Therapeutic design for nasal powder delivery

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. The response to the pandemic saw widespread diagnostic testing, and the development of vaccines at speed, with global distribution ahead of emergency regulatory approval. Antibody conjugation with nanoparticles (NPs) through Staphylococcus Protein A (SpA) can be used a platform for the development of new diagnostics, and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations were used to investigate SpA for its potential as an antibody conjugation agent with model NPs. The simulations showed the model negatively charged silica surface produced favourable SpA adsorption, that facilitated the binding of antibodies at the Fc region to functionalise the system. The SpA was blocked on both sides when it bound to the model gold surface, and the SpA receptor binding domain (RBD) is blocked on the model positive silica surface. Overall, these results indicate SpA is a promising agent to guide the development of a new diagnostic for COVID-19. The initial aim was to develop a novel diagnostic for COVID-19. However, after the withdrawal of my original industrial partner, and the project workplan change with my new industrial partner, it was decided to pursue the development of a dry powder intranasal (IN) vaccine. Therefore, the aim of this thesis is to design a dry-powder IN vaccine for COVID-19, by studying the SARS-CoV-2 RBD interactions with model NPs. The SARS-CoV-2 RBD and SARS-CoV-2 RBD with histidine tag (His-Tag) were studied by MD simulations with model silica NPs (SiNPs) and model carboxyl terminated SiNPs (COOH SiNPs). The MD simulations indicate SARS-CoV-2 RBD binds preferentially on the model SiNPs and SARS-CoV-2 RBD with His-Tag binds preferentially to the model COOH SiNPs. These model systems were used to guide the experimental production of a dry-powder IN vaccine for COVID-19. The simulations guided the laboratory work, where a spray-dryer was used along with other characterisation equipment for the production, and analysis of a dry powder IN vaccine formulation for COVID-19. Alpha lactose monohydrate spheres, used as the excipient in the dry-powder IN vaccine formulation, were successfully spray-dried to the required size. Despite the overall unsuccessful attempt at IN vaccine production for COVID 19, this project has opened up many possibilities for the future, as the MD simulations showed the NPs are suitable for a vaccine formulation, and the experimental component of this project also contributed to the development of an IN vaccine.Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. The response to the pandemic saw widespread diagnostic testing, and the development of vaccines at speed, with global distribution ahead of emergency regulatory approval. Antibody conjugation with nanoparticles (NPs) through Staphylococcus Protein A (SpA) can be used a platform for the development of new diagnostics, and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations were used to investigate SpA for its potential as an antibody conjugation agent with model NPs. The simulations showed the model negatively charged silica surface produced favourable SpA adsorption, that facilitated the binding of antibodies at the Fc region to functionalise the system. The SpA was blocked on both sides when it bound to the model gold surface, and the SpA receptor binding domain (RBD) is blocked on the model positive silica surface. Overall, these results indicate SpA is a promising agent to guide the development of a new diagnostic for COVID-19. The initial aim was to develop a novel diagnostic for COVID-19. However, after the withdrawal of my original industrial partner, and the project workplan change with my new industrial partner, it was decided to pursue the development of a dry powder intranasal (IN) vaccine. Therefore, the aim of this thesis is to design a dry-powder IN vaccine for COVID-19, by studying the SARS-CoV-2 RBD interactions with model NPs. The SARS-CoV-2 RBD and SARS-CoV-2 RBD with histidine tag (His-Tag) were studied by MD simulations with model silica NPs (SiNPs) and model carboxyl terminated SiNPs (COOH SiNPs). The MD simulations indicate SARS-CoV-2 RBD binds preferentially on the model SiNPs and SARS-CoV-2 RBD with His-Tag binds preferentially to the model COOH SiNPs. These model systems were used to guide the experimental production of a dry-powder IN vaccine for COVID-19. The simulations guided the laboratory work, where a spray-dryer was used along with other characterisation equipment for the production, and analysis of a dry powder IN vaccine formulation for COVID-19. Alpha lactose monohydrate spheres, used as the excipient in the dry-powder IN vaccine formulation, were successfully spray-dried to the required size. Despite the overall unsuccessful attempt at IN vaccine production for COVID 19, this project has opened up many possibilities for the future, as the MD simulations showed the NPs are suitable for a vaccine formulation, and the experimental component of this project also contributed to the development of an IN vaccine

The potentials of novel native fungi in delignification of lignocellulose biomass wastes

The potentials of two new native fungi Trichoderma aureoviride UPM 09 JN811061 and Fusarium equiseti UPM 09 JN811063 isolated from Asian elephant dung for their ability to digest lignin and hemicellulose was exploited using two pretreatment methods, submerged cultivation (SMC) and solid state cultivation (SSC). The pretreatment effect (% loss on lignin and hemicellulose determined after treatment) on rice husk (RH), rubber wood saw dust (RW) and oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) using SMC and SSC by T. aureoviride UPM 09 JN811061 was statistically significantly (P<0.05) higher than by F. equiseti UPM 09 JN811063. However, the result of this study, therefore, showed that the fungi T. aureoviride UPM 09 JN811061 and F. equiseti UPM 09 JN811063 both have great selectivity for lignin with T. aureoviride UPM 09 JN811061 having greater selectivity

