Defense in Depth: Multilayer of security

Many types and methodologies of attacks have been developed in order to target the victims in different ways affecting its resources and assets. This paper reviews the defense in depth concept that has been developed in which multilayer of security controls are implemented to protect resources and assets from such attackers through consuming all the resources and capabilities of the attacker before malicious activities affect such targeted resources and assets

Self-medication practice among undergraduate medical students of a Saudi tertiary institution

Purpose: To assess the knowledge, attitude and magnitude of self-medication among medical students of Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.Methods: A cross-sectional, self-administered questionnaire-based study was conducted among undergraduate medical students of Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia. A total of 300 students were selected by random sampling.Results: Self-medication practice was highly prevalent among the medical students, with 87 % reporting that they indulge in it. Self-medication was more prevalent among female students than male. Sedatives were the most common drugs used by students for self-medication (58 %). The most common reason adduced for self-medication practice was their belief that they have sufficient information, previous experience, and the experience of others, such as family members and colleagues, with regard to the drugs. A huge proportion (84.5 %) of the respondents agreed that selfmedication could be harmful and is associated with adverse effects, while 52.6 % stated that they would not advise other persons to indulge in self-medication.Conclusion: Self-medication is prevalent among third-year medical students of Jazan University in Saudi Arabia. Although the students exhibited sufficient awareness of self-medication, the findings highlight the need for intervention programmes regarding the practice of self-medication.Keywords: Self-medication, Prevalence, Awareness, Sedatives, Medical student

Effects of Foliar NPK Application on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Content of Sweet Corn Grown on Rengam Series Soil

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of different rates of macronutrients as a foliar spray on the growth performance, yield, and nutrient content of sweet corn grown in the Rengam soil series. The treatments consisted of five rates of macronutrients as a foliar fertilizer at 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 % NPK. Foliar NPK was applied 25 and 50 days after sowing to the sweet corn seedlings. The results showed that fresh cob weight, cob number, flowering, and dry matter yield of sweet corn significantly increased at the rate of 75%, and 100% of NPK foliar fertilizers. The macro and micronutrient concentrations in ear leaf, mature leaves, stem, cob, and flowers of 75 and 100% NPK treated corn were significantly increased over the control plants. The macronutrient content in the whole plant was also significantly higher at 75% and 100% NPK treatments. Fe and Mn contents in the whole plant were also the highest in 75% and 100% NPK treatments. Macronutrient concentration in ear leaf and whole corn plants significantly correlated with the fresh cob yield of corn. It is concluded that foliar application of N, P, and K macronutrients (75 to 100% NPK) enhanced the yield and quality of sweet corn

Elective cancer surgery in COVID-19-free surgical pathways during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: An international, multicenter, comparative cohort study

PURPOSE As cancer surgery restarts after the first COVID-19 wave, health care providers urgently require data to determine where elective surgery is best performed. This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19–free surgical pathways were associated with lower postoperative pulmonary complication rates compared with hospitals with no defined pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS This international, multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent elective surgery for 10 solid cancer types without preoperative suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. Participating hospitals included patients from local emergence of SARS-CoV-2 until April 19, 2020. At the time of surgery, hospitals were defined as having a COVID-19–free surgical pathway (complete segregation of the operating theater, critical care, and inpatient ward areas) or no defined pathway (incomplete or no segregation, areas shared with patients with COVID-19). The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications (pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, unexpected ventilation). RESULTS Of 9,171 patients from 447 hospitals in 55 countries, 2,481 were operated on in COVID-19–free surgical pathways. Patients who underwent surgery within COVID-19–free surgical pathways were younger with fewer comorbidities than those in hospitals with no defined pathway but with similar proportions of major surgery. After adjustment, pulmonary complication rates were lower with COVID-19–free surgical pathways (2.2% v 4.9%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.86). This was consistent in sensitivity analyses for low-risk patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1/2), propensity score–matched models, and patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 preoperative tests. The postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was also lower in COVID-19–free surgical pathways (2.1% v 3.6%; aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.76). CONCLUSION Within available resources, dedicated COVID-19–free surgical pathways should be established to provide safe elective cancer surgery during current and before future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks

Elective Cancer Surgery in COVID-19-Free Surgical Pathways During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: An International, Multicenter, Comparative Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: As cancer surgery restarts after the first COVID-19 wave, health care providers urgently require data to determine where elective surgery is best performed. This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19-free surgical pathways were associated with lower postoperative pulmonary complication rates compared with hospitals with no defined pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This international, multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent elective surgery for 10 solid cancer types without preoperative suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. Participating hospitals included patients from local emergence of SARS-CoV-2 until April 19, 2020. At the time of surgery, hospitals were defined as having a COVID-19-free surgical pathway (complete segregation of the operating theater, critical care, and inpatient ward areas) or no defined pathway (incomplete or no segregation, areas shared with patients with COVID-19). The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications (pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, unexpected ventilation). RESULTS: Of 9,171 patients from 447 hospitals in 55 countries, 2,481 were operated on in COVID-19-free surgical pathways. Patients who underwent surgery within COVID-19-free surgical pathways were younger with fewer comorbidities than those in hospitals with no defined pathway but with similar proportions of major surgery. After adjustment, pulmonary complication rates were lower with COVID-19-free surgical pathways (2.2% v 4.9%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.86). This was consistent in sensitivity analyses for low-risk patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1/2), propensity score-matched models, and patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 preoperative tests. The postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was also lower in COVID-19-free surgical pathways (2.1% v 3.6%; aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.76). CONCLUSION: Within available resources, dedicated COVID-19-free surgical pathways should be established to provide safe elective cancer surgery during current and before future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks

Development of a diagnostic device to predict clinically significant inflammation associated with cardiac surgery

This thesis was previously held under moratorium from 1st December 2016 until 4th June 2021.Background: Cardiopulmonary bypass deployment is known to cause an inflammatory response during open heart surgery. Inflammation involves the activation of different cascades such as coagulation, the complement system and cytokines. Although the immune system is the body's key defense mechanism against external assault, it can be injurious to the patient when the immune system is over-expressed, particularly in cohort of patients that experience a heightened and uncontrolled response. This exaggerated response results in autoimmune injury and may lead to poor post-operative outcomes, such as systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multi-organ failure. Aim of the work: This project was aimed to develop a predictive screening technology that enables clinicians to specify patients who may be at risk prior to open heart surgery. This project suggests a new approach to identifying these patients, through the development of a novel technology that will measure the extent of the inflammatory response following blood contact with extracorporeal systems. This work focuses on cardiopulmonary bypass, but the technology may also extend to other treatments and interventional modalities in which tissues, in particular blood, comes into contact with foreign surfaces.;Approach: A series of in-vitro studies on bovine blood were performed to investigate the role of two initiators of the inflammatory response (DEHP plasticised PVC and liquid DEHP itself) and the exaggeration of different pro-inflammatory cytokines levels. A clinical study was then undertaken in open heart surgery patients to confirm the preliminary outcomes from the in vitro studies and to specify the most appropriate plasma marker that predict patients at-risk of developing SIRS (focusing on IL-6,TNF-α and C-reactive protein). The clinical study was aimed to outline the most appropriate initiator and measuring technique for cytokine concentration (ELISA versus Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)) and we sought to establish a final design configuration of the proposed screening technology. Results: The in vitro studies showed that both DEHP plasticised PVC and liquid DEHP are effective initiators of the inflammatory response. This was verified by the clinical investigations, and the data suggested that IL-6 with DEHP plasticised PVC is the most sensitive diagnostic marker that can identify patients prior to open heart surgery who are at risk of developing SIRS. Both analysing techniques (ELISA and FTIR) were shown to be suitable for the intended device development. However, FTIR - with its reduced complexity and processing time - was considered to be the best analytical modality for future ongoing development of the intended POC screening device. A basic prototype for this screening device (an activation chamber,separation and wicking membrane and device schematics) was developed and future work is necessary to deliver the device to the clinic.Background: Cardiopulmonary bypass deployment is known to cause an inflammatory response during open heart surgery. Inflammation involves the activation of different cascades such as coagulation, the complement system and cytokines. Although the immune system is the body's key defense mechanism against external assault, it can be injurious to the patient when the immune system is over-expressed, particularly in cohort of patients that experience a heightened and uncontrolled response. This exaggerated response results in autoimmune injury and may lead to poor post-operative outcomes, such as systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multi-organ failure. Aim of the work: This project was aimed to develop a predictive screening technology that enables clinicians to specify patients who may be at risk prior to open heart surgery. This project suggests a new approach to identifying these patients, through the development of a novel technology that will measure the extent of the inflammatory response following blood contact with extracorporeal systems. This work focuses on cardiopulmonary bypass, but the technology may also extend to other treatments and interventional modalities in which tissues, in particular blood, comes into contact with foreign surfaces.;Approach: A series of in-vitro studies on bovine blood were performed to investigate the role of two initiators of the inflammatory response (DEHP plasticised PVC and liquid DEHP itself) and the exaggeration of different pro-inflammatory cytokines levels. A clinical study was then undertaken in open heart surgery patients to confirm the preliminary outcomes from the in vitro studies and to specify the most appropriate plasma marker that predict patients at-risk of developing SIRS (focusing on IL-6,TNF-α and C-reactive protein). The clinical study was aimed to outline the most appropriate initiator and measuring technique for cytokine concentration (ELISA versus Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)) and we sought to establish a final design configuration of the proposed screening technology. Results: The in vitro studies showed that both DEHP plasticised PVC and liquid DEHP are effective initiators of the inflammatory response. This was verified by the clinical investigations, and the data suggested that IL-6 with DEHP plasticised PVC is the most sensitive diagnostic marker that can identify patients prior to open heart surgery who are at risk of developing SIRS. Both analysing techniques (ELISA and FTIR) were shown to be suitable for the intended device development. However, FTIR - with its reduced complexity and processing time - was considered to be the best analytical modality for future ongoing development of the intended POC screening device. A basic prototype for this screening device (an activation chamber,separation and wicking membrane and device schematics) was developed and future work is necessary to deliver the device to the clinic

