Sedimentary cover and structural trends affecting the groundwater flow in the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System: Inferences from geophysical, field and geochemical data

This study combined gravity data from the Earth Gravitational Model (EGM2008) with other data to better understand the spatial variations of the sedimentary cover and the structural trends that affect groundwater flow in the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System. Our findings were verified and evidenced by geological, geochronological, geochemical data, and earthquake records: 1) The Uweinat-Aswan basement uplift, which runs east-west, partially isolates the Dakhla subbasin from the shallower northern Sudan subbasin, and thereby impeding the south-to-north groundwater flow from northern Sudan platform to the Dakhla subbasin; 2) A thickening of the sedimentary cover in the NE-SW direction from the southern Kufra through the northern Kufra to the Dakhla subbasin; 3) The sedimentary cover was found to increase from less than 500 m in the south (Northern Sudan and Uweinat region) to more than 6 km in the north (Mediterranean coast); 4) A number of structural trends (NE-SW, N-S, E-W, and NW-SE) affecting the region; 5) A large Pelusium megashear system that runs northeast to southwest makes it easier for groundwater to flow from the Kufra subbasin to the Dakhla subbasin; 6) Along the paths that groundwater takes, like from Siwa to Qattara and from northwest Farafra to north Bahariya, and along structures that run in the same direction as the flow, a progressive increase in 36Cl groundwater ages were observed; 7) It is a better way to learn about the hydrogeological context of large aquifers and figure out how to best manage these underground water sources

Epidural anaesthesia and myomectomy-associated blood loss: — a prospective randomised controlled study

Objectives: The management of anaesthesia for patients with large myomas is particularly important due to disruption of hemodynamic as a result of massive haemorrhage, the prolonged duration of surgery and requirement for additional interventions. This study evaluated the effect of anaesthetic technique on blood loss in patients undergoing myomectomy due to large fibroid uterus. Material and methods: A total of 156 patients that underwent myomectomy were randomized into two equal groups according to the type of anaesthesia: Epidural anaesthesia group and General anaesthesia group. The volume of blood loss and blood products transfusion was reviewed for each patient. Results: The intraoperative blood loss and need for blood transfusion were significantly higher in general anaesthesia group (p < 0.001). The mean hematocrit change was 2.5 ± 1.5 vs 3.7 ± 2.9 % (p = 0.001) for both groups. Conclusions: In the myomectomy planning of women with a large fibroid uterus, the team of gynecologists and anaesthesiologists should take care to choose the most optimal technique for anaesthesia

Application of GIS-based machine learning algorithms for prediction of irrigational groundwater quality indices

Agriculture is considered one of the primary elements for socioeconomic stability in most parts of Sudan. Consequently, the irrigation water should be properly managed to achieve sustainable crop yield and soil fertility. This research aims to predict the irrigation indices of sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium percentage (Na%), permeability index (PI), and potential salinity (PS) using innovative machine learning (ML) techniques, including K-nearest neighbor (KNN), random forest (RF), support vector regression (SVR), and Gaussian process regression (GPR). Thirty-seven groundwater samples are collected and analyzed for twelve physiochemical parameters (TDS, pH, EC, TH, Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+, HCO3−, Cl, SO4−2, and NO3−) to assess the hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater and its suitability for irrigation purposes. The primary investigation indicated that the samples are dominated by Ca-Mg-HCO3 and Na-HCO3 water types resulted from groundwater recharge and ion exchange reactions. The observed irrigation indices of SAR, Na%, PI, and PS showed average values of 7, 42.5%, 64.7%, and 0.5, respectively. The ML modeling is based on the ion’s concentration as input and the observed values of the indices as output. The data is divided into two sets for training (70%) and validation (30%), and the models are validated using a 10-fold cross-validation technique. The models are tested with three statistical criteria, including mean square error (MSE), root means square error (RMSE), and correlation coefficient (R2). The SVR algorithm showed the best performance in predicting the irrigation indices, with the lowest RMSE value of 1.45 for SAR. The RMSE values for the other indices, Na%, PI, and PS, were 6.70, 7.10, and 0.55, respectively. The models were applied to digital predictive data in the Nile River area of Khartoum state, and the uncertainty of the maps was estimated by running the models 10 times iteratively. The standard deviation maps were generated to assess the model’s sensitivity to the data, and the uncertainty of the model can be used to identify areas where a denser sampling is needed to improve the accuracy of the irrigation indices estimates

