Evaluation of the Compatibility between the Contemporary Additions and the Historical Buildings

The adaptive reuse of a historical building may require new additions to replace the demolished parts or accommodate the repurposed function. If this addition belongs to modern architecture, it is necessary to study the relationship between this new addition and the historical building in terms of its compatibility with the building without dissonance or distortion. The aim of the research is to identify recommendations for using contemporary addition. It focuses on the external formal characteristics of the addition (length, width, height, form, materials, color, open ratio and its Rhythm, and transparency). This process will be done by surveying architects who support the contrasting approach to determine the weight of external formal characteristics. It will also evaluate case studies regarding the degree of Compatibility between contemporary additions and Historical Buildings. Through analytical and comparative study, an assessment method will be developed based on points of similarity and contrast between an addition and a Historical Building

THE DENSITY OF ANOPHELES ARABIENSIS (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE) IN CORRELATION TO MALARIA CASES AND SOME ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IN THREE VILLAGES AROUND WAD MEDANI TOWN

This work aimed at studying the population density of Anopheles arabiensis and the incidence of malaria, during July–December 2001 and 2002. The study was conducted in three villages, namely Kereba, Barakat and Hantoub. The mean temperature and amount of rain fall were also recorded during this study. The results showed that the species of Anopheles arabiensis (Larvae and Adults) were recorded in all villages. The numbers recorded for this vector species were higher during September, in Kereba and Hantoub villages and during August in Barakat village than during the other months, during 2001. In 2002, the means recorded for this species were higher during September and October in Kereba and during August and September in Barakat and Hantoub than during other months. The species were not recorded during November and December 2002 in all villages. The overall mean number of the vector recorded in all villages was higher in 2001 than in 2002. The number of malaria cases recorded in all villages was highly correlated with the number of vectors recorded and with the environmental factors (means temperature and the amount of rain fall), during 2001, the amount of rainfall was high and this may have led to the increase of the breeding sites, and hence, the malaria cases recorded. During both years the numbers of vectors and of the resulting malaria cases were higher in Kereba and Barakat villages, than in Hantoub village. &nbsp

The Impact of Financial Risks on the Firms’ Performance

Firms are exposed to a variety of risks including credit risk, liquidity risk, foreign exchange risk, market risk and interest rate risk. An efficient risk management system is needed in time in order to control these risks. Managing risk is one of the basic tasks to be done, once it has been identified and known. The risk and return are directly related to each other, which means that increasing one will subsequently increase the other and vice versa. Financial risks have a great impact on firm’s performance. The study also assessed the current risk management practices of the firms and linked them with the firms’ financial performance. The findings confirm whether financial risks can be contained or managed in order for firms to achieve profit maximization for its shareholders. Keywords: Financial Risk; Firm’s Performance; Interest rate parity; Liquidity gap; Liquidity risk; Risk Management

Demographical and population dynamics impact on public health of cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Al-Madinah Almonawra, Saudi Arabia

Background: A cross-sectional study conducted in Al-Madinah Almonawra in KSA held during the period from March 2014-March 2015.Aim of the study: This study aimed at analyzing the effect of population dynamics on the current situation of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Al-Madinah Almonawarah area, a holy city that attracts millions of muslims annually.Methodology: Epidemiological and clinical data were collected by especial questionnaire and laboratory specimens were collected using skin scraping and needle aspiration. Staining and direct microscopy were done. LST was conducted. Analysis was done using SPSS program.Results: The study included 164 patients, all of them were men. Saudi nationality comprised around 20% of the study group, the majority were Egyptians, 26.2%, followed by Pakistani, 21.3%.Conclusion: The presence of non-Saudi nationality as foreign workers, immigrants and refugees has worsened the current situation of the disease.Keywords: Cutaneous leishmaniasis, refugees, immigration, L. tropica, L. major. Sandfly

Tectonic evolution and structural analysis of south-western Sirte Basin, Central Libya

