The Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine : Arab politics, 1930-1937

This thesis is devoted to the study of the role played by Haj Amin al Husseini in Palestine Arab politics during the period 1930-1937. After a short introduction, the first part of the study will retrace his rise to power. It will describe his background and youth (Chapter 1), his appointment to the office of Mufti of Jerusalem (Chapter 2), his election to the office of President of the Supreme Moslem Council (Chapter 3), and his political activities until 1929 (Chapter 4). The last chapter of the first part will be devoted to an analysis of his character and personality. The second part of the study will be devoted to the examination of the events and happenings which followed the disturbances of 1929 and which laid the basis for all future developments during the 30's, namely the ft Arab Delegation to London in 1930 (Chapter 6), the report of the Shaw Commission (Chapter 7), the Hope-Simpson report and the Passfield White Paper (Chapter 8) and the Prime Minister's letter to Dr. Weizmann (Chapter 9). Chapter 10 will be devoted to the Wailing Wall Commission and its report and Chapter 11 to the Islamic Congress in Jerusalem in 1931. In the third part of this study will be examined the central issues of the Palestinian political life, namely the Lamd problem, immigration and constitutional development, as well as the Development Scheme which was an important issue during the early 30*s (Chapter 12). Also in this part which covers the political developments until 1937 will be examined the disturbances of 1933 (Chapter 13) and the Mufti's relations with the British (Chapter 14). Chapter 15 will dwell on the concept of "Armed Struggle" and the problem of Jewish Arms. The Arab Revolt of 1936 is examined in Part IV. Chapter 16 is devoted to the Mufti's views and activities during the first phase of th

Insect cellulolytic enzymes: Novel sources for degradation of lignocellulosic biomass

Alternative and renewable fuels derived from lignocellulosic biomass offer the potential to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate global climate change. Cellulose is one of the major structural components in all lignocellulosic wastes and enzymatic depolymerization of cellulose by cellulases is an essential step in bio-ethanol production. Wood-degrading insects are potential source of biochemical catalysts for converting wood lignocellulose into biofuels. Cellulose digestion has been demonstrated in more than 20 insect families representing ten distinct insect orders. Termite guts been have considered as the “world’s smallest bioreactors” since they digest a significant proportion of cellulose (74-99%) and hemicellulose (65-87%) components of lignocelluloses they ingest. The lower termites harbor protistan symbionts in hindgut whereas higher termites lack these in the hind gut. Studies on cellulose digestion in termites and other insects with reference to ligno-cellulose degrading enzymes have been well focused in this review. The studies on insect cellulolytic systems can lead to the discovery of a variety of novel biocatalysts and genes that encode them, as well as associated unique mechanisms for efficient biomass conversion into biofuels

Innovative, paired careers tutorials: increasing the number of medical students choosing general practice as a career

Background: With a crisis in general practice recruitment, to maintain the current workforce, the Department of Health and Social Care quote a need for 50% of our medical students to choose general practice as a career. There is much variety between medical schools and Nottingham University, alongside most others does not achieve this. Aim: To increase the number of medical students at Nottingham University who would consider a career in general practice.Design and Setting: Innovative, paired careers tutorials embedded into a new 4-week general practice attachment at Nottingham University with student evaluation.Method: 2 paired careers tutorials, giving guided careers advice to 4th year medical students, using the strapline “General Practice can be whatever you want it to be….”. The tutorials promoted portfolio GPs and enabled students to look at their current career choice and how general practice could fit into that. Paired evaluation in week 1 and 4 was completed. Students were asked open-ended questions regarding current career choices and (using a 5 point Likert scale) whether: “General practice is a possible career choice for me”. Due to the new nature of the course, the first, of four cohorts was excluded from the evaluation to ensure standardised teaching and remove potential bias. The data analysed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test.Results: We surveyed 218 students with a response rate of 218(100%). At the end of the module, in the second careers tutorial, 80(36.7%) gave a higher score suggesting they were more likely to choose general practice as a future career, 107(49.1%) had no change in score and only 31(14.2%) provided a lower score.There was a significantly higher median score at the end of the attachment the median (IQR) pre-survey score was 3 (3-4) and the median (IQR) post-survey score was 4(3-5). P

