Search

This study explores Arab university faculty's views on fully AI-generated assignments and research papers submitted by students, what reasons they give for their stance and how they react in this case. Surveys with a sample of 45 Arab instructors revealed that 98% do not accept AI-generated assignments and research papers from students at all. They gave numerous reasons for their position. If students submit AI-generated assignments or research papers, they would ask them to re-write them. The study recommends raising students' awareness of university policies regarding AI-generated content and introducing faculty and students to AI plagiarism detection tools. Faculty views and recommendations are reported in detail.

In light of artificial intelligence and new technologies, organizations have to follow new ways of working with different skill sets to achieve strategic goals. Therefore, human resource analytics is the scientific solution that enables organizations to make important decisions related to human capital and strategic business and thus gain a competitive advantage. Through new technologies comes the role of big data, as it works to establish the reputation of human resources as a strategic business partner that makes decisions driven by analytics. Evidence-based decisions, therefore, all equal a significant competitive advantage. This conceptual paper aims to understand the relationship between human resource analytics and achieving a competitive advantage in the presence of big data. This study will use quantitative data through a survey list that will be distributed to middle managers and human resources employees of the telecommunications company sector in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in the Arab World are still in their infancy. Many Arab countries are now starting to launch their MOOC platforms; however, there are only a few who have actually implemented such systems. This paper will explore online learning, in particular the rise of MOOCs around the world and their impact on the Arab World. The purpose of this paper is to give a true picture of the development of the first MOOC platforms in the Arab World. It will analyse in detail the concept, definitions, background, and types of MOOCs (xMOOCs and cMOOCs), as well as the main MOOCs platform in the Western and Arab worlds, and a timeline of the development of MOOCs. It will then observe the status of MOOCs in the developed world, opportunities in the Middle East, and the influence of Western MOOCs on the Arab world, from many perspectives, e.g. educational, religious, cultural and social.

Copyright of Journal of Social Affairs is the property of Journal of Social Affairs and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aims to investigate, analyze and conserve the general arrangement plan of the Egyptian royal yacht “Safra El-Bahr” from the National Archives of Egypt’s tracing paper collection. The yacht was specifically designed for Abbas II, the khedive of Egypt in 1894 A.D. The following analytical techniques were used for this study: pH value measurement, fungal testing, XRD, ATR-FTIR and SEM-EDX. Results revealed that the pH value of the plan paper is 6.5. Fungal testing proved the presence of Aspergillus Niger and Penicillium sp. The crystallinity index of cellulose in the historical paper increased compared to modern tracing paper indicating the occurrence of deterioration. The ATR-FTIR spectrum of the studied tracing paper revealed the presence of gelatin as a sizing material. The SEM investigation showed the effect of the natural ageing and surrounding environmental conditions on the surface morphology of the fibers. The EDX analysis revealed the use of kaolinite Al2Si2O3(OH)4, Cl, NaOH and CaCo3 in paper manufacture. Copper carbonate (CuCO3) was used for the blue color. Conservation treatments conducted on the object included cleaning, removal of pressure sensitive tape, removal of adhesive residues, tear mending and lining. These processes revealed the aesthetic value of the general arrangement plan - screw yacht “SAFA-EL-BAHRE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper coating plays an important role in the paper properties, printability and application. The nanocoating is a multifunction layer that provides the paper with unique features. In this work, nanocoating formulas were prepared using a green method and component. The nanocoating formulas were based on biopolymers nanostarch NSt and nanochitosan NCh (NCS) decorated with Egyptian kaolinite Ka doped with zinc nanoparticles NCS@xka/ZnONPs (x represents different ratios) support for multifunctional uses. The nanocoating formulas were characterized using a physiochemical analysis as well as a topographical study. FTIR, XRD, SEM and TEM techniques were used. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of the tested samples was assessed against six microorganisms including Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The prepared nanocoating formulas affirmed excellent antimicrobial activity as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial active agent with excellent activity against all representative microbial communities. The nanocoating with the highest ratio of Ka/ZnONPs (NCS@40 ka/ZnONPs) showed excellent antimicrobial activity with an inhibition percentage of more than 70% versus all microorganisms presented. The paper was coated with the prepared suspensions and characterized concerning optical, mechanical and physical properties. When Ka/ZnONPs were loaded into NCS in a variety of ratios, the characteristics of coated paper were enhanced compared to blank paper. The sample NCS@40 ka/ZnONPs increased tensile strength by 11%, reduced light scattering by 12%, and improved brightness and whiteness by 1%. Paper coated with NCh suspension had 35.32% less roughness and 188.6% less porosity. When coated with the sample NCS@10 ka/ZnONPs, the coated paper's porosity was reduced by 94% and its roughness was reduced by 10.85%. The greatest reduction in water absorptivity was attained by coating with the same sample, with a reduction percentage of 132%., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Cesarean delivery rates are rapidly increasing in Southeastern Europe (to more than 60%), North Africa (with a rate as high as 72% in Egypt), and in urban areas in Southern Africa (a rate of over 50% in Lagos, Nigeria). Data on the background to these increases are scarce, but likely to include poor birthing facilities in general hospitals, convenience for the doctor, private medicine, fear of litigation, socioeconomic status, shortage of midwives and nurses, and disappearance of vaginal instrumental deliveries. Options to reverse cesarean delivery trends are discussed. In this context there is a need to be better informed about how women are being counseled regarding vaginal or cesarean delivery. The long-term consequences in subsequent pregnancies for mothers and children may well be largely ignored, while these risks are highest in LMICs where higher birth numbers are desired. FIGO has begun discussions with obstetric and gynecologic societies, healthcare bodies, and governments in several countries discussed in this article, to find ways to lower the cesarean delivery rate. The requests came from the countries themselves, which may prove beneficial in helping advance progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to present the components' characterization and condition assessment of an important deteriorated Mamluk-illuminated paper manuscript housed in Al-Azhar Library, Egypt. Design/methodology/approach: Different analytical techniques used in this study were the portable digital optical microscope, stereomicroscope, scanning electron microscope with EDX (SEM.EDX), portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), pH measurement and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Findings: The results obtained by different microscopes showed that the gilding in the surface of illuminated paper sheets was performed with gold leaves. Additionally, these microscopes revealed that the illuminated paper manuscript has different aspects of deterioration such as adhered dirt, staining, some micro-cracks, cracks and detachment of some parts in some illuminated areas. The results of elemental analysis by EDX, portable XRF and XRD analysis showed that the orange red pigment is red lead (Pb3O4), blue pigment is azurite (2CuCo3.Cu (OH)2), and the gold layer is has consisted of brass alloy (Cu-Zn) with a small amount of gold element (Au). The pH measurement stated that the historical paper in the acidity level. The ATR-FTIR analysis also revealed the oxidation of cellulose. Moreover, it was found from ATR-FTIR that Arabic gum was used as a binder for the pigments. Originality/value: This study presents the important results of analytical methods used for condition assessment and identification of the components of an important Mamluk-illuminated paper manuscript, where these results referred that the studied paper manuscript had different aspects of deterioration. The conservation steps either conservation treatment or preventive conservation are urgently needed in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degradation and embrittlement of paper is due to the depolymerization of cellulose fibers; this is induced by acidity and oxidation. An important part of dealing with these chemically unstable materials is the neutralization of acid and deposition of a buffer reservoir to protect the fibers from introduction of acid in future. Paper deacidification is a fundamental process for achieving this goal. Any deacidification method chosen must be able to treat large numbers of items, safely, quickly and cheaply. The main goal of this paper was to investigate the effect of two deacidification solutions, which have never been used in Egypt, on the chemical and physical properties of different types of paper in order to find an alternative to Calcium hydroxide the most common deacidification method used in Egypt. Magnesium salts have been chosen to produce two deacidification methods, one of them in aqueous media, and the other in nonaqueous media; however, the magnesium has excellent deacidification properties and never have been applied in Egypt before. This paper is concerned with the Evaluation of Magnesium Bicarbonate (MBC) and Methyl Magnesium Carbonate (MMC), as neutralization agents, on the stability of paper substrate before and after accelerated ageing. Deacidification of acid paper samples (old book and newspaper) coming from wood pulp (20 century) and whatman paper samples, has been carried out with elaborate findings. Examinations and scientific analyses have been