medical records as flow sheets designed in accordance with the Utstein-style recommendations. Factors relating to mortality were analyzed using descriptive analyses and chi-square test. Results: A total of 429 cases of SCA met the inclusion criteria, and its prevalence was 7.76 cases/1000 adult hospital admission. Of these, 61.3% were male, and the mean age was 58.4 years, with 36.6% aged >65 years. Only 3.5% were outside-hospital cardiac arrests. The most common initial rhythm was pulseless electrical activity/asystole (93.2%), while ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation was documented in only 29 cases (6.8%). The overall rate of return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was 56.2%, and 56.8% in cases of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). Patients with SCA due to sepsis had significantly increased mortality (P < 0.000; odds ratio [OR] = 0.24 [0.12–0.47 95% confidence interval [CI]), while those with SCA due to respiratory causes had significantly better survival outcomes (P = 0.001; OR = 2.3 [1.5–3.8 95% CI]). No significant differences in outcomes were found between other risk factors, including cardiac causes. Conclusion: In this population, the prevalence of SCA in adults was higher than reported in many similar studies. Further, sepsis was found to affect the survival rate. Although the rate of ROSC for IHCA patients was favorable compared with other studies, it is relatively poor. This finding signifies the need to identify and control risk factors for SCA to improve survival.

Traditional nanoparticle (NP) synthesis methods are expensive and generate hazardous products. It is essential to limit the risk of toxicity in the environment from the chemicals as high temperature and pressure is employed in chemical and physical procedures. One of the green strategies used for sustainable manufacturing is microbial nanoparticle synthesis, which connects microbiology with nanotechnology. Employing biocontrol agents Trichoderma and Hypocrea (Teleomorphs), an ecofriendly and rapid technique of nanoparticle biosynthesis has been reported in several studies which may potentially overcome the constraints of the chemical and physical methods of nanoparticle biosynthesis. The emphasis of this review is on the mycosynthesis of several metal nanoparticles from Trichoderma species for use in agri-food applications. The fungal-cell or cell-extract-derived NPs (mycogenic NPs) can be applied as nanofertilizers, nanofungicides, plant growth stimulators, nano-coatings, and so on. Further, Trichoderma-mediated NPs have also been utilized in environmental remediation approaches such as pollutant removal and the detection of pollutants, including heavy metals contaminants. The plausible benefits and pitfalls associated with the development of useful products and approaches to trichogenic NPs are also discussed.

In this study, a different design of passive air Solar Chimney(SC)was tested by installing it in the south wall of insulated test room in Baghdad city. The SC was designed from vertical and inclined parts connected serially together, the vertical SC (first part) has a single pass and Thermal Energy Storage Box Collector (TESB (refined paraffin wax as Phase Change Material(PCM)-Copper Foam Matrix(CFM))), while the inclined SC was designed in single pass, double passes and double pass with TESB (semi refined paraffin wax with copper foam matrix) with selective working angle ((30o, 45o and 60o). A computational model was employed and solved by Finite Volume Method (FVM) to simulate the air induced through the test room by SC effect. The governing equation of Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model was developed by the effective heat capacity method equation to describe the heat storage and release from PCM-CFM. Practical and computational Results referred to increase in thermal conductivity of the paraffin wax that supported by CFM than 10 times, while the ventilation effect is still active for hours after sun set amount. The maximum ventilation mass flow rate with TESB collector was 36.651 kg/hr., when the overall discharge coefficient equals 0.371. Also, the experimental results referred to the best working angle range 45~60o, while the highest approaching temperature (between air and collector) was appeared for the double passes flat plate collector. Results gave higher heat storage efficiency 47% when the maximum solar radiation 780 W/m2 at 12.00 pm, and the energy summation through duration of charging time was 18460 kJ. Double passes SC at 60o angle presented the highest efficiency with value approaching to 73%, while TESB collector efficiency depicted highest efficiency value 70% at 12:00 pm.

In this work, a test room was built in Baghdad city, with selective dimensions, while the solar chimneys (SC) where designed with aspect ratio (ar) bigger than 12 and setup to the oriented wall to the south. Collector of SC consist of paraffin wax as a phase change material (PCM) and supported by copper foam matrix (CFM), to enhance the combined of thermal energy storage material box (TESMB). Double transparent acrylic sheets covered the collector from outside. TESB supported by array of evacuated tubular collector with thermosyphon to sincere heat storage in the TESB. Results of experimental work that achieved in 25 January and 26 February refer to effectiveness using TESM in closed loop SC in day time and its effect cover the night time also. The heating system of test room is arrived to the biggest room temperature after sun set, at that moment the difference between indoor and outdoor approximately 15oC, and room temperature value still bigger after five hours from sun- set with a different in temperature by approximately 8 oC. Numerical solution done by employing CFD with solution the PDE’s that present continuity, momentum, energy equations, by using the FVM with algebraic forms of turbulent viscosity and diffusion coefficient and employing turbulent standard (k-ε)model. The comparison between numerical and experimental results indicated that the heat transfer inside test room is dominate by condition, also results shows acceptable convergence in velocity and temperature profile, while the experimental results for air flow inside SC gap appears the turbulent behavior in most duration time.

