Effectiveness of positive pressure evaporative cooling on broilers production

   The main concept of this research depends on the experimental work being performed on broiler houses, using positive pressure evaporative cooling systems. The experiments were conducted at the farms of the People's Development Company for Animal Production, Wad Medani, Sudan, during the period of May-July 1998. The objective was maintaining better environmental conditions during summer months, i.e., temperature and relative humidity, for housed birds, in order to obtain the maximum rate of birds growth, and reduce the rate of mortality, thus increasing economic returns. To evaluate the performance of broilers production, the parameters studied were temperature and relative humidity for bird's houses, live body weight, feed intake, water intake and mortality rate. The results of the experiments showed that evaporative cooling reduced the temperature by 18.9% and 16.6% in the houses with bird density of 10 birds/m2 and 13 birds/m2, respectively. The live body weight increased by 26.5% and 21.9% in the houses with bird density of 10 birds/m2 and 13 birds/m2, respect- tively. The mortality rate in the same houses was reduced by 79% and 75.7%, respectively. The results indicated that evaporative cooling effect was highly •siY1ificantly and positively correlated with most of the measured triats

Effect of addition of effective microorganisms on chemical and rumen fermentation characteristics of wheat straw treated with four levels of urea

An experiment was conducted in the laboratories of chemistry and biology, University of Gezira, to find the effects of effective microorganisms (EM) on chemical and in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics of ammoniated wheat straw on April 2011. Wheat straw was treated with four levels of urea (0, 2, 4 and 6%). Two sets of three replicates each were used. To one set EM was added, while the other one which included no EM was used as a control. It was found that addition of EM increased the urea nitrogen fixed in the straw. CP (crude protein) increased while CF (crude fiber) decreased with increasing levels of urea. The corresponding levels with added EM showed more increase in CP and a decrease in CF, though it was not significant (P>0.05). However, at higher urea levels, the straw was significantly (P<0.05) improved in terms of increased CP and decreased CF. The DM (dry matter), OM (organic matter), CP and CF digestibilities were improved with increasing levels of urea and it was substantially increased with addition of EM. Rumen fluid pH tended to increase with the increasing levels of urea in both the control and the treatment. Rumen NH3-N increased significantly (P<0.05) at 4% and 6% levels in treatments which included  EM and at 6% level in ammoniated straw without EM. Also, there was a trend of increasing total protozoal count with inclusion of EM but this was not significant (P>0.05). It could be concluded that inclusion of EM to ammoniated wheat straw improved both the chemical and the in vitro rumen fermentation of wheat straw and reduced urea–N lost to the atmosphere.&nbsp

Medications package inserts’ usefulness to doctors and patients: Sudanese doctors perspective

Background: Written medication information is important for both doctors and patients. In the developing countries, the medication package inserts (PIs) represent the most available and easily accessible source of written medication information. The main objective of the present study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Sudanese doctors toward written medication information in the PIs, and its usefulness for both doctors and patients.Methods: Four hundred (n=400) doctors were randomly selected and addressed with an open to answer the questionnaire composed of fifteen questions (n=15).Results: A big majority (95.7%) of the respondents considered the medications’ PIs, which they regularly read (93.2%), as a reliable and useful source of medication information in their prescribing. Only a minority of the respondent doctors (43.6%) used to advise their patients to read the PIs, whereas a majority (62.4%) of respondents believed that patients might find difficulty in understanding written medication information in the PI. The majority (61.3%) of respondent used to rely on pharmacists to provide patients with the needed medication information. The majority of the respondents (82.2%) used to inform their patients about the possible medication side effects. Respondents ranked medications’ dose (79.5%), how to use it (77.3%) and information about side effects (73%) on top of patients’ medication information most needed particulars.Conclusion: Doctors should give more attention to their patients’ medication information specific needs, advice and motivate them to read the PIs before using their medications

