Channel estimation and tracking algorithms for vehicle to vehicle communications

The vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications channels are highly time-varying, making reliable communication difficult. This problem is particularly challenging because the standard of the V2V communications (IEEE 802.11p standard) is based on the WLAN IEEE 802.11a standard, which was designed for indoor, relatively stationary channels; so the IEEE 802.11p standard is not customized for outdo or, highly mobile non-stationary channels. In this thesis,We propose Channel estimation and tracking algorithms that are suitable for highly-time varying channels. The proposed algorithms utilize the finite alphabet property of the transmitted symbol, time domain truncation, decision-directed as well as pilot information. The proposed algorithm s improve the overall system performance in terms of bit error rates, enabling the system to achieve higher data rates and larger packet lengths at high relative velocities. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithms achieve improved performance for all the V2V channel models with different velocities, and for different modulation schemes and packet sizes as compared to the conventional least squares and other previously proposed channel estimation techniques for V2V channels

Biochemical profile, antioxidant effect and antifungal activity of Saudi Ziziphus spina-christi L. for vaginal lotion formulation

Ziziphus spina-christi L. extract from the northern region of Saudi Arabia, was investigated to determine its chemical composition and to evaluate its antioxidant and antifungal properties. Fresh leaves were extracted using Soxhlet apparatus and the yield was 8% w/w. Results of the qualitative study showed that this extract is rich in chemical compounds belonging to several classes (saponins, phenols, tannins). GC-MS analysis detected 38 chemical compounds with different concentrations representing 99.71 % of the total extract. However, Z. spina-christi leaves extract is mainly composed of Octadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethylester (18.80%). The extract has free radical scavenging activity at different concentrations and the best result was obtained with IC50 of 148.33 µg/ml. C. albicans and other Candida species caused vulvovaginal candidiasis, which is a high-risk occurrence in hospitalized patients. In vitro antifungal activity was investigated by the agar well diffusion test to measure and compare diameter of zones of inhibition (in mm) against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis. Ethanolic extract of Z. spina-christi demonstrated a substantial inhibitory impact on several Candida species, especially against C. glabrata which has the highest inhibitory effect (90%). Therefore, Saudi Z. spina-christi leaves extract is a source of natural antioxidants and it can be used as well antifungal pharmaceutical product

Olive-Pressed Solid Residues as a Medium for Growing Mushrooms and Increasing Soil Fertility

Organic fertilizer is the core of organic farming, which represents the most important way to provide crops and agricultural products that are safe and free of any chemical components and pesticides. From this point of view, the purpose of this study is to provide a source of organic fertilizers which was formerly an environmental problem. The northwestern region of Saudi Arabia is flourishing with olive production, leaving huge amounts of residues called olive press cake (OPC). These wastes are a major environmental pollution despite their good content of carbohydrates, protein, oil and cellulose alongside phenols and lignin. We tested the cultivation of Gliocladium roseum, Pythium oligandrum and Trichoderma harzianum and the mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus on OPC in order to reduce the high percentage of phenols that impede the germination of some plant seeds. Gliocladium roseum, Pythium oligandrum and Pleurotus ostreatus were able to reduce the percentage of phenols to more than 40% and thus support germination of seeds of Eruca sativa. This study gave than one benefit: firstly, reducing phenols that impede the germination of seeds. Secondly, Gliocladium roseum and Pythium oligandrum work against some plant diseases and also produce plant-like hormones that increase growth of plants

Challenges to Safe Wheat Storage

There are enormous challenges facing wheat storage, which is the most important crop in existence. Wheat is one of the most famous and important plants in human history. There is no country in the world that does not give up wheat yields. Countries of the world vary and differ in their production and consumption of that important plant. Since ancient times, humans have stored wheat grain in special places. Storage areas were developed until the current silos were reached. With large quantities of wheat stored in silos, there are many challenges to the healthy environment of storage. One of the most important challenges facing quality of wheat stored in silos is the spread of conidia and spores of many dangerous fungi on wheat grains. One of studies conducted by the authors proved presence of some of notorious fungi on and inside wheat mass stored in the silo under study. Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Circinella umbellata, Gliocladium sp., Penicillium frequentans, P. islandicum, and Ulocladium atrum were isolated from wheat samples. All seven isolated fungi demonstrated their ability to analyze human red blood cells with different strengths. These results are consistent with previous studies that confirm the seriousness of presence of these fungi on the health of dealers and exposers especially with bad storage and humidity

