Identity Crises and Religionism Attitudes

Das Scheitern der Gesellschaft, Lösungen für ihre Krisen zu finden, führt zu Krisen im Leben der Adoleszentenin einer Phase wo es für sie besonders wichtig ist, an etwas glauben zu können. Wenn einePerson erlebt, dass sie unter Ambiguität und Widersprüchen leidet und unfähig ist, ein klares Selbstbildzu bilden, kompensiert sie dies durch die Einbeziehung anderer kollektiver Identitäten, gekennzeichnetdurch gewaltsame Ideologien, die ihr Sicherheit bieten können. Innerhalb solcher ethnischer, konfessionellerund religiöser Extremgruppen finden die Jugendlichen nicht ihre Identität, sondern Interpretationenihrer Krise und ein Versprechen für eine bessere Zukunft.Es wurden Fragebögen zur intoleranten Einstellungen und Identitätskrise einer ausgewählten Gruppevon männlichen und weiblichen irakischen Jugendlichen vorgegeben. Statistische Indikatoren für eineIdentitätskrise zeigen, dass die Jugendlichen ihre Identitätskrisen als Ergebnis von zwei wichtigen Faktorensehen, nämlich den widersprüchliche Rollen und der Annahme einer negativen Identität (Anpassungan eine negative Identität).Society's failure to find solutions to crises leads to struggles in adolescents’ lives, as they need somethingto have faith in. When an individual finds he/she suffers from ambiguity, contradiction and inabilityto form a clear self-concept, he/she rushes to compensate by involving in other collective identitiescharacterized by violent ideologies that offer certainty to them. Within such ethnic, sectarian andreligious extreme groups the teenagers do not find their identities, but find interpretations to theircrises and promises for a better future. Therefore, identity is not only a personal and individual gift,but also a collective concept rooted in individual's homely, ethnic, sectarian and religious belonging.Both the intolerant attitudes questionnaire and scale identity crisis have been applied to a sample ofmale and female teenagers. Statistical indicators of adolescents' identity crisis show that the adolescents'identity crisis is the product of two important factors which are clear and evident in socializingsystem, namely the Contradictory of roles, and Adopting a negative identity (Adaptation to a negativeidentity).The research results show that there is a positive and significant relationship between identity crisisand intolerant attitudes among adolescents. This can be explained in the psychological debilitationcaused by the failure to set clear parameters for the relevant scattering self-images and the confusionof psychological and social role in adolescents

BIOINFORMATICS: INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINES AND ATTENUATION OF DIABETES HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA-INDUCED RENAL INJURY USING MORNING GLORY AND NECKLACE POD EXTRACTS

  Objective: The present research in bioinformatics focuses on pharmacological effects of morning glory and necklace pod ethanolic extracts (MGE and NPE) on some biochemical parameters in high fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia in rats.Methods: Compared to atorvastatin; an anti-hypercholesterolemic (HC) and glibenclamide; an antidiabetic drug. Endothelium activation markers of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Creatinine, urea, and inflammatory biomarkers; C-reactive protein (CRP) and pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-10 levels were also measured in serum of different therapeutic groups.Results: Significant decrease in ICAM-1 level with MGE and NPE supplemented to normal rats as compared to untreated control with percentages decrease 17.80 and 12.00% was observed. Insignificant change was detected in VCAM-1 level. Profound amelioration in CRP, total urea and creatinine levels by NPE treatment. Creatinine, urea, CRP, and TNF-α level were significantly increased in hyperglycemic (HG)-HC rats. However, IL-10 level showed a significant decrease. Meanwhile, histopathological investigation of the kidney and heart was carried out. Image recognition system for kidney and heart images was developed to diagnose their diseases. Tested extract attenuated creatinine, urea, CRP, and TNF-α level. Hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia linked kidney disorders were relieved.Conclusion: In vivo oral administration with each extract declared suppression of cytokines mediated inflammation, vascular function leading to infiltration reduction of renal macrophage together with lowering in kidney indices and ameliorate renal tissues architectures in HG-HC rats

