Development of Slow Release Fertilisers for Pineapple

A compound fertiliser was prepared using different types of straight fertilisers from urea (46% N), China phosphate rock (CPR) (32% P205), muriate of potash (60% K20), gypsum (31 % CaO), kieserite (27% MgO), and copper sulphate (32% CuO). Granualator machine was used in the preparation of granular compound fertilisers. The compound fertiliser showed high percentage of K and N, 16.3 1 and 15.05%, respectively and between 0.091 and 4. 12% for other elements. The strength of compound fertilisers was measured immediately and after 9 months of the preparation with the values correspond 3.5 and 0.5 Mpa, respectively. Four types of coating materials were used in the preparation of the slow release compound fertiliser. With the exception of poly lactic acid (PLA), the method used for coating of the compound fertiliser with polyacrylamide (PA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and natural rubber (NR) were similar. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) studies showed the thermal behavior of the coating materials, and also TGA indicated the temperature at which the degradation of coating materials may occurr. The thickness of different coating material was determined by scanmng electronmicroscope (SEM) and the thickest value was obtained using PVC (3.04 µm)

Crude Oil Pipeline Scale Deposition: Causes and Removal Methods

This work investigated the causes of scale formation and removal methods on 107 km crude oil pipeline of Diffra oil field of Muglad basin as a case study. The study is based on well and pipeline historical data of three years (2007, 2008 and 2009). The data included production data (net oil and water cut), choke opening, pipeline pressures, water qualities and scale composition. The study revealed that the main cause of scale formation is the presence of Ca+2 and Mg+2 in produced water and wax in oil. The scale consists of 78 % Ca+2, 12 % Mg+2 and 10 % wax. Investigations on removal methods revealed that the currently employed chemical removal method is effective; however the downtime (well shut down) is high making significant production cut. A method to reduce the cleaning down time is proposed. The pipeline is divided into two sections: aboveground and underground. The aboveground line is characterized with the presence of valves, choke and pipe reductions (i.e. non uniform cross section). The underground section is uniform in cross sectional area. For the aboveground section the current practice of chemical cleaning is recommended to be maintained however, with provision of a bypass line. For underground section the standard practice of pigging is recommended. The proposed cleaning method of the whole pipeline eliminates the downtime completely. In addition it is uncomplicated, with economical operation and installation cost. The method also make significant cut in chemical used hence reduces the hazard and environmental impact

Seasonal variations of hydrographic parameters off the Sudanese coast of the Red Sea, 2009–2015

© The Author(s), 2017. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. The definitive version was published in Regional Studies in Marine Science 18 (2018): 1-10, doi:10.1016/j.rsma.2017.12.004.The variations of temperature and salinity in the Sudanese coastal zone of the Red Sea are studied for the first time using measurements acquired from survey cruises during 2009–2013 and from a mooring during 2014–2015. The measurements show that temperature and salinity variability above the permanent pycnocline is dominated by seasonal signals, similar in character to seasonal temperature and salinity oscillations observed further north on the eastern side of the Red Sea. Using estimates of heat flux, circulation and horizontal temperature/salinity gradients derived from a number of sources, we determined that the observed seasonal signals of temperature and salinity are not the product of local heat and mass flux alone, but are also due to alongshore advection of waters with spatially varying temperature and salinity. As the temperature and salinity gradients, characterized by warmer and less saline water to the south, exhibit little seasonal variation, the seasonal salinity and temperature variations are closely linked to an observed seasonal oscillation in the along-shore flow, which also has a mean northward component. We find that the inclusion of the advection terms in the heat and mass balance has two principal effects on the computed temperature and salinity series. One is that the steady influx of warmer and less saline water from the south counteracts the long-term trend of declining temperatures and rising salinities computed with only the local surface flux terms, and produces a long-term steady state in temperature and salinity. The second effect is produced by the seasonal alongshore velocity oscillation and most profoundly affects the computed salinity, which shows no seasonal signal without the inclusion of the advective term. In both the observations and computed results, the seasonal salinity signal lags that of temperature by roughly 3 months.The SPS surveys were funded by the Norwegian Norad’s Program for Master Studies and organized by IMR–RSU in Port Sudan. The central Red Sea mooring data were acquired as part of a WHOI–KAUST collaboration funded by Award Nos. USA00001, USA00002, and KSA00011 to the WHOI by the KAUST in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The work of I. Skjelvan and A.M. Omar was partly supported by the Research Council of Norway through the MIMT Center for Research-based Innovation. This work is part of a Ph.D. project at GFI–UiB funded by the Norwegian Quota program