SERUM CHROMIUM, MAGNESIUM AND ZINC LEVELS IN SUDANESE TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference in serum chromium, magnesium and zinc levels between diabetic and control groups, and to determine the correlations between these elements and serum glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: Forty patients suffering from type 2 diabetes and 30 controls were selected randomly. The level of serum chromium, magnesium and zinc were measured and compared between the two groups. Correlations of serum Cr, Mg and Zn with serum glucose were conducted. Results: There was a very significant difference in some serum trace elements level between diabetic and control groups. Serum magnesium and zinc were significantly lower in diabetic group compared with the control group (P= 0.014, P < 0.0001 respectively). Negative but not significant correlations were shown between Cr, Mg and Zn and serum glucose. ConclusioN: There is trace elements metabolism disorder in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Magnesium and zinc could be considered suitable for inclusion in a nutritional supplement for diabetes with significant value for the treatment of diabetics and prevention of complications

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

Assessment of Unhealthy Diets and Unsafe Foods and its Risks to Human Consumers: Public Health Approaches to prevent Chronic Diseases and Food Poisoning among University of Gezira Students, Sudan (2010 -2013).

This study was conducted in the University of Gezira, Sudan; among 4800 students from the first year in the different colleges in ten campuses distributed in the Gezira State Sudan, to know, investigate, and assess the health risks resulting from the consumption of unhealthy and unsafe foods and public health approaches to prevent chronic diseases and food poisoning among students. Fifty duplicate swab samples of equipment preparation surfaces, cooking surfaces and hand swabs of the food handlers were collected. All samples were analyzed in the laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Public and Environmental Health, University of Khartoum to evaluate the levels of contamination by using the approved isolation and identification methods. Interpretations of the API Staph numerical profile of all samples were performed in Pasteur Institute, Casablanca, Morocco. Results showed that 87.5% of the total students have no physical activities and 28.96% of the total students have family history of diabetes. The present study showed there is a significant relation between Body Mass Index of students and their physical activity (P < 0.005). All samples of cooking equipments and hand swabs of the food handlers were contaminated with six bacterial species: Staphylococci species, Bacillus species, Kocuria varians/rose, Proteus species, Enterobacter species and Tatumella species. Staphylococci were the predominant bacteria species (79%) of the total isolated Gram – positive cocci, but Gram- negative rods constituted 6% of the total isolated species. This indicating the improper hygiene practices, improper hand washing, lack of surfaces and food preparation equipment, cleanliness and disinfection. About 43.3% of the total food handlers know the proper way to wash their hands during working hours and only 3.3% of them know the proper way of cleaning food preparation surfaces

Research Output on Strategy Formulation and Implementation: Global Picture, Development and Key Bibliometric Indicators

Effective strategic management serves as the bedrock for an organization's vision, goal attainment, and stakeholder expectations. Consequently, the research focus on strategy formulation and implementation has garnered substantial attention in recent decades. This study aims to evaluate bibliometric indicators of research productivity related to strategy formulation and implementation through meticulous bibliometric analysis. The analysis leverages the R Bibliometrix library on scientific publications indexed in the Web of Science database. The dataset comprises 672 publications on strategy formulation and implementation, spanning the years 1971 to 2022. Authored by 1,280 contributors from 69 countries, these publications are dispersed across 374 diverse sources, including journals and books. Impressively, this body of work has garnered a cumulative total of 24,635 citations, averaging 36.66 citations per document. The top-ranking article, "The Resource-Based Theory of Competitive Advantage: Implications for Strategy Formulation" by Robert M. Grant, stands out with 3,649 citations. Examining global scientific production, the United States emerges as the primary contributor with 154 publications (22.91%), followed by China with 56 (8.33%) and the United Kingdom with 54 (8.03%). The study's findings offer valuable insights for researchers and organizations alike, shedding light on significant research contributions. This comprehensive assessment enables a nuanced understanding of the historical progression and growth within this domain. Additionally, it identifies current focal points of research and highlights areas that warrant attention in future studies

LC-MS/MS Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Analysis of Phenolic Compounds and Pentacyclic Triterpenes in Antifungal Extracts of Terminalia brownii (Fresen)

