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Alaa Elmazny, Sherif M Hamdy, Maged Abdel-Naseer, Nevin M Shalaby, Hatem S Shehata, Nirmeen A Kishk, Mona A Nada, Husam S Mourad, Mohamed I Hegazy, Ahmed Abdelalim, Sandra M Ahmed, Ghada Hatem, Amr M Fouad, Hadel Mahmoud, Amr Hassan Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, EgyptCorrespondence: Hatem S ShehataNeurology Department, Cairo University, 23 Amin Samy Street – Kasr Alaini Street, Cairo, EgyptTel +2011124444179Fax +20227927795Email samirhatem@kasralainy.edu.egBackground: Studies have shown that interferon-beta (IFN-β) treatment is associated with headaches in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Headaches can affect quality of life and overall function of patients with MS. We examined the frequency, relationships, patterns, and characteristics of headaches in response to IFN-β in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).Patients and Methods: This study was a prospective, longitudinal analysis with 1-year follow-up. The study comprised 796 patients with RRMS treated with IFN-β (mean age 30.84± 8.98 years) at 5 tertiary referral center outpatient clinics in Egypt between January 2015 and December 2017. Headaches were diagnosed according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders ICHD-3 (beta version), and data were collected through an interviewer-administered Arabic-language-validated questionnaire with an addendum specifically designed to investigate the temporal relationship between commencement of interferon treatment, and headache onset and characteristics.Results: Two hundred seventy-six patients had pre-existing headaches, and 356 experienced de novo headaches. Of 122 patients who experienced headaches before IFN-β treatment, 55 reported headaches that worsened following onset of IFN-β treatment. In patients with post-IFN-β headaches, 329 had headaches that persisted for > 3 months, 51 had chronic headaches, and 278 had episodic headaches, and 216 of these patients required preventive therapies. Univariate analysis showed a > 6- and an approximately 5-fold increased risk of headache among those treated with intramuscular (IM) INF-β-1a (OR 6.51; 95% CI: 3.73– 10.01; P-value < 0.0001) and 44 μg of SC INF-β-1a (OR 5.44; 95% CI: 3.15– 9.37; P-value < 0.0001), respectively, compared with that in patients who received 22 μg of SC INF-β-1a.Conclusion: Interferon-β therapy aggravated pre-existing headaches and caused primary headaches in patients with MS. Headache risk was greater following treatment with IM INF-β-1a and 44 μg SC INF-β-1a.Keywords: headache, interferon-beta, multiple sclerosis

Sherif M Hamdy,1 Maged Abdel-Naseer,1 Nevin M Shalaby,1 Alaa Elmazny,1 Marian Girgis,2 Mona A Nada,1 Amr Hassan,1 Husam S Mourad,1 Mohamed I Hegazy,1 Ahmed Abdelalim,1 Nirmeen A Kishk,1 Noha T Abokrysha,1 Shaimaa A Genedy,1 Ehab A Essawy,3 Hatem S Shehata1 1Neurology Department, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; 2Pediatric Department, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; 3Division of Biochemistry, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan, Egypt Introduction: Although the frequency of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) has increased in recent decades, it is still highly uncommon, which creates a need for the involvement of more registries from various clinical centers.Objective: To characterize the demographic, clinical, and paraclinical features of Egyptian patients with POMS.Patients and methods: A retrospective chart review study was undertaken on 237 Egyptian patients with demyelinating events which started before the age of 18 years who attended one of five tertiary referral centers in Cairo, Egypt.Results: Multiple sclerosis was diagnosed in 186 patients, 47 (25.27%) patients had disease onset before the age of 12 years; “early-onset pediatric multiple sclerosis (EOPMS)”. The mean age of disease onset was (14.13±2.49 years), with a female:male ratio of 1.62:1, none of the enrolled patients had a primary progressive course (PPMS), whereas 10 patients (5.38%) had a secondary progressive form. Approximately two-thirds of the patients had monofocal disease onset, and less than 10% presented with encephalopathy; most of them had EOPMS. Motor weakness was the presenting symptom in half of the patients, whereas cerebellar presentation was detected in 34.95%, mainly in EOPMS. Seizures (not related to encephalopathy) were more frequent in those with EOPMS. Initial brain magnetic resonance images were positive in all patients, with detected atypical lesions in 29.03%, enhanced lesions in 35.48%, black holes in 13.98%, and infratentorial in 34.41%. Cervical cord involvement was found in 68.28%. More than two-thirds of the patients received either immunomodulatory or immunosuppressant (IS) treatment throughout their disease course, and about half of them received their treatment within the first year from symptoms onset, with a more favorable outcome, and patients with highly active disease received natalizumab, fingolimod, or other IS.Conclusion: The results from this registry – the largest for MS in the Arab region to date – are comparable to other registries. Immunomodulatory therapies in POMS are well tolerated and efficacious and they can improve the long-term outcome in children. Keywords: multiple sclerosis, pediatric onset, early onset, registry, Egypt

Sherif M Hamdy,1 Maged Abdel-Naseer,1 Nevin M Shalaby,1 Alaa N Elmazny,1 Ahmed A Nemr,2 Amr Hassan,1 Mohamed I Hegazy,1 Husam S Mourad,1 Nirmeen A Kishk,1 Mona A Nada,1 Ahmed Abdelalim,1 Amr M Fouad,1 Hatem S Shehata1 1Neurology Department, Cairo University, 2Neurology Department, Maadi Military Hospital, Cairo, Egypt Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune disease with a heterogeneous presentation and diverse disease course. Recent studies indicate a rising prevalence of MS in the Middle East.Objective: To characterize the demographics and disease features of Egyptian patients attending four tertiary referral MS centers in Cairo.Materials and methods: This was a retrospective, observational study on 1,581 patients between 2001 and 2015. Medical records were reviewed and data were identified and extracted in a standardized electronic registry.Results: The mean age of disease onset was 26.6±7.8 years, with the majority being female (2.11:1). Relapsing–remitting MS was the most common type (75.1%). The main presenting symptom was motor weakness (43.9%), which was also the most frequent symptom during the disease course. Family history of MS was found in 2.28%. Higher initial Expanded Disability Status Scale score, black holes, and infratentorial lesions on initial magnetic resonance imaging were independent factors for disease progression by univariate analysis (OR 3.87 [95% CI 1.84–6.51], 4.14 [95% CI 3.08–5.58], 4.07 [95% CI 3.21–4.99], respectively); however, in multivariate analysis, only infratentorial lesions were an independent risk for disease progression (OR 6, 95% CI 2.99–12.02; P=0.0005).Conclusion: The results from this registry – the largest for MS in the Arab region to date – are comparable to other registries with slight differences. Keywords: multiple sclerosis, MS registry, epidemiology, Middle East, North Africa, Egypt

Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affects millions of people worldwide and represents the most prevalent form of dementia. Treatment strategies aiming to interfere with the formation of amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), the two major AD hallmarks, have shown modest or no effect. Recent evidence suggests that ferroptosis, a type of programmed cell death caused by iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation, contributes to AD pathogenesis. The existing link between ferroptosis and AD has been largely based on cell culture and animal studies, while evidence from human brain tissue is limited. Here we evaluate if Aβ is associated with ferroptosis pathways in post-mortem human brain tissue and whether ferroptosis inhibition could attenuate Aβ-related effects in human brain organoids. Performing positive pixel density scoring on immunohistochemically stained post-mortem Brodmann Area 17 sections revealed that the progression of AD pathology was accompanied by decreased expression of nuclear receptor co-activator 4 and glutathione peroxidase 4 in the grey matter. Differentiating between white and grey matter, allowed for a more precise understanding of the disease’s impact on different brain regions. In addition, ferroptosis inhibition prevented Aβ pathology, decreased lipid peroxidation and restored iron storage in human AD iPSCs-derived brain cortical organoids at day 50 of differentiation. Differential gene expression analysis of RNAseq of AD organoids compared to isogenic controls indicated activation of the ferroptotic pathway. This was also supported by results from untargeted proteomic analysis revealing significant changes between AD and isogenic brain organoids. Determining the causality between the development of Aβ plaques and the deregulation of molecular pathways involved in ferroptosis is crucial for developing potential therapeutic interventions.

In the current study, the impacts of various curing states on some properties of reactive powder concrete (compressive strength, flexural strength, and dry bulk density) are being experimentally studied. The curing conditions include four different methods: immersion in normal water temperature (considered the reference curing state), immersion in warm water at 35ºC, immersion in boiling water, and curing with steam. For every combination, the water/binder ratio stayed unchanged at 0.2. Each reactive concrete mix was cast into three different configurations: 50mm only for cubes and 50×50×250 mm for prisms. Based on the improvement of RPC mechanical characteristics, the optimum curing method, as determined by the results, is immersion in warm water at 35ºC for all mixtures containing quartz powder of 20% by mass of cement and fly ash as a filler. The outcomes exhibited that using a warm water curing regime increased the RPC's compressive strength by 22.1%, flexural strength using 18.3% and dry density by 0.62% at 28 days following the comparison of the test grades to the reference curing regime.

The effect of the addition of sustainable materials and alkali-resistant glass fibers on perlite concrete is studied in this paper. The research includes slump, density, flexural strength, split tensile strength, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity tests. This specimen was cast using Portland cement, metakaolin (which replaced 15% of the cement weight as pozzolanic materials), a combination of coarse and fine perlite aggregate, superplasticizer, and local ash (which was employed as a filler and replaced by cement weight in a ratio of 10%). The ratio of cement to perlite (volumetric ratio) was 1:2. The concrete reinforced 1% alkali resistance glass fibers by volume of concrete. The results show that adding sustainable materials to the concrete increased its cylinder compressive strength by a percentage of (57.75%, 41.76%, and 44.82%) for 7,28 and 60 days, respectively and both tensile and flexural strength increased at a ratio of (37.28%, 30.33% and 34.5%), (36.05%, 68.22% and 56.52%) respectively at (7,28 and 60 days). And including alkali-resistant glass fibers increases the compressive, tensile and flexural strength in a ratio of (61.5%, 43.58%, 47.45%), (61.54%, 44.08% and 52.71%) and (113.95%, 124.3% and 97.85%) respectively at (7,28 and 60 days), compared with reference mix. The density increased by adding sustainable materials and fibers but stayed within the limitations of structural lightweight concrete (ASTM C330). The thermal conductivity also increased after adding sustainable materials and glass fibers compared with the reference mix, but it was within the constraints of insulation concrete.

Abstract Background In Palestine, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality after lung cancer. No studies have examined the relationship between CRC awareness and attitudes. This study aimed to investigate the interplay between CRC awareness and attitudes among the Palestinian population. Methods A nationwide cross-sectional survey was carried out between July 2019 and March 2020. Convenience sampling was used to collect data from hospitals, primary healthcare facilities, and public areas in 11 governorates. Modified, translated-into-Arabic versions of the validated Bowel Cancer Awareness Measure and Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale were utilized to assess the awareness of CRC signs/symptoms, risk factors, and causation myths. The cumulative awareness score for each domain was computed and stratified into tertiles. The top tertile denoted ‘high’ awareness, while the remaining two tertiles denoted ‘low’ awareness. Results The final analysis included 4,623 participants; of whom, 3115 (67.4%) reported positive attitudes toward CRC. In total, 1,849 participants (40.0%) had high awareness of CRC signs/symptoms. There was no association between displaying a high awareness of CRC signs/symptoms and having positive attitudes toward CRC. A total of 1,840 participants (38.9%) showed high awareness of CRC risk factors. Participants with high CRC risk factor awareness were more likely to display positive attitudes toward CRC (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07–1.39). Only 219 participants (4.7%) had high awareness of CRC causation myths. Participants with high awareness of CRC causation myths were more likely to exhibit positive attitudes toward CRC (OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.71–3.58). Conclusion A high awareness level of CRC risk factors and causation myths was associated with a greater likelihood of demonstrating positive attitudes toward CRC in terms of perceived susceptibility, importance of early detection, and consequences of developing the disease. Future educational interventions should focus on raising public awareness about CRC, with a particular emphasis on risk factors and causation myths, to maximize the potential for shaping favorable attitudes toward the disease.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a meaningful impact on several areas of human activity. With respect to psychological assessment, the requirements to study the fear of vaccination as a means to diminish negative behaviour towards vaccination had been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the factorial invariance of the six-item Vaccination Fear Scale (VFS-6) across individuals and cultures. To achieve this goal, a sample of university students was recruited (n = 2535; mean age = 20.59, SD = 2.04; males: 26.75%, females: 73.25%) from Spain (n = 388; 15.3%), Italy (n = 376; 14.83%), Lebanon (n = 487; 19.21%), Nigeria (n = 561; 22.13%), Turkey (n = 410; 16.17%), and Ukraine (n = 313; 12.34%). The results showed that the most appropriate factorial structure, exhibiting excellent fit indices, was a model with two correlated factors (cognitive symptoms: items 1, 2, and 4; somatic symptoms: items 3, 5, and 6) for both the total sample and individual samples from each country and language (Spanish, Italian, Arabic, English, Turkish, and Ukrainian). Notably, the VFS-6 demonstrated configural, metric, scalar, and strict invariance across sex. Regarding countries and languages, configural invariance was observed between them. Also, metric invariance was observed between Spain, Italy, and Ukraine and between Lebanon, Nigeria, and Turkey, which indicates the presence of two well-differentiated groups of countries and the possibility of inferential analysis between them. Item Response Theory analysis suggested an appropriate level of discrimination and difficulty of the test. These significant findings lay the groundwork for future investigations into vaccination fear across diverse cultural backgrounds, providing valuable insights for addressing vaccination-related concerns worldwide.