Role of morphological factors of pigeonpea in imparting resistance to spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata Geyer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Morphological characters of eleven test genotypes of pigeonpea, such as growth habit, pubescence of pods and leaves, pod angle and pod wall thickness were studied in order to work out the relationship of these traits vis-à-vis resistance/susceptibility to Maruca vitrata. It was observed that genotype AL 1747 possessed significantlyhighest trichome density on leaves and pods (177.33 and 43.33 trichomes/4.6cm2, respectively), whereas MN 1 possessed lowest trichome density (47.33 and 7.66 trichomes/4.6cm2, respectively). Trichome length on leaves and pods was significantly highest in AL 1747 (66.26 and 180.83?m, respectively) and lowest in MN 1 (33.53 and 43.25?m, respectively). Genotype AL 1747 recorded significantly highest pod angle (65o), whereas MN 1 recorded lowest pod angle (18.66o). There was significant negative correlation between trichome density on leaves and pods with larval weight gain (r = -0.71 and -0.69, respectively) as well as with per cent pod damage ( r = -0.75 and -0.75, respectively) and between trichome length on leaves and pods with larval weight gain (r = -0.81 and -0.81, respectively) as well as with per cent pod damage (r = -0.87 and -0.87, respectively). Pod angle was found to be significantly negatively correlated with both larval weight gain and per cent pod damage. Thus, early maturing pigeonpea genotypes with indeterminate growth habit, higher leaf and pod pubescence with wider pod angles should be preferred for breeding M. vitrata tolerant lines

Screening for atrial fibrillation in primary care

Background Screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) has been recommended but is yet to be implemented in clinical practice. However, the most effective approaches for screening are not known and it is unclear if screening could feasibly be implemented in primary care. Aims and methods The overall aims were to determine how AF screening might feasibly and effectively be introduced into primary care in the United Kingdom (UK). Objectives were: 1) to determine the range and accuracies of methods for detecting pulse irregularities attributable to AF, 2) to determine the range and accuracies of methods for diagnosing AF using 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) and 3) to investigate the feasibility and opinions of healthcare professionals (HCPs) in primary care about implementing AF screening. Three studies were undertaken: 1) a systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of methods for detecting pulse irregularities caused by AF, 2) a systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of methods for diagnosing AF using 12-lead ECG and 3) a survey of HCPs in primary care about screening implementation. Results Study 1: Blood pressure monitors (BPMs) and non-12-lead ECGs had the greatest accuracy for detecting pulse irregularities attributable to AF [BPM: sensitivity 0.98 (95% CI 0.92-1.00), specificity 0.92 (95% CI 0.88-0.95), positive likelihood ratio (PLR) 12.1 (95% C.I 8.2-17.8) and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) 0.02 (95% C.I 0.00-0.09); non-12-lead ECG: sensitivity 0.91 (95% CI 0.86-0.94), specificity 0.95 (95% CI 0.92-0.97), PLR 20.1 (95% C.I 12-33.7), NLR 0.09 (95% C.I 0.06 to 0.14); there were similar findings for smart-phone applications although these studies were small in size. The sensitivity and specificity of pulse palpation were 0.92 (95% CI 0.85-0.96) and 0.82 (95% CI 0.76-0.88), respectively (PLR 5.2 (95% C.I 3.8-7.2), NLR 0.1 (0.05-0.18)]. Study 2: The sensitivity and specificity of automated software were 0.89 (95% CI 0.82-0.93) and 0.99 (95% CI 0.99-0.99), respectively; PLR 96.6 (95% C.I 64.2-145.6); NLR 0.11 (95% C.I 0.07-0.18). ECG interpretation by any HCPs had a similar sensitivity for diagnosing AF as automated software but a lower specificity [sensitivity 0.92 (95% CI 0.81-0.97), specificity 0.93 (95% CI 0.76-0.98), PLR 13.9 (95% C.I 3.5-55.3), NLR 0.09 (95% C.I 0.03-0.22). Sub-group analyses of primary care professionals found greater specificity for General Practitioners (GPs) than nurses [GPs: sensitivity 0.91 (95% C.I 0.68-1.00); specificity 0.96 (95% C.I 0.89-1.00). Nurses: sensitivity 0.88 (95% C.I 0.63-1.00); specificity 0.85 (95% C.I 0.83-0.87)]. Study 3: 39/48 (81%) practices had an ECG machine and diagnosed AF in-house. Fewer non-GP HCPs reported having excellent knowledge about ECG interpretation, diagnosing and treating AF than GPs [Proportion (95% CI): ECG interpretation = GPs: 5.9 (2.8-12.0); healthcare assistants (HCAs): 0; nurses: 2.0 (0.3-13.9); Nurse practitioners (NPs): 11.8 (3.0-36.4). Diagnosing AF = GPs: 26.3 (17.8-37.0); HCAs: 0; nurses: 2.0 (0.3-12.9); NPs: 11.8 (2.7-38.8). Treating AF = GPs: 16.9 (9.9-27.4); HCAs: 0; nurses: 0; NPs: 5.9 (0.8-34.0)]. A greater proportion of non-GP HCPs reported they would benefit from ECG training specifically for AF diagnosis than GPs [proportion (95% CI) GPs: 11.9% (6.8-20.0); HCAs: 37.0% (21.7-55.5); nurses: 44.0% (30.0-59.0); NPs 41.2% (21.9-63.7)]. Barriers included time, workload and capacity to undertake screening activities, although training to diagnose and manage AF was a required facilitator. Conclusions BPMs and non-12-lead ECG were most accurate for detecting pulse irregularities caused by AF. Automated ECG-interpreting software most accurately excluded AF, although its ability to diagnose this was similar to all other HCP groups. Within primary care, the specificity of AF diagnosis was greater for GPs than nurses. Inner-city general practices were found to have adequate access to resources for AF screening. Non-GP HCPs would like to up-skill in the diagnosis and management of AF and they may have a role in future AF screening. However, organisational barriers, such as lack of time, staff and capacity, should be overcome for AF screening to be feasibly implemented within primary car

