58 research outputs found
Incomplete symmetric orthogonal polynomials of finite type generated by a generalized Sturm–Liouville theorem
No full textIn a classical case, orthogonal polynomial sequences are in such a way that the nth polynomial has the exact degree n. Such sequences are complete and form a basis of the space for any arbitrary polynomial. In this paper, we introduce some incomplete sets of finite orthogonal polynomials that do not contain all degrees, but they are solutions of some symmetric generalized Sturm–Liouville problems. Although such polynomials do not possess all properties as in classical cases, they can be applied to functions approximation theory as we will compute their explicit norm square values.Alexander von Humboldt FoundationNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canad
Learning styles for medical students: is it as simple as it seems? [Letter]
No full textMustafa Saad Al-Khayat, Munad-Ar-Rehman Mohammad, Muhammad Yousuf HayatFaculty of Medicine, St. George’s Hospital Medical School, London, UKWe read with great interest the article by Parashar et al1 regarding learning styles. We would like to offer our reflections as medical students. The author highlighted that kinesthetic and aural forms of learning are preferred by early year medical students; it also concludes that a multimodal approach is best for enhanced learning. We agree that a multifaceted approach should be used, but how it is applied is where the discussion lies.We feel it is important to discuss and highlight a number of salient points pertaining to learning styles. There are studies which show that, despite some effect, multimodal learning does not result in significantly higher grades than other learning styles.2 We believe a cohort study where students experience different modes of learning with subsequent examinations to survey changes from baseline knowledge would be better suited to explored enhanced learning, rather than a cross-sectional study.View the original paper by Parashar and colleague
A Comparative Analysis of the Effectiveness of Persian Poems by Pioneer poets from the book Shayest-Nashayest and the Works of Imam Mohammad Ghazzali. (Relying on the Books of Ehya-e-Ulum al-Din and Kimiyay-e)
No full textIntroductionShayest-Nashayest is a jurisprudential-ethical work written in the late Sasanian period detailing Zoroastrian ceremonies, rules, and rituals. The ninth, tenth, and twelfth chapters of this book address religious topics and instructions. The poems of some pioneer Persian poets also contain fundamental ideas about the ways to reach perfection. Imam Mohammad Ghazzali is also famous for his book Ehya-e-Ulum al-Din in Arabic and Persian prose and is also a great scholar in the field of Islamic ethics. This study seeks to address the extent to which pioneer poets were influenced by the ethical discussions in Shayest Nashayest and Ghazzali's thoughts.This study was conducted using a comparative-analytical design with library techniques to examine moral ideas and orders in Shayest Nashayest and also the ethical instructions of some pioneer poets and Imam Mohammad Ghazzali in his books, Ulum al-Din and Kimiyay-e Sa’adat. 2.MethodologyThis study was conducted using a comparative-analytical design with library techniques to examine moral ideas and orders in Shayest Nashayest and also the ethical instructions of some pioneer poets and Imam Mohammad Ghazzali in his books, Ulum al-Din and Kimiyay-e Sa’adat. 3.DiscussionThe ideas presented in Shayest Nashayest and Ehya-e-Ulum al-Din are also reflected in some poems of Persian pioneer poets, as discussed below:2.1 Adornment with knowledge and scienceConcerning knowledge and its significance, the author of Shayest Nashayest has argued: “People should visit three places more often: The home of knowledgeable people, individuals who do good deeds, and people of great wisdom” (Mazdapour, 1990: 245) Ghazzali raised extensive discussions on the virtues and benefits of knowledge, various sciences, and their effects: “Knowledge/wisdom is a prerequisite for having a good physical life (Ibid, Vol. 1: 8). According to Nasser Khosrow, a poet who has good knowledge speaks good words, just like a clean pottery pitcher that has clean water:A knowledgeable person does not speak anything but good words; Just as clean water comes from a good pottery pitcher (Naser Khosrow, 2005: 377).2.2 Telling the truth and avoiding lies In Zoroastrian religion, truthfulness is a sign of religiosity: “Spatman of Zoroastrian says that a religious man is Yuzhdasrgr (truthful). That is, one who speaks the truth and cherished religious instructions is a religious person” (Mazdapour, 1369: 160) Ghazzali also argues that one should not utter something that is pure loss and a statement whose benefit is less than its loss (Ghazzali, n.d., Vol. 3: 108).Narrating the story of Anushirvan, the Sassanid king, Ferdowsi (1979, Vol. 4: 434) stated:If the tongue is accustomed to telling liesIt cannot receive divine illumination. Telling lies is a sign of helplessness and misery We should cry for miserable and helpless people2.3 Conscious praiseIn the 19th chapter of the book Shayest-Nashayest, the word “ahunawar” is mentioned many times. It is the most sacred prayer of Zoroastrianism, it belongs to the gods and it is recited on different occasions, in religious, farming, and wedding ceremonies for saving from strays, and purification of sins, and it is not specific to kings (cf. Mazdapour, 1990: 238-240). Describing the evils of praise, Ghazzali suggests that people who use to praise others may say what they do not realize and have no way of knowing it (Ghazzali, n.d., Vol. 3: 156). Sanai (2009: 40) also advises poets to avoid praising worthless people:Poets who praise worthless people to earn money are shameless.2.4 Good temperateness In Shayest Nashayest, good temperateness as an important personality trait is juxtaposed to truthfulness, and good-natured people are considered more innocent