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Mohd Saleem,1 Azharuddin Sajid Syed Khaja,1 Ashfaque Hossain,2 Fahaad Alenazi,3 Kamaleldin B Said,1 Soha Abdallah Moursi,1 Homoud Abdulmohsin Almalaq,4 Hamza Mohamed,5 Ehab Rakha,6,7 Mohammed Salem Alharbi,8 Salma Ahmed Ali Babiker,9 Kauser Usman10 1Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Hail, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates; 3Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Hail, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 4Hail Health Cluster, King Khalid Hospital, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 5Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 6Laboratory Department, King Khalid Hospital, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 7Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt; 8Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Hail, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 9Department of Family Medicine, Hail University Medical Clinics, University of Hail, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 10Department of Internal Medicine, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, IndiaCorrespondence: Azharuddin Sajid Syed Khaja, Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Hail, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Tel +966 59 184 9573, Email skazharuddin@uoh.edu.saPurpose: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is associated with a higher mortality risk for critical patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Several strategies, including using β-lactam antibiotics, have been employed to prevent VAP in the ICU. However, the lack of a gold-standard method for VAP diagnosis and a rise in antibiotic-resistant microorganisms have posed challenges in managing VAP. The present study is designed to identify, characterize, and perform antimicrobial susceptibility of the microorganisms from different clinical types of infections in ICU patients with emphasis on VAP patients to understand the frequency of the latter, among others.Patients and Methods: A 1-year prospective study was carried out on patients in the ICU unit at a tertiary care hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia.Results: A total of 591 clinically suspected hospital-acquired infections (HAI) were investigated, and a total of 163 bacterial isolates were obtained from different clinical specimens with a high proportion of bacteria found associated with VAP (70, 43%), followed by CAUTI (39, 24%), CLABSI (25, 15%), and SSI (14, 8.6%). Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common isolate 39 (24%), followed by Acinetobacter baumannii 35 (21.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 25 (15.3%), and Proteus spp 23 (14%). Among the highly prevalent bacterial isolates, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase was predominant 42 (42.4%).Conclusion: Proper use of antibiotics, continuous monitoring of drug sensitivity patterns, and taking all precautionary measures to prevent beta-lactamase-producing organisms in clinical settings are crucial and significant factors in fending off life-threatening infections for a better outcome.Keywords: ICU, VAP, ESBL, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii

We investigate the generation of optical third-harmonic frequency in quadratic crystals with a nonlinear domain lattice optimized with the aid of a random number generator. In the developed Monte Carlo algorithm and numerical experiments, we consider domain thicknesses to be taking either the values d1 or d2, with d1 and d2 being the coherence lengths for the cascaded parametric interactions 2ω=ω+ω and 3ω=2ω+ω, respectively. We focus on the cases with single segments formed by equal and/or different domains, showing that frequency tripling can be achieved with high conversion efficiency from an arbitrary input wavelength. The presented approach allows one to accurately determine the optimized random alternation of domain thicknesses d1 and d2 along the propagation length.

A simple and accurate method for the analysis of ibuprofen (IBU) and famotidine (FAM) in their combined dosage form was developed using second order derivative spectrophotometery. IBU and FAM were quantified using second derivative responses at 272.8 nm and 290 nm in the spectra of their solutions in methanol. The calibration curves were linear in the concentration range of 100–600 μg/mL for IBU and 5–25 μg/mL for FAM. The method was validated and found to be accurate and precise. Developed method was successfully applied for the estimation of IBU and FAM in their combined dosage form.

In data-scarce regions, prudent planning and precise decision-making for sustainable development, especially in agriculture, remain challenging due to the lack of correct information. Remotely sensed satellite images provide a powerful source for assessing land use and land cover (LULC) classes and crop identification. Applying remote sensing (RS) in conjunction with the Geographical Information System (GIS) and modern tools/algorithms of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning has been proven effective for strategic planning and integrated resource management. The study was conducted in the canal command area of the Lower Chenab Canal system in Punjab, Pakistan. Crop features/classes were assessed using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) algorithm. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) 250 m and Landsat 5 TM (thematic mapper) images were deployed for NDVI time-series analysis with an unsupervised classification technique to obtain LULC classes that helped to discern cropping pattern, crop rotation, and the area of specific crops, which were then used as key inputs for agricultural mechanization planning and resource management. The accuracy of the LULC map was 78%, as assessed by the error matrix approach. Limitations of high-resolution RS data availability and the accuracy of the results are the concerns observed in this study that could be managed by the availability of good quality local sources and advanced processing techniques, that would make it more useful and applicable for regional agriculture and environmental management.

Abstract Toxoplasma infection in humans is considered due to direct contact with infected cats. Toxoplasma infection (an endemic disease) has the potential to affect various organs and systems (brain, eyes, heart, lungs, liver, and lymph nodes). Bilinear incidence rate and constant population (birth rate is equal to death rate) are used in the literature to explain the dynamics of Toxoplasmosis disease transmission in humans and cats. The goal of this study is to consider the mathematical model of Toxoplasma disease with harmonic mean type incident rate and also consider that the population of humans and cats is not equal (birth rate and the death rate are not equal). In examining Toxoplasma transmission dynamics in humans and cats, harmonic mean incidence rates are better than bilinear incidence rates. The disease dynamics are first schematically illustrated, and then the law of mass action is applied to obtain nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Analysis of the boundedness, positivity, and equilibrium points of the system has been analyzed. The reproduction number is calculated using the next-generation matrix technique. The stability of disease-free and endemic equilibrium are analyzed. Sensitivity analysis is also done for reproduction number. Numerical simulation shows that the infection is spread in the population when the contact rate $$\beta_{h}$$ β h and $$\beta_{c}$$ β c increases while the infection is reduced when the recovery rate $$\delta_{h}$$ δ h increases. This study investigates the impact of various optimal control strategies, such as vaccinations for the control of disease and the awareness of disease awareness, on the management of disease.

