Assessment of Fences as Noise Barriers: A Case Study in New Cairo, Egypt

Noise levels in Egypt exceed acceptable thresholds due to high population and lack of mandatory sound regulations. According to noise measurements done by “The National Network for Noise Level Measurement in Greater Cairo” most of the areas examined ( main squares, industrial areas, main roads, residential areas, commercial and administrative areas in Cairo governorate)  had shown that noise levels exceeded the standard permissible levels that are identified by the Environmental Law 4/1994 and its executive regulations. Noise levels reached up to 75-85 decibels (dB), which is considered unacceptable as noise levels should not exceed 65 dB during daytime and 55 dB during night due to law number 4/1994. On the other hand, fences are considered a common feature within the Egyptian urban context and are mainly constructed for safety and privacy reasons. This research assesses the effectiveness of existing fences as noise barriers and specifies factors that reduce noise levels. Site measurements and photographs were taken for the fence of a residential compound in new Cairo, where noises arising from surrounding places cause annoyance. MEP services were the main sources of disturbing continuous noise along with social activities and traffic noises. Measurements were performed using TM-102 digital sound level meter. Readings were recorded at various time intervals in front and behind of the fence and noise reduction levels were calculated. Measurements revealed that the fence acts as a good noise barrier and that combined configuration of the fence resulted in the attenuation of noise to acceptable levels

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Grapefruit Juice on Ulcerative Colitis induced by Acetic Acid in Rats

Grapefruit is commonly consumed around the world due to its nutritional and medicinal properties. Ulcerative colitis (UC) accounts for an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) accompanied by irritation, recurrent inflammation, and ulceration of the colon's mucosa. Our objective was to assess the antiinflammatory and antioxidant impacts of grapefruit juice (GFJ) in rat with UC induced by acetic acid (AA). There were five groups made up of 35 mature male rats. Group 2 served as a positive control with UC, whereas group 1 was preserved as a negative control. For 8 weeks, groups 3, 4, and 5 received UC while also given 2.5, 5 or 10% of GFJ orally. Feed efficiency ratio (FER), body weight growth (BWG), and feed intake (FI) were computed. From rat eye orbital plexuses blood samples were taken to separate the serum after centrifugation.  The aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity were assessed utilizing serum samples. The antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in serum were quantified. Serum inflammatory cytokines as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin 1 β (IL1 β), IL6 and IL8, as well as triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) were measured. In liver homogenate, glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. Additionally, histopathology of the colon was accomplished. Our findings specified that GFJ at 10% significantly decreased FI, BWG and FER, cytokines TNFα, IL1 β, IL6 and IL8 and TC and TG. Relative to the positive controls, the rats treated with GFJ exhibited elevated serum concentrations of SOD, GPx, and CAT enzymes. Liver GSH was elevated and MDA was reduced. Histopathological examination of the colon showed that GFJ at 10% reduced ulcerative colitis. Because grapefruit juice has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics and reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in rats, grapefruit juice, at a concentration of 10%, likely protects against ulcerative colitis. Patients with ulcerative colitis may find it helpful to consume grapefruit juice as a beverage.&nbsp

Microwave device modeling exploiting generalized space mapping

We present a comprehensive framework to engineering device modeling which we call Generalized Space Mapping (GSM). GSM significantly enhances the accuracy of available empirical models of microwave devices by utilizing a few relevant full-wave EM simulations. Our approach has been verified on several modeling problems. We present a microstrip shaped T-junction example.Bandler CorporationConsejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canad

Evaluation of innovative polyvinyl alcohol/ alginate/ green palladium nanoparticles composite scaffolds: Effect on differentiated human dental pulp stem cells into osteoblasts

Three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds are attracting great concern for bone tissue engineering applications. However, selecting an appropriate material with optimal physical, chemical, and mechanical properties is considered a great challenge. The green synthesis approach is essential to avoid the production of harmful by-products through textured construction, sustainable, and eco-friendly procedures. This work aimed at the implementa tion of natural green synthesized metallic nanoparticles for the development of composite scaffolds for dental applications. In this study, innovative hybrid scaffolds of polyvinyl alcohol/alginate (PVA/Alg) composite loaded with various concentrations of green palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) have been synthesized. Various char acteristic analysis techniques were used to investigate the synthesized composite scaffold’s properties. The SEM analysis revealed impressive microstructure of the synthesized scaffolds dependent on the Pd NPs concentration. The results confirmed the positive effect of Pd NPs doping on the sample stability over time. The synthesized scaffolds were characterized by the oriented lamellar porous structure. The results confirmed the shape stability, without pores breakdown during the drying process. The XRD analysis confirmed that doping with Pd NPs does not affect the crystallinity degree of the PVA/Alg hybrid scaffolds. The mechanical properties results (up to 50 MPa) confirmed the remarkable effect of Pd NPs doping and its concentration on the developed scaffolds. The MTT assay results showed that the incorporation of Pd NPs into the nanocomposite scaffolds is necessary for increasing cell viability. According to the SEM results, the scaffolds with Pd NPs provided the differentiated grown osteoblast cells with enough mechanical support and stability and the cells had a regular form and were highly dense. In conclusion, the synthesized composite scaffolds expressed suitable biodegradable, osteo conductive properties, and the ability to construct 3D structures for bone regeneration, making them a potential option for treating critical deficiencies of bone

