Confirmation of Trichophyton Rubrum by Micromorphological and Molecular Techniques and In-Vitro Antifungal Activities of Allicin and Garlic Extracts

Dermatophytosis caused by a group of pathogenic fungi namely, dermatophytes, is among the most prevalent infectious diseases worldwide. One of the most frequently isolated pathogenic dermatophytes is Trichophyton rubrum. Chemical drugs are widely used in the treatment of dermatomycosis, but can cause various side effects to the patients and drug resistance to the pathogens. Hence, alternative natural compounds should be assessed to solve this problem. Garlic can be considered as a good replacement due to its high level of sulfur compounds (e.g., allicin). Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate allicin and garlic extract against various isolates of T. rubrum. These studies were divided into three parts. The first was to confirm ten different isolates of T. rubrum which were obtained from the Laboratory of Medical Mycology Department in Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran by using both conventional and molecular methods. The second part was to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of allicin, aqueous garlic extract, ketoconazole and fluconazole and the combination of these azoles drugs with allicin and aqueous garlic extract against these ten isolate of T. rubrum. The third objective was to see the effect of allicin and garlic extract to the ultrastructure of T. rubrum using electron microscope. In this study, colony characterizations of all isolates of T. rubrum are varied and inconclusive. However the molecular study based on Internal Transcribed Spacer, 1 and 4 (ITS1 and 4) revealed that all the different isolates tested with reference from data base in Genbank (BLAST search) showing more than 95% similarity. In vitro antifungal study on the effects of allicin and aqueous garlic extract singly and in combination with ketoconazole and fluconazole against ten clinical isolate of T. rubrum were effective in inhibiting the fungal growth. The results showed that MICs for allicin ranged from 0.78 – 12.5 μg/ml, ketoconazole 0.25 – 8.0 μg/ml and fluconazole 1.0 - 32.0 μg/ml respectively. Combination of allicin or garlic extract with ketoconazole or fluconazole caused the synergistic or additive effect on dermatophytes, which may increase fungicidal effects, decrease toxicity, side effects and drug resistance. Besides, in vitro studies revealed that allicin and aqueous garlic extract alone and in combination with these two azoles drugs, has a good potential as antifungal drug based on the results of MICs (Minimal Inhibitory Concentration) and FICIs (Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index). The SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) micrographs showed that allicin and garlic extract caused shrinkage, rough and irregular- shaped hypha with expanded hyphal tip of T. rubrum. The TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) micrographs revealed that allicin and garlic extract caused cell wall thickening, disorganization of cytoplasmic contents and breaking down of cell membrane and cell wall of T. rubrum. SEM and TEM studies proved that allicin and garlic extract possessed antifungal activity by inhibiting the growth of T. rubrum, and can be considered to treat fungal infections. This study showed that although different isolates exhibited different morphological characteristics but molecular analysis proved that they belong to the T. rubrum species. Allicin and garlic extracts were effective in inhibiting dermatophytes growth. In addition, SEM and TEM studies demonstrated that allicin and garlic extract possessed antifungal activity which inhibits the hyphal growth of T. rubrum

On Virtual Becoming and Belonging: Visualizing the Performativity of Sudanese Cultural Identity and Resistance

A contested history with turbulent political narratives has played a leading role in the formation of Sudanese identity. It is situated firmly in a romanticized past as it is in a troubled present. For the diaspora, social media platforms function as spaces for the continuous formation and expression of these identities. These platforms often serve as spaces to (re)produce the social and political relations that define everyday life in the homeland. This thesis explores the use of graphic design to discuss the performative articulation of these identities in virtual spaces. It follows understandings of identity from cultural studies as, always in production and never complete. By employing user- generated content found on online platforms for visual explorations, this thesis explores the ongoing dynamics between individual and collective narrations of identities; between personal reflections and public representations. The projects prepared discuss the complexities and nuances of Sudanese cultural identity online in the milieu of current political and social tensions. In the visual expression of Sudanese cultural identity, there is resistance, activism and a vision of triumph