Sedimentology, Sequence stratigraphy and Spatial-temporal Patterns of the late Paleocene Succession, western Sirt Basin, Libya

In the western Sirt Basin, sedimentation during the Late Paleocene was characterized broadly by shallow-marine carbonates, local build-ups and deeper-water shales and marls on the Dahra Platform and in the Dor al Abid/Zallah Troughs. Seven lithofacies and eleven associated microfacies have been recognised within the Selandian/Thanetian carbonate succession in the study area, and these range from mud-supported carbonates to grain-dominated facies. The Dahra Formation on the Dahra Platform was deposited on a homoclinal carbonate ramp with inner, mid and probably outer ramp facies, each with distinctive sub-facies and microfacies. The similarity of facies and associated microfacies throughout the Dahra Formation suggest deposition under similar conditions throughout the east and west Dahra Fields on the Dahra Platform, and these persisted during deposition of the Zelten and Harash Formations. The Mabruk Member, which consists mainly of shallow-water carbonates bounded above and below by deeper-marine shale and marl, accumulated in lagoonal and reefal environments, probably in a rimmed-shelf setting. Different types of diagenetic alteration occurred at various stages in the Paleocene sedimentʼs history including dissolution, cementation and compaction. Primary and secondary types of porosity were developed within the studied rocks, particularly in the Dahra Formation, where the depositional facies, diagenesis and the pattern of carbonate cycles played an important role in porosity creation and preservation. The Selandian/Thanetian succession is dominated by a regressive trend, especially on the Dahra Platform, which resulted in the development of shallowing-up cycles. Numerous key surfaces have been documented with characteristic funnel-shaped and bell-shaped log patterns, based on which a number of depositional sequences have been recognized. These sequences comprise both transgressive systems tract and highstand systems tract and are commonly defined by transgressive surfaces, particularly on the Dahra Platform. The possible lack of reef-building organisms along with tectonic subsidence and/or significant sea-level rise resulted in the development of a drowning unconformity on the top of the Mabruk Member. The thickness of the entire Paleocene succession is generally thicker in the trough areas and thinner over the platform. The latter is dominated by uniform and monotonous strata with a significant thickness of shallow-marine carbonates, suggesting relative stability in tectonics, sea-level and climate. The high temperature recorded from the aqueous inclusions in the Thanetian section is possibly due to the passage of hydrothermal fluids from deeper parts of the area; the high thermal conductivity of carbonates, along with the Mid-Late Tertiary uplift and erosion may also have been involved. The overall similarity of the Paleocene palaeotopography suggests that differential subsidence and sea-level fluctuation were the dominant process that controlled the spatial and temporal variation of the Paleocene facies

An Experimental and Numerical Study on Tactile Neuroimaging: A Novel Minimally Invasive Technique for Intraoperative Brain Imaging

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Moslem Sadeghi-Goughari, Yanjun Qian, Soo Jeon, Sohrab Sadeghi and Hyock-Ju Kwon, “An Experimental and Numerical Study on Tactile Neuroimaging: A Novel Minimally Invasive Technique for Intraoperative Brain Imaging,” accepted to The International Journal of Medical Robotics and Computer Assisted Surgery which has been published in final form at: https://doi.org/10.1002/rcs.1893. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.Background The success of tumor neurosurgery is highly dependent on the ability to accurately localize the operative target, which may be shifted during the operation. Performing an intraoperative brain imaging is crucial in minimally invasive neurosurgery to detect the effect of brain shift on the tumor’s location, and to maximize the efficiency of tumor resection. Method The major objective of this research is to introduce the tactile neuroimaging as a novel minimally invasive technique for intraoperative brain imaging. To investigate the feasibility of the proposed method, an experimental and numerical study was first performed on silicone phantoms mimicking the brain tissue with a tumor. Then the study was extended to a clinical model with the meningioma tumor. Results The stress distribution on the brain surface has high potential to intraoperatively localize the tumor. Conclusion Results suggest that tactile neuroimaging can be used to provide a non-invasive, and real-time intraoperative data on tumor’s features.Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council || RGPIN/2015-05273, RGPIN/2015-04118, RGPAS/354703-201

