Studies on wood-inhabiting fungi in preservative-treated wood

Imperial Users onl

Visualization and Clustering of Text Retrieval

In a fast transforming world where all objects will be generating data, dealing with large data collections has been a major concern for data scientists. Major challenges faced by those scientists are among others the difficulty to represent these data in a better way and therefore to communicate hidden information from these data to the users. Accordingly, many data analysis and data visualization techniques have been proposed. Moreover, depending on the nature of data to visualize and the type of information to communicate, a certain number of data processing techniques should be considered. In this work, we analyze and visualize a sample data of TREC-6 from the TREC (Text Retrieval Conference) collections. TREC document collections comprise full text from newspapers articles and US government records. They are primarily dedicated to researchers in Information Retrieval (IR) systems and Natural Language Processing for the development of their works. First, documents are parsed and words extracted to build a corpus in a form of a matrix. Then, Principal Component Analysis is applied to the corpus matrix to reduce the dimension from  to 2. Eventually, the unsupervised K-means algorithm is used to discriminate data into clusters that are interactively visualized thanks to the popular visualization tools such as Pie Chart, Stacked Bar Chart and Scatter Chart. The diversity of the nature of information contained in TREC-6 can be observed thanks to the most frequent words of each cluster that appear on the Bar Chart upon clicking on the Pie Chart of the corresponding cluster

The Relationship between Human Capital Development and University's Business Performance

The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of Human Capital on Middle East University's business performance. Practical data were collected from 167 participants out of about 3217 elements, by means of a questionnaire. Statistical techniques such as descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA test, correlation, multiple regressions and stepwise regressions were employed. To confirm the suitability of data collection instrument, a Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test, Cronbach’s Alpha and factor analysis were used. The result of the study indicated a positive significant relationship between human capital and Middle East University's business performance. The data is also limited to Jordanian organizations. Extending the research to other settings represent future research opportunities. Human capital is an important source of organizations’ wealth and therefore it should be taken into serious consideration when formulating the MEU’s strategy. The data suggested that a similar set of HC indicators could be developed for other organizations and industries whether government, public or private, profitable or non-profitable organizations. Key Words: Human Capital (HC), Learning and Education (L&E), Experience and Expertise (E&E), Innovation and Creation (I&C), Middle East University (MEU), Business Performance (BP)

Contributions on using embedded memory circuits as physically unclonable functions considering reliability issues

