The Marble Industry in Egypt: A Microeconomic Analysis

This thesis presents a microeconomic assessment of the marble industry in Egypt. It starts with an overview and analysis of the international marble industry, highlighting this industry as one of the oldest industries in the world. Historically, the industry moved from labor­intensive to capital-intensive with the advent of technological advancement, including development of automated production tools like cranes and diamond cutting wires. In Egypt, during the past 20 years, market entry into the industry was high, due to the high profit margins achieved. In addition, there was (and still is) lack of effective government regulation. Currently, the marble industry in Egypt could be described as that of monopolistic competition, where products are highly differentiated and there are relatively small barriers to entry. However, barriers to entry are becoming more tangible as the needed capital investment increased sharply with the devaluation of the Egyptian Pound. In order to study the dynamics of the industry more thoroughly, a case study (Watany Marble) was examined from two microeconomic perspectives: (1) an investment appraisal using economic cost-benefit analysis leading towards NPV, IRR, ERR and ROI calculations; and (2) application of the theory of the firm to the case study using Cobb Douglas production, profit maximization, cost minimization and returns to scale calculations. Results yield a ROI of 12.24% using weighted­average opportunity cost of capital considerations, a declining long-run average cost curve, and increasing returns to scale in production. Using isoquant-isocost analysis, the marginal rate of technical substitution between factors of production resulted in $ 1000 of capital corresponding to 7.5 units of labor. Future prospects for the industry is market segmentation, where value-driven and export-oriented firms will tend towards forming an oligopoly, whereas local-oriented, cost-driven firms with relatively low technology will tend towards operating under conditions of a monopolistic competition

CHEMO-PROTECTIVE EFFECT ON HEPATO-RENAL TOXCICITY AND CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITY OF LIPOIDAL MATTER OF ATRIPLEX LINDLEYI MOQ

Objective: Bromobenzene (BB) is frequently encountered in table-ready foods as contaminant residues. Therefore, the present study is designed to evaluate the petroleum ether extract of Atriplex lindleyi to attenuate the hepato-renal injury induced by BB exposure and study its cytotoxic activity against different human cell line as well as to describe the chemical composition of the petroleum ether extract. Methods: The phytochemical study of petroleum ether extract was implemented using both GC/MS and column chromatography analysis. The isolated compounds were identified using different spectroscopic analysis. Hepato-renal assay, rats were intraperitonealy injected bromobenzene at a dose 460 mg/kg BW. The petroleum ether extract as well as Hepaticum were administrated orally twice a week for three consecutive weeks with a dose 150 & 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Liver marker enzymes, liver function indices and kidney function tests were estimated. The cytotoxic activity of, petroleum ether extract was assessed by the mitochondrial dependent reduction of MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide). Results: Forty two compounds as well as sixteen fatty acids were identified in unsaponifiable and saponifiable fractions, respectively. Unsaponifiable fraction constituted of hydrocarbons (73.39% of total unsaponifiable matter), alcoholic (0.88%) and steroidal compounds (2.22%). Furthermore, column chromatography of petroleum ether extract afforded nonsterol tritrepenoids; olean-12-en-3,11-dione (1), β-amyrenone (2), erythrodiol I (3), Lupeol (4) as well as sterol triterpenoids; cholesterol (5) and mixture of β-sitosterol and stigmasterol (6). Compounds 1, 3 and 5 are first reported from Atriplex lindleyi. In addition, GC/MS analysis of the main fraction isolated from column chromatography revealed phytol as a major component. Drastic changes were observed after BB intoxication in liver function parameters; kidney disorder indices and certain oxidative stress markers. Treatment with petroleum ether extract improved all biochemical parameters under investigation as well as the histopathology of liver and kidney. Petroleum ether extract showed growth inhibition of HepG2 and MCF7 human cells by 44.8 and 29.9%, respectively at 100 µg/ml. Conclusion: The petroleum ether extract of A. lindleyi contains bioactive compounds exhibiting hepato-renal protection and cytotoxic activity

Self -Compassion and Self-Efficacy Among Academic Nursing Staff: Relationship Approach