Individual’s Investment Decisions in the Muscat Security Market (MSM), Oman

Purpose The objective of the study is to investigate the influence of the personal factors, economic factors, and social factors of individual investors at MSM, from different demographic backgrounds such as age, gender, education. Design/methodology/approach A random sampling method was used and 100 samples were collected from the totality of investors at MSM, and interviews were also conducted with the brokers from different financial companies.  The data was concerning each of the three factors –personal, social, and economic that affect the individual investor’s decision and performance. Chi-square test of independence and non-parametric correlation analysis was executed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings The results of the study reveal that the investors transact at MSM at younger ages.  The investment experience and the age were highly dependent. Similarly the current occupation and the purpose of investment are highly dependent. This implies that investors were investing in capital growth and to meet emergency needs. Research Implications The respondents in the private sector were interested to invest more than employees of the public sector. This might be due to the employees in the private sector feel less secured than public sector employees. Originality/Value No study has been done to examine the investment decision-making traits of individuals in relates to Muscat Securities Market, Oman and it is a first-hand study of its kind and the results will be useful to the stakeholders

Process of Developing the Artificial Snow Machine System

In order to test different types of anti-icing fluids that are used on aircraft surfaces prior to take off, it is necessary to develop a machine that artificially generates snow. Deicing aircraft is a two-step process that consists of applying both deicing and anti-icing fluids. Deicing fluids are applied to eliminate accumulated ice on aircraft surfaces that could obstruct proper airflow. Anti-icing fluids are then applied to prevent the additional accumulation of frost, ice, and/or snow for a period of time known as the endurance time. The endurance time is the duration the anti-icing fluid remains effective on the aircraft surface. Results from the snow machine tests have shown that it accurately replicates natural snowfall, and allows for repeated, controlled-environment testing throughout the year. Variables controlled include wind speed, air temperature, and liquid-water equivalent snowfall (LWE) rates. The machine is also affordable and more efficient than outdoor testing. In order to continue studying the factors that influence endurance time and accumulation rates, the design of the existing snow machine has been modified to increase effectiveness and efficiency. Aluminum struts make up the framework of the snow machine which measures 2.75m tall with a base of 0.91m by 0.66m and are bolted at the midpoints for structural integrity. The sides are made of clear Plexiglass which slide into the frame rather than being attached from the outside with hinges. This eliminates excessive construction material and provides a better appearance. The top of the machine is cut into 45° angles to evenly fit and level the pieces of struts, whereas, the previous model had overlapping struts that formed gaps between overlaid pieces of the frame. Finally, wheels were added for easy transport. These modifications, along with software improvements are targeted for additional testing in the near future

Assessing the Factors Affecting the Use Of Web 2.0 Tools in Selected Iran Medical University Libraries

Background: Capabilities offered by Web 2.0 tools have attracted many academic libraries. The present study aimed to identify factors affecting the use of Web 2.0 tools in selected Iran medical university libraries including Iran, Tehran, and Shahid Beheshti universities of medical sciences. Methods: The study was conducted through a survey distributed among librarians working in the libraries of Iran, Tehran, and Shahid Beheshti universities of medical sciences. The data was collected using a questionnaire which examined the factors affecting the use of Web 2.0 technologies in terms of three general categories: factors related to librarians, users, tools/technology, and organizations. In order to ensure the content validity, the opinions of 10 medical library and information science faculty members were used. Further, the reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed by calculating the Cronbach\u27s alpha. Findings: The results of the study indicated that among the librarian-related factors, the greatest impact was related to the teaching Web 2.0 applications to the librarians with the average of 4.19. Considering user-related factors, the users’ need to use these tools had the greatest impact with an average of 4.4. Regarding the tools/technological-related factors, Internet speed, Internet bandwidth, and filtering some Web 2.0 tools, with an average of 4.62, had the most inhibitor effect to adopt these tools. Finally, the support of library managers was the most influential factor for adopting Web 2.0 tools in libraries in terms of organization-related factors. Conclusions: Identifying the factors influencing the adoption of Web 2.0 tools and planning to control the inhibitor factors in using these tools can help libraries to appropriately adopt and use these technologies

Exogenous application of agmatine improves water stress and salinity stress tolerance in turnip (Brassica rapa L.)

