86 research outputs found
Correction: Guidelines for the prevention, detection and management of the renal complications of COVID-19 in Africa
No full textThe authors of the article ‘Guidelines for the prevention, detection and management of the renal complications of COVID-19 in Africa’ [1] wish to acknowledge the contribution of Professor Hussein El Fishawy. Our guidelines drew on various sources, including the Egyptian Ministry of Health guidelines, portions of which were adapted and reproduced with permission from the Egyptian Ministry of Health. Two of the authors of those guidelines, Professors Elsayed and Zaki, are also coauthors of our paper. Professor El Fishawy was the third author of the Egyptian guidelines and we would like to acknowledge his contribution to our review through this source, especially with respect to the treatment algorithms for patients with kidney transplants and those with acute kidney injury. Reference1. Elsayed HM, Wadee S, Zaki MS, Were AJO, Ashuntantang GE, Bamgboye EL, et al. Guidelines for the prevention, detection and management of the renal complications of COVID-19 in Africa. Afr J Nephrol. 2020; 23(1):109-126
Groundwater quality evaluation for drinking and irrigation uses in Dayrout city Upper Egypt
No full textAfter Nile water, Groundwater is the major water resources in Dayrout, Upper Egypt. So, checking groundwater quality is of a high priority for insuring health. In this study, water quality index (WQI), its correlation with the water quality parameters, and Gibbs and Piper diagrams were used to analyze groundwater suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes. Groundwater levels fluctuation with physiochemical parameters of thirty boreholes are recorded and analyzed from January to August 2016. The boreholes water levels show seasonal variations of about 2.3 m. (WQI) values showed low groundwater quality for drinking within urban area west of the Ibrahimmia Canal. Whereas in the east of Ibrahimmia Canal has good (WQI) values but needs disinfection, within drinking limits. All the boreholes show good indices for irrigation water quality. Gibbs and Piper diagrams are presented with major samples falling into rock dominance and belonging respectively to hydro-geochemical facies of Mg Ca HCO3
Reliability estimation of balanced systems with multi-dimensional distributed units
No full textBalanced systems with multi-dimensional distributed units are emerging in a diverse range of industries. This includes Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) with multi-level of rotary wings, Spherical Unmanned Vehicles (SUV), Spherical Phased Array Antenna (SPAA), etc. In this dissertation, we present the reliability estimation for such systems. In particular, we consider two configurations: 1) balanced systems with units distributed circularly on multi-level and 2) balanced systems with units distributed spherically.
First, balanced systems with units distributed circularly on multi-level are generalized as (k₁, k₂)-out-of-(n, m) pairs: G balanced systems. We consider two scenarios: 1) all units perform the same function and 2) adjacent pairs perform complementary functions. For both scenarios, unbalanced system is considered as failed. When units fail and cause the system imbalance, we explore two approaches to rebalance the system: 1) forcing down units on other locations and 2) resuming units that are previously forced down (if any). When units in a system perform the same function, operational states are defined as balanced states with at least k₁ operating pairs and each operating pair has at least k₂ units on each side. The system reliability is obtained by enumerating all of the operational states and summing the probabilities of those states. For (k₁, k₂)-out-of-(n, m) pairs: G balanced systems with adjacent pairs performing complementary functions, in addition to maintaining system balance, the adjacent operating pairs are required to perform complementary functions. Thus, if a pair fails, one of the adjacent pairs is forced down. Similarly, the system reliability is obtained by enumerating all of the operational states. It becomes computational expensive when the number of units in each pair and/or the number of pairs are large. In that case, efficient algorithms are developed to obtain the reliability for such systems.
The balanced system with units distributed spherically is generalized as a spherical k-n-i: G balanced system. We consider two balancing requirements: 1) rotational balance is maintained so that the system is not rotating w.r.t. roll, yaw and pitch axes and 2) symmetrical balance is essential in improving the systems’ stability. We present mathematical approaches to determine the balance status of a system. Similarly, the unbalanced system is rebalanced by 1) forcing down units on other locations and 2) resuming previously forced-down units. The system reliability is obtained by the enumeration of operational states and calculation of operational states’ probabilities. We develop an efficient algorithm for reliability estimation when the number of units in the system is large.
