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Cybercrime and computer-related incidents are becoming more prevalent and common, resulting in billions of dollars in damages. To address these crimes and scams, there is an urgent need to build digital forensics training programme, that will equip relevant professionals to investigate computer crime and events efficiently. There is presently no standard that governs the development of an academic program’s digital forensics curriculum. This study extensively investigates prior work on curriculum design in digital forensics as well as existing computer forensics course offered at the first is the Community College in Buraidah, and the second is the Community College in Unaizah namely, “Cyber Security Diploma” The Cyber Security Diploma is offered in both colleges, the Community College in Buraidah and Unaizah, and the diploma is at the third level of the course “Computer Forensic Analysis,” which is the focus of the research topic. Interviews were conducted with both digital forensic trainers and practitioners, and the findings were examined in order to identify and assess the skills and knowledge required by the industry and law enforcement agencies for their digital forensic examiners. Hands-on training may be delivered by constructing and managing a student laboratory specifically designed for digital forensic examination instruction. A laboratory can be outfitted with a wide range of software solutions, ranging from commercial investigation suites to free command line tools. Similarly, the forensic workstations that execute the software might be supplied by the vendor as stand-alone devices or assembled from separate components in-house. Building and administering a student lab successfully can be a daunting task, but it can also be done on a little budget as long as the focus stays on student achievement.

AIM: The present study assessed the effect of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and photobiomodulation (PBM) on pulp capping of exposed pulp of dogs’ teeth. METHODS: Forty-eight teeth in three mongrel dogs were randomly divided into two major study groups; Group I where MTA was used as a pulp capping agent and Group II in which both MTA+PBM were used. The groups were equally subdivided according to the observation period following completion of pulp capping into Subgroup (A) 1 week, Subgroup (B) 2, and Subgroup (C) 16 weeks. The teeth were examined for histological inflammatory response as well as dentine bridge formation. RESULTS: With regard to inflammatory response at 1 week significantly, less intense inflammation was observed in MTA+PBM (Group II) compared to the MTA (Group I) for the same time period with no significant difference for between Group I and Group II for other time intervals. As for dentin bridge formation, PBM+MTA groups showed statistically significant thicker dentine bridge formation at 16 weeks than MTA alone group for the same time period with no significant difference for between Group I and Group II for other time intervals. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this study, PBM appeared to be a beneficial adjunct in dental pulp capping procedures in which MTA was the pulp capping material.

Various pyrazole/chitosan Schiff bases derivatives (3a-f) were synthesized through the reaction of pyrazole derivatives (2a-f) with chitosan (1). The produced derivatives were characterized using FT-IR, Elemental analysis and TGA. The antimicrobial activities of Schiff bases were tested against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus), Gram-negative bacterium (Escherichia coli). Results indicated a good inhibitory activity for compound (3b) when tested against (Bacillus cereus) and , however, (3f) gave a pronounced inhibitory activity against (Staphylococcus aureus). All the synthesized derivatives have no inhibitory activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Pyrazole/chitosan Schiff bases were reduced by sodium boron hydride giving aminochitosan derivatives that were characterized by FT-IR. The antimicrobial activity of the aminochitosan derivatives were evaluated against some Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis). Results confirmed that compound (4f) showed high antibacterial activity against (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) was recorded 21 ± 1.1 mm inhibition zone and it was exhibited a medium antibacterial activity against (Proteus mirabilis). However, compound (4a) showed a high antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermis) that recorded inhibition zone of 17* ± 0.8 mm. From the results, it was showed that the modification of pyrazole/chitosan Schiff bases by reduction process increased their biological activity as antimicrobial and anticancer agents against Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis). Aminochitosan derivatives were tested for their cytotoxicity activity against Human Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells (MCF-7). The compound (4e) has the highest anticancer activity with IC50 136 µg/ml, which might be due to the presence of thiophene nucleus.

Nursing needs highly specialized competencies to accurately determine patients' states and cope with the problems that may occur during nursing care. The purpose of the study was to assess nursing interns' needs through their practical competency self evaluation. Design: A descriptive correlational resaerch design was utilized to conduct this study. Sampling: It consisted ofall available nursing interns (380) who were enrolled in internship year within the academic year 2019-2020. Setting: It was conducted at different departments and units at governmental and private hospitals. Instrument: Practical competency self evaluation questionnaire was used for data collection.Results: Showed that more than half of nursing interns (59.2%) were competent, while more than two fifths (40.8%) were incompetent. The highest mean score with the first ranking related to practical competency self evaluation was professional behavior, while the lowest mean score with the last ranking was critical thinking. Also the highest mean score with the first ranking related to practical needs was critical thinking Conclusion: More than two fifths of nursing interns (40.8%) had practical competency needs and there was highly statistical significant negative correlation between nursing interns' practical competency self-evaluations and their needs. Recommendation: hospitals should provide adequate training programs to improve nursing interns' practical competency and their needs to have high competency level.