The study attempts to address the tectonic evolution of the Sirte Basin, The seismic work reveal that seven fault zones dominate the area, mostly are NW-SE trending, particularly in the north part, while further to the south a NE-SW trend is noticeable. The thickness variation of the sedimentary fill is extremely affected by these fault zones. The analysis of the tectonic subsidence curves reveals that the tectonic subsidence of the Sirte Basin caused by two rift phases. Initial syn-rift subsidence began in the mid-Cretaceous (~100Ma) and ended at ~84Ma and was followed by slow post-rift subsidence which continued until renewed rifting and rapid syn-rift subsidence at ~65Ma, this phase continued through the Paleocene–Eocene and ceased at ~40Ma, during which ~400–615m of subsidence occurred, after which a second phase of slow post-rift subsidence took place right up to the present. The maximum crustal stretching factor calculated is 1.226 (22.6%). Few numbers of sills intruded into the pre Upper Cretaceous stratigraphic unit probably during the Late Cretaceous rifting. The area dominated by three broad highs anomalies, and a wide depocentre extends NE-SW at the southern part. The study reveals a Moho depth ~26.6–35.8km, and basement depth ranges 4.5-9.5km

Prevalence and risk factors of postpartum dyspareunia at three months post- delivery in Sudanese women

Background: Postpartum dyspareunia affects many women following childbirth: however, the extent of the problem is difficult to estimate. The objectives of the current study were to determine the prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia and to estimate its risk factors.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the National Ribat University Hospital, Sudan. The study was carried out on women attended the refer clinics of obstetrics and gynecology and pediatrics departments in the hospital. The sample size was calculated as 380. The data were collected by a pre-tested questionnaire along with a clinical examination of the vulva and vagina after obtaining the ethical approval. The SPSS was used to analyze the data.Results: The prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia in women attended the National Ribat University hospital was 42.6 %. Regarding age, 8 (61.5%) of women less than 20 years of age experienced dyspareunia, 102 (46.4%) and 52 (35.4%) of women whose age was 20-29 years; and more than 29 years experienced the condition. One hundred forty (51.7%) of women who delivered by normal vaginal delivery developed postpartum dyspareunia. Eight (72.7%), 8 (12.5%) and 6 (17.6%) of women delivered by Operative vaginal, Elective C/S and Emergency C/S developed postpartum dyspareunia respectively. One hundred forty-eight (62.4%), 153 (51.3%) women who had decircumcision and episiotomy in last delivery had postpartum dyspareunia respectively. Forty-six (93.3%), fifty-three (86.9%) and 60 (87%) women who had infected episiotomy, scar tissue at episiotomy and tight interoitus developed the condition respectively.Conclusions: The prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia in women attended the National Ribat University hospital was 42.6 %. Regarding age, 8 (61.5%) of women less than 20 years of age experienced dyspareunia, 102 (46.4%) and 52 (35.4%) of women whose age was 20-29 years; and more than 29 years experienced the condition. One hundred forty (51.7%) of women who delivered by normal vaginal delivery developed postpartum dyspareunia. Eight (72.7%), 8 (12.5%) and 6 (17.6%) of women delivered by Operative vaginal, Elective C/S and Emergency C/S developed postpartum dyspareunia respectively. One hundred forty-eight (62.4%), 153 (51.3%) women who had decircumcision and episiotomy in last delivery had postpartum dyspareunia respectively. Forty-six (93.3%), fifty-three (86.9%) and 60 (87%) women who had infected episiotomy, scar tissue at episiotomy and tight interoitus developed the condition respectively

The Response, Operability, and Type of Surgery Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Sudanese Patients with Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

Background:Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) treatment has become the standard treatment for locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) in many centers worldwide. Objectives: This study evaluates the short-term response of patients with LABC to NACT and its impact on operability and the type of surgery. Patients and Methods: This is a descriptive analytical hospital-based study including 147 patients with LABC who were presented to Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit at Soba University hospital (SUH), between January 2012 and December 2014, and were treated with NACT. Clinical and pathological responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy were evaluated according to Union for International Cancer Control criteria, operability, and the type of surgery performed was also recorded. Results: All patients were females, the mean age was 43 ± 7 years, of them 53.7% were pre-menopausal, 51% presented with a breast lump, 19.7% with nipple discharge, and 19% with skin changes and ulceration. The mean initial tumor size was 7 cm ± SD. Following NACT, complete clinical response was reported in 30 patients (20.4%), partial clinical response in 92(62.6%), stable clinical response in 20 (13.6%), and five (3.4%) had progressive clinical response. Initial smaller tumors (size < 5 cm) showed a better clinical response to NACT as 76.7% of complete clinical response was achieved.Pathological complete response was achieved in 25(17%) patients, pathological partial response in 102(74.1%), and pathological stable disease in 13(8.8%). Following NACT, breast conserving surgery was performed in 78(53.1%) patients, Modified Radical Mastectomy in 64(43.5%), 25 of them had Latissimus Dorsi, and five patients were not offered surgery as they developed progressive disease during the study period. Conclusion: Following NACT, it was possible to perform surgery in more than 96% of patients with LABC

