The Strategy of Imitating Traditions and Customs in Contemporary Architextile

تعد الثقافة احد المؤثرات على نتاجات العمارة، فمن الشائع أن نقول ان العمارة هي مرآة للثقافة، كما ان اللغة والايماءات والنتاجات الفكرية تتأثر بالثقافة، فالعادات والتقاليد والاعراف لمجتمع معين تلعب دور مهم في بعض نتاجات العمارة، وهذه الجوانب الخفية من النتاجات المادية تخضع لتقاليد واعراف المجتمع الذي يتواجد فيه، ومثال على هذه النتاجات كانت "عمارة النسج"Architextile" التي شكلت جانب مهم من النتاج الحضاري الاول للإنسان ومنذ تكوينه لاؤلى المجتمعات البشرية، إذ هاجن الانسان بين تقاليد واعراف المجتمعات التي ينتمي اليها ومنتجه الابداعي وبدى ذلك جلياً في العمارة، يناقش البحث موضوع "استراتيجيات محاكاة التقاليد والاعراف" الذي برز في نتاجات معمارية مميزة للإنسان وعلى مر العصور، حيث تطرقت الكثير من الدراسات الى هذا النتاج لكن من جوانب متعددة و لم يُسلط الضوء على استراتيجية محاكاة الاعراف والتقاليد للمجتمعات التي تواجد فيها النتاج، ومن هنا برزت المشكلة البحثية "عدم شمولية الدراسات السابقة لدور استراتيجية محاكاة التقاليد والاعراف في تحقيق الابعاد الجمالية والوظيفية والادائية لعمارة النسج المعاصرة"، ومن ظهور المشكلة تم تحديد هدف البحث، واستناداً للدراسات السابقة (الادبية والتاريخية والمعمارية) تم "بناء اطار نظري شامل يوضح استراتيجية محاكاة التقاليد والاعراف ودورها في تحقيق الابعاد الجمالية والوظيفية والادائية لعمارة النسج المعاصرة"، وبلورة المفردات الرئيسة والثانوية وتطبيقها على المشاريع المنتخبة للدراسة العملية، ثم طرح وتحليل النتائج والاستنتاجات النهائية.Culture is one of the influences on the products of architecture. It is common to say that architecture is a mirror of culture, Language, gestures and intellectual products are influenced by culture, The customs, traditions of a given society play an important role in some products architecture, These hidden aspects of physical products are subject to the traditions and customs of the society in which they exist, An example of these products was the "Architextile", which constituted an important aspect of the human civilization's first production and since its creation to the human societies, as the human intertwined between the traditions and customs of the societies to which he belong and the product of his creations and is evident in architecture, The research discusses the subject of imitation strategies of traditions and customs", which has emerged in the distinctive architectural products of man and throughout the ages, Where many studies have touched on this output, but from many aspects, and did not shed light on the strategy of imitating the customs and traditions of the communities in which the production is located, Hence, the research problem emerged "the lack of comprehensiveness of previous studies of the role of the strategy of imitating traditions and customs in achieving the aesthetic, functional and performance dimensions of contemporary architextile, From the emergence of the research problem, the objective of the research was determined. Based on the previous studies (literary, historical and architectural), "a comprehensive theoretical framework was developed that illustrates the strategy of imitating traditions and customs and their role in achieving the aesthetic, functional and performance dimensions of contemporary architextile," The development of the main and secondary vocabulary, Then subtract and analyze the final findings and conclusions

Aneurysm of sinus of valsalva

Aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva is a rare cardiac abnormality with congenital origin in most of the cases. If it is located in the right coronary sinus, it usually ruptures into a right heart chamber and frequently a ventricular septal defect (VSD) coexists with this condition. Early diagnosis and immediate surgical treatment can save the patient’s life in most cases. All the 3 cases reported in this series had aneurysm of right sinus of Valsalva with associated VSD and mild degree of aortic regurgitation (AR). Two of the cases ruptured aneurysm into the right ventricle. Trans-esophageal echocardiography was used to confirm the diagnosis and all three showed good results with surgery

Dielectric Properties and AC conductivity of (Epoxy / Ion exchange) blend

The dielectric behavior of blend materials epoxy resin- Polyvinyl benzyl dimethyl ethanol ammonium chloride (PBDEAC) (Ion exchange) was analysed as a function of Ion exchange  weight content; temperature and frequency. Blends were prepared by mixing the components and pouring them into suitable moulds. The dielectric parameters have been measured using parallel plate capacitor method in the frequency range from 120 Hz to 2 MHz and in the temperature range from 30 ?C to 110?C. Variations of real (??) and imaginary (?") parts of dielectric constants and loss tangent of material with frequency and temperature have been studied. The experimental results showed that (??) and (?") increased with the addition of Ion exchange filler content. The value of (??) decreased with increasing frequency, which indicates that the major contribution to the polarization comes from orientation polarization. Dielectric loss peaks were also observed in the composite materials at high temperature. The value of (??) increased with increasing temperature, and is due to greater freedom of movement of the dipole molecular chains within the polymer at high temperature. Ac. conductivity and impedance of the composites behaviours as function of frequency and temperature have also been investigated. Keywords: Dielectric properties, epoxy, Ion exchange, ac. conductivity