Enhanced reactivity of pyridin-3-o1 towards 4-phenyl-l, 2, 4-triazoline-3, 5- dione: FMO treatment of the cycloaddition process

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Insecticidal Activity of Lemongrass Essential Oil as an Eco-Friendly Agent against the Black Cutworm Agrotis ipsilon (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

This is the final version. Available on open access from MDPI via the DOI in this recordBackground: The destructive insect pest Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a polyphagous species targeting many economically important plants. The extensive and arbitrary use of insecticides has resulted in the build-up of insecticide resistance and pesticide residues accumulating in food. Therefore, it is becoming evident that alternative pest management tools are needed to reduce risks to humans, the environment, and non-target organisms, and at the same time, they should be used in field application at the lowest cost. Methods: In view of this objective, the present study demonstrates the toxicity of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf) essential oil (EO), against the black cutworm A. ipsilon under controlled laboratory conditions in terms of measuring the activity of peroxidase and detoxification enzymes. The chemical components of the EO were analyzed using GC–MS. Results: The results show that after 96 h post treatment, the LC15 and LC50 values were 427.67 and 2623.06 mg/L, respectively, of C. citratus EO on second-instar larvae of A. ipsilon. A slight significance in elongation of the larval duration with LC15 and LC50 value was found with control. By GC–MS analysis, the main compounds identified in the EO were α-citral and β-citral with percentages of 35.91%, and 35%, respectively. The oxidative stress indicates a significant increase in CAT and lipid peroxidase enzyme activity after 96 h post treatment at the LC15 and LC50. Conversely, the detoxification enzyme activity shows an inhibition of CarE and GST enzymes of larvae exposed to LC15 and LC50 values in response to C. citratus EO. Conclusions: The present data show that lemongrass EO has insecticidal activity against the black cutworm, A. ipsilon.King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabi

Evaluation of the effectiveness of sleep hygiene education and FITBIT devices on quality of sleep and psychological worry: a pilot quasi-experimental study among first-year college students

BackgroundCollege students report disturbed sleep patterns that can negatively impact their wellbeing and academic performance.ObjectivesThis study examined the effect of a 4-week sleep hygiene program that included sleep education and actigraph sleep trackers (FITBITs) on improving sleep quality and reducing psychological worry without control group.Design, settings, and participantsA pilot quasi-experimental design, participants were randomly selected medical and health sciences from a university students in the United-Arab-Emirates.MethodsStudents were asked to wear FITBITs and log their daily sleep data and completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ). Extensive sleep hygiene education was delivered via lectures, a WhatsApp group, and the Blackboard platform. In total, 50 students completed pre-and post-assessments and returned FITBIT data.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the prevalence of good sleep postintervention compared with pre-intervention (46% vs. 28%; p = 0.0126). The mean PSQI score was significantly lower post-intervention compared with pre-intervention (6.17 ± 3.16 vs. 7.12.87; p = 0.04, Cohen’s d 0.33). After the intervention, subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, and daytime dysfunction were significantly improved compared with pre-intervention (p < 0.05). In addition, FITBIT data showed total sleep time and the number of restless episodes per night were significantly improved postintervention compared with pre-intervention (p = 0.013). The mean PSWQ score significantly decreased from pre-intervention to p = 0.049, Cohen’ d = 0.25. The correlation between PSQI and PSWQ scores was significant post-intervention (β = 0.40, p = 0.02).ConclusionOur results may inform university educational policy and curricular reform to incorporate sleep hygiene awareness programs to empower students and improve their sleep habits

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London