and worthy of selection: “When they are choosing among innocent and decent people, they should choose the one with good temperateness, truthfulness, and decent action based on certain criteria” (Mazdapour, 1990: 159) Ghazzali considers the cure for all bad moods to be a part of knowledge and action and says that acting against the cause brings the right result (cf. Ghazzali, n.d., Vol. 3: 145). Masoud Saad (1983: 636) invites poets to be good-tempered:As a poet, you should not be bad-tempered as good poets avoid ill temperateness. ConclusionA single thought dominant in all poetic works investigated in this study as reflected in the parts of the book Shayest Nashayest and Ghazzali's thoughts is that from the point of view of Iranians before and after Islam, having a God-centered spirit, good qualities, and inner purification is a way for human liberation. Persian-speaking poets, due to their religious background and under the influence of religious thoughts, have written moral poems and recommended them to other poets
Toxic Effects Of Corn Oil On Liver Histology In Albino Rats
No full textObjective: To evaluate whether high quantities of unsaturated fats such as corn oil can produce fatty liver in albino rats. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was carried out at BMSI, JPMC after obtaining ethical approval, from October to November 2008. Forty adult albino rats, weighing 200 to 240 grams were divided into 2 groups according to dietary regimen. Group A received control diet and Group B received high-corn oil diet (20 ml corn oil in 100 gm of diet).The groups were further divided into A1, A2 and B1, B2 on the basis of duration of treatment, that is 4 weeks and 8 weeks respectively. The rats were sacrificed, liver removed and processed for haematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: Haematoxylin and eosin stained sections revealed swollen hepatocytes having vesicular appearance with absent or pyknotic nuclei in high-corn oil group as compared to control animals. Conclusion: This study has proved that use of high quantities of unsaturated fats, such as corn oil can lead to fatty liver.
Pemaknaan ni’mal abdu dalam Quran: Studi tafsir Al Munir Wahbah Az-Zuhaili
No full textOne interesting word that catches attention is "ni'mal abdu" (the best servant), which is repeated only twice in the Quran, specifically in Surah Saad: verse 30 and 44. This word is a praise from Allah bestowed upon Prophet Solomon and Prophet Job (Ayyub). Both prophets have different backgrounds, with Prophet Solomon being blessed with wealth, while Prophet Job was tested with calamities. However, both of them are honored as the best servants. This research aims to describe the messages contained in these verses to understand what makes someone fall into the category of ni'mal abdu.This study utilizes a qualitative research method with library research as the approach. The data analysis employs content analysis. In this written work, the author will document the interpretation of ni'mal abdu according to the views of Wahbah Az-Zuhaili, a commentator in Tafsir Al Munir, and then elaborate on it. The primary data source used is the Quran and Tafsir Al Munir, while secondary data sources include relevant books and journals on the topic.The research findings indicate that the meaning of ni'mal abdu (the best servant) can be derived from two situations based on the stories of Prophet Solomon and Prophet Job. Immense wealth does not necessarily imply exceeding limits, but if it is approached with gratitude and obedience, it becomes the potential of a good servant in the sight of Allah, as exemplified by Prophet Solomon. On the other hand, if someone is tested with a lack of wealth or afflicted with hardships, but responds with patience and remains obedient to Allah, they also have the potential to become a good servant in the eyes of Allah, similar to Prophet Job
Efficient primary and parametric resonance excitation of bistable resonators
No full textWe experimentally demonstrate an efficient approach to excite primary and parametric (up to the 4th) resonance of Microelectromechanical system MEMS arch resonators with large vibrational amplitudes. A single crystal silicon in-plane arch microbeam is fabricated such that it can be excited axially from one of its ends by a parallel-plate electrode. Its micro/nano scale vibrations are transduced using a high speed camera. Through the parallel-plate electrode, a time varying electrostatic force is applied, which is converted into a time varying axial force that modulates dynamically the stiffness of the arch resonator. Due to the initial curvature of the structure, not only parametric excitation is induced, but also primary resonance. Experimental investigation is conducted comparing the response of the arch near primary resonance using the axial excitation to that of a classical parallel-plate actuation where the arch itself forms an electrode. The results show that the axial excitation can be more efficient and requires less power for primary resonance excitation. Moreover, unlike the classical method where the structure is vulnerable to the dynamic pull-in instability, the axial excitation technique can provide large amplitude motion while protecting the structure from pull-in. In addition to primary resonance, parametrical resonances are demonstrated at twice, one-half, and two-thirds the primary resonance frequency. The ability to actuate primary and/or parametric resonances can serve various applications, such as for resonator based logic and memory devices. (C) 2016 Author(s). All article content, except where otherwise noted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) licens
Open Surgical Excision of Dorsal Wrist Ganglia: Puncturing the Dome Reduces Surgery Time
No full textBackground:. The following study is retrospective and compared the operative time and complications using two techniques of surgical resection of primary dorsal wrist ganglia in adults.