Degradation models are developed for the (k₁, k₂)-out-of-(n, m) pairs: G balanced systems to further investigate the system reliability when degradation data are available. The degradation processes of units in the system are either stationary (inverse Gaussian process) or non-stationary (improved inverse Gaussian process). We propose a degradation balance mechanism in which the ‘most’ degraded units are forced down temporarily during the degradation process so that the system is less possible to fail due to imbalance. A closed-form lower bound reliability is presented when the balance mechanism is not applied. When it is applied, reliability is obtained by Monte Carlo simulation.
From the reliability study of the both configurations, it is observed that the reliability of a balanced system with multi-dimensional distributed units depends not only on the system’s total number of units and the least number of operating units, but also on the system configurations and balance requirements. Systems with more units do not necessarily provide a higher reliability since they are more likely to fail due to imbalance. Thus, optimal system design is key to maximize the system reliability which is investigated through numerical examples in this dissertation.Ph.D.Includes bibliographical reference
The Impact of Low-Power Design Methodology on Digital Libraries
No full textIn recent years, exciting new low-power design methods have been introduced, such as: multiple supply voltages, body bias techniques and power shut-off. In order to use these low power design methods, strict requirements for both libraries and tools are needed. An additional challenge is the introduction of more accurate characterization models for newer technologies (current source models like ECSM and CCS). This has made the task of library checking a serious issue that needs to be automated. The main part of this thesis presents a checker tool that is used to verify the consistency of the different library formats (views) in standard cell libraries. The layout consistency checker in our tool checks the consistency of the layout of pins between GDSII and LEF library views; we devised a new algorithm,Grid Formation and Centre Inclusion, for this checker. The tool also verifies the pin consistency and availability of cells across other library formats, such as: Verilog and Liberty. The tool was tested using different technology libraries (such as 90nm and 40nm), provided by different vendors (such as GLOBALFOUNDRIES); multiple interfacing errors were caught using our library checker tool. A second part at the end of the thesis shows experiments with some of the low-power design techniques used during the design of a digital block, using -for implementation- standard cells from one of the libraries that have been checked with the library checker tool. Benefits of using these techniques are evaluated and trade-offs are discussed. Power-Shut Off (PSO) design technique proved to be the most effective in reducing power consumption, with power savings that reached 20%.Circuits and SystemsElectrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Scienc
Modeling and optimization of container inspection systems
No full textContainer inspection is vital to maintaining secure ports-of-entry and preventing undesired cargo from entering the United States. The inspection process can be generalized as the collection and analysis of information obtained from multiple sensors. Formulating a mathematical model of container inspection allows for evaluation and improvement of the process. The performance of the system under a specified policy is evaluated using one or more objectives such as misclassification errors (false accept and false reject), costs associated with these errors, inspection cost, inspection time, and others. The main contributions of this research are the modeling, formulation, and optimization of inspection policies under different conditions. Furthermore, the dissertation introduces a new class of problems in scheduling theory in which the allocation of inspections is not defined and appears as a decision variable in the solution. In the initial model, the overall system decision is a Boolean function of the individual station decisions. Under these conditions we define an optimal sequence of stations with respect to the expected cost of inspection and solve simultaneously for the threshold level values and sequence of stations that produce a minimum total cost. This optimization is extended to include the time for inspection as an objective and a multi-objective optimization approach is developed. Next we introduce an independent error term that accounts for measurement error contributed by the sensor and propose some strategies, including repeat inspection, to improve the system’s performance. We investigate an approach to approximating the efficient frontier for three objectives. We then consider distinct risk categories and due times for containers. Approaches are developed to determine the optimal allocation and scheduling of inspection operations to minimize false acceptance and tardiness objectives. The problem is presented as a variation of the open shop scheduling problem with no predefined operations. A solution approach to this simultaneous allocation and scheduling problem is proposed and its performance is compared with an enumerative approach. The results show that the proposed approach produces near-optimal solutions in a much shorter time than full enumeration and is capable of solving large problems for which the enumerative approach is intractable.Ph.D.Includes bibliographical referencesIncludes vitaby Christina M. Youn
