Electricity Consumption and Economic Growth in Jordan: Bounds Testing Cointegration Approach

The objective of this paper is to investigate the short-run and longrun causal relationships between electricity consumption and economic growth in Jordan between 1976 and 2013, utilizing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model. Estimates revealed the existence of a longrun equilibrium relationship between the said variables. The VECM model results indicated a long-run, bidirectional causality between the two variables as seen from the negative and significant error correction terms. The results of Granger-Causality test within VECM disclosed a bidirectional weak and strong short-run causality between electricity consumptions per capita and economic growth. The estimation results provide a strong support for the feedback hypothesis in Jorda

Characterization of α-Amylase Produced by Different Bacillus spp

The production of  the amylase enzyme from different Bacillus spp. was carried out in culture fermentation (SCF). Production of the amylase was carried out for the potential use of the enzyme for industrial purposes. The bacteria used  were isolated and taxonomic characterized from Khartoum state. These bacteria were identified as B megaterium, B. subtilis, B. licheniformis and B. amyloliquefaciens. It was found that Bacillus licheniformis had 6.5 cm zone of clearance, .,B megaterium  cm, B. amyloliquefaciens  cm where as B. subtilis resulted in much lesser  cm. Amylase produced by Bacillus licheniformis B megaterium B. amyloliquefaciens  and  B. subtilis  was 42.64  mg/ml, 38.11 mg/ml, 35.14 mg/ml, and  37.93 mg/ml glucose, respectively

A nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag approach to remittances and access to financial inclusion in Jordan

Background: Financial inclusion and its relationship with remittances has been widely an area of investigation among researchers. Aim: The study investigates the asymmetric effects of remittance inflows on financial inclusion (FI) in Jordan. Setting: Annual time series data (1990–2022) constitute 33 observations. Method: This study uses the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model. Results: The empirical evidence showed a long-run equilibrium relationship among the model’s variables. Furthermore, the standard Wald test provides evidence of the asymmetric long-run and short-run effects of remittance inflows on FI and, hence, the nonlinear relationship. Conclusion: The Jordanian government should promote efforts to simulate the inflow of remittances to the country. This study uncovered the vital relationship between FI and remittance inflows and its important role in enhancing financial sector development. Contirbution: This study contributes to the existing literature on the remittances-FI nexus. First, it uncovered the vital and important relationship between FI and remittance inflows, and its crucial role in enhancing financial sector development. Second, unlike previous studies that used linear ARDL or traditional estimation methods, it applied the NARDL approach to test for the existence of a nonlinear relationship between the model’s variables. Third, it suggests that policymakers in Jordan government should put effort into stimulating the inflow of remittances to promote FI and, hence, economic growth and development

Neonatal mortality in Sudan: analysis of the Sudan household survey, 2010

BACKGROUND: Sudan is classified as having insufficient progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDG-4), where the levels of child and infant mortality are among the highest in the region and the world. This study investigated factors associated with neonatal mortality in Sudan. Neonatal death is defined as death within the first 28 days of life. METHODS: This study analysed data from the Sudan Household Health Survey 2nd round, which was carried out in 2010. Total of 6,198 live-born infants delivered within the two years preceding the survey were included as the study population. Multivariate logistic regression was used to model neonatal mortality as a function of maternal health parameters, socioeconomic indicators and the sex of the child. RESULTS: There were 189 neonatal deaths out of 6,198 live births (3.0%). In the multiple logistic regression, the factors associated with neonatal mortality were advanced maternal age (≥ 40 years; OR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.21, 4.78, p = 0.012), poor household wealth index (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.47, p = 0.005), male child (OR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.31, 2.42, p < 0.001), delivery of baby by Caesarean section (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.78, 2.42, p = 0.013) and delivery complications (OR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.15, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Public health interventions which target neonatal mortality reduction should adopt a risk-factor-based approach to detect pregnancy complications early and once identified, the health system should be strengthened so that these complications can be dealt with adequately

Identification of novel differentially expressed genes in type 1 diabetes mellitus complications using transcriptomic profiling of UAE patients: a multicenter study