A paraffin wax and copper foam matrix were used as a thermal energy storage material in the double passes air solar chimney (SC) collector to get ventilation effect through daytime and after sunset. Air SC collector was installed in the south wall of an insulated test room and tested with different working angles (30o, 45o and 60o). Different SC types were used; single pass, double passes flat plate collector and double pass thermal energy storage box collector (TESB). A computational model based on the finite volume method for transient tw dimensional domains was carried out to describe the heat transfer and storage in the thermal energy storage material of collector. Also, equivalent specific heat method was employed to describe the heat storage and release in the mushy zone. Experimental results referred to an increase in thermal conductivity of paraffin wax that supported by copper foam matrix more than ten times. While the ventilation effect was still active for hours after the sun set, depending on the heat storage amount. Maximum ventilation mass flow rate with TESB collector was recorded with value equals to 36.651 kg/hr., when the overall discharge coefficient that was calculated for the system equals to 0.371. Experimental results showed that the best working angle range was 45~60o, and the highest air to the collector approaching temperature appeared to the double passes flat plate collector. Results gave greater heat storage efficiency of (47)% when the maximum solar radiation was 780 W/m2 at 12.00pm, while the energy summation through duration charge time was 18460 kJ. Computational results, depending on the equivalent heat capacity method for heat storage or release from phase change material that supported by copper foam matrix, showed the behavior of paraffin wax melting and solidification situation through periodic for charge and released heat from the solar collector. Also, these results gave agreement approaching the experimental results for the heat storage in the combined heat storage material, with standard error of 16.8%.

In this work, a test room was built in Baghdad city, with (2*1.5*1.5) m3 in dimensions, while the solar chimneys (SC) were designed with aspect ratio (ar) bigger than 12. Test room was supplied by many solar collectors; vertical single side of air pass with ar equals 25, and tilted 45o double side of air passes with ar equals 50 for each pass, both collectors consist of flat thermal energy storage box collector (TESB) that covered by transparent clear acrylic sheet, third type of collector is array of evacuated tubular collectors with thermosyphon in 45o instelled in the bottom of TESB of vertical SC. The TESB was made from metallic iron sheets as a shell and fuelled by paraffin wax as phase change material (PCM). The PCM supported by copper foam matrix (CFM) to enhance thermal conductivity of wax. When heat is released from TESB to the air, a buoyancy force will be generated in chimney gaps. Then a difference in pressure between inside and outside test room leads to induce the air flow to test room through wet corrugated cellulose pad, where evaporative cooling (EC) occurs. Results of experimental work, that achieved in June, for 12 to24 hour in the test day, refer to effectiveness using EC to decrease the room temperature comparing. The system reduces test room temperature of up to 8.5~9.2 oC in 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and at highest effectiveness of EC, while minimum reduces in temperature of up to 3.5 oC in 8:00pm to 3:00 am. Also, the results showed the affectivity to using the TESB, during the night time for ventilation and EC, with lower effectiveness than from day time. The range of EC effectiveness equals 30.5-37.5 with a natural vent, while The maximum air change per hour (ACH) equals (3.8-6.187), and the maximum mass flow rate is equal to (36.651 kg.hr-1) at experimental evaluation of the system’s discharge coefficient value 0.371.

After publication of the original article (Yousif & Hussien, 2020), we were notified that formulas 3 and 4 are incomplete (cut off) in the PDF.

In this work, a test room was built in Baghdad city, with (2*1.5*1.5) m3 in dimensions, while the solar chimneys (SC) were designed with aspect ratio (ar) bigger than 12. Test room was supplied by many solar collectors; vertical single side of air pass with ar equals 25, and tilted 45o double side of air passes with ar equals 50 for each pass, both collectors consist of flat thermal energy storage box collector (TESB) that covered by transparent clear acrylic sheet, third type of collector is array of evacuated tubular collectors with thermosyphon in 45o instelled in the bottom of TESB of vertical SC. The TESB was made from metallic iron sheets as a shell and fuelled by paraffin wax as phase change material (PCM). The PCM supported by copper foam matrix (CFM) to enhance thermal conductivity of wax. When heat is released from TESB to the air, a buoyancy force will be generated in chimney gaps. Then a difference in pressure between inside and outside test room leads to induce the air flow to test room through wet corrugated cellulose pad, where evaporative cooling (EC) occurs. Results of experimental work, that achieved in June, for 12 to24 hour in the test day, refer to effectiveness using EC to decrease the room temperature comparing. The system reduces test room temperature of up to 8.5~9.2 oC in 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and at highest effectiveness of EC, while minimum reduces in temperature of up to 3.5 oC in 8:00pm to 3:00 am. Also, the results showed the affectivity to using the TESB, during the night time for ventilation and EC, with lower effectiveness than from day time. The range of EC effectiveness equals 30.5-37.5 with a natural vent, while The maximum air change per hour (ACH) equals (3.8-6.187), and the maximum mass flow rate is equal to (36.651 kg.hr-1) at experimental evaluation of the system’s discharge coefficient value 0.371.

