Perception of Individual Consumers toward Islamic Banking Products and Services in Pakistan

Islamic banking system was established in Pakistan since 1980. Now, the Islamic banking products are available to serve the customers but these products are not fully accepted by the customers due to the lack of marketing efforts by the providers. To identify the perception about Islamic banking system researcher fill the questionnaires from respondents that what they think about Islamic banking system. And, these respondents are the customers who hold bank account in conventional or Islamic bank. We analyze data through descriptive analysis to find the results about perception of Islamic banking. This study explores the perception of persons that responsible in financial affairs and this study were usage of Islamic banking facilities and respondents understanding of Islamic banking system on different aspects and to selection criteria of bank. Keywords: Consumer Perception, Islamic Banking system, Consumer awareness, features of Islamic ban

Modification of Prepared (Al 2024/Alumina/Mn) Composite by Laser Surface SiC Clad Layer

The present work shows the cladding process of silicon carbide on the substrate of prepared composite (Al 2024/Alumina/Mn) by using a laser beam (pulsed Nd-YAG). To obtain the desired results, the best laser parameters were chosen. The parameters of the laser beam that have chief affected during the experiments in this work are peak power (1.9)kW, work frequency (8)Hz and pulse duration (5.3)ms, the preplaced powder technique favorite during a cladding process and the results in this work were proved by SEM, micro-hardness, EDS, and chemical corrosion tests. The results of the experimental work have shown that a micro-hardness increased about (28%) times for Aluminum/Alumina composite by silicon carbide cladding compared with the original value of micro-hardness, and thickness of the cladding layer was about (34μm). The resistance of corrosion was enhanced with about (35%) for the Aluminum/Alumina composite with SiC cladding

#MedEd: Mapping the Current Landscape of Medical Education Discourse and Stakeholder Participation Across Social Media Platforms

Background Medical education is a constantly evolving and multifaceted field that requires ongoing discussion and innovation. Social media platforms have emerged as a popular medium for disseminating information and engaging in professional discourse among medical educators. In particular, the hashtag #MedEd has gained widespread recognition amongst individuals and organizations within the medical education community. Our objective is to gain insights into the types of information and discussions surrounding medical education, as well as the individuals or organizations involved in these conversations. Methods Searches were conducted across major social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, using the hashtag #MedEd. The top 20 posts posted on these platforms were analyzed through a reflexive thematic analysis approach utilizing the Braun and Clarke method. Furthermore, an examination was conducted on the profiles of those responsible for posting the aforementioned top posts, to ascertain the degree of participation from individuals versus organizations within the broader discourse pertaining to the topic. Results Our analysis revealed three thematic categories associated with the usage of the #MedEd hashtag, including discussions on "continuous learning and medical case presentations," "medical specialties and topics," and "medical education pedagogy." The analysis revealed that social media can serve as a valuable platform for medical education by providing access to a diverse range of learning resources, fostering collaboration and professional networking, and providing innovative teaching methods. Furthermore, profile analysis showed that individuals were more actively involved in the discussion of medical education topics on social media compared to organizations across all three platforms. Conclusion Our study highlights the significant role that social media platforms play in facilitating the exchange of information and ideas within the medical education community. The hashtag #MedEd serves as a means of connecting individuals and organizations across the globe, enabling them to engage in professional discourse and stay informed on the latest developments in the field. Our findings suggest that a better understanding of the thematic categories and stakeholders involved in medical education discussions on social media can aid educators, learners, and organizations in enhancing their engagement with this dynamic field

Video-Assisted Mini-Thoracotomy Versus Anterior Thoracotomy Mitral Valve Replacement: Intraoperative Time and Hospitalization