Aggregation enhanced excimer emission (AEEE) with efficient blue emission based on pyrene dendrimers
No full textSpirulina as an animal feed and its effect on animal health and productivity
No full textThe extraordinary increase in demand for animal protein such as meat, eggs, milk, and other animal products, as well as the large quantities of protein feed inputs required for animal production, have principally spurred research into spirulina as an animal feed. Spirulina (Athrospira sp.) is a highly nutritious edible microalga and a prospective feed supply for many agriculturally significant animal species. Animal growth, fertility, beauty, and nutritional product quality have all been linked to spirulina. Spirulina consumption has been related to improved animal health and well-being in studies. Because of its nutritious and protein-rich composition, its impact on animal development was significant, and commercial production was raised to suit consumer demand. As a result, Spirulina is emerging as a cost-effective resource for increasing animal output in order to achieve long-term sustainability and a viable food security future
Determination of the Canal Discharge Capacity Ratio and Roughness to Assess Its Maintenance Status: Application in Egypt
No full textWaterlogging and soil salinity issues can be handled using surface or subsurface drainage networks, soil bed elevation, and soil and crop management patterns. A properly operating and maintained drainage system is important for both rural and urban inhabitants to protect lives and property from flooding and high groundwater levels, enhance health conditions, and safeguards water purity, soil salinity, and waterlogging. It also supports and increases crop yields and consequently rural incomes. This study assessed the maintenance condition of the main surface drains (Baloza and ELFarama) located in the Tina Plain (50,000 acres) and a portion of the Southeast El-Kantara regions (25,000 acres) in North Sinai, Egypt, based on the values of the Discharge Capacity Ratio (DCR) and Manning’s roughness (n). Ten measurement locations at the drain cross-section were used in the investigation. For the ELFarama Drain, the average values of n and DCR were found to be 0.029 and 86.2%, and for the Baloza Drain, they were 0.032 and 78.6%, respectively. Compared to the design values, the actual Manning’s roughness was higher, indicating that the drainage canals’ capacities had been reduced and that their upkeep was inadequate. In both drains, sedimentation is present and they need to be maintained, according to the hydrographic surveying results for the actual cross-sections compared to the planned cross-sections. A methodology for the channel maintenance method is presented. For removing vegetation and dredging sediment, a long-boom mechanical hydraulic excavator with a bucket is suggested and to be conducted every two years. To the results of this study, the amount of weed infestation in vegetated channels is the main factor that affects Manning’s roughness coefficient value. It is now easier to calculate the proportion of weeds that are submerged in vegetated channels using echo-sound sonar technology. The DCR is an affordable and simple methodology to assess the channel maintenance status for sustainable agriculture
Pharmacological Studies on Tildipirosin in Calves
No full textBovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the primary health problem in the beef cattle industry worldwide. Tildipirosin was injected as a metaphylaxis to healthy animals and also as a therapeutic to the clinically diseased animal at a dose of 4 mg/kg B.W. TD is effective in reducing the mortality rate and increasing the recovery rate from P. multocida infection which induces damage to the bronchioles and alveoli with fibrinopurulent bronchopneumonia represented by dilated bronchiole with caseated material in its lumen associated with severe leukocytic cells infiltration in the wall, multifocal areas of necrosis organized exudate infiltrated with many neutrophils in alveoli. PCR is considered the test of choice in the diagnosis of Pasteurella as it can identify organisms at any level regardless of tiny quantities of bacteria’s genome, consequently, the sensitivity and specificity of the test increased. Tildipirosin injection caused no significant changes in RBC count after treatment for the treated healthy and treated diseased group compared with the control group. Tildipirosin showed no significant changes in hemoglobin content and HCT of the treated healthy group but a significant decrease in TD treated diseased group was revealed post-treatment compared to the control group. Single subcutaneous injection of Tildipirosin causes an important decrease in MCV, and MCH levels in TD treated diseased group and decreasing in the MCHC of TD treated healthy group at day 7 compared to the control group. Tildipirosin causes no significant changes in Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in TD-treated healthy while it increased in the TD-treated diseased group at all days after treatment compared to the control group. No significant changes occur in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) level of TD treated healthy group and TD treated diseased group compared to the control group. In conclusion, p. multocida is one of the most prevalent causes of BRD in Egypt, and tildipirosin was highly effective as a prophylactic and metaphylactic treatment against BRD cases caused by p. multocida, and it has a potentially anti-inflammatory effect.