T he learning styles of the students has beenresearched and identified in many studies in the past. There are many models and frameworks proposed by the researchers. This study focused on the identifying the cognitive style of learning by the students via a web based expert system. Therefore, this study proposes an adaptive framework for the identification of the cognitive styles of the students. In this study, the expert system was developed with the help of the adaptation model and the student model. The web based infrastructure was designed and the system was tested on students of Buraidah Community College, Qassim University. Findings of the study show the adequacy of the versatile web-based learning system with powerfully distinguishing students' cognitive styles during perusing, along these lines approving the exploration motivations behind this examination. Another powerful result signifies positive and accurate outcomes in identification of the cognitive styles of learning of the students. The average staying time on the design web page was recorded and analyzed in order to check the accuracy of the students’ cognitive style of learning.

Aims: To compare the 30-day postoperative complications of robotic radical cystectomy (RRC) vs open radical cystectomy (ORC) in obese patients (body mass index ≥30) with bladder cancer (BC). Method...

The rising antimicrobial resistance is particularly alarming for

Derivatives of formyl pyrazole were synthesized by the reaction of acetophenone, 4-methyl acetophenone, 3-acetyl furan, 3-acetyl thiophen and phenyl hydrazine derivatives. The product was treated with Vilsmeier reagent producing different formyl pyrazole derivatives which were characterized by FT-IR, 1HNMR, Elemental analysis and Mass spectroscopy. The formyl pyrazole derivatives were reacted with chitosan to produce chitosan/ pyrazole Schiff base. These Schiff bases were characterized by FT-IR and TGA.The antimicrobial activity of chitosan/ pyrazol Schiff base (CSB) was evaluated against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus), gram negative bacterium (Escherichia coli) and fungus (Aspergillus niger). Results indicated agood inhibitory activity for CSB-14 when tested against B.cereus that gave inhibition zone of 7.5 ± 0.6 (mm), however CSB-18 gave a pronounced inhibitory activity against S. aureus and recorded 25 ± 2.0 (mm). All synthesized derivatives have no inhibitory activity against Gram negative E. coli. CSB-14, and CSB-15 exhibited inhibitory activity against tested A. niger that was used as a fungal model which gave 19 ± 0.9 and 18 ± 1.0 inhibition zone (mm) respectively. Thus, these results showed that, functionalization of chitosan with the hetero-cyclic compounds created biological activities of the synthesized derivatives; hence the synthesized pyrazole derivatives have not recorded any inhibitory activity before its immobilization onto chitosan.

Bacteriophage-encoded lysins are increasingly reported as alternatives to combat Acinetobacter baumannii infections, for which limited therapeutic options are available. Some lysins, such as LysMK34, have a C-terminal amphipathic helix allowing them to penetrate the otherwise-impermeable outer membrane barrier. Another approach to kill Gram-negative pathogens with lysins relies on fusion of a peptide with outer membrane- permeabilizing properties to the lysin. In this work, we aimed to leverage the intrinsic antibacterial activity of LysMK34 by fusing the peptide cecropin A to its N terminus via a linker of three Ala-Gly repeats, resulting in engineered LysMK34 (eLysMK34). The engineered lysin has an improved antibacterial activity compared to that of the parental lysin, LysMK34, in terms of MICs (0.45 to 1.2 μM), killing rate, and killing extent. eLysMK34 has a ≥2-foldincreased activity against stationary-phase cells, and the bactericidal effect becomes less dependent on the intracellular osmotic pressure. In particular, colistin-resistant strains become highly susceptible to eLysMK34, and enhanced antibacterial activity is observed in complement- deactivated human serum. These observations demonstrate that fusion of a lysin with intrinsic antibacterial activity with a selected outer membrane-permeabilizing peptide is a useful strategy to further improve the in vitro antibacterial properties of such lysins., K.A. was funded by the Missions Sector, Ministry of Higher Education, Egypt. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and interpretation, or the decision to submit the work for publication. D.G. is supported by the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO) under grant G066919N. Y.B. is a coinventor of patents related to the Artilysin field. We thank S. Malhotra-Kumar (Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium) for providing the colistin-resistant A. baumannii strains (Greek46 and Greek47) and J. P. Pirnay (Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Technology, Queen Astrid Hospital, Neder-over-Heembeek, Belgium) for providing A. baumannii RUH134 and P. aeruginosa PA14 and Br667.

