A consistent dimensional analysis of gas–liquid mass transfer in an aerated stirred tank containing purely viscous fluids with shear-thinning properties

This paper deals with gas–liquid mass transfer in an aerated stirred tank containing Newtonian or shearthinning fluids. The aim is to demonstrate that, for a given mixing system, an unique dimensionless correlation gathering all the mass transfer rates (150 kla measurements) can be obtained if and only if the variability of the rheological material parameters is correctly considered when implementing the theory of similarity. More particularly, it is clearly illustrated that a too gross simplification in the relevant list of the parameters characterizing the dependence of apparent viscosity with shear rates leads to pitfalls when building the PI-space set. This is then a striking example showing that a robust predictive correlation can be established when the non-constancy of fluid physical properties ceases to be neglected

The Relationship among Reflective Thinking, Listening Anxiety and Listening Comprehension of Iranian EFL Learners: Does Proficiency make a Difference?

As the main part of a large-scale project, the present study investigated the relationship among reflective thinking, listening anxiety, and listening comprehension of Iranian EFL learners with regard to their proficiency level. To this end, 223 (106 intermediate and 117 advanced) adult male and female Iranian EFL learners from a private language institute took part in the study by completing the Reflective Thinking Questionnaire (RTQ) developed by Kember et al., (2000), the Foreign Language Listening Anxiety Scale (FLLAS) developed by Kim (2000) and a listening comprehension test selected from the listening part of IELTS. Using factor analysis and Chronbach’s Alpha, the questionnaires were revalidated and their reliability was re-estimated.  The results of Pearson product moment correlations indicated there was a statistically significant: (a) positive association between reflective thinking and listening comprehension, (b) reverse correlation between listening anxiety and listening comprehension, and (c) reverse relationship between reflective thinking and listening anxiety of Iranian EFL learners. Furthermore, the results of multiple regression analysis indicated listening anxiety, compared to reflective thinking, was a significantly stronger predictor of listening comprehension. Additionally, the results of MANOVA revealed there was a significant difference between intermediate and advanced EFL learners with respect to their reflective thinking and listening anxiety. In the light of the findings of the study, foreign language education policy makers in general and EFL teachers in particular are thus recommended to introduce ways to enhance reflective thinking of the students and decrease their listening anxiety if they are to improve  their listening comprehension. The results and implications of the study are discussed in more detail in the paper

Health-related quality of life assessment in a group of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Background: JIA is known to affect the physical and social wellbeing and impact scholastic achievement of children. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important outcome measure in understanding the impact of chronic illness. Objective: We sought to evaluate the HRQOL of a group of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) to uncover their main problems that might prevent them from leading a normal life . Methods: We consecutively enrolled 119 JIA patients who were classified according to the ILAR criteria into 16 cases with oligoarticular (13.4%), 36 with polyarticular (30.3%) and 67 with systemic JIA (56.3%). They were 62 (52.1%) males and 57 (47.9%) females with a mean age of 7.7 years. Patients were evaluated by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory TM Version 4.0 (PedsQLTM) questionnaire. Results: Physical and feeling problem scores were negatively correlated to age, age at onset, diagnostic lag and diseases duration. The learning problem score showed negative correlation with age, age at onset and receival of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) pointing to the favorable effect of pain control on the quality of life. Also, learning and social problem scores were positively correlated to the diagnostic lag. Total scores showed negative correlation with age and age at onset. Conclusion: JIA has an important impact on the HRQOL and normal development. Pain control is mandatory for reduction of learning problems via the judicious use of NSAIDs and the delay in diagnosis was associated with unfavorable learning and social outcome

Apport de l'imagerie radar SAR-ERS à l'analyse de la géométrie de la déformation récente dans les monts des Béni Snassen (Maroc nord-oriental). Contribution of the imagery radar SAR-ERS to the analysis of the geometry of the recent deformation in the Beni Snassen mounts (North-eastern Morocco).

International audienceLes techniques de traitement permettent, dès à présent, une exploitation opérationnelle des images satellitaires radar SAR-ERS dans un contexte cartographique. L'utilisation de cette imagerie au Maroc nord-oriental a permis d'extraire la géométrie de la déformation. Trois réseaux de failles de direction NW-SE, NE-SW et ENE-WSW apparaissent au travers des principales unités morphologiques. La disposition et le caractère récent des jeux de ces failles sont confirmés sur le terrain. Ceci a permis d'établir un modèle d'évolution structurale des monts des Béni Snassen dans le cadre de l'évolution des chaînes maghrébines en contexte de collision entre les plaques lithosphériques Afrique - Europe. Image processing techniques already allow the operational use of radar satellite SAR-ERS imagery for cartography. Its use in North-eastern Morocco made it possible to extract the geometry of the deformation. Three directions of major faults oriented NW-SE, NE-SW and ENE-WSW appear to the breadth of the main morphological units. The arrangement and the recent character of the sets of these faults are confirmed on the field. This was used to establish a model of structural evolution of the Beni Snassen mounts within the framework of the evolution of the maghrebin chains in context of collision between the African - European lithospheric plates