STATISTICAL DATA ANALYSIS WHICH RESULT FROM THE BIO-DIAGNOSIS AND BIO-TREATMENT OF INJURED RATS WITH THE HYPERLIPIDEMIA AND HYPERGLYCEMIA DISEASES

ABSTRACTObjective: This study in bioinformatics aims to investigate the potential effect of Ipomoea tricolor and Sophora tomentosa on liver function enzymesactivity, serum lipid profile, oxidative stress biomarkers, and on blood glucose in high fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemia (HC) and STZ-inducedhyperglycemia (HG) in rats.Methods: Blood glucose level, liver function enzymes, alanine aminotransferases and aspartate aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, and lactatedehydrogenase (LDH) were determined. Besides, lipid profile including total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), total lipid, and high-densitylipoprotein-cholesterol was investigated. Moreover, oxidative stress biomarkers, lipid peroxide, and nitric oxide as well as non-enzymatic antioxidant,glutathione (GSH) were also examined in different therapeutic groups.Results: A significant increase in blood glucose level, liver function enzyme activities, LDH, lipid profile and oxidative stress markers, while significantdecrease in LDH-C and GSH level in HC-HG induced rats compared to control one. A marked amelioration in all biochemical parameters underinvestigation on treatment of HC-HG rats with I. tricolor and S. tomentosa with different fluctuating percentages of improvement. Histopathologicalexamination of liver and pancreas was also performed and declared HC-HG showed congestion in portal vessels and sinusoids with mild centrilobularhepatocyte degeneration, marked hepatocyte ballooning and hydropic degeneration, while HC-HG treated rats with I. tricolor and S. tomentosa showednormal lobular hepatic architecture with mild sinusoidal dilatation and congestion. On the other hand, a histological organization of pancreas of HC-HGrats showing disarrangement changes in pancreatic blood vessels and interlobular duct as well as disordered in acini. The treatment of HC-HG rats withI. tricolor and S. tomentosa showed enhancement in Langerhans cells and restore of most pancreatic tissue in comparison with standard drugs.Conclusion: The statistical results showed that each extract ameliorated high blood glucose level liver injury, HC and oxidative stress indicatingrelieving of oxidative damage associated with the complexity of HG and HC. These results demonstrated that these two plants extracts may be acandidate intelligent antioxidant, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, and hepatoprotective nutraceuticals which need further clinical investigation to beapplied effectively to reduce perturbation in HC associated diabetes.Keywords: Ipomoea tricolor, Sophora tomentosa, Lipid profile and liver function enzymes, Endothelial dysfunction markers, Statistics and imagerecognition, Histopathological analysis

Corrosion Protection of Carbon Steel Oil Pipelines by Unsaturated Polyester/Clay Composite coating

The EIS measurements for coated specimens after polarization show higher values of total impedance |Z|, polarization resistance (Rp) and low capacitance (C) in comparison with the un-coated carbon steel specimen. This indicates the stability of the surface protected film of these coated specimens and their resistance against dissolution.The aim of this paper is to prepare a protective coating on API 5L (carbon steel) alloy which is the widely used materials in oil industry and study its effect on the corrosion behavior of the carbon steel in crude oil environment. Unsaturated polyester (UP) and clay were used to prepare composite consist of 75% of polyester and 25% of clay. The coated specimen was investigated in comparison to uncoated and 100% polyester coated specimens. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were employed on the coated specimens to understand the phases formed on the modified surfaces. The corrosion behavior of the modified surface in comparison with untreated one was investigated by potentiodynamic cyclic polarization in 3.5 M of NaCl and crude oil solution using Solartron made electrochemical interface SI 1287 and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements at OCP condition using Solartron make 1255 HF frequency response analyzer (FRA). The results show improvement in the corrosion parameters predicted from the polarization test.