The human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant health concern, particularly for infants, young children, and the elderly. This virus is known to evolve continuously due to environmental factors and herd immunity. In light of this, our study aimed to analyze the genetic variability of the G protein in RSV-A and RSV-B genotypes in Kuwait from 2020 to 2022. Between January 2020 and September 2022, we collected 490 respiratory samples from hospitalized patients with acute respiratory tract infections. These samples were tested and confirmed positive for RSV using multiplex Real-Time PCR. Subsequently, the samples underwent nucleic acid sequencing using the advanced Nanopore sequencing technology to analyze the full-length G gene. Sequence analysis showed that 64 isolates (76%) were RSV-A, and 20 isolates (24%) were RSV-B. The G genes of RSV-A belonged to genotype GA2.3.5, while all the RSV-B genotypes belonged to GB5.0.5a. New lineages and sub-lineages of RSV-A and RSV-B were detected, indicating the circulation of new strains in Kuwait. Many unique and new amino acid changes, including insertions, were found in the G proteins of Kuwaiti isolates, with the highest variability in the second hypervariable region. An increased number of N and O-linked glycosylation sites were also identified in the G protein, which could speculate to alter the antigenicity of RSV. The identified changes in the G protein of RSV-A and RSV-B genotypes might result from immune pressure and could affect the antigenic characteristics of circulating strains in Kuwait. This could potentially lead to new RSV variants that can evade the immune response. Our in-depth analysis of the G proteins of both RSV-A and RSV-B could aid in the development of more potent treatments and vaccines.

ألهم تطوير شرائح النظم العالمية للملاحة بالأقمار الصناعية (GNSS) المنخفضة التكلفة تطوير أجهزة متقدمة لتحديد المواقع والملاحة والتوقيت. ونظرًا لتكلفتها المنخفضة، أصبحت شرائح النظم العالمية للملاحة بالأقمار الصناعية (GNSS) موجودة الآن في كل مكان، مثل الهواتف الذكية والأجهزة اللوحية والساعات الذكية القابلة للارتداء، حيث تبلغ دقة تحديد موقع مستقبلات النظم العالمية للملاحة بالأقمار الصناعية (GNSS) للمستهلكين عدة أمتار في ظل ظروف رصد مثالية، يتم تقليل دقتها إلى عشرات الأمتار في ظل ظروف رصد أكثر تعقيدًا. وفي هذا البحث تمّ تقييم دقة كل مما يلي: الإحداثيات الأفقية الستيريوغرافية السورية قبل معايرة التطبيق. الإحداثيات الأفقية الستيريوغرافية السورية بعد معايرة التطبيق على إحدى النقاط المعلومة الإحداثيات. تم عرض النتائج في جداول ومخططات بيانية، كان الخطأ المتوسط التربيع حول σ∆x= 0.659m و σ∆y= 0.518m بعد المعايرة وσ∆x= 2.945m وσ∆y= 2.379m قبل المعايرة. من خلال النتائج يمكن استخدام التطبيق بعد المعايرة في نظم المعلومات الجغرافية وفي الأعمال العقارية.

Foam concrete is a type of concrete that is widely used in civil engineering as a high-quality building material with low weights and usually low compressive strength. Improving the compressive strength is the main objective of this paper by supplying this type of concrete with different proportions from carbon fibers. This study included preparing an experimental mixture to produce foam concrete consisting of optimal ratios of water-to-cement ratio (0.35), sand-to-cement ratio (1:1.5), and superplasticizer (1.8 %). The appropriate dosage of foaming agent was selected to obtain lightweight foam concrete with an appropriate compressive strength of up to 17.4 MPa and a target density of (1300-1350) kg/m3 after 28 days. Adding carbon fibers gave a 1 % highest compressive strength estimated at 9.77 % but the flow rate decreased by about 8.55 % compared to the reference mixture after 28 days. The results indicate that adding fibers contributed to increasing the compressive strength of foam concrete, but it negatively affected the flow rate.

ABSTRACT The human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is considered one of the most common viruses that infect children globally. The virus is known to have extensive gene sequence variability within and between RSV groups A and B globally; however, there is no information on the whole-genome characterization and diversity of RSV in Kuwait. Therefore, this study aimed to sequence the entire genome of RSV strains isolated from patients with acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) in Kuwait. Therefore, this study aimed to sequence the entire genome of RSV strains isolated from patients with ARTI in Kuwait. Between January 2020 and September 2022, 7,093 respiratory samples were collected from hospitalized infants, children, and adults and were analyzed for respiratory viruses by multiplex real-time PCR. Whole-genome sequencing using the Oxford Nanopore sequencing technology was performed on 84 RSV-positive samples. The results revealed a higher prevalence of group A (76%) than group B (24%) RSV isolates. Phylogenetic analysis showed that RSV-A strains clustered with the GA2.3.5 sub-genotype and RSV-B strains clustered with the GB5.0.5a sub-genotype; however, forming new lineages of RSV-A and RSV-B circulated in Kuwait during this period. Genetic variability was higher among the group A viruses than group B viruses, and the rate of synonymous and missense mutations was high in genes other than the G protein-coding gene. We also detected several known and unique molecular markers in different protein-coding genes. This is the first study in Kuwait to characterize the whole genomes of RSV A and B to identify the circulating genotypes, comprehend the genetic diversity and the evolution of the virus, and identify important genetic markers associated with specific genotypes.IMPORTANCEWhole-genome sequencing of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) strains in Kuwait using MinION Nanopore technology was used to characterize and analyze the genotypes and sub-genotypes of the RSV circulating among patients with acute respiratory tract infections in Kuwait. This study also identified known and unknown gene mutations and imported genetic markers associated with specific genotypes. These results will assist in establishing a framework for RSV classification and allow for a better consideration of the mechanisms leading to the generation of diversity of RSV. In addition, these data will allow a comparison of vaccine viruses with those in Kuwait, providing useful insights into future vaccine and therapy strategies for RSV in Kuwait.

Geopolymer concrete has been proposed to minimize carbon dioxide emissions related to the cement production industry. This environmentally friendly material consists of industry waste materials activated chemically by an activation solution. In this study, the geopolymer mortar has been designed with 70% fly ash and 30% metakaolin. Hydroxide sodium in 14 molar concentrations blended with sodium silicate in a 2.5:1 ratio was used as the activation solution. Rice husk fibers were added as reinforcement in (1%, 1.5%, and 2%), and waste paper (paper pulp and paper ash) was added in (1%, 2%, and 5%) by volume of cementitious material. The geopolymer mortar samples underwent a curing process through exposure to a temperature of 60°C in an oven for 24 hours. The findings indicate that the samples reinforced with 2% rice husk fibers exhibited the most significant improvement in compressive strength, with 59% and 55% increases after 7 and 28 days of curing, respectively. In general, using waste paper and rice husk fibers significantly enhanced the compressive strength of geopolymer mortar.

The water-energy-food (WEF) nexus is an interdisciplinary approach to address the transdisciplinary issues of developing a specific area with limited resources. We studied the potential of implementing the WEF model in the Rabia region located at Matrouh Governorate in Egypt on the Mediterranean Sea, to introduce sustainable management solutions for the limited resources in this area. The Rabia community lacks any source of water services and is not connected to the electric grid. It depends on existing wells that harvest rainwater for potable and non-potable purposes. The introduced WEF nexus scheme is based on the available resources in Rabia region to produce the required water for drinking, cultivation, and other purposes in addition to maximizing the productivity of water. It also provided renewable energy resources and food security in the area. The proposal also empowers women and provides job opportunities for the community, in addition to reducing carbon emissions to contribute to the efforts fighting climate change. This work will benefit policymakers, investors, and the local community to take tangible actions toward sustainable development in the region and other similar communities in arid coastal regions. The proposed scheme will save about 52 % of the required electricity and 54 % of the carbon emissions, through the use of renewable energy sources. It produces 2,096 t/yr of crops. It supports the achievement of many sustainable development goals and will promote the achievement of Egypt's National Vision 2030.

بهدف إدارة الموارد الطبيعة والغابات وترسيم حدودها فإن نظم الملاحة العالمية بالأقمار الصناعية GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) تساهم في تلبية عدد من احتياجات المتخصصين في الموارد الطبيعية كترسيم حدود الغابات وتحديد المواقع ورسم الخرائط، لذلك لابد من تقييم دقتها. وبالتالي فإن الهدف الرئيسي من هذا البحث هو تقييم دقة طريقتي الرصد الحركي في نظم GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems)، الأولى هي طريقة الرصد الحركي مع المعالجة اللاحقة PPK (Post Processing Kinematic) وأما الثانية فهي طريقة الرصد الحركي في الزمن الحقيقي RTK (Real Time Kinematic) وذلك بتحديد محيط ومساحة الغابة وأيضاً مواقع نقاط المضلع المحيط بها ومواقع الأشجار ضمنها بكل من هاتين الطريقتين ومقارنة النتائج مع القيم الناتجة من الرصد بالطريقة التقليدية (جهاز المحطة المتكاملة). تم عرض النتائج في جداول ورسوم بيانية، وأشارت إلى أن طريقة RTK في تحديد مواقع نقاط المضلع المحيط بالغابة أو أشجارها ذات دقة أفضل من طريقة PPK، وأما عند حساب المساحة أو المحيط فإن دقة كلتا الطريقتين متقاربة.

Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) is a type of high-performance concrete that is known for its exceptional strength and durability also RPC is one of the new composite materials that allow for the most efficient use of materials, which benefits the concrete industry economically. Additionally, it improves environmental sensitivity. The main objective of this paper is the determine some characteristics of RPC, such as (compressive strength and fresh density) after exposure to different curing temperatures (60, 120, and 200) oC for 4 hours due two days. This study involves many variables such as micro steel fibers content with 1% by vol. of reactive powder concrete samples as well as elevated temperature. It was discovered that the optimum temperature that was used after conducting the tests was 60 Celsius, as it gave the best results for the mechanical properties of RPC, which were adopted in the rest of the tests. The value of fresh density increased by about (1.95%) and compressive strength increased by about (33.3%) at 60 oC for the age of 28 days in contrast to the reference mixture.

This state-of-the-art review comprehensively examines the landscape of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) anomaly detection in Software Defined Networks (SDNs) through the lens of advanced Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) techniques. The application domain of this work is focused on addressing the inherent security vulnerabilities of SDN environments and developing an automated system for detecting and mitigating network attacks. The problem focused on in this review is the need for effective defensive mechanisms and detection methodologies to address these vulnerabilities. Conventional network measurement methodologies are limited in the context of SDNs, and the proposed ML and DL techniques aim to overcome these limitations by providing more accurate and efficient detection and mitigation of DDoS attacks. The objective of this work is to provide a comprehensive review of related works in the field of SDN anomaly detection recent advances, categorized into two groups via ML and DL techniques. The proposed systems utilize a variety of techniques, including Supervised Learning (SL), Unsupervised Learning (UL) Ensemble Learning (EL) and DL solutions, to process IP flows, profile network traffic, and identify attacks. The output comprises the mitigation policies learned by ML/DL techniques, and the proposed systems act as sophisticated gatekeepers, applying automated mitigation policies to curtail the extent of damage resulting from these attacks. The results obtained from the evaluation metrics, including accuracy, precision, and recall, confirm the marked effectiveness of the proposed systems in detecting and mitigating various types of attacks, including Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. The proposed systems’ foundational contributions are manifest in their efficacy for both DDoS attack detection and defense within the SDN environment. However, the review acknowledges certain inherent limitations and the pressing need for further validation within real-world scenarios to assess the proposed methods’ practicality and effectiveness. In summary, this systematic review offers valuable perspectives on the present status of Distributed Denial-of-Service detection in Software-Defined Networks employing Machine Learning and Deep Learning methodologies, highlighting the strengths and limitations of various proposed systems and identifying areas for future research and development.

This research examines cultural diversity, especially in the Indonesian context. Considering that Indonesia is a nation rich in culture, ethnicity, race and religion, differences are natural. So that cultural diversity in Indonesia is a necessity that cannot be denied. Even in the Qur'an there are several verses that discuss multiculturalism. In this reseach the authors used a descriptive-qualitative method to describe the concept of cultural diversity in the Qur'an and the Indonesian context as well as the interpretation approach of the Indonesian Ministry of Religion's LPMA as a analysis. The result of this research is, in realizing diversity in the context of Indonesia country, the government has an important role to play as a facilitator in maintaining local wisdom.

This study investigates the interaction of information and communication technology (ICT) and higher education in driving sustainable development, with a special emphasis on the rising significance of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. This quantitative study, conducted in a Lebanese private university, looks into the impact of ICT, specifically generative AI, on promoting sustainability in higher education. A questionnaire was distributed to university instructors to determine how these technologies contribute to sustainable practices in academic environments. The results, which were evaluated using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis, show that ICT tools, professional instructor development, and the upkeep of educational infrastructure all contribute considerably to Lebanon’s sustainable development. Furthermore, integrating generative AI into educational processes has the potential to improve personalized learning, resource efficiency, and content production, all of which contribute to sustainability goals. The study concludes by exploring the findings’ broader implications, acknowledging their shortcomings, and suggesting future research possibilities.

