Convolutional Bidirectional Variational Autoencoder for Image Domain Translation of Dotted Arabic Expiration

THIS paper proposes an approach of Ladder Bottom-up Convolutional Bidirectional Variational Autoencoder (LCBVAE) architecture for the encoder and decoder, which is trained on the image translation of the dotted Arabic expiration dates by reconstructing the Arabic dotted expiration dates into filled-in expiration dates. We employed a customized and adapted version of Convolutional Recurrent Neural Network CRNN model to meet our specific requirements and enhance its performance in our context, and then trained the custom CRNN model with the filled-in images from the year of 2019 to 2027 to extract the expiration dates and assess the model performance of LCBVAE on the expiration date recognition. The pipeline of (LCBVAE+CRNN) can be then integrated into an automated sorting systems for extracting the expiry dates and sorting the products accordingly during the manufacture stage. Additionally, it can overcome the manual entry of expiration dates that can be time-consuming and inefficient at the merchants. Due to the lack of the availability of the dotted Arabic expiration date images, we created an Arabic dot-matrix True Type Font (TTF) for the generation of the synthetic images. We trained the model with unrealistic synthetic dates of 59902 images and performed the testing on a realistic synthetic date of 3287 images from the year of 2019 to 2027, represented as yyyy/mm/dd. In our study, we demonstrated the significance of latent bottleneck layer with improving the generalization when the size is increased up to 1024 in downstream transfer learning tasks as for image translation. The proposed approach achieved an accuracy of 97% on the image translation with using the LCBVAE architecture that can be generalized for any downstream learning tasks as for image translation and reconstruction.Comment: 15 Pages, 10 figure

Novel organic draw solution in forward osmosis process for fertigation: performance evaluation and flux prediction

Fertilizer-drawn forward osmosis (FDFO) has received a lot of attention for its potential for producing fertigated water for agriculture purposes. To minimize the use of chemical-based fertilizers and support sustainable organic agriculture, this work investigated the separation performance of FO membrane for different feed concentrations (FS) of brackish water using microalgae Spirulina platensis as an organic fertilizer draw solution (DS). Different feed solution concentrations were investigated ranging 3–20 g/L NaCl, with various draw solutions of spirulina ranging 280–440 g/L. The performance was measured by water flux and recovery. The results showed that using spirulina as a draw solution is a promising solution for fertigation purposes. The results showed that Na(+) in feed solution is concentrated by 41%, Cl(-) by 36%, and spirulina is diluted by 20% for feed salinity 5000 mg/L. The highest flux obtained with different feed solution 3000/5000/10,000/20,000 mg/L were 9/6/4.5/7 for draw solution concentration of 360/360/400/420 g/L. The calculated specific reverse solute flux (SRSF) J(S)/J(W) varies from 0.1 and 0.8 for different explored FS/DS concentrations. Flux decline and the down-time was investigated for the highest flux observed, showing 290 min of operation before cleaning action is required

Congenital Zika Syndrome - Background and Nutrition Care of Affected Infants

This review provides a history and overview of Zika infection, with special attention to resultant birth defects and the nutrition care required by Zika affected infants

GREEN SUPPLY CHAIN PRACTICES FRAMEWORK FOR PETROCHEMICALS IN EGYPT

The aim of this study is to determine the extent of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices used by Shell and Co-operation (Co-op) Petroleum Companies in Egypt and to evaluate the effect of GSCM practices on the operational performance of both companies. A conceptual framework was developed to link the GSCM practices and operational performance. The framework consisted of three GSCM practices (green procurement, green manufacturing, and reverse logistics) as independent variables and four operational attributes (quality, safety, delivery, and flexibility) as dependent variables. The data was collected through on-site surveys, using eighteen-item-questionnaire with the relevant departments in both companies from the three managerial levels (i.e. strategic, tactical, and operational). Further, the results, based on benchmarking, were statistically analyzed by Fischer analysis. The results offer guidelines to petroleum and lubricant manufacturers to enhance their operational performance and customer satisfaction while employing GSCM practices throughout their entire supply chain (SC).</p

mTORC1 and mTORC2 Complexes Regulate the Untargeted Metabolomics and Amino Acid Metabolites Profile through Mitochondrial Bioenergetic Functions in Pancreatic Beta Cells

