Phenomenological Qualitative Methods Applied to the Analysis of Cross-Cultural Experience in Novel Educational Social Contexts

The qualitative method of phenomenology provides a theoretical tool for educational research as it allows researchers to engage in flexible activities that can describe and help to understand complex phenomena, such as various aspects of human social experience. This article explains how to apply the framework of phenomenological qualitative analysis to educational research. The discussion within this article is relevant to those researchers interested in doing cross-cultural qualitative research and in adapting phenomenological investigations to understand students’ cross-cultural lived experiences in different social educational contexts

IOT Security for IOTMon Attacks Based on Devices’ app Description

There are concerns associated with ”inter-app” interactions, which occur when many independently developed home automation apps interact and affect one another, causing possibly dangerous unexpected app action. We extended a security tool named IoTMon, an IoT device management system capable of identifying all potential cross-app communication paths and analyzing their danger status. As part of our work, we keep an eye on the app description and safeguard IoTMon from being altered in any way that could obscure the real interaction related to another app action. We validate the IoTMon system’s integrity by applying the hash algorithm SHA512 with digital signature on the system files to ensure that it is dependable in controlling inter-app interactions. The extended IoTMon was able to identify and fix 22 out of 92 apps that their descriptions had been altered. Our evaluation indicates that the user will be notified of either purposefully or unintentionally modification in the IoTMon

Preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus in Qatar by reducing obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity: mathematical modeling analyses.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to estimate the impact of reducing the prevalence of obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity, and introducing physical activity as an explicit intervention, on the burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), using Qatar as an example. METHODS: A population-level mathematical model was adapted and expanded. The model was stratified by sex, age group, risk factor status, T2DM status, and intervention status, and parameterized by nationally representative data. Modeled interventions were introduced in 2016, reached targeted level by 2031, and then maintained up to 2050. Diverse intervention scenarios were assessed and compared with a counter-factual no intervention baseline scenario. RESULTS: T2DM prevalence increased from 16.7% in 2016 to 24.0% in 2050 in the baseline scenario. By 2050, through halting the rise or reducing obesity prevalence by 10-50%, T2DM prevalence was reduced by 7.8-33.7%, incidence by 8.4-38.9%, and related deaths by 2.1-13.2%. For smoking, through halting the rise or reducing smoking prevalence by 10-50%, T2DM prevalence was reduced by 0.5-2.8%, incidence by 0.5-3.2%, and related deaths by 0.1-0.7%. For physical inactivity, through halting the rise or reducing physical inactivity prevalence by 10-50%, T2DM prevalence was reduced by 0.5-6.9%, incidence by 0.5-7.9%, and related deaths by 0.2-2.8%. Introduction of physical activity with varying intensity at 25% coverage reduced T2DM prevalence by 3.3-9.2%, incidence by 4.2-11.5%, and related deaths by 1.9-5.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Major reductions in T2DM incidence could be accomplished by reducing obesity, while modest reductions could be accomplished by reducing smoking and physical inactivity, or by introducing physical activity as an intervention

A fast and validated chromatographic method for simultaneous determination of deferoxamine and Dpenicillamine via chelate formation with metal ions in bulk and dosage forms

Purpose: To develop a chromatographic method for the determination of deferoxamine (DFX) and Dpenicillamine (D-PEN) by improving ultra violet (UV)-absorption via complex formation with Fe2+ and Cu2+ metal ions.Methods: Chromatographic analysis was performed by Waters RP-HPLC system using a Symmetry® C (18) column with a mobile phase comprising 0.1 % formic acid and methanol (95:5 v/v). For complexation process, drug and metal ion solution were mixed in a ratio of 1:5 and the resulting complex directly analyzed. Validation and system suitability parameters (including chromatographic parameters) were determined.Results: DFX-Fe2+ and D-PEN-Cu2+ complexes showed good UV absorption at 260 nm and were easily determined by the newly developed HPLC method. The developed method showed linearity over the concentration range of 8 - 96 μgmL-1 (R2 > 0.999 for DFX and > 0.99 for D-PEN). Precision and accuracy were also within acceptable limits (100.0 ± 2.0 %).Conclusion: The developed method is robust and validated, and satisfies all the system suitability requirements as per ICH guidelines. DFX injection and D-PEN capsule dosage forms can be successfully analysed with the proposed method. The method is simple, fast and cost-effective for the analysis of D-PEN and DFX individually, or simultaneously in bulk drugs as well as in capsule and parenteral formulations, using UV-detector.Keywords: Deferoxamine, D-penicillamine, Chelate formation, Metal ions, HPLC, Dosage form

