Radioactive Dose Measurement Based on SPECT Gamma Camera: Patient’s Dose

A dose measurement is one of the main steps in nuclear medicine imaging, which is done before radiotracer injection of patient. There are different types of instruments used for dose measuring; the most common instrument used is a dose calibrator. So as to get accurate value of the measured dose, the dose calibrator has to be well calibrated regularly. In most cases we need to send the dose calibrator to the manufacturer, standardized organization or reference laboratory for recalibration. Recalibrating the dose calibrator in our department or even in Africa is a challenge. Thus we need to send the instrument to the manufacturer, which costs a lot and takes long time. In this work we want to make use of SPECT gamma camera for measuring the patient dose instead of using a dose calibrator to avoid stopping the work during sending the dose calibrator for calibration or when this device is broken down. We compared the doses that were measured in both the gamma camera and in the dose calibrator device. We developed an equation to enable us to measure the amount of patient dose using SPECT gamma camera. The proposed algorithm validated using different patient doses. The proposed dose measurement algorithm gives the same reading that was obtained with dose calibrator

Survey On Injecting Green Design Ideas into Studentas Interior Design Project

Interior Design works has become more important than it used to be as the interior works takes quite a big chuck in an overall construction works Nowadays the clients want to play bigger role in implementing the interior task and eager to use or have the green or sustainable building idea to be implemented into their interior and also on their exterior project So interior design with sustainable factors has become more important Designers began to address the internal problems of their environment and recognize the importance of interior design role In the meantime while some interior designers using sustainable environmental design criteria in their design solutions the study examines how they apply it as a component for the design problem has not been done Thus we must look back into the academic sectors where this field must play an important role in producing the designers especially the interior designer with fair knowledge on environmental friendly designs or in today term as design with sustainable or green design factors Therefore with the above goals this research become an initial platform trying to measure on the students sensitivity in applying interior design sustainable issues into their academic studio projects This study however will discuss on design studio project that addresses sustainability through an environmentally based research focus Students somehow start the project with a research component interpreting the usefulness of interior s sustainable material and the sustainable implications in the process of design decision been made The process of recycling interior materials is advisable to use as well as recycling in the usage of interior products i e furniture etc Furniture manufactured from not-recycled friendly materials are also been looking into not to be considered in the design Therefore this study examines the environmental conditions of a continuing practice of the sustainable interior desig

Radiation dose associated with multi-detector 64-slice computed tomography brain examinations in Khartoum State, Sudan

Background: Radiation exposure due to computed tomography (CT) has become an important issue, as the number of CT examinations has been increasing worldwide. Radiation doses associated with CT are higher in comparison to other imaging procedures. CT-related radiation doses should be monitored and controlled in order to ensure reduction of radiation exposure and optimization of image quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate radiation doses in adult patient who underwent routine CT brain examinations, and to assess how CT scanning protocols affect patient doses in practice. Material/Methods: A total of 118 patients underwent brain CT at two radiology departments equipped with 64-slice CT scanners, Khartoum, Sudan. Patient doses regarding weighted CT dose index (CTDIw) and dose length product (DLP) values were recorded. Quality control tests were performed for both scanners. Results: The mean CTDIw values ranged from 62.9 to 65.8 mGy, DLP values ranged from 1003.7 to 1192.5 mGy, and the effective dose varied from 2.4 to 3.7 mSv. Conclusions: Patient doses in this study was higher compared to previous research, suggesting that patients exposed to unnecessary radiation. Therefore, optimization of radiation doses with the use of specified imaging protocols, well-documented indications for CT, training of technicians, and quality control programs will reduce the necessary radiation doses. Establishment of the diagnostic reference level is recommended for further dose reduction

Management of Helicobacter pylori among medical doctors working in Khartoum, Sudan 2019: a cross-sectional study

Background: Various international guidelines have been developed regarding Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) management, as it is infecting more than half of the world's population. Sudan's health system lacks guidelines regarding H. pylori management, leading to a discrepancy in practice. Investigating the current approach could be a step forward in the formulation of a national consensus in the management of H. pylori. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical doctors currently working in Khartoum, Sudan. Participants were enrolled from platforms of medical associations through an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was scored out of 25 points, and scoring 13 or above considered a good approach. Data analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: A total of 358 medical doctors participated in the study. The mean (±SD) score was 12.9(±4.5). Those who were using textbooks, campaigns, symposiums or general medical information to their primary Source of knowledge significantly scored higher. The most selected indication for both diagnosis (76.8%) and treatment (67.6%) was an active peptic ulcer. Stool antigen test (SAT) was the most preferred test (70.7%). The majority of respondents selected triple therapy (82.1%) as a first-line regimen. Only 37.7% confirmed the eradication after four weeks of stopping the treatment. They ensure eradication mainly through SAT (29%). Conclusion: A suboptimal approach was noted among medical doctors of Khartoum, Sudan, regarding H. pylori management. Efforts should be invested in forming national guidelines and the implementation of continuous medical education programs. Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, Medical doctor, Sudan

Extraction of Pectin from Tamarind Fruits (Tamarindus indica L.) and its Utilization in Jam Production