The effect of different specifications of passive spaces on residents’ satisfaction in adjoining spaces within a hot dry climate

Passive spaces are a passive design strategy that aims to reduce energy consumption and increase user satisfaction in buildings. One example of passive space is the air shaft. The air shaft is a vertical void within the building from the ground level to the roof level, and it provides the building with natural ventilation and daylight, especially in deep-plan buildings. However, the function of the air shaft is questioned due to its impacts on residents’ needs. This study assesses the effects of air shaft specifications on residents’ satisfaction with the indoor environment quality of air shafts and adjoining spaces. Survey questionnaires were distributed to residents of apartment buildings. The results proved that air shafts have a significant negative impact on residents’ satisfaction. The findings of cross-tabulation analysis illustrate a significant relationship between the air shafts’ specifications and the residents’ answers. The analysis also showed that the air shafts that are closed from the bottom and include A\C outdoor units have a more negative impact on the thermal environment and air quality. Regarding the air shaft areas, the small areas have a high negative response regarding bad smell, the view, visual and acoustic privacy, and thermal environment. From the indoor environment quality perspective, this study emphasizes the need to consider the impact of air shaft design on a building’s performance and residents’ satisfaction. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the development of future passive spaces design

The Effect of Different Specifications of Passive Spaces on Residents’ Satisfaction in Adjoining Spaces ‎within a ‎Hot Dry ‎Climate

Passive spaces are a passive design strategy that aims to reduce energy ‎consumption ‎and increase ‎user ‎satisfaction ‎in buildings. One ‎example of passive space is ‎the air shaft. The air ‎shaft ‎is a ‎vertical void within the building from the ground level to the roof level, and it ‎provides the ‎building with ‎natural ‎ventilation ‎and ‎daylight, ‎especially in deep-plan ‎buildings. However, ‎the ‎function of the ‎air ‎shaft ‎is ‎questioned ‎due to its impacts on residents’ needs. ‎This ‎study assesses the effects of air ‎shaft ‎specifications on ‎residents’ ‎satisfaction with the indoor ‎environment ‎quality of ‎air shafts and ‎adjoining ‎spaces. Survey ‎questionnaires were ‎distributed ‎to ‎residents of ‎apartment ‎buildings. The results ‎proved that air shafts ‎have a ‎significant ‎negative ‎impact on ‎residents’ ‎satisfaction. The ‎findings of cross-tabulation ‎analysis illustrate a significant ‎relationship ‎between ‎the air ‎shafts’ specifications and ‎the ‎residents’ answers.‎ The ‎analysis also showed that the air ‎shafts ‎that are ‎closed from the ‎bottom and include A\C outdoor units ‎have a more negative ‎impact on ‎the thermal ‎environment and ‎air quality. Regarding ‎the air shaft areas, the small areas have ‎a ‎high ‎negative ‎response regarding bad smell, the view, visual ‎and ‎acoustic privacy, and thermal ‎environment. ‎From ‎the ‎indoor ‎environment quality perspective, this ‎study ‎emphasizes ‎the need ‎to consider the ‎impact of ‎air ‎shaft design on a ‎building’s ‎performance ‎and ‎residents’ ‎satisfaction. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the development of future passive spaces design

Induction of Catharanthus roseus Secondary Metabolites When Calotropis procera Was Used as Bio-Stimulant

Available information associated with Calotropis procera posted its phytotoxic effect as bio-herbicide scarce works studied its stimulatory/nutritive effect. A pot experiment was performed to assess the validity of using Calotropis procera (C. procera) leaves extract as a bio-stimulant for the growth and quality of a medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus (C. roseus) evaluated by some physio-biochemical indices. Different types of C. procera leaves extracts (CLEs) (methanolic, cold water and autoclaved water extracts) were delivered by two different modes of application. The results revealed that application of CLEs as irrigation or foliar spraying caused a stimulation effect on C. roseus plant. Root and shoot length, dry and fresh weight were significantly improved due to CLEs applications. C. roseus bioactive molecules such as anthocyanins, phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione and α-tocopherol were abundance increased significantly with CLEs applications. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) decreased explaining the involvement of CLEs in induction of antioxidant enzymes catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, guaiacol peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase for modifying cell oxidative status witnessed by lower lipid peroxidation that kept below the untreated plants’ baseline reflected the improvement of growth and quality rather than phytotoxic effect. The promotion of wholesome-promoting secondary metabolites by CLEs was closely correlated to elevated phenylalanineammonialyase activity. The comparable efficient effect induced by all treatments might be judged by the relation between C. procera phytochemicals and C. roseus metabolism (donor-receiver relation). It is concluded that application of CLEs can be a promising approach for improving the yield and quality of plants despite using polluting fertilizers. The current investigation may provide a matrix for coming studies to seek illustration of numerous plants’ response to C. procera extracts