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Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the conventional mode of teaching and learning in educational institutions. To overcome the challenges, virtual delivery got tractions globally including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, the virtual delivery approach was used for practical teaching sessions in medical schools. Objectives The study assessed medical students’ overall perception of virtual practical sessions. Materials and Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between June and November 2021 at King Saud University (KSU), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Three hundred medical students at KSU participated in the survey with their phones using a validated Likert-based virtual questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into three sections: the first evaluated the general perception of engagement with virtual practical sessions, the second focused on specific subject perception, and the third focused on the overall satisfaction and comfort of virtual practical sessions to students. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS 28.0 statistical software. Categorical variables were represented using frequencies and percentages. The frequency and percentages of responses to all items on the Likert scale were detailed in the results tables. Results Of the 300 medical students who participated, 243 (81%) were eligible to be included in the study. More than half of the students (57.2%) think that virtual practical sessions cannot compensate for practical education and seminars. Fifty-eight percent of the students reported concerns of the lack of hands-on practicals for anatomy. Contrary, more than half of the students did not report concerns of the lack on hands-on in learning for practical education in histology (60.9%), radiology (56.8%), biochemistry (51.9%), and microbiology (51%). Although there were no predominant opinions regarding overall satisfaction and comfort, nearly half of the students agreed that they were overall satisfied (48.2%). Conclusion Except for anatomy, students have found virtual practical sessions to be a good replacement modality that can compensate for hands-on practical education. For students to have the practical’s feel in the form of virtual reality for anatomy, highly sophisticated virtual learning technologies (platforms) have to be developed and introduced. Otherwise, the classical on-campus anatomy practical sessions should be maintained, even during difficult times such as the COVID-19 era but with adequate precautionary measures.

Abstract Floods caused by dam failures can cause huge losses of life and property, especially in estuarine areas and valleys. In spite of all the capabilities and great improvements reached by man in the construction of dams and their structures, they will remain helpless before the powerful forces of nature, especially those related to tectonic activation, and the occurrence of earthquakes of different intensities. The region extending from the Ilisu Dam in Turkey to the Mosul Dam in Iraq was chosen as an area for this study, and the HEC-RAS application was used to simulate the collapse of the Ilisu Dam due to a major earthquake, to know the magnitude of the risks and losses that could result from this. The Ilisu Dam was built very close to a highly tectonically active fault system, particularly the East Anatolian Fault (EAF), which is one of the largest tectonically active faults in the world with a length of 500 km. This region has witnessed past and present earthquakes of high magnitude (M > 7), especially in the EAF, so the construction of the Ilisu Dam near the EAF fault system is of great concern, as it was built in a basin with very complex seismic activity and geology. Using the HEC-RAS simulation application, the study found that the flood resulting from the collapse of the Ilisu Dam would reach the edges of the Mosul Dam Lake in just 13 h. With a flow of more than 100,000 m3/s, more than 10 billion m3 of water will flow into the Mosul Dam Lake within four days of the disaster. This will lead to the collapse of the Mosul Dam and direct the flood wave of the collapse of these dams towards Baghdad through Mosul, Tikrit, and Samarra. This could pose risks to all Iraqi cities located within the Iraqi sedimentary plain (Mesopotamia), from south of the Mosul Dam up to Basra, in a scenario similar to Noah’s Flood.

Abstract Seasonal influenza poses significant health and economic challenges globally each year, particularly impacting the elderly population (aged ≥ 65 years) with increased rates of hospitalization, and mortality. The population of older adults is steadily increasing in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and is likely to increase even further. In addition, there is a high burden of chronic comorbidities in these countries like diabetes and obesity, which increases the likelihood of severe consequences of influenza infection. The GCC countries also host mass gathering events like Hajj, Umrah pilgrimage, Arba’een (nearby Iraq) pilgrimage, and international sports and business events, which further intensify the risk of outbreaks like influenza. These events facilitate the mixing of visitors from various countries. Thus, influenza activity in this North Hemisphere (NH) geography is usually present even before the availability of NH seasonal influenza vaccine. This is especially problematic for the elderly, whose protection from the previous year’s immunization would have waned. Higher dosages of antigens or adjuvants have been used to improve immunogenicity in older people with superior vaccine effectiveness. Therefore, there is a compelling argument in favor of the implementation of high-dose seasonal influenza vaccines in the GCC countries to improve the protection of individuals aged 65 years and older against influenza infection and associated severe complications.

