Production of biodiesel from jatropha oil by using microwave irradiation

Environmental issues, the growing demand for energy, political concerns, increasing crude oil prices and the medium term depletion of petroleum created the need for the development of vegetable oils as alternative fuels. Vegetable oil based fuels (bio fuels) are promising alternative fuels for diesel engines because of their environmental and strategic advantages. Biodiesel is gaining more and more importance as an attractive fuel due to the depleting fossil fuel resources. Chemically biodiesel is monoalkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from renewable feed stock like vegetable oils and animal fats. The costs of feedstock and production process are two important factors which are particularly against large-scale biodiesel production. Jatropha curcas oil (JCO) is considered a future feedstock for biodiesel production because it is easily grown in harsh environments and is a non-edible crop that is not in demand as a food source. Microwave irradiation is one of the good methods to reduce the reaction time and get the higher yield; however, heterogeneous transesterification using a solid catalyst rather than a liquid acid or base catalyst is a more environmentally responsible way to utilize crude Jatropha oil for biodiesel production. The use of a heterogeneous catalyst also avoids neutralization and washing steps, thereby leading to a simpler and more efficient process. This project presents optimize three critical reaction parameters including catalyst concentration, microwave exit power and reaction time from the transesterification of used jatropha curcas oil (JCO) by using microwave irradiation in an attempt to reduce the production cost of biodiesel. To arrest the reaction, similar quantities of methanol to oil molar ratio (6:1) and calcium oxide as the catalyst were used. The results showed that the best yield percentage (96%) was obtained using 300W microwave exit power, 8 %(wt) CaO and 7 min. From the results obtained it was clear that free acid methyl ester (FAME) was within the standards of biodiesel and diesel fuel

COVID-19 related knowledge and practice and barriers that hinder adherence to preventive measures among the Egyptian community. An epidemiological study in Upper Egypt

Background: This study aims to assess COVID-19 related knowledge and practice among the Egyptians in Upper Egypt and to identify barriers that hinder adherence to these preventive measures.Design and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire. Data was collected from 21 to 30 August 2020, via both online survey and personal interviews using a non-probability self-nominated sample.Results: A total of 731 participants completed the questionnaire. The mean age was 32.1± 2.1 and 64.3% were females. The main sources of knowledge were, Internet and Social Media followed by TV then family and friends. More than 96% of the respondents knew the origin, nature, the main symptoms, and the modes of transmission of COVID-19, however, 37.6% of them thought that COVID-19 patients must develop symptoms. 75.8% and 73.6% of the participants respectively covered their nose and mouth during sneezing and washed their hands regularly, 65.4% wore masks in crowded places, while only 31.1% and 30% of them respectively avoided touching their faces or shaking hands with friends. Knowledge and practice were positively correlated and both were linked to younger age and higher education and the female gender was also a predictor of better practice. The most common perceived barriers to adherence to preventive measures were feeling uncomfortable, forgetfulness then financial causes.Conclusions: the study subjects were aware of COVID-19 and its preventive measures however adherence to some of these measures was not prevalent amongst them, indicating an urgent need of addressing and targeting barriers that hinder adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures in the future policies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Egypt

Effect of Cognitive Rehabilitation on Improving Cognitive Function and Activities of Daily Living among Elderly Patients With Stroke at Assiut University Hospital

Cognitive impairment is a frequent consequence of stroke. The study aimed to measure the effect of cognitive rehabilitation of elderly patients with stroke on their cognitive function and activities of daily living. Quasi experimental research design were used in this study. This study was conducted at neuropsychiatric, physical medicine and rehabilitation departments at Assiut University hospital, their number were 70 elderly stroke patients aged 60 years and above, (study group, 35, control group, 35) . Six tools were utilized ,tool 1: Socio- demographic characteristics and questions about stroke tool II: Mini-Mental State Examination tool III: Digit Span tool IV: Logical memory tool V: Geriatric Depression Scale. Tool VI:  Barthel Index scale. The rehabilitation program: consist of five practical session about spatial memory, attention and concentration, visual attention, fish face task and N400 task and three theoretical session about health education for diabetes mellitus, hypertension and prevention of recurrent stroke. The main result of the present study revealed that a significant statistical difference was existed between both studied groups in relation to Min Mental State Examination  (P-value = 0.000*). Conclusion: Application of training program about cognitive impairment  of stroke elderly patients have significant therapeutic effect on cognitive function, and on activities of daily living. Recommendation: Routine use of screening assessment of cognitive impairment in every stroke patient for early detection, and Health education to the elderly patients and caregivers about the possible ways of prevention of recurrent stroke and ways for controlling of diabetes and hypertension Keywords: Cognitive rehabilitation, Elderly, Stroke patient

Vinorelbine plus platinum compared to vinorelbine plus capecitabine in treatment of patients with metastatic triple negative breast cancer previously treated with anthracycline and taxane: a prospective randomized study