Optimal emission plan for independent power producers using generation mix to meet Saudi Arabia environmental goals

The production and use of energy in today\u27s world is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which is associated with several economic and environmental problems. This study addresses the possibilities of integrating fossil fuel generators with renewable energy systems utilizing various mix-generating scenarios while act as a new emission pricing approach, in line with the current trend towards renewable energy. The suggested carbon incentive scheme includes carbon taxes, carbon permits, and tiers of carbon emissions restrictions (emission factors). The approach seeks to lessen the damaging effects of CO2 emissions on the environment and to compel energy providers to cut back on fossil fuel output and carbon dioxide production. The study, which exclusively analyzes independent Power Producers (IPPs), looks at many desalination facilities in Saudi Arabia that are situated along the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea coasts for 40 years, from 2025 to 2064. The primary objective of the article is to support the best generation mix, taking into account the suggested carbon pricing technique and renewable energy-producing technologies like wind turbines and solar cells, at the chosen locations. The impact of integrating renewable energy on overall costs, including the new price for carbon emissions, is also examined in this study. The impact of various tariffs on supporting the production of renewable energy is covered in the study. The study addresses as well fossil fuel costs. Accordingly, these cost effects on the development of renewable energy sources are investigated additionally. This research has produced a control emission plan for achieving the CO2 limit. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia\u27s objectives to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2064 are obtained and presented in a case study. In this suggested work, every case study is modeled using the simulation tool HOMER-GRID

Occupational Exposure to Blood and Bodily Fluids Among Health Care Workers in a Medical Teaching Hospital

The objective of this study was to evaluate blood and bodily fluids exposure through needlestick injuries (NSI) and non-percutaneous incidents among healthcare workers (HCWs). This project utilized a dataset collected from J. W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia, between January 1, 2014 and August 15, 2017. Data included de-identified codes of employees, occupations, types of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, routes of exposure, infectious disease exposures, and time incidents. During this time period, 655 incident reports were documented and finalized in regards to blood or body fluid exposure. HCWs had 506 (77.25%) NSIs and 149 (22.74%) non-percutaneous incidents. The majority of the HCWs (331,50.53%) were nurses who were occupationally exposed, with 239 (47.23%) incidents reporting NSIs and 92 (61.74%) incidents reporting non-percutaneous exposures. Chi-square tests were used, and there was a statistically significant association between occupations and exposure incidents (P-value p=\u3c.0001). Occupations and shift time were statistically associated with the routes of exposure (p=\u3c.0001). NSIs had higher incidents than non-percutaneous exposures. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens largely occurred among nurses and physicians. Future research should assess the type and duties of nurses and physicians, as well as examine differences in the characteristics of HCWs regarding of the characteristics of shifts (such as time and length) which lead to NSIs

Exploring the factors and effects of Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure in Saudi Arabia (in the area of accounting and finance)

CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) has attracted widespread attention in recent years a matter that has led international efforts to provide global standards and guidelines for reporting on CSR issues. The objective of the current research study is to explore whether corporate governance and firm-specific factors would influence CSRD (Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure) practices in Saudi Arabia, and whether CSRD practices have effects on firms' market value. The research study data was collected using a content analysis method and measured CSRD by word count. The data analysis was conducted using econometrics regression models based on a sample of unbalanced panel of 545 annual reports over a five-year period. The findings provided evidence of CSR engagement and improvement over the period of the study among Saudi listed firms. In terms of factors, the study found that ownership structure, firm size, environmental sensitivity and firm age had a significant influence on CSRD practices. Finally, CSRD practices had a significant positive benefit on firm value in terms of the aggregated level of CSRD generally and Saudization specifically. These findings provide policy-makers (for example, the Saudi government) with an understanding of how firms adopt CSR issues, thus helping to improve policy formulation. In terms of the literature, the current research study extends the limited CSRD literature in developing countries in general and Saudi Arabia in particular where there is a dearth of studies that examined the relationship between CSRD practices and corporate governance factors. Further, the current research study contributes to the literature by examining the benefits of CSRD practices, an area that lacks empirical investigations in both developed and developing countries

