Search

This study analyses Compound Fins (CFs) in turbulent airflows using numerical and experimental methods. CFs combine Novel Plate Fin Heatsinks (NPFHSs) [1] and Slotted fins (S8 and S9) [2] and are compared to plain plate fins. Numerical modelling of turbulent airflow is conducted using Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations, and ANSYS is used for the analysis. The CFs are manufactured using selective laser melting and validated experimentally. CF variations are categorized as CF18, CF19, CF28 and CF29 as described in Table 1. CFs outperform plain fins, with CF18, CF19, CF28, and CF29 showing higher Nu numbers by 52.7%, 51.2%, 44.8%, and 47.9%, respectively. CF18 and CF19 have 22.9% and 21.7% higher heat transfer coefficients than NPFHS1, respectively. CF28 and CF29 have 19.1% and 22.4% higher heat transfer coefficients than NPFHS2, respectively. CF18 and CF19 have higher air pressure drops than plain fins, while CF28 and CF29 have lesser pressure loss. The study concludes that CFs perform better than plain fins and are lighter. The methodology ensures the accuracy and reliability of the findings, making the study a valuable contribution to electronic cooling.

Abstract In this research nylon fibers wastes (NF) were fabricated into porous sheet using a phase inversion technique to be utilized as an adsorbent materials for Congo red dye (CR). The fabricated sheet denoted as NS was characterized using FTIR and XRD. The surface studies of the adsorbent materials using SEM and BET analysis reveals a highly pores structure with an average pore volume 0.61 cc/g and BET surface area of 767 m2/g. The adsorption studies of fabricated NS were employed into CR at different parameters as pH, effect of time and dye concentration. The adsorption isotherm and kinetic studies were more fit to Langmuir and pseudo second order models. The maximum adsorption capacity qmax reached 188 mg/g with removal percentage of 95 for CR concentration of 400 mg/L at pH 6 and 0.025 g NS dose for 10 ml CR solution. The regeneration study reveals a prominent adsorption behavior of NS with removal % of 88.6 for CR (300 mg/L) after four adsorption desorption cycles. Effect of incorporation of NaonFil Clay to NS was studied using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) modeling and reveals that 98.4% removal of CR could be achieved by using 19.35% wt. of fiber with 8.2 g/L dose and zero clay, thus at a predetermined parameters studies of NanoFil clay embedded into NS, there are no significant effect for %R for CR.

Gas to Liquid (GTL) fuel is considered a clean alternative fuel and has been given much attention to replacing conventional fuel. Evaporation behaviour and droplet lifetime are critical aspects that need to be determined as these aspects can affect the fuel spray properties and improve the combustion process. In this study, a set of GTL–diesel fuel blends are prepared, which are G20, G50, G80, and G100 (the number represents the GTL percentage fuel ratio in the fuel blends). Subsequently, using a single droplet drop test on the hot plate (Leidenfrost effect), the GTL fuel blends droplet lifetime and evaporation behaviour are visualised using a high-speed camera connected to long-distance microscopy. An image processing system and a MatLab were used to measure and analyse the droplet evaporation data. Comparing the fuel characterisation of the GTL fuel and conventional diesel fuel, the GTL fuel shows a lower value in all properties tested except for the calorific value, cetane number, and vapour pressure. The qualitative results through the Leidenfrost effect have shown that increasing the GTL fuel ratio (20% to 100%) decreases the heating phase duration (37.3 % to 14.4 %) and evaporation rate (1.29 mm 2/s to 1.10 mm 2/s) while increasing their steady evaporation phase duration and droplet lifetime. The shorter period to achieve steady evaporation is beneficial as the spray inside the chamber has a limited time to evaporate for combustion.

Abstract Purpose We aimed to compare the impact of urethral transection after different techniques of bulbar urethroplasty on erectile function outcome. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed the records for 245 patients who underwent different urethroplasty techniques for bulbar urethral stricture between February 2013 and January 2021. The comparison between the transecting and non-transecting cohorts included patients’ demographics, clinicopathological features of the urethral stricture, post-urethroplasty erectile function, and success of urethroplasty. Outcomes were erectile function status verified by IIEF5-15 score at preoperative, three months, and 12 months post-surgery. We defined Post-urethroplasty ED as a decrease of 5 points or more. Results The urethroplasty success rate of the entire cohort was 86.9% after a mean follow-up of 45.59 ± 21 months. Out of 245 patients, 18 (7.3%) experienced 90-day complications. Transecting bulbar urethroplasty techniques were performed in 74 patients (30.2%), while non-transecting techniques were performed in 171 patients (69.8%). there were no differences between the cohorts regarding urethroplasty success (87.8% Vs. 86.5%, Mantel-Cox test p = 0.93) or postoperative complications (8.1% Vs. 7%, p = 0.73). Transient ED was evident in the transecting cohort as reported in 8.1% compared to 2.9% for the non-transecting (p = 0.07).Still, but de novo permanent ED was comparable (4.1% Vs. 2.9%, p = 0.65), for transecting and non-transecting, respectively. Conclusions Unfortunately, some patients who undergo transecting techniques of bulbar urethroplasty experience transient erectile dysfunction that can improve within the first post- urethroplasty year; however, de novo permanent erectile dysfunction is uncommon after different techniques of bulbar urethroplasty and is not predisposed by urethral transection.