Venous malformations represent a major sector of vascular anomalies. Most cases are asymptomatic or subclinical; however, large extensive lesions can cause severe disability and sometimes mortality. In this report, we present a successful case of sirolimus treatment in managing an extensive venous malformation in the pelvis of a 21-month-old boy who presented with life-threatening complications. With a history dating since the day 2 of life, the patient suffered from chronic bleeding due to scrotal skin ulcerations, in addition to recurrent attacks of severe bleeding per rectum necessitating hospital admission and blood transfusion (three attacks since the age of 7 months). Pelvic magnetic resonance image showed the typical findings of extensive venous malformation involving the pelvis, perineum, scrotum, and extending to the gluteal region. The lesion was seen totally encasing the anorectum with marked thickening of their walls almost occluding their lumen.Oral sirolimus (2 mg/m2) was started with a target blood trough level of 5 to 10 ng/mL. Over a follow-up period of 5 months, there was obvious clinical improvement that included healing of skin lesions (scrotal ulcer) with complete re-epithelialization, absence of bleeding per rectum with improvement of constipation, and rise of hemoglobin level from 7.5 to 11.5 g/dL.

Assessment of the intrinsic structural changes inflicted by metal coordination in the molecular geometries of (E)-2-(2-picolinoyhydrazono) propanoic (H2PAP) is of fundamental importance for proper characterization and understanding of the structure–activity relationships. Efforts are being made here to investigate the coordination properties of (H2PAP) as a potential metal-binding entity involving a combined solid state synthetic and computational approach. The metal complexes of (H2PAP) with the divalent cations of manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc and cadmium also trivalvent chromium and iron in addition to hexavalent uranium are characterized by elemental analyses, TG/DTA, infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-, 13C-), electronic absorption, as well as magnetic studies. Analysis of the geometrical parameters suggests significant changes in the molecular structure of (H2PAP) coordination with metallic centers. Hg complex is found to have antifungal activity against C. albicans showing 71.4% of the activity clotrimazole. Hg(II) and Cd(II) chelates have highly activity against Gram-negative E.coli with 75% and 62.5% whereas Hg(II) and Cd(II) complexes showed moderate activity against the Gram-positive S. aureus with 54.5 and 27.3%, respectively compared to ampicillin. H2PAP and its metal complexes indicate that Fe(III) and Mn(II) complexes exhibit the potent antioxidative activity for quenching phenazin methosulphate radicals at 99.2% and 84.5% inhibition respectively. It was found that Mn (II), Cu (II), Cd (II), Co (II) and Ni (II) complexes were the most active compound exhibiting a DPPH radical scavenging activity, 77.7, 70.4, 69.3, 67.8 and 67.2% inhibition, respectively.

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has emerged as an epidemic problem in Egypt. The global increase in the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus is attributed to many risk factors, as inactive lifestyles. Many risk factors have been identified as modifiable or non modifiable risk factors. Risk Reduction Intervention is a cornerstone for prevention and controls many of chronic diseases. Aim, the present study was to examine the effect of risk reduction intervention on reducing selected Un-Healthy Life-Style of modifiable risk factors Diet and Exercise among adult Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Methods: Design: A quasi experimental design was used. Sample: A convenience Sample of 104 adult women who diagnosed as type 2 diabetes was selected. Setting: this study was conducted in the out-patient clinics of Teaching Hospital in Shebin El-Kom City. Tools for data collection: A) Interviewing questionnaire to collect socio-demographic characteristics, B), 24 hours dietary recall questionnaire, C) Exercise questionnaire and C) Bio-physiological Measurements: to measure BMI & blood chemistry. Results: Regarding total calories per day, a dramatic decrease was observed in the Mean ± SD in post than pre intervention (1503. 1 ± 412.9to 2030.9 ±892.4 respectively). Also total Cholesterol, a decrease was observed in the Mean ± SD in post than pre intervention 189.28±32.9 to 203.97±47.3 respectively). Also redacting random blood sugar was observed in post than pre intervention (157.5±37.9 than 227.8±128.9 to respectively). Conclusions: Implementation of risk reduction interventions was more effective and can favorably decrease some of modifiable risk factors among adult diabetic women. Recommendation: Encourage nurses to provide health education about risk reduction interventions to enhance adoption of healthy lifestyle behavior.

