Tishk International University Repository
Not a member yet
1579 research outputs found
Sort by
Rainwater Harvesting Site Selection for Drought-Prone Areas in Somali and Borena Zones, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia: A Geospatial and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis
Get PDFRainwater collection systems play a crucial role in enhancing water availability in regions with low precipitation. This study focused on identifying potential rainwater harvesting (RWH) locations in drought-prone areas, specifically the Borena zone of Oromia and the regional states of Somali. This research leveraged geospatial techniques and a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to assess feasible RWH sites. The dataset comprises essential factors such as rainfall, drainage density, slope, soil texture type, and land use/land cover. These thematic layers serve as inputs for analysis, with each factor being weighted using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method based on its significance. Reclassifying factors into subclasses facilitates suitability analysis. The weighted linear combination (WLC) technique is applied to identify and prioritize potential rainwater harvesting (PRWH) locations based on four suitability classes: highly suitable, moderately suitable, low suitability, and unsuitable. Our findings reveal that 1% of the study area, covering approximately 3288 km2, is highly suitable for RWH. Areas with moderate suitability constitute approximately 12% (37,498 km2), while regions with low suitability, representing the majority, encompass about 75% (242,170 km2). Additionally, 13% (41,000 km2) of the study area is deemed unsuitable for RWH. The proposed technique for identifying suitable RWH sites is adaptable to other low-precipitation regions. However, before implementing RWH structures, further research is imperative. This study proposed the exploration of socioeconomic variables in future research and urged for an in-depth examination of various aspects of environmental sustainability. Our research paves the way for adapting rainwater harvesting systems to align with community needs and life cycles while also exploring the socio-economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability for future study. The insights offer promising solutions to address the urgent issues associated with water scarcity. This should include comprehensive site depictions, an exploration of social and economic activities, and the meticulous preparation of a cost-benefit analysis
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) seeds accelerates wound healing in rats: Possible molecular mechanisms
Get PDFWound healing is a complex, intricate, and dynamic process that requires effective therapeutic management. The current study evaluates the wound healing potentials of methanolic extract of Cuminum cyminum L. seeds (CCS) in rats. Sprague Dawley (24) rats were distributed into four cages, wounds produced on the back of the neck, and received two daily topical treatments for 14 days: A, rats received normal saline; B, wounded rats treated with intrasite gel; C and D, rats received 0.2 mL of 250 and 500 mg/kg of CCS, respectively. After that, wound area and closure percentage were evaluated, and wound tissues were dissected for histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical examinations. Acute toxicity trials of methanolic extract of CCS showed the absence of any physiological changes or mortality in rats. CCS application caused a significant reduction in wound size and a statistically elevated percentage of wound contraction than those of vehicle rats. CCS treatment caused significant up-regulation of collagen fiber, fibroblasts, and fewer inflammatory cells (inflammation) in granulation tissues. TGF-β1 (angiogenetic factor) was significantly more expressed in CCS-treated rats in comparison to normal saline-treated rats; therefore, more fibroblasts transformed into myofibroblasts (angiogenesis). CCS-treated rats showed remarkable antioxidant potentials (higher SOD and CAT enzymes) and decreased MDA (lipid peroxidation) levels in their wound tissue homogenates. Hydroxyproline amino acid (collagen) was significantly up-regulated by CCS treatment, which is commonly related to faster wound closure area. The outcomes suggest CCS as a viable new source of pharmaceuticals for wound treatment
Efficacy of ozonated olive oil against peri-implant microbes isolated from peri-implantitis
Get PDFThis study aimed to investigate the antibacterial and antimicrobial activity of ozone gel against oral biofilms grown on titanium dental implant discs. The experiment used medical grade five titanium discs on which peri-implant isolated biofilms were grown. The experimental groups were control, Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Granulicatella adiacens (G. adiacens), (n = 6). The oral microbes grown on titanium discs were exposed to ozone gel for 3 minutes and the antibacterial activity was assessed by turbidity test and adherence test for the antibiofilm activity test. Bacterial morphology and confluence were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), (n=3). Two bacterial species were identified from the peri-implant sample, S. mutans and G. adiacens. The results showed that adding ozone to the bacterial biofilm on titanium dental implants did not exhibit significant antibacterial activity against S. mutans. Moreover, there was no significant difference in antibiofilm activity between control and treatment groups. However, significant antibacterial and antibiofilm effect was exhibited by ozone gel against G. adiacens. Ozonated olive oil can be considered as a potential antimicrobial agent for disinfecting dental implant surfaces and treating peri-implantitis
Optimized design and investigation of novel reversible toffoli and peres gates using QCA techniques