Glass systems of the form (70-x)B2O3-10ZnO-10PbO-10CdO-xBi2O3 (with x = 0 to 20 mol%) were prepared by the standard melt-quenching approach and characterized. The role of varying Bi2O3 doping contents on the radiation shielding, dose rate, and stopping power of the proposed glasses was examined. Various radiation shielding properties, such as exposure buildup factors, gamma-ray constants and dose rates, and total neutron removal cross-section, were estimated. The x-ray diffractometer patterns of the samples showed their amorphous characteristics. Glass density was increased from 5.34 to 6.95 g/cm3, and the energy band gap was reduced with the increase in Bi2O3 doping contents. In addition, both mass attenuation numbers and effective atomic numbers of the samples (calculated using Phy-X software) in the gamma-ray energy range of 0.015 to 15 MeV were increased with the increase in Bi2O3 contents. With the increase in Bi2O3 doping, the gamma-ray shielding, stopping power, and neutron removal cross-section of the glasses were improved. This new glass composition was asserted to be a good candidate for radiation shielding applications.

The present study was planned to evaluate the infection concerning Anaplasma platys in dogs for the first time in Nineveh Province, Iraq, using microscopic examination and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Eighty-one blood samples were randomly collected from dogs (31 household dogs and 50 stray dogs). Those samples were drained from dogs introduced to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the University of Mosul and private veterinary clinics in Nineveh province. The microscopic examination was used to check the blood films prepared for preliminary detection of morulae of A. platys within platelets; furthermore, the molecular technique was used to validate the presence of A. platys by targeting the gltA gene. In that, PCR yielded an amplification of 690 bp band size products, which was the expected size of the targeted gene. After that, these PCR amplicons were sent for sequencing to verify the presence of the pathogen, and then the sequence results were subsequently aligned with other strains available on the NCBI database. Finally, a phylogenetic tree for the related strains was constructed by Mega-11 software. The outcomes indicated that the overall infection rate of A. platys infection in dogs was 6/81 (7.4%) and 11/81 (13.6%) using microscopic examination and molecular techniques, respectively. Additionally, there was no significant difference within the dogs' categories in this study. In conclusion, it has been shown that A. platys in dogs were circulating in Nineveh province; therefore, plans for control measures are advised.

Waterfowl are the main reservoir for most influenza A virus subtypes, and they can effectively transmit these viruses to other birds and humans. This study aims to identify two influenza virus subtypes, H5 and H7, in domestic geese and ducks in Basrah governorate, Southern Iraq. 310 cloacal swabs were obtained from 150 domestic geese and 160 domestic ducks from different geographical areas. The viruses were first detected by RT-PCR using a pair of universal primers. All positive samples underwent RT-PCR using gene-specific primers to identify H5 and H7 influenza virus subtypes. The results showed that the prevalence of influenza viruses detected through universal primers was 37.7%. Of these, 24.6% and 50% were positive for viruses in domestic geese and ducks, respectively. Regarding virus subtyping in geese, the infection rates with H5 and H7 were 43.2% and 29.7%, respectively, with 27% as a combination of the two, while in domestic ducks, the infection rate with H5 was 27.5%, and with H7 it was 15%. Interestingly, ducks had a high concurrent infection rate for both H5 and H7 subtypes, accounting for 57.5%. The study concluded that the two virus subtypes, individually or simultaneously, were present in domestic waterfowl in regions of Basrah, and they were higher in ducks than in geese.

The species and strain of Cryptosporidium parvum genotype in domestic ducks were recorded for the first-time using sequencing technologies in this study. In addition, it looks at the spread of Cryptosporidium parvum and the methods used to diagnose it in different districts of Mosul. Ninety-one duck feces were gathered from six different districts of the city: Shallalat, Bashiqa, Ali Rash, Bartella, Al-Hamdaniya, Telkaif, Felfil, and Al-Qosh. The positive result rate was 27% (25 of the original 91), with monthly variations based on geographic region and age. The statistical analysis revealed considerable disparities in scientific procedures between the northern and eastern Mosul regions. The age factor revealed a substantial difference between 9 and 12 months. Histopathological changes in the trachea and intestinal tract were recorded. The type and strain of Cryptosporidium parvum were recorded and compared to sequences stored in the NCBI's GenBank database. The parasite's genetic invasion, was discovered to match the strains reported in China. The study concluded that for the first time in Mosul, the strain and type of Cryptosporidium parvum isolate were recorded in local ducks, with a higher incidence among local ducks aged 6-12 months than at other ages. Furthermore, its incidence was higher in the city's northern areas than in its eastern areas. Duck trachea and intestines are affected by this strain's histopathological alterations.