The Response, Operability, and Type of Surgery Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Sudanese Patients with Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

Background:Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) treatment has become the standard treatment for locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) in many centers worldwide. Objectives: This study evaluates the short-term response of patients with LABC to NACT and its impact on operability and the type of surgery. Patients and Methods: This is a descriptive analytical hospital-based study including 147 patients with LABC who were presented to Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit at Soba University hospital (SUH), between January 2012 and December 2014, and were treated with NACT. Clinical and pathological responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy were evaluated according to Union for International Cancer Control criteria, operability, and the type of surgery performed was also recorded. Results: All patients were females, the mean age was 43 ± 7 years, of them 53.7% were pre-menopausal, 51% presented with a breast lump, 19.7% with nipple discharge, and 19% with skin changes and ulceration. The mean initial tumor size was 7 cm ± SD. Following NACT, complete clinical response was reported in 30 patients (20.4%), partial clinical response in 92(62.6%), stable clinical response in 20 (13.6%), and five (3.4%) had progressive clinical response. Initial smaller tumors (size < 5 cm) showed a better clinical response to NACT as 76.7% of complete clinical response was achieved.Pathological complete response was achieved in 25(17%) patients, pathological partial response in 102(74.1%), and pathological stable disease in 13(8.8%). Following NACT, breast conserving surgery was performed in 78(53.1%) patients, Modified Radical Mastectomy in 64(43.5%), 25 of them had Latissimus Dorsi, and five patients were not offered surgery as they developed progressive disease during the study period. Conclusion: Following NACT, it was possible to perform surgery in more than 96% of patients with LABC

Determination of ProthrombinGene G20210A Mutation in Deep Venous Thrombosis among Sudanese Patients - Khartoum State

Background: Deep vein throm­bosis (DVT) is serious disorders contributing to increased morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, there is, little genetic data from Africa including Sudan. So this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between genetic mutations G20210A in the prothrombin coagulation factor and deep venous thrombosis in Sudanese patients. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study design wascarried out in Khartoum state in the period from December 2014 to May 2018. One hundred of patient group and fifty healthy one were enrolled inthis study. Mutation was detected using conventional PCR depending on restriction enzyme polymorphism technique. Results: The mutant allele (G/G) was found in 4 (4%) of patients nevertheless, there is no mutant allele was present in control group (P.value=0.152).  Moreover, the mixed allele (G/A) was not detected in patients and healthy control.Exclusively, the control group showed only the wild type (A/A). Conclusion: This study noted a few mutant alleles in patients group and only the wild type (A/A) in control one. However, carrying out a genome-wide associated study is recommended to determine relationship betweenprothrombin gene mutation and frequency of deep vein throm­bosisin Sudanese population

Enhanced stainless steel cutting quality through optimized air-assisted fiber laser cutting with a novel supersonic nozzle.

This study presents the design, simulation, and experimental validation of a novel supersonic nozzle developed using the Method of Characteristics (MOC) to enhance air-assisted fibre laser cutting of AISI 304 stainless steel. While compressed air offers economic and environmental advantages over nitrogen, its industrial use is often limited by unstable jet behaviour, excessive dross formation, and poor surface finish, particularly when conventional nozzles are employed. To address these limitations, a minimum-length nozzle (MLZ) was designed featuring a sharp-corner throat and optimized divergent section to generate a quasi-isentropic, shock-free supersonic jet. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations showed that at the design pressure of 4.87 bar, the MLZ achieved Mach number fluctuations of ±0.2 and extended the effective jet length by 1.6 times compared to a conventional nozzle. Schlieren imaging confirmed the absence of Mach discs and oblique shocks, validating the predicted flow uniformity. Experimental cutting trials using a 3.3 kW fibre laser demonstrated that the MLZ reduced kerf width by 19.95 % (284.97 µm to 228.12 µm), taper angle by 69.23 % (2.49° to 0.77°), maximum dross height by 54.61 % (102.46 µm to 46.49 µm), surface roughness (Sa) by 32.67 % (10.63 µm to 7.16 µm), and HAZ width by 10.24 % (155.2 µm to 139.3 µm). These enhancements are attributed to the MLZ's ability to maintain a stable, high-thrust jet that improves melt ejection and confines thermal effects. The MLZ provides a technically robust and economically viable alternative to nitrogen-assisted cutting, with strong potential in precision manufacturing sectors including aerospace, microfabrication, and automotive industries

