Political education in Egypt with reference to England and the Soviet Union

The significance of political education is recognized by most countries in accomplishing the desired values in the society, but differs in form according to their ideologies. This research, is an attempt to study the different approaches to the teaching of political-education in Egypt, in comparison with England and the Soviet Union. The research report is divided into ten chapters. Chapters two and three are devoted to a study of the theoretical framework of political education, and political socialization. The development of political life and ideology in Egypt, is covered in chapters four and five. Chapter six deals with the different approaches to political education, in the light of official statements of the state. Chapters seven and eight focus on the study of the teaching of political education in the school curriculum, and the approaches to political education. Chapter nine is concerned with the work of political parties in political education. Chapters one and ten cover the introduction, conclusion, and recommendations. In this research, political education is mainly seen as the political learning which develops the ability of young people to participate in political life, and to influence the system and its values. However, attempts at political learning which aim to support the system and its values, are regarded as political socialization. It has been noted that whilst Egypt encourages a more open approach to political education than before, the approach to political socialization still exists. Improvements in political education in England are greater than in Egypt. Nevertheless, approaches to political socialization have always been emphasized in the Soviet Union. Some recommendations are suggested to improve political education in Egypt. They are mainly based on developing the political awareness of the young people, and their ability to participate in democratic life and to influence the system

Water and charge transport models in proton exchange membranes: An overview

Recently, the significant role of water management in affecting the performance and durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has been subjective to an intensive research to understand water transport phenomena which is marked by two processes: water adsorption and water diffusion. Various mathematical models have been developed to address both processes on a different basis. This article briefly reviews various water transport models in a comparative manner to have a better understanding on the role of water hydration with respect to membrane structure and transport mechanism, in affecting the proton transport in the membranes. A discussion on the validity and reliability of the models for describing the water management is also presented. The limitations that are required to be overcome to design new materials meeting the new trends of membranes development for fuel cell are also highlighted

Hospital quality measures and their determinants among HIV/AIDS hospitalizations in Portugal