This study aims to assess the effect of the Concentrated Growth Factor (CGF) with low-level laser therapy biostimulation (LLL) in the healing of bone around dental implants in an animal model. Four male sheep in good, healthy condition were utilized for the study. Sheep were divided into two groups, each model serving as two observation subgroups. The tibia of each sheep was subjected to random surgical procedures, with a one and two-month gap between each operation. A total of 40 dental implants were implanted, with each sheep receiving ten implants (five implants in each tibia). The groups were divided as follows: group 1 (Control), in which ten implants were placed in each sheep (five dental implants in each tibia), and group 2 (Study group in which ten implants were placed in each sheep (five dental implants in each tibia) with Sacco's Membrane (concentrated growth factor) and LLLT Biostimulation. Densitometric analysis was performed using digital radiography, immunohistochemical, and histopathological assessment. The findings of the present investigation revealed a statistically significant disparity in the extent of bone development surrounding dental implants at four and eight weeks, with the study group exhibiting a more favorable outcome than the control group. In conclusion, using CGF in conjunction with low-level laser treatment biostimulation has contributed to new bone formation and the establishment of osseointegration.

In recent years, ‘transcreation’ has emerged in translation, integrating linguistic, cultural, and creative reinterpretation. With the rise of bibliometric analysis tools, mapping and assessing scientific activities across various fields have become possible, yet few studies apply these methods to translation. This study explores the developments and trends in transcreation within literary texts using quantitative and qualitative bibliometric analysis, particularly through VOSviewer. By analyzing 558 documents from the Scopus database focused on Arabic, rhetoric, transcreation, and translation, the study identifies the United States, United Kingdom, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Spain as the most active countries. The USA leads in total citations, followed by Saudi Arabia and the UK. King Saud University is highlighted as a leading institution. These findings provide a roadmap for future research and policy in applying Arabic rhetoric to the translation and transcreation of literary texts.

The incidence of chronic diseases in contemporary society has been steadily rising with the ageing population. They place a significant strain on both people and the healthcare system, and they are the leading cause of death. As a result, novel detection methods that allow for early identification of chronic diseases to manage therapy are in high demand. Modern sensing tools have emerged in the form of biosensors, which can detect biomarkers and transform them into quantifiable signals. The fields of environmental science, agriculture, drug discovery, biotechnology, food safety, and medical diagnostics might all benefit from the data they provide. The development of more precise, sensitive, and selective diagnostic tools is, nevertheless, of the utmost importance, as is the ability to identify biomarkers as disease indicators at very low concentrations. Nano biosensors are a new generation of analytical instruments that have evolved from the integration of nanomaterials with biosensors. One promising option for continuous, real-time health monitoring is nanostructured biosensors, which provide exceptional sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility. Nano biosensors are categorized in this extensive study according to their size, production process, and transduction mechanism. Also, talk about the latest developments and uses for nano biosensors, and cover some important elements of them, focusing on their electrochemistry and optical characteristics. Further research is needed to fully understand nano biosensors and their potential as a tool for personalized treatment, since there are still many unknowns about their biocompatibility, toxicity, stability, and integration into the human body.

Summary: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) require fault diagnosis for safe operation. Here, we present a protocol for UAV fault diagnosis using signal processing and artificial intelligence. We describe steps for collecting vibration-based signal data, preprocessing, and feature extraction using a 3-axis accelerometer or similar sensors. We then detail the application of machine learning techniques, including deep neural networks, support vector machine, k-nearest neighbor, and other algorithms, for classifying faults. This protocol is applicable to various UAV models for accurate fault detection.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Al-Haddad et al.,1,2,3,4 Shandookh et al.5 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Aims To determine the acceptability and identify potential concerns and barriers of using a hypothetical smartphone application (app) for home monitoring (HM) of visual function among patients with diabetes. Methods Quantitative, cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire. Patients diagnosed with diabetes aged between 20 and 70 years were included. The research was conducted across five regions in Saudi Arabia. The questions were adapted from a validated, published questionnaire and translated into Arabic. It focused on socio-demographic factors and barriers which associated with the acceptance of the hypothetical visual function HM app, using descriptive statistics. Results A total of 240 patients with diabetes participated in this study. About half of the participants (40.4%) ranged between 40 and 59 years; 42.5% were male, and most of the participants (93.8%) lived within 2 h of their healthcare facility. The rejection to the use of a hypothetical HM app was associated with increased age ( p = 0.025), lower education level ( p = 0.023), urbanicity ( p = 0.011), residing closer to health centres ( p = 0.021), and never experiencing telehealth services previously ( p = 0.025). Logistic regression revealed that accepting a hybrid clinic approach was more likely to be acceptable by younger patients (20–39 years: OR, 5.01; 95% CI, 1.82–13.82; p

