Search

Rasha Elbialy Elsharkawy,1 Ghada Saed Abdel Azim,1 Marwa Abdellah Osman,1 Hend Maghraby Maghraby,2 Rehab Abdelfattah Mohamed,2 Eman Mahmoud Abdelsalam,2 Eman Elshohat Ebrahem,3 Nora Mohamed Ahmed Seliem3 1Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; 2Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; 3Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, EgyptCorrespondence: Hend Maghraby MaghrabyDepartment of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, 6 October 3rd Destination, Cairo, 12573, EgyptTel +201114911897Email drhendms@gmail.comBackground: Neuropathy is one of most common complications in diabetic patients. Diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy is essential for decreasing the rate of the disability and death. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is released from damaged neuronal cells and enters the blood circulation through an injured blood brain barrier. Therefore, serum NSE can reflect the damage of neurons and brain tissue.Objective: To evaluate peripheral polyneuropathy and cognitive function in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and correlate them with NSE level as a possible biomarker of diabetic neuropathy.Subjects and Methods: Forty five T2DM patients with polyneuropathy were randomly recruited in this study compared to 45 healthy age and sex matched subjects as a control. Patients group were divided into two subgroups, 24 diabetic patients with painful peripheral neuropathy and 21 with painless peripheral neuropathy. All were subjected to clinical assessment by diabetic neuropathy symptom score, Dyck neuropathy grading, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), assessment of HbA1c, NSE biomarker and neurophysiological assessment (nerve conduction study (NCS), event related potential (P300wave) and somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) of the right median nerve).Results: There were significant decrease in cognitive functions in diabetic patients compared to controls and a significant increase in NSE in diabetic patients. There were no significant difference between patients with painless and painful diabetic neuropathy as regard MMSE, HbA1c and NSE. There were significant correlation of P300 in diabetic patients with HbA1c and NSE.Conclusion: Neurophysiological assessment of diabetic patients by NCS, SSEP and P300 have well evaluation of cognitive functions, painless, and painful diabetic polyneuropathy. NSE is a beneficial biomarker in diabetic patients to pick up neurological complications.Keywords: diabetic neuropathy, Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE, neuron-specific enolase, NSE, nerve conduction study, glycated hemoglobin

Doaa M Abdel-Salam,1,2 Rehab A Mohamed,3 Hind Y Alyousef,4 Wahaj A Almasoud,4 Mashael B Alanzi,4 Atheer Z Mubarak,4 Doaa M Osman2 1Family and Community Medicine Department, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Aljouf 42421, Saudi Arabia; 2Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt; 3Family Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt; 4College of Medicine, Jouf University, Aljouf 42421, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Doaa M Abdel-SalamPublic Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, EgyptTel +966537242691Fax +966146542256Email doaa.mazen@aun.edu.egPurpose: Mammography screening (MS) is an underutilized screening tool; although it is provided free of charge to the Saudi community. The present study aimed at assessing knowledge and barriers of mammography screening among women attending primary health centers in Aljouf region, Saudi Arabia.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 423 women aged 41– 75 years attending ten primary health centers in Aljouf region, Saudi Arabia. Structured interviewing questionnaires were used for data collection. SPSS program, version 24 was used for data analysis.Results: The least reported risk factors of BC in this study were early menarche (14.9%), first pregnancy after the age of 30 years (18%), and late menopause (18.7%). Concerning knowledge of MS, 50.8% of the women correctly identified that mammogram is the ideal method for detecting BC. The most encountered personal barriers towards MS were lack of information about mammogram (69.5%), fear of exposure to radiation (67.4%), fear of discovery of BC (62.9%), being busy all the time (62.2%), and fear of cancer treatment (61.9%). Regarding economic barriers, 40% of the participants reported that taking sick leave from work is difficult while 37.8% revealed that mammogram is costly. Concerning health system barriers, the most common barriers were fear of error in diagnosis (62.6%), long time to take medical appointment (57%), and preferring not to have a mammogram except after a doctor recommendation (52.7%). The present study showed that women’s education and residence significantly predicted their knowledge. Furthermore, women’s education and income significantly predicted their barriers towards MS.Conclusion: Many barriers toward mammography screening were encountered in the present study. Addressing these barriers and raising awareness about MS may be of great value to increase its uptake by Saudi women.Keywords: knowledge, barriers, health services, secondary prevention, Saudi Arabia

Abstract This research presents an innovative approach to Egyptian car plate recognition using YOLOv8 and optical character recognition (OCR) technologies. Leveraging the powerful object detection capabilities of YOLOv8, the system efficiently detects car plates within images, videos, or real-time. Subsequently, OCR algorithms are applied to extract alphanumeric characters from the identified plates, facilitating accurate license plate recognition. The integration of YOLOv8 and OCR enhances the system's robustness in varying conditions, contributing to improved performance in real-world scenarios. This study advances the field of automatic license plate recognition, showcasing the potential for practical applications in traffic management, law enforcement, and security systems. A public dataset of Egyptian car plates is used for training and testing the model. Two OCR approaches are used and tested which proved their performance, while CNN-based approach reaches 99.4% accuracy.

After 39 generations of selection, a commercial paternal rabbit line, utilised by farmers through artificial inseminations with sperm from males in a three-way crossbreeding scheme based on average daily weight gain merit (ADG), present a deleterious effect on the reproductive performance. This poses a challenge for the continuation of the breeding program. To address this, our study employed repeated backcrossing, a strategy widely used in the recovery of endangered breeds, to improve the litter size traits of this paternal line. For this purpose, we used a maternal line characterised by its reproductive robustness merit (LP line). The study was conducted in two phases: initially, elite males from the R line were crossed with females from the LP line, and female offspring (BC1) were backcrossed twice with elite males from the R line to create the RLP population (BC3). The best sires and dams from the BC3 population were selected for breeding based on two phenotypically criteria: more than 50 g/day in ADG and being part of a litter with at least 7 live kits at weaning, over three generations. With this experimental design, the ADG merit of sires and dams in the G3 was more than 51 g/day. Regarding litter traits, significant improvements were observed due to heterosis, which diminished as the frequency of R line genes increased. Comparisons between BC1 and BC3 backcrosses showed 9.94 vs. 7.80 for litter size at birth (NB), 9.13 vs. 6.53 for number born alive (NBA), 7.19 vs. 4.99 for litter size at weaning (NW), and 5.65 vs. 4.54 for litter size at marketing (NM), respectively. Nevertheless, after three generations of selection (G3), the litter trait merit showed values of 7.46 for NB and 6.15 for NBA, with heritability of 0.12 and 0.11, respectively, resulting in an improvement of nearly 1 kit per parity (a 25% increase) compared to the R line. Our study illustrated the possibility of improving a rabbit paternal line in terms of litter size merit by integrating genes from a maternal line through three backcrosses, without compromising the ADG merit. This is crucial for extending our breeding program beyond the current 39 generations.HIGHLIGHTS Three backcrossing resulting in an improvement of nearly 1 kit per parity Backcrossing can enhance litter size merit without affecting growth rates. Progeny average daily gain merit remains stable across backcrossing efforts.