Study on Noise Immunity of Low-Power Static CMOS Digital Design

　In the past, noise was not such a big issue in digital integrated circuits. However, the continuous progress in semiconductor technology put the noise issue among the major concerns of digital CMOS IC designers. This study concerns with the noise immunity of static CMOS low power digital design by investigating the noise immunity of the current low power static CMOS design schemes and presenting a fast and accurate methodology to evaluate the noise sensitivity of the different nodes in a design during the design phase. In addition, for the modeling/characterization of noise in digital circuits, techniques to measure the non-periodic noise and sensing the peak minimum/maximum fluctuation on-chip have been presented. The study is presented in five chapters in addition to conclusion.//　The first chapter includes a background about the power consumption and noise issues in current and future VLSI/ULSI digital design. It also includes the objectives of the study and thesis organization.//　In chapter two, we present the effect of noise on the performance of a selected group of low power as well as traditional digital design techniques. First, we present a model for the different noise sources in the digital circuits. Then we applied the model to a selected group of low power and traditional designs as testing circuits. The noise immunity of the tested schemes has been reported in terms of logic error and delay error. At the end of the chapter, we present a methodology for leakage power saving and at the same time has high noise immunity. One of the ways to increase the noise immunity of a digital circuit is to give special strengthen considerations to the soft (weak) parts (nodes) against noise. Since it is time consuming to analyze the noise-sensitivity of different nodes in a big design using transistor level simulators, an analytical (fast and accurate) method is required.//　In chapter three, we present a methodology to evaluate the noise-induced logic error probability in a given CMOS digital design in terms of supply voltage, threshold voltage, noise level and circuit configuration. At first, we modeled the noise immunity of the different logic gates in terms logic error probability including the effect of supply and threshold voltage, which is called electrical masking. Then, time masking has been modeled to include the variation of the spurious pulse width and generation time in the overall logic error probability. Moreover, the logic masking effect has been also considered. The electrical, timing and logic masking have been combined to form the overall logic error probability model. The model has been used to evaluate the logic error probability caused by the noise at the different nodes in digital circuit examples. The model results have been compared with results obtained from HSPICE simulation. The results reveal that the model fit with the expected simulation results achieving speedup factor of more than 1000 over HSPICE. Moreover, the calculation time of the methodology is linearly proportional with the number of gates in a design, and hence, the method is suitable for investigating the noise immunity of the big circuits. The model can be used to identify the weak parts against the noise in a given design during the design phase and hence it helps the designer in giving specific design considerations to strengthen the weak nodes. The methodology is based on hypothetical noise distribution. So that, for more accurate results, a real noise distribution should be provided.//　In chapter four we present, first, an overview on the previous works regarding the on-chip noise measurement has been given. To avoid the problems attached with the previous designs, an on-chip noise detector has been designed and fabricated using 0.18μm technology. The detector can detect the single-event or the non-periodic signals within the measurement time window. It is equipped with a programmable voltage divider to be able to detect high-swing signals having maximum theoretical frequency of 5GHz. The bandwidth of the output signal can be controlled by the user to fit the monitoring tools capability off-chip and to avoid the effects of the on-chip parasitic elements and hence conventional equipments can be used to measure the signal off-chip. Moreover, the detector is synthesizable and the designer can flexibly adjust its main parameters. A test chip is fabricated and tested successfully. The detector's design has been modified to increase the sampling rate. Upon the simulation results, the modified version is capable to measure signals of frequency (theoretically) up to 10GHz.//　Chapter five includes the description of a CPU-interfaced system to monitor the minimum/maximum fluctuation in both VDD and ground in a design. In addition to the magnitude information, the system has the ability to report the timing and spatial information of the spurious pulse. The system is designed using Rohm 0.18μm technology. The fluctuation is detected by comparing with a reference voltage supplied form off-chip, and the fluctuation information is send off-chip in digital format. The detector is simple, therefore, it can be replicated within a design to detect the fluctuations on VDD/Ground net at different spots and hence, safe operation can be guaranteed. The detector is interfaced by a CPU and hence it is suitable for future VLSI/ULSI circuits.//　Finally, we conclude the study in chapter six.報告番号: 甲21838 ; 学位授与年月日: 2006-09-29 ; 学位の種別: 課程博士 ; 学位の種類: 博士(工学) ; 学位記番号: 博工第6368号 ; 研究科・専攻: 工学系研究科電子工学専

