Modeling The Urban Impact On Semiarid Surface Climate: A Case Study In Marrakesh, Morocco

We combine Landsat and MODIS data in the Simple Biosphere Model to assess the impact of urbanization on surface climate in a semiarid city in North Africa. The model simulates highest temperatures in urban class, with spring average maximum temperature differences to other land cover classes ranging between 1.6 C and 6.0 C. During summer, these maximum temperature differences are smallest (0.5 C) with barelands and highest (8.3 C) with irrigated lawns. This excess heating is simulated above and beyond a seasonal temperature average of about 30 C during spring and 44 C during summer. On annual mean, a full urbanization scenario decreases the carbon fixation by 0.13 MtC and increases the daytime mean surface temperature by 1.3 C. This may boost the city energy consumption by 5.72%. Under a 'smart growth' scenario, whereby the city expands on barelands to cover 50% of the study region and all remaining barelands converted to orchards, the carbon fixation is enhanced by 0.04 MtC with a small daytime temperature increase of 0.2 C. Our results indicate that vegetation can mitigate the urban heating. The hydrological cycle indicates that highest ratio of surface runoff to precipitation (43.8%) occurs in urban areas, versus only 16.7 % for all cover types combined

Can HRM Alleviate the Negative Effects of the Resource Curse on Firms? -Evidence from Brunei

Purpose: The resource curse literature suggests that firms operating in non-oil and gas industries in petrostates face considerable challenges in securing competitiveness and sustaining themselves. Based on a firm level survey within a micro-petrostate, Brunei, this study explores the relationship between specific HR policies and practices and organisational performance, analysing, comparing and contrasting oil and gas with non-oil and gas sectors, and draws out the comparative lessons for understanding the potential and performance consequences of HR interventions in resource centred national economies. Design/methodology/approach: Data for this study was generated from a primary survey administered amongst the HR Directors in companies operating in all sectors in Brunei. A statistically representative sample size of 214 was selected. Findings: We confirmed that firms in the oil and gas sector indeed performed better than other sectors. However, we found that the negative effects associated with operating outside of oil and gas could be mitigated through strategic choices: the strategic involvement of HR directors in the affairs of the company reduced employee turnover and added positively to financial returns across sectors. Practical implications: Developing and enhancing the role of people management is still very much easier than bringing about structural institutional reforms: the study confirms that at least part of the solution to contextual difficulties lies within, and that the firm level consequences of the resource curse can be ameliorated through strategic choice. Originality/value: The nature of the present investigation is one of few studies conducted in South East Asia in general and in the context of Brunei in particular. It also contributes to our understanding whether HR interventions can ameliorate the challenges of operating in a nonresource sector in a resource rich country

Nurses` Perception Regarding Diabetic Wound Care at Primary Health Care Level

One of the challenges regarding quality of care at primary care level is diabetic wound services; where the nurses are the pillar in wound care. The study objective was to determine the perception of nurses regarding the diabetic wound services in the health centers.  A descriptive qualitative study carried in Khartoum State Sudan targeted nurses at the health centers. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was carried out using semi-structured open ended questions. Saturation of information was obtained after four FGD sessions resulted in 26 nurses. Informed consent was signed and obtained from each nurse. Two independent qualified researchers carried out content analysis of the recorded information. The results show that female to male ratio was 2:1. Most of nurses were holders of Technical Nursing Certificate. Almost all nurses have not received in-service training about diabetes and diabetic wound care. Factors affecting diabetic wound services were lack of guidelines for services and follow-up registry, insufficient consumables and dressing materials and negative patients` attitudes. In-service training on diabetic wound care was absent. Guidelines and follow up registry for diabetic wound care were not available at the health centers.  Health centers were lacking sufficient dressing and surgical materials. Strengthening the capacity of nurses and availing adequate resources and services` guidelines are recommended.

