Design, Fabrication and Testing of Hybrid Parabolic Dish Concentrator, Stirling Engine & PCM-Storage in Oman

This work outlines the conceptualization, design, fabrication and parameters that influence the operation of direct hybridization of solar parabolic dishes with the thermal energy storage in phase change material (PCM) and hybrid Stirling engine. This mathematical method consists of two different sizes of parabolic dishes, PCM-storage and hybrid Stirling engine. The hybrid Stirling engine was used reflective heat to electrical energy in direct and indirect ways. The direct way involved using the sunrays directly from the parabolic dishes into the engine to generate energy. This was done simultaneously while charging the PCM-storage system for later use. For the indirect way, stored heat energy in the PCM-storage was used to supply heat energy to the Stirling engine for applications at night. Tests were carried out to ensure the system performs optimally based on the design. Each part of prototype model was first tested alone and then later on as part of the complete system of the prototype model. This was carried out continuously over a period of 24hover a number of days. The result from the experiments showed the system was designed to work for 24h,which depends on efficiency of parabolic concentrator, Stirling engine, heat transfer, and storage. The system combines the solar parabolic concentrator and solar energy storage connected in one system. The design, fabrication and testing of each part as well as the complete system were presented. Result presented hybrid Stirling engine proved promising, it was working, as it showed the ability to increase energy production from morning until midday and decreases as the sunset approaches. Also, PCM- storage system proved was working, as it showed the ability to store heat production from morning until sunset approaches and the ability to supply hybrid Stirling engine at night. This project has shown positive steps towards the future of solar thermal technology; one major finding and benefit from this design is that energy generated during the day can be stored for applications during the night when there is no solar radiation. The design also offers the flexibility of adjusting storage area for more space. Moreover, the entire system is affordable, less cumbersome, and with greater ease of movement

Complications of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Mandibular Condyle Fractures in Oman

Objectives: This study aimed to report the complication rate associated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of mandibular condyle fractures in Oman. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted among patients who underwent ORIF of mandibular condyle fractures at Al-Nahdha Hospital and the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in Muscat, Oman, from January 2008 to December 2020. Data collected included patient demographics, fracture aetiology, fracture side and type, surgical approach and recorded complications and outcomes. Results: A total of 68 patients (59 males and 9 females; mean age of 30.1 years) with 83 mandibular condyle fractures underwent ORIF during the study period. Subcondylar fractures were the most common type, occurring in 62.7% of patients, while bilateral fractures were observed in 21 (30.8%) patients. The most common surgical approach was retromandibular, used in 42.2% of patients. The overall complication rate was 42.6%, with the most frequently reported complications being transient facial nerve palsy (18.1%), malocclusion (14.7%) and restricted mouth opening (10.3%). Subsequent surgical interventions to correct malocclusion were performed in 6 cases. There was no statistically significant association between the overall complication rate and the patients’ clinical characteristics. Conclusion: Although ORIF of mandibular condyle fractures generally offers favourable outcomes, it carries a risk of complications. Keywords: Mandibular Fracture; Mandibular Condyle; Open Fracture Reduction; Complications; Facial Nerve Injuries; Oman

Modified Le Fort I Osteotomy and Genioplasty for Management of Severe Dentofacial Deformity in β-Thalassaemia Major: Case report and review of the literature

β-thalassaemia major is an autosomal recessive form of haemoglobinopathy that is characterised by complete lack of production of the β-chains resulting in multiple complications that include severe anaemia, failure to thrive and skeletal abnormalities. Facial deformities induced by β-thalassaemia major are rare and are very challenging to treat from a surgical point of view. We report a 33-year-old female patient with β-thalassaemia major who presented to the Dental & Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, in 2017 with gross dentofacial skeletal deformity contributing to her psychosocial issues. The facial deformity was corrected surgically by excision of the enlarged maxilla, modified Le Fort I osteotomy and advancement genioplasty. This case highlights the pre-operative preparation, surgical management, encountered complications and treatment outcome within 24 months of follow-up.Keywords: Beta-Thalassaemia; Thalassaemia Major; Cooley's Anemia; Le Fort Osteotomy; Genioplasty; Dentofacial Deformities; Case Report; Oman

Basic Education Students’ Perceptions on Sustainable Healthy Lifestyles and Disease Prevention Methods in Light of Some Variables in the Sultanate of Oman

