Darfurians in the Diaspora: Perceptions of the Conflict in Darfur, Sudan’s Past and the Future of Darfur Under International Response

A strong scholarly focus in Sudanese studies has come to life corresponding to the increased interest in Sudan’s past, present conflicts, and a long period of war throughout various regions. Many scholars have extensively explored the war and genocide in Darfur and made a plentiful contribution to the literature on otherwise limited Sudanese studies. The focus of this research is the genocide in Darfur and the international response. First, this study will examine three hypotheses drawn from political science literature in Sudanese studies with special analysis of Alex de Waal’s center-periphery hypothesis in Sudan (2007), assessing how the government of Sudan used the conflict as tool and strategy to exploit and displace the peripheries. The second focus of this study is to analyze the conflict and the failed international response to the Darfur genocide from the perspectives of Sudanese in the diaspora. While the international response to Darfur is widely acknowledged as weak and failure, the study investigates these sentiments from the perceptions of Sudanese/Darfurians in the diaspora with a survey analysis (N=32). A combined analysis of current literature on Darfur with the surveys will reveal a perceived nature and solution to the contemporary crisis as well as the future of Darfur at the height of the international presence. The survey result ensures a contribution of unique perspectives to the current literature on Darfur conflict and Sudanese studies. By combining the voices of Darfurians in the diaspora with present literature on Darfur conflict, the goal of this research is to revisit the Darfur genocide, the ongoing conflict/war that is being forgotten by the international community, and to predict the future of this region under its current circumstances

Many Roads to Social Satisfaction? Social Anxiety, Social Interaction Format, and Social Belonging

This study explored how different social interaction formats (face-to-face versus virtual) influence individuals’ belongingness need satisfaction and interaction enjoyment. Furthermore, it also explored how personality variables related to social anxiety (i.e., Interaction Anxiousness, Fear of Negative Evaluation) interact with social interaction format to influence belongingness needs satisfaction and enjoyment. Participants engaged in a conventional face-to-face interaction or a virtual interaction (via Instant Messenger) with a same-sex confederate on a between-subjects basis. Participants then indicated the extent to which the interaction satisfied fundamental social needs (e.g., self-esteem, belonging), their positive and negative mood, as well as how much they enjoyed the interaction. The results indicated that face-to-face interactions led to greater satisfaction of basic belonging needs, more positive mood, and higher levels of interaction enjoyment than virtual interactions. Personality factors related to social anxiety did not moderate these findings

Impact of anthropogenic activities and natural inputs on oceanographic characteristics of water and geochemistry of surface sediments in different sites along the Egyptian Red Sea Coast

The surface sediments and sea water interactions were studied in five different sites along the Egyptian Red Sea coast. There are commutative and correlative relations between these constituents, therefore, any alterations occur in the sediments and sea water will be directly reflected on the marine environment. Sixty-five sediment samples were collected and also the oceanographic characteristics of surface sea water such as salinity, pH and total dissolved salts (TDS) were measured in situ for the same five localities (El-Hamrawein Harbour, Sharm el Bahari, Abu Dabab, Qola'an and Shalatein). The oceanographic properties of sea water show high salinity (42.55 and 42.59 psu) and total dissolved salts values (31.77 and 31.73 mg/L-1) in both Qola'an and Shalatein, also Abu Dabab and Qala'an areas shows high pH values (8.00 and 8.04) due to the presence of dense sea grass cover. The sediment types generally changes from sand to slightly gravelly sand or muddy sand, also the surface sediments are mainly medium sand, moderately to poorly sorted. Geochemically, the factor controlling the carbonate content of studies sediments includes material supply of biogenic and terrigenous components. Therefore, sediments of El-Hamrawein, Sharm el-Bahari, Abu Dabab and Shalatein areas are terrigenous sediments, while sediments of Qola'an area south Marsa Alam are highly carbonates. In general, organic matter (4.82%) is higher in the sediments relative to adjacent areas due to high contributions of terrestrial materials by wadis and anthropogenic factors.Key words: Grain size, geochemistry, oceanographic, sediments, seawater, Red Sea, Egypt