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The lightweight concrete is manufactured from aggregates (expanded perlite) with a density of 145 kg/m3 and an absorption of 1.65%. This study has two aspects: a theoretical aspect that includes previous research on this concrete and a practical aspect that provides for conducting two groups of mixtures and preparing them according to ACI 211.2-98 design method. The first group includes cement, perlite, and water, and the second group consists of the addition of superplasticizer and silica fume, Each group included five series with three variables for each series. In the first series, the cement content was changed with a content of (275,300,350) kg/m3 with a volumetric mixing ratio (1:4), while in the second series, the aggregate content was changed only with a cement content of (275) kg/m3 with mixing ratios (1:4.1:5, 1:6) with a ratio of water to cement (0.4), and in the third series (superplasticizer) type (F) is added in different proportions, in the fourth series silica fume was added in three proportions (5%, 10%, 15% ) By replacing the weight of cement and the fifth series, the optimum contents were determined, which have acceptable workability, low density, and compressive strength commensurate with the density. Tests (flowability, dry density, and compressive strength) were carried out. It was observed that the workability, dry density, and compressive strength decreased with increasing perlite content but improved with the addition of superplasticizer and silica fume. The percentage of increase in density was (9% and 32%) at the optimum value of silica fume in 28.7 days, respectively. As for the compressive strength, the percentage of increase was (30% and 36%) in 7 and 28 days, respectively.

Finding an alternative to materials that pollute during manufacturing, most notably cement, is vital to executing the idea of sustainability in the building sector. It was vital to develop concrete that assists in the reduction of CO2 (Carbon dioxide) in the atmosphere because industrial wastes contain calcium, silica, and aluminous minerals, such as silica fume, that are employed in the production of high-strength concrete and have parameters that are identical to those of regular concrete. As a substitute for Portland cement, lime cement was utilized, and 15% of the cement's weight was substituted with silica fume. Environmentally friendly fibers (Copper Fiber) created from old electrical and electronic equipment were also employed. The purpose of the study is to produce High Strength Green Fiber Concrete (HSGFC) by incorporating silica fume as a replacement and study the effect of adding fiber on some mechanical attributes. The task needed the creation of a high strength concrete mixture of cement with a compressive strength of 65 MPa in accordance with ACI 211.4R, as well as the development of numerous experimental mixtures that relied on the findings of earlier researchers. The mechanical properties (compressive strength, flexural strength and split tensile strength) of samples are tested at 7, 28 and 60 days with standard curing. The results show that adding sustainable fiber to concrete mix enhances the mechanical properties such as compressive strength by 16% at 28 days, flexural strength by 35% and spilt tensile strength by 44% at 28 days Compared with concrete mix with no fiber. Also, the outcomes showed that it is feasible to develop High Strength Concrete (HSC) using sustainable copper fiber possessing exceptional stress resistance, tensile strength, and flexural strength.

Not available.

Abstract Ferroptosis is an iron- and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent form of regulated cell death, that has been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Inhibition of cystine/glutamate antiporter could lead to mitochondrial fragmentation, mitochondrial calcium ([Ca2+]m) overload, increased mitochondrial ROS production, disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and ferroptotic cell death. The observation that mitochondrial dysfunction is a characteristic of ferroptosis makes preservation of mitochondrial function a potential therapeutic option for diseases associated with ferroptotic cell death. Mitochondrial calcium levels are controlled via the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), the main entry point of Ca2+ into the mitochondrial matrix. Therefore, we have hypothesized that negative modulation of MCU complex may confer protection against ferroptosis. Here we evaluated whether the known negative modulators of MCU complex, ruthenium red (RR), its derivative Ru265, mitoxantrone (MX), and MCU-i4 can prevent mitochondrial dysfunction and ferroptotic cell death. These compounds mediated protection in HT22 cells, in human dopaminergic neurons and mouse primary cortical neurons against ferroptotic cell death. Depletion of MICU1, a [Ca2+]m gatekeeper, demonstrated that MICU is protective against ferroptosis. Taken together, our results reveal that negative modulation of MCU complex represents a therapeutic option to prevent degenerative conditions, in which ferroptosis is central to the progression of these pathologies.

This study examines the links between vaccination status, fear of vaccination (cognitive and somatic symptoms), anxiety, alexithymia, and type D personality (negative affect and social inhibition), to propose policies to increase vaccination rates. A sample of university students (n = 2535; mean age = 20.59, SD = 2.04; male: 26.75%, female: 73.25%) from Spain, Italy, Lebanon, Nigeria, Turkey, and Ukraine completed the Vaccination Fear Scale (VFS-6), the Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), the Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire—Short Form (PAQ-S), the Type D Scale (DS14), and also a question on vaccination status. Correlation, regression, and network analyses were applied. Cognitive symptoms of fear of vaccination and negative affect were the most significant in the correlation and regression analyses. In the network analysis, negative affect showed the highest values in all centrality indices and positive relationships with other nodes. Vaccination status showed negative relationships with fear of vaccination, alexithymia, and social inhibition. The network structure is similar between the sexes but varies between cultures and sexes within cultures. The relationship between vaccination status and cognitive symptoms of fear of vaccination was the most consistent, allowing for interventions at this level to be advised across cultures. For more specific interventions, cultural context must be considered for optimal results.

The performance of a new commercial polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membrane (PERVAPTM 4100HF) was investigated and compared with a standard membrane (PERVAPTM 4100) for the dehydration of isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol) with an azeotropic point using pervaporation process. Both membranes were also characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and contact angle (CA) goniometer. The results showed that the PERVAP™ 4100HF was thinner (1–1.5 μm) and had a lower degree of cross-linking than the PERVAP™ 4100HF (2–3 μm). The effect of the feed water concentration and operating temperature on the membranes separation performance in terms of the permeation flux, separation factor, selectivity, and permeance was investigated. The water permeates in the PERVAP™ 4100HF (∼3350 GPU) was seven times higher than that in PERVAP™ 4100 (∼463 GPU) at 70 °C and for 7 wt.% of water concentration in the feed. The water/isopropanol selectivity of the new membrane under these operating conditions was very high (∼17,000). The total permeation flux of water and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) was increased with the feedwater concentration (0.0690–1.0275 and 0.0079–0.6384 kg/m2.hr) for PERVAP™ 4100HF and PERVAP™ 4100, respectively with feed water concentration increased from 7 to 18 wt.%. The temperature dependence of the pervaporation behaviors was investigated in detail in terms of the Arrhenius activation energy. The effect of the feedwater concentration on the Arrhenius activation energy was also studied to evaluate the mass transfer across the membrane under other operating conditions, such as high temperatures and low feedwater concentrations. The new membrane PERVAP™ 4100HF exhibited the best dehydration properties at water concentrations in the azeotropic region and below, making it possible to pervaporate even at low feedwater concentrations.