Background: Pancreatic beta cells regulate bioenergetics efficiency and secret insulin in response to glucose and nutrient availability. The mechanistic Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) network orchestrates pancreatic progenitor cell growth and metabolism by nucleating two complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. Objective: To determine the impact of mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibition on amino acid metabolism in mouse pancreatic beta cells (Beta-TC-6 cells, ATCC-CRL-11506) using high-resolution metabolomics (HRM) and live-mitochondrial functions. Methods: Pancreatic beta TC-6 cells were incubated for 24 h with either: RapaLink-1 (RL); Torin-2 (T); rapamycin (R); metformin (M); a combination of RapaLink-1 and metformin (RLM); Torin-2 and metformin (TM); compared to the control. We applied high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) LC-MS/MS untargeted metabolomics to compare the twenty natural amino acid profiles to the control. In addition, we quantified the bioenergetics dynamics and cellular metabolism by live-cell imaging and the MitoStress Test XF24 (Agilent, Seahorse). The real-time, live-cell approach simultaneously measures the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) to determine cellular respiration and metabolism. Statistical significance was assessed using ANOVA on Ranks and post-hoc Welch t-Tests. Results: RapaLink-1, Torin-2, and rapamycin decreased L-aspartate levels compared to the control (p = 0.006). Metformin alone did not affect L-aspartate levels. However, L-asparagine levels decreased with all treatment groups compared to the control (p = 0.03). On the contrary, L-glutamate and glycine levels were reduced only by mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibitors RapaLink-1 and Torin-2, but not by rapamycin or metformin. The metabolic activity network model predicted that L-aspartate and AMP interact within the same activity network. Live-cell bioenergetics revealed that ATP production was significantly reduced in RapaLink-1 (122.23 ± 33.19), Torin-2 (72.37 ± 17.33) treated cells, compared to rapamycin (250.45 ± 9.41) and the vehicle control (274.23 ± 38.17), p \u3c 0.01. However, non-mitochondrial oxygen consumption was not statistically different between RapaLink-1 (67.17 ± 3.52), Torin-2 (55.93 ± 8.76), or rapamycin (80.01 ± 4.36, p = 0.006). Conclusions: Dual mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibition by RapaLink-1 and Torin-2 differentially altered the amino acid profile and decreased mitochondrial respiration compared to rapamycin treatment which only blocks the FRB domain on mTOR. Third-generation mTOR inhibitors may alter the mitochondrial dynamics and reveal a bioenergetics profile that could be targeted to reduce mitochondrial stress

Breast Self-Examination As Perceived By North Private College Of Nursing Female Students: Arar City

Background Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is an essential screening method for detecting breast abnormalities. Regular self-examination helps women become familiar with the normal appearance and feel of their breasts, enabling them to notice any changes or unusual signs over time. Objectives This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of female students regarding breast self-examination. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive design was adopted, recruiting 290 female nursing students from North Private College of Nursing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The participants completed a self-developed tool to assess demographic characteristics, knowledge, and self-reported practices about breast self-examination. Results A total of 77.6% of the female nursing students exhibited unsatisfactory knowledge and more than half reported unsatisfactory practices regarding BSE. The most commonly cited reason for not performing breast self-examination was a lack of knowledge on how to properly apply it. Furthermore, a highly significant positive correlation was found between the students\u27 overall knowledge and their reported BSE practices (p = 0.0001), indicating that students with better knowledge were more likely to practice BSE. Additionally, a significant relationship was observed between students\u27 knowledge of BSE and the level of their mothers\u27 education, suggesting that maternal education may influence the students\u27 understanding of BSE. Conclusion A comprehensive educational program should be developed at the community level to raise awareness and promote effective breast self-examination practices among female nursing students in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, further large-scale studies are required to confirm and validate the findings of this research