Down-regulation of GST and CAT gene expression by methanolic extract of Nigella sativa seed in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

The anti-oxidant effect of Nigella sativa (NS) on human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) on a PHA (phytohemagglutinin) and a non-PHA stimulated proliferation were tested using SYBR Green based Real Time PCR analysis for antioxidant enzyme’s gene expression [glutathione-stransferase (GST) and catalase (CAT)]. Cells isolated from human PBMCs were treated with methanolic extract of NS for 48 h in two separate environments (PHA and non-PHA stimulated). The results obtained indicate that extracts from NS had down regulation effect. GST was down regulated to 1 and 1.5 fold after exposure to 2.5 μg/L NS extract for 48 h in PHA stimulated cells compared to respective controls whereas it decreased to 4 and 2 fold at dose of 5 μg/L in non-PHA stimulated cells compared to respective controls. Similarly, CAT was down regulated to 2 and 6 fold after exposure to 2.5 μg/L NS extract for 48 h whereas, it decreased to 4 and 2 fold at dose of 5 μg/L in PHA and non-PHA stimulated cells compared to respective controls. This in-vitro study reveals the effects of NS plant extract on GST and CAT gene expression in human PBMCs.Keywords: Nigella sativa methanolic extract, glutathione-stransferase (GST), catalase (CAT), oxidation, eripheral blood mononuclear cellsAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(27), pp. 4364-436

Thermophoresis for characterizing biomolecular interaction

The study of biomolecular interactions is crucial to get more insight into the biological system. The interactions of protein-protein, protein-nucleic acids, protein-sugars, nucleic acid-nucleic acids and proteinsmall molecules are supporting therapeutics and technological developments. Recently, the development in a large number of analytical techniques for characterizing biomolecular interactions reflect the promising research investments in this field. In this review, microscale thermophoresis technology (MST) is presented as an analytical technique for characterizing biomolecular interactions. Recent years have seen much progress and several applications established. MST is a powerful technique in quantitation of binding events based on the movement of molecules in microscopic temperature gradient. Simplicity, free solutions analysis, low sample volume, short analysis time, and immobilization free are the MST advantages over other competitive techniques. A wide range of studies in biomolecular interactions have been successfully carried out using MST, which tend to the versatility of the technique to use in screening binding events in order to save time, cost and obtained high data qualit

Predictors of Medication Adherence and Blood Pressure Control among Saudi Hypertensive Patients Attending Primary Care Clinics: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose To assess the level of medication adherence and to investigate predictors of medication adherence and blood pressure control among hypertensive patients attending primary healthcare clinics in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Patients and methods Hypertensive patients meeting the eligibility criteria were recruited from eight primary care clinics between January and May 2016 for this study. The patients completed Arabic version of Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), an eight-item validated, self-reported measure to assess medication adherence. A structured data collection form was used to record patients’ sociodemographic, medical and medication data. Results Two hundred and four patients, of which 71.6% were females, participated in the study. Patients’ mean age was 59.1 (SD 12.2). The mean number of medication used by patients was 4.4 (SD 1.89). More than half (110; 54%) of the patients were non-adherent to their medications (MMAS score 65 years (OR 2.0 [95% CI: 1.0–4.2; P = 0.04]), and being diabetic (OR 0.25 [95% CI: 0.1–0.6; P = 0.04]) were found to be independent predictors of medication adherence. Conclusion Medication adherence is alarmingly low among hypertensive patients attending primary care clinics in Saudi Arabia which may partly explain observed poor blood pressure control. There is a clear need to educate patients about the importance of medication adherence and its impact on improving clinical outcomes. Future research should identify barriers to medication adherence among Saudi hypertensive patients