Semiclassical Hartree-Fock theory of a rotating Bose-Einstein condensation

In this paper, we investigate the thermodynamic behavior of a rotating Bose-Einstein condensation with non-zero interatomic interactions theoretically. The analysis relies on a semiclassical Hartree-Fock approximation where an integral is performed over the phase space and function of the grand canonical ensemble is derived. Subsequently, we use this result to derive several thermodynamic quantities including the condensate fraction, critical temperature, entropy and heat capacity. Thereby, we investigate the effect of the rotation rate and interactions parameter on the thermodynamic behavior. The role of finite size is discussed. Our approach can be extended to consider the rotating condensate in optical potential

Comparative experimental study on two designed intravenous anaesthetic combinations in dogs

The goal of the present study is to design a good anaesthetic program for dogs which can lead to optimal anaesthesia with no or minimal post-operative adverse effects. For this purpose, we designed two naesthetic combinations and compared their effects in Mongrel dogs: combination ‘A’ consisting of atropine, xylazine, ketamine plus propofol, and combination ‘B’ consisting of atropine, diazepam, ketamine plus propofol. The onset and duration of anaesthesia induction, the duration of maintenance as well as the period of recovery were recorded and compared for both combinations. Furthermore, heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature as well as blood picture were analyzed before and after administration of the proposed anaesthetic regimens. Administration of combination ‘A’ lead to rapid onset, within seconds, and induction of anaesthesia. The anaesthetic effect was maintained for approximately 29 minutes after injection of propofol. This was followed by very smooth recovery within approximately 68 minutes after induction of anaesthesia. In contrast, a less efficient induction and maintenance of anaesthesia as well as individual variability was observed after administration of combination ‘B’. Approximately 14 minutes were needed for anaesthesia induction, which was maintained for 23 minutes after injection of propofol. Furthermore, administration of combination ‘B’ was associated with alterations in heart rate, body temperature and hematological picture. In conclusion, our results revealed that combined administration of atropine, xylazine, ketamine plus propofol (combination ‘A’) is considered satisfactory for anaesthesia in dogs with minimal postoperative side effects

VISUALIZATION-BASED DECISION SUPPORT FOR OPTIMIZING SITE SELECTION:QUARRIES IN LEBANON; WHERE TO?

Traditionally the term visualization has been used to describe the process of graphically conveying or presenting end results. This paper argues that the utility of visualization approaches extends beyond these limits as it plays key role in fields of exploration, analysis and presentation, which enhances planner\u27s capabilities to solve complex planning problems. It proposes a transdisciplinary method that combines visualization approaches to site selection, integrated with spatial scenario planning, and stakeholder participation. However, it focuses on visualization as it relates to spatial data, to be applied to all the stages of problem-solving in geographical analysis, from development of initial hypotheses, through knowledge discovery, analysis, presentation and evaluation. It uses three different spatial scenarios – nature conservation, residential expansion, and sustainable development- to investigate the potentials of GIS based visualization to develop maps of a range of plausible future for possible quarrying locations in Lebano

Belastungssteuerung im Schwimmsport auf der Basis individueller Leistungsdiagnostik im Kraul-, Rücken- und Schmetterlingsschwimmen