used in the assessment of treated samples, to figure out the efficacy of the two methods on the paper stability. Both methods have adequate deacidification properties; the pH value of paper has increased after deacidification. Mechanical testing and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) have proven considerable stability of mechanical and chemical properties of deacidified paper after accelerated ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed at studying the recycling of shredded currency waste of The Egyptian Central Bank, ECB, in the form of good-quality products. The techniques used include soaking with chemicals, screening to separate the detached ink particles from the soaking step, pulping at high temperature, screening to separate large nylon pieces and small ink particles, flotation to separate large ink particles and small pieces of nylon and bleaching as the final step to increase the whiteness of the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to evaluate the potency of sorghum stalks as an alternative fiber for pulp and papermaking for the first time in Egypt. Sorghum Kraft pulp was bleached using D0EOD1 sequences to achieve a final high brightness and suitable mechanical strength. The results revealed that pulping alkali of 14% Na2O concentration is the best choice. In addition, this percentage preserved high pulp brightness with a value of 86 ISO together with low fiber degradation besides imparting a high mechanical strength to the product. So, sorghum bagasse can be utilized as an important available low‐cost non‐wood fiber for paper industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) causes global exhaustion, consumes economic resources, and has several risk factors. The bibliometric studies re-evaluate the research efforts on this illness using mathematical and statistical tools to indicate current research and future trends. This study examines KSA's DM research during 2010-2021. Data were acquired from Scopus and analyzed using VOSviewer and MS Excel. Several characteristics were examined to measure the quantity and quality of KSA-related DM articles. In total, 1,919 journal and conference papers were published. DM research included researchers from multidisciplinary sectors. Thirty-seven percent of them have ten or more scientific publications. Al-Daghri, N.M. (King Saud University) leads the pack. In total, 757 (39.44%) research projects got funding from 159 sources within and outside KSA. Memish, Z.A. is the most cited author. The Saudi Medical Journal has the most citations (1214). Al-Daghri, N.M. (KSU) collaborates the most. One hundred forty-one nations aided KSA's diabetes research. Egypt's High Institute of Public Health has the most scientific collaboration with KSA. Authors' and all Keywords analyses indicated a rich knowledge structure. Diabetes Care Journal has the most cocitations with 2,220 and a total link strength of 19,283, followed by The New England Journal of Medicine. The study results will be helpful to stakeholders to understand better the trends and performance of diabetes-related regional research, which will be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Egypt currently holds the record for the most retractions in the continent of Africa according to the Retraction Watch database, and the 2nd highest of countries in the Middle East. The purpose of this study was to analyse the retracted medical publications from Egyptian affiliations, in order to delineate specific problems and solutions. We examined databases including Pubmed, Google Scholar and others, for all retracted medical publications that were conducted in an Egyptian institution, up to the date of August 31st 2022. We observed for the reason(s) for retraction, number of citations of the retracted work, the length of time between publication and retraction, and where the work was published (journal, publisher and impact factor). 68 retractions were identified. Most retractions were from the speciality of Obstetrics and Gynecology (n = 22), followed by Anesthesia (n = 7). The top 3 reasons for retraction were unreliable results, FFP level misconduct, and duplicate publication. The number of retractions significantly increased over the years, especially in 2022. When taking into account the number of medical publications per institution, the institute with the highest rate of retractions was Mansoura University, while the lowest rate was Cairo University. The number of retracted medical Egyptian publications continues to increase over time, although they represent a small portion of the overall body of Egyptian medical research. Future studies on retracted articles should employ a methodology that considers the institutions where the studies were conducted. This could allow a better understanding of specific problems in certain countries or regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the use of neutral rosin-alum size in paper-making. The use of rosin size is widely prevalent in paper mills in Egypt as it is inexpensive, abundant and easy to process. Rosin-sized paper has low thermal decomposition temperature. An experiment was carried comparing paper produced from a neutral rosin-alum size and those from acidic rosin-alum size and neutral-alkaline atkylketene dimer (ADK) size. ADK sizing resulted in higher permanence of paper and print.