     In the present work, pectin was extracted from tamarind fruit pulp and used for jam production. The pectin yield in one kg tamarind pulp was 3.7 grams. The average chemical composition of tamarind pulp was: 5.44 % protein, 2.44 % ash, 18.21 % moisture, 1.99 ± 0.8% fat, 13.05 ± 0.7% fiber and 55% available carbohydrates. The tamarind fruit pulp also contained appreciable amounts of minerals as follows: 134 (mg/100g) sodium, 74 (mg/100g) potassium and 88 (mg/100g) calcium. The chemical, microbiological and sensory quality characteristics of the extracted pectin jam (A) as well as commercial pectin jam (B) were also determined. (A) contained: 8.5 % total sugar, 5 % reducing sugar, 67 % total soluble solid, 36 mg/100g sodium, (60 mg/100g potassium, 80 mg/100g calcium and had a pH value of 3.3. On the other hand, (B) contained:    12 % total sugar, 1.3 % reducing sugar, 68 % total soluble solid, 44 (mg/100g) sodium, 43 (mg/100g) potassium, 64 (mg/100g) calcium and had a pH value of 3.5±0.1. Microbiological analysis of (B) had shown high levels of yeast and mould, however, the counts of yeast and mould was highly reduced in (A). The sensory analysis indicated that all types of jams were accepted by panelists who generally preferred (B) than (A) due to its appealing colour and flavour

Turning Natural Fiber Reinforced Cement Composite as Innovative Alternative Sustainable Construction Material: A Review Paper

In recent years, a great deal of interest in concrete leads to the most frequently used sustainable construction material. Using of natural fiber as fiber reinforcement effectively improved strength, ductility and durability requirements of high performance cement composites. Regretly, natural fibers are dumped as agricultural waste (e.g. coconut, bamboo, wood or chips, bast fiber, leaf fiber, seed and fruit fibers, etc), so can be easily available low cost. The applications of natural fiber for sustainable construction material design can be done as filler or masonry composites, reinforcement, thermal conductivity, cementations/binder, etc. Previous and current researchers focusing the natural fiber to improve the properties of lightweight composites still required a lot of investigations to make it improved. However, the present work consists of the availability of natural fiber waste substance, sustainable construction materials are evaluated for their physico-mechanical properties of sustainable construction materials, method of production and environmental impact of several materials. No doubt, the application of natural fiber provides a solution to conservation of natural resource and energy

Effects of Some Essential Oils on Aspergillus flavus Growth and Aflatoxin Production

The present study aimed at investigating the effects of some essential oils on inhibiting fungal growth of A. flavus and aflatoxin production. Clove oil was found as the best among the six different oils tested against the radial growth at the concentration of 0.05. mL/100ml. However the other oils were also significantly better than the control except the Pumpkin oil. Different concentrations (0.00, 0.01, 0.03 and 0.05 ml/100ml) of only three of the oils were tested against the radial growth of A. flavus. Clove and Cumin oils were significantly effective than the control at all these concentrations. Although Pumpkin oil was slightly more effective than the control at its higher concentration (0.05) ml/100ml), it was not effective at its lower concentrations (0.01 and 0.03 ml/100ml). Clove oil was also the best in suppressing mycelial growth at the concentration of 0.05 ml/100ml. However, the other oils were also significantly better than the control, while, Pumpkin oil was non-effective. Spore germination was also affected by the oils tested. Clove oil gave complete inhibition at its higher concentration followed by Cumin, Rehan, Garlic and Desert date, while Pumpkin oil was the least one. Aflatoxin production was highly affected by the essential oils tested. Clove and Cumin exhibited a complete inhibition, followed by Rehan; Garlic and Desert date while Pumpkin oil was non-effective

Design of a small-scale solar Dryer to Improve Natural Drying of Vegetables and Fish

This study aimed at improvement of a solar dryer based on the principle of natural–convection used for drying vegetables and fish. The constructed dryer, comprises of three main models, solar collector (tent of polythene sheet collector), drying chamber and solar chimney. Design has been made to eliminate the problem of quality loss and over drying. Okra, Tomato, onion, fish were subjected to solar drying and open – air drying processes. The chemical, microbiological analyses and sensory evaluation were carried out for the dried products. The results gives indication of improved quality for solar dryer compared to products dried in open – air systems which indicates its efficiency in drying. &nbsp

Production and Quality Evaluation of Vinegar from Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) Fruit Pulp

ABSTRACT       Vinegar is a liquid consisting mainly of acetic acid (CH3COOH) and water. The acetic acid is produced by the fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria. This study aimed to produce vinegar from tamarind fruit pulp and evaluation of its quality. Samples of tamarind fruit were collected from different sites in Sudan: Gedaref (GT), Damazin (DT) and Obeid (OT). The vinegar yields from 1 kg tamarind pulp from (GT), (DT) and (KT) were 300, 200, 260 ml, respectively. The physical characteristics of tamarind fruit pulp and its seeds were determined. The average fruit length, width and weight were 14.28± 0.31mm, 11.06± 1.1mm and 12.33± 0.7g, respectively The production of vinegar was carried out at three stages. The concentration of acetic acid of the produced vinegar from (GT), (DT) and (OT) were equivalent to (16.2%), (19%) and (17.7%), and pH values of these samples were found to be (2.2), (1.9) and (2.0), respectively. The study recommends the efficient industrial use of tamarind fruit in many products such as vinegar.&nbsp