Abstract Background This study was exclusively focused on the documentation and cross-cultural evaluation of ethnomedicinal knowledge (EMK) within the diverse linguistic groups of Kohistan situated between the Himalayan and Hindukush Mountain ranges in the north Pakistan. Methods Data were gathered during the field survey (May 2022 to July 2023) through group conversations, semi-structured interviews, and on-site observation. Venn diagrams were employed to illustrate the comparative assessment of EMK, and different ethnobotanical indices were utilized to examine the data. Results A total of 96 wild medicinal plant species (MPs) belonging to 74 genera and 52 botanical families were documented. The most reported MPs belong to the family Polygonaceae (11 species), followed by Asteraceae (9 species) and Lamiaceae (8 species). The ethnomedicinal uses of Leontopodium himalayanum, Pedicularis oederi, Plocama brevifolia, Polypodium sibiricum, Pteridium esculentum, Sambucus wightiana, Solanum cinereum, Teucrium royleanum, Rhodiola integrifolia, Aconitum chasmanthum were reported for the first time in this region. Among the reported taxa herbaceous species were dominated (72%), followed by trees and shrubs (17% and 10%, respectively). Digestive problems (40 taxa and 114 use reports) and skin disorders (19 taxa and 549 use reports) were the most cited disease categories, whereas M. communis, M. longifolia, Ajuga integrifolia, Ziziphus jujuba, and Clematis grata exhibited the highest percentage fidelity levels. Out of 109 documented medicinal uses, a mere 12 were shared across all linguistic groups, and Bateri emerges as a notable outlier with the highest number of medicinal uses. In addition, a significant homogeneity was noted in the reported botanical taxa (61 species) among different linguistic groups. However, since the last decade biocultural heritage of Kohistan is facing multifaceted risks that need urgent attention. Conclusion Our findings could be valuable addition to the existing stock of ethnomedicinal knowledge and may provide ethnopharmacological basis to novel drug discovery for preexisting and emerging diseases prioritizing detailed phytochemical profiling and the evaluation of bioactive potential.

The concept of a circular economy (CE) is a sustainable development strategy aimed at minimising waste and maximising resource efficiency. This paper explores the transition towards a circular economy in Nigeria, providing an overview of the challenges, opportunities, and future perspectives. Nigeria is rich in natural resources and has significant economic potential. However, the country faces severe environmental, economic, and social challenges that could be met with a circular economy. Although Nigeria has abundant natural resources and great economic potential, it faces many significant environmental, economic, and social challenges that must be addressed to move to a circular economy as a viable solution. The methods used in research are based on a mixed-methods research approach; the study synthesises findings from a comprehensive literature review, case studies of Nigerian businesses adopting CE practices, and insights from a SWOT analysis conducted in consultation with experts. The conclusions of the SWOT analysis, enriched by discussions with experts, form the basis for a set of targeted recommendations. These recommendations are aimed at policymakers, business leaders, and practitioners, outlining strategic actions to overcome the identified barriers and harness the opportunities inherent in a circular economy. This paper contributes to the scholarly discourse on sustainability and serves as a practical guide for other developing countries navigating the transition to a circular economy. It underscores the urgency and feasibility of adopting circular economy principles in Nigeria, highlighting the path towards a more sustainable, efficient, and economically robust future. In the study, prospects for Nigeria to benefit from include increased resource efficiency, job creation, economic diversification, and environmental sustainability if the circular economy approach were applied.

This study aims to address the problem of porosity preservation in the Mangahewa Formation of five main hydrocarbon fields covering onshore and offshore of the Taranaki Basin. An integrated reservoir characterization of the Middle to Late Eocene Mangahewa Formation is achieved through petrophysical evaluation, sedimentological and petrographical descriptions, and well log analysis methods. Petrophysical parameters (porosity and permeability) were acquired from the available core analysis and using mathematical equations to obtain other petrophysical matrices such as normalized porosity index (NPI) and reservoir quality index (RQI). Factors that affected Mangahewa reservoir were studied through thin-section microscopy and well-log analysis helped to measure the reservoir and hydrocarbon potentiality in the Mangahewa Formation. The Mangahewa Formation is dominated by sandstone and a range of marginal to shallow marine facies with varying hydraulic flow units (HFU). The Mangahewa Formation has a high positive correlation in porosity-permeability relationship and has a maximum of 4.67 μm RQI and 20.08 μm FZI (Well Kapuni-14) which reflect potential reservoir. The Mangahewa Formation observed from Wells Kapuni-14, Maui-A1G, McKee-16A, and Mokau-1 are dominated with 59.6%, 56.4%, 79.3%, and 68% of macro- and megapores, respectively. The presence of authigenic clay and calcite cement has greatly reduced the reservoir quality; however, primary and secondary pores are still observed within the Mangahewa sands. Moreover, well log analysis was carried out on four wells in Taranaki Basin, to run a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the Mangahewa reservoir. Eight potential reservoir zones were examined, revealing that the Mangahewa Formation has a very low shale volume of less than 6%, good effective porosity ranging between 11.0% and 13.3%, up to 36.2% of average water saturation and maximum of 69.8% average hydrocarbon saturation. In conclusion, from this comprehensive study, it can be deduced that the Mangahewa Formation possesses fair to good reservoir quality and hydrocarbon potentiality.

This study aimed to identify a new feed for Catla catla post larvae. There is no suitable feed in Sri Lanka for post-larvae of Indian carp. A complete randomized design was used. Two feeds were formulated using different nutrient compositions with 32 % and 25 % of the fish meal separately. The formulated feeds were used as treatment one and treatment two. Commercial feed was used as the control. Catla catla post-larvae were stocked at a density of 300 post larvae per m2 in nine cement tanks. Growth parameters were measured every two other days. Feeds were formulated according to the nutrient requirement of Catla catla post larvae. Water quality parameters were measured daily to maintain the water quality at the proper level. T-test preformed in Mini tab 16.0. Total body weight and length were significantly different (p

Clean water is a necessity for many organisms, especially human life. Due to many factors, there is a significant shortage of potable water. This has led to efforts involving recovering water from wastewater or the sea through different technologies. Recently, the desalination of seawater via the reverse osmosis system has shown to be a promising method for drinking water treatment and recovery. Such a technique relies on mathematical models based on many parameters, resulting in special PDEs to model the reverse osmosis system. This paper develops a numerical method to solve a reverse osmosis model. The governing PDE is converted into a Sylvester equation that is proved to be uniquely solvable, stable, consistent, and convergent. The numerical scheme developed is validated with experimental data from the literature, and some numerical simulations.

Description of the subject. Impact of anthropogenic activities via metal pollution on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in rhizopheric soils of date palms in urban and peri-urban areas. Objective. The study’s objective was to assess the impact of rhizospheric soil contamination via various chemical species of heavy metals on the AMF spore density associated with date palms. Methods. A collection of date palm’s rhizospheric soil samples from eight sites including three boulevards, three gardens and two distinct areas of the Marrakesh palm grove. These samples were used for counting endomycorrhizal fungal spores, for estimating mycorrhization state of root system and for physico-chemical analyzes. A five-stage sequential extraction scheme was used to evaluate the fractionation of some heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn and Fe). Pearson’s correlation coefficients between AMF spore’s density and metal species were determined and a multiple linear regression was tested to predict AMF spore density from chemical species content of soil. Results. A mycorrhizal dependency of date palm was indicated, since a high frequency (61 to 98%) and a middle intensity (10 to 47%) of root colonization by AMF were recorded. The spore density from all sites was found in increasing order of boulevards, garden then palm groves. A significant correlation between AMF spores’ density and some metal species rhizospheric soil content was recorded ; negative for sulphide-bound [ lead (r = - 0.81) and Zinc (r = - 0.70) ] and for exchangeable fraction Copper (r = - 0.79) whereas it's positive for exchangeable fraction Zinc (r = 0.70). AMF spores’ density predictions from Sulphide-bound Zinc and exchangeable fraction Copper exhibited a good fit, with higher R2 value (0.91, p = 0.002). Conclusions. Since Date palm has a mycotrophic nature, the sustainability of the microbial populations associated with their roots might be ensured by modifying some chemical forms of heavy metals like Sulphide-bound Zinc and exchangeable fraction Copper.