Sudden natural death in Khartoum Mortuary

Background: The sudden natural death is defined as: Death occurs within 24 hours from the onset of symptoms. The disclosing of the causes of sudden natural death is important for prevention and improving outcome. The objectives of this study were to determine the causes of sudden natural death in Khartoum Mortuary Methods: Descriptive, cross- sectional study of natural sudden death in Khartoum Mortuary, which was located in Khartoum Teaching Hospital and offers services to the state. The autopsy records of 2007, which were 150, were considered. Data were collected by a structured check list, and analysis was done by the SPSS soft ware. Results:The most important systems involved in sudden natural deaths were respiratory (49.3%), cardiovascular (24%), gastro intestinal (15.3%) and cerebral (4%), while the leading causes of sudden natural death were pneumonia (20%), myocardial infarction (17.3%) and tuberculosis (14%). Sudden natural death occurred in slightly higher ratio in the age group 40 years and below (50.1%), males were dominating (83%). Conclusion: The commonest causes of sudden natural death, which were pneumonia, myocardial infarction and tuberculosis, were different from the literature in which the commonest causes were myocardial infarction followed by pulmonary embolism. The study highlighted the importance of respiratory diseases besides myocardial infarction as leading causes of sudden natural death, and the need for further researches in this issue. Keywords: pneumonia, myocardial infarction and tuberculosis, postmortem Sudan Journal of Medical Science Vol. 3 (4) 2008: pp. 319-32

HER2 Over Expression in Malignant Palpable Breast Lumps of Pre and Postmenopausal Women Attending RICK.

Back ground: Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER-2/neu) over expression in breast cancer is associated with poor outcome and decrease disease free survival (DFS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the over expression of HER2/neu among premenopausal and postmenopausalfemales presented with malignant palpable breast lumps to Radio Isotope Center Khartoum (RICK).Methods: The study was a case-control conducted among patients attending Radiation Isotopes Centre Khartoum (RICK). A total of 328 women were randomly selected. Data were collected by a pre coded, pre tested questionnaire. Tissue biopsies of breast lumps had been analyzed using immunohistochemical techniques for HERR-2/neu over expression and its relation to other prognostic factors was evaluated.Results: HER-2/neu + vein first pregnancy at . 23 years, were 32 (41%) in the cases, 6 (35%) in the controls of premenopausal women, and 21(44%) in the cases, 5 (38%) in the controls of postmenopausal women. HER-2/neu + veexpression in relation to age at menarche . 12 years was39 (51%) in the cases, 7(39%) in the controls of premenopausal women, and 36 (56%) in the cases, 7 (45%) in the controls of postmenopausal women. HER-2/neu+ vein relation to Body Mass Index > 29 kg/m2 showed 7 (37%) in the cases, 2 (33%) in the controls of premenopausal women(x2=0.024), and 8(38%) in the cases, 2(40%) in the controls of postmenopausal women (x2=0.006). HER-2/neu+ veexpression in relation to history of abortion or miscarriage (ever) was found to be 21 (39%) in the cases, 4 (33%) in the controls of premenopausal women, and 18 (44%) in the cases, 3 (33%) in the controls among postmenopausal women. HER-2/neu+ veexpression in relation to the history of breast cancer in a first degree relatives was 3 (25%) in the cases, 1(50%) in thecontrols of premenopausal women, and 4 (22%) in the cases, 2 (28%) in the controls of postmenopausal women. HER-2/neu+ veexpression in relation to the use of oral contraceptives was 3 (37%) in the cases, 1(50%) in the controls among premenopausal women, and 3 (27%) in thecases, 1 (50%) in the controls of postmenopausal women.Conclusion: The study confirmed an etiological association between HER2/neu+ve and HER2/neu . ve and age at first pregnancy . 23 years, age of menarche at . 12 years, abortion or miscarriage in premenopausal and postmenopausal Sudanese women, while an etiological association was confirmed between HER2/neu+ve and HER2/neu .ve, and BMI in premenopausal women, and the family history of cancer in pos menopausal women.Keywords: Human Epidermal, Growth factor, Recepto