Students' Reluctance to Attend Office Hours: Reasons and Suggested Solutions

This paper focuses on investigating students’ reasons for their reluctance to attend faculty members’ office hours. Study participants included 500 male and female students from the Colleges of Engineering (n = 248) and Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) (n = 252) at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). The study followed a descriptive-analytical approach, and a questionnaire was utilized to collect people’s views. The results of the study indicate that the rates of SQU students’ attendance to office hours were low, and some students (11.2%) do not attend at all as they consider these office hours a waste of time. The main reasons behind the students’ lack of interest in office hours were busy student timetables, conflicts between faculty office hours and students’ timetables, and easier and faster ways of getting information than visiting faculty members. Additional reasons were related to faculty members’ personalities and their discouraging attitudes toward attending office hours. The researchers recommend that SQU adopt a new strategy for encouraging faculty members to hold office hours, familiarizing students with the importance of office hours and assigning part of a course’s grades to meeting with faculty members’ office hours

Role of Assistive Devices on Gait in Patients with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: Systematic Review

Background: People with incomplete spinal cord injury disabilities can be able to live a healthy, productive, and dignified life by using Assistive devices as their role in improving gait. Facilitate locomotion rehabilitation. And enable people with incomplete SCI to ambulate in an upright position. Objective: This systematic review aimed to examine the effectiveness of the role of using assistive devices in gait rehabilitation in patients with incomplete SCI. Material and Methods: Studies were identified from 2000 to 2020 by electronic search using PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Google Scholar, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (Pedro). They were reviewed if they were randomized control trials focused on the effectiveness of Assistive Devices on Gait in Patients in age more than 18 years with incomplete Spinal Cord Injury being published in English. Eight studies were selected according to inclusive and exclusive criteria and descriptive analysis was conducted due to heterogeneity. Results: Eight trials were identified with good quality methodology. Descriptive analysis was applied for three studies that supported the use of assistive devices for those patients and meta-analysis was applied for five studies. The mean difference across all the five studies is -0.69 (95% CI -0.93, -0.45). According to AACPDM, there is level II evidence that supports the use of the assistive device as a method to be able to live a healthy, productive, and dignified life. Conclusion: The current level of evidence supports the effectiveness of assistive devices in improving gait in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury

Foresight for sustainable energy policy in Egypt: results from a Delphi survey

International audienceThis paper presents energy opportunities, particular areas of high potential and reflections on energy challenges in Egypt by the year 2040. Energy foresight significantly contributes in the effective review and formulation of national energy policies and strategies. In this work, 350 experts participated in real-time Delphi survey and responded to a set of structured and cross-linked questionnaires that aim to assess and provide future dimension to the energy sector in Egypt. Priorities are presented across 14 energy cluster-areas with 180 identified topics. The two-round Delphi study with an iterative process was performed to determine and measure the expectations of the different stakeholders with specific emphasis on the prospects of renewable energy and energy efficiency. The designed cross-linkages between survey components allowed the systematic pooling and convergence of knowledge in addition to the technical insights and different perspectives. About 50% of Egypt's energy demand was foresighted to be met by renewable energies around 2030. The results showed that all types of energy would not only provide economic and environmental benefits but also improve living standards. This work demonstrates that involving large diversity of expertise and different stakeholders, comprising heterogeneous groups, in foresight studies would potentiate the forecasting power, reduce the polarization effect, and enhance the reliability of the foresight exercise

Nigeria's transition to a circular economy: challenges, opportunities and future perspectives