This study was carried out to determine the consequence of foliar application of agmatine (0 and 0.5 mM), on growth, physiological and biochemical traits, and yield of turnip (Brassica rapa L.) plants grown under water stress or salt stress conditions. The effect of three irrigation regimes (100%, 80% and 40% of field capacity) and three salt concentrations (0, 100 and 200 mM NaCl) on turnip plants grown in pots under greenhouse conditions were studied.  Water deficit developed at 40% Field capacity (FC) and salinity stress, especially at 200 mM, resulted in significant decreases in all growth parameters when compared to control plants (100% FC) including root length and diameter as well as shoot weights per plant. Water stress and high salt stress negatively affected most physiological and biochemical characteristics such as total chlorophyll, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate. Water use efficiency (WUE) increased under 80% FC or 100 mM NaCl. Antioxidant enzymes activity, catalase and peroxidase and glutathione reductase, increased with water stress and salt stress. Foliar application of agmatine seemed to alleviate the adverse effects of water stress and salt stress on turnip. Alleviating harmful effects of salt stress and enhancing water stress tolerance by agmatine was associated with improving leaf gas exchange, antioxidant enzymes and protein profile

Employing the Poetic Witness in the Book of Happiness and the Ambassador of Benefit by Ilm al-Din al-Sakhawi (A Grammatical Study)

The study aims to collect and study the poetic evidence and clarify it according to the grammatical rule. The research discusses the employment of the poetic witness in the book of Al-Saad and the Safir Alifadah for Alm Al-Din Al-Sakhawi. Why did Al-Sakhawi employ this witness? How did he employ it? What is the purpose of this employment? How did he establish his argument in emphasizing the issue? And, how Al-Sakhawi employs the verse in a way that suits the grammatical rule. Al-Sakhawi raises the issue that is consistent with the rules of protest set by the grammarians and presented their opinions. In his views, he is close to the Baghdadi school, this school takes the opinions of scholars regardless of their sects, and the majority of the poetic verses mentioned by Al-Sakhawi, are unknown as to who said or quoted them. He returned to the grammarians of Kufa and Basra, using their books such as Al-Kisa'i, Al-Asma'i, Yunus bin Habib, and other grammarians. This research included two demands, the first requirement was the adverb and the second requirement was the herald. Keywords: the poetic witness, the travel of happiness, the ambassador of benefit, the science of religion Al-Sakhawi, the gramma