Background and Objectives: Healthcare workers in hospitals are exposed to infectious diseases that occur in the hospital making them a source of infection for the patients. It is interfaced as cross-contamination agents for MRSA and MR-CoNS, and preventive measures need to be adapted accordingly. The study aimed to assess Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus (MRS) on the skin and nasal cavities of healthcare workers (HCWs) and identifying isolates to the species level. Materials and Methods: Swab samples were cultured on mannitol salt agar (MSA) to obtain MRS and determine their ability to produce coagulase. Their susceptibility to antibiotics were determined by agar screening and disk diffusion methods and further identification was done at the species level. Results: The highest percentage of methicillin resistant coagulase positive Staphylococci (MRCoPS) was reported among skins of male HCWs, (71.4%) were identified as MRSA. The highest levels of methicillin resistant coagulase negative Staphylococci (MRCoNS) were mainly detected in both nasal cavities, (75%) were identified as MRSE. MRSA was reported from doctors (p-value 0.033), whereas the highest incidence of MRSE was obtained from the nurses (p-value 0.048). Conclusion: This study highlighted that incidence of MRSA was mainly detected in doctors and MRCoNS in both nasal cavities. The highest percentage of MRCoNS was recovered from the patients’ room followed by the reception table. Moreover, vancomycin is suggested to be highly effective in managing and controlling S. aureus, MRSA- and MRSE related infections.

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common condition treated with biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic medicines (bDMARDs). However, many patients exhibit resistance, necessitating the use of machine learning models to predict remissions in patients treated with bDMARDs, thereby reducing healthcare costs and minimizing negative effects.ObjectiveThe study aims to develop machine learning models using data from the Kuwait Registry for Rheumatic Diseases (KRRD) to identify clinical characteristics predictive of remission in RA patients treated with biologics.MethodsThe study collected follow-up data from 1,968 patients treated with bDMARDs from four public hospitals in Kuwait from 2013 to 2022. Machine learning techniques like lasso, ridge, support vector machine, random forest, XGBoost, and Shapley additive explanation were used to predict remission at a 1-year follow-up.ResultsThe study used the Shapley plot in explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) to analyze the effects of predictors on remission prognosis across different types of bDMARDs. Top clinical features were identified for patients treated with bDMARDs, each associated with specific mean SHAP values. The findings highlight the importance of clinical assessments and specific treatments in shaping treatment outcomes.ConclusionThe proposed machine learning model system effectively identifies clinical features predicting remission in bDMARDs, potentially improving treatment efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

The corneal eye diseases such as Keratoconus cause weakening of the cornea, with this disease the cornea can change in shape. This condition affects between 1 in 3,000 to 1 in 10,000 people. The main reason for the development of such conditions is unknown and can have significant impacts. Over the last decade, with advancements in computerized corneal topography assessments, researchers have increasingly expressed interest in corneal topography for research as well as clinical activities. Up till now, several aspheric numerical models have been developed as well as proposed to define the complex shape of the cornea. A commonly used term for characterizing the asphericity in an eye is the Q value, a common indicator of the aspherical degree of the cornea. It is one of the critical parameters in the mathematical description model of the cornea as it represents the cornea's shape and the eye's characteristics. Due to the utmost importance of this Q value of the cornea, a couple of studies have attempted to explore this parameter and its distribution, merely in terms of its influence on the human eye's optical properties. The corneal Q value is an important factor that needs to be determined to treat for any refractive errors as corneal degeneration are disease that can lead to potential problems with the structure of the cornea. This study aims to highlight the need to understand Q value of the cornea as this can essentially assist with personalising corneal refractive surgeries and implantation of intraocular lenses. Therefore, the relevance of corneal Q value must be studied in association with different patients, especially ones who have been diagnosed with cataracts, brain tumours, or even COVID-19. To address this issue, this paper first carries out a literature review on the optics of the cornea, the relevance of corneal Q value in ophthalmic practice and studies corneal degenerations and its causes. Thereafter, a detailed review of several noteworthy relevant research studies examining the Q value of the cornea is performed. To do so, an elaborate database is created, which presents a list of different research works examined in this study and provides key evidence derived from these studies. This includes listing details on the age, gender, ethnicity of the eyes assessed, the control variables, the technology used in the study, and even more. The database also delivers important findings and conclusions noted in each study assessed. Next, this paper analyses and discusses the magnitude of corneal Q value in various scenarios and the influence of different parameters on corneal Q value. To design visual optical products as well as to enhance the understanding of the optical properties of an eye, future studies could consider the database and work presented in this study as useful references. In addition, the work can be used to make informed decisions in clinical practice for designing visual optical products as well as to enhance the understanding of the optical properties of an Eye.