The concept of a circular economy (CE) is a sustainable development strategy aimed at minimising waste and maximising resource efficiency. This paper explores the transition towards a circular economy in Nigeria, providing an overview of the challenges, opportunities, and future perspectives. Nigeria is rich in natural resources and has significant economic potential. However, the country faces severe environmental, economic, and social challenges that could be met with a circular economy. Although Nigeria has abundant natural resources and great economic potential, it faces many significant environmental, economic, and social challenges that must be addressed to move to a circular economy as a viable solution. The methods used in research are based on a mixed-methods research approach; the study synthesises findings from a comprehensive literature review, case studies of Nigerian businesses adopting CE practices, and insights from a SWOT analysis conducted in consultation with experts. The conclusions of the SWOT analysis, enriched by discussions with experts, form the basis for a set of targeted recommendations. These recommendations are aimed at policymakers, business leaders, and practitioners, outlining strategic actions to overcome the identified barriers and harness the opportunities inherent in a circular economy. This paper contributes to the scholarly discourse on sustainability and serves as a practical guide for other developing countries navigating the transition to a circular economy. It underscores the urgency and feasibility of adopting circular economy principles in Nigeria, highlighting the path towards a more sustainable, efficient, and economically robust future. In the study, prospects for Nigeria to benefit from include increased resource efficiency, job creation, economic diversification, and environmental sustainability if the circular economy approach were applied

Circular bioeconomy in Egypt: the current state, challenges, and future directions

The concept of circular bioeconomy or bio-based circular economy is an integrated concept of circular economy and bioeconomy. In other words, it alludes to a systematic approach to economic growth that makes use of cascading biomass production from biological resources. In order to fulfil the objectives of sustainable development and the circular bioeconomy in Egypt, it is recommended that the bioeconomy be focused on as an economy of societal value in this article. It also discusses future directions and actions that can be used in this regard. This paper presents the current situation of the development of circular bioeconomy in Egypt and discuss future directions and measures that can be exploited and recommends focusing on the bioeconomy as an economy of societal value, enabling the achievement of the goals of sustainable development and the circular bioeconomy. Although there is no specific strategy for the bioeconomy, there are numerous government initiatives aiming to benefit from it in the future

Future scenarios of green hydrogen in the MENA countries: the case of Egypt

Green hydrogen is a clean and renewable energy source that has the potential to play a major role in decarbonizing the global economy. Green hydrogen has become a promising decarbonization strategy for several industries, including transportation and manufacturing. The widespread use of green hydrogen technology still confronts several obstacles, such as high costs, a lack of infrastructure, and regulatory restrictions. The paper commences by examining the potential of green hydrogen production in MENA countries with a specific emphasis on Egypt as best practice example. It proceeds to identify the key drivers that will shape future scenarios of green hydrogen and outlines the best and worst-case scenarios for green hydrogen in MENA region by 2050. Through scenario analysis, the paper presents potential pathways for green hydrogen deployment in Egypt and the wider MENA countries, highlighting key drivers and potential barriers. According to the findings, Egypt emerges as pivotal player in driving the deployment of green hydrogen within the MENA region. The MENA region, rich in solar and wind resources and strategically located, emerges as a potent hub for green hydrogen production. Egypt, in particular, is at the forefront of this initiative, aiming to become a key exporter in the global hydrogen economy by leveraging its renewable resources, strategic projects, and conducive investment environment. The study employs a multifaceted methodology, integrating PEST analysis and identifying key drivers like renewable targets and technological advancements to assess green hydrogen’s potential in the MENA region, focusing on Egypt. It constructs best- and worst-case scenarios by 2050, utilizing these drivers to evaluate the implications of various influencing factors. In the best-case scenario, by 2050, Egypt aspires to be a pivotal player in the global green hydrogen economy, aiming for up to 8% market share. Through strategic investments, policy enhancements, and global partnerships, Egypt plans to become a major exporter, particularly to the European Union, aligning with global decarbonization goals. Comprehensive strategies are expected to drive economic prosperity, potentially increasing Egypt's GDP by $10-18 billion by 2025. Collaborations with global entities have fostered a robust infrastructure, enabling an integrated ecosystem for green hydrogen innovation and production

Circular economy in Egypt: an overview of the current landscape and potential for growth