هدفت الدراسة تعرف تصورات طلبة التعليم الأساسي بسلطنة عُمان عن الأنماط الصحية المستدامة وطرائق الوقاية من الأمراض في ضوء بعض المتغيرات. استخدمت الدراسة المنهج الوصفي. ولتحقيق هدف الدراسة؛ طُبِّقَتْ أداة الاستبانة، التي تكوَّنت من (36) عبارة، موزَّعة على محورين؛ هُمَا: الأنماط الصحية، والوقاية من الأمراض. وحُسِبَ ثبات الأداة؛ باستخدام طريقتَيْ: ثبات الاتساق الداخلي؛ حيث بلغ معامل كرونباخ ألفا (0.808)، وثبات التجزئة النصفية، وبلغ (0.753). وقد طُبِّقَتِ الدراسة على عَيِّنَة مكوَّنة من (3570)؛ من طلبة الصفين التاسع، والعاشر الأساسيَّيْنِ. وخَلُصَتْ نتائج الدراسة إلى وجود تصورات إيجابية لدى طلبة التعليم الأساسي عن محور الأنماط الصحية المستدامة، حيث حصل نمط النظافة الشخصية على أعلى نمط صحي، يليه نمطي النشاط الرياضي، والتغذية، ثم يأتي نمط النوم باعتباره أقل نمط صحي، وتظهر النتائج أيضًا وجود تصورات إيجابية في محور طرائق الوقاية من الأمراض، كما كشفت الدراسة عن عدم وجود فروق دالة إحصائيًّا في متغيِّرات: النَّوْع الاجتماعي، والمحافظة التعليمية في محوري: الأنماط الصحية، وطرائق الوقاية من الأمراض، وعليه أَوْصَتْ الدراسة بتعزيز وَعْي طلبة التعليم الأساسي بأهمية ممارسة الأنماط الصحية المستدامة

Pathogenic and Non-Pathogenic Microbial Presence in Ventilator Associated Pneumonia Patients in Intensive Care Unit and Safety Protocols Under Surveillance of Healthcare Provider: A Research Study

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common hospital-acquired infection that is associated with longer stays in intensive care units (ICUs) and under mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours. This article explores the prevalence and impact of VAP on mortality and morbidity, emphasizing the microbial associations involved in hospital-acquired infections. Various infections, including Lung infections, surgical site infections, sepsis, and urinary tract infections, are discussed, along with their associated microorganisms. Diagnostic criteria for VAP and related infections are outlined, highlighting the importance of microbiological testing for accurate diagnosis. The underlying factors for VAP acquisition in ICU patients are identified, and prompt antibiotic initiation is emphasized as a critical first-line defense against VAP. In this study, we have populated data from 100 ICU patients, among which 45 were suffering from VAP. It was found that female patients (57.40%) were more affected than male patients (30.43%). The decreasing PaO2 level was seen to be the early sign of infection. It was found that the time of ventilation was the major factor influencing the VAP. The most common organism causing infection in our study was found to be Staphylococcus Aureus (45.1%). The prognosis of early-onset VAP was 35.55% while compared to Late-onset VAP 64.44%. When compared to VAP and Non-VAP patients there was not very huge difference with 55% and 45% respectively. The other factor was age and position. Implementation of Prevention strategies, such as protective environments and HEPA filtration systems, is proposed to reduce VAP incidence. Proper diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are crucial to combatting VAP and enhancing patient outcomes in hospital settings

ANTIBACTERIAL EFFICACY OF FIVE NATURAL ESSENTIAL OILS USED IN YEMEN: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Background and objective: Due to the increasing resistance to synthetic antibiotics and preservatives, there is growing interest in exploring natural alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial potential of five commercially available essential oils in the Yemeni market Azadirachta indica (Neem), Moringa oleifera, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary), Salvia officinalis, and Origanum majorana against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Method: Agar diffusion was used to investigate the antibacterial activity of essential oils from five plants: Azadirachta indica (neem), Moringa oleifera, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), Salvia officinalis, and Origanum majorana. Result:  Significant differences in the inhibitory effects of the plant oils of neem, Moringa oleifera, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis, and Origanum majorana against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were found during the antimicrobial screening process. Nearing the effectiveness of gentamicin (25 mm), Salvia officinalis and neem oils demonstrated the highest action against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (22 mm and 20 mm inhibition zones, respectively). Rosmarinus officinalis, on the other hand, demonstrated a low level of efficacy (10 mm). Most oils were less effective against Gram-negative organisms, and E. coli showed resistance to all save Rosmarinus officinalis (12 mm). Conclusions: These results demonstrate the potential of oils produced from plants, especially Origanum majorana, neem, and Salvia officinalis, as antibacterial agents against Gram-negative bacteria highlights the need for more research into maximizing their use, either alone or in combination with other antibiotics, despite their encouraging efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria.                     Peer Review History: Received 9 April 2025;   Reviewed 14 May 2025; Accepted 20 June; Available online 15 July 2025 Academic Editor: Dr. Ahmad Najib, Universitas Muslim Indonesia,  Indonesia, [email protected] Reviewers: Antonio José de Jesus Evangelista, Federal University of Ceará, UFC, Brazil, [email protected] Prof. Abdulwahab Ismail Al-kholani, Dean of Faculty of Dentistry at 21 September University, Yemen. [email protected]