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance

INTRODUCTION Investment in Africa over the past year with regard to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, which, to date, exceeds 100,000 sequences generated to track the pandemic on the continent. These sequences have profoundly affected how public health officials in Africa have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. RATIONALE We demonstrate how the first 100,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Africa have helped monitor the epidemic on the continent, how genomic surveillance expanded over the course of the pandemic, and how we adapted our sequencing methods to deal with an evolving virus. Finally, we also examine how viral lineages have spread across the continent in a phylogeographic framework to gain insights into the underlying temporal and spatial transmission dynamics for several variants of concern (VOCs). RESULTS Our results indicate that the number of countries in Africa that can sequence the virus within their own borders is growing and that this is coupled with a shorter turnaround time from the time of sampling to sequence submission. Ongoing evolution necessitated the continual updating of primer sets, and, as a result, eight primer sets were designed in tandem with viral evolution and used to ensure effective sequencing of the virus. The pandemic unfolded through multiple waves of infection that were each driven by distinct genetic lineages, with B.1-like ancestral strains associated with the first pandemic wave of infections in 2020. Successive waves on the continent were fueled by different VOCs, with Alpha and Beta cocirculating in distinct spatial patterns during the second wave and Delta and Omicron affecting the whole continent during the third and fourth waves, respectively. Phylogeographic reconstruction points toward distinct differences in viral importation and exportation patterns associated with the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants and subvariants, when considering both Africa versus the rest of the world and viral dissemination within the continent. Our epidemiological and phylogenetic inferences therefore underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic on the continent and highlight key insights and challenges, for instance, recognizing the limitations of low testing proportions. We also highlight the early warning capacity that genomic surveillance in Africa has had for the rest of the world with the detection of new lineages and variants, the most recent being the characterization of various Omicron subvariants. CONCLUSION Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve. This is important not only to help combat SARS-CoV-2 on the continent but also because it can be used as a platform to help address the many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats in Africa. In particular, capacity building for local sequencing within countries or within the continent should be prioritized because this is generally associated with shorter turnaround times, providing the most benefit to local public health authorities tasked with pandemic response and mitigation and allowing for the fastest reaction to localized outbreaks. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy: the potential role of vitamin D deficiency

Abstract Background Vitamin D is well known for its role in promoting calcium and phosphorus absorption and is recently associated with various neurological disorders. Objective To study the possible relation between vitamin D deficiency and diabetic peripheral neuropathy in a sample of patients recruited from Beni-Suef governorate, north Upper Egypt Methods A case-control study included 25 type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and 25 healthy controls. The patients included were subjected to clinical evaluation including Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument and nerve conduction study. And all patients and control were subjected to assessment of fasting and 2-h post prandial blood sugar, hemoglobin A1C, and serum vitamin D level. Results Serum vitamin D level was significantly lower in patients compared to control (P value = 0.008). For the patients group, females and patients with Michigan neuropathy screening instrument score more than 4 had statistically significant lower vitamin D level (P value = 0.003 and 0.006, respectively). No statistically significant difference in vitamin D level was found between patients below and above the age of 50 years, duration of diabetes less and more than 5 years, different types of diabetes medications, or patients with fair and poor control (P value = 0.525, 0.700, 0.881 and 0.252, respectively). No significant correlation was found between vitamin D level and the results of nerve conduction study. Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent in diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients. Females and patients with severe form of neuropathy are more liable for lower vitamin D levels

Diabetes and edentulism: A survey on oral health-related quality of life in Indian sub-population