Aim: The present study aimed to perform scientometric assessment of global publications' output of research on Nigella sativa during 1989–2018. Materials and Methods: The present study examined 3718 global publications on N. sativa, as indexed and covered in international Scopus database during 1989–2018, with a view to understand their growth rate, global publication share, citation impact, international collaborative papers' share, distribution of publications by broad subjects, productivity and citation profile of top organizations and authors, preferred media of communication, and bibliographic characteristics of highly cited papers. The global publications on N. sativa registered 20.87% annual average growth rate, and its citation impact averaged to 19.08 citations per paper. Results: The global share of top ten countries on N. sativa ranged from 3.15% to 23.91%, with the largest share (23.91%) from India, followed by Iran (9.58%), Egypt (9.06%), the USA (7.15%), etc., Nearly 81.31% and 75.74% of the global publication and citation share came from the top 10 countries during 1989–2018. The cumulative global share of the top 10 countries increased from 70.56% to 82.58% from 1989–2003 to 2004–2018. Five countries registered relative citation index above the world average of 0.93 as follows: Germany (1.86), the USA (1.54), Turkey (1.33), Saudi Arabia (1.16), and Egypt (0.94) during 1989–2018. Pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmaceutics contributed the largest global publication share of 33.97%, followed by agricultural and biological sciences (32.92%); medicine (30.10%); biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology (24.74%); chemistry (12.40%); immunology and microbiology (6.97%); environmental science (5.38%); and veterinary science (3.60%) during 1989–2018. A total of 432 organizations and 642 authors participated in the global research on N. sativa during 1989–2018, of which the top 15 most productive research organizations and the authors collectively contributed 23.45% and 6.64% of the global publication share and 21.82% and 8.04% of the global citation share, respectively, during 1989–2018. Among 3655 journal papers (in 364 journals) in global N. sativa research, the top 15 most productive journals together contributed 13.54% of global share of the total journal publication output during 1989–2018. Conclusion: One hundred and twenty-six publications were found to be highly cited, as they registered citations from 100 to 2971 during 1989–2018 and they together received 23,426 citations, averaging to 185.92 citations per paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of various types of radioactive drugs has increased the effectiveness of nuclear medicine. Technetium-99m (99mTc) radiopharmaceuticals are in widespread use owing to the availability and affordability of 99Mo/99mTc generators and the variety of kits for formulating the desired products. Together, they provide an array of specific tools for diagnosing a large number of diseases affecting the Heart, Kidney and major organs of the body such as the bones, brain, liver, parathyroid, and thyroid. Nuclear medicine requires high quality radiopharmaceuticals and kits that are safe for administration and efficacious for a given application. Since radiopharmaceuticals are intended for human use, it is imperative that they undergo quality control measure. This paper presents various parameters affecting labeling efficiency of radiopharmaceuticals and describes the procedures of preparing from four selected kits. Details of the ingredients are also included. The procedures described here can be used to develop manuals and standard operating procedures in Egypt. This study is expected to serve as a guide to radiopharmaceutical manufacturing centers of such kits. Four kits namely: MIBI, DTPA, MDP, and DMSA are used. Paper Chromatography was involved to disparate the polar and non-polar part of the kit-solution. Quality control testing assures purity, integrity, potency, product identity, biological safety and efficacy of radiopharmaceuticals. The success of diagnostic radiopharmaceutical has been reflected in the quality of images of diseased site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses schemes to make paper out of linen from Egyptian mummies. The author focuses on the history of the idea of mummy paper from a non-American perspective, particularly examining British records and reported ancient uses of mummies by Bedouins. Iraqi Egyptologist Abd al-Latif, British geologist Isaiah Deck, and negotiations between British engineer Thomas Galloway and Egyptian ruler Mehemet Ali are examined. Scholars of the subject mentioned include English professor Joseph Dane and writer Nicholson Baker. The author comments on articles from the London "Times" newspaper, examining both serious proposals and satire on mummy paper.