In this review, the transformative role of polymer nanocomposites in hydrogen production from challenging water sources is explored. Their catalytic efficiency and unique properties are highlighted, making them vital for overcoming complexities in hydrogen generation. Polymer nanocomposites demonstrate exceptional adaptability to various water compositions, including wastewater and saline water, enhancing efficiency, stability, and compatibility. In this review, the significance of these nanomaterials in the sustainable energy landscape is underscored, showcasing their ability to outperform conventional methods. Key breakthroughs in catalytic efficiency and adaptability are emphasized, illustrating their crucial role in clean hydrogen production. Looking forward, in this review, potential applications of polymer nanocomposites in diverse fields, from industrial processes to energy sector advancements, are identified. This synthesis of findings not only enhances the understanding but also sets the stage for the widespread adoption of polymer nanocomposites in meeting the global demand for sustainable hydrogen production.

Background & objectives: Notably, 17-hydroxy progesterone (17-OHP) (17-OHP) is a precursor for testosterone (T) synthesis, and intratesticular testosterone (ITT) is essential for spermatogenesis. Varicocele (Vx) has an estimated prevalence of 15% in the general population and 35% in those with primary infertility. We aimed to evaluate the correlation between changes of serum 17-OHP after sub-inguinal micro-varicocelectomy and improvement of semen parameters. Patients and methods: The current prospective study included 45 infertile men attending the andrology clinic form February 2021 to August 2021. Two semen analyses and hormonal profile were evaluated. Colored duplex ultasonography (CDUS) was done in standing and supine position for accurate measurements of testicular volumes and confirmation of Vx. Patients underwent sub-inguinal micro-varicocelectomy using a surgical microscope HB surgitech. We followed them prospectively up for three months following micro-varicocelectomy with serum TT and 17-OHP. Results: Sperm concentration improved significantly from 8.36 ± 5.04 million/ml to 12.52 ± 8.42 million/ml after 3 months following sub-inguinal micro-varicocelectomy (p= 0.001), with normalization of concentration in 15/45 (33%) patients. Total motility did not improve significantly but progressive motility improved significantly from 8.62 ± 8.74% to 16.24 ± 14.45% (p=0.001). Abnormal forms significantly declined from 96.67 ± 2.03% to 95.75 ± 2.47% (p=0.009). Serum 17 OHP and 17 OHP/total testosterone (TT) improved significantly from 1.21 ± 0.45 ng/ml and 0.26 ± 0.09 to 1.42 ± 0.76 ng/ml and 0.3 ± 0.16 (p= 0.013, p= 0.004), respectively, while serum TT did not improve significantly. A significant correlation was found between improvement in sperm concentration and both serum 17 OHP and 17 OHP/TT ratio (p=0.001, p=004). Furthermore, change in abnormal sperm forms showed significant correlations with changes in both 17-OHP and 17-OHP/TT. Conclusion: 17 OHP and 17OHP/ TT ratio can be used as biomarkers to detect improvement in semen parameters following sub-inguinal micro-varicocelectomy.

This research explores a sustainable approach for fabricating high-performance nanodiamond composite (NDC) hard coatings for dry machining. Aiming to address limitations in conventional coatings, such as environmental concerns, restricted film thickness, and compromised performance. The study utilizes Coaxial Arc Plasma Deposition (CAPD), a clean and efficient technique, to deposit thick (10 μm) NDC films directly on WC−Co substrates without chemical etching. Compared to traditional Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), CAPD offers significant advantages: lower temperature deposition, faster growth rate, and precise control over film thickness and morphology. The resulting NDC films boast exceptional durability due to their unique nanostructure, diamond nanocrystallites embedded in an amorphous carbon matrix. The addition of Al-interlayers (100–500 nm thickness) optimizes film properties. The optimal interlayer at 100 nm thickness not only mitigates the catalytic effects of Co but also enhances film hardness (50.4–58 GPa), Young's modulus (516–613.75 GPa), and adhesion (13–18.5 N) compared to films without an interlayer. Notably, the 100 nm Al-interlayer triples the deposition rate to 3.3 μm/h, achieving the desired thickness for effective hard coatings. The high density of grain boundaries within the films allows for exceptional stress release, enabling this increased thickness. Furthermore, these grain boundaries and the graphitic phase contribute to the film's superior tribological performance – a low coefficient of friction (0.1) and minimal wear rate (1.5 × 10⁻7 mm³/N⋅m) under dry machining conditions. These findings demonstrate the immense potential of CAPD-deposited NDC films as a sustainable alternative for advanced cutting tools, promoting environmental responsibility, economic viability, and energy efficiency.

Résumé: À travers une approche historique, cette étude analyse les mécanismes et l’intérêt de la transformation de la prison d’Adzopé en un espace de ziara. Ce faisant, les disciples Hamawis étant les précurseurs de cette mutation, l’auteur présente, d’abord, les différents types de ziara que cette structure religieuse organise, tout en faisant ressortir les différents lieux dédiés à cet effet ainsi que leur contexte d’apparition. Ensuite, il analyse les ziaras comme système de recherche de Barakat en empathie avec l’activité économique informelle assujettie par les femmes de ladite confrérie. L’espace de la prison d’Adzopé, cédé à la communauté musulmane par l’État de Côte d’Ivoire, l’auteur analyse l’ambition du gouvernement ivoirien de renforcer sa coopération avec le Maroc comme l’ultime intérêt de cette cession. Mots-clés : Prison, Ziara, Hamawiyya, Côte d’Ivoire, Maroc

Open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair remains associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates despite advancements in surgical techniques. In our technique, we describe partial aortic clamping for debranching of the visceral and renal arteries and the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as an alternative perfusion strategy. The advantage of using our technique is the reduced need for heparinization, a less inflammatory response, no need for cooling of the patient, the reduction of cardiac overload and limited ischemia time to all intra-abdominal organs and lower extremities. Central message: ECMO and abdominal debranching with partial thoracic clamping during TAAA repair are ideal for reducing ischemia.

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events. Despite the recognized negative impact of SCH on cardiovascular health, research on cardiac postoperative outcomes with SCH has yielded conflicting results, and patients are not currently treated for SCH before cardiac surgery procedures. Methods: We performed a study-level meta-analysis on the impact of SCH on patients undergoing nonurgent cardiac surgery, including coronary artery bypass grafting and valve and aortic surgery. The primary outcome was operative mortality. Secondary outcomes were hospital length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) stay, postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF), intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) use, renal complications, and long-term all-cause mortality. Results: Seven observational studies, with a total of 3445 patients, including 851 [24.7%] diagnosed with SCH and 2594 [75.3%] euthyroid patients) were identified. Compared to euthyroid patients, the patients with SCH had higher rates of operative mortality (odds ratio [OR], 2.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-6.04; P = .03), prolonged hospital LOS (standardized mean difference, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.02-0.62; P = .04), a higher rate of renal complications (OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.74-3.69; P

Having an additional tool for swiftly determining the extent of flood damage to crops with confidence is beneficial. This study focuses on estimating rice crop damage caused by flooding in Candaba, Pampanga, using open-source satellite data. By analyzing the correlation between Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) measurements from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and Sentinel-2 (S2) satellite data, a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative for agricultural monitoring is explored. This study comprises two stages: establishing a correlation between clear sky observations and NDVI measurements, and employing a combination of S2 NDVI and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) NDVI to estimate crop damage. The integration of SAR and optical satellite data overcomes cloud cover challenges during typhoon events. The accuracy of standing crop estimation reached up to 99.2%, while crop damage estimation reached up to 99.7%. UAVs equipped with multispectral cameras prove effective for small-scale monitoring, while satellite imagery offers a valuable alternative for larger areas. The strong correlation between UAV and satellite-derived NDVI measurements highlights the significance of open-source satellite data in accurately estimating rice crop damage, providing a swift and reliable tool for assessing flood damage in agricultural monitoring.

