Effect of exogenous leptin on blood pressure, urinary protein excresion, endothelial activation and ace2 expression during pregnancy in the rat / Hisham Saleh Ibrahim

Raised leptin levels have been reported in placentae and serum of women with elevated blood pressure and proteinuria during pregnancy. The role of leptin in this however remains unclear. ACE2 is a new member in RAAS, which is reported to have hypotensive and anti-inflammatory effect and its suppression leads to increased blood pressure and endothelial activation. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of leptin and xanthenone (ACE2 activator) administration on systolic blood pressure (SBP), proteinuria and serum markers of endothelial activation during pregnancy in Sprague-Dawley rats. Eighty female Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 12- 13 weeks were randomised into 10 groups, Group 1 acted as a control non-pregnant group and given saline (NSNP)

A way to communicate: A new signage system for the Mah Meri Indigenous community

Today, designers use a diverse range of alternative media to have a more efficient form of communication. This research is to investigate the potential of traditionally-inspired contemporary communication design to bridge cultural understandings between and among Malaysians of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Specifically, I propose to design a new signage system in the Mah Meri indigenous community in Malaysia. This is in view that despite the development of the latest media alternatives in use today, the Mah Meri community still lags behind in terms of utilization of these new communication facilities. This project aims to improve social interactions between this community and visitors. The signage system that I propose will help outsiders to navigate in and around the Mah Meri settlements easier and faster because the system provides relevant information in a simple and easy to understand method. Without this signage system visitors will have difficulty in finding the right directions. This work also endeavours, through the notion of creating a new signage system to enrich the cultural identity of the Mah Meri community based on their beliefs in the elements of nature. This, in turn, will create a niche for the community to promote the uniqueness of their culture and identity to outsiders

A rapid stability indicating LC-method for determination of praziquantel in presence of its pharmacopoeial impurities

AbstractThis study reports for the first time about a stability indicating RP-HPLC method for quantitative determination of Praziquantel (PZQ) in bulk powder and dosage form and in presence of its pharmacopoeial impurities. The chromatographic separation was carried out on (Caltrex AI®) calixarene column, a relatively new packing material. Chromatography was done using an isocratic binary mobile phase consisting of ACN and 25mM ammonium acetate (NH4Ac) in the ratio of 40:60 at flow rate of 1mLmin−1, 30°C and 210nm wavelength for detection. The elution time of PZQ was found to be 6.15±0.03min. The method was validated for system suitability, linearity, precision, limits of detection and quantitation, specificity, stability and robustness. The robustness study was done for small changes in temperature, flow rate, wavelength of detection and % of ACN in mobile phase. Stability tests were done through exposure of the analyte solution to five different stress conditions: Reflux with 1N HCl, reflux with 1N NaOH, reflux with 30% H2O2, thermal degradation of powder and exposure to UV radiation. Limits of detection and quantification were found to be 0.56 and 1.70μgmL−1, respectively. The recovery value of this method was 100.30%±1.10 and the reproducibility was within 1.31

low-energy mobile packet radio networks : routing, scheduling, and architecture

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, February 2000.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 171-176).Packet Radio Networks (PRNETs), which are also called ad-hoc networks, have the capability of fast (and ad-hoc) deployment and set-up, and therefore potentially have several useful civilian and military applications. Building low-energy PRNETs is an important design goal, because the communication devices are typically powered by batteries, and therefore are useless when the batteries are depleted. We choose to look at low-energy PRNETs by focusing on the problem of minimum-energy communication over a PRNET, resolving any related issues or design decisions in a manner consistent with the overall goal of low-energy PRNETs. We conclude that the problem of minimum-energy communication over a PRNET is really a joint routing-scheduling-topological problem. We find the joint problem to be intractable, and therefore propose to solve it by decomposing it, solving each component separately. The resulting solution is not optimal but the degree of suboptimality depends on how the problem is decomposed. Therefore we compare different decomposition methods, and select the one that is likely to yield the best solution to the joint problem. After deciding how to decompose the joint problem, we study the separate components. For the topological problem we decide that nodes should communicate with a limited number of other nodes, referred to as neighbors. We also propose and analyze the performance of a procedure for managing the set of neighbors. For the scheduling problem, we propose a novel and practical class of scheduling algorithms. The routing problem is more complex than wireline routing because of interference and fading. When they are incorporated, routing becomes a non-convex problem; and we overcome this by a novel approach that is non-optimal, but is more robust than the optimal approach.by Hisham Ibrahim Kassab.Ph.D