Surge of Branded Generics and Antimicrobial Resistance: Analyzing the Antibiotic Market Dynamics in Pakistan Through the WHO Essential Medicines and AWaRe Lens

Background: Access to safe and effective antibiotics is crucial in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) coupled with reducing overuse to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We sought to systematically analyze the extent of branded generic antibiotics in Pakistan particularly Watch antibiotics given concerns with AMR in Pakistan. Methodology: Data on registered antibiotics was collected from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and the Pharmaguides. 257 antibiotics were analyzed using the AWaRe classification. Results: Of these, 99 were registered in Pakistan including 91 single entities and 8 combinations, with 6,025 brands and 14,076 presentations. Distribution across AWaRe categories included Access - 37, Watch – 56, and Reserve - 6. Cephalosporins (2186 brands, 6447 presentations) and Quinolones (1333 brands, 2586 presentations) are the most prevalent, with Ciprofloxacin (393 brands, 1158 presentations) leading in brand and presentation counts. 6 antibiotics from the WHO Essential Medicines List lacked registered brands in Pakistan, while many available antibiotics were not included in the WHO framework. Conclusion: Extensive availability of branded generics particularly Watch antibiotics in Pakistan poses a serious risk, exacerbated by current misuse of antibiotics. Improving regulatory frameworks and strengthening stewardship are critical to reducing AMR in Pakistan along with addressing uncontrolled registration by DRAP

Mapping artificial intelligence adoption in hepatology practice and research: challenges and opportunities in MENA region

BackgroundArtificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly relevant to hepatology, yet real-world adoption in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is uncertain. We assessed awareness, use, perceived value, barriers, and policy priorities among hepatology clinicians in the region.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey targeted hepatologists and gastroenterologists across 17 MENA countries. The survey assessed clinical and research applications of AI, perceived benefits, clinical and research use, barriers, ethical considerations, and institutional readiness. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were performed.ResultsOf 285 invited professionals, 236 completed the survey (response rate: 82.8%). While 73.2% recognized the transformative potential of AI, only 14.4% used AI tools daily, primarily for imaging analysis and disease prediction. AI tools were used in research by 39.8% of respondents, mainly for data analysis, manuscript writing assistance, and predictive modeling. Major barriers included inadequate training (60.6%), limited AI tool access (53%), and insufficient infrastructure (53%). Ethical concerns focused on data privacy, diagnostic accuracy, and over-reliance on automation. Despite these challenges, 70.3% expressed strong interest in AI training., and 43.6% anticipating routine clinical integration within 1–3 years.ConclusionMENA hepatologists are optimistic about AI but report limited routine use and substantial readiness gaps. Priorities include scalable training, interoperable infrastructure and standards, clear governance with human-in-the-loop safeguards, and region-specific validation to enable safe, equitable implementation

Observation of WWγ Production and Search for Hγ Production in Proton-Proton Collisions at √s = 13 TeV

The observation of WWγ production in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV with an integrated luminosity of 138  fb−1 is presented. The observed (expected) significance is 5.6 (5.1) standard deviations. Events are selected by requiring exactly two leptons (one electron and one muon) of opposite charge, moderate missing transverse momentum, and a photon. The measured fiducial cross section for WWγ is 5.9±0.8(stat)±0.8(syst)±0.7(modeling)  fb, in agreement with the next-to-leading order quantum chromodynamics prediction. The analysis is extended with a search for the associated production of the Higgs boson and a photon, which is generated by a coupling of the Higgs boson to light quarks. The result is used to constrain the Higgs boson couplings to light quarks