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Spherical surfaces are essential components in optical systems for different applications. Also, standard spheres are typically employed to calibrate dimensional and mass-measuring instruments. Therefore, measuring and eliminating the surface irregularities of these spheres represents a challenge for modern industries. Surface irregularities can be measured by either the contact method (as stylus profilometers) or the non-contact method (as interferometers). The Fizeau laser interferometer (GPI-XP, Zygo Co.) is typically used to accurately measure surface irregularities for flat surfaces, lenses, and mirrors of 102 mm diameter, and it is not prepared for testing heavy spheres. This work presents a modification for the interferometric system to expand its capability for testing spheres of diameters up to 145 mm and masses up to 2 kg. Also, the modification provides automatic rotation for the tested surfaces (an electric rotating platform) to avoid the disadvantages of manual rotation (a tweezer). At different rotation angles, the measurements are performed on a mass-standard silicon sphere (SiScKg-02-d, PTB Inst.). The average measured value of the surface irregularities is 43.9 nm, with an improved repeatability of 2.8 nm and a minimized measurement uncertainty of ±6.8 nm. The evaluation of the uncertainty budget is also investigated in this study.

BACKGROUND: This study proposed a classification of the vertical portion of the facial nerve (VPFN) location, incorporating the previous classifications regarding the posterior-to-anterior and medial-to-lateral dimensions. We also evaluated the implication of this proposed classification on the round window visibility during pediatric cochlear implantation (CI). METHODS: It was a retrospective multicenter observational cohort study. This study included 334 cases that underwent CI between 2015 and 2022 at multiple referral institutes. Two physicians evaluated the preoperative computed tomography images of 334 patients and determined the radiological type of the VPFN. These types were matched with intraoperative round window accessibility. RESULTS: The Spearman’s correlation coefficient showed a strong correlation between the proposed VPFN type and the intraoperative round window visibility, as the P-value was

The purpose of the research was to illustrate the effects of feeding Nile tilapia fingerlings (Oreochromis niloticus) with low doses of aflatoxins (AFs) with and without vitamin C supplementation to investigate the capacity of vitamin C in detoxification. Ten experimental diets were formulated and divided into three categories. The first category included: T1, T4 and T7 feedings included 20, 40 and 80 μg AFs kg−1 feed respectively, while both the second category T2, T5 and T8 and the third category T3, T6 and T9 were treated with contaminated feed with AFs for 57days then both categories shifted to different regime till the conclusion of the experimentation. The second category was fed uncontaminated feed while the third category was fed a supplemented diet with 100 mg Kg-1 of vitamin C. For 113 days the experiment was conducted. The results showed that shifting from a contaminated diet to an uncontaminated diet (category 2) or adding vitamin C to the contaminated diet (category 3) improved the deterioration that occurred in the values of growth performance, biochemical parameters and histological disorders caused by AFs. Furthermore, the results from the control group were superior to all the treatments.

Objective: Aspergillosis is a disease that affects several species of birds and causes substantial losses in the poultry business. The purpose of the investigation was to identify the pathogen responsible for a respiratory outbreak among juvenile ducklings. Materials and Methods: An epidemic of Aspergillosis infected a total of 800 Muscovy ducks that were being reared in El-Beheira Governorate. Tissue samples were obtained to isolate suspected fungi from diseased birds and the hatchery environment. In addition, identification and molecular characterization were performed on the obtained fungal isolates. Results: Affected birds displayed acute respiratory manifestations such as difficulty breathing, gasping for air, nasal discharge, and a mortality rate of up to 28.1%. Postmortem examination revealed bronchitis, tracheitis, congested lungs, air sacculitis, severe multifocal granulomatous pneumonia, a congested, enlarged liver, and a congested kidney with nephritis. Mycological examination revealed seven Aspergillus (A.) spp. isolates from ducklings and six from hatcheries. Isolate colonial morphology and microscopical examination were as follows: A. fumigatus, A. niger, Syncephalastrum racemosum, and four untypable isolates. These isolates were further identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the internal transcribed spacers (ITSs) gene was detected. Four representative isolates were submitted for sequencing and further phylogenetic analysis. The source of duckling infection might be linked to the hatchery environment due to the observed similarity of isolates from both affected birds and the hatchery, as evidenced by phylogenetic analysis. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated the significance of appropriate hatchery control in preventing infection in young ducklings. Furthermore, the use of molecular identification techniques would be helpful for tracing the source of infection and rapid diagnosis of Aspergillus in the field. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 763-772]

