Membrane Computing for Real Medical Image Segmentation

In this paper, membrane-based computing image segmentation, both region-based and edge-based, is proposed for medical images that involve two types of neighborhood relations between pixels. These neighborhood relations—namely, 4-adjacency and 8-adjacency of a membrane computing approach—construct a family of tissue-like P systems for segmenting actual 2D medical images in a constant number of steps; the two types of adjacency were compared using different hardware platforms. The process involves the generation of membrane-based segmentation rules for 2D medical images. The rules are written in the P-Lingua format and appended to the input image for visualization. The findings show that the neighborhood relations between pixels of 8-adjacency give better results compared with the 4-adjacency neighborhood relations, because the 8-adjacency considers the eight pixels around the center pixel, which reduces the required communication rules to obtain the final segmentation results. The experimental results proved that the proposed approach has superior results in terms of the number of computational steps and processing time. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time an evaluation procedure is conducted to evaluate the efficiency of real image segmentations using membrane computing

Organoaluminium complexes derived from Anilines or Schiff bases for ring opening polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone, delta-valerolactone and rac-lactide

Reaction of R¹R²CHN=CH(3,5-tBu₂C₆H₂-OH-2) (R¹ = R² = Me L¹H; R¹ = Me, R² = Ph L²H; R¹ = R2 = Ph L³H) with one equivalent of R³3Al (R³ = Me, Et) afforded [(L¹-³)AlR³₂] (L¹, R³ = Me 1, R³ = Et 2; L², R³ = Me 3, R³ = Et 4; L³ R³ = Me 5, R³ = Et 6); complex 1 has been previously reported. Use of the N,O-ligand derived from 2,2/-diphenylglycine afforded either 5 or a by-product [Ph₂NCH₂(3,5-tBu₂C₆H₂-O-2)AlMe₂] (7). The known Schiff base complex [2-Ph₂PC₆H4CH₂(3,5-tBu₂C₃H₂-O-2)AlMe₂] (8) and the product of the reaction of 2-diphenylphosphinoaniline 1-NH₂,2-PPh₂C₆H4 with Me3Al, namely {Ph₂PC₆H4N[(Me₂Al)₂mu-Me](mu-Me₂Al)} (9) were also isolated. For structural and catalytic comparisons, complexes resulting from interaction of Me₃Al with diphenylamine or benzhydrylamine, namely {Ph₂N[(Me₂Al)2mu-Me]} (10) and [Ph₂CHNH(mu-Me₂Al)]₂·MeCN (11), were prepared. The molecular structures of the Schiff pro-ligands derived from Ph₂CHNH₂ and 2,2/-Ph2C(CO₂H)(NH₂), together with complexes 5, 7 and 9 - 11·MeCN were determined. All complexes have been screened for their ability to ring opening polymerization (ROP) epsilon-caprolactone, delta-valerolactone or rac-lactide, in the presence of benzyl alcohol, with or without solvent present. The co-polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone with rac-lactide has also been studied

Using E-Portfolio to Enhance Students’Motivation Towards Learning English at University College of Applied Sciences, Palestine

In the era of globalization and technological revolution, the widely spread usage of e-portfolio inside and outside classrooms has encouraged educators and policymakers to look for new methods of assessment that suit the new digital generation.The purpose of this study is to examine the outcome of using e-portfolio on University College of Applied Sciences (UCAS) students' motivation towards English language learning. The total number of students in English Language social work classes under the humanitarian department at UCAS is 60 (30 males and 30 females). Those are officially enrolling in English Language course (DIPL 1303) at first semester of 2014/2015 academic year. A Sequential Exploratory Design was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data for one semester. The results of this study showed that instrumental and integrative motivation levels of UCAS students improved towards learning English after utilizing e-portfolio. But the integrative motivation was found to be a bit higher than instrumental motivation. This has generated several theoretical, pedagogical and policy implications for instructors, universities and researchers. Therefore, it can be concluded that integrating e-portfolio at the tertiary level would improve the potentialities of researchers and policy makers to create a real change in the learning process

Using E-Portfolio to Enhance Student’s Attitudes Towards Learning English at University College of Applied Sciences.

Attitude is considered to be an essential element of the English language learning process at tertiary level. The present study investigates the outcome of using e-portfolio to enhance students’ attitude towards English language learning at UCAS (University College of Applied Sciences) in Palestine. 60 students (30 males and 30 females) who are enrolled in English Language course (DIPL 1303) at first semester of 2014/2015 academic year were selected as a sample of this study. A Sequential Exploratory Design was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data for one semester. The findings of this study revealed that students’ attitude towards learning English changed positively after utilizing e-portfolio. This has generated several theoretical, pedagogical and policy implications for instructors, universities and researchers. Therefore, it can be concluded that integrating e-portfolio at the tertiary level would enhance students’ attitude towards English language learning and release their potentialities towards the learning process

Metallothionein induction reduces caspase-3 activity and TNFα levels with preservation of cognitive function and intact hippocampal neurons in carmustine-treated rats