Resumo A taxa de reinternamento hospitalar aos 30 dias e o tempo de internamento hospitalar têm sido referidos como importantes indicadores para melhorar a qualidade e reduzir os custos hospitalares. No entanto, apesar de se tratarem de excelentes métodos de avaliação de desempenho hospitalar, ainda existem poucos estudos científicos sobre os fatores determinantes destes indicadores, especialmente no que diz respeito à avaliação de internamentos em doentes com VIH/SIDA em Portugal. O VIH continua a ser, em Portugal, um e problema de saúde pública e a incidência e prevalência do VIH estão entre as mais elevadas da Europa. Os internamentos de doentes com VIH/SIDA continuam a colocar desafios consideráveis ao sistema nacional de saúde português. Acresce que as hospitalizações relacionadas com o VIH/SIDA em Portugal são das mais caras da Europa, colocando o VIH/SIDA como a segunda maior Categoria de Diagnóstico Principal. Esta tese tem como objetivo analisar medidas de qualidade hospitalar e seus determinantes nos internamentos por VIH/SIDA em hospitais públicos portugueses (Portugal Continental). Mais especificamente, estimar a taxa de reinternamento aos 30 dias e do tempo de internamento por VIH/SIDA ao longo do tempo e fatores associados. Para cumprir estes objetivos, foram realizados quatro estudos (I - IV) com dados obtidos junto da Administração do Sistema Central de Saúde (ACSS) de Portugal, e seguindo diferentes desenhos. O Estudo I faz uma revisão da carga económica dos internamentos considerando as hospitalizações por VIH/SIDA em Portugal, explicando a importância da implementação de indicadores de qualidade para medir o desempenho dos hospitais, bem como possíveis formas de estudar os fatores que podem afetar esses indicadores de qualidade. O Estudo II enfatizou o papel crucial que as medidas de qualidade podem desempenhar na mitigação dos encargos financeiros impostos pela nova pandemia de doença do coronavírus (COVID-19) no sistema de saúde. Um estudo longitudinal multinível de base populacional foi conduzido no estudo III para estimar as taxas de reinternamento hospitalar aos 30 dias nas hospitalizações por VIH em Portugal. Além disso, este estudo teve como objetivo descrever e analisar os fatores associados aos reinternamentos aos 30 dias em doentes com VIH em Portugal, através da aplicação de modelos de regressão logística ordinária e multinível. No estudo IV, foi realizada uma análise de regressão de contagem com efeitos aleatórios para ilustrar técnicas estatísticas uteis na análise de dados de contagem usando dados longitudinais do tempo de internamento em hospitalizações por VIH em Portugal. Várias estratégias foram aplicadas para selecionar o modelo que melhor se ajustava, incluindo o modelo de regressão de Poisson, o modelo de regressão binomial negativo inflacionado, o modelo de regressão binomial negativo e o modelo de regressão binomial negativo inflacionado de zero. Um termo de efeitos aleatórios foi incorporado ao modelo binomial negativo para examinar a dependência entre as observações dentro do mesmo hospital. Uma análise multinível foi realizada para avaliar o efeito das co variáveis no tempo de internamento. Os reinternamentos aos 30 dias totalizaram 4914 hospitalizações [13,2%, intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC): 12,9% −13,6%]. Internamentos que incluíram alta contra orientação médica [odds ratio (OR) = 1,18, IC 95%: 1,01-1,39], admissões programadas (OR = 1,71, IC 95%: 1,58-1,85) e infeção por tuberculose (OR = 1,20, 95 % CI: 1,05-1,38) tiveram uma maior chance de reinternamento aos 30 dias. Em contraste, as hospitalizações entre mulheres (OR = 0,87, IC 95%: 0,81–0,94), que incluíram uma transferência para outra unidade (OR = 0,78, IC 95%: 0,67–0,91) e ter uma instituição financeira responsável (OR = 0,63 , 95% CI: 0,55-0,72) tiveram uma menor chance de reinternamento aos 30 dias. Os internamentos associados a maior número de diagnósticos, idade avançada ou internamentos durante o período de crise económica tiveram um efeito positivo na probabilidade de reinternamento aos 30 dias, enquanto que tendência oposta foi observada para internamentos com maior número de procedimentos. Existem diferenças significativas entre a qualidade dos diferentes hospitais, mesmo ajustando para outros fatores. O tempo mediano de internamento hospitalar foi de 11 dias (intervalo interquartil: 6-22). As comparações entre os diversos modelos de contagem sugerem que os modelos binomiais negativos com efeitos aleatórios forneceram o melhor ajuste os dados observados. As admissões entre homens ou associadas à infeção por tuberculose, pneumocisto, citomegalovírus, candidíase, toxoplasmose ou doença por micobactéria aumentam significativamente o tempo de internamento estimado. Estimou-se igualmente que um maior número de diagnósticos ou procedimentos está relacionado com um tempo de internamento significativamente maior. A estimação dos efeitos aleatórios para cada hospital revelou diferenças na qualidade entre os hospitais incluídos no estudo, mesmo ajustando aos outros fatores.Esta tese contribui contribuiu para o aprofundamento dos fatores relacionados com a carga económica do VIH/SIDA em Portugal. As conclusões sugerem a importância de integrar medidas de qualidade, baseadas no tempo de internamento hospitalar e taxa de reinternamento como um método de avaliação do desempenho dos hospitais, nomeadamente num contexto de recursos escassos. Os resultados desta tese são suportados por uma grande base de dados que representa todas os internamentos nos hospitais públicos de Portugal Continental por VIH/SIDA; estes achados também podem ajudar a definir a base para novas abordagens que tenham em linha de conta pacientes com alto risco de reinternamento precoce ou tempo de internamento