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that mainly affects children and young adults. It is associated with debilitating and long-life complications. Therefore, understanding the factors that lead to the onset and development of these complications is crucial. To our knowledge this is the first study that attempts to identify the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in T1DM complications using whole transcriptomic profiling in United Arab Emirates (UAE) patients. The present multicenter study was conducted in different hospitals in UAE including University Hospital Sharjah, Dubai Hospital and Rashid Hospital. A total of fifty-eight Emirati participants aged above 18 years and with a BMI < 25 kg/m2 were recruited and forty-five of these participants had a confirmed diagnosis of T1DM. Five groups of complications associated with the latter were identified including hyperlipidemia, neuropathy, ketoacidosis, hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A comprehensive whole transcriptomic analysis using NGS was conducted. The outcomes of the study revealed the common DEGs between T1DM without complications and T1DM with different complications. The results revealed seven common candidate DEGs, SPINK9, TRDN, PVRL4, MYO3A, PDLIM1, KIAA1614 and GRP were upregulated in T1DM complications with significant increase in expression of SPINK9 (Fold change: 5.28, 3.79, 5.20, 3.79, 5.20) and MYO3A (Fold change: 4.14, 6.11, 2.60, 4.33, 4.49) in hyperlipidemia, neuropathy, ketoacidosis, hypothyroidism and PCOS, respectively. In addition, functional pathways of ion transport, mineral absorption and cytosolic calcium concentration were involved in regulation of candidate upregulated genes related to neuropathy, ketoacidosis and PCOS, respectively. The findings of this study represent a novel reference warranting further studies to shed light on the causative genetic factors that are involved in the onset and development of T1DM complications

The influence of different joining processes on mechanical performance of carbon fiber/polyamide (CF/PA6) composites

تستخدم المواد المركبة المصنوعة من مادة البولي أميد (PA6) المقوى بألياف الكربون (CF) على نطاق واسع كمواد هيكلية في صناعات السيارات والفضاء نظرًا لخصائصها المتميزة. ومع ذلك ، نظرًا لمتطلبات السلامة الهيكلية للمواد المركبة ، لا تزال هناك محدودية فيما يتعلق بالإنتاج الفعلي للمواد المركبة المكونة من (CF/ PA6). الروابط القوية لصفائح CF/PA6 مطلوبة بشدة &nbsp;لعمل تصميم خفيف الوزن يستخدم في العديد من المجالات. بهدف إجراء مقارنات ، تم تدراسة مختلف طرق المعالجة مثل الربط بمواد لاصقة والربط الحراري لتشكيل روابط اللإلفة بين صفحتين مركبتين من (CF/PA6). كما تم دراسة تأثير الطرق المختلفة ومتغيرات المعالجة &nbsp;المختلفة على مقاومة القص للروابط. أظهرت النتائج أنه من السهل جدًا التعامل مع الروابط اللاصقة التقليدية وقد تتشكل روابط &nbsp;أقوى إلى حد ما. يمكن استخدام الروابط الحرارية القائمة على التوصيل الكهربائي عن طريق CF لتشكيل توصيلات متلدنة بالحرارة مع المرونة في التصميم. يمكن أن تزيد الروابط الحرارية عن طريق الضغط الساخن من قوة الاتصال؛ عندما تتشكل بالضغط الساخن في ظروف مثالية في درحة حرارة تبلغ 250 درجة مئوية وضغط 2.5 ميجا باسكال ، فإن قوة القص للمفصل 138.85 ميجا باسكال. وبالتالي تم التأكيد على أنه يمكن الحصول على روابط قوية لأجزاء الصفائح للمادة المركبة CF/PA6 &nbsp;عن طريق الالتصاق الحراري عبرعملية الضغط &nbsp;الساخن.Carbon fiber (CF) reinforced polyamide (PA6) composite materials are broadly used as structural materials in the automotive and aerospace industries due to their distinguished properties. However, due to requirements for the structural integrity of composite materials, there are still limitations in connection of the actual production of CF/PA6 composite. Strong joints of CF/PA6 laminates are highly required for the lightweight design in many fields. Aiming at making comparisons, different processing methods such as adhesive bonding and thermal jointing to form single lap joints between the two CF/PA6 composite laminates are studied. The influences of different processing methods and parameters on the shear strength of joints were also studied. Results showed that conventional adhesive bonding is quite easy to handle and may form rather stronger connections. Thermal joining based on electrical conductors of CF can be used to form a thermoplastic flexible joint design. Thermal joints by hot pressing can further increase the connection strength; when formed by hot pressing under optimum conditions of 250 °C and 2.5MPa, the joint has a shearing strength of 138.85 MPa. It is consequently confirmed that a strong joint of CF/PA6 composite parts could be obtained by thermal joints via the hot pressing process

3D hydrogel/ bioactive glass scaffolds in bone tissue engineering: Status and future opportunities

