Wife battery in Islam : socio-legal interpretations in Islamic societies

There are more than 1.2 billion Muslims living in more than 184 countries and speaking more than 200 languages and dialects.9 Thus discussing Islam as an ideology that has a singular interpretation is impossible and to many social scientists such a discussion represents a simplified view of the intertwined societal forces and structures. Despite the existing diversity among Muslims, most agree that the major sources of Islam are: the Holy Qur’an, the Prophet’s sayings and traditions (hadith and sunnah), and shari’a (jurists’ legal derivations and decisions). The sources of Islam are treated hierarchically; jurists go first to the Qur’an, then to the exegetical works related to the hadith and sunnah, and finally to the shari’a (juridical corpus). This chapter aims to look at the unity of the sources as the basis of understanding the issue of wife beating in Islam

Environmental Factors influencing Financial Reporting Practices and Development in Sudan

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that shaped and determined the current status of financial reporting practices in Sudan. The methodology adopted is descriptive as well as explanatory. The paper seeks to explore why the financial reporting system in Sudan remained deficient and unsound over an extended period of time. The research relies mainly on Secondary data; both quantitative and qualitative data are used. The analysis involves reviewing areas of the Sudan’s economy, Politics, culture and financial and legal systems for the last two decades; the 1990’s and the 2000’s. The analysis is made in the light of the several environmental factors cited in the literature as being influential in determining the level of development of a country’s financial reporting system. The research has demonstrated that the current status of financial reporting practices in Sudanic substantially influenced and determined by three environments; the external environment of the accounting profession which includes the investment climate, the financial sector characteristics and the cultural factors; the internal environment of the accounting profession which comprises education and training and organizations regulating the profession and the regulatory environment that encompasses regulatory requirements and  degree of enforcement of rules and regulations. This is the first empirical study to investigate the different environments of financial reporting in Sudan and assess their impact on the quality of reported financial information. Thus it may be of help to those concerned with the accounting profession and its development

Predicting postoperative cardio-pulmonary complications by a test of stair climbing

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether a test of stair climbing ability could be used to predict the risk of developing postoperative cardiopulmonary complications in patients undergoing general anesthesia. DESIGN: Cohort study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. The duration of the study was from December 2003 to December 2004. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was carried out on consecutive, adult patients presenting for elective thoracic or abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. Pre-operatively, patients were asked to climb a standard staircase. Number of steps climbed was recorded. Those unable to climb stairs due to debilitating cardiac, pulmonary or rheumatologic disease were categorized as 0 stairs climbed. Outcome variables were postoperative cardiopulmonary complications or mortality. Period of follow-up was until hospital discharge. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients were enrolled, 59 (75.6%) climbed 1 flight of stairs, 19 (24.3%) climbed \u3c 1 flight. All-cause cardiopulmonary complications rate was 26 %. The most frequent complication was lobar atelectasis, followed by bronchospasm and acute MI. The complication rate was 22.8% in those able to climb 1 flight and 40% in those patients who climbed \u3c 1 flight. The group that climbed \u3c 1 flight tended to have complications associated with poor reserves of the cardiopulmonary systems, i.e. pulmonary edema, exacerbation of underlying lung disease. The relative risk of developing complications, if unable to climb at least 1 flight of stairs, was calculated to be 1.8 (95% CI 0.7 - 4.6). CONCLUSION: Stair climbing can be a useful pre-operative tool to predict the risk of postoperative cardiopulmonary complication

Workpiece surface temperature for in-process surface roughness prediction using response surface methodology

As manufacturing technology has been moving to the stage of full automation over the years, one of the fundamental requirements is the ability to accurately predict the output performance of machining processes. The focus of present study is to predict surface roughness using the workpiece surface temperature of a turning workpiece with the aid of an infrared temperature sensor. Relationship between the workpiece surface temperature and the cutting parameters and also between the surface roughness and cutting parameters were found out for indirect measurement of surface roughness through the surface temperature of the workpiece. A 33 full factorial design was used in order to get the output data uniformly distributed all over the ranges of the input parameters. Response Surface Method (RSM) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are used to get the relation between different response variables (Surface roughness and workpiece surface temperature) and the input parameters (speed, feed and depth of cut). Based on variance analysis for the second order RSM model, most influential design variable is feed rate and depth of cut on surface roughness and workpiece surface temperature respectively and the experimental results show that the workpiece surface temperature can be sensed and used effectively as an indicator of the cutting performance

THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON CONSUMERS PURCHASE DECISION: THE CASE OF QATAR

The consumer journey is highly influenced by social media as more people spent a significant portion of their time online. The increased understanding of how consumers make decisions has been widely studied and codified into models. Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) this study examines the extent of influence of social media marketing on consumer purchase decisions in Qatar and the challenges that could prevent the full utilization of social media marketing in Qatar. The study collected survey data from online users in Qatar based on a link shared on social media platforms. The results reveal the significant impact exerted by social media in molding consumer buying behaviors in Qatar. Although the nation has a high rate of social media participation, it lags behind worldwide trends in terms of online sales, indicating a notable discrepancy. Trust has a crucial role in influencing behavioral intentions, but perceived value also has a big influence on consumer choices. This research emphasizes the need for firms to customize marketing tactics to the distinctive social media environment in Qatar, recognizing the difficulties and possibilities inherent therein. The research provides detailed and valuable data that might be advantageous for companies, marketing professionals, and legislators that want to understand and improve Qatar's digital consumer ecosystem. It highlights the need of tailored marketing strategies that connect the online portrayal of a product or service with the actual number of sales. This involves resolving any differences that have been detected and making the most of the opportunities provided by social media to influence customer behavior

Structural and Stratigraphic 3D Seismic Study of NahrUmr and Zubair Formations in Kifl oil field _ center of Iraq

This research is a reflection seismic study (structural and stratigraphic) of a 268.7 km2 area located in the central Iraq within the Karbala province (Kifl area). The study area was interpreted by using 3-D seismic data from Oil Exploration Company. Synthetic traces are prepared by using available data of the four wells (Kf-1), (Kf-2), (Kf-3) and (Kf-4), in order to define and piking the reflector on seismic section, These reflector are: (NahrUmr, Shuaiba, Zubair and Ratawi Formations) which are deposited during the lower cretaceous age. Faults were picked using instantaneous phase attribute of seismic section across 3D seismic volume of the studied reflectors. The study area affected by a major fault and minor normal faults, Two faults system has been observed in the study area; the major normal fault of (NW-SE) trending and minor normal faults of (NE-SW) trending, with a small displacement are influenced the studied reflectors. The time slices were studied across 3D seismic volume of the studied reflector, they proved the presence the structural anticline at lower cretaceous reflection level. Time, velocity and depth maps are prepared depending on the structural interpretation of the picked reflectors, the structural interpretation of these reflectors shows a structural anticline extending in NW-SE trend and plunges to the south east, and the general dip towards the east. Using seismic attribute techniques including (instantaneous frequency, RMS amplitude maps and reflection strength section), these attributes showed decreasing in frequency, amplitude and strength values. These reflect rocks of low velocity and indicate the presence of hydrocarbon accumulation area. The study of seismic facies of the picked reflectors distinction parallel seismic configuration. The results shows the Zubair and NahrUmrfacies are clastic depositional system deposited on delta platform, Zubair represents delta platform facies consisting of shallow- water, high-energy marine (delta sandstone, channel-fill sandstones).Pinch out are picked and interpreted by using cosine instantaneous phase attributes, these phenomena can be regarded as Pinch out stratigraphical traps. It's the main factor to explain the difference in thickness of the oil column between well Kf-4 and well Kf-1. Mound and Flat spot phenomenon has been observed within Zubair reflector by using the seismic composite attributes (Band bass filter on an instantaneousphase attributes, as mound stratigraphic traps and flat spot which is represent of Direct Hydrocarbon Indicators (DHI) that refers to the presence of hydrocarbons. Where the use of this techniques has helped to identify the (DHI) for hydrocarbon accumulation and have not been previously identified.Finally 3D seismic model for Kifl field show the extension of structural anticline and its plunge and the distribution of hydrocarbons accumulations in the Kifl field

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Fruit Coating with Gum – Arabic for Quality and Fruit Fly Control

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a lovely tropical and subtropical fruit that originates in Mexico, Central America, and then taken to other distant and near parts around the world. In Sudan this popular fruit is produced in orchards and household and is so profitable but yet attacked by a lot of fruit fly species of the Genera Ceratitis and Bactrocera and the result is a loss of more than 70%. This research aimed at evaluating the effect of Gum Arabic coating (GAC) in extending the shelf life of guava fruit and disinfesting it from these notorious pests. Guava fruits from Kadaro orchards, Khartoum North, were tested using seven concentrations of Gum Arabic solutions. The results reflect that 1: 4 (25%) and 1: 8 (12.5%) (GA: water) concentrations attained 56 and 40% disinfestation, respectively whereas the other lower concentrations effected corresponding results in a range from 20 – 08%. The reduction in maggots per test fruit reached upto 188% as compared to the control.  The highest concentrations (1: 4 & 1: 8) effected a sustainability of 52% in fruit firmness (FF) with an average of medium (3) FF compared to soft FF (4) in the control. The corresponding results in other lower concentrations (1: 16; 1: 32; 1: 64; 1: 72 & 1: 96) were 36, 24, 24, 20 and 16%, respectively. In addition to an average FF of 4 (soft) for all these concentrations and 5 (very soft) for all the corresponding controls. Nevertheless, the sustainability of fruit color (FC) effected by the test concentrations was 52, 44, 24, 22, 24, 20, and 24%, respectively. Regarding these results, the two highest test concentrations effected a sizeable disinfestation and control of fruit flies and a good extension of shelf life of guava in Khartoum State. These findings support using this treatment as an effective IPM tool to extend guava fruit shelf life and upgrading its postharvest quality