Detection of Mineralization Zones Using Aeromagnetic Data

Every day, mining corporations grow and develop over Egypt’s Eastern Desert in search of gold, silver, and other metals. Mineral resources in Egypt are a powerful tool for increasing national income. In this study, we are interested in mineral exploration, such as gold and porphyry deposits, using aeromagnetic data, applying various processing techniques such as First Vertical Derivative, Total Horizontal Gradient, Analytical Signal, Tilt Derivative, and the center of exploration targeting. The study area is located at the Central Eastern Desert, which includes the Barramiya, Abu Marwa, and Abu Mireiwah regions. The analysis of the delineated structural trends shows that the N–S, NW–SE, and NE–SW are the most effective directions for managing deposits in the investigated area. A minor trend is also shown in the E–W direction and corresponds to the alteration zones reported by geology and prior investigations. Mineralization zones occur most frequently at the contact between ophiolitic serpentinite, sediments, and other rock types. This study intends to add more about the use of the recently developed technology of CET grid analysis for mineral exploration and structural interpretation across the Central Eastern Desert. The CET porphyry analysis map shows locations where several occurrences of porphyry deposits are probable. The newly discovered spots are similar to the area’s usual deposit sites. This study proves that aeromagnetic data are significant in mineral exploration since they are useful for the discovery of the structure and shear zones controlling the mineralization zones.Water Resource

Unusual form of Mullerian Agenesis Syndrome

A rare case of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome is reported. A 24 year old, Egyptian female with primary amenorrhea, primary infertility since 24 months, and difficulty in sexual intercourse with a male partner. She is phenotypically female – has well devolped female secondary sexual characteristics – and has normal female external genitalia. There is a shallow vaginal dimple. Absence of the upper vagina and two uterine buds separate from each other demonstrated by MRI and laparoscopy. Ultrasound and intravenous pyelography have documented no renal anomalies. Chromosomal analysis reveals a normal female karyotype (46, XX). Endocrine evaluation shows normal levels of estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Radiographs did not reveal any associated skeletal abnormalities. Aside from this being a rare case of a disorder of sexual development, this is worth reporting because it illustrates the diagnostic work-up of a patient presenting with primary amenorrhea

Hydro-Geophysical Evaluation of the Regional Variability of Senegal’s Terrestrial Water Storage Using Time-Variable Gravity Data

The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite data retrieval experiment has been instrumental in characterizing the global fluctuations in terrestrial water storage (ΔTWS) over the past 20 years. Given the limited availability of hydrological data, GRACE measurements are frequently combined with other climatic models, standardized precipitation index (SPI), and standardized temperature index (STI) data to examine the likelihood of such impacts on hydrology and calculate the groundwater storage changes (ΔGWS). The characterization of the intensity and variability of drought events has been identified based on the Terrestrial Water Storage Deficit Index (TWSI), derived from GRACE mass concentration blocks (mascons) over Senegal during the studied period (April 2002–December 2021). The results are: (1) The average annual precipitation (AAP) rate for the entire period was calculated at 692.5 mm/yr. (2) The GRACE-derived ΔTWS variations were calculated at +0.89 ± 0.34, +0.07 ± 0.36, +1.66 ± 1.20, and +0.63 ± 0.08 cm/yr for Periods I (April 2002–December 2009), II (January 2010–December 2017), III (January 2018–December 2021), and the entire period (April 2002–December 2021), respectively. (3) The ΔGWS changes were estimated to be +0.89 ± 0.31, +0.085 ± 0.33, +1.64 ± 1.11, and +0.63 ± 0.08 cm/yr for Periods I, II, II, and the entire period, respectively. (4) There is good agreement in some years and seasons according to the investigation of the link between the GRACE dataset, STI, and SPI. (5) Senegal’s groundwater storage is increasing at a rate of 0.63 ± 0.08 cm/yr (1.24 ± 0.16 km3/yr) between April 2002 and December 2021. (6) Considering the yearly extraction rates of 1.13 ± 0.11 cm/yr (2.22 ± 0.22 km3/yr), an average recharge rate of +1.76 ± 0.14 cm/yr (+3.46 ± 0.28 km3/yr) was calculated for the studied area. The integrated strategy is instructive and economical

Geophysical investigations for the identification of subsurface features influencing mineralization zones

