817 research outputs found

    Investigation of the Effect of Addition Nano-papyrus Cane on the Mechanical Properties of Concrete

    Get PDF
    This paper investigates the effect of nano-papyrus cane ash as an additive on concretes’ mechanical and physical properties. Three types of concrete mixtures, 1:2:4, 1:1.5:3, and 1:1:2 were prepared for each mixture, nano-papyrus ash was added in five different dosages of 0.75, 1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6% by weight of cement; therefore, eighteen mixes would be studied in this work. Physical properties represented by dry density and slump were also measured for each mix. Moreover, to evaluate the mechanical properties development split tensile strength and compressive strength were obtained at age (7 and 28). Results manifested that the adding of nano ash developed the compressive strength and split tensile strength of concrete and the maximum enhancement recognized in the mixes with a content of 4.5% nano-papyrus in each studied mixture in this work. The slump test results indicated that the workability of concrete increased with adding nano-papyrus ash gradually with increasing nanoparticles' content. As well as, dry density was significant increased with nano-papyrus ratio; greater values were recorded in mixtures with 1.5-4.5% content of nano-papyrus. When comparing the concrete mixes used, it was found that the best results were obtained with 1:1:2 mixtures. This remarkable improvement in concrete properties considers the nano-papyrus is considered a cement economical and useful replacement for traditional construction material. Doi: 10.28991/cej-2021-03091649 Full Text: PD

    Rheumatoid peripheral blood phagocytes are primed for activation but have impaired Fc-mediated generation of reactive oxygen species

    Get PDF
    Significant levels of circulating immune complexes (ICs) containing rheumatoid factors and immunoglobulin G in peripheral blood are a characteristic feature of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ICs interact through Fcγ receptors (FcγR) to activate phagocytes in numerous inflammatory processes. The high concentration of neutrophils in synovial fluid during active phases of the disease, together with their destructive capacity, pose important questions as to their role in the pathogenesis of RA. Functional defects in RA or control peripheral blood neutrophil FcγRs were examined with a specific FcγR-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay. Heterologous cross-linking of FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIb on neutrophils resulted in a significantly decreased production of ROS by RA cells compared with controls matched for age and sex. However, expression and homologous ligation of receptors did not differ between these groups. These data suggest that neutrophil priming does occur before emigration into the joint and that blood neutrophils from patients with RA have a functional impairment in cooperative FcγR-mediated ROS generation. This may account for the increased susceptibility to bacterial infection that arises in patients with severe disease

    Analyzing and Evaluating Economic Indicators and Occupational Safety to Raise Performance Efficiency in Industrial Company: Applied Research in the Babylon Cement Factory

    Get PDF
    Purpose: Using appropriate indicators to evaluate the efficiency of the economic performance and its ability to achieve its basic and planned goals, and the ability to make optimal use of productive capacities, available economic and human resources, in order to achieve profits.   Theoretical framework: The cement industry in Iraq is considered one of the important industries for its role in the economic and development process, Therefore, those in charge of that industry should strive to find adequate and appropriate methods to develop production in quantity and quality to achieve the principle of self-sufficiency, one of the most important of these methods is the subject of evaluating the efficiency of the economic performance of existing projects for Take appropriate decisions that lead to achieving national economic development.   Design/methodology/approach: Babel Cement Factory suffers from the existence of deviations represented in the decrease in the amount of kiln production, the high production costs and the failure to reach the planned production capacities.   Findings: The economic evaluation criteria of the plant indicate that the year 2018 is better than the year 2017, and the reason is the increase in the amount of oil well cement production for the year 2018. The factory was supplied with quantities of clinker prepared from the Kufa Cement Factory, and this measure helped cover 12% of the salaries and wages value for the year 2018.   Research, Practical & Social implications: The processes of analyzing and evaluating economic factors contribute to improving the performance of companies by focusing on critical factors, developing and adopting them according to the requirements of the labor market and fulfilling the local need for the company’s products using advanced environmentally friendly production equipment, as well as contributing to providing a healthy environment for employees and the surrounding communities.   Originality/value: The results indicate the need to pay attention to modern technical developments and to use equipment with high productivity and a quality level that meets the requirements of the local need in construction and reconstruction, and to reduce the potential environmental impacts

    Extracting dualband antenna response from UWB based on current distribution analysis

    Get PDF
    An entirely new design approach has been employed to create the printed dualband monopole antenna that was the subject of this investigation. The printed monopole antenna construction is the primary component of the suggested design. CPW transmission lines with 50 Ohm impedance and a relative dielectric constant of 4.6 were used to power the antennas, which were housed in thin substrates with thicknesses of 1.6 millimeters (mm). In this study, the antennas discussed were modeled and analyzed by Computer Simulation Technique (CST) simulator. Using fractal structures on the radiating element of a dualband antenna can improve the resonance of the antenna as well as the coupling of the resonating bands that emerge from the resonance