The high-temperature oxidation behaviour and phase stability of equi-atomic high entropy AlCrCoFeNi alloy (HEA) were studied using in situ high-temperature X-ray diffraction (HTXRD) combined with ThermoCalc thermodynamic calculation. HTXRD analyses reveal the formation of B2, BCC, Sigma and FCC, phases at different temperatures, with significant phase transitions observed at intermediate temperatures from 600 °C–100 °C. ThermoCalc predicted phase diagram closely matched with in situ HTXRD findings highlighting minor differences in phase transformation temperature. ThermoCalc predictions of oxides provide insights into the formation of stable oxide phases, predominantly spinel-type oxides, at high p(O2), while a lower volume of halite was predicted, and minor increase observed with increasing temperature. The oxidation behaviour was strongly dependent on the environment, with the vacuum condition favouring the formation of a thin, Al2O3 protective layer, while in atmospheric conditions a thick, double-layered oxide scale of Al2O3 and Cr2O3 formed. The formation of oxide scale was determined by selective oxidation of Al and Cr, as further confirmed by EDX analysis. The formation of thick oxide in air environment resulted in a thick layer of Al-depleted FFC phase. This comprehensive study explains the high-temperature phase stability and time–temperature-dependent oxidation mechanisms of AlCrCoFeNi HEA. The interplay between surface phase transformation beneath oxide scale and oxides is also detailed herein, contributing to further development and optimisation of HEA for high temperature applications.

Background: Tadalafil is a PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase inhibitor) inhibitor that supports endogenous nitric oxide's vasodilatory actions and aids in erection maintenance. The penile duplex has proven to be very useful for imaging superficial structures and for determining the reasons of erectile dysfunction (ED). Objectives: To assess the effect of daily oral tadalafil 5mg for 3 months on penile duplex parameters in erectile dysfunction patients. Patients and Methods: A case control study involved 30 Egyptian patients ED. Appropriate clinical history and penile duplex examination before and after treatment with daily oral tadalafil mg for 3 months were performed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 53.17 ± 7.8 years. We founded that there was significant (p < 0.001) improvement in the level of erection after treatment. The rate of erection E1 and E2 was decreased from 53.3% to 3.3%. Likewise, the rate of E3-E5 was increased from 46.7% to 96.7%. Moreover, the mean duration of erection was elongated from 24.7 ± 5.3 to become 37.4 ± 3.8 and this was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Also, the mean peak systolic volume (PSV) was significantly (p = 0.001) increased after treatment (38.4 ± 9.1 cm/s) compared with the pre-treatment levels (23.9 ± 6.1 cm/s). Unlikely, the mean end diastolic volume (EDV) was insignificantly (p = 0.340) lower in post-treatment (2.25 ± 0.5 mL) compared with pre-treatment levels (2.97 ± 0.4 mL). Likely, the mean resistant index (RI) showed insignificant difference (p = 0.965) after treatment (0.9 ± 0.02) compared with before treatment (0.9 ± 0.08). For penile artery diameter, there was significant (p = 0.009) increase in the diameter after treatment (0.9 ± 0.1 mm) compared with before treatment (0.8 ± 0.1 mm). Conclusion: Oral daily tadalafil 5mg for 3 months is considered an effective treatment for ED according to penile duplex parameters.