Abstract Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach for the controlled release of nutrients, particularly phosphorus and potassium. These essential plant nutrients are often applied in excess, leading to environmental pollution and loss of efficiency in crop production. Innovative economic and highly efficient fertilizers are urgently needed to achieve the targeted crop production worldwide in the presence of limited land and water resources. Therefore, in this study, novel, eco-friendly, cost-effective and enhanced efficiency nano-enabled fertilizers, NEF (nWTF1and nWTF2) were synthesized by impregnation of nanostructured water treatment residuals (nWTR) with (KH2PO4 + MgO) at 1:1 and 3:1 (w/w) ratios respectively using a planetary ball mill. The nWTR, nWTF1 and nWTF2 were extensively characterized. The water retention behavior and the sustained release of nutrients from the fabricated nano-enabled fertilizers (nWTF1 and nWTF2) in distilled water and sandy soil were investigated and monitored over time. The water retention capacity of the soil treated with nWTF2 after 26 days was 9.3 times higher than that of soil treated with conventional fertilizer. In addition, the nWTF2 exhibited lower release rates of P, K and Mg nutrients for longer release periods in comparison with the conventional fertilizers. This is a significant advantage over traditional fertilizers, which release nutrients quickly and can lead to leaching and nutrient loss. The main interaction mechanisms of PO4–K–Mg ions with nWTR surface were suggested. The results of the kinetics study revealed that power function was the best suitable model to describe the kinetics of P, K and Mg release data from NEF in water and soil. The produced NEF were applied to Zea maize plants and compared to commercial chemical fertilizer control plants. The obtained results revealed that the nano-enabled fertilizers (nWTF1 and nWTF2) significantly promoted growth, and P content compared with the commercial chemical fertilizer treated plants. The present work demonstrated the power of nano enabled fertilizers as efficient and sustained release nano-fertilizers for sustainable agriculture and pollution free environment.

On the one hand, this study assesses the evolution of climatological parameters in the Zaër region between 1986 and 2021 and, on the other hand, it studies the effect of climatic variations on cereal and leguminous crop yields between 2000 and 2020, in order to further elucidate the consequences of their fluctuations on crop yields and to mitigate their regression process by making it possible to analyze favorable adaptation strategies for agricultural systems that can be envisaged for the coming decades. The methodology is based on the use of trend curves and statistics (averages and standard deviations) to analyze changes in climatic parameters and their effects on yields. The results show that the average temperature in the Zaër region is set to rise from 19°C in 1986 to 22°C in 2020. Higher temperatures mean lower yields of rainfed cereals and pulses, and average rainfall varies between 330 mm in 1986 and 570 mm in 2021, with rainfall increasing the likelihood of crop failure in the short term and reducing production in the long term. In addition, the rainy season is short (4 to 5 months per year). These characteristics make Zaër's agriculture very sensitive to climate-related threats. Studying seasonal climate forecasts before each rainy season can help farmers to minimize rainfall hazards and thus optimize their crop yields. Keywords: agriculture, climate change, semi-arid regions, crop yield, cultivated area.

Due to the benefits of solid-state joining, friction stir welding (FSW) has seen an increase in applications in the aircraft and automotive industries. However, short tool life and heat-affected zone (HAZ) softening are the two main issues with the FSW of advanced high-strength steel. In this study, the underwater friction stir welding (UFSW) of 1Cr11Ni2W2MoV steel was investigated and compared to the Normal friction stir welding (NFSW). Besides, a 3-D thermo-mechanical finite element model was developed to understand the effect of the different cooling mediums and tool rotation rates on the thermal cycles, plastic deformation, tool wear, and microstructure evolution. The simulation results revealed that the stir zone (SZ) of the UFSW exhibits lower peak temperatures and smaller plastic strain compared to the NFSW. The experimental results showed that a high tool rotation rate can be used during UFSW without causing overheating of the workpiece and tool materials resulting in high joint quality and low tool wear. The M23C6 and Fe3C carbide fractions in the HAZ at UFSW are lower than that at NFSW. The UFSW reduces the soft HAZ's width and increases its hardness. The ultimate tensile strength was increased by 17 %, and the HAZ width was decreased by 35 % at UFSW compared to that at NFSW.

Abstract Background Myopia is the most prevalent form of refractive error that has a major negative impact on visual function and causes blurring of vision. We aimed to determine if Repeated Low-Level Red Light (RLRL) treatment is beneficial in treating childhood myopia in terms of axial length (AL), spherical equivalent refraction (SER), and sub foveal choroidal thickness (SFCT). Methods This systematic review was performed on RLRL for treatment of myopia in children compared to single vision spectacles (SVS). We employed the search strategy with key terms myopia and low-level light therapy then we searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases. The mean differences (MD) were used to evaluate the treatment effects. Heterogeneity was quantified using I2 statistics and explored by sensitivity analysis. Results Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in our meta-analysis with a total of 833 patients, 407 in treatment group and 426 in control group. At a 3 month follow up period, pooled studies show a statistical difference in AL between RLRL and SVS group (MD = -0.16; 95% CI [-0.19, -0.12], SER (MD = 0.33; 95% CI [0.27, 0.38]), and SFCT (MD = 43.65; 95% CI [23.72, 45.58]). At a 6 month follow up period, pooled studies show a statistical difference in AL between RLRL and SVS group (MD = -0.21; 95% CI [-0.28, -0.15]), SER (MD = 0.46; 95% CI [0.26, 0.65]), and SFCT (MD = 25.07; 95% CI [18.18, 31.95]). At a 12 month follow up period, pooled studies show a statistical difference in AL between RLRL and SVS group (MD = -0.31; 95% CI [-0.42, -0.19]) and SER (MD = 0.63; 95% CI [0.52, 0.73]). Conclusion This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis investigating only RCTs evidence supporting the efficacy of 650 nm RLRL for myopia control in the short term of 3, 6, and 12 months follow up. The present review revealed the clinical significance of RLRL as a new alternative treatment for myopia control with good user acceptability and no documented functional or structural damage. However, the effect of long-term RLRL treatment and the rebound effect after cessation require further investigations.

