Synthesis, Structures and Various Biological Applications of New Zn(II) Complexes Having Different Coordination Modes Controlled by the Drug Furosemide in Presence of Bioactive Nitrogen Based Ligands.

Novel Zn(II) complexes with the general formula: [Zn(furo)2(L)n], n = 1 or 2, (furo = furosemide = (4‐chloro‐2‐(furan‐2‐ylmethylamino)‐5‐sulfamoylbenzoic acid) were prepared. The complexes [Zn(furo)2(MeOH)2] (1; MeOH = methanol), [Zn(furo)2(2‐ampy)2] (2; 2‐ampy = 2‐aminopyridine), [Zn(furo)2(2‐ammepy)2] (3; 2‐ammepy = 2‐aminomethylpyridine), [Zn(furo)2(H2O)(2,2‐bipy)] (4; 2,2′‐ bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine), [Zn(furo)2(H2O)(4,4′‐bipy)] (5; 4,4′‐bipy = 4,4′‐ bipyridine), [Zn(furo)2(1,10‐phen)] (6; 1,10‐phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline), [Zn(furo)2(2,9‐dmp)] (7; 2,9‐dmp = 2,9‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline), and [Zn (furo)2(quin)2] (8; quin = quinoline) were synthesized and characterized using different techniques such as IR, UV–Vis, 1 H NMR, 13C NMR, LC/MS and others. The crystal structure of complex (4) was determined using single‐ crystal X‐ray diffraction. The anti‐bacterial activity of complexes (1–8) was tested using agar diffusion method against three gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus epidermidis) and three gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The obtained results showed different Inhibition Zone Diameters (IZD) with various anti‐bacterial activities against the selected gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. In addition, the rate of bis‐(4‐nitrophenyl) phosphate hydrolysis was measured at different temperatures, different pH values and different concentrations. The rates for the eight complexes were in the following order: complex 4>2>5>8 > 7 > 6 > 3 > 1

Evaluation of Advanced Chemical Oxidation Process for the Pretreatment of Mixed Agro-Food Industrial Wastewaters in Nablus, Palestine

abstractPublic sewerage and municipal wastewater treatment plants face operational challenges due to discharge of industrial wastewater, partially treated or untreated. Municipal bylaws and cabinet resolutions set strict quality limits for the industrial wastewater and require permits for legal connection of industrial effluent. Non-compliance of agro-food industries with local municipal bylaws, as the case in Nablus city, urges policy and decision makers to search for feasible treatment technologies to reduce industrial pollution loads into Wadi Zaimer. This study investigated the reduction of organic loads from mixed agro-food industrial wastewaters (dairy and slaughterhouse) of Nablus city using advanced oxidation process (AOP), a high-rate chemical oxidation reaction. Bench scale Jar tests using an advanced oxidation process (AOP) were performed as a pretreatment stage. Direct applications of classical Fenton’s process on mixed raw agro-food wastewater samples (COD: 15400-18200 mg/l) revealed unsatisfactory results. The performance of Fenton process was evaluated using three mixed samples with different pre-treatment trials: (A) coagulant (FeCl3.6H2O) addition, (B) settling (2h) allowed and use of flocculent (lime Ca(OH)2) in sample (C). Compared with other partial treatments, sample (C), Fenton`s process lime preceded, was the most effective in the removal of organic (89% COD; 80% TKN) and inorganic loads (91% TSS; 62% TS) under H2O2/COD (w/w ratio 2:1), H2O2/Fe+2 (w/w ratio 10:1) and acidic conditions (pH =3). Obtained results comply with Nablus municipal by-law (COD below 2000 mg/l), which help decision makers within the agro-food industries install pollution reduction systems. Investment in Fenton-based peroxidation process allow agro-food industries obtain connection permits to sewage networks. The potential challenges facing the scale-up the Fenton process are discussed with recommendations for future research.NRO Ramallah, PADUCO2 Progra

Barriers on the propagation of household solid waste recycling practices in developing countries : State of Palestine example

ARTICLEArticle published in : Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, Vol.: (0123456789)1 3assist in sustaining the environment for future generations. The success of any recycling program globally depends mostly on the active and sustained participation of citizens. The purpose of the conducted research presented in this paper is to investigate the recycling barriers and offer an insight into the motivations that may encourage local population to increase participation in local recycling schemes. The research focused on Ramallah and Al-Bireh district of Palestine, which is a developing country with minimum infrastructure and economics; the raw data were collected using structured questionnaires. The influence of four basic socio-economic factors, namely, gender, level of education, age, and type of residence, on recycling barriers of individuals was recorded and investigated. The results showed that: lack of awareness and information on the process of waste separation and storage are the basic recycling barriers of the local population, whereas financial incentive is the major motivational factor for their active participation. Most importantly, the field research proved that locals are willing to participate in recycling campaigns and almost half of them appreciate the necessity of recycling-green-point’s existence for the collection of segregated waste