Implementation of direct access to physiotherapy in the public health care

Tiivistelmä Tiedekunta: Svenska social- och kommunalhögskolan vid Helsingfors universitet Koulutusohjelma: Yhteiskuntatieteiden maisteriohjelma Opintosuunta: Valtio-oppi ja hallinto Tekijä: Aala Koski Työn nimi: Fysioterapian suoravastaanoton toimeenpano julkisessa terveydenhuollossa Työn laji: Maisterintutkielma Kuukausi ja vuosi: 01/2022 Sivumäärä: 100 Avainsanat: Fysioterapian suoravastaanotto, toimeenpano, muutosprosessi, hyvät käytänteet, sote-uudistus Ohjaaja tai ohjaajat: Stefan Sjöblom (Soc & kom), Salla Sainio (THL) Säilytyspaikka: Helsingin yliopisto Tutkielmani tavoite on selvittää, miten kolme erilaista perusterveydenhuollon organisaatiota ovat toteuttaneet fysioterapian suoravastaanoton toimeenpanon. Fysioterapian suoravastaanotto tarkoittaa, että tuki- ja liikuntaelinvaivoista kärsivä asiakas voi oman terveysasemansa ajanvarauksen kautta hakeutua suoraan fysioterapeutin vastaanotolle ilman lääkärin lähetettä. Suomessa hallitus on määritellyt raamit sosiaali- ja terveydenhoidon uudistukselle. Kunnat saavat lain puitteissa itse päättää, miten toteuttavat uudistuksen hoidon vaatimusten mukaisesti. Terveyskeskusten palvelujen järjestämiseen vaikuttavat käytettävissä olevat resurssit. Fysioterapian suoravastaanotto on hoitomalli, jonka katsotaan tuovan ratkaisun tuki- ja liikuntaelinongelmien kroonistumisen ehkäisyssä, keventämään lääkärien työtaakkaa ja laskemaan terveydenhuollon kustannuksia pitkällä aikavälillä. Tämä on kvalitatiivinen tapaustutkimus, jossa käytän haastattelua tutkimusmenetelmänä. Tutkimukseni ensimmäisessä osassa selvitetään organisaatioiden taustatekijöitä. Toinen osa käsittelee muutosprosessia, jossa de Wootsin mallin avulla operationalisoin, tarkastelen dimensioita ja analysoin toimeenpanoa. De Wootsin mallissa muutosprosessi jaetaan viiteen vaiheeseen: muutospaine, yhteinen visio, muutoskapasiteetti, toteuttamiskelpoinen hanke ja lopputulos. Tutkimukseen on valittu yksiköt eri puolilta maata. Mukana on perinteinen kuntayhtymä, integroitu kuntayhtymä sekä suuri kunta antamassa kuvaa, kuinka toimeenpano sujuu eri toimintaympäristöissä. Haastatelluissa kolmessa organisaatiossa oli hyvin erilaiset menettelytavat. Yksi oli luonut oman mallin, toinen oli kehittänyt toimintaa monien vuosien aikana pienemmissä osissa saavuttaakseen kokonaisuuden ja kolmas laittoi hankejohtajat kiertämään sairaanhoitopiirin kolmeen kertaan: kartoittamaan osaamista yksiköissä, käymään läpi hankkeen eri vaiheet ja juurruttamaan uusi toimintamalli yksiköihin. Organisaatiot olivat huomioineet kaikki muutosprosessin vaiheet ja onnistuneet toimeenpanemaan muutoksen alueen tarpeiden puitteissa. De Wootsin mallin vaiheista eniten puutteita kaikilla haastatelluilla yksiköillä oli muutoskapasiteetissa. Hyviä käytänteitä löytyi kaikista haastelluista yksiköistä. Esimerkiksi yhdessä kunnassa asiakas arvioi hoidon tarpeen ja voi tulla hoitoon suoraan kadulta tai varata ajan puhelimitse tai netissä. Toisessa ohjataan henkilökuntaa antamaan suoraa palautetta toisilleen ja kolmannessa fysioterapeutit tekevät tutkimuksen lääkäreille tai vastaanottohenkilökunnalle perehdyttääkseen omaan toimintaansa. Haastattelujen kautta sain kokonaisvaltaisen kuvan toimeenpanoprosessista. Tutkimuksen ajatus oli näyttää, miten eri yksiköt ovat toteuttaneet prosessin ja antaa ideoita muille, jotka tarvitsevat tukea oman toimeenpanoprosessinsa kanssa. Tarkoitus oli myös löytää hyviä käytänteitä jaettavaksi terveydenhuollon kentälle. Tuloksia ei voida yleistää, mutta niitä voidaan hyödyntää käytännössä.Sammandrag Fakultet: Svenska social- och kommunalhögskolan vid Helsingfors universitet Utbildningsprogram: Magisterprogrammet i samhällsvetenskaper Studieinriktning: Statskunskap med förvaltning Författare: Aala Koski Arbetets titel: Implementering av direktmottagning av fysioterapi inom den offentliga hälsovården Arbetets art: Magisteravhandling Månad och år: 01/2022 Sidantal: 100 Nyckelord: Direktmottagning av fysioterapi, implementering, förändringsprocess, goda praxis, sote-reformen