prolongado. Os modelos e especificações estatísticas descritas nesta tese podem ser replicados e aplicados a outras doenças e contextos.Abstract Thirty-day readmission rate, and length of hospital stay have drawn attention as methods for enhancing the quality of care and reducing associated costs. However, despite being optimal methods for assessing hospital’s performance, there remains a scarcity of research pertaining to the factors that can influence these quality indicators, especially when it comes to assessing hospitalizations among HIV/AIDS patients in Portugal. In Portugal, HIV continues to be a major public health concern and HIV incidence and prevalence are among the highest in Europe. Admissions among HIV/AIDS patients still pose considerable challenges to the Portuguese national health system. Moreover, hospitalizations related to HIV/AIDS in Portugal are some of the most expensive, placing HIV/AIDS as the second greatest Major Diagnostic Category. This thesis aims to assess hospital quality measures and their determinants among HIV/AIDS hospitalizations in Portuguese public hospitals. The work also aims to identify variation in thirty-day readmission rate and length of stay among HIV/AIDS admission in public Portuguese hospitals. To accomplish these objectives, four studies (I – IV) were performed using data obtained from the Portuguese Central Health System Administration (ACSS), and following different designs. Studies I reviewed the economic burden of hospitalizations among HIV/AIDS hospitalizations in Portugal, explaining the importance of implementing quality indicators to measure the performance of hospitals, as well as possible ways to study the factors that can affect these quality indicators. Study II emphasized the crucial role quality measures can play in mitigating the financial burden imposed by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on the health system. A longitudinal multilevel population-based study was conducted in study III to estimate the 30-day hospital readmission rates among HIV hospitalizations in Portugal. Moreover, this study aimed to describe and analyze factors associated with subsequent 30-day readmission among HIV patients in Portugal by applying ordinary and multilevel logistic regression models. In study IV, a count regression analysis using a random-effects model was conducted to illustrate statistical techniques for analysing count data using longitudinal predictors of length of stay among HIV hospitalizations in Portugal. Several strategies were applied to select the best count fit model including the Poisson regression model, the zero-inflated Poisson, the negative binomial regression model, and the zero-inflated negative binomial regression model. A random hospital effects term was incorporated into the negative binomial model to examine the dependence between observations within the same hospital. A multivariable analysis was performed to assess the effect of covariates on length of stay. A total of 4914 [13.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 12.9%−13.6%] hospitalizations had a subsequent 30-day readmission. Hospitalizations that included discharge against medical advice [odds ratio (OR) = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.01–1.39], scheduled admissions (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.58–1.85), and tuberculosis infection (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.05–1.38) exhibited a higher odds of hospitalizations with subsequent 30-day readmission. In contrast, hospitalizations among females (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.81–0.94), that included a transfer to another facility (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.67–0.91) and having a responsible financial institution (OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.55–0.72) exhibited a lower odds of hospitalizations with subsequent 30-day readmission. Hospitalizations associated with a higher number of diagnoses, older ages, or hospitalizations during the economic crisis showed an increasing trend of 30-day readmission, whereas an opposite trend was observed for hospitalizations with a higher number of procedures. Significant differences exist between hospital quality, even after adjusting for other factors. The median length of stay in the study was 11 days (interquartile range: 6-22). Statistical comparisons across the count models revealed that the random-effects negative binomial models provided the best fit with observed data. Admissions among males, or admissions associated with tuberculosis infection, pneumocystis, cytomegalovirus, candidiasis, toxoplasmosis or mycobacterium disease exhibit a high significant increase in length of stay. Perfect trends were observed in which a higher number of diagnoses or procedures lead to a significantly longer length of stay. The random-effects term included in the model refers to unexplained factors specific to each hospital and revealed obvious differences in quality across the hospitals included in the study. This thesis contributes to attempts to reduce the economic burden of HIV/AIDS in Portugal and point to the importance of integrating quality measures such as a method for evaluating the performance of hospitals in light of limited resources. Findings from this thesis are supported by a large database that represents all Portuguese public HIV/AIDS admissions and can help develop a national health policy to avoid unnecessary readmissions or delayed discharges. These findings can also set the basis for new insights that can focus on patients at high risk of early readmission or prolonged length of stay. The models and statistical frameworks described in this thesis can be replicated and applied to other diseases and settings