Gas to Liquid (GTL) fuel is considered a clean and alternative fuel and has been given much attention as a replacement for conventional fuels. This paper reviews and discusses the GTL fuel characteristics and the effects of GTL fuel on performance and emission in engines, considering previous research works. The properties of GTL fuel, such as a higher cetane number than diesel, improve its ignition and, therefore, burn more efficiently. It also helps to eliminate the knock and noise produced by the engine, resulting in lower emissions of pollutants. The energy density of GTL can potentially be higher than that of diesel, depending on its specific chemical composition and carbon cuts in the fuel, which provides more energy per unit volume, resulting in better brake-specific fuel consumption. The major finding is that the ability of GTL fuel to be implemented in existing ICE without significant modification should enhance the involvement of GTL in the automotive sector. GTL fuel has lower emissions of particulate matter, sulphur oxides, and nitrogen oxides, which are harmful pollutants that contribute to air pollution and respiratory problems. In contrast, the brake power from the usage of GTL has shown a lower value than diesel. This is caused by the lower volumetric heating value of the GTL fuel. The production process is expensive and requires significant energy, which may offset some of the environmental benefits. Additionally, the infrastructure for producing and distributing GTL fuel has yet to be widely available, which makes it difficult to adopt as a widespread replacement for conventional fuels.

Abstract THz radiation detection using FET devices has attracted increasing attention lately. In this paper, we further study a simulated model of FET rectification detection in short channel length. To achieve this, both physics-based analytic model and a detailed TCAD simulation were contacted and compared. The analytical model provided detailed dependence of the response on the channel length below the extension length of the radiation. However, the simulation results were validated by comparison with the experimental data to confirm the validity of the theoretical model. These results present a new model of rectification for short channel lengths and its dependence on the extinction of AC signal through the channel.

Background Although cardiovascular mortality (CVM) rates in the United States have been declining overall, our study evaluated whether this holds true for areas with increased social deprivation. Methods and Results We used county‐level cross‐sectional age‐adjusted CVM rates (aa‐CVM) (2000–2019) linked to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Social Vulnerability Index (SVI–2010). We grouped counties as per SVI (Groups I 0–0.2, II 0.21–0.4, III 0.41–0.6, IV 0.61–0.8, and V 0.81–1) and calculated the relative change in the aa‐CVM between 2000 to 2003 and 2016 to 2019. We used adjusted linear regression analyses to explore the association between a higher SVI and temporal aa‐CVM improvement; we studied this temporal change in aa‐CVM across subgroups of race, sex, and location. The median aa‐CVM rate (per 100 000) was 272.6 (interquartile range [IQR]: 237.5–311.7). The aa‐CVM was higher in men (315.6 [IQR: 273.4–363.9]) than women (221.3 [IQR: 189.6–256.7]), and in Black residents (347.2 [IQR: 301.1–391.1]; P

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is a unique type of concrete that has a lot of advantages in the construction sector. There is no risk for reinforced UHPC elements in an aggressive environment or coastal region, unless cracking occurs due to extra-loading or inaccurate structural design. For that, there is a need for this study to be considered. The core concentration of this study is towards understanding the shear behavior of pre-cracked beams cast with UHPC as affected by durability. This program presents materials used to reach the main aim of the present study. 72 specimens were conducted to study UHPC physical and mechanical properties to be compared with traditional normal concrete (NC). Moreover, 10 RC beams were cast to investigate the shear behavior of RC-UHPC beams with dimensions of 100 mm, 150 mm, and 1300 mm. Five non-exposure beams and five exposure beams were corroded by an accelerated corrosion cell, and half the potential cell readings were recorded. Obtained results for specimens provide that; UHPC eliminates deflection with high modulus of elasticity, in chloride penetration test UHPC is 200 times less than NC, and the reduction in bond strength test after corrosion exposure is 66.24 % and 1.69 % for NC and UHPC specimens, respectively. For pre-carking UHPC beams at 80 % of experimental ultimate load; cracking resistance for un-corroded beams exceeds the corroded beams by 250 %. The residual flexural capacities for corroded beams pre-cracking up to 80 % of E.U.L. are 61.6 % and 119 % for NC and UHPC beams, respectively. UHPC is much better than NC in corrosive environments.