Time-related changes in hepatic and colonic mitochondrial oxygen consumption after abdominal infection in rats

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that early adaptive responses of hepatic mitochondria occur in experimentally induced sepsis. Little is known about both colonic mitochondrial function during abdominal infection and long-term changes in mitochondrial function under inflammatory conditions. We hypothesize that hepatic and colonic mitochondrial oxygen consumption changes time-dependently after sterile laparotomy and in the course of abdominal infection. The aim of the present study was to investigate the hepatic and colonic mitochondrial respiration after sterile laparotomy and abdominal infection over up to 96 h. METHODS: After approval of the local Animal Care and Use Committee, 95 Wistar rats were randomized into 8 groups (n = 11-12): 1-4 sham (laparotomy only) and 5-8 colon ascendens stent peritonitis (CASP). Healthy, unoperated animals served as controls (n = 9). The mitochondrial respiration in colon and liver homogenates was assessed 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after surgery. Mitochondrial oxygen consumption was determined using a Clark-type electrode. State 2 (oxygen consumption in the presence of the substrates for complexes I and II) and state 3 respiration (ADP dependent) were assessed. The respiratory control ratio (RCR state 3/state 2) and ADP/O ratio (ADP added/oxygen consumed) were calculated for both complexes. Data are presented as means ± SD, two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. RESULTS: Hepatic RCR was initially (after 24 h) elevated in both operated groups; after 48 h only, the septic group was elevated compared to controls. In CASP groups, the hepatic ADP/O ratio for complex I was elevated after 24 h (vs. controls) and after 48 h (vs. sham) but declined after 72 h (vs. controls). The ADP/O ratio for complex II stayed unchanged over the time period until 96 h. The colonic RCR and ADP/O did not change over time after sham or CASP operation. CONCLUSION: Hepatic, but not colonic, mitochondrial respiration is increased in the initial phase (until 48 h) and normalizes in the longer course of time (until 96 h) of abdominal infection

Health risk associated with some trace and some heavy metals content of harvested rainwater in Yatta area, Palestine

Full text paperAn Article published in journal : Water : vol. 11, no. 2, 2019Rainwater is considered a dependable source for domestic purposes within rural areas in Palestine. Harvested rainwater stored in cisterns is used to leverage deficits from municipal water supplies. Harvested rainwater in areas surrounded with industrial and agricultural activities is usually contaminated with heavy and trace metals. To study the effects of human exposure to heavy and trace metals, 74 harvested rainwater samples of rain-fed cisterns were collected from different localities in the Yatta area of Palestine in the months of January and February of 2016. The water samples were analysed for Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, K, Na, Ag, Li, Co, Ba, Bi, Sr, Ga, V, Rb, Mo, Beand Tl elements utilizing ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry). The selected trace metals were found within the concentration limits of the acceptable values, in accordance with WHO and Palestinian standards, except for K and Al, which were found above the allowed limits. The potential risks of the selected trace metals on the health of the local residents, as well as the possible sources of such heavy metals, were also studied. The Chronic daily intake (CDI) of each metal and health risk indexes (HRI) were calculated for both adults and children residents. The oral ingestion pathway was studied, including exposure via drinking water. The values for CDI were found in the descending order of: Ca > Mg > Na > K > Sr > Fe > Al > Ba > Li > V > Rb > Ag > Mo > Ga > Co > Bi > TI > Be. The values of HRI were below 1 for most of the selected heavy metals, expect for Li for children, indicating potential health risk. The study also predicted that the local residents have a higher chance of developing cancer in their lifetime, especially children, with respect to the carcinogenic risk (CRing) values for Na, Mg, Al, Ba, K, Ca, Fe and Sr, which were greater than standardized limits (>106). The rest of the selected elements were within the acceptable limit in the five different studied locations. Furthermore, univariate, multivariate and statistical analysis depending on one-way ANOVA, inter-metal correlation, cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) results revealed that geogenic and anthropogenic activities were major sources of drinking water contamination by heavy metals in the Yatta area.This work was carried out as part of the ‘Rainwater Harvesting Analysis using Water Harvesting Evaluation Tool (WHEAT)’ project supported by the USAID- funded Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER) program, implemented by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. Sponsor Grant Award Number: AID-OAA-A-11-00012 and USAID project number Award #G17AC00077

Context-led capacity building in time of crisis : fostering non-communicable diseases (NCD) research skills in the Mediterranean Middle East and North Africa