Hippocampal integrity is essential for cognitive functions. On the other hand, induction of metallothionein (MT) by ZnSO4 and its role in neuroprotection has been documented. The present study aimed to explore the effect of MT induction on carmustine (BCNU)-induced hippocampal cognitive dysfunction in rats. A total of 60 male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (15/group): The control group injected with single doses of normal saline (i.c.v) followed 24 h later by BCNU solvent (i.v). The second group administered ZnSO4 (0.1 µmol/10 µl normal saline, i.c.v, once) then BCNU solvent (i.v) after 24 h. Third group received BCNU (20 mg/kg, i.v, once) 24 h after injection with normal saline (i.c.v). Fourth group received a single dose of ZnSO4 (0.1 µmol/10 µl normal saline, i.c.v) then BCNU (20 mg/kg, i.v, once) after 24 h. The obtained data revealed that BCNU administration resulted in deterioration of learning and short-term memory (STM), as measured by using radial arm water maze, accompanied with decreased hippocampal glutathione reductase (GR) activity and reduced glutathione (GSH) content. Also, BCNU administration increased serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), hippocampal MT and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents as well as caspase-3 activity in addition to histological alterations. ZnSO4 pretreatment counteracted BCNU-induced inhibition of GR and depletion of GSH and resulted in significant reduction in the levels of MDA and TNFα as well as the activity of caspase-3. The histological features were improved in hippocampus of rats treated with ZnSO4 + BCNU compared to only BCNU-treated animals. In conclusion, MT induction halts BCNU-induced hippocampal toxicity as it prevented GR inhibition and GSH depletion and counteracted the increased levels of TNFα, MDA and caspase-3 activity with subsequent preservation of cognition

Assessment of Monthly Variation of Two Water Bodies in Erbil Governorate.

The present study was conducted on Erbil wastewater channel and Greater Zab River. Seven sites were selected, three of them from polluted channel and four from the Greater Zab River. Water samples for chemical and biological analysis were collected monthly from May 2006 to April 2007. Factor analysis (Principal component analysis) revealed six significant main components which represented by more than 64.5% of the total variance, in which explained by 26.13%, 15.73%, 11.92%, 8.33%, 7.36% and 5.85% respectively, it revealed that sewagewater from Erbil city and agricultural activities a round polluted channel were the major source of pollutant in the channel, whereas, for the Greater Zab river the seven PCs, of the total variance, were 23%, 14.63%, 10%, 8.96%, 7.73%, 6.55%, and 6.24% respectively, with 77.14% of a cumulative variance, in which Greater Zab river was polluted by effluent of polluted channel, agricultural activities and mineral erosion through rainfall

Pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways which compromise sperm motility and survival may be altered by L-carnitine

The testis is an immunologically privileged organ. Sertoli cells can form a blood-testis barrier and protect sperm cells from self-immune system attacks. Spermatogenesis may be inhibited by severe illness, bacterial infections and chronic inflammatory diseases but the mechanism(s) is poorly understood. Our objective is to help in understanding such mechanism(s) to develop protective agents against temporary or permanent testicular dysfunction. Lipopolysaccaride (LPS) is used as a model of animal sepsis while L-carnitine (LCR) is used as a protective agent. A total of 60 male Swiss albino rats were divided into four groups (15/group). The control group received Saline; the 2nd group was given LCR (500 mg/kg i.p, once). The third group was treated with LPS (5 mg/kg i.p once) and the fourth group received LCR then LPS after three hours. From each group, five rats were used for histopathological examination. Biochemical parameters were assessed in the remaining ten rats. At the end of the experiment, animals were lightly anaesthetized with ether where blood samples were collected and testes were dissected on ice. Sperm count and motility were evaluated from cauda epididymis in each animal. Also, oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring testicular contents of reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-HDG, the DNA adduct for oxidative damage) in testicular DNA. The pro-inflammatory mediator nitric oxide (NO) in addition to lactate dehydrogenase (LDHx) isoenzyme-x activity as an indicator for normal spermatozoal metabolism were assessed in testicular homogenate. Serum interlukin (IL)-2 level was also assessed as a marker for T-helper cell function. The obtained data revealed that LPS induced marked reductions in sperm's count and motility, obstruction in seminiferous tubules, hypospermia and dilated congested blood vessels in testicular sections concomitant with decreased testicular GSH content and LDHx activity. Moreover, the testicular levels of MDA, 8-HDG (in testicular DNA) and NO as well as serum IL-2 level were increased. Administration of LCR before LPS returned both sperm count and motility to normal levels. Also, contents of testicular GSH, MDA, 8-HDG and NO returned back to the corresponding control values. In addition, serum IL-2 level as well as histological abnormalities were markedly improved in LCR + LPS-treated rats. In conclusion, LPS increased proinflammatory and oxidative stress markers in the testis leading to a marked testicular dysfunction. L-carnitine administration ameliorates these effects by antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory mechanisms suggesting a protective role against male infertility in severely infected or septic patients