Conjugated Polymer (MEH-PPV:MWCNTs) Organic Nanocomposite for Photodetector Application

Fabrication of a photodetector consists of the conjugated polymer "MEH-PPV"- poly (2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenlenevinylene) and MEH-PPV:MWCNT nanocomposite thin film. The volume ratio investigated was 0.75:0.25. MEH-PPV was dissolved in chloroform solvent and doped with MWCNTs. The spin coating method was used to achieve a facile and low cost photodetector. The absorption spectrum decreases by adding the CNTs. The PL spectrum detected recombination curve results by doping the polymer with CNTs, and AFM measurement showed an increase of roughness average from (0.168 to 2.43nm) of "MEH-PPV" and "MEH-PPV:CNTs", respectively. The doping ratio 0.25, which has a higher photoresponsivity, was evaluated at 1.70 A/W and 2.14 A/W of the UV and Vis. wavelength range. Time-dependent photocurrent analysis showed that the higher sensitivity was 176.56 % at 350nm and 290.99% at 500 nm of the "MEH-PPV:MWCNTs" thin films, while I-V characteristics showed a rectifying behavior

Effect of nitrogen fertilizer on growth and yield of grain sorghum variety Abu Timan

     أُجريت هذه التجربة الحقلية لموسمين زراعيين (2004/05، 2005/06) بالمزرعة الإيضاحية، كلية الزراعة أبو نعامة لمعرفة تأثير ثلاث مستويات من النتروجين على مؤشرات النمو والإنتاجية لصنف ماريق أبو تيمان (صنف محلي من غرب السودان). تمت مقارنة أبو تيمان مع صنفي قدم الحمام وود أحمد (أصناف مجازة). أظهرت الدراسة أن هنالك إختلافاً في الشكل الظاهري بين الأصناف الثلاثة .صنف أبو تيمان يتفوق في الطول (203سم) علي صنف قدم الحمام (111.4سم ) وصنف ود أحمد (111.3سم) . كما أن القنابات لصنف أبوتيمان تحتوي علي بذرتين بينما تحتوي علي بذرة وأحدة للصنفين الآخرين . من نتائج الدراسة تبين أن أبوتيمان متأخر في الأزهار بينما ود أحمد كان المبكر في الإزهار . كان عدد الأيام لـ 50% أزهار لكل من أبوتيمان ، قدم الحمام وود أحمد 86 ، 76 ، 73  علي التوالي . تأثير إضافة سماد النتروجين علي مؤشرات مكونات الإنتاج  - عدد البذور في القندول ووزن الألف بذرة والإنتاجية غير معنوي . أثبتت الدراسة أن الصنف قدم الحمام قد حقق أعلي إنتاجية (5.42 ، 6.55 طن/هـ) وماريق أبو تيمان في المرتبة الثانية بإنتاجية (4.99 ، 6.48 طن/هـ ) وفي المرتبة الأخيرة ود أحمد بإنتاجية (4.04 ،6.04 طن/هـ) في موسمي 2004/05 و2005/06مد بإنتاجية (4.اجية (بذور في القندول ووزن الألف بذرة والإنتاجية لم يكن معزياً . ، علي التوالي . إضافة 2N (86 كجم نتروجين/هـ) أدي إلي زيادة معنوية في إنتاجية أصناف الذرة الرفيعة الثلاثة في موسم (2005/06) . نتائج الدراسة توضح أن ماريق أبو تيمان له مقدره إنتاجية عالية. والتوصية بالمزيد من الدراسات لتحديد المعاملات الفلاحية المناسبة للحصول علي أعلي إنتاجية ممكنة

Effect of police training during the confinement period on some cardiopulmonary and hematological parameters in Khartoum, Sudan

Background: Pulmonary function tests (PFT) serve as a tool of health assessment and as a predictor of occupational fitness. Police officers must develop and maintain high levels of physical fitness for physical demanding tasks they perform. The training program starts with confinement of five to eight weeks according to the trainee. Previously it has been shown that the police students have better lung functions values compared to their civilian colleagues. In this study the effect of the confinement training on pulmonary function tests was investigated.Methods: Eighty one policemen trainee were randomly selected from a new batch in the faculty of police sciences and Law, the National Ribat University, Khartoum, Sudan at their starting confinement period. Subjects were medically fit with no history of Diabetes, Hypertension, Asthma or use of any long term medications. Pulmonary function tests (FVC, FEV1 and PEFR) were performed using a micro-plus spirometer. Blood pressure, pulse rate, and hemoglobin were measured. All these were repeated at the end of the confinement.Results: The age of participants ranged from 24 to 26 years. FVC, FEV1 and PEFR significantly increased after the confinement period. The blood pressure and the pulse significantly decreased. The weight of the participants decreased after the confinement but Hb significantly slightly increased.Conclusions: Regular police training during the confinement improved the pulmonary and cardiovascular reserve function