Longitudinal associations between body mass index, physical activity, and healthy dietary behaviors in adults: A parallel latent growth curve modeling approach

Background Physical activity (PA) and healthy dietary behaviors (HDB) are two well-documented lifestyle factors influencing body mass index (BMI). This study examined 7-year longitudinal associations between changes in PA, HDB, and BMI among adults using a parallel latent growth curve modeling (LGCM). Methods We used prospective cohort data collected by a private company (SimplyWell LLC, Omaha, NE, USA) implementing a workplace health screening program. Data from a total of 2,579 adults who provided valid BMI, PA, and HDB information for at least 5 out of 7 follow-up years from the time they entered the program were analyzed. PA and HDB were subjectively measured during an annual online health survey. Height and weight measured during an annual onsite health screening were used to calculate BMI (kgm2). The parallel LGCMs stratified by gender and baseline weight status (normal: BMI30) were fitted to examine the longitudinal associations of changes in PA and HDB with change in BMI over years. Results On average, BMI gradually increased over years, at rates ranging from 0.06 to 0.20 kgm 2year, with larger increases observed among those of normal baseline weight status across genders. The increases in PA and HDB were independently associated with a smaller increase in BMI for obese males (b = -1.70 and -1.98, respectively), and overweight females (b = -1.85 and -2.46, respectively) and obese females (b = -2.78 and -3.08,respectively). However, no significant associations of baseline PA and HDB with changes in BMI were observed. Conclusions Our study suggests that gradual increases in PA and HDB are independently associated with smaller increases in BMI in overweight and obese adults, but not in normal weight individuals. Further study is warranted to address factors that check increases in BMI in normal weight adults

Knowledge of Saudi Adolescents Regarding Premarital Examination in Arar Region: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background:Premarital examination programs are vital in preventing hereditary and communicable diseases, particularly in regions with high rates of consanguinity, such as Saudi Arabia. Despite their importance, gaps in adolescents\u27 awareness and understanding of these programs persist.Objectives:This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of Saudi adolescents regarding premarital examinations, focusing on diseases screened, timing, consanguinity risks, and sources of information.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among unmarried adolescents at the North Private College of Nursing in Arar, Saudi Arabia. A stratified random sampling technique was used, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire addressing demographic characteristics, knowledge of diseases screened, and sources of information. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, were applied to identify associations and predictors.Results:The study included 176 participants, predominantly females (72.8%), aged 20–25 years (65.4%). Awareness of HIV/AIDS testing was moderate (56.3%), while knowledge of Hepatitis B (41.7%) and Hepatitis C (29.4%) was low. Awareness of consanguinity risks was higher (63.5%), significantly associated with gender (p = 0.04). Logistic regression identified consanguinity awareness as a significant predictor of understanding the mandatory nature of premarital testing (p = 0.004). Social media was the most common information source (51.8%).Conclusions:Significant gaps in knowledge, particularly regarding hepatitis and procedural details, highlight the need for targeted educational interventions. Leveraging social media and integrating premarital health topics into school curricula could enhance adolescents\u27 understanding

Stability study of thymoquinone, carvacrol and thymol using HPLC-UV and LC-ESI-MS

The aim of this study was to investigate the stability of three major antioxidants of Nigella sativa: thymoquinone (TQ), carvacrol (CR) and thymol (THY), under different stress conditions using HPLC and LC-MS/MS. Forced degradation for each compound was performed under different conditions, including oxidation, hydrolysis, photolysis and thermal decomposition. The results showed that both CR and THY were stable under the studied conditions, whereas TQ was not affected by acidic, basic and oxidative forced conditions but the effect of light and heat was significant. The degradation products of TQ were further investigated and characterized by LC-MS/MS. HPLC-UV method has been fully validated in terms of linearity and range, the limit of detection and quantitation, precision, selectivity, accuracy and robustness. The method was successfully applied to quantitative analysis of the principal antioxidants of Nigella sativa TQ, CR and THY in different phytopharmaceuticals