Study of the Effect of γ-Irradiation on Copper Single Crystals by Etching Technique

The effect of γ-irradiation with low energies on samples of copper single crystals with oriented surfaces of (111), (100) and (621) was studied by etching technique. The etch pits show a formation of glide bands, polygonized walls and Blisters as result to irradiation

Modeling a DFIG-Based Wind Turbine Focusing on DFIG and Aerodynamic Models

The present study is an attempt to develop and implement mathematical models of variable speed wind turbines using Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) including aerodynamic model and DFIG through newly developed Matlab/Simulink .The so called models are developed in order to investigate dynamic behavior of power networks as well as to design and evaluate the behavior of each wind turbine under normal and disturbance conditions. In the study, aerodynamic (rotor) model is based on torque coefficient Cq look up table which is according to BEM method. DFIG model is developed in two sub models including generator and power converters. In generator model, electrical dynamic equations of wound rotor induction generator are provided in two different models (fifth-order model and third-order model) by choosing synchronous rotating reference frame.  As the simulation result revealed, the stator power is limited at rated value at high wind speed but wind turbine is operated at optimum power efficiency at lower wind speed to gain optimal power output, indicating a good agreement with the real behavior of the system

Modeling a DFIG-Based Wind Turbine Focusing on DFIG and Aerodynamic Models

The present study is an attempt to develop and implement mathematical models of variable speed wind turbines using Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) including aerodynamic model and DFIG through newly developed Matlab/Simulink .The so called models are developed in order to investigate dynamic behavior of power networks as well as to design and evaluate the behavior of each wind turbine under normal and disturbance conditions. In the study, aerodynamic (rotor) model is based on torque coefficient Cq look up table which is according to BEM method. DFIG model is developed in two sub models including generator and power converters. In generator model, electrical dynamic equations of wound rotor induction generator are provided in two different models (fifth-order model and third-order model) by choosing synchronous rotating reference frame.  As the simulation result revealed, the stator power is limited at rated value at high wind speed but wind turbine is operated at optimum power efficiency at lower wind speed to gain optimal power output, indicating a good agreement with the real behavior of the system

Standards of Wastewater Reuse/Disposal in KSA: Reconsideration

Ministry of Agriculture and Water (MAW) in Saudi Arabia had setup very stringent standards for wastewater reuse and discharge (WWRD) in 1989, for example, turbidity and nitrate as nitrogen were not to exceed 1NTU and 10 mg/l respectively. Those limits cannot be met without additional expensive tertiary treatment. Those standards are not needed for all WWRD. In fact, secondary treatment with disinfection and efficient management are adequate for most of WWRD. The author published an article back in 1999 in Water Research Journal, Vol. 33, in which he assessed the standards and recommended setting up less stringent standards as a function of intended reuse and method of irrigation. The standards were re-evaluated and modified by MAW and other ministries in 2003, 2005 and 2006. Unfortunately, the modifications were not to the expected level, and still only a small part of treated wastewater is being used. The remaining portion of wastewater is discharged into a wadi/sea. This article reassessed the standards published in 2003, 2005 and recommended setting up revised standards for reuses and discharges relevant to the intended uses and discharges

Is “Empowerment” A Trickle-Down Effect of The Afghanistan Midwifery Education Program?

IntroductionThe patriarchal Afghan society has thousands of years of history. For most parts it has been governed by its tribal systems. The society has systematically evolved with its thousands of years old tradition, which has resulted in the subjugation of women. Although it is widely assumed that the midwifery education program (MEP) has contributed to female empowerment, no formal investigation has been carried out that explores the actual impact of MEP on the status of women midwifery graduates. Therefore, this study systematically explores the trickle down effects of MEP on women’s empowerment. Methodology Design: Exploratory qualitative study Study sites: Purposively selected to represent a range of contexts in Afghanistan: Kabul, Parwan, Paktia, Bamyan and Badakhshan. Study Participants: Graduates of the midwifery education program and key informants from the Ministry of Public Health, Community – based Midwifery Education (CME) implementers, donors, and the midwifery association. Methods: 9 In-depth Interviews (IDIs), 9 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and 4 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), with photo elicitations, were conducted. FindingsAccording to the study respondents, empowered women are those who are well educated, can work and earn an income, are fully aware of their rights and can take part in the nation building processes. The study demonstrated, in particular, the impact of midwifery education on women’s empowerment at various levels i.e. individual, family, and society at large. Conclusion:The midwifery profession, being the most acceptable profession for women in a conservative society like Afghanistan, has empowered women in a way that they are seen as a role model for the next generation and it has created a momentum for a better future for the women in Afghanistan