Abstract Background The effect of bariatric surgery on impaired semen parameters, hormonal profile and sexual function remains controversial to some extent. The context and purpose of the study To look at the long-term effects of sleeve gastrectomy on hormonal profiles, sperm parameters, and sexual function in infertile men with severe obesity. This prospective study included fifty-four obese patients with primary or secondary infertility who were scheduled for sleeve gastrectomy between February 2018 and March 2021. All participants were given a sperm analysis and a serum hormone profile before, 12, and 18 months after surgery. We used the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire to assess sexual function. Results There was a significant correlation between weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy and improvement in lipid profile (p

The dermatological manifestations of the coronavirus cause severe acute respiratory syndrome. The current study investigates the morphological and histopathological relationship between the emergence of skin lesions and the severity of COVID-19 across the course of the disease via a cross-sectional study. There were skin lesions (maculopapular rash, vesiculobullous lesions, urticarial lesions, cutaneous thromboembolic “CT,” and erythema multiforme-like lesions “EM-like”) in confirmed COVID-19 instances. A total of 150 patients of both sexes were evaluated morphologically and were classified as early (44% of the total) or late based on the emergence of respiratory symptoms (one week before or two weeks after, respectively). The early and late diagnostic groups represented 44% and 56% of the total patients, respectively. Patients with no skin lesion and one skin lesion showed a significant correlation with disease timeline early and late stages (X2 = 22.38, P

Abstract Background Pleomorphic adenoma, also known as a benign mixed tumor, is the most common salivary gland tumor. The parotid gland accounts for 90% of the total, with the minor salivary glands accounting for 10%. Buccal minor salivary glands pleomorphic adenoma is extremely rare. It manifests as a painless, firm, slow-growing mass in most cases. Case presentation A pleomorphic adenoma in the buccal minor salivary glands was discovered in an adult 43-year-old female patient treated with wide surgical resection. A literature review of the PA of the cheek is stated. Conclusion In the differential diagnosis of cheek masses, pleomorphic adenoma should be scrutinized. The remedy of choice is wide local excision with at least a 5-year follow-up.

The liver is a vital metabolic organ that also performs important immune-regulatory functions. In the context of infections, the liver represents a target site for various pathogens, while also having an outstanding capacity to filter the blood from pathogens and to contain infections. Pathogen scavenging by the liver is primarily performed by its large and heterogeneous macrophage population. The major liver-resident macrophage population is located within the hepatic microcirculation and is known as Kupffer cells (KCs). Although other minor macrophages reside in the liver as well, KCs remain the best characterized and are the best well-known hepatic macrophage population to be functionally involved in the clearance of infections. The response of KCs to pathogenic insults often governs the overall severity and outcome of infections on the host. Moreover, infections also impart long-lasting, and rarely studied changes to the KC pool. In this review, we discuss current knowledge on the biology and the various roles of liver macrophages during infections. In addition, we reflect on the potential of infection history to imprint long-lasting effects on macrophages, in particular liver macrophages.

Abstract Background Single-cell sequencing studies on the lung microenvironment have revealed that the outcome of COVID-19 depends largely on the immune system response rather than the viral load. A robust innate immune response and a regulated adaptive immunity can prevent the worst outcomes such as hospitalization and the need for mechanical ventilation. Main body Intriguingly, several vaccines pertaining to the routine vaccination schedule, not only BCG, can skew the immune response towards the aforementioned beneficial effects. Short conclusion This means that routine immunization not only can help in the current pandemic but can also offer a rapid rescue in the subsequent epidemics or pandemics until a vaccine is developed.