A model of spontaneous flow driven by capillary pressure in nanoporous media

The spontaneous capillary imbibition phenomenon is a fundamental mechanism in porous media with applications in many fields. In low permeability shale reservoirs, this flow driven by capillary pressure is extremely important due to the predominance of nano-scale pores, which enhance capillary pressure and weaken hydrodynamic viscous force. This paper presents the results of an analytical model for capillary rise in nano-channels by taking into consideration the effect of inherent surface roughness. Model predictions match better with available experiments results. Relevant experiments were carried out on silicon-based nano-channels with rectangular section, which height is between 5 and 50 nm using de-ionized water. Results proved that the capillary rise kinetics in nano-channels follows the modified Lucas-Washburn law. The surface roughness adds extra resistance during the process of capillary rise, which is calculated as an equivalent porous medium layer. The capillary model is extended to porous media using the capillary bundle concept. In this model, imbibition height versus time was defined. Using this equation, the weight of imbibed liquid by spontaneous imbibition can be obtained. The results from this study demonstrate that the spontaneous imbibition in nanoporous media could be scaled and predicted.Cited as: Shen, A., Liu, Y., Farouq Ali, S.M. A model of spontaneous flow driven by capillary pressure in nanoporous media. Capillarity, 2020, 3(1): 1-7, doi:10.26804/capi.2020.01.0

Isolation and Characterization of Coprophilous Cellulolytic Fungi from Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) Dung

A lot of work has been done on isolation of cellulolytic fungi from the natural environment, but no such work was done on Asian elephant dung in Malaysia. Fungi that grow on elephant dung which is full of fibres may serve as a source of potential cellulase enzymes. Commercial cellulase enzymes used for the hydrolysis of lignocellulose biomass are not only expensive, but may as well hinder progress in the bioethanol industry. In this study, eight new fungi were isolated from Asian elephant dung sourced from Malaysian forest reserve. The fungi were identified morphologically and by molecular assay. The sequences of the fungi were deposited in the Gen Bank NCBI and were assigned accession numbers. Phylogenetic tree of the fungi was constructed to show similarities of the new fungi to known strains. The fungi were tested for cellulolytic potential using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Trichoderma aureoviride strain UPM 09 (JN811061) and Fusarium equiseti strain UPM 09 (JN811063) proved to be potential cellulolytic fungi. This study shows that nature harbors the best cellulolytic fungi for biotechnological applications yet to be exploited. Keywords: cellulolytic, fungi, cellulase, lignocelluloses, biomass, Trichoderma aureoviride, Fusarium equiset

دور القيادة االستراتيجية في الحوكمة الرقمية في الجامعات األردنية الخاصة

هدف المقال إلى قياس درجة ممارسة القيادة االستراتيجية ودوروها في تطبيق الحوكمة الرقمية في الجامعات األردنية الخاصة من وجهة نظر أعضاء الهيئة التدريسية. تم تصميم استبانة من قسمين؛ األول لقياس درجة ممارسة القيادة االستراتيجية والثاني لقياس مستوى تطبيق الحوكمة الرقمية، وتم ايجاد الخصائص السيكومترية لها، ومن ثم توزيعها على جميع أعضاء الهيئة التدريسية في جامعة الشرق األوسط الخاصة. بلغ عدد االستبانات المسترجعة 103 استبانات، كشفت النتائج أن ممارسة القيادة االستراتيجية، وتطبيق الحوكمة الرقمية كانت مرتفعة، وعدم وجود فروق ذات داللة إحصائية للمتغيرات الديمغرافية، كما كشفت النتائج عن وجود عالقة ارتباطية إيجابية وقوية بين المتغيرين أي أن دور القيادة االستراتيجية كبير في تطبيق الحوكمة الرقمية

Ultrasonographic prevalence of polycystic ovarian morphology among women of reproductive age group

Background and objective: Polycystic ovarian cyst is the most common and complex reproductive endocrinopathy affecting females of childbearing age. This study aimed to investigate the sonographic prevalence of polycystic ovary morphology among women of reproductive age group, and correlate it with age, menstrual disturbances, fertility problems, obesity, and hormonal profile. Methods: This study was carried out in the Rizgary Teaching Hospital and private clinic in Erbil city, Kurdistan region of Iraqfrom 1st August 2016 to 1st June 2017. A total of 782 women were included in this study. Inclusion criteria were any woman attending to pelvic ultrasound for whatever the cause other than pregnancy. The prevalence of polycystic ovary morphology was determined depending on Rotterdam's criteria; correlation with clinical history and biochemical indices was done. Results: Of the total study sample of 782 women, 147 (18.8%)had polycystic ovarian cyst. The highest prevalence (32.7% and 43%) was among the age group 18-27 years and participants with high body mass index (31-≥40).There was a statistically significant correlation between menstrual cycle irregularities and serum prolactin andserum testosterone. The highest polycystic ovary prevalence was found among participants with a history of amenorrhea and oligomenorrhoea, 92.3% and 75.2%, respectively. Conclusion: We observed that polycystic ovary is an age-related disease and the prevalence of the disease decreases with age. The highest prevalence was seen among the age group of 18-27 years and least in the age group of 38-47 years. No patients with polycystic ovary were found above 48 years

