Electrical and Magnetic Properties of Mn-Bi-Sb Alloys

MnBi1-xSbx alloys were prepared by the conventional melt technique. The Seebeck coefficient (S), electrical resistivity (ρ), and magnetic susceptibility (c) were measured at various temperatures ranging from ~100 to 400 K. The electrical resistivity of x £ 0.15 shows both semiconducting and metallic behavior depending on temperature and Sb content, whereas samples x 3 0.2 have only semiconductor behavior in all the temperature range. The negative sign of the Seebeck coefficient increases, i.e., the positivity decreases with the increasing Sb content. The magnetic susceptibility (χ) shows that alloys undergo ferro-paramagnetic transition at a certain temperature (TC) and the TC values decrease with increasing Sb content. From thermoelectric measurements and electronic thermal conductivity calculated, it was observed that Sb doping increases the power factor (PF) and the figure of merit (ZT). Thus, Sb content plays an essential role in making these alloys applicable in the thermoelectric industry

Using the theoretical domains framework to investigate clinicians’ behavioural determinants of antimicrobial prescribing in Qatar.

Introduction: A recent systematic review by Talkhan et al demonstrated the need for theoretically based behaviour change interventions in this area. [1] For development of such complex interventions, emphasis should be placed on using theory to systematically identify behavioural determinants of antimicrobial prescribing. Aim: To identify and quantify clinicians’ behavioural determinants of antimicrobial prescribing in Qatar. Methods: This cross-sectional survey is part of a multi-phase explanatory, sequential mixed methods PhD project in Qatar. Questionnaires were distributed (online and paper based) to all doctors (~4,000) and pharmacists (~400) within Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC, the main healthcare provider). The questionnaire was developed with reference to the Determinants of Implementation Behaviour Questionnaire (a generic questionnaire derived from the 14 theoretical domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework, TDF). [2] Each item was presented as a 5-point Likert scale (scored 5=Strongly agree to 1=Strongly disagree). Personal and practice demographics were also collected for data contextualisation. The draft questionnaire was reviewed for face/content validity by an expert panel of six researchers in Qatar and the UK with experience in the use of the TDF, followed by ‘Think aloud’ testing and piloting. Analysis investigated the behavioural determinants and influential factors through descriptive, principal component analysis (PCA) and inferential analysis. Ethics approval was granted from a UK university and HMC. Results: In total, 535 responses were received, 339 (63.4%) from doctors and 196 (36.6%) from pharmacists. Respondents were predominantly male, 346 (64.7%). Just over half (n=285, 53.3%) had ≤ 5 years’ experience as health professionals. PCA showed a three component (C) solution with components incorporating a number of questionnaire items labelled: ‘Guidelines compliance’ (C1 with 8 items), ‘Influences on prescribing’ (C2 with 7 items) and ‘Self-efficacy’ (C3 with 5 items) in prescribing/recommendation activity. A scale score for each respondent was calculated through summation of Likert scores for the relevant questionnaire items within each component. These scales had high internal reliability (Cronbach’s alpha all >0.7) showing consistency in response between component items indicating statistical appropriateness for developing scales. The median score (possible scale range, midpoint) for each scale was C1, 32 (8 to 40, 24), C2, 26 (7 to 35, 21) and C3, 20, (5 to 25, 15). By way of example Table 1 shows levels of agreement for items in C2. This shows lower levels of agreement than C1 scale with the median scale score (26) closer to the midpoint (21) indicating that respondents had less positive views. Inferential analysis using these scale scores and free text analysis is in progress. Conclusion: A theoretical basis was used throughout providing insights to behavioural determinants for the development of a theory-based behaviour change intervention. Preliminary results suggest that social influences, staff development and quality monitoring may be useful targets for behaviour change interventions to improve antimicrobial prescribing practice. Limitations include potential social desirability bias and focus on one healthcare organisation/country in the Middle East which may limit generalisability of findings. More in-depth exploration is required to select and test appropriate linked theory-based behaviour change techniques

Gamma-Irradiation Improves the Photocatalytic Activity of Fe/TiO2 for Photocatalytic Degradation of 2-Chlorophenol

The Fe doped TiO2 abbreviated here as (Fe3) were prepared by sol-gel method. Upon doping FeTiO3 nano-composite was formed. The prepared sample was irradiated by different dosage of γ-irradiated (0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 MGy).  The irradiated samples which abbreviated as (0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 MGy) and non-irradiated sample which abbreviated as (Fe3)  were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Surface analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Temperature Programmed Desorption (NH3-TPD), Raman Spectroscopy,  and UV-Vis absorption. The results show that γ-irradiation not only improves the morphological and structural changes of irritated samples, but also extended its absorption edge to the visible light region. The photocatalytic activity of the samples were tested for the photocatalytic degradation of   2-chlorophenol under simulated solar light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity of the irradiated sample using 1.6 MGY was higher than the other irradiated and non-irradiated samples. The photo-intermediate product was also studied. Keywords: Photocatalysis, TiO2, 2-chlorophenol, photocatalytic degradation, Gamma-irradiation