Aims: The current study was conducted to assess the oral health-related quality of life in completely edentulous and diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. The null hypothesis of the survey is that there is no effect of both edentulism and diabetes on the oral health-related quality of life of patients. Settings and Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Methods and Materials: Test Groups: The study population was divided into three groups: • Group 1: Non-diabetic patients, wearing a complete denture. • Group 2: Diabetic patients, wearing a complete denture. • Group 3: Diabetic, completely dentulous patients. Sample Size: In total, 332 (200 males and 132 females) patients. Methodology of the Survey: Telephonic and interview methods of surveying were employed to evaluate patients. Statistical Analysis Used: The mean values, standard deviation (SD) and P value were calculated using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The level of significance was set at 5% (*P value < 0.05, ***P value < 0.001, NS: statistically non-significant). The higher the score, the higher the impact and vice-versa. Inter-group comparisons were done with post-hoc Bonferroni's test for multiple group comparisons. Results: Data collected from the survey were statistically significant, results were noted between the completely edentulous patients wearing dentures and diabetic dentulous patients. Though DM is a potent risk factor for periodontitis, leading to edentulism, statistical analysis of this study suggested that the oral health-related quality of life was affected significantly only due to edentulism and not due to DM. This is indicative of the fact that the quality of the prostheses itself determines the overall oral health-related quality of life, irrespective of whether the patient is a diabetic or not. Therefore, it can be said that the present trends of prosthodontic management of patients with DM are successfully restoring the patients physiological, psychological as well as social needs. Conclusions: Complete edentulism is the terminal outcome of a multifactorial process involving biological factors and patient-related factors. Diabetes and edentulism are both potential comorbid factors governing the oral health-related quality of life. The correlation between the two is complex and needs a thorough evaluation to improve the overall health of patients in the current clinical practice

HIV case notification rates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over the past decade (2000-2009).

ObjectiveTo study trends in HIV case notification rates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.DesignA ten year retrospective review of annual HIV case notification returns to the Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.MethodsAnnual Registry statistics covering the period 2000 to 2009 were reviewed. Annual incidence trends were stratified according to the following demographics: age, nationality, geographical region of residence, gender, and mode of disease acquisition.Results10,217 new HIV cases (2,956 in Saudi nationals and 7,261 in non-Saudis) were reported. Africans of Sub-Saharan Africa origin accounting for 3,982/7,261 (53%) of non-Saudi cases constituted: Ethiopians (2,271), Nigerians (1,048), and Sudanese nationals (663). The overall average annual incidence was ConclusionsWhilst the numbers of reported HIV cases have stabilised since 2006, HIV/AIDS remains an important public health problem in KSA, both in migrants and Saudi nationals. HIV transmission to Saudi children is also of concern. Optimization of data collection, surveillance, and pro-active screening for HIV is required

Emissions Characteristics and Engine Performance from the Interaction Effect of EGR and Diesel-Ethanol Blends in Diesel Engine

Recently, most of the researchers focused on provide lower greenhouse gas emissions that emitted from diesel engines by using renewable fuels to be good alternative to the conventional diesel fuel. Ethanol can be derived from renewable sources such as sugar cane, corn, timber and dates. In the current study, the ethanol fuel used in the tests was derived from the dates. The effects of using exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) diesel-ethanol blend (E10) with on engine performance and emissions characteristics have been studied in diesel engine under various engine loads. This study focused the use of oxygen in the bio-ethanol composition to compensate for the decrease occurred by the addition of EGR, which improves the engine performance and reduces its emissions. In this experiment, the ratios of EGR were 10%, 20% and 30% as well as 10% ratio of ethanol was blended into the diesel fuel blend under fixed engine speed. A traditional (without additional systems to reduce emissions) four cylinders direct injection (DI) diesel engine was used for all tests. The brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) increased with increasing the EGR ratio by 10%, 20% and 30% by 18.7%, 22.4% and 37.4%, respectively. The thermal efficiency decreased under variable conditions of engine load for different ethanol blends. Furthermore, the emissions of NOX decreased when fuelled B10 into the engine in comparison with diesel under low engine load. Significant reduction in the NOx emissions were found when applied EGR in the tests than to the absence EGR for E10 blend and diesel. The NOx reduction rate was 12.3%, 30.6% and 43.4% when EGR rate was 10%, 20% and 30%, respectively. In addition, the concentrations of HC and CO emissions decreased more by 8.23% and 6.4%, respectively, when using E10 in comparison with the diesel for various engine loads. It is indicated that the oxygen reduction by EGR effect was compensated from ethanol blend combustion. The results showed that the combination use of E10 and EGR leads to significant reduction in engine emissions accompanied with partial reduction in the engine performance