Therapeutic Area: ASCVD/CVD Risk Reduction Background: Increased place-based social deprivation is known to be associated with higher cardiovascular mortality (CVM) rates. While CVM rates in the US have been declining overall, our study evaluated whether this holds true for areas with increased social deprivation. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we used county-level CVM rates between 2000 and 2019 and linked it to the CDC Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), and analyzed data from 3052 counties nationwide. We grouped counties as per their SVI (Group I 0 - 0.2, Group II 0.21 - 0.4, Group III 0.41 - 0.6, Group IV 0.61 - 0.8,and Group V 0.81 – 1) and obtained the relative change in the age adjusted CVM between 2000-2003 and 2016-2019. We studied the temporal change in CVM across SVI groups, overall and separately according to race (white vs black), sex (men vs women) and county location (metro vs non-metro). We used adjusted linear regression analyses to explore the association between increasing SVI and the relative change in CVM. Results: The median county-level age-adjusted CVM (aa-CVM) rate (per 100,000) overall was 272.6 [IQR: 237.5, 311.7]. Men (315.6 [IQR: 273.4, 363.9]) had higher aa-CVM rates than women (221.3 [IQR: 189.6, 256.7]), and blacks (347.2 [IQR: 301.1, 391.1]) had higher aa-CVM rates than whites (258.9 [IQR: 226, 299.1], p < 0.001). The aa-CVM for SVI I (233.6 [IQR: 214.8, 257.0]) was significantly higher than group V (323.6 [IQR: 277.2, 359.2], p < 0.001). The relative reduction in CVM was significantly higher for SVI group I (32.2% [IQR: 24.2%, 38.4%]) than SVI group V (27.2% [IQR: 19%, 34.1%]) counties. An increasing SVI index was associated with lower relative percent decline in the age-adjusted CVM (model coefficient -6.01 [0.73], p < 0.001). Conclusions: We observed higher age-adjusted CVM in more socially deprived counties in the US. While the overall age-adjusted CVM has declined in the past 20 years, this improvement is substantially lesser in more socially deprived counties.

The present work is a biodiversity study on some caprellids from the Northern Red Sea coast with their occurrence and distribution in different habitats in relation to water depth. From late 2019 to early 2020, a total of 67 individuals were collected from Hurghada and Shalateen, Red Sea coast by snorkeling and SCUBA diving, from five different depths (0.5, 5, 15, 25, and 35 m). A total of 7 caprellid species belonging to six genera and two subfamilies were recorded from Hurghada site, and only 5 species were recorded from Shalateen site. Phtisica marina Slabber, 1769, Metaprotella sp., and Deutella sp. were recorded for the first time from the Red Sea waters. These new records are significant in terms of increasing the known species diversity of the Red Sea fauna. Paradeutella multispinosa was the most abundant caprellid and was represented by 46.3% at Shalateen, followed by Hemiaegina minuta (31.7%) at Shalateen and (50.0%) at Hurghada. SIMPER analysis showed that the caprellids, P. multispinosa, H. minuta and P. marina, were the most contributing species to the dissimilarity between the two studied sites. Depth and habitat composition directly influenced the total caprellid abundance and diversity at both sites.

This study aimed to detect the impact of bacteriospermia on semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation. This prospective case–control study was conducted over a period of 9 months. Samples were collected from andrology outpatient clinic attendants of Cairo University Hospitals. We enrolled 68 semen samples divided into two groups: a study group (34 semen samples with bacteriospermia) and a control group (34 semen samples without bacteriospermia). The characteristics of the semen, including morphology, motility, count, liquefaction, viscosity, pH, volume, and appearance, were evaluated according to the standard protocols. Patients with and without bacteriospermia had a comparable liquefaction time ( p = .343), semen appearance and color ( p = 1.00), semen pH ( p = 1.00), velocity ( p = .163), and total sperm count ( p = .451). Patients with bacteriospermia were associated with lower progressive motility ( p = .001), nonprogressive motility ( p = .032), total motility ( p = .001), and normal forms ( p = .001). The prevalence of abnormal semen analysis was 64.71% in the study group compared with 35.29% in the control group. Staphylococcus aureus (67.6%) and Escherichia coli (14.7%) were the most commonly detected organisms. Samples from which Methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was isolated showed significant abnormalities in both progressive motility and normal morphology of sperm. Bacteriospermia has deteriorative effects on sperm quality parameters, such as semen volume, sperm motility, and sperm normal morphology.

