Design of Mobile Tracking Application System for Postgraduate Office at UUM

Mobile devices technology developed rapidly, most of students have mobile devices and they use the communication technologies devices to accomplish their tasks. Students face problems to track their application forms status since they have to call or go to the postgraduate office to check about their application forms status, this study led to the development of Mobile web-based prototype to help the students to submit their application forms from their mobiles and track their application forms by using the mobile application tracking system which reduces the efforts. Postgraduate office can view and change the status of application forms directly by using web tracking system which has been developed. Two systems prototype has been developed and tested successfully. The future work is how to implement those systems online web world and make some enhancement to meet the requirements of technologies

A STUDY ON ENTREPRENEURIAL INITIATIVES AMONG MBA STUDENTS IN SULTANATE OF OMAN

Purpose: Higher education institutions assume an effective role in enriching the education quality of a nation. The curriculum developed or approved by the ministry, which is an apex body in the country, has a direct impact on the outcomes of the educational system. This paper has made an attempt to critically evaluate the entrepreneurial initiatives developed by the students who pursue their MBA programme. Methodology: This research work is based on both primary and secondary sources of data and the primary data required for the study were collected through a structured questionnaire from rightly designed sample size while for the secondary data, the researchers have relied on previous research works in the same field, apart from other sources like, magazines, e-library resources, text books and websites. The data were analysed by Percentage Analysis and Henry Garrett Ranking Technique to attain the objectives of the study. Findings: The results of the study indicate that most of the students who pursue MBA programme are willing to initiate own business to make a career. Practical Implications: This research work implies that if MBA programmes offered by HEIs incorporate more of practical sessions involving the students in real world problem analysis and decision making mechanism, the students would be able to become successful entrepreneurs. Social Implications: The results of the study indicate that when more of entrepreneurial oriented master programmes are offered, the country will be able to ensure sustainable growth in the business field focusing on SME. Result Limitations/Implications: The present research study has focused on only the MBA students whereas there are other master degree programmes having courses in entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, which are not covered by the study. Originality/Value: The result outcomes and suggestions would be of valuable basis for any authority who is involved in reviving the curriculum of academic programmes in entrepreneurship

A comparison of fracture strength among different brands of translucent zirconia crown restorations

Objectives: As the development of translucent zirconia crown using CAD/CAM technology, the usage of full zirconia crown is gradually increased. The purpose of this study was to investigate the highest fracture strength of translucent zirconia full zirconia crowns among different brands of translucent zirconia. Methods: Maxillary 1stpremolar resin teeth were prepared the total circumferential axial reduction was about (1 mm), and axial taper of 6°. Three brands of translucent zirconia (Whitepeaks, Imes-icor and Dentaldirect) that was used in three groups, every group contain five full zirconia crowns using CAD/CAM system (CAD/CAM system 250i, Imes-icor, Germany). The samples seated on the resin die using. All specimens were tested with a universal testing machine. Single load-to-fracture was applied on the lingual aspect of the facial cusp at a rate of 1mm/min. The specimens were thoroughly evaluated for bulk fracture with fractography. Results: Statistically high significant difference (p < 0.00) was found between the groups. The fracture strength of the groups varied Whitepeaks crowns was (2737.5 ± 106) N, which was significantly higher than the two overall mean fracture strength measured for the Imes-icor crowns (3620 ± 40) N and Dental direct crowns (3830 ± 130) N, the Dental direct highest fracture strength than other groups. Conclusions. The fracture strength of Dental direct crowns is considerably higher than that of Whitepeaks crown, The fracture strength of all the groups made of monolithic high translucent Y-TZP is exceeded human maximum bite force, sufficient for clinical use for the majority of patients.