Introduction. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of the vinorelbine-based combination chemotherapy with either cisplatin or capecitabine in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) pretreated with anthracycline and taxane.  Material and methods. This is an open-labeled randomized prospective single-institute study, that included all patients who received chemotherapy for mTNBC in the period between 1st of July 2016 and 30th of June 2017 and were pretreated with anthracycline and taxane. Patients were randomized to either vinorelbine 25 mg/m2 I.V on days 1 and 8 plus oral capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 twice daily, on days 1–14 (NX); or vinorelbine 25 mg/m2 I.V on days 1 and 8 plus cisplatin 75 mg/m2 (NP), every 21 days. The primary endpoint was time to progression (TTP), whereas the secondary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR), safety, and overall survival (OS).  Results. Median TTP was 9.9 months with NP vs. 8 months with NX, (p = 0.22). ORR was 40% with NP vs. 36% with NX, (p = 0.77). Median OS was 13 months with NP vs. 13.2 months with NX (p = 0.599). Both regimens demonstrated similar rates of grade ≥ 3 vomiting and neutropenia. A higher incidence of thrombocytopenia, tinnitus, and kidney function alteration were reported with NP. A higher incidence of anorexia, diarrhea, mucositis, and hand-foot syndrome were reported with NX.  Conclusions. Vinorelbine-based combination chemotherapy regimens with either cisplatin or capecitabine are active in the treatment of mTNBC pretreated with anthracycline and taxane with manageable toxicity profiles. Both regimens have comparable TTP, ORR, OS, and safety profiles

Alternative epidemic indicators for COVID-19 in three settings with incomplete death registration systems

Not all COVID-19 deaths are officially reported, and particularly in low-income and humanitarian settings, the magnitude of reporting gaps remains sparsely characterized. Alternative data sources, including burial site worker reports, satellite imagery of cemeteries, and social media-conducted surveys of infection may offer solutions. By merging these data with independently conducted, representative serological studies within a mathematical modeling framework, we aim to better understand the range of underreporting using examples from three major cities: Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Aden (Yemen), and Khartoum (Sudan) during 2020. We estimate that 69 to 100%, 0.8 to 8.0%, and 3.0 to 6.0% of COVID-19 deaths were reported in each setting, respectively. In future epidemics, and in settings where vital registration systems are limited, using multiple alternative data sources could provide critically needed, improved estimates of epidemic impact. However, ultimately, these systems are needed to ensure that, in contrast to COVID-19, the impact of future pandemics or other drivers of mortality is reported and understood worldwide

Impact of fruit peels extract on the shelf-life of minced beef

Fourteen kilograms of minced meat were divided into 4 groups (about 3.5 Kg for each group). All samples were examined to study the effect of the addition of 1% fruit peel extracts (banana, orange, and pomegranate) on the extension of the shelf life of such food article. Reduction of APC after 6 days in samples treated with banana, orange, and pomegranate peel reached 83.9 %, 91.6 %, and 95.4%, respectively and reduction of articles coliform reached 75.8%, 90.3 %, and 93% while S. aureus count reduced by 77.5%, 89%, and 96.5 %, respectively. Fruit peels decreased pH values compared with the control sample during storage at 4ËšC for 10 days. pH values of samples treated with banana peel decreased from 5.63 to 5.61 at zero time and from 6.71 to 5.84 on the 6th day and orange peel decreased to 5.58 and to 5.70 while pomegranate to 5.56 and to 5.67 at zero time and at 6th day of storage, respectively. TVB-N values of samples treated with banana decreased from 1.97 to 1.89 at zero time and from 29.58 to 9.83 on the 6th day and orange peel decreased to 1.84 and to 7.90 while pomegranate to 1.81 and to 6.88 at zero time and at 6th day. TBA values of samples treated with banana peel decreased from 1.22 to 0.25 on the 6th day but orange peel decreased to 0.02 and to 0.19 and with pomegranate to 0.02 and to 0.14 at zero time and on the 6th day of storage, respectively. In general, the incorporation of banana, orange, and pomegranate peel powder into minced meat as natural preservatives improved color, odor, appearance, consistency, and overall acceptability and extended their shelf life during storage