The numerous hydrothermal alteration zones and subsurface structures affecting the mineralized deposits of the Dungash region were identified using aeromagnetic data. The Center of Exploration Targeting (CET) approach and several filters, such as reduction-to-pole, Tilt derivative, First Vertical Derivative, Horizontal gradient map, Downward continuation, analytical signal methods, regional, and residual separation, were used to analyze the aeromagnetic data. The research region is impacted by several structural trends running in the N-S, E-W, NW-SE, and NE-SW directions, and these trends are strongly related to the gold mineralization and surrounding hydrothermal alteration zones. In the NW-SE direction, four alteration zones have been identified. The research region's northern and eastern regions have shallower basement relief, with depths of only approximately 100 m, and those depths show that the area is rootless. Conversely, the basement relief and surface depths are lower in the study region's western and southern regions. The routes taken by the ascending hydrothermal fluids can be seen as aeromagnetic lineaments at the hydrothermal alteration zones. Mineralization appears to be linked to structural lineaments, as evidenced by airborne magnetic data. For gold prospecting, the aeromagnetic technique seems to be the most effective and efficient geophysical method because gold is typically found in severely deformed shear zones and faults.Water Resource

Monitoring Mass Variations in Iraq Using Time-Variable Gravity Data

Iraq is facing a water shortage due to water scarcity and anthropogenic activities. The recent advance in technologies in geophysical methods has made groundwater monitoring possible. Time-variable gravity data and outputs of the climatic model, as well as rainfall data, are integrated to investigate the spatio-temporal mass variations caused by groundwater changes over Iraq. The findings are: (1) For the entire study period (04/2002–12/2020), Period I (04/2002–12/2006), Period II (01/2007–12/2017), and Period III (01/2018–12/2020), the study region had an average annual precipitation rate of 223.4, 252.5, 194.2, and 311.6 mm/y, respectively. (2) The average Terrestrial Water Storage variations (ΔTWSs) varied from −5.79 ± 0.70 to −5.11 ± 0.70 mm/y based on the three different gravity solutions with a mean of −5.51 ± 0.68 mm/y for the entire investigated period. (3) For Periods I, II, and III, the average ΔTWS fluctuation was calculated to be +6.82 ± 1.92, −6.20 ± 1.17, and +28.58 ± 12.78 mm/y, respectively. (4) During the entire period, Periods I, II, and II, the groundwater fluctuation was averaged at −4.86 ± 0.68, +2.47 ± 2.20, −3.79 ± 1.20, and −4.63 ± 12.99 mm/y, respectively, after subtracting the non-groundwater components. (5) At the beginning of the 2007 drought during Period II, a decline in rainfall rate, and significant groundwater withdrawal during Period III all appear to have contributed to groundwater depletion. The Euphrates and Tigris Rivers, as well as the Mesopotamian plain, receive water from the running streams created by the ground relief. The area of the Mesopotamian plain, which has a thicker sedimentary sequence that can reach 9000 m, is found to have a positive TWS signal, indicating that its groundwater potential is higher. The integrated approach is informative and cost-effective.Water Resource

Ultrasound guided bilateral rectus sheath block and serum TNF-α and IL-6 after radical prostatectomy: A randomized double blinded study

Background: General anesthesia can affect postoperative cytokine levels, leading to cellular immune inhibition following surgery. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of bilateral rectus sheath block on serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 after radical prostatectomy. Methods: Fifty patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, under general anesthesia were randomly allocated into two groups. Group RSB: A bilateral single shot of 20 ml plain bupivacaine 0.25% or 20 ml normal saline (Group C) in each side of rectus sheath. Postoperative pain was controlled by morphine as a rescue analgesia. Primary outcome was postoperative serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6. Secondary outcome measures: The total morphine consumption and evaluation of the visual analog pain score at 24 and 48 h postoperative. Results: Both TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly lower in the RSB group at 24 h postoperative, the mean value of TNF- α was 76.26 ± 4.07 pg/ml in RSB group and 93.15 ± 6.90 pg/ml in the control group (p < 0.001), while IL-6 was 89.65 ± 13.00 and 102.6 ± 24.70 pg/ml in both groups respectively (p = 0.01). In RSB group, the visual analog pain score and the total morphine consumption were significantly lower (p < 0.05) during the first 24 h postoperative while, the first time requested for rescue analgesia was significantly longer (p < 0.001). Conclusion: General anesthesia combined with bilateral rectus sheath block could decrease serum level of TNF-α and IL-6 after radical prostatectomy as well as decrease postoperative pain intensity with less opioid administration.Clinical trials.gov ID: NCT03074097. Keywords: Rectus sheath block, Pro-inflammatory cytokines, Postoperative pai