Mandibular osteomyelitis (OM) is a challenging disease. Our objective was to assess a new OM model in rabbits induced by arsenic trioxide and to assess the efficacy of local treatment of OM using injectable gentamicin-collagen hydrogels (GNT-COLL). OM was induced unilaterally by controlled confinement of arsenic trioxide paste to the root canal of lower incisors of rabbits, while OM progression was characterized for 16 weeks. On the other hand, two injectable COLL hydrogels functionalized with GNT were prepared and characterized for physicochemical properties; a simple GNT-COLL and a nanohydroxyapatite (nHA)- loaded hydrogel (GNT-COLL/nHA). The two hydrogels were evaluated to treat OM model, while a multidose intramuscular GNT solution served as positive control. Outcomes were assessed by standard methods at 4 and 12 weeks post-surgery. The clinical, radiographical, and histopathological findings provided evidence for the validity of the arsenic-induced OM. The results demonstrated that a single intra-lesional injection of the two hydrogels was more suppressive to OM compared to multidose systemic GNT. The composite GNT-COLL/nHA hydrogel proved to induce early preservation of alveolar bone (ridge) length and higher amount of bone area\total area at 4 weeks (40.53% ± 2.34) followed by GNT-COLL (32.21% ± 0.72). On the other hand, the positive control group revealed the least ridge length and bone area\total area (26.22% ± 1.32) at 4 weeks. Both hydrogels successfully arrested OM with no signs of recurrence for up to 12 weeks. Therefore, results support the greater advantages of the composite hydrogel as an osteogenic/antibiotic delivery system in OM treatment.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of agitation of chlorohexidine (CHX) and Silver nanoparticles “AgNps” with 810nm diode laser or sonic endoactivator compared to side –vented needle on infected root canals with Enterococcus “E” Faecalis biofilms. Material and Methods: Sixty-five extracted human premolars with single oval canals were instrumented by protaper system up to F3. Biofilms of E. faecalis were generated based on a previously established protocol. Two teeth were used to check the biofilm formation, then the remaining Teeth were randomly divided into three equal experimental groups according to agitation techniques used: group 1 (810 nm diode laser with 1 watt), group 2 (sonic endoactivator) and group 3 (Side vented needle). Each group was further divided into three equal subgroups according to the irrigant solution into; subgroup A: chlorohexidine, subgroup B: silver nanoparticles and subgroup C: distilled water: Confocal laser scanning microscopy “CLSM” was used to assess bacterial viability. Data were analyzed by appropriate statistical analyses with P = 0.05. Results: Regarding the activation method, all groups had a significantly high percentage of dead bacteria (P < 0.05). However, Laser was significantly the highest and Endoactivator the least (P < = 0.001). Diode laser agitation of AgNps irrigant showed the highest reduction percentage of bacteria (78.1%) with a significant difference with both CHX and water irrigation, Conclusion: Under the condition of the present study; results reinforced that laser activation is a useful adjunct, 810 nm diode laser agitation of AgNps or chlorhexidine was more effective in disinfection of oval root canals than endoactivator and side vented needle techniques.KeywordsDentinal infection; Silver-nanoparticles; chlorohexidine; agitation; Diode Laser; Sonic endoactivator.

