The Effect of Value Added Intellectual Coefficient on Firms' performance: Evidence from Jordanian Industrial Sector

This study aimed to investigate the effect of intellectual capital measured by value added intellectual coefficient (VAIC) and its components on the firms' performance, based on a sample of 20 Jordanian industrial company contribution during the period 2009-2014. The study used two measures of performance; namely, return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE), while independent variables included VAIC and its components; human capital efficiency (HCE), structural capital efficiency (SCE) capital employed efficiency (CEE), in addition to the firm size and leverage ratio. The results showed that there is a positive and significant effect of VAIC, HCE and CEE on ROA and ROE, while SCE have no effect on the performance of Jordanian industrial companies. The study recommended the need to address the intellectual capital intensively to be one of the most important considerations in the company.   Key words: intellectual capital, value added intellectual, return on assets, return on equity, , structural capital efficiency,

Experimental Observations of the Aluminium Combustion Process During Flame Propagation in a Tube

Combustion process during metallic dust flame propagation is still a point of discussion. Heterogeneous combustion (between solid particles and the air) or partial heterogeneous combustion followed by homogeneous combustion (in the gas phase) are two possible metallic combustion processes. In this work, aluminium flame propagation inside a tube is studied. Some experimental observations of this flame propagation mechanism are presented: as for example, micro-explosions of particles, white tail-like light following particles... These different observations seem to agree with a (partial) homogeneous combustion process in the gas phase

Solar Hydrogen Production via a Samarium Oxide-Based Thermochemical Water Splitting Cycle

The computational thermodynamic analysis of a samarium oxide-based two-step solar thermochemical water splitting cycle is reported. The analysis is performed using HSC chemistry software and databases. The first (solar-based) step drives the thermal reduction of Sm2O3 into Sm and O2. The second (non-solar) step corresponds to the production of H2 via a water splitting reaction and the oxidation of Sm to Sm2O3. The equilibrium thermodynamic compositions related to the thermal reduction and water splitting steps are determined. The effect of oxygen partial pressure in the inert flushing gas on the thermal reduction temperature (TH) is examined. An analysis based on the second law of thermodynamics is performed to determine the cycle efficiency (ηcycle) and solar-to-fuel energy conversion efficiency (ηsolar−to−fuel) attainable with and without heat recuperation. The results indicate that ηcycle and ηsolar−to−fuel both increase with decreasing TH, due to the reduction in oxygen partial pressure in the inert flushing gas. Furthermore, the recuperation of heat for the operation of the cycle significantly improves the solar reactor efficiency. For instance, in the case where TH = 2280 K, ηcycle = 24.4% and ηsolar−to−fuel = 29.5% (without heat recuperation), while ηcycle = 31.3% and ηsolar−to−fuel = 37.8% (with 40% heat recuperation)

Biomedical and photocatalytic applications of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles: Ecotoxicology study of brilliant green dye and its mechanistic degradation pathways

© 2020 Elsevier B.V. The preparation of nanoparticles from biological materials is an economic and environmentally friendly strategy with several advantages. The current study is focused to synthesize silver nanoparticles using Petroselinum crispum plant extract. Various characteristics of biologically synthesized AgNPs were determined with UV–Visible (UV/Vis) Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The plasmonic resonance peak at 425 nm ensured the formation of AgNPs. The FTIR analysis showed that the as-synthesized particles contain alcoholic and polyphenolic constituents, which are responsible for their capping and reduction. The HRTEM results revealed spherical shape of AgNPs with size ranging from 25 to 90 nm. The as-synthesized particles demonstrated excellent antibacterial properties against Gram positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The antioxidant applications of the particles were determined with 2,2-diphenyle-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Moreover, the photocatalytic application of the synthesized AgNPs was evaluated for brilliant green dye (BG). The results demonstrated high degradation of BG due to small size and well-dispersed nature of AgNPs. Degradation products of BG were identified to suggest degradation pathways. The eco-toxicity of the BG and constituents derived from the dye were studied with Ecological Structure Activity Relationship (ECOSAR) software

Reactive Absorption of CO2 Using Ethylaminoethanol Promoted Aqueous Potassium Carbonate Solvent