Structural and Optical Properties of Ce-Cupric Oxide Thin Films

This work focuses discusses the structural and optical properties of Cerium- Cupric oxide thin film prepared on silicon and glass substrate by the spray pyrolysis technique at a temperature of 200,250,300 ̊C. The results of (XRD) tests showed that all the prepared films were of a polycrystalline installation and monoclinic crystal structure with a preferable direction was (11-1) of CuO. Morphology analysis studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and reveals that the grain size of the prepared thin film is approximately (64.69-101.26)nm , with a surface roughness of (0.238– 0.544) nm as well as root mean square of (0.280-0.636)nm for CuO Ce-doping, Optical characteristics were studied by UV/VIS Spectrophotometer at (300- 1100 nm) and observed that the transmission value was more than 80 % at the visible wavelength range. The direct energy gap (Eg) ranged between (1.70-3.00) eV at temperature 200 ̊C and then the values of the energy gap decreases with increasing temperature of substrate when, is measured by UV/VIS

Math teachers' beliefs, practices, and belief change in implementing problem based learning in Qatari primary governmental school

This study explored math teachers' beliefs regarding their roles, practices and perceived change in implementing Problem-Based Learning in Qatar's primary government schools. Multiple sources of qualitative data were generated including metaphors, lesson plans and interviews with seventeen math teachers. Although teachers considered PBL as an effective method benefiting student learning and they demonstrated progress in changing their beliefs moving from subject to didactic dimension through PBL implementation, their practices remained partially aligned with their perceived belief changes. This discrepancy could be attributed to several encountered challenges, including teachers' insecurity and lack of confidence, difficulty in facilitating student collaboration, structural constraints, additional workload, and the lack of school and peer support. Results suggest the need for different types of "problems" and approaches such as more direct instruction, and higher feasibility in teachers' autonomy when implementing PBL in primary education.Scopu

SCAMP:standardised, concentrated, additional macronutrients, parenteral nutrition in very preterm infants: a phase IV randomised, controlled exploratory study of macronutrient intake, growth and other aspects of neonatal care

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Infants born <29 weeks gestation are at high risk of neurocognitive disability. Early postnatal growth failure, particularly head growth, is an important and potentially reversible risk factor for impaired neurodevelopmental outcome. Inadequate nutrition is a major factor in this postnatal growth failure, optimal protein and calorie (macronutrient) intakes are rarely achieved, especially in the first week. Infants <29 weeks are dependent on parenteral nutrition for the bulk of their nutrient needs for the first 2-3 weeks of life to allow gut adaptation to milk digestion. The prescription, formulation and administration of neonatal parenteral nutrition is critical to achieving optimal protein and calorie intake but has received little scientific evaluation. Current neonatal parenteral nutrition regimens often rely on individualised prescription to manage the labile, unpredictable biochemical and metabolic control characteristic of the early neonatal period. Individualised prescription frequently fails to translate into optimal macronutrient delivery. We have previously shown that a standardised, concentrated neonatal parenteral nutrition regimen can optimise macronutrient intake.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We propose a single centre, randomised controlled exploratory trial of two standardised, concentrated neonatal parenteral nutrition regimens comparing a standard macronutrient content (maximum protein 2.8 g/kg/day; lipid 2.8 g/kg/day, dextrose 10%) with a higher macronutrient content (maximum protein 3.8 g/kg/day; lipid 3.8 g/kg/day, dextrose 12%) over the first 28 days of life. 150 infants 24-28 completed weeks gestation and birthweight <1200 g will be recruited. The primary outcome will be head growth velocity in the first 28 days of life. Secondary outcomes will include a) auxological data between birth and 36 weeks corrected gestational age b) actual macronutrient intake in first 28 days c) biomarkers of biochemical and metabolic tolerance d) infection biomarkers and other intravascular line complications e) incidence of major complications of prematurity including mortality f) neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years corrected gestational age</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>Current controlled trials: <a href="http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN76597892">ISRCTN76597892</a>; EudraCT Number: 2008-008899-14</p

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

Synthesis of palm oil-based fatty methylhydrazide

Fatty methylydrazides (FMHs) have been successfully synthesized from palm oil. Glycerol was produced as a by-product. The synthesis was carried out by reflux palm oil with methylhydrazine in hexane. FMHs have been characterized using elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance technique. The results showed that a 6:1 molar ratio of palm oil to methylhydrazine, a round 78 % maximum conversion of palm oil into FMHs and a 10 h reaction time are the optimum reaction conditions

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Summary Background Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. Methods We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung’s disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. Findings We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung’s disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middleincome countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in lowincome countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. Interpretation Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between lowincome, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030