Revisiting the Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder among Omani Children: A multicentre study

Objectives: This study aimed to provide an updated estimate of the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among Omani children. Methods: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted from December 2011 to December 2018. Data were retrieved from the three main autism diagnostic centres in Oman: Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Royal Hospital and Al-Massarah Hospital. The ASD diagnosis was made by experienced clinicians based on the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The overall population prevalence estimates per 10,000 children aged 0–14 years old in Oman were calculated using the denominator of the mid-period population data. Results: A total of 1,705 ASD cases were identified with the majority of cases being male (78.1%). The overall prevalence rate of ASD was estimated at 20.35 per 10,000 children (95% confidence interval: 19.39–21.32) between 2012–2018. Boys were found to have a 3.4-fold higher prevalence of ASD than girls (31.23/10,000 versus 9.07/10,000). Regionally, the majority of cases were found in the capital, Muscat, where the highest prevalence was 36.51 cases per 10,000 children. Conclusion: The prevalence of ASD among Omani children is 15-fold higher than estimates from 2011. This increase can be attributed to improvements in diagnostic services, increased awareness of ASD, better screening programmes and changes in diagnostic criteria. In addition, this increase in prevalence suggests a need for a registry of developmental disabilities and more extensive diagnostic and rehabilitation services in Oman.Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Epidemiology; Prevalence; Oman

Production of 1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Acetate [Bmim][Ac] Using 1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride [Bmim]Cl and Silver Acetate: A Kinetic Study

Since most of the literature alternatives used to produce the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate [Bmim][Ac] are very slow and require different solvents, we have used in this work a new process to produce the [Bmim][Ac] by the reaction of the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [Bmim]Cl with silver acetate (AgAc) where silver chloride (AgCl) precipitates as a by-product. The genuine experimental work and kinetic analyses presented here indicate that the reaction rate constant k = 7.67x1012 e(−79.285/RT). That is, the Arrhenius constant ko = 7.67x1012 L/mol.s and the activation energy Ea = 79.285 kJ/mol. The very high value of the Arrhenius constant indicates that the reaction of [Bmim]Cl with silver acetate to produce [Bmim][Ac] and silver chloride is extremely fast

Accumulation and Tissue Distribution of Domoic Acid in the Common Cuttlefish, Sépia Officinalis from the South Moroccan Coast.

Domoic acid (DA) is a phycotoxin produced by some diatoms, mainly from the Pseudo-nitzschia genus, and has been detected throughout the marine food web. In Morocco, many mollusc species are subject to regular monitoring of levels of contamination by toxins via Network Observation of the safety of the Moroccan coast (RSSL) implemented by National Fisheries Research Institute (INRH). Among these toxins, AD which has been frequently found in the bivalve molluscs, little known about DA accumulation  in cephalopod.This study presents the first data showing concentrations of DA that exceed health limits detected in the common cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis from the south Atlantic coast of Morocco.  Domoic acid was found throughout 2014 and 2015 in the digestive gland and flesh of cuttlefish reaching concentrations of 50 mg DA kg-1. The highest DA values  were  detected during autumn month. Evaluation of DA tissue distribution showed elevated DA concentrations in the digestive gland. The common cuttlefish, like other cephalopod species, plays a central position in the food web and might be a new DA vector to top predators like marine mammals.  Human intoxications are not expected as long as DA was only detected in the flesh at levels (16 mg DA kg-1) not exceed regulatory value. However, in some countries, whole juvenile animals are consumed (without evisceration), and in this case they might represent a risk to human health as the AD accumulation is more significant in the digestive gland than in the flesh. This study reveals a new member of the marine food web able to accumulate DA in Morocco