    The effects of fermented feed on broiler production and intestinal morphology

    Get PDF
    The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of wet feed and fermented feed on the intestinal morphology and histology of broiler chicks. A total of 360 one day old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned (CRD) into six treatment groups. Chicks were fed: (T1) Control group of dry feed; (T2) Fed on wet feed (1:1, feed: water); (T3) 25% fermented feed + 75% dry feed; (T4) 50% fermented feed + 50% dry feed; (T5) 75% fermented feed + 25% dry feed and (T6) 100%, fermented feed throughout the experimental period. Each treatment group was replicated three times using 20 chicks per replicate. The chicks were raised at a temperature and in humidity controlled room with a 24-h. constant light and had ad. libitum access to water and feed throughout the experimental period which lasted for six weeks. The results showed that all diets containing fermented feed, especially 100%, had dependent effects on the evaluated production characteristics. The feeds had significantly (P < 0.05) increased the relative weight and length of the small intestine. Likewise, it raised the villi height, crypt depth and the percentage of the villi height to crypt depth in duodenum, jejunum and ileum increased. In conclusion, the results of the current experiment indicated that fermented feed with probiotic would be beneficial economically since the broiler feed conversion ratio had been improved (2.4% in T2; 4.1% in T3; 5.3% in T4; 5.3% in T5 and 7.7% in T6) as a consequence to enhance their intestinal morphology

    A Review article of Streptococcus pyogenes infection: Rick factors, prevention and management strategies

    Get PDF
    Background:-Streptococcus pyogenes is an exclusively human pathogen. This bacterial species is responsible for a large variety of infections. Objective: This review identified published articles on the risk factors, prevention and control strategies for streptococcus diseases. Material and methods: A systematic search was carried out to identify papers published on the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar electronic databases in an attempt to provide basic information about Streptococcus infections, potential risks for their spread, and treatment and prevention strategies. Results: The more common methods for Streptococcus pyogenes transmission are through respiratory droplets, skin lesions brought on by Streptococcus pyogenes contact with infected objects or devices. Another potential mode is foodborne transmission but more research is needed to determine this infection route. Native communities, and those of low socio-economic status worldwide were found particularly susceptible to Streptococcus diseases, as well as children, older adults and those with impaired immune system. Those groups are susceptible to Streptococcus pyogenes infections and their complications with higher infectious rates in educational institutions, hospitals, over-crowding and the continuous increase in social contact. The importance of improving living conditions and personal and hand hygiene is one of the techniques in the management and prevention of Streptococcus pyogenes infections. Infection control methods must be highlighted with greater precision. Conclusion: Prevention and control measures should target the improvement of living conditions, and personal and hand hygiene. Adherence to infection prevention and control practices should be emphasized in high-risk settings

    Findings in the Distal Colorectum are not associated with Proximal Advanced Serrated Lesions

    Get PDF
    Background & Aims Serrated lesions are an important contributor to colorectal cancer (CRC), notably in the proximal colon. Findings in the distal colorectum are markers of advanced proximal adenomatous neoplasia. However, it is not known whether they affect the odds of advanced proximal serrated lesions. Methods We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study of data from 1910 patients (59.3 ± 8.0 years, 53.8% female) who underwent an average-risk screening colonoscopy from August 2005 through April 2012 at Indiana University Hospital and an associated ambulatory surgery center. Colonoscopies were performed by an endoscopist with high rates of detection of adenomas and serrated polyps. Tissue samples of all serrated polyps (hyperplastic, sessile serrated adenoma/polyp [SSA/P], or traditional serrated adenoma) proximal to the sigmoid colon and serrated polyps >5 mm in the rectum or sigmoid colon were reviewed by a gastrointestinal pathologist and reclassified on the basis of World Health Organization criteria. Advanced serrated lesion (ASL) was defined as SSA/P with cytologic dysplasia, SSA/P ≥10 mm, or traditional serrated adenoma. Advanced conventional adenomatous neoplasia (ACN) was defined as tubular adenoma ≥10 mm, villous histology, high-grade dysplasia, or cancer. The prevalence of proximal ASL and ACN was calculated on the basis of distal colorectal findings. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the age-adjusted and sex-adjusted odds of advanced proximal adenomatous and serrated lesions. Secondary analyses were performed to examine the effect of variable ASL definitions. Results Fifty-two patients (2.7%) had proximal ASL, and 99 (5.2%) had proximal ACN. Of the 52 patients with proximal ASL, 27 (52%) had no distal polyps. Of the 99 patients with proximal ACN, 40 (40%) had no distal polyps. Age and type of distal adenomas were significantly associated with proximal ACN. There were no significant associations between distal polyp type and proximal ASL. In secondary analyses, distal SSA/Ps (P = .008) but not distal hyperplastic polyps or conventional adenomas were associated with any proximal SSA/P. Conclusions The findings at flexible sigmoidoscopy that traditionally serve as indications for colonoscopy (conventional adenomas) are likely to be ineffective for detection of proximal ASL. This finding, plus the observation that most patients with proximal ASL have no distal polyps, favors screening colonoscopy over sigmoidoscopy, especially in the elderly. The observation that non-advanced distal SSA/Ps are associated with any proximal SSA/P warrants further study

