An Improved Slant Path Attenuation Prediction Method in Tropical Climates

An improved method for predicting slant path attenuation in tropical climates is presented in this paper. The proposed approach is based on rain intensity data R_0.01 (mm/h) from 37 tropical and equatorial stations; and is validated by using the measurement data from a few localities in tropical climates. The new method seems to accurately predict the slant path attenuation in tropical localities, and the comparative tests seem to show significant improvement in terms of the RMS of the relative error variable compared to the RMS obtained with the SAM, Crane, and ITU-R prediction models

Investigation of the unified rain attenuation prediction method with data from tropical climates

The semi-empirical method recently proposed by Silva Mello and Pontes (SMP) for the prediction of rain attenuation in slant paths is investigated in this letter. The SMP method uses the simplified model of equivalent rain cell and the concept of an effective rain rate. However, substantial deviations were observed in SMP predictions when compared to the rain cell diameters derived from experimental data. The measured rain rates and attenuations were obtained from three tropical climates (Australia, and USM and IIUM both in Malaysia). The measured rain attenuation complementary cumulative distributions (CCDs) were also compared to SMP and the Rec. ITU-R P. 618-11. The test results show that the ITU-R model performs much better compared to SMP method in the three tropical climates

LTE Coverage Network Planning and Comparison with Different Propagation Models

Long Term Evolution (LTE) is the next step (fourth generation) mobile radio communication technology that succeeds the HSPA.3GPP standardization body. LTE is expected to be the most competitive radio technology in the future to provide high-data-rate transmission, low latency, improved service and reduced costs. This paper focuses on one of the basic steps in the LTE network planning, by employing LTE dimensioning process, such as link budget and planning, for uplink and downlink coverage, as well as categorization of simulated received signal strengths. Also, a comparison of different propagation models, used by ATDI software (free-space, Okumura / Hata / David, Stanford University Interim (SUI), COST-231 Hata and ITU -R 525/526 Deygout). The Okumura / Hata / David’s model showed the highest received power sensitivity (-61 dBm, at 3 km separation distance), while COST-231 Hata model shows the lowest sensitivity at same distance (-96 dBm). In this paper, ATDI planning LTE radio planning software platform has been used for estimating the coverage of UTM, which is a dense urban environment

Possible Antidiabetic Mechanism of Action of Ex-maradi Okra Fruit Variety (Abelmoscus esculentus) on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Increasing evidences suggest that postprandial hyperglycemia plays an important role in the development of diabetes complications. Therefore, therapeutic approaches that act via lowering of postprandial glucose leading to reduce insulin requirement are currently very attractive. The present study investigated some possible mechanisms of hypoglycemic action of different parts (Whole Okra „WO‟; Okra Peel „OP‟ and Okra Seed „OS‟) of Ex-maradi Okra fruit variety in the management of diabetes mellitus in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Standard analytical procedures were employed in the study. The results indicated that various parts of Okra fruit have ability to stimulate glycogen synthesis in the liver and delay intestinal absorption of glucose with very significant glucose dialysis retardation index (GDRI) and high glucose adsorption capacity (GAC). Histological examination of the pancreatic tissue after administration of Okra fruit revealed evidence of pancreatic islets cells regeneration. These results suggest that the possible mechanisms of antidiabetic effect of Okra fruit are multidimensional and might involve increased glycogenesis, delay glucose absorption and pancreatic islets regeneration leading to increased insulin secretion. These might help control postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus.Keywords: Diabetes, Glycogen, Glucose, Hyperglycemia, Okr

Stereotactic body radiation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: Practice patterns, dose selection and factors impacting survival

Background Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an emerging option for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) without consensus regarding optimal dose schemas. This analysis identifies practice patterns and factors that influence dose selection and overall survival, with particular emphasis on dose and tumor size. Materials/Methods Query of the National Cancer Database (NCDB) identified patients with unresectable, nonmetastatic HCC who received SBRT from 2004 to 2013. Biological Effective Dose (BED) was calculated for each patient in order to uniformly analyze different fractionation regimens. Results A total of 456 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median BED was 100 Gy (22.5-208.0), which corresponded to the most common dose fractionation (50 Gy in five fractions). Various factors influenced dose selection including tumor size (P 2 to 4 months, HR 2.192, P < 0.001) were associated with worse survival. Conclusion SBRT use is increasing for HCC, and multiple regimens are clinically employed. Although high BED was associated with improved outcomes, multiple factors contributed to the dose selection with favorable patients receiving higher doses. Continued efforts to enhance radiation planning and delivery may help improve utilization, safety, and efficacy.Open access journalThis item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