Relationship between genetic similarity and some productive traits in local chicken strains

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was applied to detect genetic similarity between five local chicken strains that have been selected for eggs and meat production in Egypt. Based on six oligonucleotide primers, the genetic similarity between the egg-producing strains (Anshas, Silver Montazah and Mandarah) ranged from 72.4 to 85.4%. While the genetic similarity between the two chicken strains selected for meat production (Baheij and El-Salam) is 86.9%. (African Journal of Biotechnology: 2003 2(2): 46-47

Calibration of numerical simulations modelling of nonresidential building in hot humid clmate region

In Egypt, energy use in buildings has grown in the last 20 years mainly due to the increases in population, number of households, number of offices, as well as increase in service demand, such as more air conditioners and computers. The aim of this study is to create a thermal model for Egyptian office building to represent actual building energy consumption trying the best fit for user behaviors and actual weather data. The simulation model was created using IES VE 2014 and calibrated against measured data for an Egyptian office. The calibration process, intermediate and final results are presented and illustrated for a range of output parameters including internal temperatures, CO2, lighting, equipment, and cooling energy use for different weather periods. This calibrated model can then be used together with uncertainty analysis to evaluate future building upgrade scenarios in order to help improve the energy performance for Egyptian office buildings

Role of multi-detector computed tomography in the evaluation of pancreatic tumors

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the role of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in evaluation and prediction of pancreatic tumors resectability.Patients and methodsThe study included 20 patients who had pancreatic masses, 16 males and 4 females, and their age range was 30–70years with a mean age of 58.0years. All the patients underwent non-contrast and contrast enhanced Multi-slice CT using a 16-slice machine. The gold standard for diagnosis was histopathology and operative data.ResultsAdenocarcinoma as reported by pathological studies was found in 8 patients, cyst adenocarcinoma in one patient, infiltrative adenocarcinoma in 2 patients, intraductal papillary mucinous tumor in 2 patients, mucinous cyst adenocarcinoma in one patient, pancreatic pseudo cyst in 2 patients and mucinous cystadenoma in 4 patients. According to MDCT criteria 6 patients were considered suitable for tumor resection and 14 patients were considered inoperable with unresectable tumor, one out of the 6 operable patients was unresectable during operation due to the invasion of the superior mesenteric vein with infiltration of the mesenteric root.ConclusionContrast-enhanced multiphase pancreatic imaging by multislice computerized tomography (MSCT) with its postprocessing techniques represents the image of choice for diagnosis and predicting pancreatic masses and resectability

Can dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging change treatment planning in endometrial carcinoma?

AbstractPurposeTo detect the diagnostic accuracy of dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in the assessment of myometrium and cervix infiltration and lymph node (L.N) status in patients with endometrial carcinoma.Patients and methodsForty patients with pathologically proven endometrial carcinoma underwent preoperative MRI assessment in the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt over three years from 2009 to 2012. Every case had one stage for the T2 weighted images (T2 WIs) alone and another stage for the combined T2 and DCE images according to the revised international federation of gynecology and obstetrics (FIGO) classification. The pathological findings after surgery were the reference standard.ResultsThe sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy of T2 WIs in detection of deep myometrial invasion were 80%, 72%, 70%, 84% and 79%, respectively and 87%, 90%, 85%, 92% and 87%, respectively for DCE-MRI. For cervical infiltration, T2 WIs showed 78.5%, 88%, 73%, 90.5% and 82.5%, respectively while DCE-MRI showed 92%, 97%, 92%, 97% and 95%, respectively. T2 WIs and DCE-MRI had 100% sensitivity and 85% specificity for the detection of L.N metastasis.ConclusionDCE-MRI can accurately detect invasion of the myometrium and cervix in cases of endometrial carcinoma