This paper provides an overview of the circular economy in Egypt. With the country facing significant environmental challenges, a circular economy approach can offer sustainable solutions to Egypt's environmental challenges by addressing issues like limited resources, waste generation, and a growing population in an eco-friendly and long-term perspective. This research employs a mixed-methods approach, including a literature review, surveys, and consultations with key stakeholders. The analysis reveals that although there are numerous challenges to establishing a circular economy in Egypt, such as limited understanding, insufficient government backing, and inadequate infrastructure, there are also opportunities, such as increasing demand for eco-friendly goods and services, as well as a receptive business environment. The paper recommends various policy and practical interventions to overcome these barriers and capitalize on these opportunities, including increasing awareness and understanding of the circular economy, developing supportive programs and regulations, investing in infrastructure and technology, and fostering stakeholder collaboration. This paper provides valuable insights into the potential for a circular economy in Egypt and the steps that can be taken to create a more sustainable future for the country. As such, it will interest policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working in the sustainability and environmental management field. The successful implementation of a circular economy in Egypt will require collective efforts from stakeholders to promote long-term sustainability and environmental stewardship

Utility of certain nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions for the assay of pregabalin in capsules

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Pregabalin (PG) is an anticonvulsant, analgesic and anxiolytic drug. A survey of the literature reveals that all the reported spectrophotometric methods are either don't offer high sensitivity, need tedious extraction procedures, recommend the measurement of absorbance in the near UV region where interference most probably occurs and/or use non specific reagent that don't offer suitable linearity range.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Two new sensitive and simple spectrophotometric methods were developed for determination of pregabalin (PG) in capsules. Method (I) is based on the reaction of PG with 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulphonate sodium (NQS), yielding an orange colored product that was measured at 473 nm. Method (II) is based on the reaction of the drug with 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) producing a yellow product measured at 373 nm. The different experimental parameters affecting the development and stability of the reaction product in methods (I) and (II) were carefully studied and optimized. The absorbance-concentration plots were rectilinear over the concentration ranges of 2-25 and 0.5-8 μg mL^-1for methods (I) and (II) respectively. The lower detection limits (LOD) were 0.15 and 0.13 μg mL^-1and the lower quantitation limits (LOQ) were 0.46 and 0.4 μg mL^-1for methods (I) and (II) respectively.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The developed methods were successfully applied to the analysis of the drug in its commercial capsules. The mean percentage recoveries of PG in its capsule were 99.11 ± 0.98 and 100.11 ± 1.2 (n = 3). Statistical analysis of the results revealed good agreement with those given by the comparison method. Proposals of the reaction pathways were postulated.</p

Comparison between the efficacy of underwater treadmill and over-ground treadmill training program on knee joint during gait cycle of stroke patients

Introduction: Gait disorder is a common clinical problem for stroke survivors that impacts performance of activities of daily living.&nbsp;Objective: This study was conducted to compare between the efficacy of underwater Treadmill Training Program (TTP) and over-ground (TTP) in improving knee joint Range of Motion (ROM) during the gait cycle of stroke patients.&nbsp;Study design: Randomized control trial.&nbsp;Methods: Forty male patients suffering from post-stroke gait deficits were assigned randomly into two equal groups: study group (A): Received underwater treadmill training program. Control group (B) received over-ground treadmill training program. Patients of both groups were assessed for knee Range of Motion (ROM) during gait cycle using slow motion video and goniometer iPad application. Assessment was done before and after four weeks of treatment for both groups.&nbsp;Results: The comparison between groups post treatment showed a significant increase in knee flexion ROM in initial contact and pre-swing phase and increase in knee extension ROM in mid stance phase of the study group (A) compared with that of control group (B).&nbsp;Conclusion: Under water TTP is more effective than over-ground TTP on improving knee joint ROM during the gait cycle of stroke patients.</p

Hexnuclear Cadmium(II) Cluster Constructed from Tris(2-methylpyridyl)amine (TPA) and Azides

A novel rare hexa nuclear cadmium(II)&ndash;azide cluster, [Cd6(TPA)4(&mu;3-1,1,3-N3)4(&mu;2-1,1-N3)6](ClO4)2&middot;2H2O (1) was isolated and structurally characterized, in which the azide ligands reveal &mu;-1,1,3- and &mu;-1,1-N3 bridging modes