Methods:. Surgery was performed by the senior author (M.M.A.) through a transverse skin incision. The dome of the ganglion is dissected in both techniques. In the first technique (group A patients, n = 20 patients), dissection is continued to the base of the ganglion to reach the stalk near the scapho-lunate ligament. The stalk is transected and cauterized near the ligament. This surgical technique has been practiced by the senior author for 25 years. Over the last 5 years, the author has modified the technique (group B patients, n = 20 patients) by puncturing the dome of the ganglion following dome dissection. About two-thirds of the content of the ganglion is removed, and a mosquito is then used to close the puncture site. Dissection of the base of the ganglion to the stalk becomes easier and quicker, and the stalk is transected and cauterized near the scapho-lunate ligament.
Results:. There was one recurrence in each group. Other complications were not seen in either group. The mean operative time (SD) was 30.75 (SD = 2.98) minutes for group A; and 20.75 (SD = 2.25) minutes for group B. An independent-samples t test was used to compare the operative time of both groups, which showed the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:. Our study showed that intentionally puncturing the dome of the ganglion makes the dissection of the base quicker, without increasing the risk of complications
Lawrence Durrell and the Alexandria quartet: influences shaping his fiction.
No full textNot availabl
Medical negligence in healthcare organizations and its impact on patient safety and public health: a bibliometric study [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]
No full textBackground: Medical negligence is an increasing public health concern among healthcare providers worldwide as it affects patient safety. It poses a significant risk of patient injury, disease, disability, or death. The WHO has recognized deficiencies in patient safety as a global healthcare issue to be addressed. This study aimed to analyze various components of medical negligence research literature. Methods: Bibliographic data visualizations tools like Biblioshiny (RStudio) and VOSviewer were used besides MS Excel to examine the types of documents, annual scientific production, top contributing authors and their impact, authorship patterns and collaboration, top contributing countries and organizations, most significant sources of publication, most cited documents, and most frequently used keywords. Bibliometric methods were used to analyze the bibliographic records of research output on medical negligence downloaded from the Web of Science Core Collection. Results: The annual productivity of medical negligence research was increasing gradually. The most productive period for medical negligence research was 2011-2020. Bird contributed the highest number of publications to medical negligence literature while Brennan emerged as the highly cited author. Single-authored publications on medical negligence were not highly cited. The United States was the highest contributing country and the University of South Florida was the highest contributing organization while Harvard University was a highly cited organization. Nine out of the top ten contributing organizations were academic institutions and most of them belonged to the United States. The most important sources of publication on this topic were The Lancet and British Medical Journal. Localio et al. was the most important research article on medical negligence research. Conclusion: Due to increasing attention on this topic, there was a sharp increase in the research output on medical negligence. This is of significance as the WHO set in motion a patient safety program almost two decades ago
An evaluation of satellite remote sensing for crop area estimation in the west bank, Palestine
No full textThis thesis investigates the use of field and satellite data for crop area estimation in the northern part of the West Bank, Palestine. The satellite data were obtained by the SPOT HRV on 19 May 1994. The satellite data were geometrically corrected to the Palestine Grid using 1: 50,000 Israeli topographic maps. The study investigated the ability of SPOT HRV data to produce accurate crop area estimation of the northern part of the West Bank that is characterised with small field sizes and complex physical environment. A land cover classification scheme appropriate to the study area was designed. Twenty-three land cover classes were produced from the SPOT HRV classification. Land cover classes were developed to produce thematic land use classes. The classification accuracy obtained from SPOT HRV image classification was 81%. Classification results were assessed by using the known land use information obtained from the field during the training stage and the field sampling survey. The study area was divided into five strata and the field survey was conducted by applying a stratified random sampling methodology. Seventy three 1 km(^2) sample units were randomly chosen and surveyed by the author using maps, aerial photographs, satellite photographs, a questionnaire, camera photographs, and sketches. The field area measurements were taken and the final hectarage estimates were obtained for each crop type. The SPOT HRV and the field data were combined in regression analysis using a double sampling method and a hectarage estimate was produced for each crop in the study area. The results obtained showed that the regression estimator was more efficient than the field estimator and a gain in precision was achieved. The results were analysed on stratum and crop type basis. Remote sensing and thematic agricultural perspectives were used in the analysis. Results of the study suggest that it is possible to improve image classification accuracy by using better spatial and spectral resolution imagery and the integration of remote sensing data with agricultural data using the Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
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