The prevalence of extensively and pandrug-resistant strains of Acinetobacter baumannii leaves little or no therapeutic options for treatment for this bacterial pathogen. Bacteriophages and their lysins represent attractive alternative antibacterial strategies in this regard. We used the extensively drug-resistant A. baumannii strain MK34 to isolate the bacteriophage PMK34 (vB_AbaP_PMK34). This phage shows fast adsorption and lacks virulence genes; nonetheless, its narrow host spectrum based on capsule recognition limits broad application. PMK34 is a Fri1virus member of the Autographiviridae and has a 41.8-kb genome (50 open reading frames), encoding an endolysin (LysMK34) with potent muralytic activity (1,499.9 ± 131 U/μM), a typical mesophilic thermal stability up to 55°C, and a broad pH activity range (4 to 10). LysMK34 has an intrinsic antibacterial activity up to 4.8 and 2.4 log units for A. baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, respectively, but only when a high turgor pressure is present. The addition of 0.5 mM EDTA or application of an osmotic shock after treatment can compensate for the lack of a high turgor pressure. The combination of LysMK34 and colistin results in up to 32-fold reduction of the MIC of colistin, and colistin-resistant strains are resensitized in both Mueller-Hinton broth and 50% human serum. As such, LysMK34 may be used to safeguard the applicability of colistin as a last-resort antibiotic. IMPORTANCE A. baumannii is one of the most challenging pathogens for which development of new and effective antimicrobials is urgently needed. Colistin is a last-resort antibiotic, and even colistin-resistant A. baumannii strains exist. Here, we present a lysin that sensitizes A. baumannii for colistin and can revert colistin resistance to colistin susceptibility. The lysin also shows a strong, turgor pressure-dependent intrinsic antibacterial activity, providing new insights in the mode of action of lysins with intrinsic activity against Gram-negative bacteria.

T he purpose of this paper is to examine and present in an orderly fashion the implications of various approaches to the development of learning objects (e.g., instruction, collaboration, practice with hints, and assessment). To promote the learning of variables, types of data, control statements and loops, learning objects were developed in Learning Management System (LMS) E-lessons by college students who are enrolled in a visual programming course. The process of development involved one of the following four approaches: an approach based on instruction, practice with hints, collaboration and evaluation; an approach based on collaboration and practice with hints; an approach based on instruction, collaboration, and evaluation; and an approach based exclusively on instruction. In contrast to learning modules without e-learning practice on post-tests, according to the sample findings, the learning modules with e-learning practice performed better. The attitudes of the group with practice were also more positive. Further, unlike the samples that use instruction only, the samples with complete learning approaches took longer to finish the E-lessons

To determine factors associated with early (same-day) versus late (> 1 day) discharge of male patients following urethroplasty, and to compare short-term (30-day) postoperative morbidity and mortality across the two groups. Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2005–2016), patients who underwent urethroplasty with same-day hospital discharge (early) and those who stayed > 1 day (late) were identified. Extracted data included patient characteristics, comorbidities, preoperative labs, and 30-day postoperative complications. Multivariable logistic regressions determined factors associated with early (vs. late) discharge and the likelihood of having a complication in those who were discharged early (vs. late). Adjusted odds ratios and 95% CIs were reported. N = 1435 male urethroplasty patients were identified, of which 396 (27.6%) were discharged early and 1039 (72.4%) were discharged late. White race (OR [95% CI]: 2.21 [1.44, 3.38]), urethroplasty performed in/after year 2011 (4.23 [2.51, 7.15]), and anterior (vs. posterior) urethroplasty without tissue transfer (1.65 [1.17, 2.34]) were significantly associated with increased likelihood of early discharge. However, every 10-min increase in operation time (0.88 [0.86, 0.90]) decreased the odds of early discharge. When short-term postoperative complications were compared between the two groups, patients discharged early had a lower likelihood of being readmitted (0.35 [0.14, 0.88]) compared to those discharged late. Rates of mortality, complications, or reoperation were similar between the groups. Predictors of early discharge following urethroplasty include shorter operating time, white race, and having an anterior (vs. posterior) urethroplasty without tissue transfer. Patients discharged early had a lower likelihood of being readmitted.

Objective To assess the effectiveness of fibrin glue as a sealant at the anastomotic line of a stentless laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LPP) repair instead of JJ stent insertion. Patients and methods In all, 46 patients with pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction scheduled for LPP were randomised into two groups each containing 23 patients. Group A underwent stented repair, while group B had a stentless repair together with sealing of the anastomotic line with fibrin glue. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for the postoperative improvement in the renal scan and intravenous urography. However, there was a statistically significant decrease in early postoperative adverse events in group B. In group A, all the patients had irritative lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and 16 (72.7%) had postoperative urinary tract infections (UTIs). In group B, no patient had a UTI or irritative LUTS. In all, 21 patients (95.4%) in group A had minimal terminal painful haematuria; while in group B, only one patient (4.3%) had minimal total painless haematuria. Also, patients in group B were spared the need for a second anaesthesia exposure for stent removal. Conclusion The use of fibrin glue is a valid alternative to stenting in LPP with the same excellent outcome but with markedly lower short-term postoperative adverse events.