Defining and measuring denigration of general practice in medical education

There is a workforce crisis in NHS general practice (GP). It is estimated that to meet future healthcare needs around 50% of current medical students will need to choose a career in GP. Positive role modelling is an influential factor in medical students’ career choice, but denigration of primary care during medical training may undermine the aspirations of students considering GP as a career. This article discusses the importance of medical schools detecting and managing denigration of GP in their curricula and, for the first time, suggests an objective approach to the measurement of denigration. Four facets which constitute denigration are discussed and proposed as a collective measure. These are: language used about GP, proportion of curriculum time spent by students in GP, accurate representation of the clinical content of GP and equity of funding between hospital and GP placements. Furthermore, we discuss the key ethical and legal challenges that are faced by medical schools and, indeed, healthcare settings, that need to be overcome to enable proactive measurement and management of denigration

Comparative evaluation of storage time on the quality of platelet concentrates prepared from buffy coat at ambient temperature

Background: Buffy coat-platelets concentrates (BC-PC) are prepared within 6-8 hours of blood collection with 1-2 hours of hanging period which imposes time constraints and logistic problems when collecting blood from blood donation camps in wide geographic areas. Methods: In our prospective study of one year at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana we prepared 50 units of BC-PC after hanging BC for 2 hours and another 50 after storing BC O/N at ambient temperature. Platelet (plt) count, WBC contamination and other biochemical parameters in both groups of PC were analyzed on day 1 and day 5 of preparation. Results: The mean plt counts of O/N BC-PC on day 1 was 8.36±1.22 × 1010, significantly higher than that of F (fresh) BC-PC (7.44±0.81 × 1010). On day 5, F BC-PC showed 6.21±0.88 × 1010 count while it was 6.87±0.96 × 1010 in O/N BC-PC. WBC contamination was lower in O/N BC-PC. On day 1, in F BC-PC WBC contamination was observed as 4.44±2.02 × 107 while in O/N BC-PC it was 3.19±3.33 × 107. On day 5, in F BC-PC WBC contamination was observed as 3.77±0.66 × 107 while in O/N BC-PC it was 2.92±1.71 × 107. Results of biochemical parameters (pH, pO2, pCO2, glucose) were significantly higher and better in F BC-PC but both methods of preparation provided plts optimal survival conditions throughout storage period. Conclusions: O/N BC-PC provides a better-quality product while solving logistic problems.

Screening for atrial fibrillation – a cross-sectional survey of healthcare professionals in primary care

Introduction: Screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) in primary care has been recommended; however, the views of healthcare professionals (HCPs) are not known. This study aimed to determine the opinions of HCP about the feasibility of implementing screening within a primary care setting. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed methods census survey of 418 HCPs from 59 inner-city practices (Nottingham, UK) was conducted between October-December 2014. Postal and web-surveys ascertained data on existing methods, knowledge, skills, attitudes, barriers and facilitators to AF screening using Likert scale and open-ended questions. Responses, categorized according to HCP group, were summarized using proportions, adjusting for clustering by practice, with 95% C.Is and free-text responses using thematic analysis. Results: At least one General Practitioner (GP) responded from 48 (81%) practices. There were 212/418 (51%) respondents; 118/229 GPs, 67/129 nurses [50 practice nurses; 17 Nurse Practitioners (NPs)], 27/60 healthcare assistants (HCAs). 39/48 (81%) practices had an ECG machine and diagnosed AF in-house. Non-GP HCPs reported having less knowledge about ECG interpretation, diagnosing and treating AF than GPs. A greater proportion of non-GP HCPs reported they would benefit from ECG training specifically for AF diagnosis than GPs [proportion (95% CI) GPs: 11.9% (6.8–20.0); HCAs: 37.0% (21.7–55.5); nurses: 44.0% (30.0–59.0); NPs 41.2% (21.9–63.7)]. Barriers included time, workload and capacity to undertake screening activities, although training to diagnose and manage AF was a required facilitator. Conclusion: Inner-city general practices were found to have adequate access to resources for AF screening. There is enthusiasm by non-GP HCPs to up-skill in the diagnosis and management of AF and they may have a role in future AF screening. However, organisational barriers, such as lack of time, staff and capacity, should be overcome for AF screening to be feasibly implemented within primary care