Atmospheric concentration of CO2, which is considered as one of the major greenhouse gases (GHGs), has increased up to 398 ppmv as of 2015. CO2 concentration in atmosphere was 280 ppmv in pre-industrial era, and due to the continuous discharge, it is expected to increase up to 550 ppmv by 2050. Many of the major industrial sources of CO2 emissions are natural gas fired power plants, synthesis gas used in integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) and power generation, gas streams produced after combustion of fossil fuels or other carbonaceous materials, and oxyfuels. Reactive absorption of CO2 from the industrial off gases by using chemical solvents is considered as one of the most common, efficient, and cost effective technologies utilized by the industry for CO2 capture. The captured CO2 can be stored by using the geological or oceanic sequestration approaches. As an alternative to geological or oceanic sequestration, the captured CO2 can be re-energized into CO by using solar energy and combined with H2, which can be generated from different methods, to produce syngas. The syngas produced can be further processed to liquid fuels such as methanol, gasoline, jet fuel, etc. via the catalytic Fischer-Tropsch process. In past, a variety of chemical solvents (mostly aqueous amines and there derivatives) have been used for CO2 capture from different gaseous streams via reactive absorption. Though the amines are attractive for the CO2 capture application, there are several disadvantages such as very strong corrosion to equipment and piping, high energy requirement during the stripping of CO2 and they are prone to oxidative and thermal degradation. Recently, use of aqueous potassium carbonate (K2CO3) as a solvent for the absorption of CO2 has gained widespread attention. The usage of K2CO3 has been employed in a number on industries for the removal of CO2 and H2S. Due to its high chemical solubility of CO2, low toxicity and solvent loss, no thermal and oxidative degradation, low heat of absorption, and absence of formation of heat stable salts, K2CO3 seems to be more attractive compared to the conventional amines towards CO2 capture. However, K2CO3 solvent shows slow rate of reaction with CO2 and, consequently, low mass transfer in the liquid phase as compared to the amine solvents. Hence, several investigators are focused towards improving the rate of reaction of CO2 in K2CO3 solvent with the help of different types of promoters. In this paper, the kinetics of absorption of CO2 into an aqueous K2CO3 (20 wt %) promoted by ethylaminoethanol (EAE) solution (hereafter termed as APCE solvent) was studied in a glass stirred cell reactor using a fall in pressure method. Reactive absorption of CO2 in EAE promoted aqueous K2CO3 solution (APCE solvent) was studied at different initial EAE concentrations (0.6 to 2 kmol/m3) and reaction temperatures (303 to 318 K). The reaction between the CO2 and APCE solvent was very well represented by the zwitterion mechanism. The N2O analogy was employed for the determination of H_(CO2) in the APCE solvent. The H_(CO2) was observed to be decreased by 5 and 31% due to the increase in the EAE concentration from 0.6 to 2 kmol/m3 and reaction temperature from 303 to 318 K, respectively. The D_(CO2) in the APCE solvent was also decreased by 21% due to the similar increase in the initial EAE concentration. In contrast, the D_(CO2) increased with the rise in the reaction temperature from 303 to 318 K by a factor of 1.678. The rate of absorption of CO2 in the APCE solvent was observed to increase by 35.10% and 47.59% due to the increase in EAE concentration (0.6 to 2 kmol/m3) and reaction temperature (303 to 318 K). The absorption kinetics was observed to be of overall second order i.e. first order with respect to both CO2 and EAE concentrations, respectively. The rate constant (k_2) for the absorption of CO2 in the APCE solvent was observed to be equal to 45540 m3/kmol√s at 318 K. The temperature dependency of k_2 for the CO2 – APCE solvent system was experimentally determined as: k_2 = (1.214 × [10]^18)√exp(( − 9822.7)/T). Findings of this study indicate EAE as a promising promoter for the aqueous K2CO3 solution.qscienc

Influence of Spino-Pelvic and Postural Alignment Parameters on Gait Kinematics

Introduction: Postural alignment is altered with spine deformities that might occur with age. Alteration of spino-pelvic and postural alignment parameters are known to affect daily life activities such as gait. It is still unknown how spino-pelvic and postural alignment parameters are related to gait kinematics. Research question: To assess the relationships between spino-pelvic/postural alignment parameters and gait kinematics in asymptomatic adults. Methods: 134 asymptomatic subjects (aged 18-59 years) underwent 3D gait analysis, from which kinematics of the pelvis and lower limbs were extracted in the 3 planes. Subjects then underwent full-body biplanar X-rays, from which skeletal 3D reconstructions and spino-pelvic and postural alignment parameters were obtained such as sagittal vertical axis (SVA), center of auditory meatus to hip axis plumbline (CAM-HA), thoracic kyphosis (TK) and radiologic pelvic tilt (rPT). In order to assess the influence of spino-pelvic and postural alignment parameters on gait kinematics a univariate followed by a multivariate analysis were performed. Results: SVA was related to knee flexion during loading response (β = 0.268); CAM-HA to ROM pelvic obliquity (β = -0.19); rPT to mean pelvic tilt (β = -0.185) and ROM pelvic obliquity (β = -0.297); TK to ROM hip flexion/extension in stance (β = -0.17), mean foot progression in stance (β = -0.329), walking speed (β = -0.19), foot off (β = 0.223) and step length (β = -0.181). Significance: This study showed that increasing SVA, CAM-HA, TK and rPT, which is known to occur in adults with spinal deformities, could alter gait kinematics. Increases in these parameters, even in asymptomatic subjects, were related to a retroverted pelvis during gait, a reduced pelvic obliquity and hip flexion/extension mobility, an increased knee flexion during loading response as well as an increase in external foot progression angle. This was associated with a decrease in the walking pace: reduced speed, step length and longer stance phase

