Examining the Influential Factors on Urban Growth and Population Attraction: A Case Study of Almere, Netherlands

This paper explores the intricate nature of population attraction and urban growth, which are influenced by a wide range of social, economic, and environmental factors. Through a case study of Almere, Netherlands, this study investigates the connection between population attraction, urban quality of life, livability, and sustainability. To assess the impact of these factors on urban growth, the study developed a measurable indicator matrix based on a theoretical framework. The study’s results demonstrate that social life, urban economy, population standards, ease of access to services, transportation, and the quality of the built environment are significant factors in population attraction and urban growth. Additionally, the study revealed some previously unconsidered factors that play a crucial role in sustaining population attraction and urban growth. The study’s findings offer insights for urban planners and policymakers to design effective strategies that promote population attraction and foster sustainable urban growth

Application of energy management coupled with fuel switching on a hydrotreater unit

AbstractIn the last decades, saving energy and protecting environment became the most important topics for search and survey. The energy engineer for any chemical process is obliged by restrictions of “Kyoto Protocol” for limitation of carbon dioxide emissions from fuel combustion, so he does his best to reduce utility consumption and thus reduce gas emission. Proper designing of the heat exchanger network (HEN) for any process is an effective and successful method to minimize utility consumption and therefore minimize gas emission (mainly carbon gases (CO2) and sulfur gases (SOx)). Fuel switching coupled with energy targeting achieved the least gas emission. In this work we choose a hydrotreater unit of a petroleum refinery as a case study due to its effective role and its obvious consumption of utility. We applied the methodology of energy targeting through HEN design (using pinch technology) at several values of mean temperature difference (ΔTmin); where the maximum percentage of energy saving was 37% for hot and cold utility which directly leads to percentage reduction of gas emission by 29% for CO2 and 17% for SOx. Switching fuel oil to other types of fuel realized gas emission reduction percentage where the maximum reduction established was through natural gas fuel type and reached 54% for CO2 and 90% for SOx. Comparison between existing design and the optimum ΔTmin HEN led to few modifications with the least added capital cost for the hydrotreater existing design to revamp it through four scenarios; the first one depended on fuel switching to natural gas while the second one switched fuel to diesel oil, in the third scenario we applied heat integration only and the fourth one used both of heat integration and fuel switching in a parallel way

Development and optimization of fluoxetine orally disintegrating tablets using Box-Behnken design

Purpose: To develop and optimise some variables that influence fluoxetine orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) formulation.Methods: Fluoxetine ODTs tablets were prepared using direct compression method. Three-factor, 3- level Box-Behnken design was used to optimize and develop fluoxetine ODT formulation. The design suggested 15 formulations of different lubricant concentration (X1), lubricant mixing time (X2), and compression force (X3) and then their effect was monitored on tablet weight (Y1), thickness (Y2), hardness (Y3), % friability (Y4), and disintegration time (Y5).Results: All powder blends showed acceptable flow properties, ranging from good to excellent. The disintegration time (Y5) was affected directly by lubricant concentration (X1). Lubricant mixing time (X2) had a direct effect on tablet thickness (Y2) and hardness (Y3), while compression force (X3) had a direct impact on tablet hardness (Y3), % friability (Y4) and disintegration time (Y5). Accordingly, Box-Behnken design suggested an optimized formula of 0.86 mg (X1), 15.3 min (X2), and 10.6 KN (X3). Finally, the prediction error percentage responses of Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, and Y5 were 0.31, 0.52, 2.13, 3.92 and 3.75 %, respectively. Formula 4 and 8 achieved 90 % of drug release within the first 5 min of dissolution test.Conclusion: Fluoxetine ODT formulation has been developed and optimized successfully using Box- Behnken design and has also been manufactured efficiently using direct compression technique.Keywords: Box-Behnken experimental design, Orally disintegrating tablets, Direct compression, Antidepressant, Magnesium stearate, Mixing tim