Abstract The aim of this research is to present correction factors for the punching shear formulas of ACI-318 and EC2 design codes to adopt the punching capacity of post tensioned ultra-high-performance concrete (PT-UHPC) flat slabs. To achieve that goal, the results of previously tested PT-UHPC flat slabs were used to validate the developed finite element method (FEM) model in terms of punching shear capacity. Then, a parametric study was conducted using the validated FEM to generate two databases, each database included concrete compressive strength, strands layout, shear reinforcement capacity and the aspect ratio of the column besides the correction factor (the ratio between the FEM punching capacity and the design code punching capacity). The first considered design code in the first database was ACI-318 and in the second database was EC2. Finally, there different “Machine Learning” (ML) techniques manly “Genetic programming” (GP), “Artificial Neural Network” (ANN) and “Evolutionary Polynomial Regression” (EPR) were applied on the two generated databases to predict the correction factors as functions of the considered parameters. The results of the study indicated that all the developed (ML) models showed almost the same level of accuracy in terms of the punching ultimate load (about 96%) and the ACI-318 correction factor depends mainly on the concrete compressive strength and aspect ratio of the column, while the EC2 correction factor depends mainly on the concrete compressive strength and the shear reinforcement capacity.

Abstract Climate change has been inducing a continuous increase in temperatures within the Arctic region, consequently leading to an escalation in the rates of Arctic ice depletion. These changes have profound implications for navigation along the Arctic Northern Sea Route (NSR). However, access to the NSR is constrained to specific temporal intervals when the sea ice thickness reaches a threshold that permits safe passage of ships. This research employs climate change model simulations and the Polar Operational Limit Assessment Risk Indexing System framework to investigate the navigational feasibility of diverse ship types along NSR during the calendar years 2030, 2040, and 2050, under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios. Different ship categories were analyzed within the context of these two scenarios. Results indicate considerable variation in the navigability of different ship categories across different scenarios and years. In general, polar ships demonstrate a higher navigational potential throughout most of the year, while pleasure crafts are constrained to specific periods. These findings bear significant implications for the future of shipping along the NSR. As Arctic ice continues to melt, NSR is anticipated to become more accessible to ships, albeit with navigational availability remaining contingent on the ship category and seasonal considerations.

Modern research is focused on the discovery of new compounds that meet the requirements of modern construction. An example of low energy consumption is that buildings consume between 20% and 40% of energy. In this research, the effect of fiber addition on the properties of compacted earth bricks composed of clay and sand and fixed with cement is studied. Fiberglass or palm are used in different proportions (0% and 0.4%). This is done by studying the change in mechanical and thermal properties. The study focuses on clarifying the role of fiber type and the amount of compressive force applied to the soil. To change the properties of bricks. This is studied using experimental methods and systematization criteria. The results showed a decrease in density by 9.1%, with a decrease in water absorption by 8%, an increase in brick hardness by 42.7%, and a decrease in thermal conductivity by 22.2%. These results show that the addition of fiber improves mechanical and thermal properties. Which reduces energy consumption. The results are important because they explain the changes that occur in the earth block when palm fibers and glass are added and how they are used to improve earthen buildings.

ABSTRACT1,2,3-triazole is a five-member nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound with diverse biological activities. A number of 1,2,3-triazole-containing FDA-approved drugs are available on the market, and many other pharmaceutically significant potential molecules are under clinical investigation. Therefore, it is fairly reasonable to anticipate that there will be an increase in demand for new triazole-containing drugs in the coming future. Because of its broad pharmacological applications, it has recently attracted the attention of scientists worldwide. This review provides a concise summary of the synthetic techniques for triazole compounds from various strategies and their medical importance as a lead structure for the enhancement of therapeutic molecules.

AbstractThe primary objective of the research effort is to establish efficient solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (S-SNEDDS) for benidipine (BD) through the systematic application of a quality-by-design (QbD)-based paradigm. Utilizing Labrafil M 2125 CS, Kolliphor EL, and Transcutol P, the BD-S-SNEDDS were created. The central composite design was adopted to optimize numerous components. Zeta potential, drug concentration, resistance to dilution, pH, refractive index, viscosity, thermodynamic stability, and cloud point were further investigated in the most efficient formulation, BD14, which had a globule size of 156.20 ± 2.40 nm, PDI of 0.25, zeta potential of −17.36 ± 0.18 mV, self-emulsification time of 65.21 ± 1.95 s, % transmittance of 99.80 ± 0.70%, and drug release of 92.65 ± 1.70% at 15 min. S-SNEDDS were formulated using the adsorption process and investigated via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Differential scanning calorimeter, Scanning electron microscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction. Optimized S-SNEDDS batch BD14 dramatically decreased blood pressure in rats in contrast to the pure drug and the commercial product, according to a pharmacodynamics investigation. Accelerated stability tests validated the product’s stability. Therefore, the development of oral S-SNEDDS of BD may be advantageous for raising BD's water solubility and expanding their releasing capabilities, thereby boosting oral absorption.

Background Data: Lumbar instability is considered an essential aetiology of low back pain (LBP) which is always accompanied by considerable disability. The term ‘instability’ remains poorly defined. But it is most broadly explained by any change of the normal mechanism of spinal motion which leads to pain and/or neurological impairment. It was reported that ‘Segmental instability can be defined as a pathological reaction to the applied loads, characterized by motion in motion segments more than normal constraints. The dynamic system can stabilize an unstable segment adequately but permits more mobility in the fixed levels than the conventional fixation systems. Study design: prospective, consecutive study Patients and Methods: This study was conducted in Mansoura University hospitals over one year (starting from September 2019 till August 2020) Twenty patients who presented with back pain fulfilled our criteria and were included in this study and underwent surgery for lumbar fixation using a hybrid performance system with dynamic coupler. The history of all patients was taken and they were subjected to clinical examination and preoperative full radiological examination. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate POP. Regular follow-up visits were arranged for our cases 6 weeks, three months and 6 months postoperative. Results: This study included 20 patients (7 males and 13 females). The ages of the studied patients ranged from 20 to 33 years. 9 patients presented with L4- 5 affection, 8 patients with L3- 4 affection and three patients with L2-3 affection. The mean basal VAS score was 5.45 (range=4-6) while the mean six months VAS score was 0.40 (range=0-1) with a statistically significant difference from the basal VAS score (p ? 0.001). Also, the results show that post-operative QoL scale scores was significantly higher (p? 0.001) compared with pre-operative QoL scale scores (Physical function (54.30 vs. 67.10), limitations due to physical health (55.55 vs. 67.90)). Conclusion: The current study suggested that Dynamic lumbar fixation provides favourable and stable clinical mid-term results in patients suffering from a degenerative lumbar spinal disease (DLSD) and can be a considerable alternative to fusion surgery in these patients.

The present study was conducted with the aim to assess the impact of environmental conditions on polyphenolic content and free radical scavenging ability in the leaves of N. officinale used as food and medicine in the Himalayan region of Pakistan. Samples were gathered from six different sites located in Himalaya, Hindukush, and Karakorum ranges. Polyphenolic profiling, and in vitro antioxidant potential were determied using standard analytical techniques. The samples collected from Abbottabad had significnat levels (p≤0.05) of total phenolic (331.43±41.43 mg GAE/100g DW) and total flavonoid contents (8.45±1.53 mg RutE/100g DW). Whereas, rutin, quercitin and kaempferol were maximum in samples collected from Dir(132.46±0.31, 8.80±0.05 and 0.95±0.04 µg/g, respectively). Likewise, Gallic and caffeic acids were highest in Haripur and Swat samples, whereas ferulic and p-coumaric acids were maximum in samples taken from Dir. The percentage scavenging of DPPH was maximum in samples collectded from Chitral (69.57±3.39%) and that of H2O2 at Dir (57.24±8.05%), whereas samples collected from Abbottabad depicted maximum inhibition of ferric and molybdate ions. Total phenolic and total flavonoids contents exhibited highly significant positive correlations (p≤0.01) with ferric and molybdate ions reduction capacity. Cluster and principal component analyses also depicted significant associations among samples collected from Abbottabad-Haripur, Dir-Swat, and Mansehra-Chilas. Our findings contribute in understanding the antioxidant potential of N. officinale leaves, and highlights the importance of polyphenolic composition and environmental factors in future investigations related to its nutraceutical applications. Further research on detailed phytochemcial profiling, their in vitro and in vivo mechanisms of action could unveil the potential of this plant as a functional food.