Self-compassion may help academic staff experience the relationship benefits associated with high self- efficacy. Hence, relationship self-efficacy is positively associated with changes in relationship satisfaction.  Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess the relationship between self-efficacy, and self-compassion and socio demographic data among academic nursing staff in Mansoura University, Egypt. Research Design: A descriptive design. Tools of data collection: three tools were used to collect data; 1- Data interview questionnaire .2-Neff self -compassion scale, 2011 3- General self- efficacy scale by (Schwarzer and Jerusalem, 1995). Results: The total mean score of self- compassion was 37.3±7.2. It is also observed that mindfulness subscales obtained a higher mean score X±SD =8.3±6.5, followed by Common-humanity subscale X±SD =6.7±1.6, Self- kindness had a mean score of X±SD = 6.6±1.2.General self -efficacy scale, total mean score was 30.3±4.4. There were significant positive correlation between self- kindness subscale and general self -efficacy P=.000. Also there is statistical significant negative correlation regarding Self- judgment, and general self –efficacy= 0.000. Conclusion: Self -compassion was moderate among academic nursing staff while Self- efficacy was higher among them. Self -efficacy significantly correlated with self- kindness and negatively with self -judgment. Key words: Academic nursing staff, self -compassion, self -efficacy. DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/62-05 Publication date:May 31st 201

Synthesis of Furopyrimidine Derivatives

Furopyrimidines have been known for many years and have been thoroughly examined in the recent years. The present review deals with description of the various synthetic routes for  furopyrimidine derivatives

Synthesis of some new pyrazolylfuropyrimidinethiones and triazolofuropyrimidinethiones

Some novel pyrazolylfuropyrimidinethiones were synthesized from cyclocondensation of 4-hydrazino-5,6-diphenylfuro [2,3-d] pyrimidine-2(1H)-thione (3) with different enaminones and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds. Whereas the furotriazolo-pyrimidinethiones were synthesized from reaction of compound 3 with benzoyl chloride, p-chlorobenzaldehyde and carbon disulphide. Furthermore, furotetrazolo-pyrimidinethione and ditetrazolofuro pyrimidine were synthesized

Efeect of Kegel's Exercises on First Degree Pelvic Organ Prolapse Among Women

Background: Kegel's exercises are recommended to increase the strength and elasticity of the pelvic floor muscles and decrease the incidence of prolapse and stress urinary incontince. Aim: was to assess the effect of kegel's exercises on first degree pelvic organ prolapse among women. Design: quasi-experimental, non equivalent pre-post test research design was adopted. Setting: this research was carried out at gynecological clinic at El Galaa Obstetrics and Gynecology Teaching Hospital. Sample: Convenience sample, of 110 women were recruited for this study as one group to be measured before and after according to certain criteria. Tools: three tools were used for data collection: structured interview tool; assessment & follow up tool for clinical picture of prolapse and Prinometry to measure the strength of pelvic floor muscles. Result: revealed that, a statistically significantly differences were founded between before and after following of kegel's exercises in relation to sexual clinical picture P value was ≥ 0.05, urinary clinical picture was (χ2 = 145.4 and p value ≤ 0.001 and types of urinary problems. χ2 = 167.4 and p value≤ 0.001 ) . And bowel clinical picture was (χ2 =128.8 & P.value ≤ 0.001). Regarding to perinometry reading, the results revealed that, highly statistically significant differences was found between the three reading of prinometry (F=68.047, p≤0.001). In Conclusion: practicing kegel's exercises lead to decrease in the clinical picture of prolapse and improve strength of pelvic floor muscles. Recommendation: based on the study findings, its recommended kegel's exercises should be followed during each development phases of women's life span, so it should form an essential part of sex education and the nurse should work as educator and counselor to teach women benefits and technique of kegel's exercises. Keywords:  kegel's exercises, prolapse, prinometry

Diagnostic performance and predictive value of rheumatoid factor, anti-cyclic-citrullinated peptide antibodies and HLA-DRB1 locus genes in rheumatoid arthritis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>We evaluated the significance of the genes, defined as <it>DRB1*04 </it>or <it>DRB1*01</it>, in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. We focused on the role of genetic and serologic markers to predict disease activity and destructive process of joints.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Sixty patients with RA were examined. Radiographic changes were evaluated by (Larsen score) and disease activity was measured by disease activity score 28 (DAS28). The markers analyzed were: erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP2) and HLA-<it>DRB1 </it>alleles typed by PCR.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In this study, anti-CCP antibodies, CRP, RF and AKA were detected in 83.3%, 56.7%, 71.7% and 52% of patients respectively. HLA-<it>DRB1</it>*01 was found in 45% of patients and 35% of them had one or two HLA-<it>DRB1*04 </it>alleles. According to <it>DRB1*04 </it>subtypes, (<it>DRB1* 0405</it>) was present in of 80% them. For prediction of grade of activity, the independent predictors were anti-CCP (OR 19.6), and <it>DRB1*04 </it>positive allele (OR 5.1). The combination of <it>DRB1*04 </it>+ anti-CCP antibodies gave increase in the specificity and positive predictive value to 92% and 90 respectively. As regards to the prediction of radiological joint damage, the independent predictors were HLA-<it>DRB1*04</it>, HLA-<it>DRB1*01</it>, RF, and CRP > 18 (OR 5.5, 4.5, 2.5, 2.0 respectively).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our findings suggest that anti-CCP2 is superior to RF for the detection of RA and provided predictive information on joint destruction and disease activity. The presence of RA associated antibodies (ACCP or RF) and/or the SE genes are indicative for a poorer radiological outcome and higher grade of activity.</p