The main objective of the present study was to improve the quality of pulp and paper industrial wastewater of two local mills RAKTA and El-Ahlia, Alexandria, Egypt, and to bring their pollutant contents to safe discharge levels. Quality improvement was carried out using integrated chemical and biological treatment approaches after their optimization. Chemical treatment (alum, lime, and ferric chloride) was followed by oxidation using hydrogen peroxide and finally biological treatment using activated sludge (90 min for RAKTA and 60 min for El-Ahlia effluents). Chemical coagulation produced low-quality effluents, while pH adjustment during coagulation treatment did not enhance the quality of the effluents. Maximum removal of the tested pollutants was achieved using the integrated treatment and the pollutants recorded residual concentrations (RCs) of 34.67, 17.33, 0.13, and 0.43 mg/l and 15.0, 11.0, 0.0, and 0.13 mg/l for chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), tannin and lignin, and silica in RAKTA and El-Ahlia effluents, respectively, all of which were below their maximum permissible limits (MPLs) for the safe discharge into water courses. Specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR) and sludge volume index (SVI) values reflect good conditions and healthy activated sludge. Based on the previous results, optimized conditions were applied as bench scale on the raw effluents of RAKTA and El-Ahlia via the batch chemical and the biological treatment sequences proposed. For RAKTA effluents, the sequence was as follows: (1) coagulation with 375 mg/l FeCl3, (2) oxidation with 50 mg/l hydrogen peroxide, and (3) biological treatment using activated sludge with 2,000 mg/l initial concentration and 90 min hydraulic retention time (HRT), while for El-Ahlia raw effluents, the sequence was (1) coagulation with 250 mg/l FeCl3, (2) oxidation with 45 mg/l hydrogen peroxide, and (3) biological treatment using activated sludge with 2,000 mg/l initial concentration and 60 min HRT. In conclusion, results confirmed that the application of the proposed sequential treatments removed almost all COD, BOD5, high molecular weight compounds, and silica from RAKTA and El-Ahlia influents and produced high-quality effluents, thus achieving the main objective of this study.

Copyright of IWNW is the property of Ain Shams University, Faculty of Archaeology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The objective of this study was to investigate the extent of contamination of some of the most used paper denominations of the Egyptian currency (25 PT). Sixty-nine bills in circulation were collected from November 2003 through January 2004. A swab from each bill was cultured on nutrient agar and incubated at 37 degrees C for 48 h. Results showed that over 65% of these bills had a bacterial count above 5.0 cm2. A preliminary identification of organisms present on these paper notes was done using selected Petri dishes with well-defined colonies.