Wetland ecosystems provide numerous services to humanity and the biosphere at large. However, these services are constantly dwindling due to the massive wetland loss caused by urbanization. Urbanization-induced wetland loss is a global problem, with most developing countries experiencing it currently. Several studies on wetland loss have been conducted. However, there is a dearth of studies integrating GIS and other ecological models to estimate the periodic deterioration of wetlands in rural settings in underdeveloped nations. As a result, this study aims to determine wetland loss in a developing country’s countryside, using the Greater Amanzule Wetland in the Ellembelle District of Ghana as a case study. The study used the GIS and Remote Sensing dataset, the Normalization Difference Vegetation Index, and the InVEST-Habitat Quality model to analyze the spatial pattern of wetland loss and habitat quality variations caused by industrialization and community expansions between 2000 and 2020. Our results indicate that, from 2000 to 2015, community built-up and industrial land areas grew from 25.19 ha to 84.21 ha and 0–4.71 ha respectively, causing a wetland loss of −39.64 ha (−31.10%). Between 2015 and 2020, community built-up land grew to 78.65 ha while industrial land slightly reduced to 2.54 ha, leading to the wetland degradation of approximately −69.06 ha (−42.53%). Wetland habitat quality steadily declined, from 0.97 in 2000 to 0.93 in 2015 and 0.93 in 2020. The study findings led to policy recommendations to reduce wetland encroachment and enhance sustainability. These recommendations included conducting effective land-use plan inspections before issuing permits, coordinating effective management, and promoting the recovery of natural and artificial vegetation to sustain the wetland.

This study explores whether different types of sanctions, such as arms, military, trade, finance, and travel sanctions, affect bilateral tourist flows from the sender to the sanctioned country. It also investigates the moderating roles of religious and geographical proximity on the underlying relationships. We use a panel gravity data set consisting of 206 origin countries, 189 destination countries, and 16,557 country-pairs over the period 1995 to 2018 for the empirical analysis. The results indicate that sanctions adversely impact bilateral tourist flows from the sender to the sanctioned country regardless of the type of sanction. The results also suggest that the negative effects of sanctions on bilateral tourist flows can be attenuated, to some extent, by geographical proximity and common religion.

COVID-19 is a novel virus that has spread globally, and governments around the world often implement different strategies to prevent its spread. In the literature, several COVID-19 models have been studied with the bilinear incident rate. In this study, the S1V1E1I1Q1R1 (susceptible-vaccinated-exposed-infective-quarantined-recovered) COVID-19 model is proposed. To investigate how the disease spreads in the population, an algorithm is used. The efficacy of the algorithm is used to calculate the disease-free equilibrium point. A next generation matrix technique is used to find R0. Furthermore, to check the effect of parameters on the basic reproduction number (R0), the sensitivity analysis is conducted. Numerical simulation displays that the disease spreads in the population by increasing the value of the contact rate β while the disease spread in the population reduces by increasing the value of the vaccination rate θ, quarantine rate ϕ, and recovery rate γ. Different optimal control strategies, such as social distance and quick isolation, are also implemented.

By means of a descriptive statistics and farm budgeting technique, economic activities of rice production practice in Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria was ascertained. Primary data were collected from cross-section of 360 paddy rice farmers drawn from 3 States in the Savanna zone of Nigeria using a structural questionnaire. The results of the findings showed that rice farmers used personal savings (75.6%) as capital for engagement in rice production while majority (67%) used family labour in rice production. On average, the respondents owned 2.6 hectares of land. Majority (76.0%) of the rice farmers were semi commercial. The farmers planted different varieties of rice seeds of improved and local and established their seeds by broadcasting method (51.0%). Urea was fertilizer that 81% of the farmers used in their rice farms. In terms of production practice engaged in by the farmers, 74% were on lowland, 21% on upland while 5% on irrigation practice. Rice farmers in Niger, Kogi and FCT showed variability in profit. Paddy rice farmers in Kogi State had the highest return (₦/ha 21,420.55) followed by Niger (₦/ha16,668.12) and FCT (₦/ha15,724.01). The study concluded by recommending among others that the district agricultural development office should create opportunities for paddy rice farmers that earn high returns to share their knowledge with those paddy rice farmers with lower returns and also involve them in fundamental farm management skills training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the mean fall in blood pressure with oral Labetalol versus Methyldopa in treating pregnancy induced hypertension. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Gynecology, Combined Military Hospital, Bannu Pakistan, from Aug 2020-Feb 2021. Methodology: After approval from institutional ethical committee and informed consent, sixty females with Pregnancy Induced Hypertension were included who were segregated into two groups. Group-A who took oral Labetalol 100 mg three or four times a day (up to 1200 mg per day) until the targeted blood pressure (