This paper utilizes in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) to investigate the high-temperature oxidation behaviour of CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy (HEA). We found that (1) Mn is the major oxide-forming element in both vacuum and air environments, leading to the formation of non-protective oxides that deplete the bulk alloy of Mn; (2) no oxides like Cr2O3, Fe2O3, or Fe3O4 were observed during the high-temperature oxidation behaviour of CrMnFeCoNi, which contradicts some previous studies on the isothermal oxidation of CrMnFeCoNi HEA. We also analysed and compared the experimental results with thermodynamic calculations by using ThermoCalc version 2022b software following the CALPHAD method. ThermoCalc predicted spinel oxide in a vacuum environment, along with halite oxides observed in experimental results; also, in an atmospheric environment, it predicted only spinel, indicating the need for further investigation into factors to validate the thermodynamic predictions. Our study shows that the in situ HTXRD technique is a powerful tool to accurately identify time–temperature-dependent phase formation/transformation for studying oxidation behaviours and understanding oxidation mechanisms in HEAs.

Silver (Ag NPs) and magnetite nanoparticles (MANPs) were synthesized and characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), atomic force microscope (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy. XRD, XRF and Raman spectroscopy results of MANPs and Ag NPs confirmed their synthesis without any undesired impurities from synthesis method. TEM, SEM and AFM images of Ag NPs illustrated homogenous spherical particles with the size of about 5 nm, while MANPs had spherical to semi-cubic with the size of 20 nm. Both silver-essential oils and magnetite-essential oils nanocomposites were synthesized by sonochemical method with the ratio of 1:1. In-vitro contact effect of commercial plant essential oil mixture with synthetic silver and magnetite nanoparticles was studied. Comparative killing study was carried out by direct contact spray of groups of saline, silver nanoparticles, magnetite nanoparticles, essential oils, silver-essential oil nanocomposite, and magnetite-essential oil nanocomposite on poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae (D. gallinae). Activity and changes occurred were examined under stereomicroscope for 3 h. Interestingly, highest killing activity was obtained with silver-essential oil nanocomposite and silver nanoparticles in comparison with magnetite nanoparticles, essential oil and magnetite-essential oil nanocomposite. As a result, silver-essential oil nanocomposite and silver nanoparticles could be beneficial and involved in D. gallinae (red mite) control strategies in poultry industry.

Abstract The development of sustainable routes to the bio-manufacture of gaseous hydrocarbons will contribute widely to future energy needs. Their realisation would contribute towards minimising over-reliance on fossil fuels, improving air quality, reducing carbon footprints and enhancing overall energy security. Alkane gases (propane, butane and isobutane) are efficient and clean-burning fuels. They are established globally within the transportation industry and are used for domestic heating and cooking, non-greenhouse gas refrigerants and as aerosol propellants. As no natural biosynthetic routes to short chain alkanes have been discovered, de novo pathways have been engineered. These pathways incorporate one of two enzymes, either aldehyde deformylating oxygenase or fatty acid photodecarboxylase, to catalyse the final step that leads to gas formation. These new pathways are derived from established routes of fatty acid biosynthesis, reverse β-oxidation for butanol production, valine biosynthesis and amino acid degradation. Single-step production of alkane gases in vivo is also possible, where one recombinant biocatalyst can catalyse gas formation from exogenously supplied short-chain fatty acid precursors. This review explores current progress in bio-alkane gas production, and highlights the potential for implementation of scalable and sustainable commercial bioproduction hubs.