Screening for atrial fibrillation in primary care

Background Screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) has been recommended but is yet to be implemented in clinical practice. However, the most effective approaches for screening are not known and it is unclear if screening could feasibly be implemented in primary care. Aims and methods The overall aims were to determine how AF screening might feasibly and effectively be introduced into primary care in the United Kingdom (UK). Objectives were: 1) to determine the range and accuracies of methods for detecting pulse irregularities attributable to AF, 2) to determine the range and accuracies of methods for diagnosing AF using 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) and 3) to investigate the feasibility and opinions of healthcare professionals (HCPs) in primary care about implementing AF screening. Three studies were undertaken: 1) a systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of methods for detecting pulse irregularities caused by AF, 2) a systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of methods for diagnosing AF using 12-lead ECG and 3) a survey of HCPs in primary care about screening implementation. Results Study 1: Blood pressure monitors (BPMs) and non-12-lead ECGs had the greatest accuracy for detecting pulse irregularities attributable to AF [BPM: sensitivity 0.98 (95% CI 0.92-1.00), specificity 0.92 (95% CI 0.88-0.95), positive likelihood ratio (PLR) 12.1 (95% C.I 8.2-17.8) and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) 0.02 (95% C.I 0.00-0.09); non-12-lead ECG: sensitivity 0.91 (95% CI 0.86-0.94), specificity 0.95 (95% CI 0.92-0.97), PLR 20.1 (95% C.I 12-33.7), NLR 0.09 (95% C.I 0.06 to 0.14); there were similar findings for smart-phone applications although these studies were small in size. The sensitivity and specificity of pulse palpation were 0.92 (95% CI 0.85-0.96) and 0.82 (95% CI 0.76-0.88), respectively (PLR 5.2 (95% C.I 3.8-7.2), NLR 0.1 (0.05-0.18)]. Study 2: The sensitivity and specificity of automated software were 0.89 (95% CI 0.82-0.93) and 0.99 (95% CI 0.99-0.99), respectively; PLR 96.6 (95% C.I 64.2-145.6); NLR 0.11 (95% C.I 0.07-0.18). ECG interpretation by any HCPs had a similar sensitivity for diagnosing AF as automated software but a lower specificity [sensitivity 0.92 (95% CI 0.81-0.97), specificity 0.93 (95% CI 0.76-0.98), PLR 13.9 (95% C.I 3.5-55.3), NLR 0.09 (95% C.I 0.03-0.22). Sub-group analyses of primary care professionals found greater specificity for General Practitioners (GPs) than nurses [GPs: sensitivity 0.91 (95% C.I 0.68-1.00); specificity 0.96 (95% C.I 0.89-1.00). Nurses: sensitivity 0.88 (95% C.I 0.63-1.00); specificity 0.85 (95% C.I 0.83-0.87)]. Study 3: 39/48 (81%) practices had an ECG machine and diagnosed AF in-house. Fewer non-GP HCPs reported having excellent knowledge about ECG interpretation, diagnosing and treating AF than GPs [Proportion (95% CI): ECG interpretation = GPs: 5.9 (2.8-12.0); healthcare assistants (HCAs): 0; nurses: 2.0 (0.3-13.9); Nurse practitioners (NPs): 11.8 (3.0-36.4). Diagnosing AF = GPs: 26.3 (17.8-37.0); HCAs: 0; nurses: 2.0 (0.3-12.9); NPs: 11.8 (2.7-38.8). Treating AF = GPs: 16.9 (9.9-27.4); HCAs: 0; nurses: 0; NPs: 5.9 (0.8-34.0)]. A greater proportion of non-GP HCPs reported they would benefit from ECG training specifically for AF diagnosis than GPs [proportion (95% CI) GPs: 11.9% (6.8-20.0); HCAs: 37.0% (21.7-55.5); nurses: 44.0% (30.0-59.0); NPs 41.2% (21.9-63.7)]. Barriers included time, workload and capacity to undertake screening activities, although training to diagnose and manage AF was a required facilitator. Conclusions BPMs and non-12-lead ECG were most accurate for detecting pulse irregularities caused by AF. Automated ECG-interpreting software most accurately excluded AF, although its ability to diagnose this was similar to all other HCP groups. Within primary care, the specificity of AF diagnosis was greater for GPs than nurses. Inner-city general practices were found to have adequate access to resources for AF screening. Non-GP HCPs would like to up-skill in the diagnosis and management of AF and they may have a role in future AF screening. However, organisational barriers, such as lack of time, staff and capacity, should be overcome for AF screening to be feasibly implemented within primary car