تبحث هذه الدراسة العلمية في تأثير زوايا القطع (Cut-off angles) على دقة القياسات المأخوذة بنظام تحديد المواقع العالمي (Global Positioning System GPS)، كما تم تقييم أثر اختلاف زاوية القطع على دقة الرصد. حيث تم تحليل البيانات الناتجة عن الرصد عند 5 درجات مختلفة لزاوية القطع (0º, 5º, 10º, 15º, 20º). وبعد الاطلاع على قيم الانحرافات المعيارية (Standard Deviation Std Dev) على مركبات الشمال (N) والشرق (E) والمركبة الشاقولية (U) والأفقية (Hz) تم الكشف عن وجود استجابة متغيرة بتغير زاوية القطع. وتقدم هذه الدراسة تحليلاً شاملاً لتأثيرات زوايا القطع على عمليات الرصد باستخدام نظام تحديد المواقع العالمي (GPS). حيث تحدد زوايا القطع الحد الأدنى لزاوية الارتفاع فوق الأفق التي تعتبر عندها أقمار نظام تحديد المواقع العالمي (GPS) مرئية ويتم تتبعها بواسطة جهاز الاستقبال. ويعد فهم الآثار المترتبة على اختيار زوايا قطع معينة أمراً أساسياً لتحسين التطبيقات والأبحاث المستندة إلى نظام تحديد المواقع العالمي (GPS) سنركز في هذه الدراسة على اختبار تأثير زوايا القطع على الجوانب التالية: إمكانية رؤية القمر الصناعي (Satellite Visibility) دقة تحديد الموقع (Positioning Accuracy) قوة الإشارة وتأثير المسارات المتعددة (Signal Strength and Multipath Effects)

PURPOSETo explore public awareness of myths around colorectal cancer (CRC) causation in Palestine and to examine factors associated with good awareness.MATERIALS AND METHODSConvenience sampling was used to recruit adult Palestinians from governmental hospitals, primary health care centers, and public spaces. Recognizing 13 myths around CRC causation was assessed using a translated-into-Arabic version of the Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale. Awareness level was determined based on the number of CRC mythical causes recognized: poor (0-4), fair (5-9), and good (10-13). Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between sociodemographic characteristics and displaying good awareness. It adjusted for age group, sex, education, occupation, monthly income, residence, marital status, having chronic diseases, being a vegetarian, knowing someone with cancer, and site of data collection.RESULTSOf 5,254 participants approached, 4,877 agreed to participate (response rate, 92.3%). A total of 4,623 questionnaires were included in the final analysis: 2,700 from the West Bank and Jerusalem (WBJ) and 1,923 from the Gaza Strip. Only 219 participants (4.7%) demonstrated good awareness of myths around CRC causation. WBJ participants were twice more likely than those from the Gaza Strip to display good recognition (5.9% v 3.1%). Male sex, living in the WBJ, and visiting hospitals were all associated with an increase in the likelihood of displaying good awareness. Conversely, knowing someone with cancer was associated with a decrease in the likelihood of displaying good awareness. Having a physical trauma was the most recognized CRC causation myth (n = 2,752, 59.5%), whereas eating food containing additives was the least (n = 456, 9.8%).CONCLUSIONOnly 4.7% displayed good ability to recognize myths around CRC causation. Future educational interventions are needed to help the public distinguish the evidence-based versus mythical causes of CRC.

Summary: Foxp3 acetylation is essential to regulatory T (Treg) cell stability and function, but pharmacologically increasing it remains an unmet challenge. Here, we report that small-molecule compounds that inhibit TIP60, an acetyltransferase known to acetylate Foxp3, unexpectedly increase Foxp3 acetylation and Treg induction. Utilizing a dual experimental/computational approach combined with a newly developed FRET-based methodology compatible with flow cytometry to measure Foxp3 acetylation, we unraveled the mechanism of action of these small-molecule compounds in murine and human Treg induction cell cultures. We demonstrate that at low-mid concentrations they activate TIP60 to acetylate P300, a different acetyltransferase, which in turn increases Foxp3 acetylation, thereby enhancing Treg cell induction. These results reveal a potential therapeutic target relevant to autoimmunity and transplant.

Abstract This study explored the anticipated time to seek medical advice for possible colorectal cancer (CRC) signs/symptoms and its association with CRC symptom awareness. In addition, it examined perceived barriers that may delay seeking medical advice. Palestinian adults were recruited from hospitals, primary healthcare centers, and public spaces in 11 governorates. A modified, translated-into-Arabic version of the validated Bowel Cancer Awareness Measure was used. The questionnaire comprised three sections: sociodemographics, assessment of CRC symptom awareness and time to seek medical advice, and barriers to early presentation. A total of 4623 participants were included. The proportion that reported seeking immediate medical advice for possible CRC signs/symptoms with blood or mass ranged from 47.1% for ‘blood in stools’ to 59.5% for ‘bleeding from back passage’. Less than half of the participants reported immediate seeking of medical advice for non-specific symptoms (ranging from 5.4% for ‘loss of appetite’ to 42.0% for ‘anemia’) and other gastrointestinal symptoms (ranging from 7.7% for ‘feeling persistently full’ to 35.7% for ‘change in bowel habits’). Good CRC symptom awareness was associated with higher likelihood of seeking medical advice within a week from recognizing a CRC symptom. About 13.0% reported a delay to visit their doctor after recognizing a CRC symptom. The most reported barriers were practical with ‘would try some herbs first’ (50.9%) as the leading barrier. CRC symptoms with blood or mass prompted earlier help seeking. Participants with good CRC awareness were more likely to seek medical advice within a week.

Abstract DNA methylation comprises a cumulative record of lifetime exposures superimposed on genetically determined markers. Little is known about methylation dynamics in humans following an acute perturbation, such as infection. We characterized the temporal trajectory of blood epigenetic remodeling in 133 participants in a prospective study of young adults before, during, and after asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The differential methylation caused by asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic infections was indistinguishable. While differential gene expression largely returned to baseline levels after the virus became undetectable, some differentially methylated sites persisted for months of follow‐up, with a pattern resembling autoimmune or inflammatory disease. We leveraged these responses to construct methylation‐based machine learning models that distinguished samples from pre‐, during‐, and postinfection time periods, and quantitatively predicted the time since infection. The clinical trajectory in the young adults and in a diverse cohort with more severe outcomes was predicted by the similarity of methylation before or early after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection to the model‐defined postinfection state. Unlike the phenomenon of trained immunity, the postacute SARS‐CoV‐2 epigenetic landscape we identify is antiprotective.

This research investigates the intricacies of motivation and job satisfaction among military service members within the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) amidst various challenges. Employing an intrinsic–extrinsic framework, the study adopts a sequential mixed-method design. Interviews were conducted with 42 LAF service members, a Focus Group was convened with 12 LAF subject matter experts, and a survey was administered to 3880 LAF service members across the country. The findings underscore the significance of monetary rewards and praise as primary motivators. Notably, the expectation of rewards emerges as a crucial motivating factor closely linked to job satisfaction, while intrinsic factors exhibit comparatively lesser influence. Salary emerges as the foremost determinant of job satisfaction. Moreover, economic challenges, particularly the drastic decline in purchasing power, serve as a significant moderating factor, adversely impacting the relationship between motivation and job satisfaction. Health challenges, such as the scarcity and increased prices of medical supplies, also exert a negative moderating influence. Conversely, security challenges demonstrate no significant moderating impact. Insights gleaned from the Lebanese context emphasize the importance of offering competitive salaries and recognition programs, ensuring equitable compensation, designing reward systems aligned with performance expectations, regularly reviewing, and adjusting salary structures, providing comprehensive support for employees’ physical and mental well-being, and fostering a secure work environment.