Effect of early tranexamic acid administration on mortality, hysterectomy, and other morbidities in women with post-partum haemorrhage (WOMAN): an international, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background Post-partum haemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal death worldwide. Early administration of tranexamic acid reduces deaths due to bleeding in trauma patients. We aimed to assess the effects of early administration of tranexamic acid on death, hysterectomy, and other relevant outcomes in women with post-partum haemorrhage. Methods In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we recruited women aged 16 years and older with a clinical diagnosis of post-partum haemorrhage after a vaginal birth or caesarean section from 193 hospitals in 21 countries. We randomly assigned women to receive either 1 g intravenous tranexamic acid or matching placebo in addition to usual care. If bleeding continued after 30 min, or stopped and restarted within 24 h of the first dose, a second dose of 1 g of tranexamic acid or placebo could be given. Patients were assigned by selection of a numbered treatment pack from a box containing eight numbered packs that were identical apart from the pack number. Participants, care givers, and those assessing outcomes were masked to allocation. We originally planned to enrol 15 000 women with a composite primary endpoint of death from all-causes or hysterectomy within 42 days of giving birth. However, during the trial it became apparent that the decision to conduct a hysterectomy was often made at the same time as randomisation. Although tranexamic acid could influence the risk of death in these cases, it could not affect the risk of hysterectomy. We therefore increased the sample size from 15 000 to 20 000 women in order to estimate the effect of tranexamic acid on the risk of death from post-partum haemorrhage. All analyses were done on an intention-to-treat basis. This trial is registered with ISRCTN76912190 (Dec 8, 2008); ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00872469; and PACTR201007000192283. Findings Between March, 2010, and April, 2016, 20 060 women were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive tranexamic acid (n=10 051) or placebo (n=10 009), of whom 10 036 and 9985, respectively, were included in the analysis. Death due to bleeding was significantly reduced in women given tranexamic acid (155 [1·5%] of 10 036 patients vs 191 [1·9%] of 9985 in the placebo group, risk ratio [RR] 0·81, 95% CI 0·65–1·00; p=0·045), especially in women given treatment within 3 h of giving birth (89 [1·2%] in the tranexamic acid group vs 127 [1·7%] in the placebo group, RR 0·69, 95% CI 0·52–0·91; p=0·008). All other causes of death did not differ significantly by group. Hysterectomy was not reduced with tranexamic acid (358 [3·6%] patients in the tranexamic acid group vs 351 [3·5%] in the placebo group, RR 1·02, 95% CI 0·88–1·07; p=0·84). The composite primary endpoint of death from all causes or hysterectomy was not reduced with tranexamic acid (534 [5·3%] deaths or hysterectomies in the tranexamic acid group vs 546 [5·5%] in the placebo group, RR 0·97, 95% CI 0·87-1·09; p=0·65). Adverse events (including thromboembolic events) did not differ significantly in the tranexamic acid versus placebo group. Interpretation Tranexamic acid reduces death due to bleeding in women with post-partum haemorrhage with no adverse effects. When used as a treatment for postpartum haemorrhage, tranexamic acid should be given as soon as possible after bleeding onset. Funding London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Pfizer, UK Department of Health, Wellcome Trust, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Arbitrary real-time three-dimensional corporal object sensing and reconstruction scheme

A real-time three-dimensional (3D) object sensing and reconstruction scheme is presented that can be applied on any arbitrary corporeal shape. Operation is demonstrated on several calibrated objects. The system uses curvature sensors based upon in-line fiber Bragg gratings encapsulated in a low-temperature curing synthetic silicone. New methods to quantitatively evaluate the performance of a 3D object-sensing scheme are developed and appraised. It is shown that the sensing scheme yields a volumetric error of 1% to 9%, depending on the object