Evaluation of the validity of osteoporosis and fracture risk assessment tools (IOF One Minute Test, SCORE, and FRAX) in postmenopausal Palestinian women

The need for simple self-assessment tools is necessary to predict women at high risk for developing osteoporosis. In this study, tools like the IOF One Minute Test, Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX), and Simple Calculated Osteoporosis Risk Estimation (SCORE) were found to be valid for Palestinian women. The threshold for predicting women at risk for each tool was estimated. Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the validity of the updated IOF (International Osteoporosis Foundation) One Minute Osteoporosis Risk Assessment Test, FRAX, SCORE as well as age alone to detect the risk of developing osteoporosis in postmenopausal Palestinian women. Methods Three hundred eighty-two women 45 years and older were recruited including 131 women with osteoporosis and 251 controls following bone mineral density (BMD) measurement, 287 completed questionnaires of the different risk assessment tools. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were evaluated for each tool using bone BMD as the gold standard for osteoporosis. Results The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was the highest for FRAX calculated with BMD for predicting hip fractures (0.897) followed by FRAX for major fractures (0.826) with cut-off values ˃1.5 and ˃7.8%, respectively. The IOF One Minute Test AUC (0.629) was the lowest compared to other tested tools but with sufficient accuracy for predicting the risk of developing osteoporosis with a cut-off value ˃4 total yes questions out of 18. SCORE test and age alone were also as good predictors of risk for developing osteoporosis. According to the ROC curve for age, women ≥64 years had a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Higher percentage of women with low BMD (T-score ≤−1.5) or osteoporosis (Tscore ≤−2.5) was found among women who were not exposed to the sun, who had menopause before the age of 45 years, or had lower body mass index (BMI) compared to controls. Women who often fall had lower BMI and approximately 27% of the recruited postmenopausal Palestinian women had accidents that caused fractures. Conclusions Simple self-assessment tools like FRAX without BMD, SCORE, and the IOF One Minute Tests were valid for predicting Palestinian postmenopausal women at high risk of developing osteoporosis

CO₂ Foam for Enhanced Oil Recovery Applications

CO2-foam yields improved sweep efficiency in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications over that of polymers to avoid potential polymer-induced formation damage. In addition to carbon sequestration in underground formations, CO2 foam has low water content, which also reduces formation damage in water-sensitive formations and allows for fast cleanup. However, foam stability diminishes in harsh environments such as those with high salinity and temperature and when in contact with crude oil. This chapter highlights the different foam-generation mechanisms and the deterioration effect of crude oil on CO2-foam stability. More specifically, this chapter investigates using nanoparticles and viscosifiers to improve foam stability. Further, the effects of different nanoparticles, including aluminum oxide, copper oxide, and low-cost nanoparticles such as silicon dioxide, will be demonstrated. Field applications of viscoelastic surfactants and polymers in foam systems are also reviewed. The controlling factor for these different systems is the foam stability and improved oil recovery

Integrating the Typographic Landscape in Creating Interactive Spaces for a Holistic Learning Environment

This paper aims to identify the importance of the ideas on integrating Typographic Landscape in a campus environment. In creating interactive spaces that can create a holistic learning environment, an artistic approach has been developed. The design proposed is an installation of functional three-dimensional gigantic letters that will become a bench for students’ informal outdoor activities as part of sustainable initiatives that will beneficial to students in order to give adequate space for a learning environment. A quantitative method using questionnaires survey has been distributed to 160 students. The results of this study will provide a better understanding of the relationships between students' preference and landscape features and aim to enhance the quality of life in a campus environment.Keywords: Typographic landscape; learning environment; campus environment; interactive spaceeISSN: 2398-4287 © 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v5i13.210

[Hikam Abu Madyan's Early Commentaries: A Review] Syarahan Awal Hikam Abu Madyan: Satu Sorotan