Abstract Background Urethral reconstruction in complex hypospadias poses a significant challenge. We report our 10-year experience with buccal mucosa graft (BMG) in the two-stage repair of complex hypospadias and compare its results to the skin graft. Methods We retrieved the data of 15 patients with complex hypospadias who underwent two-stage repair using the BMG at our institution. The data were compared to 13 patients who underwent skin graft during the same period. Results The median follow-up duration was 14 (12–17) months in the BMG group and 16 (13.5–22.5) months in the skin graft group. Patients in the BMG had a numerically lower incidence of the diverticulum, wound dehiscence, fistula, and infection than the skin graft group, however, without statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). On the other hand, the incidence of meatal stenosis and urethral stricture was significantly lower in the BMG group (0% each) compared to the skin graft group (30.8% each; p = 0.02). At the same time, there were no reported cases of graft contracture. The frequency of donor site morbidity was significantly higher in the skin graft group compared to the BMG group (p = 0.003). The BMG led to a lower incidence of postoperative straining than the skin graft (0% vs. 38.5%, p = 0.03). Only one patient needed revision surgery after skin graft, compared to no case in the BMG (p = 0.27). Conclusion The present study demonstrates the feasibility and durable outcomes of the BMG in the setting of two-stage repair of complex hypospadias.

Purposes: Penile fracture (PF) with associated urethral injury has been described as a rare condition yet a serious urological emergency. We conducted this systematic review to address the current literature concerning the etiology, presentations, intra-operative findings, site of injury, and complications of PF with associated urethral injury, Materials and Methods: The present systematic review was limited to human-based studies published in English language, and reporting clinical data on PF cases with associated urethral injuries. A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted on five electronic databases from their inception to May 2022: Medline via PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, and EBSCO host. Results: A total of 15 studies were included encompassing 1671 patients with PF. Out of 1665 patients with PF retrieved from the case series studies, 65 patients had associated urethral injuries giving a point prevalence of 3.9%. The vast majority of the patients had blood on the meatus and hematuria suggestive of urethral injury (57/59; 96.6%). Forty patients had partial urethral disruption and the rest of the patients had a complete rupture. All patients received primary urethroplasty as the main modality of treatment. The median hospital stay was two days and the median duration of transurethral catheterization was 21 days. Five patients (8.5%) developed urethral stricture; other complications included penile curvature (6.7%), palpable fibrosis (6.7%), and erectile dysfunction (3.4%). Conclusions: Urethral injuries are uncommon, but serious findings, in patients with PF. Primary urethroplasty appears to achieve satisfactory outcomes with a low incidence of short and long-term complications.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgeon-tailored polypropylene mesh (STM) through a needle-less single incision mini-slings (SIMS) vs. standard trans-obturator tape (TOT) in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods: We conducted an open-label randomized controlled trial that included women with SUI. Eligible women were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either standard TOT or SIMS techniques. All procedures were performed using a surgeon-tailored polypropylene mesh and monofilament tape. Results: A total of 60 women were included. The mean operative time was significantly longer in the standard TOT group. The mean bleeding rate was significantly higher in the standard TOT group (87.6 ± 10.6 cc) compared to the SIMS group (60.0 ± 8.1 cc). There was no urethral injury in both groups. Transient thigh pain occurs in 12 cases (40 %) of the standard TOT and no cases in the SIMS group (p < 0.001). After three months, there was no significant statistical difference between the result of the two groups as regard to cure or improvement rate. No failed cases were reported in both groups (p = 0.64). Likewise, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding patients' satisfaction rate. Conclusions: SIMS was not inferior to standard TOT. STM SIMS is a mini-invasive, relatively safe, reproducible, easy to perform in a short time, with excellent patient tolerability and minimal pain, allowing early return to work and economically effective surgical procedure for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria isolated from Saudi Arabian patients in the Al-Qassim region. We also examine the application of Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA- Polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) in genetic diversity of the strains in use. In this study, we have used 29 different clinical samples from Al-Qassim hospitals which consists of wound swabs, blood, sputum and urine. Clinical samples were streaked onto sterile Petri dishes containing nutrient agar media using sterile dry swabs. Additionally antibiotic sensitivity tests, micro scan walkway susceptibility tests and extraction of genomic DNA, amplification of RAPD and Inter simple sequence repeat assay were performed in this study. This study results confirmed from the clinical samples were streaked onto sterile Petri dishes containing nutrient agar media using sterile dry swabs. The PCR analysis in ISSR was confirmed that 30–70% of E. coli in Asia and Africa carried ESBLs in the GLASS 2020 study, which is on par with the 59% in VINARES 2016–2017. Comparing VINARES 2016–2017 to other nations, the prevalence of ESBL carriage among K. pneumoniae was 35%. However, RAPD results showed that all employed strains and primers could successfully fingerprint DNA. Between isolated bacterial strains, similarity dendrograms were produced. The technique generated bands with the same intensity as the typical PCR carried out using pure DNA, and it worked for all 29 bacterial strains examined. In conclusion, the results show that all of the isolates have at least one antibiotic-resistance gene, and that the PCR approach is a quick, easy, and reliable way to identify genes.

The free-piston linear generator (FPLG) with a dual-piston air-driven system is a novel type of energy conversion device that converts mechanical energy into electric power through a linear generator. This paper investigates a novel FPLG utilising different generator stator core configurations (GA, GB, GC, GD, and GD) with an optimised valve opening control and the inlet pressure of 5 bar and 8 bar. The effect of generator configuration on the translator motion characteristics, root mean square (RMS) power output, as well as the system stability and the conversion efficiency, are duly discussed. The results show that the piston motion is affected by the generator configuration and the inlet pressure. The maximum RMS power achieved is 203.9 W when GB is used, whereas the maximum operating frequency of 13.8 Hz and a peak power output of 396 W are achieved when GD is used. The FPLG stability within the range for all generator configurations except for GA when the inlet pressure is 5 bar. The FPLG system conversion efficiency (thermal to work and work to electrical) is duly discussed.

This study involved the synthesis of the UiO-67 metal-organic framework; UiO-67 is a well-known type of MOF obtained by coordinating the Zr6O4(OH)4 metal unit with the 4,42-biphenyldicarboxylate organic linker, using the hydrothermal technique. The novelty of the current work is to synthesize UiO-67 MOFs, and their application as biological agents for antibacterial and cancer cells. Subsequently, the composite material UiO-67 was subjected to a comprehensive characterization process involving Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA) and surface area analysis, and the results showed the successful synthesis of the UiO-67 MOFs, with a high specific surface area of 1415 m2/g. Thesynthesized UiO-67 for its antibacterial properties tested against five pathogenic bacterial strains, which include three gram-positive and mcillin-resistant pairs including MRSA, S. aureus and Enterococcus faecalis, and Two gram-negative bacteria E. colli and S. typhimurium using the agar well diffusion method. These findings have shown enhanced, strong antibacterial activity against all the five used gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. Furthermore, the anticancer efficacy of UiO-67 was evaluated on two distinct types of cancer cells: We are using MCF-7 (human breast cancer cell line) and HepG2 (human liver cancer cells). The experiments prove that UiO-67 has the potential of cytotoxicity against both Glioblastoma and H460 cancer lines with the ability to inhibit apoptosis at the same time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methods: We performed a non-randomized comparative trial that recruited infertile men with varicocele who were scheduled to undergo MSV. Eligible patients were allocated by the investigators in a 1:1 ratio to receive intraoperative Doppler (group I) or intraoperative Doppler plus hydrodissection (group II). Results: Sixty men were included in each group. The two study groups showed a comparable number of ligated veins on the right (4.22 ±1.57 versus 4.42 ± 1.65; p = 0.49) and left side (6.77 ± 2.14 versus 6.98 ± 2.29; p = 0.59). On the contrary, group II showed a significantly higher number of preserved arteries on the right (2.42 ± 0.56 versus 1.47 ±0.5 in group I) and left side (2.6 ± 0.53 versus 1.63 ± 0.55 in group I), with p-value < 0.001. The sperm motility was significantly higher in group II than in group I (21.25 ± 13.73 versus 13.85 ± 12.25, respectively; p = 0.002). In both groups, the sperm motility increased significantly at the end of follow-up compared to the preoperative period. The postoperative sperm mortality remained significantly higher in group II than in group I (p = 0.008). Conclusions: Intraoperative Doppler plus hydrodissection (D+IH-MSV) has advantages in preserving more arteries and enhancing the motility of sperms. Based on these findings, we strongly recommend D+IH-MSV when treating infertile men with varicocele.