Visual symptoms and control of the Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) in the Gaza Strip, Palestine

Abd Rabou AN, Radwan ES. 2017. Visual symptoms and control of the Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. Nusantara Bioscience 9: 322-329. The Red Palm Weevil –RPW (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier)(Coleoptera: Curculionidae) has recently become one of the most destructive pests of Date Palms in the Gaza Strip and the Middle East. It is a serious pest threatening the Date Palm health and production, with the larva is the most destructive stage. The current study aims at introducing the visual symptoms and control techniques of the RPW in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. Field surveys and institutional visits were applied to fulfill the purpose of the study. The current study documented that first local infestation of Date Palm trees with the RPW was discovered in late 2011. The introduction of infected offshoots from Egypt through earth tunnel trade and the ability of the adult RPW to fly long distance and cross borders seem to be main causes of the local infestations with the pest. Different control techniques have been adopted by the responsible parties to combat the RPW; with the integrated pest management (IPM) program was tracked and respected. Finally, the study recommends the cooperation of different parties and authorities to adopt appropriate policies to eliminate the RPW and to support farmers with the necessary pesticides and equipment to control this painful pest

N-acetylcysteine versus progesterone on the cisplatin-induced peripheral neurotoxicity

Background: Cisplatin-induced peripheral nerve neurotoxicity (CIPN) is the main obstacle in cisplatin treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the modulatory effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and progesterone on CIPN, because there are scarce literature data on the protective effect of the proge­sterone on the CIPN. Materials and methods: Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups: control, cisplatin-treated, concomitant cisplatin-treated and NAC-treated, and concomitant cisplatin-treated and progesterone-treated. Electron microscopic, immunohistochemical, real time polymerase chain reaction and histomorphome­tric analysis; oxidative/antioxidative markers (MDA/GSH and SOD), neurotoxic/ neuroprotective markers (iNOS/nNOS), inflammatory mediators (TNF-a and NF-kB) and BAX were done. Results: The myelin sheath in the cisplatin-treated group elucidated infolding. The myelin was disfigured, degenerated, and extensively split with areas of focal loss. The axoplasm was atrophic. Ballooning and vacuolations of the mitochon­dria with alterations of Remak bundles structures were observed. Fewer of these changes were noted in the NAC and progesterone-treated groups. Decrease of the antioxidant SOD and GSH (81% and 64%) and increase of the oxidant MDA (9 folds), increment of the neurotoxic iNOS (1.9 folds) and decrement of the neuroprotective nNOS (64%) and elevation of the inflammatory mediators’ TNF-a and NF-kB (8.3 and 11 folds) in the cisplatin-treated group. Increase of the antioxidant SOD (1.3 and 2.5 folds) and GSH (120% and 79%) and decrease of the oxidant MDA (69% and 88%), decrement of the neurotoxic iNOS (56% and 68%) and increment of the neuroprotective nNOS (1.6 and one folds) and elevation of the inflammatory mediators’ TNF-a and NF-kB were observed in the NAC and progesterone-treated groups, respectively. Conclusions: The toxic effect of CIPN might be attributed to either oxidative or severe inflammatory stress. Progesterone is efficient in ameliorating these effects; however, NAC is better. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 2: 234–245

Fuzzy Algorithm for Supervisory Voltage/Frequency Control of a Self Excited Induction Generator

This paper presents the application of a Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) to regulate the voltage of a Self Excited Induction Generator (SEIG) driven by Wind Energy Conversion Schemes (WECS). The proposed FLC is used to tune the integral gain (KI) of a Proportional plus Integral (PI) controller. Two types of controls, for the generator and for the wind turbine, using a FLC algorithm, are introduced in this paper. The voltage control is performed to adapt the terminal voltage via self excitation. The frequency control is conducted to adjust the stator frequency through tuning the pitch angle of the WECS blades. Both controllers utilize the Fuzzy technique to enhance the overall dynamic performance.  The simulation result depicts a better dynamic response for the system under study during the starting period, and the load variation. The percentage overshoot, rising time and oscillation are better with the fuzzy controller than with the PI controller type.