A field experiment was carried out during the spring season of 2022 at Research Station No.2, College of Agriculture, University of Anbar. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a split-plot arrangement with three replications to study the effect of four concentrations of Glycine Betaine acid (0, 50, 100, 150 mg L-1), denoted as GB2, GB3, and GB4 respectively, on some biochemical traits of mung bean under water stress conditions. The water stress levels were S1 (irrigated with 100% of available water, serving as the control treatment), and S2, S3, and S4, representing depletion rates of 25%, 50%, and 75% of available water, respectively. The results showed that the GB4 concentration was superior in total chlorophyll content in leaves (1.677 mg g-1), relative water content (55.7%), proline content (124.74 µg g-1), catalase enzyme activity (22.84 units ml-1), and peroxidase enzyme activity (28.42 units ml-1). The water stress treatment S1 excelled in giving the highest values for total chlorophyll content in leaves (1.842 mg g-1), relative water content (60.9%), proline content (144.38 µg g-1), catalase enzyme activity (29.69 units ml-1), and peroxidase enzyme activity (34.07 units ml-1). The interaction between water stress level S1 and GB4 concentration resulted in the highest rates for total chlorophyll content in leaves (1.930 mg g-1), relative water content (67.2%), proline content (186.30 µg g-1), catalase enzyme activity (35.13 units ml-1), and peroxidase enzyme activity (35.19 units ml-1).

Abstract The core and surface structure and magnetic properties of mechano synthesized LaFeO3 nanoparticles (30–40 nm), their Eu3+-doped (La0.70Eu0.30FeO3), and Eu3+/Cr3+ co-doped (La0.70Eu0.30Fe0.95Cr0.05O3) variants are reported. Doping results in a transition from the O′-type to the O-type distorted structure. Traces of reactants, intermediate phases, and a small amount of Eu2+ ions were detected on the surfaces of the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles consist of antiferromagnetic cores flanked by ferromagnetic shells. The Eu3+ dopant ions enhance the magnetization values relative to those of the pristine nanoparticles and result in magnetic susceptibilities compatible with the presence of Eu3+ van Vleck paramagnetism of spin–orbit coupling constant (λ = 363 cm−1) and a low temperature Curie–Weiss like behavior associated with the minority Eu2+ ions. Anomalous temperature-dependent magnetic hardening due to competing magnetic anisotropy and magnetoelectric coupling effects together with a temperature-dependent dopant-sensitive exchange bias, caused by thermally activated spin reversals at the core of the nanoparticles, were observed.

Background: Cardiac arrest remains a critical global health challenge, necessitating effective interventions to improve outcomes. Autopulse Mechanical Chest Compression has emerged as a potential adjunct to conventional manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the association between Autopulse use and various outcomes following cardiac arrest. Methods: A thorough literature review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library. Articles were evaluated for eligibility according to predefined criteria. The collected data was synthesized, and the findings were subsequently presented. Results: Sixteen studies were included in the study. A synthesis of diverse studies revealed nuanced perspectives on Autopulse Mechanical Chest Compression. Enhanced CPR success and improved survival rates in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest were demonstrated, while potential drawbacks were suggested, warranting scrutiny of device design and implementation strategies. Meta-analyses on ROSC favored Autopulse, indicating a statistically significant advantage over Manual CPR (relative risk 1.43, 95% CI 1.07-1.92). Complication analyses showed no significant difference (relative risk 1.11, 95% CI 0.93-1.33), emphasizing comparable safety profiles. Patient survival rates exhibited variations, with Autopulse demonstrating higher rates in some studies, but nuances were observed in 30-day survival and hospital discharge rates. Conclusion: Autopulse Mechanical Chest Compression holds promise as a supplementary strategy in cardiac arrest resuscitation. However, complexities arose in longer-term outcomes, highlighting the need for contextual considerations. [SJEMed 2024; 5(1.000): 030-041]

The risk of P. equorum infection in horses remains critical. Little studies were conducted to investigate prevalence and molecular analysis of P. equorum in Baghdad city, Iraq. In this study traditional detection followed by molecular technique depending on ITS-2 region were used as an attempt to evaluate this nuclear region as a genetic marker to diagnose the parasitic infection. One hundred and thirty-eight fecal samples of horses were collected and examined by direct wet mount smears, floatation method by NaCl. Extraction of genomic material, nested PCR was done followed by phylogenic analysis depending on ITS-2 region performed for the first time in Iraq and genetic substitutions to analyze Iraqi horses. Nested PCR were done after determining the total infection rate 6.52% by conventional technique, including 3.84% in males and 10% in females with significant difference. Highly infection rate 11.42% was recorded in the age group under 2 years and the lower infection rate 4% was found in the age group between 2-4 years with significant difference. The Iraqi isolates were recorded in the Gen Bank under the accession numbers MZ400507.1, MZ400508.1, MZ400509.1, and MZ4005010.1; while, phylogenetic analysis recorded an identity range between 97-100% with China, Australia and USA isolates. P. equorum is more distributed in younger horses than elderly in Baghdad city and ITS-2 region is a certain molecular marker for detection P. equorum isolates in Iraqi horses.

