IoT and Neural Network-Based Water Pumping Control System For Smart Irrigation

This article aims at saving the wasted water in the process of irrigation using the Internet of Things (IoT) based on a set of sensors and Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) neural network. The developed system handles the sensor data using the Arduino board to control the water pump automatically. The sensors measure the environmental factors; namely temperature, humidity, and soil moisture to estimate the required time for the operation of water irrigation. The water pump control system consists of software and hardware tools such as Arduino Remote XY interface and electronic sensors in the framework of IoT technology. The machine learning algorithm such as the MLP neural network plays an important role to support the decision of automatic control of IoT-based irrigation system, managing the water consumption effectively.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figures, 1 tabl

Aqueous Date Flesh or Pits Extract Attenuates Liver Fibrosis via Suppression of Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Reduction of Inflammatory Cytokines, Transforming Growth Factor- β

Previous data indicated the protective effect of date fruit extract on oxidative damage in rat liver. However, the hepatoprotective effects via other mechanisms have not been investigated. This study was performed to evaluate the antifibrotic effect of date flesh extract (DFE) or date pits extract (DPE) via inactivation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), reducing the levels of inflammatory, fibrotic and angiogenic markers. Coffee was used as reference hepatoprotective agent. Liver fibrosis was induced by injection of CCl4 (0.4 mL/kg) three times weekly for 8 weeks. DFE, DPE (6 mL/kg), coffee (300 mg/kg), and combination of coffee + DFE and coffee + DPE were given to CCl4-intoxicated rats daily for 8 weeks. DFE, DPE, and their combination with coffee attenuated the elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β. The increased levels of transforming growth factor-β1 and collagen deposition in injured liver were alleviated by both extracts. CCl4-induced expression of α-smooth muscle actin was suppressed indicating HSCs inactivation. Increased angiogenesis was ameliorated as revealed by reduced levels and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and CD31. We concluded that DFE or DPE could protect liver via different mechanisms. The combination of coffee with DFE or DPE may enhance its antifibrotic effects

Long-Term Water Quality Monitoring at an Industrial Site on the Northern Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea

The present study focuses on seawater samples collected monthly, for 12 years (June 1998 to December 2010), within the framework of the sustainable monitoring program in front of the Industrial Complex (IC) Aqaba Jordan. In situ measurements of temperature, salinity, pH and dissolved oxygen have been recorded, for three different depths, at six different stations. Also, samples have been collected and analyzed for inorganic nutrients, fluoride and sulfate. The data collected, when compared with the offshore waters, showed the dominance of natural Aqaba seawater conditions for most variables throughout the year. Phosphate concentrations were slightly higher in some sampling events. This, however, did not exert any considerable effect on the environmental quality of the seawater, mainly because anthropogenic phosphate reaching the sea does with the help of the wind in very limited amounts and insoluble form. Also, phosphate is not the primary productivity limiting nutrient in the waters of theGulf of Aqaba

Pulmonary prophylactic impact of melatonin and/or quercetin: A novel therapy for inflammatory hypoxic stress in rats

The study aims to compare, through histological and biochemical studies, the effects of quercetin, melatonin and their combination in regulation of immuno-inflammatory mediators and heat shock protein expressions in sodium nitrite induced hypoxia in rat lungs. The results revealed that NaNO2 injection caused a significant decrease in Hb in rats, while serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and CRP, VEGF and HSP70 were elevated compared to the control group. Administration of melatonin, quercetin or their combination before NaNO2 injection markedly reduced these parameters. Histopathological examination of the lung tissue supported these biochemical findings. The study suggests that melatonin and/or quercetin are responsible for lung tissue protection in hypoxia by downregulation of immuno-inflammatory mediators and heat shock protein expressions. Pre-treatment of hypoxic animals with a combination of melatonin and quercetin was effective in modulating most of the studied parameters to near-normal levels

Simvastatin Ameliorates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Attenuating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Rats

Simvastatin is a lipid-lowering agent used to treat hypercholesterolemia and to reduce the risk of heart disease. This study scrutinized the beneficial effects of simvastatin on experimental diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), pointing to the role of hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and both control and diabetic rats received simvastatin for 90 days. Diabetic rats showed significant cardiac hypertrophy, body weight loss, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. Serum creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) and troponin I showed a significant increase in diabetic rats. Simvastatin significantly improved body weight, attenuated hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, and ameliorated CK-MB and troponin I. Simvastatin prevented histological alterations and deposition of collagen in the heart of diabetic animals. Lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide were increased in the heart of diabetic rats whereas antioxidant defenses were decreased. These alterations were significantly reversed by simvastatin. In addition, simvastatin decreased serum inflammatory mediators and expression of NF-κB in the diabetic heart. Cardiac caspase-3 was increased in the diabetic heart and decreased following treatment with simvastatin. In conclusion, our results suggest that simvastatin alleviates DCM by attenuating hyperglycemia /hyperlipidemia-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis

Treatment of Chromium(III) in Tannery Wastewater Using LDH Incorporated With EDTA