Management of Acute Diarrhoea in Primary Care in Bahrain: Self-reported Practices of Doctors

This nationwide study was conducted to assess the extent of adherence of primary-care physicians to the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended guidelines on the use of oral rehydration therapy (ORT), antimicrobials, and prescribing of other drugs used in treating symptoms of acute diarrhoea in Bahrain. A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional survey was carried out in primary-care health centres. During a six-week survey period (15 August–30 September 2003), 328 (25.2%) completed questionnaires were returned from 17 of 20 health centres. In a sample of 300 patients, oral rehydration salts (ORS) solution was prescribed to 89.3% (n=268) patients; 12.3% received ORS alone, whereas 77% received ORS in combination with symptomatic drugs. Antimicrobials were prescribed to 2% of the patients. In 11.4% of the cases, rehydration fluids and other drugs were given parenterally. The mean number of drugs was 2.2+0.87 per prescription. In approximately one-third of the patients, three or more drugs were used. Primary-care physicians almost always adhered to the WHO guidelines with respect to ORT and antimicrobials. However, in several instances, ORT was prescribed along with polypharmacy, including irrational use of drugs for symptomatic relief. Effective health policies are needed to reduce the unnecessary burden on the healthcare system

URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN POST OPERATIVE PATIENTS: PREVALENCE RATE, BACTERIAL PROFILE, ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY AND SPECIFIC RISK FACTORS

Background and objective: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common minor complication after operations, mostly due to bladder catheterization that used routinely during operations. This investigation seeks to determine prevalence rate, bacterial features, antibiotic sensitivity and risk factors for urinary tract infection in postoperative patients in tertiary hospitals in Sana’a, Yemen. Methods:&nbsp;This prospective analysis included 390 patients undergoing surgery between 2017 and 2018 at Al-Thawra Hospital. The study includes 258 male and 132 female between the ages 5 to 80 years. Clinical and demographic data and factors affecting UTIs were collected in the standard questionnaire, and the sample was obtained after catheter removal; or, in patients with a clinical indication of continuous catheterization, a sample was obtained after the replacement of a new catheter. The samples were cultured, examined for significant possible bacterial pathogens, isolated and identified by standard laboratory techniques, and microbial sensitivity testing was carried out by disc diffusion method. The operative characteristics associated with postoperative UTI were also analysis. Results: Postoperative UTI (POUTI) occurred in 144/390 (37%), and the predominant post-operative uropathogen was Escherichia coli (34%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1(27%) and Staphylococcus coagulase negative (16.7%). In Gram-negative bacteria, high resistance to ampicillin (95%), nalidixic acid (63%), ceftriaxone (68%) and cotrimoxazole (55%) was recorded, while high sensitivity to amikacin (98%) and ciprofloxacin. (84%), cefotaxime (87%), gentamicin (87%) and imipenem (98%). In Gram-positive bacteria, high resistance to penicillin (90%), erythromycin (85%), and amoxicillin (78%) was recorded, while high sensitivity to aztreonam (94%), augmentin (83%),&nbsp;&nbsp; ciprofloxacin (93%), cefotaxime (86%), gentamicin (85%), Rifampicin (100%) and vancomycin (97%).&nbsp; The following characteristics are independently associated with postoperative UTI: female sex (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3–3.2), Rubber PTFE catheter (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.99–11.4), longer duration of catheterization &gt;10 days (OR 4.4, 95% CI 2.3–8.3), overweight (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1–2.9), and emergency surgery&nbsp; (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–3.0). Conclusions: POUTI remains an important problem in our hospitals and what complicates the situation is that all the causative microorganisms are MDR with few treatment options; and several risk factors were independently associated with POUTI. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Peer Review History: Received 14 May 2020; Revised 15 June; Accepted 1 July, Available online 15 July 2020 Academic Editor: Dr. DANIYAN Oluwatoyin Michael, Obafemi Awolowo University, ILE-IFE, Nigeria,&nbsp;[email protected] UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 8.0/10 Reviewer(s) detail: Dr. Amany Mohamed Alboghdadly,&nbsp;Princess Nourah bint abdulrahman university, Riyadh, [email protected] Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, [email protected] Dr. Asia Selman Abdullah, Al-Razi university, Department of Pharmacy, Yemen,&nbsp;[email protected] Similar Articles: A SHORT REVIEW OF URINARY SYMPTOMATOLOGY- GRECO ARAB MEDICINE BIOFILM FORMATION AND ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY OF UROPATHOGENS IN PATIENTS WITH CATHETER ASSOCIATED URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN IBB CITY -YEME