To achieve sustainability, use waste materials to make concrete to use alternative components and reduce the production of Portland cement. Lime cement was used instead of Portland cement, and 15% of the cement's weight was replaced with silica fume. Also used were eco-friendly fibers (copper fiber) made from recycled electrical. This work examines the impact of utilizing sustainable copper fiber with different aspect ratios (l/d) on some mechanical properties of high-strength green concrete. A high-strength cement mixture with a compressive strength of 65 MPa in line with ACI 211.4R was required to complete the assignment. Copper fibers of 1% by volume of concrete were employed in mixes with four different aspect ratios (20, 40, 60, and 120). At 7, 28, and 60 days after typical curing, the samples' mechanical characteristics (compressive strength, flexural strength, and split tensile strength) are assessed. A reported increase in compressive strength of (2, 1.6, and 1.4) in (7, 28, and 60 days) for concrete with a high aspect ratio 120, compared to concrete with a low aspect ratio 20. The flexural strength of high-strength green concrete with fibers of a higher aspect ratio 120 was (23, 11, and 12.6%) times higher for all ages compared to low aspect ratio 20. The split tensile strength rose (1.7, 1.5, and 1.6%) for (7, 28, and 60 days), respectively, for concrete with a high aspect ratio 120, compared to concrete with a low aspect ratio 20. It was found that using fibers with a large aspect ratio improved the mechanical properties of concrete more than fibers with a small aspect ratio.

Abstract Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent malignancy among women in Tunisia and Algeria. Clinical and pathological characteristics of this cancer among these populations are not widely reported. The aim of the study was to report clinical and pathological characteristics of women's BC in a Tunisian and Algerian series. Methods Pathologically confirmed 1089 BCs were gathered in the pathology departments of three Northern Tunisian hospitals: Tunis military, Charles Nicolle and Jendouba and in the pathology department of Alger Douera hospital between January 2015 and December 2020. Clinical and pathological findings of the two series: age, tumor size, histological type, grading according to Scarff‐Bloom Richardson grading system, lymph node status at the time of diagnosis in axillary lymphadenectomy specimens and the immunohistochemical expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER/PR), HER2 and Ki‐67, were collected from the pathological reports. Results The median age at diagnosis was 50 and 48 years in Tunisian and Algerian series, respectively (p = 0.016). The diagnosis of BC was made on surgical specimens (lumpectomy or mastectomy) in 373/491 (76%) cases of the Tunisian series and in 225/598 (37.6%) cases of the Algerian one. Median tumor size was 2.8 cm and 2.5 cm in Algerian and Tunisian series, respectively (p = 0.252). Invasive BCs not otherwise specified was observed in 440/481 (91.5%) BCs in Tunisian series and in 519/586 (88.6%) BCs in Algerian series. Axillary lymph node positive tumors were observed in 64.6% and 58.8% of Tunisian and Algerian women, respectively (p = 0.926). BCs were ER positive in 311/385 (80.8%) and 486/571 (85.1%) cases and HER2 positive in 86/283 (30.4%) and 60/385 (15.6%) cases of Tunisian and Algerian series, respectively. Conclusions In Tunisia and Algeria, BC has poor prognostic factors with large tumor sizes and high rates of lymph nodes involvement at diagnosis.

Due to tremendous technological breakthroughs, an increasing number of cities are transforming into “smart cities” utilizing the Internet of Things (IOT), artificial intelligence, or other information technologies. The Chinese government announced that the development of “digital cities smart cities” was a national priority. The goal of this study is to examine the success variables that can influence IOT service adoption aspirations while also serving as a mediator for enhanced security via blockchain technologies. A conceptual model is created with a strong theoretical underpinning and body of literature. The final sample consisted of 1008 participants. This study uses the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM model) to test and analyze the impact of identified variables on the continuous usage intention (CUI) of IOT-based public services. Our findings show that blockchain adoption in smart cities fully mediates the effect of the IOT on CUI and shed the light on the importance of the trust, empowerment, and social influence since the continuous usage intention of the IOT in smart cities is mainly influenced by these factors and enhanced by the application of blockchain.

Abstract Background Oral diseases are features of COVID-19 infection. There is, however, little known about oral diseases associated with COVID-19 in adolescents and young adults (AYA). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess oral lesions’ association with COVID-19 infection in AYA; and to identify if sex and age will modify these associations. Methodology Data was collected for this cross-sectional study between August 2020 and January 2021 from 11-to-23 years old participants in 43-countries using an electronic validated questionnaire developed in five languages. Data collected included information on the dependent variables (the presence of oral conditions- gingival inflammation, dry mouth, change in taste and oral ulcers), independent variable (COVID-19 infection) and confounders (age, sex, history of medical problems and parents’ educational level). Multilevel binary logistic regression was used for analysis. Results Complete data were available for 7164 AYA, with 7.5% reporting a history of COVID-19 infection. A significantly higher percentage of participants with a history of COVID-19 infection than those without COVID-19 infection reported having dry mouth (10.6% vs 7.3%, AOR = 1.31) and taste changes (11.1% vs 2.7%, AOR = 4.11). There was a significant effect modification in the association between COVID-19 infection and the presence of dry mouth and change in taste by age and sex (P = 0.02 and

Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD) syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder caused by biallelic germline mutations in one of the mismatch repair genes. Carriers are at exceptionally high risk for developing, typically in early life, hematological and brain malignancies, as well as cancers observed in Lynch syndrome. We report a homozygous MLH1 missense variant (c.1918C>A p.(Pro640Thr)) in a Tunisian patient with CMMRD syndrome and a family history of early-age colorectal cancer. The proband presented initially with colonic oligopolyposis and adenosquamous carcinoma of the caecum. He later developed several malignancies, including undifferentiated carcinoma of the parotid, grade 4 IDH-mutant astrocytoma, and ampulla of Vater adenocarcinoma. The patient was older than typical for this disease and had a remarkably prolonged survival despite developing four distinct aggressive malignancies. The current report highlights the challenges in assessing the pathogenicity of the identified variant and the remarkable phenotypic diversity in CMMRD.

The present investigation considers the effect of curing temperatures (30, 40, and 50˚C) and curing compound method on compressive strength development of high performance concrete, and compares the results with concrete cured at standard conditions and curing temperature (21˚C). The experimental results showed that at early ages, the rate of strength development at high curing temperature is greater than at lower curing temperature, the maximum increasing percentage in compressive strength is 10.83% at 50C˚ compared with 21C˚ in 7days curing age. However, at later ages, the strength achieved at higher curing temperature has been less, and the maximum percentage of reduction has been 5.70% at curing temperature 50C˚ compared with 21C˚curing temperature in 91 days curing age. Also, the results showed that the specimens which are cured under field condition (using curing compound) have a various strength development rate, and the results indicate 92.11% as minimum field-standard curing strength ratio.