The State of the Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) in the Gaza Strip, Palestine: A Questionnaire-based Study

The current study aims at documenting the trends on various aspects of the knowledge of farmers, workers and owners of Date Palm orchards regarding the state of the Date Palm sector in Deir Al-Balah region, Gaza Strip, Palestine. One hundred and fifty people (N=150) were selected randomly to fill a questionnaire especially designed to conduct this study. The results of the questionnaire survey revealed that 71.4% of the interviewed population had 3 dunum or less cultivated by Date Palms. The groundwater was the main irrigation source as claimed by 61.3% of the interviewed population; the rest depends on either rain water or reclaimed wastewater. The Hayani cultivar was grown by all respondents, though the majority ensured that the cultivation of diverse cultivars can help lower the risk of pest infestation. About two-thirds (62.0%) confirmed that the average production per a Date Palm tree was from 70 to 200 kg per year. All respondents were aware on the popular uses and industries based on Date Palm trees, and 70.0% of them produce various household products. The military operations of the Israeli occupation and the outbreak of RPW are crucial threats facing the Date Palm sector in the Gaza Strip. Moreover, 84.0% believed on advantages drawn by the Date Palm cultivation projects in the Gaza Strip to include the provision of self-sufficiency and food security, the improvement of productivity and national income and the reduction of unemployment which is an escalating problem in the Gaza Strip. Finally, the study recommends the improvement of the processes of Date Palm cultivation, production and marketing, and the cooperation of responsible parties to ensure a good sustainable development of the Date Palm sector in the Gaza Strip

Effect of physical therapy rehabilitation program (exercise-therapy) on Irritable Bowel Syndrome

To evaluate the effect of physical therapy rehabilitation program consisted of moderate intensity aerobic exercise training (60% MHR) (Maximum Heart Rate) treadmill training on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptom and quality of Life in post cholecystectomy patients. Thirty post cholecystectomy patients complaining from irritable bowel syndrome were recruited for this study; age ranged from 25 to 40 years, Patients were divided randomly into two equal groups, Group (A): received 4 weeks moderate intensity aerobic training program (60% MHR treadmill training (3 sessions per week) plus routine medical treatment protocol, Group (B): received routine medical care only. Patients assessed by Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Quality of Life (IBS-QOL), Assessment was carried out before treatment and 4 weeks after treatment in both groups. Results showed that there was a significant decrease in post treatment values of IBS-SSS and IBS-QOL in comparison to pre-treatment values at both groups with (p-value < .001). Comparison between both groups post treatment showed significant difference in IBS-SSS and IBS-QOL variables, in group (A) more than group (B). Moderate intensity aerobic exercise training (60% MHR) for 4 weeks is effective in treatment of IBS post cholecystectomy through reducing IBS symptoms and improving Quality of Life

Colloid-Facilitated Plutonium Transport in Saturated Alluvium

Natural groundwater colloids have been recognized as possible agents for enhancing the subsurface transport of strongly-sorbing radionuclides. To evaluate this mechanism, packed-bed column experiments were conducted comparing the simultaneous transport of dissolved plutonium (Pu), Pu sorbed onto natural colloids, 190-nm and 500-nm diameter fluorescent CML microspheres, and tritiated water in saturated alluvium. Experiments were conducted in two columns having slightly different porosities at two flow rates, resulting in average linear velocities (v{sub z}) of 0.6 to 3.65 cm/hr in one column and 0.57 to 2.85 cm/hr in the other. In all experiments, Pu associated with natural colloids transported through alluvium essentially unretarded, while dissolved Pu was entirely retained. These results were consistent with the strong sorption of Pu to alluvium and the negligible desorption from natural colloids, observed in separate batch experiments, over time scales exceeding those of the column experiments. Breakthroughs of natural colloids preceded tritiated water in all experiments, indicating a slightly smaller effective pore volume for the colloids. The enhancement of colloids transport over tritiated water decreased with v{sub z}, implying {approx} 40% enhancement at v{sub z} = 0. The 500-nm CML microspheres were significantly attenuated in the column experiments compared to the 190-nm microspheres, which exhibited slightly more attenuation than natural colloids