Eine Analyse der leistungsdiagnostischen Methoden und Verfahren im Schwimmsport ergab, dass das spezielle Anforderungsprofil jeder einzelnen Schwimmtechnik in der komplexen Leistungsdiagnostik kaum Berücksichtigung findet. In der Regel konzentrieren sich die leistungsdiagnostischen Untersuchungen nur auf eine Schwimmtechnik. Aus den gewonnenen Erkenntnissen werden dann Ableitungen für die Belastungssteuerung in den anderen Schwimmtechniken getroffen. Die muskuläre Beanspruchung, die aerob-anaerobe Leistungsfähigkeit der Schwimmer und die biomechanischen Anforderungen sind in den einzelnen Schwimmtechniken jedoch äußerst unterschiedlich, so dass es problematisch erscheint, leistungsdiagnostische Befunde aus einer Schwimmtechnik auf andere Schwimmtechniken zu übertragen. Ziel dieser Studie war es deshalb, die physiologischen und biomechanischen Unterschiede der einzelnen Schwimmtechniken und die Bedeutung einer disziplinspezifischen Leistungsdiagnostik umfassend herauszuarbeiten und durch eigene Befunde neue Erkenntnisse für die Leistungsdiagnostik und Belastungssteuerung im Schwimmsport zu gewinnen. Der empirische Teil der Arbeit basiert auf einer Längsschnittuntersuchung im Schwimmsport mit sechs männlichen und acht weiblichen Leistungsschwimmern des Schwimmvereins SV Halle. Alle Probanden absolvierten in einem dreimonatigen Zeitraum zu drei Messzeitpunkten neun Stufentests über 5 x 200 m mit Laktat- und Herzfrequenzbestimmung im Kraul-, Rücken- und Schmetterlingsschwimmen. Die Schwimmgeschwindigkeiten für die einzelnen Belastungsstufen wurden aus der 200-Bestzeit der jeweiligen Schwimmtechnik abgeleitet. Begonnen wurde mit 76% der Bestzeit, danach wurde die Intensität jeweils um vier Prozent erhöht. Die letzte Stufe musste mit maximaler Geschwindigkeit geschwommen werden. Die Blutabnahme erfolgte direkt nach jeder Belastungsstufe in den ersten 20 Sekunden. Im Rückenschwimmen ist der stärkste Anstieg der Laktat-Geschwindigkeits-Beziehung erkennbar. Männer und Frauen zeigen für die submaximalen Parameter ein vergleichbares Bild im Kraul-, Rücken- und Schmetterlingsschwimmen. Unterschiede zeigen sich in den Absolutwerten der Schwimmgeschwindigkeit, der maximalen Laktatkonzentration und der maximalen Herzfrequenz. Die Schwimmerinnen erreichen eine signifikant höhere maximale Herzfrequenz und die Männer eine signifikant höher maximale Laktatkonzentration in allen drei Schwimmtechniken.An analysis of the performance diagnostic methods and procedures in the swimming showed that the special qualification profile of every single swimming technique finds hardly consideration in the complex performance diagnostics. As a rule, the performance diagnostic investigations only concentrate on a swimming technique. From the won knowledge, derivations are then met for the load regulation in the other swimming techniques. The muscular stress, the aerobic-anaerobic performance ability of the swimmers and the biomechanical demands are, however, extremely differently swimming techniques into the single one so that it seems problematic to transfer performance diagnostic results to other swimming techniques from a main swimming technique. It was therefore aim of this study to work out the physiologic and biomechanical differences of the individual swimming techniques and the meaning of a discipline specific performance diagnostics comprehensively and to win new knowledge for the performance diagnostics and load regulation in the swimming. The empirical part of the work bases on a longitudinal section investigation in the swimming with six male and eight female performance swimmers of the SV Halle Club . All test persons went through nine step tests about 5 x 200 m to three measurement times with lactate and heart rate determination in the crawl, back and butterfly in a three-month time period. The swimming velocities for the individual load levels were derived from the 200 best time of the respective swimming technique. The intensity was started with 76% of the best time, after that was increased by four per cent respectively. The last step had to be swum with a maximal velocity. The blood sample was carried out directly after every load level in the first 20 seconds. The swimming velocity is the highest in the crawl technique at the individual anaerobic lactate threshold of Simon and the 4-mmol/l threshold of Mader as well as at 6 and 8 mmol/l of lactate at the lowest in butterfly. At the same velocities, the heart rate is considerably higher than at the back and crawl in the butterfly. If one compares, however, the heart rate at 4 and 6 mmol/l of lactate, then swimming techniques do not show themselves differences between three. The same maximal lactate and heart rate values are reached roughly at all three swimming techniques at a maximal swimming velocity. The strongest increase in the lactate velocity relation is recognizable in the backstroke. Men and women show a comparable image for the sub maximal parameters in the crawl, back and butterfly. Differences have to be seen in the absolute values of the swimming velocity, the maximal lactate concentration and the maximal heart rate. The women reach significantly higher maximal heart rate and the men reach maximal lactate concentration in all three swimming techniques significantly more higher.von Ahmed Hassan Nazmi S. M. Solima