An Analysis of MENA Region Economy Performance in Prevailing Global Economic Conditions

To survive in present volatile economic conditions is a herculean task. Global economic circumstances, socio political conditions play important role in growth and development of economies. Evaluating economies in prevailing condition requires effective approach and judicious analysis. All the major economies, developing and underdeveloped economies are performing below to their potential and are tilted to the downslide. MENA economy is struggling due to war disturbance and continuously performing below to its expectation and its overall growth touched the historic low. Its economy slowed down drastically and its GDP is below to world GDP. It’s fiscal and current deficits worsened and rose above 3 percent of the GDP, its oil exporters, public finance, public expenditure and job market, Banking system and FDI declined and facing high fiscal adjustments. In some parameters MENA economy is better than world set standards and in many it is far below. The carried out study is secondary data based and for the purpose authors evaluated and analysed the economic performance of MENA and tried to identify the risk factors which are potent enough to impact MENA economic growth. The outcome of the study revealed the fact that MENA economies are in intense heat and facing multiple economic complexities which translated into overall decline. In last conclusion has been given

Assessing the antifungal activity of a soft denture liner loaded with titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs)

Aim: Soft denture lining materials are susceptible to be colonized by different microorganisms, especially by Candida albicans (C. albicans), causing denture-induced stomatitis. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) into a soft denture liner towards reducing microbial activity. Method: A total of 40 PEMA-TiO2 nanocomposites samples were fabricated by adding 0.0 wt.% (control), 1.0 wt.%, 1.5 wt.%, and 2 wt.% TiO2 NPs to a heat cured soft denture lining material (polyethyl methacrylate, PEMA). The prepared samples were divided into four groups (n = 10) according to the content of TiO2 NPs. The uniformity of TiO2 NPS distribution within the denture liner matrix was assessed using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The viable count of C. albicans was evaluated to test the antifungal resistance of the developed composite. Results: The SEM images showed fairly homogeneous dispersion, with patches of TiO2 NPs agglomeration within the PEMA matrix and an increasing concentration of NPs with higher NP content. The particle map and EDX analysis confirmed the evidence of the TiO2 NPs. The mean viable count results for the control (0.0 wt.%) and 1.0 wt.%, 1.5 wt.%, and 2 wt.% TiO2 groups were 139.80, 12.00, 6.20, and 1.00, respectively, with a significant difference from the control group (p < 0.05). The antifungal activity also increased with the increase in the concentration of TiO2 NPs. Conclusions: The addition of TiO2 NPs into a heat-cured soft denture liner provided antifungal activity as evidenced by the reduced colonization of C. albicans. The antimicrobial activity of the liner material increased with the increased concentration of TiO2 NPS

Monkeypox virus: An emerging epidemic.

INTRODUCTION A monkeypox outbreak is spreading in territories where the virus is not generally prevalent. The rapid and sudden emergence of monkeypox in numerous nations at the same time means that unreported transmission may have persisted. The number of reported cases is on a constant increase worldwide. At least 20 non-African countries, like Canada, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom, have reported more than 57662 as of September 9th suspected or confirmed cases. This is the largest epidemic seen outside of Africa. Scientists are struggling to determine the responsible genes for the higher virulence and transmissibility of the virus. Because the viruses are related, several countries have begun acquiring smallpox vaccinations, which are believed to be very effective against monkeypox. METHODS Bibliographic databases and web-search engines were used to retrieve studies that assessed monkeypox basic biology, life cycle, and transmission. Data were evaluated and used to explain the therapeutics that are under use or have potential. Finally, here is a comparison between how vaccines are being made now and how they were made in the past to stop the spread of new viruses. CONCLUSIONS Available vaccines are believed to be effective if administered within four days of viral exposure, as the virus has a long incubation period. As the virus is zoonotic, there is still a great deal of concern about the viral genetic shift and the risk of spreading to humans. This review will discuss the virus's biology and how dangerous it is. It will also look at how it spreads, what vaccines and treatments are available, and what technologies could be used to make vaccines quickly using mRNA technologies

The impact of surgical delay on resectability of colorectal cancer: An international prospective cohort study