Upgrading Milk Productivity of Primiparous Buffaloes Using Glycogenic Precursors; Implications on Milk Production and Blood Biochemical Parameters

This study was performed to explore the effect of drenching propylene glycol (PG) and calcium propionate (CP) as a source of energy to primiparous Egyptian buffalo cows (Bubalus bubalis) on milk production and some blood biochemical parameters. Eighteen primiparous buffalo cows (8 weeks before calving) with an average live body weight (LBW) of 500±25kg and aged 35±5 months were used. Animals were classified to three comparable groups (6, each) based on (LBW), body condition scores and expected calving date. Animals in the 1stgroup served as a control (C), were drenched 3L of saline solution (NaCl 0.9%) without any additives, the animals in the 2nd group (PG) were drenched 300 mL of propylene glycol dissolved in 3L of a saline solution. In the 3rd group (CP), animals were drenched 335g of calcium propionate dissolved in 3L of a saline solution. Milk production and milk composition of primiparous buffalo cows were measured. Blood samples were collected from all buffalos for biochemical analysis. Results showed significant effects on average daily and total milk yield but no significant difference on milk composition. All blood biochemical parameters revealed no significant variation between treated and control groups except for plasma beta-hydroxy butyrate (BHB) and both T3 and T4 hormones concentrations. The overall mean of BHB in treated (PG) and (CP) was also lower (17.67 and 14.67 vs. 26) than control group. Overall mean of T3 concentration hormone was the lowest in control group represented 3.13 vs. 5.28 and 4.99 ng/ml) for (PG) and (CP) treated group. The highest overall mean of T4 concentration hormone was recorded in (CP) treated group represented 19.55 ng/ml. Concisely, the present results indicate that drenching (PG) and (CP) have a positive effect on the productive traits of primiparous Egyptian buffalo cows while, did not affect the blood biochemical parameters

The mechanism of action of Spirulina as antidiabetic: a narrative review

Spirulina happens to be a special type of blue-green algae that originally emerged 3.5 billion years ago and was used as a source of nutrition. Spirulina gets its name from the filaments’ spiral or helical structure, but its true name is taxonomically Genus Arthrospira which encompasses several species. The most common species are S. fusiformis, S. maxima, and S. platensis. It is rich in various nutrients and chemical components including protein, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals, pigments, chlorophyll, and enzymes. Spirulina’s active molecules and rich nutrients make it have several pharmacological activities and uses including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, immune system booster, anticancer, antiviral activity, and neuroprotective properties. It is also utilized as a nutritional supplement and for weight loss. Moreover, several studies confirm that Spirulina improves insulin sensitivity and reduces blood glucose levels in rat models as well as diabetic patients. The reason behind this unique behavior could be credited to the presence of several active components in it, but the action’s fundamental mechanism is still a matter of debate. Several studies have suggested different mechanisms including anti-inflammatory activity, increased insulin sensitivity, inhibition of gluconeogenesis, antioxidant activity, modulating gut microbiota composition, improved glucose homeostasis, and insulin receptor activation. Therefore, it became clear that Spirulina is a mine of active substances used as a nutritional supplement and reduces blood glucose levels or used in conjunction with other treatments to tackle type 2 diabetes. Further exploration is required to fully explain its effects on human physiology and determine optimal dosages for treatment

Potential bioactivity of Phoenix dactylifera fruits, leaves, and seeds against prostate and pancreatic cancer cells