Removing of Chromium(III) from contaminated tannery wastewater by adsorption on Zn/Al layered double hydroxides incorporated with ethylenediamintetraacetic acid, referred to as Zn/Al-EDTA, has been investigated by batch experiments. The effects of different parameters on the percentage relative adsorption concentration were carried out. The adsorption capacity with the Zn/Al-EDTA, provided almost complete removal of chromium(III) which was accomplished within one hour, while the Zn/Al-EDTA particles were kept in suspension by shaking. The effect of pH on sorption in the range of 2-8 at an optimized temperature of 300C   was studied having 95% removal efficiency. The kinetics of adsorption were evaluted and conformed well with the Langmuir isotherm The bound Cr(III) ions could be eluted successfully using 0.1?M HCl. The sorption–desorption studies employing that the Zn/Al-EDTA could be regenerated without any major loss in the adsorption capacity. The  Zn,Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) host was intercalated by an anionic  ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) guest. It was prepared by coprecipitation of the EDTA anion with the precursor Zn,Al-NO3 LDHs in a basic condition. Characterization of Zn/Al-EDTA was done using Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), elemental analysis and FTIR spectroscopy indicated that most of the interlayer nitrate anions were displaced by (EDTA) anions to form Zn/Al-EDTA which then used as sorption material for Cr(III) metal ion from tanning wastewater. Keywords: tannery wastewater, layered double hydroxides, sorption, chromium(III), edta

Role of quercetin and arginine in ameliorating nano zinc oxide-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

BACKGROUND: Nanoparticles are small-scale substances (<100 nm) with unique properties. Therefore, nanoparticles pose complex health risk implications. The objective of this study was to detect whether treatment with quercetin (Qur) and/or arginine (Arg) ameliorated nephrotoxicity induced by two different doses of nano zinc oxide (n-ZnO) particles. METHOD: ZnO nanoparticles were administered orally in two doses (either 600 mg or 1 g/Kg body weight/day for 5 conscutive days) to Wister albino rats. In order to detect the protective effects of the studied antioxidants against n-ZnO induced nepherotoxicity, different biochemical parameters were investigated. Moreover, histopathological examination of kidney tissue was performed. RESULTS: Nano zinc oxide-induced nephrotoxicity was confirmed by the elevation in serum inflammatory markers including: tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6); and C-reactive protein (CRP). Moreover, immunoglobulin (IGg), vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF), and nitric oxide (NO) were significantly increased in rat serum. Serum urea and creatinine levels were also significantly increased in rats intoxicated with n-ZnO particles compared with the control group. Additionally, a significant decrease in the non-enzymatic antioxidant reduced glutathione (GSH) was shown in kidney tissues and serum glucose levels were increased. These biochemical findings were supported by a histopathological examination of kidney tissues, which showed that in the animals that received a high dose of n-ZnO, numerous kidney glomeruli underwent atrophy and fragmentation. Moreover, the renal tubules showed epithelial desquamation, degeneration and necrosis. Some renal tubules showed casts in their lumina. Severe congestion was also observed in renal interstitium. These effects were dose dependent. Cotreatment of rats with Qur and/or Arg along with n-ZnO significantly improved most of the deviated tested parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The data show that Qur has a beneficial effect against n-ZnO oxidative stress and related vascular complications. Also, its combination with Arg proved to be even more effective in ameliorating nano zinc oxide nephrotoxicity

A New Approach for Preparing Methyl 6-azido-2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl-6-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranoside

Azide sugars are key intermediates in the synthesis of aminglycosides, which themselves are useful for the synthesis of glycopeptides. A new method has been achieved by using DPPA and DBU in dry DMF with high temperature for replacement of the azide group from alcohol (glucoside) on the position 6. The results of this method are very important for preparing 6-azido sugar without needing to prepare and separate glucosyl halide completely. The proposed method was successfully applied with direct, simple, and time saving. In addition, excellent yield of 95% was obtained from azide, which could be used to obtain pharmaceutical active compounds. Keywords: Methyl 6-azido-2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl-6-deoxy-?-D-glucopyranoside, DPPA, DBU, azides

The Local & the Global in Saudi Salafism

Jihadi ideologues in Saudi Arabia are advocates of global jihad aiming to establish an Islamic world order. At the same time they remain closely tied to local Saudi identities. Rejecting the national Saudi state and emphasizing tribal affiliation, Saudi Jihadis construct a discourse in which the Arabian peninsula is crucial. Yet when action is concerned, as in the pursuit of jihad, the tension between the local and the global creates contradictions that remain unresolved

ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS OF CURCUMIN CONTRIBUTE INTO ATTENUATION OF ACUTE GENTAMICIN-INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY IN RATS

Objectives: Nephrotoxicity is a renal-specific situation in which the excretion of toxic metabolites is reduced due to toxic agents and drugs. Gentamicin is an antibiotic belongs to aminoglycoside group which may induce nephrotoxicity due to induction of oxidative stress. Curcumin is a component of traditional medicine with significant nephroprotective effect. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of curcumin on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. Methods: A total of 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used which divided into Group 1 (n=10): Rats treated with distilled water 5 ml/kg plus normal saline 5 ml/kg for 12 days, Group 2 (n=10): Rats treated with distilled water 5 ml/kg plus gentamicin 100 mg/kg for 12 days, and Group 3 (n=10): Rats treated with curcumin 100 mg/kg plus gentamicin 100 mg/kg for 12 days. Blood urea, serum creatinine, malondialdehyde (MDA), kidney injury molecule (KIM-1), and cystatin-C were measured in both control and experimental groups. Results: Rats treated with gentamicin showed nephrotoxicity as evident by significant elevation in blood urea, serum creatinine, KIM-1, MDA, and cystatin-C sera levels. Curcumin leads to significant reduction of blood urea and serum creatinine compared to gentamicin group, p&lt;0.05. Curcumin also reduced MDA, KIM-1, and cystatin-C sera levels significantly compared to gentamicin group, p&lt;0.01. Conclusion: Curcumin produced significant nephroprotective effect on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity through modulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers