Geoengineering characterization of the rock masses of northern face of Jabal Sabir, Taiz city, Yemen

This paper is aimed at thedescription and the geotechnical characterization of the Tertiary granitic rock masses of the northern face of Sabir Mountain, Taiz city, Yemen, for the first time. For accomplishing this task, direct and indirect approaches are adopted. The direct approach is represented by field and laboratory investigations. Field investigations include discontinuity (joints) measurements/evaluation, applied Rock Mass Rating (RMR) system and Geological Strength Index (GSI) system, in addition to field tests, while laboratory investigations encompass physico-mechanical tests carried out on granitic rock materials. Indirect approach for the estimation of shear strength parameters (c, Ø), compressive strength (σcm), tensile strength (σtm) and deformation modulus (Erm) of these rock masses was made by applying the generalized Hoek–Brown failure criterion using geotechnical Roc-Lab software. The laboratory results indicate that the Tertiary granitic rock masses show wide range of variations in their physico-mechanical characteristics owing to degree of weathering /alteration and microfractures. The intact samples of Sabir granitic (Tg) rocks show "Moderate"to "High"density, "Low"to "Medium"porosity, "Good"to "Marginal"water absorption capacity and "Weak"to "Very Strong"strength. Stereographically, three main sets of discontinuities (joints) are identified at each station; however, the fourth joint set occurs, in addition to random joint sets. The discontinuities (joints) trend predominately in NE-SW and NW-SE directions in conformity with the regional structures or faults. According to Jv j/m³values, the degree of jointing of these rock masses are varied from "Moderate"to "High"jointing. These rocks are categorized as "Fair"to "Excellent"quality, "Fair"to "Good/Very Good"quality and "Poor"to "Very Good"quality classes according to RQD, RMRb89and GSI respectively. Values ofthe shear strength parameters (c and Ø) and the other rock mass parameters (σtm, σc, σcmand Erm) show variations depending on the rock mass quality and properties of intact rock. However, in general the values of the rock mass parameters are found to increase with increase in the quality of rock mass and intact rock properties

Teachers' self-efficacy and online teaching during COVID-19 pandemic in qatari governmental schools

This study investigated primary school teachers' self-efficacy beliefs regarding online teaching during the Covid-19 pandemic and whether it determines any significant differences in self-efficacy levels based on different demographic data. A quantitative and qualitative survey method was employed. The data was collected from primary school teachers in Qatar public schools using a web-based survey that assessed self-efficacy in three areas: Students Engagement, Classroom Management, and Instructional Strategies. Four open-ended questions were included in determining the challenges faced by teachers, coping strategies, and the support needed and received. A total of 514 teachers voluntarily completed the survey. The results showed that elementary school teachers actively reported self-efficacy beliefs in online teaching. T-test and ANOVA analysis revealed significant differences between primary school teachers' self-efficacy and years of experience in the three fields. However, no significant differences were found between self-efficacy, gender, and age in the area. Results indicated that the more years of experience teachers have, the more self-efficacy they perceive. The open-ended questions' results showed that unmotivated students were the most frustrating challenge primary teachers faced in online teaching. Therefore, contacting parents was highly prioritized by teachers for coping with this challenge. Besides, professional training was the main support received, but more practical and interactive workshops are still needed. This research can provide educators with insights on implementing technology effectively in their online classrooms and adapting to challenging times to achieve a smooth and effective learning process

Leiomyoma of the Round Ligament of the Uterus : Case report and review of literature

Smooth muscle tumours of the round ligament of the uterus are rare and can mimic an inguinal hernia. Preoperative diagnosis can be established by a computed tomography scan of the abdomen or an exploration of the inguinal canal. Surgical excision is the curative treatment

The Use of Laparoscopy in the Management of Trauma Patients : Brief review

 Laparoscopy is one of the most effective intervention modalities, resulting in improved outcomes for major surgeries. In the past decade, the laparoscopic approach in trauma patients has shown better diagnostic outcomes than traditional laparotomies. Furthermore, this approach is cost-effective, significantly reduces the length of hospital stay and contributes to reduced complication rates. However, the use of laparoscopies in trauma cases is generally restricted to patients with normal haemodynamic parameters and is contraindicated for individuals with head injuries. With advances in knowledge and improved training, laparoscopies can also be used in the treatment of other conditions, such as diaphragmatic injuries and organ lacerations. This article briefly reviews the extent of laparoscopy use and its significance in the management of trauma patients

Use of Prophylactic Inferior Vena Cava Filters in Trauma

Venous thromboembolisms, specifically pulmonary embolisms (PEs), represent a significant burden on healthcare systems worldwide, particularly within the setting of trauma. According to the literature, PEs are the most common cause of in-hospital death; however, this condition can be prevented with a variety of prophylactic and therapeutic measures. This article aimed to examine current evidence on the use, indications for prophylaxis, outcomes and complications of prophylactic inferior vena cava filters in trauma patients

Missed Gastric Injuries in Blunt Abdominal Trauma : Case report with review of literature

Hollow viscus injuries of the digestive tract are an uncommon occurrence in blunt abdominal trauma. We report a 39-year-old male who was hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian and admitted to the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, in 2015. He underwent an exploratory laparotomy which revealed injuries to the distal stomach, liver and descending colon. Postoperatively, the patient was febrile, tachycardic and hypotensive. Abdominal examination revealed distention and tenderness. The next day, a repeat laparotomy identified a gastric injury which had not been diagnosed during the initial laparotomy. Although the defect was repaired, the patient subsequently died as a result of multiorgan failure. Missed gastric injuries are rare and are associated with a grave prognosis, particularly for trauma patients. Delays in diagnosis, in addition to associated injuries, contribute to a high mortality rate