[eng] Moving towards Internet-of-Things (IoT) era, hardware security becomes a crucial research topic, because of the growing demand of electronic products that are remotely connected through networks. Novel hardware security primitives based on manufacturing process variability are proposed to enhance the security of the IoT systems. As a trusted root that provides physical randomness, a physically unclonable function is an essential base for hardware security. SRAM devices are becoming one of the most promising alternatives for the implementation of embedded physical unclonable functions as the start-up value of each bit-cell depends largely on the variability related with the manufacturing process. Not all bit-cells experience the same degree of variability, so it is possible that some cells randomly modify their logical starting value, while others will start-up always at the same value. However, physically unclonable function applications, such as identification and key generation, require more constant logical starting value to assure high reliability in PUF response. For this reason, some kind of post-processing is needed to correct the errors in the PUF response. Unfortunately, those cells that have more constant logic output are difficult to be detected in advance. This work characterizes by simulation the start-up value reproducibility proposing several metrics suitable for reliability estimation during design phases. The aim is to be able to predict by simulation the percentage of cells that will be suitable to be used as PUF generators. We evaluate the metrics results and analyze the start-up values reproducibility considering different external perturbation sources like several power supply ramp up times, previous internal values in the bit-cell, and different temperature scenarios. The characterization metrics can be exploited to estimate the number of suitable SRAM cells for use in PUF implementations that can be expected from a specific SRAM design.[cat] En l’era de la Internet de les coses (IoT), garantir la seguretat del hardware ha esdevingut un tema de recerca crucial, en especial a causa de la creixent demanda de productes electrònics que es connecten remotament a través de xarxes. Per millorar la seguretat dels sistemes IoT, s’han proposat noves solucions hardware basades en la variabilitat dels processos de fabricació. Les funcions físicament inclonables (PUF) constitueixen una font fiable d’aleatorietat física i són una base essencial per a la seguretat hardware. Les memòries SRAM s’estan convertint en una de les alternatives més prometedores per a la implementació de funcions físicament inclonables encastades. Això és així ja que el valor d’encesa de cada una de les cel·les que formen els bits de la memòria depèn en gran mesura de la variabilitat pròpia del procés de fabricació. No tots els bits tenen el mateix grau de variabilitat, així que algunes cel·les canvien el seu estat lògic d’encesa de forma aleatòria entre enceses, mentre que d’altres sempre assoleixen el mateix valor en totes les enceses. No obstant això, les funcions físicament inclonables, que s’utilitzen per generar claus d’identificació, requereixen un valor lògic d’encesa constant per tal d’assegurar una resposta fiable del PUF. Per aquest motiu, normalment es necessita algun tipus de postprocessament per corregir els possibles errors presents en la resposta del PUF. Malauradament, les cel·les que presenten una resposta més constant són difícils de detectar a priori. Aquest treball caracteritza per simulació la reproductibilitat del valor d’encesa de cel·les SRAM, i proposa diverses mètriques per estimar la fiabilitat de les cel·les durant les fases de disseny de la memòria. L'objectiu és ser capaç de predir per simulació el percentatge de cel·les que seran adequades per ser utilitzades com PUF. S’avaluen els resultats de diverses mètriques i s’analitza la reproductibilitat dels valors d’encesa de les cel·les considerant diverses fonts de pertorbacions externes, com diferents rampes de tensió per a l’encesa, els valors interns emmagatzemats prèviament en les cel·les, i diferents temperatures. Es proposa utilitzar aquestes mètriques per estimar el nombre de cel·les SRAM adients per ser implementades com a PUF en un disseny d‘SRAM específic.[spa] En la era de la Internet de las cosas (IoT), garantizar la seguridad del hardware se ha convertido en un tema de investigación crucial, en especial a causa de la creciente demanda de productos electrónicos que se conectan remotamente a través de redes. Para mejorar la seguridad de los sistemas IoT, se han propuesto nuevas soluciones hardware basadas en la variabilidad de los procesos de fabricación. Las funciones físicamente inclonables (PUF) constituyen una fuente fiable de aleatoriedad física y son una base esencial para la seguridad hardware. Las memorias SRAM se están convirtiendo en una de las alternativas más prometedoras para la implementación de funciones físicamente inclonables empotradas. Esto es así, puesto que el valor de encendido de cada una de las celdas que forman los bits de la memoria depende en gran medida de la variabilidad propia del proceso de fabricación. No todos los bits tienen el mismo grado de variabilidad. Así pues, algunas celdas cambian su estado lógico de encendido de forma aleatoria entre encendidos, mientras que otras siempre adquieren el mismo valor en todos los encendidos. Sin embargo, las funciones físicamente inclonables, que se utilizan para generar claves de identificación, requieren un valor lógico de encendido constante para asegurar una respuesta fiable del PUF. Por este motivo, normalmente se necesita algún tipo de posprocesado para corregir los posibles errores presentes en la respuesta del PUF. Desafortunadamente, las celdas que presentan una respuesta más constante son difíciles de detectar a priori. Este trabajo caracteriza por simulación la reproductibilidad del valor de encendido de celdas SRAM, y propone varias métricas para estimar la fiabilidad de las celdas durante las fases de diseño de la memoria. El objetivo es ser capaz de predecir por simulación el porcentaje de celdas que serán adecuadas para ser utilizadas como PUF. Se evalúan los resultados de varias métricas y se analiza la reproductibilidad de los valores de encendido de las celdas considerando varias fuentes de perturbaciones externas, como diferentes rampas de tensión para el encendido, los valores internos almacenados previamente en las celdas, y diferentes temperaturas. Se propone utilizar estas métricas para estimar el número de celdas SRAM adecuadas para ser implementadas como PUF en un diseño de SRAM específico

Enzymatic and toxigenic ability of opportunistic fungi contaminating intensive care units and operation rooms at Assiut University Hospitals, Egypt

Total of 110 isolates belonging to 8 fungal species collected from intensive care units (ICUs) and operation rooms (ORs) at Assiut University hospitals were examined for their ability to produce some extracellular enzymes and mycotoxins which are considered as important factors involved in for fungal pathogenicity. The results revealed that 73, 92 and 78 out of the 110 tested isolates produced protease, lipase and urease respectively; meanwhile, 77 of the tested isolates exhibited some hemolytic activities. Chromatographic analysis (TLC) of the crude extract of the fungal isolates tested revealed that 79 isolates of them had the ability to produce at least one of these mycotoxic compounds (aflatoxins B(1), B(2), G(1), gliotoxin, fumigillin, T-2, zearalenone, roridin A & E, verrucarin A & J, trichoveroids, satratoxin H & E). These results demonstrate that the opportunistic fungal species isolated from (ICUs) and (ORs) and tested exhibited some enzymatic and mycotoxic ability which are the most effective virulence factors contributing to fungal pathogenicity indicating that the management of infection control unit at Assiut University hospitals must be aware of not only bacterial but also fungal contamination

Estimation of Aluminum Level in Locally Packaged Milk Powder

This study was conducted to estimate Aluminum level (Al) in locally packaged milk powder, discussing its public health effect and suggesting recommendations to avoid such contamination. Therefore, fifty random samples of locally packaged milk powder were collected from different markets and pharmacies in Assiut Governorate, Egypt. These samples were digested and Al levels were estimated using HR-CS (High Resolution Continuum Source Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer) and compared with Maximum Permissible Limit (MPL). About 96% of milk powder samples were containing Al with an average value of 0.086 mg/L and fortunately were lower than MPL. The present study revealed that milk powder contains aluminum element in variable concentrations above the toxicity levels. Therefore, to lower aluminum content, it is important to avoid the sources of contamination