Five-Year Experience In Surgical Treatment Of Temporal Bone Paragangliomas

The article describes our five-year experience in the surgical treatment of temporal bone paragangliomas. Considering our experience, the surgical treatment of patients with different types of paragangliomas based on a detailed study of the CT scan and MRI data using the preoperative selective embolization of tumor-feeding vessels and the navigation system intraoperatively as well as the endoscopy assistance allows total removing of the tumor with minimal damaging of the vital structures of the lateral skull base

Suitability of Treated Wastewater Produced in Sudan for Irrigation Plants

The aim of this study was to characterize the quality of treated wastewater of Soba treatment plant, in Khartoum state, in term of its potential to be used in irrigation for different plant products, as well as to study the temporal variations of its physicochemical and biological parameters. Sampling of the treated wastewater was performed during Dec. 2014 and November 2015. The parameters indicating the suitability of such wastewater for irrigation were estimated, these include pH, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Sulphate, Ammonia, Chloride as well as total count, coli from bacteria and parasites. Results showed that, significant variation in values of pH, EC. Chloride, sulphate, BOD, COD was observed throughout the months of year. In spite of variability throughout the year, the values of pH, EC, TDS chlorides and sulphate, in term of their suitability for use in irrigation, fall within the limits set by FAO for irrigation water. Concentration of total coliform and nematodes in treated wastewater, were more than the concentration limit set by WHO, for restricted irrigation, and less than the limit for unrestricted irrigation. The reuse of the treated wastewater in irrigation of non food crops could be carried out without restriction, however, regarding the use of restricted irrigation, it would be necessary to upgrade treatment processes for further reduction in some parameters, providing that, regular testing should be done regularly

Genotype and Haplotype Analysis of ABCB1 at 1236, 2677 and 3435 among Jordanian Population

Purpose: To determine the frequencies of important allelic variants and their haplotype frequencies of the gene among Jordanian population and to compare findings with those reported for other ethnic groups.Methods: Genotyping of ABCB1 (C1236T, G2677T/A and C3435T) was carried out on unrelated healthy Jordanian subjects. Different allelic variants were determined using polymerase chain reactionrestriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The haplotype frequencies of these three SNPs were analyzed and compared them with those of other reported populations. Haplotype frequencies were calculated using Golden Helix Tree software and Linkage disequilibrium was represented by D”.Results: ABCB1 C3435T allele frequencies for C allele and T allele were 0.57 and 0.43, respectively. For ABCB1 G2677T/A the allele frequencies for G allele, T allele, and A allele were 0.65, 0.32 and 0.0, respectively. As for ABCB C1236T, its allele frequencies were 0.65 for C allele and 0.35 for T allele. C1236T, G2677T/A, and C3435T SNPs were expected to be structured in 8 different haplotypes with GC- C (37.6.0 %), T-T-T (18.6 %), G-C-T (14.3 %) and T-T-C (12 %) that were most prominent. The haplotype frequency distribution of our study group was found to be significantly different from those of Chinese, Indian, Japanese, African and Caucasian (p < 0.0001) and resemble Ashkenazi Jewish and Slovenian populations (p > 0.05).Conclusion: In addition to earlier studies, the findings of the current study provide evidence that suggest the use of genetic polymorphisms of ABCB1 SNPs as markers for ethnicity and ancestral origin. The analysis of haplotype and genotype can be useful in identifying the relation between ABCB1 polymorphism, disease susceptibility and drug disposition.Keywords: Genotype, Allele, MDR1, ABCB1, Polymorphism, Haplotype frequencie

The views of older women towards mammographic screening: a qualitative and quantitative study

Purpose: Mammographic screening has improved breast cancer survival in the screened age group. This improved survival has not been seen in older women (>70 years) where screening uptake is low. This study explores the views, knowledge and attitudes of older women towards screening. Methods: Women (>70) were interviewed about breast screening. Interview findings informed the development of a questionnaire which was sent to 1000 women (>70) to quantify their views regarding screening. Results: Twenty-six women were interviewed and a questionnaire designed. The questionnaire response rate was 48.3% (479/992). Over half (52.9%, 241/456) of respondents were unaware they could request mammography by voluntary self-referral and were unaware of how to arrange this. Most (81.5% 383/470) had not attended breast screening since turning 70. Most (75.6%, 343/454) felt screening was beneficial and would attend if invited. Most, (90.1%, 412/457) felt screening should be offered to all women regardless of age or health. Conclusions: There is a lack of knowledge about screening in older women. The majority felt that invitation to screening should be extended to the older age group regardless of age or health. The current under-utilised system of voluntary self referral is not supported by older women