The study aimed mainly to explore the customary judgment in the study area from the viewpoint of respondents, identify their personal and social characteristics, and determine barriers faced the local judgment and their suggestions to overcome it. Data were collected from 33 proposed respondents distributed on seven tribes in North Sinai governorate, using questionnaire form during May 2010. Frequencies, percentages, and average were used for data display. Findings show that about one third of respondents are illiterate, 81.8% of them are located in the category of high leadership, and 72.7% of them are highly exposed. The most important criteria of the selection of customary judges are heredity, biography, and social status. The main sanctions imposed by local judges are fines (camels), oath, and compensation. The most important obstacles facing customary judgment are the highly expenses incurred by the judges in the transition to conflect place and communication, with weak financial potential of some judges, and relying on the judicial wisdom and sideburns only without reference to the experienced people, especially in the emerging issues on the Sinai community

The survey by the G.P.R. in the site of Fatimah shrine and around it in the city of Najaf was represented an indications of cavities within the penetrated depth up to about 18m as shown in the profiles No.(232cavity, 234cavity, 235cavity). Inside the site the profiles are not indicate any cavities within the layers. The G.P.R profiles indicate the following layers : 1- (5m) reworked material. 2- (12m) sandstone with velocity of (6.5cm/ns) and (ε= 21.4). This layer consist of sandstone of Dibdibba formation which consist of cross bedded sandstone with very hard thin beds of Celestite in the upper most part and very hard massive sandstone in the lower part. In the lower most part of this layer (1.5-2m) loosed friable pebbly sandstone was found. From the above mentioned description the area of Fatima shrine was found on the Dibdibba sandstone formation. 3- (6m) clay stone with (8.4 cm/ns) and (ε= 12.7). 4- (25m) cyclic deposits of clastic sediments. Consist of sandstone cross bedded and siltstone and clay stone. Within this bed the water table could be recognize. The boundaries below the water table are not highly clears for recognition, then we used many different type of filter and processing methods to recognize these boundaries .The water table in the city of Al-Najaf is between (20-25m) below the surface of the earth.

Nanoscale geranium waste (GW) and magnesium nanoparticle/GW nanocomposites (Mg NP/GW) were prepared using green synthesis. The Mg NP/GW samples were subjected to characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-FT). The surface morphology of the materials was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and their thermal stability was assessed through thermal gravimetric analysis (TG). The BET-specific surface area, pore volume, and pore size distribution of the prepared materials were determined using the N2 adsorption–desorption method. Additionally, the particle size and zeta potentials of the materials were also measured. The influence of the prepared nanomaterials on seed germination was intensively investigated. The results revealed an increase in seed germination percent at low concentrations of Mg NP/GWs. Upon treatment with Mg NP/GW nanoparticles, a reduction in the mitotic index (MI) was observed, indicating a decrease in cell division. Additionally, an increase in chromosomal abnormalities was detected. The efficacy of GW and Mg NP/GW nanoparticles as new elicitors was evaluated by studying their impact on the expression levels of the farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS1) and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GPPS1) genes. These genes play a crucial role in the terpenoid biosynthesis pathway in Sinapis alba (S. alba) and Pelargonium graveolens (P. graveolens) plants. The expression levels were analyzed using reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis. The qRT-PCR analysis of FPPS and GPPS gene expression was performed. The outputs of FPPS1 gene expression demonstrated high levels of mRNA in both S. alba and P. graveolens with fold changes of 25.24 and 21.68, respectively. In contrast, the minimum expression levels were observed for the GPPS1 gene, with fold changes of 11.28 and 6.48 in S. alba and P. graveolens, respectively. Thus, this study offers the employment of medicinal plants as an alternative to fertilizer usage resulting in promoting environmental preservation, optimal waste utilization, reducing water consumption, and cost reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: To address the challenges of food security for the ever‐increasing population, the emergence of nanotechnology provides an alternate technology of choice for the production of safer pesticides which serves as a substitute for conventional fertilizer. The antidrug resistance of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and build‐up of chemicals in the environment has made it necessary to find alternative safe techniques for effective disease management. Hence, in this study, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) were produced by green synthesis using a Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis L. flower extract. RESULTS: The characterization of CuONPs using ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy with an energy‐dispersive spectrum profile, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction ascertained the presence of CuONPs, which were nanorods of 28.1 nm. CuONPs significantly obstructed the growth and biofilm development of Xoo by 79.65% and 79.17% respectively. The antibacterial mechanism of CuONPs was found to result from wounding the cell membrane, giving rise to an exodus of intracellular content and generation of oxidative reactive oxygen species that invariably inhibited Xoo respiration and growth. A toxicity study under greenhouse conditions revealed that CuONPs significantly increased growth variables and the biomass of rice, and reduced bacterial leaf blight. Application of CuONPs on Arabidopsis improved the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters; the ΦPSII was significantly increased by 152.05% in comparison to the control. CONCLUSION: Altogether, these results suggest that CuONPs in low concentration (200.0 μg mL−1) are not toxic to plants and can serve as nano‐fertilizers and nano‐pesticides. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]