Decoctions and macerations of the stem bark and wood of Terminalia brownii Fresen. are used in traditional medicine for fungal infections and as fungicides on field crops and in traditional granaries in Sudan. In addition, T. brownii water extracts are commonly used as sprays for protecting wooden houses and furniture. Therefore, using agar disc diffusion and macrodilution methods, eight extracts of various polarities from the stem wood and bark were screened for their growth-inhibitory effects against filamentous fungi commonly causing fruit, vegetable, grain and wood decay, as well as infections in the immunocompromised host. Ethyl acetate extracts of the stem wood and bark gave the best antifungal activities, with MIC values of 250 ug/mL against Nattrassia mangiferae and Fusarium verticillioides, and 500 ug/mL against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. Aqueous extracts gave almost as potent effects as the ethyl acetate extracts against the Aspergillus and Fusarium strains, and were slightly more active than the ethyl acetate extracts against Nattrassia mangiferae. Thin layer chromatography, RP-HPLC-DAD and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), were employed to identify the chemical constituents in the ethyl acetate fractions of the stem bark and wood. The stem bark and wood were found to have a similar qualitative composition of polyphenols and triterpenoids, but differed quantitatively from each other. The stilbene derivatives, cis- (3) and trans- resveratrol-3-O-b-galloylglucoside (4), were identified for the first time in T. brownii. Moreover, methyl-(S)-flavogallonate (5), quercetin-7-b-O-di-glucoside (8), quercetin-7-O-galloyl-glucoside (10), naringenin-40-methoxy-7-pyranoside (7), 5,6-dihydroxy-30,40,7-tri-methoxy flavone (12), gallagic acid dilactone (terminalin) (6), a corilagin derivative (9) and two oleanane type triterpenoids (1) and (2) were characterized. The flavonoids, a corilagin derivative and terminalin, have not been identified before in T. brownii. We reported earlier on the occurrence of methyl-S-flavogallonate and its isomer in the roots of T. brownii, but this is the first report on their occurrence in the stem wood as well. Our results justify the traditional uses of macerations and decoctions of T. brownii stem wood and bark for crop and wood protection and demonstrate that standardized extracts could have uses for the eco-friendly control of plant pathogenic fungi in African agroforestry systems. Likewise, our results justify the traditional uses of these preparations for the treatment of skin infections caused by filamentous fungi.Peer reviewe

Enhancing Teaching Skills Through Short Courses: A Quantitative Review of Public Health Education in Sudan

This evaluation draws evidence on the effectiveness and outcome of learning and teaching courses that were offered to a number of teaching staff of the Academies of Health Sciences, Midwifery Schools and Centres for Continuous Professional Development in Sudan. It is based on a cross-sectional study consisting of self-administered questionnaires conducted from October 2017 to January 2018. The questionnaires were used to measure the extent to which the participants of the training courses acquired knowledge and skills and applied these skills in their jobs. Data was analysed using Excel sheets and SPSS version 21 and significant tests performed. The response rate for the self-administered questionnaire was 80%. Most of participants were females, early middle-aged, bachelor’s degree holders with more than 9 years of experience in the area of teaching health care professionals. The results are presented following the Kirkpatrick framework for evaluation of training, which was used to measure participants' reactions, learning and change of behaviour. Most of the participants were satisfied with the design and content of the course but expressed concerns regarding its duration and lack of residential facilities for course participants. Pre and post tests were used to measure learning. Comparison of the two results showed that participants gained knowledge in writing learning outcomes, although presentation skills showed no improvement following the training and the use of technology remained a challenge even after the course. In terms of application of the newly gained knowledge and skills, the findings illustrated that over 90% of the participants were satisfied with what they had learned after 3 months or more following the training course, and over 65% of the participants stated that the knowledge gained from the training remained useful. In conclusion, short courses on teaching and learning can be a valuable investment to both instructors and students. The evaluation has shown that course participants were satisfied with the training courses, gained new knowledge, and were able to apply the acquired knowledge and skills without any difficulties. It is therefore suggested to cascade these training courses to all remaining States in Sudan in order to improve the skills and capabilities of teaching staff

The effects of helium, strontium, and silver triple ions implanted into SiC

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT : Data will be made available on request.Please read abstract in the article.https://www.cell.com/heliyonam2024PhysicsSDG-07:Affordable and clean energ