Syarahan-syarahan Hikam Abu Madyan ialah karya yang mengandungi panduan perjalanan kerohanian ahli Tasawuf.  Syarahan ini telah dilakukan terhadap Hikam Abu Madyan yang telah dikarang oleh Syeikh Shu`ayb al-Maghribi.  Namun begitu kajian tentangnya masih belum banyak dilakukan.  Oleh itu, kajian ini bertujuan menjelaskan biografi pengarang Hikam Abu Madyan, penisbahan karya ini kepada beliau dan karya-karya dalam kategori syarah bagi Hikam Abu Madyan ini.  Pengkaji akan menfokuskan kepada 4 syarahan awal yang didapati terhadapnya.  Pertama Sharh Hikam al-Ghawthiyyah oleh Syeikh Ahmad bin Ibrahim Ibn `Allān al-Siddīqī al-Makkī, kedua, al-Bayān Wa al-Mazīd al-Mushtamil `Alā Ma`ānī al-Tanzīh Wa Haqā’iq al-Tawhīd `Alā ‘Uns al-Wahīd Wa Nuzhah al-Murīd oleh Syeikh Ahmad bin Abdul Qadir bin Umar al-Daw`anī al-Hadramī, ketiga, Kanz al-Minan `Alā Hikam ‘Abi Madyan oleh Syeikh Daud bin Abdullah al-Faṭānī al-Jāwī, dan keempat, al-Mawād al-Ghaythiyyah Sharh al-Hikam al-Ghawthiyyah oleh Syeikh Ahmad bin Mustafa al-`Alāwī.  Kajian ini berasaskan data-data yang dikumpul melalui kaedah analisis dokumen.  Data-data ini kemudiannya dianalisis menggunakan kaedah induktif, deduktif dan komparatif.  Pengkaji mendapati syarahan Hikam Abu Madyan merupakan sebuah karya tasawuf yang sesuai untuk diketengahkan sebagai rujukan para ulama dan masyarakat.  Penghasilan syarahan ini menunjukkan kecaknaan para ulama dalam menjelaskan kandungan Hikam Abu Madyan.  Kajian ini penting sebagai pengenalan kepada Hikam Abu Madyan dan kitab-kitab syarahan awal terhadapnya

Characterisation and numerical simulation of the Lower Manawatu Catchment hydrogeological system : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Earth Sciences at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand

Figures are re-used with permission, or licensed for re-use under a Creative Commons Attribution licence.The Lower Manawatu Catchment (LMC) hydrogeological system presents an example of extensive stratified heterogeneous aquifers. A conceptual model was developed for the system through systematic characterisation of its geology, soil, climate, hydrology, hydrogeology and hydrochemistry. Numerical groundwater flow modelling provided an effective integrated framework for the analysis. The developed knowledge and models are useful for the identification and comparison of land and water resources management options in the catchment. The research involved the development of a soil moisture balance modelling code to evaluate recharge. Stratigraphical modelling has been possible through incorporating imaginary lithological well logs and stratigraphical cross-sections in data-sparse areas. Geological material heterogeneity was represented in the groundwater flow model through hybridising zonal and pilot point calibration techniques. The developed soil moisture, geology and heterogeneity modelling techniques have universal applications. The study indicates that the LMC hydrogeological system is more suitably represented as a continuous groundwater flow system rather than a sequence of discrete aquifers and aquitards. Average groundwater recharge is estimated at about 25% of average rainfall. Average baseflow is estimated at about 10% of the average runoff, the equivalent to more than half the estimated average recharge. The LMC groundwater resource is mainly tapped at shallow depths, the locus where most of the interaction with surface water occurs. Catchment-scale steady-state numerical groundwater flow modelling suggests that in average groundwater abstraction may have been depleting overall surface water flow by about 5%. Groundwater levels in the LMC were found to be generally stable, implying sustainable resource development. Rising groundwater levels noted in the eastern and southern outskirts of Palmerston North may be related to prolonged practice of irrigation. No evidence of land use impacts on groundwater quality was found in the catchment. Nitrate concentrations are believed to have been kept at acceptable levels in groundwater due to denitrification stimulated by extensive organic content in some geological units. This thesis represents a one stop shop for information on groundwater in the LMC. The knowledge and tools developed through this research have immediate use in the LMC and elsewhere, and they provide solid basis for further work

Implementation Of Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition ( SCADA ) Functions For The Sudan National Grid

The introduction of monitoring and control systems into the infrastructure of the power network at Sudan National Grid will change outdated manual and analogue collection and recording methods of electrical quantities to an automated digital system, leading to better supervision of the network, improving services level, helping in preparing and analyzing future developments, better management of electrical recourses, … etc. The objective of the experimental work described in this dissertation is to study the viability of applying automated computerized methods to one of the distributed electrical network substations. The effect of computerized monitoring systems was applied and studied at Wad El Basher substation. The experimental work focused on performing an effective data acquisition system and data communication link between field instrument and the central station. This work shows that within certain design conditions, monitoring of electrical quantities could be performed and simple real monitoring system provides better monitoring and data analysis method compared to traditional methods. The experimental work carried out through this study conform to the SCADA state of the art as described in various literature sources covering the basic requirements of such a system. Results generated show real time data update at the central station for a typical time interval. The results indicate the viability of applying SCADA techniques for monitoring and control purposes in the National Grid Network