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Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented changes globally, significantly affecting public health sectors, including paediatric road trauma. This study aims to explore the changes in paediatric road trauma presentations and outcomes before and after the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods This retrospective study analysed paediatric trauma data from the Saudi TraumA Registry (STAR) from August 2017 to December 2022, comparing pre- and post-COVID-19 lockdown periods (August 2017–March 2020 and July 2020–December 2022, respectively). The study analysed demographic data, mechanism of injury, severity, ICU admissions, and mortality rates using multivariate logistic regression models. Results Out of 950 paediatric trauma cases analysed, there was an 44.2 [561/389 = 1.442] % increase in the number of cases post-lockdown. A significant shift was noted in the age group of 5–9 years, with cases increasing from post-lockdown. Head injuries were the most prevalent type of injury, with their proportion slightly increasing from 163 (20.5%) pre-lockdown to 248 (23.2%) post-lockdown. The ICU admission were consistent across both periods, while the definitive care mode of arrival post-lockdown showed a notable shift towards private or government ambulances. Conclusion Our study provides critical insights into the significant impact of the COVID-19 on paediatric road trauma. The observed increase in trauma cases post-pandemic, particularly among younger children and a notable rise in driver-related injuries among adolescents, underscores the profound effect of lockdown measures and subsequent societal changes on paediatric health. Efforts to reduce paediatric traffic injuries require collaboration among parents, educators, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the community at large.

Haemoglobin (Hb) Malay is variant haemoglobin with a β++ thalassemia phenotype. The prevalence of Hb Malay in the Malaysian population was 5.5%. We describe a 58-year-old male who presented with symptomatic anaemia to the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Further history revealed that the patient had anaemia since the age of 28, and on regular follow-up at other hospital. Physical examination revealed pallor, jaundice and hepatosplenomegaly. The full blood count and peripheral blood smear showed hypochromic microcytic anaemia with anisopoikilocytosis, and many target cells. High-performance liquid chromatography results showed a β thalassemia trait. However, the diagnosis does not alight with the patient’s condition. Bone marrow aspirate was completed and showed reactive changes and erythroid hyperplasia. A molecular test was then performed for β globin gene mutation detection using Multiplex Amplification Refractory Mutation System (M-ARMS) PCR method. This revealed the result as homozygous codon 19 mutation or Hb Malay. Therefore, in this case report we would like to highlight the laboratory approaches, the challenges faced by the usual haematological investigations and the importance role of molecular testing in the diagnosis of severe anaemia.

Green synthesis of four novel nonionic polymeric surfactants: from the recycled product of poly (ethylene terephthalate) plastic waste for application in corrosion protection of carbon steel. In this respect, PET waste was subjected to aminolysis and glycolysis via a reaction with Trimethylenediamine (TEDA) and Tri ethylene glycol (TEG) in the presence of suitable catalysts. The prepared materials were characterized by FT-IR, 1HNMR, and elemental analysis. It was evaluated as a corrosion inhibitor for steel (type-X60) used in the petroleum industry in the marine environment. Chemical, analytical, and electrochemical techniques were used for the evaluation of the corrosion inhibition efficiency of the prepared polymeric surfactants. The effect of concentration and temperature was studied. The maximum inhibition efficiency (IE) of 96% at an inhibitor concentration of 200 ppm and a temperature of 303 K. The glycoside and amide products were compared, the efficiency of amide products (96%) was higher than the efficiency of glycoside products (91%). According to potentiodynamic polarization data, the prepared surfactant boosts polarization resistance and inhibition performance by adsorbing on the metal/electrolyte interface. The surface morphology of steel was examined using SEM. A protective coating of inhibitor molecules forms on the steel surface.

Road traffic accidents constitute the primary cause of fatalities associated with injuries and engender substantial economic ramifications for affected individuals, their families, and entire nations. The Sultanate of Oman, like other countries, suffers from traffic accident injuries and traffic congestion. The accident rate for the period 2021 was recorded as one accident every six hours. Despite a 70% increase in total number of vehicles and an 81% rise in licensed drivers between 2012 and 2019, data on traffic accidents demonstrate an improving trend with a notable 55% decline in crash fatalities. However, it is important to recognize that road traffic accidents in Oman encompass not only social issues but also pose a significant economic burden, resulting in substantial financial costs for the nation. Notwithstanding, it was discovered that more than 50% of fatal crashes in Oman were primarily caused by excessive speeding. The main goal of this research is to analysis the causes and trends of traffic accidents at the national level in the Sultanate of Oman. Data analysis reveals speed as the primary cause of traffic accidents in Oman, with Muscat and Dhofar registering the highest accident rates. In addition, the distribution of deaths and injuries resulting from accidents varies according to Gender and nationality. According to the road accident scenario analysis in the state, more traffic accidents occurred in males than females. Traffic accidents have witnessed a notable decline over the past decade, attributable to the diligent efforts and interventions implemented by the Royal Oman Police.

Owing to its unique properties, pyrophyllite is an economical alternative to many minerals in different applications. The presence of iron-bearing minerals in Saudi pyrophyllite hampers its industrial uses. The aim of this study was to examine the removal of iron from Saudi low-grade pyrophyllite ore using two approaches. The first approach involves dry high-intensity magnetic separation, whereas the second approach involves microwave pretreatment of the ore before dry magnetic separation. For the first approach, the studied operating parameters were roll speed; feed rate, field intensity, and feed particle size. For the alternative approach, microwave treatment followed by dry magnetic separation, the microwave irradiation time and the magnetic field intensity were studied. The results show that the combined microwave treatment and dry separation method could provide high-purity pyrophyllite for filler industries. Microwave irradiation for 30 min was optimal to change impurity phases (i.e., pyrite, hematite) into ferromagnetic phases in microwave-treated pyrophyllite samples. At a magnetic field intensity of 2000 Gauss, the 30 min microwave-irradiated pyrophyllite sample achieved an iron recovery of 11.2% in non-magnetic fractions, with a removal efficiency of 89% with an alumina recovery of 91.31%.

The wobbly state of waste management (WM) and the high level of environmental irresponsibility pose a significant threat to environmental health, which invariably endangers public health, regional groundwater systems and atmospheric conditions. These unruly human factors have compelled this study to apply integrated geophysical methods, physiochemical water analysis, diagnostic survey questionnaires (DSQs) and reconnaissance surveys (RSs) to assess the environmental impacts and the possible public health risks of poor WM in Northern Nigeria. Geophysical investigation delineated leachate plume accumulated zones as conductive regions, which were captured within the depth of 0–10.5 m with low resistivity contrast relatively below 9.0 Ωm. The resistivity data of the overburden topsoil overlying the regional aquifer vary between 3.7 Ωm and 23 Ωm within the dumpsites and 111 Ωm – 413 Ωm off-dumpsites. The investigation was extended to 20 m–55 m off-dumpsites to monitor the impacts of landfills on the ambient environment. The resistivity data shows that the landfill leachate plumes have compromised the integrity of the regional subsoil, which invariably questions the purity of the groundwater. The physiochemical data depicts high content of BOD (79 – 811) mg/l, COD (99 – 1997) mg/l, TDS (511 – 2117) mg/l, while the level of the heavy metals (HMs) content across the three water sources vary significantly with Fe (0.210 – 2.997) mg/l, Pb (0.028 – 2.121) mg/l, Cr (0.029 – 1.413) mg/l, Cd (0.021 – 0.722) mg/l. The high content of organic substances and HMs present in the sample water may have altered the chemistry of the regional surface and groundwater, which are detrimental to human health. The comparative evaluation of the regional groundwater susceptibilities to the surface contaminants emerging from dumpsites/landfills in various geological locations shows that the landfill leachate plumes may be responsible for the regional groundwater pollution encountered in the water sample. The HMs-dominated leachate plumes penetrating the subsoil seem to have significantly influenced the electrical resistivity values of the landfill subsurface stratiform. A Strong media investment to enlighten the people is critical in going forward. This article will aid stakeholders in making strategic decisions to minimize the adverse effects of uncontrolled landfills.

Abstract Swimmers’ personal hygiene affects the spread of microbes in pools. The present study aimed to determine the incidence of microbial infections among young Egyptian swimmers and its impact on swimmers’ scores. From January 2020 to June 2021, 528 public club swimmers were examined cross-sectionally. Swimmers were divided into two groups according to their star tests and their scores in the competition (group 1 with a high score and group 2 with a low score). Stool samples, biochemical and biological parameters were assessed. Microbial infections were 54% for intestinal parasitosis and 2.8% for Helicobacter pylori. The rate of intestinal parasitosis was higher among Gp2 as compared to Gp1. The results also revealed higher prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia lamblia, Entameba histolytica, and Cyclospora among Gp2 than Gp1. Swimming frequency, and duration influenced the infectious status that induced anemia, abnormal blood pressure, and heart rate. Infected swimmers with cryptosporidiosis had higher alanine transaminase levels, white blood cells, and differential cells but lower aspartate transaminase levels. Giardiasis showed higher reduction in the biochemical markers including ferritin, lactoferrin, iron, and transferrin among Gp 2, compared to Gp 1 and thus affected the swimmers’ scores. Thus, raising swimmers’ hygiene awareness and targeting health education is obliged.

Abstract Aims The HINODE study aimed to analyse rates of mortality, appropriately treated ventricular arrhythmias (VA), and heart failure in Japanese patients and compared with those in Western patients. Methods and results After treatment decisions following contemporary practice in Japan, patients were prospectively enrolled into four cohorts: (i) internal cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD), (ii) cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) defibrillator (CRT‐D), (iii) standard medical therapy (‘non‐device’: ND), or (iv) pacing (indicated for CRT; received pacemaker or CRT pacing). Cohorts 1–3 required a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35%, a history of heart failure, and a need for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death based on two to five previously identified risk factors. Endpoint outcomes were adjudicated by the independent committees. ICD and CRT‐D cohorts, considered as high‐voltage (HV) cohorts, were pooled for Kaplan–Meier analysis and propensity‐matched to Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial‐Reduce Inappropriate Therapy (MADIT‐RIT) arm B and C patients. The study enrolled 354 patients followed for 19.6 ± 6.5 months, with a minimum of 12 months. Propensity‐matched HV cohorts showed comparable VA (P = 0.61) and mortality rates (P = 0.29) for HINODE and MADIT‐RIT. The ND cohort presented a high crossover rate to ICD therapy (6.1%, n = 7/115), and the CRT‐D cohort showed elevated mortality rates. The pacing cohort revealed that patients implanted with pacemakers had higher mortality (26.0%) than those with CRT‐Pacing (8.4%, P = 0.05). Conclusions The mortality and VA event rates of landmark trials are applicable to patients with primary prevention in Japan. Patients who did not receive guideline‐indicated CRT devices had poor outcomes.

يتضمن هذا البحث تحليل الفيضان الناتج عن انهيار افتراضي لسد الثورة وهو سد ركامي بنواة غضارية يقع في حوض الصنوبر في محافظة اللاذقية. وذلك من خلال بناء نموذج رياضي لمنطقة الدراسة بعد جمع بيانات عن السد والخزان والاستعانة بالخرائط الطبوغرافية مع نموذج الارتفاعات الرقمية، والتنبؤ ببارامترات الخرق المتوقع بتطبيق معادلات (XU, Y. and Zhang, 2009) وهي: ارتفاع الخرق المتشكل، عرض الخرق، الميول الجانبية، الزمن اللازم لتطور الخرق، وكانت البرمجيات المستخدمة في بناء هذا النموذج هي HEC-RAS وArc GIS. أظهرت النتائج أن السيناريو الأسوأ هو الانهيار الناتج عن تدفق الماء فوق قمة السد، حيث بلغت الغزارة الاعظمية للموجة الفيضانية 35503m3/sec بعد ساعة من بدء الانهيار، يصل الخرق الى الشكل النهائي بعد ساعة و34 دقيقة، ويتراوح متوسط سرعة الموجة الفيضانية ما بين 26 – 2.39m/sec على طول المجرى، تراوحت أعماق الغمر بين(6 - 19)m، تساعد خرائط الغمر التي توضح المناطق المتضررة من سرعات المياه الأعظمية وأعماق المياه الكبيرة، وذلك تبعاً للسبب المؤدي للانهيار، في وضع خطط الطوارئ.

Abstract The advanced image sensors installed on now-ubiquitous smartphones can be used to detect ionising radiation in addition to visible light. Radiation incidents on a smartphone camera’s Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensor creates a signal which can be isolated from a visible light signal to turn the smartphone into a radiation detector. This work aims to report a detailed investigation of a well-reviewed smartphone application for radiation dosimetry that is available for popular smartphone devices under a calibration protocol that is typically used for the commercial calibration of radiation detectors. The iPhone 6s smartphone, which has a CMOS camera sensor, was used in this study. Black tape was utilized to block visible light. The Radioactivity counter app developed by Rolf-Dieter Klein and available on Apple’s App Store was installed on the device and tested using a calibrated radioactive source, calibration concrete pads with a range of known concentrations of radioactive elements, and in direct sunlight. The smartphone CMOS sensor is sensitive to radiation doses as low as 10 µGy/h, with a linear dose response and an angular dependence. The RadioactivityCounter app is limited in that it requires 4–10 min to offer a stable measurement. The precision of the measurement is also affected by heat and a smartphone’s battery level. Although the smartphone is not as accurate as a conventional detector, it is useful enough to detect radiation before the radiation reaches hazardous levels. It can also be used for personal dose assessments and as an alarm for the presence of high radiation levels.

This study investigates the effect of the partial replacement of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with cement kiln dust (CKD) on the engineering properties of pozzolanic concrete for use in block manufacturing. Ultimately, this could potentially reduce cement consumption and CO2 emissions. The study was carried out on cylindrical concrete samples prepared from five mixtures comprising 71.13% pozzolan and 14.16% water, with 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20% of the OPC fraction (14.71 wt.%) replaced by CKD. The samples were tested for density and compressive strength (UCS) at curing ages of 7, 14, 28, 56, and 91 days; and for voids and water absorption after 28 curing days. Results show that increasing CKD content lowered the voids and increased the water absorption. The 15% CKD sample had the highest UCS, regardless of the curing age. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that the phase responsible for hydration, calcium silicate hydrate, was higher in the 15% CKD sample than the control.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused the current pandemic, resulting in millions of deaths worldwide. Increasingly contagious variants of concern (VoC) have fueled recurring global infection waves. A major question is the relative severity of the disease caused by previous and currently circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we evaluated the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 variants in human ACE-2-expressing (K18-hACE2) mice. Eight-week-old K18-hACE2 mice were inoculated intranasally with a representative virus from the original B.1 lineage or from the emerging B.1.1.7 (alpha), B.1.351 (beta), B.1.617.2 (delta), or B.1.1.529 (omicron) lineages. We also infected a group of mice with the mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 (MA10). Our results demonstrate that B.1.1.7, B.1.351 and B.1.617.2 viruses are significantly more lethal than the B.1 strain in K18-hACE2 mice. Infection with the B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and B.1.617.2 variants resulted in significantly higher virus titers in the lungs and brain of mice compared with the B.1 virus. Interestingly, mice infected with the B.1.1.529 variant exhibited less severe clinical signs and a high survival rate. We found that B.1.1.529 replication was significantly lower in the lungs and brain of infected mice in comparison with other VoC. The transcription levels of cytokines and chemokines in the lungs of B.1- and B.1.1.529-infected mice were significantly less when compared with those challenged with other VoC. Together, our data provide insights into the pathogenesis of previous and circulating SARS-CoV-2 VoC in mice.

Understanding the rheology behavior of non-Newtonian mine paste backfill is critical to ensure its flowability in the pipeline distribution system. Several rheology measurements methods for paste backfill have been proposed in the literature to quantify the rheology properties. However, there is no definite conclusion on the best measurement method to correctly predict pressure loss in the paste backfill pipeline system with a high solid concentration. This study addresses the issue by comparing several rheology measurements techniques, i.e., coaxial rheometer with various configurations, vane viscometer, and slump and pipe loop tests, with regard to Bingham yield stress, Bingham plastic viscosity, and pressure loss using statistical analysis. The paste backfill samples are prepared from two different mine tailings: finer and coarser particles. The pressure loss from the pipe loop test along with Buckingham-Reiner transformation using the Darcy-Weisbach equation are used as reference properties. The results suggest that a simple slump test can accurately predict the Bingham yield stress for coarser tailing. At the same time, a coaxial rheometer with MVDIN cup is found to predict the Bingham paste properties accurately for finer tailing.

The Malaysian government claims that the implementation of advanced technology in the production process following the Economic Transformation Program (ETP) will create many jobs in the economy. To evaluate this statement, this study calculates the rate of job creation based on the formula developed by Davis and Haltiwanger (1999), plotting and analysing the pattern of job creation in high- and low- technology level sub-sector groups. From the descriptive analysis, both technology groups show distinctive patterns of job creation. Hence, this study provides information to policymakers to enable them to strike a balance between technology and job creation capacity in the manufacturing sector.

The effect of high temperatures on rock’s thermophysical and mechanical properties is critical to the design of underground geotechnical applications. The current work investigates the impact of temperature on rhyolitic turf rock’s physical and mechanical properties. Intact cylindrical core rock samples were heated to different temperatures (200, 400, 600, and 800 °C). The uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and elastic modulus of unheated and heated samples were determined as important mechanical properties. In addition, the effect of temperature on the physical properties of rhyolite rock (density, color, and absorption) was investigated in conjunction with its microstructural properties. The hardening of the rhyolitic rock samples was observed below 600 °C, at which point the UCS and elastic modulus decreased to 78.0% and 75.9%, respectively, at 800 °C. The results also show that heating does not significantly affect the density and volume of permeable pore space, but a color change can be observed at 400 °C and above. A microscopic analysis shows the change in microstructural properties of rhyolite rock after heating to 600 °C. Furthermore, the SEM observations of heated materials show structural particle displacements and microcracking, leading to apparent surface cracks.

Transgenic mice expressing human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 under the cytokeratin 18 promoter (K18-hACE2) have been extensively used to investigate the pathogenesis and tissue tropism of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Neuroinvasion and the replication of SARS-CoV-2 within the central nervous system (CNS) of K18-hACE2 mice is associated with increased mortality; although, the mechanisms by which this occurs remain unclear. In this study, we generated primary neuronal cultures from K18-hACE2 mice to investigate the effects of a SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also evaluated the immunological response to SARS-CoV-2 infection in the CNS of K18-hACE2 mice and mouse neuronal cultures. Our data show that neuronal cultures obtained from K18-hACE2 mice are permissive to SARS-CoV-2 infection and support productive virus replication. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 infection upregulated the expression of genes involved in innate immunity and inflammation, including IFN-α, ISG-15, CXCL10, CCL2, IL-6 and TNF-α, in the neurons and mouse brains. In addition, we found that SARS-CoV-2 infection of neurons and mouse brains activates the ZBP1/pMLKL-regulated necroptosis pathway. Together, our data provide insights into the neuropathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in K18-hACE2 mice.

Recycled aggregates were widely used in the concrete industry as a replacement of natural aggregates in the last two decades. In this study, the resistance of concrete mixtures having various levels of recycled aggregate as a replacement of natural coarse aggregate to the attack of magnesium and sodium sulfates was investigated. Five mixtures made with 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% recycled aggregate were partially immersed in magnesium and sodium sulfate solutions having concentrations of 2.5%, 4.5%, and 6.5% and subjected to drying-wetting cycles for a total of 10 weeks. Mass losses of concrete specimens owing to the attack of sulfate solutions and the effect of drying-wetting cycles were recorded weekly. Results show that the incorporation of recycled aggregate decreased the compressive strength of concrete at ages of 7 and 28 days. The decline in the compressive strength was more significant when the replacement percentage exceeds 50%. Mass losses of concrete specimens were found to be increased as the level of recycled aggregate increased. Mass losses of concrete specimens having 100% recycled aggregate were approximately as twice as those of concrete specimens having 0% recycled aggregate owing to 10 weeks of partial immersion in magnesium sulfate solutions of concentrations of 2.5%, 4.5%, and 6.5%. The attack of sodium sulfates was less aggressive than that of the magnesium sulfates. Results also show that the reduction in the compressive strength is directly proportional to the mass loss following a linear equation of R-squared value of 0.937.

This paper investigates the long-run relationship between fiscal policy and economic growth in Asia between 1982 and 2001 through the application of Pedroni’s Cointegration approach. It examines two different channels through which fiscal policy can affect long-run economic growth in Asian countries. The first channel is when components and aggregate government expenditure affect the real per capita GDP, and the second channel is when the distortionary taxation, budget balance, and aggregate of other fiscal variables affect the real per capita GDP. There is a positive and statistically significant impact of health and education expenditure, aggregate of government expenditure, and aggregate of other fiscal variables on real per capita GDP. It was found that the defence expenditure, distortionary taxation, and budget balance are significantly and negatively related to real per capita GDP. The Pedroni Cointegration result establishes a long-run relationship between fiscal policy and economic growth.

This paper investigates the relationship between fiscal policy, institutions, and economic growth and also the role of the institution in Asian economies between 1982 and 2001 through the application of Pedroni’s Cointegration approach. It examined two different channels through which fiscal policy and institutions can affect long-run economic growth in Asian economies. The first channel is when aggregate of government expenditure, aggregate of other fiscal variables, and the institution affect the real per capita Gross Domestic Production (GDP) and the second channel is to determine the role of institutions on the real per capita GDP. The Pedroni Cointegration result established a long-run relationship between fiscal policy, institution, and economic growth. We found a positive and statistically significant impact of aggregate of government expenditure and aggregate of other fiscal variables and institution on real per capita GDP. We also found that there is a role of institutions on the real per capita GDP. JEL Classification: C23, H30, H50, O47

In developed countries, urban growth has multiplied the demand for investment in basic infrastructure services such as water supply, waste removal, roads and mass transportation. At the same time, decentralization strategies have shifted the responsibility for much of these investments to the local governments. This decentralized investment requires the development of decentralized capital financing. No longer can a central government pay for local investment by raising national taxes or borrowings on international markets and using the funds simply to construct projects at the local level. The introduction of municipal bonds is one of the alternative source of funds to finance the escalating costs of financing local governments. This paper discusses the conditions underlying the development of municipal credit markets, which Malaysia can use to provide a vehicle to narrow the local government’s resource gap through debt funding.

Personal injury claim can be found if any accident occurs such as road accident. After the accident occur the victim which is humankind can claim the compensation to himself regarding to injury in that accident. This claim involve law to determine the compensation amount to the victim. Unfortunately, in Malaysia multiplier-multiplicand approach still used by the court. This approach is outdated and unfair to victim as it’s not seen through the victim personal condition. So, the personal injury claim application which is it using Ogden table were implemented to calculate the compensation amount to victim. This Ogden table is special since it’s seen through in all aspect of victim personal condition. This application is build using Android Studio and Atom. This application has information about claimant, court and lawyer. It also can calculate the compensation amount more accurately to claimant. The target users of this application are claimant which is the victim, lawyer and court.

The development of Islamic finance is governed by Islamic laws (Shariah). The main principles that regulate all forms of transactions in Islamic banking activities include the prohibition of interest or usury (riba),the use of excessive risk (gharar), and gambling (maysir). The Islamic finance industry has become a prominent sector and is one of the fastest growing components of financial developments over the last decade in the global financial system. The availability of large numbers of Islamic finance products will increase significantlyas there have been a growing demand throughout the world, especially in OIC participating countries. Hence, the objective of this study is to identify the important factors that enhances financial development in the selected OIC countries (Malaysia, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen). Three indicators of financial development were used; Islamic finance, broad money and liquid liabilities. The data used in this study is the panel data from the year 1990 to 2012 which were obtained from the International Monetary Fund, Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions Information (IBIS), and World Bank databases. This study employed pooled OLS, fixed and random effect model. The results indicate that there are significant relationships between Islamic finance and financial development. Specifically, this study found that liquid liabilities and Islamic finance are two factors that have significantly influenced financial development in the OIC countries. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the OIC governments are required to develop policies that would integrate Islamic finance into their financial system. These policies should be centred around regulatory framework and supervisory role to utilize Islamic finance for greater economic growth. Keywords: Islamic finance; financial development; OIC countries; pooled OLS, fixed effect; random effect

Pyrophyllite (Al2Si4O10(OH)2) is a phyllosilicate often associated with quartz, mica, kaolinite, epidote, and rutile minerals. In its pure state, pyrophyllite exhibits unique properties such as low thermal and electrical conductivity, high refractive behavior, low expansion coefficient, chemical inertness, and high resistance to corrosion by molten metals and gases. These properties make it desirable in different industries such as refractory; ceramic, fiberglass, and cosmetic industries; as filler in the paper, plastic, paint, and pesticide industries; as soil conditioner in the fertilizer industry; and as a dusting agent in the rubber and roofing industries. Pyrophyllite can also serve as an economical alternative in many industrial applications to different minerals as kaolinite, talc, and feldspar. To increase its market value, pyrophyllite must have high alumina (Al2O3) content, remain free of any impurities, and possess as much whiteness as possible. This paper presented a review of pyrophyllite’s industrial applications, its important exploitable properties, and the specifications required for its use in industry. It also presents the most effective and economical techniques for enriching low-grade pyrophyllite ores to make them suitable for various industrial applications.

The emergence of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern pose a major threat to public health, due to possible enhanced virulence, transmissibility and immune escape. These variants may also adapt to new hosts, in part through mutations in the spike protein. In this study, we evaluated the infectivity and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Six-week-old mice were inoculated intranasally with a representative virus from the original B.1 lineage, or the emerging B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 lineages. We also infected a group of mice with a mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 (MA10). Viral load and mRNA levels of multiple cytokines and chemokines were analyzed in the lung tissues on day 3 after infection. Our data show that unlike the B.1 virus, the B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 viruses are capable of infecting C57BL/6 mice and replicating at high concentrations in the lungs. The B.1.351 virus replicated to higher titers in the lungs compared with the B.1.1.7 and MA10 viruses. The levels of cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β) and chemokine (CCL2) were upregulated in response to the B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 infection in the lungs. In addition, robust expression of viral nucleocapsid protein and histopathological changes were detected in the lungs of B.1.351-infected mice. Overall, these data indicate a greater potential for infectivity and adaptation to new hosts by emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.

With the increasing engineering applications of geothermal borehole heat exchangers (BHEs), accurate and reliable mathematical models can help advance their thermal design and operations. In this study, an analytical model with a time-dependent heat flux boundary condition on the borehole wall is developed, capable of predicting the thermal performance of single, double, and multiple closed-loop BHEs, with an emphasis on solar- and waste-heat-assisted geothermal borehole systems (S-GBS and W-GBS) for energy storage. This analytical framework begins with a one-dimensional transient heat conduction problem subjected to a time-dependent heat flux for a single borehole. The single borehole scenario is then extended to multiple boreholes by exploiting lines of symmetry (or thermal superposition). A final expression of the temperature distribution along the center line is attained for single, double, and multiple boreholes, which is verified with a two-dimensional finite-element numerical model (less than 0.7% mean absolute deviation) and uses much lesser computational power and time. The analytical solution is also validated against a field-scale experiment from the literature regarding the borehole and ground temperatures at different time frames, with an absolute error below 6.3%. Further, the thermal performance of S-GBS and W-GBS is compared for a 3-by-3 borehole configuration using the analytical model to ensure its versatility in thermal energy storage. It is concluded that our proposed analytical framework can rapidly evaluate closed-loop geothermal BHEs, regardless of the numbers of boreholes and the type of the heat flux on the borehole wall.

In this investigation, aluminium Al-2.5% Mg cast alloy was modified by adding 0.5 Ti and 0.1 B wt % modifiers to investigate their impact on the dynamic behaviour, as well as the mechanical and microstructure properties. The dynamic properties were analysed experimentally using a free vibration impact test and predicted using finite element methods. This study used a high-resolution polarised optical microscope to analyse the microstructure of the studied alloys and X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) analysis to determine the developed phases. Microstructure and mechanical properties were mostly enhanced as a result of grain refining during solidification and through the metal segregation process. The microstructure analysis of the modified alloy showed a significant improvement in the grain refinement; hence, the grains were 10 times finer than the cast alloy. The modified Al-2.5% Mg/Ti-B alloy demonstrated reduced inter-granular corrosion (IGC) than the Al-2.5% Mg standard cast alloy. By incorporating Ti-B modifiers into the composition of the cast Al-Mg alloy, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), strain (ε), and hardness values (HV) were increased by 30.5%, 100%, and 18.18%, respectively. The dynamic properties of the modified alloy showed an enhancement in the resonant (fn) and damping ratio (ζ) by 7% and 68%, respectively. The predicted resonance frequencies of the investigated alloys showed results close to the experimental dynamic tests.

Rocks’ physical, mechanical, and mineralogical properties are essential in the design process of underground applications. To understand changes in these rocks’ properties at high temperatures, numerous studies have been conducted on several rock types, with little being known about microschist rock. This paper presents experimental study on the physical (e.g., density and P-wave velocity), mechanical (uniaxial compressive strength (UCS)), and microstructural behavior of microschist rock at room temperature (22 °C) and at high temperatures, i.e., 400, 600, and 800 °C. The results indicated that as the temperature increases, the microschist’s color changed, and dry density decreased by 0.97% at 800 °C. Additionally, the average P-wave velocity of microschist decreased by 4.14, 7.07, and 34.23%, at 400, 600, and 800 °C, respectively. Similarly, at these temperatures, the UCS of the microschist decreased by 34.4, 56.9, and 80.1%, respectively. Further findings from microscopic studies reveal that the observed changes in physical and mechanical properties were due to the structural deformation of the microschist at high temperatures.