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Precision agriculture technologies for food security and sustainability Advances in environmental engineering and green technologies (AEEGT) book series./ [edited by] Sherine M. Abd El-Kader, Basma M. Mohammad El-Basioni.
No full text"Premier Reference Source"--Cover.Includes bibliographical references and index."Precision agriculture integrates new technologies with the agronomic experience to intelligently manage the high spatial variability of all agricultural variables and the time scales at which these variables change. The right application of this approach increases the size and quality of the agricultural production; saves resources; improves environmental quality; helps to achieve self-sufficiency, food security, and agricultural sustainability; increases exports; and more. Precision Agriculture Technologies for Food Security and Sustainability is an essential reference source that compiles a comprehensive, multidisciplinary review of current research in the field of precision agriculture. It also discusses cutting-edge tools and models that can help facilitate and improve the systems implementation. Featuring coverage of a wide range of topics including agronomy, public policy, and internet of things, this book is ideally designed for agriculturalists, government officials, economists, environmentalists, academicians, researchers, students, and engineers in the fields of electronics, ICT, and agriculture"--Introduction. Introduction to precision agriculture : overview, concepts, world interest, policy, and economics / Akalpita Tendulkar -- Precision agriculture : a new tool for development / Waleed Fouad Abobatta -- Enabling technologies. An overview of internet of things technology applied on precision agriculture concept / Reinaldo Padilha França [and three others] -- Towards fully automated decision-making systems for precision agriculture : soil sensing technologies : "the missing link" / Marios Sophocleous -- Emerging microwave technologies for agricultural and food processing / Kok Yeow You, Man Seng Sim, Suhail Najm Abdullah -- Applications and solutions. Precision agriculture : automated irrigation management platform using wireless sensor networks / Amine Dahane [and three others] -- On the use of artificial intelligence techniques in crop monitoring and disease identification / Muzaffer Kanaan, Rüştü Akay, Canset Koçer Baykara -- Precision management practices for legal cultivation of cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) : precision management practices for cannabis cultivation / Aitazaz Ahsan Farooque, Farhat Abbas -- Predictable scenarios of fuzzy logic analysis for sprinkler irrigation control / Mohamed Elsayed Elhagarey, Mohamed M. Hushki, Szabo E. Istvan -- A web-based platform for crop-specific data management and exchange of farmers' experiences / Rosa Maria Gonzalez-Amaro, Miguel Angel Hidalgo-Reyes, Virginia Lagunes-Barradas -- Raising the efficiency of Seohen's model to predict soil resistance faced by chisel plow / Adil Abd Elsamia Meselhy -- Agricultural systems analysis streamlining, modeling, and improvements : towards precision agronomics (economic and policy perspective). The role of the institutional, assistance, and source information analysis on food security and extension policy : case in Indonesia / Muhamad Rusliyadi -- Agricultural systems analysis streamlining, modeling, and improvements : towards precision agronomics (technological perspective). Importance of artificial environment conditions on plant biotechnology, plant growth, and secondary metabolites / Ahmed M.M. Gabr [and three others] -- Role of biotechnology in plant preservation for food security : in situ and ex situ preservation / Amal A. El-Ashry, Ahmed M.M. Gabr, Mohamed K. El Bahr -- Lipids in ruminant nutrition and its effect on human health / Eman H. Elsabaawy, Sawsan M. Gad.1 online resource (xix, 437 pages)
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