Tuberculous endocarditis: valvular and right atrial involvement

Valvular endocarditis due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a rare clinical entity. It is usually manifest in the context of disseminated tuberculosis in immunocompromised Patients. This report describes a unique case of a 30-year-old immunocompetent man with an incidental finding of tuberculous valvular endocarditis. The Patient had a large mass on the anterior mitral leaflet and severe mitral regurgitation. He underwent mitral valve replacement and Mycobacterium tuberculosis was cultured from the valve vegetation and the right atrial masses. Post-operative recovery has been uneventful without relapse for 24 months

Enhancing Heat Transfer Performance In Simulated Fischer–Tropsch Fluidized Bed Reactor Through Tubes Ends Modifications

Fluidized bed reactors are essential in a wide range of industrial applications, encompassing processes such as Fischer–Tropsch synthesis and catalytic cracking. The optimization of performance and reduction in energy consumption in these reactors necessitate the use of efficient heat transfer mechanisms. The present work examines the considerable impact of tube end geometries, superficial gas velocity, and radial position on heat transfer coefficients within fluidized bed reactors. It was found that the tapered tube end configurations have been empirically proven to improve energy efficiency in fluidized bed reactors significantly. For example, at a superficial gas velocity of 0.4 m/s, the tapered end form\u27s local heat transfer coefficient (LHTC) demonstrated a significant 20% enhancement compared to the flat end shape. The results and findings of this work make a valuable contribution to the advancement of complex models, enhance the efficiency of fluidized bed reactor processes, and encourage further investigation into novel tube geometries

Activation of Transforming Growth Factor β by Malaria Parasite-derived Metalloproteinases and a Thrombospondin-like Molecule

Much of the pathology of malaria is mediated by inflammatory cytokines (such as interleukin 12, interferon γ, and tumor necrosis factor α), which are part of the immune response that kills the parasite. The antiinflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)-β plays a crucial role in preventing the severe pathology of malaria in mice and TGF-β production is associated with reduced risk of clinical malaria in humans. Here we show that serum-free preparations of Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium yoelii 17XL, and Plasmodium berghei schizont-infected erythrocytes, but not equivalent preparations of uninfected erythrocytes, are directly able to activate latent TGF-β (LatTGF-β) in vitro. Antibodies to thrombospondin (TSP) and to a P. falciparum TSP-related adhesive protein (PfTRAP), and synthetic peptides from PfTRAP and P. berghei TRAP that represent homologues of TGF-β binding motifs of TSP, all inhibit malaria-mediated TGF-β activation. Importantly, TRAP-deficient P. berghei parasites are less able to activate LatTGF-β than wild-type parasites and their replication is attenuated in vitro. We show that activation of TGF-β by malaria parasites is a two step process involving TSP-like molecules and metalloproteinase activity. Activation of LatTGF-β represents a novel mechanism for direct modulation of the host response by malaria parasites

Prevalence of Muscle Dysmorphia and Associated Health Activities in Male Medical Students in Karachi, Pakistan

Background: Muscle Dysmorphia (MD) is a subtype of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and is currently classified under anxiety disorders (subheading: Obsessive-compulsive disorder) in DSM 5. MD is hypothesized to affect the self-esteem and social outlook of the younger generation. MD shows a higher rate in males and may influence their self-confidence rendering them more prone towards using steroids, supplementary proteins and other drugs to alter their physical outlooks as shown in previous studies. This problem has been on the rise lately due to revolutionary advancement in the media and film industry and the abrupt changes about the standards of physical good looks and body shapes. With the lack of studies done in our population, our study will be helpful to consider the prevalence of the disease in our setting and increase awareness in the general public and clinicians. We hope to help clinicians/ therapists find better options in managing the disease. Materials: We performed a cross-sectional study with a sample size of 246 medical school students in Karachi to collect data through self-administered questionnaires. We used the DSM 5 criteria for the diagnosis of BDD and additional questions on the presence of MD. Nutritional habits, exercise routines, use of supplements and drugs were also obtained for exploratory analysis. Results: Our study predicted the prevalence of MD to be 25%. Other main findings included statistical significant associations between MD and the thoughts and practice of steroid use for muscularity. Conclusion: MD is an underdiagnosed and often unrecognized disease that we believe has significant consequences for the young male population. Further work is needed on this in our part of the world. Our research, we believe, can be a stepping stone for further studies that would incorporate wider populations

Dynamics and within-host interaction of Theileria lestoquardi and T. ovis among naive sheep in Oman