Regulation of cardiac microRNAs by serum response factor

Serum response factor (SRF) regulates certain microRNAs that play a role in cardiac and skeletal muscle development. However, the role of SRF in the regulation of microRNA expression and microRNA biogenesis in cardiac hypertrophy has not been well established. In this report, we employed two distinct transgenic mouse models to study the impact of SRF on cardiac microRNA expression and microRNA biogenesis. Cardiac-specific overexpression of SRF (SRF-Tg) led to altered expression of a number of microRNAs. Interestingly, downregulation of miR-1, miR-133a and upregulation of miR-21 occurred by 7 days of age in these mice, long before the onset of cardiac hypertrophy, suggesting that SRF overexpression impacted the expression of microRNAs which contribute to cardiac hypertrophy. Reducing cardiac SRF level using the antisense-SRF transgenic approach (Anti-SRF-Tg) resulted in the expression of miR-1, miR-133a and miR-21 in the opposite direction. Furthermore, we observed that SRF regulates microRNA biogenesis, specifically the transcription of pri-microRNA, thereby affecting the mature microRNA level. The mir-21 promoter sequence is conserved among mouse, rat and human; one SRF binding site was found to be in the mir-21 proximal promoter region of all three species. The mir-21 gene is regulated by SRF and its cofactors, including myocardin and p49/Strap. Our study demonstrates that the downregulation of miR-1, miR-133a, and upregulation of miR-21 can be reversed by one single upstream regulator, SRF. These results may help to develop novel therapeutic interventions targeting microRNA biogenesis

Provision of Mentorship Services for Midwives Working in Remote Areas in the Workplaces of Afghanistan

Background Midwives working in remote facilities have little opportunity to receive technical support and coaching services. To close this gap and support rural midwives the Afghan Midwives Association (AMA) designed a field-based mentorship program for midwives working in remote areas. Methods The process included five stages: Conduct base line assessment of mentees (midwives) and health facilities. Identify and select of mentees through competitive process. Provide on-the-job coaching and mentoring services to the mentees. Assess the progress of the midwives regularly using existing quality assurance performance standards. End-line / final evaluation Results: That results of assessments were encouraging antenatal care (ANC), rising from an average of 20% at the baseline to 88% in the final assessment round. Comparable improvements were found for normal labor, childbirth, and immediate newborn care (19% to 85%), postnatal care (16% to 85%), management of antenatal, intra-partum and postpartum complications (15% to 94%), and support systems (38% to 81%)

Strengthening Midwifery Education, Regulation and Association; A case study from Afghanistan

Immediately after the fall of the Taliban in 2002, the midwifery system in Afghanistan underwent a massive reform, and Afghanistan has since developed a strong midwifery pre service educational (PSE) system to achieve the relevant MDG goals. Establishment and involvement of professional associations, and partnerships with the government and other key stakeholders have contributed in shared knowledge, resources, and coordinated activities to speed up achieving these goals. The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and its partners believe that the midwifery profession needs to be a strong voice in reducing maternal and child mortality. The three pillars of the midwifery profession, including education, regulation, and a strong professional association (ERA), are all essential in order to achieve this. With the support and technical guidance of national and international partners, the midwifery pillars in Afghanistan continue to develop and become stronger. Despite all this success, still, there is a long way to go. For instance, Pre-service education needs further strengthening especially the faculty development part for higher education, and in order to maintain the competencies of midwives throughout their career span there is a dire need of establishing a regulatory body so that the quality and safety of mothers’ and newborns’ health can be ensured. Moreover, the Afghan Midwives Association (AMA) still needs to increase its organizational capacity for a stronger, more visible, and efficient contribution to the national road map of strategic approaches to accelerate the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality in the country. The present article provides an overview on strengthening the three pillars of the midwifery profession in Afghanistan, and examines the factors which have influenced midwifery in Afghanistan towards a positive change both at the individual and societal level