AIM: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has provided a unique opportunity to explore the impact of surgical delays on cancer resectability. This study aimed to compare resectability for colorectal cancer patients undergoing delayed versus non-delayed surgery. METHODS: This was an international prospective cohort study of consecutive colorectal cancer patients with a decision for curative surgery (January-April 2020). Surgical delay was defined as an operation taking place more than 4 weeks after treatment decision, in a patient who did not receive neoadjuvant therapy. A subgroup analysis explored the effects of delay in elective patients only. The impact of longer delays was explored in a sensitivity analysis. The primary outcome was complete resection, defined as curative resection with an R0 margin. RESULTS: Overall, 5453 patients from 304 hospitals in 47 countries were included, of whom 6.6% (358/5453) did not receive their planned operation. Of the 4304 operated patients without neoadjuvant therapy, 40.5% (1744/4304) were delayed beyond 4 weeks. Delayed patients were more likely to be older, men, more comorbid, have higher body mass index and have rectal cancer and early stage disease. Delayed patients had higher unadjusted rates of complete resection (93.7% vs. 91.9%, P = 0.032) and lower rates of emergency surgery (4.5% vs. 22.5%, P < 0.001). After adjustment, delay was not associated with a lower rate of complete resection (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.90-1.55, P = 0.224), which was consistent in elective patients only (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.69-1.27, P = 0.672). Longer delays were not associated with poorer outcomes. CONCLUSION: One in 15 colorectal cancer patients did not receive their planned operation during the first wave of COVID-19. Surgical delay did not appear to compromise resectability, raising the hypothesis that any reduction in long-term survival attributable to delays is likely to be due to micro-metastatic disease

Outcomes from elective colorectal cancer surgery during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

This study aimed to describe the change in surgical practice and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on mortality after surgical resection of colorectal cancer during the initial phases of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Elective cancer surgery in COVID-19-free surgical pathways during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: An international, multicenter, comparative cohort study

PURPOSE As cancer surgery restarts after the first COVID-19 wave, health care providers urgently require data to determine where elective surgery is best performed. This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19–free surgical pathways were associated with lower postoperative pulmonary complication rates compared with hospitals with no defined pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS This international, multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent elective surgery for 10 solid cancer types without preoperative suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. Participating hospitals included patients from local emergence of SARS-CoV-2 until April 19, 2020. At the time of surgery, hospitals were defined as having a COVID-19–free surgical pathway (complete segregation of the operating theater, critical care, and inpatient ward areas) or no defined pathway (incomplete or no segregation, areas shared with patients with COVID-19). The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications (pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, unexpected ventilation). RESULTS Of 9,171 patients from 447 hospitals in 55 countries, 2,481 were operated on in COVID-19–free surgical pathways. Patients who underwent surgery within COVID-19–free surgical pathways were younger with fewer comorbidities than those in hospitals with no defined pathway but with similar proportions of major surgery. After adjustment, pulmonary complication rates were lower with COVID-19–free surgical pathways (2.2% v 4.9%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.86). This was consistent in sensitivity analyses for low-risk patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1/2), propensity score–matched models, and patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 preoperative tests. The postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was also lower in COVID-19–free surgical pathways (2.1% v 3.6%; aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.76). CONCLUSION Within available resources, dedicated COVID-19–free surgical pathways should be established to provide safe elective cancer surgery during current and before future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks

Elective Cancer Surgery in COVID-19-Free Surgical Pathways During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: An International, Multicenter, Comparative Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: As cancer surgery restarts after the first COVID-19 wave, health care providers urgently require data to determine where elective surgery is best performed. This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19-free surgical pathways were associated with lower postoperative pulmonary complication rates compared with hospitals with no defined pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This international, multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent elective surgery for 10 solid cancer types without preoperative suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. Participating hospitals included patients from local emergence of SARS-CoV-2 until April 19, 2020. At the time of surgery, hospitals were defined as having a COVID-19-free surgical pathway (complete segregation of the operating theater, critical care, and inpatient ward areas) or no defined pathway (incomplete or no segregation, areas shared with patients with COVID-19). The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications (pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, unexpected ventilation). RESULTS: Of 9,171 patients from 447 hospitals in 55 countries, 2,481 were operated on in COVID-19-free surgical pathways. Patients who underwent surgery within COVID-19-free surgical pathways were younger with fewer comorbidities than those in hospitals with no defined pathway but with similar proportions of major surgery. After adjustment, pulmonary complication rates were lower with COVID-19-free surgical pathways (2.2% v 4.9%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.86). This was consistent in sensitivity analyses for low-risk patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1/2), propensity score-matched models, and patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 preoperative tests. The postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was also lower in COVID-19-free surgical pathways (2.1% v 3.6%; aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.76). CONCLUSION: Within available resources, dedicated COVID-19-free surgical pathways should be established to provide safe elective cancer surgery during current and before future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks