Search

This study examines the lifecycle of the Dubai Water Canal construction, focusing on risk mitigation strategies implemented across its four distinct phases. By incrementally addressing potential risks, the project minimized exposure to uncertainties and ensured the quality and safety of the end product. Key findings highlight the minimal impact on urban growth and emphasize the importance of comprehensive feasibility studies, geological assessments, and environmental impact assessments in identifying and managing risks. The study uniquely contributes to the discourse on urban development by highlighting the effectiveness of a phased approach in large-scale projects. The research methodology involved detailed environmental and technical assessments, stakeholder engagement, and continuous monitoring throughout the project. Our conclusions underscore the need for proactive risk management, thorough planning, and sustainability to ensure the resilience and success of similar infrastructure initiatives globally.

Abstract The current study investigated the scabicidal potential of Egyptian mandarin peel oil (Citrus reticulata Blanco, F. Rutaceae) against sarcoptic mange-in-rabbits. Analysis of the oil's GC–MS identified a total of 20 compounds, accounting for 98.91% of all compounds found. Mandarin peel oil topical application improved all signs of infection, causing a scabicidal effect three days later, whereas in vitro application caused complete mite mortality one day later. In comparison to ivermectin, histopathological analysis showed that the epidermis' inflammatory-infiltration/hyperkeratosis-had disappeared. In addition to TIMP-1, the results of the mRNA gene expression analysis showed upregulation of I-CAM-1-and-KGF and downregulation of ILs-1, 6, 10, VEGF, MMP-9, and MCP-1. The scabies network was constructed and subjected to a comprehensive bioinformatic evaluation. TNF-, IL-1B, and IL-6, the top three hub protein-coding genes, have been identified as key therapeutic targets for scabies. From molecular docking data, compounds 15 and 16 acquired sufficient affinity towards the three screened proteins, particularly both possessing higher affinity towards the IL-6 receptor. Interestingly, it achieved a higher binding energy score than the ligand of the docked protein rather than displaying proper binding interactions like those of the ligand. Meanwhile, geraniol (15) showed the highest affinity towards the GST protein, suggesting its contribution to the acaricidal effect of the extract. The subsequent, MD simulations revealed that geraniol can achieve stable binding inside the binding site of both GST and IL-6. Our findings collectively revealed the scabicidal ability of mandarin peel extract for the first time, paving the way for an efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly herbal alternative for treating rabbits with Sarcoptes mange.

ObjectivesThe prevalence of e-cigarettes is significantly increasing among adults as an alternative method to tobacco smoking. However, the chemical products of e-cigarettes have an influence on human general health. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the association between e-cigarette use and psychological distress as well as participation in daily activities among adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It also evaluates the demographic profile and usage patterns of e-cigarette users.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 396 e-cigarette smokers in Riyadh city. An online survey was administered, including questions about smoking patterns and the perceived effects of e-cigarettes on activities of daily living. Additionally, mental health were assessed using the Kessler 6 scale.ResultsMost of the participants were educated young males (61.4%). About 29.5% of the participants reported using e-cigarettes primarily to quit tobacco cigarettes. In addition, e-cigarette usage was significantly associated with lower participation in activities of daily living and higher psychological distress.ConclusionThis study found that many e-cigarette users are well-educated young individuals who use e-cigarettes as a substitute for traditional cigarettes. However, the study also revealed that using e-cigarettes is associated with negative effects on smokers’ daily activities and mental health.

This study aims to compare how well different designs of combined photovoltaic-thermal collectors work in terms of electricity and heat production. One big benefit of photovoltaic-thermal collectors, compared to regular solar panels, is that they cool down the module and make it produce more electricity efficiently. In simple terms, using this method produces heat and electricity in a device, which means one needs less space to install the collector and module. In a recent study, scientists looked at how well different designs of a solar panel that is also used to generate heat performed. They tested using water to keep it cool. To study and understand how different shapes and sizes affect the performance of a solar panel, we used a computer program called MATLAB to create models of the panel. The research shows that the sheet and tube design with a round or rectangular shape is the most efficient in terms of heat and overall performance. Moreover, when a glass cover is present, it causes electricity to be less efficient while making heat efficiency and overall heat energy higher.

Low-energy cases can be designed more efficiently by using analytical optimization. The non-linear thermal performance of buildings has led to the development of optimization techniques based on simulation. In building optimization, it is important to achieve superior solutions while minimizing calculation expenses. This study aims to optimize an Australian office building using the Balanced Tree Growth Optimizer (BTGO). It has resulted that more than 11.7 % of energy can be saved by the optimization process and also some energy-saving measures. A comparison of the utilized algorithm with benchmark algorithms including the Nelder-Mead method, hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization, Hooke-Jeeves, and Ant Colony Optimization for continuous domain showed that the BTGO can achieve better solutions and needs less computational time.