The use of functional foods’ phytochemicals in the chemoprevention of different cancer diseases has become one of the hot scientific areas in the clinical nutrition field. For instance, the Khalas palm cultivar (KPC; Phoenix dactylifera) is one of the natural sustainable resources that have high bioactivity and functionality. This study aimed to investigate the antiproliferative activity and mode of action of KPC’s different parts on prostate (Pc3) and pancreatic (panc1) cancer cells at a molecular level. In the methods, KPC’s leaves, seeds, and fruits’ chemical composition and phytochemical analysis were analyzed. Also, the cytotoxic effects of each extract were assessed against pc3 and panc1 cell lines. Besides, induction of apoptosis, cell cycle analysis, and gene expression of both Cap3 and Cap9 were studied. The obtained results indicated that KPC leaves extract exhibited the highest significant (P < 0.01) anti-proliferation activity against the utilized cancer cell lines compared to fruits and seeds extracts. Also, there were significant (P < 0.05) differences in the phenolic contents, flavonoid of compounds, and antioxidant power of the leaves when compared to the seeds and fruits. Additionally, the highest cytotoxic effect (lowest IC50) was recorded with leave extract than seeds and fruits. Meanwhile, the seeds extract induced (P < 0.05) the apoptosis and arrested cells in the G2/M phase as well as up-regulated the gene expression of the apoptotic-related genes (Casp3 and Casp9) compared to the control group. In conclusion, this study showed that the presence of bioactive components in the KPC different parts extracts have the significant ability to induce the apoptotic pathway that could down-regulate the proliferation of prostate (pc3) and pancreatic (panc1) cancer cells. The pathway mechanism of action was induced by the phytol molecule presented in its leaves extract

Formulation and evaluation of orally disintegrating clopidogrel tablets

ABSTRACT Recent advances in drug delivery systems have aimed to achieve better patient compliance. One of these advances is the formulation of orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) that dissolve instantaneously, releasing drugs within a few seconds without the need of water. The main objective of this paper was to prepare and develop ODTs of clopidogrel. The ODTs were prepared by direct compression. The effect of three superdisintegrants, namely crospovidone, croscarmellose sodium, and sodium starch glycolate, using three different disintegration times on the dissolution rate was investigated. The prepared tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, disintegration time and in vitro drug release. Furthermore, the interaction of clopidogrel with the formulation excipients was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). DSC studies revealed that there were no interactions between the drug and the excipients used. All tablets had hardness values in the range 4.0-5.2 kp and friability lower than 1%. The weight and drug content uniformity of all formulations was within official limits according to BP. In vitro drug release studies of the ODTs showed that more than 90% of the drug was released within ten minutes. A palatability test in human volunteers showed acceptable taste and mouth feel. Thus, the obtained results conclusively demonstrated successful rapid disintegration of the formulated tablets and acceptable palatability

Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10 years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37 years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020

EPIdemiology of Surgery-Associated Acute Kidney Injury (EPIS-AKI) : Study protocol for a multicentre, observational trial

More than 300 million surgical procedures are performed each year. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after major surgery and is associated with adverse short-term and long-term outcomes. However, there is a large variation in the incidence of reported AKI rates. The establishment of an accurate epidemiology of surgery-associated AKI is important for healthcare policy, quality initiatives, clinical trials, as well as for improving guidelines. The objective of the Epidemiology of Surgery-associated Acute Kidney Injury (EPIS-AKI) trial is to prospectively evaluate the epidemiology of AKI after major surgery using the latest Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) consensus definition of AKI. EPIS-AKI is an international prospective, observational, multicentre cohort study including 10 000 patients undergoing major surgery who are subsequently admitted to the ICU or a similar high dependency unit. The primary endpoint is the incidence of AKI within 72 hours after surgery according to the KDIGO criteria. Secondary endpoints include use of renal replacement therapy (RRT), mortality during ICU and hospital stay, length of ICU and hospital stay and major adverse kidney events (combined endpoint consisting of persistent renal dysfunction, RRT and mortality) at day 90. Further, we will evaluate preoperative and intraoperative risk factors affecting the incidence of postoperative AKI. In an add-on analysis, we will assess urinary biomarkers for early detection of AKI. EPIS-AKI has been approved by the leading Ethics Committee of the Medical Council North Rhine-Westphalia, of the Westphalian Wilhelms-University Münster and the corresponding Ethics Committee at each participating site. Results will be disseminated widely and published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at conferences and used to design further AKI-related trials. Trial registration number NCT04165369