Get PDFThe QCA is a revolutionary dominating transistor-less computational nanotechnology based on quantum dots. As such, it might be used in the next generation of quantum computational nano-electronics devices. New molecular materials like QCA are being developed for use in nanoscale devices and cables. The major objective of this research is to optimize the design and investigate numerous properties of a QCA reversible logic circuit design. These locations include, limited Toffoli Gate (TG) and Peres Gate (PG). To address the key problems associated with the physical integration of digital circuits is power consumption and power dissipation which leads to synchronization issues, this research proposes a novel reversible logic gates (RLG-TG) a single layer coplanar approach. RLG designs with minimal design area, latency, and quantum cell count (QCA) are given and implemented using a Bijection functional method. Using the QD-E (Energy) tool, the first-order energy dissipation of the proposed shape and the impact of output bias cell temperature are also investigated. The proposed circuit designs were tested using the CVSE parameters, which had high clock signal saturation energies of 9.8e-22 d (Jules), recovery times for damping factors of 1e-15 s, and relative dielectric constants of 12.90 for GaAs and AlGaAs. The number of quantum cells used by the described new RLG-TG and RLG-PG designs is decreased by 38.23 % and 21.14 %, respectively, when compared to the optimal RLG designs employed in the state-of-the-art RLG designs. In this investigation of the proposed four-bit EPG and OPG circuits occupies 18.91 % and 38.27 % less design area, requires 46.15 % and 46.25 % less number of cells, and both designs has been 66.66 % improvement in delay
Reasons for self-medication among elderly patients in TIU and Erbil Infirmary House
Get PDFBackground: This study investigates the factors contributing to self-medication among elderly patients in TIU (Tishk International University) and Erbil Infirmary House, utilizing a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys.
Methods: The sample includes elderly patients aged 60 years and above with diverse backgrounds, employing a mixed-methods approach consisting of qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys. The study identifies several factors contributing to self-medication, such as limited access to healthcare, financial constraints, long waiting times, lack of trust in healthcare professionals, family influence, and positive past experiences with self-medication.
The study emphasizes the necessity for targeted interventions to address self-medication in the elderly. This includes improving healthcare access, reducing financial barriers, enhancing healthcare professionals’ communication skills, and educating patients on the risks and benefits of self-medication. Collaboration between providers and the elderly population is crucial for creating a safe environment for appropriate medication use.
Results: The study reveals significant differences in self-medication behavior among the elderly based on demographic factors. Males were more likely to engage in self-medication, and the prevalence was higher among single elderly individuals. Primary education was more prevalent than high school or college education. There was no significant difference in self-medication prevalence between those without medical insurance and those with insurance. The presence of drug information significantly influenced self-medication practices.
Conclusion: Further research is needed to explore the long-term consequences of self-medication and evaluate the effectiveness of intervention strategies in mitigating associated risks. Addressing self-medication among elderly patients is essential to ensure their health and well-being
A Review of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and its potential synthetic derivatives in the management of Diabetes Mellitus
Get PDFDipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are a type of oral medication used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). They have become increasingly popular due to their effectiveness and safety in managing the condition. DPP-4 inhibitors function by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down the incretin hormones, namely glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP). These medicines efficiently raise the levels of active GLP-1 and GIP by blocking DPP-4 activity. As a result, there is an increase in the production of insulin, a decrease in the release of glucagon, and a lowering of glucose levels after a meal. Multiple clinical trials have conclusively shown that DPP-4 inhibitors effectively lower glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Certain studies have even proved their equivalent efficacy to other anti-diabetic medications such as metformin or sulfonylureas. Furthermore, DPP-4 inhibitors possess the benefit of being weight-neutral and exhibiting a little risk of hypoglycemia. These qualities render them a compelling option for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are overweight or susceptible to hypoglycemia episodes. In general, DPP-4 inhibitors are a promising therapeutic choice for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), offering effective regulation of blood sugar levels with a minimal likelihood of adverse effects. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge some restrictions and factors to take into account, including the possibility of heightened susceptibility to pancreatitis, nasopharyngitis, and certain drug-drug combinations. Additional investigation is necessary to completely clarify the long-term safety and potential supplementary advantages of DPP-4 inhibitors
Multi-functional application of octacosanol as a feed additive in animal and aquaculture: A review