Zika virus (ZIKV) represents a re-emerging threat to global health due to its association with congenital birth defects. ZIKV NS2B-NS3 protease is crucial for virus replication by cleaving viral polyprotein at various junctions to release viral proteins and cause cytotoxic effects in ZIKV-infected cells. This study characterized the inhibitory effects of doxycycline against ZIKV NS2B-NS3 protease and viral replication in human skin cells. The in silico data showed that doxycycline binds to the active site of ZIKV protease at a low docking energy (−7.8 Kcal/mol) via four hydrogen bonds with the protease residues TYR1130, SER1135, GLY1151, and ASP83. Doxycycline efficiently inhibited viral NS2B-NS3 protease at average human temperature (37 °C) and human temperature with a high fever during virus infection (40 °C). Interestingly, doxycycline showed a higher inhibitory effect at 40 °C (IC50 = 5.3 µM) compared to 37 °C (9.9 µM). The virus replication was considerably reduced by increasing the concentration of doxycycline. An approximately 50% reduction in virus replication was observed at 20 µM of doxycycline. Treatment with 20 µM of doxycycline reduced the cytopathic effects (CPE), and the 40 µM of doxycycline almost eliminated the CPE of human skin cells. This study showed that doxycycline binds to the ZIKV protease and inhibits its catalytic activity at a low micro-molecular concentration range. Treatment of human skin fibroblast with doxycycline eliminated ZIKV infection and protected the cells against the cytopathic effects of the infection.

The combined microwave-assisted sorting and microwave-assisted comminution of minerals has been proposed to reduce the huge grinding energy consumption in mineral processing. However, gangue minerals would be discarded after the sorting process despite the microwave energy absorbed during their treatment. Therefore, this paper investigates the effect of microwave pretreatment on the Bond work index (BWI) of quartz and calcite samples, as they represent the dominant gangues in many ores and are key inputs in the cement industry, which requires intensive grinding. The samples were characterized using a scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. The BWIs of the two samples were determined before and after the microwave treatment (2.45 GHz, 1.7 kW) at 2, 4 and 6 minutes. SEM image analyses of the untreated and microwave-treated samples were performed using ImageJ software. The results showed that after 4 minutes of radiation treatment, the BWI of the studied quartz was reduced by 13.83%, while that of the calcite increased by 15.59%. The results of the SEM image analysis indicated that the quartz developed more cracks than the calcite under the same microwave treatment conditions. Based on these findings, microwave pretreatment is suitable to reduce the grinding energy of the studied quartz, but offers no energy-saving benefit to the studied calcite.

تمثل سلامة الجهاز المصرفي وصلابة المصارف مهمة لكسب ثقة العملاء ، وان انعدام الثقة يؤدي الى وقوف المودعين بكثافة امام ابواب المصرف لسحب ودائعهم مما يؤدي الى حدوث ظاهرة ( السحب الجماعي ) ،وتعد هذه الظاهرة حالة صعبة على المصرف في اعادة جميع الودائع الى المودعين مما يؤدي الى افلاس المصرف . على المصارف المحافظة بشكل مستمر على ثقة الجمهور مع الاخذ بنظر الاعتبار بأنه ليس هناك مصرف يستطيع اعادة جميع الودائع الى الجمهور في غضون ايام قليلة لكون هذه الودائع تم استخدامها على شكل قروض ممنوحة الى المقترضين ولآجال طويلة . يهدف هذا البحث الى التعرف على مدى مصداقية فرض الوصاية على مصرف الوركاء للاستثماروالتمويل ، والظروف التي مر بها المصرف قبل شطب اسمه من سوق العراق للاوراق المالية وبيان كيفية تعامل البنك المركزي العراقي مع الاحداث التي مر بها المصرف. ولتحقيق ذلك اختار الباحث مؤشرات القدرة الايفائية وطبقّها على عينة تكونت من اربع مصارف (المصرف التجاري العراقي،مصرف بغداد،مصرف الشرق الاوسط العراقي للاستثمار،مصرف الاستثمار العراقي) خلال فترة زمنية من 2008-2011 ، وتم مقارنة هذه المؤشرات مع مؤشرات القدرة الايفائية لمصرف الوركاء للاستثمار والتمويل . بعد تحليل نسب مؤشرات القدرة الايفائية للمصارف (عينة البحث) ، توصلت الدراسة الى مجموعة من الاستنتاجات التي استنبطت من واقع الاطار المفاهيمي والتحليلي ،وحيثيات وتداعيات كل من مصرف الوركاء للاستثمار والتمويل والبنك المركزي العراقي ومن اهم هذه الاستنتاجات : 1- إن اجراء وزارة المالية كان له الاثر على المودعين واجبارهم على سحب ودائعهم من المصرف ؛ خوفا من ضياع اموالهم فزاد الموقف صعوبة على المصرف عند قيام وسائل الاعلام بنشر خبر تعثر مصرف الوركاء مما ادى ذلك الى حدوث ظاهرة السحب الجماعي Bank Runs . 2- أظهرت البحث أن الوضع المالي لمصرف الوركاء لم يشهد تدهورا واضحا لمؤشرات القدرة الايفائية خلال فترة الدراسة المعتمدة من عام 2008 الى عام 2011 ،بل كان في اغلب النسب يتفوق على بعض مصارف عينة الدراسة كما في (نسبة حق الملكية/مجموع الودائع،ونسبة حق الملكية/مجموع القروض،ونسبة حق الملكية /مجموع الموجودات) . وفي ضوء استنتاجات البحث اقترح الباحث مجموعة من المقترحات بهدف الاستفادة منها ومن اهمها : يفترض على البنك المركزي العراقي ووزارة المالية أن يقدرا الانجازات التي قدمها مصرف الوركاء من تاريخ تأسيسه 20/11/1999، ولغاية نهاية 2011 .