An Overview Of Antidote For Midazolam Overdose, Role Of Clinical Laboratory, Anesthesia And Nursing In The Management

Midazolam is commonly administered as a premedication due to its beneficial properties of inducing amnesia, reducing anxiety, and promoting sedation. Incorrect administration of midazolam at an inappropriate dosage elevates the likelihood of respiratory and circulatory depression. An individual died as a consequence of receiving a 10 mg dosage of intravenous (IV) midazolam during an endoscopic procedure.1 While there is no documented evidence of fatalities resulting from the intramuscular (IM) administration of midazolam, we have encountered two instances of excessive doses of IM midazolam being delivered. Thankfully, there were no issues. However, the occurrences highlighted the reality that certain doctors and nurses may lack the necessary expertise in administering a drug, even if it has been widely used for an extended period of time. Only a few examples have been recorded in the literature where the premedication of IM midazolam was administered at a dosage four times higher than recommended. The sedative effects were extended, however, there was no occurrence of circulatory or respiratory depression, which is fortunate. Both accidents occurred due to the nurse and resident\u27s inadequate familiarity with midazolam. Hence, it is imperative not to assume that all medical personnel possess equivalent experience and expertise regarding frequently utilized medications. It is crucial to thoroughly examine prescriptions and processes, especially for common medications, in order to prevent unintentional overdoses. The clinical laboratory, anesthesia, and nursing play crucial roles in managing patients, including tasks such as identifying drug levels in urine, administering antidotes, performing intubation, and providing more effective therapy with the help of the anesthesia team

Clinical Characteristics of Non-Intensive Care Unit COVID-19 Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: The ongoing pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health concern. It has affected more than 5 million patients worldwide and resulted in an alarming number of deaths globally. While clinical characteristics have been reported elsewhere, data from our region is scarce. We investigated the clinical characteristics of mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Data of 401 confirmed COVID-19 patients were collected from 22 April 2020 to 21 May 2020 at five tertiary care hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The patients were divided into four groups according to age, Group 1: 0-60 years; and their clinical symptoms were compared. Results: The median (IQR) age in years was 10.5 (1.5-16) in group I, 34 (29-41) in group II, 53 (51-56) in group III, and 66 (61-76) in group IV. Most patients were male (80%, n = 322) and of Arabian or Asian descent. The median length of stay in the hospital was 10 (8-17) days (range 3-42 days). The most common symptoms were cough (53.6%), fever (36.2%), fatigue (26.4%), dyspnea (21.9%), and sore throat (21.9%). Hypertension was the most common underlying comorbidity (14.7%), followed by obesity (11.5%), and diabetes (10%). Hypertensive patients were less likely to present with shortness of breath, cough, sputum, diarrhea, and fever. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the symptoms among different age groups and comorbidities were mostly seen in the older age group. Interestingly, hypertensive patients were found to have milder symptoms and a shorter length of stay. Further larger collaborative national studies are required to effectively understand clinical characteristics in our part of the world to efficiently manage and control the spread of SARS-CoV-2

Clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory characteristics of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia: an observational cohort study

Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) emerged from China in December 2019 and has presented as a substantial and serious threat to global health. We aimed to describe the clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory findings of patients in Saudi Arabia infected with SARS-CoV-2 to direct us in helping prevent and treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) across Saudi Arabia and around the world. Materials and methods Clinical, epidemiological, laboratory, and radiological characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of pediatric and adult patients in five hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were surveyed in this study. Results 401 patients (mean age 38.16 ± 13.43 years) were identified to be SARS-CoV-2 positive and 80% of cases were male. 160 patients had moderate severity and 241 were mild in severity. The most common signs and symptoms at presentation were cough, fever, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, aspartate aminotransferase, C-reactive protein, and ferritin were higher in the COVID-19 moderate severity patient group. Mild severity patients spent a shorter duration hospitalized and had slightly higher percentages of abnormal CT scans and X-ray imaging. Conclusions This study provides an understanding of the features of non-ICU COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia. Further national collaborative studies are needed to streamline screening and treatment procedures for COVID-19