Comparison of Postoperative Drain Insertion versus No Drain Insertion in Thyroidectomies : Retrospective case-control study from the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman

Objectives: A thyroidectomy is a frequently performed surgical procedure which can result in lifethreatening complications. The insertion of a drain after a thyroidectomy has been suggested to prevent such complications. This study aimed to evaluate the use of surgical drains following thyroidectomies in relation to postoperative complications and mass sizes. Methods: This retrospective case-control study included all thyroidectomies conducted at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, from January 2011 to December 2013. Length of hospital stay, readmission, postoperative complications and mass size were evaluated. Results: During the study period, 250 surgeries were carried out on 241 patients. The majority of patients were female (87.2%). Drains were inserted postoperatively after 202 surgeries (80.8%) compared to 48 surgeries (19.2%) without drains. A total of 32 surgeries (12.8%) were conducted on patients with thyroid masses <1 cm, 138 (55.2%) on those with masses between 1–4 cm and 80 (32.0%) on those with masses >4 cm. The association between drain use and mass size was not significant (P = 0.439). Although postoperative complications were more prevalent in patients with drains, the relationship between these factors was not significant (P >0.050). Length of hospital stay was significantly longer among patients with postoperative drains (P <0.010). Conclusion: The routine insertion of drains after thyroid surgeries was found to result in longer hospital stays and did not reduce rates of postthyroidectomy complications. Thyroid mass size should not be used as an indicator for the insertion of a drain after thyroidectomy

Preparation of superhydrophobic and self-cleaning polysulfone non-wovens by electrospinning: influence of process parameters on morphology and hydrophobicity

Electrospinning is used to prepare hydrophobic and self-cleaning polysulfone (PSf) surfaces. The effects of PSf concentration in Dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent and electrospinning process parameters on the surface structure and hydrophobicity are investigated. The experimental results show that depending on PSf concentration, three types of morphologies are obtained: beads, beads-on-strings, and free-beads fibers. The surface hydrophobicity depends mainly on the resultant surface morphology, and the existence of beads increases hydrophobicity. The contact angle (CA) is found to increase from 73° for smooth PSf surface to more than 160° for surfaces formed by electrospinning. Moreover, the contact angle hysteresis (CAH) was generally less than 10° for all the chemistries. It is noted that increasing the PSf concentration leads to the formation of beads-on-string and free-beads fiber structures; this morphological change is accompanied by a reduction in the contact angle. Surface structures are found to be more sensitive to electrospinning feed rate than to electrospinning voltage; however, these two parameters have a negligible influence on the hydrophobicity. Porosity measurements of different chemistries show an average pore size in the range 3–8 microns. The thickness of PSf mats was variable, from as low as 10 μm to as high as 70 μm.King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM-MIT Project No. R16-DMN-11)King Abdulaziz City of Science and Technology (Saudia Arabia) (Project No. 11-ADV2134- 04

N-acetyl cysteine’s effect on semen parameters in a sample of Iraqi men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

Background: Infertility is recognized as the incapability of infertile couples to become pregnant following one year of unsafe intercourse, with male factors accounting for roughly half of the documented instances. Several reasons for male infertility factors have been reported; however, the actual cause in the majority of cases remains unknown. Objective: To study prospectively the outcome of N-acetylcysteine on semen parameters in males with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Patient and methods: A total 45 patients with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia have received N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) for 12 weeks, their seminal fluid parameters were measured at the baseline and after 12 weeks. Results: The results showed that after 3 months of NAC treatment, the motility was statistically significantly higher than pre-NAC baseline, with no statistically significant differences in both count and morphology. Conclusion: These results confirmed that NAC has a positive effect in improving motility in infertile men and thus resulting in better spermatogenesis and sperm function

Insomnia in chronic renal patients on dialysis in Saudi Arabia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Studies have shown that insomnia is a common sleep disorder among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of insomnia in Saudi patients with ESRD who are on maintenance dialysis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This was an observational cross-sectional study carried out over a period of five months in two hemodialysis centers in Saudi Arabia. To assess the prevalence of insomnia, we used the ICSD-2 definition. We also examined the association between insomnia and other sleep disorders, the underlying causes of renal failure, dialysis duration, dialysis shift, and other demographic data.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Out of 227 enrolled patients, insomnia was reported by 60.8%. The mean patient age was 55.7 ± 17.2 years; 53.7% were male and 46.3% were female. Insomnia was significantly associated with female gender, afternoon hemodialysis, Restless Legs Syndrome, high risk for obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and excessive daytime sleepiness (<it><b>P-values: </b></it>0.05, 0.01, < 0.0001, < 0.0001, and < 0.0001, respectively). No significant association was found between insomnia and other variables, including BMI, smoking habits, underlying etiology of renal failure, dialysis duration, association with hemoglobin, ferritin, and phosphorus or dialysis adequacy as measured by the Kt/V index.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Insomnia is common in dialysis patients and was significantly associated with other sleep disorders. Greater attention needs to be given to the care of dialysis patients with regard to the diagnosis and management of insomnia and associated sleep disorders.</p