Abstract Background Microbial biorefinery approaches are beginning to define renewable and sustainable routes to clean-burning and non-fossil fuel-derived gaseous alkanes (known as ‘bio-LPG’). The most promising strategies have used a terminal fatty acid photodecarboxylase, enabling light-driven propane production from externally fed waste butyric acid. Use of Halomonas (a robust extremophile microbial chassis) with these pathways has enabled bio-LPG production under non-sterile conditions and using waste biomass as the carbon source. Here, we describe new engineering approaches to produce next-generation pathways that use amino acids as fuel precursors for bio-LPG production (propane, butane and isobutane blends). Results Multiple pathways from the amino acids valine, leucine and isoleucine were designed in E. coli for the production of propane, isobutane and butane, respectively. A branched-chain keto acid decarboxylase-dependent pathway utilising fatty acid photodecarboxylase was the most effective route, generating higher alkane gas titres over alternative routes requiring coenzyme A and/or aldehyde deformylating oxygenase. Isobutane was the major gas produced in standard (mixed amino acid) medium, however valine supplementation led to primarily propane production. Transitioning pathways into Halomonas strain TQ10 enabled fermentative production of mixed alkane gases under non-sterile conditions on simple carbon sources. Chromosomal integration of inducible (~ 180 mg/g cells/day) and constitutive (~ 30 mg/g cells/day) pathways into Halomonas generated production strains shown to be stable for up to 7 days. Conclusions This study highlights new microbial pathways for the production of clean-burning bio-LPG fuels from amino acids. The use of stable Halomonas production strains could lead to gas production in the field under non-sterile conditions following process optimisation.

Background Urge surfing is a brief mindfulness-based instruction used in alcoholic to avoid relapse and improve anxiety. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic psychodermatology disease with unsatisfactory pharmacotherapy. Objective The aim was to examine the effectiveness of urge surfing in patients with chronic AD. Patients and methods All patients with chronic AD who were referred to psychiatric clinic from January 1, 2018 to July 30, 2018 were included in the study. The authors used Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) to assess the patients at baseline (T1), then at 12 weeks (T2) and lastly after 24 weeks (T3). Results The mean±SD age of the patients was 33±13.7 years, range 17–70 years, 70% were married, and 40% had completed high education. The mean±SD duration of illness was 23.1±17.8 years. The mean (EASI) score at T1 was 46. This decreased significantly to 32 at T2 (t=7.43, d.f.=0.33, P

Abstract Introduction Preoperative temporal bone imaging studies have been routinely performed prior to cochlear implantation. Radiologists need to report these examinations with special focus on the surgeon's expectations. Objectives To provide a basic structured format, in the form of a checklist, for reporting preoperative computed tomography (CT) and to its clinical impact on operative findings. Methods The preoperative temporal bone CT scans of 47 patients were analyzed and reported according to the proposed checklist. Intraoperative assessment of mastoidectomy, posterior tympanotomy and round window access was done by the surgeon in a blinded fashion and were correlated with the radiological findings to assess its significance. Results The proposed radiological checklist was reliable in assessing operative difficulty during cochlear implantation. Contracted mastoid and lower tegmen position were associated with a greater difficulty of the cortical mastoidectomy. Presence of an air cell around the facial nerve (FN) was predictive of easier facial recess access exposure. Facial nerve location and posterior external auditory canal (EAC) wall inclination were predictive of difficult round window (RW) accessibility. Conclusion Certain parameters on the preoperative temporal bone CT scan may be useful in predicting potential difficulties encountered during the key steps involved in cochlear implant surgery.

The shortage of student housing in Western Europe and the high demand for student population indicate the potential of the impetus for more sustainable and better quality accommodation. The residential building sector is one of the significant contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, yet appropriate criteria for the assessment of student housing do not exist. Decisions to evaluate student housing are still primarily based on rental cost or anecdotal evidence when assessing their performance and living quality. Multi-objective criteria are needed to assist with the selection of sustainable student housing for higher education institutions students. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to identify key performance indicators for assessing sustainable student housing, and to develop a simple tool for the selection and measurement of the sustainability of student housing. The overarching aim is to improve the quality and sustainability of student accommodation in Europe. The methodology is based on a mixed-method research approach comprising a literature review on rating systems, a survey questionnaire with 610 student respondents, and a ranking analysis acquired from the severity index calculation. A total of 44 key performance indicators were identified, and a simple interactive tool was developed and tested. The proposed tool is demonstrated using a case study with two students as the decision-makers. The tool provides a novel approach to assess student housing. This creates an opportunity for a pan European environmental policy and an increase in market competitiveness to attract European and overseas students.