Anticonvulsant and Anxiolytic Properties of the Roots of Grewia bicolor in Rats

Background: Grewia bicolor (G. bicolor) root is used in traditional medicine in Sudan to treat diseases of the nervous system such as anxiety and epilepsy and also to tranquilize agitated patients.Objectives: To explore the anticonvulsant and anxiolytic activities of this medicinal plant in rats.Materials and Methods: The ethanolic extract of the root of G. bicolourat (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg, i.p was studied for its anticonvulsant effect on four in vivo rat models (Maximal Electroshock Seizure (MES), Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-, picrotoxin (PIC)- and Strychnine (STR) - induced seizures). Simple activity meter was used for the evaluation of the anxiolytic properties. Sodium valproate (400 mg kg) was used as a reference anticonvulsant drug for all models. The protection from tonic convulsions and the number of protected animals from seizures were noted. The numbers of movements between the squares in the activity meter were counted in the consecutive 5 minutes and the motor activity was observed.Results: G. bicolourroot extract showed marked anxiolytic effect and significant decrease in the motor activity (p< 0.05) since the first dose (200mg/kg) in a dose-dependent manner. The doses (400-800 mg/kg) of the extract significantly (p < 0.01 - p < 0.001) reduced the duration of seizures induced by maximal electroshock (MES) and delayed the onset of tonic-clonic seizures produced by strychnine, whereas, all the tested doses significantly protected the animals (up to 100%) from pentylenetetrazole- and picrotoxin- induced seizures.Conclusion: G. bicolourroot seemed to possess anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effect in rats.Keywords: Anxiety, Epilepsy, Extract, G. bicolour, Seizures, Traditional medicine

The role of HUCB derived stem cells therapy in repair of renal damage and improvement of renal function in cisplatin induced acute renal failure in rats

Acute renal failure (ARF) is a common clinical problem with increasing incidence, serious consequences, unsatisfactory therapeutic options and enormous financial burden to society. The aim is to investigate the role of human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) derived mesenchymal (MSCs) and CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell therapy in repair of renal damage and improvement of renal function in cisplatin-induced ARF model. Forty four rats were divided into 4 equal groups. ARF was induced in 3 groups using cisplatin and was confirmed by an increase in serum urea and creatinine levels after 5 days. On the same day, 2 groups were injected via the tail vein by either MSCs (1x106 cells/rat) or CD34+ hematopoietic cells (5 x105 cells/rat). The third group received intravenous injection of phosphate buffer saline and served as positive control, while the last group was normal control. Renal functions were followed up every 4 days. Thirty-three days after initiation of cisplantin injection, rats were sacrificed, kidneys were extracted for histopathological and immunohistochemical examination for detection of human specific anti-vimentin monoclonal mouse anti body to investigate homing of HUCB stem cells into the damaged renal tissue. Treatment with MSCs and CD34+ cells significantly decreased both serum urea and creatinine induced by cisplatin administration with concomitant improvement in the degree of necrotic and degenerative changes. There was no significant difference in these parameters between MSCs and CD 34+ stem cells treated groups. There was positive reaction for human specific anti-vimentin in 88.9% of animals in MSCs treated rats versus 87.5% in CD34+ cells treated rats. HUCB derived CD 34+ and MSCs accelerate regeneration of renal tubular epithelial cells and lead to reduction of progressive renal injury in cisplatin-induced acute renal failure rats.Keywords: Acute renal failure; CD 34+ cells; Umbilical cord blood; Mesenchymal stem cell

Effect of Aerobic Exercise Versus Vestibular Stimulation on Lipid Profile in Premenstrual Syndrome

Objective:  To determine the effect of aerobic exercise versus vestibular stimulation on lipid profile in premenstrual syndrome. Subjects and Methods: Sixty patients with premenstrual syndrome had regular menstrual cycles were participated in this study. Their ages were ranged between 23-30 year. Their body mass index did not exceed 30 kg/ m2. They were not participating in physical therapy exercise program at the last 3 months. Patients with cardiovascular problems, pulmonary problems and endometriosis are excluded from the study. All patients were divided randomly into two equal groups (A&B). Group A: It consisted of thirty patients with premenstrual syndrome. They were treated by aerobic exercises in the form of treadmill training at moderate intensity of 60- 70% of the maximum heart rate, 3 times per week for 2 months. Group B: It consisted of thirty patients with premenstrual syndrome. They were treated by vestibular stimulation, 3 times per week for 2 months. Outcome measures: Total cholesterol level, HDL, LDL, triglycerides were assessed for all patients before and after treatment in both groups (A&B). Premenstrual syndrome scale was used to confirm the diagnosis of PMS before study and to evaluate the severity of PMS symptoms for all patients in both groups (A&B) before and after treatment. Results:  Results revealed that, between groups; pretreatment, there was no significant difference between both groups A and B in total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL and premenstrual syndrome scale. While post treatment, there was significant difference between both groups A and B in total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL and premenstrual syndrome scale (with favour of group A; more decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and premenstrual syndrome scale and more increase in HDL). Conclusion: Aerobic exercise was found to be effective more than vestibular stimulation on lipid profile in premenstrual syndrome, in relieving stress and symptoms of PMS