Concomitant administration of sitagliptin and rutin improve the adverse hepatic alterations in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in albino rats, an overlook on the role of alpha smooth muscle actin

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM), one of the commonest worldwide metabolic conditions, recognized to persuade oxidant/antioxidant discrepancies. Sitagliptin is an oral anti-hyperglycemic remedy that blocks dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4). Rutin is a polyphenolic natural flavonoid which owns antioxidant and anti-proliferative activity. The aim of the present work is to elucidate the concomitant effect of Sitagliptin and rutin on the deleterious alterations in the liver of experimentally induced diabetes in rats. Materials and methods: 50 adult male albino rats, weighing 170-200 g were used. Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=10).  Group 1 (control group), the other 4 groups (Groups II, III, IV and V) received a single i.p. injection of STZ, 65 mgKg-1 body weight to induce diabetes; group II (diabetic), group III (diabetic and rutin administered), group IV (diabetic and sitagliptin administered), and group V (diabetic with sitagliptin and rutin concomitantly administered).  H&amp;E, masson trichrome, PAS, immune-histochemical; α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), histomorphometric analysis, liver enzymes and  oxidatants / anti-oxidatants; malondialdehyde (MDA)/ glutathione (GSH) and were done. Results: Distorted hepatic architecture, dilatation, congestion of sinusoids and central veins as well as cytoplasmic vacuolations were remarkable changes in the diabetic group. There was extravasation of blood, diffuse fibrous tissue formation, increase in the mean values of liver enzymes, oxidative markers and α-SMA expression in the same group. The aforementioned changes were ameliorated in groups III and IV. Concomitant administration of sitagliptin and rutin resulted in marked enhancement of these hepatic alterations. Conclusions: Combination of sitagliptin and rutin has an ameliorating effect on the hepatic deterioration induced by diabetes, which   is better than either sitagliptin or rutin alone

Updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the comparative data on colposuspensions, pubovaginal slings, and midurethral tapes in the surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence

Context Retropubic (RP-TVT) and transobturator miurethral (TO-TVT) midurethral sling (MUS) are popular surgical treatments for female stress urinary incontinence. The long-term efficacy and safety of the procedures is still a topic of intense clinical research and several randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have been published in the last years Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of MUS compared with other surgical treatments for female stress urinary incontinence. Evidence acquisition A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was performed using the Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to update our previously published analyses. Evidence synthesis Twenty-eight RCTs were identified. In total, the meta-analyses included 15 855 patients. Patients receiving MUS had significantly higher overall (odds ratio [OR]: 0.59, p = 0.0003) and objective (OR: 0.51, p = 0.001) cure rates than those receiving Burch colposuspension. Patients undergoing MUS and pubovaginal slings had similar cure rates. Patients treated with RT-TVT had higher subjective (OR: 0.83, p = 0.03) and objective (OR: 0.82, p = 0.01) cure rates than those receiving TO-TVT. However, the latter had a lower risk of intraoperative bladder or vaginal perforation (OR: 2.4, p = 0.0002), pelvic haematoma (OR: 2.61, p = 0.002), urinary tract infections (OR: 1.31, p = 0.04) and voiding lower urinary tract symptoms (OR: 1.66, p = 0.002). Sensitivity analyses limited to RCTs with follow-up durations >60 mo demonstrated similar outcomes for RP-TVT and TO-TVT. No significant differences in efficacy were identified comparing inside-to-out and outside-to-in TO-TVT but vaginal perforations were less common with the former (OR: 0.21, p = 0.0002). Conclusions The present analysis confirms the superiority of MUS over Burch colposuspension. The studies comparing insertion of RT-TVT and TO-TVT showed higher subjective and objective cure rates for the RP-TVT but at the cost of higher risks of some complications and voiding lower urinary tract symptoms. Efficacy of inside-out and outside-in techniques of TO-TVT insertion was similar, although the risk of vaginal perforation was lower in the inside-to-out TO-TVT. Patient summary Retropubic and transobturator midurethral slings are a popular treatment for female stress urinary incontinence. The available literature suggest that those slings are either more effective or safer than other older surgical procedures. Retropubic tapes are followed with slightly higher continence rates as compared with the transobturator tapes but are associated with higher risk of intra- and postoperative complications