Handledare: Stefan Sjöblom (Soc & kom), Salla Sainio (THL) Förvaringsställe: Helsingfors Universitet Syftet med min avhandling är att ta reda på hur tre olika organisationer inom primärhälsovården har implementerat direktmottagning av fysioterapi. Direktmottagning av fysioterapi betyder att en kund med problem i stöd- och rörelseorgan kan kontakta sin hälsostations tidsbeställning och få direkt tid till fysioterapeut utan läkarremiss. I Finland har regeringen satt ramarna för social- och hälsovårdsreformen. Kommunerna får själva bestämma inom ramen för lagen hur de utför reformen för att uppfylla kraven för vården. Hur hälsocentralerna organiserar servicen beror på deras resurser. Direktmottagning av fysioterapi är en modell av vård som kan förhindra att muskuloskeletala problem blir kroniska, underlätta läkarnas arbetsbelastning samt sänka hälsovårdskostnader på lång sikt. Detta är en kvalitativ fallstudie med temaintervju som forskningsmetod. Första delen av forskningen förklarar organisationers bakomliggande faktorer. Den andra delen handlar om förändringsprocessen. Med hjälp av de Woots-modellen operationaliserar jag, granskar dimensioner och analyserar dess implementation. De Woots-modellen delar förändringsprocessen i fem faser: förändringstryck, gemensam vision, förändringskapacitet, genomförbart projekt och utfall. Till forskningen valdes enheter från olika delar av landet för att illustrera implementeringen under olika omständigheter: en traditionell samkommun, en integrerad samkommun samt en stor kommun för att illustrera implementeringen. De tre intervjuade organisationerna hade olika tillvägagångssätt. En hade skapat sin egen modell, den andra hade utvecklat sin verksamhet under många år i mindre delar för att uppnå en helhet och den tredje skickade projektledarna på tre rundturer kring sjukvårdsdistrikten för att kartlägga kunnandet i enheterna, gå igenom projektskeden samt för att rota den nya verksamhetsmodellen i enheterna. Organisationerna hade beaktat olika skeden i förändringsprocessen och lyckats implementera verksamheten enligt områdets behov. Av de Woots-modellens faser förekom det mest brister i enheternas förändringskapacitet. Goda praxis hade åstadkommits i alla enheter. Ett exempel var att kunden utgående från sin egen bedömning av sitt vårdbehov direkt kunde gå till mottagningen eller beställa tid per telefon eller på nätet. Ett annat exempel var att personalen hänvisades till att ge direkt respons till varann. Enligt ett tredje demonstrerar fysioterapeuterna verksamheten genom att göra en undersökning till läkarna eller mottagningspersonalen. Via intervjuer fick jag en helhetsbild av implementeringsprocessen. Syftet med den här undersökningen var att visa, hur de här olika enheterna har utfört processen för att ge idéer för andra som behöver stöd i sin implementeringsprocess. Samt för att hitta goda praxis för att sprida ut till hälsovårdsfältet. Resultaten kan inte generaliseras, men de kan utnyttjas i praktiken

Digital Motor Control for Hybrid-Electric Aircrafts

Transforming aviation to improve aircraft shapes, propulsion and efficiency has led to studies for future electric aircrafts that consume only half as much fuel. This project involves thermodynamics modeling and electric power system modeling for turbo-electric generations systems and battery systems for hybrid electric aircrafts. The fundamentals of a digital motor control driver were studied through the use of a fractional horsepower development kit. The investigations were supplemented with automated motor controller software that identifies, tunes and controls the motor, and exploits similarities and differences between all motors. A file was modified that stores all the parameters, such as inductance and resistance, and performs tests to ensure that the motor is operating smoothly and does not heat during the process. Pulse width modulation, testing flux frequency and other varied parameters resulted in consistent measurements of resistance and inductance values, making this software a robust tool for studying any motors