Abstract Groundwater is an excellent alternative to freshwater for drinking, irrigation, and developing arid regions. Agricultural, commercial, industrial, residential, and municipal activities may affect groundwater quantity and quality. Therefore, we aimed to use advanced methods/techniques to monitor the piezometric levels and collect groundwater samples to test their physicochemical and biological characteristics. Our results using software programs showed two main types of groundwater: the most prevalent was the Na–Cl type, which accounts for 94% of the groundwater samples, whereas the Mg–Cl type was found in 6% of samples only. In general, the hydraulic gradient values, ranging from medium to low, could be attributed to the slow movement of groundwater. Salinity distribution in groundwater maps varied between 238 and 1350 mg L−1. Although lower salinity values were observed in northwestern wells, higher values were recorded in southern ones. The collected seventeen water samples exhibited brackish characteristics and were subjected to microbial growth monitoring. Sample WD12 had the lowest total bacterial count (TBC) of 4.8 ± 0.9 colony forming unit (CFU mg L−1), while WD14 had the highest TBC (7.5 ± 0.5 CFU mg L−1). None of the tested water samples, however, contained pathogenic microorganisms. In conclusion, the current simulation models for groundwater drawdown of the Quaternary aquifer system predict a considerable drawdown of water levels over the next 10, 20, and 30 years with the continuous development of the region.

Abstract Climate change results in lower agricultural outputs, disruption of food supply chains, and widening of the social gap between poor and rich in developing countries, with more vulnerable groups being pushed into untold poverty. This review aims to investigate the consequences of climate change on food insecurity in Africa in the context of environmental degradation. This review emphasizes the complexity of demands on food security systems due to changing climatic conditions under the four pillars (availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability). This review demonstrated the susceptibility of farm production to changes in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns generated by climate change. In addition, this review investigated the factors shaping food insecurity, such as increasing population growth, poverty, inadequate early warning systems, and weak agricultural infrastructure. Furthermore, the review points out how climate change affects food prices and availability and the widening income gap, potentially leading to social unrest and political instability in Africa. Vulnerable populations, including impoverished, elderly, and physically challenged individuals, are at increased risk due to climate‐related health impacts. Women who face gender inequalities and socioeconomic limitations are particularly susceptible. We posit that there is a need for comprehensive strategies that address health disparities and consider vulnerable subgroups within society alongside broader measures to enhance food security in the face of climate change.

Procaine belongs to a type of medicine in which excessive dosage form creates cardiac problems and many allergenic reactions. Thus, continuous monitoring of this drug and its metabolite is crucial for sustainable health management during treatment. In this study, electrochemical techniques such as square wave voltammetry (SWV) and differential pulse polarography (DPP) are utilized for assaying procaine amounts in standard and pharmaceutical formulations. In SWV, the reduction of diazotized procaine gives a reduction peak at −0.05 V which is directly proportional with procaine hydrochloride concentration, whereas in DPP, the interaction of the drug with lead cation at −0.4 V is followed by the decrease in peak current of the lead cation reduction peak, which is directly proportional with the concentration of the drug. Both methods indicate high accuracy, sensitivity and precision. Linear concentration ranges of both methods are 0.0999–5.996 × 10-7 M for SWV and 0.1999–5.996 × 10-7 M for DPP. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) are calculated for both SWV and DPP techniques, and found that LOD equals 1.984 × 10-9 M and LOQ equals 6.611 × 10-9 M for SWV, while for (DPP) LOD and LOQ were found to be 3.519 × 10-9 M and 1.173 × 10-8 M, respectively.