Comparative study between cases of previous one cesarean section delivered at Kafr El-Sheikh hospitals, versus those delivered at Tanta Uniersity Hospital

Background: Many factors have contributed to the increasing rates of CSs, including increases in maternal age, BMI, and changes in obstetric practices and technologies. CSs requested by the mother and fear of litigation among caregivers have now become one of the most common indications of CS. Aim of this study was to compare between conditions of previous one caesarean section subjects delivered at Kafr El-Sheikh general hospitals, versus those delivered at Tanta University hospital as regard integrity of the uterine scars, presence of adhesions, time of termination, and fetal outcomes.Methods: This study was an observational study that was carried out on 100 pregnant ladies with history of previous one caesarean section. Participants were divided into two groups: group I included 50 pregnant women selected from Tanta University hospitals, group II included 50 pregnant women selected from Kafr El-Sheikh General hospital.Results: The estimated blood loss was significantly higher in cases selected from Kafr El-Sheikh hospitals compared to that lost from cases selected from Tanta University hospitals. Furthermore, operation time was significantly longer in patients selected from Kafr El-Sheikh hospitals than those selected from Tanta University hospitals. Additionally, omental adhesion was observed in 5 cases (5%); 3 (6%) from those selected from Kafr El-sheikh hospitals and 2 (4%) from those selected from Tanta University hospitals. As regard post-operative blood transfusion, there were increase in the incidence of post-operative blood transfusion in pregnant women selected from Kafr El-Sheikh hospitals (8%) compared to those selected from Tanta University hospitals (4%), but without statistically significant difference (p=0.678).Conclusions: There is high rate of caesarean section in our country. But satisfactory results were present in both Tanta university hospitals and Kafr El-Sheikh general hospital with few complication rates found special in cases priory delivered at Tanta University hospitals including less adhesion finding and thus less intra and post-operative complications

Normal concrete to polymer concrete bond strength: mohr-coulomb theory

This paper discusses an experimental study conducted to evaluate the bonding strength between normal concrete (NC) and polymer concrete (PC) substrate. Ground palm oil fuel ash (GPOFA) was incorporated as micro-filler in this polymer concrete (PC-GPOFA) to investigate its effect on bonding strength. As comparisons, PC containing others filler were prepared, i.e., PC incorporating calcium carbonate (PC CaCO3), silica sand (PC Sand), and unground POFA (PC UPOFA) filler. Two tests were conducted to investigate the bonding between two substrates - slant shear and splitting tensile tests. After critical condition surface (smooth surface) was prepared, the effect of bonding was determined using mohr-coulomb theory. Overall results indicated that PC incorporating GPOFA improved the bonding to normal concrete. This result indicates that the bonding strength of NC to PC at critical condition is affected by self-adhesion of polymer concrete to the normal concrete. The self-adhesive characteristic of polymer concrete to normal concrete can be easily identified in mohr-coulomb analysis. All-in-all, the PC incorporating ground POFA could improve the bonding to the normal concrete

Applications of Space Mapping Optimization Technology to Filter Design

One of the frontiers that remains in the optimization of large engineering systems is the successful application of optimization procedures in problems where direct optimization is not practical. The recent exploitation of surrogates in conjunction with “true” models, the development of artificial neural network approaches to device modeling and the implementation of space mapping are attempts to address this issue. Our original “Space Mapping” concept, first conceived in 1993, and the subsequent Aggressive Space Mapping approach to engineering design optimization will be discussed, along with new variations. Aggressive space mapping optimization closely follows the traditional experience and intuition of designers. It has been amply demonstrated as a very natural and flexible way of systematically optimizing microwave filters. Space mapping optimization intelligently links companion “coarse” and “fine” models of different complexities, e.g., full-wave electromagnetic simulations and empirical circuit-theory based simulations, to accelerate iterative design optimization of engineering structures. New trust region space mapping optimization algorithms will be mentioned. We briefly review the Expanded Space Mapping Design Framework (ESMDF) concept in which we allow preassigned parameters, not used in optimization, to change in some components of the coarse model. Other recent developments include the introduction of the object oriented SMX system to facilitate implementation of our algorithms in conjunction with certain commercial simulators. Extensive filter design examples complement the presentation.ITESO, A.C