Social Media Influencers (SMI) is one of the favorite domains for many researchers because of its powerful ability to connect stakeholders. The importance of this topic has dynamically evolved that attracted the attention of researchers, academics, manufacturers, consumers, and practitioners to exploit social media. The present research attempts to cover the dynamic changes that the SMI has undergone in the period 2011–2023. It further critically analyzes the most relevant 61 pieces of research published in different journals in the SMI domain. The identified researcher were critically analyzed on various basis like year of study, research design adopted, data analysis technique used, industry sector under study, and country. This enabled the exploration of the SMI, its growth, tapping the knowledge gaps, and identification of future research opportunities in the SMI. The most important finding suggests that the study field is dominated by qualitative and quantitative studies for solution-based approaches for society and consumers. The analysis also shows that there is sufficient room to broaden the research domain. Several prospective options should be looked at for instance quantitative modeling, the application of advanced techniques, and the development of efficient algorithms using machine learning, deep learning, and artificial intelligence.

In the era of Industry 4.0 (I4.0), automation and data analysis have undergone significant advancements, greatly impacting production management and operations management. Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, cloud computing (CC), and big data, have played a crucial role in shaping Logistics 4.0 (L4.0) and improving the efficiency of the manufacturing supply chain (SC), ultimately contributing to sustainability goals. The present research investigates the role of I4.0 technologies within the framework of the extended theory of planned behavior (ETPB). The research explores various variables including subjective norms, attitude, perceived behavior control, leading to word-of-mouth, and purchase intention. By modeling these variables, the study aims to understand the influence of I4.0 technologies on L4.0 to establish a sustainable manufacturing SC. A questionnaire was administered to gather input from small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) in the manufacturing industry. An empirical study along with partial least squares structural equation modeling (SEM), was conducted to analyze the data. The findings indicate that the use of I4.0 technology in L4.0 influences subjective norms, which subsequently influence attitudes and personal behavior control. This, in turn, leads to word-of-mouth and purchase intention. The results provide valuable insights for shippers and logistics service providers empowering them to enhance their performance and contribute to achieving sustainability objectives. Consequently, this study contributes to promoting sustainability in the manufacturing SC by stimulating the adoption of I4.0 technologies in L4.0.

Objective: We investigated the effects of the maintenance of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) the day of the surgery on the incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) and cardiac events in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.Methods: We performed a multicentric observational study with propensity matching on 1,072 patients treated with ACE inhibitors. We collected their baseline demographic data, comorbidities, and operative and postoperative outcomes. AKI was defined by KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcome).Results: Maintenance of an ACE inhibitor was not associated with an increased risk of AKI (OR: 1.215 (CI95%:0.657–2.24), p = 0.843, 71 patients (25.1%) vs. 68 patients (24%)). Multivariate logistic regression and sensitive analysis did not demonstrate any association between ACE inhibitor maintenance and AKI, following cardiac surgery (OR: 1.03 (CI95%:0.81–1.3)). No statistically significant difference occurs in terms of incidence of cardiogenic shock (OR: 1.315 (CI95%:0.620–2.786)), stroke (OR: 3.313 (CI95%:0.356–27.523)), vasoplegia (OR: 0.741 (CI95%:0.419–1.319)), postoperative atrial fibrillation (OR: 1.710 (CI95%:0.936–3.122)), or mortality (OR: 2.989 (CI95%:0.343–26.034)). ICU and hospital length of stays did not differ (3 [2; 5] vs. 3 [2; 5] days, p = 0.963 and 9.5 [8; 12] vs. 10 [8; 14] days, p = 0.638).Conclusion: Our study revealed that maintenance of ACE inhibitors on the day of the surgery was not associated with increased postoperative AKI. ACE inhibitor maintenance was also not associated with an increased rate of postoperative major cardiovascular events (arterial hypotension, cardiogenic shock, vasopressors use, stroke and death).

Sheet metal blanking process is a manufacturing process that is widely used in sheet metal forming and particularly in the electronics and automotive industries. The outcome and quality of the blanked parts are affected by various parameters such as the blanking clearance, the sheet metal mechanical properties and the wear of tools. However, experimental campaigns to assess the effects of these parameters on the process outcome can be prohibitively expensive for the industry. As a result, numerical simulation of the blanking process is becoming increasingly important to gain insight into the process and study these effects.The present paper provides a novel finite element (FE) simulation procedure to predict the complete blanking cycle including sheet metal cutting, sheet metal springback, punch penetration in die, and stripping phases. A blanking force curve showing the punch force at all phases can thus be obtained. The commercial finite element code ABAQUS® has been chosen to develop this procedure using ABAQUS/Explicit® code for the cutting phase and ABAQUS/Standard® code for the remaining phases. Based on this procedure, the influence of the blanking clearance on the punch force-displacement curve and on the cut edge quality has been studied. The obtained results have been compared to previous literature results and experimental findings.

This article evaluates the utilization of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymeric coatings for passive radiative cooling of commercial photovoltaic (PV) modules. The methodology involves the design of film coatings and the analysis of their optical properties. A numerical model is developed to simulate the thermal behavior of the PV system. Parametric analysis explores the influence of atmospheric parameters, such as wind speed, solar radiation, and, relative humidity on passive radiative cooling of PV panels. Adoption of PDMS and PET coatings with 200 μm film thickness increases the transmissivity of glass in the solar band gap, maintains relatively higher thermal emissivity in the first and second atmospheric windows bands, and improves radiative cooling of PV panels. At low values of solar radiation, radiative cooling is shown to be capable of maintaining the cell temperature at values lower than the ambient temperature. A case study conducted to simulate nocturnal and daytime thermal behavior of PV modules shows the potential of radiative cooling integrated into PV modules under the specific hot and humid weather conditions of Jeddah, KSA. Temperature reductions of the PV panel by about 10 °C below the ambient temperature can be accomplished on summer nights using radiative cooling. Adoption of PDMS and PET coatings slightly improves the temperature reductions by up to 1.15 °C in the case of PET and 1.35 °C in the case of PDMS.

The study attempts to propose a conceptual framework for evaluating public healthcare service quality in the Indian context. First, it aims to construct and validate the Public HealthCare Service Quality (PubHCServQual) scale for three decision models; Collective Decision Model (CDM), Independent Urban Decision Model (IUDM), and Independent Rural Decision Model (IRDM). Second, the study estimates and validates the relative importance of service quality constructs. Lastly, it evaluates Aggregate Risk Measures (ARM) by incorporating concepts of Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP). Based on the importance of factors and the probability of occurrence of dissatisfaction due to factors, the aggregate risk was evaluated for CDM, IUDM, and IRDM, using FAHP. The study successfully constructed and validated the PubHCServQual scale which is original for CDM, IUDM, and IRDM. The study directs the management of public healthcare facilities towards improvements and creates the value of service quality.