N,N′,N′′-Tricyclo­hexyl­guanidinium iodide

In the title compound, C19H36N3 +·I−, the orientation of the cyclo­hexyl rings around the planar (sum of N—C—N angles = 360°) CN3 + unit produces steric hindrance around the N—H groups. As a consequence of this particular orientation of the tricyclo­hexyl­guanidinium cation (hereafter denoted CHGH+), hydrogen bonding is restricted to classical N—H⋯I and non-clasical (cyclo­hex­yl)C—H⋯I hydrogen bonds. The propeller CHGH+ cation and the oriented hydrogen-bonding interactions lead to a three-dimensional supra­molecular structure

STUDY OF DOCTOR’S TRENDS TOWARDS SPORTS ACTIVITIES

هدفت هذه الدراسة الى التعرف عل اتجهات الاطباء نحو ممارسة الرياضة سواء الذكور أو الاناث في محافظة النجف الأشرف . قام الباحثون باختيار عينة عشوائية مثلت مانسبة 30% من اجمالي الاطباء في النجف ، شملت العينة (160) طيب وطبية وتم استخدام برنامج كينوفا للتحليل الاحصائي ، وتكون الاستبيان من (54) فقرة . تم استخدام المعالجات الاحصائية التالية ( الحساب و المنطق ، الانحراف المعياري ، اختبار بيرسون للارتباط ، اختبار قيمة –ت) أظهرت الدراسة عدم وجود أية فروقات مابين توجهات الاطباء الذكور او الاناث نحو ممارسة الرياضةThis study aimed to identify the trends towards practicing sports among the male and female doctors in Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf Health Department. The research conducted on sample randomly selected, represents (30%) of male and female doctors at Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf Health Department (AL SADR, AL HAKEEM and AL ZAHRA Hospitals) as a model. The number of sample reached to (160) male and female doctors, using descriptive approach. The Researchers used “KENYON measure for trends towards sports activity and that Mr. (MOHAMMAD HASSAN ALAWI) prepared its Arabic version. The measure constitutes of (54) paragraphs and that subsequent to verifying and confirming the accuracy of the measure, the data of which the Researchers statistically acquired have been processed by using (the arithmetical mean, standard deviation, Pearson Linear Correlation Coefficient, percentage law, T-value) The Researchers concluded that there are no differences in the trends towards the sports activity for all dimensions and measures for both male and female doctors. Finally, the Researchers affirm to allocate time for practicing sports by both male and female doctors

EFFECT OF TRANSVERSE BASE RESTRAINT ON THE CRACKING BEHAVIOR OF MASSIVE CONCRETE

The effect of considering the third dimension in mass concrete members on its cracking behavior is investigated in this study. The investigation includes thermal and structural analyses of mass concrete structures. From thermal analysis, the actual temperature distribution throughout the mass concrete body was obtained due to the generation of heat as a result of cement hydration in addition to the ambient circumstances. This was performed via solving the differential equations of heat conduction and convection using the finite element method. The finite element method was also implemented in the structural analysis adopting the concept of initial strain problem. Drying shrinkage volume changes were calculated using the procedure suggested by ACI Committee 209 and inverted to equivalent temperature differences to be added algebraically to the temperature differences obtained from thermal analysis. Willam-Warnke model with five strength parameters is used in modeling of concrete material in which cracking and crushing behavior of concrete can be included. The ANSYS program was employed in a modified manner to perform the above analyses. A thick concrete slab of 1.5m in thickness and 10m in length was analyzed for different widths 2, 4, 8, and 10m to produce different aspect ratios (B/L) of 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.0 respectively. The results of the analyses show an increase in cracking tendency of mass concrete member as the aspect ratio of the same member is increased due to the effect of transverse base restraint. Accordingly, such effect cannot be ignored in the analysis of base restrained mass concrete structures subjected to temperature and drying shrinkage volume changes

Non-linear modelling and control of a conveyor-belt grain dryer utilizing neuro-fuzzy systems

The grain drying process is characterized by its complex and non-linear nature. As a result, conventional control system design cannot handle this process appropriately. This work presents an intelligent control system for the grain drying process, utilizing the capabilities of the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to model and control this process. In this context, a laboratory-scale conveyor-belt grain dryer was specifically designed and constructed for this study. Utilizing this dryer, a real-time experiment was conducted to dry paddy (rough rice) grains. Then, the input–output data collected from this experiment were presented to an ANFIS network to develop a control-oriented dryer model. As the main controller, a simplified proportional–integral–derivative (PID)-like ANFIS controller is utilized to control the drying process. A real-coded genetic algorithm (GA) is used to train this controller and to find its scaling factors. From the robustness tests and a comparative study with a genetically tuned conventional PID controller, the simplified ANFIS controller has proved its remarkable ability in controlling the grain drying process represented by the developed ANFIS model