The study further investigates the link between the constructed financial stress index (FSI) and overall economic activity. We approximate the co-movement of the identified financial and economic factors into a single index using the principal component analysis. The combine variables explain about 60% of the total variation in the Malaysian FSI and practically captured the known key aspects of financial stress in Malaysia. The study further applies asymmetric causality and structural vector autoregressive to distinguish between causality in good and bad times and examine the structural impulse responses in changes in the economic activity arising from the shocks in financial stress. The study reveals that changes in the Malaysian FSI (MFSI) negatively affects the economic activity of Malaysia whereas, changes in the economic activity is positively related to the MFSI. Furthermore, the asymmetric causality indicates that high financial stress affect the economic activity during economic recession but economic activity irrespective of whether in boom or recession does not influence the MFSI. However, using the growth rate of foreign trade to proxy economic activity indicates that MFSI influences economic activity irrespective of good or bad times. Nevertheless, economic activity measured using GFD also affect MFSI during the period of economic recession. This also shows that the indicators employed in the construction of the index are the near approximation of the FSI for Malaysia due to its ability to reflect the available information included in the index. The study concludes with policy implications based on the behavior of the MFSI.

Subsidies can reduce the cost of fishing operations and enhance revenues that make fishing enterprises more profitable. However, in Malaysia, overcapitalization and excessive fishing capacity leading to the overexploitation of fishery resources. The study obtained information about the type of fishing subsidies that has been given to fishing communities, benefits earned from these subsidies and views on the best possible policy directions for fisheries subsidy that will redirect funds towards promoting sustainable livelihoods and food security. Data collected for the study from three fishing districts of Peninsular Malaysia (Kedah, Perak, and Terengganu) through face to face interview. A total 246 fisher respondents were selected through a random selection process from the list of fishers with the Department of Fisheries. This study used Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) model, which is explaining the importance of community factor characteristics (attributes of community) such as fishing communities. The results also showed that subsistence allowance is less effective for the livelihoods of fisher because it makes fisherman more dependent on subsidy. The termination of this allowance will not affect fishermen’s livelihoods. However, both A and B boat participants put importance on this monthly allowance as they found it very useful during the crisis time. The results demonstrated that fuel subsidy was the most important item for the fisher as it reduced fishing operation costs. The fuel subsidy has important implication for fisheries resource sustainability. Most fisherman families depend solely on fishing for their livelihood. The government should undertake effective fisheries management to reduce fishing pressure in the sea.

This paper investigates the effect of monetary uncertainty (MUC) on the stability of money demand function in Nigeria using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag approach for the period of 1980-2014. The demand for money in Nigeria is specified as a function of income, domestic interest rate, inflation, nominal exchange rate and MUC. The effect of MUC on money demand function has not been previously studied in the demand for money literature in Nigeria. The results from the bound testing indicate that MUC, income, domestic interest rate, inflation, exchange rate and broad money (M2) are co-integrated. The finding shows that MUC has a significant influence on the demand for money function in Nigeria. Evidence has shown a unidirectional causality running from MUC to money demand without feedback. The CUSSUM and CUSSUMSQ stability test established that the broad money demand function in Nigeria is stable over the period under study. By implication the monetary policies aimed at monetary targeting could be very effective even when there is the presence of significant MUC.

West Nile virus (WNV), a neurotropic flavivirus, is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in the United States. Recently, Zika virus (ZIKV) infections have caused serious neurological diseases and birth defects, specifically Guillain-Barrè syndrome and microcephaly. Z-DNA binding protein 1 (ZBP1) is a cytoplasmic sensor that that has been shown to play a significant role in initiating a robust immune response. We previously reported that WNV and ZIKV infections induce dramatic up-regulation of ZBP1 in mouse brains as well as in infected primary mouse cells. Herein, we show the critical role of ZBP1 in restricting the pathogenesis of WNV and ZIKV infections. Deletion of ZBP1 resulted in significantly higher morbidity and mortality after infection with a pathogenic WNV NY99 strain in mice. No mortality was observed in wild-type (WT) mice infected with the non-pathogenic WNV strain, Eg101. Interestingly, infection of ZBP1−/− mice with WNV Eg101 was lethal resulting in 100% mortality, suggesting that ZBP1 is required for survival after WNV infection. Viremia and brain viral load were significantly higher in ZBP1−/− mice compared to WT mice. In addition, protein levels of interferon (IFN)-α, and inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were significantly higher in the serum and brains of infected ZBP1−/− mice compared to the WT mice. Primary mouse cortical neurons and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) derived from ZBP1−/− mice produced higher virus titers compared to WT cells after infection with WNV NY99 and WNV Eg101. Similarly, neurons and MEFs lacking ZBP1 exhibited significantly enhanced replication of PRVABC59 (Asian) and MR766 (African) ZIKV compared to WT cells. The knockout of ZBP1 function in MEFs inhibited ZBP1-dependent virus-induced cell death. In conclusion, these data reveal that ZBP1 restricts WNV and ZIKV production in mouse cells and is required for survival of a peripheral WNV infection in mice.