The anti-virulence effect of cranberry active compound proanthocyanins (PACs) on the expression of genes in the third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli CTX-M-15 associated with urinary tract infection.

open access articl

Fabrication of β-Silicon Carbide Nanowires from Carbon Powder and Silicon Wafer

β-SiCNWs were synthesized by simple carbo-thermal process using silicon wafer and carbon powder only. The obtained β-SiCNWs were short and thick with random distribution over Si wafer surface when rapid heating rate is applied. While β-SiCNWs fabricated under low heating rate are 57.0±3.0 nm in average diameter and few millimeters in length. An ambient Ar gas flow rates were found to be critical in the growth yield of resultant β-SiC nanowires. XRD diffraction patterns and FTIR spectrum reveals the composition structure of theses wires

EFFICIENCY OPTIMIZATION OF AN OPENLOOP CONTROLLED PERMANENT MAGNET SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR DRIVE USING ADAPTIVE NEURAL NETWORKS

When a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine (PMSM) is utilized for applications where high dynamic performance is not a requirement, a simple open loop control strategy can be used to control them. PMSMs however are prone to instability when operated open loop in a variable speed drive, particularly at mid-frequencies/speeds. This paper presents an open-loop control strategy based on a direct adaptive neural network controller is developed for efficiency optimization of open-loop controlled PMSM drive. Stability constraints of the drive system which was previously reported are used to maintain both stable and highly efficient operation of the drive system. The adopted neural network can be viewed as a method for nonlinear adaptive system identification, relying on pattern recognition of stability limits and maximum obtainable efficiency. Results from computer simulation show that a stable and highly efficient operation can be maintained for the drive system under study irrespective of load and supply variations. The obtained results are also found in correlation with previously reported experiments and observations

Analysis and solutions for RFID tag and RFID reader deployment in wireless communications applications. Simulation and measurement of linear and circular polarised RFID tag and reader antennas and analysing the tags radiation efficiency when operated close to the human body.

The aim of this study is to analysis, investigate and find out the solutions for the problems associated with the implementations of antennas RFID Reader and Tag for various applications. In particular, the efficiency of the RFID reader antenna and the detection range of the RFID tag antenna, subject to a small and compact antenna¿s design configuration have been studied. The present work has been addressed directly to reduce the cost, size and increase the detection range and communication reliability of the RFID framework antennas. Furthermore, the modelling concept of RFID passive tags mounted on various materials including the novel design of RFID reader antenna using Genetic Algorithm (GA) are considered and discussed to maintain reliable and efficient antenna radiation performances. The main benefit of applying GA is to provide fast, accurate and reliable solutions of antenna¿s structure. Therefore, the GA has been successfully employed to design examples: meander-line, two linear cross elements and compact Helical- Spiral antennas. In addition, a hybrid method to model the human body interaction with RFID tag antenna operating at 900MHz has been studied. The near field distribution and the radiation pattern together with the statistical distribution of the radiation efficiency and the absorbed power in terms of cumulative distribution functions for different orientation and location of RFID¿s tag antenna on the human body have been demonstrated. Several tag antennas wi th symmetrical and unsymmetrical structure configurations operating in the European UHF band 850-950 MHz have been fabricated and tested. . The measured and simulated results have been found to be in a good agreement with reasonable impedance matching to the typical input impedance of an RFID integrated circuit chip and nominal power gain and radiation patterns

Aplikadi Pintu Sorong di Saluran Tersier Daerah Reklamasi Rawa Pasang Surut Tipe Luapan B Untuk Budidaya Tanaman Padi (Studi Kasus Desa Mulyasari Banyuasin Sumatera Selatan)

Penelitian bertujuan untuk mempelajari pengelolaan air pada budidaya padi di lahan rawa pasang surut tipe luapan B, dimana lahan hanya menerima air pasang pada saat musim penghujan. Operasi pengendalian muka air dilakukan pada periode tanam November-Februari. Metode penelitian adalah percobaan lapangan. Perlakuan dibedakan pada sistem bangunan air yaitu pintu air tipe kelep (Tersier 5) dan tipe sorong (Tersier 4). Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa tekstur tanah di lapisan atas umumnya lempung dan lempung berliat, dengan tingkat kemasaman tanah masam. Manajemen operasi pintu kelep lebih mudah karena selama pertumbuhan petani mengoperasikan sebagai pembuangan (drainase) sehingga cukup meletakan di depan, Sementara pintu sorong petani harus membuka pada saat surut dan memasukan kembali pada saat pasang. Muka air tanah pada lahan menggunakan pintu sorong menunjukan level yang lebih dangkal (-1 sd -5 cm) sementara pada lahan dengan operasi pintu kelep muka air tanah lebih dalam yaitu pada kisaran (-5 sd -15 cm). Pintu sorong yang terbuat dari papan terbukti bisa menggantikan fungsi pintu kelep bahan fiber. Produksi padi yang dicapai dengan penggunaan pintu sorong mencapai 8,0 ton/ha GKP dan pada lahan dengan menggunakan pintu kelep viber adalah 6,8 ton/ha. Analisis terhadap kelebihan air di zona 20 cm menunjukan pada tersier 4 terjadi defisit air sebesar -728 cm dan pada tersier 5 sebesar -1274 cm. Ini berarti pada operasi pintu kelep telah terjadi kesalahan operasi di periode generatif padi, petani masih mengoperasikan sebagai drainase, sehingga tidak ada pengisian air, sehingga kehilangan air di petak tersier tinggi