The combination of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has transformed wireless communication and data transmission. However, this advancement introduces new security challenges, specifically Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which can significantly disrupt network operations. Existing solutions often rely on single-model detection methods that may not adequately address these evolving threats. These methods may struggle with new and sophisticated attack patterns, leading to higher false positives and negatives. This work presents a new network architecture and novel approach that combines Ensemble learning with honeypot UAV to detect and mitigate DDoS attacks within SDN-UAV networks effectively. The initial phase involves detecting DDoS attacks from network traffic. Instead of relying on a single model, we use two models combined through a bagging-based ensemble method to integrate their results. In this setup, the detected attacks are promptly relayed to subordinate SDN controllers for the implementation of proactive security measures. A honeypot UAV is integrated into the architecture to enhance the system’s effectiveness. This honeypot UAV collects data on potential threats, allowing constant updates and refinement of the ensemble learning model. Furthermore, the system can proactively block traffic from these sources with this data, strengthening the defense mechanisms against DDoS attacks within the SDN-UAV network. To assess the effectiveness of our approach, we conducted training and testing experiments using the InSDN dataset. Experimental results are evaluated using various metrics, demonstrating that the proposed method consistently outperforms the state-of-the-art methods.

Abstract Background Chest wall lesions comprise benign and malignant etiologies. Numerous classification systems have been proposed based on etiology, origin site, tissue composition and whether the lesion is benign or malignant. Despite that conventional radiological studies are able to provide detailed information about the tumor morphology such as size, location, and extent tissue characteristics, yet, they cannot reliably differentiate benign from malignant neoplasms. This study aimed to detect the diagnostic value of diffusion weighted MRI and PET/CT in evaluating chest wall lesions, and in differentiating benign from malignant lesions. Results The chest wall lesions were divided into either benign or malignant; 34 cases (47.9%) were diagnosed as benign, while 37 cases (52.1%) were diagnosed as malignant. The mean ADC value of malignant lesions (0.8 ± 0.3 × 10–3 mm2/s) was significantly lower than that of benign lesions (1.3 ± 0.6 × 10–3 mm2/s). This yielded statistically significant results with cut off value of 1.25 × 10–3 mm2/s for confident diagnosis and differentiation of benign from malignant lesions, with sensitivity of 91.9%, specificity of 70.6%, positive predictive value of 77.27%, negative predictive value of 88.89% and accuracy of 81.7%. The mean SUV of malignant lesions (14.2 ± 6.1) was significantly higher than that of benign lesions (1.5 ± 1.3). This yielded statistically significant results with cut off value of 2.45 for confident diagnosis and differentiation of benign from malignant lesions, with sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 82.4%, positive predictive value of 86.05%, negative predictive value of 100%, and accuracy of 91.5%. Conclusions Both DWI-MRI and PET/CT can reliably differentiate benign from malignant lesions, yet, PET/CT showed higher sensitivity, specificity and accuracy.

Abstract Global warming can profoundly influence the mean climate over the Arabian Peninsula, which may significantly influence both natural and human systems. The present study aims to investigate the changes in the precipitation regime in response to climate change over the Arabian Peninsula, with special emphasis on the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This work is performed using a sub-set of high-resolution NASA Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Projections (NEX-GDDP) data derived from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) Global Climate Models under three different Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5). The changes are analyzed in three phases such as 2021–2050 (near future), 2051–2080 (mid future) and 2080–2100 (far future), with the period of 1985–2014 as the baseline. This study represents the first attempt to utilize data from NEX-GDDP models to project the regional patterns of precipitation regime across the Arabian Peninsula. Results suggest that the annual precipitation is expected to increase over most of the UAE by up to 30%, particularly intense from the mid-future onwards in all scenarios. Specifically, the spatiotemporal distribution of precipitation extremes such as intensity, 1-day highest precipitation, and precipitation exceeding 10 mm days are increasing; in contrast, the consecutive dry days may decrease towards the end of the century. The results show that the changes in extreme precipitation under a warming scenario relative to the historical period indicate progressive wetting across UAE, accompanied by increased heavy precipitation events and reduced dry spell events, particularly under the high emission scenarios. A high-resolution dataset is essential for a better understanding of changes in precipitation patterns, especially in regions where more detailed information is needed on a local scale to achieve water, food security, and environmental sustainability to formulate effective adaptation strategies for mitigating the potential risks and consequences associated with variations in wet and dry conditions.

Abstract Development of nano-enabled fertilizers from green waste is one of the effective options to enhance global agricultural productions and minimize environmental pollution. In this study, novel, eco-friendly and cost-effective nano- enabled fertilizers (NEF) were synthesized using the planetary ball milling procedure. The NEF (nDPF1and nDPF2) were prepared by impregnation of nanostructured date palm pits (nDPP) with (KH2PO4 + MgO) at 1:1 and 3:1 (w/w) ratios respectively. The nDPP, nDPF1 and nDPF2 were extensively characterized. The produced nano-fertilizers enhanced soil water retention capacity with nDPF2 being the most effective. The water retention capacity of nDPF2 treated soil was 5.6 times higher than that of soil treated with conventional fertilizers. In addition, the nDPF2 exhibited superior sustained lower release rates of P, K and Mg nutrients for longer release periods in comparison with the conventional fertilizers. For instance, P cumulative release percentages from conventional fertilizers, nDPF1 and nDPF2 in soil reached 22.41%, 10.82 and 8.9% respectively within 384 h. Findings from FTIR and XPS analyses suggested that hydrogen bonding and ligand exchange were the main interaction mechanisms of PO4-K-Mg ions with nDPP surface. The released kinetics data of the NEF revealed that power function was the best suitable model to describe the kinetics of P, K and Mg release data from NEF in water and soil. Pot study ascertained that the nano-enabled fertilizers (nDPF1 and nDPF2) significantly promoted biomass production and nutrient uptake of maize plants as compared to commercial fertilizer treated plants. The present work demonstrated the potential of NEF to increase nutrients uptake efficiency, mitigate moisture retention problem in arid soils and reduce nutrients loss through leaching and safeguard the environment. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in females, mainly because of metastasis. Oncometabolites, produced via metabolic reprogramming, can influence metastatic signaling cascades. Accordingly, and based on our previous results, we propose that metabolites from highly metastatic breast cancer cells behave differently from less-metastatic cells and may play a significant role in metastasis. For instance, we aim to identify these metabolites and their role in breast cancer metastasis. Less metastatic cells (MCF-7) were treated with metabolites secreted from highly metastatic cells (MDA-MB-231) and the gene expression of three epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers including E-cadherin, N-cadherin and vimentin were examined. Some metabolites secreted from MDA-MB-231 cells significantly induced EMT activity. Specifically, hypoxanthine demonstrated a significant EMT effect and increased the migration and invasion effects of MCF-7 cells through a hypoxia-associated mechanism. Hypoxanthine exhibited pro-angiogenic effects via increasing the VEGF and PDGF gene expression and affected lipid metabolism by increasing the gene expression of PCSK-9. Notably, knockdown of purine nucleoside phosphorylase, a gene encoding for an important enzyme in the biosynthesis of hypoxanthine, and inhibition of hypoxanthine uptake caused a significant decrease in hypoxanthine-associated EMT effects. Collectively for the first time, hypoxanthine was identified as a novel metastasis-associated metabolite in breast cancer cells and represents a promising target for diagnosis and therapy.