Get PDFDemand for sustainable animal and aquaculture production drives the exploration of novel feed additives. We highlight octacosanol, a long-chain alcohol from plant sources, as a promising multifunctional feed additive. The review comprehensively evaluates octacosanol's applications in animal and aquaculture nutrition, including its molecular properties and mechanisms of action. It elucidates how octacosanol affects lipid metabolism, energy utilization and immune modulation. Octacosanol enhances livestock growth, efficiency, carcass quality and stress resilience. We thoroughly discuss how it enhances feed utilization, disease resistance and overall performance in finfish and shellfish in aquaculture. The review also addresses the ecological and sustainability aspects of octacosanol utilization. We identify challenges and knowledge gaps in octacosanol research, prompting suggestions for future investigations. We address regulatory considerations, dosage optimization and potential interactions with other feed additives to ensure the safe and effective use of octacosanol. In conclusion, the review highlights octacosanol's potential as a versatile feed additive in the animal and aquaculture industries and urges further research to uncover its benefits and sustainability contributions, proposing a prospective research plan for this purpose. This thorough analysis is a valuable resource for researchers, nutritionists and industry professionals looking to find innovative methods to improve production practices and advance sustainable food systems
Reaping the Fruits of Technology-Integrated Grammar Instruction in EFL Classes at the Tertiary Level Through Web 2.0 Tools
Get PDFThanks to their advantages, technology-integrated tools have risen in English classes, especially in the last two decades. In this respect, a paucity of research has been conducted to measure the influence of web-enhanced tools in improving linguistic skills. However, a gap in the literature has been observed about the effects of technology-integrated instruction on EFL learners’ grammar performance at the tertiary level in the Iraq context. In light of this, the present study aimed to explore the influence of Web 2.0 tool-oriented instruction in developing grammar on 40 EFL learners, chosen by systematic sampling method, studying at the language preparatory school of a private university in Erbil, Iraq, in the 2023-2024 academic year. The study lasted nine months and adopted the principles of a mixed-methods research design study. Control group students were exposed to traditional instruction, while experimental group students’ lessons were enriched with web 2.0 tools via various websites on English language learning. The findings, analyzed by SPSS 26 and MAXQDA, revealed that experimental group students increased their grammatical competence, intrinsic motivation, self-confidence, and overall attitudes toward learning English more significantly than the control group students. In line with these findings, this study has certain pedagogical implications for integrating Web 2.0 tools into grammar lessons
Impact of Flexible Furniture on Small Spaces in Residential Apartment with Smart Solutions
Get PDFThe importance of flexibility and creative innovation in furniture design, particularly in residential spaces are the critical factors for superior futurity and life cycle, the complexity of achieving these design goals, especially in the context of small apartments resulting from urban housing development and population growth. that these factors are shaping the future of furniture design to enhance the quality of life for residents in smaller spaces. How does the lack of the spaces influence the population living there? that the feelings of claustrophobia and crowding can have negative effects on residents' well-being, it emphasizes the essential role of furniture in these living environments, highlighting the need for solutions that enhance the quality of life for individuals living in small apartments. Furniture is attaching around half of floor space, so space-saving furniture solutions in small apartments. These solutions are seen as a key factor in promoting human well-being and prosperity in such living environments. This paper looks to investigate the connection between small apartments, furniture, and human prosperity, The article concluded the importance of understanding this imperative in the design process to create living environments that enhance the quality of life for those living in small spaces
Visible light assisted photooxidative facile degradation of azo dyes in water using a green method†
Get PDFIn this study, the methyl orange (MO) dye has been degraded after screening several azo dyes due to its effective results and being toxic and carcinogenic to aquatic life and humans. An environmentally friendly, economical, and green method for water purification was used in this study using the photooxidative method. Several organic acids were screened for oxidative applications against various azo dyes but due to better results, methyl orange was selected for the whole study. Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, was found to be best for photodegradation due to its high oxidative activity among various organic acids utilized. A newly developed photoreactor box has been used to conduct the photooxidation process. To evaluate the degradation efficiency of AsA, photooxidative activity was monitored periodically. When the dose of AsA was used at a contact time of 180 minutes, degradation efficiency was 96%. The analysis of degraded products was performed using HPLC and GC-MS. The nucleophilicity of HOMO–LUMO and MEPs was confirmed using density functional theory. For the optimization of the process, central composite design (CCD) in Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was utilized