Purpose We aimed to assess the 30-day morbidity in patients undergoing combined insertion of penile prosthesis (PP) and artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) vs. PP and male sling (MS). Materials and methods The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried to identify patients who underwent placement of AUS or MS combined with PP. Patient demographics, postoperative morbidity including complications, readmission and reoperation rates were recorded. Student t-test and chi-square or Fischer's exact test were used as appropriate. Results Forty-one patients met selection criteria between 2010 and 2016. Overall, 26 patients received PP and AUS vs. 15 that received PP and MS. Average age was similar in both groups (64.8±6.6 years vs. 62.3±6.3 years, p=0.254). Diabetes mellitus was more prevalent in PP+MS group compared to AUS+PP group (46.7% vs. 11.5%, p=0.022). Average length of stay was higher in PP+AUS group compared to PP+MS group (2.2±0.6 days vs. 1.8±0.4 days, p=0.017). Postoperative morbidity was reported in four patients in PP+AUS group. No reported complications in PP+MS group. In PP+AUS group, complications included one patient who developed urinary tract infection, one developed surgical site infection, readmission in two for postoperative infection, and one return to the operating room. No reported prosthesis explantation or revision in either groups. Conclusions Our results showed that 30-day morbidity was recorded in the PP+AUS group and none in the PP+MS group. The complication and readmission rates remain comparable to the previous reports in both groups.

The effect and optimization of using self-compacting rubberized concrete was investigated by using Taguchi method. Design of experiment was performed via orthogonal array to accommodate four factors with four levels. These factors were the percentage of fine rubber, coarse rubber, fly ash and viscocrete in the concrete mix. The signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to study the performance characteristics of self-compacting rubberized concrete (SCRC). Rubberized concrete can be improved using the concrete proportioned as self-compacting concrete. The results indicate that there was a reduction in the strength with increasing rubber content but there was an increase in impact resistance. However, the replacement of 10% of coarse aggregate with coarse rubber gave more strength than that of zero rubber mix by 124% at 90 days. Replacement of 20% of both fine and coarse aggregates with fine and coarse rubber respectively, increased impact resistance by 453% compared to the corresponding SCRC control mix.

This research study of third-dimensional multi-users virtual environment is experienced at Buraydah community college, Qassim University by the Saudi EFL students of level three in their Computer Assisted Language Learning course. In this paper the personal presence of the participants and their frequency of interaction are investigated. The English language laboratory was used to provide 3D multi-users virtual environment to the participants by awarding each of them an avatar character of their own choice. These were designed to practice and improve the proposed speaking skills of English language as a foreign language. This environment provides the participants to concentrate on their speaking skills to improve it by collaboration, participation, and frequent interactions. The results from such multi-users virtual social interactions showed a positive academic success of the participants in the current study. In Saudi culture, the language students have least interaction for improving their spoken skills of English where a 3D multi-users interaction is recommended for success of spoken English.

Antimicrobial grafted cellulose materials have been elaborated by the grafting of acrylonitrile onto cellulose by the use of KMnO 4 /citric acid initiation method followed by the amination reaction with ethylenediamine. The aminated grafted cellulose was reacted with some aromatic aldehyde derivatives. The grafted cellulose, aminated grafted cellulose and its derivatives were characterized by FT-IR and solid state NMR spectra. These modified cellulose materials displayed antimicrobial activity against representative some strains of bacteria and fungi. In the presence of aminated grafted cellulose or its derivatives, the growth inhibition reached almost 100% with the fungal species. The modified grafted cellulose derivatives (EDA MC-g-PAN II and EDA MC-g-PAN III) were challenged with Bacillus subtilis as a function of contact time. The biocidal results showed that these derivatives have bactericidal effect against the bacterial species.

The effect and optimization of using self-compacting rubberized concrete was investigated by using Taguchi method. Design of experiment was performed via orthogonal array to accommodate four factors with four levels. These factors were the percentage of fine rubber, coarse rubber, fly ash and viscocrete in the concrete mix. The signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to study the performance characteristics of self-compacting rubberized concrete (SCRC). Rubberized concrete can be improved using the concrete proportioned as self-compacting concrete. The results indicate that there was a reduction in the strength with increasing rubber content but there was an increase in impact resistance. However, the replacement of 10% of coarse aggregate with coarse rubber gave more strength than that of zero rubber mix by 124% at 90 days. Replacement of 20% of both fine and coarse aggregates with fine and coarse rubber respectively, increased impact resistance by 453% compared to the corresponding SCRC control mix.