Kemijski sastav sojeva plijesni Monascus ruber

Chemical profile of Monascus ruber strains has been studied using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. The colour intensity of the red pigment and secondary metabolic products of two M. ruber strains (AUMC 4066 and AUMC 5705) cultivated on ten different media were also studied. Metabolic products can be classified into four categories: anticholesterol, anticancer, food colouring, and essential fatty acids necessary for human health. Using GC/MS, the following 88 metabolic products were detected: butyric acid and its derivatives (25 products), other fatty acids and their derivatives (19 products), pyran and its derivatives (22 products) and other metabolites (22 products). Among these, 32 metabolites were specific for AUMC 4066 strain and 34 for AUMC 5705 strain, whereas 22 metabolites were produced by both strains on different tested substrates. Production of some metabolites depended on the substrate used. High number of metabolites was recorded in the red pigment extract obtained by both strains grown on malt broth and malt agar. Also, 42 aroma compounds were recorded (4 alcohols, 2 benzaldehydes, 27 esters, 3 lactones, 1 phenol, 1 terpenoid, 3 thiol compounds and acetate-3-mercapto butyric acid). Thin layer chromatography and GC/MS analyses revealed no mycotoxin citrinin in any media used for the growth of the two M. ruber strains.Svrha je rada bila proučiti kemijski sastav sojeva plijesni Monascus ruber pomoću plinske kromatografije i masene spektrometrije. Ispitan je i intenzitet crvenog pigmenta te sekundarni produkti metabolizma dvaju sojeva plijesni M. ruber (AUMC 4066 i AUMC 5705) uzgojenih na deset različitih podloga. Produkti metabolizma mogu se razvrstati u 4 skupine: spojevi koji snižavaju razinu kolesterola, antikancerogeni spojevi, prehrambene boje i esencijalne masne kiseline neophodne za ljudsko zdravlje. Plinskom je kromatografijom i masenom spektrometrijom pronađeno 88 produkata metabolizma, a među njima maslačna kiselina i njezini derivati (25), ostale masne kiseline i njihovi derivati (19), piran i njegovi derivati (22), te ostali metaboliti (22). Od ukupnog broja produkata, njih 33 je specifično za soj AUMC 4066, a 34 za soj AUMC 5705, dok su oba soja proizvela 22 produkta na različitim podlogama. Proizvodnja je produkata ovisila o upotrijebljenoj podlozi. Velik je broj metabolita pronađen u ekstraktima crvenog pigmenta iz oba soja uzgojena na podlogama od slada. Pronađena su 42 aromatska spoja, i to 4 alkohola, 27 estera, 3 laktona, 1 fenol, 1 terpenoid, 3 tiola i 1 merkapto spoj. Tankoslojnom i plinskom kromatografijom te masenom spektrometrijom nije pronađen mikotoksin citrinin ni u jednoj podlozi na kojoj su rasla ova dva soja plijesni M. ruber

Neural space mapping optimization for EM-based design of RF and microwave circuits

We review Neural Space Mapping (NSM) optimization for electromagnetic-based design of RF and microwave circuits. NSM optimization exploits our Space Mapping-based neuromodeling techniques to efficiently approximate a suitable mapping at each iteration. Coarse model sensitivities are exploited to select suitable fine model base points for the initial mapping.Bandler CorporationConsejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologí

Applications of Space Mapping Optimization Technology to Filter Design

One of the frontiers that remains in the optimization of large engineering systems is the successful application of optimization procedures in problems where direct optimization is not practical. The recent exploitation of surrogates in conjunction with “true” models, the development of artificial neural network approaches to device modeling and the implementation of space mapping are attempts to address this issue. Our original “Space Mapping” concept, first conceived in 1993, and the subsequent Aggressive Space Mapping approach to engineering design optimization will be discussed, along with new variations. Aggressive space mapping optimization closely follows the traditional experience and intuition of designers. It has been amply demonstrated as a very natural and flexible way of systematically optimizing microwave filters. Space mapping optimization intelligently links companion “coarse” and “fine” models of different complexities, e.g., full-wave electromagnetic simulations and empirical circuit-theory based simulations, to accelerate iterative design optimization of engineering structures. New trust region space mapping optimization algorithms will be mentioned. We briefly review the Expanded Space Mapping Design Framework (ESMDF) concept in which we allow preassigned parameters, not used in optimization, to change in some components of the coarse model. Other recent developments include the introduction of the object oriented SMX system to facilitate implementation of our algorithms in conjunction with certain commercial simulators. Extensive filter design examples complement the presentation.ITESO, A.C