Abstract Gums are polysaccharides, proteins, and minerals that occur naturally in seed coverings and as exudative resinous substance from woody plants. It is reported to have antibacterial, anticancer, blood sugar regulation, and immune system boosting properties. However, the presence of toxic metals in gum is caused for caution as these metals can be harmful if taken in high quantities. The purpose of this study was to determine the amounts of toxic metals in gums collected from the local market, as many consumers tend to use them daily for incense or food ingredients. Gum samples were extracted from several parts of 10 selected medicinal plants (bark, sap, root, latex, leaf glue, and gum). Two fractions of each sample were produced using nitric acid (NHO3), followed by hydrochloric acid (HCl) at first and then hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The presence of toxic metals in the solutions was determined using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer (ICP OES). The results showed that most of the elements were detected in high concentrations in Commiphora myrrha (Cd, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) followed by Benzoin resin (Jawi Oud) and Paeonia officinalis. The most prevalent elements detected in all of the herbal gums were potassium (K) and iron (Fe). Fortunately, the sampled herbal gums were found to be within the WHO/FAO permitted range. This study may provide insights about the safety of the selected gums to be used for food applications. Further in vitro and in vivo toxicity studies should be performed to identify the safe dose.

Nicotine, a component of tobacco smoke, is a neurotoxin. It exerts its effects by stimulating nicotine-containing acetylcholine receptors. Nicotine, one of over 4,700 components in tobacco smoke, was previously used as an insecticide in agriculture. Although the use of nicotine in agriculture has been banned in many countries, nicotine poisoning due to accidental or intentional ingestion of nicotine products remains a problem for smoking workers as well as children and adults. Understanding the mechanisms of nicotine poisoning is important for both prevention and treatment, as well as for appropriate regulatory approaches. We study the pharmacological properties of nicotine and the cellular mechanisms underlying acute and persistent nicotine addiction that appear to be related to the central and peripheral nervous systems. The electrochemical properties of nicotine were studied using a glassy carbon-chitosan/multiwalled carbon nanotubes-COOH electrode. Nicotine-COOH via chitosan/multiwalled carbon nanotubes was irreversibly reduced in the presence of oxygen and nitrogen gas. Oxidation signals at lower potentials and higher currents were obtained for nicotine via the modified electrode compared to the glassy carbon electrode. This condition proliferated in the presence of oxygen gas, suggesting that nanotubes, including carbon nanotubes, facilitate electron transfer and form the basis for electrocatalytic nicotine applications. Under optimal conditions, cyclic voltammetry (CV) shows oxidation of nicotine in the presence of oxygen at 0.74 V and nitrogen at 0.81 V in phosphate buffer solution at pH = 7.4. Linear calibration curves range from 0.1 to 200 μM for oxygen and 0.05 to 200 μM for nitrogen conditions, both with R2 = 0.99, and detection limits of 7.1 for oxygen and 9.2 nM for nitrogen.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of storage conditions on the dissolution performance of commercial metronidazole (MTZ) tablets available in Saudi Arabia; these were coded as the reference and Test A, Test B, and Test C products. Moreover, the hardness and the disintegration time were measured. The UV spectrophotometrically analytical technique was utilized to quantify MTZ. All the control tablets, which were tested upon receipt, met the USP requirement as not less than 85 % of the labeled amount of MTZ was dissolved in 60 min. The MTZ reference released 91.79 % ± 1.23 after 60 min, while the products A, B, and C released 87.96 % ± 2.60, 93.26 % ± 2.01, and 88.61 % ± 2.04, respectively. The different dissolution parameters calculated for all the control tablets showed that the MTZ products A and B had optimal dissolution performances and were considered similar to the reference product. The product C showed a significantly reduced dissolution performance and was considered different from the reference. The in vitro dissolution of the MTZ tablets stored at 40oC ± 2 oC/75 % RH ± 5 % for 6 months indicated that the tablets maintained compliance with the USP requirement. The MTZ reference released 89.36 % ± 3.64 after 60 min, while the products A, B, and C released 95.79 % ± 3.91, 88.52 % ± 2.52, and 87.79 % ± 5.04, respectively. However, a slight reduction in the percentage released after 30 min (% DE30) and a slight increase in the mean dissolution time (MDT) were observed during the first 3 months of storage under stressed conditions. These changes were more obvious after 6 months of storage under the same conditions. Furthermore, in vitro dissolution of the product C stored at 40oC ± 2 oC/75 % RH ± 5 % for 3 months with further protection against high humidity revealed an improvement in the dissolution parameters due to the similar protective effects exerted by the two packaging forms. Furthermore, the study shows that storage conditions such as humidity and temperature affect in vitro dissolution of MTZ marketed tablets which may have an impact on efficiency and patient safety.

This study introduces a new class of bi-univalent functions in the open disk using q-Borel distribution series and q-Gegenbauer polynomials. It provides estimates for the Taylor coefficients |μ2| and |μ3| for this family of functions, as well as solutions for the Fekete-Szegö functional problems associated with this subclass. The study presents various innovative findings that result from the unique parameters used in the main results.