Impact of fruit peels extract on the shelf-life of minced beef

Fourteen kilograms of minced meat were divided into 4 groups (about 3.5 Kg for each group). All samples were examined to study the effect of the addition of 1% fruit peel extracts (banana, orange, and pomegranate) on the extension of the shelf life of such food article. Reduction of APC after 6 days in samples treated with banana, orange, and pomegranate peel reached 83.9 %, 91.6 %, and 95.4%, respectively and reduction of articles coliform reached 75.8%, 90.3 %, and 93% while S. aureus count reduced by 77.5%, 89%, and 96.5 %, respectively. Fruit peels decreased pH values compared with the control sample during storage at 4˚C for 10 days. pH values of samples treated with banana peel decreased from 5.63 to 5.61 at zero time and from 6.71 to 5.84 on the 6th day and orange peel decreased to 5.58 and to 5.70 while pomegranate to 5.56 and to 5.67 at zero time and at 6th day of storage, respectively. TVB-N values of samples treated with banana decreased from 1.97 to 1.89 at zero time and from 29.58 to 9.83 on the 6th day and orange peel decreased to 1.84 and to 7.90 while pomegranate to 1.81 and to 6.88 at zero time and at 6th day. TBA values of samples treated with banana peel decreased from 1.22 to 0.25 on the 6th day but orange peel decreased to 0.02 and to 0.19 and with pomegranate to 0.02 and to 0.14 at zero time and on the 6th day of storage, respectively. In general, the incorporation of banana, orange, and pomegranate peel powder into minced meat as natural preservatives improved color, odor, appearance, consistency, and overall acceptability and extended their shelf life during storage

粘着性土を有する河岸の浸食と崩壊のモデル化

京都大学0048新制・課程博士博士(工学)甲第19692号工博第4147号新制||工||1640(附属図書館)32728京都大学大学院工学研究科社会基盤工学専攻(主査)教授 藤田 正治, 教授 中川 一, 准教授 竹林 洋史学位規則第4条第1項該当Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering)Kyoto UniversityDFA

Monitoring of Helicobacter pylori in chicken products

A total of 200 samples of chicken products collected randomly from Quesna and El-Bagour in Menoufia governorate. The collected samples were represented by chicken breast, thigh, gizzard and liver (50 of each) and subjected to bacteriological examination for detection of Helicobacter species particularly, Helicobacter pylori. Further, the effect of L. rhamnosus culture to control such serious pathogen contaminating chicken products was studied. Helicobacter spp detected in 4%, 6%, 12% and 20% of breast, thigh, gizzard and liver, respectively and H. pylori represent 4%, 4% 6% and 10% from this examined samples, respectively. H. pylori inoculated chicken fillet (1×106 /g) which are not treated with  Lactobacillus rhamnosus (control +ve) showed increase  in  prevalence  of H. pylori 1.0×106, 1.3×106, 1.9×106 and 2.4×106 at zero time, 1st day, 2nd day and 3rd day, respectively.  While chicken fillets treated with L. rhamnosus (1x106 /g) Effect on prevalence of H. pylori inoculated into chicken fillets with a reduction percent of  35%, 52% and 69%  but  L. rhamnosus (1x107 /g) showed remarkable reduction of H. pylori prevalence  with a reduction percent of  54%, 67% and 81% at 1st day, 2nd day and 3rd day, respectively. L. rhamnosus effected on virulence genes of H. pylori isolated from treated chicken fillet as L. rhamnosus (1x106/g) destructed cagA gene and L. rhamnosus (1x107/g) destructed cagA and vacA genes so using of Lactobacillus rhamnosus culture as a method of control has a good effect on prevalence of H. pylori and its virulence genes in chicken fillets and L. rhamnosus (1x107 /g) more effective than L. rhamnosus (1x106 /g).Â

Monitoring of Helicobacter pylori in chicken products

A total of 200 samples of chicken products collected randomly from Quesna and El-Bagour in Menoufia governorate. The collected samples were represented by chicken breast, thigh, gizzard and liver (50 of each) and subjected to bacteriological examination for detection of Helicobacter species particularly, Helicobacter pylori. Further, the effect of L. rhamnosus culture to control such serious pathogen contaminating chicken products was studied. Helicobacter spp detected in 4%, 6%, 12% and 20% of breast, thigh, gizzard and liver, respectively and H. pylori represent 4%, 4% 6% and 10% from this examined samples, respectively. H. pylori inoculated chicken fillet (1×106 /g) which are not treated with  Lactobacillus rhamnosus (control +ve) showed increase  in  prevalence  of H. pylori 1.0×106, 1.3×106, 1.9×106 and 2.4×106 at zero time, 1st day, 2nd day and 3rd day, respectively.  While chicken fillets treated with L. rhamnosus (1x106 /g) Effect on prevalence of H. pylori inoculated into chicken fillets with a reduction percent of  35%, 52% and 69%  but  L. rhamnosus (1x107 /g) showed remarkable reduction of H. pylori prevalence  with a reduction percent of  54%, 67% and 81% at 1st day, 2nd day and 3rd day, respectively. L. rhamnosus effected on virulence genes of H. pylori isolated from treated chicken fillet as L. rhamnosus (1x106/g) destructed cagA gene and L. rhamnosus (1x107/g) destructed cagA and vacA genes so using of Lactobacillus rhamnosus culture as a method of control has a good effect on prevalence of H. pylori and its virulence genes in chicken fillets and L. rhamnosus (1x107 /g) more effective than L. rhamnosus (1x106 /g).Â