To prevent corrosion of steel products, the steel industry often relies on Al-Zn based alloy coatings, applied through hot-dip coating technology. Despite this, a long-standing problem in the galvanizing industry involves the formation of Fe-based intermetallic compounds (IMCs) in the Al-Zn coating bath, caused by iron dissolution from steel products. Such IMCs are the primary source of dross formation in the Al-Zn bath, which inevitably leads to metal spot defects in the coated steel products and bottom dross build-up in the Al-Zn bath. The present research aims to investigate the mechanism of Fe transformation into IMCs. To achieve this, Fe saturated and unsaturated Al-Zn alloys were doped with low carbon steel at a temperature of 600 °C. The samples were collected at regular intervals and quenched in water. The optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to study the transformation of steel strips into Fe-IMCs particles in molten Al-Zn alloys. The study findings suggest that the Fe transformation into Fe-IMCs is a complex process, where the steel strip surface is initially oxidized, and Al5Fe2 and Al3Fe are formed, which finally transform into Al8Fe2Si(Zn) (τ5c) IMCs particles. These results can assist galvanizers in understanding formation of Fe-IMCs and bottom dross build up in the costing pots.

The field of drug discovery has experienced a remarkable transformation with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies. However, as these AI and ML models are becoming more complex, there is a growing need for transparency and interpretability of the models. Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) is a novel approach that addresses this issue and provides a more interpretable understanding of the predictions made by machine learning models. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the application of XAI techniques to drug discovery. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in XAI for drug discovery, including various XAI methods, their application in drug discovery, and the challenges and limitations of XAI techniques in drug discovery. The article also covers the application of XAI in drug discovery, including target identification, compound design, and toxicity prediction. Furthermore, the article suggests potential future research directions for the application of XAI in drug discovery. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of XAI in drug discovery and its potential to transform the field.

Green hydrogen is a clean and renewable energy source that has the potential to play a major role in decarbonizing the global economy. Green hydrogen has become a promising decarbonization strategy for several industries, including transportation and manufacturing. The widespread use of green hydrogen technology still confronts several obstacles, such as high costs, a lack of infrastructure, and regulatory restrictions. The paper commences by examining the potential of green hydrogen production in MENA countries with a specific emphasis on Egypt as best practice example. It proceeds to identify the key drivers that will shape future scenarios of green hydrogen and outlines the best and worst-case scenarios for green hydrogen in MENA region by 2050. Through scenario analysis, the paper presents potential pathways for green hydrogen deployment in Egypt and the wider MENA countries, highlighting key drivers and potential barriers. According to the findings, Egypt emerges as pivotal player in driving the deployment of green hydrogen within the MENA region. The MENA region, rich in solar and wind resources and strategically located, emerges as a potent hub for green hydrogen production. Egypt, in particular, is at the forefront of this initiative, aiming to become a key exporter in the global hydrogen economy by leveraging its renewable resources, strategic projects, and conducive investment environment. The study employs a multifaceted methodology, integrating PEST analysis and identifying key drivers like renewable targets and technological advancements to assess green hydrogen’s potential in the MENA region, focusing on Egypt. It constructs best- and worst-case scenarios by 2050, utilizing these drivers to evaluate the implications of various influencing factors. In the best-case scenario, by 2050, Egypt aspires to be a pivotal player in the global green hydrogen economy, aiming for up to 8% market share. Through strategic investments, policy enhancements, and global partnerships, Egypt plans to become a major exporter, particularly to the European Union, aligning with global decarbonization goals. Comprehensive strategies are expected to drive economic prosperity, potentially increasing Egypt's GDP by $10-18 billion by 2025. Collaborations with global entities have fostered a robust infrastructure, enabling an integrated ecosystem for green hydrogen innovation and production.

Nine Penicillium digitatum isolates were isolated from citrus fruits and tested for their pathogenicity on Navel orange fruit (Citrus sinensis L.). In this regard, the isolates exhibited three different levels of virulence. The isolates were identified morphologically using malt extract agar (MEA) and Czapek yeast extract agar (CYA) for colony characteristics, and MEA for microscopic features. Each one of the isolates has the unique features of P. digitatum, especially the largest conidia (6.1-11.9 µm long X 3.2-8 µm width), and phialides (10.1-21.4 µm long X 4-5.1 µm width). In addition, the isolates were identified on a molecular basis using ITS1 and ITS4 primers to confirm morphological identification. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that there was high variance among the isolates, and there were different relations between some of our isolates and other P. digitatum registered strains originating from different countries all over the world. The sequences were submitted to respective GenBank nucleotide databases with accession No. OR198852, OR198853, OR198854, OR198855, OR198856, OR198857, OR198858, OR198859 and OR198860. We also isolated a new P. digitatum (OB15: OR198859) strain with high virulence and rapid sporulation

Background. Over the past few years, there has been a discernible surge in the demand for orthodontic treatments involving clear aligners. Although orthodontists have long held expertise in offering braces treatments, the advent of clear aligners has put out the curiosity of general dental practitioners. This study is thus centered on the assessment of general dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and approaches in incorporating clear aligners in their practice. Materials and methods. A Google Form with a questionnaire was created which consisted of 25 multiple choice closed-ended questions. Results. A total of 156 participants responded to the questionnaire. The comparative analysis showed a highly significant difference in knowledge, attitude and practice scores between general dentists and non-orthodontic postgraduates. No significant correlations were observed, except for the specialty and qualification related to orthodontic knowledge and found that most of them were familiar with aligners. The results of the study showed that nearly 50% of participants were not aware of aligner material, type of tooth movements easier with aligners, the use of composite attachments, retention protocols followed and case preference and only 56% of participants held the view that Orthodontists' involvement was imperative for clear aligner treatment. Conclusion. The study revealed a moderate level of knowledge and a favorable attitude towards clear aligner treatment among both general dentists and non-orthodontic postgraduates. Equipping these professionals with the requisite knowledge and competencies holds the potential to enhance their ability to deliver efficient orthodontic options to their patients down the line.

Abstract Environmental pollution is a global phenomenon and troublesome fact that poses a grave risk to all living entities. Via coupling carbonaceous feedstocks with outstanding microbial activity, kinetic experiments were established using the consortium of Proteus mirabilis and Raoultella planticola, biochar-derived sunflower seed husk (SHB) and rice straw (RSB), and their composites, which investigated at 30 °C (150 rpm) to eliminate 700 mg L−1 lead (120 h) and phenol (168 h) from synthetic wastewater. The derived biochars physicochemical properties of were studied. According to adsorption capacity (q e ), consortium-SHB composites and consortium-RSB composites removed lead completely (70 mg g−1) within 48 h and 66 h, respectively. Besides, phenol was remediated entirely after 42 h and 48 h by both composite systems (69.90 mg g−1), respectively, comparing with bacterial consortium only or parent SHB and RSB. Moreover, four kinetic models were studied to describe the bioremediation process. Fractional power and Elovich models could be recommended for describing the adsorption kinetics for lead and phenol removal by the studied biomaterials with high correlation coefficient (R2 ≥ 0.91 for Pb2+ and ≥ 0.93 for phenol) and lower residual root mean square error (RMSE) and chi-square (X 2). Overall, bacterial consortium-biochar composites exhibited greater remediation of lead and phenol than the sum of each single bacterial consortium and biochar systems; reflecting synergistic interaction of adsorptive capability of biochar and metabolic performance of bacterial consortium, as denoted by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The current study addressed the successful design of employing functional remediating consortium immobilized on waste biomass-derived biochar as a conducive alternative eco-sorbent and economic platform to detoxify organic and inorganic pollutants.