Characterization and Toxicity of Bacillus Thuringiensis Strain Kfr-24, And Commercial Formulations against Spodoptera Littolaris

Under these studies Bacillus thuringiensis wettable powder comparable to standard strain, there are only one isolate which confirmed by molecular characterization. Scanning electron microscopy observed that the presence of cuboidal crystals in Bacillus thuringiensis Alex-13 and observed bipyramidal crystals in case of Bacillus thuringiensis HD-1, as standard strain. Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) revealed the presence of Cry1-like sequences in addition to standard strain, which confirmed by gel electrophoresis. Also, during these studies. Bioassay recorded that the highest mortality rate by determination of LC50 for 5 days against Spodoptera littolaris third instars larvae were 69, 86, and 100(%) in case of Bt Alex-13, Bt-HD-1 standard strain and Bt commercial wettable powder, respectively

Isolation and Molecular Identification of Insecticidal Activity Bacillus Thuringiensis Strain Alex-13 Isolated from Different Ecosystems in Egypt against Spodoptera Littolaris

The entomopathogenic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is the most widely used biopesticide. The specific toxic activity to insects and other organisms is related to the presence of crystals that have different morphologies, sizes, numbers and compositions according to the Bt strain. The crystals contain different proteins, which are encoded by distinct Cry (crystal) genes. In this work we isolated 334 colonies from 59 soil samples in 13 local area in Egypt, colonies examination has carried out under microscope for toxin production, during screening of these isolates we found 16 bacterial strains has been identified by using biochemical reactions and insecticidal activity against Spodoptera littolaris in addition to Bacillus thuringiensis wettable powder comparable to standard strain, only one isolate which are considered most potent strain were confirmed by molecular characterization. Scanning electron microscopy observed that the presence of cuboidal crystals in Bacillus thuringiensis Alex-13 and observed bipyramidal crystals in case of Bacillus thuringiensis HD-1, as standard strain. Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) revealed the presence of Cry1-like sequences in addition to standard strain, which confirmed by gel electrophoresis. Also, during the studying environmental and nutritional conditions requirements (data not show). Bioassay recorded that the highest mortality rate by determination of LC50 for 5 days against Spodoptera littolaris third instars larvae were 69, 86, and 100(%) in case of Bt Alex-13, Bt-HD-1 standard strain and Bt commercial wettable powder, respectively

Characterization and Toxicity of Bacillus Thuringiensis Strain Kfr-24, And Commercial Formulations against Spodoptera Littolaris

Under these studies Bacillus thuringiensis wettable powder comparable to standard strain, there are only one isolate which confirmed by molecular characterization. Scanning electron microscopy observed that the presence of cuboidal crystals in Bacillus thuringiensis Alex-13, and observed bipyramidal crystals in case of Bacillus thuringiensis HD-1, as standard strain. Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) revealed the presence of Cry1-like sequences in addition to standard strain, which confirmed by gel electrophoresis. Also, during these studies.Bioassay recorded that the highest mortality rate by determination of LC50 for 5 days against Spodoptera littolaris third instars larvae were 69, 86, and 100(%) in case of Bt Alex-13, Bt-HD-1 standard strain and Bt commercial wettable powder, respectively

Effect of two different manual therapy techniques for treatment of forward head posture: A comparative study

Article accepted. The article will be published here soon. Pending final quality checks

EFFECT OF SOME OF ORGANIC AND BIO AND/OR MINERAL FERTILIZATION ON VEGETATIVE GROWTH AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF DELONIX REGIA

This work wasexecuted during two successive seasons of 2018 and 2019 in the nursery and laboratory of Fac. Agric., Minia Univ., Egypt to investigate the response of vegetative and root growthand some chemical composition of Delonix regia seedlings to four percentages of humic acid (0, 1, 2 and 4%) and four bio- and/or mineral NPK fertilization treatments (control, 100% NPK, Minia Azotein and 75% NPK plus Minia Azotein), as well as, the interaction between them. All used three percentages of humic acid significantly increased vegetative growth (plant height, stem diameter, the aerial part dry weight), root growth (root number and roots dry weight) and chemical composition (photosynthetic pigments, NPK%, total phenolic and total flavonoids contents) over control. Humic acid at 4% more was effective treatment. All used bio-and/or mineral NPK fertilization treatments significantly increased all studied characters over control. The best treatments were 100% NPK or 75% NPK plus Minia Azotein. It could be recommended to add humic acid at 4% in combination with 100% NPK or 75% NPK plus Minia Azotein to improve growth of Delonix regia