Medical image analysis for the early prediction of hypertension

Recently, medical image analysis has become a vital evolving technology that is used in the early diagnosis of various diseases. Medical imaging techniques enable physicians to capture noninvasive images of structures inside the human body (such as bones, tissues, or blood vessels) as well as their functions (such as brain activity). In this study, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) images have been analyzed to help physicians in the early prediction of hypertension. Hypertension is a progressive disease that may take several years before being fully understood. In the United States, hypertension afflicts one in every three adults and is a leading cause of mortality in more than half a million patients every year. Specific alterations in human brains’ cerebrovasculature have been observed to precede the onset of hypertension. This study presents a computer-aided diagnosis system (CAD) that can predict hypertension prior to the systemic onset of the disease. This MRA-based CAD system is able to detect, track, and quantify the hypertension-related cerebrovascular alterations, then it makes a decision based on the analyzed data about whether each subject is at a high risk of developing hypertension or not. Such kind of prediction can help clinicians in taking proactive and preventative steps to stop the progress of the disease and mitigate adverse events

Mobile Technology and University Climate: Impact on Academic Well-Being

This study explores the complex relationship between mobile technology, perceived university climate quality (PUCQ), and their combined impact on predicting students’ academic subjective well-being (ASW) at King Khalid University (KKU). The research aimed to identify the nature of the correlation between the PUCQ and ASW and to verify the degree of the relative contribution of the PUCQ in predicting ASW among KKU students. To achieve the objectives of the study, a descriptive approach was employed, incorporating both correlational and comparative methods. The researchers prepared a measure of PUCQ and a measure of ASW for university students. The research sample consisted of 134 students, with an equal split of 67 males and 67 females, whose ages ranged from 18 to 45 years. They belonged to various programs at KKU. Pearson’s correlation coefficient, simple regression analysis using the Enter method, and multiple regression analysis using the stepwise method were employed for data processing. The results of the study revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between the PUCQ and the values of citizenship. In addition, the PUCQ in its three dimensions contributes to predicting ASW among the research sample. In an era dominated by mobile technology, understanding its role is pivotal for creating a positive and supportive academic environment at King Khalid University

Multiwall carbon nanotube reinforced HA/HDPE biocomposite for bone reconstruction

The healing of bone fractures naturally occurs without surgical intervention. Some damage and fractures in bone tissue are complex and leave remnant deformation, and this requires the use of bone replacement material. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is the main element of the bone mineral form and consider as a bioactive material which supports bone growth. Nevertheless, the HA has poor mechanical properties, such as low tensile strength. Thus the applications in bone replacement have been limited, especially in high load-bearing applications. A Carbone nanotube has newly obtained considerable concern because of their mechanical properties, potentially enhancing the bone implant's clinical efficiency. This study attempted to explain the effect of adding Multi-walled carbon nanotubes MWCNT Nanoparticles to the HDPE/HA bio-composites. Two groups of the composites samples were produced 20HA/80 HDPE and 40 HA/ 60 HDPE with adding (0.6, 1, 1.4, 2) % weights of (MWCNT) to each group. The composites were fabricated using a hot pressing technique with various pressing pressures (29, 57, 86, and 114 Mpa) at a compounding temperature of 150 C° and a holding time of 15 minutes. To evaluate samples' characteristics and performance, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), surface topography by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), tensile strength and, microhardness test were investigated. The results showed that the hybrid bio-composites demonstrated excellent structural integrity, homogeneous with the fibrous structure, and improved mechanical properties. When increasing in MWNT additions and increasing hot-press pressure, enhancing the composites' fracture strength and microhardness is beneficial. The excellent properties of hybrids bio-composite (HA/HDPE/MWCNT) samples for homogeneous fibrous structure and high mechanical properties could be applied in bone tissue engineering for bone reconstruction