Study of IL-35 levels in Multiple Myeloma patients and its Relation with Immunoglobulins

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant disorder characterized by the proliferation of plasma cellsand the second most common hematological standing next to lymphoma. Multiple myeloma patients commonly present with defects in numbers and function of various   immune cells including dendritic cells ,B cells,Tcells and natural kill cells[23].Interleukin- 35 (IL-35) is a novel anti-inflammatory cytokine suppressing the immune response through the expansion of regulatory T cells and suppression of Th17 cell development.The present study aimedto investigate the possible role of IL-35 in pathogenesis of MM and its relation withimmunoglobulins such as IgA,IgG and IgM.Forty Iraqis patients with multiple myeloma(G1,G2) and twenty healthy individuals as a control group (G1)were enrolled in this study.Whole blood used for determination of  hemoglobin. Serum samples were used for determination of albumin,total protein using standard procedures of the biochemistry laboratory of hospital. Also immunoglobulin's (IgA,IgG,IgM) and IL-35 were determined in serum.The results revealed a significant increasing in urine total protein ,ESR,creatinine ,uric acid ,BUN, and TP in  patients groups(G2,G3) comparing to control group(G1) while a   significant decrease in albumin and Hb  were found in  patients groups comparing to control .Also a significant differences  was observed in calcium concentration in G3  compared to G2 while there are no differences  was observed between G2 and G1 . The results shown highly significant increase in IgA,IgG, IgM and  IL-35,in  patients groups comparing to control group. Also a significant  differences were noticed in G3 comparing to G2. A highly significant positive correlation between IL-35 and IgA was noted in G2  and G3. Also a highly significant positive correlation between IL-35 and IgG levels was noticed in G2 and G3. Moreover a significant negative correlation founded between IL-35  andIgM in G2  and  G3 .A conclusion could be drown from this study for the first time that MM patients showed increasing in IL-35  levels so, it may be considered as a novel cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of MM. Keyword:IL-35,Multiple Myeloma,Immunoglobulines

Characterisation of Nicotine and Cancer-Enhancing Anions in the Common Smokeless Tobacco Afzal in Oman

Objectives: Afzal is a common smokeless tobacco product (STP) available illegally in Oman. This study aimed to assess pH and moisture levels and determine cancer-enhancing factors in a randomly selected sample of Afzal. Methods: This study was carried out at the Sultan Qaboos University in Muscat, Oman, between April and December 2013. A package of Afzal was purchased from a single provider and divided into samples. The pH and moisture content of the samples were measured according to the protocols of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyse nicotine levels and ionexchange chromatography (IC) was used to determine concentrations of nitrate, nitrite, chloride, fluoride, bromide, sulphate and phosphate anions. Results: The samples had an alkaline pH of 10.46 with high levels of total (48,770.00 μg per g of STP [μg/g]) and unionised (48,590.00 μg/g) nicotine. The concentration of nitrate (8,792.20 μg/g) was alarmingly high. The chloride concentration (33,170.80 μg/g) showed a surge on IC chromatography. The moisture content percentage was 52.00%. Conclusion: The moisture content percentage and chloride concentration of Afzal was consistent with those of other STPs. In contrast, nitrite, sulphate and phosphate concentrations were below reported levels of other STPs. All anion concentrations were below the maximum daily limit set by international health organisations. However, the high concentrations of nitrite, nitrate and nicotine and the elevated alkaline pH observed in the analysed Afzal samples suggest that STP users will face health risks as a result of their use

LEAD AND CADMIUM DETOXIFICATION BY HALOPHILIC BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM SOLAR SALTERNS IN LEBANON

Water contamination by heavy metals has gained considerable attention globally. These inorganic pollutants can enter the aquatic environments via different routes thereby threatening biodiversity and human health. Lead and cadmium are hazardous pollutants where their removal by traditional techniques is identified to be costly and ineffective. However, bioremediation by extremophilic microorganisms is considered to be a promising technique as they have considerable potentials to grow in harsh environmental conditions. The present study deals with the isolation of halophilic bacterial isolates from solar salterns in North Lebanon. The isolate H1S9 was identified as Halomonas venusta H9 after showing tolerance to 500 mg L-1 of lead and cadmium. Conductivity and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy showed that Pb2+ and Cd2+ were removed by Halomonas venusta H9. Transmission Electron Microscopy demonstrated the ability of Halomonas venusta H9 biomass to bioaccumulate Pb2+ and Cd2+ from aqueous solution into the cells. The factors affecting the bioaccumulation process were investigated