Mixed species infections of Theileria spp. are common in nature. Experimental and epidemiological data suggest that mixed species infections elicit cross-immunity that can modulate pathogenicity and disease burden at the population level. The present study examined within-host interactions, over a period of 13 months during natural infections with two Theileria spp., pathogenic (T. lestoquardi) and non-pathogenic (T. ovis), amongst a cohort of naive sheep in Oman. In the first two months after exposure to infection, a high rate of mortality was seen among sheep infected with T. lestoquardi alone. However, subsequently mixed-infections of T. lestoquardi and T. ovis prevailed, and no further death occurred. The overall densities of both parasite species were significantly higher as single infection vs mixed infection and the higher relative density of pathogenic T. lestoquardi indicated a competitive advantage over T. ovis in mixed infection. The density of both species fluctuated significantly over time, with no difference in density between the very hot (May to August) and warm season (September to April). A high degree of genotype multiplicity was seen among T. lestoquardi infections, which increased with rising parasite density. Our results illustrate a potential competitive interaction between the two ovine Theileria spp., and a substantial reduction in the risk of mortality in mixed parasite infections, indicating that T. ovis confers heterologous protection against lethal T. lestoquardi infection

Low-profile antenna system for cognitive radio in IoST CubeSat applications

Since the CubeSats have become inherently used for the Internet of space things (IoST) applications, the limited spectral band at the ultra-high frequency (UHF) and very high frequency should be efficiently utilized to be sufficient for different applications of CubeSats. Therefore, cognitive radio (CR) has been used as an enabling technology for efficient, dynamic, and flexible spectrum utilization. So, this paper proposes a low-profile antenna for cognitive radio in IoST CubeSat applications at the UHF band. The proposed antenna comprises a circularly polarized wideband (WB) semi-hexagonal slot and two narrowband (NB) frequency reconfigurable loop slots integrated into a single-layer substrate. The semi-hexagonal-shaped slot antenna is excited by two orthogonal +/−45° tapered feed lines and loaded by a capacitor in order to achieve left/right-handed circular polarization in wide bandwidth from 0.57 GHz to 0.95 GHz. In addition, two NB frequency reconfigurable slot loop-based antennas are tuned over a wide frequency band from 0.6 GHz to 1.05 GH. The antenna tuning is achieved based on a varactor diode integrated into the slot loop antenna. The two NB antennas are designed as meander loops to miniaturize the physical length and point in different directions to achieve pattern diversity. The antenna design is fabricated on FR-4 substrate, and measured results have verified the simulated results

Investigation of input and output energy for wheat production : a comprehensive study for Tehsil Mailsi (Pakistan)

The global increasing food demand can be met by efficient energy utilization in mechanized agricultural productions. In this study, input–output energy flow along with CO2 emissions for different wheat production cases (C-I to C-V) were investigated to identify the one that is most energy-efficient and environment-friendly case. Data and information about input and output sources were collected from farmers through questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Input and output sources were converted into energy units by energy equivalents while CO2 emissions were calculated by emission equivalents. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) was conducted to compare technical efficiencies of the developed cases for optimization of inputs in inefficient cases. Results revealed that case C-Ⅴ (higher inputs, larger fields, the tendency of higher fertilizer application and tillage operations) has the highest energy inputs and outputs than the rest of the cases. Moreover, it possesses the lowest energy use efficiency and energy productivity. The highest CO2 emissions (1548 kg-CO2/ha) referred to C-Ⅴ while lowest emissions per ton of grain yield were determined in C-Ⅳ (higher electricity water pumping, moderate energy input). The grain yield increases directly with input energy in most of the cases, but it does not guarantee the highest values for energy indices. C-Ⅲ (moderate irrigations, educated farmers, various fertilizer applications) was found as an optimum case because of higher energy indices like energy use efficiency of 4.4 and energy productivity of 153.94 kg/GJ. Optimum input and better management practices may enhance energy proficiency and limit the traditionally uncontrolled CO2 emissions from wheat production. Therefore, the agricultural practices performed in C-Ⅲ are recommended for efficient cultivation of wheat in the studied area.The global increasing food demand can be met by efficient energy utilization in mechanized agricultural productions. In this study, input–output energy flow along with CO2 emissions for different wheat production cases (C-I to C-V) were investigated to identify the one that is most energy-efficient and environment-friendly case. Data and information about input and output sources were collected from farmers through questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Input and output sources were converted into energy units by energy equivalents while CO2 emissions were calculated by emission equivalents. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) was conducted to compare technical efficiencies of the developed cases for optimization of inputs in inefficient cases. Results revealed that case C-Ⅴ (higher inputs, larger fields, the tendency of higher fertilizer application and tillage operations) has the highest energy inputs and outputs than the rest of the cases. Moreover, it possesses the lowest energy use efficiency and energy productivity. The highest CO2 emissions (1548 kg-CO2/ha) referred to C-Ⅴ while lowest emissions per ton of grain yield were determined in C-Ⅳ (higher electricity water pumping, moderate energy input). The grain yield increases directly with input energy in most of the cases, but it does not guarantee the highest values for energy indices. C-Ⅲ (moderate irrigations, educated farmers, various fertilizer applications) was found as an optimum case because of higher energy indices like energy use efficiency of 4.4 and energy productivity of 153.94 kg/GJ. Optimum input and better management practices may enhance energy proficiency and limit the traditionally uncontrolled CO2 emissions from wheat production. Therefore, the agricultural practices performed in C-Ⅲ are recommended for efficient cultivation of wheat in the studied area.King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabi