Synthesis and characterization of green phenolic resin with olive oil mill wastewater

Olive oil mill wastewater (OMW), a by-product of the olive oil industry, each year is generated millions of tons all over Mediterranean countries. Uncontrolled disposal of the OMW leads to massive environmental problems including soil and water pollution. In this experimental study, the OMW was used to partly replace clean water for getting prepared formaldehyde solution. Then, phenol and formaldehyde solutions were synthesized under alkali conditions to obtain more green phenol–formaldehyde (PF) resin. The effect of the OMW substitution level on the chemical and thermal properties of PF resin was examined by the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectral and thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis, respectively. Moreover, the bonding strength of each PF resin was evaluated under dry and wet conditions. It was found that FT-IR measurements showed that the PF resin containing various amounts of the OMW had a chemical structure very similar to the PF resin. The thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the low‐molecular‐weight organics in the OMW had negatively affected the thermal stability of the modified PF resins. In addition, the wood samples bonded with the PF resin containing up to 30 wt% OMW met the minimum requirements of interior and exterior bonding performance according to standard EN 12765. The OMW could be replaced by clean water up to 30 wt% for the production of green phenolic resin

Neuroimmunology diagnostics

Neuroimmunology has led to advanced diagnostics of previously cryptic disorders, using autoantibody testing against neurological targets. Neuropsychiatric syndromes and autoimmune encephalitis can now be routinely diagnosed using specialized antibody tests such as immunofluorescence and immunoblot assays in specialized laboratories. This helps in early and accurate diagnosis, leading to favorable patient prognosis. Here, we briefly review the diagnostics for Neuroimmunologic and related disorders including autoimmune encephalitis, demyelinating diseases, neuropathies, paraneoplastic syndromes, stiffperson syndrome, inflammatory myopathies as well as Alzheimer’s disease

EFFECT OF WATER STRESS ON OKRA YIELD AT VEGETATIVE STAGE

This study was conducted in Technical College of Applied Sciences, Sulaimany Polytechnic University, during 2017. Different levels of irrigation were used to production of okra plant. Complete Randomize Design used to layout of the experiment, with three level of irrigation in four replications. Yield, fresh weight of plant, dry weight of plant, yield response factor and different levels of irrigation were observed. The highest yield was given from treatment T1 (3.17 t/ha.) and the lowest was given from T3 (2.988 t/ha.). Also, the maximum fresh weight and dry weight of plant were given from T1 (61.40, 11.218 t/ha.), and their minimum was given from treatment T3 (57.00, 8.783 t/ha.). The highest water use efficiency and harvest index were obtained from T3 (1.615 kg.m-3, 0.095), and the lowest was given from treatment T1 (1.055 kg.m-3, 0.094). The crop response factor and the results in this study showed that the okra plants have a good response of water stress.  As a result, we can recommend cultivating the okra at that time without irrigation in that region.

Investigating Photochromic Behavior of Organic Dyes in Solution Form using Multilevel Factorial Design

Photochromic compounds, namely spiropyran, spirooxazine, and naphthopyran, have received much attention, because of their high potential applications in various industrial fields. The aim of this study is to understand the behavior of three photochromic dyes in solution form via statistical approach. The types of dyes and solvents were screened using multilevel factorial design. From the analysis of variance results, it was found that the types of dyes and solvents used as well as their interaction have significant effects on the absorbance and photostability. The naphthopyran compound displayed highest change in absorbance intensity, followed by spiropyran and spirooxazine, when dissolved in isopropanol separately. However, the spirooxazine is the most photostable dye compared to naphthopyran and spiropyran, with ethanol as the solvent. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

Age-related Hearing Loss and its Association with Reactive Oxygen Species and Mitochondrial DNA damage

Age-related hearing loss, known as presbyacusis, is characterized by the progressive deterioration of auditory sensitivity associated with the aging process and is the leading cause of adult auditory deficiency in the USA. Presbyacusis is described as a progressive, bilateral, high-frequency hearing loss that is manifested on audiometric assessment by a moderately sloping pure tone audiogram. Approximately 23% of the population between 65 and 75 years of age, and 40% of the population older than 75 years of age are affected by this condition. It was estimated in 1980 that 11% of the population was 76 years or older and this number is expected to almost double by the year 2030. When one considers that the population over 65 years of age is experiencing the most accelerated development of hearing loss, the potential socioeconomic ramifications are staggering. Curiously, the frequency of presbyacusis varies across different societies. This discrepancy has been attributed to many factors including genetics, diet, socioeconomic factors, and environmental variables. The purpose of this article is to review the various molecular mechanisms underlying presbyacusis and to offer insights into potential methods of mitigating the effects of aging on hearing impairment

Increasing Performance through Assessed Training (A Human Recourse Management Strategy)

This research finds out the way of increasing employee’s performance through training. There are many organizations which give their workers training but do not get any enhancement in their performance. Performances of a worker are directly correlated with his/her capabilities and know how to do the job. This study develops a strategy for improving the capabilities of workers which leads to increase their performance. The research proposes that just after an organization want to increase the performance of its workers, it must find out the area where they have weaknesses. After finding out the weaknesses, organizations have to assess how that weakness should be made solved. In the third stage they have to give specific training their weaknesses. This will enhance the capabilities of workers and their performance will be increased. Keywords: Weakness, Weakness needs Assessments, Training and Performanc

Physical simulation of remaining oil distribution in the 3rd-order architecture unit in beach sand reservoir

Introduction: Oilfield development’s primary objective has changed in recent years as a result of a deeper focus on oilfield exploration and possible reservoir oil extraction. These days, the distribution and characteristics of residual oil are hot topics.Methodology: This research study provides a physical simulation of the remaining oil distribution in the third-order architectural unit in the beach reservoir. Based on the reservoir geometry and compositional sequence, the third-order architecture unit in a beach sand reservoir can be divided into three types: layered, plate-like, and trough-like architecture units.Results and Discussion: A water-flooding simulation experiment is performed to find the distribution pattern of remaining oil (shortened as RO and used hereafter) and the controlling effect of the mudstone interlayer. The simulation results revealed that in the layered architecture unit with reverse-graded bedding, RO is mainly distributed between interlayers and accumulates at the bottom in fine-grain sands. The horizontal distribution of the mudstone interlayer has a profound effect on blocking the longitudinal migration of fluid. Second, in the plate-like architecture unit with uniform grain size, RO is mainly found in the middle portion of the model, separated by clay interlayers, with irregular presence of RO in the upper and lower part of the model. The oblique distribution of the clay interlayer has a significant effect on blocking the lateral migration of the fluid. Thirdly, in the trough-like architectural unit with normal-graded bedding, the RO is mainly distributed on top of the model in fine-grain sands and on the ridge-like parts formed by the interlayer’s intersection.Conclusion: A trough-like clay interlayer can promote fluid movement. RO distribution patterns from the current experiment can be used to explore the remaining oil in beach sand reservoirs of similar oilfields

Efficacy of Using PDGF and Xenograft With or Without Collagen Membrane for Bone Regeneration Around Immediate Implants With Induced Dehiscenceâ Type Defects: A Microcomputed Tomographic Study in Dogs

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/141676/1/jper0371.pd

Assessing the effectiveness of a pharmacist-delivered smoking cessation program in the State of Qatar: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: It had been reported that up to 37% of the adult male population smokes cigarettes in Qatar. The Global Youth Tobacco Survey also stated that 13.4% of male school students aged 13 to 15 years in Qatar smoke cigarettes. Smoking cessation is key to reducing smoking-related diseases and deaths. Healthcare providers are in an ideal position to encourage smoking cessation. Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare providers and are uniquely situated to initiate behavior change among patients. Many studies have shown that pharmacists can be successful in helping patients quit smoking. Studies demonstrating the effectiveness of pharmacist-delivered smoking cessation programs are lacking in Qatar. This proposal aims to test the effect of a structured smoking cessation program delivered by trained ambulatory pharmacists in Qatar. Methods/Design: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial is conducted at eight ambulatory pharmacies in Qatar. Participants are randomly assigned to receive an at least four-session face-to-face structured patient-specific smoking cessation program conducted by the pharmacist or 5 to 10 min of unstructured brief smoking cessation advice (emulating current practice) given by the pharmacist. Both groups are offered nicotine replacement therapy if feasible. The primary outcome of smoking cessation will be confirmed by an exhaled carbon monoxide test at 12 months. Secondary outcomes constitute quality-of-life adjustment as well as cost analysis of program resources consumed, including per case and patient outcome. Discussion: If proven to be effective, this smoking cessation program will be considered as a model that Qatar and the region can apply to decrease the smoking burden. Trial registration: Clinical Trials NCT02123329.Qatar National Research Fund under its National Priorities Research Program (NPRP)

EUS-B-FNA for Diagnosing Liver and Celiac Metastases in Lung Cancer Patients

Background: In patients with suspected or proven lung cancer, assessment of regional nodal and distant metastases is key before treatment planning. By introducing the endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided scope into the esophagus and stomach (EUS-B), liver lesions and celiac nodes can be visualized. To date, the utility of EUS-B in diagnosing liver lesions and retroperitoneal lymph nodes is unknown. Objectives: To assess the feasibility, safety, and diagnostic yield of sampling of liver lesions and retroperitoneal nodes by EUS-B fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in a lung cancer staging setting. Method: Consecutive patients suspected of lung cancer in 2 Danish centers between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2017 were included retrospectively when a lesion in the liver or a retroperitoneal lymph node was visualized and biopsied with EUS-B-FNA. Results: 23 left liver lobe lesions and 19 retroperitoneal lymph nodes were sampled by EUS-B-FNA. Sensitivity and diagnostic yield of sampled liver lesions were 86 and 83%, respectively. In 19/23 patients, there was a cytopathological diagnosis of malignancy. Sensitivity and diagnostic yield from retroperitoneal lymph node samples were 83 and 63%, respectively. In 10/19 patients, the diagnosis was malignancy. No complications were observed. Conclusion: EUS-B-FNA enables safe sampling of left liver lobe lesions and retroperitoneal lymph nodes. EUS-B should be considered as a minimally invasive technique to provide tissue proof of distant metastases lung cancer patients