An overview of wastewater treatment using combined heterogeneous photocatalysis and membrane distillation

The need for efficient remediation solutions to wastewater has risen due to the concerning prevalence of toxic organic pollutants. It is possible for the linked photocatalysis-membrane separation system to concurrently achieve the photoreaction of pollutants and their removal from wastewater in order to accomplish the goal of completely purifying the wastewater. This investigation's objective is to provide analytical overview of the photocatalytic and membrane coupling process, photocatalytic membrane reactors, and the potential applications of these technologies in the treatment of wastewater for the persistent organic matter removal. In the review, an examination of photocatalytic and membrane processes to remove organic compounds from wastewater is presented. Based on the literature analysis, it was observed that the application of photocatalytic membrane reactors is significantly influenced by a wide variety of factors. Some of these factors include pollutant concentration, dissolved oxygen, aeration, pH, and hydraulic retention time. Light intensity is another factor that has a significant influence. It was also revealed how distillation membranes work when integrated with photocatalytic process. This brief overview will help researchers understand how successful coupled photocatalytic and membrane distillation are in the treatment of wastewater containing organic pollutants

An overview of wastewater treatment using combined heterogeneous photocatalysis and membrane distillation

Received: 02.02.23. Revised: 14.03.23. Accepted: 15.03.23. Available online: 22.03.23.The authors acknowledge the support of Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Technology-Iraq.The application of photocatalytic membrane reactors is significantly influenced by a wide variety of factors.Integration of distillation membrane with photocatalysis enhances the degradation of pollutant in wastewater.The recovery of membrane fluxes in membrane distillation after UV irradiation could be achieved using silver-based photocatalysts.The need for efficient remediation solutions to wastewater has risen due to the concerning prevalence of toxic organic pollutants. It is possible for the linked photocatalysis-membrane separation system to concurrently achieve the photoreaction of pollutants and their removal from wastewater in order to accomplish the goal of completely purifying the wastewater. This investigation's objective is to provide analytical overview of the photocatalytic and membrane coupling process, photocatalytic membrane reactors, and the potential applications of these technologies in the treatment of wastewater for the persistent organic matter removal. In the review, an examination of photocatalytic and membrane processes to remove organic compounds from wastewater is presented. Based on the literature analysis, it was observed that the application of photocatalytic membrane reactors is significantly influenced by a wide variety of factors. Some of these factors include pollutant concentration, dissolved oxygen, aeration, pH, and hydraulic retention time. Light intensity is another factor that has a significant influence. It was also revealed how distillation membranes work when integrated with photocatalytic process. This brief overview will help researchers understand how successful coupled photocatalytic and membrane distillation are in the treatment of wastewater containing organic pollutants

The Topical Ocular Delivery of Rapamycin to Posterior Eye Tissues and the Suppression of Retinal Inflammatory Disease

Treatment of posterior eye diseases with intravitreal injections of drugs, while effective, is invasive and associated with side effects such as retinal detachment and endophthalmitis. In this work, we have formulated a model compound, rapamycin (RAP), in nanoparticle-based eye drops and evaluated the delivery of RAP to the posterior eye tissues in a healthy rabbit. We have also studied the formulation in experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) mouse model with retinal inflammation. Aqueous RAP eye drops were prepared using N-palmitoyl-N-monomethyl-N,N-dimethyl-N,N,N-trimethyl-6-O-glycolchitosan (Molecular Envelope Technology - MET) containing 0.23 ± 0.001% w/v RAP with viscosity, osmolarity, and pH within the ocular comfort range, and the formulation (MET-RAP) was stable in terms of drug content at both refrigeration and room temperature for one month. The MET-RAP eye drops delivered RAP to the choroid-retina with a Cmax of 145 ± 49 ng/g (tmax = 1 hour). The topical application of the MET-RAP eye drops to the EAU mouse model resulted in significant disease suppression compared to controls, with activity similar to dexamethasone eye drops. The MET-RAP eye drops also resulted in a reduction of RORγt and an increase in both Foxp3 expression and IL-10 secretion, indicating a mechanism involving the inhibition of Th17 cells and the up-regulation of T-reg cells. The MET-RAP formulation delivers RAP to the posterior eye segments, and the formulation is active in EAU