Historical photographs play a significant role as records, documenting the various stages of the history of Egypt and reflecting our identity and social, cultural, and religious values. Silver gelatin prints were the dominant positive printing processes in the 20th century. One of the most common forms of damage found among photographic collections is tears, which may result from improper handling and misuse, inappropriate storage, disasters, and other factors. In the past, tears were mended using pressure-sensitive tapes by amateurs and conservators. Over time, these tapes caused damage to the photographic surfaces since they oxidised, forming stains that are difficult and sometimes impossible to remove. Recently, many gel-based systems have been developed for use in the conservation of different cultural and historical materials, particularly paper artifacts. The aim of this research is to evaluate the efficacy of Klucel G and agar, as gel systems that are favoured by conservation specialists, in removing pressure-sensitive tapes from the surfaces of silver gelatin prints, as well as to study their effect on the photographs themselves. Organic solvents were added to the gel systems, and invaluable old photographs were used for this study. After treatment, samples were subjected to artificial ageing at a temperature of 80°C and 65% RH. Evaluation of the selected treatments was carried out through visual inspection, microscopic examination, colorimetric measurements, and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results showed that both gel-based systems with mixed organic solvents gave great results compared to the conventional methods in terms of tape removal. However, colour change was detected in the case of agar gel-treated samples. Agarose gel may be a more proper option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zagazig Journal of Agricultural Research is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In recent times, elevated urban linkages (EULs) have emerged as crucial components of urban development, cutting through the cities' urban fabric to accommodate the rapid expansion of urban cores and to facilitate traffic flow. However, these massive infrastructures have inadvertently given rise to urban lost spaces—vacant, inefficient areas within the urban fabric. Recognizing these lost spaces as untapped public assets, the paper explores sustainable development strategies to reclaim them into the urban fabric, transforming them into vibrant, multi-functional public spaces. The paper aims to achieve a set of urban design guidelines for rehabilitation design interventions which will be deduced into a comprehensive framework. This framework encompasses criteria for selecting appropriate approaches and types of rehabilitation design interventions, as well as design principles ensuring the desirability of the reclaimed space. The paper applies this framework to assess the El Sawy Cultural Wheel in Egypt, revealing it as a successful example of a reclaimed space. While positive aspects of rehabilitation design interventions are evident in terms of the approach and type of intervention in this case study, there are identified areas with shortcomings in fully implementing the design principles, if enhanced, could elevate the overall quality of the reclaimed space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to assess the quality of imported frozen liver sold in Assiut markets, Egypt. A total of 100 samples were randomly collected over a 2 months period (January to March, 2020) from poultry slaughter shops, supermarkets and frozen meat markets. The liver samples were evaluated for chemical indicators of spoilage (pH, TVBN "Total Volatile base nitrogen", and TBA "Thiobarbituric acid") and some of the nutritional aspects (percentage of moisture, protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrates, as well as, gross energy (Kcal/100g) and cholesterol content (mg/100g), beside levels of iron (mg/100g). The obtained mean values of pH, TVBN (mg/100 g) and TBA (mg/kg) of the examined samples were 6.38 ± 0.01, 25.76 ± 0.44, and 0.65 ± 0.03, respectively. Of the examined samples, 92 % showed pH value exceeded the permissible limits of Egyptian standards; however, 88 % showed TVBN content within the set limit. The mean values of moisture, protein, fat, ash and carbohydrates (%) were 70.54 ± 0.11, 21.64 ± 0.08, 3.58± 0.12, 1.50 ± 0.018, and 2.74 ± 0.11, respectively. The calculated gross energy mean value was of 133.09 ± 1.06 Kcal/100 g. Additionally, the cholesterol and iron content mean values were 130.85 ± 2.17 mg/100 g and 16.07 ± 0.24 mg/100 g, respectively in the examined imported frozen liver samples. In conclusion, imported frozen liver sold in markets of Assiut city Egypt is of fair quality; it should be consumed sporadically and with care of TBARS, cholesterol and iron potential hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Friction foot blisters are a common injury occurring in up to 39% of marathoners, the most common injury in adventure racing, and represent more than 70% of medical visits in multi-stage ultramarathons. The goal of the study was to determine whether paper tape could prevent foot blisters in ultramarathon runners., Methods: This prospective randomized trial was undertaken during RacingThePlanet 155-mile (250-km), 7-day self-supported ultramarathons in China, Australia, Egypt, Chile, and Nepal in 2010 and 2011. Paper tape was applied prerace to one randomly selected foot, with the untreated foot acting as the own control. The study end point was development of a hot spot or blister on any location of either foot., Results: One hundred thirty-six participants were enrolled with 90 (66%) having completed data for analysis. There were 36% women, with a mean age of 40 ± 9.4 years (range, 25-40 years) and pack weight of 11 ± 1.8 kg (range, 8-16 kg). All participants developed blisters, with 89% occurring by day 2 and 59% located on the toes. No protective effect was observed by the intervention (47 versus 35; 52% versus 39%; P = .22), with fewer blisters occurring around the tape on the experimental foot than under the tape (23 vs 31; 25.6% versus 34.4%), yet 84% of study participants when queried would choose paper tape for blister prevention in the future., Conclusions: Although paper tape was not found to be significantly protective against blisters, the intervention was well tolerated with high user satisfaction., (Copyright © 2014 Wilderness Medical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Albumen prints are the most important photographic prints of the late 19th century. It is basically composed of two layers: the first layer is the paper support (i.e. cellulose), and the second layer is the image layer (i.e. image silver particles embedded in an albumen binder layer). There are several factors threatening the permanence of albumen prints (e.g., fluctuating temperatures and relative humidity, frequent handling, air pollution, light, and improper storage and display). Unlike other paper objects, photographs have special conservation requirements due to their complex and unique nature. A private collection was selected for this study. The collection consists of three albumen prints from Francis Amen's photo collection, which originally belonged to the Elhagar family. Francis Amin is a well-known photo collector in Egypt. The prints date back to 1890. The photographs were characterised and studied by visual inspection, digital microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Microbiological studies were carried out in the microbiology laboratory at the Faculty of Archaeology at Cairo University. Results revealed that the albumen layer suffers from cracks and chemical degradation, and the secondary supports suffer from both oxidation and hydrolysis. Based on the obtained results, the following conservation procedures were selected and carried out: disinfection, dry cleaning, tear mending and compensating for losses, remounting, retouching, and rehousing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Case reports are fundamental to clinical medicine that trace back to ancient Egypt preceding Hippocrates in the history of medicine. Case reports contribute to academic development and new clinical research. However, among cases presented at an annual academic conference for Japanese generalists, only a few cases were later published in peer-reviewed journals, highlighting potential barriers regarding the writing of case reports, such as mentorship absence. This paper aimed to offer guidance and strategies to novice and young general physicians in overcoming barriers and effectively composing case reports for international peer-reviewed journals. Methods: This paper focuses on case reports for general physicians with extensive experience in writing case reports for international peer-reviewed journals. We conducted a narrative review to help beginners and young general physicians in writing case reports and discussed strategies for overcoming these barriers. Results: We propose the following three tips as important processes for writing case reports: recognize the types of suitable cases for case reports; select a journal for submission using a list of candidate journals for general physicians; and organize the discussion section with one theme per paragraph. In addition, we provide a list of journals that specifically focus on case reports, along with important pointers for beginners and young general physicians that will assist authors in the field of general medicine in choosing appropriate journals for submission. Conclusion: We hope that understanding and applying these tips will aid beginners and young general physicians in writing case reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper contributes to the debates on the effectiveness and legitimacy of global labour standards. Theoretically, the paper integrates literature on labour standards in global production networks with cognitive framing and sensemaking literature to capture decent work understandings of suppliers and to theoretically underpin their relevance for the debates on the legitimacy and effectiveness of global labour standards. Empirically, the study explores cognitive decent work frames of garment suppliers and discusses them in reference to global decent work frames. A thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with thirty owners and managers in Egypt and Jordan served to identify suppliers' decent work frames. Owners and managers dominantly framed decent work as a (paternalistic) family responsibility and as a business responsibility. Further notions that recurred across interviews were the framing of decent work as a human responsibility, religious (Islamic) responsibility, philanthropic responsibility, and regulatory responsibility. The findings show that supplier frames partly go beyond, partly undermine, and partly accord with global conceptualisations of decent work. They imply the need to strengthen and better communicate the human rights orientation of global labour standards and to give local social partners the autonomy to supplement and specify standards according to their context-specific needs. Global regulations otherwise risk crowding out informal, locally specific decent work practices that benefit workers in GPNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]