From Elsevier via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: accepted 2023-06-06, issued 2023-07-05Article version: AMPublication status: AcceptedRepairing significant bone defects remains a critical challenge, raising the clinical demand to design novel bone biomaterials that incorporate osteogenic and angiogenic properties to support the regeneration of vascularized bone. Bioactive glass scaffolds can stimulate angiogenesis and osteogenesis. In addition, natural or synthetic polymers exhibit structural similarity with extracellular matrix (ECM) components and have superior biocompatibility and biodegradability. Thus, there is a need to prepare composite scaffolds of hydrogels for vascularized bone, which incorporates bioactive glass to improve the mechanical properties and bioactivity of natural polymers. In addition, those composites' 3-dimensional (3D) form offers regenerative benefits such as direct doping of the scaffold with ions. This review presents a comprehensive discussion of composite scaffolds incorporated with BaG, focusing on their effects on osteo-inductivity and angiogenic properties. Moreover, the adaptation of the ion-doped hydrogel composite scaffold into a 3D scaffold for the generation of vascularized bone tissue is exposed. Finally, we highlight the future challenges of manufacturing such biomaterials

Survey of External Protozoa Parasite of Siganus Rivulatus in Red Sea State of Sudan. World&apos;s

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to survey the external protozoa parasites in Siganus rivulatus in the Red sea state. 51 samples of fish were examined. The fish was selected from two different area in the port sudan, 21 samples collected from Dongnab and 30 samples collected from Alsegala from February to march 2010. This study was conducted in Sudan University of Science and Technology, College of Science and Technology of Animal Production, Department Fishers Science and Wildlife in the laporatory of fishes. The study revealed of different types of protozoa these include Trichodinia, chilodonella, Ichthyophirius and Ichthyobodo recovered in Siganus rivulatus.The protozoa parasites had high prevalence in Alsegala (90% in skin, 56.6% in gill) than Dongnab (57.1% in gill and skin), and the density of protozoa parasites (1.5 in Alsegala and 1 in Dongnab) it is high in skin than gill. Trichodinia recorded highest infection in Siganus rivulatus in this study more than other ectoprotozoa. There is no any relationship between number of parasites and health state of fish

الميزة النسبية لمصر في إنتاج اللحم واللبن مــن الجاموس

As Egypt faces limited agricultural resources, either land acreage or water sources for irrigation, it is necessary to focus on either cows or buffaloes to produce red meat and milk under the existing intensive agricultural system. This study conducted a comparative analysis of the technical and economic criteria to investigate the comparative advantage of Egypt in producing meat and / or milk from buffaloes in comparison with local cows and both cows and dairy buffalo in other countries. The comparison used milk equivalent of 4% fat to adjust the high fat percent in buffalo milk. The study used the published time series data the research studies based upon field sample surveys. The technical criteria included the percentage of milking animals, milk yield and milk composition, as well as the feed utilization efficiency. The economic criteria included the role of buffalo in generating labor employment, poverty alleviation and improving food security in rural areas, in addition to the costs of production per ton and per 100 grams of protein and the farm price ratio. All criteria have provided evidences that Egypt has comparative advantage in raising buffalo for milk production. The study recommended a development programs for buffalo production in Egypt. It is basically, depends upon vertical expansion rather than horizontal which is not feasible under limited water and agricultural land resources. Therefore the genetic improvement of Egyptian buffalo population, for milk production should be the main approach, using artificial insemination and supported by the reform of the milk marketing system and improving the Egyptian buffalo reproductive performances

Coexistence of HBsAg/Anti-HBs and HBeAg/Anti-HBe in Sudanese Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Seroconversion of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) to hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) is a recognized goal of HBV therapy. This dynamic transition responsible for the coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs is rarely detected in clinical cases. However, with vaccination and the use of various antiviral drugs, as well as the development of new medical technologies, recognizing the coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs has become more common. In addition, mutations in viral genomes, immune status, and human genetic factors may also contribute to such coexistence. The current study was designed to determine the prevalence of the coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs and HBeAg and anti-HBe in CHB patients in Sudan. Methods and Results: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in Khartoum state from November 2018 to January 2019. The study included 70 HBV-infected patients who were positive for HBsAg for more than six months. Blood samples were tested for HBsAg/Anti-HBs and HBeAg/Anti-HBe using Commercial ELISA Kits (Foresight, United Kingdom) and (PRECHEK, USA). Demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and any antiviral agent and laboratory results were also recorded for each participant. The current study showed that one case (1.4%) was reactive for the coexistence of HBsAg/HBsAb and two cases (2.8%) for the coexistence of HBeAg/HBeAb. There was no statistical difference between the coexistence of HBsAg/HBsAb and HBeAg/HBeAb with age, gender, residence, and treatment status. Conclusion: Our study indicates that the frequencies of the coexistence of HBsAg/HBsAb and HBeAg/HBeAb among Sudanese patients with chronic HBV infection were low compared to previous studies in a different population