Abstract Background Pineal region tumor is considered an ideal indication for endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), with success rate up to 92%. The ultimate advantage is the ability to obtain tumor biopsy for histopathological diagnosis and for further treatment strategy plan design. Objectives To investigate the safety considerations to minimize tumor biopsy-related bleeding, increase diagnostic accuracy, and establish a successful ETV procedure. Methods Retrospective study including 25 patients of pineal region tumor with concomitant triventricular hydrocephalus. Preoperative planning to perform ETV and obtain tumor biopsy was achieved either through single more anteriorly located precoronal burr-hole (17 patients) or two separate burr-holes (eight patients). The patients’ age ranged from 9 months to 65 years with a mean age of 26.5 years. Preoperative MRI brain with coronal T2- and sagittal T1-weighted images was used to design trajectory. Results No significant intraventricular bleeding reported. A diagnostic tumor biopsy yield was successful in 22 patients. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion was required in 1 patient failed to improve. Conclusion Endoscopic tumor biopsy is relatively safe with high diagnostic yield that helps in management protocol plus shunt independent control of associated hydrocephalus.

Some anthropologists criticize the Eurocentric and colonial dimension of the concepts of religion, symbol and belief. A comparative analysis of religions as systems of belief, it is argued, defines a concept inherited from a Western Christian tradition as a universal constant. What, then, are the comparative concepts that can be substituted for the concepts of religion and belief? The article answers this question by analysing the concept of discursive tradition put forward by Talal Asad to analyse Islam as an object of anthropology. He proposes a critical and philosophical re-reading of this anthropology by emphasizing the discursive dimension, that of meaning and rationality, and of traditional embodiments.

Phytochemical examination of corncob extracts led to the isolation of a new lignan identified as 7,7'-dihydroxy-3'-O-demethyl-4-methoxymatairesinol, together with seven known compounds, identified as β-sitosterol, β-sitosteryl-β-D-glucoside, 6β-hydroxy-campest-4-en-3-one, 5α,8α-epidioxyergosta-6,22-dien-3β-ol, tricin, kaempferol and p-coumaric acid. The isolated compounds were identified by one and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopies and mass spectrometry.

Background Data: The clinical management of osteolytic spinal lesion is unique, because it is challenging to approach these lesions. Surgery and/or radiotherapy has been the treatments of choice for many years; but, surgery may not be an option for patients with multiple spinal lesion and poor general medical status, and radiotherapy carries the risk of vertebral collapse and consequent neural compression. Through different approaches, vertebroplasty has been introduced into clinical practice as an alternative to traditional surgery and radiotherapy of osteolytic spinal lesion. Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty for selected patients with osteolytic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). Study Design: Retrospective descriptive clinical case study. Patients and Methods: Between March 2009 and April 2014, fifteen patients with back pain due to primary or secondary vertebral neoplasm were treated with vertebroplasty. The patients were followed up for 3-6 months, with an average of 5.4 months. The clinical effects regarding back pain were evaluated with the visual analog scale (VAS) preoperatively and at 3 days, one month, 3 months and 6 months post-operatively. Results: Fifteen patients (9 males and 6 females) were treated by vertebroplasty. The age ranged from 20 to 60 years with a mean of 44.25 years. All patients presented by severe disabling back pain. The dorsal spine was affected in nine patients followed by lumbar spine in five patients and only one case in the cervical spine. The pathology was primary tumor in nine patients and secondary in six cases. All patients had a satisfying resolution of their painful symptoms postoperatively. Two cases of cement leakage were reported without major complication. Conclusion: Percutaneous Vertebroplasty is an effective technique to treat osteolytic spinal lesions. It is a valuable, minimally invasive, and efficient method that allows quick and lasting local resolution of painful symptoms. (2013ESJ058)