Best Practices for Tourism Center Development Along the Red Sea Coast

The spectacular coastlines along Egypt\u27s Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba are the focus for one of the fastest growing tourism economies in the world. In order to accomplish national objectives for growth in permanent, well-paying jobs and in foreign exchange earnings, the Tourism Development Authority (TDA) has launched an initiative to make land available to investors for resort development along these coastlines. As of December, 1997, 6,000 hotel rooms are under construction in the Red Sea region and the TDA has proposals for at least 240 major resorts to be built by the year 2020. While this program has begun to yield impressive results in terms of new hotel construction, tourism jobs and tourist visitations, TDA has recognized that priority must be given to guiding private development in ways that protect Egypt\u27s natural heritage and insure that tourism can be sustained far into the future. It is clear from experience to date that such rapid growth, if not carefully planned and managed, threatens the very attractions that bring visitors here. In the best practices described here, TDA defines well planned and managed -- as distinct from haphazard and destructive -- tourism development for the Red Sea coastal environment. We look to lessons gained from several case studies of tourism center sites being jointly planned by TDA and development companies and from studies of successful established tourism centers in Egypt and from other parts of the world. We also draw upon technical literature from a variety of related fields, including marine biology, landscape architecture, engineering, tourism marketing, environmental planning, and others. These lessons and research are distilled into best practices for the planning and siting of new tourism centers and for the use and protection of environmental assets adjacent to the centers including the coral reef ecosystems, the beaches and headlands, the setback areas along coastal waters, and the surrounding desert landscape. This Best Practices Handbook is designed to be practical, well-illustrated and easily understood. It covers aspects of tourism center development that will: assist the development community to achieve environmentally sound, aesthetically pleasing and market-sensitive tourism centers, and assist the TDA and other public agencies by providing benchmarks on which to set environmental policies, guide the location of tourism centers and the subdivision of public lands, judge development plans and proposals, and base environmental management regulations. In the first section, Best Practices focuses on the framework for tourism development and environmental protection: the roles and responsibilities of key groups and the development process. The subsequent section describes the unique physical and environmental context in which tourism development is occurring and the special measures needed to respect these development shaping features. The subsequent sections address the best practices to accomplish sustainable tourism development. The best practices are not presented as a rigid set of prescribed steps and procedures, but rather as guidance and assistance in designing successful tourism facilities and managing the environmental assets on which tourism depends. Furthermore, this should be seen as our first effort. We intend to build upon and refine these practices as wel gain continued experience. Your suggestions for improvement will be sincerely appreciated

Sinteza i protuupalno, analgetsko i ulcerogeno djelovanje derivata tieno[2,3-d]pirimidina

5-Methyl-6-phenyl-2-thioxothieno[2,3-d]pyrimidone derivative (2) reacted with hydrazonoyl chloride derivatives to afford triazolothienopyrimidones 4a-f. Also, acetone-1-(2-amino-5-isopropyl-thiophene-3-carbonitrile) (3) reacted with functional and bifunctional groups to yield the corresponding compounds 5-11. The new products showed anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and ulcerogenic activities comparable to that of indomethacin and acetylsalicylic acid, respectively.Reakcijom derivata 5-metil-6-fenil-2-tioksotieno[2,3-d]pirimidona (2) s hidrazonoil kloridima dobiveni su triazolotienopirimidoni 4a-f, a reakcijom aceton-1-(2-amino-5-izopropil-tiopen-3-karbonitrila (3) s funkcionalnim i bifunkcionalnim spojevima dobiveni su produkti 511. Novi spojevi imaju slično protuupalno, analgetsko i ulcerogeno djelovanje kao i indometacin, odnosno acetilsalicilna kiselina