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease: a selective review of pathogenesis, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies

BackgroundMetabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a novel terminology introduced in 2020 to provide a more accurate description of fatty liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction. It replaces the outdated term nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and aims to improve diagnostic criteria and tailored treatment strategies for the disease. NAFLD, the most prevalent liver disease in western industrialized nations, has been steadily increasing in prevalence and is associated with serious complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is also linked to insulin resistance syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. However, current studies on NAFLD have limitations in meeting necessary histological endpoints.ObjectiveThis literature review aims to consolidate recent knowledge and discoveries concerning MAFLD, integrating the diverse aspects of the disease. Specifically, it focuses on analyzing the diagnostic criteria for MAFLD, differentiating it from NAFLD and alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD), and exploring the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, and management approaches associated with MAFLD. The review also explores the associations between MAFLD and other conditions. It discusses the heightened mortality risk associated with MAFLD and its link to chronic kidney disease (CKD), showing that MAFLD exhibits enhanced diagnostic accuracy for identifying patients with CKD compared to NAFLD. The association between MAFLD and incident/prevalent CKD is supported by cohort studies and meta-analyses.ConclusionThis literature review highlights the importance of MAFLD as a distinct terminology for fatty liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction. The review provides insights into the diagnostic criteria, associations with CKD, and management approaches for MAFLD. Further research is needed to develop more accurate diagnostic tools for advanced fibrosis in MAFLD and to explore the underlying mechanisms linking MAFLD with other conditions. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and healthcare professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of MAFLD

Development of Film Coated Atrovastatin Calcium Tablet Using OPADRY-OY

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the stability of film coated Atorvastatin Calcium (AtC) tablets using Opadry-OY-B-28920. AtC uncoated tablets were developed and manufactured through the Wet Granulation process. Opadry-OY-B-28920 white aqueous coating dispersion was used as film coating material. The film coated tablets were completely disintegrated within 10 minutes in water media, it was also completely dissolved (more than 85% of the drug was released) within 30 minutes in pH 6.8 buffer solutions. The film coated tablets were studied under both long term and accelerated stability study and the results showed no significant variation in physical characteristics, color, hardness, no obvious defects or signs of peeling or chipping. These results reflect that the film coated system Opadry-OY-B-28920 can be successfully used in order to produce AtC film coated tablet that is protected from environmental conditions such as light and humidity.These findings suggest that aqueous film coating with Opadry-OY-B-28920 system is an easy and economical approach for preparing stable film coated AtC tablet of immediate release

Formulation and Bioequivalence of Two Valsartan Tablets After a Single Oral Administration

The aim of this study is to assess the quality of Valzan® tablet (160 mg, valsartan immediate release test formulation) by comparing its pharmacokinetic parameters with Diovan® tablet (160 mg, valsartan reference formulation). Valzan® tablets were prepared according to a dry granulation method (roll compaction). To assess the bioequivalence of Valzan® tablets a randomized, two-way, crossover, bioequivalence study was performed in 24 healthy male volunteers. The selected volunteers were divided into two groups of 12 subjects. One group was treated with the reference formulation (Diovan®) and the other one with the generic Valzan®, with a cross-over after the drug washout period of 14 days. Blood samples were collected at fixed time intervals and valsartan concentrations were determined by a validated HPLC assay method. The pharmacokinetic parameters AUC0–48, AUC0–∞, Cmax, Tmax, Ke and T1/2 were determined for both the tablets and were compared statistically to evaluate the bioequivalence between the two brands of valsartan, using the statistical model recommended by the FDA. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) did not show any significant difference between the two formulations and 90% confidence intervals (CI) fell within the acceptable range for bioequivalence. Based on this statistical evaluation it was concluded that the test tablets (Valzan®) is well formulated, since it exhibits pharmacokinetic profile comparable to the reference brand Diovan®

Destructive (Erosive) Tufted Angioma/Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma of the Eyelid

BACKGROUND: Tufted angioma/kaposiform hemangioendothelioma represents a spectrum of rare benign skin vascular neoplasms that differ in the extent and prognosis. Tufted angioma affects primarily children, is localized to skin, shows no tendency for ulceration or tissue invasion and has a favorable prognosis. CASE REPORT: In this case report, tufted angioma involved the lower eyelid resulting in its destruction and compromised its function, hence necessitating rapid surgical excision to preserve the function of eyelid. CONCLUSION: TA/KHE is a rare vascular benign neoplasm usually asymptomatic but may affect delicate structures, such as the eyelid resulting in destruction and hence may require rapid surgical intervention. corresponding eye