A new simple route for synthesis of cadmium(II), zinc(II), cobalt(II), and manganese(II) carbonates using urea as a cheap precursor and theoretical investigation

ABSTRACT. The MnCO3.H2O, CoCO3.4H2O, ZnCO3, and CdCO3, respectively, were synthesized through a new precise, easy pathway for the reaction of MnI2, CoI2, ZnI2, or CdI2 aqueous solutions with a cheap precursor-urea for 10 h at ~ 70 oC. The IR spectra of reaction products designate the presence of characteristic bands of ionic carbonate, CO32– and absence of the individual bands of urea. The (CO3)2- ion is planar and therefore, it belongs to the D3h symmetry. It is expected to display four modes of vibrations. The stretching vibrations of the type; n(C-O) is observed in the range of (1376-1503) cm-1 while another stretching vibration n(C-O) is observed in the region 1060-1079 cm-1. The out of plane of vibration d(OCO) is observed in the range of (833-866) cm-1 while, the angle deformation bending vibration d(OCO) appear in the range of (708-732) cm-1. The infrared spectra of metal carbonate, show that, this product clearly has an uncoordinated water. The band related to the stretching vibration n(O-H) of uncoordinated H2O is observed as expected in the range of ~ 3000 cm-1. A general mechanism explaining the synthesis of carbonate compounds of cadmium(II), zinc(II), cobalt(II), and manganese(II), are described. Moreover, the DFT outcomes using B3LYP/LanL2DZ (basis set) agree with the experimental results.                 KEY WORDS: Carbonate, CoI2, Infrared spectra, Urea, DFT   Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(2), 363-372.                                                                DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i2.10                                                     &nbsp

Nutritional Practices of Athletes in Oman: A Descriptive Study

Objective: Adequate dietary intake is crucial for optimum training and performance of athletes. There is almost no available information related to dietary practices among Omani athletes, especially during the competition. This study aimed to assess the nutritional practices (nutritional knowledge, eating habits and daily nutrients intake) among Omani male handball athletes in Muscat city, Oman.Methods: This is a cross sectional study including 35 male handball athletes involved in serious training for no less than three years. Data collection was done through personal interviews using a study questionnaire which enlisted questions relating to socio-demographic information, anthropometric measurements and nutritional practices. All the study participants declared no intake of anabolic steroids.Results: The mean age of the study participants was 27 ± 3 years. Their anthropometric assessment revealed that their mean height was 166 ± 12 cm, mean weight was 75 ± 10 kg, and body mass index was 27 ± 3. Nutritional knowledge analysis revealed that 80% had no nutritional supervision by a nutritionist/dietitian. Their knowledge of nutritional requirements was only 23% correct for total energy intake, 63% for protein intake, 46% for carbohydrate intake, 11% for fat intake and 83% for water intake. Eating habits indicated that 55% had <3 meals/day, 51% had lunch as the principal meal, 51% always added extra salt to their food, 28% took protein supplements on a daily basis, and 51% used pre-competition glycogen load diet. However, none consumed vitamins or mineral supplements. The mean daily caloric intake was 3674 ± 265 kcal/day, which was roughly comprised of 596 ± 66 g carbohydrates, 147 ± 28 g of protein and 78 ± 20 g of total fat.Conclusion: Professional nutritional supervision is needed in order to improve the nutritional knowledge and eating habits of Omani athletes, and therefore improve their athletic performance

Radiation pattern reconfigurable fm antenna

In this work, a radiation pattern reconfigurable antenna design using compact printed spiral monopoles that operates at 102 MHz is reported. The proposed antenna changes its radiation behaviour that responds towards a desired direction with the use of RF switches. The antenna is printed on a 76.6mm × 50mm PCB layer providing more than 20MHz bandwidth at -10 dB threshold and is easily fabricated with low manufacturing cost. The antenna was also simulated on 500mm × 500mm ground plane that represents the roof top of a vehicl

Transition to remote/hybrid learning during the COVID-19 pandemic among Saudi students of the College of Applied Medical Sciences: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has presented unparalleled and unique stressors and challenges to the field of applied health sciences education. This study explored how the College of Applied Medical Sciences (COAMS) Saudi students perceive the transition to remote/ hybrid learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA cross-sectional exploratory investigation was carried out during the months of February and March in the year 2023 among 196- COAMS Saudi students, using the 48-item previously developed and validated questionnaire, and with a non-probability convenient sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were generated for participants’ demographics, and for each questionnaire item and statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test.ResultsOut of the 283 undergraduates who have enrolled in COAMS, a total of 196 students have agreed to participate in the study with an overall response rate of 69.3%. Over 70% of COAMS students were satisfied and engaged in their on-site coursework. Nevertheless, questionnaire data indicates that their satisfaction and level of engagement diminished following the shift to remote learning. More than 62% of COAMS students were satisfied with their instructors’ instructional and assessment strategies during on-site coursework, but such perceptions have decreased with remote instruction. Hybrid learning can be beneficial and effective in improving the performance and learning experience of COAMS students. As compared to female students, COAMS male students were more satisfied with remote learning because it met their needs (p = 0.017).ConclusionRemote classrooms have lower attendance and interest than on-site classes. Despite lower satisfaction levels in online courses, hybrid learning was viewed favourably by COAMS students. Higher educational institutions should develop plans to increase student involvement, improve academic integrity, and assess the effect of the pandemic on undergraduate education on a regular basis. By incorporating these measures, educational institutions can enhance and support the remote learning experience for their students