This research of using Feldspar in the production self compacting concrete (SCC) ( 5,10,15 )% as partial replacement by weight of cement .In this research some of fresh properties of SCC ( slump flow used V-funnel test and filling ability used ( U- box test ) for concrete mixes and also some of the harden properties of SCC ( compressive and flexural tests ). The research results showed that negative effect of Feldspar on the fresh properties of self compacting concrete but the positive effect of Feldspar on the harden properties of self compacting concrete .

The increasing use of plastics in various aspects of modern life resulted in the availability of enormous amount of wastes, including a negative effect on the environment and humans. So it is necessary to find solutions to deal with these wastes and ensure to use them as solutions to use in concrete mix . In this research the production of concrete containing high and low density polyethylene has been used by (5, 10, 15)% as a replacement of part of the volume of sand, so as to obtain concrete good compressive strength as well as other benefits such as improved possibility of pumping concrete and reduce the loss of concrete for workability polymer is a material that is non-absorbable of water . It is also intended to dispose of these wastes positively to achieve benefits to the environment and humans alike .

A new concrete rheometer is introduced including its innovation, actual design, working rules, calibration, and reliability. A modified design of Tattersall two-point device is created. Some of components are purchased from local and foreign markets, while other components and the manufacturing process are locally fabricated. The matching viscosity method of determining the mixer viscometer constants is demonstrated and followed to relate torque and rotational speed to yield stress and viscosity (Bingham parameters). The calibration procedures and its calculation are explained. Water is used as a Newtonian fluid, while; cement paste (cement + water) with w/c ratio equal to (0.442) is used as a non-Newtonian fluid. The cement paste is tested in “Petroleum Research and Development Center” by “OFITE Model 800 Viscometer”. In order to verify the reliability of the new rheometer, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model with a well selected bank of data is constructed; and (16) Mixes of Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) are constructed, mixed and tested by the new Rheometer. The results from model (predicted) and those from the experimental work (measured) were found to have very good degrees of correlation and matching, which indicates that the new rheometer can be reliable.

Hereditary erythrocytosis is a rare hematologic disorder characterized by an excess of red blood cell production. Here we describe a European collaborative study involving a collection of 2,160 patients with erythrocytosis sequenced in ten different laboratories. We focused our study on the EGLN1 gene and identified 39 germline missense variants including one gene deletion in 47 probands. EGLN1 encodes the PHD2 prolyl 4-hydroxylase, a major inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factor. We performed a comprehensive study to evaluate the causal role of the identified PHD2 variants: (i) in silico studies of localization, conservation, and deleterious effects; (ii) analysis of hematologic parameters of carriers identified in the UK Biobank; (iii) functional studies of the protein activity and stability; and (iv) a comprehensive study of PHD2 splicing. Altogether, these studies allowed the classification of 16 pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutants in a total of 48 patients and relatives. The in silico studies extended to the variants described in the literature showed that a minority of PHD2 variants can be classified as pathogenic (36/96), without any differences from the variants of unknown significance regarding the severity of the developed disease (hematologic parameters and complications). Here, we demonstrated the great value of federating laboratories working on such rare disorders in order to implement the criteria required for genetic classification, a strategy that should be extended to all hereditary hematologic diseases.

This research is devoted to investigate relationship between both Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity and Rebound Number (Hammer Test) with cube compressive strength and also to study the effect of steel reinforcement on these relationships. A study was carried out on 32 scale model reinforced concrete elements. Non destructive testing campaign (mainly ultrasonic and rebound hammer tests) made on the same elements. About 72 concrete cubes (15 X 15 X15) were taken from the concrete mixes to check the compressive strength.. Data analyzed.Include the possible correlations between non destructive testing (NDT) and compressive strength (DT) Statistical approach is used for this purpose. A new relationships obtained from correlations results is given.

Summary: Early retirement of coal-fired power is essential for remaining in line with the 2°C target set in the Paris Agreement. Plant age plays the major role in designing retirement pathways, however, this overlooks the economic and health costs associated with coal-fired power. We introduce multi-dimensional retirement schedules that account for age, operating cost, and air pollution hazards. Results show that regional retirement pathways vary substantially with different weighting schemes. Schedules based on age would retire capacity mostly in the US and EU, whereas those based on cost or air pollution would shift the majority of near-term retirements to China and India, respectively. Our approach emphasizes that a “one-size-fits-all” strategy is ineffective in addressing global phase-out pathways. It provides the opportunity for devising region-specific pathways that are sound to the local context. Our results involve emerging economies and highlight incentives for early retirement that surpass climate change mitigation and address regional priorities.

Abstract Background Minimal residual disease (MRD), which is characterized as leukemic cells at a level below morphologic detection, has been connected to the risk of relapse in acute myeloid leukemia. In 80–90% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, the Wilms tumor (WT1) gene is overexpressed at the mRNA level. In our prospective study, a total of 55 patients were enrolled in the study. Group I involved 40 AML patients and group II involved 15 patients healthy controls. WT1 gene expression was quantified using quantitative real-time PCR on bone marrow samples from AML patients at initial diagnosis and at day 28 after induction chemotherapy, and compared to 15 healthy controls in group II. Follow up of patients for prognosis evaluation was assessed. IBM SPSS software was used to capture and analyses the data. Results At diagnosis, the mean WT1 transcript value in AML patients was substantially higher than the expression observed in control patient’s Bone marrow. There was no statistically relevant relationship between the onset of relapse and WT1 expression. Patients with WT1 overexpression at diagnosis had a shorter overall survival than patients with negative WT1 expression. Conclusions Wilms tumor 1 gene expression was found to be significantly higher in AML patients than control cases, overall, our results confirmed the prognostic significance of WT1 overexpression in AML patients. Our findings support the application of MRD in AML patients based on WT1 overexpression.

Abstract Malaria is a serious threat to global health, with over $$95\%$$ 95 % of the cases reported in 2020 by the World Health Organization in African countries, including Sudan. Sudan is a low-income country with a limited healthcare system and a substantial burden of malaria. The epidemiology of malaria in Sudan is rapidly changing due to factors including the rapidly developing resistance to drugs and insecticides among the parasites and vectors, respectively; the growing population living in humanitarian settings due to political instability; and the recent emergence of Anopheles stephensi in the country. These factors contribute to changes in the distribution of the parasites species as well as malaria vectors in Sudan, and the shifting patterns of malaria epidemiology underscore the need for investment in improved situational awareness, early preparedness, and a national prevention and control strategy that is updated, evidence based, and proactive. A key component of this strategy is accurate, high-resolution endemicity maps of species-specific malaria. Here, we present a spatiotemporal Bayesian model, developed in collaboration with the Sudanese Ministry of Health, that predicts a fine-scale (1 km $$\times $$ × 1 km) clinical incidence and seasonality profiles for Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax across the country. We use monthly malaria case counts for both species collected via routine surveillance between January 2017 and December 2019, as well as a suite of high-resolution environmental covariates to inform our predictions. These epidemiological maps provide a useful resource for strategic planning and cost-effective implementation of malaria interventions, thus informing policymakers in Sudan to achieve success in malaria control and elimination.