Persistence of TEL-AML1 fusion gene as minimal residual disease has no additive prognostic value in CD 10 positive B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a FISH study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Objectives </p> <p>We have analyzed t(12;21)(p13:q22) in an attempt to evaluate the frequency and prognostic significance of <it>TEL-AML1 </it>fusion gene in patients with childhood CD 10 positive B-ALL by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Also, we have monitored the prognostic value of this gene as a minimal residual disease (MRD).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>All bone marrow samples of eighty patients diagnosed as CD 10 positive B-ALL in South Egypt Cancer Institute were evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for t(12;21) in newly diagnosed cases and after morphological complete remission as a minimal residual disease (MRD). We determined the prognostic significance of <it>TEL-AML1 </it>fusion represented by disease course and survival.</p> <p>Results</p> <p><it>TEL-AML1 </it>fusion gene was positive in (37.5%) in newly diagnosed patients. There was a significant correlation between <it>TEL-AML1 </it>fusion gene both at diagnosis (r = 0.5, P = 0.003) and as a MRD (r = 0.4, P = 0.01) with favorable course. Kaplan-Meier curve for the presence of <it>TEL-AML1 </it>fusion at the diagnosis was associated with a better probability of overall survival (OS); mean survival time was 47 ± 1 month, in contrast to 28 ± 5 month in its absence (P = 0.006). Also, the persistence at <it>TEL-AML1 </it>fusion as a MRD was not significantly associated with a better probability of OS; the mean survival time was 42 ± 2 months in the presence of MRD and it was 40 ± 1 months in its absence. So, persistence of <it>TEL-AML1 </it>fusion as a MRD had no additive prognostic value over its measurement at diagnosis in terms of predicting the probability of OS.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>For most patients, the presence of <it>TEL-AML1 </it>fusion gene at diagnosis suggests a favorable prognosis. The present study suggests that persistence of <it>TEL-AML1 </it>fusion as MRD has no additive prognostic value.</p

Effect of zinc deficiency on cadmium-induced immunopathology

The heavy metal cadmium is a widely distributed naturally occurring toxic element. Zinc and cadmium have striking physical and chemical similarities. The fact that they compete with each other for the same metallothionein makes their biological interactions very likely. In this study the effect of zinc deficiency on potentiating the pathologic effects of cadmium on the immune system and the kidneys were studied. Four week old C57BL6 male mice were fed zinc deficient diet (Zn 1 ppm) for 4 weeks, then cadmium 50 ppm was added to the drinking water, and after 3 weeks they were fed a regular chow diet. Animals were sacrificed at 0, 3 and 6 weeks after cessation of treatment. In other groups, 50 ppm zinc was added to the regular chow diet. -- The number of IgM and IgG antibody forming cells in the spleen was significantly lower after treatment with zinc-deficient diet compared to nontreated controls. Concurrent administration of cadmium antagonised that reduction. Proliferative response of spleen cells to the T cell-mitogen, phytohaemagglutinin decreased after treatment with zinc-deficient diet and cadmium administration tended to increase it. The number of CD4+ and CD8+ cells was decreased after treatment with zinc-deficient diet and a further reduction was observed after concurrent cadmium administration. Natural killer cell activity in the spleen decreased after treatment with zinc deficient diet. Concurrent cadmium administration caused more suppression. -- Simultaneous Treatment with zinc deficient diet and cadmium did not alter spleen, thymus and kidney weights and lymphocyte count. However, lymphocyte count in blood collected from the right atrium of the heart was significantly decreased in animals treated with zinc-deficient diet. -- On electron microscopic examination, kidneys of cadmium-treated mice showed ultrastructural alterations in the proximal tubular epithelial cells. However, animals treated with low zinc diets showed cellular degeneration mainly in the cortical area of the thymus. Zinc concentrations in the kidney tended to decrease after treatment with zinc-deficient diet. Cadmium concentrations increased after treatment with zinc-deficient diet and further increase observed after concurrent cadmium administration. -- INDEXING KEY WORDS: Cadmium; Zinc; Cellular Immunity