Article published in online journal : Global Health Action : 2019, vol. 12, 1569838ABSTRACT Background: This paper examines one EC-funded multinational project (RESCAP-MED), with a focus on research capacity building (RCB) concerning non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the Mediterranean Middle East and North Africa. By the project’s end (2015), the entire region was engulfed in crisis. Objective: Designed before this crisis developed in 2011, the primary purpose of RESCAPMED was to foster methodological skills needed to conduct multi-disciplinary research on NCDs and their social determinants. RESCAP-MED also sought to consolidate regional networks for future collaboration, and to boost existing regional policy engagement in the region on the NCD challenge. This analysis examines the scope and sustainability of RCB conducted in a context of intensifying political turmoil. Methods: RESCAP-MED linked two sets of activities. The first was a framework for training early- and mid-career researchers through discipline-based and writing workshops, plus short fellowships for sustained mentoring. The second integrated public-facing activities designed to raise the profile of the NCD burden in the region, and its implications for policymakers at national level. Key to this were two conferences to showcase regional research on NCDs, and the development of an e-learning resource (NETPH). Results: Seven discipline-based workshops (with 113 participants) and 6 workshops to develop writing skills (84 participants) were held, with 18 fellowship visits. The 2 symposia in Istanbul and Beirut attracted 280 participants. Yet the developing political crisis tagged each activity with a series of logistical challenges, none of which was initially envisaged. The immediacy of the crisis inevitably deflected from policy attention to the challenges of NCDs. Conclusions: This programme to strengthen research capacity for one priority area of global public health took place as a narrow window of political opportunity was closing. The key lessons concern issues of sustainability and the paramount importance of responsively shaping a context-driven RCB

Pressure Ulcers Prevalence and Potential Risk Factors Among Intensive Care Unit Patients in Governmental Hospitals in Palestine: A Cross-sectional Study

cross-sectional quantitative studyAim: To determine the prevalence rate and the potential risk factors of pressure ulcers (PUs) among patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) departments of the government hospitals in Palestine. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive analytical study was carried out in five government hospital intensive care units in four different Palestinian cities between September 27, 2017, and October 27, 2017. The data of 109 out of 115 (94.78%) inpatients were analyzed. The Minimum Data Set (MDS) recommended by the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) was used to collect inpatients’ information. Results: The result of the analysis showed that the prevalence of pressure ulcers in the ICU departments was 33%, and the prevalence of PUs when excluding stage one was 7.3%. The common stage for pressure ulcers was stage one. It was also determined that the most common risk factors for the development of pressure ulcers were the number of days in the hospital, moisture, and friction. Conclusion: According to the recent studies in the Asian States, the prevalence of pressure ulcers in Palestine is considerably higher than in China and Jordan. However, it is still lower than the prevalence reported in comparable published studies in Western Europe. Increasing the staff’s knowledge about PUs screening and preventive measures is highly recommended in order to decrease the burden of PUs

Socioeconomic, agricultural, and individual factors influencing farmers’ perceptions and willingness of compost production and use: An evidence from Wadi al-Far`a Watershed-Palestine.

In Palestine, open dumping and/or burning the waste, including agricultural waste, are prevalent practices resulting in emitting leachate and acidifying greenhouse gases. Composting the agricultural waste can reduce emissions and provide ‘compost’ as an organic fertilizer and soil amendment; yet, it has not been implemented at the national level. To develop a local marketing strategy for compost, this study views a need to identify farmers’ perceptions and willingness of compost production and use in agriculture and examine various socioeconomic, agricultural, and individual factors shaping them. The case ofWadi al-Far’a watershed (WFW) is investigated, where farmers practice inappropriate waste disposal and overuse of agrochemicals. A semi-structured questionnaire is administered to 409 farmers through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, Chi-square test, and binary logistic regression are used for data analysis. High acceptance level (84%) is disclosed among farmers in WFW for the hypothetical idea of producing and using compost. Farmers also have high, yet lower, willingness level (63.6%) of the more salient option of producing compost themselves and using it in agriculture. Tenure systems, large cultivated areas, rainfed irrigation, and lack of access to training sessions inhibit farmers’ acceptance of the idea of compost production (overall p value = 0.000). Large cultivated areas and rainfed irrigation is also associated with farmers’ unwillingness to produce compost, besides high household monthly income, animal or mixed animal-plant farming, experience in compost production, and use of pesticides (overall p value = 0.000).Funding of the conduct of this research was provided by German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) of the Palestinian National Authority

عوانة بن الحكم مؤرخا 158 هجرية/ 775 ميلادية

يشكل المؤرخ حلقة الوصل بين انسان الماضي وانسان الحاضر. فعند سرده لاحداث لا يكون هدفه الرئيس الحفظ عن ظهر قلب وانما لتذكير الناس بمجموعه من التجارب يقارن فيها بين ما مكانت عليه الامة وما صارت اليه في تاريخها الحدي