Integrated Heat Regenerator (IHR) Designs with Hydrogen Preheater and Thermoelectric Generator for Power Enhancement of a 2 kW Fuel Cell Vehicle

The power train efficiency of fuel cell vehicles (FCV) can be enhanced by improving the hydrogen energy utilization. Based on a mini FCV running on a 2 kW open-cathode Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell, a waste heat recovery system design needs to be developed as an approach towards higher energy efficiency. The novelty of the system is on the integration of thermoelectric generator technology with hydrogen preheating process for a combined heat and power output. This manuscript presents the proposed integrated heat regenerator (IHR) designs, analysed using numerical computational modelling. Three IHR designs were proposed where the main design criteria are (i) a minimum of 10oC hydrogen preheating degree, and (ii) non-parasitic active cooling for the TEG cells. Three design concepts were studied to identify its design and performance limitations. The numerical results were validated with theoretical modelling analysis for hydrogen exit temperatures and TEG surface temperatures. The analysis on predicted fuel cell power enhancement, TEG power generation and waste heat utilization were performed by relating the temperature profiles of the hydrogen reactant and TEG surfaces to fuel cell reaction models and TEG power relationships. A compact IHR design that produced 7.7 to 8 % total power enhancement and suitable in size for a mini FCV was identified for future development work

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A 15-years Experience at a Single Centre, Wad Medani, Sudan

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Association of the serum chemerin level with the development of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background: In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR) correlates positively with elevated serum chemerin levels. This study was aimed at investigating the probable association between the serum chemerin level and the development of DR in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included Egyptians and classified them into four groups: group 1, including healthy individuals; group 2, including patients with T1DM without DR; group 3, including patients with T1DM with non-proliferative DR (NPDR); and group 4, including patients with T1DM with proliferative DR (PDR). The assessment included best-corrected distance visual acuity assessment, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, funduscopy, fundus fluorescein angiography, and macular ocular coherence tomography. Fasting blood samples were obtained from all participants to measure serum chemerin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol, triglyceride, and creatinine levels. Serum chemerin levels were compared among the groups, and their correlations with age, duration of diabetes, HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and creatinine levels were analyzed. Results: We recruited 209 participants, including 46 healthy individuals in group 1, 52 patients (T1DM and no DR) in group 2, 61 patients (T1DM and NPDR) in group 3, and 50 patients (T1DM and PDR) in group 4, with comparable mean ages and sex ratios among groups. The diabetes duration, body mass index, HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and serum chemerin levels differed significantly among the groups (all P < 0.001), whereas the creatinine level did not (P > 0.05). The serum chemerin level was significantly higher in group 4 than in groups 3 and 2, in group 3 than in group 2, and in groups 3 and 4 than in group 1 (all P < 0.001). However, it was comparable between groups 1 and 2 (P > 0.05). It correlated with the duration of T1DM and HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and creatinine levels but not with age. Conclusions: Patients with T1DM with DR showed higher serum chemerin levels than those with T1DM without DR or healthy individuals. Serum chemerin levels were higher in those with PDR than in those with NPDR. Thus, serum chemerin levels are a potential biomarker of the development and severity of DR in patients with T1DM. Nevertheless, future diagnostic accuracy studies are required to confirm these potential applications

Broadening personal competence profiles through transdisciplinary project modules

Engineering education today is often organised in discipline-specific modules. Although it is essential to build up basic knowledge, cross-disciplinary knowledge is fundamental for solving complex problems. Transdisciplinary approaches can provide the necessary hard and soft skills, improve self-determination in education and broaden personal competence profiles. The experience gained is conveyed using the example of project-based modules on the topics of a) AI applications to minimise racial biasing in medical technology and b) construction of microfluidic systems to avoid animal testing. These were developed over several semesters by interdisciplinary student groups involving industry and research partners. The concept was initially carried out online in an interdisciplinary project module focusing on individual learning objectives, composed of the disciplines "Mechanical Engineering", "Computational Engineering Science", "Physical Engineering Sciences" as well as "Biomedical Engineering" and is being expanded in a hybrid-transdisciplinary manner through gradual additions including systems engineering, philosophy and sustainability in technology, ergonomics and human-machine systems. Through active participation in researching and solving real challenges, collaboration of transdisciplinary teams over several group generations and setting individual learning goals, profound knowledge and new methodological competences can be acquired beyond engineering disciplines. The integration of non-technical methods and approaches allows students to recognise complex problems and identify the necessary competences in order to realise a successful project. To further expand this approach, a new module concept for interdisciplinary cooperation in production engineering was developed. It takes up the aspects of individual, project-based learning and brings together all the competences of the institute in transdisciplinary exchange