Cellulose-graft-polyacrylonitriles were prepared by using KMnO4/different acids redox system and the obtained samples were characterized by POM, SEM, 13C-NMR, XRD, TGA and their mechanical properties were investigated as a function of crystallinity degree (Cr%). In all cases, Cr decreased with increase of graft yield irrespective of acids species. Stress at break, strain at break and Young's modulus decreased with decreasing Cr%, which can be attributed to the increase of the amorphous region and the main chain rapture of cellulose. The mechanical properties of the samples prepared by strong acids became more poor than those for samples prepared by weak acids, indicating that more chain rupture occurred when strong acids are used.

Y-type hexagonal ferrite samples with the composition Sr 2 Cu 2 - x Mn x Fe 12 O 22 ( x = 0.0 , 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6 and 2.0), have been prepared by the ceramic method. The X-ray diffraction patterns at room temperature show that the prepared samples have a single phase and the effect of composition on the unit cell parameters, density and porosity has been studied. The variation of the initial magnetic permeability ( μ i ) with temperature for all the investigated samples in the temperature range (300–780 K) has shown three regions of behaviour which has been explained on the basis of the proportionality μ i ∝ M s 2 / K eff —where M s is the saturation magnetization and K eff is the effective magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant—along with the expected distribution of both Mn and Cu ions in the lattice. The temperature dependence of selectivity for a chosen frequency ( f = 1.6 MHz ) for the six investigated samples has also been studied.

An effective condition of graft polymerization of acrylonitrile onto cellulose fiber in large volume of KMnO4/citric acid aqueous solution was examined and the produced grafted copolymers were characterized by using SEM, NMR, FTIR, XRD, TGA, and DSC in comparison with component homopolymers. Graft yield, GY, obtained by simple weighting method was close to the value obtained by NMR analysis. Significant change of chemical structure in cellulose fiber, other than graft reaction, was not detected by NMR and FTIR measurements, whereas a decrease in the degree of crystallinity by the reaction was detected by XRD measurement. It was pointed out that thermograms for grafted samples resembles with that of cellulose at T 370°C and the mass of residue at 550°C is proportional to the content of polyacrylonitrile (GY) only. It is concluded that thermal decomposition of both polymers occurs almost independently in grafted polymers and thermal stability of cellulose fiber is not improved. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010

Background Living related liver transplantation (LRLT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhotic patients has emerged as a rewarding therapy for a cure. Extensions of the Milan criteria have been proposed with encouraging results. Patients and methods From October 2001 to June 2004, 47 adult patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) have been treated using LRLT, including 11 (9 males and 2 females) with HCC superimposed on hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related (n = 10) or hepatitis B virus-related (n = 1) cirrhosis. Their mean age was 50 years (range, 40–61). HCC was confirmed preoperatively in 9 subjects whereas it was an incidental finding in 2 cases. Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) levels were elevated in 5 of them. Radiologically, tumor number and sizes ranged from 1 to 2 nodules and from 1.5 to 7 cm, respectively. Five of the 11 subjects underwent pretransplantation tumor control therapy. Results Nine patients are alive, all of them being disease free during follow-up periods ranging from 6 to 30 months. Two subjects died: one of HCC recurrence at 1 year posttransplantation, and another of a pulmonary embolism on day 7. AFP levels decreased to normal values in 4 cases. Excluding the 2 incidental tumors, pathological examination of the explants revealed a higher number and larger size of the nodules in 3 and 5 cases, respectively. Microvascular invasion was documented in 3 explants, 1 of which experienced HCC recurrence and the other 2 received 6 cycles of Doxorubicin following normalization of their liver profile. Postoperative complications included the following: recurrent HCC (n = 1), recurrent HCV (n = 2), acute cellular rejection (n = 3), anastomotic biliary stricture (n = 1), and subphrenic collection (n = 1). Conclusion Our current data confirm the efficacy of LRLT for treatment of HCC superimposed on liver cirrhosis.

Wireless local loop (WLL) is an emerging technology that allows rapid connection to the wired network from remote locations. One of the crucial issues for WLL is the system design so that the number of subscribers can be maximized while providing the required quality of service. This paper considers a CDMA link capacity for integrated voice/data services for both omni and sectorized base stations. The effects of the interference factor and cell loading factor on the capacity are shown for different data rates, and combined data services.