Background Data: Anterior cervical corpectomy was the best solution in some cases of subaxial fracture but this defect was a problem to fill after corpectomy, so this study was to show the efficacy and safety of carbon cage and plating in the treatment of this problem. Study Design: A clinical case series review Purpose: To review the safety, efficacy and outcome of anterior cervical corpectomy with cage and plating in the management of subaxial cervical fractures. Patients and Methods: From January 2009 to January 2014, twenty patients underwent anterior cervical corpectomy with cage and plating for the treatment of subaxial spinal injuries. The functional status was assessed using the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association Score preoperatively and at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Radiological assessment was done preoperatively with MRI, CT scan and plain radiograph, and at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperativelyby plain radiograph and CT scan. Results: Patients’ ages ranged from 17 to 60 years (mean 38.5 years); 14 patients were males. Fourteen patients underwent one-level corpectomy and six patients underwent two-level corpectomy. Of our 20 patients; 16 patients (80%) had satisfactory significant recovery (one point or more on (mJOA) score), while four patients (20%) had no clinical improvement (same preoperative points on (mJOA) score). There was no case of cervical instability, instrument break down, or fusion failure during follow up period. Conclusion: The anterior cervical corpectomy with cage and plating is a safe and effective technique in subaxial spinal injuries in selected patients. (2013ESJ057)

To evaluate risk factors, morbidity and mortality rates of perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) and to investigate factors affecting postoperative complications of PPU. Background: The incidence of PPU has remained constant, simple closure with omental patch repair being the mainstay of treatment. Patients and Methods: One hundred and nineteen patients admitted to Al-Ain Hospital with PPU between January 2000 and March 2004 was studied retrospectively; two with deficient data were excluded from the analysis. Logistic regression was used to define factors affecting postoperative complications. Results: The mean age of patients was 35.3 years (range, 20–65). 45.7% of patients were Bangladeshi, and 85.3% originated from the Indian subcontinent. One patient, subsequently found to have a perforated gastric cancer, died. In 116 patients, 26 complications were recorded in 20 patients (17.2%). Common risk factors for perforation were smoking, history of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). A significantly increased risk of perforation was evident during the daytime fasting month of Ramadan. An increase in the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score (p = 0.047) and a reduced white blood cell count (0.04) were highly significant for the prediction of postoperative complications. Conclusion: Patients with dyspeptic symptoms and a history of previous PUD should be considered for prophylactic treatment to prevent ulcer recurrence during prolonged daytime fasting in Ramadan, especially during the winter time.

Shading in photovoltaic systems can cause many undesired effects. When shading occurs, the power generated from the PV system is much less than nominal power, increasing the electrical mismatching losses between PV system components. Active research to address this power loss focuses on static and adaptive systems. This paper addresses an adaptive system solution and proposes a new method to adaptively overcome losses due to shading during low radiation conditions. In addition, a statistical analysis for choosing the most feasible and efficient configuration for the system size is presented. The proposed system has been validated under shade conditions in a simulation and prototype experiment. The experiments are conducted using a PV system consisting of 10 PV modules located at the Petroleum Institute in the United Arab Emirates. The proposed system is shown to minimize the shading losses of the PV array in real time by an average of 100% under simulated conditions and 84% in practical experiments.

This paper investigates the effect of quarry waste sand (QWS) on the physical and mechanical properties of recycled aggregates concrete (RAC). Two sets of concretes were made one with natural sand (NS) and another with QWS sand. Five mixes with replacement ratios of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of ordinary coarse aggregates (OCA) by recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) were produced for each set. Tests were performed to determine slump, compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption by immersion and shrinkage. The results showed that the mixes produced with QWS sand exhibited slightly better fresh and hardened properties. The combination of QWS sand and RCA aggregates reduces the degradation often recorded and makes RAC concrete to have the same level of performance as concrete with ordinary aggregates. Some relationships were deduced to express each performance of QWS sand-based concrete with that of NS sand-based concrete. This makes the use of this sand very practical and its modifications easily quantifiable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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