    Study the Effects of Reactive Materials Replacement on Some Properties of Cement Mortar

    Get PDF
    This study involves natural--materials replacement and its reaction with cement mortar behavior for many mortar samples under variable curing time with constant water to cement ratio (W/C = 0.5).In this researchsomeproperties such as (compressive strength the surface hardness and water absorption test), were affected by adding small ratios ofpowder (from (RHA) and (BRP) particles)as replacements to the Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) / type (I). The percentages of natural materials additives replacement on the mixture of mortar include (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%) with constant (W/C) ratio. Also the amount of the fine aggregate used was three times the amount of cement. The results showed that, the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength and water absorption of the mortars for (replacement) gives better properties than mortar without replacement in all tests. Best enhancements in properties for mortars with pozzalanic replacements were achieved at (15%) for (RHA) and 10% for (RBP) replacement from weight of cement

    Derivation and validation of a clinical prediction rule for upper limb functional outcomes after traumatic cervical spinal cord injury

    Get PDF
    IMPORTANCE: Traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) can result in debilitating paralysis. Following cervical SCI, accurate early prediction of upper limb recovery can serve an important role in guiding the appropriateness and timing of reconstructive therapies. OBJECTIVE: To develop a clinical prediction rule to prognosticate upper limb functional recovery after cervical SCI. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This prognostic study was a retrospective review of a longitudinal cohort study including patients enrolled in the National SCI model systems (SCIMS) database in US. Eligible patients were 15 years or older with tetraplegia (neurological level of injury C1-C8, American Spinal Cord Injury Association [ASIA] impairment scale [AIS] A-D), with early (within 1 month of SCI) and late (1-year follow-up) clinical examinations from 2011 to 2016. The data analysis was conducted from September 2021 to June 2022. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was a composite of dependency in eating, bladder management, transfers, and locomotion domains of functional independence measure at 1-year follow-up. Each domain ranges from 1 to 7 with a lower score indicating greater functional dependence. Composite dependency was defined as a score of 4 or higher in at least 3 chosen domains. Multivariable logistic regression was used to predict the outcome based on early neurological variables. Discrimination was quantified using C statistics, and model performance was internally validated with bootstrapping and 10-fold cross-validation. The performance of the prediction score was compared with AIS grading. Data were split into derivation (2011-2014) and temporal-validation (2015-2016) cohorts. RESULTS: Among 2373 patients with traumatic cervical SCI, 940 had complete 1-year outcome data (237 patients [25%] aged 60 years or older; 753 men [80%]). The primary outcome was present in 118 patients (13%), which included 92 men (78%), 83 (70%) patients who were younger than 60 years, and 73 (62%) patients experiencing AIS grade A SCI. The variables significantly associated with the outcome were age (age 60 years or older: OR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.26-4.19), sex (men: OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.31-1.17), light-touch sensation at C5 (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.44-1.01) and C8 (OR, 036; 95% CI, 0.24-0.53) dermatomes, and motor scores of the elbow flexors (C5) (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.60-0.89) and wrist extensors (C6) (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.49-0.75). A multivariable model including these variables had excellent discrimination in distinguishing dependent from independent patients in the temporal-validation cohort (C statistic, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.88-0.93). A clinical prediction score (range, 0 to 45 points) was developed based on these measures, with higher scores increasing the probability of dependency. The discrimination of the prediction score was significantly higher than from AIS grading (change in AUC, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.10-0.18; P \u3c .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The findings of this study suggest that this prediction rule may help prognosticate upper limb function following cervical SCI. This tool can be used to set patient expectations, rehabilitation goals, and aid decision-making regarding the appropriateness and timing for upper limb reconstructive surgeries

    Integration of TTF, UTAUT, and ITM for mobile Banking Adoption

    Full text link
    The introduction of mobile banking facility has enabled customers to carry out banking transactionswith the use of smartphones and other handheld devices from anywhere. It has become a luxurious and exclusive method of online payments. The recent growth of telecommunication sector and a tremendous increase in mobile USAge has opened new doors for sparking future of banking sector industry. The following research is aimed to find out the mobile banking adoption attitudes with the integration of TTF, UTAUT,and ITM models
    corecore