Effect of early tranexamic acid administration on mortality, hysterectomy, and other morbidities in women with post-partum haemorrhage (WOMAN): an international, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background Post-partum haemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal death worldwide. Early administration of tranexamic acid reduces deaths due to bleeding in trauma patients. We aimed to assess the effects of early administration of tranexamic acid on death, hysterectomy, and other relevant outcomes in women with post-partum haemorrhage. Methods In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we recruited women aged 16 years and older with a clinical diagnosis of post-partum haemorrhage after a vaginal birth or caesarean section from 193 hospitals in 21 countries. We randomly assigned women to receive either 1 g intravenous tranexamic acid or matching placebo in addition to usual care. If bleeding continued after 30 min, or stopped and restarted within 24 h of the first dose, a second dose of 1 g of tranexamic acid or placebo could be given. Patients were assigned by selection of a numbered treatment pack from a box containing eight numbered packs that were identical apart from the pack number. Participants, care givers, and those assessing outcomes were masked to allocation. We originally planned to enrol 15 000 women with a composite primary endpoint of death from all-causes or hysterectomy within 42 days of giving birth. However, during the trial it became apparent that the decision to conduct a hysterectomy was often made at the same time as randomisation. Although tranexamic acid could influence the risk of death in these cases, it could not affect the risk of hysterectomy. We therefore increased the sample size from 15 000 to 20 000 women in order to estimate the effect of tranexamic acid on the risk of death from post-partum haemorrhage. All analyses were done on an intention-to-treat basis. This trial is registered with ISRCTN76912190 (Dec 8, 2008); ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00872469; and PACTR201007000192283. Findings Between March, 2010, and April, 2016, 20 060 women were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive tranexamic acid (n=10 051) or placebo (n=10 009), of whom 10 036 and 9985, respectively, were included in the analysis. Death due to bleeding was significantly reduced in women given tranexamic acid (155 [1·5%] of 10 036 patients vs 191 [1·9%] of 9985 in the placebo group, risk ratio [RR] 0·81, 95% CI 0·65–1·00; p=0·045), especially in women given treatment within 3 h of giving birth (89 [1·2%] in the tranexamic acid group vs 127 [1·7%] in the placebo group, RR 0·69, 95% CI 0·52–0·91; p=0·008). All other causes of death did not differ significantly by group. Hysterectomy was not reduced with tranexamic acid (358 [3·6%] patients in the tranexamic acid group vs 351 [3·5%] in the placebo group, RR 1·02, 95% CI 0·88–1·07; p=0·84). The composite primary endpoint of death from all causes or hysterectomy was not reduced with tranexamic acid (534 [5·3%] deaths or hysterectomies in the tranexamic acid group vs 546 [5·5%] in the placebo group, RR 0·97, 95% CI 0·87-1·09; p=0·65). Adverse events (including thromboembolic events) did not differ significantly in the tranexamic acid versus placebo group. Interpretation Tranexamic acid reduces death due to bleeding in women with post-partum haemorrhage with no adverse effects. When used as a treatment for postpartum haemorrhage, tranexamic acid should be given as soon as possible after bleeding onset. Funding London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Pfizer, UK Department of Health, Wellcome Trust, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Environmental assessment schemes for non-domestic building refurbishment in the Malaysian context

The increase in global warming, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions has gained attention in various regions. In Malaysia, the government announced a voluntary commitment to reduce 40% of CO 2 emissions by 2020 and to refurbish 100 government buildings. Existing buildings make a large contribution to energy consumption and CO 2 emissions, therefore refurbishing existing buildings is an essential strategy to achieve the commitment. There is no single assessment scheme for building refurbishment in Malaysia and hence, this study aims to develop a comprehensive list of assessment themes and sub-themes for building refurbishment purposes. It examines and compares 10 assessment schemes from various countries: BREEAM, LEED, CASBEE, BEAM Plus, GBLS, Green Star, HQE, Green Mark, GBI and MyCrest. The findings revealed fourteen themes that were considered for assessment: management, sustainable site, transport, indoor environmental quality (IEQ), water, waste, material, energy, pollution, innovation, economic, social, culture and quality of services. Energy and IEQ are dominant themes in all assessment schemes. Most of the schemes are considered relatively weak in evaluating economic and social aspects, in comparison to environmental aspects. The assessment of quality of services is overlooked in most of the schemes, including GBI and MyCrest in Malaysia. Outcomes from this paper will form the baseline for a new environmental assessment scheme that aimed at non-domestic building refurbishments in Malaysia. A new model is proposed for the development of an environmental assessment scheme in the further stage