This investigation introduces advanced predictive models for estimating axial strains in Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) confined concrete cylinders, addressing critical aspects of structural integrity in seismic environments. By synthesizing insights from a substantial dataset comprising 708 experimental observations, we harness the power of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and General Regression Analysis (GRA) to refine predictive accuracy and reliability. The enhanced models developed through this research demonstrate superior performance, evidenced by an impressive R-squared value of 0.85 and a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 1.42, and significantly advance our understanding of the behavior of CFRP-confined structures under load. Detailed comparisons with existing predictive models reveal our approaches' superior capacity to mimic and forecast axial strain behaviors accurately, offering essential benefits for designing and reinforcing concrete structures in earthquake-prone areas. This investigation sets a new benchmark in the field through meticulous analysis and innovative modeling, providing a robust framework for future engineering applications and research.

Background: Although mood disorders are prevalent among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, they are usually underrecognized. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression among Saudi SLE patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among SLE patients from July 2022 to June 2023 in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect the data through validated tools including the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale-A and the Beck Depression Inventory score. Results: There were 133 females (91.7%) and 12 males (8.3%) included in this study. Based on the HAM-A score, 45.5% of participants had an anxiety disorder, and according to the BDI score, 46.2% had a depression disorder. Anxiety and depression were significantly associated with a longer duration of SLE, unemployment status, smoking, and the presence of comorbidities. Moreover, the present study found a significant association between depression and male gender. Conclusion: This study found that Saudi SLE patients have a high prevalence of both anxiety and depression. Therefore, SLE patients should be screened for neuropsychiatric disorders during routine follow-ups and managed as early as possible.

Energy and water systems are deeply interdependent yet organized and managed into separate sectors. Although technological innovations emerge at the intersection of energy and water, these sectors largely operate independently, despite their mutual importance. This persistent challenge is structural, as the sectors are organized and managed as separate systems. More can be done to integrate these sectors for mutual benefit and resilience. This paper provides an overview and a useful categorization of six research areas that bridge the water and energy sectors: integrated planning, integrated operations, data and analytics, policy and economics, hydropower and marine energy, and resilience. The authors lead the IEEE Power & Energy Society Task Force on Water-Power Systems (WPS), which represents an international and rapidly growing collaboration across both energy and water sectors to find common areas of cooperation and innovation. Through the collective efforts of this Task Force, a comprehensive roadmap on water power systems integration was issued in 2023. The paper presents evidence that coordinated efforts in data analytics, policy, and economic interventions can significantly advance hydropower, marine energy, and energy storage technologies, ultimately enhancing the resilience and efficiency of both water and power infrastructures.

Handling luggage systems is a critical component of a passenger terminal's operations. The proposed study attempts to find the optimal solution for a manually operated terminal concerning the luggage offloading process from arrival flights carried by a limited number of ground handling agents. Handling agents start the offloading process from the aircraft to the cargo luggage containers carried by a cargo car that will take the containers' trolleys to the cargo area to offload them into the reserved luggage belt carousel. This study aims to improve airport service quality by minimizing the baggage handling process time for arrival flights which leads to minimizing passenger waiting time in the baggage claim area. We proposed both a deterministic and stochastic approach. The integer programming method is provided to minimize the total number of flights assigned to the belt carousel under the realistic constraint of minimizing the luggage load on each belt carousel. Simulation tools were used so that the offloading process could be modeled to study the effects of various parameters such as the number of ground handling agents for different flights with different amounts of luggage. (original abstract)

Newcastle disease viruses (NDVs) possess a single-stranded, non-segmented RNA and are classified into different strains based on their level of pathogenicity. Due to slight differences in the molecular makeup of the viral genome among these strains, employing a pair of primers for molecular diagnostics becomes essential. This study aims to establish a new approach to detect potential NDV infection by developing molecular methods. This was accomplished by performing a single RT-PCR reaction utilizing a newly designed universal primer set targeting a remarkably conserved area within the viral M gene. Various tools and resources were utilized to generate a set of primers, including the NCBI database and the Geneious Inspirational Software for Biologists. Ninety-four oropharyngeal swabs were collected from 66 chickens and 28 pigeons showing signs of ND. Viral RNA was extracted from samples, and M genes were amplified using conventional RT-PCR and real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), followed by genomic sequencing and bioinformatics. The designed primers exhibited good quality, as indicated by a Delta G value of less than -5. This suggests that the primers are unlikely to cause any issues during the PCR process. Moreover, the amplification of the M gene was achieved successfully in both conventional RT-PCR and RT-PCR for approximately all collected samples from chickens and pigeons. This successful amplification was further verified through genomic sequencing and subsequent sequence analysis. These findings provide confirmation that the designed universal primers can effectively identify and quantify NDVs using PCR assay.