Objectives: Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) was introduced to avoid a full sternotomy through smaller or alternative chest wall incisions to reduce complications. We present our experience with MIMVS through two of its techniques. Methods: This prospective single-centre study was conducted on a total of 34 cases, divided into two groups: Group A (VAMVR) included 17 patients who underwent video-assisted mitral valve replacement. Group B (ATMVR) included 17 patients who underwent right anterior thoracotomy mitral valve replacement, comparing intraoperative procedures and the results of both techniques .Results: In the studied cases, the mean intraoperative time was 4.38 ± 0.69 hours, which widely ranged from 3 to 6 hours, with no significant difference between both techniques. It was 4.35 ± 0.7 hours in VAMVR and 4.41 ± 0.7 in ATMVR. mean ventilation time of 3.96 ± 1.08 hours. The mechanical ventilation time was 4.24 ± 1.1 hours in VAMVR cases and 3.68 ±1.1 hours in the ATMVR group. The mean overall ICU stay duration was 1.75 ± 0.33 days, with no impact of the technique used on this time, as it was 1.71 ± 0.25 days in VAMVR patients and 1.79 ± 0.4 in ATMVR patients. The total hospital stay time was about 5.71 ± 0.91 days, ranging from 4 to 8 days, with no impact of the procedure used on this time as it was 5.6 ± 0.94 days in VAMVR cases and 5.8 ± 0.88 days in ATMVR cases. Conclusions: There was no impact of the technique used in MIMVS, whether video-assisted or right anterior thoracotomy mitral valve replacement, on intraoperative time and ICU and hospital stays

Enhancing Thermal and Water Absorption Properties of Unsaturated Polyester and Epoxy by Nanocarbon Black Powder

This paper covers the effect of nanocarbon black powder (N220) on the some physical properties (thermal conductivity and water absorption) of unsaturated and epoxy resins filled with nanocarbon black powder (N220). The polymer nanocomposites, were prepared with (1 to 10 wt%) of carbon black nanoparticles using ultrasonic wave bath machine dispersion method. The results had shown thermal conductivity of unsaturated and epoxy resins improved by (131.37% and 78%) respectively, at 10wt. %. The water absorption reduction by (55.41% at 4 wt.%, 51.76% at 6 wt.%) for unsaturated polyester and epoxy nanocomposite, respectively

Characterization of micro-RNA in women with different ovarian reserve

Women undergoing infertility treatment are routinely subjected to one or more tests of ovarian reserve. Therefore, an adequate assessment of the ovarian reserve is necessary for the treatment. In this study, we aimed to characterize the potential role of microRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers for women with different ovarian reserves. A total of 159 women were recruited in the study and classified according to their anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level into three groups: (1) low ovarian reserve (LAMH, n = 39), (2) normal ovarian reserve (NAMH, n = 80), and (3) high ovarian reserve (HAMH, n = 40). SurePrint Human miRNA array screening and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were respectively employed to screen and validate the miRNA abundance level in the three tested groups. Compared with NAMH, the abundance level of 34 and 98 miRNAs was found to be significantly altered in LAMH and HAMH, respectively. The abundance level of miRNAs was further validated by RT-qPCR in both, the screening samples as well as in an independent set of validation samples. The abundance levels of the validated miRNAs were significantly correlated with the AMH level. The best AUC value for the prediction of the increase and decrease in the AMH level was obtained for the miR-100-5p and miR-21-5p, respectively. The level of miRNAs abundance correlates with the level of AMH, which may serve as a tool for identifying women with a different ovarian reserve and may help to lay the ground for the development of novel diagnostic approaches