DESIGN AND ASSESSMENT OF A SPEED-BASED INTEGRATED ACTIVE VEHICLE CONTROLLER FOR LATERAL STABILITY

An integrated active vehicle control system implementing fuzzy-logic control (FLC) is introduced. The system integrates three commercially- available active vehicle control systems, namely, Active Front Steering (AFS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Torque Vectoring System (TVS) aiming at enhancing vehicle handling and cornering stability and rollover prevention. Two different vehicle models were constructed to simulate the dynamic behavior of the system with and without the proposed integration controller, namely, a 14-DOF vehicle dynamic model with nonlinear tire characteristics and a 2DOF bicycle reference model. Last model was utilized to generate controller’s reference values of vehicle’s yaw rate and body side slip angle at a given forward speed and driver’s steering input. Simulation was carried out in the MATLAB/SIMULINK software environment. The effectiveness of the system was investigated applying five different standard cornering test maneuvers at different vehicle forward speeds of 10, 20 and 30m/s. Simulated test maneuvers are: step, J-turn, single lane change (SLC), sine with dwell, (SWD) and fishhook.Results reveal that, for stability enhancement, AFS is most effective at low vehicle speeds with declining efficacy as speed goes up. Both ESC and TVS have been found to be equally effective at moderate to high speeds. In conclusion, an integrated chassis control (ICC) strategy has been proposed that improves vehicle handling and cornering performance across the entire operating range of speed using a forward-speed-based stability criterion to allocate stability control authority and ensure smooth transition of control between the three AFS, ESC, and TVS systems

The chemopreventive effect of Ginkgo biloba and Silybum marianum extracts on hepatocarcinogenesis in rats

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background/objective</p> <p>This study was designed to evaluate the potential chemopreventive activities of <it>Ginkgo biloba </it>extract (EGb) and <it>Silybum marianum </it>extract (silymarin) against hepatocarcinogenesis induced by N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) in rats.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Rats were divided into 6 groups. Group 1 served as normal control rats. Group 2 animals were intragastrically administrated NDEA at a dose of 10 mg/kg five times a week for 12 weeks to induce hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Groups 3 and 4 animals were pretreated with silymarin and EGb respectively. Groups 5 and 6 animals were posttreated with silymarin and EGb respectively. The investigated parameters in serum are alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The investigated parameters in liver tissue are malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and comet assay parameters.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In NDEA group, MDA level was elevated with subsequent decrease in GSH level and SOD, GPx and GR activities. In addition, NDEA group revealed a significant increase in serum ALT, AST and GGT activities and VEGF level. Furthermore, NDEA administrated animals showed a marked increase in comet assay parameters. These biochemical alterations induced by NDEA were confirmed by the histopathological examination of rat livers intoxicated with NDEA that showed an obvious cellular damage and well differentiated HCC.</p> <p>In contrast, silymarin+NDEA treated groups (3&5) and EGb+NDEA treated groups (4&6) showed a significant decrease in MDA level and a significant increase in GSH content and SOD, GPx and GR activities compared to NDEA group. Silymarin and EGb also beneficially down-regulated the increase in serum ALT, AST, GGT activities and VEGF level induced by NDEA. In addition, silymarin and EGb significantly decreased comet assay parameters. Histopathological examination of rat livers treated with either silymarin or EGb exhibited an improvement in the liver architecture compared to NDEA group.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The obtained findings suggested that silymarin and EGb may have beneficial chemopreventive roles against hepatocarcinogenesis through their antioxidant, antiangiogenic and antigenotoxic activities.</p