Computed Tomography Scanning for Sternal Wound Infections: A Systematic Review

Sternal wound infection (SWI) has always been a significant risk in patients who undergo sternotomies as part of their cardiac surgical procedures. Computed tomography (CT) imaging is often used to diagnose and assess sternal wound infections. Its purpose includes identifying and locating infection and any sternal dehiscence. A systematic literature review across PubMed, Embase, and Ovid was performed according to PRISMA guidelines to identify relevant articles that discussed the utility of CT scanning for SWI, common features identified, patient outcomes and sensitivity/specificity (Figure 1). 25 papers were included. 100% (n=25) of the papers were published in peer-reviewed journals. CT scans in SWIs can be seen as a beneficial aid in diagnosing as well as determining the components of infection. Commonalities were identified such as fluid collection in the mediastinum, free gas, pleural effusions, and sternal dehiscence which point towards the presence of sternal wound infection. CT scanning is a novel and emerging methodology for imaging in SWI and post-sternotomy complications, hence increased research is required to expand the literature on this area as well as the creation of guidelines and cut-offs or signs for radiology professionals to identify and determine the extent of infection. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2024 Ulster Medical Society.

Darreres intervencions al jaciment d'Oxirrinc (El-Bahnasa, Egipte)

El jaciment d'Oxirrinc (El-Bahnasa, província de Mínia) és uns 190 km al sud del Caire, a la riba esquerra del Bahr Yussef. El 1992 es va constituir una missió mixta per excavar aquest jaciment integrada per la Universitat de Barcelona i pel Servei d'Antiguitats d'Egipte (actualment, Consell Superior d'Antiguitats) i dirigida pel doctor Josep Padró i el senyor Mahmud Hamza. El panorama que va trobar la missió era el següent: d'una banda, una necròpolis que de primer havia estat saquejada i que després havia estat excavada pel Servei d'Antiguitats d'Egipte tot sol durant deu anys; de l'altra, una ciutat arrasada feia molt de temps de què només subsistien alguns monuments visibles aïllats

Excavacions arqueològiques a Oxirrinc (El Bahnasa, Egipte)

El jaciment de la ciutat grecoromana d'Oxirrinc, que succeí la més antiga Pemdje, es troba a la vora del petit poble d'El-Bahnasa a 180 km al sud del Caire. La importància d'Oxirrinc, capital del XIXè nomus de l'Alt Egipte, derivava en gran part del seu emplaçament geogràfic amb els avantatges d'un port fluvial en el Bahr Yussuf un braç del Nil connectat amb el llac de Moeris i a l'antiguitat, pel nord amb el Nil , i de la seva posició en relació amb la xarxa viària cap als oasis del desert occidental. En època greco-romana la ciutat porta el nom del peix sagrat que participà al mite d'Osiris

Differential responses of osteoblasts and macrophages upon Staphylococcus aureus infection

Background Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the primary causes of bone infections which are often chronic and difficult to eradicate. Bacteria like S. aureus may survive upon internalization in cells and may be responsible for chronic and recurrent infections. In this study, we compared the responses of a phagocytic cell (i.e. macrophage) to a non-phagocytic cell (i.e. osteoblast) upon S. aureus internalization. Results We found that upon internalization, S. aureus could survive for up to 5 and 7 days within macrophages and osteoblasts, respectively. Significantly more S. aureus was internalized in macrophages compared to osteoblasts and a significantly higher (100 fold) level of live intracellular S. aureus was detected in macrophages compared to osteoblasts. However, the percentage of S. aureus survival after infection was significantly lower in macrophages compared to osteoblasts at post-infection days 1–6. Interestingly, macrophages had relatively lower viability in shorter infection time periods (i.e. 0.5-4 h; significant at 2 h) but higher viability in longer infection time periods (i.e. 6–8 h; significant at 8 h) compared to osteoblasts. In addition, S. aureusinfection led to significant changes in reactive oxygen species production in both macrophages and osteoblasts. Moreover, infected osteoblasts had significantly lower alkaline phosphatase activity at post-infection day 7 and infected macrophages had higher phagocytosis activity compared to non-infected cells. Conclusions S. aureus was found to internalize and survive within osteoblasts and macrophages and led to differential responses between osteoblasts and macrophages. These findings may assist in evaluation of the pathogenesis of chronic and recurrent infections which may be related to the intracellular persistence of bacteria within host cells